When he had first arrived, he had told Sam that he would never forget all that had happened to him in his own reality, believing it to be true. But the human mind protects itself, and already the worst of his experiences were beginning to fade. As the saying goes, time heals, and Daniel was forced to agree. He was, in fact, shocked at the ease with which he was fitting into his new life. For the most part the base personnel treated him as though he had just come back from an extended vacation, accepting his presence unconditionally.

And Jack. Jack was always there, always being...Jack. Constantly pushing, chipping away at his defences. Constantly trying to push him into a relationship he desperately wanted, but was still not ready for. Perhaps it was time to move, find his own apartment. Living in Jack's home, waking up every morning to breakfast with the man he loved wasn't exactly making it easy to keep his distance. Then again, perhaps it was time to re-think his objections and allow himself the comfort of Jack's love. Daniel sighed, looking up as the door opened, expecting to see the object of his desire. "Hey Jack, I'm nearly...oh...it's you. What do you want, Quinn?"

"Dr.Jackson...I'm sorry. I didn't realise you were in here."

"This is my office. Where else would I be?"

"Of course, I...forgot...you were...um...back."

"Forgot. Right. So...back to my original question...what do you want, Quinn?"

"I came to exchange these books..."

"This isn't a library."

"I know that, but you were gone, and no-one had any objections to my studying the books here..."

"My books."

"Your books. Look...Dr.Jackson...I don't want to fight with you. The truth is, I admired you when we first met and I would really appreciate the opportunity to get to know you better."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes, really. I'm aware of the actions of my alternate in your reality, and I'm ashamed that I so nearly did the same..."

"What changed your mind?"

"What?"

"Why did you change your mind...why come here?"

"I...Colonel O'Neill convinced me that my government would only use the naquadria to destroy our world. He told me that your people needed it to develop a defensive shield. That's why I brought the naquadria here, on the condition that any new technology would be shared with Kalona. I want the same thing you do, Dr.Jackson...for my world to be safe. Please, can't we be friends?"

"I don't know if that's possible...at least...not yet. Maybe in time, if I can be sure of your honesty...then perhaps things can be different."

"All I'm asking for is a chance to redeem myself...to prove that I am different..."

"Yo, Daniel? All set for the briefing?" As always, Jack catapulted through Daniel's door without bothering to knock, sure of his welcome. He pulled up short at sight of the room's other, unexpected, occupant. "Oh, Quinn, what a surprise...come to welcome Daniel to the SGC have you? A bit late since he's been here ten days already, but hey, better late than never, right?"

"Naturally, I'm pleased that Dr.Jackson is to remain at the SGC Colonel."

"Of course you are."

"Jack, it's fine. We should go, I really don't want to be late for my very first meeting." And Quinn...you're welcome to borrow any book you want."

"He wanted to be friends...apparently."

"Oh, really?"

"So he says."

"You buying it?"

"Not entirely. He may not have behaved exactly like the Jonas Quinn in my reality, but his character is essentially the same, with the same propensity for betrayal. I'm reserving judgement for now."

"I'm with you on that one. I'd say he definitely bears watching, especially since he's become such a favourite of Colonel Simmons."

"You're kidding, Simmons?"

"Simmons. Loves him, tried to get him assigned to SG-1."

"He wanted to replace me with that...that..."

"Don't worry Daniel, no way was that going to happen...I'd have resigned first."

"Quinn on SG-1...god...what were they thinking?"

"Gratitude for the naquadria I guess...who knows why those people do anything."

"One thing I am sure of, Simmons wouldn't do anything unless there was something in it for him. We need to be careful Jack. I don't trust Simmons, and if Quinn..."

"Woah, Daniel...starting to sound a little paranoid here buddy."

"Sorry...you're right. Let's just get on with this briefing."

"Right. Got all your stuff?"

"Yes, Jack. I've got all my stuff."

"Mummy wrappings?"

"Mummy wrappings. Also the inventor of embalming. The Egyptians personified death very realistically, as this passage from the Coffin Text of the Middle Kingdom shows: 'Save me from the claws of him who takes for himself what he sees: may the glowing breath of his mouth not take me away.'"

"Death god, huh? Claws and glowing breath? Sounds like a fun guy."

"Life and soul of the party...or not. He was long associated with the Osirian mortuary ritual, later becoming the 'psychopompos', or guide of the dead. It was his job to lead the dead to the place of judgement after death and supervise the weighing of the heart. Traditionally, he's shown as a black jackal or a dog, both of which roamed the cemeteries of Egypt."

"Daniel, what exactly was his connection to Osiris?"

"Actually, Sam, there's quite a strong connection. After Osiris was killed by Seth, Anubis was one of the gods who supposedly raised him to life again. Also, in the Pyramid Texts of the Book of the Dead, Osiris is presented as the judge of the dead. It was to him that the dead were directed to make their first 'Declaration of Innocence' and he also presides at the weighing of the souls. Actually, the dual role of both judge and saviour is fascinating, because a similar one occurs much later in Christianity, where..."

"Daniel."

"Sorry."

"But Daniel, why would Osiris now be in service to Anubis?"

"I have no idea, Sam. I guess things have changed. How about you Teal'c?"

"I have little knowledge of Anubis DanielJackson. Apophis believed him to be dead."

"Yes, that's right. At the summit, all of the system lords clearly thought he was dead, Yu even said as much. They didn't seem too happy that he was back either. "

"Not surprising since he'd been attacking them all."

"Were you able to establish where he's been all this time, Dr.Jackson?"

"Possibly. There isn't too much information about his fate, but from what I can make out, he was exiled and somehow imprisoned by Ra. I've narrowed the location down to a place called Nedjet, historically located near Abydos in Upper Egypt. I'm guessing that it's also a Stargate destination."

"I'd say that was a pretty good guess Daniel. Any clue what the address might be?"

"Jack, the Book of the Dead is a historical document, not a telephone directory. I was hoping maybe Teal'c?..."

"I am not familiar with any such planet. Is there any additional information that may help with its identification?"

"Yes, yes...um...it's where Isis and Nepthys found Osiris after he had been killed by Seth. Does that help at all?"

"It does. The legend of Osiris' death is well known on Chulak. I believe the planet on which he was discovered and later revived is in the Mithrian system."

"And you know the address."

"I do, O'Neill."

"Sweet. General, I suggest we make this a priority. The last thing we need is to have one of those snakeheads running around out there with such advanced technology."

"Agreed, Colonel. We'll send a MALP through at 0800 tomorrow, and provided everything checks out you have a go. People, you're dismissed."

"Oh, great, a big, empty room. Hate it when that happens."

Daniel smiled over at Jack. "Well, if you see any strange objects in the walls don't go sticking your head in them."

"Hey, that was not my fault, it grabbed me."

"Okay people, any comments. Dr.Jackson, do you believe that this place is connected to the Ancients?"

"I don't think so, sir. This writing form is completely different. Actually, I've never seen anything quite like this before. How about you Teal'c?"

"I have not."

"General, I don't see a DHD here."

"Well, that would make sense, Sam."

"How so Daniel?"

"The legend says that Anubis was imprisoned, removing the DHD would be a pretty good way of doing that...like on Hadante."

"Good point, but what about the folks who built this place, can't see them being too happy about losing their property."

"Possibly they were no longer in residence O'Neill."

"Right...yes...that's right. He was supposed to be alone in his exile...that was his punishment...to be alone for eternity."

God, Jack thought, he must have really pissed off Ra. "Any ideas on how he broke out of jail?"

"He must have developed some kind of power source to be able to activate the gate, sir, maybe something like our naquada reactor, or..."

"Or maybe someone let him out."

"Who?"

"How would I know Jack, I only said maybe."

"Well, whatever happened here, I think we need to take a look. General?"

"Have your team geared up and ready to embark in thirty minutes, Colonel. Good luck SG-1."

"Incredible. I suggest we find the door, kids, or this is going to be a very short trip. Oh, and don't anybody touch anything. Right, Daniel?"

"Huh? Oh, okay. Don't touch anything. Fine. Sam, you're right, this place really is amazing." Daniel knelt to retrieve his palmcorder from his pack, wanting to record as much of the alien writing as possible. As he moved toward the walls one entire section slid back to reveal a bright, sunlit hallway. "Ah, Jack...doorway."

"Ya think?"

"It must be motion activated. My god this is..."

"Incredible?"

"Yes sir. Incredible. If this place was abandoned by the original inhabitants as long ago as Daniel thinks it was, then surely all we should be looking at is a pile of ruins. So why aren't we? These buildings look almost new, and what is this material they're made of? It looks like glass, but that's just not possible."

"Well, we're not going to find out anything standing here. Carter, Teal'c, get the naquada reactor set up in case we need to make a quick getaway. Daniel, you're with me." Jack stepped through the doorway, lifting his face to the sun. He gave a low whistle at his first sight of the building housing the Stargate. Damn, it looks just like a huge marble imbedded in the ground, he thought to himself. Sweet. He gave Daniel a wide grin as he approached, indicating his surroundings with an expansive wave of his arm. "What do you think, Danny? Did these guys like round or what?"

Daniel smiled at Jack's description, finding it remarkably apposite. He found himself standing in a large gleaming dome, with several arched passageways leading off in various directions. Scattered around were a number of circular protrusions made from the same substance as the floor, possibly some type of seating. Through the transparent walls, other similar structures were visible, the whole city shimmering in the bright sunlight like rows of crystal goblets. "They do seem to have had an aversion to angles, don't they?"

"So, Daniel...how does your first trip through the Stargate in this reality feel?"

"My god, I hadn't even realised...this all just feels so...right."

"It is right Daniel. This is where you belong, with SG-1...with me."

"Yes, yes it is."

"Daniel..."

"The naquada reactor's all set up and ready to go, sir."

"Ah, Carter, Teal'c...good...that's good. Right then, let's check this place out. Teal'c you and..."

"I think it's that way."

"Daniel, how could you possibly know that?"

"Well, I don't know it exactly, it just seems the most likely since all the other passages lead outside and that one goes further in. I could be wrong, but..."

"Oh, I doubt that, Daniel. You hardly ever are. Okay then, that way it is. Heads up kids, this place may look deserted, but you can never trust a snakehead."

"Why leave his sarcophagus? It doesn't make sense. Is it possible that he may still be using this place?"

"I don't think so, Sam. Anubis was confined on this planet...alone...for millennia. I very much doubt he'd want to come back here once he was able to get away."

"As to the sarcophagus MajorCarter, is it not possible that he was unable to transport it through the Stargate."

"Teal'c has a point. There's a limit to how much he could carry on his own, and that thing is not exactly portable."

"Whatever. We don't take any chances here, especially as we still have no clue how he was able to leave."

"O'Neill, I believe I have found a clue."

"Of course you have. What you got big guy?" Jack stopped in shock at the sight that greeted him, not even noticing as Sam and Daniel came to stand behind him."

"Oh my god. Are they dead?"

"I'd say so, wouldn't you? If Anubis did this, then they must have been in there for months." Jack reached out a hand to the surface of the bubble, which glowed at his touch. He crouched down, putting him at eyelevel with the five, apparently human, occupants. He could well understand Daniel's question since none of the bodies showed any sign of decomposition, although two had obviously severe wounds. "Does anyone else think they look like they're in uniform?"

"Yes, sir. I'd say they'd be at about the same level of technological advancement as us too. It's likely that they knew about the missing DHD and brought some type of power source to activate the Stargate. If Anubis were able to get his hands on something like that...well...it would certainly explain how he was able to leave this planet. I wonder who they are, and why they're here."

"The same as us probably, Carter...exploring the universe. Considering the number of Stargates out there, it's hardly surprising that we aren't the only ones travelling to other worlds."

Sam pressed a hand to the invisible shield, her razor-sharp mind already analysing it's potential. "Shame we can't ask them. We could use some new allies."

"Maybe we can."

"Daniel, they're dead. You thinking of holding a seance?"

"Don't be an ass Jack. I was thinking of the sarcophagus. Couldn't we use it to revive them."

"I don't know Daniel, they've probably been dead way too long for the healing properties to be of any use to them."

"We don't know that Sam. They've obviously been preserved somehow; maybe it could still work. Surely it's worth a try."

"Yes, it is. First thing we have to do is get them out of this thing though."

"Yes sir, it's clearly some sort of forcefield, possibly even the same technology Anubis is using to protect his fleet."

"I'm sure it is, Carter. Knowing that doesn't really help us get it down though, does it? Take a look around, see if you can find something that looks like a control panel."

Sg-1 began searching for a way to release the captive team, well aware that it could just as easily have been their fate. Being an intrepid space explorer was without a doubt exiting, rewarding, exhilarating, and any other ing you could imagine. Unfortunately, the downside was the almost constant danger. Jack hated to think of all the times one or more of his team had been almost dead, presumed dead, even all the way dead. And then Daniel had been finally, irrevocably gone. Ascended. Taken a new path, one that led away from Jack...away from them all.

Jack looked across to where a different Daniel was engrossed in a pile of parchment scrolls. Different, but still very much his Daniel. What's more, a Daniel who had openly declared his love for Jack. A smile crossed his lips as he thought of their growing closeness. Although still wary of pursuing a relationship, Daniel's objections were becoming less and less definite, and Jack knew it wouldn't be long now. Perhaps it was time to take another shot at convincing him that they belonged together...maybe once this mission was over they could...

"Jack, this is amazing. It's a sort of...a...a...dictionary I guess. Anubis needed to translate the language of this world in order to access the technology here. It must have taken him centuries."

"He would have had considerably more time than that DanielJackson. The Goa'uld can be remarkably single-minded where their own welfare is concerned. I am certain that he would have used all the resources available to him in his attempts to escape his prison."

"Why didn't he take it with him? You'd think he'd want to stop anyone else having access to his discoveries. Why leave all this for us to find?"

"He took anything relating to any new technology and left the rest behind. I expect he didn't need it anymore. You know how arrogant the Goa'uld are, Sam. It would never occur to him that these papers could be used by anyone else, least of all those 'Tauri scum'. As far as he's concerned, humans are of use only as slaves or hosts. And bear in mind that when Anubis was first confined here, Earth was barely civilised. He could never have anticipated the level of sophistication we've achieved. Do you have any idea..."

"Daniel! Can you get this forcefield down or not?"

"Oh...right...yes, I think so, Jack. The controls should be over by the wall."

"Found it. Does your little book say how it works?"

"It has sonic controls. We have to feed in the right sequence of tones to de-activate the shield."

"And the right sequence would be?"

"Give me a minute, Jack. I have to translate the alien language into Goa'uld first, then into English. It's a little more complex than 'the cat sat on the mat'. Okay, got it." Daniel passed his hand over the keys, producing a strangely melodic tune. As the last note sounded, the forcefield gave a low whine and flickered out.

"Woah, that is not a good smell." Jack could barely believe his eyes...or his nose. The minute the bodies were exposed to the atmosphere they began to decompose rapidly, until all that was left were five piles of dust. "Guess they must have come from planet Vampire."

"Jack, you are watching way too much Buffy."

"Hey, don't diss Buffy, she's got a lot of problems."

"How sad. Well, I guess the sarcophagus is out."

"It is. Perhaps if we were to apply some blood. I believe that was most successful for Dracula."

"Teal'c, Dracula is a fictional character. There are no vampires."

"I see. Then you were making a joke O'Neill. Most amusing."

"Amusing...right. Need to work on that sense of humour Teal'c."

"Indeed."

"So, any ideas on why they...uhm...crumbled?"

"No, sir. We should probably take back a sample for study so that..."

"Eeew, Carter. A Sample? You're talking about human...ish...remains."

"I'm aware of that, sir, but it's the only way we have of finding out what caused them to decompose in that way. We need to know if Anubis has a weapon capable of this type of destruction."

"Yes, I know, you're right. Get your sample."

"Teal'c, would you pass me...oh...wait...what's this?" Sam bent to retrieve the object, examining it closely. "I think it's some sort of recording device...let me just...there, that's got it." Sam paused as a new voice filled the room, the words sounding vaguely familiar.

"Hey, I know that language...at least...that word, I definitely recognise that word. It means destroy, right?"

"Yes, it does. And you should recognise this language; it's similar to the one you had downloaded into your brain by the Ancients. It's possible that the planet the other team came from is associated with them. We really need to find out where their home world is."

"I wonder why their own people never came looking for them?"

"They might have come but found nothing. I've seen this symbol before. It was on the outside of the sphere housing the Stargate. I think there's a way to...um...lock the door. Think about it Jack. If the door hadn't opened automatically we would never have found a way out of that one room. If Anubis disabled the remote activation after the fist team came through then..."

"Then anyone following them through would find an empty room. With no obvious way out they would have to assume that the same thing had happened with the previous team..."

"Right. Anubis had probably already removed their dialling device, so they might think that they had tried to leave through the Stargate and..."

"And something went wrong in transit..."

"Then they would have no reason to come back here again."

"That makes sense, Daniel, but why would Anubis not lock up behind him when he left?"

"I didn't see this symbol anywhere inside the room, so I'm guessing that it can only be locked from the outside."

Jack almost laughed out loud as Sam and Daniel once again demonstrated their twins separated at birth act. God, he loved this job. "Well, maybe that tape will explain a few things. Think you can translate it?"

"Oh yes, that one's easy. It's the other one that will be hard." Daniel smiled at Jack, practically bouncing with glee at having two whole new languages to translate. Jack returned his smile, glad to see Daniel so happy. And, damn, he was cute when he got exited.

"Okay kids, time to go home. Grab whatever you need and let's get out of here. Another team can come back and pick up the goodies."

"The NID should be happy, they've been wanting to get their hands on a sarcophagus for ages. I hate to think what they'll get up to with it."

"I do not believe they will be in any danger, DanielJackson. One must first possess a soul in order to lose it."

"Good point, Teal'c."

"Okay, we all set? Yes? Right then, wagon's roll..."

"O'Neill, I fear I have no wagon."

"It's an expression Teal'c...an expression. I can see I need to expose you to more pop culture."

"I see. In that case I am ready to 'roll my wagon'."

"You shouldn't encourage him, Teal'c. It just makes him worse."

"Hey, not fair. I'm a really funny guy"

"Indeed."

"Not in the hour since the briefing, no."

"Oh. Look, Daniel...uhm. Daniel..."

"Yes?"

"Gimme a minute, I'm thinking. Okay...right...Daniel...um...Daniel, don't you think we've spent enough time worrying about whether or not it's right for us to be together? I mean, really, by now anyone else..."

"Yes."

"Dammit Daniel, don't interrupt, this isn't easy you know. Anyway...what?"

"Yes."

"Yes you...um...or...what?"

"Yes, I think we've spent enough time worrying about whether or not it's right for us to be together."

"You do?"

"Yes. I've been thinking for awhile that we should move things on, and I realised on this mission that...well...that life's to short to waste any of it. I'm sure we'll have a lot to sort out. We still have to work together after all, and I don't want our relationship adversely affecting the team. One thing I am sure of though, whatever problems we have, we can handle them better together."

"Damn."

"You're not pleased? I thought you'd be pleased. Jack, if you've changed your mind..."

"Of course I haven't changed my mind. It's just that...you know...I had this whole speech prepared and everything. It was a really good speech too..."

"It sounded like it was going to be really good. That first part was excellent."

"Really? Ya think? I was going to mention working out our problems together too. Oh...and I had this whole bit about the reality we make for ourselves being the only one that matters..."

"That's a really good point Jack, you would definitely have got me with that one."

"Yeah?"

"Absolutely. No question. So...um...what happens now?"

"Well, I guess we...um...we could...um. To be perfectly honest Daniel, I hadn't really thought beyond getting you to agree that we ought to do something."

"Oh. Okay. Maybe we should...um...go..."

"Home?"

"Right. Home. Maybe we should go home. Now."

"Yes. Now works for me."

"Good."

"Good. So...um...shall we?"

"Yes...yes...let's...um...now."

"Great, okay." Jack grinned at Daniel, reaching out a hand. Sadly, whatever he had been intending was interrupted by the shrill tones of the desk phone. "Dammit. Whoever it is, tell them you're busy."

Daniel shot Jack a shy smile as he picked up the receiver. "Yes? Oh, hello General. No I hadn't left yet. Yes, he's here with me. What, right now? No, sir, no problem. Yes, yes, of course, we'll be right there."

"Crap."

"Damn."

"Why couldn't you tell him you were busy?"

"Oh, right, that would work: 'I'm sorry General Hammond sir, Jack and I can't make it to the meeting because we have to go home and make like bunnies'. I'm sure he'd be very understanding, Jack."

"We were going to make like bunnies?"

"I don't know about you, but I was certainly thinking along those lines."

"Crap. Crap, crap, crap and damn. Hold that thought Daniel...with any luck it'll be a really short meeting."

"Yes, we'd really like to know, just so we can avoid doing it again."

"Dr.Jackson, I'm delighted to see you so well. You've been missed."

"Oh, I'm sure it made your day hearing I was at the SGC."

"Gentlemen, take a seat."

Jack and Daniel moved to sit beside Sam and Teal'c, both of whom were looking decidedly unhappy. With the General in his usual place at the head of the table, that left Simmons alone, opposite SG-1. For a long moment no one spoke, until Jack raised his eyebrows expectantly at his c.o.

"We'll be ready to begin as soon as...ah...Mr.Quinn...please come in."

"I might have known. General, what is he doing here?"

Jack shot a concerned glance at Daniel, worried by his reaction to Quinn's presence. Daniel smiled back reassuringly, moving his knee to brush against Jack's under the table. Well, looked like this was one of the things they were going to work on together. Good.

"Colonel Simmons is here to discuss the possible implications of your discoveries on your latest mission. Mr.Quinn is here at his request."

"He couldn't just call?"

"And deprive myself of the chance to visit the SGC again, Colonel. Now why would I want to do that?"

"I'm guessing you heard about the sarcophagus. Didn't take you long to come sniffing around, did it? Incidentally, how did you get here so fast? Lurking in a storage closet were you?"

"Most amusing, Dr.Jackson. Fortunately I was already on my way to the SGC on another matter when I was briefed on the success of your mission. The sarcophagus is, naturally, a most significant acquisition. However, we feel that there is great potential in forming an alliance with the race whose team you found murdered."

"I'm surprised Simmons, I would have thought technology was more to your taste than exploring other cultures."

"Dr. Jackson, my duty has always been to ensure that the Earth is protected. Acquiring advanced technology with which to defeat the Goa'uld is essential to achieve that end. From what I understand, it's probable that those people belonged to a race at least as advanced as ours, if not more so. Also, they now have good reason to hate the Goa'uld. Taking all of this into account, I believe that they would make extremely useful allies."

"Hoping to get weapons from them, huh?"

"We certainly hope that they'll be open to trade, Colonel, yes. Finding they're home world is essential."

"Once I translate the recording from the device we found, there's a good chance we will. Your coming here isn't going to speed things up any, unless you were planning on bringing me coffee and holding my pens."

"I'm sure you'll do the best that you can, Doctor. I'm also sure that your work will go much more quickly with Mr.Quinn's assistance."

"What! No. No way am I going to work with him." Daniel leapt to his feet, restrained only by Jack's hand on his arm. Reluctantly, he sat back down, glaring at the two men seated across the table.

"ColonelSimmons, in what way do you believe that JonasQuinn could be of use? Surely his knowledge is not as extensive as that of DanielJackson."

"That's right, Colonel. It took years of study for Daniel to reach the level he's at now. Add to that his experience with SG-1..."

"Surely that was the SG-1 in his own reality, Major Carter. In fact, we know very little about this man's knowledge and experience."

"With all due respect sir, no. It doesn't work that way. The realities split at certain key points in time. Until that point is reached they're identical...are in fact one reality. The further back in time the split occurs, the more different the realities become. In Daniel's case, the split was very recent, so he is virtually identical to our Daniel. You see sir..."

"This is all very interesting, Major. However, I don't see how any of this alters the fact that Jonas Quinn could be very useful to the SGC..."

"In what way, exactly?"

"Dr.Jackson, when we spoke earlier you said that you were willing to give me a chance. That's all I ask."

"A chance to do what? The planet you come from has been isolated until recently, so you have no knowledge of other cultures. You aren't from Earth, so you know nothing of the history on which the Goa'uld base their society..."

"I've been reading extensively since I came here. I've been through most of the books in your office..."

"That's it? You can read really fast. Do you honestly think that's all it takes? Just reading about something doesn't make you an expert. That would be like me reading one of Sam's books on astrophysics and then claiming that I can build a naquada reactor."

"That is hardly the same thing..."

"It's exactly the same thing, Quinn. You could read every book ever written on archaeology but it wouldn't make you an archaeologist. That takes work, it takes dedication, and it takes time. Time you don't seem willing to spend. Not that I'm surprised. From what I recall, you were a politician on Kalona, not a scientist. Your job was to suck up to TPTB and keep everybody sweet. I expect that's why you get on so well with Simmons, you're two of a kind."

"Dr.Jackson."

"I'm sorry, General. This whole thing just makes me so...so..."

"I'm with Daniel, sir. I don't even know why we're discussing this."

"We're discussing this, Colonel, because we believe that the best place for Mr. Quinn is with SG-1."

"What!"

"I do not agree."

"I don't think that would be a good idea, sir."

"Are you serious?"

"I understand your previous reluctance to replace Dr.Jackson. However, as that is no longer an issue..."

"Our previous reluctance had nothing to do with Daniel and everything to do with Quinn's character. I object to having a traitorous, cowardly, lying thief on my team. General, do we really have to listen to this crap?"

"Jack's right. Quinn's moral ambiguity makes him totally unsuitable for a first contact team."

"I beg you pardon?"

"Oh, I'm sorry...too many big words?"

"General Hammond, this is outrageous, Jonas Quinn did not come here to be insulted..."

"Oh? Where does he usually go?"

"Colonel O'Neill."

"Sorry, sir...he just gave that to me on a plate...no way I could resist."

"Well please try, Colonel...the same goes for you, Dr. Jackson."

"Thank-you, General."

"Don't thank me yet, Colonel Simmons. I don't entirely disagree with Colonel O'Neill, although I wouldn't have expressed myself quite so strongly. As I previously stated, I've never been convinced of Mr.Quinn's suitability to participate in offworld missions. I'm sure that his talents can be better utilised elsewhere."

"General, Jonas Quinn has more than proven his loyalty to us..."

"Has he? How? You said earlier that you knew very little about me. How much do you really know about him?"

"We know that he was exiled from his own world because of his desire to clear your name and to help us..."

"Do we? I mean really, do we? We only have his word for what happened on Kalona."

"What are you implying Dr.Jackson?"

"The people of Kalona were deeply suspicious of all outsiders. What reason do we have to believe that he's any different? The truth is, we really have no idea what he's doing here, or what he might want from us. Did anyone actually check if anything he said was true?"

"Under the circumstances, it hardly seemed advisable to send anyone else back through the gate..."

"The circumstances being that he stole naquadria from his own people. Why? Why would he do that? He was prominent in the government and completely convinced of the rightness of their actions. I find this whole change of heart somewhat unconvincing. And no-one needed to go back through to check his story, you could have just sent a MALP through and talked to them."

"Dr.Jackson has made a good point. Would you care to comment, Mr.Quinn?" General Hammond turned to the Kalonian, who was looking decidedly uneasy at the turn the meeting had taken.

"General, I honestly wish there was some way I could convince you of my loyalty, but I don't really see how..."

"What about that zanex detector?"

"What?" Jonas Quinn looked suddenly nervous, his confidence evaporating.

"I see where you're going with this Colonel. Yes, the zatarc detector would certainly show if the subject were being totally truthful. We could call my father, I'm sure he'd be willing to help."

"I will be happy to comply. In the meantime I have work to do, so if you'll excuse me, it's clear that I'm not welcome here."

"You're excused."

Jonas Quinn stalked from the room at the General's curt dismissal, slamming the door behind him. For a moment after he left there was silence, no one quite sure what to say. Daniel knew he should be feeling at least a tad guilty, since he had been the most vociferous in his rejection of Quinn...oh well. As hard as he tried to convince himself that he had been unfair, he couldn't help but chuckle at the other man's discomfiture. "Well, I guess he's pissed."

"Can't think why," Jack snorted.

"General Hammond, I must protest. The behaviour of your staff is inexcusable."

"On the contrary, I think that Dr.Jackson made some valid points. This is, after all, a highly classified project. Since Mr.Quinn has declared his willingness to undergo this test I see no reason not to proceed."

"He was hardly left with any option, considering the pressure put on him in this room."

"Why would he object? The device is perfectly safe as long a he tells the truth. I'll be more than ready to apologise to him if his story checks out."

"Perhaps this test would also be a way for you to verify your own story, Dr.Jackson."

"DanielJackson has no need to prove his loyalty."

"You really are slime, Simmons. Daniel has given more to the SGC, to his country and to his planet than any other man. Most definitely more than you. How dare you come here and..."

"Enough. Colonel Simmons, Dr.Jackson's word is more than adequate proof of his story. There will be no need for him to take any test. This discussion is over. Now, if there's nothing else..."

Suddenly the room was filled with the blaring of alarms. Jack ran for the door, the rest of SG-1 hot on his heels. He yanked the door open to be met by a flustered looking SF.

"Oh...um...Colonel O'Neill, sir. Is General Hammond here?"

"I'm here son, report."

"Yes sir. Jonas Quinn was apprehended attempting an unauthorised Stargate activation."

"Sonuvabitch! Now, see, I knew there was something off about that guy. Didn't I say there was something off about him?"

"Was anybody hurt?"

"One of the technicians was knocked out, but not seriously hurt, sir."

"Where is he being held, Tucci?"

"In the gate room General. Sergeant Penn wanted to know what you wanted done with him sir."

"Please notice, resisting temptation here."

"Very impressive, Jack."

"I'm sure we're all grateful for your restraint, Colonel O'Neill. Have the sergeant bring Quinn here, son."

"So, Simmons, what do you think of golden boy now?"

"I intend to reserve judgement until I'm fully cognisant with all the facts, Colonel"

"What possible legitimate reason could there be for that weasel's actions? Worried about how to explain this to your bosses, are you?"

"Explain? Why should I have to explain anything?"

Jack gave a snort, turning to Daniel who appeared to be scrutinising Simmons as if he were a bug under a microscope. After a moment he moved to stand in front of the other man.

"You know, your problem is that you're fundamentally stupid, and unfortunately just smart enough to realise it. That must be so frustrating for you."

Good, that got to him, Jack thought. Any response Simmons might have made was lost when a defiant looking Quinn was brought into the briefing room, escorted by two extremely large SF's.

"Showing your true colours, huh? What lie are you going to come up with this time?"

"You have no right questioning me, Colonel. None of you do. You came to our world, pretending to be our friends, pretending to care. It nearly made me sick to stand there saying nothing while you tried to tell us how to run our own affairs. Did you really think we wouldn't realise all you wanted was the naquadria? I warned our leaders that you would only cause trouble, but they were short-sighted as usual. Those old men should have been thrown out of power years ago. They were all set to trust you when those idiot scientists got careless. That is, until I convinced them that Daniel Jackson deliberately sabotaged the tests."

"You convinced them?"

"Yes, Dr. Jackson. I convinced them. And I'm proud of it. If they'd followed my advice, he never would have been allowed to leave Kalona. But no, those silly old fools wanted to be compassionate, so they let him come home to die."

"You bastard."

"Call me whatever you want, Colonel. You opinion means nothing to me. I know I did the right thing."

"If you hate us so much, why did you steal the naquadria and come here?"

"Believe me, Major Carter, that was the last thing I wanted to do. We felt it was necessary."

"We? And what we might that be, Quinn?"

"If you think I'm going to tell you, Jackson..."

"Oh, you'll talk...eventually. I'll be happy to conduct the interrogation personally, and I'm sure Teal'c will be more than willing to assist."

"I will, O'Neill."

"Are you threatening me? You can't do that..."

"I think you'll find we can, Quinn. After all, officially, you don't even exist."

"General, you can't let him hurt me... I demand that you return me to Kalona."

"Mr.Quinn, you have confessed to being a spy. Furthermore, you admitted that it was at your urging that Dr. Jackson...the most conscientious man I have ever known...was accused of terrorism. I hardly think that this puts you in a position to make demands. Colonel O'Neill, you may continue."

"Colonel Simmons, you have to help me...think of all I can do for you." Quinn was openly terrified, his scornful attitude nowhere to be seen. It gradually dawned on him that he was on his own. "Very well, I'll answer your questions...under protest."

"My god, you're even more of a coward than I thought. Is there anyone you won't sell out, Quinn?"

"I do not plan on giving you the pleasure of torturing me, Colonel O'Neill."

"Let's just be clear on this...you're only betraying your principles so you can ruin my fun. Do I have that right?"

"I wouldn't bother, Jack. He's obviously never heard of 'death before dishonour'. He'll never understand, because to him, compassion and integrity are signs of weakness. I pity you, Quinn. You're always going to feel slighted, because however much you have, it will never be enough."

"You're right, Daniel. Well, get on with it then, Quinn. Who sent you here?"

"I belong to a faction who believes that the leaders of Kalona are too resistant to taking the actions essential for our people to advance. We must acquire the kind of superior technology we need by any means necessary."

"Does all this sound familiar to anyone else. Now I see why you and Colonel Simmons took to each other so fast. Daniel was right, you really are two of a kind."

"I resent that, Colonel."

"I don't care, Colonel."

Daniel stared sadly at Quinn. "All this so you could get what we have. You know, all you really had to do was ask. We would have been happy to share."

"Yes, for a price."

"Everything has a price Quinn. You just have to decide if you're willing to pay it. Was a little naquadria really too much to ask in return for all we could have given you? Our worlds could have been allies, but you destroyed that."

"Allies, Colonel? And then what. What do you take us for? You would have given us only what you wanted us to have so that you could control us. We would never permit our government to make that sort of arrangement."

"I think we're all missing the point here. This whole deal has nothing to do with doing the best thing for his people. He came here to steal anything he could get his hands on. Anything that would give him and his friends the power they need to take control in Kalona, right?"

Quinn's sneer was his only answer, but there was no doubt of his duplicity in anyone's mind.

"Sergeant, you may conduct the prisoner to the cells."

"General, perhaps it would be better if I took Quinn with me..."

"I wouldn't push my luck right now if I was you, Colonel Simmons. This man is a prisoner of this facility, and will remain here until a decision is made about what's to be done with him. Now, if no-one has anything more to say..."

"There is just one thing, sir." Without warning, Daniel drew back his right arm and let fly with a tremendous punch, connecting loudly with Quinn's annoyingly perfect nose. The other man flew backwards, striking the wall to slide down and sit in a tangled heap, staring up in stupefaction at his attacker.

"Way to go Daniel!"

"Indeed."

"People, you are dismissed."

"For once, no. I wouldn't mind a whisky though."

"Coming right up." Just keep breathing, he told himself as he collected the glasses. Nothing to be nervous of here, just two friends having a little night-cap. Yea, right, two friends having a night-cap before they make love for the very first time ever. No, nothing to be nervous of there. "Drink, Daniel."

"Thanks. So, I guess this is it. Bunny time."

Jack nearly choked on his drink at that, bringing Daniel to his side in an instant to slap him hard on the back. "Ow, go easy Daniel." Bunny time, huh. "You're sure then, not going to back out?"

"No, not going to back out. Only...um...ah..."

"Problem?"

"Possibly. Um...you should probably know that I've never done it before...with another guy I mean. Obviously, I've done it before...wouldn't want you thinking I was odd or anything. Not that there's anything odd about being...um...uh..."

"Daniel, babbling."

"Yes, I know, sorry. You know me, when I get nervous I tend to talk too much."

God, he is so...so...sweet. How he'd hate being called that, Jack thought, and yet it so perfectly described this beautiful young man, fidgeting anxiously and solemnly regarding his shoe. Jack reached out to gently cup one soft cheek, caressing it with his thumb. "Daniel, it's okay. There's nothing to be nervous about."

"No, no...I know...well...yes, there is a bit."

"Why? Daniel, it's only me."

"That's sort of the point, actually. You're the most important person in the world to me, and now everything is about to change."

"I don't see why. We've already admitted that we love each other, the only thing that's changing is that we'll be sleeping together."

"That's a pretty big change, Jack. It's bound to affect every aspect of our relationship."

"We could make a rule, you know, keep our private lives separate and all. It's probably best to stay professional at work anyway."

"What an absolutely idiotic rule, Jack."

"It is not. Why is it?"

"Oh come on, you couldn't stick to that any more than I could. I'm not saying we should indulge in wild weasel sex on the desk in Hammond's office, but..."

"God...great image Daniel. Thanks a lot. How am I going to be able to do anything now with visions of the General watching every move I make."

"I'm sure you'll manage. Anyway, the point I was trying to make was that once we make love, the way we behave with each other is bound to change. Sex has a way of permeating everything. Obviously, we'll be discreet, but still I...well...it will make a difference."

"Because we'll know."

"Yes. Because we'll know."

"I can live with that. Can you?"

"Yes, yes, I can."

"Good. Oh, by the way, about what you said earlier..."

"Jack, I said a lot of things earlier, you're going to have to be a bit more specific."

"Right. About not having done...it...with other guys."

"Oh, right. Is that a problem?"

"No, no of course not. I just wanted you to know that I haven't either...done it I mean...with other guys. Never wanted to either, not before you. You're the first...and last"

"Wow. That's...um...very flattering. Kind of unfortunate though."

"How so?"

"Well, I was sort of hoping that at least one of us would know what to do, it would make things so much easier."

"And you thought I would know all about what two guys do in bed? Why? Why would you think that?"

"You know...you're in the airforce...all guys together...um...I thought maybe..."

"Daniel, that's the navy."

"Oh. You have to admit, though, you are way more experienced than I am. I guess I was just hoping that you'd have some idea of what we do."

"Oh. Right. Actually, I do know, sort of."

"You do? How, if you've never...um...done it?"

"Sara."

"Sara?"

"Sara, my ex-wife."

"Sara, your ex-wife told you how to have sex with another man?"

"No. Geez, Daniel, the things you come out with. Sara liked to...urm...experiment. You know how it is with women; they get together and talk about all kinds of stuff. The marines got nothing on a group of housewives having a coffee morning. Anyway, seems one of the things that got talked about was...ah...positions. So, Sara got this book and we tried a few variations."

"Oh. Okay. Well, good. So..."

"So, Daniel. Shall we?"

"Yes, Jack. Please."

"Don't hide yourself, Daniel."

"I'm not."

"You are...and relax...this is supposed to be fun, not a funeral."

"I'm trying, Jack. It's a little scary."

"Do you trust me, Daniel?"

"Would I be here, like this, if I didn't?"

"With you, who knows." Jack silenced Daniel's protest with a soft, almost chaste kiss. He let his hands explore the much-loved body without inhibition, feeling Daniel tense under his touch. Sighing, he pulled back a little. "Daniel, are you sure you're ready?"

"I do want this Jack, I want you, only..."

"Daniel, don't get me wrong, I want you. Being with you every day and not having permission to touch you is hell. But I want more than just sex with you, much more...I want it all. I want to go to bed with you at night and wake up with you in my arms in the morning. I want to go grocery shopping with you. I want to argue about what brand of detergent to buy...what to watch on television...where to go for our holidays. I want to grow old with you...slippers by the fire...retirement...a dog. I love you, so if you tell me to back off I will. You're worth waiting for, Daniel."

Damn. Sara would never believe it if she could here me now. How does he do this to me? And look at him, staring at me like a deer caught in the headlights, he really didn't know how I felt about him.

"Jack, I...you don't have to wait. Please, make love with me...now."

No answer was necessary. Jack led and Daniel followed, but the latter was less a novice than Jack expected. Ever the scholar, Daniel had done his homework, committing each lesson to memory. His shyness was no match for his desire...his motivation more powerful than his inexperience. Every sense was catered to and every possibility explored. Both teacher and pupil made a remarkable discovery. Daniel learned that his fantasies fell far short of the reality, limited by their inability to interact. Jack learned what all good teachers know...that they are taught by their pupils.

Together they soared.

***The End***