A/N: I've never been to Denver, so the following depiction isn't a real place, just an FYI. Also, the place I talk about in Greece is real, but I know nothing about it other than a quick Google. This is my longest chapter yet, (I am writing 13 now and kind of stuck, writing it... I think it may only be 15-6 chapters in total)
Sam rolled her eyes as she sat down with the other members of her team for lunch. It was the week of Valentine's day, and for whatever reason, the SGC spent an entire week celebrating by way of food. Sam was trying to eat a balanced meal as Jack hoarded up the sugar.
"Had them make these special Jack said, handing Sam a plate of blue jiggly jello hearts.
She blushed for a second and said, "thanks." Stabbing one of the hearts with her fork and taking a bite.
Jack faked a hurt look as she impaled it. Causing a slight giggle from Sam, All four of them were in a good mood. They had this weekend off, but no one said much of it. Valentine's day was on a Friday, and they knew couples would be everywhere this weekend.
Sam and Daniel had thought long and hard about how to bring up Disney to Jack O'Neill which they both could hear say "absolutely not" and it would be the end of the discussion. Then again, there was plenty to do in Orlando, so maybe a trip to Orlando and being vague as possible would work. Sam and Teal'c had a few conversations about Disney movies. Apparently, he had been starting to watch several animated and live-action Disney movies, and some Sam even forgot had existed. He had also watched a documentary about Walt Disney as well as one about the park itself. Sam was surprised but not shocked as Teal'c had been slightly obsessed with earth's popular culture.
"So, this weekend, is anyone busy?" Daniel asked.
Everyone nodded their head no, and Daniel smiled.
"Okay, so team weekend?" Daniel asked.
"What do you have in mind?" Jack asked.
"It's a surprise," Daniel claimed.
"Well, nothing fancy for Valentine's day; I'm watching my weight," Jack said jokingly.
They finish their meals before going their separate way.
For 3 days, Sam had been trying to get Daniel to tell her of his plan, but he was tight-lipped, and Sam was wondering just what he had in mind.
When the weekend finally came, they were supposed to meet for lunch. Daniel had given them an odd address in a strip mall. Sam wasn't sure what was there, but she instantly knew they were having lunch at the Greek Deli when she pulled up.
Sam was actually there first and waited outside the door before Daniel arrived with Teal'c and finally Jack.
"So Teal'c and I were taking, and he had been inquisitive about Greek culture and life. So, I figured we could explore it this weekend." Daniel claimed.
Jack looked oddly at him.
"Why not just say that?" Jack asked.
"It's more than just lunch; actually, after this, you need to get an overnight bag ready and a sleeping bag," Daniel claimed.
Sam's eyes widened, and Jack just looked at him like Daniel gone nuts.
"Just trust me," Daniel claimed.
The group ate a sampling of food wondering what Daniel had in mind.
When they went back to their homes, Sam couldn't help but feel slightly nervous. It was February there was no way that they should stay outside, not that it wasn't doable but not her plan as an interesting weekend.
They all met Daniel back at his apartment, with what he had asked for in tow. Daniel smiled and packed the four of them in his car, with Sam and Jack in the back. They were listening to greek music as Daniel drove to Denver. As he made his way through town, Sam figured out they were going to the museum. She wasn't sure what the overnight bags were for, but she had missed going to the museum. She had only been once in all her time staying in Colorado, but she had enjoyed it.
Jack rolled his eyes at Sam which put a smile on her face,
Daniel parked, and the group of four entered the museum.
"Hi, I'm Daniel Jackson, and I reserved 4 ticket's for tonight's event," Daniel claimed.
The girl at the front desk looked through her list and smiled, giving him the tickets
"Enjoy your time." She stated.
Sam and Jack look at each other.
"It's All Greek to Me" A special exhibit was on the 3rd floor.
"Well, I guess now would be the time to tell you, this is an adult-only night at the museum, with all day and night pass," Daniel explained.
"You're kidding?" Jack claimed.
"Carter, how much you think a Taxi will cost home?" Jack asks.
Sam smiled.
"I'm sure this will fine, sir," Sam claimed.
Sam looked at Daniel and smiled, knowing Daniel had successfully annoyed Jack with this endeavor.
They looked at the various exhibits ignoring the Greek one for now. There was an exhibit involving Vikings and Jack was acting as if he was a scholar giving insight to the various pieces in the museum, even the guide in the room was impressed by Jacks knowledge but he shrugged his shoulders as if everyone should know what he had, and walked into the next exhibit.
They had left and gone for a meal for dinner by the time they arrived back at the museum it was closed to the general public.
Sam was shocked by the transformation of the entryway; they had set up 2 bars, they had snacks laid on tables, and there was someone at the other end of the walkway on a small stage.
"Welcome to the overnight fundraiser for our "It's all Greek to Me Exhibit." Although our main discussion will be about Greece, while you are here, select galleries will be open as well. There are several topics in various rooms, with the exception of the first speaker of the night; the night will be on your own, as you're free to explore and interact with several people who study Greece from ancient to modern times. Thank you so much for attending this fundraiser, and enjoy your night. If any of you grow weary, the resting rooms will be in the Levith Gallery on the 5th floor.
"Please enjoy cocktail hour and try the tasting menu we have. We haven't put flamingo out for anyone concerned." The man claimed.
Daniel gave a knowing smile, but the rest looked at him, wondering what he had gotten them into.
Daniel knew the look well.
"Flamingo was a common dish as well ostrich, but this here," Daniel grabbed, "is chicken," and took a bite of the honey basted cube. Then pointed out the ham and various egg dishes, as well as various fish dishes.
The four of them had various cocktails, Jack drained the first 2 and slowly drank his third not wanting to act to foolish, in what appeared to be a group of people who had more money than sense to be at an over night fundraiser for a museum.
Sam looked around and figured there were about 250 people as they made their way to the guest speaker.
Dr. Deborah Franze was overly excited about the country of Greece and had given a history of the country, most of what Sam had already known with a few facts she hadn't heard before. Sam was sure the Doctor had smiled at Daniel in the middle of her presentation, and Sam looked over at Daniel, but he hadn't turned to face her and kept focused on the power point presentation and the words coming out of the woman's lips.
When the presentation was over, the guests were given 30 minutes before the various setups began. They were given a list of things to do, and the group was discussing when Dr. Franze had come to Daniel.
"Dr. Daniel Jackson, what are you doing here?" Dr. Franze asked.
Daniel blushed slightly. "Deb, it's been a long time; it's really good to see you," Daniel stated.
"Good to see you too," the woman claimed to eye the man.
Jack looked at Sam, who shrugged her shoulders.
"Uh, Deb, these are my co-workers…" Daniels started.
"I'm sorry, but what kind of digs are happening in Denver, Colorado?" Dr. Franze asked.
"No digs, mam, Dr, we're military. Danny here is contracted out," Jack explains.
The woman looks at Daniel, wondering if this guy was messing with her, but Daniel doesn't say anything and looks down at the ground. She drops the pen she was holding.
"Oh my God, she pulls Daniel roughly to the other side of the room in a quiet corner, and Sam, Teal'c, and Jack follow closely just in case.
"You were right. Your books were right, that means, oh my God, what do they have you doing? You were right about that pottery we found in Kondos; you were right all along. You, but why here, why Colorado?" Dr. Franze asked.
"I'm sorry, Deb, but I really can't talk about it," Daniel admitted.
"Oh, God, they're real!" Deb stated louder than they attended.
"Shh," Daniel claimed.
Deb nodded her head.
"I, have more I've found more." Dr. Franze claimed.
Daniel looked at her, and now his team was surrounding the two of them, wondering what she wasn't saying.
"I'll explain later, and we may be taking a trip," Daniel claimed.
Jack sighed.
"Alright, we were trying to get away from work, Daniel, not make more of it," Jack said and proceeded to leave the group to find another alcoholic beverage he wasn't sure it would allow him to last another five minutes, let alone the rest of the night.
Once things calmed down, the group of four found a secluded area and began to talk to figure out what was going on.
"I swear I didn't know she was going to be here," Daniel claimed.
"And who exactly is she, Daniel?" Jack asked.
"Well, Deb and I spent about 2 years in Greece on a small island in the city of Kondos. There was an ancient building that had been almost entirely covered far deeper than imagined found by accident during a dig. At the time, I connected some Greek influences with Egyptian culture and felt it was as good a lead as any. When I was really thinking about the pyramids, they had the ground works of how old they were, just starting to unlock everything, you know. So Deb and I were working, and I found similar symbols in this old greek ruin as I did in Egypt. Deb and I thought that the building was 1000s of years older than anything found in the region, but of course, scientists played off said there was no way, even though the carbon-dated said it was a lot older, it was chalked up to faulty measurements. Deb and I kept in contact but, you know how things went, and then I was here with you guys. I haven't seen her in years." Daniel claimed.
"Does every woman you work with have a crush on you?" Jack asked.
Daniel looks at Jack oddly.
"Oh, please, she was checking you out. You sure you just didn't bring us here for you to get some Valentine weekend action?" Jack asks semi-seriously,
"You really think that I would bring my team with me while I hook up with an old colleague, grow up Jack," Daniel claimed.
Jack just looked at him, not taking the outburst too personal.
"Deb and I worked for a long time together; she knows, well, she thinks she knows. She has some more of what we now know are jars with Goa'uld in them. We need to talk to General Hammond and let him know. She would be a great asset to the SGC she has been studying back here on earth way longer than I have now." Daniel claims.
Jack closed his eyes; Daniel made some valid points, but he wasn't exactly in the mood to tell him how right she was.
"Daniel, we can't go telling everyone you've come in contact with about the stargate. How many people are we up to now 10-15?" Jack asks.
Daniel just eyeballed him, knowing they both knew it was single digits.
"Fine, you talk to Deb, but you are not to give her any details. I'll call General Hammond in the morning and see his take. In the mean, while I will go too… Jack eyeballed his itinerary, 'Grape leaves and 1000 ways to use them,' care to join me, Carter?" Jack asked.
Sam looked at him for a second and looked at the schedule, not really seeing anything interesting, and nodded. Teal'c looked at the listings and stated, "You will find me at gods of ancient times; it may lead to new revelations." Teal'c claimed.
Daniel was confused as to why the group was so eager to push on through the night, but he nodded his head and went to find Deb.
The night pressed on, and Daniel had a few hour talks, not confirming or denying anything to Deb but trying to get a feel for how long she'd be in town and if she would be at all interested in the SGC without giving away any details. Deb agrees to meet him tomorrow evening, and Daniel smiles and goes to find the rest of SG-1.
The night actually goes smoothly, and it's 3 am and a snack break. When Jack states he will get a few hours of sleep, the rest of the three are bright-eyed and eager to go to various discussions. Jack goes to the locker he had been given and put in the code, and pulls his bag out; he goes to the 5th floor and follows the signs that many people have already opted out and are restlessly trying to sleep. Jack isn't so sure in a room full of people, he can close his eyes, but he tries anyways. It's 5 am when he realizes sleep won't come. None of his team had found their way to the room, and he rolls it back up and goes off to find them.
Breakfast is served at 6 am, and a speaker is going on about traditional morning services. The four of them are eating an "authentic" Greek breakfast.
"I'm supposed to meet Deb this evening," Daniel claims.
Jack closes his eyes.
"and we're supposed to do what exactly?" Jack asks.
"We're in Denver. I figured we could find something to occupy the time. Daniel claims.
Jack starts complaining, and Sam quickly shuts the argument down, saying she is too tired to deal with them and just wants to sleep.
Daniel agrees to pay for early check-in at the hotel across the street, but several of the evening goers had rented rooms, and the only room left is a King bed.
Sam flops on a bed, and Jack naturally goes to the other side, asking if they can share. Sam nods her head but doesn't move, and Jack stays on top of the covers. Sam pulls at them and sighs when Jack's weight makes them impossible to move. Jack takes the hint and sticks his body under, then turns, facing away from her and facing her. Daniel rolls his eyes and pulls the covers off them and lays next to Jack squished in while Teal'c relaxes on the small couch, reading a Greek book he purchased the night previous.
6 hours later, Jack is the first to wake, and he gets up without disturbing Daniel or Sam and sits on the couch next to Teal'c, wondering how the hell he allowed himself to end up in situations like this. It was supposed to be a day off, but now he would have to call General Hammond to let him know there may very well be a new member for the SGC. It was always Daniel who got them stuck in these situations…
Teal'c didn't say a word as Jack thought about the last 12 hours. When Sam finally stirred awake 30 minutes later, he didn't give Daniel the luxury of sleeping anymore and called General Hammond.
Daniel woke up midway through the conversation.
"Yes, an old coworker of Dr. Jackson's." He heard Jack say.
"She may have some invaluable pieces that we need to see," Jack explained.
"Okay, sir, yes sir, I will let them know, of course, bright and early tomorrow as always." Jack smiled and hung up the phone.
"So Danny, you got your wish; we'll meet with Dr. Whateveritis Monday morning. But the General said there is to be no discussion about what we do until everything can be vetted, and of course, you can't just make her come if she refuses. We have our ways if need be." Jack stated.
Daniel stared at him, gulping like a fish for a second before all the new information collected in his mind.
The group went their separate ways for the day, JAck had decided to go to the specialty hunting and fishing store, Teal'c had decided to take pictures. Sam had gone to a local book store and Daniel had gone back to the museum and when evening came, Daniel took Deb for dinner stating it would be less intimidating if it were just him.
The other 3 agreed but waited only about 20 minutes to get a table of their own in the same place in a different section, but Sam had her eyes on them the whole time.
Daniel spotted them immediately but didn't say a word but would glare in Sam's direction every time he got a chance.
Luckily Deb agreed to meet with Daniel, excited that someone was actually interested and that Daniel actually believed they were all connected. Deb explained to Daniel most of her time was spent on Greek ruins but she had also spent the last few years in Italy, and even Norway and Sweden. She said she didn't have anything with her but did have archives of objects on her computer readily available that she could bring with her for the meeting tomorrow. Daniel was eager to learn but knew that now was not the time to delve into what she has found over the last 6 years it's been since he had seen her.
They had dinner and talked about anything and everything but work which for both were short conversations.
"So why don't you stay at my place tonight? I have a spare room, and I can drive you to my office tomorrow in the morning," Daniel claimed.
Deb bit her lip, debating if it's a good idea.
"Please, it will be the easiest thing for the both of us," Daniel claimed.
Deb thought about it for a moment longer.
She suddenly pointed over to the table with the other members of SG-1 and asked.
"They're not following us to your house as well?" Deb asked.
Daniel laughed and blushed all at the same time.
"No, I have to drop them off, but no. I understand it's a bit much, but we're all here together, and I am there ride back; you see, yesterday was a bit of a surprise to them, and to me, I had no clue you would be there." Daniel claimed.
Deb smiled and nodded. She was slightly curious, and although his coworkers were following them around, she found it endearing in away, but then wasn't quite sure if they didn't trust him or her, which made her a bit nervous. She wasn't afraid to stay with Daniel. She was afraid of the unknown at the moment, but she knew, no matter what tomorrow brought, it would be something new, so she was pulling out her purse to pay for her end of the meal before agreeing to meet a the hotel and follow Daniel back to the Springs.
Monday came after a long night of Deb looking through Daniel's apartment as if it was the museum, and she had to think that it easily could be turned into one with all the artifacts he had.
She had shown him some of the items of interest on her computer, and he had told her that it was what they've been looking for but hadn't said much else.
Deb was on the passenger side of Daniel's car when they made the commute.
"Listen, I don't want you to freak out, we're going somewhere that has top security clearance, a lot of military, lots of guns. If they offer you a position, don't feel pressured. This isn't for everyone." Daniel claimed.
"I'll be with you the whole time," Daniel claimed.
When they got to Cheyenne Mountain, Deb knew that it was the home for NORAD but couldn't imagine why Daniel worked there.
She was led to an elevator that took minutes before finally popping out on a floor, and Daniel showed her the way. Several people greeted Daniel along the way, and she found herself in a meeting room.
It was simple enough she met General Hammond, and Sam and Jack were also there and three other people she hadn't met before. She had brought her laptop that was thoroughly examined before even entering the complex and began to show the jars that had a similar script from different dig sites all over Europe.
Hours passed by before she realized, and everyone seemed very interested. It seemed they kept asking question after question and, after a while, felt like a group was stalling her.
She looked at Daniel, who didn't say anything. Finally, without anything else to lose except more time, she asked.
"So I've shown you everything I have why are you so interested?" Deb asked.
General Hammond quickly excuses himself and asks her to "hold that thought." She watches him go back out of the office and away from the group. The other people she hadn't met before today also took this as their ques to leave.
She looked back at Daniel, who shrugged his shoulders but looked calm. Deb was having second thoughts about trusting him as no one said a word. It took 15 minutes of nothing but hearing the air through the ducts before General Hammond returned.
"Before we disclose what happens here, there is a number of documents you must read and sign; after that Dr. Jackson, will escort you through the building and show you why all of these findings are so important not only to us but to the world." General Hammond claimed, handing her a stack of paperwork that was thicker than a dictionary.
"Take your time. If you have any questions, ask anyone here, I have other meetings to attend. Enjoy your day. I will meet with you later on." General Hammond claimed.
Deb nodded, and Daniel went through the paperwork step by step, explaining what each form was for; after another 3 hours, the last piece of paper was signed; Jack and Sam had several as well as baring witnesses that she had signed by her own accord.
When Daniel explains what he has been doing in Colorado, Deb laughs, not a doubting laugh but a laugh that Dr. Daniel Jackson was right all along. She understood why he became a laughing stock. Only she and a few others had seen what they had together, and it finally connected the dots. Everything made so much more sense now.
After hours of a tour and Daniel telling her anything and everything he could think of, he takes Deb to his lab. She is intrigued by what he is working on, and suddenly General Hammond comes through the door.
"General," Daniel stated simply.
"Dr. Jackson, Dr. Franze, I came to tell you that after careful discussion, we find you to be very valuable to the SGC program would like to offer you a position; in exchange, we need all your research and associated items with the SGC.
"No offense, general, but after spending my time here and talking to Daniel, I've found myself needing more than ever to be out on digs and see what else I can find," Deb stated.
General Hammond smiled; "Well, that's exactly what we had in mind. We need someone here on earth analyzing and going to digs seeing what can be found. I hope you travel well." General Hammond claimed.
Deb smiled.
"Seriously, out on the ground on digs! I can get behind that!" Deb claimed.
"Well, we need to have a few discussions, but the position has been talked about for a while now, and I think we found the perfect person to take it, as long as you don't mind having a lab here and willing to work with Dr. Jackson, on research we have a deal, the salary, and everything will be worked out, but you will be compensated your time and travel." General Hammond claims.
Daniel is happy that his friend will be a companion and know that they were all those years ago.