"Secrets and Challenges"

Ch. 30

(Atlantis)

"So, what do you guys do when you don't have to worry about the Wraith?" Daniel asked.

"Well, one of our scientists personal items was Monopoly," Stacey told him. "And Teyla and I like to Spare with one another. It usually turns out to be a draw, though."

"That sounds fun," Daniel said.

"How much of the city have you gone through, Doctor?" Hammond asked.

"Only, less than a quarter of it, so far," she answered. "We even found a lab that wasn't even included on the map."

"Really?" Daniel got extremely excited. "Can we have a look?"

"Sure,"

(Secret lab)

"This lab belonged to an Ancient, Nemesia," Stacey informed them as they entered. "She was a bit of a rebel."

"A rebel Ancient?" Hammond asked.

"Yeah," was all she said. Stacey didn't want to get into any details concerning Nemesia.

"I hate to cut this tour short, Doctor. But, I must get back to the Prometheus," Hammond told her. He turned to Daniel, "You may stay here as long as you like, Dr. Jackson."

Daniel nodded, happily.

"Thank you, sir," he said.

"I'll have Major Sheppard fly you back to the Mainland once the thing with Lt. Ford and Teyla is over, sir," Stacey said.

"Thank you," he said.

Stacey tapped her radio and spoke into it, "John."

"Yeah," his voice piped up.

"Can you take the General back to the Prometheus?" she asked.

"Sure thing, Stace," he said. "The little meeting is over. Wait until I tell you. You're not gonna believe this one!"

"We'll meet you in Hanger One," Stacey said.

"I'm on my way!"

(Atlantis, Commissary)

"How's Allison? Is she hanging in there with us being gone?" Stacey asked as the two ate.

"She's a tough kid," Daniel told her. "Cassie and Allie have been hanging with each other. Even though the two are about five years apart, they still manage to get along."

"That's good to hear. I can sleep a little bit better now," she grinned. "Are you ready to hear what's been going on since we arrived?"

"Yeah, you know me. I could use some good stories," he said.

So, she told him. Everything.

"Whoa," he said after she finished the story. "You've been through a lot."

"Yeah, so any new gossip around the mountain?" Stacey asked.

"Well, Sam finally dumped Pete. Apparently Sam is over her crush with Jack too," Daniel said.

"Has she been dating anyone new?" she asked.

"Yeah,"

"Is it someone I know?"

"Very well," Daniel said.

"Who is it?" Stacey demanded.

"Me," Daniel said. "We're getting married in Spring."

"Congratulations!" Stacey squealed loudly.

She could hardly contain herself. Stacey leaped forward and hugged him.

"Stace, I think you're choking him," John said, sitting next to her.

She pulled away and sat down smiling. Daniel gave a slight coughing sound, but he was grinning.

"So, what's the big news about Aiden and Teyla?" she asked John.

"Lt. Ford and Teyla are an item," John informed her.

"Really?" Stacey asked, not sounding a bit surprised.

"Really," John said. "You're not sounding very surprised about it."

Stacey shrugged.

"I thought it was obvious. Lately they've been a little too close. Even for colleges," Stacey explained.

"Hey, Stace?" Daniel said.

"Yeah?"

"Remember all those rumors going around the base about us?" he asked, grinning.

Stacey snorted. "How could I forget?"

"What rumors?" John asked, suspiciously.

"Oh, that I had left you for Daniel," Stacey answered. She gave a slight giggle at the look on John's face. "Remember I told you about Daniel teaching me Ancient?" He nodded. "Well, people on the base began to talk that I was having an affair with Danny, here."

"Please don't call me that. You know I hate that nickname now," Daniel begged to her.

"Okay, fine," she sighed. "Anyway, I'm supposed to meet Teyla for our weekly sparing match. Wanna come?"

"Sure," Daniel nodded eagerly.

To be continued . . .