Becky's world is coming apart around her. And it's killing Daniel to watch it happen.

Since arriving back on New Earth everything seemed normal for a couple months. Then one day she happened to glance through the report of her rescue he left open by mistake and it's like a switch flipped in her mind.

Normally level-headed, her sanity's now crumbling before his eyes, in a gradual yet steady erosion.

At first he thought it no different than what anyone else goes through in the aftermath of a dangerous mission. Even the toughest marines have trouble coping at times with all the weirdness the universe throws at them on a regular basis.

But this is different. She's different.

She has trouble sleeping, just as Daniel had feared. No matter where they go, the projects they work on or even what they do off-duty, nothing can free her mind from the nightmares. Not even the herbal tea prescribed by Janet for bedtime seems to do any good.

She doesn't remember the dreams in the morning but they have a distinct influence on her daily activities nonetheless, to the point of affecting her performance at work. Misplacing artifacts, forgetting important information related to missions, failing to make obvious connections, messing up on translations. Highly uncharacteristic behavior for his conscientious and detail-oriented assistant.

Now he lies on the couch, hands behind his head, mulling it over. He's tried to get her to talk about it but the timing's never quite right. They've been swamped with work as it is, hardly a free moment to deal with anything except for their current projects.

In fact Becky's been withdrawing from everyone now, not just him. Spending more time by herself reading or burying herself in work, instead of going out with him to concerts around the settlement or even get-together nights with the rest of the gang. As a fellow introvert he understands, but still.

There's a shadow in her eyes that didn't used to be there, a furtiveness to her movements. She holds herself tighter so as not to brush against anyone most of the time- even Daniel himself, to his dismay. Doesn't even speak up in briefings anymore to offer observations or suggestions.

Truth be told he hasn't been doing so well himself lately, either. The pitiful condition they found her in tugs at his heartstrings and haunts his own nightmares even now.

He'd give anything to turn the clock back, disobey Jack's order. To make sure she's actively aware and on guard against Norris' treachery. As if that would've made any difference.

Basically he just wants his brave and brilliant hummingbird by his side again, instead of this timid and cautious mouse.

Not that he'd ever admit it to her face, of course.

One day in the lab he finds her standing in front of the filing cabinet, a blank expression on her face, eyes glazed over. "Um, are you okay?" When she says nothing he comes closer, gently touching her arm. "Becky?"

Her head snaps in his direction. Eyes wide, chest heaving in short gasps as she stumbles backwards until bumping against the worktable, sending a few books tumbling. She winces at their loud slaps against the floor.

He immediately backs away. "Hey, it's just me. Relax."

She blinks several times. "Daniel?"

"Yeah. What's going on?"

"Not sure, really. Just got lost in my thoughts for a moment, I guess. I'll be fine." She bends to gather the scattered books, setting them back on the table with more force than necessary.

"You sure? I could call Janet-"

She rounds on him, clenching her fists. "Dammit, I said I'm fine! Leave me alone!"

He winces at the sharp tone in her voice. "Sorry."

An awkward silence follows. Both withdrawing, unwilling to meet the other's eyes. Tension stretches between them.

At length Becky sighs, her shoulders slumping. "I'm sorry too. Honestly, I don't know what's going on with me."

Daniel longs to pull her into his arms but there's a tenseness to her body that's clearly saying Don't touch me. "Do you want to at least talk about it?"

A furtive look in her eyes. "Um, I don't think so."

She says nothing more for the rest of the day.

She doesn't that night either, to the point of turning her back on him in bed when he reaches for her. The rejection cuts him to the quick.

In the morning she's full of remorse for the previous day's behavior. He forgives her, of course.

But he can't stop wondering what's going on in her head.

The next time is even worse.

Daniel had stepped out of the lab for a meeting with other department heads and to pick up some more prepared klahbark to brew, perhaps only an hour and a half all told. When he returns Becky's nowhere to be seen and Quinn is looking rather bewildered.

He lifts his eyebrows in a silent questioning look.

"I'm not really sure what happened," Jonas admits. "One minute she was helping me catalog artifacts and the next her eyes got really wide and she had trouble catching her breath. I asked her what was wrong and she practically jumped out of her skin," looking a little proud at using the expression in its proper format despite his concern, "and hid under her desk." He frowns. "That was the wrong thing for me to do, wasn't it? I didn't mean to scare her, honest."

"I know you didn't." He sighs, lifting his glasses to pinch at the bridge of his nose. Berating Jonas further would only confuse him and freak her out all the more. "Okay. Show me what she was looking at."

"It's over here, with the ones we decided were for ceremonial use," gesturing to the artifacts laid out on the worktable.

Daniel gives them a quick once-over, not seeing anything unusual at first. Then he spies an obsidian blade which resembles the field knives the marines carry.

Like the one Becky had held over Norris, intending to run it through his heart. The memory of the fury in her eyes sends a shiver down his spine even now.

All this time he never knew she was capable of such ferocity. But, he suspects, she didn't either. He's not sure which of them is more shaken up about it.

"That's what set her off," he tells Jonas quietly, pointing at the blade. "Let's stash it somewhere else for a while, or at least until one of us can deal with it later when she's not around."

"All right, but what about her? Should we talk her into coming out from under there or what?"

Daniel shakes his head. "Absolutely not. She needs to feel safe. Forcing her out will only make it worse." He purses his lips, considering. "Tell you what. Why don't you take the rest of the day off? I'll look after her, we'll be fine."

"But I can stay, it's no problem-"

"We'll be fine," he repeats, firmly but not unkindly. "Go take Jael out for a concert or something. I've got this. See you tomorrow." He's been seeing Sergeant Abadi- one of the day shift Gateroom technicians- for a while now, which Daniel wouldn't have noticed save for Becky bringing it to his attention once.

When Quinn's gone he tucks the knife back in the crate and returns to her desk, crouching down to her level. Becky's hugging her knees to her chest and rocking back and forth, whimpering. The expression on her face is blank but terror lurks in her gaze.

Flashback, and a bad one.

"Hi," keeping his voice calm. "Jonas is gone, it's just me. Do you need anything right now?"

Her eyes swivel to him. "No." So soft he can barely hear it.

"That's all right. You can stay where you are as long as you need, I'll be at my desk. We'll go home whenever you're ready. Okay?"

A timid nod. "Okay."

Like when she froze the last time he wants so badly to pull her close, soothe her trembling body. But maintaining a distance for now is the wiser course of action. "Good. Se agapó, kolívrio."

"Se agapó, koráki."

He works for a while, talking to her every now and then in a soothing tone. Patiently waiting for her to pull herself together.

Becky crawls out from under a few hours later, shamefaced. "Sorry about that."

Daniel smiles gently. "There's no need to apologize."

"I owe Jonas one tomorrow, though. Guess I kinda freaked him out. Think he'll ever forgive me?"

"I shouldn't worry about it too much. He'll get over it." He shuffles the papers on his desk into a pile- some of her tidier habits have influenced his over the years- and stands up. "Time to go home?"

She nods, relieved.

They're sleeping apart from each other now. At her request, a misguided belief her nightmares are cramping his style.

Which is patently untrue but he goes along with it, to give back some of the control she needs.

Daniel sprawls on the couch in t-shirt and boxers, blankets and pillows providing minimal comfort against the faint chill in the air. Spends his nights agonizing over what to do, desperately wanting to give her an answer, to offer a magic pill that would take all her pain and fear away.

But he's got nothing. He hates feeling so helpless.

However, he's not above seeking the advice of those who can.

Mac enters the refectory for dinner, collects his tray and nods in friendly fashion to those already gathered round the table. "Evening, all."

"Good evening, MacGyver," Teal'c says with his usual grave courtesy. Nearby Shallan the former lo'taur offers a tentative smile, understandably a little uneasy around strangers but making an effort anyway.

She's been staying in guest quarters until they can make contact with Kanan and Darien, having expressed an interest in seeing them again, or at the very least having a chance to live on one of the Tok'ra-protected worlds. Jacob and Selmak promised their people would come to a decision about her soon.

Too bad Ba'al managed to escape in his Al'kesh, Mac muses. What's left of his armed forces has been greatly reduced after they'd destroyed the fortress and main Jaffa encampment on Sidon, so hopefully the snake won't bother them again for a long time.

At the other end of the table Jack and Sam pay them little attention, sipping at klah and smiling into each other's eyes in silent conversation, along with the odd conspiratorial snigger or two. Hardly surprising but Mac has the distinct feeling something big happened between them back on the ship.

If it's what he thinks then so much the better. He wouldn't trade the domestic bliss he's found with Janet and Cassie for anything, and Sam and Jack getting married would do them both a world of good.

He opens his mouth to give his congratulations but Jack nails him with a perceptive look and quick shake of his head. Okay, so they want to keep it under wraps for a while.

Janet enters with a preoccupied air, hands deep in the pockets of her white lab coat, brows drawn together and lips compressed into a thin line. An expression Mac often sees on her after a difficult shift at the base infirmary or settlement hospital.

Mac waves her over, kissing her and placing his mug of klah in her hands. "Looks like you need this more than I do, doc."

She blinks at it for a second then takes a sip, sighing in relief. "God, yes. Thanks."

"No problem. Hey, didn't Becky have a follow-up appointment with you this morning? How's her shoulder?"

"Better, though she doesn't have full range of motion yet. She's been doing regular exercises with the physiotherapist but I can tell her heart's not really in it. Just going through the motions."

"Like the light's on but nobody's home." Mac stares glumly down into his plate. "You know, I still can't get a peep out of Jack or Daniel as to how bad a shape she was in when they found her."

"You won't from me either. So don't keep asking." He's seen that stubborn look in her eyes enough times to know she means it.

Daniel arrives, his expression distant. Mac assumes he's going to collect their trays as usual so he and Becky can eat in the lab away from curious eyes. But instead he makes a beeline straight for their table, plops into a chair. Picks up a stray fork and sets it down again.

Jack quirks an eyebrow. "Rough day, Danny?"

"Huh?" He startles and glances around, as if he didn't realize anyone else was already there. "Oh, sorry. Just got a lot on my mind, that's all."

"Nothing new there. Care to share with the class?"

Daniel doesn't answer, only frowns and starts fiddling with the salt shaker.

Jack shares a knowing glance with the rest of his former teammates and shifts a little in his seat.

Daniel yelps and shoots him a baleful glare, rubbing at his ankle. "Dammit, was kicking me in the leg really necessary?"

"Next time answer the question."

"Jack..."

"Daniel..."

Mac sighs. Becky's right, for a decorated military officer and respected academic they sure do act like they're both six years old sometimes. "Seriously, guys. You're really gonna get into this now?"

Jack smirks at him.

Daniel's annoyed expression softens. "It's Becky. She hasn't slept well since we got back from Sidon. It's starting to impact her work in a big way. She forgets things, snaps at me for no apparent reason, freezes in place and has panic attacks. I have no idea how to help."

"Sounds like post-traumatic stress," Janet muses. "Like what happened to her after Witnessing the end of Old Earth, only much more severe because of the physical abuse. Sometimes it takes longer for the mind to process what the body experienced."

"The healing chamber on board the Rebecca Grahme fixed her up though, right?" Mac queries.

"True. Physically she's fine save for the residual issue with her shoulder. Mentally, though..." She hesitates a moment before continuing. "She's having trouble dealing with it, but I can't do much about that under my purview. Heightmeyer in Atlantis will have to help Becky with the psychological component. I can say if she ignores it for much longer she'll push herself too hard with the lack of sleep and counseling. Maybe even suffer physical impairment. Memory loss, irritability, freezing and panic attacks are warning signs."

Mac shares a concerned glance with Jack and Daniel. Shades of Operation Astria, in a way.

Daniel lifts his glasses to pinch at the bridge of his nose. "Um, that might be a problem. She's not ready to talk. At all."

Jack frowns slightly. "Not ready for prime time yet, huh?"

"Indeed, O'Neill," Teal'c says. "The memories of her ordeal have not yet relinquished their hold on her mind. I have attempted to ease her burden by guiding her through kel'no'reem but she has been unable to find peace. When I inquired what she visualized she said there is nothing but darkness inside and she is lost."

Mac sighs and rubs a hand over his face. Doesn't sound like his clever, cheerful niece at all. More like after Murdoc kidnapped her. Or maybe worse.

She's always been a trooper but whatever happened to her on Sidon's almost pushed her to the edge. If she doesn't get help she may never get back to normal. Thing is, she has to ask for it first.

Jack perks up. "Speaking of whom, campers," nodding towards the refectory entrance.

Becky stands in the doorway, scanning the room with deep apprehension, poised to flee at any time. Mac's reminded of how she acted after her family's funeral, a mere shadow of herself.

With a start he realizes this is the first time she's shown her face here in months. And so does everyone else in the room, apparently.

Gate teams, airmen, marines, scientists and support staff alike murmur among themselves. Some rise to their feet and salute her in an unbidden gesture of solidarity and respect. Just like the day she beamed into the compound, after finishing her healing in orbit under Janet's supervision. She swallows, clearly mortified by the sudden attention.

A marine brushes past her, the merest touch at her shoulder height. She shrieks, spins on her heel and disappears without saying a word.

Jack glares at the marine who hangs his head, suitably abashed. No doubt he'll be assigned waste-reclamation duty for a long time.

Janet sadly shakes her head. Sam worries at her lower lip. Teal'c quirks an eyebrow and Shallan's just plain confused.

Mac shoves his plate aside, feeling a little sick.

Daniel stands up, staring after her in dismay. "I'd better get our trays and make sure she's okay. See you guys later."

"Dammit," Jack mutters after he leaves. "We bombed the fortress down to the ground but in her mind she's still there. Guess being home isn't doing her much good either." He rests his elbows on the table, scrubbing at his forehead with the heels of his hands. "Anyone got a better idea? Now's the time to share, 'cause I'm fresh out."

Sam rubs her chin thoughtfully. "Sir, what if you send Becky and Daniel to Atlantis?"

"Hold on," Mac says, "aren't those creepy life-sucking Wraith still on the loose in Pegasus?"

"Yeah, but as weird as it sounds I think she'll do better there than here."

Jack absently taps a finger against his lips. "Good point, Carter. I've had a hankering to visit myself for a while. You up for a vacation, Mac?"

Mac blinks in surprise. It's true he's been curious about the colony since Becky made recontact for them but he's never thought about visiting himself until now. "Sure, why not?"

"Peachy. I'll get Walter to dial up and make travel reservations. Might just be the ticket for all of us."

Since the incident in the refectory Becky unravels even more before Daniel's eyes, barely holding it together on the job.

He's willing to cover for her but it gets harder every day. She's more reluctant than ever to talk about what's bothering her, which makes him feel awful for going behind her back like this. But there's no other choice.

When he brings up his concerns again Jack only shakes his head. "She's gotta work it out at her own pace, Danny. Forcing the issue will only make things worse. She needs space and time to come to grips before she's ready to ask for help. You of all people know that already."

"I do, it's just more difficult than I thought to be the rock she needs and..." He flushes and looks down at the floor, scuffing the toe of his boot against the worn wooden surface. "Ah, you know what I mean."

"Yeah." For an unguarded second a shadow crosses over Jack's features before the amiable facade slips back into place. "But hey, look on the bright side. You're not alone, there's me and everyone else watching her six. Be patient, okay? She'll find her own way back to us."

He sighs. "I know she will, Jack. I just wish I could do more for her, that's all."

"Having you in her corner's enough, believe me. Now cheer up, Spacemonkey. I got a mission for you," patting him on the back and steering him in the direction of the refectory, "Sam had an idea the other day that's right up your alley. C'mon, we'll discuss it over cake."

"Atlantis?" Becky's brows draw together. "Why would you send us there now? We've got some major trade agreements coming up, not to mention prepping for excavations on two planets."

"Three reasons, Beck. One, I have it on good authority you both could use a vacation. Don't think I haven't been paying attention now," he adds with a raised finger as she opens her mouth to protest. "Two, I got a request the other day from Elizabeth. Apparently McKay wants to take another crack at finding the lab of some big Ancient scientist and she needs you there to supervise him and Daniel. And three, Mac's reminded me how antsy you get when you haven't seen the beach in a while."

Becky rolls her eyes. "That was when I was a kid, for crying out loud."

Daniel scowls. "It's a floating city, Jack. And she's right, we really have a lot of work to do." The whole meeting's for Becky's benefit, all the arrangements having been made ahead of time with cooperation from Atlantis. Dragging his heels is part of the script.

"Sorry Danny, already signed off on it. The sea air will do you two a world of good." His face lights up, as if he's just had a brilliant idea. "Hey, you don't mind if I come with, do ya? Always wanted to check the place out myself. And maybe Mac and the rest of the gang would be willing to tag along. I'm sure Hammond can hold down the fort again for a few days, he got such a kick out of it the last time."

Becky stares at him as if he's gone nuts. "Are you really sure about this? And inviting Mac too?"

"Yep. Been a long time since we last had a family outing, after all. I think it'll be fun." With so much determined mischief in his eyes there's no gainsaying him.

Daniel inwardly groans, hoping the plan doesn't devolve into Jack's wacky brand of chaos. It may take years for Atlantis and the Pegasus Galaxy to recover.

Later that night Daniel hears the screams and goes from sleep to wakefulness with a painful jolt. Sits up on the couch- heart pounding, mouth dry- and shoves the blanket aside, putting on his glasses but not bothering to turn on any lights as he hurries to the bedroom.

He turns on the bedside lamp. Becky's tangled in the sheets, curled tightly on her side and moaning softly. Her rapid-fire breathing tells him she's not awake yet.

Damn Norris and Ba'al for giving her these nightmares. Damn them.

He eases onto the edge of the mattress, carefully smoothing a hand down her back. "Becky, wake up. You're dreaming."

She does with a start, flinching from his touch. Eyes wide and fixed as they search the darkness. "Who's there?"

"It's me," he soothes. "We're home. You're safe. Remember?"

Some of the blankness leaves her gaze. She blinks at him and sits up with a groan. "Daniel? What's going on?"

"You were screaming in your sleep. Another bad dream?"

"I honestly don't think I have any other kind, these days. Sorry I woke you," she adds miserably. "Guess the sleeping apart thing isn't really working out."

"It isn't," he admits. "I know you thought you were being considerate but I'd rather stay here with you."

"I seem to be screwing up a lot lately." She sighs, plucking at her sweat-soaked t-shirt, wiping a hand over her face and through her hair, grimacing. "Bleah. I need a shower now."

"It'll cost you a quarter of a fav," he quips in imitation of Jack-style humor.

"So put it on my tab." They share a reminiscent smile for their usual affectionate banter.

"Hold on a second." He goes over to the dresser, pulls out another of his faded t-shirts. "Here. They always look better on you than they do on me." She flushes at his gentle teasing but holds onto it anyway.

With a frown he watches the way her shoulders slump as she heads to the bathroom. Maybe they need a vacation after all.

With one ear trained on the bathroom Daniel stretches out on his side, reading. He's discussed post-traumatic stress with Janet a little more, relieved to learn he's been doing everything right so far. But Becky has to take the next step in her recovery by herself.

He has a gut feeling she's about to do just that. Either tonight or soon enough, anyway.

Fifteen minutes later there's sound of the hairdryer then the bathroom door opens, releasing a cloud of steam and Becky in the new t-shirt. Without a word she sits on the bed, one foot resting on the floor and the other folded under her. Picks up the hairbrush from the bedside table and stares at it with a vacant expression. So vulnerable it almost breaks his heart.

He's never been closer to another human being in his life. She's unlike anyone else he's ever known, more intriguing than the most mysterious artifacts and unknown languages in the universe for all she's claimed to be perfectly ordinary.

He sets the book down, reaches over to lightly stroke her back. She quivers but doesn't move away. "May I?" nodding at the brush dangling from her hand.

At her uncertain nod he arranges himself behind her, taking it from her and making slow passes through her hair. She sits quietly, staring straight ahead while he brushes the auburn tresses back from her face and gathers them into his palm.

He closes his eyes, reveling in the flow of her silken strands between his fingers, the herbal scent of the shampoo wafting through the air. He should pamper her like this more often.

When finished he sets the brush on the bedside table beside her book and glasses and stands up. "It's late, and we have to get ready for Atlantis tomorrow. You should get some sleep, I'll be on the couch."

She stops him with a tentative hand on his arm. "I'm tired of sleeping alone. Please stay with me?" Her voice wavers a bit, as if fearing rejection.

"Of course." He removes his glasses, pulls the t-shirt over his head and tosses it in the direction of the clothes hamper, leaving his boxers on. Slips between the cool cotton sheets on the other side, holding his arm out to her invitingly.

She hesitates but joins him after turning out the light. Her petite length curls against him and he suppresses a shudder at the intimate contact, sternly reminding a certain part of his anatomy that now is not the time to react.

Soft rays of moonlight trickle across the tousled bedding as they lie silently together. Only the gentlest of caresses for her, making no effort to take things further even as he desperately wishes otherwise.

It's been so long since they last touched this way. Since they last made love.

But she's not ready for more and he wouldn't dream of forcing her, even as his body yearns for sweet communion and consummation. It's enough they have this for tonight.

He settles for cuddling her, dropping a light kiss onto her hair. Willing the warmth of his body to permeate hers.

"Daniel?" Her voice is slightly muffled against his shoulder.

"Hmm?"

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For being so awful to everyone lately, especially you. It's embarrassing. I thought I could cope with what happened all by myself but I can't. I need help." The quiet admission is loud in the darkness.

He feels a surge of tenderness. "There's nothing to be ashamed of, Becky. You've been through a terrible experience but it's over now. You're not alone, not ever. We'll help you get past this and you'll be stronger than ever."

She raises her head and stares at him in frank incredulity. "How can you be so certain?"

He gently strokes her face, fingertips skimming along the delicate curve of her ear. "Because I know you, better than you know yourself. You can do anything you set your mind to. And I'll be here for you every step of the way."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"Oh, raven-" A tear trickles down her cheek. He tenderly wipes it away.

"Hush, my hummingbird." He plants a kiss on her forehead, hoping she feels cared for and safe. That this is just what she needs as part of her recovery. "Sleep now. We'll talk more in the morning."

There's a long, hard road ahead before she can truly come to grips with what was done to her. But hopefully she'll come out all the better for it on the other side. He'll do whatever it takes to ensure it does.

He watches as she drifts into unconsciousness, waiting patiently for her occasional soft sighs to indicate when she enters deep sleep.

Wishing her the sweetest of dreams as his own eyes close.