"Well, after we made sure Sam was taken care of, we went over to the village to ask around. We found that quite a few of the villagers had already heard of the Ori and Origin, but had not been visited themselves. We can only guess that the Ori are using a new tactic," Cam said, shrugging. General Landry nodded slowly and looked around the table.

"You believe this could be a new way of converting? Convert by peers, and logic, instead of force?"

"I don't know, it's not a big departure from what has already been done," I said, spreading my hands over the folder. "However, I have to admit, there are some differences."

"Colonel, are you saying you think this new tactic is from Dr. Jackson?"

I met Landry's gaze. "He is not one to buy into the 'kill and convert later' theory."

"Agreed. What did the villagers say?"

"They said that the Ori have been promising to share more of their knowledge with the nonbelievers. The people are also saying that they can learn the history of Origin for themselves," Teal'c said.

"That's what I'm talking about!" Cam said, raising a fist. "If that's not Jackson trying to come out of his shell, I don't know what is!"

I smiled as he grinned at all of us. I couldn't help but think back to the... dream I had when I was in the infirmary. If Daniel was struggling to come back, was the hold of the Ori too much on him? Was he already gone? But with the news, something rekindled the flame of hope inside. He would return, damn it, and we would not leave anyone of ours behind. I looked up as Landry got up; I had missed the last part of the briefing again.

"You all have the day off; I suggest you all rest up. We have a very important Prior to catch in the morning," Landry said.

Cam leaned over to me as we walked to the elevators and said, "Kinda gives new meaning to 'VIP,' huh?"

I burst out laughing; the first laughter since Daniel had helped me up a rocky path and had brushed his hand over my ticklish spot. I closed my eyes as we entered the elevator. It seemed so long ago. It seemed so near. I told them that I wanted to lie down for a bit and would meet them in the commissary in an hour and half. I darted into my room and lay on top of my bed, letting my mind linger on the feeling of Daniel's hand brush my side as he lifted me up.

"I don't know," I said, looking at the rocks. "My leg is still kinda tender where that bush whacked it."

Daniel looked around, surveying the area. "I don't see any other path, Sam. Cam said he would wait for us; something about Vala needing to take another break. Here, let me grab your gear; that will lighten things."

I handed the pack to him and he scrambled up the rocks and placed it next to his. He came back down and stood beside me. "Ready? All you have to do is climb up; after that it's flat again."

Daniel crooked his head. "Well, yeah, but by then you may feel better, and if you don't then I'll help you get down." He raised his hand as if he was going to brush my cheek with his thumb but thought better of it and pushed a straggling tuff of hair behind my ear. How I wanted to grab his face and kiss him like he had on our picnic date. How I wanted to melt into him.

Wisely we pulled away and I began to climb up the rock. Daniel was beside me, making sure my leg wasn't going to give out. We were almost to the top when Daniel scrambled ahead and leaned over the rock to help me climb onto the flat ground. I lost my footing for a moment but then pushed to heave myself over the edge and sat beside Daniel for a moment to catch my breath.

"Oh, well, that wasn't so bad." I got up and picked up my pack. Daniel helped to fasten the buckles and we set off. We had to step over a few logs and I managed to lose my footing. Daniel's hands came shooting out and grabbed me on either side of my waist. I up-righted myself and felt Daniel's fingers involuntarily dig into my side and move up slightly, tickling me. I stifled a giggle.

"You okay?"

"First day with new legs, I guess," I said, smiling.

"Did I hurt you?"

"No, you just found my tickle spots."

Daniel's eyes widened slightly. "Oh. I'll keep that in mind." He said the last part quietly as he passed me. I think my eyes widened; keep that in mind? I laughed as I caught up to him.

"I think I can use that to my advantage. I know your weak spots, Sam. I know them all," Daniel said, suddenly looking at me through dead eyes. "I will break those I love, convert those who I deem worthy, and educate those who still do not believe. You are nothing," he hissed, as he reached out. "You, my love, are nothing more than something from the past... I can't keep you away from my mind, but I want to be true and faithful. I can't have you in my head, my beautiful Sam. There is too much hate in here now. Remember me like I was."

Daniel had his hand around my throat and had lifted me off the ground. I looked down at him, pleading to let me go. Tell me he was playing a sick, cruel, joke on me. His dead eyes flared with the searing heat of flames and I screamed as I looked away.