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Everyone else thanks for taking the time and reading, as always comments are welcome.
On with the story.
Chapter 25 – Atlantis – his call for help is answered.
As Lya clapped her hands and their connection with Earth closed, there was complete silence, instead of the burst of excited chatter between the groups about everything that had happened. Everyone's attention was drawn to the statue like figure of General O'Neill, who was not only still gently flickering as General Roberta Green had commented, but now silver and purple strands of energy lights were starting to make a fine silhouette shape round his body. All very disturbing for the human watchers at least.
Even though Jack was totally still and silent, his mental shields were in place and reinforced to guard against anyone trying to enter his mind and get trapped there, he also understood what was happening around him and once again time was running out for him. This time though he knew he'd been the one to set it in motion. His sudden high excitement that his retirement plans had been accepted, then his extreme anger/ disappointment immediately following General Green's announcement of his future, clashed with the gentle melding of ancient energy and gifts with his own mind that had been taking place, and tipped everything off balance and into the turmoil he was feeling and now trying to calm.
Feeling his body needing real food to sustain his natural strength and his mind needing to rest, Jack knew the ancient gene energy that was always with him was getting too strong, and would take him back to the mind room and away from Sam and the future he'd planned for them. …. That was not going to happen. He needed help. ...
Instantly deciding who could help him and the action needed to protect everyone, Jack made the physical effort to turn his head towards them, then commanded softly but firmly. "NightOwl help me as you did against the darkness in the mind room. Atlantis, Lya and U Sang protect my family and those under my command, and guard their future."
The tension in the room rose as everyone realised the significance of his command… it covered two out comes … life or death and they knew the second one had never left their leader's mind.
Just before Jack's command, Lya already realising they'd forgotten Master Jack had not had the advantage of the quiet time needed since returning to his adult form, and the link with SGC had not been the quiet reassuring one they expected and had taken an unseen toll on the human's own resources. Recognised the protective forcefield starting to form around him, and immediately mind flashed her family a warning and what action was needed. So they were already slowly and calmly moving into a horseshoe shape around her, with her at the head of it, ready to make their own forcefield that would protect everyone from the fallout should Jack turn into pure ancient energy.
Hearing his command and feeling the need to reinforce anything Jack might have mentally sent the Ancient City. Lya immediately, silently and without fuss, mentally sent Atlantis a command of her own. 'Protect and return General O'Neill's life in human form, as this universe can not afford to lose him at this time.' Then she gently, but firmly verbally responded to Jack's command, saying. "Master Jack, we will protect your Earth and space family with our forcefield should the need arise." A green line appeared on the floor making those closest to it take a step back, but behind NightOwl, Sam and U Sang and was the only indication it was there, so everyone would be able to see what was going on but be safe, as Lya carried on. "Be reassured U Sang's and Atlantis's gifts of a forcefield is starting to protect your human form and we apologise for not giving you the quiet time you need. NightOwl must not enter your mind, but we believe the dragon's words will assist you and after that you must eat then sleep."
As Lya was speaking, Sam, naturally full of concernand wanting to give Jack her support was starting to move round U Sang, who was in his humanoid form and in her way, to get to him.
Feeling her movement and knowing the danger, U Sang immediately, silently sent her the order. "Stop! It will kill you both. Trust NightOwl as your life mate does." And instantly changed back into his large purple and black striped panther form, making a solid waist height barrier she would not be able to pass. Not wanting her to feel threatened by his actions he sat with his tail curled so the tip was behind her legs with an invisible energy barrier linked to his front paws so she couldn't dodge round him, nor fall over doing it. Then he gently lent into her and rested his head against her so she could feel and hear his silent mental purring reassurances or words that would be just between the two of them.
Immediately feeling U Sang's reassurances after his mental order Sam stopped still, realising it was a fight she would not win and trusted him. Then jumped slightly at what happened next, even though U Sang had purred the mental warning. "NightOwl will be giving me her energy for safe keeping. It will not harm you and my forcefield will shield your eyes."
Needing to change from her large, beautiful but ponderous dragon form into her smaller familiar, quick moving Owl form, NightOwl had silently dragon grumbled U Sang her intentions as she needed what would become excess energy returned to her. It was her favourite type of energy so she wasn't going to just let it go out into the atmosphere, or aim it an object in the Gateroom and cause damage. Both would be very bad manners. So just as in a thunderstorm there is a rumble of thunder before the lightening flash, this time without the rain, there was a dragon rumble of thunder, which accompanied the flash of the fine but very bright golden energy beam that landed on and into U Sang's back. Fluffing up and darkening his coat to completely pure jet black as it disappeared into it, and in a blink of an eye, NightOwl silently changed into her Owl form. This action was second nature to the pair, but it was the first time done on Atlantis, in front of everyone and NightOwl fully charged with energy that would keep her alive in either form for many many years to come, and enabled her to do it in such a quick fashion.
As the shocked onlookers blinked away the brightness of the flash, they realised the rumble of thunder was not a threat of an explosion or collapse of the City, and saw U Sang and Sam were okay. Getting their breaths back they watched with growing fascination, as NightOwl, now in her feathered Owl form, her back was tawny flecked, with pure white round the edges of her wings and all of her front, rounded head, owl beaked and large very dark brown eyes. But over 3ft tall rather than the usual smaller size they were used to seeing. Turning her head in true owl fashion, right round to the right then to the left to check all was well, she then effortlessly took off and silently flew then landed on the floor in front of Jack. Making sure there was enough distance between them so everyone would feel comfortable with the situation.
Then tilting her head upwards to make eye contact with him, she could feel the conflict within him and knew she needed to make the first reassuring verbal contact. She waited a moment then seeing the flicker of recognition from Jack, NightOwl gave a slow long blink of her eyes and a gentle grumble of a mixture of dragon with a hint of hooting owl, to let him know she was really there. And felt the thrill of knowing everyone present would understand her, thanks to the communication gifts they'd received earlier, ripple through her.
Instead of relief or gladness from Jack, NightOwl felt the wave of sadness her blinking had given him, as it had reminded him so much of Thor and how much he missed his alien friend. So calming her excitement into gentle reassurance she brought his attention back to her by privately dragon grumbling to him. "Master Jack, his legacy will always be with you and your Stargate family." Before carrying on out loud to reassure him and everyone else in her grumbling dragon with a hint of Owl hoot. "I will not enter your mind, we will talk and calm the clashing energy within you together. Lady Lya and U Sang will protect those important to you, and the forcefield growing around you will help you keep your human form."
Pausing for a moment to let her words take hold in his mind, she was comforted to see his slight nod rather than words, and realising what energy that was taking from him, was just going to tell him 'to just listen for the moment' ... when she was stopped by John Shepard's clear announcement from the computer area.
"NightOwl, Lady Lya, Generals Carter and O'Neill. City of Atlantis has just come online and via the computer and states. 'It will only take General O'Neill back to the full life support unit if his human life is in danger of failing completely and will return him to his Earth and Space family when the danger has ended and can live to full term with his life mate. Timescale for recovery days or weeks. Not months or years. This City too needs its brother O'Neill in human form." John paused for a moment as the enormity of the statement and the instinctive mental Ancient feeling he got from the City faded, before reading out the new information that came on the screen. "It has now gone to standby. But has alerted the infirmary that the support unit may be needed and is ready for use. Also food has been redirected to the necessary rooms." then looked over at the group he'd been addressing.
Now totally in control of her feelings as she concentrated on what John was saying and all it's meanings, including John's use of her new title, Sam knew U Sang's gentle purring as he rested against her was helping to keep her mind clear and emotions steady. Turning so she could address John, without disturbing U Sang, she calmly asked the question, that flitted across her mind. "Thank you, General, and how will Atlantis take General O'Neill to the support unit?"
John gave a slight smile at her address, rather than the question. He'd wondered who and how to address the group in the first place, and now knew Sam was alright with the way he did it. Checking down at the computer screen to see if there was answer, his attention was caught by the flashing lights with a slight hum nearby instead, and realised it was the thing everyone had forgotten about and answered. "The forcefield disc come chair Ma'am. It has just powered up."
With a gentle mummer from the others watching, the familiar flashing lights of green and red forcefield in disc form, lost its hum and silently rose up from where it had been powered down and resting, before gliding round the group and settling just the other side of Sam, then closed down again to silently rest on the floor. Watching it Sam was reassured it was something familiar, and Jack wouldn't become a streak of glowing energy similar to the way Daniel had disappeared when ascending years ago, or use the route she'd been told the energy butterflies had done. She had travelled in the forcefield and knew what it was like, might even walk beside the chair if it was in that form. And was brought back to the present by U Sang's gentle reassuring purring and NightOwl actions.
Sensing it was the right time, NightOwl gave her feathers a ruffle and a gentle grumbling hooting sigh to get everyone's attention before starting again. "Master Jack, I ask you to just listen for a moment or two and using the split meditation you perfected with Master Teal'c over the years, find the white feather I left in your mind that will help calm the Ancient energy."
Knowing he was going to be teased about this later, Jack was glad he had something to aim for, and trusting NightOwl completely, started the split meditation. As always, he felt Teal'c's unquestioning presence and calmness beside him, then carefully went back into his turbulent mind, still able to listen, understanding and take part in, if necessary, what was going on around him.
Seeing the merest flicker of amusement in Jack's dark troubled eyes as she felt him go hunting, NightOwl, in her reassuring dragon grumbling hoots, carried on. "As Lady Lya acknowledges and we apologize for forgetting to give you time to adjust being back in your adult form, or time with the ones you have been separated from while at DC and working on your covert mission, to allow what you call a team gathering so you all become a family again as you do after missions whether they have been good or bad to happen.
"We all believed your meeting with General Landry at Stargate Command would be a reassuring one with the gathering together of your SG1 new and old family afterwards to link up your recent separation from all them. This was not the case and you, as you always do as leader, looked after your Earth and Space families before yourself, made sure they know the steps for their future and safety for those to come whether or not you were able to return to Earth as expected. We too, got caught up in the moment of watching you work and forgot the emotional toll of doing all this would take, and during this you had your hopes of time with your life mate raised then dashed as you were ordered to become Earth's Ambassador to the Universe."
NightOwl stopped for a moment to let the listeners pick up on her points and mutter amongst themselves as they realised the truth of the matter. That General O'Neill would have done it all privately and how much he'd been on his own through his covert mission and the roller coaster ride that had happened to bring them to where they were. But also how they'd supported him with their gifts and he'd trusted all of them through out. As well as the fact the trust they all had in each other was not broken would not be broken, and would be passed on to others as they moved on through life.
Then doing that unnerving owl movement of looking right round to the right and then to the left with a long slow blink each time, NightOwl finished looking straight up at Jack, and seeing a slight shiver run through him sensed he had found the feather. Knowing she had to settle his human fears she carried on in her reassuring dragon grumbling hooting manner. "You, as leader of SG1 have always been Earth's ambassador to the Universe, with your team backing you in their special way. They will still do this as they leave SG1 and travel the seas of space in their own right and still be under your guidance when required. We do not expect you to explore new worlds as you have rightly handed that baton to other families in Stargate Command and through the generations to come. You are the link in the chain that leads through Home World Security and the IOA Committee to the other leaders on Earth. The people who live on Earth are responsible for their own actions and we do not expect you to right the wrongs of your world. The teams you have already selected on Earth as well as the support of the growing space family of the future will help make sure you have the right leisure and work time."
Then NightOwl seemed to fluff up her feathers and stand even more to attention, if that was possible for the owl, before declaring in her very serious dragon grumble hooting tone. "Master Jack and families on Atlantis. We, the families of the Nox, Felines and Dragons wish to be part of your space travelling family. As well as taking advantage of your comments and unique advice with or without tangling with Earth's leaders we would be the link to other friends who travel the seas of the Universe. I sense from our talks the Waterfall Site as you have called it, is away from towns and cities, so our smaller crafts can arrive and land without drawing attention to themselves, while our large craft can be shielded from Earth's view in outer space. We also believe the Ancient landing area might be useful for other craft and we promise to make sure other visitors understand the visits are to be peaceful ones, so Earth is safe and you and your life-mate will have time together as you wish and need.
"Of course, the communication Lady Lya has mentioned will be available to your Earth and Space family, for any need, and we will inform you of our visits before hand. Also should you need to visit any travellers who live in space we are happy to be with you and your Earth family, either as escort or in the same craft which ever you advise would be best." and paused.
Seeing the gold rippling of Ancient energy start fading and the bright colours of the energy gifts stop flickering and stay steady as they should, NightOwl knew she couldn't smile her happiness/relief that it should happen so soon. Owls with beaks couldn't and, had she stayed in her dragon form a smile could have been taken as a threat. Nor would she have wagged her dragon tail as that was a sign of courtship. So, relaxing her stance and realising everyone watching would have seen the change in Master Jack, gave a happy dragon grumble owl hoot, but gentle exclamation. "You have done it Master Jack, come back in your own time." Knowing it would give him confirmation that whatever he was doing was working.
All the watchers smiled at NightOwl's exclamation and relaxed a little bit, especially as the forcefield around Jack was starting to fade as well, and Jack seemed to become solid, not that he ever became transparent, just the rippling effect gave them the idea he could change into the Ancient child again. Sensing Jack's steadier and stronger presence, Lya felt her own energy ripple with relief at the promising out come and allowed the Nox's forcefield to go to standby, knowing it could be activated to full force in seconds should it be required, and smiled as she waited.
oxoxo
As Jack mentally turned away from NightOwl to go hunt the white feather, he felt Teal'c start to walk with him. That was not unusual, as the warrior's strong silence had always helped him travel the meditation pathway in his mind. This time though he felt it even stronger and mentally smiled and commented quietly. "Your energy gift of silent strength is making this easier. Thank you." and turning to his companion, knowing he was not physically with him, saw his Jaffa warrior brother give his customary silent nod of acknowledgment and understanding. And commented. "Let's go hunt the feather, T.Mind Daniel's books, they are hardback versions and can be painful. Vala's gems are rounded so not sharp but are hard."
With NightOwl's words following them into the swirling colours of the warring energies, Jack commanded, "T, stop it." At his friend's so called silent innocent look, Jack added with a sigh. "I can see Daniel's nagging questions a mile off and can distract or dodge them. Sam has that smile and laugh I love. You on the other hand have that silent devious look whether or not you have first hand knowledge of what we see here."
And got back Teal's quiet stoic "Indeed." with that silent look.
Jack laughed, what else could he expect? This was his own mind after all, and that was how Teal'c helped him with the word of agreement or disagreement that made him think again. But just so they were both clear on the matter, as they were on the edge of the warring energies and feeling the worst migraine ever coming if he didn't act quickly, he added. "When we find NightOwl's feather, you look after the gifts, I will check in on the Ancient energy and calm that first, then my mind and lastly the gifts though they might calm themselves. Bring them together and get back for food and rest."
And was immediately answered by Teal'c's calm quiet. "It is ahead and waiting for you. I shall guard your six."
Jack had noticed the flicker of white within the colour storm as Teal'c spoke, and watching it form in front of him felt Teal'c move away slightly, which was weird as they were both in his mind. On the other hand he'd had so much and so many in his mind recently, not having his Warrior brother beside him would have been weird, even unthinkable and commented quietly. "Thank you" then mentally reaching out and touching the feather felt it link in with his now calmer meditating self.
The feather immediately separated into three smaller ones, and now knowing what to do, Jack took one and left the others so they were touching each other, but the tips were pointing into the swirlling energies of his own mind and the gifts around them and watched streaks of white calmness start to seek out and part the two factions. Before immediately turning to the golden energy that was still seeping under the door to the room where he'd left the Ancient child earlier, and knowing just to open the door would let out the full force of the energy and take over everything. Jack took a mental breath then letting the calmness of his meditation and the feather in his hand take over, stated. "You and my mind were already accepting and melding with the gifts that carry on giving us energy and life, and you would be in your proper place within me. The extreme happiness, disappointment then anger you are feeling around you and fighting, are my own feelings. They will calm down once I have rested and understood the future, as they have done in the past. We are not in danger. You must stay there and let me open the door so I can give you the gift that will help us both to carry on without harming ourselves or the ones we love."
Watching the golden energy start to retreat under and along the sides of the door to the room, Jack noted the door itself was becoming less fragile and the golden energy was shimmering rather than glaring angry deep gold it had been. Knowing it was time Jack reached out with his free hand and gently opened the door, while making sure the feather in his hand was held as a gift rather than a shield to fend off the Ancient energy. He could not be afraid of himself after all they had been through, they both wanted the future and saw his Ancient child self standing watching him with a familiar stubborn air around him, and decided to mind speak first. "I was hoping you would sleep through this phase of our joining. I'm sorry my emotions woke you."
The Ancient child snapped back. "You promised we would fly together and how can I protect you shut up in this room?" then looking at the white feather lying across Jack's hand asked. "NightOwl's feather. Why?"
Gently but firmly Jack quickly explained. "You are in my memory and we will fly together again as I promised. You will always be in me and my family on through the ages. But you need to be the Gene you were and not the energy child you are now. NightOwl's feather is linked with the others and will give you calmness and company you need. Sit on the bed and I will leave the door open and Teal'c will stay with you, so you can remember your time together before you go to sleep again."
Looking past Jack, the Ancient child called out. "T! Will you come and sit and talk with me?"
And was immediately answered with not only the Warrior's presence beside him, but also his usual stoic word and tone. "Indeed." which was finished with a gentle firm. "It will be an honour to relive that time with you now, and for the generations to come. O'Neill" Confirming to Jack they were in total agreement with this action and it was better than the lone child sleeping with NightOwl's ride to keep him company.
With a contented nod, the energy child took the white feather, walked over to the bed put it on the mattress then climbed up and settled down ready for Teal'c to join him. Immediately the scene seemed to shift, and Jack was watching from further away. Teal'c was sat beside the boy and the doorway was large enough so they could look out at the warring energies that were starting to calm. He watched Teal'c and the child chatting and the boy's golden thread of energy start flowing through the feather to join and meld with the others before disappearing into Jack's mind and body as they should.
Turning away from the scene knowing it was time to bring his meditation to an end, he had automatically taken notice of what NightOwl was saying to him. Was calming down as he naturally sorted things out and put them in their proper mind boxes for immediate or later use. This last one was his own unconscious niggle at having to leave the Ancient child alone was sorted, Teal'c a meditation companion would be with the Ancient Gene till they both disappeared into their natural places. The others were his anger and his disappointment that he wouldn't get what he wanted, NightOwl was right, he had and would cope with it all, had and was making a team for the future that he could trust. He'd always done that or when totally alone found an escape route, even if it had been a wing and a pray because everything else had failed. With the new teams around him it could be he would be in a better position to be with Sam while she continued her own career and future. And he would be able to protect their family, their teams now and in the future, on Earth or in Space. Then shutting the fear he'd had that he might not survive all this, firmly back in the right box Jack took a mental and physical breath before taking that last step out into the silent anticipation he could feel around him.
oxoxox
Feeling his two consciousnesses click back into one as he looked at NightOwl, Jack silently wondered if she would take off in her excitement and happiness. He immediately let his calmness show through his eyes as he knew she would have sensed or seen the trouble he'd been in earlier. Seeing her slow blink of understanding, Jack quickly glanced across to Lya and U Sang, knowing they would understand they were included in this, then turned his attention back to NightOwl saying. "I think I needed that. Thank you. Everyone safe?"
NightOwl gently grumble-hooted her confirmation while trying to calm her own excitement and happiness at his return. Lya, while mentally rolling up the green line forcefield, and knowing things needed moving on, confirmed and explained in her usual gentle but no nonsense manner. "Yes Master Jack. Now you are stable again, you need food and sleep for the process to carry on. Also NightOwl must take back the energy U Sang is storing for her, so I suggest we all retire for the sleep time and meet up in the morning before we go our separate ways."
Jack nodded his agreement He could feel the normal tiredness and hunger catching up with him again and casually, but with a serious tone, added. "So, Lady Lya all this about me being Earth's ambassador to the Universe is really you wanting to bypass the Stargate, have free passes to park in invisible orbit around Earth and visit when ever you fancy, without having to face the political side of life each time especially when all this goes public." and paused.
There were smiles all round, with NightOwl dragon grumbling and U Sang purring their happy reactions to the comment, as everyone knew there was more to come.
Jack acknowledged their reactions with a slight nod and slight smile at Sam, before returning his attention to the group concerned and adding seriously. "Well, I can live with that and look forward to meeting your friends sometime in the future." then with true feeling, finished. "We are all in your debt for what you have done for me and I would be honoured to have all three families in our Space family team."
With mind flashes between them, Lady Lya and NightOwl stayed silent, allowing U Sang to purr his comment. "There is no debt to pay, we are all equal in this new friendship. You saved the universe and your friends and our gifts in turn saved you. Your family on Atlantis saved our lives, and we now look forward to a new home planet from the information you have given Lady Lya. By these acts, important friends from our past families have been found and we have been given the opportunity to continue this into the future. Now NighOwl and I thank you, and wish everyone a good sleep time as we must leave you."
NightOwl immediately dragon grumble-hooted her goodnight and added. "I agree and will fly and sing for you as you eat your meals so you all sleep a dreamless sleep."
Shielding his hope it would not be like Teal'c's Jaffa hard to listen to lullaby, but was looking forward to seeing her fly, Jack answered warmly. "We look forward to that and will see you in the morning. And hope you and U Sang also have a good sleep time as well."
As U Sang, who was starting to get slight tints of gold in his fur from NightOwl's energy, got up and started to walk towards the way they'd entered in the beginning, NightOwl gracefully took off with one beat of her wings, then shrinking back to her proper owl size turned and flew so she was above and in unison with U Sang's lopping gate out of the room.
Watching them leave Jack announced. "Retired SG1, Brigadier Generals Carter and Shepard, and Mr Woosley. As I have no intention of disobeying Lady Lya's orders, I dismiss you all and suggest you do the same." and immediately turned to Sam so she could give the final orders to her team.
Sam nodded, smiled at the use of the new titles before turning her attention to the group at the computer area, and confidently announced. "Officer of the Night Watch you have care of the City. John, Richard we will discuss the change over in the morning."
Still getting used to their new roles and his new title, John Shepard and Richard Woosley nodded their agreement, before John started to go through the change over routine with the Officer who had joined them earlier, and Richard paid great attention to it, now the City would be his home and office for the foreseeable future. With everyone else starting to move ready to leave the gate-room, Lady Lya calmly announced. "Masters Daniel and Jon." getting their attention, she continued. "Though you may lie with your life-mates during this sleeping night as you should, it is unwise for you to tangle in love and procreation. Your bodies and minds need undisturbed rest to complete the processes you have been through."
There were a lot of hidden smiles from others around them, though Jon and Cassie looked at each other in disappointment, they held hands understanding and accepting it. Then smiled and started to join the others on the way out, after all, they now had a future to look forward in their new home City so there would be other nights to enjoy and make love.
Daniel, on the other hand, was totally embarrassed by it all, he'd not thought what the night might bring except sleep. Feeling Vala's not so gentle nudge in his side, he looked at her as she totally seriously and quietly announced. "Don't worry, I believe in courtship first, so we can do that bit on the journey and then when we arrive on the Yggdrasil." Then smiling, eyes bright and voice loud with anticipation she added. "We will make rapturous love together in all the rooms on board. After you've carried me over the threshold, of course."
Over Daniel's embarrassed gasp, Cameron commented as he started to lead the group out "Too much information Vala." While Teal'c intoned "Indeed." before adding. "I believe we should hurry or we will miss NightOwl flying." which to Daniel's relief ended any further comment as Vala pulled his arm to make him move quickly while exclaiming loudly. "Yes! Quickly we must not miss that!"
Watching them Jack turned to Sam with a smile and stated. "I don't think we have to worry about Daniel any more."
Smiling at that comment, Sam's reply stayed in her mind as Lya, who had moved closer to the couple, said quietly but firmly. "Though you may sleep in the same room as your life mate Master Jack, you, too, must not tangle in love mentally or physically with Lady Samantha till your gifts have completely melded as they should."
"Ohforcryingloud!" Jack huffed with heartfelt disgust/disappointment, but totally understanding all the reasons why, and before Lya could explain it all again, he changed his tone to one of respect and understanding as he added. "I know, we would not wake up from it and we would miss our real future lives together." Then in hope but knowing the answer he finished. "I guess a quick chaste good night mental kiss is out the question as well."
Understanding his need to say it, Lya nodded to confirm it then added gently. "I believe it could be weeks rather than months before your gifts have melded properly Master Jack, and I do understand how that can feel like a long time in your life time."
"Not as long as the years we've controlled and hidden our feelings, so we could work together while on SG1, or the time we have been parted while Samantha has been on Atlantis. So we can cope with it and work together at the Waterfall Site, Lady Lya." Jack quietly acknowledged, then looking at Sam and knowing her feelings, though she'd stayed still and silent thorough out, he became leader rather than husband, and quietly commanded. "Brigadier General Samantha Carter."
And was interrupted by Sam's smile and start of a giggle, she just couldn't help. She was still on the roller coaster ride of emotions, of realising how close she came to losing him and all the help to save him and now her new rank. That amazed her and also made her think of her father and knew both her parents would have been proud of her, were with her in all this.
Never taking his eyes off her, Jack sighed then tried again by stating firmly. "Just like Captains or Colonels, Generals do not giggle." Seeing that was failing, by her grin and bright blue eyes as she tried to suppress her giggle, Jack didn't mind it because this would help them both rein in their emotions, click back into working mode as it had in the past, so carried on in his serious commander tone. "Your next mission, starting tonight and ending when it is completed, is to pack and accompany me to the Waterfall Site and start to make it ready for full commission in months rather than years."
Still trying hard to stop her giggle, because Jack though totally serious, had that happy glint in his eyes that was for her when they talked together. She knew this was not a game, he was being serious, was telling her they had to and could put their feelings on the back burner once again. She could do this, they had to keep their distance because of the gifts, and he had given her the gift of full healing earlier so they could have a family. Yes she could work with him as they used to. So, taking a breath and calming herself to become the leader and General she had become, Sam came to attention and answered. "Yes, Sir, General Sir!"
Knowing it had worked, they were on the same working page, Jack couldn't help his smile as he confirmed it in their usual way of tone and certain words. "Point taken, Carter." Then added. "We need to retire, otherwise NightOwl will do her display without us." before turning his attention back to Lya by saying. "Thank you and your family for everything you have done. You're all welcome to stay and watch from the balconies."
Realising the couple had a code, perfected over the years, that ensured they knew how each other felt, Lya smiled as she answered. "Thank you, but we will watch with our families from our travelling city. Then we will return after you have broken your sleep time with your first meal, so we can make ready for your departure to Earth as well as Masters Teal'c, Daniel and Lady Vala travels. Clothes and personal accessories for several days will be needed. Atlantis has already sent messages to their rooms regarding the arrangements and needs." Lya then stepped away without turning her back on them, terminating the conversation so they would leave before her, as she wanted to make sure they actually went to their room, knowing they both took their responsibilities towards their Space Families very seriously.
With a nod acknowledging her words and move, Jack started to turn to walk towards the exit they would need to take and was stopped by Sam's quiet but firm call. "General, Sir."
Turning back to face her to see why she called, Jack sighed, shook his head in disbelief and exclaimed. "I can walk. We can walk! I'm certainly not having Carter walk beside me while I sit!" Knowing deep down he was not going to win this argument… Who could when faced with a stubborn forcefield?
The forcefield disc that had settled beside Sam earlier, had come back to life again, and was gently flashing red and green seeking their attention, having once again transformed into the chair shape Jack had sat in as the Ancient child. On Jack's exclamation, it immediately transformed into a two-seater, with a transparent partition so they would be separated, yet could still be together, and carried on gently flashing as if to say. "Point taken. Get on board."
With a huff knowing it would in fact be quicker than walking to their room, Jack conceded the point and walked over to the chair and sat in it, which toned down the flashing colours in acknowledgment of his action. With a smile and a nod to Lya, who returned the smile as she joined her family group, Sam sat on her side of the partitioned seat and commented quietly. "I hope it knows where we are going." and felt the chair gently start to rise ready to glide out of the Gate Room.
"Think of your room and I'm sure we will make it without running anyone over." Jack said quickly, realizing he didn't know which room Sam was using. As he had not called for the forcefield, he guessed Atlantis or Jon had. He mind flashed the question to Jon and getting an instant answer back, told Sam. "Not Jon, he wouldn't know your room either. Told us to enjoy the ride. So it must be the City, and we will just enjoy the ride as Jon says."
Feeling the transparent forcefield enclose the front to keep them safe and the chair accelerate towards the exit, Sam relaxed into the seat with a laugh before asking. "This is fun, can we keep it?" She could see so many uses for it at the cabin and the Waterfall Site.
"No. And. It sits outside our room tonight and stays on Atlantis. They need it here to carry things and people if the Infirmary want it." Jack quickly and firmly explained. He was not going to have this forcefield watching his every move, but silently had to admit it was not a bad way to travel.
Watching them exit room, then turning her attention to General Shepard who'd stay behind in the computer area in case he was needed, Lya said. "We will inform you of any news from Earth through your computer terminal and your twig communicator." She stopped for a moment then nodded before explaining. "We have just received a very brief communication from General Landry via our Earth watching family, which says the NCIS family has retrieved the goods that Master Woolsey had hidden for safe keeping, and will guard them for him. They will give a full report when they have more information from the discs they retrieved and news of the other operations. We will leave you now, and contact you again after our sleep time and breaking that fast."
Knowing the information would help Richard Woolsey settle in to his new job and home, John Shepard answered with respect and feeling. "Thank you Lady Lya. I hope you and your families have a good sleep time and look forward to seeing you tomorrow."
With that, Lya nodded and clapped her hands, then instead of the green gate coming down from the ceiling so they could walk into it to go to their traveling city, the Nox family simply silently disappeared.
Shaking his head at that move, turning to the Officer of Watch, who was watching wide eyed having missed all the earlier fun, John Shepard said quietly. "No one is going to argue with her or her family." Seeing he had the man's full attention and agreement he carried on. "You have the watch and inform me as necessary. Also keep an eye on the computer screen, I have no doubt Atlantis is going to let everyone see NightOwl fly."
"Yes Sir." the Officer replied smartly, then checked. "The security staff are they allowed to watch from here, Sir?"
"Yes, just keep alert for trouble." John answered and picked up the communication twig that was on the console, put it in his pocket then left the Gate room to join his team, realizing tonight would be the last night he would be part of their group. Tomorrow he and Woolsey would be in charge of the City and his team would have new responsibilities and he would have to step away from their friendship. But hoped he would never be as isolated as General O'Neill had obviously been in this past year.
Oxoxox
If you have got this far. Thank you for taking the time and doing so and hope you have enjoyed it.
As usual reviews and comments are welcome.
I will be back when muse, characters and real life allow.
As always take care and enjoy yourselves.
