"Report, Doctor?" Hammond asked, as he, the SGC's Chief Medical Officer, her adopted daughter, Cassandra, and all four members of their flagship unit, SG-1, sat around the Briefing Room table.

The General didn't usually let non-SGC personnel sit in on briefings, but Cassandra was a special case. She was, after all, an alien, who'd been rescued from the planet Hanka when she was 11 years old, by the then Captain Samantha Carter, after her people had been wiped out by an evil Goa'uld called Nirrti. Plus, it was one of her friends in critical condition, and he knew she needed some answers too.

"Cassandra," Janet began, turning to her daughter first. "There are some things that you need to know, first, before we begin. And they're going to be very strange things to accept."

"What?" Cass frowned. "How bad can it be, mom? Is he an alien?" She laughed. When there was silence, her jaw dropped. "He's an alien?"

"No..." Jack spoke up, trying to find the best way to tell her this. "Johnny, is it?"

"Yes, but we call him MJ," Cassandra confirmed, sitting back in her chair. "I had started to wonder how he'd be allowed to be brought here. With security and all."

"You see, Cass," Jack started again. "A couple of months ago, an Asgard named Loki kidnapped me, and made a clone of me."

"Johnny is a clone?" The girl said, confused. "But he looks nothing like you. Aren't clones meant to be like exact copies?"

"The thing is, honey, the clone didn't mature properly. This 15-year-old boy showed up for work one day, with Jack's pass. He proved that he was Colonel O'Neill, and we thought at first that he had been turned in to a kid. But we later discovered that the Asgard Loki kidnapped our Jack and made a clone. He sent the clone back, so that we wouldn't know the real Jack was missing. The clone didn't mature properly, and so we obviously noticed something was wrong. He was going to die. They didn't want the clone to survive, or, rather, there was no need for him to. Long story short, we got the original Jack back," The Major responded. She saw Jack grin at the use of his first name – usually it was Colonel or Sir. Never Jack, unless Cassandra was around. They all went by first names with her, even the General. This situation called for a little more authority for the General, but not for Jack.

"Are you saying my friend is dying?" Cassandra asked, feeling tears welling up in her eyes. "I can't believe the guy I've been crushing over is you, Jack. And I can't believe he's dying."

"No, no," Janet piped up. "Jack was very angry when he found out that the clone was going to die, and so, he decided that he wanted Johnny to live. He called Thor and Thor managed to fix him. He's not dying. Not from being a clone, anyway. He's a normal teenage boy, but with the memories of a 47-year-old Colonel."

"And he's in high school, dating a 15-year-old girl?" Cassandra exclaimed, looking at Jack disgustedly. "That is sooooooooo creepy."

"Kinda..." Jack nodded, scratching his head. "I know."

"Was dating," she corrected herself. "They broke up. I felt sorry for him, but now I'm kind of glad. Shawn may be a complete ass, but he's only 17 not 47. Poor Abby...Wait...why did they kidnap Jack? I thought they were our allies?"

"They are," Jack smiled. "Thor is great. We like Thor. It's just this one Asgard, Loki, he thought I was an advanced human. The next step in evolution or something...he thought I was the key to solving their problems. The Asgard clone, they don't have kids like we do. He thought I could be the answer to their problems."

"And were you?"

"No," he sighed. "Now that you know the highlights of the story, we should really move on with the briefing. Okay?"

"Yeah," she said. "How is he doing?"

"He suffered some major injuries," Janet replied, switching from mom-mode to doctor-mode. "We had to operate. There was some internal bleeding, and..."Cassy didn't hear any more.

"Oh God," Cassandra gasped, clamping a hand over her mouth. "Poor Johnny...will he be okay?"

"I think so," Janet replied, placing a hand on her daughter's arm. "I hope so. But Cassandra, you have to prepare yourself for the worst. I'm so sorry, honey. I'm so sorry, Jack. But you both know my staff are the best in the world."

"I have complete faith in you," Jack told her, nodding. Cassandra seemed to cheer up after he'd said this. If Jack thought he'd be okay, then maybe he would.

They noticed that Sam was looking down at her lap, obviously lost in thought. It was strange – she was usually very active in briefings. "Sam, are you okay?" Jack asked, putting a gentle hand on her upper arm. "Sam?"

"I'm fine, sir," she nodded. "It's just very strange."

"You tell me," He smiled. "I know it is."

The General coughed, and all eyes focused on him. "Doctor Jackson, Teal'c, perhaps you should take Cassandra to get some food? I expect she's very hungry," he suggested. Daniel and Teal'c nodded, and stood up, as did Cassandra.

Once they were alone, the General looked to Janet. "Doctor, what are the boy's chances?" The boy. He'd decided at the start of this, the clone deserved to be called Johnny, kid, son, boy, whatever. So long as it wasn't clone. He was a real person, with feelings. He was Jack O'Neill, in a younger body. He was a person that the General greatly admired, and he deserved their respect. He knew that they had all thought the same.

"Fifty fifty," she replied grimly. "I didn't want to say that infront of Cassy."

"Oh god," Jack sighed, leaning on the table. "Is there nothing we can do to give him a better chance?"

Janet coughed, and looked over at Sam. The Major stared down at her lap, knowing what was about to be suggested. All eyes turned to her. She leaned forward, elbows on the table, and buried her face in her hands.

To her surprise, she felt a hand on her back. When she sat back in her chair, she looked over at O'Neill. His expression was calm, and kind. "Carter, don't worry. You don't have to do anything you don't want to. I could order you, if I was a bastard, but I would never do that. I care about your happiness, and your wellbeing. And I know how messed up you feel afterward. I know how miserable it makes you, and I don't want you to do it for that reason. I won't put you through it. Don't worry."

She closed her eyes for a minute, thinking, and then opened them again. "I do hate using Goa'uld technology, but in certain situations it is unavoidable," She paused. "However it is the ribbon device I have the most trouble with. When I use it, it's terrifying. It's really, really, terrifying. The last time I used it, when I took out those Jaffa, I was such a mess. Because there was a part of me that wanted to kill twelve people."

"Twelve Jaffa, Carter, there's a big difference," O'Neill pointed out. "Twelve Jaffa that would have been more than happy to kill you, I might add."

"They're still living things. I wanted to kill them, and that scares me more than anything. There is evil inside me," she said. All color had drained from her face, and she looked ill and troubled. He reminded himself to make sure she got extra rest this week, the last mission had been a tough one, and she'd sustained some pretty bad injuries herself.

"You were a wreck after the last time, an emotional wreck. And I remember the nine hours I spent at your house trying to convince you that you were a good person, and not, infact, an evil bitch who deserved to die," he said, shaking his head at the memory that he'd tried to erase from his mind. "And that's why I didn't bring it up."

"That's the ribbon device. The healing device heals. Not kills. But it still scares me, and I still hate having to use it," she said, tapping her fingers on the table. "But I am prepared to use it to heal...Johnathan. I'm not prepared to let him die because I'm slightly uncomfortable with my ability to heal. That's unacceptable, and frankly, I'm surprised that you don't want me to try, sir. I do appreciate your concern though, a lot."

"You are my officer, Sam, you're my second in command, and my friend. You're already injured and drained, I can tell by looking at you. You are my priority. Johnny is important to me also, in a very blurry, strange way. But it's you that comes first," He told her, patting her hand. "You're part of my team."

"Thank you sir," Sam smiled. "I'll do it."

"Are you sure?" He asked, smiling, but also giving her a worried look. She knew that he was asking her if she was up to it, and telling her she could back out.

"Yes," she nodded. "I'm sure."

Cassandra Frasier took a sip of her coffee, set it down on the bedside cabinet and then sat back in her plastic chair. She stared at the figure lying in the bed and sighed. He was battered and bruised, and she wondered if he really would be okay.

"Johnny," she whispered. "Johnny, it's Cassy. I really hope you pull through. You can't do this to Abby. Think about Abby, she'll have to live with the guilt for the rest of her life, wishing she'd treated you better, even that she'd just got to say goodbye. You can't leave her, or Gracie, or me. You've got to get better, you hear me?" There was no reply, and she took his hand in hers. "You...the original Jack...he saved my life. And you're him, so, you saved my life too. You remember saving me, you remember every birthday for the last seven years. You remember giving me a dog, and building me a tree house when I was twelve. And picking me up from school all those times and, and taking care of me those two days when I was sick and mom was working. During your leave, and you chose to take care of me and miss part of your fishing trip. And, that time when you took me to the theme park, and I was so amazed at everything. It was incredible. And we stayed and watched the fireworks! I remember all these things, and so do you. You're such a good person, and I can't lose you. Two Jack O'Neill's is a blessing. And I want you both!" She sighed. "I'm rambling now. But the silence needs filling, don't you think?"

She felt a hand on her shoulder, and she looked up. "Hey Sam," she smiled feintly. "I guess you heard all that?"

"Some of it," Carter nodded, sitting down beside the girl. "Don't worry, I think you're very sweet. I always have."

Cassy laughed, and leaned against her friend. "Sam, do you think he'll get better?"

"I know he will," she replied. "You know that day at the hospital when I came to see you, and you knew I had Jolinar?"

"Yeah, how could I forget it? It was terrifying. Seeing you, with glowing eyes. I thought you were going to kill me," Cass nodded, any remaining colour draining from her face.

"Well you know the reason you could sense it was because of the leftover Naquada in your blood, from the bomb?" Sam continued. "Well, I have Naquada left in my blood, and the memories and stuff, of Jolinar. That means that I can use Goa'uld technology."

"I don't get it," Cassy frowned.

"Well they have a healing device," Sam smiled, pulling Cassandra closer. "And I'm going to use it on...Johnny, and try and heal him. It doesn't always work. My power is weak and untrained, and I am weak from my injuries. But I will try my best to help him. He may not be fully healed, but it may be enough to keep him alive."

"That's great," Cassy exclaimed, hugging her friend. "Oh my god. That is such great news! So he is going to be okay!"

"There is a chance it won't work," Sam said, stroking her hair. "Cassy, there is a chance. When Daniel died, before he died, I tried to heal him, and it didn't work. We're going to try it. We have to keep our fingers crossed."

"Okay."

"Colonel O'Neill, Doctor Frasier, General Hammond and I are going to be present. You can be here, if you want to be, but I'm not sure. Daniel and Teal'c don't need to be here and have decided that it's best that they stay out of the way. There are other patients to think of," she explained, letting go of the teenager. "If you'd like to be here, then fine. But remember that I'm going to be using Goa'uld technology. I'm using it for a good cause, but it still might not be something you want to see. I don't want to scare or upset you, I know Nirrti had hand and healing devices."

"I'll be okay," Cassandra said firmly. "I'll stay."

Sam patted her hand, and then stood up. "I've got to go and get the healing device from the lock up. I'll be back in ten minutes. Are you okay here? You need the bathroom, or a drink?"

"No, but I know where to go if I do," she nodded, shifting in her seat.

"It's a big mountain."

"I've spent a lot of time here," Cass grinned. "I know my way around."

"Carter!" O'Neill called, jogging up to her. She turned around and gave him her best smile. "Hey. How are you feeling?" He asked.

"Pretty good," she shrugged. "Don't worry, I can do this."

"I have never, ever doubted you," he said, placing a hand on her back. "You talk to Cass yet?" Sam nodded. "Let's go get that Goa'uld healer thing."

They arrived in the infirmary to find everyone ready and waiting. O'Neill patted Carter, showing her his support, and stood between Cassandra and General Hammond, out of the way.

Sam put the healing device on, and stepped forward, so that she was looking down at Johnny. She placed her hand above his stomach, and closed her eyes.

There was complete silence in the room, and the device activated, letting off a beautiful orange glow.

Sam stood there, the device healing, for a couple of minutes. Her eyes were screwed shut, and she was frowning. Then, suddenly, she opened her eyes, and the device stopped. She placed her other hand on her stomach, and took another deep breath.

She looked over at O'Neill and saw his eyebrow raise. He shot her a concerned look, but she nodded and then closed her eyes again, focusing.

The device began to glow again, and it kept going for another minute, before it cut off, and Sam fell to the floor.

O'Neill was at her side immediately, and scooped her up in his arms. He carried her over to the next bed, and lay her down. Janet came over and he left her to it, returning to Johnny's bed.

The boy slowly opened his eyes and looked up at his older self. "SGC?" He croaked.

"Yes," Jack nodded. "Sam just healed you. You're going to be okay."

"I don't feel okay," Johnny mumbled, fighting to keep his eyes open.

"She uhh, she passed out while she was healing you, son," Hammond told him, stepping forward into Johnny's view. "She may not have been able to heal you totally, but I am sure she managed to heal you enough to keep you alive. Had us all quite worried. Welcome back to Cheyenne Mountain, Johnathan."

"Thank you, sir," He said, trying his best to smile. He was too tired to salute, his arm ached like crazy. All of him ached like crazy. Plus, he wasn't air force any more, so he didn't have to. "Sam?"

Janet appeared, "she'll be okay, she's just exhausted. She was injured recently on a mission, and she wasn't back to full strength yet. Healing you just tired her out."

"Janet," he nodded. His eyes closed for a minute, and then he half opened them again. "Tired."

"We'll be back later," His older self told him, with a smile. He saluted casually, and then walked over to Sam's bed. Hammond nodded and left the infirmary, and Cassandra pulled up a chair beside the bed.

"I'll stay here, if that's okay with you, Jack," she grinned, holding his hand. "You can sleep, I'll just sit here with you."

"Of course," He smiled. "Cassykins." Cassandra laughed at this – her pet name from when she was eleven. Jack had always called her that, since her first Christmas.

"Candycane," she said, and he nodded slightly. He had the headache of all headaches too. "You always called me that too. Mom?"

"Do you need some painkillers, Johnny?" The doctor asked him, as she scribbed down notes on his chart. "We have morphine." He took hold of her hand and squeezed it, and she took that as a yes. "Okay, I'll be right back."

"Hey Sam," Jack smiled, as his second in command woke up. "How you doin?"

She blinked, and gave him a sleepy smile. "I'm okay," she said, "Exhausted."

"Not surprised," he nodded, sitting forward. "Johnny is asleep, but he did wake up. He's going to be okay. He's out of danger anyway. It didn't completely heal him, he'll be in hospital for a couple of weeks but, he'll pull through."

"That's good," she nodded. "I'm glad...I guess I passed out then?" Jack nodded and she sighed. "I do that a lot these days."

"You do...that's why my hair is growing thin," he laughed. "Seriously, I'm really proud of what you did. You were sick yourself, and you did something you hate doing, to save his life. My life. Thank you."

"Anytime."

Not the best place to end it, I know, but I needed to split it. I originally was going to carry on, but now I'm writing some of the scenes intended for this chapter, in the next.