Mitchell and Teal'c were in the lead as SG-1 continued down the road with Vala skipping to catch up with them. A few yards behind them Daniel walked next to Sam. The two friends slowed and fell even further back.

"Daniel, are you okay? You look a little anxious. Did something happen with Mya?"

Daniel gave her a grin and then pulled her to him giving her a hug.

"Mya told me that I have to talk to Vala, that something is going on and I have to help her. I asked Vala and she said that she had been planning to talk to me but that I didn't have to worry, that nothing was going to happen until we returned to SGC. I have a feeling that Thomas might be involved and she didn't deny it when I asked."

Sam asked. "Are you jealous Daniel? Do you think that Vala is involved with him?" Sam had been so happy for him she prayed that it wasn't true. Sam knew that Vala cared for no one except Daniel. But she didn't know if Daniel believed that of if he was jealous.

Daniel looked at Sam and laughed. "My God, Sam. Not at all. The one thing in my life that I'm sure of is "us". Saying it out loud sounds strange but we're happy, both of us. I know that Vala's relationship with Thomas is complicated but I have no reason to be jealous. He's been a good friend to her. But I'm not sure that I trust him to have Vala's best interests at heart. Dr. Graham is a dedicated man and that kind of dedication can be all consuming."

"Daniel, we've all had experience with people who know they are "right" and feel that justifies their behavior no matter who it hurts. That can be dangerous to other people who are involved. I'm sure that you'll be able to straighten out whatever is going on. It's not as if Vala would insist on following through with a commitment she made with no regard for her own safety." Even as Sam said it she knew that it wasn't true and that Daniel knew it.

"Mya said that Vala might need my help to survive. I'm scared that Vala has agreed to do something dangerous. I just can't think of what Thomas and Jason could be involved in that would be so dangerous. They work with the victims here in the States, it's not like they go to countries where there are children soldiers or active sex trade rings. It wouldn't be a reasonable use of their skills."

They walked on silently each lost in their own thoughts. Vala called back to them. "What is with you guys? Daniel, don't be such a "Poky Little Puppy", and get up here! We're approaching a farm and these guys want to see if we're as crazy as they are."

SG-1 stood in the road looking over fields of flowers at a small house nestled into a grove of trees next to a small stream. The delicate branches hung down and almost touched the ground making the scene look like a Blue Willow plate. Similar to other houses on the planet most of the walls were glass and there were colorful plants and flowers everywhere.

Vala spoke first. "This place reminds me of Camelot."

Mitchell looked at her. "Are you crazy? I don't see any holographic knights or other mediaeval trappings. I might give you Pooh Corner, but Camelot?"

Teal'c smiled at Vala in agreement. "I understand what you mean Vala Mal Doran. 'The rain may never fall till after sundown'."

Sam turned to Daniel and Mitchell. "They're right. This place is

close to perfect." Still getting blank stares Sam added. "Camelot? Lerner and Loewe?"

Mitchell snaps his fingers. "Gotcha! Broadway. Richard Burton. Julie Andrews. Good call Vala."

Daniel continued to look puzzled. Vala moved closer to him, touched his hand lightly and explained. "It's a musical play. Teal'c and I often watch DVDs and play albums of shows in the evenings. In Camelot Merlin and Arthur created a paradise. Fated to be destroyed by Lancelot and Guinevere."

Forestalling Daniel's objections Vala continued. "Yes, you're right, that isn't what happened. But musicals are all about the romance."

Mitchell raised his eyebrows at Teal'c. "So musicals, huh?"

"Indeed Cameron Mitchell."

"Mitchell, do you like plays? Siler is talking about starting a Gilbert and Sullivan company. Perhaps you would be interested? He wants to convince Teal's to sing in Pirates."

Daniel shocked Vala by laughing and saying. "Absolutely! Modern Major General of course. He'd be a natural. What? Vala I attended Oxford University. In England? Home of D'Oyly Carte? Never mind, I'll explain it to you later."

Vala was thrilled at the idea of Daniel explaining a Tau'ri cultural reference to her, one that obviously meant nothing to Sam or Mitchell.

Sam asked "How will you put on a play? Would it be on-base?"

"Oh Sam, we would only perform the songs in concert. A full production would be a little ambitious even for Siler, at least for now."

"Sounds as if you are going to miss a lot of activities and friends at SGC Vala."

"What do you mean Mitchell? Why would I miss them? I'll be back, I'm sure that I'll make it back. Even Thomas thinks I have a good chance …"

Daniel wondered why Thomas would think that she had a chance. A chance for what?

"Vala, I didn't mean while you're gone next week. I meant once you move off-base. With Daniel?"

"Why would I do that Cam?

Mitchell looked upset and gave Daniel a guilty apologetic look. He realized that Daniel hadn't asked Vala to move in with him. He had no answer for Vala and said nothing, afraid of saying the wrong thing.

Sam took pity on Cam and answered for him. "Sometimes on Earth two people in love will share a home. It 's sort of traditional..."

"Yes, yes. I know about that. I've seen plenty of chick flicks. Walter and I often hold marathons in the briefing room on Saturday nights. His favorite is Pretty Woman."

Mitchell had to ask. "And yours?"

"Why 'Bringing Up Baby', of course. A paleontologist is pretty close to an anthropologist. And I do madcap pretty well myself."

Sam continued "You'll have plenty of time to sort out your plans."

Mitchell muttered "The devil is in the details."

Both Vala and Daniel looked at each other completely unconcerned obviously thinking that their friends were a little crazy. If nothing else both of them had learned in their lives to "roll with the punches". It would take a lot more than where they lived to cause problems.

Under his breath Mitchell said "Love conquers all!" It was difficult to tell if he was being sarcastic or hopeful.

"Indeed, Colonel Mitchell."

"So guys," asked Vala. "What's your problem with our friends? The place is charming, look at those two children playing on a swing under the largest trees. Could they be any cuter?"

Mitchell looked daggers at Vala. "Maybe if there was a unicorn standing next to them, with a rainbow over the house."

Sam added the voice of reason. "Please. Daniel and Vala keep your eyes on the kids. Don't stare at them, talk to us and just watch them over our shoulders."

The team formed a small circle with Teal'c and Mitchell's backs to the house and Vala, Sam and Daniel facing them.

Sam decided to take the opportunity to pump Vala for information about Thomas. "So Vala. When do you and Thomas leave for Washington? Are you going to get a chance to see any of the city? Are you going to any other places?"

"Not for a few weeks. Thomas has to finish making arrangements with the hospital, and I think that he and Dr. Lee still have some hardware issues to straighten out. He hasn't told me if I will get to go outside. Jason has been telling me a little about Washington. If it was up to him I think I would get to do some sightseeing, but I'll have to see. Thomas has a lot of work he wants to get done while we can. And Thomas is in charge, not Jason. Though lovers have been known to have greater influence on each other than you might expect."

Mitchell choked. "Lovers?"

Vala laughed. "Come on Cam. Don't ask, don't tell. You didn't know?"

Sam smiled saying. "Everyone always said that Thomas was taken. Do most people on base know?"

"Indeed."

"Teal'c. How come you knew and I didn't?"

"Colonel Mitchell, you would have to answer that."

"Danny?"

"I didn't know but I could care less. Homosexuality is not a universal taboo, Mitchell."

Sam added "Look at the Ancient Greeks, Cam."

Mitchell looked around at the four of them. "Well, that does help explain the recent improvement in Vala's taste in clothes."

"I really don't understand this fixation of Tau'ri men. If Thomas doesn't expect to sleep with you why would you care what he does with anyone else?"

Sam said to Vala. "It can be a very complicated issue for many Earth people. As a psychiatrist, I'm sure that Dr. Graham would be more than willing to explain some of their concerns."

"Okay. I'll talk to him. But it all seems so silly. Isn't it more important what kind of person they are?"

Daniel grabbed Vala's shoulder and whispered loudly "Over there. Do you see the boy in blue getting off the swing?"

Vala said. "Oh, my. He sort of faded away out of sight, didn't he? What do you think Sam? Phase shifting, alternative reality, quantum mirror, time travel, hidden transporter rings, Asgard beaming technology?"

Sam smiled as Vala's mind took off in all directions. As usual, Vala's stream of consciousness brain storming helped Sam consider and reject hypotheses in response. Sam had recently started to appreciate how quick Vala's mind was, how she often had an instinctual reaction to a scientific problem. A reaction that focused in on the basis of the problem. Vala had seen the answer to stopping the Super Gate and found it quicker to solve the problem than explain it to people who were ready to dismiss her ideas out of hand. Sam knew that Daniel felt guilty for not listening to Vala, but he never knew that Sam actually felt worse. She had almost prevented the destruction of the Super Gate because she underestimated Vala's scientific understanding. Sam had tried to console herself with the knowledge that Vala worked hard on being underestimated. But that didn't help her guilt.

"Come on, let's go. I want to see what's under that tree. Maybe the child just fell in a well. Wouldn't we feel stupid if we get over there and looked down to see it sitting in a giant hole?"

"Okay, Vala. We can check it out. But don't expect to find anything. We never did."

Daniel said "Cam, that doesn't mean that she won't. Vala's powers of observation are finely honed, one of her most useful survival skills I would imagine."

Vala smiled at Daniel in appreciation. Cam was facing away so she moved close to Daniel and standing on her toes kissed him. Before he had a chance to respond she jumped away running to catch up with Mitchell as he started down the lane to the house.

Teal'c called out. "Vala, maybe it is 'Brigadoon'?"

The boy was nowhere in sight but the second child was still standing by the swing. She looked to be about 16, she wore a simple yellow flowered dress and her long blonde hair was in braids. Smiling at Vala and Mitchell she stepped forward and extended her hand. "Greetings. I am called Rayna, Welcome to my home." Gesturing towards the rest of the team she said. "Please have your friends join us. We shall sit in the garden to rest and talk."

Mitchell motioned at Daniel, Sam and Teal'c to walk to the house. The three of them approached the house warily. Rayna smiled walking up to each one of them and greeting them in turn. When she got to Daniel instead of shaking his hand Rayna took his extended hand between both of hers. Her smile broadened and continuing to hold his hand Rayna looked over at Vala.

"Did you talk to Mya about us?"

Rayna replied. "Yes, Mya did speak of you. But it is not difficult to notice your affection. I suspect that it is obvious to many." She looked at Sam for confirmation.

Sam nodded in agreement. "Very obvious Rayna."

"Mya suspects that your mother was an empath Vala. Your feelings are not just easier for us to read than the others but we have problems suppressing them. It is difficult for us, your feelings resonate in our heads and our hearts are drawn to you. At first we thought that it was because you were from a different planet than your friends. The Mya remembered hearing that daughters of empath mothers often have little control over how they broadcast their feelings to true empaths. It isn't anything bad, we just need to explore ways to shield ourselves." Seeing a guilty look on Vala's face Rayna tried to assure her. "Please do not worry. We are happy to be afforded the chance to learn new skills. We have gotten used to being in control. It is not a bad thing to be forced to face and deal with new experiences."

Mitchell asked. "The Priors?"

Rayna nodded. "Mya and Jax have been letting our people know that they think it is time for us to explain to our new friends exactly what happened when the followers of the Ori came to our planet. Our people do nothing without consensus, until a decision can be made in total unanimity there is no decision. Now we have all decided that Mya and Jax are right. Tonight after evening meal we will talk together."

Rayna clapped her hands together saying. "But now please let me show you around my house. I want to hear about your planet, your lives, how it is to travel throughout the stars. I have always wanted to go."

Daniel asked her. "Are you not permitted to travel?"

Rayna replied. "We can do whatever we wish, though most of us find life here to be more than enough. Therefore as a people we have little experience of other worlds. Also we do not understand all of the technology here on our home world. It is not clear to us if we once knew but decided to abandon a life based on such things, or if these things were left by people who were here before us. Very few of us are interested in exploring out past. You, Vala and Daniel, have been working in the place we call the Well of History. From time to time one of our people will dedicate part of their lives attempting to achieve understanding of our origins. However so far very little has been accomplished. I had once thought that I would spend much of my life in that place. But the arrival of the Priors and now your appearance has inspired me to look for answers among the stars."

Daniel persisted. "Rayna, will that be accepted by your people?"

"Daniel, searching for knowledge is never wrong. Neither is living a full life within the close circle of friends and family. My desire

for a different life is not a rejection of such a life and my people will simply hope that I am happy in my life journey."

Rayna led them around the back of the house where they came upon the ubiquitous arbor covered with vines and climbing flowers. They sat on the benches around a large table while Rayna went in the back door. "I will bring you cool water and juice to refresh yourselves. You must be tired having walked many hours on our roads. I fear that we spend much time and effort on our fields and less on our roads. Above all else we value keeping our lives intertwined with nature."

Vala looked at her friends and said. "She seems very nice."

"They are all very nice, Vala. At least they all seem to be very nice. I'll have to reserve judgment for now. We'll see tonight when they talk about the Priors. At least they are now willing to even admit they met them."

Sam said. "Mitchell, I think that they were waiting until all of them agreed to trust us. You can't blame them for being cautious."

"Indeed!"

Mitchell looked closely at his team. "Okay. After we spend a little quality time with Blondie here we're going to return to our camp. We'll join them for dinner." Sam was going to say something when Mitchell forestalled her. "Yes, Sam. We can go early enough so that you can take a bath before dinner. Jeez, I never would have expected you to be such a wuss Carter."

"I was going to ask about setting up more sophisticated defenses around our camp. If we have misread these people we may need a secure place to take refuge while we wait for rescue from SGC."

Teal'c and Vala spoke together. "I want the bath."

When Rayna returned with two cold pitchers and glasses the team was laughing together. She smiled her approval and offered them drinks. They relaxed and rested. Daniel asked questions about her people's history or lack of recorded history. Mitchell continued to prod her with questions about the Priors; she smiled her refusals to answer, offering him a plate of cookies instead. To everyone's amusement Sam and Teal'c had numerous questions about plumbing, wells, aqueducts, natural hot springs, etc. Vala sat off to one side lost in thought. Daniel would catch her eye with a concerned look and Vala would smile reassuringly. Daniel knew that she was thinking about her mother.

Mitchell finished his drink with one large final swallow and stood up. The others finished their drinks and stood up together. They all thanked Rayna for her hospitality. Mitchell asked her to thank Mya and Jax for their help in persuading the people to meet with them. SG-1 walked around to the front of the house and headed back towards the village and the path to their camp. Assuring Rayna that they would see her in the village at the evening meal they bid her farewell.