The Good Fight - Part 1
"I'm thinking men are bad at changing diapers because their hands are too big and their olfactory senses are much keener than women's." Daniel rambled as he anxiously backed away from 'ground zero' that contained Baby 'O'Neill.
"Ya think?!" Jack muttered in sarcastic frustration as he clumsily detached the offending article of clothing.
"Well… yeah. I do THINK!" Daniel retorted defensively from his vantage point of several yards distance (upwind).
"Tell me this then, DANIEL… why is it that every time it rolls around … I, with larger hands than you – gets 'DD'!"
"Welllll. He is your baby… Jack. So 'Diaper Duty' kinda sorta falls on … you."
"You are the Godfather! DANIEL. What if Sam and I were to get killed out here and you have to actually take care of him? What then? Huh? Huh? What then!?"
Signs of the cross were made before Daniel answered shuddering, "God forbid… but if it EVER did happen, hopefully Jackson will be out of diapers by then."
"JON, his name is Jon…"
"Actually, it's both – and for some odd reason – I prefer, Jackson."
"Hmpf." Jack responded tersely as he concentrated on his task.
"You sound just like Bra'tac when you do that." Daniel said chidingly.
"Bra'tac would change his Godson's diaper." Jack continued grumbling as he delicately wiped the bottom of his only child.
Ya RIGHT! Daniel snorted unbelievingly then asked challengingly, "So, where's the other God daddy anyway? Huh? Where's Teal'c? Ever noticed how he disappears at crucial moments such as this? He can't even stand to be within hearing distance, in fear that he'll be asked to help out."
Pausing midstream in his intricate maneuver of holding his son by one chubby leg, his bottom lifted in the air, Jack considered what Daniel said.
"For Crying Out Loud! I never noticed!" He exclaimed, and then added wonderingly, "You know who else is never around don'tya? Think about it…. SAM!!! His own mother! What's up with that?!" He then shrugged it off.
"It's just you and me little fella." Jack said soothingly as he deftly slipped a clean garment under the chubby form.
"Hey! I'm getting pretty good at this…" Jack bragged and then… pandemonium erupted,
"Daniel! Help me. Hold-em! He's as slippery as a lil' eel -- Keep'em on his back, otherwise I'm gonna have to put this thing on him backwards… don't let him crawl off… can't ya hold him still?? Don't let him flip over…. Aakkk! Daniel, I need backup here!"
Daniel yelped in pain, "He bit my finger! Has he had his shots?"
"What?! He's a BABY – not a DOG…Sometimes I worry about you Daniel."
"Well yeah, don't worry about me – worry about him! He's only four months old and he's already trying to walk, has teeth and can TALK!" Daniel said defensively as he sucked his wounded finger.
"I know. I know…. He's a 'tad' ahead of the curve, but we knew that from the Asgards…" Jack said dismissively.
"AHEAD of the CURVE! There was never a curve – he's not on the same PAGE as the curve." Daniel stated with certainty.
"Now Daniel, you're gonna give him a complex if you keep talking like that in front of him. He's very sensitive you know…" Jack's said absently as he continued to wrestle the diaper on.
"UH huh…" Daniel snorted sarcastically, and added, "Actually Jack, He's not. He's YOU all over again. I have to say, I gotta wonder if it was such a good idea to destroy the Ancients' data on him. You may need a little help in raising this 'scamp'."
Finally finished, Jack wiped the sweat off his brow and grinned with satisfaction at the chortling baby whose dark eyes were amazingly like his own. Looking up, he grew more serious,
"Don't even bring that up. Daniel. It's something I never want to think about."
Daniel understood and said apologetically "It was a joke, but a bad one. You know how I feel about Jackson. He's amazing."
Scooping the wriggling body up easily in his long arms – Jack smiled – "I know… he feels exactly the same about you."
Daniel knew that Jack and his son communicated without words regularly and so when Jack said something as he just did – he was simply conveying a message on.
"Thank you, Jackson!" His eyes crinkled as he tickled the toddlers' tummy, making him wriggle even more. He watched as Jack's hand suddenly covered his son's small mouth before then lifting him into the air and began playing 'airplane' as he swooped and glided his son's squealing form through the air at the end of his long arms.
"You know Jack, I miss our 'long distance talks'. Don't you?" Daniel asked as he once again reclined on the quilt, his back against the huge tree that shaded their picnic area.
"No Daniel… Cause I know that if I'm talking to you that way – then one of us is in extreme danger."
"Righhtt." Daniel nodded as it was as the Asgards had told him; the power only seemed to come forth when there was a powerful need for it. "But it was pretty amazing." He added wistfully.
The outdoor scenery could have been a meadow in the Colorado Rockies so lush and green were the grounds around them. Yet if you looked close enough you could spot the differences. Instead of birds flying there were small winged mammals swooping and diving through the air – the majority resembled small squirrel-like animals miniaturized to only a few inches in length and height. Others were strangely like pigs, which explained the reason that Jack used the expression "When pigs fly" constantly and then would convulse himself laughing at his own joke. The sunshine was a sharper brightness than Earths – not by much, but enough to warrant wearing sunshades after only a few minutes in the open. Even baby O'Neill had miniature sunglasses and surprisingly wore them without a problem.
"You like living here Jack?" Daniel queried as he spied Sam, Teal'c and Carolyn off in the distance returning from their hike to see the waterfalls that the area was known for. Jack didn't answer immediately as he too watched his wife and friends approach. Sighing slightly, as he sat Jon back on the spread-out quilt he answered, "My family is safe here – so yeah, I like it."
Daniel nodded realizing the cryptic ness of the answer. "I wish you were back on Earth with us."
Grimacing as he grabbed his son's back legs pulling him back before he reached the edge of the quilt and made it to the target of 'dirt', he answered,
"You know that's just not possible. Not after the kidnapping scare. Rogue NID isn't our only worry any more. We're much safer out here than we were on Earth, at least at the moment…" He gestured vaguely upwards then added, "I just hope that we won't have to move around much. Gotta wonder how Jon's gonna turn out … everyone needs an anchor to call 'home'."
Daniel understood his fears; his own childhood had been one of constant change as his Archeologist parents had taken him everywhere they went. Still, he had been grounded in their love just as he was sure that Jon would be grounded in the love from Jack and Sam - no matter how often they moved.
"As long as he has Sam and you, he'll know what a home is." Daniels voice was quiet with his sincerity, even as the subject of his sentiment made his escape off the blanket and was busily sitting in the dirt, leaning forward pounding away, raising dust clouds all around him. "Uhh… Jaackk". Daniel nudged Jack who seemed to be lost in thought, studying the far off mountains.
"OY!" Jack grabbed his son, but not in time to keep him from dumping dirt over his tiny head, one chubby fist already reaching for more as trails of dirt slid down his little body.
"I'm soo gonna be in trouble now." Jack muttered as held his giggling son at arms length and shook him gently, watching the dirt fall to the ground.
"He sure loves to get dirty." Daniel commented, "Wonder why?"
"Hmm… Maybe because he's a … BOY…" Jack answered with his ever-present sarcasm.
"I never cared to be dirty." Daniel reminisced, and then added, "That's weird considering I'm an Archeologist and we're known for digging around in dirt."
"Yeah... Weird." Jack said absently as he continued to brush the loose dirt out of his sons' blond hair.
"Any word from Thor on how the investigation is going?" It just popped out – immediately Daniel flinched but also felt better. He'd been trying to find the 'right time to ask' the whole time of their visit and a good moment just never presented itself. Now, with only two days left before they went back home to Earth, he realized that there never would be a good time to bring up the topic that brought back hard memories and anxiety.
"Ahh Danny boy… You finally worked up the nerve to ask… I almost lost my bet with Sam, she had the last day pegged, but I so knew you couldn't hold out that long." Jack commented knowingly.
Daniel grinned, recognizing that Jack did indeed know him through and through.
Jack grinned back and then lost his smile as he answered, "They haven't found the last three. They tracked them to Osiris galaxy and the trail went cold. I think Thor's pretty much decided not to pursue them any further." Jack shrugged his resignation as he tossed his twisting son into the air lightly and listened to him squeal in delight.
Daniel nodded, remembering the horrible event, two months prior when baby O'Neill was kidnapped out of his own home on Earth; taken in the middle of the night, evidently using some sort of alien technology. Everyone said it was a miracle that he was ever recovered but in less than two days, Jack and Sam had tracked the perpetrators down, killing four in a fierce gun battle and even though the last three had been wounded, they had still escaped. The four dead appeared human but upon autopsying it was discovered that they were anything but – actually the same aliens that had infiltrated the SGC over five years ago in a foothold situation that almost succeeded.
The question of why the attempted kidnapping was chillingly answered when it was discovered that an inter-galactic bounty had been placed on the only child of the O'Neill's. The Asgards had been the ones that had unearthed the existence of the extremely disturbing circumstance and it had been Thor, now the Supreme Leader of his people, who had personally visited Jack O'Neill to inform him of the situation.
The one thing that was not known was who had instigated it. What was known was that every enemy in every galaxy, in every solar system, knew about the bounty and wanted to collect the reward; either out of hatred for the 'infamous' Jack O'Neill or simply for the prestige of being the one who did it; not forgetting the very considerable monetary reward that was also part of the package.
In reality, no place was safe for them – some were only 'safer' then others. This was the reason that they always carried their weapons, even on picnics such as this; Daniel's eyes flitted to the gun slung around Jack's hip as he worked to overcome the fear for them that bloomed in his stomach; the two people that he felt closest to in any world and whom he considered 'family'.
He watched as Jack leaned over his laughing son and blew a 'raspberry' on his belly. As always, he marveled at Jack's ability to continue on with day-to-day living, somehow finding a way to enjoy it even as he knew the sword of Pericles hung over their lives ready to swoop down and end everything.
"No! Daddy, No!" In wonder that never ceased to be felt, he heard his tiny Godson laughingly yell out, his words perfectly clear. He still had a hard time believing it – even when Jon slipped the first time two days ago and said something in front of him and revealed the secret that Jack and Sam had not disclosed; that a four month old could speak as well as any four-year-old child (or possibly older as he hadn't been tested in awhile) was simply incomprehensible. Jack and Sam had apologized for not sharing how gifted their young son was and even though Daniel couldn't help but feel slightly hurt that they hadn't thought to share it with him, he truly understood their dilemma.
His safety was their utmost concern and to ensure this, they were trying to teach Jon NOT display any unique ability when in the presence of 'strangers'. The problem with that was after a short period in someone's presence, in Jon's mind, they were not 'strangers' any longer and at that point he didn't understand why his parents were upset with him when he began speaking again. Jack felt they were making progress when he had held out from talking in front of their visitors for well over a week before accidentally revealing his secret to the wonderment of his audience. His uniqueness was not to be known by anyone other than a very exclusive group that Jack and Sam felt could be trusted. Though, as with any secret – there were leaks – and the legend of the O'Neill child had already begun.
In physical appearance he appeared to be developing rather more quickly than normal but nothing extremely accelerated. Daniel had discussed it the previous evening with Carolyn in the privacy of their bedroom after being a witness to Jon's attempts to walk; and to all appearances it seemed that he would conquer that ability any day now. Daniel, not being around children much had asked Carolyn about his growth rate. Carolyn had thought physically he was exhibiting the same skills as a twelve-month baby, even though in appearance he wasn't quite that size, but intellectually she could only wonder where he stood. Never had she heard a four-month-old speak as he did. That was one for the record books. He was very much a special child as all had predicted he would be.
The spring-like breeze rustled through the top of the tall spreading tree that their picnic was situated under. Daniel wondered that Jack had wanted to come back to this moon, after his and Maybourne's appalling experience but it had been his suggestion to the Asgards that had instigated the installation of a Stargate and the set up of their home. It really was a beautiful place Daniel thought as he took in the scenery, noticing that Carolyn and the others were getting close. Watching, he could see the camaraderie between the two women in their gestures and head movements as they walked, with Teal'c, himself contributing to the conversation every so often.
Jack stood up, holding his son on his shoulders as he too, watched the approach of the rest of their party.
"Sam and Carolyn have really hit it off." He stated as if reading Daniel's thoughts. "She's gonna hate to see her leave." Then added quickly as if he was afraid his feelings would be hurt if he didn't, "and of course, you. You and Teal'c go without saying…"
"Maybe we can get back here soon." Daniel said quietly, knowing how lonely it must be – just the three of them -- as the only humans situated on the planet.
"Last night Sam told me that Carolyn let it slip that there's discussion about you two moving in together -- getting kinda serious isn't it?" Jack's searching dark eyes watched as Daniel's fair skin reddened in sudden discomfort. "Daniel. You wouldn't be keeping important information from your ex-CO now would ya?" his unrelenting gaze noticing all the signs of his friend's evident guilt.
"Sorry Jack. She made me promise not to say a word, then she goes and tells Sam – isn't that just like a woman?" Daniel's flustered blue eyes finally met Jack's; his face apologetic.
"Whoa Daniel! You're already sounding like a married man. Don't worry 'bout it. I figured it was that sort of situation." Jack's voice was light as he teased his more serious friend. He then added on a more reflective note, "I think it's great, Daniel, really great."
"Thanks Jack."
"You're welcome." Jon's little voice chimed in as he balanced on his father's shoulders.
"Jon!" Jack reprimanded automatically. "He's learning his manners." Jack explained, and then added in a whisper for Daniel's ears only, "every time he hears 'Thank you' he thinks he has to respond."
As soon as he finished explaining, Jon once again spoke up clearly, "You're welcome" as evidently he heard his dad's whispered explanation. Jack sighed even as he couldn't repress his grin of amusement.
"Another reason to live this isolated." He added wryly as he bounced his son on his shoulders and listened to his giggles.
"Howdy Campers! How was the hike?" Jack queried as the rest of the party arrived with smiles at the sight of Jack holding a bouncing Jon.
"The falls were simply beautiful but so far away! I didn't realize how out of shape I am." Carolyn Lam spoke up first as Teal'c and Sam smiled at each other in silent recall of their 15+ mile hikes that had been a norm for them on some planets.
"Sorry Carolyn, I didn't think about how far it was when I suggested it." Sam said apologetically as she took her reaching son from Jack. Hugging him close, she closed her eyes and smiled, savoring his sweet baby smell.
"Sam, It was fun. I'm NOT complaining. I loved every …. Hmmm what's a good word? Ahh yes! ACHING moment." She said with a big grin as she sat cross-legged on the pallet and worked a pebble out of one boot.
Daniel laughed, "Well Jack and I had a great time playing with Jackson while ya'll circumnavigated the planet."
Jack stretched his back as he watched with amusement as his wife tried to extricate her hair from Jon's fascinated grip. "He's gonna be so screwed up – everyone has a different name for him!"
Sam laughed. "He understands and you know it Jack."
Jack shrugged and nodded the truth of it. "Scary but true."
"What do you suppose his IQ is?" Daniel queried as he studied the tiny boy whose dark eyes looked back at them all with amazing intelligence.
"Don't know – don't care to know" Jack responded tersely as his eyes met Sam's across the short distance and a sense of silent communication took place before she nodded her agreement.
Sam spoke up, "Anyone hungry? Jack has a great supper lined up for us – Beer-soaked steaks grilled to your request, but ONLY if your request is: A. well done, or B. very well done, or C. extremely well done. Or! drum roll please, his specialty: Crispy and blackened to charcoal ... hmmm YUMMY!" Grinning as she rubbed Jon's little tummy who instantly chirped up adding his own, "Yummmmyyyyyy!" to hers.
Daniel burst out laughing which made Carolyn giggle, and even brought a grin to Teal'c face. Jack pretended to frown but ended up laughing himself.
"No one appreciates fine cuisine anymore." He growled as he made to tackle Sam, who started backing… 'No Jack… noo... I've got Jon..." Adroitly, Jack whipped Jon from her arms and in one motion passed him to Daniel as he then swooped in to pick up Sam and deposit her on the quilt, tickling her without remorse.
"STOP IT! JACK! I can't breath!"
"Uncle?!" Jack queried and waited for her to respond as his long fingers continued to impact her sensitive midsection.
"UNCLE!!" She gasped in defeat trying to get oxygen back into her lungs.
Jon whooped with delight as he bounced in Daniel's arms, "Tickle, tickle" his soft baby voice rang out in joy as his little hands reached for his parents, moving as if trying to join in the fun. Daniel thought he would never get used to hearing words coming from such a tiny child as all three visitors gaped in amazement at him.
Jack stood and pulled Sam up from the pallet with one arm into a quick hug before procuring Jon from Daniel and asking, "Ready to head back to the ranch?"
Sam and Carolyn quickly folded the quilt as Daniel and Teal'c each picked up a hamper and all followed Jack down the shaded trail to the place they currently called home.
The day had been a good one; actually the whole last two weeks had been pretty special. Jack mused as he led the way and allowed Jon to ride on his shoulder – his favorite place – like a little parrot. In only four months it was as if he'd known his child forever – he had difficulty remembering what life was like before – and couldn't imagine what it would be like without him and his thoughts skittered away from that direction immediately. He was not one to go melancholy for any length of time. He then felt (which wasn't the best description but came the closest) Jon in his mind, agreeing with him that today had been a very good day. Funny, he was now so used to having him in his head, it just felt… right. Something he thought would have been impossible for him to say-- ever.
Only he and Jon shared this skill, Sam for some reason was able to 'feel' his presence but didn't have the ability to communicate with him as Jack did. Jack knew that this inability was to say the least, unsettling to her, but as disappointed as she was in not having this skill, she was supremely glad that Jack did. It was this psychic talent that enabled them to track down and rescue him from his kidnappers a short two months ago. Now, as he got older the connection only seemed to grow stronger between them.
Who would have thought how drastically having a child would change their lives? In the small span of Jonathan's existence – their lifestyle had done a complete 180, no longer living on Othalla due to possible fall out from the Asgards' political situation, no longer able to live on Earth after the kidnapping attempt revealed the huge gaps in security and compounded by the impossible task of keeping his uniqueness secret. So rather than being virtually imprisoned in the confines of the SGC they had elected to live off world.
First at the Beta site until one of Hank Landry's NID informants relayed the extremely disturbing information that Jack and Sam's child was of great interest to certain rogue branches of the NID and that they were actively seeking him. At that point all hopes of keeping him safe there were demolished as it became imperative to leave any place known by the NID -- even if off world. Jack and Sam's paranoia knew no bounds as they struggled to find a safe existence for their child.
When Thor at that point contacted them, it was as if a prayer had been answered. He had a plan to keep them safe and when Jack and Sam helped to firm up the details, all involved could not find fault. With gratitude they accepted his help and within a small period of time they were situated as they were now.
Even through the strain and worries, Jack felt overwhelmingly blessed. Life was good, he had Sam, he had Jon, and he felt that he was a lucky man in his friends. Through all the anxiety, Sam and he managed to enjoy their child and their relationship. If anything, they were stronger together than ever before.
The cabin came into view and as he did every time he saw it, Jack silently thanked Thor for all that he had done for them. Situated as it was on a small lake it bore a striking resemblance to Jack's Minnesota retreat with the exception that this wooden structure was much larger and extremely well equipped. Containing four bedrooms and three large bathrooms complete with state-of-the-art conveniences. The home was fully functional with a myriad of Asgard technology such as communication devices, transport beams, and a fully equipped Lab for Sam's research. Jack was able to continue his work as representative of the Tauri without leaving his study simply by using hologram technology and projecting himself to meetings as needed.
The light was fast leaving the landscape as Jack settled his son down for the night after giving him a much-needed bath and then allowing Teal'c to feed him his messy evening meal to then having to bath him all over again only this time allowing Teal'c be the one to get sopping wet in the process. Gently he laid his sleepy-eyed son down among his many teddy bears in his crib. Jon smiled up at his father, bidding him good night in his mind before rolling to his stomach to quickly assume his normal sleeping position -- knees tucked and his little 'bottom' up in the air. Patting his back and softly singing a lullaby, Jack felt his breathing deepen as sleep finally overtook him.
Pulling on an old Cubs sweater, he found Sam, and Teal'c in the kitchen and no sign of Daniel and Carolyn. Teal'c sitting at the kitchen bar, chopping salad fixings with the determination of a French Guillotinist barely glanced up as Jack entered the kitchen.
"Hey you. Did he settle down?" Sam asked as she pulled marinated steaks out of the refrigerator. "Yep, not a problem. He was worn out." Jack answered as he took the steaks from her along with his grilling utensils. "Our lovebirds taking their usual lakeside stroll?" He inquired with a knowing smile.
"I believe that is correct, they should be returning at any moment." Teal'c answered.
"Well then, let me just get these beauties on the Barbie." Jack quipped, his Australian accent atrocious, but as always, Sam grinned widely in enjoyment of his feeble joke.
Teal'c finished his chopping and swooped all into a large salad bowl to present it to Sam with a small bow.
"Thanks Teal'c. Why don't you join Jack at the grill, and take this tray of iced tea out with you."
'Follow me T-man." Jack yelled as he went out the patio door.
"Of course, O'Neill" Teal'c handled the tray of drinks effortlessly as he asked, "Is there any other food preparation that I could assist you with?" Teal'c politely asked.
"No. You did the salad; I've got baked potatoes in the oven and Jack's in charge of the steaks. We are good to go."
Teal'c inclined his head in his dignified manner but didn't leave, and appeared to be considering how to say something. Impulsively Sam grabbed him by the shoulders and with eyes full of affection, shook him gently. "What is it Teal'c? You've wanted to say something all day. I can tell."
"It is nothing." Teal'c responded impassively.
"Is to… something." Sam countered, and stubbornly waited him out.
"Do you not feel extreme isolation here? " Teal'c finally asked.
"It's really not so bad." Sam smiled at his concern. "We get a few visitors and every day it's something different with Jon. Seriously Teal'c have you ever seen Jack look as happy and relaxed as he does today?"
Teal'c eyebrow shot up and he glanced out the bank of windows to study the person in question; dressed in an old cubs sweater over his gray Air Force t-shirt and long, multi-pocketed khaki shorts, who at the moment was in the process of teaching Carolyn Lam, who along with Daniel had joined him on the patio, the fine art of juggling using his spice bottles. "He does appear quite content." Teal'c remarked slowly. As he then allowed himself a slight smile as he continued to watch while O'Neill, his lean features laughing as he dodged the salt and pepper bottles that Carolyn Lam had launched into the sky.
"Knowing that we are all safe has done him a world of good." Sam said softly as she too watched her husband demonstrate his own superior juggling skill.
"Have the Asgards made any further mention of your son's role in their future?" Teal'c questioned.
"No. Thor is still fielding issues with this – evidently there are still those who think they need to have some sort of proactive role in that outcome but so far, it has been fine. Thor's only involvement is to protect us – and for that we have been thankful."
"You were not informed of your child's future activities?" He inquired further.
No. It would be much too dangerous. Thor had 'mind erasures' done on all the Asgards that researched and knew the Ancient's future data. Thor is the only one left that has this knowledge and he plans on eventually having it done also." Sam said with a small shiver.
Teal'c nodded in his dignified matter as he acknowledged the truth of her words. Carefully, he sat the tray he had been holding down before finally saying,
"I would like to offer my services in protecting my God child." He stood as if at attention as he awaited her reply, his eyes focused off as if staring at something only he could see.
Sam's face reflected her surprise at the unexpected offer. Touched, she pulled him in for a long hug, "Teal'c thank you. You'll be the first one we call if ever we feel the need, even if you hadn't offered." Trying to lighten the moment, she added with a small grin, "Come on let's join the 'jugglers' before they break every spice jar I have."
Two days later – Departure back to Earth
Jack led the way down the trail to the Stargate. The morning air was still cool but already warming to what would be a hot day. Behind him trailed Daniel and Carolyn walking with Sam, who was carrying Jon in his papoose while Teal'c took up the rear of the quiet group. Jack had to grin as he noticed it was their old 'SG-1' formation albeit done subconsciously by all. The atmosphere was gloomy, as everyone felt a bit sad that the visit was over. Feeling like he needed to lighten the mood, Jack spoke up, shouting over his shoulder,
"Just think Daniel, the next time we're together, we'll be at your wedding!"
This brought a smile to all as they remembered their jubilation the previous night when Daniel had surprised everyone – including Carolyn – by asking her to marry him during their usual nightly stroll by the lake. They had celebrated the night away even breaking out champagne that Daniel had the foresight to bring with him.
Talking wedding plans into the late hours, it was pretty much settled; in little over two month's time Daniel and Carolyn would have a very small ceremony in Hank Landry's beautiful backyard garden in Colorado Springs. Jack and Teal'c were to both be 'best men' while Sam was asked rather shyly by Caroline if she would be her matron of honor and immediately she agreed with teary-eyed accompaniment.
Arriving at the gate, Daniel automatically moved to the DHD and dialed up the coordinates for earth – Sam entered the GDO code and verified that it was accepted.
Jack gripped Teal'c in their masculine form of hugging as he told him, his gravelly voice slightly husky,
"T, buddy, don't be a stranger. The door is always open. Mi Casa, Su Casa. Hmm...What other boring clichés can I come up with?" His attempt at nonchalance fell flat as he was already missing them all and they hadn't even left yet.
Teal'c stoicism was strained, as he too felt heavy-hearted at leaving. "You haven't used your talent for saying goodbye in various languages O'Neill."
"Right! Here goes! Auf Wiedersehen! Aloha! Salut! Ciao! Ole buddy."
"Chow to you too, O'Neill." Teal'c said solemnly and then turned to find Sam waiting her turn to hug him, "Remember my offer and contact me if you need me, Samantha Carter-O'Neill" he murmured in her ear as he hugged her in farewell. Sam released him and nodded smilingly and without another word, Teal'c walked up the steps and stepped through the event horizon without looking back.
Carolyn quickly hugged Sam and stroked Jon's silky cheek; her eyes threatening to spill tears as she said her goodbyes and then found herself moving to Jack O'Neill who stood waiting with a small smile.
Prior to this two week time period she would have never envisioned herself in a close relationship with this enigmatic man. A man she'd heard amazing stories about for years, a legend throughout the Galaxy – his name known by all, both evil and good throughout the known universe. A reputation that no man could live up to yet somehow he had and continued to do so. Yet arriving nervous, intimidated and somewhat awestruck he had, upon that first day begun a campaign to get to know her and with gentleness, openness and an intelligence that no one had told her the extent of; he had won her over.
For her, even though he was still somewhat of an enigma, he was now much more – she considered him someone she could trust with her life and even more difficult, her soul; a friend in every sense of the word.
Her respect had grown with every day spent in his company as she witnessed his loyalty, regard and devotion for the group he considered his 'family', his 'kids'. That would have been enough, but then there had been so much more, his dedicated love to Sam and his son – his intense convictions for what was right and fighting 'the Good Fight' had left her inspired and made her want to do more, to be more. A feeling that she imagined he inspired in just about everyone who came to know him.
Now as she stepped up to him and shyly proffered her hand in farewell, he ignored the outstretched hand to pull her close into a gentle goodbye hug.
"You've made me feel very welcome. Thank you for a wonderful vacation. I'll never forget this time as long as I live." She said her voice muffled in his neck. Jack released her and meeting her brown-eyed gaze with his own, his warm smile full of affection as he responded,
"It's been a special time for us as well -- always great to make a new friend. I'm really glad for you and Daniel."
Daniel brought up the rear, encompassing Sam and Jack in one big group hug, his blue eyes watery with tears. Not wanting to break down, he quickly kissed Jon gently and as he turned to leave, he whispered huskily, "Love you guys, and … Thank you."
As he stepped through the gate holding Carolyn's hand, he heard Jon's tiny baby voice softly reply,
"You're welcome."
Same night – Orbit around O'Neill's MoonThe alien warship hung darkly in the orbit around the large moon, hovering in the planets' shadow like a giant spider ready for a victim to stray unaware into its trap. No lights shone -- no energy readings visible to alert possible seekers of its existence. Silently, stilly with great menace it waited and watched – ready to strike.
On board, in silence the five appointed prepared for their mission that if successful, would bring them fame and fortune throughout the galaxy. Their goal: to capture the son of O'Neill and Carter by any means necessary. The large arthropodal bodies of the Re'tu warriors shimmered into invisibility as they entered the shuttle destined for the shadowed moon below them.