They are about to leave this planet – Sam's already busy with the DHD – but Daniel feels compelled to take a last stroll through the still mostly ruined village, even though there is little to be seen in the dense darkness. No moons in this sky.
The night is stifling hot and the iron oxides make it smell like blood, but it is not entirely unpleasant.
He guesses her more than seeing her, leaning against a half-standing wall, and makes his way there.
As he draws closer, River is busy typing away on a device that isn't quite a tablet, but might as well be called that, in Daniel's tired mind.
He opens his mouth to say something but the most amazing sound tears the silence: a whirring hum morphing quickly in a series of wheezing noises and trumpeting thuds that make his very soul vibrate in tune with the universe at large.
He knows this sound.
Where has he heard it before?
The noise dies down and nothing but the quiet night remains, but the air is charged with something undefinable.
River smiles. "That's my ride."
Squinting, Daniel can just about make out a rectangular shadow among all the other shadows. It does not look remotely like a spaceship, or even a place where a spaceship might appear. Then again, neither did the pyramids, he reflects.
It is harder to understand why it feels so right to him.
"It was a pleasure to work with you, Dr. Jackson," she says.
"Likewise, Dr. Song," he answers automatically.
"Do give my regards to the Colonel."
He nods.
She doesn't move and he belatedly realizes she won't move until he's gone. She probably doesn't want him to see her time machine. Right.
A bit disappointed, he smiles awkwardly and leaves, walking slowly towards the Stargate.
It's time to go home.
Although he does not turn to watch, he hears the sound of the universe again - the very same of his dreams.
Daniel smiles, because against all logic, he feels better.
Just like in his dreams.
...Those are dreams, right?