Blood Is Thicker Than Water

Blood Is Thicker Than Water

by L.E McMurray

Summary: Daniel's new family life is about to be disrupted in several different ways.
Category: Angst, Drama, Hurt/Comfort
Episode Related: 204 The Gamekeeper, 321 Crystal Skull
Season: Season 4
Pairing: Daniel/Sha're, other pairing
Rating: 13+
Warnings: none
Disclaimer: Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions. I have written this story for entertainment purposes only and no money whatsoever has exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author(s).
Archived on: 2005-03-05

Author's Notes: Thanks to Stonedtoad for betaing.

This is the sequel to New Neighbour. I have a plan but it might take some time but here's part one, enjoy.

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

Daniel shifted slightly against the warmth as he woke up. Turning over he jumped as he touched a warm body. Opening his eyes his wife's soulful dark eyes met his and an amused look covered her face.

"Good morning my husband," Sha're gently kissed him.

"Sha're?" he whispered amazed.

"Is something wrong my Dan'iel?" Sha're asked, worry crossing her face at his expression of wonder.

Daniel drew his fingers across her face smiling as she gently kissed his fingertips when they touched her lips, "Nothing's wrong," he whispered wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close, "Everything's wonderful, you're here."

"Of course I am," Sha're laughed, "Where else would I be?"

Daniel shook his head, "It doesn't matter. It was just a nightmare."

Sha're noticed a tear escaping his eyes and gently kissed it away, "Let me assure you my Dan'iel."

Daniel closed his eyes as she kissed him, whatever had made him think she was gone was being forgotten and all he could feel was his wife's arms around him.

-

"Momma," an insistent voice called from beside her, "Momma, momma, momma."

Claire groaned opening her eyes she saw her little angel standing beside her bed, "Danny?"

"Daddy said breakfast is ready," Danny told her in the earnest voice of a four year old.

Claire frowned trying to catch something that was screaming for her attention but as she looked at her little boy she just reached out and pulled him beside her, "What have you been up to my little sand bug?"

Danny giggled as she tickled him, "Digging."

"And what have you found?"

"Nuthin'" he grinned, "But I will soon."

Claire kissed her son's soft golden hair before releasing him, "Come on let's go get breakfast. Your Daddy will be looking for us."

As they exited the tent Claire stopped for a few seconds when she saw her husband standing talking to one of the workers.

"Daddy," Danny called as he bounded over to be caught by his father.

Mel Jackson turned to where Claire stood and smiled at her as she joined them, Claire closed her eyes as her husband kissed her. Whatever it was she'd forgotten didn't matter, life was perfect.

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

Maria groaned as her phone rang. Cracking open an eye she frowned.

"It's four am," she mumbled answering it.

"Maria, its Jack," the reply came.

"Just because I live nearby doesn't mean I want called by you people," she muttered.

"Maria, your mother and Daniel are missing," Jack broke the news to her.

She froze, "Are you sure?"

"Completely," Jack replied, "Maria, we need your help."

"My what?"

"I'm sitting downstairs, "Jack told her, "Get dressed and I can give you a lift to the base."

Maria dropped the phone and scrambled around trying to find some jeans, after fifteen minutes she exited her building to find Jack sitting waiting for her. Without a word he opened the door and she climbed in.

-

"What happened?" Maria demanded when she sat in the briefing room yawning slightly, the rest of SG1 and Hammond were sitting with her.

"They were off world on a dig," Jack explained, "They missed their check-in and when we called up the planet they were on...nothing."

"What do you mean by nothing?" Maria asked.

"There was no sign of the campsite, their equipment or the SG team that was with them," Sam explained, "We checked out the entire perimeter but there was no sign they'd ever been there."

"Okay," Maria said frowning slightly, "So why do you need me? Wouldn't Kelly be better for this sort of thing?"

"She's in Egypt," Jack reminded her.

"The structure and language they were looking at was Mayan," Teal'c told her, "We therefore believe the best person to help would be Nicholas Ballard."

"My Grandfather," Maria shrugged, "Then I ask again, why am I here?"

"When Nick went to join the `giant aliens' we set up that the only way to contact him was through a blood relative," Jack explained.

"Whose bright idea was that?" Maria sighed.

"Your brother's," Sam told her.

"Look," Jack turned Maria's attention back to him, "All we need is for you to come with us so we can contact the old man."

"Through the Stargate?" Maria asked apprehensively.

"Is that a problem?" Sam frowned.

Maria took a deep breath, "I'll be fine."

-

Sam gently touched Maria's shoulder as the younger woman stood staring at the Stargate.

"What's wrong?" she asked gently.

"I guess I just thought I'd never have to go through that thing again," Maria sighed.

"You'll be just fine," Sam smiled at her, "Think of it as a kind of amusement ride."

Maria rolled her eyes, "Yeah, did I ever mention I hate those things?"

Sam laughed, "Just close your eyes and we'll get you through safe and sound."

"I'll hold you to that," Maria muttered.

As the Gate burst open Sam rested her hand on Maria's shoulder, "Ready?"

"Not even slightly," Maria replied her eyes wide with worry before swallowing, "But you guys do this at least once a week, so can I."

"I'll go through with you," Sam promised, "I'll keep you up."

As they started walking up the ramp Mari gripped Sam's arm tightly before closing her eyes and walking through.

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

Sha're lay back against Daniel who was leaning against a rock as they watched the sun set behind the city. He slid his fingers around her curls as she trailed her fingers along his leg.

"I missed you," Daniel whispered.

"I have been nowhere my love," Sha're turned laughing.

"When I dreamed," he sighed, "I felt as though you had been gone for so long and even though I know it was just a bad dream..."

"You missed me?" Sha're asked with a smile on her face.

Daniel pulled her up so he could kiss her, "Every second."

"Well then," his wife smiled with a mischievous look in her eyes, "I must make sure you," her arm wrapped around his neck, "feel welcomed home."

Daniel couldn't stop smiling as they kissed, something nudged at his mind but as Sha're caressed him he ignored it focussing on his wife and the feel of her body pressing against his.

-

Claire cuddled up against Mel as they watched Danny sleeping.

"He's going to do great things," Mel whispered in his wife's ear, "Considering he has your brains and good looks."

Claire laughed, "What did he get from you then?"

"My incredible wit," Mel told her, "And possibly my stubbornness."

Claire smiled and she turned kissing her husband lightly on the cheek, "You know, we should give Daniel a sibling. He would be a wonderful big brother."

Mel laughed huskily in her ear, "I remember someone telling me that I was never doing that to them again."

Claire leaned back against him, "Well it's been a few years. I'm willing to try again."

Mel gently stroked her cheek curling his hand around her chin and resting his thumb on her lips, "I love you.

"I love you too," Claire breathed mesmerised by his deep dark eyes, completely lost as her husband kissed her.

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

"Oh my God," Maria breathed in amazement as she stepped into the pyramid, "This place is huge."

"Nice digs huh?" Jack asked resting his hand on her shoulder, "Come on."

Maria followed Jack across the rather narrow bridge keeping her eyes firmly on the back of Jack as he led them across. Reaching the other side Maria breathed in amazement as she looked at the crystal skull sitting on a pedestal.

"See the panel in front of it?" Jack said, "Place your hand on that and stare into the eyes of the skull."

Maria frowned but did as he said waiting feeling worried as a wind started around them throwing her hair into her face before it finally died down and Maria saw an old man standing waiting to greet them.

"Where is Daniel?" the man demanded.

Jack stepped forward, "He's missing. That's why we need your help; we need you to come back with us."

"Of course," Nicholas Ballard nodded; he turned and called something in another language before the wind started once more.

Maria looked at the man she'd come here to get and frowned, he wasn't really that impressive considering what she'd been told about him. She fell into step behind Teal'c wondering if maybe she should call Elizabeth and let her know what was happening.

"Hey," Jack yelled, "Are you staying here?"

Maria realised they were at the Gate which was open and only she and Jack were left on this side, "Sorry."

Jack grinned and made sure she was through before heading back home himself.

-

Nick sat at the briefing room table waiting to find out what had happened to his grandson every so often he glanced at the young woman who was with the team who he found exceedingly familiar yet couldn't place her.

"What has happened to Daniel?" Nick demanded as Hammond sat down.

Jack explained to Nick what had happened to Daniel and the team for the moment leaving out any mention of Claire.

"Do you want me to go there?" Nick asked confused, "I do not think I would be very mobile."

"No," Sam replied, "We have everything down on tape, we need you to translate for us and hopefully it will help us find Daniel."

Nick nodded, "What are you not telling me? And who is this? We fixed it so that only a relative could contact me."

"Oh boy," Jack breathed, "Nick, this is Maria Walker. She's...she's..."

"I'm your granddaughter," Maria interrupted.

Nick stared at her in complete horror, "No."

"It's nice to be wanted," Maria snapped.

"But my only child is dead," Nick whispered sadly.

"Actually, that's what else we haven't told you," Jack licked his lips nervously wondering how the old man would take this, "Your daughter isn't dead. Claire is alive and well, she was injured when the wall came down on her and her husband. She ended up with amnesia and only when she moved next door to Daniel did she start to remember. She's lost with Daniel."

Nick stared at Maria, "And that means..."

"I'm the second youngest of your four grandchildren," she told him softly, seeing the shock in his eyes, "Mom married my Dad and had us three girls as well as Daniel."

Nick smiled at her, "You look so like your mother."

Maria's eyes widened before she smiled, "I do?"

"I wish to hear all about your sisters," Nick told her, "But first I need to help find my daughter and grandson."

-

Nick entered Daniel's office Maria not far behind him, she'd decided to help him plus she was interested in getting to know the old man despite knowing he'd abandoned her adored big brother.

She saw him stop and gasp, "Are you alright?"

Nick turned holding the picture taken at Daniel's birthday of the Claire, Daniel, Elizabeth, Kelly and herself, "You are all so like her, like my beautiful daughter."

"Why didn't you take him in?" Maria couldn't stop herself from asking.

Nick looked a little shocked at her question, he replaced the picture and looked back at her, "Because I am a selfish old man who could not bear to see the child I had lost who looked so much like the woman I loved and lost in the face of a boy I did not truly know."

"At least you're honest," Maria mused.

"I have always hated myself for abandoning Daniel but I cannot change it," Nick replied, "I can only try to make it up to him."

Maria stared at him for a few moments before nodding, "Well I can't wait to see Mom's reaction to you."

Nick smiled at his granddaughter, "You are an interesting young woman."

"I've been called worse," Maria laughed, "Let's get to work."

-

Maria watched in fascination as Nick worked every so often he would ask her to write down something from the screen. She could see a great deal of her brother and mother within the old man who sat beside her and she found her fear for them lessening very slightly.

"Would you get me some water please?" Nick asked.

Maria gave him a smile, "Sure."

She watched him from the back of the room and gaped as she saw something she'd not noticed before.

"Nick," she jumped back and hit pause, "Look at this."

"What is it?" Nick asked confused.

Maria grabbed a piece of paper and placed it on the screen moving it until it sat where she wanted, "This. The walls don't match."

"The walls? I couldn't see anything, how can you?" Nick turned to her still confused.

"I'm an architect I notice these things," she shrugged, "That's a false wall. They didn't disappear, the building moved."

Nick laughed, "You are definitely my grandchild."

"Meaning?"

"Brilliant like Claire and Daniel," Nick hugged her kissing her cheek, "Let's go and tell the others what we found."

-

"Are you guys sure?" Jack asked.

Nick and Maria were now sitting around the briefing table with Jack, Sam, Teal'c and Hammond.

"Completely," Maria nodded, "The walls false, that's why there's no sign of their camp."

"The script speaks of a place of memory," Nick explained, "But there is no real indication of where they are. However Maria is right about the wall being false it is in fact a defence shield."

"Is there a way through it?" Sam asked.

Maria turned to Nick who nodded very slowly, "Possibly."

"Possibly?" Jack asked.

"Allow me to return to the planet and I shall speak to Quetlzelcoatl," Nick told them, "He may allow us use of equipment to remove the shield. Though there will be more than likely one addendum to using the equipment."

"What will that be?" Jack asked suspiciously.

"Like the way to contact me," Nick explained, "They will allow only myself or a blood relative to use it."

"Meaning Maria," Jack frowned, not liking this idea much.

"Hold on," the young woman cried, "Are we talking about me going through that thing again?"

"Is that a problem?" Nick asked her.

"Maria was only meant to come and get you," Jack explained, "She's not a part of the SGC, she was just helping out."

"They will not allow anyone else to use the equipment," Nick told Jack.

Hammond who had sat quietly throughout the entire exchange turned to Maria, "Would this be a major problem for you Maria?"

"Are you serious?" Maria cried, "General, I...I mean...this..."

"Maria," Hammond soothed, "We'll find another way if you feel you can't go through the Gate."

Maria felt a little shaken and sat quietly mentally debating whether she should do this or not. Finally she nodded softly.

"I'll do it," she sighed, "To get Mom and Daniel back I'll go."

Jack rested his hand on Maria's shoulder, "We'll take care of you kid."

"Oh that fills me with confidence," Maria groaned.

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

Sha're leaned over Daniel's shoulder as he wrote in his journals, he found it amazing that he'd dreamed so many years without her and he could remember it so vividly yet here he was on Abydos with his wife and family.

"What are you doing?" she asked as she always did.

"Just writing," he replied turning and kissing the tip of her nose.

"Tell me," Sha're moved to face him removing his journal from his hands, "About your friends?"

"Friends?" Daniel asked confused.

"About O'Neill," she explained.

"Jack's not really a friend," Daniel sighed, remembering what he thought had been reality and how close they'd become.

"What about your other friends?" Sha're asked.

"I didn't really have..."

Sha're cut him off, "What about Samantha and Teal'c?"

Daniel stopped feeling a shiver slide along his spine, "How?"

"Dan'iel?" she looked at him innocently as he pulled away from her.

"How do you know those names?" he demanded.

"They are your friends," innocence shone in her face but she refused to meet his eye and Daniel frowned.

Glancing around their home he grabbed one of the panels Sha're used as a mirror and looked at himself, at his short hair before he turned to her.

"Who are you?" he demanded.

"I am your wife."

Daniel shook his head tears stinging his eyes, "My wife is dead."

"Dan'iel..."

"Stop it!!!" he cried, "Just stop it," sadness covered his face, "Why would you do this to me? What do you want?"

Her eyes closed, "Look for the spherical pattern on the rocks."

"What?"

"It is your way out," she stepped forward and kissed his cheek before leaving him.

Daniel dropped to his knees burying his face in his hands as all the pain rushed back on him. After a few moments he remembered his mother had been with him and he pulled himself off the ground taking a few deep breaths to calm himself before he headed towards what she'd told him to look for.

When he found the picture on the rock Daniel touched it and woke up in a chair very similar to one used by the Gamekeeper. Jumping away from it he saw his mother in a similar situation.

Standing at her side he checked the chair to see if there was someway to bring her out finding a headset to allow him in to whatever she was seeing.

-

Claire sat watching Daniel as he played with his father learning all about the stars. She loved that little boy so much and she loved her husband with all her heart.

"It's not real Mom," a voice came from behind her.

Spinning Claire stared at the grown version of the boy she'd just been watching stood at her side.

"D...Daniel?" she whispered.

"I'm sorry Mom," he knelt beside her, "We have to leave here."

Claire saw the pain in her son's eyes and nodded, "I have to say goodbye to him."

Daniel nodded in understanding.

Claire walked over to where Mel and young Daniel sat; she leaned down and gently kissed the boy on his forehead before she touched Mel's cheek. Turning him to face her Claire pressed a lingering kiss on his lips before she smiled at them and returning to where Daniel was waiting.

With tears in her eyes Claire walked with Daniel to the exit gasping as she woke up. Extricating herself from the chair Claire turned to find her son on his knees vomiting tears streaking down his cheeks.

"Danny," she whispered kneeling beside him rubbing his back, "Its okay. Come on we need to get out of here."

Daniel turned to her his eyes red and filled with anguish but he nodded and pulled himself to his feet getting ready to get them out of here and to protect his mother.

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

"Ready Maria?" Jack asked as they waited for the Gate to dial.

"No," she whispered, "But I doubt I'll ever be ready."

"Stick with me," Jack told her, "No matter what you do as I say."

"Sure Jack," Maria answered giving him a smile as he squeezed her arm.

"You're doing good kid," he murmured to her, "Just a little more."

Maria nodded and stayed at his side as they walked through the Gate. The cold air hit her the moment she stepped out onto the planet.

"This way," Jack took her arm, "It seems to be empty but stick with me."

Maria nodded and stayed close to the Colonel as they walked to the ruins. She went over the instructions Nick had given her in her mind over and over hoping she wouldn't screw this up.

"There it is," Jack interrupted her thoughts, "Just a wall."

"Okay," Maria pulled the device out the bag and placed it against the wall/defence shield, "As Nick explained this, it should only take about a few moments before it removes the wall."

"Everyone ready," Jack snapped as Maria manipulated the controls.

The wall disappeared revealing SG5 all unconscious around the campsite. Jack nodded to Sam to check on them as Teal'c looked for both Dr's Jackson.

"No sign of them?" Jack asked when Teal'c joined him.

"None," the Jaffa frowned, "There was no sign of a struggle either."

"Any clues to where they are?"

"I'd say walking towards us," Maria cried pushing past the two men running over to where Daniel and Claire were walking slowly towards them.

Jack rushed over to them also catching his friend's arm, "Danny?"

Daniel's eyes were red-rimmed pain filled the blue depths; he caught Jack's eye and shook his head letting him know not just now.

"Let's get them home," Jack said, worried that there had been absolutely nobody else here and there'd been no fight to get their people back.

-

Daniel sat on the bed in the infirmary waiting for Janet. He was relieved no one was trying to make him talk. Jack had spent the entire trip from the Gateroom to the infirmary watching him closely but his friend knew not to say anything just now.

"Hey," Jack handed him a mug of coffee, "By the way Maria was woken at four am to help you guys. So watch out for her looking for payback."

A small smile touched the archaeologists face making Jack feel a little better that Daniel would survive whatever he'd been through.

"Okay Daniel," Janet arrived, "You know the drill."

Daniel nodded and handed the mug back to Jack who moved over to see how Claire was.

-

"Has he told you anything?" Claire asked when Jack joined her.

He shook his head, "I doubt he'll talk for a while. He seems pretty shaken."

"I don't know what he saw," Claire whispered, "But if it was anything like where I was this won't be easy for him."

"Why?" worry filled Jack's voice, "What did you see?"

"Mel," Claire sighed, "And Danny. We were back in Egypt when Danny was about four and life was wonderful. It seemed perfect."

"Oh no," Jack groaned, "Sha're. He was with Sha're in some way. This is going to be bad."

"He was sick after he brought me out," Claire told him, "Just fell to his knees. I think he needs you."

"He'll need us all," Jack told her, "Once Janet's finished with you both I'll drive you home."

"Thank you Jack," Claire squeezed his hand, "I'm so glad my son has you as his friend."

Jack smiled back before he glanced over worriedly at where Daniel was sitting on the bed while Janet checked him out. The young man was staring into space and Jack worried that Daniel wouldn't get over this as easy as Jack first thought.

If you enjoyed this story, please send feedback to L.E McMurray

Blood Is Thicker Than Water Part Two

Blood Is Thicker Than Water Part Two

by L.E McMurray

Summary: Daniel's new family life is about to be disrupted in several different ways.
Category: Angst, Drama, Hurt/Comfort
Season: Season 4
Pairing: Daniel/Sha're, other pairing
Rating: 13+
Warnings: none
Disclaimer: Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions. I have written this story for entertainment purposes only and no money whatsoever has exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author(s).
Archived on: 2005-03-05

Author's Notes:- Thanks to Stonedtoad for betaing.

Thanks to those who reviewed Chapter One, I haven't forgotten anyone it's just going to take some time to get them all in.

I am working on Chapter Three (amongst the rest of the things I have to finish)

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

Daniel walked silently with Jack and Claire towards their apartments. He'd been silent since leaving the infirmary unable to stop thinking about the imaginary world he'd experienced which had given him some time with his wife again.

"Danny," Jack said softly, "Claire's getting off here."

Daniel blinked and turned to his mother who was looking at him worried.

"Night Mom," he sighed hugging her.

Before Claire could say a word her son had disappeared into his own home leaving her and Jack in the hall.

"He isn't going to open up to me," Claire sighed, "I wish he would just once."

Jack rested his hand on her shoulder, "Give him some time."

"You'll have to tell me how you found us," Claire said as she let them in, "And what Maria was doing there."

"Briefing tomorrow morning," Jack told her, "I'm going to check on wonder boy."

Claire nodded, "Thank you Jack. Goodnight."

"Night," he smiled before leaving her alone.

Once Claire was sure she was alone she collapsed onto the sofa and wept for her husband and baby boy.

-

"Go away Jack," Daniel said the instant his friend entered his apartment; "If you don't stop doing this I'm changing the locks."

"Just wanted to make sure you were alright," Jack told him.

"I'm fine," Daniel replied automatically as he made himself some coffee, "Go home Jack. I'll see you tomorrow for the briefing."

"Are you sure?"

"Jack," Daniel snapped, "I'm not a child will you just leave me alone?"

"Sure Daniel," Jack stepped back, "I'll see you tomorrow."

Daniel kept his back to the door relieved when Jack finally left him in peace. He stopped what he was doing, the knot in his chest releasing now he was finally alone. Tears trailed along his cheeks and he wandered to his bedroom finding his wife's picture sitting there he stared at it. For a short time he'd been with her again in a strange way and he'd wasted the last few moments of it yelling at her. Lying down on his bed he held her photo to him and fell asleep.

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

Elizabeth Walker tapped her pen on the notebook as she thought about the story she was meant to be writing. She'd found her passion for journalism had waned since she'd discovered the truth about what her brother did for a living. Her decision to kill the story her friend had died for had left a strange apathy for her work. She'd gone from writing to taking the job of assistant editor to see if she could find the passion again but it hadn't worked.

Picking up the small card she kept in her desk drawer she frowned musing over whether or not she should take this chance and completely change her life's direction. With a sigh Elizabeth replaced the card and went back to work. She had to finish before she headed to the airport, it was her mother's birthday. Actually it was the day they'd always used so she, Maria and Kelly were still using it even if they now knew the exact date.

Elizabeth loved her family, especially her new brother. They'd known him for a year now and Daniel was an important part of her life. They corresponded via email a lot, she knew he also kept in touch with Kelly the same way now she was in Egypt and Maria would meet him at least once a week for lunch.

Smiling Elizabeth decided what she was going to write now.

-

Steven Raynor glanced around the arrival lounge wondering if she would be there to meet him, who met him was someone he didn't expect.

"Hi," Daniel greeted softly, his face was pale and his eyes dull. He looked as though he hadn't slept in days.

"Hi," Steven looked confused, "What are you doing here?"

"Maria got called into work," Daniel shrugged his voice practically a monotone, "I said I'd come pick you up."

"Should I have left a will?" Steven tried to lighten the mood.

Daniel gave a ghost of a smile, "Don't worry. Several people know I'm here. Besides Maria is kinda deadly to cross. Come on, the car's not far."

Steven followed his sort of friend getting worried about how depressed Daniel was, the last time they'd seen each other Daniel had appeared to be completely at peace with himself. Since what Steven mentally referred to as the Osiris incident he and Daniel had talked only a few times both still too caught up in the arguments of the past to be close friends. As they walked to where Daniel had parked Steven studied the younger man and wished there was some way he could help.

"Maria suggested you get acquainted with the SGC then she'll pick you up," Daniel told him as they both climbed in, "Are you staying with her?"

"Until I find a place," Steven replied, not wanting to discuss this with Daniel.

Daniel shrugged and started the car.

-

"So," Claire said as she took her seat, "Did my father stay or leave as usual?"

"He had to return the device to the planet," Jack told her, "He'll be back within the next week or so for good."

"Won't that be fun," Claire grimaced.

"Claire," Jack frowned, "I know you have issues with Nick, believe me so do I but Daniel is pretty touchy when it comes to people bad-mouthing Nick trust me on this. Now Daniel should be here in a minute can we just focus on what happened on the planet."

"That would be the best idea," Hammond agreed he spotted Daniel heading up the stairs, "Dr Jackson, please take your seat."

Daniel slipped in beside Jack his face as blank as it had been when Jack had left him the night before. He gave his mother a quick smile before turning all his focus to Hammond to start the briefing.

-

"Daniel," Claire called catching up with her son as he headed back to his office, "Can we talk for a minute."

"Mom, I've got a lot of work to do," he told her.

"Daniel Jackson," Claire said sternly making him wince, "Don't treat me like some stranger."

"I'm not," he whispered.

"Then let's go and talk," she told him motioning him to move.

When they entered Daniel's office Claire shut the door firmly turning back to find her son sitting sullenly at his desk.

"Alright Daniel," Claire said gently, "You need to talk to me about what happened back on the planet."

"Mom, I already..."

"No, you gave a very clean report," Claire cut him off moving to sit across from him, "Now I want you to tell me what happened?" when he made no move to speak she took his hand and gently touched his cheek, "Danny, sweetheart I know how much this hurt. Do you have any idea what it was like realising your father wasn't real and that I wasn't back there with him and you."

"No offence Mom," Daniel whispered, "But when you woke up I was still here, you didn't lose everything."

"You didn't lose everything Daniel," Claire frowned noting the way his eyes were drifting to Sha're's picture, "You're not telling me everything Danny."

Daniel was silent for a while as he stared at the only picture he had of his wife finally looking back to his mother, "When I was in that world I was with her again and for that time I felt whole. Mom I felt like there was nothing wrong in the world then I realised it was all a lie and it felt...it felt like a kick in the gut," he stopped as tears filled his eyes, "She asked me about Jack then Sam and Teal'c and I knew it wasn't real then. So I yelled at her, I yelled at her to stop it."

"Danny, that is totally understandable," Claire soothed, "You know that."

Daniel looked up at her pain filling his crystal blue eyes, "She told me how to leave, Mom I can't help but wonder if maybe she was real. Then I remember watching her die and I know she couldn't have been but..."

Claire pulled him to her holding him as he cried, "I know how much you wish she had been real Daniel. I know that. Because I wish your father had been but it wasn't to be."

"I could have said a proper goodbye to her," Daniel sniffed not moving from his mother's embrace, "Like you did for Dad."

"You did have a chance to say goodbye back when she died," Claire reminded him, "In the message she sent you. I never had that chance."

"I miss her so much Mom just like you miss Dad," Daniel cried, "Why would someone use that, how could anyone do that to us? What good did it do them?"

"I wish I could tell you sweetie," she sighed rocking him gently; "I wish I knew."

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

"Hi," Maria smiled entering the small office to find Steven reading over some files, "Sorry I couldn't pick you up at the airport."

"Doesn't matter much," he leaned over and kissed her quickly, "How do you manage to get in here when you don't work here?"

Maria gave a mysterious smile, "I have my ways."

He grimaced at her.

"I've been working with some of the teams to design an off world base as well as going over ruins to see if I can backtrack them to their former glory," she admitted.

"That makes sense," Steven grinned at her, "So, are we leaving or do you have work to do?"

Maria smiled taking his hand, "You can buy me dinner."

As they walked through the corridors Maria smiled to see her brother walking towards them.

"Daniel," she smiled, "Thanks for picking Steven up."

"You know I could have got a taxi," Steven interrupted, "I'm not incapable."

Daniel suddenly laughed, "I remember you getting lost heading for coffees one day."

"I did not get lost," Steven swallowed uncomfortably, "I was distracted."

"Really?" Maria asked interested as Steven glared at Daniel.

"It's not important," Steven told her.

"Definitely not," Daniel backed him up.

Maria gave them a suspicious look before shrugging, "We were going to get some take-out, want to join us?"

Daniel shook his head, "Jack and I are being made to watch the latest Star Wars with Teal'c. Believe me you'll be best in a galaxy far, far away."

"We'll see you tomorrow," Steven said as Daniel left, he turned to Maria, "Is he okay?"

"To be honest," Maria sighed, "I have no idea."

-

Daniel looked back to where Maria and Steven were walking towards the elevator; he had thought it strange at first that his second youngest sister was seeing his former best friend though of course according to Maria they were just friends.

He wanted to be happy for them but it was hard to feel anything but jealousy at the moment. His recent experience in that virtual-reality world had shaken him; he knew Jack's get together at his house tonight was basically a way to make sure Daniel didn't spend too much time alone. While they were doing that Claire, Sam, Janet, Cassie and Sara were having a girls' night in.

"Daniel Jackson," Teal'c called from behind him, "We are leaving now."

Daniel smiled slightly, Teal'c's sci-fi addiction was actually really funny though could be very scary at times.

"Sure Teal'c," he turned to his friend, "Let's go."

-

Daniel stared at her anger filling him as she closed her eyes, "Look for the spherical pattern on the rocks."

"What?" he demanded confused

"It is your way out," she stepped forward, Daniel felt her lips brush against his cheek for an instance the warmth cooling quickly as he fell to his knees.

Daniel jolted awake throwing away the blanket covering him.

"Not a fan either?" Jack asked picking up the blanket and replacing it on Daniel.

Daniel frowned, "What?"

"Teal'c's collection of movies," Jack explained, "You fell asleep during the first one."

Daniel sighed rubbing his hand across his face, "I guess I'm more tired than I thought," he paused looking around the room, "Where is Teal'c?"

"The spare room," Jack replied, "He couldn't Kel-no-reem with you snoring."

Daniel ignored the obvious jibe and realising that he was curled up on Jack's couch quickly checked his watch, "Night Jack," he said turning over closing his eyes again.

He heard Jack laugh softly then leave entering his own room, once he was sure that Jack was settled in for the night Daniel threw off the cover and sat up.

This wasn't fair. He'd just managed to start living again, he'd just started feeling that he could go on with his life and then this had to happen.

Sha're.

She'd always be the one person in his life that could be used against him. Her presence could distract him far too easily and now someone else knew this too which scared him.

Why would someone need to know something like that unless they were going to attack them? Why would someone do that to them unless...he tried to push that thought out of his mind and focus on something else.

Daniel yawned; he was so tired of feeling this bad. He just wanted for his emotions to stop, to be numb just for a while just so he could rest but they never did. With another sigh Daniel lay back down and closed his eyes, falling asleep wishing.

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

Sara hummed tunelessly as she sat in her office finishing off some work; she was meeting Janet for lunch in twenty minutes so she was doing this to kill time. A shadow crossed her desk and she looked up to find the last person she expected to see standing nervously in her doorway.

"Daniel," she greeted him surprised, "What brings you here?"

"Ah...em...I..." he stammered a little looking flustered, "I..." he paused again frowning, "This was a bad idea."

He turned and started to go but Sara jumped up and caught his arm. She liked Daniel although she hadn't spent that much time in his company. It was strange considering the young man was Jack's best friend but they seemed to rarely cross paths.

"Daniel," she said softly, "You wanted to talk right?"

"It's not important," Daniel told her but he made no move to leave.

Sara smiled at him, "Then how about some coffee and a place to hide out from everyone for a while."

"That would be good," Daniel smiled very softly entering her office properly.

He took the spare chair and nodded gratefully as she handed him a mug of coffee before taking her own seat. Sara studied the young man before her as they both drank in silence. His sadness was almost palpable just now but he looked so tired that Sara just wanted to wrap him in her arms and rock him to sleep like she used to do to Charlie when he was having...

"What are your nightmares about?" she asked seeing the look of amazement in his eyes that she had guessed.

"What do you mean?" he tried to avoid her question.

Sara placed her mug down leaning forward slightly, "Daniel you didn't just come by to visit me. You came because you need to talk to someone, someone who isn't as close to you as Jack is, or your mother but someone who does know you."

"I..." he hesitated again.

"Whatever you say to me is completely confidential," Sara reminded him before smiling, "Unless it's a surprise party for Jack because you know the rule on that."

Daniel gave a laugh at that before sighing again, "They're about Sha're."

"Your wife."

"Dead wife," Daniel said bitterly, "Everyone always has to make sure to remind me that she's dead."

"But she's still your wife," Sara replied, "Still an integral part of who you are Daniel."

He stared at her for a long time before a very faint smile touched his lips, "Thank you Sara," he took a breath, "I keep dreaming about what happened on the planet and I just don't understand."

"Understand what?" Sara pushed very gently.

"Why she told me how to leave," Daniel replied, "Whoever had us, had us in there for a reason so why would they suddenly just turn around and tell me how to leave? Not to mention the major slip up of asking me about Sam and Teal'c It makes no sense."

"If the scenario was developed using your memories Daniel, it's possible that's what prompted this simulation of your wife to show you the way out," Sara suggested leaning back in her chair, "If your mind was what created her then you also created a way to recognise that what was happening was wrong."

"I don't know," Daniel sighed, "I just feel as though I'm missing something."

"From all I've been told about you from Jack," Sara smiled, "You'll work it out sooner rather than later."

A faint blush covered the young man's face and he quickly finished his coffee standing up to leave.

"Daniel," Sara called after him making him turn back to her, "I'm always happy to have you come hide out here. I like the company."

He nodded, "I'd like that. I should get back to work."

Without another word Daniel disappeared leaving Sara alone once more, checking her watch she realised she was now late for meeting Janet. Sara locked her computer before heading to the commissary.

-

She had been punished for helping them escape but she didn't care. She hadn't wanted them hurt, she'd had to do something and telling him how to escape from the virtual world was all she'd managed but it was enough.

She hated the thing that held her captive, hated what her life had somehow become and hated even more that it was tying to harm people she cared for.

It would punish her but she would do everything she could to help them; she wouldn't allow this thing to beat her.

The dizziness and pain took over once again but she held on as best she could, she would fight until her last breath.

If you enjoyed this story, please send feedback to L.E McMurray