The next week was a flurry of activity for everyone involved. Nonessential personnel were gathered up and sent off to Earth – as were a few of Teyla's people; those that were willing. Most of these weren't – they didn't want to leave their homes or be separated from loved ones in the event that something would go wrong, but many of the children were sent off with a small group of guardians. Parents didn't like the thought of being separated from their offspring, obviously, but they liked the thought of that offspring being killed even less.

"Do I have to go?" Jinto asked his father one last time, his eyes pleading for the answer to be no, although he knew it wasn't going to be.

Halling, predictably, nodded.

"I want you to be safe."

"I want to stay with you."

"I know – and I want to be with you. But right now that isn't possible – and Colonel Mitchell's people will treat you very well – I promise."

The Athosian looked at Melony, obviously hoping for a little help. Which she was more than willing to give. She came over and stood by Jinto as well, smiling down at him.

"You have to go, Jinto. I already told Doctor Fraiser to expect you – and she'll be dreadfully disappointed if you don't show up."

"Plus you have to give her my letter," Daniel added. He'd given Jinto a letter to pass on to Janet – telling her that he was fine and everything was going according to plan. She, of course, knew all about the plan, and had tried to get Hammond to allow her to go to Atlantis where she said she might be of help. Hammond, however, had told her she was needed where she was – and that was final.

"It's important that you're not here, Jinto," Melony said, reaching out and touching the boy's cheek. "We can't be worrying about you and the Wraith. That's too much. So if you're safe then we can concentrate on just the Wraith – and hopefully have you back here in a few days."

If everything went according to plan, of course. Otherwise, he and the rest of the children – and the few adults – would become permanent guests of the SGC or one of the Jaffa held planets.

Grudgingly the boy went. He didn't want to, but he while he'd argue with his father – what boy didn't – he wouldn't dream of arguing with Mitchell and Talon.

The gate engaged, and with a final look back, he stepped through it with the others.

There was a relieved sigh in the room when the last of the noncombatants left, and the gate shut down, and Daniel looked at Grodin.

"How much longer do we have?"

"The Wraith are converging now," the man answered, looking at his screen. They had several listening stations that they'd put into use – technically, the Ancients had had them, but the Atlanteans were using them, now. "It's chilling to see how many there really are…"

It was chilling to think of them all heading in the same direction as well, but no one said it.

"The pilots are ready," Jack said, confidently. He'd been taking them through an obstacle course that was designed to look exactly like the lava tubes, and had made them all drill with the Jaffa so each group of Jaffa would know who was picking up whom. It had been surprisingly easy – at least it had seemed surprising until Jack realized that the Jaffa were just as disciplined as any of his troops home were – more so, even.

"The shield dropper is ready, too," Sam reported, nodding. "We're setting up the explosives in the morning – although we won't actually hook them to the crystals until the last minute – to avoid any accidents."

Rodney nodded.

"The crystals are in place, however, and I really think this explosions going to be even nigger than I first suspected – the more calculations I do."

"Too big?" Daniel asked.

"There's no such thing," Jack said, and Melony nodded her agreement.

"If nothing's going to be at risk, then I'm all for the biggest explosion we can get. I don't want anything left. Not the way these guys regenerate."

"How's the escape route coming?" Sam asked.

"We're ready. Or as ready as we can be. It's in place – I just need to get Kale's help to set the destination point above the water here in Atlantis. Then I'll finish the calibrations and we'll be go."

Kale stepped over to stand by her.

"Whenever you want to go, Colonel."

She gave him a smile – despite the tension in the room from the seriousness of their planning, she had half a mind to go for a swim. They probably had time.

Probably not

We might.

And if you get killed this time?

I survived last time.

It might have just been luck

She started to protest, but Talon interrupted.

Just finish this first, Hot Shot. Then we'll see what we can do about your overwhelming need to jump from high places

She nodded – although she wasn't happy at being thwarted – even by him.

Fine.

And don't sulk

I'm not.

It feels like sulking

It's not.

He chuckled in her head, and she had to smile. Instead of letting the others think she was bonkers, she turned the smile on Kale.

"No time like the present. Are you doing anything right now?"

"No."

"Then let's go."