PARADISE (PART THREE)

Part 32 (Jen)

Jack carefully checked Sam's wound. He was relieved to find the skin cool and no blood on the bandages. He had feared that her exertions had caused the wound to open up again and become infected. He stroked her cheek lightly then stood up. They needed food. They also needed to figure out where they were.

Looking around, he could see that the cave entrance was nothing much more than a hole in the ground. It was out in the open with the jungle resuming several meters away. He spotted a large plant with long, feathery leaves that resembled a fern. Breaking off a few leaves, he used them to camouflage Sam. She didn't stir as he placed them around her.

Satisfied that she was hidden as well as he could make her, he set off through the jungle. He stumbled across a small tribe of four legged animals squabbling over something. Seeing him, they screeched loudly and scrambled up the nearest trees. From there, they hollered at him, gesturing wildly. Jack ignored them. Walking over to where they had been squabbling, he discovered that they had been fighting over what looked like food. The fruit reminded him of coconuts with a hard shell that was the size of a bowling bowl. Using a rock, he cracked one open and tentatively tasted the insides. It tasted tart and tangy, with juices overflowing from it. He smiled, pleased with his find. Not only had he found food, but it would provide him and Sam with a source of liquid if they couldn't find fresh water. And the hollowed out shells would make excellent carrying containers.

Using his T-shirt as a bag, he filled it with the fruit. Suddenly, the animals above him stopped screeching. Jack tensed, listening intently to the jungle. Voices, coming closer to him. Looking around, he quickly hid underneath several more of the fern-like plants. He hoped that whoever these guys were, they hadn't found Sam.

The voices grew louder, coming closer. Jack burrowed further under the plants. He could see several men approaching. They were talking and laughing. His cover hid him but prevented him from seeing more of the men. One of them bent down and picked up one of the fruit. Jack felt his breath catch. The decorations, the clothes, everything reminded him of the cannibals.

Oh hell, he thought. They were the last things he wanted to see. He thought they had been rid of them when they had been trapped in the cave. Sam was not well enough to fight them off. As he studied them, he realized that he didn't recognize any of the men. Maybe there was another village of them or they had assumed that the strangers had been killed in the cave-in. And their body language indicated that they were not hunting for anything.

Soon, the cannibals moved away from him. He waited a little longer to make sure that they didn't come back. Carefully, he crawled from under his cover. Using his skills and training, he made his way back to Sam, leaving no trail. He pulled away the leaves to find her still sleeping soundly.

"Sam, wake up."

She blinked, the sleep clearing from her eyes as she focused on him. Jack felt his heart lurch when she smiled up at him, her face lighting up at seeing him.

"Hey." She whispered as he kissed her lightly.

"Hey." He murmured in reply. "How are you feeling?"

She carefully sat up with only a mild grimace. "Better. Did you find any food?"

He handed her some of the fruit. As they ate, he told her what he had found.

"I think we should head in the opposite direction in order to avoid them."

Sam nodded, licking the juice from her fingers. She shot him a look from the corner of her eyes. "Before we get going, could you put your shirt back on."

Jack grinned at her.

"Am I distracting you, Captain?"

"Well, since kissing is only allowed right now, you are seriously tempting me to go beyond that." She replied, leering at him.

"Patience, Sam. You know what they say about all good things come to those who wait." Jack commented, putting his T-shirt back on.

"I don't think they had you in mind when they said that."

She rose to her feet without his aid and Jack was pleased to see that she was moving more easily. They gathered the rest of the fruit and started to walk.

Lucia approached the wooden box, anticipation filling her. Finally, the Secret of the Ocean's soul was going to be revealed.

"Careful." Daniel said, as he moved towards the box. "There may be booby traps in it."

Kalen jumped back at this. She eyed the box with suspicion. Daniel knelt down in front of the box. He studied the decorations intently; moving around the entire box. Lucia and Kalen shifted restlessly as they waited for him to finish. Kalen had to bite her tongue to stop her asking him to hurry up. Teal'c remained motionless. Finally, Daniel straightened up and turned to look at them.

"I think they are depictions of various landmarks and scenes from around your planet. I don't think there are any booby traps. But I'm not sure how to open it."

Kalen moved to look at it more closely. The box appeared to be seamless. She ran her fingers over the pictures.

"I recognize a few of these landmarks. We use them for reference when we are sailing." Lucia said. "Some of them are from halfway around the world. Some of the other landmarks and scenes I have heard about in myths and children's tales."

"Daniel, Lucia, help me turn it over." Kalen said. Her fingers had stopped at one of the box's edges where it lay on the ground. "I think there is a small depression or something on it."

The three of them moved to turn it over. Teal'c had to help them when they found it heavy to move. Underneath was just as seamless as the rest of it except for the depression Kalen found.

"Kalen! Your medallion. Give it to me." Daniel demanded.

Seeing his excitement, Kalen didn't question him. She slipped it off from her neck and handed to him. He placed the medallion in the depression. It fit perfectly. The other three held their breaths as he tried to turn it one way then the other.

The medallion turned and with a soft click it sank into the interior of the box. The top of the box slid back with a quiet hiss, merging into the rest of it. The four of them looked at one another, excitement and wonder filling them. Even Teal'c's normally expressionless face conveyed wonder. As one, they leaned over the box, peering into it.

Part 33 (Wendy)

The light caught a scattering of gems in the bottom of the box, twinkling and sparkling in the reflected sunlight. Lucia leaned further forwards, tentatively reached in and picked up a few of the jewels. "These are very rare, very valuable," she said reverently.

Kalen was peering into the gloomy recesses. "Yeah, but there aren't many of them, are there?"

Daniel and Teal'c had another look. She was right, there were perhaps twenty of the gems spread across the base of the box. Teal'c pointed at something tucked away in the corner, partially hidden in shadow.

"Is that a book?"

Daniel nodded, "Looks like it. Let me get it out."

He carefully lifted the leather bound volume out of the box and blew the dust off it. It looked the same as the book Daniel had translated when their adventure began. Kalen watched him without much interest. "Great! Not only do we not get the treasure we were expecting but they've left another set of instructions to find what we've already found." Looking confused she paused for breath, then carried on angrily, "There's someone somewhere with a very warped sense of humour."

As her frustrated tirade petered out, Daniel began to flip through the book. Chewing on his bottom lip, he appeared lost in thought.

"What is it Daniel?" asked Lucia.

"This isn't another copy of the Secret of the Ocean's Soul."

"So what is it?" asked Kalen grumpily, "101 ways to pick a lock? How to keep your pirate happy? Sail making for beginners?"

Daniel smiled, then shook his head. "Wrong on all counts," he said, holding the book in the air. "This is the Ocean's Soul."

"What?!" exclaimed Lucia and Kalen in unison.

"I think you should explain yourself Daniel Jackson," added Teal'c.

Daniel perched on the edge of a rock and took a deep breath. He tapped the cover of the book. "This is the treasure." Glancing up at their puzzled expressions, he carried on. "It's a book of maps, treasure maps. I would guess there are at least twenty different ones. I would also guess that the gems are just a sample of what you'll find if you follow them."

Lucia held her hand out and Daniel passed her the book. Her eyes widened as she began to examine it. She shook her head slowly in disbelief.

"He's right - the maps show the location of treasure. The landmarks on the maps seem to be the same as those on the box. Some are near, some are far, some I have only heard of in legend. Daniel, what does the writing say?"

She passed him the book. Pushing his glasses back up his nose, he opened it and studied it carefully. The others waited expectantly. Kalen shifted impatiently from foot to foot. Lucia and Teal'c stood patiently but never took their eyes off the archaeologist. Finally Daniel looked up and began to speak.

"Well, to start with, there's an introduction that tells of the great treasures that are available to the owner of the Ocean's Soul by following the maps. It repeatedly uses the phrase "unimaginable wealth". And I was right about the jewels - it says that the gems in the box are a sample of these treasures, one for each map."

As he was speaking, Kalen leaned over and counted the sparkling jewels. "Twenty-two!" she interrupted.

He gave her a slightly exasperated look and carried on. "On each map, there's a description of a starting point but then you follow the diagram. There are no cryptic riddles or detailed written instructions. Obviously, I'll translate what writings there are in the book for you before we leave."

Lucia smiled warmly as he handed back the Ocean's Soul. "You have kept your part of our bargain with honour. I don't know how we can ever thank you properly."

"I can think of something....." muttered Kalen grinning mischievously, just loud enough for Daniel to hear. He shifted uncomfortably.

Lucia continued speaking, "We would be happy if you wished to stay with us on our travels."

"Yeah, please stay!" said Kalen enthusiastically, never taking her eyes off Daniel.

Embarrassed, he looked at the floor and blushed. Teal'c spoke. "I am afraid we must return to our world. We have to continue searching for our friends, they may have succeeded in finding their way home."

"Very well, I am saddened by your decision but I understand how you feel about your friends," said Lucia, "We will return you to the great ring before we begin our quest."

"Make that twenty-two quests!" added Kalen with a grin.

Lucia scooped the gems into a small drawstring bag and slipped it into her pocket. Looking around, she pointed to the natural archway. "I think that is a more favourable route back to the ship. Shall we proceed?"

Sam and Jack carried on through the jungle, sometimes having to step over dead and rotting fallen trees, sometimes having to push the vegetation out of the way. It was hot and gloomy, little light penetrated the canopy. They pushed on, Jack watching Sam for signs that she needed to rest. Eventually the trees began to thin out and up ahead they could see a clearing.

Jack caught Sam's sleeve. "Careful, who knows what could be out there."

She smiled at him, touched by his concern. "Yes, Sir, I'll be careful," she said, saluting. Then she dipped forward, kissed him on the lips and grinned. Shaking his head, he took the lead and approached the clearing slowly, continuously on the alert for the cannibals. When they reached the edge of the jungle, they concealed themselves behind a couple of large trees and watched.

After a few minutes, Sam whispered, "There's no-one here. I think it's safe to proceed."

"Guess you're right, we can't wait here all day. Stay close."

They moved out into the open, still scanning the surroundings. Suddenly Jack stopped and gestured in front of him. "Oh hell!"

Sam's eyes were drawn to where he was pointing. There were several human footprints clearly visible on the ground. She felt her mouth go dry as she frantically looked all around.

"Come on," whispered Jack, "we can't stay here."

It was then that they saw the river on the far side of the clearing. About twenty feet wide, dark and flowing slowly away into the jungle, its surface was like glass.

"Jack, we could follow the river down to the sea. Then we'd be able to get back to the Stargate."

He nodded his agreement as they hurried across the clearing towards the river, taking glances behind them as they ran. When they reached the bank they were astounded at what they saw. Close into the shore, immediately in front of them a boat was tied to an old tree stump. The size of a large rowing boat, it even had two paddles lying in it. Jack turned to Sam and grinned.

"Care for a sail, Captain?"

"I thought you'd never ask, Colonel."

Jack held the boat steady as Sam climbed in, then carefully stepped in himself. After untying the rope that had secured it, he pushed them away from the bank and began to paddle.

Part 34 (Jen)

Just as they had moved out into the river, they heard a shout from behind them. Turning, they saw two men emerge from the jungle running towards the riverbank.

"Paddle hard, Sam." Jack yelled, dipping his own oar deeper in the water. Sam did the same as the cannibals closed in on them. They were not far enough away from the shore that the cannibals could still reach them.

Slowly, they began to move farther out into the river. The current tugged at the boat, pulling it along. Jack looked back over his shoulder to see one of the cannibals splash into the water. He grinned as the man yelled and gestured at them.

"And there goes another unhappy camper courtesy of SG-1." He commented to Sam. She grinned at him.

"One more to join our list of who not to sent Christmas cards to." she quipped.

"Hey." Jack protested. "I think I've become a bad influence on you."

She laughed.

They continued to paddle down the river, staying in the middle in case any more cannibals were on shore. Jack noticed Sam's arms starting to tire. He couldn't see her face but he knew strain and pain would be showing in her features.

"Time for a break, Sam." He said. "The current is pulling us along at a good pace. No need to expend energy when we can let it carry us down to the sea."

She nodded, pulling her oar into the boat. Jack did the same, then stretched out his long legs. The bottom of the boat was smooth with only a couple of ridges for the occupants to use while paddling. Spreading his legs, he gently tugged Sam back against him. She went willingly, leaning against him. His arms crossed over hers, holding her snugly. Closing her eyes, Sam rested her head on his shoulder, letting the sound of his heart beating and the gentle motion of the boat lull her into a light sleep. Jack rested his chin on her head, his eyes alert and constantly scanning the river before him and the river banks.

Lucia led the group back to the Sea Pearl. The path they were walking on was about three feet wide and smooth. Teal'c followed behind her, carrying the box that had contained the Ocean's Soul. Daniel had wanted to bring it with him to study some more, maybe even bring it back home. Kalen and Daniel followed, walking side by side. Kalen bumped her hip against Daniel's. She grinned at him as he looked at her, slightly distracted.

"Are you sure that I can't convince you to stay?"

He looked at her, appreciating her beauty and intelligence. And, though he wouldn't admit it to her, the impetuousness and carefree attitude she had attracted him to her. And if he had never met Sha're, he could easily fall in love with her.

"I'm sure. It has been an interesting experience meeting you. Learning how to work on a ship..."

"And learning how to steal?" She couldn't help adding.

He laughed. "I wouldn't go that far."

They soon found themselves back in the cave they had to dive down to. Getting their bearings, they dove into the water, Kalen leading them back to their rowboat. Re-emerging in the cave they had entered Soraya through, they found the rowboat still there, drifting around the cave. They swam out to it.

As Daniel treaded water, waiting while Lucia climbed in then pulled the box into the boat, something beneath him caught his eye. He ducked his head under the clear green water, trying to see what it was.

"What is wrong, Daniel Jackson?" Teal'c asked, his hand on the side of the boat, ready to boost him into it.

"I thought I saw something below us in the water." He let Teal'c toss him into the boat. "I guess it's nothing."

Kalen followed, then Teal'c. Oars were put in the water and they rowed themselves towards the entrance of the cave.

"Stop!" Kalen shouted. She leaned dangerously far over the edge of the boat.

"Kalen?" Lucia asked, her oar hovering over the water.

"I think I also saw something."

The others strained to see down into the water.

"There!" Kalen said, pointing.

The others followed the direction of her finger. Sleek and long, a form moved lazily far below them. Daniel could barely make out the shapes of flippers or legs. Ridges lined what appeared to be its back. Whatever it was, it looked big. Lucia swore violently. She and Kalen exchanged worried looks.

"Oars in the water!" She shouted. "We have to get back to the Sea Pearl now."

"Oh hell."

Jack shook Sam awake. She looked up at him, sensing his alertness and worry. He gestured to something up ahead. Her breath hissed from her as she spotted what had alerted him. On the opposite shore to where they had entered the water, she could see a stone building rising from the river's edge. As they drifted closer, she could make out the sides of the building. They were painted in bright colours and she would bet that they contained similar murals to the ones they had found when they had first see the cannibals' temple in the valley.

"How do we avoid them?" She asked quietly.

Jack didn't answer. He looked around, trying to figure a way of bypassing the temple. If they went back on land, chances were good that they would run into the cannibals again. And two of them were no match for a village full of cannibals. He wondered how many of them were in this area. There also appeared to be no way of sailing around the temple except the way they were going.

His eyes fell onto something in the front of the boat.

"Sam, lay flat on your stomach. I'm going to move us over to the other side of the river from the temple. Then we are going to just drift past them covered by this blanket."

He held up the large, brown blanket. It was the colour of the river bank. Sam nodded and stretched out. Jack paddled closer to the river bank, then stretched out alongside Sam. He pulled the blanket over their bodies and heads. Together, they huddled close and quiet as the river carried them closer to the temple.

The sounds of the river flowed over them. Soon, voices began to become clear. They tensed as the voices seemed to get louder. At one point, Sam thought that they had been spotted. But nothing happened and she realized that several of the cannibals seemed to be having an argument. When the voices had faded and the river sounds began to dominate again, Jack risked a quick peek out of the boat. He tossed back the blanket. Sam sat up and looked behind her. The temple had become part of the jungle again.

Both of them let out a sigh of relief. Jack pulled Sam into his arms, hugging her tightly. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders as they continued to drift down the river.

Part 35 (Wendy)

"So what is it?" gasped Daniel as he rowed hard towards the cave entrance.

"I thought it was a myth, a legend. A tale told by pirates with too much time on their hands," replied Lucia, frantically looking around. "A monster that consumes whole ships and their crews leaving no survivors. A story told to frighten children and make them behave. I never believed it existed."

"It's there!" yelled Kalen, pointing at the narrow archway. The water in the cave entrance was swirling and churning giving away the presence of something very large just under the surface.

The bubbling, frothing water began to approach them. "Hang on, it's heading straight for us," shouted Lucia.

The creature broke the surface leaving a massive wake behind it. Dark grey scales met in ridges on the monster's back giving it a reptilian, almost snakelike appearance. It undulated, its body moving in and out of the water in waves. Swimming past them, it brushed the side of the boat rocking it violently.

As they reached the mouth of the cave they pulled the oars in and pushed as hard as they could on the walls propelling themselves into the open air. The Sea Pearl was waiting at anchor a little offshore. They rowed as hard as they could towards her.

"I no longer see the creature," observed Teal'c.

"Perhaps it only lives in the cave," suggested Daniel.

Kalen groaned. "I don't think so. It's following us." She pointed back towards the cave. Lucia stood up and tried to signal the Sea Pearl. Shielding her eyes against the sun, she sat down again shaking her head.

"I can't tell if they saw me or not. Even if they did, they probably won't realise we're in trouble until its too late."

The monster was coming at them again, faster this time. As he rowed, Daniel could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He wasn't sure if it was from fear or exertion.

"Here it comes again! Brace yourselves!" yelled Lucia.

The monster dived just as it got to the boat, delivering a solid blow to the tiny craft. They were thrown out of their seats as the boat lurched at a crazy angle. Daniel felt himself falling and the next thing he knew, he plunged into the water. Completely disorientated in the churning sea, he couldn't see the boat or the creature. He could hear the others shouting and felt someone grabbing hold of him. He came up to the surface and was pulled coughing into the boat by Teal'c.

"Where is it? Where is it?" screamed Kalen, near to panic.

Then there was a deafening roar and there were huge splashes nearby. The Sea Pearl was obscured by smoke as her cannons burst into life.

"They did see me - they've opened fire on it!" shouted Lucia trying to make herself heard above the din. As a cannonball whistled past they all ducked.

Kalen looked in exasperation at the Sea Pearl. "Romario's aim isn't very good, that one almost hit us. And I still can't see the monster. Where did it go?"

"Oh....hell!" murmured Daniel.

They all watched in horror as the creature reared out of the water in front of them revealing a massive lizard like head. It opened its mouth showing rows of razor sharp pointed teeth. Starting to move even nearer, its beady eyes were fixed on the boat. It roared and tossed its head in triumph as it moved in for the kill.

"Come on Romario, now would be a good time," muttered Lucia.

As if he'd heard her, the cannons fired again, peppering the sea with their missiles. The creature jerked violently, swinging back towards the Sea Pearl. It howled in pain and dived below the surface.

They sat in the rocking boat in silence, waiting for the monster to return. It was nowhere in sight. The sea calmed and after a few minutes Lucia said, "I think we'd better get back to the ship." The others nodded, relieved at their escape. Picking up the oars they rowed back to the Sea Pearl.

Sam and Jack were drifting along in their small boat. They hadn't seen any sign of the cannibals for a while and had begun to relax. Sam was leaning back into Jack's arms, his legs either side of her body. Being in his embrace felt so good, so right. Feeling warm and safe, she had started to admire the view.

The river was flowing smoothly between banks covered with dense jungle. Trees and creepers trailed into the river blurring the distinction between land and water. Birds flitted about, their bright plumage catching the sunlight as they flew from tree to tree. It was quiet, the silence occasionally broken by distant animal calls and the screech of birds.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Sam said dreamily.

From behind her she heard a quiet "mmm" and felt Jack kiss the top of her head. He gently stroked her arm. "Not as beautiful as you," he murmured.

"You say the sweetest things," she countered playfully, turning to face him.

"Not difficult with you around." He smiled and kissed her softly on the lips.

They were startled by a bird landing on the bow of the boat. It sat preening its brilliant red and yellow plumage, adjusting its feathers with great care. Sam and Jack stared, fascinated, then it turned and looked at them, its head cocked on one side.

"Hello there," said Jack. Sam glanced at him in disbelief. "What?"

"I'm just surprised to see you talking to a bird."

He laughed. "You'd be even more surprised if it answered me."

They were interrupted by the bird letting out an ear-piercing screech and flying off into the jungle.

"I wonder what frightened it?" asked Sam, looking round in concern.

"I can't see anything, it was probably nothing."

"I guess you're right," she replied, relaxing back into Jack's arms.

They drifted on in companionable silence, taking in the sights and sounds of the jungle. They caught a glimpse of some of the monkeys they had seen days before playing in the trees near the bank. Whooping and screaming, the animals seemed unconcerned by the boat and continued their games oblivious to Sam and Jack's presence.

Later they passed a waterfall, spraying a torrent into the river. Jack pointed to it.

"Remind you of another waterfall?"

"Yeah, and you kissing me under it."

He leaned forward and nuzzled her neck. Sam arched back towards him, sighing contentedly.

"Turn round, I want to kiss you properly," he whispered into her ear. He brought his lips down to hers. The kiss was slow and gentle at first, then he deepened it, his desire evident. He brought his arms around her, exploring every inch of her back and running his fingers through her hair. She felt him tug her T-shirt loose. When he slipped his hand underneath she drew in a sharp breath. Pulling back, she stared at him, her eyes clouded by passion.

Breathing heavily, he rested his forehead on hers, smiled sheepishly and mumbled, "Sorry, got carried away...."

Sam was about to answer him when she came to her senses and froze, listening.

"Can you hear that?"

"Yeah, what is it?"

"It's a sort of roaring, rushing noise coming from up ahead  somewhere."

Part 36 (Jen)

Untangling from one another, they scrambled to face the front. Up ahead, the river curved around, blocking their sight of what was in front of them.

"Jack."

"I see it, Sam"

The boat had picked up speed, moving faster. The roaring of the river grew louder as they moved closer to the river's bend.

"I think we better move over to one side." Jack said. All his instincts were screaming at him to get out of the river.

Sam already was kneeling in front of him, her paddle in the water. He quickly followed. They started to paddle hard. Slowly, the boat began to shift closer to the river bank. The currents under the surface tugged at their paddles, fighting their efforts. Just as they thought the river bank was in reach, the current grabbed the boat, tugging it back into the middle of the river.

"This isn't working." Sam shouted as she tried to paddle harder. She had a hunch what was around the bend.

"Stop paddling." Jack replied, seeing that they weren't making any headway against the current. He rested his paddle on the edge of the boat out of the water. Sam did the same.

The boat picked up more speed as the bend loomed closer. They could see that the water was starting to churn and froth violently.

"Oh hell."

"Holy Hannah."

Their eyes widen as the boat swung around the bend. The river foamed and churned as it slammed over large rocks and protruding trees hanging over it. The river began to descend through a whirlpool of rocks and rushing water, twisting and turning.

"Ever go white water rafting before, Captain." Jack yelled above the roaring of the rapids.

"A couple of times." Sam yelled back.

They had barely put their paddles back into the water before the boat hit the rapids. Within seconds, they were drenched to the skin by the foaming water. Time narrowed to the here and now as they fought to keep their fragile boat away from the sharp rocks. Several times they almost capsized but managed to stay afloat.

Muscles screamed at the abuse they were taking. Hands grew sore and raw as they gripped the paddles. They lost track of which way they were heading. Only the next rock, the next twist in the river existed. The banks of the river were lost in the spray of water and large, sharp rocks. They didn't know how much time had passed. Minutes, hours. Only the churning water and the rocks that loomed out of the river existed.

Sam's side ached. Her breathing was laboured. Her ears were numb from the roaring around her. As she blinked water from her eyes, she gazed at the river in front of the boat.

"Jack."

Her voice was lost in the sound of the rapids. Using her paddle, she gestured to the waters in front of them. A tap on her shoulder indicated that he saw it as well. The rapids were slowly giving away to calmer waters.

Spurred on by the end of the rapids, they found their second wind, working harder to leave the rapids. Still battling the strong current, they managed to paddle over to the river bank. Jack hopped out, the water coming up to his hips. He grabbed the front of the boat, steering into shallower waters. Sam joined him, ignoring his gesture to stay in the boat. Together, they managed to shove the boat onto the tiny stretch the river bank, out of the grip of the current. Bodies aching, they clambered out of the river, collapsing on the grassy bank.

"You know, I'm starting to hate this planet." Jack commented.

Sam laughed weakly. Jack looked her over carefully. She was soaking wet and tired, just as he was. He pulled her into his arms, kissing her lightly. Her legs tangled with his as they cuddled together.

"Andreas."

Pantha hissed to her captain. Andreas stirred from his sleep.

"What is it?" He mumbled.

"Lucia, Kalen and the strangers are coming back on board. Pity that the monster didn't get them."

"Do they have the Ocean's Soul?"

Andreas moved to the front of his prison. Pantha was looking out the porthole from her prison.

"I think they do. That big stranger is holding up some kind of box for them to bring aboard. From the decorations on it, it looks like it could hold the treasure. The other stranger is carrying some kind of book."

She turned to look at Andreas. "I think it's time we take what is ours."

Andreas grinned wolfishly. He watched as she pulled out two slender reeds of metal from their hiding place in the sole of her boots. Quickly and deftly, she picked the lock on her prison door. The door swung and she walked out.

"Kalen isn't the only one who is good with locks." She said as she worked on opening Andreas' door.

Soon it swung open and Andreas stepped free. They grinned at one another and set out to unlock the rest of their crew.

Part 37 (Wendy)

From their position sitting on the bank, Sam and Jack could tell the light was fading. He had his arm over her shoulders, holding her close, as they recovered from their ordeal at the hands of the river. The sounds of the jungle were changing as night fell. The birds had quieted and strange eerie cries pierced the gathering gloom. Sam shivered. Jack looked at her, concerned.

"You OK?"

"I'll be fine once I dry out, its still pretty warm."

She was staring at the river, which from where they were sitting appeared deceptively benign.

"Do you think it's safe to go back on the river? Could there be more rapids?"

"In answer to your questions, Captain.... no and yes. But I don't think we have any other options. The jungle seems incredibly dense around here. If we could get through it, it could take us days to reach the sea. We'll just have to be a little more observant, more careful." He smiled. "Not let ourselves get distracted......"

Sam nodded wistfully. "Just you wait till we get to the sea...... You and me under a palm tree, lying on soft white sand, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves....."

Jack laughed. "It's a date, Sam."

There was a pause as he glanced up at the sky. It was turning pink in the glow of the sunset. "I guess we stay here for the night. We can't paddle in the dark." Standing up, he walked over to their boat and picked up the last two of the coconut like fruits, miraculously they hadn't been thrown overboard as they negotiated the rapids. Tossing one to Sam, he said, "We'll eat, then get some rest. We can start moving at first light."

Andreas and Pantha had freed the rest of their crew and were creeping stealthily through the dark corridors of the Sea Pearl in search of weapons. Trying yet another door, Pantha hissed in triumph.

"Yes, the armoury! Help yourselves. They're too busy celebrating, they won't know what hit them."

They inched their way along, staying well away from the Sea Pearl's crew who were up on deck having a party in honour of their good fortune. Two of the crew were playing stringed instruments similar to violins and the rest were clapping in time to the beat or dancing. Kalen had pulled Daniel out of the crowd and was trying to show him the steps to a jig. He couldn't seem to get it but it really didn't seem to matter as he bounced around in time to the music. Teal'c was standing watching with a small smile on his face. It was good to see Daniel Jackson relaxed and enjoying himself. The whole crew were laughing and happy, pleased that finally they had some good luck.

The lights from the party threw deep shadows concealing the movements of the Black Heart's pirates. When they had totally surrounded the unsuspecting revellers, Andreas gave a signal and his crew attacked. Taken completely by surprise, and almost all unarmed, Lucia's crew didn't stand a chance. Within minutes most of them were being held at knife point. Some struggled valiantly but when Andreas, his knife at Lucia's throat, shouted, "Yield, or she dies!" they had no choice but to give in.

"How did you get out?" she asked, her voice low and dripping with malice.

"Now that would be telling, wouldn't it?" said Pantha nastily.

Andreas walked slowly along the assembled ranks of the Sea Pearl's crew, studying them carefully. When he got to Daniel and Teal'c he stopped.

"It was you who translated the book, wasn't it?"

Daniel stared at him with hatred but remained silent.

"Perhaps you could work for me now. The pay is much better. We could form a profitable alliance. What do you say?"

"After what you did to my friends? I'll never work for you," Daniel spat out.

Andreas bit his bottom lip and paced in front of them, as if working on a difficult problem. He paused and glanced back at the archaeologist. "Now, that's a shame, I really did want you to work for me. So in that case, we'll have to see how you react to pain, won't we?" Andreas suddenly turned round and hit Daniel hard across the face. He let out a yelp and staggered sideways clutching his jaw.

"Leave him alone, you bastard!" screamed Kalen.

"Oooh, how sweet, she cares about him," said Pantha, evilly. "Perhaps its about time I took something that was yours, Kalen." Pantha advanced predatorily on Daniel, licking her lips.

"If you hurt him, I'll..... I'll..." Kalen was just about frantic with worry.

"You'll what? I don't think you're in any position to go making threats, do you? Anyway what I was thinking of doesn't hurt, the opposite in fact."

She ran her finger down the side of Daniel's face suggestively and blew him a kiss. He flinched away from her.

Andreas cleared his throat. "Pantha, enough! I would have thought you had learned your lesson with his companion, that other stranger. Remember what happened when you took him to your bed?"

Daniel realised Andreas had to be talking about Jack. He couldn't suppress a smile as he wondered what had happened between them. When he next saw Jack he was going to have to ask.

"I said enough," yelled Andreas. "Take them below decks and lock them up. And make sure you do it properly."

Sam felt the warm glow of the sun on her face as she awoke. She sighed softly as she felt the warmth of Jack's body spooned up behind her and his arm draped over her hip. Roused by her slight movement he kissed her ear gently.

"Morning."

"Morning."

As they stretched and started to sit up, Jack heard a sound in the jungle behind them. Following his gaze, Sam was instantly alert too. The rustling and crashing was getting louder and nearer. They could see vegetation moving violently deep in the shadows, giving away the approach of something. They stared at each other in horror. Jack jumped to his feet, holding a hand out to help Sam and dragging her up too.

"I think this is our cue to leave. I don't know what that is but based on past experience of this planet I'm betting it's not friendly."

They pushed the boat into the water and Jack held it steady as Sam climbed in. He was just pulling himself into the craft when a massive shape burst out of the jungle onto the piece of riverbank where they had been asleep. A huge lizard with shiny black scales was standing flicking its tongue out and tasting the air. Its black, beady eyes searched for its prey. A loud hissing noise came from its gaping mouth. Then it swung its head and lunged towards Jack, whose feet were still hanging over the side of the boat. Sam grabbed his arms, yanking him clear of the snapping jaws.

Looking frantically over his shoulder, he yelled, "Paddle! Let's get away from that thing!" Gripping their oars, they paddled out into the river away from the snapping beast.

Part 38 (Jen)

"I really hate this planet." Jack muttered as he and Sam paddled down the river.

They were staying in the middle of it just in case there were any more of the huge lizards running around on land. Although this meant they would be caught in the current if any new rapids appeared. So far the current was almost non existent. The river gave off the feeling of lazily flowing down to the sea. The morning sun seemed to have made everything mellow and laid back. Even the birds were barely talking.

"First there was the pirates, then giant snakes. And let's not leave out the lovely cannibals. I'm sure they could have showed us several interesting ways of barbecuing us for dinner. The ground shakes, there are mud slides at the first hint of rain. Now we have rapids and nasty lizards. Remind me to complain to my travel agent when we get back."

Sam laughed, tossing him a smile over her shoulder.

"Not all of it has been bad." She reminded him.

"No, not all of it." Jack replied, his voice becoming husky as he watched her.

If they hadn't come to this planet, would they have ever realized that they loved each other? Or would they have continued to dance around each other, using military rules and regulations to avoid examining their feelings for one another.

"Ah, Jack." Sam's voice jarred him out of his thoughts. She gestured to the water in front of them.

"Wonderful." Jack replied as he saw what was waiting up ahead of them.
 

"Where is the rest of the treasure?"

Lucia glared at her enemy. Andreas was lounging in her chair in her stateroom, on her ship. Fury rolled through her as she stood in front of her desk, her hands bound in front of her. The rest of her crew were bound below decks in the cells used to hold the Black Heart's crew. On the desk between them, the gems from the box that held the Ocean's Soul sparkled under the sun shining through the porthole.

"That's all there was," she replied.

"You lie." Andreas rose from the chair and walked around the table to stand in front of her. "Everyone knows that the Ocean's Soul is the treasure of a lifetime. 'It holds the secret to unimaginable riches, unbelievable wealth' I believe were Darus' words when he gave you the book." He laughed at her surprise. "Remember, my spies are literally everywhere. They can even be shadows in the walls. Now, then. Where is the rest of the treasure?"

Lucia remained quiet. Andreas sighed. He pulled out his knife, touching her cheek. She didn't flinch at the feel of the cold steel. A thin line of blood welled up as he slid it down her cheek, leaving a long cut behind him.

Below decks, Daniel glumly stared out of the bars of his cell. Teal'c was in the one across from him. His hands were bound with chains in order to make sure he couldn't use his strength to get out of the cell. Kalen was literally dangling in front of the two cells. Her feet barely touched the ground, her hands bound in chains and secured to the ceiling of the ship. Daniel could see the pain and strain in her face as she dangled.

"How are you doing?" He asked, worry in his voice.

"Fine." Was her gritted reply. "Daniel, I need you to pull off my left boot."

"Why?" He asked, mystified.

"Because I'm going to get out of these chains. And I'm tired of hanging around here. No pun intended." She said as Daniel rolled his eyes at her.

"How are you going to get out of those chains?" Teal'c asked. "Pantha searched you rather thoroughly and took all your hidden weapons and equipment."

"Not everything. Now, come on, Daniel. Pull off my boot."

Daniel grabbed hold of her leg as she twisted it toward him. He grunted as he pulled. The boot was snug but he managed to get it off. Around her ankle was a twisted bracelet of silver.

Kalen grabbed hold of the chains above her head. Taking a deep breath, she slowly raised her lower body towards the ceiling. As Daniel watched open-mouth in amazement, she continued to raise her legs towards her hands. One hand left the chains to yank the bracelet from her leg. Letting her legs lower back to the ground, she paused to regain her breath. A snap of her fingers had the bracelet straightening into a slender length of silver. She then inserted it into the lock holding her chains bound. In a matter of seconds, she had it undone. With relief, she shook off the chains and stood on the deck.

Waving the pick at Daniel, she moved towards him and unlocked his cell.

"Where did you learn that? And where did you get that bracelet?"

She grinned at him, as she freed Teal'c. "An old boyfriend taught me that trick. He also gave me the bracelet as gift when we broke up. Now come on. We have a ship to retake."
 

Sam and Jack held their boat motionless in the water. Before them, they could make out several pairs of eyes, gleaming above the surface of the water. The rest of the lizards were wallowing below the water.
 
"I think we are safer if we stay in the water." Sam said, watching the lizards. The big reptiles had barely blinked at them. Their eyes were half closed as they enjoyed the sun beating down on them.

"I think you're right, Captain. We are no match for them on land. Although we certainly are no match for them in the water but we have no other options."

They slowly and cautiously began to paddle again, moving closer to the lizards.

Part 39 (Wendy)

Almost holding their breath, they got nearer and nearer and still the lizards remained motionless. They paddled carefully, disturbing the water as little as possible. One of the creatures seemed to be watching them, its eyes swivelling to follow them as they slowly moved past it. Another suddenly submerged and Sam glanced around in panic trying to see where it had gone. Jack caught her eye and shook his head. He couldn't see the lizard either. Motioning with his arm, he indicated they should continue paddling.

Sam could feel her heart pounding in her chest as they approached even more of the animals basking in the sunshine, their heads just above the surface. She could feel beady eyes boring into her as they passed between the creatures. The lizards remained still as if waiting for the right moment to strike. As they gently glided past one of them, it raised its head and let out a hiss. Its tongue flicked out and tasted the air. Then it turned abruptly and swam away.

Sam let out a quiet sigh, then felt a gentle nudge in her back. Glancing behind her, she saw that Jack was smiling and pointing at the river in front of them. She hadn't realised that she'd stopped paddling.

"Slave driver," she mouthed at him, then picked up her oar and carried on.

Gradually the animals began to thin out and finally they glided past the last of them into open river. Looking back over their shoulders they began to paddle harder and faster, putting more space between them and the creatures. When they were a safe distance away, Jack pulled his oar in and told Sam to do the same.

Dizzy with relief, he pulled her back into his arms and kissed the top of her head.

"I wonder why they didn't attack us?" asked Sam.

"Just not hungry, I guess," Jack murmured into her hair. Happy to be safe, they let the river pull them along.
 

Kalen methodically worked her way along the cells, releasing her crew mates as she went. "We need weapons," she whispered to Daniel and Teal'c as she undid the final lock and opened the cell door to free Romario.

Romario nodded in agreement. "There will be a guard at the top of the staircase. His knife and sword will be a start. We will have to surprise the crew one at a time until we have enough weapons. Judging by what I saw when they captured us, I suspect they emptied the armoury."

"What about Lucia?" hissed Kalen.

"I overheard a crewman say Andreas wanted her for questioning," said Teal'c.

The Sea Pearl's crew waited expectantly for Romario to give them their orders. After a few moment's thought he looked up and began to speak. "We take the guard up there first. Then you three find and rescue Lucia." He pointed to Kalen, Daniel and Teal'c, then continued. "The rest of us will take back our ship!"

Romario crept up the narrow stairway, closely followed by Kalen. The door at the top was open, showing the bulky figure of the guard outlined against the light. He had his back to them and was completely oblivious to their presence. Romario pointed to the guard's sword, held in a sheath at his waist. Kalen nodded in understanding as he crept a little further forward. Suddenly, he jumped up the last two steps, grabbed the guard around the neck and clamped his other hand over his mouth. As he let out a strangled gasp, Romario pulled him back out of sight into the stairway. Kalen removed his sword and then his knife.

"Thank you!" she said to the terrified pirate, giving him a bright smile. Romario released his grip slightly and ordered one of his crew to take the guard below.

"Tie him up, gag him and stay with him to make sure he doesn't escape. There'll be more on the way soon...."

Kalen handed the sword to Romario. "Find Lucia," he said as he took it from her.

"What should we do with Andreas?" asked Daniel.

The reply was vicious. "Whatever you like."

Kalen, Daniel and Teal'c made their way carefully along the corridor towards the Captain's cabin. Above them there were the sounds of scuffling and fighting. Then they heard something far more disturbing.

"You will tell me."

Andreas' voice was angry and loud. Then a blow delivered with force and a cry of pain.

"There was no more treasure," came the muffled reply.

"Lucia," whispered Kalen.

"I'm tired of you repeating that over and over. I don't believe a word of it. I know... how would you feel if I killed your crew one by one in front of you until you told me where the rest of the treasure is? I think I'll start with that girl. The one that annoys my second in command so much. That should keep Pantha happy. You know who I mean, don't you? I'll have her brought to me now."

The sound of footsteps approached the closed door. Teal'c flattened himself against the wall on one side of it, Kalen and Daniel on the other. The door swung open and Andreas began to step out. Teal'c hit him hard on the jaw, knocking him flat. Kalen kicked the pirate experimentally. "He's out cold," she commented, then bent down and dragged him back into the room.

Lucia was slumped on the floor by her desk. As they entered she looked up, revealing a badly bruised face with a livid cut down her cheek. She smiled weakly. "I've never been so pleased to see you. Thank you."

Daniel helped her to her feet. "Are you OK? Can you walk?"

"Yes, just a few bruises. Where are the rest of the crew?"

"Taking back your ship, Captain," answered Kalen proudly.
 

Sam had drifted off to sleep in Jack's arms as their boat gently floated down the river. He was awake and alert watching for possible threats but occasionally he couldn't help glancing down at his Captain. His Captain - he liked the sound of that. She looked so beautiful, despite the fact that she'd had a life threatening injury and hadn't washed properly for days. He smiled to himself. What a mission!

Pulling himself together, he went back to watching the river. It had got much wider and the vegetation was thinning out slightly on the banks. Shifting slightly, he tried to move Sam a little from her position across his leg. He sighed deeply with relief as the pressure was removed and the feeling began to return to his complaining limb.

It was then he realised - the jungle smelled different. Fresher, cleaner.... He couldn't quite put his finger on it. Then the boat drifted round one last wide bend and his questions were answered. Shaking Sam's shoulder with excitement he said, "Wake up, Sam! We've made it! We've reached the sea!"

Rubbing her eyes, she struggled to sit up. Then she stared open-mouthed at the brilliant blue sea stretched out in front of them like a shimmering carpet. Jack pointed towards the horizon.

"If I'm not very much mistaken, that's the city we could see from the Stargate. What was it called? If I'm right, the Gate can't be more than a couple of miles away."

"I think you're right, it looks like the same city to me. Larius, wasn't it?"

"Come on, let's get ashore. Then we can get back to the Gate and find out what happened to Daniel and Teal'c."

They paddled to the bank and stepped out of the boat onto a soft sandy beach that stretched as far as the eye could see in either direction. Jack took Sam's hand in his and they began to walk along the shore towards the Stargate.

Part 40 (Jen)

The recaptured crew of the Black Heart were lined up against the ship's railing. Andreas glared at Lucia as she walked by him. His jaw ached so much that he could barely talk. He feared that it may even be broken. Pantha was standing beside him, bound in chains. Her right eye was swelling up and turning black and blue where Kalen had hit her. She had tried to attack Lucia when she had emerged from the stateroom only to have her nemesis tackle her. Kalen grinned at her from where she stood behind her Captain.

The rest of the Black Heart's crew were also in rough shape, supporting broken bones, cuts and bruises. The Sea Pearl's crew hadn't been gentle when they had fought to regain control of their ship. The humiliation of being taken captive on their own ship plus the sight of the cut and bruises on their Captain had made them fight back hard.

"I have come up with two options on how to deal with you." Lucia said, stopping in front of Andreas and Pantha. Her smile didn't reach her eyes as she stared at Andreas.

"The first one is to turn you over to the authorities in Larius. However, everyone knows how easy it is to get out of jail. A substantial bribe, a quiet word in the ear of the prison overseer from one of your contacts in the upper families and you're free to harass me and my crew again. Although, I don't know where you would get the money to bribe your way out. After all, you have no ship, no treasure, nothing."

She paused, her head tilted in thought.

"On the other hand, my other option brings much more pleasure to me. I will set you and your crew adrift in two rowboats with no oars and no supplies."

"You can't do that." Andreas bellowed, forgetting about his aching jaw. He preferred prison since he would only be there for a month or so. Lucia didn't know it but he had money set aside for the possibility of being imprisoned. Being set adrift, with the possibility of drifting ashore was more daunting than being in jail.

She raised her eyebrows. "I can't? This is my ship, I am the Captain. Therefore, it is my right and privilege to deal with you any way I see fit. And the authorities in Larius and any other city will back me."

She stepped back, motioning for them to be forced into the rowboats. Pantha cursed as she was tossed into the rowboat and lowered down to the sea. Lucia gave the signal to raise the sails and the Sea Pearl moved away from the floating pirates.

Daniel felt a surge of pleasure as he watched the Pearl sail away from the rowboats. It seemed somehow fitting to set them adrift after they had left Sam and Jack to the mercy of the sea. His pleasure vanished at the thought of his friends. He hoped that they were still alive. Maybe they would even be waiting for him and Teal'c at the stargate.

"We should be back at the great ring in several hours."

Kalen leaned against the railing, staring out at sea. Daniel nodded. They both stood at the railing in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
 

The stargate towered over them. Jack and Sam stood silent for a moment, gazing at it. They turned to one another, grinning. They had made it! Sam wrapped her arms around Jack's waist as he pulled her into his arms.

"We made it!" He said, nuzzling her ear.

"Yeah. But I don't see any signs that Daniel and Teal'c have been here." She replied, looking up at him.

He stroked her hair away from her face. "We'll wait until tomorrow. They may be on that city or that ship just lying over the horizon, waiting for us to show up. They would have a good view of the beach from either position. If they haven't shown up by morning, we'll go through the gate and report to General Hammond. Then we'll bring back at least one more SG team and plenty of weapons and go looking for them."

Sam nodded. She and Jack moved to sit on the beach where they could see out over the sea and watch the gate at the same time. Jack pulled her down to sit between his legs. She rested her arms over his where they were wrapped around her body.

"How is your side doing?"

"Fine. It aches a little, but there's no pain and I feel stronger."

"Good." Jack murmured.

His hands tightened slightly at the thought of how close he had come to losing her. Her hands stroked his lightly, soothing him. His hands relaxed, one sliding over her stomach. He tugged her shirt loose from her pants, wanting to feel her skin beneath his. She moaned as his fingers caressed her stomach. His hand came in contact with her bandages and he snapped back to reality, pulling his hand away.

"Jack" Sam protested.

"Sorry, Sam. I wasn't thinking."

She turned in his arms, looking directly into his warm brown eyes.

"I'm fine, Jack. And you promised me a date, remember. You and me lying on the beach with water lapping against the shore and palm trees above us."

"I remember," He replied. "I also said I wanted our first time to special with you completely healed."

She gently caressed his face, her blue eyes luminous. "What can be more special then here? Besides my wound isn't bothering me."

Part 41 (Wendy)

On the Sea Pearl, Daniel was sitting on the deck with his back to the sea. He was staring sightlessly at the wooden planking immersed in thoughts of Jack and Sam when a shadow moved over him. Squinting up into the sun, he smiled at Kalen.

"Mind if I join you?" she asked.

"Be my guest, pull up a......." He looked round, waved his arm vaguely and laughed.

Kalen lowered herself onto the deck and glanced up at Daniel nervously. When he returned her gaze she was painfully aware of the gentleness in his eyes and how blue they were, even behind his glasses. She licked her lips and took a deep breath.

"I've got something for you."  He looked puzzled, then suspicious. "Nothing like that! Hold your hand out."

Daniel hesitantly outstretched his hand and she gently placed a bright silver chain on his palm. Touching it with his finger, he looked down at her.

"It's your bracelet for picking locks, isn't it?"

She nodded. "I want you to have it. To remind you of me. And to get you out of trouble when I'm not there to save you."

"I've got in more trouble since I've known you than I did before!" He stopped and laughed. "No, on second thoughts, Jack would disagree with that. He says I'm impetuous and don't know how to duck."

Becoming serious he added, "Thank you. I'll treasure it." He kissed her on the cheek and smiled as she turned away, blushing. He grinned mischievously.

"Could you show me how to use it?"

Kalen laughed out loud. "I have been a bad influence on you, haven't I?"
 

Sam and Jack awoke from their love drenched dreams to find themselves tangled together on the fine white sand, the Stargate looming above them. He kissed her gently on the forehead as she began to stir.

"Hello, lover."

"Hello to you too."

Jack sat up and looked out to sea. "That ship is a lot closer now. I think we ought to try signalling it. I'm certain its not Andreas, the ship's the wrong shape. In fact I think it could be the Sea Pearl." He picked up a branch from a palm tree that was lying on the ground and started to wave it.

"Jack! Don't you think we ought to get dressed first?"

Sam couldn't help laughing at his obvious embarrassment as he pulled on his clothes. When they were both decently dressed they walked a little way down the beach and each waved one of the huge leaves.

"Can you see anyone looking this way?" asked Sam.

"I'm not sure. Wait! Is that something reflecting the sunlight? I think we're being watched!"
 

"Captain! There are two people on the shore!" yelled the Sea Pearl's lookout.

Daniel jumped up and ran round to the other side of the ship where Teal'c was already looking through Lucia's telescope. The Jaffa slowly lowered the eyeglass and turned to Daniel, his face split from side to side by a huge, beaming grin. "It is O'Neill and Captain Carter!"

Daniel was speechless with joy. He felt tears of happiness begin to sting his eyes as Teal'c handed him the telescope. He held it up to his eye and was greeted by a sight he'd feared he'd never see - Jack and Sam. They looked a little bedraggled but they were obviously fit and well.

Lucia smiled as she watched the two men rejoice at finding their friends. How had they survived on land? This truly was a miracle.

"Launch the boat. We're going ashore," she shouted.
 

"Can they see us? They don't seem to be doing anything," Sam muttered anxiously.

"Oh, I think they've seen us. They're lowering a boat."

They put down their branches and watched it approaching. As it got nearer, they could make out Daniel and Teal'c among the crew in the boat. Daniel waved excitedly. Sam laughed and waved back.

"Go and dig up that remote, Sam. We're going home."

"Yes Sir!"

When Sam came back, brushing sand off the remote as she strapped it to her wrist, the boat was almost at the shore. Jack ran down to meet it and helped the crew pull it onto the beach. Daniel was first out the boat and enveloped Jack in a crushing hug.

"Everyone kept telling us you had to be dead," he gasped. "But we didn't give up. We knew if there was a way you two would make it."

"We're surprisingly hard to kill, Danny boy. Didn't you know that?"

Teal'c came up to them. "O'Neill, we have been most concerned for your safety. It is pleasing to see you."

Jack grinned. "Aw, Teal'c. You were worried about us?"

"So what have you guys been doing while we've been gone? Did you run into Andreas again?" asked Sam.

Daniel frowned, opened his mouth and shut it again. "It's difficult to know where to start..... yes, we did come across the pirates again. And we've been treasure hunting. Actually its all a very long story."

Jack slapped him on the back. "I'm looking forward to hearing it, Daniel."

The archaeologist grinned. "Jack, I wanted to ask you about Pantha. What happened between you guys?"

The Colonel winced. "I'll tell you later. Its another long story."

Lucia interrupted them. "We were always told there were giant snakes and cannibals, and that the ground wasn't even safe. Is this not so?"

Sam answered with a smile as she took Jack's hand, an action that was noted with raised eyebrows by both Daniel and Teal'c, "Yes, we saw giant snakes..."

"A little too close," muttered Jack under his breath.

".....were captured by cannibals, survived an earthquake and a landslide but you didn't mention the white water rafting and the giant lizards."

Lucia shook her head in disbelief. "It is truly amazing that you are alive and well."

There was an awkward silence that was broken by Jack. "Right kids, I guess its time to say goodbye."

Daniel and Teal'c went round all the pirates hugging them and wishing them well. Finally they reached Lucia and Kalen.

The Captain inclined her head, sadness in her eyes, "You will always be welcome here. Thank you again for your help. You are truly men of honour and courage. If you return, ask for us in Larius. Someone there will know of our whereabouts."

"Thanks," said Daniel, "perhaps one day we will come back. I hope you find the treasure."

Kalen grabbed Teal'c and kissed him on the cheek. "Bye, I'm going to miss you."

"I will also miss you, Kalen. You are a unique individual."

Finally she turned to Daniel. After staring at him for a moment she muttered, "Oh, what the hell...." threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. He pulled her into a tight embrace and deepened the kiss to the accompanying whoops and applause of the pirates.

When they finally broke apart they stared at each other bashfully. "I repeat what I said before.... she's a very lucky woman," whispered Kalen so only Daniel could hear.

"Take care of yourself," he murmured in reply.

"You too."

Daniel could see uncharacteristic tears welling in Kalen's eyes as he turned away.

Jack smiled and put his arm round Sam's shoulders as he gave the familiar order, "Dr. Jackson. Dial it up! We're going home."
 

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