Hope you are all well.

3 Guests, dpdp and LadyMo … Thanks for your reviews and comments, and djenie for our chats as well.

To Schatze8210 a long distance hug and thanks for your help, ideas and chats while writing this chapter, and bringing the wayward ducks home in the last one. The ants are going to be well and truly feed:) It is a long chapter last look 36 pages.

As usual any ducks (mistakes because they duck when I look for them) that need bringing home are all mine, If found please return them to me. I treat them with kindness:)

Reviews and comments are always welcome.

To everyone else, thanks for taking the time and reading.

So now on with the story and Jack's return.

Chapter 20 – Atlantis Gate Room

Knowing Jack had arrived on Midway Jon and Cassie chatted and had refreshments with the others, before leaving the Gate room to use the washing facilities and have a quiet moment to themselves. On their way back to the Gate room, still amazed by it all, they knew their love and respect for each was not going to change now Jon was his own person, and were looking forward to this alien City being their new home. But, couldn't stop wondering if they would ever find their way around without getting hopelessly lost, or would need a permanent guide on hand to make sure they wouldn't. Coming to the Gate room's archway, the couple thanked their escort and left him. Then smiled to each other realizing what had just happened between them, and started to quickly and quietly work out to whom and how they should explain their discovery, so there wouldn't be a lot of fuss.

Who would know whether the whispers of each other's thoughts and feelings they were picking up, were leftovers from the mind link with NightOwl and would fade, or whether it was permanent and they would have to learn to live with it? They'd just found out a solid wall and distance between each other seemed to block the whispers. Also they weren't intrusive, as their deeper or rambling working out thoughts didn't seem to make the crossing. But, just now, each other's thoughts and natural hope/anxiety, that they had not missed anything while away from the Gate room, had not only crossed over, they had been tucked up in a warm non threatening mental nudge to each other, so, they knew who it came from and were not their own thought or feelings.

They also immediately realized exploring this 'gift' would have to wait, because they needed their own thoughts and concentration for what ever they might find as they returned to the others and what was going to happen next. So they stopped holding hands and made sure there was a gap between them, also the gap was not large enough to make people think they'd just had an argument. It had to be a causal confident gap so they walked into the room with slight smiles rather than big happy grins that could be read as something entirely different and embarrass them both.

Knowing Cassie was doing the same thing, Jon glanced round the quietly chatting groups and could feel the atmosphere was one of settled expectation, rather than everyone waiting to break good or bad news to them. So they'd not missed anything of importance, and automatically giving Sam, NightOwl and U Sang a second glance, and saw they had not joined the others he decided they must still be in their mind link, and commented quietly. "We'll leave them alone."

"Sam's looking relaxed so it must be good." Cassie noted as she linked her arm in Jon's, suddenly needing to feel him closer than before as a tiny shiver of tension ran through her, and stated quietly "I don't fancy crossing the landing area to Daniel and Teal'c's group."

Feeling and understanding her actions, Jon knew it would cause alarm if they called out to their friends, and didn't want to disturb their conversation with Teyla and Ronon anyway. As the group had automatically looked up to see who had entered the Gate room, he gave them a nod of acknowledgement. Then with a gentle reassuring mind nudge of where to go, he started to guide Cassie towards the group in the computer area while quietly explaining why. "They will be the first to know when the Midway Gate pings the others into action, and before this one starts it's own opening sequence." And was unable stop the feeling that time was dragging, even if it was passing in the usual manner and things were going to plan. He knew it was the same tension that made Cassie want the silent reassurance just now, and silently admitted to her ... 'he hated waiting, especially when he had no control of the outcome and so much depended on it going right.' and got her gentle sigh and silent 'I know' back.

Jon then felt a warm ripple of surprise rather than a sudden sharp shock of something unexpected, as he heard the gentle but firm address and question. "Lady Cassandra and Master Jon. May I have a word or two before we meet the others at the computer station?" come from the person they had not realised was standing there as they came in.

They immediately stopped and turning in the direction of the speaker, Jon realized though he'd kept Jack's natural skills of checking out a room on entry, he hadn't noticed Lya waiting off to one side for their return. Or mentally questioned why Opher was on his own in the group they were walking towards, and answered her warmly, "We will be glad to do so Lady Lya, and I am sorry we did not greet you when we came in." While silently wondering if the Nox's life energy could block other people's minds, rather than them actually blending in with the background of this City, because nothing in her appearance had changed, which meant they should have noticed her as they entered, but they hadn't. And pondered, if Lya could feel his and Cassie's mind whispers she could explain them or if they just explained about them?

Smiling at the couple and giving them a nod of respect and acknowledgement, Lya immediately admitted. "Master Jon and Lady Cassandra, we did not wish you to do so, until you had decided where to go. Also, do not be afraid of the mind whispers you are feeling or hearing. These are natural and you can use them whenever you wish, also your deeper thoughts and feelings will always be your own. Whether you are touching your life-mate as now, or are separated from each other. The gentle mind pushes you both felt from me were to cover your natural sharp surprise at my verbal greeting. You can block these by your own mind nudge or push, and the giver will close the link immediately, if they do not, your own mental barrier will come down to stop the intrusion. You must learn to trust it. Before we leave Atlantis we will explain how to strengthen and use your mind link, or block it completely for all time. The decisions are yours."

Lya didn't need to be mind linked with them to understand their body language was of acceptance and curiosity, rather than utter dislike of the whole thing, so carried on with her gentle explanation hoping it would settle them. "Master Jon, the strength of your Ancient Gene and the experiences you have had on Atlantis in the mind room, as well as the mind link you both had with NightOwl has enabled this to happen, now rather than in the future. Lady Cassandra, your own ability to mind link has been passed on through your birth family. This comes to light and matures when life-mates are found, and enables them to link with each other, but not other members of the family or outsiders."

Seeing their look of surprise, Lya added gently. "Lady Cassandra, I believe your parents would have informed you of this ability just before your marriage ceremony, because it starts when you are joined with your life-mate, and grows stronger with each day and night you are together. It is a mind nudge to know if the other life-mate is safe or in need of help, rather than the detailed pictures of events or the thoughts the Nox families draw to communicate to each other or a group. Because of this you will be able to mind link without any harm, and with your permission we would like to find out if the link with NightOwl, now means you are able to link with others as well. Your joint abilities, will of course be given to your children and their children."

Seeing their embarrassment and feeling Cassandra flicker of distress, which she realized was picked up by Jon, Lya turned her attention to her and added gently. "Lady Cassandra if you wish we can mind link as I feel your distress, which is mirrored by Master Jon."

The couple looked at each other not needing mind link or spoken words to know their fears, seeing Cassie nod Jon explained quietly. "We are not sure if Cassie can or should have children, the Goa'uld Nittri experimented on her and others hopping to produce a supper host, so her DNA is different, but is in good health otherwise. Also we lack the medical experience find out if any children would be affected."

Lya gave a gentle nod and said softly. "Thank you for your honesty in this matter. Lady Cassandra, I noticed in the room with the Master Jack, you were physically linked with your life-mate rather than the Ancient Child, does this mean you have not touched the Ancient Child since he has been on Atlantis?"

Cassie gave a gentle sigh as she said. "The forcefield covered him, and we didn't want to take any healing powers from him in any case. I know he healed a friend of his earlier when he needed to do it. I want him to be his adult self and not injured because of me or our future hopes, Jon and I know Jack will go that extra mile for his friends and family."

With a slight smile and nod of agreement, Lya carried on. "I am glad you are both sensible regarding this matter and ask you not to distress yourself Lady Cassandra. I sense you are strong in body and believe you should have a quiet word with U Sang, once this is over. The feline family can not heal in the same way as Master Jack has been able to do so in the past, but U Sang can sense any aliment in your body and give good advice. This may mean you spend time in the newly opened healing rooms, now Atlantis has full power to utilize those facilities."

Seeing their surprise and nods of acceptance, Lya knew they needed other thoughts to let those settle and added gently. "Master Jack and Lady Samantha will also have a mind link with each other due to their experiences here, and all of this will be passed onto their children and their future families." At couple's slight grins at that information, she turned her attention to other matters by saying. "Master Jon, you will always have a connection with Master Jack, but it will be because you are your own person and you wish it. It will be a mind link that you can control rather than the link that endangered both your lives when you were his clone. Also, Elder Opher and I are glad you are conversing with Master Daniel with ease."

Letting all the implications and reassurances that they could talk later, drop into the back of his mind, Jon laughed remembering his short chat with Daniel, as they'd met where the refreshments were being handed out, and commented easily. "After seeing the amazing ritual and knowing what the team means to Jack, also the fact we want him back with us as our General, rather than an Ancient child, I think we both understand we can make things work in the future. The change in my appearance and the fact I will be here on Atlantis rather than on Earth will help Daniel find his own space. Also, both of us have new futures to come to terms with and enjoy, so we can look forward rather than back on the darker period before today. We will communicate with each other and I'm sure we will take a trip or two on their new spacecraft. Possibly find one of our own on Atlantis now new towers are waking up."

Remembering Vala's excitement he smiled as he added. "Vala can't wait to see their craft, and though nervous about settling down on earth, she wants it, especially as she now knows she is valued and among friends at Stargate Command. I've no doubt they will use the craft to visit Teal'c on Chulak for or after the birthing ceremony. Though that will depend how fast it can travel as Jack didn't say the size of the craft, and I doubt it will be as large as Thor's was."

Feeling the truth in his comments, as well as the sadness at the loss of Thor, because Jon had not lost all of Jack's memories of the Asgards, Lya nodded and said gently. "I believe it will be one of the travelling class, made for personal use rather than the battle craft SG1 and Thor used in the past." then with a slight smile and more upbeat tone she stated. "We look forward to the birthing on Chulak, and will be glad to assist in your visit there if you are unable to use the Gate of space travel on Earth, or Master Daniel's craft, as travelling from this City straight to Chulak through the Gate of Space travel is very unwise."

With the couple's silent smiles and nods of acceptance, and knowing she could not stop for questions, Lya immediately changed the subject by adding with true feeling. "I would like to thank both of you for your understanding regarding watching the ritual of life and giving of gifts, and not taking part in it. The gift of cake you both gave Master Jack in the mind link, showing your support for him is still with him, and will be for the rest of his life. I know it helped him, and as Master Jack would say in private, you and Lady Cassandra have been his rock while Lady Samantha has been here on this beautiful City. It is also true you have brought new life and understanding to him before this time, as well as the joy of seeing you grow close to each other."

Seeing their surprise turn to smiles of understanding, Lya added. "Master Jon, he also knew you would keep your life-mate safe as you answered his call for support, when he found he was the Ancient child trapped on the hilltop, and you would be able to make his needs known to the right people so he could be rescued."

Feeling her own love for her 'Uncle' Jack and remembering that very strange phone call, Cassie tucked in closer to Jon, while he smiled at the memories and admitted. "Jack was there for me at the beginning making sure I had a life, and though we went our own ways he shared his safe haven and insisted I could contact him when I needed, and he" and stopped mid thought and comment as he watched Sam, NightOwl and U Sang move.

Lya also stopped listening to the conversation, because a quick excited mind flash message cut into her thoughts. Registering what it was, she let Opher silently deal with it, while she mentally flashed a message on to U Sang, who was stretching on all fours to get the stiffness out of his legs and body.

As soon as U Sang received and understood it, he nodded his telepathic purring approval back to Lya, while mind linking the message on through to Sam and NightOwl, who was now perched on Sam's arm instead of on her shoulder. Sam glanced across at Lya with a slight smile and nod to say she'd received and understood it, and they would get on with their plans. With that done, the three silently left the Gate room without looking back or acknowledging any one else.

Realising it had taken a moment or two Lya turned her attention back to Jon with a smile, and trying to keep her excitement out of her voice she apologised. "Lady Cassandra and Master Jon forgive my lack of attention just now. As you can see Samantha, U Sang and NightOwl are leaving to use the facilities. Also U Sang and NightOwl can feed in their feline and dragon form in private, an officer has left them raw meat for their body energy in a special place nearby. They will return after the Gate of space travel has opened but, before Master Jack returns and I will inform them of this action by mind link. Samantha will return as soon as she can and take food if she wishes, then we will carry out our final plan to receive Master Jack. They already know what is needed through U Sang's mind link with myself and Opher."

Then with her excitement finally gently bubbling out in her voice and expression, she carried on. "I am also pleased to inform you, through our link with the Nox family, who are watching over Midway, an energy signature of a butterfly has been spotted there merging with the station. They do not have visual contact as this would be intruding, but I believe Master Jack is making sure that his family from Earth and Space, who travel to Midway in the future will share the gifts he has received. This act will not harm him and may mean he will be returning to us soon. So I believe we should join the others by the computer link with the Gate of Space travel, and make sure we are ready for his arrival." then turning very serious as she added. "Master Jon and Lady Cassandra, we will need your strong connection of family with Master Jack to help him on his return through the Gate of space travel, what ever happens."

Thinking everything over Jon and Cassie started to follow Lya, with Jon, as he understood the significance of the earlier grouping, commenting quietly with awe. "NightOwl let Sam see Jack's flight so she has something to hold onto should the worst happen."

At which Cassie couldn't stop her own gentle fearful exclamation. "Jon don't!"

Knowing she had to clarify certain things before they faced the next part and meet up with the others, Lya spoke firmly but gently. "It was Master Jack's request that Samantha flew his flight so they can share those memories, and will keep them for the rest of their lives. It pains me to admit there are several outcomes from now on, and we must be ready for them all."

Reaching the group waiting for them, Lya greeted them calmly. "Masters McKay, Woolsey and Officer of the Watch. Elder Master Opher and I wish to explain our next move." as the group turned their attention to her, and Opher silently nodded his agreement, Lya smiled and addressed the final Officer in the group with true respect friendship in her voice. "Master John Shepard if you do not mind, I wish refer to you as Colonel Shepard to make it clear I am addressing you and not Master Jon, as your given names sound the same."

John and Jon smiled knowing that complication needed addressing anyway, and Colonel Shepard answered easily. "Lady Lya it is common and the right practice to address someone by their rank and surname, in friendship and in the workplace, and thank you for asking." Looking across the room he added. "I believe Master Daniel's group are coming over to join us, should we ask via their escort for Masters Anteaus and Nafrayu to return to us?"

Jon, who'd ended up standing next to John Shepard, knew he should have realized they were not in the room and would have to brush up on his observations skills, or accept it was just a Nox thing not to be noticed, then asked quietly. "Where are they?"

With a warm smile that showed in his eyes, giving him a look of mischief that Jon recognised through Jack's memories of the Nox family, Opher answered seriously. "Master Jon and Lady Cassandra welcome. Young Nafrayu was getting too excited so Colonel Shepard suggested they should tour the lower parts of the City. Lya is asking them to return using her mind link. They know what is required and will return, hopefully calmer than they left. Anteaus was also full of curiosity though he does not show it as much as Nafrayu.

Giving a slight pause to show change of subject, Opher continued. "Master McKay has been explaining when he set up linking the Gates of space travel to Midway and then onto Earth, they will automatically ping to the next one along before the link actually happens, that way the computer will tell us in advance when this Gate will open. And of course, it will act as an early warning should a Gate be unable to open. I wish to reassure you if this happens we will take the appropriate action to make sure Master Jack is safe." he finished with a little nod of appreciation.

Seeing Mckay start to bluster at the short version of his explanation and Colonel Shepard's smile, Jon guessed Rodney had gone on a bit, and forgotten or ignored the fact the Nox were way ahead of our own technology, also Opher had let him do it.

Then Jon got distracted and felt his nerves step up a gear as Daniel's group silently joined them and Lya's immediate happy if formal greeting. "Ladies Teyla and Vala; Masters Ronon, Daniel and Teal'c ... welcome. Elder Opher and I would like to explain what we must do when the Gate of space travel is activated. We have had news from the family looking after Midway that an energy butterfly has merged with Midway, that is good news. We hope Master Jack will join us soon as his adult self and the Ancient child has returned to the Ancient Gene within him."

With a slight nod, her attitude and tone turned very serious as she warned them. "It is also possible the Ancient child will not return to the Ancient Gene form as before, and they will appear as two shadow forms of adult and child. Or one is solid and complete and the other is in shadow form, either half solid or all energy, child or adult. If so we will need to act quickly and return them to the special mind room. Then, we will assemble the other Nox families to complete the melding of the two, in another but longer ritual. Atlantis will be able to sustain life, and NightOwl and U Sang have assured me they can mind link with Master Jack for as long as necessary, so he does not feel alone during this time. Unfortunately, Lady Samantha will be unable to mind link with him as there is a danger she would be unable to return to her own mind."

With a nod of understanding Lya listened to their gasps as they were reminded things could go horribly wrong, and they all heard John Shepard's quiet questioning statement "So the Gate will not keep him?" as he remembered that possibility.

Feeling his deep anxiety rather than hearing it in his tone, and remembering she needed to use his rank rather than Master John, Lya smiled reassuringly, then answered in a roundabout manner to settle his fears. "Colonel Shepard, I know like Masters Jack and Jon, you feel the Gate of space travel and this beautiful City, more deeply than others who have the Ancient Gene and live here. Please remember we programmed it to bring Master Jack here to the Gate room, and being a computer though it collects thoughts and feelings, it will answer and obey those commands.

You and his family will ground Master Jack as he steps from the Gate of space travel and regains his form. My Nox family, U Sang and NightOwl have the energy and forcefields to transport him safely to the right room within a minute in your time scale. There he will then lie in the special bed linked to the mind room under the life giving forcefield, as he did before. If there is one, his shadow form will be with him or in the room next to him, depending on their needs."

Pausing for a moment Lya decided she had to voice the other possibility so the group as a whole would understand, then gently but firmly stated. "Ladies and Masters. If for some reason he dies as he comes through the Gate of space travel, my Nox family here will immediately perform the life saving ritual, and the others will return if needed. I request that you all leave the landing area with Lady Samantha, and give her the family support she will need as she will be unable to join in the ritual, as we can not risk her life as well. I do not believe this will happen, because Master Jack's need to return to us alive is very strong. But you need to know we are ready for it, so it does not pray on your minds as we wait for and greet his return."

Before they could react to that shocking idea with questions or gasps of disbelief, Lya added firmly but gently. "Colonel Shepard, because the City has full energy, and what Master Rodney refers to as memory files were accessed during the ritual, you will always feel the whispersof thisCity's past family life and the gathering of information, as you mind link instructions to it, and any of the spacecraft built by the Ancients. As you know the past is always moving as you move into the future, and your feelings and information are being added to those whispers, it is understandable they will become more personal in the future, so you will feel at one with the City. Master Jon, in his own right, will feel the same as his stay here progresses, it is important to both of you, that you always remember, this City is a machine, not a free thinking person, so it can not act independently as we do. It will need your correctly worded instructions and information through thought or voice and machine at all times. That also applies to any of the Atlantis family under your care."

Instinctively knowing they both understood the important point she was making, Lya continued with a smile and in a serious but lighter tone as she admitted. "When we opened our travelling gate to yours, we linked them so we can contact each other if the need arises in the future. Now, I would like to give you our communication twigs so you have an independent way of contacting us, and our families with you. We have given some to those on Midway, and those returning to Earth."

Managing to keep up with everything and her reasoning, John Shepard nodded then added. "Thank you for your thoughts and care, and are honoured to have the extra contact with the Nox families now and in the future." As neither Lya or Opher were carrying bags John guessed something would be transported in, so looking over at the security guards, who'd kept in the background but stayed alert, ordered. "Guards. Stand down."

They did so, but still stayed alert.

Immediately passing on the telepathic order to those on their flying city, Lya smiled at the Colonel's astuteness and took a couple of steps away from the group. Looking across the landing area she raised her hands above her head, clapped them together twice, before lowering them to her sides again and silently waited.

Seconds later, and without any warning, a brown and green energy rope uncoiled from the ceiling of the Gate room. As soon as the free end touched the floor in the middle of the landing area, a small brown wooden box, about three inches in every direction, appeared then slowly travelled down it. Immediately the box silently and gently landed, the energy rope vanished completely rather than coiling back up into the ceiling.

While the onlookers were silently looking at box and working how all that happened, their attention was suddenly drawn to the archway leading into the lower part of the City. By the happy bouncy call of "Elder Opher and Lady Lya! I'll get them!" as Nafryau ran into view. Instead of stopping or slowing at the bottom of the few steps onto the landing area, he gathered speed up them and aimed for the box, while Anteaus and their escort followed at a quick walking pace and smiles. Watching them Lya and Opher both silently nodded ... mentally agreeing and accepting, to stop Nafryau was a battle no one was going to win.

As Anteaus and escort joined the group, everyone watched Nafryau with smooth easy movements, come to an abrupt halt and pick the box up without tumbling over. Then holding the box in two hands out in front of him, he confidently and carefully, while grinning with happiness and pride, turned and walked with bouncy strides over to Lya. Nafryau did not fear any reprimand, he loved this City and everything that was happening. Also happily reasoned as it was his observations that started this trip and there was so much gained from it. Everyone would stop thinking of him as a child, who needed teaching everything their thousands of years of adulthood had taught them, and would start seeing him as a young adult who could do more than a mere child he was in birth terms.

Watching the box being carefully handed over to Lya, Opher sighed with love and tolerance of the many battles lost and won with the child, and those to come before Nafryau's true adulthood was reached. Then, silently suggesting to Lya where help might come from for now, and getting her agreement back, Opher glanced across the group beside him and said. "I believe it would be of great value if young Nafryau stands beside Master Teal'c, and as he does so, he remembers the wise words spoken before and during the ritual, while we continue to wait for Master Jack's return." and got a serious nod of understanding and agreement back from Teal'c.

If those words were meant to make Nafryau calm down ... they failed.

Because having made sure Lya had the box, Nafryau grinned, checked to see where Teal'c was and immediately scampered over to him, calling out a very happy. "Thank you Elder Opher! Thank you!"

That brought smiles from everyone, and Opher's shake of his head, with his quick mental exclamation 'So like his mother when she was young!' which got the immediate soft light mental comment back, "Elder Opher! That does not help." from Lya, as she seamlessly added verbally to everyone in the group. "I believe we should move on." and covered her own smile as she tuned out the flash memories Opher was sending her, showing her somewhat rebellious nature through her life so far.

To emphasize she was serious to all concerned, Lya immediately opened the box and showed the group, with Opher's help, the communication twigs and how to use them. Feeling Rodney's natural curiosity to dig deeper and play with gadgets, Lya added the gentle warning at the end."Master Rodney, if left alone they will run for many thousands of years without need of repair or new power. If tampered with they will immediately die and will not be replaced."

Seeing his reaction of 'I wouldn't dream it of touching them,'and knowing everyone else was warned, Lya turned her attention to the others, and while closing the box ready to hand it over said. "Masters Daniel and Teal'c, and Lady Vala, I will leave yours in the box for now. Colonel Shepard and Master Woolsey as future leaders of this City I leave the rest in your care for distribution to the families here as required."

Feeling the ripple of surprise running through the group, she added gently. "That was one of Master Jack's wishes he passed on to me for his earth and space families, when he was in the mind room and close to being pure mind energy. I apologise if he has not had the chance to pass on these wishes. I see he is right, you work well together and can feel this City will be in good hands for the future."

Knowing Jack's ideas had not been officially approved yet, Richard Woolsey answered quietly but firmly. "Lady Lya, General O'Neill could not voice those plans for the future to Colonels Shepard and Carter-O'Neill in advance, because of his work for the President and the need to know both Earth and his Earth families there and here were safe. Once he has recovered from this ordeal he will consult with those concerned and get the official decision."

"That is wise, and I leave this box in your care." Lya said with a slight nod, and handing it over to Richard fell silent as she had a mind flash.

Having the same one, Opher and Lya turned as one towards the computer station, while Lya announced. "The first Gate of space travel has opened to join with the second one, the alert Master Rodney informed us would happen has reached the third Gate. Master of the Watch please inform us when the alert arrives here. While we wait I will explain how we should receive Master Jack." Then looking back to the entrance archway she called across in greeting, as tension among the group started to grow again. "Lady Samantha, do you wish to eat while we form our special groups? I have warned U Sang the first Gate has linked with the second so the first stage of the journey has begun."

Feeling tension rippling through her again on entering the Gate room, Sam continued walking towards the group accepting their silent nods of greetings and answered. "Thank you Lady Lya I've already eaten." falling back on their agreed titles now they were in a more formal setting, and slowed her walk so they would meet up going to the landing area.

Sending Sam a mental wave of reassurance and strength Lya nodded, then so Sam would not hear or realise she was being discussed, explained quickly and quietly. "Lady Vala, Masters Daniel, Cameron and Teal'c, I would like you to be on the second row, so you can support and lead Lady Samantha away from the landing area should the need arise." then in her normal tone and looking at the youngster added. "Nafryau, you will be on the end of the row by Master Teal'c ready to give energy support if necessary. So full concentration will be needed. Anteaus, you will be on the other end with Lady Teyla and Master Ronon as members of the Atlantis family Master Jack has worked with in the past and respects."

Then starting to slowly walk towards Sam and the landing area Lya added. "Colonel Shepard, as you have strong links to the Gate of space travel and in command of Atlantis for the moment. I ask that you stay with Master Officer of the Watch, Master Woolsey and Master Rodney, so you can deal with any communication that arrives from Earth via your Ships of space travel, or the computer of this City, or your families here who may need your assistance. The rest of us will form the two half circle lines of welcome in front of the Gate of space travel. On the first row with myself and Elder Opher at either end, Master Jon, U Sang, Lady Samantha, NightOwl and Lady Cassandra will be between us. No one will need not say anything, it is your strength and calmness as well as your pleasure at his return that is required."

With that the groups split up talking quietly about what was to come, while Daniel silently pondered about where Sam had come from, and considering who she'd walked out with couldn't help asking quietly. "You didn't eat with U Sang and NightOwl did you?"

Getting the flash memory of where she had been and feeling her tensions instantly disappear, Sam answered with a true smile of pleasure. "No Daniel, I had sandwiches and cake by the entrance archway where Jack and NightOwl flew in from the outside. U Sang and NightOwl needed privacy to enjoy their meal."

Looking at her and quickly connecting everything together, Daniel exclaimed with a mixture of awe, excitement and fascination it could be done. "That's what you were doing on the steps with them! You flew with Jack!"

With a nod and noting Teal'c very quiet "Indeed." which meant he'd already worked it out, Sam smiled and with true pleasure said. "Yes, Jack's gift to me so we could share it, and now we will..."

The rest of the comment was stopped by the Officer of the Watch's announcing calmly.

"Colonel. Ma'am. The connection ping has just arrived at this Stargate, proper connection will be in a few minutes.

This made Colonel Shepard's group quicken their pace to arrive at the computer and confirm the information with a nod, while the other group stopped and silently waited for the actual connection to occur.

Though it seemed longer than usual, it wasn't, and the blue lights on the Stargate started to go through the connecting process, ending with the plume of energy bursting out from the centre before being pulled back in and form the familiar puddle of energy filled the centre.

Sam watched all this feeling the kick of expectation, mix with the natural worry of what might happen and what she desperately wanted, needed to happen … Jack walk out back to his normal self. And felt her worries calm a bit as she heard in her mind U Sang's gentle purring answer to Lya's alert of what was happening. "Thank you Lya we will be ready. Lady Samantha please make your welcoming line so we can join you. NightOwl wishes to be in her pure white dragon form so Master Jack will recognise her, and she will be protected from the Gate's energy. I will remain as I am and on all fours, in honour and to give Master Jack true respect of all my families on our home dragon planet, when we meet him as his true self."

Sam couldn't help smiling, his reply had the tone of excitement with the edge that told her, NightOwl had been fussing over him to make sure he got everything right. Starting to walk towards the Gate to get in place, she couldn't help wondering if the energy in the middle would remain the proper colour or go multi-coloured as it had when Jack as the Ancient child was in it. Feeling Daniel and Teal'c silently beside her as the group followed Lya and Opher to a safe distance in front of the Gate, her heart flipped with the mixture of worry and anticipation as they all heard the clear announcement from the Gate's speakers.

"Atlantis City, this is Colonel Louis Ferretti at Midway. General O'Neill is ready to return. Can you confirm it is clear to do so."

Sam immediately glanced over at Lya, who nodded 'it was alright', so she turned her attention to the Officer of the Watch and the group with him and calmly ordered. "Colonel Shepard, confirm it is clear for General O'Neill to return to Atlantis, and thank them for their help and have a safe journey home." and took a breath to steady herself, knowing there would be half an hour to wait before Jack walked out, and it would feel like a life time.

"Yes Ma'am" John Shepard confirmed, before turning his attention to connecting with Gate mentally and through the computer. Keying it in and feeling the whispers in his mind he then calmly answered the request. "This Colonel John Shepard of Atlantis City. I confirm we are ready and waiting for the General's return. Thank you for your help. Have a safe journey home."

There was silence in the Gate room as they waited for acknowledgement that the General would be coming through, so the minutes seemed like ages.

Then it came, Colonel Lou Ferritti's calm clear announcement. "General Jack O'Neill is stepping through now." that reassured the listeners, Sam in particular, that there was nothing to panic about. Jack was entering the Gate under his own power, they were not having to help him in any way.

Knowing they had time, the group quietly with the natural words of reassurances and or questions to one another went about the business of actually getting in two lines in front of the Gate, and leaving enough room for NightOwl and U Sang to come and join them. Of course, the quietness was broken by Nafryau cheerfully asking many questions and Teal'c's patience in answering them, which made the listeners smile. Especially Nafryau's excited whine as they finally got in line ... 'that he was smaller than Elder Opher so wouldn't be able to see what was going on, and would not be able to assist if necessary.'

Everyone realized the child did have a point, and it wouldn't be right to find a chair for him to stand on, as no one wanted him to fall off in excitement or getting down too quickly if his help was needed. Nor could he sit on Teal'c's broad safe shoulders, as Nafryau suggested with a smile of hopeful pleasure of being able to see everything from up there. Hiding their grins at that suggestion, Lya and Opher knew they needed to be on the front row because they would have enough life energy to react instantly should the worse happen. But they didn't want Nafryau with them, his excitement would distract them, and was the reason for him going by Teal'c on the second row. They took time mulling it over and in the end decided the back row should spread out. They didn't need to be touching each other as they had in the ritual, so it could be longer than the front row, and both Anteaus and Nafryau at each end would have a clear view and space in front of them.

Getting into place and making sure he could see round Elder Opher, and had free space in front of him, Nafryau took a long breath in then let it out slowly. As Master Teal'c had just reminded him to do, and remembered the verbal and mental warning issued by Lya before she walked over to her place in the front row. 'If he misbehaved, Master Teal'c would pick him up and take him out the Gate room so he would not see anything or be of help to anyone.' And from the grave look and nod Master Teal'c given afterwards, he knew it would be carried out regardless of the energy he would use to resist. So just to make sure ... he would be calm ... he took another deep breath and let it out slowly. Then as his acute hearing picked up a hint of movement from behind them, he like Teal'c beside him, turned to look towards the archway into the Gate room … and let out a gasp, feeling excitement and wonder rush through him as he watched what was happening, and knew he had to control his excitement. He was not alone in being distracted or in what he did, because as soon as Lya and Opher turned to look towards the entrance archway so everyone else followed suit, and let out gasps as well.

Their entrance was a breath taking sight ... U Sang in his true panther form and size, his coat black with shades of purple stripes was glossy with energy, having had his meal while basking in the sunlight to gather both forms of energy. Holding his head high as he proudly watched them all, while silently smoothly moving with slow loping strides. While immediately above him, NightOwl flew silently in her tawny feathered owl form, for ease of flying in the corridors and hint of white for energy protection. As her dark brown eyes scanned the area she spotted Sam, and letting out a gentle haunting hoot of greeting to everyone, she opened her mind to the three she needed to mind link to. Getting their instant mental acceptances, she flashed the message 'she would change to dragon form as soon as U Sang was in place'. Then instantly answered U Sang's private mind flash tease of 'No tumbling this time.' with a mental flash of when he had pounced and missed his easy prey and landed in the river and a verbal hooting huff, which made the onlookers smile as it was such a haunting sound.

Accepting her verbal huff with a mental purr, U Sang immediately gave his verbal purring greeting, which came through his translator as, "Greetings Ladies and Masters from myself and NightOwl. I sense Master Jack has entered the last Gate." as they made their way to the first row knowing he would be on Samantha's left and NightOwl on her right.

Arriving in front of Sam, U Sang faced her, gave a slight bow of his head in acknowledgement, which she returned with a smile of acceptance. Then he walked into the space beside her and round the back of her so he was facing the Gate and on her correct side. While doing this, he gently brushed against her legs and with his own private gentle reassuring purr strengthened their mind link. Though staying on all fours so he could move easily and instantly should the need arise, he settled his stance ready to watch NightOwl's display, knowing her change into dragon form could be done in a blink of an eye with no fuss at all. But she did like an audience and had a point to prove to some of those who were watching.

Knowing her true grace is in the air in either form, NightOwl silently hovered to one side of the landing area, away from the pull of the wormhole energy and watched U Sang, as a true owl or dragon does when hunting or watching prey. This time though she was doing it with the love of a proud mentor watching her pupil excel at what she taught him - to cope and deal with the unexpected. Seeing him settle in position, NightOwl gave a gentle hoot of 'notice' to Samantha and everyone else, before gracefully flying high avoiding the full strength of the energy pull. As she flew all her feathers turned pure white and passing what she'd heard the human's call the twelve o'clock point on the Gate's rim, she gave an extra beat of her wings. Took a deep breath and flipped into a controlled sideways spin coming out of it as her much larger pure white, green eyed feathered Dragon form Jack would recognize, and seamlessly with longer beats of her larger wings carried on flying to the other side of the Gate. As soon as she was clear, she circled in front of the archway into the lower level, to show off her new wings and body then knowing it was safe to do so, she flew to and landed in front of Samantha. Feeling the tingle of the Gate's energy, but totally protected NightOwl glanced at the watchers, noting their expressions of appreciation, and knew she'd erased her earlier undignified tumbling from the minds of those who'd witnessed it. Then with a majestic bow of her head she gave a low toned dragon grumbling greeting to them all.

Seeing Samantha's smile and feeling her mental friendly chuckle, NightOwl gave a slight grumbling sigh of apology to her, knowing if she was owl size she could hop into place and turn without any fuss. But now she was dragon size with a tail to get in the way, backing in to face forward beside Samantha would be way too undignified. With a blink of her green eyes and opening her mental link NightOwl asked. "Lady Samantha, please make room so I can turn without hurting anyone."

As Sam nodded and quietly passed on the warning, NightOwl started her rather ungainly waddle walk forward. With a smile Jon moved sideways to give her room, while Teyla and Ronon were already making sure they were clear of NightOwl's tail. While doing this NightOwl gently brushed against Sam passing on reassurances and strengthening their mental link. Then with a gentle shake of her feathers she settled into place.

While second row were jostling back into line, leaving a gap where NightOwl and U Sang were to make sure no one accidentality stood on tails, and in the case of NightOwl so they could see what was going on, as she block their view now she was dragon size. They went with the idea of staggered advantage points, which meant the Nox at the end definitely had a clear view. Sam smiled at U Sang's gentle purring mental "Show off." and NightOwl's instant mental huffy reply "You told me not to tumble so I flipped. To do it with dragon fire would be dangerous and showing off." then instantly felt and heard U Sang's quiet grumbling purr, which Sam knew was a laugh. The banter and trust between the pair reminded her of Daniel and Jack in the good days of being together, and sighed at that loss. To which NightOwl and U Sang instantly gave more reassurances that they were there for her and her family.

Then everyone's tension and anticipation went up another level as they started to spot fine ripples of silver and purple coming from the centre of the energy puddle and spreading outwards towards the rim. As the ripples got stronger and thicker, but not mixing in with the energy puddle's normal colour the group's muttering grew louder.

Feeling the tensions and Samantha's mental concern in particular, U Sang immediately purred through his translator, so everyone understood him. "Ladies and Masters, do not be alarmed. It is the protective forcefield given to Master Jack, by myself and the Gate of Atlantis for this trip of coming together of his adult and ancient child self. I feel calmness within so believe all will be well. But we are ready should he need our assistance." as he could not easily glance at them, he added. "Lady Lya and Elder Opher of the Nox family?"

As Lya and Opher nodded while sending their mental agreement to him, U Sang mentally and verbally added gently but firmly. "Lady Samantha, I ask you to remain with your Earth family should we need to attend Master Jack in any way."

Deep down Sam knew she had to do as she was told, but could feel her deeper need to be with Jack threaten to take over and demand she join them no matter what, and heard the gentle mental hooting of NightOwl's reassuring words, "I too feel goodness within, not hurt of any kind, certainly not death. I will be with him as soon as he appears. Do not fear, he will not leave us now he has come this far. You are the one he will always return to and for Samantha."

Feeling so many emotions Sam nodded her acceptance, while mentally confirming she would leave the area but not the Gate room, and threw a heartfelt 'thank you' to them and the Nox family, knowing they could mentally hear her. Then she immediately turned her attention back to the rather odd, possibly pretty looking energy puddle in the Stargate.

While watching the ripples of silver and shades of purple Sam started wondering whether Jack's energy gifts of colours and patterns would join in. Were they still there or had they already been made part of him? Would the forcefields protect him or hinder him gathering what he needed? Most of all, how did U Sang and the Gate know he would need a forcefield? While the other part of her mind she knew deep down, though it felt like a life time waiting, it was really the normal travelling time and everyone else would be questioning and hoping, so she was not alone.

Feeling as though something was reading her mind she spotted the ripples change shape, could feel U Sang and NightOwl tingle with excitement and anticipation, and heard Lya's gentle but clear announcement "Be ready family", and sharpened her attention knowing a person was ready to walk out of the wormhole.

Instantly holding her breath, feeling the fear and love flood through her, Sam watched intensely as a foot, then leg, then torso, hands, arms and head appeared as Jack walked out of the Stargate's wormhole. ... The complete General Jack O'Neill, wearing the BDUs with the General badge above the top pocket … the man she knew and loved was there in front of them. … And started to breathe again.

As her racing mind acknowledged it was second nature to make their last thoughts when entering the Gate 'to be ready and alert whether meeting friend or foe, so the shiver of coming back to true form was not a hindrance or noticeable to anyone watching on the other side', Sam knew Jack would have done the same. Only this time he was looking a little sleepy, as if he'd just woken up and was wondering where he was. Then she smiled noticing he wasn't quite the same, and immediately got distracted by NightOwl's gentle dragon grumbling greeting, that would be translated in the mind link to Jack and hoped he would remember NightOwl's earlier connection and not be confused by it, while wishing she could listen in but knew she couldn't because NightOwl would block her out.

NightOwl's mental words had her gentle hooting around them, so they weren't startling to his mind, and would trigger memories as well as compact more information into a short space of time. "Master Jack, it is NightOwl from our flight together and time in the dreaming room. See, Samantha your life-mate and friends are here to welcome you back to Atlantis, from the space station of Midway. Please carry on walking forward to greet them."

But after he started to carry on walking and then hesitated she changed her mental hooting to draw his full attention to her next words, because through their link she understood his confusion as he stopped suddenly realizing he was totally alone.

As Samantha and the others could only hear NightOwl's gentle dragon grumbles, and after seeing Jack start to walk towards them saw him suddenly stop, and look down to one side as though something there had caught his attention. She realized whatever it was had to be short and felt a stab of fear flash through her, thinking it could be a shadow of the Ancient child as they couldn't see it or hear it. Then, an even greater fear took hold as she watched Jack look back towards the energy puddle, that had gone back to the normal colour as soon as he had walked out onto the landing area. Was he expecting the child follow him?

And gasped in a breath seeing him start to turn to back towards the wormhole, knowing she was helpless to stop him, to yell at him would startle him, could make him fall or jump either way. She was too far away to run and knock him out the way and knew she had to trust NightOwl, she was in his mind and would know what to do, and realized there was a change in NightOwl dragon grumbles. Feeling the light brush from U Sang against her side that made her breathe properly again, her anxiety settled but didn't go away.

With NightOwl's softly hooted greeting in his foggy mind, Jack recognised her, trusted her while still feeling his body come back to form. As he started to walk towards Sam flashes of memories came and went, the flight on NightOwl, who he'd sort shelter in when the darkness came for him, and was now in front of him. So 'it' was real. ... Then the vivid memory of stepping into the Gate at Midway with the Ancient child holding his hand. Knew they had to do it together and come out together. But, he was not there! He was not holding his hand! He had lost him! … Knowing he didn't leave anyone behind unless it was really unavoidable, certainly not the child. Jack started to turn back towards the open wormhole to get him, forgetting how fateful that would be.

NightOwl's change of tone and call cut through Jack's foggy mind, and recognising it as one of a mother trying to stop her young child from running into to danger, while trying not show own her fear in case it made things worse. He hesitated, then stopped and listened to her hooty words. Feeling the love in them brought to the front of his mind their unique connection forged in the dreaming room. "Master Jack do not walk into the Gate of space travel. The Ancient child you seek is now within you as he should be and always will be. Please turn back to us. Feel and hear your life-mate's love and our need for you to return to us." And NightOwl immediately linked Jack's mind with Samantha's saying to her as she did so. "Samantha, call him silently with love, as you would when he returns home to you, and not with the fear you feel now."

Feeling the mind link connect as well as the trust she had in NightOwl, Sam immediately smothered her fear with the thought of the time they'd spent at the cabin, then with her true love for him coming through silently called. "Jack." They'd never bothered with wordy greetings as an embrace quickly followed, then added. "Welcome to back Atlantis." hoping it would ground him, and thought she seen a flash of silver cross the blue energy puddle, but was never sure because of everything else that was going on at the same time, and then associated the flash with what happened later.

While watching the danger unfold Jon O'Neill heard/felt the mental whispers of Atlantis call out to disconnect the Stargate to make our brother safe, and knew Colonel Shepard had the same message. Without thinking about it Jon immediately turned and glancing over at the computer area, saw John Shepard looking at him, and mentally threw out the order "Do it!" that carried the full weight of the General he had been the clone of in it.

At the same time computer screen linked to the Gate started flashing 'Danger' catching the Officer of the Watch and Richard Woolsey's attention, so they both started to react, but were beaten to it by Colonel Shepard's mental and calm vocal command. "Close the Gate!" While hitting the right keys on the computer, and remembering Lya's words that instructions had to be given correctly and not assumed. Watching the Gate shut down and the energy puddle disappear without harming the General, who was standing like a statue in front of it, Colonel Shepard knew the danger was over. But was sure he and Jon had heard the plea from Atlantis, it was not just their instinctive reaction to seeing the danger. Jon had thrown that order mentally to him with the added mind whisper he could feel now … they would keep it to themselves, discuss it in private … and gave a mental agreement back.

There was total silence as everyone took stock of what had happened in those short moments of time, and Lya and Anteaus mentally dismantled the energy shield they had been building up to cover the Gate's wormhole if NightOwl had not succeed in stopping Jack in time. While acknowledging Opher's mental comment. "I am glad you did not use it for the harm it would've caused."

Lya quickly and silently answered. "It would not have been fatal to us Opher, and we are here to protect Master Jack regardless of the pain. NightOwl and U Sang knew this and we accepted it. I'm glad she is successful and hope he will face us soon."

"All that is very true Lya." U Sang purred reassuringly through the mind link he had with them, that was not connected to NightOwl, because they knew she needed her total concentration to be with Jack in whatever form or forms he walked out the Gate in.

After a moment the watchers started to relax as General O'Neill turned round to face them properly, and then smiles started to cross their faces because they could see what Sam had spotted as soon as she'd seen him exit the wormhole, and silently waited for their commanding Officer and friend to greet them in his own time. Rather than immediately jumping up and down in their relief and glee at seeing him.

oxoxo

Feeling and seeing the Gate shut down in front of him, Jack stayed perfectly still for a moment trying to take stock of the situation, get hold of the bitty fleeting memories, while knowing he always had Sam's voice in his head when he needed her, regardless of where she actually was, so was not startled at hearing/feeling her call. But there was that gentle hooty voice as well, which made him listen and tugged on memories and didn't feel strange or wrong. Remembering her hooty words he tentatively mentally checked. "Was I that child?" And found that didn't feel wrong either, in fact none of this felt wrong, just plain comfortably odd and waited for her answer, knowing he trusted her completely.

"Yes Master Jack, and now you and the child are one because you have been given the strength to grow to your adult self. You were given energy gifts by the Nox and your earth families so it could happen, and by travelling through the Gate of space travel you are melding together. I am real not just in the dream where we chatted together. Our mind link is just between the two of us, and Samantha's will join you again any time you or she wishes, and may you block it if you need to do so. That fact will stay for the rest of your lives, also the ability to mind link will be passed on through future generations. Things will become clearer when you turn around and join us, and you let the flashes in your mind come and settle." NightOwl answered gently in her hooty voice, then added. "If you wish I will leave your mind."

"Might be wise NightOwl, things are a bit choppy in here, but don't go too far away I might need you again." Jack ended with a sigh. He hated confusion, and he was definitely confused having an owl's voice in his head, and hazy memories of crouching under bushes and loud frightening explosions all around him then the relief of seeing Teal'c move the branches out the way to get him. And suddenly found the memory of Sam's call coming through the fog and caught it, knowing she was nearby and he needed to see her. So he slowly started to turn round to face who ever else was with her, hoping it was not everyone on Atlantis, and getting another amazing memory flash, stopped and mentally exclaimed in joy of the experience. "I flew on a feathered dragon's back, before I went to Midway! … On you! And you were big and safe!" sounding more like the child instead of the adult he was now.

With a gentle hooty laugh of delight, that came out as a dragon grumble of delight to those watching and silently waiting, NightOwl mentally agreed. "Yes Master Jack, and we both enjoyed it. I also did as you asked, and let Samantha your life-mate live that ride while we waited for you to return. You let your sleeping child keep that memory as well." then seeing Jack finish his turn to face them all, she added gently. "Take your time and anchor your mind on your friends and life-mate. Just call and I will link with you again, this is the only way we can talk easily." then nodded in acknowledgement of his simple mental "Thank you." Then feeling the respect he had for her, she gently toned down her link to sleep mode, so he would have control over it. Unless, of course there was a dire emergency, then she would step in again.

Facing the group in front of him, Jack took in the real live white feathered dragon watching him, saw how big she was and understood how as a child he'd felt she was a giant dragon and with true feeling for the support she'd given him, mentally said "Thank you." and felt their mind link gently tone down and knew he could open it up again if he wished. Getting used to looking at everyone at eye level and not child level, he started to walk forward to greet them. Then stopped, answering the sudden need to leave a gap between them while letting the memory flashes join up and settle into the background, and focused on the one person who meant everything to him, and mentally answered her earlier call. "Sam?"

Sam's smile brightened as she mentally answered. "Yes, I'm here, you are safe and so is earth." then asked. "Do you remember the waterfall and our plans for the future?"

Another huge chunk of memory fell into place and felt solid, so he said out loud to her. "Yes and we must talk about them before we go back to Earth." Knowing she was safe had ticked a box, anchored his mind and body together, and with a slight smile wondered if he'd really been that boy with those amazing powers. Then registered U Sang was the other side of Sam, and couldn't stop his quiet exclamation. "You're real! Not just a dream then." as the right memories flashed through his mind and settled into place.

With a bow U Sang's purring answer came through his translator, rather than opening a mind link to Jack. "I am real Master Jack, and it was an honour to keep you company in the room of dreams. I am U Sang of the Dragon planet and NightOwl's pupil and her translator, when she is not in a mind link. Your Atlantis family rescued us and in helping you we have found our historical friends the Nox, and you are helping us find a new home." And could feel through his unique abilities the ripples of mind and body safely stabilizing into one person.

As another chunk of memory fell into place Jack nodded and said. "General Landry should be dealing that information U Sang and I thank you for your help."

Feeling a slight shiver run through him Jack just nodded at Cassie and Opher, before being distracted by an excited Nafryau being gently restrained by Teal'c, and making Jack comment lightly. "You are getting good at that Teal'c." as the recent child memories of them together locked down into place, and then with a smile and true feeling he finished. "Thank you."

Resting his hand gently on Nafryau's shoulder knowing that was enough to calm the lad, and understanding his warrior friend and brother completely, Teal'c intoned with a slight nod. "It was an honour and a pleasure to be there for you Master Jack. I will make sure all children on Chulak up to a certain age, will enjoy that pleasure of being swung between their parents arms as they walk, or ride on their parents' shoulders."

With a soft chuckle, Jack conquered his emotions of those memories to comment back. "Everyone?"

Breaking into a rare full smile, Teal'c intoned. "Especially Master Bra'tac when his child is old enough. I will show him how with my son's children when I return to Chulak. We all look forward to seeing you at our children's birthings, and many times afterwards as you and Samantha will be their 'parents of advice' as they grow up."

Feeling and hearing Sam's gentle mental laughing in his mind, Jack automatically silently bantered back the command. "Captain behave!" and noted Daniel was grinning. In fact most of the watchers were smiling, sort of too much to just welcome him back. And suddenly fleetingly remembered how close they'd come to being a very large black hole of evil, due to his friend's actions or lack of actions, and turned his attention to him saying sternly. "Jackson! We will talk later."

Seeing his friend pale and turn serious, along with Vala's nudge in his ribs and slight grin, Jack felt more memories anchor in his mind, and letting his glance go from one to the other he commented. "Might be wise if you both stay with Stargate Command, work with their team as you settle into your new life and spaceship Yggdrasil."

Daniel coming out of his dread at Jack's stern greeting, latched on to what was being said and stuttered as his mind whizzed over the contents. "Viking mythology ... The evergreen Ash ... branches protecting the world … depending which book you read …. roots bind Asgard, Midgard and Niftlheim.."

With a slight smile at the way some things would never change, Jack butted in gently. "Yes Daniel. Think you know about all the versions, come back from both as well as contacting a few giants that your Uncle found."

Daniel's mind was still racing, but one thing stood out making him exclaim. "You! pronounced it properly and know the history of the name!"

With a chuckle Jack explained. "Yes Daniel. And, for some reason before he left us, Thor thought it was right for you and Vala. Just remember to keep it and your family safe as they are your responsibility." Then glancing at the person next to Daniel, he added. "And yours too Vala. No more wandering looking for a home, you have found it." seeing her nod and stay smiling, Jack carried on. "Right. There is a crew waiting for you so respect their knowledge Daniel, and listen to them." then nodded at Vala's even bigger smile and her nod of acknowledgement that she would behave.

Putting a brake on his racing mind, Daniel looked at his friend and remembering what these gifts meant, asked seriously. "Yours?"

"Mine got blown up. Sam's on the other hand is Hrafana, the Raven and it is at Apha site in case they need it. Now you can all forget that bit, because it is hers, and hers alone." and with a smile he glanced past NightOwl noting she halved the second row, because of her size and tail, and let his mind register who were on the far side, and let his mind settle again.

After a moment he noticed Cameron was trying hard to smoother a grin, and knew he'd have to find out what was going on behind him, after he got his mind back in gear. There had to be something going on, because they were all trying to smoother their smiles, and if it was the Gate playing up he'd deal with it in a moment. And, commented to the man he had allowed to lead SG1. "Thank you for looking after them and succeeding in all the missions. I know it was not easy."

Cam couldn't stop his smile and nod at that understatement, considering the way Daniel had been acting up, and remained silent to let the General continue.

Jack gave a slight nod, and knowing the respect they had for each other added. "The original agreement between us still stands. The next command is your choice whether it is on Earth, here on Atlantis, or even Alpha site. SG1 will be disbanded as soon as you return to earth because their job has finished, not because of any failure."

Knowing he could talk to the General and he would listen, Cam decided to do it now and asked. "The Waterfall site?"

Jack nodded, knowing Cam would be ideal for the job he had in mind, and would discussed it later. Then turned his attention to the two he only knew slightly, but respected and knew they represented his other family and addressed them. "Teyla and Ronon" then glancing over at the others at the computer station added. "Colonel Shepard, even you Rodney." which made the group smile as they knew Rodney's feeling about Jack, as he carried on. "Have done a good job. Thank you." and knew he would voice his plans later.

Acknowledging Anteaus and Lya with just a nod, knowing they understood he was anchoring his mind and body by dealing with his Earth family first. Jack turned his attention to the person he knew had changed and they could feel it deep within them. The link that was killing them had gone, instead he could feel a gentler connection, one they could both live with. Checking the external differences and seeing the man give a nod and smile back at him, Jack commented casually. "Jon" he owed his clone so much and knew the differences would mean it would be safe to contact him openly from now on if they wanted it that way.

Jon nodded seeing and feeling Jack's true deep acceptance of their new beginning of being separate people, and swallowing the flippant comeback that flashed through his mind, answered seriously. "Yes. Apparently I'm on our mother's side, though we will never know who our parents were. The added year or two will make life easier. You approve?" with the mental friendly comment. "Think we are about even now. Old man." back to him.

Glad Jon was happy with both connections, Jack chuckled and answered both comments in one. "Of course, and I hope you enjoy your stay on Atlantis." then stopped, feeling a pulling and a familiar twang, as well as noticing the group's smiles were widening, especially Jon's but got no mental feedback from him. Could also see from the turning of heads they were watching something moving away from him and … yep towards Cassie, though she didn't realise it yet. He needed to move, so ignoring the gentle mental. "Jack?" from Sam and hearing the grumbling dragon chuckle from NightOwl, he turned in Cassie's direction with a huff of understanding. Then watched the golden energy ball, that had obviously come from him, bounce rather than roll along the floor, as if it knew exactly where it was going.

It did, he'd kept it back to give to Cassie, and because it was of a personal nature it would be done in private. But obviously the energy ball had other ideas, and Jack shook his head and huffed at his next actions before commenting out loud. "You've forgotten something." Yep, talking to an energy ball bouncing along the floor in front of this lot could get him declared a mental case.

He didn't need to worry because much to the group's amusement, they saw the energy ball come to an abrupt halt, stop a moment almost as if it was considering the matter, and then with another bounce it zipped back the way it came as if on an invisible wire, and stopped just in front of Jack's feet with another couple of small bounces ... as if to say 'you called Sir'or 'Yes Sir! With an invisible salute' before resting on the floor waiting for the next command.

Hearing the chuckles human and alien from the group, and through their personal link Jon's "Don't harm yourself." as he'd guessed what was going to happen, Jack shot back a gentle mental. "It will be fine. We both know her death would be too painful for you, for both of us. Take care of your future families now you can have them." and closed the link as he started to channel the energy that was needed to do what he wanted. With blurring vision he cupped his hands in front of himself, so the energy ball would bounce into them, took a breath then said quietly. "Come on then." The ball promptly bounced straight into his hands and Jack closed them over it, then closed his eyes to channel the healing power into the energy ball.

Feeling Cassie's gentle mental question. "Uncle Jack?" Jack realized what she could do, and guessing Jon had instantly warned her answered in the same way. "My gift of true health in body and mind for your future happiness." and gently closed the mental link.

After opening his eyes, he opened his hands so they made a flat surface, and everyone could see the small delicate white and golden striped butterfly waiting there. Then the amazed group heard Jack's gentle command. "Go, heal her with my love." as he looked at Cassie with a smile. Which Cassie returned with a gentle laugh, then huge smile of love and excitement as she realized it was all true, and everyone watched the butterfly take off in her direction.

Coming in front of her, it hovered then dipped its wings before flying high to circle her, making Cassie turn trying to follow the flight, till she heard Jack's mental gentle. "It needs to land on you Cassie. Stand still with your hands open."

She stopped with a self conscious giggle, then held her hands open as she'd seen Jack do and watched the beautiful butterfly land gently on them, then after a couple of beats of its wings it gently disappeared into her. Feeling the warm glow of healing flow through her body and mind Cassie closed her eyes, then opening them again she looked at Jack and exclaimed softly. "I'm whole again. I saw my parents at our cottage door and they wished me well. Wished Jon well. Thank you, I can remember them in peace and love now."

With a smile Jack nodded back at her and remembered the niggle in the back of his mind, which felt very congested knowing how many people seemed to have access to it, been in it, and looking at his hands could now see why everyone else had been smiling, and exclaimed. "Oh. Crap!"

He couldn't believe it, he could see patterns and colours on his skin … miniature books, (that had to come from Daniel) jewels, (Vala's touch no doubt) stars as well as flickers of gold in his natural colouring (goodness knows who). Realising they wouldn't come off they were in it, he spun round to face Lya, and huffed heatedly. "Forcryingoutloud Lya! I thought you and your family would get it right!" took a breath and carried on in the same manner. "I am not going back in there again for another trip to Midway!"

To everyone's surprise Richard Woolsey spoke up. "General, that would be impossible because the Gate has locked you out of every Ancient Gate there is in the Universe." He'd just that moment glanced at the computer screen and seen that information, and now heard the gasps of the officers around him, and Rodney's quiet squeak "That's not possible!"

"Great!" growled Jack still glaring at Lya, who stood quietly watching him with a slight twitch of a smile. Then he added in a quieter tone. "So?"

Lya ducked her head slightly to clear the threatening smile, rather than being afraid of his growl or glare, then looking at him she calmly answered in her normal majestic manner. "Master Jack, you are healed but need time for the energy gifts to finish melding with you, and the Ancient Gene to settle so you do not heal everyone you come in contact with. That will mean you need some where you feel safe and there is quiet and space around you."

With an idea flashing through his mind Jack said slowly. "Not DC or the Mountain then." then smiling and looking at Sam added. "The Waterfall site and cabin. Though they might not be quiet now Hank knows it exists, but will be safe and there is space as in woods to walk in and hills to climb."

Seeing Sam smile with understanding, Jack nodded then said. "Right. I'll do what I came here for, then we will contact Hank and give him an update." glancing away from Sam, he asked. "Lya, for how long?" realising there would be a certain disadvantage to all this, and hoped it wouldn't be for months or years, he'd been a part from his wife long enough.

Lya smiled and feeling the undercurrent of his feelings he didn't show on the surface answered. "Master Jack, you can be with your life-mate."

"Ah! I've already guessed the rest." Jack butted in immediately hoping to spare his and Sam's blushes, and could feel the ripple of amusement within the group.

With a nod of understanding Lya carried on. "She can be your link with everyone else as you have already healed her. We do not know for how long Master Jack, only that the symbols will disappear completely when you are back to normal health."

"Right. You Lya can explain that to Hank, when the time is right. He will believe you. The other question is how do I get to the cabin if I am unable to use the Gate?" Jack asked feeling a deep need to be there, to sit by the lake with Sam ... and remembered the dreaming, then realized he'd missed Lya's answer, and admitted. "Sorry Lya, mind slippage." and ignored the couple of gentle chuckles from the group.

Lya smiled. "That is understandable Master Jack. Our Gate of space travel will not harm you or you may travel in our flying City that will take hours rather than days as in your space craft. Or even a combination of both if you wish. We should wait till you are ready to travel to decide."

Feeling the familiar mental itch from behind him, Jack huffed. "Patience. I have not forgotten." and realized from Lya's puzzled expression they'd heard him, and explained. "Not you Lya, the Gate and the Celebration I originally came for."

Seeing Lya's startled expression, he added. "It needs to say thank you, and it will never happen again." then immediately turned back to the Gate and walked up to the right hand side of it rather than the centre, before turning round to face the group again and stood at attention to address them.

As he did so, everyone, whether they were military or not, stood at attention ready to listen, because there in front of them though in BDUs was General Jack O'Neill, Head of Home World Security and all Space Forces, rather than Leader and friend he had been just now. NightOwl and U Sang ducked their heads as a way of acknowledging the change and stayed quiet in mind and voice.

Jack nodded to the group accepting their change of attitude, then took a breath and commanded out loud, without raising his voice. "Atlantis. Connect audio and visual to the family who now look after you."

Before any of the team at the computer terminal could react, the inner ring of the Stargate's blue lights flickered full circle, while the outer chevrons remained unlit and quiet, and a silver forcefield flashed across the empty wormhole and covered it to make a screen. As soon as it settled, it showed the Mess Hall where most of the staff had gathered for the previously arranged celebration, that either Jack or Richard was going to deliver in honour of those who served on Atlantis. They had all become alert as the large monitor that had suddenly appeared on the wall, then all rose to stand silently at attention seeing General O'Neill standing by the Stargate. Those who were in the corridors, kitchen or in the infirmary saw monitors appear on the walls so stopped to watch, coming to attention for the same reason.

Getting the usual buzz from the Gate that all was ready, and seeing Colonel Shepard, Jon nodded that they could feel it as well. Jack looked at the group in front of him channelling his mind on what was needed, and mentally threw away what the President of America, their Commander in Chief, had expected to happen and started.

"Family of Atlantis City. Stand at Ease." Jack paused for a moment as everyone stood at ease, then added. "First of all I can reassure you that the recent trouble concerning Home World Security and those who work with us has been dealt with. The President of the United States and the IOA committee asked me to give you their reassurances that you and those who have lost their lives in this adventure have not been, nor will be forgotten. They are proud of the treaties you have made and friends you have found. One day it will be made public with true recognition for all, till then we will remain a family in space travel, supporting each other, mourning those lost, as well as celebrating the friendships we make, all in our own way. The missions and memory logs that Elizabeth Weir started will be carried on and placed not only in the memory room on Atlantis, but also at Stargate Command. In a moment, I will let you celebrate the memories and enjoy the special food the Chef has laid on for us."

Jack paused for a moment letting the ripple of approval, they could see, go round the Mess Hall, then as he hadn't moved from his post or given the dismiss signal, everyone quietened and waited.

With a nod Jack started again. "When you came through the Gate in the beginning, we woke up a City that was made by the Ancients that had memories of their lives before they ascended and left the City to sleep. Now this City is fully awake and wishes to thank the new family who look after it, and the family who have brought their music and children on board. It will always be a computer City that needs our orders and information, but today the City and I thank you all for being who you are and doing the jobs you do. From now on, the City will recognise you as family and give you access to the relevant equipment or parts of the City you need to carry out your duties, whether you have the Ancient Gene or not."

There was a buzz and movement in the Mess Hall and even in the Gate room as everyone glanced at the person next to them wondering what was going to happen, then Jack commanded. "Stand at ease, and all guards through out Atlantis stand down. No one will be harmed. Let the butterflies land on you, they are our gifts to you."

As he finished, the silver screen across the Stargate rippled and from it emerged four silver butterflies with the rims of their wings showing tiny gold General's stars. While the screen remained showing everyone in the Mess Hall looking round then back at the monitor that showed the Gate room and waited amazed at the sight.

The four butterflies circled above Jack, then three peeled off in the direction the archways leading to the rest of the city, leaving one behind to continue circling as if waiting for instructions or permission.

Hearing U Sang's purring and NightOwl's gentle dragon grumbles as well as seeing Lya's and Opher's expressions of a mixture of amazement and shock, Jack reassured them. "It is from the Ancient Gate, not the gifts you have given me. I only gave it my blessing as I travelled through from Midway. It likes the Nox family's values, the noise of children playing and music, and wishes to give your family a butterfly of thanks and recognition. Will you let it?"

Lya just managed to find her voice to state quietly. "It has never happened before. Master Jack."

Jack gave a slight smile. "My bad influence Lya, and it will never happen again. It knows we will not willingly leave it behind, and we try to look after our friends and those less fortunate than ourselves, if we can."

Lya nodded and said. "Atlantis and Master Jack, we are honoured to accept your gift." and sent a mind flash to inform their flying City to allow the butterfly on board.

Instantly the butterfly flapped its wings and separated into two, one flew towards the ceiling, circled a couple of times before disappearing into it, and Lya nodded to indicate it had arrived. Then everyone watched in awe as the other butterfly, starting with the guards in the room flew above them and tiny butterflies emerged from its wings, with one landing on each person before disappearing into them, while the large butterfly got smaller as it did so.

It flew round the Nox family, with Nafrayu giving an excited "It tickles Elder Opher!" as one disappeared into him and got a gentle "Sssh" from the Elder, before watching the butterfly go around to everyone else. All smiling at Rodney's ducking away from his, until John Shepard made it impossible for him to dodge away. The rest watched and waited calmly, when it came to the last three in the front row: Samantha, NightOwl and U Sang, the remaining much smaller butterfly moved to hover beside Jack.

Jack nodded, and looking at NightOwl and U Sang asked. "U Sang and NightOwl you are friends of Atlantis city. Will you let them land on you and accept the gift?"

NightOwl and U Sang instantly linked each other while purring and dragon grumbling out loud. NightOwl wondering if her energy would allow it in and U Sang reassuring her it would be all right, he didn't feel any danger from it, and welcomed it.

Then with a duck of their heads in acceptance, NightOwl knowing she was linked with Jack mind hooted gently. "We are honoured and excited, but not our noses, shoulders would be best in spite of feathers and fur in U Sang's case."

Jack smiled, knowing the butterfly understood and said. "Thank you." at which the butterfly flapped its wings and divided into three, two going to U Sang and NightOwl and landing on their shoulders and promptly disappearing into them.

The last one flew to Sam and hovered in front of her, she smiled and held out her hand, watched it gently land on it then she said "On behalf of everyone thank you." then felt the gentle tickle as it disappeared into her hand.

Jack nodded and turning to the side so he could see the screen showing the Mess Hall, knew the butterfly had finished, and seeing who walked in announced to everyone. "Cake will now be served in the Mess Hall and be delivered to those in the infirmary or can not leave their posts." then added. "Chef, you know which mine is don't you?" seeing the Officer's smile and nod, Jack commanded. "Stand down everyone." then turned back to face the group, while all screens that had appeared instantly went blank and disappeared into the walls again, and the silver forcefield vanished leaving the centre of the circle empty again.

Seeing Sam's smile and hearing her mental gentle. "For your next trick."

Jack instantly answered. "My retirement I hope." While mentally adding."But for the record that was the Gate showing off."

Sam laughed out loud, she couldn't help it, and feeling and hearing U Sang's purring and NightOwl's grumbling gentle laughter as well, added. "Sorry, my mind links to these two were open."

Jack shook his head and huffed. "Nothing is private these days. Everyone keeps popping in and out of mine mind as well." then looking at the group said, so everyone could hear. "Right. Anyone who wishes can go and get cake do so. Excluding Lya, Opher, NightOwl, U Sang and Colonels Shepard and Carter-O'Neill, we will contact Earth and set up my retirement plans."

"Like that's going to happen." Daniel bantered back seeing that no one was moving and he certainly wasn't.

To which Jack looked at him and added quietly. "Oh yes, and your conditions for returning to Earth or SGC. I'm afraid that conversion between us will be slightly more public than private. Now I am short of time."

Seeing Daniel pale slightly, Jack added. "Look on the bright side, it will save us or you having to repeat it endlessly. General Landry needs to know. Vala will need to know as she is your life-mate."

"Jack!" Exclaimed Daniel in horror.

Watching his friend closely Jack answered casually. "Don't worry it will not kill you. Think of touching a fence to keep animals penned rather than knocking you out cold." Seeing what was coming added quickly. "Not my doing by the way. The mind room not only kills off evil energy it prevents it from happening again. All you need to do is to pay attention to what you are doing Daniel." then looking at Vala he added. "You'll need to make sure he is safe and either I or Lya will make sure General Landry understand the ground rules."

Ignoring the mutterings Jack took a breath then turned to Lya and asked. "Can you link up with Earth for us? I don't want to start up the Gate with NightOwl so close, and I need her and U Sang to stay."

Lya smiled understanding the reasons why, nodded and suggested. "We should link through your computer system rather than our twig communicators, then use our gate of travel for visual and sound only as we done before. NightOwl and U Sang will be able to stay through out and we are happy to stay in our present group as well if you wish."

Knowing she understood he wanted a show of strength to back up his request Jack smiled said. "Thank you." then looking around the group, seeing no one had left he added quietly. "Guess no one wants cake then."

Sam had glanced round and coming back to Jack answered with a smile. "No, they want to see how Hank reacts to you and your request as well as your show of force."

"Fine." Jack huffed, and started to walk towards the group to join them, before remembering he shouldn't and huffed again, stopped and looking at Lya asked. "Distance?"

She smiled back at him and said. "So you do not touch them, I believe what you call 2 metres in measurement or about 2 arm lengths would be idea. Master Jack."

"So a walk on part then." Jack commented hopefully. At Sam's laugh he looked at her and added sternly. "No laughing Capitan or you will be walking back home." They both knew he loved her laugh, but at the moment he needed to be General O'Neill and not Jack her husband sitting quietly relaxing beside her. ... Or more likely 2 metres away from each other, and sighed at the thought.

Sam nodded her understanding and through her mental link said softly. "Sorry" and felt his mental huff ... knew his vocal huff always sent ripples through her as her laughter did to him. This one was the same and to curb it Sam shook her head, took a deep breath and letting it out slowly, quietly became Colonel Samantha Carter-O'Neill commander of Atlantis, in mind and body. And felt the gentle. "That's better." in her mind from him, that nearly set off her giggles again.

Just managing to ignore that, Jack closed his link with her and nudged open his mental link with NightOwl commenting. "I might want you to look fierce and breathe fire."

With her dragon's vocal grumble that no one there, but U Sang understood, NightOwl mentally replied. "Master Jack, I do not think that will be wise in this area. Nor do I believe it will give the right impression to your friends and work mates on Earth. It will be best if I stay silent and change my feathers to my white sleeker dragon form, if you wish, and Master U Sang can reinforce Lady Lya's advice that it would be wise for you to isolate yourself, while your two selves become one again."

"I like you as you are, and thank you NightOwl for everything." Jack mentally commented, then sighing out loud added. "I'll do it the hard way and hope." Feeling their mind link go back to resting rather than completely closed, he casually looked across the area to the officer concerned, and knowing they both had the mental capacity to do so gave a mind nudge. "Colonel, a mental word."

Colonel John Shepard looked at Jack in amazement at receiving the mind link nudge, and schooling his features immediately mental answered. "Yes Sir. Didn't realise we could do this."

"Only between the two of us and Jon, and here on Atlantis. If Sam comes back with me, will you work with Richard, be joint heads of Atlantis? The rest of your team as back up. We will knock out the details later. He is not as wet behind the ears as you think, his ideas may need fine tuning but that happens with anyone joining Atlantis. I have been giving him lessons and he might not be safe back on Earth. He stood up to a few people who were bigger than him and together we safeguarded others. Nod if that is okay."

John smiled at the idea of Jack giving Richard lessons, remembered the past and nodded his acceptance of the idea, just as he heard Rodney's worried question. "Are you okay?" to him.

"I'm fine. Just a passing thought suddenly came to mind." John answered immediately and feeling the mind link disappear, carried on. "Do you want to go with the team or stay here?"

Rodney's answer that he was staying and so were the team was lost as Jack turned to Lya huffing loudly. "Right. Lets get this done. Just hope the Gate room is not being used for a gathering of some kind. Jethro and the others should be debriefed and getting bored by now." Seeing her smile, he added. "Please contact Walter and tell him to clear the area for a visual and audio link with General Landry." Then he raising his voice and glancing at the group concerned carried on. "As no one seems to be leaving, Jon, Cassie stand by each other, the rest in family groups of Atlantis and SG1. Lya would you and Elder Opher be at the front of your family next to NightOwl, Sam and U Sang please? I'll stand at the end the correct distance away from everyone rather than in front and blocking everyone's view."

With a nod of agreement and a slight smile, Lya mentally commented to him. "A gentle show of power if it should be needed."

"From you Lya, as you'll be the spokesperson to start with at least." Jack answered back, and seeing her smile gently cut their link, he needed to know his mind was clear. He was deliberately keeping NightOwl's link in case he suddenly started splitting in two … sometimes he was sure he could hear or feel a child's giggle rippling through him, could see the cabin and lake in his mind, and if they became too strong he knew NightOwl could swoop in and rescue him or get U Sang to do something to distract everyone.

Taking a breath and watching everyone start to find their places in the half circle in front of the Gate, even though they were not using it as a screen, and seeing his friend's body language was too relaxed for what was likely to happen when things got underway, Jack glared at him saying sternly. "Daniel. No off the cuff comments no matter what is said. Understood?"

"Yes Jack." Daniel answered sharply, feeling as though he'd just been told off and he hadn't done anything! Everything was turning out all right, so why pick on him? Then felt a gentle nudge in his side from Vala, reminding him that she was there beside him and heard Teal'c intone. "He will be silent unless asked to speak General O'Neill." as the Jaffa Warrior moved to stand on the other side of him. "Oh Great! So he was in the middle and wouldn't get a chance anyway." Daniel mentally sighed. Then catching Sam's look and slight nod at him, he sighed out loud, while silently wondering if they knew something he didn't, before watching Cam come to stand by Vala without making any comment, which was good, but by doing so linked them with the Atlantis family. And realized this might be the last time the two groups would be together, that SG1 would be going their separate ways, to their new beginnings. So nothing would be the same again, and tried to concentrate on what was going on around him so he would do as he'd been told.

Though Lya was tempted to put on a show, she stood still and silently sent a mind flash to their flying city, and almost instantly the familiar green and brown screen unrolled from the ceiling showing just the colours rather than the crew on board. A moment later she got the mind flash that a connection was being made with her other ships stationed at Midway and in orbit around Earth. She was just going to put in her request when she got another message: "to wait". Wanting to keep everyone informed Lya said casually. "Master Jack we need to wait a moment or two as there is traffic between Odyssey and Stargate Command. Once I am sure it is clear I will send our message through. In spite of the distance there will be little time differences between us listening and sending our replies. Both views will be uninterrupted."

Jack shook his head then with some trepidation asked. "A group into SGC?"

"The signature is of one person going into SGC as you call it."

With a sigh Jack gently exclaimed with some relief. "Not a large welcoming party or the President as he would need security with him. Not that they know we are calling, but would guess it was coming sometime."

Lya smiled and noted Jack was not the only one on edge and flashed a quick mind message. "Lady Samantha I am sure all will be well."

Seeing Sam's nod, Lya waited a moment or two, then getting the message the airways were clear Lya silently requested. "Vocal connection to Stargate Command's computer that is linked into the Gate."

Just as the tension was starting to rise again, Lya announced. "Master Walter of Stargate Command. This is Lady Lya of the Nox family in Atlantis City, requesting a visual and audio audience via our Nox travelling Gate with General Landry, regarding the update on General O'Neill as promised when he was on Midway."

Everyone waited with mixed emotions for Walter's response.

oxoxo

If you have got this far thanks for reading, comments, reviews welcome.

As usual will be back when real life and muse are ready.

Till take care everyone.