The Jaffa were in formation and heading through the gate, their packs and equipment slung over one shoulder while their staff weapons were in the other, where they would be accessible in case they were needed. Even though they were heading into friendly territory and had no reason to believe an ambush or other situation was waiting for them, you didn't get to be an old Jaffa by not being prepared for anything, after all.

Watching them from the ground level, Ford and a small group of mixed Marines and Air Force personnel were standing at attention as they were making their way to the gate, more an honor guard than anything else, since the Jaffa weren't a threat to Atlantis – and never would be.

Melony and Teal'c stood at the top of the staircase watching, and Jack came up to stand between them, completely unaware that tradition dictated nothing and no one stand between a System Lord and her or his First Prime. Of course, had he known about it he wouldn't have cared, and neither Melony nor Teal'c minded – both were far from traditionalists themselves, after all.

"I expect postcards from you both," he said, watching the Jaffa and knowing that when the last of them went through the gate, Melony and Teal'c would go as well. And while they'd be returning to Atlantis in a relatively short time, it would probably be a while before Jack saw either of them.

"We'll send you care packages," Melony promised, smiling.

As soon as they explained what a care package was to Teal'c.

"Keep an eye on her for me, Teal'c."

"I will, O'Neill."

Jack nodded, and left the room, unwilling to watch them leave – he'd said goodbye to too many people in his time, and refused to draw it out by watching as the rest of the Jaffa filed out of Atlantis.

"They're going to be fine."

He turned and saw that Sam had followed him out of the room and into the empty hall.

"I know…"

She smiled, understanding.

"But you'll still worry about them."

"That's my job."

She moved up to him, and put her arms around him.

"Come here."

And he did. He rested his head on her shoulder, moving closer so that she could hug him tightly, and he held her for a long moment, taking comfort in her embrace. Yeah, Melony would be fine. She had Teal'c, after all, and look at how many times the big goober had saved Jack's life. Not to mention she had Talon, and Jack now knew intimately just how much that snake loved her.

Yeah, she'd be fine. But he'd still worry about her. Her and Teal'c both.

OOOOOOOO

"You'll be back soon?"

Teal'c and Melony both turned from watching the Jaffa, and saw Teyla had moved up to stand beside Teal'c. She wasn't watching the Jaffa, she was watching Teal'c, and right behind her was Carson, who looked like he'd been planning on asking the same question.

"Before you know it," Melony promised.

"Indeed," Teal'c agreed.

He and Melony had already discussed things, and the Jaffa knew that he was going to be doing a lot of gate hopping – even more than she was, most likely – but he'd have plenty of time for Teyla. For that matter, Teal'c and Melony would be relying on her to introduce them to those people living on planets that had already been culled by the Wraith. It'd be easier to get them to accept help if not all the people offering were strangers, after all.

Melony smiled at Carson.

"You'll help Colonel Sheppard?"

"Aye."

Carson was probably as much of an expert when it came to the Mok as anyone (he'd studied them as they'd been gathering them up into the Wraith ships, after all) and he'd offered to help Sheppard and McKay in their quest for a perfect home for the Mok.

She wanted to hug him, but she couldn't. Not just then. Luckily, he understood, and instead he settled for another smile.

"I'll see you soon."

"Yes."

The last of the Jaffa were heading through the gate, now, and Weir walked over, flanked by Rodney and Sheppard.

"Colonel?"

She handed Melony a small box.

"What's this?"

"New recognition codes," Rodney said, speaking up before Elizabeth could. "All the codes are going to be updated, since we expect there's going to be a lot of gate travel in the immediate future, and I figured you might as well get yours now."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

She looked at the gate once more. It was their turn to go; the Jaffa were all clear.

"We'll be back in about a week," she reminded them.

Elizabeth nodded.

"We'll have a fresh pot of coffee brewing."

Ah, how well she knows you!

Melony grinned.

"C'mon, Teal'c."

She turned and headed down the stairs, with Teal'c only a step behind her. As she passed Ford and his security team – complete with newly promoted Sergeant Sanchez – she tossed them a sketchy salute; one that was returned with huge smiles.

Then she and Teal'c were gone.

Carson sighed, and Elizabeth put an arm over his shoulder.

"Come on, Carson. No time for depression. We have work to do."

Places to go, people to see, Mok to transplant.

"Aye."

Plenty to do, and no Wraith breathing down their necks while they did it.