Title: Surprise!!!

Author: Jenn

Rating: Will depend on the chapter but I'm gonna go with a steady R

Category: Crossover with Stargate Atlantis & Roswell (well kinda I'm borrowing Liz Parker for a little bit) ... Romance/Angst/Drama

Spoilers: Unending

Couples: Sam/Cam, Daniel/Vala, others to follow

Disclaimer: They're not mine sniff sniff. If they were both of my kids would be Mitchells LOL Once again they're not mine. Blah. Blah. Blah. No copy right infringement intended...Cairo and Aleera Carter, Ashley Grimaldi, Reille, Chatham and a few others however are of my own creation...

Summary: After the events of 'Unending' throw them for a loop, Sam & Vala attempt to resume a normal life...but the higher ups have other ideas.

Author's Note: I'm going to be tweaking things (read: timeline/events) quite a bit kids so pay attention: 1) Rather than being trapped for 50 years, they were only trapped for 4; 2) As the story begins, Sam & Vala are in Atlantis (will be explained) and Daniel and Cameron are back the SGC; 3) Liz Parker is the only character from Roswell that I am borrowing (as to why, well you'll just have to read and find out) 4) Rather than leaving after Graduation, the Pod Squad (along with Maria, Kyle, and Alex) left for home sweet home while they were in college 5) Liz is 24, Sam, Daniel, Cam, & Vala are all around 34-35ish 6) There will be other differences between my version of events and the episode "Unending" but changes are not just limited to that particular episode (trust me you'll see) and finally 7) O'Neill is still in command of the S.G.C. and we're gonna go on the assumption that Carter and Mitchell have known each other for a long time.

On with the show...

Chapter Three: Wanna Run That By Me Again?

She wasn't quite sure where they were. What she did know was that they were far underground. Everyone they had walked past had stared at her and the kids like they'd never seen a stranger before. And what was that ring with the hieroglyphics on it? Was that the Stargate that Sam had referred to in a mumbled conversation she had overheard her sister having with Daniel eight years ago. Deep Space Telemetry my ass. She always knew her sister was up to something more.

Liz sat nervously in the briefing room with the kids. Daniel and Cameron had gone to go get them something to eat while they waited for their boss.

It didn't click with her until just now just who their 'boss' was. The Airman who had brought the kids food had mentioned that General O'Neill would be in shortly. The panic was back.

----

Meanwhile:

The General's Office:

Jack O'Neill stood just out of Liz's line of sight with Daniel & Mitchell. He let out a sigh. "So the Junior Carters did what?"

Surprisingly, he hadn't been that shocked that Sam's little sister reappeared after so long. She had been in Egypt for quite some time. He had gone with Sam to see her off. But the fact that she now had two kids in tow, had peaked his interest. He guessed that Sam's niece and nephew were around the age of his own children. Jack O'Neill now had two little troublemakers compliments of his wife. Madison and Kyle O'Neill were almost four and the light of their parents' lives.

The father in him led him to wonder where exactly these kids' father was. It was clear for all who knew or had ever met Michael Deluca to see, that the two toddlers sitting in the briefing room were his. So where was he? Liz never went anywhere without at least one member of her clan of misfits. So where were they all? How come Liz was here-in Colorado Springs- by herself?

Cameron was slightly amused at the General's new found nickname for Liz and the kids. "Cairo and Liz healed Aleera, General. Jackson and I both saw it with our own eyes. Her hand covered his and suddenly Aleera's leg wasn't bleeding anymore."

"The kids obviously know what they can do Jack. Cairo cried hysterically when he realized he'd done it in front of us."

"And Carter?" It wasn't that hard to fall into calling Liz, Carter. He'd done it with her older sister for as long as he'd known her. And while neither of the sister's bore any resemblance to each other, Liz's attitude and the way she carried herself had always reminded him very much of a certain blonde Lt. Col. / ex-girlfriend of his. Just like Sam, Liz was a tough little thing wrapped in a deceptively beautiful exterior. He'd witnessed it firsthand, all the times he'd accompanied Sam to see her.

"She freaked too when she realized that we had seen the whole thing. She begged me not to call you and not to take the kids from her."

"Why?"

"We're not sure General. We didn't get that far yet. We kinda figured you'd want to be there for it."

'General O'Neill to the Gate Room. General O'Neill to the Gate Room immediately please.'

He motioned for Daniel and Mitchell to follow him.

"What is it Walter?"

"Ask Chatham sir. He asked for you as soon as he got here."

He turned to the Tokra in question"Well?"

"As you all know I'm Antarian by birth."

They all nodded.

"I am sure that you are aware that my home world was completely destroyed four of your Earth years ago."

Again they nodded.

"I was under the impression that my sister and I are the only survivors of our race."

Cam could practically feel his eyes start to roll as boredom set in. "Chatham no offense, but, I'm kinda waiting for the punch line."

O'Neill snicked and the Tokra merely looked confused at Mitchell's attempt to get to the point. He liked Mitchell more and more every day.

"As I was saying I sense there are three Antarians on your base."

All at once Jack, Cam and Daniel looked at each other and replied "Liz."

"Cha my friend," Jack said as he slapped him on the back "follow us."

The four men made their way back to the briefing room where the 'Junior' Carters were busy eating their lunch.

Even though they had their backs to him when he entered, it was hard to miss the fact that they were instantly aware of Chatham's presence. All three of their heads snapped around in his direction.

"Guess that answers that one kids." Jack broke the silence.

Chatham, much to everyone's surprise bowed to Liz and her startled children.

He then turned back to General O'Neill. "I was correct. However I did not realize they were of noble blood."

Daniel coughed and Cameron choked.

"Cha? Noble? Do explain." O'Neill replied with an arched eyebrow.

Chatham turned to Liz "Milady, are these not the children of the Commandant, Lord Rathander?" The colors of her royal seal and the little boys face gave away their lineage.

'I will not hurt you.' He told her in their minds. 'You and your children are family. Rathander was the son of my father's sister.'

For her part Liz looked like she was ready to pass out. The air about this man was familiar. He looked a bit like Ashley with his blonde hair, intense green eyes, and well built physique. Much like any other Antarian man she had ever met. He also had that same regal presence about him and she could sense no malevolence in him. Yet she still felt like she could pass out none the less. She grabbed her children's hands in the hopes they would sense it and fix it. They did and she could only nod.

"And you, their mother?"

"Yes."

He once again turned back to the men. "Not only are you looking at the only other survivors of my race. They are the only remaining members of the House Natares, the ruling House of Antar. Which makes her," he said as he motioned to Liz "the Commandantess. And them," he motioned to Cairo and Aleera "the Count and Countess."

Chatham's words set in Liz's brain. Only surviving members. She knew in her heart Michael was dead but to hear it voiced made it final. She practically fell back into her chair and tears pooled in her eyes.

Daniel was by her side in an instant. "It's okay."

She motioned for him to go back by Jack and Mitchell. "I'm fine."

Chatham had realized that his words had affected her deeply. "Milady, I am sorry. Did you not know? Did you not feel?"

'This is new. I guess since she knows we're not alone a non-disclosure agreement isn't necessary. Wonder how the big man is gonna like this one?' Jack thought to himself. "Excuse me, feel?"

"Yeah." Liz replied with a shaky breath. "Antarians cannot have a child with just any person. Only with their mate. Once a child is conceived, a bond is formed between not only the child and the parents but between the parents that is unbreakable. If one should die, no matter how far away they are, the other feels it."

Mitchell found himself feeling very sorry for Sam's sister as well as her niece and nephew. The heartache could clearly be seen in her eyes.

"Well I guess that answers some of my questions. So Liz how ya been?"

Liz couldn't help but smile slightly at the General's attempt to lighten the mood. She was used to it. Anytime she had ever seen him, he was like that. His sarcasm reminded her a lot of Michael.

"Well Jack, I've had better days."

Cameron raised an eyebrow a la Teal'c and turned to Daniel and mouthed 'Jack?'

Daniel's only response was to laugh. "Don't forget he dated her sister for a while Cam." He whispered.

Cam nodded but had no retort.

"So I've heard. Would ya care to share the story with the rest of the class?"

She gave him an impish grin. "Only if you can wrangle someone up to entertain my kids. Cairo, Aleera say hi to Jack. He's another one of Aunt Sam's friends."

They dashed to the other side of the table so that they could say hi. Now it was Jack who's jaw hit the floor. He didn't expect either of them to say hi let alone come over to him.

Cairo touched his hand and turned to his mother. "He nice man Mama. He no lie eitha."

Aleera nodded in agreement with her brother.

Liz had to laugh at the shocked looks on the faces of all the men in the room.

Teal'c chose and appropriate moment to walk into the briefing room.

The children were immediately interested in him. His expression said that the fascination went both ways.

He then looked to Liz. Then to Jack. "O'Neill, is this not the other daughter of Jacob Carter?"

Cameron choked again. "T, it took you less then 5 seconds to figure out what I'm still trying to wrap my mind around. How the hell did you do that?"

"It is a gift that you do not posses Colonel Mitchell."

The rest of the adults in the room laughed.

"Hey T, do you think you can take the kids down to Dr. Lam," Jack asked as he looked to Liz "with your approval of course."

She nodded. "As long it's okay with, them it's fine with me."

Teal'c bowed to them and held a hand out to each child. Without question the kids took Teal'c's hands and waived at their mother on their way out.

"Well that was easier than I thought it would be." Jack said as he clapped his hands together. "Shall we," he gestured to the table for everyone to sit down.

Liz was the first to speak, "Well this is definitely not what I was expecting."

"Yeah we get that Carter. Wanna explain why."

Liz eyed Cameron carefully. 'So this is the man my sister is head over heels for eh. I take it back. We'll have to see.' "I was fully prepared to have to take the kids and go on the run again."

'Run again?' "How come?"

Liz regarded her sister's best friend. He was far more outspoken than when she'd seen him last. And he had changed far beyond that. His hair was now short and spiky. And he had clearly been working out. If she didn't already see him like a brother, he would of been in trouble. "Daniel what I'm about to say might shock you."

"Carter," Jack chimed in, "somehow I doubt that."

Liz shook her head. "Okay. The crash in Roswell in 1947 really happened." When they didn't exactly look shocked, she knew that they did in fact know more than they let on.

The three men nodded and Chatham just observed. He would chime in when or if it was necessary.

"There were four pods that were sent to Earth by the Antarian government. The heads of their Royal family had been slaughtered by a warlord. They were recreated and sent here until the time came that they would be able to return home and reclaimed their throne. They didn't emerge from the pods until 1989. The four of them were adopted after being found on the Highway 89 by the Sheriff. Jack, Daniel, you've met them before."

Neither man said a word but both of their expressions told Liz she needed to continue. "The Antarians sent their King Zander, their Queen Avaria, the King's sister Princess Vilandra, and the King's right hand man Lord Rathander, the Commandant of the Royal Armed Forces. Here they were Max Evans, Tess Valenti, Isabel Evans, and Michael Deluca. We all lead relatively normal lives until the summer of 1999. There was a fight that broke out in my step-father's diner, the Crashdown. A gun was pulled and the next thing I know, I got shot. Max healed me. And after that things got weird. It was a good week if the Special Unit wasn't trying to get one or all of us."

"Can I interrupt for just a second?"

"Sure Mitchell."

Jack laughed. 'Another Carter has his number.'

"Special Unit?"

"Of the FBI. Not officially sanctioned of course. Once they kidnaped Max and tortured him. They tried to take me twice when we were just starting college. At that point it was decided that none of the eight of us would ever be caught alone. We were stronger together. Power of two is better than power of one."

"Power?"

Liz locked eyes with Daniel. 'More power than you can imagine. This is just the tip of the iceberg.' It was directed at Daniel but she made sure Jack and Cameron heard it too. It made Cam spit out his water.

Liz laughed as Daniel clapped him on the back.

"As I was saying we all had powers. Telepathic, telekinetic and the ability to heal, among others. I obviously had them cause Max healed me. Maria, Kyle and Alex got them because they had to be healed after we were in a bad car accident in Massachusetts."

Another question fell from his lips. "Maria, Kyle and Alex?"

"Maria Deluca, Kyle Valenti and Alex Whitman. My three best friends. Maria's mom adopted Michael. Kyle's dad adopted Tess and Alex's Father's best friend adopted Max and Isabel. We all grew up together."

Daniel decided that as much as he didn't want to bring it up, he needed to.

"Liz, what happened to them? Where are they? It's not like you to travel by yourself."

Sadness appeared in her blue eyes. "They left just before my 20th birthday. He was supposed to come back for me."

"Michael?"

She nodded solemnly. "We didn't even know I was pregnant. I didn't go with them cause I wanted to finish my last two finals. The Prime Minister himself who was also Michael's brother, came to protect me until I could join them."

Chatham's eyes lit up. "Ashley? My cousin lives?"

Liz nodded with a small smile. She was genuinely happy that another of their race had survived. She thought of the Antarians as her race too. Ashley had once explained to the group how being healed had changed them in every way, right down to the most basic level. They were just as Antarian as the Royal Four. And they were gonna go back with them to Antar to repair all of Khivar's damage. A new government and strong leaders were what the planet needed. And Antar was about to get eight of them. By Antarian tradition and law Max, Tess, Isabel, and Michael's significant others were now Royals too. Maria would be seen as the King's mate, Alex as the Queen's, Kyle would be a Prince, and she would be the Commandantess alongside Michael. A rather large contingent had been sent to Earth to see that everyone would receive the training necessary to fill their respective roles. The people were more than welcoming and accepting of their new Royals. It was being heralded as the beginning of a great new age for Antar. But then something happened.

"Everyone had already been told and given a chance to say their good-byes. Sheriff Valenti and Amy Deluca went with them. I had just finished my English Lit final when I felt it."

"The end Milady?" Chatham asked.

She nodded. It was not lost on anyone that she struggled to take a breath before speaking.

"It felt like the air had been sucked from my lungs." A visible shudder ran through her as she recalled a memory that, for years, she'd tried so hard to bury. The pain that she went through that had almost been her undoing. "It had been a long time since I had that kind of deafening silence in my mind. I have never ever felt so lonely in my entire life. So cut off."

She gripped the table and willed the tears to stay at bay. The four men's gazes were locked on her but she didn't dare meet their eyes. That would mean she'd give in to the emotions that came careening forward anytime it was recalled. Losing grip right now wouldn't help anyone. A maelstrom of emotions swept through her as she struggled to continue.

"All I remember is falling to my knees and Ashley taking me back to our house. I cried for three days straight. I wished I'd died with them. I felt suffocated. My soul was empty. I was not used to feeling -being- so alone." Her demeanor suddenly snapped from sadness to a bright smile with her last sentence. "But then Ashley told me something that forced me to snap out of it."

All but Cameron stayed silent. They seemed content to let him ask all the questions. "The twins?"

Liz nodded. "I figured we'd be safe cause we were in Egypt. No one of consequence knew I was there. And I was untraceable cause I had finally started using my father's name. I was content there until they found us."

"They?"

"The Special Unit. Or it could have been Khivar's men. I still don't know for sure. I just know that one morning Ashley handed me plane tickets, a cell phone, credit cards and told me to go. We've been bouncing around since."

"How long ago was that?"

"About eight months. We ended up in Rio de Janeiro but I was too afraid to stay in one place too long. After that it was Argentina, Mexico, and Canada. Two weeks ago, I finally got up the courage to return to the States. But I was still so scared. If any of them got their hands on the kids..." She couldn't bear to finish that sentence. It didn't matter they got the point.

Daniel and Jack both winced. How she had managed to survive on the run for that long with two kids in tow amazed them. And yet, it didn't because she was a Carter. If anyone knew how to beat the odds, it was them.

Continuing his role as inquisitor, Cam asked "Who was that man you mentioned?"

"Khivar?"

"Yeah."

She straightened up and took another shaky breath. Even after nearly four years, it he was hard to talk about. "He was the one who had murdered Max, Tess, Isabel, and Michael the first time around."

Chatham saw his opportunity to speak. He bowed his head as if to ask permission to speak. She bowed her head in return. "As did he this time Milady. At least, that's what we believe. But you needn't worry. He was eviscerated along with the rest of our people." His voice was a whisper as he finished speaking. He knew that it wasn't any consolation.

To her, it wasn't any solace. The knowledge that they truly were the last of Antarian race was sobering. Her children would never know their father's home world. "How, Chatham?"

He once again bowed his head in acknowledgment to her before explaining. She was used to it. Antarians took respect to whole new heights. Before everything had gone wrong, when there'd been a literal calvary on Earth, people would bow everywhere she went. They didn't make eye contact and no one dared called her by her first name. It was 'Yes Milady' 'Of course Lady Elizabeth' or her personal favorite (not really) 'As you wish Commandantess'. For a small town girl from a dead end town, it was overwhelming. It was nice to be respected, but she really didn't want anyone 'falling' at her feet. It was one facet of Antarian culture that boggled her mind.

"We're still unsure. The Tokra have not been able to raise Antar's Stargate but all surface scans show the entire populace is gone and the planet is uninhabitable."

Teal'c who up until then had been standing at the door listening, came in.

Liz without having to say a word gave him a look that seemed to inquire as to the whereabouts of her children.

"Cairo Carter and Aleera Carter are with Doctor Lam, Liz Carter."

She nodded. She'd had enough of the whole reminiscing thing for now. Right now all she wanted was to see her kids.

Daniel seeing the unease on Liz's face turn to Mitchell, "Cam do you think you could take Liz to the kids?"

Cam nodded and held out his arm for Liz, "Milady," he said with a smirk.

Liz, in turn, rolled her eyes and took his arm.

"I shall go with them," Chatham declared eagerly as he followed the pair out.

Teal'c took Liz's vacated seat next to Daniel.

"Well kiddies, wasn't that enlightening? Thoughts? NID perhaps?"

"I don't know Jack. I just know that she doesn't feel safe out there. And if it is the NID, they probably won't stop until they have her and the kids."

"Suggestions?"

"Perhaps O'Neill we should send Cairo, Aleera, and Liz Carter to visit Colonel Carter."

Jack shook his head. "It sounds like an idea T."

Daniel suddenly seemed very uncomfortable in his chair at the mention of anything close to Atlantis. And there was a time where he would've danced on the table if it meant he could go to the 'Lost City'. But the mere mention of the place where Sam and Vala had vacated to made him extremely uneasy.

Jack knew and decided he'd had enough. They'd been driving him steadily insane for nearly a month now with all of their pouting. 'Plan A here we come.' "The Concordia will be leaving tomorrow for Atlantis. Space Monkey, pack your bags."

"Jack, I-"

"No buts Danny Boy, you and Mitchell are now officially on Carter watch. You will be accompanying them to Atlantis. Make sure you're ready because the Concordia leaves 0800 tomorrow. I'll have someone take you and Mitchell to get your things and Liz's things from Carter's house."

He got up from the table and turned around. "Oh and before you say a word, Teal'c is not going with you. He's leaving tomorrow on vacay to see Ishta." With his patented smirk, he left the room.

Teal'c stood. "You will have some groveling to do when you reach Atlantis, Daniel Jackson. You and Colonel Mitchell both."

"Teal'c could you-"

"For the last time Daniel Jackson I will not reveal what happened during those 4 years. If things are meant to be then they will happen again. However I am growing weary of seeing you and Colonel Mitchell wander the halls like zombies."

He simply bowed his head and left to go in search of General O'Neill.

Daniel sat in deep thought for nearly twenty minutes. For some reason a conversation he had with one of the 'AU' Mitchells popped into his head. That was another incident (read: headache) that had the whole surreal feel going for it.

----

He sat opposite yet another Cameron Mitchell. This one had come through the gate with, you guessed it, another SG-1.

This SG-1 however, was very different in terms of personnel. This team consisted of himself (well not him obviously), Teal'c, Major Evan Lorne, and of course Mitchell.

'Mitchell' made a face and clucked his tongue. "Well this is awkward."

He found himself nodding. "Oh yes. And yet, not so much. So, um, I got a couple questions for you."

"I figured as much. Do we have any idea as to how to fix this? Cause my wife will have my head if I'm not back soon." he asked anxiously.

Daniel's eyebrows shot up at the mention of a wife. Cam, for as long as he'd known him hadn't shown interest in any one other than Sam. Not that Sam knew it. His friend, like him, was very good at keeping secrets in check. "Wife?"

'Mitchell' shot him an incredulous look. "You're kidding right? I guess that means that your Cam isn't married."

"Nope can't say that he is."

The other man simply ran a hand through his hair. "Sucks for him. As I was saying, I need to get home within the next few days or the Misses is gonna kick my ass around the SGC. And I'll be damned if I miss this the second time around." His face held a rueful smile.

"Miss what?"

"The birth of our daughter. I was on P3X-222 when Caiden and Danny were born. She'll have my head if I miss out again. And Lizzie'll kick my ass if she has to endure having her hand broken this time around cause I wasn't there. I'm not sure I want her to either. My sister-in-law is kinda scary for such a small thing." He chuckled.

Daniel couldn't hide the shock that ran through him. "Lizzie? As in Sam's sister Liz?"

"Of course Liz. Do you know anyone else named Liz?" He shot Daniel another 'you've got to be kidding' look.

It suddenly clicked. "You're married to Sam?" It was more a statement than a question.

'Mitchell' held up his left hand revealing a white gold band with the symbol for Earth on it. "Going on six years now. We got married a couple months after I was released from the hospital. I'm going out on a limb here, but I'm gonna guess that your Cam got messed up badly in Antarctica too."

Daniel nodded but said nothing.

"Sam was by my side through the whole thing. Once I got better, I proposed and lucky for me she said yes. We were married two months later. About another month after that we found out she was pregnant with Caiden and Danny." He pulled a photo out of the inside pocket of his BDUs. The photo was of him and Sam sitting side by side with two obviously giggling, blond haired, blue eyed toddlers across their laps. Behind them stood a smiling Liz and...

"What's Major Lorne doing with his arms wrapped around Liz?"

'Mitchell' laughed. "C'mon Jackson I know you're not that dumb. Take a closer look at the picture."

An obviously pregnant -how had he missed that the first time around- Liz had her arms wrapped around the Majors' neck who was smiling down at her as if the camera wasn't even there. They both had wedding rings on. "They're married?"

He nodded. "Sam wasn't too keen on it at first ya know. Considering he's almost twelve years older than her and Liz was only eighteen at the time. But she got over it. She really wanted Liz away from her ex and Lorne was the best way for it. Evan joined the SGC just before they had got hitched and Liz moved here to be closer to him and Sam. She's teaching at one of the local elementary schools. This was taken a couple months before Nadine was born. She'll be five next month and their son Connor just turned a year two weeks ago."

"Wow." Words escaped the linguist at the moment. He was a bit-okay maybe more than a bit, but let's not split hairs- shocked.

"Yeah. They're really happy. He takes good care of her. That went a long way to Sam warming up to the idea. She really loved the idea of having Liz literally down the block. She was happy to at least have one close member of her family."

"I guess that means Mark's an asshole in your reality too?"

A scowl appeared on 'Mitchell's face at the mention of his brother-in-law. "Yeah that's putting in mildly. He's a prick. Tried to blackmail Sam into keeping Liz from attending Jacob's funeral. He told Sam that if Liz came he'd take Sam to court to have their father buried at Arlington instead of the Colorado Springs Cemetery like Jacob had asked. I have never been so proud of Sam as when she slugged him." He laughed.

"Damn things aren't that different. Mark did the same thing here. Liz acted as if she couldn't get a flight out here in time. It tore Sam up that Liz didn't get to say a proper good-bye."

"I'm sure it did. Sam hasn't spoken to him since. That doesn't stop him from sending Christmas cards with pictures of his brats though. It's okay. Sam and Liz got the good genes I guess cause they pop out the pretty kids. I mean I may be a bit biased but my sons and my niece and nephew are damn cute."

Daniel chuckled. This Cam was pretty amusing. Family man Cam seemed more relaxed than his own.

"So are Sam and I even?"

He shook his head. "Nope. Been dancing round each other for years. And with the regs being the way they are.."

'Mitchell' cut him off. "Ya mean you guys still have the stupid frat regs in place? General O'Neill and President Corland did away with them a long time ago. I mean we still have to be discreet and all. It's not like Sam and I can traipse the halls holding hands or anything but we're allowed to be together. If we weren't I woulda left the SGC a while ago. Her and the kids mean too much to me."

He nodded. "So that's where Sam is. Where's?"

"Vala?" 'Mitchell supplied for him.

He had a dumbstruck look on his face as he nodded again. "I am a bit curious."

"She's on maternity leave too. Your little girl's gonna drop any day now."

'Wow that was not the answer I was expecting.' "My what?"

He let out an exasperated sigh. "Mary and Joseph. Are you two not together here either? Jeez what is wrong with all of you?"

"We're?"

"Yeah you two got hitched last year. Bout damn time too. Won Teal'c a lot of money."

"I. Uh. Wow."

"Yeah. Thank god the two of you, well the two of them, got their acts together. I love Vala don't get me wrong. But, I wasn't exactly disappointed when she moved outta the house."

"She lived with you guys?"

"Yeah, she stayed in one of the spare bedrooms. Sam extended the invitation. I was told to either put up or shut up. And I wasn't exactly wanting to take up residence in one of the other rooms so I agreed. Vala lived with us for nearly two years. Don't get me wrong it was nice having a babysitter on hand at all times."

"You let her watch the kids?"

"Why not? She's great with em. Otherwise we wouldn't have made her Danny's god mother. I don't know about your Vala, but our Vala learned to blend into Earth culture really well. She's Sam's best friend."

Daniel sat back in his chair. The knowledge that he and Vala were married with a child on the way in another universe was interesting to say the least. He couldn't picture Vala exactly being the happy homemaker type. He wondered if his Vala (well she wasn't his but that's not the point) could be like that. If she could, well than maybe they could...

----

Meanwhile:

Commissary:

Liz sat across from Cameron sipping her coffee. As soon as he'd mentioned it, she nodded eagerly. It'd been forever since she'd had a decent cup of coffee. Chatham had gone ahead to see the kids.

"How come you're not all mother hen right now?"

"Because if anything was wrong with my kids, they'd tell me. Or I'd feel it. Right now they're perfectly content."

"Freaky."

She shook her head. "Yeah not so much. So I suppose you can tell me where my sister is now?"

"Atlantis."

She gasped. "As in the Atlantis of myths, Atlantis? The lost city."

"Apparently it's not so lost anymore. Just in another galaxy."

Somehow, in the grand scheme of things, that really did not surprise her. "I see. So what's Sam doing there?"

His expression faltered for a split second and she managed to catch it. Yep. 'He probably didn't even realize he did that.' She decided that she'd eventually get the real truth out sooner or later. For now, whatever story he fed her would be enough.

"Um, ah, she's visiting for a couple months. Kind of a vacation. A bit of a long story." 'Hey it wasn't a lie, was it? Granted it's not the whole truth either.' He was kinda glad that it wasn't a lie. He didn't really think he could get past her if he had to.

"Okay then." 'Liar.' Her inner voice singsonged to him 'Liar.'

Silence. They sat there in it until Liz made Mitchell speechless for the third time that day.

"So how long have you been in love with my sister?"

He couldn't hide his shock. 'Damn she does not pull any punches does she.' "I-I-I-"

'Oh no. You had your inquisition. I will have mine.' She smirked at the stammering man across from her. "Don't even try to talk your way out of it. I can see on your face and feel it in your soul. Your mind is practically screaming out for her. I've been doing my damdest to block it out but it's so strong. So, I'll ask again, how long?"

"We can't." He replied unconvincingly.

She shot him a dubious look. It was quite clear that the man in front of her was head over heals for her sister. And she knew that Sam had wanted him for a long, long time. She had confessed her feelings for him to Liz years ago. Liz couldn't say that she blamed her sister really. He was definitely easy on the eyes. But what she couldn't figure out was why they weren't together. Regs aside. If they really wanted to be with each other, they'd find a way. So what was keeping them apart? "Oh give me a break. Don't go spouting that protocol and regs crap to me. That's a convenient excuse to hide behind don't you think?"

He nodded, staring at his coffee like it was gonna save him from the conversation.

She stood up from the table. "A word of advice Cameron. Don't ignore it. Life is too short and there are no guarantees so you have to hold on to what you've got; who you've got with both hands. Grab at every opportunity you can. Think about it."

He did. Until his head hurt.

----

Jack's Quarters:

Teal'c had located General O'Neill in his 'home away from home': his room at the Chateau de Stargate.

"Hey T. Come on in."

He sat across from his friend with a bemused expression on his face.

"O'Neill, I believe you are enjoying my suggestion immensely."

"That I am T. That I am."

"May I inquire as to why?"

"Well T, it's like this. See I've been looking for a way to get Doc and Dopey to our fair not so Lost City. You and Miss Lizzie gave me a convenient excuse."

"Again, may I ask why O'Neill?"

He gave Teal'c an all knowing smile. "See. I know that something big happened in those four years. And I also know that it isn't public or common knowledge that the regulations have changed drastically. Meaning they don't know."

"And just who is this they that you refer to?"

"See I don't buy it that you don't know. Cause you were there."

"Are you speaking of Daniel Jackson, Vala Mal Doran, Colonel Mitchell and Colonel Carter?"

Jack nodded vigorously at his best friend. Both men's smiles were wide.

"Like I said I needed an excuse to get Doc and Dopey to get their heads out of their asses. I don't know what went on before Carter and Vala left. But I do know that all four have been moping around since."

"Has there been word from Atlantis, O'Neill?"

"To borrow a phrase from you, indeed. I talked to Weir yesterday. Seems our girls are trudging around like kids who've had their candy stolen."

"And it is your belief that Daniel Jackson and Colonel Mitchell are to blame."

"One hundred percent. Hell maybe one hundred and ten percent. She also mentioned that Carter and Vala had gone to see Dr. Beckett at the beginning of the week. He didn't say why, but as of now, they're not allowed too much in the way of gate travel."

"So your plan is to get Daniel Jackson and Colonel Mitchell to Atlantis to repair their mistakes?"

"Yep."

"Well then I have one question."

"What's that T?"

"May Ishta and I not accompany them to the city of the Ancients?"

Jack's response was to laugh and clap Teal'c on the back. "If you want to T. But don't you need to ask the ole ball and chain?"

"She has expressed interest in seeing the city of Ancients, O'Neill. I am sure that she will be most pleased."

"Well then by all means join the party. Be sure to take some pictures and write home for me will ya."