"So what's the next step?" asked Jack Crichton.
"Well, I've got to get changed and get my gear or SG-4 is going to leave without me, Jack. So I'll leave you in George's capable hands," responded Jacob Carter as he stood to leave the room. "I'll come say goodbye before I leave." The others stood as he left the room before turning back to the conversation at hand.
"Where do we start looking for my son?" demanded Jack. "And don't for a minute think I don't realize that was the only change of order you received."
"No, we need to conduct a threat assessment on the beings in that sector and see if they're potential allies or enemies," admitted General Hammond.
"So..."
Sam walked over to the transparent display on one side of the room. "This is the map of the Stargate system that we know of from the Abydos map and the Ancients. John landed somewhere beyond here," she explained as she pointed to the far edge of the map before circling several points with a marker. "We know the coordinates to these seven 'Gate locations. When we talk about the 'Gate we use a lot of telephone allusions, Uncle Jack. Outside this galaxy we need an eighth chevron to open the 'Gate."
"Not to mention a larger power supply than we've got," reminded O'Neill.
"And John is outside our galaxy. So we need to know the eighth chevron and find a larger power supply?" asked Crichton.
"Right. Thor gave us the correct chevron, and I think I can get us the power. The problem is it's going to take a long time between each use for the secondary power system to recharge."
"How long, Major?" asked Hammond.
"Probably about a month, sir. So we need to find a safe jumping off point from within these seven 'Gates to explore further," Sam explained. She and the rest of SG-1 had spent most of their time since returning from Tollana studying what little information they had and coming up with scenarios.
"We also need to find some more 'Gate addresses in that area or 'acquire' a ship for further exploration," offered Colonel O'Neill. "I agree with Sam that we need to re-examine the possibility of a second base, sir."
Hammond nodded. The expression on his face told SG-1 at least, that he was already exploring the options in his head.
"Alright, first things first. SG-1, give Colonel Crichton the usual orientation briefings and continue your analysis of the data Colonel O'Neill brought back from the Asgard. We'll meet back here tomorrow at 16:00 to discuss your progress. Pull as many personnel as you need, people. I want this done ASAP."
A chorus of "yes, sir" was his answer.
"Dismissed, people. Let's go say goodbye to Jacob," Hammond said as he rose from his seat at the conference table and lead the way back down into the gate room.
"Nice outfit, Jacob," smirked Jack Crichton as he got a good look at what his friend was wearing.
"Isn't it though?" retorted Jacob. "To tell you the truth, I'm starting to get used to it. Although I admit for the first few months I felt like a fashion victim of immense proportions."
"So where are you headed, my friend?"
"Can't tell you that, Jack, but I'll come by to visit now and then."
"Take care of my dad, Selmak" Sam ordered as she came forward and hugged her father.
"Always, Samantha," Jacob replied in the voice that indicated his symbiote, Selmak, was actually doing the speaking. He lowered his head briefly and then spoke again. "O'Neill, take care of my little girl," ordered Jacob as he shook the other man's hand then pulled him into a hug.
"That's what they pay me for, sir."
"Daniel, Teal'c. Take care of yourselves."
"Indeed, GeneralCarter," Teal'c said with a slight bow.
"Jacob, Selmak. Don't be strangers."
"Jack, I'll see what I can do to help find John from my end. I'll be in touch."
Through the speakers Simmons announced, "Chevron Seven, engaged!" The wormhole formed in the center of the ancient stone ring. SG-4 hefted their packs to their shoulders and walked up the ramp into the 'Gate. Jacob hugged his daughter one last time then followed them up the ramp. At the top of the ramp he paused to wave, then stepped through. A few moments later the wormhole disengaged.
Two weeks later, Jack Crichton felt like he'd jumped through a time warp of more than twenty years, back to his early days at NASA with the endless briefings and science lessons. 'I'm too old for this shit,' he thought as he tried to follow Dr. Jackson's explanation of the Goa'uld power hierarchy. 'No! I can't think that way. I need to do this...I need to be part of this. Part of the search for John.'
An hour later as everyone rose from the conference table to take a break, Colonel Crichton asked what else they had to cover.
"We're going to take you up to the range and test you on marksmanship which you probably won't have a problem with. It's just standard procedure. Sam's going to go through the 'Gate stuff with you as well. The quartermaster is going to want to give you some basic training with the various pieces of equipment we carry off-world. Then we take you on a nice easy mission off-world to get your feet wet, so to speak."
"And just where will we be going?" asked Crichton.
"Don't know yet. Abydos maybe. We haven't visited Skarra and Yusef in a while."
"MajorCarter has expressed an interest in consulting the Tok'ra scientists on Vorash, and I have not visited my family in some time, O'Neill."
"I know, Teal'c. Nothing's decided yet anyway."
Three more weeks passed before Jack Crichton once again stood at the bottom of the ramp leading up to the Stargate. It felt strange to be wearing fatigues again after so many years at NASA and then IASA. He was acutely aware of the fact that most new members of the SGC did not get sent on their first mission with SG-1 and that he was much older than most new recruits, but he could also tell that no one was jealous of this special treatment for him. 'Being an Apollo astronaut does have some perks after all,' he thought.
After much discussion it was decided that SG-1 would visit three destinations on his virgin trip through the 'Gate. They would make stops on Vorash, Abydos, and the Land of the Light so that each member of SG-1 could visit their family. It seemed strange to Jack to think that each of his new colleagues had family living off planet. He knew that Jack and Daniel weren't visiting blood relatives, but Sam had told him about Yusef and Skarra. She'd said that Jack thought of Skarra as a surrogate son, and that Daniel stayed in touch with his wife's family on Abydos.
"Ready to go, Colonel?" asked O'Neill.
"Just don't push him through the 'Gate, sir" remarked Sam with a smile. Her comment earned her a chuckle from O'Neill.
"I only pushed you the once, Sam."
"And then laughed when I lost my lunch on the other side. You didn't eat anything did you, Uncle Jack?" she asked with concern.
"No, I remembered your warning, Sam."
"Then let's saddle up campers," O'Neill commanded as he led the way up the ramp. "I really hope we don't have to deal with Anise."
Sam snickered as she followed him. "Don't worry, sir. I'll protect your virtue," she said just as he walked through the event horizon.
"Geez, Sam! I can't wait to hear what he says to that," chortled Daniel as he paused at the top of the ramp.
"I wouldn't be so smug Daniel. Freya may want the Colonel's body, but Anise is after yours," Sam retorted then pushed the shocked archaeologist through the 'Gate.
"Are you going to protect DanielJackson as well, MajorCarter?" asked Teal'c amusement lacing his usually solemn expression.
"No, I don't think Janet needs any help there," she said. "Let's go Uncle Jack before the two lover boys get into trouble."
Three weeks later as they exited the 'Gate upon their return to Earth they were greeted by General Hammond from the control room. "Welcome home, SG-1. Colonel Crichton, how was the trip?" asked General Hammond.
"It was amazing, General. Just amazing!" replied Jack thinking about the people he'd met on the three week trip through the 'Gate.
Their week on Vorash had been an eye opening experience for Jack. Seeing all the advanced technology the Tok'ra possessed had made him feel like a babe in arms. Watching Jack O'Neill and Daniel pull out every trick in the book to avoid the unwanted advances of the scantily clad Anise/Freya had entertained him to no end. Sam had spent time with her father, and O'Neill had talked everyone into helping him teach the young Tok'ra boy, Charlie, how to play football. The week seemed to fly by as he learned more about their Tok'ra allies. He and Jacob had had a chance to catch up on the events in their lives over the last several years.
From Vorash they had 'Gated to Abydos. It had been quite a change to go from such an advanced community as the Tok'ra base to the ancient Egyptian culture of Abydos. Daniel had seemed to settle in like he had never left, but that was only on the surface he'd quickly realized. Daniel would often turn as if to say something to someone then stop. A shadow of grief would then cloud his eyes, and Crichton realized why Daniel didn't come back to Abydos often. His wife's memory lived for him here. It was painful for him to be here without her. A fact her family seemed to understand. Yusef, Skaara, and Daniel spent a great deal of time off together talking. Remembering the woman they had loved as father, brother, and husband. Sam had shown him the Abydos cartouches that had given Earth their map to the stars. While on Abydos he had persuaded Teal'c to begin teaching him the Goa'uld language beyond the simple phrases required of everyone who went off-world. Knowing what 'kree' meant would help keep him from being shot if he were ever captured by the Goa'uld, but wouldn't do much beyond that.
By their third week off-world though, he was ready to return to Earth. He knew Sam had spent part of her time on Vorash working with the Tok'ra scientists on the secondary power source, but she would need time back in the labs to put the information they had given her into practical use. While in the Land of the Light, they had mainly planned while Teal'c spent time alone with his wife and son. It was decided that a secondary base in the Peacekeeper galaxy would be necessary. They'd begun plotting strategy to get the secondary base approved. Mainly they'd decided that the strategy would consist of Crichton using his influence with the White House Chief of Staff to get a hearing for them in front of the Joint Chiefs and the President. They would need to be eloquent with their plea. His friendship with McGarry would get them in the door, but beyond that they knew they were on their own.
Two weeks later he and SG-1 traveled to Washington D.C. to present their case in person. "Sirs, ma'am, if you'll follow me I'll show you to Mr. McGarry's office. He's asked to see you before your briefing this morning," explained a pretty red-headed young woman as she lead them through the halls of West Wing of the White House. "My name is Margaret. I'm Mr. McGarry's assistant." They followed her to a large office towards the center of the building.
"Jack!" exclaimed McGarry as he stood to greet them. "I'm so sorry about John. If there's anything I can do to help..."
"You've already done a lot, Leo. You got the President to okay my clearance into the SGC didn't you?"
"Yah...I owe ya, Jack. And I've always thought the world of John. I hope we can get him home safe."
"Thanks, Leo."
"So what exactly is this meeting about?"
"Sir, if we're going to explore Peacekeeper Territory and find John, we're going to have to set up a secondary base," explained Major Carter. "It's the only feasible option."
"Wasn't this proposed a few months ago?"
"Yes, sir. General Hammond and I proposed it and were turned down. However, that was before we needed to travel such great distances," explained Colonel O'Neill.
"Ok. Save the rest of the explanation for the briefing. The President and Joint Chiefs will meet us in the Situation Room."
"Any advice, Leo?"
"Get Nancy McNally, Fitzwallace, and the President on your side."
"How?" asked O'Neill.
"Now that you'll have to figure out on your own. Let's go," Leo told them. They followed him down several long corridors into a room dominated by a large conference table. One wall was entirely filled with television monitors while a second wall contained numerous clocks. Sam and Daniel quickly connected the laptop with their data to the audio-visual system while they waited for the President to arrive.
"Good afternoon," the President's cheerful voice greeted everyone as he entered the room. "Whadya got for me?" he asked as he took his seat at the head of the table.
"So basically this secondary base would be a layover," asked Fitzwallace an hour later after listening to their initial explanation.
"Yes, sir. And a buffer for our primary base. Just in case something goes wrong. There's also a problem powering our 'Gate for intergalactic travel. The secondary power source we're building will need at least 27 days to recharge between uses. That being the case," explained Colonel O'Neill, " we need a staging point within the Peacekeeper galaxy. Also a point of retreat for our people."
"Do you think you'll need a point of retreat, Colonel?" asked Nancy.
"Considering our track record and the information Thor provided about the Peacekeepers. Yes, ma'am, I can almost guarantee it."
"Forgive me for asking this, Colonel Crichton, but if the danger is that great why are we risking more lives for one lost man."
"Because we may find allies or technology that can help us in the fight against the Goa'uld," Colonel O'Neill replied.
"What kind of technology?" questioned the senior Air Force general.
"From the information the Asguard gave us, we know that the Peacekeeper's don't rely on the Stargate network for transportation. They, in fact, don't even realize it exists. So we can infer from that and the size of the territory they rule that they are capable of FTL travel," Sam offered.
"FTL?" asked McNally.
"Faster than light travel, Nancy," explained the President. "This is fascinating. Did you know..."
"Mr. President," interrupted McGarry.
"Right, Leo. Please continue, Major Carter," ordered a somewhat chastened President.
"Yes, sir. The Peacekeepers are a military society, so we can also infer that they will have superior weapons."
"This secondary base...you would be in charge of it, Colonel O'Neill. Correct?"
"I would most likely be one of the candidates. Yes, sir" O'Neill admitted. "There would certainly be a selection process to find the best candidate."
"And you feel you'd be the best candidate, don't you Colonel O'Neill?" General Webster asked. O'Neill couldn't quite suppress the grimace that crossed his face. Jack O'Neill was a firm believer in the old adage 'know thy enemy', so he was well aware that Webster lived in Senator Kinsey's back pocket.
"I feel that my place is in the field, sir" Jack O'Neill responded placing emphasis on the last word although it was obvious that there was no respect intended.
"That's a bit egotistical of you, Colonel?" Fitzwallace commented.
"Of the twelve original SG teams, only SG-1 still has all of its original members. So, no, I don't think that's egotistical. I think it's a fact," replied O'Neill.
"Just because other teams have had transfers..."
"Actually Fitz, every other team has lost members, not to transfers, but to death and injury. Colonel O'Neill is the only SG team leader to consistently bring all of his people home alive. Although the range of injuries you four have accumulated is staggering," explained the President. He'd kept careful track of this particular project since learning of it soon after his election two years ago.
"Yes, sir...the medical staff just loves us," quipped Colonel O'Neill. "Daniel's a particular favorite."
"I still have a few of my nine lives left," murmured Jackson.
"Who would you recommend for command of this new base?" asked the National Security Advisor.
"Colonel Crichton," Jack firmly replied.
"ME?!" Crichton gaped. "I haven't been in uniform in..."
O'Neill waved his protests away. "Your son's project is just the latest in a long line of successful projects you've headed for NASA and more recently IASA. I've spoken with the military personnel who've worked on the more classified projects. Every one of them has said they'd follow you into Hell if you asked. You inspire loyalty and trust in your people, Colonel. Whoever commands this forward base is going to need that quality...in spades. Shepherding those IASA projects also tells me you're a wizard at logistics. Another ability that will be keenly needed on a base that will be cut off for a month at a time. You've also got an incredibly strong personal reason for wanting this base to succeed. Finally, I looked into your combat record, Colonel. You're a hell of a soldier."
"I was a pilot!" the colonel protested.
"So am I," Jack countered. "So is Sam. Daniel joined our team with no hand to hand training at all, and he's done well. We can train you for that, Jack. Besides, you'll have younger men there to do the fighting. Your job will be to lead, and it's a job you do well."
"I'm satisfied," the President announced, making one of his infamous snap decisions.
"Sir," Webster protested. "We don't even know that Crichton's still alive!"
"The Tollan have left their probe in Peacekeeper space," O'Neill responded. "It's continued to pick up transmissions from the Farscape. Even a few voice messages from Crichton."
"It's decided," the President reiterated once again. "Colonel Crichton, consider yourself re-activated. I'm in agreement with Colonel O'Neill's assessment. You'll command the secondary base. Colonel O'Neill, do you have a location chosen?"
"We have a list of seven possibilities, sir" O'Neill replied. "Once Carter has finished the secondary power units, the plan is for my team to test it out. We'll gate out to the first location, and hop from there to five of the other six. One location has already been ruled out because of a lack of breathable atmosphere. We'll send probes through to that location to see if it's worth a look, but it's not a feasible base of operations at this time. Once we've surveyed all seven worlds, my team and I will make a decision on the safest of the seven to deploy the secondary power unit on. Once the unit is deployed and a security perimeter has been established we'll gate home from there. A team will be on standby to immediately gate back out to the chosen location to continue setting up the base."
"You're going to decide on the spot where the second base will be located?" McNally asked doubtfully.
"We'll have to deploy the second of the power units to return home, and it will have to remain connected to the gate," Major Carter explained.
"It would be most unwise to leave the power unit unguarded," Teal'c commented for the first time in the meeting.
"It's a risk, sir" O'Neill admitted. "But the payoff in time will be worth it, we think. Of course, if none of the sites are suitable we always have Plan B."
"And what's Plan B?" asked McGarry.
"Well there are a couple Plan B's depending on what we find," he explained. "My team and I, we just love to plan for contingencies. Option 1 is concealing the power unit. Option 2, firing up the 'Gate and forcing an overload into it so we can grab the power unit and run."
"And why isn't that Plan A?" asked Fitzwallace. "That sounds like the better option all around to me."
"Too much power in the ' gate is bad," Sam said.
"Very bad," Daniel agreed to which O'Neill emphatically nodded. Even Teal'c dipped his head in agreement at her statement.
"Care to explain what that means?" McGarry drolly asked.
"Carter probably could," O'Neill said. "None of us would understand it, but she could explain it. We overloaded the power on a 'Gate once in an emergency. We got through fine," he told them.
"Yeah, except we woke up a week later in the infirmary feeling like someone had set us on fire," Daniel retorted.
"Well there is that," O'Neill agreed. "My team and I'd just as soon not repeat that experience. Dr. Frasier wasn't sure how we'd survived. Option 3 is we blow the power unit."
"Which would probably destroy the 'Gate...possibly the planet," Carter told them.
"Sounds like you chose the best plan, then" the President quipped though his eyes were wide at the blasé way they spoke of that possibility. "This plan is pretty risky even for your team, Colonel O'Neill. I know you want to begin the search for Commander Crichton as soon as possible, but don't you think doing a reconnaissance from Earth instead of this leap frog approach would be safer?"
"Not by much, sir" O'Neill replied. "Once we're out there, we're out there. We'll do an Earth-based recon for the first hop. From the first location we can send out UAV's and MALP's to the other sites. We plan to take several UAV's through and at least two MALP's."
Bartlet nodded thoughtfully then gazed at each of them with a look of intense thought on his face.
"Do you have a timeframe on the completion of this power unit, Major?" Fitzwallace asked.
"We'll be ready for initial tests on the first unit in a week," Carter informed him.
"First unit?" asked General Webster in surprise.
"They'll need one at each end," the President pointed out.
"Yes, sir."
"You have approval," Bartlet told them again as he rose from his position at the head of the table and approached O'Neill and his team. He shook each of their hands ending with Colonel Crichton. "Good luck, Colonel," he said as he looked into the other man's eyes, and both men knew he wasn't speaking of Crichton's new command.
"Thank you, sir." Jack Crichton replied.