"Secrets and Challenges"

Ch. 43

Flashback

(Earth, SGC, Daniel's Lab)

"Why won't General O'Neill let you go to Atlantis?" Stacey asked Daniel.

Daniel and her were in his office, discussing the trip to Atlantis. Stacey sat in a chair, with her arms folded.

"Jack said he needs me here," he told her.

"For what? This is Atlantis. The Lost City of the Ancients. This is what we've - - you have been looking for, for years!" she said.

"I know. I tried telling him that. But, well, you know how stubborn Jack is," he said.

"He just doesn't want to loose you again. I remember how much he missed you when you Ascended. Jack just doesn't want to go through that again," Stacey told him.

"I know," he said and then changing the subject he told her, "Jack said I could ask anyone I want in my place."

"Let me guess. You want me to go?" Stacey asked.

"Please, Stace. I would feel a whole lot better if you went instead of someone I don't know," he pleaded.

"Alright, of course I'll go," she sighed. "Only for you."

Daniel smiled triumphantly.

(SGC, Control Room)

The Gate Room was crazy. The corridors were total chaos. Stacey managed to make her way into the Control Room, running into Dr. Kavanah on the way. She arrived at Daniel's side in a huff.

"You're late," Jack commented.

"Sorry, I had a last minute thing to do," Stacey said. "What did I miss?"

"You missed Dr. Weir's speech," Daniel told her.

"That's all?" she asked, innocently.

Dr. McKay arrived in the Room.

"Dr. Grayson," he greeted. "You're coming too?"

"Yeah, to keep an eye on you, McKay," Stacey told him.

Jack leaned over to Rodney. "A word of warning: she's very protective of her friends. So, I'd make her a friend. If she became an enemy, your life you be royally screwed beyond reason."

McKay gulped and turned his attention to the monitor. They had just sent the MALP. After they had the okay to go, the expedition started to leave, slowly. Stacey turned to Daniel and hugged him.

"Keep Allie out of trouble for me," she told him.

"Sure," Daniel said. "Have fun."

Stacey smiled. "Only, for you, Daniel."

She gave him and Jack a kiss on the cheek.

"Bye,"

End Flashback

(Atlantis, Infirmary)

"He tricked me!" Stacey said rather suddenly.

"Excuse me, Stacey? Who tricked you?" Carson asked, taken aback by her sudden outburst.

Stacey was in the Infirmary having Carson give her and Adam a check-up. Her tired mind had wandered. The memories before she arrived on Atlantis and why she was there.

"Oh, what? Sorry," she said, looking around.

"You said 'He tricked me'. Who tricked you?" Carson asked again.

"Daniel tricked me into coming here. He knew John was coming," She told him, as he examined her.

"Dr. Jackson has been playing Cupid lately," Carson commented.

"Yeah, he's just a hopeless romantic," Stacey said, sighing.

"All done, my dear," he said.

"Anything?" she asked, getting off the bed.

"As far as I can tell, Nemesia is completely out of your mind. How does it feel to have only you in your mind again, Doctor?" He said, grinning.

"More sane," she told him jokingly.

"Your turn, young one," he said, picking up Adam.

"Medical Team to the Gate Room!" Elizabeth's urgent voice rang throughout the Infirmary.

"Now what?" Carson asked.

"I'll take care of this one," Stacey turned to four nurses. "Come on, let's go!"

To be continued . . .