CHAPTER 95

A.U. You all who have kept reading and still do, this was, correction, is important to me. You can either read this part below, which has some importance later or you can go on to the mission that happens later.

After the problem with the Lucian Alliance, Ford personally requested for time off, for him and Sam. It was more than a few hectic hours on that ship and they really didn't want to be thinking about what had happened and what could have happened. Landry gave them the time off along with Mitchell, Teal'c and Vala. Daniel was to stay and keep researching. If something came up, then the other's would all be called in. The real reason Ford requested time off was because they hadn't had time to get out and look at the house at its completion.

Sure the T.A.R.D.I.S. was already out there and had been at the time the house was being built, plumbing and such all being put in too. When they asked about the, hanger unit, he just said they placed everything they wanted to put into the house into it and told them to stay away. Ford had been there when the people arrived those weeks ago to tell them were certain appliances went, such as the industrial kitchen fridge. They had a fridge that was a walk in just like the freezer unit, but this fridge was for things other than anything large stuff, not hanging meat. He'd go get that sort of stuff already cut and packaged up at a local butcher. Other things like the few washers and dryers, seeing as more than a few people were going to be there and such. A few other appliances were also installed with his supervision at that time.

Daniel unfortunately wasn't able to come, so the other's went. Vala went with Teal'c, only because she didn't have a drivers license much less even have any skills in knowing how to drive anyway. Cam came in his Mustang while the other two came in their cars. Janet came with Sam along with her parents and Sally. Cassandra was busy with a boy or some studies or something, Ford never really did find out why she never came. Whether it was true or not, there was talk of Cassandra possibly getting married.

The entire drive off the main road took near fifteen minutes, depending on how fast you went. The road was once an old logging road that had been shut down about an year ago. Ford also had to pay to have the road fixed so they could get things in first. The, oversized mansion as it had became, was off to their left as they drove up into the large driveway.

Plans were in place to landscape the surrounding area, but Ford and Carter wanted to do that personally, with Sara helping and anyone else that might. Though personally, they didn't think they'd get anyone else to help. Janet thought about it, but really, she didn't have that green thumb. Even though Ford was able to heal her sometime ago so she didn't have to use a cane anymore, she didn't feel like coming back to work. Volunteering was enough for her and helping Sam out occasionally with any medical problems baby related or stuff was fine with her. She had her hands full with Cassandra anyway since she still lived at home.

On the right side of the large circle driveway, was where the T.A.R.D.I.S. was placed, in hanger mode. You couldn't get a Hercules aircraft in it, but you could get a couple of F-302's if you wanted, or eight semi trucks with trailers inside, four in front and four in back. Though she was now functioning, they didn't go anywhere other than that trip to the planet outside the Solar System. Plus that other sight seeing thing they did.

Between the house and the T.A.R.D.I.S., the road continued to an actual car garage built just up behind the house on a hill. You really didn't see it from the front yard at all, which was the point. Nothing fancy, just a very long building that everyone could park their cars at and keep them out of the weather. There was parking for two dozen vehicles. Just in case, each spot was made to be able to fit a full sized pickup, such as Jack's for instance. One dozen in the front and one dozen in front of that. If it came to an emergency, there was plenty of room to back up and leave if they all had to make a run for it or something, not that they ever thought that would be the case. Along the back wall was a few tool boxes, for anyone who might want to do something. In the back right corner was a place to park a few motorcycles. Though they had those parking spots, there was still room out front to park, which they did at the moment seeing as there was no lawn yet.

Up behind the T.A.R.D.I.S. was a large greenhouse, currently empty and outside that was a large fenced in area that did get a lot of sun light for a garden they planned on making later.

The house itself was a lot bigger than the plans showed it to look. Which wasn't surprising, Ford mentioned later, seeing as all plans made things look small until they were built. Carter agreed as she brought up the memory of the plans for that Ori satellite. The house was light blue, making it seem much bigger. It wasn't typical looking of any other house either. It had a partially square base, except for the fact that on either sides of the house, part of it came out quite far with a half hexagon look. 10 of them. They each had windows as the front section of the house did, same design and with flower boxes. The sections extended up to the roof that was angled at forty five degrees, for when the snow came. In the middle of the house was a large brick chimney that came out and extended at least three feet up. The front of the house had two large doors wide enough to drive a Cadillac through. Nothing really fancy other than inset squares for a design. The doors themselves were solid oak, just like the rest of the house. There was a large open deck that had three large octagonal pillars on either side of the house holding up the second floor above, that extended outward and slightly over the deck below. Off to the right and left of the front door was flower boxes under the window seals. On either end of the lower deck was a four foot high fence that extended from the pillar to the house. Same design as the upper deck fencing. The other pillars had nothing going to them. The pillars themselves were made of one inch thick oak panels that surrounded a concrete pillar inside.

The upper deck was surrounded by a four foot high white octagonal fencing that went around the entire deck. The post ran about five feet apart with solar powered lights on top of each post. A large sliding glass door was the only way to get onto the top deck. The windows on the front and side of the house, including the back were, other than large, measured a foot and a half each in size for each panel, and were measured actually to be right dead set in the middle between each pillar, for the front of the house. Victorian style. As they all parked and got out.

"Wow. That's, pretty big." Mitchell said as he closed his door. "Looks incredible."

He was wearing black jeans and some Air Force shirt underneath his leather jacket. Sam and Ford were both in blue jeans and leather jackets. His coat was in the passenger seat of the General. Carter had on a red blouse while Ford had a white shirt with a blue phone booth on the front. Janet was in blue slacks and a slightly loose fitting blue shirt and blouse that matched the coat. Teal'c was in green khaki pants with a black T-shirt and a cap over his head, which he removed and left in his Durango after getting out. Vala was non descriptive SGC BDU's since after this trip, she had to go back to the base since she wasn't allowed to live off base or be off base without supervision. Amy had a long blue dress and a light blue sweater. Jacob was in black khaki's with a brown sweater.

"The plans made it seem so small." Janet said looking at it and then at Sam as she got out.

"I really like it. Kinda like a dream home." Amy said holding Sally, who was currently asleep.

"Takes after me so much. I sleep really well in a moving object." Ford said lightly ruffling Sally's hair. "My parents used to have to fly me around in a Puddle Jumper sometimes to actually get me to go to sleep at night."

"Ford, were did octagonal pillars come into the plan?" Carter asked.

"Jack wanted pillars, and to be hexagonal in shape. I think Daniel wanted something Egyptian. Not round or square, so I went with this. Personally, I like it, a lot. I always wanted octagonal pillars on a house, but in this case." he said leaning against the hood of the General as he crossed his arms and smiled. "I would have liked to built this with the team helping where they could, but I know we barely had the time. The furniture and everything else, including the painting inside will have to be done by us though."

"The entire house is empty? All that money and stuff, and there is nothing in there?" Vala asked.

"The major stuff is, stuff that works. Washers, dryers, dish washer, toilets and things like that. Otherwise, there is no chairs, tables, food or anything like that." he said ticking off his fingers. "Just a very large building waiting to be decorated."

"You didn't have that dumbwaiter system put in did you?" Carter asked.

"We couldn't get the idea to work they way I wanted. Be able to send stuff from one room to the next and such, so we gave up. No dumbwaiter."

"I have to ask, is there hidden rooms or anything?" Mitchell asked.

"No, not really. A few hidden panels and such, but otherwise, no. How about we go in and take a look?" he said jerking a thumb.

"We all have our own rooms right?" Vala asked.

"Indeed." Teal'c said with a nod. "I believe the saying goes, I grab first dibs."

"Wow, I didn't expect that." Mitchell said surprised.

"Me either." Carter said.

"Hmm, anyone else hear that?" Ford asked.

"Yeah, sounds like…." Janet began as they turned to look down the driveway.

A big truck pulled up and parked near the rest of their vehicles.

"Took him long enough. I figured he'd show up while we were still doing the tour."

"You called the General to join us?"

"We're off duty Sam, you can call him by his first name you know?"

"Just, doesn't feel right sometimes."

"I made it time I see." Jack said looking at his watch before giving them all a wave. "Hey all. Jacob, looks like time is being kind to you still."

He was wearing a leather jacket, zipped at the moment and blue jeans as well. He took his glasses off and placed them in his upper coat pocket as he walked up.

"Still is. I guess Selmak must have had some effect on me in more ways than one."

"Yeah, having the arthritis and other joint pains gone is great." Jack said with a nod. "So, have this tour started yet?"

"No. Though I didn't expect you to show up for awhile."

"Traffic, and I had to stop for gas. For some of us, it's actually a long trip here."

"Why didn't you just have them beam you here si…." she began saying when he held up a finger. "Jack?"

"Something about a bad signal lock, or something like that. You wouldn't happen to know anything…." Jack asked while waving a hand.

"The T.A.R.D.I.S. is emitting a, field of disturbance you could say, to keep this area safe from prying eyes and possible other things, such as sound surveillance and beaming things or people out."

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that. We figured out how to do that back when we brought her here." Carter said remembering.

"Her?" Jack asked.

"I don't understand it myself O'Neill, but the T.A.R.D.I.S. is alive."

"Okay." Jack said shifting on the balls of his feet. "So, where are we starting?"

"The house, where else?" Vala asked. "We've seen the inside of his ship, well, not all of it…."

"I was thinking the lake. I brought my fishing stuff and…."

"One mile, that way. There's a trail which I had some people place some signs along the way to help us, just in case." Ford said pointing. "Even had the boat house you wanted built, built out there. No boat yet. Not yours anyway."

"Smoker and barbeque?"

"No. You have to provide that for yourself, including any and all fishing supplies."

"Damn. Try it another day then." he said shaking his hand while snapping his fingers once.

As they started for the house.

"We're going to get keys right, not have to do one of those eye scan and badge flash things are we?" Jack asked.

"Keys are in a bag on the floor inside." Ford said as they walked up the steps.

"Hey, I can see a few things here already." Mitchell said looking at the deck. "Future ideas I mean."

"Me and Sam were thinking of one of those hanging swings for that end of the porch. Maybe more than one." Ford said pointing to his left.

"Yeah, that would work." Mitchell said.

"I like the sound of that too. Sit and rock away some of the day." Jacob said.

"Sally would probably like that." Amy said. "Likes being rocked at home."

"One looking this direction and swinging back far enough not to hit that fence and the other several feet from it with it turned towards the house. Seeing as there is no railing there." Jack said.

"A romantic sort of setting." Vala said.

"I was thinking that." Ford said nodding.

"Over here we could put a few chairs and small tables. You know, for sitting and talking after a long day or something." Mitchell said pointing off to the right side. "Seems to look like we could get quite a few chairs here."

"Since we didn't bring K-9 because he's helping Daniel, we'll all have to remember the different things we'll want to do here." Carter said.

"I brought a notepad." Janet said pulling it from her bag.

"I got one here somewhere." Carter muttered as she looked through her bag.

"I got this P.D.A. thing." Jack said fishing it from a clip on his belt. "I don't understand it fully, but Charlie has, educated me enough to know how to make notes. Has a lot of memory, or so he says."

"That works. I already have ideas and such so I won't need to tell you anything. The rest of you can, bother Jack about your ideas and such."

"Funny. Here Carter, you're better with technology than I am. Email the results to K-9 or something."

"Yes…" she started saying when he pulled it back.

"Carter…" he said shaking it.

"Jack." she said taking it from him.

"Better."

"Oh, one other thing." he said as he grabbed the knob. "For those who may not have already known, the house has been built with a sort of sound proofing system in mind, for each room of the house. We can set up intercom units if we have to though. Other than for privacy, the other reason is I know some of us stay up late and if, certain people want to watch say, the Superbowl. The people who don't care can go watch, read or sleep or do something somewhere else and not get their attention distracted from the game. Got it?"

"Sounds like a plan." Mitchell said.

Ford picked up the bag off the floor and kept it with him for the time being. To the left of them, behind the door, was a wall that extended down and attached to another wall that went towards the side of the house and attached there. The hexagonal parts that poked out of the sides of the house had nothing on them at the moment. One large door was on the left wall just down from the front door. This door came outward and slid out into rails inset into the floor and ceiling. Another door on the far wall that also opened the same as the other one was attached very near to the side of the house. They decided that this room would be perfect for the TV and sound system. Party room mostly. The floor was currently all wood, but they decided to have carpet put down with a large tile square placed by the front door. A coat rack was to be built and hung on the wall to the right next to the front door plus a mat or something under that would be where they could take off wet shoes and such. Jack kinda groaned about it, but admitted Sara would agree.

They took the door on the left and entered the kitchen. To their left was the large walk in freezer and fridge, which extended up to the ceiling, both currently inactive. Actually, nothing had power yet since they hadn't the system up. The freezer was on the left and the other on the right. A three foot opening was between the two allowing anyone to go back behind the units. Back here was where they were going to place all the cleaning supplies, including the vacuum. This way you never saw the stuff and could still look out the windows. Put plants if you wanted or a place to put hot items to cool off in a breeze, such as a hot apple pie as Mitchell suggested. In front of them was a long counter with lots of drawers, cabinets which were above and below. Plus two large sinks. The other side, which was just to the right of the kitchen door was another counter, about six feet long. From there, there was a large cooking plate followed by a big oven with six burners on top. A deep fryer system, followed by a big microwave and the other very large fridge. For the other things, such as leftovers and smaller stuff. Beside that was another counter followed by another sliding door to another room. To the left of the door, where it opened by sliding outward, there was a set of shelves just like the ones opposite of the door. One set ran along side the wall of the house, kinda like a sturdy book shelve, except for where the windows were and the other ran facing toward the kitchen against a wall. Basically, it was an open pantry, capable of holding enough canned goods and such to allow the selected group to fill the shelves with enough food to hold out for several months to almost a year, depending on rationing. If they had to.

Leaving the kitchen by the door near the smaller fridge, they came into the dining room as they decided to call it. To their right was a very large fireplace, inset into the wall with a brick set up. A removable metal mesh covered the large opening. Two foot long logs would be able to be placed in there to burn, if desired. Each room of the house was able to be regulated by electrical heat, but Ford and Sam both agreed that a wood fireplace would be something romantic to curl up to on a cold night. Or just about any other night. There was plenty of room to place a dining table, a couch or two and several other small tables and such. Behind the open pantry wall was two of the other sets of windows, seeing as the kitchen took three of its own not including the front two. That area was where they were going to place the dining table. A large couch was going to be placed in front of the fireplace area on some really nice rug. A couple end tables for each end of the couch with lamps on them was an idea. Behind that couch a couple of couches could be placed around a large coffee table with some reclining chairs. Some more reclining chairs near the fireplace was eventually added to the ideas. Since the ceiling was more than high enough, they decided a fan in each room would be a good idea. On the far back wall, in the middle of the it, there was another one of those doors. Ford, Carter and Daniel figured that they could put a large bookshelf there to have reading material for anyone. The other's thought it a good idea too. To the left of the fireplace, as though you were looking right at it, was a set of stairs that went up to the second floor. A rail and banister was placed on either side of the stairs. This side of the house had three of the windows showing since only two of them showed in the, party room. The one next to the stairs had a good two feet of space to allow anyone to sit in the widow if they wanted, for peace to read alone if desired. A large flower pot could be placed on the floor was an idea being tossed around.

Through the door led to the last room of the house that had the rest of the windows. To the left was another full bathroom that took one of the windows, though this door was normal and could lock. On the right, there was a wall with another sliding door. Inside that room which took up the rest of the windows for that side was two very large Jacuzzi's and mat's for exercising on along with some training equipment that would be put in there later. A large drape would come across to separate the two tubs, for privacy if need be. Out the back windows and large sliding glass door, you could see the back yard and the car garage. Carter suggested they place a pool table in here. They thought it a nice idea though Jack thought a ping pong table would be a good idea. Teal'c nodded and smiled at that idea and agreed with him. They agreed to think about what else to do with the room later since there was quite a bit of space to do things. There was a smaller deck out the back and a small upper deck above that which had stairs leading down off to the right of the house onto a smaller deck that turned and had more stairs going to the ground. The door on the that upper deck was also a sliding glass door as well.

Underneath the stairs, through a normal opening and closing door, went down to the basement.Several large concrete pillars with metal bracing held the whole house up in various areas. Other than the 4x4 boards that made up the floor to begin with above them. Nothing was down here other than some lights that they switched on, once they found the naquada generator they were going to use to power the whole place. Carter was at first, kinda against the idea of using such a device for, their means. But seeing as they weren't really having trouble with naquada as much as they used to, one being gone wasn't a bad thing. Technically, they had three he had requisitioned anyway. The other two were in the T.A.R.D.I.S. The only other thing down there was the three large washers and dryers. Each pair of systems were set into concrete corners with a long metal pole to the right of each set of machines. When the idea for more than one machine was suggested, Ford got confused looks. The women got it a lot quicker understanding rather quickly why the idea was put forth. Janet, Carter, Cassandra, Vala, Amy and Sara didn't have to wash their clothes with everyone else's. Privacy issues also went along with the thought so the other guys gave in not wanting to fight with the women.

Upstairs, it turned into a T shape. Once up, there was a long hallway to your right that went to the bedrooms. Each room having its own personal window. Ten rooms on the right, ten on the left. Each room the same size and with their own personal walk-in bathrooms and closets. One of the reasons why the house was so freaking big. To ensure no fights or envy issues, everyone had the same sized room and everyone had a window. Facing the sliding glass door to the outside upper deck, to your left was the stairs down, behind you the long hallway wide enough just like the front door. To the right was a fold up ladder leading to the attic. What they were going to do with it, other than it being there to use to get on the roof when they needed to set up a satellite system or help knock snow off the roof, they really had no ideas at the moment.

Currently they were all on the upper deck talking.

"I am impressed. This probably costs a lot though." Jack said looking out over the rail.

"It was worth every penny though." Ford said sitting against one of the rails.

"Oh yeah. Much better than a dream home. If it wasn't for the fact it's so far from Colorado Springs, we could move out here." Jacob said.

"I'd like that, except for we'd only see Sally on the weekends if we're lucky."

"Actually it would be more like we'd see her on the weekends if we were lucky." Ford said.

"Seeing as we don't trust many people taking care of her, no offense Janet." Carter said.

"I live too far away as it is from you two. Besides with all that volunteering work and handling Cassandra…."

"Yeah. We'd leave her here with you two and barely see here then." Carter said. "We already know Sally wouldn't like that."

"So, how much did this all cost?" Vala asked.

"Oh…it would have cost a lot less had I not offered them all a bonus to get it done before the month was up. So the total ended up being well over a hundred million, going to the various groups we hired and such. I include buying the property, getting the road worked on and having the area cut down and such. Basically everything it took to get all this done here."

"How much did it set you back?" Jack asked.

"Seeing as we really have billions of dollars…not much. We're helping a lot of charities out. In the end, this is all worth it."

"Yeah, I'd say it's worth it." Mitchell said looking down at the ground then out above some of the trees. "The view is incredible. We can see the other mountains in the distance."

"What's that large tarp by the garage covering?" Jack asked. "The one I saw when we looked out at the back yard?"

"The trees they cut down. Given time they will dry out and we can cut them into firewood. Really, I'd be doing it. A few quick swings with my sword and such."

"Not a bad idea. Better to use the wood we have here than go have someone else bring us some." Mitchell said.

"What do you think Teal'c? About all of it?" Jack asked.

"I am most impressed. And I believe I have decided on which room I wish to take for my own."

"What?" Jack asked turning around.

"He asked for dibs before you arrived sir." Mitchell said.

"Oh man. You beat me to the punch." Jack said with a sigh. "Which one is it?"

"I shall take the one above the stairs."

"Oh, well, I didn't want that one anyway." Jack said with a smile that went away suddenly. "Oh wait, I can't choose."

"Why not?" Vala asked.

"Sara gets to choose won't she?" Janet asked.

"I was never good with those sort of decisions. If we were ever at a motel or hotel, she always picked. Me, I always just asked for whatever." he said with a shrug.

"So, who picks next, or do we draw straws?" Vala asked.

"Since this whole idea here was yours and Carter's idea, you two should go next." Janet said.

"Unless someone else wants it, we'll take the one across from Teal'c." Carter said.

"Alright, I'll take the one two down from that then." Janet said. "That's assuming you two will be taking the room next to Sally's?"

"Yeah, that works. In case anything came up and Sally wanted or needed us." Amy said. "That work for you?"

"Perfectly." Jacob said.

"I'll take the one next to Teal'c, Jackson can have the one by me followed by Vala. You sir, and Sara, could have the end one on their side since you all have the children and such. Sure Sally is far from having her own room, but I know Charlie and Cassandra already have their own." Mitchell said.

"Yeah, that works. One of these days you two aren't going to want her in the room with you anymore." Jack said.

"Already there. I guess it is a big room, but at least she'd be nearby. And K-9 would be able to stay in there with her in case she needs anything." Carter said.

"One less room to really decorate, at least until she gets older." Ford said agreeing.

"Great, that's all settled. I noticed there was locks on all the doors to each room, so where's my keys?" Jack asked rubbing his hands together.

"Quick question, how much decorating can we do? As to putting things on or maybe in the walls?" Mitchell asked.

"Like a safe or something?"

"Yeah, like that. Since children will be in the house, we really need to keep, the weapons we'll have locked away and if possible, well out of their reach."

"We do that at home already, but then with mine, Sally couldn't use them if she wanted. Though she's fascinated with them anyway." he grumbled.

"What do you mean by that?" Jack asked suspiciously and with great concern.

"She likes shiny objects, why we really don't know." Carter said with a shrug. "Ford was cleaning them one day and she whined until we let her hold one of the clips. Wasn't until she went to sleep that we could take it away."

"She could lift one of those things?" Jack said amazed.

"Not all my clips are made of the same material as the gun, but they do almost all look the same. All have that shiny silver look."

"So my question is a yes?" Mitchell asked.

"The plans to the house are in a kitchen drawer, so look at them before you do anything. Don't want to stick a nail or cutting tool into a wire, or pipe."

After handing out the keys, they each went to the rooms and took a look around thinking about different ways to decorate, except Jack who went to his truck to get a drink. The girls, who included Vala to help her understand things a little better, all went outside and talked about different things they'd like to see placed and possible landscaping ideas. Vala was getting a little better at understanding things, as to how women of this planet usually act and have interest in. The guys were looking around the area. Teal'c had an idea to set up a small training exercise place just on the other side of the garden area once there was grass growing. Jack walked off going to go look at the fishing spot and Mitchell went with, shortly followed by Teal'c some moments later. Ford was currently on the upper deck and had been looking out at everything. Jacob was with him also looking out smiling at the sight.

"My whole life, I never once thought we'd ever see something like this. Even when I joined the Tok'ra, I never thought I'd see anything like this much less see her this happy. You've done something for every one of us. Well, almost everyone. Vala doesn't count."

"You mean Amy?"

"No, not…." he said looking at Ford's who was laughing lightly. "You're as bad as Jack sometimes."

"I know. I never thought I'd get this lucky to even have any woman. The being rich part and having this property and all our friends and family is a huge bonus. Sam came up with the idea one day and now, here we are. We've all saved the world in one way or another, and deserve something like this. Sure Amy and Sara wasn't there fighting, but they helped you and Jack both mentally."

"Yeah, that's one way of putting it. You ever miss having Hercules?"

"There are days. And then I either look or think of her and what we have together."

"Amy helps me cope to. One of these days we'll get Mark and them to come up sometime."

"That's one of the reasons why there are so many rooms. If it came down to it, me and Sam could live in the T.A.R.D.I.S. or have another house built, or something. Probably live in the T.A.R.D.I.S. seeing as that room has all our most important treasures and such. The attic can be furnished. Even with that steep angle, I can walk around up there easily. Hell, you could have a dance party up there."

"Biggest attic I've ever seen. The only thing you have to watch out for, other than that metal pole with the satellite wire, is the chimney."

"That cost a small fortune. The bill we have at home is nothing compared to the TV bill we'll have here. And those sport package deals we'll be getting later, oh man."

"We can afford this, for more than several years?"

"Unless something happens to where money, gold, diamonds and bonds become worthless, we'll be set. I drop a few more bucks and I'd own the Sony company in stocks alone. But taking care of a base full of people and saving the world leaves little time for running a company. Besides, the games I want to play with a more interactive ability, Doctor Lee is still working on it."

"This….is incredible. Gonna to take awhile to get everything in and ready though." Jack said after he and the other two came back about an hour later. "Especially the boat."

"I know. Probably have to have it lifted in by chopper." Mitchell said.

"Indeed."

"How are we going to get everything we want here anyway? And I assume we could build on if we had to?" Jack asked.

"If we have to. I suggest keeping everything extremely important inside the T.A.R.D.I.S, just in case. I plan on building a wood shed for all that wood. What I'll do, is have like Wal-Mart and a few other stores in the area have a list made with all your names on them. Once they call and tell me there is a trailer full of stuff, I'll make the payment and have it brought up here. From there we can drop it off inside the T.A.R.D.I.S and put things away as we can when we have time."

"Works for me. Um, is there restrictions, besides the obvious?" Jack asked as Ford's eyes narrowed.

"Jack…" Jacob said with a certain tone.

"What?"

"What restrictions?" Vala asked as they girls joined them on the upper deck.

"Besides the obvious, which you already know about Vala…"

"Oh, that."

"Not really. Though on sound systems, use your brains. You don't need a massive system that at half volume, the Ori could hear in their galaxy."

"Does the Alpha site count?"

"Funny Jack. I know this whole place belongs to all of us and we all have to learn to get along here and with everyone's ideas, and a large amount of compromising. I'm not in charge of anything here though me and Sam are paying for everything. The point is, let's try not to do anything that would offend one another, such as music so loud that even the Alpha site could hear it. If you need it that loud, Janet better be checking you out for hearing damage."

"I'm guessing you don't rock the General Lee then much if at all." Mitchell said.

"Actually, he doesn't at all. He can't drive and listen to music." Carter said.

"It's too distracting." Ford said with a shrug as they gave him strange looks. "I can't pay attention to the road while it's on. Talking I can do, music no."

They talked about other ideas for another hour and then all headed out.

EPISODE………….THE QUEST PART 1

Daniel was in his office and had been there for awhile that day, looking through books, his notes, other notes and papers. He was a little tired, but determined to find what he was looking for. He was kinda upset at not being able to go see the house a week ago with everyone, but this was really important. Besides, he did have some fun with his parents, if you call talking about archeology work fun like they did.

"Hey Jackson, what are you doing?" Mitchell asked as he and Teal'c came into his office.

"Oh, just trying to figure out the location of Merlin's weapon." he said looking at a paper and not looking at them. "So we can finally defeat the Ori and save our galaxy. Then have more time with family and friends. You?"

"We're going to Szechuan, wanna come?"

"No, I'll pass."

"How is your search coming Daniel Jackson?" Teal'c asked making Mitchell silently groan and sigh as he was heading out the door.

"Slowly, but I think I am onto something. Here, come take a look at this." he said still looking at the paper as he waved a hand at them.

He looked at them and then at the computer he was working on. Mitchell looked at Teal'c and then shook his head as they both walked over.

"These are the locations that Arthur and his knights set off to when they went searching for the Sangraal." he said showing them a picture of the three planets that were perfectly away from each other in a triangle pattern. "Castiana, Sahal, and Vagon Brie. We searched all three and came up with nothing. So, I thought it was a dead end, until I came up with this."

A few buttons later, lines attached to each planet making a triangle.

"They are coordinates for a equilateral triangle. Now, add their departure point, the Camelot planet." he said pushing a couple more buttons and placing that planet on the screen. The picture change to made a shape. "A tetrahedron. A perfect pyramid."

"Well, that's a hell of a coincidence." Mitchell said, now being interested in what Daniel was saying.

"Exactly, and it means something. I'm just not sure what."

"Well good luck and let us know if you find anything else." Mitchell said patting him on the arm.

"Well, if I don't find anything before this weekend, I'm going to quit for a day, other than to rest, maybe see the house and such."

"That's a good idea. General said he needed to go do something in, the hanger, this weekend." he said catching himself before he said T.A.R.D.I.S.

"Yeah, I need to get in there too. I think I left something in there I haven't been able to find at home."

Mitchell informed the others, which included Vala of Daniel's small discovery. Sam and Ford, along with K-9, were looking into an answer, but nothing was really coming up. Daniel was still working on it, late at night while the other's had went home for the night. Vala was sleeping until it came to her. She ran through the base and came into his office, wearing a lily patterned robe, a sleeve and shoulder less T-shirt and gray pajama bottoms. Along with a yellow eye mask that had a cooling gel in it.

"I have the answer. I figured it out." she said rushing in and startling him. "Those three planets are part of a puzzle."

"This much I already know." he said writing on a pad and then muttering. "Interesting outfit."

"The pyramid is a visual representation of three into one. Three addresses into one, that is what Morgan was trying to tell you. The Sangraal is located on the planet, the address of which is made up of the symbols from each of the three planets. Castiana, Sahal and Vagon Brie. It suddenly came to me in a dream."

Now Sam and Ford were back at the base, late at night, or very early morning, take a pick. Daniel, Vala and the two Carter's were in Sam's office. Ford was sitting next to Sam while Daniel and Vala were on her left watching the screen. Vala wasn't dressed and still in her night outfit drinking a big cup of coffee.

"Okay, this program will cross reference the addresses in the data base with those of Castiana, Sahal and Vagon Brie. Searching out the planetary symbols from all three addresses." she said as the program started. "Given the number of symbols and addresses, we could be looking at a number of permutations."

"Or not." Ford said as it brought up one address a few seconds later. "Kinda figured it would try to mask the location, but then again, not many people have the brains to figure out the math problem behind the idea anyway. Getting the names of the planets first was a hard part all on its own."

"Wow. That went quicker than expected." Daniel said.

"Good news is we can leave, later today. That in mind, let's all go back to bed and get some sleep. Which includes you Daniel, don't make me put you to bed."

"Yes sir." he said sarcastically as he got up.

So, hours later, about ten am. They were all back at work, dressed up and ready to go. The planet they went to had lots of, cottages. The people seemed to have no technology and kinda lived like they were in one of England's earlier times. Woman wore dresses only, fluffy shoulders and arms, sometimes both.

"Hmm, the culture and level of technology seem similar to what we found on the Camelot planet." Daniel said as they entered the village. People didn't interact or come up to them, but they did get looked at.

"Bright side is this place is a lot cleaner. Smells nicer too." Ford said.

"Indeed."

"I'm going to assume that the similarity is a good thing." Mitchell said glancing around.

"Yeah, I'd say so." Daniel said.

"I think some of these folks are finally seeing we are not from around here." Mitchell said as they passed a small shop that made saddles. "Um, excuse me. I was wondering if we could get some help."

Everyone was now looking at them more closely while some came closer.

"Some information." Mitchell said.

"We've come in search of the Sangraal." Daniel stated.

"It's a red thing, about yea big." Mitchell said pinching his fingers.

"We know what the Sangraal looks like." one man said. "It has been many generations since anyone has come in search of it. You are the second adventurers in less than a week to take up the quest."

"Oh great, that means Ba'al is here." Ford said with a sigh. When they started to ask why. "Who else would it be?"

"What about the Ori?" Daniel asked.

"No ships or troops that I've seen. Besides, Ba'al was the one that took that info from our computers."

"Good point, on both accounts." Mitchell said.

"And if he's here then, he's got a three day head start on us." Daniel said.

"A man with a few Jaffa did come through here recently." the man said walking up.

"It's Ba'al." they all muttered.

"If you truly seek the Sangraal. You must consult with the Parchment of Virtues, which is over that way in the library. It will prepare you for the way to come."

"Over there?" Mitchell asked pointing at a building.

He nodded.

"Thanks." he said as the team headed that direction.

"That was quick. And too easy." Ford said.

"But I should warn you, no one has ever returned from the quest alive." the man said.

"Ah, there's why it was so easy." Ford said.

"If you value your lives, you would do well to reconsider."

"No worries here. I knew the man that made the Sangraal. Let's go." Ford said getting a few stares from the people.

They entered the two story hut to find a large shelf filled with scrolls. A table with books on it and another shelf with more books was present.

"Hello!" Mitchell exclaimed.

"Lots of reading material here." Ford said. He looked around getting a weird vibe.

"Great, Parchment of Virtues. P for parchment or V for virtues?" Vala said looking at the wall of scrolls.

"I say we look for any and all information leading to the Sangraal." Daniel said.

"Maybe the librarian can help." Ford suggested looking at a open scroll on the table.

"Librarian? I don't…" Daniel began.

"I hear someone coming down the stairs. Hello."

"Hello. I am Osric, keeping of the village archives." a slightly overweight and balding man said as he came down the stairs in a red regal like robe.

"We're here to read the Parchment of Virtues." Carter said standing next to the stairs.

"Ah, another band of…."

"Yes, yes, yes." Ford said with a hand wave. "No offense intended, but we were told to give up by another man outside We didn't come all this way to quit. We'd like to see this parchment and be given any directions and help you can, please."

"Very well." he muttered going over to a small ladder. "Be warned, the journey is wroth with peril. The cave you seek is located on the beyond the outlying forest."

"What sort of peril?" Ford asked.

"Ages ago." he said taking a wooden box off the top shelf. "Morgan Le Fay placed a terrible curse upon the land."

"Ah. You know what that means Daniel?" Ford asked as Carter took the box from Osric as he was getting down.

"Probably some Ancient device or something is keeping people out or away, like Merlin had on his door in Camelot."

"Seeing as not many people can actually access that sort of technology much less understand it." Mitchell said.

"In that case, we shouldn't have much trouble then." Carter said.

He opened the box and pulled out a small rolled up cloth like scroll.

"This Parchment was purportedly left by Morgan herself. As a guide for knights of noble spirit. And it is said that only the most virtuous will succeed in claiming the Sangraal."

"That would be us." Ford muttered as he and Daniel looked at the unrolled parchment.

"Only those of virtue true may win the prize concealed." Daniel said reading the Ancient language. When he paused a moment.

"Beyond the reach of the flawed and tainted." Ford said reading it upside down. "The Sangraal shall instead belong to he who speaks the guardians name."

He looked up to see Daniel looking at him.

"Sorry, you paused and I thought you were stuck."

"No."

"So, what's the guardian?" Mitchell asked.

"They say the Sangraal is protected by the most powerful of magical beast." Osric said looking at them all before speaking again. "A dragon."

"Excellent. I can't wait." Ford said.

"Dragon's don't exist." Carter said seeing Ford smile.

"Hey, you never know. They could have, once. Maybe they were hunted to extension or something. Lara Croft encountered one."

"Probably another hologram." Mitchell said. "But instead of a knight with a sword, it's one that breaths fire."

"I didn't think of it like that." Ford said frowning. "Now you took away the surprise. I was hoping to see a real one."

"And if it is real, what are we going to do? Ask it nicely? It's the guardian, remember?" Carter said using her fingers around the word guardian.

"Yes. Maybe we can get around it or something. I'd rather not shoot it if it is real. Never know, it may take an Ancient to get the guardian to back off, or give it up."

"Prudence, wisdom, charity, kindness, and faith." Daniel said reading another part while they argued. "Let these be your guide on this perilous quest. Hmm. Ford?"

"Yes."

"Did you hear any of that, or did you read ahead of me earlier?"

"Hang on." he said reading it. "Hmm, maybe it's a test like the ones under Glastonbury. Is there anything else you can show or tell us?"

"No." taking the scroll and putting it back in the box. "Morgan left this parchment. And a map."

"I take it by that tone we can't see the map?" Ford asked.

"No." he said sternly. "I showed it to the last bunch of adventurers that came through here and they rewarded my trust by trying to take it from me!"

"Wow. Ba'al failed to steal it." Ford said amazed.

"Yeah, that is weird." Daniel said also amazed.

"We know the guy who runs that operation. We aren't like him." Mitchell said.

"Well, um." he said waving a hand as he headed for the stairs. "I'm sorry."

They left as he went up the stairs and never came back. So now they were seated around a table inside one of the Inn's or pub's. Kinda looked like it was both. They were all slowly picking at the nuts in a small bowl.

"We have to steal it." Vala said.

"No. Come on Vala, not everything needs to be accomplished by stealing." Ford said.

"Right. Maybe I can talk to Osric. Maybe he'll show it to me if I just go in there and you all stay here."

"That's a good idea." Carter said as one of the waitresses came up with mugs for all of them.

"Can I interest any of you in a last meal?"

"I'm wondering, would we get a free meal and a parade session if we come back with the Sangraal?" Ford asked seriously. "I truly mean what would happen if someone did succeed?"

She didn't know what to say and it was evident. As she was thinking about it, they started hearing a lot of chaotic noise outside. SG-1 got up and slowly walked over to look out the window. The people were being rounded up as Ori soldiers were walking around and grabbing people.

"That isn't good. No wonder I've been getting a, weird feeling going through me. Adria must be here too." Ford said buttoning his jacket and grabbed the Tommy gun off the table.

The guy that talked to them earlier when they showed up came out asking the men what they were doing. He went down as one of the guards slammed him in the gut with the pole he had. Another guy pulled a knife and ran out only to get shot in the chest with an energy weapon. A few women screamed as he flipped over before hitting the ground dead. SG-1 inside got their weapons up and ready, just in case.

"We are soldiers of the Ori. And we have taken this village as part of their holy crusade!" one of the men yelled. "To rid this galaxy of evil!"

"Look in a mirror jackass." Ford muttered.

"Cooperate, and you won't be harmed." the guy said and then walked over to another soldier. "Go through the buildings. Bring everyone out."

"Who are these men?" the waitress asked.

"Well, that's a long story." Mitchell said as he walked away from the window. "Look, I know you have no reason to trust us or those guys."

"I have not seen you shoot anyone." she said.

"That's an excellent point. We're going to need your help." Mitchell said patting her on the shoulder.

The soldiers had rounded up everyone and all books in the village, putting them into a large pile. SG-1 was all hiding in large cloaks. Blending in with the populous. Ford was staying just far enough away and had warned the others that if he was suddenly found out, don't interfere. Just stay back and watch or run with everyone else. Carter didn't like it, but seeing as he could possibly be found out, it was the best idea.

"They've got a dozen men around the gate. And another 50 or so around the village." Carter said walking past Ford and then telling the others.

"And I thought I was worse." she heard him muttered.

"Is that what I think it is?" Mitchell asked.

"They are burning all the books from the library." Daniel said putting his glasses back on.

The last object that was thrown on the pile was the box with the parchment. Up on a enclosed balcony above the pile, there was a few guards and a Prior.

"You have spent your time, ignorant of the truth. Stumbling aimlessly through the darkness cast upon your world by the trappings of the past. But now, the path to fulfillment stand revealed. And the time has come to embrace a new faith!" he said stretching his arms out. It was the Prior that Daniel and Vala met after she was burned alive and then brought back.

"Let the light of Origin, show you the way!" he said as the pile of books and scrolls was set ablaze.

The lady that helped them earlier let them back into the pub. As they came in, they each took their hoods and cloaks off. Ford was the last one to come in.

"You've encountered them before?" she asked closing the door.

"Yeah. Short version, they kill anyone who doesn't follow their rules and their beliefs." Ford said tossing his cloak on the table. "No exceptions."

"Then what do we do? We're doomed."

"No." Carter said. "Not necessarily. We believe they can be defeated."

"That's why we are here. One of my people created the Sangraal. It has the power to defeat the Ori. We just need to get to it. Whatever traps are out there, curses or mythical beast, no one could do anything because they didn't know what to expect or look for. We do."

"They want the Sangraal to destroy it then?"

"Yes." Daniel said as the door was knocked on.

"Everyone, behind the counter, now." Ford ordered putting his gloves on and placing the gun on the counter.

"I hope you know what you are doing." Mitchell said.

"Listen and keep watch."

He slowly opened the door and peeked out.

"Oh, it's just you."

"I knew you were here. Please let me in!" Osric stated as he pushed his way in.

"False alarm I see." Mitchell muttered standing up.

"Got that weird feeling again and thought it was a Prior." he said shrugging.

"I must speak with you all. The soldiers are looking for me." he said with fear.

"Why?" Daniel asked.

"They believe I can lead them to the Sangraal."

"Can you?" Mitchell asked as he and the others came around the counter.

"Of course!"

"Wait, you saved the map?" Daniel asked walking up.

"No, it was burned with the village archives. But a copy still exist."

"Where?"

"In his head, where else." Ford muttered.

"Yes, that's it exactly. I can lead you to Merlin's treasure."

The door was banged on and Ford made a wave gesture. They all jumped over and got behind the bar. The woman was going around the get behind it and Ford stood in front of the old man as four guards came through the door.

"Give us the old man. He has information we seek."

"Um, no. How about you and the rest of the Ori, drop dead."

The guy took a swing with his staff, but Ford caught it. The other's aimed and fired at him. Smoke arose from the impacts, but otherwise he didn't move.

"You are the son of the evil ones!" the main guy said.

"You figured it out! Took you long enough." he said kicking the guy through the front door. "Except I'm not the evil one, you guys are!"

The guy on his right went down as an arrow went into his neck. The other guy in front of him aimed to shoot the woman with the crossbow. A quick twirl of the staff took the others out quickly.

"We could have just shot them." Mitchell said getting up with the other's.

"Yes, and alert our presence further." he said sticking the staff into the floor. "I think breaking the door was too much though."

"This way, come quickly." the waitress said going to a area on the far right of the bar.

She pulled on a hook on the wall and a hidden door opened in the wall. They went through it quickly and found a long stone passage way to outside the village.

"You should come with us." Mitchell said as he stopped with Ford almost running into him.

"I can't, my place is here. Besides, I'll blame everything on you."

"Works for me." Ford said pushing Mitchell ahead. "They blame me for so many things already, what's one more."

The door closed behind them and she put a couple of tables and chairs in the way to make it look less conspicuous.

They had been lucky in getting away from the town and the one patrol that came by. So far, no one was looking for them as they walked through an open field. The sun was rather bright and felt nice. Not to hot, not to cold. Osric was leading the way and as they walked past a large grayish tree, he pointed ahead.

"Ah, this way."

"Kinda reminds me of our morning walks." Ford said.

"Would be if it wasn't for the heavy packs, weapons and the rough terrain." Carter said.

"We missed it this morning so this counts. And for once we got Daniel to join us."

"Ha, ha." Daniel said sarcastically.

"I do a morning run." Mitchell said. "Sometimes."

"I know. The point was to…"

"Harass me?" Daniel asked.

"No, more like hound you." Carter said.

"Oh."

"That was a joke." she said. "Trust me Daniel, the morning walks really help."

After a rather long walk and the sun now behind the clouds, say mid day, they all noticed something ahead. Well, one of them noticed more than the others.

"Whoa. That isn't right." Ford said pulling his scope out.

"What is it?" Mitchell asked as they all looked into the distance ahead of them.

They all could see something amongst the trees, that didn't look like bushes or any other form of plant life.

"Now that is interesting." Ford said handing it to Carter. "You should be able to guess…."

"No one is moving." she said looking through it. "It reminds me of the Time Dilation Field effect. All things considered."

"I'd lay odds that it is that."

"Let me see." Mitchell said looking after Sam handed it over. "Wow. That's kinda weird."

Daniel and Vala looked next also thinking it strange. The old man declined to look thinking it a curse plaguing the people. Ford put the scope away and they set off again.

"Wow, this really weird to look at." Ford said as he held a hand out to stop them all from going any farther forward.

"What is it?" Mitchell asked.

"Sand, and lots of it. The field might just start there. So we stay on the grass at the moment."

"Good call." Carter said removing a scanning device from her pocket.

"That's a lot of people. And a few birds." Vala said.

"It is a curse Morgan put in place all those years ago." Osric stated.

"There is no curse. It's…never mind." Daniel said seeing the old man was not going to get it.

"Well, I'm guessing that we can get closer since there isn't anyone between here and that guy with the bow." Carter said.

They slowly walked forward and stopped several feet from the man with a bow.

"Yeah, these readings indicate there is a Time Distortion Field in effect. Strong in some areas, weak in others." she said.

"If it is a Time Distortion Field, why are the tree leaves moving?" Vala asked.

"Could be an illusion." Carter said. "Designed to reproduce the standing weather pattern."

"This is the sort of system we need for the T.A.R.D.I.S."

"Probably the same thing, just on a larger scale." she said.

"Oh, didn't think about it like that."

"Wait, these people are moving at a extremely de-accelerated rate." she said.

"Do they know what is happening to them?" Teal'c asked.

"Doubtful. Several years could pass here while they could have taken one step or two."

"Why don't we go around it?" Mitchell asked as she kept walking back and forth taking readings of the edge.

"I wonder? If worked for the Doctor once." Ford said walking up.

"What are you…." she began to ask when he pushed his fingertips into the field.

His fingers went in slowly, very slowly up to the knuckles and then came back out. Took about ten seconds. Once his hand was out, he started shaking it.

"That was weird and creepy." he said shaking it a lot. "Kinda felt like my fingers were loosing blood and circulation."

"Incredible! How did you do that?" Osric asked with extreme surprise.

"Trade secret." he said with a small smile.

"As cool as that was, it would take forever for you to go through it and find the shut off switch." Mitchell said.

"True. Bad enough I don't age to begin with."

"I think I found a way through the field." Carter said.

"Would make sense that there would be a path. Otherwise the other's we see ahead of us wouldn't have gotten as far." Ford said rubbing his chin as he looked at the ground. "It can't be that easy though, could it?"

Carter looked at the ground as he was.

"It's possible Ford. As dumb and easy as it sounds, sometimes, the obvious is not obvious enough."

"What are you two talking about? I don't see…" Daniel was asking when Ford reached down and grabbed a large handful of sand in both hands.

He tossed it forward and they noticed it stopped. On the right side, there was a corner like look where the sand stopped. Part of the sand kept going and landed on the ground. The rest of the sand stopped to make another corner on the left side.

"That's incredible!" Carter exclaimed. "Making the field have bending properties."

"Creating a path." Daniel said as Ford grabbed another handful.

"Um, follow the leader. There's a interesting game." Ford said tossing it slowly on either side.

"You heard the man." Mitchell said with a wave.

A few turns here and there and they exited the field.

"Guess that's that." Ford said tossing the sand aside and wiping his hands on his pants.

"Yes." Mitchell said as they all looked behind them to see the semi partial walls of sand. "We better move on before anyone else comes."

They were now trekking through the dense forest.

"You are saying that these Ori possess god like abilities, and yet they are not gods." Osric said.

"No, they are not. They are very powerful beings that make their followers believe because faith is the source of their power." Daniel said.

"Faith is not something that can be won through intimidation and fear." Osric said.

"It can be if given enough time." Ford said. "And they actually have had plenty of that for many, many years. Happened with the Jaffa until the truth was shown."

"But if the followers have faith, they must truly believe."

"Not in this case. They're all being misled." Daniel said. "You see, to many less developed civilizations, certain advanced technologies would seem supernatural to them."

"Like me waving my hand through that field."

"But you are one of Merlin's people, or so was said."

"True, but that field would effect me, if it wasn't for….a change that happened sometime ago. It effects everyone else though and would effect Merlin if he walked into it."

"Merlin was not a wizard and Morgan was not a sorcerer." Daniel said as the man scoffed at Ford.

"You would have me to believe you have possess and understanding of these amazing feats?"

"No, not me anyway." Daniel said.

"We know. But then we came up with a different sort of use for the field back home." Carter said.

"Hold up." Ford said as he walked past Daniel and Osric who was leading.

"What's up now?" Mitchell asked.

"I feel something wrong ahead. And hear it." he said bringing his Tommy gun around.

Teal'c followed behind him as the other's followed. They came up a small path to hear someone singing very low or muttering to themselves. At the end of the path was a small clearing. In the middle, was a man sitting on a box.

"Hello Ba'al." Ford said with distain as he brought the gun up to his eye level.

"Wait!" he yelled getting up and turning to them as the others started forward.

One round caught him in the shoulder knocking him back onto the ground. All around them a giant yellow circle came up from the ground, a dozen or so feet out from the chest.

"Oh. Oops." Ford said seeing it with the others. "I'm going to guess we just got trapped in some sort of energy field."

"Brilliant deduction." Ba'al said sarcastically as he sat up slowly. "Guess saying I deserved this isn't stretching the truth."

"Why did you shoot him?" Daniel asked.

Ford gave Daniel a look.

"Never mind. Forget I asked."

"I could have killed you, but something about the word 'wait' seemed important."

"Yes, it is. Or was until you passed over the threshold. Well, even though the company is bad, better than being alone anymore. Might as well get comfortable." he said ripping his shirt to bandage the wound as he noticed no one was helping him. "We're going to be here awhile."

Mitchell took a swing at the wall and it made a slight bounce noise.

"Before you decide to try blowing it up or shooting it, forget it. It's a one way door. I've tried more times than I want to remember." Ba'al said standing up.

"How long have you been here?" she asked.

"Three agonizing days." he said grimly. "Which reminds me, I don't suppose you have any food?"

"What is that?" Vala asked looking at the chest.

"It's bait." he said taking a step forward.

"No. You stay away from us." Ford said waving the gun at him.

"Fine." he said holding his hands up as he walked back a few steps.

"You've had the Ancient database for months." Carter said. "Why did it take you so long to get here?"

"I can't think clearly on an empty stomach."

"Give him one of your power bars Daniel." Ford said setting his gun behind his back as he looked at the chest.

"It's safe to open, in case you're wondering, and no. I did not set a trap in it." Ba'al said catching the bar.

The other's got back anyway as Ford opened it.

"See?"

"Yeah, it's empty. Not even a false bottom." he said tapping the bottom after picking it up to look it over. "Now about her question. Why weren't you here sooner?"

"Why should I say anything else?"

"I could kill you, but you have information we need. Or may have some. Not long after you eat that, you're going to need a drink. And if we like what we hear, you may even get more food."

"Touché. I only had two of the three addresses need to complete the puzzle." he said as he was munching. "As a result, I had significantly more possible results to investigate."

"And?" he asked getting up and handing the box to Daniel.

"By process of elimination, I went in search of the last prospect, only to find the planet missing."

"What do you mean it was missing?" Carter asked.

"It wasn't where it was suppose to be. I calculated its position. I sent ships to its approximate location, but they couldn't find it. The only other possible way was to access it by the Stargate and retrieve the device with a handful of my Jaffa. When I got trapped in here, they went off in search of a way of freeing me. They have yet to return."

"Probably because your brainwashing wore off, if lucky. If not, they encountered a trap and are gone." Ford said pulling the Sonic Screwdriver from his coat and trying it on the field.

"Obviously Morgan must have made this planet inaccessible to ships to ensure enemies such as the Ori could not destroy the Sangraal from orbit." Teal'c said.

"Now there is a technology we need." Ford said as he tried different settings. "A planetary cloaking field. Anything yet Daniel?"

"I have an idea. Remember what the Parchment of Virtues said?"

"Yeah. Most of it." he said crossing his arms after he put the Sonic device away.

"We had to face five trials to reach the Sangraal."

"Right." Carter said. "And that time field was the first. This is number two then."

"Yes. Prudence was that trial. Wisdom, Charity, Kindness and then Faith. And I'm quite sure what this test is." he said looking at the chest. "We did Prudence already with the maze."

"Kindness perhaps? If that was the test, we've all failed it because of him." Ba'al said pointing.

"If it was forgiveness as a test, I'd agree. Not in this case. It looks like a treasure box, but it is empty. Which means only one thing." Ford said.

"Charity." Mitchell and Sam said.

"Are you two now trying to communicate on some level together?" Ford asked jokingly.

"Well, let's all put something in." Daniel said putting the chest back on the ground.

Daniel dropped a pencil from his vest pocket. Mitchell tossed his cap in. Sam tossed a clip in. Teal'c tossed in some small round can and Vala ended up putting her hair dryer in when Daniel took it away. Daniel looked at the ring that Osric tossed in. Ford tossed his red dice in with a sad look and seeing the hair dryer, he just shook his head.

"You're tossing your dice?" Daniel asked while holding the ring just inside the box and showing the insignia.

"I didn't want to, but I hardly use them anymore. It's for a good purpose." he said looking at them sadly and noticing the ring. He knelt down and picked them back up while getting a closer look at the ring. "I've had these from since I was back in my teens. Mom and dad got them for me. I don't flip coins. Oh well."

He set them back down and looked at Daniel with a look that he understood. Then they all looked at Ba'al who was still eating.

"I have nothing to donate."

"We can either search you, or you can give up something. Like your coat, shirt, boots maybe." Ford said looking him over. "Shave you head perhaps."

"Very well." he muttered reaching into his boot and pulling out a small knife.

"Hmm. Lying as I thought." he said watching Daniel drop it in.

Daniel closed the chest and they waited. A few seconds went by and the field dropped. Mitchell took a swing and his arm didn't hit anything.

"Another day in there and I would have gone mad." Ba'al said as he started off.

"I don't think so. There is where we part." Mitchell said as they all aimed weapons at him.

"You're going to need me." he said smugly.

"Why?" Daniel asked.

"As resourceful and impressively lucky your team has become with him showing up, I seriously doubt that you found a particular piece of information that I learned. So, how about it General?" he said with sarcasm. "Do you know the name of the protector?"

Ford's gun twitched slightly.

"I thought so. How about any of you?" he asked seeing them lowering their weapons as he did. "That's what I thought. We have to travel together."

"Great." Ford muttered as lowered his gun. "Wait, is the name Bahamut?"

"No." he said with a smug smile. "I believe you have been playing too many videos games, or one series in particular."

"Ouch. I hate to admit it, but you got me there." he said a little embarrassed.

"I was on Earth doing many business dealings. The video game business is very profitable." he said smugly. "Though I never really got into them…."

"Okay, we get the picture." Mitchell said tiredly. "Let's get moving before the Ori army shows up."

They continued on, quietly, despite the fact Ba'al wanted to talk about something because of the quietness he had to endure for three days. They exited the forest with Osric pointing at a lone mountain way off in the distance.

"According to the map, the Sangraal is hidden in the cave beneath a lone mountain." Osric said.

"Oh my god. It's going to take over a day to get there." Ford muttered while running his hand through his hair.

"Doesn't look that far." Mitchell said pulling a pair of binoculars. "Okay, I take that back. It is rather far."

"Wouldn't matter if it was a hundred miles away?" Daniel said. "Or deep underground, we have to go get it no matter what."

"Good thing I don't tire easily." Ford said as they headed off.

"The rest of us do eventually." Carter said.

Seeing as the ground had good footing in most places and they didn't have to climb over anything, and thankfully only had to stop to rest a few times, they made it there before nightfall. But then again, nightfall came at a different time on this planet anyway and on Earth, they'd be walking in the darkness already. After following a small trail, they came upon the cave entrance. Osric was again in front and rushed forward to point it out. You could see the entrance, but it had several vines growing over it from above.

"This is it. The cave entrance. The Sangraal is located within." Osric said.

"That was rather obvious before you pointed it out." Ford said putting his Tommy gun behind him.

"Yes. Now, you won't be coming with us though." Mitchell said pointing his weapon like the rest of them were.

"I thought I told…." Ba'al was saying at the entrance when Ford pulled him away. "Ow!"

"Yeah right, like your shoulder really hurts. I only shot you through the arm, nothing serious like the joint." Ford said as Ba'al was rubbing his arm.

"We're talking about him." Mitchell said.

"I don't understand what you mean, but since you aren't pointing weapons at me…" Ba'al said backing up a few steps with his hands in the air.

"Have you lost your senses?" Osric asked with his hands out in confusion.

"Umm, no. I don't think any of us have. You know, I kept wondering if the Ori was following us, a Prior or something. But it's been you I've been feeling."

"And he told me about it along the journey, before the Charity test." Daniel said. "And it all became clear after you dropped that ring in, which he saw. From then on out, we've kept our conversations from being too, informative or anything like that."

"Oh, that explains the idle chit chat you all kept having at times that never made much sense." Ba'al said. "But what makes you think he's…."

"Your ring is what gave you away Osric. Instead of having what should have been Celtic designs inscribed into it, it had distinct Ori signs." Daniel said.

"It was a gift from a traveling merchant!"

"Then explain why I have had the urge to shoot you for the longest time, Adria?" Ford asked pulling one of his personal cannons.

"I see you've found me out. It would have been easier if you hadn't found the truth. Now, things will be much more difficult."

"No, not really." Ford muttered.

Whatever she did, which they never saw a button or command issued, made the disguise ripple away and she was standing there in a tight black outfit that had a warrior look and metal shoulder pads. She still had the necklace on from before, not surprisingly after what Vala said it did. Ford took a step forward pointing his gun directly at her head.

"I'm going to guess that everything from the troops to the fight in the tavern was all a set up?" Mitchell asked.

"Yes. In more ways than one." she said keeping her eyes on Ford. "I grew impatient in waiting for you all to find the location of the weapon."

"The dream I had. The three in one, that was you?" Vala asked with a fake smile.

"Yes." Adria said.

"You gave her the solution to finding it?" Carter asked.

"Yes." she said still staring at the weapon several inches from her face. For everyone else, they kinda thought it was a stare off. Ford was not moving, neither was the gun. "Apparently Morgan put safe guards in place…."

"Safe guards only we could possibly get through." Ford said. "You can't get to it and I'd bet that Ba'al couldn't even if he had a map. Having all knowledge, or so you think, isn't enough. It takes more than just that to get through whatever obstacles are in the way."

"Yes. I believe the term is, Truth of Spirit. And who better than a former ascended. You could do it as well, though I was seriously hoping that you did not come with." she said looking into Ford's eyes. "Whatever the case, you will all lead me to the weapon."

"Sorry, but no. Not happening. Wait, I take that back, I'm not sorry."

They just kept staring at each other after that.

"What's going on?" Mitchell asked after a moment.

Ford slowly aimed his gun into the air.

"She's able to keep me from pulling the trigger." he said surprised. "One of you try shooting her."

"Fine with me." Mitchell said.

A shield came up and blocked all his few shots.

"Now you see that it is pointless…" she began as Ford pointed his weapon again. She stared at it again but did nothing else.

"I'm willing to bet, it takes all your power to keep me from firing. I got the hammer to come back this time, but you kept it from completing."

"Why didn't she do that with me?" Mitchell asked.

"You can't harm me. Not without getting possible retribution from the Ancients."

She looked up at him, but the gun still didn't move.

"You will stop, or I will kill your friends."

"I was right." he said pulling his other personal cannon. He didn't aim it though. "I'm willing to bet, you can only stop things I try to use on you. For example."

He tossed his other gun at her like he was throwing an hard underhanded pitch. She did stop it, inches from her hand. It dropped to the ground.

"We have a sort of stale mate." Ford said lowering his gun while using his other foot to toss the other pistol into the air with the hidden knife.

"We do?" Mitchell asked.

"I do not see a stale mate. Yes, unfortunately, I cannot harm you, but them…" she began saying as she looked the others over. "I can and will kill…."

This time the hammer got back far enough it was coming back forward when she stopped it. The other gun he kept pointed at the ground, aimed at her feet.

"You may be able to stop both, seeing as I'm currently not trying to blow your feet off, but, I can tell that you have to do everything to stop me. Meaning only one thing."

"We can go in while she and you stay outside." Daniel said.

"Yes."

"My armies…."

"Will probably be a little on the late side by the time my team gets the weapon. And then, you will be dead anyway. Either through me killing you, or the weapon."

So it was once again another stare off.

"Alright then, we'll go get the weapon while you two stay out here…." Mitchell began.

"Wait." Adria said as Ford looked off to his right slightly. "If agree to not kill…."

"You try one thing, harm or kill any of them, which includes Ba'al. I kill you. And trust me, I will make it painful." he said glaring at her as he lowered his weapons. She actually stepped back a step and kinda looked away.

"Thank you General…" Ba'al began.

"I didn't do it out of kindness." he said waving Adria ahead with one of his guns while putting the other away. "You supposedly know the name we need."

"What's going on?" Daniel asked as they started in.

Vala and Adria with Daniel and Ba'al kept walking forward. The two looking around with their lights. Ford had his blue light out with Sam and Mitchell pointing their lights on their guns around as they kept back a moment.

"General, she's going to kill us…." Mitchell began.

"Nope. We're totally safe." he said putting his other gun away. "Ba'al is the only real danger."

"What does that mean?" Carter asked.

"Little bird. Little bird." he mumbled walking ahead and leaving them confused, at first.

"I'm going to guess that we say nothing." Mitchell whispered.

"I'd say so." Carter said.

The other four came into a large open area in the cave. Just like the rest of it they'd seen so far, from the small passage way from the entrance to the other small areas they came though, both stalagmites and stalactites were around them.

"I see something here." Daniel said walking past Adria to a metal looking block in the wall that had letters on it. "Choose the way that is just and true."

"Well, we can see that two of you in this group would have so much trouble with that." Ford said with a goading tone.

Ba'al only gave him a slight sneer, but didn't say anything. Adria kept quiet and didn't look at him. But she kept fiddling with the stone around her neck.

"It's a riddle." Vala stated.

"It's a test. Remember, the parchment said 'test'." Ford said using his fingers for emphasis. "You failed the first one we encounter those many months ago back on Earth Vala."

"Then what's the answer oh wise one?" she asked sarcastically.

"I think I hear a child crying." Carter said as she turned to look down the direction to their left.

They all stopped and listened and did hear a crying noise.

"Indeed. It does sound like a child." Teal'c stated.

"Why would a child be in here?" Vala asked as Carter, Ford and Teal'c went ahead. "It's obviously a trap."

"Or, quite possibly, seeing as these have all been test….." he said as the other's followed along.

They came around a corner and saw a small child hiding behind a bunch of orange stalagmites.

"It is a child." Ford said as the child ran off.

"Hey kid, wait up." Mitchell said as they all ran after him.

They came around a corner to a incline that was built like steps leading down.

"Man that kid is fast." Mitchell muttered.

"Somehow, I don't think he or she is real." Ford said following behind Carter. Mitchell and Ford figured it was probably a bit of motherly instinct that made her go first and want to help the child.

"We are walking right into a trap." Adria said.

"No, we're not." Daniel said. "With all the clues the parchment said in reaching the Sangraal, one of them was kindness. If we show kindness and help this child, then it should bring us one step close to the device."

"The parchment also stated wisdom, which we would be demonstrating by avoiding this trap." Adria said.

"God help you if you ever have a child of your own." Ford muttered. "Correction, God help the child."

"I already feel sorry for the poor smuck she might end up marrying." Mitchell muttered.

They stepped off the incline and came into another room where a large steel bar door like that on castle gates was down keeping the child on the other side.

"Hang on kid, we'll get you out." Mitchell said trying to lift it.

"Mitchell…"

"Yeah Sam….oh, right." he said looking back and seeing her nod her head at Ford.

Ford got down and grabbed the lowest part.

"Hmm."

"Too heavy for you General?" Mitchell asked with some surprise as the child continued to whine and whimper.

"This is a waste of time. We should go back…" Adria began when the gate hit the roof with a slam.

"A lot less weight than I thought." Ford said wiping his hands off.

The child smiled at them and a blocked passage way that was down from where the child was sitting disappeared in a blue light like him.

"Like I said, you two would never be able to pass these test. And God help you if either of you ever have a child." Ford said as they continued on.

"How did you know the child wasn't real, or thought it anyway?" Mitchell asked.

"Where are we? In a cave, no water, no food. The clothes looked to be in too good of a condition."

"I get it already." Mitchell muttered.

And they came into another area of the cave with the pointed rocks and no where to go.

"Looks like another dead end." Mitchell said waving his light around.

"We have to go back." Adria said.

"Please do. You go the other way and we'll continue this way. You can think of it as a game if you wish." Ford said waving a hand at her before turning to Daniel. "Daniel…"

"Yeah, I'm looking for another one of those inscriptions on the wall right now."

"It's over here." Carter said pointing her light.

"I'm stuck and cut, shaped and cooled…." Daniel said reading it.

"Then bound by rings to release what's stored. Hmm, I was going to say sword at first…." Ford began as the room began to shake.

"We might want to pick things up here, quickly." Mitchell said.

"Bound by rings…." Vala began.

"Key, the answer is key." Mitchell exclaimed.

"Nice riddle. Now what is the Ancient word for key?" Ford said trying to think.

"Um….Calvia!" Daniel shouted.

The wall with the inscription vanished in a blue light.

"Voice activated. Interesting."

Though the rumbling didn't as they followed Daniel along.

"You know Daniel, I think we are on a time limit." Ford said as they all ran.

"Yeah. I kinda figured that out already Jack."

"Ouch. I wasn't meaning…."

"Here's the other one." Vala said pointing her light at the wall in front of them.

"I shake the Earth with booming thunder, fell forest and home complete." Daniel shouted. "I influence ships, topple kings and sweep down swift, yet, I remain unseen."

"Wait, I got this one." Vala said. "A strong but invincible force."

"Wind." Teal'c stated.

"Ventio!" Daniel shouted over the rumbling.

They headed forward as the wall disappeared yet again.

"Oh for crying out loud!" Mitchell yelled as they came upon another wall in just a few seconds.

"Battle scared in times of strife. Resistant to….um, resistance to…" Daniel said trying to read it. "I can't figure out the rest…."

Ford got down to try reading it when Adria shouted out a word and the wall disappeared.

"Contegia? What does that mean?" Ford asked aloud as the rumbling stopped.

"It means…."

"Tell me later Daniel."

"The rumbling stopped." Carter muttered.

"We must be near the end." Mitchell said as they walked forward. "Whoa. Please tell me I'm not the only one feeling some heat here."

"You're not." Ford said opening his coat and pulling on his collar.

"Yeah, it is kinda hot here….whoa." Carter said as they rounded a corner to find a very large wall of fire blocking their way.

"Oh this is nice." Ford muttered as he was taking off his coat.

"What are you thinking of doing General Carter?" Teal'c asked. "We know for a fact your coat is not flame proof."

"Hang onto this for me Teal'c."

"You're not going to…."

"I heal, you all burn. And I doubt we'll get the evil bitch queen here to try anything." he said walking forward.

"Ford, you'll be roasted in seconds." Carter exclaimed. "Get back over here, now."

He shrugged and came back taking his coat. They all went back to the open chamber around the corner and took off packs, vest and such. Ford dropped his coat over a tall stalagmite next to where Carter sat down. He then went back out there without his coat and looked around seeing as he had the better chance at not dying from a heat stroke or burning up. Carter made him promise not to go near the fire. It only took him a minute to see there was no inscriptions on the walls anywhere.

"Nothing is out there." Ford said coming back and wiping his face with a wet cloth. He sat down next to his coat shaking his head. "Unless it is hidden under one of the walls or rocks or something."

Ba'al and Adria were both leaning against the wall across from him. Teal'c was standing nearby where Ford was sitting while the other two were pacing around slightly.

"Where's Vala and Carter?"

"They went to look back the way we came." Mitchell said taking a drink from his canteen.

"If there is nothing here to continue on, we must head back." Adria said.

"Not happening. The passage ways have re-sealed back up." Carter said as she and Vala came back into the room.

"Then I was right, we walked into…."

"Shut up. You're negative outlook is driving me nuts. Why did you come along if you thought we took the wrong route anyway? Nobody was stopping you from coming with us and I did say go on and try the other direction, so don't think we didn't give you the chance."

"We took the right route. We made all the right choices." Dnaiel said muttering as we paced back in forth. "The Sangraal lies just beyond that wall of flames, I know it."

"And so does the dragon. Which might explain the fire." Ford said getting up. "You can stop that look, I'm not going to go run through it or anything."

Carter raised a eyebrow but did loose the look.

"Why don't we have her do something?" Ba'al asked getting them to look at him and her. "You're the Orici. You supposedly possess some significant powers. Go stuff out the flame and get us on our way."

"My powers don't work that way." she said giving him a stern look.

"She doesn't have any right now." Ford muttered as he set his canteen down.

"What?" Ba'al asked.

"What?" Carter and Mitchell asked shortly after. Daniel and Teal'c looked at him waiting for his explanation.

"I have my powers."

Ford reached behind his back, and Ba'al moved quickly out of the way as the gun came around.

"General, bad idea…." Mitchell began.

"Ford the sound alone…."

A click resounded slightly in the room.

"You had no idea I had one of the guns with an empty clip in it. Had this been loaded, other than everyone would have hearing trouble, most of your chest would be on that wall." he said as the empty clip slid out and hit the floor. He put a loaded clip into it and then aimed it at her. "Now, you want to deny those powers that I am quite sure are being dampened? I have no problem killing you in front of Vala."

She crossed her arms and looked away.

"When did you learn of this discovery General Carter?" Teal'c asked.

"The little bird joke. Who told you?" Mitchell asked.

"Your parents, or one of them?" Carter asked.

"No. I think it was Morgan. Remember, she did tell Daniel that she and Merlin saw the Ori as a threat in the far future. And this place was set up to protect the weapon and it from being destroyed or taken by the Ori."

"In which case, her powers are being nullified." Teal'c stated.

"Exactly." Ford said walking up as he put his weapon away. "This is for not listening to your mother."

He grabbed her hand and she tried to yank it from his grasp as he slapped it, rather harshly.

"I'd smack you across the face, but hopefully you'll remember the one I did from before and realize the errors of your ways. Doubtful, but one can hope."

"As interesting as this display was, and yes it is relieving to know show can't use her powers, but also disappointing because now we may have lost our only chance to get through the flames, what do you all have in mind next? I have to stated the obvious, you've taken us Goa'uld out, taken out the Replicators and even helped free the Jaffa. Hell, you even managed to get the Asguard to give you one of their ships. Sad it didn't last long, but point is getting across. With all those accomplishments, you must have some brilliant scheme to get through a measly little fire." Ba'al said with a small amount of pride.

"Ouch, we've been called out to perform."

"It's called, we got served General." Mitchell said. "So what sort of dance are we going to perform team?"

"Ford, come here." Daniel said waving a couple of fingers. "I have an idea."

The other's could only watch as the two said something, but couldn't tell what they were saying seeing as they were keeping it quiet. It surprised the others when Ford waved a hand and they followed to watch as the two both walked around the corner, up to and through the fire.

The team yelled at them as they stepped through it. They stopped as the flames and heat went away.

"It was never real." Carter realized.

"The last test was faith." Daniel said as they came walking up.

"Then why bring him?" Mitchell asked.

"In case it wasn't. But I was sure it was an hologram or illusion just like the child." Daniel said as Ford came back with his coat.

"Now we only have one obstacle left. I don't suppose you want to tell us the name?"

"When I haven't even seen the prize at the end of the road?" Ba'al said sarcastically.

"Didn't think so." Ford said as he finished with his coat.

They walked up through a small opening the flames were covering to come out into a very large room. All above them was open space, and below them. They were on a large ledge that extended out a few feet from wall and then had a ledge path that went into the middle of the room where there was a large rock pillar that went down into the darkness with a base atop it. One large and thick stalagmite was on the base that had Ancient words inscribed on all four sides along with what looked like some sort of hexagonal jewel like carvings placed above the words. A small funnel like bowl shaped rock structure was in front of that. Some small red object was glowing inside it.

"Wow. We must be inside that mountain. Must have been a volcano at one time." Ford said looking down slightly.

"Not my field, but I'd have to agree." Carter said.

"Look, there is it. We found it. It's ours for the taking." Ba'al said pointing.

"Ba'al. It's not for you. And I'm probably right in saying that only Ancients or people with the gene can use it. It would just make sense with everything else we've encountered of, the Alteran stuff. And as for you, it isn't yours either."

"Before anyone goes anywhere." Mitchell said picking a rock off the ground and tossing it. "Didn't see or hear anything."

"Let's try this." Ford said tossing a flare down. Several seconds later. "Wow, that's rather deep."

"Can see you that flare still?" Carter asked looking down with just about everyone else.

"No. My eyes aren't that good. Can you Adria?"

"No." she said stepping away.

"I'm going to go over." Daniel said.

"I'm going to." Adria said taking a step forward.

"I'll stay here and support you from a distance." Ba'al said stepping back.

"I'm the only one going."

"Ford, the macho act…."

"Not macho Colonel." Ford said looking at her and then the rest of them. "Who here has the gene, don't answer that. Who here can survive the fall if it just suddenly crumbles? And better yet, who here can possibly take on the dragon which we still haven't seen, if it comes along?"

"Then you better take Ba'al with you." Mitchell said.

"He doesn't want to come. Besides, if the base gives way or a dragon or whatever they thought a dragon was come us from the deep below us, then it's better if he's here where you can all hear him say the name. And if you lied about the name being Bahamut, I will toss you down this hole."

"I wish to go with." Adria stated.

"And I really didn't come all this way to sit on the sidelines." Daniel said.

"And if it is a trap? If that is truly it Daniel, I'll give it to you when we come back over. As for you, please come along. If it is a trap, and we both fall, we got rid of a problem then. Sorry Vala."

She was a little hurt, but nodded in understanding as Adria looked at her. Ford brought Tommy gun around and waved her to go first. She stopped and looked at the dais where the red jewel was as Ford looked at the pillar.

"What are you doing?" Daniel asked.

"Reading. And looking." he said bending to look around the pillar. "Nothing behind it or anything on the walls behind it either. Wherever this dragon is, it must come from above, or below."

"Unless it's another hologram that shows up out of nowhere." Carter said.

"I don't see any technology around that could do that, but then, it could be well hidden." Ford shouted back. "Unless it is this pillar. Hard to say."

"Why hasn't Adria just picked it up while he's, looking around?" Ba'al asked quietly.

"I suspect she can't." Daniel said. "Morgan placed safeguards on this cave. I suspect the same is true for the weapon."

"You can't touch it, can you?" Ford asked as he knelt down and looked at the jewel and the dais that is was in. He didn't see anything under the rock formation either.

"I'll take that as a no. Very interesting." he said taking his Sonic Screwdriver from his pocket. "Um, I think it was this setting."

"What is he doing?" Daniel asked.

"I think he's using it as a scanner. It's not the greatest, but it can function…."

"I'll be damned. It's here but it's not here as well." he said putting the Sonic device away. "A technology given to me by a friend and something you'll never have Adria, probably never see either."

"What?" Daniel asked loudly as he started over and waving the others to stay back.

"Daniel….."

"What do you mean it's not here? I can clearly see it." he said waving a hand.

"Yes, and so can I. But everything has been one test and clue finding mess after another. Do you actually think it would be so easy to just walk up and grab the weapon? Remember, there is one more test. And only Ba'al knows the answer. Or so he says."

"Maybe the dragon is dead. Been here…."

"It's got to be a hologram Daniel. The knights were. Though dragons are suppose to live for thousands of years…."

"So what did your Sonic Screwdriver say?"

"There is something there. More, of an energy source than something solid." he said looking down. "Could be the weapon. But we have to fight the dragon to prove our worth if we are going to use it for right or wrong, so I guess. Or it could be the trigger to the last test. What are you thinking?"

"Um….you're right. Too easy." Daniel said nodding. "It's got to be a trigger or whatever."

"What's the hold up?" Mitchell asked. "Do we need to…."

"No. Just get ready. Considering everything, this can't be the weapon. Not yet."

"Ah yes, you're thinking of the dragon." Ba'al stated with a smile. "I have to agree with your logic General. It would be too easy to be able to grab the weapon and leave without defeating the guardian."

"Indeed."

"Well then, what are you waiting for?" Mitchell asked waving a hand.

"Since you came over Daniel, go ahead."

"And if it is the weapon?"

"Put it in your pocket, what else?"

Daniel slowly reached down and shook his head with a sigh as his fingers went right through it.

"Yep, it's a hologram too. Damn."

"I figured as much." Ford muttered as he was glancing around at the rumbling and falling of rocks. "Go!"

Daniel and Adria ran back across as the other's turned to leave. A rock door came down over the entrance trapping them on the ledge.

"That isn't good." Mitchell said turning back around.

A chill went up their spines, except for Adria as far as they could tell as a roaring noise caught their attention.

"And, that really didn't sound good." Daniel said glancing around with everyone else.

"All of you, get down." Ford shouted as he placed his back against the pillar.

They knelt down aiming their weapons around and then up as they heard flapping noises and another screeching roar in the thick darkness. Ford looked up to see the scaly hide of a large flying dragon that was staying in a stationary flying place above him now.

"Oh my, it is a dragon." Carter muttered as it looked down on them.

"I thought we agreed at some point on this trip they didn't exist." Vala said.

It reared its head back at them as it got ready to breath fire. And then several rounds of gun fire erupted.