Title: Affairs of the Heart
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Rating: R
Disclaimer: Don't own it, wish I did, I just like to play with them once and a while. I'll put them back when I'm finished. I promise.
Thanks to: Winjan: There was only one bonding ceremony, the other was an Ambrosian wedding ceremony, which Daniel and Ceri took part in along with Jack, Sam, Mac and Harm. The reason why the Cha'tar wanted Ceri's baby, is hopefully clear in this chapter. As for Harm and Jack being a dangerous combination, you are sooo right and no Mac hasn't joined SG-1, she was just borrowed, they put her back when they were finished. More Mac to come.
MsJonyReb: Thank you so much, I hope you enjoy this chapter too. I have to admit I loved writing the part where the dragon arrives in the gate room too, it just seemed right.
Lord Marix, DrewAllen, Shal Valentine: Thank you to you all.
Author's Note: I went back and rewrote part of the end of chapter3, I wasn't real happy with it and I changed my mind about Ceri being in the military, it just didn't fit, so she's back being a civilian, I hope that doesn't confuse to many people. Thank you to everyone who reviewed and those of you out there who are just reading. I hope you all enjoy this chapter.
Affairs of the HeartChapter Four: Shades of things to come
Jolie's Café: Near Cheyenne MountainJack saw the sheer pleasure that was on his son-in-laws face and chuckled. "You're enjoying that." It was a simple statement but true.
Daniel nodded, savoring every bite of his hamburger. "I love my wife, I really do, but I can't eat vegetarian all the time."
That made Jack smile. "She eats chicken and fish occasionally."
"I know, but there's something about a hamburger or a juicy steak," the younger man retorted.
The waitress arrived with Daniel's milk shake; Jack couldn't help but notice the look on the women's face. His son-in-law had ordered a chocolate, caramel and strawberry milk shake, in one glass. "His wife is pregnant, he's having cravings," he offered.
She smiled at that, finding it amusing. "Explains everything," she said lightly. "Enjoy your meal."
"Thank you," Daniel muttered mouth full.
"Well," Jack surveyed the nearly eaten hamburger and the milk shake. "At least you have your appetite back."
"Yeah, well, I probably won't have it by morning," Daniel retorted, making his friend and father-in-law laugh again. He was all for sharing the experience with Ceri; the cravings he could handle, but the morning sickness? That he couldn't. That had been really weird.
There first mission as a new team, Daniel had made it though to the planet, gotten his survey done and had a good nights sleep. Then the next morning he'd woken and thrown up everything in his stomach, all morning. Jack had been worried enough to contact the SGC and Dr. Frasier, who had laughed and told him it was one of the joys of pregnancy. It seemed with their bonding, Daniel was going to share in some of the joys of pregnancy, and so far it had been only craving and morning sickness. The real challenge would be during the birth, unlike most fathers to be, Daniel was going to get a good dose of what Ceri was going to feel, whether he wanted to or not.
Jack glanced at his watch. "We should be getting back, the girls and T are due back soon."
Daniel nodded. "Okay," he finished off his burger and called the waitress over. "Can I have this to go, please?" He asked referring to the shake.
"Sure sugar," she said and took it back to the counter.
Daniel wiped his hands and mouth on a napkin. "So why didn't we go on this mission?"
"The inhabitants don't trust men." Jack answered.
That got an eyebrow rise. "So how come Teal'c got to go?"
Jack rolled his eyes. "Danny, he's T."
Daniel closed his mouth. "Right," he smiled as the waitress returned, his shake now in a disposable cup with lid and straw. "Thank you."
"You're welcome sugar. Tell that wife of yours she's a lucky lady."
"I will," he said grinning.
The waitress then winked at Jack. "You tell yours the same thing, sugar," she messed and hurried off.
Daniel chuckled as they side out of the booth, not forgetting his shake. "Come on, dad."
Jack followed, frowning. "Did Sam tattoo 'I'm taken' on my forehead without me knowing?"
"Nope, but you have that 'I'm not available' look to you," he remarked.
"Oh."
They drove back to the mountain, changing back into their fatigues, heading to the control room.
Hammond greeted them as they walked in. "Colonel, doctor."
"Sir," Jack nodded.
The General noted Daniel still had the milk shake. "Should I ask?"
"Chocolate, caramel and strawberry," the Colonel revealed and saw the older man wince. "He likes it."
Lt. Simmons, who was seated next to Sergeant Harriman, at the control console, handed the man a folded twenty. Who just smiled and pocketed the note.
Daniel frowned. "What was that about?"
"There was a bet between the two of them, to guess what flavors you'd chose today." Hammond remarked. "Just like there's a baby pool going on to guess the baby's sex and the date he or she will be born."
"You're kidding?"
"No, I'm in for fifty dollars," the General admitted, and then bragged. "I predicted the births of my two granddaughters."
Jack smiled. "I'm in for fifty myself."
Daniel's frown deepened. "Who's running this pool?"
"Sergeant Siler, why want in?"
The young man shrugged. "Why not, we only have an approximate due date."
They were laughing over it when the klaxons sounded and Lt. Simmons announced. "Incoming traveler," he waited for the GDO to be received. "It's SG-1alpha, sir."
"Open the iris," the General ordered.
Daniel and Jack headed down to the embarkation room, the linguist dumping his empty shake container on the way. Hearing the familiar thump of weapons fire, they hurried their pace. A SF held them back from going in though. "Sorry sir, we're taking fire. I can't let you in."
"The hell you can't," Jack snarled and pushed passed the man.
So did Daniel, he wasn't going to be left out there while his wife was coming through the gate under fire. Both ducked as a staff blasted hit near them, looking up the ramp. Suddenly Sam came flying through, landing hard, rolling down the ramp part way. She stopped herself and got on her knees. "Come on, come on," she hissed.
Ceri came flying through next, landing she rolled down to Sam and was stopped by her, not moving. Daniel and Jack made it up the ramp, keeping low to avoid the staff blasts that were still coming through. There was a loud boom; Daniel dived over his wife, covering her. Jack grabbed Sam, pushing her down.
Teal'c came through along with dirt and debris, the iris spiraling shut, loud thumbs could be heard before the gate shut down.
Daniel looked up, then too his wife. "Ceri?"
She lifted her head off the ramp. "I've got to lean to keep my mouth shut," she grumbled.
He chuckled with relief and amusement and got up helping her to her feet. Wiping the dirt from her face. "You said something you shouldn't have?"
"Ceri O'Neill insulted a Goa'uld," Teal'c announced sitting up, then in a fluent movement was on his feet.
"Goa'uld?" Jack was helping Sam up. "This was supposed to be a simple meet and greet."
"SG-1alpha, head for the infirmary, we'll debrief at 14 hundred." General Hammond's voice came over the PA from the control room.
The weary team members nodded and left the gate room with Jack and Daniel, an SF took their weapons and they proceeded to the infirmary. Janet was waiting for them.
"Doctor, you're first," she ordered.
Ceri groaned. "I hate being first," she grumbled and went with the doctor.
Jack chuckled. "She sounds all right to me."
Daniel also smiled, feeling sick at the same time. He felt a large hand on his shoulder, finding it belonged to Teal'c.
"Daniel Jackson, are you all right?" The Jaffa asked concerned.
"Yeah," he nodded. "Thanks Teal'c."
Sam frowned. "Perhaps you should sit down, Daniel, you don't look so good."
He didn't feel so good, Jack could see that, he grabbed the wastepaper bin from the corner and shoved it into Daniel's hands seconds before the archaeologist emptied his stomach into it. They managed to get him to sit down on one of the exam beds. Sam went after Janet, returning with the doctor.
Janet just smiled sympathetically; getting a cup of water she gave it to him. "Novel use for a wastepaper bin, Daniel."
"Sorry Janet," he mumbled miserably.
"No problem, rinse and spit, Dr. J," she ordered and once he had done, she took the bin and gave it to one of her nurses to dispose off. Taking the cup also. "Lay down." He did on his side; she checked his temperature with her hand. Daniel's forehead wasn't hot. "This bonding has novel approaches to how you two react to things."
"So what's wrong with him?" Jack asked.
"Nothing," she answered. "Ceri is coming down from an adrenalin rush, Daniel's having the physical reaction to it."
"Great," the person in questioned grumbled and they all chuckled.
"Don't worry, Daniel, Ceri is fine. I'll send her out in a minute, stay where you are; you'll feel better soon," she patted his arm and hurried back to her other patient.
Jack bit back a laugh, it wasn't funny really, but in a way it was. In the end he couldn't help it, neither it seemed could Sam and the two of them started laughing. Teal'c meanly raised an eyebrow, smirking.
"Yeah, laugh it up you guys, very funny," Daniel mumbled.
"Sorry Daniel," Jack apologized even though he still found it funny.
The archaeologist frown, his stomach was settling down. Keep it up, dad and I'll tell Sam about my bachelor party and the Jell-O wrestling, he warned telepathically.
Jack shut up quick smart, especially since it had been his idea to have the bachelor party, after the bonding "You fight dirty, Dr. Jackson."
"I was taught by the best, Colonel O'Neill."
Sam looked at them curiously. "Do I want to know?"
"No," her fiancé said quickly. "You don't."
She smiled. She had an idea what Daniel had threatened Jack with. She saw Ceri walking over to them. "I guess it's my turn," she said and headed in the direction the linguist had come.
Ceri lent over and kissed her husband's forehead. "Janet said you christened her wastepaper bin."
"It's not funny," he griped.
"I'm sorry," she gently rubbed his back. "Are you up to giving me a hand to do some research for the debriefing?"
"Yeah, I feel better now."
"I'll grab a shower and meet you in our office."
Daniel sat up with her help. "I'll be there."
"I will make sure Daniel Jackson gets there, Ceri O'Neill." Teal'c announced.
"Thanks Teal'c."
Sam out smiling over something Janet told her. "Your turn Teal'c."
He bowed and walked way.
Ceri smiled gave her husband's arm a light squeeze. "I'll see you in a little while."
"Okay."
She headed out of the infirmary with Sam.
Jack frown. "I don't like being left out."
"I know," Daniel mussed.
He huffed and walked out, going straight to his office; he shut the door and slid down the wall, his head going into his hands as he drew his knees up. His heart was pounding, he never thought watching SG-1alpha coming through the Gate under fire would affect him so badly. But for a brief moment he thought he was going to lose them.
Sam came into the office, having been alerted by Ceri, she quickly shut and locked the door so no one else saw what she did. She knelt down. "Jack?"
He looked up. "I'm okay."
"No your not," she sat next to him, taking him in her arms. "You didn't lose us Jack, you won't, and we're too well trained."
"I know, but there's more at stake now, Sam. Our grandchild was in danger too," he retorted.
She felt tears sting her eyes, tears of happiness. "Our grandchild?"
He slipped his hand around to the back of her neck and drew her head closer to his. "Ours," he whispered and kissed her, thrusting his tongue into her mouth, deepening the kiss as her tongue dueled with his.
She moved, sitting on his lap without breaking the kiss, only the need to breath pulled them apart. They grasped for air, breathing hard. There was a hunger in both their eyes, Sam grabbed his head in her hands and kissed him again, sucking seductively on his lip. Jack pulled at her shirt, getting his hands beneath it. He needed a lace-covered breast, whist undoing her bra with his other hand. He then pulled his mouth from hers and tugged the t-shirt off her body; her bra followed it onto the floor. He lent forward and sucked and licked one rosy nipple while needing the other. Then when she started to whimper in pleasure, he switched to the other, giving it just as much attention.
Sam arched her back against his drawn up legs and moaned. "We shouldn't be doing this, not here Jack," she managed her say, her brain turning to mush with pleasure.
"Here, now," he growled. "I need you now."
She could feel that, thrusting her hips a little against his groin. God she wanted it too. To hell with their 'no sex' at work rule, she wanted him, now, hard and fast. "Yes, Jack, oh god, yes."
Her movements were driving him close to the edge, it was so good, and she tasted so good, like honey suckle. Somehow their clothing came off, his shirt ending up being a pillow under her head. He licked and nipped, occasionally sucking but not hard enough to leave a mark. She wiggled and squirmed underneath him, running her fingers through his hair.
"Jack, please," she begged.
"Please what?"
"Love me."
With one thrust he was in heaven and she bit her lip, stopping from crying out in ecstasy. He wanted to wait, he wanted to go slow, but he couldn't. He thrust deep within her, she moved with him, her legs wrapped round his hips, her fingernails dug into his shoulders.
"More Jack…. Harder, faster," she gasped, feeling so close to the edge of ecstasy she though she would fall.
He quickened his pace, feeling close to that edge too. "Sooo good Sam."
Her body started to spasm and convulse and she thrust her hips faster towards him as his mouth covered hers, and her screams of sexual euphoria over and over as she fell into blissful exhilaration. The tightening of her muscles sent him over the edge into the same wave of exhilaration and he collapsed on top her, breathing hard at her neck, her body still convulsing gently around his.
He kissed her, more gently, savoring her mouth as she unlocked her ankles and dropped her feet to the floor, stroking his back lightly.
"That was so amazing," she whispered, staring into his desire glazed eyes.
He agreed. "I love you, Sam."
"I love you too, Jack."
Managing to get a hand under her buttocks, he rolled them over so she was on top, holding her against him as he lay on the floor, stroking her sweet slick back.
Sam nuzzled at hair on his chest and then settled her head there, feeling safe and content in his arms.
"As much as I'd love to stay here sweetheart, we have to get up," he said half-heartedly.
She agreed. "I don't want too," she whined playing it to the hilt.
He chuckled. "Neither do I, but I don't think the General will take our excuse to well."
"Okay," she yielded.
Getting up from the floor, they dressed. Jack found a tin of deodorant in his draw and used it, then gave it to Sam, who just grinned and used it too. Smelling like Jack was better then turning up to the debriefing smelling of sex. Finally they were ready to go.
Sam saw her fiancé smiling. "What?"
"You look like a woman who's been made love too," he mused tugging her into his arms.
"Well you look like a man who's gotten lucky," she smirked. "And you want everyone to know it."
"Damn right," he said proudly and then kissed her lightly. "We'll walk slowly.
"Oh yeah," she agreed.
Leaving his office they did just that, arriving last, Daniel and Ceri were already there, as was Teal'c. Harm was off world with SG-2, whose CO's daughter was in the hospital and he'd been given compassionate leave. So Harm was in temporary command of the unit until his return.
"Nice of you to join us, Colonel, Major," Hammond remarked, hiding a grin.
"We aim to please, sir," Jack smiled and they all sat down.
"All right major what happened?"
"We arrived on P4X-4599 and met with the Council of Elders, they told us about how their ancestors were brought to the planet by a 'god', who eventually left them to their own devices," Sam reported. "During our meeting the Jaffa arrived, Ceri alerted me. The elders hid us in a monastery; we were safe for the first twenty-four hours. Then he arrived."
"He?"
"Amon-Ra, the King of the gods, sir," Ceri answered. "His host was Tarlingan, I believe he was on Tarlinga when Daniel and I were with the Cha'tar. I wouldn't be surprised if he was the one giving the orders."
Hammond looked to Teal'c. "Do you know this Amon-Ra?"
"He was in league with Ra, an enemy of Apophis."
"According to Egyptian mythology Amon-Ra was also known as Amun," Daniel revealed. "Early on he was the god of air and wind, then later a fertility god."
"That would explain his fascination with Ceri then," Sam said.
Daniel was taken back. "What?"
"He was fascinated with Ceri, after we were captured, he sat her down, treated her with respect. Teal'c and I were tied up," she explained. "I didn't hear everything he said, but he was civil to her."
They all looked to Ceri, who was chewing on her bottom lip. "Care to explain, doctor?" Jack asked, purposely using her salutation.
"He said I would make a fine host for his Queen," she announced. "After my child was born."
"And?"
"I swore at him in Goa'uld."
"You also insulted him, Ceri O'Neill." Teal'c added.
"So I did?"
"What did you say?" Daniel asked, concerned and miffed at the same time.
She mumbled something quietly that none of them understood. "I didn't hear that, doctor." Hammond stated.
She groaned inward. "I said I wouldn't be host to his Queen, nor would I want to spend the rest of my life with a pin dick false god, as himself."
Daniel's jaw dropped, Sam held back from laughing, Teal'c smirked. The General looked amused and Jack just laughed. "God I would have loved to have seen his face," he retorted, finding it amusing.
She looked sheepish. "He was a little pissed, sir."
"Oh I bet."
"So what did he do?" Daniel asked.
"He had me tied up with Sam and Teal'c and stormed out." Ceri answered.
"How did you escape?"
"Some of the young women of the village didn't like what was happening and they managed to get our weapons back and freed us," Sam revealed. "We were at the Gate when the Jaffa caught up, Ceri had just finished dialing out."
"They were determined to get us back," Teal'c declared.
"They were determined to get Ceri back," she corrected. "She was standing wide open in front of the Gate and none of them took a shot at her."
"Once I realized that, I created a kinetic shield in front of us, I grabbed Sam in a telekinetic hold and pushed her through the gate," Ceri continued. "I yelled for Teal'c to go but he remained at my side as we backed towards the gate."
"I was concerned with Ceri O'Neill's safety," the Jaffa declared. "She said the kinetic shield was making her weak, so I pushed her through the Gate and then dived through myself."
"A kinetic shield?" Jack questioned.
"I drew kinetic energy from around us and formed it into a shield, it's easily enough done, but very draining." Ceri explained.
"Tell me more about this Amon-Ra?" The General ordered.
"As well as being known as the king of the gods," Daniel revealed. "It's said he was able to assume any form he wished, with each of the other gods being one of these forms. It's written from the eighteenth dynasty on he was a national deity and through political means managed to assimilate many lesser gods. He was believed to be the physical father of all Pharaohs. He was also known as Amun – the hidden one."
"It was said that he created himself, having no father or mother, and was born in secret. He was the chief god of Thebes." Ceri added. "Thebans also claimed that entire cosmogonies were merely aspects of Amon; merely forms of him."
"He sounds like a real charmer." Jack said sarcastically.
"Will he hurt the people of P4X- 4599?" General Hammond inquired.
"No sir, I think his being there had nothing to do with the Charokee people," Ceri answered him.
"Then what?"
She hesitated. "I think he was looking for a planet to be his base, the Cha'tar didn't like the Jaffa or the Goa'uld. I think it was getting to risky for him to remain on Tarlinga, so he gathered his Jaffa and left."
"All right, write up your reports, then head home," the General ordered. "In the morning we'll send a probe through and see if we can determined whether he's still there or not." He pushed back his chair and stood. "Dismissed." They all stood when he did, he headed back to his office.
Jack glanced at his daughter as they left the conference room. "Pin dick false god?"
She grinned. "It seemed appropriate at the time."
"Still, you took a chance," Daniel noted. "He could of hurt you."
"He wasn't going to hurt me, Daniel," she said calmly.
"How do you know that?" He asked angrily.
Stopping she faced her husband, seeing the others had stopped too. "Because, despite the fact he was a pin dick false god, he had enough conscious to know hurting me, would mean hurting the baby I carry," she put a hand to the side of his face. "I wouldn't do anything to risk our child," she said gently. "From the moment we were brought before Amon-Ra, I sensed that, I knew I was in no real danger."
"She's right Daniel," Sam offered. "Even after Ceri insulted him, Amon-Ra was still concerned for her health. He had her tied up, but he didn't want her hurt."
"Trust me, Danny," Ceri whispered, feeling his anger bleed away.
He nodded. "I do. I'm sorry."
"I know."
Taking her hand, he drew it down and they continued. "So when is Harm due back?" He asked, changing the subject to something safer.
"Tomorrow," Jack answered. "Then we'll see how he liked being in command of SG-2."
"Afraid he might like the taste of command, Jack," Sam jeered.
"Oh yeah," he agreed a little sarcastically. "He's probably developed a real napoleon complex by now."
"Don't worry, dad. I'm sure SG-2 will come back begging for Colonel Stevens to come back." Ceri jeered, then added "Or they could arrive back and demand to keep Harm."
"Now you're pushing the love sweetheart," he warned.
She just smiled and gripped Daniel's hand tighter. Later that day she and Daniel were home, relaxing. Lying comfortable on the sofa, with her head in her husband's lap, she was writing in her journal. Daniel had started her doing this, writing her thoughts down after every mission. Sometimes she took a notepad with her so she could write herself notes to add to her journal, just as he did.
Daniel was reading a book, or trying too, occasionally he'd pick up a thought from his wife that would make him lose his concentration. He'd smile or frown, then continue on reading. It wasn't until she rolled over and settled again did he realize she'd drifted off to sleep, smiling he put his book down and took her journal and pen. He was going to put them down too until he heard her mumbling in her sleep.
"Ceri, honey?" He stroked her hair, thinking she'd woken.
She hadn't, her mumblings became clearer and a little louder, enough for Daniel to recognize she was talking in Ancient. Opening her journal he dictated what she was staying, he'd worry about translating it later. The last thing she said was a set of Gate coordinates, and then she drifted off into a deeper sleep, falling silent.
Looking at what he written, Daniel chewed on his bottom lip, on the next page he began translating what she said, hoping he was translating it right. When he was finished he reached over and grabbed the cordless from the shelf behind the sofa, quickly dialing Jack's number. He got a reply. "Dad, it's me. Can you and Sam come over…No she's fine…I'll tell you when you get here," he promised and hung up. Putting the phone down he looked once again at what he'd written, he didn't even realize Ceri knew how to speak Ancient, not as fluently as she had done. She'd translated Ancient texts before, but then again so had he. He was still mulling over it when Jack and Sam arrived, coming into the living room through the side glass door. He gestured them over.
Jack slid the door shut, seeing Ceri was asleep, her head on Daniel's thigh. "What's going on?" He and Sam sat across from them.
Daniel handed over the journal. "She was talking in Ancient, I wrote down all she said, including a Gate address," he revealed. "Ceri doesn't speak fluent Ancient."
"No she doesn't," Jack handed the journal to Sam.
She looked at it. "Do you know what she said?"
"Well," he took back the journal and turned the page. "It's rough, but. 'The secret of a leader lies in the tests they have faced over the whole course of their life and the habit of action they develop in meeting those tests. When this leader is ready, then and only then shell the course of their life become clear.' Then she gave the Gate address."
"Could it be something her stepfather used to say to her?" Jack asked.
"Possibly, but why is she saying it in Ancient?" Daniel asked him.
Ceri woke, seeing Jack and Sam. "Dad, Sam what are you doing here?"
"You were speaking in fluent Ancient, while you were asleep." Sam told her.
She sat up. "Ancient?"
Daniel handed her, her journal. "I wrote it down."
She looked over what had been written. "I don't speak fluent Ancient, I translate it, but that's about it."
Jack hesitated, then announced. "I think we should head back to the SGC, let doc Frasier have a look at you."
"Dad, I'm fine."
"You were speaking fluent Ancient," he noted.
"I speak twenty-six different languages," she reminded, but didn't deny it.
"In your sleep?"
"You speak Arabic in your sleep," she retorted.
"Only during nightmares and you weren't having a nightmare," Daniel stated before Jack could. "Dad's right though, we should go and see Janet, just to make sure."
She looked to Sam for support, her CO wasn't going to give it too her. "I'm sorry Ceri, I happen to agree."
Closing her journal, she found herself out voted. "All right."
At the SGC, Dr. Frasier and General Hammond were waiting for them when they arrived; having been altered after Jack had rang in. Janet ushered the young woman away.
Hammond addressed those remaining. "You said she was talking in fluent Ancient?"
"Yes sir, like it was a second language she'd been speaking all her life." Daniel answered factually.
"Which means?"
He shrugged. "I don't know," he said shaking his head, concerned for his wife.
"Very well, I've sent a message to the Tok'ra, to see what information they have on Amon-Ra. I'm hoping we'll hear something back from them soon," the General announced. "Once Dr. Frasier is finished, I want to see you all in the briefing room."
"Yes sir," all acknowledged.
He nodded and walked out, leaving them pondering what to do next to themselves.
Jack sat on an empty bed. "So other then your wife speaking Ancient, do anything interesting at home?" He asked Daniel, making conversation.
"The usual chores that needed to be done," he shrugged. "Then we cleaned out the fish tank."
"Well at least you have happy fish."
Sam chuckled and patted Daniel on the back. "It'll be fine, Daniel," she remarked as she sat next to Jack.
"Yeah, I know," he managed a smile.
Teal'c came into the infirmary. "Daniel Jackson, the General just informed me you were all here. Is Ceri O'Neill all right?"
"She was talking in fluent Ancient." Jack revealed before Daniel could. "Other then that she's fine."
"I did not realize Ceri O'Neill could speak fluent Ancient," the Jaffa declared.
"Neither did we," Daniel remarked dryly.
An hour later Janet found them still waiting, Jack and Sam sitting on one of the beds, Teal'c was sitting to one side mediating. Daniel was seated at the nurse's station, sketching on a piece of paper. He looked up acknowledging her. "You found nothing wrong?"
"Nothing, she's fine," Janet informed smiling putting her hand on his shoulder. "I'm still waiting for the results of the blood work up, but I don't see any problems," she looked at what he had drawn. "Child hood pet?"
"No, with my allergies I never had a dog or cat," he revealed. "I just had an urge to draw it."
Janet turned the paper to get a good look at the sketching. It looked like a dog, a large dog. "Maybe it's a child hood memory of Ceri's."
"Possibly," he agreed frowning.
Ceri came over to them, seeing the drawing. She arched an eyebrow. "Cu."
Janet didn't understand her. "Excuse me?"
She pointed at the sketch her husband had done. "Dog, in Tallisian it's cu, it's the same in Gaelic."
"Oh?"
Daniel became curious, standing he showed her the sketching. "Yours?"
His wife shook her head. "No, why?"
"I had an urge to draw it," he said shrugging. "I don't know why."
Jack and Sam came over to them. "So what's going on kids?" He asked.
"You mean other then Ceri speaking Ancient and Daniel sketching animals?" Janet stated, and they both grinned. "This day just keeps getting better and better."
Teal'c also joined them. "Perhaps someone is trying to make contact telepathically?"
"Possibly, but why?" Ceri wondered. She looked to Daniel, who seemed to be going out of focus. She tried to reach out to him, but it was too late and darkness grabbed her first.
Janet only had seconds to react to Ceri fainting, grabbing the young woman as she fell, going down onto the floor with her. Before she could comment, Daniel and Jack passed out too. Teal'c grabbing the linguist before he could fall, but Sam was taken down by the weight of Jack, ending up on the floor too.
"Put Daniel on the bed, then give Sam and I a hand Teal'c," the doctor ordered.
He did, two nurses rushing in to give a hand too; Janet yelled orders as she examined the three of them. "We should inform General Hammond." The Jaffa said.
Sam agreed, nodding, not wanting to leave Jack. "Do it Teal'c," she ordered, seeing him bow his head and leave.
Jack looked around, it was dark, a light seemed to be coming from above him, but it gave only a little illumination. Daniel and Ceri stood with him. "What in the hell is going on? Where are we?"
"I don't know." Daniel answered. "On both counts."
Ceri gripped his hand. "We're in a telepathic void."
"A what?" Jack asked, confused.
"A telepathic void, it's a void that is either the mind of the sender or the receiver, or in our case, receivers," she explained.
"So someone is trying to communicate with us." Daniel stated the obvious.
"But who?" Jack asked.
"That would be me," a melodious voice said. They all turned and saw a startlingly beautiful woman, bathed in a pure while light, which made her white clothing seem very phosphorescent. She smiled warmly. "I am Lara, welcome."
"Why are we here?" Ceri asked.
"We wish to help you?" The being told her. "We're the Furlings."
"One of the races Thor spoke of," Jack said, recognizing the name.
She nodded. "That is correct, Colonel O'Neill."
"How can you help us?" Daniel asked, pushing for answers, ignoring the fact Lara knew them.
"By protecting you, Ceri and your daughter," Lara said placidly. "You're in danger."
"From who?" Jack questioned, immediately feeling protective of his family.
"Amon-Ra, he was the Goa'uld who ordered Tallisia wiped out, he recognized Ceri. She is a threat to him." Lara revealed.
"Why?" Daniel demanded.
"Because your wife Daniel, is unique, she has the genetic DNA of the Ancients within her genetic code," the Furling answered him, keeping a placid tone to her voice. "Your daughter carries those genes too, as do you and you Jack."
"What?" The three of them said together.
Lara smiled and chuckled melodiously. "Did you think your meeting was a coincidence? The three of you were fated to meet, to be together. All humans have a small amount of Ancient genes, the reason why will become apparent as you progress. As for Ceri, her ancestors were humans brought from Earth and a colony of Ancients that settled on Tallisia, her genes would have remained dormant if it wasn't for the doctors who altered her genetic structure, they awaked her Ancient DNA."
"Why did they do that? Alter her genetic structure?" Jack asked, trying to comprehend what he was being told.
Ceri answered. "Because I would have been born blind and deaf if they hadn't," she revealed. "It was discovered before my birth and the decision was made by my parents. It was supposed to be a simple procedure."
"It would have been, if the doctors had not of done more then repair the defective genes. They played god," Lara said. "Though they did not know it, by doing what they did they heightened all your abilities and intellect. You are the first of an evolution that should have taken another thousand years to accrue, your daughter will have take this evolution further because of who her father is."
"Whoa, wait a minute," Jack insisted. "Explain that to me?"
Nodding, Lara agreed. "Daniel carries strong Ancient genes, which leads me to theorize his ancestry is stronger then yours," she hypothesized. "His path and Ceri's were destined long ago to cross."
"And me?"
"You, Jack had the knowledge of the Ancients downloaded into your brain. You were not ready for it, not on the evolutionary scale, even though you too carry Ancient genes. After all you are smarter then you act."
He shrugged. "Yeah," he dismissed. "But how does this affect me?"
"The son you and Samantha will have will take the same evolutionary path as Ceri's daughter."
"Son?"
"Yes," Lara smiled. Knowing he wouldn't remember any of this information.
"Cool," he remarked, grinning.
"How can you protect us?" Ceri asked, breaking into the conversation. Her concern was for her unborn child.
"You must come to the Furling home world, there you will be safe."
"We can't disappear for four and a half months."
Lara smiled again at their innocents. "For you it will be months, for those you leave behind it will be only weeks."
"And they'll be safe?" Jack asked needing assurance.
"Yes."
"And after we return?" Daniel questioned, slipping his arm around his wife.
"A protector will return with you, your lives will go on, your daughter will remain safe. When the time is right, she will full fill her destiny." Lara reassured. "You have the address to our world, the decision is yours."
Sam lent forward and took Jack's hand again in hers, bring it too her lips she gently kissed it. It was going on two days and Janet still had no idea why the three of them had collapsed. The only thing they did know was their brain activity was being stimulated.
Harm walked into the isolation room where the three had been placed and put a hand on Sam's shoulder. "Any changed?"
"No."
He sat next to her, nodding to Teal'c, who was seated between Daniel and Ceri's beds. "Hey T."
"Did you sleep Harmon Rabb?"
"Not much," he admitted. "I kept thinking about what was happening."
Sam suddenly smiled. "I was thinking back to when Anise came through the Gate with those Atanik armbands," she said, keeping the mood light. "Both Jack and Daniel stood there with shell shocked looks on their faces, they hadn't been expecting her."
Harm chuckled. "I read the mission reports, but I must admit I would have liked to have seen it."
"O'Neill, Major Carter, Daniel Jackson and Ceri O'Neill were not eager at first to participate. However they did change their attitude after the armbands began to work." Teal'c declared.
"It was amazing, but we were out of control," Sam admitted. "We disobeyed an order and didn't think twice about it, nor the consequences of our actions. Especially O'Malley's."
"Must have been a hell'va bar fight," Harm mused.
"It was," she smirked. "But they started it by calling Daniel a geek." She silently wished Jack, Daniel and Ceri would wake up and laugh with them. "Of course it wasn't the only stupid thing we've done."
"Do tell?" Harm insisted.
"Teal'c and Jack test flew the X-301 Interceptor, it was an experimental aircraft, made out of a Goa'uld glider," she recalled. "In one of the test flights they lost control and were heading out into deep space. We contacted the Tok'ra thinking they could get us a ship. Daniel, Ceri and I gated to a heavily fortified Goa'uld planet to find the Tok'ra agent there. It turned out to be my father, and he helped us. We were close though."
"If you had been any longer, Colonel O'Neill and I would have died," the Jaffa said bluntly.
"We were lucky Teal'c," she agreed.
"And not the first time either," Harm stated. "I read about the device on P4X-347, it could have been a lot worse."
Sam agreed. "I think Ceri was the lucky one, she and SG-7 were stuck on the P5X-3986 in a snow storm. Jack said he felt so frustrated, seeing Daniel in a coma, not being able to fight the addiction. Then when he flat lined," she shook her head. "Jack saved him by bringing him back to the planet and himself too. If we hadn't of found out how to turn down the output of that device, we would had still been there or died a horribly painful death."
"Instead you have a three week vocation, I hear Jack did some fishing," Harm said smiling and saw Sam nod.
"Ceri O'Neill and I did not have a vocation," Teal'c started, recalling. "A week after Ceri O'Neill returned from P5X-3986, the Tok'ra arrived asking our assistance in recovering one of their agents."
Harm got up and went over to his sister, taking her hand in his. "Two members of SG-6 were lost and Ceri took a staff blast to the back of her left thigh, she has a scar there."
"That is correct, Harmon Rabb," the Jaffa agreed.
"And your first mission was a trail by fire," Sam remembered. "Both you and Ceri were lucky to walk away from that one, when you guys were stuck on that Goa'uld mother ship, I thought Daniel and Jack were going to rip apart anyone who got in their way."
"They were most determined," Teal'c noted.
"Well being hunted on a Goa'uld mother ship, knocked unconscious by a stun grenade wasn't fun for us," Harm remarked a little sarcastically, the stress of the past few days starting to show. "The only highlight was Brc'tac's Jaffa apprentice getting us out of that cell, your guys turning up and getting out in death gliders. Now that was fun."
Sam managed a smile. "Daniel and Ceri enjoyed it."
"I do believe Ceri O'Neill was happy to sit on Daniel Jackson's lap." Teal'c remarked bluntly and Harm and Sam laughed quietly.
Janet came into the room. "The Tok'ra have arrived, General Hammond wants to see you all in the briefing room."
Sam nodded. "You'll let us know if there's any change?"
"Of course," she said giving her friend a sympathetic smile.
Reluctantly the three of them left, going to the briefing room, finding Jacob Carter and Freya, Anise's host with General Hammond.
"Dad." Sam greeted her father with a hug.
"Hi honey, how's Jack, Danny and Ceri?"
"No change as of yet," she revealed as they took there seats.
"Once we got your message I insisted on coming myself," Jacob announced. He looked to Harm. "You dad would have come but he's on a mission, so I came in his place." He saw the Naval officer acknowledge him with a grateful smile and he continued. "Now what's this about Amon-Ra?"
"SG-1alpha encountered him on P4X-4599," Hammond informed. "He wanted Dr. O'Neill to be host for his Queen."
"She call him a pin dick false god," Sam said as causally as she could.
Her father grinned at that. "Really?"
She nodded. "He wasn't happy about it, but he didn't hurt her."
Freya glanced at Jacob, who nodded and she addressed the others. "That makes sense, considering who Ceri is."
"What do you mean?" Harm asked her.
"Ceri's ancestors were as you know, Tau're, what you don't know is they were Ancients also. That's how the Tallisian people developed so strongly telepathically and empathically," Jacob explained.
"Dr. O'Neill is as you know a M-12 telepath, which is the highest rating ever recorded on Tallisia," Freya revealed, noting the linguist ancestry surprised them. She continued. "What you don't know is how she became a M-12 telepath."
"Wait a minute," Sam interrupted before Harm or the General could. "What do you mean how?"
"Before Ceri was born, the doctors found out she had several major defects in her genetic structure," Jacob explained, having been told by Amon in confidence. "During the procedure to repair the defects, they also inadvertently heightened all her natural abilities, as well as her intellect," he addressed Harm. "Your dad thought it was the best thing to do, he didn't want to see his daughter born without sight or hearing. He wanted her to be perfect."
"So he played god." Teal'c retorted.
"It was a procedure that had been many times before on Tallisia." Freya defended the decision.
"So they reawakened her Ancient DNA." Sam guessed.
"Yes."
"What about Ceri's baby?" Harm asked concerned.
"Her baby will be born with strong abilities and the ability to be able to use anything built by the Ancients as Ceri unknowingly can." Jacob answered him. "This child is going to be special, very special. If Amon-Ra got him or her, then every planet that has defied the Goa'uld is in trouble. We thought we'd killed him years ago, an action that coursed a lot of Tok'ra to lose their lives. We were wrong."
"Well his new host is Tarlingan," Sam revealed. "Ceri believes he was on Tarlinga when they were being held by the Cha'tar."
"Makes sense."
Klaxon's suddenly screamed on and they heard the Stargate moving.
"There are no teams due back." Hammond announced.
Getting up they rushed over to the window and saw Jack, Daniel and Ceri at the bottom of the ramp, all three were in fatigues.
In the gate room, Jack waited as the chevrons locked into place. "Are you two sure about this?"
Daniel held Ceri's hand tight in his. "We're sure."
He nodded. "Take care."
The Gate opened behind them, with its usual splendor.
"We'll be back soon, dad," Ceri reassured with a warm smile. Then along with Daniel, walked up the ramp and through the Gate.
It shut down just as the General, Sam, Harm, Teal'c and the Tok'ra arrived.
"Sir, they don't have a GDO," Sam said frantically stated the obvious.
Jack didn't seem concerned. "They won't need one," he told them and then passed out.
Harm and Sam rushed to his side, Sam cradling her fiancé's head in her lap. She gently patted his face as Harm knelt beside her.
"Jack, Jack."
He groaned as he woke. "Sam?" He was confused. "What happened?" He looked around. "Why am I here?"
"You don't remember?" Harm asked.
"Nope, last thing I remember is being in the infirmary after we brought Ceri in."
"Colonel, Doctor's Jackson and O'Neill just went through the Gate," Hammond announced. "You're telling me you have no idea where they went."
He didn't, not really. "The address she has in her journal." He offered, still a little confused and disorientated.
A medical team, along with Dr. Frasier rushed in, having been alerted by Sergeant Harriman, going over to Jack.
Harm got up and moved out of the way. "Sir, request permission to go through the Gate to that address."
"You've got it, take SG-2 and Teal'c."
"Aye sir," he acknowledged and he and the Jaffa rushed out to get ready.
Jack was helped to his feet by two medics, Sam got to hers and along with Janet they escorted him out.
"Something is going on, George." Jacob declared matter of fact.
The General nodded. "Somehow I have a feeling we're not going to find what we want."
"I pray your wrong."
"So do I, Jacob. So do I."
Twenty minutes later SG-2, still under Harm's command, along with Teal'c was ready to go, standing at the bottom of the ramp, as the chevrons were engaging.
Sam was in the control room, having put the address into the computer.
Beside her, Sergeant Harriman announced. "Chevron six encoded," he watched as the Gate spun run, then stopped, but didn't engage. "Chevron seven won't engage."
"Damn," Sam swore but couldn't find anything wrong with the computer. "There's nothing wrong our end, sir," she told the General.
"All right," he stepped up to the microphone. "SG-2, stand down." He stepped back. "Major, contact the Asgard and see if they recognize this Gate address."
"Yes sir." Sam acknowledged him.
In the Gate room, Harm dismissed SG-2, turning to Teal'c. "I don't like this."
"Neither do I, Harmon Rabb," the Jaffa agreed.
The next morning, during a briefing, there was a flash of while light and Thor appeared at the end of the table. "I came as soon as we received your message. How is Colonel O'Neill?"
"Concerned," Sam answered. "He's being released from the infirmary this morning."
"Do you recognize the Gate address?" Hammond asked.
"Yes. It is the Furlings home world," the Asgard revealed.
"Why couldn't we Gate to their world?" Harm questioned.
"Because you were not invited," Thor said bluntly. "I believe Dr. Jackson and Dr. O'Neill were."
"Why?" Asked a voice behind him. Jack came into the room and sat beside Sam.
"It is good to see you again, O'Neill," the Asgard greeted.
"Why?" He asked again.
"To protect Dr. O'Neill's daughter."
"Daughter?"
"Yes, they themselves are in danger too until their daughter is born, once she has been the Furlings will send a protector back with them for the child's safety."
"A protector?"
"Yes, something similar to what you call a dog." Thor announced.
"With Daniel's allergies, I don't think so," Sam remarked.
"Dr. Jackson's allergies will not be affected by the protector," the Asgard reassured.
"So when do we expect them back?" Hammond asked.
Thor blinked his large eyes at him. "When the child is born, they will return. For them in will be months, for you it will be less."
"How is that possible?" Harm inquired.
"There is a time difference."
"So we just wait?" The General declared.
"Yes," there was a pause. "I must go. Trust in the knowledge Dr. Jackson and his wife and daughter will return unharmed." Thor said, and then in a flash was gone.
"I guess we just sit back and wait." General Hammond stated and his people agreed.
Jacob and Freya came up from the control room. "Was Thor any help?" He asked as they sat with them.
"We weren't invited, so we don't go," Jack retorted a little frustrated.
"I'm sure they're all right, Jack."
"We'll I'm not, damn it. I let them go through the Gate without a GDO and then announced they wouldn't need one," he said angrily, his out burst not unexpected. "What the hell was I thinking?"
"You weren't yourself Jack."
"It still doesn't make it right."
Hammond had heard enough. "Until Dr. Jackson and Dr. O'Neill return, Major Carter, you and Teal'c will integrate with SG-1. Commander Rabb, you'll remain in command of SG-2 until further notice."
"Aye sir," he responded.
"Yes sir," both Sam and Teal'c acknowledged.
"SG-14 is doing recon on P4X-4599, they're not due back until tomorrow, so until then SG-1, you're on stand down," the General ordered. "Commander," he addressed Harm. "SG-2 has a mission briefing at thirteen hundred, please inform your team you'll be remaining in command."
"Yes sir."
Hammond pushed back his chair. "Dismissed," he ordered and stood, as did everyone else. He moved from the conference table, talking to Jacob. "Will you and Freya be remaining?"
"Anise needs to return," Jacob said, the lowered his voice. "If you don't mind, I'd like to stay a few days. I think Sam might need a hand with Jack."
George Hammond agreed, nodding. "So do I," he said, and gestured for Freya to follow him. "This way."
She bowed her head and followed, going from the room.
Sam put her hand on her fiancé's arm. "Lets go home, Jack."
He didn't argue with her. "Yeah. You coming," he paused, for a quick moment. "Dad?"
Jacob thought he saw a little of the old Jack there. "I am."
"I'll let you know if we hear anything," Harm assured.
"As will I, O'Neill." Teal'c declared.
"Thanks, Hammer, T."
"Come on Jack, let's get you home," Jacob suggested.
"Get some rest, Jack," Harm recommended and left the room with Teal'c. He noted the Jaffa remained with him. "You're worried about Jack."
"I am."
"So am I," he announced. "Finding out Ceri was pregnant gave Jack a new lease on life, having her leave like that…" He shook his head. "He won't be happy until they're home."
"I believe you are right, Harmon Rabb." Teal'c said firmly.
Abydos:
Daniel stepped out of the tent; the coolness of the morning would soon be replaced with a dry head. He didn't mind it he actually was enjoying it. It was like being home again and in a way it was, for more then a year Abydos had been his home. Ceri came up behind him, wrapping her arms around him as she nuzzled her cheek against his back. He smiled warmly and took her hand in his. "How are you feeling?" He was concerned about her, she was now near the end of her pregnancy and the heat had been affecting her. She was from a planet with a cold climate; being on Abydos was a shock to the system.
She sensed his concern. "Better," she assured, relaxed.
They had gone to the Furling home world, to those on Earth they had been there a month, but for them it had been a long three months. It was their decision to come to their current location and they'd been on the planet for three weeks along with their protector, checking in regularly with the SGC. They dressed and lived like the Abydonians people, Kasuf had taken them into his home and family, accepting Ceri as Daniel's wife and such his daughter-in-law. On Abydos, after all they'd been through, not even being given the protector on the Furlings home world before they'd left had really given them the freedom they had there, nor the feeling of being safe.
A cold nose nudged Daniel's hand; he smiled and rubbed his hand over the protector's head, who was a large dog with golden brown fur and brown eyes, he was trained to protect them at all cost and once their daughter was born, he would protect her too. Ceri had named him Pharaoh. "We should head for the Stargate and report in," he announced. They'd kept in regular contact with General Hammond, during their first contact, they'd filled them in on briefly on what had happened, saying they were staying on Abydos for the time being. None had been too happy about it, but the General had agreed. Daniel recalled what had happened on their second contact.
"If we're late dad will blow a gasket," she mused readying his thoughts. "He wasn't happy the last time."
"I know," he said, feeling Pharaoh nudge his hand, he smiled. "I know you're up for the walk, Pharaoh."
"As am I husband," Ceri assured confidently.
Releasing her hand he turned, taking it again as he faced her. "Then we'll go my wife," he lent forward and kissed her, a long passionate kiss that she finished by sucking seductively on his bottom lip. He groaned against her mouth. "Later?"
"It's a date," she said with a sexy purr.
They heard a throat being cleared and found Kasuf and Skaara waiting patiently. "Morning good son, good daughter," he greeted with a smile.
"Good morning good father," both greeted blushing.
"We're going to the Chappa'ia good father," Daniel informed. "We're due to report in to General Hammond."
Kasuf looked to Ceri with concern. "You are up to this, good daughter?"
"Yes good father, we'll walk slowly and take plenty of water," she assured. The day before she'd fainted from the heat and since then both her husband and newly acquired father-in-law had been concerned for her welfare. So she held back informing them about the twinges she'd been feeling.
"I will accompany them, good father," Skaara said smiling.
"Very well," he agreed then suggested to Daniel. "Perhaps good son, you should speak with Colonel O'Neill in person. His concern must be great by now, even though you check in regularly."
"I have a feeling this time when we make contact, Jack will demand to come here and see for himself Ceri and I are all right." Daniel declared.
"As he should." Kasuf said bluntly.
Ceri smiled. "We'll be back by midday, good father."
Bowing he hurried away.
"I'll get the water skins," Skaara offered and went to do so.
Daniel and Ceri waited for him to return and then along with Pharaoh they left the settlement, walking at a comfortable pace, stopping periodically for Ceri to rest. She found the twinges she were experiencing were becoming a little stronger, which meant Daniel was soon going to feel them too. When they arrived at the temple where the Stargate was, Ceri kept her mind off her discomfort by the MALP ready as Daniel dialed Earth. The chevron's locked and the Gate opened, the event horizon giving a watery reflection around the room.
Ceri switched on the video feed and the radio. "Sierra Gulf Charlie, this is Dr. Ceri O'Neill, do you read?"
They waited, and finally received a reply. 'Dr. O'Neill, this is General Hammond. Is Dr. Jackson with you?'
Daniel knelt next to his wife so he could be seen. "I'm here General."
'It's good to hear from you son.'
'Are you coming home?' That was Jack, obviously he'd been in the control room at they'd opened the gate to Earth.
"Not yet dad." Ceri told him. She felt Pharaoh crawl in between her and Daniel, and lay his head on her thigh. She rubbed his ears. "We're fine for the moment."
'Hey Pharaoh, you had better be taking care of my girl.'
The dog gave a woof that had them all chuckling.
"We're fine here Jack, Ceri is safe and no one outside of the SGC knows where we are." Daniel informed.
'So you'll be staying on Abydos for a while longer?' General Hammond asked.
"For the time being, General." Daniel informed. There was a pause, long enough for him to glance at Ceri, who shrugged. "General Hammond, are you still there?"
'Yes Dr. Jackson, SG-1 and 2 are preparing to embark, expect their arrival, along with Dr. Frasier.'
"We'll be waiting, sir. Abydos out," Ceri said, and then cut the video feed, the Gate closed down moments later.
"Well I guess we wait then," Daniel said and got to his feet, helping his wife to hers, ignoring the dull pain that sparked through him every so often. His wife's well-being was his concern. "Lets get you somewhere more comfortable."
Skaara got quickly to his feet as did Pharaoh and they followed. There were still pillows and rugs within the temple and they settled Ceri on them near the wall, Pharaoh lying at her side. "Do you need water Dr. Ceri?" the young Abydonians asked.
"No thank you, Skaara," she said smiling.
He sat near her, before the Tok'ra had removed the Goa'uld symbiote Klorel who had taken him as an unwilling host; Ceri had argued along with Daniel and Jack for his freedom, he never forgot that. She had not even meet him, yet she believed him in and he trusted her enough to allow her into his mind and that had told her what kind of person he was.
She rested her head on her husband's shoulder; he kissed the top of her head. "Are you sure your all right?" He questioned her.
"I'm fine," she lied and took his hand in hers, placing it on her swollen stomach. "Your daughter however is restless."
He could feel movement, which made him smile. "She's excited to see her grandfather."
Skaara's eyes widened. "Dr. Ceri, could I?" He asked hesitantly.
She knew what he wanted. She took his hand and placed it near Daniel's and watched as his eyes widened even more.
"It is amazing," he gashed excitedly.
She smiled, chuckling a little. "One day I am sure, you will be able to feel your own son or daughter growing within the one you love Skaara," she said tenderly.
He blushed. "I can only hope to find a love like you and Dan-yel have, Dr. Ceri," he said then removed his hand.
The Gate activating alerted them, they stood and moved as close as was safe, it opened with a whoosh and a minute later, SG-1 and 2 came through the event horizon with Dr. Frasier.
Ceri smiled and went over to her adopted father, hugging him. "Hi dad."
He hugged her back, then stepped back, admiring her swollen stomach. "Whoa, swallow something?"
She grinned. "I blame Daniel," she smirked.
Sam smiled warmly and hugged her too. "You look wonderful," she praised. "Not as big as I thought you would be, but…"
"But being Tallisian, my body reacts differently." Ceri finished.
"Yes."
Jack nodded to his friend. "Daniel, I see you've been looking after my girl?"
"Yes dad," he answered with a 'of course I have' expression.
"Good."
Harm was kinder. "How are you, Daniel?"
"I'm good," he replied. "You got your own command?"
"Major Stevens resigned, he wanted to spend time with his daughter." Harm explained.
Ceri went over to her brother. "You offered Nitara's help."
He nodded. "He refused. It's his right." He gave his sister a hug. "Dad sends his love."
"He's fine?"
"Yes."
Daniel bowed his head to Teal'c; the Jaffa returned the gesture with ease. "You've been keeping them all safe, Teal'c."
"I have."
Jack gave Skaara a bear hug, the two grinning like children. "Kid, you've grown. Man you must be beating the girls off with a stick."
"Why would I do that?" He asked confused and everyone laughed.
"Jack means because of you're good looks, you must have a lot of girls after your attentions." Daniel clarified.
The young Abydonians blushed. "I have my admirers."
Janet smiled at the bantering. "How are you feeling, Ceri?"
"A little tired, I wasn't expecting the heat," the younger woman admitted. "But I have a husband who looks after me."
"She fainted yesterday from the heat," Daniel announced, seeing his wife frown. "Which is why I suggested this trip this morning, we should return before the midday heat."
The doctor agreed. "I'd like to give you a full examination," she told Ceri and stopped her from arguing. "General's orders."
"And mine." Jack added.
"All right," she yielded, she went to move but Pharaoh blocked her way. His alert to both her and Daniel was strong.
"Skaara, check outside?" Daniel asked him.
He nodded and hurried away with one of Harm's men going with him.
"What's up with Pharaoh?" Jack asked.
"He's trained to alert us if there's danger," Ceri explained.
"How?" Sam inquired.
"Empathically."
"Oh."
While they waited Jack took the opportunity to tease his son-in-law, ruffling his hair. "Need a hair cut their, Space Monkey."
Daniel frowned. "Ceri likes it this long."
"I like running my fingers through it during…." She never got to complete her sentence as her father held up his hand, letting it drop slowly.
"Ahhhhhh!" He exclaimed, coursing everyone to laugh.
Captain Davidson returned with Skaara. "There's a mother of a sand storm blowing up out there, sir. We're safer staying here."
"Thank you Captain," Harm said.
"All right, lets hunker down here for the time being." Jack ordered.
"This way," Daniel insisted, taking his wife's hand, they lead them to a different part of the temple, where they'd made a livable area. In a way he was glad Janet was there, the dull ach he'd been experiencing was becoming stronger and he was starting to think Ceri was hiding something.
"Lets get this examination over and done with while we're waiting." Janet offered, seeing the concern on Daniel's face.
Ceri nodded. "We can go in here," she told the doctor and led her into a private chamber, Pharaoh going with her.
"Are you sure you don't want to come back, Daniel, the Colonel is driving everyone nuts?" Sam queried.
"We're sure," he said smiling at the frown Jack was giving Sam.
She and the others sat with him to wait. "So what was the Furling home world like?" She asked keeping the conversation going.
He shrugged. "I don't know," he confessed. "I remember walking up the ramp at Stargate command and going through the Gate, I know it was a long three months for us both and then I remember arriving here on Abydos."
"What about Ceri?" Jack asked.
"Much the same thing. She knows her abilities have been enhanced due to her Ancient DNA asserting itself and integrating with her Tallisian genes, but when it comes to the Furling home world. Nothing." Daniel explained. "I'm guessing that's the way they wanted it."
"But you came here," Sam stated. "You both made a conscious decision to do so."
"I expect we did. We have the knowledge but not the memories."
"Maybe they just buried them," Harm suggested.
"Perhaps, but there's no way of knowing." Daniel concluded.
"Why's that?"
"Because we've already tried."
"Oh."
"You said Ceri's Ancient DNA has asserted itself and integrated with her Tallisian genes," Sam picked up. "Are you sure?"
He nodded. "I think the Furlings did something to both of us, the Ancient genes we both carry were only asserted after we went to them."
"Wait a minute, you have Ancient genes too? How's that possible and how did they activate it?"
"Apparently all humans have a certain amount of Ancient DNA in their bodies, in mine it's more then normal, and I don't know how it was activated," he answered.
"Dan-yel can heal," Skaara stated proudly. "As can Dr. Ceri."
"Heal?" Jack questioned skeptical.
Daniel had noticed a bruise on Sam's hand, reached over he put his hand over the bruise, lightly touching and focused on healing it. When he removed his hand the bruise was gone.
She flexed her hand, surprised. "Holly Hannah."
He shrugged. "Ceri can focus better then I can, her abilities are stronger. Because of the Furlings we've evolved."
"Does this not concern you Daniel Jackson?" Teal'c asked.
He nodded. "Our evolution has occurred because of another species, that in a way is an invasion of our rights. We had no say in this happening to us."
"Thor told us we weren't invited to the Furlings home world, we tried dialing it, the last chevron wouldn't lock," Jack reported. "Now its obvious why we weren't invited."
"We weren't invited because we weren't useful to them," Harm theorized.
"It seems like it," Daniel agreed solemnly. Pharaoh came out of the chamber and padded over to him, laying down he rested his head in Daniel's lap and his master patted his head.
Sam smiled. She was still amazed by the large dog, which until their arrival had only seen on video image. "Doesn't he affect your allergies?"
"No. Furling technology, he's non-allergenic you could say."
Jack chuckled at that, he'd taken an instant liking to the animal from the moment he'd seen him on the camera. Asking. "Did they make it so you don't have to wear your glasses any more too?"
"They did."
"So your not allergic to Pharaoh, don't need your glasses any more and you can heal," Sam rationalized. "Anything else we should know?"
Daniel shrugged and then shook his head, clearly disturbed by it all.
"Daniel?" Jack knew there was something wrong. He could read him better then most.
"I just get the feeling we were used," the younger man admitted.
That concerned Harm as much as the rest of them. "In what way?"
"Since going to the Furlings, I sometimes feel the same way I did after Hathor had me under her control," Daniel reluctantly admitted. "Ceri feels the same way at times."
"What did Hathor do?" His brother-in-law asked confused.
Daniel didn't answer; he just reached out and touched Harm on the arm. Imagers and feeling filled his brother-in-laws mind until he removed his hand.
Harm rubbed his temples. "Crap," he swore as the headache eased. "Damn it Daniel, a little warning next time."
"Sorry, but now you understand."
"Yeah I do, sorry."
"It's all right."
"So what now?" Jack asked him, worriedly.
"For now we stay here, we're safe," Daniel answered.
Janet came out with Ceri and they sat with them, the doctor helping the younger woman to sit next to her husband. "There we go, mother and baby are strong and healthy," she reported. "Though I'd be happier if you were back at the SGC, this baby could come at any time."
Pharaoh crawled closer to Ceri; she rubbed her hand over his ears, scratching gently. "I'm fine my friend," she assured. She knew what had been said, which was why she'd sent him to Daniel. She looked to her family. "The storm outside will be raging for a while, perhaps this is a good time to rest. We have food for a midday meal when the time comes."
"Here?" Jack queried.
"Here dad," she said with a smile. Continuing. "We've been exploring this temple and the catacombs since our arrival."
"Skaara and I explored them when I lived on Abydos," Daniel added. "In fact we want to show you something." He stood and then helped his wife to her feet, Pharaoh stood too.
The others were instantly on their feet, Janet too she voiced her opinion quickly. "Daniel, I really think Ceri needs to rest, not wander around."
"She will Janet, trust me," he said calmly as he took his wife's hand.
Harm spoke to his 2IC. "Captain, have the men rest, but keep a visual."
"Yes sir." Davidson acknowledged.
Skaara went a head on a telepathic suggestion from his brother to light the way, no one even noticed him leave other then Daniel and Ceri, who showed the others down into the catacombs. "The hieroglyphs on these walls tell of Ra and more importantly the Eye of Ra," Daniel pointed out.
"We believe the Eye of Ra is located here in these catacombs," Ceri continued his sentence. "In a secret chamber."
"And if it is Ceri O'Neill?" Teal'c asked.
"Then it needs to be either destroyed or safely hidden," Daniel answered for his wife. "According to legend there were six Eyes including those held by Apophis, Osiris and Tiamat among others. Each is powerful on its own but to use them in combination increases that power ten fold and if a weapon was created using the eyes…." He let his voce fade.
"Then we're looking at a weapon of immense power," Sam concluded. "Could the system lords know about this?"
"It's possible." Ceri told her.
"So we find the eye and take it back to Earth or we destroy it here and then it's not possible." Jack declared simply.
"Yes."
"We believe we've found the chamber," Daniel revealed. "We just can't get into it." Showing them he translated the hieroglyphs. "Rays of the sun will reveal all."
"We tried focusing light on the jewel, but it didn't work." Ceri added.
Jack looked at the image on the wall, coming to a conclusion. "The rays of the sun on the fresco are red."
Everyone looked at him. "What?" Daniel asked.
"It's red," he glanced to Carter. "Sam?"
She understood. Raising her P-90, everyone got out of the way and she focused the laser sight on the jewel. The door to the chamber rumbled and opened, revealing the secret chamber they were looking for.
"Sweet." Jack remarked and wandered in, everyone else following.
Skaara lit the room using the burning touch he carried, revealing a lot of artifacts. "So now we find the Eye?"
"Now we find it." Daniel agreed, looking around.
Ceri and the others did too, Pharaoh staying close to her; she found a stone table and started reading it, even if it was in one of the oldest dialects of the Ancients. "Daniel," she gestured him over, unable to keep the surprise from her voice. "Look."
He did, reading what she did. "Oh my god."
"What?" Jack demanded.
"It says the Ancients evolved from a race of humans that lived long before us and they were wiped out by a plague that swept across the galaxy. That many learned to ascend and the rest who didn't died." Daniel stated. "This has to go back to Earth, it also tells about a lost city and that's more valuable then anything."
"What about the Eye?" Harm interrupted.
"It doesn't say anything about it," Daniel said absently. "So it's got to be around here somewhere."
"Well, lets keep looking," Jack, insisted becoming frustrated by the minute, even more so when they found nothing after another twenty minutes. "What about a secret chamber?"
"In a chamber?" Ceri questioned and then raised an eyebrow. "Why not."
He drew his knife and tapped at the stone with the handle, moving in one direction until the tone changed. "Here."
"There's no jewel to open it." Harm stated the obvious.
"We don't need it," Ceri told him. "Move out of the way." When they had she stood before the wall, closing her eyes she focused the kinetic energy around her, it crackled and became glowing white balls of energy in her hands. Opening her eyes, she waited until Daniel stood behind her, his hands on her shoulders, as she throw the balls of energy he created a kinetic shield, tapping into her abilities, protecting them all as the wall exploded, sending dirt and dust into the air that hit the shield and bounced off. He released the shield the same time as she relaxed, both of them drained by it.
"Holly Hannah!" Sam exclaimed.
"Sweet!" Jack muttered.
Janet crossed quickly to the two linguists. "That's enough for the two of you, you're both exhausted from doing that. Rest. Doctors orders."
Ceri and Daniel nodded, supporting each other.
"Lets go then, Colonel O'Neill and the others can dig through the rubble," Janet ordered.
"Go with them Harm." Jack ordered.
Harm nodded and along with Janet and Pharaoh, ushered both linguists out of the chamber, back to the main one.
Captain Davidson nodded to him. "All clear sir."
"Good work, Captain."
"Thank you sir."
"Go and rest." Janet ordered and Ceri and Daniel went into the private chamber. The doctor didn't move from the Commander's side. "I don't like this."
"Neither do I," he admitted, shaking his head. "What they can do…. Are you sure it isn't doing them or the baby any harm?"
"The baby is fine, I'm more concerned about their well being," Janet confessed. "These powers both have suddenly inherited are taxing on their bodies."
"They said the Furlings genetically manipulated their genes, could they have done something else to either of them or the baby?" Harm asked.
"Without having them come back to the SGC, I don't know," she divulged.
In the private chamber, Ceri rolled onto her side and tried unsuccessfully to get comfortable on the sleeping matt, which wasn't easy at the best of times in her condition.
Daniel lay spooned up against her, his arm around her, his hand resting on her swollen stomach. "What's wrong?"
His breath was hot on the back of her neck and she smiled a little. "I can't get comfortable."
"It's more then that," he noted.
"Janet is worried about what we can do," she put her hand over his, their fingers entwining. "Daniel what if the Furlings have done something to us? To our baby?"
"Our baby is strong and healthy," he reminded her but sighed. "But your right, they could have done something and while we're on Abydos Janet can't find anything out."
"So it's time to go back?"
"Yeah," he felt movement under his hand and smiled warmly. He could sense his daughter so clearly when they lay like this, it was always an amazing feeling. The kicking eased and settled as he gently rubbed Ceri's stomach.
"She's going to be daddy's little girl," she mused.
He nuzzled her neck. "Not to mention grandpa's girl, he'll spoil her."
"He'll probably want to take her fishing." Ceri smirked.
"And her Uncle Harm will want to take her flying," Daniel said lightly and they both laughed softly.
"But mostly she'll want to travel through the Gate," she said with a smile. "Like her mom and dad."
"She's already a seasoned Gate traveler," he said and then nuzzled her neck again. "She'll know more about the wonders of the universe before she knows about Earth."
"She is a child of the universe, Danny. One born of a human father and a Tallisian mother," she said sincerely. "Even without her abilities that will still make her special."
"Yes it will," he pressed his lips to the back of her neck and kissed gently. "Try and get some sleep."
"You too," she insisted as her eyes closed.
"Me too," he agreed and drifted off.
In the hidden chamber, Jack cleared away some more rubble and picked up a gold disk that contained a large ruby jewel in the center. "Got it," he stood, brushing the dirt away with his fingers.
Teal'c was first at this side. "I believe you're right, O'Neill."
Sam took a look too. "So what know?"
"That is up to Dan-yel." Skaara announced.
"How is that?"
"Dan-yel saved us from Ra, he stayed with us," the young man revealed. "The council of elders declared anything found concerning Ra or any other Goa'uld, belongs to Dan-yel."
"Heck that was nice of them," Jack remarked sarcastically. "Grab that tablet and lets get out of here."
Sam did, wrapping it carefully in a piece of cloth she found, following them out of the chamber, they returned to the other.
"We found it," Jack announced as they walked in.
"So what now?" Ham inquired.
"Apparently that's up to Daniel," the Colonel remarked a little sarcastically. "Where is the Space Monkey?"
"Asleep, both he and Ceri are, they've been out now for," he checked his watch. "Nearly an hour."
"Yeah well Ceri made a mess in there, it took time to dig the Eye out," Jack retorted as he handed Harm the Eye. "There's one thing that's brothering me, though."
"Where are the other five Eyes?" The Navy Commander speculated, having been thinking the same thing.
"Yeah."
'Such power should not fall into the wrong hands.' Nitara warned.
'It won't, not if we can help it.' Harm assured.
Jack waited, seeing his friend was having a conversation with his Symbiote. "So how's Nitara?"
Harm blinked and let her take control. "I am fine, Colonel O'Neill. Thank you for asking"
"Long time no hear, Nitara. Take a nap, did we?"
Nitara chuckled at the Colonel's sarcasm. "From now on I shell make a point of saying hello more often, Jack."
He grinned. "So any thoughts on the Eye?"
"Major Carter was right, it could be used as a weapon of immense power," the Tok'ra Symbiote declared. "It should not fall into the wrong hands, including those on Earth."
"Of that we both agree." Jack established.
"Harm is getting restless, I trust you'll do what's right, Jack."
"Well, as we've been told, Nitara, that's up to Daniel."
"Yes. Goodbye Jack."
"Bye Nitara."
Harm blinked, regaining control. "She's right Jack, taking it back to Earth could be as bad as handing it to the Goa'uld."
He sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Have Davidson and the rest of SG-2 head back to the Gate."
Harm nodded, giving the Eye back he went over to his 2IC, relaying the order, Davidson nodded and he and rest of SG-2 left without their CO.
Jack turned to Skaara. "We're going to try and convince Daniel and Ceri to come back to Earth."
"Why? They are safe here?" The younger man asked.
"Safe, yes, but medically it's better if they're back on Earth," Janet announced as she walked over to them.
"You are that concerned?" Skaara asked her. "The baby is fine, is it not?"
"Yes, but these new abilities Daniel and Ceri are drawing on are using a lot of their physical strength," the doctor explained. "In the long term it's not good for either of them."
"Maybe the Furlings did it so they could find the Eye." Sam suggested joining the conversation.
"Possible." Jack agreed.
"For what purpose, Major Carter?" Teal'c asked.
"To get the Eye themselves." Janet put forth. "We've already seen a little of what their capable off."
"And they know Daniel and Ceri are here, I bet." Harm added.
Jack had a gut feeling they did too. "Doc, go wake the kids, we're getting out of here," he ordered and she hurried away, Sam going with her. He then addressed the Commander. "Harm, tell Davidson to get ready to dial the Gate."
"On it," he said, heading for the Gate to relay the message in person.
Jack then turned to the Abydonian. "When this storm is over head back to Kasuf and let him know what happened, don't say anything about the Eye of Ra, keep that to yourself for the time being."
"I will."
"Good," he went to turn away.
Skaara stopped him. "It was good to see you again Oneill."
He smiled. "You too, Skaara," he gripped the young man's shoulder briefly. Moving away as Sam and Janet returned with their now awake chargers and Pharaoh. "Sorry kids, vacations over," he tucked the Eye into his vest. "We're all heading home."
"What's wrong Jack?" Daniel asked, slipping into his team member persona.
"Having the Eye of Ra in our procession, that's what. Lets go," he declared.
Sam helped Janet with her equipment and they left the chamber, going to the Gate. Davidson was standing by the DHD.
"All right people, listen up," Jack ordered and when he had everyone's attention, he continued. "We're taking Dr. Jackson and Dr. O'Neill back with us, as well as the Eye of Ra. Until I give the order, no one talks about the Eye, not between yourselves, no one. It doesn't exist. Is that clear?"
"Yes sir," all in the military chanted.
"If I hear anything about it before I have a chance to talk to Hammond, then all hell will break lose. The lives of everyone on Earth may depend on this, including our own," he stated bluntly. Then turned to Davidson. "Captain, dial the gate."
"Yes sir." The Captain said and pressed the address into the DHD, opening the Gate. He then transmitted his IDC. "All set, Colonel."
"Lets move then."
Harm and his men when through first, followed by Janet, Sam and Teal'c, leaving only Daniel, Ceri, Jack and Pharaoh.
Skaara smiled, understanding. "Go, be safe."
"We'll be back." Daniel promised and embraced his brother-in-law quickly before stepping back.
Ceri hugged the young man also, whispering something in his ear; he blushed a little and then nodded. She returned to her husband's side. "I'm ready."
He took her hand. "Lets go then."
Together, they stepped through the Gate with Pharaoh, traveling through the wormhole, stepping out of the Gate inside SGC.
Hammond was waiting; he smiled, even at the sight of the dog. "Welcome back, doctors."
"General," both greeted as they came off the ramp.
"General, this is Pharaoh," Jack introduced. "Their protector."
Hammond looked for further information from the two archaeologists.
"He was given to us by the Furlings," Daniel explained. "He'll protect Ceri and I at any cost and once the baby is born, he'll protect her too."
"So in other words, I have to get use to that dog being on my base."
"Yes sir," Ceri said lightly.
"Very well," the General agreed. "SG-1, we'll debrief in an hour. SG-2 in half an hour, dismissed."
All agreed, heading off to shower, SG-1 meeting back at the conference room at the allotted time, Pharaoh with them.
Ceri felt more comfortable in the baggy fatigues, but a little uncomfortable from the twinges she was feeling and had been since rising that morning. She was starting to wonder if she should have mentioned it to Dr. Frasier, especially since they seemed to be getting stronger and more painful.
Janet, who had joined the debriefing, was watching Ceri and Daniel, both seemed more then a little uneasy. "Is everything all right, Ceri?" She asked interrupting the meeting.
The younger woman shook her head, grabbing hold of her husband's hand, as his face betrayed her pain and discomfort she felt. She took calming breath and answered. "My water just broke."
"Oh crap," Jack exclaimed and concerns about the Eye of Ra, which he was about to bring up, went clear out of his head.
To be continued…. (Oh anyone have any ideas on who at JAG would make a really good host for a Tok'ra, it's an idea I've been mulling around in my head to go with the next chapter. I even thought about Mac?)
