Rating: PG
Spoilers: Season Three, Crystal Skull
Continuing the Story of Daniel and Antonia, my version of the events in The Crystal Skull.
Sequel to Marmalade, Green Card
General Hammond had assigned SG-4 to a standard recon mission on PKZ 1961. As the gate spit them out Antonia suddenly felt nauseous, strange gate travel had never done that before. Then she knew she had to be sick. She said hello to her breakfast again and then sat down on the steps at the foot of the Stargate.
Ken came over to check on her, " Hey what happened? You OK?"
She took the drink he offered her.
"Not sure, just felt really woozy for a bit. That’s never happened before."
"Big night on the beers last night?" he teased
"No!" She replied indignantly.
"Alright, listen you rest there for a bit but if you feel worse I’m sending you straight back," He insisted
Major Ken "Ginger" Barker commanding officer of SG-4 considered his options. They were scheduled to spend six hours here, but if Doctor Richards was sick, they should return immediately.
Lieutenants Whitaker and Edwards were waiting patiently for their orders. He decided to give Antonia a few minutes before making his final decision.
"Whitaker, send the MALP back, Major Carter’s waiting for it." He ordered.
The Lieutenant dialled earth and manoeuvred the MALP back through the wormhole.
The Stargate was located on a range of hills, which reminded Antonia of the South Downs in Southern England she almost expected to see the Long Man of Wilmington. In the distance, she could just make out the sea, but there were no seaside towns like Brighton here. In the opposite direction the hills rose into mountains, these she knew from the UAV report, were as tall as the Himalayas.
Whatever civilisation had existed on this planet was long gone; only ruins left behind. The nearest of which was half a mile from the gate. SG-4’s mission was to investigate the area and take the usual soil samples. Antonia was particularly interested in looking for clues to explain why this civilisation had died out. She had discussed it at length with Daniel the night before and they had come up with opposing theories. She hoped her one was right, although it wasn’t always easy to be certain with only a limit amount of time. Like her husband, she could quite happily spend weeks on the same project.
She was feeling better now, having found some dry biscuits in her backpack and was itching to start exploring. She stood up and went over to where Ken was sorting through the equipment.
"I’m fine now, can we get started?" She asked
Ken eyed her quizzically for a second, she did seem fine and it would be a shame to scrub the mission.
"Whitaker, Edwards, let's go we’re moving out." He ordered.
Lieutenant Edwards had already unpacked his video camera and was filming the area. Antonia smiled, just a normal working day, as normal as travelling across the universe to distant planets could be.
The team walked briskly to the ruins and began work. The six hours flew by, as Antonia alternatively sketched in a notebook or typed her observations about the ruins into her PDA. She concluded that they were probably Mayan in origin. She smiled to herself that meant she was right and Daniel was wrong. That was unusual he was a great deal more knowledgeable on a range of subjects than she was.
Before joining, the SGC Antonia had specialised in early British History, especially the Roman period. Most of her experience was on urban development sites, often excavating in buildings before demolition, or working alongside a construction team. Ironically, it was her one dig in Africa that had bought her to Daniel's attention.
Ken came over to where Antonia sat cross-legged on the ground, "Time to go." He announced.
She wanted to stay longer but they knew from the MALP readings that the overnight temperatures of this world dropped below freezing. Reluctantly she packed her equipment away and stood up. Suddenly she felt light-headed and would have fallen if Ken had not caught her in time.
"Hey steady on." He said
"Sorry Ken I must’ve got up too fast, low blood sugar or something."
"Well that’s it, you’re definitely reporting to the infirmary the instant we get back." He insisted.
This time Antonia didn’t argue.
They headed back to the gate with the others. Overall it had been a good day, back at the SGC she would type up her report on the mission and then head home to Daniel. As far as she knew he wasn’t going off world today, Sam had a few destinations to investigate but not every planet was suitable for a visit. She wasn’t concerned about her dizzy spell she’d been fine all day, it was probably nothing but she’d ask Janet to check it out.
Antonia’s contented mood vanished within seconds of stepping back through the gate. General Hammond was waiting to greet them.
"Doctor Richards, there’s a situation you need to be aware of. Doctor Jackson is missing, " he told her.
"What?" She had trouble registering what he was saying and the journey through the gate had made her feel nauseous again.
"Teal’c believes he was transported somewhere on P7X 377", Hammond explained, "There’s an artefact we need you to look at. We've hoping your archaeological expertise will be able to help us find out what happened to him."
"Sir," Ken interrupted, " Doctor Richards needs to visit the infirmary."
"It’s nothing Sir, I’ve just been a bit off today that’s all." She explained.
Ken had a different opinion; "It was a bit more than that Antonia."
General Hammond noticed that Antonia was a bit pale but he had just informed her that her husband was missing, however he trusted Barker’s judgement.
"Doctor Richards, report to the infirmary first then you can assist Doctor Rothman."
Antonia had been at the SGC long enough to know when she had been given an order.
"Yes Sir." She replied.
***********************
Janet Frasier had had a busy day, three members of SG-1 needed treatment and two were still in her care. Jack was awake and complaining, Sam had regained consciousness but was now sleeping peacefully. Now she had a new patient in her office.
"So what’s up Antonia?" she asked.
"It’s nothing really Janet." Antonia avoided Janet's gaze, fidgeting absently with the flap of her leg pocket. She hoped to play down her symptoms and escape to see Robert. She wanted to find out what had happened to Daniel.
"Major Barker didn’t seem to think so." She persisted.
"I was sick this morning that’s all." She might as well to come clean, Janet would find out anyway.
"Anything else?" Janet began to take notes.
"I felt a bit dizzy just before we came back."
Janet asked a few more questions, then, "Toni, when was your last period?"
"Excuse me? " Antonia exclaimed then, thought for a moment, mentally counting back, "Oh my."
"I’d like to do a pregnancy test, with your symptoms it could be the most obvious explanation."
"OK," She replied softly, trying to take in what Janet was saying. That hadn't even occurred to her.
A few minutes later Janet had news for her, "Well, congratulations, it’s positive."
"Oh Wow." was Antonia’s only response.
Neither woman was aware of the third person in the room. Daniel, somehow out of phase with everyone around him but still able to see and hear what was going on. Something had happened to him on that planet, whilst staring at the Crystal Skull. He barely managed to return through the gate when Teal’c came back to collect the skull. When SG-4 returned he had followed his wife, trying to communicate with her, hoping that their connection to each other would somehow make a difference. However, he was just as invisible to her as he was to everyone else.
At first, he had hesitated at eavesdropping on her conversation with Janet but his concern for her well being came first. The news she had just received was fantastic; he was going to be a father. Then he began to panic what if he was stuck like this. He would never be able to hold his child in his arms. He tried to quell his rising fear, surely there was a way out of this predicament.
Antonia somehow picked up on his emotion she shivered, but put the feeling down to the excitement and shock that she was feeling. A baby! She and Daniel had made a baby. That was the most marvellous wonderful feeling, but where was he? She was uncertain whether to laugh or cry.
Janet let her gather her thoughts for awhile, then her military duty took precedence, "You know I’ll have to inform General Hammond. I want you off active duty, we have no idea what gate travel, could or may have already done to the foetus."
"Whoa, hold on a sec, " She said horrified, " I understand but I'd like to get used the idea myself, you know I always thought if this happened Daniel would be the first to know. I’d still like it to be that way."
"OK, I’ll leave it for awhile, but if I feel there’s a need to speak up I will. Anyway I want to arrange an ultrasound and I've got some leaflets I want you to read."
"Thanks Janet I appreciate that."
Teal’c knocked on the door. Janet told him to come in.
"Doctor Frasier I wish to speak to Antonia Richards." He stated.
"Yes Teal’c we’ve finished, " to Antonia she said, "if you need anything or you want to talk, let me know."
Antonia followed Teal’c to lab 3C on the way he explained the events that had lead to Daniel’s disappearance.
Their constant shadow followed unseen behind them.
**********
Robert Rothman, like Antonia was a civilian specialist working for the SGC. He and Sergeant Siler were studying the crystal skull.
"Haddo Antonia," greeted Robert. His nose was constantly blocked from his allergies.
"Have you found anything out yet?" She asked.
"Well it’s a crystal skull." Robert stated the obvious.
Antonia rolled her eyes, oh boy. "Robert I can see that."
Robert fidgeted uncomfortably under her glaze, not even daring to look at Teal’c, "It’s almost identical to the Nicholas Ballard Skull in the Smithsonian."
Daniel was leaning over the desk close to Robert urging him to focus.
Robert squirted a nasal spray up his nose and sniffed loudly, "It’s very impressive craftsmanship, probably made in Germany, early 1800s. What I don’t understand is what it has to do with Daniel being missing."
"We believe it to be a teleportation device," said Teal’c
"Are you serious?" Robert asked, he looked at Antonia for confirmation, Teal’c intimidated him.
Daniel was willing Robert to be more sceptical, he did not seem to be aware of the origin of the skull. "Come on Toni, help him out, think about the Ballard Skull in the Smithsonian."
Even if she could hear him, it would have been no use; Antonia had never been to the Smithsonian.
"It’s a skull." Robert concluded.
Daniel groaned again. "Not that sceptical." Wishing he could be heard.
Teal’c explained to Robert what he had seen, "I myself witnessed the artefact create a tremendous field of energy which engulfed Daniel Jackson."
Robert was not convinced, "It’s made of crystal, not plutonium. I just don’t see how this could.."
"Robert, " Antonia was getting impatient, "General Hammond wants a full report within twelve hours, there must be something."
"I know, " he nervously checked his watch, "do you have any ideas?"
"No, but I’ll go and check Daniel’s office he might have left some notes or information we can use."
She turned to leave, she had never come across anything like this before, and not for the first time, she wished she had Daniel’s encyclopaedic knowledge.
Teal’c had one more piece of advice for Robert, "do not look directly into it’s eyes."
"OK." He sniffed again and reached for his nose drops.
**********
Daniel’s desk was piled with books and papers, Antonia checked his PC and found a presentation file about Crystal skulls she watched it quickly but there was no new information just the basic facts. One reference in his notes puzzled her someone called Nick.
Sam had discharged herself from the infirmary and had come to Daniel’s office for the same reason to check his research.
"Hey Toni."
"Hey, how are you?" Antonia asked.
"Fine thanks, bit tired but Janet says the effects of the radiation will wear off soon. How are you doing?"
For a moment Antonia considered sharing her news with her friend instead, she shrugged. "I don't think I've really taken it all in yet. Teal’c told me what happened to Daniel, do you know anything else?"
Sam only knew as much as Teal’c but she did have one unexpected piece of information for Antonia. "Daniel thought the skull was similar to the one his Grandfather found in Belize in 1971."
"Daniel’s grandfather?" Antonia was astonished; Daniel had never mentioned him.
"You didn’t know about this?" Sam asked
"Eh, you know none of Daniel’s family came to the wedding. His parents died when he was little and he doesn’t keep in touch with his foster parents. He’s never mentioned a grandfather."
Sam explained what Daniel had told them earlier, about Nick and the skull.
"So that’s what Robert meant, I didn’t understand before. Perhaps we should contact Nick" Antonia suggested.
"Maybe, let’s see what else we can come up with."
Antonia gathered up a few papers, "I’m going back to try and help Robert."
"I’ll catch up with you, I want to grab some equipment and run some diagnostic tests.
*********
Antonia returned to the lab, she found Robert staring intently at the skull.
"Stop, " she shouted, "That's exactly what Teal'c told you not to do."
"That's what I've been trying to tell him," the unnoticed Daniel said. He hung his head in his hands.
Daniel was keeping out of the way at the back of the room, he found it very disconcerting when someone accidentally walked through him. He wanted to ask Sam about the physics involved. Why could he easily pass through people but solid objects needed a bit of concentration? He hoped it wouldn’t be too long before he got the chance to ask her. He had tried to communicate with Teal'c during his meditation. Although the Jaffa had sensed something, he didn't see or hear Daniel.
Robert defiantly replied "I know that. I was trying to prove something."
"Prove what?" She asked, then realised what Robert was thinking, "You don't think the skull is responsible for what happened to Daniel, do you?"
"I'm still here," he stated.
"Sam did tell me that there was some sort of radiation on the planet when it happened." She forgot the exact details.
"Well there's no residual radiation now." He told her.
Antonia sighed, why did Robert always find it hard to suspend his belief; surely after working at the SGC he would have learnt to expect the unexpected.
Robert sympathised: "I sorry Antonia I know this must be hard for you. Hey, I wish it was a teleportation device. We could use it to go and find Daniel. He's my friend too, you know. I don't think that's what we've got here. I think what we have here is a paperweight. I'm sorry, but that's my opinion."
Antonia nodded, she was beginning to think he could be right. Nothing she could think of would add to the debate. She sat down in the chair vacated by Siler. A wave of tiredness came over her; right now, she should have been at home eating her dinner with Daniel. She felt so helpless. A silent tear trickled down her cheek, she brushed it away quickly before Robert could notice.
Robert went over to the water cooler and fetched a cup of water. She looked pale and exhausted. He was concerned about her; Antonia was normally such a lively, happy person. Even her colourful hair accessories had been toned down today, whilst in her SGC uniform she usually just pulled her hair into a high pony tail with a khaki coloured scrunchie.
"Thanks." She took the cup.
Daniel hated to see Toni so sad he wished he could communicate with her. Watching her sip the water; it suddenly occurred to him that he hadn't felt hungry or thirsty. Aghast, he jumped down from the cabinet, "What if I'm dead? A ghost even?"
Antonia shivered as though there was a draft in the room, "Did you feel that?" she asked Robert.
"No, What?"
"I just felt cold, shivery." She explained.
He hesitantly patted her shoulder searching desperately for some words to comfort her but he had none. She covered his hand with her own, understanding and acknowledging his gesture.
"I think you're just tired" Robert suggested.
Daniel knew the answer, "No, I think that was me. Oh Toni, you can sense me, I'm right here with you my love."
Remarkably she felt calmer now and her natural optimism began to surface: an idea had just occurred to her. "Has anyone thought to check the Area 51 database? One of the other SG teams may have found something that could help."
"That's a good idea, " Sam said coming into the room, carrying some equipment. " I'm gonna run some diagnostic tests. There may be properties within the crystalline structure that are invisible to the naked eye."
"OK," Antonia replied whatever would help. Perhaps Sam's scientific knowledge would provide the answers they were after. Meanwhile she would check the computer files.
************
The next morning Jack, Teal’c, Sam, Dr Frasier, Hammond, Antonia and the unnoticed Daniel were gathered in the control room.
Antonia drained her cup of coffee, then felt guilty; maybe she should cut back on the caffeine now she was pregnant. She had been trying not to think too much about it, finding Daniel was the priority. After a full day on PKZ 1961 and most of the night in the lab, she had finally fallen into bed around 2am. It was now 7.30am and the coffee was essential.
The technician was preparing a UAV to send through the Stargate to check out the area around the pyramid.
Sam was suggesting that they contact Daniel’s grandfather, Antonia agreed. However, Janet was unsure she had discovered that he was in a psychiatric institution in Oregon.
Antonia could not believe that Daniel had never told her this.
Daniel perched on the computers at the back of the room, flinched, he had some explaining to do. "Oh yes by the way my grandfather is insane. Nuts as Jack would say; guess I should have told Toni though."
Janet explained that Daniel had visited Nick regularly until four years ago, just before he joined the Stargate programme. Nick talked about him all the time and any friends of Dr Jackson were more than welcome to visit.
Daniel had a different version of events; they had had a huge row and had not spoken since.
Hammond agreed they should visit Nick and reminded them that the Stargate was strictly classified.
**********
"Mrs Jackson?" the nurse inquired.
"Wow she’s never used that before." The ever present but invisible Daniel said.
Jack’s raised eyebrow said the same.
Antonia ignored him, "Yes" she replied, for some reason she felt it was important to emphasise her connection to Nick.
"How can I help you?" The nurse asked.
Teal’c jumped in before Antonia had a chance, "You may take us to Nicholas Ballard immediately."
Jack sighed, Teal’c's people skills needed working on, "He’s just a little anxious to see Old Nick." He offered.
"Are you close?" the nurse inquired.
Jack and Antonia said yes, hoping that would help Teal’c and Daniel said no.
The nurse confused returned to Antonia, "well, I’ll just check if he’s ready for you."
They waited. However Daniel realised he didn’t have to hang around and went to find Nick. He passed unseen straight through the door.
**********
Daniel crouched down and spoke to his grandfather." Hi, Nick long time no see."
Nick heard him but dismissed it as a hallucination.
A doctor was explaining to Nick that he had visitors.
Daniel continued, "Nick I need your help, my wife and my friends want to ask you about the skull you found in Belize. Tell them everything just trust them."
The Doctor introduced Antonia to Nick, "Nick this is Antonia, Daniel’s wife."
She smiled and sat down opposite the older man, he had the same soft blue eyes as Daniel, although there were cloudy with age.
"Nick," he introduced himself
The doctor left; Daniel moved to the corner of the room, unaware that his Grandfather could see him.
"Hello Nick, " Antonia began, "I’m Antonia and this is Jack, Sam and Teal’c they are friends of Daniel’s"
"So you’re Daniel’s wife, I didn’t know."
"I’m sorry Daniel never mentioned you." Antonia apologised.
"He followed in my footsteps." Nick said.
"You must be very proud." Jack suggested.
"He made a fool of himself."
Daniel knew this was coming. "Oh yeah, here we go."
Nick continued, "He staked his entire academic career on this belief that the great pyramids of Egypt were made by aliens."
Antonia wanted to defend her husband." Well I have studied his work."
"Don’t tell me you are as foolish as him?" Nick replied.
"Well Egyptology isn’t really my main field." This was true however even she had heard of Daniel’s reputation before they met.
Nick continued his description of Daniel. "He was more insane than I was, I told him to forget all that nonsense. He lost his apartment, his research grant; he hasn’t published a paper in two years. Now where is he? Where is he now? "
"Well that’s kinda what this is about, "Antonia explained, " Could you tell us what happened to you in 1971 when you found that Crystal Skull?"
"Nothing happened, there were no aliens." After all this time, Nick found it easier to deny what had happened.
Daniel pleaded with him. "Tell her, you can trust Toni, please."
Nick heard Daniel and answered him, "no one believed me."
Jack tried something, "Daniel believed you."
Daniel winced, "No, Oh Jack, please."
Nick explained, "He didn’t, I think he wanted to. He listened. In the end he did not believe in my theories of the skull just as I did not believe his pyramid theories."
"I guess we were both right." Daniel acknowledged.
Jack asked the question again, "Nick can you tell us what happened when you found that skull?"
"Why?" He looked to Antonia for the answer.
"Because we’ve found another skull, identical to the one you found in Belize." She explained.
"Show me" he insisted.
Antonia let Sam explain "It’s in a high security facility at the moment. But if you tell us about your experiences…."
"Take me there, " Nick demanded.
"We can’t do that. It’s classified," said Jack
Daniel sighed, "you have to," he tried in vain to impress on his friend.
Nick was not imitated by this, "If you don’t, then I won’t tell you anything", he stood up and went over to the window, "It’s up to you."
Antonia glanced at Jack, her eyes pleading with him. If it was up to her they would take Nick straight back with them, but she knew how touchy the SGC was about civilians. She could almost hear Jack’s unspoken "For crying out Loud!"
"I’ll see what I can do, "Jack told Nick.
**********
Antonia never asked but somehow Jack persuaded the General to let Nick come to the mountain.
He was taken to the lab to see the skull, "It’s exactly like the one I found in Belize, he exclaimed, "Where did you find it."
"I’m sorry but I can’t tell you that, " said Antonia.
Daniel watchful as ever said, "You’ll have to tell him eventually."
Nick explained what had happened to him In Belize. He described a giant cavern he had been sent to which sounded exactly like the one on P7X 377. He met the giant aliens, who had spoken to him. He recited a phrase in Mayan.
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend," Robert, Antonia and Daniel translated together.
"But what does it mean?" Antonia asked.
Nick had been afraid to answer, closing his eyes he had been transported back to the temple ruins, he grabbed the skull and left. He had searched for years in vain trying to find the cavern again.
"Can you imagine what it feels like to go on the most incredible journey of your life," said Nick, "and have no one believe you."
Antonia was afraid to answer she knew exactly what he meant; she would never be able to tell anyone about the Stargate.
Jack asked Teal’c to escort Nick to the VIP room.
"So Toni, tell you anything?" Jack asked.
She sat down and rubbed her eyes, it was getting late, "No Jack I’m sorry, Robert?"
Robert shook his head.
Daniel however had worked it out and was running around the room, "we have to go back to the planet and talk to the giant aliens." However, his attempts at communication were futile.
They all decided to call it a night, Daniel was a little put out, he would work through the night for them. Although he could see, that Antonia was almost dead on her feet.
Sam and Antonia walked towards their quarters.
"How you doing?" Sam asked her.
"Not sure, I keep getting this strange feeling that Daniel is still around."
"Yeah, I’ve had that feeling too, I thought it was just the radiation sickness."
"I guess I just miss him, I don’t want to think…" Antonia bit her bottom lip; no she wasn’t going to cry.
Sam touched Antonia’s upper arm to reassure her, "Get some sleep, you look exhausted, perhaps something will turn up tomorrow."
"Yeah, Goodnight Sam."
"Goodnight Toni."
************
Daniel had discovered that Nick could hear and see him. They talked for awhile and Daniel persuaded him that he was not a hallucination. Daniel asked for his help, without it he would never be able to get back home. He told his grandfather all about the Stargate and all the adventures of the last few years. Nick asked the guard to contact Toni and the General.
*************
Antonia was woken by the sound of banging; she jumped out of bed, threw on a robe and opened the door.
"Sorry to disturb you Doctor Richards, "said the airman, "But Mr Ballard said he needs to speak to you straight away."
"What? Is this to do with Daniel?"
"I have no idea ma’am, I was just told to ask you to go to the briefing room."
Antonia dressed quickly and made her way to the room where General Hammond, Jack and Dr Frasier were all waiting.
Nick came in with the airman and the invisible Daniel.
"Forgive me," Nick began, "He insisted. Daniel is here."
"What?" Jack and Antonia said together.
Daniel asked Nick to repeat everything he said, "He’s standing right next to me."
"He’s lost a few pounds." Jack quipped.
"Jack don’t be an ass," Nick repeated.
Antonia gasped "Daniel?"
"Yes Toni, I’m here," Nick continued "we have to go back to the planet."
General Hammond glared at Jack, "Planet."
Jack shrugged, "Not a word Sir, I swear."
Hammond looked at Antonia; she shook her head.
Nick explained that Daniel had told him all about the Stargate and with Daniel’s prompting concluded that Teal’c’s zat gun had somehow interrupted the transportation process.
Dr Frasier was still sceptical, "Forgive me, but why are you the only person who can see him?"
"Perhaps because I went through the same experience." Nick suggested.
Daniel knew he needed to convince them that he was actually there. Nick repeated his words, "General Hammond, if you let us go now, you may be able to see your granddaughter’s school play after all."
"I was alone in my office when Kayla phoned, " Hammond said, then he spoke to the empty air beside Nick, "Doctor Jackson, are you absolutely certain you and SG1 can safely return to the planet?"
Nick echoed Daniel’s answer, "Yes."
Hammond turned to Antonia, "Doctor Richards I’d like you to accompany SG-1 they may need your translation.." He did not get a chance to finish.
Nick interrupted relaying Daniel’s urgent words; "No, No she mustn’t go."
"He’s right." Janet agreed
"Would you like to enlighten me Doctor Frasier?" Hammond asked.
Janet looked at Antonia offering her the chance to explain, however Nick spoke Daniel’s words, "Because the radiation could harm the baby."
"What?" Jack spluttered.
Antonia blushed.
"Is this true Doctor Richards?" Hammond demanded.
She nodded.
"And you were going to inform me when exactly?" Hammond barked.
Antonia fidgeted with her wedding ring, aware of everyone’s eyes on her, "I’m sorry Sir, but I just found out myself." She looked to Janet for confirmation," I, er, I kinda planned on telling Daniel first."
General Hammond felt for the young woman, it was easy to forget that some of his staff were not military. She was very embarrassed and possibly close to tears. He softened his voice; "Well I guess he already knows, we’ll discuss it later. " He turned to Jack. "Colonel prepare SG-1 to return to P7X 377 immediately.
"Yes sir." He replied.
************
Nick, taking advantage of Daniel, told Jack he had to travel through the gate with SG-1 to make the skull work. They stood in the gateroom waiting for the technician to activate the gate.
"Toni, "Nick said, "Daniel has told me how happy he is with you, I am pleased."
"We must stay in touch, anyway there's a load of wedding photos for you to see." She replied.
"I look forward to that."
The gate activated, Nick stared at it in amazement.
"So this is what you and Daniel have been doing, these past few years."
"Exploring planets," Antonia and Daniel said together.
Antonia hugged Nick and kissed his cheek; then he followed Jack Teal’c and Sam through the gate.
A few minutes later, Teal’c radioed in, everyone except him had been transported somewhere else.
Hammond ordered him to return immediately.
Antonia waited anxiously in the gateroom. If Teal’c was concerned; he did not show it. Then the alarm sounded, "Incoming traveller" it was SG-1. Jack, Sam and Daniel came back through the gate. Daniel ran straight to Antonia and hugged her tightly. They were both close to tears; the last few days had been an emotional roller coaster for them.
Antonia realised someone was missing, "Where’s Nick?"
"He choose to stay behind, " Daniel said flatly.
"Oh Daniel I…"
"No, actually it’s OK, he’s found what he’s been searching for nearly thirty years. I will miss him though."
"What happened?"
Daniel explained about meeting the Alien, Quetzalcoatl. While he told her, he held her hand tightly to reassure himself that he was back and solid again.
************
After the debriefing, Jack caught up with Daniel and Antonia in the elevator, as they were about to leave the mountain.
He slapped Daniel playfully on the back; "So Dannyboy when you were invisible, did you do go anywhere interesting? The ladies locker room perhaps?"
Daniel blushed, "Jack, please."
"Oh yeah there was I forgetting you’re a happily married man now," He tilted his head to one side,". Not even one little peek?"
"No!" Daniel was visibly squirming now.
Jack was satisfied that he had thoroughly embarrassed Daniel. He turned his attention to Antonia.
"So, mum thought of any names for Junior?"
"It’s a bit early yet." She replied.
Jack began reeling off a list of names, "George, Sam, Teal’c…"
"Jack!" Antonia held up her hand to stop him.
"Oh yeah, Jack’s a good name." Jack smiled.
Antonia had an idea she ignored Jack and focused her attention on Daniel, "You know if it’s a boy, I think Nicholas would be a good name."
Daniel's face lit up with a smile. "Oh Toni." He cupped her face in his hand; "I love you."
She smiled back at him her eyes shining with love and with the promise of how she would express that love later. "I love you too."
Jack understood then how Daniel must have felt when he was out of phase, invisible to everyone around him. "For crying out loud!" He muttered.
The two archaeologists with only thoughts for each other ignored him.
©Katana 2000