Destiny's Footsteps

by Anaika Skywalker

There have been some changers at Stargate Command and General Jack O'Neill is bringing someone into SG1 that will keep Colonel Mitchell on his toes. A brilliant young archaeologist named Jackson.

2. Chapter 2

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. (And if I owned it, Stargate SG-1 would run forever.)

Beta Reader(2013): Edited by Jon from stargatetwins dot com (Typo's are all mine.)

Reviews: Big thank you to – scottiedog: Father and daughter will meet, I promise. Eventually. Black Rouge: I hope you enjoy this chapter too. Winjan: I hope my email sorted it out for you. Jack is in command at the SGC in this story and Landry is head of HWS, I just switched them around. As for Kayla's mother, all will be revealed. Nightshae: I also hope you got my email and I fixed that little blooper. Oops.

Author's Note: After watching season 9 on DVD and some of season 10, which I won't reveal how I got hold off. I've decided my Cameron Mitchell is a little older then what he is in the series. It makes it easier to fit him into the story. (Isn't Cameron a little young in the series to be a Lt. Colonel? I thought by the way he was talking to Sam at the beginning of season 9; they were around the same age. I guess I was wrong.)

DF

Chapter Two: Friends and Enemies?

General Jack O'Neill heard the doorbell ring, and wandered out of the kitchen, beer in hand to answer the door. He checked first, and frowning he opened the door. "Jon."

Jonathan Jack O'Neill, a carbon copy of General O'Neill, thanks to the Asgard Loki, but thirty-five years younger, pushed his way in. "Is it true?" He asked as he did.

Jack had been expecting him, as he'd been pre-warned. He closed the door and followed the kid. "Is what true?"

They stood face to face in the living room. "That Daniel has a daughter?" the younger man asked.

The elder O'Neill nodded. "Dr. Kayla Danielle Jackson." He walked over to the mantel and took a framed photo from it, handing it to him. "Holds four PhD's, speaks 22 plus languages."

Jon stared at the photo of the beautiful young woman. "Wow!"

"Yeah, no mistake whose daughter she is," Jack said sarcastically. He sat down, taking a drink. "So, how did you find out?"

"Cassie," Jon revealed. He perched on the coffee table, the photo still in his hands. "Sam told her."

Jack took another drink. "And you rushed over to find out if it was true?"

Jon knew he was finishing for information. "Well, since we no longer share a birth date," he divulged, and then questioned, curious. "Whose idea was the second of September anyway?"

"Daniel's."

"Oh." He didn't mind so much now, continuing, "Well, the day I turned eighteen, Colonel Davis was on my doorstep."

"I know, I suggested it," Jack said bluntly.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

"Anyway," Jon went on. "We talked; well, he talked and I listened. They want me to join the geek squad after I finish college. You're idea too, I take it?"

"It was your idea to go back to school," Jack incited. "You were the one who managed to complete high school and a couple of master's degrees at the same time. How's the doctorate going, by the way?"

"Fine thanks," the young man commented dryly. "Does she know about me?" He saw Jack nod. "So why did you hide her from Daniel?"

"Because if the Trust, NID or the Goa'uld had found out about her, they would have gone after Kayla and used her as leverage over Daniel; you know that as well as I do. It's the same reason we sealed your real file and created the other. Sending her to the Alpha Site kept her alive, and prepared her."

"Does Daniel know?"

"I sent him all the information we had, as well as a recording Kayla made for him, to Atlantis. He knows," Jack answered. "First chance I get, I'll take SG-1 to Atlantis and introduce the two Dr. Jackson's to each other."

Jon plucked the beer from his hands and took a drink. "He's going to be pissed at you for hiding her."

"He is," Jack replied as he took the bottle back. "But he'll get over it after he meets her."

"So how much like Daniel is Kayla?"

Jack chuckled, and then winced at a fresh memory. "She sat us all down a couple of weeks ago and gave a two hour lecture on some artifacts that they found, including detailed report on ascended beings known as the Ori. Who, according to Kayla, we need to stay the hell away from."

Jon smiled, finding it amusing. "Who's on the team now? Cassie didn't say."

"Lt. Colonel Cameron Mitchell, Major Ryan Michaels, Teal'c and Kayla," Jack revealed.

"Kayla is on SG-1?" Jon said rhetorically.

"The old band with new members, or so Mitchell informed me."

"I don't know Mitchell, but I remember Michaels, he was one of Sam's groupies," Jon recalled.

The elder O'Neill nodded. "She recommended him."

"So, did you warn Mitchell to look after Kayla?"

"I did, and Teal'c has considered himself her honorary Uncle; since he's always considered Daniel to be like a brother," Jack declared. "And Mitchell has read her file." He sat forward, picking at the label on the bottle. "She had it rough as a kid, her mother died when she was ten. Both of them were in a car accident that left her in a coma for three months. She had to learn to walk again. After that, it was foster families, and there was a few of them. She went to college at fourteen and was an emancipated minor at sixteen. At twenty-two she had four doctorates."

"Why didn't anyone try and find Daniel?" Jon asked angrily.

"Because they thought her father was dead."

Jon ran his fingers through his light brown hair. "And they didn't check?"

"No, they didn't," Jack said bluntly. "At college she heard about Daniel; well heard that he'd been laughed out of the Academic circle because of his theories. The thing is, she wrote a paper on the cross-pollination of languages and studied his theories on the Pyramids of Egypt."

Jon snorted. "She's her father's daughter, that's for sure." He glanced at the photo once more. "Glasses, a killer smile that probably has all the grunts panting; and I bet doughnuts to dollars she has allergies too."

"It would be a good bet," Jack said with a smile. He put his empty beer bottle down and took the photo from the younger man. "As for Mitchell, he looks like Daniel, and from a distance, you'd think he was."

"You're kidding?"

"Nope," he glanced at the photo. "And he found out the hard way what it means to have a Jackson on his team and how special they are."

"The hard way?" He saw Jack nod and his heart fell. "How bad was she hurt?"

"Bruisers on her back and chest, as well as cracking her head open, but she healed fast, and her hair is growing back."

Jon got up and sat next to the man everyone thought was his father. "Finding out about Kayla must have been a shock to the system for Daniel."

"Keeping her a secret from him, was one of the hardest things I've ever done," Jack admitted. "There were times I wanted to tell him, to send him to the Alpha Site to meet her. And then it was too late, he was gone to Atlantis."

"As long as we don't lose her, not like we lost Danny," Jon said bluntly, his sincerity burnt inside of him. "I won't go through that with his daughter, Jack."

"We got Daniel back," Jack reminded him, even though he understood. "Both times he ascended, he came back to us." He handed Jon the photo. "I have a feeling, if Kayla is ever in the same situation, she'd come back too. She lost the only family she had, and was alone for a long time, but now she has a family again. As dysfunctional as we all are, we're family."

"Yeah, we are," Jon agreed wholeheartedly.

"So, you are going to see her?" Jack asked him.

He nodded. "I think I might."

"Good, because I think the good Dr. Jackson could do with some help," the CO of Stargate Command announced. "How would you like an internship at the SGC?"

"An internship?" he looked at him skeptically.

"Look, Kayla needs the help. That nut Vala Mal Doran turned up with a tablet, claiming it would lead to, and I quote, an incredible Ancient buried treasure. Of course she was horribly disappointed to find out Daniel was gone, and Kayla was there instead."

Jon arched an eyebrow. "So did it lead to a buried treasure?"

"In a roundabout sort of way," Jack answered and then explained. "They ended up at Glastonbury Tor, well actually inside it." He saw his clone give him an impatient look. "To cut a long story short, they passed the tests, and found the treasure."

"And?"

"And I sent Vala Mal Doran packing. Hopefully, she won't end up in the Pegasus galaxy looking for Daniel," Jack concluded. "I sent a warning by the way," he added.

"Good call." Jon remarked.

"That's why I'm a General," Jack smirked and saw the young man roll his eyes. "Kayla needs the help, and you interning with her will go well towards your doctorate. Her department is good, but they can't keep up with her, and I think you can."

"Because I'm you?" Jon asked him.

"No, because you're you," the elder O'Neill stated. "So don't go stuffing this up."

"Not a chance. So, do I get to go off world?"

Jack saw that cheeky grin and groaned. This was cosmic payback, he was sure of it.

DF

Teal'c smiled; as it was Friday night, which meant movie night at Cameron Mitchell's. The source of Teal'c's amusement was his teammates, their team leader sitting with his feet on the coffee table crossed at the ankles, his head resting against the back of the sofa, concentrating on the movie. Curled up beside Cam was Kayla Jackson, her head resting against his shoulder, still wearing bandanas, even though her hair was growing back. She was asleep, her glasses a little crooked on her nose.

Ryan Michaels saw what the Jaffa was looking at. "I had a feeling sleeping beauty wouldn't last," he whispered.

"I believe Kayla Jackson has been burning the candle at both ends this past week." Teal'c noted.

"Wouldn't surprise me," the Major remarked. "She's been off world twice without us and once with us. Not to mention our little adventure, thanks to Mal Doran. And her 'inbox' was full the last time I looked."

"Good thing the guy interning with her arrives on Monday." Cameron remarked, having overheard them both.

"Do we know who it is, sir?" Ryan asked.

"The General's son, Jon O'Neill. Regular whiz kid, only eighteen, has a master's degree in Archaeology, literature and cosmology. He's finishing his doctorates with the Air Force's support while he interns at the SGC. Apparently, he's fluent in a few languages, including Goa'uld and a little Ancient. "

Teal'c raised an eyebrow, as he knew who they were talking about. He found it interesting that Mitchell didn't realize who Jon O'Neill really was. Then again, it also meant the cover story was working.

Cameron glanced at the Jaffa, having seen the eyebrow rise. "Do you know him?"

"Indeed, he is much like his father."

"Great, we'll have a Jack O'Neill clone to go with our Daniel Jackson clone."

Teal'c smiled even wider. Mitchell didn't realize how right he was when it came to Jon O'Neill. When the movie finished he stood. "All is prepared at the base, Colonel."

"All right, Teal'c. I've got the spare room made up, so let's tuck her in there and we'll see you both in the morning," Cameron announced.

"Very well." Teal'c carefully scooped the young archaeologist off the sofa and into his arms. She mumbled in her sleep but didn't wake.

Cameron stood and led the way. Opening the door, he turned down the blanket after turning the bedside lamp on. He stood back and let Teal'c lay Kayla down on the bed, and then removed her shoes. She automatically rolled onto her side, murmuring once more in her asleep. He eased her glasses off, leaving them on the bedside table near the lamp and then the bandana. The new growth of hair was slowly covering the pencil thin scar. He covered her with the comforter, and walked out with Teal'c, the door remaining open.

This wasn't the first time Kayla had stayed in his guest room, which was why he knew to leave the door open. If they went off world and they had to stay overnight, Cameron made it policy that one of them always shared a room, tent, hovel, or cave, whatever it was at the time, with her. The few times they had stayed overnight, he shared his life with her. She trusted them all, but somehow she always seemed comfortable sharing with him.

They returned to the living room, seeing Ryan had taken the DVD out and returned it to its case, as well as tidied up.

"Damn Michaels, you're going to make someone a very nice wife one day," Cameron teased.

"Funny, sir." He picked up the two DVD's they'd watched. "I told everyone to be finished by nine AM."

Cameron nodded. "I'll have Jackson up by then; I bought some of that coffee she likes."

His 2IC smiled, but didn't comment on that one. "What about a change of clothes for her, sir?"

"I procured a change of clothing for Kayla Jackson, and gave it to Colonel Mitchell this afternoon," Teal'c stated in his typical monotone.

"We've got it covered," Cameron said simply. They'd been planning for weeks, now it was all coming together. "Don't worry Michaels, everything will work out. General O'Neill gave me the few things her dad wants her to have; I took them to the apartment on my way home this afternoon. Everything is set." He ushered them to the door. "Now, get going and we'll see you both tomorrow morning."

"Yes, sir," Ryan acknowledged. "Good night, sir."

"Night, Michaels, Teal'c."

Teal'c bowed his head and followed the Major out.

Cameron shut the door and locked it. Turning the lights off, he headed off to bed, leaving the door to his room open. Kayla had nightmares occasionally; he'd also learnt that the first time she'd stayed with him. They'd talked and found a common thread, and a strong friendship and that meant a lot to them both.

Around three in the morning, he woke, hearing noises, scrambling out of bed he stumbled out and saw the bathroom light on. "Kayla?" he called out, going closer, not caring that he was walking around in a pair of boxers and a tee shirt.

"Yeah," a weak sounding voice answered him.

He went in without hesitation, seeing her rinsing out her mouth at the sink, realizing what had happened. "Are you okay?"

"Headache," she pressed the palm of her hand to her forehead. "Well more like a migraine."

"Damn," he swore and opened the medicine cabinet above her head, pulling out a bottle of tablets. Since she'd joined the team, he made sure he knew what to give her when a migraine hit. Dr. Lam had mentioned the fact she suffered from them, and he'd seen her have one, and he occasionally suffered from one himself. The joys of Gate travel. He shut the door as softly as he could and opened the bottle, shaking out two tables. "Here, take two of these, they'll help." He saw her hesitate. "They're ibuprofen, Dr. Lam gave them to me for migraines; she said they're the same as what you take."

She took the two tablets and swallowed them with a glass of water. "Thanks."

"No problem," he put the bottle away and he grabbed her arm. "Come on, back to bed." He almost hauled her out; shutting off the light he guided her into his own room. "Lay down."

"This isn't the spare room, Cam," she noted, squinting at him.

"No, it's mine. Lay down, I want to be close by in case it gets worse." He waited until she'd done so before he made himself comfortable next to her, resting against the bed head. "Try and get some sleep."

"Easier said than done," she grumbled.

"I know, but try."

"Yes, sir, Colonel, sir."

"Funny, Jackson, real funny," he smirked softly.

"I try."

He was sure she did, scooting down a little; he shoved a pillow behind his back and settled in. There was no reason they couldn't do this, they'd shared a tent, had huddled together in a dark cave while a storm raged to stay warm. So this was no different. No difference at all. Oh yeah, and he was going to keep telling himself that too.

He woke around eight the next morning, a heavy weight on chest, opening his eyes he found Kayla curled up against him. Her head on his chest, fast asleep, one arm lay over his waist. He knew she was a cuddler, but she'd never gotten this relaxed and familiar.

For a moment he didn't move. It had been a while since he'd woken up with a beautiful woman in his arms. Too damn long, and his body was telling him that and a lot more. He managed to get out of the bed without disturbing her, grabbing what he needed. He headed into the bathroom, twenty minutes later he was dressed and in the kitchen, his hair still damp from the shower.

He started the coffee, knowing he was going to have to wake Kayla up soon. He hoped the smell of fresh coffee would do it for him, and they'd make it on time. By the time it was done, she still hadn't made an appearance. Pouring a cup out, he added milk and sugar and then headed into the bedroom, sitting the mug on the bedside table. He slipped into the bathroom, giving it a quick once over. Going back to the bedroom, he found Kayla awake. Sitting up she was cradling the mug in her hands, her eyes closed as she took the first sip. It took his breath away, the way she unconsciously caressed the mug, the pure bliss that crossed her face after that first mouthful. He gave himself a mental shake and cleared his throat.

Kayla opened her eyes; her cheeks became crimson under his gaze. "Morning, Cameron."

"Morning, Jackson."

She arched an eyebrow. "We just spent a good part of the morning together in the same bed. I think you can manage my first name, Mitchell."

"Funny," he remarked. "We've got to get a move on, the guys are expecting us."

"Right, the apartment, they want me to look at," she remembered, still a little foggy. She put the mug on the bedside table. "Um, can I take a shower?"

"You can," he went and opened his wardrobe and pulled out an overnight bag. Handing it to her as she got out of bed. "Teal'c thought you might need these."

She eyed him sceptically. "What's going on?"

"Nothing."

"So why did Teal'c think I was going to need a change of clothes?"

"Well, considering the last time we had movie night, you fell asleep, spent the night and arrived back at the base in a set of my sweats. Which I still haven't got back by the way. He thought it might look a little better if you went back in your own clothes this time," he lied.

She didn't really believe him, but it had caused quite a stir when she'd arrived back at the base in his sweats – US Air Force written across the front in large letters, giving the rumor mill something to talk about for days. Not to mention a lengthy explanation to a ticked off General O'Neill, by both of them. She accepted the bag. "Thanks."

"You're welcome, now hit the shower, and let's hustle."

Nodding, Kayla headed for the bathroom; in the doorway, she stopped and turned back. "Cameron…"

He interrupted her. "You're family, Kayla, and family look after each other."

She nodded again and headed for the bathroom.

Cameron leant against his wardrobe and scrubbed his hands over his face. "Damn," he muttered and walked out, going back to the kitchen.

Kayla showered and dressed, with the bandana in place she wondered into the kitchen with her empty coffee mug, she poured herself another. Turning she saw him watching her again, she smiled. "You're doing it again."

He blinked, coming out of his daze. "What?"

"You were staring," she declared, pushing her glasses up a little, mostly out of habit.

"No, I wasn't."

"You were."

"No," he said firmly. "I wasn't."

"Then what were you doing?" She asked casually before sipping her coffee.

"Thinking," he answered and glanced at his watch. "We have to move, so shake a leg, Jackson."

"Shake a leg, we spend the best part of the morning in bed together and you don't even make me breakfast," she said with witty sarcasm. "Shame on you, Cameron Mitchell."

"Funny, Kayla, really funny, let's go," he remarked, walking out.

Chuckling, Kayla finished her coffee while grabbing her overnight bag, where she'd put the clothes she'd worn the night before, as well as her wallet. She found Cameron at the door, waiting with her jacket. "Thank you," she slipped it on.

"You're welcome," he, declared and ushered her out, shutting the door. "You're going to have to get yourself a car, soon, Jackson."

"I know," she said with a shrug. "It's on my to-do list."

"Long list, huh?"

"Oh yeah," she agreed.

They took his black 1965 Ford Mustang fastback, rebuilt by Cameron himself. He glanced over at her while he drove; she looked quite comfortable in the passenger seat of his Mustang, her head resting on the seat, her eyes closed. He had a feeling it was because of the tablets, they damn well made him groggy at times. He didn't engage her conversation, knowing it was better if she rested.

Michaels and Teal'c had been right when they'd said she was working too hard, she was. She was pushing herself to prove she was as good as her father. She didn't need too; they didn't expect her to be. Well no one on the base did; possibly the Pentagon did, the President, the Joint Chiefs, but not her team.

Arriving outside the apartment building a few minutes later, he nudged her gently. "Come on sunshine, rise, and shine."

She opened her eyes and frowned. "You really are a morning person, aren't you?"

"And you definitely aren't," he said with a smile. "Come on, we're here."

"What, no breakfast?"

"Funny, Indiana," he grumbled, using the adopted nickname Jack had given her.

They got out. "So what's different about this one?" She asked, ignoring the obtuse nickname.

"Well, it's in a better neighborhood for a start," Cameron remarked, remembering the last few apartments they'd looked at. "And it's got a lot of space; well, that's what Michaels was told."

"Let's look then," she agreed.

Ryan and Teal'c were waiting inside for them by the elevator. The Major had the keys to the apartment, the Jaffa had a paper bag containing, by the smell, bagels.

"I've got the keys, as Jeff had to leave," Ryan told them. Jeff, being an old friend who was a real estate agent, and had helped with the deception.

"And I have breakfast." Teal'c added.

"Teal'c, you are a saint," Kayla said with a grin.

"Thank you, Kayla Jackson."

"Alright, enough," Cameron whined. "Let's go see this apartment."

Chuckling, they got into the elevator, Teal'c handed Kayla a bagel, stuffed with cream cheese, and a napkin.

She rose up on her toes and kissed his cheek, settling back she took a bite. "Mmm."

"Where's mine?" Cameron complained.

"I believe you will find it at the delicatessen on the corner, Colonel Mitchell." Teal'c said bluntly.

Ryan and Kayla laughed at the stunned expression on Cameron's face. They were still chuckling after the elevator stopped, even after Teal'c gave their fearless leader a bagel, a smirk on his face.

"Funny, real funny, you guys are regular comedians." Cameron grumbled.

They found apartment 8-B. Ryan took the napkin with the half-eaten bagel from Kayla and gave her the keys. "You're the one who has to live here."

She shrugged and unlocked the door, pushing it open. Instead of finding an empty rental, the beautiful apartment contained all her furniture. "Um, guys, what's?" She turned, stunned. "How?"

They ushered her further into the apartment, shutting the door. Cameron waved his arm at the room, "We thought we'd give you a hand. Michaels' friend, the real estate agent; he found this place for us."

"We also arranged with O'Neill to have your belongings removed from storage." Teal'c stated. "He also helped in this endeavor."

"And everyone at the SGC wanted to help," Ryan added. "Your department came over and unpacked your artifacts and everything valuable, keeping the General away from them, so he won't to touch everything breakable. Sergeant Siler and Master Chief Harriman sorted out your computer wiring, with my help, so your office is set up. Teal'c and Dr. Lam did your bedroom and the spare room, and the Colonel did the living room. Colonel Reynolds and SG-3 did the kitchen, and we all had help from whoever turned up at the time."

Kayla hugged herself, the keys biting into the palm of her hand. Her emotions swirled inside of her; she hadn't felt like this in a long time.

Teal'c was concerned by her silence as he put the bagels on the kitchen table. "Is everything alright, Kayla Jackson?"

She nodded. "No one has ever done anything like this for me, not even my last foster parents, and they were wonderful," she turned to face them. "I don't know how to thank you guys."

"You don't have to thank us," Cameron told her, leaving his half-eaten bagel on the table. "We did it because you're a part of our team and that means you're a part of our family."

"We won't mention the fact that that the Colonel is old enough to be your dad," Ryan teased, putting the bagel he carried down.

"Hey," Cameron complained, but his 2IC was right. "At least I'm not old enough to be her grandfather. Teal'c is."

"I am old enough to be your father, Colonel Mitchell and yours Major Michaels," the Jaffa declared. "So I suggest you obey your elders from now on."

Kayla laughed at the looks on their faces. She gave Teal'c a hug. "You'll always be like an Uncle to me, Teal'c."

"Thank you, Kayla Jackson."

She then hugged Ryan. "I always wanted a big brother."

"Well you've got one now," he said happily, hugging her back.

Lastly, she came to Cameron; he looked a little uncomfortable. "I'm not going to be a father figure to you, Jackson," he announced. "Even if I am old enough. Just."

She smiled warmly and gave him a hug. "You've already done that, Cam, but I understand" she whispered, then stepped back. "Besides I like my men with experience."

Ryan laughed, and Teal'c smiled, saying "I believe, Colonel Mitchell, that Kayla Jackson is as quick witted as her father."

Cameron frowned at her grin, and then teased. "Watch it, Jackson. I'll put you over my knee."

Her grin widened, as she turned and walked away from them to look around. "Promise, promises, Mitchell."

He shook his head, surprised by the comeback. "Is her father as smart mouthed as she is?"

"Yes, most definitely," Teal'c answered.

"I'm so in trouble," he groaned.

"Indeed," the Jaffa remarked as he followed their archaeologist, telling her about the artefacts from her father.

Ryan hurried after them trying not to laugh.

Cameron sighed. He'd walked right into that one.

After she'd been given the grand tour of her apartment, Kayla made them all coffee (SG-22 had brought the basics) and they finished their breakfast, managing a conversation that didn't involve work.

"So, Jackson," Cameron sat back in his chair, gesturing to the piano they'd hauled up to the apartment. "Do you actually play that thing?"

"Yes," she answered. "Music was an escape."

"Would you play something for us?" Ryan asked; he'd also been wondering if she played.

Kayla nodded, hesitantly. "Sure." Getting up, she wiped her hands on a hand towel, and sat down at the piano. She thought for a moment of what to play, before deciding on a piece she knew by heart. The fingers moved over the keys, striking with practiced confidence.

Her teammates were impressed, listening to the sonata Für Elise.

"Wow!" Ryan exclaimed when she was finished.

"Not bad, Jackson," Cameron praised with a grin.

"Indeed," Teal'c agreed.

She blushed as she got up, returning to sit with them. "I haven't played in over year, I'm a little rusty."

"That was rusty?" Ryan shook his head. "I'd love to hear you play when you've been practicing."

"Maybe one day," she agreed shyly.

They helped her clean up, and then headed off after her bag was retrieved from Mitchell's Mustang, leaving her to explore her own apartment in more detail. Cameron told her he'd be there Monday morning to take her to work. This was when she found out they all had keys to her apartment, in case of emergencies, and she received a key from Teal'c, Mitchell and Michaels for the same reason.

Alone, Kayla wandered around, picking up different things, remembering, both the good and the bad. She made some changes, putting things where she wanted them. When she was finished, it was late in the afternoon. She took a shower and dressed in a comfortable old pair of jeans, wearing the elusive US Air Force sweatshirt over her white t-shirt, and a pair of socks on her feet. She left the bandana off, as she wasn't expecting company.

She was coming out of the bedroom when she heard a knock. She hesitated, and then went to the front door, and checking first, she opened it. A young man about eighteen stood waiting, and there was no mistaking who he was. Jack had warned her he was going to turn up; she'd just expected to see him at the base. "Jon?"

He nodded, his breath taken away by the beautiful young woman; he didn't even take notice of her hair. Seeing a photo of her had been one thing, but being there in front of her was another. He swallowed hard and nodded. "Um, can I come in?"

"Sure." After she let him in he turned and watched her shut the door, staring at her, and making her feel self-conscious. "What?"

"You look like your dad," Jon admitted. He felt awkward, and shoved his hands into the pockets of his flight jacket. "Jack showed me a photo, but seeing you face to face, well…"

Her cheeks became flush. "I get that a lot." She showed him into the living room.

He looked around. "So how did you find this apartment?"

"Um, the guys in my team did."

"Did you know that Daniel lived in this very apartment?"

"Really," she was astonished. "You're kidding?"

"Nope, I knew I recognized the address when Jack gave it to me," Jon informed as they sat down. He'd also been given the chance to read her file and knew what had happened to her.

Kayla glanced around, understanding the connection she'd felt as soon as she'd walked in. She pulled her attention back to Jon. "I wasn't expecting you until, Monday."

"I wanted to drop in and say hi," he said with a casual shrug. "So how do you like being a part of SG-1?"

She made herself comfortable, taking her legs up underneath her. "It's great, the guys are great, and we've become close in a short time."

He felt the hair on the back of his neck bristle a little with jealousy, pushing it away. "Is Mitchell looking after you?"

"He is," she smiled. "And Uncle Jack knows Cameron is doing a fine job at looking after his archaeologist."

He chuckled. "I guess he is." He paused for a moment. "So, any plans for this evening?"

"Um, no, I was just going to stay home," Kayla, revealed, going out wasn't something she liked doing at that point.

"Well, how about dinner, my treat. I start an internship on Monday, and the Air Force is paying me a ridiculous amount of money."

"Really," she mused. "Sounds like my job; well, the ridiculous amount of money bit."

He rolled his eyes. "So what do you say, Dr. Jackson?" He urged. "We can go to O'Malley's, grab a beer, talk."

"How about we call for takeout, and if you behave, I let you have a beer," she compromised, having already checked out what was in her fridge; and she still didn't feel that comfortable going out.

Jon smiled; damn she was like her father. "Sure."

Kayla smiled as well. "After all, I'm a respected archaeologist; I wouldn't want my reputation tarnished by rumors of my corrupting an eighteen year old."

"Hey, it's only the body that's eighteen, Kayla girl, don't forget that," he warned playfully.

"I won't," she smirked and grabbed the cordless phone. "So what will it be?"

They made their decision and she put the call through. The guys from SG-3 had left a sheet with phone numbers of all the local takeaway restaurants by the phone. She'd found it and the note, saying they wanted her to be prepared. She laughed over it, but was thankful for it now.

"So where are you staying?" She asked after getting off the phone.

"Actually, I found an apartment in this building; I'm on the floor below." Jon admitted with a casual shrug, "It's home for now."

"Are you going to be alright on Monday? An internship is different from being team leader of the flagship team."

He sat forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his hands clenched. "Yeah, but I've changed a lot in the last few years. What about you, are you doing all right?"

"Yeah, I've had a few run-ins with Marines, but other than that, it's been good."

"Marines?" His protectiveness went into overtime. This was his friend's daughter, he had the right.

"I can handle it, Jon. I've been on my own since I was fourteen. I can look after myself. Besides, do you really think they're going to try anything with Teal'c around?"

He snorted. "Not likely, but the T-man isn't always around, Kay, you know that." He saw her head drop, noting the way she chewed on her bottom lip. "Kayla?" She didn't respond. "Damn it Kayla, talk to me."

She looked up, her eyes glassy. "My mom, use to call me Kay."

He could have kicked himself. "I'm sorry," he got up and sat next to her. "I won't do it again."

"No, its okay, I shouldn't be so sensitive about it, after thirteen years you'd think I could cope."

"Kayla, your dad does the same thing. He buries everything deep down and tries to hide it, and then it all comes to the surface and he explodes. You need to talk about it," Jon told her; he'd handled Daniel enough times to know the signs. "Please."

"I can't," she got up and walked out to the balcony.

He followed her. "Why not?"

She turned. "Because you're like him."

"Who, Jack?"

"Yes. He wants to protect me because my dad isn't here," she snapped at him. "He's warned Mitchell; he spoke to Teal'c and Michaels. Damn it Jon, I'm twenty-three years old, I'm not a child."

"I didn't say you were."

"Then stop treating me like I'm going to break," she yelled, having finally reached her emotional limit. "You haven't known me for an hour and already you're doing it too."

He saw she'd walked backwards out onto the balcony, and his heart leaped to his throat and old memories surfaced. "Look, Kayla, I'm sorry, I didn't mean too," he moved slowly towards her. "I want us to be friends, hell, we're practically family. After all, your dad and mine," he emphasized the word 'mine' with quotation marks made by his fingers. "Worked together long enough that they consider each other family. I just want us to be like that."

She hugged her arms across her chest, an action so like her father. "Then be my friend," she said quietly, calming down. "Don't smother me."

Nodding, Jon drew her into his arms, rubbing her back. He'd reached six foot not long after hitting 17, so with his height and build, he looked every bit the man he was. Kayla, she didn't have her dad's height, her head came just under his chin. However, damn she was like him. Daniel was going to be knocked off his feet when he saw her. "Let's go inside huh; it's getting cold out here."

She nodded and stepped back a little. "Thanks."

"No problem, that's what I'm here for. You know, the sympathetic little brother with big shoulders to cry on," he said with a laid-back shrug.

She smiled, chuckling a little. "Little brother?"

He shrugged again. "I can live with it," he remarked as they went inside. He shut the balcony doors, and sighed. Recalling Daniel standing on the edge of that very balcony, ready to jump, after the mission to P4X-347. Turning back, he pushed the memory away. She wasn't Daniel, and she hadn't been going to jump.

Kayla went into the kitchen and grabbed two beers from the fridge. She handed one bottle to him; he deserved it. "Just remember I have 5 years on you, junior."

"In your dreams, little girl," he smirked and opened his beer as he took a seat again.

She sat also. "I don't have to dream," she mused.

They talked. Dinner arrived and they chatted away as they ate, Jon told her what he'd been up too since being set free on the uncertain world, telling her about getting his master's degrees and doing his doctorates.

"So why a master's degree in archaeology? I can understand the literature and cosmology." She asked him as she played with the label on her beer bottle. They'd moved back into the living room after dinner.

"Because I completed the others in my other body, and this time doing multiple degrees wasn't that hard. I mean, Jack already has degrees in both literature and cosmology, so," he shrugged, his voice fading.

"And secretly you've always admired dad?" She guessed.

"Yeah, I guess I have," he divulged. "And I'm not Jack. We're two different people, I might have some of his memories, but the last three years are mine. I went back to school, I learned to speak different languages, to put his demons behind me and make a life for myself."

"What about flying?"

"I have my pilot's license, it's not F-16's or F-302's, but it's just as much fun."

Kayla smiled at that. "I happen to like the 302," she was amused by his reaction to that. "I got the chance to fly one at the Alpha Site and I have a pilot's license too."

"You obviously get your love for flying from your mom," he noted.

She nodded sadness in her voice. "She had her pilot's license, she loved to fly."

"So while at the Alpha Sit you went joy riding," he said, lighting the mood again.

"Yeah," she said with a nod. "Jack even took me up on one of his visits."

Jon put his empty bottle down and glanced at his watch, it was getting late; they'd been talking for hours. "I'd better go," he stood. "I'll help clean up."

"No, don't worry," she hadn't realized the time, "I can handle it."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah," she walked with him to the door.

"Do you need a ride to work?" He asked as she opened the door.

"No, Cameron is coming to pick me up," she announced and declared. "I've got to get myself a car."

"Not that hard," he smirked. "If you need a hand, I'll be happy to help."

"Thanks Jon."

He gave her smile. "See you, Monday."

"Night," she waited until he'd reached the elevator before shutting and locking the door.

Leaning against it, she looked around the apartment that was now hers. Ryan had helped her set up a direct debit system for her rent and utilities before he'd left, which was going to make life easy for her. She didn't spend much money. Her healthy bank account said that much about her. Her friends use to drag her clothes shopping every once and awhile, when they decided she needed it. Leaning off the door, Kayla cleaned up and decided to call it a night. After the migraine the night before, it was a good idea.

In the morning, after coffee and breakfast, she went exploring around the neighborhood. Finding the delicatessen Teal'c had bought the bagels from, as well as a convenience store within walking distance, a park, gym and video store. She also met some of her neighbors, and only one asked about the bandana and what had happened. She'd given the cover story, and it had been accepted. The elderly lady across the hall from her had been the friendliest; she'd invited her in and insisted she have coffee and fed her homemade cookies, saying she was too thin. Kayla had laughed that off.

Monday morning Cameron Mitchell was at her door, and when she didn't answer he used his key to get in. The apartment was quiet, so he headed straight for the bedroom. Pushing open the door, he found his archaeologist still asleep. He went over and hunkered down next to her bed. "Jackson. Kayla. Wakey, wakey, rise and shine, Indiana."

She groaned and opened her eyes, squinting at him. "You better have a damn good reason for being in my bedroom at this hour of the morning, Mitchell."

"Come on Jackson, its 0600, time to get up."

"Go away, Cameron."

He chuckled. "Up and atom, doctor, I'll make coffee."

"Yeah, you do that," she grumbled.

He laughed and wandered back out. Going into the kitchen, he checked the coffee maker and then set it going, getting the coffee mugs out. He was leaning against the counter with a mug of coffee in his hand when she walked out dressed and ready to go, a dark green bandana covering her head and her glasses on.

She plucked the coffee mug from his hands and took a drink. "Do you always have to be so cheerful in the mornings?"

"Yes. So how was your weekend?"

"It was good. After you guys left, I did a little rearranging, had a visit from Jon O'Neill, who I had dinner with. On Sunday I went for a walk, met some neighbors, surfed the net, checked emails, that sort of thing," she revealed. "How was yours?"

"I went flying with an old buddy."

"You have those?" she teased.

"Oh, very funny, let's go."

She finished the coffee and grabbed her jacket, keys and wallet.

Passing through all the checkpoints upon arrival, they took the elevator into the bowels of the mountain, parting ways on level 25 at the lockers. They changed before heading for the commissary on 22. Ryan and Teal'c were already there. Getting breakfast, they joined them, filling each other in about their activities on the weekend. They all chuckled when Teal'c informed them he had a Star Wars marathon planned, all six movies. The Jaffa laughed when Kayla quoted by heart the Jedi code, stating she was a fan too. They planned to watch the movies together, leaving Cameron and Ryan groaning.

After breakfast they went their separate ways. Kayla found Cameron walking with her to her office. "You know, Colonel, I'm a big girl, I can make it on my own."

He smiled at that. "I know."

Coming to her office she opened the door and went in, turning on the lights. "I have to brief SG-20 at," she glanced at her watch. "Oh nine hundred," she saw her team leader lean against the door, smirking, arms crossed at his chest. "What?"

"Usually, civilians can't get used to twenty-four hour time."

She shrugged. "I got used to it while at the Alpha Site." She turned on her computer before going over to the extensive library of books she had at her disposal. "Besides, I'm a linguist, learning twenty-four hour time and military abbreviations were just like learning a new language. I did it to understand what was going on around me, and to fit in." She found the book she was looking for, and turned. "Now, Colonel, unless there's something you want, I need to get this briefing ready to go."

Cameron lent off the door, nodding. "I'll see you later."

"We have a briefing at thirteen hundred, Mitchell, you'll see me then," she commented, already at work.

He chuckled and walked out.

DF

Jon O'Neill followed Master Chief Harriman into the General's office – Jack's office. Jon didn't realize how returning would make him feel. It was like coming home. Nothing had changed, except some of the personnel. The atmosphere was still the same, the smell, the noise.

"General O'Neill will be with you in a moment, Mr. O'Neill."

"Thanks Chief."

Walter Harriman nodded, smiling as he stepped out of the room.

Jon walked over to the Star Map. Through it, he could see Kayla. She was on her feet, briefing a team of Marines. Jack sat with his back to the map. Kayla gripped the headrest of her chair while she spoke. Jon couldn't hear what was being saying, but her facial expression and her body language sent chills up his spine. For someone who had never met her dad, she sure had his mannerisms down cold. In addition, with that bandana on, it was like watching Daniel.

He saw her look his way and smile, before saying something to Jack. Who turned and glanced his way. Turning back, he gave an order, and then stood and strolled towards his office.

Jon turned away from the map and forced himself not to come to attention. He wasn't Air Force, he hadn't had anything to do with the Air Force for the past 3 years, but habits were hard to break. Especially when facing an officer, even though Jack wore Green BDUs, he was still an officer.

"Hey kid, about time you got here," Jack remarked as he walked in, shutting the door behind him.

"Traffic was a bitch," Jon declared dryly.

"Really," the elder O'Neill said just as dry as he perched on his desk. "You managed to make it though."

"Yeah, well, my old man organized this, so I thought I'd give it a go."

Jack shook his head. Cosmic payback, it had to be. He sighed. "Look, it isn't going to be easy for you being here, especially with everyone thinking you're my son."

"I can handle it," Jon assured.

"All right then, get out there. You're interning with Kayla, so she'll be giving you your assignments. She has your first one; you're accompanying SG-20. Just remember, you're cleared for off world missions on my discretion."

Jon snapped his mouth shut, he hadn't anticipated this. He'd expected to be shoved in an office somewhere doing grunt work. Pulling his hands from his pockets, he went into the briefing room, knowing Jack was smirking behind him.

Kayla gestured him over, where she stood with the Marines of SG-20. "Major Franks, this is Jon O'Neill, one of my interns; he'll be accompanying you and your team."

Major Marcus Franks acknowledged the young man. "General O'Neill's son?"

He nodded, "Yes, sir." He'd heard about Franks, he was hard ass, but he was fair.

"Well, that's not going to get you any special treatment with me, kid," he warned and gestured to his team. "Captain Jason Stark, Lieutenant Marcus Williams and Lieutenant Dave Wright. They will protect your six, not because you're the General's son, but because it's their job."

Jon sighed. "I get the point, Major, you're a hard ass Marine and I'm just a smart ass civilian," he retorted. "But I wouldn't be here if wasn't able to handle myself and do my job. So let's cut the crap."

Marcus Franks laughed. "Kid, you've got balls," he offered him his hand. "Welcome aboard."

He shook his hand. "Thanks."

Kayla released the breath she'd been holding, and smiled. "SG-20 is going to check out some ruins, the location of which was given to us by the Jaffa council," she explained as she brought up the image the MALP had send back.

Jon looked. "Standard recon?" He saw her nod, the added, "Tag and bag anything of interest and take footage of the rest?"

Kayla nodded again. "And be careful, we don't know if you could all be walking into a trap."

"We'll keep an eye on Junior, Doctor J," Captain Stark said with a cheeky grin.

She chuckled at the look that crossed Jon's face. "Just bring Jon home alive, Jason, please?"

"Will do, Doctor J."

"All right, let's go," Franks, ordered. "Level 25 in fifteen minutes O'Neill," he announced and he and his men left the briefing room.

Kayla gathered up her files, turning off the monitor. "You made an impression."

"Yeah, well, I've dealt with the likes of Major Franks before," Jon remarked, as they left.

"Marcus and his boys are alright," she said sincerely.

Jon frowned a little. "Marcus?"

She shrugged. "They're nice guys once you get to know them."

They entered the elevator, and Jon selected the level. "You don't see it do you?" He was a little bewildered at her total obliviousness.

"What?" She inquired perplexed.

He turned to her. "Look at yourself Kayla… you're gorgeous," he exclaimed. "You…you make fatigues look sexy. If anyone's made an impression on this base, it's you."

She shook her head. "You're wrong."

"About which part?" He wanted to know as the elevator stopped and they walked out. "The fact that you're gorgeous, or that you've made an impression?"

"The first," she concluded.

Grabbing her arm, Jon stopped her. "Damn it, Kayla, don't you look at yourself in a mirror? You are a beautiful woman." He could see she wasn't convinced, continuing. "You've got a smile that brightens a room, and eyes that… they make people stare." He saw her shift nervously. "You walk into a room and people take notice of you, and it's not only because you've got a brilliant mind, it's because you are beautiful."

Kayla pulled her arm free. "You're wrong, Jon," she contradicted. "I'm plain, I always have been."

"No, you're not," he grabbed her arm again, and dragged her with him into the male locker room; luckily there was no one else in there. He shoved her in front of a mirror, wondering who in the hell had given her this impression. "Who do you see, Kayla?"

She looked, feeling uncomfortable. "Just me."

"Well, do you know who I see?" He asked her as he stood directly behind her. "I see a beautiful woman, who is caring and brilliant. Who would step into the line of fire to save a life. Who tries so hard to help everyone, that she becomes frustrated when she can't. That she takes every lost to heart. I see a woman, that despite the fact she has never meet her father, she is exactly like him, because Daniel is the same way. He could never see what effect he had on people, how he touched their lives. He could never see the danger he put himself in and what he meant to the people who served with him." He turned her around so she faced him. "Daniel had to die before we all realized how much we needed him, and for him to realize how much he needed us."

It was then Kayla understood the fears that Jon fought hard to hide, and the close relationship Jack had with her father. "I'm not going to die, Jon, not if I can help it," she put her hand on his cheek. "I promise…" She smiled and lightened the situation. "Now, I'd better get out of here."

Chuckling, Jon released her. "Sorry."

She smiled back. "Don't be, I've always wondered if the male locker room was similar to the women's."

He laughed softly. "And now you know."

"Yeah, I do," she said and went up on her tiptoes, kissing his cheek. "Thanks Jon." She whispered and hurried out of the locker room.

Jon sighed and found his locker, changing. Dressed in green fatigues, he left the locker room, pulling on a worn green cap, a gift from Jack.

Colonel Reynolds recognized him as he headed down the corridor. "Jon?"

"Colonel," he held out his hand to the man. The Colonel was one of a few who knew the truth. "How are you?"

Reynolds shook his hand. "I'm good, you?"

"Fine."

"So, you're back here?"

"Internship with the Archaeological geek squad," he revealed, "With the advantages of being able to go off-world, at the old man's discretion of course."

"Your idea or the General's?" the Colonel asked curiously, finding it amusing.

"The General's. But after I found out about Kayla, well…" he shrugged.

Reynolds understood. "She's a lot like her dad."

"Yeah."

Major Franks saw them taking as he approached. "Colonel."

"Major," Reynolds acknowledged him and then addressed Jon again. "It's good to see you again, Jon."

"You too, Colonel."

Reynolds smiled and walked away.

Franks arched an eyebrow. "Do you know everyone on this base?"

"Nope, just those who worked with the General," Jon remarked. "Mostly SG-1, the old SG-1 that is."

"Right, let's go."

They met up with the rest of SG-20 and Kayla. She carried a field pack, giving it to Jon. "Everything you'll need, including a PDA."

"One of Sam's?" he asked hopefully.

She smiled at his enthusiasm. "Yes, so don't lose it." She saw him put his hand over his heart and gave her that who me look. "Yes, you," she mused.

"You can brief Junior on the way, doc." Major Franks ordered. "Let's go."

They followed behind SG-20, Jon frowning. "I'm going to be stuck with Junior, aren't I?"

"Yes," she said, finding it amusing, "Cosmic payback for Space monkey maybe?"

"Jeez, don't tell me Jack told you about that," he groused.

"Oh yes," she chuckled as he groaned.

They joined SG-20 in the elevator, and as the doors closed Jon immediately felt the hair on the back of his neck rise, a feeling he got when Daniel was in trouble, or something was bothering him. It seemed his Danny sense had become a Kayla sense. He noticed her body language; she had tensed up, shoving her hands in the pockets of her BDU trousers.

Major Franks had seen it too, but didn't make an issue out of it. "So doc, how's the apartment?"

"It's um… good. I've finally got everything where I want it," she answered, a slight waver to her voice.

"Those swords are nice," he said casually, "Had fun putting them up, so did General O'Neill."

Jon noticed Franks' men were giving Kayla plenty of room without making it look obvious. It also was obvious these weren't the marines she'd had trouble with.

Franks continued. "My kid is into swords, mind if I bring him by sometime for a look?"

"No, not at all," she replied. "Um, how about this weekend?"

"I'll see if he's free."

The elevator stopped, and they exited as soon as the doors opened, none of them said anything about what happened. On the way to the armory, Kayla filled Jon in on the mission, as if nothing had happened.

Franks watched Jon with a trained eye as they kitted up, Junior O'Neill knew what he was doing. The Major handed the young man a nine millimeter. "Are you checked out on one of these?"

Jon took the weapon. "Nine mil, P-90, HK's, Zat, staff weapon," he shrugged. "No problem."

"How is that possible?"

Jon put the weapon in its holster after checking it. "Let's just say, I've had the training and leave it at that, Major."

"Right," he said with trepidation, taking a HK G36 from the rack. His men were armed the same way. "Alright, people, let's move."

Kayla helped Jon clip the field pack to the back of his vest. "I'm due off-world this afternoon, so I won't be here when you return," she stated as they left the armory. "Your schedule is on my desk. You'll be in with Dr. Andrea Simons. She'll get you settled, and I'll see you when I get back."

"Yeah sure, ya betcha," he said with a grin, and headed into the Gate Room with the marines.

Kayla chuckled as she took the elevator back to level 18, back to her office. When Vala had been there, the woman had intending to manipulate the situation to her advantage by using Goa'uld bands called Kor-Mak, a bracelet that when placed on the wrist bound you to the person wearing the other bracelet.

Luckily, Teal'c had been present, and stopped Vala from slapping one around her wrist. Kayla guessed that Vala had intended to do it to her dad, to get him to look for the treasure. She didn't want to think what could have happened if it had been her dad in her place, and Vala had succeeded.

After that, Jack had ordered Vala off the base, and the woman was sent through the Stargate with a warning. They hadn't heard from her since.

Of course, Kayla had deciphered the tablet, worked it out, and got the go ahead from the General and the British prime minister. Using the Prometheus they'd gone to Glastonbury in England. After the Prometheus had used their Asgard sensors, they had ringed into Glastonbury Tor. Where they came face to face with a holo-Merlin, and after surviving the test, they were rewarded with a cache of Ancient treasures and artifacts. Some had been sent to Area 51, others were being investigated by her department. There was fact there, truth behind the Arthurian legend. It was an exciting discovery for Kayla, one she couldn't reveal to the world, but it had still been exciting.

Hearing the knock, Kayla looked up from the vase she'd been studying, seeing who it was. "Sam," she grinned and got up, going over to Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter, hugging her. They'd meet when Sam had come to the Alpha Site to deal with a Replicator version of herself. They became friends, and Sam felt guilty about not being able to tell Daniel.

Sam smiled and hugged her back. "Hey, honey, how are you?"

"I'm fine," she stepped back. "I didn't know you were coming."

"Last minute thing," Sam said with a shrug. "Do you have time to grab a coffee?"

"Yeah, sure," she agreed. "Um, give me a minute." She hurried back to the workbench and saved the notes she'd made on her computer tablet. "Okay." She stopped, seeing Sam grinning at her. "Is something wrong?"

"No, you just reminded me of your dad," Sam told her and then dismissed it. "Let's go."

Kayla arched an eyebrow and then followed her out, going to the commissary on 22. Several people acknowledged Sam, saying hello. They got their coffee and found a table.

Sipping her coffee, Sam frowned, then said a little amazed. "This is good, not like I remember it."

Kayla took a taste of her own. "It tastes normal to me."

Glancing over the linguist shoulder, Sam noted which of the commissary staff was on. She chuckled, addressing the younger woman. "I'm guessing the coffee started getting better about the same time as you arrived."

"Why do you say that?" Kayla asked her.

"Mavis, who runs the commissary, always had a soft spot for Daniel. I'm guessing when she heard you were here, and his daughter, she got out his favorite blend, and I take it you get coffee from here a lot?"

Kayla nodded slowly. "I lived on base for a while," she revealed and realized something else. "Now I know why Dr. Lee thanked me the other day, and why the commissary staff is so friendly."

"Well, Daniel managed to make an impression on a lot of people," Sam remarked and smiled warmly. "So, how are you, truthfully?"

Kayla returned the smile. "I'm fine, but it hasn't been easy. When I first arrived, my department went into convulsions over having me; but I've laid down some ground rules and things seem to be settling down."

"I heard from General O'Neill that you had your dad's office," Sam mused. "I've got to admit, walking in gave me chills."

Blushing shyly, Kayla broke eye contact. "I found out from Jon that I'm renting my dad's old apartment."

"Really?" That surprised Sam; but thinking of the address the General had given her, she realized it was true. "My god, I didn't even put it together."

"Neither did Uncle Jack. Jon told me," the younger woman explained. "He came and saw me Saturday, we had dinner together."

"He did? What did you think?"

The linguist hesitated. "For a brief moment I wished I was eighteen again and the incident on P5G-9987 hadn't happened."

Sam reached over the table and gave her hand a squeeze. She'd heard the pain behind those words. "Honey, it's only hair, and with the bandana on, you can't tell."

"I know, and it's growing back. It's just sometimes hard to take," she said softly. "Of course, Colonel Reynolds and the rest of the Marines on base have made me an honorary Marine because of it."

Sam chuckled over that. "The Colonel is a good guy."

"Yeah."

Sam released her hand and sat back. "So, other then wishing you were 5 years younger, how did you find Jon?"

"He's a lot like Uncle Jack, but in some ways he's very different, a little more responsible," Kayla admitted. "I guess Cassie is smitten."

"Oh yeah, they're good friends."

"That's good."

Cameron walked into the commissary, and seeing them he went over. "Hey Sam."

She stood and gave him a hug. "How are you Cam?"

"I'm good," he jabbed a finger at his archaeologist. "Keeping up with this one is a challenge."

"Funny, Mitchell," Kayla retorted.

"Thank you, Jackson," he said with a smirk and then revealed. "O'Neill's moved the briefing up, he wants us there now. He said to invite you along too, Sam."

"Well, let's not keep the General waiting," Sam insisted.

Kayla stood, taking her coffee with her. "Did the Intel come through we were waiting for?"

"Yep, Teal'c is a happy camper," Cameron smirked good-heartedly.

Sam chuckled. "Teal'c? Are you sure?"

"Oh yeah, he has a lead on the legendary warriors of the Sodan."

Seeing her curious look, Kayla explained. "Legend has it, no Sodan warrior has been indentured to a Goa'uld for at least five thousand years."

"Which would make them good allies," Sam theorized, and saw the linguist nod.

"Especially with Ba'al being sighted in the vicinity, and the Lucian Alliance making waves," Kayla noted.

Sam was puzzled, "Lucian Alliance?"

"They're a coalition of former smugglers and mercenaries who've banded together to take advantage of the power vacuum left by the demise of the Goa'uld." Cameron filed in.

"The fact they've managed to form a coherent group makes them unique and a particular threat, especially to the newly formed Jaffa government," Kayla added.

"And to us. We've had a few run-ins with them," Cameron remarked as he slid his ID card through the reader and they entered the elevator. He stood next to Kayla at the back, discreetly putting his hand below her shoulders. To anyone who came in, it looked like he was merely leaning against the elevator wall. "So how is Area 51, Sam?" he asked, changing the subject.

"Busy. You guys keep finding doohickey's for me to fiddle with," she remarked lightly, noting the change.

"Is that a technical term, doohickey?" Kayla inquired lightly. She felt Cameron's thumb caressing her back. His touch seemed to ease her claustrophobia, she didn't understand how or why, but it did.

Sam chuckled at the comment. "For some." She could see the contact between the two, but didn't comment on it, biding her time. When the elevator stopped and they walked out, she held Cameron back, just before the control room.

He saw his archaeologist stop and give him an inquiring look. "Go on, Jackson, we'll catch up," he told her, she nodded and continued. He looked to Sam. "What's up?"

"What was that all about in the elevator?" she wanted to know, keeping her voice down.

"What was what about?" he asked, playing innocent, crossing his arms against his chest.

Sam frowned a little. "Don't, Cameron. I worked with General O'Neill long enough to know the signs, so don't play dumb with me."

He sighed and dropped his arms. "Kayla has a problem sometimes with claustrophobia, mostly elevators with more than two people in it," he explained quietly. "She's fine when it's just her and another, but more than that and it becomes evident. She's learnt to handle it."

"And the touching?"

"Ever since 9978, we've had a bond of sorts," he said with a casual shrug. "I don't know why it works, but being in contact with her does the trick. We don't make a big thing about it, no one on the base does."

"How many people know?" Sam asked concerned.

"Only those she works with, goes off world with, and the General off course," he answered, and then declared. "Look Sam, the claustrophobia is leftover psychological scarring from when she was in the car accident that killed her mother. She was trapped in the car for nearly two hours before they managed to cut her free."

Sam felt the color drain from her face. "My god, I didn't know."

"Yeah, well, not many do," he admitted. "We got drunk one night and she told me."

"She got drunk?"

He chuckled at that. "Yeah, well, she had about four beers and let loose," he mused. "The thing is, I listen to people. Hell, I've spilt my guts to her enough since she joined the team. Repaying the favor was nothing."

Sam nodded, understanding. "Yeah, Daniel was good at getting us all talking, so I shouldn't be surprised his daughter is the same."

"Nope, you shouldn't," he agreed as they started for the briefing room, going through the control room and up the stairs.

"So how many know you have a BS in psychology?"

"Not many," he said calmly with a grin. "Keeps them guessing."

"Oh, that it does," she mused as they came to the briefing room.

"Nice of you to join us, Colonel's," Jack remarked from his seat.

"Sorry, sir," Cameron apologized and they took their seats.

Cameron sat next to Kayla, which put her between him and Teal'c. Sam sat the other side with Major Michaels, who greeted her warmly.

Jack addressed the head of R&D at Area 51. "Colonel, I take everything is alright with our dialing program?"

"Yes, sir," Sam answered. "The glitch was completely gone by the time SG-20 left."

"Thank you. Perhaps now Walter will stop complaining."

"Yes, sir," she said, holding back from laughing, as did everyone else.

He opened the folder with the intel they'd been waiting for. "Teal'c's contact came through; we have a lead on the Sodan. We even have a Gate address." He looked to Michaels. "Major, have a MALP sent through to check things out."

"Yes, sir."

"General," Kayla spoke up. "Since we're going to try and make contact with the Sodan, perhaps it would be beneficial to have a representative of the free Jaffa with us. Say – Master Bra'tac?" she suggested and quickly looked to Teal'c. "No offence Teal'c."

"None taken, Kayla Jackson," he acknowledged her with a slight bow of his head.

"It's a good idea, General," Cameron agreed.

Jack smiled, proud of his flag team. Damn, he missed that kind of comradery. "All right," he agreed, seeing Kayla beam, telling her, "You'll accompany Teal'c to Dakara to ask for Bra'tac's assistance. The rest of SG-1 and SG-22 will be waiting for you on P9G-844, this is going ahead whether he accepts or not."

"Yes, sir," she accepted.

Jack then turned to Sam. "Colonel, are you in a hurry to get back to Nevada?"

"Um, no sir," she admitted, trying not to sound too eager.

"How would you like a trip through the gate? For old times' sake."

"I'd like that a lot sir."

"Good, you can accompany SG-1 and SG-22," he ordered as he closed the file, standing. "Let's get to it people."

DF

Thirty minutes later, SG-1 and Colonel Carter were in the control room. Teal'c and Kayla were in Black BDUs, kitted up ready to go, armed only with side arms. In the Gate Room, the MALP was being sent through the open Stargate to P9G-844.

Ryan Michaels was sitting next to Master Chief Harriman. "Getting telemetry, sir," he reported to General Jack O'Neill as the video feed came up on the monitors, showing a green forest area around the Stargate. "It looks all clear, sir."

Jack nodded. "All right, shut it down," he ordered. "Walter, dial Dakara."

"Yes, sir."

Jack then turned to the two members of SG-1 leaving for Dakara. "SG-1, 22 and Colonel Carter will be gating out twenty minutes after you leave. They'll be waiting for you."

"Yes, sir," Kayla agreed, and she and Teal'c headed down to the Gate Room. The Stargate activated as two SF's handed them both P-90's. They checked over each other for missing gear, and then headed up the ramp and through the ring, stepping out on Dakara.

The Stargate closed down behind them as Teal'c waved her towards a path, "This way Kayla Jackson."

She followed, taking in the sight. "This is amazing, Teal'c. The architecture is similar to the ancient city of Rome on Earth," she stated excitedly. "There are even ancient Egyptian influences."

He smiled slightly. "The Goa'uld brought many cultures from Earth, Kayla Jackson."

"I realize that Teal'c," she declared, and wished she'd brought her video camera; she would have loved footage of the memorial they'd built, and the surrounding structures. She hurried to keep up with Teal'c.

They were met by Jaffa as they entered the main building. "Brother Teal'c."

Teal'c bowed his head. "I am here to see Master Bra'tac. This is Doctor Kayla Jackson of the Tau'ri."

"You're weapons must remain."

Seeing that Teal'c only handed over his P-90, Kayla did the same, and they proceeded. Bra'tac was in the council chambers alone as they joined him.

"Teal'c," he greeted his fellow Jaffa warmly, gripping his forearm.

Teal'c bowed his head. "Brother," he turned slightly. "This is Doctor Kayla Jackson, Daniel Jackson's daughter."

Bra'tac held out his hand. Kayla smiled and gripped his forearm as she'd seen Teal'c do. "I am honored to meet the daughter of Daniel Jackson," he said smiling. "Your father is a brave warrior."

"Thank you, sir."

He released her arm. "Now, what brings you both to Dakara?" he asked, watching with interest as Kayla looked around the chambers.

"We have a lead on the Sodan, as you are aware," Teal'c explained. "Kayla Jackson suggested having a representative from the free Jaffa with us when we make contact."

"I thought you would like to be that representative," she added.

He turned and looked at her. She was not entirely what he expected an offspring of Daniel Jackson's to be like. She was slim, average in height; though like her father she wore glasses and had many of the mannerisms he remembered the man having. "Why is that, Kayla Jackson?"

"Because you value your people, your culture, and you were a significant part of the freeing of the Jaffa as a people."

He smiled again, pleased with her answer. "Then I will accompany you," he agreed. "Please."

They followed him out, going with him to another part of the building. He changed his council robes for armor, taking a Zat gun with him. As they left, Kayla and Teal'c retrieved their weapons, heading for the Stargate.

"We have received word Ba'al is trying to form a treaty with the Lucian Alliance," Bra'tac announced. "If that happens, then having the Sodan as allies will be an advantage."

"An alliance between the two would be a significant threat to us all," Kayla declared.

"I believe so."

"We will need to pass this information on to the SGC." Teal'c said sternly, and the young woman nodded.

"Let's get to 844, first," she suggested and he nodded.

When they arrived at P9G-844, Mitchell and Carter were waiting with SG-22; all were in black BDUs.

Sam smiled as they joined them. "Master Bra'tac."

He smiled also. "It is good to see you again, Colonel Carter."

"Sir," the leader of SG-22 handed Bra'tac a P-90.

"Orders from General O'Neill," Cameron answered the unasked question.

"The Jaffa have received intel that Ba'al is trying to form a treaty with the Lucian Alliance," Kayla filled him in.

Cameron frowned, and looked at the Jaffa. "Do your contacts see it going ahead?"

Bra'tac nodded. "Within the next few days. Ba'al has the knowledge; the Alliance has the manpower."

"Damn!" Cameron swore, turning. "Major."

"Sir."

"Give the General a call, and fill him in about Ba'al." He saw the man nod. "And hold down the fort."

"Yes sir."

SG-1 moved out, with Carter and Bra'tac, Teal'c taking point. Sam walked with the Jaffa Master, now councilor.

"She is not what I expected," he remarked.

Sam saw he was looking at Kayla. The archaeologist walked next to Cameron, the two talking quietly. "Kayla?"

"Indeed," he answered.

"She's her father's daughter."

"She is, and yet there is a part of her you have not seen yet," Bra'tac told her. "Her soul is troubled, much like her father's was."

"She's experienced a lot of heartache," Sam said solemnly. "Amazingly, her childhood and Daniel's are very similar. Both lost loved ones at a young age, both were in foster homes, both found solace in learning."

"And both found their way to the Stargate," he noted. "As if following destiny's footsteps."

Sam thought over his comment. "Destiny is a powerful circumstance."

"And occasionally can be guided," the Jaffa declared straight forth.

That made her frown, as Sam had seen and experienced a lot during her time with the program. "You think someone has been guiding her?"

"Perhaps us all," Bra'tac answered. "Is that not the will of destiny, to guide us on our path?"

"After all I've seen," Sam shrugged. "I'm not so sure."

"Time will tell," the Jaffa assured her.

Ahead, Kayla kept pace with Cameron. "Dakara was amazing," she told him, quietly.

"Yeah, it's pretty cool," he agreed, also keeping his voice down. "Teal'c gave me a brief tour when I went there, still got myself lost though."

She smiled at that. "I guess I would have too if it wasn't for Teal'c."

"It's easily done."

They walked on in silence, noting that 844 was a forested world. Sam found herself visualizing what it would have been like if they'd found this place two years ago. The Colonel would have been grumbling about how many trees there were, and Daniel would have been excited about meeting the Sodan. Teal'c, well, he would have been – well Teal'c.

She sighed. Things had been different after the Colonel had been promoted to General, and she'd taken command of SG-1. They'd been more than a team, they were family, and she missed it, her friends, and family. She saw the General occasionally, he kept in touch, but they'd never been able to get past being 'Carter' and 'Sir'. She heard he was dating a widow with a young son. He was happy; she knew that.

"Is there something wrong, Colonel Carter?" Bra'tac asked her.

"No," she assured quickly. "I was just recalling old times and thinking about where we are now."

"You miss your time at Stargate Command."

"Yeah, I do," she admitted. "I miss when it was the Colonel, myself, Daniel and Teal'c."

Bra'tac nodded understandingly. "You were a family."

"We were, a dysfunctional one, but we were family," she said and sighed again. "Now I'm at R&D, the General's in command of the SGC, Daniel has gone to Atlantis, Teal'c with SG-1. We don't see each other anymore."

"I'm sure Colonel Mitchell would have welcomed you back."

"He wanted me back, but at the time Cassie was going through some difficult stages, and she needed me," Sam said, with some regret. "Having the R&D job was convenient."

"And now?" Bra'tac asked bluntly.

She hesitated. "Now… now I want more."

"Then perhaps convenient is not the right path."

"Perhaps," she agreed.

At point, Teal'c paused, and signaled for them to stop.

"Got something?" Cameron asked him, and got hushed.

Finally, Teal'c spoke. "It was nothing," he informed them, and walked on.

"He's not just doing that to keep me interested, is he?" Cameron asked.

"Why? Are you board?" Kayla asked him.

"Funny, Jackson."

"I thought so," she smirked.

"I'm sure Teal'c will let us know if he finds anything, sir," Ryan said sincerely, even though he was smiling.

"Thank you, so much, Major."

"No problem, sir."

They walked another three meters, and then all hell broke loose. Staff blasts seemed to come out of nowhere, but hit nobody. They returned fire at random, but Kayla, Bra'tac and Mitchell were soon cut off from the others.

"Get back to the Gate!" Cameron ordered. "We've got your six."

Sam hesitated, and then she, Teal'c and Michaels headed back the way they had come, firing at their unseen enemy. Sam shouted into her radio, "SG-22, this is Colonel Carter, we are under attack!"

The reply was muffled by the noise of the staff blasts as the three of them dove into a ditch and returned fire.

"Say again!" She shouted.

"We're on our way, Colonel."

"Acknowledged, Major!"

"Colonel," Ryan got her attention. "They're not coming."

She knew what he meant. "Cameron, where the hell are you!" She got no reply, swearing. "Damn it." The staff blasts stopped as quickly as they'd begun. "We're heading back."

"Yes Ma'am." Ryan agreed and stood.

"I will take point," Teal'c shouted.

Making it back to the point where they'd left the rest of the team and Bra'tac; there was no one in the area. There were only three discarded P-90's, laying the ground. SG-22 came running from the direction of the Stargate, weapons ready.

Sam hunkered down and touched the blood stained grass with her fingers. "One of them is hurt."

"Where are they, Colonel?" Ryan asked her.

"I don't know," she answered, having been wondering the same thing herself.

"They did not leave without a fight," Teal'c informed, seeing the signs of a struggle.

"But they can't just disappear," the Major declared.

"That I know, Major Michaels."

Sam stood, turned to SG-22's team leader. "Major, take your team and look around the area, 100 meter perimeter."

"Yes, Ma'am," he acknowledged her and signaled for his team to move out.

DF

Bra'tac looked away from the barred window; the Colonel was starting to come too. He knelt down next to him. "Colonel Mitchell."

Cameron felt pain rip through his side as he moved, opening his eyes, groaning. "God that hurts."

"You were hit by a staff blast; a glancing blow; the wound has been seen too." Bra'tac informed him.

Cameron looked around, not seeing anyone else. "Where's Jackson?"

"Dr. Jackson is talking with the Sodan leader, Haikon."

Rubbing his temples, Cameron found as long as he lay still, his side didn't hurt. "How long was I out?"

"Several hours." The Jaffa retrieved the water skin, "This will help."

Cameron had tasted horrible stuff in his time, but this was worse than the entire lot put together. "Oh that's bad."

"The tea will help you gain strength," Bra'tac advised him as he put the top back on.

"Doesn't mean I have to like it," the younger man remarked and lay back. "You sure Jackson is all right with this Haikon?"

"Yes, I have spoken to him myself. He is an honorable man. You have nothing to worry about Colonel Mitchell."

"When it comes to my archaeologist, I worry," Cameron informed him. He then closed his eyes, resting.

Bra'tac smiled to himself. "You are much like another I know."

"Yeah, so Teal'c keeps telling me."

"You must rest. I will wake you when Dr. Jackson returns," the Jaffa insisted.

"Yeah, I could nap some more," Cameron managed to get out before drifting off to sleep again.

Kayla was escorted back a few minutes later, and she looked weary. She sat down next to Cameron, and rested her head in her hands. Her glasses had been missing when she'd come too.

"Is everything all right, Dr. Jackson?" Bra'tac asked her.

She looked up, nodding. "I'm just tired," she assured him, and turned to Cameron. "Has he woken up?"

"Briefly, he is still in much pain."

"Jolan said the wound is infected, but the salve will help," she lifted Cameron's t-shirt, the wound was covered with a green leaf, the area around the leaf wasn't as red as it had been. She gently felt around the leaf, his skin wasn't as warm. She put the shirt back down and sat back, leaning against the wall.

Bra'tac had watched her, noting that she'd been careful not to cause pain. "Was your discussion with Haikon successfully?"

"I'm not sure, Bra'tac," she answered wearily. "I think I'm getting through to him, but he doesn't give a lot away."

"You need to rest," he advised.

She nodded, then dug into the pocket on her trouser leg and pulled the Tretinoin dispenser out, holding it out. "I asked Haikon for it."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. He wanted to know what it was for, so I explained it," she yawned. "I'm sorry."

"There is no need to be. Rest, you are safe."

She nodded and closed her eyes, drifting off.

Bra'tac smiled and returned to stand by the window, tucking the Tretinoin away safely. He watched the Sodan warriors training, impressed by their skills. He was still watching them when Jolan returned. He looked away from the window, acknowledging the Sodan with a bow of his head.

"Haikon wishes to speak with you again."

"Very well." He then remarked to the Sodan, "You're warriors are well skilled."

"As I am sure your warriors are," Jolan remarked.

They walked the rest of the way in silence. Haikon gestured for Bra'tac to sit with him.

"Your Dr. Jackson is a most intriguing woman," the Sodan leader praised. "A woman scholar who fights alongside warriors and is not afraid to fight with words or weapons; she is honorable."

"As is her father, who was among those responsible for the demise of the Goa'uld."

"Her father is a scholar and a warrior?"

"Yes, I have seen him face danger on many occasions, and face death," Bra'tac answered. "Daniel Jackson has been one of the Ascended, and walked with the Ancients, before returning to human form to fight alongside his fellow Tau'ri."

That surprised Haikon, though he did not show it. "We of the Sodan strive to reach the path to ascension."

"As do the Jaffa." Bra'tac informed.

"As Dr. Jackson told me," he declared. "She also told me the Tau'ri and the free Jaffa wish an alliance with the Sodan."

"That is true."

"Why?"

"The Sodan have not been in indentured to a Goa'uld for five thousand years, you have the strength and knowledge we seek to learn, and we wish to be reunited with our Sodan brothers."

Haikon nodded, weighing up the words. "And if I grant this alliance?"

"Then both our people will benefit," Bra'tac insisted. "As will the Tau'ri, they have fought side by side with our brothers to defeat the Goa'uld, and not once did they falter." He paused. "We have started off badly, yet we of the free Jaffa and the Tau'ri still offer the hand of friendship."

"I will think long and hard about this alliance." Bra'tac bowed and stood. He started to leave, but Haikon called him back. "Would you risk your life for that of a Sodan, Brother Bra'tac?"

Turning back, Bra'tac answered him. "Without hesitation."

"Would the Tau'ri?"

"I think Dr. Jackson has already answered that question, has she not?" He queried. "Did she not leave Colonel Mitchell under my care while she aided one of your own warriors without hesitation?"

Haikon nodded. "That she did, but would others do the same?"

"Yes."

Haikon nodded again. "Thank you, brother."

Bra'tac bowed his head and walked away. He was escorted back to the building they were being held in. Smiling as he walked in, Kayla was no longer leaning against the wall. She had moved in her sleep, lying curled up against Mitchell on his sleep pallet.

"They have a warriors bond," Jolan said behind the Jaffa.

"Indeed."

The Sodan warrior moved around him and pulled the eye frames from his shirt. "Dr. Jackson will most likely want these returned."

Bra'tac took the glasses. "She will thank you."

"They help her see?"

"Indeed. They are eyeglasses, her father wears them as well; they are very similar."

"Is her father as strong as she is?" Jolan asked curiously.

"He is."

"Are all the Tau'ri as strong as them?"

"Most have a strong determination when it comes to their freedom." Bra'tac stated as diplomatically as possible, sensing a breakthrough had been made.

"Perhaps there will be a chance to learn from each other," Jolan said, and then walked out.

DF

Kayla stood by the training ring and watched the two Sodan warriors spar. With her glasses back, it was a lot easier to appreciate what she was seeing, and so far, the Sodan didn't mind her watching. She looked back, hearing the footsteps, seeing Cameron. "Hey, how are you feeling?"

"Better," he reported as he walked slowly to join her. He saw that she'd left the bandanna off. Her hair was short, but it covered her entire head and the scar, and seemed a little thicker then he remembered. "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine," she gave him a smile, looking back at the sparing. "They're very disciplined."

"Yeah, Teal'c would love it."

She saw him wince as he touched his side. "Are you sure you should be up?"

"Yeah, no problem," he reported. "Besides, I've been lying down for what, two days?"

"Four actually," she corrected. "Two of them you were barely conscious for more than a few minutes at a time."

"Well, there you go," he said and looked around. "So, how do we get out of here?"

"We can leave anytime we like." She saw his surprise, "But it would take two months to get to the Stargate on foot over the mountains of Dor'la'nak, and according to Jolan, no one has ever survived the journey."

"So how did we get here?" He asked confused.

"They used the Eye of the Gods," she explained. "An Ancient transporter device, which you need to know the code to use, and we don't know it."

"Great. How's Bra'tac doing?"

"He's still talking with Haikon," she gestured to the house on the rise. "It seems I'm not required in the negotiations any longer."

He chuckled and regretted it quickly. "Got booted out, huh?"

She nodded. "As Teal'c would say, indeed."

"So how are we going to get ourselves out of here?"

"We have to prove ourselves," she said hesitantly. "Haikon has decided Bra'tac is worthy, but he's still not sure about the two of us."

"Which means?"

She sighed, and turned his way. "How strong are you feeling?" She said softly. The two Sodan who had been sparing, Jolan and Volnek, approached them, carrying practice staffs. "Because we're going to fight them, after they've trained us."

"Oh great," he groaned and then forced a smile. "Hi guys."

"The fighting style of the Sodan has been a closely guarded secret for a hundred generations," Jolan announced. "You are the first outsiders to be taught."

Volnek snarled at Kayla. "I will not be party to training a child." He grabbed her by the chin, "Especially one who is as weak as this one."

She pulled away from him. "I am not weak," she spat back at him.

He snatched her glasses off her face and crushed them in his hand, throwing them into the dirt. "You are weak."

She retaliated by grabbing the staff out of his hands and jabbing him hard in the chest, as momentum took him back she spun the staff in her hands and smacked him across the face with it, bringing him down. She put her booted foot on his chest and the staff head at his throat.

Volnek growled, grabbed her foot and threw her off balance. Retrieving his staff, he flipped onto his feet.

Kayla immediately regained her balance as Jolan held Cameron back while throwing his staff to her. She caught it, fumbling a little, getting into a ready stance.

"Do not interfere," Jolan hissed in the Colonel's ear, and then released him. "Your turn will come."

He swallowed hard, watching his archaeologist, his friend taking a beating, even though she was holding her own, just.

Volnek got the better of her though; pinning her to the ground, his staff at her throat, his booted foot on her chest. "You have promise," he smirked, and then walked away from her.

Kayla lay back and groaned.

"Jackson, you okay?" Cameron asked concerned.

"Yeah." She got to her feet slowly, picked up the dropped staff, and walked over to them.

"You did well Dr. Jackson," Jolan told her. He took the staff from her. "Your training will include exercises to heighten your other senses; your sight should not hold you back."

Nodding, Kayla sighed. "We don't have much of a choice, do we?"

"No. We did not ask you here, nor did we wish a treaty; you came to us," Jolan reminded them as he walked over and put the staff away, and then left the ring.

"We're going to get our asses kicked, Jackson," Cameron said matter of fact.

"Yeah," she agreed, squinting at him. "Are you going to be up to this?"

"I survived six weeks airborne training at Fort Benning, I can survive this," he assured her. "Come on." He led her out of the ring.

DF

General Jack O'Neill walked out of the elevator with Colonel Carter, Major Michaels, Teal'c and Jon O'Neill. "Give me something I can use, soon, or the next paperwork I will be filling out will declare Mitchell and Jackson MIA," he told them, even though he would hate doing it.

"We've worked out that the device needs a code, General," Ryan informed. "Without it, we can't do anything."

"We're doing the best we can, sir." Sam added.

"I realized that Carter, and I appreciate your help," the General was saying as they approached the control room. He was cut off by klaxons and the announcement of an unscheduled wormhole. The discussion was tabled as they rushed up the stairs and into the control room, the Stargate was active, but the iris still closed. "What have you got, Walter?"

Harriman smiled. "It's Dr. Jackson's IDC, sir."

"Open the iris, and radio them to proceed," Jack ordered. He led Carter, Michaels, O'Neill, and Teal'c down to the Gate Room. The iris spun open, revealing the wormhole.

As soon as the small IDC device received a go signal, Mitchell, Jackson, and Bra'tac walked through the Stargate, and arrived at SGC dressed as Sodan warriors. The two SG-1 members also wore their vests and side arms, and both carried Krantu staffs with double-pronged metal blades at each end. They were battered and bruised, sporting a few small cuts, and Cameron was limping while Kayla had a split lip. But they were grinning, as was Bra'tac.

"Would someone like to explain what is going on?" Jack asked them.

"We have a treaty with the Sodan," Bra'tac revealed. "Thanks largely to Colonel Mitchell and Dr. Jackson."

"We kicked some ass, sir," Cameron jeered happily and draped his arm around Kayla's shoulders. "My girl here has some serious moves. She made you proud, Teal'c."

Kayla blushed nervously, seeing the amused looked on everyone's faces accepted Jack's.

"Colonel, are you drunk?" Jack asked him seriously.

"Me? No, sir."

"It's a reaction to the medicated tea he was given, sir," Kayla explained. "During the fight he reopened the wound on his side. The Sodan healers said it would wear off in a few hours."

Jack sighed as the others smoothed their laughter. "All right, get yourselves to the infirmary, we'll debrief in the morning."

"Yes sir."

"Here Teal'c," Cameron said, and thrust the Krantu into the Jaffa's hands. "Present, one I don't ever want to see again."

"Thank you, Colonel Mitchell, I am honored."

"No problem, brother."

Ryan moved around and steadied his CO. "Come on sir, Dr. Lam will be happy to see you."

"Okay," he let himself be guided away, his teammates and Jon O'Neill following, Jon sticking with Kayla.

Jack shook his head and turned back to Bra'tac, who stood with Sam, both of them finding it amusing. "I take it the treaty didn't come easy?"

"Indeed, it did not," the Jaffa agreed. "However, their courage and determination was the deciding factor."

"We're glad you all returned safely." Sam told him warmly.

He bowed his head. "For that I am grateful as well."

"Carter, will you escort Bra'tac to the infirmary?" Jack asked her.

"Yes sir."

"Have you returned to the SGC, Colonel Carter?" Bra'tac asked as they entered the elevator.

"No, I just stayed while you were missing."

"You have enjoyed yourself."

She nodded, smiling a little. "Yeah, I have," she admitted. "And I've been doing a lot of thinking. Cassie and I are going to have a long talk when I get home."

"So, you have made a decision?" he inquired.

"Yes and no," Sam said as she tilted her head, reaching level 21. "I've come to the conclusion I'm not happy, and I want to be. So I'm going to do something about it," she stated.

"Good for you, Colonel Carter."

"Thank you."

As they entered the ward, Bra'tac stopped her. Teal'c stood with Michaels and the young O'Neill. "Colonel Carter, the young man standing with Teal'c?"

"Jon O'Neill, the General's son. He's interning with Kayla." She hated lying to the man, but they'd agreed to keep the secret. "The General only found out about him a few years ago. They have a rocky relationship that's getting better."

"I see; he is much like his father."

"Yes, he is."

DF

A few hours later Jon found Kayla half-asleep in a chair next to Mitchell's bed. The Colonel was asleep, having had minor surgery.

While Kayla was given her physical, he'd taken the Krantu to her office, and had been waylaid on his way back, assuring members of the archaeological staff she was all right. He'd also retrieved her spare glasses. He could see that she had left the infirmary long enough to shower and change into blue BDUs, noting she no longer wore a bandana. Her hair was short, but thick and full, darker than it had been when long.

She glanced his way, realizing he was there, squinting. "Hey, Jon."

He smiled. "Hey Indiana," he teased, handing her the glasses.

She groaned, putting them on. "Not you too," she retorted.

Grabbing a stool, he sat with her. "Well, if I have to put up with Junior, then you can deal with Indiana."

"Yeah, I suppose so," she said quietly with a slight smile. "Cosmic payback, huh?"

"Yep." He gestured to Mitchell, "How is he?"

"He's going to be fine. The cut on his leg required stitching, and the burn from the staff weapon is healing well. Carolyn is sending a sample of the salve that the Sodan used to be analyzed," Kayla reported, pausing as Cameron moved restlessly in his sleep. She sat forward and took his hand in hers, rubbing her thumb over the back of his hand, he calmed and settled again.

Jon chuckled softly. "I remember Daniel had that effect on…" he nearly said me, stopping in time, "on Jack."

She smiled understandingly. "They're close."

"Yeah, they are. Jack considers you and Daniel part of his family."

"I know," she sat back wearily.

Jon put his hand on the back of her head, just needing to touch her, to reassure her. He had a Jack memory of having the same need with her father. He felt her lean into his hand, seeking a little comfort, just like her dad used to with Jack. "How are you really? And don't just tell me fine."

She smiled at that, and nuzzled once more against his hand, turning her head a little, seeing the concern in his soft brown eyes. "Tired, sore."

"Why don't you go and get some sleep?"

"I will. Ryan is going to come and relieve me in another hour. I'll go and get some sleep then," she assured.

"Okay." He stood and messed her hair. "I'll see you later."

She nodded and smiled, turning her attention back to Cameron.

Jon walked to the door and stopped, looking back. Danny-boy, you're not going to know what hit you, he thought to himself.

DF

To be continued…