A/N: Thanks for the reviews. In this chapter I'll be referencing events that occurred in the episode Lost City and will be the second chapter of my take of the episode in this crossover story. Also, I don't know if there is a real place called the Burger Shack in Colorado. If there is, please note that it was just a very, very lucky guess and there is no intention on my part to put this company, if it does exist, under any sort of perceived light, negative or otherwise. I do apologize for any spelling or grammatical errors. Again, please read and review
Colonel O'Neill's Residence.
"What do you mean that you think you saw the lost city?" asked the Colonel.
"Huh? Sir, you didn't see it?" asked Willow.
"See what?" asked the Colonel confused.
Just then there was a knock on the Colonel's door, "hold up, we still need to have a chat about your abilities," said the Colonel as he went to open the door.
Willow walked down to his living room and waited as he answered the door. "Carter", Willow heard the Colonel mention the Major's name and was surprised that she showed up at his place at this early in the morning. Willow heard the door close and two voices come towards the living room where Willow was standing.
"Willow?" asked the Major surprised, "what are you doing here?"
"Woah, she's really jealous," thought Willow to herself as she felt a shiver, "I had a vision last night at the Gateroom, Major. I came to see the Colonel after I woke up and talk to him about it. That's all, ma'am" said Willow, "even had an accident on the way here after I had a vision."
"Are you serious?" asked Major Carter. "Hold up, you had an accident? Are you alright?" she asked looking concerned.
"Yes, Colonel O'Neill helped fix me up," said Willow, as she felt another wave of jealousy coming from the Major. "Oh Major, you have nothing to be jealous about" thought Willow to herself.
"So, tell me about this vision of yours?" asked the Major, "It must have been serious if you came to see the Colonel so late last night."
"Wait you believe me?" asked Willow surprised.
"Willow, weird things have happened since you showed up, so I'm not going to discount these visions of yours," said the Major smiling.
"Anyway, as for the visions, they were in regards to some... 'personal' incidents," said Willow who glanced at the Colonel. "But I think I had a vision a city, I think it could be the lost city; I was standing on a planet, I'm not sure if it was Earth or not and saw a towering city. It was beautiful" said Willow.
"That's amazing," said the Major, "But how did you see the city, though?"
"I have no idea to be honest," said Willow, "I just suspect it may have something to do with me having touched the Colonel while he was getting the Ancient download. I think that the touch may.. and I mean may… have caused a psychic link between myself and the Colonel."
"Sir, this is amazing," said the Major as she turned to look at him. The Colonel wasn't looking at the Major; instead, she saw him glaring at Willow.
"Red, I asked you stay back with Daniel. Why didn't you obey my order?" he asked with a hint of anger in his voice.
Willow could feel the Colonel's anger being directed at her even before he asked that question. She also didn't fail to notice that he called her by her name instead of 'Red' which meant that he was angry. "I just had the compulsion to touch it, Sir….. it was as if that machine, or whatever it was, was calling out to me," said Willow as she looked down at the carpet, "I am sorry, Sir. I had no idea that this would happen."
"Damn it, Red," he said quietly but still with anger in his voice, "That's why I asked you all to stay back. I had done this before so I know what would happen to me, I don't want any of you to have to go through the same thing as I did the last time."
"Carter, do we have any idea what could happen to Willow?" he asked turning to his second in command.
"Sir, I have no idea. I don't even think there is a book on psychic links" said the Major, "this is way out there for me. But if I had to guess, she could go through the same symptoms as you. But that's just a best guess, I can't confirm anything, Sir" she continued as she alternated looking between the Colonel and Willow.
"That's exactly what I was afraid of," said the Colonel looking sadly at Willow, as his anger seemed to melt away. Willow could feel his concern for her now that he knew that what would eventually happen to him, could happen to her as well.
Just then, Willow's cell phone started to ring. Since she was talking to her superior officers, she figured that it would be alright to let the call go to voicemail. "If it was urgent, whoever it is will call back," she thought to herself.
"Willow, what else can you tell me about these visions?" asked the Major.
"I can't really explain, like I told you already, the visions just happen without my control" said Willow as she sat on one of the dining chairs, "I don't control when and where these visions happen," she continued. "if I could control it, I would find out where the city is located and we can go there and get the weapons and technology to beat Anubis, but….." Willow stopped talking as her cell phone started ringing again.
"Maybe you should get that, Red," said the Colonel, "It could be important."
"Yes, Sir. Excuse me, Colonel…. Major," said Willow as she went to the Colonel's patio to answer the call.
"Hello, this is Willow," she answered she turned and looked at the Colonel and Major Carter through the glass doors leading to the patio. They were taking a seat on the couch and the Colonel handed Major Carter a beer. Even through the glass, Willow could feel a warmth emanating from both of her superior officers, and all she could do was smile knowing that she knew that they had deep feelings for each other even though they themselves didn't know it yet. Just then, a voice on her phone disturbed her train of thought.
"Willow? This is Cassie Frasier," said the voice on the other line.
"Hi Cassie, what's up?" asked Willow.
"Ummm… are you busy right now?" asked Cassie.
"Kinda, I'm with Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter right now."
"Oh, ok," said Cassie over the phone. Willow noted that she sounded a bit strange as if she was hesitating about something. "Cassie, is everything alright?" asked Willow.
"Can we meet somewhere?" asked the teenager.
"Yeah, sure," said Willow, "We can meet at this place I know for lunch, I'll text you the location."
"Can you pick me up from Sam's?" asked Cassie.
"Yeah sure, as long as you don't mind riding on a motorcycle," smiled Willow.
"Motorcycles creep me out, what happened to your Jetta?"
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that", said Willow as she smacked her forehead. Thanks to the pay she receives from the SGC, she was able to get both a second hand Jetta and her bike, which she preferred over the car since she was able to feel the wind on her face whenever she went anywhere. "Yeah, I'll pick you up. Is it alright if the Colonel and Major Carter join us?" asked Willow.
"No, please don't," said Cassie sounding a bit scared.
Willow was taken aback by Cassie's reluctance. She finally found out from Daniel and Teal'c about Cassie's alien heritage and the tragedy that took her family on Hanka away from her. Ever since then, Dr. Janet Frasier was Cassie's legal guardian and now, with Dr. Frasier gone, Major Carter has taken up that role. She knew that the whole of SG1, actually the entire SGC, saw themselves as surrogate parents to her, especially Colonel Jack O'Neill and Major Sam Carter. This made her reaction to the Colonel and Major accompanying them to lunch all the more strange.
"Cassie, what's going on?" Willow asked softly.
"Please Willow, I'll explain everything when we meet. Just don't tell Sam we're meeting. I'm begging you" said Cassie.
"Alright, Cass," said Willow looking worried, "I'll pick you up in about two hours, is that ok?" asked Willow.
"Yea, Willow. Thanks. I'll wait for you at Sam's" said Cassie as she hung up.
As Willow put her phone back into her pocket, she was wondering about what could have made Cassie so nervous. It was almost as if she was scared of the Major or someone that the Major may know. While trying to rack her brain about what it could be, she heard the doorbell ring again. As Colonel O'Neill asked whoever it was to come in, Willow saw painful regret pasted onto the Major's face.
Willow came in just as Daniel and Teal'c walked into the living room. He was giving them an excuse about how they ended up at the Colonel's home when they noticed Willow standing nearby.
"Hi there Willow," said Daniel.
"Willow Rosenberg, it is nice to see you again," said Teal'c as he gave a slight bow.
"Hi Daniel, Hi Teal'c," said Willow waving to them.
"Red, guess what?" said the Colonel smiling, "Apparently these two were just driving around and just happened to come up to my house. And they brought donuts."
"Really?" said Willow smiling, "Just driving around? That's interesting."
"Yes, it is… interesting" said the Colonel, "How about you all take a seat and I'll order us some pizza. It would be nice to have a have whole day together with the team before I lose my mind" he said laughing.
"Ummm… Sir," said Willow as she thought about a decent enough lie to tell her team and friends, "Could I take a rain check on lunch? A friend from Sunnydale just dropped by my place unannounced so I need to get back and get him situated."
"So it's a him is it? Boyfriend?" said the Colonel smiling.
"No, no" smiled Willow, "he's actually on the way back to Sunnydale from D.C, he just wanted to stop over here and visit me". "OK, this lie should be effective enough, I hop,e" thought Willow to herself.
"Alright Red, you are excused for lunch. But you are hereby ordered by me, your superior officer to come back for dinner" said the Colonel, "oh and you're bringing the beer."
"Hold on, Willow," said the Major as she stood up, "you said you had an accident yesterday when you had your vision. Are you sure its safe for you to go by yourself?"
At the mention of the accident, Daniel and Teal'c were surprised. "You had an accident Willow?" asked Daniel.
"What are these visions that Colonel Carter is speaking of, Willow Rosenberg?" asked Teal'c.
"I'll be alright Major, please don't worry. If I get dizzy or anything, I'll stop at the side of the road and give you a call Ma'am" Said Willow to the Major before she turned to Daniel and Teal'c, "Yea, I had a little accident yesterday on the way here. But I can explain these visions to you guys later. Sorry but I really need to go before my friend gets too antsy, he sometimes has low blood sugar."
"Sure, but please explain what you mean by visions tonight ok?" said Daniel.
"Well," said Willow as she turned to the Colonel and Major Carter, "Sir, Ma'am would you mind at all if you could explain to them what I told you earlier today?"
"Sure Red, but that means you're bringing another case of beer for dinner tonight," said the Colonel, "actually, make that two cases of beer" he continued as Major Carter smiled behind him.
"Yes, Sir," said Willow smiling at her Commanding Officer.
Outside Major Carter's home, two and a half hours later.
"You're late, Willow," said Cassie as she got into the front passenger side of Willow's car.
"Yeah, sorry about that," said Willow, "I haven't driven this car in a while. Had to jump start the batteries."
"Oh," said Cassie.
"Ok, now that you're in my car," said Willow as she turned towards the teenager, "spill it. What's going on? Why didn't you want me to tell Major Carter that I was meeting you?" she asked with concern.
"Ummm… Do you think we could go somewhere? I mean I am kinda hungry, maybe to a café or a burger place?" asked Cassie.
Looking at Cassie, Willow could tell that something was wrong although she could not put her finger on it. "Alright, but I want to know everything Cass, especially since I lied to the Colonel and Major as to why I had to leave early, you owe me big time," said Willow smiling as she moved her car slowly onto the road.
The Burger Shack, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The drive to the burger place was uneventful and very silent. Cassie directed Willow to this out of the way location at the edge of Colorado Springs. It was so out of the way that Willow almost missed the turn to go into the parking area of the establishment but it seemed that Cassie was familiar with this place.
"Dominic, brought me here on our first date," said Cassie as if she was reading Willow's mind, "It's out of the way and…. kinda private."
"Ok, I really don't wanna know about your dating life Cass," said Willow laughing as she got out of the car and walked towards a table outside the restaurant, "So did you ask me here to talk about your boyfriend, whom I suspect that the others already know about?" she continued as she grinned at Cassie.
"Yes, they know about him," replied Cassie, "but I didn't ask you for a meet because of him. Can we order first?"
After they got their food, Willow and Cassie sat down at one of the tables outside and started having their lunch. "Alright Cass, you promised," said Willow.
Cassie took a deep breath and said something that stunned Willow, "I think Pete has been following Sam, and I think he ran a background check on her."
After hearing what Cassie said, Willow coughed and almost choked on a piece of French fry she was eating. "Cassie," said Willow after her coughing fit, "I think maybe you're imagining things?"
"You've met him before right?" asked Cassie.
Willow recalled the first time she met the man at the café when Buffy came to town and then when he almost ruined the stake-out at Daniel's place during the Osiris incident.
"Yes, I met him once," said Willow as she played with the straw in her drink, "and yes, I think he is a bit weird and high strung. But I find it hard to believe that he would run a check on the Major or follow her. He's a cop so I would guess he'd know it's illegal."
"You don't believe me, do you?" said Cassie as she looked into Willow's eyes.
Willow could see that this had gotten the teenager really upset and she didn't like seeing her like that, "Cassie, it's not that I don't believe you," said Willow as she took the girl's hand and squeezed reassuringly, "but there is nothing to show that he actually did something wrong. Also I really don't think that you should go looking for anything. If there's anything that pops up, I think Major Carter can handle it, she's a strong woman."
"Did you know that man moved in with Sam?" said Cassie.
"No, I had no idea," Willow replied, "but that's to be expected Cass, they're in a relationship now, so I guess they are taking the next logical step."
"Look, Willow, that guy just creeps me out," said Cassie, "and I really don't think he's too fond of me."
"Why would you say that Cassie?" asked Willow who was surprised.
"Sometimes I see him glaring at me, or he 'jokes' with me that he can't wait for me to go to college so that he could have Sam all to himself," said Cassie, "Sometimes I hear him tell Sam that it would be better if I moved out and lived by myself; that she never has time for him since I'm always there."
"Come on Cass," smiled Willow, "I'm sure he was just kidding around."
"Once," continued Cassie looking down at her half eaten burger, "he got angry…."
Willow then interrupted Cassie's recollection by putting her burger down and leaned forward with her elbows on her table, "what do you mean he got angry. Did he do anything to you? Do Major Carter and the others know?"
"No, No, he didn't get angry at me," said Cassie as she leaned back and shook her head, "he just… I don't know. One day, I guess Sam had to work late in the mountain and he got pissed at her. He started calling her names, saying that once they were married he would take her back to Denver so that she could find a regular job or stay home with their children. Basically, he was making noises about Sam not being there to attend to his needs. He was being really nuts."
"I see," said Willow as she went back to sitting in her original position.
"I think he'll ask her to marry him, and I'm afraid Sam will say yes," said Cassie.
"Cass, personally I don't think she will marry that guy, much less get engaged," said Willow, "I don't think she would give up her career for anyone, no matter how much in love she is with them."
"To be honest, I really don't want to stay at her place anymore as long as that cop is still there," said Cassie sadly, "I was really hoping that, ummmmm…. If its ok with you that is… maybe I can stay with you?"
"Cassie," said Willow, "you do realize that if you stay with me, you're giving Pete exactly what he wants?"
"Yes, I know," said Cassie as she ran her hand through her hair, "but I really don't like him staying in Sam's house, especially when I'm there. He just creeps me out, I have never felt comfortable since he moved in."
"Have you approached the others," asked Willow.
"No," said Cassie, "I'm afraid of what they would say or do. I don't think Sam would go against Pete, she seems to love him although I don't know why. Uncle Jack would probably beat the guy up and get into trouble himself. Daniel would probably want me to stay with him but his house is creepy with all those antiques, weird masks, and other artifacts. As for Teal'c, well he stays on the base so, that's not happening. I have no plans to be stuck under the mountain," she continued, "That's mainly why I wanted to meet up with you today; I was hoping that you would say yes to me staying with you."
Upon hearing the main reason why she was called, Willow couldn't do anything but smile. "I don't mind Cassie, my apartment does have an extra room where I have some keepsakes stored but I can clear that out, but I do have a few rules."
Cassie smiled when she heard that Willow would be willing to have her stay over but she was a bit apprehensive about her conditions. "Ok, so what are the rules?"
"First, there will be a curfew of…. Let me think here… ok, 10 pm on the weeknights and 11 pm on the weekends. Second, no boys in the apartment after 10 pm, if there still is a boy in the apartment, I will literally kick him out or else he would have to spend some quality time with Colonel O'Neill, Daniel, and Teal'c, and then they would kick him out, and this rule applies to Dominic. Third, if you have a boy, the door must be kept open at all times. Fourth, you will have to do your share of the chores. Fifth, you have to tell Major Carter that you plan to move; actually, let's make that number one. And…," Willow grinned as she sat up, "no disturbing me when my door is closed. Who knows, maybe I'll be with one of my many girlfriends," she said laughing.
After hearing Willow's rules, Cassie couldn't help but laugh. "Fine, I agree to all your rules. So does this mean that I don't have to worry about you trying to take Dom away from me then?"
"Maybe," said Willow who was grinning, "but I can't help it if he wants me, you know" she continued laughing.
"So…..," said Cassie thoughtfully, "Girlfriends? More than one?"
"No, I was just kidding about that last part", said Willow smiling, "I'm still unattached, but I do prefer girls… I mean women."
"Then maybe you could take Sam away from that cop?" said Cassie excitedly.
"No, no, no, no," said Willow laughing, "I already have someone I like from Sunnydale. Hopefully, I'll be able to visit her soon and tell her that I do like her. But seriously, you are more than welcome to stay with me as long as you follow the rules, especially the part about telling Major Carter."
"Thanks, Willow", said Cassie, "This means a lot to me."
"No problem Cass," Willow replied, "How about we get going?"
"Sure," replied the teen.
"Oh," said Willow as she got into her car, "you know that favor you owe me for lying to the Colonel and Major Carte.r"
"Yes?"
"I'm calling it in now," said Willow, "you can't tell them that I met with you today and you can't tell them that I prefer girls over guys, I'll tell them when the time is right. Are we agreed?"
"Yes, ma'am," said Cassie giving her a mock salute.
"How about we go to my place and you can help me to clear up the room," said Willow as she started the car, "and then we can go for dinner to Colonel O'Neill's place. We're supposed to be having a party tonight."
"Sure, Willow," said Cassie with a grin, "and thanks again."
"No problem" replied Willow.
Colonel O'Neill's residence, 6:30 pm.
"Hi Colonel," said Willow as he opened the door, "guess who came with me."
"Uncle Jack," screamed Cassie as she ran in and hugged the Colonel.
"Hey kiddo, how are you doing?" asked the Colonel as Willow turned and noticed General Hammond calling to her.
"General Hammond, Sir," said Willow as she stood at attention after walking over to the man.
"At ease Lieutenant," said the General smiling, "how are you doing Willow?"
"I am doing alright, Sir," said Willow, "just been busy today."
"Jack told me about the episode you had yesterday," said the General, "I'm glad that you are doing better now, you had me worried there for a moment"
"Sorry about that Sir," said Willow feeling a bit nervous, "I mean about getting you worried."
"Well, Willow I have some news that you should know about," said the General as he walked towards the patio and motioned Willow to follow him.
"Sir?" said Willow as they reached the Colonel's patio.
"I have already told the rest of SG1 about this, so you are the only one who doesn't know this yet," said the General who was now looking at a worried Willow, "I've been relieved of command at the SGC."
"Seriously Sir?" said Willow shocked.
"Yes, the president has ordered a three-month review of the Stargate program. You and the rest of the team are to go in on Monday as usual but a civilian by the name of Dr. Elizabeth Weir will be taking command of the SGC during this period" said the General.
"How about you Sir?" asked Willow.
"I've been ordered to Washington, I'll be looking to retire," said the General as he smiled.
"I'll miss you, Sir," said Willow as she hugged her now former Commanding Officer, "It was an honor serving under you."
"The pleasure was all mine," said the General, "I still remember the time you appeared in the briefing room. That was one of the strangest days ever at the SGC. Now, you have grown from that nervous teen to a young adult with great potential and I could not be prouder."
"Thank you, Sir," said Willow as she tried to fight back tears, " but this isn't goodbye right? I mean you'll still drop by the SGC?"
"Whenever I can make the time," said the General smiling, "now, how about we get back to the party."
As Willow walked back into the house, she noticed from the corner of her eye that Cassie was having a chat with Major Carter. She just knew that Cassie was asking if she could move thanks to the Majors shocked expression. The Major then made contact with Willow and walked towards her with Cassie in tow.
"Lieutenant, may I speak to you outside?" whispered the Major.
The three ladies then walked outside onto the patio where Willow was just talking to the General.
"Willow are you aware of the request Cassie made about staying with you?" asked the Major.
"Yes, ma'am," said Willow.
"How long have you known about this," asked the Major.
"I just found out on the way here Major. I already told her that she could stay with me as long as you agreed, ma'am," said Willow.
"I don't agree with this move Willow; as her legal guardian, I think that she should stay with me so that I could look after her," said the Major.
"Very well," said the Major as she turned to look at Cassie, "Cass, you can stay with Willow, but I have my own conditions and Willow has to agree to my terms," she continued
"Thanks, Sam," said Cassie as she hugged her legal guardian before she ran into the house to tell the Colonel and the others.
Major Carter explained to Willow what her conditions were and what she expected from Willow. One of these conditions was a standing dinner date every weekend, as there were no saving-the-world activities going on with both the Major and Pete. After talking for some time, Willow finally agreed and Cassie became her new housemate.
As she finally processed that Cassie won't be staying with her anymore, the Major got a sad look in her eyes which Willow immediately noticed since she could also feel it radiating out of her.
"Major, are you alright?" asked Willow.
"No I'm not Willow," said the Major, "what's the real reason she doesn't want to stay with me? I know that you know the truth Willow, did I do something wrong? Is she angry with me?"
"Major," said Willow, "What I said was true, about the age thing. Other than that, Its not my place to speak on Cassie's behalf. You should really talk to Cassie sometime soon, maybe not now. But I can tell you that she loves you very much."
"Is it because of Pete?" asked the Major.
"Please Major, its really not my place to say."
"I can make it an order, Willow," said the Major.
"Yes ma'am, but I'll still be asking you to talk to Cassie," said Willow returning a smile.
"If you don't mind me asking Major," asked Willow looking at Major Carter, "are you happy with Pete?"
"Yes, I am Willow," said the Major smiling, "I'm very happy, now let's go back in and mingle before they miss us."
As the Major walked back into the house, Willow had a weird feeling that she was lying.