Daniel was the first to open his eyes. He was still in the pavilion, and Vala was still a sleep beside him. Iseulet was still standing in front of them. Daniel didn't know how long they'd been asleep, but it was no longer nighttime. His immediate concern was for Vala. "Why isn't she awake?" he asked Iseulet.

"She will wake soon. The trauma was greater for her. She has never experienced this type of enlightenment."

"Why did you put her through that? She just came to help me. She's suffered enough."

"I agree. Vala Mal Doran has suffered at the hands of the goa'uld and the Ori. She has attracted the attention of the others."

"So you made her suffer more? Why?"

"Today was not about causing pain. Today was an offer of healing. Daniel, you are a good man. You, too, have suffered greatly. You're losses have formed you as Vala's losses have formed her. Shifu has also suffered loss. He is a child who has never been allowed to truly live. He is not at fault for his current behavior. The three of you are much the same."

"How could you think Vala reliving those moments would help her?"

"Daniel, it has already helped her. Now, you know the truth and you are defending her instead of rejecting her. She needs to know how you feel soon."

Daniel looked down at Vala. She was still sleeping soundly. "Iseulet, we're you playing match maker? That makes no sense to me. We are here for Shifu."

Iseulet smiled, "soon, it will make perfect sense." She touched Vala on the forehead, and Vala immediately began to stir. "Come," she said then she started walking. Daniel helped Vala to her feet and they followed. Daniel never let go of Vala's hand.

There were no buildings visible in the night sky, but now that it was morning, they could see several buildings in the distance. None were very tall. They were all single story buildings that fit in perfectly with the majestic landscaping of the garden. The buildings almost reminded Daniel of Keb. No one spoke as they walked, and soon they arrived at the door of one of the buildings. Iseulet looked down at their feet, and Daniel realized they were expected to remove their shoes. Vala followed his lead and once the shoes were gone they stepped into a room. There was a box shaped device in the corner. Iseulet immediately began typing something into what Daniel believed was the control pad. As soon as she finished, a glowing light entered the room then went into the box.

"It is time," Iseulet said softly. "Daniel, you have been found to be loving and strong. You are a protector and a noble man. The others are pleased and believe you would be a loving father to Shifu and train him to be a man like yourself, but there is a chance this device will fail to fully removed the genetic memories of the goa'uld. The others fear your love would blind you and endanger the galaxy. You have been found worthy, but you are not ready."

"Now, just a minute!" Vala yelled. "This child could not ask for a better father than Daniel. You have no right to decide his readiness. No one is ready to parent. You figure it out as you go along. Of course, Daniel would be upset if Shifu still possessed those wretched memories, but you cannot assume he'd fail to handle the situation if it arose. This is unbelievable!"

"Vala Mal Doran, your loyalty to Daniel is to be commended. You also were tested-"

"And, we are all painfully aware of my failures. Thank you for that by the way, but-"

"Please, let me finish. The others were impressed with your resilience. You have been tormented by the goa'uld and you have had to give your own child's life in the war with the Ori. You have been found worthy. Because you were able to sacrifice your child, a child who threatened both your galaxy and our existence, we agree you are to be trusted with Shifu."

"I," Vala began then she looked at Daniel, "I didn't expect this. Daniel, I wasn't trying-"

"Vala, it's okay. I'm not angry," Daniel said with a soft smile. He was actually a little surprised by how not angry he really was about the situation. It wasn't a lie. He knew he'd never be able to view this child, Shar'e's child, as a threat. He would not have the objectivity. "They aren't wrong, Vala. I see it now. I promised Shar'e he would be safe. I would do everything in my power to protect him from anyone who tried to hurt him, but I don't know if I could protect him from hurting himself or others. You are the one he needs."

"The others agree to release Shifu into your custody if you agree," Iseulet said looking at Vala.

"What do you say, Vala? Are you willing?" Daniel asked. "You won't be alone in this ever. I'll help you if you'll let me."

"If you are sure, Daniel, then I'll do it." Daniel noticed Vala was not smiling. He worried the prospect of having to spend so much time with him was the reason. Now, he knew how she felt about him, but she didn't know he felt the same way. He vowed to remedy that problem as soon as possible.

"Iseulet, you weren't really sending for me, were you? I couldn't have gotten her without Vala. This was always the plan, wasn't it?"

"Yes, Daniel. The others knew you would bring Vala. They also knew you would need to be here to understand the decision. For what it's worth, I believe Shifu needs both of you."

Iseulet opened the box, and the cries of a baby filled the room. Daniel was stunned. He'd expected Shifu to be either his chronological age or the age he'd been when he visited the SGC, but this child was no more than five or six months old. He looked exactly as Daniel had seen him on Keb. "How can this be?"

"He cannot have the memories of his time with us anymore than he can have the memories of the goa'uld. This protects him. He was taken to Keb at five months of age, and we have returned him to that age. You will not be able to tell him everything about his parentage. He can never know he was the harsesis."

Daniel picked the baby up. After looking him over and seeing the features he'd memorized years before, he looked at Vala, "would you like to hold him?"

"No, you should hold him. You've waited for him for so long. It's only right."

"What happens next? How do we know he's okay?"

Iseulet handed Vala a crystal. "This has everything you'll need to convince your people he is safe. We believe we were successful. Only time will tell but you will watch him. You will know and if you need me, return here. There is only one entrance and one exit. You cannot return the way you came. Follow the path. It will lead to another portal. There is a stargate on Manu. The next part of your journey will have its challenges, but I believe you will overcome them." As soon as she finished speaking, Iseulet disappeared.