Daniel & Adrienne #65 - All the King's Horses

“I’ve got one.” 

That was all Adrienne heard before she felt her hand being let go, Daniel racing ahead of her, following Sam down the hall and straight into what used to be the O’Neill dining room. 

What she saw instead of the familiar cute china cabinet and dining set were two office tables, computers, a metal cabinet, a lab of sorts, files and experiments spread all around. Daniel was already rambling, going on about Vala and Ronon when Adrienne heard another familiar voice in the background clear their throat and speak up. 

“We took a god damn Tel’tak, it’s cloaked!!” Vala was shouting from the living room, apparently beating them there. Adrienne had called her with the communicator the moment she and Daniel were dressed, Jonas shouting encouragement in the background to get her large pregnant body to move faster. 

“And that’s why in the hell they haven’t been breathing down my neck over jumpers, they’re still trying to figure out what you took,” Jack interjected, approaching Adrienne, mug in hand. 

“It’s coffee and trust me, my mom smoked with me and I turned out just fine. If your spouse is racing around like mine is you’re gonna need it,” he said as he offered, Adrienne taking the cup from his hand gratefully. 

“And cheese pies. I should make you pay for those, I blame you completely,” Jack joked, cocking his head toward the corner of the kitchen.  Adrienne smiled, taking a sip, thanking him as soon as she swallowed. 

“So, Glasses gets inked, Addy still hasn’t had that gigantic baby, Jonas has become Gordon Ramsey, and Sam’s moved half of the SGC into her living room. What in the hell else has gone wrong in my absence?” Vala asked from an unfolded chair, looking as if they had set up in that area as well. Adrienne noticed that Ronon was beside her, indicating the empty chair for Jonas, who already had a soda in hand. 

“Woolsey painted your quarters, white walls and threw away your clothes,” Jack spat back, walking to get more chairs as Vala rolled her eyes at him. 

“So what’s the plan?” Ronon asked, not giving his cohort the chance to make a smart remark back. 

“Daniel and I have found a planet, close enough to Earth, provided you stole a ship that can make it outside of Earth’s orbit,” Sam began, eyeing Jack who shrugged. They knew soon after the pair had disappeared what they had taken, the worst Tel’tak in what was left of their piece meal fleet, a ship in bad enough shape that Jack was able to write it off as space junk, because essentially that is what it was. 

“That’s where we’ve been, fixing the damn thing! Figured that was more productive than staying here bitching and whining,” Vala shot, falsely, her real reason easy to see. 

No Vala, you gave up like the rest of us, like everyone but my husband, Adrienne said inside, remaining quiet as she nibbled a cheese pie.  

“How far Vala?” Daniel asked immediately, the tall alien woman leering at her counterpart. 

“Dex?” 

“Not as far as a cruiser, but about half-way to Pegasus,” he answered, taking another swig of his drink. 

“Can we get to Langara?” Jonas interjected immediately, Daniel shaking his head as Sam dashed to her center computer, pulling up something no one could see. 

“We’re not going to Langara. We’re not ready. We still need at least one more ZPM according to Rodney and Carolyn says her airborne cure will only go about two hundred yards,” Daniel replied before joining Sam, motioning Adrienne over as well. 

“Wait? I thought there wasn’t a plan?” Vala inquired, confused as was Adrienne because until Vala turned up in their bedroom a little over two hours ago, Adrienne just assumed that Daniel was reading in his office, not actually working. 

She was pretty damn proud right now that he was hers...

“There wasn’t, but I’ve been able to toss a few things over Woolsey’s head in the interest of defense. Rodney’s been channeling all of the ZPM power we have to the weapons on Atlantis base and Carolyn is working on an airborne cure for the sleeping virus in case it comes here,” Jack answered for the pair, crossing his arms. 

“A cure?” Jonas asked, not giving up, standing from his seat although he was frozen in front of it. 

“Yes Jonas, it works in much the same way as a dirty bomb,” Sam explained from the computer, pointing at the screen for Daniel and Adrienne to look as she continued, “infects the air with the anti-virus. It’s not instant, not by a long shot, but it will spread fast, waking up victims within twelve to twenty four hours.” 

“Then why can’t we go, infiltrate the gate room, wake up enough of the primary officers to rescue them or arm them for a fight,” the counter was quick, the Langaran eyeing his friends for support. Daniel took his eyes from the screen, Adrienne noticing that he hadn’t been paying attention to the same figures as she, raising his head to reply when Ronon stood, placing his hand on Jonas’ shoulder. 

“Listen, it’s hard, trust me I know but sometimes the best thing you can do for your people is to wait and prepare and strike when you are ready. Anything else will just get you killed too.” 

The room was silent at his words, Adrienne herself having forgotten for a moment Ronon’s life before Atlantis and the insultingly derogatory term given to him by his tormentors. 

Runner. 

And now he was telling Jonas to do the same. 

“It’s more fun to blow the baddies the fuck up anyway,” Vala added, her eyes on Ronon’s as she waited to see if he would say anything else, which he didn’t. Nor did Jonas, who took a seat again, Ronon joining him, swapping out his soda for a beer. 

“This,” Sam’s finger was in front of Adrienne's face again, bringing her eyes to the screen. 

“I remember, from Daniel’s presentation,” she answered, peeking back at her husband as he peered over her shoulder. 

“Those are runes,” he noted, reaching over her shoulder, his fingertip toying with the screen, “they were Asgard protected; there would be more in the database. Dammit, I wish we could have gotten out the database.” 

“I’m sorry Indy,” Adrienne apologized immediately, cursing her clumsily fingers, her awkwardness using his body to hack the lab but he shook his head, leaning in to peck her cheek. 

“Not your fault ja-wer,” Daniel started, hearing laughter behind him. 

“Nope, but she can fix it,” Jack popped up behind them, yet another cheese pie in hand. 

“Put those damn things away Jack,” Sam scolded, Jack taking another bite and stealing her coffee to wash it down, swallowing strongly before continuing. 

“I’ve got Mitchell and Lam all over this. He’s had an awful lot of training exercises going wrong, so many that Carolyn needed another computer...” 

“Honey,” Sam exclaimed, her eyes wide as she scanned the room. 

“Look, don’t think you and Daniel here are the only two people with some tricks up their sleeve. I’ve become somewhat of an expert at moving Daniel’s shit around, salvaging it, and it has been those very years of experience that have made this all possible. And you didn’t even have to die,” he joked, taking cheese pie bite number two.  

“So, our computer system is in the infirmary?” Daniel clarified. 

“Yep, your system, some little rocks and things they wouldn’t let you keep, some of Dr. Perky’s little black and white books, the works,” the general answered with a grin, lifting his eyebrows just a touch as he did. 

“Ad,” Daniel said with a smile, glancing over at her, “how are you and Nicky feeling tonight?” 

“Sha, I’m not sure what’s wrong, but I think I might be having contractions and I just can’t keep anything down....” she feigned, her hand dramatically pressed to her head, those awful acting skills of her improving yet again as time passed by. Forget Adrienne making Daniel a master liar, he had forced her to become an Oscar worthy actress. 

“Perfect,” Sam said with satisfaction, passing Daniel her phone. 

*****

“Lay back,” Dr. Lam ordered, her eyes cutting behind her checking the camera light, “when did the pain begin?” 

“This afternoon,” Adrienne lied, “Daniel took me shopping for the nursery.” 

“Alright, that’s been a while, and how would you describe the pain, dull or stabbing?”  the doctor continued, popping her stethoscope into her ears and resting the cold metal circle to Adrienne’s chest. 

“Stabbing, definitely stabbing,” the cajun replied, wincing, acting, giving it her all. 

Frowning, Carolyn cut her eyes again at the corner, breathing out before directing her attention back to Adrienne. 

“I thought you were the one reading all of those books. Labor is not stabbing until the very end, it would be long, dull and painful for the stage you would be in, before your water breaking,” the doctor corrected, shaking her head. 

“Look, I’ve told all of you a thousand times, I suck at acting. I can make a half-truth look pretty, but that’s about it,” she defended trying to sit up, the doctor reaching to help her. 

“Whatever, you don’t have much time. Someone’s gonna check on you soon, especially since you and Daniel had the bright idea to fake contractions,” Carolyn replied, stepping back while reaching out to help Adrienne to her feet. 

“It won’t take much I promise, I’m just searching a few key terms to try to narrow it down, then I’ll just download what I need,” she said as she took the offered hand gratefully, wincing again this time in discomfort at the large intrusive bulge of child kicked her back in protest. 

“What if I may ask?” the doctor queried following behind the slowly moving woman as she made her way to the computers, her hand pressed firmly to her back. 

“Blár, fregna, leita, among other things,” Adrienne answered cryptically, not intending to be dismissive but in the mode, her geek mode, eyes already powering their way around the screen. 

“Which mean?” Carolyn now asked, peeking again at the time and the camera, wishing Adrienne would waddle faster. 

“Seek, learn and blue, in reverse order,” Daniel replied as he popped around the corner, answering the doctor as he walked straight for his wife. 

“Blue?” Carolyn was confused, but Daniel simply nodded, peering over Adrienne’s shoulder.

“ ‘Bout time ya got here. For the record, if you’re this late to real labor, we’re gonna have a serious talkin’ sha,” Adrienne warned, kissing his lips softly before looking back at the screen. 

“I kinda like these end of term hormones, you’re so affectionate lately,” he teased as she made a face, her eyes back on the database, her fingers frantically typing. 

“Alright, there’s an entry here, it seems that the Asgard referred to them as the Aetla,” Adrienne started to read, her right hand beginning to download the material to a flash drive.

“Think, thinkers, supports what I saw with the Kaetnam; they seemed rather advanced,” Daniel commented, standing upright, taking in the information. 

“Let’s see, noted for being highly intelligent, large brain capacity, not dissimilar to our own, advanced even, maybe even empathic,” Adrienne moved closer, squinting, trying to translate. 

“Keep hacking ja-wer, I’ll read,” Daniel interrupted, leaning in, pushing Adrienne slightly with his side. 

“Empathic?” Carolyn asked from the table, trying to keep working as if she still had a very pregnant patient on her table. 

“No, telepathic, sort of, words are close, seems they have some sort of built sensory or something, there’s short hand here I haven’t seen before. Evidently the Asgard didn’t even try to convince them that they were gods, just found them during some early stages of war between the system lords. The Asgard refused to give them advanced tech but allowed them to advance on their own, slipping in a few of their own technologies here and there,” Daniel kept reading the best he could as Adrienne ducked in and under his arms, typing, hacking and sending files. 

“I’m assuming that’s good, after all you can just explain what’s going on,” the doctor added, checking over her shoulder to insure that they were still alone. 

“It can be,” Daniel answered, crossing his arms now as he allowed his two sources of information to mesh, “but sometimes it’s easier to get things from the more primitive cultures that were not using the technology. If these people have figured out what a ZPM can do and have achieved a way to harness the power, we might have a problem convincing them to give it up.” 

“Almost done, do we need anything else while we are here?” Adrienne asked from the floor, her husband wondering how she got down there and whether or not she was going to be able to get up. 

“Not for now, we know this is here and we can just use you again if we need to come back,” he answered before thinking. 

“Great to know my value Indy,” she replied, extending her hand to ask for silent assistance to her feet.  Laughing, Daniel reached down to help her, pulling her upward as she pocketed the drive, well sort of pocketing it, shoving the device down into the pocket of his jeans. Adrienne breathed a sigh of relief, relief that they hadn’t been caught, turning to leave when there was a small gentle hand at her bicep, making the cajun peer over her shoulder to see the owner. 

“One, you’re thirty weeks if I’m correct and two, Woolsey and company might actually come down to check to see that you came here for the reasons that you did. Back on the table, I need to take a look,” Carolyn ordered pointing at the table. 

“No arguments,” Daniel agreed, ushering a grumbling Adrienne to her earlier posture.

*****

“I miss the giant white project thingy,” Vala complained as they crowded around the ONeill’s dining room table. 

“Yeah, the floral wallpaper makes them all look like they’re wearing grass skirts or something,” Jack agreed, chomping down yet another cheese pie before pushing the plate to Adrienne who just giggled, but took one anyway. 

“Can we start or would anyone else like to comment?” Daniel asked annoyed, Sam suppressing a grin as he scanned the room, tapping the iPad to continue. 

It was kind of hard to see, but the fact that Adrienne had pieced together a projection system from a cardboard box, a magnifier, a few light bulbs and her iPod attached to the iPad was pretty damn amazing. It made no sense to him, but he didn’t ask, it was better not to ask her about tech stuff. Silence his answer, he carried own, redirecting his attention to screen.

“The civilization itself goes back to prehistoric development, much like humans, evolving from a more primitive version of themselves. They were not brought to their world, which the Asgard call Laufgroenn, or Green, unlike many of the other humanoid civilizations that we have encountered. The Asgard saw them as intelligent, offered them protection and provided some cultural influence. They are multilingual, speaking Old Norse, English, Asgard, and Goa’uld. Their technology is similar to modern Earth, even slightly more advanced. As of the last recorded visit by the Asgard, they were making use of hologram technology as well as basic robotics in the service industry,” Daniel explained, flashing pictures of their city, some parts of it looking much like one of his wife’s movies. He flicked through a few more pictures, no one asking any questions in particular when he finally arrived at the last, a picture of a collective of Aetlans standing together on what appeared to be a street corner. 

“They’re the Avatar people!” Vala exclaimed as Jack nodded his head in agreement, Ronon frowning at the image on the dining room wall. 

“Look kinda like wraith to me,” he added, peering back at Sam for support. 

“No to both. They seem to be not too different from us physically other than the color of their skin and increased activity in the frontal lobe,” Daniel explained, lest anyone think these were a violent people.

“Kinda like Chiana,” Adrienne corrected everyone proudly, Daniel looking at her confused.

“Farscape Indy, I haven’t made you watch that yet?” she questioned as he frowned, Jonas finally standing up to get a better look.  

“Are they friendly?” he asked, the first serious question of the entire pseudo-briefing. Daniel shrugged, unable to answer the question. 

“Honestly, I have no idea.” 

“When do we leave?” Ronon now stood, adjusting his gun. 

“We need to decide who’s going,” Sam said from behind, taking charge of the meeting again, “I think it should be myself, Daniel, Ronon and Vala.” 

“No,” Jack spoke quickly, eyeing Sam. 

“No what?” she countered frowning. 

“No, you’re not going. We don’t know what we’re walking into and to be honest, I’m not comfortable with any of you going, but Sam you’re the head of the SGC...” 

“I WAS head of the SGC Jack, was, like Daniel WAS the head of archaeology. If there is a ZPM I need to go,” she argued, calmly, Daniel easily reading Jack’s face. It was the same face that he would have made were Adrienne going, Adrienne who was standing behind him holding her tongue. He knew she didn’t want him to go anymore than Jack wanted Sam to go, but there wasn’t a lot of choice. 

“Wait? Why am I not on that list?” Jonas spoke up quickly, his face furrowed. 

“Jonas, you’re the only one we wouldn’t be able to explain away,” Daniel started, having worked this all out in his head on the way over, “Vala and Ronon are technically not here. Sam and I have been let go, but we’re from Earth, they’re not keeping tabs on us, but we are fairly certain they are watching you.” 

“And you running off with another man’s wife doesn’t look suspicious?” he retorted sharply. 

“Not that Bennett and company would care at all about whether or not Sam and I were having an affair, but it is explained easy enough if Sam has to go home, Jack can’t leave because of work and a woman nearly thirty one weeks pregnant can’t fly. We can blame anything on being friends,” the archaeologist explained. 

“I’m going,” Jonas argued, refusing to give in. 

“Jonas, listen, you’re too emotionally involved. I’m sorry, but you’re not going and that’s final,” Sam asserted, Jonas starting to grow angrier, to rage out when Daniel stepped up, placing his hands in the center. 

“Stay here, for me. I need someone to take care of Adrienne, in case she goes into labor or there are any complications,” he reasoned, Jonas now directing his rage at him. 

“So, I’m your replacement. Again. Except this time I get to sit in your marriage!” 

“Except for the fucking part, Daniel might kick your ass,” Vala added smartly, no one other than Adrienne acknowledging her statement with rolling eyes.

“Jonas, I’m not asking you to sit in for anything. I’m asking as my friend and as Adrienne’s friend to stay here and make sure nothing happens,” Daniel tried again, remaining calm, Jonas’ face still filled with anger. 

“You do realize shug that I’m having Daniel’s baby. The chances of something going insanely wrong are very very high,” Adrienne tried to joke, everyone else silent, waiting to see if Jonas would explode. 

Breathing out, however, the Langaran shook his head, looking down before addressing the group. 

“Ok, ok. Fine, you’re right; they probably are watching and Addy can’t stay alone this far along, you’re right. Just do this guys, please, just get this,” Jonas relented, taking his seat once more. 

“I fully intend on it,” Daniel answered for them all, Adrienne unable to stop the smile creeping across her face. This had changed him, all of this, this insane past year and he was stepping up in a way that he never had before. 

It made her so proud. 

“Let’s get moving people; we’ve got to get there and back before we arouse suspicions,” Sam ordered, the room an instant flurry of action. 

*****

“Take this,” she held up the bottle for him to see before, sliding it into his duffel, leaning in to kiss him as she did. 

“Lotion?” he clarified, reaching back in to the bag to see.

“Yeah, since we can’t soak together you’re going to need to put this on otherwise the itching will drive you insane. Trust me, I know you,” she answered with a smile. 

“And I’m supposed to reach that how?” he asked again, peering over his shoulder to the one solitary leaf that he could see peeking through the collar of his shirt.

“Get Vala to do it,” Adrienne teased, unable to help herself, Daniel frowning at her. 

“Clever ja-wer, clever. I’ll figure it out,” he concluded, zipping up the bag, his eyes scanning the room once more. 

“That’s everything. Are you sure that you and Jonas will be alright?” he asked, reaching for her arm, rubbing it softly. 

“Yeah, we’ll be fine.  You be careful. You made a promise to me to stop dying and all,” she teased, kissing him so softly, making him want to linger, to lay her down on their bed and make love to her slowly before they had to go when that accented voice that was the source of his annoyance the past twenty four or so hours screamed from the communicator lying on the bed. 

“Hurry up you two!” it shouted, mild for Vala, and Daniel pulled away slowly. 

“I said I wasn’t going to leave you again until the baby was born,” he apologized softly, running his fingers down her face. 

“This isn’t like going with the Ktaenam. This is a simple mission to a friendly planet. Just go and get back before your son decides to make his appearance,” she answered, reaching down to hand him his pack. 

“Ok, but Carolyn said that you need to take it easy, that we’re close, the conception date might be a little off and no heavy lifting, no stress if possible, no,” he started, a hand clamping over his mouth. 

“If you stop talking and go you might make it back before his first birthday,” she teased, her hand still firmly in place. Kissing the underside he smiled, taking the pack and grabbing the communicator.

“I’m ready,” he spoke, stepping back from Adrienne and safely out of the way. 

“Behave,” he ordered. 

“Never,” she replied as her husband was beamed into oblivion. 

*****

The smell of sausage permeated the bedroom making Adrienne roll over, reaching her arms out in search of Daniel. 

“Sha, what time is it, why is Jonas cooking already?” she muttered, feeling cold beside her. 

“Dammit,” she swore as she opened her eyes, “you’re out saving the damn galaxy again,” she joked, laughing at her words as she sat up. Yawning, she peered over at the clock, noting it was about half past three in the afternoon, that she had effectively slept through the entire day. 

“Jonas!” she shouted, knowing he must be stressed since beside breakfast sausage she could smell eggs, vegetables and cheese. She could only imagine how stressed he was, something that was generally relative to how elaborate of a dish he was creating. 

“Are you alright?!” he shouted back, not really seeming concerned since he continued to cook, no footsteps heading in her direction.

“Yeah, what are you making?” she yelled back, standing, adjusting her top across her large abdomen as she waddled, fuck you Daniel waddle is exactly what I am doing, toward the bedroom door. 

“Southern sausage egg casserole. Some woman named Paula on the Food Network taught it this morning. I figured I’d make it when we had a guest arrive,” he replied, Adrienne stopping in her tracks. He hadn’t used a code word, she had him referring to the IOA as Imperial Officers and Woolsey as General Tuck. 

Daniel didn’t find that funny either. 

Oh well. 

“No worries, no visits from the Empire. Just get dressed and head on out, I’ll serve you up a plate,” was his answer, making her reassess her attire. 

Frowning, Adrienne pulled her tank over her head, trudging her way to the closet. She debated what to put on, thinking that Jack would be the only other person showing up, unless her aunt Barbara had come, Adrienne hadn’t talked to her in days, what if her aunt had gotten worried, what if she had taken the first flight out of the Bayou.....

Throwing a dress over her head, Adrienne raced out of the bedroom, nearly running down the hall. 

*****

Daniel sat staring down at the images of the people, studying, looking for any text he could decipher. 

“Anything?” Sam asked as she joined him, looking refreshed after her nap. He should have taken one but he was just too excited, the prospect of this all coming together keeping him wide awake. Now, taking in the sight of his old friend, he wasn’t so sure that was a good idea. 

“Not anything new. I know we can communicate verbally, but I can’t find any indication that their written text will be anything that I can understand. I just wish we knew,” he muttered, not looking up, absorbed, as usual into what he was doing. 

“At the very least the ZPM will be in ancient, we just need to find it,” Sam assured him, taking a seat and reaching to remove the iPad from his hand, “I’m more concerned about the condition. We got lucky before and we haven’t since; it just seems that everything’s working against us.” 

Daniel shrugged, leaning forward to rest his head on the table. 

“Go to sleep,” Sam suggested, rolling her eyes at him, “we still have at least fifteen more hours ahead of us.” 

“Can’t sleep,” Daniel muttered into his hands. 

“Meditate, that’ll make your brain calm down enough to get some rest,” Sam added, Daniel already shaking his head. 

“His back itches and he’s too stubborn to ask me to lotion it,” Vala joked from the co-pilot seat, laughing, “I said Dex would do it but that reaction was even worse.” 

“Why does your back itch?” Sam inquired, puzzled, Daniel not bothering to look up. 

“Cuz he got a tattoo for Addy. He’s SUCH a DEVOTED husband...” Vala teased, throwing an empty soda bottle at him. 

“You did?” Sam leaned over to clarify, too shocked to say anything further. 

“Yeah,” Daniel said from his arms. 

“Of what?” she questioned, curiosity overtaking her shock. 

“It’s a damn tree,” Vala answered for him. 

“Wait, how did you see it?” Sam now asked, bewildered, Ronon turning from the pilot’s seat to hear this answer. 

“Oh for god’s sake when I beamed down they must have just finished tossing about in the sheets, no worries, they were both naked and I was not,” she spat, turning back around.

“It’s damn huge,” she added, opening a second soda. 

“It’s not that big, it’s personal and it’s not a big deal,” Daniel replied, finally looking up and rolling his eyes. He started to sit again, keep reading, when his face gave him away, eye scrunching like he was experiencing the very sensation that Vala was accusing him of.  

“Get up. I’ll do it then you’re gonna sleep. No arguing,” Sam ordered, Daniel following as instructed as Vala tried to refrain from laughing. The two disappeared down the passageway before she looked back at Ronon, tossing her feet up to rest in his lap. 

“If the two dorks did it, we should do it,” she stated with a smile. 

“Do what?” he asked, peeking over at her with curiosity. 

“Get matching tattoos,” she offered slyly. 

“I have tattoos, lots of them. You could just get one to match me like Jackson did for Addy,” Ronon answered as he scanned the control panel. 

“Which one?” she asked, retracting her legs and leaning over. 

“That one on my thigh. You should get that one,” he replied, tapping his leg lightly. 

“That knotty thing? What’s it mean?” She remembered that one, and liked it. 

“Death to all who cross me,” he said with a smile, gauging her reaction. 

“Good, I like it. Daniel & Addy’s soulmate shit makes me want to barf.” 

*****

“Dr. Jackson, it is a pleasure to see you once more. You are great with child now,” the small woman said from her seat at the dining room table. It took Adrienne a moment, but then she recognized their guest, a woman she had almost killed when she had thought it was Hathor brought back to life. 

“Hi...” Adrienne answered, forgetting her name. Even if she had remembered it she was still feeling bad that she had once held a sword to her throat. 

“Shamira,” she said with a smile, sipping a cup of coffee. 

Great, they can read my mind. 

“I recalled that you and I were never properly introduced before my husband took yours back to our homeworld,” she added, drinking again. Adrienne took a cautious seat, frowning, cutting her eyes over at Jonas. 

“She went by base first,” he clarified as he exited the kitchen a large casserole dish in his hands. Adrienne started to help, to set down a towel to protect the table when the Furling stood, shaking her hand. 

“Allow me,” she requested, a shimmer and a crack, Adrienne’s serving trivet appearing at the center of the table. Nodding his thanks, Jonas set the dish down, slipping the protective gloves off of his hands before continuing. 

“She ran into our favorite person,” he added, serving up a rather large helping onto a plate passing it to Adrienne, who was barely paying attention to her offering. 

“There is nothing to fear. I did not allow him to see me, but I did hear him, discussing Anubis and other things which are of great concern. He was at General O’Neill’s desk, which I found to be odd and when I left to ask Dr. Jackson, either of you, I found the laboratory but it was locked and empty,” she explained, taking the plate from Jonas to set down in front of Adrienne. 

“Thank you,” Adrienne muttered, reaching for her fork to stir her food, questions racing through her mind, “yes Shamira, they’ve closed the base, well at least the research part of the base.” There was nodding, this time from their guest, who took her own plate from Jonas. 

“All operations are strictly military, defensive only,” Jonas added, finally serving himself and taking a seat. 

“But your world?” she asked him, seeing the desperation in his face, garnering a sigh from the Langaran. 

“The IOA, the, well, governing body, they have decided to allow Anubis to keep Langara in the hopes that he will leave Earth alone,” he replied.

“Then it is evident that they do not know Anubis,” Shamira interjected, Adrienne agreeing quickly. 

“That was what Daniel said.” 

“Where is, Dr. ah, Daniel?” she inquired, making it evident to Adrienne that Jonas had waited until she awoke to answer her questions, something she appreciated. 

“He, General O’Neill and our friends Vala and Ronon, I’m not sure if you remember them, they have gone after a ZPM,” Adrienne explained before finally taking a bite of her breakfast. 

“So all operations have not been ceased?” the Furling seemed confused, Adrienne shaking her head sorrowfully at the answer. 

“No, they have, no one knows about the mission except for me, Addy and Jack, I mean, the other General O’Neill,” Jonas piped up this time, apparently excited now to be a part of this covert operation. Better than the rage last night, Adrienne thought. 

“They’ve gone to Aetla, they were the world closest to Earth with the most recent ZPM drop by your people,” Adrienne added, reaching to Daniel’s normal seat at the table, now empty, a copy of the information he left her sitting in his place. 

“The Aetla, they are a good people. They can be fickle and are savvy traders but I believe that they will be willing to help,” Shamira answered, her eyes now downcast at the food in front of her, most likely something she had never seen. 

“He’s an amazing cook; I just try not to tell him, it’ll go to his head,” Adrienne smiled at Jonas, taking another bite as he flushed red at the compliment. Still cautious, however considering her words, the woman took a small bite, letting the flavor roll around in her mouth before gazing up at Jonas, her eyes as big as saucers. 

“This is amazing,” she stammered before swallowing, bringing her hand up to her mouth to catch dribble. 

“You ladies know how to make a man feel good about himself,” he joked, digging in himself. Without another word, the small woman tore into the dish, devouring it faster than even Adrienne could eat, Nicky urging her from the inside to eat at a similar pace. When she finished she glanced up at Jonas, bringing a tiny fist to her mouth to presumably burp. 

“How does one make this?” she asked, wiping her face as she reached for more. 

“Well, I learned on TV, uh, well, from a recording, but I would be happy to write down the ingredients and how to make it, but I’m unsure as to how you would get everything unless you have it?” Jonas started but their guest was smiling, her expression playful. 

“We have our ways,” she said with a grin, loading her plate. Giggling, Adrienne went to eat more herself when an idea hit her, her fork falling to the table. 

“Speaking of your ways Shamira, how long were you planning on staying?” 

*****

“Hey, Daniel, Sam said to come get you, Vala’s taking us down into orbit,” Ronon informed him from the doorway to the storage room where the couple had tossed a few cots to accommodate their guests. It had been interesting, it was the first time since Daniel had met Vala that she hadn’t invited him to sleep with her. 

Evidently it wasn’t Daniel being married that stopped that behavior, it was Ronon. 

“Thanks, be right there,” the archaeologist answered, sitting up, reaching for his glasses, glancing at his watch. He’d slept for nearly ten hours, a record for him, and he felt much better. 

Grabbing his uniform pants from the end of the bed, he pulled them back up to his waist, dragging himself out of the room and to the bridge. 

“I think we should land on the outskirts of the city. Vala and I can sneak in and check it out,” Ronon offered as Daniel walked up to where they were standing, the bright Earth-like planet a warm beacon in the void of space. 

“We can get in and out quiet, we’ve gotten pretty good at this steal, I mean, acquiring parts for the ship,” Vala corrected, blushing, not wanting Daniel or Sam to know that she had let herself slip into some old habits. 

“No,” Daniel answered from behind, not even allowing Sam to speak. He should have felt bad, Sam was his superior, his boss, or used to be, but he just had this feeling inside that he was supposed to lead this, take care of this, get the ZPM and get home...

“We land where ever they land their aircraft. Ronon, do a scan of the area. We send a message, in every language they speak, telling them exactly who we are and that we are asking for their assistance. We land the ship where it is supposed to go and we ask to speak to who is in charge,” he declared, marching up to the co-pilot’s seat where Vala stood, staring at him and moving out of his way for him to sit. 

“Daniel, we don’t know anything about these people,” Sam cautioned, her years of leadership experience willing her to argue, but he shook his head, glancing back at her as he pointed to the planet. 

“Do we ever? I mean really, do we ever really know what is going on, even with our allies? Even with our own people. We need this, to save Langara, get our lives back and stop Anubis. I’ve played cautious long enough. For all of the insanity that Jack brought for so many years, the man was correct. Be direct, stop dancing around the point,” Daniel answered simply as Sam smiled. 

“It’s all yours then Daniel, at your command,” she said softly, watching him as he turned to direct Ronon as to what to do. Sure, she’d seen him take charge of himself, let things happen to himself, but he’d always seemed reluctant to order others to what could be a bad situation, something a leader had to. When he had to in the past he did without complaint, but not with the same determination that was in his eyes right now. 

It was then a thought popped into her head, something she would have never considered before, but now, it just seemed appropriate. Keeping it to herself, she grabbed Vala by the shoulder, leading her to the back to suit up. 

*****

“And these are all your things?” Shamira looked at the list, crudely scratched into the notebook, the more confusing items accompanied by a basic doodle, hopefully enough for her to recognize the items. 

“Yes, well, sorta, I mean, they are part of our lab, so yes, but they do belong to,” Adrienne attempted to answer without lying, an elbow in her side. Trying not to blush, Adrienne peered up at Jonas, who was cutting his eyes at her, warning her to be very careful in her word choice if they were going to pull this off. 

“Alright, because unless you can assure me that they are your possessions we can cause a rift in the fabric of space time without the proper borrowing precautions in place...” the Furling answered, Adrienne frowning and reaching for the notebook.  There was a pen in her face, Jonas waving it with a smile and she took it, scratching a few words from the page before handing it back. 

“The SmartBoard SHOULD be mine. I ordered it,” she countered. 

“It has property of the U.S. Air Force stamped across the bottom, I think that might be the fabric tearing Shamira is talking about,” Jonas replied, pocketing the pen. 

“And where should we move these items?” she asked, her eyes darting around the living room. 

“Lawd no, not ‘ere,” Adrienne answered, her brain quicker than her mouth could catch the accent in her speech, “the office down here,” she corrected, waddling down the hallway as she peeked over her shoulder. Nodding, the woman followed, peering around the corner and eyeing this room with the same concern as before. 

“There seems to be a rather large collection of items here, I am not sure everything from this list will fit,” Shamira. 

“Would you care to repeat those very words to my packrat husband?” Adrienne joked, catching her confusion, “Nevermind, Jonas and I will take care of it, we’ll need a few hours, but yes, everything here.” 

“Alright. It will take me sometime as well and I will need to focus on each item individually, but it will be done,” she agreed, disappearing without another word. 

“Addy, Daniel was quite clear that you are to be relaxing, and I don’t think clearing out his office for some crazy scheme counts as relaxing,” Jonas spoke as soon as their guest was gone. 

“This is VERY relaxing, working, organizing, but if you are worried about me lifting that desk, oh hell no,” she said, sweeping herself, waddling really, it was pretty funny, out of the room. 

“What are you planning on doing then? Stacking the contents of the lab vertically?” he yelled from behind, wondering where in the world she was headed now. 

“Nope, I’m calling Jack and Cam. I just need YOU to order some Greek food,” she turned into the kitchen, presumably for the phone. 

*****

There was a landing strip, in fact, there was an entire airport, a message coming in English as soon as Ronon transmitted their request. The Aetlans didn’t seem to fear their visitors at all which Daniel was unsure to take as a sign of good faith or as a sign of confidence in their defensive capabilities. Either way, however, it was something and as Vala brought them down onto the runway, insisting she be the one to land the ship, Daniel sat in his chair, trying to figure out exactly what to say. 

*****

“Dammit Adrienne, what in the hell do you need? Are you in labor, because if you’re not in labor I’m trying to cover for your damn husband dragging my damn wife all over the galaxy!” Jack was shouted from the front door as Jonas opened it, but Adrienne was armed and ready, platter in hand. 

“I have offerings kind sir in payment for your continued support of Daniel and I’s endeavors,” she said with a smile, a plate of cheese pies waiting. 

“You can’t bribe me with shit that’s your fault I’m now craving on a daily basis,” Jack sneered, stopping dead in his tracks to glare at her. 

“I have beer too,” she added, her head cocking to the kitchen. 

He smiled. 

That did it. 

“This had better be something that’s not gonna blow up in my face. And it’s just me, Mitchell’s playing patsy to Woolsey so I could be here,” the general clarified, deftly removing the entire plate from Adrienne’s hands before proceeding to the kitchen. 

“Just some furniture rearranging, Jonas and I have already started with the light stuff!” the cajun shouted behind him, following happily. Jack was at the door to the fridge, beer in hand and pie in mouth before Adrienne even got the chance to thank him. 

I’ll save that for later, she thought, after I am sure that he’s not gonna kill me...

“You know,” he started, his mouth full, “I SHOULD be lecturing you on taking me out of meetings for nursery renovation, but I would rather be painting cuddly little bears on Daniel junior’s walls anyway..”

“Ewoks...” she corrected with a forced smile.

“Fuzzballs, whatever, and I happen to be a master at crib construction I’ll have you know...” he continued, taking another swig. 

“Well, Jack, that wasn’t exactly the reason for my call -” Adrienne tried to explain but as she did there was a loud crash from down the hall, making the cajun bring her hand to her face. 

“Dr. Jackson! You will need to remove many more things from the office if you wish for me to continue. And you will be pleased to know that I have found one of those Intelligence Boards that did not claim to be the property of your government!” 

“Do I want to know?” Jack asked as Adrienne turned red, rubbing her chin with a grimace.

“Just remember that Daniel did stupid impulsive things for years and you still trust him. And besides, I’m cuter,” she tried. 

“Down the hall Dr. Perky. Let’s see what you’ve done that’s gonna get me fired.” 

*****

Ok, he had to admit, the people approaching him looked a LOT like the people from Avatar, save for their attire, which looked more like the uniforms worn by the Atlantis personnel back when their base was operational. They were taller than humans, as he had expected from his first covert visit, standing at about seven feet. Lacking the pointed ears of fantasy characters, the Aetlans actually lacked ears at all, holes instead similar to frogs although the rest of their facial features seemed distinctly human. They were different shades of blue as well, the darker beings seeming younger, as if they lost pigment with age. 

Just as if she were landing a small plane on Earth, Vala had brought them carefully down the runway, guided in by tiny flying lights, a message coming over the loudspeakers welcoming them as soon as they stopped. 

“They seem nice,” Vala said, sending a safety confirmation to their tower. 

“That was the impression I had as well with Maden, but I still think we need to play it safe. Ronon, I want you and Vala to stay with the ship, not only to guard it but scan the planet, come up with some sort of plan of escape if this goes wrong,” he instructed, Vala making a face. 

“A quick beam out the geeks and go getaway,” she confirmed, starting the scan. 

“With and without. We need to anticipate both scenarios,” he answered quickly, much to Sam’s surprise. 

I was right...

“Sam,” Daniel broke her thoughts calling her name, the general trying to hide her smile, “I’d like to speak with them at first, explain the direness of the situation and feel out their technological levels concerning the ZPM before we offer them any information. If that’s alright?” There was a hesitation in his voice, for the first time since they left Earth’s orbit and she wasn’t going to let him doubt himself now. 

“I think that is exactly what we should do,” she had answered quickly. 

It was exactly what they should do...

And it was those very words that were guiding him now as the azure being stepped forward, a seemingly sexless creature, offering two hands to him palms up. 

“Greetings. I am Draugr, and I serve as the governor of this province,” she/he/it greeted, Daniel placing his own hand on top, hoping that was the correct gesture. 

‘Tree trunk’ he translated that name loosely, his back itching at the mention. 

Damn Adrienne. 

“Greetings. My name is Dr. Daniel Jackson and I am honored that you have allowed us to meet with you,” he answered, Draugr clasping his hands and bowing. 

“We meet very few beings with similar advanced technology so we are eager to welcome those who come, and come asking for our help no less, that is most intriguing,” their host answered, cordially, slipping hands from Daniel’s grasp. 

Intriguing, Daniel thought, please don’t let that be code for ‘we want to ransack your ship you intriguing idiots’ but he kept his composure and to his plan, not to beat around the bush. 

“Draugr, again thank you. We were also friends of the Asgard, I am not sure if you knew Thor?” he tried, name dropping first, feeling that was safest and the being smiled, nodding. 

“Never did we have the pleasure of meeting Thor, but we have heard of his adventures,”  was the reply, friendly, making Daniel’s confidence grow. 

“Adventures I hope that did not involve things about myself or my friends that would cause you to question our purpose here,” he pushed a little further, trying to ascertain whether or not their reputation preceded them.

“We have heard little from our protectors other than of their unfortunate demise,” the governor replied sullenly, Daniel nodding in understanding. 

“It was a great loss to the galaxy,” he agreed quickly, expecting his host to usher him to a meeting room, any kind of room where this would all normally take place, but Draugr didn’t move, just stood there arms crossed over a thin chest. 

“We believe so as well, however, dwelling in the past is what prevents a civilization from moving forward,” the Aetlan replied, eyeing Sam now. “And you are?” 

“General Samantha O’Neill,” she offered, refraining from identifying herself as the head of Stargate Command as she normally did. Daniel wasn’t sure why that stuck out to him, but it did, making him frown slightly. 

“A warrior and an academic based on your titles,” Draugr continued, “an interesting combination. What sort of distress must your world be in if they have chosen to send such an odd combination?” 

Ok, Daniel thought, I expected that response to an extent, taking a breath before breaking into his speech. 

“I understand how this may look, two strange people coming in an enemy ship asking for help and I agree, I would see it as an odd situation as well. But we do need your help. Our world is in danger and our leaders are not listening. We are in search of a device, a device that would help us power a great weapon. There is a being that needs to be stopped, he is called Anubis. He has already taken one world and his plan is to take over not only our galaxy but make his way across the universe,” Daniel started, hoping his explanation was not too cryptic, but his host was nodding as was a slightly shorter Aetlan with paler skin. 

“This Anubis is a Goa’uld, isn’t he? The name is of their language?” the other asked, Daniel nodding. 

“Yes, both that and Alteran. He’s far worse than any system lord we have dealt with and he doesn’t give up,” Daniel replied, waiting. 

“He hurt you. And someone you loved,” a voice spoke up from the back, Daniel swallowing strongly. 

This Daniel had hoped wouldn’t happen, that the increased activity in their frontal lobes would not be as empathic as he had worried, would not be able to read the more emotional side of him, this side of him that now was as strong as he rational side, if not at times, stronger. 

“Yes, he hurt my wife,” Daniel chose not to lie, trying to control the images of Adrienne rocketing through his head, her safety now paramount to his own. The trio of Aetlans straightened their heads, eyes wide, reading, they were reading him, testing his words. 

“She is with child.” 

“Yes.” 

“You fear losing them.” 

“Yes.” 

“As much as you fear losing your world if not more.” 

Daniel paused this time, fully aware of Sam standing at his side, awaiting his answer. 

“More,” he chose not to lie, keeping his eyes ahead not wanting to see Sam’s reaction, how yet again, in a dire situation Adrienne was his number one concern.

There was not a motion in front of the pair of friends, not one twitch between their hosts, Sam choosing as well to say nothing. 

“He seeks the crystal,” the one Aetlan asked that had yet to speak, disregarding his torrent of emotions that he was sure they could feel, all for Adrienne, but it was not asking Daniel, instead asking his comrades without eye contact. 

“She knows how to use it,” Draugr agreed, Daniel assuming that the she was Sam. 

“Not ours,” the pale one interjected, making Daniel frown.

This wasn’t going well. 

At all.

He should have lied. 

*****

“Addy, all we have left is the desk. Where do you want that?” Jonas shouted from the hallway as Adrienne began to line books carefully on the shelf in their bedroom. 

“We need a bigger house,” she muttered, feeling ungrateful and guilty for saying anything against their home, a home Daniel had sought out and purchased for them. 

For me, she corrected, he did all of this for me, and her pregnancy hormones kicked back into overdrive, tears streaming down her face. It was too much, it was just too much, and she couldn’t hold back any longer. 

“Why are you gone again? What if something happens to you?” she knelt in the floor, sobbing, hearing footsteps behind her. 

“You ok?” a voice asked from behind her, a hand on her shoulder, the Langaran’s face peering around into her own. Jonas, my friend with ESP, Adrienne thought, turning to face him. 

“Yea, I’m fine, “I’m ok. You guys can bring the desk in here, over in the far corner,” she replied, sniffing in, wiping her eyes, composing herself.  

“No you’re not,” he led, reaching around her, taking her into his arms. 

“Jonas, I’m fine, it’s stupid. Everything’s gonna be alright. Can you help me up?” she requested softly, pulling away, not from his kind hug of friendship but from his sympathy. 

Not a moment of hesitation, Jonas stood again, reaching down to her arm and her back, helping her to her feet, but not letting go.

“Adrienne, it’s alright to be upset,” Jonas assured her and he meant it. Granted Daniel had to leave, despite his own protests the lead archaeologist was correct in his assertion, no one else was as qualified to handle the task. It had to be hard on Adrienne, Jonas couldn’t imagine. She wasn’t from another planet, like he, Teal’c, Vala and she hadn’t been a part of this for years like Sam, Jack and Daniel, since the inception, and she was here alone, again, pregnant with Daniel’s child. 

“No, it’s not. It’s not fair to him.” 

She was trying to be strong, Jonas could see it in her eyes and was about to say something more, to tell her that she needed to start considering herself in the equation and stop worrying so much about Daniel when Jack was shouting from down the hall. 

“I’m a god damn senior citizen by definition Dr. Perky, where in the hell do you want this thing!?” 

“In here Jack, please, under the window. Jonas is coming,” Adrienne sucked in once more, reaching for Jonas’ hand. 

“I knew what I was getting in to, it’s just the hormones. He’ll be back,” she nodded with reassurance. 

“He will Addy, if anything he’d never sacrifice you. Himself, yes, but you. Never, and he’d never let you go through this alone,” Jonas said quietly, hoping that Jack wasn’t peeping around the corner. 

Adrienne smiled, starting to answer but shook her head, returning to the stack of books and her librarian mode.

“Coming!” Jonas shouted and left her, giving her some space. 

*****

Daniel stood watching the cryptic exchange, some odd combination of dialog and what looked to be telepathic communication which Daniel knew was not. They didn’t seem to be willing to share this technology that they so desperately needed. His heart pounded in his chest, this just had to work, they couldn’t leave yet another planet empty handed. 

“Technically it is not ours.” 

“It was left.” 

“In our care.” 

“I beg to differ, the small ones had no inclination as to the extent of our abilities.” 

“Excuse me?” Daniel lifted his finger, seeing an opportunity to interrupt. All eyes directed themselves back to him with curiosity, wondering what he could possibly offer to the conversation. 

“The Ktaenam, they were aware of your society's technological level, which is why those chose to leave the ZPM here, that’s what we call it a ZPM. They knew you would keep it safe,” Daniel offered, pausing, gauging their reaction, and it was working, they seemed interested so he did what he did best; he kept talking. 

“They’re assisting us, they understand the threat that Anubis is, and listed your planet as a friendly one, told us that you were a people that would help us,” he said with a smile, one that quickly turned to a frown as Draugr shook his head, looking down at his paler associate. 

“Dr. Jackson, we do not fear your retrieval of this item, we can sense your intentions. It is of no use to us. The problem is that it does not work,” the leader explained, his head turning to meet Sam’s gaze. 

“So yours is broken as well,” Daniel clarified, part of his mind already skimming the list in his head, what was the next closest planet, could he radio Adrienne from here and get her to pull up the full version of the next world on her computer when he noticed the smaller Aetlan was shaking his head. 

“No, it is fully intact and seems to be at full power. However, there is no way to harness that power,” it explained, Sam cutting her eyes over at Daniel. 

“It’s a complex system, Alteran technology, we would be happy to show you how we would use it, how we will harness the power, so you would know,” she offered quickly, but again their hosts didn’t seem to be convinced. 

“We know how it works, the crystalline power is very simple to harness, but this one simply doesn’t. There are also strange holes in the sides and we are not certain of their purpose as they seem to add no function to the overall performance.” 

Again, a response that Daniel understood, the ZPM has been altered, someone must have gotten to it without their knowledge, but Sam’s mind was somewhere else entirely, she was shaking her head, she was scanning the tablet in her hands, her mouth wide. She was looking for something, that was clear enough, but what Daniel had no idea. 

“Like this!” she spat out, stepping forward, showing the screen. Confused, what in the word is she getting so worked up about, Daniel leaned around, trying to see, a crudely drawn image on the gadget’s face. It was a ZPM, that was clear, but with a series of extra black lines, thicker, with holes in them just as the Aetlans had described. He hadn’t seen anything like it before, in fact, the drawing looked like something Rodney had concocted in his crazy imagination. 

“Yes, but the lines here,” a blue finger touched the screen, “go higher and the pinnacle is nearly as wide as the base.” 

“And it is powered?” Sam continued, Draugr nodding slightly. 

“Yes, based on all of our tests it seems to be at full power, however, when attached to a device that it should power, it does not. It simply does nothing. The crystals are like nothing on this planet, so we have been hesitant to dismantle the device to find the source of the malfunction.”

“Can we see it?” Sam asked, Daniel wondering who was in charge of this conversation now, the excitement in her eyes one Daniel hadn’t seen in a very long time. 

“Of course. We’d ask that you leave your weapons, and we’d perform a safety scan, but if you’d like. It is housed in the main science building,” Draugr agreed quickly, turning to lead them to a small, most likely secure, building, the general following without question. Daniel hesitated for just a moment, watching Sam walk away amongst the azure giants as if she belonged there before racing forward, pulling her back by the arm. 

“Sam, where are you going? What is that thing, because it doesn’t sound like a ZPM?” he asked, Sam smiling brightly. 

“Nope, it’s not,” she answered with a grin, “it’s a charger.” 

*****

Homer shook in his boots, literally, as he stood at the door to the president’s office. 

He felt guilt, he felt sorrow, he felt fear. 

They’d shown him that his wife was fine, as was his infant son, peacefully asleep under the spell, but that still didn’t assuage his fears. He’d seen the soldiers turn on his fellows before, gunning them down with staff weapons, blasters, whatever was nearby. He’d been spared each time though, and the only reason he could give for that his position in the government and his brain kept he and his family alive. 

“There is never a need to fear as long as you have done what has been asked,” the figure said from the desk, looking up, not as imposing as she should have been. She was attractive, in fact, penetrating green eyes against dark skin, her light brown hair flowing down her back. If he hadn’t known the truth, if he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t believe it. 

“Yes ma’am,” he answered without thinking, wondering if that would be an offensive

 term but she smiled, so sweetly, in a way that almost melted him, disturbingly so.

“Take a seat Homer, what have you found?” she offered, signaling her hand to indicate the chair across for her desk where she had been writing something, in that language, Ancient he thought he had heard Representative Quinn call it. 

“It will work, with no trace. It appears that a similar chemical is used in their food processing already. It will work,” he let those words cross his lips, regretting the exchange, his tiny child for someone else’s, a person he never met. More guilt, more regret. more terror.

“Good, and the method, you do realize how much of an area we need to cover?” She wasn’t looking at him anymore, she was writing again in that script making him wish he’d listened to those presentations Quinn had given. 

“Yes. It will need to be administered bit by bit, and even then you will need to repeat the process city to city,” the words tumbled out of his mouth at the thought, again a mixture of guilt and relief, relief in knowing that the final test couldn’t occur here; there wasn’t an entire city awake here to be tested. 

“Excellent Homer. I hope you understand that you have become someone that I can count on...” finally she was looking at him, speaking directly to him, those green eyes with their golden pupils. He knew that wasn’t part of the package, that was requested and given what he had heard of her/him/it, he was pretty certain as to why. 

“Yes ma’am,” he choked out, another smile in response. Ma’am must be alright, preferred even by her manner.

“That will be all for now,” her eyes were back at the paper, thankfully, Homer’s breath resuming its normal pattern. Standing quickly, the Langaran adjusted his uniform, excusing himself with a few mutters. He didn’t look back, heading straight for the door, praying that the tremor in his leg was not as visible as it felt. 

*****

He’d been dealing with baby things too long, well baby things and endless pictures of alien worlds, because Sam might as well have been speaking in binary for all he understood. The device was set on the table in the back of a storage room, clearly cared for but abandoned for a while, proving to both Sam and Daniel that it had indeed been examined but clearly forgotten. 

In a zone, one he would never have a chance to break, she powered her way past him heading for the table, asking their guide, the smaller of the Aetlans, a female by the name of Leita to provide her with light if possible. The woman nodded, heading to a computing console, the lights flickering on to a brighter level with a few swift motions of her finger. 

“My associate, Dr. McKay, has been studying various components of Alteran laboratory technology. We have found evidence that such a device was theorized but there so far has been nothing to support its actual construction,” Sam began to explain, her eyes and hands already ogling the device. 

“ZPMs, for us stands for Zero Point Module, contain what should be limitless energy, but that only seems to hold true when it is being used to support more basic technologies, computer systems, even life support for a ship, but when used to power weapons' technology or hyperdrive depletes at an alarming rate.” 

And all of this time Daniel thought Rodney had been stealing Adrienne to clone flowers. 

Addy was cloning flowers while Rodney was unlocking sources of ultimate power. 

Who knew?

“Given that we are fairly certain the Alterans knew of this limitation, or defect, what have you, we started to search for some method recharging the devices. Again, we found no images, only text descriptors describing what such a device would look like. From our best guess it should look something like this,” Sam showed the small gathering the picture from the iPad, confirming to Daniel that it was indeed a sketch. 

“You are saying it was not designed to power anything?” Leita ventured, Sam nodding quickly in agreement. 

“No. According to our research, it is made from a more powerful version of the crystals and can only transfer power back into the lesser crystal, presumably through these extra veins, but there seems to be nothing to resemble a cord. That is as far as our knowledge extends, we would have to set this side by side with a depleted ZPM to see how the two would communicate or if they would communicate at all,” she answered. 

“Then you are not certain if it works?” Draugr asked, Sam shrugging. 

“Not exactly, no, but based on what knowledge we have it shows every indication that it should.” 

Daniel stood back from the exchange, listening to Sam ramble on a little more about power levels and checking the flow through the black power conduits by using some simple appliances for comparison. He watched as the Aetlans spoke amongst themselves, not quietly, they were open, all saying the exact same thing, that they didn’t need it but they were very curious as to how it worked. 

“Can we have it?” Sam blurted out, glancing at Daniel apologetically, this was his call really, she had said as much, but he shrugged, letting her excitement take her over. 

“Of course,” Draugr replied immediately, “we have no need for it.” 

Daniel’s heart skipped a beat, there was no way, they were just going to give it to them, how did this happen, he was going to get a charger, Sam was going to have a way to recharge every single ZPM that wasn’t cracked, he was going to get home to Adrienne, to their baby, no fear of her going into labor without him and he was approaching the table to take the device when he heard it...

“What do you have to offer in trade?” 

Daniel stopped in his tracks. 

Of course not, of course it wouldn’t be this easy, nothing in his life was ever easy. 

“We could see what we have on the ship,” Sam started, her face panicked, trying to rack her brain for what might be there.

“We have no need for Goa’uld technology,” Draugr replied, dark eyes back on the device. 

I know what you’re thinking, Daniel thought, you want to know what you can gain from this, it was said that you are savvy traders. 

What do we have?

What would be enough?

“The shield,” Daniel’s spat out, reaching for his bag. 

“The shield?” Sam clarified, frowning, Daniel shrugging in embarrassment. 

“Yeah, the shield, the Asgard shield, the prototype, I was pissed off alright, I took some things from storage,” he explained as he knelt on the floor. 

“A shield of the Asgard?” Leita asked, kneeling to join Daniel as he dug through his bag, spilling journals and pens all over the stone floor. 

“Yes, see, when the Asgard knew of their demise, they contacted us, they contacted me, they gave us a data -”  Daniel stopped, holding up the small device in his hand shaking his head, “ base.  Wait. This. We can do better than this, we can give you everything. Everything the Asgard held back, everything they though you weren’t ready for. I don’t have it here, it’s back on our homeworld, but we, I, can bring it back. I’d need some information on how to convert it to your systems, but I’m sure my wife can figure out a way she’s a genius with that kind of thing,” he offered rambling, finally taking a breath to compose his excitement with the idea. 

“A database? Of what exactly?” Draugr was clearly deferring to Leita who in Daniel’s blabbering had taken the device, examining it in her long fingers, curiously studying the object. 

“Everything. Their entire civilization. There is so much in it, so very much, it will never be possible to go through it alone, but we could share that knowledge with you, we could help one another go through it,” he changed the offer slightly. 

What am I doing? he thought, I’m offering the only thing Thor was able to give me so freely, without hesitation, but there was something he just understood standing here, in all of this chaos and excitement. 

Keeping this information to themselves, hiding it from every other intelligent civilization that they ever encountered, including the Langarans, that he and his friends were no better in their isolationist ways. If the Ktaenam had trusted a civilization this advanced with not only a ZPM but a primary power source no less, who was he to question their intentions. 

“The Asgard gave us very little information. They said we were as children and some things we needed to figure out on our own yet they have given you everything?” the Aetlan seemed hurt, well Daniel couldn’t be sure, they didn’t seem to have many different emotional states. 

“We became very good friends with Thor. We promised him that we would care for the information, learn from it, but there is no way one person, well two people, can go through it all,” he answered, standing as he stuffed the last of his items into the bag. 

“That,” Daniel continued, “keep that. It’s a prototype, but you can test it and study it. We can return, bring more information, in exchange for this.” 

There was no reply, Daniel’s stomach sinking, the three slender giants eyeing one another and Daniel just knew what was to come, there needed to be a committee, a meeting, another damn planet with more damn bureaucracy...

Sighing deeply, Daniel reached beneath his glasses, pinching the bridge of his nose strongly. 

*****

Adrienne was vaguely aware of the front door opening, rubbing her face with her hands as she tried to sit up from the sofa, falling back onto the pillow. 

“Come on, count to three, roll and stand,” Jack said from above her, Adrienne opening her eyes again to see the general standing over her, a hand extended to help her to her feet. Yawning, she couldn’t control the action, she scanned her body to see that he had covered her. She remembered sitting down on the sofa, exhausted, Nicky beating her to death from the inside, both of her male helpers insisting that they would finish setting everything up that Shamira had piled into the lab.  

“Jack, what are you doing here?” Adrienne heard the moment she took his arm, her heart skipping a beat, the rest of her waking up quickly. 

Daniel was home. 

“Dr. Perky decided to remodel,” he answered, relinquishing her hand knowing where she was headed as his friend bounded through the front door, his arms open, heading for his wife. 

“I told you I’d be back soon,” Daniel said in greeting, taking Adrienne’s into his arms, the cajun reaching for his face, kissing him deeply. 

“We have a ZPM, better than a ZPM,” Sam was trailing right behind Daniel, pushing past the lip locked couple, the look of excitement on her face, kissing Jack herself in the middle of the Jackson living room. 

“Wait, it worked?” Jack asked as he pulled away, catching Adrienne leading Daniel down the hall by the hand. 

“Yes, it did. Well, it sort of worked, it’s not a ZPM, it’s a Primary Power Source, it’s a charger. We left it aboard the ship with Ronon and Vala, but Jack not only did it work, but we have allies. This isn’t over!” she sputtered, holding his hands in her own, Jack smiling, excited to hear the details. 

*****

“Ja-wer, I just got back, can I sit down? Remember, you married an old man...” he joked, letting her drag him along. 

“Indy, just hush for a second, there’s something I have to show you,” she answered, coming to a stop at his office door, beaming; she’d be jumping up and down were it not for the large child growing in her. 

“Open it,” she gushed, cocking her head at the door. Confused, expecting her to drag him to the nursery, maybe she and Jonas had gone shopping, Daniel turned the knob, peering into his office. 

What WAS his office. 

“We have a lab?” was all he could manage to say as a miniature version of his workspace laid out carefully in his home office was displayed in front of his wide unbelieving eyes. 

“What? I’m pregnant, not helpless,” his wife said with a smile, happily leaning against the doorframe as Daniel rushed inside. 

*****

“Is it really a charger?” Adrienne asked as Daniel shut off the water, slipping into the tub in front of her. 

“Sam thinks so. She wants me to head over there tomorrow,” he answered, sitting down, leaning back into her embrace, only somewhat comfortable as he could feel what he swore was a small human kicking him in the back. 

“I’m surprised she didn't want you there immediately,” Adrienne noted, reaching for the sponge and soap. 

“She did. I asked to have a night with you,” he replied, leaning his head back to see if she was smiling. Giggling, she dabbed the lathered sponge lightly on his face, reaching to wash his arms. 

“Lean back more, you’re supposed to soak that thing,” she ordered as she stopped washing, Daniel wanting to whine the moment she halted her soft caress. 

“I can’t, Nicky’s in the way,” he replied instead, Adrienne shoving his shoulder. 

“We need a bigger tub,” she teased. 

“No, you need to give birth. Dammit Ad, what’s taking so long,” he joked, Adrienne stopping again to splash water at him. 

“He’s YOUR son, I figure that makes him genetically stubborn,” she spat, Daniel laughing. 

“Here, switch with me,” Daniel stood, extending his hand to help her move forward. She took it, heeding his request, and he sat down behind her, shaking his head as she watched to make sure he was laying back as much as he could into the warm bath. 

“Better?” he asked, noting her frown. 

“Is it soaking?” she checked, trying to peer back at him. 

“You know you’ve gone into mom mode already?” he picked, hands in front of his face to block any more water she might be splashing his way. 

“Sha, I got into mom mode with you the DAY I was hired, don’t you start with me,” she retorted, easing back into his arms, the sponge now caressing her shoulders softly. 

“Is it gonna work?” she asked after a while, her eyes still closed slightly, letting him carefully wash her. 

“The charger? Sam says it should,” Daniel answered, dipping the sponge into the water to rinse. 

“No, I mean, is it enough?” 

“I have no idea. I’m thinking that if Sam thought it was enough she would say, but for now she wants to keep it low key,” he responded, reaching for the shampoo. 

“As long as I have you I shouldn’t care...” he heard her whisper, making him furrow his brow. 

“Really? Are you ready to start wearing an apron too? Cook crawfish, have supper ready for your man every night? Sell Tupperware?” 

“I was trying to be sweet,” she spat, laughing, understanding his meaning. 

“I know; I’m just messin’ with you,” he said in reply, another thought popping into his head, “Is this ok for the baby?” he hadn’t thought to ask when she had suggested this the other day or now but she was shaking her head against his chest. 

“Yeah, the water’s not too hot, we’re fine,” she sighed out, letting him wash her hair. 

“Not much longer now,” he added as he scrubbed, Adrienne shrugging. 

“I know,” she answered, pausing and taking a breath, “I’m getting scared.” 

“Why? I just said you mother me, so see, you’ve got lots of practice,” he joked as he reached for the cup beside the tub, filling it to rinse her hair. 

“Just how fast my life has changed, in only a few years; it’s a bit intimidating,” she admitted, sitting up to let him wash the rest of the soap away. 

“I know what you mean,” he replied, “Done, I used the two in one shampoo if that’s ok?” Adrienne, however, didn’t respond, turning slowly to face him. 

“Lean back,” she requested. 

“Ad, the tattoo is soaking, ok, stop worrying,” he answered, leaning back into the water and closing his eyes. 

“Not that...” he felt a soft touch, his brain finally registering.

“Oh...”

*****

Jonas lay on the air mattress in the living room, again, an unmistakable noise echoing down the hall, again. 

“I need to get my own place...” he sighed, pulling the pillow around his head.