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.

9. Orpheus

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 begins with 'Orpheus' and goes into the second half of 'Evolution', finishing after the episode. I must apologize for taken so long on this one, Christmas came up faster then I though and for some reason I just couldn't get started. But here it is at long last.

Winjan: It was fun having the O'Neill brothers together as teenagers and I was sorry to see Jonas go, I was just starting to have fun with him and Andrea.

Nightshae: Thanks so much; I'm glad you love the story. Thanks for sticking with it.

Letnet: Thanks, mini Jack was fun, you gotta love the guy.

The One above All: Thank you for the nice review and I'm going to continue, it just takes time for each chapter to fall into place.

Stargate SG-1

Chapter Nine: Orpheus

Orpheus, in Greek mythology, was the son of a muse, who singing to the lyre could charm beast and even rocks and tress. When his wife Eurydice died, he was permitted to lead her back from Hades, provided he did not turn to look her until they had arrive in the upper world, but he did look back and she was lost.

General George Hammond walked up the stairs to the control room, just as he reached the top the klaxon went off and Sergeant Harriman's voice came over the PA. "Unscheduled off world activation." The General hurried over to the Sergeant.

"It's SG-1's ID, sir," the Sergeant reported. "Receiving audio, sir."

"On speaker." Hammond ordered.

Harriman carried out the order and Colonel O'Neill's voice came over the speakers along with weapons fire.

"Close quarters withdrawal. It's going to get ugly."

"Acknowledged, Colonel," the General replied. "We'll be ready, just give us the word." He then addressed the troops that had taken up defensive positions in the Gate Room. "What your friendlies. Safeties off. Clean targets. Clean backgrounds."

Over the speakers they heard weapons fire from both sides and then the Colonel's voice again. "Teal'c! Let's go. Base this is it! We're on our way!"

"Open the iris." Hammond told the Sergeant.

Harriman quickly did so and the iris spiral open, multiple staff blasts came through and hit just beneath the control room window, coursing all within to react to it. Though their gaze remained on the puddle, first the Colonel came through, followed quickly by Daniel Jackson, who was supporting Cali O'Neill – the young archaeologist was limping badly. Samantha Carter came through next, they rushed down the ramp.

"Teal'c was right behind us!" Sam shouted as they stepped off the ramp and took defensive positions to the right of the ramp.

Jack glared at Daniel. "Get Cali out of here!"

"Dad I'm fine!" She protested.

"Out!" He ordered.

Teal'c suddenly came rushing through the puddle; he dashed down the ramp as a Jaffa bust though. Daniel grabbed his wife as the firing started and ushered her out of the Gate room, neither seeing the shot the enemy Jaffa got off before he felled, that hit Teal'c in the belly.

A medic helped Daniel with Cali as they heard the call for the medical team. "Daniel?" She questioned but wasn't able to look back.

He was, seeing Teal'c laying on the floor of the Gate room and Janet Fraiser and her team working frantically on him. "It's Teal'c," he said shocked.

"Oh God."

"Dr. O'Neill, please," the medic urged and they kept going, a SF going with them to the infirmary, retrieving their vests and weapons before leaving.

Daniel was pacing the waiting area when Jack and Sam arrived, having stopped only to rid themselves of their vests and weapons.

"How's Cali?" Jack asked him anxiously.

"Um, Dr. Brightman is with her," Daniel informed a little flustered. "What about Teal'c?"

"They've taken him into surgery." Sam said wearily. "The General has postponed the debriefing until tomorrow morning."

"Okay."

By the time Sarah Brightman came out to them, they were more then a little anxious, getting to their feet. She smiled a little. "Dr. O'Neill is fine, Dr. Jackson, x-rays showed swelling, but no cartilage or ligament damage. Until the swelling goes down her knee is going to be sore and tender. I'll give you painkillers for her. You can use ice to bring down the swelling as well."

"Thank you, Dr. Brightman."

"You're welcome," she said, then informed. "Now if you'll come with me, I'll do your physical."

He nodded and went with her.

Jack sat back down again, running his fingers through his silvery gray hair before leaning back against the wall.

Sam sat next to him. "Are you all right, sir?"

"Yeah," he gave a half hearted nodded. "I don't like seeing her hurt, either of them. Or you and Teal'c."

"This wasn't your fault sir," she said quickly. "There was no way you could of known what was going to happen."

He sighed. "When she went down, I thought for a moment I'd shot her too."

"But you didn't, she trusted you sir. Cali knew you'd get the Jaffa; the damage to her knee was done when he pulled her down with him. You gave her the opening she needed, Colonel."

Jack knew that, buthe'd also seen the look on Daniel's face when Cali had put the pistol to the Jaffa's forehead and pulled the trigger without hesitation to get him off her. The move had surprised the hell out of him, out of them both. His daughter wasn't the geeky archaeologist she'd been in the beginning. She'd changed; she'd developed skills that had turned her into a soldier when she needed to be. She'd become what she'd fought hard not to be and in the time Daniel had been ascended; she'd used those skills and honed them. Now he was getting a first hand look at what his wife was capable of. "She scared the hell out of Daniel."

Sam wasn't surprised. "Colonel, she surprised the hell out of me, I didn't know she was capable of doing that."

"Neither did I," he scrubbed his hands over his face. "God Carter, what have I turned her into?"

"Someone who can look after herself sir," she said gently. "She's had to learn that, Colonel. So has Daniel, he's not the same archaeologist who first arrived here either."

"No, he's not," Jack, agreed solemnly. "The Goa'uld have taken their innocence and that's something neither can get back. None of us can."

The statement stunned Sam for a moment, it was true and that shocked her the most.

Daniel came out a few minutes later with Cali, he supported her as she walked slowly, limping. Jack got to his feet and helped him get her to a chair.

"How you doing kid?" Her dad asked her.

"I'm going to survive, dad," she assured. "Dr. Brightman is waiting for you."

"Okay," he ruffled her hair a little. "Don't go away, I want to talk to you."

"Sure dad," she agreed and he hesitated before heading off to find Brightman.

Daniel sat next to his wife, she lent against him, resting her head on his shoulder. "All right?" He asked, slipping his arm around her.

"Yeah," she yawned a little. "Tired."

He kissed her forehead. "That's the painkillers."

"Mmm," she'd closed her eyes, content to stay where she was for the moment.

Sam smiled warmly, putting her hand on the younger woman's shoulder. "Why don't you two head off, I'll square it with the Colonel. Debriefing is at oh eight hundred tomorrow."

"You'll let us know when you hear something about Teal'c?" Daniel inquired.

"I'll ring." Sam assured.

"It's a good idea then," he decided and gave his wife a gentle squeeze. "Come on sweetheart."

Cali opened her eyes. "'Kay," she stood with his help. "But you're carrying me up the stairs."

He chuckled. "It's a deal," he mused. They'd sold their cottage and bought a two-story home, three bedrooms upstairs, along with two bathrooms. Downstairs had a living room, dinning room and kitchen, a den and a guest room with it's own bathroom. As well there was a small self-contained apartment attached to the back of the house, which Silvia used. "Lets go, sweetheart."

She nodded. "Thanks Sam."

"No problem," the Major said sincerely. "I'll ring as soon as I hear anything."

"Thanks." Daniel said, then ushered his wife out.

Jack came out after his physical and found them both gone. "Carter, didn't I say for Danny-boy and Cali not to move?"

"You did, but I sent them home, sir," she revealed. "Cali was practically asleep."

He saw the sense in that. "Right," he drawled. "The doc's ready for you."

"Yes sir," she got up and hurried away.

Jack down and got as comfortable as he could.

Daniel and Cali hadn't even bothered to change; they'd simply removed their badgers, grabbed what they needed from their office and headed home. When he pulled the SUV into the driveway, Daniel smothered a groan; the usually absent neighbor was no longer absent. He turned off the engine and got out, forcing a smile and wave on his way round to the passenger side, shoving the keys into the pocket of his jacket he opened the door and helped Cali out, she lent against the shut door while he grabbed the old field pack they used from the backseat. "Ready?" He asked, slipping his arm around her waist.

"Yeah, lets go," she said wearily.

"Afternoon," their neighbor called out from the footpath where he'd been putting the garbage out, he came over to the side fence, a curious but friendly look on his face.

"Damn," Cali groaned under breath.

Daniel held back a tried chuckle. "Hi," he greeted, being friendly.

"Mark McGregor," their neighbor introduced himself. "I didn't realize you were both in the Air Force," he noted, gesturing to the field pack that was being held; it had USAF on it.

"We're not," Daniel, informed as he and Cali went closer, steadying her he shook the man's hand. "Daniel Jackson, this is my wife, Cali, we just work for the Air Force," he said. Then added. "I don't mean to sound rude Mark, but we've had a rough day."

"Sure, not problem, I just wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood," he said with a smile. "If you need anything, just give myself or Sally, my wife a call."

"Thanks," Cali said politely, forcing a smile.

Daniel tightened his hold on her and steered her towards the door, it opened before he could get his keys out, Chris, hurried out and gave him a hand.

"Jack called," the teenager announced and kicked the door shut with his foot when they were inside.

"I thought he might," Daniel said as he dropped the pack near the door and swung Cali up into his arms. "Lets go sweetheart, it's a shower and bed for you."

She circled her arms around his neck. "My knight in fatigues," she mused.

Chris chuckled as they headed up the stairs; a doped up Cali was interesting at times.

Caleb came running into hallway. "Was that mommy?"

"Yup, give your dad a few minutes squirt, your mom wants to have a shower before she has visitors. Than you'll have to be quick," he informed.

"Why?"

"Well," he hankered down. "I'm guessing, but I'd say they gave you're mom some painkillers to take and she's a little sleepy."

"Oh?"

"Hey, she's going to be all right," he ruffled his hair and stood. "Come on, kiddo." He took the little boy into the living room; Silva came in from the kitchen, giving him a questioning look. "They're up stairs."

"I'll go see if Daniel needs a hand," she informed and left the boys alone.

Caleb tugged at Chris' jeans leg, the teenager looked down and he asked. "Is mommy all right?"

"Yeah kiddo," he hunkered down. "She hurt her knee, but she's going to be fine."

The little boy went into his arms. "You're sure?" He asked a little frightened.

"I'm sure Caleb," Chris reassured gently, as he rubbed the little boys back. "I promise." He stood with the boy in his arms, feeling him wrap his legs around his waist. "You're getting too big for this kiddo."

"Don't care," he said, his voice muffled by the fact he had his head buried in Chris' shoulder.

The teenager held him tight. "Me, either," he admitted.

When Daniel came down, his hair was still damp from his shower, he was in jeans and a t-shirt, seeing his boys seated together on the sofa. Smiling at that, Caleb always sort out his older brother when he was distressed and he and Cali weren't around. Realizing his train of thought, Daniel shivered involuntary. Wondering when he'd started to consider Chris as his son. Getting back to the matter at hand, he went and sat with them. "Hey guys," he greeted, letting Caleb crawl up onto his lap and snuggle close, comforting the little boy. "Hey, it's okay Caleb, mommy is all right."

"She's not going any where?"

"God, no, kiddo," he said quickly. "Mommy hurt her knee, Caleb, that's all." He cupped his son's face in his hands. "Mommy is going to be fine, I promise."

"Can I go see her?"

"Sure you can, she might be asleep though," his father revealed.

"I'll be quiet daddy," the little boy insisted.

"Okay."

Caleb gave his father a quick hug, than wiggled off his lap and ran out of the room. Daniel sat forward and scrubbed his hands over his face.

Chris could see he was disturbed by what had happened. "Are you okay, Daniel?"

He nodded. "Yeah, I just didn't expect Caleb to think his mother was going to leave him."

"He's just frightened," the teenager explained. "When Jack rang and said she'd been hurt…." His voice faded and he moved closer. "Caleb wasn't the only one who thought the worse."

"Oh Chris, I'm sorry," he drew the teenager into his arms and held him, stroking his hair, since he'd started growing it, it had gotten lighter and shaggier, which explained why Chris was mistaken for his son so much.

The teenager sat back, getting some control back. "How do you do it?" He asked.

Daniel gave him a confused look; he knew there was more on the teenagers mind than what had happened to Cali. "What, Chris?"

"Take everything that's happened and make sense of it?" The young man asked him. "Some days I can accept everything that's happened to me, and… and other days I feel like everything is coming down on top of me." He ran his fingers through his hair. "It gets so frustrating at times, especially when something like this happens. I feel like I want to protect Cali so much and than there are times I just want her to look out for me, like she does with Caleb."

"Chris," Daniel addressed the teenager remaining calm. "You're a lot like Cali or Cali is a lot like you, which is neither here nor there at this point, but the thing is you try so hard to keeping things straight inside your head and you hold it all in until your burst. I did the same thing as a teenager and I still do. Cali, well, she takes it all in her stride, but she hides her pain and her confusion too, she's just a little better at than I am and sometimes she's not. It's the not part that brings us all together, when one of us falls, the other's are there to pick up the pieces, that's what a family is for." He put his hand on the back of the teenager's head again. "You're a part of our family now, if you have a problem, you can come to me or Cali and we'll talk about it and try and advise you. You're not alone and if you need to talk to Dr. Gibson, well that's fine with us too. We understand Andrea is more qualified to handle some things then we are."

Chris hugged himself, feeling a little foolish for letting his emotions get the best of him. "You really think I'm a little like you?"

"Yeah."

Noting the hand didn't move from the back of his head gave him a lot of comfort. "I like that, I don't have anyone else, Daniel. You and Cali, you're my family now and Caleb is my little brother. I love you guys. And… and as mixed up as I feel sometimes, that thought keeps me grounded, keeps me believing I can make it no matter what happens."

Daniel drew the teenager back into his arms, holding him close. " You'll always have us, and you have Jack."

"I know, but I don't know if I'm ready to call him grandpa just yet," Chris revealed. He pulled back a little, becoming serious again. "Since I got here, you and Cali have accepted me into your family, you've," he hesitated, pushing on. "You've been more of a dad to me than even my own was at times. You listen and you don't judge me. You accept me as who I am, not what I should be and that mean's a lot to me. The fact you've accepted me as a son, even though you know the truth, makes me know what kind of dad you are."

"Well according to the papers General Hammond gave me to sign, I am your dad. Those papers said I adopted you, and that's what we agreed on and what General Hammond arranged. Just as he did with John and Andrea, Jack may be listed as John's father, but Andrea is listed as his adopted parent and he's accepted that."

"I know, we've talked about it," Chris admitted. "John thinks I'm lucky to have you as an adopted father."

That made Daniel smile. "Well I'm happy to have you as a son," he chuckled. "I'm old enough and trust me when I say, if I could take the confusion you feel away, I would."

"I know," the teenager said quietly and hugged the archaeologist again. "Daniel…" He bit his lip and pulled back. "Would you mind if I, um, called you dad?"

Daniel didn't try and wipe the smile from his face or ignore the way that made him feel. "Not at all," he ruffled the teenager's hair. "I'd think twice about calling Cali, mom, though."

Chris chuckled. "She's a little young," he smirked, his eyes glassy from tears of happiness. "Thanks… dad."

"You're welcome," Daniel told him. "And I'm glad you're here for Caleb, it means a lot to him."

"That's what big brother's are for, dad," the teenager said with a warm smile.

"He was there you know," his dad told him, the smile was gone and his voice was haunted. "When she died. He saw the whole thing, her death and than ascension. No little boy should have to witness his mother die and than ascend."

This time it was Chris' turn to do the comforting. "He understood why she did it, dad, he told me that, in his own way." He saw the surprise in Daniel's eyes. "He needs to know she's going to be there for him, even if it happens again. Which if it did, I dare say nothing will keep Cali from her son."

"Sons," Daniel corrected. "Nothing will keep her from you either, Chris."

Nodding the teenager nodded. "I know that dad."

Caleb came into the living room with Silva. "Mommy's asleep, daddy."

Daniel lifted him onto his lap. "Did you get to talk to her?"

"Uh huh, I told her I loved her," the little boy said proudly. "She said it back."

"That's because she does," his father mused giving him a hug.

"I'll go and start dinner," Silvia announced.

"Thanks Silvia." Daniel said with a tired smile. She patted his shoulder and walked out. He turned his attentions back to his littlest son. "Kiddo, Chris and I had a talk while you were upstairs with mommy."

"What about, daddy?"

"Well," he glanced at the teenager, who smiled supporting him. "Well, Chris is going to call me dad from now on."

"Really?"

"Yup."

"Cool," the little boy said and leant over, giving his brother a hug.

Chris hugged him back. "You all right with it, squirt?"

"Yup," he said copying his dad.

Daniel chuckled. "How about the two of you go set the table for dinner."

"Okay dad," Chris agreed.

"Okay daddy," Caleb said and wiggled off his lap, going with his brother.

Sitting back, Daniel closed his eyes and sighed as he let it all sink in. Being called dad by Chris made it all seem more real – he had a teenage son. He could handle having a teenage son, Teal'c handled having a teenage son, but than again Teal'c didn't get to see his son as often as he'd liked. The ringing of the phone broke into his thoughts. He grabbed it off the coffee table, answering it. "Jackson."

"Hey, Daniel, how's my girl?" Jack asked over the phone.

"She's fine, Jack, asleep," he answered, sitting back.

"What about my boys?"

Daniel chuckled at that. "Don't you mean my boys?" He asked him.

"Okay, how's my grandson's than?"

"Now they know Cali is fine, so are they," Daniel revealed and than hesitated. "Jack…"

He seemed to know there was something going on. "What is it, Danny?"

"Chris asked if he could call me, dad," he said. There was silence on the other end of the phone. "Jack?"

"I'm here," Jack told him a little distant, "I guess I should have expected it, but I didn't."

"I'm sorry Jack."

"There's nothing to be sorry for Daniel, he's not my brother any more remember; he's your son," Jack confirmed. "Jake O'Neill is dead. He would have liked Chris thought, he's a good kid."

"Yeah he is, Jack, reminds me of his granddad sometimes." Daniel said softly.

"Funny, lately he's been reminding me of you," the Colonel remarked. "Must be the shaggy hair."

Daniel chuckled. "Must be."

There was a pause and than Jack spoke. "Are you all right with it?"

"Yeah," he admitted. "I think I am."

"What does Cali think?"

"She doesn't know yet, I'll tell her when she wakes up, but I don't think she's going to mind."

"She's too young to be his mother." Jack noted over the phone.

"I know, and so does Chris, he told me she's too young to be his mom."

There was a dry chuckle. "Sounds like Chris." There was another pause. "The other reason I called was to tell you Teal'c made it through the surgery, Dr. Fraiser said he's going to be fine, but it's going to be a long road back, well longer than the T man is use to anyway."

"Can we see him?"

"Yeah, she said tomorrow, she wants to see Cali before the briefing."

Daniel rubbed his temples. "Okay."

"If you need anything Daniel, you call me, anytime all right?"

Daniel smiled; no matter where they were, Jack always tried to look after them. "All right…" he hesitated, and than added. "Dad." He hung up quickly, before his friend could comment, chuckling. Putting the phone down he got up and headed into the kitchen to help Silvia.

After dinner, Chris and Caleb volunteered for dishwasher duty, the teenager taking charge and ushering both adults out. They achieved the task in relative quietness, setting the dishwasher going they headed out to sit with their dad for a while, curling up with him on the sofa watching a program on the Discovery Channel. Half way through it Caleb fell asleep, stretched out with his head on his father's lap and he wasn't the only one asleep; Daniel was too, exhaustion had won out.

Chris smiled. He got up and eased his little brother up into his arms and carried him up the stairs to his room. Carrying him into the darken room, he laid Caleb on the turned down bed and covered him. Straightening, he went over and turned on the little boys night-light. Smiling he walked out, partly shutting the door he headed back down stairs. When they'd moved in, he'd managed to convince his dad and Cali that the guest room was perfect for him, it had it's only bathroom and gave him a little move privacy. They'd agreed on the promise he kept the bathroom clean himself. He'd agreed wholeheartedly and it was good when Cassie came over. From the moment the two had met, they'd found an instant connection, which led to dating and a steady relationship that was built on friendship and understanding. Of course their parents had sat down and gave them the ground rules, which had been okay. What had been embarrassing was the sex talk, they didn't want them rushing into it, but if they felt they were ready than they'd rather they were open about it and no sleazy hotels. So far, they'd just fallen asleep together, done a lot of kissing and a little touching; things hadn't gone too far yet. Cassie was Pre-med, she was following her mom into medicine, just as he was following his dad and Cali into Archaeology. They both knew they had time.

Coming into the living room he saw Daniel was awake. "Caleb is in bed, he didn't even wake up."

"Thanks Chris."

"It's okay."

"Why don't you head up to bed, Daniel," Silvia suggested. "Chris and I will be fine."

"Yeah dad, you've had a busy day." Chris agreed.

He nodded. "I think I will. Night."

"Night Daniel."

"Night dad."

Getting up, Daniel trudged upstairs, he checked on Caleb before turning out the hall light and going into the main bedroom, shutting the door. Moonlight lit the room enough for him to find something to sleep in, he changed in the bathroom; going back into the bedroom he put his glasses on the bedside table and crawled into bed next to his wife.

Cali half woke as he joined her, she managed to snuggle closer without jarring her knee too much. "About time," she mused softly.

He nuzzled the back of her neck. "It's not that late and I was busy having a heart to heart with our son part of the time."

"Caleb?" She asked confused, finding his blue eyes bright in the moonlight.

"No, Chris," he slipped his arm around her waist. "He asked if he could call me dad."

That surprised her a little, well may a more than a little. "What did you say?"

"That he could."

She took his hand in hers; this had been a big step for both of them. "Well, I'm too young for him to be called mom," she said, even fighting the pull of sleep, she could joke with him.

"I said that and he laughed and agreed with me."

She closed her eyes again, slowly giving in. "Chris needs stability and you being a dad to him is his way of finding it, Danny," she whispered. "You can be Aba to him, just as he can be binu to you."

Daniel smiled at her use of the ancient language of Akkadian, he understood what she meant thought. "Zen ki angu."

"I love you too, my husband," she murmured, drifting off.

Kissing her cheek, Daniel closed his eyes and let sleep take him too, he'd tell her about her dad's phone call in the morning.

Which came far too quickly for both of them, pain woke Cali up; her knee was throbbing. Daniel woke when he felt her move.

"What's wrong?"

"My knee is killing me."

"I'll get the painkillers, they're in the bathroom," he volunteered.

"I'll come with you, I need to go anyway," she admitted.

He smiled and got up, going around to her side of the bed; he helped her up and to the bathroom. Once there, she took the painkillers, used the toilet and convinced Daniel to share a shower with her, it wasn't hard. One of the things that had attracted them to this house was the large bathrooms; the shower recess alone was huge and had two showerheads, one at either end. They used only one, Cali lent against the slick wall, relishing the feel of her husbands wet body against hers, as she kept the weight off her injured knee.

His mouth played a tantalizing game with hers, while neither had idle hands. She forgot about the pain, concentrating on the waves of pleasure that out weighted it. She moaned against his mouth and begged him, pleaded with him. It didn't take much and they made love under the spray.

"How's the knee holding up?" He asked trying to calm his breathing, his head buried into the crock of her shoulder.

"Better then I thought," she mused, her breathing was slowing as was his, until he looked up and she sucked seductively on his lip. "What I want is a cup of coffee."

He groaned. "Than we'd better get out of here," he eased her back onto her feet.

"Good idea."

Daniel chuckled, they finished their shower, getting out they dried off and dressed. Going downstairs, making sure they were quiet since both boys were still asleep. Once the coffee was made they went out onto the deck, watching the sunrise.

Cali was perched up on the balustrade that ran along the deck, sitting with her injured leg on a chair. She watched her husband as he ran his finger along the rim of his coffee mug, he was deep in thought, and some thing was definitely on his mind. "What's up?"

He glanced up and smiled warmly. "Have you heard from your grandfather lately?"

She wondered why. "He and Rya'c are on a recruitment drive, why?"

"No reason."

"Are you sure?" She asked concerned.

"Yeah, it's nothing," Daniel dismissed.

She knew it wasn't, but left it at that, sipping her coffee she glanced over at their neighbor, hearing the back door open. She'd noticed the lights on when they'd come out. "Early rises next door."

"Looks like it," he agreed and glanced over at the woman on the back deck of the house next door. She was short, light brown hair, that was short, she wasn't overly attractive, but had a welcoming look to her.

She glanced over and gave a wave and a smile, walking towards the end of the deck that was closes to their yard. "Good morning," she greeted.

"Morning," Cali greeted back.

"I'm Sally, you must be Carly and Daniel," she said cheerfully.

"Cali," Cali corrected.

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay," she assured. Getting off the balustrade, she limped down to the end of the deck with Daniel steadying her, so she would spill her coffee. She leant against the rail.

Sally frowned. "Are you all right?"

"Um, training accident at work," Cali lied convincingly. "I fell the wrong way and jarred my knee."

"Mark said you work for the Air Force," the neighbor said, fishing for information.

Daniel knew what she was doing; they'd been though this before. "We do, at Cheyenne Mountain, Deep Space Radar Telemetry."

"You're scientist."

"Archaeologist." Cali informed, smiling a little at the stunned look on the woman's face. "We're also linguist."

"Oh," Sally was still very confused.

Daniel chuckled to himself. "A lot of what we do is classified."

"Well, I won't ask any more questions," she remarked with a teasing.

Cali smiled at that, skillfully changing the subject. "What do you do, Sally?"

"I'm a pediatrician at the local hospital," she supplied happily. "Mark is theater nurse."

"Is that how you meet?" Daniel inquired, making conversation.

"It is, I had a little boy come in with an appendicitis, Mark assisted, he was fantastic, the little boy was scared and he put him at ease," Sally recalled with a loving look in her eyes. "I think I fell in love with him that very moment. We were married six months later and we have two of our own now. A boy, Josh, he's six and a girl, Lisa, who's eight." She sat up on the balustrade of her own deck. "What about you two, how did you meet?"

"Um, a camel," Cali told her, grinning. "Daniel got his foot hooked in the camel's lead rope and was dragged right to my sister and I, it was love at first sight."

Daniel chuckled and lent over, kissing his wife lightly on the lips. "It certainly was." He straightened, seeing Sally was mesmerized. "Of course I married her sister straight away," he smirked and chuckled at the stunned look on his neighbor's face, going in for the kill. "Sha're, didn't mind sharing me though."

Cali laughed seeing the total shock on Sally's face. "He's teasing you, Sally," she lied again. "He did marry my sister though, her death brought the two of us together."

Sally caught the joke, breathing again. "Men, I swear," she chuckled. "You obviously have children by the sandbox?"

"Caleb and Chris," Daniel told her. "Caleb is five and Chris is seventeen."

"Seventeen?"

"Chris is adopted," he said, seeing she'd had enough shocks for one morning. "He's parents were friends of mind, American Archaeologist, they were killed while in Egypt. I was given custody of Chris and adopted him. Caleb is our natural son."

"Oh," she chuckled nervously. "I didn't think Cali was old enough to have a son that old."

"I'm not," Cali mused. "I was eight when Chris was born."

Daniel put his coffee mug down, seeing her favoring her right leg; he lifted her up onto the balustrade. "Well I was thirteen when you were born."

"I know," she rewarded him with a kiss. "You're such a cradle robber."

Sally chuckled at that. "I have to admit Mark isn't that much older then me, but I don't feel age should be in the way of love."

"Neither do we, but her – Colonel - Special Forces - father, thought twice about it." Daniel remarked. "Especially since he's one of my best friends."

"True," Cali agreed.

Mark McGregor had come out, hearing that last comment. "You dated your best friends daughter," he whistled softly. "You have guts, Daniel."

"Thank you," he said proudly.

Cali giggled at that. "It was Daniel who convinced me to go into Archaeology and helped me get my Masters Degrees and Doctorates."

"How many do you have?" Mark asked her.

"Um, three of each," she answered. "The same as Daniel. He speaks a few more languages than I do though."

"One or two," her husband stated. "But Cali happens to more multi talented with weapons than I am."

"Comes from having an Air Force Colonel for a father, my husband," she smirked and drew him in for another kiss.

Mark chuckled at that and drew his wife closer, slipping his arm around her waist. "What exactly do you two do in the Air Force?"

"Civilian Consultants," Daniel answered him. "Being able to speak twenty-three languages comes in handy at times. As we told Sally, a lot of what we do is classified."

"Fair enough," Mark said, taking it all in his stride. "You have an unusual accent, Cali."

"I'm um, from Egypt, I came to America when I was eighteen," she revealed. "My parents had been killed and my dad found me and brought me back with him, he adopted me and the rest is history."

"Were they Archaeologists too?" Sally asked.

"No, my natural father was a Air Force officer, my dad's brother to be exact; he meet my mother on a mission that went wrong and fell in love with her, I was born not long after. He didn't get to see me born though and I lost my mother when I was fourteen."

"I'm so sorry, Cali," the woman said tenderly.

"It's all right, I've come to terms with it. The people who brought me up before dad found me, were loving and I considered them family."

"Well I'm glad you've found some happiness in your life."

"Thank you."

Silvia came out of the house; she was dressed and ready for the day. She came over to them. "Sorry to interrupt," she said. "Colonel Reynolds is on the phone, he'd like a word with you both."

"Thanks Silvia." Daniel said and helped Cali down off the balustrade. He looked over to his neighbors. "It was nice talking to you."

"You too, Daniel," Sally agreed. "We'll have to get together one night."

"We'd like that."

"Well don't work to hard," Mark mused and gave a wave.

Daniel smiled at that and took Cali's arm and they went inside. The call was taken in the den; it didn't take long for Cali to realize she needed to get to work to sort this out, telling the Colonel they'd head in. He agreed and hung up. Daniel raced upstairs for the painkillers and their pack.

Silvia was waiting for them with coffee in travel mugs. "Make sure you eat when you get to the mountain," she ordered.

"We will," Daniel assured.

"I'll be checking," she warned.

Cali chuckled. "We know," she mused. "Thanks Silvia."

"Dive carefully," she insisted and ushered them out.

On the way to the mountain Daniel filled Cali in on his phone conversation with Jack, when they got there they signed in and took the elevator to level 25 to the locker rooms, where they changed into BDU's and than headed to level 18, meeting up with Colonel Reynolds and the rest of SG-3 in their office, they went over the data received from the last mission the team had been on. Sorting it out since they were going back to form a treaty with the locals to mind their naquada.

Daniel left them at it around oh eight hundred and headed up to the briefing room, meeting Sam on her way there too. "Morning."

"Hey, where's Cali?"

"With SG-3 going over the treaty for the mission this morning."

"Looks like it's just you and me than," she remarked. "The Colonel is with Teal'c."

"How is he?"

She shrugged. "I'm not really sure, you know Teal'c, he doesn't display a lot of emotion when he doesn't want too."

"Yeah, I'll go see him after the debriefing." Daniel decided. They walked down the hallway to the General's office, knocking they went in.

"Morning Major, Doctor," Hammond greeted.

"Morning sir," both greeted.

"Where is Dr. O'Neill?"

"Cali is working with SG-3 on the treaty, General, for the mission this morning." Daniel explained.

"Very well, since it's just the two of you, Major, if you'd start," the General ordered.

"Yes sir," she gave a brief account of what happened after they arrived on the planet, and then what happened after the Jaffa had arrived. "Colonel O'Neill planted my radio in the underbrush away from our position and began broadcasting to create a distraction," she reported. "The Jaffa fell for this diversion and half of them left the temple. We engaged the rest and escaped, we were half way to the Stargate when we encountered the rest, one grabbed Cali from behind, she fought with him and turned him towards Colonel O'Neill, who fired several rounds into the Jaffa. He was still alive, but he fell and landed on Cali, she'd managed to get her arms free and shot him with her berretta, he fell away from her, it was than we realized she'd injured her knee. Daniel got to her and helped her to the Stargate, they dialed out while we laid down cover fire."

"Were you able to ascertain who these Jaffa were loyal too?" Hammond asked.

"Their forehead tattoos were of various system lords," Daniel announced, "but the majority bore the symbol of Ba'al."

"Ba'al?"

"His empire had expanded further and father than anyone could have expected," Daniel continued. "Which shouldn't be a surprise to us since he now controls the combined forces of the United Alliance of System Lords. Something we are responsible for."

"To level the playing field against, Anubis," the General reminded.

Daniel nodded reluctantly, shrugging. "So in a way we did it to ourselves."

Dr. Fraiser walked in behind them, cautiously. "Sir?"

Daniel and Sam looked back, and than parted to let the doctor stand between them, both giving her a welcoming smile.

"How is Teal'c, doctor?" Hammond asked her. Usually the doctor just sent up a report, but than again with SG-1, she had a habit of delivering them in person.

"It's going to be a long road back, sir," she reported. "The Staff blast passed through the empty symbiote pouch and did some damage to his spine and surrounding soft tissue. In the past I would have just let his symbiote regenerate the damage… But with work he'll make a full recovery, I've boasted his Tertonin dosage to stem off any residual infection."

"Is it all right to see him?" Daniel asked her, even though he knew both Sam and Jack had already visited.

"Yes," Janet answered, turning to him. "And ask Cali to come see me."

"I will," he assured.

"How long will Dr. O'Neill be off the mission list, doctor?" The General asked.

She shoved her hands in her lap coat pockets. "Usually I'd say a week, but with Cali's unusual ability to heal quickly, I have to say a four days at the most."

"Very well, keep me informed."

"Yes sir."

"Dismissed."

They left the office, walking back to the elevator together.

"I'll go rescue Cali from SG-3," Daniel told Janet. "We'll get something for breakfast and than I'll leave her in your hands while I go and see Teal'c."

"Silvia told you both to eat?" She guessed.

He nodded. "And that she would be checking up on us, I'm not sure how, but I'm not taking any chances either," he decided.

Sam chuckled. "She's only looking out for the two of you, Daniel."

"I know."

They entered the elevator together but got off on different levels. Daniel managed to get SG-3 out of his office and away from his wife, on the promise they'd see her at the briefing. He took her to the commissary and they had breakfast before going to the infirmary. He left her with Janet, going to Teal'c's room. He hesitated in the doorway.

"Hey Teal'c."

"Daniel Jackson."

"Can I come in?"

"As you wish," the Jaffa said non-responsive.

Daniel went in and sat at his beside. Teal'c didn't even acknowledge him, he just stared a head. "So, how's Rya'c?"

That got the Jaffa's attention. "My son? Why do you ask?"

"Well, I don't know," Daniel shrugged. "I just thought you'd be sick of 'How are you feeling?' again."

"Indeed." Teal'c said and looked a head again.

"It's just I've been thinking about him recently," the archaeologist admitted and he had. Something about Rya'c nagged at him.

"Rya'c is with Bra'tac," Teal'c finally informed him. "They are attempting to recruit rebel Jaffa. I have not heard from them and do not expect to for some time."

Daniel had known about the recruitment, he just wanted to get Teal'c talking. He also noticed the four pots of green Jell-O on the near by table, three were empty, one with a spoon in it and the four was still full. "What's with the, uh," he gestured to the Jell-O with his finger.

"O'Neill," Teal'c said dryly. "I believe his offering of colored gelatin was his attempt to sympathize."

"Oh, well, he's thoughtful that way." Daniel said with an amused smile.

"There is no need," the Jaffa said bluntly, still no making eye contact. "I blame only myself."

"How is it your fault?" Daniel asked him confused.

"I failed to protect Cali O'Neill. I fell behind. I was…"

Daniel cut him off. "What happened to Cali was not your fault and you were covering us," he said stunned and confused by what he was hearing. "Teal'c…"

"I wish to be alone, Daniel Jackson," he told him and looked away.

Daniel was hurt; he didn't blame Teal'c for what happened to his wife. It didn't make sense for Teal'c to blame himself either. He nodded, even though his friend wasn't watching. "Okay," he said. "Okay," he stood and reluctantly walked out. He stopped through just outside the room, hearing a male voice, oddly familiar calling out in distress. He looked back to Teal'c, but saw the Jaffa was still staring at the wall. Perplexed he shook his head and headed back to the examination room.

Cali was sitting on the exam bed talking to Janet when he arrived. She saw the confused look on his face. "What's up?"

"Teal'c is blaming himself for what happened, to you and to himself," he informed.

Janet had gotten that from the Jaffa too. "I've asked Dr. Gibson to talk to him, I'm hoping Andy can get through to him." She put a hand on Cali's arm. "I want you to talk to her to young lady," she saw Cali going to protest, stopping her. "I mean it, I heard what you did, go and talk to her about it."

"All right," she yielded, getting off the bed.

"Good," Janet removed her hand. "And take it easy on that knee, nothing to strenuous for the next few days."

"Got it."

"All right then, out of my infirmary."

"Yes Ma'am," both teased and walked out, chuckling at her frown.

Two days later, Janet cleared Cali to go to P3C-9466 to give SG-3 a hand with the treaty, she'd brokered the treaty and they wanted her there for the signing. So she went.

On the base things weren't going well with Teal'c, he was pushing himself during physiotherapy, at one point he even threatened Daniel, after the archaeologist tried to help him. His words shocked the archaeologist and Sam.

Daniel was still plagued with the nagging feeling he'd forgotten something, not even Dr. Gibson had been able to help. The voice he was hearing in the flashback of memory, he was sure was Rya'c's. He knew what he was trying to remember was important, he just couldn't pin it down.

Sam became concerned and decided to try and help; Daniel had checked the mission files and gotten nowhere. In desperation he'd asked her about the computer files coving incoming wormholes. Which was why they were in the control room sitting at a computer terminal.

"Any technical anomalies during an incoming wormhole are noted in this box and cross-referenced and detailed here," she explained pointed to the screen. "It's pretty dry. The corresponding missions files cover any general points of interest."

"Yeah, I've been over those," he remarked and saw her mused look, keeping busy was one way of dealing with Cali being off world without him. Thankful she was due back in a few hours.

She continued. "Well, if I knew what you were looking for…"

Daniel interrupted her. "We wouldn't be doing this."

She agreed with him there. "What makes you think the answer is here?" She inquired.

He sighed. "I just have a feeling it has something to do with an incoming wormhole," he said, his frustration was bleeding through. "I was hoping that looking at some of this stuff might jog my memory somehow."

Sam nodded subconsciously. She knew what it was like to have fragments of information running around inside your head that you just couldn't put together. But with Daniel it was different, he wasn't going to remember what was inside his head. "It must be tough."

He knew what she meant. "I think the hardest part is not knowing whether or not I," he hesitated for a moment, "chose to be here like this. To forget, to have to rebuild everything I fought hard for. Whether I could be doing more good if I was still…."

"Ascended?" She finished his sentence.

"Yeah." Daniel saw the hurt in her eyes. "I love being with Cali and the boys, and Cali gave up everything to find me, even her life, but the doubts are still there."

Sam could see that, she put her hand on his shoulder, feeling firmness beneath his blue BDU shirt that hadn't been there when she'd first meet him. "Daniel, when you left us, it tore a hole in SG-1. I know things weren't great before that, and it's horrible to say, but we – the Colonel, Teal'c and I, we didn't know what we'd lost until you were gone. We tried hard to make Cali realize we appreciated her, the way we should have with you," she paused, feeling a well of emotion swirl inside of her. "When Cali died and ascended, that hole got bigger, it was obvious to everyone, including Jonas, that we needed your both." She squeezed his shoulder. "That goes for now also, don't forget that."

He nodded. "I promised her, if anything happened to her, I'd come for her. She told me that and I would have."

"I know Daniel," Sam said, it hurt that he thought he didn't belong with them. Hopeful what she'd told him; let him know they did. He just had to come to that conclusion himself. "Well, this should be everything you need," she said softly and stood patting his shoulder. "Good luck."

"Thanks." He gave her a smile, which she returned before leaving.

Sam went to find the Colonel, which wasn't that hard, if he had paper work to do then he'd be in the commissary and he was. "Sir, can I have a word."

He nodded, putting his pen down. "Take a seat, Carter."

She did. "I was just with Daniel. Sir, I'm worried," she gave him a run down of their conversation.

Jack sighed and sat back in his chair. "It's self doubt, Carter," he recognized. "He's doubting his worth here, at home he's fine. Hell, Chris is calling him dad, now."

That surprised her. "He is?"

"Yeah," he sat forward again. "Look Carter, just ride it out, he's still finding his feet. He's frustrated at not being able to remember certain things. He'll find his place again, we've just got to give him time."

"You're that sure?"

"Yes."

Sam smiled nervously. "How can you be, sir?"

"Because Major, it's the advice I was given by Dr. Gibson," Jack revealed. "Andy said to give him time."

"You've been seeing Dr. Gibson." Sam was surprised.

Jack shrugged. "She's easy to talk to."

"I'm impressed sir."

"Thank you Carter," he beamed. Then became serious. "Look, Cali is due back this afternoon. I'll talk to her; she's been fighting her own self-doubts. So she understands."

Sam frowned. "Sir, I didn't even know that… I'm your 2IC and I have no idea what's going on within the team."

"Carter," Jack interrupted her. "Sam," she looked at him, it wasn't common for him to use her first name. "Unlike Daniel, Cali remembers being ascended. She remembers dying and ascending, being a peace with herself, the way being ascended made her feel, but she also remembers not being with her son and her husband. Not being able to touch either of them. That's what brought her back, her love for them and the fact she felt she was needed."

"And if she'd ascended when Daniel was, do you think they'd be here now, back with us?" Sam asked him solemnly.

Jack gathered his files and stood. "I don't know, Carter, I honestly don't know," he said and walked out.

Walking into the control room the next morning, Jack saw Daniel sitting at a terminal with Sergeant Harriman; his conversation with Cali hadn't given him any insight. She was being tight lipped when it came to Daniel. He dismissed it for the moment; Jack had a problem with Teal'c that needed addressing.

He saw Daniel shake his head and Sergeant Harriman continue. "Still nothing?"

"Well, I've broadened myself to any Gate activity, including outgoing wormholes and unauthorized activations," Daniel revealed. "I've still got no idea what I'm looking for."

"Maybe if you stop thinking about it, it'll come to you." Jack suggested and saw the look Daniel gave him. "Take a break, Fraiser says that Teal'c needs a little pep talk," he informed. "I've been practicing in front of the mirror for an hour."

"No peppy enough?" Daniel asked him, a touch cynical.

"Not really," Jack answered bluntly.

Daniel nodded; perhaps a break was what he needed. He got up and followed Jack out of the control room; this problem with Teal'c wasn't all to do with the injury he'd received. They both knew that.

"So," Jack drawled out as they entered the elevator. "How's things?"

"Fine. You?" Daniel responded.

"Not bad," he pushed the button for level 21, shoving his hands in the pockets of his blue BDU pants. Chuckling at a fleeting memory.

"What?" Daniel wanted to know.

"About three months after Jonas got here, we all headed out to Area 51, before we left, he asked Carter how he was suppose to know what color to wear. She said we rang each other every morning, the poor guy actually believed her for a while."

Daniel got the joke; especially since he was wearing green BDU's to Jack's blue ones. "I guess Cali and I missed the phone call this morning."

"Guess so," Jack smirked and they both laughed.

The elevator stopped and they got out, wondering into the infirmary and Teal'c's room, the Jaffa was being tended to by a medic.

"Hey T," Jack greeted and he and Daniel grabbed a couple of stools and sat down. "Doc Fraiser just chewed my ear over you," he saw Teal'c raise an eyebrow. "Don't give me the eyebrow!" He ordered crossing his arms against his chest.

"Teal'c, something is bothering you," Daniel took over. "Something's been bothering you since before this injury. We're pretty sure we know what it is?"

"Then there is no mystery," the Jaffa retorted.

"Yeah, but the point is that you have to talk about it," he saw Teal'c tilt his head a fraction and raise his eyebrow again. "Okay, you don't have to talk about it, but you'll find it better if you do."

Teal'c remained silent, Cali O'Neill had given him the same advice, as had Dr. Gibson. Behind him, the medic finished up and left.

Jack saw they weren't getting anywhere this way, so he changed tactics. "You know, forget that crap," he insisted and saw Daniel nodded his head supportively, getting the idea. "I'm your commanding officer."

Daniel jerked his thumb to indicate his friend and nodded, playing along.

"Then you must be kept informed of the fitness of those under your command." Teal'c responded.

"Fraiser says you're ready for duty now," Jack pressed on. "Is that true?"

A look of regret passed over the Jaffa's face and he spoke softly. "I have been dishonest with you," he confessed.

"Oh?"

"It is unacceptable," he continued, ignoring him. "All Jaffa children know this without being told. They are born with the knowledge. It will not be tolerated."

Jack was mystified. "What?"

"Kek!"

Daniel saw Jack look at him for a translation, having no idea what Teal'c had said. "Death," he told him softly and than looked to the Jaffa. "Death. You mean death?"

"Weakness," a melodious voice said behind them. They turned and saw Cali standing in the doorway, neither man knew how long she'd been standing there. She walked further into the room, standing at her husband's side. "Jaffa use the one word for both."

"For if one is weak, one may as well be dead." Teal'c concluded.

Daniel understood what this was about. "You're talking about the Tertonin?"

"In the beginning I believed it to be the answer for the liberation of all Jaffa from the Goa'uld and the reliance on symbiotes," Teal'c said strongly. "But as soon as I began to take it, things changed. I felt my capability was being compromised." He paused. "I said nothing, hoping that the effects were only temporary and that my strength would return. It did not."

"Okay," Jack started but was cut off.

"Forgive me O'Neill, I should have…."

Jack cut him off this time. "No, there's nothing to forgive," he said and pointed out. "You're still twice as strong as I'll ever be and you've got two good knees."

"Then the answer to your question is no," Teal'c said, referring to Jack's early question about his fitness. "I do not feel that I am fit for duty."

"Okay," the Colonel said. "I can accept that – for now."

Teal'c bowed his head, grateful. Jack got up and left the room, waiting for Daniel and Cali to join him, seeing they were confused by his actions.

"Yeah, your right, not exactly peppy." Daniel remarked sarcastically.

"Oh, what do you want me to say to the guy?" Jack asked him frustrated.

"He's lost his confidence, dad," Cali said calmly. "I think he was looking for you to reinstall some."

Jack saw Daniel nod in agreement. "Well if he's really has lost his mojo, then there's nothing I can say that is going to get it back for him."

"It's all in his head," Daniel informed intensely.

"If he doesn't think he's ready, he's not ready," Jack told them both and walked away.

Cali looked back to Teal'c, still concerned. So was Daniel. "We have to do something?" He decided.

She nodded, thinking about it. "When I was recovering from having Mayet in my head, Teal'c stayed with me and we meditated, it helped me to settle my thoughts and emotions."

"He doesn't Kel'no'reem any more," Daniel pointed out, "But it just may work, come on," he grabbed her hand and pulled her along with him. Soon they had everything set up in Teal'c's quarters, using a little trickery to get the Jaffa there.

Teal'c sat on the floor with them surrounded by candles. "Without a symbiote, Kel'no'reem is unnecessary," he pointed up, he wanted to be any where but there in his quarters doing this. "In fact I have discontinued the practice."

"Yeah, I know that you don't actually need to Kel'no'reem anymore, but, ah, just indulge us," Daniel said trying to be optimistic. "You see humans sometimes still meditate even though they require REM sleep and I really think this thing you've…."

"Daniel Jackson," Teal'c interrupted him, "for a successful Kel'no'reem, there is one element required above all others."

"What?" The linguist asked him.

"Silence, my husband," Cali informed and saw Teal'c nodded.

"Right," Daniel smiled sheepishly and followed their lead and closed his eyes. His mediations were not pleasant though, he head a voice calling out 'No Master, no!' and then he had what could have been a flashback or a vision. He saw a prison or labor camp where Jaffa were being worked hard, as a large ship hovered overhead. Bra'tac and Rya'c were there, the young Jaffa was being flogged for falling to his knees. Bra'tac defended him and was flogged in retaliation.

Breathing hard, Daniel opened his eyes, his heart pounded against his chest. He pulled off his glasses and massaged his temples.

Cali, having sensed his distress, opened her eyes. "Daniel?"

"Are you all right Daniel Jackson?" Teal'c asked him. He shook his head and told them what he'd seen. The Jaffa was stunned. "Rya'c?"

"Yeah, I saw him and Bra'tac. I think they're in danger."

Cali glanced at Teal'c, seeing her friend was deep in thought. "Teal'c?"

"Are you familiar with the ambush of Kresh'tar, Daniel Jackson?" He asked her husband.

Daniel recalled reading the mission report and Cali's journal entry. "Ah, yeah, the meeting of the Jaffa rebel tribes? Yeah, I've read the report, I've heard there were sixty warriors slaughtered, only you and Bra'tac survived. You sustained both of your lives by passing a symbiote between the two of you."

"We thought we were going to lose them both," Cali added a little haunted.

"There is something that is not in the report," Teal'c revealed and saw their surprise. "As I lay near death, I began to dream." He looked to Daniel. "You used your abilities and appeared to me in that dream."

Daniel put his glasses back on stunned; he didn't remember any of that. "I did?"

"Indeed. When I had sufficiently recovered, you appeared to me again and that is when I knew… You had stayed with me and watched over me for three days and that is the reason for which I am eternally grateful to you, Daniel Jackson. And why I wholehearted believe you concerning Rya'c."

"Wow," he exclaimed.

"We should take this to General Hammond." Cali told them and they agreed, blowing out the candles, they rang the control room and had Sergeant Harriman page the Colonel and Major to the briefing room before leaving, they also asked him to ask the General to meet them there too.

Once everyone had arrived, Daniel told them what he'd experienced.

"Daniel thinks this could have happened before he descended." Cali added; they'd discussed it in the elevator on their way there.

"What would you like to do about it, Doctor?" The General asked him.

Daniel sat forward, surprised. "So you believe me too?"

Hammond was amused; the irony of it made it so. "After all the things I've heard in this chair?"

"If this happened before you retook human form, then whatever supple of Tertonin Bra'tac had would almost surely be depleted by now." Sam noted.

"That's is why we must act immediately." Teal'c said sternly.

"Daniel, you said you thought all this had to do with Gate records," Sam said theorizing. "Perhaps you innately knew to look for a location."

"I've been through those records upside down and backwards," he announced. "I still haven't found anything."

Sam wasn't giving up. "Teal'c, is there anything familiar about the planet Daniel described?"

"There is not," he answered and then looked to the General, getting an idea. "General Hammond, I request that we send for Rak'nor immediately."

"Do it." Hammond ordered and stood.

"Yes sir," Sam acknowledged as he left.

Jack looked over at his daughter; he'd remained quiet throughout the whole briefing, just watching her. Teal'c may have been concerned about this son, they all were, but Cali's concern also lied with her grandfather. "Well, lets get cracking people."

They nodded and stood. "Teal'c, as soon as Rak'nor arrives, bring him to my office," Daniel told him. "I'll try and sketch out what I saw about the planet and the ship."

The Jaffa nodded and hurried to the control room. Daniel and Cali headed for their office.

Sam looked over to her CO. "Sir?"

He shrugged. "I don't know, Carter. But if he's right."

"He'll save Bra'tac's and Rya'c's lives," she declared.

"Yeah."

An hour later Teal'c showed Rak'nor to Daniel and Cali's office. Daniel showed the Jaffa the sketch he'd done of what he'd seen in his flashback.

"Any of this familiar to you?" He asked him and pointed out parts of the drawing as he spoke. "A planet with two moons, a naquada refinery with some sort of antigravity dry dock nearby, with a mother ship under construction."

"I know the planet of which you describe," Rak'nor announced and looked to Teal'c. "Erebus."

Cali saw Teal'c's reaction, his concern was more evident with this news. "According to Greek mythology, Erebus is a place where condemned souls pass as soon as they die," she recalled.

"Then it is aptly named," Rak'nor said bluntly. "The planet is used for construction of Ha'tak vessels and the purification of the naquada to build them. Only Jaffa prisoner labor is used, it is only they who can stand the intense heat and toxic gases of the blast furnaces fed by underground volcanic systems," he revealed, adding. "Eventually even the Jaffa succumbs."

"I am aware of such places," Teal'c declared. "Where Jaffa prisoners of war unwilling to serve a new Goa'uld master are taken to be worked to death."

"Which would make it the perfect place to recruit rebels, but something must have gone wrong." Daniel said gravely.

"The place was recently taken by Ba'al," Rak'nor informed them.

"If Bra'tac and Rya'c were in the camp when Ba'al' forces arrived, perhaps they were trapped." Teal'c theorized.

"Then they care lost," his Jaffa brother said bluntly and saw Dr. O'Neill's shocked expression, wondering about it.

Cali didn't want to hear that. "Why?"

"The Stargate on Erebus is impenetrable."

"How so?" Teal'c demanded.

"A force field much like your iris blocks the Erebus Stargate, making attack or rescue through it impossible."

"Someone must get through it somehow," Daniel insisted, taking his wife's hand to comfort her.

"We believe a signal must be used to power down the force field, but we have no way of knowing what that signal is," Rak'nor told him. Then frowned as Daniel released his wife's hand and seemed to stare into nowhere, traced almost. "Dr. Jackson?"

He went to nudge the young man, but Cali grabbed is hand, realizing what was happening. "Don't," she said quickly, keeping her voice down.

"What is wrong, Cali O'Neill?" Teal'c inquired.

"He's remembering," she told him, and than explained. "Sometimes with human's they recall a memory in a flashback or vision. A word or smell or action can set it off."

Daniel suddenly got up and rushed out of the office, Cali, Teal'c and Rak'nor went after him, catching up with him at the elevator, going with him to level twenty-eight and the control room.

Sam was there, she saw the anxious look on Daniel's face. "What's wrong?"

"I remembered what happened," he explained. "I was there, ascended. We need to check the Alpha Gate records, Bra'tac dialed the Alpha Site, he sent a signal through the open Gate before they were captured."

Sam took a seat and brought up the records, Daniel hovered over her, she didn't mind. "Here they are."

"I was there, I saw the whole thing happen," he said frustrated. "Nothing I could do, I just watched, powerless to interfere."

Sam continued to scroll through the records, listening to what he was saying as she did.

"Come on it has to be there!" Daniel said, anxiously, impatient to find the answers now he was so close.

"Just give me a minute," Sam said gently, understanding.

Cali rubbed her husband's back, she was just as anxious, but they needed to remain calm. "Sam will find it, Danny."

He nodded, straightening. "I knew it had something to do with Gate records, I just never thought of checking the Alpha Site Gate records," he said restlessly.

"Here," Sam announced, finding it. "A coded energy signal was received through the Alpha Site Gate three months ago. It was analyzed but no one was able to determine its origin or its purpose."

Daniel pointed at the screen. "That's the force field deactivation code I saw Bra'tac send right before he was captured."

"You're sure?" Sam asked him.

"I'm sure."

"I can synthesize this energy signature," she said confidently. "If it is the deactivation code, I can get us through the Gate."

"And I can provide details of the defenses and the lay out of the land." Daniel said assertively.

"Let's fill the General in," Sam said standing, she turned to the Gate technician on duty. "Have Colonel O'Neill paged to the briefing room."

"Yes Ma'am," he responded and went to do so.

They headed up to the briefing room, Sam went in and told the General what they'd found out, he joined them in the briefing room and when Jack arrived they went through the whole thing. Putting together a plan of action.

"All right people, lets get this mission organized," the General said, standing. "You have a go." He said and hurried back to his office.

"I'll brief SG-2 and 3," Jack told them and headed off.

"I'll get to work on the deactivation code," Sam announced and headed back to the control room.

Rak'nor looked to Cali, the young woman was deeply concerned. "There is one thing I do not understand."

"What is that?" Daniel asked him.

"I understand Teal'c's wish to rescue his son and Master Bra'tac, and SG-1's wish to help, but…"

"You confused over my role in all of this?" Cali stated and saw him nod. "Bra'tac is my grandfather."

Rak'nor was surprised. "You are the daughter of Cola," she nodded again. "The Chosen."

"I really hate that title," she grumbled and saw Daniel smile warmly.

"Cali O'Neill is a member of SG-1 and a capable warrior," Teal'c praised. "The prophecy of 'The Chosen' died with Apophis."

"That prophecy, is stronger now than it has ever been," Rak'nor said blatantly. "Our people need to believe in 'The Chosen', Teal'c."

"We will discus this another time," the Jaffa stated, seeing both Cali and Daniel were becoming disturbed by it.

Rak'nor turned to the two linguists; he bowed his head to them. "I apologize if I have offended you, Dr. O'Neill, it was not my intension."

She forced a smile. "Thank you, Rak'nor."

He nodded and left the briefing room with Teal'c.

Daniel slipped his arm around his wife; he was a little disturbed by it all. "Come on sweetheart, let's go and ring Silvia and tell her we're going off world."

She nodded and they left together.

The mission to Erebus was successful after one or two mishaps, Teal'c and Rak'nor, in Jaffa armor, infiltrated the camp, finding Bra'tac and Rya'c, but was captured. SG-1, 2, and 3 hankered down for the night and waited for the chance to strike. They got it in the morning. Sam and Daniel ringed aboard the mothership that was under construction and planted C-4, they escape was happed by Jaffa, but they managed to ring off moments after the C-4 detonated, returning to the planet.

As all hell broke lose within the camp, SG-1, 2 and 3 took out as many Jaffa guards as they could, helping those being held in the camp. Teal'c found his confidence again, defeating the camp commander in hand-to-hand combat, proving he could be Jaffa he was before the Tertonin. In his eyes and the eyes of his son and Jaffa Master.

Once the camp was under control, the SG teams walked into it, Sam and Daniel joining them. It was evident more then Teal'c had found his place again, Daniel had too.
Cali rushed over to her grandfather; he smiled wearily and hugged her. "You've done well, granddaughter," he praised.

"Thank you grandfather."

Bra'tac looked to Daniel and held out a hand to him, the linguist grasped it and was pulled into the embrace. "And you my grandson."

Daniel smiled, enjoying the moment. "Thank you, grandfather."

Sam was smiling as well, standing next to her CO. "Everything is going to be all right now, sir."

"Yeah, Carter it is." Jack agreed, but frowned, concerned as he heard the now liberated Jaffa whisper among themselves; gesturing to his daughter as they did. He signaled Reynolds and Major Griff to keep their eyes open.

"Master Bra'tac!" a Jaffa called out. "Is this The Chosen?"

Bra'tac released his grandchildren, but kept them close, seeing the concern in Jack's eyes, as long with all the SGC personal; he also saw the Jaffa waited and the whispering had stopped. "This is my granddaughter, Cali O'Neill-Jackson, born to my daughter Cola."

"Then she is The Chosen!" Someone else called out.

The SG teams started taking a pre-defensive posture, being ready. Even Teal'c moved closer to his friends, leaning heavier on Rak'nor for support. He addressed his fellow Jaffa. "Jaffa, here me," he called out, standing on his own, getting their attention continued. "Those who helped liberate this camp and brought your freedom are of the Tau'ri, even the one you call The Chosen." He paused, catching his breath. "She is born of a Jaffa Master's daughter and an Air Force officer, an Abydonian who's home is among the Tau'ri and who her allegiance is sworn to. The legend of The Chosen died with Apophis, he failed to capture her; he failed because he was a false god. That is all the Goa'uld are, false gods and we must stand together to assure our freedom."

The Jaffa roared their support, Bra'tac smiling and nodded, as did Rya'c and Rak'nor.

"All right, lets get these people to the Stargate," Jack ordered. "We'll send them through to the Alpha Site, any wounded will come back to the SGC with us."

Cali grasped Teal'c's forearm. "Thank you, brother."

He bowed his head to her and smiled, accepting Rak'nor's help, as well as his son's. Leading the liberated back to the Stargate, Cali and Daniel walking with Bra'tac, Sam and Jack; SG-2 hurrying a head to the Stargate, while SG-3 brought up the rear. The Alpha site was dialed and a message sent through to expect travels, then the Jaffa were sent through along with SG2 and 3, when the last were through, the Gate shut down and Earth was dialed. Bra'tac, Rya'c and Rak'nor returning with the SG-1, Dr. Fraiser being there with her medial team, ushering Bra'tac onto a stretcher to assess his injures.

"Welcome back, SG-1," Hammond greeted as he walked in.

"The camp has been liberated, sir," Jack reported, he stood at the end of the ramp with his team as the Gate closed behind them. "All the prisoners have been relocated to the Alpha Site, SG-2 and 3 are with them."

"They are anxious to join the rebellion," Rak'nor reported enthusiastically.

"Then my mission has been a success," Bra'tac announced as Janet herself tendered to him. He looked to the General. "Hammond of Texas, I find myself once more in your debt."

"I think its Doctor Jackson you owe on this one," Hammond said proudly.

Teal'c nodded gratefully. "Indeed." He bowed his head to Daniel, who stunned and humbled by the praise, bowed his head in response.

Jack smiled and patted Daniel on the back. "Nice job, there, Daniel."

"Thanks," he said embarrassed.

"You've earned it."

Cali smiled, touching her husband's arm. "Very much so," she agreed.

That night, having received permission, Bra'tac left the SGC and went with Daniel and Cali to their home to visit is great grandsons and for dinner. Jack, Sam, Teal'c, Rya'c and Rak'nor were invited too. The three Jaffa were given civilian clothing for the night, none looking out of place.

Caleb was excited, throwing himself into his great grandfather's arms, chattering no stop, the Jaffa Master was happy to listen. Chris made instant friends with Rya'c, the two spent time talking after the teenager got a chance to meet his adopted great grandfather too.

Teal'c followed Daniel into the kitchen, when the archaeologist went in to get more drinks, wishing a moment to speak with him alone. "I wish to thank you Daniel Jackson," he stated.

"For what, Teal'c?" Daniel asked him.

"For your friendship and determination to help me when I felt I needed no ones help," the Jaffa announced and admitted. "Although Kel'no'reem is no longer necessary, I find it does make me feel – better. I wish to offer an invitation for you and Cali O'Neill to join me when ever you wish."

"Thank you Teal'c," he accepted for them both.

Teal'c bowed his head, smiling a little. "Colonel O'Neill; officially informed me that I have my 'mojo' back."

Daniel chuckled a little, and then said what he had too. "I guess I should…. I should be thanking you," he began, griping the back of one the kitchen chairs. "You see I used to think, that I didn't belong…. any where really. Even with Cali, I love her so much and I actually thought I wasn't good enough for her." He admitted. "I think I thought the… the whole ascension thing would change that. Now I'm realizing the sacrifices were far too great. My life here is too important to just leave behind. My wife and family are too important." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that for the first time in my life, I feel like I'm a part of something. Something important. And I don't just mean the SGC."

Teal'c understood. "As do I."

In the living room, Jack saw his daughter slip outside onto the deck; he followed her, standing at her side in the moonlight. "Are you all right?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I am." She turned and lent against the balustrade. "I got back something today."

"Danny?" Her dad guessed.

She smiled at the use of the shorting of her husband's name. "Yes. He now knows he belongs here and he is a part of something special and that he's needed."

Jack hesitated for a moment, almost wary of what he could be told. "Do you?" He asked. "Feel the same way?"

Cali nodded and went into his welcoming embrace. "I do," she assured, holding tight to him. "We've changed, dad, we had too. Neither Daniel nor I would have made it on SG-1 if it wasn't for the weapons training and the hand-to-hand combat training we got from you and from Teal'c. We've come along way and even through we're both civilians, we get the respect reserved for offices, from the lowest of airman to the highest of General's."

"That's because you deserve it, honey," Jack told her. "You both do."

She smiled warmly, stepping back. "Thanks dad."

"Honey," he ran his hand over her cheek. "Things can't get back to the way they were, I know I made a lot of mistakes with you and Daniel the year before he ascended and you did, but it was only because I thought you didn't need me anymore, either of you. I didn't mean to push you away."

"We know that Jack," Daniel said, neither had heard him come out, or knew how long he'd been standing there.

Jack turned. "I'm sorry, Daniel, for all of it."

"I know, but no matter how we've changed, we're always going to need you. You, Sam and Teal'c, we're family, Jack."

"And family stick together, dad," Cali said as she stood at his side.

"Thanks sweetheart," he said, feeling a little uncomfortable. "Well, I'd better get back inside." Both nodded and he did just that.

Daniel drew his wife into his arms. "Did we change for the better, Cal?"

"I think so," she rubbed his back, slow tantalizing movements. "We're apart of this Daniel, something so amazing."

He nodded. "I still don't like the dog tags."

Cali smiled sexily, knowing he still had his on, as did she, they'd forgotten to take them off. "Oh, I don't know, " she pulled his free of his shirt. " I think there's something very sex about you wearing dog tags."

"You do?"

"Uh huh," she pulled down on them gently and he came closer to her. "Very sexy," she drawled out and brushed her lips against his, taking a taste before moving closer for more.

Pulling her against him, Daniel parted her lips, feeling her response echo his, she was so damn sexy and if they didn't have visitors…. He groaned against her mouth, as she rubbed against him. "We've got to stop."

"We only just started," she mused sexily.

"True," he kissed her again, his tongue flicking against the roof of her mouth, making her melt against him. God he wanted her so badly. "I guess getting carried away isn't smart with friends over."

"I guess not," she agreed breathless, her lips swollen. "Later?"

"Oh yeah," he insisted, catching his breath. He cupped her face in his hand, seeing the love she had for him in her eyes. "I love you, I will always love you," he promised.

"I know, I love you, too," she said lovingly. "Now good husband, we should get return to our guests."

"Yes we should, good wife," he mused and released her, taking her hand they walked inside.

Jack was lifting Caleb from Sam's arms, the little boy was fast asleep; he snuggled against his grandfather.

"Need a hand, Jack?" Daniel asked him.

"Nope, got it covered," he told him. "Won't be long," he said and carried the little boy out, going up the stairs to his room. Inside he laid Caleb down on his bed and covered him up. "Sweet dreams, kiddo," he whispered. After turning on the nightlight, he turned off the bedside lamp and started to walk out. He didn't though; he turned around and watched the little boy, reflecting. After his mother had died and ascended he'd done this a lot. Watched over him, Caleb had missed his mother so much. Getting his father back, had given him the hope his mother would return and she had. Now Jack just had to make sure nothing happened to them again.

Sam came down the hallway and stood next to her CO, she smiled. "He looks a lot like Daniel," she whispered.

"Yeah he does, like his mom too," Jack said softly, glancing form his grandson to his 2IC. He held back the urge to put his arm around her.

"Do you think they'll ever find out who did it?"

"Created Caleb?" He clarified.

"Yeah."

"I don't know, Carter," he shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. "His name means 'faithful or bold'," he said rumbling a little. "Cali's mean's 'angelic being of energy' in Abydonian."

"Really? That's beautiful, sir."

"Kasuf told me, through Daniel, the night before we left Abydos," he revealed. "He said the night Cali was born, the stars shone more brightly then they had before, as if they were welcoming a angelic baby into the world."

Sam smiled. In a way she was a little envious of Cali, the young woman had a loving husband, a beautiful son and she still managed a full career. She wanted that too. Sighing she stepped back. "We should let him sleep sir."

"Yeah," he nodded and followed her downstairs, finding the evening was winding up. Teal'c was returning to the mountain with his son, Bra'tac and Rak'nor. Silvia had retired for the evening and while they'd been upstairs, Cassie had arrived over, she was sitting on the sofa with Chris; she waved to them.

Cali and Daniel were saying goodbye. Bra'tac hugged with of them before leaving with his fellow Jaffa.

Jack gave his daughter a hug too. "I'll see you both in the morning."

"Take it easy driving home, dad," Cali insisted.

"I will, night," he kissed her cheek and hurried down the path to his truck.

Sam gave them both a hug and said good night, taking off too. They shut the door and locked it, turning out the hall light as they went, returning to the living room to see Cassie and Chris had tidied up.

"We're heading off to bed," Daniel told them. "Don't be too late."

"We won't." Chris reassured. "Night, dad, Cali."

"Night Aunt Cali, Uncle Daniel," Cassie bided, seeing them roll their eyes at her before heading up to bed. She waited until they were gone before climbing onto Chris' lap, straddling him. "So what did I miss?"

"Well, Cali, Dad and Jack had a heart to heart outside, and then Jack came in and a few minutes later, dad and Cali came in and they looked like they were ready to jump each other." Chris reported.

Cassie giggled. "Jump each other?"

"Mmm," he slipped his hands under her shirt. "I bet that's what they're doing right now."

"Really," she felt a shiver run up her spine.

"Mmm," he nuzzled her neck with his lips. "Stay…"

"I shouldn't…" she didn't move though.

"Dad's has already set the alarm," he pointed out.

"Good point."

"So you'll stay?"

Cassie got off his lap and held out her hand to him, he took it and stood. They turned out the lights on their way to his room, shutting the door.

Chris didn't rush; he didn't feel he needed to. "I'll find you something to wear."

"Or," she chewed on her bottom lip, "you could just remove what I have on."

He heard the nervousness in her voice. "You're sure?"

She unbuttoned her blouse and slipped it off, stepping out of her shoes and then her skirt. Chris let her remove his tee shirt, pulling it over his head. He sucked in his breath as she unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans. She pushed hem down off his hips, they went to the floor and he kicked them off, leaving him standing there in just his boxers. Drawing her into his arms, he felt a deep stirring that started in the pit of his stomach and spread through out his body.

"You're beautiful, Cass," he whispered before his lips brushed over hers. "I won't hurt you."

"I know," she said, a waver to her voice.

He heard it, giving her a moment, his hands on the clasp of her bra, his heart pounding. "If you're not sure, we can stop."

"No, I'm sure." Cassie said licking her lips.

He removed the lacy garment, throwing it onto the pile of clothing they'd made. He'd seen her naked before, they'd showered together, but this time it seemed different, more intimate. Taking her hand he guided her over to the bed, lying down with her. They'd never gone this far before, not even in the shower, they'd touched, teased, even tasted, but they'd never made love. Now the touching was so much more, each caress brought them closer to the final outcome, each touch of lips on skin brought shivers of anticipation.

The last remaining articles of cloth were removed and it was skin against skin, moans slipped from both their lips, even more so when they finally made love. Neither holding back, they trusted each other and in their own way they loved each other. Crying out at the point when overwhelming pleasure exploded into pure ecstasy.

Cassie held Chris to her, his head buried in the crock of her shoulder, his breath rapid against her skin; she stroked his hair, damp from sweat, tears filled her eyes.

He looked up as the first of the tears slid down her cheeks. "Cass, oh god, Cass, I didn't mean to hurt you," he tried to get up, but she held tight to him.

"You didn't," she assured and cupped his face in her hands. "That was… amazing."

"You're all right?"

"I'm fine," she ran her finger over his bottom lip. "That was better then anything else we've done."

She let him get up this time, slowly so not to hurt her, it was than he realized something. "Cass, we didn't… I didn't," he sat beside her and held his head. "Cass, I'm sorry, I should have…"

Sitting up, Cassie drew him into her arms, knowing what he was worried about. "Chris, it's fine," she kissed him gently. "I'm on birth control and I know you're clean and you know I am."

"Still, I should have through…"

She shut him up by kissing him, sucking seductively on his bottom lip. "It's all right."

He saw it was, in her eyes, she trusted him, as much as he trusted her. "Do you want to um, clean up, take a shower?"

"Yeah," she ran her finger down his chest. "We are a little sweaty."

He chuckled and got up, holding out his hand for her to take, which she did, letting him lead her into the shower. They showered quickly and dried off, returning to the bedroom to dress and snuggle up together within the double bed, spooned up against each other. Chris turned the bed light off and they drifted off, smiles on their faces.

In the morning, Cassie woke first, looking at the clock she groaned, it was five o'clock, only the need to go to the bathroom had her untangling herself from Chris' arms and getting out of bed. She also brushed her teeth while she was in there, coming out when she was finished. She saw their clothes were thrown all over the floor and picked them up, folding them; she left them on the chair in the room, slipping out. The house was in twilight; there was a light on in the kitchen through. She walked quietly in, seeing Cali standing by the counter, the linguist was dressed, cradling a coffee mug in her hand; her eyes were closed. "Morning, Cass."

Cassie blushed a little; she'd found the first time she'd stayed, that she couldn't sneak up on Cali. "Morning. I didn't think anyone was up yet."

"Daniel and I have been on a conference call with the SGC since four this morning," Cali informed her, opening her eyes. "What are you doing up, it's early?"

"Nature called," the teenager smirked.

"Know that feeling," Cali chuckled. "Being off world in a tent is always fun when that happens."

Daniel came into the kitchen. "Morning Cass."

"Morning Uncle Daniel."

He took the coffee mug from his wife and took a drink before giving it back. "We're all set. Silvia said to go, she wouldn't be long."

"All right," Cali finished off her coffee and put the mug in the sink. "Cass," she gestured the younger woman over and whispered some advice in her ear.

Cassie's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Oh yeah, trust me, works every time," she told her. "Now scoot."

"Yes ma'am," the teenager giggled and hurried out.

Daniel frowned at his wife. "And what did you tell her?"

"My secret," she mused. "But Chris is going to be a happy camper when she's through with him."

He chuckled. "Should I be worried Janet is going to come after me with large needles for whatever you told her daughter?"

"Nope, she told me," Cali teased and walked out.

Shaking his head, Daniel followed.

A few months later:

Jack hesitated for a moment, and then walked into Sam's lab, she was hunched over a doohickey examining it with an electronic probe.

She looked up, stopping what she was doing. "Sir?"

"Cali and I are going after Daniel," he said tensely.

Sam nodded. "Good."

"This other mission…."

"Shouldn't be a problem sir," she insisted confidently, cutting him off. "When do you leave?"

"Now, Cali's waiting for me top side." He informed.

"Good luck," Sam said with an encouraging smile.

"Thanks. You too," Jack said and walked out. No he didn't just walk out, he practically sprinted, he'd made a promise to his grandson and he was going to carry it out. He was going to get the little boys father and bring him home. Daniel should never have gone to Honduras with just Dr. Lee; the man was a geek, not someone who was capable of watching your back. No, he should of gone with Daniel, he should have been watching his back. At lease the General had refused to let Cali accompany them, god if she'd been kidnapped.

Jack shook his head. He wasn't going to do this to himself. Cali was fine, she was waiting for him up top with a pack full of medical equipment, Fraiser had thought of everything and when it came to Daniel, she needed too. She also had what they needed, weapons, clothing, tracking device and possibly a few other things, Cali was his daughter, she'd been trained by him, she knew what to pack.

He reached the check point and signed out, an airman accompanied him the rest of the way, meeting up with Cali, their gear was picked up and the airman directed them to a jeep, a C-130 was waiting for them at Peterson, they were taking it to Honduras, it would be waiting for them when they brought Daniel and Lee out.

Cali was more then willing to go with her dad to find her husband. She was much use with the Super Soldier problem, for that they needed muscle. No her place was with her dad, going after Daniel.

The trip to Peterson was uneventful; they were taken straight to the C-130, once on bard it took off without any hassles. Their arrival in Honduras went the same way. They found a hotel, checked in, changed and then headed out. Twenty miles outside to Teguglgalpa, they found a cantina, where they were guessing Daniel and Dr. Lee had found a guide. A waiter introduced himself as Pedro; bring them drinks – Tequila.

"You know dad, that shirt really suites you," Cali smirked.

He ignored the smirk, commenting. "Maybe I'll lend it to Daniel."

"Yellow's not his color dad, blue is."

"Yeah black and blue," he retorted.

Pedro returned with the beer Jack had also ordered. "Estas bien?"

"Si, bueno, gracias," Jack answered and the young man left.

Their CIA contact, wearing a tropical shirt and sunglasses; Burke, sat down across from Jack without being invited, chewing gum. "You don't look very happy to see me, Jack," he remarked with a grin, chuckling. "I would have given anything to have seen your face when you heard my name," he chuckled again, smiling sweetly at the young woman sitting to his left. He looked away when he noticed Jack was snarling at him. "Hey it's okay man, it's okay."

Jack pulled off his sunglasses. "It's not okay, I've got forty-eight hours to find my friend before he's killed," he hissed. "Just tell me what you know."

"Sure," he looked away and leered at Cali. "So whose the pretty little thing here?"

"That pretty little thing has a weapon pointed at you under the table, with orders to shot you if I don't like what I hear," Jack retorted angrily. "And don't think she won't."

Burke eyed her and then him. "Black ops?"

"Daughter."

He was surprised. "Daughter?" He crocked out.

"That's right, Agent Burke. Meet Doctor Cali O'Neill-Jackson," Jack introduced the two. "My daughter and Dr. Jackson's wife. So I suggest you tell me what you know."

The CIA agent swallowed hard, hearing a pistol being cocked under the table. "Okay, all business, all the time. I can dig that station," he said losing up again. "This is the last place Daniel Jackson was seen before he hired a guide name Rogelio Duran to take him into the jungle and a short time after that he was snatched by a, by a anti-Honduran extremist."

"And you know this, how?" Jack wanted to know.

"It's how this particular splinter group does business," Burke informed. "Last year they kidnapped an important engineer working on the Cojon river dam. Big American contract; insurance pays off and they finance their little war against the government with the ransom."

"Did the engineer live?" Cali asked him bluntly.

"Yeah he did, sometimes they don't."

"What about weapons?" Jack broke in.

"Okay, this is colorful. Honduras and Nicaragua are in the middle of a territorial dispute. I know what you're thinking, when are they not? So, because of this, anyone in the 'I hate Honduras' fan club can seek shelter behind the Nicaragua boarders and buy guns. What kind of guns?" He chuckled insanely. "Ak's, Ak's for days. Nicaragua gets their stuff directly from Russia now, but in the eighties they inherited all the old stuff from Cuba. How do you like that? They left us fight Cuba from their shores, we get our asses kicked and Cuba gives them guns. You know we could get shot at by an Ak-47 that was fired a the Bay of Pigs attack?"

"You've been down here too long, Burke," Jack said dryly.

"Hey, you think so? You know why I got this crappy posting in this stink hole part of the world?"

"No," Jack groaned, seeing the look he was being given. "Oh here it comes, the blame. Are you gonna try and blame me now?"

"Yeah, I do. You could have stood up for me. Hilary left me," the CIA agent declared. "What do you think happens in a friendly fire incident when one team member get killed and the other doesn't vouch for him."

"I didn't see what happened to Woods," the Colonel remarked emphatically. "I told'em what I knew. I wasn't gonna lie. I told'em what I knew."

"I'm not talking about lyin'. I'm talking about my head," Burke exclaimed frustrated. "You, me, Woods, we were buddies, man. You knew me."

"I told'em what I knew." Jack repeated calmly.

"Well you didn't tell them enough," the man snapped. "And now you're here stuck in my part of the world. You need me and I'm calling it on this one."

"I don't think so."

"I know how to get over the borders. I know where these rebels operate. Oh yeah, I'm in charge." Burke continued as if he hadn't heard Jack at all.

"No. You're just the guide." Jack reminded.

"Just a guide?" He asked him. "That's what you think of me now?"

"That's right. You're not so gone you don't understand the need for a clear chain of command, are ya?"

"You wanna know how gone I am?" Burke got up and walked away.

The waiter returned. "Quieres algo mas, Senor." (Do you want anything else, sir?)

"Si. Necessito un guia." (Yes, I need a guide)

"I am a guide," Pedro said with a smile. "This? It's just my day job."

Cali discreetly shoved the pistol into the pack at her feet and pulled free the map she had, showing Pedro, she'd talked to Daniel before he'd left as to where he thought the artifact was. So she knew where he'd been headed. "Can you take us, here?"

He looked. "Si."

Jack haggled over a price and it was agreed on, they than agreed on a meeting place, retuning to the hotel to change and get what they needed. Meeting up with Pedro an hour later, he took them where they wonted to go, the last few miles they hiked. Both Lee and Daniel had GPS locators, so they tracked them.

Pedro was curious about these two, both were in military fatigues, the woman, Cali wore a vest as well; O'Neill didn't. Her hair was pulled up and covered by a bandana and she carried a pack that she said had medical supplies in it. He didn't doubt her, but she also carried a weapon like the one O'Neill carried. Not that the weapons bothered him, he'd seen he's fair share.

"Hold up, this is it," Jack announced as they came into a clearing.

"As I told you, there's nothing here." Pedro stated.

"Only back packs and tracks." Cali pointed out.

"Smart kid you have there."

Jack turned his weapon towards the voice, finding Burke, decked out in full military gear.

"And there is this well in the middle of nowhere," the CIA agent pointed out also. "Standard US military boot tread all around." He held up a coin. "Make a wish, sweetheart." He said to Cali and dropped the coin into the water filled temple, before walking towards them. "What took you so long? How hard could it be to track their GPS locators?" He held up the locators he'd found smiling. "I'm just kidding. Only been here a couple of minutes myself."

"Change your mind?" Jack asked him.

"In a matter of speaking," he handed Pedro a roll of cash. "Pepe, regresta a las cantina." (Pepe, go back to the cantina)

"Cuatro mil? Muchas gracia, Senor." (Four thousand? Thank you very much, sir.)

"Momantito," Jack interrupted holding up a finger, briefly.

Burke held up the locators. "This is the end of the road, man. I mean you didn't think these guys were gonna make it easy on ya, did ya?" He glanced from him to Cali and than back again. "I'll take you where you need to go."

"For old times?" Jack asked him.

"You know, I took an emotional inventory and I realized that I have some issues." Burke revealed. "Thought maybe we can put our petty differences aside for this one."

"Good idea," Cali grumbled under her breath and her father glared at her.

Burke smiled a little and continued. "You're gonna need me when this one goes does down buddy. Come on, give me a chance, I won't let you down."

Jack sighed and turned to Petrol. "Si, Pepe. Gracias, vamos." (Yes, Pepe. Thanks go.)

"Vaya condios." Pedro bided and left.

Smiling Burke hit Jack playfully on the arm. "Now we're talking, sports fans!" He started into the jungle with Jack and Cali following. "Okay, my name is Burke and I'll be your guide. Today we'll be looking at the indigenous vegetation of Central America. Watch your step ladies, we're not in Minnesota."

"Easy," Jack warned.

"And don't call me sweetheart again," Cali warned. "Or I'll shot you and forget where I left you."

Burke glanced around and noted the weapon she had attached to her vest, a P-90. "So you really know how to use that?"

"She was taught by me, Burke, she knows how to use it." Jack informed bluntly.

"Right." Burke drawled out and kept walking.

Cali waited for her dad to drop back and walk with her, changing to Abydonian. 'How much do you trust this man?'

'I don't trust him at all,' Jack replied also using Abydonian. 'So keep your eyes open and…' He switched back to English, but kept his voice down. "Keep your Danny sense on."

"Always dad," she promised, knowing what he meant as he walked ahead of her again. It didn't matter where Daniel was, she knew where; she couldn't explain it she just did. It was something that she'd required after descending and Daniel was the same way, he could tell where she was at any given time. It was spooky sometimes.

In the shake that was the rebel's command post, Daniel tested the ties that bond his wrist to the back of the wooden ladder-back chair he was tied to. He'd been interrogated by better than this clown, but as Jack had told him, even clowns could be dangerous and this Raphael was certainly dangerous.

"If you value the life of your friend, you will tell me what I want to know," Raphael snarled at him angrily. Spitting the blood out of his mouth, Daniel looked the rebel in the face but didn't say anything, which angered him even more. "Your friend told me this device maybe the origin of the Fountain of Youth myth."

"Yeah, it maybe." Daniel said placidly.

One of the rebels, Chalo, kissed the religious medal he had around his neck on a chain.

"How does it work?" Raphael demanded.

"I don't know!" Daniel snapped and flinched away from the man's raised fist, talking quickly. "Look, you grabbed us five minutes after we found it."

"Who is this Telchak?" The Rebel asked agitated.

Daniel noticed that, agitated and hyperactive, this was bad. "He's a mythological figure, a Mayan gold that may or may not have lived here thousands of years ago."

"So this device is many thousands of years old?"

"Possibly." Daniel agreed.

And this Mayan god brought this device to his temple. For what purpose?" Raphael demanded and when he didn't get an answer, he lashed out, punching Daniel in the face.

"Ah!" Daniel cried out. "To hide it, use it, I don't know!"

"Use it. On Whom?" The rebel questioned.

"People." Daniel said quickly without hesitation. "Mayan people."

"And what would it do to them?"

"Look, the research I used to find it just gave a cryptic warning that the device was dangerous, even harmful. That's all I know." Daniel told him.

Raphael grabbed his face, forcing him to look at him. "I do not think it is so harmful." He released Daniel and walked over to the table. "I have never in my left felt as strong as I do right now." He uncovered the device, revealing it was glowing with a white light.

"You turned it on?" Daniel said horrified. Oh God!

"Yes."

"Turn it off." Daniel pleaded. "You don't know what you're dealing with. The effects of the device may be unstable. It's very dangerous." He prayed he was getting through, but he doubted it. "Look, it's beyond our comprehension! Turn it off!"

"You're lying." Raphael said confidently.

"What if he isn't?" Chalo asked him. "The device is cursed. Raphael; we should turn it off."

"Turn it off?" The Rebel leader said stunned by his lack of faith. "Do you not feel different, as well?"

"I do, and it scares me. Por favor, Raphael, if you will not turn it off, I will."

Raphael's face twisted with disgust, he turned and grabbed a pistol from the table and fired two shots at Chalo and the rebel fell dead.

Daniel didn't care how afraid he looked, if help didn't arrive soon, both he and Bill were in deep shit.

"Rebel move around a lot," Burke filled both Jack and Cali as they hiked through the jungle. "The grunts are self-taught bush fighters. It's harvest season; most of them tend to their farms right now. Those who don't care are ex-military, most likely holding up about twenty clicks north-west of Octal."

Jack heard a noise and signaled both Burke and Cali to stop, then move forward, keeping their eyes open, both followed weapons ready. What they found was the guide Daniel and Lee had hired – Rogelio, lying on the ground, his hands tied in front of him.

"Well, this wasn't suppose to be on the tour," Burke remarked sarcastically. "At least we know we're on the right track."

Cali let her P-90 hang and hurried to the guides side, she checked for a pulse, at her touch, the man's eyes opened, startling them all, Jack and Burke moved back, weapon's ready, relaxing after a moment.

"I've been shot," Rogelio announced looked at Cali. "Petty lady."

She smiled and shrugged out of her pack. "I can help," she gently rolled him over onto his side.

"Ah-ah, no, no."

"Sorry," she said gently and quickly cleaned and put a field bandage on, securing it. Moving him back onto his back. She then gave him something for the pain. "How is that?"

"Better, gracias."

She gave him a smile and pulled off her gloves and packed up, doing up the pack. She then took her knife and cut the ties on his hands, replacing it as quickly as she'd removed it.

Burke returned, having moved away from them for a moment. "Air rescue should be here in about an hour."

"Well, I've been lying here for days," Rogelio said calmly. "What's another hour?"

"Who did this?" Jack asked him.

"Malditos, malditos. Que mueran del dolor del cuto," the guide said in Spanish. (Damn, damn. May they die from a pain in the ass.)

"All right, all right," Jack put a stop to it. "We're looking for two scientists."

"Doctor Jackson?"

"Yes," Cali said quickly.

"They have them. They went north across the boarder. Go."

Burke knelt down and gave him a canteen and some of his gum. "We're not just gonna leave you."

"Sure you can, senor. Help will be here soon." Rogelio insisted. "Don't worry, this is not the first time I've been shot. Save your friends. Please. They owe me lots of money."

"Ah." Jack said understandingly.

"Oh." Burke agreed.

Cali smiled and patted his shoulder. "Lie still and you'll be fine."

"I will pretty lady." Rogelio said smiling.

She smiled again and stood, taking the pack with her, as they moved away, Jack helped hook it back onto her vest.

He patted her shoulder. "Good work, honey."

"Thanks dad."

"You looked like you knew what you were doin there kid," Burke noted. "Medic?"

Cali nodded. "The training passed the time while I was recovering once."

"From what?"

"Well lets just say the natives weren't as friendly as we thought they were," she remarked.

Burke looked confused at Jack, who waited until his daughter had dropped back a little, keeping his voice down. "Cali is an archeologist and a linguist. The natives she's talking about beat her senseless, stabbed her in the stomach with a knife and than shot her in the thigh with an arrow as we escaped. She nearly died."

"Damn," Burke hissed. "Tough kid."

"Yeah," Jack agreed, leaving it at that. He didn't want to think about how close he'd come to losing his daughter that time, especially since he lost her a few months later anyway.

They walked on in relative silence, every so often; Burk would engage one of them in conversation, fishing for information. Jack and Cali gave vague answers and kept him off track.

"Should be just a couple of clicks now," he announced after they'd been walking for a while. He stopped, making them do so too, facing Jack. There was one question he needed an answer too. "How can you trust me?"

"I don't." Jack told him truthful.

"You think I asked you to come down here so I could shoot you, too?"

"Why would I think that?" Jack asked him bluntly.

"Forget I said anything," Burke stated and started walking away.

Jack and Cali followed; he'd been expecting this tension between them to blow soon. "You've had plenty of opportunities before now."

"What's worse is that you think I'm just incompetent." The CIA agent exclaimed.

"Oh, for crying out loud, Burke."

"So you're perfectly willing to go into a hot situation with me watching your back?" He asked him.

"I have no choice." Jack declared. "And I was thinking of sending you in first, me watching your back and Cali, watching mine."

They stopped walking again, Burke face to face with Jack. "You don't want to know the truth. I mean come on, you really don't want to know?" He didn't give Jack the chance to comment. "Man, it wasn't my fault. I mean, I didn't choose, I just reacted. Its stinks, the whole damn thing stinks. You want to know what really happened? Fine, I'll tell you. Woods was ghosting us. He sold out; he was - he was no good. He was sending out a rouge transmission; he was giving our position way." He paused for a moment, seeing the realization on Jack's face. "Woods realized that I was on to him, and he turned his weapon on me and I just, I just reacted."

"Why didn't you come forward with this?"

"Come on man, you remember how close we were. The wives and the beers and the barbecues, I couldn't do that to Cindy. It comes out Woods was a traitor, she doesn't see a penny of that pension, a month away from his retirement." Burke stated. "Woods wasn't gonna retire. He was setting himself up as a mercenary for that warlord. He made his choice. He's gone; that's all that matters." He turned and walked away from them.

Cali put a hand on her father's arm. "That took guts, dad."

"I know." He said quietly and they hurried to catch up. "So how's your Danny sense?"

"He's close dad," she assured him, adding. "There's something else though."

"What?"

"I don't know," she said and shivered. "That alone should bother you."

"Oh yeah," he agreed.

After an hour or so, they were close to their objective, Jack signaled Burke to move around to the left, all three hearing the sound of gunfire, reading their weapons they moved forward again. As the gunfire got louder, they went from walking to running, Cali staying close to her dad.

"He's close dad, very close," she called too him.

Jack took her at his word, signaling to go to his right as the gunfire stopped, she did, but stayed in the line of sight. Both of them saw three rebels, one with a machete walking towards Daniel, who was down. Both raised their weapons and fired, taking out all three. Running over to Daniel, they crouched down either side of him.

"How many more are there?" Jack asked him, seeing Daniel look at him in shock, clutching a large rock in his hands.

Cali put her hand on his arm. "Daniel?"

"That's it. You got'em all." He said quickly to Jack, still in shock, glaring at his wife. "What are you doing here?"

"Saving your ass," she remarked, relieved he was alive.

He dropped the rock, raising his eyebrows, that damn device was screwing with him. Shit! "Sorry."

"No problem," Cali said worriedly. She pulled a field dressing from her vest and ripped it open, wrapping it around his injured leg. "Where is Bill?"

"Back that way." Daniel told her gesturing back the way he'd come. "He couldn't go on, I hid him and lead them away."

"You gonna be able to walk on that?" Jack asked him, gesturing to his leg.

"Yeah," he said and winced as Cali tightened the bandage.

"Sorry."

Bark from the tree exploded above their heads and they saw one of the rebels coming towards them, his eyes white like the super soldiers they'd encountered.

"Telchak's device re animates the dead tissue," Daniel started to explain.

"Yeah, whatever," Jack interrupted grabbing Daniel by the arm. "Come on." With Cali's help he pulled Daniel to his feet and got him around behind the tree. Leaning out Jack fired his P-90 at the rebel, who was firing at them. The bullets hit him, but he keeping coming, making Jack just a little concerned.

Burke came out of the jungle to his right, ready to fire. "Hey, get down!" He fired one round from the grenade launcher chamber on his rifle, blowing the rebel to pieces. Then moved towards them, grinning.

Cali and Jack helped Daniel to stand once more, coming from behind the tree, he lent heavily on them for support.

"So what's with the guy from Evil Dead?" The CIA agent asked still grinning.

"Um…" Jack mumbled.

"Classified?"

"Yeah."

Burke laughed. "You guys are into some crazy crap, man!"

"You have no idea." Cali muttered, holding tight to her husband.

Jack looked at her and arched an eyebrow, silently amused. "Lets go find Dr. Lee and get that thing."

"Artifact, Jack." Daniel corrected.

"Yeah."

Burke took point, leaving them to help Daniel.

"Were you exposed to the device?" Cali asked her husband.

"Yeah."

"Thought so."

"What does that mean?" Jack asked her.

"Dad, that device is more powerful than a sarcophagus and you know what happens to a healthy person who's been exposed to it," she stated. "As bad as Daniel feels, he's been exposed too."

"I'll be fine." Daniel assured them both.

"Well, we'll let Fraiser determine that when we get back." Jack declared strongly.

They found Dr. Lee, who was happy to see them all and they continued to the rebel camp, while Burke and Cali did a recon of the entire camp, Jack made a crutch out of branch for Daniel, waiting by the command shake.

Burke returned from one direction and Cali from the other. "Perimeter's clear." She reported.

"Yeah," Burke agreed. "I just heard from air rescue, they got the guide."

"Rogelio?" Daniel asked them surprised.

"Yeah, he's gonna be okay. They'll be here soon."

"We'd better get the artifact." Cali suggested and both Daniel and Bill agreed, heading for the shake.

"Hey," Jack acknowledged Burke. "Nice back-up."

"Sure thing, buddy, any time, anywhere."

"You know, I think I should recommend that you be posted to a nice place."

"A temperate zone, not too hot, not too cold," Burke suggested. "Fine looking women that put out like broken candy machines."

"Whatever," Jack said dryly. "I'll see what I can do."

"Thanks, buddy," Burke held out his hand and shook Jack's hand, before acknowledging the three scientists as they returned. Dr. Lee holding the artifact. "Is that the thing that made that guy do that thing?"

"Yeah, it's okay, it's off now." Daniel assured.

"Good," Jack announced. "That's good."

"Yeah, at least we think it's off," Bill said nervously. "It's not glowing any more so…"

"Glowing thing really gives it away, so if it's not glowing anymore it shouldn't be on anymore."

Bill looked to Daniel. "Do you want to hold it?"

"Nope." He remarked and hobbled sideways away from Lee, as did Cali.

Burk laughed madly. "That's crazy!"

Air rescue arrived and they were flown out, giving a brief statement to the authorities before heading to the hotel, Burke had already disappeared.

Jack guided Bill to his room, ordering the man to take a shower; his and Daniel's back parks had been picked up by air rescue and returned to the hotel.

Cali guided Daniel into her room; she shut the door, and shrugged out of her pack and vest. "Lets get you into a shower and than I'll take a look at that leg," she told him.

He lent tiredly against the wall. "I'm going to need some help."

She thought as much. "That's what I'm here for," she said gently and guided him towards the bathroom. Getting him out of his clothes, she turned on the shower and helped him in, wincing at the burns on his chest, knowing he was in a lot of pain and not just from the gunshot wound. She stripped out of her own clothes and joined him, being careful as she helped wash away the dirt, grim and dried blood, feeling sick at what her husband had been put through, she hid it well though. Getting out, they dried off; dressing only in the clean underwear they'd brought in there with them. Cali helped Daniel back into the bedroom and got him to lie down.

"I won't be long," she told him.

"Not going anywhere," he murmured.

Smiling softly, she dressed quickly and than grabbed the medical pack, getting everything she needed.

A knock came at the door and then it opened and Jack walked in, he'd showered and was in clean clothes too, he shut the door. "Hey, need a hand?"

"Yeah," Cali agreed. "I'm going to need you to keep some light on the wound, I want to get the bullet out and close it."

"Sure." He stated and hurried over to the bed. "He all right?" He gestured to Daniel who was lying on his stomach.

"He is fine, Jack," the archaeologist mumbled.

Cali chuckled; she'd pulled on surgical gloves, giving her husband an injection. "He has some pretty bad burns on his chest, once I'm done with his leg, I'll put some cream on them."

Jack took the torch that was handed to him. "Are you sure you can handle this?"

"Yeah, I'm sure," she informed and glanced to her husband. "Ready, Daniel?"

"Yeah."

Jack kept the torch light on the wound and watched with pride as his daughter carefully and with the touch of a surgeon removed the bullet and sowed the wound, bandaging it when she was finished. "Nice work, kiddo."

"Thank you," she pulled off the gloves, shoving them in a disposal bag. "Give me a hand to turn him over dad."

Jack put the torch down, and did that, seeing the burns for the first time. "Crap!"

"Thanks so much, Jack," Daniel mumbled and opened his eyes.

"Sorry."

Cali gently applied the cream and covered each with surgical dressing, taping it all down, it was a damn good thing her husband didn't have hair on his chest. She glanced at her dad. "When can we get out of here?"

"The C-130 is ready to go when we are," he told her.

"Good, lets go, then," Daniel insisted.

Jack had to agree, he wanted out of the country too. "All right, I'll go and ring the base and get Lee ready to leave."

"We'll be ready to go when you return," Cali declared, as she packed up the medical supplies, both P-90's were in a pack that Jack had.

"Okay," her dad agreed and left quickly.

"Stay put for now," Cali told Daniel. "I'll get everything set and then help you get dressed."

"Hey," he grabbed her hand, pulling her towards him. "Thank you."

She smiled and lent over, being careful not to touch his chest. "You're welcome," she whispered and than brushed her lips against his.

He slipped his hand around to the back of her neck and held her there, deepening the kiss, relishing in the contact.

Cali pulled back, her cheeks flush and her eyes full of desire, but it couldn't go any further, not at the moment. "Later, my love, I promise."

He smiled lovingly. "You'd better go check on Bill, I'll be fine."

She nodded. "All right. Don't move," she ordered and grabbed the medical pack as she stood. "I won't be long," she promised and hurried out on his acknowledgement, going next door. Knocking she walked in, closing the door behind her.

"Hey kiddo," her dad greeted. "The base is sending a car, Lee's in the bathroom."

"I thought I'd see if he needed anything," she announced.

"All right, I'll help Daniel dress," Jack told her. "Do your thing sweetheart."

"Okay dad."

He patted her on the back and walked out.

Cali looked round the room; it was as bland and uninviting as hers and Daniel's. She went over to the bathroom. "Bill?"

He opened the door, coming out. "Hey, Cali."

"Are you all right?" She asked concerned, he looked a little pale.

Bill nodded. "The last few days are catching up with me, that's all," he assured. "How's Daniel?"

"He's going to be fine, I removed the bullet from his thigh and put cream on the burns on his chest," Cali answered. "What about you, any cuts or bruises I should know about, or burns?"

"A few."

She took a look, cleaning up the cuts, a few burns, over all though he'd gotten off light. "The burns were electrical," she noted, bile rising in her throat.

"Yeah," he swallowed hard. "Daniel protected me," he admitted. "I mean, god, Cali, what he went through. I couldn't…." his voice faded and he was silent, ashamed he hadn't been able to handle it.

"Bill," she sat down beside him. "Daniel is a member of SG-1, he's had training you haven't, no one expected you to hold up under torture."

"He was amazing, Cali."

She heard the pride in the man's voice. "I know, Bill," she said tenderly and got up, cleaning up she put everything away, doing up the pack. She saw her dad had everything packed and ready to level. "Let's go."

Nodding he collected his gear and gave her a hand with her dad's; leaving the room, they went next door.

Daniel was dressed and ready to go, sitting on the bed.

Jack put the phone down and turned as they walked in. "The car's here, I've cleaned up in here, we're ready to go." He took his pack from his daughter and grabbed Daniel's too. "So what do you say we blow this pop stand?"

"Sounds good to me," Daniel agreed eagerly and stood with his wife's help.

Bill grabbed her pack, leaving her with the medical pack incase she needed it. Leaving the hotel they were taken straight to the base and directly to the C-130.

An airman grabbed their pack's, loading them as another helped Cali with Daniel, informing her they had a section of the plane set up as a medical bay. Bill went with them.

A Lieutenant approached Jack. "Sir," he held out the package. "This was delivered for you, from an Agent Burke."

"Thanks," Jack took it and followed the man inside, joining his daughter, Daniel and Dr. Lee. Taking a seat he waited until they'd taken off to open the package. Finding two folded tee shirts and a note. He read it, smiling. 'Picked these up for Dr. Jackson and Dr. Lee. Rogelio's been taken care of, the least I could do. And don't forget. Not to hot, not to cold and fine women who put out like broken candy machines – Burke.' Putting the note in his pocket, Jack unfolded one of the tee shirts and chuckled.

"What's the joke, Jack?" Daniel asked from where he was laying down.

He turned the tee shirt around, so they could all see it. "Burke got you and Dr. Lee one each."

Both men read the tee shirt and laughed, as did Cali. Both tee shirts were light blue and on them, written in large black letters were: 'I survived Honduras.'

SCG

Daniel hobbled into the Gate room on the crutches Janet insisted he use, Cali at his side.

General Hammond stood next to Jack at the bottom of the ramp, the Gate was activated, the iris still closed. He acknowledged them both. "Doctor's. How are you feeling, Daniel?"

"Fine sir," he assured him, leaning on the crutches as they stood with them.

The General smiled. "Cali, Doctor Fraiser was impressed with how you handled the situation."

"Thank you sir."

"We're receiving Major Carter's IDC, sir." Sergeant Harriman announced over the PA.

"Open the iris, Sergeant," the General ordered.

The iris spiraled opened and after a few minutes Sam, Jacob, Bra'tac and Teal'c walked through. Sam had her right arm in a sling and Teal'c right side supported a field bandage. They came down the ramp, stepping off.

"So… Miss me?" Jack inquired with a grin.

"Of course sir," Sam agreed, smiling as they all did.

"Well it couldn't have been that bad," he continued lightly. "You're all still alive."

"As are you, Daniel Jackson and Cali O'Neill." Teal'c noted

Sam looked concerned at her friend; she'd noticed the crutches as soon as they'd came through. "Daniel?"

"I'm fine, had a great doctor with me," he assured smiling, seeing his wife blush. Adding. "We got the device from Telchak."

"Good," Jacob spoke up. "Hopefully we can engineer a weapon from it."

"You must," Bra'tac said solemnly. "Or we will be helpless to combat these new warriors."

"We have some bad news, sir," Sam said addressing the General. "Anubis has an entire army of these super soldiers. There are thousands of them. The best we were able to do was delay his ability to manufacture more."

Hammond nodded. "We'll debrief fully in one hour," he told them. "Welcome home." He bided and left.

All except Jack followed the General out. "Hey," he said getting Sam's attention and she stopped. "So, nice command."

"We did manage to make it out alive, sir," she declared proudly.

"There's that," he smirked lightly and than asked. "Lunch?"

She smiled, nodding as they walked out side by side. "I think I'd better get this looked at first," she said referring to her arm.

"Bad?"

"Nar, just a little sore," she dismissed. "What did Daniel mean about having a good doctor?"

They stepped into the elevator and Jack selected level 21 and the elevator moved. "He took a hit in thigh, when we got back to the hotel, Cali got him cleaned up and then she took the bullet out and sowed him up, not to mention she took care of the burns on his chest. Fraiser was impressed."

"Wait," she stopped him. "What burns?"

"Electrical," Jack said with a bitter taste in his mouth. "The kind you get from being tortured for information."

"Holly Hannah!" Sam exclaimed.

"Yeah," he agreed shoving his hands in his pockets, taking out the scum had helped relieve the way he left a little.

"I guess Dr. Gibson is going to be seeing him again."

Jack nodded; he was damn proud of Daniel. The archaeologist hadn't broken, he'd held up against all they'd put him through and made it out alive.

"Colonel?" Sam repeated herself again. "Colonel? Sir?"

He blinked, coming out of his daze. "Sorry, what did you say, Carter?"

She was a little concerned. "I said it's a good thing the General didn't let Cali go with Daniel."

"Yeah, damn good thing," he agreed.

The elevator stopped and they walked out, heading for the infirmary, finding Jacob, Bra'tac, Cali and Daniel in the waiting area. As soon as they walked in, Dr. Brightman ushered Sam away, so Jack sat down next to his daughter and best friend – his son-in-law.

"Are you okay, dad?" Cali asked; he seemed distracted.

"Yeah, kiddo," he gave her a smile. "How about you?"

"I'm good," she said happily. She gave her husband's hand a squeeze. "Looking forward to the weekend."

"How about I take the boys, give you two some time to yourselves, I'm sure Silvia would enjoy a weekend off," Jack suggested.

Daniel eyed his friend suspiciously. "Both boy's the whole weekend."

"Yes, Danny-boy, both boys," Jack said sarcastically. "I can handle a five year old and a seventeen year old for a weekend."

"Are you sure about that, Jack?" Jacob asked playing a long with the teasing.

"Oh very funny," the Colonel grumbled.

Bra'tac got in on the act. "He will suffice, after all they are not Jaffa off spring, though both do have the hearts of Jaffa warriors from their parents."

"And if Chris is there, then Cassie will be too," Cali added.

"Aha, another who has the heart of a warrior."

"All right, that's enough," Jack put an end to it, ignoring the laugher. "I can handle one little boy and two…" he was going to say horny teenagers, but decided against it, "teenagers."

"Well if you insist Jack," Daniel accepted calmly.

"I insist," he retorted.

Cali grinned. "We'll tell them tonight."

"Thank you."

She bit the inside of her top lip to stop from laughing. Sometimes it was just too easy to get her dad going.

Sam came out to them, she know wore blue sling, informing them it was only a bruised collarbone. Teal'c wandered out behind her, his black tee shirt gone, replaced by a blue scrub shirt. There was bandaging under the shirt. He too reported he was all right.

With that said, they headed for level 27 and the briefing room, chatting among themselves, the General walked into the briefing room the same time as they did and they all took their seats and the briefing began. By the time it ended he was satisfied. "SG-1, you are on leave for the next four days," he glared at the three scientists. "That means you three are not permitted back on base unless it's an emergence. Understood?"

"Yes sir," Sam, Daniel and Cali said at the same time, whiles the others smiled, finding it amusing.

"Good." Hammond said and pushed his chair back. "Dismissed." He got up and left.

Sam sat back in her chair and looked to her dad. "Do you have to leave straight away?"

He shook his head. "I think the Tok'ra can do with out Selmac and I for a few days?"

Teal'c addressed his former master. "Master Bra'tac will you be remaining?"

He gave a nod. "I do not get to visit my great grandchildren enough."

"Than it's settled," Jack said enthusiastically. "Let's get some lunch."

Chuckling they all agreed. Sam and Teal'c heading for the locker rooms to get cleaned up, Cali going with them to help Sam, saying they'd meet at the commissary.

Sam had long gotten over the embarrassment of getting undressed in front of someone, so when Cali helped her undressed so she could take a shower, she thought nothing of it, showering quickly, drying off as best she could before pulling on her underwear. Wandering back into the dressing area. "Cal, the Colonel told me what happened to Daniel. Is he okay?"

Cali smiling, Daniel and Sam had almost adopted each other, in fact she knew Sam considered her to be the little sister she never had. "Daniel is fine, Sam," she assured. "He's a lot stronger then people think. Andy had a long talk with him and he's putting it behind him."

Managing to finish dressing with only a minimal of help, Sam sat down and accepted Cali's insistence of helping her with her socks and boots. "What about you, Cali?" She asked concerned.

Cali finished tying Sam's boots and sat beside her on the bench. "I knew as long as I could sense him, he was all right. I held on to that."

Taking her hand, Sam gave it a gentle squeeze. "I have a feeling Daniel knew you were coming for him."

The younger woman chuckled, her eyes glassy. "He glared at me, than said angrily; 'What the hell are you doing here?' I knew he didn't mean it," she forced a half smile. "They'd turned it on, the rebels turned the device on. He'd been exposed to it too. God, Sam, for a moment there he was like a junky coming down from a fix. On the way home he just slept, it was unnerving. I didn't know if I'd done the right thing by giving him something for the pain when I took the bullet out."

"Cali," Sam slipped her left arm around her shoulders and hugged her. "You did the right thing, like you said, he's stronger the we all think and so are you."

"Yeah."

"Come on," Sam released her and stood, grabbing the sling. "Help me get this thing on and we can go eat."

Nodding, Cali stood, smiling. She helped with the sling and they left the locker room, meeting up with the guys in the commissary, getting something to eat they joined them and the general conversation that was going on.

"Rya'c and I meet up with the Ha'ktyl, Ishta is a formidable warrior," Bra'tac told Teal'c.

"Indeed, they are well?" He asked.

"Yes," he glanced at his grand daughter. "You did not mention your relationship to me to them."

Cali arched an eyebrow. "It never came up and at the time it didn't seem relevant."

"I see."

"You did mention it though." Daniel noted.

"I did. Ishta said she did not sense a symbiote inCali and asked ifshe was using Tertonin. She was most surprised when I informed her Cali never carried a symbiote, thatshe was born Abydonian, not an off spring of a Jaffa, even though herr mother was." Bra'tac informed them.

Jack stopped eating, a little concerned by the topic. "What did she say to that?"

"She wanted to know how that was possible and how Cali survived prata."

"Puberty, Jack," Daniel second-guessed him, since he'd told him the same thing when they'd first met the Ha'ktyl. He addressed Bra'tac. "Did you explain to Ishta, Cali's father was of the Tau'ri?"

"I did."

"And Ishta addressed her as 'The Chosen'," Teal'c guessed.

"She did."

Cali sighed, she dropped her fork and pushed her plate away, she'd lost interest in the food. "I hate that title," she said and pushed back her chair, standing she walked out.

Daniel went to get up, reaching for his crutches, when Bra'tac stopped him. "Stay grandson, let an old man talk with his granddaughter."

Seeing it wasn't up for discussion, Daniel nodded and stayed where he was. "Yes grandfather."

Bra'tac stood, as he walked past his grandson he gripped his shoulder and then walked out. He found his granddaughter in the briefing room, staring out at the Stargate. "You can not run away from your destiny."

"I can try," she stated and then turned away from the window, heading for the stairs.

"Apophis chose your mother when she was just a child," he said quickly, seeing his words stopped her, recalling. "He took her to his court and groomed her. When she reached the age of prata, he made it so she did not need to carry a symbiote. She was treated like a Princess, and with that privilege, the freedom of his court and of Chulak. Those privileges lead her to finding your father; she'd walked to the Stargate and found him nearly dead. She spirited him back to the city and hid him, nursing him back to health and into her heart."

Cali turned, hugging her arms close to her chest; he voice was soft and haunting. "I was fourteen when she died. She picked up a virus, it ate at her immune system and weakened her; she was in so much pain and in the end she just slipped away." She paused, there were no tears; she'd mourned for her mother a long time ago. "I helped conduct the funeral service along with Kasuf, he said it was my right as her daughter and as his. It was my mother's wish that I become part of his family and I did. And I was so alone, even though he loved me like a daughter, even though Skarra loved me like a sister and even though Sha're loved me as her life partner. I was alone." She saw the sorrow in his eyes. "I don't want to be 'The chosen', I have enough to deal with." She whispered and turned away from him, walking down the stairs away from the briefing room. She didn't look at anyone, she just went to the nearest elevator and took it to level 25.When it stopped and the doors opened she walked straight out and into Andrea Gibson.

The Commander had been looking for Cali; she grabbed her to stop her from running. "Cali?" The younger woman looked at her haunted. Andrea drew her away from the elevator. "Come on," she urged and they went to the quarters Cali and Daniel kept on base; inside Andrea shut the door, she had been expecting this. "All right, Cali, enough, talk to me."

Cali wrapped her arms around her upper body and started to talk. Starting with the incident with the Jaffa that had caused the injury to her knee on the mission where Teal'c had been hurt on their return under fire. She paced back and forth as she spoke about how she felt before and after she'd shot the Jaffa to save her own life. How, when she though things were getting back to normal, she'd watched Daniel become a lifeboat to the stranded consciousness of passengers during the incident with the Stromos. And she didn't stop there; she'd talked about how she and Daniel and Chuka had negotiated with aboriginal Unus for the right to mine naquada P3X-403, a situation that had been tense and dangerous. Then she went on to talk about how, while the rest of SG-1 was Hebridan, the home world of the space pilot Warrick, who they'd rescued from P2X-005 when Jonas had been with the team. She had been up to her elbows in Jaffa with SG-6, barely escaping alive.

She slowed down a little when she got to the mission she and Daniel had been on to P3L-997, a simple mission that had turned deadly when a computer virus designed by Dr. Felger, but reconfigured by Ba'al, had shut all the Stargates down except Earth's. About being stranded on the planet that was gradually flooding, having to take refuge in caves on the side of a mountain with the natives of the planet. She stopped pacing as she spoke of spending time with Ishta and her female Jaffa, that had been less stressful but just as draining in the long run. And finally the super soldier problem had come along and Daniel had being kidnapped by rebels, going after him with her dad, having to doctor the wound Daniel had received after being shot. Finishing with the conversation with her grandfather.

The catalyst that brought them to this, Andrea knew was a mixture of things, starting with what Daniel had endured; the conversation with Bra'tac and 'The Chosen' legacy. She drew the younger woman into her arms, feeling Cali grip the back of her uniform shirt, she didn't move when the door opened and close again, the tapping of crutches had given away Daniel's approach.

He leant the crutches against the wall and limped over to the two women, not giving Andrea time to pull away he just embraced the two of them. She smiled softy and accepted it, feeling Cali relaxed against them both exhausted; emotionally and physically.

"I think, Dr. Jackson, we've made a break through," Andrea said with a teasing smile. It was time to lighten the mood.

"I believe we have, Dr. Gibson," he agreed, smiling also.

Cali chuckled a little and slipped one arm around Daniel, she did feel better, getting all that off her chest had helped. "I guess this is what group therapy is all about."

"With less hugging," Andrea smirked. "Though, I'm kind of enjoying this."

"Me too," Cali giggled, needing to laugh.

"Yep, nothing like it," Daniel had to agree and the three of them laughed together.

Andrea managed to free herself, fighting the urge to stay in their embrace. "I think it's time to take your wife home, Daniel."

"I agree."

Cali turned in his arms. "Thanks Andy."

"Hey, that's what I'm here for," she said with a smile and left their quarters.

Daniel gave his wife a gentle squeeze. "Andy's right, lets go home."

Chuckling Cali turned back, facing him. "Usually I have to threaten you to leave early."

"Funny, I recalling dragging you out of here a few times," he mused.

"We're a pair," she smirked.

"Yes, we are," he kissed her forehead.

She nuzzled against his chest and than looked up. "Come on, Doctor J, I want to visit Colonel Reynolds before we leave."

"Yeah, I heard what happened," he accepted the crutches she handed him, following her out.

"It wasn't pretty," Cali remarked shutting the door. "At least with the device of Telchak's we may have an advantage against the super soldiers."

"Well I have doubts Sam and the Tok'ra will come up with something." Daniel assured her as they stepped into the elevator. He selected level 21, ignoring the security camera's he lent the crutches against the wall and drew his wife into his arms. "So, what are we going to do this weekend all alone?"

"Oh, I think we can think of something," she mused, her lips brushed against his.

Daniel gently grabbed her head and kissed her, putting some force against her to lips to part them, feeling her melt against him. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too," she said breathlessly. "Together forever my love."

"Together forever," he promised.

Andrea had left the Jackson's quarters, there was something about what Cali had told her that had her wandering. Needing an answer, she found out Master Bra'tac was with Teal'c in the Jaffa's quarters, going there she knocked on the door and waited.

"Enter," a deep baritone voice ordered.

She opened the door and went in, bowing her head slightly. "Teal'c, Master Bra'tac."

"How can I help you, Dr. Gibson?" Teal'c inquired.

"Actually I have question for Master Bra'tac." She informed.

"Ask child?" The Jaffa Master said calmly.

Andrea found his choice of words interesting; she hadn't been called a child in some time. "Master Bra'tac, I'm curious, was your daughter ever a host?"

That disturbed him. "No, she was not."

"I meant no offence, Master Bra'tac," she said with a soothing tone. "I'm just trying to understand what Cali has told me and the fact she herself has a protein marker."

"Was my granddaughter not a host for a short time to a Tok'ra symbiote?" Bra'tac asked her.

"Yes, she was," Andrea, agreed. "However the protein marker was discovered before she was blended."

Silence filled the room; the Jaffa Master was concerned by this news. "How is that possible?" He asked her.

"I don't know," she admitted.

"I believed Cali O'Neill received the protein marker from her mother." Teal'c stated. "Is this not true?"

Bra'tac looked from the doctor to his former student. "My daughter never carried a symbiote, nor was she ever a host."

Andrea saw Teal'c arch an eyebrow. "Then we have a mystery on our hands," she said and saw Bra'tac nod slowly. They certainly did.

The end of this chapter: (I need a little help? Does anyone have any ideas on how Cali would have a protein marker before she was blended?)