Wow, time is certainly flying by this year, thank you for waiting.

I'm stepping into Atlantis which is uncharted space and waters ... as I've only seen a couple of programmes ... history is barely touched and of course it is AU.

Natters, dpdp, djenie and two Guests ... thank you for your reviews and support. Guest reviewer the point about Major Ferretti is a good one and tickled my muse into an idea, might put it in later. Schatze8210 a long chapter for you. :)

Hope you all enjoy it.

Chapter 9

Stargate Command Gate Room Earth -

When SG1 and guests (minus Jack and Teal'c) were at the top of the ramp ready to enter the Gate's 'puddle' to Atlantis, Colonel Cam Mitchell stopped to check his group was ready. They knew about the beautiful Alien City and it's open plan Gate area, because Generals O'Neill, and then Landry, insisted the top teams shouldn't get lost trying to find the 'amenities'. Either as official guests wanting to use them, or sneaky ones needing to disable or protect them, if there had been a coded call for help. And today they were going in blind and covering all aspects, should Richard Woolsey not be the trusted member General O'Neill thought he was.

Seeing Cassie, Jon and Vala were very ready, as well as getting a nod from Jon that the luggage carrier was set up to go. Cam turned to the grumpy one in the group saying sharply. "Daniel! Stop sulking. O'Neill's trusted you with that tablet thing and instructions. But! You dare act up like you did on the planet, and I'll make sure that gets taken off you, and you never step foot on Atlantis ever again."

Knowing he had the man's attention from the huff that was bound to explode into a run of excuses, Cam immediately carried on. "Teal'c and I would have put you in the middle and unarmed without Jon's suggestion, so he wasn't picking on you. From Richard Woolsey Sam will know the early basics, and then Landry's brief message today she'll have guessed something is up. Also as General O'Neill is not in the lead, she'll expect him and Teal'c to be on our six as back up. So, you'll have that short gap to explain his size etc. And, as she's unlikely to shoot an unarmed person hope you'll survive her verbal anger. Try sweet talking your way out of your part in what happened… and I'll explain it Teal'c style with your head on a plate!"

Not wanting to hear anything more from the man, Cam turned to face the event horizon, and in leader mode immediately confirmed his earlier orders. "Vala cover Shepard and the control area, Jon and Cassie opposite sides for the lower guards, if more than one each side or in control area then use intimidation tactics to make your point. Daniel any weird feelings other than fear of facing Sam with the truth, you immediately hit the deck and tell us. Jon keep an extra eye on him, and zap him if needs be. I'll cover the stairs to the higher level or where ever Sam and Woolsey are. I'm banking on threat rather blood if things aren't good there. But, if the need arises fire to disable person or destroy thing." then stepped into the 'puddle' knowing the group would follow.

It was in those seconds before Cam felt the tingling sensation and then the rush as he became molecules to travel the gateway, that his mind got a surprise and sudden burst of very clear information. - He could see the Gate room in Atlantis, what the people were doing and could feel their mixed tensions and heightened awarenesses. Couldn't sense anyone fearing for their lives, though one was feeling more anxious than the others and that was understandable. He also instinctively knew his team had the same information, and they could all work with it as they came out the other side. Also, as the weird darkness of travelling enveloped him completely, Cam had the niggling worry ... was it for everyone travelling the Gate or just for them?

oxoxo

Atlantis City, the Gate area.

Up in the control area with Rodney and Dr Radek Zelenka's discussion/argument about the hovering ZMPs was getting louder as neither would give up their ideas about them. So Colonel John Shepard silently tuned them out as he watched for the first ripple in the Gate's puddle that would show the group were coming through. As the first person started to emerge he immediately informed General Landry, only to be cut off by a very loud burst of static before he could finish. While trying to get the audio connection back and failing, John felt relief the Gate hadn't shut down completely thereby trapping the rest of the group in it, or one of them cut in half.

His grizzly thoughts died, as his attention was caught by a large hovering pile of luggage with a forcefield round it gliding into view, and saw the forcefield around it flicker red and green. Reckoned it was some kind of recognition code as the ZMPs one did the same thing back. Immediately the luggage carriage increased it's speed so it could go in front of the emerging group without getting in their way, as it cut across to the far side of the landing pad then stopped. Parked itself in hovering mode while keeping a clear line of sight with the ZMPs and the group.

As he thought what a great idea and fun the luggage carrier would be, alarm rushed through him. Because there was a flash of bright light between the two forcefields, which produced a complete transparent rippling one. That now protected the newcomers and stopped anyone from Atlantis getting to the Gate. Quickly glancing down at his computer controls he realised they were on standby rather than completely dead, so he might be able to have some control. And the alarms had stayed silent.

Immediately looking up again, he realised the group except the middle one who he knew, had their weapons raised and trained on ... himself, on one of the two guards on the lower level, and on one of the guards on the opposite side of the landing pad. As well as his boss, Colonel Sam Carter …. no ... it was on Richard Woolsey, as they stood side by side on the top of the stairs that gave access to the higher levels of this part of the city. And, wondered if that was because the leader of this group didn't want to shoot an ex-team mate, or knew the threat to their guest would be enough to make her stop and listen.

Hearing the bickering scientists had stopped, John could see out the corner of his eye Rodney McKay was starting to move towards the stairway. Realising the man's blind stubborn arrogant curiosity streak was going to get them into a shed load of trouble, John hissed loudly and with full meaning. "Rodney! Stand still or they will shoot."

Rodney reluctantly slowed but didn't actually stop as he immediately and loudly aired his views."You heard Landry, it is SG1 and friends. They are just putting on a show. They won't shoot."

Keeping an eye on the lady with two plaits of long dark hair, who'd not twitched a muscle as she looked at him through the sight of the gun, John immediately hissed back. "Her damn finger is on the trigger and the safety is off. That forcefield is protecting them not us. And, I'm the damn target not you. Bullets hurt, so shut up and stay still." And hoped the man would actually listen to him this time.

Shutting down the curiosity, anxiety and anticipation that were rolling through her, Colonel Sam Carter couldn't help admiring how smoothly the group had taken control. It was as if they had second sight as to where everyone was and thereby who to threaten. Trusting her old team and General Landry's tone of voice in his earlier message, as well as the fact some of her team were hidden. And, she had far more officers through out the City, she commanded confidently. "Everyone be ready to stand down. Colonel Mitchell, we have not been compromised in anyway, but we did lose contact with General Landry and SGC just as you came through..."

Not moving his position, Cam interrupted her by calling out. "Stargate Command is not under any threat. The Gate has been a bit temperamental. They will reboot and do a test run to Alpha site after General O'Neill and Teal'c come through. Ma'am. Teyla and Ronon need to show themselves with weapons at rest as well."

Feeling some reassurance at that the first bit, Sam assumed Cam's astuteness catered for the last bit and with a nod told her hidden members to come out into the open. As they did so with weapons obviously at rest by their sides; Sam wanted to confirm her leadership here so ordered calmly and confidently. "Security Guards holster your weapons then stand easy. Jon, Cassie you follow, then you Vala. Colonel Mitchell nice to see you and your gifts by the way."

Then easing her tone very slightly, Sam turned her attention back to the other one she reckoned held the key, and commented. "Jon, you can keep the forcefield up till the General and Teal'c joins us if you like. That was an interesting distraction and support tactic, I hope you or Jack will show us how it all works later." Sensing movement off to the side she added sharply. "Rodney, stay still and silent till we know what is going on. The order from General Landry not to touch still holds. Especially as there is a forcefield around the landing area."

Seeing Mitchell give the nod of acceptance, but still kept his weapon raised, Sam trusted him and watched the others react as ordered. Then bringing her attention to her friend and ex-workmate who according to General Landry would explain why they were here. And read his body language … one of anger, being put upon and defensive mode, … then gave a slight sigh knowing it was not going to be an easy job. Drawing on her knowledge of the man and confidence of her command, Sam enquired sharply. "So Daniel. Did shopping at the Ancient store you must have found, keep you longer than expected, and that is why General O'Neill missed his scheduled trip over?"

Sam's tone and manner brought Daniel up sharply, made him realise she was the leader here rather than his friend and team mate of old. Silently swearing he could hear a hint of Jack in there, Daniel knew she'd just given him a way to avoid any trouble. So turned on his natural charm and linked into what he knew would be buzzing round her scientific mind saying. "No. We got those from earth and there are lots more hidden there. Jack gave me an Ancient tablet like device to explain and show Colonel Shepard while we are here."

Jon's growling cough and sharp comment "Stop crawling out of it, Jackson." Made Daniel stop and spin towards him ready to argue it wasn't Jon's job to hassle him, and he was doing it his own way…

But Sam's quick short sharp command of "Enough you two!" made both of them stop what she thought was going to become become a familiar ping pong match of words till one gave in or tensions broken ... that used to take place between Jack and Daniel in the past ... from starting. And wondered if Jon and Daniel had patched up their differences.

Ignoring the looks they both gave her, knowing she'd just echoed her husband's tone and manner of command to bring them to a stop, and they had recognised it. Sam turned to the last person in the group and added in the same tone. "Colonel Mitchell. Report your actions and why you don't trust Richard. He is an unarmed civilian guest, even if he is wearing Atlantis's uniform at the moment. Also, we both know from past experience he's stood up for his beliefs and taken our side at SGC."

Knowing he'd made his point and feeling the strength of her command, Cam lowered his weapon to rest but still stayed ready to react if necessary, and stated. "In brief Ma'am. IOA has been compromised by two new members coded A and F. We needed to make sure you were not in difficulty if something had been planted in the luggage. Mr Woolsey is in the clear, and the situation is now being cleaned up by NCIS Agent Gibbs and his team, assisted by SG20 and an elite team put together by General O'Neill. Colonel Reynolds is transporting them to the necessary places and will no doubt help deal with the bad guys if required. It was also deemed advisable that SG1 and guests be off world for a while, other alien allies are already staying at Alpha site ready to come back or find new places as the case may be. General Landry will report to you and General O'Neill when the mission has been completed and it's outcome. As it is a totally confidential matter only General O'Neill knows the full details Ma'am."

Taking in the information and mixing with what she'd been told by Mr Woolsey when he'd arrived. Sam glanced at the man beside her, who looked liked a typical slightly built, balding, bespectacled timid bureaucrat. But he'd in fact had only flinched slightly when realising the unwavering gun-sight was on him, and then had stood rock solid silently facing Cam down. And then so everyone would hear, she commented. "It seems your fears were right. But at least we know the General was not injured in the accident or possible ambush, is safe and can answer questions soon."

Immediately turning her attention back to Cam, she explained. "It was Richard who dropped the hint he was uneasy about how new members were being brought onto the IOA committee, knowing General O'Neill might investigate the situation. General Landry handed Richard a sealed note from Jack as soon as he arrived at SGC, which was to be kept private till he came through the Gate. It advised him all luggage coming through should be kept in secure electronic and bomb proof isolation and checked for unknown computer viruses, bugs and bombs, no matter who packed it. And, regardless of any checks done at SGC.

Richard came through first and advised us of the situation and we complied with it. Nothing has been found so far and that is why Richard is wearing our uniform and the General will do the same till we know for sure everything is clear and safe. The two officers that came with Richard were Jack's choice, but know nothing about the situation Jack has been dealing with and are enjoying a forced supervised rest."

Glancing away from Cam for a moment, she added sharply. "Daniel. I know you sweet talked the President into making Jack go off world with you regardless of his strong arguments to leave it. Hank explained that bit to Richard, along with the promises you made to Hank to be back on time. I'm angry with you as you didn't listen to him, so rest assured you will not pull that trick on me, and you will explain why you broke all those promises you made."

Seeing her friend duck his head and breaking eye contact with her, Sam assumed it was acknowledgement of his sins rather than any else. Turning her attention back to Cam she added. "Obviously General O'Neill's plan to protect Atlantis and earth should Richard be a rogue agent or stand with Richard against an enemy on earth, went out the window. So your entrance just now was eliminate the threat if Richard had turned on us. Actually I'm surprised Daniel survived Jack's anger.

In fact Jack told Richard to come through on his own regardless of the situation at SGC. And reassured him if necessary I would stand by him and be ready to mount some kind of rescue or evacuation mission sanctioned by SGC or SG1 if necessary or was the reason he came through alone.

I would have done it, but I think all of you would agree, that General O'Neill has the better rank and legend to do face down any superior officer, wayward citizen or threat that might have triggered the situation and put earth in danger.

In view that and SGC's Gate being taken out of action for a while. We started to make plans to cover every eventuality should the emergency code word be used in the next message. I'm glad the word was not used and the abrupt disconnection now explained. You are all welcome to stay as long as you need and swap stories no doubt." Glad to see Cam finally put his weapon away completely, she knew, like herself, he wouldn't relax completely till General O'Neill and Teal'c arrived safely to confirm the situation.

Listening to it all Daniel's hurt and anger emotions churned till he blurted out. "Jack told you what he was up to but never told me. Never said he needed to ride shot gun with Woolsey. He should have told me everything!"

Sighing at her friend's attitude, Sam hoped to take the heat out of the situation and starting to walk down the steps, knowing full well not too get too close to that forcefield, answered calmly. "Daniel, he didn't tell me because he couldn't. We all know that like General Hammond, Jack made himself 'invisible' in DC when he went there. Then suddenly Paul Davis is our link at DC not Jack. And Jack is very visible at the President's side as a new 'learner' General, which he is certainly not. So, of course he's working undercover on something earth side. In my last data link to you I asked you to give him the support he would need now he was a visible General. Knowing you would understand the other meaning to it, but from your attitude it looks as though you ignored it and turned your back on him, again."

Not wanting any answer from him she turned back to Cam and immediately carried on. "When Richard arrived he gave me news of a rumour that Jack's driver was in a bad accident and had written of the car. And Jack had been sent to another department early because of it. Unable to contact Jack at all, he arrived at SGC and was immediately told the President had sent him off world with Daniel. As he explained the rumour about Jack's driver and knowing the drivers are special combat ones I reckoned Jack's cover was blown and there was an ambush and he..."

"The Gate Ma'am!" from John Shepard, stopped her in her tracks.

Everyone looked back at it and saw the blue 'puddle' was now rippling a mixture of rainbow colours, with flickering strands starting to come out and dance round it's rim before going back into the 'puddle'. … Pretty ... unheard of ... and looked dangerous. They all knew what the Gate was made of, and they had three new full ZMPs with flashing forcefields close by.

Heart in mouth but still thinking, Sam immediately called out. "Jon! shut down the forcefield and clear the area. As soon as Jack and Tealc are through or she shows signs of blowing enclose the Gate so it protects us. Shepard, clear all the levels around us." and walked to the edge of the landing area.

Stopping as her orders were carried out, Sam's mind was churning with dread and yet was still fascinated by the rainbow colours of energy … and whether it was even possible… when another question rose through it all … Why had the Chief Medics been called if this group were okay. Except for Daniel's attitude they were fine. Had something happened planet side and that was why Jack and Teal'c were coming through late..

She felt tension rush through her, enough to make her hold her breath and then she started to breathe again as she saw Teal'c calmly walk out of the Gate's puddle. Then hesitate and look to the side of him and back slightly, as if waiting for someone else to catch up. Feeling a ripple of relief that Teal'c hadn't been carrying Jack or had not been thrown out of the Gate in a rush, she knew it had to be Jack he was waiting to catch up. But, couldn't understand why the warrior was looking downwards rather than the usual eye level glance they used when waiting for each other...

And stopped …. thinking … or consciously breathing

As a child dressed in BDUs with General written on it stepped out of the Gate and stumbled slightly. Causing Teal'c to ignore the scene they'd just stepped into, and reaching out to steady the child while stating. "O'Neill you need assistance. That is the second time you have stumbled." But didn't actually get to touch the child.

Still feeling the Gate 'talking' to him, irritated by intense ride and that sudden stop as you came out the Gate, which caused him to stumble. Jack huffed loudly. "I'm fine! Teal'c" and moved out his friend's reach while steadying himself, as he didn't know if it was safe for anyone actually to touch him now.

Looking up and seeing the group's expressions, especially Sam's shock/horror ... Jack couldn't stop his loud sigh and exclamation. "Oh forcryingoutloud! Daniel. I thought I told you to explain this bit." and realised the Gate had not only translated his words, but had used his child's voice rather than the adult one as SGC's had done.

Turning to glare up at it in disgust and 'tell' it, to behave itself. Jack noticed the rainbow coloured strands of energy dancing round the edges before going back into the Gate's now multi coloured puddle. Then watched as the centre started to gradually turn back to it's steady blue puddle before winking out as that part closed down, and knew the other part was still on standby. Would stay that way till he left the area ... and silently sighed.

Glancing across to Teal'c and hoping the Gate wouldn't broadcast it to everyone, Jack asked quietly. "That earlier offer still open T? Because it might be needed."

The Gate did broadcast it. But it was a soft child's voice not the angry huff of earlier.

Understanding Jack's fears completely Teal'c looked down at him with a slight smile, and answered stoically. "Indeed it is O'Neill. But now, you should face that rest you need, and the help Atlantis can offer."

Jack sighed, and as he turned back to face the group … and Sam in particular, and said quietly "Lead on Dad. You and Cam might have to explain things because I doubt Daniel is going to survive this." was also broadcast round the area.

The tension was broken by Vala, who quickly skipped to Sam's side ready to giver her friend support/reassurance while excitedly exclaiming. "He's going to be fine now he's here. He's just child size but Atlantis will heal him. We all heard his adult voice through the gate in SGC so he's in there. Sam! He organised his own rescue using Jon and Colonel Reynolds when stuck on mountain this morning." and stopped realising that really wasn't meant to come out like that.

Taking the new information in on one level and unable to take her eyes off the child, Sam noted the innocent look of a five year old, but recognised those dark brown eyes, and seeing the intelligence still there she growled out. "Daniel. If this is your fault you are toast… Very. Burnt. Toast."

Feeling the need to defend himself again, immediately Daniel blurted out. "It's not my fault! He shouldn't have gone to the cabin. He never explains things..

Ready to carry out his earlier threat, Cam butted in angrily. "Hey! you are not getting out of it that way. You knew from the beginning he never wanted to enter those buildings, but you locked yourself in and set off the self-destruct thing. Made him ... us actually drag you out. He stopped the thing from going off, that's why this has happened."

With his anger boiling over Jon also chipped in without respite. "If you listened or talked to Jack in the very very beginning, or not been hiding from him at SGC till you butted in on the President's call to him. None of this would have happened."

Daniel opened mouthed ready to bite back sharply to both of them.

But was stopped dead by the child's order "Children! Stop bickering." ringing out from the Gate. It might have been in his child's voice but it held all of Jack's adult tone of command that could silence and bring to attention a room of service personnel of any rank in a second.

And made the two look at Jack rather than the Gate.

Shocked as she was by it all, Sam couldn't help a slight smile at their expressions … naughty boys caught but the headmaster ... And Vala's happy bouncy immediate comment. "See, told you he was in there..."

And Vala was stopped by Teal'c's short and firm comment to Sam. "We can explain it all as he rests. Just know he climbed the mountain in the evening as an adult and in our morning woke up as a child with his adult's mind. Rang Jon for help, which we gave him and now O'Neill needs to sleep to give Atlantis what she needs and he can return to adulthood."

Feeling a shiver of apprehension because of the last time Jack had that kind of sleep, Sam glanced at Daniel and said coldly. "Ashes, Daniel, Ashes." Not waiting to see how he reacted she glanced over at Jon for some reassurance and saw he had his arm round Cassie's shoulder as he talked to her.

Recognising his … their body language Sam looked back at Teal'c, and taking in the fact Jack was standing nearer to him than before, and her mind was still linking the information together she commented. "Jon's going as well, because they are linked… clone and original. So either whatever Daniel did and Jack corrected or the Gate as he went through it back to earth, took his life energy to set things right. We've seen it happen on other planets and the person has disappeared into the machine to save the planet and it's people. Perhaps the marker the Asgaard put in Jack stopped that, but they didn't know about the link between clone and original who is still alive or keeps in contact because it had never happened before."

Teal'c gave a nod to her logical thoughts and answered in his normal tone knowing it would give her some support. "Indeed. Though we do not believe Jon has the 'knowledge' or the ability to heal yet. StarGateCommand were unable to contact the planet again before we left. But Siler and the other technicians believed it was a 'busy' sound rather than the Star Gate or Planet being destroyed, and will try again later."

Knowing what the technicians meant, Sam took some strength from that and the fact she had SG1 and her Atlantis team with her. Then glancing at Doctors Beckett and Jennifer Keller to include them in the discussion she voiced her main concern to Teal'c. "We don't have the machines the outpost had the last time Jack had the knowledge and needed to sleep. Nor do we have Thor or his ship to help us get the knowledge from his brain. So how can we help him..."

Knowing her need Teal'c butted in firmly. "He insisted we visited the Waterfall in the mountains near his cabin before we returned to SGC to come here. There are many Ancient machines hidden there and he collected the batteries and other things, which included DanielJackson's hand held tablet that he can look through with ColonelShepards's guidance. But only after all traces of the other beings that have inhabited him over the years or that 'dark side' stubbornness as O'Neill calls it has been eliminated. ValaMalDoran and one of your guards must be his constant companion to make sure he does not touch anything else. Also ValaMalDoran has given her promise to behave."

With Vala looking totally innocent and nodding her agreement to Sam, Teal'c finished off. "The answer is here SamathaCaterO'Neill and we must trust him and that new knowledge he has gained, as you always trusted him have in the past."

Looking up at Teal'c, knowing it would come through the Gate whether he liked it or not, Jack huffed loudly. "You've become quite a chatterbox and bossy since this has happened Teal'c. Perhaps it is time to be the silent Jaffa warrior you used to be."

Sam couldn't help smiling at that interaction and the non-plus look Teal'c was now giving the child. Her team on Atlantis knew about her relationship and were sworn to secrecy, so the only gasp of surprise was from Richard Woolsey, who couldn't help smiling while he was still getting his head round the situation. And knew nothing would come from him when back on earth, because of the trust that had grown up between them, even though they were often at loggerheads regarding IOA needs and ideas.

Because of Teal's last sentence gave her permission to come out of command mode, Sam gave into her feelings and asked her husband quietly. "Can I hold your hand, while we follow the doctors?" She knew full well he wouldn't want to be carried either by Teal'c or a gurney to the infirmary. Unless of course it became absolutely necessary.

Knowing nothing of this was being recorded and his barriers were secure Jack held up his hand to her and looking up at her answered. "Always." which, was gently echoed round the room as it came via the Gate's speakers. It was in his child's voice but Jack's true love and respect were there for everyone to hear and understand.

Holding Jack's child size hand lightly, knowing she would have to release it soon, Sam could feel that warmth and certainty he'd always given her in the field and as they became a couple, ripple through her. Still keeping eye contact with him and knowing Teal'c would be the only person to hear it she stated quietly. "I will not leave you this time, however long it takes."

The only inclination that Teal'c heard anything was his gracious nod of his head, giving them both his silent support for what ever was going to happen next.

But the moment was instantly broken by Rodney's high pitched distressed cry of …. "Noo Nooo Noo" ringing out from the computer area.

He'd gone back there as soon as the Gate had gone rainbow, and though he had registered Jack's entrance etc he had promptly ignored it, while he and Radek watched and argue over all the information that was racing across the computer screens. And with hardly a gap for air his cry turned to heated frustration as he carried on. "It's all gone back into the Gate ... Its as though nothing happened. ... He's too old and not got enough brain power for you."

Colonel Shepard who'd not moved from his station, chipped in sharply. "Rodney! It's obvious he's got the knowledge of the Ancient and certainly not old any more." Hoping it would bring his friend back to the moment, and would stop talking himself into years in the brig if Sam's angry tone to Daniel was anything to go by. But John couldn't resist adding. "Probably could reboot the whole of Atlantis if he wanted." because Rodney was always a good tease regardless of the situation.

Looking across to the group Rodney's mind caught up on the scene, and with a shudder exclaimed loudly. "That is soo gross." then answering John flip remark, added in a serious huff. "But he didn't know one end of the computer one from the other when an adult, certainly not going to know it now. Anyway he's too small to reach the keyboard.."

John's quiet hiss to Rodney of "Stop digging a hole you won't get out of!" was covered by the thud of the pile of luggage being tipped onto the the floor. By the hoverpad that had retracted it's forcefield and slipped out from under the luggage before it was swamped by them.

All remarks were instantly forgotten as everyone watched with fascination as the small hoverpad that could be easily be carried in your hand, stayed still for a moment as though checking that the pile of luggage was okay. Before, with just the tips of it's forcefield glowing alternately red and green quickly and silently glided towards the group. And came to a sharp stop in front of Jack at his knee height, but not touching the boy and waited.

Slipping his hand out of Sam's, Jack glanced up at Teal'c, saw he was not holding the relevant gizmo in his hand, and his warrior brother's serious shake of his head to confirm he was not guilty. Jack immediately glanced over at his clone and called out sternly. "Your work? Jon." which, of course was echoed via the gate.

Jon showed his hands were empty as he answered. "Nope. Gizmo is in my bag and I didn't even think of it. Doubt you did either. So guess Atlantis needs you to quit stalling. Old Man." and couldn't help smiling as the hoverpad gently nudged Jack at knee level before gliding back to it's original place in front of the boy, but out of reach.

Jack stepped away from it and glared at the thing. It followed him this time the red and green forcefield tips flashed quickly … No matter how hard Jack thought it to go away, and then step out of the thing's way … The damn thing shadowed him like a dog wanting attention. And each time they did this dance Jack got the vague feeling it was guiding him. Till, he realised there was a gap around him as Teal'c and Sam had stayed still and watched the game progress.

As he realised this, Jack felt a gentle rush of air around him and the hoverpad still staying at his knee level and just out of reach, flicked out it's forcefield into the seat and wings of a chair, which then promptly glowed a gentler red and green as if inviting him in.

His mind racing with more information Jack knew he had no choice, and gave a loud huff of "Oh forcryingoutloud"which echoed round the room via the Gate, and made no impression on the hovering chair whatsoever.

Jack eyed it … Knowing he didn't really mind the idea of sitting down. … But chairs usually had four legs, were solid and stood on the ground. This one had a damn forcefield to sit on, glowed red and green, was hovering above the ground and had just zoomed across the room looking like a Frisbee on speed. Also seemed to be under the City's control not his.

The chair didn't move a whisker, but the red and green toned down even more.

And Jack felt a soft reassuring whisper through out his mind ... it was safe … and a deeper understanding that Time was not on his side. He nodded silently to the feeling, and still glaring at the chair 'Silently ordered it not to move at all'. Then clambered on and wriggled just like a typical 5 year old would till he faced the right way.

Instantly the forcefield gently changed shape so it was a snug safe fit, with the arms linking round so he couldn't climb off, but he could still see what was going on and knew he would be in control. But also understood, if push came to shove Atlantis would take complete control. Finding it comfortable he relaxed a bit and shrugged his shoulders as he looked at Sam and commented cheekily. "Mine to keep whatever size and universe. And if Thor was here we'd have a race." and immediately glided up so they could look at each other easily, and hovered just in front of her.

Seeing her slight smile, but knowing her deeper anxiety Jack hoped his reassurance would again come through his childlike voice, and added seriously. "Everything we need is here in the City. Just have to put in the batteries and wake everything up. Remember Rodney and that hidden lab."

Sam nodded understanding his words, and feeling that gentle confidence he was conveying to her, but still couldn't stop the dread of 'that' sleep and the unknown for him… for both of them. She wanted to return that feeling, to click into her scientific side and spout information at him so he could start their usual banter of short words and looks …

But a sudden sharp beeping noise from the hovering ZMPs caught her attention.

Caught everyone's guarded attention …

Because … as the beeping stopped the forcefield flickering it's red and green colours promptly spilt open, and the hovering units and ZPMs separated into the single units they had been at SGC. As each forcefield closed up to protect it's ZPM it bleeped to the others, then they immediately silently glided off in different directions.

One headed for the Gate, the second went for the stairs to the higher level, while the third glided down to the lower level, that eventually lead to the storage area. Once down the steps it immediately tucked close to the wall so it was out of everyone's way and shut down, possibly waiting for more orders or the others to catch up … no one watching would hazard a guess.

While they all watched, Jack's words echoed round the room via the Gate. "Teal'c, I need the translator in your bag for when we leave the area and the Gate closes down completely. It's the clip thing in the top pocket."

Though it was still in Jack's child's voice the tone was of the General giving orders, so no one hesitated to take note, even though some didn't like them. "Colonel Shepard, go with Jon and help put the spare battery in the Gate, it will show you where that hatch is as the partially used one will stay in. Jon will show you how the gizmo for the hoverpads works and then you can store them and the spare battery in a safe place. That gizmo stays in your care Colonel. Rodney and Radex or any other scientist must not mess around with them ever. One wrong move and they will blow and cause the City a lot of damage.

Daniel and Vala keep in the background, then find your bags and quarters. Stay there till Colonel Shepard finds you. Cassie, Doctors and Teal'c follow us. When we leave the area Cam and Richard be ready to liaise with SGC and Shepard as necessary because I'll need my wife beside me for a short while. She remains in charge through out so keep her informed of everything. "

With command adrenalin kicking in again, Sam gave her own orders to the guards and then added that Ronon should go with Daniel and back up the General's orders without any hesitation, which caused Daniel to give a quite huff. That earned him a dig in the ribs from Vala as she was working out that Ronon was a bit like Teal'c … silent muscle type. Sam also asked Telya to go with Cassie as she would need some support while Jon and Jack slept.

Getting a brief nod as John Shepard rushed by to catch up with Jon and the battery, which had a head start on him. Sam watched as a small hatchway lit up on the Gate and the battery seemed to wait for them to catch up. Then turning her attention back to her husband she watched Teal'c handover a small disc, which Jack clipped on the front to his BDU's as it was too big to go on the child size collar. Seeing Jack nod that it was all right, and Teal'c then step back to no doubt to cover their six for whatever was going to happen next, Sam moved back beside Jack.

They silently nodded and smiled their greeting to each other, which was one of confidence of facing 'it' together, as they had in the past as SG1. Then they 'walked' together towards and then up the stairs, till they reached the top and came across an unusual stand off.

Rodney was blocking the pathway to the computers and the ZMP with it's forcefield flashing bright red and green in quick secession was hovering at waist level in front of him.

Sam sighed and ordered. "Rodney stand aside and let us through."

As Rodney excitedly exclaimed his misgivings, the ZMP forcefield flashed bright yellow, before quickly rising to avoid anything solid that could hinder its progress, and shot out to one side before ducking round the spluttering man. It aimed for the unit in the far corner and settled beside it, shimmering red and green again. Also as if it was laughing to itself.

Finding his voice Rodney blustered loudly. "It's never worked! It's completely dead. He can't touch it. He's too small!"

At which Jack smiled at the man, and using the translator clip commanded. "Watch me." and ending with his impish child's chuckle, and immediately followed the battery's manoeuvres, before coming to a stop in front of the same computer unit.

Unable to help herself, Sam smiled at the action, then commented. "To be honest it was a fight you were never going to win, so let it go Rodney."

Rodney was just going huff something, when feeling the need to make the point before they all broke up, Cam piped up. "Jon and Jack up graded our Gate before we came through. Stepping into the puddle I saw everything here. Don't know if it recorded anything back at base or if other travellers can now use it and see in."

As Radek, Rodney and Sam gasped at the implications, Jack called across. "Must admit it was a bit dusty inside the Rim. But, as the Ancients used to hate getting their feet wet, I thought we could use the same trick so changed the crystals a bit. They never got round to updating our model." Then spinning the chair round so he could see them added. "Cam. SGC know about it, and it's for our use not for others to see in. The Gate will also tell the teams if the base is in trouble and where to go to keep safe. Everyone has just got to learn how to use it, and Alpha site's Gate will be updated as soon as it is connected with SGC's Gate, and that will be it." Spinning back to face the 'dead' computer he carried on. "You scientists might want to come over and see this when she's booted up. Looking not touching remember."

With a soft chuckle and a shake of her head, Sam walked with the others to join Jack and see what he was on about.

While they were doing that, they also watched with fascination as a hatchway lit up on the side of the unit and then open. The battery promptly lined itself up and with the help of the hoverpad and forcefield slid into place. That done and not getting trapped, the hoverpad glided out the way and parked itself to one side as the hatchway closed up as though it never existed.

With the console quietly humming to itself, the screen woke up and lots of figures and Ancient words kept scrolling very quickly across the screen. And as Jack silently adjusted the chair so he was at the right height for his small hands to hover over the keys, Jon's voice called across the landing area via the Gate. "All done here. Going to park the hoverpad with the battery. Do you want the spare one to join the others, and shall we join you?"

Knowing his clone would sense his answers, and he needed to move things along, Jack nodded then reinforced the order to the spare hoverpad 'to go'. As the hoverpad silently took the short route of over the balcony and onto the landing area to join up with the others, Jack spun his chair round so he could see the person he wanted to reassure and said. "Cassie. Jon is fine. It's easier using the Gate's speakers than yelling across the area." then added. "Doctor Beckett, he's your patient so join him at the stairs. He'll explain his past, and we won't be long. Dr Keller you've drawn the short straw and got me."

Then spinning back to the computer and resting his hands next to the keys, everyone saw the answer to Rodney's question as to how he was going to work the keyboard. He wasn't going to, because the area next to his hand shimmered, then cleared to reveal the same kind of handpad that was on the Ancient Chair. Closing his eyes knowing this would send a shiver down Sam's spine, as it did his own, Jack put his hand on the pad and opened his mind.

Zoning out Sam's gentle worried gasp, Rodney's blustering of surprise that he'd not found it and the sound of four running feet, changing to two as Jon stopped beside Cassie and Doctor Beckett, while John Shepard breathlessly joined them. Jack looked for the information they would need to put the next stage into action and opened the feed line from the new battery that would feed and safe guard it all.

After a moment the computer screen cleared of all fast running code, and layout diagrams of the City came up.

The first one showed the infirmary, which everyone recognised as it was one of the 'amenities' the earth teams had to know about. They all noticed the differences. They had a blank wall where the one on the diagram showed a door into a corridor with four rooms off it. Each room had a bed with some kind of screen on the wall at it's head. Along with a couple of chairs and cupboards, but there was no sign of the usual medical equipment associated with such a room. They knew there had to be some because not all Ancients had healing powers.

No one spoke as they checked it over coming up with their own thoughts, and Sam couldn't help noticing there weren't any sleeping tubes like the ones under the ice, either standing up or lying on the bed. And started wondering if the beds were like the Asgard's healing units, when a squawk from Doctor Keller's communication unit and stopped them.

It was an excited nurse exclaiming a door had just shimmered into view on the blank wall where they stored some equipment.

Surprised but managing to keep calm, Doctor Keller reassured the nurse it was okay, just clear the equipment a way and not to open the door. They would be along in a short while, and make sure their patients were on earth's equipment rather than Atlantis's.

As soon as she stopped talking, the diagram on the computer screen changed to show an outside sketch the beautiful towers of Atlantis, with an extra stubby one that seemed to be attached or linked to the outside of the infirmary at the end of that new corridor. It had arrows that seemed to point up and down but no one said much as there were a lot of other lines crossing the digram, and as it was in Ancient so they would have to have a proper translation and that might take a while. But they all noticed a smaller sketch in the top corner of the screen showing what could be a storage room, if the line of small doors on the walls were cabinets and there seemed to be kind of round fat pole in the middle that went from floor to ceiling. Dotted lines went from it towards the cabinets and there seemed to be a sketch of some one sitting on the floor … a scale mark to show how big the room was...

But no one got a chance to voice their thoughts or fears as Teal'c seeing a flickering golden light around Jack, growled out. "O'Neill you must cease immediately. Either you or this unit is starting to glow." which caught Sam's attention as Teal'c never growled.

The computer immediately shut down, and Jack came back to where and who he was. Opening his eyes, he breathed deeply letting the echoes of Teal'c's growl ground him. Then, knowing he had run out of time, he turned the hoverchair away from the computer and feeling the barriers safely in place he glanced at Sam and then nodded knowing she would understand … it was time.

Seeing her almost Teal'c like nod in reply, Jack checked round the group, seeing someone hadn't left them, ordered. "Jon, Cassie you should move. Rodney and Radex don't interferer with the computers till they let you in, then read and learn. Colonel Shepard there are handpads on all units, they will only show if you can use them and there is enough power to do so. Try them out when it's quiet. That diagram you saw is the from library of knowledge and Atlantis will reveal it when necessary. In their rush to leave earth it was not filled as the other cities had been.

Hearing Daniel's exclamation, Jack stopped it by saying sharply. "No Daniel. Not a squeak. You need to sleep, talk to Vala and not touch anything."

Over Sam's orders for the officer to escort Daniel and Vala to their rooms. The group broke up as Jack had ordered them to earlier.

As Shepard, Cam and Richard Woolsey gathered in one corner of the area, Cam started to answer questions as best he could and admitted that he didn't know about DC, but he could tell them about Jackson and the planet.

Jack and Sam with Teal'c behind them started to follow Doctor Keller to the infirmary. The group staying silent with their own thoughts, but both Jack and Sam could feel Teal'c's silent support and knowledge there was no going back, but also they were not facing this alone.

The last 'word' of the moment wasn't from Rodney or Radek arguing it came from the Gate, as her chevrons rippled with colour and then winked out as she closed down as promised.

Oxoxo

Again thank you being there and for reading these ramblings. Hoped you enjoyed it.

As always reviews welcome but not insisted upon.

Also, will be back when life and muse allows.