"I'm sure she'll be thrilled to see you again, Narim." Daniel said, dryly, for what had to be the hundredth time. At first he had thought it was a good idea to have Narim help him since he was rather smitten with the people of Earth but as the days wore on so did his patience. "It was a mistake disclosing who was attending." He grumbled to himself. More like it was a mistake disclosing that information to Narim who hadn't shut up about seeing one blonde haired, blue eyed, Air Force Captain again. Sighing, he began to shuffle through the papers scattered across Narim's coffee table; he also wished that he had stayed home and declined his friends offer of company for the evening.

Narim, who seemed oblivious to his friends souring mood, smiled. "Schrodinger should also be pleased to see Samantha, correct?"

Daniel bit the inside of his cheek and took a deep breath. "I'm not really sure. I don't think Schrodinger knew Sam long enough to form an attachment. I'm sure she just went to the shelter and bought him right before giving him to you."

"Shelter?" Narim's curiosity was now spiked. "What's a shelter?" He loved learning about Earth.

Suddenly realizing that he wasn't going to get anymore work done, Daniel sat back on the couch and turned his full attention to his curious friend. "A shelter is where animals are taken when they are no longer wanted."

Narim tilted his head to the side trying to understand. "From what I learned, Earth has millions of animals, does it also have that many shelters?"

Daniel wanted to laugh but a year with the Tollan had taught him to tone down his emotional responses. "No. When I said animals I meant pets. Sometimes people get a pet and then can't care for it anymore so they send it off to a shelter so that it can be adopted by someone else who can care for it." Seeing the blank look he was receiving, he hurried on to explain. "A pet is usually a cat or a dog; but not always. You can have fish, birds, reptiles, and even rodents as pets as long as they're domesticated. Small animals."

"I...see." Narim answered but he really didn't. Some aspects of Earth life would still be a mystery to him. He decided to change the subject before he got even more confused than he already was. "Are you not happy to be seeing your friends again?"

"I..." Daniel shrugged. "If I tell you something do you promise not to tell anyone else? Not even Omoc?"

Narim nodded, somberly. "Of course. I would never repeat a private conversation."

Daniel nodded and then went about trying to find the words that he needed. "When we decided to help you escape, I knew the risks but I was assured that nothing would happen to me since I was a civilian. That's why Teal'c and I volunteered." He paused. "When Maybourne started spouting on about charging me with treason, I figured my friends would come to my defense. But they didn't. Instead Jack cracked some joke about no court ever hearing about it which made Maybourne really mad. It took a total of two minutes and one phone call for him to have me labeled as a traitor to the country. Am I not happy to be seeing my friends again? No, I'm not happy at all. But I've accepted the situation and moved on with my life so I can, at least, be civil to the offworlders."

"I am sorry, Daniel." Narim felt for his friend and even understood some of his actions since joining the Tollan. "Omoc was right when he said that you need our support and understanding."

"Omoc is a very smart man." Daniel agreed. "I think he knew things would turn out badly for me, that's why he offered to take me with him; with you. I just wish he hadn't been right."

Narim nodded, once. "It does not do to dwell on the past when the future looks for bright. Now, tell me, why has the Curia decided to open up talks with Earth?"

Daniel shrugged, glad to move onto a different topic. "As a junior member of the Curia, they do not have to tell me everything. But Omoc tells me that the vote came as a surprise. Apparently the first vote was dead set against starting talks with such a primitive race but the second vote was in favor so I have no idea. I'm sure I'll be informed at some point."

"Yes, perhaps." Narim agreed as he stood. "The hour is growing late, I would be a bad host if I did not offer you substance." He moved into his kitchenette. "Stew?"

"Stew is fine." Daniel was glad that he confided in Narim, he really was a good friend once you got down to it. Having a renewed sense of purpose, he leaned forward and began going over the papers once again as he waited for his meal. Next time, he vowed, he was going to let them download all relevant information onto a data chip. He had once enjoyed the sensation of paper but having lived with technological advanced individuals for so long had spoiled him. He now preferred to read the information off a screen rather than off a slip of paper. Musing, he had to admit that he was more Tollan than human now, so with that thought he continued going over his notes.