by Katana
Category: Romance
Rating: PG
Spoilers: Season Three, A Hundred Days
What if Daniel not Jack was left behind on Edora with a new member of the SGC?
Antonia’s exhausted head hit the pillow and within seconds she was asleep, but what seemed only minutes later she felt Daniel, gently nudging her awake. She rolled onto her back, without opening her eyes. She smiled, "Tell me you warmed the shower up and there’s coffee, toast and marmalade on the table."
Daniel chuckled, "What’s Marmalade? "
Antonia opened her eyes then and sat up stiffly. The SGC bedroll had seemed comfortable the night before, but she could feel where her hips had been in contact with the floor all night. She badly needed to stretch her aching calf muscles.
" It’s like Jam, err jelly made with oranges. Umm the peel mostly."
Daniel grimaced, "Ugh right", clearly unimpressed by the idea. He retreated through the tent flap.
Antonia looked around what had been her home for the last three weeks; a SGC field tent designed to sleep four. Luckily, two had managed to survive the meteor storm. She made the final effort to get up and grabbing a few items headed for the "shower", a nearby waterfall. A little later, she returned clean, but slightly damp to the encampment. There was coffee, from the field packs, rationed to one cup a day, the most important first one. She sat down opposite Daniel and drank from the cup he had left on the "table" for her.
"What do you think?" he asked, and passed her the notebook he had been drawing on.
It was a plan for a house, she held out her hand for the pencil Daniel was just about to place behind his ear. He passed it over and she titled the drawing "Dunroaming".
Gentle blue eyes meet hers, acknowledging the irony.
It was a warm sunny day on P5C-768, Edora; the weather had stabilised back to the Mediterranean style climate following the violent climatic changes caused by the meteors. The damage would take longer to repair; the Stargate was lost, maybe destroyed.
They had been stranded here for three weeks. Living in the tents, they helped the remaining villagers rebuild their homes and work the fields. Today they would begin construction on their own house.
**********
Six months earlier Doctor Daniel Jackson had flown to London, General Hammond had asked him to check reports of a find, in Ethiopia, by a team from the British Museum. Doctor Antonia Richards had headed that team. The subway journey from Heathrow to Holborn seemed to take as long as the Concorde had taken to fly across the Atlantic. However, it gave Daniel a chance to catch up on his reading. He was especially interested in a series of articles Dr. Richards had published. He was so engrossed he nearly missed the stop. Spotting the station walls decorated with pictures of mummy cases he managed to leap off the train, just before the doors closed again.
At street level, the air was oppressive; London in June was hot and humid. A small red sports car and a white courier van headed for the same space of road and Daniel could hear some very choice "Anglo-Saxon" phrases through the van’s open window. Crossing the road, he was nearly hit by another white van, before he remembered that the Brits drove on the "wrong" side of the road. By the time he had reached the courtyard of the Museum, a few blocks away, the high ozone level had begun to irritate his sinuses. He sneezed violently several times before entering the building.
The British Museum was an oasis of calm after the grid locked streets; he couldn’t resist a quick look around the ground floor exhibits before heading to the reception desk.
"Excuse me, er, I’d like to see Dr. Richards."
The girl glanced up briefly, "Do you have an appointment?"
He hadn’t thought of that, the Doctor might not even be in the building, "er, no, I’m Doctor Daniel Jackson."
"From?" the receptionist asked wearily.
"I’m an advisor to the United States Airforce," he replied.
Without comment she picked up a telephone and spoke into it for a few moments, now she was smiling at him. " Doctor Jackson, Doctor Richards is expecting you, third floor the lift is over there, she pointed to the right " the elevator", she prompted without the smile, after seeing Daniel’s puzzled expression.
"Ah, yes of course, thank you."
The receptionist returned to her work without another glance in his direction.
Daniel hoped the rest of the British he met were friendlier that the ones he had already come across, some alien planets had been more welcoming.
The door to Doctor Richards’s office was ajar. Daniel saw she was studying some information on her PC. He knocked and she stood up to greet him.
"Welcome to London Doctor Jackson" She found herself looking up into a bespectacled pair of clear blue eyes.
"Thank you, it’s er, Daniel Please." He shook her outstretched hand.
"Antonia."
Doctor Antonia Richards was a slim attractive woman, in her late twenties. She wore sand coloured combat style pants and a cropped T-shirt, which revealed a couple of inches of lightly tanned midriff, definitely not military style. Her long brown hair was pilled up on top of her head, secured with a collection of multicoloured clips, however several strands had worked loose. Daniel realised that it had been a long time since he had seen a woman dressed so casually. It was a very sharp contrast to Sam and the other female officers at the SGC. He was distracted briefly by her eyes, light brown, no almost green.
"I understand your team found something interesting in Ethiopia," he said
"Yes but we have no idea what it is." She took a box from a shelf to her desk and carefully lifted out a fragment of stone tablet to show Daniel. "We had never seen these symbols before."
Daniel knew straight away, what they were, the same glyphs that appeared on the Stargate, "This was found where, exactly?"
She handed him a folder; "All the information is in here."
Leaving him to study the file, she walked over to the coffee jug, "Coffee?"
Daniel nodded without looking up, too engrossed to be polite. Antonia’s team had spent a week at the site, surveying the area, but because of increased terrorist activity in the area, they had abandoned the dig.
Although the aborted expedition had been nearly six months ago, the SGC team had only just discovered the information. Antonia had published pictures of the engravings on the Internet, in an attempt to discover their meaning. Daniel’s research assistants had spotted her web site. If another Stargate was buried in the area, they needed to know. Concerned by the security implications, they had sent Daniel to speak to her. Meanwhile General Hammond was on standby to fly a team out to retrieve the object.
Daniel finished reading. "How soon could you get back there?" He asked.
"No, idea, it took me two years to organise that expedition."
"Two years!" he jumped to his feet, clearly agitated. "No, no that’s no good, we need someone there right now!"
Antonia was surprised by his reaction, she knew some of her fellow Archaeologists could be a bit eccentric and the rumour mill said that Jackson was definitely in that category. She remembered he had published some interesting but unorthodox theories a few years back. One of her colleagues had attended an infamous lecture in LA about the Great Pyramid, but she had heard nothing recently. In fact, he had more or less disappeared for a year or so. Perhaps he had had a breakdown; it wasn’t unheard of in academic circles. And why was he working for the US Military?
Daniel knew she’d think he had overreacted, but she couldn’t possibly understand the situation. "Em, I may be able to, I em, can get a team together fairly quickly if necessary, will you come with us?"
"When?"
"Tomorrow."
"That is quick." Would that be because of his military connections, she wondered.
Daniel pulled out his cellphone, "I going to make the call right now."
"I..", she hesitated this was all happening way too fast.
"Antonia, I will be going, tomorrow, I’ll take your papers but I really think you should come."
"Okay, yes, what the.." She decided to take a chance. If he was able to get an expedition together that quickly, she didn’t want to miss out.
As he spoke into the ‘phone, Daniel was amused to see the screensaver start on her computer. It was the Seti@home application. Oh boy if they only knew the truth!
**********
After stopping briefly at her apartment to pack her bags, she drove Daniel to the US airforce base at Mildenhall in Suffolk.
During the journey, Daniel asked her about her work. She told him about the recent dig she had worked on in York, describing the Roman and Viking artefacts she had found. She was particularly fascinated by the Dark Ages and had some interesting theories about the period.
Daniel kept his own theories to himself. "I read the series you published about Thebes, do you have any plans to go back there."
"No, It’s hard to get the funds together. And that was always more Roger’s work, I helped publish some of it after he died."
Daniel remembered now why the Ethiopian dig had been abandoned. Dr Roger Reynolds had been shot by terrorists. Unable to get to a hospital in time he had died from shock and blood loss. He and Antonia had been engaged.
Ahead Antonia spotted a sign for a service area, she was low on fuel and they both wanted a drink and the bathroom. She slowed and pulled over, stopping the car in the parking lot.
Daniel slid into the plastic seat opposite Antonia, placing a tray of overpriced but appetising food on the table. "I really appreciate you coming along," he began, "I know it must be hard for you."
She nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
"I understand, I err, I lost my wife a little while ago."
"I’m sorry, " she didn’t know he’d been married, "Was it sudden?"
"It was in the end, but she had been sick for a long time before that." Daniel had told this story before, it wasn’t exactly a lie, but how could he tell the truth to anyone outside the SGC.
Antonia saw the pain in his eyes, the same ache she had felt, when Roger died. "Were you with her at the end?"
"Yes," he needed to look away then, unsure whether he should reveal too much of his feelings to her. He concentrated on cutting up the food on his plate.
She placed her hand over his, "Everyone expects that after a while you’ll get over it."
His troubled blue eyes returned to hers, "I know, it’s like you’ve got the flu and need to rest up for a while."
It seemed that Daniel was the first person Antonia had talked to who really did understand her pain. "How do you cope? " she asked
"I just take each day at time, my job kinda keeps me busy."
"Yeah, I guess I’m the same."
"I’m lucky though, " he continued, "I have some very good friends. Jack, you’ll meet him later, he’s always been there for me."
"I’m sure if he is friend of yours we’ll get on just fine."
Daniel didn’t want to be disloyal to Jack but he felt an explanation was needed. "Ah, maybe, he’s kinda..", he waved his hand in a circle searching for the correct expression.
She jumped to the wrong conclusion, "Don’t tell me he doesn’t like women."
"No, no he not a misogynist, he just has a problem with scientists."
"And you say he’s your friend."
"Oh yes, I’d trust him with my life."
That was unexpected "Then he must be a very good friend indeed" was the only reply she could think of.
Antonia studied the tall, sandy haired American, knowing now that the gut instinct that had told her to drop everything and go with him was right. There was an inner strength and determination to this quiet sensitive man, which she respected and admired.
**********
They flew from Mildenhall to Africa the next day. Jack had insisted that Antonia sign some papers, everything was classified top secret from there on in and if she didn’t like, she could stay behind.
The party of soldiers and two Archaeologists made their way across the mountains; it was eight hours from the nearest village to the site of the dig. Although it was over 100° in the shade, Antonia shivered as she looked out across the rocky plain. They had almost reached their destination. Roger had been shot over there, for a long time her nightmares had relived it over and over again. It was the blood she remembered the most, on her hands, on the ground; she never knew a human being could bleed that much.
Daniel noticed she had stopped. "You okay?" he enquired.
"Yeah, actually, I think I am, coming back here is probably the best thing. I get to finish what Roger and I started."
A while later they set up camp. Daniel took charge of the dig, assigning tasks for all the team. However after three days, Jack was beginning to get frustrated with slowing brushing dust off stone tablets. He would prefer just to get a digger in and rip out all the soil quickly. Daniel however was happier than he seen him a long time, he and Antonia had many animated discussions on various subjects around the campfire each night. Jack caught the odd word or two, usually enough to send him back to his Game Boy.
Then they found something, a large stone ring. Suddenly Jack’s apathy vanished and every available person was put to work. Once it was fully uncovered, Antonia was horrified to see them using some sort of welding equipment on the artefact.
"What are you doing," she demanded.
"Orders Ma’am" he replied.
"You can’t do that, you’re destroying an important find."
"That’s not your concern anymore, Doctor Richards, " Jack O’Neill was standing behind her, "Please be ready to leave at 1200 hours, we’re shipping out"
She tried to protest, but the hard brown eyes stopped her. She turned and headed for her tent.
Jack however didn’t intimidate Daniel, "maybe we should tell her? " he suggested.
"Need to know," was Jack’s terse reply.
Daniel hated that phrase, " Look, Jack, I um, I was wondering.. I think Antonia would be useful. I er, I’d like to offer her a job."
Jack sighed, he had a feeling this was coming and he hated to admit Daniel was right but SG4 needed a cultural advisor. Actually he liked Antonia; she was very different to the usual stuffy academics that he met around the SGC. A lot better looking as well, he couldn’t help noticing that she had a great pair of legs. Knowing that General Hammond had already checked out her security clearance, he made a command decision, "I guess you just became the recruiting officer, Dannyboy."
Antonia was packing her bags, "How can you let him do that?" she asked Daniel, her eyes blazing.
"Because the alternative would be much, much worse."
"Excuse me?"
He ignored this, "Antonia, would you like to come back to the States and work with me?"
"What deferring to the military all the time?" she was still angry.
"No, but you do have to trust their judgement sometimes."
"And if I agree, you’ll explain exactly what’s going on here?"
"Oh yes, in fact I’m looking forward to sharing it with you."
Antonia turned away to fold some clothes into a bag, trying to make a decision. What was so fascinating that Daniel had more or less given up his career for, and now was asking her to do the same? She had known him for barely a week and somehow she knew that if she went back to England she would probably never see him again. She was also certain that she’d never learn the truth about that mystery object. She turned back to face him. She could easily have feelings for this man. She was finally ready to move on from Roger’s memory." Right, Ok, I accept, is there a job description?"
He laughed, "No not really, but there’s never a dull moment." Daniel felt as if he had been holding his breath, waiting for her answer. He didn’t want this intelligent beautiful woman to leave his life, just as he was beginning to get to know her.
During the journey to Colorado Daniel told Antonia all about the Stargate. She listened intently unable to take it all in. He told her about his wife, the true story. The pain in his eyes made her want to reach out to him. She squeezed his hand gently, still conscious of the pain of her own loss. Daniel moved on with his story, there were other races, peaceful, mysterious ones, and technology beyond imagination. He described some of the artefacts he found, long dead languages spoken, by living people. Listening to him Antonia knew she had made the right decision. The greatest adventure of her life was about to begin.
**********
Deep in the heart of Cheyenne Mountain, the Stargate burst into life. Incoming traveller alarms sounded, silenced by the correct iris code SG4 was returning from their latest mission. Daniel Jackson was waiting in the gate room to greet them. The newest member of the SGC smiled and ran over to him.
"Daniel, you should see it, it’s fantastic." Antonia looked tired, dark circles ringed her eyes, but they were bright with excitement. She hugged him, "Thank you."
"Doctor Richards," Major Barker called, "I suggest you get some rest, debriefing at 0730."
"Yes, sir." She replied. To Daniel she said, "I’ll catch up with you later."
He nodded smiling, delighted that she was enjoying working for the SGC. He knew he had been right about her.
**********
When SG1 visited Edora, they discovered that it was about to experience a violent meteor shower. General Hammond had agreed to an evacuation and sent SG4 to assist. Jack complained when Daniel and Antonia took a little research field trip to some local caves. However, they found some evidence that the asteroid showers did strike the planet every 150 years. They also found evidence that the Edoran’s ancestors used the caves for shelter from the destruction.
With this knowledge, some of the villagers had insisted on staying behind. Antonia had been trying to persuade them to leave. Daniel was searching for Garan, a young man he had befriended. When a larger meteor landed on top of the Stargate. Jack, Sam and the rest of the team only just made it back. Antonia and Daniel were stranded. They rescued as much of the SGC Equipment as possible and took shelter in the caves.
After about 12 hours, the strikes subsided and a fresh rain took care of most of the fires. The Stargate was completely buried, Daniel distraught spent days digging but admitted defeat when he struck solid Naquadah, there was no technology to get through that and still a possibility that the Stargate had been destroyed.
The Village leader, Paynan, was very critical of Daniel and the SGC; he blamed them for the loss of his friends and family. However as they rebuilt the village Antonia reassured him that they had saved more lives. The Edorans would never have appreciated the full destructive power of the fire rain, without them.
At first, Antonia was in shock too, but after a few days, she decided to make the best of the situation. She was alive, she had food and shelter, plus she had Daniel’s company. However, every time she had tried to talk to Daniel he always shut her out. During the day they were busy working, most evenings, when the work was finished, Daniel sat by the lake writing in his journal until the light faded. Antonia usually tried to respect his privacy, hoping he would talk to her when he was ready. Today they had finished work on the last house in the village. Over the evening meal, she suggested they should build their own house. Daniel had simply refused to discuss it so she followed him out to the lake.
"Daniel, I’m going to ask Paynan to help me start on a house tomorrow."
"Yeah, whatever." He kept his eyes down on his book, refusing to acknowledge her presence
"Daniel!" she snatched the book from his hand, "At least do me the courtesy of looking at me." Her patience had finally run out.
"There’s nothing to discuss, we have a perfectly adequate place to sleep." He tried to grab his book back from her.
"Daniel please, just hear me out. Every time I try to talk to you back off."
" We’ve been very busy."
"I know, I was there too," she looked at her hands. "I’ve got the blisters to prove it."
Attempting a truce she gave Daniel back his journal and sat down on the grass next to him. He folded his arms and hugged the book to his chest.
Antonia tried a different approach. "You know Daniel I thought we’d got this whole friendship thing going quite well before this mission. But you’ve hardly spoken two words to me since we got stranded here."
Daniel took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes, "Oh, please, just leave me alone" He was close to tears.
Suddenly she knew; she understood what was troubling him. "You think I blame you for us being stranded here; because, you blame yourself. What happened was not you fault."
"It was me who asked you to join the Stargate programme."
"Yes, but I’ll take responsibility for my own decisions, thank you." She snapped, but then softly, "So you’ve been avoiding me because you feel guilty?"
"I guess." It was almost a whisper.
"Daniel Jackson for someone so intelligent you are such an idiot!"
This wasn’t quite the response he been expecting, his mouth dropped open in surprise.
Antonia had a lot more to say, "Do you know what has really made me furious? We are light years from home and the only person I can talk to who would really understand what I’m going through has been shutting me out."
"Oh," he was blushing now. Realising that yes, he was an idiot. "I’m so sorry, what do you want me to do?"
"Well you could ask me how I’m doing from time to time"
"Okay, so how are you?" he asked, taking her literally.
"Just fine, apart from a sore backside where I’ve been sleeping on the floor."
"Yeah, me too." He admitted.
"Oh Daniel," she was laughing now, giggling uncontrollably, The infectious type of laughter that once started made every little thing funny. He tried to speak to say something, but he was laughing too. She managed to calm down slightly but then she got the hiccups and that started Daniel off again.
Antonia lay on the grass, tears running down her face, her ribs aching, desperately trying to slow her breathing to control the hiccups.
"Toni, you ok." She liked the way Daniel used the diminutive version of her name.
"Yeah I will be, " she sat up. The hiccups had gone; she took the handkerchief Daniel held out to her. "I haven’t laughed like that in a long time."
"No, me neither."
Antonia knew now was the time to tackle him, "so Daniel about this house idea."
"I, em, I.. Toni if we build a permanent home it means accepting that we are not going home and I’m not sure if I’m ready for that."
"Well in case you hadn’t noticed we’ve kinda misplaced the Stargate." She drew a sweeping circle in the air with her arms, "you know big metal ring, big whoosh, wild ride."
He stared at her for a moment, the light was going now but he could still see the mischief shining in her hazel eyes. He had been wallowing in self-pity and misery and she had been getting on with life, she could even joke about it. When had she become so content and at ease with their situation? Of course, if he had taken the time before now to talk to her he would know the answer to his own question. " You don’t think we’ll ever get home?"
"Ever is a long time Daniel, if there is a way with technology, maybe Sam can figure it out. Perhaps Jack will get help from another race, like the Tollen. We may be here for months, even years but I know it won’t be forever."
"So you think we should just make the best of the situation."
"For crying out Loud, yes." She exclaimed.
"You sound like Jack"
"I meant to, what would he say to you if he was here?"
"He’d probably tell me to stop feeling sorry for myself."
She smiled sensing a small victory, "So you would listen to him and not to me?"
He got it; she had reeled him in. He studied his pen for a moment turning it over in his fingers. Then he looked up at her, she saw behind the last of the sun’s rays reflected in his glasses, soft blue eyes glistening with the beginning of tears.
"In the morning when you speak to Paynan, can I come with you?" he asked, his voice breaking up slightly.
"Yes, yes of course you can." She hugged him then. Pulling him close, letting him know she was there for him. He cried for awhile, all the frustration of the past weeks released. She stroked his hair, calming him. It helped her too because she knew their friendship was back on track and she wouldn’t feel quite so alone anymore.
Afterwards they talked, mostly about home and absent friends. After a while Antonia began to yawn. It had been a long day although it still quite early in the evening.
"I’m sorry Daniel, I’m so tired," she yawned again and rubbed her eyes." I’m going to go to bed" As she stood up to leave for her tent, she had the final word, "I think it’s your turn to make the fire in the morning. Good night Daniel"
"Somehow I thought it might be, Goodnight Toni, see you in the morning."
**********
"Dunroaming" became their new home and they settled into the routine of life on Edora. They both learned new skills, Daniel tried his hand at fishing and Antonia learnt to weave cloth. The domestic animals were very similar to ones on Earth, possibly bought through the Stargate at the same time as the people. However, the vegetables were not. Antonia made one particularly disastrous meal with what she assumed were zucchinis, but were actually nearer to chilli peppers.
The day the coffee finally ran out was hard; Daniel had been experimenting with some herbal tea as a replacement. That evening he offered Antonia the latest batch to try.
"Um, that’s interesting." She said after tasting it, then trying to be tactful. "I think it’s kinda missing something though."
"You hate it!"
"Err, yes, sorry."
"No, that’s fine no need to apologise. It’s funny I lived on Abydos for whole year without coffee and chocolate and now a few weeks without is driving me mad."
"Oh Daniel, please don’t even mention chocolate" she pleaded.
"You know what I did have on Abydos was quite a few of my books."
And Sha’re, Antonia thought but she didn’t say it, but she knew what he meant. They had plenty of physical work to keep them occupied but no reading material, nothing for their minds. They had been making their own paper from wood pulp for some time. There was one idea that occurred to her.
"Daniel, this is an excellent opportunity to study a pre-industrial society, with traditional male/female roles. We could collaborate, we might even get a Thesis out of it."
"It’s not really my field."
"No not mine either but, think of the effect technology has had on women’s life, on Earth. "
He frowned, "Ah, you going for the feminism angle?"
"Maybe, you not worried that I’m going to turn the local women into bra burning radicals?" She smiled," I prefer to use that particular garment for the purpose it was intended."
Daniel couldn’t help it he found himself thinking about her breasts; oh it would be wonderful to.. Whoa where had that come from? What was he thinking? Antonia was still talking. Did she just say World War 1or 2.? He had lost track of the point she was trying to make. He was more interested in watching her. Why had he never noticed her like this before? He knew she was beautiful and intelligent, so was Samantha Carter. However, Sam had never made his heart and stomach leap the way Toni was doing right now. Her hair fascinated him, he wanted to get up and unfasten it and run his fingers through it. As for her lips…
"Daniel?"
She was an expecting an answer; he didn’t have one because he had been so distracted. He blushed his face the colour of beetroot and quickly made an excuse. "Sorry, I lost track, I must be getting tired." He faked a yawn, covering his mouth with his hand," I think I’ll go to bed." He left quickly before she could see his confusion. As he lay on his bed, he allowed himself to imagine her in his arms. Oh boy, he was falling for her! He would always love Sha’re, but she was gone and he knew he was ready to move on. Was it possible to find happiness again? He had to try, take a chance and he knew Toni was the one. Did she, could she feel the same? On the other hand, she was a good friend was it worth risking that friendship? Mind racing he eventually fell into a restless sleep.
***********
Three months after the Firerain it was Harvest time. Paynan explained to Daniel and Antonia that they held a festival at this time every year to celebrate. It was also the time when the young people of the village who had been courting were betrothed.
Everyone gathered in the Village Square at nightfall. Daniel and Antonia were introduced to the local brew, Tolka, a beer like drink that had the kick of moonshine. Antonia managed to stay slightly more sober than Daniel, but was fighting a losing battle as the cups were constantly refilled. Around midnight, the men and woman began to separate. Garan was blindfolded and then spun around in circles to disorient him, he stumbled about for a moment before bumping into Naytha. The women had deliberately pushed the girl into his path. She removed his blindfold and they kissed. The crowd roared and applauded.
Garan’s Mother, Laira was sitting next to Antonia. "The ancestors have guided him to the one they wish him to be betrothed to," She explained.
Daniel watched bemused until he was chosen, joining in with the game. Closing his eyes, he accepted the blindfold. Several hands guided him around in circles. After a few minutes, they stopped and he stood unsteadily in front of his chosen partner. He was aware that he was very close to a woman, a familiar woman. Just as his mouth began to form her name, the blindfold was removed. A nudge from behind pushed him even closer. He knew he was expected to kiss her so he attempted to make contact with her cheek. His balance was still off and he missed, lips met lips. He also underestimated the effect alcohol had had on Antonia. She was more than willing to be kissed, her soft mouth opened under his.
Suddenly aware of their audience they broke apart but their eyes remained locked. Antonia knew something significant had just occurred, completely altering her perception of him. Daniel bought up his hand to gently stroke her face, desperately searching for the right words to express his feelings.
"We err, need to talk," he managed to splutter.
Antonia, aware of his and her own confusion simply smiled and nodded.
Unfortunately, the combination of the alcohol and the spinning were causing another reaction in Daniel, he was turning a distinctly green colour. He managed to mumble a quick "sorry", before rushing to deposit the contents of his stomach in the nearest bush.
The rest of the evening was a bit of a blur, she knew there was dancing and more Tolka. Somehow, she’d managed to stumble home and into bed.
**********
Antonia wondered who was banging so early in the morning. Surely all the building work was finished. Then she realised that the thumping was inside her head. She gingerly opened one eye and immediately shut it again; the morning sun was blinding. Although it made the pounding worse, she moved her head to the left before attempting to open her eyes again. With a lot of effort, she staggered to the kitchen. She found a cup and pumped some water into it. After three glasses, the thumping was receding, slightly. She went to check on Daniel; he was lying face down on his bed. Fully dressed it looked as if he’d slept where he fell. She decided that this counted as a medical emergency. Going over to the SGC equipment box, she found a box of aspirin. She took out four tablets, two for herself and two for Daniel. Oh boy; she couldn’t remember the last time she’d had a hangover this bad. Maybe at university when..
Daniel appeared in the doorway, he had mislaid his glasses and had trouble focusing. Antonia handed him the aspirin and some water.
"Thanks," he croaked and sat down. He wished they had saved some of the coffee for emergencies. He rubbed his aching temple; it felt as though a railroad was passing through his head.
It was a few moments before Antonia realised that Daniel had been speaking. She had closed her eyes and was focusing on the pain, which thankfully had begun to fade a little.
"..Dehydration, most likely," Daniel finished.
Antonia realised he was attempting a scientific explanation of their condition.
"Never again!" they said together.
Daniel was about to say something else but she waved her hand to silence him, "Sorry, I’ll talk to you later. Right now, I’m going back to bed."
Daniel had left the house when she woke up, probably to see Paynan, they had become good friends and often played chess together on rest days. After some food and a wash, she felt almost human again. She noticed that she had forgotten to put the aspirin away. As she reached into the box, her fingers accidentally knocked a radio volume/on switch. Static hissed out. Just as she was about to turn it off, she heard, no, it couldn’t be. She turned the volume and RF gain to maximum. Sam’s voice came over loud and clear, followed by Teal’c’s response. He was on this side of the Stargate. She grabbed the radio and ran out of the house, shouting frantically for Daniel.
"What is it, what the matter?" he asked his face full of concern.
"The Stargate," She held out the radio to him, "Teal’c is on this side of the gate, Sam must’ve found a way through."
"Teal’c this is Daniel, " he spoke into the transmitter, "can you hear me?"
"Daniel Jackson?"
"Teal’c where are you?"
"Attempting to reach the surface. Little oxygen remains."
"The gate’s horizontal." Antonia and Daniel said together.
By using the RDM, they were soon right on top of Teal’c position and moments later they dug down to pull him out.
Antonia threw her arms around the big man and kissed him warmly on the cheek. Tears flowing, "It so good to see you Teal’c"
"It is good to see you too Antonia Richards, Daniel Jackson, " he replied. Then Daniel was hugging him too.
*********
Sam had arranged to dial the Edoran Stargate, 48 Hours later. This allowed time for the gate to be fully unburied. She tired not to think what would happen if Teal’c hadn’t succeeded. Apart from rescuing her friends, she wanted the refuges to be re-united with their families. The seventh chevron locked into place, announced by the operator. The wormhole formed and she feed the instructions to the waiting MALP. As it entered the event horizon she realised she was holding her breath. Jack and General Hammond stood behind her watching the monitor. There was a burst of static and then a picture formed, Edora, a group of people waving and cheering. She spotted Teal’c straight away and then Daniel and Antonia.
She felt Jack’s hand on her shoulder. "Well done, Carter, " he said, "now let’s get them home."
***********
It was Daniel and Antonia’s last night on Edora, in the morning they were returning through the Stargate to Earth. Most of the refugees had returned; a handful had decided to stay on Earth, but now the gate was operational, they could easily visit. Laira had organised another party that night, both as a farewell to her new friends and the celebration of the return of old ones. Antonia and Daniel offered Garan and Naytha their house as a wedding present.
Jack, Sam and Teal’c had gone ahead to the Village Square, but Antonia saw Daniel sitting in his usual spot by the lake. He had his journal in his hand, but he wasn’t writing tonight, just watching the approaching sunset. She sat down beside him, hugging her knees to her chest. Daniel put his arm around her shoulders and she leaned back resting her head against his chest. They sat together silently like this, until the golden orb disappeared beneath the horizon.
"You okay?" he said into her hair.
"Yeah I guess so."
"Well I suppose we ought to get to this party, it is in our honour." He stood up holding out his hand for her take.
She pulled herself up, brushing the grass from her skirt. "Everything changes tomorrow."
"Not everything." He contradicted, "We still have our friendship."
"Yes."
"Toni, err, about the other night."
"You mean when we both got very drunk."
Antonia had pinned her hair up, but as usual, a few unruly strands had escaped. Daniel pushed one of them off her forehead and then gently traced her cheek with his fingers. "I did enjoy that kiss, it was the Tolka that upset my stomach."
"I know, I’m so glad I don’t make you nauseous."
"Oh, far from it." His lips parted slightly and he moved closer to her, his arm moving around her waist. Just as he bent his head to hers, he heard Jack calling his name. He restricted himself to kissing her lips swiftly and lightly, the briefest of contacts, but he longed for more. "Hold that thought," he whispered, and then louder to Jack." Over here we’re just coming."
*********
The next morning they said their farewells. Antonia hugged Laira and Naytha and promised she would return for the wedding.
"Dial us up Carter, " Jack ordered.
Daniel shook hands with Paynan, also promising to visit.
Sam operated the DHD and the gate burst into life. Daniel held out his hand to Antonia, "Ready?" he asked. She nodded and hand in hand, they entered the event horizon.
General Hammond was waiting to greet them, "Welcome back folks, it’s good to see you."
Dr Fraizer insisted on a full medical. Daniel complained but he knew he was wasting his time. Antonia felt like a pincushion when she finally escaped from the infirmary to check out her office. SG4 was off world but Ken Barker had left her a note saying he looked forward to her returning to active duty.
A large pile of reports, photos and translations had accumulated in three months, one of her research assistants had sorted them and she settled down to read the most important ones. She wanted to leave the mountain and check out her apartment, but the General had insisted on a 24-Hour quarantine. Still there was plenty to interest her and she imagined a pleasant morning reading, followed by a lively discussion and exchange of ideas with Daniel. She was halfway down the first page of the first report when Graham McDonald put his head around the door.
"Dr Richards, How lovely to have you back. General Hammond asked me bring you up to date on the latest research."
"Ah, thanks Graham, but I have the reports here." She sighed inwardly, Graham was a very talented individual, or he wouldn’t be employed by the SGC. However, he was the most boring man in the entire base. Jack called Daniel a geek but Graham really did fit the description.
"Well, I’m sure you’ll find a first person account, more interesting. Major Barker was kind enough to let me take your place on a couple of missions."
Antonia tried to protest a few more times but Graham wouldn’t get the hint. Two hours later they had completed a lot of work but Antonia had had enough. She insisted on a break and as it was close to lunchtime, she headed for the canteen.
She met Sam on the way. They chatted for awhile, then she asked, "Have you seen Daniel."
"Yeah, Colonel O’Neill’s taken him off somewhere, home I think."
"Oh great Daniel gets the "get out of jail free card" and I get stuck with Graham McDonald."
"Oh lucky you!"
"Look Sam, you couldn’t organise a Jail break for me too?"
"You’re supposed to stay here for 24 hours."
"Hasn’t Jack already disobeyed that order?"
Sam considered this for a moment then made a decision. "Okay let’s get out of here. I think you need something to re-integrate back into the modern world."
"Sounds good to me, what do you have in mind?"
"Shopping!"
********
Jack and Daniel were in Daniel’s apartment. He walked around his living room, looking at his familiar possessions. His hand lingered on a favourite statue, enjoying the feel of the bronze.
Jack came in from the Kitchen with two beers and offered one to him.
"Ah thanks Jack, I didn’t know I had these."
"The SGC stocked up for you Dannyboy."
"And let me guess who gave them the shopping list."
Jack smiled in acknowledgement. " So glad to be back?"
"Yeah, I guess, it’s a bit a weird, I missed you. "
They sat down. Daniel sneezed twice. His allergies had returned the moment he left the mountain.
"I missed your happy smiling face too, "said Jack then continued, "Hammond tried to get McDonald assigned to SG1 as your replacement. He makes you seem interesting."
"He can be a bit dry."
"Dry!" Jack snorted. "Some of your rocks have more life in them."
"Actually he has some very interesting theories about the Aztecs, he reckons they…"
Jack held up a finger to silence him, "Oh please, spare me. Luckily, I managed to foist him onto Barker as Antonia’s replacement. I bet he’s glad she’s back. She’s certainly easier on the eye, as well as the ears. And speaking of the lovely Doctor. How did you two get on? I bet you two had lots of fascinating conversations."
"We got on just fine." Daniel seemed a little uncomfortable, not meeting Jack’s eyes. He was concentrating on the beer bottle label.
Jack sensed there was more and moved in for the kill, "you spend three months alone with a woman and it was just "fine"?"
Daniel blushed.
"Wanna talk about it?" Jack asked softly.
Daniel rotated the bottle in his hands for a moment, He could trust his best friend. "I err, I’ve, I think I’ve fallen in love with her."
"Whoa," Jack wasn’t quite expecting that. "And this would be a mutual thing?
"yes, err I don’t know." He hoped it was.
"You don’t know ! Have you, you know…"
"We kissed." Daniel jumped in before Jack got more specific.
"Well kissing’s good."
"Yes but we were both drunk at the time."
Daniel placed the untouched beer on the coffee table. He walked over to his desk and picked up a framed picture of Sha’re. He remembered the day it was taken, because it was also the last day they had been together. The image came from Sam’s digital camera. The same one she had used to capture the Stargate addresses. He studied her portrait for a moment, so many memories, some clear, some distorted, her smile, her olive skin next to his.
"You know Jack when Sha’re died I thought it was the end of the world I was ready to give up the SGC but life tends to surprise you when you least except it." He replaced the photo. "I liked Toni from the day we met she’s so great, she laughs all the time. Yet, she understands about loss too. She finds amusement in the little everyday things. And she has these ideas, theories out of nowhere; we have so much in common.." He smiled wistfully, then returned to his seat opposite Jack. "Once we knew the Stargate was gone, I didn’t cope too well, but she basically gave me a slap round the face and told me to get over it. Then one day I just looked at her and it was like I had been struck by lightening. I realised how beautiful she is and her hair…" He stopped, conscious that he had been rambling on.
Jack was used to Daniel thinking aloud, "So excuse me if I’m missing the point here, but you like her you think she likes you and you both like all that ancient stuff too. So what’s the problem?"
Daniel just stared at him "Apparently none what so ever." Jack was right.
"So Danny boy where’s the remote, there’s a game on this afternoon."
"Sorry Jack, I um I don’t have the sports channel."
"Oh for crying out Loud!" He went to get another beer. Daniel followed him to make a pot of coffee.
"Jack I was wondering if you could do me a favour, help me get hold of something?"
"Sure buddy."
*******
The next morning, as Antonia was getting ready to return to the SGC, there was a knock at the door. It was Daniel. She invited him in.
She led him into the Kitchen, "Coffee?"
"Yes thanks, I’ve got a present for you." He placed a small gift bag on the counter.
Curious she opened it, inside was a jar of Old English Marmalade.
"Oh Daniel," her hands flew to her face in surprise, "This is fantastic. I haven't been able to get this anywhere over here. How...?"
"Let’s just say I have friends in the Airforce."
"Would you like to try some? I’ve got some bread." She started to look through the cabinets for plates.
"Actually there was something else I wanted to…"
"Oh sorry the coffee." Antonia changed her search to cups and spoons. She wanted to concentrate on the little things she was acutely aware of Daniel in the confines of her small Kitchen. Not having seen for him for 24 Hours, she was feeling very unsure about herself, almost shy. After the closeness and friendship of the last few months, it was very strange. His gift had stunned her, he taken the trouble to find something unique for her.
"Toni," His voice was so soft, it sent a shiver of delight through her.
She turned back to face him. He was wearing a blue sweater and the colour enhanced the blue of eyes. Not a cold icy blue, but a warm azure. They had laughed and cried together and talked about every subject under the sun. He was a wonderful friend, but looking in those eyes, she knew she wanted more.
Daniel had sensed her apprehension, he was hesitant too, whatever happened now would permanently change things between them. He decided not to waste another minute. He kissed her, pulling her in close, his fingers entwined in her hair.
Later they sat on the bed eating slices of toast spread with butter and the marmalade.
"I love this." Daniel said, a piece of toast halfway to his mouth. Then he realised he forgotten something, something very important. "I love you."
"I love you too."
She tried to pinch the last piece of toast from Daniel’s hand, but he held it out of her reach. As she stretched to grab it, their bodies came into contact again. The toast dropped to the floor and it was a very long time before she worried about the sticky jelly on the carpet.
©Katana 2000