Buffy found herself comparing the underground part of the Cheyenne Mountain Complex to the Initiative's base as they made their way deeper under the mountain. It just couldn't be helped.
It didn't help that as soon as they arrived in Colorado Springs she could feel something strange about the place. Not quite demony or magical, but definitely not normal. And it became stronger as they went deeper into the mountain.
A glance at Faith and Willow told her they felt the same.
The elevator halted and the door opened.
"Follow me," Major Davis insisted.
Giles exited and the others fell in behind him with Buffy and Faith taking the rear.
The walk down the corridor was silent and Buffy was itching to break the silence, but instead concentrated on studying the layout. One never knew when one would have to fight their way out of an underground bunker. After all, she'd done it before and she wouldn't be surprised if she ever had to do it again.
Major Davis led them to a spiral staircase where he paused to talk with a man he introduced as Sergeant Harriman.
"The General's waiting upstairs with SG-1," Harriman informed the group.
"SG-1?" Xander asked, clearly skeptical.
"SG-1 will be the ones briefing you," Davis explained as he began to lead them up the stairs.
When they arrived in the briefing room the Scoobies weren't surprised to see Daniel and Jack there – along with three other people. The blond woman and the big black man gave off that strange vibe similar to what Buffy had been feeling since arriving. But nothing that set off her Slayer "sense."
Of course Daniel and Jack were also giving off a mild sense of that same vibe too. Maybe it had to do with absorbing whatever it was if you stayed near it for long periods of time.
Major Davis began the introductions. "You already know Dr. Jackson and Colonel O'Neill. This is General George Hammond, Major Carter and Teal'c. General, SG-1 this is Dr. Giles, Buffy Summers, Faith Summers, Dawn Summers, Alexander Harris and Willow Rosenberg."
"Please, be seated," General Hammond said gesturing to the empty seats at the end of the table. Paul took the seat right next to Jack, who had to fight back a smirk. Even Davis was helping to keep Daniel away from the group, whether intentional or not.
"I suppose you're wondering why we sent for you," Hammond began.
"Well, we have our theories," Xander said dryly.
"Xander," Giles warned.
"You've shown some interest in Dr. Jackson," the general continued ignoring the interruption. "This could cause some problems, especially considering you've already hacked into some of our files. Those are classified files."
"G-man was just trying to find a missing cousin," Faith said, voice deceptively airy.
"That in itself is fine, but I'm sure you are aware that hacking into someone's files is illegal. Especially when those files are classified."
"Well, I don't think you have the right to keep family apart, which it feels like you're trying to do."
"That's not the case," Hammond said firmly. "It is entirely up to Dr. Jackson whether he wants to have contact with your people."
"I think the problem is you just want Daniel to play research assistant to you," Jack said harshly. "Not exactly an endearing quality for family."
Daniel and Hammond's voices overlapped.
"Jack."
"Colonel."
"Sorry," Jack mumbled, clearly not.
"I think Daniel misunderstood our intentions," Giles insisted, taking off his glasses to polish them on his shirt.
"So if I say I don't want to work for your council, you still want to get to know me?" Daniel asked, still mildly skeptical.
"O – of course," Giles stammered. "Family is important."
"Yeah, it is," Daniel said softly. "And I think you understand that family doesn't always include blood."
Giles looked at each of the Scoobies sitting at the table. "Yes, I do."
"Wouldn't you want to protect your family though?" Buffy asked. "That's what we do. We protect our family and the world."
"And that is important," Jack agreed. The Scoobies were surprised by the understanding in his voice. "That's why you're here. You haven't considered that what Daniel does could be just as important."
"Yeah, cause conjugating verbs in Arabic ranks up there with stopping an apocalypse," Xander said rolling his eyes.
"Xander, that's enough," Giles insisted.
The young man sunk down into his chair moodily.
"Dr. Jackson," Hammond indicated for him to start the briefing.
"Alright," Daniel agreed and picked up the remote for the projector and nodded for the SF posted near the light switch.
He flashed a picture of the Great Pyramid on the screen. "This is the Great Pyramid at Giza. Many scholars and scientists believe it was used as an astronomical instrument. Some people believe it was impossible for the ancient Egyptians to have built the pyramids. They have theories about aliens building them."
The Scoobies chuckled as they thought of Andrew and his outlandish theories when Daniel paused.
He brought up the next slide, a picture of a Goa'uld symbiote.
"They are actually correct."
"Aw, shit," Xander moaned. "I just lost fifty bucks to Andrew."