"Tollar. You're right."

He smiled in relief. "Perhaps you could summon Major Carter?"

"Yes. Right away."

A moment later she returned, Sam at her side. "Go ahead, Sam, he's awake."

Sam shot a glance at Tollar, who nodded. Slowly, she approached the bed and at seeing her, Lord Ketar stood.

"Major Carter, I will leave you and Daniel to speak together."

"Please, you don't need--"

He held up a hand. "Yes, I do. Besides, Tollar wishes to try something called--what is it again, Daniel?"

"Fruit Loops," Daniel said with a tired smile, his eyes on Sam.

"Ah, yes, Fruit Loops. And I am eager to try a hotdog. We will return shortly, Daniel."

Daniel nodded, but never took his eyes from Carter. Ketar left quietly.

Sam took the abandoned seat and looked at her friend, eyes shining with tears that she tried to hide. Daniel reached out a shaking hand and took hers.

"Hey, Sam."

"Hey, Daniel," she said softly.

Jack was--speechless. Teal'c was--stoic--even more so than usual. Both men gazed at the papers sitting between them. Slowly Jack's eyes rose to land on Maybourne.

"So help me, Maybourne, if you knew about this, I swear, I'll kill you." The threat was spat out coldly and deliberately and Jack couldn't have cared less that his commanding officer sat next to him.

"He didn't know, Colonel."

General Hammond had filled Jack and Teal'c in—on everything, including Daniel's health--well, almost everything. Now he had to deal with Jack's fury, and judging by the incredible stillness of Teal'c, his anger as well. And he'd yet to tell them that Daniel was--

"Jack, Teal'c, there's--more."

Jack tore his gaze from Maybourne's face to look at the General and in that moment, seeing Hammond's eyes, he knew.

"He's--dying, isn't he?"

"I'm afraid so."

"How long?"

"According to Doctor Frasier--days."

Teal'c spoke for the first time. "There is nothing that can be done?"

"No."

Jack couldn't move. He'd known--but hearing it—he couldn't move. He wanted to see Daniel more than anything in the world--and he couldn't move.

Maybourne had no such difficulty. He rose, reached for the papers that would go to the President and said, "I'll take care of this, General. You have more pressing matters."

That galvanized Jack. He shot up. "I don't think so, Maybourne. Maybe you'd like to share exactly what the President can do with that?" Then with a look around the table, he added harshly, "Does anyone here really think that selling one archeologist to some aliens is going to bring Kinsey down? Or the NID? What, you really think the President is going to blow the whistle on the Stargate program? Tell the world that there really are little green men? Okay, not so little, come on, who are we kidding?"

"This won't stop Kinsey, Jack," Maybourne said quietly, "But it will encourage the President to allow sanctions."

Jack's eyes narrowed. "Sanctions? As in--"

"As in sanctions, Jack."

Teal'c gazed from one man to the other, then with raised eyebrow, suggested, "O'Neill, perhaps you should--accompany--Colonel Maybourne?"

"You know, Teal'c, that's a mighty fine idea. You up for a short trip?"

"I am."

General Hammond didn't bother trying to talk either man out of their decision, he simply reached for the phone.

As it turned out, the trip was shorter than anyone anticipated. Maybourne's people confirmed that Simmons was in Colorado, no doubt ready to descend on the mountain. Senator Kinsey was in Los Angeles, addressing a Republican woman's group.

Maybourne, Jack and Teal'c stood at the entrance to Cheyenne mountain awaiting their ride and trying to decide the correct course of action. Finally Teal'c stopped the arguing.

"Does anyone here think it odd that we are fighting like children over who and how to kill two men?"

"Sanction, Teal'c. Sanction two men."

"Thank you, O'Neill."

Maybourne looked out over the parking lot and said, "I'll take Kinsey. You two take Simmons."

"And just how did you decide that, Maybourne?"

"Simple. You want to spend as much time with Doctor Jackson as possible. Besides, I don't believe that--assassination--is your style, Colonel. And that's what we're talking about. He is a Senator."

Jack gazed back into the tunnel. Half of him wanted to race back down and into the infirmary to see Daniel, to spend as much time with him as possible, but the other half--the other half demanded retribution. Vengeance. Maybourne's solution was the compromise he needed.

"Teal'c and I will take Simmons."

They sat outside the hotel, staring up at the lighted windows. When they'd arrived, three hours earlier, Simmons had not been in his room and by the time he'd arrived, both men had decided that they should wait until dark before going in. The decision had left Jack antsier than hell, but with so many people leaving the hotel for dinner, there would fewer chances of being seen.

"It is dark, O'Neill."

"Gee, thanks for the observation, Teal'c."

"Why are we waiting?"

"Because you're still not wearing the cap?"

The Jaffa picked up the black woolen knit cap and pulled it over his bald head. "Now--I am."

"Yes, you certainly are." Jack reached for his cell phone, his intention to ensure that Simmons wasn't in the bar or restaurant. He dialed the hotel and when the operator answered, said, "I'd like Colonel Simmons' room, please."

A moment later, he hung up. "It's busy. Simmons is there. Let's go."

They climbed out of the rental car and after checking traffic, jogged across the street, then entered the lobby.

"He is on the third floor, is he not, O'Neill?"

"He is."

"Would it not be better to draw him up?"

"Out, draw him out."

"Yes."

"No."

"No? It would not be wise to call him again, get him to meet us?"

"Then what, drag him into a dark alley?"

"That is not a bad suggestion, O'Neill."

"Wrong, Teal'c, it's a very bad suggestion."

One eyebrow arched.

"It's supposed to look like a hit, Teal'c. So let's just go up and invite ourselves in, shall we?"

"If that is what you believe will work."

"I do. Now let's go."

They headed for the elevators and as they approached, one car opened, spilling out several guests. Jack jumped in when the last guest exited and Teal'c joined him. Jack punched three and alone, they rode up. As they passed two, Teal'c turned and brought the side of his hand down on the back of Jack's neck. The man crumbled and Teal'c caught him neatly.

When the elevator opened on three, Teal'c stepped out, looked carefully in both directions, then spotting the stairs, he carried Jack down the hall and into the stairway. There, he gently laid him down, propping him up against the wall. Then he turned and walked back into the corridor.

Teal'c approached suite 316. When he stood before the door, he raised his hand and knocked. A moment later, Colonel Simmons stood before him. "Well, well. And what brings a Jaffa to my door?"

"I have information for you, Colonel Simmons."

Eyes narrowed in suspicion, Simmons nevertheless stepped back and allowed Teal'c in. As the door closed behind them, Teal'c wrapped his arm around Simmons' throat and squeezed just enough to keep the colonel still. He drew out his knife and flashed it before Simmons' face.

He was rewarded as Simmoms' stiffened in his grasp. Teal'c rested the blade against the man's throat, allowing it to just slice the skin.

"This is for DanielJackson."

Teal'c grinned ferally as the smell of urine rose up. Simmons' had peed in his pants.

Teal'c entered the stairwell and was relieved to find O'Neill waking. He knelt down and waited.

Jack rubbed the back of his neck and groused, "What the hell?"

"It is done, O'Neill."

Jack stood angrily, then swayed and when Teal'c tried to support him, he swatted the hands away.

"Are you crazy? What the hell did you--"

"I believe that DanielJackson would not approve of you murdering another officer. I have picked the envelope--"

"Planted," Jack said as he rubbed his sore neck.

"Planted--the envelope given to us by Maybourne. It is over."

Teal'c opened the door and stepped aside so that Jack could precede him. As they walked into the corridor, Jack said, "Daniel Jackson would not approve of you murdering a man either, Teal'c." "Ah, but Daniel Jackson is not in love with me, O'Neill."

Jack came to such a sudden stop that Teal'c thudded into him.

"Teal'c, what the hell--"

"We should perhaps--get out of--Dodge?"

As they walked through the lobby, they passed the lounge and Senator Kinsey's face flashed across the screen. Jack grabbed Teal'c's arm and both stopped in the entrance to listen.

"...Kinsey was found shot to death in the bedroom of his suite at the Pasadena Ritz-Carlton tonight, the victim of an apparent suicide. As more information becomes available, we will report it. Again, Senator Robert Kinsey was found shot to death in his room, the victim of an apparent suicide."

"Gee, Teal'c, that's too bad, isn't it?"

"Most definitely, O'Neill."

They walked out.

"You shouldn't have done it alone, Teal'c."

"Have we not had this discussion, O'Neill?"

"I'm just saying--"

"Yes, you are."

Jack drove slowly through the darkness, his ability to see greatly hampered by the rain, great, huge sheets of the stuff. As he drove, fingers tight on the wheel, his sense of urgency was almost a living thing. The hate that had driven him to leave Cheyenne Mountain in order to take down Colonel Simmons had been appeased and all that was left was the burning need to see Daniel.

His decision to go before seeing Daniel was part cold, all-consuming hate, part need to expunge from the face of the earth the men responsible, and part --shame. He simply had not been able to face Daniel while the people who had sold him still breathed. And now - - they were dead and Maybourne had undoubtedly put into action the plan that would bring down the NID. Did Jack feel better now?

Yes--and no. He felt relieved, but he also felt--dirty. Not because he'd had a part in their deaths, not because Teal'c had protected him, but because, in a way, he was as guilty as Kinsey and Simmons.

"You are too quiet, O'Neill."

"It's raining."

"I see."

"It's taking all my concentration, Teal'c."

"I did the right thing, O'Neill. You could not have truly faced DanielJackson with blood on your hands."

Jack's fingers tightened convulsively on the wheel. "Just tell me Simmons knew. Tell me that bastard suffered."

"I had little time--but yes, he knew. There is a ceremony that goes back many centuries on my world, O'Neill. When a man was executed, the blade was flashed before his face as his crimes were repeated for all to hear. Then the edge of the weapon would be rested against soft flesh and very slowly drawn across the skin of the throat. The cut would be deep, but the executioner would move slowly and steadily so that the guilty felt every inch as he experienced the loss of his life's blood. This is how Colonel Simmons died. And before he lost awareness, I told him why."

Jack breathed out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Teal'c."

The Jaffa nodded.

As they drove on, the windshield wipers seemed to lecturing Jack and he kept hearing Hammond's words about Daniel's condition. But more importantly, Jack could hear what Hammond hadn't said and that was getting under his skin. With the rain slowing Jack's progress, his imagination began to supply him with all the horrors that had been done to Daniel. Jack made himself a promise that upon their return to the mountain, he would see Daniel's file--the file brought to Earth by the Arkonans.

Daniel was alone. And grateful. Putting up a facade around Ketar, Tollar and Sam had been almost more than he'd been able to handle. His energy, now that he was actually--home--was dwindling fast and he still had to face Teal'c and--Jack. And General Hammond. And--Jack.

God, he was so tired. But then, dying was a tiring occupation--and no one could deny that Daniel Jackson had made it just that over the years. Which reminded him--he needed to prepare for Sam. And her attempt to secure him a symbiote from the Tokra. She would fail, of course. Ketar had already made the attempt and there were no failing Tokra. But had she listened? No. She'd insisted on communicating with Jacob. Not that it would matter if there were, because Daniel would refuse. He was ready to die.

Hell, he wanted to die. In fact, he was pretty sure that the last five years had definitely been borrowed time. He should have stayed dead in Ra's ship on Abydos. It was nature's way, the way of the world. You die, you fucking stayed dead. Not that Daniel had ever really followed rules. On the other hand, it was never too late to start.

Following rules.

Like staying dead.

He could hear the gentle whisper of soft voices on the other side of the screen and could almost fool himself into believing that the sound was a gentle wind on Abydos--or--maybe--the ocean here on Earth--Daniel closed his eyes and drifted, pretending that he was indeed, on the water, sun beaming down on his face. That was the good thing about being home. He was warm. On Arkona he'd always been cold. Even in the artificial light of their outdoors, he'd been cold.

For the first time in months, Daniel was relaxed. He continued to drift as he listened to the murmur of the voices--human voices, and reveled in the warmth under the blanket, a blanket that unlike Arkonan covers, was soft, not scratchy. The sheet his cheek rested upon was almost as soft. And considering that they were military sheets, that was saying something.

Alone, at peace, warm, and safe--he was--happy. If it could stay like this, he'd die truly content.

It was amazing how one could allow a dream to fade in the hope of death. On the other hand, in Daniel's dream world, Jack was beside him, loving him, once again caring about him. The Jack of his dreams had been the only thing that had kept him strong in the weeks after stepping through the ‘gate onto Arkona. Not once in those first weeks had sanity ever been an issue. How could it have been, when Daniel, whether in pain, or exhausted, or feverish, had talked with Jack? Daniel rubbed his face against the soft pillow and smiled. No, sanity had not been a goal in the those first weeks.

He was drifting again when a voice broke through, a voice he'd dreamed of hearing for months.

Jack.

Daniel opened his eyes and strained to hear--aware that Jack was speaking to Janet--

"Teal'c, if you want to go on and see him first, go ahead. I have some questions for the Doc."

"I will wait, O'Neill."

At that moment, Janet walked in, a chart in her hands. She spotted Jack and a combination of joy and great sadness crossed her face.

"Colonel--"

Jack smiled slightly and said, "Janet."

The use of her first name undid her. The tears swam to the surface. She brushed them away and turned to the Jaffa.

"Teal'c, welcome back."

Teal'c bowed his head. "Thank you."

"How is R'ytak?"

"Growing tall and strong, Doctor Frasier."

She glanced from one man to the other, then said, "He knows you're coming. He's in the far bed, with the closed curtain."

Jack indicated the chart in her hands and asked, "Is that his?"

Janet looked down and shook her head. "No, it's Lieutenant Wilshire's. He received a mild head injury on P5X-282."

"I understand that the Arkonan's provided you with a record of Daniel's--injuries and physical condition. May I see it?"

Janet gazed into Jack's brown eyes, eyes that told her nothing and shook her head. "I don't believe that would serve a purpose, Colonel. Just--go see him."

"I need to see it, Janet. Please."

Janet's chin lifted. "No, Colonel."

The warmth that had been in those chocolate brown orbs disappeared instantly. Jack squared his shoulders and in a slightly louder tone, said, "I would like to see Daniel Jackson's chart, Major."

The order was clear. Janet started to take a stubborn stance, to argue, but something about Jack stopped her. "Jack, I'll tell you the same thing I told Sam--you don't want to see it. I wish now that I hadn't."

She was stunned when Jack paled.

"Show me, Janet," Jack persisted.

"Colonel O'Neill," General Hammond said from the doorway. Sam stood next to him and behind her, Lord Ketar and Tollar.

As Jack and Teal'c turned toward them, Sam moved into the room and immediately hugged first Jack, then Teal'c.

"It is very good to see you again, Major Carter."

"You too, Teal'c. And Colonel."

Hammond, Ketar and Tollar joined the others and Hammond immediately pinned Jack with one of his patented steely gazes.

"You were asking Doctor Frasier for something, Colonel?"

Jack, no slouch in the steely stare department, fastened one on Lord Ketar. "Yes, sir. I'd like to see the file on Daniel, the one the--Arkonans so thoughtfully provided."

Before either the General or Janet could respond, Tollar whispered something in Ketar's ear and the Arkonan leader nodded. Tollar moved away and disappeared behind the curtain that hid Daniel.

"Where's he going?" Jack demanded, his anger suddenly finding a new outlet. "Colonel, do I have to remind you--"

"O'Neill, perhaps--"

Hammond and Teal'c stared at each other, then Teal'c said, "My apologies, General Hammond."

"Not at all, Teal'c."

Jack narrowed his eyes and said again, "I want to see Daniel's file."

Sam put her hand on Jack's arm. "Colonel, that isn't a good idea--"

"Don't tell me what is and isn't a good idea. He was a prisoner of the fuc--" "That's enough, Colonel O'Neill," General Hammond barked out. "Perhaps, Colonel, you have more pressing needs?" He inclined his head toward Daniel's bed--

Tollar walked around the screen to find a pale and weak Daniel trying to sit up. He rushed to his side and quickly putting an arm behind his back, helped the younger man.

"Daniel, should you be--"

"Yes."

Tollar blinked at the curtness of the answer, then winced as the voices on the other side of the screen rose. He glanced back at Daniel and was shocked at his appearance. He seemed to be shrinking before his eyes. His body was shaking and sweat had broken out on his face. As Tollar took it all in, Daniel stared at the screen as if he could see beyond it and it was obvious to Tollar that he was listening to every word.

Placing a comforting hand on Daniel's shoulder, Tollar said quietly, "The Colonel is worried, Daniel. And he is afraid. They all are. It is understandable. They care a great deal for you."

Tollar's words seemed to have an amazingly calm effect on Daniel. The shaking subsided and he drifted back to his pillow. Then he turned an looked at Tollar and the Arkonan was struck by the sudden strength of purpose he found in the blue depths. And it frightened him. Daniel had made a decision and Tollar suspected it was not a good one.

Face devoid of all expression, Daniel said, "Tollar, please ask Lord Ketar to come here."

Frowning in consternation, Tollar nodded, then moved to the other side of the screen.

"My Lord Ketar?"

His voice interrupted the General and all eyes were turned toward him.

"Daniel wishes to speak with you. He is once again awake."

As one unit and following Ketar, the others moved toward the curtained off bed. They all stopped just short as Ketar moved it aside and walked in. His voice carried easily to the people on the other side.

"Daniel? You are all right?"

"Yes, Ketar. But I believe it's time to return to Arkona. There is nothing that can be done for me here and I wish to return--home."

On the other side of the screen, Daniel's words struck hit Jack like an avalanche.

Jack moved before anyone could stop him. In a flash, he was around the screen and standing at the foot of the bed that held his friend.

"Earth is your home, Daniel. What the hell are you talking about?"

The words left Jack's mouth--and died in the air--as he got his first look at his friend. It was like being struck in the gut by Teal'c's staff weapon--wielded by Teal'c. Jack swayed, then with incredible will power, straightened, his hand gripping the rail at the foot of the bed. His eyes met Daniel's and Jack moaned, a low, guttural sound, then he reached out blindly, grabbed the chair nearest and sank down.

Several things happened then as Teal'c pushed the curtain aside, thus allowing him, Sam, Hammond and Janet to move around the bed. Ketar was still staring at Daniel, as surprised by the man's words as Jack. Only Tollar showed no puzzlement. His dark eyes regarded Daniel with an appraising look.

Janet, seeing the sudden and rapid deterioration of her patient, immediately barked out, "All right, everyone out now. And I mean--"

"No."

She stopped and looked at Daniel, then said, "You need rest. Even from here I can see--"

"No. All I need is to go home." He reached out and took Ketar's hand. "Now."

Hammond stepped closer to the bed. "Son, Doctor Frasier is right. You need to get some--"

"I can rest upon my return to Arkona." Daniel looked up at Ketar and asked, "They know everything now, don't they?" At Ketar's dumbfounded nod, Daniel went on. "Then there's no reason to stay, is there?" A stunned Ketar lifted agonized eyes to Tollar, who nodded ever so slightly. Ketar turned his attention back to Daniel. "Daniel, I believe the doctor is correct, as is General Hammond. You need rest. We can discuss our return later--"

Daniel lifted his eyes to Ketar and shook his head. "I won't rest here. Our job is done," he paused, took a shallow breath and added, "and whatever time I have left, I prefer to spend it on Arkona--with you."

For a moment, no one could say a thing. Then Jack stood. "Could I have a few--moments--alone--with Daniel?"

Amid soft spoken reassurances to Daniel, everyone started to move away, but they didn't get far. Daniel struggled up and Janet, seeing the heart monitor jump, immediately moved to his side.

"Please Daniel, please, relax. You need to--"

Gasping for breath, Daniel struggled to speak. "No--no, I--I need to--go--home, just let--me go--"

Ketar, his protective streak coming to the fore, said, "Yes, yes, do not worry, we will go, we will go--calm yourself, Daniel. Please."

Anguished eyes were once again raised to Ketar as Daniel managed to say, "Yes? Swear?"

"I swear Daniel, by all that I am. We will take you--"

"But for now," Janet interjected, "for now, you have to rest." She turned and said loud enough for her people to hear, "Connor, I want 200 mcg's Dexmedetomidine, IV push, now."

Janet patted Daniel's shoulder, saying, "I'm going to give you something to help you relax, we'll just add it to the IV, all right? Then, later, we can make any necessary arrangements--"

"To--go--home," Daniel whispered. "Of course," she soothed. Lieutenant Conner moved unobtrusively around to the IV and inserted the ordered drug into the line. Janet glanced over at General Hammond, who nodded and immediately started to silently move his people away from the bed. He left Jack alone. Lord Ketar and Tollar remained at Daniel's bedside.

The drug worked remarkably fast and in spite of his best efforts, Daniel's eyes drooped and finally he slept.

"Janet," Jack said, his voice hushed, "is he--"

"He's sleeping," she said softly. Then with a nod of understanding at Jack, she left the three men alone and joined the others out in the corridor.

"I don’t understand, General. Why would Daniel wish to return to Arkona?" Sam asked, puzzled and worried.

"I too do not understand, General Hammond."

General Hammond was prevented from answering by Janet, who stopped beside Sam. "He's sleeping," she announced.

"Did we make things worse, Janet?"

Shaking her head, Janet said, "That would be hard to do, Sam. We're losing him."

"My Lord, you do understand his plea, yes?"

Ketar took his eyes from Daniel's face to look at his Vice Counsel. His expression said no.

"Maybe you'd like to explain to me why Daniel would want to go back with his murderers?" Jack's tone was deceptively easy, in deference to the sleeping man, but his eyes were rock hard.

"He does not wish to bring more pain to his friends, Colonel O'Neill. He would rather die alone, in a place he abhors, then to cause any of you more discomfort. So he allows you to believe that he wants to return to Arkona. And in believing, you will be able to let him go and his passing will be easier to endure."

Tollar watched the myriad of expressions float across the colonel's face and noted with satisfaction when Jack nodded, his expression telling Tollar that Jack finally understood. Cocking his head, Tollar said quietly, "But he is wrong. To allow loved ones to say good-bye, to collect together in strength in order to share those final precious moments is a gift. And you, Colonel O'Neill, must show him this."

Jack stood, his gaze piercing. "How could such wisdom come from someone who--"

"Someone who could hurt Daniel so thoroughly that he is now dying?"

"Yes."

Tollar looked to his leader and said quietly, "We had an excellent teacher, Colonel. Did we not, my Lord Ketar?"

Lord Ketar slowly allowed Daniel's hand to slip from his. He rose to his impressive height and said, "Yes, my friend, we did. And now, I believe it is time for you and I to return home--alone."

"I think that would be a wise decision, my Lord Ketar."

Jack gazed from one to the other, understanding the sacrifice they were offering. And seeing the quick look Ketar bestowed upon Daniel, seeing the naked love, want and need, he understood the depth of that sacrifice.

Hammond stood at the bottom of the ramp and watched as Tollar and Ketar walked up toward the event horizon. Just before entering, Ketar turned back, then Tollar put his hand on the man's arm and together, they went through. The gate closed.

"That took guts," Hammond observed.

"Leaving? How, sir?" Sam inquired.

"Daniel is their friend, Major. They love him as we do, Ketar--more. And yet, they leave him to us. They know they'll never see him again and they've given up their rights to spend time with him in his last--"

Hammond couldn't finish.

Sam stared at the gate.

Teal'c sat down beside Jack, who was now seated close to Daniel. "The news is very illuminating, O'Neill."

Jack, eyes fixed on Daniel's face, simply nodded.

"Senator Kinsey has been implicated in a plot involving the NID and apparently a suicide note was found."

"Do tell," Jack said quietly.

"I will. The plot was to sell American weapons to a terrorist organization. His position apparently made it possible for him to hide the real purpose of the NID. Sources close to the President say that Senator Kinsey's illegal activities were about to be--outed."

Jack arched one eyebrow. "Outed, Teal'c? And you did a fine job of repeating the report, but it's disclosed, not outed."

"Indeed, O'Neill?"

"Well, unless Kinsey was also gay, yeah. And come to think of it, the way he looked at you--" One elegant eyebrow rose. "Indeed, O'Neill?"

"So Maybourne's plan seems to be working."

"It would appear so."

Jack took Daniel's hand. "I wonder if the President knows what this election actually cost."

"Perhaps we should--enlighten--him."

"I like the way you think, Teal'c."

The hours slipped by and Jack never moved from his place beside Daniel. The other chair saw several visitors as each of Daniel's friends took their turn. Janet never even tried to move Jack.

Sam leaned forward as Daniel shifted and moaned. Jack was asleep, his head resting on his hand, his other hand holding Daniel's. As confused blue eyes opened, she whispered, "Daniel?"

"Sam?" he whispered.

"It's me. How do you feel?"

Daniel wet his lips. "Thirsty?"

"Of course, hang on." She quickly grabbed the cup of water and after positioning the straw, she placed it against his lips. "Okay, here you go."

Daniel drank greedily, then let his head fall back. After a moment, he opened his eyes again and looked around. When he saw Jack, he stiffened.

"Where's Ketar? And Tollar?"

"Daniel, please--"

He started to work his way into sitting up and the heart monitor went crazy, waking Jack who nearly jumped from his seat.

"Wha'?"

"Daniel, you need to--" Sam started to plead.

"Where are they?"

Jack rubbed at his eyes, then squinted. "Carter?"

Thin, pale fingers gripped Jack's arm. "Where. Are. They," Daniel demanded. "He wants Ketar," Sam provided.

"Carter, why don't you leave Daniel to me, take a rest."

Sam glanced down at Daniel, who was staring at Jack. Then she nodded. "I'll be back in a few."

Jack waited until she was gone, then he sat back down. He looked up at the monitor and said, "You're lucky. It didn't go too haywire. Janet didn't come running."

Daniel's grip hadn't lessened when he said, "One more--time--where--"

"They're gone, Daniel."

"What--do you--mean?" Every other word was spoken between fought for breaths.

"Daniel, will you calm down and let me talk? Or do I get Janet?"

Slowly, almost painfully, Daniel slid back down, his fingers dropping from Jack's arm.

"That's better. And by the way? Long time, no see."

Daniel's lips twitched.

"So. How ya been?"

The twitch grew. Jack settled back into his chair and spent a few moments fiddling with Daniel's blanket in his effort to avoid the younger man's piercing blue-eyed gaze. It didn't work.

"Now--that we've got the--pleasantries out of the way--where did they go?"

Jack frowned at the strained pauses between words, pauses that signaled Daniel's breathing difficulties. He considered calling for Janet, but abandoned that idea. The equipment that monitored every aspect of Daniel's health said that he was doing as well as could be expected. Which meant there was no valid reason to continue to stall.

"They've returned to Arkona, Daniel. They won't be back."

It was obvious Jack's words were a blow to the younger man and Jack considered the possibility that Tollar had been wrong and that he'd misinterpreted Daniel's reason for wanting to return to Arkona. Unconsciously, Jack sat forward as Daniel digested the news.

With eyes focused on his own hands, Daniel said woodenly, "I see."

Just those two words, plus the sudden stillness that followed, frightened Jack more than anything else. Daniel was no longer with Jack. He'd crawled back inside himself. And Jack, seeing the withdrawal, had an epiphany.

Five years, six if you counted back to when he'd first met Daniel, and Jack was finally understanding the man. He almost smiled as he said, "I don't think you do see, Daniel. But I can help. Returning to Arkona was the most difficult thing that I think they've ever done. Especially Ketar, who is in love with you."

Daniel blanched, which Jack would have thought impossible, considering how pale Daniel was before he'd said anything. Jack knew he had to get through to Daniel and he had to do it now--time was running out. And getting through meant total honesty, so with a deep breath, he plunged in.

"He and I have that in common, you know. Being in love with you. And Tollar really had your number. He understood immediately what you were doing. The whole ‘protect my friends’ thing and all. Nice try, by the way. But we figured it out. Anyway, Tollar and Ketar knew that you belong here with us, that we should be here for you, with you. They knew that if they stayed, they'd give into you and whisk you away to Arkona. They--care for you very much."

"I--you, no--" Daniel stopped, then clamped his mouth shut.

"Yeah, you should stop talking. But I'd appreciate it if you'd look at me, Danny. Please?"

Daniel shifted in the bed but didn't comply. Eyes still on his hands, he said, "They--shouldn't have--"

"Yes they should. And are you going to just skip the part about me and Ketar? We're going to ignore that? At a time when we most definitely should not be ignoring it?"

Slowly Daniel looked up, then at Jack. His eyes searched Jack's face, almost as if memorizing it and Jack thought that was weird because he was the one who needed to memorize. But he remained still and let Daniel have his look, which felt like Daniel was looking into him, through him and piercing his soul. He realized that he couldn't have moved if he tried.

"Why--did you--leave?" Daniel finally said.

The only answer that came to Jack was the--truth.

"I found that I didn't like life without you in it. So I decided not to have one. A life, I mean. I just packed up and found the most isolated spot in the country and spent six months sitting, drinking and talking to you."

"Tal--king to--me?"

Jack smiled as he scooted his chair closer to the bed. "Yeah. Talking to you. Everyday. As if--you were with me. And I gotta tell ya, Danny boy, some of those talks were pretty pornographic."

Jack was rewarded with a small smile that made Danny look about five. And unless he was sadly mistaken, those blue eyes were glittering with humor.

"Porno-graphic? Can I--talk--dirty?"

"Oh, yeah. You do a bang up job, Danny."

The smile broadened. "Good--to know--all those--mugs--weren't wasted."

Now it was Jack's turn to smile. Then he cocked his head and said, "So. You know my feelings, care to share yours?"

Daniel's hand crept into Jack's.

"How did he take the news?"

Jack looked up, surprised. Carter and Teal'c stood at the foot of Daniel's bed and he'd never heard their approach.

"He's fine with it, Carter. I told him Tollar had figured him out."

Satisfied, Sam offered, "Thought you'd like to take a short break. You've been in here for five hours, Colonel."

Jack gazed from Carter to Teal'c, then nodded. "Page me if he wakes?"

"Will do."

Teal'c and Sam sat down, Sam taking the chair Jack vacated. Before leaving, Jack swept back some hair from Daniel's face. "It's grown so long," he said softly. "I think it's longer than when we first--met."

Sam nodded, worried about how Jack sounded. "I think it's longer than when I first saw him on Abydos."

Jack smiled, then as he moved away, said, "I hope when he's better, he doesn't cut it again."

Both Teal'c and Sam watched as Jack walked out. Then they turned to each other. "He does not sound--well, Major Carter."

"I think--he's finally had to slow down enough to accept--the truth about Daniel. The Colonel has been going non-stop since his arrival and until these last hours, he's had no peace, nor any time alone with Daniel. It's finally sinking in, Teal'c."

"I believe you are correct. And you, Major Carter? Has it--sunk in?"

Sam turned a tender gaze on her sleeping friend. "No, I don't think it has. Or maybe--I'm just not willing to accept that after getting him back, we're going to lose him again. Forever."

"I do not believe I will like a world without DanielJackson in it."

Sam felt her throat close up and all she could do was show her agreement with a nod.

Jack stared at the coffee cup in his hand, at the dark, swirling liquid. His body was finally responding to the shock of going from Minnesota to Colorado, of being a part of a conspiracy to sanction a Colonel in the United States Military and a United States Senator and to bring down a government agency. Not to mention the small fact that the man he loved had only days left on this earth. Sometime in the next days, Daniel would stop breathing and his heart would cease to beat.

Daniel was going to die. He wasn't going to get better. He was never going to have the opportunity to cut his hair. Or to make love to Jack, or be made love to by Jack. They would never sleep in each other's arms, or wake up to the soft breathing of the other. Jack would never know what it would feel like to run his hands down Daniel's bare back, or to see him exit a shower glistening wet and hungry for Jack.

Jack would never have the simple comfort of sitting on a couch next to Daniel, legs stretched out on the coffee table while a fire blazed before them. He'd never know the simple joy of those quiet moments when, with shoulders and hips just touching, Jack would watch a game while Daniel read quietly beside him.

So many moments Jack and Daniel wouldn't have. So many moments in the past--wasted. Not cherished nearly enough, never held close and buried for the day when Jack would need to take them out as his only source of comfort.

Shouldn't he be able to remember how Danny felt when Jack hugged him four years ago as he welcomed him back from the dead? God, he couldn't even recall how Danny had smelled. Or how his hair had felt when Jack rested his cheek against it. Shouldn't he be able to remember?

God damn it, so many moments taken for granted. As if Danny would be with him forever. Jack could give him the cold shoulder, flirt with Carter or tell Danny to shut up. Jack could get ready to blow him to kingdom come, and always because there would be a tomorrow. Because Daniel always bounced back, always gave as good as he got. He never gave up. Didn't matter how many times Jack rolled his eyes or interrupted one of Daniel's lectures or explanations, Daniel kept on trying. A regular Timex watch, that was their Danny. Could take a licking, but kept on ticking--

Until--now. No more ticking.

For a moment, Jack almost wished that Sam had brought good news after contacting Jacob. Of course, Jacob was here now, had confirmed that there was no symbiote for Daniel. It had been a long shot, no doubt of that, and of course, Daniel might have refused anyway. But still--it had been a hope.

And where was a fucking Gou'ald and sarcophagus when you really needed one?

Here a Gou'ald, there a Gou'ald, everywhere a Gou'ald--unless you really needed one. God damned snakes.

"Jack."

O'Neill lifted his head and found himself staring at Hammond. "Sir."

Hammond pulled out a chair and sat down. "How are you holding up?"

"Without help, sir."

The General smiled wryly. "Word has gotten out, Jack. Most SG teams have returned from either off-world or leave. And--the President is on his way. Seems Maybourne brought him completely up to speed."

"Don't let him see Danny, sir. I'm begging you."

"I have no intention of allowing him to see Daniel."

Relief flooded through Jack. "Thank you, sir."

Hammond's expression changed, grew softer somehow. "I have so many things I feel I need to say to Daniel and yet, I know they would only add to his pain, to the pain he feels for us."

"I think he knows how you feel about him, General."

George looked at Jack, his expression thoughtful. "Does he, Jack? Does he? We're military men, expressing our feelings doesn't come high on our list of duties or accomplishments."

"Then tell him." Jack held Hammond's gaze, held it hard and said, "I did."

General Hammond didn't even blink. But he did smile.

The infirmary was quiet and Daniel knew it must late. Sam was asleep, her head on his bed. Daniel knew he was getting weaker by the minute, that he didn't have much time. Somehow he managed to lift his hand and touch Sam's hair. He was going to miss her, as he'd missed her for the last nine months. His sister. Daniel smiled.

Strange. He was--not alone, yet--he felt at ease about it. He was worried about his friends, hated doing this to them, but--he felt loved. For the first time since leaving Abydos five years ago--he felt loved. And it was never too late for that. He only wished that he could tell Tollar how grateful he was.

A large shadow fell over him and he glanced up. Teal'c.

"Hey," he said softly, not wanting to wake Sam.

"I will get O'Neill, DanielJackson."

Daniel lifted his hand from Sam's head and waved it listlessly. "No, no, let him--rest, have his--break. How are--you, Teal'c?"

"I am well. I have--missed you, DanielJackson."

"And--I you, my--friend."

"I would give anything to undo this, DanielJackson."

Daniel gave Teal'c a wan smile. "Believe me, I--would like—to undo--this as well."

They were silent for a few moments, then Daniel said, "Teal'c--I don't want--to die--here."

Teal'c's mouth turned down into an even deeper frown. "We were wrong, DanielJackson? We should make arrangements to return you to Arkona?"

Daniel gave a dry chuckle. "No, no." His gaze skimmed the room, the equipment, the dark walls--then said almost to himself, "They have no--sun on Arkona, I--haven't--seen sky, or grass--or trees, or birds--for so long. Or inhaled--fresh air, clean--full of life--"

The longing in Daniel's voice seemed to pierce to the very core of Teal'c soul because it was a simple plea for freedom.

Jack walked down the corridor, his steps quick. He'd been gone too long. As he entered the infirmary, he paused. Janet was no where to be seen, nor was a technician in evidence. The lighting was muted, but he could just see Teal'c's back, the only part of the Jaffa visible thanks to the screen. Jack looked around at the greyness of the base hospital and he shuddered.

His gaze fell on Janet's desk and a chart. Daniel's?

Jack didn't even hesitate. He walked over, confirmed that it was indeed Daniel's, and picked it up. For a moment, he held it, then with clenched jaw, he flipped it open and started to read.

Janet was tempted to get something to eat before returning to the infirmary, but she hadn't liked Daniel's color earlier so she decided to skip feeding her stomach and check in on her patient. As she walked in, the first thing that caught her eye was the open chart. Open.

She rushed over, closed it, then looked around. Nothing. Teal'c was still seated by Daniel's bed, she could just see him, and she'd bet that Sam was on the other side, but--no Jack. Janet started to move toward Daniel when she noticed one of the curtains had been pulled around the last bed at the other end of the room. That was odd. She had no other patients--

With a quick glance at the thin material that protected Daniel, she moved in the opposite direction, toward the last bed. As she got closer, she could hear breathing, harsh and quick. She moved the curtain aside to find Jack on the bed, knees drawn up, elbows resting on said knees, his head in his hands. He didn't move even though he had to know she was there.

"You read his chart." Not a question, nor an accusation, just a quiet statement of fact.

Jack still didn't move but a slight tremor made its way through his body.

"He's accepted it all, Jack. Came to terms with it, forgiven."

Without lifting his head, Jack said, his voice muffled, "So I'm supposed to forgive?"

"Yes, or it will destroy you, Jack. And then, everything he's done is wasted. Everything he's been through. You need to forgive yourself, us, the Arkonans and--Daniel."

His head did shoot up then and Janet could see the track of tears on his weathered face.

"There is nothing to forgive Daniel for!" he hissed out.

"Isn't there?" Janet asked quietly. "You're angry with him for going to Arkona. And you're angry at him because he's dying."

"Aw God." Jack dropped his head back into his hands. His body shook again and Janet heard the stifled sob.

"He needs you, Jack."

Slowly O'Neill lifted his face to Janet, the tears were running freely now. He searched her face and seeing nothing but comfort, asked, "How? You saw what they did and yet--how can you deal?"

Janet put a comforting hand on Jack's shoulder. "I'm not dealing, Jack. Right now, I have time only to be there for Daniel, to make these last days bearable for him. Later--" her gaze shifted from Jack's, "I suspect there will be plenty of time to deal."

Jack nodded and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. He swiped a hand over his face, then palmed his eyes. He was about to stand, with a hand from Janet, when a shadow loomed over them. Teal'c.

"Doctor, is there any reason that DanielJackson must remain here?"

Both Janet and Jack were stunned but Janet was the first to recover. "I'm not sure what you mean, Teal'c."

"He has not seen sun, nor anything of his world in nine months. I do not believe that it should be permitted that he die here, underground, away from all this world has to offer."

Jack stood, swayed, was bolstered by Teal'c's hand, and said, "My place. We take him to my place." Then he stopped to look at Janet. In an uncharacteristically submissive tone, he added, "Unless--"

Janet, bowled over by the pleading in Jack's eyes and the total surrender, shook her head. "If we do it right, carefully, we can move him, Jack. You'll probably want to go ahead, perhaps with Teal'c, to get your place ready. I can send a couple of techs with you, and a hospital bed, in the livingroom?"

Jack's smile was warm and genuine. "Thanks, Janet."

The only difference to Janet's plan was that it was Sam and Jacob who accompanied Teal'c and prepared Jack's home while Jack remained behind with Daniel.

Seated beside him now, and knowing that Janet would be in soon to prepare Daniel for transportation, Jack thought it might be time to give his friend the good news. But first, he'd have to get the man to stop looking at him as though he were the last cup of coffee in the world.

"You've got to stop staring at me, Daniel. I have something to tell you, but damn, with you looking at me like that--"

Daniel's grin was slow to come, but come it did as he asked in a weak voice, "Like--what?"

"Like, like a guy--"

"In--love?"

"Exactly like that. Now cut it out."

Daniel closed his eyes, schooled his expression, then opened them. Mischief played in the blue depths as he said, "Okay--serious--face--here."

Jack shook his head helplessly. Somewhere along the line, Daniel had let go of everything: worry, fear, insecurity, all of it. And what remained was this, this, incredibly calm man, a man full of love for Jack. And accepting of all of Jack's love. Jack felt that traitorous lump again in his throat, but he swallowed hard.

"We're going to move you to my place in a few minutes, Danny. Teal'c, Sam and Jacob are there now, setting things up. I gave them strict instructions to place the bed facing the windows that look out over the back, you know? So you can see everything. And I'm thinking, if we don't tell Janet, that maybe later, I can take you out back, set you up on one of the chaise lounges and let you get some--sun."

He stopped because Daniel's fingers were digging into Jack's arm.

"Your--house?" he asked incredulously.

"Yeah, Danny, my house. Is that okay?"

The blue eyes filled with tears, but they didn't flow over. Daniel couldn't speak, so he mouthed, "Thank you."

Jack placed his hand against the side of Daniel's face, then he leaned forward and not caring if anyone was there to see, he kissed Daniel. Their first kiss.

Soft lips against chapped, dry lips, but it was everything.

Word of the move had quickly spread throughout the base and as Daniel was wheeled down the corridor to the elevator, he received the surprise of his life. The halls were lined with the men and women of the SGC, all in dress uniform. All at attention.

Daniel gripped the rail of the gurney tightly as it was moved forward. Hands reached out, touched him as he passed and similar words were shared and whispered.

"Take care, Doctor Jackson--"

"Come back to us, Doctor Jackson--"

"Looking good, Danny--"

"We're with you, Doc--"

By the time the elevator closed, Daniel had tears streaming down his face.

Up top, another gamut of personnel had formed and more words of love, encouragement and appreciation were given. As two airmen opened the ambulance, Daniel twisted his neck to look back at Cheyenne Mountain.

His last look.

Two days later--

Dawn was still a few hours away. Jack sat beside Daniel, his hand wrapped up in Daniel's. Sam was asleep on the couch while Janet slept in Jack's room. Teal'c was in the spare room, in the middle of Kelno'reem. Jacob had fallen asleep in his chair beside his daughter. General Hammond had returned to the base but was due back later in the day.

The house was quiet and Jack found himself marveling how easy the move had been. Daniel's expression as the world became real for him again had made it more than worth while for all of them. They'd all watched as he'd tried to breathe in the air while his gaze darted all over the place, struggling to see as much as possible. Once they'd pulled up in front of Jack's and unloaded Daniel, he'd stopped them on the walkway and had lifted his face to the sun and for several minutes no one had moved, that one gesture more telling than any other.

Jack had made sure that every blind, curtain and shutter was open to the outside so that when they finally did get Daniel into the house, it was barely discernible that he was indoors. Now, two days later, with Daniel's condition deteriorating rapidly, every moment with him had become precious. Every moment that Daniel could see light and sun and sky, equally precious.

In his heart, Jack knew that it would be soon, that Daniel's minutes on this earth were few. For that reason, as he stared at the man he loved, as he rose and moved machinery and lowered the railing of the oversized bed, he knew that he had to feel what it would be like to have Daniel in his arms.

They'd talked about that very thing just the night before, sharing their fantasies, smiling in the dim light as their friends slept. There'd been no regrets, only love and intimacy as Jack had sat beside Daniel, their fingers entwined. There was no time for regrets now, no time for remorse.

But tonight, Jack was going to make one his fantasies real. Only one light in the room was lit and Jack turned it off, allowing the full moon to be their only source of illumination. Then he carefully got into the bed next to Daniel. Cognizant of the tubes, he moved gently, put his arm under Daniel's body and tenderly brought him into his side.

In those hours before dawn, Jack could have inhaled nothing but the odors of medicine and illness, but he didn't. He could have felt only bones and so little flesh, but he didn't. With his cheek resting against Daniel's hair, his arms around Daniel's waist and chest, Jack felt only--Daniel. Took in only Daniel, and knowing that this moment would have to last him a lifetime.

Teal'c rose and blew out the candles O'Neill had thoughtfully provided. His internal awareness of life told him that the rise of the sun was minutes away, which meant that DanielJackson would soon wake. Somehow, no matter how his condition worsened, Daniel awoke with the sun, as if his body understood that he had limited dawns remaining.

Teal'c moved cautiously out into the hall, not wishing to wake Major Carter or Doctor Frasier. As he walked into the living room, he paused.

O'Neill slept in DanielJackson's bed.

Slowly Teal'c moved to the sliding glass door and opened it, thus allowing the summer morning's air inside. He breathed deeply, then turned to find blue eyes fastened on him. He moved back to the bed and took one of the dining room chairs that stood a few feet away.

"Good morning, DanielJackson," Teal'c whispered.

Daniel just smiled, then looked down at the arms that encircled his body. He placed one very pale hand on Jack's, then slid it up and down the tan arm.

"Does--this--bother--you, Teal'c?" Daniel asked, his voice so low and weak that Teal'c had to lean forward to hear.

"No, DanielJackson, it does not."

Daniel's gaze shifted to take in the beginnings of the sunrise.

"I--would--like--" he paused, closed his eyes, grimaced, then with a shuddering breath, went on. "--to go--out--side--now."

Teal'c understood. He reached out and gave Jack's arm a gentle shake and when one brown eye peered blearily up at him, said, "We should take--DanielJackson outside, O'Neill. For the rise of your sun."

Jack lifted his head to see Daniel's weary smile. He quickly disentangled himself and carefully climbed out of the bed.

"If you will get the screen, O'Neill? I will carry him--"

"Give me a moment, Teal'c." Jack moved silently but quickly to the hall closet, took down several blankets, then walked outside and set up Daniel's chaise. Walking back in, he nodded to Teal'c, who carefully lifted Daniel, bedding and all. Jack took the IV and together, they moved outside.

Teal'c deposited his charge and while Jack began to tuck the other blankets around Daniel, Teal'c said in a hushed voice, "I will wake Major Carter and Doctor Frasier."

Jack nodded as he knelt by Daniel. "Tell Janet to call - -General Hammond."

Jack was still on his knees as the sun began to change the colors of his backyard. Daniel had tried to rise, to see better, so Jack had placed his arm around Daniel in order to lift him, and now--they watched together.

"I--love--you, Jack."

O'Neill rested his lips against Daniel's temple. "I know," he murmured. "I know. Wish--I'd known sooner."

"You--flyboys--are--so--damn--slow."

"Yeah, it has something to do with our constant defying of gravity."

Daniel shook his head. "No--you've--just--got--nothing," he took a painful breath, "between--your--ears."

Jack grinned and tightened his hold.

"Major Carter."

Sam turned over and yawned. Then she opened her eyes to see Teal'c staring at her. "Teal'c?"

"You had--best get up. We have taken DanielJackson outside so that he might see--the sunrise."

Sam sat up quickly, the dark emotion in Teal'c's eyes spurring her on. "Thank you, Teal'c. What about Janet?"

"I will go to her now. Jacob is calling General Hammond."

Sam ran her fingers through her hair and stood. The impossible was happening.

Janet could hear soft voices and she gazed over at Jack's bedside clock. It was a little after five. She threw off the covers just as someone knocked on the door. Rising, she pulled on her sweater and stepped quickly into her jeans, then opened the door.

"Teal'c?"

"You should come now, Doctor Frasier."

The words had been spoken softly, but Janet didn't miss their intent. She nodded. "General Hammond?"

"Jacob is calling him now."

"Thank you, Teal'c."

The land was bathed in the golden glow of dawn and as birds darted and glided overhead, they watched. Sam sat at the foot of the chaise, one hand on Daniel's leg. Jacob sat to her left and Teal'c, seated cross-legged, to her right. Janet stood behind Daniel, her hand on Daniel's head.

The sun finished its journey up and as the world awoke, Daniel turned to gaze up at Jack. He smiled, a beautiful smile. "Love--you."

"Love you," Jack whispered back.

Daniel closed his eyes, took two shuddering breaths--then--nothing.

The call had come from Jacob fifteen minutes ago and General Hammond was about to head out when the claxons went off. Since there were no teams off world, Hammond had no choice. He hurried to the gate room.

"Lieutenant?"

Pierce shook his head. "We don't know, sir."

"Why is the iris open?"

"We don't know, but we can't close it. We're not in charge here, sir."

As Pierce spoke, the event horizon shook and a bright, white light sped out. It hovered over the room, then zoomed up to the glass that separated the control room from the gate room. The light, blazing in its glory seemed to hang effortlessly before them before swooping down to the doors.

Hammond stared at the light, the very beauty of sparking a memory--

"Open the doors and make sure no one interferes."

Surprised at the command, Pierce nevertheless nodded.

Hammond turned and charged out. Fifteen minutes later he and Ferretti were on their way to O'Neill's.

It was his nightmare, only far worse. This time—it was real.

Jack shook his head in denial. It was too soon. Too soon. He stared at the so still body and it registered in his mind that somewhere someone was quietly sobbing and down the block, a dog was barking. But what he couldn't hear, was Daniel--breathing.

He rested his hand on Daniel's chest, and in spite of the lack of movement or the thrumming that should have been present, Jack smiled. Everything was okay. Of course it was.

"He's just asleep. Just asleep."

Jack touched his forehead to Daniel's temple and frowned because--Daniel's skin was cold.

"No--no. Just asleep."

Placing his hand against Daniel's cheek and turning the head toward him, he pleaded, "Please, just be asleep."

Her heart breaking, Janet moved to Daniel's side and needing to see him free of the machinary that had done nothing for him, she slowly began to remove the IV.

Jack's hand shot out and he yelled, "NO!"

Then in a quieter tone, "He needs that, Janet. He needs that, he's only sleeping."

Eyes brimming with tears, Janet stared down at him, even as she continued to take all evidence of useless modern medicine away from Daniel's body. Then, voice choking, she said gently, "No--he doesn't, Jack."

When she was done, she sunk down into a chair and buried her face in her hands.

Jacob wrapped Sam in his arms and held her head against his chest, his worried gaze on Jack.

Teal'c reached out and took Daniel's hand.

"Good-bye, DanielJackson."

Jack heard the words and immediately stood up and back. This wasn't right.

IT WASN'T RIGHT!

Jack wanted to scream, to yell, to destroy--

Lifting his face to the sky, ready to bellow his rage, he froze--and--blinked. Then blinked again.

There was--something--there.

Something--familiar. Something brilliant and shining and--full of life. His mouth dropped open as the streak of light twisted and turned in the sky above him, then started down--

Jacob, seeing Jack's expression, looked up. Shocked, he dragged Sam to her feet and pulled her away as Teal'c did the same with Janet.

The light swooped in, then paused to hover over the backyard. Jack's eyes were glued to it, his heart beating triple time. Then the light started to move again.

"Dear God," was all Jack could say as the trail of brightness spread out and floated to the ground, then began to take human shape.

Oma Desala stood at the foot of the lounge chair, staring down at Daniel, light radiating out from her luminous form. She glanced over to Jack and smiled softly.

No one said anything, no one could say anything. They could only watch, stunned.

Oma Desala floated to Daniel's side. She reached out a hand that shimmered with power and placed it over Daniel's heart. With her other hand, she stroked back his hair and smiled lovingly. A moment later both she and Daniel were bathed in an even more luminous beam, a sweet, pure brightness that drew the others closer.

As they watched transfixed, Daniel's chest rose—and lowered. Then it rose again.

Jack sank to his knees at Daniel's side and placed his hand on the alien's. Later, he wouldn't be able to say why. A heat traveled through him and he heard her voice, like the tinkling of chimes, in his head.

"Some gifts can not be accepted and his sacrifice is one of them. There is so much for all of us to do and the battle will be better waged if he fights by our side."

Then the voice and the heat were gone.

Jack stared up at her as she continued to float next to the chaise. Then someone coughed--and with a start, Jack realized it was Daniel.

Jack glanced down at Daniel just as the younger man's eyes opened. Daniel blinked, looked around, took a deep shuddering breath, then another. It was the most beautiful sound Jack had ever heard.

Daniel moved a hand to his chest, shook his head and in voice full of wonder and disbelief, asked, "Don't tell me. I came back again, didn't I?"

Jack, eyes filling, nodded as he chuckled. "Yeah, Danny boy, you did. And I swear, you have got to stop this dying thing. I can't afford anymore grey hairs, okay?"

The next few minutes were strange as the others stared at the man who had been dead. No one actually moved. It was almost as if they expected it to be a hoax, that Daniel couldn't be alive, couldn't be lying there and talking, his voice strong, his color good.

Then he sat up.

And spotted Oma Desala.

Daniel's expression changed as he found himself gazing into the soft eyes of the entity to whom he'd entrusted Sha're's son. He struggled in his attempt to get up and didn't catch the way his friends all leaned forward, hands out as if to help.

"Jack, I'm tangled here--"

"Got it, Daniel, got it."

Jack tore at the sheets and blankets and to everyone's amazement, Daniel--stood.

With one blanket clutched around his shoulders--he was standing, he was strong and he was breathing. But before he could say anything, someone was trying to break down the front door and then it was flung open.

The group immediately moved as one, moved forward to stand in front of Daniel and the miracle that was Oma Desala, their stance protective and fierce.

It was this picture that General Hammond faced as he charged through Jack's living room and out into the backyard, Ferretti hot on his heels.

Five people, his people, ready to attack, standing in front of the same light that had come through the gate.

As soon as everyone realized that the intruder was not dangerous, the entire group started to--smile. They stood there beaming at the General as he stopped dead in his tracks.

Jack was the first to see the opportunity to repeat history. He stepped forward, a cheeky grin in place.

"General Hammond, there's someone who'd like to see you."

He stepped aside and the others moved enough for someone to be able to step around them and stand next to Jack.

Daniel.

For a moment, Hammond was frozen, then he started to grin. Daniel was standing and he was alive and he was well.

"Son."

Then the General did move and before Daniel could do a thing, Hammond had his arms around him, hugging him close and patting his back.

Hammond's clearly visible emotion seemed to unlock the same feelings in the others and they quickly surrounded Daniel, hands reaching out to touch, to stroke, to confirm. From his spot a few feet away, Jack stood and grinned. Then he glanced at Oma Desala, who still floated in the background, and he nodded his head at her.

"Thank you."

Hammond heard him and followed his gaze. "I assume you can explain this, Colonel?"

"Sir, this is--"

Jack got no further as the alien rose into the air and floated toward General Hammond. Sensing a change, the others turned toward Oma Desala and Hammond, with Daniel returning to Jack's side.

She smiled a blinding smile and Hammond found himself responding in kind. His body was suddenly filled with a warmth that comforted him and a softness touched his mind and became words.

"It is not the search for weaponry that will win your war, General, but rather the quest for allies. Grow and reach out, as all children must, and in the reaching, understanding will come. Allow the follower to lead, General."

The alien turned back toward Jack and Daniel. She reached out and brushed Daniel's face with her hand. Then she began to move and with eyes on Daniel, she floated up, then faded into the day.

A moment later, the brightness was gone and their world returned to normal.

And Daniel was alive.

"Daniel, so help me--"

"Janet, I'm fine!"

"Pardon me if I need more than your word for that, Daniel. You were dead, you know."

"You just had to rub that in, didn't you?" he said with a grin.

Janet shook her head hopelessly.

"Come on, Janet, there's nothing you can check here that your eyes can't confirm. When we get back to the SGC, you can test to your heart's content. But right now, well, I'm practically naked and I just want to shower, then put on some real clothes. Oh, and have some coffee, yeah, and eat. Eating would be good."

To punctuate his statement, his stomach growled. Janet laughed and it felt good.

"You're right. Go, shower. When you come back, we'll have food ready."

Grateful, Daniel jumped to his feet, almost losing the blanket in the bargain. A hand steadied it, and Jack was there.

"Come on, Space Monkey, let's get you into the bathroom."

As Daniel was led out, struggling to pull the blanket up, he whined, "Jaaaack, I can shower by myself. I'm a big boy now--"

"Uh-huh. Right. Yeahsureyoubetcha."

Jack got Daniel into the bathroom and immediately shut the door on the rest of the world. He quickly moved in close, backing Daniel up against the sink. At that point, Jack proceeded to touch, just touch. He ran his hands over Daniel's face, through his hair, then down across his shoulders. He slid them the length of each arm before linking his fingers with Daniel's. For a moment, cheek resting against Daniel's, he listened to him breathe.

"I'm alive."

"Mmm."

"Again."

Jack rested his lips against Daniel's neck, then mumbled, "Couldn't do this four years ago--when you came back the first time."

Eyes closed, Daniel murmured, "Technically--the second time."

"Mmm."

Jack released Daniel's fingers and continued his touching, skimming his hands across Daniel's chest then down to stop at the narrow gold string that rested on Daniel's hips. Somehow the garment that signified the Douna had never been removed at the infirmary.

"I need to take this off--"

Daniel did it for him. The meager garment dropped to the floor. "I only wore it once, for our arrival--I was never--

"I know," Jack said softly.

Jack continued his affirmation of Daniel.

His touches weren't sexual, even with Daniel standing in front of him unclothed, there was nothing sexual in what he was doing. He just needed to--assure himself.

"Cold, Jack," Daniel finally said as Jack's hands smoothed up his thighs.

Without taking his eyes from Daniel, Jack reached out and turned on the shower. "Give it a few, takes some time to warm up."

"I know, I remember."

Jack smiled disarmingly. "Last time you were here and showering, it took everything I had not to join you."

Daniel rested his forehead against Jack's. "So much time wasted."

"Ends now."

"Wanna get clean with me, Jack?"

Jack had his clothes off in five seconds flat.

The mood in the kitchen was--almost slapstick.

Janet and Sam were laughing as they smashed eggs in a bowl; General Hammond was happily juggling bread before popping it into the toaster; Ferretti was pouring juice and didn't care what he spilled; and Teal'c, with some rather unique coaching from Jacob, was frying bacon.

Sam chortled as Janet started stirring pieces of eggshell, then she did a great imitation of a dive-bombing raid on the shell as Janet crowed, "Bombs away!"

Jacob smiled indulgently, then turned to Teal'c and said, "You can turn them over now."

"Why?"

"Um--they have to brown on the other side, Teal'c."

"I see. Like O'Neill's hamburgers."

"Close enough, Teal'c."

At the other counter, Ferretti had abandoned his pouring in order to coach his commanding officer on the fine art of toasting.

Silence suddenly descended and Teal'c stepped away from the bacon, tongs in hand. At the same moment, Sam stepped away from the eggs and Janet.

Sam grinned at Teal'c.

"He's alive," they said at the same time.

"What the hell was that?"

Daniel chuckled. "My stomach. I told you I was hungry."

"Well, next time, tell it to shut up while I'm investigating your navel."

Daniel grinned down at Jack and placed his hands on either side of the kneeling man's head. "You could," he said, as he brought Jack up, "concentrate a bit lower than my navel--"

"Ah." Jack leaned in and kissed Daniel. Surprisingly enough, it was their first kiss since entering the bathroom. It wouldn't be their last.

When they parted, Jack whispered, "Sweet." Then he went back down on his knees.

"Here. They'll be a bit big, but--"

Daniel caught the sweat pants and the sweater. "Have I lost that much weight?"

Jack took the towel from Danny's hands and started rubbing the younger man's wet hair. "Yeah, but we'll get you back in shape in no time. Stuff you full of junk food, comfort food--"

"You'll gain twenty sympathy pounds--"

"You'll love me anyway--"

"We'll have to build a bigger 'gate--"

"More of me to love--"

"I love love handles--"

Jack put Daniel's hands on Jack's hips. "Try these on for size, Danny boy."

Daniel leaned in and grinning, said, "Nuh-huh. I smell--bacon."

The platter of eggs was passed around, followed by the plate of bacon. Jack filled Daniel's plate, then his own. Toast was tossed and coffee poured. When everyone was ready to eat, General Hammond lifted his orange juice and let his gaze travel from Teal'c, to Sam, then Jack and finally--Daniel.

"Here's to the return of Daniel Jackson," then with a pleased smile, he added, "again."

Jack stood in front of the screen, a glass of ice water in his hand. Outside, Sam, Teal'c and Danny sat around his patio table. Hammond and Ferretti had departed two hours earlier, taking Janet and Jacob with them. It had been decided that the General would return to Cheyenne mountain and prepare the troops for the shock of Daniel Jackson being very much alive and well. He would also send word to Arkona and Maybourne.

In the meantime, Daniel would remain at Jack's for at least one more day.

It had been apparent during the impromptu celebratory breakfast that Daniel, not to mention the entire team, needed some time to adjust. Janet had contented herself with the knowledge that Daniel would report to her in two days--just to ensure that he was--indeed--cured. No one doubted it, but paperwork was paperwork and miracles had to be explained and documented. Janet had gotten pretty good at that part of her job.

Now the house was quiet and Jack was happy to stand for a moment, to enjoy the view of his friends, his comrades--Daniel.

At the moment, Daniel had his head back, face raised to the sky and his hair was almost golden thanks to the warm afternoon sun. His eyes were closed--his expression content. Sam was talking, catching Daniel up with all the latest gossip at both the SGC and on his home world. His gentle grin said he was listening. Teal'c seemed to want nothing more than be in their company.

Jack realized that Daniel's water was quickly losing its coldness so he finally opened the screen door and stepped out. He was immediately glad that he had as Daniel raised his head, opened his eyes and smiled.

The smile was beautiful, private and just for Jack.

Jack drank it up. This was his life as it should be.

Daniel was home.

Epilogue

Jack watched as Sam's taillights disappeared. It was late and she and Teal'c had finally managed to tear themselves away from Daniel to head home. Noticing Jack's feigned yawns had been their clue to leave.

Now he walked back inside, closed and locked the front door, then stepped down into the living room. What he saw, stopped him cold.

Daniel was walking slowly around the room and every few feet, he'd pause to touch something. Sometimes he'd smile, sometimes frown.

God, he was even touching the furniture.

"Daniel?"

Without turning around and his hand on a framed photo, Daniel said, "You can't understand how often I took this walk while I was on--Arkona. How many times I'd imagined myself here, with you." He turned then and smiling, added, "You were always barbecuing. And I'd make my special cornbread."

"How long?" Jack asked quietly.

Daniel's grin broadened. "Maybe--from the beginning. I'm not sure. But definitely, I knew definitely, when you were impaled by the alien spikes that shot out from the orb we brought back from Tel'ak. Seeing you pierced and so God damned helpless--"

Daniel's smile faded. He took a deep breath, then said, "Anyway, that's when I knew."

"That--that was a while ago, Danny."

Daniel shrugged. "What can I say?"

"That's a long time to love someone without acknowledging it."

Daniel didn't answer, instead choosing to return Jack's gaze.

Jack walked over to stand by his friend. "A very long time."

Daniel continued to watch him, his own question hanging in the air between them.

"From the beginning," Jack said, sheepishly as he broke eye contact.

Daniel smiled slyly. "That's even longer then my 'a while'."

"Yeah, well--"

"I was married."

Jack nodded. "Yeah, so was I."

"But then you weren't, but I--"

"But you--were. And out there, looking for her."

"Yeah. You loved Sarah, I loved Sha're."

"Yeah."

Daniel ran his finger along the line of Jack's jaw. "Now we love each other."

Jack grinned. "Yeah." Then Jack really grinned. "But I loved you first."

Daniel rolled his eyes. "You flyboys, always competing."

Daniel was seated on the edge of the bed, staring at the closed bathroom door. Jack had been in there for over twenty minutes--and he wasn't showering. There was, in fact, no sound coming from the other side of the door at all. Finally Daniel got up, walked over and feeling a like a bridegroom on his wedding night, knocked.

"Um, Jack? You okay?"

A muffled, "Yeah", came back to him.

"You coming out?"

"Yeah."

Daniel looked down at his feet. "Anytime soon?"

The door opened. Jack, backlit, stood in the doorway, unmoving. Daniel stepped closer, trying to see Jack's face. When he did, he gave a small groan.

"Aw, Jack." Daniel took the man into his arms."I'm here, I'm here."

Jack's arms wound their way around his waist and Daniel smiled into Jack's neck. "It's okay, Jack."

"Yeah, yeah."

"Cry baby."

"Tell anyone, and--"

"And what? I'm dead meat? Oh, yeah, there's a threat that'll work against me."

Jack chuckled and Daniel felt it all the way through his body. It felt good, great even. Amazing how one could be so--cavalier--about dying, when you weren't--anymore.

"Bet you didn't expect salvation in the form of Oma Desala," Jack said between small kisses to Daniel's neck.

"No-o, no I didn't."

"She's kind of handy to have around."

"Very."

Jack lifted his face to stare intently at Daniel, his expression suddenly serious. "You okay with--this?"

"This being life, or what?"

"This being," he wagged his eyebrows, "This. Us. Bed."

Daniel looked up at the ceiling and said, "Um, well, I seemed to have been all right earlier, in the bathroom, when you were--"

"Yeah, well, that was then, this is now. You were flush with joy at being alive. Now--"

"I'm flushed with the joy of being alive. Not to mention flushed with the joy of a raging hard-on."

"You went through a great deal--"

"And I've had months to deal, to cope with it. You don't have much choice but to deal with it when faced with the people who--"

Jack placed a finger against Daniel's lips. "I get it."

"But you don't want to hear it."

Jack's eyes clouded over. "I don't--think I can, Danny. Not yet. Don't hate me for that."

Daniel kissed Jack lightly on the lips, then said softly, "Don't worry, I'm not really able to talk about it yet. I suspect when we're both ready, well, there will be a great deal to say and tell."

"I don't deserve you, Daniel."

"Oh yes you do, Colonel. I'm exactly what you deserve. Now, can we go to bed? Please?"

Without letting go of the younger man, Jack moved them backwards until his legs hit the bed. He dropped back, Daniel landing on top of him.

"There," he panted, "now we're in bed."

Rubbing himself against Jack, Daniel murmured, "No, we're 'on' the bed. But for my nefarious purposes, that's close enough."

"Nefarious, eh? Cool."

Daniel laughed joyously, then ran his hand down the side of Jack's leg. "You are wearing way too much for nefarious acts, Flyboy. Strip."

"You want it off, you gotta take it off."

"Is that a dare?"

"Will it work?"

Daniel grinned as he reared up enough to grab at the sides of Jack's sweats and start pulling. It took some work, especially with Jack being so helpless and all, but he succeeded--finally. "There. Nicely naked below the waist. Now the shirt."

With no preamble, Jack raised his arms helpfully and smiled innocently.

"You rat," Daniel calmly observed as he drew the shirt over Jack's head.

"But don't you love my tail?"

"Oh yeah," Daniel breathed out as he started kissing Jack's bare chest. A finger tapping his shoulder gave him pause and he raised his head. "Yes, Jackrat?"

Jack looked suggestively down. "Seems one of us is now slightly overdressed, don'tcha think?"

"Then do something about it, Ratboy."

One eyebrow arched heavenward. "Ratboy?"

Daniel didn't bother to answer, he simply licked a trail up Jack's chest to his Adam's apple.

"O-kay, that was--nice."

Daniel smiled, then with lips hovering over Jack's, he said, "You know, you're kind of cute, Jack. For a rat."

"And you're wearing too damn many clothes, Danny boy." With that, Jack flipped them over and with a triumphant "Yoohaw", he pulled off Daniel's tee shirt, tossed it over his shoulder, then started on the sweats. Seconds later, they were rubbing skin to skin.

"Aw, God, Jack--"

Eyes blazing with love and sensuality, Jack nodded. "Got that right, Danny. Got that right."

Their lovemaking escalated, but both were so needy, so intent, that it couldn't last long. Hands had to touch and explore frantically as lips and tongues did the same. Small moans with names whispered lovingly were followed by hands pumping hard cocks, and Jack came, hissing out Daniel's name. A few seconds later, Daniel followed, neck arched, Jack's name mouthed silently.

Eyes closed and Daniel in his arms, Jack said dreamily, "We have got to try that again sometime."

Using one of Jack's favorite phrases, and with his lips poised over one of Jack's nipples, Daniel said, "Ya think?"

Their Tuesday alone, their one day before returning to the SGC and Daniel's welcome back, was spent alternating between meals outside and under the sun, and meals in bed. That was it, bed or outside. Daniel couldn't get enough of either one. Outside, he'd walk the length and breadth of Jack's backyard, touching trees and bushes, his bare feet buried in the rich grass as he marveled at the birds and other animal life. He'd spend minutes rubbing leaves between his fingers and inhaling the sweet fragrance of the flora. Inside, he'd treat Jack and his body in much the same way.

They talked a bit, Jack sharing his months in Minnesota, his own form of insanity, and Hammond's refusal to put through his resignation. Daniel shared his good months with the Arkonans. But mostly--they ate and "rutted like rabbits" as Jack called their lovemaking.

They also watched the news, side by side, shoulders and hips touching. Quietly, peacefully, they watched the unfolding of the latest American scandal.

On Tuesday night, sitting in bed, a pizza between them, and naked as Jaybirds, they watched more news.

"Gee," Jack said, his eyes flicking to the screen, "can you believe it, Danny? Who'd a thunk that the NID would be so--nefarious."

Mouthful of pizza (eating having become his second favorite pastime), Daniel nodded sagely. "Oh, yeah."

"Imagine. Selling weapons--what did Peter Jennings just say?"

Daniel swallowed. "Um, selling weapons to terrorists."

"Ah, yes. Terrorists. Imagine that."

Daniel grabbed another piece of pizza, folded it between his fingers and took a huge bite. He chewed, then mumbled, "Amd imagime, Semator Kimseytoo."

Jack tsk-tsked. "Didn't anyone ever tell you not to talk with your mouthfull?

Daniel just grinned.

With his head cocked, Jack regarded Daniel seriously for a moment, then said, almost tentatively, "So, you seem okay with Kinsey's death? And Simmons'?"

Daniel thought it about it for a minute, then said, "I'm actually more surprised about Harry."

Relieved, Jack nodded. "Oh, well, yeah. Talk about turn arounds."

"Pretty clever way of hiding what really happened though. Gotta give him credit."

"I'd have preferred the truth."

Daniel looked up quickly. "Well, I wouldn't, Jack," he said tightly.

"Aw, shit, I'm sorry, Danny. I'm sorry."

Daniel's face cleared immediately. "No, I am. But this really is the best--for now. The right time will come for telling the world about the Stargate, Jack. Trust me."

Jack reached out a hand and rested it against Daniel's cheek. "I do, Danny, I do."

Wednesday found Daniel strangely reluctant to return to the SGC. They were standing in the living room, readying themselves to leave when Jack finally grabbed Daniel and pulled him to his chest. Tilting Daniel's head up a bit, he said gently, "Look, they're your friends, Danny. They just want to see you. And trust Hammond, he'll have gotten the word around--it won't be difficult. And Ketar and Tollar won't be returning through the 'gate for several more days. Which I thought was damn thoughtful of them, and the President has gone back to Washington. It'll be okay."

"I know."

Jack could see that his words weren't working yet. "Hey, don't forget, you've got that nifty letter from the President. You've got to be just so eager to read that, right?"

"Oh, yeah, real eager. That's gonna make me feel so much better."

Jack buried his nose in Danny's hair. "It's gonna be fine, Danny."

"I know," he said unconvincingly.

"Trust us, Danny."

Daniel closed his eyes a moment, then sighing, said, "Okay, okay, let's go."

Jack had been correct. Hammond had made it very clear to his people that understatement was the watchword of the day. When Jack and Daniel arrived, there were no crowds lining the halls this time and Daniel breathed a sigh of relief.

As they rode the elevator down, he actually started to feel better--and at home again. When they exited and headed for the gate room as ordered, the halls held the usual number of bustling people.

With one difference.

Every time someone passed Jack and Daniel, they saluted. Twice.

The first time it happened, Daniel paused, thinking he'd seen it wrong. A few feet later, it happened again.

"Mm, Jack?"

"You're not wrong. They're saluting you, Daniel."

By the time they reached the gate room, Daniel was thoroughly choked up.

The huge door slid open and they entered--only to find it full of Stargate teams and personnel. The moment they spotted Daniel, the applause started.

"Aw, God," was all that Daniel could say. Then he glanced up at the Stargate. A huge banner that read, "Welcome back, Doctor Jackson" had been hung across the top.

Jack led him up the ramp to where Sam and Teal'c stood. Surrounding Daniel, all three smiled broadly.

General Hammond stepped to the foot of the ramp and everyone quieted.

Indicating the four of them with a nod of his head, he said, "Now that is something I've been waiting to see for quite awhile."

He waited for the applause to die down, then added, "Welcome back, SG1."

FINIS

Back to part one

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sideburns, 2002.
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Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of Stargate (II) Productions, Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions. These stories are for entertainment purposes only and no money exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author. These stories may not be posted elsewhere without the consent of the author. Copyright on images remains with the above named rightsholders.