Chapter 17

The two teams walk down a large marble hall. Several smooth columns support arches. Jonas says walking into the vault. "This place is magnificent. I can't believe you turned down working here."

"So many things here." Sam says walking into the vault behind him.

"Indeed it is quiet a collection." Teal'c says observing the scrolls and texts that line the walls.

Kawalsky walks into the vault and looks around in awe. "Shit, this place is huge."

"His family vowed to protect the past, for those in the future." Andrea says sitting down with Daniel.

Daniel sits down in front of a scroll laid out and looks at it for a moment. "I believe these documents, could help us Jack."

"Well then do your thing." Jack says walking around the vault uninterested.

Andrea looks up from her seat to Sam. "Sam when you go to Giza, make sure you get enough pictures for my model."

"I will, do you need anything else?" Sam asks looking around still in awe like everyone else but O'Neill.

"We're not going until tomorrow." Kawalsky says looking at Andrea.

"Yeah and we'll be busy." Andrea looks at the scrolls laid out on the table.

"She's not kidding Kawalsky, they will be busy." O'Neill says turning around.

"Mr. Hadi said to give you all a tour of the house. I'm sure he'll give the others a tour later if you will follow me." The small woman says.

"We'll see you later." O'Neill turns and walks out, Sam, Kawalsky and Grogan follow him out.

"Sure Colonel." Jonas says sitting down.

Daniel looks up and over at Andrea. "These are your notes?"

"Yes, they should be." Andrea confirms. "They're probable all wrong."

"You believe that your information then was wrong."

"No, I believe the translations will be easier for Daniel and Teal'c than they were for me."

"Some of this is right. It refers to a theft." Daniel shows her the text.

"Jonas and I will work on this second page." Andrea nods and pulls out her translations.

"Sure, this is very interesting." Daniel shows Teal'c some marks on each page.

Andrea stands in the entry, a cabinet unlocked Andrea holds at Statue. "You seem very up beat Andrea." Kawalsky says watching her examine a statue.

"And your not. With all that you know, that we might have found the one advantage over the goa'uld and it was here the whole time." Andrea says turning her attention to her friend.

Kawalsky stands next to her with his hands in his jeans pockets. "Sure I am, but there is something else that you're excited about, isn't there."

"I'll be able to put part of my past behind me if all this pans out." Andrea smiles and sets the statue down.

"Your talking about your horrible secret aren't you?" Kawalsky asks looking at her concerned.

"Yes, I think Teal'c is the only one who truly understands what I've lived through." Andrea picks up a necklace and handles it delicately.

Kawalsky looks at smiling. "Have you confided in anyone about what happened?"

"No, I want to, and I will." Andrea runs her fingers over the stones gently.

"You can tell me anything."

"Thanks, but I made a promise that I would tell Daniel first." Andrea sighs and puts it back.

Charlie puts his hand on her arms. "You can tell me, I won't tell anyone."

"I'm keeping my promise."

"Sure, I understand." Kawalsky walks away whistling.

In a large dinning room Iman and a girl about five years of age sit at a large table full of different kinds of foods. Jack and Sam walk in dress casually.

"Hello, Mr. Hadi your home is quiet lovely." Sam says smiling at the little girl.

"Thank you, Major this is my granddaughter, Rena." Iman says smiling at the small girl sitting next to him.

Jack grins at the little girl. "Andrea and everyone else are on their way."

"Of course Colonel, both of you have a seat." Iman says welcoming them to the table.

"This place is like a palace." Grogan says talking to Kawalsky as they enter the dinning room..

"Indeed young man," Iman says to Grogan. "It was modeled after a real ancient palace."

"It is quiet amazing, from what Andrea said." Kawalsky says sitting next to Sam.

"She is correct; it was something she said that gave my son the idea." Iman looks at his granddaughter who seems fascinated by Sam.

"Me." Andrea says walking in the room with Daniel, Teal'c and Jonas. "And what is that I said."

Iman grins at Andrea. "I believe your words were 'Records like these belong in a palace.'"

Daniel pulls out a Chair for Andrea. "She's right the records are something, I wish I had seen years ago when I was first working on my theories."

"Some of the text was similar to that I've seen before Dr. Jackson." Jonas says sitting next Grogan.

Andrea says looking at the little girl who beams back at Andrea. "It's possible that your family was not the only one to preserve records Iman."

"Then you think there are others?" Iman looks up at Andrea.

"It is possible Mr. Hadi." Teal'c says.

"Have you found anything that may help you with what you're working on?"

"We have. If I may, I would like to make copies of the scrolls." Daniel says taking his seat.

Iman nods. "You may make as many copies as you need. Andrea, this is my granddaughter Rena."

"Hello, Rena you are very lovely." Andrea says to the little girl. "She is very much like Tariq."

"Yes, she is very much like her father." Iman says smiling at everyone.

"So what did you guys do while we were working this afternoon?" Jonas asks looking at Major Carter.

Sam smiles and turns to Jonas. "We took a tour of the city, it's very beautiful here."

"Carter took us to the temple; we poked around but didn't find anything else." Colonel O'Neill says when the little girl winks at him.

"It was clean to begin with." Daniel answers. Several men step forward and begin serving them.

"I hope you enjoy your stay in Giza. It is a very wondrous place." Iman says while they are being served. "Do you enjoy your rooms?"

"Yes, they are very comfortable." Sam answers.

"It's nice looking out over the pool Mr. Hadi." Grogan says looking at the food being placed before him on his plate.

"You're welcome to use it, my granddaughter loves the water."

Andrea comments. "A fish, Iman she is not interested in money like her father?"

"Yes." Iman answers as they begin to eat dinner.

"Dr. Jackson, Ann said you wished to see me." Iman says when Daniel opens the door to his room.

"Yes, I wanted to apologize for my rudeness when we met this morning." Daniel says letting Iman enter the room.

Iman shakes his head. "No need. I can understand your shock. Andrea said it is a possibility that I am related to your late family."

Daniel shots the door. "She is probably right. You may be direct descendant of the same man."

"You're all here about the Chap'pai are you?" Iman says looking directly into Daniel's eyes.

Daniel looks surprised "You know about that?"

Iman turns around and looks out the window. "Yes, I didn't tell Andrea. It has always been believed that it would be found and reopened."

Daniel sighs and sits on the end of the bed. "Do you know exactly why we're here?"

"No, but the evil is still there isn't it. The gods live." Iman says turning to look at Daniel.

"Yes, I shouldn't be saying this though." Daniel says bluntly.

"The secrets have been safe for thousands of years nothing you say will leave this room." Iman promises. "You look for the heart of the power, that's what you want the documents for."

"Yes, do you know anything?" Daniel asks.

Iman sits down in a silk upholstered chair across from Daniel. "Only what was previously translated by Andrea."

"Can you help us?" Daniel watches Iman's movements.

Iman sighs feeling defeated. "No. I'll I can do is give you access to my records."

"Thank you for that Mr. Hadi." Daniel says glad that the man shared some information with him.

"You're welcome." Iman says, and then changes the subject. "You love her?"

"What?" Daniel looks at Iman in shock.

Iman grins at the young man. "I watch the way you two look at each other; I'm surprised the others don't see it."

"What do you see?" Daniel begins to think.

"Attraction, respect and love." Iman answers. "I'm throwing you off aren't, I. If you love her, don't hold back, she loves you as well."

"You're very insightful Mr. Hadi. What are you trying to say?" Daniel wonders what Mr. Hadi is up to.

"Life is very short Dr. Jackson; you should live as if each day is your last. The two of you belong together." Iman stands up.

Daniel sighs, and stands up too. "I know life is short, it's difficult with our jobs though."

Iman walks to the door. "Things are only difficult if you make them Doctor. You should marry her, and soon."

"I don't know what to say."

"Don't say anything, just follow your heart." Iman says as he leaves.

Andrea sits at a table by the pool, talking to Jack. "What are you going to do if we get resistance from our Allies about the technology we have required?"

"Why are you asking me that?" Jack looks up his eyes glazed over.

"Because they will, they will think we're becoming like the goa'uld." Andrea waves to Daniel who is walking toward them from his room.

O'Neill looks up to see Daniel walk up. "Damn politicians. Hey Daniel."

"We have a problem." Daniel sits down next to Jack.

Andrea looks at him. "What do you mean?"

Daniel looks at Jack. "They know about the gate."

"How? Did you tell him Andrea?" O'Neill jumps at Andrea.

"From the records they have kept. He told me he didn't know everything, but he had an idea." Daniel answers.

"Great, does the whole world know?" Jack asks, rubbing his temples.

Andrea notices and looks at little worried. "No, he won't tell anyone Colonel, he's trying to keep the world safe."

"Are you sure?" Daniel asks, looking at Andrea smiling.

"Yes, Daniel what else did he say?" O'Neill asks wondering if the man knows anything about the goa'uld.

Daniel blushes slightly. "He talked about you, Andrea."

Andrea looks a little shocked. "Oh, Colonel O'Neill just told me Teal'c and Jonas are going to Giza now."

"Couldn't pass up the opportunity could they?" Daniel grins. "We got a lot done today anyway."

"I've got to check in with the General. I'll give him the good news." O'Neill stands up.

"Think about it Colonel, we will have problems with everyone." Andrea says staring at Daniel.

"Great, just great." Jack says walking off.

"He doesn't sound too happy." Daniel comments.

"He's not." Andrea sighs.

"You're still working?"

"Yeah, I'm still awake so I want to get this done." Andrea passes him the note book.

"Sacred place, that must be an alter or hidden chamber." Daniel says his finger on the spot he's refereeing to.

"Yes, I was thinking it refers to an arch particularly a Naos." Andrea says looking at the translation.

"We should look for one, when we get inside the sphinx." Daniel gives her a puzzled look.

Andrea watches Daniel's expression intently. "What is it, your giving me the look?"

"What look?" Daniel says innocently.

"The something is puzzling me look."

"Iman gave me some advice." Daniel says casually.

Andrea looks at him. "Oh, what kind of advice?"

"Relationship." Daniel answers short.

Andrea shakes her head. "Really, he has good intensions; he can come off as noisy though."

Daniel done thinking about what Iman says answers. "He's right about what he said."

"Then you should listen to him." Andrea yawns, covering her mouth.

"It was interesting; he said everything I was thinking." Daniel looks wide awake.

"Really, maybe it was fate confirming your questions."

"Fate?" Daniel looks confused.

"Whatever it is that controls the universe." Andrea answers, looking up at the stars.

"You believe in a higher power."

"Yes, I think the Ascended prove that there is one." Andrea smiles.

"I'm not so sure." Daniel says feeling skeptical.

"I'm sure something out there has a plan what it is I don't know. I just know that something has brought me here." Andrea smiles and speaks with conviction.

"That's an interesting point of view."

"I guess." Andrea yawns again. "I'm finally tired, I should go to bed."

"Ok, I'll see you in the morning." Daniel remains seated while Andrea gets up and goes to her room.

"I think we're finished." Daniel says looking at her.

Andrea sitting across from Daniel looks up. "That's great, do you want to call and give General Hammond the good news."

"Jack said they would call after dinner, he or Sam can call." Daniel answers.

"Okay." Andrea looks at Daniel wondering what they should do next. "I got a map from Iman to a small temple not far from here would you like to go with me."

"What kind of temple?" Daniel asks, interested.

"I'm not sure he just told me where it is." Andrea shrugs.

"I'd love to go." Daniel answers watching Andrea.

Andrea stands up. "Great all meet you out front in an hour."

"Sure." Daniel says looking at his work.

Daniel pulls up to the temple. "Very small, almost like it was hidden."

"Yes, I wonder what's inside." Andrea grabs her bag out of the jeep and walks closer to the temple.

"Sand." Daniel says looking at the entrance.

"That sounds like something Jack or Kawalsky would say."

"It is, ladies first." Daniel waits for Andi to enter the temple.

"This is beautiful; the detailing on the floor is perfect." Andi sits on the floor and pulls her small brush out of her bag.

"Is that that Aten?" Daniel asks looking at the symbol Andrea just uncovered.

"It is. This must have been built after the priest rebellion."

"Possible, the whole temple is in great condition." Daniel says surprised.

"I'd like to get rubbings of some of the glyphs on the wall." Andrea grabs her tools and walks to the posterior wall.

"This doesn't even compare to getting inside the sphinx." Daniel says walking up behind her.

"I guess it doesn't." Andi stands back when the wall opens. "What did I do?"

Daniel looks at her in surprise. "You didn't do that on purpose?"

"No, here hold this." Andi hands Daniel her flashlight.

"What is it?"

"Nothing I just don't want to set off any booby traps." Andi looks around the inner chamber.

"Don't move." Daniel says raising his hand up over her head.

"Why?"

"A spider." Daniel answers.

"Oh, God." Andrea's voice cracks.

"I know how much you hate them." Daniel whacks it away with his hand. "It's gone."

"Thank you, it's safe." Andi walks into the chamber.

"Andrea, can I ask you something?" Daniel decides that he should ask her now, while he has the chance.

"You can ask, I can't say what my answer will be." Andrea walks around looking at the walls.

"Will you marry me?" Daniel says looking at her.

Dropping her tools, Andi turns and stares at him. "Are you serious?"

Daniel smiles and walks up to her stand very close. "Yes, I'm serious."

"Daniel, I would have said yes if you had asked me before." Andrea feels joy rush through her.

"Then you will marry me?" Daniel asks grinning.

"Yes, but why are you asking now." Andi looks at him smiling.

Daniel answers straight from his heart. "Because I love you, and I don't want to miss the opportunity to be with you. I want to share what I have of a life with you."

"I feel the same way; I guess it's throwing me off." Andi looks at him smiling. "I love you Daniel and I will marry you." Andrea and Daniel stare at each other for a moment then share a passionate kiss.

"This is great." Daniel swings her around.

"Yes, but I'd rather you swing me outside." Andi says when Daniel sets her down.

Daniel looks around and realizes where he is. "You're right. I don't have a ring."

"That's ok I wouldn't be able to wear it all the time." Andrea smiles.

Daniel looks at her unsure of how it will affect their jobs. "Everything will have to be worked out with General Hammond since we work together."

"Yes, they will. I don't see why it would be a problem." Andrea looks at Daniel.

"I doubt the military would see it that way."

"I'm not worried." Andrea says feeling very happy.

Daniel looks at the Suns position on the Horizon. "It's late; I didn't realize how long the drive here was."

"Neither did I." Andrea and Daniel Step out of the temple and look at the sunset.

"We're going to be late for dinner." Daniel says following her out.

Andrea grins at him, setting her stuff down in the jeep. "I'll drive then."

"Great, I'll have to hang on the whole way back." Daniel comments on her driving as they both get into the vehicle.

"Yes." Andi laughs as they drive off.