Stepping out of the even horizon SG-2 was met by a tired looking General Hammond. Before the man could speak Jay pounced, "What's happened to Buffy?"

Taken aback, the General blinked, "She spotted Jaffa in Cleveland, and there is something about a new demon as well."

"I have to go to her Sir." Jay was quietly emphatic and the General nodded, "Understood son. SG-1 is already there and Teal'c will arrive here in the morning with Miss Summers' sister."

"Dawnie's in danger?"

The General nodded, "Apparently. SG-2, prepare for your briefing in 15 minutes. Colonel, write up your report and give it to Major Hayden." Hammond could see Jay already trying to plan and watched with some amusement as one of the security members tried to take the P90 but the Colonel wasn't letting it go.

"Colonel." The Sgt. said and Jay jerked out of his reverie, "Oh, sorry." And he relinquished his weapon.

Hammond sighed, "Listen Colonel, go to Petersen and find a co-pilot for an A-10. You can get there faster and get some flight time in."

"Thank you Sir."

***

Nirrti was screaming in rage, kicking the kneeling Jaffa.

"You have failed me! Failed! I still have neither Taur'i." She kicked them again and looked over at her First Prime, "Find me new Jaffa, and kill these." And she swept out.

***

Buffy's saw angels in her dreams, beautiful, terrible, awe inspiring, urging her to keep the faith, be strong, but lean on those who loved her. She awoke slowly, hesitating to leave her dreams when she felt strong arms, familiar arms wrapped around her. She twisted her head and was startled to see Jay in bed with her.

"Am I still dreaming?"

Jay's dark eyes opened and the love that flared in them made Buffy's heart catch.

"Hey." She whispered.

"How're you feeling?" He asked, resting his palm on her forehead in an automatic gesture of comfort.

"I'm better since you're here." And he leaned forward to place kisses all over her face, before pulling her into a bear hug, burying his face in her hair.

"I was so worried." His voice was muffled. He lifted his head, cupped Buffy's face in one hand and kissed her, pouring all of his love and his fear into that one kiss. Pulling back slowly, Jay wrapped his love in his arms and just held her, knowing that she was safe.

Daniel and Giles looked up from their research when Dawn came downstairs. "Hey Dawn, how are you feelin'? Jack asked, mussing her hair with a fond hand.

"Hey!" she yelped, slapping at his hand with a pout. She put a hand to her head and moaned quietly, moving over to the table to sit down, laying her head on her crossed arms. "I have a headache, I need a Mt. Dew."

Willow came in time to hear the last part, "How about oatmeal and tylenol instead?" she asked cheerfully.

Jack and Dawn exchanged grimaces, "Yum."

Teal'c walked in and noticed the teenager, "How are you feeling Dawn Summers?"

"I have to eat oatmeal. I'm being punished." This made Jack and Daniel laugh, then laugh harder at Teal'c's puzzled expression.

"It's teenage rebellion against healthy things Teal'c. Cassie's the same way." Sam explained.

Pretty soon everybody was around the table, talking quietly and eating. Faith impatiently stood and went to the bottom of the stairs, "Yo B! Time to get your lazy ass outta bed! Sex can wait!" she bellowed.

A moment later they could all hear Buffy holler, "Faaaaiith!!!"

Buffy showered and dressed, her hair pulled back into a ponytail and now she was seated at the table, eyeing the oatmeal doubtfully.

A freshly showered Jay was watching her carefully, and gently nudged her, "You need to eat babe."

She looked at him, then at her oatmeal. "It looks like a demon I killed once, doesn't it Giles?" she looked at the older man hopefully.

"Nice try dear." Giles said wryly.

Jack sighed and went into the kitchen, coming back out with chocolate chips, brown sugar and a carton of milk. He proceeded to dump a handful of chocolate chips in, a heaping teaspoon of brown sugar and some milk and stirred thoroughly.

"Now eat."

Buffy took a tentative bite, "Yummy!"

He grinned and Dawn held out her partially eaten bowl for him to doctor.

"My son Charlie used to always insist that I fix it this way." Jack volunteered, oblivious to the looks of shock on his team mates faces as he fixed Dawn's as well.

Buffy smiled, "I'll bet that you were the greatest Dad." Her eyes told him that she understood that Charlie was in his past.

He tilted his head thoughtfully, realizing that she meant it and it didn't hurt to hear it, "I'd like to think so."

At about 1000 Teal'c and Dawn were picked up by a staff car, with Giles following them out.

"Please remember that Dawn is not to be left alone at all, until we resolve this."

Teal'c acknowledged the warning, "If not myself, then Cassie Frasier or Jon O'Neill will be with her at all times, Rupert Giles."

Dawn smiled, "I'll be fine Giles."

He looked at her carefully, then gave her a hug. "I love you my dear." And he watched her go.

Back in the house SG-1 and the Scoobies got to work on research. Sam looked up suddenly, "I'm going to have the General get a hold of my Dad and see if he's interested in being a part of this."

Jack nodded, "Good idea Carter." She nodded and went to make the phone call on her secure cell.

Making a face at the idea of research Faith went to work out in the backyard instead.

"We need to find out where Gabe's sword and shield are first." Buffy said. Daniel looked over at Jack to see his reaction to Buffy taking charge.

He waved a hand, "Hell on earth does seem to be the priority, we're gonna have to worry about Nirrti later." Jack commented.

Daniel nodded and continued to work, shoulder to shoulder with Willow, Giles periodically handing them a new reference for their search. Sam had finished her call and was drowsing in the overstuffed chair in the corner, Jack occasionally checking on her.

Jay was writing on a notepad, Jack was playing solitaire and Buffy was asleep on the couch when Willow took a deep breath, "I know where to look."

Daniel moved to look over her shoulder and smiled, "Wanna work for me?" he asked.