Life is finally getting back to normal so I hope to start updating again more regularly. Thank you to all of you who wished me well - it was a hard five months of illness but I'm finally starting to feel a bit better.

The next two weeks were both wonderful and terrible. They had decided to return to Thassos, Sam insisting that she wanted to be in her own home, as humble as it was.

"And the goats will be missing you Jack," she smiled, although the smile didn't reach her eyes.

Jack grimaced and shook his head. "You mean they miss head butting me! You they love, me they like to torment."

In the end Jack agreed that they'd return to the planet they now called home, even if their house was quite a walk from the gate. At least there he knew Sam would be safe and the villagers would look after her.

When they returned they were greeted joyously by all the villagers, especially by Alexios and his parents. Young Alex showed them how well he'd looked after their animals and their property and Jack slapped him on the back and told him he was a good man. Alex beamed, proud to be called a man by his hero.

Jack and Sam quickly picked up their life in Thassos, their days spent looking after the chores of daily life, but at night they made the most of their time together, talking, holding one another, making love. They grew closer, both of them knowing that they shouldn't put off telling the other all the things that needed to be said, because they never knew what tomorrow might bring.

But it was for that very reason, that knowledge that they might not have tomorrow that kept those weeks from being perfect. As much as she tried to stay positive, to convince herself that everything was going to be fine, Sam couldn't help but imagine the worst. She had the horrible, creeping feeling that once Jack went through that wormhole she'd never see him again.

He knew she was worried even though she tried desperately to hide it from him. But after all these years he could read her like an open book. And to give him credit he pretended he didn't know how she felt while at the same time doing everything he could to reassure her. He joked about her enjoying the peace and quiet while he was gone. He told her he'd bring her back some good coffee and chocolate and he promised he wouldn't spend too much time drinking beer or watching hockey. One night, though, as they were lying curled up together in their bed, he whispered in her ear that he promised to stay safe, to come back to her. But he knew, as well as did she, that he couldn't promise that. Even so, she hugged him and nodded.

"I'll hold you to that Colonel," she whispered in return. It was a good thing the room was dark otherwise he would have seen the tears slowly winding their way down her face.

The next day Jack made his way to Kleitos' house to speak to the older man and his wife. Eugenia came out to greet him, a big smile on her face. However when she saw Jack's expression her smile died and she hurried over to the man who had become such a good friend and neighbor.

"Ionnes – what is it? What is wrong?" At her voice Kleitos, who had been working in the barn, stepped out.

"Ionnes?" he asked, looking between his wife and his neighbor, clearly wondering what was going on.

"Kleitos, Eugenia – I've come to ask a favor," he told them.

"Of course, whatever you need." Kleitos glanced at his wife, worry in his eyes.

"I have to travel to our former home to do some business. I would like to ask that you watch over Samantha in my absence. I also wondered if Alexios could continue to look after the animals and help her with the farm. I'll pay him of course."

Kleitos waved his arm. "Of course he will do this. But why do you have to go again so soon? And does not Samantha wish to go?"

"When we were gone before we heard news of a man who is trying to take control of our village – he is an evil man and must be stopped. I am going back to help my friends defeat this man. And Samantha can't go." He regarded the couple who had become good friends. "She's pregnant and I don't want her to travel."

"She is with child?" Eugenia smiled. "Contratulations Ionnes." She walked up and threw her arms around the younger man. "You will be wonderful parents."

Jack smiled, although it was a melancholy one. "We're very happy about it," he told them, "but you understand why Sam needs to stay here."

"Of course, of course," Kleitos nodded. "And we will look after her as if she was our own daughter. But do you need to go? Is this not your home here, now, with Samantha? It sounds like this could be dangerous and what if something happened to you?"

Jack sighed and rubbed his hand through his hair. "It is dangerous – I won't lie. But I can't sit here without doing something to help. Those are our people back there and – one day we'd like to return. We can't until the evil has been destroyed."

"He must do this Kleitos," Eugenia said softly, her hand on her husband's forearm. "We will look after Samantha, as my husband said. Do not worry – but look after yourself. She would grieve terribly if you were not to return."

"I know," he sighed again. "And believe me, I plan to keep safe. It makes it easier to know she'll be well looked after. Thank you."

The next day Jack got his things together to head towards the gate. Sam wanted to come but he told her to stay. He knew she was healthy and a walk to the gate and back wouldn't hurt her – but at the same time he wanted to keep her as safe as possible. And if she stayed here he could count on Eugenia being here with her to keep her from worrying.

"I'd better get going," he said finally. Sam had been running around like a crazy woman, making sure he took everything he needed and then stopping to clean and organize. "Sam?"

She stopped what she was doing and stood frozen. He could see her take a deep breath and then turn around, a smile on her face. "All ready?"

"Yes. You know I don't want to go don't you?"

"I know," she nodded, her eyes were bright but she clearly had her emotions tightly held in. "But I also know – this is what you do. I know you have no choice. And the truth is, even though I'd give anything to have you stay, I want you to do this. I just – I don't -" she paused and closed her eyes.

He quickly walked up to her and put his arms around her. "I know," he whispered into her hair. "But I'll be careful, I promise. I'll be back as soon as I can. I've asked Kleitos and Eugenia to check in on you and Alex will look after things around here. You'll barely notice I'm gone."

She whimpered slightly at that, but then pressed her face into his chest trying not to cry, knowing the last thing Jack needed right now was a crying wife. "I know – I'll be okay," she muttered into the soft flannel of his shirt. "Just make sure you kick Hubbard's ass for me."

"I will, don't worry," he murmured.

"And don't forget the chocolate!"

"I wouldn't dare."

"And tell Cassie I love her."

"Of course."

"And – and tell General Hammond hello and thank you."

"Okay."

"And -"

"Sam?" he lifted his head and looked down at her, his face gentle. "I love you and I'm coming back to you."

She nodded fiercely. "Just make sure you do Jack. I will not lose you – not after finally catching you."

He grinned slowly. "You caught me? I thought it was the other way around."

"We caught each other. Now go." She stepped back and nodded in the direction of the trail. "And I love you too."

He leaned over and gave her a swift kiss and then he turned and started walking quickly down the trail. He had to keep telling himself to move, to walk, to go – because he was so tempted to turn around and say fuck this – and decide to stay here on Thassos forever. They could be happy together here – couldn't they?

She watched him walk away, not because he was leaving her but because he was going to try and fix what was wrong on their world. As much as she wanted to call out to him, to beg him to stay, she stopped herself. Because they couldn't ever be truly happy knowing that there world was not safe from evil. Nor could they be happy remaining here forever, away from their friends and family. She had to let him go if they were to build a life based on honor and truth and courage. It was who they were and the only way they would truly be happy.

When Jack finally reached the Gate he didn't hesitate but immediately dialed Tonané's planet. He would transfer there to his rendezvous with Teal'c and Daniel and the others. From there he hoped they would have a plan to get him back to Earth.

Things went quickly and he was soon back in paradise – or at least on the planet that looked like paradise. He thought briefly that when this was all over he'd like to bring Sam back here for a little vacation. That thought was followed swiftly by the realization that she was pregnant and the window of opportunity for romantic getaways was getting shorter each day.

He moved over to the edge of the trees and removed his jacket and rolled up his pants and his shirt and then allowed himself to sink to the ground, his back leaning up against one of the palm-like trees that dotted the planet. Now all he had to do was wait.

The sound of the Gate dialing woke him out of the light doze he'd fallen into. He stood up slowly, his eyes never leaving the large circle in front of him. He took his weapon and held it at the ready. There was always the possibility that the people coming through weren't the ones he was expecting.

A moment later he allowed his gun to drop and a grin appeared on his face. He began to walk the 200 meters to the gate where four figures stood waiting. He instantly recognized Daniel and Teal'c – he'd know them with his eyes closed. It took him a moment however to recognize the woman standing beside Teal'c and a few seconds more to recall her name. Baker, that was it, Lieutenant Giselle Baker from Sg9. He wasn't sure who the fourth person was until he grew closer and then he paused briefly in surprise.

"Jack!" Daniel called out with a smile. "Been waiting long?"

He started up again, allowing the grin to reappear. "Nah, just a couple of hours. Everything go okay?"

"Yup. Just fine. No one suspects a thing. We're on a reconnaissance mission to P4X 35K to check out some Ancient ruins."

"Lieutenant Baker's team is on stand down so she offered to come with us," Teal'c informed him. "Major Rosetti's wife has just delivered their child and he is remaining with her for the next fourteen days."

"Lieutenant, nice to see you," Jack nodded and smiled.

"You too Sir," she smiled in return, although she looked a little nervous at being in the presence of three quarters of the famous Sg1.

Jack finally turned and looked at the surprising forth member of the team. "And do you suddenly know something about Ancient ruins Siler?"

The Sergeant grinned. "No Sir, not my area of expertise. I leave that to Dr. Jackson."

"I see. So – you're here for the tropical climate?"

"He is here because of his resemblance to you O'Neill," Teal'c explained.

"His resemblance to me?" Jack looked at the technician who was responsible, usually with Carter, for keeping the Gate running. He narrowed his eyes at the other man. "Nope, don't see it."

"You don't see it? Hell Jack, he could be your stand-in."

"My stand-in? Why would I want a stand-in?" Jack asked, confused.

"In this case that is exactly what you need O'Neill," Teal'c explained. "At a distance, or at a brief glance, Sergeant Siler could pass for you."

"He's the same height, almost the same weight and his hair looks like yours," Daniel told him.

"O – kay," Jack nodded, although he still didn't see any resemblance. "And this is important, why?"

"Because you're going to return to the SGC in his place."

"In -". Jack stopped and stared at his two friends for a second.

"That is correct O'Neill," Teal'c almost smiled. "We shall return to Earth in a few hours and you will pretend to be Sergeant Siler. No one will be expecting to see you and so they will not."

"But even if our height, weight and hair are similar, our faces certainly aren't!" he objected. This plan was crazy and he was sure it wouldn't work.

"But they won't see your face," Daniel smirked. "You see, P4X 35K is a very muddy planet and Siler here is very clumsy."

The other four immediately turned and looked at the poor man. None of them spoke, but then nothing needed to be said. In this case Daniel was exactly right. There was no one more clumsy or accident prone than Siler – except maybe Daniel himself, although no one spoke that truth aloud either.

"So I assume that Siler here is going to fall into a huge mud puddle," sighed Jack, seeing a very messy episode in his future.

"Yup," grinned Daniel (and even Teal'c and Baker had small smirks on their faces). "And his face is going to be totally covered in muck – so much so that not even his mother would recognize him."

"I'm sorry Sir," Siler said, sounding quite regretful about the whole thing. "We couldn't think of anything better."

"Really? You couldn't," Jack sighed. "So where is this notorious mud puddle?"

"Uh – it's actually on P4X 35K. It really is a muddy planet. That's why we picked it."

"Keeping it real, eh?" Jack said, nodding. "Smart. But what about the real Siler? You're not going to leave him there, are you?"

"No Sir," Siler told him. "I'm going to spend some time on Cimmeria."

"Cimmeria?" Jack glanced at Daniel. "Really?"

"Yup," Daniel told him. "They're expecting him. Actually they're really excited to have him. They've been developing some simple technology and have hit a few snags with their power supply. They sent a message through a while ago asking for some help."

"Yes Sir," Siler told him. "I'm looking forward to going. I've never been off-world before."

"Really? Never?" Jack looked at him in surprise. "Well, I hope you have fun."

"I will Sir," Siler said, sounding not in the least excited – although that was simply his normal, deadpan way. "I'm really looking forward to it."

"So – Siler's going to be off having fun playing with generators and – all that stuff, while I'm falling in goop – is that right?"

"That is correct O'Neill. We shall then return to the SGC where you will be taken to see Doctor Frasier to ensure you have come to no harm."

"But unfortunately it will turn out that the mud was contaminated and you've picked up an alien bacteria,' Daniel added. "You're going to have to be quarantined until Janet is sure you're not contagious."

"I see," he shook his head in wonder at the group in front of him. "You've really figured it all out, haven't you?"

"Well the quarantined part was Janet," Daniel explained. "Mario from the Commissary offered to play you in the Infirmary."

"Really? And who is Mario?"

"He peels the potatoes and washes dishes," Teal'c explained. "I believe he sees this as something of a holiday."

"Yeah, he's going to read and watch TV until Janet declares him fit," Daniel told him.

"And how long is that going to be?" he wanted to know.

At that both Daniel and Teal'c grew serious. "We don't know. I guess it depends how long it takes to get Hubbard and his cronies."

Jack sighed. "Well then, I guess we'd better get moving. The sooner we start, the sooner we get the bastards."

"Lieutenant, why don't you dial up P – whatever it is." He watched as the young officer moved to the DHD, his mind now focused on the problem ahead.

"How's Sam," Daniel asked quietly.

"She's fine," Jack said, not really wanting to think about her right now. The only way he was going to get through this next while was to avoid thinking about her as much as possible. He simply had to focus on the mission and then he could spend the rest of his life concentrating on her.

"Okay, enough Daniel!" Jack spit repeatedly, trying to get the taste of the foul mud out of his mouth. Daniel had thrown a bucket of the stuff at him before he was ready and he'd ended up eating half of it. He was so going to get Daniel's ass for this.

"Sorry Jack," the archaeologist said for the dozenth time. "I thought you were ready."

"I was talking Daniel. How is that ready?"

"Well, I wasn't really paying attention."

"Right! Instead you through a bucket of disgusting crap directly in my face and mouth!" He spit again and then took the canteen that Teal'c thoughtfully held out to him. "Thanks T."

"You are welcome O'Neill. It is unfortunate that Daniel Jackson did not inform you of his actions first, however this will undoubtedly make this scenario appear more realistic."

"What, the fact that I'm gonna be puking this crap for the next week."

"Precisely."

"We'd better get back before it dries and all crumbles off," Daniel said suddenly. "Uh – no on is going to know it's you Jack."

"Really?" Jack asked sarcastically, turning a face totally black with mud towards Daniel. "I'm so happy to know that. Now can we go?"

A second later Teal'c began to dial the Gate and a few seconds after that the event horizon formed and he sent through their code. Jack immediately strode up to the gate, followed by a grinning Daniel and an almost grinning Teal'c.

He wouldn't admit it to a soul, but his heart was thudding a mile a minute as he walked through the blue of the horizon and back to Earth. This definitely wasn't the way he had hoped to return – in disguise, still wanted and hunted and without his 2IC – who was more importantly, his wife.

"What's going on Teal'c, Daniel?" General Hammond's voice floated down from the Control room and Jack had to stop himself from looking up and giving some quip to the man he respected more than almost anyone on this or any other planet. As it was he kept his face down and allowed Daniel to speak.

"Uh – Siler had a bit of an accident Sir. We thought we'd better bring him home and have him checked out by Janet."

Jack was surprised at how real Hammond's sigh sounded. The others had informed him that the General was totally aware of – and had approved – their plan. He must have been waiting close by to assure that everything went as planned.

"Take him to the Infirmary Dr. Jackson, and then I want you, Teal'c and Lieutenant Baker to report to the Briefing room."

"Yes General," Daniel nodded and then waved "Siler" on towards the Infirmary.

"Sergeant," Janet exclaimed as the mud-covered man walked in. "What in the world happened to you?"

Jack glanced over and saw one of Janet's nurses staring at him with a barely concealed smirk on her face. He had no idea if she was in on the subterfuge or not, so decided the least said the better. Anyone who knew either him or Siler would recognize that the voice was not that of the Sergeant. He glanced at the nurse and then turned back to Janet and shrugged.

"He fell," Daniel informed her. "I told him not to stand so close to the end of the pit, but he didn't listen and the next thing I knew he was slipping down into the mud pit. Other than being dirty, I don't think there's much wrong with him."

"I think you'd better let me be the one to determine that, Dr. Jackson", Janet scolded. "Sergeant, I'm afraid we're going to have to get you cleaned up, but first I want to take a sample of that – uh – mud. Once you're clean I'll be better able to determine if there are any other injuries." Janet grabbed a swab and a container and quickly took a sample of the mud.

"Nurse, get this to the lab right away. And Mr. Siler – you are going to take a shower."

Things proceeded quickly after that. Jack was spirited off to the locker room – which had a sign outside saying "Out of Order". After a long and thorough shower he dressed in clothes handed to him by Daniel, who was waiting patiently for him outside the showers.

"You clean now?" Daniel asked.

"I hope so, although that stuff is like glue. I expect I'll be finding more of it in nooks and cranny's for days." Jack walked towards the bench where Daniel was sitting, a towel wrapped around his waist. "My clothes?"

"Here." Daniel picked up a pile sitting next to him.

"Thanks." Jack picked up the gray overalls and raised an eyebrow. "Looks like I've been demoted."

"You're a maintenance worker. You're going to be going out with the garbage truck."

"Ha," Jack laughed. "They're throwing me out with the garbage. I always figured the Air Force would get tired of me one day."

Daniel rolled his eyes but grinned at the same time. "You about ready," he asked a few seconds later.

"Yup, all ready." Suddenly Jack grew serious as he stood up and walked to the door. "Let's do this thing!"