I still don't own Stargate. This is the third story in a series. If you haven't read Tima and Again, it may be hard to follow. I would suggest reading Regrets and Bad Decision then Time and Again before starting this one. I'm a little nervous about writing Daniel and Vala, but I'll try to do them justice. Thanks for reading.

All roads lead to the great path. Many cross along the way.

-Shifu

The last eleven months had been insane, and for the SGC that was really saying something. From the moment Jack and Sam arrived two hours late from a diplomatic mission with their three month old daughter in tow, things had been different. Daniel didn't doubt for a minute they were telling the truth. His friends had just spent the last eight months in the future, 37 years into the future to be exact. Of course, the Pentagon wasn't very happy to learn that life as we know it was going to come to an end, and the planet would soon be thrust into an ice age. Daniel wasn't exactly thrilled with the news himself, but it was the reality of the situation so he would have to get over it. It took months to get the powers that be to accept the truth and begin to plan for it. Thankfully, with Sam in command of the base, the SGC hadn't waited around twiddling their thumbs. All available teams were busy scouting potential planets suitable for setting up settlements. It certainly made the job easier since the future had sent a list, but they still had a lot of work ahead of them.

Daniel had been contentedly studying in his new office in Atlantis when Vala had called him with the news that his friends had just time travelled again. How weird was his life that it didn't even occur to him to be surprised? Obviously, he immediately returned to the SGC and left his dreams of a quiet life researching the Ancients behind. There were more important things at state than the distant past.

His favorite of those more important things had to be little Katie. It was odd to see Sam as a mom. Jack as a dad wasn't such a stretch, but Sam just beamed as she introduced him to his goddaughter the first time. It was a little unsettling, but he was immediately taken with the baby girl. He wasn't the only one. Vala couldn't get enough of her. Daniel had been worried that going back to the SGC would mean going back to having Vala constantly following him around and messing with things in his office, but she now preferred spending her time in Sam's office. As soon as General Landry left for Washington, Sam brought in a crib so her daughter would be at her side.

Vala still pestered Daniel occasionally, of course. It was just different now. He realized the change in Vala's priorities right after she saw the crib. That was quite a day. Daniel had been looking over the files from the future. Jack and Sam had only been back a few weeks, so it was his first real opportunity to get a glimpse at the task ahead of them. He hadn't gotten far when Vala barged into his office.

"Daniel, I need an escort immediately," she said with a smile.

"I'm a little busy at the moment, Vala. Can't you get someone else?"

"I could but I really think it should be you."

"Why?"

"Well, I need a crib right away."

"For what?"

"The baby, Daniel, and you really should help pick it out. It is your responsibility, you know."

"Again, why?" When Vala simply stared at him as if he were completely clueless, he opted for a different approach, "Vala, we don't have a baby. We don't need a crib."

"Of course, we have a baby. Daniel, I'm Kate's godmother. You're her godfather. We must do our part. Cribs are very important. Oh, and we'll need other things, too. I should make a list." Vala immediately grabbed a pen and paper from his desk and started righting, while Daniel just shook his head.

"Um, Vala, do you even understand what a godmother is? Katie isn't our baby. She belongs to Sam and Jack. We are only necessary if something happens to them. And, since we know they live to see her reach adulthood, our roles are really just honorary titles." He probably should have stopped there, but he couldn't help thinking aloud, "which is probably why making us godparents seemed like a good idea."

That was definitely the wrong thing to say, because suddenly Vala looked hurt. "Well, Daniel Jackson, you can shirk your responsibility if you want but I intend to be a good godmother. Sam is the first real girlfriend I've ever had and she is quite literally holding the weight of the world on her shoulders right now. Jack is back and forth between here and Washington trying to get your government to understand the world is ending. If she needs help, I intend to help her. And, that means I need a crib in my quarters, so Sam can occasionally have a few minutes to save the world without worrying about her daughter." She paused, "You know, you're right. I don't need you to go with me. I'll get someone else."

Vala immediately stormed out of Daniels office. He felt like the world's biggest heel. She was just trying to help, and he had definitely upset her. He took off running, "Vala, wait, I'm sorry. You're right. We should help. I'll take you shopping." Her smile told him he was forgiven and they took off for the store.

Vala's excitement in the baby super store reminded Daniel of the way she used to look when they were on a mission to a planet she suspected might have treasure. She oohed and awed over everything. "I've never seen so many baby things in my life," she declared. "When I was pregnant, the ladies of the village got together and sewed me some baby things. They even knitted a few soft blankets, and Tomin spent hours building a wooden crib. But, there are so many things here that I never dreamed existed. I'll have to revise my list."

"I think your list is just fine, Vala. Most of these things aren't necessities. Besides, I'm sure if Sam needs you to take care of Katie, she'll make sure you have whatever you need."

"When, Daniel, not if, when."

"Yes, sorry."

"It's okay. I know you don't think I would be a good influence for a baby."

"I didn't say that and I didn't think it either for the record. I'm sure you'll be her favorite godparent." Vala beamed at the compliment, so Daniel continued, "I've never heard you talk about what it was like to prepare for Adria. I assumed it was a bad time for you."

"Bad? It was a horrible time. I knew I shouldn't be pregnant, that it wasn't even possible. I was terrified, but there were moments when I let myself hope. Daniel, I really don't want to talk about Adria right now. Let's just focus on the list please."

"I'm sorry. Of course, crib first?" She nodded and they made their way to the furniture section. The rest of the shopping trip was an adventure. Vala picked the most expensive crib in the store then tried to talk the salesman down on the price. Eventually, Daniel convinced her to get a nice, moderately priced crib since it would be Katie's occasional napping place. He also managed to pare down her list extensively. Of course, she insisted upon buying a few outfits and a stuffed penguin to take directly to Sam and Jack's house. Daniel had thought the polar bear was better personally, but Vala told him that was just absurd.

Thinking about it, that night was the first time he had the dream. He dreamed he was on Abydos. He was outside, and the sun was just setting in the sky. Shar'e was there laughing at him as he tossed a little boy up in the air and caught him repeatedly. The boy was giggling and demanding he do it again and again. Daniel was happy then Shar'e was vanished before his eyes, but the boy was still there demanding he keep up their game. The boy was just a toddler, but Daniel recognized him as Shifu, the harsesis child of his late wife. It was odd. He hadn't dreamed of his wife in years before that night, but now he had it at least once a week. What was it he'd said to Shifu when he'd visited years before? Sometimes dreams teach. Daniel just wondered what the lesson could be in dreaming about a life he would never have and a love he'd lost.