The following morning on Tearra's home world the SG-1 and the other SG teams were emerging from the cave. An Elphvorlyn again appearing in a SG uniform was waiting outside the cave. Tearra was scared of the Elphvorlyn and stayed behind Col. O'Neill.
"Welcome back," said the Elphvorlyn. "Col. O'Neill, have you decide what you will do?"
"We have," said Col. O'Neill. "Tearra, the Crubis who is with us, will go to her people and tell them about our plans to relocate them."
"Tearra, how far are your people from here?" asked Maj. Carter.
"They are two days from here, but I will not have to go completely there," said Tearra. "If I can get close enough to sense another Crubis I can telepathically talk to him or her. We will then relay the message back and fourth to one and another."
"Tearra, how far do you have to be to another Crubis for you to do this?" asked Col. O'Neill.
"I believe the correct distance away is a mile," said Tearra.
"Wow," said Maj. Carter. "That's incredible."
"Tearra, once the relay starts, how fast would the message get to your people?" asked Col. O'Neill.
"Unless there is a gap in the relay, I can have a response from the main group of my people in less than thirty-minutes," said Tearra.
"Maj. Carter, you along with SG-12 and SG-9 can go with Tearra," said Col. O'Neill. "The rest of us will spread out and make sure that the area is free from the Sashkars."
"Col. O'Neill, eight more of my kind are on their way here," said the shape-shifter. "We will get the traveling devise out of the cave for you."
"You can do that?" asked Daniel.
"Yes," said the shape-shifter. "We're the ones to hide it there in the first place."
"By we, you mean your ancestors?" Col. O'Neill questioned.
"No," said the shape-shifter. "We don't have parents or children. As I said before we divide ourselves when we reach a certain mass. Although we are divided we share the same experiences, thoughts and memories."
"How convenient," said Col. O'Neill. Everyone then went his or her respective ways.
As the minutes ticked away, Tearra led Maj. Carter and the others in the direction of her people. As they were walking, Maj. Carter told Tearra about them meeting Niryeya.
Within the first hour, the shape-shifters had the stargate setup in the open.
After Maj. Carter and the others walked for five hours through the trees, three Sashkars came into view. Tearra fell to the ground and was having difficulty moving. The members of SG-9 were firing their weapons at the Sashkars while Maj. Carter and the members of SG-12 were helping Tearra to safety. Tearra was able to point in a certain direction to go as she was being helped. After a few minutes of trying to evade the Sashkars, Tearra was able to point the direction to an opening to an underground cave.
As they reached the cave, Maj. Carter and the SG-12 members helped Tearra into the cave. They were only in the cave for a short time when the members of SG-9 were able to kill one of the Sashkars. The other two Sashkars had landed on the ground and were sticking their heads into the cave entrance while trying to enter the cave. The members of the SG-12 were moving Tearra farther to the back of the cave as instructed to do so by Maj. Carter seconds before the two Sashkar caused the cave entrance to collapse. Two of the SG-12 members stumbled and fell during the cave-in. After the cave-in Tearra was able to move.
"Is anyone hurt?" asked Maj. Carter as she was shining her flashlight on the SG-12 members.
"I think I broke my wrist when I fell," said SSgt. Waters.
"Do you have any artificial devices inside your body?" asked Tearra.
SSgt. Waters gave Tearra a curious look before saying, "No."
"As long as you don't, I can mend your wrist," said Tearra.
"Are you serious?" asked SSgt. Waters.
"Yes," said Tearra. She then stepped up to SSgt. Waters to heal him.
"Maj. Carter, there is no openings," said Senior Airman. Costello. "We're trapped."
"SG-9 knows where we are," said Maj. Carter. "They will get us out."
Tearra finished healing SSgt. Waters within a short time and as she was backing away from him, he said, "Thank you,"
"You're welcome," said Tearra.
"Maj. Carter, this is not a very large chamber," said SrA. Costello. "How long do you think that our air will last?"
"Let's hope we won't be in here long enough to find out," said Maj. Carter. Maj. Carter then gave Tearra a concern look for a few seconds before she spoke again. "Tearra, do you have the ability to dig us out?"
"Yes, but I can still hear the Sashkars, Sam," said Tearra. "I won't be able to move much of the dirt without becoming physically helpless again."
"The dirt must be acting as a filter for you," said Maj. Carter.
"Major Carter, we can start moving the dirt away from the collapsed entrance and once SG-9 finish off the Sashkars, Tearra can do her thing," said Lt. Wilely.
"There is only one Sashkar left," said Tearra.
"That's good," said SSgt. Waters as each of the SG-12 members pulled out their knives. They then began to chisel away at the sealed entrance. "Tearra, is this normal for you and your people to hide in caves?"
"We use caves for shelter mostly," said Tearra. "Only sometimes do we use the caves to hide from the Sashkars. The Sashkars remains where it is dry and they only come this far into the forest when there is a drought. For the past five years we had to hide in caves more, but this year has been the worst." Tearra then stepped closer to the sealed entrance to hear. "I don't hear the Sashkar."
"Tearra, can you get us out?" asked Maj. Carter.
"Yes," said Tearra. She then shape-shift her arms and hands for digging.
In minutes Tearra had created a small opening to the outside. The SG-9 members were also digging from the other side. After a few more minutes of digging everyone was able to crawl out.
Tearra was already out when Maj. Carter was crawling out. As Maj. Carter was looking around she noticed Tearra in some kind of trance. She then walked up to Tearra and asked, "Are you ok, Tearra?"
Tearra looked at Maj. Carter before saying, "I have started the message relay."
"Where's the one you're speaking with?" asked Maj. Carter.
Tearra pointed in a direction before saying, "He is in that direction. He is still out of view."
"Listen, up everyone," Maj. Carter yelled out. "Tearra has made contact with another member of her people. So until she is able to get word back on what her people will do, we will rest here."
"Sam, a few nights ago, four Sashkars attacked near where my people live and now my people are scattered," said Tearra.
"Was anyone hurt?" asked Maj. Carter.
"My father and nine others were killed," said Tearra. "Sam, none of my people have ever witness a drought like this before. And because of the drought Sashkars are going places that they have never went before. Rivers and lakes are even drying up. If the Sashkars doesn't kill off my people the lack water will."
"Tearra, when was the last time it rain?" asked Maj. Carter.
"Two months ago it rain a little," said Tearra. "However five years ago was when we had seen a change in the weather. It seems now that each passing year, the weather is getting dryer. Sam, the forest is becoming barren."
"Do you know what the weather is doing in other parts of the world?" asked Maj. Carter.
"I just know about the weather in the forest," said Tearra. "I guess it's good that my people will have a chance to go somewhere else."
"I suppose it is," said Maj. Carter. "Tearra, your father was killed. Doesn't that bother you to grieve?"
"I'm grieving, Sam," said Tearra. "Crubis doesn't grieve in the same manner as a human. My people and I are unable to shed tears. Of a lack of a better description we emit an uncontrollable telepathic quiver. If you were a Crubis, you would be picking up a wailing sound from me."
"I'm sorry," said Maj. Carter. "I didn't even consider that you would grieve in a different manner."
"I didn't take offense to your question," said Tearra.
"Good. I'm glad," said Maj. Carter. Tearra then suddenly appeared as if she was in a trance again for a moment.
"Sam, the Crubis I'm talking to has said that many of my people would like to relocate regardless at what the main group says," said Tearra. "But there are some who has refused to relocate. Sam, the one I'm talking to would like to know if the ones who wish to relocate may do so while the others remain."
"Yeah, sure," said Maj. Carter. "This is not an all or none proposition; however, the Crubis who remain on this planet will still be looking at extinction in the near future."
"I will tell him," said Tearra.
"Tearra, also tell him that whoever wishes to be relocated to meet us at the gate," said Maj. Carter. "We will be there waiting for them."
"Ok," said Tearra she then appeared to go back into the trance.
"Listen up everyone," Maj. Carter yelled out. "We are returning to the gate."
Once Teara was done communicating they began walking towards the gate. As they were walking Crubis of all ages would catch up to them and join their ranks. Each Crubis would be in the nude.
The sun was beginning to set when Maj. Carter and others were approaching the gate and the number of Crubis marching behind Maj. Carter was over a hundred. Col. O'Neill had his back turned to them.
Daniel pointed in Maj. Carter's direction while saying, "Oh, my god." Col. O'Neill turned around to look along with the rest of the group. "What a parade."
A moment later, Maj. Carter and her group were walking up. Tearra was next to Maj. Carter. Col. O'Neill stepped up and said, "Carter, every nudist colony across the U.S. would be swelling up with envy right about now if they could see this."
"Sir, Crubis don't wear clothes," said Maj. Carter. "They also can't shape-shift their body to appear as if they are wearing clothes."
"Tearra, can your people shape-shift themselves as having long and thick fur to cover themselves?" asked Col. O'Neill.
"I'll tell them," said Tearra.
"Thank you," said Col. O'Neill as Tearra started to communicate with her people. "Carter, I take it that they're taking us up on our offer."
"I believe the greater portion of them are, Sir, but some of them wish to remain behind," said Maj. Carter as Col. O'Neill watched the Crubis growing fur at a quick pace. "They are also scattered throughout the region so the ones who will be relocating will be strolling in."
"Tearra, did you tell your people to grow fur or can they understand me?" asked Col. O'Neill.
"We don't communicate with each other verbally," said Tearra. "And my people do understand you a little. As they hear how we use words they will start to be able to communicate better verbally."
Col. O'Neil gave Tearra a confused look before saying, "Oh, of course."
"Sir, are the Elphvorlyns still here?" asked Maj. Carter.
"They are around somewhere," said Col. O'Neill.
"I can sense nine of them in the camp," said Tearra. She then pointed towards one that was a short distance from them "Sam, the closest one is right there."
"Thank you, Tearra," said Maj. Carter. "I would like to talk with one."
"Carter, is there a problem?" asked Col. O'Neill as they walked in the Elphvorlyn's direction.
"It may be nothing, Sir," said Maj. Carter.
"If it's nothing then what is there to talk about?" asked Col. O'Neill as they were stepping up to the Elphvorlyn.
"Col. O'Neill and Sam, is anything I can do for you?" asked the Elphvorlyn.
"Yes," said Maj. Carter. "How much of the planet do your people live in?"
"We are all over the planet," said the Elphvorlyn.
"So you would know what the weather is doing all around the world?" asked Maj. Carter.
"Yes," said the Elphvorlyn. "Do you want to know what the weather is doing elsewhere?"
"Actually I would like to know if the drought is localized or is it global?" asked Maj. Carter.
"The drought isn't localized," said the Elphvorlyn. "Other forests are dying also. We do not know what is causing this drought. We do know if this drought doesn't end soon, all life on this planet will start dying."
"And according to Tearra this weather condition began about five years ago?" asked Maj. Carter.
"That is correct," said the Elphvorlyn.
"Have you notice a change in your sun?" asked Maj. Carter.
"For the passed several years the sun has been brighter than we are use to," said the Elphvorlyn.
"That what I was scared of," said Maj. Carter.
"Carter, this drought isn't a simple drought is it?" asked Col. O'Neill.
"Sir, I'm just guessing on this, but I believe the sun has advance to the next stage of its life cycle," said Maj. Carter.
"Maj. Carter, I don't know what you mean about our sun," said the Elphvorlyn.
"I believe your sun is in its early stage of becoming a red giant," said Maj. Carter.
"Again I don't know what you mean," said the Elphvorlyn.
"Your sun is dying," said Col. O'Neill. "Carter, how long do we have before the sun goes nova?"
"Sir, all life on this planet will be dead long before that happens," said Maj. Carter. "I'm not totally sure if I'm correct though. We will have to perform some tests to verify my theory. "
"I will go inform Gen. Hammond that we'll need a science team," said Col. O'Neill. He then walked away.
"Maj. Carter, my people that are close to this region are moving towards the gate," said the Elphvorlyn. "If our sun is dying, we too wish to be relocated."
"That shouldn't be a problem," said Maj. Carter.
"Sam, should I start a message relay to inform the ones who are remaining that the sun is dying?" asked Tearra.
"Tearra, don't tell you people that just yet, but you can tell them to remain close enough so they can be contacted within the next several days," said Maj. Carter.
"Ok," said Tearra. Tearra then began the communication relay. "Sam, the ones who are arriving to be relocated would like to know when we're leaving to go to the other planet."
"It's almost dark so we will start relocating your people sometime after sunrise," said Maj. Carter.
"I'll tell them," said Tearra.
As the hours passed, the SG teams setup camp. As everyone, but the sentries, Tearra and the Crubis slept numerous of other Crubis would straggle into the campsite. Tearra would then tell them what they should do.
A few hours before day light a science team from Earth was coming through the stargate. The science team started to setup their equipment just after arriving.
Just after dawn Maj. Carter dialed up one of the planets. SG-1, Tearra and ten adult Crubis went through the gate.
The planet they traveled to have no civilization that would interfere with the Crubis' natural development. The stargate was located in the middle of a thriving forest and as they arrived, they began to get wet from a mild rainstorm.
The ten Crubis scouted the area for two hours in several directions. After returning to the gate, one of them walked up to Col. O'Neill and said, "This planet will suit us well."
"Good," said Col. O'Neill. "We should go back and tell the others."
After returning, Col. O'Neill couldn't believe his eyes as he was seeing an overwhelming number of Crubis standing within view of the gate.
Col. O'Neill had the Crubis set themselves up in a four-column formation. The formation took about thirty minutes to get organized and once it was formed, the Crubis began marching through the gate. When the gate would shut down every thirty-seven minutes Col. O'Neill would take a few minutes to reorganize the formation before reestablishing the wormhole.
As they were going into their fourth hour, Tearra walked up to Col. O'Neill and Maj. Carter. Two girls who appeared identical to Tearra and a woman were with Tearra.
Col. O'Neill and Maj. Carter looked at the two girls in a curious manner as Tearra said, "Col. O'Neill. Sam, I would like for both of you to meet my mom and two of my sisters. My four older brother and four younger sisters haven't made it here yet."
"Tearra, can they understand us?" asked Col. O'Neill.
"My daughter has taught us how to speak verbally," said the woman.
"Good," said Col. O'Neill. "I'm happy to meet you and two more of your daughters. What should I call you?"
"We don't have names, but in the hope of forming a friendship with the people from Earth perhaps you can provide us with some," Tearra's mother said.
"The best that we can do is to give you a list of names that we frequently use to name our children," said Col. O'Neill. "Your people can pick out a name from the list."
"Tearra, perhaps you can pick out a name for me," Tearra's mother said.
"How about Linda?" Tearra questioned.
"Ok, Linda will be my name," she said.
"Tearra, give us names too," said one of her sisters.
Tearra said as she pointed to them, "Carla and Rebecca."
"Linda, in the hopes of having future relationship with you and your people, would you or your people have any objections to start clothing yourselves?" asked Col. O'Neill.
"Tearra, has told me about how modest humans are when it comes to their bodies," said Linda. "She also told me that the serpent is to blame for it."
"The serpent?" Col. O'Neill questioned.
"Sir, I believe Linda is referring to the story of Adam and Eve," said Maj. Carter. "After the serpent tricked Eve to eat from the forbidden fruit, Eve realized that she was standing in the nude. She then began concealing herself."
"I knew that," said Col. O'Neill.
"Linda, besides being modest about our bodies, us humans also need clothing to protect us from the weather," said Maj. Carter. "There are only brief periods of the day, for an average human to be in the nude."
"One being when two adults, each of the opposite sex, would get together," said Col. O'Neill. "That is the reason we humans would like it if you and your people would clothes yourselves while we are around you."
Acknowledgement came across Linda's face before blurting out, "Oh, I understand. Humans think of being in the nude as part of a mating ritual."
Tearra had a distasteful expression on her face as she said, "To use an Earth phrase, eeewww."
Col. O'Neill grinned before saying, "Just wait until you are a few years older… well, in your case a lot older. You might change you mind when you become an adult."
"Col. O'Neill, you make it sound as if humans enjoy the mating ritual," said Linda. "How do you perform your mating ritual?"
"Linda, we adult humans don't discuss such topics in the presence of minors," said Col. O'Neill.
"Our minors, as you call them, know about our mating ritual," said Linda. "But I will respect your belief and not discuss such things with you in front of them. I will also talk to my people about clothing ourselves."
"Thank you," said Col. O'Neill.
"Thanks to you we won't need to disguise ourselves as animals to hide from the other humans, so thank you." said Linda. Col. O'Neill just nodded with a grin.
"Linda, there's something I've been curious about," said Maj. Carter. "After a female among your people get pregnant, what is the gestation period?"
Before Linda spoke she looked at Tearra for a second. Both Linda and Tearra appeared as if they were in a trance. Once they were done, Linda said, "Once we get pregnant, we would give birth twenty-four to twenty-six months later. Also any female that does get pregnant are not able to shape-shift. Pregnant females are the most vulnerable by the humans of this planet."
"Those days are over," said Col. O'Neill.
"And I say, good riddance to this planet and those humans," said Tearra.
Maj. Carter gave Tearra a hug and a kiss on the forehead that brought a smile across Tearra's face.
As the hours passed the members of SG-1 met the rest of Tearra's siblings. The number of Crubis arriving was also enough to keep a continuous march through the gate.
An hour before the sun was to set Col. O'Neill recruited a few adult Crubis and instructed them on how to keep the gate open during the night. Two hours after sunset everyone went to sleep except for the sentries and most of the Crubis.
For four days, Crubis marched through the gate at a continuous pace. Col. O'Neill would pause once a day to give Gen. Hammond an update.
On the beginning of the fifth day, the number at which the Crubis would wander in wasn't enough to hold the gate open on a continuous basis. Col. O'Neill then opened the gate every three hours to let them go through. The science team had also reported that they would need to study the planet's sun for a few years before they would be able to determine the status of the sun.
After the Elphvorlyns learn about the science team's report they too decided to send a fraction of their people through the gate and to a planet without another intelligent life form sharing their world.
On the sixth day, Maj. Carter dialed up a planet and the Elphvorlyns began their evacuation.
On the eighth day everyone who was being evacuated had done so and each SG team and Tearra had returned to Earth.
The morning after returning to Earth the SG-1 team was being debriefed. Just before the debriefing came to an end Tearra was brought in to the room.
"Gen. Hammond, you wanted to talk to me?" asked Tearra as she was walking in.
"Yes, Tearra. Please have a seat," said Gen. Hammond. Tearra sat down. "First of all, I would like to let you know that a special team of teachers are being sent to your people's new planet. Those teachers will educate your people on how to make clothes and build houses along with other basic needs. The other thing I have is more of a problem."
"What's the problem?" asked Tearra as there was a knock on the door.
"One second, Tearra," said Gen. Hammond. He then yelled out. "Come in."
Lt. Baker walked in with a file folder in his hand.
"Sir, here is that report that you said that you wanted A.S.A.P.," said Lt. Baker. He then walked to where Gen. Hammond was sitting.
"Thank you Lieutenant," said Gen. Hammond as he was taking the report. "That will be all."
"Yes, Sir," said Lt. Baker. He then turned to leave.
Gen. Hammond continued to say while Lt. Baker was in the room, "Tearra, the problem we have is finding you a suitable place to live." Lt. Baker stopped at the door and faced the General. "Dr. Fraiser's place was only a temporary home for you. She enjoys you being there, but because of certain exclusion requirements that the president wants in place, you cannot live there on a permanent basis. The exclusion requirements have to due with on how slowly you age and your unique ability. We can't allow people outside the SGC observing you on a regular basis."
"Sir, may I offer a possible solution?" asked Lt. Baker as he stepped closer to Gen. Hammond.
"What do you have, Lieutenant?" asked Gen. Hammond.
"My wife and I live in an excluded area," said Lt. Baker. "Our closest neighbor is five miles away. Tearra can come to live with us."
"I have no problem with that," said Tearra.
"Lieutenant, that would not be possible," said Gen. Hammond. "Your wife is a civilian so she would not be permitted to gain the knowledge of any classified information. Tearra, I'm sorry you can't live with Lt. Baker."
"Sir, with all do respect, my wife Jennifer understands how important it is not to reveal classified information," said Lt. Baker. "All I have to do is mention that my day was a top secret day and she completely go to a different topic that is not top secret. As long as I come home alive she doesn't care what I do."
"It sound like you have an understanding wife," said Gen. Hammond. "Lieutenant, I know you don't have children now, but what would happen thirty years from now with any of your future children? Tearra will be sixty years old and have the appearance of a twenty year old. If Jennifer would have a child nine months from now that child will surpass Tearra's appearance of age within thirty years alone. When Tearra is ninety years old she will look thirty. Your children will be close to retirement age by then."
"Sir, due to an unfortunate accident at the age of seventeen, Jennifer can't have children," said Lt. Baker. "Please, General. My wife has wanted us to adopt for a while, but because of what I do, I have been insisting otherwise."
"Lieutenant, what is your wife profession?" asked Gen. Hammond.
"Sir, because of how much she wants to be around kids she became a grade school teacher," said Lt. Baker. "She teaches the fourth grade."
"Sir, that would solve another problem of education," said Maj. Carter. "Tearra could be home schooled. That way, ten-year-old kids won't even get a chance to see how slowly Tearra would age."
"Tearra would at least have the appearance of being home schooled," said Col. O'Neill. "Tearra already knows more than most high school students."
"Lt. Baker and Tearra, I am not promising anything, but I will take this possible solution to the president," said Gen. Hammond.
"Thank you, Sir," said Lt. Baker.
"I also like to thank you," said Tearra.
"Both of you are welcome," said Gen. Hammond. "Until I can get an answer from the president this meeting is dismissed. Tearra, Dr. Fraiser would like to perform one more test on you so go to the infirmary."
"Yes, General Hammond," said Tearra as everyone was getting up to leave.
Minutes later, Tearra was walking in the infirmary. When Dr. Fraiser saw her, she said, "Tearra, please have a seat."
"Are you wanting more blood samples?" asked Tearra.
"Not this time," said Dr. Fraiser as she picked up two items that resembled hearing aides from a table. She then held them up. "This time I want to test these hearing filter devices on you."
"What are they for?" asked Tearra as Dr. Fraiser was walking towards her.
"If these devices are designed correctly you will be able to go places without those harmful sounds bothering you," said Dr. Fraiser. Dr. Fraiser then proceeded to put them on Tearra's ears. "There. How well can you hear me?"
"I can hear you fine," said Tearra. "I don't hear any different."
"Good," said Dr. Fraiser as she was walking to the machine that would check someone's hearing. "The filtering devices weren't to block out sounds that doesn't do you harm. Now I would like to run the exact same test I did when I first check your hearing."
"I'm ready," said Tearra.
Dr. Fraiser proceeded to run a second test on Tearra. She went through each sound frequency as she done the first time. Tearra was still able to hear each sound. As Dr. Fraiser started to check the frequency range that Tearra can't be around, Tearra began to complain about being slightly dizzy and was unable to think straight.
"That's it for the test," said Dr. Fraiser as she turned off the machine.
"Did it work like it was supposed to?" asked Tearra as she took off the hearing filters.
"I believe I can improve on the device over time, but for the most part those two devices will keep you alive," said Dr. Fraiser. "You still need to remain away from airports as much as possible and you definitely should stay off of jet planes."
"I have no desire to get on a plane anyway," said Tearra.
"Good," said Dr. Fraiser as she was handing Tearra a small case. "Here is the case that was made to store the devices when you don't need them."
After taking the case Tearra gave Dr. Fraiser a heartfelt hug. During the hug, Tearra said, "Thank you, Janet."
"You're quite welcome," said Dr. Fraiser. Tearra then ended the hug.
11:30 a.m. Lt. Baker and his wife were walking into Gen. Hammond's office.
"Lieutenant; Mrs. Baker, please have a seat," said Gen. Hammond.
"Gen. Hammond, Doug is not telling me what is going on," said Jennifer as they were taking their seats. "Can you tell me why I'm being called in here?"
"You husband was under orders not to say anything until you got in my office," said Gen. Hammond.
"Did I do anything to offend the military?" asked Jennifer.
"Not at all, Mrs. Baker," said Gen. Hammond. "I have permission from our president to reveal one of our confidential and unique situations to you. We need a favor of you and your husband."
"I'm listening," said Jennifer.
"Mrs. Baker, I'm not going to reveal everything that your husband does for us, but the one thing you need to know is that your husband comes in contact with people from other worlds nearly every day."
"Don't tell me that men in black are real," said Jennifer.
"I assure you it's nothing like that, Mrs. Baker," said Gen. Hammond. "The how he comes into contact with them is highly classified. I will say; however, that most of those off worlders are human like us. In fact their ancestors were removed from Earth thousands of years ago by something that is also classified."
"For the sake of argument I'm going to assume that you are telling me the truth," said Jennifer. "So what is this favor you want from me and my husband?"
"Mrs. Baker, a young girl has come to us from another world and wishes to live among us," said Gen. Hammond. "This girl looks like a normal ten year old human; however, she has both human and non-human ancestors. This girl is named Tearra and we are looking for a suitable home for her."
"Don't tell me that the government wants me and my husband to take her in?" asked Jennifer.
"It wasn't the government's suggestion," said Lt. Baker. "I made the suggestion."
"And after careful consideration the president had approved the suggestion," said Gen. Hammond. "Mrs. Baker, Tearra will not go and live with you without your approval. In fact you must agree with certain guidelines before you would be allowed to care for Tearra."
"Gen. Hammond, you make it sound as if I won a contest with stipulations," said Jennifer. "Whatever the prize is, I'm not sure I want it."
"Jennifer, Tearra is a little girl," said Lt. Baker. "You have been asking me to consider adoption for sometime now."
"This is true, but I was thinking on the lines of adopting a human from this planet," said Jennifer. "Tearra is not even human."
"She is half human and she appears human," said Lt. Baker.
"Well, appearance can be deceiving," said Jennifer. "Besides I think there is more about this ten year old girl that you are not telling me. Do you know what happens twenty years from now? I mean she doesn't mutate into something else, does she?" Lt. Baker just looked at Jennifer as if he was scared to answer that question. "Ok, someone have better start answering those two questions or I'm out of here."
"Mrs. Baker, we have identified the non-human part of Tearra," said Gen. Hammond. When he paused, Jennifer gave him a gesture for him to continue. "Tearra is a shape-shifter. Her human form is her natural form."
"A shape-shifter?" Jennifer blurted out in disbelief. "Well that's just great. Gen. Hammond, not only do you want me to care for something that will mutate, but can mutate anytime she wants."
"As I said, Tearra's natural form is human," said Gen. Hammond. "No matter what she would mutate into she would always have to return to her natural form."
"And how soon would that be?" asked Jennifer.
"Tearra can remain as some other form of animal or creature for twenty-four hours," said Gen. Hammond. "Dr. Janet Fraiser has determined that she needs six hours to completely recover before she is able to shape-shift for another twenty-four hours, but for minor alterations she can remain that way until she goes to sleep."
"I'm scared to ask this next question, but I'm going to ask it anyway," said Jennifer. "How long can she go without sleeping?"
"We don't know how long she can go without sleeping, but she only needs to sleep every five days," said Gen. Hammond.
"Oh, this just keeps getting better and better," said Jennifer in a sarcastic tone.
"Mrs. Baker, Tearra can sleep when you sleep, she just don't require it," said Gen. Hammond.
"Doug why would you suggest such a thing?" asked Jennifer.
"Tearra is just a child who needs a home," said Lt. Baker. "She is very intelligent and she has a good heart."
"Mrs. Baker, Tearra is not a threat to any of us," said Gen. Hammond. "In fact, quite the opposite. Tearra had saved your husband's life."
"How?" asked Jennifer.
"Not only does she have the ability to shape-shift, she also has the ability to heal herself and others at an amazing rate," said Gen. Hammond. "Your husband was poison and Tearra was the only one who could rid his body of the poison."
"The shrapnel in my back was dissolved away too when she saved me," said Lt. Baker.
"I thought you were moving around much better," said Jennifer. "Wait, how is Tearra able to heal people?"
"Mrs. Baker, Tearra does this by merging her hand with someone else," said Gen. Hammond. "For a short time Tearra will literally become a part of another person. Tearra's shape-shifting gland will then heal the other person as if the gland was healing her. Any foreign materials inside Tearra or the other person will be dissolved away. That includes artificial devises such as pace makers."
"So Tearra won't be able to heal some people without doing more harm," said Jennifer.
"That is correct," said Gen. Hammond. "Tearra has already been informed of the danger that she can put a person in if she doesn't know that person's medical history."
"Gen. Hammond, do any of you know what would happen when she reaches adolescence in three years?" asked Jennifer. "I mean she won't go crazy and go on a mating frenzy will she?"
"Mrs. Baker, her future sexual desires will be the same as a human," said Gen. Hammond. "She will not go on a mating frenzy. The only real difference between humans and her is when she will reach adolescence."
"And that will be when exactly?" asked Jennifer.
"Mrs. Baker, three years from today, Tearra will appear to have aged only one year," said Gen. Hammond.
Jennifer gave Gen. Hammond a curious look before asking, "How old is Tearra?"
"We aren't sure of her exact age, but she is around thirty years old," said Gen. Hammond. "However, Tearrra, is still a child and she will remain so for another twenty-four years at which she will appear as a eighteen year old."
"Wow," said Jennifer. "A child aging that slowly will raise questions, don't you think?"
"That is where the guidelines come into play," said Gen. Hammond. "You and your husband would have to remain living in an excluded area. Tearra must not be around the same people for more than a year. To put it as simply as possible, we can't allow people outside this facility observing Tearra on a regular basis. You would not be able to adopt any more children either. Any of your family members or even friends must not learn the truth about you caring for Tearra as well. Any family members or friends that would come around, you must tell them that you are baby-sitting. You could even have Tearra change her appearance so the person visiting won't think that they are seeing the same child as they did before."
"Jennifer, now that you know everything about Tearra, what do you say about her living with us?" asked Lt. Baker.
"Do I know everything?" asked Jennifer.
"Actually there is one more thing that you need to know," said Gen. Hammond. "There are high pitch sounds that us humans can't hear; however, those sounds can kill Tearra with prolong exposure to them. Jet engines from a jetliner produce those sounds."
"So Tearra can't be on a jetliner," said Jennifer.
"Dr. Fraiser has engineered sound filtering devices that look like hearing aides," said Gen. Hammond. "Those devices do allow her exposure to those sounds with very little ill effects, but I wouldn't recommend her getting on a jetliner."
"Now do I know everything?" asked Jennifer.
"That is everything," said Gen. Hammond. "Mrs. Baker, I must have your decision."
"Gen. Hammond, before I came here today, I had been somewhat curious about the secrets that are in this mountain and now that I know one I wish I didn't," said Jennifer.
"Jennifer, Tearra is just a kid and she needs a home," said Lt. Baker.
"Both of you keep saying that she is just a kid," said Jennifer. "You two do realize that Tearra is seven years older than I am, don't you?"
"Tearra might be seven years older than you are, but how mature she is, is very much linked on her physical appearance," said Gen. Hammond.
"Jennifer, what do you say?" asked Lt. Baker.
Jennifer thought for a moment before asking, "Gen. Hammond, can I meet Tearra before I decide?"
"I'll allow it," said Gen. Hammond. He then stood up. "Lt. Baker, I'm going to ask you to remain here."
"May I ask why, Sir?" asked Lt. Baker.
"I don't what Tearra knowing right away that Jennifer is your wife," said Gen. Hammond. "That would only get her hopes up."
"I understand, Sir," said Lt. Baker.
"Mrs. Baker, you can follow me," said Gen. Hammond. They then began to walk out. "Mrs. Baker, I'm going to ask you that you don't tell Tearra your name."
"Whatever you think is best, Gen. Hammond," said Jennifer.
A few minutes later they were walking in the lounge. Tearra was coloring in a coloring book on the couch. The TV was on, but Tearra wasn't paying attention to it. Gen. Hammond then began to pull out some coins from his pocket. He gestured towards Tearra before asking, "May I buy you a soda?"
"Sure, a sprite would be fine," said Jennifer. Jennifer then walked over to Tearra. "Hi, young lady, what are you watching?"
"Some game show, but you can turn it if you want," said Tearra. "I'm not watching it anyway."
Jennifer glanced at what she was coloring before saying, "That's a lovely picture that you're coloring."
"I got other pictures too; do you want to see them?" asked Tearra.
"I would love to," said Jennifer. After Jennifer sat down, Tearra proceeded to show Jennifer her pictures. Jennifer looked at four pictures before continuing to say, "You do a good job coloring." When Gen. Hammond stepped up, he handed Jennifer the soda. "What else do you like to do besides color?"
Jennifer was opening the soda as Tearra said, "I like reading story books." Jennifer took a drink. "I also like playing board games and cards."
Jennifer swallowed the drink before saying, "So you like reading. What books have you read?" Tearra began to give Jennifer a long list, but before she was able to complete the list Jennifer stopped her. "You're telling me that you read all those books?"
Jennifer looked at Gen. Hammond as Tearra said, "I read more than what I have told you." Gen. Hammond just nodded.
"Wow; that's amazing," said Jennifer. "What grade are you in?"
"I don't go to school," said Tearra. "Janet taught me."
"Tearra has tested at high school level in most of her academic areas and college level when it comes to her reading," said Gen. Hammond.
"Again I must say, wow," said Jennifer. "Tearra, there must be other things you like to do besides reading and playing games."
"Well, I have never been at an amusement park or to a swimming pool, but they look like something I would like to do," said Tearra. "Oh, I like going to the movies. I also like the sliding boards and the swings at the park. I have never been skating though, but I would like to learn to skate too."
"How about dolls?" asked Jennifer. "Do you like playing with dolls or other toys?"
"I never played with toys, but they also look like fun," said Tearra. Tearra then looked at the clock in the lounge. "Gen. Hammond, can I have pizza for lunch?"
"I will see what I can do, Tearra," said Gen. Hammond.
"Thanks," said Tearra.
"You are just a kid, aren't you?" Jennifer rhetorically asked barely loud enough to be heard. Tearra just looked at Jennifer in a confused manner. "Tearra, Gen. Hammond tells me that you're not from around here, but you want to stay here."
"I like it here," said Tearra. "There are more fun things to do. My mom, my brothers and my sisters went to the new place though. They didn't want to come here."
"You have relatives?" asked Jennifer.
"Tearra's relatives and her people are still off world," said Gen. Hammond.
"Tearra, your mom doesn't mind that you're not with her?" asked Jennifer.
"My mom is happy that I will have a good life here and that I can experience an advance way of life," said Tearra. Jennifer just looked at Gen. Hammond as if to ask for an explanation.
"Tearra's people are not as advanced as we are," said Gen. Hammond. "Although Tearra and her people are very intelligent the age that they live in can be more described as Stone Age."
"Gen. Hammond, is there a reason that Tearra's people are not advancing?" asked Jennifer.
"There are two reasons," said Gen. Hammond. "The main reason is that since they are a shape-shifting race they just don't need the tools that they need to advance to the next age."
Tearra gave Gen. Hammand a surprised look before saying, "Gen. Hammond, you told her the secret of me being a shape-shifter."
"Gen. Hammond has told me a little bit about you before I walked in here," said Jennifer. "He is still keeping how you got here a secret though."
"Gen. Hammond, I thought keeping the secret of me being a shape-shifter was very important?" Tearra questioned.
"Tearra, I am Jennifer, Lt. Doug Baker's wife," she began. Tearra wasn't sure how to react and just stared at her in a surprised manner. "Gen. Hammond told me about you because he has okayed you living with Doug and me. I didn't tell you who I was when I walk in because I wasn't sure if I could handle the responsibility of caring for you."
"Are you sure now," asked Tearra.
"Yes I am, Tearra," said Jennifer. "I would love for you to come live with Doug and me. You may even start tonight if it is okay with Gen. Hammond."
Without saying a word Tearra gave Jennifer a hug. Jennifer just embraced the hug.
Gen. Hammond stood up before saying, "I will go get things in order, Mrs. Baker. Tearra, you can go and gather your things."
When Tearra ended the hug Jennifer said, "I'm going to take that hug as a thank you and you're welcome." Tearra just smiled. "So what do you say about getting your things. I will even go with you."
"I would like that," said Tearra. She then stood up followed by Jennifer. .
As they were walking out of the room, Jennifer asked, "After we get your things how about that we go and get that pizza you were wanting?"
"I would like that too," said Tearra.
"Good," said Jennifer.
Before leaving the SGC Tearra said her goodbyes to everyone she knew.
24