ShaViva's Stargate Fan ... Stuff

General Jack O'Neill strolled into the Atlantis base 'upmarket' Mess Hall ... dubbed Club Thirty-Nine ... a few minutes before his scheduled dinner with Daniel and Sam. He'd timed it that way deliberately so that he could take up position and observe his two friends as they arrived.

Walking briskly through the large open area Jack skirted the inside tables, heading for the balcony and his reserved table. Although he was dressed casually (blue denim jeans, black hiking boots, navy blue pullover) along the way he still received a number of standard respectful greetings from the enlisted personnel. There were also more casual hello's from the civilians familiar with him ... nodding to each Jack didn't pause for conversation.

"Perfect," he thought once he was alone on the balcony. Sitting in the only seat that allowed him to both keep an eye on the door but not have his back exposed to the open atrium behind him, Jack slouched in his seat and took a good look around. With any luck, his dinner companions would be arriving soon.

Daniel arrived in the club entry, pausing to glance around for his dinner companion. It took him awhile to locate Jack, but finally he saw the older man sitting on the balcony ... having chosen a strategic watch the club seat. Winding his way through the scattered tables, the archaeologist made his way through the throngs and paused beside the table before pulling a chair out and angling it so he too could watch the club, yet converse comfortably with his old friend.

"Jack ... in case I didn't say it earlier ... it's good to see you," Daniel stated as he settled in his seat. "How long are you staying?"

"I still have a few official duties to discharge," Jack glanced over at his friend and didn't detect even a hint that Daniel might suspect he was one of those duties. "I could probably stretch that out for a day or two ... once Elizabeth is deemed fit for travel I'll head back to Earth with her ... make sure the IOA doesn't hijack her as soon as she steps through the gate".

Daniel's eyes actually sparked with pleasure at Jack's comments. Their friendship and the times they spent off duty just hanging out had been seriously missed since O'Neill's promotion. Sure they stayed in touch via e-mail and Jack had even added instant messaging to his skills, but the quiet comfort of the companionship had been lacking.

"Good, I'm glad you don't have to race immediately back. And I'm sure Elizabeth could use the support. This had been rough on her," Jackson stated, raising his hand to signal a server their way.

"And not just on Elizabeth," Jack commented. "I'm sure Sheppard and the others will be less than impressed to lose her so soon after getting her back but ... I might be The Man but an IOA directive like this is out of even my hands."

Sam stopped just inside the club. She looked around, and after a moment easily spotted the boys. Her boys. It brought a smile to her lips. She stood there, for a few moments longer, just watching the pair of them. Finally the Colonel pushed away from the entrance and strolled toward them. Jeans and a powder blue sweater were the order of the day. The casual attire did not go unnoticed by those who saw her, and her sojourn through the club garnered her respectful nods from those who caught her eye as she passed, but she was left unbothered.

When she arrived at the table, she slipped into an empty chair between them. "Sir. Daniel." She smiled in greeting.

Always the gentleman, even after almost twelve years, Daniel rose to his feet politely to greet Sam and see her seated. Daniel had not known Jack was inviting Sam and had barely managed to hide his surprise. Smiling, he held up his hand to signal the server to add one more beer to the order before turning to his former teammate, "Hey Sam ... good to see you. You look lovely and relaxed this evening."

"Carter," Jack half rose from his seat before settling back in to watch the next episode in what was becoming 'The Daniel and Sam Show' ... in his head at least. He hadn't told Daniel he'd asked Sam to join them and Jack was amused that the other man had done a credible job covering up his confusion. Clearly Daniel was happy to see Carter but just as clearly there was something else there - some reason or event that explained the new found awkwardness existing between the two friends. Jack could have just jumped in with the news he'd personally travelled to Atlantis to deliver but decided to hold off for now. Far more interesting to save it in favour of teasing out the changes between his former team mates. "So ... what's new with you two?"

Daniel refrained from answering until the server had set their mugs of beer and menus in front of them. And he tarried a bit longer by looking at the menu and taking a long swallow of the frosty cold brew. Finally, knowing that Jack would return to the subject no matter what roadblocks Daniel put in the way, he answered ... carefully. "My research and translating some of the ciphers in Janus' Lab got put on hold due to being needed to aid in the rescue and restoration of Dr. Weir. But nothing new with me for the moment ... same ole same ole ... translate this, decipher that ... you know ..."

What Daniel did not say was that he was afraid that Jack had made the trip to Pegasus to drag him back to the Milky Way. Thoughts of leaving all the wonderful and interesting things he could learn in Atlantis were disturbing. Yet even more disturbing was the thought of not seeing Sam on a regular basis. Contrarily, that thought disturbed the archaeologist further. He surreptitiously watched Jack and Sam as he sipped on his beer ... watching for ... well he was not really sure what he was watching for. Maybe it was just that hint of something between his two friends that would allow him to once again close off his deeper feelings for Sam ... to put them where they belonged and move on with his personal life.

It was strange. To sit with Daniel now and pretend as if nothing at all had ever happened. She knew, of course, that the incident - as she'd come to call it in her mind, was orchestrated by Weir as a means of getting her attention and grounding Daniel to their plane. That didn't mean she hadn't liked it. Or that she didn't think about it. Or, much more importantly, that it hadn't raised a lot of questions and feelings on her part that she believed to be long buried. Now it was all burbling at the surface again, and would need to be dealt with, and quickly. It occurred to her that it would be easier to do once Daniel was gone, just as it had been easier to do once she was stationed in Atlantis the first time. The only problem with that being ... she didn't want him to leave.

"So ... Sir," she directed at Jack. "You haven't told me how long you're staying this time." Sam listened, nodding as she was given the same answer that he gave Daniel before her arrival. Then she smiled at him. "Good. We don't get to see nearly enough of you." Her eyes shifted to Daniel. "That should give you just enough time to get embedded in your research again." Her blue eyes twinkled at him. "Before the General drags you home." She couldn't imagine that Jack would be leaving Daniel in Atlantis, not given how both of his last two visits had gone. No doubt Jack was simply there to assure himself that Daniel was okay, and then to escort him home where he could keep an eye on him. Or ... more to the point, he could charge Landry and Mitchell with keeping an eye on him. It made even Jack's visit bitter sweet.

Jack hadn't missed the sneaky looks Daniel was throwing his way ... the fact that he was wondering what, if anything, there was between Jack and Sam was as plain as the glasses on Daniel's face. Shifting uncomfortably, Jack barely refrained from sighing - there was a whole other conversation he'd have to have before he left ... and man was that gonna be fun ... not! Returning his thoughts back to the task at hand, Jack decided to take up the opening Sam had created.

"That reminds me," he began casually. "I hope you left your apartment in good form Daniel ... fed the fish, watered the plants," he added, smirking at the confused look on the other man's face.

Jack received Daniel's patented slow blink of what the hell are you talking about now look as the younger man tried to track where the conversation might be going. "The apartment was given up since the lease was expiring while I was here, the plants and fish re-homed. I figured when I got recalled, I could live in my quarters on base for a few days while I look for a new place."

"Well as long as you don't expect me to tape ... stuff off the Discovery Channel for you ... you can stay here," Jack announced, keenly watching both of his companions for reactions once they worked out what he meant.

Sam smiled softly. She looked at Daniel to gauge his reaction. He was being given the opportunity to at least continue his research. She knew that was something he probably worried over given Jack's arrival. She could only imagine how delighted he must be, but all she saw in his expression was... confusion? She glanced back at Jack, wondering if she'd missed something. Surely she wanted him to stay, but putting her own emotions on display at the moment wouldn't do either of them any favours. Particularly when she hadn't yet sorted through those feelings. She couldn't help but feel she would be doing them both a favour by burying them again. She couldn't imagine Daniel being comfortable with the direction her thoughts about him lately had been taking. They were friends, she reminded herself again. Just good friends... Sam tore herself away from the train of thought her mind was attempting to board to focus on the two men.

More blinking followed as Daniel sought to sort out the true meaning of Jack's words. Stay here as in reassigned permanently? Stay here as in complete your research and come home? Daniel remained very still for several seconds while stealing a covert glance at Sam trying to judge her reaction. Finally, he returned his gaze to meet Jack's dark eyes, wondering at the combination of speculation and mirth he saw reflected in them.

"Soooo...does that mean I can complete my research before returning to Earth?" Daniel finally asked, seeking clarification before committing his emotions either way.

"If you don't want to stay here Daniel I suppose I could get you your old job back," Jack suggested, deliberately misunderstanding the other man. "Although the President is probably gonna wonder why I argued so hard for your permanent assignment to Atlantis if you turn up back on Earth again so quickly."

Daniel continued simply staring at Jack as he tried to process the information. Jack had argued to get him reassigned to Atlantis? Jack who had blocked every request for reassignment Daniel had submitted until Landry took charge and then Vala screwed it up? He was both elated and sad. The SGC had been his home and life for twelve years and this was starting to look like a 'be careful what you wish for' thing. As excited as he was to be given the Director of Cultural sciences position on Atlantis...he realized that there were people he would seriously miss back home...most particularly the gray-haired General handing him the position of a lifetime.

"Nominally you'll be the Director of Cultural Sciences and Diplomatic Services," Jack continued. "It's up to you whether you seek out a permanent place on an off world team."

Silence reigned for several moments before Daniel looked up and simply said, very quietly but with a wealth of meaning, "Thank-you, Jack."

"You're welcome Daniel," Jack replied, meeting the other man's eyes before looking away again. He was feeling ... things ... at the thought of Daniel not returning to Earth any time soon - not that he'd admit to that of course. He'd had time to get used to the idea ... still, somehow it was different now he was seeing Daniel's reaction. "This is where you want to be ... despite my repeated attempts to keep you on Earth it was only a matter of time before you got a permanent posting."

Daniel nodded while he wrestled with the various emotions finally getting his dream assignment had engendered. He had wanted this so bad for so long that it was almost unreal that Jack had finally capitulated ... which begged the question of why, but that was for another conversation.

"This is where I need to be, Jack," Daniel replied honestly although he did not try to keep the sadness from his voice as he said it. He had never told Jack that he hoped to someday find some of the answers he still needed regarding the year he had been ascended and that he had exhausted that search in the Milky Way. His last hope was that the information he still sought lay somewhere or with someone in the home of the Ancients.

Sighing slightly, Daniel could only hope for a more propitious time to talk to Jack about his suddenly allowing Daniel to be reassigned, "The SG-1 designation has been officially retired. We've all moved on ... I need to do the same ... or retire myself and I'm not ready for that yet."

"Okay wait a second." Sam interrupted finally. She shook her head, feeling just as amazed as Daniel by this turn of events. "You're letting him stay? Permanently?" Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Who are you and what have you done with General O'Neill?" She laughed. "Don't get me wrong, this is great news," she told Daniel. "You've wanted this for ... ages. But you have to admit, I don't think either of us ever expected to hear those words."

Daniel nodded his agreement, "That is something to discuss. Why now? Why after nearly five years of me practically begging for this assignment and you refusing it?"

"Because Atlantis needs you more," Jack said simply. "The Ori are defeated ... thankfully we haven't discovered any new enemies." Glossing over the host of emotions hidden behind his explanation, Jack shrugged casually. "Besides, it's a little difficult to get started on my career as a grumpy old man if I've got you buzzing in my ear every other week."

Used to the older man's prevarications as he was, Daniel did not even blink at Jack's comments. He had also learned not to take offense at Jack's often dismissive behaviour. Yet he frowned as he considered Jack's reasons for finally pushing the transfer. There was more that was not being said and this might not be the time to push his friend on that score. It still left Daniel with the uneasy feeling something was not quite right.

"Then I take it we are holding our own or making a dent in the Lucien Alliance's overall galactic criminal activities?" Daniel stated as he took a casual sip of his beer.

"It's a work in progress," Jack replied evasively. "That's not something you need to worry about ... no offence Daniel, but your particular skills will be more useful here than against a group of space thugs ... no matter how organised." Glancing from one friend to the other Jack raised his own bottle, pausing before he drank to ask a return question. "So ... either of you wanna tell me what's going on with you two?"

Daniel shook his head and did not answer to the Lucien Alliance statement. His expertise, despite having to go into situations dealing with the likes of the Alliance, was not in covert operations and sabotage. It did not mean he had not been effective when needed, but that Jack was right. And, Daniel wondered, was this the older man's attempt at getting Daniel somewhere safe...giving him back his position as an academic and scholar ... a scientist? It was appreciated, whatever the real motivations.

Instead, Daniel chose to misunderstand the second question, "Going on with us? Well, for my part, I've been hosting Dr. Weir in my head, working on the stuff from Janus' lab that falls within my knowledge and expertise...oh...getting an awesome group of people settled on the Mainland. They are already making friends with the Athosians and exchanging agricultural information. You know...busy, busy."

Sam chuckled at the pair of them. "Always busy," she corrected Daniel with a grin, "but at least the General isn't getting us shot at every couple of days anymore." The thought that Jack might be asking as a means of finding out what was going on with them, as an actual them was preposterous in her opinion. It was not something she had ever discussed with him, and to her knowledge it was completely one-sided. Dr. Weir notwithstanding. Sam never gave it a second thought as she shrugged.

"Work stuff and I'm trying to wrap up a couple of projects I began on Earth. At least to a point that Dr. Lee can competently take over. I've been keeping in touch with Cassie. You should go and see her," She told Jack. "I'm sure she'd love it."

"Hey!' Jack protested the first part of Sam's statement. "It was ... people shooting at us? That was hardly ever my fault ... much." Frowning as he decided a quick mental review of history wouldn't put him in the best light Jack focussed on the rest of what his friends had offered. He wasn't in the habit of pushing people to reveal things they wanted to keep secret ... well not on a personal front anyway ... especially not Carter. So he let the topic of the tension in Sam and Daniel's friendship go, adding it to the list of things he'd have to discuss with Daniel later.

"How's Elizabeth doing?" Jack changed the subject, directly his question at both of his companions. "I stopped by to see her this afternoon but ... I don't know her well enough to assess her state of mind. I was either goin' Ancient or in stasis when she was in charge at the SGC. You guys knew her then - does she seem ... okay to you?"

Daniel shook his head, "I haven't tried to see her. Figured she needed time to decompress and see the people that she was closest too before returning to Earth for her debriefing. I'm sure she's doing as well as can be expected after all that's happened though. She always struck me as a very strong and resilient woman." He slid a glance in Sam's direction, unasked questions in his blue eyes. Was she concerned about the IOA reinstating Elizabeth to command over Atlantis? If she was, it did not show.

"I haven't seen her," Sam echoed. "But I understand that she is recovering. I'm confident that if she was at all unlike her usual self Lt. Col. Sheppard or Teyla would let the doctors or myself know." Sam leaned back in her seat. "Our turn," she stated, a devious grin curving her lips. "What's going on with you, Sir?"

Jack elaborated on his life as a pencil pusher and the three friends spent the remainder of the evening chatting and catching up on each other's lives. It was late before they broke up and walked Sam to her quarters before splitting up to go to their own. Before parting from Daniel for the night, Jack extracted a promise for them to meet for breakfast, warning the archaeologist that he would be pounding on his door at the crack of dawn.

Saturday, 24^th January | 0730 Hours | Atlantis Driving Range

Jack O'Neill set himself into position over the golf ball, gave the club a couple of practice mini swings, and then let loose. Watching as the ball disappeared into the ocean a satisfying distance away, he turned to the man sitting on the 'spectator' bench.

"Aren't you glad you got up early for this?" he asked with a smirk that made it clear he knew Daniel was there under sufferance.

"Actually," Daniel stated from his huddled position on the bench as he cradled his mug of coffee and tried desperately to keep his desert born soul warm, "I play golf. Just not at this god-awful hour of the day. I just happen to prefer almost anything else...mountain trail biking, hiking, swimming, tennis, having my fingernails pulled out..." He did not go into the fact that among the many jobs he had done while trying to put himself through school .... caddying had been one of them.

Jack lined up another shot, considered the awkward conversation he knew he was about to launch, and then sent another ball arching off into the sky. Glancing at Daniel and sighing inwardly, Jack decided on the direct approach.

"So tell me, what's the deal between you and Sam?" he asked, not looking at Daniel as he placed another ball carefully on the tee.

Daniel visibly started and gave Jack a wild Deer in the Headlights look before recovering. The man never ceased to amaze him regarding his people observation and instinct skills and that he had detected the awkwardness between Sam and himself should not have come as a surprise. What did surprise him and send a hot pang of unwarranted jealousy through him was Jack's casual use of Sam when for so many years she had just been Carter. That seemed to tell Daniel what he needed to know, however, and made what he was going to tell Jack all that more uncomfortable ... so at least that part could easily be explained.

He took a long sip of his coffee as he thought about the best way to tell his best friend that he had come back to awareness kissing the man's girlfriend. He still needed to talk to Sam about that ... and Weir!

"Uh ... when Teal'c was here ... and we did the Kel'no'reem thing to let Dr. Weir surface and communicate ... I guess I kind of got enthralled with exploring all the stuff hidden in my subconscious by the Ancients." Daniel did not say Ascension as that was still a sore subject between the two men, "Weir thought the situation was desperate enough that I needed jolted back to the here and now. I .... uh ... returned to awareness kissing Sam."

"You ... kissed Sam?" Jack frowned ... that was so far away from what he'd been expecting that he completely missed the apologetic way Daniel was explaining things.

Daniel shook his head as THE KISS surfaced in his mind again and how Sam's lips had felt against his. "So ... that's never been us ... and I guess Sam and I need to talk it out and put it to bed ... rest! I mean rest ...," the archaeologist paused for a long time. Neither he nor Jack were very good at talking personal feelings. They simply accepted them as existing and usually communicated them in short sentences ... Are you okay... No, but I will be.

"I'm sorry, Jack, that never should have happened and I'm sure Sam was just trying to bring me back ... keep me here." Daniel hoped this would put the other man's mind at ease and that he would understand that had Daniel's life not seemed to be at stake, Sam would have never participated in the kiss. She would never cheat on Jack.

"You kissed Sam ... and from the sounds of it she kissed you back and you're apologizing to me?" Jack summarized what he thought he'd heard. "Why?"

“Sam ... well ... there's you and Sam ... isn’t there?” Daniel asked awkwardly.

“Desperate much?” Jack retorted sarcastically. “Ripping out the tired old Sam/Jack decoy and putting it squarely between the two of you. You either want to be with her or you don't, Daniel ... it's that simple.”

“Noooo, Jack, it's not just that simple. Besides,” Daniel replied, "it's just ... well ... there's ... the ... you know.”

“I don’t know, Daniel,” Jack protested, pausing mid swing to glare over at the other man. “You should know that by now.”

“It's why you moved up to Homeworld Security,” Daniel explained with a hint of confusion. “So you wouldn't be ... Sam's CO ... so you could ... well ... you know.”

“What? So we could prove once and for all that it was all smoke and mirrors?” Jack returned, swinging hard and slicing it to the right. “Damn,” he muttered, bending down to set up the next ball.

“There were rumours, Jack ... and I'm not blind,” Daniel revealed. “I just assumed they were talking about you and Sam.”

“I don’t listen to rumours, Daniel,” Jack protested. “I have no idea what you’re talking about ... what I do know is that it wasn’t about Carter and me.”

“Then who?” Daniel asked insistently. “Wait ... please tell me you didn’t go back to the CIA agent?”

“Of course not,” Jack said, looking across at his friend indignantly. “I am foot loose and fancy free buddy ... totally and completely fancy free ... if you get my drift.”

Daniel said nothing, just narrowed his eyes at Jack suspiciously ... something Jack caught immediately.

“Hey - enough with the narrowed eyes already,” he protested. “You're seriously gonna listen to rumours instead of me? Your friend of ... how the hell many years have we known each other anyway?”

“Are we counting my year on Abydos and the Ascended year?” Daniel grinned, letting himself be momentarily distracted.

“Yeah sure - count them all,” Jack returned expansively.

“Then over twelve,” Daniel replied. Frowning, he returned to the consideration of Jack’s previous statement. “Well ... it does seem odd that Sam took reassignment back out here ... after all those years of waiting.”

“Waiting is highly overrated,” Jack replied, swinging his club and sending the next ball out straight and true. “Mostly leading to ... well nothing as it turns out.”

“Nothing?” Daniel was still sceptical ... given what he thought he knew of the past two years.

"What ... you're gonna listen to rumour ... instead of your friend of twelve years?” Jack asked.

Daniel sighed. “No ... of course not. It's just I always thought you and Sam had a thing.”

“We do have a thing,” Jack agreed. “It just turned out to be a different thing than the thing we all thought it was.”

“You had a thing but it was a different thing,” Daniel repeated with a frown. “What the hell kinda thing was it then?”

“Friendship and respect ... not ... that other stuff,” Jack explained impatiently. “Why would I lie about this, Daniel? If I was the type to do that then I'd be the type to say screw the regs and the last eleven years of my life would have been much more fun.”

“Pfft!” Daniel rolled his eyes at his former CO.

“That's your reply?” Jack asked in surprise. “Pfft?”

“I know you would never have cheated on Sam like that,” Daniel said with complete certainty.

“Wouldn't cheat our friendship either, buddy,” Jack pointed out. "And I certainly wouldn’t do the ‘no I don't like Sam’ crap while secretly being involved with her.”

“Okay ... that's technically true,” Daniel conceded. “Although, I do seem to remember that covert ops thing against the Rogue NID where someone got told there'd never been a basis for friendship to begin with ...”

“You're still bringing that up?” Jack asked incredulously. “Man ... didn't I make up for that years ago?!”

“But hey - if you say you’re not involved with Sam romantically ... then you’re not,” Daniel continued, completely ignoring Jack’s protest.

“Thank you Daniel!” Jack returned emphatically.

“That’s the one thing that’s always been reliable,” Daniel commented. “Your honour code and leave no one behind ... although ...”

“Although ... what?” Jack asked suspiciously.

“Nothing,” Daniel looked away evasively. “So ... you and Sam aren't seeing one another?”

“Oh - don't start that!” Jack retorted. “Nothing my ass ... I'm not answering any more questions until you explain that one.”

“Explain what one?” Daniel tried for confused innocence but Jack didn’t let him off the hook.

“Code of honour ... blah, blah, blah, ... although ... then nothing,” Jack did his own recap of the relevant part of the conversation. “Although ... what?"

“Nothing,” Daniel repeated. “Things happen ...”

“What things?” Jack insisted.

“Nothing,” Daniel returned just as insistently. “Nothing ... I don't even remember clearly.”

“Daniel!” Jack looked at the other man with pointed impatience.

“What!” Daniel said in the same tone.

“You don't remember clearly?” Jack raised a disbelieving eyebrow. “You? Why do I find that hard to believe?”

“Because Oma took all my memories of that year,” Daniel explained. “I don't remember!”

When Jack pinned Daniel with his ‘General’ look ... the one that usually got even the most stubborn person to capitulate, Daniel looked down and then continued. “But if the mission report is right ... I left you behind ... Ba'al.”

“Oh, enough already,” Jack exclaimed impatiently. “You didn't leave me behind ... stupid glowy rules.”

“But some things are more important than rules,” Daniel insisted.

“In fact, I'm pretty sure you led Sam and Teal'c straight to me,” Jack continued, ignoring Daniel’s insistence on laying blame on himself. “And then there's the whole keep Jack sane plan ... that was a good one.”

“And ... all in the past too,” Daniel concluded blandly. “Nothing to be done now.”

“Indeed,” Jack agreed with a grin.

“There ... there ... there!” Daniel exclaimed, almost jumping up and down in agitation. “We talk about things that ... things ... important things and you go Teal'c!” Muttering to himself Daniel added, “it's no wonder I'm nuts.”

“Indeed is a perfectly acceptable word, Daniel,” Jack pointed out. “English too ... pretty sure T doesn't have the patent on that one.”

“Ass,” Daniel muttered under his breath.

“Hey!’ Jack protested. “You were the one who finished saying there was nothing to be done now ... I was perfectly willing to keep talking deep and meaningful.” Ignoring Daniel’s sceptical expression, Jack kept going. “That's me ... deep ... and meaningful.”

“Deep something,” Daniel suggested, rolling his eyes.

“So ... how about the Minnesota Wild? We might have a shot at the title this year,” Jack went back to lining up his next shot, holding in a smirk with difficulty.

Daniel laughed. “I don't know ... we don't get the games here in the Pegasus Galaxy. Personally though, I'd be cheering for the Penguins.”

"The Penguins?" Jack scoffed. "Who can take a team seriously when they call themselves penguins? Have you seen those things walking on the ice - it's not pretty!"

"Thanks, Jack ... for telling me about you and Sam although it was none of my business," Daniel took the conversation back to the serious. "I just wanted ... hoped ... you both were happy. It's what I want for you," Daniel paused for a beat, confiding in Jack was old habit and had been reciprocated on many an occasion ... nights of drinking too much on the anniversary of Charlie's death or the boy's birthday ... who would be there for Jack now if Sam was not in his life and Daniel was in Pegasus? "As for Sam and I ... you called it years ago when you dubbed us your Science Twins."

"I'm sure you'll do well here together," Jack concluded, shooting a quick teasing glance at Daniel before focussing back on his game. He hit a few more practice shots out into the water as the two men enjoyed a companionable silence.

"You do realize I'm gonna be all alone on Earth now right?," Jack finally broke the silence to ask.

"So ... get assigned out here," Daniel suggested. "Retire to Atlantis, take up the mantle of keeping the IOA in their place ... something."

"Retirement?" Jack said the word like he'd never heard of the concept before. "I could do that. Tried it a few times so you'd think I would have gotten the hang of it by now."

"You know damned well you could have any assignment you wanted," Daniel pointed out. "Great place to set up your telescope, brave new world, new constellations and star systems."

"It sounds neat but see ... I've discovered that all the power of being The Man is useless because once you're The Man you realise you can't justify using it like that," Jack complained.

"Save the galaxy this ... save the galaxy that" Daniel joked.

"That never gets old does it," Jack chuckled.

"This galaxy needs saving and the people here are doing a wonderful job," Daniel replied in all seriousness. "But they can always use help. I could use the help."

"I do have a list," Jack quipped. "Maybe it's time to get it out ... the list that is."

For once Daniel pushed, loathe to let go of his friend after so many years and such a hard-won friendship, "Jack, you're needed out here ... if for nothing else as a buttress against the IOA. The people out here are great ... brilliant at their jobs ... but you, your instincts, your knowledge ... is so needed. Let someone else push the paper around a Homeworld Security desk ... that's not you. You could fight the home world battles that Sam can't ... not and run this base ... and I seriously doubt with their anti-military mindset that the IOA listens to Colonel Sheppard either." He stopped his logical and career-oriented reasons for Jack to make a place for himself on Atlantis and instead said quietly, "Where will you be when I'm about to jump off that bridge of self-sacrifice that you keep beating me up over?"

"You'll have Sam to catch you before you fall Daniel," Jack returned simply. It was difficult for Jack to admit it but he hadn't been in a position to save Daniel from himself in over two years ... not that he hadn't wanted to be there ... it was just that the Air Force had wanted him to be somewhere else. He'd had no choice ... and the practicality of that separation weighed heavily on Jack's mind. The situation that had brought him to Atlantis was a classic example ... if Daniel had genuinely needed saving, by the time Jack got to him, any help he could give would be too little and too late. In part, that realisation had contributed to Jack finally letting Daniel be permanently posted to Atlantis.

Picking up his tee and the remaining balls Jack made a production out of packing his gear up so he wouldn't have to look at Daniel. The silence was deafening, especially from the usually loquacious archaeologist ... reluctantly Jack glanced over at the other man. "I'll think about it," he finally conceded. When Daniel went to say something Jack held up a hand "Ah ... you've made your argument Daniel ... and while it might have merit, retiring anywhere isn't something I'll be allowed to decide on my own. I might be The Man but I'm pretty sure being The President trumps that."

Daniel grinned, "I wasn't actually going to argue further. I was going to state that while retiring to Atlantis might be an option ... I don't see you retiring anytime soon ... not anymore. Just think about what you could do out here if the opportunity comes up." The archaeologist stared down at his shoes. These kinds of conversations with Jack were not easy as both men valued their personal and emotional privacy. Yet sometimes things just had to be said and not implied, "We need you ... Sam and I. Our family is scattered to the four winds ... I don't want to lose anyone else."

"You're not losing anything Daniel," Jack dropped his gear beside the wall and slouched on the bench next to his friend. "Truth is ... I haven't been around much the past couple of years ... and you've done great, you and Sam ... without me. You and I both know if I did end up here it would be for me just as much as for either of you." That was as close as Jack would ever get to admitting that he needed the family SG-1 had become to him just as much as Daniel ... that he'd missed his place there since he'd been promoted to General. "All I can promise you is that if there's ever a way for me to come back here for more than just a brief visit I'll take it."

The younger man nodded and allowed a slight sigh to escape his lips before chuckling softly and somewhat gruffly. He and Jack rarely approached the emotional ties that their friendship had engendered. It was not a place either man was comfortable with. Oddly enough, it had almost always been to one another they confided these uncomfortable friendship things. Daniel ducked his head, "I know that I'm not really losing anything...or anyone. It's a knee-jerk reaction to all the changes since just before the Ori War...the loss of General Hammond." Here Daniel's voice did choke for a brief moment before he could continue. "It's not like the SGC and Atlantis Base don't exchange news on a regular basis now...and all of us have seen one another more via e-mail for the last couple of years than in person...and I'll have leave time on Earth every three months or so...so you're not rid of me yet," Daniel ended on a teasing note.

"Good to know," Jack shot a glance at the younger man before getting to his feet wth an audible groan. "Breakfast?" he queried hopefully. When Daniel rose to his feet as well, Jack took that as an affirmative, shifting to lead the way from the driving range. "I still have some time to play tourist," he commented as they walked companionably down the corridor towards the Mess Hall. "Anything exciting to do around here?"

"Sit on the dock and throw rocks at the seabirds or come to my lab for some radio-carbon dating of artefacts," Daniel said as he sauntered along with Jack, hands shoved in his pockets as he strolled shoulder to shoulder with his friend down the corridor.

"I think I can do better than rocks Daniel," Jack replied, spearing his friend with a long suffering look. "And I'm not talking about targeting the seabirds. Clearly I'll have to talk to someone else to find out where the action is." Satisfied he'd gotten the last word in teasing in - his reference to Daniel's work as rocks a long standing joke between the two of them - O'Neill lapsed into silence.

Internally Jack admitted that he was loath to leave the city knowing it would be some time before he saw either Sam or Daniel again. He couldn't hold them back though ... and maybe a genuine reason to return to Atlantis would crop up in the near future.

Chapter 02 | Floating through the Abyss
Late January to Mid February | On the USS General Hammond

---Day three---

Colonel Cameron Mitchell finished his run around the General Hammond's quiet halls, the night crew getting used to his need to run. He was kinda enjoying this, but he wasn't sure if he'd be suited for this assignment if it became long term. But that was life in the armed forces. Cam was quickly getting to know each and every inch of his ship, figuring that was what every good commander did.

As he ran, his thoughts drifted to his team. Of all the band, Vala was the one that stayed. She was back on Earth, giving googly eyes to Ba'al's former host. Which was just... Ew. Sam was gone again, Teal'c was doing the good work on Dakara with the Jaffa, Jackson was probably going to hold everyone hostage until he got word he was staying in Atlantis... Cam was proud of all his friends, glad to serve with them all and that they had moved on to greater and brighter things, but it made getting together a little harder.

---Day five---

Cam went over the paperwork that his XO had prepared, reading over it and signing where it needed signed. He was going stir-crazy.

---Day seven---

Cam looked out a viewport, wondering if space was all there was in the universe and why hadn't some God/ the Ancients/ the Asgard/ Whatever forces in the universes, put something out here so he could look at it or something! It couldn't be that hard. They ran around without pants after all.

---Day twelve---

Cam laid down on his bunk, finally getting some sleep. Little mishaps had woken him up early and he had been running since. Luckily nothing had been serious. Just little snafus that they'd fix once they got to Atlantis. He wasn't cut out for this...

---Day eighteen---

Cam stood, staying perfectly straight so he could maintain a very good example to his crew, as he hoped and prayed they'd let him beam down. Quickly. Like now. He felt the familiar whoosh of the beam and smiled, heading down to Atlantis.

Chapter 03: Reflection
Tuesday, 27^th January | 0300 Hours | Club Thirty-Nine

The halls and corridors were eerily silent as Daniel ghosted along them. He had only encountered the odd roving Marine patrol and one or two other night owls either coming off duty or heading for their quarters for the night.

Jack had left, along with Elizabeth Weir early the previous morning...Monday after making Daniel's new appointment official at a brief meeting. He had parted company with his friend at the Stargate, confirming that Jack still held Daniel's Powers of Attorney and could make arrangements to close out his apartment and get his belongings shipped to Atlantis. After that, Daniel had split his first day between his own lab/office and Janus' Secret Lab catching up on the things he had been forced to let go during the emergency of recovering Weir. He had been set-up with an official office/lab near the Ancient Library which would make trips for research much shorter and easier.

After a weekend spent with Jack, Daniel was more than ready for the solitude of his quarters Monday night and had quickly fallen asleep. Restless dreams had driven him from his bed around midnight. He'd hoped that reading or listening to music would lull him back to sleep, but at 0200, Daniel was still wide awake and restless. Giving up, he had showered, dragged on worn blue jeans and a favourite cable-knit sweater and headed out.

His steps finally led him through the atrium and into Club Thirty-Nine. Since the Mess Hall kept strict hours, Thirty-Nine had been opened as an around the clock diner, bar, and entertainment/recreation area. At 0300, however, it was mostly deserted which suited Daniel. He thought perhaps a light meal would help make him drowsy and let him return to his bed.

Drifting across the club, Daniel walked to the area of the bar that had been set up with comfortable sofas, low tables, a few easy chairs and a beautiful, antique mahogany baby grand piano. As he settled himself on the piano bench, McBride...the club's owner...sauntered over and set a cup of fresh brewed coffee to hand for Daniel.

"You've not been prowlin' the hallways lately, Laddie," the man rumbled in his thick, Scottish brogue. Dougal McBride was a familiar sight to most of the SGC personnel. He and his wife, Maggie, had opened a successful club near Cheyenne Mountain called the Hangar. Considering his many years of service for both the RAF and the USAF, along with his top secret clearances, McBride had been a natural choice when it was decided a club and recreation area was needed on Atlantis.

McBride had also become accustomed to the rather insomniac wanderings of the archaeologist since he had been stationed on Atlantis. It was not unusual for the man to turn up for a cup of coffee and grilled cheese sandwich during the quiet wee hours of the morning.

Daniel smiled, "I had company from way out of town this weekend."

"Ahhh, aye...the General. I heard about your reassignment. Good for you, lad. Good for you. You want your usual?" McBride asked from habit as he turned back toward the kitchen.

"Aye, tapadh leibh," Daniel responded with yes, thank-you in the man's native Scottish Gaelic.

McBride chuckled, "You've a good accent, lad."

The Scottish bar owner walked away and Daniel turned on the piano bench and ran his long fingers over the keys. It had been years since he had played but the skill came easily. Daniel had taken music courses during his college years to help train his ear for learning languages. He found out that he had near perfect tone and pitch which had served him well...both in learning languages rapidly and oddly enough, in his career at the SGC.

The first number he played was a soft Scottish tune that made McBride smile as he returned with Daniel's sandwich...grilled cheese with dill pickle slices and a fresh cup of coffee. Daniel paused long enough to take a few bites of his sandwich and sip the coffee before turning back to the piano. Closing his eyes, he let his fingers draw the music from his mind.

Daniel finally finished his sandwich, ordered a coffee to go and headed out to start his day.

oOo

By 0700 Daniel had already been in his office for about three hours and had sorted out a prodigious amount of work for his Cultural Sciences staff as well as the Diplomatic Services team. Making sure everything was marked for the correct office and staff person, he put it into his out box and picked up the stack that was his. Most of his immediate work revolved around reviewing his department's budgets and personnel files so he was familiar with who had specialties in what field.

His coffee maker chimed its announcement that it was finished and Daniel stood, stretched, and fixed his seventh or eighth cup since arriving in his office before settling back to read the next file.

John had heard the good news as soon as he got to the command centre to report his availability, he'd kept himself rather secluded since Gen. O'Neill had taken Elizabeth back to Earth. He buried himself in mission reports that needed finishing and drove Ronon nuts with his sulky attitude.

He was coming out of it though and finally came to terms that Dr. Weir would be returning to Atlantis as soon as the IOA got done dissecting her for their own sadistic pleasures. He found himself wandering the halls down in the soft sciences area and stopped in place. He glanced around wondering what could've possibly brought him to this level ... in more ways than one.

He shrugged and looked toward Rodney's lab then, with a thought, he stepped sideways and looked down the corridor that would eventually lead to Dr. Jackson's office. Dr. Jackson loved coffee as much as Rodney did... and he had the good stuff. It was 0730... John smiled to himself and strode with purpose to Daniel's office.

Leaning into the door, he grinned and said, "Mornin'. Coffee smells fresh..." That was a hint - a very discreet and unobtrusive hint. John's eyes sparkled as he grinned at the man sipping his own hot beverage. "Got room for another?"

Daniel looked up with an inviting smile and eyes sparkling with good humour at the less than discreet hint regarding the coffee. He waved the other man in, "Certainly, Colonel, please come on in." He turned to the credenza and pulled out another mug, "Take it black?"

John stepped into the office and sat down in a chair in front of the desk facing Daniel. "Take it any way I can get it," he replied still grinning. "So I hear the good news. You finally get your wish... residence in the lost city of Atlantis."

The archaeologist chuckled in sympathy to the other man's statement as he handed him a mug of the steaming, fragrant coffee. Daniel had made sure to include a large supply of his favourite roast...Sumatra Mandherling, pricey and hard to get...when he left Earth. Just in case, Daniel also pushed a small carton of cream and a variety of sweeteners the other man's way.

John took a sip of the coffee and his eyebrows rose up in pleasure. "Mmmmm... this is that Kama Sutra Maldoran stuff, huh?" he asked, not realizing he got the name completely wrong. It must be in the genes some figured because Jack O'Neill could never get words right either and Ronon had often pointed out that it probably had something to do with the ATA gene both men carried. The Satedan always grinned at his own joke.

With the coffee ritual over, Daniel replied to John's statement, after first correcting John's mangling of Daniel's favourite coffee blend, "Sumatra Mandherling and...uh ... yeaahhh ... wonderful news for me ... not sure how some of the staff are taking it ... those that may have had their eyes on this position anyway. I hope I can live up to expectations and provide a significant contribution to the expedition."

John sat back with his mug in hand as he listened to Jackson's comment about the rest of the staff. Then he scrunched his face at the last. "Trust me, Daniel, I'm sure you can live up to any expectations we might have. And as far as significant contributions... well, no worries there either. Your reputation precedes you." John sipped his coffee and added, "Hell, if I didn't already have McKay on my team, I'd snatch you up in a minute. You looking for an off-world gig or what?" John asked, feeling out the other man's intended goals.

Daniel almost reddened with embarrassment, flustered at the personal compliment albeit also quite gratified, "I honestly haven't had time to think that part through. Most of the teams are established and balanced...I do hope to get off world occasionally...the lure of new discoveries and all that. Thought I might propose heading up long-term science expeditions or something. Hard to know until I've been here awhile. Jack did say seeking a new placement on a team was my choice...although the SGC wanted me behind a desk with the retirement of SG-1's banner."

Major Lorne heard the muted sounds of voices conversing before he arrived in the doorway of Daniel's new lab. Raising an eyebrow in surprise that Colonel Sheppard was the other half of that conversation, Lorne cleared his throat to announce his presence.

"Daniel, Sir," he greeted the other two men. It was actually fortuitous that Daniel and the Colonel were there ... Evan was keen to lock Daniel into place as the permanent fourth member of his team and had already tested the waters with Sheppard without making it a formal request. Lorne had decided to take the fact that Colonel Sheppard hadn't immediately squashed the idea as a good sign - no time like the present to see whether he'd been right or not.

"Major Lorne..." John greeted with a bit of a grin.

"Evan," Daniel said in greeting while turning to pour a mug of coffee for the man. He had not seen much of the Major after the recent conclusion of Weir's rescue and return and was pleased to see him braving Daniel's lair.

"Actually, you're just the people I wanted to see," Lorne announced, taking a couple of short steps into the office. "About my team Sir ... it worked well having Doctor Jackson as the fourth member and 2IC. With your permission, and Daniel's agreement, I'd like to make it a permanent arrangement."

The other two men met his statement initially with silence and Lorne found himself wondering just what it was they'd been discussing before he'd turned up. Surely Colonel Sheppard didn't want to assign Daniel anywhere else ... he already had a team of four ... didn't he?

Sheppard just blinked at Major Lorne with a bit of condescending amusement in his expression. Then he looked over at Daniel who looked from Lorne to John and back again.

Sheppard grinned and settled himself quite casually in his seat and shrugged, gesturing with his mug toward Daniel. "Actually Major, that's why I was here too. I was just asking Dr. Jackson what his thoughts were on joining an off-world team. Rodney's been wanting to find some time to dedicate to some of his on base research and those weird experiments he does with the city's systems..." John mentioned off-handedly, his free hand making funny rolling gestures in front of him to encompass "et al that McKay gets involved with"...

"But if you need a technical specialist for your team I can see if McKay would be willing to ride shotgun on yours after Dr. Jackson decides to take on another flagship team assignment," Sheppard mentioned. The use of the words 'flagship team' caused Lorne to balk a bit and John bit back a grin at the other officer's attempt to hide his open disappointment. Really... was he going to actually argue the point with his CO? John looked at Daniel with twinkling eyes as he tried to subvert the grin on his face.

"McKay on my team Sir?" Lorne asked in confused dismay. "Our track record isn't a convincing advert for the likely success of that idea ... I'm pretty sure Rodney would share my scepticism Sir."

Not waiting for his CO to respond Lorne ploughed on. "I spoke with General O'Neill before he left, Sir," he announced, appearing to be changing the subject. There was no way he was giving up on what he'd considered a great idea without a fight ... not that he could openly fight of course. A junior officer, at least one who wanted to get anywhere, had to learn pretty quickly how to manage up without looking like they were managing up. Lorne was a bit rusty in that respect ... both Sheppard and Carter leading the city and it's personnel in a way Lorne couldn't take issue with. He had taken issue with Sheppard's tendency to volunteer himself for the crazy ... so far the other man had gone his own way regardless of anything Lorne had said. Judging from the expression on his CO's face, Lorne was about to find out just how rusty he'd gotten.

John's expression dropped when he found out his Second went to the general on this. His eyes narrowed and his nose curled up slightly as he looked up from his seat at Lorne. "You... went over my head, Major?" he asked through gritted teeth.

"Of course not Sir," Lorne returned, quick to explain his comment in the correct context. "It was just a casual 'have a safe trip home Sir' conversation ... General O'Neill added the additional comments with no prompting from me Sir. No offense, Daniel, but the General seemed very keen to make sure we all knew trouble is your constant companion. You sure you wanna take that on Sir?"

Ohhhhhhhhh, John's scowl switched back to amusement barely disguised. He saw how this was gonna go. "Oh I dunno, Major... trouble seems to follow me around too, whether I have Dr. Jackson on my team or not. I would think having two sources of trouble in the same place would make it safer for everyone else. Wouldn't you think so... MAJOR?" John asked, emphasizing Evan's rank then turning toward Jackson again.

"Not at all, Sir," Evan disagreed. "Respectfully, Colonel, having two trouble magnets on the one team is likely to result in more than double the incidents ... I'd have to consult the scientists but words like exponential spring to mind. In this case, Sir, I think it will be much better for everyone if we spread the risk."

Sheppard nearly rolled his eyes at Daniel and it was apparent to anyone watching at this point that the two officers were in some sort of consensual tug of war, rank notwithstanding here. Sheppard and Lorne were friends, aside from their obvious CoC positions and they appeared to really enjoy pulling each others' ranks...err, legs.

"Hmmm... I dunno, Major," John set to thinking about that 'seriously' and then looked at Jackson with a bemused expression. "What do you think, Dr. Jackson? I'm sure Dr. McKay wouldn't mind at all being replaced on the team by you."

Colonel Sheppard's question had been directed at Daniel so Lorne refrained from jumping in, curious to hear what Daniel might say. That didn't mean Evan couldn't communicate his opinion of course. The faint smirk and amused twinkle in his eyes spoke for themselves. There was no way in hell John would avoid an all out McKay tantrum if it were even suggested that Rodney was being replaced on Team Sheppard ... they'd hear it back on Earth without anyone having to dial in.

Daniel had kept track of the conversation between the two men with a slight smile on his face. He had quickly realized there was a great deal of mutual chain yanking going on which gave him a better feel for both Atlantis' military commander and his second. Even though he was certain there was a good amount of horseplay in the conversation he was immensely flattered at their consideration of him.

As Sheppard put the ball in Daniel's court, he pretended to seriously ponder all that had been said, although his blue eyes sparkled with mirth, "Well...there is that issue of two Trouble Magnets on the same team. Does one cancel the other out or do they increase the flow of trouble in that team's direction? And when you add...say a third or fourth Trouble Magnet...the potential for disaster is...well...as Evan said...we'd have to consult the tech sciences department to get the actual value on that."

The archaeologist chuckled softly, "Seriously, while I feel certain that a large degree of this debate on my behalf was in jest...I am honoured and sincerely flattered to be considered so highly."

Daniel looked first at Sheppard, "I owe you a great deal from last year...and all you ever need do is ask if my skills or knowledge is needed to aid your team. But...all joking aside...you have a very established and well balanced team. All your bases are covered and quite well covered. Your team has accomplished so much and those of us in the Milky Way as well as out here in the Pegasus owe you and them more than can ever be repaid."

Lorne watched the byplay between the two men as he sipped the coffee Daniel had handed him. It was good - another reason for getting the archaeologist locked into his team. Holding in a smile at his own thoughts Lorne focussed on what Daniel was saying next.

Daniel then turned to Major Lorne. Their first meeting some years ago had not been all that auspicious, but Daniel had kept up with the younger man's career in the Pegasus via mission reports and had developed a quiet respect for him. After his assignment to Lorne's team for the Weir rescue, that kernel of respect had increased and a definite liking added to it.

Daniel smiled at the younger man, "I understand you have a relatively new and field inexperienced team, Evan. I think I can bring some value to that from my years of experience and training. God knows Jack sent me through every type of training he could get a civilian into. As an ongoing second-in-command, that will be somewhat new to me and as I'm not military, I hope it will not cause an issue with your lieutenants. I would be honoured to take the position you're offering."

"I don't think Moreno or Parker will have any concerns," Lorne replied simply. Now that Daniel had given his opinion in the affirmative Evan was treating it in all seriousness. Turning to his commanding officer, Evan looked at him expectantly. "With your permission, Sir?"

"Yeah, whatever," John replied as if no longer interested, because his proposition had been waved aside for Lorne's offer. He sipped his coffee and then grinned at the other two. "Congratulations, Major... It looks like you have a fourth member to add to your team."

"Ah ... thank you Sir," Lorne replied with a somewhat pained expression. "I'm gonna regret this aren't I?" he joked, grinning when Daniel looked affronted. "Just kidding Daniel. We'll look forward to welcoming you on our next off world mission ... whenever that is. I think you'll have plenty of time to settle in."

Daniel just grinned, content to be starting on a new segment of his life's journey.

0900 Hours |Conference Room

Daniel was still just a bit flustered at his quick assignment to a field team...and not just any time either...but the team that was most often on the front lines along with Sheppard's...as he took his datapad, mug of coffee, and left his office. He paused long enough to make certain his door was secured and then made his way to the comfortably spacious room a few doors down that had been re-outfitted to serve as a conference and briefing room for the Cultural and Diplomatic Departments.

Instead of one big table, it was set up almost in class room style as it often doubled as a training room. There were several smaller tables that could seat four people comfortably and housed covered electrical outlets for plugging in laptops or other audio-visual aids. At the front of the room was a similar table set up to face the others but it only had one chair behind it clearly indicating it was for the meeting director or trainer.

Leia had entered the training room early, wanting to make a good impression on the directors and staff that were already part of the Atlantis expedition. She was the new kid on the block with the SGC and Atlantis, so first impressions were vital to her success. Leia plugged in her laptop, bringing up her notes and some of the files she had gotten for her team, waiting patiently as the room started to fill. After a few moments, the room filled and she started introducing herself to her co-workers.

The room was mostly full as Daniel entered and took his place at the table up front. He had purposely chosen to arrive a minute or two late in order to get a feel for who in the department might want to show their disfavour by ignoring his e-mail requesting a staff meeting or simply by being tardy. By his estimate, no one had been that flagrantly obvious in their protest of his being appointed Director.

Daniel's eyes danced over the room, noting some familiar faces from previous SGC service, and some simply from his past work in the academic field. When he spoke, years of training and work on the lecture circuit as well as teaching, made his voice clear without being over loud, "Good Morning. First let me thank all of you for responding to my e-mail and attending this meeting on such short notice."

As Dr. Daniel Jackson entered the room, Leia's jaw dropped. She... He was the last one she expect to see here. This was very irregular. But it was... She quickly recovered, looking at him in rapt attention. He was supposed to be in the Milky Way! God, she hadn't seen him in fifteen years!

"Some of you I know from past service at the SGC, past academic association or have met in passing during my recent assignment to the Janus Project. Also, most of you have probably heard the scuttlebutt regarding my permanent transfer to Atlantis. Those rumours are true. As of yesterday, per official orders, I was made the Director of Cultural Sciences and Diplomatic Services," Daniel paused and flashed a friendly smile noting expressions ranging from curious, to wary to slightly displeased.

Leia looked at him in slightly shocked curiosity, hearing that he was to be her direct supervisor.

"I'm sure your next concern is in regards to Dr. Elizabeth Weir. She is well and unharmed by her revival into the cloned form of her original body. She will be undergoing extensive medical and psychological evaluations at the SGC and a long debriefing by the SGC and IOA. We do anticipate her return to the Atlantis Expedition in some capacity. I will keep all of you in the loop as I get the news."

Leia silently chuckled at how unflappable he was when it came to giving that sort of news. But it was Pegasus...

Daniel paused again, but this time to take a fortifying sip of his coffee, "Dr. Max Stanton will continue as the Assistant Director of Cultural Sciences. I believe..." he tapped the notebook PC and was rewarded with his meeting notes appearing, "we have a new person assuming the role of Assistant Director of Diplomatic Services. Dr. Leia Mahanay, welcome to Atlantis. It's good to see you again. Dr. Mahanay brings years of service experience to our team in the realm of diplomacy. I hope you all will make her welcome and help her settle in here."

Leia smiled at the recognition and waved politely, allowing everyone to identify her for future reference.

"So..." Daniel ended the formalities with a pleasant smile, "Any questions or comments?"

She looked around and raised her hand, clearing her throat with an excited smile. "I have one, Dr. Jackson. Are there any missions planned for the Diplomatic team? After studying all the files, I've found that there's several planets that seem promising and would suit some of our more pressing needs," Leia told him, hoping that she made a good second impression.

"The files you will have been given are, of course, from worlds that various field teams have already made first contact with and we have their recommendations regarding future liaisons with them. Until yesterday, my focus was strictly on the Janus Project, so the current answer is no...formal DipOps missions have yet to be sanctioned. I need to meet with Colonel Carter and Colonel Sheppard and work out how much leeway I have on assigning a DipOps mission as that will require a military unit for back-up. But it's good to see you're anxious to start, Dr. Mahanay. If you would, put your top three recommendations together and see me later," Daniel replied with a smile before recognizing Dr. Stanton who had risen hesitantly to his feet.

Leia nodded, not surprised but glad to have confirmation as Dr. Stanton stood.

"What can we expect in the way of departmental changes?" Max asked, his eyes bright with intelligence and curiosity.

Daniel shook his head, "Right now, Dr. Stanton, I see no reason to change the routine. My understanding is that field teams pull from our departmental roster based on need rather than having a Cultural Expert assigned to every team. We will continue that tradition for now...except for myself...I will be taking a permanent team assignment."

Max nodded and resumed his seat and Daniel rose to his, "If that's all, we can adjourn. I have an open door policy...literally. If the door is open, feel free to come in and talk to me. Have a great day. Dr. Mahanay, I'll see you at your convenience."

Daniel watched as his staff gathered their items and filed out before taking his leave as well.

1300 Hours | Daniel's Office/Lab

Dr. Leia Mahanay strode into Dr. Jackson's office, her PC Notepad in the crook of her arm as she looked around the L shaped area and noticing the small touches of it being a workstation. She inhaled the scent of coffee and smiled. "Dr. Jackson?" Leia asked, noticing him outside on the balcony. She walked out, pausing upon seeing that he was eating lunch or an afternoon snack consisting of an apple, cheese slices and a bottle of water. "Am I interrupting? I finished my mission proposals," she told him, trying to remain professional as her eyes combed his face and his body. He had... changed, definitely for the better, but his eyes held the same fire. That was a relief. God... it was like the years hadn't passed as she felt a slight flush on her chest.

Where was her normal cool? Thankfully, she maintained her composure as she waited.

Daniel rose to his feet and waved toward the empty chair, "Dr. Mahanay, please join me. I'm sorry I don't have much to offer you...a bottle of water?" He asked as he pushed the cold plate of apple slices and cheese to the centre of the table in an automatic effort at sharing. He waited until she was seated before resuming his seat.

Leia smiled and took a seat. "Thank you. That would be excellent, Dr. Jackson. I appreciate it," she said gracefully and took an apple slice. She ate it quickly, tasting the sweet tang on her tongue.

It had been a number of years since he had seen Leia Mahanay. In fact, it had been while he was still an associate professor at the Oriental Institute and Dr. Jordan's assistant. The woman had been in several of the classes he taught directly or as a teaching assistant to the professor. He did not remember her being so poised and chic. He seemed to recall an easily flustered, sometimes gauche young woman always carrying way too many books and pushing hair out of her face. Her dedication to her education had been noteworthy, however, as she attended every after-hours tutorial and study session Daniel organized for his students. She had definitely seemed driven and focused...good traits for a career diplomat.

Daniel stepped away long enough to retrieve a bottle of the mini-fridge. Handing it to Leia, he resumed his seat before speaking.

"Welcome to Atlantis...again," Daniel said pleasantly, deciding as she was the designated assistant director in the Diplomatic Services section of his department that it would not hurt to spend a few moments getting to know one another. "How have you been? It's been ... what ... nearly fifteen years or just over? I see you didn't pursue your degree in archaeology after all?"

Leia smiled brilliantly, ducking her head slightly in embarrassment. "Thank you. It's a pleasure to be here. I've been very well. Yourself? It has been... I can't tell you how surprised I was to see you in the department meeting earlier," she confided as she looked at him. "You look so good, Dr. Jackson. Seriously. I kept up with your papers and when you stopped publishing...," she trailed off, looking a little lost in memories. Leia quickly returned her attention to Dr. Jackson, meeting his brilliant blue eyes. "It's really good to see you," she said with a casual shrug. "I tried to go that route. But things just didn't... It wasn't meant to be. Although I still do kinda keep up with it as a bit of a hobby. I think everyone knows what you've accomplished... at least if they're part of the Stargate Program. Did you ever think your theories would lead to... all this?" she asked, gesturing around her and towards the sky.

Daniel shook his head and chuckled softly, "Some of my theories still haven't proven out, but others have beyond imagining. And there's still so much out here and back in the Milky Way...more than several lifetimes' worth of work and discovery. What about you? I've glanced over your file, but I prefer getting to know my staff in person rather than as bits of data in a file. How long have you been with the program?"

Leia laughed softly. "About 7 months with the training and everything. I was able to go along with the Diplomatic Team for one of their missions, to see how they worked. It was a fantastic experience. After graduation, I was recruited as a translator for the US embassy in Israel... One thing led to another and well, here I am," she told him, slightly twisting the truth with a half smile. "But, you are so right... There's so many new and amazing things out there, that even with the enemies that we've made, it's worth it."

"You'll be an old hand with the field assignments soon," Daniel commented as he picked up her reports and scanned her recommendations. He took note of the detailed list of pros and cons associated with each proposal. Finally, he nodded, "Good work for only a half day on the job. I'll send these up the ladder with my sign off and it will be up to Command to select which one gets first billing in the ongoing effort at gaining allies."

Daniel penciled in a couple of quick notes himself, gleaned from the actual mission reports before handing her the files back, "Send me copies via e-mail that I can forward with my mission proposals, if you will." He reached for a drink of his water and another slice of apple and cheese.

Leia beamed at his praise. "Thank you, Doctor Jackson," she said as she forwarded her files to his inbox with her tablet, scanning the notes quickly as she worked. "There you are," she said, then wondered if that meant she was dismissed. But at the same time, this wasn't quite the same as any other position she'd ever held. Fortune favoured the bold after all. "May I ask you a personal question, Dr. Jackson?"

Raising his eyebrows, Daniel considered his reply for a moment. He wanted to build a strong relationship with his staff, but at the same time he valued his personal privacy. There was a cautious note in his voice when he answered, "You may ask me anything, Dr. Mahanay, although I reserve the right to decline answering."

"Of course. I would never insist you answer if it bothered you that much," she assured him then carefully thought about her question. "Did you ever think that your theories would really pan out like this?" she asked, leaving enough room for him to pick an answer that would suit the open ended question.

Daniel chuckled, "It would have been impossible to actually imagine all of this in relation to my theories. Remember, I was mainly stated that the pyramids were far older than classical theory stated and suggested an alien influence. I thought then, and it proved correct, that the pyramids had a technological purpose...and we later learned they served as anchoring posts or landing pads for the Goa'uld Ha'taks."

Leia nodded, remembering. "Well, you were sorta correct... That's got to feel good, right?" she asked him. "I actually read that, during the training. Thanks for being such a good sport about me questioning you... I just... Curiosity has always been one of my weaknesses, I'm afraid," she said with a smile.

Leaning back in his chair, Daniel gazed out at the peacefully rolling ocean for a few moments as he aligned his thoughts. "In the beginning, not having public acknowledgment from my peers rankled a bit. Especially after all the ridicule and humiliation I endured. Over the years, that aspect has come to mean less and less. I've changed as I realized it was more important to respect myself than to care what others thought of me. And equally important to be conscious of who's respect really matters in the long run. I'm at peace with all that. I don't need public vindication."

They spent a few more moments talking about Leia's recommendations for the upcoming missions and the steps that had led her to being recruited by the Stargate Program. After Leia took her leave, Daniel returned to his office, cleaned up the plate and knife he had used for the cheese and apple and settled back down to work on a translation for one of the techs that needed an Ancient manual transcribed.

1600 Hours | Daniel's Office/Lab

Colonel Cameron Mitchell strode down the hallway, carrying an urn of ashes decorated with alien glyphs. He was sombre, dressed in a pair of jeans, a white t-shirt and a plaid over shirt. He knew it wasn't proper and he felt slightly guilty about it, but he didn't think Jackson would appreciate the Dress Blues.

It just didn't feel right... Cameron was slightly familiar with the Grandfather, there were mission reports after all on the Crystal Skull aliens, but... He still didn't understand how anyone could... just leave a child to the Foster system. It was one of those mysteries that would forever remain unsolved. To him, family was family and you gave them your everything when it was needed... but so many weren't like that. Plus, it wasn't his place to ask Jackson. Just be his friend and deliver Mr. Ballard's effects.

He poked his head into Jackson's office. "Knock, knock," he said with a slight smile, trying to put him at ease.

Daniel glanced up from his work station and blinked at the fourth or fifth surprise of the day. His face lit in a welcoming grin and he motioned his former teammate inside, glancing curiously at the object residing carefully in Cameron's arms, "Cam! It's good to see you. Let me guess....you're in charge of the boat that brought Vala out here. Lucky me..."

Cam chuckled. "She's not that bad when she's not trying to steal the pants off you. But I seem to be the bearer of bad news for you today... A few days ago we got contacted by some old friends of yours. I'm sorry, Man... I wish that I didn't have to break this to you, your grandfather passed away recently. They honoured his wishes and had him cremated with their highest honours and wished for you to have his things and his ashes... It was his request as well," he said, carefully handing the urn over and pulling Dr. Ballard's last will and testament out to hand it to him when he was ready, a solemn look on his face.

Daniel eased himself back into his seat, his eyes blurring a bit as he took in the news. Daniel placed the beautifully inscribed urn on his work station studying the Mayan text, his expression closed and neutral. Finally, he opened the seal on the envelope Cameron had handed him, pulled out the documents and scanned them briefly, before laying them aside and turning his eyes back on the urn. Pulling his glasses off he massaged the bridge of his nose for a moment.

"P7X-377," Daniel said, his voice soft and almost expressionless. "That was the world of the Giant Aliens. It seems Nick had a good life with them and more years than he probably would have had on Earth."

There was little else to say. Daniel did not hold a grudge against his grandfather for his inability to see past his obsession and keep Daniel with him after the death of his parents. If there was one thing Jackson understood, it was being obsessed with one's work. There was a brief moment of sorrow as he realized he was now truly alone as far as blood relatives were concerned.

Glancing up at Cameron, Daniel gave his friend a brief smile, "Thank-you for bringing this to me and giving me the news in person. I understand from the will that the few personal effects he had stored have been released and sent to me. Are they aboard the Hammond?"

Cam watched him, giving him some time to process. As Daniel spoke up at him, Cam nodded. "You're welcome. I... that's what friends are for," he said with a shrug. "I kept his things in my quarters so they wouldn't be disturbed. I can bring them real quick and give you the grand tour later, if you want," he offered.

Daniel had put a tight lock on his emotional response to his grandfather's death. This often left others with the impression that he was cold and emotionless. Yet that was far from the case. In fact, he often felt things too deeply thus making him feel that he needed to maintain a certain level of control...not just for himself but for all those around him.

"No...that's okay, Cam. I'll beam up to the Hammond later...you can give me the tour and I'll collect Nick's personal effects then," Daniel replied, "Or..er...that's kind of what you said." He chuckled slightly as he reached out to trace the beautiful glyphs and artwork on the urn.

Cam let out a small sound that was a bit of a hollow laugh then nodded. "Sorta. Sounds like a plan then," he told him.

There was little Daniel could say about his grandfather. While he bore no ill feelings towards Nick for abandoning him all those years ago, when the old man chose to stay on P7X-377, Daniel effectively lost him then. He would abide by Nick's wishes in his will and scatter his ashes on whatever alien world Daniel was on at the time of receipt. That meant Nick's remains would meld with the New Lantea oceans.

Seeing his friend's steady gaze and not quite able to read what was going on in Cameron's mind, Daniel felt the need to clarify his calm reactions, "Nick's been gone a long time, Cam. His death only closes a chapter in my life...no open wounds or anything."

Cam blinked. "Oh. Oh, um... I wasn't. I didn't think-. I'm not sure what I thought," he admitted, seeing the calm acceptance. He knew this had to be hitting him or maybe it hadn't. But he didn't want him to face it alone. Or at least that had been his intentions. It seemed that he had already faced the possibility and this was just confirmation of fact. Daniel was ok... With this, with all of it and he'd deal, right?

Daniel chuckled softly, his eyes drawn back to the lovely markings on the urn. He reached out to run long fingers over the intricate carvings, "It's okay, Cam. My grandfather's been gone a very long time. He was as good a man as he could be under the circumstances. I hope his next journey is a good one."

Cam half-smiled at him and put a hand on his shoulder. "I hope so too. Maybe he's learned a few things this go around. Glad you're alright, though. You need anything, you let me know, alright?" he offered, giving him a genuine smile.

The archaeologist nodded at his friend's concern, "I will, thank you, Cam. See you in the morning on the Hammond for the grand tour and to retrieve the rest of Nick's things?"

The younger man nodded and sketched a wave and smile before he left to finish up the chores and duties that brought him to the Pegasus Galaxy.

1800 Hours | North Pier

Daniel had visited with Cameron awhile longer and agreed to meet him aboard the Hammond the following day. Around 1700 hours, Daniel took his grandfather's urn and personal documents to his quarters.

Taking a beer from the fridge, he carried it to his bathroom and left it sit on the lavatory counter while he stripped and stepped under the shower. Turning the water on full-force, Daniel let it wash the day's cares away and allowed himself a few moments to grieve for Nick. In truth, he had to admit to himself, the grief was more for what might have been than for the loss.

After the shower, Daniel wrapped a large towel around his waist, grabbed the beer and polished it off before brushing his teeth. Finishing towelling off, he pulled a clean pair of jeans, a white T-Shirt and a dark blue Armani sports jacket out and dressed. Finally, he donned clean socks and a battered pair of Eastland sneakers before returning to his living area.

Daniel took a moment to stow his grandfather's will and the letter that had been sent with it in a secure place before snagging a tiny personal cooler, loading it with four more bottles of beer, picked up the urn, and headed out. He had left Sam a voice mail message, but could not be sure she would get it and Daniel really wanted to follow through on his grandfather's final instructions.

About twenty minutes later, Daniel arrived at his destination on the North Pier. Once he reached the end of the pier, he set the urn and small cooler down beside his feet and leaned on the railing to sip his beer and watch the ocean while waiting for sunset.

Lorne arrived at the North Pier entrance shortly before sunset ... he'd heard about Daniel's grandfather and had asked around. Colonel Mitchell had been the one to offer the Pier as Daniel's most likely location. Evan didn't want to intrude ... but at the same time he didn't want Daniel feeling alone or isolated still being new to Atlantis when just a simple word or two could maybe help.

Walking slowly towards the other man, Evan knew when Daniel registered his presence. Taking up position next to his new 2IC Evan shot him a quick glance before looking out over the ocean.

"I heard about your grandfather," Evan said, letting his tone convey his sympathy over the other man's loss. "You need anything?"

Daniel slanted a smile and a glance at the other man, "No ... I'm good. Off duty? Want a beer?" He nudged the cooler toward Lorne with his foot.

Taking that as Daniel's willingness or desire for company Evan smiled. "Off duty for the duration," he confirmed. Leaning down he snagged a bottle and popped the top, raising it high. "To Nicholas Ballard ... may he find the new journey just as intriguing as the old," Evan proposed the toast solemnly and then took a long swallow. He wasn't sure exactly what Daniel believed but given the archaeologist’s own repeated brushes with death the idea of something beyond their current existence had to be a part of it.

Waiting for a few moments, Lorne looked over at Daniel again. "I hear he was an interesting man," he commented, leaving it open if Daniel wanted to reminisce about his grandfather.

Jackson returned the toast to his grandfather by holding his bottle up, clinking it on Evan's and then taking a long swallow, "Nick was unique. Most attribute me going into the field to my parents and following in their footsteps was a big motivation. But, my obsession with certain elements of archaeology...my tendency to go outside the box of classic theory...I think that was inspired by Nick. In the end, it drove him mad...until he was vindicated...not sure I won't end up there someday."

"I find that hard to believe," Lorne scoffed at Daniel's words. "Haven't you spent more than ten years proving that classic theory doesn't cut it? Sure - not to the masses but who knows what will happen down the track."

Daniel narrowed his eyes at the lowering sun before glancing at Evan, "You're probably right and I'm just paranoid after my one brush with mental illness. Maybe Nick is a lesson to me on where to draw lines." There was a pause as each man entertained his own thoughts and sipped their beer. Finally, Daniel spoke again, his voice reflective although he chuckled slightly, "I wonder if this is how the last Dodo felt right before it got the axe? I'm the last, you know ... of my family."

"Well, unlike the last Dodo, you can do something about that," Evan glanced at Daniel slyly, taking the hint that the other man wanted to keep things on the lighter side. "Pretty sure you've already got someone in mind for the other side of that equation too."

Daniel grinned ruefully, "The other side of that equation...I thought the other side of that equation was unavailable. Recently found out that was not the case...but the other obstacle is still there. The feelings are one-sided. I've learned to live with that...I think."

As he finished speaking, the sun dipped lower and began its drop beyond the horizon. A fabulous display of colour lit the twilight sky. Daniel nodded politely at Evan, "Pardon me for a moment..." he leaned down to pick up the urn and noticed his CO preparing to leave, "no...please stay. My grandfather asked in a letter attached to his will...all secure and classified and everything...that I distribute his ashes on whatever world I deemed fit. So...this is it."

Daniel broke the seal on the urn and carefully removed the lid. Turning to face the ocean, he felt the stirrings of a cool evening breeze while overhead a gaggle of the *goose-like seabirds soared towards whatever destination beckoned them. Daniel gazed up at them, smiled, and tilted the urn out over the ocean. Both men watched as the evening breezes swirled the ashes into the air and then blew them out over the turquoise sea.

The seabirds circled, calling loudly and Daniel felt the ghost of a cooler breeze whisper past his cheek. Clear eyed and calm, he said quietly, "Good-bye, Grandpa."

*Some folklore says that when a gaggle of wild geese fly over a grave site, they are picking up the soul of the deceased to convey to Heaven.

Chapter 04: Not Again!
Sunday, 15^th February | 1000 Hours | Corridor and Science Lab in unexplored section, East Wing

Major Evan Lorne walked at an unhurried pace through the corridors of Atlantis towards the as yet unexplored sections of the East Wing. Doctor Zelenka had called a few moments before requesting his assistance and Evan could only assume he'd found something interesting enough to switch on. The two were friends of long standing, such that when Radek wanted some ATA gene assistance he called Evan first, even though Colonel Sheppard had to strongest recorded gene.

Arriving at the right Lab, Lorne stopped in the doorway, looking for his scientist friend. The room was decorated much as all Atlantis labs - decorative bubbling water columns on the adjacent wall, square pillars to either side of the doorway that appeared to serve no purpose other than to provide a place to carve meaningless Ancient designs. And of course there was the requisite interesting looking 'device' sitting squarely in the centre of the room ... standard control console and display screen suspended overhead.

"Radek?" Evan called uncertainly, frowning when there was no visible evidence of the other man's presence. "Doc - you here?"

"Under here," came the disembodied voice. Evan followed it and found Radek lying on his back, examining the underside of the console. "Fascinating," Radek said, sounding more like a Vulcan than a Czech. "If this does what I believe it does, we'll be able to quite possibly partially recharge the ZPM when the time comes."

Radek replaced a section of console and stood, dusting his hands off on his thighs before pushing up his glasses. "Okay, now, if you would? Just place your hands in the indentations and think 'on', please." He smiled warmly at his friend, excited over the fact that this might actually work.

Lorne walked to stand in front of the console directly before the indentations., looking at the device with open scepticism. It wasn't that he didn't trust Radek ... but this was Atlantis ... city of the unexpected and very often dangerous. Not sure he really wanted to activate the machine without a lot more investigation, Evan glanced at his waiting friend. "You sure this is safe Doc?"

"Relatively sure," Radek responded, pushing his glasses up again. It was warm in the room and they kept slipping. "At the very least, I know it will not kill you."

The large smile and twinkle in the blue eyes showed Evan that he was being teased.

"That's not exactly reassuring me Doc," Evan retorted. Looking down at the console again he shrugged, sliding a glance Radek's way. "Just so you know - if this thing does kill me, I'm haunting you for the rest of your life."

Then with determined resolve Lorne placed his hands in the appropriate spot, resting them firmly on the console. Doing the mental connection thing he'd find hard to describe to someone who didn't have the gene, Evan thought "On".

The effect from his perspective was immediate. The screen hovering over the console burst into activity, streaming information faster than he could read.

But that wasn't the only thing that happened.

It started with a faint tingling sensation on the palms on his hands ... quickly escalating into pins and needles. Lorne tried to remove his hands from the console pretty much as soon as the tingling started but it was as though some kind of force was holding him in place. When the pins and needles progressed to tiny stabbing knives and the tingling began to progress up his arms, Evan grimaced, his expression broadcasting the pain he was under.

"Radek," Evan said urgently, looking at his friend with his alarm clearly evident.

"Think 'off'!" Radek gasped even as he was moving forward, checking consoles and typing in commands as fast as he could type.

"I am thinking off!," Lorne replied grimly, struggling to pull his hands free without success. "Clearly it's not working ... try something else!"

Radek swore with feeling as the new readouts emerged. "This is not a machine that recharges ZPMs.... it recharges the ATA gene!" He put down the readouts and moved to get another tablet, hooking it up to the machine. "It is to strengthen the gene, to refine it ---DO PDRELE!" he swore with venom.

Then he moved to try to physically pull Evan's hands from the machine, swearing in several languages as he did so. "Clearly," he gritted as he pulled ineffectually on Evan's arms, "it has malfunctioned!"

Lorne had reached a level of acclimation over the stabbing feeling in his hands ... which was just as well because now that same sensation was travelling up his arms ... slow and torturous, the pain had him struggling to hold in the yell he really, really wanted to let out.

"Forget it Doc," Evan ground out, shrugging his shoulders to get the other man to release him. "That's not helping. If this thing is charging up my ATA gene then I should be able to switch the bloody thing off, right?" Focussing everything he had at the console beneath his hands he tried for that mental connection that had come so easily before ... and couldn't find it. "Yeah, I'd say it's a good bet this thing is malfunctioning!" Evan retorted heatedly. "I got nothing ... no connection whatsoever."

Eyes wide, Radek breathed, "You mean to say your connection is completely gone?" Without waiting for a reply, he squeezed Evan's shoulder in support and toggled his radio.

"Zelenka to McKay -- Emergency in Science lab 12, East Wing!"

There was a couple second lag before he got a reply, and even though the voice was rough and hardly recognizable, the attitude was totally identifiable. "And what are you doing in lab 12 today? I thought that was scheduled for...."

Radek barely kept the tirade he was thinking contained. "I had spare time." His next words came out flat and oddly enough, barely accented. "Get. Over here. Now."

"Already on my way. Do I need to bring anybody else?" There wasn't accusation in the question - well, perhaps a tiny bit, because after all, it was Rodney - but it was truly hard to tell since he still sounded like a three pack a day smoker from his title match bout with bronchitis. If anything, he actually sounded ... concerned.

Lorne and Radek exchanged matching grimaces.

"Just you for now," Radek said, turning to hook in the first tablet again, needing the memory to download more information. "Now, please, less talking and more walking. This is important!"

He looked up at Evan. "You will be free soon, Major. I promise."

"Getting free isn't my only concern now Radek," Evan admitted, shifting his feet and wishing like hell he could just move. He wasn't claustrophobic normally and the lab was hardly an enclosed space but not being able to move away, not being able to leave just because he really wanted to was starting to get to him ... just a little bit.

"If this thing has somehow damaged my ATA gene then you and McKay need to work out how to reverse it." Lorne's expression was telling ... the very idea that he wouldn't be able to communicate with the city anymore ... God, wouldn't be able to fly a Puddle Jumper ... was hovering at the edges of his mind like a forecast of impending doom.

"I am already addressing that, Evan," Radek said softly, catching his gaze. "We shall work on both simultaneously, I assure you." A beep from one of the laptops caught his eye and he moved to it, his eyes widening and a hand reaching to toggle the radio.

"Rodney, how far away are you? I'm going to need you to divert to the Infirmary -- we are going to need blood sampling equipment. Major Lorne can no longer use the ATA gene, and he is currently pinned to a console by a machine that was supposed to increase the ATA gene. And said console is not reacting fondly to my presence, since I have no gene of my own."

"Just stepping out of the transporter. Stepping back. Should be there in five. Probably less." There was a pause. "That work for you, Major?"

Lorne swallowed hard before he answered a strained, "Yeah."

"I'm in sight of the infirmary." They could hear Rodney's wheezing breath over the comm. "McKay out."

Lorne watched in dismay as Radek struggled to get the Ancient machine to do what he wanted - without success. The only positive thing was that Evan had actually gotten kind of used to the stabbing knife sensation ... now progressing over his chest at the same slow rate. "Do you think this thing is actually rewriting my DNA in some way?" he asked worriedly. Surely the sensations he'd been feeling since he'd touched the device meant something ... of course he hadn't actually mentioned the specifics of that to his friend because he'd been too busy holding in any less than manly groans of pain. Probably should tell both McKay and Radek about that when Rodney finally got there.

"Probably not," Radek assured him. "You would be in a tremendous amount of pain if that were happening -- like knives over your body. So I wouldn't worry too much about that."

"Knives?" Lorne swallowed weakly. "Um ... Doc ... I wouldn't describe it as tremendous pain but ...," Evan hesitated before rushing out the rest, "I've had the knife thing since I put my hands on the console."

Radek looked incredulously at him, then his eyes narrowed and his shoulders straightened as he let loose a stream of profanity that -- though it was all in Czech -- left absolutely no doubt about how he felt about not being told everything in this situation.

"On my way back," Rodney suddenly said in their ears. "I have a small field kit and a medical scanner."

"We are going to need both," Radek spat into the radio. "The machine, it would appear, is rewriting the Major's DNA to erase the ATA gene. We need to reverse the process yesterday." He moved back to the console.

"Well," he told Lorne with a rueful sigh. "Now, at least, we know why you could not think it off." He began inputting code as fast as he could type. "I am hoping Rodney and I can reverse the process and return you to normal as soon as possible, as well as release you from the console."

He met Lorne's eyes. "I am sorry -- I am angry at the situation, not so much with you."

"I was only joking about the haunting thing Doc," Evan offered, knowing the other man would blame himself if the machine's effect turned out to be permanent. "And I should have said something about the pain straight up."

Lorne fell silent after that - there was nothing else he could say. Anything he could think of would only make Radek feel worse driven by his admission, deep down where no one else could witness it, that Evan was scared. He liked who he was ... what he could do ... how the ATA gene had made him special in a world where everyone was a stand out. He wasn't sure what it said about him that he didn't really want to contemplate the end of all that.

"You'll fix this," he said firmly, looking at Radek with every ounce of confidence he could muster.

Radek returned his gaze, then straightened his shoulders again. "Right," he said with a decisive nod. "Well, then, perhaps we should ---"

The sound of wheezing from the doorway distracted them, and only Radek was able to see Rodney enter. He had a back pack slung over one shoulder - the "small" field kit - and a computer tucked under the opposite arm. His face was bordering on Wraith pale except for two florid spots high on each cheek and had circles under his eyes nearly as dark as bruises. Each rapid exhale ended in an airy wheeze that was alarmingly loud. "Rodney...." Zelenka started in concern only to be waved silent. Rodney handed over the pack, turned aside, buried his face into the crook of his now free arm, and let out a barking cough that brought tears to his eyes.

"Gimme ... sec," he wheezed out, and hacked again. "Catch ... breath. Scanner in pocket." He pointed at the pack before doubling over in a full body bark. "Sorry," Rodney managed to squeak out before the next, and mercifully milder, cough hit.

"You know McKay, you really should lay off those cigarettes," Lorne joked - thankfully Atlantis was a smoke free zone.

"Har." Hack. "Har."

Radek unzipped the front pocket of Rodney's pack and pulled out the small scanner. He turned it on -- fortunately, the medical scanner had an earth-based on/off switch and had been initialised by an ATA user, so anyone could use one if they'd been trained. He ran it over Lorne, frowning at the results.

Rodney finally straightened up, smaller coughs closer to a hard clearing of the throat now the only overtly distressing sounds coming out of him. And the wheezes. He pulled leads out of his jacket pocket and plugged them into the back of his computer as he approached the control panel. "So, fill me in." He squinted at the readouts on Radek's laptops as he sat his own down next to them.

"I'm stuck and this thing is ripping off my ATA gene McKay," Lorne summarised with succinct sarcasm. "I think we should skip the intro and everything in the middle and just go straight to the conclusion where you work out how to fix me." Looking from Rodney to Radek and then back again Evan added "You guys can fix me ... right?"

"There is hope, Major," Radek said with a small smile. "Rodney, look at this." He moved to stand beside the newcomer and held the scanner down to him. "Are you seeing what I am seeing? Is this a masking instead of a replacing?"

"Masking sounds good," Lorne commented, watching the two men intently and wishing he could see the scanner results even though he probably wouldn't understand a word of it. "Well - it's still not good but it's better than rewriting which sounds so much more ... permanent."

Rodney squinted at the screen. "Huh," he said. "Figures - just like the Ancients to figure out a way to manually suppress a natural genetic predisposition to access their technology. Ooo, can't have the primitives playing with the shiny toys." His rough voice made the sarcasm even more derisive than normal. "But they'll gladly leave them out anyway without any direction on how to handle them safely. Gyah, they're more screwed up than I am." He held a finger up to Radek. "Don't say it." Rodney looked at Lorne and offered him a tired grimace. Lorne couldn't tell if it was supposed to be reassuring or the scientist had gas. "Don't worry, Major - I know we can get you out of this."

"Good to hear," Lorne replied. "Just ... you know ... make it quick. I'm due on duty in an hour ... if I'm late I'm gonna have to admit to Colonel Sheppard why and none of us want that, right?"

"Okay," Rodney said and cleared his throat as his fingers started flying across his laptop's board. "Let's see if we can get this thing to slow down long enough to find reverse."

Radek joined him, pulling up a second chair and sitting down beside him and entering lines of code, seamlessly joining them with Rodney's.

"Aaaah," he said at last. "There we are -- there is definite slowing in this area. Perhaps if we---"

"Yes, yes. Alter this code, redirect this stream here...."

"Got it. And then perhaps we redirect this to this subroutine...."

"Uh huh. Uh huh." If anything, Rodney's fingers seemed to move even faster. "Okay, now, let's find the gear shift. Hey, do you see that? Check...."

"Yes, checking --- aaaaah. I see it! And your 'gear shift' analogy is most apt. Oooh, notice the lines below that? If we decipher those, it might tell us a reason---"

Rodney started mumbling quietly as his eyes flicked rapidly across the data. Suddenly he let out a triumphant cry, only to start coughing again. "Got ... it!" He still managed to type and hack, tears starting to run down his face. "There!" he exclaimed, hit enter rather hard, then had to turn away as another hard bout hit.

Radek kept his eyes on the screen, even as he reached over and pounded Rodney's back. "Yes!" he shouted in triumph. "Major, count to ten and then think 'off' as hard as you can!"

Lorne felt the shift in sensation even before Radek asked for the countdown. At first he lost all feeling in his hands, as though someone had just severed those nerve endings without warning. Feeling returned in a rush of pins and needles that had him almost squirming in place.

"One, two, three ...," Evan began counting, his voice on the edges of rough. Radek and Rodney both looking up at him with matching looks of concern, "I'm okay, five, six," Lorne kept counting. "Nine ... ten!"

Closing his eyes he concentrated hard. "Off"

The effect was instantaneous ... console returned to blackness and the hold on Lorne's hands completely gone. He hadn't been expecting that ... not bracing his legs in preparation Evan found himself looking up at the console from the floor.

"Crap," Lorne muttered under his breath, taking a moment and then slowly dragging himself to his feet. He felt just slightly not right but it was nothing that wouldn't go away after a good night's rest.

Radek's laugh was of sheer relief. He immediately turned and started shutting down the laptops. "Let's get out of here," he suggested, "and mark this lab for quarantine or demolition. But only by non-ATA expedition members. What do you think, Rodney? Major?"

"I vote for demolish," Evan said, walking over to Radek and glaring around at the room in general. "Sorry Radek ... a ZPM charger would have been useful. Hell, an ATA gene charger would probably be useful too. What's with it with the Ancients? They build stuff, it doesn't work, and they just leave it lying around - no warning, no nothing!"

Rodney had finally gotten his last coughing fit under control, and as he disconnected the leads from the console he seemed a little ... hesitant. His hand lingered a moment over a crystal interface, his pale face screwed up in a grimace as he obviously weighed both options. "Quarantine it, lock it down," he finally blurted out and slammed his laptop shut. "And make sure the power supply to this lab is cut until we have a chance to go over the programming more." He met Radek's mildly irritated frown. "The next time Carson is here we'll have him go over the data as well - perhaps he'll be able to find a good use for, for this." Then he met Lorne's gaze. "I think I'll pull rank and say the Colonels don't need to know about this for now."

"I hope you know what you are doing," Radek half-sighed, half-growled. "This is not something I want to go through ever again." Even as he spoke, he moved toward the door with his main tablet to begin quarantine procedures. The final keystrokes would not happen until they were all out of the room, but it was best to begin the procedures right away.

"You'll pull rank?" Lorne retorted, openly incredulous. "What rank would that be McKay because last time I checked Colonel trumps everything else in the city. Unless you're suggesting this should be like when the CMO can overrule someone in command? Somehow I don't think Colonel Sheppard will agree with you on that one."

Rodney tucked his laptop under his arm and took a step toward Lorne. "I think you're forgetting, Major, that I am the scientific head of this expedition. Yes, the Ancients tend to leave dangerous toys lying around - consequences be damned - but this thing...." He tapped the edge of the console. "If it can mask a gene, imagine what it could do, with the proper reprogramming of course, with reversing deliberate genetic manipulation? Or have you forgotten about Michael, too? And Teyla's people being turned into his own little private army against their will?" He glanced back and forth between the two men.

"If you think you can fix it to do all that, so be it," Lorne held up his hands in a 'easy man' gesture. "I wasn't suggesting you don't know your stuff McKay, just that we need to tell Colonel Carter at the very least what this thing does. Being head of Science isn't a ticket to keeping something this big a secret - rank or no rank."

Rodney huffed. "Well I am going to pull rank because this device could actually do some, God forbid, good in the future. But until then, it can just remain a, another closed off room like hundreds of others we've quarantined." He picked up the med kit. "And if you want to complain to the Colonel, then send him to me - I made the decision, it's on my head. End of story. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a lot of work to catch up on and an appointment with some cough syrup." He left.

"Doctor McGrumpy got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning," Lorne noted to Radek as he waited for the other man to finish setting up the room for quarantine.

Once done the two men walked from the lab and down the corridor together. "You realise you have to let Colonel Carter know about that lab ... right?" he asked seriously. "It's not just another quarantined lab Radek ... if you guys can get it working properly it could have a huge impact on how we do things here."

"Oh, yes. It could potentially mean non-gene users could be given the gene. Or weak users strengthened." He stopped thoughtfully, but turned to smile at Lorne. "But we would have to monitor it closely so that what happened to you in there never happens again. Ever."

Happy that Radek would talk to Rodney when the time was right Lorne fell silent, the two men continuing their return to the main section of the city in companionable silence.

Chapter 05: A Day On Endor
Sunday, 22^nd February | 0830 Hours | Jumper Bay

Sheppard was already in the Jumper Bay, getting Jumper One ready for the day's trek out to the mainland. He'd been there a few times with Ronon surfing the southern coast where the surf got really big on windy days. Teaching Ronon how to surf was fun and the Satedan had gotten good enough that John didn't have to babysit or hover so much anymore.

He'd been there to help Teyla assist her people in building their newest settlement there. He'd ferried supplies back and forth, or the doctor when needed, so he was no stranger at all to the areas immediately around the Athosian settlement.
His team had also assisted the Gitano most recently in meeting the Athosians and getting them supplied and settled in with basics and then left them in the capable and welcoming hands of Teyla's people. They seemed to be doing well and he knew their first stop would be the settlements so they could all check in and say hello, perhaps allow one or two to come along on the day's excursion then it would be off to the other side of the continent "where no Atlantean had gone before". He couldn't wait.

He checked his watch again as he stowed a large black bag atop the cargo net in the back of the Jumper. Everyone should be done with breakfast and on their way up. He'd gotten the flight cleared for 0900.

"C'mon, guys, where are you?" he muttered aloud as he tromped down the ramp and looked toward the door that led to the stairs from the Control Room.

Daniel sauntered in, carrying a lighter than normal pack for the day's outing and a cup of fresh-brewed coffee from his quarters. He stretched languidly and dropped the pack nearby while he sipped his coffee and waited for the others. Giving John a friendly smile, he nodded, "Thanks for the invite. I need some time dirt side... stretch my legs."

John watched him with a bit of bemused curiosity as the new guy stretched and dropped his bag. "Like the doo rag," John mentioned, raising his chin as if to point out Daniel's head covering. "Yeah, anytime." He continued to watch him with a touch of curious regard.

Daniel chuckled, "I hate helmets and caps."

Setting the coffee down near his pack, Daniel began his routine of weapons check. Quickly making sure everything was operational and ammo stowed easily to hand. Clipping the P-90 to his vest, he picked up his coffee cup again, "I asked my assistant director for the Dip Ops team along...I hope you don't mind. She could use the meet and greet experience."

"No, no... the more the merrier," John replied amicably, though his growing impatience caused him to step toward the door. He stopped when another person came through from the stairs.

Daniel nodded his thanks and looked up with a grin as his recently appointed CO arrived.

Lorne hurried into the Jumper Bay, overhearing the last part of Daniels' question and the Colonel's reply.

"About time," John said with a bit of a 'tude.

"Sorry I'm late, Sir," Evan apologized, throwing his pack in the back of the Jumper and turning to his CO. "There was a slight ... altercation between Doctors Marsh and Pike over possession of the last Red Bull before their next allocated shipment. I attempted to ... ah ... confiscate said item and ended up with most of it on my shirt ... had to stop off at my quarters to change into a new set of BDUs."

Sheppard nodded and pointed a finger at Lorne in agreement. "We need to ban those things. They're getting dangerous to have around this place. That's not the first incident I've heard about."

Lorne nodded ... it was a good idea but he was pretty sure he didn't want to be the one telling the scientists they could no longer have their happy juice. They'd be hearing the uproar over on the mainland.

Just then Ronon strode into the Bay, pulled his pistol, twirled it and redeposited it in its holster. Grinning at the three men already there he asked, "So are we ready to go?"

"Nooooo," John answered, drawing out the answer in irritation. "We're still waiting for... others."

They all heard the next person long before they saw him, but it wasn't until Rodney's head cleared the top of the steps before they could actually understand his mumbled monologue, his voice still rough from his bout with bronchitis. "...And who does he think he is, ordering me like that. I really did need breakfast - still recovering here." He fixed a baleful glare on Sheppard, who was grinning rather cheerfully. "If I have a relapse, it's all your fault."

Rodney dropped his back pack - the thing was only half full and the top was sunk in - and immediately reached back to make sure his pad was securely velcro'd in place. Then he checked his scanner where it sat in its own special holster on his left hip and ignored the nine-mil on his right. "You and Jennifer's," he continued without a pause. "Because, seriously - they tried the fresh air thing on tuberculosis patients, and we all know how well that worked."

John stood still with his arms crossed over his chest with a bemused expression. When Rodney dropped his bag on the floor, he noticed the top of it fold in as if it experienced a personal implosion. John frowned and narrowed his eyes at it before stepping over to pick it up by the top loop with one finger.

"McKaaaaaaaaaay," he drew out the name in irritation. "What is this? You're supposed to pack a full compliment for your own survival. You know that. What if we get separated? Or you get lost and end up alone out there for hours or even overnight..." John pointed out, weighing the bag on a bent finger. "You, with no food or water? You'd be dead of starvation before morning. Get in that Jumper and get yourself some decent rations from another jump bag. Now."

John let the bag swing from his finger and as it swung forward again he hefted it toward McKay who tried to catch it in surprise, fumbled it a bit before hugging it to his chest with wide, stern eyes glaring at his team leader. John simply smiled back. "Now."

"Well, for your edification, Colonel Control, I had planned on doing just that," Rodney snapped. "Especially since someone only gave me enough time to choke down my breakfast before informing me I had to attend this little fresh air soiree." He glanced at Daniel and Lorne and saw them trying to clamp down on amused smirks. He gave them the crooked grimace and head waggle of dismissal, pushed past John, and stomped up the ramp into the jumper.

A moment later they could all hear him grumbling under his breath, and something about "alien bees and mutant pollen" made it clearly out to them.

Radek Zelenka walked into the bay in time to catch the mumble. "I see I did not make it before the grumpy bear," he quipped. He turned to Lorne and smiled. "And I see you are no longer wearing Red Bull." He turned so they could see his pack. "Acceptable?"

Lorne shook his head ruefully. "Geeze, news travels fast, doesn't it?" Looking quickly at the other man's pack, Evan added, "You got a full set of supplies in there?"

Radek nodded. "I have everything on the list provided for survival." He turned to face Lorne, grinning. "Then I am cleared to go?"

But as he'd turned, the empty right thigh was revealed. Radek wore no holster.

"Hey, Doc," Sheppard stepped over with a grin. "Where's your sidearm?" He gave Radek an expectant look laced with understanding. But the man WAS going to where a sidearm. He tapped his earpiece before Radek could argue the point. "Sheppard to Armoury... I need one sidearm, packed and fully loaded with extra clips brought to the Jumper Bay immediately." He gave a nod at the acknowledgment received and then turned to look up the ramp into the Jumper where Rodney was punching items into his bag as his mumbled words got louder to emphasize the depositing of needed items in said bag. "This ought to be a blast," John grinned, getting an eye roll from Ronon. "Where's Teyla?"

"I don't know," Ronon told him.

Radek glared at Sheppard, but didn't say a word. When the soldier arrived with the ordered sidearm, he took it with a look at it normally reserved for something disgusting found on the bottom of the shoe. But he slid the clips into his pack and buckled the holster to his belt and around his thigh.

Then -- muttering in Czech -- he walked up the ramp and into the Jumper, pointedly pulling an item out of Rodney's pack and replacing it with the correct one before moving to sit on the bench opposite McKay. Rodney did a double-take, frowned murderously at the other scientist, and zipped his now full pack closed with a grumpy huff. He turned around, dropped down onto the bench, dropped his pack between his feet, and crossed his arms.

Daniel stood outside the jumper watching the preparations and listening to the companionable conversations. Even the nitpicking and sniping at one another was part of the routine as it had been with SG-1 for so many years. Finishing off his coffee, he carried the disposable cup over to a waste bin and deposited it before heading back towards the Puddle Jumper. Just before stepping on the ramp he heard his name called and turned to see Dr. Mahanay hurrying across the bay. Critical eyes raked her from head to foot, noting that she was kitted all as specified with the exception of a P-90. When Daniel had sent down her kit order, he had stated that she only needed a sidearm and extra clips. In this instance, she was more of a guest and VIP rather than a working team member. Besides, as the official diplomat, Mahanay did not need to be armed to the teeth.

Once Mahanay caught up with him, he gave her a brief nod of approval and ushered her on board the Puddle Jumper. Sliding past the grumbling scientists, he chose a seat on the bench close to the cockpit, stowed his pack, and settled down, stretching his long legs out briefly before pulling them back so no one would trip over them as they moved around.

Leia entered the Puddle Jumper, pausing for a brief moment as people around her bickered and Dr. Jackson took a seat. She smiled then found a seat near the front so she could see how it worked.

Teyla walked in and headed for the jumper. Once inside she found her seat and settled down. She took her surroundings observing the people around her for a second before smiling.

"Hey," John greeted her as he twisted his seat halfway around to acknowledge her arrival. "Everything okay at home?" he asked. "Torren with the nanny?"

“John.” Teyla said with another smile. “Torren is with the nanny at the moment. Most things are going well, nothing of interest really to report though.”

"Well, that's good then," John offered with half a grin and turned back around.

"Okay," Lorne rubbed his hands together with obvious enthusiasm. "Let's get this show on the road." Glancing over at his CO he raised a brow questioningly. "You flying this one, Sir or would you like me to take the reins?"

John looked over at Lorne with a twisted but humorous expression. "Jumper ONE," he emphasized as a reminder to his co-pilot. "MY ship. Jumper TWO, your ship. I'll take her there --" he said with a haughty expression. Throwing Lorne a sideways look for theatrics he added, "... maybe I'll let you fly her back."

"That's very generous, Sir," Lorne replied, the grin he was holding in reflected in his twinkling eyes. Settling himself in the co-pilot's seat Evan made himself ready for takeoff.

Leia looked a little nervous, wondering if there was anything else she needed to know when meeting the Athosian people and of course, their newest guests, the Gitano. "Is there anything in particular I should know about the Gitano? I read your notes, but is there anything that you've observed that might be good for me to remember?" she asked Dr. Jackson, waiting for Teyla to get comfortable before she asked the same from her.

"The Gitano most nearly resemble the Gypsies of Spanish descent on Earth, Dr. Mahanay. They are a peaceful, agrarian society that have blended with the Athosians with little effort. Mostly they are just happy to have good, arable earth under their feet again. Fidelis, their Elder, is a good man...very kind. I don't think you will have any issues with them if you speak to them as the intelligent, proud people they are."

“There is nothing to fear from my people. They are all kind.” Teyla smiled over at Leia to comfort her.

Leia smiled, relieved. "Good. Thank you for the assistance. I'm looking forward to meeting them both."

As the low level conversation went on behind him, Sheppard turned his attention to the comm. "Flight, the is Jumper One, ready for Bay launch."

"Roger that, Jumper One. You are clear for Bay launch."

John gave a nod as the Bay doors in the ceiling of the central tower began to spin open like a giant iris. "Here we go, boys and girls. Please keep your hands and feet inside the ride and remain seated until the Jumper comes to a full and complete stop. This is a non-stop flight to the mainland, there is no smoking and no movie on this flight. Thank you for flying Air Atlantis."

"Air Atlantis, Sir?" Lorne grinned over at his CO. "You named our flight service to the mainland Air Atlantis?"

John raised the shuttle up through the chimney shaped launch tube into the blue sky of Lantea II. His eyes sparkled but he bit back the grin... not so much. "Just this one," he admitted. "Tomorrow it'll be something else...."

"I thought you weren't allowed to name things anymore." Rodney's voice cracked and he paused a moment to cough dryly a couple times.

"Umm, nooooo. You aren't allowed to name anything. I can name anything I want." Sheppard threw back at Rodney. This was the lightest his mood had been in since, well, since he could remember.

"Seriously, if you're going to name it anything, it really should be 'Chia Air'." Rodney tossed out and John gave him a dry look over his shoulder. "Just saying."

0910 Hours | Lantea II Mainland | Athosian-Gitano Settlement

A short distance from the city John sat back in his seat and relaxed. "Okay, Major... seeing as we don't want you pouting for the rest of the day, you have the con." He grinned to himself as Lorne sat a bit straighter and put his hands on the controls.

"Yes Sir," Lorne was careful to keep his tone even ... after all, he didn't want Colonel Sheppard changing his mind. Maybe it was his imagination but it seems that Jumper One wasn't quite as responsive to his mental commands as his own Jumper Two. This really was Colonel Sheppard's ship ... and she knew it.

"I get to land it though," Sheppard added once Lorne got comfortable as the pilot.

"No problem Sir," Lorne glanced across at his CO, putting a hopeful expression on his face as he joked. "Can I at least do some rolls ... loop the loops ... corkscrews? With the inertial dampeners these guys will hardly notice."

John thought about that for a moment then shrugged. "Sure, go for it. When that Hive shot out one of my engines we corkscrewed forever and nobody noticed. Well... unless they looked out the front window," he gestured at the front windscreen as a warning to Lorne that if someone notices he might hear about it.

"Yes Sir," Lorne acknowledged the warning, doing a quick check over his shoulder to confirm that the back section was a distraction of multiple conversations. Throwing a grin his CO's way Lorne sent the little ship into a series of classic 'stunt flight' manoeuvres.

The only thought inside Evan's head for the next two minutes was 'Wooooooooo Hooooooooo!' as he flew the Jumper for all he was worth.

It was over all too quickly ... returning the Jumper to a sedate flying pattern and his inner big kid back to where it belonged, Lorne confirmed they were only a few minutes from the landing site.

"Returning controls to you Colonel," he announced. Once Sheppard had control Lorne sat back, still grinning. "Thank you Sir," he said simply, knowing the other man would understand his mood with nothing more needing to be said.

John was still smiling like a ten year old who'd gotten away with taking dad's Buick convertible for a joy ride around the block and didn't get caught. As the controls were returned to his hands, he continued to grin though his voice was as professional as it could be. "Anytime, Major," he acknowledged then pulled the nose up sharply, tipped her back and spun upside down as the nose turned over. He did a fancy loop, a basic staple for fighter pilots and one of the first evasion manoeuvres they'd learned.

Lorne didn't even bother to hold in his grin this time ... sharing his love of flying with his CO was an added bonus he hadn't enjoyed for some time. Sheppard's classic manoeuvre was perfectly executed ... as expected ... and all without anyone in the back section being aware of the fun being had by their two pilots.

Bringing the ship back level with the ocean beneath their deck again John stared out the window grinning. "One of these days we gotta do a fighter ace dogfight..." he shrugged as he reasoned aloud, "ya' know... for practice."

"That sounds like a very wise idea Sir," Lorne agreed with studied seriousness. "You can count on me to help you with that any time ... day or night ... no notice required Sir."

Looking out the front window at the rapidly approaching mainland Evan smiled "We got a plan for the days proceedings Sir?"

"Yep."

"You're not sharing Sir?" Lorne raised an eyebrow hopefully.

"Hnh?" Sheppard looked over at him and then realized, "Oh! Well yeah... the plan, Major, is to have fun." He smiled at his co-pilot as he steered the Jumper over land and added, "And to keep the Docs out of trouble...." He looked to Lorne with a you-know-what-I'm-talking-about expression.

"Well Colonel, I can keep a watchful eye on Zelenka," Lorne proposed a bit cheekily. "I'm sure you'll be able to handle McKay easily Sir. The man's been pretty sick - how much trouble could he be?"

John blinked at him with an odd look. "And what about Dr. Jackson?? He was actually the one I was thinking of... well, all of them... all three of them."

Lorne just managed to resist the urge to smack his forehead into the console in front of him ... having another team member who was challenged in the stay safe department was going to take some getting used to. "I guess I was the one to actively recruit him Sir," Evan acknowledged. "No time like the present to see just how much I should be regretting that." Looking across at the Colonel, Lorne put on a plaintive expression. "He's going to want to look at rocks, isn't he?"

Sheppard smiled really big. "Oh yeah... and not the ones you can easily pick up either. Oh no... these are gonna be the kind you have to dig for, or crawl into holes for... or fight giant man-eating snakes to get to... oh yeah, mark my words, Major... you are so screwed." John chuckled as he skimmed the treetops.

"Sounds ... exciting Sir," Lorne returned weakly, fearing the Colonel's jest was going to be much closer to the truth than not. "You know ... you never said exactly when Doctor Jackson was being formally assigned to my team Sir. Perhaps you should take the opportunity today to work with him ... that kind of insight might come in handy when our teams have to work together." Lorne kept the smirk off his face with difficulty ... both men knowing he really was looking forward to getting to know Daniel better.

John just chuckled and shook his head as tapped a few key buttons on the console and spun the ship around so the back hatch was facing perpendicular to the settlements. "He's all yours, Major. No time like the immediate present to see what you've gotten yourself into. And by the way... request has already been approved. He's yours, only paperwork is pending. Don't worry. I'll be close by if you need some hand-holding. I have a feeling, Dr. Jackson's reputation in fact precedes him for a reason." John chuckled again.

Ten minutes after take off Colonel Sheppard was bringing Jumper One in low over the Athosian-Gitano settlements. The two peoples had set up their camps neighbouring each other; close enough to be of assistance to one another each day and to allow their two cultures to intermingle naturally, but a short enough distance away to allow both a respite from the other's differences when that rest was needed.

The Athosian people recognized the friendly sound of the Puddle Jumper coming in and many ran out of their tented huts to wave at the Atlantean team ship. Others paused in their chores in camp or from their tending crops to offer a greeting and a smile as the tiny green ship passed overhead. Many others ran toward the known landing site just over a nearby hill in a flat meadow where the two villages would meet for recreation or activities meant for all. Many of the Gitano were pulled along by Athosian friends to go along to meet their guests.

Jumper One cleared the trees and slowed to a stop over the clearing. It slowly lowered itself vertically, much like a helicopter would, or a Harrier Jump Jet. The vertical thrusters kicked up forest debris and dust as the tiny ship set itself easily on the ground.

Sheppard kicked his chair back on its rails and smiled at Lorne. "We're here," he informed the passengers behind him and those waiting quietly in the cargo area. He stood up and walked through the back of the ship as his passengers got to their feet. The rear hatch hummed and slowly lowered itself to the ground, allowing them to exit as their Athosian friends waited outside to greet them.

Lorne shifted out of his seat and followed Colonel Sheppard from the front section.

"Come on Radek, Daniel ... the day's a wasting," Evan urged the two men to join him in exiting the Jumper ahead of his CO's team.

Daniel exited the Jumper with Dr. Mahanay in tow, smiling his delight at the gathering of the Athosian and Gitano peoples. The smile widened and actually lit his normally frosty blue eyes as he recognized the tall man clad in the traditional loose trousers and colourfully embroidered vest of the Gitano. Steering Leia over, he stopped in front of the man who turned with a matching smile and warm expression in his eyes.

"Daniel! This is indeed a welcome surprise," Fidelis stated, gripping the younger man's arms in a traditional greeting.

Daniel returned the gesture, "It is good to see you, Kako," he responded using the respectful term of Uncle. Gesturing Leia forward, Daniel made the introductions, "Fidelis, this is Dr. Leia Mahanay. She's is my assistant director on the Diplomatic Services team. Dr. Mahanay, Fidelis is the Elder and lead Voice of the People."

Leia stepped forward at his introduction, repeating his greeting as Fidelis took her tentative start and with an amused smile, guiding her hands right for his greeting. "Come, sit with us," he urged her.

She smiled, seeing Daniel step back out of the corner of her eye and felt his eyes on her, watching. "It would be my pleasure, Kako," she said, respectfully and catching on quickly. "How is your harvest?"

As he drew her away, he started speaking, telling her of what they had as she listened attentively, the two disappearing in the crowd.

After making the introductions, Daniel stepped slightly out of the picture to allow Dr. Mahanay the room to speak with him without being in Daniel's shadow. He kept cautious eyes and ears on the newest member of his staff, but left her to her own devices for the most part while he watched the others mingle, share greetings, and supplies.

John had stepped down onto the grass amidst the mostly Athosian group who greeted him and his team by name. "Halling, how are you?" he asked as the taller man stepped forward with his hands extended.

"Colonel Sheppard, it is good to see you again," Halling offered, shaking hands with him.

"You too, Halling. How are things going here?" he asked with a nod toward the Gitano group.

"Very well, very well. Our two cultures are complimenting each other nicely. Come, you have time to visit a while, yes?"

"Sure do. We're heading to the other side of the continent to do some exploring. We know your people have a good deal of this side taken care of."

"Yes we have discovered much here. Mostly good," he smiled as he led the teams back toward the centre of their settlement.

On to Part 2