Sorry - the site was fuzzing so I had to remove and repost a couple of chapters!

He felt a real sense of loss as he made his way down the elevator. He'd finally made his decision, and he hoped it was the right one. But that didn't make what he had to do any easier.

He walked slowly down the hallway and finally stopped outside the General's door. A soft knock, and he was told to enter.

"Jack, come in."

"Thank you for seeing me Sir."

"Of course. I assume this is about the children?"

"Yes Sir, it is."

"Well have a seat. I've told Walter to clear my schedule, so I'm all yours."

"Thank you." Jack sat for a moment, knowing that the next few minutes were going to change his life. He only hoped it would be for the better.

"I've decided to keep the kids Sir. I'm afraid it means I'm going to retire – again."

"I see. And you're sure about this?"

"No – not at all. I mean, I'm sure I want to keep the kids – they're – the best thing that's happened to me since I lost Charlie -", he paused and took a breath.

"I sense there's a "but" Colonel."

"Yes, and a big but Sir."

Hammond couldn't help but grin – which drew an answering laugh from Jack, although it soon died and he grew serious again.

"I hate the thought of giving up the SGC. I've – this has been an amazing ride and I wasn't quite ready to go."

"And you can't have both," the General said, and it was a statement rather than a question.

"No. I can't see myself going on off-world missions when I have two young children to look after. And it's dangerous work. I mean, what if something happened to me?'

"I understand. It's difficult enough for the men and women who are married or have a partner. I admire you for the decision."

"Yeah – I know that it's the right thing to do, and having the kids – it's great. I just wish -" he left the rest unsaid. "But there is one thing Sir. Do you think I'll have trouble adopting them?"

"No Colonel, you won't. Actually Jack, if you hadn't called me I was going to call you. I received word from Thor and it's something that concerns you."

"Me? Really? What did the little guy have to say?"

"Well, it appears the Asgard managed to deliver a gate to P3X 393."

"Uh – P3X -"

"The planet you were on."

"Oh – so it has a designation already?"

"The Asgard work fast."

"All right – so what does that have to do with me adopting the kids?"

"Well, it turns out that the people of the planet have requested that you be the representative from Earth to arrange a trade agreement. They've indicated that Dr. Jackson would also be welcome."

"That's good Sir – but will they take just Daniel if I retire?"

"We'll talk about that in a minute. But the other thing you should know is that the representatives from the planet –a man names Solon and a woman by the name of Phoebe -"

"Two of the elders."

"Yes – well they indicated that they have given permanent guardianship of the two children to you and any attempt to remove them from you will cause them to shut down negotiations. They really want you to have those children."

Jack slowly smiled, wondering who put that in the elder's heads. He hadn't really said anything to them, and suspected one of his team. "That's great Sir – so…?

"So Washington has agreed and your adoption will be expedited. In the meantime they are under your legal guardianship."

"Wow – that was easy."

"Yes it was. It helps when there's naquada as a bargaining tool! Now, as for the other – Jack, I have an offer for you, and I hope you'll accept."

Jack was whistling as he made his way up the elevator. What a difference a couple of hours had made. He should have known that General Hammond and Thor – and probably his team – would come through for him.

The journey back to his house was much different than the trip to the SGC. Now he was excited (and frankly also terrified) about adopting the kids. He expected that his future was not going to be boring. Oh, he would miss being part of Sg-1 – but at least now he had something to look forward to as far as work was concerned.

He pulled up to his house – grinning when he saw both Daniel and Sam's cars there. Sam had agreed to babysit, but it looked as if Daniel had come for a visit.

"Howdy campers," he called as he walked in the door. He heard a squeal and down the hall came Beth, toddling on increasingly steady legs.

"DA!" She cried, throwing her arms around his legs. He reached and picked her up and gave her a kiss.

"How's my precious?"

"Hi Da! Ays a good girl!"

"You are, are you? I'll have to ask Auntie Sam if that's true!'

She giggled and rubbed her nose with his. "Auntie Sam!" she called, "ays good girl!"

"She was indeed Sir," Sam told him as he walked into the living room. He grinned to see Daniel and Teal'c on the floor, playing with James, who was sitting up and grabbing and throwing plastic blocks.

"And James?" he asked with a smile.

"He has discovered throwing, O'Neill," Teal'c told him. "And he does not seem to tire of it."

"He's persistent," Jack told him, with pride.

"How did everything go, Sir?" Sam asked, smiling at Beth. None of them had any idea of his plan to retire – he'd avoided telling them. Although things had turned out better than he'd hoped, he was still dreading telling them.

"Just fine Carter," he said. "Hey, isn't it time for naps?"

"I'm not tired Jack," Daniel whined.

Teal'c lifted his eyebrow. "I believe Daniel Jackson could do with a time out. He is getting fussy."

Everyone laughed, except Daniel, who stuck out his tongue. "Since James is the only one who treats me with respect, I'll get him ready." He picked up James, who immediately blew a raspberry, causing everyone to laugh again.

"Et tu James," Daniel said with a grin. "Come on young man – time for a nap!"

Jack followed with Beth and a few minutes later both children were in bed. James fell asleep almost instantly, while they left Beth talking to her teddy bear. Jack knew that she'd soon be asleep like her brother.

"Whew," Jack collapsed on the couch. "Why did no one warn me that two young kids will wear you out?"

"How come you're worn out? We've been looking after them all afternoon," Daniel pointed out.

"Yes, but you weren't here last night, when James decided to cry for what seemed like hours. Teething," he explained.

"I'm sorry Sir – that's rough." How did things go at the base? Did you find out about the kids?"

"Yes, and it's good news. It seems as if the Asgard came through and the gate is almost up and running. He also brought news from the planet."

"Really? What is it?"

"Well, it seems like the locals are saying they will only deal with me and Daniel."

"We knew that already," Daniel pointed out.

"Yes – but they also added that the children were to be mine – or they wouldn't deal with Earth. I'm wondering how they even knew to say that?" he looked expectantly at his team – all of whom avoided looking at him.

"It was Sam's idea," Daniel finally broke. "We figured that someone – the NID or an over zealous social worker might give you a hard time – so we spoke to Oya and Rumina and they said they'd figure something out."

"Was this before or after Rumina and Lukos said they couldn't take the children?" he asked.

This time no one admitted a thing, although he had his suspicions. He chuckled softly. "Thanks," he said. "I don't know if this is the best thing for the kids – but I know it's the best thing that's happened to me in a long time."

"You're a great Dad, Sir," Sam said. "They're lucky to have you. How long will it take for everything to go through?"

"Not long, Major. The paperwork is being done as we speak. By the end of the month I should be able to adopt them – in the meantime I'm their legal guardian."

"That's great Jack!"

"That is indeed wonderful, O'Neill. As Major Carter has said, you will be a fine father and role model for the children."

"I don't know about "role model", Teal'c. I think that had better be us," Daniel told them.

"That is true, Daniel Jackson. I shall teach them to be a strong warrior, you shall teach them the history and languages of the galaxy, Samantha Carter will teach them all about the wonders of science."

There was a pause, until finally Jack broke it. "Hey – what about me?"

All three of his teammates looked at him. It was Sam who first answered. "You'll teach them to be strong and brave -"

" – to fight for what's right," Daniel continued.

" – to be a loyal friend and a great leader -" Sam continued.

" – to love unconditionally," Teal'c finished softly. The silence was loud, broken only by Jack – obviously embarrassed – clearing his throat.

"Uh guys, that was -"

"Of course he'll also teach them to like the Simpsons -" Sam said.

"- and hockey and to insult bad guys – and get us all in trouble," added Daniel.

Teal'c was silent, so everyone turned and looked at him.

"I have nothing more to say," he indicated.

"That's my Teal'c," said Jack with a grin. "See guys – he can't think of anything bad to say cause he's my friend."

"Indeed. He shall do well with the children, for he is much like them."

Everyone laughed.

"Thanks buddy!" Jack said, although a moment later he grinned. Once everyone had calmed down, however, he knew it was time to tell them.

"Uh guys, there's something else I have to tell you."

"What is it O'Neill?"

"I thought long and hard about this – but I've decided that with the children I can no longer be part of Sg-1. I told the General today that I wanted to retire."

"What? No Sir – you can't," Sam cried out. "What will we do without you?"

"She's right Jack, you can't retire. We need you out there!"

"You are our leader O'Neill. You must continue to help us fight the Goa'uld."

"Thanks guys – I appreciate the sentiments – but the truth is, it's not fair to the children. I'd be gone half the time and I'd be in danger. I need to be here, with them. But don't think this is something that I wanted. It was an extremely tough decision and – I'll miss - being part of the team."

This time the silence was filled with sadness, rather than laughter. None of Jack's teammates attempted to argue with him, since it was clear he'd made up his mind. They also understood the need for him to stay home with his children.

"I don't know what we'll do without you, Sir," Sam finally said, a break in her voice.

"You'll do just fine without me Carter. I'm not indispensible and you're a helluva soldier and leader. And Daniel and Teal'c – well, they're both great warriors and you'll all do fine."

"But what will you do, Jack?" Daniel asked. "How can you give it all up?"

"Well, the truth is, I'm not," Jack told him with a small smile. "General Hammond wouldn't let me retire . Instead he offered me a new job."

"Really? What is it?" Daniel frowned, not happy but knowing there was little they could do to change Jack's mind.

"Well, I'm going to be the liaison with the Asgard – that was Thor's request by the way – and I'll be doing the negotiations, with Daniel, for the naquada on P3X 393."

"P3X 393?" Teal'c asked, looking puzzled.

"Yeah – that's the planet's designation." He frowned. "I'll have to tell them to name the damn place. It's irritating just calling it "the planet" and I hate using the official designation. Anyway, I'll be doing those things – but mostly I'm going to be teaching."

There was dead silence – only Teal'c's eyebrow gave indication that anyone had heard him. It was Daniel that broke the silence.

"Teaching?" he said in amazement. "What – where – teaching?"

"Yes Daniel – teaching. I'm been asked to teach at the academy. I'm going to head the training program for recruits assigned to the SGC. Up until now people going off-world received pretty much the same training as Earth forces – barring a couple of weeks at the end - and it's the feeling of people in DC that there's a need for more specialized training. I have to start by developing the program – and 'll need your help."

"But teaching?" Daniel said again.

"Why do you sound so shocked?" Jack asked, starting to get irritated. "Don't you think I know enough to teach a bunch of recruits?"

"Well – yes, but I didn't think you'd want to teach! I mean – you're an action kind of guy."

"True – but I'm also perfectly capable of teaching and it will be much easier to go home everyday to the kids. And anyway – it's not like there won't be action."

"Will you get to go off-world?" Sam asked. She looked slightly stunned and Jack wasn't sure whether she believed he could do this. He started to feel slightly hurt at the attitude of his teammates.

"Sometimes," he said. "I'll retain my security status and George said I'll be able to travel through the gate on diplomatic missions."

"Diplomatic – you?"

"Daniel – for God's sake! Do you think I'm incapable of doing anything?"

"We know you can Sir," Sam suddenly turned to him, realizing how they must have sounded. "It's not that we doubt you – it's just not something I think any of us thought you would want to do. I'm sure you'll be a great teacher."

"No you don't," he grinned. "But I'll prove you wrong, you know. I think it will be kind of fun."

"Fun?" Daniel shook his head. "You're sure you know what you're doing?"

"I'm sure Daniel. Look – I didn't plan on leaving Sg-1 – it wasn't what I wanted. But this will enable me to keep on with the program and to make a difference. It probably wouldn't have been very long before I would have had to retire anyway. Going through the gate all the time is best left to those younger than me."

"You have a lot of years left in you for gate travel, Sir," Sam told him, "but I'm happy for you. I think you'll be an amazing teacher. Maybe we'll come and watch you teach sometime."

"Actually – I've already suggested to Hammond that each of you come and do some classes. Together we can really train those recruits!"

"Hey, I could start teaching Goa'uld and Ancient languages," Daniel suddenly decided. "And I could explain the customs and history of other planets and how to read ancient texts. This could be fun, Jack."

"Yes, it could. And Teal'c can teach fighting techniques and Jaffa jokes!"

"I do not believe that humans have enough of a sense of humor to appreciate Jaffa jokes, O'Neill."

"Okay – sure," Jack nodded. "And what about you Carter? In for teaching some really hard techno – uh – stuff?"

"Sure Sir," she grinned. "I'm always up for teaching – stuff!"

"Good, good – it's all decided!"

"So, Professor Jack O'Neill," Daniel shook his head. "I guess miracles do happen! When do you start?"

"I'll start in September, with the new class of recruits. That gives me the summer to get the kids, and the program organized. I'll still need to find child care or a nanny – but at least I'll come home every night."

"And, what about us Sir?" Sam asked. "Will we join another team?"

Jack looked at her seriously, thinking about how much he was going to miss her – at least he was going to miss going on missions with her. Hopefully he'd still see her – and Daniel and Teal'c of course. "Hammond will discuss it with all of you when you're done your leave. And whatever he decides – I know you'll all do just fine. I'll miss you – but you're the best damn team I've ever had."

"But we'll still come for team nights Jack, right?"

"Of course!"

"And you still plan to make us godparents for your children," Teal'c informed him.

"Uh – yeah, sure," answered Jack – although frankly it wasn't something he'd even given a thought to before. He wondered how Teal'c had gotten the idea. But now that he'd mentioned it … "Of course!" he said again. There's no one I'd rather have as godparents then the three of you!"

The rest of the afternoon was spent reminiscing about their time together as a team. After a while, however, Daniel started making recommendations for the new recruit program. Soon all four of them were arguing about what the program should include - and what could be left out. When Jack suggested that he really didn't think they needed a course on archaeology, he was sure Daniel was going to explode. God – he was going to miss tormenting Daniel on a regular basis.

When the children finally woke up from their naps the adults all decided to take them to the local playground – not wanting to give up their time together. After returning to Jack's they ordered pizza and played with the children until it was time for them to go to bed.

It wasn't until late that his team – his former team, he thought sadly – all left to go home. He stood at the door until they had all driven away, and then slowly closed it and shut off the exterior lights.

It had been a great day, he decided, but now he was feeling sad and maudlin. As happy as he was not to have to leave the program completely, he knew his life was now going to be much different. The worst part was that he was no longer part of the team that had become like family.

He sighed and returned to his living room, stopping to pick up one of James' blocks on the way. He chuckled as he looked at it – tossing it up and catching it. As sad as he was, he couldn't forget that he once more had a family.

Life wasn't perfect … but it was damned good.