Amber, dpdp, djenie and Schatze8210 thank you for your kind reviews glad you are enjoying it. Also thanks to anyone reading this story.

As this chapter seems to be growing legs and running, as well as time is going way too fast I have decided to put it in two chapters. Sorry I can not promise a quick up date on the second … yep part real life is also running at a pace so muse has to squeeze into the gaps.

Jack arrives in the Gate Room part 1.

Chapter 7

The Gate Room of Stargate Command was buzzing with guarded expectation having just received six ZPMs, which could blow them all to kingdom-come if handled wrongly, as well as curiosity as to what was coming next as the group started to materialize. With Jon and Teal'c to his left and right and Lou standing behind him, making a protective half circle without actually touching him, Jack could feel the gentle hum of the closed down Gate rippling through his body as the process finished. And hoped it was just his smaller size making it feel stronger than usual, and it or he wouldn't/couldn't set or start anything off. Then, shoving those thoughts to the back of his mind knowing time was running out, he checked the room and people out.

Noted there weren't any sneaky doctors waiting to jump him and the two security guards were stood down, but still ready for danger/action. That all the batteries with their forcefields gently flickering on standby, had been beamed down near the ramp but out of danger and Siler was already 'sniffing' round them.

Hearing Lou's short sharp "Don't touch! They are on standby and I've got the handset!' from above and behind him, he silently sighed, hating that reminder of his new size. Then grinned as the Sargent had jumped back away from the batteries then looked round at them. And wondered when did weird become common place, as there wasn't any sign shock or fear in Siler's expression at seeing a child in the group that had just beamed in from 'upstairs', only acceptance of the order 'not to touch'.

Satisfied he didn't need to say anything Jack glanced in the other direction and noted ... Cam, Vala and Cassie were; a) in a group, and b) there were six backpacks near them, so everything was ready to go. Also though he didn't like it, he needed to check out if any small clothes had been packed for him, his adult ones were already in Atlantis as no one had taken them off 'Fred' when he had been delayed. Taking in Cam's twitch of a smile, he knew he couldn't call the man out on it … Yeah, might have a badge that said 'General', but he was the wrong size and voice for it… Yeah squeaking would be soo embarrassing … So gave him a glare and a shake of his head instead.

Seeing the man lose that 'twitch' and come to attention, he immediately smiled reassuringly at Cassie, having noted her startled gasp, anxious and a little wide eyed expression … And realised it wouldn't mean a thing to her, as she only saw a five year old child instead of her loved adult 'uncle'. Before he could decide what might help her or stop an emotional rush or hug from her, he saw Vala, who was dressed in her usual way-out clothes rather than the normal casual uniform of the others, own surprised expression turn to sudden understanding, and then she gently restrained Cassie with a hand on her shoulder and quiet words, that only the two could hear.

Glad of her quick wits and kindness Jack nodded his thanks to her, and knew from experience there would be lots of penetrating remarks later. Now though, the last thing he needed was a hug to give or take reassurance from Cassie. It was taking a lot of effort to maintain who he was, rather than totally slipping into the Ancient child with abilities to heal and way too much knowledge … ancient or modern ... in his mind. He'd managed to build up a natural barrier between himself and Teal'c so when they touched his power stayed within him, but he wasn't sure how well it worked around anyone else. Though, he would like to give Teal'c a completely healed body he deserved, he knew the new Jaffa Council and brothers would turn it against him … And stopped those thoughts as he heard Hank's steady footsteps coming down the metal stairs from the command area.

Knowing he couldn't slip up from now on Jack immediate came to attention as he channelled new thoughts. While also silently mentally running through who would be left in the command area. - An unknown officer to act as 'runner' and Walter standing by the control centre, checking all normal communications and of course be ready to fire up the Gate when needed. - And silently huffed, as it was only one person on the stairs, so a crucial figure was missing … Though as there were six bags ready to go he hoped the man was at least inside the area. That they wouldn't have to open the heavy doors and go hunting … Feeling Teal'c and Jon tense up, Jack reckoned they had realised as he had …that Doctor Daniel Jackson was not in sight or the man on the stairs.

As Hank's solid reassuring figure stopped in front of them, confirming his thoughts, Jack looked up at him and demanded sharply. "Where is he?" And was relieved it came out properly, even though the childlike high pitch still grated through his mind as he expected his normal adult tone when he spoke. Though of course, having to look up at everyone else and the buzzing in his mind should give him the biggest hint he was not his normal self … but, it didn't.

In spite of the situation Hank smiled, keeping back the witty remark that was on the tip of his tongue. He knew his boss and friend didn't need it. Jack wanted the dependable head of SGC and sort of father figure for everyone there, who could still hold authority and ply his quick mind when out of the ordinary happened. Just like now, and answered calmly. "When those batteries appeared he scurried up to my office for some books he forgot to pack and insisted Atlantis will need. I've informed him it's a very short visit, and if this universe and I allow it, he might go on the one you fought very hard for. Unfortunately he's still got the stubborn streak about it not being his fault and it was the right thing to do. Having a snarling NCIS Agent Gibbs come storming through here, seems to have helped the man to come to his some of his senses at least."

And getting used to the person in front of him, Hank shook his head then admitted with a smile. "I've definitely been around you too long this week Jack, you were dead right that man's like an Alsatian. Looks that deceive but has a bark and stare that goes through you regardless of rank, I'd hate to be on the end of his bite. But guess you have as you came here, and you are two of a kind so it must have been some verbal fight. He doesn't know about your size problem or he might have gone for Jackson's throat. As for those two in the brig, they are singing and asking for protection, amazingly not from Gibbs. Don't know where we are going to put them though. I wish you could have explained your reasons for coming early and your fears, understand why you couldn't. I did argue your point with the President but we both know Daniel did a good job on him."

Jack thought for a moment picking out his friend's needs, then mindful of the pitfalls said carefully. "I know you did. Alpha site brig has got a forcefield as well as a farm they can work at, so check that idea with them and Gibbs... Are SG20 and the other team ready for him? And we need to go through the gate to Atlantis as soon as possible. Don't stop me."

Quickly noting it was the ideal solution and Jack was completely 'on song', so would have a backup plan to his situation. Hank gave a slight nod of acceptance then so everyone knew the situation commented truthfully. "Wouldn't dream of it. I suspect Reynolds would beam you up if I tried, with Jon giving him the signal to do so, via his radio." Noting Jon's nod of admission, Hank smiled and finished. "Right. What do I tell the President when he comes through for his Atlantis report?"

Without looking at Jack or hesitation Jon immediately answered for him. "That either of the Gates are being recalibrated so can't be contacted and you'll ring him when there is news from them."

With a slight smile Hank commented. "Thought that one might be getting a bit too old to use on this President."

Jon again jumped in. "Yes, but its often true so he'll buy it. And the books here will confirm it as everyone in the mountain understands the situation and codes."

Hank inwardly sighed knowing that was true, then turning his attention back to Jack stated. "At least I can say you are in Atlantis, and if he asks after SG1 can say they are off world on a mission. He doesn't know about the two 'guests' in the brig so there shouldn't be any problem there. Of course, whatever action Gibbs is going to take might mean he doesn't call at all, will be too busy with the fallout. Miss Frazer explained they've put a cover story in place before they turned up here so we will keep an eye on their apartment for them.

The two teams in the briefing room are suited up and waiting for Gibbs to join them. Then I assume Reynolds will beam them up and over to where ever they need to go to clean up that top secret mess you got tangled up in. The fact the rest of SG1, Miss Frazer and Jon are here made me realise our other alien refugees and workmates are safely tucked away on Alpha site." And eyeing the child and realising it had been done over the past two weeks added. "You did that very neatly. I'm meant to be running the place and I missed it till today. No doubt 'upstairs' and Reynolds are secure."

Again, Jon without looking down at Jack for any sign of any kind answered instantly. "Yes to both. And because he was beamed up this morning Gibbs gave Reynolds Jack's emergency sealed orders. If that had not happened you would have been giving the information and orders. He'll act as back up for them and for here if necessary, Alpha site is the back door exit etc. If this round up fails it won't be safe for any of our group to come back, so Atlantis may have to be our base and Alpha site would protect or find a new homes for the ones there."

Hank sighed and looking at Teal'c asked. "This double act been going on for long or has the cat suddenly got Jack's tongue?"

"I do not see any feline animal attached GeneralLandry, nor can Jon and O'Neill read each others thoughts. But they do know how each other thinks and act in any situation, it is also obvious when they are together. Which makes life interesting and to the an innocent viewer confusing." Teal'c intoned with a slight bow.

As Hank smiled understanding the undertone in Teal'c's comments, as well as the verbal slight of hand that was being played. Lou's quiet chuckle nearly covered Jon and Jack huffs at being used in that manner. Teal'c ignored them all, and looking across at Jon added in a slightly more defined tone. "I believe we should deal with the three ZPMs we will take with us. And put a new one in the gate so we have a direct line to Atlantis while we wait for DoctorDanielJackson to finally turn up." Then glancing at Lou, he finished. "It would be wise for you to move them to the bottom of the ramp and show SargentSiler how your machine is used. He can practice on the empty one after you have stored the others safely away."

Watching Lou immediately get a handset type gadget out of his backpack and then head over to Siler, General Landry commented quietly to Jack. "See you have the same trouble I do today, every one else giving the orders or ordering me regardless of my rank. Though in your case size and voice obviously don't help matters." Seeing a twitch of a smile from the 'boy', and hoping he would get the truth from his friend Hank added. "Doctor Mallard said you are all right to travel, is that true?" But then forgot about wanting an answer as he could feel tension building in step up and like everyone else his attention drawn to the group of six ZPMs and the activity around them.

There, under Lou's guidance with Siler dutifully watching over his shoulder, three forcefields buzzed into life lighting up in a single colour of red. Then they then linked together as one and rose a couple of inches above the ground, hovered for a moment before silently gliding into place at the bottom of the ramp. Instead of powering down in standby mode they stayed in a static hover position with the red forcefield toning down into a gentle glow around them.

With a nod of satisfaction Lou checked the handset … the picture now showed the three batteries in front of a miniature Stargate, with a green dotted line pulsating into it's centre. He reckoned from the information he'd got from it so far, it would have shown him if anything was wrong, and as the 'Go' button was flashing green, all he would need to do was to press it, when they were linked to Atlantis and they knew the shield was down. Looking up at the main group he nodded that everything was okay, before checking to see where Jon was.

Jon had moved quietly into place beside the other three ZPMs, and like Lou had a device in his hand, but was using that as a cover so no one would know he was using his mind to give the orders as he had in the cave. With that added thrill he watched a forcefield flicker into red while the others stayed yellow and then hover, obviously waiting for the next order. Not wanting to ask Jack, he thought about renewing the old one for the Gate, then walked behind it trying to look as though he was in command ... as it lead him to the left-hand side of the Gate near where the frame rested on the ground. Then settled itself a couple of feet in front of it and the forcefield shut-down completely, making Jon check over at Jack for a reaction of any kind. He reckoned regardless of size Jack would have to do the rest as the Gate's surface looked as it usually did… a smooth surface.

He just caught Jack's slight nod before his attention like everyone else's was drawn once again to the clatter of footsteps on the metal stairs from the command area above. As well as Teal'c answering Hanks' question on Jack's behalf with an intoned. "He will be, once we are in Atlantis. GeneralLandry."

Hank, realising he wasn't going to get over that particular high 'stone' wall gave up the fight, and got ready to see just how much Daniel Jackson had accepted his earlier orders. But by the amount of books the man was carrying and expression on his face as he came into view, but was still on the stairs ... not a lot. And wondered if this was going to be an argument between the Doctor and Teal'c rather than Jack ...

And was stopped by Jack's childlike but commanding voice saying. "You're going to observe and explain what has happened. So, those books will not be needed Doctor Jackson."

Everyone in the room regardless of background straightened to attention at that tone … except Daniel, he finished coming down the stairs hugging his books and exclaiming. "You know they are needed to help me explain to them what they are doing in Atlantis. What happened to you is not my fault and if this hadn't happened we wouldn't have found the ZPMs, which they need there and I can show them …

"Daniel!" Jack barked, which still continued as a child's commanding bark rather than a lot of squeaks as he carried on. "This is your fault. And I hope we went to that planet because of a mad idea you had, and not one planted by an email from someone on earth or DC. Also, the people in Atlantis have been working there long enough to know what they are doing. So, you will watch and learn from them and not the other way around."

Feeling vulnerable and angry that once again he was being sidelined and no one was willing to trust his knowledge of the past, Daniel bit back. "Logical reasons from things learnt on other missions told me we needed to go to the planet when we did. If we had not the people would still be in the dark about the machine…

Jack immediately spat back. "They were not in danger and knew it was a self destruct machine Daniel. That's why it was behind protected screens, under lock and key ..."

"No!" Daniel cut in. "It said it was the giver of life through out the universe to ensure the defeat of it's enemies. And you belittled me in front of their leaders. You're doing it now. You've never trusted me…

Knowing they were out of time and he had to get past Daniel's self-imposed barriers, Jack was too angry to be careful so exclaimed sharply. "I don't know which of your many past possessions has got into your obstinate, 'I know everything and not trust anyone' streak. But it's got to stop now! I may disagree with you past and present but I trust you. We all do and you know it.

I did not belittle you. Just reminded them you could get carried away in your enthusiasm so needed to take that into account. Before that you and I discussed it all in private. You said you understood and promised not to go over time or into that special room, because we didn't know if Merlin had left any unknown triggers in your system. And, I wouldn't go in the building with you in case my Ancient Gene affected any of the other bits they had in there. But, you obviously lied to my face. Just as you lied to Teal'c about not receiving my email about needing you both at my cabin, and you told me you were too busy so don't ask again. You were not busy on that downtime were you?"

Ignoring Daniel's darker looks or attempt to but in, Jack carried on. "Yes! That machine would give new life, after it had blown the planet up … Been a new big bang with new planets and life in the distant future. We've got a destruct machine to collapse the mountain and stop the Gate from working. And we've both come across other machines that have taken people's lives/energy to keep their planet safe. When I rushed in and dragged you out I could feel the countdown working and mentally screamed at it to turn off. And, the Gate obviously needed a boast to protect their lives so it took the energy it needed from me as I went in. You can't get in touch with it now because it's either rebooting or the planet went boom. Hopefully within a protective shield or we will feel it when any shock waves have travelled through space and possibly hits us. You'll have to ask Colonel Carter about that when you see her. If we had done as I asked and waited till I came back from Atlantis none of this would have happened."

"You don't know that! You've found the batteries because of me. So I was right to do it now." Daniel shouted back angry and desperate, while trying to ignore a little voice in the back of his mind.

Everyone in the Gate room were silently watching the tense battle between the two and saw the child who was obviously seething, take a breath as he hit back at the last comment exclaiming. "Yes I do. Teal'c would have been with us so you would not have crossed the barrier and got into the protected room. You, completely ignored Cameron's instructions and been belittling him ever since Colonel Carter went to Atlantis and didn't take you. As I told you it was not her call to make and I didn't block your bid. As for the batteries we would have got them earlier if you had come to the cabin the first time I phoned you or later when I emailed you and Teal'c …

"You should have told me they were Ancient stones. You've always been closer to Jon than you ever were with me ..." Daniel exploded.

"Dammit Daniel you know that is not true. Yes, I'm close to Jon because he is part of me and needs me. He needs our SG1 family as do I. We always will no matter where we are. I couldn't trust anyone at DC at work or at home, that's why I played things down, but did put enough in so you would know exactly what you were looking at. The President ordered my silence then and after the kidnapping attempt, peoples lives were and are at risk. And unlike some people, I could not change his damn mind. As for cutting you out. You were the one who refused ...

"You must cease this argument immediately!" Teal'c commanded the pair, in a tone that would have stopped a whole army of Jaffa soldiers in their tracks .… and made the others in the Gate room more uneasy than they had been.

The pair stopped … and in the brittle silence left there, Jack looked up at Teal'c and still in the heat of the argument demanded. "Why?! I was just getting into my stride and getting somewhere."

"Indeed." Teal'c intoned and immediately added gravely. "You are both arguing in fluent Ancient. And as you are starting to glow O'Neill we should leave right away."

"Oh for crying out loud!" Jack spat out, realising everyone there now knew his secret, even if only Teal'c, Jon and of course Daniel, understood what was being said. Also from Teal'c's expression and Daniel's splutters ... he'd probably just modernized it. So seething he stomped off towards a slightly worried Jon and the battery by the Gate, knowing he needed a bigger outlet than curing Ducky had given him to get rid of the Ancient knowledge's energy that was building up inside him, and that had to be the Gate… and then Atlantis of course.

Like the others Hank was shocked by what had just happened, and watching the glowing child stomp off knew he'd just been out manoeuvred regarding the next argument, and seriously wondered how wise he was doing this. But, knew he had to take this little bull by the horns so commanded. "General O'Neill! I do not want a 5 year old's temper tantrum with the threat to blowing us up. You know both of you can not go off world at the same time, especially now we have the power to use the chair again. Jon will be safe in the mountain till you …" then stopped as the child turned round to face him, and felt a shiver run through him. Because in the glowing child's brown eyes and attitude he could see the stubbornness of the adult General that had saved not only his team but the planet and other races many times.

Getting near his goal Jack could feel some of the excess energy seep away even though the Gate was in it's usual stand-by mode and showed not outward change. Seeing Jon's hand going up to his radio, Jack immediately shook his head to stop him, he couldn't be beamed out, the Gate was the only way for both of them. On hearing Hank's use of his rank rather than calling him Jack, he stopped, and letting his adult mind and determination take over, then turned to face him. Seeing the faint shiver run through the man Jack knew the fight was nearly over and he would win.

He also couldn't miss Teal'c talking to Daniel, who was blustering and looking shocked, and hoped his warrior brother was not giving away any secrets to get through to the man. Then clearing his buzzing mind with two commands … translation and open the panel for the new battery, he said "Not that petty to threaten anyone Hank, and no one is in danger here. But we are going together. Jon is my clone and needs Atlantis to heal him as it heals me, and stops this happening to either of us again. When the Gate opens you can explain that the batteries in their own carrying forcefield are coming through, followed by SG1 old and new and Daniel will explain everything." And paused.

As Hank, with a surprised expression nodded acceptance, and then in awe commented. "The Gate is translating in your adult voice even though it is in shut down, and you are not glowing so much. Don't over do it."

Jack nodded his thanks for that, then rising his voice ordered. "Walter! Stand back from the console for now."

Hearing the "Aye Sir." and the fact he had everyone's attention … well half attention as Teal'c was still talking to Daniel, Jack turned his attention to the other group and ordered. "Cameron, Vala arm up, keep it causal but on guard as you'll be on point. Jon, you will be with Daniel and Cassie in that order armed and on guard. I will be with Teal'c, he'll be on our six also armed. We need to make sure ..." and stopped as everyone's attention was drawn to the hurried footsteps sounding on the metal stairs from the command area.

oxoxo

As soon as Jack had stomped away Teal'c intoned quietly and in Ancient. "We decided it was wise to keep up our knowledge of the language after you had taught us it in the loop. As you refused to join our group when asked because Jon was with us, we saw no reason to inform you. As you can see O'Neill has the Ancient abilities again and that is your doing. As I can not trust you in your present form I will ask for a different escort in future."

Daniel tried to bluster he'd not changed, but Teal'c sharply cut him off by adding. "The true DoctorJackson would not lie to me or O'Neill as you have done. When you have become your proper-self and accept Jon completely, I will be honoured to accompany you to see both O'Neills at the cabin that was left to them by their mentor. Who gave the original his name so he could enter the Air Force and later the cabin so he would have roots free from his past."

Though shocked Daniel's natural curiosity picked up that nugget of information and tucked it away, as well as subconsciously taking in Jack's voice and words. He would have blustered for more information but knowing he had to keep up with the Jaffa's words in Ancient stopped him.

Finding keeping up in Ancient and listening to what else was going on difficult, Teal'c slipped back into their natural speaking language but kept his same tone and attitude as he carried on. "It is time to stop hitting out at the world and accept your true feelings regarding ValaMalDoran. Her quick wit and intelligence works well with yours as you well know from our past missions. She also grounds you in a similar way O'Neill and ColonelCarter have done in the past. If you do so, you will both flourish as you should." And stopped and glanced over at Jack and what he was saying, knowing it would be wrong to reveal what he knew about the future DanielJackson and ValaMalDoran could have together.

Wanting to rebel at those words of wisdom and the way Teal'c had suddenly shifted attention, Daniel could feel something shift in the back of his busy mind. As though things were clunking into place and couldn't help finding it really weird seeing Jack as a child while hearing his adult voice coming from the Gate. And as what Jack was inferring hit home he spluttered. "He can't mean Atlantis and Sam are in danger can he?"

"It appears so." Teal'c intoned then added quietly. "And if there he could take over Atlantis if needs be." And like everyone else their attention was drawn to the footsteps on the metal staircase.

Instead of just waiting and watching, Teal'c quickly slipped his rucksack off his shoulders and retrieved two things from it. The first he handed to Daniel saying quietly. "O'Neill wanted you to have this to replace your books while at Atlantis. If he is unavailable to show you how it works he believes ColonelJohnShepard will be able to do so."

Surprised by it and the comment, Daniel had to put his pile of books down to receive a slim hand-held Ancient computer gizmo that Jack had picked up at the Waterfall, and couldn't stop the thrill of feeling it in his hands. As well as the familiar buzz that cleared anything else from his mind by flooding it with all the possibilities the Ancients used it for, what it might hold ...

While Teal'c shifted his rucksack back in place and concealed the Zat he had taken out of it, by his side. He was ready to move and to use it, should the person on the stairs try and stop them from going to Atlantis. He already knew GeneralLandry was no longer a threat, and the Gate was the only option to get to Atlantis to save O'Neill.

Oxoxo

Thank you for taking the time and reading this ramble … reviews welcome.

Hope to see you at the next up date… when it comes.