Chapter Seventeen Summary: The party ends shortly after Daniel's announcements. Jacob, Selmak, Anise, and Per'sus discuss the upcoming transference of Lantash to Daniel, and what it could and would mean to the three beings who were about to participate in it. They agree that they should attempt to accomplish it within the next two days. All that was left to do now, was to tell Sam and Daniel and find out which day they would prefer.

Author's Note: There are some statements in this chapter that mention Martouf's past. Those of you that have read the story I wrote about Lantash and Martouf's blending will know the details about which Selmak is talking. It is not necessary to read that story, as the section here gives enough of the basics of the story that you will get the gist of what happened, just not the details. For anyone interested in how it all came about the title is: Take With You My Love: the Blending of Lantash and Martouf.

Cor's Trel'li-Mae'tek - Heart's Tear-Mate, the One who Shared your Deepest Grief and Suffered it With You. A strongly bonded mate, brought together by shared grief. Rarely a Lover, however a very Deep Friendship is Shared from that time onward.

Cor's - Heart

Trel'li-Mae'tek – Tear-Mate

"Italics" – Symbiote-Host communication

Always Be Ours

Chapter Seventeen

Inquiries and Assurances

The silence caused by Daniel's startling announcement that not only was Sam pregnant, but that she was carrying twins didn't last long, but long enough for Daniel to hear Sam giggling. He looked down at her and as soon as their eyes met, she laughed outright. "Classic, Daniel. You have superb timing, you know." That was all the time she had to say anything, because the silence ended and this time their friends were gathering around them offering their congratulations and best wishes. The women were exclaiming over Sam's ring, and he could see the pride shining from her eyes as she held her hand out for their inspection. He let out a breath of relief. One more hurdle was out of the way. One more piece had fallen neatly into place. He could only hope that each new piece fell exactly where it needed to go. There were certainly enough people watching to make sure they did.

Glancing over to where Jack was wiping rather ineffectually at the General's shirt as Jacob and Per'sus watched, he had to smile again. Jack looked up at him, just as his smile hit its widest, and he sent Daniel a tip of his hat gesture indicating that he was well aware that Daniel had timed his announcement to coincide with his deepest swallow. Jack shook his head ruefully and smiled back at him.

As he continued to dab at the General's shirt, Jack acknowledged to himself, if to no one else, that the problem with getting one over on Daniel, was that Daniel would always return the favor, and you never knew when, where, or how devious a turn his mind would take, when he did it. It was the General's voice saying, "You can stop now, Jack," that brought him back from his ruminations. Giving his attention back to General Hammond, he heard him continue, "I don't believe you can do anymore damage to it than you already have. We'll just have to hope I don't get pulled over on the way home seeing as how I now smell like a brewery."

"Ah, yeah, I'm sorry about that, General. I just wasn't expecting that to be Daniel's third announcement. I thought maybe they'd found a house and were going to tell us about that not that Carter was gonna have twins." Jack couldn't stop the grin that broke out at that thought.

The General forgot his beer splattered shirt, and his face mirrored Jack's as he returned his smile with a wide one of his own, before he looked over at his friend. "Jacob, Selmak, congratulations. Looks like you are going to be a grandfather a couple of times over. From your reaction, I have to assume you were already privy to the information." The General looked around them and realized that they were quite alone, as most of the others were still surrounding Daniel and Sam, or else were getting ready to head home. Since the only people standing in their group knew the circumstances, he sobered as he asked Jacob, "How are they doing, Jake? Is Lantash about healed and ready to make the changeover?"

Jacob sighed and then nodded. "Yeah, George, he's healed. As for how they are doing, I can't say I know for sure. I talked to Sam earlier today when we had a few minutes alone and she told me that for the most part they are doing fine, but that sometimes the loss just overwhelms them. I guess those times are pretty bad and hard to get through. Daniel and I had a few minutes alone earlier and he told me pretty much the same thing. There are times when the mourning for Martouf swamps them, and those times are pretty bad, but that they are both trying to accept it and go forward. As for him, well, he's coping and taking it one day at a time. He did admit that he is pretty worried about the transfer, though. Personally, I think "pretty worried" is a massive understatement about how he feels about it. I think he is extremely concerned about the changeover. I tried to reassure him, but I don't think it worked."

Per'sus looked puzzled and he frowned before commenting, "I do not believe that Dr. Jackson needs to worry about that, Jacob. Lantash will be very sure that he leaves as little tissue trauma behind in Samantha as is possible, and he should accomplish his entry into Daniel with little or no pain and discomfort for him. The small injury to Samantha's throat will be easily healed by the healing device."

Selmak came fore, shaking his head slightly, "I do not believe that is what Daniel is concerned about, Per'sus. In fact, even though we gave him all of the information pertaining to the dangers of what they will be attempting, I do not believe they are of concern to him at all. He simply shrugged and told us that he was aware of the risky nature of the procedure; however, in his opinion, while the risks were certainly something to think about, and he had done so, he felt that the benefits they would gain were worth attempting it. He is much more concerned with how Samantha is going to react to losing Lantash. He is aware that she will no doubt relive everything surrounding not only their time together but also Martouf's death at her hands. With Lantash no longer there to soothe and calm her, he is very concerned about how she will react."

"Daniel's concern is a legitimate one, Selmak," Anise spoke up quietly. "He is correct in believing that the emotional trauma will far outweigh any physical discomfort she may experience. Not only will Lantash no longer be there to help mute some of her responses, her pregnancy is releasing hormones that will make the entire situation even more difficult, since her emotions are already volatile. The hormones will magnify her emotions and give her even less control over them. I assume that they have chosen a Tearmate. Have they decided on who will take on the bond of the Cor's Trellis-Mae'tek? Do you know what precautions and plans they have made for her care afterward?"

Jacob came back fore to answer, saying, "Yeah, they have. Daniel and Lantash both felt comfortable with Malek and so did Sam, so he is going to become her Tear-mate. There isn't anyone other than myself or Per'sus that Lantash would trust more. As you know, my being her father kind of takes me out of it, and they weren't sure if Per'sus would be able to be here or not. Then, too, I will probably be using the healing device on Lantash and Daniel to make sure their blending is as devoid of any extra trauma as possible, as well as to give Lantash the extra strength he will need."

Selmak came fore and looked at each of them solemnly before continuing where Jacob left off, saying, "Jacob felt that I was more familiar with what we are now discussing, so I will "take over" for him. We all know that changing hosts this close to his last blending will be not only emotionally traumatic, but physically very dangerous to him, much more so than it will be to Daniel, although Daniel, too, is at considerable risk. We may be all that keeps both of them alive, until Lantash can attach to Daniel, regulate their body functions, and control the physical pain he will possibly have from detaching. He seems to think that he has enough body mass to detach from Samantha and still leave him with enough to survive with little pain. He told Jacob and I that he has been growing new tissue as quickly as was possible and yet still do so safely, so hopefully he is right and there will not be any major problems for him or Daniel. It is my belief that they are considering doing it tomorrow after our meeting or the next day." Selmak moved back and gave Jacob control once more.

He turned to Anise and asked her, "Have they said anything to you about helping during the exchange, Anise?"

"No, they have not yet mentioned it to me; however, they have hardly had time to do so, either. I am sure that one or both of them would have done so this evening after everyone left and we all relaxed. I will be happy to help, Jacob. You and I should be capable of mitigating the trauma and healing Lantash to the point that any pain he feels will not last long, as well as controlling any other problems that might arise."

"Thanks, Anise. Per'sus has offered to help and use the healing device as well, so we should be able to ensure a successful blending. With the three of us taking care of that end, and Malek taking care of Sam, Selmak doesn't foresee any additional problems arising, although, that isn't a given, of course."

Anise paused, as if not sure how to word what she wanted to ask, however, she decided to continue whether she worded it tactfully or not, "Is Daniel aware of how intimate a bond the Cor's Trel'lis-Mae'tek is Jacob? Does he know what Malek may have to do to keep Samantha from retreating from everyone and everything, if the separation should prove to be too emotionally traumatic for her? Losing Martouf was a terrible shock and a heartbreaking loss for her; losing Lantash will take that pain and anguish to an all-new level, and I am sure that you and Selmak are aware of that. I hope, too, that Daniel has been informed and is aware of what he will be sharing with Lantash?" Her last statement came out more like a question.

Jacob nodded, as he answered, "Yeah, they all discussed it yesterday after Malek arrived. Last night and this morning Malek took some time and talked to each of them privately, as well. Lantash already knew what to expect of course, but Malek told me that he talked to him about it anyway, just to make sure that he was willing and knew what might occur; he wanted to make sure that Lantash wasn't refusing to face that it was a very real possibility. He told me that he isn't, and that he is very much aware of what might occur. Basically, Lantash doesn't care. He just wants to wake up and find Sam waiting on them to awaken, cognizant and whole."

"He discussed it with both Daniel and Sam, as well, and they are very much aware of what the consequences could turn out to be; Malek was very specific about what could take place. Sam was very concerned about Lantash and Daniel's reaction, if that should happen, but Malek went over his conversations with both of them, repeating what each of them said, and she believes that they will accept whatever happens. He also explained the dangers they were facing physically. From what he told me, she wasn't aware of all of the difficulties there are in what they are going to be attempting to achieve. I know she had a right to know, but I almost wish she wasn't aware of what all could go wrong because now she has added those things to her "worry about" list. She doesn't appear to be dwelling on it, though, which is a relief. Then, too, she did tell me that, although she is concerned about everything that could go wrong, she also knows that there will be competent people taking care of them and seeing to it that those things don't come to pass."

"So right now, I think that more than anything else, she is extremely worried about the emotional trauma to the two of them when they blend. Lantash told me that even though she is trying to hide it from him; he still gets flashes of her pain and thoughts. He said that the idea of him reliving Martouf's death again, and Daniel being forced to live through not only Lantash's emotions, but also her emotions, is tearing her up inside. He is doing what he can, but like he told me, only time will lessen her pain over Martouf's death and knowing that Daniel will have to go through that, on top of everything else, is bothering her a great deal. She's not sure, after all of the emotional storms they are both going to go through, if they will truly be able to accept it, if something does happen between her and Malek. I told her what they each told me, and tried to reassure her that all they want is to come back to see her aware of her surroundings and them. I also pointed out that both Lantash and Daniel are very emotionally strong individuals and that they are also very rational, determined, and understanding. All I can do is hope that their words gave her some peace and that she believes me."

Jacob paused long enough to take a drink, before he finished answering Anise. That taken care of, he continued, "Like Lantash, Daniel doesn't care what it takes to achieve it, as long as she is aware and waiting on them when they finally wake up. Malek said that they talked rather late last night, because Daniel couldn't sleep, and his walking around downstairs woke him. He told me that they had a very candid and frank discussion of what could happen, why it happens, and when it usually happens. He explained to him that it is very, very rare that it ever goes that far, but he thinks that Daniel is looking to expect it will, and then be very happy if it doesn't." He grinned a little bit, saying, "Which is pretty much how Daniel told me he is looking at it. And like I said, he really doesn't care as long a Sam is okay."

Malek believes that Sam will be fine, and I'm hoping she will be too. I know that Sam is pretty strong mentally, incredibly strong, actually, but this is gonna be bad, and there is no way around it; we all know that, and we have made sure that both of them know exactly what could happen to her. I guess we will know in the next day or so just what will occur, and I think that Daniel feels that there is no use in worrying about a situation that might not even arise. He knows that if he is worried and tense, then Sam will notice it and become more worried and tense than she already is, so he is doing his best just to take things as they come. I have to say that he is doing a damn fine job of it, too."

Jacob stopped speaking again, while he tried to remember what Anise's other question was and, with a little help from Selmak, he was able to go to the next subject. "As for the blending, yes, Daniel knows what to expect when they join. I understand that he and Lantash had a very long, very frank, very open, and very explicit conversation covering exactly what Daniel would be seeing and feeling as they blend. I can't say that he is looking forward to reliving all of those things, but here again, he is taking it one step at a time. His attitude is good and," Jacob paused before he told them quietly, "Lantash told me, that he intends to keep them unconscious for a minimum of twenty-four hours, possibly more if he feels that they need the extra time. Selmak and I talked it over and we agree that it may not be quite as emotionally trying, if they can experience most of it while they are only aware of one another. It will give Daniel a chance to assimilate all of the emotions and then come to terms with them and what he is feeling about them. Lantash is worried that it will just be too much too fast. He's also afraid that it will be especially traumatic when he experiences Martouf's, as well as his and Sam's, emotions as Martouf died." He stopped and looked at both of them, before saying, "I hope that won't disoblige or inconvenience either of you. If you can't take the extra time away from the tunnels, then Malek and I will divide our time between all of them and take turns with the two of them and Sam."

Anise vehemently shook her head at him, and then sighed before replying, "Jacob, you are well aware that I will do anything and everything possible to make this as painless as possible for all of them. I am aware that Lantash does not appear to blame me, although I do not understand why he does not; however, the "why" of it does not really matter, for I blame myself, as you know. I still do not understand why I would not have tested them," she finished speaking, but her brow furrowed as she gave that seemingly incomprehensible act on her part, even more thought. With no more luck at finding an answer this time, than she had at any other time she had posed the question to herself; she finally abandoned it to return to the conversation going on around her.

Per'sus was speaking to Jacob and Selmak, assuring them, "I, too, am willing to do anything within my power to make things easier on them. I spoke with your president a few days ago and brought him up to date on how things were going from our end on determining the method of the za'tarc programming. Anise is being as painstaking as possible and moving very slowly to be sure that she understands exactly what occurred, now that we know there is no mechanism to erase the information after they carry out their directive. As she pointed out to both the President and me, it would make no sense to do so, since the subject is instructed to make sure there is not enough left to look at and study."

While his visage proclaimed his deep sense of loss and sorrow, his voice reinforced the validity of the impression, as Per'sus continued, telling them, "Even though it is a very great tragedy, if Anise can determine how the programming is accomplished, as well as how to prevent, counteract, or dismantle it, then Martouf will not have died in vain. Knowing him, as I believe we all did, we are all profoundly aware that he would find great comfort and joy in that much needed result. He was a very special person in many, many ways, and his kind and loving heart and soul, combined, as they were, with his deep, unswerving loyalty, his unshakable belief in the Tok'Ra, as well as their cause, and his implacable, steady determination to defeat the Goa'uld, are rarely found together in such great abundance within one person. We all miss him very much. We have all lost many loved ones down through the centuries, and yet, because Martouf was so very special, I can neither imagine nor comprehend the pain, distress, and desolation that Lantash and Samantha are enduring. Therefore, yes, Jacob, I am more than willing to remain, and to do my part in alleviating as much of their trauma and pain as I possibly can."

Never having heard Per'sus say quite that much at one time, outside of a Council Meeting, more especially with such obvious and sincere grief, the Tok'Ra who were present within the group stood and gazed at him in surprised, shocked, and amazed astoundment.

"What was that, Sel? What in the hell just happened? Sel? Jacob attempted to garner Selmak's attention, but it took some doing before he achieved his goal.

Shaking himself free of his stunned amazement, Selmak responded to him saying, "I am sorry, Jacob, it is just that Per'sus rarely allows his emotions to show quite so clearly. I was caught completely off-guard by it, as I am sure you realized."

"Uh, yeah, I noticed, and that is what I asked. What brought that on for heaven's sake? I don't think I've ever heard that much emotion or that many emotion laden words from him," Jacob answered Selmak, obviously almost as dumbfounded by what he saw and heard from their High Councilor as his symbiote was.

Selmak sighed deeply, before quietly telling him, "Per'sus…Per'sus knew Martouf's parents quite well, Jacob. In fact, they were very good friends. Martouf was very much like his father, both in temperament and looks." He paused before continuing with his explanation, "His father was a much revered and beloved monarch, one who always put his people's needs first and foremost. Martouf was a prince, Jacob, and their people loved and admired him very much, just as his father, mother, sisters, and older brothers were loved and admired—except for the oldest of his brothers, who was almost unanimously disliked and feared."

Selmak appeared to be having some difficulty in relating the circumstances that led to the High Councilor's words and emotion, but getting himself back in control, he stated, "Per'sus always hoped that the Goa'uld would be destroyed, and Martouf could reclaim the throne, even though Martouf insisted that he had no desire to resurrect it. Martouf was the last remaining member of the royal family; he was the youngest son. The others, his entire family; mother, father, sisters, and brothers—all of them were slaughtered. Their planet and their homes were destroyed…by an act of treachery within the royal family. When the Goa'uld destroyed his home and killed his family, they also, as they usually do, killed many of his people, as well as taking some for slaves and breeders, although he saved as many as he could. Per'sus has not forgotten, and he always…loved and cared a great deal for Martouf, even though he did not show it often, unless they were alone. He is also quite close and extremely fond of Lantash, so this has been more of an ordeal for him than is widely known. It is another reason that he wishes to do all he can for Samantha, Daniel, and Lantash. He is very grateful to her, both for stopping them from blowing themselves into pieces, and for saving him and your President. Most of all, however, he is especially grateful to her for taking, and thus saving, Lantash. He will never forget that, and she will be special to him as long as he lives. He is a very loyal person, and she has won his respect, his loyalty, and, I believe, his affection. He is also very grateful to Daniel for making it possible for Lantash to be with the woman he loves so deeply, in a way that will allow him to love her and be with her as his bonded mate."

Jacob was quiet. What was there to say? Finally, he came up with a subdued, "I see." Then he smiled at Selmak, as he remembered something that appeared to become more important every day. Softly, Jacob reminded him, "Sel, Per'sus may yet see a family member on the throne. Don't forget that Martouf has a son."

It was Selmak's turn to become completely stunned, and therefore, quiet. That fact had not even occurred to him, and he was sure that Per'sus had not yet realized it either. He would be very happy when he found out that Martouf would have a son, not because a woman could not take the throne, but because there was the chance that he would be very much like Martouf.

Then, breaking into the thoughtful silence they were sharing, something in the outside world garnered their attention. The tableau had not changed. They all still looked at Per'sus, while he, noticeably unperturbed, quietly and calmly looked back at them. Malek had joined them shortly before Per'sus stated his intentions, and neither he nor Anise appeared capable of speech. The General, as well as Teal'c, who had also recently joined their group, appeared as tongue-tied as the Tok'Ra. Not many people knew of the background between Martouf and Per'sus, thus they deemed his statement to be very out of character for him.

They remained staring at him, until Jack, who appeared to be unaware of the reason for the long silence, was beginning to feel uncomfortable. Taking it upon himself to end the, to him, rather awkward silence, he cleared his throat abruptly and rather loudly. Then he shuffled his feet, while bringing his hands together and clapping sharply, thereby succeeding in breaking whatever held them all frozen in place. He glanced at Teal'c who stood beside him, and then shrugged, before asking, "So they are going to trade places? And, what? You are afraid that Carter will have a problem with Lantash moving to Daniel?" His face showed bewilderment, "Why should she? I'd think she would be glad to get that, ah, that threat to the babies removed." Everyone stared at Jack, and it was the General, Teal'c, and Jacob's turn to look astonished. To hear Jack actually pull his feet out of his mouth himself was amazing. It had to be a first, and it was apparent by the look on his face that Jack realized he had made a save all by himself.

Leaving his conversation with Selmak, Jacob stopped staring at Jack, as he told him, "Yeah, Jack, it can be very traumatic for the host being left behind, especially in this kind of situation where the host and the symbiote were lovers before they blended. You probably aren't aware of it, but Sam has become very attached to Lantash, and she enjoys talking to and interacting with him. Besides that, he is there for her in a very unique and intimate way, when her grief for Martouf overwhelms her. He gives her a lot of comfort, and she is going to be very lonely without his presence and comfort. It's hard to explain to the unblended, but trust me on this Jack, Sam is going to be devastated all over again, and Daniel will be reliving and experiencing everything that has happened all over again as well, but this time he will have to live through Lantash, Sam, and Martouf's emotions as well as his own. It is not quite as simple as just "trading places."

Jacob had said all he planned to. Since Jack left the group for a while, and so was not there for most of the previous conversation, he knew that Jack probably had more questions, but he did not need to know what Malek's role in this would possibly be. With that decision made, Jacob turned to Anise and Per'sus, asking them, "When do you think we should do this? It might be easier on them all if we make the decision. That way they won't be deciding when to sever their physical bond, we will." He sighed before adding, "Of course, I have a feeling that I could be really, really wrong about that, too."

Once more, it was Anise who spoke up, responding quietly, "I believe that we should discuss it with them, Jacob. I do not think making an arbitrary decision for them would be a good idea. They are logical and intelligent adults. They will know that it must be done and soon. I believe we should have them there when we make our plans or better yet, simply explain that we feel that it must be done soon and ask them to decide when they wish to do it."

"I agree with Anise is this instance. We cannot take that decision from them; it is their right." Jacob listened to Selmak before answering Anise, relaying Selmak's remarks, "Selmak agrees with you. He feels that this is something they must do, so I will go along with it, too. We should talk to them tonight after everyone has left. Once they actually make that decision, and they set a specific time for it to happen, it may help them cope with it. Not really knowing when it will take place has to eating at them. If we talk tonight, then they can, well, they can get used to the idea of it happening and maybe comes to terms with it. I hope."

"That will be quite soon, General Carter, for there are few of us left and O'Neill and I will soon take our leave as well. I believe that Dr. Frasier, Cassie, and Major Davis will also be leaving shortly." At Teal'c's words, the group looked around and realized that the guests were no longer there. Sam and Daniel were talking to Janet, Cassie, and Paul Davis. In fact, the only people remaining were those that were aware of the situation.

Glancing over at them, and catching them looking toward their own group, Daniel turned and said something to all of them. After picking up their glasses to take with them, they started to walk toward the other group of people. As they reached them, Daniel greeted them, saying, "I think that Sam and I are going to do some cleanup before we go inside. You guys go ahead and make yourselves at home, and we'll be in before long. It shouldn't take us too much time. It appears that almost everyone used the trash cans, and what few didn't at least set stuff on tables instead of throwing it on the lawn."

As Anise stepped forward, she answered him, saying, "I will assist you and Samantha, Daniel. What would you like to do first? Shall we put things away or clean up the tables?"

"Thank you, Anise, but it's not necess…" Sam got no farther before Janet interrupted her, stating firmly, "We'll all help, Sam. As many of us as there are, we'll be finished in less than half an hour. There isn't much mess really, it's mostly that things need put away. The tables and chairs need folded, the grill needs taken care of, the condiments need taken in, what little trash is around needs to be thrown away, and the trash bags taken out and tied ready for the next trash pick-up." She looked around evaluating what remained to be done and added, "I think the extra pop and beer should be put somewhere besides those tubs. Where do you want that stuff, Sam?"

Sam blinked at her before saying, "Ah, there is an extra refrigerator in the garage. We can store that stuff there, I guess. Maybe take some of it inside, but not a lot. What do you think, Daniel? Do you want some of the beer and soda in the house?"

"Yeah, we can put a few in there, Sam. I'm pretty sure there is room for maybe a dozen beers and a half a dozen, ah, no, no soda. We will leave it in the fridge in the garage."

"Why not take some of them inside, Daniel?" Sam asked, as she frowned, trying to figure out what made him change his mind.

He grinned at her and putting his arm around her shoulders, he gave her a hug before reminding her, "I believe that there is already soda in the fridge in the house, Sam. There are quite a few bottles of ginger ale in there, remember? You need that a lot more than we need soda or beer in the house. It's not as if the garage is so terribly far away. I think we can manage to go out there to retrieve one, if we really want one, love. We'll take a few beers and put them in the house fridge, but I want to make sure you have plenty of room for your ginger ale. It's a lot more important right now than either beer or soda."

Sam laughed softly and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Yeah, I see your point."

Janet grinned at her, before saying, "Great. Now that you've decided that, we can get started. Cassie, you can take the soda and all but about eight beers, into the garage and store it in the fridge, Paul, you can start to put up the chairs, Teal'c..."

"I believe that I shall begin picking up the remaining trash, Dr. Frasier." Teal'c bowed his head to her, and then proceeded to do what he had volunteered to do.

"I'm on the grill, Doc. I know how to do that without supervision," Jack told her laconically, as he turned toward it to accomplish his task.

"I believe that Per'sus and I will attend to the tables if you do not mind, Dr. Frasier," Malek said quietly and the two of them turned to go do just that.

"I will take care of the, er, the condiments, I believe you called them," Anise informed them as she bowed her head to them and began to move toward the table where the catsup, mustard and other assorted and sundry bottles and covered plates waited to be put away.

The General joined Paul in folding and putting away chairs and Daniel mentioned to Janet, "We don't appear to have anything to do, Janet. What would you suggest our job be, oh acting supervisor?"

Sam laughed at him and moving out from under his arm, she told him, "I am going in to clean up the kitchen since everything out here is under control. We were just taking stuff in and setting it down any place we could find and the last time I looked, it was close to being declared a disaster area."

"There you go, Daniel, Sam just told you what needs doing. Jacob and Selmak can help and since I am not needed out here, I believe I will add myself to your group and help all of you in there, but first I'll help Anise. Even with all of the things we already took in, there is still a lot out here. We'll join you in the kitchen shortly. I imagine you're right, Sam, and it's pretty much a mess." Turning on her heel, Janet headed toward Anise and the condiments, plates, cups and utensils. Sam, Daniel, and Jacob turned and headed toward the disaster area that used to be, and hopefully would be again, a kitchen.

Less than thirty minutes later, you would never have known there was a party in the yard or a disaster in the kitchen. Janet, Cassie, and Paul said their goodbyes and left shortly thereafter. Jack and Teal'c loaded his truck and after listening to Daniel and Sam trying to thank him for "everything he had done to make the cookout a success", he brushed their thanks aside, and he and Teal'c headed out for his house to watch either Star Wars or hockey. Maybe both.

The General left after assuring Jacob that he and Per'sus did not need to worry about how late they were. They had the extra key to the front door. Jacob knew where the guest rooms were, and if he was already in bed when they got in, then Jacob could show Per'sus where everything was and get him settled. He told them that he would see them either later or in the morning, and he took his leave and headed home, brewery smelling shirt and all. Anise chose to stay at Sam and Daniel's house along with Malek.

Sam and Daniel entered the house and went into the family room. Jacob, Per'sus, Anise, and Malek were waiting for them. Seeing their solemn faces, Sam caught her breath, afraid she knew what was coming. Daniel had his arm around her firmly, and she leaned into him, as Jacob looked back and forth between the two of them. "It's time to make a decision, Sam," he told her gently. "When do you want to give Lantash to Daniel?"

TBC