Chapter Twenty-five Summary: Daniel awakes to find Lantash humming and their problems solved. His first memory shocks him and then he realizes that Lantash is sharing it. And he also realizes that there have been some rather extensive changes made to some of the ways his mind functions. Lantash begins to explain the things that he is seeing and 'perceiving', that before blending he would not have understood…and it is amazing; a true wonder to him. One that he believes he will enjoy more than he thought possible.

Rating this Chapter – PG-13

Mer Prinekh – My Lifemate, a name of endearment between Symbiote and Host. Can be translated as meaning something like Beloved Lifemate or Sweet Lifemate.

"Italics" – Symbiote-Host Communication

Always Be Ours

Chapter Twenty-five

Changing Perceptions

Daniel was quite sure that had he been awake, he would have looked dazed as well as amazed. The first of the memories of the day that Martouf died hit Daniel about twenty minutes after Lantash told him he was starting their 'true, deep' blending. He was surprised that it wasn't Lantash or Sam's memory, but his own. He'd forgotten just how painful it had been to watch Sam cradle them, as Martouf died in her arms, and know that it was killing her inside. It was tearing her heart to pieces, and there was nothing that he could do to soothe or lessen her distress. He'd felt Lantash absorb his emotions, and the memory, even as he stroked him gently. He understood. Daniel was drawn out of the memory by the realization that he and Lantash were sharing this, and he could tell that they were. Not only that, but he could feel the depth of Lantash's emotions. Human emotions. He wasn't sure what he'd expected, but somehow, he didn't think that he'd expected that. Not that they were human emotions, but that they were so starkly, obviously human. Nor had he realized or expected that it would be one of the most amazing things he'd ever experienced.

"You didn't tell me it would be like this, Lantash. Neither did Sam. Why not?"

"Would you have believed me, Daniel? Would you have understood the profundity of this thing we call blending?"

Daniel 'shook' his head, as he admitted, "No. No, I don't think that I would have. It can't truly be explained, can it? It has to be experienced." He explored their blended minds a little more deeply, and the wonder he felt did not lessen, it increased. It was weird, too. His own mind was…different, now. It was as if he could 'see' it. There were rooms and paths. As he wandered through them, he was amazed at what he was seeing. These were 'his' rooms—his memories. A very old looking temple door fascinated him, and he pushed it open. Had he been awake and standing, he would have gone to his knees.

He couldn't have been more than two years old. This was a memory that he would never have been able to access on his own. He smiled as he watched his parents as they read to him. They were already teaching him archaeology. He heard himself explaining something to them and his smile deepened. He'd been precocious; there was no doubt about that. He had one or two conscious memories from when he was about four years old, but then nothing, until he was six. At that age, he'd already been fluent in several languages and could read the walls of Egyptian tombs. Shaking his head, he decided to come back here some other time. Leaving that room, he simply wandered the corridors, until he came upon an absolutely beautifully carved set of double doors. He frowned at them, as they seemed different from the others. He wasn't surprised to hear Lantash begin to explain what they were.

"This is your private place Daniel. You may come here at any time to be alone. This is the chamber in which you will store all of your private memories—those which you choose not to share with me. I have one as well, although mine is part of a garden where I bury my sorrow and grief. I will show that part of it to you sometime if you wish. It is quite beautiful, at least in my own opinion." He smiled slightly, before continuing, "That is not what I need to be explaining at the moment, though, so I will return to explaining what you are 'seeing'."

His pause was longer than usual, but finally, he began, saying, "We have tactile memories. Our minds work on the visual, olfactory, and auditory levels in a tactile manner. A memory for us can be a simple memory, as you are used to having, if we choose that, however our, ah, let us say, default—is for tactile memories. They can be visual, auditory, olfactory, or palpably touchable. They can be all of them at once. Most intense memories are stored in that manner."

Seeing the frown on Daniel's face, as he tried to understand what he meant, he knew that would not happen, until he brought forward a memory, so that he could experience it. "I will show you, Daniel, if that would be all right with you?"

"Yes, please, Lantash. I have a feeling that this is rather important in understanding what's ahead of us."

"Yes, it is, Daniel. So, I will recall a memory from when I was with my first host. His name was Antonius Patrellian."

Daniel almost gasped as the images and feelings, physical feelings, washed over him. He was watching—and yet he was also experiencing. His host was extremely handsome, but he knew that he was also extremely dangerous. He reached out and took the hand of the woman with whom he was standing. It was late. The stars were gleaming brightly in the canopy of the heavens, and this world's two moons were moving slowly across it, as well.

Suddenly, Daniel realized that he was feeling emotions that were…more. More than just a memory, he actually felt every emotion that the man he was watching was feeling. The love, the passion…and the distrust and sadness at what he was about to do. He also felt them pushed firmly away, and a firm and determined resolve took their place. He smiled slightly, as he drew her to him. She answered it with a smile of her own. Then, as his arms encircled her, she looked up and into his eyes. He felt his body respond, as his shaft came to full and throbbing attention, as his arms pulled her firmly and fully against them, even as he lowered his mouth to hers. Her lips were soft and they opened for him. He took the invitation and allowed his tongue entrance into her warmth. She began to rub against him, and Daniel pulled himself back, gasping as he did so. The image and sensations disappeared, but he felt too stunned to do anything, at the moment.

Lantash's voice finally penetrated the fog in which he appeared to be wandering. "It will not be such a shock the next time it happens, Mer Prinekh. Not all memories return so starkly; however, those attached to strong emotion, always return in that manner. I could have stopped it, but since the purpose of recalling it was to allow you to become aware of exactly what a tactile memory was like, it seemed prudent to allow it to continue, until you pulled away from it for yourself. It is a goodness, when you wish to recall a lover's touch, their scent, the feel of their flesh next to yours, the sound of their voice, as they whisper their love to you. It is a curse, when the memory is not so pleasant. Luckily, as you proved to yourself, you can—usually—pull away from it. The older the memory is, the easier you will find it to distance yourself from the emotions, the scents, the sounds, everything, until it is no more than an image. Unfortunately, the more recent the memory and the more emotionally charged it is, the less likely you will be able to control it for long. When you reach the memories in my mind, of what happened…that day…the day that Martouf…you will find it impossible to detach yourself from them…as will I."

Daniel sighed, as he thought over what he'd just learned. This was what Sam had tried to explain to him. Lantash, too, had warned him that the emotions would be intense. He realized now that he had not understood what they were trying to tell him. Sending him a look of reassurance and appreciation, he told him, "I understand what you mean now, Lantash. Sam's been trying to prepare and protect me, too." He paused and sent him a wry smile, before continuing, "I don't think that all the talking in the world would have prepared me for that, though. It's both terrifying and amazing."

As he continued to gaze at him, it dawned on Daniel that he was seeing something unexpected, too. All of this time, ever since they blended, he had been seeing an image of a man—not a symbiote—and not this man. This was a very handsome man. He was quite tall and had deep dark auburn-colored hair, more chestnut than red. A curl lie across his forehead, and even though he occasionally pushed it back, it would soon fall forward, yet again. His eyes were a deep dark blue, under dark well-shaped brows, and surrounded by long, slightly curved, dark-chestnut eyelashes that enhanced both their shape and their color. A patrician nose, high-sculpted cheekbones, beautifully shaped lips, and a strong jaw and chin rounded out the image. His skin tone was neither dark nor light, but a light golden color, which also intensified the deep mesmerizing blue of his eyes.

After gathering in his surprise and settling his composure, he realized that, as awkward as the conversation might be, he would still like to know what he was seeing and why. Lantash was watching him and, since Daniel had not yet learned how to shield his thoughts from his new mate, he smiled as his Lifemate began an attempt to question him about what he was 'seeing' when he 'saw' him. Smiling slightly at him, he first pulled his attention away from his mental gyrations, saying, "Daniel." He gave him a soft nudge and attempted to gain it once again, "Daniel, it is not a difficult question, and if you give me your attention, I will explain what you are 'perceiving" within your mind."

Daniel nodded, but told him, "Um, actually, I think I figured it out, but I'm not positive, so, if you wouldn't mind, I would appreciate it."

Lantash scanned his thoughts and was not surprised to find out that he was very near the truth. "Yes, your thoughts are very near to what is happening. When we first joined, the image that you saw, when you conversed with me looked vaguely like Martouf. However, when I showed you how our emotion and memories feel to us, I chose a memory from a very, very long time ago. Thus, the image you perceived was of Antonius, my very first host."

He paused for a short time to regroup and to reassemble his thoughts, before he once again began to explain things, "Because the image of Martouf is a painful one, for both of us, you kept your initial image of me out of focus, so as not to distract yourself or me with sorrow and pain. I felt your interest in and instinctive liking of Antonius. You have no negative emotions connected to him, as you do with Martouf. Therefore, you have supplanted, and over-ridden your image of me as Martouf, with the image of me as Antonius. It is normal to wish to curb our sorrow and grief by not 'seeing' me as Martouf."

He paused, giving Daniel a chance to ruminate on his explanation, before resuming, "I believe that very few hosts envision their symbiote as a symbiote. It is not a comforting soothing image. We know this and as a consequence, the substitution of a former host is very acceptable to us. As time goes by, and you see images of and learn things about other hosts that I have had, you may even change your mental impression of me. For now, you liked what you saw and sensed about Antonius. I believe that this is very near to your own thoughts on why this has happened."

"I agree, Lantash. I didn't realize it until you said it, but I was seeing you as a rather out of focus Martouf. I—I feel kind of guilty for not wanting to see you in his image." Daniel sighed, as he considered how very emotionally weak he must be.

"There is nothing to feel guilt about, Daniel, and it does not mean that you are emotionally weak. It is a coping mechanism, no more and no less." Lantash caressed him gently, and as he felt him relax, he reassured him, "It is very rare for a new host to choose the previous host, Daniel. We, that is the Tok'Ra symbiotes, can 'see' ourselves in your mind. So, if you chose to use Martouf, then the pain each time I saw him, would affect you, just as your pain would affect me. It is not being weak; it is being caring and kind…to both of us, though you may not have realized it until now."

"Certainly, the day will come, when we will no longer feel such intense pain from just his image, but that day will be far into the future. Although we bury our emotions, so that we can continue to function well, we can never bury all of the pain of the loss of the previous host. To have to be reminded every day and all day would be very difficult on both of us." He gave his new Lifemate a brief smile before adding, "You may be surprised to learn that many of my hosts have preferred Antonius. One can be handsome, more handsome than any other one has seen, yet there is that about them that repels or…perhaps not repels exactly, but does not encourage or engender in one that feeling of immediate warmth and liking. Antonius was very personable and well-liked by many people both male and female. His charisma and warmth played a very big part in the way others perceived him, and they almost always overlooked the fact that he was a very dangerous man. That, of course, was exactly what he, and then we, wished for them to do."

Daniel nodded slowly, as he contemplated what Lantash told him. He was correct, of course. Had he chosen to envision Lantash as Martouf, the pain it produced within them would have been much more than they could cope with for now. Knowing that he was doing something to help Lantash bear Martouf's loss helped him to accept his inclination and decision to see him as a long lost host without guilt or self-castigation.

Seeing, as well as sensing his agreement and understanding, Lantash told him, softly, "Now that you understand better what is going to occur, I will allow the blending to complete. It will start as soon as I do so, Daniel. Neither I nor you, once we are completely blended, will be able to stop the tide of memories and information. You may feel somewhat overwhelmed by the information, however, most of it, since it is not attached to recent emotions, will simply be available to you when you need or desire it. The recent emotional traumas and memories, however, and any past traumas that are deeply imprinted on either of us, will overcome both of us. Afterwards, our minds will continue to assimilate information and attune to one another. When you awake, you will know how to find and use information in both your mind and mine, as well as how to perform certain tasks."

Daniel frowned. "I'm not sure I understand, Lantash. What do you mean?"

"You will know how to keep my thoughts from infringing on yours. You will know how to listen to me and someone else at the same time. You will know how to access my information, and I will recognize and shy away from your private memories, until you place them in your private place. As you have new thoughts, or remember things you do not wish to share with me, you will know how to place them in your private place. All of those types of things will come fairly easily to you once you awaken. Samantha and I had a more difficult time, of course, since I did not complete our blending. That is why she would occasionally appear to, ah, "zone out" for a short time, as she listened to me, although she did not always have to do so. It became easier for her the longer we were together; however had I completely blended with her as I will with you, she would rarely have had that happen."

"I understand. I think that Sam told me that as well at some point, or maybe it was you." He gave Lantash a slight smile before admitting, "It was actually probably both of you at different times. Regardless, I do remember hearing that before."

Lantash nodded to him and then asked softly, "Do you believe that you are now ready for me to set the final steps into motion?"

A soft sigh answered him even before Daniel gave his verbal answer, murmuring, "I think that I'm as ready as I'll ever be. As we both know, there isn't really any way that I can truly be prepared for what's about to take place. Let's just do it and get it over with." He drew a deep breath and then gave him his trademark decisive nod. "Do it now, Lantash. I'm ready."

Lantash embraced him swiftly, even as he finished the final connections and allowed the transfer and deeper blending to begin. He was no more ready for the remainder of the memories that flooded them than Daniel was. He kept his embrace steady and felt Daniel returning it as Sam's emotions flowed through them, filling them with the agony of her grief.

For Daniel it was as if they were once again in the Gateroom. He watched from where Martouf had thrown him, as Sam walked in aiming at Martouf. He could no more stop what he was seeing and feeling than he could stop the tides. He had always known that it had taken a lot of resolve and courage to kill them. Feeling her emotions as it took place, though, was completely different. He couldn't believe the pain that filled her as she ran forward and caught them in her arms. Her grief was all-consuming and overwhelming. So overwhelming that he knew that had they been standing and awake, he would have gone to his knees and barely been able to breathe. He felt Lantash's embrace tighten as he, too, relived Sam's agony. Oh, God, how had she survived this? Lantash had no answer and Daniel knew that when they lived through his memories of it that it would be just as bad or worse. And then he couldn't even think. All he could do was feel.

Sam drew in a shuddering breath and loosened her hold on Malek and Devlin as she relaxed against them. The memories had once again been Lantash's...and Martouf's. She hadn't believed that she had any more tears to shed, but she'd been wrong. Reliving their final moments together had been one of the hardest things she'd faced.

During their time together, Lantash had been very careful to keep as many of these memories from her as he could, however he had not been able to erase them, and no matter that he had attempted to keep them from imprinting on her, they had been too intense, too agonizingly heart wrenching not to have done so. They had discussed the possibility that they would come forward, so at least she had not been completely unprepared. But she also knew that no amount of preparation would have truly prepared her for the memories of those moments, those emotions, those words…or that pain.

Malek placed a cool damp cloth over her eyes and she sighed with the relief that it brought. She couldn't ever remember crying this much, not even when her mother was killed. But then, she'd had only her own grief causing her reactions, then. Now, she had hers, Lantash's, and Martouf's. She couldn't help thinking of Daniel and Lantash. Both of them would be going through all of them and Daniel's, as well. Lantash would help him though, just as he had helped her, and knowing Daniel, he would help Lantash, too.

Knowing there was nothing she could do for them, she forced her thoughts away from them. Worrying about how they were doing would help neither them nor her. And reliving her own memories and emotions of that day appeared to have stopped, at least for now. Malek had told her that when that began to happen, there was a good possibility that they wouldn't resurface again, or if they did, they would be less intense. She certainly hoped he was right. She had lost track of the number of times she'd relived them. But then, she didn't have any idea of how many times she'd relived Lantash and Martouf's either.

She opened her eyes as Malek removed the cloth. As she released him and rolled onto her back, she felt him sit up and lean toward the bedside table. When he turned back to her, he had his healing device and was slipping it onto his hand.

He smiled briefly at her, saying, "Your head is aching again and your eyes are hurting, Samantha. There is no reason for you to suffer in this way when I can take care of it within a few minutes. Close your eyes and allow me to take care of this for you."

She nodded and did as he requested. The cloth was helpful and felt good, but there was no doubt that this was even better. He had already done it a few times for her. She sighed with relief as the burning aching eyes, the headache, and the stuffiness that always accompanied a crying jag simply went away. She gave him a smile, as it shut down, and opening her eyes, she told him, "Thank you, Malek. That feels much better."

"You are most welcome. It is a very simple thing to do, as you know."

She nodded. "How long has it been?"

He glanced at the clock before telling her, "Almost nine hours, Samantha. Are you feeling sleepy or hungry? You did not eat much earlier. I understand how you feel, however, if you can eat something and then sleep some, it would probably be very beneficial."

Her first response was negative, but she stopped herself and took stock of how she actually felt. He was right. She did feel slightly hungry. Perhaps eating something would be a good idea. It certainly wouldn't hurt. She'd kept a little something in her stomach, so her nausea hadn't really been a problem, but she hadn't actually eaten much more than some crackers and toast, so a meal would probably be a very good idea. And sleep sounded good, too. Perhaps she should try to rest again. The last time she'd tried she hadn't had any of the dreams she'd had the first two times that she'd tried to nap. However, the few minutes of sleep the she did manage weren't enough for her to feel at all rested.

"It think you're right, Malek, and I could probably eat something. Trying to sleep some would probably be a good idea, as well. So, that being the case, I think I'm going to go wash up."

"Very well. I will see if someone can bring us up something to eat, unless you would rather go downstairs."

Sam looked thoughtful, but finally shook her head. "I don't believe so, Malek. I have no way of knowing when it will happen again, and I think you were right when you said that holding the memories off sometimes made it worse. Letting them come and simply living through them seems much less traumatic. As you said, they produce enough trauma without fighting against them. I'd rather not have them start somewhere else, though, so yeah, go ahead and see if anyone can bring us up something, if you wouldn't mind."

"I do not mind at all. I am rather hungry myself. Go ahead and I will see what I can do."

Sending him a smile, she turned and walked into the bathroom.

Malek rested his head against the headboard of the bed and sighed silently. Devlin caressed him softly, murmuring, "She has done very well, really, Malek, do you not agree?"

"She has done exceptionally well, Dev. She is, as Lantash told us, an extremely strong woman, and I thank the Goddess that it is so."

"Do you…" Devlin paused briefly, before continuing, "Do you believe that she will continue to be so? Do you feel that she will remain…with us?"

Malek smiled slightly. "Yes, I do. I truly believe that the danger of her becoming lost within the pain and her mind has passed. It is obvious that the memory episodes are becoming both farther apart and less intense. It has been almost twelve hours and she has managed to both eat and nap. The sleep she is in this time however is deeper. More like a true sleep rather than a nap. In fact, I believe that I will go down and check in with Selmak and Jacob. She has the com should she awaken and need us, and I feel sure that she would use it."

Devlin nodded his agreement, telling him, "I think that she would, too. Selmak and Jacob should be about finished with their turn of remaining with Lantash and Daniel. I am sure that Samantha will want to know what we have heard about their condition when she awakens."

Malek checked her again, and then quietly moved to the edge of the bed and stood. "I agree, and since she has only been asleep for a very short time, I believe that now would be a good time to go. And, as you stated, Selmak and Jacob should be finishing now. We may as well stretch our legs and, at the same time, save them the trip up the stairs."

Devlin grinned at him. "Quite true. I am ready when you are, although; do not be surprised if I fall asleep. I think I am beginning to become rather sleepy myself."

"It would probably be a good idea for you to sleep now, anyway, Dev. I plan on sleeping when we return, if Samantha is still deeply asleep."

"I do not think I will have any problem falling asleep, I assure you. Emotions can be as tiring as physical labor, when they are so very intense. And I am well aware that you have been keeping our emotions at bay as much as possible, but neither of us could control all of them, therefore; I know that you must be very tired by now, just as I am."

As they left the bathroom, a stop Malek had decided that they needed to make, he nodded his agreement. "You are correct, Mer Prinekh. I am very tired, too. Emotionally, I feel drained, as well.

Malek reached the bottom of the staircase and smiled slightly as Devlin gave him a gentle caress. Feeling his agreement, he sent a few sleep inducing chemicals his way and felt him begin to drowse. He would be asleep within minutes.

He stepped off the bottom step just as Selmak exited the den. They gave him a tired smile and indicated their intention to go into the kitchen. Malek fell into step beside them. Perhaps he would have a light snack, too.

"How is she doing, Malek? I have to assume that she's sleeping or taking a bath or something or, you wouldn't be down here," Jacob came fore and opened the refrigerator, as he asked his question.

Malek nodded his agreement, even as he told him, "She is sleeping, Jacob, and it appears to be a deeper sleep this time. Her memory episodes are becoming farther apart and less emotionally devastating. How are Lantash and Daniel doing? Are they still doing as well as they were the last time you spoke to us?"

"Lantash came fore for a few minutes about a half hour ago. He said that Daniel was finally sleeping and that he, too, planned to attempt to nap for a time. They have been worrying about Sam, so he felt that he should take the opportunity presented and find out. I told him that he and Daniel could both stop worrying. Selmak said he was fairly sure that she would have had the worst of her reactions by now and, since she was still with us, he felt it would be safe to tell them that she came through it okay. From what you've said, I have to assume that he was correct."

"I agree. She will be fine. Your daughter is a very strong woman, Jacob. I know that Lantash is aware of that, too, but I am also sure that fact did not stop him from worrying. I am very glad that they are doing well. That, too, will help Samantha. I will tell her as soon as she awakens. Devlin just fell asleep and I plan to take a short rest myself while she is resting. Should Lantash come fore again, you will be able to assure him that she is, indeed, doing very well."

Jacob nodded and swallowed the bite of food he was chewing, before answering, "I will. And, I think Sel and I are going to hit the bed, too. It's been a pretty long and stressful day for all of us. However, if you should need me, don't hesitate to get me up, okay?"

Malek agreed, saying, "I will, Jacob, do not worry that I would not. Get some rest and I will see you in a few hours. Should you need either of us, you must do the same."

They left the kitchen and headed up the stairs. "Anise is with them now, and she knows that we want to keep Sam and you informed, so she would, I'm sure. See you later, Malek. Give my love to Sam."

"I will, Jacob. Sleep well."

He entered the room where Sam slept and was pleased to see that she still appeared to be sleeping soundly and comfortably. He slipped into the bed with her and cautiously moved her back into his arms. As she snuggled closer to him, he closed his eyes. He was asleep within minutes.

Per'sus and Selmak stood on the deck and watched the moon as it slowly made its way across the night sky. The relief they both felt at the positive outcome of the recent events was palpable between them. Finally turning to Per'sus, Selmak asked him, "Do you have any ideas on who could have turned them, Per'sus?"

Per'sus grimaced. "No. Unfortunately I do not." He shrugged, before adding, "While I believe that Thoran is very much against the alliance, I am not so sure that he would go to these lengths to stop it. Causing disruption and dissent, I firmly believe he is capable of doing. Cold blooded murder, however, is not something of which I feel so confident."

Selmak snorted, before telling him, "I wish I could agree with you, Per'sus." He sighed tiredly, before adding, "He was on Malek's base, today when I went to retrieve Arwanna and Gava. I knew he was in the hallway, and I was very specific that Malek had been injured and was very possibly dying. I made sure to speak loudly enough that he would hear me. Within minutes, he came in and ordered both Arwanna and Gava to help Calise with an inventory of all of the medical bays on all of the bases…to start at once." He glanced at Per'sus, and seeing the stunned look on his face, he added, "If that is not close to cold blooded murder of another Tok'Ra, then I do not know what else I would call it."

He sighed once more, before continuing, "However, that does not make him the one that turned Lantash and Martouf, and I will admit that I have given Samantha's theory some serious thought. It is possible that a Tok'Ra has been turned and is doing it unknowingly. All we can hope is that if that is true, either Lantash will remember, or that person to whom it was done will start to remember…or, perhaps, to act out of character in some way that becomes apparent to us."

The men turned around, as Anise and Arwanna joined them, and it suddenly struck Per'sus that Martouf's body was alone and unprotected. He looked appalled and spoke quickly, as they neared them, "Anise, we have forgotten that Martouf is now unguarded. One of you must return at once and hope that nothing has happened to destroy your work."

Arwanna looked both surprised and confused, as she told him, "But, Per'sus, he is with Daimesh and Markesh. I spoke to them before I left. Since it seemed so odd to me that Anise would have insisted that Martouf be completely isolated and kept under constant surveillance, while she was gone, I made sure that I reminded Daimesh and Markesh of our agreement to her, before she came to the Tau'ri. I also spoke with Zarest. We had already placed his stasis chamber within a cell and only the three of them, Gava, Anise, and I know the combination to deactivate the shielding. Not only will one of them always be with him, but Zarest also assigned Malek's guards to keep watch. I would not have left without making arrangements." She paused, and looked away from them, for a moment, before confessing, "I think that I knew even before I arrived here that something was not as it should be concerning Martouf's body, but I have not admitted that, even unto myself, until now."

Both Selmak and Per'sus relaxed, as she explained what she had done. Per'sus gave her a wry smile, as he told her, "I apologize, Arwanna; I should have known that you would not forget that responsibility. I must also hope that no one else realizes how—strange—it is to be keeping him in such a manner."

Anise shook her head, as she told him, "I made sure, before I left, that it was well-known that I felt responsible for his death and that, therefore, I would allow no one, no one at all, access to him. I also made very sure that it was known that I had given my word to Samantha Carter that Martouf and Lantash would not have died for naught; it would not be in vain. Arwanna's suspicions were no doubt aroused because she knows me so well, and we have worked together rather closely. Gava, too, may have had some vague feelings of unease, at my actions, but I doubt she would have voiced them, even to herself. At least, not until now."

"Yes, she did, but as you say, like me, she didn't admit to them, until after this all came out. I would imagine that the others have accepted that feelings of guilt, remorse, and mourning, as well as your promises to Samantha, have caused you to be overly protective of your quest to find out all that you can. I do not believe that we need feel any concern about anyone else finding your actions suspicious. I know that Daimesh is convinced that is why you are insisting on such precautions. He believes that you feel strongly that you and you alone must be the one to find out how it is done, and then, discover how to prevent it ever happening again."

Gava joined them, stating, "I agree. That is exactly how Markesh looks upon it, as well. If the two of them are not suspicious, then I very much doubt that anyone else is either. Not even…" She paused and shrugged her shoulders, before continuing, "Not even those who would do all they can to disrupt and destroy this alliance."

At her, as well as Arwanna and Anise's comments, it was obvious that the two men relaxed even further. "Thank you. We must all hope that you are correct, and it does appear to be a logical assumption, at least for now," Per'sus nodded to them, as he spoke.

Beside him, Selmak asked, "Are Calise and Garshaw with Daniel and Lantash?"

Gava nodded, telling them, "Yes, Calise took my place, as Garshaw relieved Anise not long ago. Both had eaten and rested, so they said they will be quite all right, for a few hours, if we feel that we should still be staying with them. I know we said that we would stop our constant vigil several hours ago; however, I do not think that any of us have felt completely comfortable with leaving them completely alone, at least, not until now. I must admit that I am beginning to feel that we could very possibly do so within the next hour or so. What do you think, Arwanna?"

"I agree, and, in fact, Anise and I were discussing that very thing right before we came out here. We are both of the opinion that it would be acceptable to leave the constant vigil and begin to simply check on them periodically. Well, unless someone simply wants to remain with them, that is."

"In that case, I would say that once Calise and Garshaw are ready to be relieved, we can do as you suggest." Selmak looked to Per'sus to see if he, too, believed that the time for constant oversight had ended.

He didn't respond at once, but when he did it was to voice his agreement, "Yes, I, too, believe that it is time to do so. It has been almost eighteen hours, has it not?"

Anise and Selmak nodded their agreement with his statement. They had all taken time to rest and eat, therefore none of them was in a hurry to go back inside, and making their way from the deck railing to the patio furniture they found seats and sat chatting quietly.

Suddenly Gava chuckled, before asking them, "Have any of you talked to Calise about the great napus mystery?"

"Napus mystery? What could possibly be mysterious about a napus? Other than why anyone would really care to eat one?" Jacob had come fore and found the entire idea somewhat ludicrous, since a napus was nothing more than what the Tau'ri called a turnip. For some reason their cooks seemed to think they were a great side-dish and whenever they could manage to acquire some they were served them almost every day, for as long as they lasted.

"Well, it seems that we received several cases of them a few days ago…and they have disappeared. They have looked everywhere for them, and not one of them is left on the base. At least, so far no one has found any of them. Or if they have, they aren't admitting it."

"You're joking, right?"

Gava shook her head. "No, Jacob, I am not. It is the strangest thing. One case of them had already been washed, and they were left out to dry, and the others were in the kitchen storage area. When the cooks went in the next morning, every one of them had disappeared. And, so far, anyway, no one has admitted to seeing anything unusual."

Per'sus shook his head, as he listened. "How very bizarre. Are they still attempting to find out who has stolen them?" He shook his head again, as he murmured, "Why would someone steal napus? It makes no sense."

Jacob snickered. "Well, it sounds to me like someone decided that they just couldn't face eating them every day. Maybe they didn't steal them. Maybe they just zatted them out of existence. If they didn't find them anywhere, then unless the gate guards were all asleep, they couldn't have sent them into the gate, so they had to have disposed of them somehow. I suppose they could have taken them and buried them in the sand someplace, but still the gate guards should have seen them with them. Perhaps it's a conspiracy." He laughed aloud, but then suddenly sobered, as he added, "Or a diversion." He paused once more, and frowned, before adding slowly, "Or…"

As his voice trailed off, Per'sus finished his thought, "Or someone is beginning to act somewhat out of character—somewhat strangely. Should these incidents continue to occur, it is definitely something that we should do our best to solve."

Selmak came fore and nodded his agreement. It was a place to start looking, anyway. Silence descended on the group as they each became lost in their own thoughts of what might lie ahead and each determined to do everything they could to see this mission to a successful end. They were all in this together, and they would find the answer. And if they were very lucky, it would be soon.

TBC