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.

12. Chapter 12

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

Reviews: Winjan: I'm glad you liked the Alexandria thread; I've always had a thing for Ancient history, so I really enjoyed researching the library. Scottiedog: I think Daniel is handling being a grandfather quiet well, I do wonder how well he's going to be a being a father-in-law or Sam being a grandma? Cassandra Jean: Well I'm glad I made you day. Getting a review from you always makes mine. So thank you, you always give great reviews that have given me the drive to challenge myself to make the next chapter even better. I just like to say, I wrote the proposal scene quite a few times until I thought it would be how Cam would do it, and I thought I nailed it. And I like the idea of Jack having a slight problem with the engagement, thanks. Heala: Thank you for the review, I'm happy you like the story.

Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who has been following along and those who reviewed.

2015 Author Note: I everyone, firstly thank you to those of you who have started to follow this story. I hope you enjoy it. Those of you who are re-reading the story, you might find changers here and there. The end of this chapter has changed a little. Also, these few chapters are longer than I expected, however I am trying to put them back to the length the original chapters were.

DF

Chapter 12: Shelter from the Storm

Cassie Fraiser stared out at the Stargate from the briefing room, her arms folded against her chest.

Margo entered, and seeing her standing by the window, she crossed the room to stand at her side. "Wishing he was home?"

She nodded slowly, blushing. "I know I should be used to it, but I'm not, I worry."

"You're not the only one," Margo confessed, and discreetly gestured to the office where the General was staring into nowhere, deep in thought.

Cassie understood. "He worries too, I know."

"Come and sit down," Margo suggested. "Tell me what you're thinking?" she asked the younger woman gently.

"I know Jon is safe in the city, I know there's a lot of people with him," she revealed. "But he's so much like Uncle Jack when it comes to protecting those he cares about."

"He's his father's son, Cassie."

"I know," she gave her a smile, insisting. "I do. I understand better than anyone what they face out there, but I also know what it's like to lose someone, and I don't want to go through that again."

Margo took the younger woman's hand. "I think you need to talk to Jon about this when he gets back. I'll clear some time for the two of you to come and see me."

"All right," Cassie agreed, and then changed the subject, freeing her hand. "How are you feeling?"

"Not too bad. I suffered with morning sickness with Drew, but this time, I haven't." A smile eased onto her lips. "I do have unusual cravings though."

"How unusual?" the younger woman asked, teasing a little.

"At four this morning, I had a craving for pickled cucumbers and Swensen's lemon custard ice cream."

"Together?" Cassie screwed her nose up, giggling as Margo nodded and the two of them laughed. "Did Uncle Jack get them for you?"

Margo nodded again. "And sat there while I dipped the pickles in the ice cream and ate them," she mused. "At first I thought he was going to be sick."

They laughed harder. "I would have loved to have seen that," Cassie smirked.

"It was classic," Margo agreed and then asked. "I know you and Jon haven't been together long, but have you thought about marriage and children?"

The young woman nodded. "I have, Jon is a little hesitant when it comes to children."

"Why?"

"I think it's because of his lack of having his own childhood, and what he's doing. He knows how dangerous it can be out there."

"But you'd like children." Margo could see that was true, but she also knew Cassie wasn't completely human. "Are you worried because you're from a different planet, that you and Jon might not be able to have children?"

She nodded again. "It's something that plays on both our minds."

"You have time, Cass, you're both young, you've got plenty of time to think about children," Margo advised, she patted her hand. "Enjoy your life together. Don't rush into marriage or children. Jon might be an old soul, but he's a kid at heart, like his father."

Cassie chuckled at that. "I don't think Uncle Jack could be any other way."

"I don't want Jack any other way," Margo smirked.

The person in question came out of his office. "Ladies," he greeted.

"Hi Uncle Jack." Cassie greeted, smiling.

"Hey kiddo," he placed a kiss on her forehead and then leaned in to get one from his wife. "How are my girls?"

"You're girls are fine, Jack," Margo remarked, chuckling. "And if one of these twins ends up being a boy, he's going to have a complex."

"Not going to happen," he mused and then took a seat, "So Cass, surviving without my son under your feet all the time?"

"Yes, Uncle Jack," she said rolling her eyes at him.

He knew better. "Well, I suppose I could send you through with the Mitchell's," he proposed. "SG-2 arrived back; they're going to escort them through to Auratora, you could go too."

"Really?"

"Yes, really," he said casually. "If you want too."

Cassie jumped up, throwing her arms around his neck. "Thank you, Uncle Jack."

"Just be ready to go in half an hour," he told her as she rushed from the room. "And get cleared by Lam."

"Yes Uncle Jack," she called back as she left.

He sighed, looking to his wife. "I'm turning into an old softy."

She smiled and got up, sitting on his lap, giving a little wiggle. "Yes you are," she mused, "but I love you anyway."

Chief Master Sergeant Walter Harriman came into the briefing room and stopped sharply. He cleared his throat, keeping his eyes front. "Sir?"

Jack looked, undaunted, "Yes Walter?"

"General Landry is on the phone for you, sir."

"Thank you, Walter."

He nodded. "Sir. Ma'am," he said nervously, and then hurried away.

Margo chuckled. "I'd better let you get back to work."

"Yes, you'd better," he jeered and patted her butt when she stood. "Such a distraction."

She giggled and wiggled her hips a little more than usual as she left.

Jack shook his head and stood, pulling his BDU shirt down. "Damn woman," he muttered as he walked a little uncomfortably into his office. By the time he'd finished his phone call with Hank Landry, he was rubbing his temples. The IOA were making waves again. Glancing at his watch he headed down to the control room, the Stargate started spinning as he arrived. "What have we got Walter?"

The Stargate activated behind the iris, and Walter checked the IDC. "It's Auratora, sir, and Colonel Reynolds; we have visual."

"Let's see it," he ordered.

The monitor flickered, and then the Colonel came on, "SGC, this is Auratora."

"Go ahead Reynolds."

"Sir, McKay and his team have discovered a problem, caused by the explosions of the drones against the ice, and activation of the sub-light engines. As you know from your reports, the planet is still unstable, and will be for something like a million years until it stops wobbling. Anyway, the city is sitting over a massive caldera, much like the Yellowstone Caldera and super-volcano, only ours is twice as big at 150 klicks across. We've started to feel tremors," Reynolds paused and held on as the city around him shook, "and McKay thinks this area is going to tear itself apart."

"What's the plan then?" Jack asked him.

"We're going to fire the star drive, sir, and take the city off the planet. Colonel Sheppard is already in the chair, Dr J is with him, and they've found a secondary control console that works with the chair, but are unsure what it's for. We'll lift off and then make a jump to hyperspace. There's a planet five hours from here that McKay and his team have found to be suitable, one listed in the Atlantis database that Rodney carries with him everywhere," he held on again as the city shook. "Its 75% water; he doesn't want to try a hard landing. We'll be out of contact for a period after we take off, and until we land. We've already notified Atlantis, they're standing by." He paused again, being told something, "Michaels is transmitting the coordinates of the new planet. Since it has a Stargate, we will have to find a location that is at least 60 degrees out of range, and near a coastline. We've sent the data to Atlantis, and Dr. Weir has rerouted the Daedalus."

"Colonel, what about the baby, is she safe?" Jack inquired concerned.

"The two Atlantis-class Stargates are the newer solid state models, so you don't get the ill effects you do with the much older SGC model. Something to do with language downloads. Doctor Beckett took little Danyelle with him to Atlantis, sir, along with the rest of the Atlantis group. I thought it best to evacuate unnecessary personnel," Reynolds answered. "The rest of Sheppard's team decided to remain with him and McKay."

"All right, Colonel," Jack responded. "Make contact as soon as it's possible," he ordered. "Good luck."

"Thank you, sir."

The video feed shut off, and the Stargate closed down, the iris spiraling open again. Jack saw the Mitchell's coming into the Gate Room with Cassie Fraiser. He hurried out of the control room, going down to them in the Gate Room. "We've just received a message from Auratora; baby Danyelle, as well as most of the Atlantis personnel have been evacuated to Atlantis," he saw their expressions change to worry. "The planet where the city is located is tearing itself apart; they're relocating to another planet."

"Relocating?" Frank Mitchell asked, a little confused.

"They're going to fly the city off the planet," Jack said quickly. "One of our ships is being rerouted to meet up with Auratora. We'll know something by the end of the day."

"Cameron and Kayla stayed with the city?" Wendy Mitchell clarified.

He nodded. "Colonel Sheppard's team from Atlantis has remained, along with SG-1 and SG-3." He ushered them out of the Gate Room and back to the briefing room, everyone taking a seat.

"General, you said they were going to fly the city off the planet," Frank stated, a little bewildered.

He nodded. "Auratora, like Atlantis, has the ability to travel through space. They'll raise the shield and fire the star drive; it's done from the control chair. Once in space, they'll open a hyperspace window and travel to another planet. They come out of hyperspace near the planet, and land the city on the planet's ocean, and then drop the shield." Jack knew about it in theory, but had never seen it done. "Colonel Sheppard and Kayla are in the chair room; John is going to fly the city, Kayla is helping from a secondary console. Both he and Kayla have the ATA gene needed to use the chair and all other Ancient technology."

"ATA gene?" Wendy was confused.

"Ancient Technology Activation gene," Cassie explained. "Colonel Sheppard, Kayla, Uncle Jack and a few others have the gene naturally. Colonel Sheppard and Kayla are almost genetically identical to the Alterans, or ancients, and they use it almost instinctively. Some, like your son, have successfully had gene therapy, which allows them some success in using Ancient technology."

Wendy was stunned, "Cameron volunteered to have this done?"

"Both Colonel Mitchell and Major Michaels have had the gene therapy," Cassie explained.

"The thing is," Jack interrupted. "When Mitchell and Kayla get together, their ability to use Ancient technology is pretty spectacular."

"Doctor Beckett speculates that Colonel Mitchell acts as a conduit for Kayla," the young woman continued. "Kayla has the ability to heal, and when the Colonel is used as a conduit, she can heal herself as well."

"Wait a minute," Frank interrupted. "Kayla can heal people?"

Jack sat back in his chair. "Boggles the mind, don't it," he remarked.

"General, you said our granddaughter was taken to Atlantis?" Wendy questioned him.

Jack picked up the phone, "Walter, dial Atlantis, tell Dr. Weir that Danyelle's grandparents are coming through," he ordered, and then rose out of his seat, "Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, let's get you to your granddaughter."

Both stood, as did Cassie, smiling. Being ushered back to the Gate Room, the Stargate was activated when they arrived, startling the couple for a few moments.

"Sir, Dr. Weir is standing by," Walter reported from the control room.

"Thank you, Walter," Jack acknowledged, and turned to the Mitchell's and Cassie. "Have a good trip."

"Thank you, General," Frank said sincerely.

"You're welcome," Jack said, and helped the man onto and up the ramp, standing with him at the event horizon; feeling the tension in the man's arm muscles. "It's a piece of cake."

Cassie moved to take the General's place, gently guiding the old gent forward, "We'll be fine, Uncle Jack," she assured him, and giving Wendy a hand, helped Frank to walk through the Stargate.

The Gate closed down moments later, leaving Jack alone on the ramp. "Stay safe," he whispered, and then turned and walked down the ramp.

DF

Rodney McKay monitored the starship readings from the chair room, watching a video display set into the wall. Michaels was in the control room, monitoring the various consoles. John Sheppard sat in the control chair, bathed in light from the ceiling, the chair moving in a slow circle on the dais. Near the dais, Kayla Jackson stood before a console, also bathed in light. Her fingers were working two gel control pads as she watched her own visual monitor. When John and Kayla had arrived in the chair room, the console had risen out of the floor, as if the city had known what they were going to do. Since John was the more experienced pilot, he'd taken the chair, and Kayla had gone to the console, both seemed to instinctively know what they needed to do. Their eyes were closed, focusing on an inner vision, only opening their eyes on occasion, reluctant to fully surrender to the ship.

Cameron Mitchell stood near his teammate and lover, hovering almost, watching the monitor for any flashing red lights or other indicators of severe problems. At first the city vibrated, and then shook a little as it began to rise up off the ocean, and then stabilizing as it rose up into the sky.

"We've done it," Rodney announced, relieved.

"They're doing it, McKay," Cameron snapped.

"Fine," he retorted. "They're doing it."

"Cut it out you two…" Kayla ordered.

"…and shut up and let us concentrate," John said right after her, finishing her sentence.

Both men remained silent, doing as they were told. Kayla and John were now totally engrossed in the task, guiding the city as it broke through the atmosphere and into space, breaking free of the dying planet, speeding away from it.

"We're clear, and…" she began.

"…taking us to hyperspace," he finished without breaking the sentence, feeling as she did the city's jump to hyperspace.

"That was spooky," Rodney whispered to Cameron.

"No kidding," he responded quietly.

The light over the dais and console faded as John sat forward in the chair. "Well that was fun," he commented, opening his eyes

Kayla opened her eyes, and stepped back from the console. "Oh yeah," she agreed. "Nice flying."

He stood and stepped off the dais. "You too."

"Are we finished?" Rodney asked dryly.

"Yes," both chorused together, smiling.

Cameron chuckled as the scientist frowned. "Let's get up to the control room," he suggested.

"What a good idea," Rodney remarked and walked away from them. Chuckling they followed him.

Reynolds acknowledged them as they arrived. "Good work."

"Thanks," John said with a smug smile.

Next to him, Kayla rolled her eyes. "Men," she grumbled, and walked off, heading out to the balcony.

Cameron saw the Colonel raise an eyebrow. "I'll go, she's my prissy archaeologist."

John chuckled softly. "She's got him well trained," he remarked, and saw all but Daniel grin. "Doc?"

Daniel folded his arms against his chest. "She's worried Danny's parents are going to descend, and take the baby away from them."

"Shit." John swore. "They wouldn't, would they?"

He frowned in thought. "No, if they were going to descend they would have done so long before this."

On the balcony, Cameron stood near his teammate and lover, he knew what was bothering her, what had been worrying her since a little bundle of love had been thrust into their lives. He went over to the railing and gripped it, looking up. "I never thought when I joined Stargate Command that I would be standing on the balcony of a city traveling through hyperspace."

She joined him. "Neither did I, but here we are."

He nodded, his hand slipped over hers. He licked his lips, wetting them, weighing up his next words. "You could have gone to Atlantis with Danny."

"You could have to," she said without hesitation. "We both could have." And saw the look in his eyes. "Knowing she is safe…"

"I know," he assured her, his voice thick with emotion. "She's ours Kayla, they're not coming back, and they won't take her away from us."

"We don't know that," she contradicted him.

"Kayla," he turned and gripped her shoulders, turning her towards him. "They would have done it before now, they trust us with her. They know we'll give her a good life, and we'll protect her."

Fear gripped her heart. She'd faced down a system lord, a battalion of Jaffa with less trepidation. "And what if we can't, Cam, what if we can't protect her the way they wanted us too?"

He drew her into his arms, feeling her grab the back of his shirt in her hands. He nuzzled the top of her head. "We just have to do the best we can, Kay," he told her, and tried hard to squash back his own fears, to be strong for her. Looking towards the entrance out to the balcony, he saw the rest of his team and Sheppard's, busy at work. They weren't alone, they would never be alone; they had family.

DF

In Atlantis City, Dr. Elizabeth Weir stood waiting for her guests as the window to the universe rippled. "Welcome to Atlantis, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell," she greeted with a smile as the Stargate closed down. "Cassie, it's nice to see you again."

"You too," the younger woman replied as she gestured to the Mitchell's, "Frank, Wendy, this is Dr. Elizabeth Weir, the leader of the Atlantis Expedition."

"This is quite amazing, Dr. Weir," Wendy commented as she glanced around.

"Yes, it is; and please call me Elizabeth," she insisted, guiding them out of the Gate Room.

"Then it's Frank and Wendy," Frank told her.

"All right," she agreed. "I'll take you to your granddaughter, she's in the infirmary."

"Is she alright, Elizabeth?" Wendy asked, a little anguished.

"Doctor Beckett just wanted to make sure she was fine after her trip through the Stargate, and when she fell asleep, he and Colonel Carter didn't want to disturb her," the Atlantis leader explained. She showed them to the infirmary, finding Carson but not Sam. Major Lorne was cradling the baby against his chest, totally at ease.

Carson saw his new guests entering the infirmary, "Elizabeth," he greeted, "and you must be Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell. I'm Dr. Carson Beckett; it's nice to meet you both."

Frank managed to shake the man's hand. "Nice to meet you too, Doctor Beckett."

"Carson, where is Sam?" Elizabeth inquired, interrupting.

"Samantha had to go see to her own wee ones," the doctor explained. "The Major was visiting one of his men when little Danyelle woke and got herself a little upset, but settled down when he picked her up. I've theorized it has to do with the ATA gene, the Major is a natural carrier."

Evan Lorne carried the baby over to them. "Ma'am," he nodded to Elizabeth.

"Frank, Wendy, this is Major Evan Lorne," she introduced, "and the little one in his arms is Danyelle."

The Major gently laid the baby in her grandmother's arms. "There you go, Ma'am."

"Thank you, Major," she said, tears in her eyes as she looked at her granddaughter. "Oh, she's beautiful."

"That she is Ma'am," he agreed. "Excuse me."

"Thank you, Major," Elizabeth said sincerely.

"No problem," he said happily as he walked out.

Wendy saw the baby was swaddled in a BDU shirt; she fingered the material a little with one hand and looked to the doctor.

He smiled. "It's one of Kayla's shirts, Mrs. Mitchell. She wrapped the bonny lass in it before we came through the Gate. To comfort Danyelle, the shirt has her parent's scent on it."

Wendy sniffed the shirt a little, smelling the aftershave her son used, as well as feminine deodorant, smiling. "I remember doing the same thing for Cam when he was a little baby and I couldn't be with him."

"It was Colonel Mitchell's idea actually," Carson revealed.

Frank chuckled softly as the baby in his wife's arms tried to shove her clenched fist in her mouth. "She's definitely like her father, he always did that."

"Aye, she has her father's nose, but her mother's eyes," Carson agreed. "She's going to be a heartbreaker when she grows up." He smiled. "And I'd say she's hungry," he announced. "I'll have one of my nurses prepare a bottle."

"Thank you, Carson," Elizabeth said. "Will it be alright to take Danyelle out of the infirmary, Frank and Wendy might be more comfortable in quarters."

"No problem at all luv, go ahead."

"I'll wait and bring the bottle, Elizabeth," Cassie offered.

She nodded. "I'll take Frank and Wendy to the quarters Kayla and Cameron use when they're here."

"I'll see you there," she declared.

Elizabeth guided the couple out, into an alien elevator that made them smile in wonder, and then showed them into quarters frequently used by SG-1's team leader and archaeologist.

Wendy sat down, seeing the room had been set up for little Danyelle. Her husband sat next to her. "When do you expect Auratora to make contact?" he asked the Atlantis leader.

"The planet they're flying to is five hours away, even at hyperspace," Elizabeth explained.

Wendy looked down at the baby in her arms, little Danyelle had bright blue eyes. "She's like Cam was when he was a baby and a little like Alex?"

"Alex?" Elizabeth question as she sat down across from them.

"Our youngest, Alex, is a physicist."

"He and the Colonel went in different directions?"

Frank chuckled. "Yea and no. Alex joined the Air Force too, and he loves to fly as much as Cam. He'd love the Stargate, but his thirst for knowledge and to learn is greater than flying full time."

"He'd love it here then, or on Auratora. From the reports I've heard, the Library is a wealth of knowledge," Elizabeth said smiling. There was a tone and she got up, opening the door, seeing who it was, "Come on in."

Cassie entered, along with Sam and the two children, "Wendy, Frank, this is Samantha Carter-Jackson, Kayla's stepmother, with Ari and Aeron."

"It's nice to meet you Samantha," Wendy greeted as Cassie handed her the bottle.

"Sam, please," she insisted as they all sat down, making Aeron comfortable on her lap, "Not that I feel much like a grandmother."

Frank smiled at that. "It's a shock to the system for us all."

"Well," Sam remarked as Wendy fed the bottle to her granddaughter, Danyelle suckling hungrily at the bottle's nipple, "Cam and Kayla don't do anything by halves."

Ari got up and walked over to the baby, gently touching her head, feeling the soft blood hair under his fingers.

Wendy watched him, smiling. "Your big sister has made you an Uncle, Ari."

He looked at her curiously. "Is 'Ayla and Cam going to get married?"

"I don't know sweetheart."

"Mommy and daddy got married after Aeron and I came," he said proudly.

Sam blushed at her son's statement, making them all chuckle softly. "Ari and Aeron are adopted," she explained. "Daniel and I don't have children of our own yet."

"Yet," Cassie said with a smirk.

"Brat," Sam said, goodheartedly.

Ari sat up on the sofa next to Wendy. "I want a baby brother."

"Well, you never know, Ari," she said gently, seeing his mother looking slightly embarrassed. "Don't worry, Sam, I remember Cam telling my mother the same thing, and nine months later he got his brother."

Sam smiled weakly as her son looked at her adoringly.

DF

Teyla walked out onto the balcony, and upon seeing Teal'c, she joined him. They'd come out of hyperspace as planned, and Colonel Sheppard and Kayla Jackson had managed to land the city on the planet's ocean as gently as it was possible. Once the city was settled, the shield had been lowered, and teams of puddle-jumpers had been sent out to explore the planet under cloak, looking for any dangers, animal or otherwise. McKay and Michaels were busy dialing the Stargate to establish a connection to the entire network, and then connect to Atlantis and SGC. Both Dr. Jacksons and Lt. O'Neill were in the Library, while Colonel Sheppard and Colonel Mitchell had transported aboard the Daedalus, which had dropped out of hyperspace moments after they arrived, settling into orbit around the planet.

Teyla smiled and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "It is like being at Atlantis."

Teal'c merely nodded, adding, "Indeed," his hand discreetly moving closer to hers.

She edged closer. "I've missed our workouts."

"As have I. Sparing with Colonel Mitchell and Kayla Jackson is not the same."

"Perhaps we will have the chance to spar before you return to Earth," and without looking, slipped her hand over his.

Smiling, Teal'c didn't look either. "I believe that can be arranged Teyla Emmagan."

Ronon Dex was bored sitting around in the control room, and soon found himself wandering out onto the balcony. Seeing the two of them, he wanted to be jealous of the Jaffa, but he couldn't; he respected Teal'c too much, and it was clear Teyla had strong feelings for him. "Hey, mind if I join you?"

They glanced back. "Please," Teyla insisted smiling.

He leaned on the railing next to Teyla, and mused, "Reminds me of Atlantis."

"I was saying the same thing."

"McKay and Michaels have dialed the distant Stargate on this planet and sent a MALP through, so as not to give away our presence. The scouts should arrive soon, and explore the area around the gate. They have also dialed Earth, and will dial Atlantis next. The doc, Kayla and O'Neill are still in the library; they found some virtual data base they're trying to access. Daniel said keeping her working is keeping her mind off little Danny."

"That is the reason why Colonel Mitchell went to the Daedalus with Colonel Sheppard, to keep busy," Teal'c noted.

"Yeah, they're missing her." Ronon agreed and looked to Teal'c. "You have a son, right?"

"Rya'c, he and Kar'yn will make me a grandfather in the months to come."

"Congratulations."

Teal'c bowed his head, smiling.

"You will be a wonderful grandfather, Teal'c," Teyla praised.

"More importantly, my grandchild will be born free," he declared. He saw the Satedan look out at the ocean. "You did not have a wife and children on Sateda?"

"No. I had someone close enough to a wife, but she was killed."

"I am sorry, Ronon Dex."

He shrugged, it still hurt, but he'd dealt with it. "It was a long time ago."

"You have family on Atlantis now," Teyla assured him, "and on Earth."

"Indeed." Teal'c agreed and offered the former runner his arm.

Ronon took it, grasping his forearm in a warrior's handshake, warriors, and brothers.

Teyla put her hand on their grasped arms, and smiled happily. The two men she cared deeply for had found a close friendship, and bound the three of them together.

DF

Once they were confident that the planet was secure, Rodney dialed Atlantis, and set up the conference call to Earth, "Go ahead, Colonel," Rodney told Reynolds.

"Atlantis, Stargate Command, this is Auratora," he said and waited.

The large screen in the conference room flickered, and both Stargate Command and Atlantis acknowledged them, both being shown split screen.

"We read you Auratora," Dr. Weir announced, smiling.

"We're reading you loud and clear, Reynolds," Jack said, relieved to see them all. "How are my kids?"

Reynolds chuckled over that. SG-1 would always be considered Jack O'Neill's kids. "They're doing fine sir, all four of them, plus your extended family of fifty or so kids." The General had to smile at that retort.

"All present and accounted for, General," Cameron remarked.

"Good, Colonel, because your parents are on Atlantis with your daughter, waiting to hear from you!"

"What are they doing on Atlantis, sir?"

"I sent them there when the lava hit the fan, Mitchell. They wanted to meet their granddaughter."

"They're fine, Colonel," Elizabeth reassured everyone, "as is little Danny, she's missing her parents though."

He felt Kayla discreetly squeeze his hand. "We're missing her too."

"Then high-tail your asses to Atlantis," Jack ordered. "Elizabeth and I have already been talking, she's sending through a skeleton crew to take over, until we can get personnel together for yet another starship. Reynolds, as soon as your replacements are there, head home."

"Yes sir."

"Mitchell, get SG-1 to Atlantis. I want you home in two days though, I'm not putting these personnel recommendations together myself. Damn paperwork is driving me nuts."

Cameron stifled a chuckle. "Yes sir."

On the monitor, Jack nodded. "See you when you get back. SGC out."

The Stargate to Earth closed down, leaving Atlantis open, "My people will be ready to go in an hour, Colonel, I'll expect SG-1 along with Colonel Sheppard's team."

"Yes Ma'am, I'll send them through," Reynolds declared. Elizabeth nodded as the Stargate shut off. The Colonel looked to the teams. "Alright people, pack it up, get your gear together, I want to be able to go as soon as the skeleton crew arrives. Sheppard, your team and SG-1 can depart when you're ready."

"Yes sir," John acknowledged, and held up a finger, stopping the two archaeologists in their tracks. "You two will be able to come back and play another day, family first."

"Well said," Cameron smirked.

"Thank you."

Kayla looked to her father and made a remark in Ancient; Daniel agreed with her and replied the same way. Cameron cracked up seconds before Jon, who had been the only other person who had understood her. Rodney had only pieced a little of it together.

"What?" John demanded.

Cameron got control of himself, slapping his counterpart on the shoulder. "You don't want to know," he mused.

"I don't?"

"Nope," he grinned. "Come on, let's get our gear together."

Their teams followed them, grinning; SG-3 chuckling behind them in Operations. Half an hour later they were geared up, back-packs loaded, standing in the Gate Room. "Dial it up," John ordered.

Wendy and Frank Mitchell stood with Elizabeth Weir, baby Danyelle in her grandmother's arms. They'd seen Cameron in fatigues before, but this was the first time they'd seen their son geared up, or Kayla. She didn't look like the tormented young woman who had come to their home that Thanksgiving, or the confident young woman they'd been staying with. The archaeologist looked comfortable in her black military attire, the weapon strapped to her leg and the one in her hands. It was a little frightening, seeing her and Cameron this way.

Elizabeth stepped forward as the Gate closed down. "Welcome back, Colonel, SG-1."

"Thanks," John said a little smugly. "How's the munchkin?"

"She's fine," the Atlantis leader said, smiling. "I'm sure Colonel Sheppard can look after the rest of your team, go be with your family."

"Thanks Elizabeth," Kayla said as she and Cameron handed their P90s and ammunition vests to waiting Marines, hurrying over to the proud grandparents and their daughter.

"Mum," Cameron gave his mother a gentle hug, being careful of little Danyelle.

"Cam," she had tears in her eyes. "Are you alright?"

"We're fine, mom."

She put his daughter in his arms and gave Kayla a hug. "We were so worried."

"We're fine," Kayla assured them, and then gave Frank a hug. "How did you like traveling through the Stargate?"

"It's quite a ride," he said cheerfully. "I can understand why you and Cam enjoy it."

"It's the only way to travel, dad," Cameron agreed, "from planet to planet anyway. Someday, I'm gonna drive my mustang through that thing, and take a drive through some alien city." Everyone looked startled, and then laughed at the image of Cam in a red Mustang scaring aliens out of his way.

Kayla gestured her father over, "Frank, this is my dad, Dr Daniel Jackson."

Frank got his balance and shook the man's hand. "It's nice to finally meet you, Daniel."

"And you, Frank."

Kayla took her daughter when Cameron handed her over, Danyelle snuggled against the crook of her shoulder, snuffling. Kayla gently rubbed her back, "Hey little one," kissing the top of her daughter's head. She saw her father smiling at her. "What?"

"Nothing, sweetheart," he mused smiling. "Give me your packs and I'll put them in the armory with mine."

"Thanks dad."

He took Cameron's as well, "I'll see you all later," he said, and hurried off with the rest of his Atlantis team and the rest of SG-1.

"You're a natural, Kayla," Frank told her.

She shrugged shyly. "I did a lot of babysitting as a teenager, mostly for the college Dean. He had twin girls; I used to sit for them so they could have a night out."

"Well, all that experience is paying off," Wendy praised, still a little overwhelmed by the appearance of the two. They'd given the larger weapons to the Marine, but still carried side-arms. She'd seen plenty of military personnel on Atlantis, but not a lot of civilians. She'd only ever seen Kayla come home in civilian clothing. In fact, she'd only seen her son come home from the base in civvies. It was daunting.

Coming to the quarters Cameron and Kayla had used on their last visit, the door slid open on a mental command while they were still meters away in the corridor, and they walked right in.

Frank glanced at his wife as they walked in, and then at the door as it slid shut behind them. "Does that happen a lot?"

"What dad?" Cameron asked as he dropped the two packs near the bed, turning.

"The door sliding open on its own?"

Kayla smiled. "It didn't. Anyone with the ATA gene can open doors with a mental command, watch." Kayla wiggled her finger and the door opened and closed, causing a few jaws to drop. "I'm sure Jack explained that I had the ATA gene at birth, and Cam has it via gene therapy." She laid her daughter in the supplied cot and straightened, unzipping her winter jacket she had continued to wear on the once cold starship, she tugged it off and threw it on the bed, turning. Seeing she was being watched by the Mitchell's, she asked, "Did I say something wrong?"

"No," Wendy said, coming out of her daze. "We're sorry honey, it's just a lot to take in at once. Up until a few hours ago, we thought you were just a civilian consultant for the Air Force, who translated languages, advised on protocol, that sort of thing. And now, we find out you've been saving the planet, traveling through wormholes."

"Mom, Kayla does translate languages," Cameron assured her. "It's just that the languages she translates are usually thousands of years old; and from other planets, other races, even other species."

"I even go on digs," Kayla added. "Myself and a team of archaeologist spent time on PG5-88442 at the invitation of the planet's archaeological community. We helped them excavate a temple." She got them to sit down and did so herself beside her teammate and lover, pride and conviction in her voice. "Being a member of SG-1 means more than just traveling from planet to planet defeating bad guys. We meet new races and people whose ancestors were from Earth thousands of years ago. We form alliances and make friends, allies who do more than help in our fight against our enemies."

"I take it you and mum met Sam and her two children?" Cameron asked his father and saw him nod. "It was SG-1 who found Ari, and Kayla delivered Aeron after her mother died. She carried Aeron wrapped in her shirt through the Stargate, saving her life, which was what Aeron's birth mother wanted." He took Kayla's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm not going to sugar coat it for you mum, dad, what we do is dangerous. Each time we step through that Stargate, doesn't mean we're going to be meeting with people who want to be our friends. Sometimes they don't, sometimes we can talk our way out, and sometimes we have to fight our way out. But Kayla and I are watching each other's backs, and we know Teal'c and Michaels are watching our backs, just as we watch theirs. We're more than just a team, we're a family, we look after each other and we care about each other."

"We can't tell you everything that's happened since we joined the SGC and SG-1," Kayla continued, her voice a little solemn. "And believe me, some of the things we've seen, you don't want to know about."

"Dr. O'Hara said you both have nightmares that would give Stephen King a run for his money," Wendy said a little shaken by what she'd been told. "She also said you'd both been tortured."

Cameron rubbed his temples. "It's all true mum," he said straight forwardly, as Kayla got up and walked over to the windows, her arms wrapped around herself in a protective hug, staring out at the ocean. "The Thanksgiving I brought Kayla home with me, I did it because Dr. Lam said she shouldn't be on her own. Not after what she'd been through. Not only because of the injuries was she recovering from, but because of the nightmares."

"Cam," his mother gasped, her eyes filled with tears.

"Mum, don't," he warned. "Don't pity either of us. We made it through with the love of friends, and our family. Kayla is a lot stronger than she looks. She's had to be to endure what she has. The physical scars aren't a reminder of what we went through, they're a reminder of the fact we made it out alive. But it's not the scares that hurt, mum, dad. It's the ones you can't see, the emotional ones," he looked over at the woman he loved, now the mother of his child. "It's the ones that have her awake at early hours of the morning, crying in my arms; the ones that cause her to wake up screaming." His voice was thick with emotion. "It's the ones that have me waking up, my heart pounding, drenched in sweat, relieved to know she's alive and asleep beside me. The ones that have me sparring with Teal'c late at night at the SGC while she works, to try and push away the pain and frustration of a mission that went bad."

He paused, seeing the understanding in his parent's eyes. "It's having friends like Teal'c and Michaels who get us both through it. Teal'c is the friend who is there when I completely trash my office, then helps me put it all back together, while getting me to talk about what's bothering me, before dragging me off to see Dr. O'Hara. It's a 2IC who doesn't mind the fact that I head down to his lab and drag him out to get something to eat, who doesn't bellyache when I do it. He just helps me dig Kayla out of her lab, and we get Teal'c and go out. And General O'Neill, who brings my parents into the loop, who sends them to another Galaxy to meet their granddaughter." He ran his fingers through his hair. "That's what it's all about, being a part of something amazing, and being a part of an amazing family."

His mother got up and sat next to him, she wrapped her arms around her son and held him close. He comforted her as much as she did him.

Getting up, Frank went over to Kayla; he balanced on his walking crutches and put a hand on her arm, drawing her into a hug, letting her bury her head into his shoulder. "No matter what, you're family honey, you and Danyelle," he whispered.

Cameron heard his daughter's whimper. He got up and lifted her from the cot, carrying her over to his lover and father, his mother joining them.

Kayla pulled back from Frank and slipped her arm around Cameron's waist, resting her head on his shoulder, offering her finger to her daughter, who happily gnawed on it.

Wendy smiled, slipping her arm around her husband's waist. This was what made it all worth it, for her and for Frank – being a family.

DF

John leaned on the guardrail and looked over the ocean, and didn't flinch when Elizabeth joined him. "Cassie headed back with the skeleton crew?"

"She did, and I'm guessing Jon O'Neill isn't going to get much sleep tonight," she mused, and saw him smile and added, "Little Danyelle is adorable."

"Getting clucky on me, Elizabeth?" he asked teasing.

"Maybe a little," she admitted.

He had been expecting it, especially with little Aeron and Ari Jackson around. "I was married," he said, not looking away from the view of the city and ocean, his teasing gone. "Nancy wasn't really cut out to be an Air Force wife; she couldn't handle me not being able to tell her everything, the long periods of time alone." He paused a moment. "And she couldn't handle how close I was to Kayla. She accused us of having an affair with her. She said I loved Kayla more than I ever loved her."

Elizabeth had known he'd been married, she just hadn't known the details. "What happened?"

"She demanded a divorce and I gave it to her, it was pretty messy though," he answered. "She wiped me out, completely, took everything that I hadn't already taken out of the house beforehand." He swallowed hard. "The thing was," he turned and looked at Elizabeth. "She was right. I figured it out later on. I loved Kayla more than I ever loved her, because my little sister didn't try to make me someone I wasn't. She didn't force me to talk about things I couldn't, she just let me be me." He looked away again. "I guess that's why it took time for me to admit I love you. I had to know you loved me for me, not because of who I was, and what I was doing."

Elizabeth was proud of him, that hadn't been easy for him to say. She turned his face to hers. "I love you, John Sheppard, because you are you; a strong, caring man, who puts others before himself. You never ask for anything in return, other than a person's friendship. You're there when I need a shoulder to cry on, or someone to yell at. You've made being here so much better, and I couldn't picture a day without you in my life."

John cupped the side of her face in his hand and leaned forward, brushing his lips against hers. A soft gentle kiss that left her wanting more, and he gave her more, drawing her into his arms.

She ran her fingers through the hair on the back of his head, moaning against his mouth before they parted, breathing deeply. "Whatever happens, I want you to know I love you and I will always love you. And if and when we have a baby, I'll know he or she is getting the best dad a child could ever hope for."

"And the best mom," he said, resting his forehead against hers, and after a long moment, added, "We should get back inside."

"Yes, we should," she agreed as he straightened. They walked back inside the city as she suggested, "I wouldn't mind taking a look at Auratora."

"It's a lot like Atlantis, a little larger, but the layout is mostly the same," he admitted. "Maybe I can take you back and show you around before the expedition team arrives."

"I'd like that."

"Me too," he gave her a warm smile. "So, Dr. Weir, have any plans for dinner?"

"Not a one, Colonel Sheppard," she answered grinning. "Are you busy?"

"No, I'm not, how does seven sound?"

"Sounds good," she said with a chuckle. "I'll see you in the mess hall."

"I was actually thinking something a little more private," he announced, his voice a little husky, "My quarters, nineteen hundred."

She saw the mischief in his eyes, "I'll be there."

"Good," John said and hurried away from her.

Elizabeth chuckled and kept walking back to her office; a little mystery was good for a relationship, along with a little romance.

DF

Back on Earth, Jon O'Neill used his foot to turn off the taps, getting a giggle from the blond headed young woman who was lounging against him in the large bathtub. "What's so funny?"

"I just never thought of you as a bubble bath kind of guy," Cassie Fraiser told him, running her hands down his thighs to his knees.

"Well, I guess a lot of people would never expect to find you with a guy like me," he said.

"My boy-toy," she said and giggled as he tickled her, splashing the water.

He stopped. "Boy-toy, huh?"

"Well, you are younger than me."

"Only in body," he reminded, and nibbled at her ear. "I may of suppressed a lot of my past, but some of it I don't mind having."

"Neither do I," she said with a soft moan. "Tell me about Auratora?"

"It's a lot like Atlantis. The library is amazing, there's so much knowledge, knowledge we thought lost."

Cassie heard the enthusiasm in his voice. "I would have liked to have seen it."

"You may still get the chance."

DF

In Atlantis City, Colonel Mitchell made his way through the corridors, nodding to those passing him. SG-1 had been in the city for nearly two days, two days the General had given them. They were scheduled to return in a few hours, and his parents were happily watching over their granddaughter. Cameron had returned from a run, to find his fiancé and teammate was gone. His mother had said Kayla had asked them to look after Danyelle while she slipped out. He was still pondering that as he searched for his archaeologist. Everything had been going well when he'd left. Sam had been there, and when he'd returned she was nowhere to be seen. He'd showered, dressed, and began looking for Kayla, going to the most obvious place first, her father's lab. Walking in, he found her seated at the workbench, looking over an artifact that had been found within the city. "Hey, Jackson."

She looked up and smiled tiredly. "Hey, Mitchell."

He sat beside her, seeing she had something on her mind. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I just needed a break," she admitted. "I don't regret telling everyone about getting married. I just want some time to get my mind around it. I mean four days ago, I became a mother, and now - now Sam and your mum are talking dresses and flowers."

Cameron smiled. "They're just excited."

"I know, but it became a little overwhelming."

"Okay," he rubbed her back, needing some physical contact with her.

They heard Elizabeth's voice come over the city's communications system. "Colonel Mitchell, Dr. Jackson, report to Stargate Operations."

"I wonder what that's all about." She queried.

"Let's go find out," he urged.

Elizabeth had waited until they arrived to begin the meeting. Sam, Michaels, and Teal'c were also present, as she gave them the news, "We've lost contact with Colonel Sheppard and his team." The concern in her voice was controlled, but it was there. "They were on a simple recon mission; they're overdue by two hours."

"Was the planet they were exploring occupied?" Cameron asked with a frown, falling straight into command mode.

"As far as we know it wasn't," she answered him, and then added, "I can't order you, but I'm asking if SG-1 will take a look?"

He nodded; he'd made the decision before she'd asked. "We'll need to see all the data on the planet, everything."

"You'll have it. I also want you to take Carson with you, just in case."

Cameron didn't like it; he knew what he and his team could handle. Having someone along who wasn't in sync with them was dangerous at times, but he agreed. "All right," he turned to his team, "let's gear up."

Elizabeth contacted Doctor Beckett with the orders, and then turned to Sam, who was just as worried. "They'll be fine."

She forced a smile, nodding. "Cam will find them; it's what SG-1 does."

"I hope so," she said quietly.

"I'd better go and talk to Wendy and Frank, let them know Cam and Kayla are going off-world," she announced.

"Why don't you stay with them," Elizabeth offered. "Get Ari and Aeron, I'm sure Frank and Wendy won't mind, and the children love being with Danyelle."

"Thanks Elizabeth."

The Atlantis leader smiled reassuringly, watching her go. Finally, her gaze fell on the inactive Stargate. Come home, John, she silently prayed.

A half hour later SG-1, in black BDUs and geared-up, arrived in the Gate Room with Doctor Beckett, who was also in black BDUs, and loaded down with medical gear. They'd reviewed the data before coming to the Gate Room, and retrieved their P-90's and side arms. The doctor only carried a side arm and his medical kit.

Cameron turned and glanced up to where Dr. Weir was standing in operations. "Dial the Gate."

Elizabeth gave the order, and as the Stargate activated, called down to the Gate Room, "Bring them home, Colonel."

"Planning on it, Ma'am," and gave the order, "let's go." With weapon's ready, SG-1 and Beckett stepped through the Stargate, and out onto a thick forest, immediately taking defensive positions as the Stargate closed down behind them. Cameron tapped his earmic, "Colonel Sheppard, this is SG-1, do you copy?" There was no reply.

"We could be out of range," Ryan offered.

Teal'c was hunkered down in front of the DHD. "Tracks, standard issue boots, they went this way."

"All right, Teal'c and I'll take point, Jackson keep the doc with you. Michaels, you've got our six." Cameron ordered.

They nodded and moved out. As they walked, Carson realized there were differences between SG-1 and Colonel Sheppard's team, one being Kayla. Even though she was a civilian, she was now well trained in the weapons she used. The P-90 looked comfortable in her hands. She'd had plenty of combat experience since joining the SGC. He'd noticed it with her father; Daniel was a combat veteran, one trained by General O'Neill. Rodney was experienced, but somehow combat still scared the hell out of him; and as for firing a weapon, he could handle a P-90 and a stun gun, but would also shoot at his own shadow.

Twenty minutes from the Stargate, Teal'c signaled, and they moved quickly away from the path, hunkering down in the brush as he made his way back to them. A few hundred meters in front of them, down a slight incline, they could see an abandoned city, nearly overgrown by the foliage.

"Genii." Carson hissed, recognizing the architectural style of some of the old buildings.

The city wasn't abandoned though. Kayla had taken an LS detector from her vest as soon as she arrived on the planet, and was now reading life signs in the city. "Sheppard and his team are down there."

Cameron moved closer to her and looked; the device showed their people had been separated into two groups, represented by blue dots, two of those dots were brighter than the others, a third was semi-bright and the other two were normal. The Genii were red dots. "Any way of knowing who is who?"

"The two bright dots here are John and Dad," she pointed to the first group, then the second. "These three are McKay, Teyla and Ronon." She pointed out the slightly brighter dot, "That one is McKay."

"How can you be sure, lass?" Carson inquired.

"John has the ATA gene naturally, so does dad; he and John are the stronger dots. McKay doesn't register as strong, because his ATA gene is artificial, so he's not so bright."

Cameron chuckled over that, "I wouldn't tell him that if I was you."

"No promises," she smirked.

"How is it we've never perceived anything like this before?" Carson asked, smiling over her comment.

"Colonel Carter and I made some adjustments, with Kayla's help," Ryan replied with a smirk, pulling out an identical device. "The Colonel likes using Kayla as a guinea pig when she visits, so we dragged her away from her dusty books to help, and this is the result."

"Remarkable."

"Oh yes, they tinkered, it's all good," Cameron said rolling his eyes. "Can we go get a closer look now?" He saw them all nod. "Thank you. Teal'c, you and Michaels get Teyla, Ronon, and McKay. Beckett, Jackson, and I will get Sheppard and Doctor J."

"Very well, Colonel Mitchell," Teal'c agreed.

Kayla and Ryan made certain they were getting the same readings before his team moved off. She shoved the device into her vest pocket and followed Beckett and Mitchell. They made their way to the rundown building where her father and Sheppard were being held, avoiding Genii patrols as they went. "That was too easy," she whispered as they stood against the back of the building.

Next to her, Cameron nodded. "Way too easy."

"So it's a trap," Carson caught on.

"Oh yeah," the Colonel declared. He tapped his earmic, "Teal'c, Michaels, keep your eyes open, it looks and smells like a trap."

"Indeed," Teal'c's baritone voice agreed through the earmic.

"Got it Colonel," Ryan also acknowledged.

Kayla checked the readings of the LS detector. "There are two Genii at the front of this building, and the one Teal'c and Ryan are heading for."

"Any more?" Cameron inquired.

She nodded. "The building in front of this one has about twenty, and a dozen are trying to flank us on our right," she reported. "Somehow they were shielding their life signs before."

"Teal'c, Michaels, try and find a back door," Cameron ordered. "We're about to have company."

"Got it, Colonel," Ryan acknowledged.

Kayla handed the LS detector to Beckett. "We need a back door, too, Colonel."

"I know, Jackson, I know," he muttered. The building looked like a supply shed. "What about a side door?"

"It'll do."

"Okay, let's move out," he agreed, and contacted Teal'c and Michaels, telling them to look out for a side door too. They moved quietly around the side of the building, their approach camouflaged by plant life, giving them the protection they needed as they found a nearly concealed door.

Kayla hooked her P-90 to her belt, unsheathed her knife and pried open the door a little. She returned the knife to the sheath and took the P-90 from her belt.

Cameron stayed where he was, keeping watch as he glanced back and whispered, "Be careful."

"We will; watch our six," she told him.

"Always, Indiana," he jeered.

She rolled her eyes. With the P-90 held ready, she quietly kicked open the door and ran in, with Beckett behind her. The building was empty except for the barred cell that held her father and John, their gear and weapons on a table near the door. Sloppy, she thought.

John was on his feet at the cell door, Daniel at his left. "About time," he grumbled playfully.

Kayla grinned, "Missed me?"

"Oh yeah; so stop talking and get us out of here, little squirt," he jeered.

Daniel shook his head at their bantering. "We were separated from the others."

"Teal'c and Ryan have gone for them," she revealed, and using a set of tools she carried in her vest pocket, she picked the lock, opening the door.

John grinned. "I knew those MacGyver reruns would come in handy."

She put the toolset away. "Not to mention he was cute."

The two men left the cell. "Not what I wanted to hear, Kayla," her father grumbled.

Chuckling, she kept her P-90 trained on the door while Beckett checked them both over quickly before letting them gear up. She tapped her earmic, "Mitchell, dad and Sheppard are gearing up. We'll be joining you in a few minutes."

"Now would be better, Indiana, bad guys coming."

"We've got to go, now," she told them. They grabbed their stuff and headed out the side door, Kayla shut it once they were out. Cameron handed her a small block of C-4 and a detonator. She rigged the door to explode if it was opened, or to go off after ten minutes. When her father and Sheppard finished gearing up, she whispered, "Done, let's go."

Daniel chuckled to himself, "You've been hanging around Jack too much."

His daughter grinned, "Lou taught me that, actually."

"Figures, he's as bad as Jack."

They meet up with Teal'c, Michaels, Teyla, Ronon and McKay, not to mention the dozen Genii that had been flanking them. The firefight that erupted alerted the other Genii, and the race to the Stargate began. Beckett quickly realized just how well trained in weapons Kayla was, as she single handedly protected him and Rodney, who didn't seem to be able to hit anything, as they made it to the Stargate. Luckily the Genii were playing it safe and hanging back, only advancing when they could spot a tree to hide behind.

"Dial the Gate!" she shouted to Rodney over the weapon's fire, and covered him while he rushed to the DHD and frantically pushed buttons. She heard it activate behind her, "Rodney?"

"We're clear!" he shouted to her, having sent through his IDC and received a green light.

She tapped her earmic and yelled, "Atlantis, this is Jackson, we're coming in hot. Repeat, we're coming in hot!" She kept firing, most of the reply lost to her except the word clear, which was all she needed. She ordered, "Rodney, Carson, go!"

Both men didn't argue as they ran for the Stargate and through. Ronon saw them go, turned and saw a Genii take aim at the young archaeologist standing near the Stargate. He fired, but it was too late; she went down, a wound to her left shoulder. Struggling to get to her feet, he watched her lean against the ring, placing her foot in the event horizon to keep the gate active, and continued firing, ignoring the wound.

Mitchell had seen her get hit, and he'd also seen her get back up, then yelled as he continued to work his way towards the Stargate, "Jackson!"

"I'm fine!" she yelled back.

"I've got her!" Ronon called out. As they lay down cover fire, pinning the Genii down, Ronon ran for the archaeologist, grabbing her by the back of her vest, he pulled her through the open wormhole, Teyla and Michaels following, covering them on full auto, forcing the Genii to stay down.

Sheppard, Mitchell, and Daniel fell back along with Teal'c, and the four of them walked backwards through the open gate, still firing, arriving through the Atlantis Stargate 0.3 seconds later. "Shut it down!" Sheppard yelled. The shield was immediately activated, and in a few seconds they could hear bullets hitting the barrier. As soon as the firing stopped, the Stargate shut off. He glanced around, confirming that everyone was accounted for. Beckett and his team were rushing Kayla out on a gurney, while a Marine reported that two stray shots had arrived through the Stargate, no injuries or damage.

John nodded to the Marine, handed over his rifle, then turned to Mitchell, and saw the man follow the gurney with his eyes. "Thanks for the rescue, now get to the infirmary," he ordered.

Cameron nodded, turned over his weapon and vest, and hurried away, his team doing the same. He turned to his own archaeologist. "Go on doc."

"Thanks," Daniel replied, and ran to catch up.

Elizabeth had contacted Sam before coming down the stairs. "Welcome back, Colonel Sheppard."

"Thank you, Ma'am. Couldn't have done it without SG-1 though, thanks for sending them after us." He knew how hard it was for her, her emotions raw; he could see it in her eyes. But they'd agreed their relationship wouldn't affect how they did their jobs.

Elizabeth smiled slightly. "They volunteered," and then suggested, "you'd all better get to the infirmary and get checked out. Tell Colonel Mitchell I'll contact General O'Neill."

He nodded, "I'll do that," and headed off.

Once weapons and vests were surrendered to the Marines at the Stargate, who noted the missing C-4 and ammo, they rushed to the infirmary. SG-1 was there, minus their archaeologist. Daniel was present, Sam keeping him calm - just. One by one, they were checked over and cleared, joining the vigil outside of the OR. Frank and Wendy sat with their son, their granddaughter in her father's arms, stopping Cameron from pacing. John passed on the message from Elizabeth, and they waited.

Elizabeth eventually joined them, nearly two and a half hours later. "I contracted Earth, and informed General O'Neill what happened."

"He wasn't happy, was he," Cameron said with a near haunted tone to his voice.

"No, he wasn't. He did say good work in getting Colonel Sheppard and his team back though, right before he grumble something about Kayla being as bad as Danny-boy," she said with a small smile, trying to lighten the mood.

"At least she doesn't have the ICU named after her," Daniel said, matter of fact.

Sam rubbed his back. "No, but the nurses were thinking of naming a ward in the infirmary in SG-1's honor," she remarked, just managing to keep the smile from her lips. "According to Carolyn the nurses are keeping record; so far Cameron and Kayla are pretty even when it comes to infirmary stays. They have their own private beds."

"And star struck nurses," Ryan added, seeing his CO frown, and the man's parents flinch. "Oh come on, sir, it's true. The female nurse line up every time you get hurt, and the male ones line up to look after Kayla. Hearts broke when they found out you were both off the market."

John chuckled softly. "I heard there are several male nurses, who'd just loved getting their hands on Mitchell."

"Daniel Jackson had the same affliction on Earth," Teal'c said with his dry, no nonsense tone.

"Gee, thanks Teal'c," Daniel retorted.

"Yeah, big guy, thanks," Cameron agreed, and everyone else chuckled to themselves. They needed to because they were worried.

Doctor Beckett wandered out, a white lab coat over his fatigues. Elizabeth saw him first. "Carson."

That got everyone's attention, not that Beckett was surprised by them all being there, he'd been expecting it. "It wasn't as bad as I first thought, there wasn't any severe muscle or tissue damage," he reported. "You can go and see her if you like, just not too long."

They agreed, following him back into the ward. Kayla was lying with the top of the bed raised, in white scrubs, her left arm strapped against her chest to stop any movement. She was attached to various monitors, and an IV in her arm that was slowly replacing lost blood.

She managed a smile when she saw them. "Hey guys."

"How are you doing, honey?" Wendy asked her.

"Not bad, I've had worse," she answered, still coming out of the fogginess of anesthesia. She looked to Cameron, seeing the worry in his eyes. "How's our girl?"

"She's good, slept right through it," he said softly, and perched on the edge of the bed so she could see their daughter.

Kayla reached out and ran her fingers gently over her daughters head before letting her hand fall back onto the bed. She saw her dad and stepmother standing with the rest of her team and Sheppard's. "Are you guys all right?"

"We're fine, Kayla," John assured her. "You did good."

"Aye, that you did, lass," Carson praised. "You covered both Rodney and I so we could get to the Stargate."

"A regular hero," Rodney said, grinning.

She knew that was a compliment, coming from him. "Thanks Rodney."

"We should let you get some rest," Frank said, seeing she was barely awake as it was. He was a little disturbed by what she'd said about having had worse.

Carson agreed with him, as Kayla's eyes closed. "Quite right, you can all come back later." As they turned to leave, he saw that Mitchell didn't move, "Colonel?"

Teal'c made his way to the Colonel's side. "I will remain Colonel Mitchell."

Cameron nodded, carefully getting back to his feet. "Thanks Teal'c."

The Jaffa bowed his head. Carson saw this wasn't going to be negotiable, so he didn't try; ushering everyone else out.

"Why don't we get some coffee?" Sam suggested. "I think we could all use some."

"That's a good idea," Elizabeth agreed.

"Um, give me a minute, I'll meet you in the mess hall," Cameron told them and headed away from them, carrying his daughter.

"I'll go," Daniel volunteered and went after the Colonel.

Everyone else went to the mess hall, getting coffee they sat together.

"How bad have things been, for Cam and Kayla?" Frank asked finally.

"I'm not going to lie to you, Frank," Sam said, being the one to take the question. "It hasn't been easy."

Ryan clarified a little, "The first mission, Kayla split her head open on a jug when she fell into a pit, and then there was the time Kayla was held by Ba'al, who slashed open Kayla's arm, before stabbing the knife into her thigh and leaving it there."

Sam could see this was a lot for both of them to take. "I realize how this must sound, Frank, Wendy, but think about what you've seen already. You're in another galaxy, within the lost city of Atlantis."

Frank squeezed his wife's hand gently, and asked Sam, "Do you get recognition for all you've done?"

A sad smile eased onto Sam's lips. "If you're military, there are medals and commendations, within reason. But the civilians very rarely get recognized for their work. I know Daniel, Kayla, and Rodney all have letters of commendation in their files, as does Elizabeth. However, their work isn't accredited, and until the Stargate program goes public, it won't be."

"God help us if it did," Rodney remarked gravely, and saw the looks the Mitchell's gave him. "Sorry, I just don't think anybody on Earth is ready to hear that for the last ten years we've been fighting aliens. Let alone that there are vampire-like aliens that would just love to suck the life out of you."

"Rodney," Elizabeth hissed.

He back down, a little embarrassed at his paranoia, "Sorry."

"No, Dr. McKay, don't be," Frank told him. "You're right; I don't think anyone on Earth is ready to hear what's been going on. But you do deserve some recognition; you, Daniel, Kayla, every civilian who has risked his or her life. Even if it is just from your peers, you deserve it."

"Yes they do," John agreed, and so did everyone else at the table.

"So what do we do?" Teyla inquired.

"There's not much that can be done," Elizabeth said somberly. She saw Daniel come into the mess with Cameron, carrying his granddaughter. The Colonel had a baby bottle, and a cloth nappy was draped over his shoulder.

"Oh, I think there is a lot that can be done," Wendy said with conviction, and the matter was dropped.

DF

In Stargate Command, Jack O'Neill stood at the bottom of the ramp, waiting. The puddle rippled as Jacob Carter and Jonas Quinn walked through the Stargate, coming down the ramp to him, neither man looked happy. That concerned Jack as they stepped off the ramp.

"A bounty has been placed on SG-1," Jacob announced as the Stargate iris closed behind them, coming straight to the point.

"Only Dr. Jackson is to be taken alive, either one or both." Jonas revealed. "Mitchell, Michaels, Teal'c and anyone else who accompanies them are wanted dead."

"By who?" Jack asked.

"Netan."

"Crap!" Jack swore, and led them both to the briefing room. "Sit. How did you guys find out?"

"We have an agent amongst the Lucian Alliance. Netan has taken over as much of Ba'al's territory as he could find, so he now claims most of the power once held by Ba'al," Jacob reported. "He also possesses advanced technology he convinced Ba'al he needed, and what he could salvage or steal, once Ba'al was defeated. But he needs someone who can read and understand Ancient."

"Which is a Jackson," Jack stated, and saw Jacob nod, sitting back in his chair. "SG-1 is at Atlantis. Kayla was injured when they rescued Colonel Sheppard's team."

"How bad?" Jacob asked, concerned for his granddaughter, not even asking why they were there.

"She was shot in the shoulder, she's fine," the General answered. "There's more though, Jacob. SG-1 found the lost library of Alexandria within a city almost identical to Atlantis, called Auratora."

"Auratora, the Guardian." Jonas recognized the Alteran word.

Jack nodded. "They found more than dusty old books though," he declared. "They found a stasis chamber. It opened when they touched it, and inside was an infant girl - Kayla and Mitchell's daughter."

"How's that possible?" the younger man wanted to know.

Jack explained it to them, seeing the expression that came onto Jacob's face. He chuckled, "Looks like you've become a great grandfather, Jake."

With the blink of his eyes, Selmac was in control. "Jacob is a little stunned at the moment, General O'Neill," the symbiote said. "What did they call the infant?"

"Danyelle Mia Jackson-Mitchell."

"Damn right I'm stunned," Jacob exclaimed, taking back control. "I've just been told I'm a great grandfather. I was expecting you to tell me Sam was pregnant."

Jack laughed. "Not as far as I know," he chuckled. "But Margo is, with twins."

"Twins," Jacob laughed. "Congratulations, Jack."

"Thanks, Jake."

Jonas smiled. "My congratulations also, General."

"Thanks, Jonas," he accepted, then became somber. "I'll contact Atlantis. SG-1 can remain there for the time being, at least until Kayla is cleared for duty."

Jacob nodded. "It's a good idea, as we don't know how far Netan's reach extends."

"I'll return to the Tok'ra and see what I can find out," Jonas announced. He turned to his friend and mentor. "I think, Jacob that you have a great granddaughter to visit."

Nodding again, Jacob saw the wisdom in that. "I do indeed."

The young man stood. "I'll take my leave, General."

"Keep in touch, Jonas," Jack told him as he and Jacob stood.

"I will," he insisted.

The three men headed to the control room. "Sergeant, let Jonas punch in the Gate address, and close your eyes," he ordered the technician.

"Yes sir," Sergeant Davis said with a smile as he turned and moved away.

Jonas typed the secret address into the dialing the computer, then headed out as he yelled back, "Thank you, General. See you soon."

Immediately after Jonas entered the Stargate, Jack patted Davis on the shoulder. "Dial Atlantis, Sergeant, and tell Dr. Weir she about to have a guest."

"Yes sir."

Jack ushered Jacob down to the Gate Room, "Tell Mitchell I want them to stay until Kayla is on her feet," Jack told the former General. "Let Elizabeth know what's going on, but keep SG-1 in the dark for now. I know them, they'll want to come back here and try and take out Netan themselves."

Jacob had to agree, "I'll do what I can to keep them on Atlantis and safe, Jack. You have my word."

"Thanks, Jake."

Sergeant Davis called over the speaker, "It's all clear, Sir. Dr. Weir is expecting General Carter."

"Thank you, Sergeant." Jack acknowledged.

Jacob patted his shoulder and headed for Atlantis.

Elizabeth walked up to him, smiling. "Jacob, welcome back to Atlantis."

"Elizabeth, we need to talk," he whispered as he guided her up the stairs and into her office. She had a feeling she wasn't going to like this. By the time Jacob Carter was finished, she was right, she didn't like it. But she didn't want to see any member of SG-1 injured in some half-assed suicide mission. "I agree with the General, keeping SG-1 out of this is a good idea, but I think we need to tell Teal'c, he can keep an eye on them without anyone realizing he's doing it."

"Good idea," Jacob replied as he stood. "Now if you'll excuse me, Elizabeth, I'd like to meet my great granddaughter."

Elizabeth stood also, showing him out. "Carson released Kayla to her quarters. She kept trying to escape, so he thought it was less trouble that way."

He chuckled. "Why am I not surprised? Her father is the same way."

"Yes he is."

At the quarters Kayla and Cameron were using, the door opened after they gently knocked. They walked in to find Teal'c seated on the sofa, baby Danyelle asleep against his chest, her parents were both asleep on the bed behind him.

He bowed his head slowly, "Jacob Carter, Elizabeth Weir," he greeted softly.

Elizabeth smiled. "Baby sitting, Teal'c?"

"Indeed," he stood carefully so not to disturb the infant. "Would you like to hold your great granddaughter, Jacob Carter?"

"As you say Teal'c, indeed."

The Jaffa actually smiled, and laid the baby in his arms. "Colonel Mitchell and Kayla Jackson were ordered by Doctor Beckett to sleep, as were Frank and Wendy Mitchell."

"I'll take over Teal'c, Elizabeth wants a word with you," Jacob offered.

Teal'c bowed his head again, and left with the Atlantis leader.

Jacob sat down, placing a gentle kiss on his great granddaughter's head. She woke and blinked bright blue eyes at him. "Hello there, I'm your great grandpa," he smiled as little Danyelle tried to shove her fist in her mouth. "You remind me of your grandma, she use to do that."

"According to my mom, so did I," a just-woken voice announced, and then Cameron sat next to him, dressed in sweatpants and an Air Force t-shirt. "Hey Jacob."

"Cameron, sorry if we woke you."

The younger man shook his head. "It's okay; I sort of woke up when the door opened." He yawned. "Sorry."

"Late night?" the Tok'ra agent inquired, smiling.

"Early morning. Sunshine had a doozy of a nightmare," he yawned again.

Jacob turned the young man's face around; he was supporting a black eye. "Kayla, do that?" Cameron nodded. "And you spent the rest of the morning getting her through her guilt." He saw him nod again. Sighing, Jacob laid the baby in her father's arms and stood, taking a healing device from his pouch. "Close your eyes and hold still." He activated the healing device, and slowly the swelling and bruising disappeared. He finished, putting the device away. "All done."

Cameron opened his eyes as the Tok'ra agent sat down again. "Thanks."

"No problem." Jacob said and asked bluntly. "So when are you going to marry my granddaughter?"

The younger man chuckled softly. "You get straight to the point, don't you Jacob?"

"So?"

"Well, I asked her and she said yes, but I have the feeling my archaeologist would like to wait a little while, get her head around it all."

"Feeling a little overwhelmed, is she?"

He nodded, looking down at his daughter. "Yeah, mum and Sam got to her about it, and I don't think she was quite ready to discuss flowers and dresses."

"And then she got hurt, and they've been avoiding the topic ever since."

"Oh yeah."

Jacob laughed quietly. "Sounds about normal for Sam." He offered a finger to his great granddaughter, who grabbed it. But he had a feeling the Colonel needed to talk about a lot more than just the wedding. "How are you handling it all, son?"

Cameron looked up. "I feel a little cheated," he admitted. "We both do, Kayla especially. She didn't get to experience carrying her, feeling her kick for the first time, giving birth to her." He brushed a finger over his daughter's head. There was so much he wanted to say, needed to say. "I never thought about having kids, until Kayla. I never even thought about getting married again until I meet her. She changed my outlook on taking the plunge again, and wanting kids."

"She's a special young woman, but then again, she's a Jackson, they're a special breed," Jacob said sincerely.

"I know," Cameron acknowledged. "And I'm lucky to have her as a friend, teammate, lover, and mother of my daughter."

"Yes, you are." Jacob said with a smile, seeing his granddaughter get up from the bed and shuffle over.

Cameron felt a hand on his head, he tilted his head back, and Kayla leant over and brushed her lips over his, seeing her grandfather had been busy.

"I love you," she whispered. "And I am sorry about the eye."

"I love you too," he whispered back. "And my eye is fine now."

She kissed him again and then went round to her grandfather. "Hi grandpa. Thank you."

Jacob stood, noting she wore an identical t-shirt to Mitchell, which he guessed was the Colonel's, as well as sweatpants. He carefully hugged her, being mindful of her shoulder. "You're welcome honey, how are you feeling?"

"Fine," she answered and he chuckled. "Okay, a little sore still."

"That's better."

They sat down. "So how's things with the Tok'ra?" she asked.

"A little slow at the moment actually, you guys keep taking out all the Goa'uld," he joked.

Kayla smiled and rubbed her left arm. It was still strapped up and ached. "We try," she mused. "Have you see Sam and Dad yet?"

"No, I stopped by to see you two first, and to meet my great granddaughter."

"And to interrogate me." Cameron added.

"You'll survive," she smirked.

"Thank you darlin'."

"You're welcome."

"She is beautiful, Kayla, Selmac thinks so too," Jacob told her, smiling at their bantering. "She has your eyes."

"And her daddy's nose," she remarked good heartedly.

"At least we know she's going to grow up with brains and beauty," Cameron remarked as she chuckled. He went over to the bottle warmer that had been installed by the science team. He took a full bottle from it, testing it, finding it was the correct temperature. He returned with it, sitting back on the sofa, side on. Kayla got up and sat between his legs.

Jacob chuckled, but got the point of it. He laid his great granddaughter against her mother's one good arm, then sat back.

Cameron popped the bottle lid off, and gently reached around Kayla as she rested against him, ready to feed his daughter. "There you go Danny." The baby latched onto the bottle's nipple and suckled contently.

"You two have that well worked out," Jacob noted.

"It works," the younger man declared, and then smirked. "And I get to hold both my girls." He had his other arm under Kayla's, helping to support their daughter.

"That you do," the Tok'ra agent agreed. "Why don't I leave you guys to it, I should let Sam and Daniel know I'm here."

"Are you staying for a few days?" Kayla inquired. "Cam's parents are here, we'd love you to meet them."

"They are?"

"The President gave permission for them to know," she revealed. "I'm sure Dad will explain it all."

"Well then, Selmac and I are looking forward to meeting them." Jacob announced. "See you both later."

"Okay."

He smiled and hurried out.

Cameron kissed the back of Kayla's head. "He took that better than I thought," he said, and she giggled.

DF

Sam hugged her dad. "It's good to see you again."

"And you," he said, giving Daniel a hug too. "I just saw my great granddaughter," he revealed as he released his son-in-law. "I'm too young to be a great grandfather."

Daniel laughed at that. "Well, I'm too young to be a grandfather."

They all sat down as Ari came running out of his room to his grandfather, jumping into his arms. "Hi grandpa, I'm an U'cle," he said proudly.

"Yes you are, I just went to see your niece," he gave him a big hug, sitting back with him. "How's your little sister?"

"Aeron is asleep," the little boy revealed. "I want a baby brother too. Mummy said I have to be patient, but I want one now. 'course I have a baby niece."

Jacob laughed. You couldn't beat logic like that. "Well, you never know kiddo, but your mum is right, you have to be patient."

"Okay," he wiggled off his grandfather's lap and went over to his mum. "Mummy, can I go to the mess hall to get somethin' to eat, I'll take grandpa. Please."

She groaned inwardly, he now had his father's lost puppy look down pat. "Alright, as long as grandpa doesn't mind."

Ari turned excitedly to his grandfather. "Grandpa, please."

Jacob gave in without a fight, nodding. "All right," he got up and took his hand. "We'll see you two later."

"Bye mummy, bye daddy," Ari said excitedly and tugged at his grandfather's hand, dragging him out, talking at mile a minute.

Daniel chuckled and stood, pulling Sam out of her chair into his arms. "I have a feeling dad is going to be busy for a while."

"Mmm, so do I," she agreed. "So Dr. Jackson, having something in mind?"

"I do at that, Colonel Jackson," he mused. "After all, we should keep trying for that baby brother Ari wants," he pulled free her shirt, "and you know what they say, If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."

"They do say that don't they," she giggled and dragged him into the bedroom.

Unseen by the two who undressed and tumbled naked onto the bed, were two ascended beings. They weren't there to watch the couple make love, they were there to start anew.

Are you sure about this? Mitch asked his wife.

She nodded. This is our chance to experience life as we should have, she told him. And we'll be together.

He smiled and kissed her forehead. As long as you're sure.

I am. I love you, Mitch, and this way we will have the family we've both wanted, and we get to be a part of their family. Danyelle said sincerely.

Yes, we do, he agreed and kissed her once more. I love you too, Danny.

Closing their eyes, they prepared themselves, their glowing forms dissipated into pure energy. Slowly they became two small glowing balls of light, then smaller again. Combining they floated over to the two as they made love, entering Daniel's body and then finally Sam's, where it settled in her womb, becoming cells that transformed, and split as nature intended, with a helping hand. Once more becoming two, but remaining one.

DF

"I do not like this," Teal'c remarked, and continued before Elizabeth Weir could protest, "but I understand."

"Thank you, Teal'c," she said with a nod. "General O'Neill thinks it's best SG-1 remains here and the Tok'ra are going to see what else they can find out. For the time being, you're all safe here."

"Indeed," he acknowledged. "I would like to inform Ronon Dex and Teyla Emmagan. They will be able to assist me in keeping Colonel Mitchell, Kayla Jackson and Major Michaels safe."

Elizabeth didn't think SG-1 was going to be in any danger while they were at Atlantis, but she agreed. "All right, but keep this to yourselves."

He bowed his head and stood. "Thank you, Dr. Weir," he said and left her office.

Elizabeth sat back in her chair and sighed. The next few days were going to be interesting.

Teal'c stopped by the control room and asked the location of both Ronon and Teyla, then headed to the gym, where both were sparing. He watched silently, admiring their skill and form. He held back from smirking when Teyla dumped Ronon onto the floor using a move he'd taught her. "You did not anticipate that move my friend."

"Won't work twice," Ronon said sternly, and got to his feet.

Teyla smiled and walked over to Teal'c. "Your baby sitting duties are over?"

"Indeed. Jacob Carter has arrived. I wish to ask for your assistance in a matter concerning the safety of my teammates."

Ronon joined them. "How can we help?" he asked seriously.

"A bounty has been placed on SG-1. Colonel Mitchell, Major Michaels and myself are wanted dead. Kayla Jackson is wanted alive. Neither the Colonel nor the Major have been informed of this, as General O'Neill believes us safe within Atlantis. However…" Teal'c explained.

"However, you want to be sure." Teyla finished his sentence.

"Yes."

"Who put a bounty on their heads?" Ronon inquired.

"Netan, head of the Lucian Alliance. He has taken over much of Ba'al's territory, now that the System Lord is dead. He also has technology given to him by Ba'al. However, he is unable to use it; thus his reason for having Kayla Jackson taken alive."

"Can we take him out?"

"Ronon," Teyla said with a sigh.

Teal'c arched an eyebrow. "I believe Ronon Dex has a valid point. Perhaps it is time to turn this to our advantage."

"How?" She asked him.

"We have known for some time that many of Netan's seconds are not happy. SG-1 has been making him appear weak." Teal'c answered. "As Colonel Mitchell would say, there is blood in the water and we need an enterprising shark to take advantage of the situation."

Ronon was a little confused, but didn't show it. "So you're saying we get ourselves one of these bounty hunters and turn them against Netan?"

"Indeed."

He smiled slyly, "Count me in."

DF

Kayla paced the balcony. It had been two days since Jacob had arrived, and two days since Teal'c, Ronon and Teyla went to Earth without a word as to why.

"Indiana, you're making me dizzy, cut it out," Cameron ordered her, from where he leaned against the wall.

She stopped, glad that his parents were happily looking after little Danyelle. "Don't you think it's a little unusual that Teal'c leaves without telling either of us? Or that Teyla and Ronon go with him, and don't say anything to John?"

John was leaning against the railing. "It is a little unusual."

"Thank you."

"Alright, so what do you want to do about it?" Cameron asked her. "We've been told to stay until you're cleared by Carson."

"Then let's get me cleared."

"He's not going to clear you, sunshine," he pointed out.

"He will if you guys give me a hand to heal my shoulder," she remarked.

"I don't think that's a good idea, Kayla," John stated.

"I do," she declared, and removed the sling, wincing a little.

"And if one of us, or both of us, passes out?" Cameron asked her.

"I don't think either of you will."

"You don't?"

"Not this time, because you'll both be helping me, which means it won't be so draining," she theorized.

John looked over to Cameron, who shrugged. "All right, but let's go inside, I don't want any of us going over the railing."

She nodded and followed the two of them off the balcony and into a deserted lab, throwing the sling on a workbench.

"So, how do you want to do this?" Cameron asked her.

"John, stand behind me and put your hand on the back of my shoulder. Cam, put yours on the front, gently." When both men got into position, she put her hand over Cameron's. "Okay, just relax."

"Just be careful Indiana, we've never done anything like this before," he noted.

"I will."

All three closed their eyes, slowing their breathing until they seemed to take each breath at the same time, slow even breaths, in and out. A soft glow emanated under Kayla's hand and then Cameron's, to her shoulder. A glow emanated from John's hand, to the back of her shoulder. It became bright for a moment and then quickly dissipated.

Both Cameron and John stepped back from Kayla, the three of them opening their eyes. "Did it work," SG-1's team leader inquired.

Kayla lifted her arm, feeling no pain at all. She lowered it and pulled free her t-shirt, half-slipping out of it. She removed the surgical dressing; the skin beneath it was a little pinkish, but healed. "It worked," she put her t-shirt back on properly and scrunched the dressing up, throwing it into a waste bin.

"Not bad, kiddo," John praised.

She tucked her shirt in. "Let's get going, I want some answers."

They agreed, and headed for Elizabeth's office. The Atlantis leader was surprised to see the three of them, especially Kayla, who wasn't wearing the sling. "What's going on?" she asked them.

"SG-1 is ready to go home, Dr. Weir," Cameron added, playing it easy for the moment.

"I see. General O'Neill said you're to remain until Kayla is cleared by Carson," Elizabeth pointed out.

Kayla raised her arm above her head and then lowered it. "I'm fine."

Sitting back in her chair, the Atlantis leader frowned. "You healed your shoulder."

The younger woman crossed her arms against her chest. "I want to go home, take my daughter home."

"And we want an answer as to why Teal'c, Teyla and Ronon headed to Earth." John added.

Seeing she wasn't going to talk her way out of this one, Elizabeth gestured for them to sit. Mitchell and Kayla did, John remained standing. "There was a bounty put on SG-1's head. Only, Kayla was to be captured alive."

Kayla chewed on her bottom lip. "Netan?"

Elizabeth nodded. "Yes. Teal'c, Teyla and Ronon came up with a plan to turn it to their advantage."

Cameron shook his head. "Of all the…" he didn't finish. He tapped his earmic. "Michaels."

"Sir."

"Pack up, Major, we're heading home."

"Yes sir."

He and Kayla got to their feet. "If you'll excuse us Dr. Weir, we need to pack ourselves."

Elizabeth nodded, frowning a bit, "Of course."

John followed them out, tapping his earmic. "McKay, Jackson, this is Sheppard, we're heading to Earth. Pack light and be in the Gate Room in an hour."

"Does this have to do with Teyla and Ronon?" Daniel asked him

"It does," John answered. "Get moving."

"Right," both men acknowledged.

"Thirty minutes." John told Cameron and Kayla.

"We'll be ready." Cameron and Kayla entered their quarters to find his parents were waiting, their bags near the door.

"Elizabeth called ahead," Frank revealed.

Nodding, Cameron and Kayla quickly packed for themselves and their daughter, squeezing everything into the two packs. They retrieved their vests and weapons from the armory on the way to the Gate Room, double checking to ensure they were ready for battle, not that the Marines had ever failed in their duty. Wendy carried baby Danyelle in the baby sling, having dressed her warmly, they kept their pace reasonable for Frank.

John, Daniel and Rodney were already at the Stargate, along with Major Michaels, geared up, back packs clipped to their vests, carrying P-90's.

Elizabeth was there too. "The General isn't going to like this."

"We know." Cameron declared, not backing down on this.

Jacob arrived with Sam, having been told by Elizabeth what was going on. It was Selmac who spoke though, "You are not thinking reasonably; your lives are in danger."

"We are thinking reasonably," Kayla contradicted. "What we don't like is being lied to."

"I have to agree with them, dad," Daniel said, coming to stand next to his daughter. "They shouldn't have been lied to."

Jacob rubbed his forehead. "We were trying to protect you."

"Lying never protects anyone, Jacob." John backed up his teammate.

He nodded. "Then we will assist you as much as we can."

Daniel turned to Sam. "Take care of Ari and Aeron."

"I will," she hugged him. "You take care of yourself, and don't make me have to come and rescue all your sorry butts, because I will kick some ass, yours included," she told him and then whispered. "We've got lots of trying to do."

"We certainly do," he said in a soft sexy voice that sent shivers up her spine.

She then gave both Kayla and Cameron a hug, and kissed little Danyelle's head before hugging both Frank and Wendy goodbye.

Elizabeth gestured up to the control room operator to dial the Stargate, and then went over to John. "Be careful yourself, I want you to come home in one piece."

He left his P-90 hanging at his vest and cupped her face. "I have you to come home to, remember," he said quietly and then kissed her. Elizabeth clutched at his vest. The sound of the Stargate whoosh moved them apart. "See you when I get back."

"I'll be waiting." She stepped back, turning to the Mitchell's. "It was nice to meet you both."

"And you Elisabeth."

"We have to go," Cameron told his parents.

Elizabeth received confirmation over her earmic, and announced to everyone, "General O'Neill is expecting you."

SG-1, along with the Mitchell's and little Danyelle, walked through the Stargate, along with the rest of Sheppard's team and the Tok'ra agent.

Sam and Elizabeth stood together, watching them leave, the Stargate closing down moments later.

"Come on, Sam."

She nodded. "I hate being left out."

Elizabeth chuckled as they left the Gate Room.

DF

Jack wasn't happy, but he also wasn't happy about the news he'd received before SG-1, the Mitchell's and Sheppard's team had come through. He'd sent the Mitchell's and little Danyelle to the infirmary and gathered everyone else in the briefing room, their packs left by the door as they took their seats.

"We've received word from the Tok'ra that Teal'c, Teyla and Ronon have been captured by a bounty hunter named Ventrell," he reported. "Jonas sent through a Gate address; he'll meet you there. He said to come heavily armed." He pushed his chair and stood. "Get yourselves ready, you leave in twenty minutes."

They stood and left the briefing room, heading to the armory, where they collected extra clips, extra side arms, or Zat's. Mitchell grabbed a sniper's rifle and stinger missile as well before they returned to the Gate Room. They found Jack there with the Mitchell's, little Danyelle in his arms. The Stargate began dialing as they walked in.

"I don't like this," Jack told them, and then glared at Jacob. "Make sure they all come back or I'm going to bring up your great granddaughter myself."

"You have my word, General O'Neill." Selmac assured him.

"Well, you better."

Kayla went over to her daughter and kissed her forehead. "I love you, baby," she whispered and then went up on her toes and kissed Jack on the cheek. "Take care of her for us, Uncle Jack."

"I will, honey." The Stargate opened behind them, settling in a watery puddle. "Be careful, all of you and god speed."

"Be careful son," Frank told his son.

"I will, dad, we all will," Cameron told him as he followed the joint team onto the ramp and through the Stargate.

Jack looked to the Mitchell's. "Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, I think while the Colonel and Kayla are off-world. We need to do some redecorating at their place for this little one," he said, as Danyelle looked up at him. "They didn't expect to bring a daughter back with them when they went searching for the Library of Alexandria."

"Well, then General, we've some work to do," Wendy declared. "And I think you'd better call us Frank and Wendy."

"As long as you agree to call me Jack," he told them. "I'm sure my wife and Cassie will be willing to give a hand."

"Well then Jack, we've a nursery to plan." Frank stated.

"That we do," he agreed and tickled the baby under the chin. "Kiddo, your parents are not going to know what hit them."

DF

Sheppard nodded to Mitchell, who alerted his archaeologist using a hand signal, knowing she'd see it through the rifle sight. Seconds later two shots rang out, and two men guarding the fortress went down. "Damn, now I see why you gave her the sniper rifle."

"Yeah, Colonel Ferretti made sure she was multi-talented, especially with her new perfect eyesight." Cameron remarked. "Let's go."

John signaled the joint team to continue on, staying within the cover of the forest as they approached the fortress. More shots rang out as Kayla took out two more sentries who were trying to see who was doing the shooting. "Remind me not to piss the little squirt off, doc," the Atlantis leader commented to his own archaeologist.

Daniel nodded, a little surprised by his daughter's abilities. "Jack and I are going to have a long talk when we get back."

Cameron snorted. "That is one talk I don't want to be around for."

"I don't want to be around for the one Kayla's going to have with you, once she realizes the real reason you have her up there," John noted and saw his counterpart wince.

Two more shots rang out and then there was silence. Kayla's voice came over their earmic. "You're all clear."

"All right, let's move out," Cameron ordered. "Jackson, watch our six."

"Always, Mitchell," was her answer.

He chuckled and signaled for the rest of them to move out; they had friends to rescue.

DF

In Atlantis City, Doctor Beckett walked back over to his patient smiling, carrying the results of the test he'd just run. "Well, Colonel, I have some good news for you!"

"Really? So, I'm not sick?"

"Aye lass, you're pregnant."

Sam sat there for a moment, stunned, then jumped off the bed, and hugged the startled doctor. "Thank you Carson."

He chuckled. "I merely ran the test luv, you and Daniel did the rest," he smirked. "I'd like you both to come see me when he gets back, and I'll do a sonogram so we can take a look at the wee one."

Sam put a hand on her still flat stomach. "But we did a pregnancy test last week, it was negative."

Carson shrugged calmly. "Mother Nature cannot be forced Samantha, your body made the decision to conceive when it was ready."

"I guess it did," she said with a grin. "I can't wait to tell Daniel, oh, and dad."

"Tell Daniel first, luv, expecting father's like to be told first," he pointed out.

She laughed, "I'll try to remember that," she said, then quickly kissed his cheek before rushing out of the infirmary.

Carson chuckled to himself as he went back to work.

DF

At the Mitchell-Jackson residence on Earth, Wendy Mitchell finished tucking in the sheet of the newly put together cot, smiling at Margo. "When Jack said his wife would be glad to help out, he failed to mention the two of you were married."

Margo chuckled, "Well, Jack has an unusual sense of humor; you get used to it after a while."

"So Cam told me." She stepped back and looked at their work.

Jack's son, Lt. O'Neill, who Wendy discovered was Cassandra's boyfriend, had written Danyelle's name in hieroglyphs on one wall of the bedroom, in gold paint. Jack had dialed Atlantis and had Major Lorne sent to the SGC, and then he'd conned the young major into painting a mural on one of the other walls, which Evan had done without a complaint. The mural was completed in just a few hours, using Alteran tools Evans and Rodney had discovered in the Atlantis arts and crafts center. The mural portrayed Abydos with a pyramid and two moons in the sky; all taken from a photo Jack had produced. Except for the second moon, it could have been Egypt, which was what they'd wanted. Evan Lorne had returned to Atlantis once the mural was finished, smiling all the way.

Hanging over the cot was a mobile of little F-16's and F-302's, made by the Marines of SG-17. The baby blanket with hieroglyphs on it was a gift from the Archaeological department. The tiny flight suite was a gift from the F-302 squadrons on the Odyssey, specially made by one of the wives. Sergeant Siler had brought over an expensive walnut burl-wood rocking chair that he said had been sitting in his attic; the funny thing was, it looked brand new, not that they said anything. Over all, many of the SGC personnel had assisted one way or another to get everything ready.

"Well, I think we're done." Margo said confidently on day two.

Wendy nodded, "A nursery fit for a princess."

Jack came in behind them carrying the baby. "Ladies, you've outdone yourselves," he praised. "What do you think Danny?"

Frank had come in beside him, glancing at his granddaughter. "I think she looks impressed. Let's just hope her parents like it."

"Of course they will."

"We should plan an engagement party for them too," Wendy announced, and saw Jack and Margo look at each other, and then back at her. "I take it Cam and Kayla failed to mention that they're going to get married."

"Ya think," Jack remarked sarcastically, and then sighed. "They never do anything by halves, those two," he muttered, and then tickled the baby under the chin. "But then I don't expect anything less from SG-1."

Frank chuckled softly. "Jack, my son has never done anything the easy way, and I'm guessing Kayla is the same."

"Oh yes," he agreed. "But like her father, I wouldn't have Kayla any other way. And to be honest with you Frank, I wouldn't have Mitchell any other way either."

"Neither would we, Jack, neither would we," Wendy agreed.

DF

In Ventrell's little fortress, Cameron Mitchell stood with his arms crossed against his chest, facing the now bound Ventrell. They'd freed their teammates, and then taken on Ventrell, capturing him. "So, I'm thinking an enterprising guy like you can see a way to make this work," he declared. "Or do you want it known that SG-1," he was including Sheppard's team as a part of his own, "made a fool out of you, and took out all of Netan's men, making him look bad once again?"

"It could get nasty once Netan finds out all his men were taken out by an archaeologist," Kayla said smiling smugly. "A meddling female at that."

"I never find you meddling, sunshine," Cameron turned to tell her. "Annoying at times, but not meddling."

"The feeling is mutual Mitchell," she jeered back, and saw him smile, shaking his head.

"It would be most unfortunate if Netan were to find out who was leaking information about his organization to the Tau'ri." Chandra stated, and Jacob nodded in agreement.

"Indeed," Teal'c backed him up.

"Oh, you don't have to worry, boys," a melodious voice said, the woman who belonged to it entered from an adjoining room.

"Vala Mal Doran," Teal'c exclaimed in his usual soft manner.

"Hello muscles," she said, and walked with a sexy wiggle over to Sheppard's archaeologist. "Daniel, darling, it's been so long."

"Not long enough," Daniel remarked dryly.

Kayla got between her father and the thief. "Back off, Vala."

Vala saw Daniel grin smugly behind his daughter. "Or what, darling?"

"Or I'll tell his wife you're harassing him, and you don't want to get on my stepmother's bad side," Kayla taunted. "Because when you do that, you upset these guys." She jabbed a thumb at Ronon and Teyla.

"Wife?" Vala arched an eyebrow and then pouted. "I never even got a wedding invitation."

"Maybe it was lost in the mail. Kayla, I told you we should have used DHL," Cameron retorted.

"No matter," Vala dismissed, and turned, walking back to Ventrell. "I'm sure two enterprising people like us can do something about Netan." She produced a knife and cut him free. "Can't we darling."

He rubbed his hands. "I believe so."

"And call off the bounty hunters, they're really horrible at what they do," John drawled. "Rodney took one out not long after we arrived here. If that's the best Netan has, then we're in so much trouble."

Rodney frowned at his sarcasm, "I don't know whether to take that as a complement or not."

"It was a complement," his friend assured him.

Vala rolled her eyes. "Fine, the bounty hunter problem will be dealt with. Anything else?"

"Yeah, leave." Cameron ordered, and he and others walked out, leaving the two of them standing there.

DF

As the Stargate activated at SGC, Walter reported over the phone, "It's SG-1, Sir."

"Open the iris, and send the OK," Jack ordered, and then headed down the stairs to the Gate Room. He walked in as the joint team and the two Tok'ra came through. "So, sort it all out?"

"Yes sir," Cameron reported as they stepped off the ramp, the iris closing behind them. "Our bounty hunter problem is over. Ventrell and Vala are planning a little take over."

"Vala?"

"It seems so sir."

"All right, infirmary, and then we'll debrief." He then remembered something, calling out, "Hey Indiana!" He watched them all stop, waiting as she turned, "Happy birthday, Kayla."

"Thanks Jack," she waved and smiled as they continued out of the Gate Room.

Jack turned back to the two Tok'ra, "Let me guess, you have to get going, and can't help me with my paperwork?"

Jacob smiled, "Please tell Kayla I'm sorry I couldn't stay longer."

"I will."

"And please wish her a happy birthday from both Jacob and I," Selmac added.

Jack nodded. "You should stick around; we're having cake, then an office party to see who can sign the most forms."

Jacob took back control, chuckling. "Maybe next time, Jack. Look after her."

"I will," he agreed. "So, same place as last time?"

"If it is no trouble, General O'Neill." Chandra said.

"Nope," he turned and yelled up to the control room, "Walter, dial the Tok'ra planet we're not supposed to know about."

"Yes sir," the Master Chief smiled with his reply, and soon the Stargate activated.

"It's been fun, Jack," Jacob told him.

"Always is, Jake. Take care."

"You too, Jack."

Jonas gave him a smile. "Goodbye, General."

"Jonas." The two Tok'ra stepped onto the ramp and walked through the Stargate. Jack sighed, and headed to his office; he had a few phone calls to make. By the time he was finished, SG-1 and the Atlantis flag team were in the briefing room. "Alright kids, let's have it."

They gave him a detailed report of the mission, and when they were finished, Daniel sat back in his chair. "Tell me, Jack, are there any other surprises I should know about when it concerns my daughter?"

Jack glanced at Kayla, who shrugged, "Did you know she got engaged to Mitchell?"

"Yes, Jack, he asked my permission," Daniel said dryly.

"Well, then, that's it."

Cameron smiled slightly, "Sorry sir, we were going to tell you."

"Yes, I'm sure you were; the day before the wedding perhaps?"

"Actually, I thought about an hour before," Kayla teased. "We were going to send you a nice fruit basket."

"A fruit basket, ya say, how thoughtful," he remarked sarcastically, with a dreadful Irish accent.

She rolled her eyes, as did her father, making everyone smirk, and then laugh when they both said at once, "Jack, don't be an ass."

"Alright, enough, I give up," Jack declared. "Sheppard, I'm sure Weir is waiting for you and your team to get home, so thanks for the help, but go home and take your wayward team members with you."

John chuckled, "Yes, sir."

"Colonel," he turned to Mitchell, "SG-1 has twenty-four hours off. Go home. I want you all back rested and ready to help put together permanent command personnel for Auratora."

"Yes, sir."

Jack and SG-1 headed to the Gate Room as Sheppard and his team collected their gear. John gave Kayla a hug, and then held her at arms length as the Stargate activated, "Happy birthday, kiddo."

"Thanks, John."

He kissed her forehead and then stepped back, slapping Mitchell on the arm, "Look after my sister, or I'll send Ronon back to kick your ass."

"No problem," Cameron assured him.

Ronon, Teyla and Rodney wished Kayla a happy birthday and then joined Sheppard on the ramp. Daniel gave his daughter a hug. "Happy birthday, honey."

"Thanks, dad."

He then turned to Cameron, "Look after my girl, Colonel."

"Sure thing, Dr. Jackson," he said grinning.

Daniel smiled back, and said goodbye to Michaels and Teal'c before joining the rest of his team. Together they walked up the ramp and through the Stargate.

Jack sighed, and turned to his flag team, "Go home, now; that's an order."

They all glanced at each other, and all four stood at attention and saluted, "Sir, yes sir!" they chorused.

He groaned and shook his head as he walked out of the Gate Room, hearing the four of them laugh.

SG-1 headed for the locker room and changed into civvies before leaving the mountain, planning on meeting up later to celebrate Kayla's birthday.

Frank and Wendy met Kayla and Cameron at the door to their home, and ushered them inside and up to the nursery that had once been the spare bedroom. Both were stunned.

"What do you think?" Wendy asked quietly; baby Danyelle asleep in her cot.

"It's amazing, mum," Cameron exclaimed softly.

"Everyone at the SGC helped, and Major Lorne came through from Atlantis to do the mural. Jack supplied the photo," Frank explained.

Kayla walked over to the wall, tears in her eyes; she hadn't been expecting this. She put her hand on the wall. "Abydos."

Cameron came up behind her, drawing her into his arms, "Kinda fitting, don't you think?"

She nodded, "Very."

He kissed the top of her head. "Come on sunshine, let's let our girl sleep."

Kayla turned in his arms and gave him a smile. She liked the sound of that. "I love you, Cam Mitchell. I just thought I'd tell you that."

"Well, I love you Kayla Jackson," he said happily. "Just thought I'd tell you that." He leaned down and kissed her.

Frank and Wendy smiled and slipped quietly out of the room.

DF

Three days later, SG-1 sat around the briefing room table, waiting for the General, who was in his office with Richard Woolsey of the IOA. They didn't know why he was there, but they knew the General was not happy about it. He'd been happy that they'd managed to put together a command staff for Auratora, except for a leader for the expedition. They'd also managed to put together names of those to be offered the chance to be a part of the assignment, both military and civilian. Then Woolsey had arrived, and things had gone downhill.

Jack stormed out of his office, and waited for Woolsey, gesturing to the IOA representative. "You tell them, I don't have the stomach for it."

Richard Woolsey frowned, and steeled himself to address the flagship team, as he knew they didn't like him. He had tried to have Kayla Jackson removed from the team after her incident with Ba'al, claiming that she was too big a risk to go off-world. So this wasn't going to score him any points with them either. "It has been decided to disband SG-1 and retire the designation," he told them, and saw their shocked faces, continuing, "Colonel Mitchell, you'll be heading to Auratora as head of military operations, and second-in-command. Dr. Jackson, you'll also be assigned to Auratora as part of the Archaeological and Cultural Department. Major Michaels, you'll be heading up the Science Department on Auratora." He swallowed hard. "Teal'c, you're free to accompany your former teammates, or return to the Jaffa if you don't wish to remain on Earth."

Cameron couldn't believe this, and snarled, "You're disbanding SG-1! Why?"

"It wasn't a decision that was made lightly, but due to the fact that the threat from the Goa'uld is no longer an issue, and that the Lucian Alliance won't be causing problems, the IOA and the President agreed it was time that SG-1 was retired, and you all moved on. Dr. Carter will head the expedition to Auratora, and given that the city requires a civilian commander, the President received her resignation from the Air Force yesterday afternoon in the last data burst. Her husband, Dr. Jackson will be head of the Archaeological and Cultural Departments." He glanced at the scolding General quickly, and then back at their shocked faces. "I'm sorry, but as of 1600 this afternoon, SG-1 is official retired. You have your orders General. Please excuse me," he concluded, and left the briefing room.

Kayla was stunned, "Jack, they can't do this."

"They already have, Kayla," he revealed, fuming.

"Can't you do anything, sir?" Ryan asked him.

"The President hasn't returned my phone calls, and neither has the Vice President," Jack explained. "But I'm going to have the Odyssey beam me to General Landry's office. I'll do all I can."

"Thank you, Sir." Cameron said solemnly, but he had a feeling, as did his teammates, that this was the end of SG-1, and there was nothing they could do about it.

DF

General Jack O'Neill walked into the briefing room, after being transported into his office from the Odyssey, his flag team waiting for him, looking miserable. Mitchell was staring out at the Stargate, Michaels was sitting with Teal'c, neither talking. Kayla was actually sitting on the briefing room table, her legs dangling. Despite the fact the SG-1 designation had been retired, none of them had removed their patches.

Kayla looked up, seeing the weariness in his eyes, "Jack?"

That got their attention. Mitchell turned, while Michaels and Teal'c stood and moved closer.

"I spoke to General Landry. We even went to see the President and Vice President," Jack said solemnly. "It didn't do any good. SG-1 is retired. SG-2 is now the flag team. SG's 16 to 22 will be transferred to Auratora. You're recommendations for civilian personnel have been approved. They'll be here within the next few days for the initial briefing, which you'll be doing Indiana."

She nodded, rubbing her temples. "It shouldn't be ending this way, Jack."

"No, it shouldn't," he agreed. "Sam and Daniel and the kids are on their way to Auratora as we speak. There are some Atlantis personnel who are transferring too. They'll be there when you arrive. The President has given the go-ahead for married personnel to bring their significant other and children with them. Auratora is going to be a city as well as a base. That said, teachers and care workers have been recruited." He looked to Mitchell, who had managed to move to stand with his archaeologist. "Colonel Reynolds' sister, Teresa, has been offered the position of your nanny, she has accepted. She's been briefed and is on her way."

Kayla got off the table and walked out, the pain in her eyes was clear enough. One by one her teammates followed her, leaving the General standing alone.

DF

To be continued…