- Year 5 of Settlement-

Daniel peers at Becky and Jonas Quinn over his glasses as they chat during the lunch break. The Kelownan's about her age, earnest and clean-cut and- even after two years in the scientific exchange program- still almost absurdly eager to learn everything about Old Earth and the settlement.

Seeing them together makes him uneasy, which is strange. Never given much thought to the age difference between himself and Becky before (seven years, give or take) but it sure makes him feel like an old man in comparison.

Surprisingly Jack's never teased him about being a cradle-snatcher. Then again, there's about thirteen years or so difference between him and Sam, isn't there? Pot calling kettle, and all that.

"So the city really speaks to you when you're not in the control chair?"

"It's the AI, not the city," she corrects him, rather matter-of-fact about it now. "But yeah, after a fashion it does."

"What does it sound like?"

Becky takes a bite of blue apple and chews reflectively. "He, not it. And kinda like my father. I only hear him in my mind, you see. Not out loud."

"Oh." Quinn seems rather disappointed. "I didn't know computers can do that."

"Ours aren't at that level either. But Huy-Braesealis was created by the Ancients at the height of their civilization, and by then they were developing their mental capabilities as a prelude to Ascension so I'm not surprised it has a telepathic component. Granted, only those with the ATA gene can access Ancient tech, like myself and my uncles. Which has proved a useful safeguard, when you think about it. I hate to think what would've happened if the Goa'uld were able to use the city or anything else we've discovered over the years."

He shudders. "Me, too. Pretty sophisticated, all the same."

"Yeah. And durable, considering how long they've been in operation. The Ancients built the Stargate network, remember." Jonas nods. "Huy-Braesealis was actually in hibernation mode before we visited for the first time, and..." She pauses, head cocked as if listening to something. "Huh. Interesting."

"What is it?"

"Talk about timing. Huy-Braesealis just requested I visit the principem pyrína computatrum- his main computer core- but didn't say why. Weird."

"Can I come with you? It's just that, well, we have experts on Kelowna who theorize about AIs all the time but I've never seen a real, live one in action."

She considers, then shrugs assent. "Sure. Why not?"

His face lights up like a puppy given a favorite chew toy. It's clear he's harboring a crush on her. Of course, he's got it pretty bad for Sam too, even though he must be fully aware by now it'll never be requited by either one.

A fond smile crosses Daniel's lips. He certainly can't fault the younger man's taste. Both women are brilliant, driven, and remain completely clueless about their own attractiveness.

Thank god Becky has no intention of reciprocating. Their love remains as strong as ever even after five years together with no signs of waning. Which is far longer than any previous relationship he's had, including Sha're and the years he spent searching for her.

Maybe it's time to make it official.

He's been thinking off and on about proposing anyway, but the issue's been tabled for the past couple years due to missions and other external matters- facing off against Ba'al and his minions, rooting out Replicators all over the galaxy with the Asgard, and keeping an eye on the Lucian Alliance. When not accompanying him offworld, working in the lab, attending council meetings or visiting the city like today Becky's been assisting Major Fredrick Begay's SG-9 in negotiations with dozens of nonaligned worlds, generally laying out the groundwork to make her vision of galactic commonwealth a reality. Her anthropological training and lessons from the illustrious Elizabeth Weir before the departure of the Atlantis Expedition have only reinforced her credentials as a diplomat.

So yeah, never a dull moment as Jack might say. Hardly any free time to ponder their future.

Until now, anyway.

A gentle touch on his arm. He blinks down at Becky. "Daniel? You okay?"

"Um, yeah. Sorry. What were you saying?"

"Just asking if you wanted to come with us to see the computer core." Her smile is tolerant, having gotten lost in her own mind a time or two herself. Another reason why he loves her. No one understands him like she does.

"Sure. But we should notify Edwards where we're going first," nodding to where the colonel's sitting with his team. Good thing SG-11's free to accompany them today.

"Good idea." She walks over to Edwards, who greets her in his usual gruff but courteous manner.

Jonas watches her, admiring. Daniel can't help but feel a little irritated at the Kelownan's abiding interest, though he tries hard not to show it out of courtesy. Which is vaguely irksome in and of itself, as he's never thought of himself as the jealous boyfriend type. But save for Sha're he's never cared about anyone quite so much, either.

Becky returns, flashing a thumbs-up. "C'mon guys, let's get outta here before he changes his mind."

The transporter opens onto what resembles the control room with consoles and monitors along the walls interspersed with inscriptions in Ancient and what resembles elaborate circuit diagrams. In the center an octagon-shaped, large pillar of pure crystal is situated on the dais instead of a control chair, stretching from floor to ceiling.

Everything brightens at Becky's presence, the city recognizing its Domina. She cocks her head again as if listening, then goes over to a nearby console which emits an especially inviting glow. Lost in contact with the AI as she automatically touches controls on the console.

"Does this always happen?" Jonas asks. "Should we be worried?"

"She'll be fine." Even so a shiver runs down Daniel's spine. Though she asserts the portion of Huy-Braesealis in her mind acts as a mitigator every time she goes under he worries nonetheless.

A panel with some very intriguing symbols catches his eye and he pulls out his notebook and pencil.

"Dr. Jackson!"

He spins around to find Becky sprawled on the floor, eyes closed. "What happened?"

Jonas swallows. "I'm not sure. She moved away from the monitor and placed her hand directly on that," pointing to the crystal column. "A whole lot of lights kinda swirled inside, then before I could do anything there was a flash and she just collapsed."

Daniel kneels, gently touching her cheek. "Becky? Can you hear me? Wake up now. Come on."

No response. He carefully turns her over, frowning at the blood darkening the hair on the side of her head, probably from where she hit the floor. He places two fingers against her neck, checks her pulse. Faint but there, at least. "She's still alive."

"Thank the gods," Jonas sighs. Daniel fleetingly wonders if he's referring to Goa'uld or Asgard, then gives himself a mental shake. No time to get distracted with idle speculations.

He reaches for his radio. "Colonel Edwards?"

"Go ahead, Dr. Jackson."

"Dr. Grahme's been rendered unconscious. We need to get her back to base right away."

"Copy that. We'll meet you in the atrium. DeSoto will be standing by in the Jumper. Edwards out."

"Do you need any help?" Jonas looks as anxious as he feels.

"No, thanks. I've got her." Daniel slips his arms under Becky, mentally thanking Jack for insisting on additional weight training sessions after the first expedition to the city. Watching Teal'c carry her when he couldn't was kinda humiliating, but he's in better shape now and she's not a burden by any means.

"How will the transporter activate if she's unconscious? Neither of us have the Ancient gene."

Damn it, he's right. "Not sure. Hopefully her presence should be enough to make it work for us."

As it turns out the transporter doesn't until Jonas gently lifts her limp hand and touches it to the line of Ancient text indicating the atrium. He looks pleased at his cleverness but Daniel only has eyes for his beloved.

Edwards, Woeste and Ritter are waiting for them as promised, the junior officers with a litter from the Jumper. "Be careful with her, please."

"No worries, Dr. Jackson. We got this." They ease her onto the litter and carry her out of the tower. In the Jumper Rathbone's already in the copilot seat doing preflight checks and DeSoto as team medic has his kit open and ready. Once inside they strap the litter to a bench and he does a quick exam, cleaning the wound and applying a gauze pad to her head.

Edwards frowns at her in concern on the way to take the pilot's seat. "She gonna be okay, doc?"

Daniel opens his mouth to reply then shuts it when he realizes he's talking to DeSoto, an M.D. in his own right. "She's got a hematoma, sir, but her vital signs are stable for now. Dr. Fraiser will have to give a more thorough exam, so we'd better get back to base as quickly as possible."

"Understood. Buckle up, people."

All the way back Daniel can only hold onto Becky's limp hand and hope she snaps out of it soon.

Please be okay, sweet hummingbird. Please. I need you.

"Let me get this straight. The AI told her to go down to the computer core, she touched something and then just collapsed?" Jack grimaces. "For crying out loud, Danny. You two have been together way too long for her to pick up your bad habits."

Daniel glares at him but it's half-hearted at best. He's too distracted by Becky's pale, quiet form in the hospital bed, a white bandage on the side of her head.

On the other side of the bed Mac sighs and passes a hand over his face. Sam, Teal'c and Jonas hover nearby with varying attitudes of concern.

"So what's going on, doc?" Jack asks Janet from where he's leaning against the railing at the foot of the bed. "She gonna be okay?"

Janet hangs the stethoscope back around her neck, removes the blood pressure cuff, makes notes on a clipboard. Glances at the display showing the latest scans, her mouth settling into a thin line. "I can't make any speculations or promises at this point, you understand. We drained and patched up the hematoma on her head and there's no sign of further intracranial bleeding, nor of any abnormalities in her brain. Because she's been rendered unconscious before by contact with the AI with no problems I'm reluctant to take any drastic measures just yet. She could come out of it at any time, but for now it's wait and see."

"It's my fault," Jonas moans, wringing his hands. "I should've stopped her, should've gotten her out of the way in time."

"It's not your fault," Daniel reassures him. "Nothing you could've done differently."

"But still-"

"Hey, relax." Mac interjects. "Becky's a trooper. She'll be just fine."

"Always a first time for everything, though." Jack sighs, not even bothering to hide his anxiety. "Really hate the waiting part."

"We all do. Don't worry, she'll come out of it soon. And when she does I'll be right here." Daniel picks up the blanket, settles it over her and tenderly kisses her cheek.

Wishing all the while he could take his own words to heart as easily.

It's 0130 when Daniel wanders into the infirmary after yet another restless night. He's tried to lose himself in research to keep his mind occupied, but it's not working.

Teal'c is keeping vigil by Becky's bed, hands folded in his lap and eyes closed, apparently deep in kel'no'reem. The only sounds are the hum of the monitors and subdued movements of the night shift nurses tending to other patients outside the private room.

Out of respect Daniel remains where he is at the foot of her bed, dismally regarding the breathing tube in her nose, the IV bags hooked up with nutrients and saline, the slow rise and fall of her chest and the steady beeping of the monitor.

Four days since she collapsed. Feels more like four years, especially this late at night.

Dark alien eyes open. "Daniel Jackson."

"Hey, Teal'c. Any change?"

"There is none. She remains unconscious. Are you relieving my watch?"

"Yeah, guess I am," he says with a sigh. "Too wound up to work otherwise."

"Indeed. I will now retire to my quarters." Teal'c rises from the chair, gently placing a large hand on her shoulder for a brief moment. "Awaken soon, Becky Grahme. You are missed." With a nod to Daniel he leaves.

Daniel assumes his seat, opening his book and sighing. He's used to being here for an extended stay himself from time to time but usually as a patient, with Becky in this very chair waiting anxiously for him to wake up instead of the other way around. Not much fun when the tables are turned.

Except for tonight when he gave into Jack's urgings he hasn't left her side for very long. Mac comes by the most often to keep him company, followed by Sam and Teal'c when duties permit. Jonas ferries books and files in and out of the room without complaint. Jack postpones their missions, brings trays from the refectory, hauls him over to the showers when he's been deemed particularly ripe.

Janet's strongly hinted more than once- not technically ordering, but close- that Daniel get some sleep at home but he's choosing to ignore her for one very simple reason.

Thing is he can't, when Becky's not there. What started as just another place to live has become a home thanks to her. The idea of being alone in bed without his beloved hummingbird is simply not worth contemplating.

There's no physical reason as to why she remains unconscious, according to Janet. Aside from the hematoma there's no other sign of neurological damage. Her vitals remain stable and her pupils respond normally, so all they can do right now is keep her under observation and hope things don't get worse.

Earlier that day Sam had suggested contacting the Asgard for assistance- they were the ones who saved Jack from dying of induced information overload, after all- but that option was shot down by Jack himself: "They've got enough on their plate with rebuilding their fleet after dealing with Fifth and his Replicator minions, Carter. Let's save that as a last resort, okay?"

Now Daniel's wondering if last resort measures might be all that can save her at this point. The hope of her waking grows ever less as the minutes tick by.

He sighs and quietly scoots the chair closer to the bed, resting his head on folded arms beside her quiescent body. Ordinarily he takes a secret pleasure in watching over her while she sleeps. He'd never say she snores but the occasional soft sigh reassures him she's still breathing. The memory of holding her in his arms after blissful lovemaking has sustained him more than once during a mission when all hope appears to be gone.

To his surprise he also enjoys the more mundane aspects of their relationship, never failing to learn something unique and exciting about her, or them, or even himself after five years together. Every time he thinks he's finally deciphered the mysteries of her body, mind or spirit he comes across some new facet that makes him want to uncover more, like she's a fascinatingly complex language or a fragment covered in symbols he can't yet translate. And oh, he loves the journey of discovery.

They're both idealists, yet realistic enough not to hold each other to impossibly high standards. Nevertheless he's certain what they've created together is nothing short of perfection. Not bad for a couple of introverted geeks, he thinks with a wry smile.

Hidden deep in a desk drawer at home is a velvet-lined box containing his parents' wedding rings. Not that he ever expected to use them after Sarah dumped him and Sha're wouldn't have understood their symbolism anyway (with a shudder he shies away from the painful memory of her pregnancy with Shifu). But he had a gut feeling even before the Big Quake that he ought to retrieve them from the safe deposit box regardless.

Though they've been perfectly content as a couple to live only in the moment, there's no denying the notion of raising a family and growing old together is more and more appealing. Which even he admits is unusual, considering his upbringing. Claire and Melburn Jackson may have been brilliant archaeologists but they weren't exactly the most conscientious of parents, leaving him to be essentially raised by nannies while they pursued their work all over the globe.

At least what happened to them was quick, without leaving either one to experience the anxiety of a bedside vigil, the endless wondering if their beloved would ever open their eyes again. The fear their loved one might slip further and further away until there's nothing left binding them to life, no silver cord or Ka or Ba-

He gives himself a mental shake, disgusted by the maudlin turn of his thoughts. Enough with the brooding already. Becky would not be pleased.

Keep your feet on the ground, Danny.

If- no, when- she wakes he'll get down on one knee right here in the infirmary and beg her to marry him. To be his partner, his life's companion for always.

He's already lost one beloved, and the thought of losing another-

Tears sting his eyes and he squeezes them shut against the pain.

He honestly doesn't know how he can go on without her. And even if he does it'll be so very hard.

Left alone again, as always.

He swallows back a sob. Time to get a grip, for god's sake.

It won't happen. She'll come back to him. She must.

"Daniel? You okay?"

He wipes his eyes with the back of his hand, clears his throat. "I'm fine, Mac. You?"

MacGyver gives a one-sided shrug, shoves his hands into the pockets of his brown leather jacket over the uniform black t-shirt and green utility trousers. Dark circles under his eyes hint at yet another rough night. "Couldn't sleep. Mind if I join you?"

"No, go right ahead."

He takes his customary seat on the other side of the bed and stretches out his long legs, both brothers having perfected an air of casual nonchalance concealing a constant readiness for action. Absently tucks hair streaked with gray- longer than his brother's though not as shaggy as around Zero Hour- around an ear. "Any change?"

"Not really."

Mac's broad shoulders slump. "Figured as much." He's been just as worried about Becky, no surprise given the closeness of their bond since she was a baby.

They've spoken privately off and on before about his experiences as her guardian. "Domestic Adventures" he once wryly called them, rescues from kidnappings by bad guys and hair-raising escapades amidst schoolwork and adolescent drama. Though even back then she was more thoughtful and conscientious than most of her peers, which doesn't surprise him in the least.

"Look," he says after a while, "there's nothing you can do right now. Why don't you go home and get some rest, I'll take over."

Daniel shakes his head. "I don't think I can, Mac. I'm afraid if I walk away, she won't be here when I get back." Painful to admit but there it is.

Mac spreads his hands wide. "Hey, I get it, believe me. But you're no good to her if you collapse. Jan says her vitals are stable, she's in no danger of dying." He falters a little on the last word, a flash of despair showing on his face before resuming its customary stoic smoothness. "I'm just saying some time away would do you good, that's all."

"You sound like Jack. Damned persistent."

"Stubbornness runs in the family," Mac dryly informs him, "as I'm sure you've figured out by now." He pauses. "All I know is Becky wouldn't like it if she finds out you've worn yourself to a frazzle worrying about her. Heck, she's done the same whenever I wound up in the hospital, and for good reason."

Daniel nods, glumly. "I see your point. Okay." Not caring what it looks like, he leans over and places a soft kiss on her unresponsive lips and whispers, "Come back to me soon, nire koliburua, nire bihotza. I need you."

Mac quirks an eyebrow. "Basque?"

A somewhat embarrassed shrug. "Just a thing we do." He can't help the flush on his cheeks. Sharing endearments in other languages has always been a sweet and intimate way of keeping them alive, if only between themselves.

"Yeah." He waves Daniel away. "Go on, get outta here. I'll let you know if anything happens."

"Thanks."

"No problem." He pulls a paperback Western from a jacket pocket. "See ya later."

Daniel turns and flees the room, not daring to look at anyone else. Feeling guilty for abandoning his post despite Mac's reassurances.

He's halfway across the darkened compound when he realizes how the troubleshooter- in his quiet, understated way- could convince him to do what Jack and Janet themselves could not. Much as Becky herself does.

Like uncle, like niece.

"Hey, Danny?"

The radio startles Daniel out of a fitful sleep. Instead of going home he's settled for the couch in the scientists' lounge. Struggling with the blanket only causes him to roll off right onto the floor. "Ow."

"Danny? You awake?"

He sighs, reaching for his glasses before hitting the button on the receiver. "I am now, Jack. What is it?"

"Sorry to tell ya, but Becky's gone."

He swallows. There's that familiar sick feeling in the pit of his stomach, the bottom dropping out of his world. "When? How?"

"A few minutes ago. Mac hasn't a clue where she's gotten to, claims he'd just stepped into the restroom for a sec."

He realizes he's been holding his breath, lets it out in relief. "You mean she's still alive?"

"Wasn't that what I just said? She's gone from the infirmary. Sheesh, whaddya think I meant?"

"Nothing, I just thought... Never mind. I'll be right over."

When he gets there Becky's bed is empty. Covers thrown back, glasses missing from the bedside table, monitor leads, oxygen and IV tubes dangling onto the floor.

Jack raises an eyebrow. "Record time, Danny. Asleep in the lab again?"

Daniel scowls. "Jack, I've got no patience for this right now. What the hell's going on?"

Mac steps forward, shamefaced. "Daniel, I'm so sorry. I swear I was only gone for a minute and...I mean, if I had any notion she'd do something like this-"

He waves him silent. "It's okay. Not your fault."

Janet frowns. "What I don't understand is how she could've gotten away without anyone noticing. Or where she's thinking of going at this hour in her condition."

"Must be sleepwalking again," Jack comments. "Maybe she's building us some kinda Ancient spacecraft from spare parts. If so, we're naming it the Enterprise. " Both Mac and Daniel roll their eyes. "What? It's not like anyone's using the name right now."

"Jack..."

"Daniel..."

Sam arrives in a hurry, breathless. "Sir, there's been a break-in at my lab. Someone's stolen my toolkit, a power cable, several control crystals and the spare ZPM."

He sighs. "Just peachy, Carter. When it rains, it pours."

The alarm klaxon blares. "Attention. Unauthorized activity in the Gateroom. Repeat, unauthorized activity in the Gateroom."

Jack's radio chirps. "General O'Neill? Sergeant Choi in the Gateroom. I didn't know what else to say on the PA, but you have to come see this. Dr. Grahme's doing something to the DHD."

Jack's brow furrows. "Well, that's a first. On our way."

They hurry to the hangar. The swing shift technician in the control area greets them. "Sorry, sir," she says sheepishly. "I just turned away for a minute and-" Gestures in the direction of the DHD to the left of the quiescent Gate, long unused in favor of the dialing computer.

Becky's hunkering down beside it, still in white hospital garb. Tinkering with the insides then stretching and attaching a black cable from it to the Gate.

With an uncertain glance at Jack a marine approaches her. Without looking she holds out her right hand in his direction, palm out. He's shoved well away from her to the floor as if by an invisible force.

Sam's eyes widen. "Holy Hannah."

Jack's eyebrows rise to his hairline. "Huh. That's something."

Mac frowns. "What the heck's going on? What is she doing?"

Daniel wonders the same, though he has a sneaking suspicion it has to do with Huy-Braesealis and what happened to her in the computer core. "You're right, Jack. She's sleepwalking, like what happened when she wrote down the eight-symbol address to Atlantis. This isn't conscious on her part."

"Talk about a night for firsts, Danny. Now you're admitting I'm right for once." Daniel glares at Jack, who just grins.

Two more marines approach Becky but are instantly repelled the same way. "A most effective means of nonlethal defense," Teal'c observes.

"Yeah. Stand down, everyone," Jack orders into the microphone. "No point in the rest of you getting hurt."

"Sir, it may be she's applying a similar principle to the IDS," Sam suggests, "using subsonic waves of a stronger type than infrasound."

Jack frowns. "Can you tell from here what else she's doing, Carter? I have a feeling you're not gonna get a closer look right now."

"It could be she's connecting the ZPM into the DHD. Converting it into a power coupling or two-way connection of some sort."

"Yeah, but why?" Mac wonders. "For what purpose?"

Jack sighs. "Great. You two have been a bad influence. She's become a stealth ninja engineer."

"Not funny, Jack."

Having finished her work Becky replaces the cover, setting her hands on the top of the DHD. Briefly glances once in their direction with an unreadable expression before she starts punching at symbols on the top.

Daniel's stomach gives a lurch as he counts. Eight times.

Enough for a transgalactic crossing.

Suddenly everything's crystal clear, though he still has no idea why.

"Jack, open the iris," he blurts out.

"Why?"

"I know where she's going. She's dialing the address for Atlantis."

Jack's eyes widen. "Do it," he tells Choi. "Perkins," to the nearby marine sergeant, "fetch their go bags from the archaeology lab, pronto."

"Yes, sir." He's off like a light.

"Jack..."

"No need to say anything, Daniel. It's obvious now she's on a mission for the city, and you're going with her."

Sam looks at them, brows furrowed. "Sir, we haven't had word from the Atlantis Expedition for two years. We have no idea if they're even alive."

"I know that, Carter. Danny, you're not prepped for this but neither is she, so whatever's in your go bags will have to do. No matter what happens I want you to have her back at all times. No argument, okay? I mean it."

He's relieved, at least a little. "You won't get any from me. Thanks."

"Wow, another first. Definitely gonna mark this on my calendar." The usual dry wit to conceal his concern.

Becky hits the red central crystal and the Gate springs to life, the inner ring turning of its own accord, chevrons locking in steady sequence.

Sam types on the keyboard, frowns at the readings. "She's rigged the DHD to override the dialing computer. We can't stop it."

"Shouldn't we be waking her or something?" Mac wonders.

"Not a good idea if she's in a fugue state," Janet reminds him. "Where's the power coming from?"

"Apparently the ZPM, but also the residual neutrino energy already stored in the Stargate." Sam's eyes widen. "Of course! Like what happens with the emplacements for the Astria, to power the shield. That might be enough to provide the extra push for a successful wormhole connection to the Pegasus Galaxy."

Perkins arrives with the go bags in either hand and Daniel takes them, nodding his thanks.

"Looks like you're going to Atlantis after all," Jack quips, then sobers. "Who knows what shape the expedition's in after two years of isolation but your subcutaneous transmitters should provide the necessary IDCs for them to lower whatever defenses they've got set up, if they even have any. Just be careful, that's an order."

The wormhole engages with the usual kawoosh and settles. "Power levels holding steady," Sam notes with a touch of surprise in her voice. "Everything functioning just like with the emplacements."

With everyone watching Becky moves slowly onto the ramp and pauses, her petite form silhouetted against brilliant blue. To Daniel it appears as if she's waiting for something.

Or someone.

For him, perhaps? Is their connection so deep and profound that even the AI recognizes its necessity?

Speculation for another time. Right now she needs him by her side, and he's prepared to do just that.

Mac stares into the event horizon, bites his lower lip. "Daniel?" he ventures.

"Hmm?"

"Whatever happens over there... Just take good care of our princess, okay?" Jack's eyes are filled with a similar unease.

"I'll do my best," he promises, and they nod in return. That's all they can hope for.

Sam frowns. "What a minute. She still has my toolkit."

"Consider it a loan, Carter. Probably thinks she'll need it over there." Jack nudges him. "You're up, Danny. Good luck."

He jogs over to join her. "I'm here, Becky. Lead the way."

Saying nothing in return she walks straight into the event horizon without hesitation.

After one last glance over his shoulder at Jack and the others he does the same.