Isolation Room One, 0640 hours.
Willow and Faith along with Colonel Mitchell ran back to the Isolation Room where Daniel and Vala were being held only to find Daniel lying on the bed with his hands on his forehead and his eyes closed. Vala, on the other hand, was rubbing her neck and looking around. Once she saw Willow and the Colonel, the alien gave a wide smile.
"I hear that we've got you to thank for this save?" asked Vala as she looked at the Colonel.
"It's actually the Major you have to thank" said the Colonel as he put a hand on Willow's shoulder.
"Willow" said Daniel as he slowly sat up.
"Take it easy, Daniel" said Willow as she ran to his bed and placed a hand on his back to help him sit up, "you and Vala are safe now."
"Thanks" said Daniel as he looked at Willow, "I mean it. But we have a problem; they've already sent a prior to Earth… that's what the Doci told me before you came."
"Yeah" said Vala as she tapped on Willow's shoulder, "how did you do that anyway? I mean, there were only two communication stones and there was no way to get there any other way."
"Come on, Vala" smiled Faith as she looked at the space pirate, "you've been around the galaxy, I'm sure you've seen many weird things that can help Red to do what she did."
"Anyway" said Daniel as he looked at Willow and the Colonel, "the Prior?"
"He self-immolated" said Colonel Mitchell, "we tried to take him in but… yeah.. no luck there."
"Anya?" asked Daniel.
"She was worried sick about you" said Willow, "I'll go get her."
"Alright" said Dr. Lam as she moved to stand next to Vala and check her vitals again, "I need all of you to leave the room while I conduct my medical examination."
"Dr. Lam" said Daniel, "I'm alright."
"Me too" said Vala as she tried to get off the bed but was stopped by some of the nurses.
"Maybe" said the doctor as she turned to Vala, "but you died, and Dr. Jackson had some weird readings at that same time as well. I just want to keep you here for observation for a few hours. I need to make sure that your vitals are going to be steady, before you can be released"
"But…." said Daniel.
"Doctor's orders" said Dr. Lam.
"Alright" said Daniel as he lay back down, "at least can I have company in the observation deck?"
"Look" said Dr. Lam, "the examination will take about thirty minutes of so, after that you can have visitors. In the meantime, they can wait in the observation deck with the blast door down."
"Sir" said Willow as she looked at Colonel Mitchell, "with your permission, I'll go tell Anya and the others that they're safe."
"Go ahead, Major" said Colonel Mitchell as Willow walked past him, "and good job today."
"Thanks, Sir" said Willow, "but Tara and Faith did most of the work."
Willow ran out the door of Isolation Room One and headed next door while Faith took her place and stood next to Daniel while Vala was patting the empty space on her bed where the Colonel could take a seat.
"Come on, Cam" said Faith as she grinned, "I'm sure she won't bite."
"Much" grinned Vala as she looked at Colonel Mitchell.
"It's.. umm… alright" said the Colonel nervously as he stepped back, "I.. ummmm… have mission reports to file."
"Come on Colonel" said Vala as she pouted at Colonel Mitchell, "please?"
"Alright everyone" said Dr. Lam as she shooed the Colonel and Faith away from the room, "you can go to the observation deck, but you'll only be allowed back here in thirty minutes."
"Saved by the Doc" whispered Colonel Mitchell as he and a grinning Faith walked out the doors.
Isolation Room Two, 0642 hours.
Anya, Dawn and Tara were standing in the room worried about what was going on outside with Daniel and Vala. However, the thing that was going through Dawn's mind was Willow shouting at her just for that one instance. Dawn remembered a look of fear in her eyes that she rarely saw, especially after she left Sunnydale.
"Dawn?" said Anya, "do you think that Daniel's…."
"He'll be alright" said Dawn, "you'll see."
It was then that the blast door opened and Willow walked into the room grinning from ear to ear.
"It was a success" said Willow as Anya gave her a tight hug, "Daniel and Vala are awake but Dr. Lam is conducting a medical exam on them first. It should take about thirty minutes so just meet up with Colonel Mitchell and Faith in the observation deck alright?"
"How…. I mean… what caused them to wake up?" asked Tara, "I mean, if you don't mind me asking."
"The device uses subspace to create a mental link between two minds for the communication to work" said Willow, "at least that's what we think. So Faith and I unhooked the computers from the device and carried it to the Gateroom before throwing it into the unstable vortex of the Stargate."
"Huh?" said Dawn, "but how does that help?"
"The unstable vortex disrupted the subspace signal of the device, and destroyed the device itself" said Willow, "and then we got them back."
"Come on Anya" said Tara as she pulled the blonde's arm, "let's go see them."
"He was asking for you" said Willow as she watched Anya walk away.
"He'd better" smiled Anya as Tara led her out the door, when Willow suddenly turned around and ran to the blonde witch and held on to her shoulder.
"Thanks, Tara" said Willow, "if you weren't here, then I don't know what could have happened."
"It… it was my pleasure" said Tara.
"I'll see you guys at the Observation Deck" said Willow, "I need to talk to Dawn alone."
"Sure" said Tara as they walked out the door.
"Dawnie" said Willow, "I'm sorry about before, I really didn't mean to shout at you."
"Are they really that bad?" asked Dawn, "I mean…. Can they come here from their own galaxy and do what you said they'll do?"
"It really is that bad" said Willow as she walked towards Dawn and held on to both her shoulders gently, "when I was in that other galaxy, I could also feel the Doci… the mouthpiece of the Ori's strength of conviction in what he plans to do…. And I felt Daniel's fear, it was so strong that it… I mean…. Dawn, I'm scared. I know we won't know the whole story until Daniel debriefs us, but even before hearing about the Ori or these Priors, I'm scared. You're an adult now and I know I shouldn't be protecting you from this, but I didn't want you out in the base while the Prior was still here."
"He's been taken into custody?" asked Dawn.
"It was a one way trip for him" said Willow, "He committed suicide."
"Oh" said Dawn as she approached Willow before she punched her right arm.
"Ow" said Willow as she rubbed her arm before the brunette hugged her.
"Thank you" said Dawn, "thank you for caring so much but, like you said, I'm an adult now and I can take care of myself, and I still want to stay here despite the dangers. I want to stay here with you, and with Buffy."
"You sure?" said Willow as she returned the hug.
"Yea" said Dawn, "wanna head to the Observation Deck? I mean Faith may be getting jealous you know."
"Oddball" said Willow as she put her arm around Dawn's shoulders and walked towards the Observation Deck above Isolation Room One.
Daniel's Lab, 1200 hours.
Daniel and Vala had just been let out from the infirmary, with Anya and Faith keeping the both of them company while Willow filled in a preliminary report of what she had experienced and the day's events. Once Dr. Lam had determined that both Vala and Daniel's vitals were in no more danger, she released them from the Isolation Room with Daniel, and Anya, glaring at Vala and at his wrist.
"Alright, Alright" said Vala as she hopped of the bed before she turned around, "I have the release mechanism. I'll let you out."
"Finally" said Daniel.
"Come on" said Faith as she led Vala away, followed by Daniel and Anya to his lab.
Once they had reached his lab, Vala took out a small metallic box from underneath Daniels workstation and opened it.
"How did that get there?" asked Daniel as he pointed at the box.
"Sorry" grimaced Vala, "had to hide it, you know… in case you got any other ideas."
"Why you…" said Daniel as he made a motion with his hands that signified he wanted to strangle Vala.
"Daniel" said Anya, "be nice."
"Fine" said Daniel, "but it's her fault."
"I know" replied Anya, "and maybe later we can have some you… you know… fun before your briefing?"
"Oh God" said Faith as she rolled her eyes, "I don't need to hear this."
"Oooh" grinned Vala as she put down the crystal and leaned forward on the table, "but I do."
"You know" said Anya excitedly as she approached Vala, "he enjoys having..."
"Anya!" said Daniel and Vala.
"Hah" grinned Anya as she turned around and winked at Daniel before turning back to Vala, "but, it's classified."
"I love that word" said Vala, "means I have to work extra hard at finding out the secret. Umm…. Maybe I can get Colonel Mitchell to help me."
"You should try" said Faith, just as the man they were speaking about entered the room.
"Hey guys" said the Colonel as Vala tapped the bracelets with the red crystal and they disengaged, "they're ready for us."
"Colonel Mitchell" said Vala as she ran up to him and wrapped her arm around his, "how would you like to play a game of finding out Daniel's secrets?"
"Huh?" said the Colonel as Vala led him away as he looked back at Faith and Daniel confused, "guys?"
"We'll be right there" said Daniel as he turned and smiled at Anya.
"Ummm…" said Faith feeling uncomfortable all of a sudden, "I better go to the briefing room, the others should be there already… and well… yeah… see ya there."
"Sure" said both Daniel and Anya together as Faith walked out the door.
"I was worried" said Anya once they were alone, "when Willow called me and said that something happened, I just rushed here. I think I may have hit another car with yours on the way here."
"I'm alright" said Daniel, "I told you that things like this could happen."
"Yea" said Anya, "but your mind lost in another galaxy? That's something not in the SGC relationship guidebook… wait, is there even a guidebook?"
"Maybe you should talk to the General about writing one" grinned Daniel as he gave Anya a quick kiss.
"Maybe" grinned Anya as she leaned in and kissed him again, "I even approached my demon boss to help bring you back, but he refused."
"Oh" said Daniel, "this.. what's his name… D'Hoffryn person you told me about? The one who made you a Vengeance Demon?"
"Yes" said Anya, "but he wouldn't do anything. But then Willow suggested that Tara be brought in to help and well…. Here you are."
"Thanks" said Daniel kissing her forehead, "wanna go?"
"Yeah" said Anya as she and Daniel walked out of the lab and towards the briefing room.
Briefing Room, SGC, at the same time.
"Miss Maclay" said General Landry as Tara and Willow sat on the opposite side of his desk in his office, "again, I would like to thank you for everything you've done to help get Dr. Jackson and Vala back to Earth."
"It… its wasn't a problem" said Tara nervously, "Will… Willow did most of the work."
"But it wouldn't have worked without you there, Tara" said Willow who was sitting next to the blonde Witch, "you and Faith were the ones who brought me back here. And Anya too, let me guess, she helped you to anchor my consciousness as well?"
"Ye… yes" said Tara, "when you told me that Dr. Jackson's mind was stuck in another galaxy, I.. I thought it would be better to have Anya help me too."
"Good call" smiled Willow.
"Now" said General Landry as he leaned forward, "I've already talked to Miss Chase at the BPRI and informed her of the contributions that you and Miss Jenkins have made. I, on behalf of the President, will be sending her commendations for the both of you that will be put into your personnel files. However, since the reason for the commendations are still classified…"
"No one will know but us" said Tara as she nodded her head.
"I'm sorry" said General Landry, "the President, together with the IOA, will be conducting a slow rollout on the disclosure of the Stargate Program starting with various members of Congress and our close Allies. Agencies such as the BPRI will take time, but it will happen. There will be a note on your files to release the details of that commendation once the BPRI has been informed of the Stargate Program."
"I.. I'm just glad that I could help" said Tara as the General nodded his head.
When the three of them heard the voices of Colonel Mitchell, Vala, Anya and Daniel; General Landry looked at his watch and then stood up.
"Shall we?" he said as he motioned towards the briefing room.
"Yes Sir" said Willow as she stood up and guided Tara to the large red table.
As the General and the others walked into the briefing room followed closely by Teal'c and Dawn, he motioned everyone to take a seat at the table.
"SG1" said the General as he looked at Willow, Faith, Teal'c and Colonel Mitchell, "I've asked Miss Maclay to join us in our debrief today. Reason being that, after discussions with the President, I have an offer for her after she hears what Dr. Jackson and Vala have to say."
Daniel and Vala then started to tell the group in the briefing about the Ori and their status as Ascended beings similar to the Ancients, he told them that the Ori put themselves as gods to be worshipped by the people they had seeded into their galaxy after the Ancients left millions of years ago; he told them about the Priors and whatever he could remember from the Book of Origin that he had read after they were taken to the home of the Ori, the City of the Gods on what he called the Plains of Celestis. As Daniel talked about the time that the Prior had burned Vala's host body alive, which was why her body on Earth had died, everyone noticed that the normally confident woman was suddenly sitting on her chair with her knees up to her chest and her arms folded around them.
"Vala?" asked Tara, "are… are you alright?"
"Yes" she replied, "it's just thinking about that gives me… I mean… makes my hair stand on end."
"What do you think happened to the ones whose body you inhabited?" asked Dawn.
"Sallis and Harrid?" asked Daniel as Dawn nodded her head, "I… I.. really don't know. It's entirely possible they were forced to reveal the other members of the heretics, the anti-Ori underground in exchange for their lives."
"Or" said Vala, "knowing how 'devoted' the Priors and the people in the village are to the Ori and their teachings, they could have been burned alive like me."
"True" said Daniel as he leaned back and looked down.
"Dr. Jackson" said the General, "can we expect more of these Priors to show up?"
"Yes" said Daniel as he nodded his head, "I'd be very surprised if they didn't."
"Well" said Colonel Mitchell, "one showed up here."
"But he died, right?" asked Dawn, "so we can assume that it's a one way trip for them. If they don't succeed, they kill themselves."
"Sounds too easy if you ask me" said Anya as everyone looked at her, "I mean…"
"You're right" said the General, "it is too easy, we have to think that they'd try and come after Earth again."
"And the other human populated worlds" said Faith as the General nodded his head.
"Daniel" said Willow as she leaned forward, "you think the Ancients would allow more of them through or to allow the Ori to attack us directly?"
"I.. I don't know" said Daniel, "I think they'll let the Priors come through and they'll let people follow the teachings of Origin."
"Even if they're forced to?" asked Tara, "but, aren't they supposed to look over us?"
"The ascended beings we know believe in free will" said Daniel, "to them, we're free to follow Origin if we want to…. Even if it's by force."
"I… I see" said Tara.
"As for what Willow asked about the Ancients interfering if the Ori directly attack us?" said Daniel as he looked at the redhead, "I really don't know."
"So we're on our own" said Willow, "again."
"Seems that way" replied Daniel.
"So how do we fight these guys?" asked the Colonel, "and I mean the message as much as the men. A lot of folks out there are going to buy what these guys are sellin'."
"Hopefully, now many have been educated to the ways of false gods" said Teal'c calmly.
"Yes" said Vala as she shook her head, "but we're not talking about humans with snakes in their heads with a slightly better understanding of technology."
"See, their power isn't false" said Daniel, "the Priors are going to offer to people what will seem like proof of God."
"You mean like miraculously healing people and bringing the dead to life?" asked Faith.
"Yes" said Daniel.
"Daniel" said Willow, "you're saying that these Priors are more like advanced humans right? With all the abilities that go with it?"
"Yes" said Daniel.
"Well" said Willow, "we do have the counter-measure that Colonel Carter built the day I was possessed by Anubis, if the same areas of their brains are active when they use their powers… then it could work on them as well."
"But, according to the report, it didn't work for too long" said Colonel Mitchell, "Anubis was able to use your abilities again, and the first thing he did was destroy the counter-measure device."
"I know, Sir" said Willow, "but I can try and improve upon it so that it would be harder for a Prior to re-activate his powers."
"Do it" said General Landry as he looked at a nodding Willow, before looking at everyone else, "start on it as soon as possible. But no matter what we do, Priors will be starting to come into this galaxy, and we need to be prepared."
"Yes, Sir" said Willow and Colonel Mitchell together.
"Miss Maclay" said General Landry, "you've heard what the stakes are with the Ori and the Priors invading this galaxy."
"Yes" said Tara.
"I'd like to offer you a consulting position at the SGC, it's a similar role as the one Miss Summers and Miss Jenkins have accepted" said the General as Tara looked on surprised, "you'll be spending most of your time at the BPRI but, if you accept the position, you can be loaned out to us for a period of time, maybe a few months out of the year. And if the Priors are as serious as a threat as Dr. Jackson believes, we could do with your assistance."
"It's…. um…. It's a nice offer" said Tara nervously as she looked around the table. She saw Dawn giving her a toothy smile as she nodded her head up and down excitedly. Tara could only smile before looking at Faith and Willow who were whispering on the other side of the table.
"Umm…." Said Tara as she returned to look at General Landry, "could I have some time to think about it? I mean.. if it's alright?"
"Of course" replied General Landry, "it's your decision, but don't take too long. You can just inform Miss Chase once you have made it."
"Will…. Will I be going through the Stargate?" asked Tara, "I mean, will I have to be in a combat situation?"
"With this new threat out there" said the General, "it's entirely possible."
"Tara" said Dawn, "even I go off-world sometimes, and just in case anything does happen, I have some of the best people watching my back."
"I.. I understand" said Tara, "but I'd still like to think about it."
"Sure" smiled the General as he stood up, followed by Willow and Colonel Mitchell, "in the meantime, all of you are dismissed. Get some rest."
"Sir" said Colonel Mitchell as he nodded his head as General Landry walked into his office before he turned around, "Major, Faith, Daniel, Teal'c… he called us SG1. You know what that means right?"
"Colonel Mitchell" said Teal'c as he bowed his head in apology, "I am sorry, but I am due back in Dakara."
"Hey look" said Faith as she looked at her watch as she grabbed the arms of both Tara and Anya, leading them out of the Briefing room, "it's almost lunch time."
"I am kinda hungry" said Dawn as she followed Faith and the two women out.
"Guys" said the Colonel as he called after Teal'c, "come on, he said SG1."
"Sir" smiled Willow as she picked up some paper she was writing on during the briefing, "we are SG1. Teal'c already said he'll help us whenever he can and I have a feeling with the Priors and the Ori targeting the humans in this galaxy, we'll need his help a lot."
"Plus" said Daniel as he slowly got up from his seat, "Willow, Faith and I'm here as well, so you almost have the whole collection."
"Still" said Willow as she looked at Daniel, "sorry you weren't able to go to Atlantis."
"It's alright" said Daniel, "this is more important. Atlantis will still be there."
"True" replied Willow.
"Now we just need to convince Carter to come back" said the Colonel, "then the whole gang will be back together again."
"Enough of this get together" said Vala as she slowly got up, "since I haven't been able to get my share of the loot, and Colonel Mitchell seems to want to play hard to get…"
"I'm playing hard to get?" whispered the Colonel as he leaned towards Willow.
"Yes, Sir" grinned the redhead as Colonel Mitchell looked at her in confusion, "well, at least to her it seems that way."
"Anyway" said Vala, "I'd like to get through the Stargate as soon as possible."
"Oh" said Colonel Mitchell, "that can be arranged."
The Mess, 1700 hours.
After spending almost an hour at lunch, Willow had gone back to her lab to work on recreating and possibly improving the counter-measure technology that Colonel Carter had designed to neutralize her abilities. Meanwhile, Faith saw Teal'c off to Dakara after they convinced him to stay for lunch, while Daniel went back to his lab to conduct some research. Dawn was assigned the responsibility of looking after Anya and Tara, while the others were kept busy by their own projects. As for Colonel Mitchell, he had the unfortunate distinction of having to watch over Vala who was hanging on to him tightly, much to his chagrin but to the inner laughter of the rest of SG1, before the alien woman left the SGC through the Stargate.
It was a few hours later that Willow and Faith walked into the Mess where Dawn, Anya and Tara were having a drink.
"Hey" said Willow as she sat down across from Tara with Faith seated right next to her, "what'cha doing?"
"Just thinking about what we could do once we go home" said Dawn, "Tara was saying that maybe we could have a girl's night, I mean just all of us."
"Sure" said Willow, "we can have an impromptu barbeque."
"That'd be cool" said Faith, "Tara? Anya?"
"That's alright with me" said Tara as she nodded her head.
"Me too" said Anya, "although I was hoping that I could bring Daniel along, I mean we were supposed to have some…. Fun…. Before he left for Atlantis but now that he's not leaving, and the fact that he was stuck in another galaxy means that we have to catch up on some….."
"I get you" said Willow, "a little bit too much information, Anya."
"I know" said Anya, "but I'm just so happy he's back."
"Did I hear my name being called?" asked Daniel as he walked into the Mess with his hands in his pockets.
"Hey" smiled Anya as she moved to one side while Daniel grabbed a chair and sat next to the blonde demon.
"Done with your stuff Daniel?" asked Willow.
"Yeah" said Daniel as he looked at Willow, "just saw Jack."
"Yeah" said Willow, "he came by my lab and talked to me and Faith, said he came by to give Colonel Mitchell a surprise."
"Hope it's better than the one he gave him originally" said Faith as everyone looked at her, "you know, the one where he didn't tell Cam that everyone had left to do their own thing, and that only me and Red were in SG1."
"Oh, that" smiled Willow, "yeah, you should have seen his face."
"But at least he's got most of the team back" said Dawn, "right?"
"Other than Colonel Carter" said Willow.
"Ummm…" said Tara, "where is she? I mean.. you know… she was here the last time. Is she gone?"
"She's in another department of the program based in Nevada" said Willow, not sure about Tara's clearance to know about Area 51, "she still helps me and the other scientists with our work."
"You talked to her?" asked Faith.
"Yeah" said Willow, "she wanted to examine the communication device and so was a bit upset that it had to be destroyed, but she's glad that Daniel and Vala are alright now."
"How about Vala?" asked Anya, "is she still here?"
"Nope" smiled Daniel as he leaned back, "she left through the Stargate about an hour ago."
"I see" said Anya.
"Anyway" said Willow as she got up, "how about we go back home and have that barbeque? Daniel? You're more than welcome to join us."
"I don't know" said Daniel, "it's supposed to be your girl's night, right? At least that's what I heard when I coming down the hall."
"So you're saying you don't want to be in a house surrounded by five beautiful young women?" grinned Faith.
"Well" smiled Daniel, "when you put it that way. But no more beer steak, please."
"Fine" said Willow, "but all requests should be made to Faith, she's the grill master."
"Mistress" grinned Faith at Willow, "grill mistress."
"Ah" said Anya as she pointed at Faith, "I see you go the kinky route, which is alright. I mean, Daniel prefers handcuffs…"
"Daniel?" said Willow coughing as she looked at the red faced archaeologist, "handcuffs?"
"Ooooh" said Dawn as she leaned forwards, "tell us more."
"I don't" said Daniel, "I mean I don't wear them, Anya does and… I'll shut up now."
"Alright" laughed Willow, "how about we get going, we've got some shopping to do."
"Right" said Daniel as he got up before he suddenly sat back on the chair again.
"Daniel?" said Anya as she noticed that the archaeologist suddenly looked very pale and that his eyes were glassing over, "Daniel?"
"Dr. Jackson?" said Dawn as she saw Daniel simply fall off his seat.
"Daniel!" said Willow as she quickly ran over to him and felt for a pulse. After feeling a very low pulse on his neck she looked up at Faith, "we need medical assistance."
"Right" said Faith as she ran to a panel on the wall and pressed the alarm button before speaking into the microphone, "Medical emergency, Dr. Lam to the Mess Hall. I repeat, Medical Emergency… Dr. Lam to the Mess Hall."
"Anya" said Willow as she looked at the Vengeance Demon's concerned face, "he'll be fine."
Infirmary, SGC, 1730 hours.
"Hey" said Anya as she stood up once Daniel had opened his eyes after having lost consciousness in the Mess Hall, "you're awake."
"What happened?" asked Daniel as he looked up and saw Anya, followed soon by Willow, Faith, Dawn, Tara, Colonel Mitchell and General O'Neill looking back at him.
"You collapsed" said Anya as she helped him sit up while the others stepped back a bit, "the doctor then brought you here."
Daniel turned his head to see Dr. Lam and Dr. Lee walk back into the infirmary. He noticed that Dr, Lam walked straight to him to check out his vitals while Dr. Lee was talking to Willow.
"Why? I mean why did I collapse?" asked Daniel.
"Well" said Willow as she and Dr. Lee stepped forward, "Dr. Lee and I think that the Kor'Mak bracelets, combined with your experience with the intergalactic communication device, may have created a permanent bond between you and Vala."
"What!" shouted Daniel as he looked at Willow and then at Anya, "then how am I awake? Oh no…. no.. no.. no… no…"
"Dr. Jackson" said Dr. Lam, "you were completely unresponsive but you improved once she came back through the Stargate."
"No.. no.. no.. no…" said Daniel as he shook his head.
Daniel them looked over Dr. Lam's shoulder and saw Vala waving at him excitedly.
"Hiya Daniel" said the alien, "miss me?"
"Oh God" replied Daniel as he hung his head down while Anya hugged him.
Once Daniel had been released from the infirmary, it was determined that since Vala didn't have clearance to leave the mountain, and Daniel would collapse if they were away from each other for an extended period of time, the both of them would have to stay on the base. Willow recalled Anya being excited that she received permission to stay on the base until she had to leave for Sunnydale, and Vala received one of the other guest rooms while Dr. Lee tried to find a way to nullify the bond between the archaeologist and the alien woman.
Willow and Faith tried their best to convince General O'Neill to come for their gathering, but he told the both of them that he was due back to Washington D.C.
"Major" said Colonel Mitchell as he waiting for the main lift with Willow, Faith, Dawn and Tara. "any plans for tonight?"
"Cam" said Faith, "we're having a barbeque, feel up to joining us?"
"Nah" said the Colonel as the lift doors opened and the group walked in.
"Come on, Colonel" said Willow, "Faith will be grilling some steak and 'dogs, Dawn makes great chicken salad, and Tara makes the best mashed potatoes I've ever had."
"And you?" asked Colonel Mitchell.
"She's the freeloader" said Dawn.
"Hey" replied Willow, "I'll have you know that I bake some mean chocolate chip cookies."
"That's true" said Faith.
"Cookies?" said the Colonel as he perked up, "with milk?"
"Of course" said Willow, "how else would you have cookies anyway?"
"Beer" said Faith as everyone looked at her, "hey, Big-G's the one who hooked me onto that combo."
"Oddball" said Willow as she smiled at Faith before turning to Colonel Mitchell, "so Sir?"
"If you got cookies" said the Colonel as Willow nodded her head, "alright then."
As the lift doors opened on the main lobby, everyone walked out followed by Willow. As she followed Faith out the lift, she noticed someone wearing a white doctor's coat and wearing a cap entering it. As the woman went past Willow, she happened to nudge her elbow into Willow's left hand. Turning around, the redhead looked closely at the woman in the doctor's coat and recognized her after a few seconds. The smile was the same, but she had changed the style of her hair; it was much shorter than when she was alive.
"Janet?" said Willow softly as the guard at the main lobby looked at Willow in concern.
"Major?" said the guard, "are you alright? Who are you talking to?"
"Remember my warning Willow" said Janet as the doors to the lift closed, "if the SGC falls, the galaxy will fall as well. Find a way."
"Janet, wait!" said Willow as she ran to the lift controls and pressed one of the buttons. As the door opened she saw that the lift car was empty.
"Red?" said Faith, who had looked back just as the lift doors closed and heard Willow's shout, as she put her hand on Willow's shoulder and whispered, "what's going on? Did you see Janet again?"
"Major?" said the Guard, "should I call a doctor?"
"No" said Willow as she turned around as Faith guided her out the door, "It's been a real stressful day."
"Of course, Major" said the guard, "have a good night."
"You too" said Willow as the both of them walked towards Faith's car, where Tara and Dawn were waiting.
"Major" said Colonel Mitchell who parked his car next to Faith's, "everything alright?"
"Yes, sir" said Willow as she glanced at Faith, "everything's fine."
"You sure?" asked the Colonel.
"Yes" replied Willow.
"Well" said Colonel Mitchell, "if you ever want to talk."
"Thank you Sir" said Willow, "so will you be following us?"
"Sure" he replied, "show the way."
"See you there, Sir" said Willow.
As Willow stepped into the passenger side of the car, she looked at the rear view mirror and saw a look of concern on Tara's face.
"Tara?" asked Willow, "you alright?"
"Just… just now" said Tara, "as we left the elevator, I felt something."
"Something?" asked Dawn, "like evil?"
"It wasn't evil" said Tara as she shook her head before looking at Willow's reflection on the rear view mirror, "it felt warm, but… there was something else… I just can't put my finger on it. And then just now, I turned back when Faith went to get you in the lobby and I saw a bright white aura in the elevator."
"Oh" said Willow as she glanced at Faith.
"It… it wasn't evil or anything" said Tara, "but there was definitely the feeling of a presence… that's it… a presence."
"Willow?" asked Dawn.
"Maybe it was just the SGC's good luck ghost" smiled Willow, not wanting to tell Dawn and Tara about Janet or her warning yet.
"Yeah" said Faith, "look at all the close calls we've had. Maybe it was the work of a good luck charm."
"Well" said Dawn, "whatever it was that Tara saw, I hope it brings us luck against the Priors."
"Me too" said Willow as she glanced at Faith.
Georgetown University, a few minutes later.
Meanwhile in one of the rental apartment's right outside Georgetown University in Washington D.C, one Cassie Frasier was reading a book while lying on her side, away from the white light that slowly formed into the shape of a woman.
"Hey sweetie" said Janet as Cassie suddenly spun around and looked at the smiling face of her mother.
"Mom!" shouted the young redhead as she got of the bed quickly and hugged Janet, "You're here… I can't believe you're here…. wait, what are you doing here? I mean… I.. I thought Willow said you can't interfere. I thought…."
"I'm walking a fine line" said Janet as she held on to Cassie tightly, "a very fine line. I had to tell Willow something."
'They have to do something against the Ori and the Priors' thought Janet to herself, 'if they can't, if they fail… then this could be the last time I see you.'
"I miss you" said Cassie, "I miss you so much."
"I'm alright" said Janet as she held Cassie tightly, "but I have to go, I can't spend too much time in the lower planes."
"Mom" said Cassie, "is everything alright?"
"Yes" said Janet as she sensed that the Others were now watching her every move, "Everything is fine. I have to go now, alright? I'll be watching over you. Eat your vegetables. Watch over Willow and the others. Make sure Jack gets back on his diet or else I'll have to stick him with the largest needle I could find… and tell Sam that I send my congratulations on her wedding. Tell Daniel… tell him that I think that Anya will make him very happy. Tell Teal'c that I miss him very much. As for Willow, tell her that I'm so happy that she's engaged to Faith.. I wasn't able to tell her earlier."
"I will" said Cassie as she watched Janet's body get brighter by the second until she was just a white light that sped out the window and into the sky.
"I love you, mom" said Cassie as she smiled into the sky.
The Girls' House, 2300 hours.
As Willow lay down on the lookout platform that General O'Neill had put on the roof of his old house so that he could stargaze using his telescope, she smiled as she looked at the stars and recalled the night's events. She closed her eyes and remembered Tara loving the new house as soon as she entered it, she even remarked that it looked far better than the old apartment, especially with the large backyard. After she had called Angel in Sunnydale about Kennedy, she was told that they had checked in and that the two Slayers, along with some of the other potentials, had prevented those from demons creating a doorway to hell. Tara smiled when she told Faith and Willow that Kennedy was coming down to pick them up and that they should be done by midnight, especially since they had to finish up a report before they could do anything else.
"They'll be done by midnight?" asked Dawn as she helped Tara wash the dishes.
"Yea" said Tara, "then they'll be coming here to pick me up."
"Why don't you guys stay the night?" asked Dawn, "we've got three bedrooms here, we could have a slumber party."
"Ok" said the Colonel as he stood up from the couch where he was watching a movie with Faith, "if you ladies are having a slumber party, I'll be leaving."
"Come now Colonel" said Dawn, "don't you want to be surrounded by many, many beautiful women?"
"Umm… I… ah…. Well….." said the Colonel nervously as Willow walked out of the bedroom she shared with Faith, "Major, some help here? Please explain why it would be inappropriate for me to stay here during a slumber party?"
"Dawn" said Willow in a serious voice, "it is extremely inappropriate for my superior officer to stay here during a slumber party, which by the way I had no idea about, as it may cause some friction in the workplace. Besides, we don't want Vala to be jealous of us do we."
"Hey" said the Colonel as he looked at Willow who suddenly started to grin, "not cool."
"Sorry, sir" said Willow, "I couldn't help it."
"Come on, Cam" said Faith, "stay and relax a bit, I have a feeling that we won't be seeing much of that with what's coming."
"Nah" said the Colonel as he stood up and straightened out his shirt, "I better go, it's getting late."
"Oh, Sir" said Willow as she ran into the kitchen and brought out a brown paper bag, "for you, since you liked that one cookie, or two, you had before dinner."
"Which I maintain spoiled your appetite, Colonel" smirked Tara.
"Chocolate Chip cookies" said the Colonel as he opened the bag and took in the aroma of the cookies, "and homemade too. Thanks Major."
"No problem, sir" said Willow, "just keep it between us."
"Sure" said the Colonel as he took out a cookie and bit into it, "so good."
"Yes, Sir" laughed Willow.
"Miss Maclay, Miss Summers" said the Colonel as he bowed his head, "that mash and salad was really good."
"Thanks" grinned Dawn as Tara gave him a small smile.
"Hey" replied Faith, "you forgot me."
"The secret marinade you used was good" said the Colonel, "reminds me of home."
"Thanks" grinned Faith as the Colonel walked towards the door.
"I'll walk you out, Colonel" said Willow as she grabbed a jacket and closed the door when she followed the Colonel out of the house.
"Nice group of friends you got there" said the Colonel, "can't believe that once they were responsible for what happened to you in Sunnydale."
"I'm just glad things are looking up, Sir" said Willow quietly as she walked beside him to his car.
"So, I'll see you tomorrow" said the Colonel as he got into his car.
"Yes, sir" replied Willow, "thanks for coming."
"Thanks for the food, and the cookies" grinned the Colonel.
"Good night, sir" said the Colonel as he turned his engine.
"Night, Major" smiled the Colonel as he reversed the car out of the driveway. He was soon on the main road as he waved and drove off.
Willow: "Faith, I'll be upstairs for a bit."
Faith: "Sure."
Almost thirty minutes had passed after the Colonel left, and Willow walked to the side of the house and climbed the ladder that led to the platform on the roof. She had already found a comfortable place to lie down on the wooden floor while looking at the stars when she heard footsteps coming up the ladder. Getting on her elbows to get a good look, she saw Faith as she reached the top of the ladder carrying a large blanket which she threw onto the ground.
"How can you lie down on a hard floor is beyond me" said Faith as she stepped off the ladder and onto the platform.
"We've done it before off-world" said Willow as she helped Faith to unfurl the blanket and lay it on the wooden floor before the both of them lay down on the blanket and looked at the stars.
As the both of them lay in each other's arms, they heard another two sets of footsteps coming up the ladder. Looking at each other, the engaged couple smiled as Dawn peeked over the top of the ladder and grinned.
"Not disturbing you are we?" asked Dawn as she got onto the platform, followed by Tara.
"Nope" said Faith and Willow.
"We've got space" said Willow, "why don't the both of you lie down and watch the stars?"
"That…. That's why we came up" said Tara as she sat down on the blanket in her pajama's next to Dawn, "Dawnie said that the view of the stars from here is amazing."
"It is" smiled Dawn as she looked up.
"Hold on" said Faith as she got closer to Willow and wrapped her arms around the redhead before nuzzling her head into the side of her neck, "you guys talk, I'm gonna try and catch some zee's"
"We'll be quiet" said Tara as she smiled at how Willow was running her hands through Faith's hair.
"I like sounds" whispered Faith, "makes me sleep."
"Go to sleep, Faith" said Dawn.
"If you say so squirt" said Faith as she kissed Willow's cheek before she closed her eyes.
"Willow" said Dawn after about fifteen minutes of stargazing during which time both Faith and Tara had already fallen asleep.
"Yea?" asked Willow quietly as she felt Faith breath onto her neck.
"Are we really going to be ok?" asked Dawn as she look back at the redhead, "I mean after what Dr. Jackson told us… do you really think we'll be alright?"
"We have to be" whispered Willow as she looked at Dawn, "we have to be alright; we have to win, Dawnie or else this galaxy will fall."
TBC.