Thanks for waiting, as you can see certain characters have raised their hands and waved at me. So Sam and Cam are waiting in the wings while Jon and then Daniel wake up.

Djenie, dpdp, Sam600sx thanks for your great reviews.

Schatze8210 big hug for your review, help and chats.

To everyone hope you all enjoy it.

Just so you know - this happens before Atlantis retrieves the energy link and starts phase 2 that ended the last chapter.

Chapter 12 – Jon wakes up.

Feeling the peacefulness of deep restoring sleep, knowing it was the best he'd every had and could be the norm from now on, Jon slowly came to full consciousness with clear memories of what had happened in the mind room. Also, as he had kept Jack's instinctive survival skills and alertness, his eyes remained closed, his body still and he breathed steadily as though fast asleep, while he quickly and silently ticked the necessary boxes off in his mind…

Yep, back in his own body.

Yep, back in the same bed and knew Cassie was nearby.

And wasn't too surprised to feel the gentle expert touch of someone checking his pulse.

Yep, that pesky medical screen above his bed had given the game away … And quickly checked the last boxes. … Breathing and heart beat normal, nothing round his wrists or ankles or embarrassing quarters, so free to move. No hospital gown so hadn't gone all that long and knew time didn't matter.

Hoping Cassie had been doing the checking so he would see her face and happy smile Jon opened his eyes...

And was immediately blinded by the bright light from a doctor's penlight in each eye.

So, true to form exclaimed loudly and grumpily. "Forcryingoutloud Doc! Can't a man wake up first before you blind him with that thing and give him a migraine?"

Moving away Doctor Beckett smiled, pleased he'd got the information he needed, and his patient hadn't lashed out at him, as he'd been warned the man might do when waking, and stopped by Cassie, who was chuckling while sitting in the chair near the bed.

Watching the pair, Jon huffed at the Doctor. "I'm fine!" then realising what he'd expected hadn't happened, and added in a better tone. "You know Doc. That thing didn't give me it's usual instant migraine, so I'm doubly fine." before finishing in a slightly sterner tone. "But, you could have got the information from the chart above my head without using that damn penlight, so why didn't you?"

"I prefer the old fashioned way to confirm that information, Laddie. And yes, it says you are 'fine' and I agree with it. So, what happened in your sleep that made you 'doubly fine'?" Doctor Beckett asked, deciding not to mention the visual changes that had taken place just yet, in case the shock of them alarmed the young man. He would just observe for now and let Cassie or even the Lad himself bring up the subject.

Sitting up and noting the forcefield that was now halfway down the bed hadn't stopped him, so perhaps he would be allowed out and about, Jon huffed, then casually commented. "Built a camp fire in the woods to keep me company and make that large clinical room cosy." Seeing their concerned frowns Jon quickly added. "But as it was done by my mind, there were no health and safety issues or alarms going off so you don't need to worry. Chatted with Jack when he appeared - he was in adult form so that was good. Watched Daniel storm in, then those two go head to head till the golden chamber took something out of Daniel and trashed it in a different coloured cabinet to the rest." then paused for a second or two to calm the pictures in his mind, and let the listeners take the information in.

Then eyeing them so they could see he was serious, had not gone round the bend as they must be thinking, after all it was sounding really strange to him and he'd been there, he continued. "I hasten to add, just before Daniel appeared I got rid of the nightmares and memories I didn't want. But, kept all the good and intelligent bits. It was done via what Jack called a cartoon's golden thought bubble settling gently on my head. I wasn't exactly awake when that was done, but when I became aware of my surrounds again Jack explained things, and that during the sleep while coming back to my body, my health etc will be restored. Of course, it didn't help to have that thing shine in my eyes on waking Doc, but thanks for being here, and I've not gone mad it really happened."

Seeing the Doctor's nod of acceptance that he had been believed … for the moment at least, Jon turned his attention to Cassie, knowing he needed to ease her mind, and smiled then finished. "Must admit it feels good to know I shan't have those nightmares and memories shouting at me all the time, and I've now got a lot of extra space to make and keep our new ones. Most of all though, I'll grow to a ripe old age at the right time, and without those headaches aches and pains I was getting, or Jack gets."

Because of her own strange past and the trust she had in her adopted family, Cassie could feel her fears that she would have to face her future without him disappear. Knew they would have it together and that personal private conversation would come later, so with a smile she gave a slight nod and let him carry on.

Which Jon did, in the serious tone and frame of mind of giving a brief mission report.

"It's called a 'mind room' with lots of cabinets on the walls to keep information gathered from the planets or the inhabitants in the universes it travels through. The golden tube like chamber in the middle receives and then will retrieve from the cabinets any information needed and it is accessed through the special computer in the Gate room. Don't know how they do it so don't ask. Just know when I meditated as Jack told me to I travelled along a passage and ended up in the 'mind room', with those two words clearly in my mind. I guess Jack did the same thing." and decided to miss out about the extra travels Jack did, that would really send them off to look for the men in white coats and all that bother.

Realising Jon needed to know their take on things, Cassie butted in gently. "There is a protected energy corridor linking these rooms to the tower that must be connected to these beds somehow as it's not visible in here. As strange it is sounds, your mind must have travelled down that and Jack probably did the same thing. What about Daniel though he's in a different area?"

Knowing that made sense and glad there was some physical evidence Jon nodded then added. "No idea about Daniel's route or actions. He came storming in claiming he'd been zapped by Atlantis at Jack's orders. They argued till at Jack's order a golden balloon thing appeared from the tube chamber and covered Daniel, then as it released him it seemed to seal some struggling energy within it and dumped it in the trash cabinet. There was a blinding light within it and we knew whatever it was gone forever. Daniel was unconscious on the floor throughout, which was probably a good thing."

Then with a slight smile he commented. "Before the rumour mill starts running, there was no beautiful lady or masterful male down there, we just knew what we needed to know. Also we might have been mind energy but we had our human form with a slight golden glow around them." then returning to his serious tone he continued. "Jack said he would send Daniel back at the right time and I had to leave immediately, so I did. I had also, at Jack's request stayed silent through out their encounter. Hopefully Daniel will be calmer and more his old self when he wakes, but I wouldn't bank on it. Perhaps someone aught to be with him Doc. They were probably arguing before it happened so Vala might not be in a good mood either? I would suggest Teal'c, but I know he will not leave Sam or Jack at the moment."

With a nod Doctor Beckett added. "Aye, it was reported there were raised voices before he tried to leave the room and got the nasty shock that knocked him out. He's being monitored via the headboard above the bed in his room. The information shows up on the nurse's station so he doesn't need a medical babysitter. It's not fully equipped like this one, just enough to sound the alarm if staff are needed. We think its possible all the beds in the City are connected in that fashion, there just hasn't been enough power to show us or use that function. Ronon and an extra officer are outside their room and will step in if necessary, it was thought to be safer that way.

The monitor in the Gate room, showed a digram of the mind room and a dot of pulsing light, the officers watching thought could be a heartbeat and wondered whether it could be you or the General. It was joined by another one and then a third one turned up. There was no indication on the screen as to who it was or what was going on. We've heard nothing since and no doubt they will want a full report from you, so put it on the computer and send it round.

But for now, you take things easy and I'll phone this information down to them. Eat here and don't go rushing around the corridors, if you want to leave the room take Cassandra with you, and tell us via the headboard link before you do it. You are right, Teal'c is watching over the General but Colonel Carter is having a break from the room, so you should wait till she comes back. I doubt she'll stay away for long."

"And Uncle Jack?" Cassandra asked slightly fearful, as she got up out the chair to go over to Jon. She was very glad she got her partner back safe and sound, but also knew all about 'that' second shoe falling and added. "When I was with Sam the monitors showed he was okay and was sleeping, yet you say he argued with Daniel. Your signs have been steady all the way through, till it flashed up you were waking and gave us the report and chart explaining you were fully fit now."

Understanding her fears and a bland reassurance wasn't on the cards, Jon hesitated, then holding her hand as she sat on his bed, said quietly. "You've got to remember down there we were mind energy rather than physical solid beings, though we kept our shape as we knew it, right down to Daniel having his glasses. I suspect everything is shielded, and those beds and monitors are just meant to take care of the physical form while the information is gathered and things put right. Once it's done he'll sleep and heal just as I have. True Uncle Jack was really glowing by the time I left, but he was still the old man we know and love rather than the cute child of today. He knows he needs to go into the chamber and understands that Sam will be with him whatever happens. He trusts Atlantis so we are not going to lose him.

In our chat I told him we didn't want to go back to earth and he's okayed it, no doubt Richard will help to make sure we stay hidden and get what is due to us. I suspect General Landry has already had our apartment cleared and cleaned, or just watched to make sure everything is safe. Do you still agree with the plan?"

Still with those mixed feelings Cassie immediately answered. "Yes, especially if Uncle Jack can't be with us in person." Not wanting to go down that path of thought she quickly added. "I've been talking to Teyla and Doctor Beckett so know we will fit in here or on the planet if we decided to settle here permanently. We were going to quietly join Daniel's trip for a look see, that's just come sooner than planned."

Understanding her ultimate fear for her uncle, Jon butted in gently. "Cassie, Atlantis will not harm Jack because he is special and can carry the Ancients' knowledge. It might be advance to us but it's history to her, we don't know if she has that knowledge already or is just happy to carry out the work she's been programmed to do." then huffed that idea away before exclaiming. "I'm starving, lets eat and talk. Is Sam all right?"

Knowing it was the right time Doctor Beckett handed over a piece of paper, saying. "Tick what food you want and I'll get it sent in, so it will not be long. Can't have you starving now can we?" He finished with a smile, and getting one back, he was satisfied the Lad was really all right, wasn't hiding anything and Cassandra could deal with the other matter. She knew the Lad and had medical training and knew how to raise the alarm if necessary.

"Oh Cake! Must have that." Jon exclaimed as he checked and ticked the right boxes before handing it back.

Chuckling at the comment Cassie handed over her own over, she'd been filling out when the monitor started to show Jon was waking. Then as the Doctor Beckett left room she turned her attention back to Jon adding softly. "Well, that's not changed then."

"Definitely not." Jon stated in the familiar tone she'd come to recognise as the one specially for her, before he then added gently. "So you know, Jack and Sam are now uncle and aunt, with Teal'c being a good friend rather than the close warrior brother of SG1." Then let out a gentle sigh as he added. "As for Daniel. I class him as a friend, but I doubt I can clarify what kind of friend until the dust from this lot has settled. He has to sort out his own thoughts and what kind of friendship he wants from me. It has to be on an equal footing this time round." He knew Cassie had never felt threatened by the feelings or memories he had had of Sam or from being Jack's clone and having all his memories and feeling. But he felt easier knowing she understood how things were with him now, so there wouldn't be any hidden undercurrents between them. What he felt for her was totally different and would never end. Seeing her nod of understanding he finished by asking. "How's Sam?"

Fully at ease Cassie let her mind drift back to earlier, then answered. "Worried as you would expect. Really cross at Daniel, doesn't feel she can trust him any more. But also loved this morning's video once we got passed the first bit with the hut she and Jack loved being destroyed. Knowing he was safe certainly helped." then with the natural chuckle as she remembered it all added. "Loved the swinging boy between you and Teal'c, that looked so much fun." Couldn't stop another chuckle as she admitted. "That brought back memories of my turn in the park and how Teal'c gave me a spinning swing, once Jack explained how it was done. Gosh, that one was fast, and Teal'c and I had to sit down to stop the world from spinning when we stopped."

Becoming serious again she added. "Teal'c has chucked her out the room for an hour or so with orders to grab a meal and rest. Strange thing is, without a word or thought from anyone that forcefield pad thing, came to life glided off the table and became her shadow, along with her Officer escort. I doubt she's down the Mess Hall, probably went out on a pier or balcony so she can see the tower and the amazing energy link. Colonel Shepard brought a photo of it when he check in on Sam and the General earlier..."

Unable to wait any longer, and with some trepidation, Jon butted in gently by asking. "How do you like my new look?"

Smiling Cassie gave him a thoughtful look, then answered truthfully. "It suits you, and I like it." then she went through it in detail. "Nothing extreme, so I know it's you, but no one is going to think you are Jack or a close relative if you are seen together, having the same surname will be just one of those things. Same unruly hair, but darker so it will age differently."

Ignoring Jon's huff at the last bit, she carried on. "Same dark brown eyes I love, but they are no longer troubled or haunted as they were before. Eyebrows, the scar has gone and they are darker like your hair, and your face is rounder, softer but still very handsome and you still have that special air around you. Like Jack, you'll be able to command a room of people easily or just be one of crowd and not noticed by anyone. Have you seen them?" then laughed realising it how daft that question sounded, he'd just woken up and no mirror to hand. Getting off the bed she added. "I'll get a mirror from my bag."

Watching her and totally relieved she liked what she saw, Jon answered. "I asked Atlantis if it was possible to check through our DNA and if Jack took after one parent I would favour the other. Then make sure I couldn't be traced back to Jack easily. Guess the eyes are the same in both and I know I've kept the Ancient side of me as well as Thor's marker that is different to Jack's anyway. Haven't a clue how it was done but when I was sleeping I got a whisper of 'mother' so perhaps Jack takes after our father's side … whoever they were. None the wiser about them, couldn't really expect that." he finished softly feeling that odd sense of let down that came after the excitement that had rippled through him as he woke up.

Because she knew how unsettled the strong memories of Jack's trouble past and the close regard he had for the man could leave Jon feeling vulnerable, Cassie sat beside him and handing over the mirror reassured him gently. "Jack will be fine with it … with all of what you have done. He's always supported you and that's not going to stop now. He's right, we can find a life here without having to be wary about what we say and do. As it's earlier than we thought it would be I'm sure things can be managed by General Landry. Doctor Beckett didn't turn a hair about your past, and I've been able to talk openly about mine and it doesn't feel odd. I like Teyla, she has a straight way of talking and getting to the point, shades of Teal'c and she's promised to introduce us to people on the mainland if that is what we want."

Glancing in the mirror while listening to her, Jon knew having to be careful all the time and staying partners rather than marrying as they would like to do, meant they never truly relaxed as other couples would do, and smiled at the slightly different person looking back at him. Then looking at Cassie said with true feeling. "Glad you like him. Not bad if I say so myself." Before asking. "How was it done? All at once or gradually."

Cassie chuckled and admitted. "We wanted to ask you that. The changes happened slowly not long before you woke up. The forcefield stayed transparent but came over your head, a bit like a tent rather than a mask as there was a gap between it and your head, and the bits on the side of the bed fed air into it. At the very beginning we just had the green light on all the time to reassure us you were okay. The instant the forcefield moved the board flashed up 'Starting requested identity and medical changes to stop deterioration of body and mind.' So we were curious rather than deeply worried. It also carried on with the medical information as Doctor Beckett requested at the beginning. Then as the forcefield retreated the board flashed up 'Completed, fitness 100%, normal long life, will wake soon. Information stored on Doctor Beckett's data base for future use.' and the rest you know." She finished with a smile.

With a shiver of how odd the whole thing was, mixing with the reassurance he was truly fit for life now running through him, Jon felt the need to move and nodded as he started to fidget with the covers while exclaiming. "Must! warn Teal'c and Sam." but didn't get any further as the bed's forcefield instantly flashed into life trapping him at waist level, and a shimmering red and green line at the top to make a very visible point … that he was going nowhere.

"Oh forcryingoutloud! Okay! I get the message, not moving ... yet!" Jon exclaimed loudly as he felt it's firm but gentle pressure. Then hoping it might make a difference added. "But! Teal'c and Sam must be warned what might happen when Jack starts to grow up."

Seeing what Jon couldn't, as he was facing away from the board above the bed, Cassie said. "It's okay. The message 'Information passed on.' has been flashed up."

Listening to her and immediately spotting who was walking into view from the passageway Jon exclaimed with pure delight. "Oh! food and cake. I'm starved!"

Laughing at his instant change of mood Cassie added. "That's certainly not changed."

"Of course not." Jon answered and made himself comfortable as he could with the forcefield still in place. He knew there was no fooling that thing so was going to make the most of their situation.

As Cassie moved the table over so they could have it together she reassured him saying. "No doubt Doctor Beckett gave Teal'c a quick update just now. We can always pop in after we've eaten." then added with a smile. "That is of course when the forcefield will allow it."

Hearing his huff but the smile stayed as the food was placed on the table, Cassie knew things were okay, and thanked the officer for being so quick.

The officer smiled and added. "The Doctor thought you should not be kept waiting so expressed the order through." then moving towards the door commented. "It's been reported that Doctor Jackson is awake."

Jon couldn't help commenting softly. "Bet that was fun." before they concentrated on their meals.

After a moment or two of enjoying the meal, which tasted better than some of the Mess meals he'd had on earth, Jon looked at Cassie and commented casually. "We know you go back to SGC in the future so you can send Jack and the team back to the right time, but in the meantime and if you like or can stand the new me, will you marry me here on the planet or Atlantis." Knowing how difficult it would be to do it on earth.

Luckily Cassie didn't have a mouthful of food, she'd recognised 'his look' even with the subtle changes and knew something big was coming. So with a soft chuckle as her heart raced with glee she then answered truthfully. "My love for you will never change, and I would love to marry you here or anywhere else in the universe and I know you feel the same. Sam, Jack and probably Richard Woosley will make sure everything is okay earth side.

With a smile Jon nodded with a quiet "Good." before they both went back to eating and chatting about their future plans.

Oxoxox

Thanks for reading this ramble.

As always reviews and comment welcome.

Hopefully Vala and Daniel will come next…. as usual real life and muse have to met and behave, so don't know when it will be.