I Was Thinking...

“I can’t protect him,” Sha’re sniffed, “I want to. I love him, we love him, but there will be so many who wish to hurt him or try to use the knowledge he will have.”

When the alien nodded, Daniel tightened his hold on her, knowing how hard this was for his wife.

“I want to take him home,” Sha’re turned to Daniel and continued, “He grew beneath my heart, he is mine, no matter how he came to be. I want us to be a family, to raise him, to watch you teach him,” she paused and forced back her tears as she whispered, “But he will never be safe in our care.”

Daniel remained silent as he kissed her temple, wishing he could take this burden from her but knowing he couldn’t.

“I want you to promise me,” Sha’re said to the alien, “Promise me that he will be taken care of and that he will always know that we love him, that we wanted to keep him with us but that we placed him in your care for his protection.”

The alien nodded again and reached out, stroking Sha’re’s cheek comfortingly.

Sha’re sniffed, hugging the boy close again tears sliding down her cheeks. Daniel simply held her knowing that he couldn’t say anything to make the choice easier.

Taking several deep breaths, Sha’re kissed her baby boy’s forehead before gently resting him back in the crib.

“Make sure he knows that if he ever needs me,” Sha’re said softly as she fixed the covers over him, “I will be there.”

“We will be there,” Daniel added as she stepped back into his arms.

Daniel held her as they watched the glowing alien lift the child and leave the room. Sha’re turned and cuddled into his shoulder for a moment, pulling away she passed him his boots while she pulled her own on, before she took his hand leading him out to rejoin the others.

It was time for them to return home.

~

Daniel kept his arm around his wife as they stepped through the Stargate back onto Earth, she was silent, her face was blank and the only sign she was upset was the way her fingers gripped his jacket. They instantly headed to the infirmary for the post-mission medical check, and Daniel didn’t say anything when she left the moment Janet cleared her.

Instead, he accompanied the rest of the team, and Bra’tac, to the conference room and gave Hammond their report on what had happened on the planet.

“Dr Jackson,” Hammond stopped him from leaving, he waited until the others had cleared the room before asking, “How is Sha’re?”

“She’s coping,” Daniel told him.

Hammond nodded, “I can only imagine how hard this must have been for her. Take her home, son. You are still due time off that you accrued, take the rest of the week.”

“Thank you, sir,” Daniel replied softly.

Heading to his office to collect some things, Daniel found Jack waiting for him.

“Hammond told me to take Sha’re home,” Daniel told him, “Can you return everything I bought for the baby?”

“Of course,” Jack assured before asking, “Does she know you have all that stuff stored in my garage?”

Daniel shook his head, “It was meant to be a surprise. Something to show her how much I was looking forward to having him home with us. Now, it’ll just upset her.”

“Head home,” Jack said, “I’ll fix everything.”

Daniel grabbed his things, pausing as Jack rested his hand on Daniel’s shoulder for a moment before letting him leave the office. He found Sha’re in the VIP room they used when staying in the base, she was sitting on the edge of the bed staring into space.

“Are you ready to leave?” Daniel asked.

Sha’re frowned confused, “Does General Hammond not want to be briefed about the mission?”

“I told him everything,” Daniel assured her, “We can go home.”

Nodding Sha’re stood and packed away her books before taking his hand so they could head to the locker rooms and change into their street clothes.

~

Sha’re sat quietly in the car as Daniel drove them to the house they had recently purchased. Daniel knew that since they had chosen to live here permanently then Sha’re should have the home that she wanted to live in. The house wasn’t huge, with a living room, dining room and kitchen but also three bedrooms and a converted attic Daniel had made into an office. It was the garden however that meant Sha’re told him the house was perfect for them.

The fact Jack lived only a few blocks away was also deemed as a plus by Sha’re, even if Daniel kept pretending to dispute the fact.

They’d painted both of the spare bedrooms and Daniel had begun to buy things for a nursery for the boy, storing them in Jack’s garage so that when they found the baby they everything they would need for him. The plan had been while the child was checked out by Janet, then Daniel would get the rest of the team, plus any volunteers, to fix the nursery up as a surprise for her.

The moment Daniel stopped the car, Sha’re got out and headed inside. He followed her once he’d retrieved their bags.

Daniel put their things away and headed into their bedroom finding Sha’re curled up on the bed hugging the pillow. Toeing off his shoes, Daniel slid onto the bed and spooned up behind her resting his arms around her.

Sha’re turned and buried herself against him, finally crying.

“I wanted to keep him,” she whispered after a while, “I wanted…”

“I know, darling,” Daniel soothed, “I wanted to keep him too. He looked so like you, had your smile and I wanted to be his father.”

Sha’re tightened her hold on him, “I…I…” she sighed, “I miss him, I only held him for a short time, but I miss him.”

“I know,” Daniel rubbed gentle circles on her back.

Sha’re sniffed, “I know that if we brought him here then he wouldn’t be safe. I know that.”

“You did what was best for him,” Daniel reminded her, “Even though it hurts.”

She let out another sigh, her head resting against him.

“We don’t have to go back to the base for a few days,” Daniel told her.

“Good, I don’t want to talk to anyone right now,” she replied, “I don’t want to do anything except stay here with you.”

Daniel kissed her forehead, “We can do that.”

~

Sha’re sat curled up on the couch as she sipped her tea. Daniel was out fetching groceries to make her a nice meal to help her feel better, so she was alone in the house. Her arms ached from the emptiness, and her ears rang from the silence. She’d only held her baby boy once and she missed him so much.

She didn’t know how to see past this. Didn’t know how to continue now that she had found and given her baby away. Sha’re knew it had been the best thing for him, she knew that, but it didn’t make it any easier.

Finishing her tea, Sha’re headed to the kitchen and washed her mug, putting it away before she wandered the house. Stepping into the small bedroom beside theirs, Sha’re looked at the empty room. This was the one she had planned to be the baby’s room when they brought him home, she had looked forward to sitting with Daniel and choosing everything they needed for her son.

Their son, she had hoped.

“Hey,” Daniel’s voice came making her jump in surprise that she hadn’t heard him return, “Are you okay?”

Sha’re leaned back against him as his arms wrapped around her waist, hugging her close.

“I don’t know what to do,” she whispered, “My son was supposed to be here tonight. I was going to feed him, clean him and then put him into his new bed. If he cried then I would be there for him, finally. I would get to be his mother.”

Daniel held her slightly tighter before telling her, “You’re always his mother, and you did the best thing you could for him. You made sure he’s safe.”

Turning, Sha’re wrapped her arms around his waist and rested against his chest, “I don’t know if I did?”

“Of course you did,” Daniel told her, “I know how much it hurt, but if we’d brought him home then he would never be safe. We both know it. You were completely unselfish. You did what was best for him. I don’t know if I would have had that strength.”

Sha’re closed her eyes and just held onto him feeling Daniel’s hand gently stroke up and down her back comfortingly.

“I know this was the room we were going to put him in,” Daniel murmured, “I…em…”

Sha’re pulled away and looked up at him, “What?”

“I’d bought everything for the room to make it a nursery,” Daniel confessed, “It’s hidden in Jack’s garage.”

“Why?”

“Because I wanted to surprise you,” he told her, “I wanted to make sure you knew how much I loved him. My plan was to have it fixed while Janet was checking the baby.”

Sha’re felt tears slip down her cheeks before she threw her arms around him, “You are amazing, my love.”

“I wasn’t going to tell you,” Daniel winced, “But I thought it might...”

Sha’re kissed him, “It does.”

“I know it doesn’t feel like it right now,” Daniel rested his forehead against hers, “But we’ll get through this.”

~

Jack stood watching Sha’re go through the contents of his garage, the baby furniture and toys that Daniel had purchased for the boy. He was surprised when Daniel called to check if he still had it considering the day before he’d ask Jack to get rid of it.

“Daniel wanted you to know how much he was looking forward to having the baby home,” Jack told her, when he saw her wipe her eyes.

Sha’re smiled slightly, “He is too good.”

Moving to her side, Jack leaned against the wall, “I know what you’re going through.”

“No,” she whispered, “It is not the same for you, Jack and I would not pretend it is. My son is…”

“Alive,” Jack finished for her, “But he’s out of reach. And you’re blaming yourself for not being the best parent.”

She nodded, sniffing as she held back tears.

“I don’t know if I can persuade you any more than Daniel can,” Jack replied, “But it’s clear that you love your baby boy, and you did what was best for him. Not what you or Daniel wanted.”

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Jack reached out and wrapped his arm around her shoulders in a hug, “Come here, kid.” He held her for a few moments before asking, “Did you name him?”

Sha’re shook her head, “I was going to do that once we brought him home.”

“Then why don’t you do that?” Jack suggested, “Name him, plant a bush or tree in your garden for him. Something that you can watch grow.”

“I like that idea,” Sha’re breathed.

Jack nodded, “Then we’ll find something and have a small naming ceremony.”

                             *********************************************

It was an apple tree that Daniel and Jack had found for them to plant in the back garden. Sha’re cooked several dishes from her home, or as close as she could get to them, as well as some of the things from her new home.

The guests they invited were, of course the other members of SG1, Janet, Cassie, General Hammond, Ferretti and few others Sha’re had become friendly with. In addition, Kasuf and Skaara had made the journey from Abydos to be there with them.

Looking out at the garden where their guests were mingling, Daniel moved to Sha’re and wrapped his arms around her.

“How are you?” he asked.

She shrugged, “I am fine. I think this is a good idea.”

Daniel kissed her, “Whenever you’re ready, we’ll plant the tree and name our son.”

She hugged him for a few moments before taking the drinks she had prepared for her father and brother.

Daniel watched his wife join her family, he was glad Jack had suggested this and once they’d found the tree as well as the perfect spot in the garden had one small surprise for Sha’re.

~

Sha’re could see the hole that Daniel had dug the night before covered with a sheet of wood to protect it. She was grateful so many of their friends had come here for this small ceremony but especially happy to have her father and brother here with them.

Neither had seen their new home and Sha’re had been happy to show them the new house.

“Does everyone have a drink?” Daniel asked.

When the entire garden confirmed they did Daniel moved to where they had stored the small tree. Jack slid the piece of wood away from the hole and Daniel brought over the tree setting it by the side of the hole.

“As you all know,” Daniel said, taking Sha’re’s hand when she joined him, “Recently we found our baby boy, but because of…” he paused for a moment before continuing, “Because we would not be able to protect him from those who would want the gifts he will have we chose to let him stay with the powerful being who was protecting him.”

“This was not an easy decision for us,” Sha’re added softly, “And Jack suggested that we do this to have a place in our home for our son.”

Daniel unwrapped the bottom of the tree and helped Sha’re place it into the hole before he and Jack filled in the dirt ensuring it was safely in the ground.

“This is for our son, Lucas Melbourne Jackson,” Sha’re said, forcing tears back.

Daniel hugged her closed and explained the choice of name, “Lucas means bringer of light in Greek, and we wanted a name to reflect his place in our lives. A light that we cherish even if he can’t be with us.”

Sha’re smiled at him before she let out a soft gasp when Daniel handed her a small golden metal plate showing their son’s name engraved upon it, along with the symbols for Earth and Abydos.

“This is so he always knows that this is his home,” Daniel told her, Jack handed him a frame which Daniel slid it into and placed it on front of the tree before he turned to Sha’re again, “So, you will always know it too.”

Sha’re gently brushed her fingers across her son’s name before turning to Daniel and smiled wrapping her arms around him hugging him tightly she whispered, “I love you, Dan’iel.”

~

“The Tauri?” Rey demanded in surprise as she stared at the rest of the council.

Dilmar nodded, “Last week a small group visited, we agreed that they will return in a few weeks so they can speak directly with you.”

Rey took in a slow deep breath to stop the panic attack that she could feel coming at the thought of being in contact with her husband’s people. She knew it was selfish; she knew that the Tauri were advanced and could help Sanctuary in many ways but the thought of being in contact with her husband’s home world when he wasn’t there just made her want to cry.

“Are you alright?” Dilmar asked softly, bringing her back to the room.

She nodded, “Apologies, I am tired after the past week. At least I have some time to work out what we need to discuss with them.”

Hana smiled, “The team who visited were pleasant, one however was asking about the writing we placed on the walls of the portal door.”

“They did?”

“He said he recognised some of the writing from a planet called…” Hana hesitated for a moment before she remembered, “Abydos.”

Rey took a quick breath, knowing it must have been O’Neill who had visited. It made sense that Daniel would have shared their writing with him, and O’Neill would recognise her the moment he saw her, but she knew there was no way she could hide away when he returned.

“I am sure I can help him with that,” Rey replied, knowing she would deal with it, “Now, how about we move on to what else I have missed.”

                             *********************************************

Rey stood waiting for the delegation from Earth to arrive, steeling herself for the moment O’Neill arrived and her past caught up with her. Part of her was looking forward to seeing him, he would be able to talk of Daniel with her, remind her of the kind man she had loved but the other part of her was dreading it because she had spent so much time making sure no one knew how much she missed him.

The Stargate opened and she waited while Havo spoke with the Tauri letting them know they were ready to receive them.

A few moments later the blue surface rippled and three people walked through. To her relief, and slight disappointment, none were O’Neill.

“Welcome to Sanctuary,” she stated to the group, “I am Rey, current head of the council.”

“I’m Colonel Adam Mayhew,” the man stepped forward and introduced himself before adding, “This is Dr Isabelle Tamaron and Captain Gail Hughes.”

Rey nodded at them all, “Please follow us and we will have some refreshments before we begin our discussions.”

As the delegation from Earth followed the other members of the council, Rey held back and sighed sadly.

“Are you alright?” Ivay asked, making Rey look up in surprise, “You look sad.”

Rey shook her head, “I am fine. I just know I have a long few days ahead.”

Ivay smiled at her and said, “Well, at least we can enjoy the feast we set out for them.”

Laughing Rey took her friend’s arm, “You are right, let’s hope that some of the Niberry cakes are left by the time we get there.”

~

Rey smiled as the two women who were there to negotiate with them left the room to join the rest of the council for the evening meal. Both were smart and understood the pain that the citizens of Sanctuary had gone through as well as how hard they had worked to build their society.

Neither party were looking for much from the other, Sanctuary was neither powerful nor advanced but the connection they had to the Goa’uld, the number of former hosts meant that they were valuable for the knowledge they had.

“Colonel Mayhew,” Rey greeted the man who had accompanied the negotiators, “I was wondering if…” she paused for a moment before continuing, “Many years ago I was helped by Colonel O’Neill, I was wondering where…if…”

“Colonel O’Neill,” Mayhew smiled as she trailed off, “Is now General O’Neill and he is in charge of what we term Homeworld Security. Do you have a message you want me to pass to him?”

Rey paused, wondering what would happen if she gave him a message that let O’Neill know that she was alive and here, before deciding against it, knowing that it was best to leave the past in the past.

“No,” she said finally, “He would not remember me, I was one of many that he helped that day. I simply wanted to know that he is well.”

Mayhew nodded.

“We should join the others for our evening meal,” she told him.

He grinned and offered her his arm, “Definitely. Don’t tell anyone but I’ve not eaten so well since I left home.”

Chuckling Rey took his arm allowing him to escort her to the dining room.

                             *********************************************

Rey sat with her friend as the town’s midwife went through what they could expect when Ivay gave birth. She had agreed to be there for Ivay while she had a child alone, and part of her was looking forward to being an aunt but it brought up memories of her own child and the grief that came from thinking of him.

Despite the fact there had been multiple births in Sanctuary, many by those she was friendly with, and who she helped with their children, this was the first time that she was going to be involved as part of the birth.

She never held her child, had not been allowed to name him and didn’t know what had happened to him. She chose to believe that Daniel had found the boy and cared for him, then after he died that the boy was being looked after by someone he trusted.

Now they were in touch with Earth she knew she could find out but how could she intrude on the child’s life now?

The boy deserved to live his life without her.

It was better this way, for him.

~

The initial agreement with the Tauri had been made about three months before, and a group were coming to learn about the medicinal plants that they grew as well as to learn the route through Thor’s Hammer that they had created.

They were also bringing tools, some new techniques for farming as well as plants and seeds they were hoping would grow on Sanctuary.

Spending time with Ivay during her pregnancy, Rey was also thinking that it would be a good idea to discuss medical techniques and any training the Tauri could provide for their healers.

Waiting by the Stargate, Rey listened to the others chat about who would be coming through this time and what they would be like.

She was pulled out of her thoughts as the Stargate began to dial and she took a few breaths pushing herself into her professional persona ready to greet whoever walked out of the Gate.

“Colonel Mayhew,” she smiled at the man as he walked towards her, “It is good to see you again.”

Mayhew nodded, “It is a pleasure to see you too, Rey. Let me introduce you to the team I’ve brought with me this time.”

~

The next few days were good. Rey was relieved that their contact with the Tauri had been productive. Mostly she was relieved no one who could possibly recognise her had ever been a part of the team since the original communication.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want O’Neill and Daniel’s friends to know she was alive, but she had learned to compartmentalise her grief and felt that it would break her to see his friends again.

“Rey,” Mayhew greeted her as she joined the Tauri group as she joined them eating lunch in one of their gardens, “Do you want to join us?”

“Thank you,” she smiled, “But I have a birthing class with Ivay before our final meeting this afternoon.”

Mayhew nodded, “See you then.”

Reaching her friend’s cottage, she tapped the door calling, “Ivay, are you ready?”

A cry from inside the cottage made Rey push at the door, finding it locked. Although their society was trusting, many of them remembered one that wasn’t and preferred to have that security in their own homes. Luckily, Ivay had left the side window open. Rey used one of the buckets sitting below the window to climb inside. She ran to her friend who was on the floor, holding her bump, blood covering her legs.

“I’m here,” Rey soothed her friend, “Do not worry.”

Opening the front door, she called to the children nearby to fetch a healer before returning to Ivay’s side.

“It hurts,” Ivay cried, “Something doesn’t feel right.”

Rey took her friend’s hand, “The healer will be here, then you will have your baby.”

“Please don’t leave me,” Ivay whispered, fear clearly on her face.

“I promised you that I would be here for you,” Rey told her, “And I will be.”

A few moments later, Kira arrived. She was the most experienced healer in Sanctuary, and she was joined by one of the Tauri women who had been introduced as a healer as well.

“Dr Martins offered to assist,” Kira explained, “Ivay, I know you are scared but I have delivered many babies.”

Ivay nodded, crying out as a contraction hit her and squeezed Rey’s hand.

“Remember your breathing,” Rey said, going through the exercises that her husband had shown her when she gave birth.

“Where did you learn that?” Martins asked intrigued.

Rey hesitated before replying, “On my original home, when someone I knew well was having a baby, a member of your people helped in the delivery and showed us that. I always remember how much it helped.”

Martins’ attention was soon pulled away from Rey and back to Ivay, Rey could tell something was not right. Martins and Kira were talking quietly, looking intense and worried.

“Rey,” Kira said, “May I speak to you for a moment?”

Worried Rey moved to one side with the healer while Martins sat with Ivay.

“What is wrong?” Rey demanded.

Kira winced, “There is far too much blood, from my experience we may lose Ivay, the baby or both.”

“Is there nothing you can do?”

“Dr Martins has suggested that they take her to their base,” Kira stated, “Ivay wants you to make the decision. I’m sorry to place this on you, Rey but she’s scared and needs you to do this for her.”

“Take her,” Rey stated, not caring if this meant that O’Neill and the others learned she was alive, all she cared about was that her friend was well as she added, “But I am going with her.”

                             *********************************************

“What’s your world like?” Sha’re asked.

They were sitting on the sand dunes, her head was resting on Daniel’s shoulder, his arm wrapped around her.

Daniel chuckled, “It has many different climates, some places are like Abydos while others are completely green. We also have a large part of the world covered in water.”

Cuddling into him, she sighed, “That sounds amazing. I would love to see it.”

“Unfortunately, I’ll never get to show you,” he sighed, “Since we blocked our way back by burying the Stargate.”

 “Do you regret leaving?” she asked him.

Kissing her forehead, Daniel whispered, “Never. I chose to stay here with you because this is all I’ve ever wanted.”

“Which is?”

Daniel grinned, “A family, friends and someone who I love. You gave me absolutely everything.”

Surprise coursed through her and Sha’re whispered, “You love me?”

He looked at her, and she saw realisation in his eyes of what he’d just said. She waited for him to retract his words but after a moment he nodded.

“I do,” he replied, “I love you more than I even knew was possible. I should have told you before now.”

Sighing happily as he kissed her, Sha’re replied, “I love you too.”

~

Sitting in the meeting room she’d been shown to, Rey couldn’t cry. She wanted to, she was desperate to, but the tears wouldn’t come.

Ivay had not survived the birth, the doctors had told her that they could not stop the bleeding no matter what they tried. Thankfully the baby had survived and was healthy. A little girl, just as Ivay had been hoping for.

The door at the end of the room opened and, taking a deep breath, Rey stood to greet whoever was joining her.

“Rey,” the man she vaguely remembered from her arrival walked in, she only knew he was the man in charge of the base, “I’m General Landry.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you,” she said softly, forcing herself to be the Chief Elder’s daughter who had become the leader of Sanctuary, “I only wish it were on a better day.”

He nodded and motioned her to sit as he took the chair just at her side, “I am so sorry for your loss. Colonel Mayhew told me you and Ivay were close.”

“She had become like a sister to me,” Rey replied sadly.

Landry continued, “Our doctors understand that you likely wish to return to Sanctuary as soon as possible, but they want the child to remain under their care for a few days.”

Rey nodded, “Of course, I appreciate that. If you allow, I will let my people know I shall be staying and once we return, I will bring Ivay’s body back with me so we can say goodbye properly to her.”

“Of course,” Landry assured, “I will set up a room for you to use close to the infirmary.”

Rey took a deep breath, “Then I would like to contact my people.”

~

Rey was feeding the little girl in her arms who was holding one of her fingers, she was impressed that the Tauri had milk in a powder form that could be used when a mother was unable to feed her child.

It had taken her mere moments to decide to raise the child herself. Rey had given up on the possibility of being a parent but here was a child who needed a mother and she was a mother who had lost her child. They fitted.

“She’s a good eater,” the nurse who was assisting her, Enid said, “Have you thought of a name yet?”

Rey mused for a moment before replying, “I have been thinking of a few. Claire is one I like, but I am also thinking of Cara.”

“Both are pretty,” Enid told her.

“I have some time,” Rey replied, “My people only name children after the first moon from their birth.”

Enid smiled, “Really?”

“It is not Sanctuary’s tradition but from my original home,” Rey found herself saying before pulling back and refocussing on the child.

Since she’d finished eating, Rey gently rubbed her back rocking the girl until she fell asleep. Placing the girl in her crib, Rey covered her with the blanket before watching her sleep for a few moments.

“While she’s sleeping you should go and get something to eat,” Enid told her, “I’ll keep an eye on her.”

Rey nodded, “Thank you.”

Checking the baby was sleeping happily, Rey headed to the small room near the infirmary she’d been told she could use during the day while remaining near the baby. Enid had told her it was normally used as a waiting area when someone was injured or sick, but as there were neither at the moment then she didn’t need to worry about people intruding on her. There was a couch, a table with some books but for the first time Rey looked around the room properly and spotted photographs on the wall at the end of the room. Walking closer she saw the plaques at the top stating SG1, SG2 and so on, then below each plaque were team photographs.

Rey felt her heart clench.

She knew she should walk away and not look because that would simply open the wound once more. But the temptation of seeing him again, even like this was too much to resist.

The first photograph showed Daniel with his friends looking exactly as Rey always remembered him from their year together. His bright blue eyes that she spent so long staring into, his hair long that she would play with whenever they were alone.

The next photograph his hair had been cut the way it had the last time they’d seen one another on the day she’d ‘died’.

Rey looked at the final picture on the wall, and Daniel was gone replaced by another man. A few tears slid down her cheeks, and Rey closed her eyes to try to control her emotions again. She frowned seeing there were spaces below the final picture, looking as though several were missing.

“Rey,” the other nurse she had been interacting with, Annie, called, “I brought you some lunch.”

“Thank you,” Rey said. Moving to the table, she found herself asking, “What happened to the wall?”

Annie laughed, “Oh, there was a tiny incident with a runaway drone last week, it knocked down several of the photos smashing the frames before it broke a mirror and nearly knocked Colonel Mitchell out. The maintenance crew have it on their list to fix.”

Despite wanting to ask more, to find out who the man was who had replaced her husband on his team, to ask for a copy of the photograph, Rey instead took a seat to have lunch. When she had called Sanctuary to let them know what had happened to Ivay, they had sent her travel bag through with a change of clothes, with her notes in case she wanted to work as well as a some of her favourite tea.

While she ate, Rey focussed on her work to give herself something to think about other than the people she had lost nor the sudden responsibility of being a mother.

                             *********************************************

Rey smiled as she held her daughter. It had been four days since she had been born and Rey had lost Ivay, the doctors had confirmed they were happy that the baby was healthy, so they were returning home.

Enid walked into the room carrying a box, smiling as she looked at the child.

“General Landry has confirmed they will open the Stargate to Sanctuary in two hours,” Enid told her, “And I know I shouldn’t, but I got the little one a few things.”

“That is so kind of you,” Rey told her.

Enid brought out a strange looking brown creature, “This is a teddy bear,” she then pulled out a few small outfits, “And I couldn’t resist these.”

“This is so kind of you,” Rey smiled sincerely, “Thank you for all you’ve done the past few days. I truly appreciate it.”

“I’ll see you before you leave,” Enid promised, leaving her alone with the little girl again.

Rey continued to pack the bag, checking up on the baby any time she made a noise. She knew she was being a little over cautious, but this was the first child that she would be truly responsible for.

“I’m so sorry,” a man interrupted her thoughts. He was carrying a large box, and stalled at the door seeing Rey sitting there, “I didn’t realise anyone was in here.”

“It is not a problem,” Rey told him.

He looked around and noted, “I’ve just brought these for Siler. He’s hoping to fix the wall today.”

“You should leave the box on the table,” she replied, “I am due to return home very soon. Then there will be no need for you to come back.”

He nodded, “Thank you, Ma’am.”

Placing the box on table he left her alone again. Her curiosity got the better of her and Rey opened the top of the box, letting out a soft gasp seeing O’Neill looking up at her with a grin. Picking it up she studied the man for a moment, when she was about to place it back Ray saw a picture of her husband. Taking it out, Rey smiled. It was Daniel as she remembered him from their year together with his hair falling around his face while he had that slightly amused smile that she knew so well. Surreptitiously she slid the photograph into her bag with the baby’s things, knowing that she shouldn’t be stealing this but doubted they would miss it.

“Rey,” Enid appeared just after she hid the photograph, “We’re ready to open the Stargate for you.”

Lifting her bag, Rey took one last look around the room to check she had everything before walking with Enid to what the Tauri called the Gateroom. She absently stroked the baby’s back as she slept against Rey’s breast while walking through the corridors. Taking a deep breath as she entered the room to see the container which held Ivay’s body with Colonel Mayhew and another man she didn’t recognise standing there in what Enid whispered were their Dress Blues, a formal uniform that they were wearing out of respect.

“General Landry,” she greeted the man in charge of the base, “Thank you for all you have done for us. I am truly grateful.”

Landry nodded, “I wish we could have met in better circumstances, Rey. Dr Jason has confirmed the baby is healthy but asks that you come back in six months for a check-up.”

“I shall,” Rey replied, “If one day you visit Sanctuary, I will happily show you around.”

He smiled slightly before nodding to the control room to dial the Stargate. Rey threw the pebble through to let them know she was returning before she held the child close and stepped through to her home knowing her friend was behind her.

                             *********************************************

The Stargate shut down after Rey returned from Sanctuary with the body of her friend and daughter.

“Incoming wormhole,” the technician called a few seconds later as the Stargate began to dial again.

Landry waited.

“Atlantis GDO signal,” the tech told him.

“Open the iris,” Landry ordered, he watched the iris retract and a few seconds later Daniel Jackson walked through the Gate.

“General,” the younger man greeted him.

“Welcome back,” Landry told him, “This should only take a few days, but the natives of Hundon will only talk with you regarding the mining treaty. General O’Neill is waiting to talk it over with you.”

With a sigh, he nodded.

Landry motioned the tech to open the comm system and stated, “Prometheus, Dr Jackson is ready to beam to Washington.”

Turning Rory got his first look at this version of the Doctor, he looked quite distinguished with white hair and wearing probably the most normal outfit he’d ever seen on the Time Lord.

“We’re in flight,” the Doctor continued, “Which means you somehow snuck onboard while we were on the planet.”

“Actually, I didn’t,” Rory stated, “This might be hard for you to believe but you sent me.”

An eyebrow raised and Rory tried not to smile at the familiar gesture.

“I sent you?” the Doctor demanded, “And why would I do that, young man?”

Rory sighed, “Because someone is trying to kill you through your lives and I’m here to help each version of you to stop that from happening. Also, I’m not as young as I look.”

The Doctor frowned and motioned him to hush but another man suddenly asked, “All his lives? What do you mean by that?”

Rory saw the annoyed look on the Time Lord’s face as a man and woman who looked to be around the same age walked into the control room with a teenage girl. The only one not looking bemused was the teenager who just looked worried.

“Nothing,” the Doctor quickly waved them away, “Other than we have gained a stowaway.”

“Grandfather,” the girl said making Rory stare at the Time Lord, but he held his tongue, “Perhaps you should listen to…”

“Rory,” he introduced himself.

“I’m Susan,” the girl introduced herself.

The Doctor frowned at the girl before waving to the woman, “This is Barbera, and this is…”

“Ian Chesterton,” the man cut the Doctor off.

The Doctor rolled his eyes before returning his attention to Rory, “Come with me, young man. I want a better explanation.”

“Shouldn’t we all be involved in this discussion?” Ian demanded.

“No,” the Doctor stated with finality.

Rory quickly added, “I’m from the future, you can’t know too much about that, especially your own.”

Still looking annoyed, Ian nodded, and Rory followed the Doctor through into the kitchen which hadn’t changed that much, except the wallpaper.

“You are from when in my future?” the Doctor demanded.

Rory shrugged, “Fourteenth and fifteenth incarnation.”

“Ha,” the Doctor snapped, “And that is where your story instantly unravels.”

“I know, Time Lords only have thirteen lives,” Rory waved him away, “Except,” he stopped the Doctor from replying, “When they cause as many problems as you do. Look, ask the TARDIS to confirm I’m telling the truth.”

“The TARDIS?” the Doctor demanded.

Rory rolled his eyes, “You know she’s alive, and I’m connected to her. She’s the one moving me through time.”

The Doctor tilted his head and waited, frowning again when the lights dimmed around them.

“Are you sure?” the Doctor asked the room.

The lights went out except those around Rory, confirming he could be trusted.

“So,” the Doctor stated as the lights came on again, “Where is this danger to me?”

“I don’t actually know,” Rory admitted, “The problem is that I have very little information on who or what’s after you. You were attacked, then you sent me here. So, I’m just going to be here until it attacks. You don’t have to worry about me.”

The Doctor stared at him, “I’m not too sure I believe that, young man.”

Rory gave a slight smile before saying again, “And I’m a lot older than I look.”

~

Rory sat in the library as the current occupants of the TARDIS were sleeping. He couldn’t sleep just now so decided to spend some time in the place he’d claimed as his own when he’d returned to the TARDIS after losing Amy.

“Can I come in?” a soft voice made him look up from the book he was reading to see the teenage girl standing there.

“Sure,” Rory smiled, “You’re Susan, right?”

She nodded.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Rory said, “The Doctor never mentioned you to me but, that’s not unusual.”

Susan frowned, “You mean I’m not with him where you’re from?”

“Not that I know of,” Rory replied, “But for all I know you went out for an hour to the shops, and he’s not picked you up yet.”

She chuckled.

“You know where we come from,” Susan said as she sat across from him.

Rory nodded, “I do. I’ve never been able to go to Gallifrey but maybe someday.”

“The TARDIS knows you,” Susan tilted her head, “I’ve only felt her react to me the way she does to you.”

“She likes me,” Rory said.

“You’re not a Time Lord,” she mused, “But you’re not completely human either. I can see it in your eyes.”

Rory was surprised but then again this was the Doctor’s granddaughter, he couldn’t underestimate her.

“You know what time travel does to people,” Rory said, “It changes you in ways you can’t explain. I have done a lot of it. And I’m going to do a lot more while trying to save your grandfather.”

Susan chuckled at his wry reply.

“You should get some rest,” he told her, “I’m going to try and sleep for a bit too.”

As Rory started walking, Susan grabbed his arm, “Can you protect him?”

“I will do my best,” Rory promised, “He’s my family too.”

Impulsively, Susan hugged him and Rory gently patted her shoulder. Letting him go, she gave a quick smile before leaving him alone.

Walking through the corridors of the TARDIS, Rory found his room and smiled seeing that it was exactly as he had left it. Changing for bed, he slid in and fell asleep suddenly exhausted from the day.

                             *********************************************

The planet was hot. Not warm, but hot in a way Rory felt as though someone had poured water all over him within a few minutes of being outside. The Doctor was charging forward with Ian and Barbera just behind him talking to one another, Rory was trying to work out if they were a couple or not, while Susan was walking at Rory’s side.

“Young man,” the Doctor called to him.

“Rory,” he corrected in annoyance.

The Doctor waved his correction away and asked, “Where is it you said you come from originally?”

“I didn’t,” Rory replied.

“Then it would be polite to give me some more information,” the Doctor noted.

Rory chuckled, “Like you tell us everything.”

“You are the one who appeared on my TARDIS claiming to be here to help me,” the Doctor stated sharply, “And have given me no information on who you are.”

“He has a point,” Ian noted.

Rory grimaced, “Look, I was sent here to help you, the TARDIS vouched for me.”

“The TARDIS?” Barbera and Ian asked confused.

The Doctor waved them both away, “Tell me where you come from or I will leave you here.”

“Grandfather!!!” Susan cried horrified.

Rory grimaced.

The Doctor stood with his arms crossed over his chest and waited for Rory to speak. Rory had argued with the Doctor multiple times over the years, he could be as stubborn as the Time Lord was but knew that he needed the Doctor to trust him in order for him to succeed in his mission.

Sighing, Rory stated, “I’m from a small village called Leadworth. I originally met you in two thousand and ten.” He waited but the Doctor said nothing so he added, “I can’t tell you anything else, I could damage the future in some way if I do.”

The Doctor remained silent.

“That’s all I’m saying just now,” Rory stated with finality.

He could be just as stubborn as the Doctor and wasn’t backing down. He was here for a purpose, and the Doctor just had to deal with it.

“Very well, young man,” the Doctor agreed, “For now I will accept that.”

As they started walking again, Rory sighed, “And right now, I am much older than you.”

~

“Wow,” Ian breathed as they reached the edge of a cliff and looked out on lava fields below them.

“Well, now we know why it’s so hot,” Rory said, he titled his head and spotted what looked like people, “Is that…”

“Lava farmers,” the Doctor noted.

Rory and Ian turned to him demanding in unison, “Lava farmers?”

“It is a basic description,” Susan spoke up, “They harvest the energy to run their generators which power the batteries which then provide power for the ships.”

“They are colloquially known as ‘Hot Heads’,” the Doctor told them.

“I don’t see any ships,” Barbera said as they started down the path in the mountain, “And not sure how they would sail.”

“She means ships that fly through space,” Rory told her, surprised by the look of amazement she gave him.

“That what?!!” both Ian and Barbera cried.

Rory turned to the Doctor, “Where and when did you pick them up?”

“The sixties,” Susan told him, “Only a few weeks ago.”

“Pre-moon?” Rory asked.

She nodded.

“That explains it,” Rory sighed, “And saves some time for me.”

“Are we going to spend all day chattering?” the Doctor demanded, “Or are we going to investigate?”

They continued to walk and Susan asked Rory bemused, “What’s wrong?”

“Just thinking, he’s always been irritating,” Rory replied before smiling at her, “Come on, I’ve never seen lava farmers before.”

~

Barbera stopped walking suddenly as they headed down the pathway, “Considering where we’re headed, shouldn’t we be concerned about toxic fumes?”

“There’s a forcefield between us and it,” Rory stated absently.

The Doctor turned to him and nodded before continuing.

“How do you know that?” Ian asked.

Rory pointed to the edge, pointing out the small grey boxes, “There you can see where it’s projecting from.”

“Of course,” Barbera nodded before she asked, “What do you, Rory? Or is that another thing you can’t tell us?”

He chuckled softly, “I’m a nurse.”

“A nurse?” Barbera asked in confusion.

Rory nodded, “I know not done that often where you come from. It’s what I wanted to do, and I’m very good at my job.” He paused before shrugging, “Or at least, I was. Been a long time since I’ve done it properly.”

Before Barbera could ask anything else, they reached the bottom of the track and the farmers all turned to stare at them.

“I’m guessing they don’t get visitors often,” Ian noted.

The Doctor motioned them to wait and stepped forward, studying the screen before turning to the man at the front of the group.

“Who are you?” the lead farmer demanded, “This is a restricted zone. Only those authorised are allowed in the lava farm.”

The Doctor gave a nod, “Excellent.”

“It is?” Barbera asked softly.

“The security is exactly why we’re here,” the Doctor continued, “We’re here to ensure the safety of the farms.”

Rory frowned as he listened to the Doctor.

“So, let me inspect your security,” the Doctor told them.

“Of course,” the man in charge nodded, “I’m Jofan, If you and your people will follow me, I’ll take you to the control room.”

Rory moved up to the Doctor’s side as they walked, “We’re here for a reason I take it?”

“Anomalous energy readings,” the Doctor told him, “They’re concerning.”

“Okay,” Rory nodded, it wasn’t unusual for the Doctor to do this in his own time, “Security checks.”

                             *********************************************

“The plant has been working at peak efficiency for the five sun cycles we’ve been in operation,” Kile, the young assistant they’d been introduced to, said.

She was about the same height as Susan with pink hair and silver skin. Her eyes were also pink and currently filled with enthusiasm that Rory was feeling a little exhausted by.

He was getting old.

“Until when?” the Doctor asked.

“Three moon phases we found one of the workers dead,” she stated with a frown, “He had been burned but his protective suit was completely intact.”

“Interesting,” the Doctor mused.

“Where’s the body?” Rory asked, making them all turn to him.

Kile grimaced in distaste, “We put together a morgue until the company could come and collect it.”

“I’d like to examine it,” Rory told her.

“Of course,” she replied, “It’s through the back door.”

Rory turned to the Doctor, “I’ll examine the body. Do not go anywhere without me.”

“I am perfectly capable of looking after myself,” the Doctor stated coldly, “I will do as I wish.”

“I’m here to protect you and your future,” Rory reminded him darkly.

“Young man,” the Doctor snapped, “I can protect myself.”

Folding his arms, Rory replied, “Oh, yeah. I have seen that before.”

“We’ll not leave the control room,” Ian stepped between them, “We need more information on the energy reading. Correct?”

At the direct question, the Doctor grimaced before he nodded, “Very well.”

Rory pulled out his first aid kit and headed towards the door at the back of the room.

“I thought you might need some help,” Barbera appeared at his side.

He nodded, “I appreciate that.”

Rory may have been originally trained as a nurse but two thousand years waiting had forced him to find multiple different medical professions to inhabit to make money, in between other jobs he’d done.

“I thought you said you were a nurse,” Barbera noted as she took the gloves he passed her.

“I am,” Rory replied, “But circumstances etc…”

She nodded before he started the autopsy.

~

The Doctor studied the screen in front of him, aware of Susan and Ian standing nearby talking with Kile. He was annoyed by the mysterious young man who had appeared on the TARDIS claiming to be here from his future.

He didn’t like not knowing who Rory was, and especially how the TARDIS had reacted to him.

“How are the batteries transported?” the Doctor asked Kile who jumped a little.

“They’re collected at the end of each shift,” Kile said.

The Doctor mused for a moment before asking, “And where are they?”

“They are in the far end of the compound,” she explained, “We keep them as far from the lava fields as possible.”

The Doctor nodded, “I need to see them.”

“You promised Rory you wouldn’t leave here,” Susan spoke up.

Patting his granddaughter’s shoulder, he reminded her, “I know what I’m doing. And you will both be with me.”

Chesterton frowned but the Doctor knew he was concerned about Rory and how truthful he was being as well.

Finally, he nodded, “Alright.”

Heading over to the batteries, the Doctor checked for any leaks. Confused not to find any.

A scream from nearby made them turn and they ran back to the farm where they watched as a figure emerged from the lava.

A growl emanated from it as everyone scrambled away. The Doctor pulled Chesterton over to the canisters of Duratis liquid, he set the hose and handed it to the man.

“Aim it at the creature,” the Doctor ordered him.

Without hesitation, Chesterton sprayed the creature which stalled before trying to fight against the freezing liquid. The Doctor opened a second cannister and added to the spray. Finally, the creature stood frozen as a statue.

“I thought you were staying put,” Rory demanded angrily, appearing with Barbera behind him.

Shaking his head, the Doctor ignored their visitor and headed back into the control room.

~

Rory followed the Doctor back inside, “You promised me you would stay here.”

“I did,” the Doctor replied, “And then I needed to check the batteries.”

“Why can’t you understand how serious this is?” Rory snapped, “I’ve travelled through your timeline to protect you. All versions of you and you can’t help me by not running towards danger for once?”

“Young man…”

“I am not,” Rory yelled at him, “Because of you I am so much older than you think. I’m here to protect you. You sent me.”

“You’ve given me no proof of that,” the Doctor reminded him.

Taking several slow deep breaths, Rory could feel the Centurion surfacing and his fist clenched looking for his sword.

“Why don’t we table this discussion until we’re alone?” Barbera suggested, resting her hand on Rory’s arm jumping when he turned on her with dark eyes.

“Barbera is right,” Ian stated, “We don’t want to do this in front of other people.”

The Doctor nodded and motioned them back to the control room.

~

“Who are you?” Jofan demanded when they walked into the control room, “I contacted the company and they didn’t send anyone to check security.”

“We are here to help with an energy surge,” the Doctor told him, “The company are concerned it could cause an accident.”

“What about the lava monster?” Barbera asked, “Did that have anything to do with the surge?”

“It’s possible,” the Doctor told her, “What did your autopsy show?”

Barbera turned to Rory who grimaced.

“The body was burned but the suit wasn’t touched,” Rory explained, “That being said, it’s a set up.”

“Really?” the Doctor asked intrigued.

“Even if somehow the man burned up inside the suit without it burning up with him,” Rory explained, “There would be evidence of a fire inside the suit. Scorch marks, burns, at the least smoke in the fabric.”

“Meaning?” Ian asked.

“Meaning, that it was set up,” Rory stated, “Right Jofan?”

Jofan shook his head, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“But I do,” Kile’s voice made them all turn to see her standing there aiming a weapon at them.

“Let me guess,” Rory said sarcastically, “You’re not here to protect the lava creatures?”

Kile laughed, “No.”

“You made them, the Doctor chuckled amused, “Very impressive. It looked quite real. If I’m correct it’s a robot skeleton made with the same polymer the farm equipment is made of.”

Kile smiled, “They work incredibly well.”

“You’re here to take over the farm, aren’t you?” Ian guessed.

“Well done,” Kile smiled at him, “We were going to kill a few of the workers, be attacked by the creatures once or twice, have some leaks and my group swoop in to save the farm from ruin. Unfortunately, I now have to remove whoever you actually are, but a report of five deaths will help my people move up their timetable.”

Rory reached out and grabbed a pipe next to him; he threw it at Kile who dodged but it gave Ian a chance to grab the weapon from her who tossed it to the Doctor as Rory helped Ian restrain Kile and Jofan called to the security who arrived very quickly.

“This isn’t over,” she cried, “They’ll come and get me then take this farm.”

“Actually, they won’t,” the Doctor replied, “You see I did some research when I was left alone, you really shouldn’t leave me with access to your systems. I sent information on you and your friends back to the authorities.”

Kile glared at him as she was dragged away.

~

“Will they be alright?” Barbera asked as they headed back up the path away from the farm to where the TARDIS was waiting for them.

The Doctor nodded, “The group she belonged to were dangerous, especially with the ability to create ‘lava monsters’.”

“Once we get back to the TARDIS,” Rory stated, “We need to talk.”

“I think I have said all I need to,” the Doctor replied.

Rory let out a sigh of irritation, “Honestly you are a pig headed, stubborn, pain in the ass. You sent me here.”

“Something I still don’t believe,” the Doctor stated.

Throwing his hands in the air, Rory stalked ahead of them to the TARDIS.

“Grandfather,” Susan said softly, “Rory is here to help. You know that.”

“My dear child,” he stated, “We do not know that.”

“He hasn’t done anything to make us distrust him,” Ian noted.

Barbera nodded in agreement and added, “He helped by doing the autopsy.”

“This is true,” the Doctor told them, “But there is something about him I don’t trust. He is hiding things from us.”

Susan grimaced, “I think he’s trying to protect the future.”

They reached the top of the hill, and as they headed towards the blue box there was a ripple in the air. The heat gave way to a blast of icy air and Susan let out a cry when a tall figure emerged from nowhere. It wore dark red full-bodied armour and a large helmet, with large black eye pieces showing no emotion, in its hand it carried a large sword that burned the same red as the armour.

“You have been charged with crimes against the Delnar,” it stated ominously, “Your lives are forfeit by the sword of the people you have wronged.”

With that, the being swung the sword at the Doctor.

~

Rory marched into the TARDIS and let out a cry of annoyance.

“I’m here to help him,” he snapped, frowning when the lights dimmed around him, “I’m trying to be reasonable.” The lights flickered and he shook his head, “I know I knew that he wouldn’t know me but the fact you vouched for me should mean something at least.” He sighed when the lights came on again, “Okay, I will try and talk to him again.”

A scream from outside made Rory spin to the monitor which jumped to life, and he saw the same alien who had attacked the Doctor originally. Rory reached out and his sword appeared in his hand. Running out the door, Rory spun and stopped the alien’s sword inches from the Doctor’s head.

“Get inside,” Rory snapped at them.

He was aware of Ian ushering Susan and Barbera into the safety of the TARDIS while the Doctor moved to the doorway but stopped and stood watching Rory defend himself against the alien.

“You are interfering in something that does not concern you,” it intoned, “Leave now and your life will be spared.”

Rory shook his head, “You have no idea how much this involves me. I’m giving you one chance to leave.”

“Fool,” it snarled and began to attack Rory again.

Rory defended himself, knowing he had no other choice but to kill the alien. Stopping the next attack, Rory spun under its arm pulled his sword round and stabbed the alien through the chest. It dropped the sword before dissolving leaving only some cold air.

~

The Doctor watched the man who had appeared from nowhere defending him with amazing sword skills that he didn’t expect. When Rory destroyed the creature, he watched Rory dip his head sadly.

“Thank you, young man,” the Doctor said, reminding Rory he was standing there.

“I told you I was here to protect you,” Rory said softly.

The Doctor rested his hand on Rory’s shoulder, “Come inside. We should leave.”

They walked inside the TARDIS and Rory sat against the wall while the Doctor returned them to the temporal zone. Looking over he saw Susan had sat at Rory’s side, while Barbera was crouched in front of him.

“He didn’t want to kill that thing,” Chesterton noted softly.

The Doctor nodded, “I know.”

“He said you sent him here,” the other man continued, “Perhaps you should talk to him.”

“Ladies,” the Doctor stated, “Why don’t you both freshen up after the heat on the planet?”

Susan and Barbera turned, looking as though they were going to argue but stopped when Chesterton motioned them to come with him. When his three companions left the room, the Doctor sat beside Rory.

“I didn’t want to kill him,” Rory whispered.

The Doctor nodded, “I know.”

“But to protect you, I have to do it again,” Rory sighed, “Many more times.”

“I never asked you to,” the Doctor said.

“You didn’t,” Rory sighed, “But I volunteered because if anything happens to you then my life changes. I could lose the people I love which annoyingly includes you.”

Standing, he leaned against the TARDIS console as the Doctor stood to face him.

“It’s time for me to leave,” Rory said, “To move on to save you again in another of your faces.”

“Susan and Barbera will want to say goodbye,” the Doctor told him.

Rory nodded and watched the Doctor left the control room for a moment to call back the others who travelled with him.

~

Rory smiled slightly when Susan walked into the room and hugged him tightly.

“Thank you for protecting my grandfather,” she whispered.

“He’s my family too,” Rory reminded her, “And it was pleasure to meet you, Susan.”

Once she let him go, Barbera gave him a quick hug before Ian offered him his hand. Rory quickly shook it before turning to the Doctor.

“I’ll see you soon,” Rory told the Time Lord as a golden light came from the door in front of him.

The Doctor nodded, “Take care, young…Rory.”

Opening the door, the Doctor smiled at the man who walked towards him. He stepped back slightly when the other man reached the door.

“You’re not going to punch me?” the Doctor asked, “Are you, Rory?”

Rory Williams stared at them, “Depends on how the rest of this conversation goes.”

Laughing the Doctor hugged his friend, “I have missed you.”

Rory hugged him back, “I’ve missed you too, at least another full version of you.”

The Doctor winced, “I’m sorry about that, but you were with your mother, and I thought it was the safest place for you at the time.”

Rory shrugged, following the Doctor into the living room and took the seat offered.

“How did you find me?” the Doctor asked.

“Well, Lily still works for UNIT, I have picked up enough from you to hack the systems and people talk,” Rory reminded him before he added, “But that’s not how.”

The Doctor leaned forward intrigued, “Then how?”

“I can feel the TARDIS now,” Rory told him, his voice soft, “Ever since I worked it out.”

The Doctor smiled and gave a nod, “I should have known. You always work things out, Rory.”

“It means my life makes a lot more sense now,” Rory stated.

Standing, the Doctor moved to where Donna was standing out of sight waiting.

“Rory,” he said, taking Rory’s tea off of Donna and set it down in front of the other man, “I want you to meet Donna Noble. A dear friend of mine.”

Rory stood and offered his hand, “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too,” Donna said, “I’ve heard nothing about you.”

Glancing at the Doctor, Rory chuckled, “Yeah, it’s always the way with him.”

“You know why,” the Doctor reminded him.

Rory nodded, taking a sip of tea.

“So,” Donna took a seat placing a plate of cake on the table, “How did you meet him?”

Chuckling Rory glanced at the Doctor who frowned at him.

“Another day,” Rory promised her, “When he’s not here to try to redact anything.”

~

Donna left the two men to catch up with the promise to see Rory again where they could talk without the Doctor interrupting them.

“How’s your mum?” the Doctor asked him as they sat.

Rory smiled, “She’s good. As are my sisters, which is a weird experience suddenly having siblings.”

The Doctor chuckled, before asking, “What are you doing now?”

“I’m volunteering at another hospice,” Rory told him, “Trying to work out how to apply for a proper nursing job again. Kate keeps offering me a job at UNIT, but I want to be in reality for at least part of my life.”

The Doctor chuckled, “That makes sense.”

“I’m hoping to find a flat of my own though,” Rory grimaced, “I’ve been staying with my mother for a while now and, as much as I loved getting to know her, it’s time to move.”

“Well, I have a few spare rooms if you want,” the Doctor told him.

Rory stared, “Really?”

The Doctor nodded, “Not the first time we’ve lived in the same place and the TARDIS is here. She’s missed you.”

“I’ve missed her too,” Rory said with a smile, before he asked, “Are you sure?”

“I could do with the company,” the Doctor told him, “Besides, now you know your true self then you should be with her. It’ll mean you can learn more about yourself.”

The smile that touched Rory’s lips was filled with happiness. He then closed his eyes, and his luggage began to appear in the room.

The Doctor chuckled, “Impressive.”

Rory chuckled, “I honestly wasn’t sure it would work.”

“Well, my room is at the top of the stairs,” the Doctor told him, “You can choose from any of the others.”

“As long as none of them have bunk beds,” Rory replied with an amused smile.

                             *********************************************

Rory wandered through the TARDIS. It felt so different now he knew the truth of who he was. His strange life was beginning to make so much more sense now.

He’d been living with this version of the Doctor for a month now, and they were getting along quite well. Donna was the biggest surprise. A true friend of the Doctor, she had simply enfolded Rory into the family that they’d created, and he appreciated that.

He had found a nursing job that he’d applied for and was sure he had a good chance of getting even with the fact he a several blank spots in his CV. Thankfully, Kate had helped him fill in those spots.

Something outside the TARDIS felt off suddenly and Rory headed to the door stepping out into the garden.

“Doctor,” he called. When no reply came, he headed into the house, “Doctor!!!”

Searching the house, he frowned. He headed back to the TARDIS and found his friend standing in the front garden, his hands up in front of him as what Rory assumed was an alien in weird armour stood before him.

“Rory,” the Doctor said, “Stay there.”

“What’s going on?” Rory demanded.

The alien turned to him, it had a large helmet on which was a dark red, with large black eye pieces showing no emotion. In its hand was what looked like an old-fashioned lantern, a blue flame flickering in the cage.

“Stay there,” the Doctor told Rory again.

The alien returned its attention to the Doctor, “You have been charged with crimes against the Delnar. Your lives are forfeit.”

Rory moved to help his friend, he struck by an energy beam from a gun the alien pulled from nowhere which threw him to the ground. The alien then thrust the lantern forward; several lights pulsed towards the Doctor who cried out as he was struck multiple times.

“Doctor!!!” Rory scrambled to his feet and ran to his friend.

“I can feel it,” the Doctor whispered, “My lives.”

Rory grimaced, and holding onto his friend closed his eyes pulling the TARDIS to them. As it materialised around them, the alien fired the same weapon that had struck Rory. The shots bounced off the ship as it surrounded them. Rory bounced up to the controls the moment they were solid, activating a stasis field around his friend, spinning as someone began knocking on the door.

“Doctor,” Donna’s voice came, “Rory!!”

Opening the door, he stepped aside as she ran to where the Doctor lay prone.

“What happened?” she demanded, “I saw that alien fire some kind of light at him.”

“I don’t know,” Rory told her, “But he’s in stasis, which I think will help while I work it out.”

Donna grimaced, “Do you think you can?”

Rory winced, “I don’t know.”

“What about the Doctor?” Donna asked before clarifying, “The other version of the Doctor.”

Chewing his lips for a moment, Rory noted, “I don’t know if that would be safe for him but if we meet outside then hopefully whatever struck this version won’t affect the other.”

“We need the help,” Donna reminded him.

Rory nodded and sent the message. He felt the other TARDIS enter the back garden and moved their TARDIS to the other side of the garden.

Opening the door, Rory smiled slightly as he got his first look of the other Doctor. Dark skin and eyes, he was younger again although didn’t look as baby-faced as the Doctor Rory had originally travelled with.

“Rory,” he cried, instantly crossing the space to hug him, “It’s so good to see you.”

Hugging the Doctor, Rory smiled at the slight Scottish tinge to some of his words, “Wish it was for a better reason, but something has happened to the other you.”

The Doctor grimaced, “I know. I can feel it. Putting me in stasis has helped but it won’t for long.”

“What happened?” Donna demanded.

The Doctor turned and gave her a quick hug too, “I have lived for a long time, with many different faces but in every one of them I did my best to help those that needed it. Some people aren’t happy about what I’ve done.”

“The alien said it was from Delnar,” Rory told him.

Nodding the Doctor stated, “That makes sense. They had some time travel capabilities, and it appears they’ve used that knowledge to make a weapon. It’s been sent through my timeline, to my different faces and will find then kill me there. I’ll be erased once it removes all my faces.”

“No,” Rory and Donna said unison.

“There’s got to be a way to stop it,” Donna stated.

The Doctor sighed, “There’s a possibility, but I can’t do it. Traversing my own timeline would cause just as much, if not more, damage. While a human would get lost and fractured going into it, I know that beyond a doubt.”

“I can though,” Rory stated, “Can’t I.”

The Doctor winced.

“It’s okay,” Rory told him, “I worked it out. I know what I am now and what you’re saying means you need someone not fully human who can travel through your life. That’s me.”

“Do you know what you’re suggesting, Rory?” the Doctor asked softly.

He nodded, “I do.”

“The older versions of me won’t know who you are,” the Doctor told him, “You’ll be fighting against my distrust and each time you move, I’ll forget who you are.”

Rory grimaced, “Donna, can you give us a moment?”

She frowned.

“If you could sit with the other me,” the Doctor told her, “He’ll be comforted by your presence.”

Donna looked at them both before she nodded and left them alone.

~

Rory waited until Donna closed the TARDIS door before he asked, “What is it that you don’t want her to know?”

The Doctor sighed, “Rory, you’re learning about your other half now. Right?”

“Yes.”

“Doing this,” the Doctor told him, “You will only be human. The abilities you have found from your other half won’t be accessible because they’ll be what’s moving you through my timeline and holding you there. It’ll be like they never existed, like you’re a normal human.”

Rory rolled his eyes, “So, it’ll be like when I originally travelled with you?”

The Doctor chuckled, “That’s true.”

“Doctor,” Rory stated softly, “If your timeline is destroyed, that puts Amy in danger. Something could happen which would change the life I had with her. Right?”

Reaching out, the Doctor rested his hand on Rory’s shoulder, “Yes.”

“Then why would I let that happen?”

The Doctor grimaced.

“This is my choice to help you,” Rory stated before the Doctor could say anything else, “So tell me what I have to do.”

~

Rory watched the second TARDIS disappear and took a slow deep breath before entering the TARDIS sitting there.

“Where did he go?” Donna demanded.

Rory closed the doors, “He needed to leave so that there is only one TARDIS here. Otherwise, when I start moving it could cause problems.”

“Rory…”

“Donna, I am going to do my best to save him,” Rory promised, “The Doctor said you’ll know the moment I do as the stasis field will shut off and this Doctor will wake up.”

“And you?”

“I should return home around the same time,” Rory smiled, he squeezed her shoulder, “I’ll be fine. Trust me, I travelled with the Doctor for years. I know how to survive being around him.”

He blinked surprised when Donna hugged him.

“If you get yourself killed,” she told him, “I’ll not be happy with you.”

They quickly jogged up the stairs and into the office. It was empty, so Rory headed into the TARDIS.

“Doctor?” he called to the seemingly empty room, “We’re about to have company.”

The Time Lord appeared from beneath the console, “Are you sure?”

“The black cars coming our way look familiar,” Rory told him.

“And people are in the office now,” Bill replied, pointing to the viewscreen.

A knock on the TARDIS door meant they couldn’t discuss it anymore, the Doctor looked at the screen and winced slightly.

“UNIT,” he turned to Rory, “It’s Kate.”

Bill frowned confused at the worried look that crossed Rory’s face before he sighed.

“It’s okay, Doctor,” Rory said, “She’s going to find out sooner or later I’m here. Besides this lets me find out about Lily.”

Standing at the stairs Bill watched Rory take a deep breath, folding his arms across his chest as he stood to one side while the Doctor went to open the door.

~

Kate Stewart waited for the Doctor to appear, she knew that he had to be inside since there was no sign of him anywhere on the campus, therefore it was logical he was inside the TARDIS. The door opened and the Doctor appeared.

“I have something you might find interesting,” Kate told him before he could say anything.

She saw the light appearing in his eyes, even though he tried to look completely nonchalant.

“Really?”

Kate smiled amused, “If you and Miss Potts want to come and have a look, I have a car waiting for us.”

“There will be three of us,” the Doctor replied, turning back to motion his companions to follow him.

She nodded, “Of course, Nardole is your other…” Kate trailed off at the man who appeared behind Miss Potts looking basically the same as he had the last time she’d seen him, “Rory?”

“Hello, Kate,” he said softly, hands stuffed in his pockets, shoulders slightly hunched as he tried to be as unobtrusive as possible.

It took her a few beats to get over her surprise, catching the smug look on the Doctor’s face that there was something she didn’t know, Kate stepped forward resting her hand on Rory’s arm, “It’s wonderful to see you again, Rory. What about…” she stopped her question, seeing the sadness in his eyes, “Are we ready?”

The Doctor nodded, “We’re waiting for you.”

~

Rory sat staring at the world flying by as they were driven to the UNIT base. As much as he was interested in why Kate had come to get them, he wanted to find out about his biological mother. It had been a few months since he’d met her but only a few weeks since his father had died.

He had spent a lot of time in the TARDIS library, when not at the hospice. The Doctor was surprised Rory went back but Rory felt that being there was cathartic, helping others through their grief as he worked through his.

Finally, they reached the base UNIT had set up and Rory stared as he saw the glistening black sphere sitting with police tape around it.

“What is that?” Bill asked.

“Intriguing,” the Doctor said leaning forward, “I want to get a closer look.”

Rory sighed, “Big surprise.”

“You didn’t have to come,” the Doctor reminded him.

“I can’t watch you spin and talk nonsense when you get into trouble if I stayed at the university,” Rory replied wryly, “Can I?”

The Doctor frowned at him, “Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, Rory.”

He spun and started towards Kate before Rory could retort, making his friend smile amused.

“So, what do we know?”

~

Kate led the Doctor, along with Bill and Rory, inside the UNIT base that had been set up next to the object. It was busy with several soldiers and scientists milling about with large screens up showing the scans they’d taken of the strange object.

“Do you know anything?” Rory asked.

The Doctor turned to her, “What he said.”

Kate rolled her eyes, “It is not giving off any recognisable signals,” she told them, “And so far, all our scans have not been able to penetrate the skin.”

“This is amazing!!” Bill exclaimed as she studied the screens just to her side that were showing the results of multiple tests. The young woman sitting there gave her a smile before turning back to her work as she caught sight of Kate watching them.

“Intriguing,” the Doctor mused, “Should I ask which of the white coats is in charge?”

“That would be me, Doctor,” the reply made them all turn to a familiar looking woman standing there with a smile on her face. Now in her early sixties, she still had the same strawberry blonde hair, although it was streaked with silver and green eyes as when they met her only a few months before.

Rory smiled, “Mu…ah Lily.”

Without another word, Lily moved to Rory and hugged him tightly, “It’s so good to see you again.”

Kate frowned, “I am a little confused.”

“I’ll tell you later,” the Doctor said, “Why don’t we go look at the object while Rory catches up with Lily. Bill, can you sit with…” he glanced at Kate for an introduction.

“Cadet Saunders.”

“Let me know if anything changes,” he told her.

Bill slid onto a seat next to the pretty Cadet Saunders, “Okay.”

“Shall we?” the Doctor motioned Kate to lead him outside.

Kate nodded and started out the backdoor to what they thought might be the front of the object.

“Interesting,” the Doctor mused as he slid on the sunglasses, “Composition is strange. I have an idea but possibly good idea if no one else is in the vicinity while I try to open it.”

Kate nodded to the two guards, “Go inside and wait for my signal.”

“You’re staying?” the Doctor asked.

Kate smiled, “Someone has to keep you out of trouble.”

Chuckling, the Doctor pulled out the sonic screwdriver he’d brought with him, and the skin of the object parted like water.

“Come on,” the Doctor motioned to Kate as he stepped inside.

Kate frowned slightly, before she followed him inside and paused at the large room she entered.

“Welcome to the TARDIS,” the Doctor said, as the doors closed behind her.

~

Lily escorted Rory into the small canteen which was mostly empty. They sat at a small table, and she studied him.

“How long has it been since you saw me?” she asked softly.

“About six months,” Rory told her, “Sorry I didn’t get in touch sooner.”

Lily shook her head, “I knew you wouldn’t be able to until the Doctor agreed it was safe. I’m glad it’s time.”

“Me too,” Rory whispered.

“I will admit that although you didn’t see me,” Lily said, “I managed to find you and followed you as you grew up. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Actually, makes me feel loved,” he breathed.

Lily smiled and squeezed his hand, “I also met Amy during one of her visits to UNIT HQ. Quite by accident but I took the opportunity to talk with her.”

“And?” Rory asked not sure why he cared, but he wanted his mother to like the woman he had loved for so long.

“I see why you loved her,” Lily squeezed his hand, “She was smart, filled with fire and I wish I could have spent more time with her.”

“Me too,” Rory dropped his eyes.

Lily hugged him tightly, “I’m sorry. I wish I could understand all you’ve been through. But now we’re able to see one another, I am always here for you.”

Rory smiled, wiping his eyes before he asked, “So, do I have any siblings?”

“You have two sisters,” Lily told him proudly, “Both work for UNIT which means I can explain the full story of why they’ve never known about you until now. I hope you’ll like them.”

“I’m sure I will,” Rory breathed, “It’ll be nice not to be an only child.” He paused and dropped his head before telling her, “My dad died a few weeks ago.”

Lily reached out took his hand, “I know. I’m so sorry, Rory. I wish I could have been there with you.”

Rory gave her a small smile, “You are now.”

~

“Doctor,” Kate demanded as she twisted her head around trying to take in the large room she was inside, “What’s going on?”

“I needed to get you somewhere we could talk without anyone knowing,” he told her as he played with the controls, “You might want to hold on.”

Before she could ask, he flipped the lever, and the entire room began to shudder as the column in the centre moved up and down. Finally, it stopped, and a clunk came as the room stilled.

She forced herself to not run around like a child as she finally got to see the inside of the Doctor’s TARDIS, something she’d always wanted, instead she forced herself to be Kate Stewart, Head of UNIT.

“What is going on?” she demanded, “Why couldn’t you talk to me back at the base or the university?”

“Because,” the Doctor said softly as he took a seat in the armchair, motioning her to sit in the other one, “I needed to ensure no one suspects that I have told you this information.”

Intrigued, Kate sat and waited.

“I’m sure by now you know that Rory is special,” the Doctor said, “That after he and Amy were sent back in time, he’s suddenly here with me and the same age he was when you first met him.”

Kate nodded, “And you’re going to tell me why?”

“I need Rory to stay with his mother,” the Doctor told her, “But I also need you to know why.”

Staring at him for a moment as she took this in, Kate finally nodded, “Tell me.”

“How much do you know about Lily Thomas’ abduction back in 1973?” the Doctor asked.

Kate shook her head, “Very little. The file just states she was taken by another Time Lord and returned by you; I’m guessing from the fact Rory called her mum then she is his mother which happened during her abduction.”

The Doctor nodded, “One of my brethren that you will know from UNIT files, the Master, decided to create a hybrid child. Part human…”

“Part Time Lord?” Kate guessed.

The Doctor shook his head, “No, which is what makes him even more dangerous.”

Kate frowned, “What is his other half?”

“TARDIS.”

Kate stared at him before finally demanding completely confused, “What?”

“The TARDIS is not built,” the Doctor explained, “It’s grown. The Master somehow, I have no idea how and assume he didn’t do it alone, managed to create a child that was part-TARDIS. It’s why my TARDIS was drawn to him, why he has died and survived so often, how when he was trying to avoid UNIT suddenly fell through a time portal that opened beside him. Rory Williams is a Human-TARDIS hybrid.”

“Does he know?” Kate asked as she took this in.

The Doctor shook his head, “He knows he’s not fully human and that I’m keeping the full truth from him to protect him. But I made a promise that I need to fulfil, and it is connected to the Time Lord who created him. I need Rory to be safe but still ignorant of his origins.”

Kate grimaced, “So, you set all this up to get him here?”

The Doctor nodded.

“Next time, just call,” Kate told him, “But I am happy to have Rory at UNIT, you know how often I offered him a job.”

The Doctor smiled slightly, “Thank you, Kate. I knew I could trust a Lethbridge-Stewart.”

                             *********************************************

“What happened?” Bill asked as the Doctor and Kate returned to the base, “It just disappeared.”

“Because I released it,” the Doctor told her, “It was a time bubble that was snagged on the TARDIS the last time we used it. Not an emergency.”

“Thank you for your help, Doctor,” Kate told him.

The Doctor nodded, he turned to Bill and Rory, “So, ready to head back?”

Bill nodded although handed the woman she’d been sitting with her number, but Rory hesitated.

“I’d like to stay for a while. I was hoping to spend some more time with Lily,” Rory told him softly.

The Doctor moved him to the corner away from everyone, so they had a little privacy, “Are you sure?”

“I would like to meet Lily’s daughters,” Rory replied, “My sisters. And Kate has offered me a job multiple times, the offer might still be open.”

“As long as you’re sure,” the Doctor told him, “I think it’s a good idea.”

~

“Why is Rory staying at UNIT?” Nardole demanded when the Doctor and Bill returned without him.

“He wanted to,” the Doctor replied.

Nardole frowned, “And considering what you found out about him, it’s safe?”

Nodding the Doctor said, “Our guest in the vault is becoming more active, I need Rory to be out of the way if my plan actually works.”

Shrugging knowing there was no point in questioning anymore, Nardole simply stated, “Then I’ll pack his stuff and send it to him.”

As Nardole left the room, the Doctor gently patted the TARDIS console, “He’ll be fine with his family for a while.” The lights dimmed and he sighed, “I’ll miss him too but right now this is the safest for him. To be far away from Missy.”

As the TARDIS let her agreement known, the Doctor smiled before he walked out the doors, it was time to give a lecture.

Starring Gina Torres as Dr Jasmine Gordon

Jasmine, a neurosurgeon, but when her best friend Jo fell into a coma after an accident she accepted the position at the Institute, which her father and Jo’s father started. She uses her father’s old notes on sleep disorders, coma patients and his theories on a Dreamscape in the hopes she can find a way to wake her friend or at the least contact her. A brilliant doctor, Jasmine is fiercely protective of her people. She feels responsible for Jo’s accident as they were meant to meet for lunch that day and she had to cancel.

Nick Mohammed – Dr Eric Mayhew

Originally a paediatric doctor, Eric lost his job when he disagreed on treatment for one of his patients with the Chief of Surgery and the father of the child. Despite being right, he was forced out. Needing a job, he applied for the post at the Institute hoping it would give him some money until he managed to get a ‘real’ job again. To his surprise, he not only enjoys working at the Institute but likes the people he’s working with for the first time and is intrigued by the Dreamscape.

Donald Glover - Davy Caine

Davy is the Institute’s IT genius who created most of the equipment used. Upbeat with a quirky sense of humour. He originally worked with Jo’s father, then Jo when she joined the team and hopes that the research they’re doing will bring her back to them. He’s the member of the team who has worked with every iteration of the Hayes Institute team and knows every secret from all of them as well as every part of the building.

Jack Quaid – Matt Jones

Matt was a lawyer with one of the largest firms in the city and dating the daughter of his boss. A night out with her, her brother and his girlfriend ended with them having an accident which injured both Matt and his girlfriend. The accident was blamed on him as he was moved to the driver’s seat while unconscious, but Matt was cleared thanks to security cameras from the store they crashed outside of. He still lost his job, and no firm will hire him thanks to his now ex-girlfriend’s father blackballing him. He applies for the sleep study as he doesn’t sleep well after the accident and is reluctant to become a part of the team at first.

Nicola Coughlan – Carly Atkins

Carly has had a history of not being able to sleep well, from sleepwalking to night terrors. When she sees the advert for the sleep study decides to see if they can help her. Originally a nurse, she found that the shifts made her sleep issues worse, so she found a different career as an event planner. Currently between jobs she has the time. Amazed by the Dreamscape, Carly is intrigued by the possibilities that come with it and accepts instantly when Jasmine hires her to work as a nurse.

Beth Riesgraf – Dr Josephine (Jo) Hayes

Jo is the daughter of one of the men who founded the Institute and was a researcher after she graduated from medical school. Almost a year earlier, during a fight between two men at the train station Jo was accidentally pushed onto the tracks, hitting her head and has been in a coma ever since. Jo has spent a lot of her time wandering the Dreamscape learning how to navigate it but because she is in a coma can’t contact anyone until Matt and Carly join her as dreamers. With their help, she is able to enter the dreams of Jasmine, Jay and Max to spend time with them while she becomes their guide when they’re in the Dreamscape.

Alexander Skarsgard - Max Anderson

Max used to be a police detective but after being injured couldn’t return to the force so opened his own detective agency, although he still has friends on the force. He was also Jo’s boyfriend, intending to propose the night she had her accident, he visits her as often as possible, despite everyone telling him she’ll never wake up.

Selection of Episodes

Pilot – Welcome to The Dreamscape Jasmine Gordon runs the Hayes Institute helping people with sleep disorders, while researching what her father called the Dreamscape in the hopes of waking her friend Jo Hayes from the coma that she’s been in for almost a year. Only certain people have the ability to enter the Dreamscape without help, but they never remember being there, which is what Jasmine and her team are working to change. Matt and Carly are part of a group of six who have come to the Institute for help with their sleep issues. During their initial tests both are found to be candidates to enter the Dreamscape, to Jasmine, Eric and Davy’s astonishment. After months of searching for one candidate, they’re stunned to find two. Both are bemused when asked to go through additional tests but, in the end, agree. In their dreams, they each find a door which takes them to a part of the Institute they’ve never been to where they meet one another and Jo. She’s ecstatic to see them as she’s been alone for a long time, although not as long as it’s actually been. Jo leads them to the Dreamscape, knowing this is why Jasmine has sent them there. Both are instantly lost in memories and dreams until Jo pulls them back, explaining that the Dreamscape can be extremely dangerous if you don’t know how to navigate it. On their second test, Carly finds a door in Jo’s dream. Jo tries to stop them going through because she’s so afraid, they manage to persuade her to let them go through the door. Finally, she agrees and takes them inside to the day of her accident. Carly and Matt watch what happened, seeing from a different angle from the security camera discover that the fight was a distraction and although the men came close, she was pushed by someone else. When they tell Jasmine, she contacts Max, Jo’s boyfriend who vows to begin investigating what actually happened. Jasmine offers Carly a job as an on-staff nurse and asks Matt to help them for the next few weeks with their research which both accept.

Nightmares Matt and Carly are bored while Jasmine and Eric put them through a series of tests to check both are healthy after the time they’ve spent in the Dreamscape as staying too long within it is not good. The tests end when Jay arrives to visit his sister and is briefed about recent events. Allowed to go into the Dreamscape to let Jay see what they’ve learned Matt discovers the ability to enter other people’s dreams without being invited. Unfortunately, he ends up in the nightmare of a child and gets trapped moving through nightmares as he can’t work out how to escape. While Jo and Carly try to rescue Matt, the others in the real world worry about the effects of prolonged exposure to the Dreamscape on his body. When he finally wakes, Jay offers him a job as a lawyer for the Hayes companies, mostly based at the Institute. But as night falls in the Institute, it looks like something followed Matt out.

With Special Guest Star Alan Tudyk as Jay Hayes

Jay is Jo’s older brother. Trained as an accountant like their mother, he took over the running of the Institute, as well as the other companies they started when their parents died. Distraught when Jo is injured and, it becomes clear she won’t wake up, he turns to Jasmine to take over the Institute and continue her father’s research. He visits randomly, sometimes for business reasons and other times just to spend time with his sister hoping one day she’ll wake up. He and Jasmine are close friends.

The Sandman Depressed after talking to his ex-girlfriend, Eric and Davy take Matt out to the bar that is just next door to the Institute. Here they introduce him to Mike, the barman who claims to own the bar, and explain there is a second Mike on other days who also claims to own the bar. Eric explains they have never seen the two of them together, they’ve nicknamed them Mike One and Mike Two and no matter how much Davy digs he can’t find out the truth. Back at the Institute, they have some new patients for the sleep study, one of which won’t wake up. Matt and Carly go in to find them, but even with Jo’s help can’t find them anywhere. While traversing the Dreamscape, Carly finally manages to find the other patient, trapped in a dark space that Jo doesn’t recognise. After saving the patient, the team head to the Sandman for a drink where this time Mike Two is behind the bar.

Nathan Fillion as Mike One

Arthur Darvill as Mike Two

Christmas Time Is Here Despite the Institute being closed for the two weeks over the holiday season, bad weather cancelling flights and family issues mean the entire team along with Jay and Max are in the Institute for the holidays. As they all wander the halls, bored and feeling sorry for themselves at being stuck for the holidays the episode flashes back to how Jasmine, Jay, Jo, Max, Eric and Davy all came to be at the Institute. From Jasmine taking her father’s place on the staff, Eric’s troubles with his former boss, Jo’s accident, Jay having to step into the shoes of his mother despite not feeling ready, from Max and Jo’s first meeting to his almost proposal. On Christmas Day the entire team gather in Jo’s room to swap presents and spend Christmas together.

Lost Max arrives at the Institute early one morning. He’s been contacted by a friend of his in the police due to a number of unexplained deaths recently where it appears that they’ve died in their sleep. Jasmine agrees to let Matt and Carly head into the Dreamscape to get Jo’s help to see if they can see what’s happening. Following a lead from Carly and Davy’s research they manage to find the man who is bringing nightmares into people’s dreams from the Dreamscape which are frightening people to death as they are not for them. They race to stop him and to save his most recent victim. They manage to save the potential victim, nearly losing Carly into the nightmare zone. The attacker manages to escape into the deeper recesses of the Dreamscape but Jo breaks the connection he had so he can’t attack anyone again the same way.

Wake Up Time Part One When working in one of the other offices of the Hayes corporation, Matt runs into his old boss and is horrified by how stressed, nervous and guilty the man can still make him feel. When he’s back in the Institute, Matt enters the Dreamscape with Carly but finds himself in the Astral Plane instead. Matt finds his former boss and begins to follow him. Confused he’s not there Carly continues on her mission to follow the trail of the man they think pushed Jo onto the tracks. Getting frustrated as missing something that flashes past her, Carly discovers that she can rewind, fast forward and pause dreams and memories. Following the clues, Carly finds they were right, just as Matt overhears his ex-boss talking to his son about Jo’s accident. Horrified Matt returns to his body but as he starts to tell Jasmine, Carly wakes up and to tell them what she discovered. Just as the entire Institute is plunged into darkness…

Chuckling the other man replied, “I’ve already ordered the payment to go through, for this as well as the job Jackson helped a few weeks ago.”

“Well then,” Jack stated, “I think you have some work to do and I can go home. Let me know when we can help again, George.”

Hammond gave him a quick nod goodbye before turning back and going back to being the Chief of Police as his people made a huge arrest.

Getting into his car, Jack headed home for the night knowing that tomorrow he’d be able to pay his people.

~

The loud buzzing woke Daniel. He groaned slamming his hand on the alarm to switch it off. Finding his glasses he slipped them on and stared at the ceiling for a few moments before he had to get up. Running a hand through his hair, Daniel went through his usual morning routine, skipping the shave, before he dressed and went to look for something to eat in his kitchen.

Less than two minutes later he gave up looking for breakfast in his kitchen and decided to pick something up on the way to the office. Considering the past few months, it might be the last time he could afford to buy coffee and a pastry that was actually edible.

~

“Morning,” Daniel said as he entered the lobby of their small offices, “Anyone hungry?”

“Excellent,” Sam bounced out from behind the receptionist desk and grabbed a chocolate hazelnut croissant, “I’m starving.”

Daniel glanced over the desk and saw the wires, screwdrivers and computer parts scattered on the floor, “Not working again?”

Sam shrugged, “I’m trying to update before we can’t afford it. Still no cases.”

Daniel glanced over to the closed door of the largest office, “Is he in?”

Sam nodded, “He got in before I did, I think he’s trying to find some new clients. Personally, I don’t see it happening but he’s trying.”

“Well, we can hope. I really don’t want to have to find a new job,” Daniel mused, he sighed and picked up the box of pastries again, “I’m going to enter the lion’s den, if you hear a scream, send help.”

Sam chuckled and disappeared under the computer once more as Daniel took a deep breath and knocked on the door to the office.

“Come in,” the yell made Sam poke her head up and give Daniel a sympathetic look before he opened the door.

Daniel found his boss and friend sitting reading the paper, “Morning, Jack.”

“Morning, oh bringer of goodies,” Jack grinned seeing the box Daniel was carrying, “Grab a seat.”

Daniel frowned a little bemused by how cheerful Jack was when they hadn’t had a paying job in several weeks. He sank into the chair across from Jack and placed the box of pastries on the desk, “How’s things, Jack?”

Confusion filled him when his friend started to laugh, “Daniel, everything is fine. You guys have to stop worrying.”

“Jack, we haven’t had a case we’ve been paid for in weeks. Hammond thanked me for our unasked help last time and sent me packing.”

“True,” Jack nodded, “But we also hadn’t been paid for a couple of cases and now we have, including the job you did for him and another that Hammond passed me yesterday.”

“You worked on something without us?”

Jack shook his head, “You were both already away home, and it wasn’t much. But we got paid this morning.”

“So, no one’s coming through the door any minute to repossess the furniture?” Daniel asked.

Jack chuckled, “No. You can stop tidying up your resume. And even better we have a new case. In fact, we have a few.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” Jack rolled his eyes, “The Tauri Detective Agency is still up and running. Now get Sam in here and I’ll give you your assignments.”

~

Jack sat in the reception area of the agency going through the bills, relieved he’d finally been paid by the people he’d been chasing for the past few months and that they had a few new cases – even if the one for today was only a cheating husband one.

He’d inherited the detective agency from his uncle, but it had come at the best time. He’d just left the Air Force, was going through a divorce and needed a change. The agency came with Sam Carter, tech genius who’d dropped out of college because it bored her too much and loved to create amazing little gadgets they used while keeping the computer system up to date as well as secure. She’d been a little reluctant to stay on originally, but Jack had persuaded her to stick around for a few months trial run – that had been almost two years ago.

Then there was Teal’c, currently visiting his ex-wife and son. He and Jack had worked together briefly years ago, so when Jack had run across the other man in a bar not long after he’d taken over the agency had instantly offered him a job. Teal’c was a huge man, imposing and was great when they needed the appearance of muscle. He was also very intelligent and took in every word that was said around him but because he could pull off the dumb caveman so well people talked openly in front of him.

Finally, there was Daniel, recruited six months ago. A genius who academia hated for being smarter than they were. Daniel had hired them to help find his mentor who had disappeared suddenly along with some artefacts – it hadn’t gone exactly as Daniel had hoped, at one point the younger man had been arrested for theft, but after proving what had actually happened, Jack had offered the other man a job.

He knew having someone who could not only read and speak multiple languages but could also read people well was a bonus. He’d even waved the fee for the job, stating he’d used it as a job interview.

Now the one thing they needed was a receptionist, which was why he’d sent Daniel and Sam out to follow the cheating husband while he was sitting playing Tetris to kill time. He’d already met with two applicants for the job, but Jack knew unless he somehow lost all rational thought he’d never hire either. Neither of them should be allowed to work near electricity, he was sure they’d stick their fingers in the sockets to see if it tingled.

The third and unfortunately final applicant was due in a few minutes; Jack was beginning to think they were going to have to continue with the four of them taking turns at the reception which they all hated doing.

The door finally opened, and a young woman walked in. Jack quickly studied her comparing her to the other two. She had long dark hair pulled back neatly in a ponytail, and dark brown eyes which quickly scanned the room taking it all in. She was wearing a pair of black pants with a red blouse under a black suit jacket and had a bag slung over her shoulder with a folder sticking out of it.

“Mr O’Neill?” she asked, her voice soft with the slightest hint of an accent.

“Ms Densai,” Jack greeted her with a smile, she’d already made a better impression than the others with her opening, “Please take a seat.”

She smiled and gracefully took her seat before she pulled out a few sheets of paper and handed them to Jack, “My references. I previously worked in a law firm so I have good typing skills, I can file and I can take calls. Anything else you need me to do I’m sure I can learn.”

Jack glanced at the paper in his hands, two of the letters were from people he did know and was impressed that they had given her such glowing references as they did not give praise lightly.

“Is there anything else I should know?” Jack asked, “Any other time commitments?”

“Other than the fact I have to meet my father once a month for dinner?” she chuckled, “I’m a part-time student. I’m working towards a degree in Biochemistry so I may require time off for exams.”

“No problem,” Jack grinned.

She licked her lips quickly, “I also have a son. He’s seven, at school, and is my priority.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Jack told her, “When can you start?”

“If you can pay me then today, Mr O’Neill,” she replied with a cheeky smile.

“Fantastic,” Jack told her, “We’re very informal around here and we by first names. So, it’s Jack.”

He waited expectantly and she smiled again, “Sha’re.”

                             *********************************************

“I hate those types of cases,” Daniel griped as he and Sam headed back to the office, “It really does give a bad version of marriage.”

“You’re not kidding,” Sam replied with a chuckle.

“Do you think Jack is up to something?” Daniel asked, “Considering he kicked us all out of the office?”

Sam shrugged, “I don’t ask these things, as long as we still have jobs then I’m happy.” They continued to walk before Sam said, “I meant to ask this morning, how’s Sarah?”

Daniel shrugged as well, “Last I talked to her she was fine. I’ll be seeing her in a few days for the scan.”

“There’s a car outside the office,” Sam noted as they turned the corner, “Maybe another case that doesn’t involve a cheating husband?”

“We can only hope,” Daniel chuckled.

They walked into the office, and both stopped in amazement as a woman sat behind the reception desk. Dark hair framed tanned skin, and two intelligent brown eyes studied them.

“Welcome to The Tauri Detective Agency,” she gave them a professional smile, “How can I help?”

Daniel and Sam looked at one another before back at the woman; she frowned confused by their reactions.

“Perhaps I should get Mr O’Neill,” she lifted the phone and quickly called to Jack.

When he walked out, Jack rolled his eyes, “Sha’re, these aren’t clients. These jokers work for me.”

“Oh,” a soft blush covered her cheeks, “I’m sorry.”

“Jack,” Daniel said before Sam could, “What’s going on?”

“Daniel Jackson, Sam Carter meet our new receptionist Sha’re Densai,” Jack introduced them, “I hired her today and she’s just getting used to the place for a few hours.”

~

“Jack,” Daniel followed his friend and boss into his office leaving Sam to get to know their new receptionist, “Jack, what are you doing? Hiring someone. We’re barely bringing in enough cases to pay the four of us.”

“Daniel,” Jack motioned his friend to sit, “Do you have any idea how often we miss things because there’s no one to hold down the fort when we’re out on a case? Sha’re will be here to make appointments and get us more business. It’s an investment, Daniel. She’s on a fixed salary and not getting any split of the cases unless she helps out.”

Daniel grimaced slightly but remained silent.

“Anything else?” Jack asked, mostly a little bewildered by Daniel’s resistance to their new member of staff.

“Nope,” Daniel stood, “Never mind.”

Jack sighed; there were days it just wasn’t worth getting out of bed.

~

Sha’re glanced up from the computer as Daniel walked from Jack’s office to his own, unlike Sam who’d been welcoming he simply nodded to her before heading after Jack looking annoyed.

“Don’t worry about Daniel,” Sam noted, “He’s just got a lot on his mind at the moment, he usually isn’t this rude.”

“Alright,” Sha’re mused; she very rarely got that kind of reaction from a man. She usually spent more time trying to get rid of them, “I should start checking through your filing system.”

“Good luck,” Sam told her, “Filing is a foreign concept to the guys.”

Sha’re chuckled and went to work but as Sam disappeared into her office Sha’re couldn’t help but muse over the man who didn’t seem to like her.

                             *********************************************

“Welcome to the Tauri Detective Agency,” Sha’re smiled at the tall blonde pregnant woman who’d just arrived, “How can I help you?”

“I’m here to see Daniel,” the woman told her, Sha’re noted the English accent.

Sha’re went to pick up the phone to call through to him, “And you are?”

“Sarah,” the woman replied, her hand absently resting on her stomach.

Sha’re nodded and hit the button for Daniel, “There’s a Sarah here to see you,” she told him when he picked up.

He didn’t answer but appeared a few seconds later from his office. Sha’re sighed as he exchanged a quick kiss with the pregnant woman before they started out.

It was interesting and a little disappointing, Daniel was handsome and Sha’re had quickly developed a little crush on him especially after she saw him smile properly but typically, he was already attached and about to have a baby.

She liked the agency, she’d only been working here a few days, and the people were nice – although Daniel did talk very little to her and she’d yet to meet the fourth member of the team, Teal’c.  It had been a relief when she’d seen the advert for this job, the law firm she’d previously worked in was cutting down on staff and as one of the last as well as most expendable members of staff she’d been made redundant. Her previous bosses had promised good references and delivered on that promise which she was sure was one of the reasons Jack had given her the job on the spot.

“Hey,” Sam poked her head out of her office, “Did Daniel just leave?”

“Yes, a woman called Sarah arrived,” Sha’re replied, she knew she shouldn’t, but she couldn’t help herself, “I didn’t realise he was expecting a baby.”

“Oh, he’s not,” Sam came out into the reception area properly, “Sarah’s his ex-girlfriend. They broke up years ago as far as I know but then she got pregnant and the guy ditched her. So, Daniel, being the supremely nice guy he is, has been going with her for scans and looking out for her.”

“Wow,” Sha’re mused.

“Personally, I think he’s going to end up getting kicked in the head for it,” Sam told the other woman, “But Daniel’s one of the most hard-headed stubborn people you’ll ever meet. He’s determined to be there for her.”

Sha’re bit her lip as she thought over all Sam had said, as the other woman disappeared Sha’re wondered why he was so cold towards her. If he was such a nice guy Sha’re couldn’t understand why he’d taken a dislike to her.

~

Daniel sighed as he walked into the office after he’d dropped Sarah off at her apartment. He remembered why he had broken up with her; Sarah could be monumentally demanding in every aspect of her life and, now she was pregnant, Daniel pitied the poor child.

“Daniel,” their new receptionist greeted him as he entered her sight, “Here are your messages.”

Daniel took them from her with a quick nod before escaping to his office, he wasn’t trying to make her feel that he didn’t want her there because Jack’s reasoning was sound and Sha’re had already shown herself to be extremely efficient. The problem Daniel had with her was she was gorgeous and, from the short conversations he’d had with her, very intelligent. Daniel’s recent track record with women was not good. In all honesty train wreck was a better description and he knew that Jack didn’t want to lose the woman in the office because Daniel couldn’t keep it in his pants.

A soft knock made him look up to find Sha’re standing there.

“Jack asked me to let you know he’s away to the police station,” she told him, “Sam has gone to get some things to update the computers.”

“Thanks,” he nodded before looking back at his computer.

“I’ve also to ask you for some help with organising your files,” she continued, “Jack wants this done as soon as possible.”

Daniel forced back a grimace before nodding.

~

Several hours had passed since they started working, Jack was now on a surveillance job while Sam was at dinner with her father, brother and his family leaving them to work.

Daniel handed Sha’re the final bundle of files before he slid over the counter to join her at the filing cabinets. As he turned Daniel caught sight of the photograph Sha’re had sitting there.

“Who is he?” Daniel asked as he looked at the smiling little boy.

Sha’re turned and a smile touched her lips as she looked at the child, “My son, Shifu.”

“How old is he?”

“He’ll be seven in two months,” she told him as she continued to place files in the drawers, “He’s a very smart little boy.”

Daniel placed the picture back and moved to help her with the filing, he had one more question which he really needed to know the answer to, but he couldn’t bring himself to ask so instead he asked her about her studies.

~

Sha’re gave Daniel a quick nod of thanks when he handed her the mug of tea. The past few hours they’d spent working side by side had been nice as they talked and she finally got to know a little more about him. She also knew that she couldn’t get involved with anyone right now; with working and her studies she felt that she didn’t have enough time to spend with her son as it was.

“You want to know about Shifu’s father, don’t you?” Sha’re asked as she saw him glance at her son’s picture again.

Daniel winced, “I’m insatiably curious.”

Sha’re giggled softly before taking a long drink, “My mother died about eight years ago in a car accident. I was fifteen and blamed my father for her death because they’d been arguing before she got in the car. I went off the rails and fell in with the wrong crowd. The leader who I declared I was in love with went by the nickname Apophis and thanks to him I started taking drugs. To be honest I don’t remember much about the next few months, my next clear memory is waking up in hospital in handcuffs because I’d been in a drugstore robbery.”

Daniel stared at her in astonishment, “So what happened?”

Sha’re dropped her head for a second, “My father and brother helped me get clean then I discovered I was pregnant. I don’t even remember sleeping with him.”

“Sorry.”

“The only good thing is Apophis was killed in the robbery,” Sha’re continued, “I know how horrible that sounds, but it means I never have to worry about him trying to come after my baby boy. Shifu is the most important person in my life.”

Daniel smiled at her warmly, “I can see that.”

She gave him a soft smile feeling her cheeks flush, before dropping her eyes and picking up the next file.

“We only have a few files left,” Sha’re said, “You do not have to stick around. I can finish.”

Daniel shook his head, “I’ll help you close the office. Do you need a lift home?”

“I can get the bus,” she told him.

“I wouldn’t dream of letting you,” Daniel told her, “I have the car and I have nowhere I need to be.”

Sha’re smiled slightly, “Then I’m grateful.”

~

Daniel chuckled at Sha’re’s story about her brother, disappointed when she directed him to the house at the end of the road signalling their journey was over.

“Thank you for driving me home,” Sha’re said sweetly, “It was kind of you.”

“It wasn’t a problem,” Daniel replied, “It was nice to get to know you a little bit. I know I’ve been a bit reticent whenever we talk, I’m just not very good with new people.”

Sha’re smiled, “I’m glad we got to know one another better too.”

She was distracted when the front door opened and a boy appeared in the doorway. Even if Daniel hadn’t seen the photograph, he was unmistakenly Sha’re’s son with the same big brown eyes and smile.

“Mama,” he called.

“Goodnight, Daniel,” Sha’re said before she stepped out of the car. She caught the little boy in her arms when he ran to her and Daniel smiled to see the absolute love she had for the child.

Sha’re gave him a small wave, as did Shifu, and Daniel began his drive home to his empty apartment.

                             *********************************************

Sha’re sighed in relief when she reached the office, opening the door to find Daniel sitting at the reception desk.

“I am so sorry,” she apologised before he could even say hello, “Shifu was sick this morning.”

“Is he okay?” Daniel asked concerned, moving from the chair to let her take over the small area.

Sha’re nodded, “My father is looking after him.”

“You should go home and be with him,” Daniel told her, “We’ll manage for the day.”

Smiling at him, she replied, “It is fine. Shifu was watching cartoons on the couch when I left and if I go home, my father will just chase me away.”

Daniel nodded, “Do you want some coffee?”

“Yes,” she beamed at him, “That would be wonderful, I didn’t have any breakfast this morning.”

“Then I’ll also get you a pastry too,” he told her.

Sha’re gently bit her bottom lip as Daniel walked over to the coffee machine, he was so kind and after the night they’d sorted the filing, had become relaxed around her.

The door opened and Sha’re was about to greet the man who walked through the door but was interrupted as Daniel called, “Teal’c, you’re back.”

The final member of the Detective Agency gave a soft nod, “It is good to see you, Daniel Jackson.”

“You too,” Daniel smiled genuinely before noting, “Teal’c, this is Sha’re. She’s our new receptionist. Sha’re, this is Teal’c.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Teal’c stated, offering his hand.

Sha’re shook it replying, “And it’s nice to finally meet you.”

“T,” Jack appeared, “Finally, I was wondering if you were ever coming back.”

Watching the others greet their returned member, Sha’re studied Teal’c. He had a calming aura which worked with Jack’s commanding presence, Sam’s enthusiasm and Daniel’s intensity.

“Daniel,” Jack said suddenly, “Need to talk to you.”

To Sha’re’s surprise, Daniel brought her the coffee and a hazelnut chocolate croissant before he headed into Jack’s office. She listened to Teal’c tell Sam all about his visit to see his family, smiling to find Daniel had heated the croissant slightly so the chocolate was gooey, just the way she liked it.

~

“What are you doing?” Jack demanded when Daniel closed the door.

Frowning at him confused, Daniel asked, “What do you mean?”

“I told you to be nicer to her,” Jack reminded him, “Not...”

“Her son is sick and she hasn’t had breakfast,” Daniel defended himself, “I was giving her a coffee and something to eat.”

Jack grimaced but nodded, “Yeah, fine. Anyway, we have a job. I need you to listen in to a conversation between a woman Hammond thinks is smuggling drugs and who he thinks is her supplier.”

Daniel shrugged, “No problem. Where and when?”

“The Golden Serpent Hotel,” Jack told him, “From five tomorrow night in the bar. We’ll all be there, and now T is back then you won’t be alone in the bar.”

“That’s fine,” Daniel replied, “I know what I’m doing these days.”

Jack smiled amused, “I remember when you didn’t.”

Rolling his eyes, Daniel grabbed the file for the job to study up on what he was needed to listen for.

~

Daniel stood at the bar with the drink he’d ordered, an earbud in his ear. Teal’c was sitting at the other side of the bar while Jack was in the lobby and Sam was in one of the rooms with the equipment to watch over Daniel.

His target walked in, she had bright red hair and was surrounded by multiple men. She took a seat on the booth at the other side of the room. Daniel was relieved the one across from her was free which would give him a view of her as well as the exit. He picked up his drink and wandered over to it, taking a seat and sipping it.

After a few moments a man joined the woman and her people. Daniel listened, even though Sam was recording everything it worked better if he could hear and see the person he was translating.

Unfortunately, his earbud suddenly cut out so he couldn’t hear through as well and had to read her lips, which meant he was now staring directly at her.

The man stood and left, the woman also stood and walked directly to Daniel.

“You appear to be very interested in me,” the woman said, standing beside him with a dark look on her face.

“Hang on, Daniel,” Jack’s voice came in his ear, his earbud working again.

Daniel grimaced before replying, “I’m so sorry, but the door is behind you and I’m waiting for my girlfriend.” He paused before adding, “I’m going to propose tonight.”

“How sweet,” the woman purred at him, “When is she coming here?”

“Hopefully soon,” Daniel stated, hoping Sam made it downstairs fast and Jack had the fake ring they used, “She is coming straight from work.”

Almost on queue a woman walked into the bar, just not the one he expected.

“Davy,” Sha’re cried happily as she crossed the room and hugged him, he felt her slide a ring box into his jacket pocket before she let him go, “Sorry I’m late, but one of the interns caused chaos by downloading a virus onto the system.”

A little stunned he heard Jack cough in his ear and quickly said, “You’re not that late. Cece, this is…”

“Hattie,” the woman replied sweetly before motioning to him, “Your boyfriend and I were just talking. Why don’t you tell her what about?”

At the woman’s prodding, Daniel took the ring box out of his pocket and knelt, “Cece, you are the love of my life, and I want to spend every day making you happy. Will you marry me?”

Sha’re let out an excited squeal and nodded offering her hand to him, he slid the ring onto her finger and went to give her a quick kiss. Sha’re held onto him for a deeper kiss and Daniel was a little stunned when she pulled back.

“Congratulations,” Hattie said, motioning to one side and receiving a bottle of champagne from one of her entourage, “Here, for you.”

“That is so kind,” Sha’re said before handing it to Daniel, “Honey, why don’t you get the car so we can tell my parents?”

Taking the bottle, he nodded and started towards the door a little reluctant to leave Sha’re alone with the woman they had been hired to watch.

“Thank you so much,” he heard Sha’re say over his earbud, “If you hadn’t pushed him, I doubt he would have proposed finally. I’ve been expecting it for the last four months and every time he never does.”

“Well, I’m glad to have helped,” Hattie purred, “What does your Davy do?”

“I always say languages when he’s here just to tease him,” Sha’re chuckled, “But he is a professor of the language and art of medieval poetry.”

“Not what I expected,” Hattie stated.

Daniel found Jack in the reception, who held up his finger to stop Daniel speaking as they continued to listen to Sha’re.

“I know,” their receptionist continued, her ability to act was stunning, “If I need to sleep, I get him to tell me about it, but he is also so sweet and kind. I’m very lucky.”

“Congratulations again,” Hattie stated.

Glancing over to the door where Sha’re was leaving the bar, Daniel turned to Jack.

“What is she doing here?” he demanded, “And why did you send her in to do the fiancée bit?”

“Firstly, Sha’re wanted to know more about what we do,” Jack said, smiling at the woman when she joined them. He motioned her to join Sam and Teal’c who were waiting for them at the van.

“And secondly?” Daniel demanded.

“Because she was a better choice for the fiancée than Sam,” Jack replied, “Any time you and Sam pretend to be a couple is torturous.”

Daniel grimaced

Jack clapped him on the shoulder, “Come on, she was far too good at the part. I may have to pay her more.”

~

Sha’re smiled when Jack handed her a glass of wine. They’d come to a bar near the office for a drink as they’d finished the job and Jack had sent the information to their client.

“Well,” Sam said as she accepted the bottle of beer from him, “Well done to Sha’re for that little act.”

Chuckling Sha’re blushed slightly, “I enjoyed it.”

“Well, I’m just happy I didn’t have to pretend to be Daniel’s girlfriend again,” Sam told her, “Neither of us like it.”

Sha’re shrugged, “It was fun.”

“Well, it’s a one off,” Jack told her, “We need a receptionist, and it took me long enough to find you.”

She gave him a soft nod, “Of course. It was interesting though.”

Jack laughed before he headed back to the bar to get the rest of the drinks. Daniel appeared, a bottle of beer in his hand.

“Teal’c has a pool table,” he told Sam, “He’s looking for a rematch.”

Chuckling, Sam bounced up, “And he’s about to lose again.”

Sha’re laughed watching Sam walk over to the pool table where Jack was standing with Teal’c.

“Can I join you?” Daniel asked.

Sha’re nodded, “Of course. We are engaged after all.”

“Funny,” he grimaced, sitting at her side, “You know that could have been really dangerous.”

“I saw the look on Sam’s face when she thought she would have to pretend to be your girlfriend,” she told him, “I took an improvisation acting class a few years ago. It was nice to stretch those muscles.”

Daniel laughed softly, “You were good at it. Very convincing.”

“Really?” she chuckled, “Which part?”

He swallowed nervously as she leaned into him, “Well…” he licked his lips, “You managed to slip me the ring amazingly well. And seemed genuinely like you meant the kiss.”

“What if I did?” she asked, surprising herself by her question.

Daniel looked stunned, and whispered, “Then I can say so did I.”

“You know I enjoy spending time with you,” Sha’re told him, realising that he would never make a move.

A small shy smile touched Daniel’s lips, “Really?”

She nodded, “The night we sorted the filing was so much fun.”

“We work together,” Daniel reminded her, “It’s not a good idea to…”

“To be friends?” Sha’re asked softly, her hand just brushing his arm.

He nodded, “Friends is good.”

“What about more than friends?” she leaned slightly closer.

“Sha’re,” he breathed, “I don’t think it’s a good idea. I like you, I do, but we work together and things could get complicated.”

“We agree now that we don’t let it be complicated,” Sha’re told him, “Because we work together, I have a son, you have a Sarah…”

He laughed softly.

“But I like spending time with you and would like to be more than friends,” she continued.

Daniel stared at her for a moment before noting, “Maybe I could walk you home when you finish your drink.”

Sha’re took a final drink before placing the glass on the table, “Finished.”

While she put her jacket back on, Daniel headed over to tell the others he was walking her home.

When she joined him, she made her goodbyes before they left the bar. Standing outside in the streetlights, Daniel leaned closer and brushed a soft kiss to her lips. When they parted, Sha’re smiled and slid her arm through his.

~

Rip sat in the parlour, his mind going over and over the kiss he’d shared with Miranda. After so many years thinking she’d abandoned them, and now knowing the truth Rip was having a hard time trying to decipher how he felt.

“Are you brooding?”

Rip’s head jerked up as Sara spoke, “What?”

“Brooding,” she repeated as she took a seat, “You do it every so often. Especially when someone brings up Miranda, who I love by the way.”

Rip shrugged, “So, do I.”

“But?” Sara pushed.

“I…” he struggled to find the words, finally managing to say, “My memories tell me she walked out on me. That she left our son because she didn’t want him, didn’t want us. And I know it isn’t true, I do know that.”

“But?” Sara said again.

“But I still feel that anger,” Rip sighed, “Seeing her again, and kissing her I feel whole again.”

Sara smiled, “Who knew you were such a romantic?”

He frowned making Sara laugh.

“Okay,” Sara said, “Go to bed and get some sleep. It has been a very, very…” she paused for a second before continuing, “Veeeeeeery long day.”

“You’re not kidding,” he smiled at her slightly, “We were meant to be coming to yours for dinner tonight. I was hoping I could get you to babysit Jonas next Saturday so I could redecorate his room. And now…” rubbing his eyes Rip sighed, “Part of me is in disbelief that I’m on a time ship, and we’re orbiting a moon but then there is another part of me that finds this all completely normal.”

Resting a hand on his shoulder, Sara gave it a comforting squeeze, “Check on Jonas and then get some sleep. You can worry about everything in the morning.”

Nodding, Rip stood and headed to the room Jonas was sleeping in. As he stepped inside, Rip smiled the moment he saw his baby boy fast asleep curled up under the covers. With a sigh, Rip changed for bed and slid in beside Jonas, hugging his baby boy close to him.

“Daddy?” Jonas murmured, opening his eyes slightly, “Did you have a bad dream?”

Rip kissed his son’s forehead, “No, I just want cuddles from you to help me sleep.”

Smiling Jonas cuddled into him closing his eyes falling asleep almost instantly again. Rip held his son close, no matter what else was going on this reminded him that Jonas was always his priority.

~

Gideon watched over her family as they slept, she had allowed her body to enter charge mode as it had not been charged in a few days, and she would need it to be at full capacity. Scanning the ship, it saddened her to see Miranda curled up in bed alone with Rip and Jonas a few doors away from her.

They were so close together but so far from one another which saddened her.

But she also knew how deep the love was between Miranda and Rip, that they had found one another every time they were pulled apart.

                        *********************************************

Jonas pushed at his daddy’s shoulder so he would wake up, grinning back when his daddy smiled at him.

“Are you hungry, little man?”

Jonas nodded.

Pulling Jonas close, his daddy kissed his head, “Okay. We will get some pancakes, and I have a surprise for you.”

Jonas beamed, he slid off the bed and ran to the toilet first. He heard his daddy talking to Gideon, who somehow also lived in the ceiling.

Taking his daddy’s hand, Jonas bounced through the corridors to the kitchen. They stopped and Jonas saw a woman with dark hair standing making herself breakfast, she turned and smiled at him.

“Oh, my sweet Jonas,” she breathed when she saw him.

“Daddy?” Jonas asked confused because he knew the woman but didn’t know how.

His daddy lifted him into his arms, “Jonas, this is your Mummy.”

“Do you remember me, baby?” she asked softly.

Looking at the woman, Jonas whispered, “Mummy?”

With tears in her eyes, she moved to him and opened her arms, “Yes, baby. It’s me, I’m home and I have missed you so much.”

Nervously, Jonas leaned over and was soon in her arms being hugged tightly. With a smile, the memory of her came back and Jonas hugged her tightly too.

~

Rip watched Jonas hug Miranda, while tears slid along her cheeks. Without thought, he moved closer and wrapped them in his arms. Miranda looked up at him, and Rip tightened his hold on her.

They needed to talk properly but first Rip knew he had to feed their son. Letting them go, he didn’t interrupt Miranda embracing her son until Rip had made Jonas his breakfast.

“Jonas,” he called once the fabricator made chocolate chip pancakes, “Come and get your breakfast. Your mummy will be here after, and you can catch up then.”

Miranda reluctantly released her son but smiled at him, “Your daddy it right. Eat the yummy breakfast Gideon has made for you. Your daddy and I will be right outside.”

“Are you in trouble?” Jonas whispered to Rip.

Rip glanced at Miranda before he kissed the top of his son’s head, “I don’t think so, but we’ll see.”

Once Jonas was settled eating his breakfast, Miranda stepped out into the corridor and Rip followed.

“Gideon, watch over him,” Rip said.

“Of course, Captain,” Gideon’s voice came.

The doors closed and Rip found himself alone with his wife once more. They stared at one another for several minutes in silence before Miranda shook her head.

“I’m not letting them win,” she stated, closing the space between them, and wrapping her arms around him, “I love you, Rip, and I have missed you every day we’ve been apart. I know what they made you think but I know our love is stronger than that.”

“My memories are mixed,” Rip breathed, “I know I love you. I remember that you loved us, but I also remember you leaving. Walking out telling me you couldn’t handle being married with a kid.”

“That wasn’t me,” she whispered, “It was what they put in your head. Being married to you, being Jonas’ mother is the greatest thing I know. If I was able to, I would have chosen that over the Time Masters, but they would only let one of us go.”

“And now?” Rip asked softly.

Miranda tightened her arms holding her husband close, “Now, we are going to stop the Time Masters, protect our son and raise him together.”

“Do you think we can?”

“We,” Miranda smiled, “Can do anything we want because when we’re together, we are unstoppable.”

With a smile, Rip kissed his wife, smiling as he held her close and knowing that although his memories were slightly off, he was never letting her go again.

                        *********************************************

“Are you sure you don’t want me to stick around?”

Rip smiled at her, “Sara, I am so grateful for all you’ve done for us over the years, but you belong in your own time.”

She sighed, “So, just go home and I never get to find out what happens?”

Miranda chuckled, “Afraid not. But on the bright side we’re not blanking your memory.”

Sara grimaced, “Okay.”

“I will miss you, Sara,” Rip told her, “And so will Jonas. We’ll never forget you.”

With a smile, Sara hugged him before crouching down to the little boy who was holding onto his mother’s hand. Jonas wrapped his arms around Sara tightly.

“I’m going to miss you so much,” Sara told the little boy.

“I’ll miss you too,” Jonas whispered.

After a few minutes, Miranda gently moved her son back and lifted him into her arms as Rip activated the cargo door. They’d settled on some waste ground near Central City, close enough for Sara to walk home.

“Take care of them, Gideon,” Sara said.

Gideon nodded, “I always have.”

With a smile, Sara walked off the ship. Rip closed the hatch and turned to see Gideon gently rubbing Jonas’ back as Miranda hugged him.

“Now Sara is home,” Rip stated, “We need to keep away from the Time Masters and make a proper plan.”

Miranda nodded, “First things first. Gideon and I know where we can hide, you need to learn about your ship once more, Rip. Because for us to go up against the Time Masters you will need that.”

“Come with me, Master Hunter,” Gideon took Jonas’ hand, “I have some games to play with you.”

As Gideon took their son, Rip turned to Miranda who offered him her hand.

“Ready?” Miranda asked.

He nodded, “As long as you’re with me, we can do anything. This time, we’re fighting back.”

Miranda smiled and kissed him, “Yes, we can.”

With purpose, his wife’s hand in his, Rip started up to the bridge of his ship.

“Sha’re?” he breathed confused.

She smiled at him, “I heard Jack say it was a very boring mission, so you returned home early.”

Daniel continued to stare dumbly at her but, before he could bring his thoughts in order, the tech arrived and he was ushered into the MRI.

Forcing himself to stay calm, Daniel tried to work out how he could have been captured because this was not real, no matter how much he wished it was. He’d lost Sha’re so long ago, except she had felt so real. It was like his daydreams, the ones he never told anyone about, come to life.

Released from his medical, Daniel changed then looked across the room and saw Sha’re standing talking to Jack, her hand sat at her throat, absently playing with the locket she wore. He had dreamed about giving it to her when he’d found it in his parents’ things, he knew she would love it, and it looked like she did.

Shaking himself Daniel tried not to lose himself in this fantasy, because that was the only thing this could be. Sha’re turned and smiled at him before walking over to where he was standing, unable to move.

“Are you ready?” she asked.

Daniel nodded slightly.

“Then,” Sha’re wrapped her arms around his neck, “We can go home early. I have some ideas how to use the extra time.”

Forcing himself not to do anything stupid now she was so close to him, even though he knew he had to continue to pretend that he believed in this world because there had to be a reason someone would put him through this.

Thankfully Jack coughed behind them and Sha’re released Daniel while rolling her eyes. Daniel started towards the exit of the infirmary, confused when Sha’re caught his arm making him turn back to her.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” she asked amused.

Daniel stared at her, relieved when she simply shook her head and walked to the office behind them. He couldn’t quite see who she was talking to, but heard Sha’re say, “Thank you for watching him.”

“Anytime,” the woman in the office replied.

Sha’re turned round and Daniel stared as he watched her carry a little boy out of the office. He appeared to be about a year old, maybe more, with dark eyes and hair like Sha’re but he looked like the photos Daniel had of himself as a child.

“Dada,” the little boy cried happily, reaching out to Daniel.

Sha’re chuckled, kissing the little boy’s chubby cheek, “Yes, you and Dada will have fun tonight won’t you, Hakeem?”

Daniel felt his stomach churn, Sha’re had always wanted to call their first son after her favourite uncle. As Sha’re came close to him, the little boy reaching out to be held, Daniel couldn’t take anymore.

Shaking his head, he stepped back from them, “No.”

“Dan’iel?” Sha’re asked, concern filling her voice, “What’s wrong?”

“I won’t do this,” he whispered, “I know this isn’t real, I’m not pretending anymore because this…” he waved at Sha’re and Hakeem, “This is all I have ever wanted. I won’t let whoever you are use it against me.”

“Jack,” Sha’re called, fear and concern in her voice, whilst rocking the little boy who was crying because Daniel hadn’t taken him from his mother.

Daniel turned as the man who looked like his friend walked over to him, “Where am I?”

“You’re in the base, Daniel,” Jack said soothingly, “Why don’t you come and sit down for a minute?”

Allowing the other man to move him to the bed in the private room next to them, Daniel could see Sha’re gently bouncing the little boy to calm him.

“Lie down,” Jack told him, “You look a little pale.”

Daniel lay back on the bed, turning away from the sight of the woman he loved rocking the child he’d wished to have with her.

~

Sha’re sat in the conference room hugging her son who had finally calmed but was cuddled against her, Jack beside her as the rest of SG1 and General Hammond joined them.

“What is wrong with Dan’iel?” she whispered, slipping into more formal English with her worry.

Jack grimaced, “We’re not sure. Fraiser is doing a few tests, but he’s convinced this isn’t real because…”

“Because I am here,” Sha’re finished for him.

Nodding Jack reminded her, “We’ll work this out.”

“Exactly what happened on the planet?” Hammond asked.

“Nothing,” Sam replied, “It was the emptiest place we’ve ever visited. Even Daniel gave up looking for writing and artifacts quickly.”

“There was a brief moment the lights went out,” Teal’c added, “But there was no time for anything to happen during it.”

Sha’re frowned, handing Hakeem to Jack when the little boy reached out for his favourite uncle, “Are you sure? Because he is…” tears filled her eyes, “He is in so much pain. When he saw Hakeem, it was like someone had struck him. Like he had never seen his son before.”

“What if he hasn’t?” Hammond mused.

“Sir?” Sam asked.

The General sighed, “It’s not the first time we’ve had visitors from another reality. Could he have somehow switched places with our Dr Jackson?”

All eyes turned to Sam who tilted her head in thought, “I don’t know how it could have happened but it’s possible.”

“Major Carter, start working on what could have happened,” Hammond ordered, “Colonel, stay with Dr Jackson. Explain our theory to him.”

Jack nodded.

“I will call my father and have him watch Hakeem,” Sha’re stated, “Then I will join you.”

The others all grimaced before Jack asked, “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Yes,” she replied, taking her son back and leaving the room before anyone could argue.

If this Daniel was from a world where they were not together, which now the idea had been given she was sure about, Sha’re was going to be with him for the short time, so that he knew that she always loved him.

                        *********************************************

Daniel sat on the bed in the infirmary, watching as the doctors talked outside, relieved when Jack walked into the room.

“What’s going on?” he demanded.

Jack pulled a chair over and sat beside him, “Do you remember anything odd happening on the planet?”

“Other than the fact it was the dullest place I’ve ever been?” Daniel asked sarcastically. At his friend’s impatient look, he shrugged, “Not really, just the lights going out for a moment. Why?”

Jack pressed his lips together for a moment before saying, “Sha’re’s dead for you, isn’t she?”

The sharp question made Daniel almost choke, before he nodded silently.

“What happened?”

Daniel stared into space as he breathed, “I was an idiot. Ammonet grabbed Kasuf and several of our people, so we went to rescue them. When I saw her, I just ran into the tent without backup. I couldn’t shoot Ammonet, even though she was trying to kill me and…” he took a breath before finishing, “Teal’c killed her to save me.”

He closed his eyes, forcing himself not to get emotional, feeling Jack’s hand on his shoulder comfortingly.

“That’s not how it happened here,” Jack stated, making Daniel open his eyes to stare at his friend, “The basics are the same, but when you tried to go after Ammonet, Ferretti pulled you back, so you weren’t alone.”

“You saved her?” Daniel stared at him, tears filling his eyes, “I’m in another alternate universe, where the me here has my dream life.”

Jack remained silent, clearly knowing now was not the time to make a joke.

“I don’t know if I want to see her again,” Daniel whispered.

“I understand that, but you don’t have a choice,” Jack smiled slightly, “She’s called Kasuf to come take Hakeem for the rest of the day. And I’ve learned in the past few years not to argue with her.”

Daniel wanted to ask but decided that could wait. Especially when Sha’re appeared in the doorway.

“Jack,” she said softly, “Will you give us some privacy?”

~

Jack glanced at Daniel before standing and leaving the room, taking Sha’re’s arm and moving her slightly to one side.

“Sha’re, I don’t think this is a good idea,” he told her, “His version of you died the day we rescued you.”

“Then he needs me,” she replied.

Taking a deep breath, Jack knew he should just surrender. Over the past few years, he’d watched the couple whenever they argued, which was a lot because they were both excruciatingly stubborn. He’d seen Sha’re supposedly give in during arguments before she would do whatever she wanted anyway, but she had Daniel wrapped around her little finger and knew how to get her own way without him realising it half the time. Normally it was funny, today it wasn’t and Jack didn’t like he was on the other side.

“Jack,” Sha’re said before he could argue, “I know him, even now and trust me, he needs me.”

Sighing Jack surrendered, “Fine.”

Stepping out of the way, he watched Sha’re walk over to Daniel who stared at her, his expression a mixture of grief, and adoration. When Sha’re sat at his side, he glanced away but Sha’re rested her hand on his cheek turning him back to her before she hugged him. Jack watched Daniel hesitate for a second before wrapping Sha’re in his arms and closing his eyes holding onto her.

~

Daniel let out a sigh as he held Sha’re again for the first time in years. He wasn’t sure their embrace before she died counted, because it had been in his mind. He tried not to sink into it, tried to remain unresponsive but the feel of her arms around him just broke through the walls.

“I am here, my Dan’iel,” she whispered to him as he wrapped his arms around her, “I know this is strange, but you can hold me as long as you need.”

Holding her close for a few minutes, Daniel finally pulled back wiping his eyes, “Thank you.”

“I am your wife, Dan’iel,” Sha’re reminded him, “No matter what world you are from.”

He stared at her for a few moments before whispering, “I’m sorry.”

“No,” she stopped him, “What happened to your version of me was not your fault. You could never hurt me, even when that thing was controlling my every move. I have always known this.”

“I should have waited,” Daniel said, “I shouldn’t have run in there alone.”

“You wanted to protect my child,” Sha’re reminded him, “Hakeem’s older brother. It’s who you are.”

Daniel reached out and took her hand, “Hakeem seems amazing.”

“He is,” Sha’re laughed, “But unfortunately takes after you. He gets into everything, touches things he shouldn’t but he also is beginning to speak in multiple languages. Although he does not use full sentences yet. Jack keeps telling me it is a blessing because once he does, he will never be quiet.”

Daniel chuckled.

“Do you want to meet him?”

At her question, Daniel froze.

“You do not have to,” she assured, “But I thought you would like to meet him.”

Daniel knew it was a bad idea, knew that when he left here he would never see her or the little boy again but here and now, he wanted to meet the child they should have had.

“I’d like to,” he finally decided.

                        *********************************************

Sha’re spoke with the medical team, and he was released to her care, meaning Daniel was now in a VIP room that looked like a home away from home. The cupboard held his and Sha’re’s clothes, there was a desk in the corner with papers all over it that looked like it was chemistry homework. The double bed had been made hastily and on his side was a book, the book he was reading in his own world. But it was the travel cot sitting in the corner of the room, beside a changing table with toys around it that made Daniel want to run away.

The door opened and Daniel smiled at the man who walked in.

“Kasuf,” he breathed, moving to his father-in-law who was ascended in his world, “Good Father, it is so good to see you.”

Kasuf hugged him, “Sha’re explained to me the situation. I do not understand it fully, but I am glad to see you.”

“Is she…”

“Changing Hakeem,” Kasuf told him, “They will be here soon.”

Daniel licked his lips, “What’s he like?”

Pride filled his father-in-law’s face, “He is a wonderful child. He has such a good nature, like you.”

“I think that would more come from Sha’re,” Daniel replied softly.

Kasuf chuckled, “Love really does blind you, my dear Dan’iel.”

The door opened again and Sha’re walked in, Hakeem on her hip and Daniel realised the reason her hair was tied back was to stop little fingers pulling it.

“Dada,” Hakeem cried happily, reaching out to him.

Before Sha’re could stop him, Daniel lifted the little boy into his arms. He smiled at the boy who hugged him, tears filling his eyes

Sha’re moved him to sit on the bed and sat by his side, Kasuf left them alone as Daniel hugged the son he should have had.

“Dada, speeltijd,” Hakeem cried.

Sha’re chuckled at Daniel’s amazed look hearing the little boy speaking his grandfather’s native language.

“Why don’t you show daddy how you build your blocks?” Sha’re asked the boy, who nodded and moved to her when she took him from Daniel’s arms.

Placing him in the travel cot, Sha’re then put a load of building blocks in with him. The little boy happily grabbed the toys, becoming intent on building. Sha’re wrapped her arms around Daniel’s arm, resting her head against his shoulder as they watched the little boy.

“I shouldn’t have pushed you to see him,” Sha’re apologised, aware suddenly that he was crying.

Shaking his head, Daniel breathed, “No, this is incredible. He’s perfect and this is a gift getting to spend time with him.” He turned to her, “And you.”

“I wish I could give you more than this,” she told him, “I wish I could…”

When Daniel woke up early in the morning, he looked around confused but relaxed seeing his parents in the bed across from him both fast asleep.

Knowing he shouldn’t wake them, Daniel looked around to see if he could find his book to read until they woke up and they had breakfast. As he looked around the room, Daniel finally found it in his mother’s big bag and climbed back onto the bed to read. It was slightly too dark, but he didn’t want to put the big light on to wake his parents. He knew it must have been late when they arrived at the hotel because he remembered it being dark when he went to sleep.

Musing for a moment, he finally opened the curtain beside him just a little so that the light from outside fell on him but wouldn’t hit his parents. When he moved the curtain, he saw something fall and frowned confused. Putting his book on the pillow, he knelt pulling the curtain around him and stared at the white flakes falling from the sky adding to the white blanket that covered the world.

He heard soft familiar laughter before the curtain was pulled back and his mother sat at his side, “Look, Mama.”

“I see,” his mother smiled.

“What is it?” Daniel demanded in wonder.

“That’s snow.”

“Snow?”

She nodded, “After breakfast we can go out and build a snowman, just like I used to do with your grandma.”

Daniel gave a shrug, not sure why this was meant to be fun but could see his mother seemed excited, “Okay.”

She gave him a quick hug, “I know this very different for you, Danny but I promise you’ll like New York. It will be strange at first but there are so many places we’re going to take you and show you. Will you give it a chance?”

Daniel leaned against her, “I’ll try.”

“I know you will, baby,” she hugged him close, “And just think how amazing it will be when we put up the structure and lay out all the things we found with it, including your cup.”

Daniel grinned, he was so proud of them and couldn’t wait to see their greatest find built so everyone could see it.

“Why don’t you go get dressed,” his mother said, “While I wake up your daddy then we’ll have breakfast.”

Giving her a hug, he slid off the bed and found his clothes sitting on the chair nearby. He looked back at his mother who was sitting watching the snow fall and smiled. Although he didn’t like that they’d left Egypt, as long as his parents were with him, Daniel knew he’d always be home.

                        *********************************************

The snow was falling when Daniel finally made it back to his small, cold apartment. Chicago had seemed like a good idea to work but now, in the dead of winter, he wished he’d taken a job somewhere warmer.

Managing to get the heating working, Daniel put his coffee maker on before he tossed one of the frozen meals he had into his microwave. With his meal and coffee, Daniel sat pulling the blanket that was on the back of the chair around his shoulders. Balancing his dinner on his knees, Daniel opened his book at the bookmark and began to read while he ate.

Breaking up with Sarah had been a good idea, they didn’t work and he didn’t want her to think he was more serious about her than he was. Although he did slightly wish he’d waited until after winter, she had working heating in her apartment.

Finishing his dinner, Daniel stared out at the falling snow remembering the first time he’d seen snow with his parents. They’d had a lot of fun in the snow and had built snowmen then had snowball fights. It was one of his favourite memories of his parents, watching them run around laughing and throwing snow at one another, then laying on the ground making snow angels.

He'd lost them a few days later.

Finished eating, Daniel turned his attention to his theories. He wanted to present them in a few months so knew he needed to have everything solid but there was something he couldn’t work out.

The snow falling down in front of his window was distracting though, and he sat with his coffee held close to his chest watching the large flakes falling down.

Daniel preferred being in the desert, but he did love watching snow falling and the way the world looked after it. Going out in it was the one thing he hated.

As he watched the snow fall, he allowed his mind to go blank and suddenly the missing link appeared from nowhere.

Smiling to himself, Daniel began to work.

                        *********************************************

“You are teasing me,” Sha’re exclaimed, making Daniel chuckle.

He looked up at her, his fingers gently playing with one of the curls around her face, “I’m not.”

“You are telling me that in your world frozen water falls from the sky?” Sha’re demanded, she was laying on top of him with one hand resting beside Daniel’s head, the other was tapping against his shoulder as she frowned at him bemused.

Catching her around the waist, Daniel rolled them, so he was lying on top of his new wife still stunned by the events of the past week which led him to another planet and this woman he adored.

Sha’re pulled him down so she could kiss him, and Daniel sighed happily.

“Tell me the truth,” Sha’re demanded when they parted.

Tightening his hold around her, Daniel replied, “I’m not teasing. My world has so many different climates. Some are like here, one of those places is where I spent a lot of my childhood, but others are so cold that they are covered in the frozen water called snow and ice.”

Wrapping her arms around his neck, Sha’re whispered, “Why did you leave a place of such wonder?”

Daniel stared down at her with adoration, “Because here I get to be with you. Nothing else compares to that.”

Sha’re kissed him again and their conversation was forgotten.

                        *********************************************

It was the snow falling that broke him.

Daniel had managed to hold himself together since Sha’re had been abducted. He’d found ways to manage the pain, focussing on other things including setting up his department in the SGC and training to be on SG1. Not to mention drinking a lot of coffee.

He was staying in Jack’s spare room as finding an apartment of his own had been put on the backburner for the moment. His excuse was he was too busy, but if he was being honest to himself, he didn’t want to take that step yet.

Three weeks into his new life, that he despised, Jack forced him out of the base, so he didn’t ‘overwork’ himself. They sat, ate pizza and watched sports Daniel had no interest in before going to get some sleep, but Daniel couldn’t sleep. Sitting on the couch with the TV on low he suddenly noticed that it had begun to snow.

Standing staring out at the white flakes falling from the sky, something he’d described to his beautiful wife, and never expected to ever see again, Daniel began to sob and he couldn’t stop. He fell to his knees, grieving for the wonderful life he’d had for one wonderful year.

A hand on his shoulder made him jump and he saw Jack standing there, the older man sat by his side and without a word wrapped an arm around Daniel, being there with him as he finally felt his loss.

                        *********************************************

The world outside the apartment was white and Sha’re stood, staring in awe in the early morning light. She had never seen anything like this in her life, it was beautiful.

“It snowed?” Daniel’s voice came from behind her, just before his arms wrapped around her waist and he rested against her.

“Snow,” Sha’re let the word roll around her mouth, before she tilted her head round so that she could kiss him softly, “I remember you telling me about it. I never thought I would see it.”

Daniel pressed a kiss to her neck, “Well, it is cold and since we still have some time before the alarm why don’t you come back to bed where its warm?”

Sha’re turned to him, “I want to go out and touch it.”

“I promise that we will,” Daniel told her before adding, “But you will need to wrap up and right now we have our nice warm bed.”

She gave him a kiss, taking his hand, she pulled him towards where their shoes and coats sat.

“After I get to touch the snow.”

~

Shaking his head, Daniel instantly gave in to Sha’re’s demand to go outside. He pulled on his boots and coat as Sha’re put her shoes on. Daniel stopped her from leaving and slid his other coat on her, they needed to get her some proper winter clothing.

“Trust me,” he told her, “You’ll need the coat.”

Heading downstairs and into the courtyard, Daniel watched Sha’re’s eyes light up at the scene in front of them. It was completely untouched, so looked like a smooth blanket over everything.

Sha’re hesitantly reached out to the snow on the wall beside them, gently brushing her fingers into it.

“It is so soft,” she breathed in amazement before laughing, “And cold.”

“Yep,” Daniel chuckled, “Are you ready to go back inside?”

Rolling her eyes at him, she was amazed when she squeezed the handful of snow and it became a solid.

Daniel smiled at her with slight amusement as he watched her experience the snow for the first time. He turned as a flake fell from the sky, landing on his shoulder and a few moments later it began to snow again.

Sha’re laughed, closing her eyes she tilted her head up feeling the snow fall onto her face. Utterly entranced by her, Daniel wrapped his arms around her waist and smiled as she looked at him.