A/N: Hey guys, thanks for all the reviews. I just finished this chapter a day early so… yeah… here it is. This is a continuation of the impact of Joyce's return to the Summers clan. Please enjoy and review.
Episode Tag: Includes my version of Ripple Effect (SG1: s09e13)
Science Lab One, SGC, 1300 hours.
Willow had just landed the Puddle Jumper and opened the rear hatch as the whole Scooby gang walked down the ramp and into the cement floor. Just as Faith and Willow had gotten off the ship, Dr. Ryder approached Willow with a clipboard and a pen.
"She was perfect, Doc" said Willow as she signed her name on the piece of paper and handed it back to him.
"Thanks major" said the scientist as he passed the small group and walked into the small ship, followed closely by three other scientists.
"Red" said Faith as she pointed towards the blast doors, "we gotta go."
"Right" said Willow as she looked at Buffy and the others, "come on, guys. Welcome to wonderland."
Willow led them through the SGC hallways and into the primary elevator landing where they took the elevator down to the twenty seventh floor. All the while Buffy was walking next to the redhead as she looked at the people walking around the hallways, with some of them nodding at Willow who would smile back. She then took in a proper look at her friend, she noticed the golden oak leaves on her shoulder, the wings on the left side of her jacket and the colourful ribbons that were underneath them as Willow looked back and laughed at something Xander had said. Buffy could see from her posture, the way she walked and the way she acted that the Willow she had known in high school was different than the one whom she was walking next to.
She then had a flashback of Willow in her office at the old Slayer Council. Buffy remembered that the redhead was on her knees in front of her begging for her to stop, that there was a reason her file was confidential but Buffy still decided to go through with it. Buffy knew that Willow would never fully forgive them, especially her, for what happened that day. She knew in her heart now that the Willow she had known, the Willow that fought with her against the Master, the Child of the Hellmouth, the Mayor… and all the other demons and vampires in between was gone.
"Will" said Buffy softly, "about what happened before… I…"
"Buff" said Willow as she reached for Buffy's hand and held on tight, "it was a different time. This is the here and now, we can talk later if you want but we're giving you full disclosure so you can ask any questions you want."
"Does this have any connection to the Initiative?" asked Buffy, "I take it that you know, or heard about them?"
"No" said Willow, "nothing to do with them, although you may find some familiar faces here."
"I see" said Buffy as they walked towards the briefing room.
"Buffy guess what?" said Dawn, "I was lost in an alternate reality and Willow rescued me, she faced the Initiative there along with Faith and took them down. Even arrested Professor Walsh, and everything."
"Long story" said Willow as she looked back at the confused faces before looking at Dawn, "we can discuss all of that at home?"
"Oh" said Dawn, "but can I tell her about….?"
"Sure" sighed Willow.
"I met another Willow" said Dawn excitedly, "and…. I met mom."
"What?!" said Buffy as everyone stopped, "mom?"
"She's alive in an alternate reality" said Dawn excitedly as Willow noticed the pain in Buffy's face, "she's living with you but the monks hadn't created me yet. Willow told her to get checked out everyday for the tumour and even if they find it, she told mom to schedule multiple follow-ups."
"Buffy" said Willow as Xander put his arm around her shoulder, "it was an alternate reality, there are many.. many realities out there where things are different. I even travelled to one where Tara died."
"Huh?" said Kennedy as she turned to her girlfriend.
"I… I…. wa… was in a relationship… I mean the other me… was with Willow" said Tara as everyone then looked back at Willow.
"The other me was in vengeance mode and wanted to kill me" said Willow, "she came to this reality and tried her best… that was when Tara, Angel and Cordy found out about what I do for a living. She blamed me for Tara's death."
"Cordy?" asked Xander.
"It's true" said Cordelia.
"Mom's alive somewhere?" asked Buffy as she wrapped her arms around her body, "she's alive somewhere."
"Yea" said Willow, "come on, there are some people you should meet."
Buffy held her sister's hand as she and the others walked past the General's office and into the briefing room.
"General Landry" said Willow as she walked towards the General who was standing next to Daniel, Colonel Carter and Colonel Mitchell in their dress blues and Teal'c, "this is Buffy Simmers, Rupert Giles, Xander Harris, Kennedy, Cordelia Chase; and you know Anya and Tara."
"Miss Chase" said General Landry as he walked towards Cordelia, "it's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"Thank you, General" said Cordelia as she shook his hand.
"Miss Summers" said the General as he extended his hand to the senior Slayer, "you should be proud of your sister, she's done a lot of good work for us."
"I… I know" said Buffy, "and I am."
"This is the SGC's front line team, SG1" said General Landry as he motioned towards the people standing next to him, "Lt. Colonel Cameron Mitchell, Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter, Dr. Daniel Jackson and Teal'c; and of course Major Rosenberg and Miss Lehane."
"Front line team?" asked Buffy as she looked at Willow.
"The ones that get shot at the most" said Faith.
"We've met actually" said Colonel Carter as she stepped forward, "a few times."
"The first one is something that should probably be best forgotten" said Giles as he stepped forward and extended his hand and shook Colonel Carter's hand, "Rupert Giles, I'm the head of the BPRI's research department."
"Cameron Mitchell" said the Colonel as he shook Kennedy's hand, "you should be proud of Miss Maclay especially, she helped us get back Major Rosenberg and Dr. Jackson."
"Vala too" said Colonel Carter.
"Vala?" asked Anya as she looked around, "Where is she?"
"Missing in action" said Willow as she glanced at General Landry who nodded his head.
"Dr. Rupert Giles?" asked Daniel as he stepped forward to Giles, "the former curator of the British Museum?"
"Dr. Daniel Jackson, I presume?" said Giles, "I'm sorry that I hadn't recognized you during the incident in Sunnydale, but I had assumed you died. At least that was the rumour in academic circles."
"Yes, well" said Daniel nervously, "things happened that I hope to explain today, and tomorrow."
"B, Kennedy" said Faith as she walked towards Teal'c, "this is one of the most honourable men I know."
"Greetings, Buffy Summers… Kennedy" said Teal'c as he gave them a small bow.
"Hi" said Kennedy as she looked at the gold tattoo on his forehead, "nice tat, does it symbolize something?"
"The enslavement to false gods" said Teal'c.
"Oh" said Kennedy as she looked at Buffy.
"General, Sir" said Willow, "with your permission, I'd like to take Buffy and Dawn with me?"
"Of course" said General Landry as Willow turned to face Buffy and Dawn.
"Guys" said Willow as she held both of their hands, "come with me, you can ask me anything you want but only after I show you something."
As Willow led Buffy and Dawn out of the room, General Landry asked everyone in the briefing room to take a seat. He told everyone that Daniel would be the first one to talk in detail about the Stargate, with Colonel Carter talking about the science behind it and Colonel Mitchell, Teal'c and Faith would talk about their experiences in going through the gate. They would only talk about recent events once Willow returned.
"Willow" said Dawn as she followed the red head and Buffy, "where are you taking us?"
"Infirmary level" said Willow as she got into the elevator and pressed the button for the infirmary level.
"What's at…" said Buffy as Willow interrupted her.
"Remember the news last week?" asked Willow, "about the new influenza strain that first appeared at St. Francis Medical Center?"
"Yea" said Buffy, "Xander was telling me about it, it ended up that thousands of people… no."
"We have a new enemy" said Willow as she walked out of the elevator, "very powerful…. Very stubborn. They use missionary's known as Priors to spread the word of a false religion that claims that these gods, the Ori, would ascend them."
"Willow" said Buffy as she stopped, "are we talking about Mayor type ascension.. I mean that's…."
"No" said Willow, "ascension in the literal sense…. Daniel will explain this later but ascension is a process where a human being evolves to such a point that they can shed their physical body and exist on a higher plain of existence as living energy."
"The Ancients that Willow talked to you about at the BPRI" said Dawn, "they ascended, but they can't interfere in the lower plains."
"Why?" said Buffy, "I mean if they help us then….."
"Basically" said Willow, "the Ori want more people to worship them because that how they get their power. Which is why the Ancients don't want to interfere, why it's their highest law. The more power you get from the lowers, the more chance is for that power to corrupt you."
"Right" said Buffy, "so we're alone?"
"We know the truth now" said Willow, "we can spread that truth to the other planets out there, use that to dissuade others from accepting the Ori. They promise their followers ascension after death, but they won't do it…. To do so would mean they have to share their power."
"Oh" said Buffy.
"And the reason they're sending their Priors here?" said Willow as she looked at both Buffy and Dawn, "they want to convert this galaxy do that they can have enough power to destroy the Ancients. If that happens, then you can say goodbye to free will."
"And we're losing" said Dawn, "we're losing the war."
"What do you need from us?" said Buffy, "we've fought gods before… we fought Glory before."
"Right now?" said Willow, "right now I need you to listen, the both of you…."
"We're listening" said Buffy as they almost reached the infirmary before Willow pulled both Buffy and Dawn into another room.
"Willow?" said Dawn as she and Buffy were pulled into the empty room. She watched as Willow closed the door and leaned back on it and kept her head down, her red hair falling over her face.
"One of our allies…. the Sodan" said Willow.
"The people you rescued Faith and Colonel Mitchell from?" asked Dawn.
"Yea" said Willow, "they thought they could embrace Origin."
"And they are your allies?" said Buffy, "Willow…"
"Buff" said Willow as she raised her head up as tears started to well in her eyes.
"Will?" asked Buffy as she noticed the tears, "what's going on?"
"The Prior told them that a world refused to follow the Ori" said Willow as she wiped the tears from her eyes, "that they had to go to that planet and kill everyone for not accepting Origin, their religion."
"WHAT?" asked Buffy incredulously, "did they?"
"No" said Willow shaking her head, "they found that they were only simple farmers, they were no threat to the Ori… so they left."
"Phew" said Dawn, "I thought…."
"Probably late in the night" said Willow as she interrupted Dawn, "a Prior came through the planet's Stargate, and when he saw that the villagers weren't punished; he released the plague."
"No" said Buffy in shock.
"Willow" said Dawn, "how many…."
"I was on another world" said Willow as she shook her head, "I was on the Sodan planet when we heard news of some people coming through the Stargate with the plague…. I… I ran to them to help them and… and I…. oh God Buffy, Dawn."
"Willow" said Dawn, "who did you see?"
"Mrs Summers" said Willow as she looked at the surprised looks on Buffy and Dawn's face, "it was Mrs Summers who came through the Stargate."
"Willow" said Buffy as she covered her mouth in shock and shook her head, "this… this… this isn't the time for jokes…. It's not funny…. Willow… it's not funny."
"Buffy" said Willow.
"NO!" shouted Buffy incredulously, "we buried her, Will! I buried her! I found her body on the couch! I still remember it like it was yesterday, she was pale… her eyes open and lifeless… she was sprawled on the couch and not breathing! She was DEAD! She died, what the hell kind of a game are you playing at!?"
"Willow" said Dawn as she walked up to the red head and looked into her eyes, "it's not her… it can't be. I saw her body on the autopsy table… she died… she died."
"It can't be her" said Buffy as she broke down, "I saw her dead body… we all saw her body… Willow, please tell me the truth.. please."
"Buff" said Willow as she reached for her hand and held on tightly, "she… she's real. We ran tests for everything from her being a clone to her being a human form replicator… it was all negative, she's fully human."
"It destroyed us, Will" said Buffy as she broke down onto Willow's shoulder, "it destroyed us to have her die."
"Dawnie" said Willow as she looked at the younger Summers sister who was pacing the far corner of the room in shock, "say something.. hit me if you want, but I'm telling you the truth.. this is why Faith and I begged the President to allow all of you disclosure.. please.. say something."
"I want to see her" said Dawn quietly as she wrapped her hands around herself, "I want to see her."
"Buff" said Willow as she held on tightly while rubbing circles on the back of her crying friend as she screamed in order to release all the anger, all the sorrow and rage in losing her mother all those years ago as she pounded her fists on the sides of Willow's arms, "she's alive… I swear to you that it's her. I wanted the both of you to see her first before the others…. Please."
"Will" said Buffy after a few minutes as her voice broke again, "what.. what will she think… we never.. we never.. we never knew…. Instead, we buried her."
"No one knew" said Willow as she looked into Buffy's eyes, "no one knew. Buffy, this is a win… this is hope.. a new beginning."
"Willow" said Dawn as she held on to Buffy's shoulder, "you said that she came through the Stargate with some other people."
"I'll let her fill you in" said Willow as she kissed the top on Buffy's head.
"Buffy" said Dawn as the blonde Slayer stepped back away from Willow, and turned to face her sister who was helping her to fix her newly shortened hair and wipe her eyes dry, "we need to see, I need you to be strong."
"I'll go tell her you're coming" said Willow as Dawn nodded her head.
"Buffy" said Dawn as she held on to her sister after Willow had left the room, "I'm breaking apart on the inside, please I need you to be the strong one… I can't do this if she doesn't remember us or…"
"Buff" said Willow as she opened the door as she wiped her own eyes, "she's ready for you both."
Buffy and Dawn followed Willow out the door and walked along the hallway until they reached a door on the left.
"This is one of our private infirmary rooms" said Willow as she held on to the handle and turned it, before stepping inside and holding the door open.
Buffy was the first one in before she immediately stopped in her tracks. She looked with her eyes wide open as the woman who claimed to be her mother had her back turned to her. Buffy saw that she had the same blonde hair, the same posture as she stood up after wearing some shoes. She saw that the woman was in a grey shirt and long black pants. Then she smelt it, the familiar smell of jasmine that Joyce would use for her shampoo and she glanced at Willow.
"It was her favourite" said Willow, when she heard Buffy's loud thoughts about the shampoo, as Buffy gave a smile to the red head before looking back at the woman who was turning around.
"Mom?" said Buffy as she walked into the room, followed by Dawn who stopped at the entrance once she saw the woman turn around and face the both of them, "mommy?"
"Mom?" said Dawn as she walked into the room and stood next to Buffy, "is it… I mean.. please tell me.."
"My little pumpkin belly" said Joyce as she stepped forward as Dawn ran over to her and hugged her tightly.
"Mommy" said Dawn as she held on to Joyce, not intending to ever let go.
"Mommy" said Buffy who was now standing next to Willow as she stepped back slowly shaking her head, "no… no…"
"Buffy" said Joyce, "it's me… I…"
"No" said Buffy as she ran out of the room.
"Buffy!" said Joyce, "please… I…"
"I'll get her back" said Willow as she ran after Buffy was already at the end of the hallway, "Buffy!"
Willow chased the blonde for a few minutes until she caught up with her arguing with one of the SF's to let her go up to the surface.
"Sergeant" said Willow as she held on to Buffy's arms from the back and turned her around, "everything's fine. Can we have some privacy?"
"Of course, ma'am" said the sergeant as he left his desk.
"I.. I need some air, Willow" said Buffy as she looked around at her surroundings, "I… I can't breathe."
"Buffy" said Willow as she held on to her best friend whose eyes were wandering all over the place, "BUFFY!"
"She… she…" said Buffy as she grabbed Willow and hugged her tightly as her legs collapsed from under her as she broke down.
"Buff" said Willow as she knelt down while hugging Buffy at the same time, "you have a second chance with your mother, not many people… especially Slayers… have that chance. She loves you so much… I can feel it coming off her…. she loves you and Dawn so much. When she came back to the SGC, she wanted to see you and Dawn but we had to keep her, and the others, under quarantine. They were just released yesterday."
"She hates me" said Buffy as she broke down on Willow's shoulder again, "I should have known… I should have known."
"There was no way to know" whispered Willow as she sat on the floor, holding on to Buffy, "there was no way to know."
"She was on that planet for almost a decade" continued Willow softly, "and now, she and the others are the only survivors. She needs you now, more than ever."
"Everyone died?" said Buffy.
"The plague killed everyone on the planet" said Willow as she looked into her eyes, "nothing survived. So she needs you… she needs you and Dawn. Come back with me? Please?"
"Does she know?" asked Buffy as she wiped her eyes and stood up after being helped by Willow.
"Yea, we just told her yesterday. I know she's holding it all in her, but... she needs you to be there when she talks about it" said Willow, "we went to that planet after we created a cure, but we were too late. Autopsies revealed that many died within twelve hours. She and the others were just lucky they came through the Gate when they did."
"I'm sorry" said Buffy as she wiped some of her tears off Willow's dress blues, "I ruined your suit."
"Don't worry about it" grinned Willow.
Buffy simply nodded as Willow held her hand.
"Ready?" asked Willow.
"Yeah" said Buffy.
The both of them walked back to Joyce's room and Buffy entered, only to see both Dawn and Joyce on the bed talking.
"Mom" said Buffy as Joyce looked up and smiled.
"Buffy" said Joyce as she held her arms wide open for the blonde girl to run forward and hug the woman who had given her life, "Oh Buffy, look at you."
"I'm a wreck" said Buffy as she nodded on Joyce's shoulder.
"What I was going to say is that you've grown up so much" said Joyce as she stepped back and looked at Buffy and Dawn, "the both of you have grown up so much."
"I'll give you some privacy" said Willow as she proceeded to close the door.
"No" said Joyce, "you're not going anywhere, young lady."
Joyce, with Buffy at her side, walked over to where Willow was standing.
"Look at you" said Joyce as she caressed Willow's cheeks, "I always thought that you were destined for great things if you left Sunnydale…. And.. and you gave me a gift, you brought me back to my girls."
Willow could only nod her head before giving Joyce a kiss on the cheeks.
"Mom" said Dawn as she walked next to her mother and grabbed Buffy's hand, so that Joyce could see the ring.
"You're married?" said Joyce as she hugged Buffy, "why didn't you tell me?"
"I just saw you again" said Buffy laughing as more tears fell down her cheeks.
"Who's the lucky guy?" said Joyce, "don't tell me Angel?"
"No" said Buffy as she gave Joyce a smile, "it's Xander."
"Oh" said Joyce as she hugged Buffy, "is he here?"
"Yea" said Buffy.
"Mrs Summers" said Willow, "I need to go and change, and then I'll be right back with the other surprise for these two."
"Thank you, Willow" said Joyce as Willow walked towards the door, before Joyce grabbed her hand, turned her around and hugged her, "I mean it, thank you for being where you were."
"I think you, Buffy and Dawn have a lot to catch up on" said Willow as she smiled at the two young women, "I'll be back in a few minutes."
"Alright" said Joyce as she stepped back and watched Willow walk out of the door. The red head then walked quickly towards her quarters where she changed into the on-base BDU's. After she washed her face again, she walked out of her quarters and walked towards the Mess Hall.
"Aunt Willow" said Rose as she struggled to get off the chair.
"Hey kiddo" said Willow as she walked toward Rose and Jay who were eating some red Jello and chocolate cake respectively, "how's it going? You know you're spoiling your appetite's right?"
"But we never had this in Edina" said Jay as he shoved the last piece of cake that was on his plate.
"Sorry, Willow" said Cassie, "I tried to stop them but… well, Rose started to pout and Jay threatened to cry… so.. yeah."
"Cass" said Willow as she sat next to the redhead, "thanks for looking after them, I know it's a big ask… especially since you had to come from Washington on such short notice."
Willow remembered asking Cassie to come to the SGC yesterday once it was confirmed that the BPRI would be getting disclosure on the Stargate Program. She wanted Cassie here primarily because of her background, she knew what it was like to be the only one left alive after the complete destruction of her people on Hanka. She was hoping that sharing her experiences with Joyce and the others would help in some way, combined with the Counselling that Joyce, Buffy and Dawn would be provided with by the SGC.
"It's no problem" said Cassie, "she stayed there for about ten years so it's enough time to have made a life, especially since you know there's no way to come back home."
"Yeah" said Willow as she turned to face Rose and Jay, "so you kids ready to meet some special people?"
"Yay!" said Rose as she raised her hands.
"You know" said Willow as she leaned down and carried Rose into her arms, "one day, I'll make you fly… how you like that?"
"Ok" said Rose.
"Me?" asked Jay as he looked up at Willow.
"Sure" said Willow, "now hold on to my hand and we'll go to your mother's room."
"OK" said Rose as she grabbed Willow's neck.
"Where's Aunt Faith?" asked Jay.
"She's talking with some friends of your mother" said Willow as she looked at Jay, "some very long lost friends."
"Oh" said Jay.
"Willow" said Cassie as she walked beside her into the elevator, "how are you handling all of this?"
"I'm handling" said Willow with a smile, "how's med school? Have you asked General O'Neill if he can get you in here for your internship?"
"He said I can work under Dr. Lam next year" said Cassie.
"Really?" asked Willow as Cassie nodded her head, "we'll have the future Dr. Frasier back in the SGC."
Willow and Cassie were laughing as they walked out of the elevator and the older redhead walked towards Joyce's room and Cassie walked towards the main infirmary to talk to Dr. Lam.
"Hey" said Willow, "you have the keys to the house?"
"Yep" replied Cassie, "I'll order some pizza, just call me before you get back."
"Got it" said Willow as she waved at Cassie.
Joyce's Room, 1415 hours.
Buffy was sitting on the couch that was in the room as she watched Joyce and Dawn talking on the bed. She talked about what happened with the Initiative, Adam, Glory, and mentioned Buffy's death and resurrection thanks to Tara and the others.
"Buffy" said Joyce as she looked at Buffy, "you died?"
"I'm alright, mom" said Buffy, "mom…. mom… mom….. you know, I don't think I can ever get tired of saying that… ever."
"Mom" said Dawn, "I went to another reality where I met another you…. and another Willow."
"Really?" said Joyce as she ran her hands through her hair.
"My girls" continued Joyce as she looked at both Dawn and Buffy proudly before she looked down on the bed, "there's.. there's something I should tell you."
"Mom?" said Dawn.
"I was on Edina… that planet I travelled from…. for a long time" said Joyce, "there was no way for me to get back. I… I…."
"I know" said Buffy as she got up and walked towards Joyce and grabbed her hand, "I know."
Just then, Buffy looked on as the door to the room opened and Willow walked in carrying a little girl who was laughing at something the redhead said. She then saw a little boy walk in holding her hand who, upon seeing Joyce, ran to her and climbed the bed and hugged her.
"Mother" said Jay as he hugged Joyce to the looks of surprise of both Dawn and Buffy.
"Momma" said Rose as she reached for Joyce as Dawn quickly got off the bed in surprise and stood next to Buffy with her eyes opened wide and mouth open like a goldfish, "hug… hug…"
"Mother" said Jay, "Aunt Cassie gave us chocolate cake to eat….. I ate four plates."
"Sorry" said Willow sheepishly, "they convinced that friend I was telling you about to give them a lot of snacks."
"Mom?" said Buffy, "what's…."
"She is my mother" said Jay as he hugged Joyce protectively, "don't call her mom."
"Momma" said Rose as Willow put her on the ground and she ran towards the bed while, at the same time, she looked up at Buffy and Dawn. Rose then stopped and turned around looking intently at the surprised faces of both Dawn and Buffy. Willow looked on as Rose slowly made her way to Buffy before she started to pull on her pant leg.
"Pretty" said Rose as she looked up at Buffy who smiled and waved nervously at her. Rose then walked towards Dawn and raised her hands up.
"I think she wants you to pick her up, Dawn" said Willow as she smiled at Rose trying to get onto the tips of her toes.
"Hey" said Dawn as she crouched down and picked Rose up into her arms, "what's your name?"
"Rose"
"Hi Rose, I'm Dawn"
"Dawn" said Rose as she hugged the young woman.
"Mom?" said Buffy as she looked at the girl who was holding Dawn tightly, "what's going on?"
"Jay, Rose" said Joyce as she ran her hands through Jay's black hair, "I want you to meet your older sisters, Buffy and Dawn."
"Sisters?" said Jay as he stood up on the bed with his hand on his hips and stared at Buffy, "I protect my mother."
Willow couldn't help but laugh at the sight before her of a five year old boy threatening a Slayer.
"Buffy, Dawn" said Joyce once Willow finished her laughing fit, "this little monster is Jay…. He's five years old. And the one holding tightly onto Dawn is Rose, she's four."
"Mom" said Dawn as she looked at Rose, "she's so adorable, don't you think so… Buffy?"
Dawn turned towards Buffy who was silently crouched down eye level with Jay, who still had his hands on his hips as he stared back at Buffy. They were at this for a few minutes until Buffy gave a smile.
"How about this" said Buffy as she wiped tears from her eyes, "how about you protect mom, and I protect you?"
"I am strong" said Jay.
"I bet you are" said Buffy as she took her hand and caressed the little boy's cheeks and started to laugh and cry at the same time, "I have a little brother and a new sister, and my… our mother's back."
"Buffy" said Willow, "are you…"
"Yeah" said Buffy as she grabbed Jay and hugged him while the boy looked at Willow in surprise, "I'm so happy." Buffy then smothered the boy in kisses as he tried to escape Buffy's grip, "oh, I'm gonna spoil you rotten."
"Buffy" said Joyce shaking her head.
"What?" said Buffy as she looked at Joyce, who was smiling ear to ear, "I have a new brother and sister to spoil…. And I'll have you know that it's my duty as the oldest. At least until they piss me off."
"Buffy" said Dawn shaking her head as she walked up to her sister, "don't be cruel."
"I'll go over to the briefing room and see how far they've gone" said Willow as she opened the door, "I'll be back."
"Sure" said Joyce as she smiled at Willow.
"Buffy" said Rose as she looked at the blonde haired Slayer and reached towards her, "Buffy pretty."
"Aww" said Buffy as she took Rose into her arms and the little girl wrapped her hands tightly around her neck, "you're so adorable."
"Hi Jay" said Dawn as she crouched down and ruffled the boy's hair.
"You're ugly" said Jay as he looked at Dawn, who in turn looked back at him horrified.
"Hey" said Dawn in horror before she had a smirk on her face, "just so you know, I know some real monsters and I'll….."
"Dawn" said Joyce, "let's ease them slowly into the… you know… other parts."
Joyce then looked at Buffy and asked the question she was so afraid to ask.
"Are you still…. You know?" asked Joyce.
"Yea" said Buffy as she sat on the bed with next to Joyce, "but we have more people now; which I'll explain later. I'm the Senior in the BPRI for what I do, there's a new…. You know…. Called Kennedy. She's my second, and she shares the duties with me. All this I can explain later on, mom."
"Did you finish college?" said Joyce, "I'm sorry, it's just that it's been so long that…."
"No" said Buffy as she rubbed Rose's back while she looked at both Dawn and Jay making faces at each other, "after you… I mean that the you that I thought was you died, I dropped out. I couldn't handle the death and Glory at the same time. Then after she died, and I was… you know.. something else happened in Sunnydale. After that, everything went downhill."
"Mom" said Dawn, "we did some horrible things that I think you should hear from us, instead of from Willow and the others."
"We…. we" said Buffy as she looked at the floor as she started telling Joyce about what they had done to Willow, that we were put in prison…. That they still had one more year to go, and then they were free. Dawn went to explain that Willow did everything she could to ensure that everyone received light sentences, and that while a small part of her still blames the redhead for putting everyone in prison… she understands why Willow couldn't tell anyone about her job, or the importance of it.
"Oh my girls" said Joyce as she heard everything in shock.
"But it was a good thing mom" said Dawn, "she did everything she could to prevent me from spending any time in jail. She let me stay with her and Faith, even though I was cruel to her, she never gave up on me. Because of her, I'm doing my doctorate now."
"Really?" said Joyce.
"Psychology and linguistics" said Dawn proudly.
"I was there at her graduation" said Buffy, "you would have been so proud of her, I know I am."
"I'm proud of the both of you" said Joyce, "no matter what happens, or happened, I'll always be proud of the both of you."
Just then, the door opened and Willow walked in with a wheelchair.
"The others are taking a break right now" said Willow as she pushed the wheel chair to the other side of the bed where Joyce was hanging her legs over the side, "you ready to meet everyone?"
"Willow" said Joyce, "thank you for everything you did for Buffy and Dawn, they told me everything."
"It's in the past" said Willow, "now how about we go meet the others?"
"Sure" said Joyce, "but I'm not an invalid Willow, I can walk."
"I know" said Willow, "just thought this would be more comfortable."
"Thanks, but I want to use my own two feet" said Joyce as she followed Willow out the door, followed by Dawn who was arguing with Jay while holding his hand, and then Buffy who walked out carrying Rose.
"Why are you crying?" asked Rose as she wiped the tears that were falling down Buffy's cheeks, as the both of them walked behind Willow and the others.
"I'm happy" said Buffy as she kissed Rose on her forehead, "I have my whole family back, and two new siblings. So I'm very happy."
"I am happy too" said Rose as she hugged Buffy.
Briefing Room, 1430 hours.
The important parts of the briefing with the Scoobies were completed before General Landry called for a break so that everyone could absorb what they had learned.
"So let me get this straight" said Kennedy as everyone looked at her, "you people opened the Stargate, create problems for the rest of us, and then you think you do a good job? What gives you the right to place the entire planet in danger?"
"Kennedy" said Giles as he looked at the second Slayer, "you heard what they said, it's the risk anyone would take when exploring a new frontier."
"It's true" said Daniel as he looked straight at Kennedy, "if we hadn't opened the Stargate we wouldn't have caught the attention of the System Lords after we killed Ra and gotten this planet into a secret war, but then… the Jaffa would still be slaves to the Goa'uld, we wouldn't have made the allies that we made, we would never have discovered the new cultures and made great scientific advancements."
"Thanks to disclosure" said Colonel Carter, "we'll be rolling out some of the latest medical technology over the next few years, new clean energy technology such as the Naquada generators over the next three years and new non-lethal weapons over the next five years and some of these advancements will be provided to the BPRI as well."
"Really?" said Cordelia as she leaned forward.
"Yes" said General Landry, "we're in talks with Agent Garret to supply the BPRI with medical technology that should provide quick recovery times for the Potential Slayers; Intars, which are non-lethal energy weapons, and Ancient shielding technology powered by our Naquada generators, which will be installed throughout the main BPRI building and the dorms for the Potential Slayers. Everything will be confirmed with you and Mr. Angel once the arrangements have been made."
"We're talking to our allies in the Sodan" said Faith, "we're trying to get them to agree to having any Potentials who would be interested in going to their planet for a few weeks of training in some of their battle techniques."
"Miss Maclay" said Colonel Carter as she looked at Tara, "Willow talked to another ally of ours, the Nox… they would like to have you as a guest on their planet for a few days."
"Me?" asked Tara nervously, "wh… why?"
"From the time that Willow spent with them after her incident" said the Colonel, "and after witnessing what they could do with my own eyes, and based on Daniel's research on Wicca; they seem to practise something similar."
"Really?" asked Tara as she leaned forward, "and they want to meet me?"
"Yes" said Colonel Carter, "of course, it's your decision if you want to visit them.. and you are welcome to bring two guests with you. They are a very private people."
"Ye.. yes" said Tara, "I'd like that very much."
"Well" said the Colonel, "just decide on a day and we'll arrange it for you."
"Thanks" said Tara.
"Wait" said Giles, "you said Willow had an incident?"
"She'll explain everything to you" said Colonel Mitchell.
"Ummmm… guys?" said Willow as she walked into the briefing room just as the Colonel mentioned the redhead's name.
"Willow" said Giles as he got up smiling, "we've heard many…."
"I know" said a smiling Willow, "and there's another surprise."
"Hi guys" said Buffy as she walked in with Rose, while Dawn walked in with Jay as he looked at the faces of all the surprised Scoobies.
"Buffy" said Tara as she walked towards the Slayer as another blonde haired woman walked into the briefing room, and everyone stopped talking. Tara gasped as she covered her mouth with both her hands and looked at the woman in wide eyed shock, as did every single Scooby in the room.
"Someone say something" said Joyce as she looked at everyone.
"Mrs…. Mrs. Summers?" said Tara as she walked towards Joyce and looked over her, "is it really you?"
"Hi Tara" said Joyce as Tara screamed in happiness as she hugged Joyce tightly, "you've grown up so much."
"I missed you" said Tara as she cried into Joyce's neck, "we all missed you… but how?"
"Willow will explain everything" said Joyce as Tara stepped back, "but I hear I have a son-in-law now, where is he?"
"Mrs. Summers?" said Xander as he slowly approached Joyce in shock as he gulped, "I.. I…"
"Hi Xander" said Joyce as she gave him a tight hug and whispered into his ear, "congratulations…. Buffy looks so happy… you made her so happy."
"I missed you" said Xander softly, "we all missed you."
"Rupert" smiled Joyce as she looked at Giles who had dropped his glasses onto the floor in complete shock, "it's so good to see you again."
"I.. ah… I…." said Rupert as he shook his head and walked over to Joyce who was still hugging Xander, "welcome… welcome back…. But… how."
"Mrs. Summers" said Cordelia as she approached Joyce, "I don't know if you remember me, I'm…"
"Cordelia" said Joyce as she smiled at the brunette wearing the red suit, "I remember you… you… all of you have grown up so much."
"And this" said Buffy as she and Dawn stood side by side, "meet Rose and Jay, our brother and sister."
As everyone started to get to know each other, and the new additions to the Summers clan, Willow walked over to where General Landry, Colonels Mitchell and Carter, Teal'c and Faith were standing while Daniel left for the rest room.
"Ma'am, Sir" said Willow as she nodded at both the Colonel's and the General who nodded back at her.
"Hey" said Daniel once he returned from the rest room. He then walked over to Willow and the others at one end of the briefing room, as he looked at the commotion with all the Scoobies meeting the new additions to the Summers family, and telling Buffy about the information she missed out on, "I take it everything went alright?"
"Oh yeah" said Willow.
"Shall we begin the next phase?" asked General Landry.
"Yes, Sir" said Colonel Carter, who was still in her dress blues.
"Daniel" said Willow, "you told them about Anubis? His half ascended status? Cloning?"
"Yea" said Daniel, "but not the stuff about you… figured that would be something you'd like to tell them."
"Thanks" said Willow as she nodded at her friend.
"Ladies and gentlemen" said General Landry, "please have a seat, we just have a few more things to say before we break for the day."
"Or else it would be information overload for you guys" said Faith smiling.
"Alright" said Cordelia who was carrying Rose in her arms before she handed the little girl to Buffy.
After everyone had taken a seat, Willow started the next stage of the briefing.
"From what we've been able to piece together from the Asgard" said Willow as Kennedy raised her hand, "yea?"
"The same ally who kidnapped Mrs. Summers?" said Kennedy.
"Yeah" replied Willow, "well, one of them anyway… a rogue scientist known as Loki."
"That's the one who kidnapped me" said Joyce as she ran her hand through Jay's hair.
"He's been doing it since the early 80's" said Willow as he looked at Joyce, "but he was stopped by the Asgard since the experiments he was conducting were illegal. But a few years ago, he started up again when the other Asgard were distracted in their war with the replicators. He then came back to Earth to search for a cure for the genetic degradation his people were suffering due to millennia of cloning."
"I still can't believe it" said Giles, "cloning and aliens."
"You should" said Willow, "it was just dumb bad luck that Mrs Summers was chosen by Loki."
"Remember that date I had with Brian?" asked Joyce as Dawn and Buffy nodded their heads, "well, I went to the rest room to freshen up. While I was looking at the mirror, I felt a tingle and the next thing I know… I was covered in white light. Then I woke up a week later facing this grey alien who called himself Loki. He told me that I was cloned and that the clone had somehow died. He said he didn't want this mistake to be discovered by his people. He told me that he healed some growths in my lungs and my breasts, he made sure that they would never come back again. He said that he had made me look younger by a few years before leaving me on Edina. The next thing I know, I'm awash in a bright white light standing in front of a stone circle in my best evening dress. As I was looking around in panic, a man came up the trail and stopped when he looked at me. I ran to him, told him I was from Earth and that I needed to get back home... get back home to Buffy and Dawn. He told me that he didn't know any Earth, that I was on Edina. I asked him about the ring, the Stargate, but he had no idea how it worked... to him it was just some religious artifact worshiped by his ancestors. I just broke down then and there, and he was kind enough to take me into his home and care for me. The rest.. I mean... I can't.. not now."
"You died the day after the date" said Buffy, "I mean… so the one we buried… she was a clone?"
"Yes" said Willow, "it's Loki's M.O, he experiments with the real bodies for a week, at most, while the clone takes over the life without even knowing that it is a clone."
"Talk about invasion of the body snatchers" said Xander as he held on to Jay.
"Where is he?" said Buffy as she made her hand into a tight fist.
"He's in prison" said Colonel Carter, "he was caught by us when he did it again."
"Oh" said Buffy.
"But their people?" said Joyce as she looked at Colonel Carter, "I mean… what's going to happen to them?"
"Mrs Summers" said Kennedy, "they kidnapped you…. I really wouldn't worry about what's going to happen to them."
"They're still living beings" said Tara, "and we can't judge the entire race based on the misdeeds of one of them."
"They're starting to rebuild their civilization" said Willow as she looked at Kennedy, "they used a special protein marker in my blood to halt and reverse the genetic degradation, now they're working on rebuilding their civilization."
"Your blood?" said Kennedy, "what's so special about you?"
"Not this again" mumbled Willow.
"Kennedy" said Tara.
"Listen" said Daniel as he held on to Willow's shoulder while the redhead stared at Kennedy, "let's talk about what happened to Mrs. Summers, before we go on to Willow."
"Thanks" said Willow as she looked at Daniel before she turned to face the Scoobies, "I know the autopsy report on Mrs. Summers' clone said that she died of an Aneurysm, despite her tumour having been extracted."
"Yeah" said Buffy.
"Well" said Willow, "this is just a theory, but since Loki created his clones with certain flaws at the genetic level we believe that the clone of Mrs. Summers couldn't handle the intense energy and magic that's present in Sunnydale. The part of the brain where the aneurysm occurred tells us that it was a certain very powerful magic, that caused the problem. If Loki hadn't created the clone with that genetic flaw, then Mrs. Summers would have lived on, even after the clone had been switched for the real one."
"Willow" said Dawn as she looked at the redhead in shock, "powerful magic…. You don't mean?"
"It's just a theory Dawn" said Willow, "but the area the aneurysm occurred was close to the same place that memories are created."
"Dawnie" said Buffy as she looked at Dawn's shocked face.
"It.. it's my fault" said Dawn as she looked at everyone.
"No" said Joyce as she got up from her seat and ran over to Dawn, "it's not your fault, none of this is your fault.. do you understand me?"
"You couldn't have skipped over that whole thing?" said Kennedy as she stood up and pointed at Willow to the surprise of everyone, "now you're blaming her?"
"No" said Willow staring at Kennedy, "I'm telling her what we found. She, and the others deserve to know everything.. no more secrets between us. She's an adult who I know can handle this information, maybe you're the one who's underestimating her."
"Major" said Colonel Mitchell, "what do you mean powerful magic? And why is Dawn saying that it's her fault?"
"Dawnie" said Willow, "it's up to you if you want to tell everyone."
"Willow" said Buffy softly, "this isn't something that…."
"A few years ago" said Dawn as she hugged Joyce, "some monks used very powerful magic to create me."
"Create you?" asked General Landry, "what do you mean create?"
"They got a drop of Buffy's blood" said Dawn, "used it as a catalyst to create me so that they could house an energy matrix known as the Key in me to hide it from a Hell god known as Glory. After I was created, they changed the memories of people who were close to Buffy so that they would remember me as having been her younger sister. I came into this world as a teenager but Buffy and the others, myself included had memories of when I was a baby and growing up with them."
"So you never knew you were this Key?" asked General Landry.
"No" said Dawn as she shook her head.
"She's human" said Buffy as she stood protectively near Dawn, "so don't…."
"Miss Summers" said General Landry, "you can confirm his with Major Rosenberg, but we have no intention of experimenting or doing anything untoward to your sister."
"Dawn" said Daniel, "what does the Key… I mean, what do you open?"
"Doorways into other dimensions" said Dawn softly, "as far as I know, the Key opens doorways into every hell dimension. The longer the doorways stay open…"
"Hell on Earth" said Colonel Carter, "literally Hell on Earth."
"Yea" said Buffy, "Glory opened a portal using her blood, and to shut it down…."
"The closing of the portal required the blood that created it to stop flowing" said Giles as he stood up and turned to the blast door covered windows.
"Meaning that Dawn had to die" said Colonel Mitchell in surprise.
"But since we have the same blood" said Buffy, "I jumped into the portal."
"And the blood stopped flowing" said Daniel as he looked at Willow who nodded her head, "you died to save the world."
"Yes" said Buffy as Jay got off Xander and slowly walked towards Buffy. Jay stopped in front of Buffy and climbed onto her lap and just simply sat down as Buffy kissed the top of her brother's head.
"Mrs Harris-Summers" said General Landry, "have all of these details been released in a report?"
"No" said Buffy, "it's something that…. Well, I wanted to protect Dawn."
"You have my word that she'll be protected" said General Landry softly, "I'll be recommending that her personnel file be transferred to Home Word Security and a copy will be forwarded to the President for his eyes only. Her status will be the same as Miss Lehane, and Major Rosenberg. I'll also be making a written recommendation that the file for both BPRI Slayers be given the same protected status… provided Miss Chase is in agreement."
"I agree" said Cordelia as she smiled at Buffy and Kennedy.
"Very well" said General Landry as he looked at Cordelia, "I'll hand you the paperwork today, which you can hand over to Agent Garret."
"Thank you" said Cordelia as she turned to Buffy.
"Alright" said Buffy as she looked at Willow who simply nodded and smiled at her, "ok."
"In the meantime" said General Landry, "I'd like for you to write a report on the events of that day. I will give a copy to Miss Chase for the BPRI records, and one will be kept at the SGC. Another copy will be sent to the President with my recommendation that you be given a commendation for your actions of that day."
"Buffy" said Cordelia, "why didn't you tell me, or Angel?"
"It was to protect Dawn" said Buffy, "but I'm not asking for any thanks."
"Buff" said Willow, "none of us are here ask for any thanks, we're just doing our jobs. You and the BPRI protect the world from supernatural threats, and we protect it from aliens and other outside threats."
"A bad job from what it looks like" said Kennedy softly.
"Alright" said Buffy, "I'll get a report written down."
"Thank you" said General Landry.
"Dawn" said Daniel, "are you still the key?"
"Yes" said Dawn.
"But her blood won't open anything now" said Giles, "I believe her blood opens doorways at a certain time, and from a certain place. Based on my initial research, it works every hundred years."
"I see" said Daniel, "may I have a look at your research?"
"Of course" said Giles, "you were willing to share your research on the Ancients, so I feel it's only right."
"Thanks" replied Daniel.
"There's another thing you guys should know" said Willow, "this time it's about me."
"Willow" said Tara, "you mean you're going to…"
"Full disclosure" said Willow, "including what happened to me, everything that happened to me."
"What happened?" asked Joyce.
"Yeah" said Xander, "you mentioned something earlier."
"Will?" asked Buffy as she turned to the redhead, "what happened?"
"Daniel told you about Anubis?" said Willow as Teal'c silently walked towards the redhead and stood next to her protectively.
"Yes" said Giles, "one of the Ancients ascended him. When she realized her mistake, she wanted to send him back to this plane of existence but was prevented by the others. Instead they sent him back half-way. That covers it, right?"
"Yea" said Willow, "we all thought he died at the Battle of Antarctica… but we were mistaken."
"A few months after the incident" said Teal'c, "Anubis used subterfuge to gain entry into the SGC through a Russian Colonel."
"Yeah" said Willow, "we never realized that as a being of energy he could possess people. He possessed the Colonel to get into the SGC and then possessed Daniel to go through the Gate."
"Why?" asked Giles, "why go through the Stargate?"
"We dealt him a massive blow" said Colonel Carter, "General O'Neill used the Ancient weapons platform in Antarctica to destroy his entire fleet. We believe he needed to get back to his home world and rebuild his forces for another attack on Earth."
"He didn't though" said Willow, "I sensed something was wrong with Daniel and we stopped him from going through the gate."
"We still didn't know it was Anubis" said Daniel.
"He then possessed General O'Neill" said Willow, "before possessing me."
"What?" said Buffy as she approached Willow, "why?"
"According to the Asgard" said Willow as she looked at Buffy, "I have the genes of both the Ancients and the Furlings."
"The races in the alliance of four that Dr. Jackson told us about?" said Giles, "those Furlings?"
"Yea" said Willow as she looked at Giles before turning to Buffy again, "all this time my Furling gene was active, which is why magic came so easy to me… remember?"
"Yea" said Buffy.
"After one of my first missions" said Willow, "I clinically died…"
"What?" said Giles and Xander as they stood up and walked towards Willow, "when? How?"
"I read that report, she astrally projected herself to find Colonel Carter" said Colonel Mitchell, "the Prometheus was lost in a dust cloud where they flew into in order to hide from some attackers, they took the rest of the crew prisoner but left Carter in the ship. The Major found her and stayed with her until Carter got the ship out of the cloud."
"Her heart stopped beating twice when we returned to the SGC" said Daniel, "she never stopped looking for Sam."
"The Asgard believe that's when my Ancient gene took over" said Willow, "I nearly died again when we went searching for the Asgard so that they could help General O'Neill after he was put into stasis."
"How?" said Joyce.
"She used the power of her mind to hold together the ship as we tried to escape from a black hole" said Teal'c.
"Luckily she held out long enough for Thor to rescue us" said Colonel Carter, "and he healed Willow."
"I never knew" said Buffy as she looked the redhead.
"It was sometime after that that Anubis possessed me" said Willow, "after he possessed me, he unlocked every power of the Ancients in my body."
"He nearly took over the base" said Faith, "he nearly escaped free and clear."
"But he didn't?" said Kennedy equally surprised as everyone else.
"He took over Red completely" said Faith as she approached Willow, ignoring Kennedy's question, "he used her powers to injure many of the base personnel, and Sam who he smashed through the bullet-proof glass of the control room."
"Faith Lehane had to use her abilities to stop Willow Rosenberg at all costs" said Teal'c.
"Faith?" said Buffy as she looked at Faith is surprise, "did you kill…?"
"Even if it wasn't an order" said Faith, "I knew Anubis couldn't be allowed out of the base, or through the Stargate. Red knew what would happen if Anubis left in her body. So I had to stop her, I pounded her body all over the Gateroom until she took control."
"Anubis retreated into my mind" said Willow, "he was in so much pain that he retreated into my mind, but he wouldn't let go of my body."
"Why?" asked Joyce, "I mean, you were in pain."
"I was already starting to heal" said Willow, "I didn't know at the time but Anubis unlocked the powers of a nearly ascended Ancient. He would have taken those powers in my body, plus his knowledge of Ancient technology and conquered the galaxy."
"There was no way to know" said Kennedy, "how would you know that…."
"I saw it" said Willow, "the day after Buffy and the others were arrested and taken to D.C, I saw what would have happened if Anubis took my body, I dreamt about hell on Earth."
"Willow?" said Giles, "a dream?"
"Cheyenne" said Willow as she closed her eyes and relived the dream she had, "the SGC was massacred, everyone killed, Colorado Springs destroyed, the Prometheus gone… I saw Colonel Carter's body lying on the floor in her lab. Then I saw General O'Neill die in front of my eyes when I met Anubis who was wearing a mask, I saw Daniel die, I saw the President die…"
Willow then opened her eyes and looked at Buffy sadly.
"You were taken over by a Goa'uld" said Willow to a shocked Buffy, "Anubis said that you fought bravely, but you eventually fell in battle. He used you to start a new generation of the Goa'uld. I saw you… I saw you kill Dawn."
"What!" said Buffy as she looked at Dawn who looked back at her sadly.
"She told Cordelia, Tara, Angel and me about this" said Dawn as Buffy looked back at Willow in shock.
"Will" said Buffy, "I would never have hurt Dawn.. I couldn't…"
"The Goa'uld always takes over" said Colonel Mitchell, "the host can see everything, but can't do a damn thing about it."
"Anubis nearly murdered the former CMO in my body" said Willow, "he battled Faith while I could only scream at him to stop. I never wanted you, or anyone to experience that… so when I gained control of my body after Faith's beating, I knew I had two choices. Either I forever fight Anubis' control which I would eventually lose since he is so much stronger than me…. or I die."
"She used her telekinesis to activate the Stargate to a frozen wasteland" said Colonel Carter.
"Willow" said Buffy and Joyce, who stood up and walked towards the redhead, "what are you saying?"
"I chose to die" said Willow, "when I landed on that planet, there was no DHD…. No way to dial out of there. I knew that Anubis had to leave my body… or else he would die with me."
"But you're here" said Kennedy.
"I partially ascended" said Willow to the surprise of Buffy, "I was given the choice to fully ascend or continue the fight… to fight to find a way home."
"She decided to fight" said Daniel, "I was at the control room when we got the news from the Alpha site that Willow had returned with frost bite, internal bleeding and several other injuries that were life threatening."
"Oh dear lord" said Giles as he looked at Willow.
"After emergency surgery, she was doing alright" said Faith, "her vitals had stabilized enough for her to use her healing powers, one of the Ancient powers, to heal Sam."
"That she did" said Colonel Carter, "then she went to heal the former CMO, Dr. Brightman."
"She was massively injured" said Faith, "but Red healed her at a cost… she screamed and collapsed onto the floor once the Doc was fully recovered."
"Later we found that all her organs were failing" said Colonel Carter as she leaned forward on the briefing room table, "no matter what we did…. She kept dying."
"The Asgard then took her" said Faith, "Sam was on the ship as they took her to their home world."
"They told me that there was no way to save Willow" said Colonel Carter, "that Anubis released the power of near ascended Ancients into a body that couldn't handle the strain…. She was dying from degradation at the cellular level. There was no cure."
"So" said Willow as she looked at Buffy, "they cloned my body, genetically altered it to be a match for the biology of a near ascended Ancient, and then they transferred my consciousness… my memories… my everything to this body. My dying body was left an empty husk."
"Oh my lord" said Giles.
"Will" said Xander as he caressed Willow's cheek, "are you…"
"I'm Willow, in every way that matters.. all my memories are intact."
"The Asgard found that her two genes created a unique protein marker that they have been using to halt their own genetic degradation" said Colonel Carter.
"But my body… my original body had to die" said Willow, "to prevent anyone else from gaining access to it… I had to die."
"Oh Will" said Buffy as she hugged Willow.
"I pressed the button that disintegrated my original body" said Willow, "I had to watch myself die."
"Ahem" said General Landry as he stood up, "perhaps we should leave it here for today?"
"That would be best, Sir" said Willow as she looked at the General, "maybe there's been too much information for today. It would take some time to digest."
"Agent Garret has made arrangements for everyone to stay in….." said General Landry just as the klaxons went off.
"Unscheduled Off-World Activation" said Walter's voice over the P.A system.
"Now what?" said Buffy as she looked at Willow.
"Stay here" said Willow as she looked at Buffy, "please."
"Alright" said Buffy as she looked at Joyce as Willow ran down to the control room with General Landry Teal'c, Colonel Mitchell and Colonel Carter.
"Walter?" said the General as he walked into the control room with Colonel's Carter, Mitchell, Teal'c and Willow following closely behind him just as they saw a bright flash and heard a loud bang from the Stargate.
"What was that?" asked Willow.
"No clue" said Colonel Carter as they heard someone gasp behind them.
"Xander" said Willow as she looked at him standing at the bottom of the stairs, "what are you…"
"Sir" said Walter, "we're receiving SG1's IDC?"
"SG1?" said the General as he looked at the SG1, minus Faith and Daniel, behind him who shrugged.
"Stargate Command this is Mitchell what's the hold up?" said a voice that sounded terribly like Colonel Mitchell, "we're on the run from replicators… open the damn Iris. Quick!"
"Sir?" said Willow.
"This is new" said Colonel Mitchell.
"Stargate Command!" shouted the Colonel as everyone heard him fire a weapon, "open the damn thing!"
"Open it and lower the shield" said the General as Willow turned to Xander, "stay here!"
Xander nodded as he watched Willow, Teal'c, Colonel Mitchell and Colonel Carter, along with a detachment of Marines entered the Gateroom as he saw them aim the sidearm's they took from the Marines towards the Gate as the Iris retracted and the shield dropped.
Willow and the others looked on stunned as Colonel Mitchell, Colonel Carter, Teal'c and Daniel ran backwards through the gate firing their weapons at the event horizon. Daniel then turned around and shouted at General Landry to close the Iris.
"Where are the rest of your team?" asked General Landry.
"There are no others" shouted Colonel Mitchell, "they're coming, shut down the gate!"
"Shut it down" said General Landry as the event horizon dissipated.
"You sure took your own sweet…. Woah, daddy" said Colonel Mitchell in black BDU's as he saw himself, another Colonel Carter, another Teal'c, and a redheaded woman he never met; along with a detachment of marines aiming their weapons straight at him and his team.
"Now what?" mumbled Willow as she aimed her weapon at this new SG1.
TBC