-- SGC Operating Room --
Then, it happened. Jack's small flicker of 'self' was fading. Daniel's fevered mind found him and tried to hold on but felt him leaving. 'No Jack, No! I was supposed to save you.' He appealed to the fading consciousness and then for a minuscule moment he felt his friend, he felt the warmth, he felt the regret, as he heard the faint words, 'you did save me Daniel... my family lives.'
'Jack, hold on. Don't give up.' Daniel implored.
'I'm not givi...' Then it happened. Two lives traded for one. He faded. Daniel couldn't feel his presence and knew before the nurse's frantic cry for help even sounded. Knew before Dr. Lam directed the need for an injection of Epi and yelled for the crash cart. Daniel had been so certain that he could save him and now felt his power dwindle in the face of uncertainty. He frantically tried to recoup and strained to seek out his friend but the vast and seemingly infinite knowledge was all he encountered and he had to retreat before it overwhelmed his own psyche.
'No...No... I was supposed to help you.' He cried out silently into the darkness that met him.
Then with no warning, a brilliant beam encased Jack's body and he was gone leaving behind the stunned medical team who had been working over him.
Daniel's mind reeled at the abruptness of the broken connection between them. He staggered and held his head in pain.
"What happened?" Carolyn Lams' bewildered voice was at his side as she gripped his arm in support.
"Must have been the Asgards." He whispered. 'But, which faction?' He asked himself.
"Will they be able to help him? I think I had a rhythm back ..." Her anxious voice trailed off.
Sighing, he straightened slowly and shrugged. "If anyone can, they can. If they will, different story."
"Of course they will. They revere the General." Her face reflected her sudden hope at his possible rescue.
Daniel didn't want to squash her sudden cheer as he reluctantly replied,
"They appear to, but now there are complications that we haven't been aware of until recently."
Suddenly, General Landry's voice could be heard over the speaker from the Observation room. "Dr. Lam, Emerson, do you have things under control?"
Dr. Lam's semi-hysterical giggle bubbled convulsively up and erupted from her as she considered the events of the past hour. It was contagious, as the nurses began also, a mixture of gulping laughter and crying. It didn't take long for it to subside in the face of consternation exhibited by Hank Landry, as they won their struggle to control their emotions. Dr. Lam recovered first. She wiped her streaming eyes as she reported, "Yes Sir. Both Mom and child are now out of danger." Doctor Emerson took control and gave instructions to the nurses to situate Sam in the ICU, and setting up a makeshift nursery in a corner of her room.
Daniel turned to view the observation room window where Landry stood looking at them and declared,
"General Landry, we have a major situation with the Asgards."
Landry studied the group and realized that he was completely out of the loop as he answered, "Dr. Jackson, Dr. Lam, report to my office immediately."
He turned and left the room intent on finding out what exactly the Hell was going on.
"Are you telling me that the Asgards have Jack?" Hank Landry's incredulous eyes took in the two people in front of his desk as he rose from his chair and began pacing.
Daniel Jackson and Dr. Lam sitting beside each other both began speaking at the same time, to only stop and then start again, before Dr. Lam motioned for Daniel to take the lead.
"Yesss... but you see... we're not sure exactly WHICH faction has him." Daniel drawled as he watched the General pace. He had spent the last part of an hour explaining what had transpired with the Asgards this morning and knew that it was a lot to comprehend all at once. But Landry wasn't a general for his good looks and he had made amazingly short work of getting to the specifics. He had ascertained that there was dissension among the Asgards that had been pretty much kept from public knowledge but was evidently ongoing and building to a head. At the epicenter of this Asgard division stood the O'Neill's through no fault of their own due to the Asgards wanting a certain 'future' outcome for their race and hopefully for other races as well.
"We are now trying to contact Thor." Landry announced, "But so far, nothing. We do know that there are three Asgard ships in close proximity to Earth."
Ironically it was from the Asgards sharing their technology that new gave them the ability to sense their presence whereas their old systems had never been able to spot them in space.
"You realize that it may not be possible to contact Thor. He was sacrificing himself to keep 'our Asgards' here for as long as they were." Daniel reminded him as he watched the General pace.
Landry brusquely responded. "Yes that's true. But, I would have expected some acknowledgement of my message. I wasn't specific to Thor; I simply requested a status on Jack and his condition and demanded his immediate return."
Daniel sighed, "Well they're not known for their quick responses, it's usually on their own timetable."
"Well I know one thing, I don't care if it IS the Asgards, They've got one of ours and we're getting him back." The fierce scowl on Landry's face and the determination in his compact body was reminiscent to Daniel of another General as he wondered how in the heck the feat he mentioned was to be accomplished. They had never run up against the Asgards and he knew that it wouldn't be pretty if they ever did.
Suddenly Landry quit pacing and strode to stand beside Daniel, "Carolyn mentioned that you were part of that 'healing' process that went on with Sam."
Daniel perplexed at the sudden topic change, nodded, "I don't know how much I healed, but I think I was able to sustain Jack so that he could last long enough to bring Sam back."
"You somehow 'communicated' with him?" He queried tersely.
"Ahh yes. I did. Then, he was gone." Daniels' haunted expression reflected the remembered anguish of Jack slipping away.
"Try it now." The general ordered.
"Uhh...what?"
"Now. Try it now." Impatience and urgency in equal measures were heard in Landry's voice.
Carolyn Lam straightened in her seat as she realized what her father was asking. "Uhh...Da.., General I'm not sure .that he can just do it at the drop of a hat."
"Well let's just see, shall we? I want to know if Jack is out there." Landry gestured in the general direction of the ceiling.
Irritation flavored Daniel's retort, "It's not like it's a telephone." But then as it thought about it, he wondered, 'why he shouldn't he try?' Landry reminded him more of Jack everyday as he seemed to possess the same ability as Jack to process problems at a base level that the so-called geniuses sometimes tended to overlook and thereby add complications where they were never necessary.
Before Landry could command him again, Daniel spoke up, "All right. I'll try. Just remember, I'm not sure of what I'm doing here." He warned even as his face set itself in a more determined line before closing his eyes and taking slow deep breaths.
His mind cleared of all but thoughts of Jack as he once again attempted to summon the power. Carolyn Lam and the General watched in total silence almost afraid to breathe, as a calm shell seemed to settle over Daniel. Landry had read all the reports and even though he had accepted them as truth, he had always harbored a tiny kernel of doubt about the existence of 'powers' and such. Then, upon hearing the testimony from his daughter and the other personnel that had witnessed the awesome spectacle this morning, the kernel was now dissolved.
Silently Daniel sat, as he did his own version of Kel-nor-reem and willed the force to come forth. In his minds eye, he concentrated on memories of Jack. Revisiting how Jack had been the one who had helped him ascend. How, when he had been dying that horrible radiated death and had made the strangely difficult decision to go with Oma even though his choices were non-existent; to then realize that his friends were desperately trying to bring him back to some poor crippled fashion of life. When faced with whom to turn to for help, he chose Jack - without a moment's hesitation.
Jack the hardened, cynical one. The last you would expect to understand and accept certain situations, but had, without missing a beat as he was pulled into Daniels' twilight existence. Seeing Oma - seeing Daniel as he once was - whole - and he had understood. He had helped unconditionally. Daniel had loved him for that. Now, it was his turn - he had to help Jack, not to ascend, but to come back. His offer was unconditional as well - whatever it took, he wanted to give.
The power welled in him; always fueled by 'Goodness' it was now immense in Daniel. As his loyalty and love fed it, it grew boundless in its strength. The power was not limited by distance as it sought out its target: O'Neill, the man that created legends as easily as other men simply lived their lives. The power found one O'Neill immediately - enriched by the association, it moved on, as it wasn't the one it was seeking.
Jack walked in darkness. His head ached as if the Marine brass band was inside his skull playing John Phillips Sousa with great relish. Where the hell was he? Was he dead? Why couldn't he see? Was he blind? Questions flooded his mind, even as the band played on with a vengeance.
Then he felt something... someone... a 'consciousness', a 'connection' and he grasped it.
'Daniel! Whatcha doing here? And... where is 'here' anyway?'
'Jack!' the response was gloriously ecstatic and blazed through Jack who felt the joy in it.
'Daniel?' It suddenly didn't feel exactly like Daniel. 'Is that you?' Jack questioned as he strained to see through the darkness.
A dim light, tiny and flickering far off in the distance became apparent to Jack. He was drawn toward it. His humor resurfaced, 'Always heard to go to the light - unless you're a bug... hey, what can it hurt?' And he stayed the path - and saw the light grow and brighten.
'Yes Jack it's me and someone else is with me. Someone you haven't met yet. You must come back so that you can meet.' Daniel's eager voice surrounded him in his dark world.
'Who? HOW?' Jack asked in confusion and then quickly added, 'and DO NOT give me an 'Oma Answer' Danny boy or you're toast. I need specifics.'
'Uhh... I'm not sure, Jack. This is new to me too.'
'Daniel, I see a light it's getting brighter. I'm hoping this is a good thing.'
'Just hearing you again is a good thing...' Daniels' voice was still full of his happiness and somehow it made Jack's darkness bearable.
'Even as I'm enjoying this little chat Daniel, I still don't know where I am, or what the heck is happening.'
Daniel asked quickly, 'Do you remember healing Sam?'
'I remember something about healing her ... I also somehow know that she's okay. I mean... I'm NOT worried about her anymore... She IS okay isn't she?'
'Well, she's alive. Thanks to you and getting stronger. Thor gave you back the healing power but as you know it was taking you over. He did this against the orders of the Asgard High Council and evidently has been arrested or the 'Asgard version' of arrested. Oh, and he has quite a number of Asgards who are with him in this rebellion. You were dying when we last saw you, and someone beamed you away. You'll need to figure out who has you.'
'Uhh.. Okaay Daniel. As I said... HOW?'
'Well as I SAID, Jack. I'm NOT SURE...'
'Well, Daniel... NEITHER AM I... So, could you POSSIBLY try and figure it out!'
'Well, JACK... I'll certainly do my best.' And then Daniel sighed happily. Jack was soo on his way back.
'By the way, Daniel... who's that with you?'
That's a surprise. You'll find out later.'
Suddenly Daniel sensed interference, and in a reverse whoosh, the power retracted. Shaken, he opened his eyes to see General Landry and Carolyn as he had left them, concern and interest in their faces as they studied him.
"Well?" General Landry asked impatiently as Daniel slowly regained his composure. Daniel thought about his experience and decided that one small detail would remain a secret. Then, Daniel smiled making his blue eyes squint as he said in amazed delight, "I found him! He's out there and he's Jack O'Neill...being his usual pleasant self." His affectionate sarcasm triggered an answering smile from his listeners, as they took in the good news.
Daniel stammered in his enthusiasm as he thought about the connection, "I...I.. I'm... not sure of his circumstance, but... It's Jack!" He emphasized 'Jack' with the same degree of emotion as if he had found the most precious of treasures.
Landry's grin widened as he nodded his pleasure. "Well, at least we know he's alive. Now, to figure out the rest of the puzzle."
Carolyn rose from the side chair; "I'll be with Col. Carter if you need me. It looks like she's on the verge of coming out of her coma." She smiled as she continued, "plus, it's not everyday that I have a baby to look after."
Jack realized that Daniel was gone, but the light was still there and growing larger. The brass band in his head had eased up a notch in their rendition of the 'Parade March from Hell'. Even as he felt better, he was tired of the situation and yelled, 'Enough!' It was as if the world obeyed him. He awoke.
"Not again!" He growled as he found himself lying inside an Asgard healing pod that was actually large enough for his human body. Feelings of claustrophobia closed in to be forced down while he evaluated his uncomfortable situation.
"Gawd, I hate these things", he muttered when he noticed his long arms were trapped by his side. His dark eyes looked out the clear compartment into the large bright room, and noticed two Asgards at a console, their backs to the pod and him.
"Hey! Hey Buddies, let me out of here." His hoarse voice cracked from disuse and thirst.
Either they didn't hear him or were ignoring him, as they never looked around. He knew he couldn't stand the closeness of the cavity for much longer and just as he thought this, the clear top of his pod suddenly clicked and lifted open. 'Now this is service...' he thought and rose cautiously to a sitting position. His hands felt as if they belonged to someone else, so deadened and without feeling as the circulation had been cut off. Wincing, he worked to get the blood flowing again and took in his situation as he did so.
'Same ole same ole... no injuries, only a massive headache and stiff as a cadaver from lying still too long.' Gingerly he swung his legs out and hopped lightly to the floor, except the 'lightly' part didn't go down as planned, as his bad knees gave way and he grunted as they collapsed under his weight. 'Damn knees, I hate getting old.' He thought as he watched the two Asgards still working diligently at their consoles, apparently unaware of the change in his situation.
Militarily he criticized their ineptitude even as an 'escapee' he appreciated it. Rising to his feet, he did a few tentative knee bends to loosen up and ran his fingers through his gray mussed hair making it even spikier than before. The need for a bathroom was his first concern and without any more ado, he stealthily left the room. 'Sweet... how easy was that' he thought as without any problems he found the facilities he was looking for a few meters down the ships' glistening hall and quickly took care of that problem. His headache was lessening by the minute and for that he was grateful.
'I'm going to be found sooner or later' he thought, 'and 'sooner' serves me better than 'later'. Which way...?' He decided on left and headed up the quiet corridor. He didn't recognize the ship he was on, but shrugged it off, as unlike Sam, who could stand blindfolded where he was now and know the make, model and engine size, yet to him they all pretty much looked the same.
He wondered why he wasn't seeing anyone on board as he walked the long corridor when suddenly he heard what was evidently an alarm of some sort. The loud noise reverberated throughout the hallway and then the sound of company heading his way. He had thought he wanted to get caught, but his training took over, the need to assess the opposition before making a major decision such as surrendering, so he stepped quickly into a deep doorway, hidden from view of whoever approached.
Hidden he watched as four Asgards quickly passed his doorway without noticing him. He didn't recognize them and would have, as after spending so much time on Othalla he could differentiate their features easily. Those four were strangers to him. Now he was intrigued, his mind felt very strong, yet clear. He closed his eyes and looked inward to make an astounding discovery. He was himself but he was also much, much more. His roving consciousness found 'doorways' to massive knowledge and even more surprising, to massive power. Power that was untapped at the moment and would remain that way potentially forever if he decided that was the approach to take. He wasn't about to unleash something cataclysmic on the world just because he had the ability to do so. That wasn't the way Jack O'Neill operated. 'One more thing to deal with later.' He thought and forced himself to focus on the situation at hand.
The four Asgards had been heading toward his medical pod and he had caught some of their conversation, his mind interpreting the Asgard language without difficulty. He heard Thor's name and something about opening a channel. He filed the information away and went the opposite direction. He needed some answers and wanted them now.
He thought about the information Daniel had given him and vowed, 'Thor when I see you again, I swear I'm gonna pick you up and hug you.' His gratefulness to him was beyond measure and he felt a stab of conscience that he had not trusted him, as he should have. Hearing a commotion, he ducked quickly behind a panel as six more Asgards moved with surprising speed down the hall in a great hurry.
Leaning against the panel listening for more sounds in the long corridor, it came to him that the last clear memory he had was just prior to Sam's surgery. After that everything was a hazy fog. Yet he had an awareness of things that seemed completely logical to him even if not understandable. He 'knew' that Sam was okay and that his child... 'OH MY GOD... HIS CHILD. He was struck head-on with the fact that he was once again a Father! He had been so caught up in his own hazed, crazy situation that he hadn't been thinking straight. His baby was back on earth. Wonderingly he considered the idea of their child, Sam's and his, and as he considered it he felt a connection and knew with total certainty that the child was safe. He knew this without a doubt. Somehow he was linked to those he cared for and he could sense them. This was a new development and he wondered if it would last even as he considered this, an overwhelming and immediate need to get to his family flared in him, he had to see Sam and the baby. If he had to kick every tiny gray butt between here and Earth then line'em up cause it would happen. He had to see them.
He wished he knew his location and with suddenness it occurred. With the clarity of a diagram he envisioned the ships' layout in his mind and knew his position exactly. He didn't stop to question this ability -- he just used it. Pushing away from the shadows he gave up on stealth and jogged at a quick pace down the long corridor. His headache had almost completely gone away and for that he was grateful. His proclivity for them had always been a weakness that he hated. He felt vulnerable without a P90 or at least a Zat in his hand but also knew that he wouldn't use either one if he had them. The Asgards were frail creatures and even one shot from a Zat could be fatal to them -- the reason their shields and holograms were used so effectively.
"General O'Neill!" The monotone voice rang out loudly behind him and he heard the sound of footsteps following him.
"Sorry guys, no time to stop, got places to go, things to ... well, you know the rest." He yelled and looking over his shoulder spied what looked like a whole platoon of Asgards. He quickly picked up his pace as he ran down the long corridor his long legs making short work of the distance. He hadn't recognized any of the Asgards following him.
He turned the corridor at a fast jog and found the ship's control room just as he had expected. He surmised by the sounds behind him that he had gathered quite a large number of pursuers. His eyes were drawn to the view where he saw Earth hanging like a beautiful jewel in space perfectly centered in the observation window and then he noticed the two larger Asgard ships that were in close proximity to the one he stood on. The two Asgards working at the control panel simply stared at him, their large eyes blinking slowly as they paused in their duties at his unexpected entrance.
"Hey guys... Who's in charge here? I need a lift home."
He moved through the large area and found the commanders' chair empty and realized the two Asgards were the only ones present. They weren't talking. 'Where's Thor when you need him?' He wondered as he sighed heavily. The Asgards simply stared and then just as suddenly, turned their attention to watch the door as noisy shouting heralded the arrival of his pursuers.
Jack straightened to his full height; his dark burning eyes and stern face embodied the spirit of his determination as he waited for the squad to make their appearance.
Like a herd of small cattle, the group of tiny Asgards - all ten of them - came scurrying into the room, their small mouths gaping open and small chests heaving from the unusual exertion. Jack resisted the urge to smile as the pack halted so suddenly the whole group collided and almost ended in a heap in front of the tall human. He managed to curb his impulse and made his appearance even more forbidding as he frowned down upon them. Silently he stood, glaring as they detangled themselves from each other.
"Yesss?" He drawled out as he raised one eyebrow in perfect Teal'c fashion.
One Asgard, who had been at the back of the pack, stepped forward his big eyes blinking quickly in apparent nervousness, "General O'Neill my name is Tyr."
"Of course that's your name. What else would it be? " He quipped sarcastically and waited as they looked at each other in confusion.
"My name could be anything... but it is... Tyr." The alien said with some confusion.
Jack sighed and ran his hand through his already wild hair. "Sorry guys. Bad joke... sarcasm. ya know? No. I guess you don't. Continue" and he waved both hands as he gestured for them to talk.
Tyr and the other Asgards nodded as Tyr spoke, his emotionless voice louder in tone,
"YES. We have heard of the O'Neill jokes. This is our first one. Thank you." And they all nodded in agreement.
Jack relaxed and hadn't realized how tense he had been. He clasped his hands and walked toward them as he asked the group.
"SO! You fellas aren't here to capture me, per se? Or lock me up or anything untoward like that?"
Again, the large eyed aliens glanced at each other as if checking to see if one of their group actually understood what the Tauri was talking about before Tyr, evidently the leader, spoke up once again.
"General O'Neill we were assigned to heal you and make sure that you remain safe."
"By Whom?" He queried his dark eyes roving interrogatively over the group.
The edge of his vision caught a piece of the brilliant flash behind him even as he heard,
"By me. O'Neill"
Relief and gladness swept through him, he turned, "Thor! Ole Buddy, you're okay!"
"Yes O'Neill." Jack studied the small figure before him, outlined by the observation view and recognized the weariness in his stance and heard exhaustion in the quiet voice.
He knew without being told that Thor had been through a lot. "Care to tell me what's been going on?" He asked quietly, his manner and voice completely professional with all levity gone.
"I'm glad to see that you are well. O'Neill. We almost lost you." Thor said gravely as he walked to the command chair and sat tiredly. His small body slumped as if it couldn't control its posture. O'Neill followed him over studying him all the way. "Thank you for that by the way -- not only the saving part, but also the giving me the ability part. I'll always owe you one, buddy for saving my family... ALWAYS." Jack felt his voice tightening as he finished and gruffly cleared his throat.
"You are welcome. I am only glad that it worked out." Thor's own voice sounded with quiet sincerity.
"SO! What's your situation? What kind of trouble did I create for you and how can I help?" Jack wondered if Thor was going to answer him as Thor closed his eyes for a very long moment before finally opening them.
Jack had to ask, "Are you okay Buddy?"
Thor slowly nodded, "It has been a difficult time but I am as you say, 'okay'. I do need some time in our medical chamber but I can wai..." Before he could finish he simply keeled over.
"God!" Jack muttered and scooped him up, saving him from falling to the deck.
"Guys! Where's the medical bay?"
"This way, General." Tyr answered as he made for the door with Jack on his heels carrying the unconscious Thor easily in his arms.
Jack couldn't feel any life in the small body he carried but then again... he wasn't sure what the norm was for Asgards. Entering the room, he watched as Tyr directed the technicians to open the medical hatch before he then gently placed Thor inside. Stepping back he observed as the Asgards took over Thor's care.
After a while the group stepped back from the chamber apparently satisfied with what they had accomplished.
"Well?" Jack tried to curb his impatience but heard it in his voice. "Will he be okay?"
Tyr, once again assumed the spokesperson role as he pronounced succinctly, "Commander Thor will recover."
Jack waited for more explanation only to meet with silence from the group. Their large eyes watched his every move. Jack suddenly knew exactly how zoo animals must feel as he felt the weight of their combined scrutiny. Straightening to his full height he felt his hard-earned patience slither through his control.
"WOULD SOMEBODY PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT THE HELL'S BEEN GOING ON?" He heard his voice ring out as if it belonged to someone else.
Tyr bravely took the initiative. "Commander Thor was captured and treated roughly before we could free him. The remaining Council had him on their ship and was trying to ascertain your exact location so that they could retrieve you and your child. They were unable to do so as Thor had removed your locator and placed it within his own body to confuse them. We were able to retrieve Commander Thor and takeover our opposition's ship after a considerable battle."
"Continue..." Jack ordered grimly his stomach clenching when he thought about all Thor had gone through for him and his.
"We are now cognizant of the facts that the rebellion on Othalla has been successful and our faction has been victorious. When the Asgards of our planet were made aware of the Councils' activities -- it was an inevitable result. The first law to be passed by the new council will be to outlaw the study of the Ancients' Time travel data."
"Isn't it a TAD too late? I mean evidently you've already studied it and KNOW a lot of ... STUFF." Jack was proud of himself for curbing his sarcastic tongue as he had bit down on adding 'Doh' to the end of his statement.
Tyr nodded, "We have the technology to swipe the knowledge gained from the minds of those who studied it. It will be gone from all and the Ancient Time data will be destroyed."
Jack was surprised, "Wow. You really and truly are doing this?"
Tyr nodded solemnly, and repeated, "Really and truly, General O'Neill, your family will no longer be bothered by the Asgards. Please accept our apology on behalf of our people. " All ten Asgards solemnly nodded in agreement.
Jack acknowledged their apology with his own small head nod along with a small informal salute. All ten Asgards solemnly saluted him back in perfect imitation. He once again had to hide his irreverent grin and --he admitted it-- a small constriction in his throat. 'They really were a great race and no one's perfect.' He thought to himself.
Jack cleared his throat and clapped his hands together loudly, "SO! Anyone ready to blow this joint and give me a 'lift' back to the SGC?"
Puzzlement rippled across all ten faces and he relented in his enjoyment, to translate, "Can one of you transport me back to the SGC?" He smiled winningly in forgiveness and they all nodded with Asgard enthusiasm as Tyr exclaimed, "An 'O'Neill' coloquism! Thank you." And the others nodded in satisfaction as O'Neill was meeting all their expectations.
Tyr continued, "Of course we can, General. The SGC has been communicating regularly regarding you. It would be best if you were to return to them soon."
"Threatening you are they?" He queried knowingly.
"Yes. They are going to attack us soon." Tyr stated calmly and Jack couldn't repress his grin at their total and complete unconcern over the Tauri threats and was suddenly glad that 'Good' has once again triumphed. He would hate the thought of ever meeting an actual 'evil' Asgard.
Thinking of their goodness, he was reminded of something. And questioned, "Hey guys... Where's my usual 'posse'? Felspre, Buddy and the rest of the gang?"
A long silence met his question. All ten pairs of large liquid eyes looked down at the floor at almost the same instant.
"Oh no." Jack felt sickened, as he watched the small group worked to overcome their own feelings so that they could answer him.
"What happened?"
"They were lost when their escape pod malfunctioned off the Council's mother ship during the battle." Tyr finally said and then went on slowly, "They communicated their successful escape but the pod was lost and never recovered."
Jack was surprised at the painful stab of sorrow he felt when remembering the past year with them. He wished he could have thanked them for all they had done and silently he did so. He found his voice, "I'm very sorry to hear that. I am proud to have known them."
"Thank you General. They were most honored to serve you and your family." Tyr responded his voice sincere.
Tyr walked to a control panel and looked at the General as he moved one crystal and his small hand hovered over another, "General, are you ready to blow this lift?"
Grinning, Jack nodded. As the transporter lit up, Jack called out, "Be sure and let me know when Thor is better. I want to talk to him. Tell him I'm bringing cigars. It's an Earth tradition." Then the beam encased Jack brilliantly and he was gone.
End of Chapter 9 - Change Happens Again
