Paul sat down after speaking for a little over two hours and looked at the woman sat opposite him. "That's really about all you need to know. You understand of course that you will need to sign non-disclosure forms whether or not you decide to take this assignment or not."

She frowned and looked away to the side of the room yet again. "Of course. But…" She returned her attention once again to the officer infront of her. "I still don't quite understand why I'm here. I mean, what the hell have I got to offer you guys? From what I understand, the personal here have done a fine job of whopping aliens arse's for the last seven or so years. Why bring me in?"

Paul smiled. He liked this woman. She was oblivious to military protocol and her attitude was fresh and at times very amusing. "Whilst I can confirm there has been some serious arse whopping over the years, there have also been great losses. SG1, the team I mentioned to you before, have encountered a civilisation that has been terrorised by invisible beings. The people of that world call them the Alcoa – there is a chance they may be spirits, but we really don't know. So, we figured we could use the help of someone with your expertise."

"My expertise." Her eyebrows shot up at his choice of words. "Well I guess it's better than having stone hurled at me." She sighed. "I'm not sure how much good I'm going to be but, sure why not. I mean I can't do any harm can I?"

"Thank you. I believe we are all scheduled to return to the planet tomorrow so I will get guest quarters assigned to you. Please let me know if there is anything you need." He got up to leave and then turned back and looked at her. "I have to say, that for a civilian, you took the news of all this…" He gestured his arms around the room. "…pretty well. Have you no doubts at all about what I've told you?"

She smiled and stood up. "I'm a witch Major and I have powers. I have also spent the last ten years talking to the dead, so to learn that there is a device within Government control that is able to send you to other planets, is not really a huge stretch of the imagination for me. Besides… I have it on good authority that you are a good man and have no reason to lie to me."

It was Paul's turn to raise his eyebrows. "Oh?"

She chuckled softly. "There is more than one spirit attached to this facility. So believe me when I say, I'd soon know if you were lying."

"I'm not sure I wanted to know that." Paul opened the door for her and then led her along the halls. "Are you hungry?"

She shook her head softly. "Not really no. But I could murder a coffee."

Paul sniggered. "Oh you're going to fit right in."

-

Sg1, Jacob, Martouf and Paul looked up as Hammond brought her into the room.

"People, I'd like you to meet Annabel Watson. She's is going to be helping out with this mission and will be accompanying you to the planet. Annabel meet Colonel O'Neill, Major Carter, Dr Jackson, Teal'c, Jacob and Martouf."

"What?! General you have got to be kidding me. You want us to baby-sit a civilian?"

"Colonel I can assure you that will not be the case. Annabel has hand to hand combat experience and several martial arts titles under her belt. And whilst she is not comfortable with carrying a gun, I can assure you she does know how to use one."

"Maybe… that doesn't mean she actually would." Jack grumbled allowing his gaze to fall to the table.

"Is it too difficult for you to address your concerns to me directly?" Annabel sat down in a chair next to Hammond.

Jack looked up a little startled that this new comer had the nerve to speak to him in such a manner. "Well I suppose I should expect nothing less from a civilian who has absolutely no respect for the chain of command."

The members of SG1 and the two Tok'ra sat at the table watched the exchange with amusement and concern.

Jack stood up. "Listen missy. I am the leader on this mission and I give the orders. If you have a problem with that then I suggest you turn around and walk right back on out of here because I have no problem doing this without you."

Annabel rose from her chair and glared at him. "I'm sure you don't, but I was asked to come here and help you and I agreed to do that. No obviously some higher power felt the need to ask for assistance in this matter and that assistance came in the form of me. So I suggest you just get over yourself and accept the fact that whether you like it or not, I'm coming with you."

Jack looked at Hammond who also was watching the exchange closely. Although he didn't entirely agree with the way Annabel was expressing herself, he also knew that to stand up to Jack would gain some respect, albeit eventually. "General please. I am not prepared to have a loose cannon on this mission that refused to listen to orders, had the potential to place herself and the rest of my team in danger and has no hope in hell of defending herself."

Annabel leant forward over the table. "From what I hear, the only loose cannon around here is you."

"Ok that's it I've had enough…" Jack moved away from the table and began to leave the room.

Annabel looked at Hammond for permission and upon seeing him nod, raised her hands and Jack stood still mid stride. She walked over to him, aware that all eyes were on her and took his ID, his belt and his watch from him before taking her seat and raising her hands again.

Jack's foot hit the floor and his combats promptly fell to the floor. Jack hurriedly pulled them up again. "Hey, where's my god damn belt?"

Annabel cleared her throat and swung the belt in her hand. She then picked up his ID and watch and held them in the other hand. "As you can see 'Colonel', I am quite capable of defending myself… or should I say disarming others."

Sam and Daniel were trying hard to suppress their laughter as Jack stormed over to her, snatched his things and returned to his seat muttering.

Jacob and Martouf stared at her questioningly.

"I have the ability to manipulate time. I can slow it down or sped it up. I try not to do that latter as that usually ends up with things literally blowing up in my face, but then again sometimes that can come in handy."

"Oh my god. Like Piper in Charmed." Annabel nodded at Sam's comment. "So you can manipulate molecules as well. I don't believe it."

Annabel shook her head softly. "You deal with aliens on a daily basis and you cannot believe that?"

Sam shrugged. "Sorry, it's the scientist in me."

"I do believe that she will be an asset to the team General Hammond." Teal'c spoke for the first time in the meeting. "Her ability would allow us the advantage in several occurrences."

Jacob nodded. "He's right. I assume also that she has knowledge of all Wiccan and Pagan rituals and beliefs." He watched Annabel nod. "And you can communicate with those who have passed on."

"Only those who choose to stay Earth bound. Once they have crossed over, communication is lost."

"This is beginning to turn into a TV commercial…"

"Why Colonel O'Neill, you don't strike me as the type to watch 'Charmed' or 'Ghost Whisperer'?"

"Ok ok that's enough. Regroup here at 08.00 for your final mission briefing. I suggest you all take some time to get to know each other. By the looks of it… you're going to need it. Dismissed."