"Secrets and Challenges"
Ch. 29
(The Mainland)
John landed the Puddle Jumper a distance away from the Prometheus. Stacey and John met up with Hammond, and to their surprise, Daniel Jackson.
"Welcome to the Pegasus Galaxy, General," John said.
"Thank you, Major," Hammond said. He noticed Stacey and said, "Dr. Grayson, you're a little different than when you left earth."
Stacey smiled and couldn't resist hugging him.
"And you're absolutely glowing," Daniel said.
Stacey hugged him too. "Oh, you're so sweat, thank you!"
When they began to leave, Halling and Jinto came running toward them.
"Major Sheppard!" Jinto greeted the group excitedly.
"General Hammond, Dr. Jackson. This is Jinto and his father Halling," John introduced.
"Greetings," Halling greeting, giving a slight bow.
"Thank you," Daniel said.
"We have a gift for Dr, Grayson and Major Sheppard," Jinto explained their presence without anybody asking.
"I hope that we are not intruding. But, Jinto has been very excited about this," Halling told the humans from earth.
"That's not a problem," Stacey said happily. She turned to Hammond and Daniel, "You don't mind if we take a side trip, General?"
"I don't have a problem, Doctor. I'm sure Dr. Jackson would love the chance to see the Athosians," the General said, smiling slightly at the boys excitement.
John turned to Halling, "Lead the way."
(Athosian Camp)
It took the group a half an hour to reach the camp. Halling and Jinto lead them to their tent. There were two large objects covered by one large fur blanket that was made from several different animals.
"It was Jinto's idea. It took me quit awhile to craft," Halling said. "But, in the end, I felt it was worth it."
Halling pulled back the fur blanket to reveal a hand carved rocking chair and a wooden crafted babies cradle.
"Wow!" Stacey breathed.
They all looked at the carvings very closely and carefully.
"This is so beautiful," John said. "Thank you, Halling."
(Atlantis, Control Room)
Once John and Daniel brought the rocking chair and cradle to Stacey and John's quarters, the group went to meet Weir in the Control Room.
"Welcome to Atlantis," Weir greeted.
"Dr. Weir," The General shook Elizabeth's hand.
"Elizabeth," Daniel shook her hand.
"Daniel, how are the others back on earth?" she asked him.
"Oh, they're fine. Jack's not too happy about me leaving, though," he said.
"I can only imagine," Weir said with a slight grin.
"So, are we gonna see this place or what?" Daniel then asked.
"Of course," Weir said.
"I don't mind showing Daniel and General Hammond around, Liz," Stacey jumped in. "We need to catch up on things anyways."
"That sounds like a plan to me," Weir tuned to John, "Major, apparently Teyla and Lt. Ford wanted to see us about something.."
"What might that be?" he asked.
"I haven't got a slightest idea!" she answered.
Stacey smiled. "See you two later."
She reached on the tip of her toes and kissed John on the lips.
To be continued . . .
