Djenie and sam600sx … thanks for your reviews, and hope you enjoy the next stage.

Teal'c's thoughts and report.

Chapter 4

Walking towards the child General, Teal'c was silently getting used to this 'other' O'Neill. A bubbly 5 year old with a razor sharp mind... an old head on young shoulders … was the Tauri saying that came to his mind. And acknowledged the irony of the fact that the adult O'Neill used it when talking about Jon at the beginning of their group friendship and was very true for this child version. So they should not underestimate him, and hoped this situation would right itself very soon for all their sakes. When it had been announced by the adult O'Neill that he and his clone were going their separate ways he'd not been surprised that a little later they'd returned to each other at the cabin. That was 'their' safe place away from the team and authorities. He had been surprised that the adult O'Neill asked for help and privacy and had given both immediately and completely. Had found his bond with the two O'Neills become deeper as he found out about their complicated past and understood their reluctance to consult with Thor on the matter.

Jon needed help coming to terms with O'Neill's memories, which were too dominant due to the cloning procedure which had given him life.

In his working relationship with SG1 he'd taught the original O'Neill a lighter form of his own deep meditation to gain calm and strength that could be added to the man's normal methods known as fishing, with or without fish in the lake or even the lake. Over the years he'd seen the combination help ease the pressures and nightmares on his fellow warrior, so he'd willingly gone to the cabin with them for a few days while DanielJackson and SamanthaCater had been off world and taught Jon this method. They had walked and talked instead of fishing by the lake, for which he was most grateful. Though those midges no longer worried him as SamanthaCarter had given him a device that drove the damn beasts away, without harming them or anyone else. Though why the last bit should be important was never really clear to him ...

And closed those thoughts down feeling a certain pair dark brown eyes watching him intently, he gave a slight but respectful nod of his head to the child General as he joined him. Then turning slightly so they would walk together he started to answer the question before it could be asked again.

"DanielJackson is in denial. He believes you are playing a trick on him because you missed your trip to Atlantis to acknowledge our warriors and allies' bravery, as well as quietly celebrating your anniversary night with SamanthaCarterO'Neill. Though how you could have shrunk your uniform, shoes, medals and cover in such a short time or at all ... seems to have gone over his head."

Jack stopped and looking up at Teal'c with wide eyed astonishment exclaimed. "All of them had shrunk!" he'd reasoned it would have only been the clothes as the material plaster had shrunk.

"Indeed, everything you wore on the journey back had shrunk. The laundry employees had not started their work on them so they were not to blame, and took them to GeneralLandry without too much delay. After questioning them he in turn called in DanielJackson and myself as I had arrived back in the early hours. He found out DanielJackson nor his clothes had shrunk and showed us the evidence."

"And that didn't give him the hint." Jack squeaked, in disgust and started walking on again.

Hearing Lou's question about the anniversary Teal'c had so casually let slip, Jack gave a short sharp in what he could muster as General tone at him, but still came out in his childish voice. "Big ears. Watch out for trouble ... do not look for it." without glancing back at the man, and glaring up at T hoped he understood that, that 'innocent' slip had not been a good idea.

Lou snorted, but did as he was told. He knew his friend long enough to know that at any size the threat about toothbrushes and cleaning duty or some other kind of payback was a real one. And, was silently pleased his friend and Sam had finally made it, with the President's blessing no doubt, hence the secrecy. Dreaded to think what she would think about this situation and really couldn't understand what on earth got into the President to think of trusting Jackson's time keeping abilities over Jack's opinion. Because he knew Jack would have said something at the time, and manage to keep the right side of insubordination...

Choosing to ignore 'that' look coming his way, Teal'c carried on in his regal tone. "In spite of your your written orders on the door we entered your rooms and found them empty, and your other clothes and bag were normal size. That was when DanielJackson insisted there would be a message from you explaining you had been called back to DC during the night, so could deny any knowledge of the trick. That the truth was you could not face the fact he had been right to insist on the visit before your trip to Atlantis as he'd proved he was the only one who could have translated the panels properly and set the natives of the right track. And, you were the one who delayed him from finishing the job in time by interrupting him so needlessly and as you had done so many times in the past."

"See Merlin, Prior and the other past influences of arrogance have latched onto his stubborn streak and resurfacing again." Jack huffed loudly.

"Indeed. O'Neill."

Jack silently raised his eyebrows at Teal'c, because the Jaffa's sigh and tone was very human like, and got a nod from him accepting the exchange of expressions, before the Jaffa carried on explaining the rest in his normal tone. "GeneralLandry insisted there would not have been time for you to set up this trick nor would you waste valuable men and resources doing it. We were following the trail you'd given us and discussing what we should do, as none of us wanted to inform the President at this early stage, when we received Jon's startling call.

Unfortunately, DanielJackson decided that Jon was in on the hoax as he was your clone and dug his heels in. GeneralLandry knew better and set things in motion so Jon and CassandraFraser could beam in and report his story face to face. He also insisted that DanielJackson review all the information he had on the planet and dial them for more information. We left before the last task had been completed."

Teal'c then inclined his head to look the child General's in the eyes and solemnly continued. "I must apologise for my slip regarding the personal need for you to be in Atlantis last night, just now. It is the first time it has happened, so GeneralLandry does not understand why you were so angry and left the mountain. Though Jon has informed us of the kidnapping attempt and insisted nothing should get back to DC and no records kept of your return or Jon and Cassandra's visit. I wish I had known of this threat and also accompanied you on your mission with DanielJackson so this situation and the second attempt on your life would not have happened "

"It's all right Teal'c." Jack answered hoping his child voice and eyes carried the depth and respect his warrior brother would understand, then added. "The President insisted the kidnapping attempt be kept under wraps so Gibbs and his team can complete the job I started. I suspect that will be done sooner rather than later." Then knowing the wooded path would be difficult from now on he raised his hand so Teal'c would take it, and as they continued walking hand in hand asked. "I trust your own mission was successful."

"Indeed it was, but like you I find certain meetings 'difficult' and understand your comment about being 'armed' for the situation. And would have preferred to have had your counsel back at StarGateCommand instead of listening to them carry on and on." Teal'c freely admitted.

Jack laughed, picturing the warrior dressed up in his robes and staff weapon in hand wishing he could threaten the argumentative faction of Jaffas, then said. "I imagine I've Zatted the worst ones and then ignore them taking any good points on board of course. So, GeneralLandry beamed Jon and Cassie to the Mountain."

"Indeed. They had already packed bags for a short stay and locked their apartment as you advised them to do. After hearing Jon's story GeneralLandry insisted Cassandra stay with the rest of SG1 while your request for a rescue team was sorted out. We should be silent and concentrate on the rest of this path and I will carry you when necessary."

Hearing the order in the last bit, Jack knew he would have to accept the lift when necessary, they'd both walked this together as adults so knew how tricky it was underfoot.

Ten minutes or so later Jon stopped as the downward twisting wooded pathway suddenly came out to an open clearing and knew this was where the fun would start, and waited for the rest to catch up.

Ignoring the view and still holding Teal'c's hand as the need for him to be picked up hadn't happened, and because he was now close enough to Jon to do it, Jack quickly slipped his free hand into Jon's and demanded in his General's tone, "Swing!" and was glad it didn't come out as a very high squeak.

Jon looked down at his other self then at Teal'c and huffed crossly. "Oh Forcryingoutloud!"

"Indeed." Teal'c answered in a tone of a parent who knew he'd lost a battle before it started, but was not willing to show it just yet.

Looking from one to the other Jack immediately pleaded, "Oh come on you two! We never did this a kid. Just once!" knowing full well his tone and look would get to them.

Having seen JackO'Neill and DanielJackson swing CassandraFrazer in the park like this when she'd just arrived on earth, Teal'c knew exactly what to do. Was in two minds about it … his warrior side didn't want to do it. The side that knew the truth in the child's words …that none of them had done it as a child ... didn't mind a bit. So nodded his agreement to the pair with a hint of his feelings showing and saw them grin back at him … and got ready.

oxoxox

Still on the wooded path Lou had slowed as he watched the scene ahead of him play out. Grinned hugely as Jon and Teal'c carefully and safely swung the pint sized Jack between them, who let out a delighted childish "Weeee!" as they did it. And on landing had promptly demanded another one, had thought he heard the words "for Jon's sake" and watched the three turn round to face him, but not actually look at him. Realising this was too good to miss he took out his personal camera, wishing he could use the video one for the whole effect and took a couple of snap shots of the 'swing'. Then immediately said defensively. "For our use only I swear." as Jack had landed safely and all three were glaring at him.

Jack huffed and said. "Better be or I won't be able to come back when full sized nor will Jon and Cassandra be able to stay here."

Lou nodded realising all the implications in those words and knew he would delete them when this mission was over. He reckoned the three needed to see the delight they all showed as they did it.

Joining them in the open he saw the magnificent view across the valley and the next bit of the path, and immediately went for his radio to communicate 'upstairs' and asked. "Have you got eyes on this next bit? We might need a beam up to get to the other side or whatever."

And got a sharp child order that Reynolds could hear as well. "We will walk across it! The path is roped and we have time. The sky needs to be clear till we beam up with the batteries. That is an order!"

Lou related the "Yes Sir." from Reynolds and started to weigh up the scene and possible route.

The trees and shrubs had given way to a steep open drop with a pathway that went round and down the hillside till it disappeared into another wooded area nearly opposite them. And this part looked as though a giant had stood higher up the hillside and opened a bag of different sized boulders so they rolled down the hillside into the valley, stacking up where they stuck. Or the Devil had done it hence the name of the waterfall. Could feel the wind as they had lost the shelter of the trees and though the boulders might have been there for thousand of years nothing much grew in between them to stop it. The trees grew above them or below them in the valley and reckoned if he listened hard enough he could hear rumblings of the waterfall in the distance but couldn't see it, all adding up to feeling this was not a place to linger.

Looking around he knew Jack would never have got any further in his present state and as adults it would be hard work. Must be a 'dedicated' hard route and spotted the guide rope anchored into the side of the narrow boulder pathway to help any one taking this route. Wondered if there was an easier route and knew even with this help a slip could mean getting a leg trapped or broken so it was going to need all their concentration. And realised the others were linking themselves onto the secured guide rope so flicked on the camera that would give them a definite link to 'upstairs' and said. "Get ready to beam them out if necessary. They are linked to a guide rope into the rock along the pathway."

And go the answer back, which was breathless in awe. "Yes, we have a good signal from you. Make sure you're not the one left behind."

Realising he had to wait for the group to get off the steepest part of the slope to make sure his movements while using the guide rope didn't hinder them, Lou stood and watched with baited breath. He'd been on climbs with Jack so knew he was a first class rock climber and realised he was taking part in the climb, he wasn't just a child being handed from one safe pair of hands to another. So the adult Jack was really in there and knew he had to get moving or he would get left behind … have the three of them waiting for him and could hear Jack's sharp comments in his mind… child size or not.

It didn't take him long to hitch up to the rope with the special belts that were permanently attached and carefully followed in the others footsteps. It was hard work and couldn't rush it, so by the time he reached the others, they had packed their ropes in the special box ready for the next people coming up to use and were resting on the grassy slope next to it.

As Lou started to pack his rope away Jack said loudly. "Reynolds! You can stop watching now. Has anyone been sent to my cabin?"

Lou sighed and flicked the radio on to loud speaker so Jack could hear the answer from 'upstairs'.

Reynold's laugh came over clearly before he turned serious. "That was a brilliant bit of climbing and glad you are all safe. Two from Lou's team are down there now and will stay on guard till the science people turn up. They said there is a helicopter parked out front with a note saying the owner isn't happy about flying in and out at his own cabin so would like to use your area as suggested. Hope it's not in the way, taken keys for safety as you weren't around and wife picked him up and he'll be gone for a couple of days."

"Obviously doesn't know you can hot wire the machine. Jack." Jon butted in lightly.

"Some hope at the moment." Jack snapped back as he looked up at Jon to make his point and then added with a cheeky smile and voice to match. "You could do it for me."

With a chuckle Jon started to come back at Jack, but Reynolds butted in quickly to keep things on track. "We will check him and machine out of course. We've dumped the two from the other helicopter on the General along with your other advice. He wants to know how long you will be so a medical team can be on hand. Be advised the hillside you are now on is giving us strange readings and fuzzy pictures. Nothing dangerous though."

Jack sighed knowing what it could be and then answered. "We are clear down here and nearly there. Will call you over the radio. Remind Landry not inform the Boss what has happened at any cost and we will need clear access to the gate when we arrive so teams in or out need to be held back. I will not need a medical. Everything must stay off record so less staff around the better and no contact with Atlantis either."

"Okay. Reynolds out." Was said with a sigh … as the colonel wondered how he could explain that lot to GenerlLandry … should start it with General O'Neill ordered me … and was glad he wouldn't have to do it face to face… in the same room.

As Lou shut off the camera and radio, Jack looked round the group and added "Right. I know the path to the waterfall is gated and locked ... we don't need that entrance, half way along this path is a small animal track we can use. It will lead to the side of the waterfall we need to get to. I'll know why when we get there. …" and stopped seeing Jon and Teal'c glance at each other and Lou start to look confused asked sharply. "What?"

Jon sighed and said quietly. "I know the path you mean. We commented on it the last time we came through and decided we would want Teal'c and Daniel with us. But Daniel put a stop to that idea when he explained he was too busy for the next six months. You're dropping in the odd Ancient word and looking tired so Teal'c should carry you."

"Ah crap." Jack sighed knowing he would have to give in. The buzzing in his mind was getting stronger and asked. "Did 'upstairs' notice."

"No. It was only as you talk to us. We should move." Jon answered.

And with that Jack found himself scooped up into Teal'c's arms and he naturally found himself adjust his position so he could sit on the Jaffa's hip and sideways onto his body rather than a cuddle carry as that would probably send him off to sleep… and that would never do. He needed to be awake and in control of the buzzing in his mind. But it wasn't long in their walk till he fidgeted again and then asked quietly. "Shoulders Teal'c?"

And got the rumbling answer. "When it is safe O'Neill."

"Safe now. The path is wide and clear up top." Jack said lightly, then added. "No pictures Lou."

"Okay." Lou confirmed as he watched with some fascination Teal'c and Jack sort themselves out so the child sat on the Jaffa's shoulders, and couldn't help asking. "Good view from up there?"

Got a giggle of delight from the child as they walked on.

Jon and Lou looked at each other then smiled ... it was an amazing picture and one no one could ever have imagined ... a child General sitting on a Warrior Jaffa's shoulders ... with giggles and the odd sharp but gentle comments between them.

Both itched to take photos but didn't dare so picked up their own pace and took their allotted places of 'point' and 'six', knowing time was getting short if they were going to keep Jack's secret about going Ancient.

oxoxo

Hope you enjoyed it and thanks for reading.

Be back when muse and life allows.