"How are they doing?" Lorne asks during the debriefing.

"Well," Sheppard says, "there's a division along military/civilian lines, not surprising in a crisis situation. There's dissension in the emerging leadership. The younger members are adapting more quickly and readily than the older members. Some of the civilians are uncertain as to what their role in the group should be. Overall, I think our visit had a positive effect."

Rodney, munching a power bar, says, "Food goes a long way to easing anxiety. Trust me, I know."

"Yeah, we can see that," Sheppard observes wryly.

Zelenka asks McKay to give him a hand on setting up the data analysis.

Lorne moves closer to Sheppard. "How'd she handle it?"

"She was her usual brillant and warm self. Emotionally? I think she set her expectations too high. I need to get her back to Atlantis."

"Agreed. We'll check in tomorrow to let you know how the second attempt to dial them goes."

"By the way, what's Sara going to do?"

"She's thinking about staying with the Earth outpost, help Wolsey maintain alliances, basically being his second in command."

"She's certainly a capable lady. Are you two...?"

Lorne shrugs. "We think we can make it work. The new gate in the O'Neill-Carter crevass is operational so we're just a puddle jump and a gate apart."

"Glad to hear it. And the DHD?"

"Done. The McKay-Zelenka drive got a nice workout in the process. We used the hyper-jumper to retrieve the damaged DHD from Ernst Littlefield's planet and scavenged some parts from others to put together a functioning device. The Earth outpost will still have its leverage."

"Let's just hope it doesn't ever come to that. Well," Sheppard extends his hand to shake Lorne's, "Good luck, Evan. Make us proud."

"Thank you, sir. Take care of each other. Remember - no wild parties," he adds wryly. Sheppard deadpans, "No promises."

All too soon, it seems, the Day comes. Her words are carried through the public address system to the inhabitants of the city and the outpost, through the active Stargate to the inhabitants of Icarus.

"Today is yet another historic day in the long history of humankind. Though it may seem a sad day for us, I assure you it is a day of Hope.

"Some of you will stay behind on the planet of your birth to help your brothers and sisters shape the future of humanity for the generations who follow. I am in awe of your efforts and aspirations.

"Others of you have elected to provide a lifeline for those cast out onto the ocean of the universe, to help them succeed in their unintended voyage of discovery of the cosmos and of those who came before. I am humbled by your compassion and selflessness.

"The rest of you have chosen to return to another galaxy, there to fight alongside Earth's distant cousins struggling to free themselves from the fear and oppression of their ancient enemy. I am honored to join you on your self-appointed mission.

"Our small family now numbers three but we will always be One. Our interdependance is not our weakness but our strength. I have no doubts that all of you will prevail in your endeavors. Atlantis will rise. Icarus will fly. Earth remains...the point of origin."