Ladymo, djenie, , dpdp, EAC Thank you for your comments and lovely reviews, great to know you are still enjoying the story and your thoughts.
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Everyone else - thank you for reading and hope you all enjoy this flight of imagination.
Chapter 26 Evening to Sleep Time
As Atlantis, on General Shepard's orders, had visually informed everyone what was going to happen, where people couldn't leave their posts or were in the infirmary, viewing screens once again appeared for them. Otherwise, people were hurrying to get to good viewing points, so the corridors were filling up from all directions, especially the one leading to the elevator that NightOwl and U Sang needed to get to the pier.
Seeing the problem ahead, and not wanting to slow down in her flight, or U Sang in his stride, NightOwl hooted and dragon grumbled her customary untranslatable warning for attention. Only this time, everyone immediately understood her hooting dragon grumble as "Heads up! We are coming through," in full command tone, making everyone shift out the way rather than question what they'd heard and understood.
While U Sang, without breaking his stride and hearing the man's influence in her words and tone, purred to her. "You've been in Master Jack's head too long."
Extremely pleased, NightOwl grumble hooted her excited laugh, which no one except U Sang understood, proving to the pair and those close by, if the speaker wanted to be understood by others it happened, otherwise conversations could still be private.
Coming to the elevator, NightOwl and U Sang slowed, then came to a stop glad to see standing beside it was their night time liaison officer, who smiled his greeting before commenting warmly. "That was an impressive command NightOwl, especially as we can now understand you. U Sang, you are starting to shimmer gold stripes instead of your natural purple ones, so unless you need to go to your spaceship first, I believe we should go straight to the pier level."
Entering the elevator with NightOwl hovering above them U Sang warmly purred his answer. "Master Jason, thank you for your concern. These stripes of energy are safe and we do not need our spaceship till we retire to sleep. When we are on the pier I will transfer NightOwl's energy back to her. Then we will fly our thank you for all the care you and your space families have given us. So, please walk with us and ask our day liaison officer to join us on the pier so you can watch from there." Before sitting beside Jason making sure there was plenty of room for the three of them as the doors closed.
Keying the information into elevator pad Jason replied, with the warmth of the friendship and respect that had grow up between the four of them. "Thank you, we will be honoured to walk with you and watch your thank you flight." Then radioed the day officer to join them at the pier entrance so she could meet them.
oxoxo
On leaving the Gate room and walking quickly to catch up with his group just ahead of him, John Shepard realised people were already starting to treat him differently. Some were stiffening up ready to come to attention so he kept having to tell them to be at ease and carry on as they were doing, which was, of course, trying to get to a good viewing point before everyone else. And knew he would have to manage an announcement in the morning about the leadership change etc. Seeing the couple ahead of him were now within in talking distance rather than shouting distance, but were facing away from him, he raised his voice slightly saying. "Jon, Cassie, will you join us? When we've caught up with my team of course."
Jon and Cassie turned in his direction and slowed so they could talk. Glancing at him, Jon answered for both of them. "Thank you, but we are meeting up with Teal'c and the others as they are leaving tomorrow. They've already been guided to their viewing point and Vala popped out and waved to show us which one. I think an officer is outside the one reserved for your group so you will not miss it or fight anyone for it. New rank, privileges, responsibilities and of course, lots of paperwork." he finished with a smile.
Feeling totally at ease with this couple even though he didn't know them yet, John sighed. "That's going take some getting used to. Think I'm going to follow Sam's lead on all of that one as well." then added. "Both of you enjoy your time with your group. I suggest we meet up in the morning after they've left to sort out your proper accommodation and plans for Cassie's assignment. Regarding whether you want to be a civilian or be on the military side of life Jon, I think you both need to relax and get used to the City first. But, that will not stop me calling on either of you if I need to."
Jon chuckled, knowing they both understood his unique abilities being Jack's clone might be useful, and glancing at Cassie and seeing her nod knew she would want the time to decide where she fitted in, and added. "That's fine for both of us and have a good night." and as they left John and quickened their pace to go to their viewing gallery, they both felt their unique link surface, because they were both hoping Teal'c and the others hadn't grabbed the food first, and knew they would have to make sure it was closed down again before they went to sleep.
Managing to catch up with his group as they were being guided into a viewing area and seeing Richard Woolsey was hanging back obviously not quite sure where he belonged, John immediately said. "Richard, join us as you are part of our group and we will sort out living arrangements tomorrow after the others have left."
With some relief now he knew he was not going to be on his own, Richard nodded his acceptance and listened as they joined the others as John explained. "General Landry has passed on a message through Lya, that the NCIS group have retrieved the things you wanted kept safe and will look after them or hand them over to SGC. If you want them here they can be transported easily enough. You don't have to make up your mind right away as they can come through the Gate once it has been cleared for normal use."
As Teyla and Ronon quietly made room and greeted Richard into the group knowing what it was like to be an outsider, John stopped Rodney from making any wayward comment by saying. "Rodney, I need you to sort out the replacement team for Midway by our team briefing in the morning, and that includes proper paper work not just a note on scrap piece of paper." Hearing the start of Rodney's high pitched excited moan that he had too much to do now the City was at full power, John added forcefully. "We will also have to work out a rota of personnel for the Waterfall Site when they start working on the Ancient craft there."
Seeing he had all their attention, he dropped his 'officer in charge tone' and finished firmly. "That will be all of you as heads of departments with Richard and myself clearing it as heads of the City. Regarding those departments. Teyla I'd like you to cover civilian staff and guests, that will include Jon and Cassie as they will be living here. Ronon you'll be dealing with security especially when we as a group or individually are out of the City. I've no doubt General O'Neill will be in touch when he's back on Earth and we will know more about our new roles. For now I suggest we enjoy the food and NightOwl's thank you flight." And smiled as the group nodded acceptance, then made for the balcony stopping off at the table of food with quiet comments to each other.
Richard hesitated for a moment and looked at him, as their eyes met John knew though they came from totally different backgrounds regarding work, they had the same values and strength of character that would hold this City together whatever the future decided to throw at it. Taking a step towards the man he said quietly. "Welcome to your new role and home. Jack trusted you and so do I." Then with a smile knowing he would explain it all to the rest of the group in a moment, added. "The forcefield chair is taking them to their apartment using the other route so they will not be joining us. Shall we?"
Richard nodded with a slight smile of agreement knowing by John's relaxed attitude there was more to come to that story, and they joined the others before all the food and the best places at the balcony were taken.
oxoxo
Glad they'd not squashed anyone and after the heart stopping moment as the sofa took them outside to drop them down to the right level of their floor, before going back in through the open archway rather than taking the elevator, Sam and Jack enjoyed their strange ride in easy silence. Well, after Sam had started to verbally work out how the forcefield was actually using the side of the building as it's anchor, and Jack had gently told her to stop thinking and she had giggled and stopped talking. Feeling the sofa slowing to a stop and the transparent safety forcefield disappear Sam and Jack got up and walked over to the bemused officer standing guard outside Sam's quarters.
Understanding the man's confusion as he came to attention seeing who they were, after all it wasn't everyday a red and green flashing flying sofa comes to rest nearly in front of you, or a viewing screen appears on the wall in front of you. Sam immediately commanded with a smile. "At ease." and realising why the officer was posted there added. "I believe you are here in case we need someone from now till morning. The screen has opened up so you can watch NightOwl flight without leaving your post."
The officer started. "Yes Ma'am, Sir. The Doctors wanted ..." then stopped, as his ... in fact all their attention was taken by the flashing forcefield sofa starting to change shape to go into stand down/flat disc mode, and then carry out the next part of the order it had been given.
Realising what might happen next, Jack immediately turned his full attention to it and forcefully, mentally and verbally exclaimed. "Ohforcryingoutloud!" and commanded. "You can stay a chair and help the officer keep watch. Go to the storage room or the infirmary. You are not coming in with us! This is our private space and time! No matter who programmed you!"
For a couple of moments there was an amusing if tense silent stand off, between the misshaped flashing red and green chair and Jack. Before there was a very bright flash of red and green, almost like a loud exclamation, took place, and an upright single seater chair formed, hovered and settled by the wall and officer. Who was silently wondering if he should send that silent alert he'd been told to do if things got out of hand with General O'Neill. But, seeing his true commander's silent smile at whole thing, he held back and looked at the gently flashing chair beside him with some trepidation.
Satisfied he had won, and seeing the officer's concerned expression, Jack said. "It is safe and you don't have to sit on it. But, should it disappear and you believe it has slipped into our room you can knock and enter to find out. If it has done that, I will disable it for good. We will tell you if we need help of any kind either by opening this door or via your radio. If we do need it for any reason, the forcefield will answer to your or General Carter's command, should I be unable to give them." Satisfied that would reassure everyone Jack finished. "I believe food has been provided for us?"
Feeling reassured the Officer smiled and answered. "Food and drinks are on the balcony, Sir. Also a bed has been made up for you and you clothes for tonight and tomorrow have been unpacked and put out. Have a good night Sir, Ma'am." hoping that was the right order and way to address the Generals and he'd missed an awful lot having been asleep ready for his night shift. Then been given the briefest of briefing regarding his duties as he helped set up the quarters.
"Thank you." Sam said with a nod of goodnight, and opened the door into her apartment knowing Jack would follow her in and close the door. Looking round the room and actually seeing the gap between the two beds, and everything else as the Officer had said brought the truth back home to her. It was not over yet… though they could be in the same room they were still apart from each other… And felt the shiver of loss and love ripple through her and join those she'd managed to control with U Sang's help, break down her barriers and turn them to silent tears that ran down her face and wouldn't stop. Then heard his very gentle but firm words behind her. "It is alright for Generals to cry in front of people they love and trust…. And I am sorry, Sam I put you through all this, especially the last bit."
Knowing he spoke the truth, she'd been with him as he'd silently cried in private having just lost officers in a battle no one could know about, before immediately putting on that 'General face and stature, so he could give everyone depending on him the strength to carry on with life. Turning to face him and seeing the truth of his last words, as well as knowing she couldn't have what she really wanted. Could not give or get that reassuring hug and words "C'mere" they gave each other when they really needed it. Sam couldn't stop her small emotional hiccup as she tried to get past her tears, along with the anger and love she was feeling for the man standing in front of her, who was shining with energy gifts, or the heartbreaking fear she'd so nearly lost him forever. Sighing, she took a breath, before admitting quietly, but forcefully. "I could kill you for not really believing we would find a way to get what we wanted. What we have waited for so long or why you healed me earlier. You know that don't you?"
Seeing the love she had for him in her tearful blue eyes and feeling 'that' strength she gave him in the way she was standing tall and talking to him, Jack gave a slight smile and nodded his answer with love before saying quietly. "Always… and forever Sam."
Sam gave a tearful giggle, as those words, tone and look of his, broke through all her emotional turmoil and gave her the strength to carry on, as he knew they would. Taking a breath and nodding as certain things clicked into place, she then clarified them quietly out loud, her voice and mind steadying as she did so. "In our mind time together, you made me put the plans we discussed for the future in my computer mind, so they would separate from my own emotions should I lose you either to Atlantis or forever. You didn't tell me that nor about the commanding the Hammond as well as the Waterfall site, and I understand why. I also know that by giving your orders at the SGC and Atlantis briefings as you did they will be carried out, the plans were not words on paper to be argued over by others because you were not there in person to enforce the understanding or will behind them."
Then really looking at him and understanding what the isolation of the mission had caused him, she added gently but firmly. "Not only will you be there in person to see it through, no one is going to keep us apart this time or refuse our family time together. Even if you didn't fully realise it till now, you've built a strong global and space travelling team, and allies who includes Lya and her Nox, NightOwl and U Sang as well as others we've connected with over years, who will back you and help you ... every step of the way."
Seeing his embarrassed nod, she stopped and huffed gently at him. "I know and I love you for it." knowing what his comeback would be if she gave him a chance to give it, and they both needed to close the emotional box. Sam lightened her tone and with a slight smile immediately carried on. " What I want to know is if Daniel's dance with the demon never occurred, but he'd still kept his distance from you and Jon, and I've still not forgiven him for that yet. So the Ancient Gene never took control of you but Jon's life was still in the balance." and had to pause letting the relief blot out the pain of what might have happened to Jon and Jack if Jon had died.
Seeing Jack's nod of understanding and knowing this was grounding both of them, Sam went on. "So Richard still came through to us without you, explained you were out of contact and no one at SGC, knew where you were, that included Cam or Jon. You could have been a prisoner or unconscious so couldn't use the charm to get you to the panic room at the Cabin. So couldn't contact Hank." then with a slight smile, but still keeping her serious tone added. "I know you, and NightOwl and U Sang are right you are a survivor. So, what was the back up plan that could save you and possibly Jon if all else failed, because I reckon when the president ordered you to come Atlantis you saw it as a way to get Jon here and save him. Save the Earth if necessary as well."
Knowing NightOwl and U Sang would take a while to get to the pier and Sam needed these answers as well as the reassurance that 'her' City would be in safe hands, after all he was interfering with her career, something he'd promised not to do. Jack promised. "I'm not getting out of answering your questions." before immediately, with a hopeful expression asked. "But do you mind if we eat and talk? Mind food does nothing for my stomach and I can see there is cake on the table." Then smiling he gave a quick pointed look in the direction of the table, before looking back at her for the answer.
Feeling steadier now they were on 'safe ground' Sam smiled at his need and tactic so answered in a serious tone. "I'll not deprive you of that, especially as it is made from Cassie's recipe." Seeing his smile widen, she let her slight tease show in her eyes and tone of voice as she carried on. "Well, we knew you were coming for a quick visit, so I told the cook to make enough for everyone and extra for you, which means our other guests will be catered for, without a problem."
Not giving him a chance to comeback at her she added. "I suspect the cold buffet will be the usual food so there shouldn't be any fish in there either." before admitting, as she could feel her tears drying on her face. "I need the bathroom to freshen up anyway." and turned towards the facilities, knowing in usual circumstances they would have held hands or hugged each other. Nothing long or over the top, just that quick reassurance it was okay. This time they couldn't do that, but they did know they had friends around them and they were on the home stretch, the Waterfall site and a future together beckoned.
Still smiling at her fish comment, Jack watched her go then stood for another moment letting his emotions settle, before making his way to the balcony and that cake. Coming to the table he felt the need for a drink first. Taking a sip of water and feeling the gentle breeze on his face, he looked across the evening landscape of dark endless ocean and unfamiliar stars in the sky, and with it came fleeting questions rippling through his mind. Was this real or was he still in the mind room? Was everything he remembered real or were they just his hopes of what he wanted to achieve? … Was he awake? Had he woken up? Could he wake up? With some answers flitting through the questions like waves trying to steady his mind, he knew he needed Sam beside him. She was his anchor and could help stop this building up into something more. He knew she'd been with him a moment ago, would be back shortly and he needed another anchor to steady his mind… Cake ... that was another anchor. One that had started years ago at the Cabin with the Phoenix Corporation, the first time he really felt safe and the cake ... a celebration of getting through another day… of coming home or back to base.
Remembering there was cake on the table, Jack turned his attention to it and resting his hand on the table, realising it was solid and real he sat on the chair beside it. Looking at the two portions of cake he took one, then bit into it. Let his mind and body register the texture and taste of it... it was similar to Cassie's favourite and good. So all this was real and he was awake. Taking another bite he let it steady his mind and started to really enjoy every second of the taste and texture.
Sam, not wanting to let Jack out of her sight for long, did what she needed quickly, and now feeling refreshed joined him at the table on the balcony. Quietly standing beside him, noting he was miles away in thought and was halfway through one slice of cake, she said gently but firmly. "That other slice is mine. You can have some of my buffet as well as your own if you wish as I had some food earlier."
Seeing Jack's innocent expression as he turned his attention to her come through the gifts on his face, reminded her they were not quite home yet, but the glint in his eyes was all his. So she moved the chair slightly away from him not only for a view across the ocean but to stop her wanting to touch him, then in one easy movement not taking her gaze off him, sat down, picked up the last piece of cake and took a bite. She knew her husband's distraction tactics and love of cake only too well… and immediately knew the chef's team had excelled themselves this time. Taking another bite and seeing Jack's nod of agreement that it was a really good cake, she tilted her head at him in a silent command for the answer to her earlier question. Sometimes they didn't need words, just looks and anyway she didn't want to lose the pleasure of the cake by opening her mouth to ask. She also didn't want him to worm his way out of her earlier question as he popped the last bit of his cake into his mouth.
Still keeping eye contact with Sam and loving it, Jack finished the cake and let the fact they could do this deepen and fix the knowledge that this was real. Also fleetingly wondered if he could pull rank and take who ever cooked the cake back to the Waterfall Site with them. Then smiled and quietly admitted. "The Space cat would have been well and truly out of the bag, and I don't mean U Sang either." Enjoying her puzzled expression, knowing it had nothing to do with the cake she was eating, he turned serious as he asked. "Had Richard requested the Gate to be opened so he could contact Hank?"
Puzzled by his statement and question, but not willing to lose a crumb of cake Sam shook her head to give a negative answer.
With a slight smile at her dilemma, Jack carried on. "That's okay, he would have asked for it, so he could find out what the situation was at SGC and if I had actually turned up. As I wasn't with him as planned, he had left a very pointed note saying I could always catch up in a few Earth days. I knew he would explain everything that had been going on at DC to you and you would work out a back up. Because we got separated he needed to transmit the coded classified 'eyes only' message to Hank I had given him to guard and get through in such a situation."
Seeing Sam's reaction of surprise at the trust Jack had put in the man, he added seriously. "People tend overlook Richard and take him at face value, we both know his hidden strength from his past actions. Also, I've taught him how to shoot and hit the target, though he doesn't carry a gun and shakes at the sight of one... as well as how to climb a tree, of course." he finished, from her nod he knew she understood, and with a gentle laugh he carried on. "If I had been there for the call to SGC, Richard and I would have had a barbed chat and Hank would have been none the wiser. If I wasn't and was truly missing. Then Hank would have gone up the wall at the 'eyes only' message. It not only informed him of my covert mission but also to bring NCIS into the fold and help them finish the job regardless of orders from higher up. It also informed him an automatic independent SOS had been sent to the Raven, which was under my orders as Head of Home World Security and my personal command as joint owner and was in a cloaked, silent Earth's orbit in case it was needed, and with its own orders."
Still processing what Jack was saying, and the implications as the Raven was off the books, Sam whispered. "You got her from Alpha site, without alerting anyone. How long ago?"
Not wanting to go deeply into the past Jack sighed and admitted. "From the very beginning so I could do it without anyone suspecting or questioning my actions. At that time I could talk to Alpha site and the special unit there without arousing Hank's suspicions, and I didn't know if the baddies were home grown or off-worlders. Then of course the president clipped my wings and you know the rest." Feeling there were questions coming he added quickly. "I couldn't use my magic wand in that car chase to get out because my driver was too badly injured, and the car wouldn't have fitted in the cabin panic room anyway." Seeing a glimmer of a smile from her he admitted. "Granted I used both our names in my coded top classified orders to the special crew on the Raven, knew you would understand eventually if things went really pear shaped. But at DC I didn't know who I could trust to help. Paul and I met covertly and out of hours regarding Homeworld Security to make sure it kept running smoothly." and paused, not wanting to relive that bit now.
Picturing in her mind how complicated and isolated it would have been for him and things were still very raw for him, she encouraged him gently saying. "Go on. What would the Raven have done to make the Space cat jump out the bag."
Slamming down those memories and knowing Sam's mind was going into overdrive, Jack took a deep breath and with a slight smile explained. "Simple really. And part of the reason why I went to our hill top rather than killing Daniel that night, the other reason was to be close to you that night." Seeing her nod, he carried on. "Back to Hank not knowing where I was or what condition I was in, and the SOS orders to the Raven were to locate me and certain others they had been keeping an eye on, and immediately scoop us up regardless of our surroundings and situation, then either bring us to Atlantis so we could be the cavalry saving Earth or stay in Earth's orbit and help SGC and the Odyssey tidy up the mess."
Quickly thinking through the implications, Sam checked quietly. "The Raven could find you through Thor's technology and silently beam you up leaving none any the wiser about space travel, if Richard had made contact with SGC before you came through the Gate with SG1, Jon and Cassie in tow." then asked. "So why would the cat be out the bag? And who else was in their sights during your covert mission?" While starting to have an idea of the answers that showed in her eyes as she asked.
Giving a soft chuckle, Jack answered seriously. "Well, SG1 could have been scattered, Jon and Cassie would not have been at SGC but were prepared of a quick exit if and when needed. Then there was your brother and his family, if they were in danger they would have been scooped up with no warning at all, regardless of where they were or what they were doing. So the space cat would have been out the bag, because the action of someone or family disappearing could have been caught on their phone and passed on or just by a witness phoning a friend, who phoned anther friend etc. So the world's space travelling expertise would be public knowledge in the middle of the crisis."
Sam couldn't help smiling at the image in her mind of Mark and family suddenly materialising on the Raven in Earth's orbit. That, would blow his mind, but his wife and kids would love it all, then tuned her mind back to Jack as he carried on. "I needed to know Mark and family were completely protected and the Raven had the right technology to do it safely. They will be brought into the whole programme so they can visit the Waterfall Site when ever they or you want them to."
Seeing her silent nod, he knew she wanted and deserved to know it all, and sighed, before moving the subject on by admitting. "Deep down, but not understanding why, I knew the only place Jon and I had a chance of surviving what was happening to him, now Thor had gone, was being on Atlantis. So when this trip was ordered by the president I made sure Jon and Cassie would be ready to be brought into SGC after I was on Atlantis and informed Hank of the situation. Also I needed an independent way of getting him here if SGC was out of the question, so I gave the Raven instructions to bring them straight here if necessary. SG1 though couldn't know anything about it or they were part of my back up plan." and paused for a brief moment, wishing he could touch her. Then knowing she would understand the deeper meaning of his words and feelings, he finished truthfully. "I was always coming home to you, and hopefully to our future... I'm sorry I could not let you in on it completely... Forgive me?"
Feeling her emotions for him roll through her and resisting the urge to touch him, Sam knew he needed the truth and her steadiness, rather than the tears that were threatening to come again. Taking a quick breath, she knew how to do this, and ignoring the strangeness of those energy gifts on his face that seemed to be twinkling at her, she kept eye contact with his dark brown unaffected eyes, while answering truthfully and firmly, but softly. "Always and forever."
Seeing his slightest of nods and knowing he understood and was grounded by it, she carried on. "When we separated, we both knew and accepted there would be times we couldn't say what was really happening around us. Or we would get news about dangerous happenings later rather than immediately, so would be unable to do anything about it. There is no need to feel guilty about any of your actions." With hardly a pause she faced what could have happened adding. "I also know Atlantis is the safest place for your and Jon's bodies to be laid to rest rather than on Earth if the worst had happened, because I, Colonel now General Shepard and Richard Woolsey would have made sure no one on Earth would ever have access to them." and had to take an extra breath, so she could put those darker thoughts behind here, before adding firmly but softly. "That didn't happen and Jon and Cassie will be accepted here in their own right, and we will have a future at the Waterfall Site. So thank you for being who you are and always will be." then broke eye contact with him knowing his need for a moment of privacy. While also registering the fact, if he'd died on Earth she would have somehow got his body to Atlantis or used the Raven and the Alpha site for safe keeping, regardless of the consequences. Glancing towards the pier to let her own mind settle and spotting the group coming into sight, Sam found her voice and commented softly. "The show is about to begin."
Before immediately glancing back at Jack, surprised by his soft gentle chuckle and easy comment. "They would have made great members of our team, NightOwl flying ahead and U Sang either beside us or in the woods as her back up. She could flip into large fire spouting dragon mode or carry on being a small owl in the woods depending on the situation."
Instantly picturing a possible scene of Jaffa warriors dropping weapons and running for the hills or kneeling in fright, Sam couldn't stop her laugh of pure delight, knowing 'her Jack' hadn't changed. He'd sensed her mood changing downwards and instantly distracted her thoughts. Seeing his dark eyes acknowledging what he'd done, she nodded back her agreement and thanks. Then turning her attention back to the group, three walking and one flying above them obviously in communication with each other as they progressed further along the pier so they could be easily seen by everyone, Sam let her eyes sparkle as her tone turned serious with her observations. "They can't gate travel unless they are in their small craft, otherwise John would have had them in the Jumper with the team. It is a beautiful futuristic craft, blends in with what is around it rather than shiny and obvious, but so small for them, especially now we've seen them full size. So, definitely no room for us with gear and FRED, not sure going through the gate behind or in front of it would be a good idea either." and paused, her attention had been on the group but she'd caught something in Jack's expression as she spoke. It was in his eyes rather than the glowing gifts on his skin, they were dis-concerting but she got past them to see him, and couldn't stop herself adding full of awe. "I think they've both got bigger and black with gold energy stripes instead of purple ones makes U Sang very majestic and frightening." Then adding as her mind worked on. "I wonder if those energy stripes are going to be turned back into lightening bolts to be returned to NightOwl. " before finishing with a huff of defeat and asking. "What have I missed?" realising she had missed something.
Feeling her whirling mind but not intruding in to it to give a mental picture to help her, Jack watched the group and avoided answering her question by stating. "They are both outside so size doesn't matter any more." before asking. "Who is with them?"
Sam sighed understanding what he was doing and tried to think back over what she'd just said while answering his last question. "We call them the two J's, they joined us on the same day, are the same age, different countries of birth and race, also great friends but not together as a couple. Jason, their night liaison come security officer and Janet their day liaison officer and head vet. She's a lot like our Janet used to be with us, has that same love and loyalty to her patients also willing to learn new things. She is the one who made sure NightOwl has privacy while eating and for her energy gathering flights in the mornings and evenings, now, of course she's overloaded because of what happened in infirmary's corridor's forcefield. I assume she'll just need physical food from now on." Still not coming up with what she'd missed, she eyed Jack before turning her attention back to the group who were starting to split up, so NightOwl and U Sang were ahead of the others who were slowing down to a stop, to obviously watch the next action from a safe distance. Before adding firmly. "I don't want to miss this."
Giving into her and getting ready to watch her and the group on the pier, Jack answered softly. "Energy and their craft go hand in hand. You said in your brief report that NightOwl was giving all her energy to save U Sang, herself and the craft, which could be repaired and recharged over time and once NightOwl and U Sang had recovered. Now NightOwl is fully charged she can expand to her true size and probably give some energy back to the craft, if not Atlantis can because we have battery power to spare. Think of the way Teal'c's solid Jaffa head armour clunks into place when needed, rather than a balloon losing or gaining air, because their craft will not go pop by accident or gets too much air or enery. Hope not anyway." He finished with a sigh and a hint of a smile.
Laughing as it all fell into place and her still mind buzzing, Sam couldn't help clarifying it. "So when fully charged the spacecraft there will be much larger space between fixed fittings, so both of them can move around with ease. Also forcefields will come into play, so the flat area on the top might be where NightOwl could fly or U Sang stretch out if necessary."
Jack chuckled and said. "Stop thinking and watch." and still feeling hungry started to tuck into the cold buffet again.
"Yes Sir." Sam answered softly, happy to follow his lead because NightOwl started to hover rather than fly, and U Sang walked on so there was more space between them before stopping in the middle of the pier and turning to face out across the ocean.
Smiling at her tone, taking in the scene and swallowing the quick mouthful of food, Jack commented with quiet respect. "NightOwl needs to land as U Sang will fly with her, so the transfer of energy is either now or in flight. She'll do a short take off across pier and out to sea rather than run along it for take off, neither Owl or dragon forms are elegant runners." and stopped.
It all happened very quickly and smoothly, and very clear to all the watchers on screen or out on the balconies and leaving them all in awe of the pair.
NightOwl flickered into her feathered white underbelly and edged wings with tawny back and tail dragon form, large enough to take a full size humanoid. Touching down gracefully beside U Sang she stretched out her wings, then tucked them in slightly so one would form a bridge or safety net if necessary, and immediately hooted that she was ready. U Sang with the golden stripes glistening reared up on his hind paws so he was standing upright and rippled into large humanoid form, with the energy stripes starting to leave him and form a ball above his head. As soon as the ball was complete NightOwl flashed to her totally black form and U Sang reached up so his hands were cupped just underneath the ball, rather than touching it. Then making throwing actions with his arms the energy ball moved in NightOwl's direction.
As soon as the spinning energy ball was over NightOwl's head it started to unravel with the threads making a golden silhouette of her body as they landed on her and then disappeared into her. Feeling the final energy buzz NightOwl shook herself head to tail, immediately rippling from black to pure white so she would keep all the returned energy and U Sang safe. Seeing this, U Sang in humanoid form leaped panther like and his own special energy to cover the distance, not wanting to crash land on her wings. Landing gently on her back he immediately slipped into the pouch Jack had used when he rode with NightOwl, then making sure he could look over her shoulder and connecting his mind with hers, U Sang purred his excited order. "Fly as we used to at home!"
With her beautiful haunting dragon grumble/hoots of pure delight echoing in the night air, informing all the watchers of her delight to be alive and at full strength, along with their joint thanks for the rescue and care they had received. NightOwl tucked up her wings and tail so neither dragged on the pier and started her very ungainly dragon stride, hop, skip and lastly bouncy forward jump for take off. In the seconds of leaving the pier's edge and feeling the energies of the ocean and wind under her, she spread and used her wings to gain speed and height. Enjoying the true freedom of being herself and hearing U Sang's mental approval as he snuggled in for the ride, NightOwl flecked her wings with silver, increased her size to become the huge, silent, majestic white dragon of the skies, that everyone could see. This was her true home and she was going to play before gathering in the energies from the moonlight, sea and wind around her so she would be able to give her dragon lullaby of peace and quiet, for that sleep time and all future sleep times for the Atlantis and Nox families.
Most of those watching held their breaths in awe and some in fear in case she belly flopped into the sea after that short ungainly run. But once the flight started everyone lost themselves in the beauty of her fast and slow flybys, facing them or away from them, against or with the wind. Looping the loops vertical and horizontal, mixed in with tucked up somersault tumbles, coming out of them just above the ocean. All accompanied by her dragon grumbles and hoots of pure joy mixed with a hint of U Sang's purring approval. He loved flying with her and had felt so lonely as he'd watched her fly alone since their rescue and she'd not had the strength to become her true self again and take him.
Even Sam and Jack had held their breaths for a while, in expectation and respect as they knew NightOwl was an expert in these matters. Over coming their pangs of wanting to be up there with the pair and flying free, they were soon laughing and bantering with each other about NightOwl's antics, and like everyone else relaxed, forgetting their fears and worries about the future, they were all in the moment.
With U Sang purring happily in her mind, and knowing the Nox family were watching, NightOwl spiralled upwards to a certain height up in the night sky while flashing her private mind message. "Elder Ohper and Lady Lya, I ask for help in my Dragon Quest of finding a male to complete the hatching of a special dragon bird family, whose male mate died saving many dragons and feline families from the deadly lava flow when one of red dragons of the mountains died without warning and accelerated our hunt for a new home. There are no other males of this family on our planet or in our sea of space who can either become her mate or provide the right fire for the hatching. In the mind room Master Jack told me of the ancient myths and legends regarding dragons and one is similar to the family I seek. Your family comes from their seas of space and being with you I sense the Nox family still live with dragons, and you guard that secret well. So I believe there is hope for my Quest, if not on your home planet then within the seas of space you live and travel, and possibly beyond while you look for those of Master Jack's family who are lost in those seas.
I will now fly the story of the special dragon bird mating and the hatching of their young, as we both know saying their true family name through our minds or verbally will bring them to us. I don't wish the mother to desert her nest as her fire and energy is providing the warmth the two eggs needs. Both eggs must have the male and female fire and energy for hatching and flight of life by the light of the moon. Or her flame of death should no male be found so they will not suffer the long death of cold trapped in their eggs." then silently hovered as she'd come to the top of her spiral and started to gather her internal energy to ignite her fire to tell the other dragon's story, while she waited for an acknowledgement rather than a full answer.
In space on the Nox's travelling city, Lya looked and smiled at Ohper as she realised their secret had not only been rumbled but there was the possibility of new life being brought to Gaia, and immediately flashed her private mind message. "We thank you both for your gift of peaceful sleep time, and will answer your Dragon Quest when we can NightOwl."
"I thank you and wait your true answer."NightOwl replied before closing that link.
Knowing NightOwl's excited mood and being deeply mind linked with her, U Sang hissed his own message to her "You could have carried on describing them without actually naming them! I don't want to get wet, the ocean water clogs up my fur you know that."
"No. As you know I might accidentally call her come to us, making her desert her eggs, neither of us want that.I promised a display before sleep time, this will be it." then adding forcefully. "So! forcefield up if you need too."and immediately opening her mouth blew out fire that formed three large yellow rings, that kept separate as they formed a downward tunnel, which finished several feet above the gentle ocean waves.
With a huff at her statement, U Sang covered himself and the pouch with his purple breathable, waterproof and heatproof forcefield, just to make sure he was covered for all eventualities. Then feeling NightOwl tuck her wings tight into her body, he got ready to enjoy the frightening ride as she tipped herself head first and shot downwards, gathering speed as she aimed for the centre of the fiery tunnel, rippling black and white as she went, showing Elder Ohper and Lady Lya that the male and female dragon would intertwine while speeding into and through fire tunnel for mating. While both NightOwl and U Sang kept all their thoughts on the display they were making.
Coming out at the bottom of the fiery tunnel NightOwl resisted the temptation to do a deep dive and catch a fish or two and skimmed over the top of the waves in a tight turn and flattening flight away from the fire rings. Slowing down her black and white rippling she turned a tight circle back to the tunnel and flying underneath them, commanded the outer rings to combine with the middle one and keep their fire at full strength. Then gathering the air current as she circled underneath again, this time flying half the circle black and half white, she waited till she had gathered enough and felt it being tug upwards towards the flames, she opened her wings and rode the air current upwards. Just as it looked as though she would crash into fiery circle, she shrunk her size, flapped her wings and disappeared into the flames.
As she flew upwards the lower flames started to die down forming a round platform of grey ash, leaving a smaller curtain of flames to hide her from view. Till she suddenly reappeared as though she was standing up right in the sky, with her wings fully opened and the moon light showing her silhouette, not in her dragon form she'd flown into the smaller tunnel, but as a medium sized beautiful silver and white bird rising from the flames and ashes of her birth. She stayed for a moment, so everyone could see her then she flashed black, so it looked as though she'd disappeared, before flashing back into her tawny backed, white with silver edge wings tailed dragon form. Increasing to her proper size as she flew round the dying embers on the platform of ash so she could gather all that energy back into her body. Not only leaving the night air clean, but also telling everyone the show was over, and mentally commented. "You still there little one?" knowing he would be, and felt the tickle of the forcefield U Sang had erected disappear.
"Of course!" U Sang mentally happily snapped back before immediately purring. "That was a very special show, thank you." knowing it would never be repeated then added. "Shall we fly, and I'll purr as you sing to them?"
Happy she had told her story well, NightOwl dragon grumbled and hooted as she started to fly in a slow gentle downward spiral so she would fly by the watchers and would eventually land back on the pier in front of the pair she'd left earlier. As she flew, her gentle dragon grumbling and owl hooting with U Sang's purring in the background were mixed in with the energies of light, water and air she had gathered as she had started her flight, turning into a beautiful haunting melody and lullaby, as it drifted on the night air.
oxoxo
Everyone in Atlantis, knowing it was time to get ready to retire, were quietly commenting how amazing it all was before they got caught up in the haunting lullaby. On the Nox's travelling craft, Elder Ohper and Lady Lya silently nodded their agreement of understanding of NightOwl's story and would pass it on to their family on Gaia hoping for a good reaction and future friendship with all the families concerned, before they and all the families with them were caught up in NightOwl's haunting lullaby that travelled unaided through the sea of space to them and without their travelling gate being opened.
Like everyone else, Sam and Jack were spellbound by NightOwl's flaming finale, but as NightOwl reappeared as herself and was gathering up the remains of the ash platform, Jack was silently ticking boxes as he remembered their chat in the mind room and started muttering quietly. "She's asking the Nox for help to find her version of our mythical Phoenix. A magic fire bird dragon, whose eggs are fed by the energy of the parents, then emerge from their eggs when both parents set fire to the nest. Out of their flames and ashes the next generation are born, rather than it turning to fire and ash and then rebirth to get out of trouble. Perhaps they need a mate for one or both so eggs can be hatched or produced. From our mind chats NighOwl knows dragons have been in our part of the universe so is asking the Nox for help. Just as I have asked Lya for help finding Destiny and her crew."
Reluctantly glancing at Jack, as he started muttering, Sam wondered if he was alright and should she call for assistance, then smiled as things added up, before exclaiming with a slight huff. "You cheat! She told you all about their space craft when you were in the mind room as well as her history." Then curiosity getting the better of her asked. "Why didn't she just mentally ask the Nox for help?"
Shaking his head and smiling, Jack quickly admitted softly but firmly. "NightOwl didn't talk about or show me their space craft, or that she was looking for a specific family of dragons as she can not name them for fear of calling them to her. It is the same with most of the dragon families and hers are tied to the feline families, U Sang at the moment and the reason she is happy with the name you have given her. Not that any one here would be able to pronounce her name anyway. She asked me if we had fire bird dragons on earth, so I did a Daniel and told her about dragon myths including the Phoenix, as well as the Agamids or Dragon Lizards that are still with us." Then gave a small huff of his own as he added. "I have the horrible feeling she might want to visit some when she comes to Earth just to check them out."
Sam laughed picturing that idea before asking. "Wouldn't the chicks get burnt if they really set light to the nest?"
Watching NightOwl gracefully fly her large circles and starting to feel the pull of the song as it drifted towards them in the gentle warm breeze, Jack answered softly. "No, I'm sure the parents will know what temperature it should be. Forget birds eggs, these will be very large and the chicks need the heat to help crack the egg shells. Think it also becomes part of their body or wings, not sure which, and they fly on the warm thermals out of the burning nest and into the moonlight. By the first dawn they are part of their larger family ready for life with powers enabling them to vanish, or hide anything to keep it safe from prying eyes and are loyal to death to those they have given their true name to or has taken their true name against their will. Think of the tale that drew the Jaffa and us to Gaia and the fact we only saw what the Nox wanted us to see.
"I felt the flash of a guarded mind message in the air before the display, and have the feeling NightOwl wanted me to know she was talking to the Nox. That and the show triggered my memories of our mind chat." Feeling the emotional pull of those chats, Jack covered this with a friendly huffy comment. "And, heaven help us if Daniel puts two and two together making four or five and starts asking questions."
Seeing Sam's smiling nod of agreement, Jack looked back at NightOwl's progress and added. "I think we should listen to our lullaby, then go to bed as we are travelling tomorrow." Leaving out the obvious knowing Sam would understand and heard her quiet gentle. "Yes Sir, I know." and knew she did and accepted it all, just as he did.
With that they settled back, like everyone else on Atlantis and the Nox's craft, and listened to that haunting melody that now reached into their minds showing them various calming pictures and feelings: of sitting on a moonlight river bank watching a gentle river or stream meandering on its way with a warm gentle breeze in the trees, or a warm sunny evening sitting on the sands or dunes watching the waves gentle roll in, or sitting by the fire in a favourite comfy chair or even round the campfire with family and friends, knowing it would be time to sleep when the flames faded.
Meanwhile the children on Atlantis and the Nox's craft saw themselves running home through fields, kicking up the leaves or picking flowers as they made their way home knowing it was sleep time and everyone was safe and sound.
With U Sang still purring in the background of their song as it came to the end, NightOwl gracefully flew towards the pier and their waiting helpers, dragon grumbling out loud, "Thank you, all families on Atlantis and the Nox travelling craft. We wish you good sleep time now and for generations to come." knowing everyone would understand it.
Glancing at Sam and regretting they couldn't be closer than they were at the moment, but strangely calm about it, Jack nodded his silent acknowledgement and seeing her answering nod, added. "That is our cue to move. You first with the facilities, I need a moment or two out here. I'll put the covers on the table so it can be dealt with after we leave. While you are waiting for me, you might want to do that handover of command email, as things might be a bit rushed in the morning."
Seeing the sense in his suggestions and knowing this was still an emotional ride for him, for both of them, Sam got up saying softly. "I'll not be long." and walked into their room straight to the facilities, silently regretting leaving him even if it was for a few minutes, but was feeling the excitement rippling through her knowing they would have a future together. He had seen to that and finding the Waterfall Site would give them the link they needed.
Before he started to deal with the table, Jack let his emotions settle back in their proper boxes by watching NightOwl land on the pier. U Sang get onto her wing, then leap and flip into his large purple striped panther form as he landed, before walking on all fours towards Jason and Janet, who were smiling and clapping obviously eager to chat. While that was happening NightOwl flipped from large dragon into her medium tawny owl mode so she could fly with them and join in their chatter.
Knowing it was time, Jack gently mind messaged he wanted to talk to them both and receiving their warm gentle greeting. "Master Jack?" as well as noticing they didn't break their flight, stride or whatever the other two were chatting about, Jack, with mental warmth and appreciation, carried on. "Thank you, for your lullaby, from all of us and hope your own is as peaceful as ours will be. Also Atlantis and members under my command now and in the future will be honoured to help in transporting the families on Dragon planet to their new home and any Quest you might have to save other dragon lives." and finished not wanting to cause NightOwl trouble.
With a mind dragon rumble of pleasure NightOwl immediately answered. "We thank you Master Jack for your promise of help and will let you know what happens. For now we will be staying here so our ship can receive the energy it needs and slowly return to true size and power. We hope to talk to Elder Ohper and then Lady Lya when she returns from her visit to Earth to see if they can help us in my Quest and to exchange stories. I know how deep the trust runs between your families so I know we can trust them with our lives. I wish you good sleep time and will see you before you and Lady Samantha leave for home."
"Good sleep time, NightOwl and U Sang." Jack finished and as he made the table tidy and covered it for the morning clearance, he could feel himself settle knowing he would sleep and feel more himself in the morning, after all he would be returning to the cabin and his future home. As he turned to go back into the room he glanced at the pier and saw the group had gone, lights were dimming on the other balconies as people left to find their rooms or to do the night shift, and with a gentle sigh walked back into the room, then smiled as he saw Sam standing waiting for him.
Sam had only just come out from the facilities and said softly. "All free." then asked. "Should it be a formal email or semi casual?" wanting to keep that bit of formality between them knowing this part would be hard for them both. Still so close and yet so far away, they'd done it in the past but was harder this time round as they were man and wife.
Jack nodded his silent thanks to her as he walked on towards her to get to the facilities and added. "Everyone here knows the change over is happening, Hank will send the formalities through in the usual way. So you are thanking them for their support and introducing Richard, saying he has our support and trust, some of them will not know how he has kept the SGC and Atlantis safe and secure. John can fill in the details when we've gone. It should be short." he finished with a grin.
Sam laughed and as he disappeared added. "Two lines like your reports, then."
"Sounds good." Jack quipped back from the bathroom.
Smiling at his tone of teasing disbelief, Sam shook her head as she turned her attention to the two beds in front of her, and feeling the sudden ripple of need and tension run through her she gave an almost silent sigh not wanting Jack to hear her. She'd wanted so much to be with him tonight, knew he wanted the same thing but both knew it couldn't happen, wasn't wise. Suddenly feeling the memory of U Sang's gentle purring in the background of her mind, she knew she could draw on the strength it had given her earlier, and started to mentally check what was in front of her to calm her racing mind and feelings.
Sam started with the obvious, her bed, that was the same as usual, neatly turned down ready for the night, the other one was also turned down for the night and ready for him. Her night table was between the beds to make the gap between them secure. Taking a breath she drew on the reasoning this was better than the alternative of two different rooms, and possibly corridors apart. With a nod of acceptance of that point, she carried on her check list noting the two chairs by the wall on his side of the room, one with fresh BDUs rather than full uniform and his shoes on the floor underneath it. Remembering she needed to put hers out in a moment or two, she was immediately drawn back to what was actually on his bed. Letting her mind calmly run on, she eyed Jack's favourite night sweat top and shorts. Like his other clothes they'd been packed in his 'go' bag, which had come through the Gate with Richard Woolsey. It had always been planned to be a short trip, so Richard will have to use clothes from the store till the Gate was officially safe and opened for use.
Mentally tossing that thought to the back of her mind, Sam glanced across to her bed and smiling, silently decided Jack wouldn't really mind if she did it now, after all they would have done it if he'd been going back to Earth without her. Quickly, listening to make sure Jack wasn't finished yet, she walked over to her bed and picked up her sweat top, a slightly older version of the one on his bed, which he'd given to her at the start of her command on Atlantis, both knowing it was a way for them to be together in spite of the distance between them. It had and still worked, even though it now had the feeling of Atlantis laundry and her rather than Jack, and swapped the sweat tops over.
Instantly recognising the scent of him and home, Sam immediately changed into it and her night shorts. Enjoying the warmth and feeling the sweat top sparked in her, she tidied her clothes and put clean ones out for the morning as usual. Satisfied Jack was not going to come out immediately, she climbed into bed, tucked the blankets around her and hitched up the pillows so she was comfortable. Then quietly humming to herself, she started up the laptop, that had been on her beside table, and began to focus on what she needed to say in that email to everyone on Atlantis. Making several starts and deleting bits and pieces she silently got into the flow of it, forgetting everything else around her.
Jack had been fine focusing on the usual nightly preparations for bed, till he was washing and drying his hands ready to return to the main room and caught his full reflection, in what passed as a mirror on Atlantis… and stopped dead, shocked and disturbed. He'd not seen himself as the Ancient gene child, hadn't really thought much about it, hadn't had time, which was probably just as well he realised. Looking at his reflection he also knew he should not be shocked, he understood it all and had seen the miniature gifts on his hands. Welcomed them and what they meant. Mentally knew they were on his body, but actually seeing them on his face along with the silver, green and gold hints in his hair, brought it all home to him. And huffed quietly. "Ohforcryingoutloud." fully realising Lya was right to insist only those who really knew what had happened, could be around him until he got back to his so called normal. Meant he wouldn't be able to walk alone in the hills just in case someone saw him, and wanted to close the two very small books on his cheeks, that had just flipped open, and had to have come from Daniel. Could also feel identical itches on his back and reckoned there was another one or two there as well, probably some on his legs and arms and wanted to rub off the tiny jewels, stars, green leaves...
Till his racing mind was suddenly stopped by a gentle, warm, hooting mental nudge of "Master Jack, a chat?"
Not wanting to worry Sam, Jack mentally voiced acceptance with his deepest worry. "NightOwl, am I really me?"
NightOwl's instant reply was with the warmth of respect and friendship that had grown up between them. "I feel your worries Master Jack.They are natural as you have been through so much, theywill gently disappear during your sleep time. I believe you have a saying about your eyes being the windows of your soul. The gifts are not in your eyes, they have not changed you. You have proved that by what you have achieved for your families in space and on Earth. Lady Samantha also knows this, she sees and loves the true you, so trust her as you always have done."
"Thank you." Jack answered feeling their special connection and his worries start to settle back in their boxes. Checking his eyes, seeing they were clear, as well as feeling the gentle strength that hearing Sam's name always gave him, he added. "Good sleep time NightOwl and to U Sang."
"Good sleep time Master Jack, and we look forward to seeing you after the first meal of the day. Though we sleep we shall hear you should you wish us to do so. Remember not to mind link with Lady Samantha now or in sleep time. I believe Lady Lya will give both of you guidance on your way back to Earth."
Feeling NightOwl's gentle mental withdrawal Jack breathed in deeply, then let it out slowly knowing he was ready to face going back into the main room. Would be strong enough to sleep alone, and be strong enough to make sure Sam was alright as well. He nodded at his reflection before turning his back on it and silently made his way into the main room, while wondering if Sam had managed to deal with that email yet, might even be asleep as he had no idea how long he'd been in his mental chat with NightOwl.
Smiling at the scene of Sam tucked up in bed, but concentrating hard on something on her laptop rather than asleep or just watching and waiting for him, Jack silently stopped at the end of his bed and watched. He didn't need to say anything as Sam would know he was there, could feel his entry just as they could feel the other members of SG1 when they were near. So when she raised her head and looked at him, with her eyes sparling but obviously questioning something, he quipped at her. "See you've beaten me to it, in the swap around." as she nodded and started to smile, he added. "So, four page email and your mind still running ….
Laughing, Sam corrected him. "No, not four pages. Didn't manage it in two lines either, but I'm happy with it, just not sure how to sign it."
Jack nodded, knowing she would have covered everything, and added. "How you usually sign your in-house emails and put Brigadier General underneath rather than beside it. I've no doubt you gave John his full title in it." Seeing her smile and nod, he continued. "Get John to attach a private copy for Hank in the usual way. Everything else can wait till the morning or even till we get back to Earth, I've no doubt Hank, John and Richard will have ideas to bounce around before we get there. We can pack our 'go' bags as we get up. Tela and Cam can pack the rest of your things to go through the Gate with him later."
"So they are at the cabin waiting for us?" Sam checked, as she hadn't thought that far ahead.
"Yes, and while you finish that I'll change." Jack confirmed, then smiling huffed. "Just hope yours has not shrunk too much." and sat on the chair to slip his shoes off, then silently picked them up and put them on the bed.
Sam's smile at his words turned to a frown as she watched his actions, but not wanting to waste time asking why, she immediately turned her attention to deal with the email so it would be sent round to everyone, and paper copies would be put up on the notice boards as necessary. The second she finished she openly, knowing he knew she was doing it, watched him finish changing into the sweat top and night shorts. Noting all the energy gifts on his body, glinting in what seemed to be their own lights and the green vine that seemed to intertwine or link them, and couldn't stop herself asking quietly. "Do they tickle?"
Jack glanced at her as he was folding his clothes into a neat pile on top of one another beside the shoes and commented softly. "At least you didn't hum 'that' music." Sam smiled and said softly, "Thought it though." Jack huffed then added. "Daniel's books itch and pages keep turning. Just hope he stops reading them and goes to bed." Sam laughed openly then asked. "Shall I ring him and find out?" then seeing what was on the floor, pointed and added. "You've lost one."
"No!" Jack exclaimed as he turned towards where Sam was pointing and seeing a glowing energy ball bouncing on the floor huffed at it. "Ohforcryingoutloud get on the bed!"
As Sam watched the energy ball bounce towards and then onto the bed, she couldn't help commenting. "Think that one is called Jack, as it does what it is told but in it's own way." then she stopped and watched in silence as the next two things happened very quickly.
Jack had huffed at her comment but otherwise stayed silent, then taking his hands away from the pile of clothes on the bed, cupped them together just above the clothes and looking over at the energy ball, ordered gently but firmly. "Come on then."
As the energy ball bounced up in the air to land in Jack's hands, threads of energy left the pile of clothes, including the shoes, and attached themselves to the ball, making it spin and grow a little larger and brighter before landing in Jack's hands. As for the clothes and shoes, they instantly shrunk back to the child size they'd been when Jack had first put them on back on Earth with Teal'c's help.
Glancing over at Sam's look and gasp of astonishment, Jack commented easily as though it was an every day thing. "Well, you didn't think I could wear them at their original child size once I was an adult did you?"
Catching up with the science of what had to have happened, as well as the picture in her mind Sam smiled before adding softly. "No, it didn't register that the mind room's energy was used to make it fit, just …"
"Didn't think too deeply about it. Just as well really." Jack finished with a smile. Then placing his hands together made the energy ball disappear into them as he said softly to it. "Wait till tomorrow." then picking the child sized clothes and shoes and glancing at Sam, said softly. "For our children."
Too close to tears of happiness at his comment and love for him, Sam could only nod, but knew he could feel all her feelings as she could his, and watched him put them carefully on the spare chair. Turning round to go to his bed Jack added. "We can put them in our 'go' bags to keep them safe and straight to the cabin with us." then smiled at her nod of agreement.
Getting into bed and making himself comfortable for the night, so he faced Sam and not taking his eyes off her, added softly. "Good sleep time Sam, now and forever."
Watching him, feeling his love, Sam snuggled down and not taking her eyes off him replied softly. "Good sleep time Jack, now and always."
As soon as those last words were spoken, the lights in their room automatically dimmed, and whispers of the gentle dragon lullaby rippled in their minds, so they immediately drifted into a deep untroubled, restful and mending sleep till morning.
oxoxo
There we will leave them.
Thanks for reading and hope you've enjoyed the ramble.
As always reviews and comments are welcome.
Will be back when real life, muse and characters allow. Stay safe and well.