Hi All.

A warning to any young readers... the chapter contains a small amount of course language, and adult themes: you have been warned.

To everyone who has continued to read and comment, a big thank you. The have been a couple of reviews with questions, with the only thing I can say is too keep a look out for the subtle clues...answers are coming.

Please enjoy...

SGU s03e07

Standoff pt 1

Water everywhere; Chloe's eyes flashed open looking through the hazy water out into the room where they stood. She could feel the tingling in her mind as she smashed the underside of her fist against the glass; bubbles of air from the mask streamed through the liquid in which she was suspended. Screaming made no difference...and then pain, horrific pain raging through her body; she could feel the life being squeezed from her. Chloe tried to fight but it was too great; she gave in and...

"Chloe, Chloe, Chloe...baby its ok...your safe...your safe; you're with me baby on Destiny...your safe honey, your safe..." Matt did his best to calm her down, holding on to Chloe as she screamed uncontrollably.

The door opened and Vanessa, wearing only her underwear scurried through holding a pistol in her out stretched arm. Immediately she dropped her arm with the pistol, as Matt looked at her in surprise. Chloe had stopped screaming and was now whimpering on Matt's shoulder.

"Sorry Lieutenant, I heard the scream; and after Ginn I... I'll leave you alone" feeling embarrassed, she turned and walked out the door, closing it behind her.

Matt didn't think of how Vanessa had heard the scream as her quarters were some distance from them; Camille's room was the nearest to Chloe's. Matt hugged Chloe and they lay back down together, with his arm around her; she was now snuggled into his chest.

"They're coming again..." she whispered and squeezed Matt tightly.

He didn't have to ask: there was only one thing that would give Chloe nightmares like this.

The blue aliens chasing Destiny...

Vanessa climbed back into Camille's bed; sliding her arms around and caressing Camille's naked body.

"You know they're all going to work it out sooner or later..." Camille said, "I know the ship is big, but we all know everyone's business; it won't be long before our secret is out..."

"So let it get out...as long as I have you, I don't care..."Vanessa's had a smile in her words that only people in love can have; and she was past caring what other people thought.

Vanessa had spent 4 days paralysed by the venom of the Cell-serpent from the Artá people's planet, until Varro and T.J had managed to manufacture an antidote for the poison. She had time to think; a lot of time. Camille had stayed with her almost the whole time; T.J had a feeling something "more" was behind it, nevertheless Vanessa just needed to know someone was there. Te'arly was a regular visitor too; she worked out quickly that Camille and Vanessa had very deep feelings for each other, however it was not in her nature to gossip.

Camille never realised she would fall for Vanessa, and their first kiss had taken her by complete surprise; she still had a lot of things to work through about Sharon. Nearly loosing Vanessa had awoken her heart to how she felt about her, being the last thing Camille was expecting.

Camille helped Vanessa out of her underwear and tenderly massaged her shoulders slowly saying; "I didn't think I would fall for someone for a long time, least of all..." she stopped, not sure if she should say it.

Vanessa finished it for her "Least of all...me?" she wasn't angry at Camille's comment, she too was just as surprised at their relationship. "I never thought I would be..." she paused.

"A lesbian...?" Camille said, knowingly with a cheeky grin.

Vanessa just smiled looking deep into Camille's eyes; their feelings were mutual: they were falling in love. Vanessa kissed Camille softly...

Eli knocked on General Young's door "It's Eli, can I have a moment please General?"

"Come in son..." replied Everett

"Um...General, would it be possible to swap my time on the stones...for my mom to come here instead?" Eli was afraid of the answer in his cautious manor.

Everett looked at Eli for a moment then answered "You want her to meet Ginn...is that the real reason?" he had a hidden smile on his face.

"Um..." Eli paused, knowing what he was asking; "Um...that's part of it Sir" he was still a bit unsure of himself.

Everett couldn't hold his smile any longer and began to chuckle to himself "You really like her don't you...Eli?"

Eli relaxed seeing Everett smile "Yeah, I think I'm in love with her"; Eli was suddenly startled: "No...I am in love with her..." in that moment, he just realised for the first time what he was feeling.

"I'll arrange it Eli, Dr Rebecca Jenkins has a turn coming up; and she is about your mother's age so it won't feel too weird" Everett wanted to do something for Eli to thank him for all he had done since they had came aboard, he now had the chance.

A slap in the face with a wet fish wouldn't have stopped Eli's smile "Thank you General...!"

"You're welcome son" Everett watched with a smile as he left; in some way he felt like a father to Eli and had seen him show incredible courage dealing with their situation.

General Young got up from his desk and went to the bridge. He found Nick and Mandy, with Brody going through system checks while the FTL drive was active. It had been nearly three weeks in FTL flight to the next system and everyone had tried to live as comfortably as they could; they were still exploring the ship and had found lots of different areas, rooms, workshops, and a hidden hanger big enough to fit several shuttles or F-302's should they have the chance. Everett walked up to the front control CI looking out of the bridge, without turning he said;

"Dr Rush, I need to report to Earth when we come out of FTL...and I'll be taking some personal time as well" Everett waited for Rush's reaction.

"Ok General, I suppose Telford will take your place...?" he smiled as he spoke.

"He probably will I expect...I am also organizing for Eli's mother to use the stones and swap with Dr Rebecca Jenkins...he wants her to meet Ginn" Everett was calm and didn't really care how Nick took the news.

"Dr Jenkins..."Rush thought for a moment, "Oh, she's the wiz with electronics of all sorts, very nice lady too..." Nick was very genuine in his comment.

"How is everything going with the ship?" Young asked as a general inquiry.

Amanda answered "We are just running some calibration test on the FTL drive that the Ursini asked us to do during routine flight...and I'm happy to report that all is well. We should be in range of the next system in two or three days, General."

The door opened and Eli entered the bridge; "Um, General Young...Te'arly would like to see you Sir, she said you can find her in the observation deck"

"Ok, thanks Eli..." he looked at Rush; "I'll be "out" just after we drop out of FTL...try and play nice with Telford please Dr Rush..." although there was still a few "issues" between them, Everett and Nick were trying to start fresh; it was also helping to boost moral on the ship.

"You have my word General" Nick beamed a knowing smile back at him.

Everett left the bridge. A message came on to the CI screen in Kirks chair, where Nick was sitting;

"Please let Eli sit down, Dr Nicolas Rush."

Without warning, Amanda burst into laughter, trying to cover her mouth with her hand. The message was only on Nick's CI and Amanda was at the forward console; Nick looked up at her reaction and without giving it away and said:

"Mandy, could I talk to you outside... Eli, please take over..."

The two of them left the bridge and closed the door; Rush looked at her in a disappointed way:

"Ok, what's going on...did you send that message?"

Mandy peered back at him with a surrendering look "Um...ok I'll tell you...but you can't..." she stopped into silence as two people walked past, Rush said hello politely; Mandy continued "I...I have some type of neuro link with Destiny; I know what she knows..."

Rush a bit unsure about what she meant "You mean in her memory banks?"

"Yes, if I want too, but it's more than that...it's more ...personal" she decided to tell him, but only after a slight pause as she asked Destiny for permission through her mind.

"We are connected...it must be a hangover from being inside Destiny for so long. We could all talk to each other at the time however I seemed to have retained that ability back in human form. Neither Franklin nor Ginn have got the same ability; I know: I asked Destiny" Mandy was being very sincere about her new found gift.

Nick sounded excited about this; "So, that was Destiny sending me the message, but you knew she was going to send it...

"Yes, but only as she sent it, I can't read her mind, and I wouldn't want too." Amanda had the utmost respect for the gift she now had; it was powerful indeed.

"Hmmm...can you control the ship that way too?" Rush just had to ask.

"I have asked Destiny to block that side of it, in case it was ever used against us; even if I begged her, She wouldn't allow it: safer that way for everyone..." Mandy placed her hand on the side of Nicks face, leaned forward and kissed him. "Enough for now..." she said.

Nick still had a million questions but knew not to push this any further; he also understood not to ask about other people, and had a feeling that Destiny preferred Eli to him. He figured "She" had taken a shine to his brilliant mind, and it would be interesting how he would handle having all her power at his disposal when it was needed; it might just save them all one day. Dr Rush had never heard the conversation Eli had with Everett just before Young went into stasis, although now he would have understood; Eli is smarter than him and Destiny knew it.

In the infirmary, Varro was now working on a plant extract that the Ursini had spoken about to T.J that may help heal Lisa's eyes faster. T.J was testing her twice a week, and each time she was showing improvement. Unfortunately, the nature of her eye injury could not be helped by the healing belts they now had; they worked well for bone and soft tissue damage, even the vascular system; but not eyes. The Ursini medic had also suggested certain plant materials combined may hold the key to helping Tamara's ALS; although that would take some serious research, and they seemed to have all the time in the world now. T.J herself, along with Amanda and Varro had taken up that challenge to help her find a cure.

Varro was really starting to prove that he now belonged as part of the crew. He had put his name down on the list in the mess to stay aboard Destiny. He had more than one reason to stay; The Lucian Alliance would kill him on sight for being a traitor to their cause, but there was also one other very special motivation... Varro and Tamara had recently taken things a little further than everyone knew, especially Everett. They were now involved very discreetly, although two "people" knew about them other than themselves. The human crew had yet to learn that all they did, even in privacy, Destiny knew. She was becoming more curious about human behaviour, and although Destiny was capable of it, would never impede or pass judgment on them...

T.J examined Chloe some hours after she had been rudely awaken by the nightmare.

"You seem fine Chloe, there is nothing here that indicates any neural activity out of the ordinary" T.J looked Chloe over as she spoke; "All the scans have come back normal..."

"But it felt so real, like I was there again" Chloe had never experienced a dream this intense before.

"The human brain is a powerful thing; even in dreams we can truly believe what we feel, pain included. Honestly, even with all the medical information on this ship, we still don't have a lot of knowledge about our own brains." T.J was now looking at Chloe with a smile of hope on her face "Let me know if it happens again...straight away please." She gave Chloe a quick hug to reassure her...

Lt. Scott had gone to see how MSgt Greer was doing; he was in a new found part of the ship that was the Ancient's equivalent of a gym.

"Lieutenant... what sup...?"Greer grunted through another bench press. It had been a few weeks since the incident, and he still hadn't really spoke about it.

"Hey Sergeant...I hear you missed another appointment with Camille Wray..." Matt tried not to sound too formal.

"Um...yeah, you know... shit happens" Greer wasn't too fussed about it, "but I'm ok for duty, if that's what ya gettin at."

"Look...Ron...you made the right call, I would have done the same..." Matt was trying to be supportive.

Ronald pushed up the electronic weight bar and calmly hooked it on the rack, then sat up; and exploded at Matt.

"Fucken what...! You would of what...!" Greer was fuming "What... You would have just shot the man too...?" There was fire in his eyes and wild anger as he spurted out the words "I watched him being crushed into his fucking helmet; what the fuck was I supposed to do...hey...Lieutenant?"

Matt recoiled at Ronald's fire; he did the only thing he could think of; he pulled rank.

"That's enough Sergeant...you suck that up right now!" Matt yelled back at Greer.

Greer stood up toe to toe with Matt and shoved him; "What are you going to do about it..." he said in a low angry snarl.

Stepping back from Greer's push, Matt knew what to expect next; Ronald started to throw a punch, but Matt anticipated the blow and put his open hand up to stop it.

Catching Greer's fist in his hand hurt like hell, but he didn't flinch "Is this what you want...to take it out on someone Sergeant...!" Matt looked squarely in his eyes "Come on man, this ain't the way...we don't want to start this..." he softened his voice, still holding against Greer's might.

Ronald backed down and withdrew his fist, turning away from him; Matt let his guard drop knowing that he had gotten through. Greer was coming to terms that he needed help: they were good friends and always had each other's back in a fight, but now he had lost control of his anger.

"Look...Sergeant; no one expects you to have all the answers...in our job we make the best decision at the time. You didn't even have that luxury; you just had to act by reflex in the situation, right or wrong..." Matt still looked at Ronald in the eyes as he spoke. "You're right...I have no idea how I would have reacted...I wasn't there. You did what you thought to be the best action; stop his suffering...no one would have been able to save him in time." Lt. Scott was running out of ways to help and knew Ronald needed more than he could give; they sat quietly for a few minutes before Ron spoke.

"I'm sorry I tried to hit you" Ron paused for a moment "You're not just a superior officer...you're... my friend too" Greer had a tear coming out the corner of his eye, realizing he had lost it at the one man who gave him a chance.

Matt gave him a rough manly pat on the shoulder and said "Damn that hurt like a son of a bitch..." shaking his hand.

"Lucky it didn't land on ya face..." a smile returned to Ronald's face before he added somberly; "I'll go see Camille..."

Matt looked hard into his eyes and then smiled "Thanks...Sergeant..."

During all this, Everett had made his way down to the observation deck and found Te'arly talking with Ginn. Eli trusted Ginn implicitly, as well as being in love with her, and she had co-operated with Earth on revealing what she knew of the Lucian Alliance and their plans, which had turned out to be true. Although Everett wanted Eli and Ginn to be happy together, he was still a bit sceptical about her; being that she was the enemy at one point. One thing he kept in his mind was that many "soldiers" of the Alliance were forced to fight through threats and blackmail.

They were sitting at the new "bar" Dr Brody had constructed (with the help of the Ursini), sipping on a far more refined version of alcohol, that was the equivalent of Vodka; mixed with juice from some of the new fruits grown onboard.

"Hello General..." Te'arly seemed to have had several drinks; she came off a bit like Marilyn Monroe. Ginn giggled at her slightly intoxicated words, with Te'arly following the lead, and laughing; Ginn looked at Everett and said:

"Umm...I think I hear Eli calling... see you later..."Ginn gave another slightly intoxicated giggled again as she left.

"I heard you wanted to see me..."Everett had a genuine smile on his face, looking at a rather drunk Te'arly.

Te'arly looked at him with a straight face; put down her drink, and threw her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately...

Everett was shocked, but he enjoyed the kiss for a moment then pulled her away carefully unlocking her arms from around his neck. Te'arly wouldn't take no for an answer and said;

"Take me to your room and make love with me..." she snarled like a tiger in the sexist way; Everett struggled to not follow her instruction.

"I think you may have had too many "special" drinks...Te'arly" Everett was trying his best to overcome his own desire for her.

She stumbled forward and fell into his arms, laughing. Te'arly was more than a little intoxicated; she was completely drunk.

"Ok...um..." Everett caught her as she stopped laughing and appeared to pass out.

Like a true gentleman, he picked her up in his arms and carried her off in front of the few people who were in the observation deck. Along the way he bumped into T.J...

"What's wrong with her?" T.J was startled by what she saw.

Everett looking a little flustered replied "No...No...She's fine...just had a little too much to drink; um, a lot I think..."a slight grin appeared on his face.

The medic in T.J came out quickly, "She may not have ever had alcohol before, and I don't know if they do on her planet. You should take her somewhere to keep an eye on her; like the infirmary..."

"I've had a bit of experience with...um...this before, remember?" Everett looked at T.J's eyes as she realized who he was talking about, his ex wife. She had started drinking to cope after his long absences away with the stargate program; and finding out about his indiscretions with T.J. "I'll take her to my quarters while I finish my reports; she can sleep it off there...Lieutenant" it came out more like an order, as Everett walked off.

Things had strained between Everett and Tamara; he had decided to not pursue anything between them, unfortunately for T.J, Everett hadn't yet told her that. Tamara knew there was no hope for the two of them anyway, and had decided to move on; now, secretly she was with Varro and had developed very deep feelings for him. Sooner or later, they would all have to come to terms with this; Destiny was interested how they would all react to each other.

Te'arly slept in Everett's bed pretty much the whole day. She awoke to find him sitting at his desk, watching her and smiling.

Softly he spoke to her, well aware of how she would be feeling "Are you ok?"

"Oh...what happened...why does my head hurt so badly...?" Te'arly placed her hands gently to her head; she had her first hangover.

"It's called a hangover...it's what happens when you have too many of those types of drinks..."he stuck to the simple explanation.

"How long have I been asleep?" she asked still holding her head lying in bed.

Everett gave a slight chuckle; "Most of the day...do you want some water?"

"Yeah, that would be good...thanks" she sleepily replied.

Everett got some water and took it to her, helping Te'arly to sit up against the wall cushioning: "Just take it slowly or you might be sick..." No sooner had he said it, Te'arly put her hand on her mouth; Everett quickly helped her to the ancient bathroom when nature took it course...

He stayed with her there for nearly 20 minutes while she was sick. Slowly he gave her some water that finally she could hold down, and carried her back to his bed; after sitting up under the covers she asked:

"Did I say anything to you, I can remember saying something...please tell me the truth" Te'arly was an honest person and expected the same in return.

"Umm...you did, but when people drink to excess, they are known to say all sorts of things that..." Everett was cut off by her finger on his lips;

"Please tell me what I said to you..." she patiently asked again.

"Ok...you kissed me and said "Take me to your room and make love with me" then you sort of fell asleep in my arms...more like fell over unconscious into them." It was an honest answer.

She looked into his eyes and smiled softly saying "I meant it...Everett, but now isn't the time while I feel like this..." she smiled at him and sank back down under the covers;

"I'm staying with you tonight...my love..." she purred through her haze.

Everett was taken aback by Te'arly's straight forwardness of how she felt about him; he too had developed feelings for her. All of the time they had spent together over the last few weeks, even while trying to deny them, he was falling for her in a big way. This was also why he had stayed away from T.J; He had a feeling her and Varro may have had something going on, and although he really didn't like it, T.J was an independent woman and made her own choices. Varro still needed to prove himself a lot more yet, especially if he was to get involved with T.J.

After going back to the bridge for a few hours, satisfied that all was as well, Everett announced that he was retiring for the night and went back to his quarters. He showered, then climbed into bed beside an already naked Te'arly as she immediately pulled him to her and kissed him deeply again; this time Everett didn't break away from her as she rolled on top of him; instead he kissed her passionately and they made love...

Two more days passed with everyone going about their own thing. Everett and Amanda sat down with Te'arly, explaining about the communication stones; Telford had married his ex-wife, and the last thing Everett wanted was David "meeting" Te'arly in his body; she was an exceptionally passionate woman, who was not afraid of showing her feelings. Te'arly, being very understanding of Everett's position on the ship, enjoyed keeping "their secret" from the crew, but had worked out that Amanda had somehow caught on; and Amanda had her own secrets too.

Chloe was now sitting in Kirks chair after Eli had gone to wake Ginn for his mom's "arrival". She was slowly closing her eyes and drifting off, only to awake several seconds later. Destiny prompted her on the CI;

"Go and sleep Chloe Armstrong, your neural activity is slowing into theta state; you need rest."

Chloe spoke up suddenly, scaring the life out of Franklin and Nick. "I'm fine Destiny, just a little tired, that's all"

The guys looked at her, "You ok Chloe?" asked Rush with concern hearing her speaking directly to the ship.

"I'm ok, just haven't been sleeping too well" she replied

Destiny dropped out of FTL within gate range of several planets. Nick continued to show his concern for Chloe;

"If Destiny is telling to sleep, then maybe you should...she knows more about us than we do about her" Rush was dead right with that comment. "Go on, we'll be fine...get some rest...please"

"Alright, I will..." Chloe snapped back harshly at Nick, although he took no offence to it; she left the bridge.

Sitting back in Kirks chair Nick got on the com to Everett who was still with Te'arly in his quarters.

"Sorry to disturb you General, but we have dropped out of FTL and have several gates in range; with 48 hours on the clock...and Col. Telford will be waiting..."

Everett and Te'arly were lying together in bed holding each other; "Ok Rush, I'll be there shortly..." Destiny was now automatically opening a two way com with anyone who appeared "busy" at the time.

Te'arly kissed him goodbye after he dressed; before he left, Everett told her something as he embraced her;

"I think I'm falling for you..."

He headed toward the communications room, meeting up with Dr Rebecca Jenkins. She was looking forward to being back on Earth, switching with Eli's mom, after Camille had organized it the day before during her own "visit" with the IOA.

Col. Telford and Maryann Wallace "arrived" on Destiny to find Eli and Lt. Scott standing in the room.

"Welcome aboard Destiny, Colonel Telford and Mrs Wallace; passwords please..." asked Scott holding his rifle at chest height.

Telford rattled off the password, but Maryann went blank;

"Um...I can't remember..." Maryann had fear in her voice looking at Scott holding the gun.

David put his hand on hers "It's ok, take your time..."

She started to panic getting all flustered and confused.

"Mom, what did you get me for my tenth birthday...?" asked Eli in a calming voice.

She went to put her hand on his face, but Telford put up his and stopped her; it wouldn't be the first time a touch could allow mind reading.

"It's ok, just answer Eli..." David was trying to help.

Maryann relaxed somewhat and smiled at her boy, "It was a bike, a red one...but you wanted a skateboard and I wouldn't allow it..."

Eli smiled, and threw his arms around her, nodding his head to Telford. They left the communications room after Maryann had looked in the mirror at herself, saying;

"Wow, I feel ten years younger..." and smiled at Dr Jenkins attractive body.

Eli took his mom to the observation deck where Ginn was waiting nervously; she was standing by the rail watching the stars. Eli walked in with Maryann and introduced her to Ginn;

"Ginn, this is Maryann...my mom..."he was nervous and grabbed the rail to help calm himself.

Surprised by how attractive she was, Maryann looked at Ginn who was not sure what to say; she held out her arms and welcomed Ginn like a daughter hugging her tightly.

"Hello Maryann, it's nice to meet you..." Ginn finally found some words.

"It's lovely to meet you too..." she gave Ginn another quick hug and looked out at the breathtaking view before them "I wouldn't know how to describe this to someone...words just aren't enough"

They moved over to a table and sat down after watching the stars in silence for a few moments. Eli spoke first;

"I need to tell you something mom, about Ginn ..."he looked at Ginn as she gave him a reassuring smile "Ginn is as human as you and me...but...she is not from Earth...she is from another star system similar to ours, on the other side of the Milky Way Galaxy."

He gave her a few moments to digest what he just said.

Maryann looked at him with a shocked expression on her face that soon turned into a warm smile;

"You fell in love with a beautiful woman from another world...Eli honey, this is just amazing" she reached over and kissed his cheek "You went to outer space to find the woman you love...I am so proud of both of you; and happy that you found each other." Maryann was genuine.

"I thought you would be freaked out mom...your taking this really well..."Eli sounded sceptical, but relaxed.

"Honey, where are we...we're on a space ship in a different galaxy to our own; you have probably meet other life forms different from us before. My body is on Earth with someone else's...sprit...I guess you say...and you" she turned to Ginn "you are gorgeous...and I can tell how he feels about you" she made sense; it was a strange situation Eli was in.

Maryann had more than three years to come to terms with it having thought of many different situations he may have found himself in, including this one; now she was with him even if it was in another person's body. Eli pulled out a small keno screen and showed his mom a short video of him and High Commander Ra'toli talking and going over galactic calculations she would never understand; he pointed out who was who:

"This is High Commander Ra'toli of the Ursini race; they come from a galaxy far from ours. This is Daniel Jackson of the Asgard race; there are only a few of the Asgard left...we don't exactly know how many but their world has been destroyed. They use to look like us a long time ago..."

Maryann just stared at the small screen "They are real people from another world...wow" she looked at Ginn and remembered "oh, sorry...I didn't mean..."

"It's ok Maryann, I understand; my people have known about other races for centuries, your people have not" she replied and smiled warmly.

They continued on talking about everything; Maryann didn't want to waste a moment while she was here...

Col. Telford got a sit rep from Scott on the way to the gate room, explaining some of the new features they had found onboard Destiny, stopping to check out a few of the new found areas. Greer and Scott had already organized a team for the first planet, all of them were now in the ancient suits that had better armour, and carried a mix of Earth and alien weapons. The gate finally opened for the first time in 3 weeks, and the keno was sent through; just as everything came back stable from the keno, the gate suddenly closed.

"Dr Brody, what is the problem?" demanded Scott.

"It wasn't us, Destiny shut it down...I'm trying to find out why..."

Out of the darkness, a blast hit the shields and shook the ship... "There's your answer Dr Brody; everyone, battle stations now!" Screamed Lt. Scott, as two more blast hit the ship.

Colonel Telford was now running to the bridge, he had to punch in the door code as Destiny had sealed it shut; getting inside, Franklin was at the weapons controls and Rush had the shields at full power.

"They may shake us around Colonel, but they haven't made a dent on the new shields. All systems are fully functional, but they are coming from nowhere and we can't get a lock on them to shoot back."

With that, the shooting stopped. One by one, Destiny's sensors picked them up as they de-cloaked all around her; Blue aliens, twelve in total.

A message came through; Colonel Telford looked at it and said "Ahh no...here we go again..."

"Surrender Destiny"