They were escorted to the beach by the entire group of Furlings from the Asclepieion, with Kimon leading the way. He had attached himself to Jack, and was chatting away – with their "think talk" as Jack called it. It seemed he wanted to explore the galaxy and had developed a case of "hero worship".

"And he has a crush on you," Jack commented in an aside to Sam when she teased him about the young man. That resulted in a slug on the arm from her. "Hey – he's a bright young man. Of course he has a crush on you. You're smart, beautiful and a real live adventurer. Any man – of whatever age – would be crazy not to fall in love with you."

"Jack," she said, rolling her eyes, but also blushing with embarrassment. "And what about you? I think Iola has a thing for you too."

"She does not," he said categorically. "She knows my heart is totally taken!"

"Really?" she linked her arm in his. "Good – because I wouldn't want to fight her for you."

"You'd fight for me?" he asked, sounding very pleased.

"Men!" she scoffed, although she didn't take her arm from his. After a few moments she spoke again. "How do they know that you – we – travelled the galaxy?" she asked. "Have you told them anything about us?"

"Not much," he replied, his frown now matching hers. "But you're right – they do seem to have a lot of details about us. Uh – maybe they've been in contact with Earth? They did say that people back home knew we were here."

"Let's ask." Sam stopped and waited for Iola to catch up. Kimon looked at them curiously, but after a gesture from his mother, he started walking again, leaving behind the two Tauri and Iola.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Iola – you – your people, seem to know a lot about us – things we haven't shared. We're just wondering how you know so much."

Iola grimaced slightly. "Kimon!" she said, as only a mother could. "He is excited and I fear has not been discrete."

"No – but it's true of the others as well. It's just a few comments here and there," Sam told her, "but they are things we haven't shared. Are you – can you read our minds?"

It was illogical to assume that the Furlings couldn't read things from their minds beyond their direct communication. Neither Jack nor Sam knew how it worked and so could have been revealing things they didn't intend.

"NO!" Iola answered sharply (and Sam wondered briefly how they could tell emotion when nothing had been spoken out loud). "No, we do not do that. We would never violate your privacy," she told them. "It is against our most sacred laws – and is also almost impossible. You would have to be very strong to read what others do not want to share."

"But then how do you know these things about us?" Jack pushed her.

Iola took a deep breath. "I am sorry – as I said, we are only here to aid in your healing. The Council will explain everything. It is not that we are trying to hide things – it is that I only know a few details and I would rather not speak incorrectly. I can tell you one thing, however, and that is you, Jack O'Neill, are well known throughout the galaxy. It is why you were brought here."

That was all that Iola would say, and of course it made Jack and Sam very curious. Hopefully they would soon find out more.

When they arrived at the beach there was a vessel waiting for them. It was actually on the sand, but from the tracks had clearly come from the water.

"What is this?" Sam asked Iola.

"It is an idroplano," Iola explained. "It will take you to the mainland."

"Hydroplane," Sam said to Jack. "The word is almost the same. I've been thinking of some of their words – and I think they are somehow related to the Ancient Greeks. Either that or we're translating what they're saying into words that seem familiar to us. I don't really know how their language actually works."

"I know. It's weird. But if they are somehow related to the Ancient Greeks, that doesn't explain their inability to speak."

Sam shrugged. "I just wish Daniel were here. He'd love this and might be able to answer some questions."

"And ask a million more," he said affectionately.

A man exited from the hydroplane and walked towards Jack and Sam. He bowed slightly.

"Jack O'Neill and Samantha Carter. I am Councilor Cadmus, of the Furling Assembly. On behalf of the Assembly, I officially welcome you to Furlin. We are pleased that you are once again well."

"Thank you," thought/spoke Jack. "But I think you need to thank Iola and her colleagues for that. They've been wonderful." At that Cadmus bowed to Iola and the others.

"And we look forward to finding out more information from the Assembly," Jack added." That caused Cadmus to look wary, but he bowed slightly.

The next few minutes were spent saying goodbye to the healers and to Kimon. Jack gave Iola a big hug, which clearly surprised her, but she looked pleased afterward, so Sam was pretty sure she'd been right that the woman liked Jack. But then Iola gave her a hug, and she realized what a lovely woman she was.

Jack put out his hand to Kimon, who looked at it strangely. Jack then grinned and grabbed the young man's hand and shook it. "It is a traditional Earth greeting," he told him. He then gave him a quick hug. "Look after your mother," he whispered, "and maybe one day soon you can come and visit us on Earth."

The young man looked ecstatic, and looked towards his mother. What passed between them was not shared, but Jack grinned at Sam. "Mothers are the same everywhere," he told her.

With that they finally were able to follow Cadmus to the hypodrome. It was a small vessel, with room for only four people. There was the pilot/captain and Cadmus in the front row, and then two seats behind where Sam and Jack sat. They were instructed to put on seat belts and a moment later they were off.

"Wow – this thing really travels," Jack commented. It was a completely smooth ride, and they figured out that it travelled above the water, rather than on it. "I'd like one of these things," he said, obviously enjoying the speed.

They could both look out of the windows on the side, and if they turned could see their island fading quickly in the distance.

They didn't travel straight to the shore of the mainland, instead paralleling it for a while until the vessel finally turned into a small port. It exited the water and drove up onto the land and into a small building, then the engine (or whatever ran it) stopped. The entire journey had taken less than fifteen minutes.

"We have arrived," Cadmus told them. "Come, the Council is waiting."

The door opened, and Sam and Jack thanked the pilot, who simply nodded. Cadmus followed them out and then led them to where a small group of people were standing. All were wearing robes, but different from those of the healers. Like Cadmus, they wore deep blue robes, with gold braid – except for one younger looking person, who wore a gray robe with white trim.

"The clothes must be like uniforms," Sam whispered. "These folks look important."

"Probably the Council," he answered.

"Welcome Jack O'Neill, Samantha Carter," one of the Furlings stepped forward. "We are pleased to see you well," he said, repeating what Cadmus had said. "I am Councilor Deimos."

"Welcome," another person stepped forward, this time a woman. "I am Alethea. We are pleased to have you as guests on Furlin."

"I too welcome you," another woman stepped forward. "I am Elpis, and this is Ikaros," she indicated another man dressed in blue. "And this is Kore, my maid servant,' she gestured to the young woman in gray. "We are all members of the Council," she smiled, "except Kore. We are pleased to have you join us, and as my colleague indicated, we are also very pleased that you are well."

"Uh, thanks," Jack said. "Nice ta meetcha!"

"It's a pleasure to meet you," added Sam.

"So, you're the Council?" Jack asked, looking at the group.

"Not all Councilors are present," Alethea told him. "There are four more who are not with us. You shall meet them shortly. Come, please join us. We will take you to the bouleuterion to meet the rest of our Council and then you will be taken to your lodging."

She turned to leave, but Jack stopped her with a question. "Uh, pardon me, Councilor, but when are we going to be able to go home? It's not that we don't appreciate all you've done for us, but we've been here quite a long time, I'm fine now, and we would really like to leave.

"There are things to discuss first," Deimos answered him. "We did save your life, Jack O'Neill. I think you can repay us by not being quite so anxious to leave." With that, Deimos turned and walked away, obviously expecting their two guests to follow.

"I think you just had your hand slapped, Sir," Sam whispered to him.

"Yeah, I think you're right," Jack said, his eyebrows still up in surprise. He received an apologetic look from a couple of the other Councilors, but they all turned and followed the one called Deimos.

"I wonder if he's in charge," Jack commented as they stepped in behind the Councilors. They were last, except for the maid servant, who stepped in behind them. "And what the hell is a butt - erion?"

"Uh – I think it was bouleuterion, Sir," she grinned, "and I have no idea. I expect it must be some kind of official building."

"Why couldn't they just say that?" Jack asked, sounding irritated. Sam couldn't help but laugh. This was the Jack she knew and loved.

They all got into the Furling version of a bus – but one that was a much smoother and quieter ride.

"I'd love to know the technology behind their vehicles," Sam commented.

"Of course you would, Carter," O'Neill said affectionately. "Maybe they'll let you look under the hood. Who knows – they might even be one ally who wants to trade with us!"

It took about 20 minutes for them to arrive. When they exited the vehicle, Jack whistled. In front of them was a beautiful, marble-like building. It was built on magnificent lines – somewhat similar to buildings from Ancient Greece, although this one was fully intact. It also had a similar design to the healing device on the island. The walls were fashioned in a lace-like pattern and there were turrets and spires that swirled and twisted, creating a feeling of lightness and movement.

"Wow, it's beautiful," Sam said. "In fact, everything I've seen so far is beautiful. The architecture here is stunning."

"It is," Jack agreed. "But everything is so quiet and clean – it's almost eerie."

Sam agreed. On the one hand she loved what she had seen, but Jack was right. The lack of sound made things feel strange. She wondered again if the Furlings could hear, or whether they were deaf. She was beginning to think they could hear, although they didn't seem to understand speech. Ironically, if they had been deaf, she would have expected more ambient noise – because they wouldn't have cared if their machines made noise, if they couldn't hear anything.

They were escorted into the building, passing a number of people, who all stopped and stared.

"I wonder if they're used to seeing people from other worlds?" Sam leaned over and asked.

"If what we were told was true, they've kept to themselves for a long time – so I doubt it." Jack smiled and waved at a few of the people watching them. At first the Furlings seemed surprised and a bit uncomfortable, but eventually they received a number of smiles in return.

They followed the Councilors into the building, and continued to admire the architecture. Even inside the building was light and airy. Their footsteps echoes oddly in the stillness, but other than that it appeared to be a calm and well-ordered place.

"Did you notice any guards, Carter?"

"No. I was just wondering the same thing. Maybe their defenses are automated?"

"Please, we have arrived," Alethea stopped and smiled, and gestured towards an open door. Most of the Councilors had entered already, but she waited for Jack and Sam to go in before she followed. They noticed that the maidservant Kore had bowed and continued walking down the hallway. Obviously she wasn't to be part of the coming session.

Once they entered the room, it became clear that this was some kind of chamber for the Councilors. There was a circular platform, on which were nine chairs. All of them were occupied, except one, but they assumed that was for Alethea.

At the opposite side of the room were a number of chairs in rows. At the front were two tables, with two chairs behind each.

"Please have a seat," Alethea pointed to one of the tables. "These are our Council Chambers," she told them, confirming their first impression.

"Uh – what is this?" Jack asked, indicating the Councilors and the room. "Is this some kind of official – interrogation?"

Alethea frowned, as if she were trying to understand the word. After a few seconds her brow cleared. "Oh no – no, no. I am sorry if we gave that impression. The Council acts formally, and this is where we normally meet. But this is not at all anything negative. We wish to answer any questions you may have – and we wish to explore some – possibilities. That is all."

Jack glanced at Sam, not at all comfortable with the situation, although there was nothing they could really do about it. After a few seconds he nodded, and they moved to the chairs and sat down.

Once Alethea had taken her seat there was a momentary pause – until Deimos began to speak.

"We understand, Jack O'Neill, that you have questions for us?" The way he said it almost sounded as if he was affronted that they would dare to ask anything.

Sam glanced at O'Neill, not surprised that he was becoming irritated. If there was anything he hated, it was pompous, self-important men.

"Is that surprising?" Jack asked Deimos directly. "We have been told very little since we arrived."

"You were ill," the man informed them. "You were in no state to be given information."

That caused Jack's eyebrow to go up. He was clearly growing more and more irritated and opened his mouth to reply, when one of the other Councilors stepped in.

"It is perfectly natural that they would have questions, Deimos," the Councilor named Elpis said calmly. "Do not make it sound as if they are committing some kind of transgression." She turned to the two visitors and smiled. "Forgive my colleague. He is a blunt man but truly means no harm. Now, please, feel free to ask us anything you would like. We will try to answer any questions."

"And by "try"– do you mean there are things you have to keep hidden from us?" Jack answered as bluntly as Deimos.

"No, by no means. We will share all the information we have. But we are not omniscient," she smiled. "I am sure there are things you will ask, for which we have no answer, because we do not know. We will hide nothing from you."

"Thank you," Jack gave Elpis a nod, showing his appreciation that there seemed to be one Councilor, at least, who was friendly. "Uh – I don't think we've met everyone?"

"Forgive us," Elpis said. "In our haste we have forgotten to introduce our colleagues who did not join us earlier. On my right is Oulixes," she pointed out a gaunt, somber looking man, He gave a sharp nod, but didn't smile or otherwise acknowledge them.

"Next is Pyrros." She nodded towards a younger looking man. He smiled, and seemed friendly enough, although there was something rather unctuous about him.

"I don't trust him," he breathed to Sam. She looked at him in surprise, but then nodded and didn't speak.

"On my left are Teris and Phaidra." Teris also smiled at them, but he looked nervous and kept glancing towards Oulixes, who ignored him.

"Sycophant," Jack whispered. Sam had to bite her lip to keep from smiling.

Phaidra bowed her head and spoke. "Welcome Jack O'Neill and Samantha Carter. It is an honor to welcome you to Furlin. I hope you were treated well at the Asclepieion," she asked.

"Uh yes – very well. Iola and the healers were incredibly helpful. I owe them my life," he answered.

That drew a genuine smile from Phaedra, which Jack returned.

"She's good, I think," he told Sam.

"Nice to meet all of you," Jack then thought/talked. "And thank you for your hospitality on the – at the – uh – back with the healers," he told them. "They were all wonderful but we're happy to be here."

"And you have questions," smiled Ikaros, who, until that moment had been relatively silent. "We are here to answer."

"Thank you," Jack said. He glanced at Sam. "Interject at any time, Carter," he said. "You'll probably have some technical questions – as well as anything else that comes to mind."

"I will Jack," she assured him, "although you probably have the same questions I do anyway."

He gave her a quick smile and then turned back to the Council. "Okay – here goes. How did you find out that I was sick?"

"After being isolated for many millennia," Ikaros answered, "we decided it was time to reacquaint ourselves with the Galaxy. We sent out a scout ship to begin to establish our presence once more, when we received a message from the Nox."

"The Nox?"

"Indeed. They have been long-time allies of the Furlings, although we have not spoken in many years. They were able to send out a message to our ship, telling us that the – that you were ill and in need of healing. We then sent our ship to Earth to retrieve you and bring you here."

"Uh – I see," Jack frowned, glancing again at Sam. "But – the Nox have the ability to heal people. Why didn't they take me?"

"They offered," Alethea spoke this time. "They would have gladly taken you to their world but offered us the opportunity if we so wished."

"Opportunity? I think – I'm confused. Why would you want to do this? I mean, I'm grateful that you did, don't get me wrong – but why was it an opportunity? Why wouldn't you let the Nox take me?"

He watched as the Councilors all looked at one another and finally back towards him and Sam. This time it was Cadmus who took up the narrative.

"We knew that you were special," he said. "We have long known about you, Jack O'Neill. Your care was entrusted to us and we would not shirk that duty, even if others were also willing to help you."

Sam could tell that Jack was intrigued, confused and a little irritated. She had to admit she was feeling much the same.

"Can you explain to us why he is special, and who entrusted his care to you?" she asked. "We do not understand any of this."

Again the Councilors seemed to confer with one another, until Phaedra turned to them with a smile. "I think we must give you a history lesson to properly understand," she said. "We did not realize that the Asgard did not explain matters to you."

"The Asgard?" Jack exclaimed, his reaction even more forceful than when they'd mentioned the Nox. "Uh, I hate to tell you, but the Asgard are gone."

"We are aware," Alethea said, sounding sad. "But let us start at the beginning. Have you heard of the four races?" she asked.

"You mean the Nox, the Asgard, the Ancients and – uh – you guys?"

"So you do know?" Elpis exclaimed.

"We know that the four races had an alliance," Sam told them. "We met the Asgard and the Nox – and uh – have had some dealings with the Ancients, although I can't say as we've really met them. Our colleague, Daniel Jackson has."

"Yes, we understand he ascended – twice," Oulixes spoke for the first time. It almost sounded as if he sneered, but then didn't say any more.

"Yes," Sam nodded. "Until now we had never met – you – and didn't really know anything about the Furlings. But how does this relate to you bringing us here?"

"As you have noted – the four races formed a treaty. For many millennia we shared the galaxy, peacefully and in harmony with one another," Ikaros told them.

"But the Furlings were the last to join the alliance," Cadmus carried on. "For until that time, we had stayed isolated on our worlds. You see, we could not communicate with most of the galaxy, so we preferred to stay home and not explore."

"What changed your mind?" Jack wanted to know.

Cadmus smiled, as did Phaedra and Ikaros. "We met the Ancients, who could understand and speak with us. For the first time in our history, we were able to speak with another race of beings. For us it was -", he closed his eyes, "it was truly world-shattering. The universe suddenly opened up for us like it had never done before. We could share our thoughts and feelings – we could learn new things, we could see – and yes, hear the universe in a new way. Because of the Ancients we joined the Alliance, and so entered the golden age of the Furlings."

"So, because General O'Neill has Ancient blood – you brought him here, knowing you could communicate with him?" Sam asked, a slight frown on her face.

"Yes – no – that was not all," Alethea told them. "Of course we were happy to once more have someone from outside our world who could communicate with us – but that was not the only reason."

"What was the reason then?" Jack wanted to know.

Cadmus again began to explain. "When the four races were still allies, there was a prophecy that one day things would change. There would be forces aligned against us and our allies throughout galaxy. It was said that one man would help restore the harmony that had existed – that he would be a bridge and once more bring the races together. We believe you are that man."

"Me?" Jack looked startled and uncomfortable. He turned to Sam. "See – it's always that damned Ancient blood! I am not some prophet!"

"No, I think you're supposed to be the fulfillment of the prophecy – Sir."

He rolled his eyes. "Don't you get carried away Sam. You know me – I'm just a simple guy who happens to have a dash of really irritating DNA that seems to get me into trouble on a regular basis!" He turned back to the Furlings. "So, you think because of my Ancient blood I'm somehow supposed to – what? Save the galaxy?"

"We do not know what the universe has in store for you, Jack O'Neill, but we do know you are important," Elpis told him gently. "It was for that reason that Thor of the Asgard came to us many years ago, to ask that we watch out for you and protect you. He told us that their race was dying and they they could not continue to watch out for you or for Earth – so entrusted you to us. We gladly accepted and it was for that reason, more than any other, that we once more ventured out into the galaxy. We watched and waited for word of you – so when the Nox informed us of what was happening, we gladly stepped in.

"I'll be damned," Jack shook his head. "My little buddy Thor was the cause of all of this. Go figure."