A/N: Okay, okay. I give up. Every time I think life has calmed down enough to offer some quiet writing time, another crisis jumps up and gives me a great, big boot-to-the-head. I'm just back from the hospital with my daughter – she required surgery to fix her bladder. We knew she needed surgery, but it was scheduled for July. However, in light of recent infections, the surgeons felt she shouldn't wait that long and it got bumped up to June 1. Factor into that the fact that I'm a teacher and was scrambling to get lessons and notes planned for my sub FOR THE REST OF THE SCHOOL YEAR and you can see what kind of chaos my life became.

Anyway, I submit to Murphy's Law and am officially crying UNCLE!

Thankfully, everything went well, and my little one is back to her darling, 3-year-old self. Life was a little nutty for a while, but I'm finally decompressing for the first time in like three years. I promise this will be my last apology for this story. I'm committed to wrapping this trilogy up by the end of the week. (God, I love summer vacation!!) Anyway, here we go!

Chapter 25

The four members of SG-1 sat in mute frustration around the SGC's well-worn conference table. Even Teal'c's normally stoic features held a hint of anxious impatience as he stared at the table's smooth, mahogany surface. There, resting casually in the center, was the object of the team's ire – the metallic cylinder from P3X-812.

In the two months since Hartkans had been apprehended and questioned, Sam and Daniel had spent countless hours examining the cylinder and a plethora of other fascinating devices found at Hartkans' Trust-funded laboratory. The initial euphoria of having the cylinder back had carried them all to Thanksgiving, which had been a joyous holiday for everyone, especially Sha're. However, now that Christmas Eve was mere hours away, and no further clues to the device's operation were forthcoming, things seemed considerably less cheerful.

"I'm not one who normally says this sort of thing, but I'm completely stumped," Sam admitted dejectedly. "I can't even figure out what sort of bioelectric mechanism triggers the transformation of the device from bare metal to switches and levers, much less venture a guess as to what any of those switches and levers actually do. I've never seen such advanced technology in my life."

Daniel exhaled audibly. "That's no small claim, considering the scope of Ancient technology you've worked with."

Sam nodded once. "I know," she replied apologetically. "But I've honestly never seen anything like it."

Across the table, Jack ran a tense hand through his already-ruffled hair. "I have."

The silence in the room was palpable as all eyes turned toward him. No one doubted his instincts regarding the device anymore, but no one was particularly comfortable with them either – least of all, Jack.

Sighing in resignation, Jack spoke what everyone was already thinking. "I have a feeling that we won't get any real answers about the device until we hook that thing back up with the stone circle it came from."

Instantly, Sam stiffened. She'd almost managed to contain the knee-jerk feeling of dread she experienced every time she looked at the cylinder, but contemplating a repeat of the last experience they'd had with replacing the cylinder was just too horrible for words. Knowing that Sha're's future was at stake kept her quiet on the topic, but everyone else in the room could feel the unease rolling off her in waves.

Closing his eyes to block out the expression on his wife's face, Jack pushed ahead heroically. "I know I can put the cylinder back where it came from without causing any damage," he said quietly. "Maybe, after that, Sam can get some answers from the damn thing."

Sam was about to open her mouth to reluctantly agree with the idea, when a soft voice stopped her.

"Please, do not."

Instantly, the team turned their attention to the doorway of the conference room, where Sha're stood, smiling serenely.

Looking puzzled and slightly dismayed, Daniel objected gently. "Sha're, this might be the only way we can get answers about where you came from or how to send you back."

She walked over and gently brushed a hand down his cheek. "My Daniel," she said quietly, "I understand the situation. But I cannot, in good conscience, let my very best friends risk their lives to gather information which may or may not change my circumstances here."

Daniel seemed reluctant to agree. "Jack seems to think he can replace the cylinder without putting himself in any danger, and his instincts on this topic have been perfect so far."

Never taking her eyes from his, she replied gently. "Perhaps. But what of Samantha? She has had no such instincts about the device, and once the cylinder is replaced, it is she who will be examining it more closely." Everyone in the room could feel Jack wince at her words. "I need not remind you of what occurred the last time someone meddled with this device." She placed a hand on her own chest, smiling somewhat ironically.

Inhaling sharply, Daniel's eyes shone with anger. "So, what? We just give up? Are you prepared to live the rest of your life under this mountain? Because the Air Force still hasn't let Teal'c out into the 'real world' and he's been here for the better part of a decade! And what if you get sick again?" The fear in his words underscored the raw fury painted on his expression.

Softly taking both of his hands in hers, Sha're crouched down and met his fierce gaze at eye-level. "If I become sick, there are many gifted doctors here who can help me. And as for my living here," she squeezed his hands gently, "wherever you are, Daniel, I can make my home and be happy."

Daniel's expression softened. "You'll never see your father again," he whispered.

She smiled sadly. "At least, in this place, his physical reality ended in glory and honor." She swallowed. "And he would be happy if he knew I had escaped the tyranny of Ra."

After a moment of gazing deeply into her eyes, Daniel nodded. Then, breaking away, he looked across the table at Jack. "What do you think?" he asked quietly.

Jack didn't hesitate. "I think if she wants to stay, we're certainly glad to have her. I can probably even pull a few strings and get her moved off the base."

Daniel's expression was skeptical. "Do you really think Woolsey is going to let her live outside of government control?"

Jack's brown eyes hardened. "I don't think it's up to Woolsey. And there was already precedent set for this situation when Cassie went to live with Janet." He glanced at the Jaffa beside him. "Don't forget, Daniel, part of the reason Teal'c has stayed on-base is because he's involved in the daily operations of the SGC. As a member of SG-1, he's constantly exposed to new classified information. Cassie, on the other hand, while aware of the secret of the stargate, didn't stay on Earth in an official capacity. She was just a kid finding a new home. I don't see how Sha're's situation is any different."

Daniel still appeared somewhat doubtful. "But Cassie was going to live with a highly trusted member of the SGC. She had a built-in guardian who was privileged to all the classified baggage that Cassie took with her. I'm sure that went a long way in swaying The Powers That Be to let her live on the surface."

Across the table, Jack stared at his friend meaningfully.

After a moment, Daniel's expression changed to one of understanding. "Oh!" He smiled at his own thick-headedness. "Right."

Sha're blinked in confusion. "Daniel?" Clearly, she had no idea what had just transpired.

Smiling, Daniel squeezed her hand. "Don't worry," he replied soothingly. "I think Jack has figured out a way to come through on his offer to get you out of the SGC."

Sha're's smile was brilliant. "Then there is no reason to consider further options. I will stay here and enjoy the bounty of your planet." Looking around the table, her eyes filled with happy tears. "I am blessed to have such wonderful friends," she said thickly.

Sam felt her own throat closing with emotion. She knew darn well that most of Sha're's decision had been based on fears for her own family's safety. She would be eternally grateful for the other woman's thoughtful sacrifice.

Rising, Jack gestured at the cylinder on the table. "Let's put that thing away for safekeeping," he said firmly. "And not in Area 51 – I'm not sure I trust their security anymore." Then, hearing that admission, he winced. It was more than a little disconcerting to doubt the security of the second-most well-guarded military establishment in the United States. Sighing, he shrugged in resignation. Things were what they were and he couldn't change them. Looking at the device again, he scratched his head. "Can anyone think of a place to hide it?"

With a small smile directed at Daniel, Teal'c stood and delicately picked up the cylinder. "I have a 'safe' place where I keep several other sensitive items," he replied.

Not understanding the broad grin on Daniel's face at Teal'c's words, Jack simply accepted the warrior's offer at face value. Clearly, there was some sort of inside joke going on, and he wasn't sure he wanted to probe the topic any further, especially with the way Daniel's eyes kept flitting between Sam and himself in amusement. "Okay, T. Just keep it safe."

Teal'c nodded. "Indeed."

As everyone stood and started moving toward the door, Sam suddenly seemed to remember something. "Wait!" she exclaimed. "Tomorrow is Christmas Eve!"

Jack looked at her oddly. "This is news?" he asked dryly.

She simply stared at him in exasperation. "Before this whole cylinder thing started dragging on, we decided we wanted to have everyone over to the new house for Christmas, remember?" Her voice was a quiet hiss as she tried to direct her words only to her husband.

Jack nodded, still not understanding. "Yes. So?"

Sam poked him in the ribs. "So, we never invited them," she said under her breath, gesturing to the amused faces gathered around them.

Jack opened his mouth to object. Then, as he slowly reviewed the events of the last few months, he closed it slowly. "We didn't, did we?" Seeing his wife grimly shake her head, he took a deep breath and turned to his friends. "Hey guys," he said cheerfully, "What'cha doin' tomorrow night?"

The soft glow of several hundred multicolored Christmas lights bathed Sam and Jack's spacious new living room in warm, twinkling cheer. As Jack poured heavily spiked eggnog into his wife's glass, he smiled at the odd picture that Teal'c made, sitting across the room in the leather sofa, cradling the soundly-sleeping Baby Jonathan in his powerful arms. The twins had tired themselves out long ago, toddling through the mountains of gifts brought to them by their adopted uncles and aunt. Sam had just put Janelle down for the night and was finally unwinding from 'Mommy' mode, but she'd yet to take Jonathan to join his sister in the nursery.

Dropping a soft kiss on Sam's forehead, Jack picked up his beer and walked over to the large Jaffa. "I can put him upstairs," he offered gently, gesturing to the chubby, drooling child on the warrior's lap.

Teal'c looked at the small face tenderly. "Perhaps later," he said quietly. Then, looking at his somewhat surprised friend, he smiled slightly. "When Rya'c was this age, I would hold him as he slept," he explained softly. "These moments bring back fond memories for me."

Jack nodded, clearly understanding the nostalgia in Teal'c's words. "Well, he certainly looks comfy," he said with a smile. "Let me know if you change your mind."

The warrior inclined his head silently.

Across the room, Sha're and Daniel sat snugly in the love seat – a piece of furniture that, at least for tonight, was clearly living up to its name. Jack's smile deepened at the sappy looks they kept giving each other.

"Having a nice time?" Sam's soft voice in his ear sent a soft wave of emotion through his own heart.

"Hell, yeah," he replied quietly. Then, gesturing to the pair across the room, he grinned. "Though, apparently, not as good a time as they're having. I don't think Daniel has stopped smiling in the last twenty hours."

Wrapping her arms around her husband's lean waistline, Sam placed a soft kiss at the juncture of his neck and earlobe. "He's in love," she replied simply, enjoying the soft hitch in Jack's breathing at her actions. "You still remember what that's like, right?"

"Hmmm," Jack answered with a smile. "Vaguely." The husky quality in his voice belied his flippant reply. "Though maybe you'll have to remind me of the details later on, after everyone leaves."

Sam chuckled, nipping his ear softly. "I'm sure I could be persuaded to do that."

The sound of a throat being cleared brought Sam and Jack from their personal conversation. Looking across the room, Sam could see that Daniel had stood and was holding a wine glass aloft.

The archaeologist gazed affectionately at the familiar faces in the room, savoring the pure contentment of the moment. "I'd like to propose a toast," he said formally, locking eyes with each of his friends before continuing. "The last few years have been quite a roller coaster for all of us. I honestly have no idea how we've all managed to arrive here, happy and whole, but here we are nonetheless. I know, for my part, I couldn't have survived the chaos without the support of each and every one of you." Raising his glass, he gestured it toward the dear faces in the room. "To friendship," he said softly.

"To friendship." The soft echo of the others' voices was filled with sincerity. As glasses were brought together and hugs exchanged, the distinct sound of sniffles began to emerge from both Sam and Sha're. Smiling at their sentimental reactions, Daniel decided he'd better get on with the rest of his speech before they totally dissolved in tears. Clearing his throat once again, Daniel waited for the room to quiet before he continued.

"As I'm sure you're all aware, my own life has taken quite an unexpected turn for the better in recent months." Smiling meaningfully into Sha're's lovely eyes, he felt his heart constrict with sweet emotion. "Having a second chance to know this beautiful woman has made me into a new person – which you guys probably already know, having witnessed the transformation. So I'm sure this will come as no surprise."

With a tender smile, Daniel slowly lowered himself to one knee and pulled a small, velvet-covered box from his pocket. As Sam's gasp of delight rang out, Sha're's eyes widened. Looking into Daniel's eyes, she seemed to be wondering if her understanding of Earth customs was correct. Her fears were put to rest, however, as he snapped the box open and spoke earnestly. "Sha're, the first time we met, you were being offered to me as a bride. And I, being the bonehead that I am, made you feel as though I didn't want you. This time," he said determinedly, "I am not going to make that mistake. I have loved you from the moment we met. Your beautiful soul and courageous heart have taught me to believe in the human spirit at times when I didn't think I could. And somehow, even though you were gone forever, I've miraculously been given a second chance to spend my life at your side. It's a chance I won't waste." Leaning forward, he pulled the sparkling diamond ring from its box and took her left hand in his. "Sha're, I have no idea what I did to deserve you, but please say you'll do me the honor of becoming my wife."

Laughing joyfully, Sha're beamed through the tears streaking down her face. "Yes!" she choked out ecstatically. "Of course I will marry you, my Daniel."

As the pair closed for a tender kiss, applause and cheers erupted from the others in the room. Though Teal'c was unable to stand and offer his congratulations with Jonathan in his lap, his broad smile spoke volumes about his feelings on the matter.

Sam, of course, offered her well-wishes through a fountain of tears – a fact which made her husband smile in amused affection. Snaking an arm around her waist, he tugged her up against his side. "Sap," he muttered dryly in reference to her happy sniffles.

Sam just nodded. "Yeah, I know," she said tearfully. "But I'm just so happy for them." Then, brilliant blue eyes shining with emotion, she lovingly caressed her husband's features with her gaze. "It's not every day that your dreams come true," she whispered softly.

Feeling his own heartstrings being tugged by the sweetness of the moment, Jack returned her gaze with a tender one of his own.

"Speak for yourself," he said quietly, leaning down to place a kiss on her lips. "Mine do."

A/N: By the way, in case you thought this was the happy end to our story… think again. Still a few loose ends to tie up!