Here's the next part, hope you enjoy and feedback would be wonderful. Thanks again to Maggie for the beta.
Rumors of my Death
pt 25
The door closed and I exhaled.
You would think that everything would be easy and fall into place after we had gotten the news that Doc was alive. But nope this was my life and when had life ever given Jack O'Neill a break.
This day had to get better.
Didn't it?
I had sent my Carter with Thor to keep her busy and regain her sanity, I'd argued with Daniel and now he was sulking in his office probably plotting my death at the moment and Teal'c. . .
I turned around to see Teal'c standing off to the side talking to Dixon.
I should have known better. When I got the call that Teal'c was with Doc, it didn't surprise me. I was angry of course, he had disobeyed an order. But he had to make amends. He could not function knowing he had hurt those he cared for. He had to right the wrong he had caused.
Doc defended him saying it was the Jaffa way. She knew us all so well and I was thankful that it had turned out okay.
But I knew one of them would try something. It was my old team and it was expected. If she hadn't forgiven me, it would have been me instead of Teal'c that barged in on her.
That was the reason I sent Carter with Thor.
She would have been down here as soon as I said dismissed. She would want to speak to Janet to apologize for putting her through this hell. She'd shot her over her guilt of losing me. Which I couldn't understand but a lot of things were screwed up today; she wasn't thinking clearly, her pain clouding her judgment.
I could tell her remorse was overwhelming her. Her face could not hide the tears that fell when she found out her best friend had not died on that planet but was alive. She had tried to justify our actions but was shut out by Doc. Her slumping back into her seat and covering her face signaled her defeat. She started to withdraw after that. General Hammond saw this and tried to deflect Doc's anger and got an earful for his effort. Carter never got to speak to Doc after that.
She had been through hell today and I wish I could have prevented it. She didn't deserve this pain.
Then there was Daniel.
He needed time to think this through. I was doing him a favor by keeping him in his lab and even though he couldn't see it now, he would eventually. He had been talking in anger earlier and had tried my patience. He was hurting and you had to handle him differently when he was like this. You had to let him vent. Daniel never liked to keep things bottled up and even if he said some hurtful things he was always the first to apologize after he realized what exactly he had said.
There was history between them and I should have been more understanding.
But Doc had asked for time and I had to abide by her wishes.
She was hurt and had every right to feel that way. I knew what she had gone through. Having weapons pointed at you and thinking you're not who you say you are can be a pain. But it was worse for her. She'd been zatted, shot and interrogated by the very same people she thought she could trust with her life. I knew that was what hurt the most. That we had betrayed her by not believing she was telling us the truth. After everything she had told us, the secrets only she knew, we still thought she was an imposter. We had almost convinced her that she wasn't herself.
I shook my head.
Our 'family' would survive. We were all different but when it came to our bond, nothing could break us.
We were nothing apart but a force to be reckoned with when pulled together.
Time heals they say and I hope it was true in this case.
I tried to push for forgiveness on behalf of Carter and Daniel but those wounds were deeper than what she felt with Teal'c and General Hammond.
She had deeper ties to Carter and Daniel, one on a sister level and the other on a level that was more than brother and sister.
But, she didn't respond and I didn't push. It was her decision and it was late. Tomorrow would be another day a new one with a fresh start for all of us.
I rubbed my hand over my face and prayed for strength. They were my responsibility, all of them, and I would be there to help them.
"O'Neill?"
Teal'c's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. He was standing next to me but I still couldn't speak to him. I was still angry that he didn't do as I asked. This could have turned out so wrong. Doc was starting to feel herself again and eventually she would have learned to forgive but he had taken things into his own hands and almost gotten himself killed.
She could have zatted him twice; she had been that angry earlier. But I think the big guy knew this risk and still he went to her asking she extract her revenge.
His Jaffa pride was going to be the death of me.
I turned away making sure I didn't make eye contact. I needed to let off steam before speaking.
"Dixon, if anyone asks I'm going to speak to Mr. Dunlley and no one, I repeat no one," I looked at T, "is to disturb the Fraisers. Do I make myself clear?"
Dixon nodded.
"Crystal, Sir, it won't happen again I swear on the life of my kids."
"See that it doesn't because if it does, pack your long johns you're going to Antarctica."
He looked stunned. He knew I wasn't kidding. He'd dropped the ball with Teal'c and I was certain he wouldn't do it again.
"No one is getting through, Sir; I'm shooting first and asking questions second."
I nodded.
"Sir, if I may ask, where are Dr. Jackson and Colonel Carter?"
"Colonel Carter is with Thor. The only person that might try something is Daniel so, if you see him feel free to shoot, hit, hog tie, or zat him. He's been told not to disturb the Fraisers."
Dixon was in shock and I rolled my eyes.
"Oh, for crying out loud, it's Daniel! You shouldn't have any problems. If he does show up, call me and I'll take care of it."
I walked towards the elevator and T followed me.
I still hadn't spoken to him but I knew what was coming.
The doors opened, we walked in and I pressed the button to the right floor.
He pressed the stop button.
"O'Neill, I know you are angry with me for not following your orders. I take full responsibility for my actions but I had to make amends for what I did to Janet Fraiser as well as Cassandra. I could not continue my duties until this task was done. I have disappointed you and I will take any punishment you find appropriate. I will apologize to the airman for rendering him unconscious. I am truly sorry for my actions, O'Neill."
I pushed the stop button again and the elevator started.
I couldn't really be angry at him but then again he disobeyed a direct order and if order was not upheld then chaos would ensue. I closed my eyes and wondered if this was the last of our troubles and if it would be a better day tomorrow.
The doors opened and I walked out with Teal'c following me.
I needed to address this now.
We arrived at the room where Archie was being held and the airman said no one had come since Balinsky had left earlier.
I nodded and asked if the room across the hall was empty. He nodded and I motioned for Teal'c to follow. I closed the door and paced for a minute trying to get my mind straight. I wanted him to know that I was not a happy camper but also show that I understood why he did it. Hell, I would have done the same thing. I couldn't live with myself knowing I had hurt my family.
I put my hands behind my back and spoke.
"Teal'c, what you did was inexcusable. You disobeyed a direct order. There was a reason Doc did not want to face any of you. She was still angry and you only aggravated the situation. This could have gone really bad. She could have thought I betrayed her again by sending you down there."
He bowed his head and I continued.
"You knocked an innocent airman out, damn, T that was uncalled for. I know you needed to rectify your actions and I might have done the same thing. But I didn't and wouldn't, if I was told not to. I know it's hard to keep that Jaffa stubbornness in check but next time, think before you act. There are reasons for order, chain of command, ah hell, protocol and if we did what we wanted to do then what's the point of having someone in charge. I want you to know I didn't keep you away from her; she asked to be kept away. It's the truth but no one believes me. Daniel thinks I'm keeping her away from him and even though Carter isn't around, that head of hers will have gone through a dozen scenarios before she gets back. I won't be surprised if she tries to see Doc as soon as she gets back."
He hadn't said a word but I knew he was sorry by the way he hadn't looked me in the eye. He knew his actions were wrong but also knew if he didn't remedy the problem quickly; the guilt would make him less able to deal with everything else.
I grabbed his upper arm
"It's been a long day and I can't let you off the hook completely but punishment can wait until later. I just can't think of anything at the moment. This day has been one of happiness and sorrow. But, I think we are done with the sorrow. Doc's back and hopefully, things will get back to normal. But remember, T, you will take your punishment no questions asked."
He seemed surprised that I was letting him off easy. He bowed his head to acknowledge he understood and I smiled.
If he only knew I was going to demand he come to the cabin with me to fish, he might have asked for the brig. I'd keep him in suspense a bit longer. That was what we needed a time to reconnect, a time to rejoice, a time to reestablish bonds. But it wouldn't happen unless Doc forgave them.
Doc had forgiven him.
Something, an hour ago, I thought wouldn't have been possible.
I wondered what he had told her to change her mind.
"Teal'c what did you say to Doc? It must have really got her to thinking. She forgave you, big guy, something I didn't think was possible. She was really angry with all of us for not believing her and what we put her through. I got a first hand look how it felt for you guys to disbelieve me and she had the whole base up in arms. Whatever you said, it gives me hope that she just might forgive Carter and Daniel. So, what did you tell her?"
He shook his head.
"I feel I can not disclose this O'Neill. It was between JanetFraiser and myself. She found it in her heart to forgive me after I did her great harm but I do understand now why you did not want us to see her. It was for our own protection. She was very furious with me and told me that she felt betrayed by our actions. There are no words that can describe this burden; I will carry it until my last breath. I hope to find peace someday and make amends for what I did."
"Hey, there are no burdens to be carried, T. It was a mistake. I think she's understanding that. We are allowed to be wrong once in a while. We did what we thought was right, with the evidence we had on hand. That video tape, the body what more proof was there of her death? We were all fooled."
He nodded.
I thought of my other two friends and wondered what they were thinking right now. How heavy was their burden?
"Teal'c, do you think she'll forgive Daniel and Carter for what they did to her today?"
"O'Neill, I have great faith in Dr. Fraiser. I know she will find it in her heart to forgive them. She needs time and space but as soon as she heals and becomes Janet Fraiser again she will know the truth and learn to forgive."
I closed my eyes and exhaled. This day was finally catching up with me. What was supposed to be a day of traveling turned out to be a day for new beginnings.
"O'Neill?"
I opened my eyes, "Yeah, T, I know we got things still to do. So let's go talk to Archie and then get some food, I am starving."
I got up and T followed.
The airman opened the door and we went in to the room.
Archie looked up and didn't look too happy.
"Well, it's about time General O'Neill, I've been sitting here twiddling my thumbs all morning and afternoon and you finally decided to grace me with your presence again? What the hell is going on and don't give me any bull, I've heard enough to know that Miss Janet was in some trouble and presumed dead and now she miraculously is alive? Oh, don't give me that its classified mumbo jumbo. This is supposed to be NORAD but you have this place crawling with armed soldiers and I don't think protecting telescopes is a top priority. I've been around the military long enough to know when there's a cover up. So, no smoke and mirrors young man, I want the truth and some answers now."
It was comical.
I wanted to laugh.
I had been measured and weighed and put in my place. There was no sense in trying to keep the truth from him. I told General Hammond I'd vouch for him and I'm sure if he got to know him, he'd do the same. He was a "no nonsense" kind of fellow and he wanted answers.
"Well, don't just stand there and try to figure out a way to get out of telling me the truth. I've heard and seen enough to merit some answers from you and the Air Force, don't you think? General O'Neill, I know I can't know everything but please I just want to know if Miss Janet is okay and if her daughter is safe. I want to be sure. She was frantic when I found her and well, I feel kinda responsible for her and if you betrayed my trust, there will be hell to pay, mark my word. I can still kick your ass given the chance and your friend there, too."
He motioned to Teal'c and glared at him.
Teal'c raised an eyebrow and blinked, giving in to Archie as a sign of respect.
He turned back to me, "So, son is she okay? Is her daughter fine also? How did she take the news and how in the hell did you think she was dead? Can you at least tell me that?"
Doc's hero.
That's what he was. If it wasn't for him she would have been wandering out there for who knows how long and might have ended up with the wrong type of people.
I pulled out the chair and sat down while T stood by the door. Archie turned around and then back to me.
"Your friend there doesn't say much does he?"
I snorted, "Who Murray? He's a jabber jaw, can't get a word in edge wise once he gets started."
Archie rolled his eyes, "How can you be a General when you're such a smart ass?"
I smiled, "It's the new Air Force. Smart ass is part of the job description; it replaced brown noser."
He shook his head, "You must try your superior's nerves don't you, Jack."
"I keep them on there toes. That's for sure."
"So, son are they okay? I've been sitting here wondering if I did the right thing in not shooting you."
He glared at me.
"Trust me, I'm glad you didn't. She's fine Archie and she wants to see you. Cassie, that's her daughter, wants to see you, too. I want to apologize for keeping you here so long. It's been a hell of a day. But, as soon as I get you security clearance, I'll tell you a story you won't believe."
"Oh, I'll believe anything, son. Something funny is going on around here and I want to know all you can tell me. It wouldn't have to do with body snatching would it? That's what they were talking about on that campy Sci-Fi channel the other day, but if you tell me that's what's going on, I'll never say a bad thing about aliens or anything to do with space ever again."
I laughed.
"I promise to tell you as much as I can as soon as I get the okay. Oh and Archie thank you from me and all of my people here at the base. You stopped to help Doc and I am indebted to you."
Teal'c stepped forward.
"As I am, ArchieDunnley, I will find a way to repay this act of kindness you have shown Dr. Fraiser. You have my loyalty as well as my respect for helping her in her time of need."
His outstretched arm was taken by Archie and was gripped in the way the Jaffa greeted their warriors.
"She is very important to all of you, isn't she? I knew she was special they way she bossed me around and was frantic to find her girl. She reminded me of my wife Deena, God bless her soul. She was the only woman that could get me to do anything. Ms. Janet has that same quality. I'm just happy she found her daughter. So what about the other little lady, the one we found her daughter at. She looked like she'd seen a ghost. When Miss Janet showed up, you all did and the chaos that followed it was something hard for me to forget."
He was talking about Sam and yeah, she really did look like she'd seen a ghost.
"She's fine."
"What about that loud mouth that was at the house, I could have shot him and I don't think I would have gotten into any trouble if I did. He kinda got me thinking and then sitting here for hours, I put 2 and 2 together."
Yeah, that loud mouth had a lot to answer for and I still had to tell Carter about the incident with Dixon and Balinsky. Pete was not going to let this go. He had been shut out by us and I knew she had not contacted him since this whole fiasco started. Something else to worry about, but if the bastard tried to harm Carter he'd have the wrath of the SGC bearing down on him with me leading the charge.
"General Jack, did I lose you somehow?"
I snapped out of my stupor and looked back at Archie.
"O'Neill, General Hammond would like to speak to you."
I turned to see T with another Airman.
"That should be your clearance, Archie. Hey, I bet you're hungry. Want to grab some food and then I'll brief you on what's going on?"
I stood up as Archie grumbled that it was about time, that he was tired of coffee and wanted some real food.
"I can't guarantee you the food is real but at least it fills you up."
"I've had worse. Hey do the all the MRE's still taste like chicken?"
I smiled, "You bet."
I walked out of the room as Archie let out a snort and started to ask Teal'c where he was from.
I spoke to Hammond and he gave me authorization to talk to Archie about Janet and a bit about what we did at the base. He wasn't dumb; he knew it was a top secret facility but I would bet my pension he would not let anything leak.
I walked back to the room as Archie was finishing a joke and trying to get Teal'c to laugh.
"ArchieDunley, I still don't understand why the barkeep would not serve the duck?"
I shook my head as Archie tried to explain the joke. I stopped him before he could even try to get T to understand.
"Archie, you have clearance so come on, lets get some grub and I'll explain to you why you should never try to tell Murray a joke."
He stood up and tried to get T to understand why the bartender wouldn't serve the duck when we ran into the airman guarding the door.
"Sir, uh, we have another problem."
Daniel.
That was the first thing that popped into my mind.
"I swear if Dixon and Balinsky dropped the ball…"
"No, Sir, he's trying to leave the mountain and General Hammond instructed us to keep him on base. He's getting a little upset and Colonel Dixon said to shoot first and ask questions later."
I looked to Teal'c and Archie.
"Never a dull moment with the telescopes, right, General? Is shooting a person first and asking questions later your normal procedure? I can't wait to hear what exactly is going on at this facility."
"Murray, take Archie to the commissary. I'll go handle Daniel."
"You do not wish me to assist you, O'Neill?"
"No, I'll take care of him, he's pissed off and I know it's directed at me. I don't want him to lash out at anyone else."
Archie looked at me with concern. "Is this another one of Miss Janet's friends? Did he not take the news well that she is alive?"
"All in good time, Archie. I've got to go. I'll see you when I finish talking to Daniel."
I left them with the airman following me.
I made it topside and as the doors opened I heard Daniel yelling at them to let him through.
"I left my letter of resignation on General O'Neill's desk, now, what the hell more do I have to do to get out of this place! I'm done, I no longer work for the Air Force and you are keeping me here against my will."
"Daniel!"
He turned and I knew this would not turn out well.
"Good, you're here. Tell them that I am no longer part of SG-1 or the SGC. I left my letter of resignation on your desk. I want out of here now."
He was trying to run away. To run from what he had done. I felt it was partly my fault since I wouldn't let him see Doc but I was only protecting her, why couldn't he see that?
"I haven't been to my office so, I haven't seen any letter and even if I had received it, I'd toss it in my round file. Daniel, think rationally for a minute, it's been a long day, tempers have flared and we've been through hell and back. Come on, Danny, I know you're hurt and I haven't helped the situation but try to understand I did it for everyone's sake. We need time to rest, recoup, and space, lots of it. Why can't you see that?"
"I should have followed Teal'c's lead and barricaded myself in the room with her. But no, the mighty Jack O'Neill sent me to my room for a time out! I know what you're doing, Jack. You want to be the hero in all of this but you're just as bad as the rest of us. We failed her as much as we failed Cassie."
I had to take a deep breath. I motioned for the airmen to move aside.
"Let's finish this in my office, Daniel, enough has already been said to keep the gossip going for months."
He picked up his bag then threw down his access card and ID onto the check-in table.
"Not my problem anymore, General, you can send the rest of my stuff to my apartment."
He started to walk out but the airmen stood in his way.
"Tell your men to let me through, General."
I walked next to him and motioned them to move.
"I'll walk you to your car, Daniel."
"Nothing else to say, General. I screwed up. I've finally had enough and I'm walking."
He left me behind but I caught up.
"Don't do this, Daniel, you are allowed to make mistakes, hell, I've screwed up too many times to count. Don't walk away from this. She will forgive you, she will I promise."
"You don't get it, Jack?"
"Get what, Danny, that you're human? You made a mistake? That you thought she was an imposter? We all did!"
I grabbed his arm to stop him from walking.
"You were there when she was shot Danny, you were there when she took her last breath and you were the one screaming for a medic when it was too late."
His anger left him as he looked down.
"How can she forgive me, Jack? I almost killed her for real. I felt the pain all over again and to think someone was pretending to be her, to try and take her place, the rage and fury I felt was…."
"Scary?"
He looked at me in shock. I understood what he felt having been in his shoes in other situations.
He composed himself and turned away.
"Yeah, Jack scary, it was like someone else took over because I couldn't deal with the thought that I had left her behind."
Poor Danny, he was always the one who would try and talk things out before letting violence settle anything.
He started to walk to his car and when he reached it, leaned against the door.
I stood in front of him. I could see the fight in him was gone, he was thinking now and the guilt would either consume him or force him to find a solution.
He slid to the ground and pulled up his knees.
"I let her down, Jack, on that field months ago, in life and in the one thing she held dear to her. I failed her, I withdrew from Cassie because she reminded me too much of Janet and what I had lost by not following my heart. Once she finds out, she'll see me for the piece of crap I am and never speak to me again. Accept my resignation, Jack, I don't think I could stand her hating me, I would face every Gou'ald in the universe twice, rather than face her and have her hate me. I couldn't bear it."
The last was said in a whisper.
I sat down next to him and put my arm around his shoulder. He leaned in and I could tell he was crying silently. Letting a sniffle out every once in a while.
I don't know how long we sat there. But I would have sat until the sun rose. He needed to know he wasn't alone.
"Daniel, I'm not accepting your letter of resignation. You are too important to the program and I need you around space monkey. We're family and we will make it through this mess. Doc will see it through, don't worry she's hurt right now but we will get her to see we never meant to hurt her. Cassie understood you being standoffish, she never knew you two had tried to get together but once it's explained, she'll understand. Give her time, Daniel, I don't think she could ever hate you or any of us. It's not in Doc's nature and she did forgive Teal'c."
Daniel gasped, 'she forgave Teal'c?"
"Yeah, but he won't tell me what was said, just that it was between him and Doc. Give her time Daniel she needs to feel she's really home and that we believe her again."
Daniel nodded and I was relieved.
"So, do you want to go back in and have something to eat? You can meet Archie; he's the man that found Doc."
I stood up and held out my hand.
Daniel took it and I helped him up.
"Okay, Jack you win. I won't leave but you have to promise me you'll let me speak to her alone. There're things I need to say only to her. No audience."
I slapped him on the back, "If she says its okay, then fine but only if she says okay, Daniel and I don't want to hear anymore talk about resigning. I had enough of that from Teal'c."
"Teal'c was going to leave? Why…"
As we walked to the checkpoint I picked up Danny's badge and access card.
"Ask him yourself he's waiting for us also."
We walked to the elevator, "Jack what about Sam? I said some hurtful things and I regret them now. Crap, when I screw up I do it to the max don't I?"
"Yeah, Danny, you do but Carter will forgive you, she has her own burden of guilt to carry, not to mention what's waiting for her at home. I still need to talk to her about what happened earlier with Dixon and Balinsky."
"Jack? What happened?"
I took a deep breath and told him what had happened with Pete and the "incident".
He listened and let out some choice words on what he thought of Pete's behavior.
"She can't go home alone, Jack, he could try and hurt her, we can't let that happen. I never liked him; Jack there was always something about him that I couldn't put my finger on. He always had to prove he was better then us or tried too hard to show he was a nice guy. He just didn't seem the right guy for her. Promise me, Jack, promise me she won't go home alone. I can't stand by and let another of my family get hurt."
I had the same feelings about Pete but I never told Carter, it wasn't my place. Daniel was right he had always tried to keep her away from us. Our team nights got fewer and farer between and with Janet dying, his hold on Carter had strengthened. He had moved in but was not happy with Cassie moving in. I thought she would see the light and see that he wasn't right for her but when she accepted his proposal, I knew I had lost her. I would make sure she was safe; it was my job as her CO and friend.
"No one's going to hurt her, Danny, I'll guarantee it. I might just go over and smooth things over before she gets home and remind him of our little chat in the interrogation room earlier. Don't worry, Daniel, if he touches her he's dead."
He nodded his head, "Good no more pain. I don't think any of us could bear any more. So, what about this Archie guy?"
We walked to the commissary as I told him about Archie, he didn't say much but when we walked in T and Archie were eating and Archie was still trying to explain his joke.
Daniel looked at me.
"Don't ask and don't try to help it's beyond your ability to translate."
T looked up as did Archie.
"Archie, this is Dr. Daniel Jackson, a very good friend of Janet and Cassie. So, how's the food? I see Murray only filled one tray this time."
Archie looked at Teal'c.
"I know his name isn't Murray he told his name is Teal'c and Dr. Jackson, what does he do? He doesn't look like a Dr.; what's his specialty? Ticker, shrink, bunions?"
Daniel extended his hand.
"I'm a Dr. of Archeology and also translate ancient dialect. It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Dunnley and I would like to extend my grateful thanks for all that you did in helping Janet find her way home. I am in your debt."
Archie looked at me then back to Daniel.
"An Archeologist and a linguist? Why would you need him on a military base?"
Daniel stood with his mouth open and looked at me. Archie was too smart for his own good. I bet he had gathered enough information just walking through the halls and sitting here eating to have a basic idea of what was going on.
I smiled, "patience old man, let Daniel close his mouth and get a cup of coffee. I'll get some food and fill you in on what we do here."
"Oh, this is going to be an interesting tale. It just gets better and better. So, go get your food and pull up a chair, General, you too, Doctor, I want answers. I'm not getting any younger and the suspense is killing me. I always like a good yarn and this one should be a doozy."
I grabbed some food and sat across from Archie; Daniel got his coffee and sat next to him.
We told him about the stargate program and traveling to other planets. Daniel explained how he spent a year in Abydos and how he was the one that actually opened the gate. Teal'c revealed he was an alien and that, no, he was not gray underneath his skin. We told him of our allies and our enemies. We explained to him how we had lost Janet on a planet light years away and about the tape that had documented her final moments.
The whole time Archie listen and never interrupted; when we were finished he looked at each of us and shook his head.
He got up and started to speak, "If you fellas didn't want to tell me the truth then you should have just let me go earlier."
"Mr. Dunnley, that is the truth. You are in the top secret base that houses the stargate. We travel to other planets and even, other galaxies."
"If you expect me to believe this malarkey you all must think I'm a senile old man. Jack, I was kidding about the aliens and having Murray there say he was one, was classic. Now, if you will excuse me I want to get out of this hole and get home. You can give Miss Janet, if that's her real name, my telephone number and address if she wants she can contact me there. Maybe she'll be willing to tell me the truth. Wormhole's, it's like that weirdo show Wormhole extreme that I watched once and I bet that's where this story came from."
I snorted, he didn't believe us and he was accusing us of using an episode of Wormhole Extreme as a cover story, this was too much.
He started to walk away and Daniel tried to reason with him.
"Mr. Dunnley, why won't you believe us?"
Daniel got up and stood by him.
"Cause it can't be true, you saved the world how many times? Hell, you don't even look like you can handle a gun, let alone save the planet from the ghoulies."
I coughed, "Um, that's Gou'alds but I prefer snakeheads." I stood up as he tried to make it to the door to leave the commissary.
Archie was the type of person you'd have to show to make him believe.
"Archie, let me show you…"
I was interrupted by a flash of light and Carter bumping into me a second later.
She was in front of me and I grabbed her to make sure she didn't fall.
She gasped loudly and almost fell on top of Archie.
As I pulled her towards me the crystal she was holding slipped from her hands.
I reached out for it but it was saved by Archie.
Archie looked at the crystal then to Carter and finally to me.
Carter was trying to speak but with the shock of seeing Archie, failed miserably.
Archie looked at Daniel and I then came up to Carter.
"Where in the heck did you pop up from little lady and what's this?"
She looked down at my hands still on her waist then up at me.
"Sir, what's going on? Why is he here in the commissary? I thought he left?"
She tried to grab the crystal from his hands and he moved back.
She looked over her shoulder and slumped into me, "Sir, I'm sorry." She whispered, "What do we do now?"
Archie was still wondering how Carter appeared and was examining the crystal. Well, he had to believe us now.
"Well, missy? Where did you come from, missy? One minute I was arguing with that one behind you and the next you appear in front of me with this."
He waved the crystal and Carter reached for it again.
"That's very important; please give it back to me."
He had it in one hand and held it up to the light.
"This thing? It looks like a giant icicle. What's so important about it?"
Carter looked at me then to Daniel and Teal'c before turning back to Archie.
I was still holding onto Carter's waist and I squeezed to get her attention.
"Carter, he's been given clearance. Oh and Carter, did I ever tell you your timing is impeccable?"
"I'm sorry, Sir. I told Thor to send me to you and well…"
Sneaky Carter. She probably thought I was with Janet. This would have been her way of getting to talk to her.
She had been thinking of ways to get around my order of leaving Doc alone.
She cleared her throat, "So, he's allowed to know about the stargate?"
I let her go and walked over to Archie.
"Yes, Carter but he thinks our story was, what did he say, Daniel?"
"O'Neill, I believe the term used was malarkey. DanielJackson, what is malarkey?"
I chuckled and I heard a giggle escape Carter. I looked over to see her biting her lip to stop the laughter.
Daniel smiled and Teal'c looked at us like we had finally lost it.
"So, this whole tale is the truth? You've saved the world and travel to other planets?"
"Yeah, you can say that but we stopped counting the times we've saved the earth."
"Four times, Jack."
We looked at Daniel and he shrugged.
I asked Archie for the crystal and he handed it to me.
Walter walked into the commissary and said General Hammond needed to speak to all of us, Archie included.
I motioned Archie to follow along with the rest of my family.
"So, Teal'c," Archie patted him on the back. "You don't know the meaning of malarkey? I'll tell you what it means on the way to seeing this General Hammond."
Teal'c and Archie walked ahead.
I turned to see Daniel pulling Carter into a hug and both making amends.
I sighed we were finally coming together.
I caught up to Archie and T at the elevators.
"So old man, still think the yarn we told you is malarkey or do you want to see little green men?"
"O'Neill I believe Thor's coloring is grayish brown. Isn't that correct, Colonel Carter?"
"Well, yeah, a bit on the taupe side. What do you think, Daniel?"
"Yeah, definitely on the taupe side, Sam."
"Alright, next time we see Thor we'll ask."
"Ask what O'Neill?"
We all turned to see Thor standing innocently behind us and then Teal'c catching Archie just before he hit the floor.
Yup, things where finally coming together.