Author Notes: If I grovel, will you forgive me for my lateness? I swear I was gonna update in only a few days, but then I just couldn't get myself started again (thanks to Jordan Loki who gave me the kick up the proverbial backside that I needed). I really loved reading all of your reviews, I hope you take the time to write some for this chapter!

Okay, first off, as I can't think of a way to explain my mystery creature in my story, it went after Sam because she activated it with her blood on the crate, however little it was. The creature would have got decidedly nastier and bigger if it had got all of her blood. As for the origin of the creature, I don't know, you can decide for yourselves.

Lastly, before I finally get on, the order of pasts will go Sam, Daniel, Jonas. Sam because you voted for her, and Jonas last because his past is, well, the biggest. So Daniel fits nicely into the middle. I talk too much. Enjoy!

Chapter 7: Sam

"Have you any idea why this 'Aquiell' would only target the three of you?"

Sam shook her head, she and Daniel were attending a de-briefing with Colonel O'Neill, Teal'c and General Hammond, "No General."

"And you are certain you remember nothing of the twelve hours that you spent as children?"

Daniel opened his mouth, but Sam interrupted him, "No, it's all very fuzzy."

"'Fuzzy', Carter?" Jack raised an eyebrow.

"Yes sir," She looked him in the eye; even when General Hammond changed the subject they did not break eye contact, until Jack gave up, finally believing her.

"I am giving you all leave until Jonas recovers enough to be able to join you on missions. Dismissed, Colonel, please stay behind."

Sam rose first and strode quickly from the room, Daniel followed her. Teal'c languidly strolled in the opposite direction to return to his quarters.

"Do you believe them Colonel?"

"We have to, I mean, Carter wouldn't lie. Especially considering the smallest truth might help Jonas. It just wouldn't be her"

General Hammond nodded, "My thoughts exactly. I just wanted to check. Dismissed Jack."

"Sam!" Daniel jogged after her; she ignored him, "Sam!"

Sam increased pace, but he fell into step with her. When she still didn't respond, he looked around to check that no one was nearby, grabbed her arm, and slammed her, not so softly, into the wall. "Well, I have to say I'm impressed Sam."

"Let go of me Daniel," She shook her arm out of his grip and glared at him, "What are you talking about?"

"Well, lying to the General, I could believe that, but lying to Jack? I didn't think you had it in you."

"I didn't lie."

"Yeah? You remember those last hours, hell, our whole past, just as well as me, Sam. And I'm guessing that Jonas does too considering he hasn't spoken a word since he woke up. Did you know Janet's booked him in to see that needle-happy shrink Mackenzie? You should have told them."

Sam barked a laugh and began walking again, with Daniel next to her, "Me? I didn't hear you saying anything."

"Only because you talked over me before I could get my words out. And anyway, by the end of that meeting you had lied extensively to two of your superior officers, I was hardly going to drop you in it like that – you are going to have to say something yourself now."

"How chivalrous of you Daniel," Sam sneered, coming to a halt outside her lab. She swung to face him, so that they were inches from each other, "I will not let my past come out, because it is what it is, mine. You think you know me Daniel, and maybe you did a few days ago, but you haven't scratched the surface of the real me, and you never will."

"You are the same person today as you were before we went on that mission."

"No I'm not." She grabbed his arm and pulled him closer before spitting out, "You don't know me."

She stalked into her lab, expecting to be left alone, but she was to be disappointed. In one smooth motion, Daniel came up behind her, took her feet out from under her and pinned her effortlessly to the ground in a move that would have made a Jaffa proud. It seemed Daniel had grown tired of Sam's game, "You know what Sam?" He said casually, as if they were talking about the weather, "To your logic, you don't know me either. Not the full me. But I'm still the same Daniel. It's just that since yesterday, I got an added layer that I am very willing to share with you. We need to work this out together; you, me and Jonas."

Daniel rose to his feet and offered a hand to her, "Please Sam, we can't ignore this."

Sam didn't accept his hand, slapping it out of the way and rising to her feet. "Who says I am? I just don't need you help. My head, my past, my responsibility."

She stormed out, leaving Daniel staring thoughtfully after her.

Sam slammed her front door behind her and went directly to her bedroom. Grabbing a rucksack, she haphazardly shoved in enough clothes for a couple of nights, plus a spare pair of shoes and a few other items. She had a quick shower, changed and scribbled a note saying that she'd gone to visit a friend in Seattle in case the guys got worried. She then got on the phone and booked a seat on a flight to San Diego in an hour.

She pocketed her keys and mobile phone and looked round her living room. It had been turned from a spotless room to a rubbish tip since she had got home. The old Sam would have tidied up before she left, but to be honest, she really couldn't be bothered. Shrugging, she shouldered her bag and locked the door behind her.

Jack bounded into Daniel's lab, "Whatcha doing?"

"Not much." Daniel was staring, as if hypnotised, by a necklace, swinging lazily on its chain from his hand.

"Wanna go fishing?"

A small smile tugged on the corners of Daniel's mouth, "Teal'c hidden again?"

"No, I just can't find him."

Raising an eyebrow, Daniel rose and placed the necklace in a small, carved wooden box. He then proceeded to lock it and place it on a shelf, "What makes you think I want to sit by a lake waiting for you to catch imaginary fish?"

"You must be taught Daniel, you're as bad a Teal'c."

"If it's all the same to you, I'd rather stay here and plot the downfall of Mackenzie. Got any good pranks?"

"Daniel!" Jack looked like it was his birthday come early, "I knew that one day you would come round to my way of thinking."

"I'll go tell Teal'c it's safe to come out." Daniel walked over to the door, "Jack? You coming or what?"

Jack was looking at Daniel's computer screen. It was an archaeological website, with the profiles of the lives of Claire and Melburn Jackson on the screen. Daniel strode over and turned the screen off, "Come on."

Jack frowned, why was Daniel of all people looking into his parents' lives? Jack decided to talk to Teal'c about it; he was beginning to doubt Carter's word.

To Be Continued…

Author Notes: Argh! I think this is my shortest chapter yet, but I had to stop here. Reviews are greatly craved.