Of Dreams and Nightmares
Part 3 of 'The Asgard Sequence'
Sequel to 'It's not easy being Green'
By Gumnut
Sep 2003
A heart wrenching scream.
The thud of a body hitting the floor.
Daniel was out of bed and reaching for his glasses before he was even fully awake. The lights came up suddenly, briefly blinding him, but he was on the floor beside a sprawled Jack by the time his vision cleared.
"Jack?"
The prone man groaned. He was face down and made to raise himself up on his elbows. Turning his head to look at Daniel he let out a dazed, "Wha...?"
The moment Jack's eyes met his, the daze turned to terror. Letting out a terrified yell, Jack backed himself into the corner between the wall and the bed.
"Don't touch me! Get away!"
He knotted his six foot two inch frame into the smallest shape he could and sat there mumbling, his eyes darting back and forth, but always returning to Daniel.
"Step back, give him space."
Daniel backed off, confused, looking at Sam in bewilderment. Janet moved forward. "Colonel O'Neill, can you hear me?"
The mumbling stopped and the eyes focused. A wary "Doc?"
"Colonel, are you okay?"
He looked at himself and at the people arrayed around him.
"Why am I on the floor?"
"You tell me."
His eyes flickered to Daniel. "Uh, bad dream." He pushed himself up against the wall and stood, leaning against it awkwardly. He radiated embarrassment. "I'm okay."
Somehow Daniel didn't believe him. "You sure, Jack?"
A defensive anger flashed in the Colonel's eyes. "I said, I'm fine, Daniel. Go back to bed, spectacle over." He punctuated the statement by climbing into his own bed, pulling the sheet up to his chin, and turning his back on all of them.
Daniel caught Sam's eyes and saw his own worry reflected in them. Janet indicated with a shake of her head to leave him.
Seeing Thor moving towards Jack, Daniel ushered him aside gently. "I wouldn't bother him now. It is probably best we leave him alone." Daniel did his best to whisper, praying that Jack couldn't hear him.
"O'Neill is upset." Concern etched itself into Thor's words.
"Jack is..." How could he explain this? "Uh, Jack is Jack. He needs to work things out on his own."
Thor bowed his head respectfully. "I will take your advice, Doctor Jackson." He glanced once more at Jack's back before returning to his bed.
Daniel followed suit, but throughout the rest of the night, he lay wake, the terrified look on Jack's face haunting him.
**********
As the others drifted away and back to bed, a series of panicked thoughts ran through O'Neill's mind.
What the hell was that?
He searched his memory for a place or event that resembled his dream.
Nothing. Nada. Zip.
He'd had dreams of torture before, flashbacks to his checkered past, but nothing like this.
Where had it come from?
His thoughts turned to his missing week, the only explanation. The black gulf that was his memory of that time taunted him. What had happened during those seven days?
And why did the sight of Daniel, his best friend, terrify him beyond belief?
**********
The next morning, breakfast was a quiet affair. Jack didn't feel like talking and no one knew what to say to him.
Thor had left before they awoke. Apparently the Asgard needed about half the amount of sleep that humans did and Thor was a busy man.
He had made some arrangements, however. They were to tour the Asgard shipyards. A diplomatic courtesy as Carter had expressed an interest. Several times.
Thor's aide, Fekel, escorted them, and this time they travelled by a more traditional mode of transport. Well, traditional to the Asgard perhaps.
They were met by a hovercar outside Thor's apartment and for the first time they got a bird's eye view of the capital city of the planet Othalla.
George Lucas, eat your heart out. Coruscant had nothing on this place.
Large monoliths rose in a sea of spires, the Othallan sun casting shadows that could swallow a city on Earth. The word 'cathedral' came to Jack's mind. A city of churches reaching for the sky.
And in amongst the buildings wove the Garden.
Jack had to hold his breath. This brought home the depth and age of the Asgard civilisation. Current Terran architecture couldn't hope to construct a building half the size of these monoliths. And certainly not with such grace.
The sun stroked the city like the paintbrush of an artist.
"Beautiful, isn't it, sir."
"I've never seen anything like it, Carter." His voice was almost a whisper.
She looked at him, obviously surprised that it affected him that much. "And we helped save it, sir."
The thought of replicators let loose in this city brought bile to the back of his throat. "No, Carter, we also saved ourselves. We wouldn't have lasted a second if this had been taken." Absorbed. Eaten. Replicated.
Destroyed.
Gone.
"It is good to know that what we risked our lives for was worth it."
She glanced up at him again. "Are you okay, Colonel?"
"I'm fine, Carter." He looked at his boots. "How about you?"
She backed off. "Fine, sir."
"Good, keep it that way." He turned back to the view, effectively ending the conversation.
**********
O'Neill remained pensive for the rest of the trip. They dropped Doctor Fraiser off at the Centre as she had expressed a stronger desire to discuss medicine than ships and weaponry.
SG-1 was then taken offshore above the city to the Othallan shipyards.
Five Asgard vessels were currently in dock.
One of them was the 'O'Neill'.
"I thought you blew it up?" He shot a look at Carter, daring her to deny it.
"We did, sir." Her eyes widened, looking innocent.
Fekel interrupted. "The original prototype was indeed destroyed, Colonel O'Neill. However, the plans were not, and as it was our most highly advanced design, it was rebuilt."
"So this is the 'O'Neill II'?"
"No, the prototype was never fully completed before it was destroyed. This vessel has taken that name in its stead. This is the 'O'Neill'."
The ship was graceful. There didn't seem to be another word for it. It echoed the standard Asgard ship design, but where there were normally angles, there were now curves, and the whole effect spoke of sleek and fast.
He noticed another difference between this ship and the others in dock. A red colour decorated a thin sweep of the hull, like a detail strip on a Mustang. None of the others had any such colouring.
"What's with the red?"
"A sign of honour." Fekel stood tall and looked O'Neill in the eye. "It declares that this ship was named in the honour of a great hero of the Asgard people." He paused. "It was named for you."
Jack didn't know what to say. Normally he would have thought up some wisecrack to deflect attention from himself. But today...today he felt bare and weary. "I'm no hero, Fekel. I just do what needs to be done." He gestured to his team. "These are the people who saved your world. These are the people who are SG-1. You should be thanking them."
He turned away, ignoring the indrawn breath of his teammates.
As soon as the car docked, he was out of there.
Carter caught up with him.
"Sir, what was that?!"
He turned to her. "What?"
"Fekel is upset, terrified he has offended you." Her worried face looked up at him. "I thought you liked the idea of a ship named after you."
"I do. It's just..." He flung a hand in the air. "I don't know." He coughed, clearing his throat. "Get Daniel to apologise for me will you."
"Sir..."
"Carter, not today." He almost pleaded. "Please."
"Yes, sir." She stood so straight she almost saluted, turned and walked back to the others.
Great. Now she's pissed at me as well.
He saw her approach Daniel and whisper in his ear. Fekel stood nearby, literally washing his hands with worry.
Oh, for crying out loud...
He stalked up to Fekel. "Fekel, I'm sorry. It is a great honour to have this," he raised hands towards the 'O'Neill' "this magnificent ship named after me, and I apologise for my abruptness earlier. I am just..." he brought a hand to his head "...not feeling the best today." Another cough punctuated his statement.
The small alien nodded. "I understand, Colonel O'Neill. Do you wish to return to the Centre?"
"No, no, I'm fine. Just a little tired." He smothered another cough. "Lead on. Tour away."
Jack didn't miss the multiple concerned looks directed at him by his team as they were conducted through the complex. He made sure he was at the back of the small group as much as possible to avoid their eyes.
**********
The shipyards were impressive, he had expected no less after what he had seen already. As the day worn on though, he found himself becoming more and more tired, probably due to his lack of sleep the night before, and he had begun to truly push himself by the time they were offered a tour of the 'O'Neill' itself.
He was introduced to the captain of the ship and, for the first time, he walked onto the bridge of an Asgard vessel.
Well, one not overrun with Replicators, that is.
Unlike the 'Bellisnor', the 'O'Neill's bridge only spanned two levels and now, at full operation, both were full of crewmembers going about their business. A huge viewscreen, spanning both levels, was at what Jack assumed was the forward postion.
In the centre of this organised chaos was a dais with several of the familiar control consoles and accompanying high backed chairs.
On the largest sat Thor.
"Thor buddy, how's it hanging?" O'Neill made his way to the platform.
Thor looked confused. "How is what hanging, O'Neill?"
"Oh, uh, never mind." He scratched the back of his head. "So, uh, whatcha been up to?"
"I had thought you might like to join us for a short foray into nearby space."
All thoughts of weariness left him. "You mean we get to take the 'O'Neill' out for a spin?"
Thor's brow wrinkled, but he said, "If I understand you correctly, then yes." He indicated they should join him on the dais. Four of the Asgard chairs disappeared in a flash of light to be replaced by more humanly proportioned furniture.
SG-1 and Fekel sat down, and, with a word from Thor, the ship disappeared.
O'Neill jumped. All around him was the Othallan shipyard, the four other vessels floating quietly in the blue sky. But all that he could see of the 'O'Neill' was the dais beneath his feet. What?
Carter, as usual. beat him to it. "Thor, you have a fully holographic display system built into the ship." Her mouth was hanging open.
"Yes, Major Carter, it is one of the improvements in the 'O'Neill' series of ships."
Jack glanced at Thor. "Series?"
"Yes, the 'Carter' is under construction now."
They all looked at Sam. O'Neill wished he had a camera, it was definitely a Kodak moment - Carter was speechless.
Thor issued an order and the ship began to move. From O'Neill's point of view it seemed as if their platform was coasting in space, but beyond the holographic curtain, the ship that bore his name left dock.
O'Neill had been into space many times before, but he had yet to take a pleasure cruise, or as in this case, a joyride. In fact just about every time he had previously been aboard any spacecraft his life, or someone else's, had been in jeopardy or ended up in it. It was a wonder that he didn't have a complex about it.
He sneaked a look at Thor. The Asgard was clearly waiting on their reactions. He looked almost eager to show off his new toy.
Maybe that was it. The Supreme Commander of the Asgard Fleet wanted to show them his world, and, perhaps, help both sides to get to know each other a little better.
And it obviously didn't hurt to have a little fun along the way.
He really did like Thor. He was his kind of guy.
*********
Thor watched his guests with both eagerness and a little trepidation. He knew he was showing off, but didn't care.
The Asgard Council had expressed various concerns about this venture, particularly regarding exposing the humans to too much Asgard technology. But Thor had argued that the people from Earth had given their talents and experience freely. Should he not give his?
The discussions had taken most of the morning, but eventually he had wrestled permission from his peers under the condition that no technological details were exchanged.
Thor was half hearted about this issue. He agreed with the theory of not giving younger races too many advances in technology too quickly, but there were times where the rule became too ridiculous to apply.
Besides, it wasn't like they weren't going to work it out sooner or later anyway. Certainly not with the keen eyes of Major Carter absorbing everything in sight. The Council was seriously prone to underestimating this race of people.
His eyes sought O'Neill, noting the tiredness in his eyes that hovered beneath the interest he was currently expressing. The human had not fully recovered yet, despite their best efforts. Thor was hoping this little exercise would bring some lightness into the heart of the weary man. A distraction from recent events.
He couldn't speak for O'Neill, but he could speak for himself. He had a small blank area of memory and it alarmed him. The Colonel, with almost seven days of lost thought, and those horrific injuries...
He gave the order. He would take them to Osaris.
**********
O'Neill watched as Othalla shrank to nothing behind them. They passed several different planets, one of which resembled Jupiter enough to send a shiver down his spine.
"Where are we going?"
"Osaris, a nebula, not far from here." Thor paused. "In fact, we are there."
And they were.
A spidery kaleidoscope of shining dust particles surrounded them. An eternal sunset of red, oranges, and gold rippling gently in an unseen breeze.
O'Neill stood up, turning around in amazement. "This is a nebula?" He had seen them through his telescope, but had never expected to be standing amongst one. He had really blown his beauty quota for the day.
Thor stood next to him. "This is Osaris. I used to come out here alone when I was young. It was my place to think and consider." He looked up at O'Neill. "This place has always been special to me. I like to think that it is because it came into being the same day I did. But, truthfully, it has been a refuge in times of worry and sadness and it has always made me feel a little better." He paused, then added. "I hope it will do the same for you."
For the second time that day, Jack didn't know what to say. He saw what Thor was trying to do, saw it for what it was, and appreciated it. What more could a man ask for? He stood in the midst of spectacular beauty, surrounded by his closest friends. He turned to look at Carter, Daniel, and Teal'c, each equally mesmerized by the sight around them. He felt his weariness lift, and, for one moment in time, he was flying.
He let out a breath, turning to Thor once again, and said, sincerely, "Thor, thank you."
From behind them came a moan, and the thud of a body hitting the floor.
**********
FIN
Part 3 of 'The Asgard Sequence'
Sequel to 'It's not easy being Green'
By Gumnut
Sep 2003
A heart wrenching scream.
The thud of a body hitting the floor.
Daniel was out of bed and reaching for his glasses before he was even fully awake. The lights came up suddenly, briefly blinding him, but he was on the floor beside a sprawled Jack by the time his vision cleared.
"Jack?"
The prone man groaned. He was face down and made to raise himself up on his elbows. Turning his head to look at Daniel he let out a dazed, "Wha...?"
The moment Jack's eyes met his, the daze turned to terror. Letting out a terrified yell, Jack backed himself into the corner between the wall and the bed.
"Don't touch me! Get away!"
He knotted his six foot two inch frame into the smallest shape he could and sat there mumbling, his eyes darting back and forth, but always returning to Daniel.
"Step back, give him space."
Daniel backed off, confused, looking at Sam in bewilderment. Janet moved forward. "Colonel O'Neill, can you hear me?"
The mumbling stopped and the eyes focused. A wary "Doc?"
"Colonel, are you okay?"
He looked at himself and at the people arrayed around him.
"Why am I on the floor?"
"You tell me."
His eyes flickered to Daniel. "Uh, bad dream." He pushed himself up against the wall and stood, leaning against it awkwardly. He radiated embarrassment. "I'm okay."
Somehow Daniel didn't believe him. "You sure, Jack?"
A defensive anger flashed in the Colonel's eyes. "I said, I'm fine, Daniel. Go back to bed, spectacle over." He punctuated the statement by climbing into his own bed, pulling the sheet up to his chin, and turning his back on all of them.
Daniel caught Sam's eyes and saw his own worry reflected in them. Janet indicated with a shake of her head to leave him.
Seeing Thor moving towards Jack, Daniel ushered him aside gently. "I wouldn't bother him now. It is probably best we leave him alone." Daniel did his best to whisper, praying that Jack couldn't hear him.
"O'Neill is upset." Concern etched itself into Thor's words.
"Jack is..." How could he explain this? "Uh, Jack is Jack. He needs to work things out on his own."
Thor bowed his head respectfully. "I will take your advice, Doctor Jackson." He glanced once more at Jack's back before returning to his bed.
Daniel followed suit, but throughout the rest of the night, he lay wake, the terrified look on Jack's face haunting him.
**********
As the others drifted away and back to bed, a series of panicked thoughts ran through O'Neill's mind.
What the hell was that?
He searched his memory for a place or event that resembled his dream.
Nothing. Nada. Zip.
He'd had dreams of torture before, flashbacks to his checkered past, but nothing like this.
Where had it come from?
His thoughts turned to his missing week, the only explanation. The black gulf that was his memory of that time taunted him. What had happened during those seven days?
And why did the sight of Daniel, his best friend, terrify him beyond belief?
**********
The next morning, breakfast was a quiet affair. Jack didn't feel like talking and no one knew what to say to him.
Thor had left before they awoke. Apparently the Asgard needed about half the amount of sleep that humans did and Thor was a busy man.
He had made some arrangements, however. They were to tour the Asgard shipyards. A diplomatic courtesy as Carter had expressed an interest. Several times.
Thor's aide, Fekel, escorted them, and this time they travelled by a more traditional mode of transport. Well, traditional to the Asgard perhaps.
They were met by a hovercar outside Thor's apartment and for the first time they got a bird's eye view of the capital city of the planet Othalla.
George Lucas, eat your heart out. Coruscant had nothing on this place.
Large monoliths rose in a sea of spires, the Othallan sun casting shadows that could swallow a city on Earth. The word 'cathedral' came to Jack's mind. A city of churches reaching for the sky.
And in amongst the buildings wove the Garden.
Jack had to hold his breath. This brought home the depth and age of the Asgard civilisation. Current Terran architecture couldn't hope to construct a building half the size of these monoliths. And certainly not with such grace.
The sun stroked the city like the paintbrush of an artist.
"Beautiful, isn't it, sir."
"I've never seen anything like it, Carter." His voice was almost a whisper.
She looked at him, obviously surprised that it affected him that much. "And we helped save it, sir."
The thought of replicators let loose in this city brought bile to the back of his throat. "No, Carter, we also saved ourselves. We wouldn't have lasted a second if this had been taken." Absorbed. Eaten. Replicated.
Destroyed.
Gone.
"It is good to know that what we risked our lives for was worth it."
She glanced up at him again. "Are you okay, Colonel?"
"I'm fine, Carter." He looked at his boots. "How about you?"
She backed off. "Fine, sir."
"Good, keep it that way." He turned back to the view, effectively ending the conversation.
**********
O'Neill remained pensive for the rest of the trip. They dropped Doctor Fraiser off at the Centre as she had expressed a stronger desire to discuss medicine than ships and weaponry.
SG-1 was then taken offshore above the city to the Othallan shipyards.
Five Asgard vessels were currently in dock.
One of them was the 'O'Neill'.
"I thought you blew it up?" He shot a look at Carter, daring her to deny it.
"We did, sir." Her eyes widened, looking innocent.
Fekel interrupted. "The original prototype was indeed destroyed, Colonel O'Neill. However, the plans were not, and as it was our most highly advanced design, it was rebuilt."
"So this is the 'O'Neill II'?"
"No, the prototype was never fully completed before it was destroyed. This vessel has taken that name in its stead. This is the 'O'Neill'."
The ship was graceful. There didn't seem to be another word for it. It echoed the standard Asgard ship design, but where there were normally angles, there were now curves, and the whole effect spoke of sleek and fast.
He noticed another difference between this ship and the others in dock. A red colour decorated a thin sweep of the hull, like a detail strip on a Mustang. None of the others had any such colouring.
"What's with the red?"
"A sign of honour." Fekel stood tall and looked O'Neill in the eye. "It declares that this ship was named in the honour of a great hero of the Asgard people." He paused. "It was named for you."
Jack didn't know what to say. Normally he would have thought up some wisecrack to deflect attention from himself. But today...today he felt bare and weary. "I'm no hero, Fekel. I just do what needs to be done." He gestured to his team. "These are the people who saved your world. These are the people who are SG-1. You should be thanking them."
He turned away, ignoring the indrawn breath of his teammates.
As soon as the car docked, he was out of there.
Carter caught up with him.
"Sir, what was that?!"
He turned to her. "What?"
"Fekel is upset, terrified he has offended you." Her worried face looked up at him. "I thought you liked the idea of a ship named after you."
"I do. It's just..." He flung a hand in the air. "I don't know." He coughed, clearing his throat. "Get Daniel to apologise for me will you."
"Sir..."
"Carter, not today." He almost pleaded. "Please."
"Yes, sir." She stood so straight she almost saluted, turned and walked back to the others.
Great. Now she's pissed at me as well.
He saw her approach Daniel and whisper in his ear. Fekel stood nearby, literally washing his hands with worry.
Oh, for crying out loud...
He stalked up to Fekel. "Fekel, I'm sorry. It is a great honour to have this," he raised hands towards the 'O'Neill' "this magnificent ship named after me, and I apologise for my abruptness earlier. I am just..." he brought a hand to his head "...not feeling the best today." Another cough punctuated his statement.
The small alien nodded. "I understand, Colonel O'Neill. Do you wish to return to the Centre?"
"No, no, I'm fine. Just a little tired." He smothered another cough. "Lead on. Tour away."
Jack didn't miss the multiple concerned looks directed at him by his team as they were conducted through the complex. He made sure he was at the back of the small group as much as possible to avoid their eyes.
**********
The shipyards were impressive, he had expected no less after what he had seen already. As the day worn on though, he found himself becoming more and more tired, probably due to his lack of sleep the night before, and he had begun to truly push himself by the time they were offered a tour of the 'O'Neill' itself.
He was introduced to the captain of the ship and, for the first time, he walked onto the bridge of an Asgard vessel.
Well, one not overrun with Replicators, that is.
Unlike the 'Bellisnor', the 'O'Neill's bridge only spanned two levels and now, at full operation, both were full of crewmembers going about their business. A huge viewscreen, spanning both levels, was at what Jack assumed was the forward postion.
In the centre of this organised chaos was a dais with several of the familiar control consoles and accompanying high backed chairs.
On the largest sat Thor.
"Thor buddy, how's it hanging?" O'Neill made his way to the platform.
Thor looked confused. "How is what hanging, O'Neill?"
"Oh, uh, never mind." He scratched the back of his head. "So, uh, whatcha been up to?"
"I had thought you might like to join us for a short foray into nearby space."
All thoughts of weariness left him. "You mean we get to take the 'O'Neill' out for a spin?"
Thor's brow wrinkled, but he said, "If I understand you correctly, then yes." He indicated they should join him on the dais. Four of the Asgard chairs disappeared in a flash of light to be replaced by more humanly proportioned furniture.
SG-1 and Fekel sat down, and, with a word from Thor, the ship disappeared.
O'Neill jumped. All around him was the Othallan shipyard, the four other vessels floating quietly in the blue sky. But all that he could see of the 'O'Neill' was the dais beneath his feet. What?
Carter, as usual. beat him to it. "Thor, you have a fully holographic display system built into the ship." Her mouth was hanging open.
"Yes, Major Carter, it is one of the improvements in the 'O'Neill' series of ships."
Jack glanced at Thor. "Series?"
"Yes, the 'Carter' is under construction now."
They all looked at Sam. O'Neill wished he had a camera, it was definitely a Kodak moment - Carter was speechless.
Thor issued an order and the ship began to move. From O'Neill's point of view it seemed as if their platform was coasting in space, but beyond the holographic curtain, the ship that bore his name left dock.
O'Neill had been into space many times before, but he had yet to take a pleasure cruise, or as in this case, a joyride. In fact just about every time he had previously been aboard any spacecraft his life, or someone else's, had been in jeopardy or ended up in it. It was a wonder that he didn't have a complex about it.
He sneaked a look at Thor. The Asgard was clearly waiting on their reactions. He looked almost eager to show off his new toy.
Maybe that was it. The Supreme Commander of the Asgard Fleet wanted to show them his world, and, perhaps, help both sides to get to know each other a little better.
And it obviously didn't hurt to have a little fun along the way.
He really did like Thor. He was his kind of guy.
*********
Thor watched his guests with both eagerness and a little trepidation. He knew he was showing off, but didn't care.
The Asgard Council had expressed various concerns about this venture, particularly regarding exposing the humans to too much Asgard technology. But Thor had argued that the people from Earth had given their talents and experience freely. Should he not give his?
The discussions had taken most of the morning, but eventually he had wrestled permission from his peers under the condition that no technological details were exchanged.
Thor was half hearted about this issue. He agreed with the theory of not giving younger races too many advances in technology too quickly, but there were times where the rule became too ridiculous to apply.
Besides, it wasn't like they weren't going to work it out sooner or later anyway. Certainly not with the keen eyes of Major Carter absorbing everything in sight. The Council was seriously prone to underestimating this race of people.
His eyes sought O'Neill, noting the tiredness in his eyes that hovered beneath the interest he was currently expressing. The human had not fully recovered yet, despite their best efforts. Thor was hoping this little exercise would bring some lightness into the heart of the weary man. A distraction from recent events.
He couldn't speak for O'Neill, but he could speak for himself. He had a small blank area of memory and it alarmed him. The Colonel, with almost seven days of lost thought, and those horrific injuries...
He gave the order. He would take them to Osaris.
**********
O'Neill watched as Othalla shrank to nothing behind them. They passed several different planets, one of which resembled Jupiter enough to send a shiver down his spine.
"Where are we going?"
"Osaris, a nebula, not far from here." Thor paused. "In fact, we are there."
And they were.
A spidery kaleidoscope of shining dust particles surrounded them. An eternal sunset of red, oranges, and gold rippling gently in an unseen breeze.
O'Neill stood up, turning around in amazement. "This is a nebula?" He had seen them through his telescope, but had never expected to be standing amongst one. He had really blown his beauty quota for the day.
Thor stood next to him. "This is Osaris. I used to come out here alone when I was young. It was my place to think and consider." He looked up at O'Neill. "This place has always been special to me. I like to think that it is because it came into being the same day I did. But, truthfully, it has been a refuge in times of worry and sadness and it has always made me feel a little better." He paused, then added. "I hope it will do the same for you."
For the second time that day, Jack didn't know what to say. He saw what Thor was trying to do, saw it for what it was, and appreciated it. What more could a man ask for? He stood in the midst of spectacular beauty, surrounded by his closest friends. He turned to look at Carter, Daniel, and Teal'c, each equally mesmerized by the sight around them. He felt his weariness lift, and, for one moment in time, he was flying.
He let out a breath, turning to Thor once again, and said, sincerely, "Thor, thank you."
From behind them came a moan, and the thud of a body hitting the floor.
**********
FIN