CHAPTER 43

Beta'd

George guided Daniel into his office and directed him to the visitor's chair. "Daniel, we need to establish some guidelines to separate our family relationship from professional if you become part of the SGC."

Daniel sucked in his breath and gripped the arms of the chair tightly with his fingers.

"Son, you know how I feel about you. I love you. You also understand that as the CO of this facility I cannot put my men in jeopardy because of your personal desire to find your brother-in-law."

Daniel opened his mouth to state his case, but George raised his hand and interrupted.

"Wait. Let me finish. I recognize your potential value as a consultant. I have no problem recommending to my superiors that you be hired in that capacity, but… Daniel, I just cannot agree that you become part of a front-line team. Your teammates would have to spend time defending you instead of looking to you for support. I just can't do it." George leaned forward to get a better look and Daniel's expression.

His expression was not a happy one. He rubbed his forehead, pushing his hair back. Closing his eyes, he took another deep breath and gathered his thoughts.

"George, I understand all that, but I still believe I can be help in the search for Skaara. I have learned a great deal about the history of the Abydonians and their 'god.'"

George interrupted again. "Daniel, there are any number of Egyptologists we could bring in who know just as much as you do about their mythology. Scholars who can see and use weapons to defend themselves and their teammates."

Daniel sank back in his chair. George was right. He wasn't the only person on Earth who was versed in Egyptian mythology. Why did he always have to be so arrogant and think he was the only one who could solve problems?

"However," George continued, "I do believe that your knowledge of the map room and the numerous writings you found on Abydos are unique."

Daniel sat up straight. Could George possibly let him go through the Stargate to search for Skaara?

They were interrupted by a phone call that George took while Daniel sat and squirmed impatiently in his chair.

"That was Colonel O'Neill from the infirmary. Ferretti gave them five of the symbols the aliens used to dial out from Abydos. Captain Carter says a sixth with be the symbol of origin, Earth, and the seventh is a matter of comparing the symbols we know with the cartouche you copied from the map room on Abydos."

Daniel leaned forward. "Please, George. I won't get in anyone's way."

George leaned back in his chair and grimaced in thought. He finally stood and made his way over to Daniel. Daniel stood up and moved so that he could see George's eyes.

"Okay, son, you can go. But, understand that should you become a problem to the team, I'm giving O'Neill permission to send you home. Is that understood?"

Daniel's face lit up in a grin. "Yes, George, I understand. Thank you so much."

"Yes, well. Go say good-bye to your wife and then report to O'Neill. He'll see that you get the proper gear. The team leaves in an hour."

Daniel called Maggie and they hustled through the grey corridors to their room. He opened to door and called Sha're softly.

"Over here, my husband."

He turned toward her voice and followed it to the bed, where he found her sitting on the edge, crying silently. He gathered her up in his arms and pulled her head to his shoulder.

"It will be fine, my wife. I came to tell you that George has given me permission to go with Jacl and look for Skaara. We'll bring him home and in one year, you and I will take him back to your father with our child."

She was sobbing loudly now, clinging to his shirt. Daniel sat and rocked her until her sobs slowed and she began hiccupping into his shoulder. He tried so hard, and failed, to stop the tremors of laughter that raced through him. He had always found her irritation at the hiccups amusing.

Sha're pulled back indignantly and punched him in the shoulder playfully. "You laugh at my distress?"

"No, my love. I'll never laugh when you are hurting. But your hiccups are funny."

She glared at him, but the hiccups destroyed any attempt she had at posing a haughty attitude. She gave in and threw her arms around him, whispering in his ear, "Be careful, my Dan-yel. I could not bear to return to my father without both you and my brother. You know he loves you as much as he does me and my brother."

Daniel turned his head and kissed her with tenderness. "You know Jack will watch over me. He'll make sure I don't do anything too stupid."

He pulled back just a bit so he could look into her chocolate eyes. "I'll come back to you with Skaara. That's a promise."

She nodded and stood, pulling him up with her. "Captain Carter taught me a phrase in another Earth language; Via con dios, mi amor."

"Igualment, mi amor.." Daniel kissed her one more time, called Maggie and headed out to meet Jack.

"Well, Maggie, it looks like it's up to us to find Skaara and bring him home to our family. Wait until he hears he's going to be an uncle."

Maggie wagged her tail, as if understanding and led him to the elevator and their new life on Earth.

AN: I was beginning to think I'd never get to the end. When I started posting, I had about 15 chapters written and I was sure I'd be able to keep up. Stupid!

Via con dios, mi amor – Go with God, my love.

Igualment, mi amor. – You too, my love

I don't actually speak Spanish, so if my grammar is off, I apologize. (Took French - really useful in Southern Calilfornia!)