Stargate SG1

by Anaika Skywalker

An alternate look at the episodes of Stargate SG1, starting at the end of the Movie and then on to 'Children of the Gods'. Completed.

5. Meridian

Title: Stargate SG-1

Author: Anaika Skywalker

Rating: T

Disclaimer: Don't own it, wish I did, I just like to play with SG-1 once and a while. I'll put them back when I'm finished. I promise.

Author's Note: This chapter starts off at the end of 'Meridian' and runs into 'Revelations' and 'Redemption Part 1 & 2'. I loved the episode Meridian, but I felt at this point in my life I couldn't handle writing it to include Cali. I can see it in my mind, but putting it onto paper is just not something I want to try at the moment. So I'm handling it this way by showing how Cali is handling things after Daniel has ascended and left her behind and what occurs after. I hope you enjoy it.

LetNys: thank you for the kind words, I wasn't going to continue, but the nice reviews made me change my mind. So I hope you keep enjoying it.

Winjan: 'The Curse' is always one of my favorite episodes too; even though I really thought more could have been made of it. But it is one of my favorites, it's a Daniel episode and I'm not ashamed to say I'm a Daniel Jackson fan.

Nightshae: Thank you so much for the encouragement and it isn't easy dividing the lines up to add another characters, but I feel my character fits in so well into the stories that I add her in and she's pretty easy to work with.

damariam: Thanks and yes I will be continuing, especially with nice reviews to encourage me. Yes I'm begging, I live for reviews, shameful I know, but I do. So thank you once again.

Lynnmichelle: Thank you so much and yes I did go out on a limb in regards to Daniel, Sha're and Cali, however you're the only one who had comment on it so far. Their relationship didn't start out the way it finished. It was just going to be a simple brother/sister relationship between Daniel and Cali, which changed because of a remark made by a friend that I ran with, whether people liked it or not. Well it is only story; their relationship isn't based on anyone or any couples.

Stargate SG-1

Chapter Five: Meridian (An imaginary great circle of the celestial sphere passing through its poles and the zenith of an observer any point.)

Teal'c hesitated by the door unsure whether to enter the quarters or not.

"You can come in, Teal'c." Cali told him, she lay on the bed hugging a pillow.

He went further into the room, noting her eyes were red from crying and she looked as if she hadn't slept properly in days. "I did not know if you wished to be alone or not."

"What I want, I can't have Teal'c."

He sat on the bed with her. "Many Jaffa have dedicated their lives to achieve what Daniel Jackson has done."

"I can't celebrate losing my husband, no matter what spiritual accomplishment he made," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I shut my eyes and I see him diving through the glass into the lab. I see him dying of radiation poisoning." Tears slid down her cheeks. "And I see him ascending."

"You told Jacob Carter to stop," the Jaffa noted. "Both you and Colonel O'Neill were insistent he do so."

"It was what he wanted," she said haunted. "He knew Jacob couldn't heal him completely."

"As did you."

"I still didn't want to lose him, but there was nothing I could do. I couldn't save him any more then I could have stopped him from doing what he'd done."

"If Daniel Jackson had not pushed you over to Jonas Quinn, you would have followed him into the lab, correct?" He saw her nod. "Then did he not save your life?"

She nodded. "It doesn't stop me from feeling alone, Teal'c."

"I do not believe you are, Cali O'Neill," he told her gently. "A part of Daniel will be with you forever. He was your life partner and your husband."

"Then how do I live without him, Teal'c?" She asked, her heartbreaking. "Because I feel like I have nothing to live for now."

"You have your family and friends."

She got up and went over to him, being drawn into his embrace. Feeling safe there. "I couldn't even keep my promise to Sha're."

He knew of it. "I am sorry, Cali." He held her and let her cry, let her grieve as he silently grieved with her.

On level 18, Samantha Carter stood in Daniel's office; she took note of everything on his desk. It was as if he'd been there and simply walked out to get coffee or head off to a briefing, as he would do on any given day. His glasses were lying on top of his journal; she guessed Cali had put them there. She picked them up and looked at them before settling them down gently on the desk, picking up the journal she ran her fingers over the leather cover. How many times had she seen him use it? Make notes in it and drawings. She felt the hand of grief grip her heart again, finding it almost overwhelming.

General Hammond stood in the doorway watching her, seeing the grief she was experiencing. "Major."

She looked, pulling herself together. "Sir."

He came further into the room. "I just wanted to inform you that Colonel O'Neill has requested that SG-1 remain on active duty and that Dr. O'Neill will take over from Dr. Jackson for the moment."

Sam was shocked and hurt. "So we're supposed to just keep working like nothing happened?" She asked him bitterly, ignoring the fact she was addressing a superior officer at that point.

"I understand how you feel," he said calmly.

"With all due respect sir," she declared. "I don't understand how I feel. We didn't even have a memorial service."

"We're not even really sure that he's dead."

"And that's the problem," she stated, hugging the journal to her chest. "We don't know, Cali doesn't know. So what do we do sir? Wait and … and hope that he comes back… or just move on?"

The General walked round to her. "When I was in Vietnam, I saw my best friend shot down. I know he survived, I saw his chute open, radioed his position. But I never found out what happened to him. His body was never recovered, the Vietnamese never admitted they took him prisoner." He told her. "For years I kept thinking that some day he's just going to walk through the door."

"So what did you do?"

"I leant to live with it," he revealed. "Just as you will, just as Cali will. One day she'll finally accept her husband isn't going to walk through the door and she'll move on."

"Somehow sir, I don't think she will," Sam said sadly. "Daniel was her life partner, her soul mate, she'll never love anyone like she did him."

"No she won't, major, but she will go on living."

Sam nodded. She was going to say he was right when the klaxons went off.

"Unauthorized off world activation." Was announced over the PA system, before the power went out.

"What the hell's going on?" Hammond exclaimed.

"Main power is down." Sam revealed. She tired the phone. "Phones are down."

The emergency power came on and a second call was put over the PA. "General Hammond to the Gate room, repeat General Hammond to the Gate room."

"Lets get up there." He said quickly.

Putting the journal back on the desk, Sam followed him out. They took the elevator to level 28 and hurried into the Gate room, a number of SF's were aiming their weapons at the open gate. Both saw who was there.

"Stand down." Hammond ordered.

As they did the little gray Asgard walked down the ramp, the Gate closing behind him.

"Freyr," Sam greeted.

"Major Carter. General Hammond. I apologize for our absence of late, but our war with the Replicators has reached a critical stage."

"Well, we might be able to help you with that." Sam noted.

"Yes, we received your message," he revealed as Jack and Teal'c came into the Gate room, noting who was not present. "If, as you say, this android was responsible for creating the first generation of Replicators, it may well prove invaluable. However, it is not the only reason I have come. There has been an incident with the Goa'uld."

"An incident?" Jack inquired interested.

"Commander Thor has been killed."

"Killed?" Sam was stunned. "How?"

"The Goa'uld attacked a planet under our protection and Commander Thor was dispatched with the only ship available. We expected the Goa'uld to retreat once we made our presence felt but they did not. The Asgard ship was destroyed in the ensuring battle."

"Is not Asgard military technology far superior to that of the Goa'uld?" Teal'c asked.

"Their new shields are more advanced than we first believed and it appears they have upgraded their weapons as well. We can no longer be confident of victory when dealing with superior numbers," the Asgard Commander revealed.

"So in other words the protected planets are no longer protected?" Jack stated.

"Including Earth." Sam added.

"Our ability to enforce the treaty in this galaxy will depend greatly on the outcome of our battle with the Replicators," Freyr declared. "However, in the meantime, we do have another problem. An Asgard scientist has been left stranded in the research facility beneath the surface of the planet in question. We would like you to mount a rescue mission."

"Why us?" The General asked.

"We have no ships available and we understand you have a Goa'uld cargo ship at your disposal."

"Well, it isn't exactly in perfect working order," Sam said. "We managed to repair it with the help of the Tok'ra, but…"

"We'll do it." Jack insisted and saw everyone look at him, surprised. "It's what we do, isn't it?" He asked them.

"The research being conducted on this planet is vital to the future of the Asgard," Freyr informed. "We would be forever in your debt." He bowed to Jack. It was at that moment that Cali chose to walk into the Gate room; the little Asgard regarded her with reverence. "Dr. O'Neill, I wish to convey my deepest sympathies on the lose of your life partner and husband."

She bowed her head. "Thank you Freyr."

"All right," Hammond took control of the situation. "Colonel, prepare your team. Doctor O'Neill can your escort Freyr to Major Carter's lab, he can brief her on the details."

"Yes sir," she acknowledged and guided the Asgard out of the Gate room.

The General turned to Sam. "Major, are you sure the cargo ship will hold up during the mission?"

"Yes sir."

"Very well, dismissed."

Sam saw the Colonel head out of the Gate room, he'd been avoiding her; in fact he'd been avoiding them all. She took off after him. "Colonel," she called out, catching up to him. "Sir, we need to talk."

"I don't want to hear it, Carter," he told her as she walked with him.

She knew what he meant. "You can't just pretend this didn't happen."

"I'm not pretending anything," Jack told her bluntly. "This is the job. We lose people all the time."

Sam grabbed his arm, stopping him, forcing him to face her; her anger wasn't hidden from him. "We're talking about Daniel. Your best friend, hell your son-in-law."

"What do you want me to do, Carter?" He demanded, shaking off her grip. "He's gone. We've got work to do." He stalked off, leaving her standing in the corridor.

"I want you to miss him, to grieve," she said softly and then turned and headed back the way she'd come.

Cali had taken Frey to Sam's lab; once the major arrived she excused herself and headed for her office on level 18. She stood there in the doorway, realizing one thing. It was her office now. Before it had been hers and Daniel's. Now it was just hers, she'd told General Hammond she would take over from Daniel; she was more then qualified. The General had agreed for the moment. Walking further into the room she hugged herself; Daniel's journal lay on the desk, his glasses. He could of just stepped out of the room, but he hadn't, he was gone.

When the door behind her suddenly closed, she turned and saw her real father standing there dressed in green BDU's. "Jake?"

He smiled warmly. 'Hello Cali.'

"What are you doing here?"

'I came to tell you Daniel is fine.'

"And?" She promoted.

'There has to be an, and?' He asked.

"Yes," she shoved her hands into the pockets of her trousers. "So why are you really here?"

He sighed. 'I wanted to check on you.'

"I'm fine," she said dryly.

'Your hurt and angry, just as Jack is."

Shaking her head, Cali turned away; taking a seat she picked up a file, opening it. "I have work to do."

'You're ignoring the problem.'

"It's my problem," she snapped tiredly, throwing the file down.

'He isn't going anywhere, Cali, talk to him."

She knew whom he meant. "I can't."

'Why?'

She squeezed her eyes shut; when she opened them they were wells of tears, blurring her vision. "Because what happened to Daniel wasn't his fault and right now I can't accept that. I need someone to blame, he held me back, he stopped me from helping."

'If he hadn't you would be dead too, he did the right thing. It wasn't your time.'

"And it was Daniel's?" She asked her grief manifesting to anger, jumping to her feet, adrenalin pumping through her body, keeping her going. "Can you honestly stand there and tell me it was Daniel's time and I just have to accept it? How many times has Daniel died and come back to us. Not once were you or Oma there, he did it alone."

'It wasn't his time then,' Jake said calmly. 'You know that as well as I do.'

"No I don't," she cried wearily, feeling like the weight of the world was on her shoulders. "What I do know is I'm now facing my life without my husband, my life partner." She ran her fingers through her hair, forcing herself to calm down. "Just go away and leave me alone."

'I can't, honey, not yet.'

"Why?" She asked, frustrated and tired.

'Because you need to hear what I have to say.'

"No, I don't," she turned her back on him, gripping the desk just to keep herself upright.

He moved closer to her. 'You have the ancient gene, just as Jack does and you can control ancient technology,' he told her. 'But you're so much more though, all the ascended know this, even Daniel knows.'

She turned back confused, her grip on the desk made her knuckles white under the strain. "I don't understand?"

'Cali, you're the chosen.'

"Which means?" She inquired confused as hell.

'You're evolutionary development was initiated by an Ancient scientist,' he saw her starting to sway on her feet; he could see she was ready to collapse. 'It was done without your mother's knowledge, the 'Others' or mine, the Ascended have rules, Cali. Taking action that changers human existence is a big one, a very big one. Because of what this scientist did, you are an Ancient.'

"An Ancient?"

'Yes, you've got the knowledge of the Ancients locked inside your mind, that lock is breaking down, it has been for several years. That's how you were able to lean to read Ancient, to lean it quickly, you all ready know it.' Jake said; he stood there with his arms crossed against his chest in a way that was so 'Jack' like.

"So what now?" She asked; she was losing her battle to stay conscious.

'Now,' he said moving closer, 'I unlock the secrets of the universe to you,' he whispered and touched her forehead with one hand. Her head jerked back as a white light zapped her and Jake watched her full to the floor unconscious. He knelt next to her. 'I'm so sorry, Cali,' he whispered, as his body changed back to glowing white energy and he left her.

Jonas Quinn walked down the corridor of the SGC; he'd heard that SG-1 was going a mission for the Asgard; they were due to leave very soon, if they hadn't already left. Dr. O'Neill wasn't going with them however; she was due off world with SG-3. He hadn't spoken to her since his arrival and since he'd told the General and Colonel what had happen. She'd been avoiding him as much as he'd been avoiding her. So when he found himself out side her office he knew it was time they talked. He was surprised through to find the door to her office shut, even more so when he heard the thump and then saw the flash of white light that came from under the door. "Dr. O'Neill?" He knocked on the door, getting no response. "Dr. O'Neill?" He pounded a little harder and the door flew open. Jonas stumbled into the room, seeing the fatigue covered legs that were lying on the floor near the desk. Rushing over he found Cali unconscious on the floor. "Oh God," he exclaimed and grabbed the phone, recalling what he'd been told to do in an emergence. He dialed the number for the infirmary. "This is Jonas Quinn," he said when it was answered. "I'm in Dr. O'Neill's office, she's unconscious on the floor… Yes Ma'am, I won't shift her… All right." He hung up and looked up as an airman rushed into the room, seeing the unconscious archaeologist.

"Mr. Quinn?"

"I've called the infirmary, Dr. Fraiser is on her way." He informed quickly. "She said not to touch her."

"All right, sir." He made a call to General Hammond. "Sir, it's Sergeant Hutcheson, Dr. O'Neill has been found in her office by Mr. Quinn, she's unconscious… Yes sir, he called for a medical team… Yes sir." He hung up, moving out of the way as the medical team rushed in along with Dr. Fraiser.

"Do you know what happened?" She asked the Kelowna.

"No, I just found her like this." Jonas announced moving out of the way, letting them do their job, then move the young linguist onto a gurney and take her out of the office. He followed along with Sergeant Hutcheson to the infirmary, waiting as the medical team rushed their patient away to be examined.

General Hammond arrived. "Mr. Quinn, what happened?"

"General, I don't know. I heard SG-1 was going on a mission and I thought I'd go and see Dr. O'Neill, Colonel Reynolds said she was going off world with him and his team. I heard a thump, and then saw a bright white flash of light from under the door. I knocked harder on the door and it flew opened, I walked in and found Dr. O'Neill unconscious on the floor."

"Sir, are the rest of SG-1 still on the base?" The sergeant asked.

"No, they've already left," the General, announced. "They'll be off the planet by now. Dismissed Sergeant."

"Yes sir," he nodded and walked out.

General Hammond had a feeling though the young SF wouldn't be going far, when either Dr. Jackson or Dr. O'Neill were reported hurt or sick, everyone on the base seemed to know about it and everyone voiced their concerns. When Daniel Jackson died and ascended the whole base went into mourning and everyone it seemed was keeping tabs on Cali O'Neill. So he wasn't surprised when Colonel Reynolds from SG-3 bounded into the infirmary, the Colonel had taken upon himself to be her protector when her dad wasn't around, as well as being her friend, especially now.

"Sir, I just heard, is the doc all right?" He asked.

"We're waiting for Dr. Fraiser's diagnosis."

"Yes sir," he acknowledged but didn't leave.

Hammond smiled warmly at this. "I'm sure she'll be fine, Colonel."

Reynolds nodded.

Finally when Dr. Fraiser did come out to them, she was reading a file, she closed it when she got there. "General, Colonel, Mr. Quinn."

"How is she, doctor?" The General asked.

"She's going to be fine sir, she passed out from exhaustion. Her blood sugar is a little low. I doubt she's had a decent meal since Daniel…" Janet's voice faded, her own grief for her friend evident. "I'm… um going to keep her over night and redo the MRI in the morning."

"Is something wrong?" Reynolds asked worriedly.

"Her MRI has me most concerned," she explained to them. "Cali is using a part of her brain that she wasn't using before and I've only seen these types of results once before."

Hammond was concerned now himself. "When?"

"When Colonel O'Neill had the knowledge of the Ancients downloaded into his brain."

That shocked the General. "Which means?"

"I'm not sure, sir and that alone should be a concern," she declared. "Both Cali and Colonel O'Neill have what I've been referring to as the Ancient gene, it seems to be hereditary. However we don't know what exactly this gene does or will do, it could be something that remains dormant in their systems for the rest of their lives or it may not."

Jonas was more then a little confused, Reynolds saw it and explained: "Colonel O'Neill had the knowledge of the Ancients downloaded into his brain. He started talking Ancient, and acting a little out of character for the Colonel. He managed to build a power source that juiced up the Gate to get him to the Asgard home world, they removed the knowledge."

"There's more," Janet informed. "Cali has a protein marker in her blood, but there's no symbiote present or any scars that suggests she was ever taken over by a symbiote."

"Which means?" Jonas asked curious.

"I'm not sure."

"All right Dr. Fraiser, keep me informed," the General ordered.

"Yes sir," she agreed and went back to her patient.

"I'll pass the word, sir that the Doc is all right," Reynolds informed and hurried out.

The General chuckled softly and patted Jonas on the arm. "Well done, son."

"Sir?"

"You did a good thing getting Doctor O'Neill help," Hammond told him and walked out.

Jonas smiled to himself. Perhaps things weren't going to be too bad on Earth after all.

In the peace and quiet of the cargo hold of the ship, Jack had stripped down his P-90 and cleaned it, being in the process of putting it together again. Carter and Teal'c were seated up front; the Jaffa was at the controls piloting the ship. Which meant Jack was alone with his thoughts as he worked; of course working was a way of keeping his mind off what had happened. He couldn't deny it didn't happen because it did. He'd lost his best friend… and he'd lost his son-in-law. Dealing with that fact was proving harder then he thought it would. He'd lost Daniel before and each time the archaeologist had managed to come back, but this time it was different, he wasn't coming back. This time he'd left a wife to grieve and Jack knew Cali was taking Daniel's death hard.

Up front, Teal'c looked over to his teammate. "Are you not all right, Major Carter?"

"I'm fine," she answered.

"You continue to mourn the loss of Daniel Jackson," he noted. "As Cali O'Neill does."

"Yeah I do," she admitted. "What about you Teal'c?"

"I will perform the proper rituals when the opportunity presents itself," he informed. "Until that time, this mission must take priority."

"Please, Teal'c, don't give me that 'way of the warrior' crap. I get enough of that form Colonel O'Neill," Sam retorted.

He sighed. "Daniel Jackson has ascended to a higher plane of existence. Many Jaffa have dedicated their lives to achieve such a goal. I told this to Cali O'Neill."

"So I'm supposed to celebrate?" She asked him. "Is Cali?"

He arched an eyebrow. "Cali O'Neill made a similar accusation, however his ascension is a great accomplishment."

Sam shook her head. "We were a team, Teal'c. No one can begin to understand what we went through together, what we mean to each other," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "So maybe Daniel has achieved something of a great cosmic significance, I don't know and to be honest with you, right now, I don't really care. I'd rather have him back and so would Cali."

Teal'c nodded and turned away so she could not see how affected he was by her words. "As would I." He said quietly and then announced as he noted their position. "We are approaching the Adara system," he saw something else. "Two motherships are in orbit of the second planet."

Jack walked up behind them.

"We won't be able to activate the cloak until we come out of hyperspace," Sam informed. "There'll be a brief interval where they might detect us."

"How brief?" Jack asked her.

"Just a few seconds, the odds of them spotting us are pretty slim."

"How slim?"

She nearly groaned. "Hardly worth mentioning, sir."

"And yet, you did mention it," he goaled.

"Yeah, I'm beginning to wish I hadn't," Sam grumbled turning back to her console.

Teal'c brought the ship out of hyperspace and quickly cloaked it to mask their approach as they headed towards the planet before them.

"Well, at least they're not shooting at us," Jack remarked. "That's good."

"We are approaching the upper atmosphere." Teal'c announced, taking the ship in.

"It's pretty thick," Sam noted as the ship shook around them.

"There is considerable turbulence," the Jaffa agreed. He activated a screen, showing them the necessary information. Behind them Jack was holding onto the console in front of him, being brought to his knees.

"You know," he suggested. "We should really consider putting another chair back here. If you think about it, it'd be much safer, wouldn't it?" He saw their amused looks, since both were comfortable seated.

Teal'c brought the ship into land. "We have arrived at the co-ordinates given to us by Freyr."

Jack got to his feet. "Nice view."

Sam didn't get it. "This can't be right. The atmosphere is 80 carbon dioxide and with a surface temperature of 420 degrees Fahrenheit."

"Ooh…. hot."

"Yeah," she agreed getting to her feet she stood with him.

Teal'c also joined them. "How are we to locate the Asgard facility?" He asked, but no answer was needed as an Asgard transporter beamed them off, taking them into the Asgard facility.

"Well that was easy," Sam muttered as they looked around their surroundings.

"Ah human's, interesting," an almost feminine voice declared and they spotted the little gray Asgard walking down a ramp to them. He waved to them and Jack waved back. "Greetings, I am Heimdall. I assume you were sent by the Asgard High Council."

"Not exactly," Jack announced and introduced himself and his team. "Colonel Jack O'Neill, Major Carter and Teal'c." He said shaking the Asgard's hand, which amused the little scientist.

"I have heard much of your exploits on behalf of the Asgard," Heimdall praised. "Doctor Jackson and Doctor O'Neill are not with you?"

"Uh, no," Jack replied little uncomfortable.

Heimdall didn't seem to notice. "In any case it is a great pleasure to meet you."

"Where are we exactly?" Sam asked, shaking off the inquiry about Daniel.

"Several hundred meters beneath the surface of the planet." He answered, having to look up at her.

"Of course, we'd have to be," she realized "The surface is uninhabitable."

"The Goa'uld are unaware of your presents here?" Teal'c queried.

"I have been monitoring their communications. They know the laboratory is somewhere on this planet but as of yet they have been unable to pin point it's location," the Asgard scientist revealed, blinking his large black eyes.

"Well why don't we get out of here before they find out?" Jack stated the obvious.

"I am afraid we cannot leave," Heimdall said bluntly.

"Why not?" Sam asked confused, wasn't that why they were there?

"First we must rescue Thor," he answered her.

The three of them were surprised, Sam voicing the question they all had on their minds. "I thought Thor was dead?"

"He is not. However his life is in grave danger," Heimdall revealed as he walked over to a large console, moving peal colored stones that controlled the functions of the console. "After Thor's ship was destroyed, the Goa'uld detected an escape pod. They managed to retrieve it before it could disappear into the atmosphere."

"How do you know Thor is still alive?"

"I am able to scan the interior of the Goa'uld mother ship." He revealed and used the stones, making a screen appear, showing them a map of the Goa'uld mother ship.

"Wow." Jack exclaimed.

"I have located Thor's bio signature here." Heimdall announced and showed them on the map.

"Why don't you just beam him out?"

"Although my sensors can penetrate the Goa'uld shields, my transportation device cannot," the Asgard stated.

"Can you detect Goa'uld life signs as well?" Sam asked him.

"I can." He changed the screen to include what she'd asked for; a red symbol for the Goa'uld was represented with Thor's blue symbol. "The red dot indicates the presence of a symbiote."

"So it's either Goa'uld of a Jaffa." Sam guessed.

"In all probability, Thor is being tortured for information pertaining to Asgard technology."

"With that kind of knowledge, the Goa'uld could easily come through our Stargate whenever they wanted. There wouldn't be anything we could do about it," she realized as they watched the screen.

"The Goa'uld is leaving," Teal'c noted, pointing out what was happening.

"Can you communicate with Thor?" Jack asked Heimdall.

"Yes, I can."

On the Goa'uld ship belonging to Osiris, in Thor's cell, Jack O'Neill appeared as a hologram. "Thor. Thor, buddy," he saw the little Asgard open his eyes. "Hey. How are you doing?"

"O'Neill, I am surprised to see you." Thor said.

"Yeah, well we're down on the planet with…"

"Heimdall." Thor supplied.

"Yeah, him. We're working on a way to get you out of here."

"That would be unwise. You must take Heimdall and his research materials and leave immediately." Thor ordered.

"What are you nuts?" Jack exclaimed. "I'm not gonna leave you behind."

"More Goa'uld are coming," Thor revealed. "I have been informed that Anubis will be conduction my interrogation."

"All the more reason to get you out," the Colonel declared.

"I will resist their attempts to probe my mind," the Asgard revealed. "I will die before I give them any information, but the very survival of the Asgard depends on Heimdall's discoveries."

Jack glanced back, only he heard Carter's announcement they had to pull him out. He looked back to Thor. "All right, listen. I've got to go but I'll be back." He said and then straightening he disappeared.

Back within the Asgard facility Jack walked off the holopad and over to Sam and Teal'c.

"How's he doing?" Sam asked him.

"Well, he's fine now. Except for the fact that he wants us to leave him behind." Jack remarked.

"For what reason?" Teal'c questioned.

"I wouldn't mind knowing that myself," the Colonel answered and the three of them looked to Heimdall for an explanation.

"Thor is no doubt concerned that if we delay, the materials in this laboratory will fall into the hands o the Goa'uld," the Asgard explained.

"What exactly are you studying here?" Sam asked him.

"I am conducting research into the genetic history of the Asgard."

"Yeah, now, see that doesn't sound like something worth dying for." Jack said bluntly.

"That is because you do not understand the gravity of the situation."

"Feel free to enlighten us," the Colonel said dryly.

"As a race, the Asgard reproduced exclusively through a process of enhanced cellular mitosis." Heimdall explained.

"Are you serious?" Sam asked, understanding what he was saying. "You have no other means of propagation?"

"No."

Jack saw the surprised look on his 2IC's face. "Carter?"

"They're clones, sir. All of them." She revealed.

"Ah, well, that answers a few questions."

"In fact, for nearly a thousand years, we have been physically incapable of achieving cell division through meiosis." Heimdall declared.

Jack was confused; he looked to Sam. "Hmm?"

"Sexual reproduction sir."

"Ah," he looked to the Asgard. "A thousand years?"

"It is not something we usually discuss with other races."

"This I understand." Jack remarked.

Heimdall ignored the comment. "Through cloning we have achieved a measure of immortality. As each Asgard's body fails, his consciousness is transferred into a newer, younger vision of himself. Unfortunately, the lack of genetic diversity has become a problem."

"It's like making a copy of a copy, of a copy," Sam explained to Jack and Teal'c. Eventually there's deterioration."

"We created a process of controlled mutation which has helped s to avoid complete genetic breakdown," he continued. "But we are at the limits of our technical capabilities. The truth is the Asgard are a dying race."

Sam got them back on track. "If Anubis is going to interrogate Thor, he'll have to ring aboard the ship," she theorized. "Once they lower the shields to let him in, we can beam Thor out."

"The shields will not be lowered, Major Carter," Teal'c corrected her. "They will merely adjust the frequency to accept a ring transmission."

"Well, then we can use the rings on the cargo ship to beam up at the same time," she suggested.

"Once Anubis is on bard the frequency will be readjusted and we will be trapped," the Jaffa informed.

"So we take out the shields from the inside." Jack put forth.

"The shield generator room is located here." Heimdall announced and showed them on the interior map of the ship. "You can use explosives to disable the system and I will transport everyone out, including Thor."

"Once the rings have been activated, the Goa'uld will be aware of out presence." Teal'c noted.

"Okay, so one of us stays here and uses the Asgard scanner to direct the others away from any guards or patrols." Sam recommended.

"First, I must complete my preparations for departure."

"Okay, Carter, you stay here, Teal'c and I will go up." Jack ordered and she nodded in agreement.

"I must remind you, O'Neill, that time is of the essence," the little Asgard declared. "This laboratory will not remain undetected indefinitely."

Jack tapped his watch face. "Right," he agreed. "So can you return us to the cargo ship?"

"I can."

"Then lefts do it," he insisted and he and Teal'c were transported out of the base.

Morning had Janet Fraiser back in the infirmary, luckily her daughter Cassie has slept over at a friends place, because she hadn't made it home. She'd caught a few hours sleep in the officer's quarters. With the latest MRI results, she walked over to Cali O'Neill, who was awake. "Morning."

Cali managed a smile. "Morning."

"How are you feeling?" Janet asked her curiously, grabbing the near by chair, she pulled it over and sat down.

"A little tired, but other then that fine," Cali answered. "Why?'

Janet showed her the results from the MRI. "You're using a part of your brain that you shouldn't be and you now have a protein marker."

"You're sure?"

The doctor nodded. "Do you remember what happened?"

"The last thing I remember is being in my office," she recalled, thinking back. "I think I heard Jonas' voice."

"He found you," Janet revealed. "In fact he's been here all night, I ordered him out just before we took you away to do the MRI."

"He was?" Cali found that surprising, she'd been avoiding him since his arrival. "I guess I owe him my thanks."

"Well he's coming back, so you'll get your chance."

"In that case," the younger woman sat up and swung her legs off the bed. "I need to go before he does get back."

"Go… Cali?"

She giggled a little, interrupting her. "The bathroom, Janet," she smirked. "I need to go."

"Oh," Janet stood and unhooked her from the monitors. "Sorry."

"It's okay," Cali assured.

They walked slowly, Janet staying with her; she waited outside the bathroom while the linguist went inside. When she was finished, Janet walked her back to her bed. "So how are you feeling, really?" She asked.

"Better," Cali admitted as she sat back on the bed, sitting cross-legged, thankful she wore blue scrubs instead of a gown. "I still feel empty, but it isn't overwhelming any more." She saw Jonas walk in, pausing in the doorway. She gave him a smile. "I guess I can't stay angry forever, either," she whispered and gestured him over.

Janet looked back. "Mr. Quinn," she greeted with a smile.

"It's Jonas, please," he insisted. "How is Dr. O'Neill, this morning?"

"Dr. O'Neill is fine," Cali told him before Janet could. "Thank you," she saw his inquisitive look. "Janet told me you found me."

"Oh," he looked a little uncomfortable. "I was in the right place, at the right time."

She nodded. "Yes you were," she agreed and looked to the doctor. "So Janet, when can I get out of here?"

"In a hurry are we?"

"I'm due to go off world with SG-3."

"Well I think Colonel Reynolds with have to go without his good luck charm this time," Janet told her and saw the look she was being given. "Don't you dare young lady, that lost puppy look doesn't work on me."

Jonas found it amusing, but he brought them both down to earth, so to speak with his question. "I would have thought you would have wanted more time off before returning to work?"

Cali shook her head; the hardest thing had been accepting her husband wasn't coming back. Having too much time on her hands would make her reevaluate what had happened. She couldn't do that. "Nothing I can do will bring Daniel back to me, Jonas," she told him, her eyes became glassy but a single tear didn't fall. "This is his journey, his time," she said with a hunting clarity. "I think he needs to do this, to have this experience."

"How can you be so sure?" He asked curiously.

She turned, swinging her legs off the bed so she faced him. "Daniel felt like he was failing everyone, that he wasn't helping anyone," she revealed, she knew because at times she felt the same and they'd talked about it. "The past year had been so hard, things changed between Daniel, Jack, Sam and Teal'c. I felt it too; I saw it too, because I experienced it along with him. Sometimes it felt like we were being left out or not wanted and sometimes it was like we were becoming more soldier then archaeologist. It hurt, and I don't think dad or anyone else realized just how much it did."

"Cali," Janet took her hand. "Why didn't you say anything?"

She shrugged. "I did, once to dad. He told me I was over reacting. Daniel tried and got the same response. So in the end we just went along with it, Daniel just hoped it would work out and eventually everything would return to what it had been. It didn't though."

"I'm sorry kiddo."

"I know," she gave her a reassuring smile. "When Daniel ascended, it was his choice, he chose to do it; he said he could do more that way. As much as it hurt I let him go, I said goodbye and I told him I loved him and I let him go."

Jonas was started. "You said goodbye?"

She nodded. "It's complicated, but I was there with him, as was dad. It was like a dream."

"So you just move on?" He asked her.

Getting to her feet she shook her head. "No, now I carry on his work along with my own," she put her hand on his arm, showing she didn't blame him. "I could use some help, if you're interested."

"You'd like my help?" Jonas was surprised.

"Yes. I know how hard it is to arrive from another planet and have to fit it," she released his arm. "Us aliens have to stick together. Even Teal'c will tell you that."

He smiled. "Thank you."

She smiled back, looking to her friend and doctor. "So Janet, can I get out of here?"

"You're not concerned about the MRI results or suddenly having a protein marker in your blood?"

"No, because I think in the grand scheme of things, it's all supposed to be there," she said calmly, adding lightly. "If I have an urge to build anything or start talking ancient, I promise I'll come back."

Janet chuckled. "All right, I'll release you on the condition you rest until it's time to go off world and you don't push yourself while you are."

"I promise."

"Okay, then I'll get you, your clothes and you can go," she revealed. "Jonas, you're to make sure Dr. O'Neill rests, escort her to the commissary to have breakfast and then to her quarters to rest."

"Yes Ma'am." He accepted grinning, making Cali roll her eyes.

Jack sat on a supply container, leaning against the wall. They'd managed to get Thor off the Goa'uld ship, after being captured. When it came down to it, it was Thor who had freed them, the Goa'uld had him hooked to the computer or something and he'd been able to rewrite some of the subprograms, thus freeing him and Teal'c. Heimdall had transported them off the ship after they destroyed the control crystals for the shields; he'd also transported Carter away from Osiris. As they were escaping in the cargo ship, they'd been attacked by Anubis' ship; three Asgard ships had turned up under Freyr's command. The Goa'uld had gotten the hint and left. Heimdall and his pod had been transported off the cargo ship along with Thor. Now they were on their way home.

Teal'c walked into the cargo section. "Are you all right, O'Neill?"

He looked up. "Yeah Teal'c, I'm fine."

The Jaffa sat down next to him. "Are you looking forward to being home?"

Jack debated that question. "Yes and no," he admitted. "It's going to be a little hard going back and knowing Daniel isn't going to be there."

"I too am missing Daniel Jackson's presence." Teal'c stated.

"We all are, Teal'c," he rubbed his hands along the legs of his pants. "You never really realize what you miss until it's not there any more."

The Jaffa nodded. "I shall miss him too," he announced. "When we return I will perform the proper rituals, I would be honored if you, Major Carter and Cali O'Neill join me."

"Really?"

"Yes."

Jack was a little surprised. "Thanks Teal'c," he said and saw the Jaffa bow his head. "It's going to be hardest on Cali, she'll have to decided what to do with Daniel's things. If she decides to do anything at all."

"Perhaps we should have a gathering to celebrate Daniel Jackson's life," the Jaffa suggested. "I believe we did this once before. Is it not appropriate to do it again?"

"I suppose so, or we could go out to dinner, just the team and celebrate between ourselves." Jack put forth. Then added. "Whatever we do, Teal'c, we'll do it together and we'll be there for Cali. I'm going to ask General Hammond to have her assigned to SG-1 officially. I don't think she deserves unofficial status any more."

"I believe you are correct O'Neill."

"Yeah," he stood. "Thanks Teal'c." He put a hand on the Jaffa's shoulder, and then released it and walked out to Sam, he'd been hard on her too. "Hey Carter."

She was at the controls. "Hey sir."

He sat in the other seat. "How you holding up?"

"I'm fine sir," she told him with a small smile.

"Teal'c suggested we have a wake for Daniel, he also wants you and I and Cali to participate in the rituals he wants to perform."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"Wow," she was surprised. "I'm honored."

He nodded. "I'm also going to ask General Hammond to officially assign Cali to SG-1."

"It's a good idea sir." She told him.

Silence fell between them. Finally he spoke again. "Look Carter I'm sorry, I've been handling Daniel's death and ascension really badly."

She glanced over and saw he meant it. "I guess we all handled it in different ways sir."

"Yeah we did," he slumped down a little in his chair. "I let him down, Sam," he said quietly. "I failed him as a friend and as a father-in-law."

"I don't think he believed that sir."

"I think in a way he did," Jack told her. "When he was in the infirmary, all bandaged up, I went and saw him, we talked and I told him he wasn't going to take the fall for what happened. That I didn't care what was at stake and he looked at me and said: 'Why do you care?' and then I stupidly said: 'Because, despite the fact that you've been a terrific pain in the ass for the last five years, I may have, might have, uh grown to admire you a little. I think'." He felt like hell for that. "He looked me straight in the eye and said: 'Now that's touching'. I can't believe I said that to him."

"Daniel knew you didn't mean it the way it came out sir," she assured him, seeing it was eating him up. "He knew how you felt about him."

"That's the thing, Carter, I don't think he really did," he said solemnly.

"He did sir, and he wouldn't want you beating yourself up over this," Sam advised. "He'd also want you to grieve sir."

"Yeah, I know."

She didn't push it any more; just having him say what he did was an accomplishment.

The rest of the journey home was uneventful, after reporting and being cleared by Dr. Fraiser; they showered, dressed and headed up to briefing room to General Hammond. Giving him a full run down of the mission.

"Their examination of the android must have yielded some positive results," Sam remarked in conclusion. "Because it looks like the Asgard has finally gained the upper hand against the Replicators."

"What about Thor?" Jack asked her, knowing she would have checked up. "Any word?"

"They managed to remove the device from his brain but it may have been too late," she reported. "Apparently he's lapsed into a coma. If they knew more about how the device works they might be able to help him. They're studying it now towards that end. Unfortunately, it's unlike anything they've ever encountered before."

"It is apparent that Anubis has gained access to technology previously unknown to the Goa'uld." Teal'c stated bluntly.

"Which would explain his rapid rise to power." Hammond put forth.

"Yes sir."

"All right. You're dismissed," he ordered. "Colonel, I'd like a word in my office."

Jack nodded. "Yes sir, but before we do that," he and other had also gotten to their feet. "Sir, we've discussed this," he gestured to Sam, Teal'c and himself with a way of his hand. "And we've decided Cali needs to be officially apart of SG-1."

"I see, granted."

Sam was a little surprised. "Just like that, sir?"

He smiled. "Major, I've already spoken to the President and he agrees if anyone can continue Dr. Jackson's work, it's his wife. So as of now, Dr. O'Neill is officially a part of SG-1."

"Thank you sir."

He nodded. "With that said, what I had to say to Colonel O'Neill, I can say in front of you all," he gestured for them all to retake their seats and did so himself. "Cali collapsed from exhaustion not long after you left," he saw the concern cross their faces. "She's fine, a good nights sleep and a decent meal and Dr. Fraiser declared her fit."

"However?" Jack saw the opening.

"However, after Dr. Fraiser did a MRI, she found the results were unusual. In fact the last time she saw result similar was when you had the knowledge of the Ancients downloaded into your brain, Colonel."

"What does that mean?" Sam asked worriedly.

"Dr. Fraiser isn't sure, even the second MRI didn't reveal any answers. She was also concerned by the fact she found Cali has a protein marker in her blood."

"Whoa, wait," Jack interrupted. "How?"

"That we're not sure, there is no sign she has ever been taken as a host and doesn't have a symbiote."

Teal'c raised his eyebrow. "Her mother would have had a protein marker in her blood, she would have pasted it onto Cali O'Neill."

"Yes, except until now, she hasn't shown any sign of it before in her blood," the General noted.

"Most unusual."

"So what does this all mean, sir?" Sam asked before Jack could.

"Dr. Fraiser doesn't know, she thinks it could have something to do with the Ancient gene both the Colonel and Doctor O'Neill carry, or it could be just a part of her evolutionary development."

"What does Cali say?" Jack asked him, curious.

"She seems to think that in the grand scheme of things, it's supposed to be there." Hammond answered him.

The Colonel ran his fingers through his hair. "Where is she now, General?"

He glanced at this watch. "She and SG-3 are due back in a few minutes." He just finished saying it when they heard the Gate rumble and the alarms go off. Getting up they went down to the Colonel room. "Sergeant?"

"It's SG-3, sir."

The Stargate had opened and settled into an event horizon, and after a brief pause, SG-3 along with Cali O'Neill walked happily through, grinning.

In the control room, Sam, Jack and Teal'c stood stunned, watching the young woman walking down the ramp. She looked as she always did, except this time, she wore one of Daniel's bandana's on her head, her braided hair tucked beneath it. She looked up and waved to them as the Gate closed down behind her, chuckling at something Major Anderson said as she walked with him out of the Gate room.

"I guess Colonel," General Hammond said dryly. "In the grand scheme of things, she's going to be all right."

Jack nodded. "Yes sir, she is."

"I'll be debriefing SG-3 in one hour, I'd like you all to be there." He ordered and left the control room.

And hour later they were waiting in the briefing room along with SG-3 and Cali, she hugged her dad.

Jack didn't care about whether anyone else saw it or not, he just needed to hold his daughter. "Are you okay, sweetheart?"

"Yeah," she gave him a smile. "I'm going to be fine. What about you?"

He nodded. "In time."

She kissed his check. "We have that, dad." She moved away as the General came out of his office and they all took their seats.

The General remained on his feet. "Before we begin, I have an announcement," he declared. "On the request of Colonel O'Neill, Dr. Cali O'Neill is now officially apart of SG-1 and the head of the Archaeology department within the SGC." He paused as the members of SG-3 congratulated her, she was a little stunned by the news; he could see that. "I've also spoken to the President and he has authorized a memorial plaque to be erected on level 8 for Doctor Daniel Jackson, even though I have officially listed Dr. Jackson as MIA."

"MIA, sir?" Colonel Reynolds questioned.

"Well we don't really know if he's dead." Sam said quietly.

"And if he comes back, sir?" Cali said hopefully.

"Dr. O'Neill, when it comes to your husband," General Hammond sighed. "Well, lets just say I wouldn't be surprised and if he does come back to us, I will gladly remove that plaque myself."

She nodded, smiling warmly. "Thank you, sir."

He nodded. "SG-1, except for Dr. O'Neill, you're dismissed," he ordered and after they'd left, he addressed the remaining. "Very well, gentlemen and Dr. O'Neill, lets begin." They nodded and briefed him on their mission and it's results. He was pleased. "Very well, have your reports written up by this afternoon, dismissed."

They stood when he did, waiting until he'd left before doing so themselves.

"So, doc, you okay about everything?" Major Anderson asked her.

Cali nodded. "Yeah I am, thanks Shawn," she said with a warm smile.

"No problem."

They all stopped at the elevator, Reynolds a little nervous about what he was going to say. "Look, Cali," he saw she was surprised by his use of her first name. "The guys and I, we'd like you to know, if you need anything, any help at all. You can call us, any time."

She knew what he meant and it meant a lot to her. "Thank you, Graham, guys," she said sincerely. "I appreciate it."

"Hey, you're family, doc," Shawn Anderson told her with a grin.

She nodded and stepped onto the elevator, turning, seeing they weren't going to follow her. "Thanks guys." She pressed level 18 and gave them a wave as the doors closed and the elevator moved.

Later that afternoon, her dad arrived at her office, along with Teal'c; both were dressed in casuals. "Hey kiddo, T and I were going to get a bit to eat, you want to join us?"

Cali closed the file she was working on. "Okay, give me five minutes."

"Sure," he agreed and they waited.

She saved her work on the computer and shut it down, getting up she went over to them. "So where are we going?"

"O'Malley's." Teal'c informed.

"Okay, I'll go change."

"Good idea," Jack teased and they walked with her. "So kiddo, you heading home tonight?"

"Um, no, I think I'll stay on base again," she said a little tentative.

"No problem."

They went to the quarters she kept on level 25 and waited outside while she changed.

"I believe Cali O'Neill has not returned to her apartment since Daniel Jackson's ascension." Teal'c noted, keeping his voice down.

Jack knew that too. "That's what I'm worring about."

"Perhaps you should suggest she once again live with you," the Jaffa suggested.

"I thought about that too, Teal'c."

Cali came out and shut the door, she wore jeans, a white tee shirt and her flight jacket, as well as dress boots. She had unbraided her hair, leaving it lose and hanging down her back. "All set."

"Lets go then," Jack, suggested and they headed for the elevator, filling her in on their mission with the Asgard. "It seems we're not that much of a nuisance just yet." Jack concluded when they were discussing an over all view of things.

"Of that I am not so sure." Teal'c retorted.

"Neither am I," Cali agreed.

They meet up with Carter and General Hammond; Sam was also in casuals, ready to head home. "Hey," she greeted.

"Hey." Jack said.

"Heading home?" She asked.

"Actually, Teal'c, Cali and I are going to get a bit to eat. Interested?"

"Sounds good." Sam agreed.

Jack looked to Hammond. "General?"

"You four go ahead, I've still got some work to do." He insisted and started to walk away.

Sam suddenly felt her hair being ruffled by a gust of wind, Teal'c did also so, looking curiously towards the breeze. "What was that?" Sam questioned.

The General had heard her and turned back to look at his flag team.

"Perhaps a malfunction in the ventilation system?" Teal'c offered.

Jack had a feeling it wasn't, but he didn't voice it. "Yeah, that's probably it."

Sam nodded and glanced back to the General. "Bye, sir, have a good night." He nodded, walking away. Sam sighed and followed Teal'c into the elevator as the doors opened.

Another gust of wind ruffled Cali's hair and then Jack's, causing both to smile, each silently knowing what had just happened as they joined their teammates in the elevator, each sensing the presence of their ascended love one in their own way.

One month later:

Cali O'Neill-Jackson came off the elevator on level 8, heading for the memorial. She'd chosen a black skirt, white blouse and black tailored jacket for occasion, along with black heals. She'd braided her hair and pulled it up into a bun and with Sam's help; she wore a little make-up, she'd asked for the Major's help to ease her nervousness for this event. She had no trouble facing down System Lords or Jaffa, have her attend a memorial and she was a mess though.

Dr. Catherine Langford and Dr. Ernest Littlefield had been invited to attend, having all ready arrived. She saw the young woman walk in. "Oh my," she turned to the handsome Colonel at her side, who looked dashing in his dress blues. "Jack she's blossomed."

He smiled. "She grew up Catherine," he said with a few regrets. "And she got married."

"Married?" Catherine was a little confused. "You never said she got married."

"She married Daniel," he revealed. "By Abydonian law."

She chuckled. "Well I'll be," she mused.

Cali went over to them smiling. "Catherine, Ernest," she hugged them both. "It's so good to see you."

"And you," Catherine put a hand to her check. "If you ever need anything, anything at all, you call me. Even if it's just someone to talk to."

"I will," she agreed.

Catherine sighed, smiling warmly. "You look wonderful, Cali. So different from that scared teenager who came through the Gate clinging to Jack's hand."

"I've been working through my clinginess," she smirked.

Earnest laughed. "She has your sense of humor, Jack."

"I've done my best," Jack said proudly.

"Good thing she left home when she did, then," a voice remarked from behind Cali.

She turned. "Lou," she hugged Colonel Lou Ferretti warmly. "I'm glad you could make it."

"I wouldn't have missed it for the world, honey," he said keeping her in his arms. "Daniel was one of the good guys."

She pulled away, smiling. "I know."

General Hammond stood at the podium that had been set up and everyone settled down. "This morning we gather here to honor the memory of a remarkable man – Doctor Daniel Jackson. He took my first impressions of him and proved me wrong. He became a valuable member of SG-1 and most of all he became my dear friend." He paused, seeing all reflected the sediment in their eyes. As well as Catherine Langford and Ernest Littlefield, Jacob Carter was present, as was Master Bra'tac. Standing near by Jonas Quinn and Teal'c were Kasuf and Skarra. Nearly every SG team had made it, as had Dr. Fraiser and some of her staff. "Each and everyone of you knew Dr. Jackson, you all had the pleasure of working with him. Today, the members of SG-1 would like to reflect on their memories of Daniel."

Jack came to the podium and stood where the General had. "I'm not much of a speaker," he started. "With that said, Daniel would roll his eyes and groan," he paused at the chuckles. "Daniel Jackson was a geek, he sneezed a lot; well he did until Dr. Fraiser managed to figure out his medication and rid us of having to carry supply each of tissues." There was soft laugher. "Despite the fact Daniel was a geek, he was my best friend. I trusted him with my life and on more than one occasion he saved my life. I saw him beaten and tortured on more then one occasion and he never betrayed his team or his planet. And I saw him beat death more then once," he paused, gripping the podium. "To SG-1, Daniel Jackson was our conscious, he was our friend, brother and to one he was a life partner and husband. And he will be missed."

Cali stepped forward, taking her dad's place at the podium as he returned to stand with Catherine. She looked over the crowd of people who had attended and felt each and every one of them was there because Daniel had touched their lives in someway. "Doctor Daniel Jackson was a multiple PhD holder. He spoke 23 Earth languages and a number of alien languages. He touched lives in a way no other could and he never asked for anything in return. There were no medals or awards for Daniel – there were however handshakes, hugs, a pat on the back and words of gratitude," she paused, feeling tears well in her eyes. "Daniel not only opened the Stargate, he opened our lives to the wonders of the universe and some would say its dangers too. Those dangers he faced with us, standing strong. He never gave up, even when it seemed impossible to win. He fought for what he believed in and he fought to help others, most of the time with words. He freed the people of Abydos and lived with them for a little over a year. He gave a scared teenager the strength to live on a strange planet, while he lived on hers. He gave her a father, as she left him with a wife." She stopped, gripping the podium. "The first time I saw Daniel, I knew I could love him for the rest of my life. However I wasn't the only one who though this and Sha're, my life partner was chosen to be his wife. We could have shared his love; he would have given it willing, for that was who Daniel was. Instead I chose to leave Abydos and start a new life. Fate though brought us back together; it took someone important from us and gave us a shared determination to get back what was ours. Along the way we found the bond that had drawn us together on Abydos still existed. That bond became love and I was proud to have Daniel as my life partner. We fought side by side, with as much determination as we loved. On Sha're's death, we entered another chapter of our lives, we became husband and wife. A partnership that was legal only by Abydonian law, but it didn't matter to Daniel, I was his wife, his life partner." She saw her dad smile encouragingly and continued. "Daniel was a scholar, an explorer, a warrior and as much as he didn't like to admit it. Daniel Jackson was a hero."

Sam joined Cali at the podium, slipping her arm around the younger woman. "Daniel would work himself to exhaustion at times to find the answer or clue that would save his teammates or another SGC team, because that was who Daniel was. He didn't have the happiest of childhoods; he lost his parents at the age of eight and spent a lot to time in foster care. His escape was his books, he was eager to learn and learn he did. At sixteen he went to UCLA, following in his parents footsteps becoming a Doctor of Archaeology, Anthropology and languages." She smiled warmly. "My first impressions of Daniel Jackson were on Abydos, he surprised me in more then one way and I was so envious of Sha're. When he became a part of SG-1, I found the brother I'd always wanted. Daniel was always there, whether it was just to talk, or to have coffee with or to give a hug. He brought something special to our lives."

Teal'c came and stood the other side of Cali. "Daniel Jackson was a brother to many – not by blood but by honor and friendship. He stood strong in the face of adversity and put his team before himself. His strength and determination was one of the first things I came to admire of Daniel Jackson. He will forever be my brother."

Jack returned to the podium, standing behind his daughter, his hands on her shoulders. "Daniel was not the first to fall," he said with reverence. "Nor will he be the last and like those who have fallen before him. He will not be forgotten."

General Hammond nodded to Cali. "Dr. O'Neill."

She moved away from her family and teammates, to stand with the General at the wall of remembrance. Slowly she removed the covering from the new plague, running her fingers over it. Written on it was – In memory of Doctor Daniel Jackson – MIA. His date of birth and the date he ascended were written in a smaller font. Beneath it was SG-1's logo and then the Tau're logo. 'Until we meet again, my Daniel,' she whispered in Abydonian.

"Ten hut!" was ordered.

Cali turned and saw all personnel in uniform saluting. She felt overwhelmed and the tears that had threatened to fall did, sliding down her cheeks. She managed a sad smile. "Thank you."

"Dismissed!" The General commanded. He put a hand on the young woman's arm. "Take your time, Doctor."

"Thank you, sir."

He nodded and walked over to Catherine and Ernest, escorting them out. The SGC personnel filed out, words of respect were passed along as they left.

Jacob hugged Cali. "Selmac and I are sorry we couldn't do more for Daniel."

"You did all you could," she assured. "Daniel knew that."

He lent forward and kissed her forehead. "Stay strong kiddo," he advised and walked out with Sam.

Kasuf and Skarra came over to them. "Good daughter," the Abydonian leader addressed her. "It was a beautiful ceremony."

"Yes it was good father," she agreed and hugged them both. "Can you stay?"

He shook his head. "We need to return."

"I understand."

Skarra gave her a smile. "Daniel was proud of you, always my sister."

"I know, Skarra," she hugged him once more. "Take care."

"You too," he insisted and left with Kasuf.

Jack put his arm around his daughter. "Are you going to be okay?"

She nodded, wiping her cheeks. "Yeah."

Bra'tac came over to them. "Cali."

She went into his arms, hugging him. "Thank you for coming, grandfather."

"I would not have missed this," he insisted. "Daniel was your husband, thus he was my grandson."

She smiled as she pulled away. "He would appreciate you saying that grandfather."

He smiled warmly. "I must leave."

"I know," she said understandingly. "Be careful."

"Of course," he smirked with good heartedness. "Keep well granddaughter."

"Keep well grandfather."

"I will escort you Master Bra'tac." Teal'c informed.

He nodded and followed his former student out.

Jack put his arm around his daughter. "Daniel would be proud of you honey."

She nodded touching the plaque again. "I know, dad."

He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I'll see you later."

"Okay dad."

Jack didn't like the thought of leaving her alone, but he had a feeling she needed to be alone with her thoughts. He walked back to the elevator, stepping into it when the doors opened, pressing level 25, he wanted to get to his on base quarters and get out of his uniform and into fatigues. In the past month, the only time Jack had been able to get Cali back to hers and Daniel's apartment was when she parked everything up. She said it held too many memories to stay there, so she'd packed up everything, put a lot in storage at the SGC and lived on base. Occasionally he'd managed to get her to stay with him, but she seemed happier with her living arrangements.

In his quarters he changed out of the dress blues, hanging them up, he got back into blue BDU's. Sitting on the bed to lace up his boots.

'Don't worry about Cali, Jack, she'll work things out.'

He straightened, startled by who he saw. "Holly crap!"

'Nice language, big brother.' Jake smirked.

Jack reached out and waved his hand through his brother's form. "Great, now I'm imagining my dead brother is talking to me."

'You're not imagining me, Jack, I'm really here, sort off. I'm energy.'

"Energy, like Oma?"

'And Daniel, yes.'

Jack took that in his stride. "Soooo, how ya doing?"

'Fine, you?"

"Oh you know, knees play up a little, so does the back," he remarked casually.

Jake chuckled. 'Daniel warned me you had developed an unique sense of humor.'

"Well he'd know, I subjected him to it for five years," the Colonel remarked dryly. "So little brother, why the visit?"

The ascended being sat next to his brother, the bed not even moving under his weight, after all he was just energy. 'You're worried about Cali.'

"It's a little hard not to be, Jake, she has a protein marker. Her MRI's look like nothing we have on Earth, Fraiser doesn't even know if it's normal." Jack stated a little bluntly. "Yesterday she and Carter were working with the Goa'uld ribbon device we acquired and Cali was able make it work, better then Carter has even been able to. The same with the healing device."

His brother smiled, revealing. 'Cali is an Ancient, Jack, she's a protein marker from her mother, the knowledge she has is the knowledge of the Ancients. An Ancient scientist initiated her evolutionary development; it was done in secret. She isn't called the Chosen for nothing.'

"Which means?"

Jake stood. 'It means eventually your going to lose your daughter, Jack, but you'll gain so much more.'

"What the hell does that mean?" Jack asked looking up, finding himself alone in the room. "Crap!" He exclaimed. "I am so losing it," he muttered to himself and left his quarters.

Four weeks later:

Jonas fell hard onto his backside, not for the first time, nor would it be the last. He heard the Marines to his left chuckling and accepted the hand that was offered to him, getting to his feet. Learning to defend himself had been his idea.

"You are not concentrating Jonas Quinn." Teal'c informed.

"I'm trying, Teal'c."

"Perhaps we should try something easier, like boxing."

"Boxing?"

"Yes, a sport O'Neill enjoys," the Jaffa, remarked.

"Um, maybe later," he took his stance again.

Teal'c sighed inward and dumped the young man on the mats again. "I believe that is enough for today."

"Yeah," Jonas agreed lying flat on his back. "I'm done," he remarked and was helped to his feet once more. "Thanks Teal'c."

"You are welcome Jonas Quinn."

They headed to the locker room, showered and were dressing, as the Marines came in chuckling over a story Major Shawn Anderson from SG-3 was telling.

"Anyway, Doctor Jackson, he walks up to the doc," the Major was saying, "pulls her into his arms and plants a kiss on her that had us all gasping. Stepping back he turns to the Prince, licks his lips and says, 'mine'."

"So what did the doc do?" A young Sergeant asked.

"She wrapped her arms around Jackson and said something in the Prince's language that had him turning red and bolting," Sergeant Jeffries revealed, grinning. "He never hit on the doc again."

The Marines laughed hard, they got what they needed and went in for showers.

Jonas signed. "Doctor Jackson was well liked."

"And well missed," the Jaffa retorted.

Standing the Kelownan shook his head. "If I hadn't of frozen…. I should have been the one who stopped the overload."

"Then you would be dead."

"At lease Doctor Jackson would be alive," he remarked bluntly and walked out.

Teal'c silently got to his feet and followed.

On level 26, Sam Carter walked down the corridor to the briefing room, going in she saw Colonel O'Neill standing by the window looking out over the Gate room. Leaving the file she was carrying on the large table she went and stood next to him. "Sir."

"Hey."

She was a little concerned by his solitude. "Are you all right, sir?"

"I was thinking back to the first time I met Daniel," he said reflecting. "When we went to Abydos."

"He saved you're life."

He nodded. "I'd lost a son, my wife was leaving me and I found a friend and gained a daughter."

Sam put her hand on his arm. "Daniel knew what he was doing, Colonel. He reacted on instinct, just as he'd done before."

"Except this time it got him killed." Jack said solemnly. Than with an almost haunting voice quoted. "No man should out live his children."

"You haven't sir," she assured him. "You have Cali, she's still with us."

"Yeah."

Sam was worried; she squeezed his arm, she hated seeing him like this. "Colonel, what happened to Daniel wasn't your fault. He saved millions of lives. Daniel was a hero."

"We never treated him like one, Carter," he retorted. "Cali was right when she said there were no awards or medals for Daniel," anger touched his voice. "There should have been, he deserved more then we gave, a hell'va lot more. More then a plaque on the wall of remembrance."

Neither had heard Cali enter the room, but she'd heard everything they'd said. "Daniel didn't want awards or medals, dad," she told him and they both turned. "He just wanted your love and respect, your friendship. That's all he wanted, all we both wanted." She walked closer. "In the months before he ascended, he felt lost and defeated, that he'd failed not only me, but you and the rest of the team. He nearly didn't ascend because he felt that way."

Sam was surprised; she hadn't realized Daniel had those feelings. "How…. how do you know he nearly didn't ascend?"

"He told me, just before he left, before he ascended," she revealed. "I made sure he realized he'd never failed me, that I loved him and if ascending was his only chose then he should go." She felt her chest tighten with emotion; she crossed her arms against it. "Because I'd rather have known he was on a high plane of existence, doing some good, then dying such a painful death from radiation poisoning. I knew, as an ascended being he can do more."

Jack drew his daughter into his arms. "I'm sorry, honey, I'm so sorry."

She squeezed her eyes shut and felt tears slip from beneath her closed lids, holding tight to him. "Don't give up on Daniel, dad, no matter where he is, he's looking after us all." She opened her eyes and stepped back a little, but not enough to pull out of his embrace. "And don't give up on me, please?"

"I won't, honey." He lent down and kissed her forehead. "I'm always here for you."

"I know," she moved out of his arms and was embraced by Sam, hugging her back.

"I'm sorry too, Cali," the major whispered. "I never meant to hurt you or Daniel."

She smiled sadly. "I know that, so did Daniel in the end."

Sam wiped a finger over the younger woman's cheek, wiping away a tear. "How about we have a girls night, you, me, Janet and Cassie?"

Cali nodded. "I'd like that."

"And we're going to have team nights again," Jack declared. "We let that slip, but no more."

"Agreed sir," Sam said strongly.

"Teal'c and I can carpool." Cali said lightly, getting into the sprite.

"That's my girl, but Teal'c drives at night," her dad stated protectively. Seeing the person in question come up the stairs. "T, buddy, this Friday night, my place – beer and pizza. You and Cali can pick up some movies on the way."

"I look forward to it O'Neill." Teal'c agreed.

"Excellent."

Teal'c looked to the younger O'Neill. "Are you not well Cali O'Neill?"

"I'm fine, Teal'c," she reassured wiping her cheeks. "We just had a little father-daughter bonding."

"I see."

From his office, General Hammond smiled, watching his flag team in the briefing room made him realize they were going to be all right.

That evening, Teal'c walked down the corridor from his quarters, he neared Cali O'Neill's and saw the door was partly opened. Seeing the young woman was inside, she was seated on the bed, still in her blue BDU's, except her blue shirt was hang over the end of the bed and she wore a cream sweater over her black t-shirt. He recognized the sweater; he'd seen Daniel Jackson wear it many times. Slowly he pushed the door opened and stepped into the room. She looked up. "I didn't mean to disturb you."

"It's all right Teal'c, come in," she said with a sad smile. "I was just going through some of Daniel's things."

He saw the papers spread out, photos mixed with them. "I will come back."

"No, it's okay," she gathered them up and put them back into the box and down onto the floor. "What's up?"

"I thought you would like to Kel'no'reem with me."

"You wouldn't mind?" She asked.

"I would not."

"All right," she stood and followed him out, returning to his quarters.

They lit candles and turned off the lights, sitting cross-legged on the fool facing each other. They'd done this together a few times since Daniel's death/ascension, Cali found it helped and Teal'c had expressed he enjoyed her company.

Cali closed her eyes and slowed her breathing, relaxing into a meditative state.

When the room felt like it was moving Cali opened her eyes and found herself not in Teal'c's quarters but the Gate room. She was seated at the bottom of the ramp.

'My sweater looks good on you.'

She looked up, surprised by who she saw. "Daniel," she got to her feet and hurried over to him.

He drew her into his arms, holding her tight. 'I had to come,' he whispered. 'I had to make sure you were all right.'

"I miss you so much," she said, her heart aching, she gripped his shirt, not wanting to let go.

'I miss you too,' he said softly. He placed a kiss on her forehead. 'I'm always with you though, I promise.'

"You're not coming back, are you?" She asked, tears in her eyes.

'No.'

Cali buried her head against his chest, not wanting to let go, to lose him. "Promise me something?"

'If I can,' he said truthfully.

She looked up. "Promise me, when it's my time, you'll come for me."

He nodded. 'If I can't, then Jake or Oma will," he pledged. Daniel smiled and ran his finger down her cheek. 'I love you, Cali. I will always love you.'

"I love you too," she said and smiled, realizing what this meant. "This is goodbye, isn't it?"

'For now, we'll be seeing each other again.'

"Promise?"

'I promise.' He tilted her chin up, his lips brushing over hers, parting them to deepen the kiss.

Teal'c heard a gasp and opened his eyes, across form him, seeing Cali hugging her drawn up knees to her chest. "Are you all right, Cali O'Neill?"

She looked up, smiling a little. "I'm going to be, Teal'c." She crawled over and hugged him.

He hesitated, and then pulled her closer, having her half sitting in his lap. "We will be all right together Cali."

Cali smiled at his use of only her first name. "I know we will, Teal'c."

A month later:

General Hammond walked into the control room, nodding to Sergeant Walter Harriman, who was standing near the console. "Morning Sergeant."

Sergeant Harriman smiled. "Morning sir."

"When is SG-1 due back?"

"Hour and 22 minutes from now, sir."

"When they get back, tell Major Cater I have a message for her," the General ordered.

"Yes sir," the Sergeant acknowledged. Behind him the Gate suddenly activated and alarms went off. He turned. "Incoming wormhole," he announced taking his seat, knowing the General was behind him. "Receiving SG-1s identification code," he revealed. "It's a code red, sir. Looks like they're coming in under fire."

Hammond lent over and spoke in the mike. "Defense unit and medical team to the Gate room."

"Opening iris." Sergeant Harriman announced and did so.

The General headed down to the Gate room, the Gate was opening when he and several armed personnel walked in. SG-1 walked quickly through the Gate, a spear followed them landing at Hammonds feet. He picked it up, straightening he noticed Teal'c was helping Colonel O'Neill down the ramp, the Colonel was limping badly.

"I'm going to kill the man," Jack threatened as they went past, the Jaffa heading him towards the infirmary.

The iris was shut and the Gate was closing down as the General, leaving the spear with an Airman, walked up the ramp to Major Carter and Cali O'Neill. The young archaeologist wasn't happy, in fact she was furious.

She swung a punch at Captain Hagman, disgusted, cuffing him in the nose. "You stupid son of a bitch!"

"I…I'm sorry, doctor," he said with slurred speech. Swaying he fell down unconscious.

A Medic checked him, pulling a dart out from the Captain's leg. "Steady pulse," he informed the Major as she removed a dart from the Captain's backpack. Then glanced back to the General. "He's just unconscious, sir."

Sam stood and moved towards Hammond. "I'd classify P2X-374 as unfriendly, sir," she reported as Cali stormed past and out of the Gate room. "Fairly primitive from the looks of it." She stated studying the dart.

"I take it Captain Hagman won't be joining SG-1 on a mission again." Hammond said rhetorically.

"Not if he wants to live, sir," she remarked.

"Very well, we'll debrief in one hour. Dismissed," he ordered and as she was leaving, remembered the message. "Oh, Major," she turned and he continued. "I got a call this morning from Area 51. It's done."

Sam mouthed the word 'Wow' and handed her P90 to an airman before walking out of the Gate room. Leaving the medic's to get the Captain onto a stretcher and out to the infirmary.

"The doc has a hell'va punch sir," Sergeant Siler remarked, having seen it.

"Yes Sergeant she does and I wouldn't like to get on her bad side." Hammond noted, coming down the ramp.

"Neither would I sir."

The General headed to his office, before the hour was up, Major Carter, Teal'c and Dr. O'Neill arrived at the briefing room. He joined them, taking his seat. "All right, what happened?"

"We made initial contact with the natives of the planet," Sam reported. "Cali seemed to be handling the language well enough, Captain Hagman stuck by her side and took it all in. Colonel O'Neill decided since everything was going fine, that Teal'c and I were to head back to the Gate."

"What happened then, Doctor?" He asked the archaeologist.

"We were invited to join the chief, I went to inform Colonel O'Neill what would happen. I told Captain Hagman to shut up and not open his mouth, just to listen," she stated angrily. "But he didn't and the idiot misinterpreted what he was being told and all hell broke lose." She rubbed her temples. "The Colonel hurt his knee when we were running from the hunting party that was determined to kill us."

"You told Captain Hagman to shut up and not open his mouth?" The General clarified, hiding an amused smile.

"He mispronounced words, wouldn't listen and was arrogant. If he'd done what he was told, none of this would have happened."

"I see," the General sat back in his chair. "You recommended Captain Hagman be given the change to accompany you, doctor."

"Yes sir, I did, up until today he'd been exceptional at languages and translations," she sighed. "Sir, he was bucking for a position on the team, nothing more. He didn't want to learn."

"I believe Cali O'Neill is correct General." Teal'c backed her up. "Many have verbally expressed interest in being a member of SG-1."

"I'm afraid they're right, sir," Sam declared. "It's been well known that SG-1 has had four official members and one unofficial member. Now we have officers and civilians trying to prove they can be the unofficial member of SG-1."

"All right Major. I'll put a stop to it," the General informed and changed the subject. "How would you like a trip to Nevada?"

"All of us, sir?" She questioned.

He nodded. "Dr. Murphy has asked for you to take a look at the X-302," he stated.

"Really?" Cali was interested. "Sweat."

Hammond smiled at the comment; especially since he knew what he had to say next wouldn't be well perceived. "I'd like you to take Jonas Quinn."

"Jonas, sir?" Sam asked stunned. "Sir, I don't think…"

"Major it isn't a suggestion, it's an order. He brought us the Naquadria, so I think he has the right to take a look to see what we're doing with it and he hasn't been out of the mountain in three months." He pushed back his chair. "You leave in two hours, after Doctor O'Neill has briefed SG-12. Dismissed." He stood and left.

Cali sat back in her chair, studying her two teammates. Teal'c had been working out with Jonas, forming a friendship with the Kelownan. With Sam, it was more a passing politeness. Which made it hard. "I can go and see Jonas," she offered.

"No, I'll do it," Sam said coming to terms with it. "You have SG-12's briefing to get ready for and I'm sure you want to see the Colonel."

Cali nodded. "All right," she gathered her files and left with Teal'c.

Sam headed out of the briefing room too; she stopped at the infirmary, getting an update on the Colonel from Janet before going in to see him. He was sprawled on a bed; his knee was elevated on pillows being iced, a pretty nurse taking care of him. She left though when Sam approached.

"Hey Carter," Jack greeted happily.

"Sir," she smiled. Janet had obviously given him something for the pain. "How are you feeling?"

"Just peachy, but that's because of Doc Fraiser's happy juice," he smirked.

She chuckled. "Are you going to be up for a trip to Nevada, sir? The X-302 prototype is finished."

"I'm up for it," he agreed. "When do we leave?"

"After Cali finishes briefing SG-12," Sam informed and then added. "There's something else sir. The General ordered me to invite Jonas Quinn."

"He did?" That sobered him very quickly.

"Yes sir."

Jack frowned. "Well you'd better go invite him," he said with hollowness to his voice.

Sam knew he had mixed emotions when it came to the Kelownan, they all did. "Yes sir."

She was about to leave when he stopped her. "Hey Carter, I heard Cali punched Hagman?"

"Yes sir, right before he was rendered unconscious from the dart the natives of P2X-374 hit him with."

Jack grinned sheepishly. "I would have loved to have see it."

"I'll make sure I get you a copy off the security tape sir."

"Thanks, Major."

"No problem sir," she smiled "I'd better go see Jonas."

"Yeah, good luck."

"Thanks," she winced and walked out, taking the elevator to level 18. She found Jonas in the office Cali had been first issued; she'd only used it for the first year on and off. After that she just used Daniel's with him. So the empty office had become Jonas' and Cali and the rest of the archaeological department had been keeping him busy.

Sam hesitated in the doorway, seeing him at his desk. The TV was on the weather channel, the sound turned down so he could hear the classical music that was playing, he was readying a book while eating grapes. She managed a smile as she walked in. "Jonas."

He looked up. "Major, I heard what happened. How is Colonel O'Neill?"

"He's got a partially torn ligament in his knee," she reported going over to the desk. "He'll be okay."

"And Captain Hagman?" Jonas inquired.

"He'll make a full recovery," she assured, rolling her eyes.

"Will there be a need for ancient Babylonian then?" He asked.

"Not exactly," Sam agreed, she took the book he was reading, seeing it was one of Cali's. "You think you can spare a few hours?"

"Sure, for what?"

"Well, you've been here three months," she remarked closing the book. "General Hammond thought you might finally like to leave the base."

Jonas smiled. "Yes! That would be great," he said excitedly getting to his feet. "Where we going?"

"Nevada."

"Oh… clear skies…. 73 degrees."

Sam glanced over at the TV set. "There are at least 500 other channels you know."

"But this one … this is fantastic. I mean you have," he switched off the TV, "all of your weather from all over your planet right here. Even long-rang forecast. It's like… predicting the future." He said amazed, turning off the music too.

"There is some science involved," Sam noted.

"I know," he shoved a couple of notebooks into his satchel. "What's in Nevada?"

"You like surprises?" She asked putting the book down she was holding.

"Sure, I love'em." He agreed, seeing her smile and turn to leave. "Hey, Major…" he waited until she'd stopped and turned. "How do I know what color to wear?"

Sam smiled again and walked out, calling back. "We call each other every morning…."

Jonas wondered how they all seemed to dress the same. He closed his satchel and walked out, going to Cali's office, knocking on the door. She was typing on her laptop, seemingly unaware of who was there.

"Hey Jonas," she greeted without looking up.

He arched an eyebrow. "How did you know it was me?" He asked going further into the room.

She looked up and smiled. "You knock for one," she declared. "Teal'c I can sense because of his symbiote and dad and Sam just walk in."

"Oh."

"So looking forward to Nevada?" She asked going back to the briefing she was finishing.

"Yeah, so what are we going to see?" He asked curious.

Cali glanced up again, it was cleared Sam hadn't told him. "It's a surprise."

"That's what Major Carter said." Jonas declared.

Chuckling she finished up and started printing the document, she then saved it and shut the laptop down. "Don't worry, Jonas, you'll like this surprise," she told him as she stood, taking the printed sheets of paper, she fixed them into an SGC folder. Getting what else she needed. "I've got a briefing to give, once I'm finished we'll leave," she informed. "So I'll come get you."

"Okay, I'm going to head to my quarters."

Cali nodded. "I'll see you later then," she said and walked out, calling back to him. "Don't touch anything…"

Jonas laughed softly and left the office.

The trip to Nevada was uneventful, Jonas looked at everything with wide-eyed innocents. At Area 51 they were taken to a large hanger.

Dr. Larry Murphy noticed them as soon as they walked in, four of the five wore green BDU's, and the firth a young man wore a jungle fatigue jacket over his greens. The person he knew was the blond headed woman in the group. "Major," he greeted. "I thought you'd like to see the prototype as soon as it was completed."

"Wow," Sam exclaimed impressed. "You're way a head of schedule."

Jack and Cali eagerly headed for the prototype aircraft that was designed similar to the death glider. At the top of the access stairs, Jack opened the canopy, so they both could look it.

Jonas had climbed up after them. "Very impressive," he praised.

"Thank you." Doctor Murphy acknowledged.

Jack eased himself into the front seat of the X-302 being careful of his injured knee. "Oh, n-no, n-n-n-no, no."

Murphy looked confused. "Uh, I'm sorry?"

"Dr. Larry Murphy…. Colonel Jack O'Neill," Sam introduced. She saw Cali climb into the backseat of the fighter. "Dr. Cali O'Neill," she gestured to Teal'c, who was studying the aircraft's undercarriage. "This is Teal'c…" They saw him acknowledge the introduction with a wave of his hand. "And this is Jonas Quinn… the man responsible for introducing us to the Naquadria."

Jonas grinned and waved, in fact the smile hadn't left his face since they'd walked in.

"Pleasure to meet you." Dr. Murphy welcomed.

"In case there was some doubt about what I was just saying," Jack piped up. "No!"

"Um sorry, what exactly?"

"O'Neill believes you are going to request that we test fly this aircraft." Teal'c clarified.

"Oh yeah, um, of course," the doctor stumbled. "Sir, I wasn't around for it, but we're all quiet familiar with your experience with the X-302's predecessor."

"Are ya now… really?" Jack remarked sarcastically.

"Well sir, I can tell you that this is…" he began, "this is a very different ship."

"Sir, the X-301 was a modified glider," Sam explained. "Now, while many of the 302's systems were retro engineered from Goa'uld technology, it is entirely human built."

"So was the Titanic," Jack reminded and heard his daughter chuckle.

"Sir, this could be the most important break through for Earth since the discovery of the Stargate."

"Why's that?" Jonas asked.

"It's got four different sets of engines," Murphy announced factually. "Air breathing jets, modified aero spikes for high altitude and a rocket booster."

"You said four," Cali nodded and saw Jonas nod in agreement.

"The fourth engine is a hyperspace window generator," Sam informed as Teal'c joined them.

"Even Goa'uld gliders are not capable of entering hyperspace," the Jaffa noted.

"That's because they're too small to carry the Goa'uld version of the generator," the Major declared.

"Ours are much more compact." Murphy said proudly.

"Because of the Naquadria," Sam simplified, glancing up to the Kelownan. "Jonas, this was all made possible because of you."

"It's still a few weeks away from a practical test," Murphy pointed out, "but all preliminary indications look good."

Sam agreed. "If this performs the way it was designed too, the X-302 will be the first human built spacecraft capable of interstellar travel," she said proudly.

From the backseat of the X-302, Cali grinned, teasing. "So, dad. Can we take it for a spin?"

General Hammond closed the folder and sighed sitting back, he'd gotten a phone call saying SG-1 and Jonas Quinn had arrived back at 'Peterson' and were on their way back to the mountain. A flash of bright white light appeared in his office, bring with it an Asgard. After five, nearly six years, unusual arrivals didn't surprise him any more. "Freyr."

"General Hammond, I apologize for the abrupt arrival," the little alien said calmly.

"Quiet all right, Freyr, what can I do for you?" The General asked.

"We have received word a kidnap attempt will be made on Dr. O'Neill." The Asgard said with familiar tone.

"By who Freyr?" Hammond asked concerned.

"A minor Goa'uld named Serapis, we believe he is working with Anubis."

"What can we do?"

"We believe Dr. O'Neill would be safer off-world."

That surprised the General. "Wouldn't it be easier for Serapis to kidnap Dr. O'Neill if she's off world?"

"No, there is a planet you have visited, designated P3X-789," the little Asgard announced. "We have scanned this planet, the Ancient technology and the depth of the underground city will shield her from Anubis, he will not be able to transport her off the planet."

"I'm not sure Dr. O'Neill will agree to this Freyr."

"Her life is president, General, she must go. It is imperative Anubis does not capture Dr. O'Neill. "

"I can't keep her off world in defiant though." The General noted.

"You will not have to General, we are working on the problem; one of your Earth weeks will be acceptable." The Asgard disclosed mysteriously and then beamed away.

Hammond picked up the phone, calling the surface. "As soon as SG-1 arrives, have Dr. O'Neill report to my office," he ordered and then hung up. Wondering just what the Asgard were going to do and why they had such an interest in Dr. O'Neill's safety. They seemed to have taken a liking to both Cali and Colonel O'Neill. Sighing he gave up trying to figure it out, whatever the Asgard's reasoning was, he wasn't going to understand it any time soon. Now he just had to do some careful planning.

A half an hour later, Cali O'Neill arrived at the General's office, she knocked on the opened door and walked in. "You wanted to see me sir?"

"Yes, Doctor," he gestured for her to sit and she did. "I'd like you to accompany SG-11 to P3X-789."

She was curious about that. "I don't understand, sir."

"Cali," he sat forward, leaning on his desk, seeing her reaction to the use of her given name. "SG-1 is off the mission list until the Colonel's knee is healed, so take the time and go be an archaeologist, you've been asking for permission to revisit the planet. I'm giving it to you. You've got a week to take a good look around."

"Thank you sir," she said still a little concerned as to why suddenly he'd given his permission.

"Colonel Edwards is waiting for you in the briefing room, you leave in one hour."

"Yes sir," she stood and left his office using the other door, closing it after she stepped into the briefing room. SG-11's team leader was Colonel Edwards, a hard ass but a good officer. "Colonel."

He turned. "Doctor. My team and I will be in the Gate room in one hour. I've read the reports from your last mission to P3X-789, please don't disappear on me."

She arched an eyebrow. "I'll try not to Colonel."

"Good, I'll see you in the Gate room in one hour," he announced and started to leave. Stopping as he reached the stairs. "Oh and Doctor, I want you carrying something more then a Berretta." He declared and headed down the stairs.

"Yes sir," she said. Shaking her head she left the briefing room for her quarters going to pack what she'd need for a week, from there she went to her office to get what equipment she wanted to take with her.

Her dad found her in her office; her backpack was already in the Gate room, taken down by a Sergeant from SG-11 on Colonel Edwards' orders. She was packing her field pack. He watched her from the doorway, she was lost in thought, dressed ready to go in jungle fatigues, and a bandana covered her hair with the same print, one of Daniel's. He'd questioned her about her wearing them; she said it was a way of having a part of him with her on missions. So he didn't say any more about it. "Hey sweetheart."

"Hi dad," she greeted, not looking up from what she was doing.

"I hear you're going digging in the dirt."

She winced at that, looking up. "Not much dirt, dad, but I'll be doing some digging."

He smiled. "You'll be fine. Just don't disappear on Edwards."

Cali groaned. "He said the same thing dad," she finished putting her laptop into its protective case and then into the pack along with spare batteries and the solar charger. Seeing she had everything she closed the pack.

"He's a good man, Cal."

"I know," she sighed. "I guess I always thought…" she let her voice faded.

Jack walked further into the room, going over to her. "Daniel would be proud of you honey," he said drawing her into his arms. "I know it's only been a little over three months, you're allowed to miss him still."

Cali gripped handfuls of his shirt, her face buried into his shoulder. "Some nights I wake up feeling so alone dad, aching to have his arms around me, to feel his touch."

"I know, honey, it gets better though," he assured her gently. "Just take one day at a time." He kissed the top of her head. "Come on I'll escort you to the armory and the Gate room."
She nodded against his shoulder, then stepped back, releasing him. "I've been ordered to carry more then just a Berretta."

He chuckled. "I was told, then I told Edwards what I'd do to him if anything happens to you. Teal'c just glared at him, so I think you're going to be safe."

That made Cali smile. "Teal'c has taken it upon himself to be my protector."

"He promised Daniel and you know Teal'c and his promises," Jack declared, picking up her pack they walked out of the office, Cali shutting the door.

They got off the elevator on level 23, going to the armory, Cali got a vest slipping it on she did it up, doing up the leg strap as her dad handed her a Berretta, she checked it and put it into the holster, putting the extra clips he handed her into their holster.

Colonel Edwards arrived, he was already kitted out. "Dr. O'Neill, Colonel."

"Edwards," Jack greeted. "Come to look after my girl?"

"Just making sure she was properly armed."

Cali rolled her eyes, she'd taken the neck strap for the P-90 her dad had handed her and slipped it on. "I can handle myself quiet well thank you, Colonel."

"I have no doubt of that, Doctor," he saw Jack hand her a P-90, arching an eyebrow.

Jack saw it. "Don't worry Edwards, she's a crack shot," he assured and after Cali had attached the weapon to the strap, he gave her the extra clips. She put them away. "There you go, Colonel, she's all set."

"Then we're ready to leave?"

"Ready Colonel." Cali assured, she got her pack and with her dad's help, clipped it to her vest.

Edwards handed her, her GDO. "Lets go then, doctor."

She strapped it to her forearm as they left, her dad patting her on the back. Taking the elevator to level 28, they got off and walked into the Gate room. The rest of SG-11 was present standing near the 'FRED', ready to go. Teal'c and Sam were standing at the back; the Jaffa had his 'don't mess with me' look on his face. Cali chuckled to herself as the Gate activated and started spinning, chevrons locking into place. It opened to its usual whoosh and settled into an event horizon.

General Hammond was in the control room; his voice came over the PA. "SG-11, you have a go."

"All right boys, lets move out," Edwards ordered and walked over to the ramp, one his men controlling the FRED.

Cali turned to her dad. "I'll see you in a week."

"Take it easy on them, huh." Jack advised.

"I will," she said with a gentle smile and headed for the ramp, nodding to Teal'c and Sam before stepping up onto it.

"Dr. O'Neill?"

She turned to the General's summons, all except Edwards was through the Gate; he was waiting for her. "Yes General?"

"Godspeed, doctor."

She smiled. "Thank you sir," she turned and walked up the ramp to the Colonel and together they walked through.

Jack sighed as the Gate closed down. Seeing your daughter off on a trip was one thing, but sending her halfway across the galaxy on a mission, that was something else.

A little later that day, Colonel Checkov, the Russian envoy was airing his grievances in the General's office. He held Hammond's model of a stealth fighter in his hands, having picked it up. "The deal made by our governments, General…"

"I'm aware of the aspect of the arrangement, Colonel," the General announced interrupting him. He saw Colonel O'Neill walk by the door and then try and get away without being seen, but it was too late. "Ah, Jack… come in," he gestured and waited, seeing the Colonel hesitate and then walk in. "Colonel, you know Colonel Checkov, the Russian envoy to the SGC."

"We've… meet." Jack recalled.

"Colonel Checkov feels that as a symbol of our joint efforts, a Russian Officer should be assigned to join SG1."

"Over my rotting corpse, sir."

Hammond had been expecting such a response. "Colonel…"

"I'm sorry, did I say that out loud?" Jack asked innocently.

"I said I would discuss it with you and that I was sure you would give it some careful thought," the General continued.

"And I will, General, but I'm still sure I'd say… bite me."

Hammond signed, glancing to the Russian officer. "Colonel, would you excuse us?"

Frowning, Colonel Checkov agreed. "General," he went to leave and then realized he still had the model and put it on the desk, leaving.

"So sorry," Jack said sarcastically as the Russian left. He then went and sat down, getting off his injured knee. Hammond was also now seated and Jack could see he wasn't happy. "I'm sorry General," he apologized, "you know I mean not disrespect toward you."

"I know. I probably should have reprimanded you in front of the Colonel, but I happen to agree with your sentiments in this case." Hammond declared.

"General, we have a four men team, we don't need another member – official or unofficial." Jack stated bluntly.

"I agree Jack. Dr. O'Neill has brought the same invaluable knowledge, linguistic skills and a very beneficial viewpoint to the team as Daniel Jackson did," the General acknowledged. "Cali was more then an unofficial member of the team when he was alive, we all knew that. That's why I insisted she take over from her husband. However the Russian's are pushing to have one of their own officers on the team."

"I realize that sir, but we don't need anyone else, official or unofficial."

"I agree, but I've been giving you a great deal of latitude lately. I may not be able to stop this from happening."

"Sir…"

"Jack… you're off the mission list anyway until that knee fully heals and Dr. O'Neill returns," the General said being the voice of reason. "Use the time to try and get some perspective. Dismissed."

"Yes sir." Jack agreed frustrated, get got up and limped out of the office.

On level 19, Jonas Quinn wondered into Sam Carter's lab. "Major?"

She looked up, seeing who it was. "Yeah?"

"I realized I never actually thanked you for letting me see the X-302," he informed with a smile.

"Ah well, General Hammond ordered me to invite you," Sam admitted, feeling a little guilty about it. She hadn't wanted him to come.

"Oh," he hadn't expected that. Letting it slid. "Well I'm glad the Naquadria is going to be useful."

"Yeah, looks that way," Sam agreed.

"Can I see the plans for it?" Jonas asked being a little eager.

"Yeah… uh, General Hammond says I should give you anything you want regarding the Naquadria research, so…" she handed him a large black binder that contained all the information.

"He's a man of his word," Jonas declared taking the blinder.

She nodded, referring to the information, she commented. "I doubt it'll mean much to you without an understanding of our science and engineering."

"Maybe you can recommend some related reading?" He suggested.

"Yeah, sure…" she said a little unsure. "I'll, uh, type up a list."

"Great. Thanks." He said with a smile and started to leave, stopping he turned back, adding. "You know, Major… I'm as physically fit as anyone on this base and I've committed to memory almost all of Doctor Jackson's and Doctor O'Neill's work…"

"Everything?" Sam asked him surprised.

He didn't seem phased by it. "According to the tests Doctor Fraiser administrated, I have the ability to learn much quicker then the average human. The only one on this base who is quicker is Doctor O'Neill."

"All very interesting information, but…" Sam prompted him.

"I wanna join you," Jonas answered. "Explore other planets, discover new worlds, new cultures, help rid the galaxy of the Goa'uld."

"I get the picture," she remarked half heatedly.

"I can't stay here on this base for the rest of my life," he put forth. "I can't go back to my planet, they don't realize the threat that's out there. I can help them by helping you, helping Dr. O'Neill finish her husband's work."

"Jonas," she sighed, trying to let him down easily. "I understand why you want to join SG-1, and I'm sorry but… I just don't see it happening."

Jonas nodded, he understood, it was too soon. Smiling he gave her a salute, then taped the blinder she'd given him, as well as a little wave before leaving. Perhaps he'd have more of a chance if he talked to Teal'c. They were both aliens, Teal'c had earned their trust and respect. Maybe he'd be more understanding.

Teal'c headed for the commissary, after boxing with Jonas, he'd built up an appetite. The young Kelownan had made a foolish deal, if he'd knocked him down, then Teal'c would speak to O'Neill on Jonas' behalf. It hadn't happened but he'd taken pity on Jonas and said he'd still do it. Going into the commissary, Teal'c got himself enough food to satisfy his hunger. Which would have been enough to satisfy the hunger of four Marines. He saw O'Neill and went and sat with him.

"Light snack?" Jack asked sarcastically.

Teal' ignored him, eating. "You seem concerned?"

"Colonel Checkov is pushing for a Russian officer to be assigned to SG-1," the Colonel revealed. "Hammond doesn't know if he can stop it from happening. He told me to get some perspective on the matter."

"And have you, O'Neill?"

Jack signed. "I don't want a Russian on the team," he defended his feelings. "We don't need a fifth member."

Teal'c watched his friend for a while. Jack O'Neill could be a stubborn man; his sarcasm though usual covered deeper emotional feelings. The man had been through and seen more then any soldier should have too. "Have you considered Jonas Quinn?"

"Now, I know you've been practicing, but I still can't tell," Jack remarked bluntly, surprised by the suggestion. "Is that a joke?"

"He wished to join the fight against the Goa'uld."

"We don't need anyone else. You, Carter, Cali and I, we can handle things just fine."

"You don't trust Jonas Quinn." Teal'c stated dryly.

"He's an al… ien," the Colonel retorted, drawing out the word as he realized what he was saying and who he was saying it too.

"You learned to trust me, O'Neill."

"That's different," Jack said stubbornly.

"I do not believe it is," Teal'c said with an eerie calmness. "Both Cali O'Neill and I are both alien to this world, just as Jonas Quinn is. And like us he has vowed to commit himself to the cause of the Tau're."

"Yeah, well, that doesn't mean I want him watching my back in battle. Okay?"

Teal'c was going to comment when alarms started blaring and it was announced over the intercom. "Unscheduled incoming traveler."

Leaving everything the two men hurried out of the commissary, heading straight for level 28. General Hammond and Bra'tac were walking out of the Gate room as they arrived with Sam.

"Bra'tac," Jack greeted. "What's up?"

"Tek ma te, Master Bra'tac." Teal'c welcomed.

"I'm sorry I did not come sooner, Teal'c," the Jaffa Master apologized. "Drey'auc is gravely ill."

Worried, Teal'c looked quickly to the General, who insisted. "No need to ask. Go."

Nodding Teal'c hurried to get ready.

Bra'tac looked to Jack. "Where is my granddaughter?"

"Off world on a mission with SG-11."

The Jaffa Master frowned. "Is this wise with the bounty on her head?"

Jack and Sam glanced at each other, then to the Jaffa Master. "What bounty on her head?" The Colonel asked sternly.

"A minor Goa'uld, Serapis, has placed a bounty on her head, he wants her alive," Bra'tac revealed, a little confused. "Surely you were aware of this?"

"Nooo," Jack exclaimed and glanced at the General, who wasn't saying much, but seemed to know something. "Sir?"

"Freyr informed me a kidnap attempt was going to be made on Dr. O'Neill, he has assured me P3X-789 is safe, he suggested it's location. Which is why I sent her there, apparently the Ancient technology on the planet will stop her from being transported off," he explained. "He never said anything about a bounty."

"I'm sure Freyr knows what he's doing sir," Sam assured.

"I hope so, Major." He noted and walked away.

When Teal'c returned, he and Bra'tac left for the Rebel base. Jack and Sam saw them off. "Well that was fun," the Colonel remarked dryly.

"It's never boring around here sir." She agreed as they left the Gate room.

"Has Jonas been talking to you?" Jack asked her as they stepped into the elevator.

Sam nodded. "About joining SG-1."

"Apparently he got to Teal'c too."

"He just wants to help, sir."

"Yeah well, have him join another team," Jack said harshly and left the elevator when it stopped.

Sam sighed and followed him. "Colonel, he saved Cali's life."

"At the cost of Daniel's," he added.

"I realize that sir, but it was Daniel's chose, even Cali will tell you that."

Jack stopped and faced her, asking her honestly. "Do you want him on the team?"

She hesitated, feeling a little guilty about what she was going to say. "No, but I think he does deserve a chance," she said softly.

"Fine, just have him get it with someone else," the Colonel said bluntly and walked away, still limping on his bad knee.

Colonel Edwards frowned as he walked into the chamber, he hadn't let his guard down since they'd arrived; he had his men checking out the underground city with a fine toothcomb. The cause of his frown was Dr. Cali O'Neill, she stood in the middle of the polished black chamber, her equipment scattered at her feet. She'd removed her P-90, vest and BDU shirt, all which were also at her feet. Around her swirled what looked to be holographic planets and stars, her eyes were closed; her journal held against her forehead.

"Doctor!"

She didn't flinch. "Yes Colonel?"

"What are you doing?"

"Is this a trick question, Colonel?" She asked with a touch of sarcasm.

His frowned deepened. "What if I'd been a patrol of Jaffa, doctor, you're standing there open."

She hugged her journal to her chest as she opened her eyes and turned. "Colonel, if a patrol of Jaffa were to enter the city, then I would have heard you and your men taking them out, which would have given me time to get both my vest and P-90."

He didn't buy it. "Put them on, doctor," he ordered. "Now!"

Sighing she dropped her journal, grabbed the vest and put it on, zipping it up, as well as doing up the leg strap that held her side arm at her thigh. She reattached the P-90 to its strap, the one thing she had left handing around her neck. "Better Colonel?"

"Yes." He walked out of the room, counted to ten slowly before rushing back in his HK ready. Finding the chamber in darkness, the only light was that of a red laser sight that was situated over his heart.

"Bang, your dead," the sultry voice of Cali O'Neill rang in his ears.

He couldn't see her. "Nice work, doctor."

She whispered lights in Ancient and they came up, revealing where she was. "Thank you, Colonel," she switched off the laser site and lowered her weapon. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to get back to work."

"Sure doc," he said and walked out.

Cali shook her head. "Men," she groaned and went back to deciphering what she'd been working on. An hour or so later she left the map chamber, taking her equipment with her. She left it in the suite she'd taken as quarters, deciding to explore the city. It had fascinated her the first time she'd been and now it was no different. It was as if she had a connection to it.

"You shouldn't be wandering around alone, doc."

She stopped, letting Major Lorne catch up. "I'm not a child, Major."

"I never said you were, doc," he noted walking with her, glancing around as he did. "This place is a warren of streets, you could get lost."

Cali couldn't help but chuckle. "Major, I was exploring the pyramid on Abydos alone when I was eight years old, getting lost was something I never seemed to do."

"There's always a first time, doc," the Major remarked, keeping his eyes open.

"You don't like me, do you, Major?" She asked him after a few minutes.

"I've never said that, doc."

"You didn't have to," she said softly and walked away from him.

Major Lorne sighed; shaking his head he walked back the way he'd come. Leaving the Archaeologist to wander around, after all, how much trouble could she get into?

The doors to the elevator came open and Sam and Jonas entered after those within had left, she pushed the button to close the door and chose the right floor.

"I didn't know Teal'c had a wife." Jonas remarked, continuing what they'd been discussing.

"Yeah, and a son, Rya'c," Sam explained. "They were banished form their home on Chulak when Teal'c defected. At one point Apophis actually brainwashed Rya'c and tried to use him against us. Bra'tac's been looking out for them ever since."

"So why didn't Teal'c just bring'em here?"

The elevator doors opened, and they walked out, heading down the corridor.

"Well, Drey'auc wanted to stay with her own people if possible and Teal'c was away on missions most of the time anyway. He tries to get home as often as he can, but it's not easy for him." Sam revealed.

"You'd never know, would you?"

"Yeah, well, Teal'c's not exactly an open book."

"Still, I'm usually much better at reading people." Jonas declared.

"Major!" both turned to see Colonel Checkov hurrying towards them, he wasn't happy. "Why was I not informed about the X-302?"

"For example," Jonas said causally. "It might not be that obvious to everyone, but this man is actually very upset."

Sam nodded, holding back the fact she wanted to laugh in both their faces for that ridicules comment. Keeping her control. "Colonel, why don't we discus this with General Hammond."

"A good idea." Checkov agreed and stormed off towards the General's office.

Sighing, Sam gestured for Jonas to follow. "And this day was going so well," she mumbled under her breath.

"Um, Major, where is Dr. O'Neill?" Jonas asked her, he hadn't seen the linguist since they'd gotten back from Nevada.

"P3X-789 with SG-11."

"I didn't realize she was due to go off world."

"She wasn't, the General though she'd like some time flexing her archaeological muscles." Sam answered him.

He frowned. "Flex her archaeological muscles?"

"It's an expression, it means she gets to be an archaeologist for a while and she's been wanting to go back to P3X-789 for some time," the Major mentioned.

They came to the General's office, Checkov knocked and they all went in. The Russian came straight to the point. "Why wasn't I told about the X-302, General?"

"How did you find out about the X-302, Colonel?" Hammond asked his own question.

"That's not the issue," he countermanded. "Article 3A clearly states…."

"The X-302 has nothing to do with the Stargate," the General interrupted.

"The Naquadria being used to power the hyperspace window generator was procured…"

The Colonel was interrupted again, this time by alarms and the voice over the intercom announcing. "Unauthorized incoming wormhole."

"What now?" Sam asked almost with a groan.

"I'll take anything over this…" Hammond announced and he hurried out of the office with the Major.

Checkov looked to Jonas, who smiled half-heartedly.

In the control room, General Hammond entered with Major Carter via the stairs, having come form his office. The Gate was open, the iris still closed.

"We're not receiving an IDC, sir," Sergeant Harriman reported. "In fact, there's nothing, sir."

Sam sat next to the Sergeant and studied the monitor before her, as Jack arrived.

"What's up?" The Colonel asked.

"Apparently…. Nothing," she answered confused.

"Nothing?"

"So it would seem," she said.

"That's a twist," he noted.

Sam checked the computer. "The Gate is functioning properly. We're definitely looking at an incoming wormhole."

"But nothing is incoming?" Hammond asked her.

"As far as I can tell," she answered.

"The Goa'uld used that tactic before." Jack recalled.

"To block our escape while they attack in ships, yeah." Sam agreed nodding.

"Nothing from deep space watch either." Sergeant Harriman reported, having checked.

"This doesn't make any sense," the Major stated, a more then a little confused. "In order to keep a wormhole open, you have to send something through… a radio signal, anything. We're getting…. Nothing."

"Figure it out, Major," Hammond ordered. "I'll call the President."

"Yes sir."

He hurried out.

Jack saw Sam looking at him. "Don't look at me… I got nothing." He said and walked out. What concerned him, was his daughter was off world. If the Stargate malfunctioned, she couldn't get home. He didn't want to lose her too.

After running a number of diagnostics Sam was no closer to knowing what was going on. She met with the General and O'Neill in the briefing room, giving her report.

"Could it be a malfunction of some kind?" Hammond asked after she was finished.

"It's possible, Sir, but highly unlikely," she answered. "Chances are somebody dialed Earth from an off world Gate."

"Wrong number?" Jack put forth, he was looking at the monitor on the wall.

"Well, normally the Gate shuts down automatically after a short period of time if nothing's entering the event horizon from the out-going location," she supplied.

"So… what do we do?" He asked coming over to them.

"We wait. To my knowledge no one's been able to sustain a wormhole for longer then 38 minutes."

"Could whoever's behind this redial our Gate repeatedly just to keep us from using it?" The General asked.

"I've programmed the computer to dial the Alpha site immediately after the incoming wormhole expires, just in case. We'll be able to recall our off world teams and hopefully contact someone who can help." Sam announced.

The three of them watched the clock on the computer as it approached and then passed the 38-minute mark.

"It's still on." Hammond noted.

"38 minutes; give or take a few seconds."

Jack turned, watching the clock, seeing the seconds tick over. "How many is a few?"

"Okay, now we have a problem." Sam said gravely.

Hammond looked back to the Gate, the iris was remaining shut, and the Gate was still opened.

"Sir," Jack stood next to him. "When was SG-11 due to check in?"

"Tomorrow morning at oh eight hundred," he told him. "Once they realize something is wrong, then Colonel Edwards will contact the Alpha site."

He nodded and walked out of the room.

Sam watched him leave. "He's worried."

The General agreed. "He doesn't want to lose Cali, like he lost Daniel."

"He won't sir, we'll figure something out," she said confidently.

"I hope so, Major," the General said and then left.

P2X-374 – Temporary Rebel Base

Teal'c stood solemnly at his wife's funeral pyre; he'd arrived too late. His son had been angry and grieving and he'd let Rya'c take out his frustrations, which he now supported cuts and bruises because he had, from the beating that Bra'tac had stopped.

Turning away from the fire his eyes meet his sons, Rya'c turned and walked away. He went to follow him, but Bra'tac held him back.

"Let him mourn," the Jaffa Master insisted solemnly.

"He has grown to hate me," Teal'c realized.

"He does not," Bra'tac corrected. "Nor does he truly believe our cause is futile. Drey'auc would not allow it."

"Why does he speak as he does?"

"Self-doubt. Since the day Apophis brainwashed him, he has believed his own mind is weak," the Jaffa Master revealed of his student.

"It is not true."

Bra'tac wasn't surprised by the faith Teal'c had in his son. "You were not different at his age," he reminded. "After the death of your father at the hands of Cronus, fear almost consumed you. Like Rya'c it was desire for vengeance that gave your strength."

"Rya'c misplaces his blame." Teal'c said bluntly.

"He directs his malice toward you because he believe you doubt him as much as he doubts himself," the Jaffa Master announced just as blunt.

Teal'c was stunned. "Why would he believe such a thing?"

"Because you are his father and you have not told him otherwise," the Jaffa Master concluded.

Teal'c turned back to the fire, thinking over what Bra'tac had told him. He'd made mistakes in his life, some painful and some not. He'd also made choices that had changed his life. Joining the Tau're; renouncing the Goa'uld for the false Gods they were and the fight to being freedom to his people. Along the way he'd lost friends and gained enemies, all a part of being a warrior, he knew that. Still, at times like this he wished he had Daniel Jackson and Cali O'Neill to voice his opinions and concerns too. Either had always been the voice of reason, a conscience. Neither were there though, he'd lost his brother and Cali O'Neill was with SG-11 off world. This time he'd have to do this alone.

Turning away from the fire, he bowed his head to Master Bra'tac and walked away, clearing the doubt form his mind. He found Rya'c sitting on the steps at the base of the Stargate. He sat with him; he would make his son understand. "Not… so long ago," he began, the memories a little painful. "I was captured in battle and Apophis took control of my mind. He made me believe that…" he paused, not caring his voice betrayed the emotions he felt or his face did too. "He made me believe I was once again his loyal first prime and I turned on my friends who trusted me. Were it not for Bra'tac and the right of MalSharron, I would have died…. Believing Apophis was my God. Whether you believe in me or what I have chosen to do does not change the fact that I have never doubted your heart, Rya'c. You need never win back my trust my son, for you have never lost it."

Rya'c saw the truth in his father's words, embracing him so they could grieve together. They had both lost. "I'm sorry father."

"You have nothing to be sorry for, my son." Teal'c insisted.

He pulled away. "I am glad you came."

His father smiled. "I know that my son."

P3X-789

"Dr. O'Neill!"

Cali woke to the calling of her name; she scrambled out of her sleeping bag, pulling on her boots, rushing out forgoing her vest and P-90, but grabbing her side arm. "What is it, Major?"

"We've got visitors, Doctor." Major Lorne announced.

She ran to keep up with him, Lorne directing her to the entrance of the city; there Colonel Edwards and the rest of SG-11 had weapons drawn against what looked to be travelers. She shoved the Beretta into the waistband of her trousers and moved to his side, the travelers were frightened, seeming to be a nomadic tribe. She stepped forward, her hands held out to show she had no weapon in them. "I'm Cali O'Neill, we mean you no harm," she said gently, they hadn't expected to see anyone there.

A young man stepped forward slowly. "They carry weapons."

"To protect," she looked back and gestured for SG-11 to lower their weapons. Frowning at the Colonel when he didn't give the order.

Sighing, Edwards reneged. "Lower your weapons," he ordered and he and his men did so.

Cali looked back. "We're from a planet called Earth, we're of the Tau're," she explained. "We came to explore the city."

"You wish to settle here?"

"No," she shook her head. "Just to learn about the people who once lived here."

"We wish to settle here," the young man announced. "I am Tolis, this is the last of my people."

She could see there was but a few hundred, she smiled understandingly. "This city is deserted, I'm sure it will make you a good home."

"Thank you."

"Doctor," Edwards got her attention, continuing when she looked back. "What are you doing? We don't know who these people are."

"My people are the Celtins, our planet was enslaved by a Goa'uld, Neith, she used my people to mine Naquada, when the mine stopped eliding the mineral, she left," Tolis explained. "By that time though, our planet was suffering a terrible ice age and was no longer going to be able to sustain life. While searching our records, we found the Gate address to this planet; we believe our ancestors once lived here."

"Neith, was known as the Great Goddess," Cali explained to the Colonel. "She was also known to be the female Anubis, being a guide in the underworld."

"Great," he mumbled.

She ignored the comment. "She was the mother of Sobek, Isis, Horus and Osiris. It was also claimed she was the mother of Ra."

"Quiet a sweetheart then," he comment.

"Their claim on this city is valid, Colonel, we're the visitors here," she noted.

"All right," he yielded. "Major, let's help these people get settled. See if any need medical attention."

"Yes sir," Lorne agreed.

Cali turned back to Tolis, smiling. "We'll help you get your people settled, we're only using the largest of the buildings so we won't disturb you at all."

"Thank you," he turned to his people, addressing them. "These people of the Tau're are going to help us settle, please do not be frighten of them!"

"Then we are home, Tolis?" Someone called out.

"Yes we are home!" He agreed.

A little boy, no more then four or five ran up to Cali as SG-11 started to bring the people into the city. He tugged on the leg of her pants. She knelt down to him, smiling; he had beautiful blue eyes, so emotional. "Hello."

"Hello," he smiled shyly.

"This is Caleb, he is one of the many orphans we have with us." Tolis explained.

Cali lifted the little boy up in her arms as she stood. "It's nice to meet you Caleb, I'm Cali."

His thumb went into his mouth and he nuzzled tiredly at her neck.

"You have a way with children." Tolis remarked smiling warmly, seeing a resemblance between the child and this young woman, which was amazing.

"A little."

A woman hurried to them. "I am sorry, Tolis, he got away from me," she apologized.

"It's all right," he assured. "This is my wife, Shay," he introduced. "This is Dr. O'Neill," he told his wife, having picked up the title, he then addressed Cali again. "We have been trying to look after and place all the orphans, it has not been easy."

"Caleb is a very quiet boy," Shay revealed. "He doesn't mix well and usually does not like to be held." She held out her arms. "I'll take him back to the others, Kerena is looking after them."

Caleb had other ideas; he clung to Cali, whimpering. "Nooo."

"It's all right," she assured, rubbing the boys back. He was small for his age. "He's fine. Come, I've been exploring the city, I think I have a home that will suite you both."

"Thank you, Doctor O'Neill." Tolis said; he shouldered their belongings, what few they had.

"Please, call me Cali," she insisted.

"Thank you, Cali," he took his wife's hand and they followed her.

"Do you have children, Cali?" Shay asked her.

"No, my husband died a few mouths ago," Cali, said, the grief still evident in her voice.

"I am sorry," the Celtinan apologized.

"It's all right," she assured. "Daniel was given the chance to Ascend after death, he exists on a higher plane of existence now."

Tolis glanced at his wife; their shock was evident, but well guarded. "Your husband is of the Ascended?"

"Yes." Cali saw their reaction. "You've heard of the Ascended?"

"It is believed some of our ancestors went of the Ascended."

"I see," she guided them to a little cottage, opening the door; when she entered the lights came on within.

Shay and Tolis followed, the two not use to such splendor. "This is ours?" She asked.

"If you wish it," Cali agreed. "The city is large, there are other cottagers if this isn't suitable."

"No, this is fine," Tolis insisted quickly, surprised by it.

"You should rest then, we'll talk more in the morning," she declared, she tried to pass Caleb to the Celtin, but the little boy wouldn't leave her.

"Caleb, please, little one," Shay said gently.

"Noo, stay with Cali," the little boy pleaded, taking his thumb out only long enough to say it.

She was surprised. "He usually doesn't talk much."

Cali rubbed his back again, soothing him. "I don't mind if it's all right with you."

"We don't want to be any trouble."

"I'm sure Caleb wouldn't be and you're not," Cali reassured, having the small boy in her arms seemed right. "I can bring him to you in the morning."

"I feel we are taking advantage of you."

"You're not."

Tolis got the few things that belonged to the boy, including a sleeping matt and blanket. "He'll need these."

Cali took the small bag and matt. "He'll be fine, I'll be back in the morning."

"Thank you, Cali."

She nodded and left the cottage, returning to the building she and SG-11 were using. Colonel Edwards was there.

"Found a friend, Doctor?"

"It seems so, this is Caleb; he is an orphan."

"Hey kid," he ruffled his light blond hair.

Caleb smiled with his thumb still in his mouth, nearly asleep against Cali's shoulder.

"I think we're going to get some sleep," she announced. "How are they settling?"

"Like ducks to water," the Colonel remarked. "A little surprised by the accommodation, but they seem happy. In the morning when I contact the SGC, I'll have the General send through a medical team to check them over. Lieutenant Readen said they seem to be in pretty good health. We counted a two hundred and fifty, pretty soon to be more, there are three pregnant women among them."

"I think after all they've been through, they deserve to be safe, Colonel."

"Yeah doc, they do," he saw the little boy was asleep. "You'd better get your ward to bed, doc."

She nodded, smiling. "Good night, Colonel."

"Night doc."

She carried the little boy into the suite she was using and managed to lay his sleeping matt out next to her sleeping bag, laying him down on it, she covered him with his blanket. Leaving his bag next to hers she removed the Berretta from her waistband and secured it in her backpack. The P-90 she put near her sleeping bag, removed her boots and lay down, tucking the weapon under the bag, but where she could get to it if needed. As she started to drift off, she felt the little boy edge closer until he was snuggled against her; she smiled and slipped her arm around him.

Daniel stood next to Oma, watching the scene unfold, smiling to himself.

"I told you, Cali would be fine," she whispered to him.

"I just had to see it for myself."

Oma smiled and patted his shoulder. "It's time to go."

He sighed. "Back to ascension one oh one?"

She chuckled. "You have an unusual sense of humor, Daniel."

"Yeah," he shrugged. "It comes from putting up with Jack."

"I believe it does," she agreed. "Both Cali and Caleb will be fine, as will the Celtinan people."

Daniel nodded. "I know," he said softly. Moving closer to the two, he knelt down and gently caressed his wife's cheek. "Stay safe my love."

When the SGC couldn't be reached, Colonel Edwards and one of his men dialed the Alpha site, coordinating with the teams, who unable to contact the base had traveled there over night. He went through and brought back all but one team, they would remain to send through the teams as they arrived. On P3X-789, Cali had found a bound with Caleb; he didn't want to leave her sight. Instead of upsetting him, Tolis and Shay let the little boy remain with the linguist, they had other children and families to settle and a city to explore. The SCG teams helped out as much as they could, discovering an infirmary and fixing the power supply, so that when they did leave, the Celtins would be able to survive on their own. The Ancients had devised a power supply that ran better and cleaner then even Naquada, its supply would last the Celtins for generations. It also controlled the night and day effect, creating artificial sunlight that would help planets grow and filtered in natural rainwater from the surface, so they had rain as well.

Colonel Edwards found Dr. O'Neill and her young ward two days later in one of the chambers, Cali was translating a wall of writing that looked Ancient while Caleb played with the only toys he'd brought with him, some blocks. "Doctor?"

She turned. "Colonel?"

"We managed to contract Earth, apparently Anubis attacked, he kept the Stargate opened using ancient technology; they used the 302 to fly the Gate off Earth, it exploded. Major Carter said she'd give you the full story when they see you, but apparently the SGC is leasing the Russian Stargate," he reported. "Colonel O'Neill and the rest of SG-1 are on their way with Dr. Fraiser and her team, they'll be here in an hour. Major Lorne and myself are going to met them."

"Thank you Colonel," she said with a warm smile.
He nodded and walked out, ruffling Caleb's light brown, almost blond hair as he did. The little boy got up and went over to Cali; he hugged her leg, his head barely reaching her thigh.

"What you doing?" He asked.

"I'm translating this wall of writing," she hankered down when he moved, pointing at the wall. "This is written in a language we call Ancient." She showed him words and phrases, finding he picked it up quickly. They sat together, Caleb on her lap watching as she continued the translation, she didn't mind him being there, he never touched her equipment or played with her laptop, he was a good little boy.

She was still working when SG-1 bonded into the chamber; she stood after Caleb did, the little boy hiding behind her legs. She noticed Jonas Quinn was with them, SG-1 patches on his fatigues. "Hi dad."

Jack hugged his daughter. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," she assured, feeling Caleb tighten his hold on her leg. "It's okay kiddo," she picked him up. "Caleb, this is my dad, Colonel Jack O'Neill. He's also the leader of my team – SG-1."

Jack smiled as the little boy smiled shyly and snuggled closer to Cali. "Hi there Caleb. Are you looking after my girl?"

Caleb nodded. "Uh huh."

Cali smiled, glancing at Jonas and then her dad. "What's going on?"

"Checkov wanted a Russian officer on the team, I didn't. We compromised, they got their own team and Jonas became SG-1's fifth member," he explained and then shrugged. "He was a help with the Gate when it was all going to hell."

"Okay," she felt the little boy in her arms flinch when Teal'c and Sam came closer, the little boy's gaze locked on the Jaffa. "It's okay, Caleb, Teal'c is a friend he won't hurt you."

"Promise?"

"I promise," she reassured, then gestured to Sam. "This is Major Samantha Carter, everyone calls her Sam and the man over there is Jonas Quinn."

"Hello Caleb," Sam said with a smile.

"Hello."

Jonas gave a little wave. "Hi."

"Look, Fraiser is setting up in the infirmary you guys found, she wants to check everyone over, so why don't we head over there and she can check this little guy out and you can tell me everything that's been going on." Jack suggested to his daughter.

Cali nodded. "Sure, give me a minute," she put Caleb down and went over to her laptop.

The little boy went over to Teal'c and tugged on his pants leg, when the Jaffa looked down he held up his arms and waited.

Sam chuckled. "He wants you to pick him, Teal'c."
Reluctantly the Jaffa did so and Caleb touched the gold tattoo on his forehead very gently. "Did hurt?"

"Yes."

Chewing on his bottom lip, Caleb wrapped his arms around Teal'c neck. "You very brave," he said hugging him.

Jack chuckled to himself, mostly at the Jaffa's discomfort. "Hey kiddo, what about me. Am I brave?"

Caleb twisted around a little and studied the man, who was Cali's father and nodded. He pointed to the weapon. "Cali has one of those. I'm not allowed to touch."

Cali returned to her dad's side, her P-90 now hanging around her neck. "That's because they're very dangerous."

"That's right, kiddo," Jack agreed. "Cali and the rest of us have been trained to use these weapons and they're not for children."

"I know," he reached for Cali.

She took him. "Come on kiddo, I want to introduce you to a friend of mine." They left the chamber; Cali guided them through the city.

"So how are you and Colonel Edwards been getting on?" Her dad asked her.

"Despite the fact he insists I wear my vest and carry my P-90 at all times, not bad I suppose," she dismissed. "It hasn't been so bad since the other teams arrived, Colonel Reynolds and the rest of SG-3 have been running interference."

Sam smiled. "Reynolds just doesn't want anything to happen to you, you're he's good luck charm."

"Funny, Sam."

They came to the infirmary, going into the building. Dr. Fraiser and her team were being helped by SG-6, getting their equipment set up; the team had been working with Cali to decipher what the Ancient technology was for since they'd found the building.

Janet smiled warmly, seeing the young archaeologist. "Hi Cali, I heard you had a little friend."

"Hi Janet. This is Caleb."

"Hi Caleb. I'm a friend of Cali's." She saw he managed to smile with his thumb in his mouth. She addressed the young woman. "Colonel Edwards said to check him out, so why don't the two of you come with me and we'll do it straight away. From what the Colonel told me, I'm going to be busy."

"Oh yeah," Cali agreed, she managed to unclip her P-90 one handed and hand it to her dad. "I don't think I'm going to need this while Janet does Caleb's physical."

He took it. "Well you never know."

She rolled her eyes and went with the doctor, still carrying the young boy.

Colonel Edwards arrived with Tolis, he introduced them all, concluding with. "Tolis is the leader of the group."

"I did what I had to, to save my people." Tolis said calmly, a little embarrassed by the praise.

"You did a good job," Jack told him.

"He and his wife also look after the orphans, like Caleb," Edwards added. "He wants to discuss the boy with you."

"Caleb was found by my wife, he was in a basket only newborn, left at the Stargate," Tolis told them. "My wife saved him and brought him into our home, we'd opened it to other orphans."

"So you don't know who his parents are?" Sam asked.

"We do not," he answered. "Which is what I would like to talk to you about."

"Oh?" Jack murmured.

"Caleb has become attached to Dr. O'Neill," the Celtin stated the obvious. "My wife and I are worried what will happen when she leaves, so we would like to ask her to take Caleb with her, to adopt him."

"Whoa, wait a minute. You want my daughter to adopt, Caleb?"

"Yes."

"It isn't that easy, Tolis," Sam revealed.

"It is by our laws," he declared. "Our Judge of Matters had already decreed the adoption is acceptable."

"Just like that?" Jonas asked him.

Tolis nodded. "Dr. O'Neill is an acceptable mother for Caleb."

"Does not Cali O'Neill have any say in this matter?" Teal'c inquired.

"Of course."

"Then she should be asked."

Jack sighed. "Tolis, Cali isn't even from Earth, her adopting Caleb may not be possible," he pointed out.

"By our laws it is."

In the examination room, Caleb was sitting up on the bed, swinging his legs back and fourth. Dr. Fraiser had drawn blood; he'd been very brave. She'd checked him over, his eyes, ears, throat, heart and lungs. Cali had taken the blood and with the help of one of Janet's nurses, (Sergeant Michaels from SG-3, had helped Cali change the infirmary's main frame to work in English), they were able to run the tests that Janet wanted using the Ancient medical equipment. Doing so while the little boy was being checked over.

While Cali occupied Caleb, Janet went over the results, frowning. She looked to her nurse. "Lieutenant, draw blood from Dr. O'Neill."

"Yes Ma'am."

Cali arched an eyebrow when the nurse told her what she wanted. "Why, Janet?"

"I want a blood sample of yours, to do a comparison." Janet told her.

"Why?"

"Because Caleb had the Ancient gene, like you have."

"Oh." She reluctantly rolled up her sleeve and Caleb held her hand while the nurse took the blood, chuckling softly as the young archaeologist played up the whole experience to make the little boy laugh.

Janet came over to them with the results a few minutes later. "Cali, do you have one of Daniel's tags on yours?"

"Yeah," she pulled the tags free and let Janet take a look, making notes, before going back over to the computer. Cali left Caleb with the nurse and joined the doctor. "Janet what's going on?"

"If these results are right, and you and Sergeant Michaels have programmed the correct translation program into the Ancient computers," Janet saw the look on the younger woman's face. "Which you have."

"Janet?" Cali pleaded.

"This says you and Daniel are his parents, Cali."

"That's not possible," Cali, said stunned. "I've never had a baby," she turned to the little boy, right from the start she'd felt a connection, felt as if they were meant to be together.

"Then I'm reading this wrong." Janet declared.

"No, you're not," she hugged herself. "We just have to figure out how this happened."

The doctor nodded. "Lieutenant, can you ask Major Carter to join us?"

"Yes Ma'am," the nurse said and left the room.

Caleb was worried and confused by what was happening. "Something wrong?"

"No sweetheart," Cali insisted hurrying over to him, tucking her tags beneath her shirt once more. "Everything is fine."

He climbed up onto the bed and wrapped his arms around her neck; she hugged him back, rubbing his back gently.

Sam returned with the nurse. "You wanted me?" The Major inquired.

Cali released the little boy and lifted him down. "Caleb, can you go out to Colonel O'Neill. Do you remember the way?" He saw him nod. "Are you sure?"

"Uh huh."

"Okay," she ruffled his hair, smiling. "Good boy."

He hurried out, going back the way they'd come, finding only the Colonel and the rest of SG-1 waiting. He tugged on the Colonel's pants leg and looked up.

Jack looked down. "Hey Caleb."

"Up?"

Handing Teal'c both P-90's, Jack lifted the boy up into his arms. "All finished?"

"Uh huh."

"Wasn't too bad, was it?"

"No," he played with the earpiece on Jack's radio.

Teal'c could see the Colonel was becoming as restless as the boy after a few minutes. "Should Cali O'Neill and Major Carter have returned by now?"

"Yeah, they should have," Jack, agreed; he tickled Caleb a little. "Can you show us where they are, pal?"

"That way, I show you," the little boy agreed.

The three men followed the boys directions as he pointed out the way from the comfort of Jack's arms, he felt proud of himself, leading them to the examination room.

Jack saw the three women huddled around a computer screen mounted on the wall. "Hey kids, what's up?"'

They turned. "We've found out something interesting, sir," Sam announced. "Caleb has the Ancient gene, but that's not all."

He was curious. "What else?"

"Caleb is Cali and Daniel's son," Janet revealed bluntly.

"How is that possible?" Jonas asked; he knew they hadn't had children.

"He was genetically engineered and grown artificially."

Cali hugged her arms to her chest, feeling the build up of emotions, confusion, hurt, anger, sadness; it was almost overwhelming. She walked over to her dad, her son in his arms. "Why would anyone do this?"

"I don't know sweetheart."

Caleb didn't fully understand, he just knew Cali was sad, he reached out for her; the lady doctor had said she was his mom, did that mean Cali didn't want him, was that why she was sad?

Cali took him, holding him close, rubbing his back, the tears she'd held back slid down her cheeks. She'd wanted a child with Daniel, they'd decided to wait, and then he'd died and ascended. Now she had his son, their son in her arms.

Caleb wiped the tears from her cheeks. "Don't cry mommy."

She smiled despite the tears. He'd called her mommy. She kissed his forehead. "I'm just happy sweetheart."

He hugged her again, she did want him, smiling he whispered. "Glad you my mommy."

"I'm glad I'm your mommy too, Caleb," she told him.

Jack smiled and wrapped his arms around them both. "We'll get to the bottom of this kiddo, I promise. Until we do through, I have to explain all this to the General. Looks like you don't have to adopt Caleb, he's already yours."

"Adopt him?"

"Tolis wished you to adopt Caleb Jackson." Teal'c informed, purposely adding the surname.

Cali was surprised not by the adoption announcement, but the use of the name. "I guess you're right, I don't have to adopt my own son."

"No, kiddo, you don't," Jack agreed.

"Well for now, Dr. O'Neill-Jackson," Janet announced, using both surnames. "I suggest you take your son and the rest of SG-1 and leave my infirmary, I have patients to check over."

Cali chuckled. "I'll get everyone out of your hair, Janet."

"Good, out," she ordered.

They left laughing softly, Caleb giggling.

Four days later, SG-1, plus Dr. Fraiser, sat at the briefing table, explaining it all to General Hammond, for this part of the briefing they'd waited to tell it. The whole briefing had taken over an hour as it was, and involved every team leader. All had been dismissed except for those present.

"Where is the boy now?" Hammond asked after he'd heard the whole story; he'd seen them come through with him.

"He's with Lieutenant Williams in the infirmary, sir," Janet informed.

"And there is no doubt he is their son?"

"No doubt sir."

The General looked to Cali. "We'll need to sort out the details and paper work, Doctor. While that's being done, Mr. Quinn will accompany SG-1 on their missions. Once you have everything sorted out, you may return to your duties if that's what you want?"

"Thank you sir," she said. "I know this won't be easy, but Lieutenant Williams said she and the other working parents at the SGC have a Support system so that going off world isn't a problem. She's going to run through it with me and introduce me to the other parents."

"I know of it, Doctor, I help organize it. I'll also arrange for a security cleared nanny, since this program went into action, the Air Force agreed this system was needed."

"Thank you sir."

"Now, doctor, there is a question of your living arrangements?" He noted. "You're welcome to stay on base, however."

"However a home would be better for a growing boy," she concluded and nodded. "I realize that sir and dad and Sam are going to help me look for a house, between Daniel and I, we saved quiet a bit, so buying one isn't a problem."

"All right then, we'll start on the paper work in the morning. Dismissed." He pushed his seat back and stood, taking the folders with him; he headed into his office he had phone calls to make.

Cali sat back in her chair and rubbed her hands over her face. "This is really happening, isn't it?"

"Oh yeah, kiddo, welcome to the world of parenthood." Jack smirked and stood. "Come on, let's go rescue my grandson from the nurses."

"Is that a crack about my nurses, sir?" Janet asked standing.

"Nope," he remarked.

"Better not be sir," she warned.

"Wouldn't think of it, Doc," he smirked and headed off.

The others rushed to keep up, smiling to themselves.

The SGC's Parent support program turned out to be larger then Cali had expected; she wasn't expecting the scale or the security in place. Her name was added to the contact list and Caleb's name was added to the children's list. Both met with the other parents and children, advice was given and received, all of it making Cali's head spin, she was still coming to terms with being a mother. Slowly though, as the days pasted they eased into their new life together, Janet and Cassie went with Cali and Caleb to do some shopping for the little boy; he needed everything. General Hammond arranged for a birth certificate and aided in the paper work that went with Caleb's arrival and stay. He also arranged for a security-cleared nanny, Mrs. Silvia Clark, she was an old friend of the General's and ex-Air Force, so she knew the in's and out's of military life – even though Cali wasn't military. Both Mrs. Clark and Caleb had their names added to the Alpha Site list on the insistence of Dr. Fraiser. More tests had revealed Caleb was an evolution above even Cali, he may have been four, but his IQ was higher then an average four year old and he did have the Ancient gene like this mother. He knew his way around the SGC with ease, and was picking up Abydonian, Goa'uld ad several other languages. Mostly Abydonian, since his mother and grandfather spoke it a lot when they were together.

And to their word Jack and Sam helped find Cali the perfect house for them, a low block cottage with three bedrooms and an office. Sam and Sergeant Siler went through the house after Cali bought it and updated the security system with quiet a few 'alien' touches to it. Half of the SG teams and some of the staff arrived to help them move from the base to the house, bring everything out of storage. Sam and Siler also set up the office, setting Cali's computer up for both the Internet and so it was networked to the SGC computer in her office. Teal'c and Jack set up swing set in the back yard and a sandpit, Colonel Reynolds and the rest of SG-3 had to end up helping them. Jonas helped Caleb arrange his bedroom, the little boy and the Kelownan muddling through together. Silvia Clark helped Cali with the main bedroom, the two women getting to know each other as they unpacked.

Silvia lifted a photo frame from the box on the bed, seeing the photo inside it. "Your Daniel was a handsome man."

Cali smiled sadly. "Yes he was," she took the photo from the sliver haired woman, running her finger over her husband's face. "You can see where Caleb gets his good looks from."

"Oh I don't know," the elderly woman said with a smile. "You are a beautiful young woman yourself." Silvia removed another photo, this one of a young Egyptian woman. "Who is this, Cali?"

Cali put the photo of Daniel on the bedside table and had a look, seeing who it was. "Sha're," she took the frame; a sadness seeped into her soul. "She was my life partner and Daniel's first wife, we lost her."

"Your life partner?"

She nodded. "Lover, it's just a title. We were together before Daniel, we both fell in love with him and Daniel and I lost her."

"I'm sorry," Silvia slipped her arm around the younger woman. "We've all loved and lost, my dear. All of us."

Cali put the photo next to the one of Daniel. "Some of us have lost more then others, Silvia," she whispered and walked out.

Silvia sighed, looking at the photos, when she'd accepted the job, she hadn't expected all of this. But after the briefing given to her by George Hammond, she came to realize quickly enough that this young woman and the rest of SG-1 were extraordinary people and they had lost, a lot more then other military personnel. But their courage to duty and to their planet made them the people they were.

Over the next few months, Cali only went off world on short trips with no over night stays. For those missions, Jonas went, giving her the time she needed to be with her son. Until the particular mission that had her currently off world, SG-1 had been gone for two days now. With them due back, Silvia brought Caleb to the base, both were escorted to the General's office, both had full security passes.

George Hammond stood, smiling warmly. "Hello Silvia."

"Hello George," she greeted just as friendly. Having known the General had made what he'd told her when she'd taken the job a lot easier. After all it's not every day you're told you're going to be a nanny for a child, who's mother is an half alien and who's father is ascended. Or the fact that the child was genetically engineered and grown artificially, by unknown aliens and found by his mother and brought back to Earth. No it was different and she'd just taken it in.

The General addressed the little boy, who held tightly to his nannies hand. "Hello Caleb, have you been a good boy?"

Caleb nodded. "Yes sir."

Hammond smiled and ruffled his hair, hearing the alarms go off to signify an incoming wormhole. "That'll be SG-1 now. How about you and Mrs. Clark go into the briefing room and watch them come through."

"Okay," he agreed and tugged at the elderly woman's hand, leading her out.

Hammond hurried to the control room. "Sergeant?"

"It's SG-1 sir, Colonel O'Neill called for a medical team, I alerted Dr. Fraiser," Harriman informed as he opened the iris.

"Did he say who was hurt?"

"Dr. O'Neill sir, that's why I didn't call for a medical team over the PA, I knew Caleb was here. I didn't want to frighten him.

"Good man," the General praised and left quickly, going down to the Gate room, seeing Fraiser and her team waiting.

Through the event horizon came Major Carter and Jonas, they hurried off the ramp and waited. Teal'c came through next with Cali, the young woman being carried by the Jaffa, a silver arrow through her left thigh, a field dressing around her stomach, her face was bloody and puffy. The Colonel came through behind them.

"Close the iris!" He shouted and it was done, the wormhole disconnected.

Teal'c carried Cali down the ramp; Jack helped support her leg, stopping as much movement as he could. Together they gently laid her on the gurney; Fraiser and her team took over, then rush the young woman out of the Gate room.

"Colonel, what happened?" Hammond asked shocked by the injuries.

"The natives thought we were sent by the Gods to help their crops, they were friendly enough to start with, then last night, they separated us from Cali," he barely contained his anger. "They were going to sacrifice her to their Gods, they beat her black and blue, while they made us watch. Then they stabbed her in the stomach, they wanted her blood to cleans their ground. We broke free and got her away from them, she got shot by the arrow trying to escape."

"Did you set them off in anyway?"

"No sir."

"They seemed friendly, General; especially to Cali, she picked up their language and they seemed to be in awe of her." Sam reported.

"All right, get cleaned up and get to the infirmary," the General ordered.

Jack nodded, then looked up, seeing Caleb staring down at them, the little boy obviously standing on a chair so he could see and he'd seen the whole thing. "Crap! Caleb."

Hammond looked. "I forgot I told him to go to the briefing room. Go, I'll talk to him and Silvia."

"No, sir, he's my grandson," Jack insisted, he pulled off his vest, handing it to Sam, along with his P-90 and hurried out of the Gate room, going up to the briefing room. Caleb scrambled off the chair and rushed over to him. He knelt down on one knee and enclosed the boy in his arms. "It's okay, Caleb, mommy is going to be okay."

"So much blood," he sobbed.

"I know kiddo, but it looked worse then it was," he stood, picking the boy up as he did. Seeing the look on Silvia's face. "Lets go to the infirmary and wait for Dr. Fraiser. She's going to fix mommy up. Okay."

"Okay," Caleb murmured, before putting his thumb into his mouth, letting his grandfather carry him.

Silvia knew Jack was putting up on a brave face, she could see the fear in his eyes, he was afraid of losing his daughter.

In the infirmary, while they waited, Jack and the others went through their physicals, it was the only time Caleb let his grandfather out of his sight. When the Colonel returned, the little boy went back to him. Silvia went over to the General. "It's taking a long time."

He nodded. "Sometimes that's good," he said, keeping his voice down. "I hope this is one of those times."

She patted his arm, she knew he felt close to his people, especially SG-1. "Has there been any word from your allies about Caleb, who could have genetically engineered him?"

"So far, no. The Tok'ra are sending someone, they'd like to make their own analysis, they think possibly he has a marker in his genetic structure."

"Is that possible?" She asked a little shocked.

"For them, yes."

"Why would someone do this? Create a child like this?"

Hammond sighed, wearily. "Cali is known as the 'Chosen', she was to be host to a Goa'uld, but her mother escaped before Cali was born and hid on Abydos. Cali is more advanced then any human on Earth, she carries what we call the Ancient gene, as does Colonel O'Neill. And recently we found out she has the knowledge of the Ancients in her mind, something any other human wouldn't be able to hold on to. For her it's just a part of who she is."

"And Daniel?" Silvia inquired.

"Dr. Jackson was the teams conscience, he was intelligent, and a remarkable man," the General said with pride of knowing him. "He had this uncanny ability to survive and when he was right, he was right. Jack once called him a geek, but every man and woman under my command had respect for Daniel and would put their lives on the line for him, because they knew he'd do the same for them. He wasn't a solider, but he was part of bringing down several System Lords. I never fully understood the relationship he and Cali had with Sha're at the beginning, but what I do know was they loved each other with ever fiber of their being and his death or ascension, whatever you want to call it. It tore Cali apart, I don't what's kept her going the past couple of months, but she found strength and courage to continue their work and remain with the team."

Silvia looked over to Caleb, the little boy was snug in his grandfather's arms, near asleep. "Is he like his father?"

"Caleb?" Hammond saw her nod, he smile a little. "Yes, Daniel use to grab hold of something and hang on, he was passionate about his causes, he saw the unusual and wanted to know why? He wanted to learn about and discover all he found. I see that in Caleb, but then again I see his mother in him too."

"Well I see his grandfather in him." Silvia stated.

That made the General chuckle. "I didn't have the pleasure of meeting his actual grandfather, but if Jacob O'Neill was anything like this brother, then life must have been interesting in the O'Neill house hold when they were growing up."

Silvia chuckled; she'd heard the whole story from Cali. "I think I can imagine what it must have been like. We've had the whole team over for dinner."

Hammond laughed softly too. "I can believe that."

Sam went over to Jack. "Sir, would you like me to take him for a while?"

"No, he's fine," he insisted.

She brushed the hair from Caleb's closed eyes, the little boy needed a hair cut, his fringe fell down into his eyes, just as Daniel's had done the first time she'd meet him. Sam smiled, seeing the little boy still had his thumb still tucked in his mouth. "Do you think Daniel was like him, as a little boy?"

Jack brushed a hand over the back of his grandson's head. "This little guys reminds me a lot of Daniel."

"I still miss him," she said quietly.

"So do I, Carter," he agreed. "So do I. Especially now."

Janet finally came out to them, she was tired and a little concerned, but she could also see that on all their faces. At least she had some good news. "Cali is being settled," she revealed. "We managed to stop the bleeding caused by the knife wound and we removed the arrow from her thigh. I've got her on antibiotic's incase of infection; both wounds were clean, but I wont to be sure."

"What about her face?" Jonas asked. "We weren't sure if she'd fractured her cheek or not?"

"It's just bruising," the doctor assured. "Her MRI's don't show any damage or swelling around her brain."

"Can we see her?" Jack asked.

Janet nodded. "This way," she said and showed them to a room over looked by an observation room. Medical equipment was around the head of the bed, monitors that showed numerous things. Heart monitor wirers ran out from under Cali's gown and a nasal cannula supplied oxygen through her nose; an IV was replacing lost blood.

Silvia went over to Jack. "Let me take him back to quarter's Colonel, he doesn't need to see his mother like this."

He reluctantly handed the sleeping boy over. "If he wakes up, tell him his mom is fine."

"I will," she assured and left the room.

Jack went and sat on the stood near his daughter's bed, carefully taking her hand. "You've got yourself into a mess this time, kiddo," he whispered.

Her eyes flickered open and she licked her lips. "Hi dad," she said, her voice gravelly.

"Hey kiddo."

Her eyes closed for a moment, and then reopened them just as groggery. "Caleb?"

"Silvia took him to quarters, he was asleep," he gently tucked a little of her hair back behind her ear. "She didn't want him to see you like this."

She licked her lips again. "I guess…. I guess I'm going… to have to take things… easy for a while."

"Yep."

"Sorry," she closed and reopened her eyes again.

"For what?" Jack inquired. "You didn't do anything wrong."

"Feels like it."

"Well you didn't, you just worry about getting better. That's an order."

She chuckled, which wasn't smart and made her wince. "I'm not… military."

"No, but you're my daughter, so you do what you're told."

She yielded to him. "Yes sir."

Jack lent over and kissed her forehead. "I love you kiddo, don't you ever forget that."

"I won't," she murmured, her eyes closed once, this time staying closed.

Sam put her hand on his shoulder. "She's going to be all right, sir."

"Yeah, Carter, I know," he agreed but didn't mind she didn't move her hand.

General Hammond slipped out of the room, letting them have some time alone. He knew he'd get their full reports on his desk eventually. When one hurt, they all hurt, even Jonas Quinn was learning that. They were family. When Anubis' ship had appeared in Earth's orbit and then crashed into the ocean, Jonas leant first hand about teamwork and family. When he and Cali had been ordered to leave in the mini-sub, they'd ignored the order and rushed to help free the rest of their team. Trapped because of flooding, the Colonel, Major and Teal'c had tried to get to the glider bay, they made it but were unable to raise the shield to open the door. Jonas and Cali had gone into a flooded compartment, holding their breath long enough to re-root power to the terminal Carter was using, then ring to another compartment. Dripping wet they'd ran to catch up with the others, then the five of them had escaped in two gliders. Jonas and Cali sitting backseat to the glider the Colonel was flying, wet and grinning like a couple of kids. He hadn't let them off the hook for what they'd done, but they'd come together. They'd become a team.

Cali woke a little later, the lights in the room had been dimmed and she saw Janet had managed to get SG-1 out of her infirmary. The doctor had probably threatened them with large needles, not that they would stay away long, she'd knew they'd be back. Turning her head a little, Cali saw she wasn't entirely alone; she smiled weakly. "I thought… you might show up."

'I needed to see you were alright.' Daniel said gently.

She saw he was dressed in casuals, including his favorite sweater, which was now her favorite. He didn't have his glasses on, though she supposed on a higher plane of existence he didn't need them. "Are you all right?"

'I'm fine and you're going to be fine too.'

"I nearly died."

'I know, I was here the whole time.'

"Just in case?" She asked.

'Yes,' he brushed a hand against her cheek. 'I knew you'd be alright, you wouldn't leave, not now you have Caleb to live for.'

"Our son."

'Our son,' he said warmly, and then smiled. 'You'll find the answers you seek, I promise.'

"You're sure?"

'I'm sure…' he said amused. 'You're going to have to trust me.'

"I do," Cali told him.

Daniel sat on the edge of her bed; he could see she was tired. He lent over and kissed her gently. 'I love you.'

"I love you too."

'Sleep now,' he insisted.

She closed her eyes too tired to keep them open any longer.

In the observation room Janet Fraiser brought Caleb to see his mother; she sat him up on a chair so he could see she was all right. "I know it all looks scary, Caleb, but everything is helping your mom and she's going to be fine. She's just sleeping."

The little boy nodded. Daddy was with his mommy, so mommy was going to be fine. He knew it was his dad, he knew because he'd come to see him and his mom talked about him all the time and he had a picture of his dad beside his bed. Caleb also knew the doctor couldn't see his dad sitting there with his mom, so he just smiled and saw his dad look back and smile too. Everything was going to be all right.

The end of this chapter.