Title: Unending
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Rating: M
Disclaimer: Don't own it, wish I did, I just like to play in their universe once and a while. I'll put them back when I'm finished. I promise.
Author's Note: I apologize for taking so long, but real life came first and my muse ran off with a Vala clone from the GateWorld Forum. So I had to think this one through on my own. Please keeping looking for the chapters, I'll get them out as quickly as I can or as I can manage. Though I'm not sure if I will continue with this story or leave it for the moment. As before it is unbeta read, so forgive the mistakes.
Winjan: I love the fact the team managed to escape without notice, it was my favorite part of the chapter. WingedIsis16: Thanks, it's taking a while, but I am. Scottiedog: I know I'm taking soooo long. Sorry, but my mused up and left me. Well that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
Unending
Chapter Four: Holding it together
The scream tour through the silence, bringing Cameron Mitchell out of bed instantly, he instinctively grabbed his side arm and stumbled out into the dark, the weapon ready to fire. Light filtered out from Daniel's room as the archaeologist staggered out of his room still half asleep.
"That was Dani," Daniel informed.
Cameron nodded and they both rushed to her bedroom, bursting into the room without knocking.
Nick was already there, he hadn't in fact left. He held his sobbing, shaking archaeologist in his arms, rubbing her back. "It's okay," he whispered. He glanced over his head, seeing the Colonel and doctor.
Daniel didn't need an explanation, he knew what had happened; he grabbed Cameron's arm and dragged him out of the room, shutting the door. But the colonel knew what had happened.
"Nightmare," the Colonel remarked and ran his hand through his hair. "Bad one too by the look of it," he put the safety back on his side arm, having flicked it off, and walked over and turned the light on in the kitchen, putting it on the counter. "Coffee?"
Daniel turned off the flashlight and put it beside the pistol. "Yeah, thanks."
Jason came out of his room carrying a hypo injector. "Morning," he said as he passed, going into the young woman's bedroom.
Cameron had finished making the coffee by the time Nick and Jason came back out; he'd made them one too. Putting a mug in front of them as they sat down, he gave Daniel his and then took his own, joining them at the table. "Well, I wanted to get up early fells, but not this early."
Nick rubbed his eyes wearily. "This one was worse then usual."
"Usual?" Daniel questioned, they'd all suffered from nightmares at one point or another. Especially after joining the Stargate program, it was something they'd all experienced.
"She's been through a lot, Daniel," Jason stated. "More then she should have."
"We all have Jace," Nick declared, but agreed. "But with Dani, she just seems to be a magnet for trouble. The scars on her body aren't the only ones she bares; the emotional ones are a lot deeper."
"Whoa, what scars?" Cameron queried, then for some reason he looked over Nick's head and saw the young woman standing there. "Sorry, kiddo."
"It's okay," she shuffled over to him. "I'll show you," she said and pulled her t-shirt off, she wore a sports bra, she turned; the scar on the back was larger on then on her stomach.
Cameron didn't realize he was touching it until he actually was; he pulled his hand back. "Sorry."
She turned. "Don't be."
He saw the matching scar on her abdomen. "How? What would course scars like this?"
She put her shirt back on and sat next to him. "Being impaled by pulse staff, it entered my back and came out through my stomach."
Cameron swore softly. "Sorry," he apologized again.
"It's okay," she glanced at her dad, his reaction had been similar; she looked back at the Colonel. "We were captured by Vollan's and during the escape; I stepped in front of Nick to protect him. Which I did, I stopped him from being impaled; the Vollan impaled me with his pulse staff instead."
Jason saw the shock on his father's face; he'd paled slightly. "A pulse staff is a little over two meters long and can fire pulse blast or be used as a spear. When the Vollan impaled Dani, it triggered a pulse through the staff. Nick killed the Vollan, but the damage was already done. Dani coded twice on the way to the Stargate and once after we came through," he paused, seeing his friend take his dad's hand, giving it a squeeze. "She was lucky a Tok'ra agent was visiting Atlantis. He used a hand device to stabilize her, and then the medical team took over."
"You feel like your whole body is on fire, the pain is unbelievable," Danielle said, her voice tight with emotion. "I don't remember much after the staff was pulled out, just the pain."
Cameron found his fingers laced comfortably with hers. "How did you survive something like that?"
"It wasn't easy, there were so many times I just wanted to let go, of the pain, the hurt, everything that held me to my body. Just let go and join my parents."
"But you didn't."
"No, I didn't. My brother still needed me and my team needed me," she smiled shyly. "They became my anchor, the reason why I fought so hard too live."
Cameron squeezed her hand gently. "Well I'm glad you did."
She blushed at the comment. "Thanks."
"The team wouldn't be the team without you, Dani." Jason insisted. "You know that."
She gave a nod and a smile. "I know," she turned to Cameron, caressing her thumb over his hand. "I also know my family. My family I have here and now, cares too." She lent closer and kissed his cheek. "Just stop calling me jailbait, or I'm going to start calling you Uncle Cam."
Cameron chuckled. "You've got a deal, kiddo," he promised and gave her a hug, whispering in her ear. "You are damn cute though, Nick's a lucky guy. If you were a bit older, I'd give him a run for his money."
She giggled and sat back. "I'm going to tell him that one day."
"I'll deny everything," he teased.
"Deny what?" Nick inquired, seeing the two grinning.
"Nothing," Danielle told him, smirking.
"Nothing at all," Cameron agreed with her, amused by it.
Nick shook his head. "On second thoughts, I don't think I want to know."
"Safer that way," Daniel agreed, smiling over the lip of his coffee mug.
"Oh yeah," Jason smirked. "A lot safer."
"Hey, I just thought of something?" Cameron interrupted. "How come Bray and Matt aren't out here?"
Nick snorted at that. "Those two would sleep thought anything."
"Really?"
"That and they knew I was with Dani. They would know if anything happened that I couldn't handle," he reassured.
"They would?" Cameron queried curiously.
Danielle nodded. "They would. We're been together long enough to know when one of us needs help and when to offer help."
"You've a bond." Daniel stated.
"Yes."
"It's more then that, though isn't it?" he inquired.
"A little," she agreed. "We've faced so much together, been apart of each other's lives long enough that being together is normal. When one hurts, we all hurt. We're a family."
Daniel knew there was more to it, more then she was going to say. He glanced at his watch. "Well as much as I love being up early. I'm going back to bed."
Jason finished his coffee. "I'm going too," he got up and washed his mug out. "See you all in the morning."
"Night," his dad bided.
Danielle let go of Cameron's hand and stood. "I'm going to try and get some sleep too."
Nick got to his feet; he washed his mug out, leaving it on the sink. "Come on Dani."
She took his hand and went with him back to her room.
Daniel glanced at Cameron, who shrugged and grabbed his mug and washed it along with his own. "They're sleeping together."
The Colonel chuckled. "They're adults, Jackson. Leave them alone."
"She's 17."
Cameron shook his head. "Go to bed. Daniel," he said with a smirk, he took his side arm and head off to his room.
Daniel switched off the light, using the flashlight to go back to his room. Having a daughter wasn't easy and he was learning that the hard way.
In Danielle's room, Nick shut the door and turned the light out, drawing her into his arms. He cupped her face in his hands and brushed his lips over her. She parted her lips and kissed him back, pulling at his t-shirt as he guided her back towards the bed. The back of her legs hit the bed as she managed to get his shirt off; she threw it onto the floor. Then reached for hers, taking if off, it joined it on the floor as she kicked off her sandshoes.
Nick toed off his and reached for her, the sports bra came off her body under his nimble fingers; it landed on the floor with their shirts. Their sweats joined them next and they tumbled onto the bed, him in his boxes, and her in boyleg pants, which quickly joined the pile of clothing.
Nick brushed his lips over her throat and moved slowly down her body. In the last twenty-four hours, he'd gotten to know her intimately, know what she liked and disliked, and when they made love, they touched each other in a way neither had ever known before.
Danielle groaned and gripped the sheets, biting her bottom lip to stop from crying out at as a wave of pleasure washed over her; she squirmed in delight.
Nick chuckled as he moved over her again, her eyes were dark with arousal and her cheeks were flush. He kissed her lips, parting them, thrusting his tongue inside her mouth. She meet it with her own, her hands gripped his shoulders as she thrust her hips to meet his. He nudged between her thighs and they become one, moving together in unison, pushing the limits of pleasure to reach a new height of ecstasy, reaching the peek of release, their cries muffled as their mouth meet in a searing kiss.
Nick buried his head in the crock of her shoulder breathing hard, as she ran her fingers through his damp hair. Lifting his head, he kissed her swollen lips gently. "Let me up, darlin'," she did and he shifted to lay next to her, drawing her once more into his arms.
Danielle lay content in his arms. "Do you think, in our universe, they got together, the other us?"
Nick stroked her shoulder. "They'd be fools if they didn't."
She felt her eyes close, she was sure Jason has slipped her more then a relaxant. "We're no fools."
"No sweetheart, we're not," he said with a smile and kissed the top of her head. "Go to sleep."
"Hmmm, doing that," she murmured.
He chuckled softly as she drifted off and soon joined her.
0o0o0o0
Cameron could feel the breeze against his face as he ran, the morning air had a chill to it, but it was pleasant. He wasn't alone; Nick and Danielle were jogging ahead of him. Bray and Matt were behind him and Jason.
He was a shamed to admit since they'd left the cabin his gaze had been on the young woman ahead of him, she looked good, even in sweats, well the back of her did. That's what he'd been watching for the past five miles.
Jason chuckled. "You're drooling, dad."
He snapped out of it. "What?"
"You're drooling, dad. You've been drooling for the last five miles."
Cameron tired to deny it. "I haven't."
His son chuckled. "You have, not that I blame you, just don't get caught doing it."
"Not likely," he admitted lightly, "Still if she was a few years older."
Jason smiled, but the fact was they had been a few years older. "You'd give the Major a run for his money?"
"Hell, yeah."
"If it wasn't for Dani, I doubt I'd be here." Jason told him. "She got me on my feet when the doctors couldn't." He gave a little smirked. "She had amazing ways to motivate me."
"I bet."
Jason couldn't help but smile at that. "She never gave up on me and I guess that's why I never gave up on her after I joined SG-1."
"You guys are a pretty tight team." Cameron noted. "You're closer then normal teams."
He shrugged casually. "It's who we are. You're close to your team."
"We're not as close as we could be," his dad declared. "But I trust them with my life."
"That's a start." Jason noted, but it bothered him that they were going to have to compromise in this universe.
"What's wrong, kid?" Cameron asked, seeing the frown the came on his son's face.
"It's nothing."
"Jase, come on spill."
The younger Mitchell shrugged a little as they jogged. "It's just we're going to have to make some compromises when we get to Atlantis."
"Like?"
"Well, we had our own team room and we shared a locker room, the five of us, our quarters were on the same level."
"Whoa, wait a minute; you shared a locker room, the five of you?" Cameron said, knowing how Daniel would react to that one.
Jason nodded. "The five of us, it's sort of SOP for us, it's the same with off world visits, we stick together at all times."
"Well, I don't think Dr. Weir will stop the off world SOP, but as for a locker room, that might be different." Cameron declared.
"Like I said, we'll compromise."
They turned back after another mile, this time Danielle and Nick were last, giving her a good look at the two men ahead of her.
"They were talking about you." Nick stated the obvious.
"I know," she smiled. "This Cam Mitchell is different to the Uncle Cam we know, he hasn't seen the things Uncle Cam has, or experienced what he has."
"No, he hasn't."
"Uncle Cam wouldn't flirt." Danielle said with a smirk.
"No he wouldn't." Nick agreed calmly, he knew he had nothing to worry about. "This Cam Mitchell however enjoys flirting with you."
"Yes he does," she giggled. "Jealous?"
"Nope, because I know he won't make a move on you."
"He does have a cute butt thought," she said, teasing.
"I won't know, sweetheart."
She patted his butt. "No you wouldn't," she mused and then jogged head, squeezing between Cameron and Jason. "Excuse me," she said sweetly and kept on jogging, hearing the two Mitchell's chuckle.
Their chuckles quickly became shorts of warnings that Danielle had no time to react too as a jeep roared out of nowhere, hitting the young woman. Her body stuck by the front of the jeep rolled onto the bonnet and then hit the windscreen and was flung off onto the ground, hitting with a sickening thud. The Jeep never stopped, its drunk driver and companions not even aware they'd hit a person.
Voices floated through Danielle's subconscious, her teams, her father's, Cameron Mitchell's. There was a blurred recollection of base paramedic's, a helicopter ride, Dr. Lam's voice shouting orders as pain racked her body with every breath she took. Then there was what felt like a pin prick and a painless darkness reached out to take her and she let it.
0o0o0o0
Jack rubbed his hand over his face and tried unsuccessfully to get comfortable in the chair. The sound of the heart monitor was steady, one beat after another. At least the young woman lying in the bed before him was off the respirator, a nasal cannula still supplied oxygen at her nose.
Sitting forward, Jack took her hand in his, being careful not to knock of the pulse monitor clipped to her finger. An IV was in her other arm, supplying lost blood and antibiotics. He knew as well as the doctors what she'd been lucky. Damn lucky, she'd also nearly died. They'd nearly lost her on the helicopter and then after they'd arrived at the SGC. She'd been bleeding internally, one lung punctured by one of four broken ribs. Her left shoulder was badly bruised, but luckily not dislocated.
For a short time thought, they had thought they were going to lose her. But Jason hadn't given up, he'd insisted on taking her back into surgery and he'd been right. He'd saved her life. His surgical techniques had impressed Carolyn Lam as she'd assisted him in the surgery.
What worried them now was the fact she hadn't regained consciousness. Both doctors had insisted there was no head injury; Danielle would wake up when she was ready.
Jack was more then ready for her to wake up. Daniel was beside himself with worry, so much so Carolyn had slipped him a 'mickey' in his coffee; he was now asleep in the ward. Sheppard had been as bad, a sneak attack from Dex and a hypo had him in out before he could retaliate, joining the young woman's father. The rest of SG-1 and Atlantis SG-1 had been ordered to get some sleep or risk the same treatment; they'd gone to quarters without argument.
So Jack had come to sit at Danielle's bedside. It gave Jack a sense of deja'vu; he'd sat in the same ICU room a number of times with Daniel. Now it was his daughter. And Jack's goddaughter; Daniel had filled him in.
Her cover story said he was her godfather, just as he'd been in her reality. He was her Uncle Jack.
Carolyn came up behind him, checking the monitors, before making notes on the chart at the end of the bed. "Why don't you get some sleep, Jack?" she suggested.
"I got some earlier," he unconsciously stoked the young woman's hand with his thumb.
She walked around and pulled up a chair, sitting with him. "She'll pull through, Jack, you've just got to give her time."
"And if she doesn't. I wanted them to come here," he said aimlessly. "I agreed to let them stay at the cabin. I should have ordered them back here."
"And if the Stargate hadn't of been hit by whatever it was hit by, they wouldn't be here at all," she said bluntly and then stated. "There are so many what ifs and what could have been. You can't control what happens."
"No, we can't, but this shouldn't have happened to her."
"No, it shouldn't have," she agreed, "but it has and now you've got to be strong for her, for Daniel, Nick, her team, SG-1."
Jack was going to comment when he felt his hand being griped, he grinned. "Doc, she squeezed my hand."
Carolyn got quickly to her feet and went round to the other side of the bed, checking the monitors. "Talk to her, Jack."
He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Come on kiddo, wake up. Let me see those baby blue eyes."
"That's it Danielle, wake up honey." Carolyn encouraged her.
Danielle opened her eyes and wrinkled her nose; it itched because of the nasal cannula. A lot of things also hurt. She slowly turned her head, disorientated. "Uncle Jack?" her voice was harsh and her throat sore.
"I'm here honey; you're going to be all right?"
"You've been on a respirator, Danielle, your throat is going to be sore for a while," Carolyn explained, she gestured a nurse in. "Can you get me cup of ice chips please?"
"Yes, doctor," the nurse said and hurried out.
"Was…. Was anyone….anyone else hurt?" Danielle managed to ask. "I remember… I was hit."
"No honey, only you," the doctor told her.
"You've got your father's luck, kiddo," Jack said happily. "And the sheriff got the hunters who hit you."
The nurse returned and handed a cup full of ice chips with a spoon in it to Carolyn, who feed a small spoonful to her patient. "That should help. Are you in any pain?"
Danielle slowly nodded. "Hurt."
"Where, honey?"
"Every where."
Carolyn smiled at that. "Okay, I'll get you something for the pain," she spoke to the nurse again, who acknowledged her and hurried to an equipment trolley, returning with a syringe. Carolyn took it and injected the medication into the IV port. "You should feel better in a moment," she stated and quickly disposed of the syringe. "You're a very lucky young lady, and you have a remarkable friend."
Danielle felt her eyes growing heavy again. "Jason?"
"He saved your life."
"Again," she managed before closing her eyes. "Want to go home, Uncle Jack?"
Jack looked a little confused. "Home, sweetheart?"
"Atlantis," she said and then drifted off in a dreamless sleep.
Carolyn adjusted one of the monitors. "She's asleep again; I didn't expect her to be awake for long."
"She looks younger in her sleep. So does her father." Jack noted.
She smiled. "I've noticed," she made some notes on the young woman's chart. "Go and get some sleep, Jack, she'll be fine. And I don't need a cranky General as a patient."
"Cranky?"
"Cranky," she mused.
He got to his feet. "All right, only because I'm tired and not because I'm cranky."
She chuckled. "Of course," she mused and then looked down at the chart once more, as he lent over and kissed his goddaughter's forehead.
Jack saw her looking. "Not a word, young lady."
"Lips are sealed," she promised.
He frowned and hurried out.
0o0o0o0
Cameron sat in the commissary playing with a spoon, half eaten red jello sat in front of him.
Vala sat next to him. "Any news?"
"She woke up briefly," he said putting his spoon in the jello.
"Well that's good, right, I mean Carolyn was worried about Dani not waking up," she said trying to encourage some cheerfulness.
He nodded. "Yeah."
"What about your parents, have you rang them yet about Jason?" Vala inquired and began eating his jello.
"Yes, they're looking forward to meeting him and hearing the whole story." Cameron revealed tiredly. "It was a shock for them."
"Well, I suppose it's not everyday they find out their golden boy was actually a bad boy," she said smirking. Seeing a smile ease onto his lips, it was what she wanted. She was worried about Dani too; there was nothing they could do, but wait. "Well your mother didn't actually say you were a golden boy, but I think that's a reference that works." She licked the spoon. "And I do recall the stories she told me."
"I will be talking to my mother about that," he said matter of fact.
"You know, we should have a party to introduce Jason to them; a 'Here's your grandson party'." Vala said with enthusiasm.
"We are not having a party." Cameron told her firmly.
"Oh stop being a stick in the bog."
"Mud, Vala. Stick in the mud," he corrected her. "And the answer is still no."
"Oh come on it will be fun," she urged him.
"No it won't."
Bray arrived with Matt and Teal'c.
"Colonel Mitchell, Vala Mal Doran," the Jaffa greeted.
"Hey Teal'c," Cameron said, gesturing for them to sit down. They did. "Where's Jason?"
"Talking with Dr. Lam," Matt revealed. "They're going over the procedure that he did on Dani."
"They were giving me a headache," Bray said bluntly, getting chuckles from the all.
"How are Jackson and Sheppard?" Cameron inquired.
"Daniel Jackson is talking with General Landry and Major Sheppard was flirting with the nurses." Teal'c answered.
"He just has to look at a nurse and their willing to bare his children." Matt complained.
"Now that sounds like a McKay." Sam said coming over to them. "Hey guys."
"Hi Sam, join us." Vala urged.
She was about too when they heard the announcement over the PA.
"Dr. Mitchell to ICU, Dr. Mitchell to ICU. Dr. Jackson to the infirmary."
Cameron got up and bolted out of the commissary, his team and Atlantis SG-1, running after him. Changing levels, they ran into the commissary and to ICU, going to the observation room, seeing a male orderly physically holding Nick back as Carolyn and Jason worked on Danielle, trying to get her to breathe again. Jason shouting orders to the nurses as the two of them worked.
Daniel rushed into the observation room with Jack. "What's going on?"
"We just got here," Cameron, told them feeling dread creep into his soul.
Jack went over to the microphone and clicked it on. "What's going on, Doctor?"
"Not now, General," she ordered and then ignored him.
Vala went over to Daniel, putting her arm around him. "She's going to be all right."
He nodded, he felt sick to his stomach with fear. He couldn't lose another woman he loved; he couldn't lose his daughter. "She's got to be."
She rested her head on his shoulder, but felt him shudder every time they used the defibrillator. She took his hand and gave it a squeeze, letting him know she was there for him.
Cameron moved closer to the window, his dread felt like a shroud. "Come kid, breath," he whispered.
Sam joined him, rubbing his back. She knew he'd become close to Danielle. "She will, Cam."
In ICU, they heard the heart monitor starting beeping out a steady beat, making everyone sighed in relief.
"We've got her back." Jason exclaimed, thankful.
The orderly let go of Nick. "Sorry sir."
"It's okay," the Major assured him; he stayed where he was though as the nurse's resettled Danielle. "You were just doing your job."
The orderly nodded and moved away from him.
"Doc?"
Carolyn turned as Jason was using an Ancient medical scanner. "I don't know, General, she was fine one minute, the next she was coding."
Jason frowned at the reading he was getting. "She was poisoned."
Turing Carolyn looked at him shocked. "What?"
"She was poisoned, there's an unknown drug in her system," he showed her the readings he was getting.
Nick looked too, hearing a moan; he moved closer to Danielle's bed, he took her hand, calming the anger he felt. Someone had tried to kill her. "Dani?"
She opened her eyes. "Nick?"
"I'm here."
"Chest hurts…"
"I know," he rubbed her hand. "You stopped breathing; they had to use the defibrillator to restart your heart."
Her eye lids felt heavy. "Want to go home."
He knew that, he turned and looked up at the observation room. "General. We need to take Dani back to Atlantis."
Jack hesitated, and then nodded. "Agreed. Doc, get her ready to travel. I'll talk to Landry," he told them and then hurried out.
Nick sighed in frustration. "Dex, clear out mine and the Doc's quarters."
"On it, Major," he acknowledged and left.
Carolyn was not happy. "Taking her through the Stargate might not be the smartest thing at the moment."
"We're going, doctor." Nick informed bluntly.
"All right," she gave up. "Give Jason and I an hour."
He nodded, seeing the woman he loved was asleep again, he lent over and kissed her forehead, then left the room. Deep inside he wanted to find who did this and rip them limb from limb, but his heart was telling him Dani's safety was more important then revenge.
The rest of his team and SG-1 were waiting for him.
"We're coming with you." Cameron informed without indecision, his guts twisted at thought someone had actually tried to kill his friend's daughter.
Nick nodded; he knew what the man was feeling. "I'm not stopping you, Colonel."
"No, your not," he stated straight forward and looked to his team. "Let's get ready." They quickly followed him.
"I'll clean out mine and Mitchell's quarters." Matt told Nick and then hurried away.
Nick went back into the ICU room, but stayed out of the way.
0o0o0o0
General Landry wasn't happy, in fact, he was furious, furious that someone had gotten onto his base and tired to kill one of his people. He'd ordered an investigation, having secured the base as soon as he'd been informed him of the situation.
He frowned as SG-1 came into the Gate room, kitted up, along with Atlantis SG-1, who had their packs: Dr. Danielle Jackson being brought in on a gurney. "I don't like this, Jack," he told the man
Jack O'Neill stood next to him. "Neither do I, but we need to get her out of here."
Landry sighed. "Take care of them, Jack."
"I will," he assured and headed down to the Gate room.
Carolyn was there, she handed a file to Jason. "The file for Dr. Beckett."
"I'll fill him in," the younger Doctor assured.
Bray gentle lifted Danielle from the gurney, she was in scrubs, a blanket wrapped around her and thick socks on her feet. Carolyn unhooked the IV bag and laid it on his shoulder; she'd sedated the young archaeologist for the journey. "Take it easy with her."
"I will, doc." Bray assured. "I've done this before."
That fact was enough to make Carolyn shiver. The Stargate opened and settled in a watery puddle.
"Atlantis has acknowledged. You're clear to go, SG-1, SG-1 Atlantis," Landry announced from the control room.
Jack turned and gave the General a two finger salute. "See you when we get back, Hank," he told the man and then addressed the two teams. "Let's move out, people."
SG-1 went first, and then Atlantis SG-1, Jack followed them up and through the open Gate. They stepped out within Atlantis. A medical team was waiting for them.
Dr. Beckett ushered Bray over to the gurney, where he laid Danielle down and hocked the IV bag up. Jason handed the doctor the file and went with him and the medical team, filling him in as they went.
Elizabeth arrived with John. "Welcome back SG-1's, General."
"I wish it was on better circumstances, Dr. Weir." Jack told her.
"As do I, General," she declared.
"So what happened, sir?" John asked. "General Landry said Dani was hit by a jeep while jogging."
"Someone tried to kill her." Nick said bluntly. "She was poisoned in the infirmary."
"General Landry has started an investigation." Cameron told John.
"Let's get you all settled," Elizabeth suggested seeing the situation was tense.
They followed her.
John walked with Nick. "You okay, Major?"
"I feel like I want to kill someone," he hissed quietly.
"I know; just take it easy, they'll fine out who did this."
Nick nodded. "Yes sir."
John could see Nick was barely holding it together. He stuck with him, getting to his quarters. The look he gave Elizabeth told her everything she needed. So she didn't comment, she just ushered the rest to their quarters.
Nick dropped his pack and Danielle's on the bed; he'd held it together pretty well since it had all started. Now he felt he was coming part. "Damn it to hell!" he exclaimed and picked up the nearest object, which happened to be a vase and threw it across the room. It smashed against the wall.
John had been waiting for it to happen. "Feel better?"
"No!" he snapped. "Some tried to kill her, right under our noses!"
"But they didn't!" John told him. "She's safe here."
"For how long!" he asked him, raising his voice.
"Snap out of it, Major!" John ordered sternly. "You're not the only one to nearly lose a member of your team."
Sighing, Nick sat down on the bed. His brother's words hitting home. He ran his fingers throw his hair. "She's more then my team member, Colonel. I love her."
John went and sat next to him, he knew how hard that had been for the young man to admit. "Do I need to transfer her to another team?"
"No, sir," he said quickly shaking his head. "I can handle it."
"You'd better, Major, because you make one mistake and I will do it."
"Understood."
John put his hand on his brother's shoulder. "She'll be all right," he gave his shoulder a squeeze. "She's a Jackson. You don't keep them down long, right?"
"Right," he managed a smile of his own and gestured to the shuttered vase on the floor. "I'd better clean that up."
"Yep and it might be a good idea and don't tell Jackson you broke it. That vase was at least 10 thousand years old."
"Right. Good idea." Nick decided and got up.
John chuckled and gave him a hand; they then headed to the infirmary after receiving a message from Carson.
The doctor met them. "Danielle is conscious and asking to see you both, this way," he took them through to ICU to a private room. Two Marines stood either side of the door, both nodded to both Sheppard's as they went in.
Jason was standing next to Danielle's bed. "They're here Dani."
John hurried over and took her hand, giving her a warm smile. "Hey kiddo."
"Hey Colonel," she said hoarsely.
"How you doing?"
"Hurt."
"You'll be feeling better soon, lass," Carson assured her.
Nick went around the bed and stood the other side. "Where, Dani?"
"Chest hurts."
"We had to use the defibrillator, Dani, remember?" Jason asked her and saw her nod. "You'll start to feel better soon; you've got to let the medication work."
Nick took her hand too. "You'll be up stealing jello in no time, Dani."
She managed a smile, a weak one, but a smile never the less. "I've got… to… teach," her eyes started to close. "Teach the Colonel… about the link."
"When you're better, Doc," John agreed as she drifted off to sleep.
Daniel joined them. "Hey."
"She's asleep again, Doc," Nick told him.
"It's the best thing at the moment; it'll give her body a change to heal." Jason told them.
"And that is our cue to leave, right?" John guessed.
"Aye lad, it is," Carson agreed. "Out you go."
"Could I stay, Dr. Beckett?" Daniel inquired.
"For a while, Daniel."
"Thank you."
Carson ushered the rest of them out, leaving Daniel to grab a seat and seat next to his daughter, holding her hand. He silently wondered about her mother. Danielle had told him a little, but there wore little things a daughter wouldn't know. He wondered what had made his doppelganger fall in love with Myra – a beautiful Lantean refugee.
'She's beautiful, Daniel.'
He looked up, surprised to see the ascended being and not surprised. He recognized her from the photo Danielle carried. "Myra."
'Hello Daniel.'
"You know who I am?"
'I knew you when you were ascended,' she revealed and smiled sadly. 'If things had been different,' she sighed. 'Perhaps.'
Daniel had wondered what if himself many times. "She could use your counsel."
She nodded. 'The others are aware of Danielle's arrival and my being here,' she revealed. She touched the younger woman's hand.
"They thought she could be another Adria. Didn't they?" Daniel speculated.
'Yes. She isn't though, her heart and soul are good,' the Ascended being announced. 'Danielle is as powerful Adria, that's why they sent me. In some ways, she's even more powerful. But where Adria serves the darkness, Danielle serves the light. She's Lantean.'
"The Others won't be able to control her," he pointed out.
Myra smiled. 'They know that, Daniel.'
He rubbed his thumb over his daughter's hand. "Were you with her when she coded in the infirmary on Earth?"
'I've been with her since the accident happened,' she informed with a warm smile. 'I know your worried Daniel.'
"She's my daughter, Myra."
'Mine too, Daniel,' she whispered and then disappeared.
Daniel gave his daughter's hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm here honey," he whispered.
Unseen, Myra watched, saw the love Daniel had for his daughter. A child not born of him and yet she was his daughter. And she was hers. Not born from either of them and yet still their's.
It hadn't been the Wraith, who had taken away her chance of happiness with Daniel, or even a daughter and family with him; it had been the Goa'uld. They'd made it in stasis to the Milky Way system on their way to Earth when the Goa'uld had found them and when they didn't submit, they destroyed them. Myra and her people had ascended to escape the destruction. Had the Goa'uld not found them, then things might have been different.
She stood once more next to her daughter's bed; Daniel had drifted off to sleep, his head resting on crossed arms, his hand still holding Danielle's. She brushed her fingers through his hair and then moved to stand the other side. She put her hands over Danielle's body, and closed her eyes. A soft glow surrounded the young woman as she began to heal her, fix the damage the accident had coursed.
When Myra felt the pull of the Others, she fought them, continuing to heal. When it became too much she did what she felt was right. She descended, falling unconscious to the floor next to the bed.
Daniel woke heading the monitor alarms going off, the same time as he heard what sounded like a body falling. He got to his feet and rushed around to see Myra. "Dr. Beckett!" He called out and knelt next to the descended being. "Myra?"
She smiled weakly at him. "I had to help her."
Carson ran in with Jason, the younger doctor going to Danielle, confused as to what was going on. The woman on the floor looked like his Aunt Myra.
"Daniel, give me a hand, we'll take the lass into an examination cubical," Carson told him.
Daniel nodded and with Carson's help, they got Myra to her feet and out of the ICU.
Danielle had woken; she grabbed Jason's hand, confused by what had happened. "Jace?"
"I don't know, honey," he admitted. "Now lay back so I can check you over," he insisted.
She reluctantly did so. The woman had looked like her mother, but that wasn't possible, was it.
Outside in the infirmary, Elizabeth arrived with Jack, finding Daniel waiting.
"What the hell is going on, Daniel?" the General asked bluntly.
"Myra must have tried to heal Dani; the Others obviously tired pulling her away and she stopped them by descending."
"Who is Myra?" Elizabeth asked confused.
"She's a Lantean, her people were in a ship on their way to Earth when the Goa'uld attacked and destroyed their ship. They ascended," Daniel explained, silently wondering how he knew all of that. Keeping that to himself for the moment, continuing. "In Dani's universe, she was her mother."
"Her mother ….and your wife," she pointed out.
He nodded. "One in the same; except in this universe, Myra and her people weren't saved from the Goa'uld and we never meet, which meant Dani wasn't born."
"But she's here now." Jack stated and they both looked at him. "Well I don't mean for you to marry her. I just mean she's here."
"I know what you mean, Jack," Daniel said amused by this friends statement. "I don't think Myra planed to descend. I think she made the decision when the Others tried pulling her away."
"What about her memories, did they have time to screw with them?"
"No, I don't think so. She knew who I was, who Dani was."
"Wait a minutes. These Others let her descend?" Elizabeth interrupted.
"They weren't given a choice, she made the decision." Daniel stated.
Carson came out to them. "Elizabeth, General."
"How is Myra, Carson?" Elizabeth asked.
"She's fine, a health woman in her thirties," he revealed. "She's Lantean; I've taken DNA samples and blood to do a full work up. But I'm taking it, the lass is Dani's mother?"
"In a round about way, yes," Daniel answered him.
"Well, she's a fiery one and has a wicked sense of humor," Carson declares with a smile. "I can see where you'd be attracted to her."
Daniel shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot. "Can we um, see her?"
"Aye, she'll be right out lad."
As he finished saying it, Myra joined them, straightening her clothing and light brown hair. She smiled warmly as she joined them. "You must be Dr. Weir and General O'Neill."
Elizabeth smiled. "Please Elizabeth is fine. Welcome to Atlantis, Myra."
"Thank you, it hasn't changed much since I was last here."
"So you're from here?" Jack asked her.
"Yes, originally," she looked around. "You've brought the city back to its former glory."
"We've done the best we could." Elizabeth said a little embarrassed.
"Don't be modest, Elizabeth, you have accomplished much in the time you've been here."
Nick returned with John, the Major was stunned. "Aunt Myra?"
She smiled as she turned. "No, not in the way you think."
"Myra is from our universe, Nick," Daniel explained. "She was ascended." He gestured to the two men. "Myra, this is Lt. Colonel John Sheppard and Major Nick Sheppard."
"Nice to meet you," John declared.
Nick felt his stomach do flip flops, he'd been close to his Aunt Myra, his whole team had been. "You descended."
"I tried helping Danielle by healing her, the Others tried to stop me, so I descended to be with her," she added.
"Is Dani alright?" Nick asked aguishly.
"She will be." Myra assured him in a calm tone. "I didn't heal her completely, but she is out of danger."
Nick didn't wait for any more information; he rushed into the ICU, seeing Danielle sitting up, her legs dangling over the side of the bed. "Dani?"
She looked up and gave him a warm reassuring smile. "I'm fine, a little sore, but I'm fine."
He looked to Jason, who nodded. "It's true, Major, aside from some tenderness, and some bruising, Dani is fine," he reported. "There isn't even any surgical scaring."
Dani got off the bed, free from all the monitors, IV and oxygen, thankful she was still in scrubs. She wrapped her arms around Nick, comforting him as she comforted her.
He held her gently, but firmly in his arms. "She said she didn't completely heal you."
She pulled back a little, but not out of his arms. "Then she's really here?"
Nick cupped her face and kissed her forehead. "She's here, but she's not your mother, Dani, she's from this universe."
Dani rested her head against his chest; she gripped the back of his shirt. They had been through so much and she felt so tired. "Why did she do it?" she asked him, her voice muffled against his shirt.
"I don't know, Doc," he put his hand on the back of her head. "Maybe in her own way she cares about you."
Jason joined them. "I know she's not the woman your mother was, but maybe, just maybe she could be very close." He didn't hesitate in putting his hand on her shoulder. He knew how she felt. He'd never lost his parents, but due to the circumstances, they'd lost everyone they'd known and loved. "Take the chance, Dani."
She smiled and drew away from Nick to hug him, feeling warm and loved in his arms. Jason had been the first man she'd opened her heart to and despite the fact, they weren't together anymore, they still loved each other. "You're a smart guy, Jace," she whispered and then kissed his cheek. Stepping back, she walked slowly out of the room.
Nick silently counted to ten and then with a nod to Jason, the two of them followed.
Danielle didn't rush; she hadn't lied when she said she was fine, she was, but she also still hurt. By the time she reached her father and the other's, a light film of sweat was on her brow and she held an arm to her side.
John was the first to see her. "Of all the…" his voice trailed as he rushed over to her. "Dani, what are you trying to prove?"
"I'm fine," she protested.
He saw Nick and Jason; getting the feeling, they hadn't been able to stop her, even if they'd wanted to. He shook his head. "You are a stubborn young woman."
Daniel made his way quickly over to her too. "Takes after her father, Colonel."
"Over here, lads," Carson ordered and patted the exam bed.
They helped her to the exam bed, getting her to sit down. Danielle took John's hand. "I'm fine, Colonel."
"No your not, but you've got guts kiddo," he told her proudly and sat up next to her. "I'm glad you're okay, Dani."
She wrapped her arms round him, surprising him for a moment, she felt him hesitate and then hug her back, being careful.
Daniel put his hand on Myra's lower back and guided her over to his daughter. "You'll be fine," he whispered to her.
Danielle pulled away from John, looking to the woman who was her mother's doppelganger. When her mother had been injured, she'd fallen apart; Nick and her team had held her together. Being strong for her brother, Nathan had kept her from a complete melt down. When her mother had ascended, she'd felt numb and empty, going through the motions as if in a daze, comforting Nat, being there for him. It wasn't until after the memorial service, when her parents had appeared to her for the first time together had it finally it home and she'd fallen apart. Nick had been there.
Now she was face to face with a woman who was her mother's doppelganger. She slipped off the bed and slowly walked over to her.
Myra wasn't expecting the young woman to embrace her, it took a moment for her to respond, but she did, wrapping her arms around her.
Jack nudged Elizabeth. "I think they're gona be alright."
She smiled. "I think so too, General."
Carson put his hand on Danielle's shoulder. "I don't wan to break this up, lass, but you shouldn't be on your feet. Back to bed."
"He's right, Danielle," Myra said tenderly. "You still have some healing to do."
Danielle nodded and allowed Carson and Jackson to guide her away.
"John would you escort Myra to guest quarters?" Elizabeth asked the Colonel.
"Of course," he said smiling, hoping off the bed. "This way."
Myra turned to Daniel quickly and kissed his cheek, smiling at his embarrassment as she went with the Colonel. She'd noticed his body language when it came to Danielle, the air of familiarity he displayed. She waited though until they were away from the infirmary. "You have strong feelings for Danielle."
John smiled; it was a typical parent question, even though she wasn't Danielle's mother. "She's a good kid."
"She's no child, Colonel." Myra stated bluntly.
"No Ma'am she's not, but she is 17, or so Carson tells us. So playing big brother to her is easy considering she looks it," he remarked casually.
"And you find her attractive," she surmised.
"You've have to be blind not to, but she's off the market."
It took Myra a moment to understand what he was referring to. "Aha, you mean she's with Major Sheppard?"
John nodded his head. "But you didn't hear it from me."
"And why is that, Colonel?"
"Because they're on the same team," he pointed out. "It's against the rules."
"I see, you have rules against two people loving each other?" she asked him confused.
"No," they changed levels. "Just two people in the same team loving each other," he noted and tried to explain. "They could let their feeling for each other get in the way and it can course problems within the team, even safety issues during missions."
"Would it not strengthen the team, it is obvious she has strong feelings for each of her team members." Myra noted. "From what I saw it makes them a strong team."
John had to agree. "Yes it does, but I don't make the rules."
She smiled. "No you don't and I know for a fact, you don't always follow them," she linked arms with in a friendly fashion. "You know, Colonel Sheppard, I had a friend who would have gotten on well with you."
"Atira?"
She was a little surprised. "Yes, how?"
He shrugged a little. "Nick's mother was Atira, in his universe," he frowned a little. "I'm surprised you didn't know that."
"Well, Colonel, I don't pry into everyone's life."
That made John chuckle. "Carson was right; you do have a wicked sense of humor."
"It helps," she mused.
They came to her room; John opened to door and showed her in. "Here we are."
"Thank you, Colonel."
"John," he told her.
"John," she said with a silky softness to her voice.
"Well, I'll um leave you to settle in," he said a little mesmerized by her.
"I'm sure we'll see each other later, John."
He nodded and hurried out, smiling as he walked back down the corridor. Oh, he could see what Danielle's father had seen in her mother. Myra was an attractive and spunky woman in any universe.
0o0o0o0
Two days later:
Cameron walked out onto the balcony off the mess. "Hey kiddo."
Jason put the book he was reading down and lent back in his chair. "Hey dad, any news from Earth?"
"Yeah, they found a trust agent, he's singing like a canary."
"So you'll be heading back then?"
"Yeah, the General wants us back." Cameron pulled out a chair and sat with him. "General O'Neill has headed back already…. Look Jace, I'm sorry you didn't get to meet your grandparents."
"It's okay, dad, I'm sure I'll get back to Earth," Jason said understandingly. "At least this way you'll get to talk to them first."
"Yeah," his father agreed. "Thanks."
Jason chuckled. "You're welcome. So when are you leaving?"
"In the morning," Cameron revealed. "We're planning on frisking Vala before we go of course."
His son laughed. "She's not that bad, dad."
"No, but she does keep Daniel on his toes."
"So I've heard."
Sam and Vala chose that moment to join them on the balcony; the former con-artist was all smiles. "What have your heard?" she asked. "Anything juicy?"
"No, not really," Jason answered, smiling as they sat across from him. "Dad was saying you're heading back to Earth in the morning."
Sam nodded. "We just saw General O'Neill off."
"What about Myra?"
"She's staying, she believes she can be of more use here then on Earth," Sam answered before Vala could.
"She knows the city pretty well." Jason noted mater of fact. "And she has the ATA gene."
"Apparently she's a scientist, so she's going to be helping the science department."
"McKay must be ecstatic." Cameron declared.
"He did seem rather excited," Vala noted. "But I wasn't quiet sure; he talks very quickly and uses extremely long words. Worse then Daniel."
Cameron chuckled. "McKay is twice as bad as Jackson when it comes to large words. Thankfully Jackson is easier to get along with."
"Better looking too," Vala added.
"Thank you, I think." Daniel remarked, having coming out onto the balcony over hearing her.
She grinned as the others chuckled. "You're welcome," she beamed as he sat next to her.
"So where is everyone else?" he asked them.
"Um, Bray is with Ronon and Teyla sparring," Jason revealed without a second thought. "Matt is with McKay and Myra in his lab and the Major is with Dani and Colonel Sheppard and the chair room."
Sam was surprised. "You know that for certain?"
He nodded, not fazed by it, shrugging. "Atlantis knows where they all."
"And you asked the city," his father said a little confused.
"It's easy enough."
Daniel knew that, he'd done it, asking the question out loud had been out of habit. "I guess having the ATA gene has its advantages."
Jason knew Daniel had the gene, but he also knew the archaeologist didn't want it known. "Sometimes."
"So Dani is alone in the chair room with Nick and Colonel Sheppard," Vala said flirty voice. "Lucky girl."
"She's teaching Colonel Sheppard to use the link." Jason told her.
"Oh I bet."
"Vala." Daniel warned with only his tone.
"Oh yes, we all know she's in love with Nick, but there is something about having brother's, or even a father and son," Vala said with known all ease.
"I don't want to know."
Sam arched an eyebrow. "Brother's?"
"Mmmm, I tell you about it later."
Daniel groaned and got to his feet. "I need coffee," he murmured and walked back inside.
0o0o0o0
In the chair room, Danielle stood to John's left, he sat in the chair, it was relined, and his eyes were closed as he concentrated. Nick was leaning against a console monitoring systems.
"You're losing the link," the archaeologist told the Colonel.
"Well it was a lot easier when you initialized the link and just let me join." John declared frustrated.
"You need to relax, Colonel." Nick noted.
"Easy for you to say, you've got this covered."
Danielle rubbed her temples, Carson had wanted to keep her in the infirmary another day, but she'd been going stir crazy in there. At least here, she felt like she was doing something. "It's just like when you use the chair, Colonel, relax and let it guide you."
He tired again and for a brief moment he had the link, the whole city was at his finger tips, then he lost it again. Frustrated he sat forward, opening his eyes. "I'm not going to get his as easily as I can fire drones."
"Yes, you will." Danielle assured him. "Try again. Please."
He nodded and sat back, the chair reclined and he closed his eyes.
Nick looked over at his archaeologist and nodded, as he joined her on the dais, standing behind the chair he reached over and put his hands on his brother's shoulders and closed his eyes. Helping him to find the link and hold it.
Danielle straddled John's lap, putting her hands over his in the gel control pads and closed her eyes, joining the link, bring the three of them together:
John found himself back in the same environment he'd experienced the first time he'd been in the link, but this time it wasn't just him and Danielle, Nick was with them. He couldn't see him, but he could sense his presence like a warm blanket and like before they were naked and bathed a soft white light. "This is becoming embarrassing," he joked, feeling her fingers caress his back, as she stood in his arms.
"The link is a representation of light and purity, clothing isn't necessary. Relax, John the more you do the easier it is to stay in the link," she advised him. "Nick's presence is to make sure I don't overload your system again. He's being an anchor."
John felt the same intoxicating, natural high of intimacy that he experienced before, the feel of her skin under his finger tips at her lower back. He wanted to relax, but just the fact there was the three of them was a little unsettling, even if he couldn't see his brother, he could see his presence. "I don't know about this, Dani."
"Relax, John," Nick voice whispered around them. "Once you've gotten a hold of the link, I'll be gone."
"He's right John," Danielle's voice whispered melodiously. "Don't fight it. Let go slowly, feel the city around you, feel it guiding you." She wrapped her arms around his neck and ran her fingers through his hair; feeling him relaxing under her touch and his link with the city becoming stronger. "That's it John, let go, let it happen, don't be afraid of Atlantis, or her link with you."
Nick's presence slowly flitted away as John's link with the city became stronger, leaving just him and Danielle there. He closed his eyes and relished in the feeling that the link created, it was as before; beyond sexual, beyond bliss, there really weren't any words to describe it. He was everywhere within Atlantis, he saw everything, heard everything and Atlantis welcomed him, like she was welcoming a lost child back.
Danielle pulled her own presence back until he stood alone within the link. He opened his eyes and looked around, feeling warm and safe.
"Welcome home, John," a warm lovely voice greeted him.
"Atlantis?"
"Yes, John," from the darkness stepped a beautiful woman with flowing rich black hair and bright green eyes. She stepped into the light, as naked as he was, unashamed by her state of undress. "With more practice you'll be able to join me without Danielle's and Nick's help, but always remember, that in a time of trouble, all my children will be able to help." She smiles as he stared, stepping forward she wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her body against his. "In time you will be able to link with me so that I can help you at any time."
"Any time?"
"Any time, John," she said with a smile. "Now it is time for you to return, Danielle and Nick are waiting."
"I'll see you again?" He asked quickly.
She brushed her lips over his and then stepped back. "I'm always be with you, John, in time you will be able to sense my presence and reach out to me. It will take time, let Danielle guide you."
He nodded. "I will."
She smiled. "Goodbye for now John."
John sat forward, opening his eyes as he did, grabbed hold of Danielle realizing she was sitting on his lap. "Dani?"
"Colonel, I take it your meeting with Atlantis when well," she said with an amused smile.
"You could say that," he smirked back good heartedly and a little self-conscious.
Danielle lent forward, whispering in his ear. "I'm sitting on your lab, Colonel. That is not your side arm, so I say it went well," she lent back, sensing his embarrassment.
Nick moved from behind the chair. "I'm sure once you've linked a few times with the city, you'll get use to the… sensations."
"Hey at least I didn't over load and throw up over someone," John declared lightly, realizing how it must look, him in the chair and Danielle straddling his lab. "Um, Doc, I think you'd better hope off, you're not helping."
Danielle chuckled. "I'm flattered, Colonel," she got up with Nick's help.
He stood, a little awkward, the chair deactivating, at the back of his mind he could feeling the familiar hum become strong and more calming.
Danielle sensed it. "Welcome to my world, Colonel."
John arched an eyebrow, realizing what she was talking about. "You feel this all the time?"
"All the time."
"You get use to it." Nick assured him.
"Well," the Colonel stated, uncomfortable by all the attention. "Let's get out of here," he tested his new found skills seeking answers from Atlantis, getting them without the headache or dizziness. "Our teams are in the mess, shall we join them?"
Danielle smiled, pleased. "Nice work, Colonel," they left the chair room.
"Thanks, wasn't as hard as I thought it would be," he declared.
"Never is big brother." Nick smirked. "Never is."
0o0o0o0
The next morning, Atlantis SG-1 and Sheppard's team, along with Elizabeth and Myra, saw SG-1 off in the gate room.
Daniel hugged his daughter. "Be careful, okay."
"I will, dad," Danielle assured.
"I'll look after her, Daniel." Nick assured him.
He released her and nodded. "Thanks Nick."
"My turn," Cameron piped up and then hugged Danielle, grinning. "Be good kiddo."
"I will," she promised and then grinned. "Well, maybe a little."
He ruffled her hair and stepped back, letting Sam and Vala hug her too. They'd all welcomed her into their family.
Teal'c was last; Danielle smiled and hugged him. "Look after Dad and the other's, for me."
"I shall, Danielle Jackson," he promised and then stepped back.
Elizabeth smiled as the Stargate opened. "Good luck, SG-1."
"Stay safe." Danielle added.
"We intend to, kiddo." Cameron said and then after Sam had sent their IDC through, they said goodbye and walked through the Gate. It shut down moments later.
"Well," Rodney rubbed his hands together. "I have a lot to do, we getting ready to initialize two more recharged ZPM's."
"Just don't blow the city up, Rodney," John told him.
Myra chuckled. "I'll keep an eye on him, Colonel."
"Thank you."
"Oh please, as if I'd blow the city up."
"You nearly blew up an entire solar system, McKay." Nick noted as they left the Gate room.
"Nearly, not entirely," Rodney pointed out.
"Close enough."
"No it's not."
Elizabeth chuckled at their bantering and headed to her office.
0o0o0o0
One Week Later:
Lt. Colonel John Sheppard arrived at operations just as the Stargate opened. Below in the Gate room Atlantis' very own SG-1 stood geared up and ready to move out, Carson having cleared their archaeologist for duty. They were going through the Gate with Major Lorne and his team.
Elizabeth acknowledged him with a smile. "I was wondering if you'd be here."
"I wouldn't miss this for anything," he noted.
"Of course not," she mused, than added a little more seriously. "They'll be fine, John."
"I know," he stated, seeing his 2IC glance back and nod.
"Why do I have a feeling you had a word with Major Lorne." Elizabeth supposed.
"No idea," John said with an air of innocence.
She knew better, addressing the two teams, her voice being carried to the room below. "Major Lorne, SG-1, you have a go. Good luck."
Both Nick and Lorne acknowledged with nods of their heads and led their teams through the event horizon.
When the Stargate shut down, John stared at it for a moment then looked away. "I'll see you later, Elizabeth," he said and started to walk away.
"They're due to return in two hours, John," she reminded.
"I know," was all he said as he kept walking.
Elizabeth just smiled and headed to her office, silently wondering if this SG-1 was going to be like its SGC counterpart. If so, between them and Sheppard's team, life would not be boring.
To be continued… (maybe)