Martouf smiled as he looked up and noticed SG1 walking to the dining area. He caught Sam's eye and motioned for her to join him.

"Hey there Martouf. How's it going?"

"Samantha." He placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. "I've been better."

Sam nodded gently. "How's the baby?"

"He is fine. Saffran is having a check over now."

"How's it going between you two?"

"It is not going as I had planned." Martouf sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Samantha. I was wondering if you could give me some advice."

"Of course."

"I seem to be having problems expressing myself around her. I cannot seem to find the words I need and when that happens, Lantash tends to step in for me. It seems to be upsetting her."

"Have you tried to talk to her?"

"Yes. But it is never the right time and I keep getting interrupted by people."

Sam looked at him. He looked worn out and was obviously having an internal struggle as to the best way of dealing with this. "Have you considered the fact that she is lonely?"

"How can she be lonely? I am with her most of the time."

Sam smiled. "I meant inside. The symbiote retracts as the pregnancy progresses does it not?" She watched Martouf nod. "Then maybe you need to consider that she may be having difficulty not having that voice in her head. She may feel empty not being able to talk to and be comforted by Jolinar. I realise this may sound a little strange Martouf, but you really need to view her as if she were human. She probably just needs reassurance from you, host to host so to speak, and Lantash butting in, no offence, is probably just a constant reminder of what she doesn't have."

"You may be correct." Martouf dipped his head. "Samantha. I thank you for your advice and please know that I am not offended by anything you say. I have, perhaps, given little thought to her internal situation and have possibly pushed too hard. What you have suggested is a very real possibility and would explain a lot of her actions. I will try to be more sensitive to this and push Martouf to air his views rather than voice them for him."

Sam nodded. "That may be a very good place to start. May I also suggest that you try and get her into a situation where you won't be interrupted."

"That is also a good suggestion."

Saffran wandered into the dining area to get a cup of tea. She saw the other three members of SG1 and noted that Martouf and Sam where in conversation at a separate table. She had been told of the history there, shortly after her arrival. Jacob had thought it wise the make her aware of the situation should she have contact with the Tau'ri. She picked up her tea and made her way over to the remainder of SG1.

She smiled at Jack. "Do you mind if I join you?"

Jack looked up. "Hey kiddo – how's it going?"

Saffran smiled. "Does calling me that help you feel younger? I am 120 you know."

Jack rolled his eyes. "Sure. Rub it in why don't you."

Daniel chuckled. "How are you two… sorry three doing?"

Saffran took a sip of her tea. "Me and the baby are fine. As for Jolinar, I have to assume she is ok as I've had no contact with her for the good part of a month now. I have flashes of her thoughts as I drift to sleep sometimes but that is the extent of our relationship at the moment."

"You must be lonely Saffran."

Saffran smiled at Teal'c. "I am. Martouf is doing the best he can but he is also struggling with the events. It doesn't help that Lantash takes over so often." Her gaze rested on the table that Sam and Martouf were occupying.

Jack noticed the direction of her gaze. "Nothing to worry about there."

Saffran shook her head. "I know. Martouf has explained his relationship with Samantha. He is an incredible person. So close to the man I knew. He has already done more for me than he needed to."

Daniel noticed the softness in her eyes when she spoke of him. "Do you love them?"

Saffran's gaze shifted from Martouf to Daniel. "How could I not?"

"They are not the same."

"Each day reminds me of that Daniel. But despite that fact, the four of us have the chance to reclaim something we lost. We still have a lot to learn about each other, but as each day passes, more barriers come down. As we learn more, we find more difference – but that does not matter."

"It has been as struggle for you both Saffran. But Martouf has never been one to let go of something that means so much to him." Teal'c inclined his head as he spoke.

"And yet he let Sam go." Saffran got up from the table. "Excuse me."

Teal'c watched her go. "Should I go after her O'Neill."

Jack shook his head. "Let her go."

Daniel sighed softly. "She made a valid point though."