Here's another chapter. I apologize if the story seems slow. Hopefully it'll start to pick up a little bit.

Anything recognizable is not mine.

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Allow yourself to yield, and you can stay centered.

Allow yourself to bend, and you will stay straight.

Allow yourself to be empty, and you'll get filled up.

Allow yourself to be exhausted, and you'll be renewed.

Having little, you can receive much.

Having much, you'll just become confused.

--Passage 22 of the Tao Te Ching of Lao Tzu

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Sam studied her opponent, trying best to figure out what he was going to do next. He suddenly rushed in and knocked her promptly to the ground before she could even raise the bokken to block.

Ryu ran over to her and bowed slightly. "Please forgive," he said. "Too many minds," he told her.

Sam frowned. "What?"

"You mind the sword, mind your opponent, mind the people watching. Too many minds. No mind," Ryu explained.

"No mind…" Sam repeated. Ryu nodded and backed away. Sam stood and faced her attacker again. He rushed in, knocking the bokken out of Sam's hand. She darted behind him and leapt onto his back, wrapping her arms around his neck. Ryu rolled his eyes as he laughed. Sam was flipped to the ground and she sighed.

Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido

Sam sat atop the grassy hill, the sun warming her face. She pulled out a pen and a piece of rice paper and began to write.

It has been two and a half years since I've left the SGC. Since then, I have wandered from planet to planet, trying to find the peace of death. Instead, I came upon a place that resembles much of Feudal Japan. I am in a village right now where I am being taught how to become a samurai. It is hard training, but I believe it will be worth it in the end.

I do know that this is the only place where I have had my first untroubled sleep since that day so many months ago. Being at the SGC drove the thought of a divine power or divine being from my mind; especially with all I have seen and done on the battlefields. But there is something…spiritual about this land. When they first wake up, the people here go to their profession, devoting themselves entirely to that one calling. These people are most intriguing. I know my old Japanese Studies professor would have loved to live here if given the chance. I miss her and my team, but I couldn't stay on Earth. I've heard some of the samurai in the village talking about how I lost my honor and now seek to reclaim it. I feel they are right, in a way. I know they believe in seppuku to regain honor, but I could not kill myself to get it back. Maybe by the time I die I will have regained it. Who can say for sure?

Sam tucked the piece of paper into her sleeve and crossed her legs. She rested her hands on her knees and closed her eyes, letting her mind drift. A smile of content slowly formed on her face as she meditated.

Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido Bushido

Sam walked into the outer part of the temple where Samanosuke stood facing a tree similar to a cherry blossom tree. She walked over to him as he turned to face her. It had been six months she had come to the village.

"You wanted to see me?" she asked.

"You are mastering the katana faster than I would have expected. Ujio is quite proud of you," Samanosuke told her. The sound of footsteps made Sam turn and she saw Ujio walking up to them. He passed Sam and stood even with Samanosuke. Something was tucked in Ujio's arm. Samanosuke nodded to Ujio and he turned to Sam.

"I have something for you," Ujio informed her and pulled the cloth from the item. He walked over to Sam and tucked the wakizashi through her belt. "You are now samurai," he told her.

Sam stared at him, bowing out of habit. "The…thank you," she said slowly. She straightened and looked down at the weapon on her belt.

"You still have much to learn before gaining the katana," Ujio said. "But I have faith that you will do it."

Sam nodded. "I don't know how to repay you…both of you. You've taught me so much," she said.

"What do you mean?" Samanosuke asked.

"You've been teaching me how to live again," she said.

"This has something to do with why you fled from your homeland, doesn't it?" he persisted. She nodded. "Are you willing to tell us what made you flee?" he questioned.

"I suppose I could," she said softly. The trio walked over to the steps and sat down. "About three years ago…" Sam began.

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I apologize for the shortness of the chapter. Hopefully the next ones will be longer. Did you guys like the excerpt from the Tao Te Ching? Review now else my army of radioactive purple penguin samurai will come after you.