Chapter Three: Away In a Manger

Daniel woke up to the smell of fresh brewed coffee and the muffled sound of distant laughter. He stretched and then settled back in to the comfort of the Egyptian cotton sheets. He was warm and feeling lazy and tried to come up with a reason he should get up. He looked at the bedside clock and saw that it was almost 7:30 and then remembered that he didn't have to work today, so that was a bonus. Tut had nosed his way out the door and was somewhere in the house but since he smelled coffee, he was sure that someone must have let the dog out. He should get up and plow out the drive way but he hated the thought of going out in the cold. Almost as if waiting for him to think it, he heard the sound of the truck starting up. He rose out of bed and padded to the window in time to see Teal'c pull out of the garage and slowly start plowing his way out into the driveway. The view seemed magical as the snow, still coming down hard, was lit in the soft pearl gray of early dawn.

He put on his eyeglasses, pulled on a pair of jeans, a T-shirt, his robe and some warm socks and headed down towards the kitchen. There, he found Sam and Vala seated at the kitchen table over mugs of fresh coffee.

"Morning, Sleepyhead," Sam called. "Grab a mug and join us."

Daniel did just that and sat down next to Vala, who was also still in her robe and slippers.

Sam said, "Teal'c couldn't wait for you to get up. He was pacing back and forth like a caged tiger. So, I tossed him the keys to your truck and told him to go have fun."

"I heard him leave. He must feel like a kid at Christmas, just waiting to open his presents. He asked me to show him how to plow the snow last night so I'm not surprised that he's out there." Daniel took a sip from his mug and said, "He can plow the drive any time he wants. Saves me the trouble."

"Don't you like snow, Daniel?" Vala asked as she buttered a banana nut muffin and cut it in half, offering him some.

"No, remember, I grew up in Egypt. I never could get enthused about winter. The first time I saw snow, I was a kid, living with the Hendricks' in New York. I was 8 and I never could get warm. If Teal'c wants to plow, I'm all for it. Something smells good... is that scrambled eggs, or something?"

"I fixed an omelet for Teal'c before he went out," Sam said. "Would you two like one?"

"No thanks," Vala said "I'm going up to take a shower." She rose and put her cup in the sink, rinsed it out, and then headed for the stairway.

Sam sat down across from him and said, "How about you? Hungry?"

He finished the last bite of the muffin and said, "Yeah, but I can wait. Coffee tastes good, though," he said as he took a sip.

"Sleep well?"

"Yeah, I slept like the dead. You?"

Sam smiled and said, "Thanks to your stories last night, I dreamed of turkeys and pumpkins. Oh, Steven Raynor called and said to call him when you had time, but that there wasn't any hurry."

"Wow! I really must have been tired! I didn't hear the phone ring. Did he say what he wanted?"

"I was standing here making a pot of coffee and grabbed it on the first ring. He said he heard about the blizzard on the news and called to see how you were doing. He apologized when I told him what time it was here. He's in London and said he could never keep the time differences straight. Thought it was later, not earlier."

Daniel smiled and remembered the cave that he and Vala had found by accident when the bear was after them. There were drawings of hunting scenes and one section had pictures of what looked to be elephants. When he'd recovered enough, he'd called Steven and asked him to come out for a visit.

Daniel had picked him up at the airport in Denver and drove him to the hotel he was staying in. He'd offered to put him up but Steven insisted that he stay in town. He had some research to do at the Natural History Museum in Denver and then would rent a car and drive down in a few days. They had lunch and then over coffee Daniel showed him the sketches he'd drawn of the petroglyphs.

"Why did you call me in on this, Daniel? I mean, you should take credit for the find."

"I knew that nobody would take me seriously. After my theories on the pyramids, who would? So, I thought you might be interested. This is virgin territory. Nobody has been in those caves for centuries, probably. I've already contacted my friends up there and they said you could stay with them and use their place for a base, if you want to."

A few days later, Steven had gone to the cave and had carefully taken digital recordings and then called in the Archaeology Department at the University of Colorado. There was avid interest in the archaeological community about the find and research was being done. Steven had been given a grant to work the site and he'd been able to hire a team to go into the caves and begin extensive research. The 'elephant' that Daniel saw was a drawing of a Mastodon and Steven had brought in an expert on the topic. There were many artifacts found inside the caves and it was quite a success.

He's been given a lot of attention by the media and it had done a lot for his career in just the few months since the discovery had been disclosed. Steven was now a star in the archaeology world and enjoying the benefits.

"I'll give him a call later. How much snow did we get?"

"22 inches and it's still coming down. They expect it to stop tonight." Sam stood and looked out the window and Daniel came up and stood next to her.

"It reminds me of the dunes on Abydos." He remembered the way the sand would blow across the tops. He closed his eyes for a moment and brought it all back. The sun and the way the heat waves distorted the view in the distance…. The smell of the village bazaar, of the roasted goats and the spices they were cooked in along with the smoke from the braziers and the sound of fat sizzling as it dripped into the fire…. The colors of the fabrics being offered for sale – finely woven in various shades hanging from rafters and swaying in the gentle breeze…. The chatter of the women at the well as they stopped to gossip about various things. Sha're would walk with him and stop to talk with almost everyone. She knew all the families and their children. The old people's faces seemed to light up when she approached. They offered them their blessings as they stopped to inquire about their children and grandchildren. The streets were like canyons with shadows offering cooling shade in the afternoon heat. The hot brick pavement in the sunny spots made him glad for his sandals and he wondered how the barefoot children running about could stand it.

He opened his eyes and noticed Sam watching him. She smiled and said, "Good memories?"

He looked back out and said, "Oh yeah, it was nice there. Quiet and peaceful."

"Do you miss it?" She saw the wistful expression on his face and knew he still mourned Sha're, after all these years.

"Always."

0 0 0

It had been a quiet night at the infirmary. Ackerman had been discharged but stayed at the base, waiting for the roads to be cleared. Blaker was awake and alert and Carolyn thought that he would make a full recovery.

She'd had breakfast with her father in the Briefing Room and they discussed their plans for the upcoming holidays.

"Mom invited me for Thanksgiving dinner but I told her it would depend on my work load. You never know around here who's going to come in through the gate with a medical emergency."

"I might be able to pull some strings." Hank grinned.

"Don't. Please. I don't want any special privileges just because my father is the base Commander. Mom understands. She was married to you for 15 years so she knows what it's like."

Hank didn't say anything, at first. He felt bad that his marriage to Carolyn's mother hadn't lasted. The military was a hard life and the spouses and children were usually victims to the demanding pace.

Hank nodded and then said, "The forecast is for clearing skies sometime this afternoon. Maybe, if the roads get cleared off, we can get out of here and head over to my place after lunch. I have something I want to show you."

She agreed and headed for her quarters. Doctor Warner had made it in early that morning and she was officially off the clock. Since things were quiet and there were no teams off world, she planned on catching a few hours of sleep.

She saw Cam in the hallway near the elevators. "Hey," he said. "Going home?"

"No, I'm going to get some shut-eye and then go over to dad's after lunch. What about you?" They both stepped into the elevator and pushed the buttons for the floors they wanted.

As the doors closed, he said, "Yeah, I'm on my way out. The parking lot is being plowed off, as we speak. I'm gonna go see if I can find my car. It's probably buried under some drift. The airman at the gate said the snow plows have been out all night and the roads are passable. I need to get home and check my mail, pay some bills, stuff like that. Umm… Would you like to get together later? Maybe dinner or a movie or something?"

"Are you asking me out, Colonel Mitchell?" Carolyn grinned at his obvious discomfiture of her using his formal title.

"Yes, Ma'am. I guess I am." He smiled back.

"That sounds nice." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a pencil and a note pad and wrote down her cell phone number. "Call me later and we can talk about it."

The elevator door opened and as she turned to go, she smiled and said, "See ya later."

"Yup. I'll call ya." The doors closed and Cam continued the climb to the surface, thinking about where they could go to have dinner. "Yup, this is good!"

0 0 0

Vala walked into the kitchen, dressed for the outdoors. "Daniel, I'm going outside to shovel off the sidewalk. I'll be back in later." She left through the door to the garage and soon he could hear the overhead door open and Teal'c return with the truck. He heard Vala laughing and he and Sam walked around to the sun room in time to see Teal'c and Vala having a snowball fight.

"That looks like fun," Sam said. "Let's go out and join them."

Daniel agreed and headed up the stairs to his room and soon the four adults were outside behaving like 10 year olds, throwing snowballs and laughing. The snow was just damp enough to hold together but making a snowman was out of the question. Sam showed Vala how to make snow angels and Teal'c and Daniel were throwing snow balls at Tut, who thought he could catch them with his mouth, only to be surprised when they exploded on impact. The dog jumped through the snow drifts and chased Daniel who dodged around the yard. Before long, they were all covered with snow and red faced. It was time to come in and soon, they were all back inside shedding their warm coats, hats and gloves and slipping off their boots. They warmed themselves by the fire in the lounge, sipping hot chocolate and relaxing in front of a movie on T.V..

Lunch came and went and Teal'c went back out to plow again. Sam rode along and that left Daniel and Vala to do dishes and clean up.

When everyone was gathered again around the fire , Vala said, "Okay, Daniel. I want to hear about Christmas."

"As would I, Daniel Jackson. I have read many books and have seen many specials on your television, but I would like to hear what you have to say," said Teal'c.

"Okay, well it's a holiday that has changed a lot over the years and every country that celebrates it, does it differently, to some extent. According to the Bible, about 2,000 years ago, a prophecy was fulfilled when a baby was born to a virgin." He then went on to explain what the Bible had to say about that.

Vala was intrigued. She just loved the way he told stories.

"When the pilgrims came to America, they didn't celebrate Christmas but over time, it eventually became what it is now. It's actually two different holidays. The secular holiday involves Santa and it's believed that he brings presents to each home and he has flying reindeer that pull his sleigh through the air. Then, there is the religious aspect for those who believe it is a solemn day that denotes the birth of the Savior and redemption for all mankind who are willing to believe in Him. A lot of people keep it both ways but there are many who don't do the secular stuff, just the religious stuff, and others who won't do the religious stuff but put up Christmas trees in their homes and give gifts."

Sam said, "Yes, I have some Jewish friends who have Christmas trees and give presents."

"Right. That's the secular part that really doesn't have anything to do with the religious part. That's why some nonbelievers will celebrate it. It's just a day of fun and gift giving for them."

Vala was confused so Daniel explained who Jesus was and that there were many religions in the world that recognized Jesus as a Savior but had different ways they worshiped him. There were also many others who believed that he was a prophet or a teacher, but not the Savior.

Vala sat quietly and gazed at the fire. Then she said, "Daniel, what do you believe?"

"Well, I don't believe in Santa, if that's what you mean," he smiled a bit. "But, I do like to give presents to my special friends. I never had room for a tree at my apartment but I'm thinking of putting up a really tall one in the sun room this year. I think it would look beautiful."

"No, I mean, do you believe that this Jesus was the Savior that the others say he is?" She was really curious.

Daniel sat quietly for a few moments and then said, "I don't know, Vala. When I was a little boy in Egypt, I read a lot about all the Egyptian gods and really believed that they existed. My parents told me about Christianity, too, but I could see the pyramids and the artifacts and that seemed real to me. More real than what Christianity had to offer. Then, I came to America and saw my parents die." He paused, briefly reliving that horrible moment from his distant past. "After that, I was exposed to what the U.S. has to offer as far as the Christmas tree and presents and Santa, and all that. I went to church a few times with some of my foster families but I was pretty much left to figure it out by myself. Nobody ever demanded that I become one of them. I guess they figured it wouldn't be fair to demand anything of me because they never knew who would adopt me and what religion, if any, they practiced. But, I was never adopted so I didn't become involved in anything. I never formally joined any religion. Over the years, I didn't give it much thought. Now, after all the things we've seen out in the galaxy… all the aliens who posed as false gods out there… who enslaved people who originally came from earth, I don't honestly know what to believe." He sat quietly for a minute and then looked over and said, "What about you, Sam?"

"Well, as a scientist, I've been trained to believe in what I see. In science. But, as a person, I look around and see that there's a definite order to the universe. Something or someone had to start it all. I've studied the Big Bang theory, among others, but when I look at all the patterns and all the intricate ways that each thing depends on the things around it for order, structure, life… it makes me wonder. And even that had to have a beginning. My mother took me to church before she died. She gave me the option, I guess. I'd like to believe and honestly, Daniel… I lean toward believing that there is a God who started the whole thing. As far as a Savior goes... why not? We've seen a lot of things out there that seem a whole lot stranger than that. Teal'c? What do you think about it?"

"I have read much on the subject and it is interesting to hear what you think. Daniel Jackson, from what I've read, the Christian community believes that Jesus performed many miracles before his death, is that not so?"

"Yes, that's what is written."

"And it is said that after the death of this Savior, he was ascended. Is that also correct?"

"Yes." Daniel was starting to feel a bit uncomfortable and wondered where this was leading.

"Were you not ascended, also, Daniel Jackson?"

"Whoa, Teal'c. I'm not claiming to be the 'Savior.'"

"I was not implying that you were claiming this. I am merely pointing out that when you left, we were made to believe that you ascended, is that not so?"

"Yes, I did ascend. Your point, Teal'c?"

"If you wish us to believe that you were ascended, why is it difficult for you to believe that this Jesus is ascended and that he is who he says he is?"

"Wait, Teal'c. I'm a bit surprised to hear you say that. I mean… you, of all people, know how the Goa'uld pose as false gods. You have learned the truth. And now, when you hear about another 'god,' you think that it might be true? I would think you'd be more skeptical."

"I am not sure what to believe, Daniel Jackson. I am merely stating that we have encountered many beings in this galaxy that have powers that we cannot explain. The Ori are one example. But, we believe that there powers are real. Why is that?"

"I guess it requires faith," Daniel said, soberly.

"Indeed."

The conversation shook up Daniel a little bit and Sam could see that he was bewildered so she changed the subject. "So, what day does Christmas fall on this year?"

Vala asked, "What month does it fall in?"

"December," Daniel said.

Vala went to the calendar on the wall and flipped a few pages and said, "Christmas Day is on a Monday, according to this, and I don't know about the rest of you but I love the idea of Santa and presents! When can we get started?" She was so excited at the prospect that she could barely sit still.

Daniel could only grin at her child like enthusiasm "It's not for a few weeks yet. I'll let you know when."

0 0 0

Carolyn spent the afternoon with her father at his apartment and after a bit, he went into his bedroom and came out with a few scrap albums. As he sat down next to her on the couch and set them on the coffee table in front of her, he said, "I have wanted to show you this, ever since you came to the base, but we haven't had a chance before."

She leaned forward to look as he opened the first one. Inside was the hospital certificate that was issued when she was born. It had yellowed some and the little red seal was frayed a bit at the edges but it had her name and all the vital statistics written on it. She was surprised that he'd kept it. She turned the page and saw a picture of herself, taken the day she was born. It was a bit faded but the colors were still there, showing her wrapped up in a little pink receiving blanket. Next to that picture was a picture of her with her father, probably taken the same day. He looked so young! As she continued to slowly turn the pages and look at the pictures and other memorabilia, she noticed a lump in her throat and her eyes got a little misty. She looked over at her father and saw him quietly watching her.

She opened the next album and saw her first grade report card that had all A's listed for the year.

"You were always so smart. I never had to worry about you getting good grades." He smiled at her and pointed to a drawing she'd made of a house with three people in it, representing her with her mom and dad.

"You did this one with your first box of crayons."

She caressed the picture with her fingers and thought, 'He's kept these all these years! I can hardly believe it!'

"I have more albums. The latest one has pictures of you that were taken at the barbecue that we had at Daniel's house on Labor Day. He took the pictures with his digital camera and gave me copies."

She couldn't say anything. She never knew he'd taken the time all these years to put these albums together. As he sat back against the couch, he held his arm out and she settled in close to his side.

"You seem surprised that I made these. Your mother gave me some of the pictures. Others, she gave me copies of. Surely, you know that I care about you. I know we've had our differences over the years, and I'm sorry for that, but I love you, Carolyn. I always have, and, I wish things had turned out differently, for us. But, here we are now and we have another chance. Can we start over?"

Carolyn looked up into her father's face and nodded, tears falling from her eyes. "Yes, Dad. It's what I've always wanted. Even when I was so angry with you and mom, I wished for better. I'd be a fool to throw it away, now."

He kissed the top of her head and then reached over and grabbed another scrap album and they spent the rest of the afternoon laughing and reliving some cherished memories.