And so the story moves on.:)
LadyMo, dpdp, and djenie, thank you for your comments and reviews, glad you are still with me and enjoying the journey.
Schatze8210, thank you for your chats and help with the chapters as well as your reviews.
To everyone else thank you for reading.
Chapter 24 – SGC - And so to work
After Lya's clap of dismissal, there was silence in Earth's Gate room as the group of people suddenly found themselves looking at the large Stargate and grey walls behind it, rather than the group in Atlantis City and their alien gate room. They had disappeared in a blink of an eye rather than the Nox's travelling Gate rolling up in the same way it had unfurled when they had appeared. Naturally enough the NCIS adults and children were glancing round at each other as they took stock of it all, silently seeking reassurance everyone was still there, even starting to wonder if it really happened or time had passed. Especially as little Tali was still sleeping on the floor.
Emily, Jethro, and even Tobias, drew on their previous experiences and silently made their way to the groups hoping to quietly reassure them it really happened and everything was alright.
As Caroline and Hank were silently taking stock of the situation around them, Roberta still feeling the rush of excitement that she was part of this special family, could feel a clearer assessment of the situation surfacing and turning to Hank voiced her worries. "I really thought it was going alright. But now I'm beginning to wonder if he might.."
Knowing this was not the time to have this discussion, and regardless of her higher rank and status, Hank butted in quickly, firmly but calmly. "We will discuss this later Ma'am. Now though, we need to get this group up to the Odyssey and on their way as they have plans to make and important work to do."
Seeing Roberta take a breath, then give a nod of acceptance rather than a snappy reply, pull rank and insist on finishing her comment, Hank turned his attention to the others knowing he needed to talk to them all, and looking at the sleeping child, stated. "Ziva and Tony you need to be with Tali when she wakes and the men need to bring in the bags to the gathering point. Bathroom and food breaks on the Odyssey along with the tour before you depart for Paris. Colonel Reynolds will give your special phones and we will keep to the arrangements made earlier."
Getting their thoughts together, Ziva and Tony immediately glanced at each other, and Ziva got in first saying. "You take her, Tony. She is going to be hell on wheels."
Knowing that was true, Tony sighed dramatically and added. "Loud voice, wriggling arms then two feet on the ground at a hundred miles an hour more likely." Then started to make his way to the sleeping child channelling his thoughts, back from the amazing things he'd seen to what was going to be their new life. He knew Ziva was still recovering from the after affects of the escape from the explosion so he needed to do the 'hard' work. He didn't mind that, he loved them both and could still feel the pain knowing how close he'd come to losing them, especially as he stopped and looked down at his sleeping daughter. He didn't attempt to kneel down to wake her, he would do that in a moment. Then as a thought hit him, he glanced back at Hank asking. "I don't suppose you know where we can get an identical soft toy, she's not going to let this one go and it will need washing some time soon."
With those who'd been parents or had grown up with younger siblings smiling at Tony's plea, Hank also smiled remembering his daughter's actions at that age and hearing her huff with embarrassment, as they'd become family stories though the years, he answered lightly. "We will track one down for you Tony. You can always try getting her to bathe it and then dry it quickly over night. She might even go back to the bear for that night or day. I don't think we will worry too much if she calls it U Sang, though it would be better if there was a different name. As for running off that energy, the people 'upstairs' will enjoy 'helping' her, it will be a change from their usual routine and sharpen up their catching skills when she gets away from them."
With chuckles from everyone, Hank turned serious and raising his voice slightly added. "Walter, we will sort out the information for Lady Lya in a moment or two. Contact Daedalus and Odyssey inform them of the changes of command on Atlantis and ranks and are effective immediately, but they are not to spread the information to Earth just yet. Also inform Colonel Reynolds we are gathering at the pick up point. Baggage first and then people. You will pass my command on when we are ready."
"Yes Sir." Walter replied briskly, and quietly started making the right connections, while half listening to what was happening below just in case another order was given, and as it was still interesting.
Turning his attention to Roberta, Hank commented. "That's the first phone call you need to make after we have cleared the area. I suggest you keep it basic, just confirm Jack has done his duty and you'll confirm details in a private meeting when you get back. Before you return to DC, I'll bring you up to date on everything and Caroline will need to run some tests regarding the Ancient Gene. The last bit we will keep private and you will become our eyes and ears in DC as Jack was."
Seeing her nod of agreement, Hank turned his attention to the others saying. "Agent Gibbs, do you need to pass on any more information to your group before they return to your house and then work? Colonel Reynolds will brief them on the locations and they will have to use their usual mode of transport to get there. It would be useful if Colonel Ferretti has somewhere to bed down in case he is needed longer than today."
Still reluctant to pick up his sleeping daughter and knowing he was going to miss the team's action, but needed to be with his family and new life, Tony automatically butted in. "Boss there's my apartment and your house free, one of the team can pick him up from either one. I'll give Tim our keys and note for the janitor when we are 'upstairs'." Seeing Gibbs slight smile and hearing Ziva's soft chuckle, Tony kept his eyes on his ex-boss and huffed. "I know ... not my job now. But, you will keep us up to date somehow wont you?"
Gibbs knew what a wrench this was for both of the couple and for him, come to that, and nodded as he confirmed. "We will. You are under the care of SGC so we will have direct contact through them. Leave Tali for the moment as she is quiet and the men can work around her." Then considering how to address the next problem, Jethro turned his attention to his own boss and hesitated. In the privacy of the Director's office they could freely discuss matters, argue them out between themselves. He couldn't do that now and he was going to turn things on their heads … order the Director of NCIS to do things now and in the future while still being his deputy...
Seeing Jethro's thoughtful expression and understanding the problem, possibly clearer than he would have in the past because of what had been happening, Vance said with a slight smile. "By the looks of things Jethro, you are the boss" before turning serious, but the glint still staying in his eyes as he added. "Till you get back to NCIS, then it will be as before, with you taking my orders. So carry on."
Stopping his own smile at that, Jethro nodded and started. "Right. It would be useful if Reeves and Torrez are brought into the programme as far as our working with Homeland is concerned to start with, and it will be your decision whether both are needed to help Bishop at the hideout and hospital sites. She will take the lead out there, and the SGC teams will know if off-world evidence is there and needs to be booked in quietly to SGC rather than Navy yard." Glancing at General Landry he checked. "I assume if it becomes necessary your Colonels will read them in to Homeworld and Space Forces. Torrez may talk a lot but he knows how to keep a secret, Reeves is a strong silent type so no trouble there. They are both trusted operatives and can be a useful to help with cover if and when McGee and Bishop are need for SGC duties, or need back up at short notice in an unusual situation."
Landry nodded his agreement but stayed silent to let Gibbs carry on, which he did by turning his attention back to the others and saying formally. "McGee take charge of the DC site, Colonel Ferretti and any information Bishop might need or pass on to you when you are back at Naval Yard." Then facing his boss, he added in the same tone. "Director, they will need free use of MTAC during the operation so you'll have to run cover. We will also need an area where we can go up to and come back from the Odyssey without causing any problems and we'll use going 'upstairs' as our cover word for it. My house is too far away, the lift is out of the question as is the Mortuary." Which made everyone smile.
"I'll consider the problem." Vance answered knowing it would be an interesting problem financially as well as physically, and seriously doubted a large store cupboard in the building would fit the bill either.
Understanding Vance's tone, Hank quickly butted in. "We will discuss it in detail later Director and find a cover story for it. It can all be put to 'Homeland expenses 'Code 9' and it will go straight to Homeworld expenses with no questions asked. But it would be useful to have trees round it and parking out of sight with little CCTV that would alert outsiders to activity around it."
Realising the extra difficulties that was going to cause, made Jethro and Vance to smile each other, before Jethro turned his attention to the others, knowing he'd come back to his own boss in a moment or two, and started. "Ducky how is your new assistant Kasie Hines settling in?"
Guessing what was coming, Ducky decided not to tell the stories he loved to explain things and answered straight away. "Definitely up to the job and more." Then with his gentle smile and tone added, "She also gets on very well with Abby." knowing he was opening the door Jethro wanted and this would cause either ripples or a verbal explosion.
Immediately seeing where this was going, and though excited at the prospect of working in the Spaceships, Abby was bouncing a little needing to stake her claim to her lab and territory by raising her hand for attention and jumping in loudly and quickly. "Gibbs! Gibbs! Gibbs, I work alone!"
Knowing he had to be firm with her, Jethro stated seriously. "Not this time Abby. If you want to work in Space and at NCIS, you will need to team with Kasie so there is cover for the work you are doing should you be called away at a moment's notice. Finding evidence and cases will not wait for your return, nor can we start from scratch each time it happens. She will be read into either part or all of the programme and you know you can trust her results and work. Don't you?" He finished still not breaking eye contact with her.
Abby pouted, knowing Jethro had trapped her into agreeing with him or having to chose one or the other line of work. She was not ready to do that. Space beckoned her deeply, but she still needed to know she could return to her safe ground, her lab at Naval Yard and the friends she had around her. She also couldn't ignore she liked what she saw in Kasie so far. So huffed and nodded then checked. "I will be leader of it wont I?"
"Yes Abby. The lab will still be yours." Jethro confirmed with a slight smile but serious tone, knowing how sneaky she could be. But also knew from Ducky's words and his smile, that once Abby thought things over there would not be any problems, could even lead to a solid friendship with Kasie, and decided he needed to address the other situation which was going to be interesting to say the least.
But Hank butted in his gruff serious tone saying. "Miss Sciuto, when you return to Naval Yard give Director Vance a list of equipment you will need for a working base. You know what we have on the Odyssey but we will need to check it against what is already on the Hammond, Daedalus and Atlantis so you will only need your usual 'go' bag when called." And got the result he wanted from her.
Immediately brightening at that thought, Abby nodded already not only starting a mental list but also seeing a spaceship lab for her to play in.
Jethro smiled at the General's neat move, and turning his attention to his boss who was also smiling at it, took a breath, turned serious and said. "Director, I can contact Agent Pride and get him and his daughter here as General O'Neill requested, but I need you to check out all the other teams so General Landry can work out who to bring into the Homeland/World or even the whole programme."
Eyeing Jethro, Vance channelled out everything else around him as he realised how serious the man was, and quickly weighed it up then commented quietly. "That should be easy. I check the records and find the teams who are top of their game, close like a family and have a strong, intelligent, stubborn leader. In fact, a mirror image of your team. Then send them to you and General Landry to be checked out." And stopped seeing Jethro's slight shake of the head. Recognizing it was the man's silent message 'no, you've missed a bit, Sir' so waited, while silently looking back to see if he could find what he had missed.
The pause was seconds, before Jethro respectfully pointed out. "We need to actually know the individuals concerned, not take information from records and that needs to be done without anyone at all knowing the real reason for your visit. Being Director you can visit the offices unannounced or at short notice without causing as many waves as I would without a case to follow up with them." and emphasized the 'I', knowing Leon was already getting the point, and taking the next mental step, would realise who he needed to visit first to make sure awkward questions were not asked there or through out the department.
With understanding coming Vance stated firmly, "I don't have the gene." Then paused as he silently ticked off the boxes regarding top groups and instantly hit on one - their department leader was experienced, sharp as a knife in mind and determination, would also take on the world to protect her team, who were all highly skilled at their jobs, would protect each other and had protected her, just as Gibbs had protected him in the past. With some trepidation rippling through him and still looking at his senior sneaky agent and so called friend, Vance exclaimed. "No way!" with a shake of his head to emphasize the point, and hoping the situation would go away he carried on. "No way am I going to Los Angeles and facing Hetty Lange or her team with that glowy or not glowy ball. And have to tell any of them, they are Ancient or explain the next step or explain about a non glowy ball. I'd never get out alive!" he insisted.
Understanding his boss's fears, after all what Hetty lacked in stature she made up with intelligence, guile, intuition and was not only formidable but fearless as well, Jethro smiled and nodded to confirm to his boss, he was right and he was not getting out of do it.
The short but determined silent stand-off was broken by Kayla and Jared's insistent "Dad! … Dad!" and nudging their father to make sure they had his attention, and had everyone else's as well.
Seeing they did, it was Jared who beat his sister by a second as he carried on in his excited and insistent tone. "You don't need the Ancient ball! You have us! We are out of school till next week so can be with you."
Leon sighed, as soon as he'd heard his name, he'd realised what was coming, his kids were way too bright, and seeing Jethro's slight smile, knew he'd twigged it as well, and looking at his kids added sternly. "They are all trained specialists to hunt out lies, being my children will not protect you, in fact it will make them question why? We will need a very strong back story, and you will have to keep to it, no asking personal questions or giving them hints of SGC whatsoever."
The children looked at their father calmly but wide eyed and nodded, before Kayla seamlessly took over from her brother, which meant to their father they both had had the same idea, without discussing it with each other, so he waited and listened. "Dad, if we go tomorrow and they check our story they will find school is closed and our child care arrangements are down because of illness. You are taking the opportunity to a) get out of the office, which you like to do, and b) you are showing me the various skills of their office and their technical department which is totally different from Naval Yard as they do a lot of undercover work. You want to give me ideas for my future skills rather than let me read it from book or on the computer, and Jared is coming along for the ride to keep him out of mischief."
Trying hard not to show anyone he was beaten by his children, Leon stayed silent, while noting Jethro was having real trouble hiding his smile, in fact some of the team were having trouble as well, and let Kaya finish.
Sensing by her father's silence that he could see the point, Kayla carried on to enforce the point. "We have the Gene so can sense anyone who has it. Agent Gibbs and Emily send out a tingling sensation, which we've realised is the Gene as you don't give that tingle. We can either remember if anyone gives that tingle, or make a note as we go around. We will not be there long enough to cause problems I promise you." she finished hopefully, and noted though her brother had stayed silent through out, she could feel or hear his agreement in her mind, which was strange and interesting and something she would test out in the privacy of their home.
Leon could see the sense in the suggestion, and knew from past experience his children could hold down a story under parental interrogation. Till he or his wife had found the tell-tale evidence that brought the truth to light. Trouble was they learnt by their mistakes, in some ways was good but he couldn't help wondering if it was a family trait or just the joy of having bright and crafty children. And yes, he was very proud of his children and their support. He also knew that being Director of NCIS he could just call in to any of his departments, and it wasn't a secret he liked to get out and about a bit. He had been tied to Navy Yard since Jethro had been working with Homeland and a lot of meetings ... so it might, just possibly make Hetty and her team of Agents think twice before either questioning or looking for a deep reason for him being there. If they accepted it, so would everyone once it got on the grapevine he was out and about. That was for the future and knowing he needed to have some strong ground rules now, he eyed his children as he said seriously. "If and it is a big IF, we do this, we will be going by Earth's transport not 'upstairs' so school work will be done today or on route and you will both keep to the script and close beside me at all times. No cheeky questions Jared…. Or you Kayla." he finished, and seeing them both smile, silently wished his wife could be beside him. She would have loved every moment of this, and feeling supporting warmth rather than pain of loss he brought himself out of those thoughts by glancing at Jethro, as he added. "General Landry, I suppose you will need me to be eyes and ears regarding the directors of other departments now I'm in the programme and we are starting the new covert space team?" Seeing Hank's nod, Vance turned his full attention back to Jethro saying firmly. "You will shadow me on some of those meetings as my deputy, so no one will think it strange when you head up meetings in your own right while keeping the truth undercover."
Ignoring, but understanding Jethro's deep sigh at that prospect, now he'd worked with the Agent, Hank butted in and confirmed the idea saying. "Yes, and Jethro, you will be meeting up with JAG representatives and a few others, that General O'Neill has on a list in my office safe. We will work out a good arrangement for future meetings so attention will not drawn to the fact it will cover all the forces."
Hank paused as he watched the two men concerned glance at each other before giving a silent nod, of acceptance and possibly understanding of the new twist in the working arrangements. And saw they really trusted each other and would make a good sounding board for the new team, then carried on. "We will find something better than the Gene ball for you to use Director, it might take several days so there will be a break before checking any other departments or agents. This will be the only one your children will take part in and your driver will accompany you on all your journeys including this one. Also another one will be provided for your children when you are out of town. Don't use any others unless they have been cleared by us, a telephone call giving their name etc will be enough for us to run a check. We will tell you if there are any changes."
Any reaction to that statement was stopped, by Walter's calm announcement from his computer area. "General, the Odyssey is ready to take the luggage and then people as previously arranged."
"Thank you. Walter." Hank acknowledged, then turned his attention to Tony saying. "Pick up Tali and move to one side while luggage disappears. Then everyone group in the same place. Before that happens I will emphasize to everyone once again. You must not breathe a word about what you have learned while here, so it is advisable to stay sober at all are all becoming more aware of the 'gifts' so use them wisely, and if anything makes you uneasy or you just want to talk, do not be afraid to contact us any time night or day. Does not matter what it is, we will not ignore it and we don't mind if it turns out to be a false alarm or just a calming of nerves. That especially applies you Kayla, Jared and Emily as you grow up and are out with friends or clubs. Also remember Naval Yard will be a designated safe house for all of you. You will be given other information and equipment when you are on the Odyssey. Doctors, remember when treating any of our staff and General O'Neill in particular, they are capable of injuring or even killing when recovering consciousness whether from injury or sleep or from flash backs after a mission. Doctor Janet Fraiser Stargate Command's former CMO, sorted out that problem by making sure her patients heard her walking down the corridor to or in their room or ward. She also made sure they were fully awake before she or her staff got too close. If she needed to wake her patient she was always aware of the danger she and her staff were in, so did it very carefully."
Seeing the Doctors nod in agreement and understanding, and Tali was still sleepy and was not taking note of her surroundings as she rested her head against Tony's shoulder, but still had a very tight grip of her soft toy cat, he commented quietly. "Tali might not fully wake up till she on the Odyssey, or even till you are in Paris, so she does not remember all this. Do not worry, I believe we can trust what U Sang told us." Seeing they were clear of the luggage area he raised his voice and added. "Walter, the luggage is ready to be taken."
"Yes Sir. Confirming now." Walter called out.
Everyone watched in a mixture of fascination and awe as the energy light appeared on the luggage and it all silently disappeared, knowing this had and would happen to them.
Then the group with the guidance of the officers made their way to the pick up point and as Doctor Taft walked close to Jethro to join the others, Jethro said quietly. "I think Doctor Grace could be useful for General O'Neill even if she is not brought into the full programme."
Doctor Taft smiled at the idea, and said as he joined the others. "Yes and we will keep in touch, even if you are fully fit now."
Jethro smiled and nodded his agreement, after all someone would have to do his medical and the powers that be might not like Doctor Palmer doing it. It would also give him an excuse to visit the Waterfall site and turned his attention to his team adding. "Keep in touch, reports email or MTAC." registering their nods, he caught Tony's and Ziva's attention and nodded his farewell knowing they would keep in touch. This would not be the final farewell they thought it might have been.
Knowing the parting needed to be quick and everyone was in the right place, Hank called out. "Walter, they are ready to leave."
"Yes Sir. Confirming Now." Walter answered. And a couple of seconds later the energy beam took the group away and they were left with silence and only Roberta and Jethro with SGC personnel remaining.
Feeling the familiar ripples of tension that came with people disappearing 'upstairs', no matter how many times he'd seen it before, Hank sighed while waiting for Walter's "All arrived safely, Sir."
It came within seconds and he relaxed, glanced over at his daughter and Agent Gibbs, saw their slight nods of relief and was not surprised at Roberta's look of shock. She'd never seen it happen before, just had it happen to her twice today and knew he needed to bring everyone's minds back to what needed to be done so announced. "Phone calls, working lunch and a Medical for you Lady Roberta." Hank finished with a slight smile, wanting her to know that they all understood the strangeness of the situation and rank was going to be put to one side for now. Seeing her nod and slight smile as she registered the facts he added quietly. "You are worried about Jack's reaction just now. Why?"
Roberta brought her spinning mind back down to the present and started slowly. "I don't know what he's been through just recently. What we've just seen is Jack putting the stepping stones down for future so he can step back from it all and it will carry on regardless. When he was doing the covert work for the President, he couldn't use his contacts at DC, and has ruffled more than a few feathers. So will have a hard time if he returns for any reason and those 4 stars will not protect him. He still had to deal with Homeworld Security but not openly. If he needed to contact any of us it was in the form of a dressing down to cover what we were discussing. He was lucky when he found Jethro and his team and could trust them, because they unknowingly became a link for him. He trusted them with his life and from what I can gather they came when he called for help and saved his driver's life. Now we have taken his safe haven away from him, just when he needs it, and made him the Earth's Ambassador to the Universe. Whether he likes it or not."
She paused and Jethro butted in quietly. "We didn't realise he was out on the limb and we need to make sure he will never be in that position again, and some how give him the space he needs. Otherwise he will disappear, I think we all know he could do that on Earth, if he wanted. Now seeing the team on Atlantis and the space travellers with them. I realise he could disappear with his family and no one would find him."
Hank sighed knowing they were voicing his own fears and confirmed. "You are right and it will be up to us to make sure he has privacy at the Waterfall Site and DC backs off for while. As well as having a strong support team behind him. He has already started that by his suggestions just now and he knows SGC and Homeworld will be in safe hands. I have no doubt Lady Lya also understands what is going on and will give Jack the reassurance he will not be expected to cure all ills or sort out Earth's problems." then he raised his voice and added. "Walter, we will have that working lunch in the conference room and you are included."
"Yes Sir." Walter called back and started to make the necessary arrangements for his place to be taken at the computers by his relief officer as well as gathering up the information he'd already gathered, knowing it would be a very long and hard working lunch.
As the group walked out of the gate room, Caroline said quietly to her father. "As the General's medical officer, I will of course be signing him off on sick and end of mission leave to start when he returns to Earth. I will credit the sick leave being due to stress from his covert work for the President and suggest 1 to 2 months leave due to the fact he's been off world on two consecutive missions. That should give him a break that no one at DC can argue with. I've no doubt Jack will want to keep an eye on the Waterfall site but he will be under Doctor Taft's care when he arrives back on Earth and they can sort that together."
Smiling at the thought of those two men meeting, Hank said softly. "That sounds like a good plan. If Doctor Taft doesn't want to take the job, then you'll be up there for their arrival at least."
With a soft chuckle Caroline answered. "I'm positive he and his wife will be there. If they don't like the idea of the snowy winters then they can always go 'upstairs' to find somewhere warmer or a mission to go on."
With the mood lightening Roberta asked. "Do I get to test my Ancient Gene? Or is it going to be blood test and written information. Also I aught to warn DC I will not be returning till later."
Caroline and Hank glanced at each other to see who was going first, with a nod Hank gave way to his daughter and she answered. "The medical is a light one with one blood test to give us a baseline for our records. Jethro will be able to show you the gadgets you can play with to give us an idea what you will be able to do."
"Just try not to make anything explode." Hank butted in quietly and seeing worry on her face and Jethro shake his head but stayed silent. Hank added. "Only happened once, no one was hurt and the other gadgets like it have been put to one side. About that phone call, not to the president." Hearing Walter catch up with them he added. "We will discuss who to call when we meet up for lunch." and with that the group went their separate ways.
Oxoxo
It was late afternoon when Lieutenant General Roberta Green, having changed from her borrowed BDUs back into her full dress uniform and carrying her cover and briefcase, was walking with Jethro Gibbs towards the Gate room to go back to DC. As they stopped and silently watched the big heavy doors of the Gate room open, Roberta couldn't help smiling while her mind whizzed through her experiences here, some she would keep to herself at General Landry's request and the rest would be given to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staffs in their debriefing when she returned to DC.
Having seen their work, Roberta now understood why SGC was such a tight, loyal and varied community. Also from the true reaction of service and civilian personnel in the Mess room, as they clapped and smiled when she'd informally confirmed Colonel Coburn would command the SGC, as Brigadier General when General Landry moved to Homeworld Security, with an official ceremony at the Mountain when the change would officially take place. She knew the command would be in safe and confident hands with a strong link to Homeworld Security. She had also learned how innovations through work done here and the Alpha site were being quietly fed into all countries around the world, so people and developments happened naturally rather than suddenly appear in society and questions asked, this way they gave no hint of their original starting place. That included the so called space race between nations, whether or not they had members on the IOA Committee, and in doing so Earth would have an independent space force that could run with the craft they already had.
Following Jethro through into the Gate room and hearing the heavy doors close behind her, Roberta could feel herself start to adjust back to her 'official' character of the General she'd been before arriving at SGC, and stopped to look at the silent Stargate knowing her life wouldn't be the same again. She had a duty now to be careful and aware of what was going on around her among top ranking officers of all departments in DC, not only because of her new found knowledge but also her Ancient Gene as she could sense others who had it. In doing so she would be another link in the chain for Homeworld Security and NCIS as they gathered people around them, not only to protect them and others who worked on their Space Programme and their families, but also begin the process of coming out from under the cover of Homeland Security and eventually admit to the world what really went on in the Universe.
As her thoughts jumped to her husband and her two boys and their young families she couldn't stop her soft gentle chuckle, at what their reactions were going to be when she explained about the Ancient Gene and the Stargate programme, knowing they had to be told.
She was stopped by Jethro's soft, easy comment "Just don't tell them when they are near a phone or holding a drink of any kind."
Staring at him in surprise she couldn't help asking. "Can you read my mind now?" She knew about the 'gifts' he and the others had been given earlier, and the way he would be able to sense certain things when with his team, they named it 'alert calling' rather than mind reading, and would explore the possibilities once he was back with his team.
Understanding her fears, Jethro shook his head and smiled as he confirmed. "No, but it would be one of the things on my mind if I had to tell my family. The other would be, do I really want to disappear 'upstairs' to get back to DC or can I catch a taxi and the next flight out. But then you would not have chuckled, you would have ran for the elevators before the door closed or even opened."
Roberta smiled at that, then sighed and commented. "One son loves anything to do with Space real or imagined, the other has his feet firmly on the ground, believing in the solid things around him, some might say old fashioned, but their characters have not stopped either of them from making their way in the world. We were lucky and come from wealthy grounded families so had something to fall back on if things got difficult or we needed help. My husband is a mixture of my sons so surprised everyone when he announced on our wedding day he would be the home-maker, enabling me to follow my career and still be part of our family. Amazingly it didn't stop him doing what he wanted as we moved around, either in business or his hobby of writing children's stories and make his own fortune." Seeing Jethro's silent questioning look she chuckled as she added. "Hate to say it but one of his first and favourite characters was a dragon and it went to the top of the selling list. But you will be pleased it was not called NightOwl and there isn't a purple stripped cat."
Seeing his smile, she continued. "The dragon is red and lives in the mountains along with the golden ones who live in the forests. When my son was old enough he drew them, and we realised his skill and imagination so he illustrates my husbands books, especially the dragon ones. I don't think either of them will stop."
"And your daughter?" Jethro asked gently, knowing Roberta was adjusting back to normal life and needed to air her thoughts, both knowing they wouldn't go any further, even with Walter, who was working on the higher level.
"She's like me, strong willed, loving and in the Forces, only in medical and at sea as she didn't want to follow in my footsteps or shadow. She is highly qualified and respected, after a tough tour is restless and has flown out to see some old friends for some rest and relaxation." and couldn't stop her sigh as she was getting to her deeper concerns about her new reality, and added. "Now, I've got to find out whether the tingle get from my husband, from all my family when we are together is our love for each other, or he's got the Ancient Gene as well? Also does that mean our children's will be as strong as yours or medium one like mine, and what of their children. What ever happens, we will become part of a research programme into the Gene to see how and if it is passed down the family line or just a random gene that turns up out of the blue.
"I understand that bit and agree with it. There is also the fact I'm torn. My daughter hates the idea of name dropping to get anywhere, but I also know she needs a change. Whether or not she has the Gene do I tell her about Doctor Taft and what we hope he will set up? She would fit in beautifully and I don't want her to reject it out of hand because I suggested it. Not only that, how do I round up the family without it sounding as though it is an emergency. I can't tell them what it is about so it will be 'a come home now but can't say why call' and that will make them drive over or her jump on a private jet immediately thinking one of us is at death's door." and smiled relieved to voice her worries that suddenly seemed like huge barriers in front of her.
Jethro nodded, understanding her fears and worries then answered quietly. "I will bring Emily and her father, she needs to meet people and have some fun. The Ancient Ball will tell us immediately how strong the Gene is and your family will not be forced to join the programme, though they will have to sign that huge document and keep their silence of course, might not need to go out to your wider family either. Tell them it is a celebration and good news you want to share with just your close family and give them a date, you have at least three days before I can leave the mountain with or without an escort. Give me a ring when you've checked your appointments and we will go from there. I suspect we will have heard from Doctor Taft by then so know some details, and can work that information into our visit so it will be news to everyone and not come from you."
Hearing it set out like that Roberta nodded, but was stopped from saying anything as Walter announced. "General Green and Agent Gibbs, Colonel Reynolds has just confirmed that your guest is ready to come 'downstairs'."
That made Roberta smile, while Gibbs shook his head at the comment, before asking with a little trepidation. "How long has Agent Borin been up there?" Hoping she had had a good look round without bumping into Tobias and Emily, if she had it would be the three of them at once and he didn't want that. Not only that, his hand was itching as it had before he released the butterflies to his team.
"Ten minutes stopover as it was requested that Agent Fornell not be informed or have sight of her arrival. He and his daughter will be ready to return in half an hour. Also we are still waiting for a connection with Agent Pride, as soon as I get that connection it will be transferred to your phone Agent Gibbs. General Green, Ma'am the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will be informed when you leave so you can wait in Agents Gibbs house till he arrives to pick you up and not cause any stir by having to wait outside for you."
Smiling at Jethro's reaction and hunt for his phone, Roberta teased quietly. "Breathe, and I'll let you duck behind me if you like, but that butterfly needs to be released."
"You're right, and I might just do that," Gibbs said quietly. Remembering he had an ear piece connection rather than his phone. He'd hoped to do it in a quiet situation and Abigail would have got used to the idea being in an advanced spacecraft, but things were running to a tight schedule and Roberta was going to be the official witness to the 'gift' as General Landry was tied up in a video conference. Then knowing he had to get it over and done with, raised his voice and added. "Walter, let her come 'downstairs'" then ended. "At least it will only be the four of us and no visual record of it."
"Yes Sir, and the main doors are closed with security cameras are off as ordered." Walter confirmed, though his tone was calm and serious, he was smiling knowing this would be interesting and would keep it private.
Oxoxo
Waiting on the USS Odyssey to be allowed to 'downstairs', Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent Abigail Borin was relieved she'd decided to pack her smart dress in her large backpack and wear a deep green trouser suit, that incidently set off her red hair nicely, and smart but flat shoes rather than the high heels she packed with her walking boots as Gibbs had told her to do. It wasn't often she followed that kind of order without questions and getting complete answers, she was after all, a very independent women and leader in a male dominated job with macho male criminals or captains to face-down. And reckoned if she had dressed up to prove a point to Gibbs, she could have toppled over when arriving, landing, NO, materializing in a damn Spacecraft of all things. Her excuse would have been shock of the whole thing, which would have been true. But in her sensible shoes and her body used to sudden movements and situations out at sea, she had instantly adjusted when she appeared on the deck of the damn Spacecraft, though it took a moment for her mind to adjust to the fact it was all real, with real people, not some modern film set scam.
As her thoughts carried on, her excitement and amazement bubbled again and made her smile and give a soft chuckle as she looked around watching the crew get ready to what… 'beam' her down? It was calm and quiet and everyone was acting as though it was an every day occurrence … to them it was … Wow! ... Taking a breath she let her mind calm by wandering back to the beginning …. Yes, she was cross with Gibbs, the damn man knew about this, had travelled this way … And yes, she'd worked it out, now she had that piece of the jigsaw that showed a spaceship …It had to be the only way Gibbs and team did it. She also wanted 'the tour' but couldn't have it because she had to met him 'downstairs', before Tobias knew she was on the spaceship or seeing Jethro, why? She had no idea. After all she could cope with Tobias teases about her friendship with Jethro, so what was the big mystery, especially if she was staying for a few days and would obviously meet him at some point. She could do it now and get it over and done with.
Jethro could have warned her, true he did say 'it would be out of this world' and true it was...is … of course, there was the fact she would not have believed him if he'd told her. Had hardly believed the driver who came to pick her up, had wondered if it was a kidnapping attempt. But they had exchanged the passwords given in her the phone call to the number Jethro had given her to ring when she was ready for her taxi to the airport, and as the man in the car was in uniform she thought it would be to the Forces Airport rather than civilian one. So she sat in the back passenger seat with her largebackpackand shoulder bag beside her, then as they drove off the driver quietly and seriously announced. 'Ma'am you will go to meet Agent Gibbs in Cheyenne Mountain via the spacecraft USS Odyssey. As it is advisable to be standing when transportation takes place, we will stop in a quiet spot just round the corner and you will get out with your bags then stand clear of the car. You may carry your shoulder bag but put your backpackon the ground beside you. Then I will give the signal and you will be transported to USS Odyssey. Apparently it tickles and feels like a blink of the eye though it takes a moment or two. There is nothing to worry about, just don't call Colonel Reynolds a taxi driver, though he might be feeling like one as they are transporting a lot of people to various places today'
Still wondering whether to believe it, or if it was a prank by Gibbs, after all she had been working with his team on a tense mission when he'd pretended a bomb was live and it wasn't in order to get the perpetrator to confess, but had not let them in on the secret before hand. After that, she wouldn't put anything passed him. So with a wary eye on the situation, she did as she was told, and now the shock had passed and she knew it was reality. She totally understood why it was better for her to be standing rather than sitting on a seat when transportation took place, because the seat wouldn't be there when she materialized on the deck of the spacecraft! At least this craft didn't rock and roll so she didn't have to contend with that or inclement weather .. No, just that fact she was out in space among the stars, if only she could see them or Earth from here. She couldn't as there were no windows where she was, they were just down the corridor and the other side of the door.
She was brought out of her musing by Colonel Reynolds' respectful and quiet address. "Ma'am, If you would like to step on to the mark, we are ready to send you down to the Gate room in the basement of Cheyenne Mountain where Agent Gibbs and Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Roberta Green are waiting for you."
Smiling back at him Abigail nodded, not sure whether she was suddenly excited at the prospect or to be honest, scared stiff at it. Hoping it would cover her feelings, she checked her bag was on her shoulder and picked up her large backpackso she could put it on the floor as she had for her arrival, and starting to walk to the spot, and couldn't help commenting. "So now I'm going to go through a mountain into it's basement." and finished with a slight huff. "That is mainly solid rock."
Liking the way she had reacted to the whole experience, Colonel Reynolds smiled as he answered, "Yes Ma'am and you will not feel a thing, though some say it tickles. If it is any help we transported Agent Gibbs's boat from his basement and into the lower basement of the mountain without damaging it at all."
Abigail laughed, then questioned in the same tone. "That is meant to be reassuring?"
Matching her tone Colonel Reynolds replied seriously. "Agent Gibbs was happy with it and still working on it and we don't want to get on his bad side." Seeing her nod he added. "We look forward to giving you the grand tour and if you wish a room for the night so you see Earth in both her moods."
Stepping into position and ready for it this time, Abigail commented lightly. "Not room service then?"
"If it is room service you want, you will not see the view Ma'am" Colonel Reynolds replied and others working near him smiled.
Instantly realising what he meant Abigail butted in. "I'm guessing that is the brig."
"Yes Ma'am" Colonel Reynolds answered with a smile, then turned serious again added. "Ready for transport Ma'am."
"Ready. And I'll take the grand tour with a room without the service, sometime during my stay 'downstairs'." Abigail answered and watched Colonel Reynolds nod to another officer, who spoke into his headset then reached for the controls in front of him, before Colonel Reynolds turned his attention back to her and said. "Going downstairs. Ma'am and look forward to your return visit."
Remembering to stay as relaxed as she could and breathe naturally, she felt the tickle ripple through her body and the world disappear around her as she was transported 'downstairs' and then the tickle through her body as she materialized and the world around her became solid again feeling as though it had taken seconds and still in that same breath.
Gently breathing and taking a moment or two to register she was not on the spacecraft any more, Abigail checked out the large grey room she was standing in, noted the large strange object to one side, recognised it and stopped her mind whizzing down unwanted roads. Looking over at the two people watching her closely she knew her curiosity could wait for a moment and exclaimed firmly. "I have a bone to pick with you Jethro." and leaving her backpack where it was started to walk towards the man.
"The trip not strange enough for you?" Jethro immediately quipped back, while noting the itch in his hand was growing stronger and the other hand was joining in. Also there was the recognition tingle going through his body that had not been there before Abigail materialized, answering one question about her visit. Quickly glancing across at Roberta he noted her nod and smile, and knew she had felt and understood that tingle as well.
Stopping in front of Jethro, Abigail answered "No that is not it. I understand why you couldn't tell me, I doubt I would have believed you if you had. You are paying for my bed and board so I can see the view I missed because you told them I had to keep out of Tobias's way. You know I can cope with his teasing. So what is the problem between you and him?" She finished with the tone and determination, that usually sent shivers down criminals spines when facing her and trying to hide the truth.
Jethro on the other hand, knew her too well to be troubled by that tone and look, it was one of the things he admired about her, even enabled their friendship to flourish, so stayed silent and just looked back at her, while wondering how she was going to react to his next action and statement, after all calling her Ancient was not going to be a good idea..
Watching the couple, who were now eyeing each other in a silent challenging but friendly stand-off, Roberta smiled, knowing she needed to be the official party in this situation, and immediately butted in. "Agent Borin. That question and the thousand others buzzing round your head will be answered in a moment and over your visit here."
Immediately turning her attention to the speaker and recognising the slightly official tone, as well as her status, Abigail immediately broke eye contact and turned her attention away from Jethro saying. "Ma'am I apologise for any disrespect." and was stopped by Roberta's gentle chuckle and interruption, while Jethro still stayed silent but relaxed a bit realising Roberta was taking the lead.
"There is no disrespect taken, Abigail. I am glad you have reacted to this very strange situation so well." Seeing Abigail relax Roberta added seriously. "Firstly, we can speak freely here regardless of rank and questions will be answered. Secondly, you will be signing certain documents and this is so top secret you must not reveal it to anyone even on pain of your death or anyone with you, until what you learn is announced to the public, of course." Noting Abigail's slight nod and very serious expression at that statement, Roberta lightened her tone slightly and with a slight smile added. "Thirdly, there is no charge for going 'upstairs for that grand tour' and the gift that Jethro is going to pass to you in a moment is best done without an audience, and there is no doubt Tobias would have tried to gatecrash your arrival had he known you had arrived, Emily is with him to make sure he is distracted. Lastly, in this group of questions at least, is a personal one and about that tingle you are feeling at the moment?"
"Ma'am?" Abigail said hesitantly and slightly embarrassed. She'd always thought it was her own personal feelings for Jethro and Pride that made it, because she'd felt it when she was near them, nothing overpowering just a flutter of excitement/understanding as she worked or went out with them. Certainly not the head over-heel love feeling, not that she'd actually felt that with any one since her short lived teenage crush. She was also curious, because feeling it now it reminded her of the strange situation that happened months ago, and standing in front of General Green she knew that tingle was from both of them not just from Jethro. So it had to be something different, especially as the General was asking about it and concentrated on what was being said.
"You are feeling it from both of us, rather than just from Jethro?" Abigail nodded her answer, so Roberta carried on. "It is from an Ancient Gene in your system that Jethro and I have along with others in the world. It has not and will not be publicly acknowledged outside Stargate Command. Having it will open new opportunities for you, once everything has been explained and we know how strong it is." then asked. "Have you felt it from anyone else before this and from Jethro of course?"
With a sigh, and understanding why she felt so comfortable in the past with the two men concerned, Abigail admitted. "Agent Dwayne Pride, New Orleans NCIS, when I worked with him in the past."
Glancing away from Abigail to Roberta and with a slight smile as he realised he'd never recognised that internal recognition before, just thought it was from the immediate friendship he'd had with Pride, Jethro butted in. "That's why General O'Neill wants him and his daughter here."
Recognising the name Abigail butted in sharply. "I got that tingle from a General O'Neill, though I don't actually know him, so could be a different person." Seeing their expressions and having their full attention she carried on. "Several months ago while answering a tip off to meet outside a busy cafe, I had only just got there when a gentleman passed me. I got the tingle as he subtly slipped me a note for myself and the USB, while saying he was General O'Neill two Lls and this meeting didn't happen, and was gone. It took seconds but my instincts told me I could trust him and the information he gave me, even though it was contrary to the information being gathered by the others. My team and I kept it to ourselves as he asked in the note, but followed it up and made the big bust we would have lost because of the false information the others had gathered. We also found out who was feeding us the duff information and arrested them. Who is he?"
Roberta and Jethro smiled and with a nod from him, Roberta carried on. "He is the head of Home World Security and Space Forces, which is global rather than just American, though not all governments know about it. He is out of the country at the moment but you will meet General Landry, who commands Stargate Command, soon." Turning slightly and looking up to the balcony above, Roberta raised her voice and asked. "Walter, any joy in contacting Agent Pride?" then lowered her voice as she added for Abigail's benefit. "We've tried several times."
Walter called back. "No Ma'am. We got cut off after I ask for Agent Pride, and was told he is unavailable, now we just get blocked."
Holding his hands by his side with the burning and tickling becoming too intense to ignore, Jethro butted in saying quietly. "Abigail hold your hands out palms up and trust me."
Watching him, knowing she could trust him and this was not a prank of any kind, Abigail asked. "For the gift?" expecting something small, as she couldn't see Jethro holding anything in his hands. Not wanting her bag to slide off her shoulder, she put it on the floor with the backpack, then turning back to Jethro and keeping her eyes on him she held out her hands, while feeling a rush of anticipation and wondering what exactly was going on in this very strange place.
Roberta felt herself tense as she watched Jethro raise his hands and open them palms towards Abigail. Then four tiny multi coloured balls appeared from one hand and four silver and blue balls from the other. Rising up clear of his hands they came together spinning in the air and become four tiny delicate multi coloured butterflies, making Roberta and Abigail gasp in amazement.
Understanding Jack's message in his mind as he watched the balls come together above his hands, Jethro said. "Roberta hold out your hands palm up, it is Jack's gift for you and your future in DC. Let them land and one will disappear into your hand giving you the gifts of communication and health, that will develop over the coming days. You will need to keep in touch with the NCIS doctors who will link with SGC and note any changes. The other two butterflies are for Pride and his daughter and will wait on the Gate till they come."
In awe Abigail and Roberta watched the delicate butterflies come towards them, hover in front of them as if asking permission before landing lightly on their open hands for a moment, then disappeared into them. Still amazed by it all Abigail looked over at Jethro and said quietly. "They are so beautiful and it tickles as it disappeared. I can feel a slight buzz through out that is calming down." then asked. "Have you had this gift?"
Jethro stayed silent but nodded his answer 'Yes' to her, as Roberta, chuckling with delight at her experience added. "I agree with Abigail, and I think we should try getting Agent Pride again. Perhaps use a different number and immediately transfer it to Jethro before it can be cut off. Then get them both here immediately with a very short stop 'upstairs'. Those butterflies need their home now not later."
Agreeing with the plan, Jethro looked at Abigail and asked. "Can we try your number? It will be linked through to my earpiece rather than your phone as Walter will do it from his computer."
Amazed she was thinking straight while taking all this in, Abigail answered. "Yes. I expect Agent Pride is getting ready for his road trip with his daughter, and Christopher LaSalle is in charge of his phone to make sure it happens without any distractions. He probably associates your number with NCIS HQ rather than friendship. The team and Loretta Wade are worried about Pride after the latest mission after being badly injured from the earlier one. He looked very tired and worn when I contacted him last week, I believe he's worried he might be becoming a liability to his team, but knows he doesn't want to go to head office as he's already tried that and it didn't work out. Might need a change of scene, though I didn't say that at the time as I know he loves New Orleans. We both agreed it is like being ships passing in the night around you at the moment, now of course I know why."
Silently agreeing he had been out of the loop regarding his friend for too long, Jethro nodded, and seeing Roberta's nod of acceptance and agreement, he let her give the order. Raising her voice Roberta ordered. "Walter, contact Agent Pride through Agent Borin's number and link it through to Jethro's earpiece. Warn Colonel Reynolds it will be a pick up with only a short stop of introduction then straight down to here, with the couple not knowing what is going on. Keep Odyssey linked in when the call is made so they know the situation. Also inform them they have permission to use observation equipment as they see fit. We do not want strangers walking in on this situation."
Walter acknowledged immediately saying. "Yes Ma'am. We also have a flash report that evidence is being retrieved from the DC site, with the added comment that Colonel Ferretti has been successfully rescued from the tree without injury to both and will be staying overnight at least, to help retrieve the information from it. Agent McGee will give full report later. No word from the other site yet, Agent Gibbs."
"Thank you Walter." Jethro replied with a smile, knowing the Colonel's plight would be passed round SGC and Odyssey in friendship rather than anything else, as it was well known the man had a problem with trees in the past.
Waiting for the call, the group silently watched the two delicate butterflies hover around the top of the Gate before landing on it and closing their wings. With her mind still catching up with everything, Abigail couldn't help smiling knowing the ribbing Dwayne Pride had had about his throw away comments - that Gibbs and his team must have caught a ride in a space ship to have made the arrests shown on the news tv round up of clips when they were first shown. The rest had apparently insisted it was just the way the reporting team had made the whole thing more dramatic than it must have been. Though the team march into the meeting to arrest the leader was fun to watch.
Hearing the call connect and Christopher's voice start his loud bright New Orleans's patter thinking it was Abigail on the line, Jethro butted in sternly, making the listeners to the one-sided call smile and look. "If you want to keep your job and living Agent LaSalle, put Dwayne on NOW!"
oxoxo
In New Orleans, Christopher LaSalle nearly dropped the phone in shock after hearing Jethro's voice in that determined threatening tone. Hesitating and glancing over at Dwayne Pride, who was standing in the courtyard area at their office/home, finishing his coffee. With their bags at his feet, Dwayne was deep in thought, while patiently waiting for his daughter, Laurel who had ran back upstairs realising she'd left something behind.
Knowing he had no choice but to hand the phone over, Christopher started to walk over to him while calling out. "Boss, Agent Gibbs for you." then into to the phone added quietly "He needs this break even if it is only for a couple of days. Even Loretta Wade is here to make sure it happens." hoping that would add weight to the statement and knowing there was a strong friendship between the two men in the past.
Hearing Christopher's obvious concern for his friend, Gibbs reassured him. "I know he needs it and he will get it. Put it on speaker and the hand phone over to him, now." then added quickly. "Is his daughter with him?" Knowing Odyssey would be able to trace them and once they were together and bring them over with or without warning.
As there was silence rather than answer, Jethro started to get worried, before Dwayne Pride's tired voice came through Jethro's earpiece indicating the phone had been handed over and was on speaker. "For your information Jethro, she's coming down the stairs and meeting me by the fountain so we can pick up our bags, go out to the car and drive off into the sunset. By the way, you are a hard man to get hold of, all I get is you are out of town and not available. In fact ever since I saw you and your team on TV making those arrests, so I have a big question for you, and team money rides on the answer whether you hitched a space lift or the tv people cut the tape for dramatics or just a plain mistake."
Though Jethro gave a gentle laugh at the comment, he could hear just how tired his friend was and knowing the phone was on loudspeaker said. "You will get your answer when Laurel is beside you. Trust me, put your car keys on the fountain so Christopher will park it somewhere safe while you are away and he can tell everyone you left early in a different vehicle. But, not what he and Loretta are going to see now. The pile of the paperwork for signing will follow, and you can contact Dwayne at NORAD, Cheyenne Mountain if you have to."
Shaking his head in disbelief, but also trusting his friend and not having the energy to argue with him anyway, Dwayne watched Laurel join him, pack what she had collected into her backpack. Putting his car keys on the ledge of the fountain and seeing her puzzled look at his actions, he explained. "I think our road trip is going to be rather interesting if Jethro is telling the truth." Then as she was standing beside him, their bags beside them, he added half jokingly into the phone. "Okay Jethro, beam us up!" expecting nothing to happen.
Instead of nothing happening - father, daughter and luggage immediately disappeared into a silent gentle beam of light that seemed to instantly gather around them and only lasted a couple of seconds before disappearing taking them with it.
Christopher and Loretta were stunned, not believing what they had seen and the empty space in front of them. Once it sunk in and remembering Dwayne's throw away comments said with strong conviction at the time the team bets were made – they looked at each other and laughed. Then Christopher exclaimed with glee. "Everything Star Trek coming up! And he will not be able to say a word against it. Pity he took his phone could have changed the ring tone as well. No one is going to believe us anyway especially if we mention NORAD."
With her lovely soft chuckle and bright eyes of excitement, knowing who in their team would have loved to have been with them, Loretta had to agree and added almost wistfully. "Nothing is going to be the same again when I look up at the stars." then watched Christopher walk tentatively across to the fountain and pick up the car keys and mug that had been left on the ledge by Agent Pride and heard muttering from their offices and knew the rest of the team had just arrived.
oxoxo
On Odyssey Colonel Reynolds and his team were ready when the rather stunned Dwayne and Laurel Pride materialised before them.
Having that unfamiliar tingling feeling of their experience rippling through their bodies and their minds catching up with the fact they were not in New Orleans any more but were facing people in uniform who were totally at ease with what ever was happening. And they were not floating weightless in a space station but were in a modern craft of some kind with normal gravity and breathing proper air. Wow!… Which left them both speechless as they continued to take in and the implications.
With a smile, Colonel Reynolds explained. "Welcome to USS Odyssey part of our Space Fleet. Yes it is real and we are in Space and don't actually say 'beam up'. It is usually 'ready for transport' or going 'upstairs' or 'downstairs' when cover is needed for the order. I am Colonel Reynolds and I apologise we can not give you the grand tour or give you that famous view of Earth because we are on a tight schedule today of moving people from one place to another on Earth. Agent Gibbs would like you 'downstairs' immediately so he will answer all your questions." Seeing the couple were taking it all in and knowing some of their history, he added. "We have a live music event coming up when guests are welcome to take part so I hope to see both of you and Agent Borin then."
Glad to hear the daughter's quiet "This is amazing Dad! And it is real!" and then Dwayne's smile and comment to him. "So you are not the only space ship, and Jethro's team really used it to make those arrests?"
Colonel Reynolds was happy to answer. "Yes we helped with the arrests and we have several other ships. I'm sure Agent Gibbs will enjoy filling in the details when he meets you in the Gate room at Stargate Command. When you are ready we will send you downstairs."
Dwayne chuckled at that phrase and all the questions he was going to fire at Gibbs, checking Laurel was okay and seeing her smile of excitement not fear, he nodded and confirmed. "We are ready."
With Colonel Reynold's calm "Ready to transport downstairs." they disappeared from the Odyssey and rematerialised in the Gate room at Stargate Command.
Oxoxox
Feeling that tingle and realising the room around them had changed into a grey large fortress of a room with glass windows high above them and the reception group of Jethro, Abigail and a uniformed lady he didn't recognise taking his attention. Dwayne Pride instantly checked his daughter was okay and their backpacks were still next to them, then focusing on his friend exclaimed. "You know pulling that stunt means Christopher is going to stick every space theme music and photos on everything he can find just because he lost money and knows I can't say a word to anyone." then laughed before sighing feeling unbelievably tired and adding in total disbelief. "Colonel Reynolds promised I can play music among the stars." but loving the idea of it.
Stepping forward to greet his friend and daughter Jethro said quietly. "Yes you can and we can link it to Earth if you wish." knowing how much that call would mean to his friend and added. "We will answer all your questions later. But first before General Green goes back to DC via the Odyssey I need to give you a present from someone I expect you've met fleetingly in the past year and has asked me to make sure you and your daughter came here. He is ..."Jethro hesitated looked over at Roberta, who nodded and answered his unasked question quietly. "His full title and I think Agent Pride would make a good deputy for you at DC if he wishes to move there for a while."
Glad the butterflies were already waiting on the Gate, Jethro smiled at the idea of his friend working with him and feeling the Ancient Gene recognition from Dwayne and Laurel was very strong, he picked up the backpack by Pride. With Abigail following his lead by going over to Laurel to take hers he heard their exchanges of their experiences, Jethro started to move away from the area with Dwayne following him and continued easily. "He is four Star General Jack O'Neill, Head of Home World Security and Space Forces as well as Earth's Ambassador to the Universe, because we have met others who travel in space. He's out of this galaxy at the moment or he would be here to meet you. He must have met you and recognised you have a special gene that will be explained later."
Coming to a stop and putting the backpack down now they were clear of the transport zone, Jethro checked his friend to make sure he hadn't gone over the edge at his comment. Seeing Dwayne's slightly wide eyed expression and shake of his head knew his friend was still with him, so carried on. "If you need a change of scenery, you can help me bring together civilians and service personal at Naval Yard's NCIS, to investigate and protect all who work for the Earth's Space Forces now and in the future. General O'Neill's gift are those butterflies on the Stargate and they bring with them health and communication. Let them land on the palms of your hands and disappear into you. Then General Roberta Green, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, will be able to go back to DC and report her findings to her department, and we will have time to explain everything after that."
With his mind spinning even more with questions and the impossibility of the situation, as well as the big secret he was being let into, Dwayne registered the large Stargate and the small dainty butterflies that seemed to be watching them... him. Then sensed a strange deep quiet feeling within him, he couldn't begin to explain to anyone, and knew it was grounding him, reassuring him it was alright. Hearing his daughter's gasp of amazement then chuckle, he glanced at her then seeing her nod as she held out her hand in the direction of the butterflies, Dwayne knew he would go along with it all. Could even feel the stirrings of excitement coming through his deep tiredness and gave her a slight smile as he held out his hand in the same direction.
The butterflies immediately took off from the top of the Stargate and flew in front of the couple, then hesitating for a second or two as if checking to see it was alright, they landed on their open hands before disappearing into them to give their gifts.
Before anything else could be said, the heavy doors into the room opened and General Landry walked in and taking in the scene, noted Roberta's and Jethro's nods and smiles, knew he'd missed the big meet and greet, but from the quiet updates from Walter over their personal earpieces knew what had taken place and been said. "Welcome to Stargate Command, I am General Hank Landry, and would like to show you round. First stop will be the infirmary I'm afraid, but the medical check up will be a light one and we will test the strength of Ancient Gene you all have. Before that General Green your chief was on the phone wanting you to return to DC for his update sooner rather than later."
Roberta laughed and said. "It certainly has been an interesting visit Hank. Jethro I'll let you know when I can gather the family together and don't forget to bring Emily and her father." then stepping into the space designated for going upstairs, she raised her voice saying. "Walter I'm ready."
A moment later Walter announced. "Odyssey are ready to transport Ma'am." then Roberta disappeared from their view, leaving Abigail, Dwayne and Laurel stunned as they'd obviously not seen it before just experienced it.
Hank looked at the group and said. "Your bags will be collected by the security officers and taken to your rooms. If you would follow this way."
As they started to leave the Gateroom Dwayne walked with Jethro asking "Where exactly are we?"
"In the basement of Cheyenne Mountain, about 29 levels down from the surface." Jethro said easily and added. "My boat's down here so we can work and chat when you feel up to it. And the piano on the Odyssey is a good one so you'll both enjoy playing it."
With a shake of his head still trying to gather it all in Dwayne couldn't resist asking. "You still working from here?"
Jethro laughed thinking about it all, then answered. "Yes, but only as a linkman not flying all over the place to pick the culprits up."
Still at his post and watching the group go out the room and the heavy doors close on them, Walter started to reflect on what had been happening knowing he'd only have to wait for Agent Fornell and Emily to come back before his shift ended. Glancing back at the Stargate he caught a flicker of a movement from the top of it and watched in amazement as the really tiny butterfly flew towards him and then hovered in front of him and in his mind he heard 'The General's' voice explain quietly. "For the work you do for all of us in the past and so you can guard our own future when the time comes. No one needs to know this has happened, you will recognise the signs, know what to do and who to gather around you when the time comes. Give your family an extra hug tonight."
Intrigued and smiling, while realising the butterfly was just like the General, it had hidden itself from everyone till the time was right, Walter opened his hands to it and watched it land with memories of seeing Colonel O'Neill arrive at Stargate Command and his years with them flitting through his mind. Watching it disappear into him, sending a gentle ripple of energy and messages through him as it did so, he understood the gift of friendship and trust between them and mentally said. "Thank you Sir."Before checking everything was alright around him, knowing he would take time off and visit the new site at the Waterfall, feeling his family might like the change of scenery. It wouldn't be for long though as the Mountain was his home, he'd always known that, and settled down to makes sure everything would run smoothly as usual.
oxoxo
There we leave SGC in Walter's safe hands and a certain actor linked with space again, sorry but my muse could not resist it.:)
Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed it. Reviews and comments always welcome.
Take care everyone and as usual I will be back when muse, characters and real life allow.