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.

14. Icon

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 reflects the Atlantis expedition leaving the SGC, taking that this happened after the episode 'Zero Hour', which is where I'm guessing it occurred and begins with 'Icon'

Winjan: Glad you liked the last chapter. As for my homepage, I couldn't keep it up, so I let it go. But if you can't find any of my stories and you'd like them, just email me and I'll email them back to you.

Nightshae: I left Cali's decision up in the air for a reasons, I guess you'll just have to wait and see what she decides. And for a small moment there I was going to make her pregnant and then I got the idea of the bond and it seemed fun to go with, but don't lose heart, there is going to be a baby on the way. Thanks for the ideas, both suggestions are challenging.

Reader1148: Welcome and I'm glad you liked it. I myself like the idea of the bond between Cali and Cam and it will get interesting. And thanks for the idea.

Krahmogh: I'm glade you've liked it so far, I've enjoyed bring Cali and the other characters to live. Thanks for the suggestions, all the episodes are challenging.

Roseofthegate: I'm happy you like Cali, she is a fun character, one who is made up of people I know and I suppose a little of myself too. I'm not ashamed to admit that. I'm not sure how I'd go doing Gemini or Citizen Joe or Threads, all are favorites of mine too, and I agree, adding Cali is going to make things interesting in the next few chapter, but you'll just have to wait and see. Thanks Jenn.

Stargate SG-1

Chapter Fourteen: Icon

Planet of the Rand Protectorate: Present time

The curtains billowed at the windows as Leda Kane sat perched on the bed. "It's time," she said softly.

Daniel Jackson was her patient; his head and eyes were wrapped in bandagers. He did wince when she slipped a hand behind his head as she began to unravel the bandagers with the other. He grabbed her hand before she could finish. "Wait."

"It's okay," she reassured soothingly. "Just relax." When he dropped his hand, she continued, removing the bandage, he opened his eyes, blinking as his sight became clearer. She was pleased with the healing, even though his wounds were still noticeable on his face and around his neck. She'd cleaned each wound and bandaged his arm. "Give your vision a moment to adjust," she advised. "You haven't used it for a while." She smiled. "How's that?"

He struggled to keep his eyes open. "Better," he said in barely a whisper.

"You're eyes," she hadn't realized they'd be so blue. "Its nice to finally see them."

He realized who she was. "Leda?"

"Welcome back," she said cheerfully.

"Where am I?"

"Many miles from the city. This house belonged to my uncle," she answered. "We're safe here."

"The city," he said confused. "I remember being there. Something terrible happened." He remembered. "Many people died."

"There's food if you feel stronge enough to eat," she said changing the subject.

"It's our fault, isn't it?" He continued. "None of this would have happened if we hadn't come here." He squeezed his eyes shut and reopened them. "Cali was right."

Leda didn't know who Cali was, but it wasn't the first time he's said that name. "You're alive, and considering what you've been through, that alone is a miracle." She said comforting.

Daniel wasn't so sure, he felt sick at the realization they'd started this.

"You should try and eat," she insisted.

He shook his head. "No," he said weakly. "I don't think I could."

Leda accepted that, trying not to be worried. "Daniel, who is Cali," she saw the surprise in his eyes. "You've mentioned that name several times while you were unconscious."

"My wife, Cali is my wife. She's a member of my team."

Fear made her shudder. "She wasn't with you?"

"No," he slowly shook his head; he was losing his fight to stay awake. "Didn't return with me."

She let go of the breath she was holding. "I'm sure she's very worried about you."

His eyes closed, Cali would be more then worried she'd be frantic; he knew she would be. She didn't need the stress, not now. Not now…

Three months ago: SGC

General Jack O'Neill watched as the last of the Atlantis expedition went through the Gate and it closed down after the bottle of Champaign was rolled through. He looked to SG-1's two archaeologists, both had desperately wanted to go, but he'd said no. He needed them there. They were his family and he was being selfish, but he didn't care. "Well kids," he clapped his hands together and rubbed them. "General Hammond is waiting to talk to the two of you in the briefing room. So I suggest we make our way up there."

"General Hammond is here?" Cali asked rhetorically.

"Oh yes, lets go."

Glancing quickly at each other, they headed for the briefing room with Jack following.

Lieutenant General George Hammond smiled as they entered the room, greeting them warmly. "Daniel, Cali. Jack. It's good to see you again."

"General," all greeted. The men shook his hand and Cali hugged him.

They took their seats, the Lieutenant General at the head of the table. "The President asked me to come here to speak with you, Cali."

"About the position?" She asked sitting back, crossing one leg over the other.

"Yes."

Daniel glanced her way. "The President offered you a position?"

She nodded. "Before Thor beamed us away to help with his bug problem."

"Head of Civilian Divisions at the SGC," Hammond informed. "Cali would be a part of Homeworld security under my chain of command, on permanent assignment to SG-1."

Jack got the idea, smiling. He was starting to like this President more and more. "And if Cali isn't under my chain of command, then there is nothing stopping her and Daniel from marrying here on Earth."

"Correct."

Daniel got it too. "That's what you wanted to talk to me about before we left for the outpost."

She nodded slowly. " President Hays emailed me a file on the position, I read it. It's appealing," she admitted taking his hand.

"Enough to except it?" He asked, a plan forming.

She rubbed her thumb over his. "Yes," she knew he saw this was an answer for them. His eyes gave away his thoughts, his feelings. She looked back to Hammond. "General, please inform the President I accept."

He nodded, smiling. He had a feeling she would "I will, Cali."

"Thank you."

Daniel squeezed his wife's hand. "General, Jack. Would you excuse us?" He insisted and on their nods, stood and pulled Cali to her feet and out of the briefing room.

Jack smiled and sat back. "He's going to propose."

"The Gate room?" Hammond queried.

Nodding again, Jack stood with the Lieutenant General and walked over to the window to watch, seeing the two in question entering the Gate room.

Cali felt like a teenager sneaking around without her parent's knowledge, as they rushed into the Gate room. "Daniel, what are we doing?"

"I'm doing something I should have done a long time ago," he informed and guided her up the ramp to stand beneath the Stargate. Taking both her hands. "I became your life partner, your soul mate and then by Abydonian law, your husband," he said calmly, his voice not revealing the inner turmoil. "We've seen more death and suffering then anyone should, but our love has kept us sane. I've always known you'd be there for me when I've walked through this Stargate. Even death couldn't keep us apart, you came and looked after me when I was lost, you gave me direction." He paused, licking his lips. "I love you more then I can say, you are my life, my heart and my soul." He got down on one knee. "I never got to ask for your hand on Abydos, but I am now. Marry me, Cali?"

The entire Gate room, control room and briefing room were quiet, waiting her answer.

She smiled warmly, tears slid down her cheeks, tears of happiness. "Yes," she said cheerfully and full of love. "Yes."

Standing, Daniel got to his feet, grinning he drew her into his arms, and gave a repeat performance of the searing kiss he'd given her on Thor's ship. She melted against him, responding whole-heartedly, forgetting for a moment they were in the Gate room, neither cared.

Clapping brought them apart, they looked, and every one was clapping happily and cheering. Holding hands they walked back down the ramp, being congratulated.

In the briefing room, Hammond chuckled. "They never do anything the conventional way."

"No, Sir, they don't," Jack agreed, a little solemn, now he really was losing his little girl.

"Don't worry, Jack, your not losing her, you're gaining a son-in-law," the Lieutenant General remarked, smiling.

"I gained that a long time ago, Sir," he said sincerely. "Now they're just making it legal here."

"Yes, they are." Hammond agreed. "And it's about time."

"It's one of many things they deserve, General." Jack declared. "We owe them both so much."

"Yes, we do." He patted the Brigadier General on the shoulder. "Come on, Jack, let's go congratulate them."

Nodding, Jack followed him out and down to the Gate room, a way was made for them, so they stood before the happy couple.

"Before anyone gets worried," Jack began. "Dr. O'Neill is no longer under my chain of command, as the new Head of Civilian Divisions at the SGC, she is under General Hammond command, on permanent assignment to SG-1."

Cali turned to Hammond. "Thank you, Sir."

He knew what she meant. "You're welcome, Cali."

Sam and Teal'c arrived, having heard the news; they both congratulated Cali and Daniel and greeted General Hammond.

Daniel got a moment with the Jaffa. "Teal'c, I want to ask you, if you'd be my best man. To stand at my side when Cali and I marry?"

"I would be honored, Daniel Jackson," he accepted without hesitation.

"Thank you."

The General got Cali's attention. "I must be going."

"So soon?"

He nodded. "I'm due back in Washington, I have to brief the President on our new Head of Civilian Divisions at the SGC."

She smiled and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, Sir."

"You're very welcome. I look forward to receiving my wedding invitation."

"You'll get one, Sir." She promised.

Daniel joined them. "Thank you again, General."

"It was my pleasure, son," he said and then left the Gate room, with a Major, who'd been waiting.

"All right people, lets get back to work," Jack ordered, raising his voice and the impromptu party broke up.

"I guess the biggest problem, is where to hold the wedding?" Sam stated.

"And who can we invite," Cali added. "We've made so many friends, and not all are human or look human."

"Well, we have time," her dad dismissed.

"Actually, dad," she hesitated, chewing on her lip. "We sort of don't."

Even Daniel was a little curious about this. "Cali?"

She turned, facing him; she'd kept this secret long enough. "I'm pregnant, Daniel."

"Really?" He asked, stunned and exited, but mostly suddenly scared witless.

"Yes."

He cried out excitedly and took her in his arms, swinging her around, as she laughed happily with him. Feeling her cling to him when he put her back on her feet, Daniel put a hand on her still flat stomach, hidden beneath the Green shirt and black tee shirt. "Our baby."

"Ours," she put her hand over his.

"How far along?" He searched her eyes, seeing love, fear and so much more.

"Six weeks, Dr. Brightman confirmed it for me this morning." She revealed. "I didn't want to get your hopes up until I was sure and after the last time."

"Last time wasn't your fault," he drew her close again. "Our baby is going to be born as beautiful as her mother." He kissed the top of her nose. "I promise."

Jack cleared his throat. "Why don't you two head off, have some time alone before Caleb and Chris arrive home."

They stepped back. "Thanks dad," Cali gave him a hug. "Come over for dinner."

"Okay."

She received a hug from Sam too. "You'll come for dinner too?"

"I'd love too," Sam agreed happily. "We've a wedding to plan."

Cali nodded. "We do," she went over to Teal'c as Daniel got a hug from Sam. "I want you to come to dinner too."

"I will."

She put her hand on his cheek. "And I want you to be our baby's godfather." She saw the surprise in his eyes; she rose up on her toes and kissed his cheek before hugging him.

Teal'c hugged her back, unsure of the feelings that raged through him. He was pleased through. "I will be honored to be your child's godfather."

"Thank you, Teal'c," she stepped back.

Daniel shook his hand. "Thank you, Teal'c." He said, seeing the Jaffa bow his head.

Jack patted him on the back. "Take your wife, home, Space monkey."

"I'm never going to live that down, am I?"

"Nope," Jack grinned. "Now take off, we'll see you tonight."

Both nodded and headed out of the Gate room.

Sam saw the General sigh. "Are you all right, Sir?"

"Carter, I'm feeling old."

She smiled warmly. "Fathers never like to see their daughters grow up, Sir."

"So, I'm finding out, Carter," he said and left the Gate room. Going to his office he called Dr. Brightman and asked her to join him.

She arrived a few minutes later. "You wanted to see me, Sir?"

"Yes, shut the door, Doctor," he ordered and when she had, he gestured for her to sit down. "Cali just told everyone she's pregnant."

"I expected she would, Sir."

"She and Daniel are also getting married, here on Earth. She's taken a position with Homeworld security, so she's no longer under my chain of command." He added and then sat back in his chair. "Do we know how her pregnancy is going to effect her duties with SG-1?"

"At this point, Sir, I don't see any reason to stop Dr. O'Neill from going through the Stargate," Sarah Brightman announced. "Cali is a healthy and physically fit young woman, I do believe though her different physiology will bring about differences in her pregnancy then we're use to."

"How so?" He asked.

"Well, Sir, I believe instead of a 40wk gestation, that woman usually have. Cali will only carry her baby between 28 to 30 weeks."

"You're sure?"

"Yes, Sir."

Six months, in less then six months he was going to be a grandfather again. "Anything else, doctor?"

"General," she sat forward. "This is new for all of us, I've never had to deal with an Alien pregnancy before, it's going to be all trial and era. I am going to insist she give birth here and not at the Academy Hospital and with your permission, I'd like to contact Serenity and speak with Mayet, she maybe able to assist me."

"I'll do one better, Doc, you and Cali can go to Serenity and talk face to face with her." Jack declared. "Daniel too."

"Thank you, Sir," she stood, smiling. "Congratulations, General."

"Thank you, Doctor."

She nodded and walked out of the office.

Jack sat back and ran his fingers through his hair. Wondering just what they were getting themselves into.

Light filtered into the bedroom, softened by the curtains, though the lovers on the bed didn't notice. They lay together, a sheet barely covering the lower half of their bodies. Outside the worlds problems were infantile to the problems of the universe. Problems they dealt with every day. At that moment it was irrelevant, the petty problems.

Daniel felt her fingers in his hair, gently stroking. He was still in awe at the miracle that had been presented to him. He was being given the chance to see his child grow within the woman he loved, to watch her body change as his – their child grew within her. Her ran his fingers gently across her stomach; in the months to come it would swell with life. He was a father twice, but had never seen either boy born. Both he and Cali had been robbed of that with Caleb. Not this time though.

"Daniel?"

He looked up, smiling as she looked at him - his beautiful Goddess.

"What are you thinking?" Cali asked softly.

"A lot of things – us, the baby," he answered.

"You said, 'she' in the Gate room."

He chuckled a little. "Whether a boy or girl, we'll love it."

"She wont be completely human," Cali reminded. "I'm not even half human any more, my Ancient DNA is more dominate, my genetic code has rewritten itself."

"It doesn't matter," Daniel lent forward, his lips brushed against hers. "What does is our baby is going to be born health and strong."

"In roughly twenty-four weeks," she informed and saw the confusion on his face. "When the Ancient Scientist altered my genetic structure, he set about a change that brought forward an evolution that wasn't meant to be – not yet."

"You're sure?" His voice was barely a whisper.

"I'm sure, Daniel." She released him and sat up, drawing her legs up she hugged them. "Caleb isn't using his full potential. He's afraid too, he shouldn't be."

"Neither should you," he noted, knowing she held back a lot of the time.

"But I am."

He sat up, drawing her into his arms. "Everything is going to be fine."

"I only wish I knew that for sure."

"You do, Cali," he assured her and drew her back down with him, lying with her in his arms. "I love you and I will protect you and our family."

"I love you, Daniel," she said sincerely, resting her head on his chest, secure in his embrace.

He kissed the top of her head. He hadn't been able to keep Sha're safe, and he'd lost her, but he was never going to lose Cali or his family.

Cali ran her fingers over his chest to his shoulder; she found the scar where her dad had shot him, when Anubis had processed him. She gently traced the scar, feeling his fingers in her hair. He didn't remember all he'd done during the time Anubis had him. He didn't remember shooting her in the Gate room or the other SF's. He hadn't known until he'd regained consciousness and they'd told him. The bullet hadn't done the damage, it had merely grazed her skull; it was hitting her head on the ramp that had put her in a coma for a week and a half. She knew he left guilty, it wasn't his fault though, and she didn't blame him. She blamed Anubis.

Of course their wounds had healed, their lives had gone on. Dr. Tray Williams – the base Physiologist, who'd taken over from Andrea, had helped them get through it all. The man was turning out to be stronger then he looked – he took what they spit out and survived.

"You're thinking too much." Daniel teased her.

She smiled and kissed a spot on his chest. "Isn't that my line?"

"Usually," he mused and then rolled her beneath him. "Enough thinking."

She moved her legs so he settled between her thighs, rubbing her feet down the backs of his legs. "What else do you have in mind?" She asked huskily.

"We can think of something," he mused and kissed her, parting her lips to deepen the kiss. He ran his tongue along the inside of her mouth and she groaned, thrusting her hips against his, making him groan. They teased and aroused each other to a fiery pitch and then made love, slowly and passionately to an explosive conclusion that had them tranquil in euphoria.

"We should get up," he said, his voice muffled against the crock of her shoulder, his breathing ragged.

"Don't want to," she declined, her body still quivered in the aftermath.

"Silvia and Caleb will be home soon," he reminded.

Just as he finished saying it, they heard a voice call out, it wasn't Caleb though it was Chris: "Dad, Cali!"

Daniel lifted his head and groaned. "Never fails."

She giggled. "Your son has timing like you use to have."

"Oh yeah, hopefully he'll grow out of it too," he remarked sarcastically.

There was a knock on the door. "Dad, you and Cali decent?"

"No," he called back and then nibbled at his wife's throat. She retaliated by wiggling her hips, making him moan.

They head a groan. "Again?" They heard Chris complained. "Dad when you've finished making Cali scream, can we talk?"

'Scream?' She mouthed.

"Scream," he smirked and thrust his hips, making her gasp loudly.

They head a head thump against the door and a groan, then: "Not fair, I've the only over sexed parents in the neighborhood."

Both of them laughed.

"We'll be down in a moment, Chris." Cali called out.

"Thanks," the young man called back and walked away.

She smiled and in a strategic move, had Daniel beneath her, she ran her fingers down his chest as she sat up, wiggling her hips a little, feeling his renewed interest come alive even more.

"Only a moment?" He questioned her.

"Well, a moment or two," she teased as his hands went to his hips, but didn't try to control the slow circular movements she was making.

Daniel squeezed his eyes shut and let her go; it felt too good to stop her.

Down in the living room, Chris waited; he'd put his backpack in his room along with his jacket. Running his fingers through his hair.

Cassie came in from the kitchen, she'd finished early too. She handed him a coffee. "So they're at it again?" She asked sitting beside him.

"Oh yeah. I didn't even know they had the afternoon off."

"Well at least we know neither are injured. I mean they wouldn't be… if they were," she said awkwardly.

Chris put his cup down on the coffee table and sat back. "Cass, my parents are having sex, that's…"

She giggled and put her cup beside his, crawling onto his lap. "They're in love and with the kind of job they have. Letting go is good for them."

"I know," he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her, long, slow and passionately.

She slid forward on his lap, making him groan. "So you want to make out, while they do?"

They heard a pleasurable cry come from above, followed by another.

Chris groaned; he ran his hands up her thighs and under her skirt. "Fairs, fair."

"Damn right," Cassie gasped, feeling his fingers tease her; she captured his mouth in a fiery kiss. "Bedroom. Now!" She hissed.

"Yes, Ma'am," he smirked and shifted forward, holding her in his arms as he stood, her legs going around his waist. He carried her into their room like that, shutting and locking the door.

When Daniel and Cali did venture down after showering and dressing, they spotted the cold coffee, chuckling, they took the cups into the kitchen and emptied the contents, washing them.

Daniel made a fresh coffee. He hesitated before handing Cali a cup. "Should you be drinking this?"

"I have to cut down, but I can," she answered taking it.

"Cut back on what?" Chris asked as he and Cassie came in, both showered and dressed.

"Coffee." Cali informed. "Dr. Brightman is insisting."

"Really, how did she manage that?" Cassie queried.

"She threatened to put the whole base on Decaf, which would be cruel."

"Not to mention, dangerous." Daniel added.

"Very true," his wife agreed, they went out to the living room and got comfortable. "So what did you want to talk to us about?"

Cassie gave Chris' hand a gentle squeeze to encourage him.

"There's a dig in Egypt next month – Dr. Elliot and his wife are heading it up. They're offering students places on their dig team."

"Marcus and Amy Elliot?" Cali asked him, putting her partially drank coffee on the small table.

He nodded. "Do you know them?"

"We did out doctorates at the same time."

"I'd like to go, Dad," Chris informed. "Cali. Please?"

"How long?" Daniel wanted to know as he put his cup next to Cali's.

"A month. And I get credit towards my Masters Degree."

Cali looked to the young woman seated next to adopted son. "What do you think, Cass?"

She smiled softly. "I think he should go," she answered truthfully; she'd learnt to do that very quickly with them. "It's good experience."

Daniel glanced at his wife. "We'll either have to speed up our plans or wait until he comes home."

She lent closer and brushed her lips over his. "Sooner the better."

"Right."

"Guys." Chris got their attention, he was excited they were letting him go, but a little confused. "What's going on? You're home early, making out like teenagers and letting me go to Egypt."

"Well, we're getting married," he adopted mother revealed.

Now Cassie was confused. "Are you leaving SG-1?"

"No."

"Cali in now Head of Civilian Divisions are the SGC, under General Hammond at Homeworld Security," Daniel explained. "Which means she can remain on SG-1 for as long as she likes."

"And we can get married here on Earth." Cali added.

Chris was still suspicious. He knew there was more to it. Before he could voice his concerns, Silvia arrived with Caleb. His little brother bounced excitedly into his parent's arms.

Silvia had been surprised to see their SUV in the driveway. "What's going on?" She inquired, taking a seat. "You're both home early with no visible injuries."

"We're not that bad, Silvia." Daniel complained.

"Really?" She said dryly.

"Dad and Cali are getting married, here on Earth." Chris filed in. "Cali is now under General Hammond's command."

Between the two of them, Cali and Daniel filled Silvia in, also letting her know who was coming to dinner.

"Well I guess I have my work cut for me," she declared.

"There's one more thing," Cali added, she felt Daniel take her hand. Seeing they waited. "I'm pregnant."

The silence was broken by a squeal, Caleb throw his arms around his mother, excitedly. "A baby sister?"

She laughed. "Well, we're not sure yet."

The little boy didn't care. "So cool."

Chris, Cassie and Silvia laughed and got up, congratulating her and Daniel.

"Is this why you said you'd have to speed up your plans?" Cassie inquired as they settled down again.

"Partially," Daniel agreed. "It's more to do with the length of time Cali will carry the baby."

That worried them. "What do you mean?" Chris wanted to know.

"Because of what the Ancient Scientist did to me, changing my genetic code. I'll only carry this baby 28 to 30 weeks." Cali explained.

"Will that be long enough?" Silvia asked stunned. "Will the baby be fully developed by then?"

She nodded. "Yes."

"Well, I guess we can't drag our feet with this wedding then," the elder woman announced.

"No we can't."

"Are you still going through the Gate, mommy?" Caleb asked.

"For a little while, yes." She ruffled his hair. "Don't worry, daddy, Aunt Sam and Uncle Teal'c will look after me." He smiled, accepting that, even though he snuggled closer. "Everything will be all right, kiddo," she assured. "So, do you have homework?"

"Uh huh."

"Want a hand?" He nodded again. "Come on then." Getting up they collected his backpack and went into the den.

Silvia and Cassie went to organize dinner, leaving Chris alone with his dad.

"Are you okay?" He asked him.

Daniel chuckled at that, smiling nervously. "I'm about to be a father for the third time, but this is the first pregnancy I've experienced."

"Me too," the younger man added, trying to be helpful. "It's going to look like the baby is premature."

"I know."

"Everything will be all right, dad," Chris reassured. "We're all here for you and Cali."

Daniel nodded and smiled more warmly. "Thanks, Chris."

Jack arrived first with Jon and Maggie Ferretti. Maggie's father had been reassigned, the teenager wanted to stay, so Jack offered to take her in, declaring he could handle two teenagers in the house.

Maggie and Jon both hugged Cali and Maggie blushed as she hugged Daniel, making him chuckle and Jon roll his eyes.

Sam and Teal'c arrived soon after, Caleb throwing himself into the Jaffa's arms. Teal'c was becoming use to contact and relish in it.

"Caleb Jackson, you are getting heavy."

"No, I'm not Uncle Teal'c," he said giggling.

"I believe you are." Teal'c held the little boy at arms length, not even straining.

"Uncle Teal'c." Caleb giggled harder.

Jack came in from the kitchen. "T, are you terrorizing my grandson?"

"Indeed."

"Okay."

"Grandpa!" Caleb groaned as the Jaffa put him down.

"Give up, kiddo," Chris told his little brother. "You won't win."

"Not against, dad," Jon added.

"I know," the little boy sighed.

Jack ruffled his grandson's hair. "Come on kiddo, dinner's ready."

"Cool." Caleb said and then hurried into the dinning room. Chuckling they all followed him.

During dinner they chatted, Chris telling them about his trip to Egypt.

"Sounds like it's a great opportunity." Sam noted.

"It is, Dr. Elliot and his wife don't offer places on their dig team to students very often."

"Just remember what you know and what you'll unearth are two different things." Daniel reminded his son.

"I know, dad." Chris reassured.

"He'll be fine, Daniel." Cali insisted.

"Yeah, besides, what could they possibly find?" Jack said casually and both archaeologist stopped eating, glancing at each other. "What? Guys, come on."

"You're right, dad." Cali said calmly. "And if there is anything buried around the Pyramids or the Valley of Kinds, we'll find out soon enough. And if the dig team happens to unearth something interesting, Chris will notify us straight away."

The young man nodded. "Straight away."

"Fine." Jack agreed and then changed the subject. "So where are we going to hold this wedding and when?"

"As sooner would be better then later," his daughter, noted. "As for where…"

"We talked about it," Daniel said, taking over. "And we were thinking the secluded side of the mountain, where we have a picnic's would be a good place."

"Okay," Jack agreed. "I think I can get clearance for it to be there, as you said it's secluded and the SGC can supply security."

"One down and a hundred more to go." Cali remarked.

After dinner they cleaned up and headed into the living room, Silvia took Caleb up for a bath. Daniel grabbed a notebook and they made a list of who they wanted to invite, while Cassie, also grabbed a notebook and she and Sam made a note of things that needed to be done with Maggie's help.

Jon lent closer to Chris. "You know, eloping would be easier."

"You've got that right."

Cassie over heard them and threw a cushion at her boyfriend. "Don't get any ideas."

He threw it back. "Wouldn't dream of it."

Daniel clipped him lightly on the back of the head. "Don't even think about it, at all, you're both too young."

"Yes, dad," he smirked.

"What about a dress, Cali?" Sam inquired.

"I um, haven't thought about it," she admitted.

"We can go and look at a few dresses after work tomorrow."

"What did you wear on Abydos?" Maggie asked her.

Cali got up and grabbed a photo album, opening it, she handed it too her. "I took these off the video one of the boys took for us," she revealed and returned to her seat.

Maggie looked, noting the native dress and red shear headscarf and shawl. "This is nice, but don't you want a white dress this time." She saw Cali cringe, becoming confused.

Daniel had seen it too. "On Abydos, white is a funeral color," he explained.

"Oh. Sorry Cali."

"Wear whatever color dress you want, sweetheart, it's your day," Jack told his daughter.

"Thanks dad."

"A lot of Bridal boutiques have cream or even light pink," Sam supplied. "Or they can make what you want."

"We can check out a few on the internet." Cassie suggested.

"That's a good idea," Cali agreed and left the guys in the living room, heading for the den.

"We're in trouble now," Jack mused, glancing at his friend. "At least finding something for you to wear is going to be a lot easier."

"Thanks so much, Jack." Daniel grumbled and they laughed.

"Don't worry, Danny-boy, everything is going to work out. After all you've been through this before, you know what they say, third times a charm."

Daniel groaned and buried his head in his hands, as they laughed harder, even Teal'c was smirking. He looked up and turned to his son. "Eloping really does seem a lot easier at this point."

"But look at all the fun you'd miss out on, dad," he said grinning.

"Like the bachelor party," Jon declared.

"Yes," Jack agreed. "Now you wouldn't wont to deprive us of throwing you a bachelor party."

"I am so going to regret this." Daniel whined.

"I will protect you, Daniel Jackson." Teal'c assured him.

"Thanks Teal'c."

"You are welcome Daniel Jackson."

Chris just grinned. "You just don't want Cali after you if anything happens to dad," he smirked.

Teal'c held back a smile, trying to be serious. "Indeed." He remarked and both Jon and Chris burst out laughing.

Caleb came running into the room, he crawled onto his father's lap. "What's so funny?"

"Your bother and Uncle are trying to be funny," his father announced.

Silvia came in. "Are they giving you a hard time, Daniel."

"Yes," he retorted.

"Well, dear, that's life," she mused. "The girls are in the den, I take it?"

"Go on in, Silvia, I bet they could use some help about now." Jack said grinning.

"I doubt that, General," she smirked and headed into the den. Seeing the four in question huddled around the computer. "Let me guess – Wedding dress?"

"Come and help, Silvia," Sam insisted. "Cali has hated everything so far."

"Well, I'll see if I can help," she mused and joined them, pulling a chair over. "Let me see," she ordered gently and they moved a little. "Well, let me see if I remember the site my daughter used." She said, and took over, bring the site up. "Now, I think we'll find what we're looking for."

"As long as it's not white." Cali added.

"Honey, you don't have to wear white." Silvia said gently and surfed through the site like a pro. "Aha, here, how about this one?"

They all looked at the gown that was displayed, it was stunning, the material a pale crystal blue. "It's perfect," Cali, said softly, she turned and hugged the nanny. "Thank you, Silvia."

"You're welcome, honey and they have one in stock at the shop," she typed away at the keyboard. "I've posted a message, saying you're interested so they hold one in your size."

"We can go tomorrow and take a look," Sam declared. "After work. Daniel can look after Caleb and we can all go."

"Pish posh, you don't want an old lady with you," Silvia declared.

"Of cause we do," Cali insisted. "I don't have my mother to help me, so I value your help."

"Oh honey," Silvia felt tears pick her eyes. "Thank you."

She smiled and kissed her cheek. "Thank you, Silvia."

"Now what about bridesmaids, how many are you going to have?" She asked her, getting back to the matter at hand.

"Um, I haven't thought about it," Cali admitted and looked to Sam. "You'll be my bridesmaid, won't you, Sam."

"I'd love to, Cali." She took her hand and gave it a squeeze.

"And us?" Cassie asked for her and Maggie.

Cali chuckled. "As long as neither of you plan to do this anytime soon."

"Deal," both girl's choused and they all laughed.

Over the next two hours they picked out bridesmaids dresses and a message was sent to hold them too, arranging to meet the next afternoon. Getting off the net they went back into the living room, Caleb was asleep in his father's arms.

"Get everything sorted out?" Daniel asked.

"We did," Cali said smiling warmly. "We should put him to bed."

"I think we should all head off." Jack declared. "The best man and the two groomsman have been planning the bachelor party, and that's enough excitement for one night."

"Bachelor party," Sam eyed the eyes wearily before announcing. "I guess we'll just have to give Cali a bacheloret party."

"Oh we can help plan that one, Sam," Cassie said enthusiastically.

Cali shook her head. "I'm going to regret this."

"I can not protect you as well Cali O'Neill." Teal'c stated. "Unless you have your gathering on a different night."

"Don't worry, Teal'c. I'll look after Cali." Silvia reassured the Jaffa.

"Thank you, Silvia Clark."

Sam rolled her eyes as the others chuckled softly.

Daniel got to his feet, keeping his son in his arms. "I'll go put this one to bed."

"We'll head off, Daniel," Jack declared standing. "See you tomorrow."

"Drive carefully, dad." Cali said and kissed his cheek before going with her husband.

Silvia, Chris and Cassie saw everyone out; they stood together out on the verandah.

"We're going to make this special for them, Sir," Sam assured him. "It's the least we can do."

"I agree, O'Neill." Teal'c declared.

"They deserve it," Jon added.

"Yes, they do," Jack, said, agreeing with them. "No matter what, this day is going to be perfect for both Danny and Cali."

"It will be, Jack," Silvia said sincerely. "Don't worry."

"I have to worry, I'm the father of the bride," he mused lightly.

She understood. "Yes, you are and Cali is one very lucky young lady."

"Indeed." Teal'c said.

Jack didn't know what to say to that, he just nodded and patted Jon on the back. "Come along you two, you have school tomorrow."

"Night," both Jon and Maggie bided and went with him.

Sam and Teal'c also said good night and left too.

Silvia ushered Cassie and Chris back inside and shut and locked the door, turning out the outside light; she set the alarm before turning to the young couple. "Off to bed you two," she ordered.

"Yes, Ma'am," both said and headed for their room.

She smiled and walked back into the living room, tidying up a little, stopping when Daniel and Cali came back in. "Cassie and Chris have gone to bed, I suggest you both do the same."

"We're going, Silvia, we just wanted to say goodnight," Daniel told her.

"And thank you for all you're help." Cali said straight after him.

"None of that, I'm enjoying myself," the elderly woman dismissed. "Besides, I think of you two as family." She gave them both a hug. "Now off you both go; I'll turn off the lights down here." Both nodded and hurried back out. Silvia switched off the lights, using the torch she kept in the kitchen; she went happily to her apartment.

Jack caught up with his daughter before she walked into the Gate room, stopping her. "Are you all right?"

She smiled warmly. "I'm fine, dad." She patted his arm before continuing into the Gate room.

He sighed and hurried up to the control room, ever since the wedding announcement a week ago, things had been going full speed. But something chewed at his gut that he couldn't put his finger on and he didn't like it. Oh they had everything planned for the wedding, the President had given the go ahead for using the mountain and said he and his wife would be honored to attend. General Hammond had also said he was coming. A message had been sent to Langara and one had been received, Jonas and his family were coming. So far everyone they'd contacted was coming.

The Stargate activated and the chevron's locked, it opened with a whoosh. SG-1 stood at the bottom of the ramp ready, they turned and looked up at the control room.

"SG-1, you have a go." Jack announced over the PA.

Smiling they stepped up onto the ramp and walked up it and through the event horizon, stepping out and down the stone steps to the official delegation that was waiting for them.

Sam smiled warmly. "Commander Gareth," she greeted.

He smiled. "In the name of the people of the Rand Protectorate, I welcome you. You're Colonel Carter?"

She nodded and introduced her team. "This is Teal'c, Doctor Daniel Jackson and Doctor Cali O'Neill."

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you all face to face," he said sincerely, and then gestured for them to follow. "But please come; we have many questions, as I'm sure you do as well."

They followed him and the rest of the delegation.

"Sorry about scaring the tourists," Sam apologized, their MALP had come out of the Stargate in the middle of a guided tour. "We've made first contact with a lot of planets, but this is the first time we've found ourselves coming out of a museum piece."

"One of our artifacts suddenly coming to live was a little surprising, but that pales in comparison to it's purpose," Gareth declared. "It is almost beyond imagining."

"As is the fact you're human," the man walking with Cali and Daniel said sternly.

"My chief aide: Jared Kane," Gareth introduced as they stopped.

"Well, believe it or not, there's actually a good reason for us being human." Daniel declared.

"Which, we'll get to in due time," Sam stated quickly.

"Colonel, I hope that once we gain each other's trust, you'll be able to shed some light on the technology that powers the Great Ring. It is unlike anything we have seen before." Gareth told them.

"We call it the Stargate, and our people share the same hope, Commander." Sam said calmly.

"Of course. In due time." They started walking again.

"I take it the Great Ring is a recurring motif in your culture." Cali said gesturing to the ring shaped pendants some were wearing on necklaces.

"It is a simply a reminder of certain traditions that pre-date out age of enlightenment," Gareth informed. "Most people wear them more for the sake of fashion than religious belief."

"Our history tells of an age when all powerful Gods ruled our world," Jared revealed. "The Great Ring was supposedly the source of their power."

"Of course, we know these are merely legends from our ancient past." Gareth said quickly. "However the activation of the Ring may well cause a stir amongst those few who still follow the old ways."

"Belief is a strong instinct, Commander." Cali declared.

"Yes, Dr. O'Neill, it is," he agreed. "It can also be dangerous."

She glanced at Daniel, who shrugged. So she let it drop.

Planet of the Rand Protectorate: Present time

Leda squeezed the water from her cloth and gently moped Daniel's brow, seeing his eyes open. "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."

"It's all right," he said weakly.

She put the cloth down and picked up the medicine bottle, undoing the lid, she helped raise his head. "For the pain." She informed and let him drink a little, resting his head back onto the pillow, she put the lid back on the bottle. "I wish I could give you more, but our medicine is in short supply." She put it on the side table.

"Thank you."

She smiled. "I'll leave you alone," she went to get up.

Daniel touched her arm. "No. No, please – stay."

She did, she didn't want to tire him though. "Will you tell me about your wife?"

He smiled, a loving smile. "Cali is – amazing."

"How did you meet?" She'd seen his eye light up.

"On Abydos," he revealed. "Cali is from another planet." He felt the medication begin to take effect. "She had to learn our language, customs, everything, but she did it."

"And she's a member of your team?"

"Yes," he closed his eyes briefly and then reopened them. "She's an archaeologist like I am."

Leda could see he was tiring. "Do you have children?"

"Mm, two boys," Daniel said wearily. "Chris is adopted, his nearly nineteen and Caleb is nearly seven." He smiled lovely. "Cali is pregnant."

She smiled too, seeing the love he had for his family and how much he was missing them. "I guess you'd like a girl this time."

He nodded slowly. "I keep telling her it's a girl."

She chuckled softly. "And does she believe you?"

"I think so." He said quietly, his eyes drifted closed.

Leda sighed sadly; a little envious at the life this man had waiting for him on his planet. "I hope you get back to them, Daniel," she whispered.

Two and a half months ago: Earth

Sam walked beside her commanding officer. "How is Daniel?" She inquired.

"Recovering," he smirked and saw her frown. "He's fine, Carter, and he'll be on his feet in time for the wedding." He assured. "How are your meetings with the Rand representatives?"

"Good, they're a little anxious, and feel we're holding a lot back, but Cali said that's good for them," Sam shoved her hands into her trouser pockets. "She thinks we should let them develop on their own and not rush them and I'm starting to agree with her."

"We'll see how things go after we've had the chance to talk with the Caledonian representatives." Jack decided. They came to the corridor their quarters were located. "Well, I'm going to see if the best man has the groom on his feet and dressed, then I'm going to get myself dressed."

Sam smiled. "Be gentle, Sir."

Jack just smiled and hurried down the corridor to Teal'c's quarters, going in. "Afternoon," he said cheerfully.

Daniel was not only up, showered but dressed as well in a black trousers, white shirt, he was trying to put on a bow tie, which was a wine red to match the bridesmaids dresses. "You're way too cheerful," he grumbled.

Jack went over and slapped the young man's hand away and expertly tired the bow tie. "Well, I wasn't dancing on the tables last night."

"I wasn't dancing on any tables." Daniel complained, and then got clarification. "Was I Teal'c?"

"No, Daniel Jackson, you were not," his best man assured. He was dressed in a black suite.

"You felt like hiding under one," Jonas smirked; he'd come in to give them a hand. Jon and Chris, who had been invited to the party, laughed and Caleb looked wide-eyed at his father.

Daniel groaned. "I am going to repay you all back, each and everyone of you," he threatened. "Except for Caleb."

"I would have protected you, Daddy."

"Thank you, kiddo."

"I protected your father quite well, Caleb Jackson." Teal'c assured.

The little boy smiled. "I know you did, Uncle Teal'c."

"Suck up," Jack teased his grandson, who giggled.

There was a knock and the door opened again, this time Bra'tac came in. He also wore a suite and looked quiet comfortable in it. He shut the door. "Silvia Clark suggested I check on you all."

Daniel slipped on his suite jacket. "We're fine, grandfather."

"You're upright, that is something," the Jaffa Master said dryly. "My granddaughter is not well." He commented and saw his grandson pale. "Do not panic, Mayet is with her."

Jack grabbed Daniel, stopping him from dashing out of the door. "Danny, relax, I'm sure it's just nervous."

"Nervous?"

"Yes. Now settle down, I'm going to get changed and then I'll go see Cali myself. All right?"

He nodded. "All right."

Jack released him and turned to his grandson. "Come on, squirt, you're coming with me."

"Okay," Caleb went over to his father. "Mommy will be fine, daddy."

"I know," he smiled worriedly. "I'll see you on the mountain, okay?"

"Okay," the boy gave him a hug and went with his grandfather.

Chris got his jacket on. "Cali's going to be okay, dad, you'll see."

Daniel managed a halfhearted smile, agreeing.

Jack settled Caleb at the Play Station in his quarters while he showered and changed into his Class A's. The near seven year old was playing a flight simulation game, making each move easily. It seemed he'd inherited his mother's natural abilities when it came to flying.

"Nice move, kiddo."

"Thanks grandpa," he finished the game and turned the TV off. "You look good, grandpa."

"Thanks," he put his jacket on and did it up, grabbling his uniform cap. "Well let's go see your mom."

Caleb agreed and followed his grandfather out, they went to his mother's quarter's, knocking before going in, shutting the door when they were inside.

Cassie, Sam and Maggie were in their wine red colored bride maid's dresses, looking beautiful. Silvia was in a lovely pale lavender dress, looking very much the mother of the bride, which for today she was standing in for.

She smiled. "Jack, you're a handsome devil in your Class A's.

He smiled. "Why thank you, Ma'am," he said with a fake southern accent. "You ladies look beautiful."

"Thank, Sir," Sam said with a smile.

"Thanks, Uncle Jack," both Maggie and Cassie choused, teasing sweetly.

"What's enough from you two," he warned.

Caleb giggled and hurried over to his nanny. "How is mommy?"

"She's fine, kiddo, it's just nervous," she assured and fixed his bow tie. "You look handsome."

"Thank you."

Cali came out of the bathroom, along with Mayet; she wore her robe over her underwear, looking a little pale under her makeup.

"Hi, kiddo, feeling better?" Jack asked her.

"A little, how's Danny?"

Jack chuckled. "He'll be okay."

"I heard all about what you did to poor Daniel." Mayet said with a smile. "Shame on you, Jack."

"Hey, I was innocent in the whole thing," he smirked.

"I believe you," she teased. "Only because you look so handsome."

"Thank you, you look good yourself."

She did a slow turn, giving him a good look at her dark blue dress, there wasn't much back in it.

Jack whistled. "I hope Anderson came armed."

She chuckled. "I feel quiet safe."

"You look nice, Aunt Mayet," Caleb said smiling.

"Thank you, Caleb."

Sam unzipped the gown bag; the wedding dress was in and straightened. "Sir, you and Caleb are going to have to turn around or step outside."

"About face, Airmen," Silvia smirked.

Jack rolled his eyes and he and Caleb turned their back's to them.

Taking the dress out, Cali removed the robe and put it on, slipping her arms in the sleeves and getting the boned bodice into place so she was comfortable, the handkerchief skirt fell just below her knees. The back was low cut, strains of crystals draped across her back, four rows of them. The only other decoration on the dress was the silver embroidered symbol for Abydos on the bodice. The neckline was high to the plunging back of the dress. She slipped her feet into the white shoes she'd brought; a gold anklet on her right ankle, a gift from Cassie and Chris. Her hair had been styled by Andrea, who hadn't long left before Jack and Caleb arrived, pulled back into a bun, with two braids looped out of the bun, which was ringed by white snow flake flowers. She saw Silvia smile, her eyes misting up. But there was another's approval she needed. "Dad?"

Jack turned and words left him as he saw the vision of beauty. He walked over and took her hands in his. "You look amazing, honey," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "You're parents would be very proud of you."

"I know, dad,"

Caleb had turned around too; he smiled happily. "You look like an Angle, mommy."

"Thank you, sweetheart."

Sam handed her, her bouquet. "It's time, Cal."

Cali accepted the flowers. "Thanks, Sam."

Juana had taken over from her symbiote. "Silvia and I will head up and see if Daniel is still standing."

"We won't be far behind," Jack informed.

They nodded and left the room.

Cassie gestured Caleb over, she gave him a satin cushion that was made form the same material as his mother's dress. On it, the wedding rings were attached by thin white ribbon. Both rings had been sent to the jewelers to be cleaned and polished, and they looked new again. "Here you go, kiddo."

"Thank you." He took it and held it proudly.

"You'll do fine," Maggie assured him. She and Cassie took their bouquets.

There was a knock on the door and it opened, the newly promoted Lt. Colonel Andrew Shanks, entered the room, also in his Class A's. He smiled. "It's time, Dr. O'Neill."

Cali smiled and nodded. "Okay, lead the way, Andy."

"Yes, Ma'am." He agreed and stepped out of the room.

Jack escorted his daughter out, Sam, Cassie and Maggie followed with Caleb. The rest of SG-6 were present in their Class A's, flanking the wedding party as they moved through the corridor to the elevator. Taking their escort duty very seriously.

Leaving the mountain, Colonel Reynolds was waiting in dress uniform. "General, the President and Mrs. Hayes have arrived, all guests are present," he gave Cali a smile. "And so is the groom."

"Thank you Al," she said carefully.

"I'll let them know you're on your way," he informed.

"We're not hurrying, Colonel," Jack ordered, lightly. "Daniel has waited this long, he can wait a little longer."

He chuckled. "Yes, Sir," he said and moved the headset mike into place. "All teams, Red leader and squad are on the way." He announced as they headed towards where the wedding was being held.

Sam chuckled behind her CO. "Finally got it, Sir."

"Oh yes," Jack smirked. "Being General has it advantages."

The walk was short, armed SF's were stationed along with Secret service agents all the way and around the secluded spot that had been chosen. The guest were standing, the President and First Lady among them, alien and human. Daniel stood at the front with Teal'c, Chris and Jon. The Air Force Minister, who had worked closely with the project since the early stagers had agreed to conduct the ceremony. He stood with Daniel and his groomsmen.

When the music started playing, a string quartet made up of SGC staff, which had come together especially this occasion. The guests parted and Maggie came first, then Cassie and Sam, Caleb walked behind them. They took their positions as the music changed again and Jack proudly escorted his daughter down the woodland aisle.

"Breath, Daniel Jackson." Teal'c advised in a whisper.

Daniel swallowed hard. "Trying to, Teal'c."

Reaching them, Jack kissed his daughter's cheek and put her hand in Daniel's, standing just behind them.

Father Mathews asked. "Who gives this woman to this man?"

"I do," Jack spoke up. "Her father."

He nodded, smiling. "Thank you, General."

Jack went and stood with Silvia, General Hammond, Jonas, Andrea and Kianna, who held Carly's hand in hers. The little girl had been excited to meet Thor, the Asgard had been happy to speak with her.

Father Mathews began. "To say this is a happy occasion is an understatement," he paused at the light chuckles. "I have had the pleasure of knowing both Cali and Daniel for sometime, we've debated many subjects together from religion to mythology. I feel honored to be chosen to join them together in marriage – again." He smiled as they all laughed lightly. "Daniel, will you face Cali."

Daniel turned and took Cali's hands in his. "You look beautiful," he whispered.

"And you are handsome," she said just as quietly.

Smiling, Father Mathews continued. "Daniel and Cali have proven that love does blind two souls together, they have fought side by side in the search for knowledge and allies. Along the way they lost not only their innocents, but also their outlook on life. Their love for each other though brought them back to those who needed them most - their family, the people who stand with them today." He paused for a moment before continuing. "Daniel, before your friends and family, do you take Cali to be your wife? To continue to love and protect her as her husband and father of her children?"

Daniel gave her hands a gentle squeeze, smiling warmly. "I do. Forever."

Father Mathews smiled and went on. "Cali, before your friends and family, do you take Daniel to be your husband? To continue to love and at times protect him, as his wife and mother of his children?"

Cali smiled happily. "I do. Forever and ever."

"May I have the rings?" The Father asked.

Teal'c gestured for Caleb, who hurried over to him, holding up the cushion. The Jaffa careful removed both rings from the cushion. "Thank you, Caleb Jackson." The little boy grinned and stood proudly at his side. Teal'c handed both rings to the Minister.

Father Mathews blessed both and then handed the smallest to Daniel to slip on the ring finger of Cali's left hand. He prompted. "I give this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion to you."

Daniel repeated the words as he put the ring on her finger.

Cali accepted the larger ring from the Minister and slipped it on Daniel's ring finger of his left hand. "I give this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion to you," she said without hesitation.

Father Mathews put his hands over theirs. "Now lets see if I get this right and I've been practicing." He switched languages. 'Bond by your love, and blessed by the God.' He said in Abydonian. 'From this day, you are man and wife.' He saw them both smile; knowing he'd said it right. "For those who don't know Abydonian. It is my great honor to pronounce Daniel and Cali, man and wife. Daniel, you may kiss your wife."

Daniel drew Cali into his arms and did just that, parting her lips, he kissed her passionately, feeling her melt against him, her body pressed against his. Their family and friends clapping happy for the couple, almost missing the gasp as Cali pulled back, putting her hand to her stomach, her eyes wide, everyone went silent.

Her slightly swollen belly was hidden beneath the lays of material that made up the skirt. "The baby moved," she said in awe.

Daniel breathed easily. "Can I feel?" She took his hand and placed it where hers had been and his eyes lit up as he felt his child move.

Jack sighed and turned to President Hayes. "That baby has her father's timing all ready."

President Hayes and the rest of the guests laughed and then moved forward to congratulate the happy couple.

Planet of the Rand Protectorate: Present time: A few days later.

Daniel stood, just barely by window, staring out; he wasn't seeing the scenery though. His thoughts drifted, from his wedding to Cali, to the conversation they'd had with Jack and the team after their meeting with the Caledonian Federation representatives two months ago. Things hadn't gone well at the meeting and they'd voiced this to Jack, who had been less then enthusiastic about getting further involved. As had Cali, she'd wanted to help, but she also stated she though their help would end up causing more trouble. He hadn't listened and convinced Jack to let him return. He thought he could make them understand what they were facing. Jack had said yes, as long as Cali remained behind. She'd reluctantly agreed and Daniel had too, also agreeing to return if things had gotten, as Jack put it 'squirrelly'. Squirrelly had been an under estimate of what it seemed happened. It was all a little fuzzy to him, but at least he knew his wife and unborn child were safe on Earth.

Leda entered carrying a tray of food and drink, seeing him standing by the window. She'd found the clothing he was now wearing, for him. "You shouldn't be standing."

He turned a little, his left arm still in the sling. "Oh don't let appearances fool you," he remarked leaning heavily on the dresser with his good arm. "I still feel terrible." He saw her set the tray on side table by the bed. "Leda, everything you've done for me, I w…"

She interrupted him. "Has been for my own sake as well as yours," she declared. "So much has happened. Caring for you has helped me continue on."

"Yeah, what has happened exactly?" He asked, a little confused. "I mean, Uh, I remember being in the bunker with Commander Gareth and then we were attacked, and the rest is a fog."

Leda tied the bed, pulling the sheet into place. "Jared is away searching for survivors," she informed. "He should be back in a few days." She finished and straightened facing him. "I think it would be best if he answered your questions."

"Jared Kane." Daniel realized who she was talking about. "Yeah, I remember him. He was in the bunker as well."

"My husband was chief aide to Commander Gareth."

He heard a lot in her voice. "Husband. Was?"

"He insisted I move here when the fighting reached the capital," she said, avoiding the questions. "He felt you would be safest in my care."

"Yeah. Look, no offense, but I've really got to get back to my own world, or at least contact them and let them know that I'm okay, so uh…"

"Trying to reach the Great Ring will be impossible." Leda said a little frightened by the thought. "Rebel patrols have been sighted in the area. Even to leave the estate grounds would be dangerous. Not to mention the fact that you are far from healed. You must rest, Daniel."

He knew she was hiding something. "Leda, what happened to Commander Gareth?"

She guided him back over to the bed and helped him to sit. "I don't know, Daniel, Jared didn't say."

Daniel knew she was lying, but let it drop. "I guess I'll wait until your husband returns."

"That would be best." She insisted and handed him a bowel of the stew she'd cooked. "You must eat, you need to regain your strength."

He took it and the spoon. "Thanks."

She sat near him on the bed. "You said your wife was pregnant?" She saw him look a little surprised. "You told me a few days ago."

"Oh, yeah, she'd be roughly around twenty weeks now," he played with the food with the spoon. Twenty weeks, which was close to the end of her pregnancy. He wanted to be home, to see his baby born.

"Daniel," she touched his arm lightly. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up."

"It's all right," he smiled halfheartedly.

She could see he didn't want to talk any more about it, so she didn't push for any more information.

SGC

Sam and Teal'c walked through the event horizon and down the ramp to the General, who was waiting at the base. Both had seen Cali standing at the briefing room window as they arrived.

"Give me some good news, Colonel." Jack almost demanded.

"I wish I could, Sir," she said as they stepped off the ramp, the Gate closing down behind them. "We met with Soren, leader of the rebels, but it was less constructive than we'd hoped."

"How much less?"

"We were only allowed to see him for 15 minutes." She revealed, not at all happy.

"After keeping us waiting for several hours." Teal'c added.

Jack noted the touch of sarcasm to the Jaffa's voice. "Well, important matters of state, no doubt," he added his own.

"He's managed to unite all the fundamentalist factions in the Rand Protectorate," Sam revealed, "which effectively puts him in control."

"He was most unwilling to allow us to search for Daniel Jackson." Teal'c declared dryly.

"Before he insisted we leave, he did promise he would look into the matter on our behalf," Sam said, distrust in her voice. "Whatever that means."

"Right. What about a UAV?" Jack inquired.

"He wouldn't give us access to the surface." She answered. "Plus he claims it would interfere with their own radio communications systems. I'm sorry, Sir, but at this point, we have no way of knowing if Daniel's still alive."

Jack didn't want to hear that, he looked up to his daughter. "She knows, Colonel," he stated and looked back. "And until she tells me differently. We're not going to give up."

Sam agreed. "No, Sir, we won't."

"All right, get going, I'll go and talk to Cali."

"Yes, Sir." Sam said and she left with Teal'c.

Jack went up to the briefing room and over to his daughter.

"They're not going to help us find him, are they?" She asked him.

"No, honey, they're not."

She rubbed her hand gently over her swollen stomach, she'd taken to wearing a larger size in her BDU trousers, they were more comfortable, the black t-shirt was one of Daniel's, she'd left her BDU shirt in her office. When she did wear it, it hid her little baby belly.

Jack moved closer and slipped his arm around her shoulders. "We'll get him back honey, I promise."

Cali lent against him. "I know, dad. He's alive out there, we just have to find him."

"We will," he assured her and himself. It had been nearly a month, but if she wasn't giving up hope, then neither was he.

Planet of the Rand Protectorate: Present time: Two weeks later:

Daniel sat at the two-way radio set up in the storage shed at the estate, listening to the chatter over the headphones. It had been six weeks since he'd become trapped, when Leda had told him off the radio, he'd insisted on coming out to try and contact the SGC. His injures had healed and just doing something helped keep his mind off the fact there was a possibility he might never get home. He tired the radio again, working the dials. "This is Daniel Jackson calling Stargate Command, come in please. This is Daniel Jackson calling Stargate Command, come in please." He repeated it several more times before stopping, listening to the unintelligible chatter coming through.

The door opened and Leda came in, going over to him, she was happy he was wearing the leather jacket she'd given him. "Any luck?"

"No," he removed the headphones, leaving them hanging around his neck. "Nothing yet." He answered wearily.

"You've been trying for days." She pointed out.

"Something seems to be jamming all the signals I picking up," Daniel revealed. "I mean, there's people out there, but nothing clear enough for me to respond to."

"But you think your friends will be able to hear you?"

"Uh, yeah, that's kind of a timing thing," he admitted. "You see if the Stargate's open they'll be able to pick up my signal. If your 'Gate isn't buried in the rubble or worse."

"Well, while you're waiting to be rescued, you could use some fresh air," she advised. "If you're up to it?"

Sighing, Daniel took off the headphones and got up, leaving with her. They walked away from the house down a tree-lined path. At first they didn't talk, for which Daniel was a little grateful, his thoughts were on home. He couldn't help that. But he didn't want to rub it into Leda's face either, she'd taken care of him, nursed him back to health. Which hadn't been easy, he wasn't a good patient; he knew that well enough.

On the way back though, they did talk about what was going on.

"How can you be sure that Soren and his followers aren't right?" Leda asked him. "How can you know for certain that the Gods they worship aren't…"

"Benevolent?" Daniel asked and saw her nod. "I've met more than a few of them. Trust me, they're the opposite. They're definitely not Gods."

"Then what are they?" She wanted to know, curious.

"Short form? They're a parasitical alien race that steals advanced technology and rules via fear and intimidation. Has a penchant for melodrama. Trust me, if Soren ever actually met one, he'd be singing a different turn." He revealed.

"But you said you've fought them and won." She stated.

"Yeah, we got lucky a few times, that's all," he played it down.

"There's hope, isn't there?" She asked. But saw the look in his eyes. "You think what happened was your fault, don't you?" She didn't give him time to answer. "From what you've told me, it was better that your people activated the Great Ring then the Goa'uld."

"You think so?" He wasn't. "'Cause right now, I'm not so sure."

"You couldn't of known what was going to happen," Leda reassured him. "When the fighting began, you could have gone back to your planet, but you chose to stay."

"Yeah," he said sadly.

"To try and help us."

"For all the good it did."

They arrived back; stopping Leda touched his arm gently. "Daniel… there has been distrust between our country and Caledonia for generations. It was only a matter of time before something set it off," she said with remorse. "We did this to ourselves and since you've come here, I've begun to think we may have a chance to undo it. To rebuild."

"I just hope there are others who feel the same way, Leda," he said.

"So do I, Daniel."

He escorted her back to the house and inside, realizing he'd left the radio on. Telling her he'd go and turn it off to conserve the power. As he left the house, he was grabbed and pushed against the wall, coming face to face with a loyalist solider, who held him at gunpoint. Being released he saw soldiers coming out of the woods, without his glasses, it took a moment for him to recognize who was leading them.

"Kane."

"Doctor Jackson." Jared greeted and ushered everyone inside the house.

Leda, having heard the commotion hurried to see what was going on. Receiving a lukewarm reception from her husband. She gave him and his men time to tidy up, making them soup, putting it into bowels, getting them bread as well. They came into the kitchen and sat down, even Daniel. She handed out the soup, putting a bowel in front of Daniel too.

Jared had removed his jacket, leaving hit hanging off the chair; he sat at the table wit Daniel. "We got as close to what was left of the capital as we could," he filled them in. "Soren has troops conducting full sweeps of the region, searching for survivors. Any suspected of remaining loyal to the old government are executed on the spot."

"Haven't enough people died?" Leda asked, handing another man a bowel of soup.

"I don't think that matter's to him. It's about continuing the chaos, not peace." Daniel explained it to her.

"You're right," Jared announced dryly. "The people are too afraid to fight back. Most of them have already given up hope. It's just a matter of time before they pledge their loyalty to Soren."

Daniel gave up moving his spoon around in the soup. "Kane, what the hell happened that night?" He asked him. "I remember being in the bunker and then waking up here."

"It was the end." Jared said bluntly and didn't say anymore.

After they'd eaten, he organized his men, getting his jacket on, he gestured for Daniel to follow. Daniel grabbed his jacket, pulling it on he did. As they walked, Jared filled him in on what happened that night, feeling it better if it wasn't said in front of Leda.

"It's possible the destruction could have been contained if Soren's forces hadn't gained control of one of our missile sites and launched a counter-attack on Caledonia." He noted. "After that it devolved into a full-scale war. Within a matter of days, all our cities were leveled. From what we can tell, only a fraction of our population survived, existing mainly in outlying areas. As for the Caledonians, I've heard rumors they're trying to rebuild what they can. It's won't be much. They may have struck first, but our missile systems were much more accurate than theirs."

"And Soren?" Daniel asked.

"He used the chaos to make his move on the bunker."

"Then how did you save me?"

"Actually, from what I understand, it was you who saved me," he corrected. "The Stargate had been moved to the bunker, I was ordered to get you back to it and back to your planet when Soren attacked. We had to fight our way out; I'd taken a round in the leg. You gave cover fire and pulled me to safety. I guided you out of the bunker. As soon as we got outside, we could see the damage done and the chaos the city was in. I heard a bomb incoming and yelled out a warning, diving for cover. You fell beside me, hit by the debris. Loyalist soldiers found us first and got us out of the city. Your wounds were much worse than mine. Bringing you here was the only option."

They stopped walking.

"What happened to Commander Gareth?" Daniel inquired.

"He was executed shortly after the bunker fell." Jared answered almost coldly. "Since he took power, Soren has set up a provisional government. Not that there's much of Rand left to govern. However, we do know he does control whatever's left of the bunker complex. Including the Stargate. I'm sorry, Doctor Jackson." He turned and walked back the way they'd come.

Daniel squeezed his eyes shut, and then opened them again. He wasn't going to give up. He was going to find away home.

SGC:

Jack looked at his watch once more, when he'd suggested meeting Soren, he hadn't expected to be kept waiting. That was usually what he did. The damn man was playing him at his own game. At lease he'd managed to convince Cali to take the day off, the last thing he wanted was her upset over this guy.

Finally Soren and his two associates came through the open Stargate.

"Howdy fellas," Jack greeted, and glanced at his watch, they'd cut it close. "Welcome to Earth."

They walked down the ramp to them as the Gate closed down. "General O'Neill, it is an honor," Soren said formally. "I greet you in the name of our great nation, Avidan."

Sam was surprised. "You changed the name?"

"Avidan speaks more to our people's beliefs."

"It is from an ancient Goa'uld dialect," Teal'c translated. "It's means 'the Gods are just'."

Soren and his associates put their hands over their hearts and bowed to Teal'c.

Jack tried hard not to wince. "Good choice." He said forcing a smile. "Shall we," he said gesturing for them to follow.

They did and they showed them to the briefing room, SF's having been positioned.

"It is obvious you revere the Great Ring as much as we do, General O'Neill," Soren praized.

"Oh yeah, we love the old gal," Jack said sarcastically, adding. "Quiet possibly for different reasons than you."

Sam and Teal'c sat down across from Soren's associates, both Jack and Soren remained standing.

"We both seek to defend our people's way of life," Soren stated. "Do we not, General. To protect their very existence?"

"You do not represent the people of your world," Teal'c said dryly. "You merely kill those who believe differently and would stand against you."

"You speak what is on your mind. I admire that," the rebel leader declared.

"Actually, in your case. He's holding back," Jack informed and looked to Sam. "Carter?"

"Commander Soren, we're prepared to officer you aid in exchange for help in locating Daniel Jackson. Food and medical supplies, plus support personnel to help you stabilize the situation on your planet."

Soren was incredulous with his expression of amazement. "You cannot truly believe that your friend is still alive?"

Jack had taken his seat. "Oh, he's a resourceful fella," he retorted, hiding his distaste for the man.

"Your offer is most generous, but I'm afraid we must decline." Soren informed, ignoring the General attitude. "We hare however, particularly interested in your weapons technology."

"Your people are facing starvation and disease." Teal'c pointed out disgusted with the leader.

"What has happened to our world is most unfortunate and yet vital." Soren stated calmly. "Those who refuse to believe needed to be purged from existence so that we could begin anew."

"You know, in these parts, we like to call that, 'crimes against humanity'." Jack declared.

"If all you care about is spiritual salvation, what do you need the weapons for?" Sam inquired. Silently thankful her friend wasn't there to see this.

"The revolution is not yet complete." Soren answered her.

"You mean you wanna take over Caledonia too."

"As I said," he remarked slyly, "the revolution is not yet complete."

Planet of the Rand Protectorate: Present time

Daniel had been thinking over everything Jared had told him nearly all-night, it played on his mind and finally he got a chance to talk to the man again, who clarified a few facts for him.

"So you're saying that Soren is still using the bunker as a command center." Daniel stated.

"Damage in the city is too severe."

"Then he still hasn't totally consolidated his power yet, has he?" Daniel asked and made his point. "I'm saying that if we could somehow retake the bunker, we would effectively overthrow Soren."

"The bunker's heavily fortified, and I have only a dozen men under my command." Jared said without conviction. "It would be suicide."

"No, not if we had help," the archaeologist said with enthusiasm. "See, if I could reach my friends on Earth, we could regain control of the Gate."

"If you could reach them. I know that you've been trying to make radio contact with your planet since your regained consciousness," Jared revealed. "Without success. I understand your wish to return to your world, but it simply isn't possible."

"This isn't about that," Daniel said angrily. "My people can help you."

"Like you helped us before?" He snarled. "I admire your passion Doctor Jackson, but too much has happened to fix with one heroic action. We have to accept the fact that Soren has won. Rand belongs to him now."

Daniel couldn't believe this, he watched the man go to leave. He turned away, hugging his arms across his chest, willing the empty feeling in his gut to leave. He was going to get home. Pulling himself together he walked out of the parlor and the house, forgoing his jacket. He needed to clear his head, so he walked; he had to convince Jared to help him, he couldn't do it alone.

Finally he decided to go about it another way, finding Leda handing laundry on the line to dry. He walked over to her.

"Leda, you have to talk to your husband."

"What am I suppose to say to him?" She asked wearily.

"Um, that's it's not too late to regain control, to rebuild your country," he suggested. "Everything you told me before."

"Daniel, I can't."

"Why?"

"Because I'd be lying. Jared is right. Those of use who were unlucky enough to live through what's happened will die soon enough, either through disease or one of Soren's purges. There is no future."

Daniel couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Leda, you were right. There is hope. Don't doubt that, please."

She signed. "You believe your people can help us?"

"Yes?"

"And what if you do overthrow Soren, what then?" She demanded. "You simply leave?" She paused knowing she'd spoken out of place, he was a married man, she knew he loved his wife. "When Jared became part of Commander Gareth's inner circle, he changed: became remote, distant. I'd forgotten what it was like just to talk to someone. To feel."

"Leda…" he wanted to know he felt thankful for her help, but…

She already knew. "I'll speak to him, Daniel, but he won't hear me," she told him sadly. She picked up the empty basket.

Daniel stopped her from leaving by holding on to it. "You've been a wonderful friend and I owe you so much, and my people can help you, but I have to get back to them."

"And to Cali?"

"Yes. I love my family and I hate to think what this is doing to them," he said sincerely. "Cali is now twenty-two weeks pregnant. She's not human, Leda, she's Abydonian/Ancient, that means her pregnancy is only going to last 28 to 30 weeks." He paused, releasing the basket. "I know I'm being selfish, but I want to see my baby born."

"You're not being selfish," she said, her heart ached, she wished she knew the love he felt. "I'll do what I can."

"Thank you."

She nodded and walked away, heading back to the house.

SGC:

Jack stormed into his office with Sam and Teal'c following. "Waste of time," he muttered angrily, going behind his desk. "Waste."

"Sir, I think the fact he hasn't left yet could mean that he's still willing to deal." Sam suggested.

Teal'c took a seat opposite the General, seeing him gesture for him to sit down after he'd done it. "He has no need for humanitarian aid. The chaos in his country has only served to strengthen his position."

"Well, we can't just give up," Sam declared.

"Yes, I know that," Jack snapped aggravated.

She didn't back down, but she did wince. "We're continuing to monitor countless radio signals coming from the planet. One of them could be from Daniel. If we can find away to contact him…"

Jack scrubbed his hands over his face and snapped again. "Find it!"

This time, Sam did back down. "Yes, Sir," she said subdued.

Teal'c glanced worriedly at his friend, but stood and went with the Colonel.

Jack sighed frustrated. He didn't mean to snap at Carter, he just felt so useless.

Planet of the Rand Protectorate: Evening

"I'm telling you Leda, it's madness," Jared snapped at his wife, he couldn't believe this. "All it will accomplish is to wipe out any chance we have to mount a unified resistance in the future."

"But what if he's right?" She asked him anxiously. "What if this is our best opportunity to defeat Soren?"

"You would have me throw away my life and the lives of my men, so that Daniel can return to his world?" He asked her upset and shocked by it.

"It's not about that. It's about rebuilding our world," she defended. "His friends can help us do that, Jared. Our people need this."

"You mean, he needs this," now he understood what this was about. "I'm not blind, Leda. I know that you and Daniel have grown close during his convalescence."

"Jared, it's not what you think, he's a married man," she tired to explain.

He didn't want to hear it. "Let me speak." He insisted. "If I could live the last few years differently, Leda, I would have. I would make the time. But we no longer have the luxury for regrets." He paused. "I need to know, do you love him?" He saw the pain in her eyes. "Leda?"

"I trust him." She answered. "And I trust the fact he loves his wife and he wants to get home to her." She could see she wasn't getting through to him. "She's pregnant, Jared."

"Pregnant?" He was shocked.

"Yes," she took his hand. "If it were you who was trapped on his planet and I was here, pregnant, wouldn't you do everything in your power to get home to me and our child." Slowly he nodded. "Then you aren't very different, because he is doing everything in his power." She released his hand. "Think about it, Jared, please?" She asked and left the room.

He sat there, staring out the widow, for how long he didn't know. Finally he got up and went outside to the storage shed where the radio was being kept, he went in, the room was badly lit. But Daniel was there trying to contact his planet. "I'm sorry for disturbing you."

"It's all right." He removed the headphones.

"Leda told me your wife is Pregnant."

Daniel nodded, wondering where this was going. "That's right."

"How far along?"

"Twenty-two weeks," Daniel revealed. "You met her – Doctor Cali O'Neill, she was with us when we first arrived."

He was surprised. "She didn't look pregnant."

That made Daniel smile. "Her vest hid a lot, so did the lose clothing. It was because she was pregnant she wasn't allowed to return with me, if she had off, she could have lost the baby when we were caught in the attack," his voice became hunted. "And to be honest, I don't want to experience that again."

"Again?"

He nodded. "Cali lost a baby due to being hit by a staff blast in the stomach after an attack by enemy Jaffa."

"I'm sorry." Jared told him and he was. "Keep trying to contact your friends."

"Thank you."

He nodded.

SGC:

Jack had, had enough of Soren; the man didn't want to listen to reason. So they'd find another way to get Daniel home. Even if it meant calling in every marker he had, he'd do it.

He was getting up to see the rebel's off when Cali came into his office. "Hey, honey, I thought you were staying away?"

She forced a smile. "I tried. I even went and saw Colonel Mitchell at the hospitable, but in the end I came back here and did some work," she announced. "How did the meeting with Soren go?"

"Not well, I was just going to see him off," he gestured for her to follow him. They left his office and headed down to the control room. Sam and Teal'c were there with Sergeant Harriman. "Dial the Gate, Walter, Soren and his merry men are leaving."

"Yes, Sir," he agreed.

"And keep trying to contact Daniel as soon as the Gate opens."

"Yes, Sir," he acknowledged as he carried out the order.

Jack kissed the top of his daughter's head. "Sit down, T and I will handle this."

She nodded and sat next to Walter Harriman.

Teal'c went with Jack down to the Gate room, the Stargate whooshed opened as they arrived and they stood near the base of the ramp and waited. Soren and his followers were eventually escorted in by SF's, they walked up the ramp and through the 'Gate without a word. The Gate remained open.

"That's went well," Jack said sarcastically.

"Indeed." Teal'c remarked.

"Sir, you'd better get up here." Sam told him from the control room.

They hurried back to the control room. "What?" Jack asked.

"Well, by implementing new spread-spectrum frequency hopping into our communications software…."

He waves his hands, cutting her off. "Carter, Carter, Carter!"

Daniel's voice came over the radio. "Hellooo. Guys!"

Sam grinned, seeing the tears in Cali's eyes. "We found him."

"Sweet!" He spoke into the microphone. "Daniel?"

"Jack? Nice to hear your voice."

"Likewise. You comin' home, or what, there's someone here who needs you."

"Trying to. As soon as I find my kel'tesh."

"What?"

"Uhh, looks a lot like my rin'kal'noc," he continued. "You know I like it between the, for the gel'kral'kree'nor day."

Jack looked confused to his people. "He's changed."

"He's speaking Goa'uld, dad," Cali remarked excitedly, she had a headset on and moved the microphone in front of her mouth. She spoke to Daniel in Abydonian.

"Rin'kal'noc means strategy." Teal'c explained to the General. "Kel'tesh speaks of a well-known Jaffa battle tactic. A flanking attack from two sides."

Cali heard her husband's reply and Teal'c's explanation, moving the microphone from the headset away; she turned with her chair. "Daniel is purposing an attack on Soren's forces."

Jack got the idea and spoke into the microphone. "Yes, Daniel, I remember exactly where I put your kel'tesh. Any other thoughts?"

"No, just that I hope you've all been looking after my family while I've been away." He answered. "I'll contact you again in seven hours. Zen ki angu, my Cali. Daniel Jackson out."

The signal stopped and the Gate closed down.

Cali removed the headset and stood, her dad drew her into his arms. "We found him kiddo," he whispered.

"I know dad, now we just have to get him home."

"We will," he assured. "Go and piece it all together."

She nodded and went with her team to her office, where they translated Daniel's coded message and the message he'd given her in Abydonian. Two hours later they were in the briefing room with the General.

Sam handed him a folder marked Top Secret and sat with Cali and Teal'c. "We've pieced together all the Goa'uld words Daniel gave us and with Teal'c and Cali's translations and the message he gave her in Abydonian. He's suggesting a strategy to retake the bunker."

"He's proposing a coordinated attack against Soren." Teal'c stated.

"He was hidden at an estate owned by Jared Kane's wife. Kane and a few men are with him there now." Cali added. "They're prepared to help."

"We come through the Gate at the same time as Daniel and Kane's men enter from the surface," Sam strategized. "I'm thinking we take SG's 3,6 and 12 as back-up. We go in hot, secure the Gate, then extract Daniel."

"He has supplied an estimate of the strength of Soren's forces, as well as a possible date and time for the assault." Teal'c added.

"Our next communication is in five hours," Cali informed.

"All we need to do is confirm everything, and of course get a 'go' from you, Sir." Sam stated.

"All right, well, not to nitpick or anything here, but, T, are you and Cali sure you got it right?" Jack asked.

"We're certain, O'Neill." The Jaffa assured.

"Okay. Go."

"Thank you, Sir." Sam acknowledged and they stood.

Jack gestured for his daughter to sit back down. "You're not going, Cal."

"Why?" She asked, returning to her seat, Sam and Teal'c didn't leave.

"Well for obvious reasons, you're pregnant, and I don't want to risk you being hit by enemy fire." Jack answered her.

"The General's right, Cali," Sam said sincerely. "We'll bring Daniel home."

"You have my word," Teal'c added.

She saw she wasn't going to fight them on this one. "All right."

"Good girl," Jack said, relieved. "You can be in on the planning of it all and in the control room when it goes down."

"Thanks dad," she stood and went with Sam and Teal'c.

Jack lent back in his chair and sighed. He knew there would be times like this, but he wasn't prepared for it. Not one bit.

Planet of the Rand Protectorate: Morning

Kane paced the parlor off from the kitchen, they'd been up half the night planning, and now morning they were still discussing it. "Fifteen men? That's hardly enough."

"Look, these are some of the best people on my planet," Daniel defended. "And they're trained fro mission exactly like this. It'll be enough… trust me. But if we're going to do this, we have to set up now. They're waiting for your response."

Leda rushed in clearly frightened. "Jared, a rebel patrol is approaching," she revealed. "Hide in the cellar."

He was torn. "Leda…"

"I know what to do," she assured.

Grabbing his jacket he went with Daniel and his men, rushing down the stairs into the cellar beneath the kitchen. Once the door in the floor was shut, Leda pushed the cabinet back into place, coving it.

Outside a Rebel soldier called out. "In the name of Soren, open the door!"

She hesitated, and walked slowly towards the door, it opened forcefully and the Rebel soldiers stormed in.

"Inspection. Stand aside," the obvious leader announced.

"Please, just tell me what you're looking for?" Leda said, as frightened as she was, she didn't stop them.

"Who owns this house?" The Rebel leader demanded.

"I do."

"And who else lives here?"

"No one!" She cried out as he grabbed her wrist and forced her onto her knees. She felt her heart pound in fear, not bothering to hide it. "You're hurting me!"

"We know loyalist soldiers are in the area," he snarled. "Collaboration is punishable by death." He glared at his men. "Search the house!"

His men hurried to do what they were told, a few minutes later, returning. "There's no one else here, but we found some men's clothes and boots," one reported.

"Now who else lives here?" The leader demanded, tightening his grip on Leda's wrist.

She didn't stop the tears. "My husband did," she lied. "He died last month from wounds suffered during the bombings. Please," she begged. "I only wish to lead a simple life as it is written in the ancient texts."

The Rebel leader released her roughly. "There's nothing here," he snarled to his men. "Let's move." He ordered and they left as quickly as they'd come.

Shakily, Leda got to her feet, she took a moment to compose herself and make sure they were gone before moving the cabinet and opening the door to the cellar. "They're gone."

Jared and Daniel were first out, followed by Kane's men, who were sent to make sure the Rebels were gone.

"Are you all right?" Jared asked his wife.

She nodded. "Yes."

He turned to Daniel. "We need to contact your people."

Daniel nodded, giving Leda a sympathetic smile, followed her husband out of the kitchen.

Four hours later they were ready to leave, Jared briefed his men. "Once we're close enough, we'll use the city's tunnel systems to get us near one of the bunker's access points. After we're inside, we'll wait for Doctor Jackson's people to make their move, then we'll make ours. Understood?" His men acknowledged him. He walked over to where Daniel was waiting, he'd been relieved to find out the archaeologist had been able to use the weapon given to him. "Let's hope your friends keep their end of the bargain." He said bluntly and then went over to his wife. He hated seeing her crying, he reached out and took her hand, giving her a warm smile before turning and going back to his men.

Daniel walked over to her; he didn't like her crying either. She'd become a friend. "If this works…"

"You'll be going home to your wife and family," she said interrupting him.

"Leda, I…"

She interrupted him again. "No." She smiled warmly, his friendship had meant a lot to her, but it was time for him to return to his world and his family. "Go."

He understood, smiling he nodded and hurried to catch up with Jared and his men, who were already leaving.

SGC:

General Jack O'Neill stood behind his daughter, who sat next to Sergeant Harriman. In the Gate room, Sam and Teal'c were ready to lead SG-3, 6 and 12 through the open Stargate to extract Daniel Jackson. Leaning over Cali's shoulder, Jack activated the microphone. "SG's 1, 3, 6 and 12, you have a go." He saw Sam and Teal'c look back. "Bring him home, Colonel." He saw them both nod, as he straightened, he knew every team member down there was going to just that. He put his hand on his daughters shoulder as Sam and Teal'c hurried up to the event horizon and pulled the pins on two smoke grenades and throw them through. Waiting a few seconds they lead the teams through, weapons ready. Moments after they were gone, the Gate closed down. Now they had to wait.

He gave Cali's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Come on, kiddo, we'll wait in the briefing room."

She hesitated. Even Sergeant Harriman saw it. "I'll keep you informed, Dr. O'Neill."

She gave him a smile. "Thank you, Walter," she stood and went with her father to the briefing room.

Jack was worried about her. "How are, you. Truthfully, Cali?" He asked her.

"I'm fine, dad," she reassured, sitting down, she lent back in her chair, rubbing her belly gently. "Your granddaughter is a little restless though, I think she knows her daddy is coming home."

"Yeah," he pulled out a chair and sat next to her. "May, I?" He reached out a hand, but didn't touch until she nodded, putting his hand where she directed. Feeling the tiny kicks under his palm, grinning. "Wow."

Cali smiled. "Why don't you talk to her, she might settle down hearing your voice?"

"She can hear me?"

"She can," she mused. "And I hope she is a she, or he might end up with a complex."

Jack chuckled. "Nar, it's a girl, Grandpa's instinct's."

Cali found that amusing. "Daniel says it's father's instinct's."

"Well, I'm a dad, too, so I guess he's right," he supposed and felt another kick under his palm. Addressing his unborn granddaughter. "Hey, take it easy on your mom, kiddo, or you're going to have her black and blue and believe me when I say your mom knows black and blue well. Not to mention yellow, purple and a multiple of other colors bruises end up." He said lightly. "You're dad is the same, you'll find that out as you get to know them both." He looked up, seeing Cali had closed her eyes, he turned their chairs a little and lifted her legs so they draped over his lap, seeing she was watching. "May as well be comfortable."

"Thanks, dad," she said and then closed her eyes, slowly drifting off as he talked softly to his unborn granddaughter.

Jack stopped feeling foolish after a few minutes, he just chatted away, about everything and anything, it passed the time and in a way it made him feel better. Sensing someone else was in the room, he looked up and saw Dr. Tray Williams, the base Psychologist standing near the head of the table. "Hey doc."

Tray Williams was roughly six foot, a Navy Captain, recommended by Andrea Gibson-Quinn, whose idea it was for him to be brought into the program. "General," he greeted, a touch of amusement in his blue/gray eyes. "I thought I'd check on Cali?"

Jack gestured for him to sit and the man did. "She's been out for half an hour, I don't think she's slept much since Daniel's been missing." He said quietly.

"I agree," the psychologist declared. "We've had some interesting sessions, she's fighting me on a lot of things, but I understand why."

"She's stubborn, like her dad," Jack mused.

"That I can agree with, General," Tray said lightly. He'd had sessions with O'Neill when he'd been the leader of SG-1 and since. "How are you holding you, Sir?"

"Being strong for her, and the rest of the family is keeping me going," the General said softly. "I know he's coming home."

"There was never any doubt, Sir."

"No, doc, there wasn't." Jack agreed and felt Cali flinch and wake as the klaxon sent off; singling the Gate was being activated. It was more though, she knew Daniel was coming home.

Getting to their feet the three of them hurried to the control room, the Stargate whooshed opened behind the iris.

"Receiving SG-1's IDC, sir." Harriman announced. "Opening iris." He said as he did it.

Cali looked to her dad, and then hurried out, going down to the Gate room, rushing in she stood at the base of the ramp, watching the puddle. Finally it rippled and they came through, Daniel with them, he saw her, grinning he thrust his weapon into Teal'c's hands and rushed down the ramp, stepping off it, taking Cali in his arms, swinging her around as she giggled. Settling her back on her feet, he kissed her passionately.

When the last man was through, the Gate closed down; they ignored the couple, leaving the Gate room, grinning, only Sam and Teal'c remained. Neither was letting Daniel out of their sight.

Jack came into the Gate room, as they couple parted. "Welcome home, Daniel."

He turned. "Thanks, Jack."

"About time," he groused and his friend snorted. "So, any injuries we should be worried about?"

"Nope, all healed." Daniel informed.

"Well I want Dr. Brightman to give you the once over anyway," Jack insisted. "So," he glanced to Sam. "Colonel, Teal'c, escort Dr. Jackson and Dr. O'Neill to the infirmary."

"Yes, Sir," Sam agreed happily.

Daniel rolled his eyes, he turned and took the weapon he'd been using off Teal'c and gave it to Jack. "A present from the Rand Protectorate."

Jack was impressed. "Nice, but you didn't have too."

"And what, have you bellyache at me about not bringing you anything. Not likely," Daniel remarked sarcastically and walked out with his team.

Jack merely laughed. God it was good to have Daniel home.

That night, Daniel lay on his side, his wife spooned up against him, their legs entangled, his hand on her belly, gentle caressing, having pushed her night shirt out of the way. He felt a kick under his hand and smiled, whispering. "Go to sleep little one, mommy is trying to sleep."

Cali smiled and put her hand over his, their fingers intertwined. "She's just trying to comfortable."

He nuzzled her neck. "So you agree she's a she?"

"Mm, even dad says so."

"Really?"

"Dr. Brightman said she could tell us when we have the next scan."

"Do you want to know?"

Cali opened her eyes. "I already know, Daniel," she said softly.

He chuckled, of course she did. "Go to sleep, my wife."

"A good idea, my husband."

"Yes, it is," he agreed and settled back. "I love you, Cali."

"I love you, Daniel."

Several Weeks later:

Daniel stood patiently next to Sam in the briefing room, waiting for their guest to arrive – that guest being Alec Colson, who was determined to expose the program and put the world in a major panic. They were going to let him on the big secret and hopefully changed his mind. And after the last several weeks, doing this was a good change of pace. Not that it had been boring; being stuck in a computer game with Teal'c had the adrenalin pumping for Daniel, being killing and having to restart all over again within the game had gotten old real quick, but he and Teal'c had done it, completed the game and gotten out alive. Of course things didn't settle down for Teal'c, he'd gotten his own apartment, but things hadn't worked out. The trust had stuck their noses into and made things worse. Getting kidnapped had made everyone realize there was a serious problem, but Daniel had known he and Teal'c neighbor would be rescued and they had been, after the trust had disappeared. Even so, they'd survived, Teal'c had been forced to live within the mountain again and on the bright side, Sam had gotten engaged to Pete.

"How's Cali?" Sam inquired, breaking into his thoughts, making conversation.

"She's good, a little uncomfortable. Dr. Brightman thinks it could be any day know," he revealed with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "How's Pete?"

"Good," she nodded, comfortable with the question. She'd taken two weeks to make her decision, but in the end she'd said yes to Pete's marriage proposal. "So, have you thought about names for the baby?"

"Um yeah," he realized she'd skillfully changed the subject. "Mia Catherine."

"That's nice," Sam said with a smile, but asked. "What if it's a boy?"

"Then we could be in trouble," he mused.

She chuckled. "Well, according to the betting pool Sergeant Siler is running, you've got nothing to worry about."

"Siler has a betting pool running on whether the baby is a boy or a girl?"

"Oh yeah, the General is on it."

"For how much?" Daniel smirked and they both laughed.

"He's got twenty on it being a girl." Sam said grinning.

"It's a good bet."

"Daniel!" She chastised, happy she'd bet it on it being a girl too.

They got control of themselves as Thor materialized in the room with Alec Colson, who looked bewildered.

Alec uncrossed his arms and glanced around, one minute he'd been in his office and now. "Okay. What just happened?"

Sam and Daniel walked over to them, Daniel giving the explanation. "Well, in laymen's terms, we beamed you up and then down again."

Alec tried to come to terms with that. "Where am I?"

"Cheyenne Mountain Complex, Colorado," Sam told him. "You know Daniel, of course."

Alec shook the archaeologist's hand. "Yeah, hi."

Sam gestured to the Asgard, just behind him. "And this is Thor."

Thor glanced up a little. "Greetings."

"Ah, so this is a real one," Alec declared excitedly, facing the little alien.

"Yep."

"What happened to the clone?"

"It will be come a host to an Asgard consciousness whose physical body is failing." Thor answered him.

"Okay." Alec said stunned.

"Now, I must take my leave," the Asgard announced. "General O'Neill said he will see you all tomorrow. And Doctor Jackson, he said to remind Dr. O'Neill she was not to go into labor until he returns."

"I'll pass a long the message, Thor," Daniel said amused.

Thos nodded and transported away.

"Huh… what?" Alec was a little speechless.

"I want to show you something," Sam told him and walked and opened the blast doors covering the window, the rose up and revealed the Stargate. "We call it a Stargate," she told him as he joined her.

Daniel stood behind them, the Stargate was an amazing sight the first time anyone saw it. He felt his sensors tingle and glanced over his shoulder to see his wife enter the room, joining them.

"It's not what you expected, is it Mr. Colson?" She asked. He and Sam turned. She smiled and held out her hand. "Dr. Cali O'Neill-Jackson."

He shook her hand. "I read the paper you published in college, on the theory of cross-polarization of languages, it was insightful."

"Thank you." She smiled, even though she felt uncomfortable. "It's not bad for an alien perspective on things."

That shocked him even more. "I beg your pardon?"

"My wife isn't from Earth, Mr. Colson," Daniel informed with a little smugness. "She's from a planet called Abydos."

He stared at her. "Your, your, not human?"

"No, I'm Abydonian," she said calmly, trying to ignore her aching back.

"Not all aliens look like, Thor, Alec," Sam assured him. "Most are as human as you and I." She gestured for him to sit down. "Lets us explain."

Taking their seat, Daniel and Cali gave a brief history of the Stargate's discovery and how they all became involved and what they did.

Alec sat there taking it all in, he'd been right about everything. "This is incredible."

"Incredible as it may seem, Mr. Colson, it is very real," Daniel said bluntly, out of the corner of his eye he noticed his wife rubbing her swollen belly. "And the dangers we've faced have been very real."

"But the discoveries you're making could benefit all of mankind."

Cali shifted uncomfortable in her chair, the painful twinges she'd been experiencing were getting stronger. "Mankind isn't ready for what we know, Mr. Colson. And if the Joint Chief's and the President said tomorrow the Stargate Program was going to be revealed to the world. Then Daniel and I would take our family and leave Earth forever, because in reality Earth and its people are far too young for the wonders and the dangers the universe can bring."

"And they wouldn't be the only ones," Sam declared seriously.

"So how are you going to convince me?" Alec asked her.

"I'm going to take you through the Stargate."

His excitement had a touch of nervousness to it. "I'll have to contact my office and let them know I'm all right, but I'm game."

"I'll show you to the VIP quarters and then make the arrangements." Sam told him and stood.

He got up and followed her out.

Daniel turned with his seat to his wife; she was rubbing her stomach again, throughout the meeting he'd been watching her closely. "What's wrong?"

She winced again. "We need to go to the infirmary, my water just broke."

"Now?" She nodded and grabbed his hand at the pain that stuck hard and fast. Daniel held back his panic. "Breath, honey, don't fight it, breath slowly," he advised, seeing she was. "That's it." He waited until she relaxed. Hearing footsteps, he saw Teal'c coming up the stairs. "Teal'c!"

The Jaffa heard the urgency in his friends voice and hurried his pace. "What is wrong, Daniel Jackson?"

"The baby's coming."

Teal'c hurried to Cali's side and helped Daniel get her to her feet. "Let us proceed to the infirmary, Cali O'Neill."

"Oh yeah, good idea," she muttered, gripping his hand. Before they reached the elevator, she cried out, doubling over in pain.

Teal'c swung her up into his arms. "Daniel Jackson the elevator."

Daniel ran ahead, he had the elevator doors opened, so they just stepped inside, he chose leave 21 and turned to his wife, who lay in the Jaffa's arms as the doors closed and the elevator moved. "Hang on, Cal."

She nodded and gripped his hand when he offered it. "Hurts."

"I know," he choked back his fear. "It'll be all right." He assured, but winced as she cried out again, Teal'c keeping a firm hold on her. The elevator stopped and the doors opened, they hurried out. An orderly spotted them. "Get Doctor Brightman!" Daniel yelled to him and he dashed off and they continued.

Sarah Brightman saw them enter the medical ward, having been alerted. "Over here, Teal'c," she and her nurses were ready. The Jaffa laid his friend on the bed and stepped out of the way, but stayed close by. The doctor didn't shoo Daniel away, she had a feeling she was going to need him close by. She concentrated on her patient. "Cali, you have to slow your breathing down for me," the young woman tired, then cried out in agony again. "Okay, honey, hang on," she turned to one of the nurses. "Lets get her out of these clothes and into a gown, I want to see how far dilated she is and someone get Daniel scrubs."

The orders were carried out with hast, a curtain being pulled around the area, a nurse grabbing Daniel and ushering him away. He didn't have time to think, he changed into the scrubs given to him and was ushered back to the ward and to his wife. Cali had been changed into a gown, an IV inserted. Brightman, who had already been in scrubs, had pulled on gloves.

She looked up from the foot of the bed. "We're moving fast, Daniel, this baby is coming whether we're ready or not, I've an incubator being set up. Stay with Cali."

He nodded; a nurse was with his wife at the top of the bed. She slid out from behind Cali. "Here you go, Dr. Jackson, you can take over."

He took her place, sitting behind his wife, wrapping his arms around her; he held her hands, being careful of the IV. "I'm here, Cali."

"About time," she gripped lightly, then cried out, squeeze his hands, breathing throw the pain.

"That's it, Cali, nice even breaths," Brightman told her and glanced up seeing Daniel's face. "You too, Daniel, I don't need you passing out on me."

He released the breath he'd been holding, not even realizing what he'd been doing and forced himself to breath normally. "Sorry."

Cali chuckled as the pain eased for the moment. "We don't seem to do anything easily."

"Nope," he agreed. "But it's not boring."

"Boring would be something," Brightman agreed, then informed. "You're fully dilated, Cali. Like I said, we're moving fast. On the next contraction, I want you to push."

Cali nodded, then when the contraction hit, she pushed, only vaguely hearing Daniel's encouragement. She focused on doing what the doctor told her, focused on the life that wanted out of her body.

"That's it, Cali, the head's out," the doctor informed. "We need to get the shoulders out now and then the rest will be easy."

"Come on, Cali, you're doing great," Daniel encouraged.

"Easy for you to say," she said through gritted teeth, but pushed on the next contraction and the next, feeling the small infant slip from her body.

"It's a girl," Brightman announced happily. She held the infant while a nurse cleared the baby's airways, the baby gave a cry when it was done and they all smiled. The cord was cut, and clamped and the newborn wrapped in a blanket before being laid in her mother's arms. "There you go."

Cali felt tears sting her eyes. "Thank you, Sarah."

"Honey, you did all the work," the doctor told her, smiling at the happy parents.

Daniel kissed the top of his wife's head. "She's beautiful, Cali, just like her mom."

Outside in the waiting area, Teal'c paced back and forth, Sam chuckled to herself. They weren't the only ones there though, Colonel Reynolds, Lt. Colonel Shanks, and both their teams were too. Silvia had arrived with Caleb, Chris and Cassie. Jon and Maggie not long after. Sergeant Harriman had rang General O'Neill, who along with the President was waiting for news.

Dr. Brightman finally came out, seeing the Jaffa stop pacing, and those who were sitting stood, all were waiting for news though. She smiled. "Mother and daughter are fine," she reported. "And so is dad." She chuckled at the backslapping and cheerfulness that erupted.

Caleb went over to the doctor. "Doctor Brightman?"

"Yes, Caleb?"

"Can I see mommy?"

She smiled. "Well, mommy is having a shower at the moment and so is your sister, can you wait a few minutes. We'll get them both settled in a room and then I'll come and get you."

"Okay," he agreed and then gave her a quick hug, his head just reaching her waist. "Thank you, Doctor Brightman."

She smiled and hugged him back. "You're welcome, honey."

"Um, doc?" Sergeant Harriman had arrived, hearing the news. "What did the baby weigh?"

"She was five pound ten."

"That's small isn't it doc?" Reynolds asked concerned.

"It is a little, but the baby is health and there weren't any complications, the birth was quick by normal standards," she shrugged a little. "But then again, the whole pregnancy wasn't normal."

"I'll let the General know, Ma'am." Harriman announced and hurried out.

Dr. Brightman patted Caleb on the head and went back into the medical ward.

The little boy went over to his brother. "Do you think we'll get to see mommy soon?"

Chris smiled and tugged his little brother into his arms. "I think so."

A few minutes later a nurse came out and told them they could visit as long as they were quiet and showed them to one of the private rooms.

Daniel was seated on the bed with Cali; back in his BDU's, their daughter snug in her mother's arms. One of the nurses had gone to their quarters and got what Cali had needed, so she felt more comfortable.

"Not too long," the nurse warned and then left.

Daniel gestured Caleb closer and lifted him up onto his lap so he could see his sister. "This is Mia, Caleb."

He reached out and gently touched her cheek. "She's tiny."

"Yes, she is," Cali, agreed.

"She's beautiful, Cali," Sam gushed.

"Thanks, Sam."

"Are you, okay, doc?" Colonel Shanks asked her.

She smiled. "I'm fine, a little tired and a little sore. But I'm good."

"If you need anything, just ask."

"That goes for all of us, doc." Reynolds insisted. "You guys have just got to ask."

"Thank you." Daniel told them. "We appreciate that."

"We'd better go," the leader of SG-3 announced. "Congratulations, Daniel, Cali."

"Thanks guys," Cali said smiling.

They all gave their well wishes and hurried out, leaving only SG-1 and family present.

"Sergeant Harriman is contacting General O'Neill." Sam informed. "He and the President were waiting for news."

"I'm sure your dad will get here as soon as he can, Cali," Silvia assured her.

"I know," she smiled wearily, and saw Teal'c was standing back. "Teal'c?"

He came forward. "Yes, Cali O'Neill."

"Would you like to hold your god daughter?"

"I would be honored," he said and stepped closer to the bed, he gently cradled the newborn close when she was placed in his arms. His features softened, as did his voice. "Welcome, Mia Jackson." Bright blue eyes looked up at him and a little hand gripped tightly to the finger he offered.

Daniel slipped his arm around his wife, smiling.

"Dr. Jackson, is Mia short for anything?" Maggie asked.

"It's a form of Michelle, but we decided it would just be Mia," he answered. "Mia Catherine."

"Catherine, after Dr. Langford?" Cassie inquired.

Cali nodded and yawned. "Catherine was responsible in a way for bringing Daniel and I together."

"We should go and let you get some sleep, Cali," Silvia announced.

"I'm fine."

"Honey, you're practically asleep."

"Nana Silvia is right, Cali, we'll go." Chris told her.

"Yeah, Cali, we can visit later." Jon agreed. He'd wanted a nurse of the newborn like the rest of them, but none had dared to take her from Teal'c.

Caleb gave his mother a hug. "Get some sleep, mommy."

"I will sweetheart," she kissed the top of his head. "I'll see you later."

"Okay." He slid off the bed and went with his Nanny, who ushered the young people out of the room too.

Sam also had to leave. "I'd better go and organize this tour off world for Alec," she declared. "I'll see you guys later," she gave them both quick hugs and hurried out.

Teal'c laid the newborn back in her mother's arms. "Thank you, Cali, Daniel." It wasn't often he used just their first names, but when he did, it meant something. He bowed and left the room too.

Daniel slipped his arm around his wife. "We did it," he said softly.

"Yeah, we did," she agreed, softly stroking her daughter's cheek. "I wish Sha're could of seen her."

"So do, I," he whispered.

Sam had finished getting ready to go off world and hurried to the VIP quarters she'd left Alec Colson in, knocking on the door she opened it and went in. He was putting the phone down. "Ready?"

"Whoa! Look at you," he remarked impressed.

"Yeah, soldier, Sam," she said a little sarcastically.

"I get a uniform too?" He asked standing.

"Yep," she throw the bundled up uniform to him.

"Alright!"

She winced. "I'll wait for you outside," she informed and hurried out.

He came out a few minutes later, dressed in the fatigues and they headed for the Gate room. "I heard Dr. O'Neill-Jackson had her baby."

Sam nodded, grinning. "A little girl – Mia."

"Please offer my congratulations next time you see them."

"I will."

They came off the elevator and walked into the Gate room as the Stargate was dialing out. They waited at the bottom of the ramp, as the Gate opened, Alec stepped back, staring as the event horizon whooshed out and settled into the puddle.

Sam smiled and started up the ramp.

"Whoa!" Alec exclaimed and followed her. "So, where are we going?"

"P4X-650. We have an off world base there." She answered.

"And how far away is that?"

"640 light years."

"Really?" He was stunned.

"Let's go."

They stepped through the gate and out again into a large building. Alec looked as the Gate shut down and then to Sam in amazement. "Didn't feel a thing."

"You were de-molecularised." Sam informed as a dark skinned office walked over to them.

"Welcome to the Alpha site," he greeted.

"Alec Colson. Captain Sheffield." Sam introduced the two men and they shook hands.

"Well it's … nice." Alec commented.

"Our last Alpha site was destroyed in an attack," she explained. "We decided to build this one inside a mountain, like the SGC."

"This is all a bit spartan, but it's our home away from home," Sheffield said cheerfully.

"I guess I was just expecting something a little more, I don't know, otherworldly." Alec told them.

Sam led him over to a set of blast doors and opened them, revealing a F-302 in a hanger. She watched him step into the hanger and then stop.

"Now that's … that's more like it." He said excitedly.

"It's called the F-302. Alien-human hybrid." She told him as they went closer to the aircraft.

"So this is what the MEC's were for?"

"Yeah, thanks to you it's capable of leaving the atmosphere and returning," she declared. "We used a number of these to defend Earth five months ago." She saw him reached up and touched the aircraft, continuing. "This is just one of the many advancement we've made as a result of technology procured through the Stargate. You wanna take a ride?"

He smiled and nodded too stunned to talk.

The ride didn't go well, what was supposed to have been a joy ride had turned dangerous when Alec had taken the controls and nearly nosed dived them into the ground. Sam had been angry and brought the aircraft under control and back to Alpha Command, nothing it seemed was going to change the businessman's mind, no matter how much Sam argued. He kept throwing the attempt on his life in her face.

She left him along for a few minutes after they'd changed, he wondered around, ending up in the Gate room. Taking the time to study the Stargate up close. It was there that she found him.

"Alec. There's something I need to talk to you about," she joined him on the platform. "There's a clandestine group of private businessmen like yourself who were informed of the Stargate program over six years ago by rogue elements of the NID. We've tried to identify them and bring them down, but they are very highly connected. Former Vice President Kinsey's been linked to them. Now, instead of going public like you, they've been funding various secret endeavors, all aimed at controlling alien technology for their own purposes."

"Which are?" He asked.

"You'd have to ask them," she retorted. "Personal profit. Maybe they think they can do a better job of defending the planet than we can."

"Why are you telling me all this?"

"Because I'm guessing that's who tried to kill you," she answered. "They'll never get control of the Gate if the world finds out."

"When I was young, all I ever dreamed about was flying," Alec told her with compassion as they sat on the platform steps. "I had every make of airplane ever built hanging from my ceiling. And then… well, I take it you know about my wife and daughter." He saw her nod. "One of the down sides of celebrity. We really do have no secrets. Anyway, after the crash I vowed to make flying as safe as it possibly could be. I really thought that I could do it better than anyone else."

"But you have made a difference." Sam noted.

"But nothing's perfect, is it?" He asked her solemnly.

"No."

"Intergalactic travel, advanced alien civilizations, humans living on other worlds." Amazement laced his voice. "I do realize that there may be bad guys out there too."

"You have no idea how bad."

"But in the end, we have to believe in humanity. I mean, who knows, this might bring us all together as a planet."

"If we knew it would play out that way, then…"

"You're afraid that knowing about the Stargate would fracture the world more then it already is." He guessed.

"Yeah," Sam announced. "Not just stop us fighting the Goa'uld, but end things for good. We've seen it happen on other planets like Earth. In one case, public revelation of the Stargate caused an apocalyptic world war."

"That would be the ultimate irony, wouldn't it," he declared. "You secretly save the world from destruction at the hands of alien invades only for us to destroy ourselves out of fear, after the fact."

"Change your mind?"

"Not really. I don't think it would happen." He answered and stood and walked back to the Stargate, gesturing to it. "And if a truth of this magnitude, about the very nature of human existence, could led us to destroy ourselves? Then I'd say we would deserve it. Wouldn't you?"

"No," she stood and joined him. "Cali wasn't joking when she said Earth is far too young, she meant what she said. She and Daniel have seen and experienced things that…" she shivered involuntarily. "Lets just say, they would leave and never come back, because they know the danger they'd be in if they stayed."

"Danger?"

"Think about it, Alec. Cali is an alien, her children are half human; they would be targets. Daniel is responsible for deciphering the Stargate. They're lives would be in danger." Sam told him bluntly. "There is more at stake then just telling the world the truth. Lives are at stake."

When they arrived back at the SGC, Sam and Alec went straight to the briefing room, seeing Daniel watching a wide screen television, Julia Donavan was doing a news report.

"Investigators now believe that Alec Colson created the alien hoax in order to divert attention from his real corporate financial problems." Sam and Alec walked over to him as the report continued. "Colson, who has still made no public statement…"

Daniel turned off the television using the remote, acknowledging them.

"Corporate financial problem?" Alec was stunned. "What's she talking about?"

"The story broke about an hour ago," Daniel informed, arms crossed against his chest. "The President halted trading on the markets. Your company stock has fallen eight percent, the Dow was down over 500 points on the whole."

"What's going on?" Sam asked disturbed.

"The SEC is investigating you for securities fraud," he informed Colson.

"That's ridiculous!" The man declared.

"They're saying there were irregularities in your companies last two financial statements."

"Well, it's not true!" Alec defended himself. "Come on! The timing of this." He knew what was happening, it was obvious. "I'm being set up."

Daniel had to agree. "Looks like it."

"We'll do all we can to help, Alec," Sam offered.

"I need to get back to the office and find out what's going on," he told her.

"I'll come with you."

He nodded and followed her, before they left the room; he stopped and turned, addressing Daniel. "Dr. Jackson," he waited until the man looked before continuing. "Congratulations on the birth of your daughter."

"Thank you."

Giving Daniel a worried smile, Alec Colson went with Sam out of the room.

The next morning Sam gave a run down on what happened when she and Colson returned to his company to General O'Neill and the rest of SG-1in the elevator on the way to level 27. Of how the Trust had gotten to Brian Vogler, that he'd doctored the books and that the Trust had threatened his family.

"So, Colson's convinced Vogler to arrange a meeting with his contact and wear a wire," she revealed as they left the elevator. "Hopefully we'll get enough to connect him to the rogue NID and then flip him for someone bigger. We're coordinating with Agent Barrett."

"At the very least it may restore Colson's public image." Daniel stated.

They walked into the General's office.

"Well, yeah, especially if it turns out that someone in direct corporate competition with Colson Industries was pulling the strings." Sam added. She and Daniel sat in the door chairs in front of the General's desk, as Jack sat behind it. Teal'c leant against side cabinet. "Unfortunately, without further evidence, Brain Vogler's word alone isn't going to be enough to undo all the damage already done to the company."

"What of Brain Vogler's safety?" Teal'c asked.

"He's under close surveillance," she reported. "His family's been taken into protective custody."

"Well, I guess the secret is safe… again," Jack retorted.

"For now." Daniel added.

The phone rang and Jack answered it. "O'Neill."

Sam looked to Daniel. "You know, I wouldn't count Colson out just jet. He still feels really strongly that the world should know the truth."

He nodded; he had a feeling the man felt that way.

"Alright, thank you," Jack said into the receiver and then hung up, looking grim. "Surveillance just found Brain Vogler, dead, in his bathroom."

"What? How?" Sam inquired quickly.

"He hung himself." Jack answered and saw the worried look on all their faces.

"Are they sure?" Daniel asked.

Jack shrugged. "We'll know more when they do the autopsy, but if someone killed him and made it look like suicide then Colson could be the next target."

"We've got to do something, Sir." Sam insisted.

Sighing Jack nodded. "Like what?"

"Give him another chance. If the Trust did kill Vogler, then there is no where on Earth Alec would be safe, so..."

"So we send him off world." Daniel caught on.

"Where?" Jack asked them.

"Serenity." A voice next to Teal'c announced.

They all looked, seeing Cali standing there, she was back in green BDU's, her daughter snug in a baby sling at her chest.

"Serenity?" Jack gestured her in.

Daniel got up and let his wife take his seat; she smiled and sat down, stating. "I think Colson needs to find himself again, and Serenity is the place to do that and he can put his knowledge to use. Mayet and the science team at the colony have a good research lab, they could use him."

"All right," her dad agreed. "I'll call the President and put it too him. But first, I want a nurse of my granddaughter."

Cali smiled, as did the others. "Sure, dad."

Daniel gently lifted his daughter from the sling and carried her around to Jack, laying her in his arms. He straightened and stepped back.

Jack settled his granddaughter in his arms, so both were comfortable. "All right, we're set," he glanced at the rest of them. "Don't you lot have work to do, I have a call to make."

They chuckled softly and stood, Cali slipped off the sling and adjusted it, going around to her dad. "Sit forward." He did and she put the sling on him, giving him a hand to settle baby Mia in it. "There you go."

Jack sat back. "We'll be fine, out."

She rolled her eyes at him. "She's due for a feed in two hours dad, don't be late." She warned and left with the others.

Daniel slipped her hand into his. "Are you sure he's going to be all right?"

"He'll be fine, Danny," Cali assured, even though she felt a little reluctant at leaving her daughter with her own father too.

"This is the General we're talking about, Daniel," Sam reminded.

"O'Neill will accomplish the task." Teal'c said with confidence as they stepped into the elevator.

Daniel selected level 18 after the doors shut. "I guess I'm going to have to get use to Jack wanting to look after Mia."

Cali rested her head against his shoulder. "They'll be fine."

Sam rubbed the younger woman's arm. "How are you?"

"I'm good," she assured with a warm smile. "Mia slept through last night until six this morning, after all the stories of mid night feeds and everything else, I wasn't expecting it and I kept getting up to see if she was all right."

"You weren't the only one," Daniel announced sheepishly. "It's a good thing Dr. Brightman released you to our quarters, I don't think she would have appreciated me sneaking around the infirmary."

The elevator stopped and they all walked out, going down to the archaeologist's office/lab, going in.

A little over two hours later, Jack was getting ready to leave his office when Thor beamed in.

"Greetings O'Neill."

"Thor, buddy, come meet my granddaughter," He pulled out a seat and sat down so the little gray alien could have a look, moving the sling a little.

"She is quiet pleasing O'Neill," Thor announced and held out the small silver box he was carrying. "A gift for the infant, it is a specially designed bracelet that will 'grow' as she does."

"Thanks buddy," Jack took the little box. "I'll pass it onto Daniel and Cali."

"I must go, O'Neill. Please offer my congratulations to Dr. Jackson and Dr. O'Neill."

"I will." Jack told him and the alien beamed out. He stood. "Well, Mia; lets get you to back to your mom and dad."

The little baby looked at him with bright blue eyes, contently.

Leaving his office, Jack headed to the elevator, taking it to level 18, a young technician smiled at him and the baby, but didn't say anything as he left they elevator. Jack didn't care, this was his granddaughter and he was proud of her. He wandered into the office, seeing they were all waiting. "Would have been earlier, but Thor dropped in, he left a gift." He held out the silver box.

Daniel took it from him. "From Thor?"

"Yep."

Cali gently lifted her daughter from the baby sling and cradled her in arms. "What is it?"

He opened the box and removed a gold bracelet, four diamonds were inserted the gold panel and Mia was engraved into it. He held it up. "Wow!"

"Thor said it will 'grow' as Mia does, whatever that means." Jack revealed, he removed the sling and threw it onto the workbench.

Sam took a look at the bracelet. "It's look like real gold, Sir and those diamonds also look real." She moved it around in her hands. "I can't see how it would 'grow'."

Daniel took the bracelet back and walked over to his wife, slipping it onto his daughter's tiny wrist. "I'm sure we'll find out as Mia grows, we know Thor wouldn't hurt her."

Baby Mia, unaware of the fuss, merely tired to shove her whole fist into her mouth and then unsuccessfully suck on it.

Cali chuckled softly. "Come on little one, we'll head back to quarters and you can have something to eat," she mused.

Daniel lent over and kissed his daughter's forehead gently, and then his wife's. "I'll see you later."

"You certainly will," Cali agreed and walked out of the office/lab, starting to sing an Abydonian lullaby.

Sam was surprised at the angelic harmony that floated down the corridor. "Wow, I didn't know Cali had such a beautiful voice."

Both Jack and Daniel looked smug before the General finally coming to the other point of his visit. "The President gave the go ahead, Carter, you can make Colson disappear off world. He said he's not responsible for what happened to the man and he's not sorry that Colson was publicly discredited, but he understands the benefit of having Colson off the planet. He's also going to get Congress to look into providing relief. The companies and the employees will survive this." Jack told Sam. "So go make the offer to Colson, we'll make arrangement this end."

She nodded. "Thank you, sir."

"Well I agree with the President, there is an advantage to having Colson off world," he declared and walked out.

Daniel saw Sam wince, shrugging. "Sorry, Sam, but he does have a point."

"I know," she signed. "I'll see you both later."

Both men nodded as she walked out.

Sam walked into the office, seeing Alec Colson sitting on the sofa. "Alec?" She paused seeing the pistol in his hands, hesitating for a moment she went over and sat next to him. "I'm sorry about Brian."

"I killed him." Alec said haunted. "I might as well have put the gun against his head and pulled the trigger myself."

"You couldn't have known."

"You saw how scared he was. I know what his family meant to him," he said frustrated. "He was never going to do anything to put them in any danger."

Sam glanced at the pistol, being very careful with the distort man. "Alec."

"He was my best friend." Alec said heartfelt.

"He betrayed you."

"No. I betrayed him." He said and waved the pistol in emphasis.

Sam shuddered a little. "Why don't you put the gun down?"

Alec looked at the weapon and sighed. "My life is over, Sam. Everything I worked for, everything I believed in, held to be true…"

She interrupted him. "Still exists," she assured and saw he didn't believe her. "Congress is looking into providing relief. The companies, the employees will survive."

"While I go to jail for something I didn't do?" He said, his melancholy turning to a simmering anger.

She sighed and tried to get through to him. "Back on the Alpha site, you said, no matter what, you would rather make whatever time you had left meaningful. I'm here to give you that chance."

"How?" He asked. "By making all the indictments against me just disappear?"

"I was thinking more along the lines of making you disappear." She stated.

"The problem with a guy like me, there's no place on Earth I can hide."

"Who's talking about Earth?" She said calmly.

The reality of that hit him. "No, no. No, I couldn't let you do that."

"Believe me, I wouldn't be here without the approval of my superiors," she informed. "The President wasn't responsible for what happened to you, but he's also not sorry that you were publicly discredited. Please, Alec, come with me. You can still make a difference. He who fights and runs away…"

Alec put the pistol down on the sofa beside him. "Lives to fight another day," he finished off. "And no one will ever know."

"Welcome to my world." Sam said bluntly.

The end of this chapter:

(I apologise if this comes out a little wonky, I had trouble uploading it.)