Author's Note: Thanks for your patience and renewed/continued interest in this story. I hit the same roadblock I hit the first time around - not knowing how in the world to end it. I'm not totally happy with it but it is what it is. The tone of this story is so light but I just couldn't quite ignore the stuff that comes up at the end and have it feel true to the characters for me. I tried to keep it as light as possible. I forced myself to finish it, then couldn't remember my old login info for the site so it took forever. Thanks to everyone still hanging in there for some resolution!

Ch 21

Jack and Teal'c got the kids settled into the guest room without waking them. Jack left a lamp on in case either of them woke up confused, and said a sleepy goodnight to Teal'c, who showed himself to Jack's office for kel-no-reem. Jack took a quick shower, exhausted after the long day, trying not to think about the fact that Thor had no idea what the stupid egg was, or did, or how it did it. He had offered to age up Sam and Daniel, but without understanding the device itself, using his own technology, he would only be able to age their bodies, not give them back their memories of who they were. Needless to say, that wasn't an option.

Jack had only been asleep for 20 minutes when he felt a tiny hand on his shoulder. "Colonel?"

He groaned, scrubbing his face to wake himself up. "What's wrong, Sam?"

"I'm thirsty. You telled me not to go in the kitchen by myself in the dark if I wake up."

"Okay, come on." He helped her get a drink of water, watching as she gulped down an entire cup then asked for more. "Is Daniel asleep?"

"Yup. It was fun playing with Cassie. Until bedtime. I didn't like that."

"That's okay. Come on, let's get some sleep. We're going to do something fun tomorrow."

"What?"

"Surprise. It's kind of a Daniel thing but you'll like it too."

"Cool!"

He tucked her back in, smiling hopefully. "Ready to go back to sleep?"

"I'm not tired," she insisted. He sighed and picked up a book from the stack on the nightstand to read her. "There was once a velveteen rabbit, and in the beginning he was really splendid…"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The next morning, Teal'c went for a brisk run around O'Neill's neighborhood just before dawn. When he returned, feeling sufficiently invigorated for the day, he found Sam and Daniel sitting in the living room on the coffee table, eating cereal straight out of the box, watching cartoons. "Greetings," he said.

"Hi, Uncle Teal'c!"

"Morning, Uncle Teal'c!"

"Where is O'Neill?"

"He's still asleep. He was wicked tired."

"Indeed. Perhaps we should let him sleep in this morning. I shall make breakfast."

"Can we help?" They asked eagerly.

He eyed them carefully and said, "Very well."

Thus it was that 30 minutes later, Jack walked into his kitchen sleepily, only to find his teammates, all three of them, covered in flour, his kitchen a complete wreck, but all beaming proudly at him and the giant tower of pancakes they had produced.

After breakfast, Jack went to get the kids cleaned up while Teal'c cleaned the kitchen and himself. "We are going on a fun trip today, guys, so we need to hurry," Jack explained as the kids got dressed in the clothes he had chosen for them – dinosaur shirts, shorts, boots, and floppy hats. He managed to pull Sam's hair into two low pigtails before plopping the boonie hat on her head.

"Where are we going?" Daniel asked eagerly.

"A dinosaur discovery exhibit I read about," Jack explained calmly.

"Dinosaurs?!" Daniel exclaimed eagerly, jumping up and down. "Sam! Sam! Dinosaurs! Colonel Jack said dinosaurs! My most favorite thing!"

"Cool!" Sam said, excited, but not nearly as excited as Daniel.

Jack packed a backpack full of sunscreen, water, snacks, and extra clothes. Teal'c joined them, in cargo pants and a tee-shirt, his own giant boonie hat perfectly matching the kids', and they piled in the car.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It turned out to be a great idea, and Jack was incredibly pleased he had found the place. He had felt a bit bad about getting Sam the Jeep, even though Daniel did enjoy it as well, Sam loved it SO much. He was glad to finally be able to do something Daniel truly loved. And, there was plenty there for everyone.

Sam and Daniel soon had their faces painted like dinosaurs, had exhausted themselves on inflatables, panned for gems, participated in a fossil dig, scavenger hunt, watched a documentary about dinosaurs, and (Jack's favorite) ridden large animatronic dinosaurs around a pen while Teal'c took pictures. After a snack break, they all gathered with a small group for an educational walking tour.

Worn out from all the activity, but not wanting to miss anything, Daniel quickly asked Teal'c to pick him up when he realized he couldn't see everything through the crowds. Teal'c quickly set Daniel on his shoulders, so he was the tallest one around now and would miss nothing. Daniel beamed from his vantage point, listening avidly to the guide and taking everything in eagerly. "This is the best day ever, Uncle Teal'c!" he exclaimed excitedly, patting Teal'c on the head. "Indeed," Teal'c agreed, carefully holding his ankles to ensure he didn't fall.

Once the tour was over, they did some of their favorite activities once more then prepared to leave, after a stop in the gift shop. Daniel eyed everything with huge eyes, his mouth hanging open. "You can pick out some books if you like, Daniel. And one model or puzzle, and one fun toy," Jack told him, when it was clear Daniel had no idea what to choose and wasn't sure what it was okay to ask for.

"Really?"

"Really, have fun, pal," Jack said, ruffling his hair.

Now on a mission, Jack followed Daniel around while he looked at everything and made his choices quickly. Sam had almost immediately found a toy microscope set she wanted, and was waiting with Teal'c by the register, half asleep in his arms with her head on his shoulder. Finally, Daniel had made his selections. Jack paid for everything, and they left, Daniel eagerly telling Teal'c and a sleeping Sam about everything he had chosen and reliving the day's thrills.

That night the kids went to bed early, barely awake during dinner. Teal'c and Jack settled in the kitchen to play chess. "O'Neill, something has been troubling you today."

"Yeah," Jack sighed, sipping his beer. "I guess I'm a bit concerned Thor couldn't immediately fix our problem."

"Have you heard more news?"

"Nah. He scanned the egg thing, went back to the home world to see if any of the other Asgard have information on it or can figure it out. And Hammond is getting worried what we're going to do with them."

"For now, or in general?"

"Both, I think. He's worried since they saw Thor we won't have a lot of options available if this is permanent… but in the meantime he's just worried about security leaks in public places like this. He thinks we need to keep them on the base just in case, but I can't do that to them. I bought us today because I'd already planned this whole thing for Daniel, but I don't know what Hammond will say tomorrow morning."

"Would General Hammond permit you to take the children to your cabin? It is extremely remote, as I recall, there would be no security risk, but they would not be forced to remain on the base indefinitely."

"That's a really good idea, T, I hadn't even thought about that. He'd have to give me leave obviously, it's too far to commute, but… that could work. Would you want to come with us?"

"I do not wish to abandon my teammates in their time of need. And it is difficult to care for them alone. I will accompany you, provided you supply plenty of bug repellant."

"Excellent. Thanks, Teal'c. I really appreciate everything you've been doing. I know it's a bizarre situation, eh?"

"It is most unusual. However, I believe were we the ones to be similarly incapacitated, Major Carter and Daniel Jackson would have ensured our safety and welfare as well."

"Yeah, that's for sure. SG-1 has always been more of a messed up family than a team anyway, right?"

"Indeed."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The next day, Jack presented his idea to General Hammond. He thought about it for a while and figured it was actually the best solution out there, and gave his approval. "Are you sure about this, Jack?" he asked as he signed the paperwork. "No offense but you look like they're running you a bit ragged. I know they're a handful."

"It wouldn't be so bad if Sam would sleep through the damn night," Jack said with a yawn. "I don't know how her parents did it. She just wakes up in the middle of the night for one reason or another, wide awake for a couple hours. It's bizarre. I guess her brain's always been on overtime."

Hammond chuckled. "I do remember Jacob mentioning something about that a few times. His wife of course had to deal with it most of the time, when he was on the base or deployed."

"Well, maybe when we're at the cabin and I don't have to keep juggling them with base activities it will calm down a bit."

"Good luck, Colonel. And be careful."

"Yes, sir."

By lunch time, Jack had his truck loaded up and everything ready to go for an extended stay at the cabin, including three coolers full of groceries. The nearest grocery store to his cabin was a good 30 minute drive into town, and it wasn't as well stocked as picky children might have preferred.

The kids were over the moon excited to be going on a trip to a "Real live cabin," with fishing and a boat, and hiking, and maybe even camping.

Jack kept chuckling to himself as he listened to them talking excitedly about how awesome it would be in the backseat. As adults, they had both refused to join him at the cabin more times than he could count. He was privately amused at how eager they were to get there as children. Teal'c, having been previously, was going along with it more as his duty than out of any real excitement. O'Neill was confident Teal'c would enjoy it more this time, as it wasn't even mosquito season.

The long car trip passed in a lengthy series of bathroom breaks, gas stations, fast food places, napping kids, arguing kids, singing kids, excited kids, kids asking a million questions about the cabin, and kids asking how much longer. By the time they finally got there, Jack and Teal'c were both craving some silence and solitude.

But, there was work to be done. "Okay, guys, first rule," Jack said seriously as he got them out of their car seats. "You do NOT ever, EVER step on the dock without Teal'c or me with you, do you understand? You also do not go near the edge of the pond. I don't want anyone falling in. The bottom is muddy and your feet can get stuck. It can be very dangerous. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," they both promised, eyes huge.

"Okay. Teal'c, you want to take the kids on a little walk, maybe, while I get the cabin opened up? I have to switch everything on and get it cleaned up."

"Indeed. Come children."

"This is the coolest place ever!" Sam exclaimed excitedly once they had circled the pond and entered the woods. She was trying very unsuccessfully to climb a tree.

"I am sure O'Neill will be pleased to hear you say so," Teal'c agreed mildly, lifting her up effortlessly and setting her up on a secure branch.

"Me too!" Daniel exclaimed.

"You may have your turn next, Daniel Jackson. I would hate to have to attempt to catch you both at once, should there be an accident," he said firmly, keeping his eyes on the little girl above him.

"This is neat!" Sam said, making a series of bird and other animal noises. Daniel began returning each call. "Can I jump to you now?" She finally called.

"You may."

"GERONIMO!" she yelled, launching herself out of the tree.

Teal'c caught her easily and set her down. "Most impressive, Samantha."

"My turn!" Daniel was quickly put up in the tree as well, but after a few moments, he sneezed, and promptly decided being up in the tree wasn't all that much fun. He enjoyed being caught, wiped his nose on his arm absently, and asked, "Can we look for fossils in the woods?"

"I am sure we can find something interesting. I do not know whether or not we will find a fossil."

"Let's bring back cool stuff to show Colonel Jack!" Daniel said eagerly.

"Yeah!" Sam agreed.

The impromptu hike quickly became a scavenger hunt, as everyone's pockets and ultimately hands as well were gradually filled with an assortment of things Teal'c was privately convinced O'Neill would have absolutely zero interest in seeing.

"I gotta go potty," Daniel said nervously.

"Me too," Sam agreed.

"Very well," Teal'c said, selecting a nearby tree. "Here you are, Daniel Jackson."

Both kids stared at him, eyes wide. "This isn't a potty," Sam said.

"Have you never relieved yourselves outdoors?" Teal'c asked, confused. Children spent most of their lives outdoors on Chulak, and quickly learned how take care of their needs wherever they were. Both kids shook their heads. "When you are in the wilderness and cannot reach facilities, you relieve yourself in nature as the animals do."

"For real?" Sam asked suspiciously.

"Indeed," he promised.

"How?"

"It is simple for you, Daniel Jackson..." Teal'c quickly explained the mechanics to both children. They still looked suspicious.

"Are you sure, Uncle Teal'c?" Sam asked, wrinkling her nose. "Without any toilet paper?"

"Next time we venture from the house, we will bring wipes for you. For now, you will be find until we return to the cabin."

"Can you do it first?" Daniel asked.

"Excuse me?"

"You go first so we know it's okay," Daniel said.

"I do not currently need to 'go.'"

Daniel sighed heavily. "Okay fine. I'll do it first," he said bravely, facing the tree. Teal'c and Sam walked a few feet away with their back to him to give him some privacy.

"I did it!"

"Very good," Teal'c said.

"My turn!" Sam said, encouraged by Daniel's success. She and Daniel switched places.

Looking the opposite direction, Teal'c waited patiently, hearing rather a lot of scuffling and shuffling from Sam. After a few minutes, he called, "Samantha, are you well?"

"I'm stuck!" she called. He turned around, alarmed, she was sitting on her shirt on the ground, and appeared to have her legs quite tangled up in her underwear and shorts somehow. And her shoes and socks were gone as well.

"Why did you remove all of your clothing?"

"I just wanted to make sure I didn't get pee on anything!" she insisted, as he unceremoniously helped her straighten out all of her clothing and get everything back on the way it was meant to be. "That sure was a lot harder than it sounded," she said with a deep breath when Teal'c set her back onto her feet. "Thanks, Uncle Teal'c."

"You are welcome. Perhaps next time we should bring something to assist you. A bowl, or a funnel of some sort perhaps." Daniel, who had been watching with wide eyes, just nodded. "You're so smart, Uncle Teal'c," Sam said with a big admiring grin. "And super strong too. I bet you could carry me all the way back to the cabin."

Teal'c suppressed a smile at the not-so-subtle hint, and lifted her up onto his shoulders. "Daniel Jackson, keep both of your eyes open for artifacts as we walk back," Teal'c advised. Daniel nodded, taking his job very seriously. This was fun!

They got back to the cabin shortly after Jack had finished all his self-appointed jobs. Honestly, he was surprised Teal'c had managed to keep them happy out there for that long. He chuckled as he watched them approach, enjoying the sight of Sam perched on Teal'c's shoulders, her hands resting casually on his bald head. He held onto her legs below the knee, just in case she should tip backwards. Daniel was running clumsily towards him once he had spotted Jack. "Hey, buddy, what have you got there?" Jack asked.

"We finded so much cool stuff in the woods to show you, Colonel Jack!"

"Really? Let's see it." He pretended to be incredibly impressed with the assortment of rocks, sticks, and leaves he was shown, and listened to Daniel's description of why each one was amazing in genuine amusement. Some things never changed.

Sam and Teal'c joined them shortly and she promptly began emptying her own pockets. "These are mine," she said.

Jack nodded, turning to Teal'c for a moment with a comically expectant look. His large friend reached into his own sizeable pockets and deposited his own stack of random items as well, his face daring Jack to say anything. Sam and Daniel started going through Teal'c's pile as well, arguing over who had found what item originally.

Finally, Jack clapped his hands loudly for attention. "Okay, campers! Glad to see you had such an enlightening hike with Uncle Teal'c!"

"It was the funnest ever," Daniel said eagerly.

"Yeah," Sam agreed. "But next time Uncle Teal'c said we gotta bring a funnel."

"A what?" Jack asked, baffled.

"A funnel. For when I need to go potty in the woods. It was way more harder than it sounded," she said seriously.

Jack coughed to stifle his laugh. "Ah. Yes. Well. Anyone hungry?"

They headed up to the back porch of the cabin, Jack unnecessarily pointing out the pond and reminding them not to go near it alone. The hike and the lengthy drive had worn everyone out. After a quick dinner of heated up soup and sandwiches, Jack gave the kids a quick bath and they were asleep in the little spare bedroom before he had even finished reading the first book out of the whole stack they had brought with them and requested.

He and Teal'c hung out for a while, Jack sipping a beer while Teal'c had ginger ale. They played two games of chess, both enjoying the peace and quiet, neither feeling the need to talk. The kids pretty much talked nonstop all day, and both men were used to enjoying a lot of quiet.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

That night, jack was awoken by a loud, piercing shriek. He and Teal'c both crashed into the kids' room at the same time. Sam was screaming and Daniel was crying. "What's going on?" Jack asked, flipping on the light.

"There's monsters out the window trying to get inside!" Sam insisted.

Jack went over to the window and sighed. "It's just the tree here, Sam. See, the wind is blowing the branches against the window and it's making a noise."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"It came into my dream and I saw it when I woke up."

"I think you're just a little scared sleeping in a new place," Jack said, looking at both the frightened children. Daniel, of course, had been frightened awake by Sam's scream. "Come on let's go have a midnight snack," he decided.

"Really?"

"Yeah. Come on." He scooped them both up and carried them through the darkened cabin into the den area, settling them down on the couch and covering them with a plaid blanket.

"It's too dark," Daniel said, looking around nervously.

"Guys, I know this place is new and it's really dark at night because it's isolated, but I promise you, this is one of the safest places in the world," Jack assured them quietly as he quickly built up a small fire in the fireplace. "Here, how about some hot chocolate?"

They both nodded. Two cups of hot chocolate, a few cookies, and several stories about brave little boys and girls slaying all manner of monsters later, both kids were back asleep, on either end of the couch under the same blanket. "Let's just leave them here," Jack said with a yawn.

"A wise decision," Teal'c agreed. Even he was tired. "And perhaps tomorrow it would be productive to trim the tree outside the children's window."

"Yeah," Jack agreed.