-19-

The sudden appearance of Tatarina startled everyone, but Daniel. Jack, Sam, and Teal'c pulled their weapons, pointing them directly at Tatarina.

"It's okay!" Daniel shouted, jumping in front of Tatarina, to protect her.

"Hold your fire!" Jack ordered. "Daniel, want to step away from the lady please?" he urged.

"Jack, Sam, Teal'c, Janet, this is Tatarina…. Tatarina, meet Jack, Sam, Teal'c, and Janet, my associates," Daniel explained.

Tatarina smiled sweetly and stepped toward with Jack her hand extended.

"It's okay everyone. Really," Daniel said calmly.

"Is this not the same woman from the video tape?" Teal'c asked.

"Uh, yes, Teal'c," Daniel briefly looked down at his feet.

"Exactly who are you and what do you want?" Jack asked, lowering his gun, but keeping it out. He ignored Tatarina's hand.

"It's okay, Jack," Tatarina said calmly. "I thought it was time we should all meet. Why don't we all have a seat?" she suggested.

Jack nodded to the others indicating that they should all settle down. He knew they were as suspicious as he was.

"You'll have to forgive us if we don't appear very hospitable; we're not accustomed to receiving unannounced visitors who appear out of thin air," Jack said firmly. "Uhhh… at least ones we don't know," he corrected, thinking of the few times Thor had materialized in his presence unannounced.

"Yes, well, I think it's just a matter of getting to know you, Tatarina," Daniel explained, putting his arm protectively around her.

Daniel turned to address the others. "Tatarina is an Ancient Neonan or was an Ancient Neonan," he began. Daniel wasn't sure which tense would be more accurate. "In any case, she is my besheret. Besheret is the Hebrew word for soul-mate."

"Hebrew?" Jack asked suspiciously.

"Yes, according to the Biblical time-line, the pre-flood civilizations on Earth all spoke a form of ancient Hebrew. This was about 100 years before the Tower of Babel when God confused the language of man creating a multilingual society…"

"Okay!" Jack shouted. "Let's get back to Tatarina, shall we?"

"Maybe it would be better if I explain," Tatarina suggested.

"Please do," Jack moaned.

Daniel's eyes widened. He opened his mouth to object, but closed it quickly thinking better of it. Perhaps it would be best if Tatarina did explain things. Then they'll see her for the gentle, caring person she is, he decided

Daniel smiled as he turned his full attention to his lovely besheret.

"As Daniel said, I am an Ancient Neonan. It would be more precise to say that I am a former resident of Earth. I can't call myself an Earthling because I haven't been to my place of birth since the time of Noah.

"I understand from Daniel that many Tau'ri are unfamiliar with the advanced technology of the time. We had great houses built of marble with many rooms, running water and electricity, similar to what you have here today. Our technology though was far beyond what you have here. The Stargate is an example of the level of technology we had reached. We had developed several ways to travel through the galaxies to other planets. We had also developed means of moving into the Earth, to Earth's center and beyond. Imagine travel to the other side of the Earth directly through the Earth, having access to pools of water buried many kilometers deep beneath the surface. We learned to move through physical objects, levitate ourselves or other items, manipulate weather conditions, and eliminate illness improving our health.

"But with all that technology, when the flood waters began to rise, we had little time to evacuate Earth. Some traveled through the Stargate, others used our spacecrafts, and those who couldn't make it drowned in the flood.

"Those who were able to relocate to Neona found that they had arrived with little more than the clothes on their backs. We too, had to begin from scratch, as did Noah after the flood. Neona is a planet that is very similar to Earth; however, the food wasn't as abundant. We were faced with finding a solution to preserve our race. Our solution was to use the process of Ascension as a means of preserving life. Many Neonans agreed to have their essence preserved in an urn awaiting the awakening by their chosen one in the future when food would be more plentiful. I am one who has been waiting for my besheret. He has broken the first seal on my urn. Now he must open the other so my soul will be released and we can be together."

Tatarina smiled at Daniel and took hold of his hand. He winked at her and smiled back.

"But, if you're in the urn, how is it that you can be here too?" Sam asked.

"The first seal releases my spirit. I have limited time that I can take physical form before I am called back to the urn. My soul is encased beneath the second seal," Tatarina explained.

"Forgive me, but what you say is truly mind-boggling," Janet began. "If you can ascend, why don't you? why wait for a besheret?"

"We believe that God created Eve for Adam. God says "it is not good that man should be alone." That means for all eternity; as long as the soul shall live. My eternity is meant to be shared with Daniel."

Tatarina glanced fondly at Daniel and began her plea, "Please, I have little time… Are the Neonan ways so foreign to you that you would deny me this request? Daniel must break the second seal on my urn. He is the only one who can; he is my chosen one, my besheret.

"Please… once he does that, my soul with be free and Daniel and I will be granted the wisdom and power of the gods. We can choose to remain in perfect physical form here on Earth, if Daniel desires; or, we can ascend to the next level together. Either way, I promise, I will share my knowledge with you," she begged.

"Daniel, you know what needs to be done, please don't keep me waiting," she whispered into his ear. "I must go now…" Tatarina disappeared as quickly as she had arrived.

Stunned faces exchanged looks around the table.

"Daniel, you don't really believe this stuff do you?" Jack asked.

"Everything she said is backed up by the Neonan tablets," Daniel answered. "There must be thousands of urns in the caves waiting to be woken up and released. It all fits, Jack, it makes perfect sense. Don't you see?"

"What I don't see is, how you're the only one who can open her urn? You don't even know this… woman! Can't you date her a while and see how it goes?" Jack suggested.

"This isn't all that uncommon with the ancient civilizations. There was a time where all marriages were pre-arranged and many couples didn't meet until the wedding. In fact, the first glimpse of the bride was at the 'unveiling' after the wedding ceremony…" Daniel explained.

"Daniel, I'm not talking ancient civilizations, I'm talking you… here…now!" Jack replied.

"Jack, I love her. I can't explain it. I don't need time to date her. I won't waste time and lose her like I lost…" Daniel stopped.

"Sha're?" Jack finished his sentence for him. "This is all about Sha're isn't it? You couldn't save her and now you feel bound and determined to save Tatarina."

"I need to speak with the Neonan leader. May I?" Daniel asked, with a look of determination on his face.

"No!" Jack argued.

"Am I still restricted to the base, then?" Daniel asked.

Jack hesistated.

"Well, we KNOW I'm not hallucinating, Janet has already said I'm back to normal. What more do you need?" Daniel insisted.

"Okay, okay, but I'm coming with you. I've got a few questions for the Neonans myself," Jack conceded.

"Sir, may I come along? I'd like to ask about the process of ascension as it relates to the urn. It could be helpful," Sam suggested.

"I agree," Jack nodded.

"General O'Neill, I'm not sure this Tatarina is trustworthy. I have seen the false gods lie and deceive many. We do not know the Neonans very well. I suggest you take caution in your dealings with them," Teal'c warned.

"I will. You're coming, Teal'c" Jack answered, smiling.

-20-

"Off to see the wizard…" sang Jack, as he led the group onto the ramp of the Stargate.

Daniel chuckled to himself. He sensed that Jack was thrilled to have an excuse to travel through the Stargate again. He knew Jack missed the thrill of off world exploration and must regret, on some level, accepting the promotion to General.

They walked up the ramp and stepped into the event horizon of the Stargate. Moments later, Jack, Teal'c, Sam, and Daniel arrived at their destination, the planet Neona.

The Stargate and DHD were located in the center of a beautiful park. Blooming flowers of many colors, assorted fruit trees, and flourishing green plants filled the countryside. A sinuous stone path of glistening gold lay before them. It appeared to lead to the city nearby.

Jack shot Daniel a look of surprise. "This must be the yellow brick road," he commented raising an eyebrow.

"Gold and silver are commonly found ores on Neona," Daniel explained.

"I don't suppose the name of the city is 'Emerald'?" Jack asked.

"No, but they do have many emeralds and other precious gemstones like rubies, diamonds, and pearls here. What we consider rare and valuable, they have in abundance.

"The city is called 'Galut'. It means 'exile or captivity'," Daniel explained. "It was the site of their first settlement on this planet."

"I imagine it is a reference to the Neonan's forced exit by the flood," Teal'c commented.

"If they have all this, what must they want from us?" Sam asked, marveling at the stones of gold she was walking on.

"Major Williams has been the liaison between the Neonans and Earth," Jack answered. "From what Williams reports, the Neonans are very generous in what they are willing to share; but as of yet, have failed to mention what they want in return."

"Perhaps they are unsure of what we have to offer. What is the status of their defense and weaponry systems?" Teal'c asked. "Their Stargate is unguarded and vulnerable to attack being such a distance from the city."

"Maybe that is part of their defense," Daniel suggested. "It might be part of their strategy to have their city built at a distance from the Stargate. This way, they have time to assemble their armies to defend against an attack."

"That's only good if they are monitoring the gate," Sam answered. "I don't see any kind of surveillance equipment or alarm system in place."

"Well, their city is built on a hill," Daniel replied. "So, they have the high ground advantage, even if they aren't alerted ahead of time."

"Or maybe their city is surrounded by a really high wall with two big metal doors," Jack commented.

"What?" Daniel asked, quizzically.

"Don't worry, I know what to do. We'll just knock on the doors, and when the man with the big furry hat and long mustache asks who we are and why we've come; I'll tell him our sad story of how we've come such a very long way. Daniel, have you any tissues for when he begins to cry uncontrollably? It's the only way we're gonna get in you know."

"And just where did you get this information?" Daniel asked, folding his arms across his chest.

"I have my sources," Jack smiled.

As they turned to begin their walk into the city, a gleaming silver van pulled up alongside the small group. A tall thin, dark-haired man stepped out of the vehicle and introduced himself.

"Shalom!" the man called out in a cheerful manner. "My name is Emim."

"Shalom!" Daniel answered. "Shalom is the common greeting here," Daniel explained. "It is used to say hello, goodbye, and peace, but embodies much more. When someone greets you with 'Shalom', that person is proclaiming a blessing upon you. They are wishing you the best of all things such as health, prosperity, safety, and peace. Rather nice, don't ya think?"

"Oh yes, Daniel. Very nice. Sure beats the guy with the hat," Jack answered. "Shalom, Emim, I'm General Jack O'Neill, this is Colonel Samantha Carter, Teal'c, and you already know Daniel."

"Shalom," Teal'c and Sam answered in unison.

"General, we are most pleased to have you come for a visit. Please take a seat in this vehicle and we'll be off to the Ivory Tower," Emim explained.

"The Ivory Tower? I thought we were going to Galut," Jack said.

"The Ivory Tower is located in the center of Galut. You will be meeting with Representative Rephaim. He is most anxious to finally meet the leader of the Tau'ri," Emim replied.

"Oh, I'm not the leader of the Tau'ri," Jack answered, "But I am authorized to communicate on his behalf. Is Representative Rephaim the leader of Neona?"

"No. He is the second in command; the leader of Neona is unavailable presently. I hope that isn't a problem," Emim said nervously.

"Oh, no. Not a problem at all," Jack replied, glancing out the window at the passing scenery.

"Where are the caves, Daniel?" Sam asked. "Are they near the city?"

"The caves are located on the far edge of the city, in a more desolate area known as 'Keber'."

"Keber? What does that mean?" Sam asked.

"Keber is a Hebrew word that refers to a grave or burying place," Daniel answered.

"Is that where you bury your dead?" Sam asked Emim.

"Dead?" Emim reacted with shock and disgust.

"There isn't any dead," Daniel explained.

"We believe in ascension as the alternative to death," Emim explained. "The loss of life is unacceptable to us."

"But you can't always avoid death. I mean there's still accidental death… or death from illness…" Sam argued.

"Stop. Please," Emim begged.

His cheerfulness dissolved into solemnness. Everyone remained silent.

The vehicle came to a stop and the doors swung open automatically. Emim silently stepped out and waited for the group to join him.

As everyone climbed out of the van, Emim led the way to a very tall building made of pure ivory. It was a stunning sight. Images of flowers, trees, the moon, and the stars were carved in intricate patterns on the outside of the building.

"General, these buildings are remarkable," Sam said in awe, looking from one building to the next. "They're actually pieces of art in and of themselves!"

"That's correct Colonel Carter," Emim explained. "It is our philosophy that nothing need be reduced to mere functionality. The aesthetic value of the things in our environment is as equally important to us as their functionality. From the smallest crafting tool or eating utensil, to the tallest skyscraper and grandest pavilion, everything is designed to gratify a multitude of senses."

They followed Emim to the entrance of the building: two massive double-doors made of pure sterling silver. The flawless mirror finish was unquestionably the work of a skilled craftsman dedicated to his work. Engraved into the silver surface of the door, was an elaborate scene depicting a lovely garden of fruit trees. In the center of the garden, stood two figures; a naked man holding the hand of a naked woman. Above them hung a beautiful angel adorned with many gemstones.

"Garden of Eden," Daniel commented with great admiration.

"Haven't you been here before?" Sam asked with surprise.

"No. I've spent all my time down in the caverns," Daniel answered, studying the engraving. "The details in this engraving are incredible. You can actually see the veins in the leaves on the trees… and look at the angel's wings; you can actually feel the barbules!"

"Barbules? I am unfamiliar with that term, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c replied, moving his face one-quarter of an inch from the angel's wings.

"They're the tiny hair-like branches that grow off the barbs on the soft part of the feather," Daniel answered.

"Hmmm, I need a shave," Jack commented examining the reflection of his face in the door.

"Shall we?" Emim asked, waving his hand slowly above his head.

"What's he doing?" Jack asked Daniel.

The double-doors slowly glided open.

-21-

The double-doors opened to reveal a magnificent marble-floored foyer with a pair of gently curving staircases that were 12 feet wide going up each side of the foyer. In the center of the room, stood an enormous water fountain made completely of smooth, clear crystal.

The fountain consisted of three heart-shaped tiers of increasing width, spaced 12 inches apart. Each tier sported a variety of carefully carved, crystal doves that appeared to be dancing along the edges of the fountain as the sparkling water gently spilled past them toward the bottom level.

Several small, but ornate crystal tables offering dishes of tasty tidbits were well placed around the room, spreading the tempting aromas of these delicacies throughout the room.

"Please, feel free to partake," Emim offered, moving his arm out from his body in a wide sweeping motion.

Not wanting to offend, Daniel stepped up to the nearest table and selected what appeared to be a triangular fruit-filled cookie. He took a small bite, and smiled. "This is delicious!" he said excitedly and popped the rest of the cookie in his mouth. "What was that?"

"An ugiya," Emim replied.

"Cookie," Daniel translated. "It's very good," he added, taking another.

Teal'c stepped forward and selected a smooth orange fruit shaped like a cube. "Most satisfying," he said, smiling.

"Everything does smell good," Sam said eyeing a flat looking pastry.

"Go ahead, you know you want to," Jack urged, stepping forward and taking an ugiya.

Emim waited patiently while his guests sampled a few other delicacies.

"I've never tasted anything so wonderful," Daniel said popping an orange fruit cube in his mouth.

"I believe you have forgotten our experience with Urgo," Teal'c reminded.

"Oh please… let's not discuss him!" Jack said frowning. "I think I've lost my appetite."

"Aren't you going to eat anything?" Daniel asked Emim.

"I'm satisfied for the moment. You should know there are servings of food throughout the building. You may continue to partake as you feel the desire," Emim explained politely.

"If you nibble all day long, how do you manage to eat at mealtime?" Sam asked.

"We do not observe set 'mealtimes'," Emim explained. "We believe the practice of alternating between fasting and gorging is unhealthy, as well as unnecessary here on Neona. Satisfying food is both plentiful and readily available. There is no need to deny oneself sustenance."

As the small group, finished their snacks, Sam noticed soft, melodic music playing quietly in the background. As she focused her attention on the gentle instrumental tune, the music seemed to intensify and grow louder. It was redolent of romance and tenderness. She'd expect to hear something like this accompanying a romantic scene in a movie.

"Listen to that music," Sam commented appreciatively. "How long has it been playing?" she asked.

"Do you like it?" Emim replied.

"Yes, it is very beautiful. I've never heard anything quite like it. It is stirring and calming at the same time," Sam remarked in amazement.

"I am glad to see we share an appreciation for music," Emim responded. "Music is very near and dear to the hearts of the Neonans. We believe it is as vital to the soul as food is to the body."

"Walter Savage Landor once said,'Music is God's gift to man, the only art of Heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to Heaven,'" said Daniel.

"I can appreciate the virtues of a snappy song," Jack added, humming the theme song to the television show 'The Simpson's'.

"If you're ready to move on…" Emim said quickly.

"Once you hear it, you can't get it out of your head," Jack replied, smiling.

Emim led the group straight through the foyer to a pair of French doors that opened up into an enormous room paneled in dark cherry wood. This room appeared to have several uses: a sitting area replete with fireplace and bookcases was set up at the far end of the room; a full-sized pool table positioned in the room's center; and 50' solid black, acoustic Grand piano in the alcove to the right of the room's entrance.

Emim invited his guests to have a seat in the sitting area which comprised of two velvet covered davenports and a handsome mahogany coffee table. This area of the room boasted two large windows displaying a stunning panoramic view of the snow-capped mountain range in the distance.

"Please have a seat and make yourselves at home," Emim said, stepping aside to allow the group to pass. "Representative Rephaim will be joining us shortly."

Daniel was surprised at how comfortable the sofa was to sit in. It felt good to sit on. A quick glance at the expressions on his colleagues' faces told him they were equally impressed.

"I don't suppose you picked this up at Bob's Discount Furniture?" Jack asked.

Emim didn't respond; either he didn't hear Jack or didn't care to reply. Daniel couldn't be sure. Perhaps he just doesn't understand Jack's sense of humor, Daniel reasoned. Well, he wouldn't be the first one.

-22-

It wasn't long before Representative Rephaim joined the group. "Shalom!" he called out excitedly, walking quickly: coming at them with outstretched arms.

Daniel, with some reluctance, rose from his seat. "Shalom, I'm Daniel Jackson," he said, receiving a big bear hug from Rephaim.

"I'm so glad we finally meet, Daniel," Rephaim said, patting Daniel on his upper arm.

"This is General Jack O'Neill, Colonel Samantha Carter, and Teal'c," Daniel said by way of introduction.

Rephaim greeted the others with hugs as well.

Daniel was impressed; he knew the Neonans were a gregarious people, but yet, he was still unprepared for this kind of reception.

A pretty, young lady entered the room carrying a tray over-filled with more delicious-looking treats. She carefully set it down in the center of the coffee table.

"This is our dear Shiphrah," Rephaim said, introducing her as if she were his own daughter.

"Shiphrah…beautiful," Daniel said with admiration. "I mean… that's what her name means in Hebrew… not that she isn't beautiful- she is."

"Thank you," she replied, averting her eyes and backing out of the room demurely.

"Well, Representative Rephaim, shall we get down to business?" Jack asked politely.

"Please, call me Rephaim," he answered, gesturing for them to take a seat. "I am pleased that you have come to discuss the terms of our alliance," he added.

"Yeah well, you know, Rephaim, in order to form an alliance, we need to know a little about your people and your planet," Jack stated. This will help us clarify what you have to offer and what you'd like in return."

"It is simple, General," Rephaim answered smiling. "What we have to offer is all that we have. Whatever you see, that you desire, you may have; we hold nothing back. We offer you our technology, building materials, natural resources, and whatever else you might need. For example, Major Williams tells me that your planet has limited gold, silver, and fine gemstones; we have an over-abundance of these. You are more than welcome to take what you need.

"As to what we'd like in return," Rephaim leaned back in his seat before continuing, "Our needs are simple; we simply wish your friendship. Our population is small, and we desire social contact and exchange with others."

"You will give us anything we want in exchange for being your friends?" Jack asked incredulously.

"Yes, in a manner of speaking," Rephaim answered.

"That is very generous," Jack replied. "In fact, I don't think I've ever had a more benevolent offer; but you should know, you don't have to buy our friendship."

"In some cultures, gifts are given at the inception of a relationship to demonstrate friendly intentions," Daniel commented. "In these cases, the giving of a gift is meant to show honor and respect to the recipient. The more precious the gift, indicates a higher level of honor and respect paid to the recipient."

"Yes, thank you, Daniel," Rephaim said, nodding affirmatively.

"I have seen many outrageous demands made upon the weak and helpless in the name of 'friendship'," Teal'c stated flatly. "People have been enslaved, tortured, and beaten into submission by those touting the promise of friendship and benevolence in exchange for obedience and worship."

Rephaim smiled. "Yes, that is the way of the misguided. We do not approve of such violence."

"Nor do we," Daniel responded.

"Good," Rephaim continued. "Perhaps it would help if I explain a few things."

"Please do," Jack answered.

"When we first arrived on this planet," Rephaim explained, "with the limited resources such as they were, we were immediately faced with the threat of extinction. We had escaped the flood on Earth only to face the threat of dying here in our new homeland from lack of enough food. After much discussion, many of our people volunteered to be 'put to sleep' in clay vessels, beginning their ascension process much earlier than expected. These, are the clay vessels we have stored in our caves. There are literally thousands upon thousands of our people 'asleep' in these urns awaiting the time of their awakening. The numbers of those who remained were few and insignificant. It has been a long and arduous process, but we've managed to build and establish a flourishing community. A community that lacks nothing, but its people."

"Why don't you just open the urns?" Sam asked curiously.

"Because, the urns must only be opened by the chosen ones," Rephaim answered. "Anyone else would be unable to do it."

"Like in that Disney cartoon, The Sword and the Stone," Jack answered.

"I am unfamiliar with that movie," Teal'c replied.

"It's based on the legend of King Arthur," Daniel commented. "It was believed that whoever could pull this sword from the stone was the true King of England. Many strong and brave men tried to remove it, but could not. In the end, a young boy named Arthur, without any effort, withdrew the sword from the stone and was proclaimed King."

"I do not believe a sword strong enough to pierce a stone would not split it," Teal'c answered.

"You gotta see the movie," Jack answered. "It's better than Star Wars."

Teal'c raised an eyebrow.

"We can watch it when we get back home," Jack added.

"The point is, that only one person could remove the sword," Daniel stated. "And it appears that only one person can open an urn."

"There is one chosen person meant for each urn," Rephaim concluded. "Our few are not the chosen for the remaining urns. We must find their chosen amongst people of other planets."

Jack glanced at Daniel. "So, you think we might be 'chosen ones' to your 'sleeping' and you want us to take turns trying to open your urns."

"No. Only the chosen ones can release the souls in the urns," Rephaim insisted. "Others would not be tempted to nor able to even touch the urns."

"What about the urn Daniel has?" Teal'c asked.

Rephaim looked at Daniel in surprise. "You have one of our urns?" he asked in disbelief.

"Well, uhh… I-I was studying it… along with a few other artifacts I brought back from the caves," Daniel answered. "I did have permission to explore your caves and study your historical artifacts…"

Rephaim hesitated before speaking. "Artifacts yes, but you should not have been interested in any of the urns…"

"That's the thing about Daniel. He's interested in anything old that has been buried in dirt or caves for millions of years as long as it is rotted, broken, cracked, dusty, and worthless… doesn't matter. He's funny that way," Jack responded.

"I'm an archeologist…" Daniel objected.

"You are a chosen one!" Rephaim exclaimed gleefully.

"That is what Tatarina says," Daniel replied.

"Tatarina?" Rephaim asked. "You have released Tatarina's soul?"

"Well… not entirely. You see, I don't believe it's my place to break open the seal on your urn… It doesn't belong to me. That's why I'm here. You see, I'd like to purchase the urn so that I may open it," Daniel explained carefully. "I love her."

"How could you know who she is if you didn't remove the cover stone?" Rephaim asked incredulously.

"That's the thing. I didn't. I couldn't have. I took the cover stone from the cave without the urn first; then on my second trip, I retrieved the urn. I didn't realize they belonged together," Daniel said apologetically. "I intended on returning the urn, cover stone, and other artifacts after studying them."

"If Tatarina has spoken with you, and you understand that you are her chosen one, then you must know that you removed the cover stone. It is the only way she would be able to speak with you," Rephaim answered.

"Maybe you broke the seal unintentionally," Sam suggested. "You said the caves were crammed full of artifacts and stuff. Maybe you tipped it over and the cover stone broke off."

"No. I am very careful; besides, I remember taking the urn. It was upright," Daniel insisted.

"No matter, you say you want to purchase the urn because you love her?" Rephaim asked.

"Yes, with all my heart," Daniel said earnestly.

"Daniel, you don't even know her!" Jack exclaimed.

"Enough!" Rephaim shouted. "The urn belongs to you, Daniel. You must understand, just as the sword belonged to Arthur, Tatarina belongs to you. You need not purchase that which is already yours. Open the second seal."

"Excuse me, but I think it would be wise to run some tests on the urn before we open it," Sam suggested. "It has already proven to have a power over Daniel we can not explain."

"What do you mean?" Rephaim asked.

"Well, sir, to be quite blunt," Sam explained. "Daniel has been physically affected by something in that urn. Daniel wants to break the second seal to release Tatarina and frankly I think releasing what is inside that urn could affect him, if not all of us more than what we've already been witness to. I think it would wise to at least x-ray the jar and see what exactly is inside before opening it."

"Daniel, exactly what physical effects have you suffered?" Rephaim asked.

"Pretty much I've been feeling great: euphoric in fact. I've not been tired or hungry, my eyesight improved, I've been feeling more alive and energetic than ever," Daniel began.

"Daniel, you've had black-outs, and a fuzzy memory, not to mention you've been driving the women crazy throwing your sex-crazed hormones around the base," Jack interrupted.

"Pheromones and they've returned to normal now; as did my eyesight, hunger, and requirement for sleep. I'm perfectly back to normal," Daniel argued.

"What you have experienced Daniel, is the normal transitory physical response one experiences when first encountering their intended," Rephaim answered. "The vitality, euphoric feelings, increased pheromone levels, high energy levels, improved eyesight all follow the removal of the cover stone and the break of the first seal. You need not worry; these physical changes subside in time, as you have seen. I am pleased you have met your intended. This is most encouraging indeed. Perhaps others of you are here to meet your intended… Have any of you experienced the desire to visit the Caves of Keber to see the urns?"

"I prefer to find my women the old fashioned way," Jack replied.

"How's that?" Rephaim asked curiously.

"Well, for me, it's a matter of knowing where to go. I've hooked-up with a few at the bait store, ran into others at the auto repair, and bowled over one or two at the lanes," Jack answered smugly.

"Really? That's very unusual," Daniel commented.

"It's nothing. Last week I met a red-headed fox at the zoo, and a Queen at the bee-hive exhibit. I had this chick over for Thanksgiving dinner, she was a real turkey!" Jack bragged.

Everyone groaned. Jack laughed.

"How about you, Colonel?" Rephaim asked, ignoring the laughs.

"No thank you. I've never been much for blind dates," Sam replied snickering.

"Teal'c?"

"I must decline your offer as I am already spoken for," Teal'c answered.

"Very well," Rephaim replied sadly. "Please, Daniel, do not wait any longer to break the second seal or it will be too late," Rephaim added. "And, I must warn you, do not perform any tests on Tatarina's urn."