Blue eyes twinkling, Sam hid a smile as she watched her commanding officer watching Daniel, a look of awe on his face. Was it possible this was the first time Jack had ever really paid attention to the linguist when he was translating. Really listened to his friend other than just hearing what he was saying. His expression one of reverence, Daniel's voice took on the same innotations as Meelay's as he repeated the chieftain's words for his teammates.

'Daniel looks like a kid hearing a new bedtime story," O'Neill thought. Oblivious of the shaman's stares, he watched the young man seated on his right in fascination. A fleeting memory of a story teller he'd once heard at the library slipped into his mind. A young woman in a long linen dress surrounded by children. Bewitching them with the story of a crippled boy, an orphaned girl and a hidden garden. It wasn't the kind of story that normally interested O'Neill but he'd returned every day to listen to the young woman's tale. The memory was suddenly superimposed with that of Daniel talking to the Abydoians on that first mission so long ago. Finally focusing on the sound of his friend's voice, the history of Apakia ran through Jack's mind as clearly as if he were watching a movie.

"The father of my father and the Speaker of the Spirits talked for many days. They prayed at the Spirit Stone for guidance before making the journey across the mountains. They spoke of peace with the leaders so that all the lost ones could be happy in the land of the spirits. They smoked the pipes and listened to the great spirits. From that day forth the two became one and a great celebratation was held to honor the Sun Spirit." A cheer went up as Meelay finished his story. From somewhere behind them, drums began a steady beat. Both men and women were soon standing in a large ring around the fire, their feet moving as one in a dance of joy and gratitude.

The celebration continued far into the night with drinks that reminded Jack to much of Skaara's moonshine being refilled as soon as the drinking bowls were empty. Sam giggled poking O'Neill in the ribs as Teal'c was pulled into the circle of dancers by two women of indeterminate age and weight. The Jaffa shot a displeased look in his commander's direction.

"O'Neill I am not happy with this."

"When in Rome." Jack laughed waving a hand drunkenly at the Jaffa. "Member what Dan'el said..." Before he realized what was happening O'Neil found himself in the circle his hand held by Janala. He was vaguely aware of Carter taking his other hand as one of the warriors led her to the dance. Deeply engrossed in conversation with Meelay, Daniel seemed totally unaware of his friend's humilating attempt to mimic the steps of the Apakians but Jack could swear the archeologist had a smug smile on his face. _______________________________________________________________________________________________