Jack leans back and sets his feet up on the desk, glad he has the most comfortable chair on base to cushion himself while doing battle with the inevitable paperwork. Sips at the mug of klah in his hand and shoots a quick glance at his watch, just in time to see he's been at work for exactly five minutes.

Already he's bored.

He sighs and looks around his office, trying to find something to occupy his mind. This place is humming along like a well-oiled machine, thanks to Walter and the rest of the support staff. Not much to do today except for the aforementioned paperwork.

Maybe he oughta work on his yo-yo tricks again. Or give himself the day off, even- sneak right back into bed with Sam, or grab Mac and go on that postponed fishing trip.

He's the boss now, right? He can do whatever he wants.

The door opens and Daniel- whom he thought was safely tucked in bed under Becky's loving care since last night- pokes his head in. "Good, you're finally here."

He immediately turns and rushes away.

Jack scowls. Looks like the Spacemonkey's at it again.

Daniel doubles back and beckons to him, with a wide-eyed, almost manic look that's classic Jackson. "Aren't you coming? You gotta see this."

With a sigh he sets his mug on top of a stack of folders and eases out of his comfy chair. Following Daniel into a room filled with computer monitors showing Gate addresses and paper star charts taped on the walls.

Becky's standing in front a whiteboard covered with equations and Gate glyphs, her hands on her hips, scowling. She turns as they enter and waves a scrap of paper at them. "I don't get it. It's my handwriting but I've never seen an address like this before. Where did it come from?"

"I don't know either. You were sleepwalking when you wrote it," Daniel explains.

She only looks further confused. "You mean I went and did something remarkable again and I don't even remember doing it?" She throws her hands over her head, absently letting go of the paper. Jack catches it mid-air. "Unbelievable. Why does this always happen to me?"

"You're just lucky that way, kiddo." He frowns at the symbols and the Ancient letters beneath. "So what am I lookin' at, Danny?"

"It's an address, one we think leads to another city of the Ancients."

"You mean there's more than one?"

"Four of them, actually," Becky absently comments with her back to them, shuffling through a pile of charts.

Both men turn and stare at her, eyebrows raised.

She straightens and stares right back at them. "What, I didn't tell you guys before?"

Jack sighs. "Guess it's time to call a powwow, kids."


"Okay," Becky says once the gang (save for Teal'c who is conferring with Bra'tac on Chulak about the Free Jaffa Nation) is gathered in the briefing room. "All I know about the cities comes from Huy-Braesealis, so bear with me.

"While the Ancients had outposts everywhere, they were based primarily in four cities, each symbolizing one of the traditional elements of nature. Huy-Brasealis, which is called the City of Earth for obvious reasons. Atlantis is the City of Water, the address for which apparently came to me last night in my sleep. Lavondis is the City of Air, most likely floating in the atmosphere of either a planet, a moon or a gas giant. And lastly Caeris the City of Fire, which could be located near a volcano, or even in close orbit around a sun."

"All of the names correspond to legendary places in Old Earth mythology," Daniel notes. "Mostly coastal or island city-states, such as Hy-Brasil and Atlantis. The name Lavondis hints at locales such as Avon, Lyonesse, Avalon and Dis. And Caeris or Caer Ys was a mythical city built on the coast of Brittany in France, later swallowed by the ocean."

"I'm picking up a theme here," Jack remarks. "Makes me glad Mac and I grew up in the Midwest."

Becky rolls her eyes. "All four used to be in constant contact with each other, but Huy-Braesealis claims he lost touch with the latter two thousands of years ago. He has no idea what their current status is, and any record in the city's database of their respective Gate addresses or actual locations is gone. What he knows of Atlantis is all that's left."

"How do you know about Atlantis in the first place?" Daniel asks her.

She grimaces, rubbing the back of her neck. "It happened near the end of the battle, when we blew up Anubis' mothership. Which you remember caused a massive shockwave powerful enough to temporarily knock you guys out of the link, and made the AI reboot. When it did, a previously hidden file in a minor directory presented itself with an urgent flag for my immediate perusal."

Carter stares at her in frank incredulity. "You mean it wanted to download itself into your mind? And you let it?"

"Only after Huy-Braesealis reassured me it was completely free of any traps or viruses. I have no reason yet not to trust the system, it's always been very courteous and obliging. Turned out to be a pretty big file too, which is why I didn't wake up right away," she explains to Daniel. "I've been processing it on an subconscious level ever since."

"That certainly explains the sleepwalking and writing," he agrees. "Has your subconscious come up with anything else?"

"Aside from the Gate address? Not really. There's a portion of Huy-Braesealis in my mind that's been analyzing the data for me, and...Um, why are you guys looking at me like that?"

Jack can't help staring as if she's changed into a fascinating alien artifact right before their eyes, thunderstruck and more than a little apprehensive.

What had happened to him with the Repository was bad enough, but to his own niece? Too awful to contemplate. Damn that Ancient tech.

"How...how long has the AI been in contact with you?" Daniel asks her, almost tentatively. "Without you sitting in the chair, I mean."

Becky looks a little guilty. "Almost right after the first mission to the city," she admits sheepishly. "I knew you guys were concerned about my long-term exposure- like what happened to Jack- so I didn't want to alarm anyone. Only a very small portion's in my mind, really."

"It's not...using you for anything, is it? Gathering data for its own purposes or whatever?"

"No, absolutely not," she hastens to reassure him. "I think it's just for keeping a channel open. You know, maintenance issues, like what happened with the southwest emplacement." Jack nods reluctant understanding and so does Carter. "Don't worry, guys. Last night aside, I promise I'm not losing my mind. Besides, if I were under the influence of Ancient tech right now do you think I'd be able to do this?" She reaches over to Daniel and gives him a quick yet passionate kiss, leaving him dazed.

Which serves to break the tension, as she'd obviously intended.

Jack can't help but give a wry chuckle. "Nope, guess you wouldn't. But that won't stop us from worrying about you, Beck. You may think you're fine but I'm gonna have Janet give you a scan or two, just to make sure you've got your head on straight. Ah!" holding up his finger to forestall her protests. "I mean it, now. This is one time I don't want any argument."

She slumps in her seat and nods, more than a little regretful for inadvertently spilling the beans. "Yes, sir."

"An eight-chevron address," Carter muses, getting the discussion back on track. "We've never dialed one of those before, since it requires a huge expenditure of energy to establish and stabilize a wormhole connection. Much more than for seven. We'll have to use a ZPM as a power source, and connect it to the Gate with a modified generator."

"And do what with it?" Jack innocently inquires.

"Why, dial the address, of course. Sir." She looks astonished, even a little flustered.

He likes keeping her on her toes but he smirks a little, to show he's teasing. "Okay. So why did they build more than one city?"

"We don't really know, to be honest," Becky admits. "Maybe some of them wanted to form new colonies, seeding life elsewhere like they did here in the Milky Way. But we do know where it is. Daniel's calculated the actual location of Atlantis."

"The Pegasus Galaxy," he supplies. "It's a dwarf galaxy in the local group, approximately three million light-years from here."

"A companion to the Andromeda Galaxy," Sam says. "Relatively speaking, of course."

Jack rubs his chin, thoughtfully. "I don't wanna be a wet blanket but isn't that an awful long way for us to go, just to knock on the door and introduce ourselves to any surviving Ancients as their new neighbors?"

"C'mon Jack, isn't the fact it's there and we know where it is incentive enough to find out? The eight-chevron address indicates a point in space outside of this galaxy. We won't know anything else about it unless we dial the address." There's that manic look in Danny's eyes again, when he's hot on the trail of an archaeological mystery.

Which rarely bodes any good, in Jack's experience.

"And isn't that the same reason why we go through the Gate in the first place, to see what's out there?" Becky chimes in. She's got that same look now. "Exploring is what we do best, after all."

Jack leans back, steeples his fingers in unconscious imitation of Hammond. "Okay. So this obviously calls for something more than a mere recon mission. But what?"

"Well," Becky ventures with a glance at Daniel, "if the Ancients went big, maybe we should too."

Jack's brow furrows. "You mean an expedition?"

She shrugs. "Yeah."

A thoughtful silence ensues.

Sam finally ventures, "With the amount of energy we'll need to power the Gate it'll likely be a one-way trip for anyone who goes. They might be cut off from us forever if we can't find an alternative means to keep in contact."

"But that doesn't mean folks won't want to anyway," Becky counters. "Not if they're willing to brave the unknown and risk their lives in exchange for being on the cutting edge of research and exploration. And not just an expedition. A colony of our own in another galaxy, affiliated yet autonomous."

Daniel looks uneasy. "Um, to be honest I don't like the implications of the word colony."

"Then call it a contingency plan," she insists, "so we have somewhere else to go if another threat comes along that's too big for us to handle, and we have to either flee the Milky Way or risk total destruction."

"Got anyone in mind for a leader?" Jack asks, half-jokingly.

"I do, and you know her too- Elizabeth Weir. Now that we have the council up and running she's been advising Major Begay of SG-9 and our other roving diplomats. I also know she's secretly hoping for another project she can sink her teeth into, and I don't think she'll care if it's one-way."

Becky's made some good points. The legacy of the Ancients and their civilization- for all he hates their side effects- is a pretty big mystery, and one that deserves investigating. And he's been planning on developing a second contingency plan anyway, just in case things in the Milky Way go belly up.

It's a hell of a chance all the same, risking people's lives when there are only ten thousand or so left out of billions. Yet sometimes you have to take a chance to win big.

Oh, well. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Right?

"Okay campers, let's plan an expedition. I'll talk to Elizabeth, see what she thinks. Maybe she can suggest others who might be interested. And then see where we go from there. Good chat, everyone. See ya around." He stands and the rest of them follows suit. "Oh, and Beck? Don't forget to get your head examined. I'll let Janet know you're coming over."

Her shoulders slump, obviously hoping he'd forgotten. Not a chance. "Yes, sir," she mutters.

Daniel places a comforting arm around her shoulders, throwing a dirty look at him behind her back. Jack just shrugs, in seeming nonchalance. He knows she's probably okay, but it's best to remind his niece every now and then he can be as parental towards her as his brother if necessary.

It's something he takes pride in, looking out for the well-being of anyone under his command. As Hammond did before him.

He glances at the clock. It's been an interesting couple of hours, at least.

Time to head to the refectory for a midmorning snack. Fortify himself with cake before seeking the opinion of the redoubtable Dr. Weir about mounting an expedition to this galaxy named after a mythological winged horse.

Never a dull moment at the ol' SGC, that's for certain.


As it turns out, nothing out of the ordinary shows up in the scans Janet does on Becky. Though there is the unfortunate side effect of Mac looking at her askance from time to time, only because he happened to be there to repair some equipment and eavesdropped. Now he's probably seeing her as a freak, just because of that portion of Huy-Braesealis in her mind.

Just peachy.

At least he has the decency not to blab it to anyone else, and Becky's grateful for doctor-patient confidentiality with Aunt Janet. She can only hope the others use their best judgement. Gossip spreads pretty quick around the base after all, more so than one might expect for a formerly top-secret operation.

God forbid word should get out through the settlement as well, and wouldn't that be perfect fodder for Williams and his Witness Society! "Divinely touched by the Blessed Ancients," or some other nonsense that turns her stomach.

Good thing everyone's preoccupied with other news these days.

From Gateway to Gamma Base word has spread of a new opportunity for research and exploration, codenamed the Pegasus Project. Curiosity is riding high, though the details are withheld in strictest confidence from the general population.

Jack has seconded Becky to assist Elizabeth with expedition planning- selecting personnel, acquiring the necessary materials and provisions either from existing supplies in the settlement and all three bases (bless Alvarez for his vast warehouses) or through offworld purchasing deals. All of which demands attention to detail on a par with Zero Hour.

Fortunately Elizabeth has plenty of experience from heading the Planning and Steering Committees, and Becky herself has organized and led additional missions since Operation Astria, just as Sam predicted.

At least there's no lack of volunteers for the project, though the sheer volume of interest shown by scientists and military alike has even Jack scratching his head.

"Sheesh, you'd think the idea of a one-way trip to a mysterious uncharted galaxy would at least give some pause," he mutters, flipping through personnel files.

"You underestimate the lure of the unknown, General," Weir gently rebukes him. "The benefit to our settlement and humanity in general is far greater than the risk. And it's one that every volunteer is willing to take. Including me."

"Should they survive the training. I made sure it's grueling on purpose." A note of pride in his voice.

Becky can't help but admire her uncle the crafty old fox, considering her own informal preparatory sessions before he considered her mission-ready to accompany Daniel whenever he needed assistance offworld. Yet in the end there was only so much training he and the rest of the team could give her, before they just let her tag along and hoped for the best. Fortunately she hasn't let them down yet.

"Oh, I'm sure they've already determined you had something to do with it by now," Elizabeth remarks, very dry. "This morning I received a lengthy and detailed critique by email from Dr. McKay concerning, and I quote, 'the abject idiocy of forcing those of exceptionally high intelligence to suffer through exercises designed for military grunts with miniscule IQs.' Not that anyone else is complaining, of course. But I'm confident once we've settled into Atlantis they'll be grateful your 'Boot Camp for Geeks' prepared them for whatever the Pegasus Galaxy has to offer."

"I hope so. I still think 'Expect Everything' should be the expedition's motto."

She smiles. "It already is."


The next month Becky and Daniel return to the Memorial Grove, this time as witnesses to the marriage of Major Evan Lorne and Dr. Alexandra Woolston.

They make a lovely couple. Alex is one of the other archaeologists in the department, taller than Becky (granted, so is almost everyone she knows save for Janet) but a little shorter than Evan. Beautiful, with blonde hair and lovely blue eyes behind glasses. Evan's good-looking, solid and dependable yet with a kind and gentle- even artistic- soul. Even if he hadn't followed SOP by manhandling archaeological remains during a mission to P3X-403 (which had practically rendered Daniel speechless at the time) they've both nonetheless became good friends.

Their wedding's the culmination of a long and interesting relationship, according to Alex. Apparently they first met while he was stationed in Germany ("Sitting in the shade of an oak tree in Trier, one hot summer's day with sketchpad in hand. It was love at first sight.") and stayed together for a while before separating. They reunited unexpectedly a second time before the Big Quake, both working at the SGC of all things, though it took a while longer to get back together again as a couple.

After Zero Hour Evan had been assigned to Alpha Base while Alex stayed on New Earth to help set up the department. But they kept the relationship going, especially after he'd participated in the first expedition to Huy-Brasealis and flown with Cam Mitchell in Operation Astria a few months later. When he'd been reassigned back to New Earth after the battle it was like they'd never been apart.

Their story reminds Becky of her and Daniel, in a way. Meeting in Seattle then parting and reuniting again between the end of one world and the beginning of another.

It had been a surprise of course when Alex confessed a day before the ceremony that they'd volunteered jointly for the expedition. Becky's sad to see them go, but at the same time happy they'll have the thrilling opportunity to explore a new galaxy together.

Dr. Wang Xiaoli- a retired Anthropology professor from Taiwan and personally recruited by Daniel for the Stargate Program a year before the Big Quake- is also going, so the department at least will have two representatives in Atlantis.

"I'm so glad Alex and Evan finally got married," Becky comments later that night as she changes for bed, tugging on one of his faded t-shirts she uses as a sleepshirt. "At least they'll have each other's backs in Atlantis if anything happens."

A preoccupied nod from Daniel as he writes in his journal. "Mmm-hmm."

"Have to say I kinda envy them, going off into the unknown together. Such a brave, romantic gesture. I might be tempted to volunteer myself, if I wasn't already obligated to stay as Domina for Huy-Brasealis. Or if my own uncles would even let me go in the first place. I mean, sheesh, I love them dearly but I swear sometimes they still see me as just a kid."

"Mmm."

"Oh, I also want to put together something useful for the expedition before Departure next month. Maybe a glossary of Ancient phrases or something like that."

"Uh-huh." Still preoccupied.

She sighs. Time to take a page from Jack's book of tricks (or as he puts it, 1001 Ways to Annoy an Archaeologist).

"Ba'al is inviting us over to his place for tea next restday. Jack's bringing his golf clubs. He's planning on using the Gate to practice his backswing and he wants you to be his caddy."

Daniel looks up, startled. "Um, he wants me to what now?"

Becky snickers. "At least something I said finally got your attention."

He has the grace to look ashamed. "Sorry. I was just thinking about the expedition."

"Of course you were. We've been talking of nothing else for days." She climbs in next to him and opens her book. "Gotta admit it'll be the discovery of a lifetime. A whole new galaxy seeded by the Ancients. Who knows what's there?"

"Yeah. Can't wait to find out."

Which only serves to crystallize a notion that's been quietly nagging at her since he'd showed her the eight-chevron address she'd written in her sleep. "Daniel, we've always been honest with each other, right?"

"Of course. Why do you ask?"

"Tell me the truth, then. You want to go to Atlantis, don't you?"

His face scrunches up the adorable way it does when he's thinking of how to let her down gently.

Usually it's adorable. Not this time. "Well, now that you mention it..."

And there it is. "I thought so." She snaps the book shut, setting it and her glasses on the nightstand before turning off the lamp.

He blinks at her in confusion. "Wait, what? Hold on Becky, I didn't mean-"

"Never mind." She evades his attempts to embrace her by rolling herself in the blankets, turning her back to him.

He's going, she's sure of it now. How can her beloved raven, the ever-curious Dr. Daniel Jackson, not resist the lure of stepping through the Gate to investigate a second Ancient city in a whole new galaxy?

He can't. He won't. He'll step through without a moment's thought.

Leaving her all alone.

Tears trickle down her cheeks, staining the pillow. She makes no move to wipe them away.


Becky can't look him in the eye for days after that, in case her suspicions are confirmed. Fortunately there's plenty of work lately to occupy her mind instead. At least for the next week or so.

She strolls down past rows of crates and cases on loading pallets, occasionally checking label contents against the clipboard in her hand.

A tap on her shoulder makes her jump. Sheppard grins down at her, full of impish charm as ever. Just like Chris, way back when. "Hey there, little sister."

"John!" He gives her a brotherly hug. "So good to see you. When did you get here?"

"Couple minutes ago. Got time for a chat?"

"For you, always. Why don't I buy you a cup of klah and some cake?"

"Sure."

Soon they're comfortably settled in the refectory with the requisite snacks. Reminiscent of their occasional lunchtime chats under Cheyenne Mountain, pre-Zero Hour.

Ever since he rescued her from the clutches of Albert Norris (whose application for the expedition had been soundly rejected, thank god) they've been informally getting together when schedules permit. Very little in common yet from the start they saw something in each other almost like siblings- the big brother she still missed and the little sister he never had.

"So, how's life at Alpha Base?"

"Doin' okay. Elizabeth says you've been busy."

"Yeah. Helping her plan an expedition I won't be going on. Go figure." She shrugs. "But that's okay. Have you made your decision yet?"

He nods. "Rodney's going, and so am I. Just to keep him out of trouble, y'know?"

She snickers. "I'm not surprised. You two have been close ever since you first met at Alpha. I bet he's looking forward to being the smartest man in two galaxies."

"Like you wouldn't believe. Keeps asking why we're not there yesterday."

"Well, at the very least it'll keep him out of Sam's hair for a while."

"Yeah." He pauses. "Apparently Elizabeth's requested a promotion for me, since I'll be 2IC to Colonel Marshall Sumner from Beta."

She nods. "My idea. You've earned it. And Jack says Sumner's a good man." She raises her mug in salute. "Congratulations, Lieutenant Colonel Sheppard."

He squirms a bit, as reluctant as she is in accepting praise or recognition. "Not really sure I deserve it, but thanks."

"You're welcome." They share a companionable silence for a while. "I'll miss you," she finally admits. "I've gotten used to having a big brother again only for you to leave, and..." She shrugs helplessly, a lump forming in her throat.

"Yeah." He clears his own, obviously a little choked up himself. Stares into his mug, discomfited at the show of emotion.

Then- mercurial as always- he offers her a rakish grin. "Jeez, pretty maudlin of us, huh? Cheer up, little sis. Once things get settled in Atlantis I'll have 'em dial the Gate and send you a postcard saying, 'Greetings from Pegasus. Wish you were here. Surf's up!'" She giggles despite herself; he's always been able to make her laugh, just like Chris. "I'll miss you too, Becky. But you'll be okay. And so will I."

"Never a doubt in my mind. Look after Rodney and Elizabeth and the rest of 'em for us, willya?"

"You got it." They clink their mugs together.


And just like that she's losing three dear friends and a brother-in-spirit, all in one go.

Not to mention her beloved, though Daniel hasn't even said as much to her face. But she's smart, she knows him well enough. She can read between the lines. Though she still has her uncles and aunts (one actual, the other might as well be) the impending loss nonetheless cuts her to the bone.

One day it just hits her out of the blue, all at once. She breaks down crying, right in front of Jack's office.

How mortifying. And yet she can't stop.

"Hey now. What's wrong, kiddo?"

Blinking back tears she looks up into velvet-brown eyes, filled with concern.

"I...um..." Swallowing down the sob forming in her throat. Tries to get a grip but can't. Her cheeks burn crimson with shame.

Without another word Jack quickly ushers her inside the office and shuts the door. Privacy thus secured, his expression softens and his arms open wide. "C'mere."

She does with a soft cry. He cuddles her close to his heart, slowly running a hand down her back and rumbling soothing words, then producing a handkerchief from a pocket and handing it to her once she's past tears and into the snotty, hiccuping stage. "All right, enough with the waterworks. Feeling better yet?"

She sniffs, blowing her nose. "Not really. Sorry about that," nodding at the tearstains on his green BDUs.

"Don't worry about it. Looks like you needed to get it outta your system. Got a bit much there for a second, huh?"

"Yeah, you could say."

"You wanna talk about it?" Suddenly tongue-tied, she can only give a faint nod in reply. He leads her to the couch and pats the cushion beside him in invitation. "Have a seat. So what's Danny done now?"

She looks at him in surprise. "How did you know?"

"Uncle's intuition. C'mon, spill."

Though they've never before discussed her personal life he's probably the best qualified to understand. Maybe it's worth it, confiding in him.

"I'm afraid I'm gonna lose him."

He frowns. "What're you talking about? Lose him to what? Danny's nuts about you. He's not one to take relationships lightly, you know that."

"I know, but..." She swallows the lump threatening to form in her throat. Might as well bite the bullet, as Jack himself might say. "I think he wants to go to Atlantis, and since it may be a one-way journey I'm afraid..." Tears sting in her eyes and she wipes them away with the back of her hand.

Jack reaches over, gently patting her leg. "Easy now. Take a deep breath."

She takes several. "I'm afraid," her voice a bare whisper. "I'm afraid if Daniel leaves I'll never see him again."

"Has he told you directly he's going?"

"Not in so many words. But it's my fault anyway. I went and dangled a shiny new mystery named Atlantis in front of him and now he won't be satisfied until he gets to the bottom of it. You know how he is."

He nods. "Yeah, I do. But between you and me? I don't think that's gonna happen."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I know how much Danny's changed since you two got together. He's a lot more careful than he used to be, having more second thoughts about running headlong into a situation. More grounded, even. Most of the time, anyway. You've brought out a protective instinct I don't think he ever knew he had."

She frowns. "And you think that's a good thing? I don't want him to change too much. Really, I don't. His bravery in the face of danger is one of the things I most admire about him, along with his curiosity, compassion and intelligence."

"I know. That's why you're kindred spirits. And yeah, to me it's a good thing. We're still alive and kickin', after all." A brief, reassuring grin, then he sobers. "Seriously, I've never seen Daniel look at anyone before the way he looks at you. Well, except for Sha're, but you're his whole world now. You're not gonna lose him."

She wipes her eyes with the back of her hand. "I hope so. I feel the same way about him, you know. I've never been in love like this before. I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost him."

"Yeah, I know." His expression is warm and gentle. As wily and snarky as he gets he can also be such a softy at times, and she loves him for it. "Hey, if it makes you feel any better I'll have a talk with him, make sure he's not secretly packing or anything. Okay?"

She blows her nose one final time, then nods. "Okay. And Uncle Jack?"

"Yeah?"

She offers him a grateful smile, kissing him on the cheek. It's good to know he has her back. "Thanks for making me feel better."

He grins, winking at her. "Hey, what else are uncles for?"


Just when Daniel's involved in some pretty complicated translating Jack has to casually stroll into the lab, hands in pockets. "Hey, Spacemonkey. How's tricks?"

He heaves a long-suffering sigh, lifting his glasses to pinch at the bridge of his nose. "Jack, why is it you always have to come here when you're bored and I have way too much to do?"

"All in the timing. I'm crushed you don't like my company." He perches on the edge of the worktable near the most fragile artifacts, pulls out his yo-yo. At a glare from Daniel he tucks it back in the pocket with a chuckle. "Got time to chat?"

"No." Very curt, hoping he'll take the hint and leave.

Jack just sits there with arms crossed, swinging a leg back and forth just in his line of sight and humming something out of tune to himself. Annoying.

Finally Daniel sighs in exasperation. "Fine. I give up. What do you want?"

"Oh, just wonderin' if there's there something you've been meaning to tell me lately but afraid I'd shoot ya for it."

"Um, no. I don't think so. Why?" He's confused, not an uncommon occurrence around Jack O'Neill.

"Becky's convinced you're leaving for Atlantis next week. And so am I, the way you've been goin' on about the place."

"That's ridiculous. Where'd she get such an idea, anyway?"

"Dunno. But I don't blame her, the way you act when you're on the trail of something big."

"Jack..."

There's that raised finger he hates. "Daniel. Think about it."

After a few deep breaths he does. It would explain her odd behavior towards him lately, if she's been under the impression he wants to leave.

And he can't deny he did, for a while. The notion of investigating a second city of the Ancients- particularly if it's anything like Huy-Braesealis- is pretty compelling.

But for several years now he's used to sharing his discoveries with someone who appreciates them as much as he does. Who started as his assistant and then, gradually and quietly, became as essential to him and his work as breathing. His partner, his best friend.

His beloved, bound to the city here on this world.

Which is why he'd already decided not to apply for the expedition.

Because they're usually on the same wavelength, he assumed she automatically knew so he didn't tell her earlier. No wonder she got the wrong idea, since he's been nothing but enthusiastic about the subject.

They obviously need to communicate better.

"Jack, I swear to you I have no intention of leaving Becky, ever," he says, with as much honesty and sincerity as he can. "I love her too much to put her through that."

"Well that's a load off my mind. All the same you'd better set the record straight with her pretty darn quick. I'd really hate to see my niece suffer a broken heart. And if she's not happy..." There's a familiar look in his eyes, like when he wants to shoot someone. Usually Daniel himself.

He sighs. "Yeah, I get the picture. I'll talk to her tonight, promise."

"Peachy." Jack hops off the table. "Oh, by the way. I've got intel Janet's still got some genuine Old Earth chocolate in her personal stash. Might be a good idea to bring Becky a peace offering."

"You really think so?"

An elaborate shrug as he heads out the door. "Couldn't hurt, right?"

Daniel has to admit he's got a point. Not that he'd ever admit it to Jack's face, of course.


When he gets home later Becky's sitting on the couch reading, a blanket wrapped around her.

"Hey," he says, tentatively. "Mind if I join you?"

An offhanded shrug, which Daniel chooses to interpret as an affirmative.

Sitting carefully at the other end of the couch, he places his peace offering between them without comment: cordial cherries covered in dark chocolate. He owes Janet an awful lot of favs now.

Her eyes flick over to the box, then to him. "Jack's idea, huh?"

He nods. "Is it working?"

A corner of her mouth turns up in a wry smile. "Yeah, it is." She reaches over and extracts a piece, eyes closing in bliss as she chews and swallows. "God, I've missed this."

"So we're good, then?"

She smiles faintly. "Yeah, we're good. Sorry for being awful to you lately."

"That's okay. Can we talk now? Please?"

She sighs. "Look, I already know what you're gonna say. You're thinking of joining the expedition. I don't blame you, you've wanted to since the first time you figured out the eight-symbol address."

"That's just it. I did want to go, at first. But not without you."

Becky grimaces. "You know I can't since I'm beholden to Huy-Braesealis and there's no one else qualified to take over yet, for all the tests Carson's been doing for the ATA gene." A heavy sigh as she drops her gaze, fiddling with the book in her lap. "But I've been thinking too. You should go if you want. I don't wanna get in the way of your dreams, I never intended to do that."

"I know. But my dreams have changed."

"How?"

He smiles and scoots closer, gently tipping her chin back up to meet his gaze. "Because they include you, Becky. They have for a while now. I can't imagine my life without you. And to be honest I don't want to."

"Oh, Daniel." Her eyes gleam with unshed tears, lower lip trembling. "I feel the same way. You don't know how much."

He cradles her face in his hands. "I think I do," he says softly. Their kisses start out gentle but soon end up in earnest passion.

"Ich kann nicht mehr ohne dich leben, geliebter Rabe," she whispers breathlessly as their foreheads rest against one another.

He lightly runs his fingers along her neck, delighting in her quiver. "Stiller, süßer Kolibri. I'm not going anywhere, I promise. I've got more important things to do, like this." A slow, sweet kiss then he backs away, removing a chocolate-covered cherry from the box before setting it aside. He rubs it against his lips, the tip of his tongue darting out to taste, smiling wickedly at her faint whimper. "Well?"

She immediately slides onto his lap, winding her arms around his neck, leaning in close to share the treat with him in the most delightful fashion.

"Delicious," she breathes.

"So are you," he murmurs.

Their lips meet once again, followed by more kisses and intimate touches that ease the remaining tension between them.

Afterwards Daniel smiles down at his beloved, curled up against him in quiet contentment. No discovery of any Ancient city could compare to what they've found in one another. And he's glad.

This is all he needs, right now.


Becky leans back from her computer, taking off her glasses to rub at her eyes before checking the clock. Time to knock off for the night and grab a bite to eat.

One week to go until the Gate dials for Atlantis and the Pegasus Galaxy, after months of preparation.

She's tempted to work more but her experience with Operation Astria has given her a better understanding of balancing the demands of work with time for rest.

Now if she can only convince her raven of the same.

"Daniel?"

"Hmm?" He's bent over the worktable in the center of the room, translating a clay cuneiform tablet. Sensual lips pursed in concentration, BDU shirt off and draped over a chair, black t-shirt revealing nicely-defined forearms and sculpted chest.

Irresistible. Mouth-watering.

An exquisite shiver runs through her body, at the memory of those lips and that skin and the chocolate they shared the night before. There's still half of the box left, plenty for a repeat performance.

She comes over, leans beside him against the table. "Still working, huh?"

"Mmm-hmm."

"It's 1800."

"Mmm-hmm."

Obviously a different tactic's called for. She has a thing for men's forearms, especially her beloved's which are particularly enticing. She leans in close until her lips touch the nearest bicep, just enough to plant a few small, nibbling kisses.

His eyes shift in her direction and the corner of his mouth quirks up. "Becky?"

"Hmm?" rubbing her cheek against the soft skin, breathing in his scent.

"Are you trying to distract me?"

"Is it working?" A few more nibbling kisses.

He turns and cups her face in his hands, bending to meet her lips. Her arms encircle him in turn, rubbing circles on his back.

Oh yeah, it's working. She's glad beyond words he's staying, life wouldn't be the same without him.

"Becky? Daniel? Anyone home?" He half-turns toward the familiar soft English accent in the hallway but she cups his cheek and turns his attention firmly back to the matter at hand.

Alex Lorne grins at them as she enters. "Evan and I can't keep out hands off each other either, lately. Must be catching."

Becky grins back at the archaeologist. "Hey, Alex. How's it going?"

"Pretty good. Just stopped by to see if you both wanted to join us for dinner and a concert afterwards. Not much chance to socialize after tonight, you know, what with Departure next week."

Becky glances up at Daniel, who nods. "Sure, we'd like that. Are you done packing up your office yet?"

"Almost. We still need to go over the projects I haven't yet wrapped up. Though to be honest I hate the idea of leaving work unfinished."

"I know what you mean. Don't worry about it, we've got someone coming into the department in a couple weeks to take over. Your notes are so complete and extensive I'm sure Quinn can pick up right where you left off."

Alex frowns. "Who?"

"One of the scientists coming from Kelowna," Becky explains. "A new initiative suggested by Elizabeth, sort of an exchange program to share ideas. His name's Jonas Quinn. Daniel knows him from a past mission there."

"A hard worker and quick study," he notes, "though perhaps a bit overeager at times. Still, he successfully convinced his government the naquadria device was too unstable to test when we were there."

"Which probably saved your life," Becky says softly, putting her arm around him and resting her head against his chest. "I'm glad my gut feeling was wrong that day."

He smiles tenderly down at her, kissing the top of her head. "Me, too."

Alex gives them an indulgent smile. "You two make an awfully cute couple. Pity you aren't marrying this weekend. Evan and I would love to attend your wedding."

Becky can't help the flush on her cheeks. "You guys in the department are the only ones putting any kind of pressure on us, you know that? By the way- we have a little something for you. Sort of a combination wedding amd going-away present." She shuffles through piles on her desk, finally sighing in exasperation. "Daniel, where's that glossary CD and booklet for the expedition? You had it last."

"Hmm?" He looks away from the book he'd just picked up, brow furrowing in thought. "Oh, that. It's in the filing cabinet."

"Under G for Glossary, or C for CD?"

"Neither. A for Ancient."

"Of course. Why am I not surprised?" Becky shares a look of fond exasperation with Alex as she heads for the cabinet, pulling out a CD in a slim clear plastic case with a booklet tucked inside. "Here you go, with our blessing."

Alex quirks an eyebrow in amusement at the title written in black marker. "Ancient Language Survival Guide?"

"My idea," Becky says with a self-depreciating shrug. "Atlantis is bound to be full of all kinds of displays, just like Huy-Braesealis. So Daniel and I- with help from the AI- put together a compilation of sorts, translations of useful phrases that might make you guys think twice, if not keep you entirely out of harm's way. In your spare time you can give everyone else lessons, since you'll be the only one fluent in the language."

Alex takes it from her, pulling her close for a quick hug. "Thanks. Dr. Weir mentioned there might be plenty of opportunities for learning ahead, and this will be quite useful. I appreciate your thoughtfulness."

Becky ducks her head, flustered as usual at the compliment. "You're welcome. My mom always said even though one can't predict the future it's best to be as prepared as possible, you know? Now why don't we pick up your husband and get something to eat."

They meet up with Evan at their temporary quarters, heading into the settlement for one of the small neighborhood eateries that had popped up after the battle. At the concert they happen across Xiaoli, who joins them afterwards for klah back at Becky and Daniel's place.

"Hard to believe you three are the ones who will be stepping through the Gate together into a new galaxy," Daniel says with a wistful look in his eyes. "I envy the thought of the discoveries you'll be making. But I also know you'll do the department proud."

Xiaoli stares at him, wide-eyed. "Wǒ de mā ya! You mean you never even applied? Surely you of all people would've been the first to sign up."

"I know, and I don't deny I was tempted for a while. But as it turns out I have a more compelling reason to stay." He winks at Becky and gives her hand a gentle squeeze before raising his mug in a toast. "Abschied und viel Glück. We'll miss you."

"Say rather Bis wir uns wieder treffen," Alex counters with a smile and a glance to Evan. "We'll miss you guys too."

"As will I. I hope to hear of your wedding, one of these days," Xiaoli adds with a sly twinkle in his eyes. The others laugh as both Becky and Daniel flush and duck their heads. "A toast of my own." The wily anthropologist raises his cup. "Wèile hǎo péngyǒu hé měihǎo de lǚchéng. Gānbēi."

"Gānbēi," the others reply.


Departure day, at last.

The giant hangar containing the Stargate- and much of the compound outside- is filled with expedition members and well-wishers plus pallets full of required supplies. Everything arranged in optimal order, to get through the Gate as quickly and efficiently as possible. Even powered by a modified generator containing a freshly-made ZPM they only have one chance to dial the address and make contact.

Out of hundreds of applicants these are the ones chosen, military and scientists alike as well as qualified civilians from the settlement after a rigorous training program. Hand-picked to represent their world and galaxy, willing to risk their very lives and make tough decisions because of their dedication to a higher cause, whether humanity's survival or just "for Science!" as Rodney once grandly declared.

Faces both familiar and unfamiliar nod and smile at her, all wearing newly-designed uniforms of either charcoal-and-black for the military or beige jacket and trousers with panels of red, blue or yellow (the division colors reminiscent of Star Trek, and not her idea) for everyone else. On every right shoulder is a patch with the expedition's insignia, the left with the planet-peak-and-circle as a reminder of their original homeworld.

If they were still on Old Earth and the address had been discovered another way this assembly would probably resemble a mini version of the United Nations, with shoulder patches of different countries. But the planet's gone, erasing with it any distinctions of nationality, socioeconomic status, gender or even skin tone. They're all one people now, one race- the Tau'ri version of humanity- and citizens of New Earth. Nothing more, and certainly nothing less.

Becky can only hope they have what it takes to survive out there. It breaks her heart but at the same time she has a gut feeling they're the right mix for this undertaking, whatever the result. She swallows the lump in her throat as she memorizes the scene before her on this momentous day, those who are staying as well as those who are going:

Elizabeth and John, watching with identical smirks as Rodney kibitzes Siler while he works on the ZPM-modified generator and connects it to the Gate.

Daniel and Evan helping Alex and Xiaoli shoulder their backpacks.

Carson and Radek tucking last-minute items into crates.

Sumner exchanging salutes with Jack.

Teal'c and Janet observing everything from the control area next to Walter.

Aiden fist-bumping with Ed Perkins.

Mac and Sam tinkering with the MALP assigned to send back data indicating whether or not whatever's on the other side can support human life.

And so many other friends, acquaintances and colleagues, all together under the same roof. Hopefully not for the last time.

Becky takes a deep breath, puts on as brave a face as possible as she makes her way through the organized chaos, dispensing advice and goodbyes, hugs and handshakes.

"Dobrá cesta and beannachd leat, old friends," she tells Radek and Carson, embracing each in turn. "Stay safe. Take care of yourselves."

"Aye, you too, lass."

"And to you the same, drahé srdce."

Elizabeth and John both grin at Becky, their excitement contagious.

"Almost time," he says. "What's in the case, another guitar? Aw, you shouldn't have."

She rolls her eyes, knowing full well his own guitar (and Johnny Cash poster) are already packed with his personal effects. If the Pegasus Galaxy has its own version of surfing he'll be a happy man, she has no doubt.

"Nope, something better." She hefts the carrying case in her hands, setting it on a crate. "A going-away present for you guys from me and Huy-Braesealis." She opens it with a flourish to reveal three brand-new ZPMs nestled within, retrieved from the city yesterday with Jack's help. Nearby scientists gather around, murmuring in wonder.

"Are those what I think they are?" Rodney hurries over, shoving John to one side.

"Yep, fully powered and ready to go. Assuming the city's intact these should come in handy. Don't know how long they'll last once you hook them up, but at least you'll have power right off the bat if you need it."

He says nothing, eyes only for the ZPMs until John pokes him in the ribs. "Sheesh, where are your manners?" Becky chuckles, handing the case to a grateful Zelenka.

Elizabeth beams at her, much more gracious. "That's very thoughtful of you and Huy-Braesealis, Becky. Thank you, and for all your help in planning as well."

"My pleasure," she says, returning the hug. "And thank you for everything you've taught me. Best of luck in Atlantis."

"Take care, little sis," John says when it's his turn, patting her back.

"You too, big brother. Be good, okay?"

"I'll do my best, though I won't make any guarantees." Snarky as ever.

She laughs and turns to Rodney. "So, how does it feel being the smartest man in two galaxies?"

"Pretty good," puffing up as usual. John clears his throat and McKay has the grace to look at least somewhat abashed. "You know, Grahme," he says tentatively, "you're okay."

"So are you." They shake hands, a little awkwardly. Never been close like her and John but underneath the bluster and biting sarcasm his heart's in the right place. "You two take good care of each other, you hear?"

"We will," John says with a wink.

"All right, campers. Ready to get this show on the road?" Jack approaches with a jaunty step.

"Just about, General," Elizabeth says. "I'd like to say a few words before we begin dialing."

"Go for it."

She hops onto the ramp, giving a rousing speech. In conclusion she adds, "Every one of you volunteered for this and on behalf of the SGC I thank you. You are our best and brightest, and also the bravest. Almost four years ago we left one world behind for good, and we are about to leave another. Our mission has a dual purpose- to explore the second city of the Ancients and the galaxy it resides in, and if all goes well to build a colony, further ensuring our collective survival. I hope we can return one day with news of a fabulous discovery, but as all of you know, we may never be able to. I'm offering one last chance to withdraw your participation, without blame or dishonor."

No one does.

Becky's breath catches in her throat. This is it.

Weir signals to Walter. "Dialing sequence initiated," he announces.

The group quickly organizes itself as the chevrons encode in order, military on one side, civilians on the other. Becky falls back with Daniel, Sam and Jack to the control area. The buzz of excitement in the room is palpable now.

"Chevron eight encoded!" Walter declares. The wormhole engages and the hanger resounds with the sound of cheers and applause.

A thrill of anticipation as the MALP obediently rolls through the blue shimmer by remote control. Within seconds data begins to pour in from the other side. "We have telemetry," Rodney informs them, looking at the readings. "There's a large space that looks intact. Gravity...oxygen...no measurable toxins."

"Viable life support," Sam confirms.

"Oh, yeah. Everything we need. No turning back now."

Jack leans into the microphone. "Atlantis Expedition, you have a go. Good luck and godspeed." He straightens and salutes, all of the military personnel following suit.

Becky's reminded of a saying by a friend of Mac's named Abe, an unlikely spy whom Mac helped once on the way to his grandson's Bar Mitzvah: "Geyn besholem, aun kumen besholem. Zay gezunt."

"Yiddish," Daniel explains to the others. "Go safely, and come safely. Be well."

"Amen," Walter murmurs.

Elizabeth looks back, smiles and nods at them in farewell. Then she and Sumner pass through together, heads held high. With a final wink and waggle of fingers for Becky John squares his shoulders and falls in behind his CO with Rodney as Chief Scientist beside him. The rest follow suit, military and civilian together, side by side.

Becky's eyes mist, recalling the week before Zero Hour and watching the refugees move in a steady stream up the ramp to their new home, leaving Old Earth behind for good.

Just like that time she's not alone. Even though some of her unconventional extended family have gone off to seek their own adventure the rest has remained here- Jack and Sam, Mac and Janet, even Teal'c.

And especially her raven. Thank goodness.

Yet an inexplicable wave of sadness threatens to overwhelm her, as if she'll never see her friends again.

Which is ridiculous, surely. They'll find a way to get back in contact with Atlantis, sooner or later.

No one gets left behind. That was a truism at the SGC under Cheyenne Mountain and the same applies here on New Earth. They're all in this together, now more than ever.

She glances up at the handsome features of her beloved, a wistful expression on his face as he peers intently into the event horizon as if he could see Atlantis on the other side. "Still want to go with them?" she asks quietly.

Daniel looks down at her, smiles and shakes his head. His arm comes around her shoulders to pull her against him. "I've made my choice," he says, soft but certain.

"I hope we'll get to visit them someday."

"I hope so, too."

Becky rests her head on his chest as they watch the last remaining members of the expedition disappear through the Gate, followed by pallet upon pallet of supplies pushed through by marines. She focuses on the warmth of his body and the steady heartbeat in his chest and closes her eyes, savoring the intimacy of the moment.

"You kids okay over there?" Jack asks them, with a fond, knowing smirk.

"We're fine," Daniel replies, the look he gives his friend and former teammate clear and steady, without regret.

Mac looks a little pensive himself. "You know, I wish I could've gone with them."

Jack snorts. "Hell of a time to say that now." Mac grins and the others chuckle.

Becky relaxes at their banter, knowing that no matter what happens it's going to be amazing, both here and there. Sure, there will be mistakes and disagreements and pain. Challenges and tragedies of all kinds.

But there will also be triumphs, and pleasant surprises and companionship. Moments of pure wonder and joy.

That's the kind of universe they're lucky to live in.

Eventually the last of the pallets are pushed through. Elizabeth's voice comes in over the radio. "General O'Neill, greetings from Atlantis Base and the Pegasus Galaxy. We're all here safe and sound. You may cut power to the Gate."

"Looks like that's my cue," Jack mutters as he strides toward the Gate, one of the last bottles of carefully-preserved Old Earth champagne in hand with a tag tied around the neck. He kneels on the ramp and gently rolls it through the event horizon, grumbling about his knees as he straightens.

The wormhole to the second city of the Ancients winks out to nothingness.

Jack surveys the lingering personnel in the hangar and clears his throat. "That's all, folks. They've got their work cut out for them, and we've got ours. Let's get on with it."

Walter, Siler and other technicians begin their usual post-activation inspections and adjustments in a space that feels empty in comparison to just five minutes ago.

Becky and Daniel linger for a bit, imagining what the expedition must be doing at that moment, the discoveries they're already making.

Mac comes up to them. "Buy you two a cup of klah?"

They share a glance. "Sure," Daniel says with a shrug. "Why not?"

One final look back at the Gate before they turn away, and a wish for the continued health and well-being of the Atlantis Expedition.

They'll be all right, Becky fervently hopes.

They have to be.


Notes: My thoughts and wishes for good health are with you all during this difficult time, dear readers. I'm grateful we have wonderful archives like this one and A03 and all these fandoms and stories to keep us sane. Please stay well and take good care of yourselves.

Many, many thanks to Sourlander and the excellent Loyalties series (great stories, check them out!) on AO3 for the loan of the OC Dr. Alexandra Lorne, née Woolston. I hope I've done her justice.

Brief reference to S7 E07, "Enemy Mine" and classic MacGyver S7 E1, "Honest Abe." And another variation of SGA S1 E1, "Rising", of course.

Lavondis is actually an homage to the novel Lavondyss by Robert Holdstock in his hauntingly beautiful Mythago Wood series.

Please see A Linguist's Guide to New Earth on A03 for translations.