Chapter 21 – Perchance to Dream

JJ's eyes flew open and he sat up straight, his breath coming in heaving gasps. He looked about his darkened bedroom and waited for his eyes to adjust to the dark. He'd had that same dream again; the one that he'd been having for the past few nights. But it didn't make any sense to him, for he couldn't understand it. Pushing aside the covers, JJ slide out of bed and made his way to the bathroom just across the hall from his room.

He sat on the closed toilet seat and took a few deep breaths, trying to calm his beating heart. When he felt the uneasiness subside, JJ got a quick drink of water, turned off the light, and went back into the hallway. But instead of returning to his room, he paused and looked down the hall toward his parent's room. The door was closed, but he could see a faint sliver of light escaping from the room, telling him that someone was still awake, most likely his mother. JJ took a step forward, then paused. More than anything, he wanted to go to his parents and seek their reassurance.

He knew they would never just dismiss his dreams, or laugh at him, for his parents took all of their children's concerns very seriously. But another part of him didn't want to confide in them. After all, he was a third grader now, and third graders didn't go running to their parents every time they had a bad dream.

JJ's head turned toward the wall and took in the vast array of family portraits proudly displayed there. Pictures of him, Grace, and Maddie at various stages of development hung on the wall, along with a few wedding pictures and a picture of his mom, dad, Uncle Daniel and Uncle Teal'c when they used to work together. JJ smiled at the picture of Katie Rose and Nicky taken just this past summer, when the Jackson family had taken a trip to Egypt; Katie and Nicky sported small pith helmets and grinned at the camera amidst the backdrop of the Great Pyramids.

His eyes continued to roam the wall, and JJ's smile faltered as he took in the final grouping of pictures; those of the older step-brother that he had never met. The step-brother that that died 10 years before JJ himself was born. His parents had told them all about Charlie, of course. How he had been a lot like JJ himself; interested in sports, liked hanging out with his friends, and enjoyed school. And he knew that Charlie had died when he was only ten because of some accident in his home. But JJ often felt that his father was leaving something out when he talked about the accident.

JJ reached out a hesitant hand and touched the picture, wondering as he always did if he and Charlie would have gotten along well together. He wondered too, if Charlie had had bad dreams when he was JJ's age. He could have gone to Charlie…asking a brother for help was much different than asking a parent. At nine years of age, it didn't occur to JJ that, had Charlie lived, his parents might never have gotten married and he wouldn't exist. All JJ knew was that this picture often made his dad quiet and sad, but JJ was still very curious about the boy, as was Grace.

JJ let his hand drop to his side. Heaving a quiet sigh, he looked down the hall once more before he turned and made his way back to his room.

-----

Head leaning against his hand, JJ idly drew in his notebook while he listened to his teacher. They had begun a unit in science on the solar system. While JJ had an incredible depth of knowledge on the subject, he was always an eager learner and so paid close attention…most of the time. But today, his mind was on other things…namely his dream.

Mr. Miller was explaining the difference between comets and asteroids to the class when he walked past JJ's desk. Pausing, the tall man looked down at JJ's notebook and frowned.

"Mr. O'Neill, would you care to share what you're working on with the rest of the class?"

JJ shot up straight and looked around at the amused faces of the children around him. Looking back down at his notebook, he muttered, "No, Sir."

"Well, then, I'd suggest that you pay attention instead of drawing…what is that you're drawing?" Mr. Miller's curiosity got the better of him as he looked at the intricate drawing of a large, dark ring. Symbols seemed to be etched around the outside of the circular object in regular intervals.

JJ looked down at his notebook and felt his face flush even more. "Um, it's nothing, Mr. Miller. Just a design."

"Hmm. Well, maybe I should hang onto it for a while, just so you can concentrate a bit better. I'll give it back to you at the end of the day." The teacher held his hand out expectantly. JJ ripped the picture out of his notebook and quietly handed it over. Mr. Miller smiled at JJ as he took the proffered paper; JJ was such a good student that he wasn't overly upset with the boy over this aberration in his behavior. "As I was telling the class, comets are usually named after the people who discovered them. As an extra credit assignment, I would like those of you who are interested, to work on a research project about a particular comet. Tell us who it was named for and when it was discovered." Mr. Miller's smile grew as he took in the look of interest on JJ O'Neill's face. He knew he had the boy's full interest now.

-----

As the last bell of the day rang, JJ walked slowly up to Mr. Miller's desk, not quite certain how he would be received. The kindly teacher looked up at JJ and studied him for a moment before saying gently. "It isn't like you to not pay attention in class, JJ. Especially in science," he smiled. "I know you already know a lot about space, but I was hoping you'd show a bit more interest when we began our discussion of comets and asteroids. You seem to be rather distracted today. Is there anything I can help you with?"

JJ blinked; this had not been what he was expecting. Biting on his lower lip in a manner very similar to his mother's, JJ spent a moment in quiet contemplation. Should he or should he not entrust his teacher with his problem? Finally, JJ made up his mind. Quietly, he began, "It's just…I've been having this dream. Lots of times lately. And I don't know what it means."

"I see." The teacher frowned in concern. "Have you talked to your parents about this dream of yours, JJ?" Mr. Miller asked kindly.

JJ ruefully shook his head.

"Does your dream happen to have anything to do with your drawing?"

JJ looked at Mr. Miller, eyes widening in sudden revelation. He hadn't really thought about it as he drew it, but that ring was in his dreams. He hadn't consciously set about doing it, but he had drawn it today in class.

Mr. Miller smiled. "I take it that's a yes." When JJ nodded in response, Mr. Miller reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a large envelope, into which he had placed JJ's drawing. "JJ, I really think you need to talk to your parents about this dream; and show them your drawing. You need to get this cleared up. Not only to put your mind at ease, but also in order to concentrate better in school," he added with a grin.

JJ took the envelope and put it into his backpack, then smiled shyly at Mr. Miller. "I will, Mr. Miller. Thank you."

The teacher stood up and placed his hand on JJ's shoulder. "You're very welcome, JJ. Now, you'd best get going before you miss the bus." As JJ turned to go, Mr Miller called back, "And don't forget about starting that research project. But just starting, mind you. I don't want a completed report on my desk tomorrow…you need time to play too!" Mr. Miller grinned at the young boy.

JJ grinned back, then turned and left the classroom, leaving a slightly puzzled teacher in his wake.

----

JJ was more subdued than usual during dinner, but Grace and Maddie more than made up for it. Grace was regaling their parents with a story about the goings on in the lunchroom during the first grader's lunch period.

"…And then Marcus, he's in Ms. Busby's class, he throwed up all over the table! Everyone jumped up and yelled and spilled their lunches! The clerks had to come over and clean it up! Mr. Strewel, the janitor, came in with special cleaning stuffs and cleaned up the floor. The clerks tried to get us to sit back down and finish our lunches, but I couldn't eat no more. It was bisgusting!" The little girl wrinkled her nose for added emphasis.

Jack grimaced as he looked down at the spaghetti on his fork, then let it fall to his plate with a clatter. "Yeah, I bet it was. Thanks so much for that little story Grace."

Grace smiled at him, totally missing out on the sarcastic comment. "You're welcome daddy. Does you want to hear about what Ashley did in the bathroom?"

"No!" both parents shouted a bit more loudly than they intended. Grace just shrugged her shoulders and resumed her dinner. There were a few moments of comfortable silence, during which Jack once again picked up his fork to try and continue eating his dinner.

"Poppy frowed up on the rug wast night," Maddie stated, wanting to continue to same strain of conversation her sister started.

"Oh for crying out loud," Jack grumbled as he once again dropped his fork. "Can we please not talk about bodily functions at the dinner table?"

Sam hid a grin, then looked over at JJ, who hadn't entered the conversation. "You're awfully quiet, JJ. Everything all right?"

JJ looked up at his mother and nodded his head, his mouth full of food.

Sam smiled. "So, what did you do at school today?"

"Something not disgusting, please," Jack added with a look of distaste toward Grace, who just smiled sweetly at him.

JJ, who had been thinking about how to approach his parents about the drawing and his dream, considered for a moment before answering. He wondered for a brief moment if his mother could read his thoughts, before dismissing the idea. "Uhm…we started learning about space," JJ offered, swallowing down his food.

Sam's eyes brightened. "Really? What are you studying?"

"Well, we just started talking today about asteroids and comets today. Mr. Miller is letting some of us do reports on a particular comet. They've all been named for people, did you know that?" JJ asked.

Straightening in her seat and leaning forward, Sam replied, "Actually, the practice of naming comets is relatively new, considering how long scientists have been studying the solar system. The first comet to be named for an astronomer was Haley's comet, named sometime after 1759. Did you know that comets are also given a designation number that precedes the name? The number signifies…"

"Sam."

Sam stopped and looked at Jack, who sported a slight frown and shook his head at her. Flushing slightly, she turned back to JJ and shrugged her shoulders. "Sorry." Then she smiled. "So, do you know what comet you want to write a report on?"

JJ cocked his head thoughtfully for a moment before replying. "Well, not Haley's comet, that one's too popular. I want to find one that is more obscure than that." Jack raised his eyebrows at his son's choice of words, then looked over at Sam accusingly. She smiled a bit smugly at him before returning to JJ.

"Well, I can help you get started on the computer after dinner, if you want," she offered.

"Uh," Jack interrupted. "I think he's supposed to do this on his own, dear."

Sam turned to him with a frown. "I'm only going to help him get started, Jack. I'm not going to do his assignment for him…what would he learn if I did that?" she stated with some consternation.

Jack held up his hands. "I'm just saying."

"Daddy, what does bobscure mean?" Grace interrupted, thinking of the big word JJ had used.

Sam sat back in her chair and crossed her arms, a challenging smile lighting her eyes as she waited for Jack's reply.

Jack frowned back at Sam, then replied, "Uh, I'll tell you while you and Maddie take your baths. Come on, ladies, let's go." Jack took their plates to the sink, then led his daughters to the bathroom.

He scowled when Sam passed him and whispered, "She's not going to forget, you know." Crap, Jack thought. He knew his wife was right. Not that he didn't know what obscure meant…he just didn't have any idea how to explain it to a six year old!

----

Once Grace and Maddie had been put to bed and JJ had spent a considerable amount of time on the computer doing research for his project, Jack called to him to start getting ready for bed. JJ turned off the computer, got his pajamas on and brushed his teeth. Then he grabbed the envelope Mr. Miller had given him at the end of the day and returned to the living room where his parents were sitting on the couch, reading over something his mom had brought home from work. JJ put the envelope behind his back and stood watching them quietly for a few moments.

Sensing her son in the room, Sam closed the file and turned to the boy with a smile. "Did you get a lot done on your comet report?"

JJ just nodded in reply, then bit his lower lip and looked down at the floor. Frowning slightly, Sam asked, "Is something wrong, JJ?"

Once again, JJ nodded in reply, but didn't make a move to say another word.

"Your sister take something from your room again?" Jack asked. It hadn't been too long ago when Maddie had entered JJ's room and gotten a hold of one of his model spaceships. The model hadn't lasted long in her little fingers.

At the question from his father, JJ looked up and shook his head. Jack frowned at his continued silence. "Come 'ere," he stated gently, making room for JJ on the couch between him and Sam and holding out one arm.

JJ walked over and settled into the spot between them, placing the envelope on his lap and looking down at it. Jack placed his arm around his son. then exchanged a look of concern with Sam before she gently said, "JJ, you can tell us anything. You know that, don't you?"

JJ looked up and replied quietly, "Yes."

"So, what's going on, sport?" Jack asked from his other side.

JJ heaved a sigh, fingering the envelope as he got ready to talk. "Mr. Miller took something away from me today during science," he finally began. "I wasn't really paying much attention," he admitted with a flush of guilt. "I was drawing instead."

Sam raised her eyebrows in surprise; it wasn't like her son to not pay attention in class. "Why is that, sweetheart?" she asked.

JJ looked up at her, his eyes filling with tears. "There's something that I wanted to tell you and dad…but I didn't know how," he whispered. "I've been having…weird dreams."

Jack frowned, wondering why JJ hadn't told them sooner. "Dreams…about what?"

JJ bit his lip again, then turned his eyes to his father. "I don't really know for sure," he said in a confused voice. "Sometimes you're there, and mom. Sometimes Uncle Teal'c and Uncle Danny…and even Grandpa." He looked over at Sam. "You promise…you promise you won't laugh?" he asked with real worry in his voice.

"Oh JJ, we'd never laugh at you," Sam assured him as she pulled him closer.

JJ leaned into her side for a moment, then took a steadying breath before pulling away from her. Very carefully, he lifted the flap on the envelope and drew out his drawing. It was face down, so his parents couldn't see it yet. "This is what I was drawing during science class. I didn't really know what I was drawing until I talked to Mr. Miller after school. I…I don't know what it is, but this is what I keep dreaming about." Slowly, JJ turned the paper over and let it rest on his lap.

He was more than a little surprised by the quiet gasp that escaped his mother's throat. He looked at her quickly and didn't miss the look of surprise and perhaps fear that crossed her face. His head swung to look at his father, whose face showed absolute confusion; but there was more than a hint of recognition in his features as he stared down at the drawing.

Heart beating faster, JJ stammered out, "What's wrong? Do you know what it is?" His head swung back and forth between his parents, waiting for an answer.

Jack looked at Sam, total bafflement on his face. There was no mistaking what their son had drawn. The question was; how?

Gently, Sam took the drawing from JJ's hands and studied it more closely. It bore an uncanny resemblance to the Stargate; right down to the Chevron symbols etched along its side. True, the symbols weren't correct, but they were close enough to at least resemble some of them. Turning to her son, she said, "This is what you keep dreaming about?" When JJ nodded his head, she looked back down at the drawing for a moment. "When you dream about it…what happens?" she asked quietly.

JJ glanced at the drawing in her hand before answering. "Sometimes, a big burst of something shoots out of it, like bubbles. Other times, it has a blue middle, kind of like water. And…you and dad walk right through the middle…and disappear, and me and Grace and Maddie are crying for you to come back, but you don't. Not right away at least," he whispered.

Sam turned a concerned gaze to Jack, who looked back helplessly. JJ had not been down to that part of the SGC, nor had his parents ever told them about the Stargate itself. JJ looked up at that moment and saw the looks that his parents exchanged. "You know what it is, don't you?" he whispered. "It's real."

Their gazes held for a few more tense moments before Jack pulled JJ onto his lap. "Listen, JJ. You know that your mom and I do some things that…well, that we can't tell you and your sisters about. Not yet anyway. Right?" When JJ nodded his head, Jack continued. "Your…dream…well, it's something that mommy and I do know about, but we can't tell you about it."

JJ's lower lip trembled but he tried hard not to give in to tears as he stuttered, "Is it…is it going to…take you and mommy away from us?" He sniffed and wiped at his eyes, not entirely successful at keeping his tears at bay. Poppy whined and came over to rest her head on JJ's knee. She didn't like it when any of the children were upset.

Jack hugged his son close. "No little man. It's not going to take us away from you or your sisters," he looked to Sam for help.

She placed her hand on JJ's arm, the other still holding the drawing. "This…ring you drew. People can walk through it, JJ. Daddy and I, well, we don't walk through the middle very much, like you saw in your dream. It's really something that's…well, it's quite fascinating actually." Her voice held that familiar tone for when she was very interested in something.

JJ bit on his lower lip and nodded, feeling at least a little reassured about the whole thing. "Mommy," he only called her this when he was upset, "Why am I dreaming about it?"

Giving a pained look at Jack, Sam replied quietly, "I don't know, JJ. But daddy and I will figure it out." She cupped his cheek gently in her hands. "I don't want you to worry about it anymore, OK?"

"Ok," came the quiet reply. He would try, but Sam knew he was too much like her to let it go that easily.

"And JJ," Jack added with a serious tone. "You must not tell Grace about this. We don't want to scare her."

"Actually," Sam added hesitantly as she locked gazes with Jack before looking down at JJ. "Maybe you shouldn't mention this to anyone, JJ. Daddy and I, well…we already told you more than we should have."

For the first time that night, JJ smiled a little. "Don't worry, mom. I'm not Grace…I can keep a secret." They shared a moment of quiet laughter over that statement before they walked JJ to his room and tucked him in for the night. Poppy flopped on the floor and the foot of his bed and made it quite apparent that she wasn't about to move. JJ smiled as his parents left his room. Even though he thought he was much too old to be tucked in, for tonight at least, he didn't protest at all.

----

Jack and Sam stayed up late discussing the ramifications of JJ's dreams and his drawing. Neither one was willing to ignore it; they both realized that they would have to talk with General Landry and tell him what had occurred. But first, they would discuss it with Daniel; perhaps he might have an idea as to why JJ was suddenly having dreams about the Stargate. That decided, they wearily headed to bed in the wee hours of the morning.

At three am, JJ padded softly into their bedroom and stood next to Jack's side of the bed. "Daddy?" he whispered hesitantly.

Jack was awake in an instant and turned to look at him. Seeing his son's worried countenance, Jack muttered, "You have another dream?" JJ nodded his head. Jack flipped back the covers and moved over. "Come on in, little man." Without a second's hesitation, JJ climbed into the bed and snuggled next to his father.

"What's wrong?" Sam muttered sleepily from the other side of the bed.

"Another dream," Jack answered quietly. "He's OK. Go back to sleep."

Sam leaned across Jack to give JJ a kiss on the forehead before she complied with the request. Before he drifted of himself, Jack decided that he would meet with Landry first thing tomorrow morning. Well, this morning, he grimaced ruefully. His son was not going to go through this any longer; not if Jack could help it.

------

Three days later, JJ stared at the numbers flashing past as the elevator brought him lower and lower beneath the mountain. His heart beat with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. His father had informed him last night that he would be picking JJ up early from school and bringing him back to the mountain. Sam had made arrangements for Grace to go home with Brittany and Maddie was at daycare, so it was just JJ. The little boy was on his way to face the thing that appeared in his dreams almost nightly now: the Stargate.

Both Jack and Sam had spent the past two days in deep discussion with Daniel, General Hammond, and General Laundry regarding JJ's dreams. Daniel had felt that his dreams were a latent memory from the time he had gone through the gate, and that something must have triggered the memory. Sam, after talking with JJ again, had discovered that he had seen a file of hers left open in the study. Though he hadn't been able to understand it, several gate symbols were recorded in her file. Both she and Daniel felt they were the reason JJ's memories were activated. That and the presence of naquadah in his blood were possible explanations that he might be remembering something he saw as an infant, but they would never know for sure.

Whatever the reason, they all felt the best thing to do would be to allow JJ to see the Stargate and to explain in a general sense what it did. Landry wasn't too thrilled about the whole thing at first; after all, the SGC was no place for a child. Besides, a nine year old could hardly be expected to keep a national secret. But Jack had been adamant and General Hammond had vouched for the boy, saying that he had the maturity of someone well over nine and could be counted on to keep the program a secret. The final catalyst, however, had been the President. He had agreed that JJ could be trusted, as long as his parents made certain he understood how important this program was. Jack and Sam had done their part and prepared JJ for what he would soon see, as well as the importance that it be kept a secret. He could not even mention it to Grace…especially not to Grace!

The doors slid open and JJ felt his hand enfolded in his father's much larger one. "You ready, big guy?" JJ fingered the chumak Teal'c had given him, trying to gather some bravery from the talisman, before he nodded and followed his father out the elevator doors and down the long corridor.

They came to a set of metal steps leading up and were met at the top by his mother. JJ let go of Jack's hand and rushed forward to give his mother a hug. She bent to meet him, holding him close. "Are you OK, JJ?" she whispered into his hair.

JJ pulled back and looked up at her. Eyes alight with a sense of wonder and excitement, he nodded his head. Sam smiled back in understanding, then got to her feet and led him to the briefing room.

Two men turned when they entered; one harboring a large smile of welcome, the other looking quite a bit sterner. "Uncle George!" JJ cried, then he ran across the room to hug the balding man.

General Hammond stooped down and returned the hug. "Hello JJ, how are you?" he asked in his deep voice.

"Good. I didn't know you would be here!" he exclaimed in childish excitement.

George chuckled. "I couldn't miss your first glimpse of the Stargate, now could I?"

JJ returned the smile. "My second, actually," he corrected with a hint of pride. His parents had told him that he had in fact gone through the gate when he was only 9 months old. JJ sure wished he could remember it!

Eyebrows raised, George replied, "How could I have forgotten?"

"Hey JJ!" came another voice from the doorway.

The little boy spun around. "Uncle Daniel! What are you doing here?"

Smiling widely, he came over toward the boy. "Well, I do work here you know! Besides, I couldn't miss this either." Lowering his voice, but not enough, he added, "I didn't want your dad to do all the explaining…you know how he can get." Daniel waggled his eyebrows at JJ.

"Hey! Right here, ya know!" came the indignant reply from behind Daniel.

A loud clearing of the throat halted any more banter as General Landry caught everyone's attention. "I think it's time we got this show on the road. We have a special guest arriving in 10 minutes and I'd like the tour to be about over by then." JJ missed the twinkle in the General's eye, but Jack and Sam didn't. They looked at each other in question, Jack just shrugging his shoulders in response. Neither one of them knew who this surprise guest would be.

Faces turned more serious and nods of agreement were made at the General's announcement. The leader of the SGC came over and stood before JJ. With a firm, but gentle tone, he addressed the young boy. "JJ, I understand your parents have told you about the Stargate and what it is used for." At the boy's nod, he continued. "And I believe they have told you how important it is that this information be kept quiet. It's something that a lot of people aren't ready for just yet, do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir," came the serious reply.

General Landry finally smiled. "Ok then, young man. Let's go see this gate that has been occupying your dreams. Colonel," he nodded to Sam, "Lead the way."

Sam smiled back. "Yes, Sir." Then she took JJ's hand and led him to the control room, Jack following close behind them. When they got into the room, the blast doors were closed so JJ couldn't see anything yet. Still, he was fascinated by the computers and machinery that dominated the room.

"Wow! This is so cool!" he stated with awe as he looked around.

"Yeah, that's what your mom always says," Jack quipped with a grin toward Sam. "Actually, your mother has installed most of this stuff; more than once I might add," he stated with a hint of pride in his tone.

JJ turned to Sam, his eyes open wide. "Really? Wow, mom! Maybe you can help me with my science fair project this year." Several chuckles were heard round the room and Sam blushed slightly at the attention.

Drawing him forward, she pointed out a few things to him before showing him the control panel that would open the blast doors. "We're going to raise this metal door, then you'll see the Stargate." She looked down at him with a smile. "Are you ready?" Nodding eagerly, JJ turned toward the window, climbed up on a chair, and waited with eager expectation. He had to get up on his knees in order to see over the ledge. Jack came to sit in a chair next to his son and put his hand on the boy's back, ready to offer reassurance should he need it. But Jack had a feeling that JJ would be just fine.

Sam punched in the code and the door slowly rose, revealing the large black ring below. JJ gasped in awe as he took in the massive black ring. "It's just like in my dream!" he whispered in wonder.

Daniel, who had studied JJ's drawing, came up behind him and placed his hands on his shoulders. Then he squatted down and pointed out the window with one hand. "See those symbols on the outside of the gate? That's what you were drawing."

"Those are what tell it where to go, right?" JJ asked for confirmation.

"That's right, kiddo," Daniel replied.

"And it really takes you to other planets?"

"Yep," Jack answered this time. "It makes a connection, kind of like a telephone except that it forms a tunnel. You step through and ..zoom," he shot his hand forward. "On another planet in an instant."

JJ turned to his dad with a slight frown. "But mom said you actually demolecularize, so your whole body isn't really going through, but little pieces of you."

This time, the chuckles were directed at Jack. He narrowed his eyes when he saw his wife joining in. "Yes, well. Some of us don't like to think of it that way."

JJ turned his attention back to the Stargate. "Can I go down and see it closer?" he asked eagerly.

"I'm afraid not, son. This is as close as you can get," General Landry stated. "But," he hastened to add as JJ's face fell, "I am willing to let you see it open up when our esteemed guest arrives."

JJ's eyes brightened even more. "Really?" He turned to his mom. "I really get to see it open and watch someone come through? Will I be able to see the fluctuations in the event horizon?"

Jack groaned. "Oh great, now I've got two of them," but there was no mistaking the fatherly pride in his expression as he watched JJ and Sam.

General Hammond stepped closer and put his hand on Jack's shoulder. "Actually, Jack, I wouldn't be surprised if all three of your children show more than a little scientific aptitude."

Jack sighed. "And not a one who likes hockey."

Sam rolled her eyes at her husband before addressing her son. "Yes, JJ. You'll be able to see everything from up here. Even the fluctuations."

This time, JJ was all Jack's son. "Sweet!"

Suddenly, the gate below seemed to come to life as the inner ring spun, stopped, lit up a triangular light on the side, then spun again. JJ rose to his knees on the chair he was in. His hand automatically went to Sam's and he clutched it tightly as, with widened eyes, he watched the action below him. Sam returned the tight squeezing of his hand and looked over to Jack, sharing a smile. Jack rose from his seat, picked JJ up and settled him into his own lap. "Keep watching," he whispered gently.

When the seventh symbol locked, the gate opened with a whoosh that made JJ start back and smack into Jack's chest. Jack tightened his hold on JJ and said, "It's OK, son. It's supposed to do that."

Eyes wide in fascination, JJ continued to watch. His blue eyes reflected the event horizon and made them seem even brighter. From his side, he heard the General say, "Close the iris, Walter." And then, the blue disappeared behind a metal cover.

JJ turned to his mother, blinking in confusion. "What happened?"

Sam smiled as she replied, "It's just a safety precaution, JJ. People have a special code to let us know who they are. When we receive the code, we'll open the iris again."

Frowning, JJ looked back at the gate. "What happens if it's someone you don't want to let through?"

Jack and Sam shared a look of discomfort, both recalling with aversion the thud that would sound against the iris when that happened. Neither one of them was ready to share that bit of information with their son, no matter how mature he might seem for his age. They were saved from responding by General Hammond.

"Then they go back where they came from son," he stated briefly. Jack turned and gave the older man a brief nod of thanks before returning his attention to the gate.

"IDC code received, Sir. It's…our special guest," Walter stated with a slight grin.

Standing taller, General Landry replied, "Open the iris."

JJ watched as the iris opened and the blue watery substance appeared once more. Slowly, a ripple began to form in its surface and, before he knew it, a familiar figure stepped through. "Uncle Teal'c!" JJ shouted with delight, bouncing up and down on Jack's lap.

Jack winced. "Easy there buddy."

JJ rose to his knees and waved through the window, shouting happily. "Hi Uncle Teal'c! I saw you come through the Stargate!"

Though he couldn't hear the words through he thick glass, Teal'c could see his exuberant Godson. He gave the boy a slight smile and bowed his head, indicating a return of the greeting.

"Can I go down and meet him?" JJ asked eagerly.

"We'll wait here, JJ. T will be right up," Jack said as he put the boy on the ground once more and tried to unobtrusively rub at his inner thighs. Sam hid a smirk at the action.

Teal'c was with them in a matter of moments. He clasped Jack's arm in greeting, then bent forward and listened patiently as the little boy regaled his Godfather with all the wondrous things he had seen that afternoon. Smiles adorned the faces of all the adults as they listened to the enthusiastic chatter from the boy. General Hammond came over and slapped a hand on Jack's shoulder while JJ continued to talk.

"He sure reminds me of the day your wife first saw the Stargate in action," the man said with a smile toward both parents.

Sam smiled in embarrassment, while Jack replied, "Don't I know it. He'll probably talk non-stop until we get home…and use technobabble to boot!"

George laughed. "Just wait until Grace is old enough to see it!"

Jack groaned good-naturedly. "Don't remind me!"

After the laughter had died down, General Landry led them back to the briefing room. There was a short discussion, mostly to remind JJ that what he had seen was top-secret, and then the group, minus the two generals, made their way to the commissary for a light snack. Daniel veered off to pick up Janet in the infirmary before meeting up with the group.

JJ was thrilled to be a part of the adult conversation at the table. Although nothing of great importance was discussed, the little boy felt special just the same. He was more than a bit disappointed when his father told him they had to leave; it was time to pick up Grace and Maddie. He brightened when he learned that Teal'c, Daniel, Janet and his cousins would be coming by for pizza later. And though he knew he couldn't tell Grace what he had seen, he was anxious to see her all the same…and at least tell her where he had been.

A round of good-byes was exchanged before Jack led JJ back to the elevators. Sam gave them each a kiss before waving as the doors closed. She needed to finish something up in her lab and would be home in about an hour. She also planned to bring something home for JJ; something that had been given to him many years ago when he had visited another planet.

All in all, the visit to the SGC had been a good experience for JJ. The chance to see the Stargate had put his fears about his unusual dreams to rest. Although they never learned for certain just why JJ had dreamt so clearly about the Stargate, both Jack and Sam were comfortable with the fact that JJ now knew where his dreams originated from, and that he had nothing to be afraid of.

That feeling of comfort and security would be sorely tested within the next few weeks, when JJ's new knowledge of the classified discovery beneath the mountain became a threat for him.


Sorry guys, this one took forever. I must have rewritten it at least four times! I hope it is believable...I didn't want to make JJ seem too mature for this, but mature enough to warrant letting himinto the lower levels of the SGC.It was imperative to future chapters that JJ see the Stargate so I figured, his experience as a baby would come back into play. Besides...it's total make believe so I guess I can do what I want:) Yes, I left another teaser at the end, but rest assured, the one from this chapter and the previous one (About Poppy) will be revealed in the next chapter! Love hearing from you!