A/N: Sorry for the delay people… Real life kicked in really hard and in the end my computer decided to crash... besides I had a bit of a writer's block… All my lines looked so horrible that I had to delete the whole file and start all over again… so I hope that this time it' gonna be exactly what you want :o)

Lots and lots of questions will be answered now, the dots will be connected… but the story is not over… you'll see ;o)) And don't let me beg for reviews – just leave them …. Pleeeease :o)

Enjoy! And I will try to post chapter 27 soon, hehe, we'll see how it goes :o))

LOVELY LITTLE LADYBUG – CHAPTER 26

There was a beautiful scent in the air. Unknown and yet soothing and refreshing. It felt like a spring morning somewhere deep in the mountains, the air fresh and full of energy, full of so many various flower scents. It was assaulting to one's senses and yet all together it was creating wonderful sensations.

And the scent of flowers in the air was what the first thing noticeable after waking up. Four people were lying on simple and yet really comfortable beds in some sort of a hut. It was made from something similar to reed. Six simple walls were decorated with flowers. Five of them had small windows but big enough to let the sun shine through. On the sixth wall there was an entrance. Instead of door there were chains made from shells and small stones. It looked primitive and yet welcoming, comforting in some strange sense of that word.

Janet Fraiser was the first to wake up. She took in her surroundings and had to fight some really confusing feelings and thoughts. The last thing she remembered was the light in between the columns on the planet. She didn't think she was dead so ... she had to be somewhere. Was she transported there? Like beamed or something? Hopefully.

She realized that she was naked. She was covered with light blanket. It was so soft! She would have to find out more because she could definitely use something like that back on Earth. She sat up on the bed and adjusted to blanket to keep at least some of her modesty.

Janet noticed the windows, the entrance, the smell in the air and then she noticed three other people lying there. Her first reaction was to get up and check them all but before she could do so, she heard somebody groan. Her mind was slowly catching up with her body.

Jack O'Neill woke up, disoriented, confused and hungry. His head hurt. He tried to open his eyes. He was really surprised that he was not in the infirmary. Usually while feeling this he would be there with Janet ready with some needle to make a hole in his arm and make him feel all better. What was this? Where was he?

"Sir?"

Well that sounded like Fraiser. He sat up rather quickly only to find himself feeling a bit dizzy. It took him a minute to regain some composure. He must have knocked his head or something... he hated these feelings.

"Fraiser?"

"Ehm, yes, Sir... eh... Colonel?"

She was looking rather ... nervous. Why? And why was she sitting there wrapped in that strange thing? And if she was in it then what... and then it hit him. He was probably sitting there naked, right? He reached down to put the blanket back around himself. He didn't even have to look down to see ... to see. Oh yeah, how he hated waking up on strange planets all naked.

Janet got up, the blanket secured around her body and walked over to him. She couldn't help herself. She touched his forehead, his arms, his hands, she checked out his shoulder and even his feet. He was getting worried. He was so confused that he just let her do her job at first though.

"Fraiser?"

She stopped and hugged him. He was shocked. He had no idea what hell was going on.

"Doc?"

"I'm just glad you're okay, Sir."

"Ehm, all right."

She was about to ask if he could remember anything but then she noticed another movement on one of the other beds. She had to smile again. She walked over there to Daniel's side and waited for him to fully wake up.

Jack was obviously thinking very hard, trying to figure out what was going on. Janet on the other hand was helping Daniel to sit up. He was looking around, all the wheels turning in his head.

"Daniel?"

"Hi... ehm... where are we?"

"I don't know."

"Oh….Ehm, Jack?"

"I've got no idea."

"Sir, Daniel, do you remember something? Anything at all?"

Janet got two lost looks as the answer. Nope, they had no idea. But maybe it would come back to them. Well, she would have to take a breath and think about the situation herself. But first she went over to see Sam. She was the last one to wake up.

Janet was getting worried. She tried to wake her up and in about a minute she got lucky. Sam slowly opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was her friend's face, looking down at her, concern visible in her eyes.

"Hey..."

"Hi, Sam. How are you feeling?"

"I'm not sure... good?"

"Come on, sit up. Be careful."

Janet helped her with the blanket and sat down next to her. Soon four people were sitting there, their legs hanging down the beds, all wearing nothing but blankets. They were looking at each other, all trying to remember something.

"Okay... I remember the mission to ... geeez, what was it?"

"P9M-387, Sir. The nice planet with not so nice caves."

"Caves and lots and lots of dead people, right?"

"I'm afraid so, Sir."

"Guys…."

"Yeah, Daniel?"

"How much do you remember?"

"So far not much, you?"

"We found the dead people, we found some strange columns and then the writings on the walls… and Sam … "

"I what, Daniel?"

"You got caught by some tubes. You got pinned to the wall in the cave."

"Geeez Carter, he's right…. Crap, he's right!"

Daniel was silent. He closed his eyes and held his head in his hands. Janet walked over to him and sat down next to him. He looked like he could use some support. Jack on the other hand was looking at Sam, trying to reassure himself that she was indeed alive and okay.

"If I may…"

"Yeah, Fraiser, what do you have?"

"You called for help. We arrived to rescue you guys. As from what I know you tried to cut Sam out but with no success. After we arrived we found you, Sir, pinned right next to her. Daniel was trying to translate the writings…"

She was obviously worried about them. She kept on looking from one to another. She was reluctant to say more. They all had bits of memories but only up to the moment of being pinned by the tubes. Daniel looked at them.

"And I managed to translate almost all of it."

"You did?"

"Yeah, I did."

"Wow… So?"

"So… if I am correct, then really long ago one very high advanced race had come to the planet. They were friends of nature and all living creatures, smart and with great knowledge."

"That sounds like our Nox friends. Actually this looks like being Nox-style and all."

"No, not the Nox."

"No?"

"Sorry…"

Jack just shrugged. Well, it was not like he could remember every race they've met, right?

"I am not sure about the exact translation but I'd say they called themselves Tamanacans. They were travelers, trying to share the knowledge. They found two cities on the planet. They were at some sort of a war. One of those cities had been the one we found. I'd say their culture was a lot like the Mayan on Earth."

"So you were right about the writings and the city and all…"

"I guess… but I had no idea about the existence of the other city. From what I know from the cave, the other one was supposed to be peaceful, avoiding conflicts, somewhere deep in the forest."

"That's probably the reason why we had overlooked any possible signs."

Jack just smiled nervously, not really sure about what to do. Daniel nodded at her. Maybe she was right.

"The Tamanacans met the first one though."

"That doesn't sound good…"

"Look, if I am right, the people from the city had understood the great potential of new technologies and knowledge. They were in need of people, slaves and all… but the Tamanacans had found out and decided to give them a mighty gift. Of course they accepted."

"Let me guess, we are talking about the caves now, aren't we?"

"I would say so, Sam. Yes."

"Nice…"

"They tricked them and punished them with giving them the caves. Or more like the technology in the caves. As from what we know they were all supposed to come through some sort of a test in the cave, something about the trust and loyalty and wisdom, the signs were … confusing. They spoke of the test being based upon the worst fears, memories and wishes, from the deepest parts of the heart and soul. They spoke about pure spirit and the strength of personality. They also spoke about treason and death."

They all were silent then. Janet was looking at them, thinking and not understanding. Well, she could actually understand. Sam and Jack were put through the test. And she had almost lost them because of it. And in the end they fought for life and made them all go back to the columns. Daniel was back from the almost dead and they all were okay, not having a single scratch! There was no blood, no scars not wounds… it was scary.

They agreed on remembering things that had taken place before the cave had them pinned in. But since then? Nope. Only Daniel seemed to remember a bit more but not much. Was Janet really the only one to remember everything?

It worried her a bit. What was wrong with them? They haven't asked about Teal'c. They haven't asked about other people from the rescue teams. They haven't asked about their uniforms, dog-tags, they haven't asked a single thing. It was like ... they had been brainwashed or something!

Little she knew they all had been thinking way too much already about the situation. But their minds seemed to be a bit overwhelmed to register everything. They seemed to lose the ability to ask the right questions back then for a moment.

"Doc? You know something more, don't you?"

"Maybe… I am not really sure, Sir."

"Janet?"

"I… I…. Look, Sam, it's just…"

"Compliments, friends."

They all got shocked. They looked at the entrance. There was a very strange person standing there. It was a woman and she looked … like a distant Nox relative or something.

She had long blond hair with flowers and some sort of flower-chains in them, all blue and yellow and purple. Her eyes were almost violet. They all knew it was impossible but it was the truth! She had violet eyes. Her face seemed to be kind and gentle. She was wearing a dress. Well, more like a skirt and some top. The material could be something like silk but nobody could be sure. The top was rather simple, several strips tied at her back, leaving only very little to guys imagination. The skirt was simple with long splits. It looked like being cut and sewed from a rainbow. She had sandals protecting her feet. They were simple but very beautiful. The laces started down at her ankle but ended right below her knee. Her longs seemed to be going on forever that way. She had her skin covered with some painting, it all together created the image of walking rainbow indeed! She was gracious in her movements, not walking, more like floating over the ground.

On Earth she would represent some noble fairy or nymph. She looked fragile, vulnerable and yet wise. Very Nox-ish indeed.

Janet was really grateful for her appearance. She saved her from having to explain and that seemed to be pretty good thing. Well, at least for that particular moment. Besides others were fully captivated by the lady's visage, by her looks, by the colors and by all the flowers, by her incredibly long and soft looking hair. Who was she?

"Ehm… Hi. I'm Daniel, Daniel Jackson. These are my friends, Sam Carter, Jack O'Neill and Janet Fraiser."

"Welcome to Tamanaca, the planet of life. I am known among others as well as among friends as Couè."

"You speak our language?"

"All the elders learned."

The lady seemed to be more and more Nox-like. Jack was getting impatient though. What was this? Who was she? What the hell was going on?

"Please, be calm, friends. We mean no harm to you."

"Oh… good to know."

The creature didn't seem to pick up on Jack's sarcasm. Daniel, on the other hand, noticed. But this time he didn't bother with apologizing or explaining. Maybe he was as affected by the situation as was Jack. Well, everybody had to be.

"You wish to know what happened, am I correct?"

"Yes, that would be nice, thank you."

"You, Daniel Jackson, are correct in your beliefs. You are very wise, very valuable to your people."

"I am? Really? I mean... thank you... I guess."

"Please, let me explain."

"Sure."

"We had come to the planet known as Leone very long ago."

"P9M-387?"

"Yes, Sam Carter, I believe you know the planet by that name. We found the city and at first we got tricked by the people. The wanted nothing but blood. Their hearts were full of anger. They knew no love, no hope, no compassion."

"So you created the caves?"

"Yes, that is indeed something we did. We created the trap in the very old natural cave system. We let them believe it was a gift, mighty gift of knowledge."

"It was, in a way."

"Yes, Daniel Jackson, it was."

"But you didn't give them the knowledge of your people. You used it to put them through the test, right?"

"Your words are true, friend. As you said before, we had created a test to be taken by the people of Leone. After walking into the cave system, the test was supposed to take place. There were no exceptions."

"So what went wrong with us, huh?"

"Something we do not really understand, Jack O'Neill. You and Sam Carter were indeed put through it, as you were supposed to after arriving deep into the cave system. However, Daniel Jackson remained detached."

"Okay okay…. So what really happened to us?"

"Sam Carter, you got captured first. However, from what we get to know, you had a very strong emotional bond with somebody else in the cave."

"Wait a minute… you mean that you looked into her head or what?"

"We would surely never put those words together like that, Jack O'Neill but essentially, yes, you can say that. If we want to, we can see what is happening in the cave, we can reach the deepest parts of the system and connect with those undertaking the test."

Jack was about to say something but Daniel just looked at him, clearly telling him to shut up and listen. The creature, Couè, nodded at Daniel.

"Sometimes the caves can join two souls, two hearts, two separate minds and let them take the test together. It's possible when strong emotional bond is presented. And there was this bond between you, Sam Carter and you, Jack O'Neill."

"That's why you got captured so close to her, Sir. You were almost nose to nose close… almost touching"

Jack just nodded, suddenly getting worried where was this heading. He had no idea about what happened in the cave, the last thing he could remember was a terrible headache and heartache. He was afraid, he was scared of losing Carter. It was slowly coming back. But all was ending by the kiss he had given her. It was one kiss… and it got him, them all, into this mess. Once again his inappropriate feelings for his 2IC caused them troubles. He looked at Sam only to find her looking back at him.

Sam knew that something had happened back there. Something had to happen, something so deep and emotional to let the system believe that there was some connection between them. She knew there used to be one… but was it still there? She could see the Colonel thinking… she felt like walking over and hugging him. Then he looked at her and their eyes met.

The lady spoke up again then. It was the thing that separated their gazes and left them both confused and hurting somehow, wanting answers and in the same time not really knowing anything for sure. Their feelings seemed to be all mixed and they both felt like there was something missing in them. They couldn't specify it though.

"You two, friends, must be very close to each other. You were put through a test together. That rarely happens. The information needed for the test was taken from you, from your souls, from your hearts and your minds. It was all based on your dreams, on your wishes, on your fears and your nightmares. It was all you. But this time, both of you."

"Wow… the technology must be… wow…"

"Carter…"

"Sorry, Sir. Just curiosity."

"Yeah…"

"Couè, the cave released them both in the same time. Why?"

"Yes, it indeed did, Janet Fraiser. They have taken the test together, their feelings, thoughts and wishes got, as you would say, mixed up together. So the test had one closure and they had been put through it together. Sam Carter, Jack O'Neill, what you keep in your minds, in your hearts, in your souls, all together had created the test for you, unique and realistic. It could have been your most feared nightmare, it could have been also your most secret wish, possible feature as well as something that will never take place in your life. The only important thing was to see and understand the choice between life and death."

They all were silent, thinking. But neither could remember. Daniel was getting more and more confused and on the other hand, things started to get some sense. The caves, the test, the writings, everything. He couldn't believe it. And it all meant troubles. Real deep troubles. All connected together it meant that there had been something between Sam and Jack and that it had made them take the test together, share their lives and dreams. Well, he was definitely not looking forward to writing this particular report. Maybe this was all a dream and he would wake up soon... well, or not.

Jack and Sam locked their eyes again. Both obviously nervous and anxious. Neither noticed Janet's worried looks, her concerned eyes and compassion on her face. She had a pretty good idea about what had happened down there. She could still remember the pain in Colonel's eyes, the knife, the blood, all the screams and tears and she could also remember the kiss, the kiss her two friends shared back down in the cave before getting dazed with something. For a brief moment she envied them that they couldn't remember. Her heart ached for them. And she had a very bad feeling about this all.

"They've been connected for more than 72 hours. How long was it for them?"

"Your friends could have lived through days, weeks, months or maybe years. I'd say months or years in their case."

"Why? Why did you let us live such a long time? Why didn't you just give us the choice between life and death? Why would you let us suffer and just..."

Sam was near to tears. Something in her was screaming that this was wrong. She suddenly felt used and deep down broken. She couldn't stand the thought of this... she looked at Colonel O'Neill only to find him with equally as pained expression on his face, looking back at her, silently supporting her, offering whatever comfort he could.

"Sam Carter, I am sorry but it was necessary."

"Why?"

"Because the people had found a way how to deceive the system. So we changed it. Now whoever is going to take the test has to live through significant amount of time to believe everything that's happening, is real and true, that it's not just their imagination. The cave decides, the system knows what is enough and what is necessary. It has to lead all the people through the best and worst possible scenarios they could have ever imagined taking places in their lives before letting them pass or fail the test."

"You found a way how to make them all be themselves, no lies, just pure honesty."

"Yes. The cave is interested only in pure spirits, strong minds and hearts filled with hope and good feelings. It has to be sure you are not trying to lie in the test and that you are also not trying to lie to yourself. That is where the truth is."

"What is the purpose of this?"

"We wanted to be sure that the people asking to share our knowledge were good people, worth of our tries and efforts, of our trust."

"We were not asking anything… we are just explorers."

Sam knew it was partially a lie but she couldn't care less that moment. Nobody cared to correct her obviously though.

"The world down there is evil and full of fear and pain. Here is just life and happiness. Now we know that those that pass the test are good people and so they can stay here with us."

They all looked shocked. This was huge! They couldn't believe it! These people seemed to be friendly! But they were just egoistic and all wrong! How dared they to play with their minds and lives like this?

There was anger visible on Jack's face, pain on Sam's, confusion on Janet's and deep sorrow in Daniel's. He seemed to be disappointed. However, Couè didn't seem to notice a thing. She kept on smiling at them, looking pleased and happy.

"You can choose now, my friends, if you wish to stay here with us or if you wish to go back to your homes. Now your memories about the test won't get back, you can be happy here and share your lives with us. However, if you decided to go back, you will have to leave Leone and never come back. In that case, your memories will come back to you."

"Is there a catch there somewhere?"

"Yes, there is Jack O'Neill but I believe you will be most pleased."

"Really?"

"Yes, I believe so. You, Jack O'Neill and you, Sam Carter, are both honorable and kind, your hearts are filled with deep pain and guilt but also with compassion, love and hope. You value life above everything, you value knowledge and you seek good in people. Your hearts are good and beautiful, although damaged. So we are offering you a gift."

"A gift?"

"Yes. Your friends will have to remember everything but they will remember slowly, one thing after another, so there will be no danger to their minds."

Janet was surprised. She would say that this gift was one of those they should really accept without asking. She was sure that whatever had happened, it had to be tough and really painful. She didn't want to see her friends being in pain again. But on the other hand, these people ... something was way off about them.

Jack's eyes were wide, Sam was looking to the ground, suddenly finding her own toes very interesting. She was trying not to shake but all this meant something horrible, she could feel it. She knew Janet had kept something vital from them. She had to know…

"Wait, Couè…"

"Yes, Daniel Jackson?"

"That's what happened to the people, right? Those that had chosen death over life died in the caves. Some had chosen life and got here and you gave them the same choice. But they wanted the knowledge of your people… they believed it was kept in their memories, didn't they?"

Couè just smiled and nodded. She looked gracious and just a little bit dangerous. Especially with her eyes and with her hair moving in the breeze.

"They chose to go back. But with their memories coming back to them, they were suddenly forced to face the deepest parts of their personalities. They killed themselves."

Coué nodded again.

"You are indeed very wise, my friend Daniel Jackson. You speak the truth. Some of them however had left Leone and we have never heard from them again."

"They went to planet we call P3L-562. We found writings there describing powerful gift."

Coué smiled at him and nodded again. She seemed to really like Daniel. He didn't know what to say then. It was… so crazy. Those people, all the dead bodies, women, children, everybody… they had to pay because these Tamanacans decided to play Gods and created this test in the cave system. It was sick.

"Couè, might I have a question?"

"Yes, Janet Fraiser. Speak, what is on your mind?"

"We all have been suffering from massive headaches. Why was that?"

"You are wise to ask this question, friend. The planet has very unique element in its… as you call it – air. We used that element while creating the test in the caves. After spending time on Leone, all would suffer from headache. And they would feel better while being close to the caves."

"That's right. It got better near the entrance…"

"It leads them all into the cave so the cave can capture them and put them through the test."

"Very much so, my friend."

"But Fraiser didn't end up in the cave. And neither did others. Why?"

"That we don't know."

"I can answer that, Sir. I found a combination of vitamins and minerals and everybody was getting regular shots. It was helping with the headaches, probably neutralizing the element from the air. I haven't found anything in the air but … that would be my guess. Besides Teal'c and Ferretti had made a plan and nobody could actually get close to the caves. We were being cautious, Sir."

Jack smiled and nodded at her, obviously proud. He wanted to ask about Ferretti, Teal'c, about all the others. He felt like the biggest idiot ever for not asking sooner. However, he got interrupted.

"That was a brave and clever thing to do, Janet Fraiser."

"Thank you… may I have one last question?"

"Yes, you may."

"What was it with the columns?"

"The columns are the only way how to get here, to Tamanaca. All the people being taken through the test experience the need to go there, it pulls them there so they can be taken up here."

"But Daniel and Janet are here as well."

"Daniel Jackson is very close to both of you, he was affected by the elements in the air and his body was suffering. He was taken here to be healed, as were you two. Janet Fraiser is very dear to you both as well, besides she shares a special bond with you, all of you, some we have never seen before. But basically, and please let me apologize for not having better answer for you, she was taken here because she refused to let you go of you, of her friends, and stood in between the columns with you, trying to protect you."

They all looked at her. She was blushing a bit. She just shrugged and tugged the blanket more firmly around her body. Well, she was their friend, wasn't she? And she was their doctor. There was no way in hell she would have let them go alone!

Daniel smiled at her and whispered thank you. She smiled back nervously, not knowing what will happen next. She still couldn't believe it. In those 72 hours her friends had been put through months or years of what had looked like a real life to them, they had to be happy and they had to suffer. And it brought them to the moment of Sam wanting to commit suicide… or homicide in the end. It brought them to the moment of deep kiss of love and sorrow. And now they were here, not remembering anything, not knowing how much time had passed, dressed only in blankets!

Lady Couè smiled at them all. She was obviously happy with the outcome. She welcomed them again to Tamanaca.

Suddenly one deep red ladybug got settled on her hand. She smiled at her. She looked up then and captured attention of all four people around her. They just couldn't turn away, the smell of foreign flowers assaulting their senses once again. Her voice was soft and captivating.

"Lovely little ladybug… she was your guide, she was the one to take your through everything. She is what you would call our avatar of hope, love and happiness."

She let the ladybug fly away then.

"Rest now, my friends. Soon others will come to dress you and take you out to eat with us and celebrate life. Be well till then."

She bowed and walked away from the hut. Those chains with little shells and stones tingled cheerfully. The hut was suddenly filled with pregnant silence and four confused people, looking at each other, not saying a thing.

A/N: I just finished watching the LIVE broadcasting of the launch of Atlantis. Guys, it made me smile and it made me cry. I really cried like a baby while watching... I can't believe it was for the last time... it actually hurts and it's sad and unbelievable. I also added these thoughts to my profile - all the people from NASA, those that helped, contributed, lived through it as well as died simply deserve to be there. I know that the NASA program is not the only one 'operating' but somehow you know... NASA is simply NASA - that says it all now doesn't it, hehe... :o)) I guess you understand :o))

I hope that the crew of Atlantis will get back home safely - and I am sure I will cry again while watching the landing... like every single time... good luck people! :o))