"I still don't understand why we have to be up here…"

"Just watch, Jack," Melony told him, taking another sip of her coffee and watching as the rest of the group came out onto the largest of the balconies that they'd found so far. Kale was the last to come out, and to O'Neill's amazement, the Light One was buck naked when he made his appearance.

"Hey! He's-"

"The clothes don't change," Melony explained, as Jack scowled.

Remembering what she'd told him about pheromones, he tried to look at things rationally, even as he turned to look at Sam, who was looking anywhere but at Kale and looked far more uncomfortable than he felt. Her eyes met his, and he couldn't help but smile – because he'd never seen her blush so red. Ever.

"Watch, Jack." Melony said, turning his attention from Sam back to Kale. Just in time to see the Light One vanish and a moment later a vicious looking wolf-like creature taking his place.

"Holy shit!"

Jack wasn't the only one to stare, and those who had seen it before took delight in the reactions of those who hadn't. Daniel took a step backwards, and then a step forward, as if uncertain whether to get closer or not, and Sam's red face had gone pale once more, her eyes wide. Even Teal'c, who normally was unflappable, was visibly impressed.

"Now a bird, Kale," Melony requested.

An instant later the wolf was gone and a huge bird was in its place. A huge bird.

"It can fly?" Daniel asked, obviously impressed by the size, but never before seeing a bird so large. Certainly something that big would never get off the ground.

"Not only can he fly, but in a pinch, he can carry someone."

"Yeah?"

She nodded, but McKay spoke up, unable to keep quiet.

"We've been carried by them. I don't recommend the landing – since all they can do is drop you and hope it's someplace soft – but the flight itself isn't too bad."

Unless you have a talon in your shoulder

Yeah, there is that.

She didn't think it was really necessary to let Jack (especially Jack) know about that, though, since it had been an accident. She felt Talon's agreement, and smiled as she stepped away from O'Neill and walked over to the bird, who was easily big enough to rip her into pieces. Resting her hand on the soft feathers that covered his breast, she looked at the others.

"Do you guys need a flight demonstration?"

Sam shook her head, as did Jack, but Daniel hesitated. He would have liked to see it fly – and better yet, he'd have loved a chance to be carried around. But he was pretty sure that request wouldn't go over very well.

Mitchell stepped clear of the bird, and a moment later Kale was standing there once more, still naked, but not at all uncomfortable about it. Unlike Sam, who once more averted her eyes, and Jack, who scowled again.

"Did you see that?" Daniel asked, amazed. He wasn't at all concerned about the nakedness, he was just amazed by the whole transformation thing – and Jack had to admit that the transformation thing was pretty cool. He'd admit it a bit easier once Kale was dressed again.

"I saw… everything…" O'Neill said, dryly, and Mitchell wasn't the only one to grin at that.

"Do you not believe the Wraith will notice a bird of such great size?" Teal'c asked. It wasn't much of an advantage to have a scout if that scout stuck out so much.

Kale shrugged.

"They will only see a bird. My eyesight is very good, and I will remain far above the ground – which will make my size seem less significant. I do not intend to fight the Wraith – because in my bird form there isn't much I could do against them or their weapons – but I can tell you where they are."

Teal'c nodded, and Jack had to nod as well. He could understand why Melony wanted Kale along, and once he managed to get past that irrational annoyance he was feeling – pheromones at work? – he was in complete agreement.

"We could use your help," he said. "If you're still willing to come along."

Kale smiled, and nodded.

"My people are more than ready to ally ourselves beside yours, General O'Neill. Especially against the Wraith."

Jack nodded again.

"Well… we're not leaving until morning… so um… why don't you go ahead and get some clothes on?"

Daniel looked like he was going to say something, but instead, he turned to Weir.

"We don't have to wait until morning, Doctor Weir. If you're ready…?"

He couldn't wait to get his hands on the Wraith language – although oh he wanted to get Kale to fly him around!

She nodded, smiling at Kale.

"I'll leave you to discuss strategies with General O'Neill and his team."

"I shall come find you later," Kale told her, taking his clothes from Carson, who had been carrying them.

OOOOOOO

"So is there a limit to how many times you can change forms in a day?" Jack asked as the group that was going to go Wraith hunting separated from the others. Sam and Rodney went off to gather what little equipment they'd need to check out the darts – since the lava base was so well equipped, there was very little they could improve on.

Kale shook his head. Now fully dressed, he was walking easily between Melony and Jack, and the group headed for the lounge where they could get a briefing on the planet Mitchell had found the Wraith on.

"I am only limited by necessity," The Light One told him.

"No limit on how long you can stay in one form?"

"No. However, I don't fly well in the dark."

"I'm not hunting Wraith in the dark," Melony said. She hadn't when she'd been alone; she wasn't even with a group.

"The Wraith have more of an advantage in the dark," Teyla agreed. "Although they can make you see things that are not there in the daylight as well, there is a certain quality to the dark that makes things spookier."

"Your other form…?" Jack said. "It can see in the dark?"

Kale nodded, then shrugged.

"I have more of an advantage in the dark with that form, yes. But it's not like the felines. Of course, there are other advantages in that form – including an extremely good sense of smell and sharper hearing."

"He comes in handy to cuddle up to as well," Melony added. "Nothing warmer."

Jack gave her a look that made her smile.

"Yeah, well… I'll cuddle up to Teal'c, first."

And then Teal'c gave him a look, and Mitchell's smile broadened.

"Let me tell you about this planet," she said, to keep herself from laughing outright.