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.

13. Chapter 13

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 last chapter. To answer your question, I haven't brought the Ori into this story and I'm not sure I will. Scottiedog: Thanks for the review and thank you for thinking I'm doing a good job with this story. As for whether SG-1 will be brought out of retirement? – Maybe, you'll have to read the chapter to find out.Cassandra Jean: Thank you once more for such as nice review. I'm flattered you think this is a fantastic story, I've enjoyed writing it. I hope you like this chapter.

Author's Note: I was going to make this the last chapter, but as it got longer and longer, I decided I was going to have to add one more, so this is the second last chapter. I know it's longer then I usual do, but there was a lot to fit into this chapter and so much that left out. Therefore, it will go into the next one.

DF

Chapter Thirteen: New Beginnings

Three months later on Auratora, Dr. Samantha Carter, formerly Lt. Colonel Carter, hurried down the stairs. She made it to the bottom as the Stargate puddle rippled, and Richard Woolsey walked through from Earth. She forced a friendly smile as she walked towards him, the puddle vanishing behind him. "Mr. Woolsey, welcome to Auratora."

"Thank you, Dr. Carter," he said, looking around. "It is quite amazing."

"Yes, we think so," she said, and gestured for him to follow. Guiding him up the stairs to Stargate Operations, she rubbed her hand over her swollen stomach. Finding out she'd been pregnant had been a surprise; finding out she was carrying twins had shocked both her and Daniel.

As they were passing through operations, the Stargate activated. Sam walked over to Lt. Davis, who was at the dialing console, where a laptop was set up to work in conjunction with the ancient technology. She glanced at her watch, taking a guess at who it would be as the Stargate activated behind the shield. "Lieutenant?"

He checked the IDC. "It's Colonel Mitchell's team, Ma'am." Samantha nodded, even though it was not necessary, as all control room operators were authorized to allow passage of any authenticated IDC.

Woolsey joined her. "Mitchell has a team?"

"Yes, Mr. Woolsey, he does," she retorted.

Cameron stepped out of the Stargate, along with Michaels, Kayla and Teal'c. They jogged up the stairs to operations, stopping when they saw who was with Sam.

Sam ignored the IOA rep, and addressed her flagship team. "How was it, Colonel?"

"The people of P9R-531 were as friendly and helpful as Teyla said they'd be," Cameron reported.

"We'll debrief in two hours, Colonel. Dismissed."

"Yes, Ma'am," he replied, with a smirk, as he and the rest of his team walked away.

She then turned and gestured towards her office. "Shall we."

Richard Woolsey followed her into her office, taking the offered seat, putting his briefcase beside his chair.

"So what can I do for you Mr. Woolsey?" Sam asked politely.

"The Sangreal weapon was to be transported to Area 51 from the SGC. However, it's missing, and the Marine guards responsible don't have a clue how it managed to up and walk away from the secure room. Next, the video footage is clean, at least according to FBI and CIA forensics experts. The most powerful weapon in the universe should have been better secured, and I suppose heads will roll over this. Lastly, we believe the former members of SG-1 may know of its whereabouts."

"Well, Mr. Woolsey, since arriving here, none of the Colonel Mitchell's team has returned to Earth; perhaps the Ancients took it."

He didn't find that amusing. "Are you suggesting an ascended being removed the Sangreal weapon from the SGC?"

"It's possible."

Sighing, he sat back in his chair. "Dr. Carter, security footage shows the Sangreal weapon there one hour, the next change of guard, it's gone."

"Which sounds like the Ancients took it," she noted. "Just swooped down, grabbed it and left."

"Dr. Carter, I don't like being patronized!" Woolsey snapped.

"Neither do I, Mr. Woolsey!" she snapped right back.

Daniel chose that moment to cross the walkway and enter his wife's office, over-hearing everything. "Sam, just stopped by to see how you are set for dinner. So, what's up?"

She nodded, gritting her teeth. "You remember Mr. Woolsey?"

"Of course, you tried to have my daughter removed from the Stargate program; how nice to see you again," Daniel said condescendingly, smiling.

"Now he believes that former members of SG-1 stole the Sangreal weapon," his wife stated.

"I didn't say stole," Woolsey replied, defending himself. "I merely stated they may know of its whereabouts."

"And maybe they don't," Daniel remarked, his arms crossed against his chest, the computer table dangling from his hand.

"Yes, well, I'd like to talk to Colonel Mitchell's team as soon as it's convenient, President' orders," Woolsey stated.

"I'll pass that on, Mr. Woolsey, as I believe they are in the infirmary being checked for alien parasites," Sam said and then tapped her earmic. "Sergeant Simpson, report to my office." She then shifted back her seat, as if to rise, "Sergeant Simpson will escort you to the VIP quarters Mr. Woolsey," Sam told him as she gestured to the Sergeant in operations, now waiting at the door.

"Yes Ma'am," Simpson acknowledged. "This way, Mr. Woolsey."

"Thank you," he stood and followed the Marine out.

Sam waited until they were gone before tapping her earmic, "Colonel Mitchell, this is Carter."

"Mitchell, here."

"Just a word of warning, Colonel, we've a fox lose in the hen house," she said cryptically.

"Acknowledged Sam, Mitchell out."

Daniel chuckled. "You enjoyed that," he said as he took a seat, putting his computer tablet on her desk.

"I know," she smirked. "So, what can I do for you, Dr. Jackson?"

A shiver run up Daniel's spine, as it always did when she used that sexy voice of hers. He also saw the twinkle in her eyes. "You're a wicked woman, Dr. Carter."

"I know," she purred. "But you love me anyway, so, there it is."

DF

After Dr. Brightman was finished with them, Mitchell and his team gathered in their luxury locker room, which was actually a suite of rooms in the city, converted to military use.

Kayla removed her jacket and draped it over the back of the chair she sat in. "So the fox has finally come to the hen house."

"Well we've been expecting it," Ryan said as he sat across from her.

"Still, it took them three months," Cameron remarked. He perched on a stool. "General O'Neill must have done some fancy footwork to keep them at bay that long."

"Knowing Jack, he enjoyed every moment," Kayla said with a grin.

"Indeed." Teal'c agreed.

Popping her bare feet onto her fiancé's lap, Kayla crossed them at the ankles. "So how do we play this?"

Cameron uncrossed her ankles. "We don't do anything. For the record, when we left the SGC, the Sangreal weapon was locked in a specially designed container, guards posted."

"Woolsey's not going to like it," Ryan declared.

"Then he will have to deal with his inner self." Teal'c said deadpan, and his teammates laughed.

"Nice one, big guy," Cameron praised.

"Thank you, Colonel Mitchell."

Teresa Reynolds entered the team suite, carrying baby Danyelle. "Hey guys."

"Hi Teresa," three of the four said together, in a southern drawl.

"Oh, very funny," the young woman drawled right back at them. She lifted her charge from the baby sling, and gently handed her over to Kayla. "Danny knew you were back, so I thought we'd come and say hello."

Kayla smiled as her daughter grabbed her finger. "We missed you too, honey," she mused.

Teresa removed the baby sling, untangling her long brown braid from it. "Can I leave her with you for a little while?"

"Sure, Teri," Cameron agreed. "Anything wrong?"

"No, see you later," she said cryptically.

"Bye Teri," Kayla bided and then tickled her daughter under the chin as the nanny left. "Well, sweetie, mummy would like to get started on her mission report."

"Oh, fun," Cameron grumbled.

She chuckled and got up, taking her daughter with her. "No, Mitchell, I'm not going to write your report for you."

"I wasn't going to ask!"

"Sure you weren't," she mused.

Teal'c stood and lifted baby Danyelle from her mother's arms, letting Kayla put the sling on and then settled the baby in it.

"Thanks Teal'c."

"You're welcome Kayla Jackson," he said, and then headed out of the team room.

"See you guys at the briefing," Kayla said and left for her lab.

Cameron got to his feet, as did his 2IC. "At least we only have to write it and then email it to SGC," the Colonel muttered.

"See you later, sir," Ryan said and hurried out.

"Deserters," Cameron said and left for his own office. He typed his report, saved it, and then emailed a copy to both Sam and the SGC, to arrive with the next sub-space link or Stargate activation. He grabbed a cup of coffee on his way to the conference room, arriving to find Teal'c and Ryan, and his daughter already there. Ryan had a computer tablet, going over data while sipping coffee. Teal'c was cradling baby Danyelle in his arms, speaking to her softly in his own language.

Cameron frowned. "Where's Jackson?"

"With Daniel Jackson, Colonel Mitchell," Teal'c reported, "in the library."

He sighed, and sat down next to the Jaffa, comfortable with the man looking after his daughter. "And you got babysitting duty."

"I volunteered," the Jaffa reported. "I enjoy spending time with Danyelle Jackson-Mitchell."

Sam entered, carrying her computer tablet with their reports on it. She took note of who was missing. "Where is Kayla?"

"With your husband," Cameron answered, sitting back in his chair.

"Aha," she tapped her earmic. "Kayla, this is Sam." She didn't get a reply.

Cameron tapped his earmic. "Jackson…" Nothing. He raised his voice a little, almost shouting, "Jackson!"

There was still nothing, and then, "Ouch…" followed by a string of curses in several different languages.

"Language Indiana," he chuckled. "We have a briefing."

"I know that Colonel," she said prissily. "I'll be there in a moment."

"Just thought I'd remind you," he said cheerfully.

There was a flash of light as Kayla beamed into the conference room, sucking on her finger. "You could have waited until after I got out from under the console," she declared, shook her finger and took her seat, nodding to a bemused Sam Carter. "Sorry Sam."

"What were you doing under a console?" Cameron inquired curiously. "I thought you were in the library."

"I was adjusting the climate control on a casing containing a four thousand year old parchment," his fiancée explained. "I didn't want it to disintegrate before I had a chance to read it."

"Is it working all right?" Ryan asked her. "I could take a look."

"Thanks," she accepted.

Sam smiled. "Well, now we've got all that sorted out, tell me about P9R-531."

"Andarda. The Andardan's are friendly people who, even though they have technology, prefer not to use it."

"They are willing to share it though, and their harvest, as long as we can help with the harvest," Cameron reported and then added. "And a barn raising."

"Barn raising?"

"Yes ma'am, a good old raising bee, or for Brits, a rearing. The Marines will love it. Plenty of food, drink and hard work."

Sam laughed. "Sounds like you've been to one, Cam."

His grin widened. "Yes Ma'am," he said cheekily.

"Alder Malan, the community leader, insisted we visit anytime we wish; he said we'll always be welcome," Kayla concluded. "He also said to inform Teyla to visit again, to bring her friends, and to let Dr. McKay know that Shalten Malan is still single."

Sam grinned, "I'll make sure to pass that along. All right Colonel, send Alder Malan a communiqué and tell him we'll be happy to help with the harvest, and the barn raising. Also, notify the Agriscience team to get the Alteran harvesting equipment ready."

He nodded. "Will do."

The door to the conference room opened, and Richard Woolsey entered, his escort remaining outside.

"Mr. Woolsey, take a seat," Sam offered.

"Thank you, Dr. Carter," he said politely as he entered and grabbed a seat away from everyone, putting his briefcase on the table in front of him. He then addressed the former members of SG-1. "As I assume you've already been informed, the Sangreal weapon has disappeared." He looked at each of them. "With that in mind, I'd like to remind you of the seriousness of this development."

"Oh would you," Kayla said sarcastically, adding. "Then please go slow."

Sam forced herself not to laugh, recalling her husband saying those exact words once. They were so much alike that at times it was scary.

Woolsey ignored her, and the smirks from her teammates. "According to records and security footage, you, Dr. Jackson, were the last person to have any contact with the weapon."

"True. I disassembled it into its components, few as they are, as per the President's orders. Then I packed it into a specially designed padded container, again per the President's orders," she said calmly. "The next day I left for here, so…"

"The security footage has the weapon in the container, and then it's gone."

"Maybe the Ancients took it," Cameron suggested, lazing back in his chair.

"And maybe one of you took it," Woolsey stated.

The Colonel sat up straight in his chair, glaring at the IOA man. "Mr. Woolsey, I'm going to forget you said that." He then pushed his chair back and stood.

His team followed his actions, leaving the conference room with him; baby Danyelle being given to her mother.

Sam pushed her chair back and stood. "I'll have Lt. Davis dial Earth Mr. Woolsey, thank you for coming."

He stood and picked up his briefcase, leaving with her, and into operations. He didn't try to apologize; he knew it wouldn't do any good.

Sam walked over to Lt. Davis. "Lieutenant, dial Earth; and please double-check that they have opened the iris." Suddenly Mr. Woolsey looked worried.

"Yes Ma'am," Davis replied, barely able to suppress a smile.

Sam then escorted Woolsey out of operations and down the stairs to the Gate Room as the Stargate activated. "Thank you for coming, Mr. Woolsey."

"Thank you, Dr. Carter," he replied with a total lack of sincerity, and then quickly walked through the Stargate.

"Putz," Sam muttered, and hurried back up the stairs as the Stargate closed down. She looked at Davis with lowered chin, who then lowered his chin and mumbled, "SGC reported our guest safe and sound." Sam gestured, as if to say, oh well, causing the entire control room to laugh.

DF

Margo lay on the sofa, a pillow under her feet. Drew sat on the floor, doing his homework at the coffee table. She wiggled her toes, her right hand rested on her swollen abdomen.

Jack entered the room and perched on the coffee table, being careful not to sit on his son's books, and asked his resting wife, "What are you doing?"

"Remembering what my toes look like before I can't see them," his wife commented.

He chuckled. "It's not that bad, yet."

"Yet, being the operative word here."

Drew closed his books, putting them back into his backpack. He sat up on the coffee table with his father. "You look good, mom."

"Thank you, darling," she said happily.

"See, you've got nothing to worry about," Jack declared. "Besides, I'm sure Carter is bigger than you."

"You're a dear, Jack, but I'm a few weeks ahead of her," Margo commented.

"Right," he fidgeted a little, not knowing what else to say. "So…"

She chuckled. "Relax Jack," she mused. "Since today was my day off, how was your day?"

"Well, I sent some Marines off to PX something or other, had a meeting with the King of PG4 something, spoke to the President, and I had to put up with Woolsey. The man had the nerve to say Mitchell and his team stole the Sangreal weapon - to their faces."

"Did they?" she asked bluntly.

"God, I hope so, or we could all be in trouble," he said, and his wife and son laughed.

Margo knew this was hard on her husband. SG-1 was family, letting them go had been like letting go of his children. He missed them, everyone did. "Has there been any progress getting Cameron and his team back?"

Jack shook his head, his cheerfulness gone. "None."

"Don't worry, dad, you'll think of something." Drew assured him.

"I don't think so kiddo, not this time," he said disheartened. "I think this time they've run out of luck."

"They'll always be SG-1, dad," his son told him with as much logic as an eleven year could muster. "It doesn't matter where they are."

Jack laughed; he couldn't believe the answer was that easy. He hugged his son. "Drew, you're brilliant," he exclaimed, and then got up, rushing into the kitchen. He had some calls to make.

Margo reached out and took her son's hand, seeing his bewilderment. "Don't worry, honey, I'm sure it'll all come clear eventually," she mused.

"I hope so, mum, because I'm confused," he declared.

"Me too," she said with a smile. Sometimes she just didn't understand her husband.

Half an hour later, Jack rushed out of the kitchen and headed to his bedroom. He changed into his uniform and headed back to the living room. "I need to make a quick trip to Washington."

"Now?" Margo asked as she sat up, swinging her legs off the sofa.

"Now. Drew's idea was brilliant, and Landry loves it," he leant over and kissed her quickly. "I'll be home tonight, but I could be late, so don't wait up," he said excitedly and then ruffled his son's hair. "Kido, look after your mum."

"Yes sir," Drew said with a cheeky grin.

"How are you getting to Washington?" Margo looked a little perplexed, and then knew the answer as a blue white light enveloped her waving husband.

Drew looked to his mother as his father vanished, grinning. "Never boring mom."

"No," his mother agreed. "Life never is with Jack."

DF

President Hayes sat back in his chair as the head of Homeworld Security and the CO of SGC entered the Oval Office. "Gentlemen, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"We have a proposal, sir," Hank Landry stated, "concerning SG-1."

The President gestured for them to sit, "There is no SG-1, Generals."

"That's where you're wrong, Mr. President," Jack corrected him. "As my eleven year old son pointed out, it doesn't matter where they are, they'll always be SG-1. And he's right sir."

Henry Hayes considered what he was being told. "How bad do you want SG-1 back, Jack?"

"Seriously, Mr. President," Jack began. "I love my job, but these past three months…" He fidgeted with his cap, "I've considered retiring. Without my kids, the job just isn't the same."

He saw the sincerity in the General's eyes, and the President knew Jack had fought hard for SG-1. "They're doing a good job at Auratora."

"I realize that Mr. President, but it doesn't matter whether they refer to themselves as Mitchell's team or not, they're SG-1. It's who they are, who they'll always be. It's who I am, who Carter is, who Daniel is. We never left SG-1; we just passed it on to the next generation."

"Mr. President, we know the IOA proposed the retirement of the SG-1 designation," Hank said carefully. "They've been trying to get rid of SG-1 since Kinsley. Not to mention finding any excuse to close down the SGC. If Stargate Command wasn't self-sufficient, they would have closed us down a long time ago."

"Mr. President, the men and women of the SGC have put their lives on the line for this planet for ten years," Jack said strongly. "And each and every one of them would put their lives on the line for SG-1, because they know SG-1 would put their lives on the line for them." He handed over the folder he was carrying and the President took it. "When I arrived at the SGC this afternoon, I found my 2IC in my office waiting for me, along with the rest of his team. He gave me that folder."

The President opened it and took a look, surprised at what he saw.

"Jack showed me what was in that folder when he arrived," Hank declared. "It seems they're very serious."

Closing the folder, President Hayes sat back in his chair, grabbing the phone as he did, getting an answer. "Margot, ask the Vice President to join me… Thank you." He hung up. "Gentlemen, let me make myself as clear as possible. I did not want SG-1 to leave the SGC. However, with that said, the SGC's mission has always been one of exploration and the attainment of useful technology for both this country and humanity. I believe now is the time to return to that mission, despite the fact that it was our curiosity that brought us to the attention of the Goa'uld, the Replicators and every other bad guy out there. In addition, our curiosity has brought us some powerful allies, with SG-1 at the front lines for it all."

He paused at the knock, and waited for George Hammond to enter. "Come and join us George," Hayes insisted, and waited until George was seated. "And, despite what the IOA thinks, we do need SG-1. And you're right, Jack, it doesn't matter what we call them, they will always be SG-1." He saw George smile and continued. "We have surrendered too much power to the IOA, much like the United Nations, and that is going to stop. You are correct, in that they were the ones who proposed the retirement of the SG-1 designation, and the re-assignment of its members. I'm overturning that decision with my veto power." He picked up the folder Jack had given him. "We need to keep Stargate Command operational," he dropped it again, "and we need SG-1 where they belong, and are most effective."

"Yes, Mr. President, we do," Jack agreed proudly.

"I think what the President is trying to say, Jack," George Hammond interrupted, "is where at this point do they belong - the SGC or Auratora?"

"Mr. President," Hank sat forward in his chair. "SG-1 has always been the flagship team for the SGC. If we're going to continue to explore, we should do it from here, on Earth."

"And they can take assignments to Auratora or Atlantis when they need too," Jack suggested. "After all, Kayla did discover Auratora and the Library, from here. And it's not really fair, Mr. President, that Auratora has two Dr. Jackson's."

Henry Hayes chuckled over that. "However, Jack, Dr. Kayla Jackson's fiancé is head of Military operations at Auratora, and Major Michaels is head of the science department. I believe Kayla Jackson is heading the research team that is exploring the Library at the moment," the President pointed out. "Do we just pull them away from what they've put together in the last three months? As you said, they're SG-1, no matter where they are."

"I did say that, sir," Jack agreed solemnly.

"Perhaps Jack," George said calmly, "you should ask them. As you also said, they can take assignments to Auratora when they need too."

"Yes sir, they can," he said, smiling before asking. "Are you sure you don't want your old job back, Mr. Vice President?"

George chuckled. "No thank you, Jack, you're doing too good of a job; we need you there."

"Thank you, sir."

The President stood, and waited for the three men to get to their feet. "General O'Neill, General Landry," he walked around his desk to them. "Good luck."

"Thank you, sir," both men replied as they shook his hand.

"Oh, and Jack," the President stopped him from leaving, "what happened to the Sangreal?"

Jack smiled, "Let's just say, Mr. President, that it's safe from tinkering scientists, and leave it at that."

Chuckling, the President nodded in agreement.

Leaving the White House, Jack and Hank returned to the Pentagon, discussing details along the way. Then Jack was beamed back aboard the Odyssey, and then to the SGC.

He found Master Chief Walter Harriman waiting for him. "Walter, have Reynolds in my office first thing tomorrow morning. And clear my schedule for tomorrow, I'm taking a trip to Auratora."

"Yes, sir," he agreed, and then added, "I also took the liberty of putting SG-1's new patches on your desk."

Jack grinned. "Good man, Walter. Now I'm going home, have a driver pick me up. See you in the morning."

"Yes, sir," Walter replied, and then inquired, "Does this mean the band is coming back, General?"

"Hopefully Walter," Jack called back as he walked away, not seeing the Master Chief smiling happily.

Finding the house in darkness, a single light left on, he moved through the dark house to the main bedroom. He changed in the dark, then after checking on Drew, crawled into bed next to his wife.

Margo woke as soon as he snuggled up against her. "How did it go?" She asked in a whisper.

He slipped his arm around her, resting his hand on her swollen stomach. "I have the band, including that crazy drummer and lead singer; I just have to convince them to come home."

She smiled, her hand going over his. "If anyone can, you can, Jack," she praised.

"Oh I plan on it darlin', I'm heading to Auratora tomorrow," he said confidently. "How about you and Drew come with me, and see the city in all its glory for yourselves."

Margo rolled onto her back, keeping his hand clenched tightly in hers. "Do you think Carolyn will let me travel through the Stargate?"

"Well, we can only ask," he said and then leaned down and brushed his lips gently over hers. "I suppose I should let you get some sleep then."

"Not unless you plan on ending up in Carolyn's infirmary," she threatened. "Now shut up and make love to me."

Jack O'Neill knew an order when he heard one, and that was one order he wasn't going to disobey. "Yes Ma'am," he said eagerly, and very gently.

DF

In Auratora City, Dr. Tyler Stone accepted the coffee cup that was handed to him without looking up from the translation he was working on, muttering a thank you. A melodious giggle made him look up, "Hey Kayla."

Kayla sat on the stool next to him. "I thought I told you to go to your quarters an hour ago."

"You did," he admitted. "I just wanted to finish this."

She looked at the screen of text, all in Ancient.

"Almighty God, Great Architect of the Universe. Who hast filled the immensity of space with innumerable systems of worlds and hast illuminated each by its central sun and attended moon; creating a glorious and amazing phenomenon which beautifies and adorns the celestial hemisphere – for the heavens declare Thy glory and the firmament sheweth Thy handiwork."

She paused her translation, arching an eyebrow. "That sounds familiar."

Tyler chuckled; he should have just asked Kayla for help in the first place. She spoke and read Ancient like a second language. He got to the point though. "Wasn't one of your foster father's a Freemason?"

She nodded. "Patrick Sheppard. Why?"

"Because it's a passage from one of their ritual books," he revealed. "Does the rest say?

"Who hast declared that where Thy Sacred Name is placed there wilt. Thou be also, inspire, we beseech Thee, these Thy servants with Thy Grace. That they may be ever careful not to transgress Thy Sacred Law and may they place their trust and confidence in Thy mighty power and protection; grant us that peace which the world cannot give, and pardon our offences, as we forgive those who offend against us."

She read the text as he quoted it and nodded, grinning at him. Straightening, she playfully punched his arm. "You never told me you were a Freemason?"

"Being gay doesn't mean you can't be one," he smirked. "My dad was one; I grew up with him attending meetings, and I went along when I was old enough, and it went from there."

"Is Christian one?"

"No, but he's come along to open meetings, he doesn't mind that I am," he revealed, and then arched an eyebrow, looking smug. "Maybe I should start an Auratora Chapter."

"Maybe you should," she giggled, then stated, "And now that you know what this says, you can go to your quarters and spend some time with your husband and daughter."

"Yes I can, thank you," he said grinning. He saved and shut down his laptop. Standing, he offered his arm and they left the lab together. "So, what has you wandering around instead of being with your yummy fiancé and daughter?"

"My yummy fiancé and his second in command are going over team evaluations with the team leaders, they want to make sure all the teams are settling in and there aren't any problems," she answered.

"Mmm, all that testosterone in one room," he said with a purr, teasing.

Kayla rolled her eyes and giggled, taunting back. "You're insufferable; I don't know how Christian puts up with you."

"He loves me darlin', and I'm damn good in the sack," he bragged.

She laughed harder and he joined in. When she'd first meet Tyler, the sun bleach blonde man had screamed male model. Never in a thousand years would she have guessed he was gay. Then he'd introduced her to his 'partner'.

Then again, when they'd first met she'd also been very young and innocent. She'd grown up a lot during her time at college and after, but one thing had stayed the same was her friendship with Tyler and Christian. She was happy they'd accepted the positions and come to Auratora. No one cared they were gay, no civilian or military personnel. They'd found that out soon enough, having worried mostly about the military personnel more than anything, and quickly learned that anyone who was xenophobic was sent packing out of SGC. In any case, the military personnel had seen things that most military personnel never would. A few months with the Stargate Program could change anyone's point of view about life, love, religion and a number of other topics.

Being gay wasn't a problem, not when there were Wraith and other species out there determined to wipe out the human civilianization. When it came down to it, whether you were straight or gay, you died the same way.

They arrived at the transport chamber when the klaxon sounded.

"Go," Tyler ushered Kayla into the chamber. "Be careful."

She nodded as the doors closed, then pressed her designation on the console. She rushed out when the doors opened, and ran to operations.

"We've got a team coming in, chased by armed men attempting to capture them," Mitchell reported as she arrived, he'd gotten there first.

Sam and Daniel arrived soon after, "Colonel?"

"Major Rivers' team is coming in, under random fire, the enemy trying to force their surrender," he reported as Michaels arrived with Teal'c. The Major handed him a P-90 while Teal'c handed Kayla her rifle. "Jackson, stay here with Sam and the doc, cover us," he ordered and then hurried down to the Gate Room with Michaels and Teal'c, yelling orders to the defense troops.

Kayla knelt on one knee at the top of the stairs, her P-90 ready.

Sam nodded to Lt. Aster, who was on duty this shift, "Lower the shield; tell the Major he's clear."

"Yes Ma'am."

Daniel pulled his wife down as weapons fire came through the unshielded Stargate, ricocheting around the Gate Room and up to operations. He noticed his daughter hadn't moved. "Kayla?"

"I'm fine dad!" she called back.

Major Rivers' team came through in a rush, the Major supporting one of his team members. Moments later, before the shield could be raised, a dozen or so uniformed men came charging through with them and a firefight erupted in the Gate Room. The away-team had hit the deck to avoid friendly fire, following the drill they had practiced many times.

From her position, Kayla took out any that headed for the stairs, and in a matter of seconds it was over. Mitchell's team and the defense troops were all still kneeling, the enemy soldiers weren't.

Sam was helped up by her husband as she tapped her earmic, "Medical teams to the Gate Room," she ordered and then looked to Daniel. "Are you alright?" He nodded, and then they both looked around at the other personnel in operations. "Is everyone alright?" There were acknowledgements all around. She saw Kayla heading down the stairs. "Kayla?"

"Fine mum," the young woman called back, and kept going.

Sam groaned, "Now she calls me mom?"

Daniel laughed, "I think she's teasing you, Sam."

Dr. Brightman rushed in with her medical teams, and slowly the Gate Room was cleared. Not all the enemy soldiers that had come through were killed. Those that weren't dead were rushed to the infirmary, the others taken to the morgue. Rivers' team was ushered to the infirmary first, along with a team of Marines. Mitchell's team handed their P-90's to a couple of Marines to be immediately reloaded and cleaned, and headed up the stairs to operations.

Sam acknowledged them, "Is everyone alright?"

Mitchell nodded. "We're fine, Sam. Corporal Richards' took a hit to his thigh. We have eight enemy soldiers headed for the infirmary, two are serious. Four are headed for the morgue," he reported. "Rivers said they were soldiers from the trading village they were visiting. They ambushed them on the way back to the Stargate, most likely trying to kidnap them for ransom, a problem we have had on many worlds."

"They call themselves Tallans." Kayla added.

Sam nodded, taking it all in, she rubbed her temples. "Head to the infirmary Kayla, see if you can talk to one of them and find out exactly why they attacked our people. We might be able to contact the Tallans and send their people back to them as a sign of good faith."

Nodding, Kayla left operations, Teal'c going with her.

"I'll debrief Rivers and his team, Sam," Cameron offered. "Go get some rest."

"Thanks Cam."

"No problem."

Daniel mouthed thank you to Cameron as he guided his pregnant wife out of operations.

The Colonel just gave a nod, and then turned to his second in command. "Let's get this place tidied up."

"Yes sir," Michaels acknowledged.

Cameron tapped his earmic, "Rivers, this is Mitchell, we'll debrief in two hours."

"Yes sir," the Major replied.

Going over to Lt. Aster, the Colonel asked. "Are we clear for the rest of the night, Lieutenant?"

"Yes sir."

"All right," he turned and addressed all personnel. "Let's check all systems to make sure nothing was hit." They acknowledged him and went to work. Looking back at the Gate room, Cameron had a feeling they'd been lucky. "We need to find a way to shield operations," he told his 2IC, as the man came up to him.

"I'll put my guys on it," Ryan insisted, and head off.

Cameron had finished his second cup of coffee by the time he got to the briefing two hours later. Major Rivers and his team, minus Corporal Richards, gave him a full rundown of what had happened. Kayla joined them towards the end, a cup of coffee in her hand, sitting next to him. He could smell the Kenyan blend, one of her favorite ones. "What did you find out Indiana?" he asked her.

"The Tallans believe the Reanans are responsible for their main water supply drying up," she reported. "And of course, we sent Major Rivers and his team into the middle of the dispute."

"The Reanans believe the Tallans are responsible, sir," Jay Rivers added. "I offered to have a look at the water supply by puddle-jumper. It would make checking the area a lot quicker."

"We should do it," Kayla declared. "The sooner we clear this up, the better it'll be for the Tallans and the Reanans, and our relationship with them both."

Cameron had to agree. The Reanans were traders, and that meant supplies for a growing city population. "What's the time difference?"

"It's about midday there, sir," Rivers' second answered.

Seeing the look on his fiancée's face, Cameron gave in. "All right Jackson, you can go. Take Dr. Ewan with you, he's our resident geologist, and Dr. Stone. He might come in handy settling the dispute."

"Yes!" she said excitedly, jumping to her feet, heading out.

"Thirty minutes, in the jumper bay, Indiana!" he called after her. "And contact Stone!"

"Got it!" she called back.

Major Rivers and his two remaining team members stood chuckling. "We'll take care of her, Colonel," the Major assured.

"Take care of everyone, Major."

"Yes sir," he said, and left with his team, contacting Dr. Ewan as he walked out.

Cameron sat back in his chair and sighed, spying Kayla's discarded coffee he sat forward and picked it up, taking a drink, savoring the taste. He was becoming as much of a coffee snob as his fiancée he realized, but he didn't care, he loved her coffee. Smiling, he got to his feet and left the conference room, taking the coffee with him, going back to operations.

Ryan nod to his CO, smiling at the coffee mug in Mitchell's hand; it was one of Kayla's. "Stole Kayla's coffee again, sir?"

"She left it behind, so, losers weepers," he said smugly. "How's the shield going?"

"We've got it worked out, sir, we're just setting it up," the Major announced. "Auratora had the programming, we just needed to initiate it."

"Nice," he exclaimed and glanced at his watch. "Let's try and get it done before midnight, we may have more hostile planets in this region."

"Yes sir," Ryan said, and went back to work.

Dr. Brightman came up the stairs, "Colonel."

"Doc, how are the Tallans?"

"They're all going to make it, sir."

"Good. Being able to send them back will show we're not the enemy," he stated. "Good work, Doc,"

"Thank you, sir. I'll have a full report for Dr. Carter by morning. Excuse me," she said, and then left.

Cameron finished the coffee and left the mug where he'd find it, to take back to the quarters he shared with his fiancée, staying out of Ryan's way while the man worked. The puddle-jumper descended into the Gate Room from the shuttle-bay as the Stargate was dialed from the little spaceship. The Colonel stood with Lt. Aster as the Stargate activated. "Jumper one, you have a go."

"Rodger flight," Kayla acknowledged from the pilots seat. "Be back soon, and put my coffee cup back."

Cameron chuckled, "Yes, Indiana."

The puddle-jumper vanished through the Stargate, and Ryan announced from the main console, "We're ready to try it, Colonel."

"Fire it up, Major," he ordered as he signaled to a Marine guarding the Gate Room.

Ryan activated the shield, causing everyone to look at the film that spread from the far left by Sam's office all the way to the right side of the control room. Cameron nodded to the Marine, and yelled for everyone to get down behind the railing barrier. The soldier tossed bullets he had removed from his spare ammo pack up at the shield, watching them bounce off, but with less energy than when they hit. He then threw a knife at the shield, and it too dropped straight down instead of bouncing as it should have against a solid object. Cameron nodded, and the soldier then fired a few shots to the left and right, away from any personnel. He then walked over to pick up the metal slugs that had barely bounced off the shield, their energy depleted, making ricochets impossible.

"Nice work, gentlemen, lower the shield. Doc Carter is going to be a happy camper, so is Doc Jackson." They all chuckled over that, and the shield was lowered. "Alright ladies," he said happily. "Let's see if we can get through the rest of the night without any excitement. Major, take your team and get some rest."

"Yes sir," Ryan agreed and he and his team left.

Cameron patted Aster on the shoulder. "Give me a yell when the puddle-jumper returns, I'll be in my quarters checking on my daughter."

"Yes sir," he acknowledged, and then added. "Don't forget the coffee cup, Colonel."

"Right," Cameron grabbed it and headed off.

DF

At Stargate Command on Earth, Jack grabbed the two bundles of patches off his desk and shoved them into the backpack he'd grabbed on his way in. He also shoved in a file, with the letter from the President that had come through. Closing the pack, he hurried back into the briefing room where his wife and son were waiting. Drew was excited about going to see the new city. He wore his specially made fatigues with pride, all ready to go. His mother had been cleared by Carolyn to travel through the Stargate.

"We're all set," he announced. Last night on his way out, he'd gotten a brilliant idea, and luckily Walter had been able to pull it off. Now he just had to bring his kids home. He tapped his earmic, "Walter, dial the Gate."

"Yes sir."

"Let's go," he urged happily, and they headed down to the Gate Room, where SG-3 was waiting. "Gentlemen."

"General," Reynolds greeted.

"Mind the fort, Colonel," Jack ordered as the Stargate opened.

"Yes, sir," he said with a nod. "Bring them home, General."

"I'm going to try, Colonel," Jack assured him, and taking his wife's hand, stepped onto the ramp.

Drew followed them, and turning, snapped off a salute, which the members of SG-3 returned. He grinned and hurried after his parents, going up the ramp and through the Stargate.

They stepped out in Auratora, finding the Gate Room a hive of activity.

Sam hurried down the stairs and over to them. "Welcome to Auratora General O'Neill, Dr. O'Hara, Drew," she greeted with a smile.

"Sam, you look like you've eaten a watermelon," Jack teased.

"Just a small one," she laughed. "How are you, Jack?" she asked, and gave him a hug.

"I'm good," and this time he actually hugged her back.

She then gave his surprised wife a hug, "You look wonderful, Margo."

"So do you, Sam. What's going on?"

"We had a little excitement last night," Sam answered, and then messed Drew's hair. "Hey, kiddo, when are you going to stop growing?"

He grinned. "Hi, Aunt Sam."

"What kind of excitement?" Jack asked her, concerned.

"We had a team come through under fire, a dozen Tallan soldiers followed them through, trying to grab them, and a firefight erupted in the Gate Room. Only one of our guys was injured," she explained as she took them up to operations. She asked Lt. Davis to show Drew around, and then ushered Jack and Margo through to her office, taking a seat, where she continued, "Cameron insisted I go get some rest, and took over," she revealed. "During the night, Michaels and his team discovered that this entire upper level has a built-in shield, and managed to get it to work. Major Rivers took the remainder of his team, along with Dr. Ewan, Dr. Stone, and Kayla, back to the planet in a puddle-jumper. They spotted a landslide in the mountains that was diverting the river that provided water for both provinces. Using drones, Kayla blasted debris clear, releasing the water back to the original path. Around three this morning, Cameron, Michaels, and Teal'c joined her. Dr. Brightman released all but two of the Tallans back to their people, the two seriously injured men will be sent back in a week's time. Brightman returned with Rivers and his team in the puddle-jumper. Dr. Ewan and Dr. Stone are returning with Mitchell's team later this morning."

Daniel walked across from operations, having said hello to Drew, and entered the office. "Hey, Jack, Margo."

"Daniel, you look chipper." Jack teased.

"Why, thank you, Jack," he smirked, perching on the corner of his wife's desk. "So do you."

"I try."

Shaking his head at his friend's smugness, Daniel turned to Jack's wife. "You look fantastic, Margo."

"Thank you, Daniel."

"So, you've come to have a look at our new home?"

"That, and a lot more," Jack announced. He opened the backpack he carried and removed the folder. "The President has amended the decision to retire the SG-1 designation." He gave the folder to Sam.

She opened it and looked, glancing back up. "Which means?"

"It means Mitchell's team is officially SG-1 again."

"Jack, that's great," Daniel said excitedly.

"This is especially good news, as they're not happy with the teams being named after the team leader." Sam stated. "Cameron was going to put the recommendations for new names through in this month's report."

"He mentioned it in last month's report," Jack said as he dug into his pack, and pulled out a large bundle of patches. "Which is why I had these made up." He put the patches on the desk. "There are ten different patches, in case you want to add extra teams; and a bundle of just ASG patches for other personnel."

Sam looked, as did Daniel, opening the bundle. The patches looked like the SGC emblems, except ASG was stitched at the top and then the number, and had two Stargates, representing both Auratora and Atlantis. "Jack, these are great," she fingered the one she held; it was ASG-1's patch.

Jack saw which one it was. "Your flagship team patch."

"We have a flagship team, Jack?" Sam asked, and then understood what he meant. "You're assigning SG-1 back to Earth?"

"I'm going to ask them," he said calmly. Margo had warned him the news might not be well received. "I realize SG-1 is now a part of Auratora, so I'm not going to force them to come back."

"Jack, Cameron is a good leader, and he's a good second in command," Daniel said sincerely. "You're asking him to walk away from that; and Ryan from being head of the Science department; and Kayla from head of Culture research; and Teal'c is head of military and civilian fitness."

Margo knew Jack was disappointed. She took his hand, giving him an encouraging smile, and looked into his eyes, "We knew this might happen."

"I know," he sighed and then stated, "If they want to stay, then I'm not going to force them. The President agreed with me, that no matter where they are, they're SG-1. I convinced him of that, and I'm not going to go back on that now. So if they want to stay then I'll agree to it. These are two cities, created by the Ancients, and no sane person would walk away from this, after all we have been through hunting for this miracle." He pulled the last bundle of patches from his pack. "These are their new patches."

Sam opened them, taking one out. Like the Auratora patches, SG-1's had twin Stargates behind the number, except theirs only had SG at the top. She handed the patch to her husband.

Daniel ran his fingers over it, tracing the two Stargates, the two cities that were to be Earth's future, before looking up. "Don't push them, Jack; they've made a home here. They've gone back to what SG-1 was in the beginning; explorers - and they're happy."

Jack nodded. "The President has decided that's what the SGC is going back to. Our mission is once again research and exploration. And it was Drew who pointed out to me that SG-1 is SG-1, no matter where they are."

"Yes they are, Jack," his friend agreed and then smiled. "And if they decide to stay, we'll lend them to you every once and awhile."

"Gee, thanks so much Daniel."

"You're welcome," the archaeologist grinned.

"How about I organize for these to be distributed, while we head to the mess for a coffee," Sam suggested, referring to the patches.

"Sounds a plan," Jack agreed, and as they stood, he took two ASG patches off Sam, and ripped off the SGC patch of Daniel's BDU shirt, and slapped on the new patch; and then did the same to Sam, being gentler. "Now you're in uniform."

Both chuckled. Taking the rest of the patches, they headed out of the office. Sam spoke for a moment with Lt. Davis, giving him the patches, and then along with Drew, they headed for the mess.

By mid-morning, Drew was with the other children his age that lived within the city. His parents were in the conference room with Daniel, visiting and discussing the news of Earth, and the discoveries in the Library beneath them. All senior personnel now wore the new patches proudly; those missing would find the new patches attached to their clothing when they returned.

The Stargate activated, and Sam could hear the announcement from the control room, "It's SG-1, ma'am."

Sam rolled her finger, signaling permission to lower the shield, and then walked down the stairs to the Gate Room. SG-1 plus two other crew members came through, muddy, tired, but happy.

"Welcome back SG-1, researchers," Sam greeted, and seeing the shocked faces, she grinned. "The President overturned the ruling; you are once again SG-1." She told them, then added, "Professors, Doctor Brightman has standing orders that you clean up before gracing her infirmary with your presence."

Both men laughed. "Will do, Dr. Carter," Christian Stone said, his light brown hair had traces of dried mud in it.

Cameron turned to them both. "Hey, guys, nice work."

"Thank you, Colonel," both said, and hurried out of the Gate Room.

"We'll get cleaned up, checked over by the doc too," Cameron said to Sam.

"Then meet me in the conference room, we've got visitors who want to see you," she told them.

"Who do you think the visitors are?" Ryan asked as they showered, getting rid of the mud.

"I believe one would be O'Neill," Teal'c answered.

"Why, Teal'c?" Kayla inquired over the tall shower wall.

"O'Neill enjoys finding excuses to travel off-world," the Jaffa answered, and his human teammates laughed at that.

Cameron washed the shampoo from his hair, and yelled over the noise of the showers, "Do you think now that we're back to being SG-1, the President is going to re-assign us back to the SGC?"

"I guess we're going to find out," Kayla said solemnly. She hadn't been happy about the reassignment at first, but that had changed. As much as they missed Earth and the SGC, Auratora had become home in the short time they'd been there, settling into their new responsibilities.

Finishing their showers, they dried off, dressed in underwear and headed back to their lockers to dress, finding the new patches as they did. Unlike the Atlantis personnel, they hadn't chosen a uniform; they wore their usual BDUs and fatigues. The new SG-1 patch was on the right sleeve and the newly designed patch for Auratora, which had both the symbol for Earth's point of origin and Atlantis on it, on the left sleeve. Dressed, they headed to the infirmary, where Cameron discreetly called Teresa, and asked if she'd take Danyelle and make an unannounced visit to the conference room. The Nanny agreed, since it was also a chance to catch up on gossip from Earth.

"You seem concerned Kayla Jackson," Teal'c noted.

"A little," she admitted. "I know we've only been here for three months, but it feels like home."

"Indeed it does," he agreed. "I feel at home here." He saw her rub her temples. "You are tired."

"A little. That nap I took on the planet was too short," she revealed and yawned. "I'll be fine."

"Indiana, you'll be lucky if you don't fall asleep during this shindig," Cameron teased her, seeing her frown. He chuckled. They took the transport chamber and then the stairs, arriving at the conference room, the doors were shut.

"So, big entrance or small one?" Cameron asked.

"Sorry sir, I still haven't figured out how to hook the MP3 player to the PA system." Ryan said grinning.

"Damn."

Kayla rolled her eyes, mentally opened the doors and walked in, muttering 'men'.

Teal'c smirked and followed, as did Cameron and Ryan. In the conference room they found Jack waiting, with Margo and Drew. Drew raced over and hugged them, all excited, having wanted to see them. Then Margo got the chance. Jack was happily playing with little Danyelle, having ordered her Nanny to take some time for herself after giving her some news from Earth.

"Damn, this is like old times," he smirked.

"Well, in another five months, give or take, you'll have double trouble to take to briefings with you, Jack," Kayla said grinning.

"Yep," he answered as they laughed.

"We should get started," Sam announced.

"Dad, can I go back to the school?" Drew asked.

"Sure kiddo."

"Thanks." He kissed his mother's cheek and dashed out.

Jack looked to Sam. "Can we leave him here, he's not that excited about school at home."

"Sorry sir."

SG-1 took their seats. "Sir, when did the President decide to change his mind?" Cameron inquired.

"Last night, Drew told me, that no matter where you guys were, you'll always be SG-1," he explained. "So I beamed over to the Pentagon, and then Hank and I went and had a chat with the President, and convinced him. The President also announced that the SGC will return to the mission we started; exploration."

Kayla read between the lines, "And he wants us to return, doesn't he?"

Jack sighed, he passed little Danyelle to his wife, addressing the team. "He said I had to ask you, that we need SG-1 where they belong."

"And if we belong here?"

"Then you can stay, I'm not going to order you to return."

"It's your choice, guys," Daniel said calmly. "You can stay here at Auratora or you can return to the SGC."

"If we stay, sir," Ryan asked the General, "will we still be SG-1?"

"Yes," Jack answered. He sat forward, resting on the U-shaped table. "You're the flagship team. Whether here or at SGC, you'll always be that. If it wasn't for SG-1, we wouldn't be sitting here debating this. You four are the best at what you do. Just as Daniel, Sam, Teal'c and I were when SG-1 was ours. It's your time, and it's your decision."

"Thank you, sir," Cameron said as he and the rest of his team stood.

"We'll make sure Danyelle gets back to Teresa, Kayla," Sam assured her.

"Thanks, mum," she said distracted, and left with her team.

Jack looked at Sam, "Mum?"

"She's just started it," Sam admitted, a little embarrassed.

He sat back in his chair and ran his hands over his face. "That could have gone better."

"Like I said Jack, they've made a home here," Daniel told him. "Cameron is a good military commander. He's pulled the teams together and that has saved lives since he's been here."

"Are you saying I should tell them to stay?" Jack asked.

"I'm saying, you should ask yourself, do you want them back because they're SG-1, or because you miss them." Daniel stated. He lifted his granddaughter into his arms, and along with his wife, walked out of the conference room.

Margo saw her husband's defeated look. "He made a lot of sense, Jack."

"I know," he groaned. "I hate it when he does that."

DF

SG-1 found their way to a secluded balcony; it had become their hide away when any of them needed to think - like now. Ryan was the first to speak, being honest, saying what they were all thinking.

"Colonel, I'm not sure I want to return to Earth just yet. There's so much in this city to explore, so many planets we can explore."

Kayla leaned against the balustrade, her arms crossed against her chest. "We've made a home here, Mitchell."

"I know," Cameron agreed.

"Are you not happy with the position you now hold, Colonel Mitchell?" Teal'c asked him.

"Yeah, Teal'c, I am happy," Cameron answered. "The last three months have changed all of us, we got to see what else there was out there for us, and we embraced it."

"Indeed, this is our home."

"We go back to Earth, and we may never have this again," Kayla said softly. "Is it selfish to stay, to be SG-1 and so much more? Or do we go back to Earth, and just be SG-1?"

"It's not selfish, Jackson. You're just saying what we all are thinking," Cameron assured her. "Being a part of this has made us look within ourselves, we've grown beyond who we were."

"As much as I miss Earth, I love it here," Ryan told them. "This is one of the cities of the Ancients. It's full of wonders that are just outside the door."

"My family is here," Kayla declared, her voice thick with emotion. "I've waited so long to work with my dad, here I have that chance."

Cameron walked over and drew her into his arms, "I know." He kissed the top of her head. Neither of their teammates taking notice of the display of affection, not while they were together like this. This was their secret spot. "I don't want to leave either," he whispered and looked over her head. "Guys, are we together on this?"

Teal'c nodded and offered his arm. Cameron gripped it while still holding his fiancée. "Indeed we are, Colonel Mitchell."

Ryan joined them and nodded. "As the General said, sir, we're SG-1, no matter where we are. And right now, here is where SG-1 belongs."

"Then we stay," Cameron said firmly. "All right, let's go talk to Sam."

Sam heard the knock and looked up, seeing SG-1 standing in the doorway to her office, knowing from the looks on their faces exactly what they had decided, "Hey guys, come on in. What can I do for you?"

"We've made a decision, Sam; one I don't think the General is going to like."

"You're going to stay," she said, the relief evident in her voice.

"We're going to stay," Kayla confirmed. "This is where we belong."

Sam smiled, "I'll let him know."

Cameron shook his head. "I think we should tell him ourselves, Sam. He deserves that."

"Alright, conference room in one hour. I'll make sure Jack is there." Agreeing, SG-1 left the office.

In another part of the city, Jack was walking with Daniel, checking out Auratora. Baby Danyelle was with Margo and Teresa, back in Kayla and Cameron's quarters. Jack realized he missed just being able to talk to Daniel. He missed his friend. "They're going to stay," he said bluntly.

Daniel nodded. "As I said, Jack, they've made a home here."

He sighed. "I should never have let them leave, I should have fought harder."

They stopped, looking out over the city from one of the balconies. "Maybe you knew it was time they moved on," Daniel said gently. "They were being held back at the SGC, Jack. Even you could see that."

"Yeah." He leaned on the balustrade. "I told the President I've been considering retiring, that without my kids, the SGC isn't the same." He shook his head. "God, Daniel, I'm becoming a father again, and I feel old. The part of me that kept me young is here."

"It's inside you, Jack," Daniel assured him. "SG-1 just brought it out. We always did." He paused and then suggested. "Maybe you need a change too, Jack. In a few months, Sam isn't going to be able to run the city. The doctors have been telling her to slow down now. She's been giving more responsibility to Cameron, and not arguing when I tell her to lie down." He put his hand on his friends shoulder, standing with him at the balustrade. "We could use you, Jack. You know how to handle military and civilian personnel, and when Sam's ready to come back, the two of you can work something out. After all, twins are going to make our life interesting."

Jack chuckled at that comment, thinking it over. "Hank could run the SGC, and Drew does love it here. So does Margo."

Daniel patted his friend on the back. "Think it over, Jack, and talk to Margo about it." Daniel left his friend alone in his thoughts. Back inside, his wife's voice came over his earmic.

"Daniel, this is Sam, can you bring Jack to the conference room. SG-1 has made their decision."

"Is he going to like it?"

"I don't think so; they're staying."

He sighed, even though he was relieved. "We're on our way." He tapped his radio off and went back out onto the balcony. "Jack, they've made a decision."

Jack nodded and left the balcony with his friend. As they entered the conference room, Sam and SG-1 were waiting. Shoving his hands into his trouser pockets, Jack addressed the team. "You're staying, correct?"

"Yes sir," Cameron answered. "For the moment, this is where we belong."

He understood. "All right, I respect that," he said. "I have one request though." He saw he had there full attention. "In a show of force, the SGC personnel, right down to the cooks, all banded together and were going to resign if the President didn't agree to bring you back."

"We'll be happy to make the trip back to assure everyone we're staying because we want to, sir," Cameron agreed.

"Thank you, Colonel."

Kayla had a feeling something was wrong. "Jack, are you alright?"

He gave her a smile. "I'm fine, kiddo, I have some thinking to do, but I'm fine."

She heard her name being called over her earmic. "Excuse me," she walked away from them and tapped her earmic. "What's going on?" Jack watched as she pulled her PDA from her pocket and used it to access data as she talked.

Daniel noticed, and remarked, "She's come a long way in a short time, Jack."

He nodded. "That's why she's a member of SG-1, Daniel, she's the best."

"Yes, Jack she is," he praised. "They all are."

Kayla came back over to them, shoving her PDA into her pocket. "I have to sort this out," she told them and saw Sam give a nod of approval.

"Remember to eat, Indiana, and get some sleep," Cameron called after her as she left.

"Yes, Colonel."

Sam chuckled, and then addressed the General. "When will you be leaving, Jack?"

"1500, if that's fine with you, Sam."

"I'll make the arrangements."

"And I'll make sure Jackson is ready to leave by then, sir," Cameron assured him.

"Thank you, Colonel. Dismissed."

They left quickly, all having duties to deal with before they left, even for the short time they were going to be gone.

DF

At Stargate Command on Earth, Walter shut off the klaxons and reported over the PA system, "Incoming wormhole, it's General O'Neill, Colonel."

"Open the iris," Reynolds yelled up to Walter as he was passing the steps to the control room, "and give the confirmation."

"Yes sir."

Reynolds continued to the Gate Room, being met by Lt. O'Neill, who then stood with him at the bottom of the ramp. The watery puddle rippled, and the General walked through, with his wife and son, followed by SG-1, who carried only side-arms. Reynolds glanced quickly at Jon, then back to the General. "Welcome back, sir, Ma'am," he greeted and then acknowledged the team with them as they all stepped off the ramp, "SG-1."

"Colonel," Jack greeted, "have all department heads and team leaders in the briefing room in twenty minutes," he ordered.

"Sir?"

"I'll explain it all then."

"Yes sir," he hurried away to carry at the order.

Margo took Drew's hand. "We'll head to the infirmary and see Carolyn."

"See you later," Jack said, giving her a smile.

While at Auratora, they had talked about their options, and with Drew's enthusiastic support, had come to a decision, one they thought was right for them.

"What's going on?" Jon asked, and saw it wasn't good by the expression on Jack's face. He looked to SG-1. "You're not staying, are you?"

"No, Lieutenant, we're not," Cameron answered.

"Briefing room, Lieutenant, and keep your mouth shut," Jack ordered. Jon nodded and left.

Jack sighed. "They're all going to be disappointed."

"We know that, Jack," Kayla said.

He shook his head ever so lightly, and led them out of the room, taking them up to the briefing room, though they didn't need to be led, they knew where they were going, it was just habit.

Word was passed quickly, and within twenty minutes, every department head and team leader was in the briefing room. All were happy to have SG-1 back, having noticed the new patches they sported. A few extra's had squeezed into the room; Jon, Cassie, Walter and Carolyn were among them.

"All right, settle down," Jack ordered, and the room became silent. "As you've all been informed by now, and can see, the President overturned the decision to retire the SG-1 designation, SG-1 is back to being SG-1." He stopped as the room erupted in cheers. When it quieted down, he continued. "However, SG-1 isn't being reassigned to the SGC, they're remaining at Auratora." That put a stunned silence over the room.

"I realize that you're all disappointed, and we thank you for everything you have done to help get our flag team back to being SG-1," Cameron said, seeing disappointment in many eyes. "Over the last three months though, we've come to see Auratora as a critical resource for Earth, as well as our home away from home. We're still SG-1, and we always will be, but for now, we feel we need to stay at Auratora, to continue what we started, for the benefit of Earth, and humans in every galaxy."

"That doesn't mean SG-1 won't be popping in every so often," Jack stated. "Because they will. The President has given the go ahead for the SGC's mission to return to what it was in the beginning, exploration. With that said, Auratora will being aiding Atlantis in its exploration of the Pegasus Galaxy, while also assisting us in the exploration of our own galaxy, so we will be seeing SG-1 here, and most likely visiting them out there."

"Isn't there anything we can say to convince you to come back?" Colonel Reynolds asked them. "It's been quiet since you guys left."

Kayla smiled at that, they all did. "We do miss Earth, Al," she said. "But we've moved on. We've become more than just SG-1, and that's made us stronger. At the moment, we belong there, it's our new mission."

He nodded, accepting that.

"Alright people, back to work. I have a phone call to make to the President, dismissed," Jack said, and then slipped into his office, shutting the door, then picked up the phone as he watched through the window as SG-1 was drawn into the crowd that had converged on the briefing room.

Margo slipped into the room from the hallway and shut the door. "How did they take it?"

"Well enough; where's Drew?"

"Still in the infirmary, talking to one of the nurses, I think he has a crush," she mused.

"Really, well, the kid has taste," he smirked.

She playfully smacked his arm. "Jack."

He chuckled and kissed her forehead. "I have to ring the President. Are you sure about this?"

"I'm sure Jack," she insisted. She gently brushed her lips against his. "Make your phone call, General. Drew and I will be ready to leave when you're done."

"Thanks, sweetheart."

She smiled and left the office, shutting the door once more. Jack sighed, there was no putting this off, it was now or never. Two hours later, it was done. The President had been a little shocked by the news. Not that SG-1 was remaining at Auratora, but Jack's news, but he'd agreed, and General Landry was being briefed. Getting up, Jack went into the briefing room; only SG-1, Margo, and Drew were waiting. "Well, it's done!"

"Are you sure about this, Uncle Jack?" Kayla asked him.

"Yeah, honey, I am," he insisted.

"It's so cool," Drew remarked excitedly, making them chuckle softly.

Jon and Cassie returned to the briefing room. "Are we going to be let in on this?" Jon asked.

Jack gestured them over. "There are going to be a few changes in the next few weeks."

Jon agreed. "Yeah," he handed over the folder he was carrying. "It's a request for transfer to Auratora, mine and Cassie's."

His father nodded. "The President and I were expecting this. Requests for transfer from everyone on base won't be tolerated, and the President has agreed to let General Landry approve all transfer requests."

"Why General Landry, Uncle Jack?" Cassie asked.

"Because he's taking over the SGC. I'm going to Auratora to help Sam run the city while she's pregnant, and after her maternity leave, we're going to work out who does what. Therefore, I can't approve transfers, the new base commander will, and that's Landry. I'll pass these on to him."

Jon nodded. "There will be more."

"I know," Jack stated, and saw his second in command arrive. "Colonel."

"Sir," Reynolds acknowledged, "I thought you should know, I agreed to Jon putting in his transfer request."

"Thank you, Colonel," Jack said. "As I just told him and Cassie, I'm going to Auratora to help Dr. Carter run the city. General Landry is going to be taking over here; I hope you'll be remaining as 2IC."

"Yes sir," he agreed. "With Kelly pregnant, she wants to remain here, our families are here."

"Understood, Colonel."

"You'll let us know when Kelly has the baby, Al?" Kayla asked.

"Sure, she'd never forgive me if I didn't." He smiled and then looked back to his CO. "When will you be making an announcement, sir?"

"General Landry is arriving tomorrow. All transfers will be considered after that, I'll hand over the SGC to him at the end of the month. As I told Jon, Hank will be approving all transfers."

"I'll make sure everyone understands that, sir."

Cameron cleared his throat. "Sorry to interrupt sir, but we need to be getting home."

He nodded, and then smiled. "Come along then, kids, I don't want to keep you all out after curfew."

"Thank you, sir."

They were escorted back down to the Gate Room, Jack having contacted Walter to dial Auratora on the way. Goodbyes were said. Jon hugged Kayla. "See you soon, hopefully," he whispered.

She gave him a gentle squeeze. "You never know," she whispered back, and then gave Cassie a hug, before returning to stand with her team.

"Look after them until I get there, Teal'c." Jack ordered.

"I will endeavor to do so, O'Neill."

"See you soon, General," Cameron said, and then added, "Permission to leave, sir?"

"Granted, Colonel."

After the Stargate shut down and the iris closed, Jack turned back to his staff, tilted his head a little, then slapped his hands together, "Well, kids, let's get back to work."

DF

At the end of the month, General Hank Landry stood in the Gate Room with the former CO of the facility, the man's wife, his son Drew, and those transferring to Auratora. Hank had only approved fifteen out of more than a hundred requests for transfer, and had not taken offense at a single request. Among them were Lt. Jon O'Neill and Dr. Cassie Fraiser.

In the time given, Jack and Margo had managed to sell the house and cars, while a few things had been put into storage at an Air Force storage facility. What they'd wanted to take with them had already been sent through to Auratora, along with the personal items from those transferring. This was, in essence, goodbye. The changeover ceremony had been done, the farewell party given. The SGC was now under the Command of General Hank Landry.

Hank held out his hand to Jack. "Be careful out there, Jack."

Jack shook his hand as the Stargate activated, "I will, Hank. And don't worry, you'll do fine."

"Thanks," he said with a smile. "Margo, you look after this man and let us know when those twins make their grand appearance. I have a bottle of scotch I'm saving for the occasion."

"I'll do that, Hank," she said and gave him a hug. "Thank you."

Hank ruffled Drew's hair. "Take it easy out there young man, and be good."

"Yes sir," the boy said excitedly.

The SGC teams had formed up in the Gate Room; they came to attention and saluted.

Jack returned the salute, and up to the Stargate, sticking his arm into the event horizon to keep the wormhole active, facing them. He didn't have any words left, they had all been said. "All right campers, it's time to move out."

Margo and Drew quickly walked up the ramp and into the watery surface with Jack, then Jon and Cassie; followed by the rest of the transfers. Everyone moved quickly forward as they arrived in the Auratora Gate Room, making way for the crowd coming through.

Daniel, Sam, and SG-1 were standing at the bottom of the stairs as Jack stepped out of the way. "Welcome to Auratora," Sam greeted. "Major Michaels and Dr. Jackson have layouts of the city and directions to your living quarters." She made a point of gesturing to Kayla and not her husband when she said Dr. Jackson. "General, if you and your family will follow Colonel Mitchell and Teal'c, they'll show you to quarters."

"Thank you, Dr. Carter," Jack said with a grin.

"You're welcome, General," she said with a sparkle of amusement in her eyes.

Margo and Drew just smiled, knowing Jack was happy to be back among his extended family.

"This way, sir, ma'am," Cameron said, gesturing for them to follow him and Teal'c.

Kayla coordinated with the seven new civilians who had transferred in, and Ryan handled the eight military transferees, which made up the two new mission teams. Passing out a print of the city layout so no one would be getting lost, they then lead the fifteen new personnel out of the Gate Room.

"That went well," Daniel commented.

Sam nodded. "It did, didn't it?"

"Yep," he agreed smugly, and then asked. "Hungry?"

"Always," she mused, and linked arms with him as they turned and called up to operations. "If anyone wants me Jeremy, I'll be in the mess hall!"

Sergeant Jeremy Winters chuckled, smiling. "Yes, ma'am, enjoy the ice-cream."

Happier than he had been in a very long time, Daniel guided his pregnant wife out of the Gate Room.

In another part of the city, Jon O'Neill walked into the quarters allotted to him. They were larger than he expected, but then again, he would be sharing them.

Cassie walked out of an adjoining room, "Get lost in the city already, O'Neill?" she teased.

"Nope, just thought you'd like to check things out first," he mused.

"Oh I have," she perched on the double bed at one end of the room. "Do you think all suites have double beds in them?"

He mentally locked the door and unzipped his vest. Leaving it and the gun belt on the chair, he went over to her. "I expect it's because we're sharing."

"Mm, I wonder who organized that?"

"I wonder," he mused and kissed her.

She pulled him back with her onto the bed, running her fingers through his hair, groaning as his lips left hers and made their way down her throat. "Don't we have orientation?"

"We do," he moved back to her lips, seizing them in passionate kiss that left her breathless. "We have time."

"Yes we do!"

They were late for orientation, arriving in their rambled clothing, their hair damp from the quick shower they'd taken together. They were joining the rest of the new transferees, waiting along with Major Michaels and Kayla, who was smiling at their flushed expressions.

"Well, now that Lt. O'Neill and Dr. Frasier have decided to join us, we can get started," she mused. She carried a computer tablet and patches. "Currently we have seven teams, not counting SG-1," she began, getting right to the point. "With your arrival, we're adding ASG-8 and ASG-9. The following are members of ASG-8, Major Anya Stephens - team leader, Lt. Jon O'Neill - 2IC, Dr. Jess Sheridan, and Airman Laurie Dunstan."

She handed the four ASG-8 patches for them to put on their uniforms. "ASG-9 will comprise the following; Major Ben Jacobs – team leader, Captain Martin Fitzpatrick – 2IC, Dr. Michelle Kaplan and Lt. Chris Tapping." She handed out the ASG-9 patches, the remaining were given the ASG patches. "ASG-8 and 9 will accompany Major Michaels and remaining personnel will follow me."

They split up into two groups. Jon stood with his new team, next to Dr. Sheridan, an astrophysicist. They both watched as Kayla led her group away. "Mitchell is a lucky guy," Jess Sheridan remarked. He'd worked with SG-1 during his time at the SGC.

Before Jon could comment, Major Anya Stephens, all of five foot ten, replied, "Doctor, we all know Lt. Colonel Mitchell is extremely lucky – for more than one reason, but refrain from commenting on it. Clear?"

"Clear, Major," the scientist replied, not wanting to push the subject.

"Good."

Ryan held back a smirk. "This way," he said, and led them down the hallway. "Right now, we have enough room in the city so that each team has its own locker room, team room, and individual bathrooms, including emergency medical equipment. You are responsible for your team rooms, including decoration, cleaning and supplies; there are no maids here to swab the decks. We have essential personnel only, so keep it clean. Colonel Mitchell's office is located one level up; if you can't find him there then check our team room, the mess or Dr. Jackson's office," he paused at the chuckles, stopping them near the locker rooms, turning. "For those of you who don't know, Colonel Mitchell is engaged to Dr. Kayla Jackson. If anyone has a problem with that, then I'm sure you'll be free to return to Earth." There were no comments. He gestured to the first team locker room, the rest were located down the hallway, clearly marked. "Any questions?"

There were a few, and once answered, they moved on. Dr. Christian Stone came out of his team's locker room; his right wrist was in a cast from his latest adventure off-world, and he was supporting numerous bruises, not all visible.

"Doc," Ryan greeted.

"Hey, Major," he acknowledged and then asked. "Have you seen Kayla?"

"She's doing orientation," Ryan answered. "Need that healed?" he asked gesturing to the cast.

"No, it's fine, besides I get sympathy from Ty this way," the criminal psychologist jeered. "I'll see you later," he bided and hurried off.

Dr. Michelle Kaplan of ASG-9, admired the tight buns as the doctor walked past, even in fatigues he looked good.

Airman Laurie Dunstan of ASG-8, walked with her as they continued. "He's gay," she whispered, having been at the SGC when the doctor and his partner arrived for final briefing and departure.

Michelle sighed, "They usually are. Gay, married or just plain unavailable."

"I hear you," the young Airman agreed, and the two giggled quietly.

DF

Daniel checked on his son and tiny daughter, before joining his wife on their private balcony. Both were dressed for bed. Sam in a huge t-shirt borrowed from Teal'c, that stretched across her swollen stomach. It was a pleasant night; a cool sea breeze blew at the sheer curtains behind them. It wasn't that cool that it bothered Daniel, he wore only sleeping pants. Embracing his wife from behind, he rested his hands on her tummy. "Hey."

"Hey," she leant against him. "Ari and Aeron asleep?"

"Mmm," he felt a kick under his hand. "I see these two are awake."

"They are," she rested her head on his shoulder, relaxing in his arms, feeling content.

Daniel gentle rubbed her stomach. "Tired?"

"A little, but in a good way," she revealed. "Everyone is settled in. Margo is happy, and that means Jack is too. Drew is ecstatic, and our new teams and personal are getting along well with everyone."

He nuzzled her ear with his lips. "They feel at home here."

"They do."

They climbed into bed and pulled the comforter up, watching the night sky out the window, enjoying the ocean breeze.

"I love you," Sam whispered.

"I love you too, sweetheart," he said, gently rubbing her swollen stomach. He then leaned over and kissed her tummy. "I love you guys too."

She giggled. "And you say I'm crazy for talking to them."

"Then we're both a little crazy," he mused.

Sam ran her fingers through his hair. "We need to think about names for them."

"We don't know whether it's two boys or two girls, or one of each yet," he reminded.

"A boy and a girl," she said with conviction.

"Really," he looked up. "Do you know something I don't?"

"No," she mused, giggling a little. "Just a hunch."

"We'll think of one of each then," he mused and kissed her stomach again.

"Actually, I was thinking if one is a girl, we could call her Clair." Sam said and felt him nuzzle her stomach with his lips once more. "Daniel?"

He looked up, "I'd like that."

She smiled. "What about a boy's name?"

He gave her stomach a gentle caress. "Nicholas; Nicholas Jacob."

"I think your grandfather and my dad would like that," she told him.

Daniel moved to lie beside her. "We should get some sleep."

"Mmm, we should," she agreed and cuddled as close as she could, snug in his arms. The sound of the ocean lulling them off to sleep.

DF

Two months later, Jack ran down the corridor, dodging personnel going the opposite way, as klaxons rang in his ears. Over the past few weeks, changes had occurred. A ship full of Ancients had been discovered, who had then decided to take back Atlantis. Atlantis personnel had been given their marching orders by the Alterans, and had been split up between Earth and Auratora. Lt. Colonel Sheppard had no sooner walked through the Stargate, when Mitchell had slapped an SG-1 patch on his sleeve, and welcomed him to the team. Rodney McKay was blissfully ordering everyone about in the astrophysics lab, even though he wasn't head of the department. Ryan was happy to have him aboard in any case.

Dr. Elizabeth Weir was helping Jack, while Sam was taking it easy. Elizabeth was also helping Daniel in his linguistics department, having become efficient in Ancient. Doctor Beckett had joined the medical team at Auratora, happy to help Brightman run the infirmary. Ronon and Teyla had returned to her people, in an effort to try and keep them safe from the Wraith.

Rushing into the control room, Jack found it a hive of activity. His flag team wasn't due back from P9R-44456 for another hour; still, he had a feeling what was happening concerned them. "What's going on, Lieutenant?"

"It's SG-1, Sir, they're under fire," he reported.

"Medical team to the Gate Room," Jack ordered, and then tapped his earmic as Elizabeth joined him. "Mitchell, what's your status?"

There was a pause, and then Sheppard replied, the noise from weapons fire nearly drowned him out. "We've taken cover near the Stargate, Sir!" They heard what sounded like an explosion. "We can't see who's firing at us, Michaels says they're using pulse weapons of some sort!"

Then was another pause and then Mitchell's voice came over this time. "Jackson, let's go. Teal'c, cover her six. Sheppard, fall back, fall back!"

"Sir, we have to move!" Ryan yelled over the radio.

There was nothing for a few moments, and then, "Auratora, we're on our way!" Cameron yelled.

"Lower the shield, raise the operations shield," Jack ordered.

Lt. Aster was prepared, and hit two keys at once. They heard a loud boom; the event horizon started to dissipate and then strengthened again.

"What happened?" Elizabeth asked Lt. Aster.

"I'm not sure, Ma'am, for a moment there it looked like the wormhole was going to close down," the young man reported.

The medical team arrived in the Gate Room, standing to one side, defense troops all stood ready. The watery event horizon rippled, and then four of the five members of SG-1 came flying through, hitting hard, and didn't move. Teal'c came through last, still on his feet, but not for long, as he collapsed to his knees, breathing hard.

"Raise the shield!" both Jack and Elizabeth ordered, and again Lt. Aster was ready, hitting two buttons at once, allowing staff to run down the stairs to the Gate Room. The medical team rushed to SG-1 as soon as the Stargate closed down.

Elizabeth sat on the Gate Room floor and cradled John's head in her lap; he was now conscious, but groggy. "Did we all make it?" he managed to get out.

"You all made it, John, you're safe," she assured him, holding his hand.

Mitchell and Michaels were still unconscious, being lifted onto gurneys and rushed out with Dr. Brightman, who contacted the infirmary, ordering the OR ready as she left. Doctor Beckett remained with the remaining nurses and orderlies. Kayla was semi conscious, a wound to her left leg. Carson was trying to stop the bleeding before moving her. She cried out, and Jack held her down, tears streamed down her face.

"Sorry luv," the Scottish doctor apologized. He'd already ordered an IV put into her arm, and had one of the nurses' inject pain medication into the IV port, allowing her to slip into a painless darkness.

Jack relaxed his hold, but didn't move. He turned to see Sheppard being put onto a gurney and rushed out, Elizabeth remaining, a little pale and shaken, but strong. Teal'c was back on his feet, and being guided out by a couple of orderlies.

"I've managed to stop the bleeding; we're going to move Dr. Jackson now, General." Carson announced.

He nodded and gave them a hand to lift the unconscious archaeologist onto the gurney, then he stepped back as they rushed her out of the Gate Room.

Elizabeth came over to him. "We should tell Sam what's going on, Daniel isn't due back until this evening."

Jack nodded. "I'll do it, can you contact ASG-1 and tell them to head back early?" he asked her and saw her agree. "We can meet in the infirmary." He hesitated.

She gave him an encouraging smile. "Go, I'll catch up." He nodded again and left. She hurried up the stairs to operations. "Lieutenant, dial M59-868."

Elizabeth paced the control room as the Stargate was dialed, "Go ahead, Dr. Weir."

She nodded and tapped her ear piece. "ASG-1, this is Dr. Weir."

There was a pause and then Major Liam Montgomery's voice came over the radio. "Yes, Dr. Weir."

"Major, I need ASG-1 to return to Auratora immediately."

"What's wrong Elizabeth?" Daniel asked, the concern clear in his voice.

"SG-1 just came in hot, Daniel, all members are in the infirmary," she reported, keeping the waiver from her voice.

"We're on our way, Doctor," the Major announced. "ASG-1 out."

Elizabeth nodded to Lt. Aster, who shut dropped the shield and shut of the com link so that the Stargate could deactivate. "Inform me when they return, Stephen, I'll be in the infirmary."

"Yes Ma'am," he agreed.

She patted his shoulder and left operations, going directly to the infirmary. Daniel had not intended to join any away-teams, as the Library kept him busy 24/7, but when ASG-1's linguist had been seriously injured in an accident, and sent back to Earth, Daniel had stepped in. After their first mission together, the ASG-1 patch replaced the usual ASG patch on his uniforms, and that was that. Daniel was once again hooked on the adventures off-world.

Major Montgomery was quite happy to have Daniel as a part of his team, and having worked with Kayla, he respected her father, not to mention that Daniel was a former member of SG-1. This meant he could handle himself in a fistfight as well as a firefight, and the man was smart, he'd saved their bacon on one occasion already. Camaraderie had formed between them. It also helped that the other members of the team were former SGC. Montgomery being formerly SG-3, his 2IC – Captain Jennifer Hailey was formerly SG-18 and Lt. Grant Simons formerly SG-20. They'd come together well.

Jack and Sam were already at the infirmary when Elizabeth arrived, and so was Margo. Both women were nearly at the end of their pregnancies. Sam being seven months and Margo eight, both had also been ordered to slow down and rest.

"Daniel is on his way," Elizabeth assured the former Colonel.

"Thank you, Elizabeth." Sam said worriedly.

Ari suddenly ran into the infirmary, going straight to his mother. Lisa Marshall, one of his teachers, rushed in after him. The little boy hugged tight to his mother.

"I'm sorry, Sam," the red head apologized. "We heard SG-1 had come in hot, and Ari overheard."

"It's all right, Lisa." Sam insisted. She guided her son over to a seat and sat down so she could look eye to eye with him. "Kayla is in surgery, she has a leg wound, but she's going to be all right."

Ari sniffled. "And Cam?"

"Cameron is in surgery too, honey, but he'll be all right," she assured and drew him back into his arms. "They'll be all right, you'll see."

Jack assured Lisa the little boy would be all right with them. He then guided his wife to a chair and got her to sit down too, along with Elizabeth, who was still a little shaken.

Daniel and the rest of ASG-1 arrived before they'd had any news. He and the rest of the team were quickly ushered away to have their physicals done, before being allowed to sit with his wife and son. His team didn't leave once they'd returned; they just stayed out of the way.

Finally, Carson arrived with Sarah Brightman; the two were in scrubs, their white lab coats over the top. They waved everyone to remain seated and grabbed a stool each to sit with them.

"How are they?" Jack asked.

"Both Colonel Mitchell and Major Michaels are stable," Sarah reported. "Both men had internal bleeding and serious bruising to ribs and shoulders from hitting as hard as they did," she rubbed her temples wearily. "I've settled them both in ICU for the moment; our main concern is the coma's they've slipped into."

"But you said they were stable?" Jack said confused.

"They are, sir, and for the moment we're monitoring them closely."

"Colonel Sheppard has a concussion. He's a little groggy, but that'll pass," Carson reported. "He also has bruised ribs, but it's not serious. Kayla is in recovery, we managed to stop the bleeding and repair the damage caused by the weapon that hit her. Her right collarbone is badly bruised, and she has two cracked ribs."

"Probably from Sheppard landing on her," Jack remarked, having seen the way they'd been thrown out of the Stargate.

Elizabeth had seen it too, and John had landed partly on the archaeologist, but she also knew the General wasn't being that serious. "Jack, he couldn't help it."

Daniel ignored the bantering. "What about Teal'c?"

"Teal'c is fine," Sarah, answered. "Dr. Read is releasing him as we speak. The man is extremely resilient, and well padded with muscle mass."

Sam squeezed her husband's hand; their son was now sitting on his lap. "At least they're all right."

"They're going to be fine, Samantha," Carson said with a smile. "This is SG-1 we're talking about."

She smiled at that, but could still feel her husband's tension. "Can we see Kayla, Carson?"

"Aye, perhaps you could convince her to stay where she is. Even groggy, she wants to sit with the Colonel."

"We'll make sure she stays put, Carson," Daniel assured him.

"Well, give us a moment to settle her in the ward," the Scottish doctor told them and stood. "Then you can sit with her for a little while."

"Colonel Sheppard is in the ward, Dr. Weir." Sarah revealed.

"Thank you," she said and hurried off in that direction.

"We'll go and check on Mitchell and Michaels," Jack announced, and helped Margo to her feet, seeing her wince. "All right?"

She nodded. "Yeah, your son's are just a little restless. It's getting a little tight in here," she said rubbing her stomach a little.

"Teal'c will be with the Colonel and the Major. He was heading there when Dr. Read released him," Sarah revealed. "Perhaps you can convince him to rest."

"We'll do our best," Margo replied, but sounded doubtful as they headed for the ICU.

"Well, luv, let's get young Kayla settled so her parents can see her," Carson said gently. Sarah nodded followed him.

"Hey, doc, is there anything we can do?" Liam Montgomery inquired. "Do you need someone to pick up Aeron from day care?"

"If it's no problem," Sam answered. "We usually pick her and Ari up in about an hour."

"I'll do it, Dr. Carter," Jennifer Hailey offered. "And I'll stay with her until you get back."

"Thank you, Jen."

"Hey kiddo," Lt. Grant Simmons spoke to Ari, having hunkered down near him. "How about you and I go check out ASG-1's team room? I happen to know where the Captain has a secret stash of chocolate bars."

Ari ducked his head shyly and then nodded. "Okay." He let the young Lieutenant lift him from his father's lap.

"Not too many, Grant," Sam insisted.

"Got it, Dr. Carter," he said with a smile, his teammate frowning, it was her chocolate after all.

"I'll look after them," Liam smirked, and ushered the youngest members of the team and the boy out.

Daniel took his wife's hand. "They're going to be fine, all of them."

"I know," she squeezed his hand. "It's just hard seeing them hurt."

He nodded. "I know, I feel the same way."

A few minutes later, Carson returned and took them to the ward. Elizabeth was seated next to John's bed, the Lt. Colonel was barely conscious, but she held his hand and reassured him anyway.

In the bed next to him was Kayla, she was hooked to the same monitors as Sheppard and was just as groggy.

"She's going to be fine," Carson assured them. "I've given her something for the pain, that's what's making her groggy."

Nodding both went over to their daughter and sat next to her bed. Daniel took her hand in his.

Kayla opened her eyes, and tried to fight against the darkness that threatened to take her again. "Dad," she blinked and focused harder.

"We're here, kiddo," he said and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Carson said you're going to be fine."

"Would… would have been better… if… if John hadn't landed on me."

He chuckled. "I'm sure he didn't mean it, honey."

"I know," she closed her eyes, feeling the darkness trying to grip her; she was damn sure Carson had slipped in something more than painkillers. She opened her eyes again. "Cam? Ryan?"

"They're both in ICU, Kayla, but they're going to be fine." Sam assured her. Leaving out the part about both being in a coma.

"Was hit first…" Kayla said barely conscious. "John… John grabbed me… pulled me through. They were… behind us… Then suddenly they… they were thrown over our heads… I… I want… want to be with him…" her eyes closed again, her words slurred at the end and she slipped into unconsciousness.

Leaning forward, Daniel kissed his daughter's forehead and then sat back. Sam snuggled up against him and got as comfortable as she was going to get.

DF

Elizabeth found John out on the balcony near his quarters. After two days, Carson had released him. Of course, she also knew Daniel had helped by healing the bruised ribs. Daniel had been working 4 hour on and 4 hours sleeping, healing them in turns, and not with complete success. "Hey you," she greeted cheerfully.

He forced a smile. "Hey."

She became worried. "Are you alright?"

He gripped the railing until his knuckles turned white. "We need to get our home back, Elizabeth."

Last night they'd gotten word that the Asurans, the Pegasus galaxy's own replicators, had attacked Atlantis. Days earlier, right after SG-1 had been injured, General O'Neill had left to help with negotiations intended to get Atlantis back, or at least create a joint Alteran-Earth expedition. Apparently, the Ancients weren't getting on well with Woolsey, and had requested another negotiator. Then the distress call had come through, and it didn't look good. According to the SGC, their hands were tied, as nobody knew what to do.

Behind them, Rodney, Carson, Kayla, Daniel and Teal'c came onto the balcony. This was a show of support, and they knew it.

"So how are we going to do it?" Kayla asked him, and saw him frown a little. "With Cam and Ryan still in the infirmary, you are SG-1's ranking officer. If you want to do this, we'll follow you."

"I can't ask you to, Atlantis isn't your home," he told them.

"John, Atlantis is as much a part of Kayla, as it is of you," Daniel said. "Just as Auratora is a part of you too. You both feel it, stronger than the rest of us."

"Mitchell won't like it." John said sternly.

"John," Kayla crossed over to him, taking his hands in hers. "Cam would understand." She gave his hands a squeeze. "He trusts you, he always has. So what are we waiting for?"

"A good plan for one," Rodney commented.

They all chuckled; John shook his head, getting an idea. "Kiddo, have we got any Sodan cloaking devices?"

She nodded and stepped back, releasing his hands. "What are you thinking?"

"I think we have the added advantage," he remarked. "Rodney, can you get us through the shield of the Atlantis Stargate?"

He nodded. "Yes, no problem," he agreed. "We're also going to need anti-Replicator weapons."

"We have those, Dr. McKay." Teal'c added.

"We'll also need Ronon and Teyla." Elizabeth added.

"Are you going to let Samantha into our little plan?" Carson added.

They all looked to Daniel, he sighed. "I don't want her worrying, but I think we should, Margo too."

"All right, head to the conference room. Daniel, contact Sam and Margo." Elizabeth ordered them gently.

They agreed and left the balcony, Daniel radioing his wife, letting her know the plan, and to pass on the message to Margo. By the time they reached the conference room, both women were there.

Inside, Kayla shut the conference room doors with a mental command and locked down the security system the same way. She nodded to John as they took their seats.

"Alright, what's going on?" Sam asked them, knowing something was up.

"We're going to get Atlantis, General O'Neill, and Woolsey back," John stated. "We're taking a puddle-jumper, a few Sodan clocking devices and anti-Replicator weapons."

"That's all you need?" she inquired, not at all surprised at the ambitious attitudes around the room.

"Some P-90's, C-4, detonators, and whatever else we can carry with us," he added.

"So, what is your plan?"

"We're going to pick up Teyla and Ronon, as they know the layout of Atlantis by heart, and then head for a Stargate. We drop a couple of packagers off when we arrive in Atlantis, and then exit to see our friend Niam."

"We're going to introduce a virus into his system that he'll transfer to the other Replicators." Rodney said proudly.

"You said a couple of packagers," Sam reminded.

"We're going to drop off Kayla and Teal'c; they'll be using the Sodan cloaking devices. They can look for General O'Neill and Woolsey without being detected."

"How are you going to drop them off?"

"Site to site transport, mum," Kayla answered. "I can control the program from the puddle-jumper. We can be inside the city and cloaked before they know we're there."

Sam rubbed her temples. "I don't like this, but I'm not going to stop you," she said quickly before they could interrupt. "I also don't want to know any more. Just do what you have to do."

"And bring Jack back," Margo added.

They all nodded; determination on their faces, especially John's. In the short time he'd been a member of SG-1, he'd gotten to know what it really meant to be a part of their team, and that was going to be with him for the rest of his life. Getting to their feet, John waited until Sam and Margo had left before he split them up into teams, giving them orders, telling them when they'd meet up. Before Kayla left, he grabbed her arm. "Go to Mitchell. Now."

She nodded and left the room, heading for the infirmary, slipping easily into ICU. All that recon training was paying off in more than one way. She went over to her fiancé's bed; perching on the edge, she took his hand, being careful of the IV. He looked like he was asleep, but she knew better. He'd slipped into a coma, just as Michaels had. Bracing herself on the bed, she leant over and rested her forehead against his. "We're going to get Jack back, Cam, and Atlantis," she whispered and then lifted her head, brushing her lips against his. "I love you. Don't you forget that, and I need you, we need you. Danny and I." Tears welled in her eyes, and slid down her cheeks. "Don't make me bring her up alone, Cam. I need you at my side."

"Always…"

She blinked, and saw his eyes were just barely open. For a moment she thought she'd imagined the tiny whisper of his voice. "Cam?"

He managed a smile. "Go… bring the General… home…"

Sniffling, she nodded happily. "We will," she assured him.

Cameron squeezed her hand. "Love you."

"I know," she leant forward again, this time when she brushed her lips against his, he responded, kissing her back. "I love you too," she said when they parted, reluctant to leave him, to go on this mission without him at her side. "I have to go."

He nodded slowly. "I'll be… waiting."

She stood and leaned over, kissing him again. The sound of heels made her straighten, and saw Sarah Brightman smiling from the doorway. "I'll be back soon," she promised her fiancé, seeing him nod. She walked over to the doctor. "Take good care of him."

"I will, Kayla. Be careful." She nodded and then hurried away. Sarah walked further into the room to her patient. "So Colonel, how are we feeling, or is that a loaded question after the kiss you're fiancée just gave you."

He managed to chuckle, then regretted it straight away. He hurt, gasping for breath as his body racked with pain.

"Easy Colonel," Sarah urged her hand on his shoulder. "Slow your breathing."

A nurse ran in carrying a syringe; he hadn't even heard her call anyone. He saw Brightman take it and inject the medication into the IV port, the pain immediately starting to ease.

"There we go, Colonel," Sarah said gently, handing back the syringe to the nurse. "Pain easing?"

"Yeah," he said his voice hoarse.

She got him a few ice chips, feeding them to him. "That should help."

He let them melt a little in his mouth; the coolness settled his parched throat. When they were melted, he missed the coolness. "Michaels?"

"He woke up, just before you did," she told him, and then smiled a little, "and is flirting with one of my nurses."

A small smile slipped onto Cameron's lips, small because whatever she'd given him had taken the pain away, but was also making him groggy. "Carolyn… is going to be… jealous."

"Most likely, but he's a big boy, he'll survive," Sarah said, finding it amusing. "Now, let's take a look at you and then I'll let you sleep some more."

"Don't want to… sleep."

"Sorry, Colonel, but your body needs it," she contradicted him. "So, be a good patient and I'll let Danny come and see you a little later."

Barely able to keep his eyes open, he agreed. Damn woman had slipped more than painkillers into him.

Sarah finished her examination, her patient sleeping through most of it. Smiling, she updated his chart and then left the room, seeing Sam and Margo waiting for her. "He's going to be fine," she assured them. "There's no residual damage from the weapon that hit both him and Major Michaels," she reported. "Sleep is the best thing for him, his body needs to regenerate, and it can't do that if he's awake and active."

Sam sighed and rubbed her swollen stomach, a reflex action. "Thanks, Sarah."

The doctor smiled. "Why don't the two of you get some rest," she advised. "You really shouldn't be on your feet."

"We're going, Sarah," Margo assured her.

"I'll see you both later then," Sarah said and ushered them out. She didn't need either going into labor at this point.

DF

Things didn't go according to plan for the makeshift SG-1 team, but then again, things rarely did. They found Teyla and Ronon, and told them what they intended doing to get Atlantis back. They dialed the Stargate on Teyla's home world, deactivated the Atlantis Stargate shield using the controls on the puddle-jumper, and flew into Atlantis. They were able to locate General O'Neill as they dropped off their package into the depths of the city. Once cloaked, Teal'c and Kayla used their LS detectors, and went in search of Jack and Richard, while Sheppard and the others blew the hell out of the Gate Room.

Unfortunately, the Asurans immediately began rebuilding the damaged section of the tower. The only good news was, the Replicators had no idea that they had two intruders in the city, the Sodan clocking devices made the wearer invisible not only to the eye but all electronic devices and scanners. They could not even be detected by infra-red. The bad news was, the city was huge, and they had to take the stairs, for hundreds of levels.

Niam was missing when they arrived at the location in space where he had been dumped in their last encounter with the Replicators, so the puddle-jumper headed back to Atlantis, and landed undetected on pier #4. Rodney then came up with Plan C, which everyone suspected he had just invented 15 seconds earlier. The anti-replicator weapons were stripped, and everyone suited up in the remaining cloaking devices. Leaving the puddle-jumper cloaked, they headed into the city.

It took an hour for both teams to meet up, as they could not use radios, and relied solely on the life-signs detectors to find O'Neill and Woolsey. They approached the cell holding the two prisoners, who could not see that their rescuers were coming until they heard Teyla whispering, "So far we have not seen any replicators in the area, as I believe they are all busy making repairs. However, it might be prudent to hurry."

Though Jack couldn't see anyone, he was certain that he had just heard Teyla's voice. Grumbling, "If you lot can move your asses, I would like to get out of this cell!"

Rodney dropped his cloak, "Keep your voice down, General, loud voices will trigger an alarm; it's part of the Atlantis intruder alert system I created, you know, just in case we get invaded by those Re'tu bugs."

Jack looked absolutely livid. "McKay," he hissed, "shut up and get working on that security panel…"

Suddenly the door to the cell opened, setting off the alarm. Everyone else dropped their cloak, Kayla replacing the cover on the security panel.

Kayla quickly hugged Jack. "We don't have time to discuss this, Uncle Jack. We have a plan. You and Woolsey run like hell, and keep them distracted while we do our thing."

"That's it?" he grumbled.

"That's it," she said with a grin. "Bye Uncle Jack."

Richard yelled, "Wait," as everyone vanished again. He then looked at Jack, "Do they realize how painful it is getting hit with those Replicator stun guns? This plan sucks."

Jack pushed him out into the corridor, and yelled at Richards face. "You run that way, I'll go this way, and don't stop till your legs give out, or I will personally break both your legs, now move."

Meanwhile, each member of the rescue party headed for a shield generator control panel, located in each pier of the city. After fifteen minutes of running, they stopped, extracted the crystals from their vest pockets, and inserted them into a slot in the control panel, following McKay's detailed instructions. They all headed for the puddle-jumper, and removed their Sodan cloaks once inside the protective cloaking of the shuttle.

Kayla was the last to return, as she had been assigned the pier at the farthest distance from the shuttle. As she decloaked, Rodney looked at his LS detector, and commented. "Oh boy, General O'Neill is not going to be happy. He and Woolsey are right back in the cell, and this time it looks like they are bound together, neck to feet."

Kayla rolled her eyes. "So what's this brilliant plan you have Rodney. You know, the one you refused to tell the rest of your team about?"

Rodney looked up, and smiled with that condescending stupid grin that everyone hated, "Hey, one of you could have been captured." They all looked at him, ready to wring his neck, so he quickly continued; "Now we attack Atlantis. By the way, did anybody see the Alterans? There are supposed to be a hundred of them in the city."

Teyla replied. "Yes and no Rodney. We noticed clothing in the hallways, and assume that they ascended when they lost hope of repelling the Replicators. Perhaps some were captured; we will not know until we can retake the city. Which is when?"

Kayla was in the pilot's seat, and was lifting off, having already figured out Rodney's plan. "Now!"

She flew the shuttle above the city, beyond the range of the shield, and fired a single drone at the towers, directing the drone to fly around the buildings and explode harmlessly near the control tower. As predicted, the Asurans raised the shield, triggering the anti-replicator wave pattern instead of the shield. Every Asuran on Atlantis disintegrated into a pile of dust, which Kayla verified as she flew past the window to the control room.

Teyla then turned to everyone as Kayla landed the shuttle. "Who has the honor of freeing General O'Neill from his bonds? Perhaps the person who came up with this brilliant plan?"

Everyone looked at Rodney, who began shaking his head as they ushered him out the back of the shuttle and towards the brig on Atlantis.

DF

Kayla found John out on the balcony near the Gate Room on Atlantis, and joined him at the balustrade. "Glad to be home?"

"Yeah," he gave her a smile and slipped his arm around her shoulders. They were all tired, as none of them had much sleep since the Daedalus arrived to patrol the area. Military teams had begun the tedious job of searching the city for Alteran survivors, or possible active Replicator cells. "All set to go back to Auratora?"

She nodded. "Your gear on Auratora is being packed up and will be sent though. Several Atlantis personnel have already arrived from Earth and are giving a hand to get everything packed up," she revealed. "In fact Teal'c, Dad, Jack and I are getting ready to head back."

He drew her fully into his arms. "You did good little squirt," he praised her.

"So did you, Colonel," she mused and kissed his cheek.

"Thanks kiddo," he stepped back and removed the SG-1 patch from his uniform sleeve, handing it to her.

Kayla took it and put it back on his sleeve. "You'll always be a part of the team, John. Even Cam would tell you that."

He drew her back into his arms. "You look after him, okay. I want to dance at your wedding."

"You will," she gripped the back of his shirt. "Be careful too, I'd like to dance at yours."

John nuzzled the top of her head. "I don't know if I'm ready for that kiddo."

"Yes you are, John," she contradicted. "You and Elizabeth are meant for each other. You're already there, and you just need to take the next step. Besides I want nephews and nieces."

He chuckled. "We'll see, little girl. We'll see," he said and then released her. "Come on, I'll walk you to the Stargate, you've a daughter and fiancé to get back to."

She nodded and followed him back inside. Elizabeth and the rest of Sheppard's team were waiting, along with Carson. The Puddle-jumper they'd borrowed was hovering near the open Stargate, the back opened. Jack, Teal'c and Daniel were inside, the General at the controls, they'd already said goodbye.

Elizabeth gave Kayla a hug. "Thank you for your help."

"You're welcome," she said smiling, she hugged each of them in turn, even Ronon, before getting aboard and closing the hatch. The Puddle-jumper rose a little and went through the active Stargate, coming out in Auratora's Gate Room. They rose to the jumper bay and disembarked, only to find a Marine guard hanging up a portable phone and yelling towards them.

"General O'Neill!"

"What is it, Sergeant?" Jack asked him.

"Sir, you're needed in the infirmary, your wife has gone into labor," the Sergeant said quickly.

Jack didn't wait for any more information; he just took off in the direction of the infirmary, leaving them to follow. A nurse ushered them away when they arrived, pointing to the waiting area.

Daniel went over to Sam, who went willingly into his arms. "Are you alright?"

She nodded. "Shouldn't I be asking you that?" she mused.

"I'm fine," he said and saw her smile. "I am."

"I know."

"Come and sit down," he insisted and guided her over to a chair.

"Kayla, Cam wants to see you," Sam told SG-1's archaeologist.

"Thanks Sam."

"I will visit Major Michaels." Teal'c announced.

"We'll let you know if we hear anything." Daniel promised.

Teal'c bowed his head and left. Kayla imitated him, and also left, smiling.

"Who's looking after the city while we're all here?" Daniel asked his wife.

"Major Montgomery," she answered. "Liam was in Operations when I got the call, he told me to go, that he'd handle everything, and he is certainly competent."

"He's a good guy."

Jon and Cassie arrived. "We just heard," Jon declared.

"Take a seat guys, it could be a while." Daniel told them.

"Where are Teal'c and Kayla?" Jon inquired.

"Teal'c is visiting Ryan, and Kayla is with Cameron." Sam answered.

"So, did everything go to plan, Uncle Daniel?" Cassie asked.

"No, everything didn't," he admitted. "And believe me, it's a good thing the Jumper ride home only lasted seconds. I don't think I could have put up with more of Jack grumbling about having been tied up to Woolsey to save our asses."

"Woolsey?"

"Yea, ask Jack about it, if you have an hour. And Rodney is hiding out, somewhere…"

"Um, I'll pass," Cassie smiled.

Daniel asked his wife. "Where is Drew?"

"He was with his mother when she went into labor, I guess they're letting him stay," she revealed. "He's been amazing through it all."

"He's a good kid," Jon smirked. "But then again, he's my little brother."

"And he survived," Daniel teased back. "That proves he's a strong kid."

"Oh very funny," the Lieutenant grumbled as they chuckled softly.

Cameron had been settled in a private room in the infirmary, Kayla now at his bedside, holding his hand. She looked at bit ragged, "Are you sure you're all right?"

She smiled. "I'm fine." She was still wearing the same clothes she'd left in, sweaty and dusty.

"You should go have a hot shower, and see Danny," he told her.

"I will, I wanted to see you first," she said, and then pretended to yawn.

"You need some sleep," he declared. "Sheppard should have made you sleep, when did you last eat?"

"I've eaten, Cam. The Daedalus was there, and Caldwell transported down supplies, as the damn Replicators converted all the organic material in the city to more functional carbon uses."

He released her and managed to move over a little in the small bed. "Come on."

Unlacing her boots, Kayla pulled them off and gently crawled onto the bed beside him, snuggling close. He slipped his arm around her to stop her from falling off. "That better?" she asked him, gently resting her hand on his abdomen, feeling the surgical dressing beneath his scrub shirt.

"Much," he said and winced. "Now sleep," he ordered.

"Yes, sir, Colonel, sir."

"Smart ass," he whispered, caressing her back through the black t-shirt she wore.

Kayla closed her eyes, pretending to sleep, and spread her hand out. With her head lying partly on his shoulder, she could feel every breath he took and knew when he'd drifted off. It was then she relaxed and concentrated on healing him, slowly and carefully.

Daniel and Dr. Read found them together nearly two hours later. Daniel had gotten the same idea, and with Jon acting as anchor for him, he'd healed Ryan. Then the thought that maybe Kayla would try it alone with Cameron had them running to the Colonel's room.

Dr. Mark Read checked their pulse and then the monitors that Mitchell was hooked too. He then shook the Colonel by the shoulder. "Colonel Mitchell… Colonel…"

Cameron stirred and woke, feeling no pain or discomfort; in fact, he felt good. "Hey doc," he greeted and saw Kayla asleep next to him, realizing why he felt so good. "Damn it, of all the stupid…"

"Easy, Colonel," Dr. Read insisted, and glanced to Daniel. "Dr. Jackson?"

Daniel gave his daughter's shoulder a shake. "Kayla?"

She opened her eyes and groaned. "Dad?"

"I'm here, honey, can you get up?"

"Yeah." While getting off the bed, her legs gave out as soon as they hit the floor, causing her to fall into her father's arms. "Tired."

"I don't doubt it, what the hell were you thinking, Jackson?" Cameron snapped at her.

Daniel sat his daughter in the chair near the bed, seeing her wince. He frowned, but not at the Colonel. "Kayla, that wasn't smart."

She rubbed her forehead. "I had to do it," she said wearily.

Dr. Read finished unhooking Cameron from the monitors; he also removed the IV. The Colonel sat up. He put a hand on his shoulder. "Not so fast, Colonel, I want to make sure Dr. Jackson healed you fully."

"Fine, then when you're done, I'm going to chew her a new one," he growled and laid back down.

Daniel helped his daughter to her feet. "Come on honey," he helped her out of room and back to the waiting room, her boots in his hand.

Jon jumped up and gave him a hand as they sat her down. He shoved a power bar in her hand. "You healed the Colonel, right?"

She nodded and ripped the power bar open, taking a bite. "I wanted too."

"But you don't do it alone, Kayla," her father said bluntly. "You know you need to use an anchor."

"I did, I used Cam, he was my anchor," she bit into the bar again. "It worked, he's healed."

"And ready to kill you, I'm guessing." Jon remarked, he took the boots and got them back on her.

She shrugged. "Not the first time, besides I can handle Cam."

Daniel didn't doubt that, noting the smirk on Sam's face two seats over. He sat down next to his wife and signed. Jon finished and got up, sitting next to Cassie once more, letting Kayla finish the power bar.

A few minutes later, Cameron came into the waiting room, he was back in uniform. He was still fuming. The Major and Jaffa were behind him, giving him space.

Kayla looked up, already knowing he was there. Getting up she walked over to him, and before he could say anything, she invaded his personal space. Slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him, pressing her body as close against his as she could. Cameron soon forgot what he was going to say, and kissed her back, holding her against him. Not caring for a moment that her parents, and their friends and teammates were watching. All he could think about was how soft her lips were, how inviting her mouth was. Remembering the tantalizing things her tongue was capable off, and how soft and supple her body was, even under the t-shirt and BDU trousers.

Jon cleared his throat, feeling embarrassment and slight discomfort. "Well, that's one way to tame a fuming Colonel."

"Oh yeah," Cassie gasped.

"Do they come up for air?" Sam inquired.

"I hope so," her husband agreed.

Cameron was the one who pulled away, resting his forehead against hers, breathing hard. "Damn it, Kayla, I can't yell at you now."

"I know."

He held her head in his hands, speaking gently. "Do you know what you do to me?" he asked quietly.

"Oh I know, I can feel it," she said, her eyes a rich dark blue.

His were too. "We are going to talk about this later."

"I know," she answered, but didn't move from his embrace.

Teresa came in with baby Danyelle. "Any news yet?"

"Not yet." Daniel answered.

She took the baby over to her parents. "Good to see you on your feet, Colonel."

"Thanks Teri," he lifted his daughter from her arms and held her between him and Kayla, as Teresa sat down with Daniel and Sam to wait.

Ari raced in with Captain Hailey, who had baby Aeron in her arms. "Mummy, have Aunt Margo had the twins?"

"Not yet, sweetheart, but soon," Sam assured him.

The little boy went over to Cameron and Kayla as the Captain sat with his parents. "'Alya, you and Cam come sit with us."

"Okay, sweetheart," she agreed and let him guide them over to the chairs. They sat down, Danyelle in her father's arms. Ari climbed up and sat on Kayla's lap; he was able to snuggle against his sister while playing with his niece, since Cameron was sitting close.

Jennifer Hailey sat next to Jon and Cassie, the baby Aeron asleep in her arms.

Drew came barreling out a few minutes later. He was in kids size scrubs, his face flush with excitement. "I have baby brothers," he exclaimed excitedly as he bounced on his feet.

Jack came out behind him; he was also in scrubs, a grin on his face. "I take it you know?"

"Congratulations, Jack." Daniel said, happy for his friend.

"Thanks."

"How's Margo?" Sam asked him.

"A little sore, but she's good," he assured. "Dr. Brightman says the twins are going to have to spend a few days in ICU, because they're a little early, but she said they're healthy."

"That's great, sir," Cameron told him.

"Thank you, Colonel. Now if you'll excuse Drew and me, we're going to get changed," Jack said. "And then we can all go and see Margo and the boys."

"Take your time, Jack," Sam insisted as she rubbed her swollen belly.

He gave them a smile and then ushered his son back the way they'd come.

It wasn't long before they were all given a chance to see the twins, Sarah Brightman escorted them to the ICU and they admired the tiny infants.

"Mummy," Ari looked from the newborns to his mother. "Are my twins going to be tiny too?"

She and the others chuckled over the twins bit. "It's possible kiddo."

"Wow."

From there they were taken to see Margo, who was sitting up in bed looking tired. Jack sat next to her and Drew was on the foot of the bed. There was hugs all round for the new mother, who was surprised to see Mitchell and Michaels on their feet, but did not voice it, she had a feeling she knew what happened.

"What did you decided to call them?" Sam asked.

Margo gave her husband's hand a gentle squeeze before answering. "Jason Charles O'Neill and Marcus Daniel O'Neill. Marcus was my father's name."

"They're tiny," Ari announced. "Mummy said my twins are going to be tiny too."

Jack laughed. "They sure will kiddo."

DF

A gentle breeze billowed the curtains, the light of twin moons shone over the room, not that the two lying in each other's arms cared. Their daughter was asleep in an adjoining room. These were family quarters, and space-wise they were larger, and usually had more than one adjoining room.

Kayla ran her fingers over Cameron's chest, playing with the hair she found there, not that he was overly hairy, just enough to run one's fingers through.

"You're thinking."

"Mmmm, so I am," he mused.

"About?"

"Us, what happened last week."

It had been a week since the O'Neill twins were born; both were now home with their parents and big brother. It had also been a week since she'd healed him.

"Jack's handling being the father of twins rather well."

"They're the General's kids, they probably came to attention in the womb," he remarked.

She smiled. "They're Jack's sons and they'll be given as much love as he can muster."

All talking was abandoned and they made love, slowly. He stroked her hair in the aftermath, her body draped over his. She wasn't heavy against him and that had worried him for a while, until Daniel had mentioned Emily had been a slim woman. "You're quiet."

She lifted her head and smiled. "I was thinking."

"What about?"

"Us, marriage."

"And?"

"I think we should do it sooner rather than later," she answered.

"What brought this on?" he inquired, his fingers in her hair, trying to search her eyes for answers she wasn't giving away.

"I guess after everything that's happened in the past couple of weeks, I don't want to wait any longer," she said sincerely. "Life's too short and I want to spend every moment of it as your wife and the mother of your children."

"So, we should get married and start on a little brother for Danny?" he queried her.

"Well, we should get married and practice for a little brother for Danny," she corrected, smiling. "I think I'd like to wait a year or so before we have a baby."

"Sounds like a smart idea to me." Cameron agreed and rolled them both onto their sides, kissing her. "Damn good idea."

"I thought so," she mused and kissed him back.

DF

One month later, the Stargate on P9R-44456 activated with a kawoosh and settled into a watery puddle. To anyone watching, the Gate activated and then shut off moments later. It was not the case though. Using Sodan cloaking devices, the six-man team had arrived on the planet. Four of the six arrived heavily armed with P-90's as well as side arms; the other two carried only side arms. The team was lead by Kayla Jackson, one of the four heavily armed members, the others being Major Ryan Michaels, Lt. Jon O'Neill, and Teal'c. The other 2 members were Dr. Michelle Kaplan and Dr. Tyler Stone. Though Michaels was the ranking officer, Mitchell had given command of the team to his archaeologist.

"So far we haven't been detected." Jon remarked, but kept his eyes open, scanning the tree line.

"Let's move out," Kayla ordered. Crossing the open field, they made the tree line, both Teal'c, Ryan and John entered the woods with their P-90's ready for action. Kayla followed with the two other civilian members of the team, not expecting to find unmanned stationary cannons, placed strategically to cover the Stargate, five in all.

Ryan clipped his P-90 to his vest and examined the devices. "Automated defense weapons," he reported after a minute. "From the burn marks on the Stargate, I see why the wormhole was interrupted for a fraction of a second during our last visit."

"That means this planet's inhabitants either don't want any visitors, or they died out long ago, and left these on," Kayla theorized. "Can they be shut down?"

He nodded. "There's a central command console that will deactivate all five at once," he reported and then hit the nail on the head. "But I'm going to have to de-cloak to do it. My equipment is incompatible with the Sodan device."

"Will that not make you a target, Major Michaels?" Teal'c inquired.

"Not if I'm behind the sensors," he answered. De-cloaking he moved carefully towards the control console, pulled out a panel and began removing wires. One by one, each weapon deactivated. "It's all clear."

The rest of the team de-clocked, appearing near the Major.

"Nice work," Tyler told him.

"Thanks," he took a hand scanner from his vest and checked the readings. "I'm not getting any energy readings from the weapons, only the power source. I cut the wires, just to prevent anyone from activating the weapons, but I suggest we blow them before we leave. I hate having this stuff lying around."

Kayla nodded affirmative, and pulled a Life Sign detector from her vest. "I'm not getting any life signs, except for ours."

"So whoever was here is gone, or not in the vicinity?" Michelle suggested.

"Looks like it, or they can shield their life signs," she stated. "Let's take a look anyway." She put the LS detector back in a vest pocket.

They headed further inland, over a field of tall grass that had once been a dirt road. Ryan and Jon took point, followed by Michelle and Tyler; Kayla and Teal'c brought up the rear. After walking for nearly an hour, they came upon a valley, and within it were the ruins of a city.

Kayla looked over the city using binoculars. "It looks like we were right, there hasn't been life on this planet for a long time," she passed them to Tyler, who stood next to her.

He looked. "There's a column still standing."

She nodded, thinking it through. "Ryan, take Jon and Michelle and head back to the canons, see what you can find out about them. Power source, beam type, anything Earth could use; and try to salvage at least one sample. Tyler, Teal'c and I will check out the ruins."

He agreed as Tyler handed back the binoculars. "Keep in radio contact."

"Indeed," Teal'c insisted

Satisfied, Ryan headed back with Jon and Michelle.

Kayla put the binoculars away and followed Teal'c and Tyler into the valley. She'd fought hard to command this mission back to P9R-4456, as no team had been back since SG-1 had been attacked and spat out of the Stargate. The argument she and Cameron had gotten into over the mission had sent Marines, Air Force personnel and civilians running for cover; even Jack, Sam and Daniel had stayed out of it. Which was when Kayla had come up with the idea of using the Sodan cloaking devices, they could head to the planet and remain undetected.

It took them a little over thirty minutes to make their way through heavy brush and down into the valley.

"Why would they leave a column standing, when everything else seems to have been scavenged?" Tyler asked her. Their boots kicked up dust as they walked through the ruins. Arriving at the three meter high column, they could see that the Egyptian-style obelisk was covered in Ancient writing.

"It could have been placed here after whatever happened to the city, by the survivors perhaps. They could have put the defenses in place to stop whoever it was that attacked them from coming back."

Translating the obelisk was easy for Kayla, as she quickly read the writings while Tyler photographed each side the obelisk, and Teal'c stood watch. "The people were being culled by the Wraith," she read out loud. "They built the automated weapons as a defense against enemy troops coming through the Stargate, able to also take out the darts," she paused and read more. "The city was destroyed in a Wraith attack from orbit, but the people were able to ascend in a final defiance to the evil menace. This is a memorial to the lives lost for centuries past, and a chronicle of what happened to them at the very end." She stepped back. "When they all ascended, there was no one left to turn off the weapons."

Tyler finished his work, and put his digital camera away. "So it was just unlucky SG-1 came through the Stargate?"

She nodded. "I guess they wanted to protect their legacy," she declared and looked around her; the rest of the city was crumbling from exposure. "Let's get going," she ordered.

Nodding he agreed. "Yeah, lets."

"We're heading back Teal'c," she yelled over to the ever vigilant big guy. When he nodded, she tapped her earmic, keeping pace with the two men. "Ryan, this is Kayla."

"Go ahead, Kayla."

"We're on our way back; we'll meet you at the cannons."

"Acknowledged."

"You're quiet, Kayla Jackson." Teal'c noted, once they had left the valley.

She gave him a half smile. "I guess I've a lot on my mind."

"You are concerned about Samantha Carter," he guessed, and saw her nod. "The birth of O'Neill's twins took several hours; will this not be the same?"

"Maybe. All births are different, and mum's been in labor since the early hours of this morning."

"Well look at it this way, hon," Tyler said with a grin. "You could get home and find out you have a new baby sister and brother."

She nodded, smiling a little brighter. "Yeah, I could."

They walked the rest of the way in silence, leaving the dense brush behind and now making quick time back to the cannons. Ryan and Michelle were still hunched over one of the weapons, while Jon kept watch.

"Find anything interesting?" she asked them.

Nodding, they straightened, and took a break as Ryan reported, "Each weapon carries its own power supply, so the wires I cut were from a control device, hooked to the array of sensors, including surface vibrations. If we had landed a shuttle, with shield down, the weapon would have destroyed it." Everyone cringed at that news. "Based on the targeting range of each weapon, and your positions when you were hit, we know that the weapon that hit you was failing, mostly due to age, that's why it only took a chunk out of your leg instead of taking it right off. The one that hit Colonel Sheppard was also failing."

"The weapon that hit Colonel Mitchell and Major Michaels was on one percent power, or less," Michelle added. "Which was why they weren't killed; the fourth weapon is fully depleted, and the last was on full power, it was lucky none of you were hit with that one, you would have been killed instantly. It is the one that hit the Stargate, and is tasked with taking out incoming darts. I would guess the weapons have been hitting animals and the like, as Jon noticed that the place is littered with too many bone fragments. Unfortunately, the casings are the usual Alteran material, which will last a few million years, and will require some power tools to disassemble."

Ryan was nodding in agreement, and added, "At least we were able to remove the power packs, and have them ready for transport, so the weapons are now harmless."

"I'm going to request the General send an engineering team back to cut them loose without damaging the devices," Michelle concluded. "One of these weapons at full power at every Stargate, manned by Marines, could turn the tide on the war with the Wraith."

"All right," Kayla agreed, a cold shiver ran down her spine at what may have happened to them, a second time. "Let's head home."

Ryan closed the control console up, and they left the tree line, heading back to the Stargate.

"So," Tyler said, nudging Kayla's shoulder as they walked. "Why doesn't Mitchell let you do this more often?"

"Because he doesn't like letting his archaeologist out of his sight for very long," Jon answered for her, teasing.

"Funny, O'Neill, real funny," Kayla grumbled.

"I believe Jon O'Neill is correct, Kayla Jackson," Teal'c stated.

"Thanks Teal'c," she moaned, and the others just chuckled.

Kayla dialed the Stargate and hit her earmic, "Auratora, this is Jackson, transmitting IDC."

Moments later they received a reply from Jack, "Shield is down, Dr. Jackson, come on home."

"On our way," she reported, snorting at his response. It was typical Jack.

Jack was standing at the bottom of the stairs, bouncing on his heels. "Welcome back, kids, how did it go?"

"It went well, O'Neill." Teal'c replied as they handed over everything to the waiting Marine guards.

"Good, Teal'c," he said grinning. "When you're at the infirmary, you might want to drop into the maternity ward, and see the new additions to the Jackson family."

"Sam had the twins?" Kayla asked him excitedly.

"That she did kiddo, a boy and a girl."

She squealed and hugged him, kissing his cheek. "See you later, Uncle Jack," she said, and hurried off.

Jack chuckled. "The rest of you let Indiana know we'll debrief in two hours."

"Will do, sir," Ryan replied as he and the others left the Gate Room.

Kayla didn't want to rush through her physical, lest she infect the babies with some alien bug, but she couldn't sit still as Dr. Brightman ran the Alteran scanners over her entire body. When she finally made it to her stepmother's room, her fatigue shirt had been left behind, and her black t-shirt was half out, making her look a little rumbled.

Daniel looked up as she rushed into the room. "Hey, sweetheart, come meet your brother and sister."

She perched on the edge of her stepmother's bed; Sam had a small wrapped bundle in her arms. This one had a pink blanket. "Is this Clair?" Kayla asked.

"It is," Sam told her. "Do you want to hold her?" She saw the younger woman nod, and settled the baby in her arms. "There you go."

Kayla brushed a finger over the infant's cheek. "She looks a little like Danny did."

"That's what Cameron said," Daniel stated, he held a wrapped bundle in his arms, a blue blanket.

Soft blue eyes looked up at her, and Kayla leant over and kissed her forehead, before straightening. "She's beautiful, as are all babies, and that's all that matters."

"They both are," the proud father said, and then chuckled at the way his son scrunched up his nose. "You know, he looks a little like Cameron."

Sam chuckled. "Oh I think he looks a lot like his daddy," she mused.

"Limited gene pool," Kayla smirked, and saw them both look questioningly at her. "It's something Vala Mal Doran said after she met Cam, she remarked he looked like dad, and said there must be a limited gene pool."

"Oh I think it's just good breeding," Sam giggled.

"What is?" Cameron asked as he walked into the room, his squirming daughter in his arms.

"Nothing," Kayla said with a grin. She turned a little. "Hey, sweetie, want to meet your Aunt Clair."

Cameron set the seven month old down on the bed next to Sam, "Ba."

Kayla grinned, "Baby."

"Gam's?" Danyelle pointed to Sam.

Kayla nodded. "Yes, Grandma's."

"Everyone is stunned at how smart your baby is Kayla, and how fast Danyelle is learning languages. Dr. Brightman said both of these newborns have the ATA gene," Daniel told them. "Not that I doubted they wouldn't."

"Not with mum having the gene therapy and you having the gene naturally," his daughter noted and then asked. "Where are Ari and Aeron?"

"With Leanne," Sam said. The Air Force had decided they needed a nanny, and Leanne Andrews had arrived, a qualified nanny, who had hand-to-hand combat training and weapons training. Jack had joked she was going to need it. "They were here earlier."

Kayla gave the infant back to her mother, and her own daughter climbed up onto her lap, snuggling close. Kayla glanced at her watch, "I have to get to the briefing." She stood, holding Danyelle in front of her, forehead to forehead. "Want to come along sweetie. I'm sure Grandpa Jack would love to have you."

"'Ack," Danyelle said excitedly, clapping her hands, making her parents and grandparents chuckle.

"On that note, we're off." Kayla mused; she turned to her fiancé. "We'll see you later."

"You certainly will," he drew the two of them closer and brushed his lips over hers.

Danyelle pouted. "Iss, da da," she demanded.

Cameron chuckled. "Yes, darling," he said and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Come on sweetie," Kayla said, and they walked out as Danyelle waved to her father and grandparents.

"Pouts just like her mother," Sam mused.

"Who pouts like her father," Cameron noted, teasing.

"Hey," Daniel jumped in, which made the two of them laugh.

"Oh yeah, just like her father," the Colonel remarked, and strolled out of the infirmary.

DF

To be continued...