A/N: This is just a bridge chapter into the next one, I hope you guys are enjoying. Thanks for the reviews. I have a few thoughts for another S/J, but I am still writing a few chapters where Teal'c is taken to learn more about American culture, I have two Chapters, I think it will be one for each month out of they year.


General Hammond had given the go-ahead to return to the pink moon planet, at least that's what Jack was calling it now. SG-1 and 11 were going to see if the people could give any more insight into the strange pitcher that Daniel had finally deciphered. Jack was glad that Sam would be coming with him this time because at least they were in this together. He wasn't quite sure how they did it. If it was just him and her, all bets were off, but even if it was only Daniel around, it was like they were in work mode. Though the feelings were obviously still there, they didn't show displays of affection. They didn't talk too personal, and if they did, it was usually about Cassie or plans for the evening and nothing more.

Michelle and Sam had become fast friends, and Jack loved that another female scientist was there to engage in conversation with her. He was interested in many the same things. They wouldn't work if he weren't, but some things went way over his head. It seemed like no matter what Sam was talking about, Michelle was on the same page and could instantly add to the conversation.

Michelle and Sam also had non-work-related conversations, and Jack had walked by Michelle's office, hearing the two of them giggling, and Jack wished to be a fly on the wall. He hoped that Sam wasn't talking about him, or if she was, it was something good. Her giggle always put a smile on his face, and he couldn't wait to hear it again.

Teal'c and Daniel were at Jack's office door.

"Teal'c remembered a story from his childhood that may clue us in on to what this pitcher could be," Daniel explained.

"Go on, T.," Jack stated.

"As a young boy, we were told many stories of different planets and humans who were below us. One group of people called the Al'a'kesh were people who were not as knowledgeable but had the ability to live as long as any of the gods. It was said the Al'a'kesh had a great ritual known as the Lo'tar'an. They would drink out of a grand pitcher, that would restore health and vitality. It slowed the aging process but could not bring you back from death, only prolong your life." Teal'c explained.

"So you think these people are the Al'aKesh, why wouldn't the Goa'uld take this from them?" Jack asked.

"The story claimed that it could only be used on Al'a'Kesh's home planet and that the ritual was only known to a select few," Teal'c explained.

"Ah, of course, Alright, well, we'll see what tomorrow brings," Jack claimed.

Jack had a feeling that the story Teal'c was told as a child had some truth in it. He wondered just how old these people were. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary it seemed like a mix of old and young and even small children, but maybe they were not very small at all. Jack wasn't sure what to expect. They were headed through the gate at 1300, and he was itching to go. He missed it in the few weeks he'd been gone.

Sam had been off-world only once in all that time; although SG-11 was head science exploration, they were all in charge of their scientific departments as well, so it didn't leave a whole lot of time for gate travel.

Jack had talked to general Hammond after the briefing, wondering just how often SG-1 needed to go out. Gen. Hammond had told Jack that he realized the situation and understood his feelings about SG-11. Still, General Hammond claimed that Jack would most likely only be doing 70% of his missions with Sg-11 and the other 30% would be with other teams, because going through the gate was their primary job, and for now, that was Sam, Michelle, and Daniel's secondary job. Jack understood that he did, but why did Sam have to miss all the fun because she was smarter suddenly.


Jack finally made it home and told Elliott he would be gone a few days. Elliott didn't seem to mind too much.

"Don't worry about anything. Hopefully, the place is still standing when you get back." Elliott joked.

Jack smiled.

"So, how is school?" Jack asked.

"Not bad, but colleges are coming to school soon, and I don't know what to do," Elliott admitted.

"Apply to the ones you want to go to," Jack stated.

"I know, Cassie told me not to worry where I don't know. It just feels like it's happening all at once," Elliott admitted.

"I remember those days. I wanted to go to the academy, though, so it was an easy choice." Jack claimed.

Elliott nodded.

"You know I've been thinking about all kinds of majors. I am really good at math, and I love science." Elliott claimed.

"Wasn't Cassie helping you with math the first time I met you?" Jack asked.

"Sort of…" Elliot claimed.

Jack rolled his eyes.

"Really, well, you and Sam could have a conversation or two," Jack stated.

"Cassie said she's brilliant," Elliott claimed.

"Got the word Doctor in front of her name to prove it," Jack claimed.

"Cassie never told me that," Elliott claimed.

"yep, Ph.D. In physics." Jack stated.

"That's insane," Elliott claimed.

"Tell me about it. There is nothing she can't do." Jack smiled.

Elliott laughed.

Jack looked at him.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but you get this glaze over your eyes when you talk about her, you know," Elliott stated.

"I do not!" Jack said, offended.

Elliott laughed again. "Okay, whatever you say."

Jack began muttering under his breath.

Elliott changed the subject.

"I love cooking, but I don't want it to become a job. I think I want to go into geology." Elliot claimed.

"Geology?" Jack asked.

"Yeah, I mean minerals, and rock formations, and natural gas, earthquakes geological formations. It's all fascinating." Elliott claimed.

"So, you like rocks?" Jack asked.

"Well, yeah, I guess so," Elliott claimed.

"Have you ever been to the Mineral collection at the Natural History Museum in DC?" Elliott asked suddenly.

"Yeah, a time or two, it's been awhile, though," Jack stated.

"It was a four-hour drive from home, and when I was a kid my parents would go every summer, and we had field trips when I was in middle school, and I loved to wander through the gem and mineral collection, it's amazing the earth has all of that on it just sitting here, you know," Elliott claimed.

Jack smiled.

"It's good to be passionate," Jack stated.

"Thanks, do you think it's too big of a stretch, especially if I go somewhere on a sports scholarship?" Elliott asked.

"Depends, do you want to pursue athletics as a career?" Jack asked.

"I mean, I never really thought about it before. I like sports." Elliott claims.

"Do you love sports?" Jack asked.

"When I am in the game, it's a rush. When I run track, it's a rush, I like the feeling, and I'm lucky I haven't had any major injuries. I'm not good enough at soccer to get anywhere, and I know that. Track well, you don't make any money there, so…" Elliot explained.

"Well, you'll figure it out. If you need application money or anything…" Jack stated.

"Thanks, but I've saved up," Elliot claimed.

"I know, Cass told me, but I don't want you wasting all your money on application fees," Jack said.

"Mrs. Riggs said that they have vouchers at school and not to worry about it." Elliott finally said.

"Okay then," Jack stated.

"So, you said your parents took you places?" Jack stated.

"They weren't always like this," Elliot explained.

"I have two older brothers. They are 36 and 32. They both live out east, and they call time to time. I don't know everything was normal until dad's office shut down in Pittsburgh, he was helping people with credit managing, loan forgiveness, stuff like that, but with the internet now, a lot of people chose to do it on there own. The Pittsburgh office was the smallest, so they closed and gave my dad a list of options where he could go, where they could move. Mom wanted him to get a new job, but dad was worried about losing his benefits, retirement, and stuff. Dad had an uncle who lived out here, and that's how it was decided to move to Colorado Springs. When we got here, it was a lot different than Pittsburgh. He lost his job about a year ago; well, they offered him early retirement, but it doesn't pay the bills. Mom's been working as a CNA. Until this, we were typical well normal as one could be taking trips, laughing, talking my parents cared about my school work, and my friends, but the past year it's as if they've been totally avoiding me. When dad told me it was time to get out, I was surprised he said something to me. " Elliott claimed.

Jack looked at him.

"Sorry to hear that, Elliott. I hope you know that people can change, and maybe they'll give you a call in a few weeks and apologize." Jack stated.

"We'll see," Elliott claimed.

"You have dinner?" Jack asked.

"About an hour ago, there some spaghetti in the fridge if you want it," Elliott claimed.

Jack smiled and went headfirst into the fridge, taking a bite before warming it up.

Elliot smiled and looked back down at the schoolwork he had been working on.


Jack was ready for the mission. He wished Sam had stayed with him the night before but understood why she didn't. He hadn't gotten to cuddle up next to her since Friday night, and even though she seemed fine Saturday morning, nothing more had been spoken about the event.

Jack had gone to his office, signing paperwork when Teal'c walked in.

"Ready for today's adventure, T?" Jack asked.

"If you are referring to our trip through the gate, yes, Doctor Fraiser has asked we all go to the briefing room as she wants to talk to us about the ritual of the planet before we leave," Teal'c claimed.

"Alright then," Jack said, standing up.

SG-11 and SG-1 slowly trickle in to see General Hammond and Janet sitting at the conference room once everyone gathered in General Hammond started.

"Doctor Fraiser here has been looking of Doctor Daniel's translations and is asking to run a few experiments to be done while you're there, and this is strictly voluntary.

Janet began next.

"After looking over everything Dr. Jackson has presented, I want to learn the most that we can. If this is a fountain of youth kind of drink, I would like to rule out the planet itself so if someone could refrain from drinking the drink to do more specific blood tests. No one seemed to have any issues after the last trip, so I am not too concerned. If someone is willing to drink a second helping, that is, of course, if it is offered." Janet claimed.

Everyone nodded.

"I want you to chose once you get there, a blind study just in case," Janet said.

Everyone looked around the room and nodded.

"Alright, you are free to return to your posts, I'll see you at 1300," Hammond claimed.

Everyone got up and went their separate ways.

Jack caught up with Sam, asking her to stop by his office before they left.

It was 11:30 when Sam made her way to Jack's office.

"You wanted to see me, sir," Sam claimed.

"Yeah, close the door." jack stated.

Sam closed the door.

"Hey, I just wanted to make sure we're okay," Jack stated.

"We're fine, Jack," Sam claimed.

"You ready to talk about the other night?" Jack asked.

"Do we have too?" Sam asked.

"No, if you're okay, I'm okay." Jack smiled.

Sam smiled back.

"I was hoping that after we get back, I can take you out somewhere," Jack claimed.

"I'd like that, Jack," Sam claimed.

"Good," Jack stated.

"Can I kiss you?" Jack asked.

"We're at work," Sam claimed.

"I know, but no one will see us, and there is a blind spot right here. Jack stood so the camera won't pick us up." Jack smiled.

Sam laughed at the man.

She walked up to him and hugged him and kissed his lips, desperate for the attention.

"I know a lot been going on right now, so if you need anything," Jack claimed.

Sam nodded and didn't let go of him for a few minutes, and they both soaked in what they could because this was most likely the closest they'd be for the next three days.

Finally, they pulled apart and got lunch together, before setting off to the planet.