NORAD Tracks Santa
By Teri

Another Possible Ending:

Daniel walked into the mess hall and looked around, his eyes settling on Jack.

"Jack, you and I need to have a talk!" He began.

"Sure Danny, what's up?" Jack responded not really paying attention.

"Well, I...er. That is to say," Daniel couldn't figure out what to say now that he found him.

"Daniel," Jack said in a warning tone. He didn't feel like dealing with anything right now. He was tired and he a big couple of days coming up.

"Right, Jack do you believe in Santa Claus?" Daniel asked.

Jack's mouth dropped open for a moment as he looked at his friend. He tried to figure out why he would be asking that of him, now at this time of year.

"Jack?" Daniel asked again.

"Daniel, aren't you a little old to believe in Santa?" Jack asked in his best 'I am humoring the geek' tone.

"I was in your office," Daniel hesitated. "I saw the memo on your desk."

"And that is what made you ask the question?" Jack sat back in his chair giving a light laugh. "That is a joke from a buddy of mine up at NORAD. I mean come-on Daniel. Tracking the infrared signature of Rudolf's nose? Santa Cams?"

Daniel looked at Jack and suddenly felt like a fool, "Sorry, Jack. You're right. I am just tired. Too much translating and not enough coffee." He quickly got up and left a more than a little embarrassed.

Jack watched him go feeling bad at embarrassing his friend like that. Perhaps he could have been gentler about it? He suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see General Hammond.

"I know that wasn't easy son, but you did the right thing," he sighed. "There are just somethings that are even more restricted than the Stargate. It is a matter of need to know."

Jack nodded his agreement and the General patted his shoulder and discreetly handed him a candy-cane before leaving.

Christmas comes all year long in Teri-Land Fiction!

MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY HOLIDAYS SAFE SUMMER

Teri 06/12/04 (Updated 12/23/06)

(This chapter is also known as the lost ending – written in December 2003, found in June 2004)