Sam lay back in her bed, thankful her little excursion was over. She had felt every bump in what she thought were smooth concrete hallways. They had sent daggers of pain up through her leg, through her hips, into her still painful ribs, then to her neck. Fortunately Daniel had noticed how pale she was, and returned her to the infirmary. Once back on the bed, Dr. Lam had suggested something for the pain. Sam declined as she wanted to be alert and coherent when Vikki and Scott arrived.

Jack had given her the option of talking to them herself, or allowing Daniel and himself to explain the situation. Sam felt she owed it to them, to tell them as much as she could, herself. She felt guilty as she was the one who had brought them into this mess. After leaving her with strict instructions to find out what they knew before telling them about the Stargate program, Jack left, leaving Daniel to sit with her.

"How long until they get here?"

"Probably another hour. Their plane would be landing soon, then they've got to get here."

"They're being driven?"

"Yes."

"Good."

"Sam, none of this is your fault."

"Daniel, I know that." Daniel could read the guilt written on her face and knew she was lying.

"If anything you probably saved their lives. If you hadn't been there, that goa'uld would've destroyed the building, with them inside."

"Any word on the goa'uld?"

"None yet. Jack's probably on the phone now, trying to find out what's going on."

"Anyone else hurt?"

"A couple of the SGC members."

"Civilians?"

"We don't know yet. Everyone that made it outside was ok."

"Please let me know as soon as you find out anything."

"We will."

"When's he leaving?"

"Who?"

"Jack."

"I don't know. Why?"

"No reason."

"Sam, what's going on?"

"Daniel, nothing is going on."

"Do you want to see Jack? I can go grab him if you'd like."

"No, don't. That's ok."

"Sam. Please tell me what's going on in that complicated brain of yours. I can't help either of you unless you talk to me."

"Either of us? We need help?"

"Sam, don't take that the wrong way. I'm just getting in the middle as usual, trying to help fix a friendship."

"Friendship?"

"Yes Sam. Do you think he would've gone to the rescue of just anyone? We could've sent several teams to find you, but Jack insisted on going."

"He did?"

"Yes. He was the one who found you, and stayed with you until you arrived here."

"Oh. I didn't know that." Sam turned her head away from Daniel to face the ceiling.

"No matter what happens, he'll be there. You know that as well as I do."

"Have you seen the way we've been talking to each other? How awkward it is when we're in the same room together?"

"Yes, but ignore that. The strong friendship we all shared for years can't be broken that easily."

"So Mr. fix it all, what do you suggest?"

"Sam, please, don't shut me out. Listen to me. You've both changed from the people you once knew in some ways. In others, you're still the same."

Sam, despite her frustration, couldn't help but listen to Daniel. His tone of voice told her how much he wanted them to reconcile, how much their friendship meant to him.

"You think he wants a friendship? I didn't exactly extend an olive branch when I saw him here."

"I'm sure he does Sam, even if he doesn't realise it yet."

Unbidden tears filled her eyes. She refused to cry, but she felt upset, and ashamed. Her years at the SGC, being a member of SG-1, had been some of the best years of her life. The friends she had made had been a big part of that. For many years, Jack had been on her mind, more than she thought appropriate, until Pete had entered her life. She shivered at the memories that name brought forth.

"Sam, you cold? I could get you a blanket?" Daniel had noticed her shiver, and didn't know if it was from the cold, or the conversation.

"Yes please."

Sam used the opportunity that Daniel created to wipe her eyes as he turned to get a blanket. Forcing all thoughts of Pete, and Jack out of her mind, she turned to smile at Daniel as he gently covered her with a warm blanket.

"Thanks Daniel."

"So how long are you going to be on base?"

"Carolyn thinks I'll be in the wheelchair for several weeks. I won't be able to handle the stairs at my apartment building with that thing, and probably not until I get used to the crutches."

"You know you could always stay with me."

"Thanks Daniel, but until I get out of the wheelchair, I think it'd be easier staying here. I may take you up on your offer once I get crutches though."

"Excuse me. Dr. Carter, Dr. Jackson. The two people you are expecting have arrived. They will be here shortly."

"Thank you." The airman left as silently as he had arrived, and Sam attempted to sit up. Daniel helped her, and propped her up with pillows.

"Is there anything else you need?"

"No. I don't think so."

"You want me to stay or leave?"

"I'd rather do this alone, if you don't mind."

"No problem. I'll just go check on Jack, see how he's faring."

"Thanks Daniel."

"Anytime Sam."

Daniel left as Vikki and Scott entered.

"Sam, oh my, are you ok?" Vikki went straight to Sam's side and grabbed her hand.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. I've had worse."

"Worse?"

"Hi Scott. Yes I'm sure I've had worse, just hard to remember sometimes."

"Sam, where are we? Why are we underground?"

"Vikki, Scott, sit down. Before I can explain anything to you, I need to know what happened."

"You'll tell us everything?" Scott's expression was one of curiosity, with a hint of anger.

"It depends on what you saw."

"What the hell does that mean? Our labs get blown up by some psycho and you can't tell us everything?"

"Scott, calm down. You don't want us kicked out of here before we get a chance to hear anything, do you?"

Sam had not seen the angry side of Scott, and it scared her a little. Her memories flashed back briefly to when she had confronted Pete. As Vikki spoke, the memory faded, but the bitter aftertaste didn't.

"Sorry Sam. I'm just a little shaken up. We sat in that hospital for ages, trying to get news of what was going on with you. When we finally did get word, it was that you were transferred."

"Vikki, are you ok?" Sam noticed the gauze on Vikki's forehead as when she had turned to Scott, the movement had caused her hair to move, and reveal it.

"Yeah, couple've stitches."

"Ok. Oh, one thing. There's cameras in all the rooms here, so this conversation will be recorded. I need to know what happened."

"I'm not sure how it started. I went to the bathroom. While I was in there, I heard crashing noises from one of the other labs. I looked in one of Andrew's labs and saw broken glass, and scattered papers. I called security and they told me that Andrew had signed in. I went back to our lab to tell Scott. When I walked in, he grabbed me."

"Who? Scott?"

"No. Andrew. Well, it was Andrew, but he wasn't acting like himself."

"In what way?"

"He grabbed me. Andrew would never do that to anyone. Then I saw his eyes flash. It was the weirdest thing, creepy too."

"Then what happened."

"Scott moved towards me, so he shoved me aside and I hit my head on the corner of the workbench. I heard something like an electrical... I don't think I can describe the sound. Then I heard Scott hit the floor. Andrew pulled me up and started demanding to know how to access the information on the computer. I wouldn't give it to him, so he told me we'd wait until Scott was awake. He kept taunting me about the password to your files, and where the paperwork was stored. That's when I heard the door squeak."

"Scott?"

"I was in the lab when the guard outside told me there was a man wanting to see me. I went to the door and told the guard that I knew the man, and to let him in. As soon as Andrew was inside, he shot the guard twice with that gun thing he had. The guard fell and he dragged him inside the lab, staying in front of the door. He pointed his gun at me, and started demanding the information for the SGC, whatever that is. I told him I didn't understand what he was talking about, then he mentioned you. He wanted to know where you were, and when you were going to return. Where were you anyways?"

"I was with Mary. We checked out Andrew's place trying to see if there were any clues as to why he took off."

"Find anything?"

"Yeah. Please continue Scott."

"Where was I. Oh, yes. He was going on and on about you and your work, claiming he knew about your participation in the defeat of, uh, I can't remember the name. Well, I tried talking to him, asking him what happened, and why he had left without a word to anyone. His eyes flashed, and he told me to keep quiet, unless I was answering his questions. He said that I should be in awe of a god, not question him. That was freaky. I mean, this was Andrew. What was going on with him?"

Scott paused as he remembered the events. Sam waited patiently, knowing that this would be hard to relive for someone who didn't know what they were dealing with.

"He left the door, and placed that bomb thing on the floor. I tried to get away but he saw me, and jumped at me. I fell down, and he told me to stand up. He said that he knew where the, uh, chapped eye was? I told him I had no idea what he was talking about and he laughed at me. He pushed me over towards the bench and started spouting out nonsense about where he was from, how his Jaffs would be coming soon and that I would pay for my ignorance. We heard Vikki on the phone in another lab, and he moved towards the door. When she came in, I moved towards her, then nothing. The last thing I remember was feeling like I'd been electrocuted."

"Thanks guys." Sam paused, going over the information she had just learned in her head.

"What was wrong with Andrew. Why did he go crazy?" Vikki looked to be on the verge of tears. Sam plunged right in.

"That wasn't Andrew. He had been taken as a host by a goa'uld symbiote."

"A gowld. That's what he said."

"No, goa'uld. It's a parasite, basically. They live inside of other beings, taking their body and using it as their own."

"Like an alien."

"Yes, an alien."

"Alien! I was joking. They're real? Where did they come from? How did you know about them?"

"Scott, I'll explain everything. It's just going to take time."

Sam started explaining about the stargate, the travel to other planets, and her involvement with the SGC. Both Vikki and Scott stared at her, wide eyed, as she explained exactly how the gas they'd be working on, would function in the SCG. Once she was finished, she waited for their response.

"So this Stargate thing is real?"

"Yes."

"It's here."

"Yes."

"And when you used to be here, you went to other planets and explored."

"Yes."

"Wow. That's a lot to take in. Vikki?"

"So what happens to us now?"

"You've got a few options. You can leave here, go back home, and forget this ever happened. Or you can stay with the program, stay here and work with me, or go back and once the lab is rebuilt, work there, still as part of my team."

"I don't think I can forget this. I don't think I want to."

"Sam, can we think about this?"

"Vikki, take all the time you need. I'd love to have you guys here, and there's room for you. I already checked. If you decide to go back to Philadelphia, that'd be ok too."

"Can we see the Stargate?" Scott was looking for confirmation with his own eyes that this thing really did exist.

"Uh, I don't know. I'll have to check on that."

Scott and Vikki stayed until Daniel returned. Sam knew that someone would be watching the tapes, listening to what Vikki and Scott had to say, and had heard Scott's request to see the base.

"Hey guys."

"Scott, Vikki, this is Dr. Daniel Jackson. He works here at the SGC." Daniel shook hands with both, and leaned into Sam to talk to her quietly.

"General Landry is sending an escort so they can see some of the base."

"Thanks Daniel."

"You doing ok? You look pale."

"I'm fine. I think I'm just a little tired."

"Hey Sam, can I sign your cast?"

Scott stood eagerly by her bed, black marker in hand. Sam grinned and told him to go ahead. Both he and Vikki signed the cast, making it a total of three signatures. Sam grinned when Scott commented on the weird drawings that were Daniel's signature. It was Walter who showed up to escort the two around the base, and when they left, Sam sank back into the pillows, relieved. Pain was once again, shooting up her leg, and had been for the past hour. She didn't see Daniel reenter the room, or go get Dr. Lam. When the two returned, she denied feeling anything other than a little tired, but Dr. Lam was having none of it. She gave Sam some pain killers, and left Daniel sitting with her, until she fell asleep.

Once Sam drifted off, Daniel went in search of Jack. He didn't have to look far, as he was in the briefing room, staring at the gate.

"Miss it?"

"Huh?"

"You miss it here."

"To some extent."

"She's sleeping again."

"And the others?"

"Walter's showing them around."

"Good. Hopefully they'll stay."

"Jack, are you ill? You're hoping two more scientists will stay here? Two more eggheads to run into the few times you're here?" Daniel had a look of mock shock on his face.

"If they're here, we don't have to worry about more incidences like yesterday."

Jack hadn't turned around, still stood facing the window looking down on the gate. He had heard the humour in Daniel's voice, but was deep in thought.

"Earth to Jack?"

"Sorry Daniel, mind just wandered."

"And where would it be wandering too?"

"Just somewhere else. I'm not leaving until tomorrow morning. What do you have planned for the rest of the day?"

"I was going to talk to Cam about trying to find Merlin's treasure. He seemed pretty excited about the discovery."

"That kid gets excited about everything."

"Enthusiasm Jack. I used to be like that."

"You still can be Danny."

"Well, I was going to see if Cam and the remainder of his team wanted to help me."

"I'm sure he will. Hank said he's been trying to get some of you guys back on the team."

"He started after he arrived here. As soon as I got back from Atlantis, he started again."

"What else are you going to do?"

"I don't know. As much as I enjoy staying in my lab, working on artifacts brought back, I do miss going off world."

"Don't we all."

"I don't miss the whole not being shot at all the time, and having my life threatened at least twice a week. The thought is there. How about Teal'c?"

"He seems to be happy on Dakara, with the council."

"Well, things haven't been going too well lately."

"Yeah, what's that guys name? Garek?"

"Gerek."

"He's mentioned coming back to me, but I think he's just keeping his options open."

"Really? Well, I guess. He has freed the Jaffa, but there's still many of them out there, believing they are serving a god. I can see Teal'c coming back to help us defeat the few that are left."

"It'd be good to have him back."

"Cam wants to talk to Sam, see if she wants to join his team." Daniel hesitated. How would Jack take the news?

"Sam? She's not going anywhere for a while."

"You wouldn't mind her going on a team?"

"It's not really up to me. Hank's the one in charge here."

The klaxons sounded for an incoming wormhole, and Daniel joined Jack at the window. They watched as Teal'c exited the event horizon, and ran down to the ramp to greet him.

"What have you got Teal'c?"

"I am afraid I was not able to get much information. Perhaps we should discuss this else where."

"Someone page General Landry to the briefing room." Jack ordered the airman in the control room, as the three walked up to the briefing room.

"Teal'c, what have you got?" General Landry took a chair at the head of the table.

"The council is aware of a goa'uld bearing the name Tanit. It was widely believed that Tanit was killed by the Tok'ra many, many years ago. Her Jaffa have not been any of the ones who joined our ranks, and have not been seen on other worlds. It is very possible that Tanit was not the one who was behind the explosion."

"Wait, you said her?"

"Yes General Landry."

"But the goa'uld took a male host, Andrew."

"In dire need, the goa'uld will take whichever host is available, but I too, do not believe that Tanit was in the scientist."

"Do we have any idea of when Andrew was taken as a host?"

"No, General. Sam's going to have a look at his recent work and see if she can spot it. Did we find a body?"

"My teams are testing several blood samples they were able to get. I haven't heard anything else yet."

"Did they find anyone else in the building, Jack?"

"Yes."

"Oh, God. Do you know who?"

"Not yet. One was crushed when the upper floors pancaked, the other we assume died as a result of the fire."

"Has anyone told Sam yet?"

"No. I was waiting to find out who they were."

"Let me know when you find out. I'll let her know." Daniel knew that Sam would be very upset, and needed a friend to tell her.

"Will do."

The four men discussed the incident, combining Scott and Vikki's statements, to get a full picture of what had happened. Daniel voiced his intent to research some of Ba'al's consorts and allies in mythology, while Jack stated that his team would work on locating Ba'al in the business world. He didn't think a man like Ba'al would come to Earth, and just sit back and relax. Teal'c agreed with him, and offered his assistance in what ever way he could help.

"Teal'c, how long are you staying this time?"

"It is undetermined O'Neill. The council is not in agreement about helping the Tau'ri with the incidents on Earth. Gerak believes that we should track down Ba'al here, and capture him. I have done all I can to convince him that we must work with the Tau'ri to better accomplish our goals."

"But we're trying to do the same thing here!" Daniel protested.

"That is why I am here to render assistance as needed, until such time that Bra'tac contacts me."

"Teal'c, Cam's missing a fourth member of SG-1. Why don't you join him while you're here."

Teal'c bowed his head as the group parted. After a quick dinner, Daniel went to visit Vala, Teal'c to his old quarters, and Jack wandered to the infirmary.

When he walked in, a nurse informed him that Sam was sleeping, but he could go visit her if he would like. Dr. Lam checked on Sam after he had been there for half an hour, and told him she probably wouldn't wake for several hours. She had given her something for the pain and it had knocked her out. Jack thanked her, and as she left, he noticed the marker on the table beside the bed. He remembered the conversation he had had with Daniel over dinner.

Daniel had told him that Sam was shocked that he had been the one to find her. Daniel had been unable to hide how upset he was at Sam's reaction. It had hit Jack like a cold shower. Did she really think that despite their current friendship, or lack of, that he wouldn't go to her aid if she needed it? That woke him up. No matter how much they had changed, and drifted apart, he would always be there for her, if she needed him.

Jack picked up the marker, and gently pulled the blanket from over her cast. She'd had several visitors since he had last seen her. There were now many signatures covering the cast, and he immediately noticed two that stuck out. Ancient, Daniel's signature, and Goa'uld, Teal'c's. He had no idea what they said, and doubted Sam did yet. He found a spot near the bed and wrote one word. He capped the pen, placed it on the table, and left.