The space ship was ugly, plain and simple. It was bulky and flat nosed where most ships of the same type were sleek and lean with a more rounded nose, and instead of fixed wings like the shuttles or cargo ships the Tok'ra and Goa'uld had, this one had something more along the lines of the drive pods on the Gate ships the Ancients had designed. But on this ship, the drive pods were actually the chambers that held the new drive system that he himself had designed. They hadn't been tried out, yet – not in anything but a simulator, anyways – but now that the ship was built around them they were ready for a virgin flight. Not a long one; maybe out and around the solar system or something. Just enough to give it a shake down and see if he really was as brilliant as everyone thought he was.

Cassandra Fraiser came up beside him as he was studying the ship – which didn't have a name yet – and put her hand lightly on his elbow. He turned and smiled at her.

"It's kind of ugly."

Predictably, she nodded.

"Yeah. But I bet it goes fast."

"It'll be the fastest thing in the skies," he promised. "Or above them."

"Can I go on the first flight?"

He shook his head.

"No way."

Like he'd ever risk her?

"Please? It'd be fun."

"Why don't you wait and make sure it doesn't blow up, first?"

"Do you really think River would destroy your plane?"

"It's not a plane," he corrected, automatically – even though he knew she was teasing. "It's a space ship. And I don't expect it to blow up, but I'd rather not risk it."

She didn't argue any further. There really wasn't any point in it, and she knew it. Instead she gave him a quick hug.

"I'm so proud of you."

His already pleased smile broadened, and he couldn't help but feel just as proud of himself. This day had been a long time coming.

"I had a lot of help."

"What are you going to name it?"

He shrugged.

"I haven't got the foggiest. What do you think it should be called?"

"Ian."

He shook his head.

"No. That'd be awful…"

"Ian."

Now the rest of him shook, too.

"No."

"Ian… wake up."

Ian Brooks was jerked from his dream with a less than gentle nudge. He groaned, both because he was suddenly feeling every bruise on his body and because it really had been a very good dream. The ship had been ugly, but even in his dream he'd been proud of it. And more importantly, Cassandra had been proud of him, too. Reluctantly, he pulled the blanket back from where it was still covering his head, and saw that Daniel was crouched down beside his bedroll.

"What?"

"The storm broke. Wake up."

He frowned.

"What storm?"

Daniel shook his head, amused.

"Wake up, Ian."

With a sigh, Ian pushed back the blankets, shivering just a little in the aftermath. The cavern was still warm, but looking around he saw that the people were starting to gather up their belongings and letting the large fires go out. Men were bringing in large armfuls of wood – replacing what had been used so it would be ready for the next storm – and there was a general air of anticipation in the group.

He looked over at the others, and saw Daniel waking Jack up – with a bit of help from Jaffer, who was more than willing to use his cold nose to good advantage. Jack shivered and sat up as well, looking around automatically to make sure his entire team was there.

"The storm's over?" he asked, looking just about as dazed as Ian had felt when he'd woken up. Ian wondered what he'd been dreaming about.

"It is, O'Neill," Teal'c said. The Jaffa was gathering their things, as well.

Before Jack could reply, Fisai and Berag walked up to their fire with Josa accompanying them.

"How did you sleep?" Berag asked him and Ian.

"Great."

He looked refreshed, too.

Ian nodded his own agreement. The nap had definitely done him good.

"They are clearing a path in the snow to the Stargate," Berag said.

"Is it working yet?" Jack asked, looking at his watch. They had about twenty minutes before they were supposed to check in, and there was no way they were going to make it if the Stargate wasn't working.

Fisai shrugged.

"No clue."

Well, there was one way to find out. Jack pushed his blankets back much the same way Ian had, and reached for his boots.

"Let's get going, guys."

"I will take you," Fisai offered.

"Thanks."

The boy was being much more helpful, now, and Jack had a pretty good notion that it was because of the whole wraith thing. This was confirmed a moment later when he had his boots on and stood up. Josa stepped forward and took his hands before he could reach for his P90.

"You have my gratitude, Colonel," she said. "You and your friends…" her warm gaze included Teal'c, who bowed slightly, pleased that he had managed to make them believe he wasn't the monster they'd expected him to be when they'd first seen him.

Jaffer rumbled deep in his chest, and she smiled at the dogs, as well.

"And you have my gratitude, also," she added.

Jack (the dog) barked, cheerfully, responding to the tone of her voice, and Teal'c reached over and picked him up. There was no way he was going to let his injured dog walk if he didn't have to, after all. Josa stepped back, and Berag took her place, offering his hand to Jack as well.

"Your people are welcomed to return, O'Neill. As long as there are not too many of them."

Jack nodded.

"Thanks, Berag. We'll probably do that. Your people have been very hospitable, and we do appreciate you guys saving us from the storm."

Fisai smiled proudly, but didn't say anything.

Without another word, Berag stepped back, and Ian reached for his pack and his P-90. He also grabbed Teal'c's staff weapon, since he was better with one than Daniel was and Jack already had taken up Teal'c's pack, which would free the Jaffa to carry just Jack (the dog). Daniel reached for his things, as well.

"We'll be back," he promised.

There was a lot he had to learn, still.

Berag nodded, and Fisai gestured to the light that beckoned from the entrance to the cavern.

"It won't take long to get there."

OOOOOOOOOO

"How long?"

"Ten minutes, sir."

Nathan Brooks scowled, and looked at his watch. Again.

"Get SG-4 and SG-3 up here."

Harriman nodded, reaching for the phone.

"Yes, sir."

"And have Doctor Fraiser get one of her staff ready." He looked over at Sam, who was standing close by. "Just in case." He added.

She nodded, not really too concerned, yet. They weren't overdue yet. Although it was getting a lot closer than she liked.