Gabriel and Daisy stood to one side of the gate room both dressed in desert BDU's. Both agreed that one-day for a honeymoon was not enough. Nowhere near enough time.

Daisy moaned in frustration, "I just want to be alone with my husband." She complained, "Is that too much to ask?"

Gabriel smiled caressing her cheek "Not at all baby, but not to worry. I've got our honeymoon all arranged and it will start in a few weeks after this is over and we both go on leave."

Daisy smiled at the very thought of going on their honeymoon. "So where are you taking me, since you said you wanted it to be a surprise."

"Well" Gabriel began "I happened to remember a conversation we had, oh, a little over ten years ago. You said that it was your dream to take a slow boat trip to Europe and then hit the shops in London and Paris. So I booked us in the honeymoon suite on board the QE2."

"Really?" Daisy asked excitedly, she couldn't wait to get on board and stroll the promenade deck "I can't believe that you even remembered that. Much less make it come true for me."

"Are you kidding?" Gabriel asked her "I live to make your dreams come true. Then we move into our new house."

Daisy smiled at him "I can't believe your family bought us that house Chun-li found."

"Our family." He corrected her "And yes it was quite a surprise." He admitted, but still ecstatic that he was finally being accepted fully into the family.

Link made his way over to them smiling, this was the last time that SG 13 was going to go out as a group. A nice little easy mission and then permanently retire the number 13 from the SGC roster.

"Sorry to interrupt the lovebirds."

"What is it ensign." Gabriel smiled at his friend leaving Daisy for a moment

Lowering his voice Link looked around "I got the FRED's, just like you wanted them."

"Good" Gabriel also looked around to make sure that no one was eavesdropping "We'll stash them outside town and hope we don't need them."

"Why not tell the others?" Link asked seeing his friends nervousness

Gabriel shrugged "And let everyone know that I'm paranoid. Naw, this is just between SG 13, no one else needs to know."

Link looked at his friend "You feeling something?" He knew that it was a feeling that had saved their lives before. Especially considering what the FRED's actually held.

"Shit" Link thought "We've got everything here but a nuke."

Gabriel shrugged "I don't know." He admitted "All I know is that we've had way too much good karma come our way lately. The universe may decide to bring us some more bad. If that's the case I just want to be ready."

Link shrugged "Okay." Hoping it was just paranoia that his friend was feeling

The President and the first family walked into the gateroom.

"Good morning everyone." He announced happily also dressed in desert BDU's like the rest of his staff.

"Good morning Mr. President." Jack smiled at him "Hell of a morning for a trip sir."

"Couldn't agree with you more Colonel O'Neill." Bartlett rubbed his hands together "Is everything set?"

"Yes sir." Jack told him "First thing this morning we sent SG teams 2 thru 12. SG1 and 13 and temporary team SG 18 will accompany you through the gate. SG teams 14 thru 17 will come after us."

Team 18 consisting of the Jag personnel stood to one side dressed similarly to the others and armed as well waited for the word. Bud Roberts shifted uncomfortably in his new uniform. He felt uncomfortable carrying so much firepower on him, and he noted that Harriet was just as uncomfortable. They were lawyers for goodness sakes; yeah maybe they were military lawyers, but still lawyers. Then he noted with a small pang of jealously that his superiors all looked capable dressed in these uniforms and the weapons didn't seem so out of place. Especially when it came to the Admiral, the man looked like he was about to go on the adventure of a lifetime.

"Sir are you sure you need us to go?" Harriet questioned again not exactly thrilled about having her body torn down to the molecular level.

Chedwiggen smiled at his nervous junior officers "Consider this a reward Lt. How many times in your life can you say that you've been to another planet. How about you Commander?"

"Looking forward to it sir." Harm was just as excited

Jack laughed politely at something the President told him and excused himself. Going up to his team Jack called them all close.

"Carter you and Daniel go first I'm sending the President through with you. I've had all personnel clear the gateroom on the other side. It wouldn't do to have the President lose his breakfast in front of an audience, or land on his ass." He added softly "Here."

They both nodded "You're right sir." Carter agreed then looking down at the object that was thrust at her "Air sickness bag?" Jack shrugged and Sam nodded knowingly "We must protect his image." She stuffed it in her jacket.

"Does he know?" Daniel asked

Jack stared at his friend "No, and Daniel, I don't want him to know." Jack smiled grimly

Hammond appeared overhead "SG teams 1, 13, and 18 and Presidential party. You are a go to visit Abydos. Mr. President enjoy the ride sir."

"Starting gate sequence." Siler called out

"Okay everyone back." Jack ordered, "When the worm hole opens it releases a lot of energy and a big wave... like thing shoots out at you. If it hits you... well let's just say that it isn't a good thing. Wait until the gate settles down." He warned them all

"Chevron 1 encoded, chevron one locked."

Bartlett looked at his wife and daughter "Damn you know I just realized something."

"What?" Abigail asked him hoping he wasn't reconsidering now.

Bartlett smiled at them "I'm never going to able to top this gift in the future."

Angie smiled "Dad I think this gift will last us a lifetime." She said awed by the spinning gate.

"You think it's too late for me to break a leg?" Josh asked Donna nervously

"Definitely too late." Donna grabbed his hand "We'll go through together." She promised

"Chevron 7 encoded, Chevron 7 locked."

The blue wave of energy flew from the gate startling the group and quickly it settled down. The blue of the wormhole shimmered before the gathered group.

Josiah Bartlett moved forward as if pulled by an invisible string "Unbelievable" he murmured as he began to walk towards the gate.

"Carter, Jackson, go." Jack ordered holding the others back

Daniel approached the President from one side and Sam from the other.

"Sir." Sam motioned the President to proceed them "After you sir."

Bartlett nodded dumbly still mesmerized by the shimmering surface of the gate. So much power right here, so much energy that has been harnessed to create something so amazing and so beautiful.

"What's it really like to go through?" he asked them

Daniel smiled "It's a hell of a ride Mr. President."

They reached the event horizon, Josiah Bartlett reached out a hand, and touched it awed to feel the energy moving through his fingers, pulling at him, almost tickling him. Smiling he turned back towards his staff shaking his head.

"Unbelievable." He told them a huge smile plastered on his face.

Both Sam and Daniel had to smile; they had both thought so as well. Each remembered how they had done the same exact thing the first time they had seen the gate activated. Then at the same time all, three stepped through.

Sam and Daniel caught the President as he stumbled through the other side. Quickly Sam reached for the bag handing it to the President.

Patting her hand he shook his head and looked back at the gate "You were right, one hell of a ride." He smiled fighting off the bitter cold.

"Mr. President, we better move back and give the others room." Sam warned him

Motioning to the airsickness bag, he laughed, "Let me guess, Colonel O'Neill."

Sam bit her lip and shrugged "Yes sir, we thought it might not be a good thing to have you..."

"Puking in public." Bartlett laughed "Believe me I've felt sicker when congress is in session. I knew that O'Neill was just a big mother hen."

Sam laughed as she watched as more of the entourage stepped through the gate. Some of them obviously didn't have as strong a stomach as the President did and they immediately lost their lunch. Daniel handed the airsickness bag to the first lady who looked decidedly green. Immediately she excused herself and went to use the bag.

"What a rush!" Harm smiled looking back at the gate "Just like being in a tomcat again."

Sarah sat down on the bottom of the stairs "Speak for yourself." Sarah moaned holding her stomach

Janet appeared behind her rubbing her back, "It'll pass in a minute, try this." She said handing the Lt Colonel a piece of chocolate "It'll help settle your stomach."

Janet went to the others making sure that everyone survived more or less intact.

Jack smiled and went to the rest of his team followed by Teal'c.

"Looks like a barfing contest." He told the others "How are you feeling Mr. President?"

"Fine Jack, just fine. It was a hell of a ride." Looking around he peered at the antechamber "This is incredible." He spoke aloud "Dr. Jackson, how old did you say this room was?"

"Oh about six maybe seven thousand years old." Slapping the giant mortars, "They sure don't build them like this anymore." He smiled

"And we are inside the pyramid right now?"

Daniel nodded his arm sweeping the general area "Yes sir, this is the main chamber of the pyramid." Daniel explained, "This is an exact duplicate of the one at Giza. The most interesting thing about it is that there is absolutely no writing here at all, just like the one at Giza."

Bartlett pondered that for a moment "Perhaps it was just meant as a place to keep the gate."

Daniel smiled immediately and excitedly "Yes, Mr. President. I have theorized that this place was indeed built to protect the gate from the elements. Just like the one at Giza, which is where I think the gate was originally housed on earth before it was buried on the plateau. By having the pyramid house the gate it also made it defendable from outside attack as well."

"You never told us that Daniel." Jack looked at his friend, wondering why he never mentioned this before today.

Daniel looked hard at Jack "Of course I did, you just weren't paying attention... again." He complained

Jack shrugged pulling out his sunglasses "Sweet" turning back to the others "Okay let's move this party outside."

The group made it outside and stared around in awe at the vast emptiness of the desert surrounding them. Donna grabbed Josh's arm and pointed to the sky "My god Josh, two suns." She said putting on her sunglasses "It's true, we are on another planet." She smiled completely awed by the sight.

Bartlett also looked at the sky amazed at the twin suns, already he could feel the heat rising making him sweat.

"Incredible." He told them

"Oh you haven't seen anything yet sir." Daniel smiled "Please follow me."

Daniel led the group in a straight line and up a steep hill, "This is where we had our final fight with Ra and his forces." He explained to the group "Majors Kowalski and Ferretti made a stand just over there with the local rebels." Daniel pointed then he stopped and faced the group "They ran out of ammunition and surrendered to Ra's forces. That is when the whole of Abydos appeared at this hill top and as one attacked Ra's forces with knives and farming equipment."

Daniel stopped and faced the President "Ready Mr. President?" he smiled

"For what?" the president asked confused

Daniel pointed behind them "Look"

The entire group turned

"Oh my god." Sarah was awed by the sight

The group stood amazed staring at the biggest pyramid they had ever seen in their lives. Standing proudly against the elements it stood out in the desert a magnificent sight to behold. Jack gave them time to assimilate what they were seeing. Then he motioned to them.

"This way to the transportation area." He announced

"Transportation?" The president asked, "You mean we're not walking?"

"Oh god I hope not." Leo McGarry was already sweating like a pig

"Too far sir." The colonel pointed out "It would take us the rest of the day to walk. It's a couple of hours by dune buggy's."

"Dune Buggy's!" Charlie smiled "Cool"

As they crested the next hill they came to a line of dune buggy's each one had a man waiting to accept a passenger. As they sorted themselves out, Sam went over to one of them.

"I'll take this one." She ordered

"Ma'am?" the sergeant asked confused

"I'll drive sergeant, you grab another one and wait for the rest of the teams."

"Yes Ma'am." The man shrugged moving towards another vehicle.

Daniel stared at Sam and climbed into the passenger seat "Do you know how to drive one of these things?" he asked her.

Sam cocked an eyebrow at her lover "Daniel I can fly a death glider and a military jet into combat. I think that I can handle a dune buggy." She pointed out reasonably

"Okay, I trust you." Daniel shrugged

The president stared hard at the two members of SG 1 and suddenly he knew. What he'd been sensing had come true. Jack saw the President staring hard at his friends and jumped into cover them.

"Sir this way, you have our most experienced driver." He was going to have to warn them to be more careful in the future.

Bartlett smiled knowing exactly what O'Neill was trying to do "Very good Colonel."

The drive through the desert was very quick; the two hours that it took to drive to the city went by incredibly fast. As the dune buggy's jumped sand dunes and sped through the flat lands. Jack had designed it so that the trip would be short yet enjoyable to all, like a ride at Disneyland. The dune buggy's came to a stop at the top of a big hill. Daniel stood up in his dune buggy.

"Mr. President, the city of Abydos." He pointed to the city below them.

Everyone stared at the primitive city with the large walls surrounding it. Even from this distance, they could see movement from with in the city. Daniel jumped back in and Sam took off down the hill, as did the others. A couple of minutes later they arrived at the city gates, parking the vehicles outside the group gathered together and made their way inside.

Kasuf, Skaara, and the others were already gathered at the front of the city, just as they'd done the first time that the travelers from the stars came here seven years before. Daniel smiled as he saw his family and friends.

"Watch this Mr. President." Jack whispered holding everyone back as Daniel approached them

"DAN'YEL" the people called out rushing forward to welcome their son back home from his visit.

"Kasuf." Daniel hugged the older man "Skaara." He hugged the younger man, as the whole town seemed to surround Daniel touching him and trying to get close to him.

"Unbelievable." Bartlett shook his head amazed at the love these people had for Daniel Jackson.

Sarah smiled as she watched Daniel being welcomed back as if he'd been gone for years and years.

"They love him." Sarah was happy for her friend, that he'd found a family like this, who loved him unconditionally.

"Yes they do." Sam admitted happily

Daniel led Kasuf and Skaara back towards the group.

"President Bartlett, may I introduce you to Kasuf, the leader of the Abydonian people and his son Skaara head of the Abydonian militia."

Kasuf came forward pressing both hands across his heart "It is a great honor you give to my people."

Bartlett imitated the gesture "It is my honor to meet you Kasuf."

"O'Neill." Skaara smiled happy to see his great friend again he saluted just as O'Neill had taught him so many years before.

"Skaara." Jack returned his saluted then hugged the young man to his chest "It is good to see you again my friend."

"Come" Kasuf led the way deeper into the city "We have prepared refreshments for you after your journey. Tonight we will have a great celebration to ah..." Turning to Daniel, he said a few words.

"Commerate." Daniel told him

Kasuf smiled "Yes to Commerate your visit to our world."

"It would be our pleasure to attend your feast." Bartlett smiled walking along side Kasuf the men continued to talk, Daniel standing beside them to translate anything that was needed.

Jack turned to the chief of staff an older gentleman and saw that the man was sweating profusely.

"Doctor Fraiser." He called and pointed to the man

"Mr. McGarry." Janet smiled appearing at his side "Why don't we get you some water and out of some of those heavy clothes. We definitely don't need jackets out here today." She laughed gently

Leo nodded removing his jacket relieved to get rid of the heavy material "Thank you doctor, and some water sounds like a god-send right at this moment."

C.J. approached him worried "You okay Leo?" she asked staring at the older man

"Fine." Leo waved her away "I just need some water that's all."

"Here you are sir." Daisy appeared with an icy bottle of water.

"Thank you captain." Drinking some of the water, he sighed relieved to feel the cool liquid "I'd make you a general right now if I could."

Daisy smiled "Anytime sir, and if you feel any discomfort whatsoever. Please do not hesitate to let us know."

"I will" Leo promised

"So what do you think?" Sam Seaborne asked Josh as they walked through the city. Some of the local women stared at the two handsome men, giggled, and ran away.

"Incredible." He admitted to his friend "I feel like I've stepped into a time machine and gone back in time."

"The people seem really friendly." Sam pointed out as well, staring at one particularly beautiful woman who waved at him. Politely he waved back. The young woman giggled and ran away.

"Yeah they do." Josh laughed at his friend "I just hope that they don't present us with wives."

Sam laughed as well "Yeah that might be a hard one to explain when we go home." Looking around the area "Any idea where we're supposed to be staying?"

"I was hoping the Marriott." Josh joked "But I guess we are staying in those large tents over there." He pointed at the series of new tents that sat to one side of the open area. "Excuse me commander?"

Gabriel stopped looking at the two men "Sir?"

"Are we going to be staying in these tents?" Sam asked him

"Yes Mr. Seaborne, and you will be pleased to know that they all have small air-conditioning units."

"Well alright." Josh sighed. "You've been to this world before?" he asked him

"Yeah for a week of desert training when we first came back on active duty." Gabriel admitted

"Gabrell" some children ran up to them "Gabrell, play, play!" they children laughed running around the large man all of them holding up small apple sized fruits

Jack and Skaara came over and laughed as they saw the children dancing around Gabriel.

"Gabrell." Skaara smiled at the large man, picking up a small fruit he held it up.

"Ah" Gabriel looked around at the presidential party that were now all staring at the children "I don't know Skaara."

"Awwww." The children moaned "Play Gabrell."

"Go on." Jack smiled at his friend "Twenty bucks says that you can't do it three times."

Gabriel raised an eyebrow "Is that a challenge Colonel?"

"Yes it is. Twenty bucks." Jack pulled the money out of his pocket.

"Okay." Gabriel began to remove his equipment and the children cheered.

"What's the bet?" Janet asked as the group gathered to watch.

"Just wait and see." Jack told her cryptically.

"Anyone else want in on this?" Gabriel asked, "I'll cover all bets." He promised removing his jacket and picking up his sword.

"I'm in for a hundred." Ferretti told him

Soon more soldiers began to place their bets

Unstrapping his sword from around his chest, he motioned the children back "All right colonel."

Jack moved up behind him and pulled out a blindfold tying it around his head.

"What is he going to do?" Abigail asked staring at the blindfolded man curiously

Daisy laughed, "Win a lot of money. He's been doing this since he was ten." She whispered to the first lady.

"Really?" Abegail asked

"Oh yes Ma'am, this is a cake walk for him." Daisy told her as she bet twenty on Gabriel

Abegail nodded "Fifty on the commander." She told Jack.

Jack led him to the center of the group "Okay right here."

Gabriel waited patiently reaching up with one hand to his sword. "Ready." He told them

Skaara went to one side where the children gathered and Jack to the other side holding up the first piece of fruit.

"Quiet everyone." Jack told them and waited a moment, and then carefully he tossed the fruit high into the air right over Gabriel's head towards Skaara.

Gabriel's sword swished through the air twice and he stood back in the same position as the fruit landed in Skaara's hands splitting into four equal portions. The crowd cheered.

"One." Skaara smiled handing the fruit to the children who gleefully ate the fruit cheering Gabrell on.

Again, Jack threw the apple-sized fruit, two strokes later the fruit was split again.

"Two."

Jack sighed "Did I say ten or twenty?" he asked

"Twenty." Gabriel reminded him and lashed out quickly once then doing a back flip he stuck again.

The third fruit split as well

"Nice try colonel." Gabriel laughed taking off the blindfold.

Jack shrugged "It slipped."

"Right, okay people pay up." Gabriel held out a hand

Josh stared at the man amazed "How did you do it?" he asked knowing there had to be some sort of trick involved.

"I heard it." Gabriel stared at the man "Didn't you?" he asked counting his money.

Daniel led the president through a narrow passage carrying a torch

"Watch your head Mr. President." Daniel told him ducking the low beams "It's just up ahead."

A few minutes later Daniel hung the torch on the torch holder against the wall.

"Here we are sir." He motioned along the wall "The complete history of how Ra came to earth."

"Incredible." Bartlett ran his hand over the hieroglyphics amazed at the infinite detail that was placed in this.

"The original peoples of Abydos wrote down the entire history down here away from Ra. They hoped that by doing so that their history and their story would never be forgotten. They even hid the gate address for earth here so that one day they could open the gate back home. As time passed and Ra forbade reading and writing to the people, they eventually forgot about this place. My wife Sha're found it when she was a young girl playing. She bought me down here and I was able to learn so much about Abydonian history as well as human history."

Angie stared at the wall as did her father amazed "What does it say Dr. Jackson."

"Well it actually starts over here." Daniel pointed to the beginning of the story "And it came to pass that a dying race came among us and stole our souls. The first was Ra who became the sun god. At first, he came and gave us great gifts of knowledge and science. Soon he took us to the stars and to this world, and we became as slaves to him..." Daniel continued to read to them the whole story of what had happened on earth.

Later that night the group sat around the town square, women were singing and dancing for the president and his party. SG1, 13, and 18 also sat around as the other SG teams were scattered around the perimeter making sure that the site was safe for the President. The president tasted the local cuisine and laughed at the jokes that Kasuf would tell him and he listened to the stories of the people.

"It was a great day for us when O'Neill and Dan'Yel came to us." Kasuf told him "If not for their courage my people would still be slaves to the vile one Ra. Many more of our people would be dead or have their souls stolen from them as they did to my Sha're and to my Skaara. I thank your people for returning my son to me, for this my people are grateful." Kasuf bowed his head reverently.

Bartlett bowed his head as well "My only wish Kasuf would be that I could return your daughter to you as well. Alive and happy here among her people, I am truly sorry for your loss."

Kasuf bowed his head again "Thank you." He smiled happily "It is good to know that Apophis the vile snake is also dead. That my Sha're is avenged is enough for us."

"I understand from Daniel that your people have begun to learn to read and to write." Abigail asked him

"Yes." Kasuf patted his son in law on the back "Dan'Yel has taught us much. Taught us the ancient writings and how to speak your tongue. It is most important to us that we never again forget where it is that we come from and how our people suffered in times of long ago."

"I am glad to hear this." Bartlett told him "We have bought many gifts for your people. Many books from our world for you to learn even more. How to increase your farming, how to heal your people from diseases. Many stories from our past so that you may learn more about us. It is our wish that you learn to write yourselves so that you may write your history so that we may learn about you. So that we can become great friends, your people and mine."

"This is good." Kasuf agreed, "It is good that we become friends. It is my wish for my people to grow strong and wise."

"I actually have a plan to help with this." Bartlett told him making himself more comfortable "It is my wish to one day take some of your young and smart. To take them to our world and to teach them medicine and engineering and to become teachers. So that they can return here to your people and in turn teach others."

"One day perhaps." Kasuf agreed, knowing that he didn't want to change too much too quickly, Daniel had warned against this. That with knowledge came dangers for his people, he knew that Daniel would never lie to him, or act against the welfare of the people.

"Well everything seems to be going well." Janet sighed sitting by the fire staring at the night sky so different from the one she was used to.

"Yeah" Jack agreed putting his arm around her "So far so good, everyone is getting along and we've had no major incidents. How's the president's chief of staff?" he asked Janet.

Janet waved it off "Just dehydrated we gave him some liquids and he rested in the afternoon in his tent. He's fine." She told the group

Jack sighed relieved that there was nothing wrong with the man "So Daniel what's on the agenda for tomorrow?"

Daniel stretched out by the fire "Well first the president wants to take a look at the naqueda mines and the processing area. Then after that he wants to look at the farming areas. Then in the afternoon he wants to see the cartouche room and see it for himself." Standing up he stretched "If you all will excuse me, I'm going to visit Sha're's grave." He told them.

"Sure" Jack smiled at his friend, knowing it had been awhile since Daniel had been back here

Daniel stood by the grave of his wife, speaking to her in abydonian. His voice was soft and gentle.

"Sam has told me of her dream about you." He told her "I believe that you spoke to her from the great beyond. I am so happy that you approve of us, that you do not feel like I have betrayed your memory. I have asked her to become my wife." He smiled looking up at the stars "And she has agreed, this has made me even happier."

Sam approached from the side and laid out a bouquet of flowers by the grave, standing she stood by Daniel's side taking his hand into her own.

"I will keep my promise Sha're, to love and honor our husband as you did. I hope this makes you happy so that you can truly rest in peace."

"Thank you" Daniel smiled taking her into his arms holding her as they both stared at the stars.

"I love you Dr. Jackson." Sam sighed happily

"And I love you Major Doctor Carter."

"Ahem.." The couple shot apart as President Bartlett and the first lady stepped forward taking an evening walk. SG 2 was standing right behind them, the whole team was staring at the couple. Feretti was smiling from ear to ear.

"He must have won some sort of pool." Sam thought to herself cursing their stupidity. Out of everyone that could have caught them, leave it to them to be caught by the President himself.

Bartlett stepped forward staring at the simple grave that had flowers laying on it.

"Sha're I presume."

"Yes Mr. President." Daniel admitted turning red, this was not going to turn out well. Especially not when the general heard about it. There was going to be a lot of fireworks going off on base when they got back.

"She must have been a brave woman." Bartlett pointed out staring at the unfamiliar patterns of the stars. "Now what the hell am I going to do?" He thought to himself "They are talking about marriage, or are already married."

Sam blushed knowing what was running through the president's mind "Sir..." She began

Abigail Bartlett smiled at the young couple who were obviously in love "Come along Josiah, I see a nice sand dune over there where we can look at the stars."

Bartlett smiled at her, this he could deal with later, after much thought.

"Of course my dear." Nodding at the two embarrassed doctors "This way." They continued on their walk

"We're dead." Sam told Daniel once the president was out of earshot, "Ferretti is almost as bad as Janet with the gossip. It will be all over the city by tomorrow morning, every SG team is going to know about us." She warned "Oh and wait until Jack finds out that we got caught, and by whom." Sam shivered at the prospect.

Daniel nodded in complete agreement with her assessment "Ferretti is bad, especially when he tries to collect the money on the pool."

Sam stared at Daniel "So there was a pool going." How could he not tell her? It was embarrassing to have people betting on her love life.

Daniel smiled sheepishly "Ah... Yeah, two to one that you'd end up with Jack, three to one Naream, a lot of people lost their money when Martouf died." He admitted to her "Twenty to one that you'd end up with Teal'c, and fifty to one that you'd end up with me."

"Fifty to one!" Sam exclaimed, "Why such a long shot?"

Daniel shrugged wrapping his arms around her "They probably thought that you'd never go for the geek factor."

Sam smiled putting her arms around him "They are so wrong. They definitely underestimated the geek factor."

"Yeah" Daniel smiled "Only two people took the bet."

"Two?" Asked Sam confused "Ferretti and..." Sam's eyes bugged out "You bet on us."

Daniel shrugged "Best fifty bucks I ever spent."

Sam laughed and shook her head "Well with that money, you can set up our legal fund when the General finds out about this one." Reaching behind her neck Sam pulled off her necklace, retrieved her ring, and put it on her left hand.

"Sam?" Daniel stared at her wondering what was going on in her mind

"We're busted." Sam shrugged defeated "No reason to hide how much I love you now." She smiled impishly "Is that room that we had the last time still available?" she asked staring into his eyes

"You mean my abydonian town house? Sure." Daniel nodded

"That place is yours?" Sam asked surprised then realized "Don't tell me that is where you and Sha're lived. Don't you dare tell me that we made love in her bed." She said beginning to get angry, that would be so disrespectful to her memory.

"No" Daniel said quickly "No, I wouldn't do that to either one of you. It was the place where Kasuf and the others put me the first time we came here. They gave me the room and Sha're. Later Sha're and I lived on the other side of town."

"Good" Sam told him relieved that Daniel was sensitive enough to realize that it would be wrong "Well as I was saying since the cat is going to be let out of the bag soon anyway. Why don't we make use of that room before everyone starts staring at us." She whispered rubbing her body against his.

Daniel shivered; it utterly amazed him how excited this woman could make him, "I'll race you."

Bartlett sat with his wife on top of the sand dune staring at the night sky. His eyes marveling at the different patterns of stars out here as compared to those found on earth. His mind however was still back at that gravesite with the two doctors.

"What am I going to do now?" he wondered aloud

Abigail stared at her husband "Do you have to do anything at all?" she asked him

Bartlett shrugged thinking aloud "I could give them a special dispensation." He told her "But still they've already broken regs. I could have Major Carter court-maritaled for this. Have Jackson kicked out of the SGC altogether for hiding their relationship. Out of every one I would have thought that these two would be smarter than this." He complained angrily for forcing his hand on this issue.

His wife stared at him for a moment "You saw them together, they're in love, Josiah." Abigail smiled at him wrapping an arm around his shoulder leaning her head on his chest. "You do remember what that is like don't you? Even the smartest person in the world turns into an absolute fool when it comes to falling in love. I'm sure they didn't plan it, it probably just happened."

Bartlett knew that she was probably right "Still it is something that I'm going to have to deal with. I just don't know what to do about it yet. I don't want to lose either one of them." He admitted

"Well" Abigail looked at her husband "Why don't you just keep an eye on them for the rest of the trip. See if this is just a fling, or if they are really and truly in love." She suggested, "You should probably talk to Colonel O'Neill and perhaps doctor Fraiser. They seem to know Doctor Jackson and Major Carter the best, get their input before you make a decision." She pointed out reasonably.

"You're right." He admitted then turned to his wife "Now no more talk about them, let's just concentrate on us tonight."

Abigail smiled at her husband "Why Mr. President, I thought you might have forgotten that it is our anniversary."

"Never my dear."

Sam and Daniel made their way through town the next morning. Every member of the presidential force smiled at them as they passed by, throwing little winks or chuckling to each other. Sam shook her head

"Well that didn't take Ferretti long." She pointed out

"Yeah" Daniel admitted waving at another man from SG 4 "I figured that it would take at least until noon for Ferretti to get to everyone." Looking ahead Daniel saw Jack standing there with his hands on hips looking decidedly unhappy.

Daniel gulped "Oh shit, Jack doesn't look happy."

"No he doesn't." Sam agreed staring at her commanding officer's scowl.

"You think that we should run?" Daniel asked more than a bit serious

"Too late." Sam watched as Jack O'Neill approached them

Jack stopped about two steps from his friends "Leave it to you two to get caught." He began staring at them "Leave it to you two not only to get caught, but you get caught by the President and the first lady." Jack stared at his two friends unbelievingly "What is it, do you two have a death wish or something?" he asked them "Do you want to drive me into an early grave?"

Daniel put up his hand "We're sorry Jack, we were by Sha're's grave and the president just came out of no-where. It wasn't like we plAnnied it or anything, it just sort of happened."

"Just sort of happened." Jack shook his head "The worst of all of this is that the president has asked to speak to me and to Janet about you two."

Sam looked worried about the topic of discussion "What does he want to know?" she asked nervously

"I don't know yet." Jack let out a sigh shaking his head "I'll do what I can to convince him about a special dispensation." He told them

"Maybe if we spoke to him about this." Daniel began

"NO!" Jack held up his hands to them both "Let me handle this." He warned them "The last thing that I want you two doing is making matters worse or more difficult than they already are." Looking at his watch, he told them "Go get some breakfast, I meet with the president in thirty minutes." Seeing their faces, he smiled and put a hand on each of their shoulders "I'll let you know as soon as I do." He promised.

"Sergeant Major?"

Sam Pierson turned around and smiled "Hey commander what's up sir?"

Gabe smiled putting a hand on his friends shoulder "How are the FRED's?" he asked

Sammy immediately lowered his voice looking around "All four of them are at the back of the town square at the west corner. Link and I covered them with a tarp and put some sand around them to disguise them a bit. You can find them easily enough."

Gabriel nodded unable to shake a feeling of gloom that had fallen around him. Since arriving on Abydos he'd felt like there were eyes on him watching his every move.

Sammy saw this immediately "What you smelling boss?" he asked seriously seeing his friend was worried.

"I don't know." Gabriel admitted to him "I just got this feeling. The itchy feeling that I just can't scratch, like someone is watching us. It's making me real nervous." He told his friend

"What are we going to do about it?" Sammy asked

Gabriel had already been thinking about it, "You up for some recon?" Gabriel smiled

"Always" Sammy smiled

"Get Annie and Link, I'm going to talk to the colonel about this." He ordered

"Right, meet you by the dune buggy's." Sammy ran off to find the others.

Gabriel went off to find Jack, he'd been searching and asking for ten minutes when he finally spotted Jack and Janet heading towards the president's tent.

"Colonel!" Gabriel ran over "Sir."

"What is it Gabe?" Jack asked, "I'm sort of rushed right now." He told him

"I heard sir." Gabriel grimaced, he'd have to talk to the president later himself "Jack, I got this funny feeling that something just ain't right here."

Jack stared at the man hard "What do you mean not right?"

Gabriel shook his head, "Not with the Abydonians sir. I just can't shake this feeling that someone is watching me. I can feel their eyes on me. Request permission to take SG 13 to take a ride around the perimeter."

Jack nodded, ordinarily he would brush off Gabe and his 'feelings', but it wasn't just him. They had the welfare of the President to consider.

"Okay" Jack told him "But I don't want you going alone, take another team with you and be back by 1600 hrs." he ordered

Gabriel stood at attention "Yes sir." He saluted

Jack returned his saluted and watched Gabriel run off.

"What do you think Jack?" Janet asked watching Gabe's retreating back

Jack shrugged "Probably nothing." He admitted "But it will give Gabe something to take his mind off his itch by doing something about it." Looking at the tent before him he shook his head already forgetting about Gabe and his feelings "Let's go, don't want to keep the President waiting."

Gabriel entered the main square where the SG teams headquarters were located. Here he should be able to find another team willing to go for a ride. Looking around he saw the place was practically deserted for the exception of the presidential party and SG 18. The presidential party looked busy talking to many of the local residents trying to find out about their lives and what they could do to make things a bit easier on them.

Gabriel looked around seeing that no other representatives of SG teams were around. It was obvious that everyone considered Abydos a safe planet, so they were probably taking time out to grab naps or just wander around looking for souvenirs. A.J. Chedwiggen saw that Gabriel was looking for someone.

"Can I help you Lt. Commander?" he asked

"Sir." Gabe stood at attention "Sir I was looking for another SG team who was willing to go out and do a little recon of the area."

Chedwiggen smiled and stood up "Well it beats sitting around here waiting for the tours to begin." He announced, "Will SG 18 be alright with you?"

"Sir" Gabriel smiled "Of course Admiral, it would be an honor to go out into the field with you again."

Chedwiggen nodded in appreciation "Good, I'll gather my people. Where do we meet you?"

"In front of the city sir, we are taking the dune buggy's. I'm just going to stop and grab some supplies for us." He told him and moved off again.

Daisy came up to him "Where are you going?" she asked disappointed that he was leaving.

"Just going to go and do some recon." He told her "I'll be back in a few hours." He promised her

"You'd better, Daniel told me of this little romantic spot that he found awhile back." She teased

Gabriel's grin grew bigger, "In that case you know I'll be back soon." He joked kissing her goodbye.

Gabe met the others in front of the city; they came to him grabbing the bottles of water and MRE's he'd grabbed. Annie stared at him while she put the supplies away.

"Sammy told us what you are feeling." She told him seriously "How good a feeling is this?"

"Not quite as certain as when we went after that Queen, but it's close." He told them

Chedwiggen eyed the man carefully "So you're smelling something commander."

Gabriel nodded still staring out into the desert, "Yes sir, I don't know what it is. But it's coming from that direction." Gabriel pointed due south towards the blazing desert.

Suddenly Gabriel felt a hand on his shoulder, looking back he saw that it was Teal'c.

"Commander Fuentes" he nodded with a grim expression staring out at the desert "I see that you have the same feeling that I have had."

"You feel it too then." Gabriel was relieved that he wasn't the only one.

"Indeed" the ex-Jaffa agreed with him, feeling something that was just out of his reach,"I cannot put my finger on it. Something is not right here." Teal'c agreed, "Shall I come with you?" he volunteered

"Sure, you can ride with the two lieutenants." He said pointing them out

Teal'c looked at them and agreed, these two were obviously not experienced warriors "Of course Commander Fuentes."

"Sergeant" Gabriel called out to the man guarding the dune buggy's

"Sir" The young man ran over

"I want you to find Colonel O'Neill." Gabriel began "And I want you to say this exactly to him."

"Yes sir."

"Teal'c feels the same thing. Recommend going to full active status immediately. You tell him this comes from Commander Fuentes. You got it?"

"Yes sir, Teal'c feels the same thing from Commander Fuentes." The sergeant repeated

"You go immediately to find the colonel, you don't stop for anything until you find him and deliver that message." He ordered

"Yes sir." The Sergeant moved off to deliver the message

"Okay let's move out." Gabriel got into the passenger seat Annie by his side

They started the engines and moved out into the desert.

The sergeant ran to the town center and began to look around for Colonel O'Neill. Finally he spotted Major Carter and Doctor Jackson sitting down to eat. Quickly he approached them and stood in front of them at attention.

"Ma'am."

Sam looked up "Sergeant?" she asked the nervous man

"Ma'am do you know where I can locate Colonel O'Neill, it's urgent." He told her

"He's speaking to the President right now Sergeant, you can tell me." She offered

The sergeant shook his head, "I'm sorry ma'am, but I have orders from Lcdr Fuentes to deliver it personally and not to let anything get in my way."

Sam stared at the man; Gabriel wouldn't have given that order just to deliver a simple message. Standing she brushed the sand away.

"This way Sergeant." She said leading them over to the President's tent

Immediately she knocked on the wooden post holding the tent up. Charlie Young came out to them smiling.

"Major Carter, how can I help you?" he asked politely

"We need to see Colonel O'Neill right away." She said anxiously Daniel and the Sergeant right by her side

Sensing the urgency of her request Charlie immediately stepped into the tent. A moment later both Jack and the President stepped out of the tent.

"Major?" Jack asked tightly, 'It's obvious to me now that I'm going to have to tie the two of you up to save your relationship and your jobs.' He thought evilly

"Sir, Mr. President." Turning to the Sergeant she nodded "Tell him Sergeant." She ordered

"Sir!" The Sergeant said nervously being so close to the President "I was ordered by Lcdr Fuentes to deliver this message 'Teal'c is feeling the same thing I am, recommend that we go to full alert status.'"

Jack's feature's darkened "He said that?" At the man's nod Jack shook his head "Where is he now?"

"SG 13 and 18 went on recon due south sir." The Sergeant told him "Teal'c went with them."

The President stared at the Colonel and asked, "What is the matter Colonel?"

Jack shook his head; he couldn't ignore this "Sir, Lcdr Fuentes said that he's felt like he's been being watched since we have arrived. Normally I would chalk it up to over protectiveness."

"But?" the President asked suddenly paying complete attention

"But" Jack admitted, "With both Fuentes and Teal'c feeling the same thing, I just can't ignore it any more." Jack turned "Major, gather all SG teams in the town square in fifteen minutes. We are going on full alert. Sergeant I need a radio." He ordered

Daniel turned to head towards Kasuf's home "I'll get Skaara and the rest of the Militia together."

"Good" Jack nodded "Get them and meet us at the town square."

"I think I'll join you Colonel." The president announced

"Very good sir."

Fifteen minutes later all the SG teams were gathered together as were the Presidential party and Skaara and the local boys. All were armed and ready for anything, Jack made his way to the front of the group.

"We are going on full alert status." He ordered immediately "The presidential party will remain here in the square with SG1 and 2. All other teams are to report to your predetermined areas and keep in constant contact."

"Colonel, what's up?" Asked Ferretti suddenly all business, as was everyone else.

"SG 13 and 18 are doing recon right now." He told them "Fuentes and Teal'c are feeling very nervous right now. They feel that we've got eyes on us right now. I don't have to tell you guys that those two men don't spook easy, if they are feeling nervous. Then there is something out there." He said to them "Man your posts." He ordered and SG teams took off at top speed while the Militia went to the front of the city to seal it off.

Gabriel and his teams drove out through the flat lands of the desert. Tying a neckerchief around his face to keep the sand out he stared out into the vast emptiness around him. It was strange, the farther they drove out, the uneasier he was becoming. There was definitely something out here, what it was he didn't know. Did it pose a threat he didn't know, but he as sure as hell was going to find out. Tapping Annie on the shoulder he signaled for her to stop at the base of a large dune.

Annie bought the vehicle to a dead stop and watched as Gabe jumped out heading up the dune, Teal'c suddenly by his side. Both men reached the top and immediately ducked down.

"Shit." Gabriel complained as he motioned the others up as well.

The entire group headed up the hill, A.J. Chedwiggen flattened himself out as well as he reached the other two men.

"What is it commander?" he questioned quietly

"Take a look sir." Gabriel told him "Keep low sir."

They all looked over the ridge, shocked and amazed they saw a metal pyramid sitting there. Lights blinking on and off from several windows and a large group of Jaffa milling around.

"What are they doing?" Mac asked suddenly nervous gripping on to her weapon

"They are mining naqueda." Teal'c told them pointing to the mining equipment "They are also preparing to head out. Probably to the city to capture it and enslave the people to mine it for them. This is odd." Teal'c told them staring at the Jaffa.

"What is odd Teal'c?" Chedwiggen asked staring at the army gathering below them.

"These are different Jaffa, some of them belong to Apophis, some of them to Hathor." Teal'c told them "They are enemies, it would be highly unlikely that they would gather together."

"They're both dead." Gabriel pointed out

"Yes." Teal'c agreed, "I believe that these Jaffa have gone into business on their own. With no one to lead them, they will choose the strongest of the Jaffa to lead them. They mean to set themselves up as the lords of this world." He told them

"Let's get back and warn the others." Harm said making his way down "We have to get the President and his party out of here as soon as possible."

The group began to slide down the dune, trying to be as quiet about it as possible.

"DOWN!" Gabriel called out to them.

As one the entire group threw themselves down as a large shuttle flew right over them. Looking up Gabriel watched as the Glider headed east and not north towards the city.

"Shit" he mumbled, "I think they are going for the Stargate to keep it covered."

"How many men does that thing hold?" Mac asked staring at the shuttle as it got smaller and smaller

"Fifty." Teal'c told them "We must return to the city and set up our defenses."

"Let's move out." Chedwiggen ordered "So much for a nice little vacation." He mumbled

Gabriel reached for his radio and radioed his findings to the base camp.

"You are kidding me right?" Jack asked closing his eyes sitting at a table with the president and the chief of Staff with the rest of the presidential party standing right behind them.

"I wish I was Colonel." Gabriel's voice came yelling back over the wind "We are heading back to base now."

Jack stared at his 2IC "How many hostiles are we talking about?"

"One Cheops class cruiser is on the planet, I don't know about what is out in space. We saw at least a hundred Jaffa milling around. They sent a shuttle east; I think they went to cover the gate sir. Teal'c says that the shuttle carries fifty Jaffa normally."

"Shit." Jack said softly looking at Carter and Ferretti "How much firepower we packing?" he asked them knowing it was going to be bad news.

Sam shook her head "Standard issue and zats sir." She admitted to him "We don't have the firepower to hold off that many Jaffa."

Jack swore again "How far you guys out?" he asked

"Coming to you now sir, see you in sixty seconds." Gabe called out

Jack turned to Ferretti "Get your guys out there, I want all teams back here ASAP!" he ordered

"Sir! SG2 move out." Ferretti ran as well

"You do have a plan for this, don't you Colonel?" Leo asked the man, hoping they had. Then Leo remembered the briefing, Abydos was considered one of the safest planets the SGC had ever found. If it hadn't been safe, General Hammond would never had allowed the president to come here.

Jack smiled "Working on it sir." He told the man confidently as the two SG teams ran into the town square.

"Report." Jack ordered immediately

"Sir, large group of Jaffa spotted fifty clicks from here. I think that they already have the Gate so our escape is cut off."

Teal'c continued, "O'Neill, I believe that the Jaffa will wait until morning to attack."

"Who's leading them, which Goa'uld?" Sam asked nervously

Teal'c shook his head "None, I believe that the Jaffa are alone and are planning to take over this planet for it's naqueda supplies. I spotted Jaffa for Apophis and some of Hathor's. Since they are both dead, I am assuming that they intend to set up their own planet dictatorship."

Gabe turned to Link and Sammy nodding to them. Both men understood immediately and ran from the area.

"So we have to fight." Jack nodded not liking the prospect much. Especially since the President is here.

"Yes O'Neill" Teal'c agreed with the assessment "We must fight."

Leo looked hard at Jack "But you said we don't have the firepower to stand against them."

"I wouldn't say that sir." Gabriel smiled at him

Jack stared hard at Gabe "Did you pack something extra with SG 13's supplies?" he asked hopefully

Gabriel turned and saw Sammy and Link driving the four FRED's back into the area

"You could say that sir." He motioned to the FRED's "Show them Link." He ordered

The tarps were removed and a deadly array of weapons was revealed to the entire group.

Jack smiled at Gabe "I just love the way you pack for a trip." He told him "Major Carter, get these weapons distributed out to the men."

"Sir" Gabriel called out to Jack "With your permission, as soon as the sun goes down SG 13 will head out to prepare a welcome for our friends."

"What kind of surprise?"

Link opened up a box of land mines

Gabe smiled "Oh I think we can come up with something. Another thing sir, we are going to get up close and personal with these guys. Into their ship if possible and find out their numbers."

"No" Jack said simply "You guys aren't the suicide squad anymore." He told them, and then smiled an idea popping into his head "Besides I have another plan for you guys and SG1." Jack looked over and saw the gathered teams "All team leaders to me, the rest of you go to Major Carter and load up on some more weapons." He ordered

As the group closed around O'Neill, he began to lay out his plan to them.

"Okay, we got 18 teams with us that's almost ninety of us plus twenty five of the local militia, we got what, a hundred, hundred and fifty of them."

"The odds don't seem fair sir." Gabriel shook his head "We should give them the opportunity to get some help." He joked trying to lighten the mood.

"Well maybe next time." Jack smiled as the others laughed, "Meanwhile, SG 13 will go out tonight and set up their little surprise for the Jaffa. I hope that that will knock down their number some. What else you got in those FRED's Gabe."

Gabriel paused to think a momoent and read off a list, "LAW's rockets, they'll be good for death-gliders, I got some claymores, grenades, 'buzz' guns. Plenty of extra ammo, some staff weapons for those who know how to use them. Some sniper rifles, hell I even got us a portable tank."

"A tank?" The president asked awed

Gabriel shook his head "Well not a whole tank sir, it's just the cannon part of it. We attach it to one of the dune buggy's and we have a portable cannon. I was only able to get eight rounds for it though." He warned

Jack nodded in understanding "We'll just have to make them count. Good work commander, if it wasn't for your paranoia we wouldn't be near as good a shape as we are."

Gabe shrugged "Even paranoids have their enemies". He reminded them

"Okay SG 18 you are going to stay with the president." Jack began "We can't endanger you Admiral." Jack pointed out.

"Understood Colonel, besides I do have some experience at this as does commander Rabb and lt colonel Mackenzie. The president and his family will be safe with us." He promised them.

"Good" Jack knew the man was also a Navy SEAL and would be formidable in protecting the president

"SG 1 and 13 and 15. We are going out tonight, SG1 and 15 will cover while SG 13 plants the mines. SG 2 will be in charge until we return."

"Sir request permission to arm the presidential party." Gabe asked him "Worse case scenario they can protect themselves."

"Good, you get with them and show them what to do." Jack ordered

"Sir." Gabriel nodded and made his way down the hill to Josh Lyman.

"How are the plans coming Commander?" Josh asked nervously

"Fine sir, we are going to be just fine." Gabe promised him "Sir I need the entire presidential party to get together here immediately."

"I'll have everyone here in five minutes." Josh promised moving off.

"SAMMY!" Gabriel called out over his shoulder

"Sir!" Sammy came over instantly

"I need enough arms to arm the presidential party, then you and I are going to show them how to use them."

"Yes sir." Sammy spun off to gather the weapons.

The presidential party was gathered together and waiting nervously. By now they all knew the danger that was surrounding them and that their only escape route had been closed off by the enemy. Abigail Bartlett stood by her daughter gripping her hand, suddenly wishing that they hadn't pulled her out of school and was still safe. Donna stood near Josh nervously trying to keep calm; she had wanted an adventure, but not one quite to this scale.

Gabe and Sammy approached the group, reaching them, Gabriel smiled at them trying to set them at ease.

"Good morning everyone." Standing before them he tried to exude calm to relax the others "As you've undoubtly heard by now, 50 kilometers to the south of here there is a large group of Jaffa and one of their spaceships. Now we are prepared to defend this city and have adequate supplies to last us quite a while. Also we have some plans in progress that will knock the wind out of their sails long before they reach us here." Swallowing he continued "However, there is the possibility that some of the Jaffa may get past us. SG 18 and the medical personnel will act as your personal guards and they are very good. We feel that should the worst happen, you should be able to defend yourselves. That is why the Sergeant Major and I are here." Gabriel grabbed one of the automatic weapons "I want to introduce you to your new best friends, the P-90 automatic rifle and a Goa'uld weapon a zatniketel or as we call them zats."

Chapter 23: War

SG teams 1, 13 and 15 drove across the desert as soon as the sun had gone down. At several different intervals the teams had stopped, and while SG1 and 15 stood guard, SG 13 began to bury mines in places where the sand dunes were the highest and would force the Jaffa to move closer together. It was almost two hours before dawn when they reached the tall sand dune, behind, which sat a Cheop's class cruiser and the Jaffa. Flattening themselves out the teams made their way up the side of the dune until they reached the top and carefully looked the situation over. Counting quickly Sam leaned towards Jack.

"Colonel I count 112 Jaffa outside the pyramid."

"Hey that guy is familiar." Gabriel pointed to a giant Jaffa that walked down the ramp of the ship with two guards.

"115" Jack corrected "And yeah, that's the guy that beat Daniel up awhile back." He agreed as he stared at the giant.

Teal'c nodded, he also remembered the man "He is undoubtly the Jaffa in charge here, that is why he gets his own personal guards."

"How many Jaffa you figure on board Teal'c?" Annie asked looking through night vision binoculars

Teal'c thought for a moment "Minimal, the Jaffa will probably attack the city in force, they will leave a small amount of guards to guard the ship. I would say no more than ten or fifteen, twenty at the most."

Daniel surveyed the situation and didn't like what he saw, too many of his friends and family were in danger with this amount of Jaffa running around out here just waiting for daylight to attack. Looking over at Jack he saw that he was whispering into Gabriel's ear. When he stopped Gabriel nodded and tapping Annie on the shoulder he pointed and SG 13 made their way out.

"What are you planning Jack?" Daniel asked him knowing the look that was on Jack's face, he had a plan and Daniel wasn't sure that he was going to like it.

"I want that ship Danny-boy." Jack told him seriously "We need it to help protect earth."

"So how are you planning that we get it sir?" Sam asked him, agreeing that they could use the ship

"SG 13 is going to go around the other side, we are going left, and SG 15 you are going right. When daylight hits and the Jaffa move out we are going to take the remaining Jaffa and take that ship and get it immediately airborne and cut off their retreat here. Teal'c, Sam and I will then grab some death gliders and fly back towards town and we strafe the Jaffa hopefully before they reach the city. The other SG teams can then wipe up what ever remains. We then head for the gate and hit the guards over there."

"Sounds like a plan sir." Sam had to agree

"SG 15 move out and stay sharp, you are to let the Jaffa pass us, we'll wait until they are out of sight and then we hit it."

"Yes sir." Lt colonel Sanchez turned to his men "Move out SG 15." He whispered

"Okay guys let's get into position." Jack told them moving in the other direction.

Donna sat in the corner of her tent shaking; her newly acquired zat was laying on her bunk. Sitting across from it she just stared at the weapon wondering if she were capable of using it. She could still remember Commander Fuentes words 'one shot will stun them, two will kill them and three will turn them into dust. Always shoot them three times, you never want to take the chance of that Jaffa's larvae coming anywhere near you.'

Donna had wanted an adventure something to shake up her life a bit. This however was taking it too far out there. She always considered herself a risk taker, and sometimes it worked other times it didn't, there was always a balance. Donna also remembered that just being here was a risk she took, not just to come to Abydos, but to work for the white house at all was one of the biggest risks she had ever taken. Fondly she remembered how she snuck into Bartlett's campaign headquarters looking for a job. Luck had been with her and somehow she had ended up at Josh's desk. She could still remember Josh's face when he went to his desk and found her answering his phones and efficiently taking messages for him. Donna had told him about how she was out of work and was searching for something to do with her life that was meaningful and important. Josh then went on to explain that the party's funds were rather limited and that they weren't hiring anymore people. Donna remembered asking him if he hadn't ever felt the same way that she felt, wanting to do something important with his life. Josh had stared at her for a full minute, and then his phone began to ring. Without a moments hesitation he pulled off his own id and handed it over to Donna "Use this one for now, we'll get you your own later, anyone asks tell them that you work for Josh Lyman." After the election was won, Josh took her to the Whitehouse as his aide and secretary. That risk had paid off, but now... Donna shook her head, she didn't know if she was ready for this risk. This almost felt as bad as when those crazy skinheads had shot Josh in the chest. Donna could very well remember sitting in the emergency room waiting to find out if her boss and friend was going to make it or not. Dreading every tick of the clock, just waiting for the doctor to come and tell her that the man who took a big risk hiring her, was dead.

"Donna?"

Startled Donna looked up into Josh's worried face

"I knocked but you didn't answer." He began "I got nervous." He told her laying his rifle by her weapon "Are you okay?" he asked gently

Donna shook her head tears beginning to form in her eyes "No Josh, I'm not okay, I'm really scared."

Josh moved over by her side, sitting on the floor he wrapped his arms around her and began to gently stroke her hair "Me too" he admitted to her "We'll get through this together, you and me." He promised her, Donna was grateful to feel his arms around her. Quickly she buried her head into his chest wiping at her tears

"Josh can I ask you something, something personal I mean?" she asked

Josh smiled "You mean there is something that you don't know about me?" he joked

"I'm serious Josh." She looked up at him

Josh stopped smiling "Ask me anything you like." He told her

Staring at him "Why have you never hit on me?" she asked, "I've seen you hit on and date a lot of women, but never, not once have you ever hit on me. Why? Don't you find me attractive?" she asked staring at him.

Josh swallowed hard, "Are you kidding?" he asked her "You are beautiful, smart and funny and extremely sexy." Sighing Josh leans his cheek on to her head, he had indeed thought of sleeping with this woman many times, but always he stopped himself from even trying it "The reason is because you are one of my best friends." He told her seriously "You know me Donna, I've messed up all of my relationships, I try too hard, or I don't try hard enough, I'm always working so I don't spend enough time on the relationship. All my relationships have come crashing down around me. If we were to start something and something went wrong between us, I wouldn't be losing just a girlfriend or the best secretary/assistant that I've ever had, but I would also lose one of the best friends that I've ever had as well. I don't know if I can risk that."

Donna stared into his eyes and saw the fear in them, also the love that he had for her. 'Well I guess that I'm just going to have to risk it for the both of us.' She thought to herself

"I do know you Josh, and maybe it hasn't worked out for you before." She told him "Maybe that's because it wasn't supposed to work before, maybe it's because it's supposed to work with me." She told him "You are my best friend Josh, and that is where we can begin." Closing the distance between them Donna closed her eyes and kissed him feeling his arms tighten around her pulling her closer to him.

Josiah Bartlett stood just outside his tent staring into the night. He could see soldiers patrolling the perimeter keeping their eyes peeled for anything that was out of the ordinary. They watched and waited for the attack that was to come within a few hours. These brave men and women were all that stood between him and death and that of his family. Abigail Bartlett walked out of their tent and went to her husband.

"What are you thinking Josiah?" She asked him, seeing his pensive expression.

Sighing he told her "That I was wrong to bring you two out here, into danger."

Abigail shook her head "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else except by your side. I love you Mr. President."

Bartlett smiled taking her hand into his "I love you too." He said lifting her hand up and kissing it then went back to staring at the milling soldiers.

"Look at them Abby." He shook his head "In a few hours these men will be fighting for their lives and to protect us. Yet here they are, some of them joking, laughing not knowing if they are going to be alive in a few hours."

"They are brave men and women." Abigail agreed staring at the men and women

"I've made a decision." He told her "When we get back home, I'm increasing the funding to this project." He nodded "Get the SGC a few more teams, I'm more convinced than ever that this project is important to the future and safety of our planet."

Abigail completely agreed

"Especially" Bartlett continued, "If Colonel O'Neill succeeds."

Abigail stared at her husband "What do you mean?" she asked, "What is Colonel O'Neill going to do?"

Bartlett stared at his wife a moment knowing that she wasn't going to like the plan, hell even he didn't like the plan. But the Colonel was right, his mission was vital to the continued safety of earth "Colonel O'Neill is going to try and take their main ship intact, so that it can be used in earth's defense."

Abigail stared at her husband shocked "Josiah, do you think that is wise?"

"Probably not." He agreed with her "But we have to try, his plan if it succeeds will help to defend this city and us. They can take the Jaffa before they ever reach us here and save many lives."

Abigail shook her head, it was dangerous but then again there was no safe place now. "I'm going to go to the infirmary and get scrubbed up to help out."

"Just be careful." Josiah warned her hugging her close to his chest.

Janet and Daisy were quickly readying an area for casualties. Rolling up bandages and preparing everything that they had bought with them so that it could be ready at a moment's notice.

"Doctor Frasier, where do you want the surgical trays?" one of the nurses asked

"In the other room, over there." Janet pointed, "That's going to be our operating room. Out here we are going to triage the patients." She told the nurse

"Yes ma'am." The nurse flew to her task

Janet turned to her fellow doctor "How are you holding up?" she asked her friend

Daisy sighed, "I'd feel a lot better if Gabe were here to tell me we are going to be alright." She admitted

Janet put a hand on her shoulder "We are going to be fine." She smiled "We have the best soldiers in the business here for our protection."

Daisy knew that Janet was stating the truth "I'd still feel safer if Gabe were here." Daisy shrugged

Janet had to agree wanting nothing more than feeling Jack's arms around her telling her it would all be okay, "I'd feel better if Jack were here as well." She admitted

Just then Sarah Mackenzie and Harriet walked into the makeshift infirmary carrying plates of food.

"Hello ladies." Sarah smiled laying her rifle on one of the gurneys "We are here to volunteer our services as makeshift nurses, and we've bought some food with us so you can eat." Lifting one of the plates showing some of the local Abydonian cuisine.

Janet stared at the food and suddenly became nauseous.

"Suddenly I don't feel so good." Janet turned away, ran for a bowl, and quickly emptied her stomach contents into it.

"Janet?" Daisy made her way over to her friend, rubbing her back Daisy felt her friends' forehead "You don't have a temperature."

Janet closed her eyes "Oh god not now." She whispered holding tightly to her abdomen.

Sarah walked over to her new friend "Janet? Are you alright?" she asked suddenly concerned, they couldn't afford to have their most experienced doctor getting sick now.

Janet smiled ruefully; she hadn't wanted to tell anyone yet. Hell she hadn't even told Jack yet.

Janet looked up from the bowl, smiling sheepishly, "I'm perfectly fine for a woman who's two months pregnant." She told her friends

"Pregnant!" Daisy couldn't believe it "Does Jack know?"

"Not yet" Janet admitted "I wanted to wait until the president's visit was over and then tell him."

Daisy hugged her friend "Congratulations."

Janet smiled rubbing her stomach "Thanks."

"That's great Janet." Sarah and Harriet both congratulated her

The twin suns were beginning their daily ascent into the sky when the Jaffa began to form ranks. Teal'c moved from his position and carefully slid down the side of the large sand dune. Coming to a stop at the bottom he quickly went over to his friends who were getting some needed rest.

"O'Neill" Teal'c gently put his hand on his friends shoulder

Jack's eyes popped open immediately and sat up "Yeah?"

Teal'c pointed up towards the top of the dune "It appears as if the Jaffa are preparing to move out."

Jack nodded "Good wake up Carter and Daniel, I'm going up to take a quick look."

"Very good O'Neill." Teal'c made his way over to the two sleeping scientists

Jack carefully made his way to the top of the hill and laid out at the top studying the situation. Teal'c was right, the Jaffa were getting ready to pull out. Jack figured in about twenty minutes they would begin their journey towards the town. Sliding down the side of the dune, he landed by the others; Daniel put out a hand and helped Jack up.

"How's it looking?" Daniel asked nervously

Jack shook his head "I figure they'll move out in about twenty minutes. Get ready." He told them

SG-1 nodded seriously and began to check their weapons to make sure that they would function properly. Jack pulled out his radio and turned it on.

"Team's 13 and 15 check in." he called out

"13 here." Came the immediate response

"15 here." A moment later

"Looks like our friends are getting ready to pull out stay sharp. 13 you move in first from behind and take out as many as you can. 15 as soon as 13 initiates contact we move in to support."

"1 this is 13, we are going to move in silently and take them, we won't go loud unless we have to. Hopefully we can take the outside guards without a peep."

"Good 13 stay in touch, 1 out."

"13 out."

"15 out."

Jack quickly changed the frequency on his radio "SG 1 calling home base."

"Go SG 1."

Jack immediately recognized the Admiral's voice

"Admiral, looks like our uninvited party crashers are about to head out to you."

"Understood SG1 we'll be ready for them."

"Good SG 1 out."

"Home base out."

Jack turned to his team and pointed up the dune "Well campers, let's get ready to hit it." Jack and Teal'c made their way up the hill.

Sam stared at the man that she loved more than life itself, wanting to say so much to him. Daniel saw the look in her eyes and nodded.

"I know." He told her feeling the exact same way.

Sam shook a finger at him "You had better be careful Daniel Jackson, you had better not leave me standing at the alter, or I'll never forgive you." She warned

Daniel smiled at her feeling her love pour over him "I'll be there." He promised, "You had just better make sure that you are there as well."

Sam nodded "Let's do it." She said making her way up, Daniel right by her side.

Gabriel studied as much of the group as he could, with the pyramid in his way there was only so much that he could see.

"Goddamn pyramid is blocking my view." He whispered to the others

"How we playing this one boss." Link asked staring at the milling Jaffa who were now forming ranks.

"You and I go left, Annie you and Sammy go right." He told them "Annie you and I are on silenced pistols going for head shots. Link you and Sam are backup with rifles, we miss or if someone spots us, we go loud. Otherwise we are silent, we take out the perimeter guards, SG1 and 15 will then join us and we take the guards inside this pig and she's ours."

"Sounds like a plan." Sammy smiled checking his rifle one last time

"O'Neill, the Jaffa are moving out." Teal'c whispered

Jack moved over to his friend's position and saw that the Jaffa were indeed moving out, the giant Jaffa leading the way. With any luck, the bastard would trip off one of the mines himself and save Jack and Teal'c the trouble of killing him for what he did to Daniel.

"Get ready." He told the others

They all watched as the Jaffa moved out over the dune and began their trek towards the town. They waited a long twenty minutes until the Jaffa were out of sight. Jack looked down at the valley where the pyramid was sitting. Lifting up his radio he whispered.

"13 come in."

"13 here."

"You have five guards standing outside, ten more went inside the pyramid. Move out."

"Let's rock." Gabriel told the others

SG 1 and 15 watched as SG 13 slid down the side of the dune towards the pyramid and split into two sections. From his position Jack could see Gabe and Link making their way towards the first of three guards on their side. Annie and Sammy were probably doing the same thing on the other side. Jack watched as Gabe grabbed both his pistols and drew them out, Link stood to Gabe's left and centered his rifle at the Jaffa. Suddenly over his radio he heard Gabe whispering.

"Annie I'm in position."

"So am I." Came the quiet response

"3, 2, 1.."

Jack and his team were shocked that it was over so quickly. Gabe lifted his pistols and with one squeeze of both triggers two of the Jaffa's head's exploded. The third Jaffa spun around bringing up his staff weapon, but it was too late. Gabe quickly centered both pistols and fired again, both bullets caught the Jaffa square in the forehead splattering the Jaffa's head like a ripe melon.

"Done." Gabe announced calmly

"Done." Came the response from Annie

"Make sure." Gabe told her as he and Link both pulled out zats and disintegrated the dead Jaffa.

Jack shivered at the cold efficiency, wondering if he looked that way when he killed, probably, he thought to himself. He knew that SG 13 took no pleasure in it, neither did he, but it had to be done.

"Remind me never to piss these guys off." He whispered to the others and received nods in response

"Done." Gabe called out

"Done." Annie responded

"SG 1 and 15 you're clear." Gabe told him making his way to the front of the ship

"SG 1 and 15 move in." Jack ordered

Both teams made their way to the pyramid while SG 13 covered the front of the pyramid. Two minutes later both teams were by their side.

Lt. Colonel Sanchez stared at SG 13 "I am never pissing you guys off." He told them

Gabe smiled as he reloaded the shells that he spent on the guards. Holstering his weapons he pulled out his rifle and jacked in the first round.

"How do we play this sir?" he asked

Jack looked up the ramp coming to his decision "SG 1 takes the command room to cut off any surprises that they might try to come up with. SG 15 you take communications and make sure that they don't get any messages out to the people out there and 13 you take the engine room, we can't have these guys taking out good ole USS O'Neill." He smiled at them

Gabe smiled at his friend "You got it sir. 13 move out." He said leading the way into the ship. He stopped the teams at the first t-section they came to. Holding up a hand they all stopped, pointing to Sammy he pointed to the left while he took the right. The rest of the teams watched as both men got down on the floor and crawled to the edges of the wall and angle mirrors out and then silently drew back. Sammy held up one finger pointing to the left, and Gabe did the same thing, two guards. Again drawing out pistols Sammy and Gabe got ready, Gabe pointed to himself and motioned downward, then pointing to Sammy he pointed upward. Sammy nodded in understanding, Gabe would go low and take the guard on Sammy's left, and he would go high and take out the guard on Gabe's right. Gabe held up a hand. One, two, three. Both men moved like a well-oiled machine and two muted shots were fired, both men immediately moved out. Annie and Link moved in immediately to cover the positions holding out their rifles covering their teammates. SG 1 and 15 shook their heads; Gabe had formed one hell of a team here. It was just too bad that they were disbanding SG 13, the Jaffa were getting off lucky. A couple of seconds later both men reappeared giving Jack a thumbs up.

Jack nodded and pointed to SG 15 and motioned them out, and then he did the same to SG 13. Turning he nodded to his own team and they moved out to take the ship.

Jack moved silently through the massive ship, barring any surprises, they had spotted ten men going into the ship. SG 13 had taken down two so far that left a total of eight Jaffa for the three teams to take care of, no problem. SG 1 made it to the control room with no problems; quickly Daniel studied the hieroglyphics and pointed out the correct symbol to Jack to open the door. Jack smiled grimly and took one of the pages out of SG 13's playbook, motioning Sam to take the left side of the door and Daniel to take the right. Teal'c and he in the center, they would rush in and Daniel and Sam would provide backup if necessary. Jack prepared his weapon, nodding to Teal'c who heated up his staff weapon; Jack nodded to Daniel who reached over to the door switch. Daniel held up a hand, one, two, three and he threw the switch. Four Jaffa turned to see who was coming in as Jack and Teal'c rushed in and opened fire. Two of the Jaffa were cut down immediately, the other two dove out of the way and returned fire. Jack felt the impact of the staff weapon hitting his side and cried out in pain. Sam and Daniel rushed in and opened fire on the Jaffa silencing him forever. Teal'c took the other Jaffa and then he zatted all four of them while Sam and Daniel ran to Jack's side.

"Jack!" Daniel reached his side

"I'm okay Danny boy." Jack gritted his teeth "He just winged me is all."

Daniel saw the blood on his friend's jacket "I'm going to take a look Okay?"

Jack nodded his head on Carter's lap

Daniel opened the jacket, lifted up Jack's t-shirt, and sighed relieved "You are one lucky bastard Jack." Daniel smiled at Sam "He just nipped your side, another inch or so to the right and you wouldn't be here." He told his friend suddenly frightened that he could lose his friend so easily.

Jack smiled grabbing his best friends hand "Some of that famous Jackson luck must of rubbed off on me. Besides Danny-boy I got a wedding to get to, I am not dying now."

Sam smiled at him as Teal'c joined his team "You just make sure you don't sir, or Janet is going to make your after-life miserable."

LtCol Sanchez moved his men towards the communications area, so far so good, no surprises. Reaching the doorway to communications they saw that it was already open, peeking in Sanchez saw only one guard. Holding his hand up so the rest of his men could see he held up one finger. Handing his rifle over to his 2IC, Sanchez drew out his knife and slid into the room. The Jaffa turned quickly hearing something behind him, but it was already too late. Sanchez drove the knife home into the other mans throat and ruthlessly turned the blade while still inside ripping the Jaffa's neck open. Stepping back he pulled out his zat and shot the dead Jaffa three times. Communications was secure.

Gabe and his team made their way down towards the engine room; Gabe knew that Jack had purposely given his team the most important part of the ship to take. Gabe was proud that Jack had chosen him and his team, he knew just as Jack did that the Jaffa could severely cripple if not destroy the ship entirely if SG 13 were not successful. Quietly they approached the door to the engine room and spotted one guard at the door. Gabe studied the situation and saw that it was a tricky shot from his angle. Pointing to Sammy he nodded towards the guard. Sammy nodded pulling out his pistol and aimed carefully down the corridor. Relaxing his breathing, Sammy knew that he had to be careful here; if this guy let out a shout the others could damage or destroy the engines. Then all of this would have been for nothing, so he carefully lifted his pistol and took aim. A thin green dot danced along the Jaffa's body armor; curious at first the Jaffa studied it as it made it's way up his body. Then looking up and down the corridor he saw where the beam was coming from, he opened his mouth to shout. Sammy pulled the trigger. Sammy made his way to the down Jaffa to zat him, silently he made his way over to him. Reaching to put his pistol away and retrieve his zat, he never saw the Goa'uld larvae peeking out of the armor. The Goa'uld launched itself towards Sammy, who saw it and frantically hit the ground trying to pull his zat out. It was right over him and coming down when suddenly a whistling sound rocketed it's way over Sammy and caught the Goa'uld slamming it against the wall. Sammy looked up and saw the Goa'uld impaled in the wall, one of Gabe's throwing knives holding it there, pinning it to the wall. Sammy grabbed his heart, which was pounding at a rate of about a hundred miles an hour. Suddenly the rest of the team were with him, Annie giving him a big hug, shivering at the close call her friend just had. Gabriel zatted the dead Jaffa and then zatted the Goa'uld and retrieved his knife.

"Too close." He whispered to his friends

"Fucking-A too close, thanks." Sammy whispered back

Gabe nodded and took the lead again into the engine room

Looking around one of the massive engines Gabe spotted two more guards, holding up a hand he signed to the others. Gabe counted to three and the team moved into the open and fired. Both guards never knew what hit them. Crossing over to them quickly Annie and Link zatted them down. Sammy and Gabe searched the rest of the engine room, no more guards.

Gabe lowered his rifle and smiled at his team lifting up his radio. "Engine room is secure." He whispered

"Communications is secure." Sounded another whisper

"Bridge is secured." Sam called to them "But the Colonel is down, I say again the colonel is down."

"Shit." Gabe muttered "You two guys stay here and cover, I'm going to take a look around and make my way up to the bridge, Link head up there now and help the Colonel."

"On my way." Link pulled off his pack and headed out

"SG 1, Link is on his way to you to help the Colonel."

"Good, we could use his help here." Sam admitted, "How many guards did you take?"

"The two in the hall and then another three."

"We took one in communications." Sanchez put in

Sam nodded as she watched Link rush into the room with his pack "We took four on the bridge, that's ten, that should be all."

Gabe sighed relieved "I'm going to take a quick tour and make sure, SG 15 you start at the top and make your way down, I'll start from down here and make my way up. Sammy and Annie will stand guard over the engines." Gabe turned and saw Annie's eyes sparkling looking over the engines "Besides I think that Annie's in love down here with the engines." He smiled

Sam got back on the line "Gabe I don't want you going out on your own, Teal'c is headed down to you now."

"Okay, let's power up this pig and get airborne."

"I need power." Sam told him

"Annie?" he called out

"I'm on it." She told him studying the boards and flicked a couple of switches "How's that?"

"Sam how's that?"

"Good, we got power, I'll do a preflight and get us airborne ASAP."

"How's the colonel?" Gabe asked worried

Sam looked over to Link, who was working on Jack, looking up he gave her a nod.

"He'll make it Ma'am, he'll be dancing a jig this time next week."

Jack smiled "Really, I never could before." Link laughed, as did Sam

Shaking her head she called out, "He's going to be fine."

Gabe sighed relieved as he watched Teal'c enter the engine room.

"Okay, Teal'c's here, we're heading out."

Go' Tar smiled as he led his Jaffa towards the Abydonian township. HIS Jaffa, his grin got bigger, it was obvious to him that Apophis was not going to return and someone had to lead. Who better than him, he was the strongest and the smartest. Take the action he was taking for instance, by taking over the naquedah supplies of this planet he could make himself stronger and become rich. The other system lords would have to recognize his power and respect him. Looking into the distance all he could see was desert, but not for long, in a few hours he would be at the settlement. These Abydoinans stood no chance against him and his Jaffa, by nightfall he would have the city and by tomorrow morning he would have the townspeople working for him.

The Jaffa entered an area where the dunes were massive in size all around them. The Jaffa had to break ranks so that they could travel side by side through the passageway. They were about halfway through when the first Jaffa stepped on a mine.

Go' Tar spun around at the sound of the explosion; he saw many of his Jaffa were down. Others were racing towards their comrades to help them.

"NO!" Go' tar shouted at them, suddenly more explosions went off

Jack sat back against the wall relaxing a bit before the next step in the operation. Lifting up the radio he called in.

"Home base this is SG 1."

"Go SG 1." Ferretti called back nervously, the President and his chief of staff and an admiral standing by his side. God talk about nerve-
wracking, he thought.

"Tell the president that the USS O'Neill is now airborne." Jack smiled

Ferretti smiled nodding towards the President who smiled back "That's great news Colonel, how are you guys?"

"All present and accounted for, one minor injury, but Link has got some great drugs for me."

Everyone around Ferretti frowned "Jack?" he said nervously "How you doing?"

"I'm fine, Link says I'll be dancing a jig this time next week."

"I'll have doctor Fraiser standing by." Ferretti promised

"Good. Looks like I'm out of phase two here, but Teal'c and Sam are going to power up a couple of death gliders and head out to meet our friends."

Ferretti smiled "Hey speaking of our friends, we heard some explosions awhile back, looks like SG 13's surprise welcome met with some positive results." There was no answer "Colonel? Jack!" Ferretti tensed up when he heard no response.

Gabe picked up the radio "Sorry Ferretti, looks like the colonel is taking a nap. Link's joy juice has taken effect. Nice to hear our surprise worked."

Ferretti sighed relieved "Yeah, hey get those gliders here when you can. I'm pretty sure that the Jaffa are going to be mighty pissed when they get here."

"Sam's got us on a stationary orbit. Launching gliders in five minutes." Gabe told him

"Good home base out." Ferretti turned to the president "They did it sir." He smiled

"You know Major." Josiah Bartlett smiled at him "I'm running out of medals to give you guys."

Lou Ferretti grinned back, relieved that his friends were alright, "That's okay sir, just hearing that they are alright is enough for us." Ferretti told him smiling; picking up another radio Ferretti turned it on "All teams, SG 1, 13 and 15 have taken the ship."

The gathered group heard cheers coming from all over the town "You see sir."

Bartlett smiled at the man "Yes I do."

Janet and Daisy let out a collective sigh when they heard Ferretti's announcement over the radio. Neither woman wanted to admit it, but Jack's plan to take the ship had scared the crap out of them. Harriet and Mac smiled at each other and Harm and Bud gave each other a high-
five. A few minutes later Ferretti walked into the makeshift infirmary, he knew that this would be hard on the doc, but she needed to know.

"Doc." He called out to her

Janet turned around and saw Ferretti's expression and she knew immediately.

"Who's hurt?" she asked "And how bad are they?"

Ferretti stared at the doctor before him "Jack..." he never got any further

"How is he!" Janet demanded her heart rising to her throat a hand held over her stomach.

"He's okay Janet." Ferretti held up his hands "Link is with him and says that Jack is going to be just fine. He's resting right now, they'll get him here as soon as they can." He told her.

"I want to speak to him." Janet told him

Ferretti had figured as much and held up a radio, instantly Janet snatched it out of his hands "Jack?" she called out.

"Hey baby." Jack smiled holding up the radio "How are you doing?"

Janet immediately calmed down just hearing his voice "How are you Jack?" she asked tears streaming down her face, Daisy standing behind her rubbing her back.

"Me? I'm feeling fiiiine." He told her "I don't know what Link gave me, but I feel reeeealllll goooood."

"May I colonel?" Janet heard on the line

"Doc?"

"Link? What's his condition?" Janet asked worriedly

"He's going to be fine. Got a slight burn from a staff wound on his left side, it just grazed him a bit. I've cleaned it out and bandaged him up. He'll be as good as new in a few days."

Janet sighed relieved "Thanks Link. Could you put the colonel back on?"

"Sure, here he is."

"Jack?"

"Yeah baby."

Janet bit her lip and decided to tell him "You had better be alright." She began "I'm not raising our child alone."

Jack smiled "Cassie's a big girl now Janet."

Janet smiled rubbing her stomach "I'm not talking about Cassie." She told him

"Janet if this is a joke..." he said seriously

"No joke dad."

"Hey Danny-boy, I'm going to be a father."

"WHAT?!"

"You heard me."

Janet smiled "I love you Jack."

"Love you more, baby."

Janet turned to hand the radio back to Ferretti "Congratulations doc." He beamed at her

"Thanks." Janet blushed turning she hugged Daisy "He's alright."

Ferretti lifted the radio "Congratulations Jack, we'll start the baby pool when you get back."

"Put me down for a boy, 6 and a half pounds Ferretti."

"You got it Jack."

Jack leaned back against the wall, Daniel slid down next to him "Dad, huh?"

Jack turned to his friend tears of joy streaming down his face "Yeah, I'm getting a second chance Danny."

"Sweet." Daniel smiled at him

Jack smiled and shook his head "Always taking my lines." He complained good naturedly.

"I can't tell you how happy I am for you Jack." Daniel told him putting his arm around his friend "Now that is how you grab for that brass ring."

"We gotta protect that town Daniel." Jack told him seriously "Janet's down there." He said frighten that once again his family was in danger, and once again he couldn't do a damn thing to help them.

Daniel nodded "Don't you worry about a thing Jack, we are not going to let anything happen to Janet or your child. You got my word on that." He told him with conviction

"Thanks Daniel." Jack told him waning "I think I'm going to take a nap now."

Daniel smiled "You go ahead, I'll watch over you buddy."

"Good." Jack fell asleep a smile on his face

Daniel stood up and made his way to one of the consoles "Teal'c, Sam come in." Daniel would keep his promise to his friend; no one would hurt his family. Daniel began to alter course and bring the ship around activating the weapons systems on board.

"Daniel what are you doing?" Sam called over the radio "You're heading right for us."

"Sam, Teal'c alter course and head for the stargate and engage targets there, I'll take care of the rest of them." Feeling a hand on his shoulder, Daniel turned and saw Gabriel standing by his side

"I'm here brother." He told him

Daniel smiled as he watched the others spread out manning the weapons stations.

"We'll handle the others, you free up the gate."

"Why Daniel?" Sam asked as she watched the ship close in on her and Teal'c

"I have a promise to keep to my friend." He told her "Trust me." He asked her.

Sam didn't know what was going on, but if Daniel asked her to trust him, then she would.

"Altering course now." She told him "Teal'c you with me?"

"Yes Major Carter, I also am altering course now."

"We gotta do this right." Daniel told them "For Jack's sake."

"WHAT!" Sam called back, the colonel had been alright when she left "What's wrong with Jack, Daniel?" she asked worriedly

"Janet's pregnant Sam, the Jaffa are going to be bearing down on them soon. Jack can't lose them Sam."

"Pregnant?" Sam smiled excitedly

"Indeed you are right Daniel Jackson." Teal'c gripped his controls tighter "We must protect the town, nothing can happen to O'Neill's unborn child." He said knowing that it would completely destroy his friend; O'Neill had already lost one child. Teal'c swore that while he lived, O'Neill would not lose another.

Go' Tar cursed loudly and bitterly, these damn Abydonians were going to pay with their lives! Twenty of his men gone, gone by using those damn mines. He would destroy the town, yes, kill everyone in the town for killing his men. Lifting up his wrist he activated his comms device.

"Ga'Far" he called out angrily "Ga'Far!"

Daniel heard the communication and smiled flipping the switch he answered in the same language.

"Yes"

"The Abydonians have killed many of our Jaffa, bring the ship closer, then we will destroy the entire city."

"We are on our way." Daniel told him cutting off communications "Oh yeah, we are on our way."

Lt Harrison and Sergeant Torres were hunched together on top of a sand dune just ten kilometers from the city. Harrison put down the binoculars and rubbed his tired eyes, this was his first mission back with SG 9 since the Arcadian debacle. After that whole incident had gone down, Harrison was sure that his military career was over. He was sure that LtCol. Franks was going to have him bought up on charges. Instead he was surprised when he reported to General Hammond and told that his punishment was to go for additional training.

"Sir?" Harrison stared at the general his mouth open

Hammond had stared at the young man "It's either that, or I'll have you up on charges." He told the young man.

Harrison shook his head and blushed "I'm sorry sir, it's just that I was positive that you were going to kick me out sir." He admitted, "This almost seems like a reward sir, one which I don't deserve."

Hammond relented seeing that the boy had been scared to death, wondering what was going to befall him and that he couldn't believe what the general had just done to him.

"Sit down son." He said kindly, when Harrison was seated Hammond looked at him "If you ever repeat what I am going to tell you right now. I'll ship you out to Antarctica." He warned

"Never sir." Harrison nodded quickly

Hammond leaned back in his chair "When I was a young man, just out of boot camp myself, I was assigned to a fighter squadron." Smiling at the young man he continued "I was just as cocky as you were, and I was anxious to prove myself as soon as possible. During my first week there I took a jet up to do some bombing runs, you know practice. Well anyway, I was flying over the base and feeling so sure of myself that I started playing around, you know doing barrel rolls and such. Trying to show off to the older more experienced pilots. I was just straightening out when I accidentally hit weapons release and I dropped a bomb smack dab on my commanding officers bungalow."

Harrison's eyes popped open

Hammond laughed, "Oh yes son, I blew up his quarters and all of his personal belongings. I thought for sure that my career was over then as well. My CO was pissed, but he saw that it had been an accident, stupid and idiotic but an accident. He didn't throw me out instead he sent me, where I'm sending you for additional training. At the time I wondered why, I thought that this was a gift and not a punishment, and in some ways it is a gift, this additional training is going to serve you well." Then Hammond smiled "But the training is hell, I won't lie to you son. However if you can hack it and graduate, I will take you back into this command."

Harrison shook his head "Sir I don't deserve any second chances, what I did was inexcusable." He said miserably "I guess I'm just not cut out for this."

Hammond shook his head "I know that you feel that way right now, you did a very stupid thing, the repercussions you will have to live with. Still there are people here who think that you do deserve a second chance. Dr. Fuentes believes that you deserve a second chance."

Harrison looked up shocked "But sir I almost got him and SG 13 killed."

"But you didn't, you held up and faced your responsibilities. Dr. Fuentes believes in you, in fact he said I quote 'punish him but don't kick him out, in time I think he will make a fine officer, one that you can be proud of.'" Hammond told him

"He said that?" Harrison couldn't believe it, after everything that he'd done, Fuentes stuck up for him.

"He did indeed son. Now I need an answer, will you go to black-ops training?"

Harrison stood up ramrod straight trying to hold in his tears "Yes sir, it would be an honor."

Hammond nodded "Good pack up your things you leave for fifteen weeks of training at 0800hrs tomorrow morning."

Harrison saluted the general "I won't let you or Dr. Fuentes down sir."

Hammond smiled and returned the salute "Don't let yourself down either son, dismissed."

Once outside he found Gabriel waiting for him.

"How did it go?" he asked

Harrison told him what the general wanted him to do.

Gabriel slapped him on the shoulder "Good." He'd said "Don't give up kid, whenever it seems that it's getting really bad you just remember that it can only get better from here on out."

"I'll remember that sir." He promised

The next morning Harvey Harrison began fifteen weeks of hell on earth. Up every morning at 0400 and into bed exhausted at 2200hrs every night, but he'd done what he promised. Every time that Harrison had even thought of giving up he would remember what Gabriel had told him and that made him just try that much more. Returning to his team had been the hard part, but he'd done that as well. He remembered going to ltcol Franks to report in.

"Sir Lt. Harrison reporting for duty."

Franks stared at the young man before him "No speeches from me, you fuck up again and I'll have your ass." He promised but held out a hand "Welcome back."

Taking the hand Harrison smiled "Thank you sir."

Now sitting here in the desert he had to laugh. Torres looked at his lieutenant wondering if the young man had lost his mind completely, which was all he needed. Harrison looked over at the sergeant and understood.

"I'm not crazy sergeant, just laughing at the irony of the situation."

Torres looked at the young man "What irony sir?"

"A few months ago, this was all that I could think of." He admitted "To be point man on an important mission like this, chomping at the bit to get into some action."

"And now?" Torres asked seeing a new maturity in the young man that he hadn't seen before

Harvey Harrison shook his head, "Now all I can think is 'god I hope I can get through this without firing a shot.' Pretty ironic don't you think?"

Torres shrugged not quite understanding "If you say so sir."

"What's that?" Harrison caught movement from the corner of his eye.

"What?"

Harrison ducked down bringing up his binoculars "I thought I saw movement."

Torres bought up his binoculars as well and scAnnied the area "I don't see anything." He said

Harrison shook his head "I know I saw something...Wait, there!" he whispered "Three o'clock"

Torres looked over and saw the Jaffa "Oh shit that's a lot of Jaffa and they look pissed."

Harrison bought up his radio "Home base this is Eagle eye." Handing a special viewfinder to the sergeant "Range it." He ordered

"Home base here." Ferretti called back "Report."

"Jaffa spotted home base..." he looked to Torres

"Five and a half clicks from us."

"Range 15 clicks from town heading right to us sir."

Ferretti picked up the radio calling to all the other teams "All teams heads up, Jaffa spotted 15 clicks from here and moving in."

Chedwiggen stood up grabbing his weapons and one of the radios so that he can keep in touch with every one "Mr. President, please come with me and commander Rabb."

"My wife?" Bartlett began

"We will take you to the infirmary sir." Harm reassured him "That is where we are going to keep you sir. It is the most defendable position in town."

"Good"

Ferretti picked up his radio again "Eagle eye come in."

"Eagle eye here, Jaffa still moving our way, we can see that some of them are injured. They must of come across some of those land mines that SG 13 planted."

"Good, what kind of numbers can you see?"

"Wait one home and I'll count."

"Eighty sir, seven of those are wounded from what I can see." Torres told him

Harrison relayed the information

"Good.."Ferretti began

"Oh shit." Torres grabbed Harrison's arm "Cheops cruiser heading our way!"

Harrison looked up and saw the massive ship heading towards them

"SIR! Cheops cruiser heading towards town." Harrison yelled out knowing that the town stood absolutely no chance against that ship

"That one is ours." Ferretti told him "What is it doing?"

Harrison and Torres stared at each other dumbfounded "Ours" they said in unison

"What is it doing?" Ferretti repeated

Snapped out of it Harrison grabbed his binoculars "Wait one sir." Staring out at the ship he lifted up the radio "It looks to be slowing down by the Jaffa."

Suddenly two death gliders streaked overhead of them.

"SIR, two death gliders have just buzzed us, they seem, yes they are altering course heading east towards the gate."

"WHAT!" Ferretti picked up his other radio and switched it on.

"They are heading east to the gate sir." Harrison repeated turning back to the giant ship "The cruiser..." He watched dumbfounded as the cruiser fired its massive weapons.

"Holy shit sir! The cruiser has just opened fire on the Jaffa."

Daniel finished explaining how to aim and fire the weapons to the other teams and returned to the console. He could see that they were quickly gaining on the jaffa and he slowed the ship even more to almost a crawl. He didn't want to take the chance of over shooting the Jaffa and having to turn this ship around for another try. It would take much too long and second he wasn't sure that he could turn the massive ship. It was taking all his concentration just to keep it going straight ahead.

"Daniel" Sam called over the speaker

"Yeah Sam."

"We are going to break off now and head for the gate." She told him hoping that Daniel could take care of the other Jaffa.

"Right, keep us informed. And be careful." He ordered

Sam was surprised; she'd never heard Daniel so completely sure about himself. He sounded like Jack for a moment there, well Jack in a serious moment.

"Yes sir." Sam couldn't help but smile

Daniel smiled as well hearing her answer

"Dannnny." Jack moaned struggling to his feet

"Jack stay there." Daniel told him not wanting to leave his station and not wanting Jack to hurt himself anymore than he already was.

Jack moved carefully over to Daniel waving away his friends concern "I'm alright Daniel, what's going on?" he asked

Daniel looked over the controls again making sure that everything was all right, "Well we took the ship no problem, now we're heading towards the Jaffa and take them out before they hit the town."

"What?" Jack looked surprised "That's not the plan Danny-boy."

Daniel shook his head "We are not taking any chances that any of those Jaffa get to the town." He told his friend "We are not going to take the chance however remote that something might happen to Janet the baby and the others." Daniel told him

Jack stared at his friend in understanding and felt his heart swell up with pride and was grateful to have such friends "Thanks Daniel."

Daniel smiled at Jack "You'd do the same for me."

Jack nodded knowing that Daniel was right "You know I would."

"Daniel." Gabriel walked into the bridge, saw O'Neill standing there, and came to attention "Sir, the ship is secure." He saluted

Jack returned the salute "Good, did you find anything useful?"

Gabriel smiled and dropped all the formalities "Shit Jack we hit a treasure trove. We now are the proud new owners of a full armory full, of staff weapons and zats, there is also a sarcophagus down there, although I don't think it's working." He admitted, handing a sign over to Daniel "Does that say what I think it does?" he asked

Daniel looked at the sign and laughed "Out of order."

Gabriel laughed as well "I thought so." Then he shrugged to Jack "Maybe we can fix it." He told him "Oh and we have six shuttles and two dozen death gliders, and we have another gate." Gabriel told him excitedly "Plus we have a bunch of shit that I don't even know what it does."

Jack smiled; this would definitely put things between the system lords and the earth on a lot more even scale.

"Sweet."

Sammy turned from his console "Sirs, we are coming up on the Jaffa."

Jack nodded to the man "Good, bring us in nice and slow Daniel."

"You got it." Daniel told him bringing the ship to almost a complete stop

"Can we see them?" Jack asked

"Yeah, let me just adjust this." Daniel flipped a couple of switches and suddenly they saw the gathered group of Jaffa below them.

"Ga'Far" they all heard coming in over the speakers "Go and attack the city and destroy it."

Daniel smiled as he flipped the switch and answered him in English "Ah. Sorry I can't do that."

"What?" Go' tar screamed, "You will do as I say and attack the city, Jaffa KREE!"

Jack leaned over to the microphone, he couldn't resist.

Back in the infirmary the group consisting of the president and his staff, plus Janet and her staff and the Jag officers crowded around the radio listening to what was being said on the ship. Janet blushed when she heard Daniel and Jack talking about her and the baby. The president looked over at her, smiling he shook his head and turned to listen to the radio. They heard when Gabriel returned to tell the others what he'd found, which caused smiles around the room and many high fives were exchanged. Then they heard the other voice, which they couldn't understand. Then they heard Daniel respond

"Ah. I'm afraid that I cannot do that." He said in English

Then also in English they heard "What? You will do as I say and attack the city, Jaffa Kree!"

Then Jack's voice came over the line sounding pinched and nasally "I am sorry sir but your call cannot be completed as dialed, please hang up and try again." Janet covered her mouth and laughed

"Fire control?" Daniel called over his shoulder

Link looked back "All lights are green ready to fire." He told them his finger poised over a button

Daniel smiled at Jack, and Jack smiled back.

Nodding their heads in unison they both spoke "Fire!"

Go' Tar stared at his communicator in confusion then looking up he saw one of the weapons mounts turn towards them and he understood. He had underestimated the enemy. That was the last thought he ever had.

It was over in less than a minute the Jaffa forces on the ground stood no chance against the superior weapons on board the ship. Some of them tried to run but the automatic targeting systems on board the ship found them no matter where they tried to run. Giant holes were made in the sand as the weapons tossed the Jaffa around as if they were tissue paper caught in a windstorm. Suddenly the firing stopped, Jack looked over the situation and shook his head, if any Jaffa were alive down there after this they were damn lucky. Grabbing up his radio he saw that it was still switched on, he must have left it on when he passed out earlier. Shaking his head he tried to remember if he'd said anything stupid. Then he thought screw it, he was sore and tired.

"Home base come in."

Ferretti picked up the line "This is home base, go SG 1."

"The Jaffa are down Ferretti, take half the teams and check the situation over and see if there are any survivors."

Ferretti sighed relieved "Will do Colonel, great work sir." Picking up the other radio Ferretti issued the orders. Then he remembered.

"Eagle eye come in."

"Eagle eye here sir."

"We have a bunch of teams coming out to meet you, check out the Jaffa and see if there are any survivors and come on home."

Harrison patted Torres on the shoulder "Will do sir."

Jack and Daniel were shaking hands when they suddenly remembered the other half of their team. Scrambling over to the communications equipment they turned it on.

"Carter you there?" Jack called out

"Right here sir." Came the immediate response "Glad to hear your voice sir." Sam sighed relieved

"What's your sit-rep?" he asked immediately

"We strafed the area twice outside the pyramid and they all hauled ass inside. It's been pretty quiet here sir, I think that they pulled out through the gate sir."

Daniel sighed relieved just to hear Sam's voice over the radio; he felt a hand patting him on the shoulder. Turning he saw that it was Jack.

"Okay Major keep circling the area, we'll have men down there in a couple of hours to check it out. You'll provide cover for them."

"Will do sir, Carter out."

Jack turned to look at Daniel "Do you think that you can land this thing without taking out the town?" he asked

Daniel smiled at his friend "Well I can try." He said heading towards the town

Nervously Jack stared at his friend "That's a joke right Daniel....Daniel...?"

It took three hours to figure out but the ship landed without incident just outside the Abydonian township, the doors were swung open as the three SG teams disembarked the ship. Happy towns people ran out to meet their saviors enveloping them with hugs and kisses. Kasuf and Skarra were there hugging Jack and Daniel welcoming them back happy that they were safe.

Janet and Daisy pushed their way through the throngs of people; Daisy spotted Gabe and jumped into his arms covering his face with kisses.

"Oh god, you're alright." She cried and continued to kiss him

"You bet I'm alright." He said holding her tight "We have a ship to catch."

"JACK!" Janet ran to him

Jack took her into his arms holding on tight to her, promising himself that he would never let this woman go.

"Oh baby I missed you." He told her then he rubbed her abdomen "Both of you."

"Oh Jack." Janet hugged him for all she was worth then began to pull him away from the group "Come on I'm going to check your side and then you are going to bed." She ordered

"Yes mom." Jack smiled and let the petite woman lead him away

"Daniel!" Sarah Mackenzie hugged her friend

"Sarah" he smiled hugging her back "Everyone okay here?" he asked

"Everyone is fine." Harm smiled patting him on the back "How about you, you okay?"

"I'm good." He told them "Could use a few days of sleep though." He admitted as they walked into the city.

President Bartlett and his staff met him at the gates of the city and shook his hand.

"Dr. Jackson, good work sir, damn good work."

"Thank you Mr. President." Daniel blushed "Sir about the other night..."

Bartlett shook his head "We'll talk about that later, although I wouldn't worry if I were you." He told him already having come to his decision. "Where is Colonel O'Neill?" he asked

Daniel smiled relieved that it was going to turn out okay "Dr. Fraiser dragged him to the infirmary to check out his wound."

"I better go and check on him and congratulate him as well." Patting the Daniel on the shoulder he and his daughter made their way to the make shift hospital.

The presidential staff all came forward shaking hands with Daniel and the rest of the teams

Overhead two death gliders buzzed the airspace and quickly circled the area and came to a landing by the giant space ship. Daniel turned and ran towards the ships dodging people as he ran to meet with the rest of his team.

Sam opened the cockpit of her glider and quickly jumped out already running towards the town. They met each other half way, Sam jumped into Daniel's arms.

"Sam, oh God Sam you're safe."

Kissing him for all she was worth, she broke the kiss and smiled "Hey we have a date with a priest and a church. You don't think I'm missing that do you?"

"No" Daniel smiled hugging her close

Suddenly they both felt giant arms coming around them, looking up they saw Teal'c.

"I am happy that my friends are all safe." The giant Jaffa smiled

Both Daniel and Sam threw an arm around the Jaffa and headed back towards the city, already seeing that people were celebrating.

"Oh there's going to be a party tonight big time." Sam smiled

"Let's go check on Jack." Daniel told them

The infirmary was full with the presidential staff inside talking with Jack about how he'd gotten the ship. Seeing the rest of his team bought a smile to his face.

"Hey kids." Jack stood up hugging his friends "How did it go?"

Sam stepped back after her hug and told him "Just as we thought sir, the Jaffa at the gate all turned and went through."

"With no one to lead them they ran." Teal'c told him "They will most likely approach one of the systems lords and try to join with them."

Jack shook his head waving it off "A concern for another day Teal'c ole buddy."

Ferretti joined the party just returning from checking the area for Jaffa survivors "Colonel, good to see you sir." He said pumping Jack's hand "Daniel, Sam and Teal'c good to see you all safe." He smiled getting choked up.

"What's the situation out there?" Jack asked

Ferretti shook his head "Not enough left of them to put in plastic baggies." He said

Finally Janet stepped out from the back, just having gotten sick again. "Oh is just going to be so much fun." She thought to herself "Shut up Janet, you wouldn't want it any other way." She smiled.

"Okay everyone, that is enough." She announced "I have a wounded man in here who needs his rest, so unless you are sick or dying everyone out."

Jack watched amazed as his short fiancée ordered out the most powerful man on the planet earth out of the room. Finally when they were all gone, Janet turned and faced her fiancée and smiled.

"At last we are alone." She said coming to him

Later that night Josiah Bartlett sat on a sand dune watching the festivities going on well into the night. Soldiers and townspeople were singing, dancing, and drinking. Shaking his head he had to smile.

"Well they deserve it." He thought to himself, he watched comically as Daniel Jackson and Sam Carter snuck away from the others to be alone. "Yes" he thought, "You two deserve a special dispensation, and after what you did today, you will get it."

Suddenly another sight caught his eye, two more people sneaking away from the party. Josh and Donna were sneaking away from the others, holding on to each other. "Another interesting development." He thought to himself shaking his head.

"Mr. President?" a soft voice called to him

Bartlett turned and saw the large shadow before him "Commander Fuentes, please take a seat."

Gabriel walked over "Thank you sir." He said and sat down holding out a cup "I thought you might like a drink of the local wine."

"Don't mind if I do." Bartlett drank some and leaned back "So what can I do for you commander?" he asked

"Well sir." Gabriel began nervously "I'm here to ask you for my favor."

"Really?" Bartlett stared at the young man "So soon?"

"Yes sir." Gabriel sat up "Daniel Jackson is my blood brother sir. My blood flows through his veins; I have trained him to become samurai. I would do anything, including die for my brother."

Bartlett smiled wondering if Daniel Jackson and Samantha Carter knew what kind of friends they had, already O'Neill and Dr. Fraiser had spoken to him about this very thing, as well as Major Ferretti of SG 2 and Ltcol Mackensie and a few others. He was about to let the young man off the hook here when a thought entered his head. Suddenly he decided to hear the young man out.

"So your favor?"

Gabriel swallowed "Sir I would ask that you grant a special dispensation to Dr. Jackson and Major Carter. They love each other sir, and they need each other to stay sane in all this craziness."

Bartlett nodded seemingly deep in thought "You do realize that if they stay on the same team, it could bring about some dangers."

"I do realize that sir, but..."

Bartlett held up a hand "I have a proposition to make to you son. A deal so to speak."

Gabriel stared at the man before him, suddenly he remembered just over a year ago to a deal he made back then. Just like last time though, he really had no choice.

"Name it sir."

Epilogue Two months later Cheyenne Mountain

"Hey Jack wait up!" Daniel ran up to his friend holding up a piece of paper

Jack stopped and waited for his friend to catch up. Seeing the smile lighting up his friends face he knew something was up.

"What's up Daniel, find some new rocks for you collection."

Daniel stared at his friend "I'm not even going to say it."

Jack chuckled "Come on I'll buy you a cup of coffee."

Daniel smiled "Great" they walked down the corridor "By the way how's Janet?"

Jack shook his head remembering this mornings "discussion".

"Hormones are kicking up and the mood swings are coming fast and hard." He admitted "And she's still getting sick every morning. Of course she blames it all on me." He said innocently, then he waved it off "It's going great, but what was it you wanted to tell me?"

"Oh, I almost forgot." Showing the letter to Jack "From the president, Sam and I got the special dispensation." He said happily

Jack read the letter throwing his arm around his friend "Great news." He congratulated his friend.

For a while there they had worried about it, after the Abydos mission, General Hammond said that there might be some changes coming for SG 1 after he had spoken to the president. What those changes were going to be the general refused to speculate. So, SG 1 had been walking around anxious ever since. Now this was very welcomed news.

"Does Sam know?" Jack asked as they entered the commissary

"Know what?" Sam asked as she joined them

"Hey Carter, Danny-boy's got some news."

Sam's eyebrows lifted "Really? What?" she asked her future husband

Daniel smiled and handed the letter over.

Sam's eyes opened wide seeing the president's seal on the top "From the President?" she asked and began to read the letter. Suddenly the letter dropped from her hands.

"Sam?" Daniel asked worriedly and suddenly Sam grabbed him kissing him in front of all the others in the commissary. Catcalls and wolf whistles filled the air.

Breaking away Daniel stood there stunned. Jack had to laugh; the last time he'd seen that expression on Daniel's face was on Abydos when Sha're had planted one on him.

Jack grabbed him by the jacket "This way Daniel." He said leading him to a table where Janet sat eating her third breakfast. Teal'c, Annie, Sammy and Link were also sitting there drinking coffee.

"Well what was that all about?" Janet asked in between bites

"We got the special dispensation." Sam told her friends happily

Janet and Annie hugged her "You see we told you not to worry." They said

Sam sighed "This is just such a load off my mind, I was so afraid this was going to bust up the team."

"Nah." Jack waved it away "They'd never bust us up, we're too good." He reassured her

Dr. Daisy Fuentes walked into the commissary, smiling she spotted her friends.

"Room for one more?" she asked

"Daisy!" Janet hugged her junior officer "It's about time you got back here." She complained, "We were starting to think that you would never come back from your honeymoon."

Daisy smiled nodding to Daniel who put a cup of coffee in front of her.

"We almost decided never to come back. Europe is so much fun." Daisy told them

"Was Cassie any trouble?" Janet asked

Daisy shook her head, "None at all. She worked very hard over the summer."

Cassie had joined Josie for a summer concert tour all over Europe. Cassie had acted as Josie's personal assistant and the two teenagers had traveled throughout Europe with great uncle Chun-li as chaperone. Finally they ended up in Paris for three weeks with Daisy and Gabriel.

"So where's Gabe?" Asked Link hoping to see his former CO

"I don't know where he is actually." Daisy admitted "When I woke up this morning he was already gone, he left a note saying that he had to check in with his new CO this morning.

"So where is he being stationed?" asked Jack wondering why Gabe wasn't coming back to the SGC.

"I've no idea." Daisy admitted, "He's been rather tight lipped about it, I just hope it's not more black-ops work."

General Hammond strode into the commissary nodding to his men, finally he approached SG 1's table.

"Stay seated everyone." He began as they began to stand

"Sir, would you care for some coffee?" Daniel asked him

"No thank you son, I've got a lot of work to do. I just had to stop here for a moment and give you some news." Smiling at his daughter he gave her a wink

"We heard General." Sam smiled "Daniel got the special dispensation today."

Hammond smiled "That is good news." He told them "But no this has to do with the restructuring of SG 1." He told them, startling all the others.

"What!" Jack jumped up as the others stared on in shock "Sir, there is no need to restructure SG 1. The President has given his seal of approval..."

Hammond held up his hand "Colonel, this comes from the president. I'm sorry." Facing the others he told them "As you know with the appropriations that we have gotten we now have 30 active SG teams, now all of our teams are five man teams with the exception of SG 1."

"So we aren't being broken up?" Daniel asked nervously

"Broken up?" Hammond stared at the team "What ever gave you that impression, no what I am doing is assigning you a fifth member."

"A fifth?" Jack shook his head "Sir we've tried this before if you remember and it didn't work out then. Couldn't you just leave us the way we are?"

"I'm sorry Jack." Hammond shook his head "But these are orders from the president himself, all SG teams are to be five man teams from now on."

"So who are we getting?" Jack asked hoping that whoever it was, wasn't going to get on his nerves.

Hammond opened a file he was holding "Well originally he was offered a CO's slot with one of the new SG Teams, but the President said that he was to be assigned to SG 1." The General stared at them "Apparently this man was chosen for you specifically by the President."

"Oh no." Jack sighed "A political appointee." He moaned to the others, that was all they needed. Some political soldier whose only worry was trying to get ahead.

Hammond ignored him and continued "Now he was then offered 2IC for SG 1, technically he outranks you Major Carter. He has more time in rate." He said staring at the woman who was obviously nervous.

"No way Carter is my 2IC, I won't have it any other way." Jack put his foot down, they could add a fifth member to his team but that was it.

Hammond ignored him "As I was saying he was offered 2IC but he turned that down, saying that he did not want to destroy the present teams dynamic. So he is coming to you as 3IC." Sam sighed in relief, he continued, "He has an excellent service record, had some trouble a number of years back and was out of the service for awhile but came back into the fold so to speak." He said staring at Jack who was beginning to see the light.

"This man general." Jack began looking at the others with a smile "He wouldn't be a medal of honor winner would he?"

Hammond smiled checking the file "Why yes Colonel he is a Medal of Honor winner."

Sam also smiled seeing what was going on "This man wouldn't be a navy man would he sir?"

Hammond looked into the file again trying not to laugh, "Yes major he is. Ah here he is now." The general smiled. The man strode over to the table; smiles lit all the faces there.

Stepping in front of Jack the man saluted, "Sir, Lieutenant Commander Gabriel Fuentes reporting for duty as 3IC of SG 1."

Jack returned the salute and held out a hand "Well commander, welcome to SG 1."

The End

Well what did you think? I hope that you liked the story, and whew! Am I glad that's over with, this is the second and longest fan-fic that I have ever written (The other is a Forever Knight story which you can find at Forever Knight's archive site also under my name.) Please e-mail any comments that you might have, any critisim will be appreciated to

There is a sequel coming, I don't know how long it will take me to write it. As you may have noted, in this story, references to Jacob "Jake" Carter Jr. were made. He will be a major character in that story, the Carter family is in for a shake up. Hopefully everything will turn out all right for them. The story is going to take place several months after the end of this one.

A brief synopsis of what I have so far, Jack and Janet are already married, and Janet is entering her ninth month of pregnancy. Daniel and Sam are preparing for their wedding day. Someone on SG 1 is going to be accused of murder, and someone is going to have to investigate the crime.

Coming soon: Murder on the Mountain.