Hi - back home but still jet-lagged! I'm coming to the end of Mariscola – only one or two more chapters - and then will complete the other two stories I have on hold. Thanks for your patience everyone! I'll reallytry and exercise restraint and not start another story until those are done.

James took his chance when everyone was preoccupied with Pasha. If he could get back to town he figured he'd be safe and right now, that's all he cared about.

As he slid out the window of the parlor, and onto the porch, he breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that once he was out of here he'd start to plot again on how he could get more of what he wanted, which was money and power, but for now, escaping with his life was bonus enough.

He was surprised that he made it all the way to the barn and still no one had figured out that he was gone. He quickly saddled one of the horses and took off at full speed. He was travelling so fast that he almost didn't see the two men on foot coming towards the ranch. At the last minute he caught sight of them and decided to change direction so as not to run into them. He was halfway back to Mariscola before he truly believed that, once again, he'd managed to get out without any damage to himself. What had happened with Samantha and O'Neill and the others, he really couldn't care less. He only hoped that they put an end to Pasha.

"I wonder who that was?" Petersen asked. "He was travelling like a bat out of hell!"

"Probably met up with O'Neill", Reynolds quipped. "He has a tendency to do that to people."

"Is Colonel O'Neill really like they say?" the young officer asked. "I mean – I've heard he's a real hero but that he's rather – unconventional."

"Oh yeah, he's a hero alright", the Colonel said, "but there are a lot of those in our business. Unconventional?" he laughed. "Oh yeah! But I think the main thing about Colonel O'Neill is that he intentionally makes people underestimate him. He's one of the smartest guys I know, but most people don't know that when they hear him talk. He's also one of the most humble officers I've ever met. He doesn't even know how bright he is. And the best thing about Jack! You can trust him absolutely. If he tells you something, you know it's gonna happen. There's no one I'd rather have watch my six then him."

"I just hope he's gonna be okay. It sounded like he'd been hurt real bad."

"Yeah", Reynolds sighed deeply. "I hope so too. I'd hate to lose O'Neill to something so stupid. Damn!"

"What is it Sir?"

"Oh, just these infernal boots. They're new and they've given me blisters. Never walk in new boots Captain! Wouldn't you know we'd end up having to walk all over this god-forsaken desert. O'Neill is so gonna owe me for this one. Thank God", he muttered, just a few minutes later. "Looks like we've arrived."

Bart sat drinking until late into the evening, furious with O'Neill and Janet and Knightly and hell, with the whole damned world. Why had this happened? He'd been working faithfully for Janet for years and before that for her father. He'd always been loyal – he would have done anything for either of them. And then along came that idiot O'Neill and had destroyed everything! He was glad he'd told Knightly – he was! He hoped that their local villain James managed to rid the world of O'Neill. Maybe then things would return to the way they had been.

He knew that what was going on was related to old Dave Henderson. Bart laughed and took another drink. Dave! Yeah, that was the name he'd taken when he'd arrived here years ago. In actual fact his real name was Bora - and he was a Prince. Bart – or Bartoleo, his real name, had been servant to the Prince and had come with him to this land and had served him well. After his death he had served his daughter, but she no longer needed him. She didn't even know her own heritage and somehow he didn't think she'd want it.

He gave a drunken laugh and slammed down his glass. It didn't really matter now. Everything had changed and it was time for him to leave. Maybe he'd go back through the gate to the stars and return to his own world. Maybe his family was still alive. He picked up his whiskey one last time and gave a silent toast. "To you Prince Bora. You got your peace, at last, and I hope you are happy!" He tossed back the whiskey and then put the glass down one last time. He threw some money on the bar and then stood and walked out, never to return.

Charlie was whistling as he made his way back to the ranch. He glanced over to the side and grinned. He'd planned to take Janet home and they'd been halfway there when he'd invited her to see his ranch. He'd been surprised, and pleased, when she'd agreed. She was an attractive and interesting woman and he had a suspicion that maybe they could continue to get to know each other a little better. He still felt a pang when he thought about Samantha, but he knew that that was just a pipe dream. She was totally and truly in love with O'Neill, and he with her. Part of him wished them both happy, part of him still grieved.

Oh well, he thought, sneaking a peak again at the woman riding beside him, I'm a man of property now, and I certainly could do a lot worse than Janet Henderson. He grinned and began to whistle again. Hell – what am I thinking? I'd be a lucky man if she even looked at me. She's something, Blackstrap, he said silently to the horse, she really is.

"This is beautiful", Janet said beside him. She'd been watching this man for the last couple of miles and found she liked what she saw. He seemed to be an honorable man and he certainly was attractive. What was even better, was he didn't appear to have anyone else in his life. She thought about Jack, and still felt a tightness in her chest. He was a good man, and she'd started to fall in love with him, but he had already given his heart. No, she needed someone who could love her openly and completely. She wondered if Charlie could be that man.

"Yeah it is", he smiled at her. "We're on my land now – see that rise over there? That's the border of what was Henry's property. I still can't believe it belongs to me now."

"You deserve it", she said. "I'm glad it's all working out." She sounded a bit sad though and he looked at her with sympathy in his eyes.

"They'll be fine", he said. "They're going home, where they should be and they have each other."

"I know", she smiled, although if it was a bit crooked he'd never tell. "And I am happy for them it's just – I'll miss them."

"Yeah, me too. Still, I'm glad you're here and that we got a chance to meet. Henry used to talk about your dad. I guess they were friends although I never met David. By the time I started working here he didn't travel much."

They spent the next few minutes reminiscing about Henry and Dave – and the adventures the two of them had had. Abruptly, in the middle of one of her stories, Charlie pulled on his reins and his horse came to a stop. He motioned to her to do the same.

Charlie had heard someone coming. Normally he wouldn't have thought too much about that, but lately, with everything going on he figured he'd better be careful. He had Janet pull her horse off to the side and waited patiently for the other rider to appear.

The sounds of hooves grew louder and were approaching quickly. Whoever it was they were moving fast. The next thing Charlie knew, James Knightly came riding towards him, travelling at a fast trot. As he approached their position he seemed to slow down a bit as if sensing something was there. Charlie could see his face, which was dripping with sweat, and his expression, which was one of fear. What the hell had happened?

"Stop there Knightly", he instructed, moving out into the trail directly in front of the other rider. The other man reacted by jerking on his reins and sending his horse into a panic.

Once James had his horse under control he glared at the man in front of him. "What the hell are you doing?" he asked. "You scared the hell out of me!"

"Really? Good. Where are you headed in such a hurry?"

"None of your damned business!" James growled, and clicked his heels to get his horse to move forward.

"I don't think so", Charlie moved his horse in front of James'. "As for it being my business – you're on my land, so yes, it is my business."

"I just went to see Samantha and to say goodbye, that's all", he muttered. "Like I said, none of your business."

Charlie looked at him suspiciously. Why would this man go and see Samantha after she'd broken off her engagement with him and made it pretty obvious she no longer wanted anything to do with him? "You know what Knightly, I don't like you. I never have. And the reason for that is that I don't trust you as far as I can spit. You're a vain, arrogant, evil man and someone really needs to shoot you. But see, I'm in a really good mood today, so I'm not going to do that. What I am going to do is invite you back to the ranch with me."

"I don't have time for this", James jaw clenched as he forced the words out of his mouth. "I'm going back to town. If you need me you know where you can find me."

"I suggest you listen to him James", Janet rode calmly out into the small clearing. "He's not a man to be ignored."

James looked in shock between the two riders in front of him. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Charlie invited me to see his ranch. It was a beautiful day for a ride so I came – not that it's any of your business", she told him sarcastically.

"His ranch? Is that what he told you? I bet he said that to try and get you into bed – not that it needs much. Did you know that about her Charlie? She'll spread her legs for any man!"

Charlie was so tempted to shoot the man, and almost reached for his gun. It was Janet's voice that stopped him.

"He's not worth it Charlie", she said, although inside she felt sick. There probably went her chance with this man. She didn't expect he'd be as understanding as Jack.

"If you ever say anything like that again about this lady – or any other for that matter – I will shoot you right between the legs. I've heard about you Knightly so don't think you can sully Miss Henderson's name."

James actually cringed at the threat but something about the man made him believe him. "Janet -"

"That's 'Miss Henderson' to you", Charlie said quietly.

"Fine! Miss Henderson" he snapped, "You should know that the ranch and land belong to Samantha Carter and that idiot O'Neill. Only a small portion belongs to this man."

"Oh, didn't you hear?" Janet told him. "They signed everything over to Charlie. The ranch belongs to him now. And in case you don't believe me, I was there and was one of the witnesses. It was all done totally legally."

James stared at them, dazed with the knowledge that all he'd attempted – the kidnapping, wedding, everything, would have been in vain anyway. As the shock wore off he could feel the anger build. There was no way this ignorant ranch hand or that bitch Janet Henderson were going to tell him what he could do or where he could go. He reached for his pistol, and lifting it quickly, pointed it right at Charlie.

The single shot brought him down almost instantly. He lay on the ground, looking up, and wondered what had just happened. The sky grew dark and his last thought was that he should have known from the start that getting mixed up in this wasn't going to be good. Someone had finally brought him down.

Janet stared at the gun in her hand. She always carried it – her father had made her learn how to use it for her protection – but she'd never actually fired it at a person before.

"Are you okay?" Charlie's soft voice came to her but didn't penetrate her shock. "Janet, look at me. Are you okay?"

Okay? No – she wasn't okay. She'd just shot and killed a man. She slowly looked up into Charlie's concerned gaze. "I – I killed -"

"You saved my life Janet. He was going to kill me – and he's hurt a lot of people. There was nothing else you could have done."

She nodded slightly, although his words still didn't mean much. Her hand suddenly began to shake and the pistol fell out of nerveless hands. She began to topple over but Charlie caught her and helped her down. It was only then that she realized he was off his horse and was standing next to her.

It took him almost half an hour to get her settled down but eventually she stopped shaking. She couldn't look at the body, although she was finally convinced she hadn't had a choice. She replayed it in her mind and knew that it had been a choice between James and Charlie. She was just thankful that the man with her was still alive.

"Come on", he said, pulling her up gently. "Let's get back to the ranch. You can rest there."

"What about - " she couldn't say his name or look at him, but Charlie knew who she was talking about.

"Don't worry – I'll send someone to get him. It'll be okay – he was trespassing and he's been responsible for a lot of pain around here. I don't think anyone's going to complain too badly that he's gone." He took her shoulders gently and turned her to face him. "It really will be alright Janet. You saved my life and believe me, I will never forget that!"

She gave a wobbly smile and nodded. She then allowed him to help her onto her horse, something she usually never did. This time however, she felt she really needed the assistance. She didn't look back as they rode off, knowing that it was more important to focus on what was ahead.

"Everything okay?" Reynolds asked Teal'c.

"Everything is fine Colonel Reynolds", the Jaffa told him. "O'Neill is resting but as usual was able to come up with a plan to deal with the enemy."

"Jack kicked butt again did he?" Reynolds grinned, relieved that his friend had obviously 'come back'.

"Oh yeah", Daniel entered from the kitchen eating a piece of bread and butter. "He figured everything out and then calmly came in and got rid of old Pasha. It was great!"

"Hey, where's some of that for the rest of us?" The Colonel complained. "Petersen and I just walked miles across the desert and could use something to eat. And a beer would be really nice."

"I don't think we have any beer Sir", Carter gave a wobbly smile to her second favorite Colonel, "however I can get you something to eat and drink." Suddenly Sam began to feel the reaction of everything and she desperately wanted to sit down, but instead she continued to look at Reynolds.

"How's Jack", Reynolds asked, serious for once. "I don't see him anywhere."

"He's sleeping. This has been a lot for him to deal with", she answered, sounding as if she was trying to convince herself as well as the others. "It hasn't been that long since he's been up and around."

"Was it bad Major?" Reynolds was looking at her in sympathy, having some idea of how she felt about the Colonel, although he'd never say anything. He had too much respect for both of them.

"It was -" her voice broke, and she found she couldn't continue.

"Sam?" Daniel reached over and put his hand on her shoulder. "It's okay. We're here now and Jack is getting better. We'll get him back to Janet and she'll have him up and running like new in no time. Of course", he frowned, "he'll bitch and complain the whole way."

The gurgled laugh she gave caused the men in the room to look at each other. They could all hear how close she was to tears. "It will be okay Major", Reynolds also walked up to her and put an arm around her shoulder. "Jack is the toughest SOB I've ever known. There's no way he'll let something like this keep him down for long."

"I didn't think he'd ever come back", she said softly, finally needing to get it off her chest and knowing that she could trust these men. "He was – gone. His eyes – they were completely dead and he couldn't do anything for himself. It was so awful I wished – I wished" she let out a sob, "Oh god – I wished that he would die!" She covered her face with her hands and started to shake.

Reynolds stepped back slightly knowing that she needed her teammates right now, although he would give what support he could. He motioned to Petersen to come with him outside so they could make sure the ranch was secure. Major Carter needed to be alone with her friends.

"It's okay Sam", Daniel put his arms around her and could feel the trembling that went through her. "I would have thought the same thing. We all know that there's nothing Jack would hate more than to be – like that. I wouldn't have wanted that either for him."

"Nor would I Major Carter", Teal'c's deep voice spoke softly right next to her. "He would rather die than to live in that state."

"But you don't understand", she said, "I tried – I tried to kill him. I almost murdered him but I – I couldn't - and then he got better. How could I do that?"

Daniel looked in horror at Teal'c, who returned his gaze solemnly. Neither man blamed her, but both understood the horrendous guilt she would carry.

"Samantha, you did not murder O'Neill. That you thought about killing him, that you may even have attempted to do so, is understandable. I believe I would have done the same. But the fact is you did not. You stopped yourself in time and that is all that matters. O'Neill is alive and he is getting well, that is all you should worry about. If he knew he would certainly forgive you and understand."

"There's nothing to forgive."

She looked up in shock. "Jack!" He was standing in the doorway and had obviously been listening to the conversation. "I – I – oh God!"

Quickly moving forward, Jack reached out to take her in his arms as Teal'c and Daniel stepped back. Sam shrugged away from him, the tears now falling on her face. "No", she cried. "Didn't you hear me? I tried to kill you Sir. I – you - you could be dead now."

"I know." He took a step closer to her and held out his hand. "Sam, listen to me. I can't remember everything from the time we've been here, but I do remember some of it. And believe me when I say that I would have wanted you to kill me if I had to stay like that forever. I – the little I remember was awful; to be trapped in my own body without being able to move or speak or even think properly, to be dependent on others for the rest of my life would have driven me insane."

"But you got better!" she cried.

"Yes – and you didn't kill me, so everything worked out the way it was supposed to. Sam, please don't feel guilty. I don't blame you in the least – all I know is that I have you to thank for my life. You saved me – in more ways than I can count, so please let this go."

There was a general sense of relief in the room when Sam nodded slightly. Jack was too wise and too experienced to know that she had let go of her guilt that easily, but he also knew it was a first step. He'd hopefully have time to convince her that what she'd done was not wrong. He'd really meant it when he'd told her he would rather have someone kill him than leave him to live as a vegetable.

"Hey Jack, I thought you were supposed to be resting?" Daniel decided to break the heavy silence. "That wasn't a very long a nap."

"'Fraid I couldn't sleep", he explained. "I – was trying to remember some things about Earth – home – and – ." He finally shrugged and gave a slight grimace. "I'm afraid there's a lot missing from my mind right now, but what's there won't settle down." He glanced around the room. "Where are Reynolds and Petersen?"

"They're outside", Daniel told him, "checking up on everything. I expect they'll look in on Pasha's men to make sure they're still secure."

"Where are they? The aliens I mean." Jack looked around curiously. He hadn't even thought about them before.

"They're locked up tight in the cellar. They won't be going anywhere until we let them out. By the way – what are we going to do with them?" Daniel wanted to know. "We can't very well leave them here."

"No. We'll take them with us to the gate with the others. We'll have to – uh -" Jack stopped and frowned. What were they going to do with them? Had they dealt with this kind of thing before? He really didn't know.

"We don't even know what planet they come from", Sam finally spoke. She seemed to have regained her equilibrium, although she still looked pale. "Maybe we could ask them? We could then send them to their home planet."

"But what if they decide to come back for the scepter?" Daniel asked. "I wouldn't want to let them loose here again."

"That is true", Teal'c interjected. "Maybe we should attempt to locate the scepter. If they know we have it, and that we are taking it with us, they will leave this world alone."

"But we don't know where it is", Daniel argued. "I mean, I'd love to find it, but where would we even look?" He suddenly seemed to think about something. "Sam, did James or Pasha say anything about where it could be. I mean, one of them must have had some idea or else why did they come here. In fact, how did Pasha know it was here in the first place?"

Jack sat down, suddenly feeling exhausted again. There were just too many things to think about, too many decisions that he didn't feel able to make. He glanced again at Sam, and was worried at how pale and tired she looked. She looked like she didn't want to have to decide anything right now either. How did things get so complicated?

"Let's not worry about it right now", he said. "I think we need to eat something and get some rest. Tomorrow we can head back to the gate and deal with the aliens then. As for the scepter, unless we have a really good clue I think we should forget it. We'll just have to make sure the aliens can't come back. Maybe we can – get the people here to bury the gate."

"What about James?" Sam again spoke, this time so quietly Jack barely heard her.

"James? Oh, he'll probably stay away once he finds out that Charlie owns everything and we're gone." Lines appeared between his eyes as he looked around the room. "By the way, where is Charlie? Shouldn't he be back by now?'

"Jack! You're awake. I thought you were supposed to be sleeping." Reynolds walked into the room.

Jack sighed. Why did everyone seem to think he should be in bed? "Nah, I couldn't sleep. See anything out there?"

"No, everything looks quiet. I left Petersen out there to keep an eye on things. Oh, and I checked on our friendly cellar aliens. They're fine too."

"Cellar aliens?" Jack laughed.

"Yeah – I mean, what else do you call them?"

Petersen suddenly stuck his head in the front door. "We have company", he called. "Two people on horseback."

"Thanks Captain. Stay outside and keep an eye on them." Reynolds looked at the others. "Major Carter, I think you and I should go as well. You have a better chance of recognizing whoever it is."

"Yes Sir", she responded, standing up and looking around for a weapon. Teal'c reached out and handed her a zat. "Thanks Teal'c. Uh – should we use these", she held up the Goa'uld weapon. I mean – won't we be uh - ?

"Violating the prime directive", O'Neill quipped. "I think that was Star Trek Major."

She grinned at him, appreciating both his usual 'O'Neill humor' and the fact that he'd remembered something. "Yes Sir, I guess you're right. So a zat it is. After you Colonel", she told Reynolds

"You okay Jack?" Daniel asked after the others left the room.

Jack sighed. "I'm fine Daniel. You really don't have to keep asking me that."

"I know – I'm sorry – it's just -"

"We thought we had lost you O'Neill", Teal'c finished. "We are very happy to see you and want to make sure you remain well."

"I know guys", he threaded his fingers through his short hair. "It's just – I hate not knowing not remembering and every time you ask me that it reminds me that I'm – not – okay. I know that my brain's been scrambled and I hate it!"

"Your brain hasn't been scrambled Jack – you've just forgotten some things, but they are coming back. I mean, you just talked about Star Trek. Hell, you know more about it than I do and I haven't had an alien stick some device on my head!"

"He doesn't know Star Trek?" Jack asked Teal'c incredulously.

"I am afraid not O'Neill."

"Geesh – I guess I'm not so bad after all!" The other two grinned, although they knew that Jack was simply dissembling again.

"Jack, you're gonna be fine, really", Daniel told him. "And I – well, I can't promise I won't ask how you're doing again, but I'll really try not to do it so often."

"Thank you!" Jack gave a grateful smile.

The door abruptly opened and Jack looked up, startled. He could see both Daniel and Teal'c raise their weapons, which they lowered the moment they saw it was Sam.

"It's Charlie", she said, "and he brought a guest with him." The three men looked at her strangely and then swung their eyes to the door as someone followed her.

The first person through was someone Jack hadn't thought to see again. Janet walked in with a small smile on her face, followed immediately by Charlie. "Hi Jack." she said. "I must say I'm surprised to see you still here. Sam tells me these are you friends from home?"

Jack looked at her stunned, and then at Charlie. "Uh - yeah." He quickly introduced Charlie and Janet to everyone in the room. "But what are you doing here?" he finally asked. He was worried when he noticed how pale she was.

She looked slightly uncomfortable, but with a quick glance at Charlie shrugged. "Charlie invited me to see the ranch. I hadn't been here before, even though my father used to talk about it all the time so I thought I'd come and see it." Her expression changed then. "There's something else", she told them, biting her lip.

"What is it Janet?" Sam asked, sensing that something had happened.

"Janet saved my life", Charlie quickly interrupted. "We came across James on our way here. I stopped him and he drew his gun and tried to shoot me. Janet got him before he had a chance to kill me."

There was silence in the room, with Jack and Sam especially looking shocked. Jack certainly didn't feel badly for the man – who was nothing more than a skunk – but he worried about Janet.

"Thank God!" Sam finally said. "I was so worried with him still around. Now no one has to worry about that evil – son of a bitch again!"

Charlie raised his eyebrows at that, and then gave a small grin. Glancing at Janet he knew that Samantha's words had more effect than all of his reassurances.

"Are you okay Janet?" Jack asked. He walked up to the woman who had cared for him for so many months and took her in his arms. "Sam's right you know. He was an evil man who has hurt a lot of people. You did the right thing."

"I know", she said, leaning her head on Jack's chest. "I just – I've never killed anyone before."

He rubbed her back gently, knowing she needed comforting. At the same time he glanced at Sam, wanting to reassure her that this was only something he was doing to help a friend. When Sam gave him a smile he relaxed and looked at Charlie. He grimaced slightly at Charlie's expression – well, that hadn't taken long, Jack thought. If that wasn't a jealous look he didn't know anything. After a few moments Janet seemed to get a hold of herself and stood back.

"Samantha isn't going to be happy watching you hug another woman Jack", she told him. "I expect she's not a woman you want to make angry."

"Samantha?" he asked, with a grin. "Not on your life. She's a tough one. She could whup any of us!"

Jack moved away and went and stood by Sam. He could tell that both Daniel and Teal'c were looking on with some curiosity. He knew he should expect an interrogation soon. He sighed – he didn't know if he was quite ready for that yet.

"Jack? Sam?" Daniel asked.

He should have known Daniel couldn't wait, thought Jack. Before he had a chance to answer Sam had stepped in.

"Not now Daniel", she said. Her tone of voice was such that Daniel simply nodded, although he grew even more curious as to what was going on.

"Okay everyone", Charlie interrupted, "can you people please tell me what's going on? I come home to see you and O'Neill both here", he addressed Sam, "after you said goodbye and told us you were going home. On top of that there are all your friends here, from your mysterious 'home'. What the hell is going on?" Janet also looked between them, clearly as mystified as he was.

Sam gave them a brief overview, explaining about Pasha and his search, and about James connivance in the whole thing. She left out the part about them being from a different planet – figuring they probably wouldn't believe it and really didn't need to know – at least for now.

"They're looking for a scepter?" Charlie asked, clearly confused by the whole thing. "Is that like a long metal stick with jewels on top?"

"That's right", Daniel sounded excited. "Have you seen it?"

"I have if you mean it's the one that David Henderson gave to Henry years ago? That's the only thing like that I've ever heard of. But why would these guys care about it? It's just some trinket from one of the trips David took when he was a young man." He suddenly noticed that everyone in the room was staring at him. "What?" he asked, looking around. "What did I do?"

"You didn't do anything, Charlie", Jack grinned. "But would you happen to know where this 'stick' is? It's very important."

"Yeah sure – it's in Henry's room. You want me to get it?"

Sam suddenly started to laugh so hard she had to sit on the couch where she was soon joined by Jack, who also seemed to find the whole thing ridiculous.

Teal'c raised his eyebrow and looked over to Daniel and to Charlie, Janet and a newly arrived Reynolds. "I think they've lost it", Daniel suggested. The others agreed silently, and without waiting any longer, Charlie headed up to Henry's room.

"I don't understand", Janet suddenly spoke, looking slightly lost and confused. "What is this about? Why did my father have this thing?"

Sam looked at her teammates briefly and then walked over to the other woman. "I'm sorry Janet – I know this is confusing. Did your father ever talk about his childhood, or about any of his family?"

Janet continued to look stunned. "He – he didn't say very much. He didn't like to talk about it. He told me his parents – my grandparents – were dead. He did mention his brother but said he was mad and dangerous and that he'd decided the best thing to do was to get as far away from him as possible. I think he was afraid of his brother."

"But he didn't mention any names? Did he say what his brother was called?"

"No – not that I can remember. Are you saying that this Pasha was his brother?"

"We think so Janet", by this time Jack had stood up and made his way over to her. He rested his hand lightly on her shoulder. "I think he came here so you he could have a better life away from all the fighting and war."

"But – but you're saying that my father was a prince!" Her eyes suddenly grew round. "He used to call me – Princess, all the time. I just thought it was something a father would call his little girl but I remember", she paused, "I remember that he used to get this strange look when he'd say it. He used to say it as if he was serious – I thought it was just because he was getting sick and old but – God, maybe he really did mean it." She slowly walked over and sat on the chair and buried her face in her hands. It was all too much to take in.

Charlie had to pause outside Henry's door and gather the courage to enter. He hadn't been inside since the old man had died and it gave him a strange feeling to be here now. He slowly opened the door and walked in, the smell practically knocking him over. It wasn't bad – it just brought back memories of Henry. He felt like if he closed his eyes he would hear the old man's voice. God, how he missed him.

He was finally able to open his eyes and look around the room. Where had he put it? "Aha!" he exclaimed, suddenly remembering that Henry had kept it in a box under his bed. Kneeling down he quickly discovered it and pulled it out. It was a wooden box, three feet long but only a few inches deep. He placed it on the bed and opened it. Yup – there it was – a long, solid golden rod with an intricately carved top, encrusted with some kind of precious stones, most of which he'd never seen before. He had no idea what the thing stood for, but it seemed to be important. He closed it back in its case and carried it downstairs.

"Henry showed it to me a couple of year ago", he explained as he watched Dr. Jackson examine it. "He told me that David Henderson had given it to him for safekeeping. He'd told him that someone was after it and not to tell anyone he had it as it could be dangerous. Henderson didn't want his daughter to get hurt or even to know about it. I think if he'd been able to he would have destroyed it. Henry eventually told me – I think because he knew he might not be around for much longer – although to be honest I'd forgotten about it. I guess it should really go to Janet. It's hers now."

"Henderson was right", Jack interjected. "It could be dangerous to keep. The men who tried to kill us today were after this thing", he explained. "Although you are correct – it does belong to Janet."

"Technically she's probably the heir to the throne", Daniel told everyone. "If she went back with this, I expect she could take power."

"What?" Janet stood up. "I don't want 'power' – I don't want to be the heir to any throne. I don't even know which country you're talking about!"

"Janet's a good woman" Charlie was sounding angry and worried. He didn't want to lose her –not now. "This is her home. She has friends here, responsibilities." He looked at the woman in question. "Why would she want to go to some foreign place, to be surrounded by people she doesn't even know?"

Sam nodded. "But shouldn't we let her decide that?"she asked him gently.

Charlie looked at her for a minute and then over at Janet, but finally he nodded. "You're right. I'm sorry. Janet – if this is what you want then I'll help in whatever way I can. I didn't mean to say – it's your decision – I just -"

"You just?" Janet was looking at him carefully. The more she'd gotten to know this man, the more she'd liked him and now everything seemed on the verge of disappearing.

"I just – would hate to see you go", he finished. "I was hoping -" he shrugged and looked embarrassed. "I kind of wanted to get to know you better." There! He'd said it! He closed his eyes briefly hoping he hadn't made a fool of himself.

"Good", she said gently. She walked up to him and put her hand on his arm. "You're a good man Charlie, and I'm looking forward to that." She turned to face the others. "I don't know what this is all about, but I have no interest in the scepter or being an heir to anything. My father gave that up by coming here and clearly didn't want it for me either. No, I'm happy to stay here where I am."

"And the scepter?" Daniel asked.

"Keep it. Do whatever you want with it. I'd rather not see it ever again."

"So we take it with us and get rid of it", Jack said. "And we make sure that Pasha's folks know it's no longer here. That'll keep them from ever coming back." Jack looked around the room at his friends – from Mariscola and from Earth - his two worlds. He looked at Janet and Charlie and felt glad that there was something there between them. He was pretty sure that they'd found each other and that they'd be happy. He then looked over at Daniel and Teal'c, at Reynolds – and finally at Sam, and finally knew where he wanted to be.

"Reynolds, can you gather everyone up and let's get going. I want to go home."