"I just cain't believe that the Alliance would use that thing. I know they would kick old ladies and dogs, but, but sticking a snake in somebody?" Jayne said incredulously. Everyone sitting around the table agreed with him.

"In all fairness to them, they probably don't know what they have." Daniel said, not really believing it. They had a lesson on what the Alliance could do in River's terrible journey.

River was sitting still, a rarity, and she looked down the table to Daniel. "Daniel, they have some things that you wrote down from long ago. They do know what it is; they don't have the understanding of it though. They want power. They want to rule the 'verse." She shuddered, remembering.

SG-1 began the long task of describing the Goa'uld- Who the goa'uld were, how they infected their hosts against their will, and wanted universal  domination. Sam also talked about Jolinaar and the Tok'ra.

River was humming quietly as everyone sat silently. Jack got up and paced, trying to figure out some kind of plan, but was coming up empty at the moment. Mal sat back thoughtfully, "The only way you can accomplish it is with taking all of you in the Serenity.  After all, we've been there before." He smiled at Simon and River.

Zoe looked hard at Jayne; "We just have to leave Jayne here then, seeing that we can't trust him." She said. "What?! I ain't going to do nuthin'. Me and River have an understanding now. Right River?" he threw this desperately at River, who smirked. "Well now, " she said, looking up thoughtfully at the metal ceiling. "Jayne and I understand each other now. Not to worry." She said, relenting at the panic on his face. Jayne let out a relieved sigh.

"What exactly happened last time?" Jack asked curiously. "Jayne tried to sell us out." Mal said, looking at Jayne in half remembered annoyance.

"Then Jayne Cobb should be responsible for River Tam if we to the Alliance base." Teal'c' said. "Excellent notion Teal'c" Mal said, while Jayne held his head. "Shoulda stayed in bed." He moaned. There was quiet laughter.

"Wouldn't they recognize the Serenity after last time?" Sam asked.

"Hmm, well, there is that. We have to wait for the ambassador to mosey her way back anyhow." Mal got up to pour them more coffee. "Ambassador?" Daniel asked curiously.

"Her name is Anara. She is a member of the Companion guild." Zoe said. Mal snorted,  "She's a.." Mal started to say, when Zoe and Kaylee snapped, "Mal!!"

Book came to the rescue after an awkward silence, "A companion is a respected member of society that provides a service. She can be a companion to a wealthy person, accompanying them to social functions, or introduce someone to the physical side of relationships. Right now she is with the Governor of Star Haven. They have had a binding contract for several years." Book explained. "Ah." Said Sam in sudden understanding.

Jack looked thoughtful, "It's not just sex, you know. Showing up with a smart and beautiful lady on your arm at those boring parties helps with politics." He said. Daniel, Teal'c and Sam looked at him in surprise. "What?!" he asked in annoyance. "I've been Colonel long enough, I know how the politics of the game are played as well as the next guy." He turned to Mal, "I'll bet that she has been useful." Mal looked at him, "Has been in the past." He said thoughtfully. "This governor is plain spoke and fair, but more important, has no love for the Alliance." He replied, answering Jack's unspoken question.

Simon came into the kitchen, "An aircar just came in. Probably Anara." He disappeared again. SG-1 went to the hold doors, curious about the mysterious Anara. The door to the aircar opened with a whoosh, and out stepped a graceful foot. The rest of her was just as impressive. Black hair curled artfully around an expressive ivory face, framed by beautiful eyes. She was graceful and a definite beauty. "Wow." Was Jack and Daniel's simultaneous reply. Sam turned her head in annoyance to the two men, when Teal'c spoke.

"Colonel O'Neill. Is not that second person familiar to us?" he asked in surprise.

"Holy Cow!" gasped Jack, while all Daniel could do was gape in surprise. Sam turned back to see who was causing the fuss.

"Dad?"