As he felt the strange sensation of rematerializing on the other side of the gate, Hawk felt the pain of hitting the ground. While he was hoping Teal'c would break his fall, the armor he was wearing caused its own pain. His shoulder hurt.

Hawk looked up and saw a beautiful face. Where did we gate to? The woman had bobbed red hair and wore a green jumpsuit that an armor specialist might wear. Dr. Jackson and Captain Carter jarred his attention from the welcoming sight.

"Colonel, are you all right?" asked Jackson.

"What's going on?" asked Carter.

"Let me help you, Colonel," stated the woman. He finally noticed the name "Krieger" on her lapel.

"Let's get out of the way, the last jeep and the MoBaT will be coming next," moaned Hawk, who strained to breath amidst the pain.

Teal'c was up quickly and was staring at the Colonel, ignoring everything, and everyone around them. He began shouting and speaking demonstrably, moving his arms with visible rage. Armed soldiers moved into position to fire on the angry enemy combatant. Daniel began speaking with him in questioning tones, while also reassuring the soldiers. They all quickly moved to the right of the gate, Teal'c staring the whole way, still furious.

The woman, however, ran to the left side of the gate. Krieger she was on the flight from Jersey. As Hawk finished the thought, Clutch drove the Vamp out of the gate and onto the ramp. Hawk saw the Flak was empty. Shortfuze was all soldier, and would do his best to see the others come home. 12 left.

Clutch stopped after the Flak cleared the ramp. "Out, soldier!" yelled pfc Krieger. "I'll take it from here".

Clutch could not resist, "Are you my welcoming committee?"

"No," she responded as Clutch got out. She jumped into the Vamp and smartly quipped to Clutch, "No, I'm your red-headed, step-child in overalls, grease-monkey chick with a wrench! Whatever that means." Clutch looked as if he had been caught, and then Krieger shoved his rifle at him. "If it comes through that gate and you don't know who it is, shoot it!"

Clutch's face turned red. Several of the Joes had tried to shush him on the plane to Colorado Springs as he was berating the female mechanic, but he liked to run his mouth. And now he was in trouble.

Krieger moved the jeep away from the gate. As she did, medical teams who had been attending to refugees began attending to the Joes and the SGC personnel who had most recently come through the gate.

Then someone fell through the gate. Clutch ran up the ramp to see it was Breaker. He helped the discombobulated Breaker over to the right of the gate where Carter, Jackson, Teal'c and Hawk were waiting. 11.

Breaker and Clutch overheard the doctor talking to Hawk, "It's separated, after everyone's through we'll get you to the infirmary and get this shoulder x-rayed and scanned."

"I don't want it any sooner than that…" Hawk saw his name, "Dr. Greer." The mild African-American doctor nodded and smiled. This is right where I want to be, smiled the doc to himself.

Hawk and the others heard a commotion over their headpieces. Hawk clearly heard Shortfuze say, "Get going!"

The armored tank began to emerge from the pool, armor, tracks, turret, and then Steeler followed by the rest of his MoBaT. He pulled through slowly and yelled, "We need medical attention!"

Next the front of the Hal materialized. It was damaged. Shortfuze was on the Hal holding Grand Slam in place. Dr. Greer ran to the Hal as Steeler rolled off the ramp. He was joined by a petite woman. Hawk noticed that Greer was an army doc, while the woman was definitely Air Force. Sgt. Warren helped the medics and Shortfuze lower Grand Slam onto a stretcher. Clutch and Breaker walked over to the stretcher and saw that Grand Slam was unconscious. 8 left, though one of those who made it was seriously injured.

Finally the Air Force woman told Dr. Greer that she would take the patient. "I will wait for the rest," he responded, knowing that with more shooting, there could be more injuries.

Hawk thought about the combat positions. O'Neill, Grunt, Stalker, and Rock'n'Roll had the furthest to go.

He was interrupted in his thoughts by Teal'c and Dr. Jackson as they approached him. But before they could address him they all hear the cry, "Grunt's down." Hawk felt anxiety that he was not there, but Stalker was. It did not take away the angst, but if anyone would do something, it would be Stalker.

Teal'c was no longer angry. Dr. Jackson was just about to speak when they heard, "Enemy ship," followed by "hold your fire." Hawk could barely stand it, but he looked at the two men in front of him.

"Teal'c wanted to apologize," said Dr. Jackson sheepishly.

"Why?" asked Hawk.

"He was mad that you had attacked him and shoved him through the gate. He did not understand why you had done that."

"I'm not so sure myself."

"We overheard Clutch and Breaker talking about why Breaker came through the gate alone. I explained their conversation. Teal'c wanted to stay and fight, but he understands now why you did it, even though he might not agree."

"It was a choice. I felt it was the best choice, even though I did not like it myself."

Jackson and Teal'c carried on a short conversation. "He says he might have done the same thing himself."

With that, Rock'n'Roll came through the gate on the motorcycle with Grunt holding tight on to his back. He jerked the bike at the last minute to avoid the Hal, which pfc Krieger was just now pulling away in the MoBaT.

Steeler grabbed his laser-rifle and his uzi and moved over to the left side of the gate. Greer and Hawk ran to Rock'n'Roll and Grunt. Dr. Greer looked closely at him but before he could pronounce a prognosis, Hawk, and all the SGC personnel heard Stalker yell on their radios, "Snakeyes!" Hawk lost count of who was left.

Hawk ran to the ramp as Dr. Greer guided Grunt over to the Air Force gate technician, Master Sgt. Siler, to walk him to the infirmary.

"I think you'll be alright, but we'll need to make sure," ordered the doctor.

"I'll take care of him, doc," replied Siler.

Then, another splash. Joes and SGC personnel alike gasped, guffawed, and cheered as Snakeyes and Skaara seemingly glided out of the pool with a beautiful woman's arms draped around their shoulders. Jackson, Hawk, Carter, Teal'c , and Greer all ran to meet them.

But before they reached them, the woman threw Skaara down. Snakeyes, however, lowered himself to the ground while maintaining a grasp on Sha'uri's arm. As he fell, he twirled around in a lightning move in front of her, spread his legs out like scissors and pinched the bottom of her right leg with his. His right knee went to the back of her knee while his left leg held her ankle/shin steady. She buckled from the move and went down.

Rather than tackle her, Hawk and the others pointed their laser rifles directly at her. Teal'c said something that Daniel did not translate, nor Skaara. Sha'uri gave up fighting, and slowly got up, as SGC marines pointing their weapons at her, taking custody from the Joes.

After the Joes took Sha'uri down, Zap brought a wounded Sgt. Casey through the gate. The medical personnel ran to meet them.

The Joes surrounded Snakeyes and said things like, "I knew you would make it," and "Never count old Snake' out". Marines took Sha'uri away with Daniel trailing right behind them. Skaara was torn, but he waited by the gate for O'Neill and the others. He would see Sha'uri again, but he was anxious about those still on the other side of the gate.

At this moment Hawk noticed General Hammond for the first time. He was behind the gate control area, on the radio. Several airmen, and Hawk thought marines, surrounded him as he gave orders. One airman with noticeable white hair sat at a computer in front of Hammond feverishly typing. They were too far away for Hawk to identify anyone with Hammond.

Hawk over-heard Greer say to some medics, prep this one for surgery, I'll be there once the rest are through. He liked Greer. Several Joes congratulated Casey for making it through the gate. Then they tried to encourage him saying things like, "ole doc'll pull you through", and "you're strong, you'll come out of this better than ever." They knew it could have just as easily been them and some of them were uncomfortable with the combination of his bad luck, and their good luck.

Hawk turned his attention to Snakeyes. Skaara was explaining that something had happened in the ship (They got the ship? thought Hawk) while Scarlett, Hon'Teck, and Apophis were still on board. Hawk quickly ran through who was left in his mind: Scarlett, Stalker, O'Neill, Flash, Kowalski,…

As he was running through his list he saw Scarlett's blue and tan jumpsuit, as well as her unmistakable red hair. O'Neill carried her in his arms, she appeared to be semi-conscious. She was injured.

Stalker, Flash and Kowalski came through the gate almost simultaneously. "Close the gate," it was Kowalski who had given the order. The white haired Air Force technician seated in front of Hammond typed furiously. A metal frame closed, covering the vertical pool. They heard one loud thud from the other side of the frame, and then they all heard a swoosh. The gate, and the portal to the far away planet that had been their home for the past 24 hours plus was now closed, and they were home.

Medics brought a gurney up to Colonel O'Neill, but Snakeyes walked right past them. He securely, and gently lifted Scarlett from the struggling O'Neill. Snakeyes nodded his head, and turned away, ignoring the medics. Greer did stop him. He would not be opposed.

"Let me take a quick look at her." Snakeyes paused. "Bruise on her forehead, deformity to the left forearm. Nothing else visible." Greer looked at the silent, masked soldier. "Follow these medics, they will take you to the ETC where we can check her more thoroughly."

Scarlett roused. It was her first lucid moment since the ship had jerked. "Snakeyes," she said in a moan. Then she added, "My left knee is killing me."

"We'll check that out." Greer looked over at a nurse who was now standing with the medics. She had a paper chart ready for his orders. "Do a major panel. X-ray the wrist and left knee. We will need at least a CT of her head, and depending on the x-rays, we may need to MRI the knee, but that can wait. We need to know if she has a head-bleed. I'm going to do exploratory on Sergeant Casey while we do these tests on her."

As they moved away, the rest of the Joes, SG-1, and SG-2, as well as the support personnel under the tent, and General Hammond all gathered. Hawk stepped away from the crowd up the ramp toward the empty gate, which now only showed a tent wall. He stared into the empty space. O'Neill walked up beside him and put his hand on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry we had to leave her behind."

"She wasn't ready and I should have known it. I believed we could help her by sending her on a mission, but I'm afraid I got her killed."

"You don't know that, she seems like she was good at hiding and keeping her eyes open. Maybe we can get back to her."

"We may have to, but I don't want to risk anyone else on my mistake." O'Neill just stood there. Hawk was feeling guilty. He would recover, and be the better for his mistake. But what consequences would it have.

"O'Neir," Skaara said slowly and softly, "where is Hon'Teck…and Apophis?"

O'Neill turned around and noticed the celebration had ceased. Everyone was staring at him, including Hammond. "They're both dead. I looks like Apophis was carrying a weapon and he used it to shoot Hon'Teck. Hon'Teck turned around and before he died, he killed Apophis."

Skaara bowed his head. It was Hon'Teck who had joined Scarlett in saving him and Sha'uri. Hon'Teck had revived him in the sarcophagus. Together, they had taken out the landing port's guards and captured the shuttle, Apophis, and rescued Sha'uri. He looked at the soldiers around him. He looked up, and yelled, "Behold, Hon'Teck, Slayer of Apophis." Then he spoke it again in his own language for Teal'c.

Teal'c understood and added to the song, which Skaara then translated, "Behold, Hon'Teck, the first Jaffa who could truly say, 'I die free!'"

Two days later… Hawk stood at the gate, staring at the pool of water. He was joined by General Hammond who stood quietly for a few moments. Then he asked, "Any sign?"

"No. We've checked every couple of hours for two days. No radio response."

"I'm sorry, Colonel."

"I'd like to keep trying for a couple more days."

"That would be fine. Right now we have a meeting to attend."

Hawk came head of the table in the briefing room overlooking the stargate. Doctor Janet Fraiser handed Hawk a list.

"Here is the list of casualties from the mission: from SG-1-Colonel O'Neill and Dr. Jackson are both still in the infirmary with concussions. They will be released today. Captain Carter has mild burns on her hands from the blown crystal in the DHD; from SG-2- Sgt Casey was wounded in the abdomen by staff weapon fire. His recovery is still in progress and he is expected to return to duty after a few months.

From my team, I am embarrassed to say I received a separated shoulder: Stalker, Grunt and Snakeyes all received cuts from bushes and alien bug bites. They will be released from isolation today. Grunt also got dust flung in his eyes that was cleaned out upon arrival. Snakeyes received additional cuts and scrapes and contusions. Don't ask me how he got them. Scarlett received the same cuts and bruises as the others, in addition to a concussion, a broken wrist, and a torn acl. She'll need months and intense pt to get back into active duty, if she ever can. The worst injuries were to Grand Slam who had his spleen removed, a bowel resection, and 3rd degree burns to 25% of his body, mostly on his abdomen. He may never return to duty. The only other casualty is Shooter, aka Sergeant First Class Jamie Craig, who is MIA, and presumed lost. She will be reported lost on an emergency aid mission to Kosovo."

Everyone was silent except for sighs. He looked around the table. General Hammond chaired the meeting. Brigadier General Larry Flagg had flown in from Washington to participate. Also present were Captain Everett Colby from the Navy, Lt. Col Mark Morgan from area 51 and the Air Force Space Command, Air Force Major Paul Davis who was to be the Pentagon's liaison officer to the SGC, along with Stalker and Master Sgt. Walter Harriman. Usually Scarlett would help Hawk with his briefings, but Hammond had loaned Hawk Harriman to help.

Harriman passed out the notes and Hawk went over the entire experience. The evaluation led to lessons learned. Hawk took the lesson one step further. Having interviewed Teal'c, he believed that the Goa'uld would adjust tactics, and so they would need to be more proactive because the Jaffa would be there to greet them. Hammond added that Teal'c, and possibly Skaara would both be used as field advisors, for SG teams. The final arrangements had not been worked out, though O'Neill had asked that both join SG-1.

Larry Flagg interjected, "Before we get into your specific ideas here Hawk, these men are here to discuss a more general plan to defend this planet. As Colonel O'Neill continues to insist, these aliens have ships and we need to address this."

"Thank you, General," said Lt. Col. Morgan. "I'd like to start if that's okay." No one objected. "We have two anti-ship programs in development. First we have project Prometheus. In the late 1970s an alien spacecraft crashed in the northern China Sea, and we recovered it, developing the technology into an armed space cruiser."

"That sounds like a cover story, to keep the Stargate program under wraps," said General Hammond.

"It may sound like it, but it's true. The other program is the Defiant armed orbital platform. Both programs are years off, so we need something more immediate. Any ideas?" posed the Colonel.

Captain Colby made his request, "The Navy is looking to purchase some of these new Skystrikers so that we can use our carriers as defense platforms in case of air attacks. In addition, I would also like to volunteer the SEALs to join both the SGC, and the Joe team, as well as the Marine Force Recon."

"Thank you Captain," responded General Hammond.

"I don't think I can help with the more immediate air defense needs," added Major Davis, "though Colonel Morgan may not be aware of all the Air Force's special projects."

"I am aware of a couple," added Flagg. "I've had my eye on several of them. The Conquest X-30 fighter may be more maneuverable than a Skystriker. Mars Industries is working on converting a Blackbird into a fighter craft, but they are both still years out."

Hawk interrupted, "We're working with Mars Inc."…

"McCullen is the best at this experimental stuff," interjected Flagg.

"But to make his money for research into these eccentric sci-fi weapons, he starts wars and then sells weapons on both sides. I've seen the intel, this guy is a creep."

"This isn't my decision," added Flagg.

"I won't be any part of it. I don't want any of his weapons," retorted Hawk fiercely.

"I'll note that," replied Flagg. And then he added, "You won't get any, but someone will. Now, let's get back to the business at hand."

Major Davis again began, "We also have the Phantom project, which is a hyper-sonic stealth fighter. Again, it's a few years out. Then there is the Vector project. We are not too far into this one, so I think we can modify the parameters so that the Vector can become an effective gate transported fighter."

Hawk could not stand it any longer, "These are all nice, but we need to go on the offensive now. These Goa'uld know we are out there and we cannot be caught with our pants down."

Flagg responded, "How about a VTOL, called the Sky Hawk, that will be ready in around a year?"

"That's better."

"It's an experimental jet propelled craft, but it'll fit through the gate. We can mount it with whatever firepower you want. It's more suited for air-to-ground combat, but I think it might have air-to-air applications."

The naval captain added, "We are almost finished with a prototype project we are calling, 'Sharc'. It will have minimal airborne capabilities, but it will have some. It is designed to conduct operations under water in the same way a plane can fly in the air. We'll get one ready for you."

Harriman spoke for the first time, "I've run a search of the military vehicle database, and if you can pull it through, a Bell Cobra could fit through the gate intact. Then it could take off once it clears the gate."

"Great, now we're getting somewhere. Thanks Sgt. Here is something else I have in mind. So far we have used a Malp to transfer data and camera-in on a planet. What if we armed one?"

Flagg stopped him, "That project already exists, and we can have it at your disposal within weeks. There are several models, they are called Pac Rats. Both you and the SGC can begin training with them within a month."

"Great," Hawk added. "In a pinch, we could use these Malps to secure the gate, use a MoBaT to pull the he-lo through, and bam, we are air mobile. There is another logistical problem I would like to address." Every one grunted or nodded. "This stargate can't be in a field under a tent every time we need vehicles on the other side of the gate, and this missile silo just isn't going to work."

"What are you suggesting?" asked General Hammond.

"We need someplace underground, out of sight of satellites, but able to accommodate a mobile unit."

Everyone was quiet for a moment. They all looked at Colonel Morgan from Area 51, but it was Flagg who responded, "I think I can help there. There's an old abandoned underground military base in Utah. I think we can do most of the work to get it ready at night, and then bring the gate there."

"Where in Utah?" asked Major Davis.

"Just outside a small town called Millville. I think it will be a perfect site. It'll take about a year to be ready."

"In the meantime," noted General Hammond matter of factly, "we will just have to use the tent if we need to. Then we can move the gate there." No one seemed thrilled with the timetable, but they were all practical men. "Is there anything else?"

Hawk looked at the rest. "I think there's just one more thing for this group. We will need to be able to fortify and hold a gate position indefinitely at some point, and with better AA. Any ideas?"

Stalker added, "We will need to surround the gate, and the DHD, at whatever distance they might be separated."

Flagg responded thoughtfully, "I'll work on that. We've been working on a light but sturdy polymer that could be designed to be carried and assembled, then disassembled. You and your teams, both the Joes and SGC could be in on the design process."

"Sounds good," said General Hammond. "Well, good luck and godspeed to all of you, we are going to need it." Then everyone rose, uneasy that they still did not have a good plan to defend the planet if a ship came to earth.

Hawk stopped General Flagg, "I still need to talk to you."

"About what, Colonel?"

"Personnel."

"What do you need?"

"It sounds like I'm going to be getting added firepower, and the personnel to man it. I'm going to need to set up a B-Team company command unit."

Flagg nodded, "Do you have anyone in mind?"

"For the most part, no one in particular. It sounds like I'll be getting a SEAL, and a marine. I need another combat engineer."

"Pick one."

"Okay, I'm also going to want my own chopper pilot, preferably one with field experience."

"Keep going."

"I'll need another sniper."

"Hmm, I think I can do that for you. There's a guy who competed for the U.S. Winter Olympics Biathlon team. He joined the army and instead of appeasing the pr guys, he wants into Special Ops."
"Is he good?"

"Find out for yourself, I'll get you his info and set up a time for you to watch him train."

"Thanks."
"Colonel," interrupted General Hammond.

"Yes."

"Since we are going to be working together, I think it would be wise to have a liaison officer. One who is a pilot, but with ground SF combat training."

"Sounds great. I'm guessing he would be at least a Captain, so he would also function as my company XO."

"Great. I interviewed a young man a couple of days ago who would be great in the role, I'll send him your way."

"General, you have one other guy I want," said Hawk, trying not to plead.

"Who?"

"Greer. I want him on my team."

Both Flagg and Hammond looked at Hawk. It was unusual for such a small unit to have a surgeon, but Hammond liked Hawk's boldness. "He's yours, I'll have Harriman draw up the paperwork this afternoon."

"Thanks." Then Hawk turned over to General Flagg. "What's going to happen to the pfc who helped us modify the MoBaT?"

"I'm guessing by the tone in your voice she's going to end up in your unit."

"Thanks, she's good with ordnance, and has an idea about how to bring an MLRS into the field."

"Okay, consider it done, anyone else?"

"You know who."

Flagg sighed. He looked at his feet, and then the ceiling. "We tried. He doesn't want to leave his unit-a unit he trained."

"I think once he finds out what we've got in this stargate, he'll come on board. He's the best Top Kick in the business. Then he can train this team."

Flagg sighed again. "I think the best way to get him is to approach him yourself this time. He might bite if he sees you're the man he'll answer to in the field."

"I'll get him."

"I'm gonna owe Houser's CO big time if he does sign on."

With that, Hawk and Flagg left the SGC conference room with their work cut out for them.

O'Neill and Daniel knocked, and were told they could come in. They both had headaches still from the wacks on they had taken from the Jaffa, but Dr. Fraiser had cleared them to leave. There were three people in the room: Dr. Greer, Scarlett—the patient, and a man in the chair next to her bed. He had on a fishing hat, all green, with sun-glasses, and what looked like a glossy film on his face.

O'Neill noticed, but looked away quickly. He was the first to speak, "How's she doin', doc?"

"She'll recover," Greer responded, adding, "but how much is up to her. We still have to fix that knee. The wrist and the head bleed were enough for now."

O'Neill nodded in approval. "Somehow, I think your recovery will not be a problem."

"No," said Scarlett, "just work. Nothing I'm afraid of."

Dr. Greer stopped and approached Dr. Jackson. "Dr. Jackson, I understand that these Goa'uld have a device that somehow regenerates life."

"If you're referring to the sarcophagus, yeah. I've been through it, I put Sha'uri in it, and I guess on that last trip that Skaara was brought back to life."

"Listen, here's why I bring it up. Sha'uri has this snake in her neck. We're bringing in the best neurosurgeon in the country from Johns Hopkins to look her over, but so far things are not looking promising. If we try to remove the symbiote, as Mr. Teal'c calls it, we will kill her. But if…"

"But if you can't keep her alive, then maybe the sarcophagus can," interrupted Daniel.

"That's our only hope as of right now, medically speaking."

"Then that sounds like our mission priority," announced O'Neill.

"No," said Jackson softly.

"What's that?"

"She can't be the priority. If we run into the Goa'uld again, we will likely find a sarcophagus. But if there's one thing I've learned from these Joes, the larger mission must come first-even at my personal expense."

"Daniel."

"Jack."

"We don't leave anyone behind, even if they are here." O'Neill contorted his face at the irony his own comment.

"That's the point Jack. Sha'uri is here, and we can help her. But we may not have time to focus on that, and defeat the Goa'uld."

Scarlett interrupted, "It is a piece of alien technology that can tell us about them. It's intel, so you're both right. If we get the chance to take one, we should."

O'Neill looked at the doc, then Jackson, then Scarlett. She was looking at the man in the chair next to her. She thoughtfully questioned the doc, "Does it have more subtle applications? Healing burn scars for instance."

Dr. Jackson answered, "I think the Goa'uld use it to regenerate the human bodies they inhabit for millennia. It's got to have some healing properties."

"I'd like to see the diagnostic matrix. It probably puts an MRI to shame," posed Greer. "I can't guarantee anything, but we can try anything."

They were silent for a moment. Dr. Greer said goodbye and left to attend to Sgt. Casey.

Then Scarlett spoke again, "I've been told that you were the one who rescued me from the alien shuttle."

"I did carry you out. You thought I was Hawk."

"I'm sorry, I've been through something similar before. A chopper crash, Snakeyes is the one who rescued me. I was a little loopy. I must have seen the bird on your collar and thought of Hawk." She turned her head and looked at the man sitting silently in the chair endearingly.

"You don't need to say anything else. Your welcome." Both O'Neill and Daniel were invited to take a seat, and they obliged.

"Yes, I do. I completely misjudged you. I thought you were reckless and irreverent, among other things."

"No, you didn't misjudge me. At least I hope not."

"All right, you're one of those. Any way, I also heard that Hon'Teck killed Apophis, but I've been going over in my mind how that happened, and I can't figure it out. I distinctly remember that Hon'Teck was still seated in his chair, facing the console."

"I'm not sure either, but as you said, you were a little loopy."

"No, it's not like you could have killed two gods," she said thoughtfully. "Hon'Teck, Slayer of Apophis. I like the sound of that."

Then O'Neill furrowed his brow. He pondered the man in the chair, realizing for the first time that it was Snakeyes without his black jumpsuit. He could stand it no longer. He had been curious about Snakeyes for days now.

He turned his head over to the quiet man and said, "So Snakeyes, tell me about yourself."

The end.