As they entered the mountain Jacob turned to Jack finally being able to voice the one question that had been on his mind since the man had hung up the phone. "Who came through the Gate?"
"They didn't say, only that you and I were needed." The two got into the elevator, both still trying to figure out what they could have been needed for the day before Sam and Jack were supposed to get married.
The two were in deep conversation when they walked through the door of the briefing room, so neither immediately noticed their guest.
"Colonel O'Neill, Jacob, sorry to drag you in on your downtime." Hammond waved them into the room and the two sat down at the briefing table.
"Colonel, I'm sorry, General Hammond explained what's going on and I'm sorry for interrupting, but a situation has arisen requiring Selmac's attention, and if at all possible the help of SG-1." Nathan Tanner turned to face the two men before him and nodded sadly to them.
"What's going on?" Jack asked. It was obvious to all those around him he was ready to blow a gasket.
"There's been a development. I've been sent through to retrieve Selmac."
Jacob looked up at this point. "That's just not possible."
Nathan's head dropped, indicating Levi was taking over. When he looked back up the shy look in the young man's eyes had disappeared. "Selmac, it is detrimental that you return immediately."
Jacob's face turned hard as he stared at Nathan. "I cannot, Levi. I am as bound to this ceremony as Jacob."
Nathan regained control and looked sadly up at General Hammond. "May I request sanctuary until such time that we can return? I am still believed to be a minor Goa'uld, but the System Lords are gathering to take us out."
Jack returned to the conversation, staring at Nathan. "Nate, how old are you?"
"Seventeen, but what does that have to do with anything?"
"You're just a kid."
"And you don't think I'm fit to help defend our planet? Our galaxy? With all due respect, Colonel, but you obviously didn't look into my background very well when I was missing."
The furious glare sent Jack's way sent him over the edge. "Listen you little punk! I don't care how high and mighty those snakeheads make you feel-"
"I was sent away to military school the second I was old enough!" Nate screamed. Jack looked doubtful but Hammond just nodded, indicating he was telling the truth. "I'm sorry, sir. I meant no disrespect." Nate bowed and sat down at the briefing table.
General Hammond nodded to him and spoke. "You've been through a lot, Nate. We'll have quarters set up for you until you leave."
"Thank you, General. Um, may I ask what you told my school?"
"You are still missing for the time being."
Nate nodded in understanding. "Sir, I have a request."
"We'll see what we can do, son, but I won't guarantee anything," Hammond answered.
"We would like to stay. After this mission is over Levi and I would like to finish my schooling."
"I'll see what we can do about that, but I'm not sure they'll allow an alien into our military schools. Security reasons, you understand?"
"Thank you anyway." Nate stood and followed the Airman that had been called to show him to his quarters.
Jack turned to the General and leaned his elbows on the table. "Sir, I'd like to bring him back to the house."
"Colonel?"
"He's been ripped away from everything he's known for the last seventeen years. I'd like to take him to see his parents. Besides, he's still a kid, and I think he owes Sam an apology," Jack explained.
"Granted, but only if he stays w/ base personnel or Jacob the entire time."
"Thank you, sir. I think I'll go let him know." Jack stood up and left to find Nate's quarters.
Hammond watched the man leave then dropped his head in his hands, rubbing his temples. "You know, this was supposed to be an easy assignment on my way to retirement."
Jacob laughed. "And I'm supposed to be dead, but I wouldn't miss this for the world."
A/N: Okay, I'm sooo sorry it took so long but 1) we've been trying to get my best friend ready for graduation which was today, and 2) I've sorta had writer's block with this one. sorry again, i'll try to get more going but i think i need reviews to REALLY fuel it. wink wink nudge nudge. lol. thanks y'all!