Alternate Beginnings
by Jammer


E-MAIL: jammer0307@yahoo.com
STATUS: Complete
RATING: PG-13 (only a few swear words)
SEASON: The movie and on
SPOILERS: The movie and the whole series
CATEGORY: Daniel/Janet; little Daniel/Sha're and Janet/other.
SUMMARY: What if the original Abydos mission happened differently?
DISCLAIMER: Not mine. *pouts*
AUTHOR'S NOTES: This is AU, so events happen differently. This is dedicated to Red, Amanda, Gena, Karen, and Vicki as they have helped me get this monster finished.


Daniel Jackson felt like a failure. He was the laughingstock of the archaeological community and not only that, he'd also been evicted from the apartment he'd been living in. His girlfriend had just dumped him, he was having the *perfect* week. He figured he might as well take the Langford woman up on her offer, he had nothing left for him in Chicago.

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Janet Fraiser, soon to be the ex-Mrs. Tom Bennette, was fuming. She couldn't believe he'd managed to freeze her out of her account. Not theirs, *hers*! Oh well, she was getting transfered out of this place. Out to Colorado, to this top secret base. She couldn't believe she'd gotten this post. She was a newly promoted Captain in the U.S. Air Force and had been a M.D. for five years. She guessed it was because she was a specialist in viruses or some such thing, as she had no clue why it didn't go to someone more experienced. 'Oh great!', she thought, 'just what I needed.' Her car had decided not to start. 'Perfect end to a perfect day!'

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Daniel made his way down to the infirmary on base. After he'd gotten to Colorado Springs, he'd found a coffee shop and called Catherine Langsford. She had been more than happy to have him on the team. But as soon as he'd gotten to the base, General West told him to go to the infirmary for a checkup. When he'd protested, West's second-in-command, a Colonel Jack O'Neill had said it was typical military procedure. So here he was at the door of the infirmary that would become his second home.

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Janet, on the other hand, had been there for two days. She had finally gotten the infirmary just the way she liked it organized. She had also found an apartment in town that was perfect for her. Her divorce was almost final and she had gotten her bank account unfrozen and set up so her slimy, cheating ex-husband couldn't get his hands on it.

Her reverie was interrupted when a noise out in the hall caught her attention. A tall man with shaggy hair - light brown, almost blond, blue eyes and glasses walked into the infirmary. 'Oh great, another cut or I'm-too-tired-so-I-hit-my-head scientist!' she sighed and walked over to her newest patient.

"Hi, can I help you?" Janet asked the man.

"Yes, I was told by a Col. O'Neill to report to a Dr. Fraiser for a physical." the man replied.

"Well, you're in luck. I just do happen to be Dr. Janet Fraiser" she quipped.

"Oh! Well, nice to meet you. I'm Dr. Daniel Jackson. With a Ph.D. not an M.D." he said, instantly liking the small redhead.

"Shall we get started so you can go play with the other Ph.D.'s?" she asked.

"That's what I'm here for, although I wasn't expecting to find a civilian doctor down here." he said as she began the exam.

"Oh, I knew I forgot something. I'm Captain Janet Fraiser, M.D., United States Air Force." she smirked at him.

"I thought so. Anyway, what brings you here, Capt. Dr. Fraiser?" Daniel asked, trying to make conversation so this physical would go faster.

"Well, the Chief Medical Officer's position. That's pretty good for a young doctor in the Air Force. And, well, I needed a new start." Not wanting to reveal all of her past to a man she just met, she stopped there and was surprised to see an understanding look on the man's face.

"I came here for a new start as well" Daniel confessed.

"Well, I'm done. You're in great health and I'll be here if you need me" she stated, smiling.

"Thanks, Doctor Janet."

"No problem, Doctor Danny."

With a smile he left the infirmary, feeling as if he'd made a new friend. Inside the infirmary, the base's petite CMO was feeling the same way.

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As the weeks went by, Daniel was caught up in his work, only stopping when Janet would come and make him sleep. Once or twice it was in the infirmary as she felt he was suffering from exhaustion. They became good friends and almost everyone on base knew that where one was, the other often would be.

Then came the day when Daniel got the 'Stargate' as they called it to work. He went through, and the next thing Janet knew, Col. O'Neill and his team were back, minus the man who had become her best friend. After that, the program was shut down and she was reassigned to the USAF Academy Hospital. A year went by, she gave up her apartment for a house, as she felt she'd be in Colorado Springs for a while. She had grieved for her 'Doctor Danny' and moved on as she thought he would have wanted.

Her divorce was final four days after O'Neill had returned from Abydos, as they called the planet. She was relieved to be free of the controlling asshole of a husband, but she wished Daniel was there to celebrate with her. She settled in at the Academy, happy to be doing something worthwhile. Then the day came when she was called into the Colonel's office. Colonel Micheal McDonald, MD, USAF, was sad to see his most promising doctor go, even if it was back to her last assignment.

Janet was thrilled, she loved Cheyenne Mountain. She had rearranged her infirmary and through an arrangement with Col. McDonald and General Hammond, the Mountain's new Commanding Officer, she'd do rounds at the Academy Hospital once a week. She had been surprised to see Col. O'Neill again as she heard he'd retired. She tried to talk to him, but before she'd had a chance, he was gone. Where, she wanted to know.

Gen. Hammond wanted to meet with her an hour after she'd seen O'Neill. He said that she had more than earned a week off before she started her duties in earnest. "Apparently," he remarked, "the Joint Chiefs and the President want this to be a permanent operation. You are now officially assigned to this base permanently as Chief Medical Officer - but as per your deal with Col. McDonald, you do rounds at the hospital once a week, more often if a Stargate Command team member or an alien refugee is there."

"Sounds good, sir." she replied.

"Then Dr. Fraiser, you are on downtime for a week." Hammond said.

"Sir, permission to speak freely?" she asked.

"Sure, Doctor."

"Sir, I saw Col. O'Neill, might I ask as to his purpose here?" Janet needed to know.

"I wasn't aware you knew him."

"Sir, I was posted here last time the Stargate was opened. I thought you knew?"

"I did, but I didn't know you knew O'Neill."

"Yes I did, sir. I made General West order pre- and post-mission physicals for everyone going through that Stargate."

"That sounds like a good idea, Doctor. From now on, that will be Standard Operating Procedure around here. Wait, did you say everyone?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then you know Dr. Jackson."

"Yes sir, I knew him. He actually came to the infirmary for a standard physical when he arrived on the base at the beginning of his tenure on the Stargate Project."

"You haven't heard, then? He's alive and been living on Abydos this past year."

"No sir, I haven't. Permission to kill Col. O'Neill when he gets back?" Janet asked angrily.

"You'll have to get in line, Dr." Hammond replied. "May I ask why you'd like to inflict bodily harm on the Col.?"

"Dr. Jackson and I were good friends after he began his work here. I know O'Neill knew that fact and want to know why the Col. didn't say something to me when he returned."

"He ordered his men to keep quiet about Jackson and reported everyone on Abydos dead."

"Well, if Daniel Jackson comes back, will you make sure he receives this?" she asked, scribbling something down on a piece of paper and handing it to the General. "Of course this is to go to him only after he's been debriefed and cleared to leave the base."

"I will, doctor. Now go and have fun on your week off." Hammond ordered, thinking he had found a perfect CMO and mentally patting himself on the back for convincing McDonald to let her come back to Cheyenne.

"Yes, sir." Janet replied, snapping to attention and leaving his office.

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The team designated SG-1 and SG-2 returned from Chulak, *with* an alien. Hammond thought this was going to be easy, but the moment he saw SG-1 he knew it was going to be a wild ride.

"Report to the infirmary, debriefing in two hours." Hammond ordered.

"Yes, sir." O'Neill replied for the assembled group.

The SFs took the alien, whom O'Neill referred to as "Teal'c", into custody. The rest of the team reported to the infirmary, where Dr. John Warner was waiting.

"One person at a time, please." Warner said.

"Oh Joy" O'Neill muttered, being the last one in line.

"Just for that Colonel, you should know that I am more lenient than the CMO, who you are lucky not to meet. She's on vacation this week, before she begins her duties on Monday. I've heard she loves needles." Warner said.

"Double Joy." O'Neill groaned.

"OK, you're done Col. You can go now."

"Campers, its debriefing time!" O'Neill said, somewhat jovially.

With that, they left the infirmary. Warner watched them go, shaking his head and praying Dr. Fraiser would be back before SG-1's next mission.

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The debriefing took what seemed like forever to Daniel. He couldn't believe it, his beloved Sha're taken by the Goa'uld along with his brother-in-law. He couldn't really talk about it with Jack. To some extent, sure he could, but he couldn't tell him everything. Captain Carter seemed to be nice, but he didn't know her well enough to talk. Before he knew it, the meeting was over. General Hammond walked up to him and said "Dr. Jackson, you need to go to this address. The person you find there will help you get an apartment as well as acclimate you back to life on Earth." As he finished, he handed Daniel the paper with Dr. Fraiser's address on it.

"Thank you General, but that's not necessary. I can take quarters on base."

"Dr. Jackson, we don't know how long it will take to find your wife. And even if we do, who can say we can get her back as she was? I know its hard for you to hear, but I lost my wife to a disease I couldn't fight. Go to this address, find an apartment, rest and come back here in three days ready to search. This isn't an order, it can't be, but it is a suggestion from a man who has lost his everything too." Smiling sadly, the General walked into his office.

Daniel sat there, stunned. 'He's right about the fact that it may take a while, but I will get Sha're back.'

He got up and walked out the door. He found some off base clothes and had an airman drop him off at the address written on the scrap piece of paper. He had a feeling he should know the handwriting, but couldn't place a name or face to the scribble. He got out of the car, thanked the airman, and walked up the driveway of a white two-story house. He rang the doorbell and knocked on the door. He heard nothing in answer, so tentatively he tried to open the door. Surprisingly it wasn't locked and he stepped inside. "Hello?" he said, trying to find whoever lived here.

"Hello Daniel." A familiar voice rang out, filled with more than a little anger.

Turning around, Daniel was surprised to see a woman he never thought he'd see again. He wanted to call out joyfully in greeting, but the seriously pissed off look on her face dissuaded him. "Um...hi" he managed to stammer out.

"Hi? Is that all I rate after thinking you were dead for this last year?!" Janet shouted. "Uh...no?" Daniel replied, hoping that she wouldn't kill him.

"No is right buster! You could have at least sent a note with O'Neill saying you were at least alive or something. I grieved, Daniel. Not a day has gone past where you haven't popped into my thoughts. You were my best friend and did you ever think that maybe I'd miss you?" She said, advancing on Daniel, who wasn't sure if he should run or just let her beat him to a pulp.

"I missed you Janet, but I was happy on Abydos. I met someone there and we got married. As time went on, I was sure you'd forgotten me and so I settled into my life there fully." he said, hoping to deflect or dissipate her anger.

"I never forgot my 'Doctor Danny'" Janet said, hurt that he thought she'd ever forget him. "You saved me, when my awful ex had made me think less of myself. When I needed a friend you were there. I was new at Cheyenne too, remember?"

"I remember." Daniel said, sheepish he'd ever thought that of her.

"Now, c'mere and give me a hug, you goof!" she said, glad to see her friend.

He went into her arms gratefully, surprising her by beginning to cry. She held him as he finally let out his emotions about his wife's abduction. She was puzzled, but said nothing as she knew he wouldn't talk until he was ready. She led him to her couch, sitting him down and rocking him until he had finished.

"Feel better?" she questioned.

"Some" he replied.

"Want some coffee?"

"Please, I haven't had any real coffee in a year." he begged.

She went into her kitchen and made a pot of coffee. Remembering the way he liked it, she fixed up two cups and walked back into her living room. Daniel looked up as she walked in and took the cup she offered him with a grateful smile.

"So, want to let me know why you're back?" she decided to bite the bullet and ask.

With that the floodgate that was Daniel's babbling came out. For over two hours he talked, Janet just listening. When he was finished, she asked some questions that he gratefully answered. Janet then offered him her guest room, such as it was, for him to stay as it was quite late. The next day, she promised, she would help him find an apartment. He accepted both offers, hoping to get settled into an apartment by the time SG-1 had their next mission.

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As it turned out, Janet's old apartment building had an opening that Daniel could afford. With Janet's help he got his belongings out of storage and tentatively set up house in his new apartment by the time he was needed back on base. He bid Janet goodbye as she left the night he moved in, thinking he would not see her for a while. As she was getting into her car, she realized she never told him she was returning as the base's CMO. 'This is going to be fun' she thought, smirking as she drove off.

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(Six months later - 'Singularity')

Daniel was instrumental in Janet's adoption of Cassandra, the little girl from Hanka. As she considered him her best friend, he gave testimony as to her ability to be a parent. Although he knew Sam wanted the girl, they all knew it was impossible. He was reminded of the 'Hathor' incident, when Janet had been injured. He knew she had a lot of devotion to the base and its personnel. He also knew that Cassandra would get that same amount of devotion.

He marveled at the way his best friend took care of him while in the infirmary, and how she made him laugh especially when things didn't look good. Sam was beginning to be like more of a sister to him; he thought Janet would never be like a sister, she was too attractive.

'Whoa, where did that thought come from?' he questioned himself. He shook his head and thought he must be sleep deprived if he was considering his best friend attractive.

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(After Sha're gives birth in 'Secrets')

Sha're Jackson saw the birth of her son, then Amanunet came back to the forefront. As Amanunet tried to escape, taking the knowledge of the location of the Harceisis child for herself, hoping to raise the boy to rule the System Lords when the child was old enough, Teal'c fired his staff weapon at her, hoping she'd surrender or just stop. Sha're, once again in control due to Amanunet's weakened state, jumped in front of the staff blast.

Running to her, Daniel asked one question: "Why did you step in front of the blast?"

"My Dan-yel, I did it because I knew what she'd use the boy for, he is safe now. I also knew that I'd never be free of her. Find...love...again." with that said, Sha're peacefully took her last breath.

Daniel sat stunned on the floor of his tent. Sam and Teal'c carried him there while two Abydonians took Sha're away, to prepare her body for burial according to their ways. He was aware of Sam's presence, but no matter what she said, he couldn't bring himself to respond. He thought that she would get Janet to come, in order to make sure he was okay. With that, he finally pushed past the shock to speak.

"Sam, get Janet. Tell her to bring her dress uniform, with pants, as these people don't like bare skin. Its not only part of their religion, but also very practical. As of right now, I will not speak until after the funeral, so tell Janet and Jack not to try to get me to talk." Daniel requested.

"All right, Daniel." Sam replied, understanding that he had to do this ritual for Sha're.

She walked out of the tent and up to Teal'c. "Come on Teal'c, we have to report to General Hammond."

"And what of DanielJackson?" Teal'c asked.

"He will prepare for the funeral. Leave him be."

The twosome walked to the stargate and dialed home to Earth. Stepping through the 'Gate, they were welcomed on the other side by Gen. Hammond, Jack, and Janet with a full medical team. "Wow, Teal'c, if this is the welcome we get every time, we should come home early more often." Sam said.

"Where's Dr. Jackson?" Hammond asked, hoping the archaeologist did not need Dr. Fraiser to actually go get him.

"That will be covered in the debriefing, sir. I *really* can't say too much right here. Its a delicate matter." Sam replied, trying to be tactful.

"Go to the infirmary, debriefing in one hour" Hammond ordered.

"Sir, we will need Dr. Fraiser at the debriefing."

"Fine. Doctor please join SG-1 in the briefing room after Capt. Carter and Teal'c's physicals."

"Yes, sir." the petite doctor replied, leading Sam, Teal'c, and her team towards the infirmary.

The techs in the control room surveyed the events going on in the 'Gate room. They silently opened the unofficial SG-1 betting log to see who won the latest bet. The winning bet was 'Returning without Dr. Jackson, yet rest of the team uninjured.' The techs were surprised to find that the General himself had won. "I'm going to tell the General he won." Siler told Davis as he left.

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During her physical, Sam began to inform Janet about the events that took place on Abydos, finishing with "...so Doc, Daniel wants you to come to Abydos in your dress blues for the funeral. He also recommended that you wear pants, he said something about their religion."

"Ok, I'll need to go home for the pants and get a few things Daniel will need from his apartment." Janet replied.

"I'll inform the General. He'll probably insist on us going back ASAP, so you should go now." Sam said as Janet cleared her to leave. Since that sounded like a good idea to the doctor, she went into her office, grabbed her purse and jacket, and told the nurse she would be gone for lunch offbase so Dr. Johnson, a newer doctor on duty, would be in charge while she was gone. She then informed Johnson and hurried out of the base.

She drove as fast as she could to Daniel's apartment. She grabbed his allergy medicine, some clothes, a few books, and a picture of SG-1 with Cassie and herself. She knew one or two of these things may not be necessary, but as she was used to doing this -considering how much time her friend spent in the infirmary, it was automatic.

Then she rushed over to her house a few blocks away. She changed into her dress uniform and made sure it was properly arrayed. She also grabbed *her* allergy medicine and her uniform cover. Cassandra walked in as she was getting ready to leave.

"Hi, Janet!" she said, happy to see her adoptive mother.

"Hi, Cassie. Listen I have to go back to work, but I'll be home before you go to sleep. Mrs. Miller is coming to watch you until I get back." Janet said, trying to get it out of the way.

"But..." Cassie began to protest.

"No buts! Listen, Cassandra, we found Daniel's wife but there was an accident...and she died. So I have to go to the funeral on Abydos. Aunt Sam and Uncle Jack are going too, otherwise you'd stay with one of them."

"Oh no, poor Daniel! I understand. Do you think he would mind if I drew him a picture and wrote him a letter?" Cassie asked, sad for the kind man who was so great to her.

"No, actually I think he'd like that."

Cassie ran to her room and drew a happy picture and wrote a quick letter for Daniel, hoping to cheer him at least a little. She hurried back to the dining room to hand the items to Janet.

"Will you tell him that I'm thinking of him and that I hope to see him soon? I promise to be good and don't worry, I'll be fine with Mrs. Miller." Cassie told her mother, knowing that it would give Janet one less thing to worry about.

"I will, and you'd better be good." Janet said, smiling at the girl.

The doorbell rang and Cassie ran to the door and threw it open. "Its Mrs. Miller!" she yelled to Janet, making her way to the kitchen.

"Okay!" came the answer as Janet walked up to the sitter. "Mrs. Miller thank you for doing this on such short notice. I will be back rather late, as I'm not sure how long this meeting will last. All the needed numbers are by the phone, Cassie knows the rules, and food is in the refrigerator, so help yourself."

"That's fine, dearie. You'd better get going, or most likely you'll be late." the matronly woman said.

"You're right. I'm leaving now Cassie!" Janet said, yelling to her daughter.

"Ok!" Cassie said, coming to the entryway to hug her mother. Whispering in Janet's ear, she said "be careful and tell Daniel what I said, ok?"

"Sure." came the whispered response and with that Janet left and headed back to the base.

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Janet hurried through the corridors back to the infirmary. She packed some basic medical supplies for the healer on Abydos, then she found a rucksack and put Daniel's stuff in it. Then she left to find General Hammond for the briefing.

When she arrived in the briefing room, SG-1 was already there. Teal'c was in Jaffa mourning robes (how he got them, Janet wasn't sure) and the two military officers were also clad in their full dress blues.

"Dr. Fraiser, glad you could join us." Hammond said.

"Sorry that I'm late, sir. I had to find a sitter for Cassandra." Janet apologized.

"All right Doctor. I don't need to remind all of you to respect their customs and I want all of you back here within two hours of the ceremony. Except Dr. Jackson, of course" Hammond said. "Please tell him he has a week off, and also please convey my condolences. You have a go." Hammond got up and walked out, muttering something about finding Siler.

"You all set, Doc?" Jack asked, hoping not to be delayed further.

"Yes, Colonel. My supplies are in the 'Gate room."

"Supplies, Doc?" Sam asked.

"Yes, some for the Abydonian healer and some things for Daniel." Janet replied.

"I see." Sam said, beginning to follow Jack down to the 'Gate.

By the time they all got down to the 'Gate room, the Stargate had been dialed up. Picking up her supplies as she went, Janet followed SG-1 through the event horizon. She appeared on the other side in what seemed like a split second later, nearly falling in her dress heels. Luckily Teal'c was in front of her, preventing her from injury. "Sorry, Teal'c." she muttered.

"It is all right, DoctorFraiser. I was not harmed, nor did you cause unsteadiness in my feet." the large Jaffa stated in his calm manner.

Jack and Sam led the way to the village, Janet between them and Teal'c, who was on his guard even though they were on a friendly planet. They reached it in good time and Kasuf came out to greet them as he saw them approach.

"Hello Kasuf." Jack said. "I'm sorry to come here on a sad note, but it is good to see you again."

"As am I, O'Neill. I know the Jaffa, Carter, and yourself, but who is the woman with hair the color of fire?" Kasuf asked, pointing at Janet.

"This is Dr. Janet Fraiser, our healer. As well as one of Daniel's closest friends." Jack replied.

Janet stepped forward and bowed to Kasuf. "It is my honor to meet you sir, as you are the Good father of my dearest friend. He speaks of you with the highest regard."

"You have very good manners, healer Fraiser. You also honor me with your praise." Kasuf smiled sadly. "It is a shame that I have only met you due to my daughter's death."

"I agree, sir." Janet replied. "My leader, or rather our leader, Hammond of Texas, has sent some supplies for your healer. They are few, but we hope they will be of some use to your doctor."

"Thank you, healer Fraiser."

"Here are the supplies." Janet said handing over the supply bag. "I have some supplies for Daniel as well, is there any way I could get them to him?"

"Not right now, he is in the middle of the ritual of silence. After the ceremony, he will have finished with that and then you will be able to give it to him."

"I have heard of the ritual from Daniel, however I was unaware he had entered into it."

"Why not?" Kasuf asked.

Sam spoke up "That's my fault, I kind of forgot to tell her."

The doctor turned and gave Sam a glare that made the astrophysicist feel as if she were six years old and had her hand in the cookie jar. "Sorry Doc." she said contritely.

Kasuf looked at the petite woman who seemed to actually scare these brave people. He had a feeling this Doctor Fraiser would become a very important figure in his Good Son's life. Even though he knew the younger man had loved his daughter, Kasuf saw this woman as Daniel's future, although he knew it would take a heavy blow or other some such thing to make the youth realize it.

SG-1 later stood at the side of what would become Sha're Jackson's final resting place. They watched as Daniel took his place in the ritual, feeling the sadness as someone they cared for buried his beloved wife. They helped to complete the ritual, backing away after they finished their part.

Afterwords, Daniel walked up to them, hugging Sam and Janet and shared handshakes with Jack and Teal'c. Janet quietly handed him the rucksack she had carried for him. Jack told Daniel that they had to leave now, they were needed back home but that he was welcome to stay for a week. Jack also conveyed Hammond's condolences.

"Tell Gen. Hammond I said 'thanks'" Daniel said. "I'll see you all in a week."

Each of the four said goodbye, Janet's lasting the longest. As the group made their way back to the Stargate, Kasuf came up behind Daniel.

"Your friends are very special, Good Son. Especially the one they call Janet Fraiser." Kasuf smirked as his son-in-law's face turned a little red.

"Yes, they are special. Especially Janet."

"Am I to infer that you have feelings for this Healer Fraiser."

"I don't know, I have never allowed myself to even think of her as something other than a friend. We have been friends a long time, even before I met Sha're. We helped each other through some hard times. After Sha're was taken and I returned to Earth, we renewed our friendship. She brought the smile back to my face and kept me alive when I let my search for Sha're consume me. She's the strongest person I know, she's even raising an orphan we found in our travels by herself."

"She sounds more amazing than I gathered just by meeting her." Kasuf observed.

"Trust me, she is." Daniel said, a slight smile on his face.

"Do you care for her?"

"Yes, she's the best friend I've ever had. You should see her with her patients, she's fantastic, I should know-I'm one of her most frequent patients."

"Son, I know its a strange time to bring this up, but if you were to marry again someday after your mourning was over, would it be to your healer?"

"I don't know, maybe, Good Father. As much as I truly loved your daughter, in some way I knew that it was a fruitless hope that we could get the Goa'uld out of Sha're without killing her. Even if we could have, I don't know whether or not she could have been the Sha're we knew and loved."

"I knew my daughter would not return as she was anyway, although I had hoped for it."

"Now the reason for me being on SG-1 is gone, Kasuf. What should I do, should I stay?"

"Yes, if not for yourself, for Sha're. Honor her memory by finding her son and raising him, or by defeating those who took her from us. But now is not the time to make such a decision, sleep on it and think about it in the morning."

"I shall take your advice, Good Father. Good night." With that Daniel took his leave, heading to his tent for the night. When he got there, his eyes fell upon the rucksack Janet had brought for him, wondering what she had put in it.

He walked over to it and opened the ties. On the top of the bag were his clothes, then his allergy meds and on the bottom were his books. He smiled at the fact that Janet knew exactly what he needed. A frame caught his eye, wrapped up in one of his shirts. He took it out and found a group picture of SG-1, Janet, and Cassie taken soon after the girl had gone to live with the redheaded doctor. A thought struck him, 'Maybe she left something in one of these books, I know that we never had time to really talk, so maybe...'

He looked through two of the four books Janet had packed, nothing was in them other than the book's actual pages. Sighing, he moved to the third book. He was surprised to see two pieces of paper fall out. He eagerly picked them up. Opening the first paper, he saw a picture. 'Cassie must have sent this.' he mused, looking at the scene.

Since taking art lessons at school, the young girl had begun to make very good drawings and watercolor paintings, which each member of SG-1 had proudly hung in their offices. On the paper there were three figures standing in the middle of the desert. One was a person completely in blue, with red hair and a blue cap. 'Janet' was written beneath it. The next person was someone in green with brown hair and a green cap. 'Daniel' was written underneath it. The last figure that caught Daniel's eye was between the Daniel and Janet of the drawing. It was smaller than both of them, dressed in a red dress, with red hair. 'Cassie' was written beneath it.

Daniel was touched at the girl's gesture, that she had tried to cheer him up. The picture was beautiful and well-drawn, he smiled at the thought of the little girl who had stolen the SGC's collective hearts. Along with her mother, she was now one of the most important women in his life. If asked, he wouldn't deny he had a soft spot for the Fraiser women. Even though he thought he may feel more than friendship for Janet, he knew he wasn't ready for it and it would not be fair to try.

'Janet would say I'm in shock, thinking this way' Daniel mused. He logically knew that he needed time to mourn the dreams that had been lost along with his wife, and even though he had started to let her go a while ago, he hadn't done so completely. So, while he knew his emerging feelings for Janet Fraiser would be there when he was ready to move on with his life, he buried them deep within. Maybe she would feel the same way when he had let go, but he thought she didn't feel that way right now.

Shaking his head at the random thoughts in his head, Daniel turned to the second piece of paper, thinking he'd find his best friend's familiar scrawl there. To his surprise, it was Cassie Fraiser's handwriting, not Janet's. He began to read:

"Daniel, says something bad happened to your wife and you are sad. When that bad thing happened to my planet, Aunt Sam told me I was brave. Remember, you are brave too! Janet says she doesn't know if you're coming back to Earth. I hope you do, not only 'cause you're the best storyteller I know, but because Janet's happier when you're around. In the short time I've lived with her, she has been the best adoptive mother I could have asked for. I've come to care for her and her happiness. Anyway please come back, 'cause she'll be mopey if you don't. I hope that other than you being sad, nothing is wrong. Mom says that you're injured a lot and that if you were her only patient and if she wasn't Air Force, she'd be a very rich lady. Oops, I wasn't supposed to tell you that. I'm being yelled at, Mom's gotta go, sorry for any spelling mistakes. I hope to see you soon and I miss you.

He smiled as he finished the letter. Cassie would repeat that kind of thing. 'She's going to the Jack O'Neill school of tact. Basically she won't have any when she's done. Poor Janet.' he chuckled. It sounded like the girl needed him, at least to save her 'Uncle Jack' from her mother's needles when Janet finds out that Cassie has adapted a few of Jack's less than better attributes.

He couldn't help but notice the fact Cassie had referred to Janet as 'Mom' twice during her letter and hoped that would become a regular occurrence. He knew that Janet had begun to think of Cassandra as *her* little girl so it would probably make the tough, controlled doctor cry when Cassie actually called her that and meant it. He only wished he could hug Janet and tell her how well he thought she was taking care of Cass.

He went to his bed and laid down, sending a silent prayer to the universe: 'If there is a true God out there, please take Sha're into your paradise. Also, please protect Janet and Cassandra Fraiser as they are very important to me. Lastly, protect the SGC and Sha're's son, may we all succeed in our purpose.'

With that, he fell asleep. The next morning when he got up, for an instant, he thought it was all a dream. Then he saw the picture Cassie had drawn for him...reality hit and he almost began to cry as the realization became clear. Trying to drive the thoughts out of his mind, he decided to open the fourth book and try to work a little. When a sheet of paper fell out, he was surprised.

'Who wrote this?' he thought as he picked it up. Looking at the first sentence, he recognized his doctor's scrawl. 'This is definitely Janet's handwriting. How many prescriptions has she written for me? She writes them so often I can almost guess what medication and what dosage!' Smiling to himself at the thought, he sat down and began to read what his friend had decided to say.

"Dear Daniel, know that I probably won't be able to speak to you alone because the rest of SG-1 will be there. Although your team is great and Cassie loves them, when we all get together, I feel like a fifth wheel. Not because you all do it on purpose, but it is how it seems to end up. Sorry but that's how I feel. sorry to drop this on you in light of current events. I'm truly sorry for the loss of your wife, I know how much you loved her. Whatever you decide, whether to come back to the SGC, to stay on Abydos, or to go off on digs around the world, I wish you all the best and hope you stay in touch.

'Have we really alienated her that much? Why didn't I notice my best friend was slipping away.' Daniel thought, looking back over the last few months now seeing the instances that Janet referred to. 'Well, when I get back, I'm going to change that!"

He realized that somehow he had made his decision. He quickly packed everything up in his rucksack and walked out of his tent. Kasuf saw him and smiled softly to himself. He walked over to the younger man, hoping to find that Daniel had made the correct decision for his future. "Good morning, my son."

"Good morning, Good Father."

"And what is this?" Kasuf asked, pointing to the rucksack.

"My belongings. I have decided to return to my friends." Daniel replied.

"And your healer?" Kasuf prodded.

"She's not *my* healer, good Father. I am not ready to think of her in any other way than in friendship."

"I know that, but I also know that my daughter would want you to be happy and not mourn her forever. When Sha're's mother died, I spent thirty days in mourning as per tradition."

"Thirty days?"

"Yes, because I realized, as do most after the thirty days, that I could not bring her back, as much as I wanted to do so. I also knew she would not have wanted me to be alone all my life. I just have not found someone to love. I still miss my wife, she was a unique person who brought me a lot of joy, but the pain does not consume me anymore. When that time comes, then find someone to love, whether it be your healer or someone else."

"You are wise, good Father."

"I will stop pushing you about the healer. Take the thirty days and think of what I have told you. The next time you return, it had better be you with my grandson or you with your healer, here for my blessing on your marriage." Kasuf commanded.

"Yes, good Father." Daniel replied.

"Now, go and fulfill your destiny. Tell Healer Fraiser that I send my greetings, that she has earned my deep respect and that she is welcome here whenever she wishes."

"I will." With that Daniel Jackson left Abydos and his past behind.

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The alarms began to blare as Janet Fraiser stepped into her office to tackle some overdue paperwork. 'Can't I get a break!' she thought. She knew no teams were due back until tomorrow. She hoped no one was seriously injured. She ran to the 'Gate room, surprised to see Daniel walking down the ramp. Apparently she wasn't the only one as she heard General Hammond's voice echo throughout the room. "Dr. Jackson, we weren't expecting you back so soon. Is everything alright?"

"Yes, sir. I just needed to be home. Abydos isn't that for me anymore, not without my heart there. You know the saying."

"I understand, Dr. Jackson. Report to the infirmary for your physical and then report to my office."

"Ok, General." He turned to Janet with a slight smile that barely touched his eyes. "Hello, Janet."

"Hello Daniel. Shall we go to the infirmary now?" Janet asked.

"Sure." He replied. He followed the petite CMO to her domain somewhat willingly. He took a deep breath as he entered, mentally bracing himself for the needles Janet would stick into him. He sat down on the bed the base had semi-jokingly begun to call the 'Daniel Jackson' bed.

"So, Daniel, what brings you back so soon?"

"Oh, nothing really, just something Kasuf pointed out. A tradition that I can uphold just as easily here as there. I just missed my friends." Daniel replied.

"Oh."

"That does include you, ya know."

"I know, but sometimes it doesn't feel like it." Janet replied.

"Well, then how about this? Every week, when I'm on world that is, we have dinner? Just us, no one else." he proposed.

"Why?" Janet was confused.

"Well, I for one would like my best friend back. An besides it gives you some needed adult time."

"I like the idea."

"Good. Oh before I forget, Kasuf says 'hello' and that you are welcome in his village anytime you want. I think you really impressed him." Daniel stated.

"Well, he impressed me quite a bit too."

With that she snapped off her gloves. "You're free to go" she smiled brightly at him "I don't want to see you in here until your next mission."

"Yes, ma'am. So when are you free for our friendly dinner?"

"Tomorrow night."

"How about 7:30 at O'Malley's?"

"Ok, meet you there?"

"Sure. See you later, Janet!" That said, he left the infirmary to report to General Hammond.

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(Six months later)

Daniel and Janet had been eating dinner together for six months now. While the two remained only friends, the base betting pool on "Are they? or Aren't they?" was higher than Sam and Jack's. SG-1 had even confronted the archaeologist about it, but all he said was that "its none of your business."

It was now common knowledge that if SG-1 were on base and Dr. Fraiser wasn't in the infirmary, that more than likely she was talking to Dr. Jackson. And if you couldn't find him, he more than likely was in Dr. Fraiser's office.

Daniel had slowly begun to let go of Sha're. After the thirty days, he let go of the hope she was coming back. After three months, he let go of his dreams of Sha're. Now he was ready to let go of his love for his wife. Although part of him would always love her, he was not *in* love with her anymore. A wise person once said, just who he forgot, that "love changes with each person. Love also ends, but with that end, it is reformed into a different love for someone new."

Daniel's heart and mind were for once in agreement. He loved Janet Fraiser now, with his whole heart. Janet had the chance to be his future, something that because of the Goa'uld, Sha're couldn't be.

Tonight was one of their dinner nights, and Daniel decided to make his move, he just hoped he wouldn't make an ass of himself. He drove up to Janet's house, only to see an unfamiliar car there. Confused, he walked up the driveway and knocked on the door. Janet opened it, surprised to see Daniel there. "Daniel! What are you doing here?"

"Umm...picking you up? Its our dinner night, remember?"

"Oh no! I can't tonight. Sam set me up on a blind date."

"Oh." he said disappointed. "Another night, then?"

"Sure, but listen. Since you're here, could you watch Cassie for me? Sam was supposed to, but she called and said she had to work late and can't now." Janet asked.

"Sure!" he replied, smiling at the thought of spending time with his favorite girl, 'Although I'd rather be spending time with my favorite woman.' He was surprised too, that Janet was using the blond Captain's first name. 'Although I shouldn't be, Cassie must have gotten them to be closer friends.'

"Thanks." Janet sighed. She really didn't want to go out with the guy, but she promised Sam she would. She had fallen for the archaeologist at her door a long time ago and was just starting to gather the courage to ask him out, knowing it would take awhile for her to be brave enough. Inviting in the secret object of her fantasies, she walked into the living room.

"Sorry about that, William." She said.

"No problem." the man on the sofa replied.

"Daniel, this is William Buchanan. William, this is my best friend, Dr. Daniel Jackson."

"Nice to meet you." the men politely said.

"Cassie, Daniel's here!" Janet yelled up the stairs.

"Coming!" Cassie replied. Running down the stairs and over to Daniel, she jumped into his arms for a hug. "Daniel, I'm so glad you're here! Are you here to play with me?"

"Yep, your Aunt Sam had to work late, so here I am."

"Cassandra, we're going now. Be good for Daniel, you know the rules." Janet lectured her twelve-year-old daughter.

"Yes ma'am, Dr. Fraiser, ma'am!" Cassie replied, sounding too much like her 'Uncle Jack' for her mother's comfort.

Janet and her date left. Daniel sighed and looked wistfully at the door Janet had walked out of, then sat down on the couch.

"Daniel, do you like Janet?" Cassie asked.

"Yes, Cassie. Janet is my friend" came the reply.

"Daniel, I may be 12 but I'm not stupid. Do you or do you not like Janet, as more than a friend?"

"Yes, I have for a few months. I *was* going to ask her out tonight."

"And then you found out she had a date."

"Yep."

"I'm sorry, Daniel. That's my fault. I told Sam that Janet was lonely."

"That's alright, Cass. I haven't told anyone. You are the first to know."

"Well, she wasn't happy with Sam this week though. She was mad Sam set her up." Cassie said with a knowing smile.

"Oh, well. So Cass, how was school this week?" Daniel asked, changing the subject.

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Janet Fraiser walked in her front door with a grimace. The date did not go well. 'That man has less tact than Jack O'Neill. And that says something.' She was definitely going to use *much* bigger needles on the second-in-command of SG-1 next time the Captain set foot in the infirmary. Dropping her purse on the dining room table, she padded into the living room.

Only to be greeted with the sight of SG-1's archaeologist asleep on the couch, holding her daughter who was also asleep. The television was on but covered in snow. 'They must of fallen asleep while watching a movie.' she mused, 'They look so cute, where's my camera?'

After digging through her purse, she found a disposable camera from the last SGC offbase get-together. 'Good thing I still have this. Ooh it still has film!.' she thought. She decided to use up the film by taking pictures of the sleeping pair.

She decided to wake up her daughter and then let Daniel sleep on the couch as it was too late for him to go home. "Cassie!" she hissed, shaking the girl gently to wake her up as she did so.

Sleepily Cassie woke up, "Mom?" she asked. Janet grinned as she heard that.

"Yeah, Cass. Do you want to go sleep in your bed now?" Janet whispered.

"Yeah." the preteen replied, slowly extracting herself from Daniel. She walked up the stairs, Janet following. Cassie got under her covers, her mother tucking her in.

"Goodnight, Cassie." Janet said, getting up to go back downstairs.

"'Night, Mom. 'Love ya." Cassie, half awake, replied.

Janet grinned as she walked down the stairs to get herself some coffee. As she reached the bottom, she saw Daniel begin to stretch. His head whipped around and he looked to be relieved when he saw her.

"Hi." she whispered. "Cassie's in her own bed."

"Okay" he replied. "So, how was your date?"

'Was that a tone of jealousy?' she thought.

"Bad. So bad, I'm never letting Sam set me up again. And because she set me up this time, she is *so* getting bigger needles at her next exam!"

Daniel chuckled at the thought. "So, you won't be seeing him again?"

"Hell no!" she said. "Listen, its rather late and I don't want you driving. So why don't you get comfortable on the couch and go home in the morning?"

"Ok. You want to talk about your date some more? I'm not tired anymore and I'd like your company."

"Sure." She then described the disaster that was her date. Daniel listening and interjecting witty remarks at some points. 'Well looks like I may have a chance with her.' he thought to himself.

After she was done with her story, they fell silent. Daniel worked up his courage and finally asked "So are you sworn off to dating? Or would you mind if I asked you out?"

Silently processing his question, Janet froze as the last five words entered her thought pattern. "You...want to go out with me?"

"Yes, so will you?"

"Sure, but isn't this too soon?" she asked confused. The man had lost his wife only six months ago and now he was asking her out?

"No. I've liked you for a while now, but I never found the courage to say so. I did love my wife, there's no doubt about that. But she's gone now, and I've let go of the dreams I had of her. I'm ready to move on, and who better than you, the strongest, most beautiful, and most talented woman I know?"

"Wow, I don't know what to say."

"Just say you'll go out with me."

"I'd love to, maybe tomorrow night?"

"Good!" With that he leaned over and sealed the date with a kiss. When his lips brushed hers, the feeling the kiss induced was so powerful, he swore the Earth turned upside down. Pulling back to get his breathing under control, Daniel whispered "Wow!"

"You're telling me! I've wanted you to do that for a while now."

"Good!" he repeated, kissing her again.

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When Cassie woke up the next morning, she walked downstairs to find her mom and Daniel curled up together on the couch, asleep. She knew that nothing happened last night, but it would be so much fun to tease them when they woke up.

She secretly hoped that this would lead to Daniel being her new dad. 'Now, to call Aunt Sam and collect on that bet.' Of ice cream, not money. Her mother would have killed her if she had bet Sam money.

'Now to get Aunt Sam to admit she likes Uncle Jack!' Cassandra Fraiser, matchmaker, thought with a smile.

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