The Dan and Jan Archive

Pathways
by Jammer

E-MAIL: jammer0307@yahoo.com
STATUS: Complete
RATING: PG-13
SEASON: Future
SPOILERS: after 'Singularity' and 'Rite of Passage'
CATEGORY: Cassie/OC; minor Daniel/Janet and Sam/Jack
SUMMARY: Cassie grows up and falls in love.
DISCLAIMER: So not mine. Except Cassie's love interest.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: 'Heroes' will only happen in two of my fics. This ain't one of them.
Dedication: BGG, you guys are awesome. And to the other Two D/J Stooges, you guys rock.

Cassandra Fraiser walked through Detroit-Metro Airport, trying to decide which flight she could take next without having to produce a passport. She looked over at the walls, all with computer screens showing when the next flights were and she perused them, trying to find the one farthest from Colorado Springs as she could. At this point she really didn't want to be anywhere near Cheyenne Mountain.

As she moved through the crowds, digging through her carry-on for her CD player so she could drown out the noise, she hit what she thought was a wall and fell onto the ground. What she wasn't expecting was to see a pair of chocolate brown eyes come into her line of sight. "Oh man, I'm so sorry.” the pleasant baritone voice said. "Here, let me help you up."

"Ok." Cassie said, stunned. This guy, who looked only about a year older than her, was really cute. 'Just my luck, he's probably taken. Either way I'm never gonna see him again so it won't matter.'

"I'm really sorry, miss. I wasn't watching where I was going, I was checking my watch to see how much more time I had until my flight."

"Oh, that's alright. I was digging for my CD player, anyway."

"But it was my fault. Let me make it up to you? There's a Beaner's down the way, I can buy you a cup of coffee while you wait for your flight?"

"Sure. By the way, my name's Cassandra Fraiser."

"I'm Alexander Godin." The young man said.

The pair walked to the coffee shop in companionable silence. Cassie placed an order for a mocha latte and Alex ordered an Italian Soda. They found a table in a nook, out of the sight of the passersby.

"So, you don't drink coffee and yet you offer to buy me some?" Cassie asked.

"Yep. I never adapted to the taste of coffee, even though I've been at college for a year."

"Really? Most of my relatives are addicted to coffee."

"Well, coffee is like a career. Some people adapt well, some people don't."

"Ok, that is lame." Cassie said laughing.

"That was the point. To see if I could make you smile." Alex said grinning.

"Ok, so what should I call you? I mean most people call me Cassie or Cass."

"My dad calls me A.J. or Alex. My mom calls me Alexander. My sisters call me Zander, my extended relatives call me A.J., and my friends call me Lex. Personally, I think they watch too much Smallville."

Cassie laughed. "What does the J. in A.J. stand for?"

"You'd think James, but actually its Joseph."

"That's cool. Well, A.J. it’s been nice meeting you. I'm sure you have to catch your plane soon."

"Actually no, I don't. The flight I'm going on only leaves twice a day. Once at 9am and the other at 6pm."

"Why don't they have more flights to where you're going?"

"Its kind of a shuttle. There is a small airport near my hometown up north that I'm flying into. To drive from here it would take about six hours."

"Why aren't you driving, then? You could beat the plane, its only noon."

"Well my flight from Florida didn't come in until 10:30, so I missed the first one. The second reason was that I didn't want to leave my car in the airport parking lot for six weeks."

"Wow, six weeks in Florida. Sounds nice."

"It isn't this time of year. I mean it’s really hot there, even when you do PT at 7am."

"PT?"

"Yeah, Physical Training. I was there to train."

"Train?" Cassie asked. 'God, I sound stupid.'

"Yep. You didn't notice my uniform? I'm an Air Force ROTC cadet." Alex said, surprised she hadn't noticed.

Cassie's eyes widened, 'In the Air Force? He'll call my mother, I've got to run!' She said, "I've got to go, thanks and nice to meet you!"

She turned and began to run, but A.J. caught up to her quickly.

"Hey, what was that all about?" he asked stepping in front of her.

"Let me pass, A.J.!"

"No! Not until you tell me what spooked you!"

"A.J., please?" Cassie begged.

"No, Cass. I can't, I just want to know why I scared you." he said softly.

"Ok. I'll tell you, but promise you won't tell anyone?"

"I swear, on my honor as a future Air Force officer."

They began to walk back to get A.J.'s carry-on. "Well, my name really is Cassandra Fraiser. I ran because you are Air Force."

"Huh?"

"Well, I didn't exactly tell my mother where I was going when I left this morning."

"You ran away?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes. I'm eighteen and I graduated from high school, so technically I'm an adult. Anyway, my mother is in the Air Force and I figured you would contact her and tell her where I'm at."

"I would have, but you made me promise. I never go back on a promise." A.J. said.

"Good. She can't know where I'm at. I do plan to go back, I have to for school. I'm going to Colorado State University at Fort Collins. I just needed to get away for a little while."

"Wow. Like I said, I'm on my way home to the U.P."

"The U.P.?"

"Yeah. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan."

"Oh. I mean I've seen it on maps in school, but I never have heard anything about it."

"Its a great place! Peaceful, beautiful, and lots of things to do outdoors. Fishing, hunting, boating, and swimming." A.J. said, a wistful look in his eye.

"Wow, sounds like you love it."

"I do, it’s home. Hell, when I retire someday I'll live there again."

"Why not now? I mean why are you joining up and entering the Air Force if you want to live in the U.P.?"

"Well, even when I was a kid, I wanted to build spaceships. So I'm going to get my engineering degree from Michigan State, then get my master's in astrophysics, and finally a doctorate in astronautical engineering."

"Wow, sounds like you have your life planned out."

"Nope, that's the direction I want to go in, but I'm well aware that life doesn't often go as planned."

"How old are you anyway? The way you talk, you have to be over twenty."

"Actually, I'm only nineteen."

"Wow!"

"Thanks. Where are you going from here?"

"I don't know. I'm just gonna hop on a flight and see where it takes me."

A.J. frowned and said "Why don't you catch my flight and come home with me? I know we just met and all, but at least you will have a roof over your head and warm meals."

"I don't know."

"Listen, I swear my family is nice and there's plenty of room at my house or at my Aunt Joyce's if you'd rather not stay with us. It would just make me feel better if I knew you were safe."

"Why do you care? I mean, we just met."

"I care, because you need someplace safe and a place to contemplate whatever it is that made you leave home. If you come with me, you have that place."

"I'll think about it."

"You have four and a half hours to think about it. Its one-thirty now."

"Ok."

"Ok, as in you'll think about it? Or ok as in you're coming?"

"Ok, as in I'm coming."

“That was a bit fast.” He commented.

“I know, but I just feel that I can trust you for some reason.”

"Cool! I'll show you where to buy the ticket, then I'll call my mom and let her know you're coming. Then you'll call your mom."

"What?!"

"Cass, listen. The cops are going to be on the hunt for you as long as you don't call your mom. All you have to tell her is that you're alive, safe, and that you'll come home when you can talk to her and not yell."

"You think that's gonna work?"

"Yeah, and if it doesn't, put me on the phone and I'll reassure her."

"Ok. As long as she doesn't know where I am."

"Even if she traces us here, she can't find us where we are going. No one will say anything to strangers, at least most people won't."

"Fine." Cassie said, convinced.

"All right, follow me." Picking up his stuff, A.J. led Cassie to the ticket counter. After they bought the ticket, they searched for a pay phone in order to call Cassie's mom.

Cassie picked up the receiver while Alex dug into his wallet. "What are you looking for?"

"My phone card, it might help disguise where you're at. Cass, if you are in trouble with the law so help me..."

"I'm not! I just needed to get away from home, I told you that."

"Ok, I believe ya, but I just needed to warn ya."

Cassie rolled her eyes and started following the instructions on the card. Then she looked at her watch, 2pm Eastern, so Noon Mountain. 'Mom's still at work, perfect! She can't get too mad.'

"I'm going to have to call my mom's office. She never goes home for lunch."

"Fine, just make with the dialing." A.J. said.

She finished dialing her mom's work number, then a voice came on "Fraiser."

"Hi, mom."

"Cass, you know you're not supposed to call me at work." Janet scolded.

"I know, but I had to tell you I forgot to feed the dog before I left this morning. And since I'm not going to be back for a while, I figured you might want to send Daniel or Aunt Sam to feed him."

"What? Cassandra, what do you mean, 'not going to be back'?"

"Exactly that. Listen mom, you dropped a huge bombshell on me yesterday and I need some time to blow off some steam. I'm currently on vacay and I'll call in a week, let you know my plans. Oh, there's my flight, got to go. Bye mom, love ya!" She hung up the phone and giggled.

"I think my mom is *so* gonna ground me when I get home! But it did feel good to drop a bomb on her the way she did on me." Cass explained.

"Ok. Come on, let's go to our terminal and call my parents from there."

They began to walk to terminal 53, where they sat and waited for the flight north.

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Meanwhile, back at the SGC....

Janet Fraiser looked at the phone in disbelief. She just couldn't wrap her mind around the fact that Cassie had just...left. 'I knew she was upset last night about Daniel and I announcing we're getting married, but I never thought she'd actually leave the state.'

A knock sounded at her door. "Hey, you ok? You look like you've seen a ghost." Daniel asked as he walked in the door.

"No, I'm not. Cassie just called and basically told me that's she gone and she'll come back when she feels like it."

"What?! Why?"

"She said that 'I dropped a bomb' and she needed to 'blow off some steam' before coming back." Janet said.

"Well, good for her!"

"WHAT??!!" she shouted at Daniel, causing people to look towards her office.

"Well, think about it rationally. If she had stayed, it would have made you both miserable. Now you both have some time to sort out your feelings and just get some breathing room. All kids go through this stage, I read it in a parenting guide. Ok, I admit this is extreme…"

"You read a parenting guide?" Janet interrupted him.

"Well, yeah. I mean, I know that I'm not Cassie's dad, but I just want to be a good father figure to her and hopefully at least be her friend. Besides, its not like she can leave the country, she doesn’t have a passport and you raised her well – she won’t do anything really stupid."

Janet, touched, hugged him. "Thanks for calming me down. She did say she'd call and let me know how she was."

"Well, that's good. Even though she's mad, she still loves you very much and doesn't want you to worry. Come on, its time for lunch- I hear there is something actually edible in the commissary."

Janet and Daniel walked out of her office, Janet shutting off the lights and locking her door as she went. They walked companionably to the commissary, Janet lost in thought as to why Cassie left.

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On flight 1832 to the U.P.

"So, what is your family like?"

"Oh right, I forgot! My dad's name is Mike. He's a mechanic, has a great sense of humor and is very good with kids. Then there's my mom. Her name is Abby. She works as a receptionist and she is very organized. She's strict, but she's very loving. My step-mom, her name is Kay. She works for the city, I can't remember as what. She's very down-to-earth and doubles as the family counselor."

"When did your parents get a divorce?"

"I was about six, so it wasn't too hard to get used to having a whole other family."

"Oh."

"I have two sisters. There's my stepsister Danielle, who's 24. She is studying to be a CPA. She's almost done with the internship that she needs to be one. She's married to a guy named Jim. They have a son named Scott, who is the greatest four year old ever.

My other sister is named Jackie. She's sixteen. She has no clue what she wants to be when she gets out of college. Personally I think she'd make a good psychologist.

My Uncle William and Aunt Joyce will be at the airport too. I think you may want to stay with them. They are really great people. They have only one son and he left home a while ago. Uncle Bill is really funny and he treats every kid who walks through the door like his own. Aunt Joyce will most likely hug you, so consider this your warning."

"They sound great."

"I know, it took this year away at school to realize how blessed I am to have them." A.J. said.

"Well, since you spilled about your family, its only fair that I tell you about mine. My mom Janet is a medical doctor in the Air Force as well as a Major. She's 5'2", but she can stare down Generals if you make her mad. She's great, but lately she's been distant. Then there's my mom’s boyfriend, his name is Daniel. He's a linguist who can speak 23 languages. He's a civilian translator. He's been known to be accident-prone, in fact that's how he and mom met.”

“What about your dad?”

“Well, my biological parents died in an accident a few years ago and Mom adopted me. She was single at the time and she has no brothers or sisters, so her friends are my ‘aunts’ and ‘uncles’.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” He said softly. “Do you have any brothers or sisters?” He asked, trying to get onto a happier subject.

“No, I don't have any brothers or sisters though my ‘Aunt’ Sam is more like a sister, than an aunt. She's my mom's best friend and she's a theoretical astrophysicist as well as a Major in the Air Force. My ‘Uncle’ Jack is head of base security and a Colonel. He's really funny, he says Daniel gave him all his gray hair. Lastly there is my ‘Uncle’ Teal'c."

"Teal'c? Were his parents New Age or traditional?"

"Actually traditional. Teal'c was born in Africa and his parents thought it fitting to name him after the shaman that delivered him. He's second in command of base security and he looks like a pro wrestler." Cassie lied easily, being used to it since she came to Earth.

"I now know not to mess with your family! All trained military, well except Daniel."

"Don't get me wrong, they are great but a bit stifling."

"Hence the going away to school."

"Yep."

"Gotcha.” He said, looking out the window. “Ooh we're landing!"

"You're such a little kid, A.J."

"Yep and proud of it!"

Cassie rolled her eyes and got ready to disembark from the plane. 'God, he reminds me of a mini-Jack!'

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Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

Janet had left her office and went home. Although for her it would be less so without her daughter. She had gone through the rest of the day in a daze, puzzling over why Cass had left. 'It can't be the wedding' she thought 'Cassie loves Daniel. Is she mad that we're selling the house and moving into a bigger one? Well, that could be part of it. What else could bug her that much?'

A knock at her door startled her. She ran to get it, hoping Cass had changed her mind and come back. She was a little disappointed to find Sam Carter on the other side.

"Hey Sam."

"Hey Janet, I thought you could use a girls' night?" Sam ventured.

"Not really."

"I know what happened. Your man has loose lips."

"He is in so much trouble!"

"Let's sit and have some wine. We'll talk and maybe we can work a strategy to get Cass home sooner."

"Oh, alright." Janet let Sam in and they spent the rest of the night talking.

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Cassandra Fraiser had never seen so many people greet one person in her life, there had to be at least fifteen people. She saw the parents, the sisters, and at least one aunt hug A.J. at the same time. As soon as they let him go, he looked back and reached for her.

"Everyone, this is a friend of mine, Cassandra Fraiser. Cass, this is my family." A.J. introduced.

"Hi." She said shyly.

"Hi Cassandra!" They all said in unison. At least one of the older women came towards her and wrapped her in a hug. 'This must be A.J.'s Aunt Joyce.' she thought.

The woman let her go. "I'm Aunt Joyce. You call me that while you're here, all the kids' friends do."

"Hi, Aunt Joyce."

After that, each one of Alex's relatives came over and introduced themselves to her. They piled into five cars after they got A.J. and Cass's luggage and drove to A.J.'s. After settling him in, A.J.'s dad and step-mom left to go home as well as his sister and brother-in-law. A.J. had managed to talk Danielle into letting Scott stay awhile and he'd bring the little guy home later. After that A.J. and Scott began to play tag in the front yard.

After Scott was returned to his parents, they sat around and talked for a while, when the topic of where Cassie was going to stay came up. After a long period of discussion, it was decided that she could stay one of three places; A.J.'s house, his Aunt Joyce and Uncle Bill's house, or his cousin Marie's in town.

Cassie knew that her mother would not like it if she stayed at A.J.'s. Even though she was angry with her mother, she still wanted to make her proud. "If you don't mind, Aunt Joyce, I'd like to stay at your house."

"Oh, that's great! Bill, go and put Cassie's stuff in our truck. A.J., go help him." Joyce commanded.

"Yes, ma'am!" A.J. said and got to following his aunt's orders.

Cassie laughed, knowing that this place would be good for her and she already liked these people. She thought she was lucky to have bumped into A.J. at the airport. She was still a bit wary of him and his family, but she could sense that she had nothing to really worry about. The only other people she had ever felt this comfortable with so soon after meeting them were SG-1 and her mother. She wondered how her mother was taking her leaving, then shook her head. 'Cass, it doesn't matter! You needed this!' But then why did she feel so bad?

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Janet was surprised to see a package on her desk when she walked into her office a week and a half later. It had no return address, but was postmarked from Oregon. 'Cassie! It has to be, she said she'd call though. I wonder what made her change her mind?' She opened the package and found a letter and a tape. She unfolded the letter and began to read:

"Dear mom,

I wouldn't bother tracing this package to Oregon. My friend A.J., whose aunt I've been staying with, has a cousin out there who sent it to you. I asked them to do that so that I could get some peace. Don't worry mom, I'll be back soon, I just needed time to sort some things out. A.J.'s family is really helping with that, there are so many of his relatives hanging about at any time of the day, so I'm always busy. Anyway, the tape is so you can sort of 'meet' him and also see for yourself how I'm doing. A.J. is a true gentleman, so Mom you have nothing to worry about. Anyway, I'll actually call next week. Even though that I am mad at you, I still love you and you are still my mother. Remember that.

Love always, Cass."

Janet cried as she got to the end of the letter. She was relieved that whatever had made Cassie so angry had not affected how Cass felt about her. Then she reread the note. 'His?!' she looked at it again. 'Oh, she's staying at his aunt's. Thank God!'

She took the tape to Sam's lab, where the Major had a television with a VCR. Sam was in there working on a minor project that didn't have to be done for another month or two, as usual.

“Hey Sam!”

“Hey Janet, what’s that?” Sam asked, pointing to the tape in Janet’s right hand.

“A tape that was in a package Cassie sent me.”

“Really? Do you want me to trace it? Is she alright?”

“Nope, she went to a great length to hide where she’s at, and I think it might be a good idea just to let it be. But she does sound fine in the note that came with it.”

“If you say so.”

“I do, now lets watch the tape.” Janet said, trying to hide her excitement to see her daughter, even if it was on tape.

Sam put the tape into the television and pushed play. The first thing on the television was an empty room. Then a familiar voice came on. “A.J.! Are you sure that thing is focused?”

“Yes, Cass!” another voice said, exasperated.

“Thanks!”

Cassie stepped into the frame and began to speak. “Hi, Mom, Aunt Sam, Daniel, Uncle Jack, and Uncle Teal’c!” The two women looked at each other “She’s using his real name?!” they said in unison.

The other voice came on again. “ Cass, tell your Uncle Teal’c that that’s a cool name. Very tribal.”

“You just did, A.J.”

“Oh right.”

“Sorry guys. Anyway I just wanted to let you know I’m pretty safe where I’m at. I admit to some strange bruises in some weird places, but that’s only because I went tubing at A.J.’s Uncle Tom and Aunt Tessa’s cabin. It really hurts to fall off, let me tell you. Stop laughing, A.J.!”

“Sorry Cass!”

“Anyway, I’m having fun and I’m being helpful to the people I’m staying with. I get one meal a day and spending money and all I have to do is housework. I can clean and do laundry now. A.J.’s Grandma Margie is teaching me to cook, which will be helpful with me going to college.”

“She’s getting better at it.” Came the laughing voice of the cameraman, A.J., Janet and Sam figured.

“Yep, Grandma Margie says I’m doing much better, I’m at least not burning the food anymore. A.J.’s Grandma Mary says that I’m doing well at needlepoint. She recommended I practice so if I lose a button, I can sew it back on and Grandma Fran says that I’ve got a green thumb when it comes to gardening. A.J.’s mom gave me a job at her office as a gofer. I do that three days a week, which gives me money for new clothes.”

“Wow, Janet. They are keeping her busy.”

“I know, they’re teaching her all the stuff I wanted to.” Janet sniffled a little, sad to be missing out on her daughter’s growth.

“Anyway, A.J.’s Uncle Bill is teaching me how to mow a lawn. I’ve been given the task of mowing Grandma Mary’s once a week. The yard there is so big it takes two people to mow it. A.J.’s Grandpa Frank is teaching me about managing a business and his other Grandpa, who ironically is named Jack, is teaching me about how to play pranks. I’ve now got some ammo against you, Uncle Jack.”

“Oh no!” The women watching the tape said.

“This is definitely trouble.” Janet added.

“You’re telling me!”

“Lastly, A.J.’s dad Mike is teaching me about mechanics. I can do almost anything with machines now, so Aunt Sam can I help with your bike when I get home?”

“Your bike, Sam?” Janet questioned.

“You didn’t know I had one?”

“No.”

“Oh.”

“Alright, I’m going to make A.J. talk now.” The Cassie on the tape said.

Cassie got up and left the frame. Sounds of a scuffle were heard and Janet and Sam looked at each other, raising their eyebrows. Finally a young man about Cassie’s age fell into the frame. He looked like he was an athlete and had brown hair and eyes.

“This must be A.J.” Janet said to Sam. “He’s cute. I have to say this, Cassie does have great taste.”

The man began to speak. “Uh, Cassie, what do you want me to say?”

“Introduce yourself, but leave out where you go to school, where we are, and what your last name is.” At that, Sam and Janet shook their heads. ‘She’s too paranoid. Good, Colonel O’Neill taught her well.’ Sam thought.

“Ok. So, as you probably guessed I’m A.J. That stands for Alexander Joseph, by the way, as I’m sure Cassie didn’t tell you. I’m nineteen and I’m majoring in engineering. I plan to get my master’s degree in astrophysics and a doctorate in astronautical engineering. I want to design space shuttles for NASA.”

“Janet, he has my vote. If she ends up wanting to marry the kid, she has my approval.”

“Sam! She’s only eighteen!”

“I have a large family as Cassie implied. I have two sisters, a brother-in-law, a nephew, three parents, five grandparents, and six aunts and corresponding uncles plus lots and lots of cousins. My family has been in this area for over a hundred years so my extended family totals over three hundred. Umm…what else Cass?”

“How about where you work?”

“Oh, right. During the summers, I work for a landscaping crew here. I also do some carpentry on the side. I like playing hockey, fishing, basketball, swimming and hunting in my spare time. I am currently single and tend to stay in committed relationships for over a year.”

“A.J.!”

“What? I was telling the truth. I’ve only had two relationships ever, and I managed one for a year and the other for two years.”

“I know that, but now my Aunt Sam is going to want to set us up!”

“So? My entire family is trying to set us up, but I told them we’re only friends.”

“Alright, finish up.” Cassie said, annoyed.

“With what?”

“How many languages you speak and some of your hobbies.”

“Ok. I speak five languages, English, Italian, French, Polish, and Gaelic. I love to read, to play outside, and to play instruments. I play the piano and the guitar, both electric and acoustic. That’s pretty much me.”

The young man quickly ran out of the frame and Cassie went back in. “So mom and crew, I hope you like this and I’ll call soon. The next package might be pictures. Love you all.” Cassie blew a kiss at the camera and then the screen went blank.

Janet and Sam sat there shocked. They couldn’t believe the ease at which the two interacted, having figured that they’ve only known each other for a week. This guy seemed too perfect. ‘What I wouldn’t give to know this kid’s full name so I could get a background check on this guy and his family.’ Janet, ever the protective mother, thought.

They didn’t know how long they were sitting there; just staring at the television when all of a sudden the klaxons went off. “They’re playing my song!” Janet said. “Rewind that and bring it to my office please?”

“Sure.” As soon as Janet left, Sam began to rewind the tape, shaking her head as to how right Cassie was. If Sam had met the kid first, then she definitely would have tried to set him up with Cass.

Sam left the tape on Janet’s desk, leaving a note on it saying thanks for letting her watch it as well. After the emergency, Janet was pleased her friend had remembered, thinking that if the blond had gotten something to work on in her lab then Janet would have to track the tape down again. She sighed and sat in her chair. ‘I really miss her, I hope she comes home soon.’ She heaved another sigh and began to work on the medical reports on SG-7, they had come home with a mysterious red rash that turned out to be a form of poison oak. She had no clue how they managed to get it all over them.

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A week later…

The phone rang at the Fraiser household at about one pm on Saturday. Janet, cleaning on her day off, picked up the phone and cautiously said “Hello?”

“Hey Mom”

“Cass! Honey, its so good to hear from you!”

“Its good to hear your voice too, Mom. How are you?”

“Missing you and wishing you’d come home.”

“I am, in about a week.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, A.J. is heading out to Oregon to visit his cousin. I’m going to accompany him as far as Colorado Springs.”

“Will I get to meet him?”

“Depends on if you can meet us at Gate 21 at 1:20pm on Friday.”

“That’s a week from yesterday. I’ll do my best, the General probably will understand.”

“I’m sure he will. When I get home, can we have a talk-just us? Nobody else?”

“Ok, Cass.”

“Good.”

Janet heard cheering in the background. “What’s that?”

“Oh, today is Scott’s birthday.”

“Oh, really? Who is he and how old is he?”

“Yep, he’s A.J.’s nephew and he’s five today.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, the party just started. A.J.’s family likes to arrange parties so that a meal can be served, mostly because they are all great chefs. Anyway, everyone is outside swimming, so the phone is free. A.J.’s sister Jackie is always on the phone so this is perfect timing. Hold on one sec Mom.”

Janet then heard a squeal as the phone dropped. “Hi Cassie’s mom. I’m sorry to cut this call short, but the birthday boy has requested Cassie’s presence outside.”

“That’s fine, may I ask who this is?”

“Sorry ma’am, its A.J.”

“Ah.”

“Its nice to somewhat meet ya, ma’am, but like I said Scott is calling for Cassie so he can open presents and get back to swimming.”

“By all means, go ahead.” Janet shook her head, why her daughter was calling during a party, though explained, baffled her.

“Thanks, Doctor Fraiser. I’ll have her call you back later.”

“No problem, bye now and tell Cass not to have too much fun.”

“Yes ma’am, Major! Bye.” With that he hung up the phone. Janet laughed, it sounded chaotic but she suspected that it was just something that a person just had to get used to. ‘Wait, the kid called me “Major”. Cass must have told him, and she did say in the letter I got with the tape that he was a gentleman, which means he was raised to say “sir” and “ma’am”. I’m just looking to find out where she is.’

----------------------------------------------------

Just before Janet left to pick up Cassie, the klaxons went off. Hoping she wouldn’t be needed, Janet headed for the gate room. Unfortunately, the members of SG-5 had various broken appendages. She looked at the clock that said 1:10pm and knew that she just wouldn’t be able to go. She excused herself and dialed up Sam’s office, hoping she could have Sam meet the boy that Cassie had been around.

Sam immediately agreed, promising to give Janet a full report on what the kid was like when she got back to base after dropping Cassie off at the house. Janet hadn’t put the place up for sale yet, as she wanted to get to the bottom of Cassie’s sojourn before doing anything rash.

-----------------------------------------------------

Cassie Fraiser stood at Gate 21 with A.J., who over the past three weeks had become her best friend. “Don’t worry, Cassie, I’m sure she just got stuck in traffic.”

“I know, but my mother is never late.”

“Just take a deep breath, Cass. Remember that this is lunch hour.”

A.J. looked at his watch, it was almost time to board his flight. “Listen Cass, she’ll be here soon, but I have to go. My flight is going to be leaving soon.”

“Can’t you wait a little? Mom really wants to meet you.”

“I’m sorry, but I really have to go. I’m sure I’ll meet her someday. I mean with us staying in contact, we’ll have to meet up and you can bring her.”

“I know. I’m going to miss you.”

“I’m gonna miss ya too. Bye Cass.” He hugged her then and began to walk away.

“Bye A.J.” She said, waving.

He turned back and smiled at her. He waved and turned away, never looking back again.

-------------------------------------

Sam Carter cursed as she entered the Colorado Springs International Airport. Cassie had been waiting an hour for her. Not only had the Colonel delayed her leaving by bugging her, but also traffic had been a real pain in the ass. She made her way to Gate 21 as Janet told her to. She saw Cassie immediately, but there was no sign of the boy that Sam and Janet really wanted to meet.

“Cass!” Sam said, trying to get her attention.

“Sam! What are you doing here? I thought my mom was coming.” Cassie asked, hugging her de-facto aunt.

“She was, then just as she was about to leave, SG-5 came back with a lot of broken bones. As far as I know, the entire medical staff is still setting them and putting them in casts. I would have been here sooner, but traffic was horrible and Colonel O’Neill was pestering me as to where I was going.”

“Its alright Sam, I understand, things happen. Let’s get going.”

“So where’s your friend?”

“He had to catch his flight.”

“Oh, ok. Let’s go, your mom should be home by the time we get there. She’s anxious to see you, kiddo. She really missed you.”

“I know. I missed her too. We’re going to have a long talk about this when I get home.”

“Good.” Sam said. “I missed you, Cassie.”

“Me too, Aunt Sam.”

The women walked out of the Airport, smiling and catching each other up on what went on during the time the younger of the two had been away from home. They made it back to the Fraiser household in record time, Sam taking the shortcuts she had learned well over the last six years since Cassie came into their lives. Smiling at the sight of Janet’s Blazer parked in the driveway and saying goodbye to Cassie, Sam turned her car around and drove off.

Cassie looked at the house with a little trepidation. After all, she had run away and she was sure that her mother was going to be really mad. All that was driven out of her mind by the opening of the front door and her mother stepping out of the house. Janet looked around and caught sight of her daughter. With a delighted shout of “Cassie!” she ran to her and caught the erstwhile teen in a bear hug that seemed to last for hours.

When she finally let go, Janet firmly told her daughter that she was grounded for at least two weeks. No friends, no computer, and no phone at all. Worst of all for Cassie, she had to accompany her mother to the infirmary and help out. In other words, she was her mother’s scut slave and she was told she might be lent out to other personnel to do their dirty work. For once, Cassie didn’t complain. She had realized what she wanted to do while she was in college and some of that scut work might be useful, but she didn’t tell her mother that. That, and she knew she deserved the punishment.

As Cassie unpacked, she found a package in her carry-on. She knew that she hadn’t put it in there, so A.J. must have. Inside the package was a videotape, a piece of paper, and a Ziploc bag of Abby’s specialty dessert, homemade fudge. She smiled and read the letter A.J. had left her.

“Dear Cassie,

Well you’re home safe and sound now. I hope that you found what you were looking for when you left home. I also hope your mother didn’t punish you too badly. Anyway, my mom sent you some fudge – you lucky girl. I didn’t even know that she did until I went to seal the package I’m sneaking in your carry-on. The videotape is something you can watch when you miss me, or need to remember what I sound like. Since I have a feeling your mother isn’t going to let you call or e-mail me for a while, this should help a little. I miss you already, Cassie. In the short time since we’ve known each other, you’ve become my best friend. Play some pranks on your Uncle Jack for me, huh?

Love, Alex.”

She put the letter on her desk and took the fudge and the tape out to the living room. She poked her head into the kitchen, where her mother was making dinner. “Hey, want some help?”

“Sure, you know how to make chicken alfredo?”

“Nope.”

“I thought you were learning how to cook.”

“I did, but only a few things. I learned how to make spaghetti, chili, and goulash. They also taught me how not to burn the stuff in cans, like macaroni and cheese.”

“Oh. Here, I’ll tell you what to do and remember to pay attention.”

“Ok.” With that the Fraiser women began to cook happily, Cassie telling her mother some of her mishaps with cooking. After they ate, they sat down and had the talk Cassie promised her mother when she called the week before. Cassie was proud of herself for not becoming angry as she explained that it wasn’t the fact that Janet was marrying Daniel nor was it the fact they were moving that had made her run away, it was a combination of the fact that neither Janet nor Daniel had talked to her about how serious they were as well as the fact she was scared that if they had their own children, they’d forget about her. This fear was compounded by the fact that Janet had been distant towards Cassie at the time.

Janet was stunned at the revelation. She hadn’t thought that Cassie would want to know how serious her relationship was. Looking back, she realized that it would have been easier for them to break the news if Cass had been in the loop. She ended up becoming distant because she was nervous about how to tell her daughter about it, and she told Cassie so. The last fear, the one about her being forgotten, really concerned Janet.

“Why didn’t you say something?”

“I didn’t know that was a reason myself, until I took a step back and really looked at the whole situation.”

“Cassie, I would never forget you. No matter what, even if Daniel and I have as many children as there are stars in the sky, you are still my first baby. Even though I didn’t give birth to you, you are my little girl, well not so little anymore, but still. I love you, Cassandra and that’s never going to change.”

“I love you too, Mom.”

“I’m glad we’re talking this out, I’d hate it if we were one of those families that grew apart as the children grew older. Listen, since I have the day off tomorrow, how about we go and do something as a family.”

“Sure, I’d like that. That means Daniel is coming, right?”

“Well, not if you don’t want him to.”

“He is going to be a part of this family, so go and call him. Tell him I really want him to come.”

“Cass, I’m really proud of you. You might have run from this, but you came back and dealt with it very maturely.”

“Thanks mom. Hurry up and call Daniel. A.J. left me a tape in my carry-on and I want to watch it with you.”

“Ok.” Janet left the room and called her fiancé. They quickly made plans for the following day and after hanging up, Janet returned with some sodas to watch whatever A.J. had left for Cassie.

“Here mom.” Cassie said, holding out the bag of fudge. “Try this, Abby makes really good fudge.”

“Ok.” Janet took a piece and nibbled on it. “Wow, this is great!”

“I know, isn’t it!”

The two Fraiser women sat on the couch as Cassie put the tape in the VCR. She sat down on the couch, grabbed the remote and pushed play. At first the tape was centered in the room where Cassie and A.J. had made the tape they had sent to Janet. Soon A.J. stepped into the frame and began to speak.

“Hi Cassie and Dr. Fraiser. I figured Cassie would want to watch this with someone, so I took a logical guess as to whom. If I was wrong, sorry. All right, now to the serious stuff. A few of the people you met here wanted to say goodbye so they are going to be first, then I will end the tape.”

Alex stepped out of the frame and an older woman that Cassie recognized as A.J.’s Aunt Joyce stepped in.

“Hi Cassie, dear. I just wanted to say how thankful I am for your company this summer. You filled our house with laughter and you fit in well with our family. I’m very proud to have known you. You are a very special young lady and I hope your mother knows what a wonderful person she has raised. May the Lord bless you and keep you.”

Aunt Joyce smiled as if she knew that Cassie’s mother would see this. She got up and left the frame of the tape. The tape continued with A.J.’s entire family and even some of the friends she had managed to meet saying something.

After about an hour of that, A.J. stepped back into frame, carrying two guitars, one acoustic and the other electric. “Ok, remember I said I played guitar and never showed you if I really could play. Well my dear friend, I just so happen to really be able to play. I’m going to play three songs you have heard here over the summer. I hope that you remember the events that these songs were played at.”

He sat down on the stool and picked up the acoustic guitar. Cassie laughed as she remembered the song he began to play.

“Gettin' out of the tub all drawn up like a raisin
Showed my fingers to my Daddy while he was shavin'
Said look at my toes Dad what's wrong with my skin
Will this go away, will I be normal again?

Well he picked me up and set me down on the hamper
Wiped off his face while he gave me the answer
For the first time I noticed the lines in his grin
As he dabbed a little foam on the end of my chin, he said

Those wrinkles ain't nothin' to be scared of
They're just a product of time and true love
Some are gonna come and go
Some are gonna come and stay
Son, you're still young, you're gonna be ok

Well, I walked down the hall, saw my Mom gettin' ready
For a long over due date, dinner with Daddy
She was cussin' those crows feet, didn't know I was listenin'
Started talkin' ‘bout her younger years
And how much she missed them and I said

Those wrinkles ain't nothin' to be scared of
They're just a product of time and true love
Some are gonna come and go
Some are gonna come and stay
Mom you still look young, you're gonna be ok

As I get a little older, I'm startin' to get a few
And I'm sure I gave Mom and Dad at least one or two
We're all gonna have ‘em, there ain't no doubt
But those wrinkles in life ain't nothin' you can't iron out

Those wrinkles ain't nothin' to be scared of
They're just a product of time and true love
Some are gonna come and go
Some are gonna come and stay
I still feel young, I'm gonna be ok

Those wrinkles ain't nothin' to be scared of
They're just a product of time and true love”

He smiled and said nothing only picking up his electric guitar.

Janet asked Cassie what song that was and where she’d heard it. “It’s called ‘Wrinkles’ and it’s by a band called Diamond Rio. We heard it at the local casino when they came to town to play. A.J.’s mother, cousin Jillian, and Jillian’s boyfriend Kevin came with us. It was an outdoors concert.”

“Oh.”

The A.J. on the tape began to play his electric guitar and Cassie frowned as she tried to remember where she heard the song.

“I took a walk around the world to ease my troubled mind
I left my body lying somewhere in the sands of time
I watched the world float to the dark side of the moon
I feel there is nothing I can do, yeah

I watched the world float to the dark side of the moon
After all I knew it had to be something to do with you
I don't really mind what happens now and then
As long as you'll be my friend at the end

If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman?
If I'm alive and well, will you be there holding my hand
I'll keep you be my side with my superhuman might Kryptonite

You called me strong, you called me weak, but still your secrets I will keep
You took for granted all the times I never let you down
You stumbled in and bumped your head, if not for me then you would be dead
I picked you up and put you back on solid ground

If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman?
If I'm alive and well, will you be there holding my hand
I'll keep you by my side with my superhuman might Kryptonite

If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman?
If I'm alive and well, will you be there holding my hand
I'll keep you by my side with my superhuman might Kryptonite

Yeah!

If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman?
If I'm alive and well, will you be there holding my hand
I'll keep you by my side with my superhuman might Kryptonite

If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman?
If I'm alive and well, will you be there holding my hand
I'll keep you by my side with my superhuman might Kryptonite”

Cassie honestly couldn’t remember where she heard that song until the last verse. Janet turned to her and asked. “You know where you heard that song?”

“Yeah, now. At first I couldn’t then I remembered the night we went to the club.”

“Club?” Janet asked.

“Yeah, this one club in A.J.’s hometown has a minor’s night, where no alcohol is served until after 10 p.m. and the minors have to leave at that point.”

“Oh.”

“This is the last song they played before ten that night.”

A.J. spoke up from the television. “Ok, I know you remembered the last two. And since I couldn’t remember any other songs we listened to, I decided to play one of your favorite television show themes. Since this only works on a piano, I have to shut this off until we get to the piano I managed to get available. Thank my cousin Tim, who has volunteered me for playing hymns at church for the rest of the summer due to this favor.”

The next scene was in a beautiful church, the camera facing the piano. “Ok here goes.” A.J. said.

“I don't need to be anything other than a prison guard's son
I don't need to be anything other than a specialist's son
I don't have to be anyone other than a birth of two souls in one
Part of where I'm going is knowing where I'm coming from

I don't want to be anything other than what I've been trying to be lately
All I have to do is think of me and I have peace of mind
I'm tired of looking 'round rooms wondering what I gotta do
Or who I'm supposed to be
I don't want to be anything other than me

I'm surrounded by liars everywhere I turn
I'm surrounded by imposters everywhere I turn

I'm surrounded by a deadly crisis everywhere I turn Am I the only one to notice?
I can't be the only one who's learned

I don't want to be anything other than what I've been trying to be lately
All I have to do is think about me and I have peace of mind
I'm tired of looking 'round rooms wondering what I gotta do
Or who I'm supposed to be
I don't want to be anything other than me

Can I have everyone's attention please?
See, not like this and that
You're gonna have to leave
I came from the mountain, the crust of creation
My whole situation made from clay, dust, stone
And now I'm telling everybody

I don't want to be anything other than what I've been trying to be lately
All I have to do is think of me and I have peace of mind
I'm tired of looking 'round rooms wondering what I'm trying to do
Or who I'm supposed to be
I don't want to be anything other than me
I don't want to be
I don't want to be
I don't want to be
I don't want to be”

Janet smiled, she knew how much her daughter loved the show the song came from and she felt this boy cared about her daughter a lot more than he was willing to admit. Her ex-husband had never remembered her birthday, let alone her favorite T.V. show. Daniel, she admitted, knew that she loved ER and Alias, but he had no clue what they were about.

Cassie was smiling, a few tears streaming down her face. She was beyond touched that A.J. remembered her favorite show and bothered to learn the tune so he could play it for her.

“Alright my friend,” the image on the tape said. “I must shut this off and sneak it in your bag. My family helped me today by keeping you distracted. I must say that you are the most honest person I’ve ever met. You are a beautiful person, inside and out, and I am very honored to have met you. I hope you keep in contact after your mother lets up on your punishment. And now I’m going to leave you with a traditional Irish blessing. It’s my favorite one, as well.

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.”

The tape shut off and the television went black. Janet and Cassie looked at each other.

“Cassie, wow.”

“I know. That he remembered my favorite tv show.”

“Not just that, Cassie. The way all of them talked about you. Honey, I never could have imagined the effect one person could have on so many.”

“What are you talking about mom? Don’t you know? The SGC would be shattered if something happened to you. You have saved so many lives and found the cure to so many things the teams have brought back through the ‘gate. Each airman, if you ask them if they know Janet Fraiser replies the same way: ‘Doc Fraiser, of course I know her. She’s the best doc I’ve ever seen, heck she’s the only doc that SG-1 takes orders from. She’s great, you know she fixed me up? I’ll show ya the scar, those stitches were so small that there barely is one. And on and on they go, singing your praises.”

“Aww, Cass.” Janet blushed.

“Well, it’s getting late. I’m going to bed, see you in the morning.”

“Cassie, its only 2100.”

“I know, but I plan to get my morning run in before I go off to work with you.”

“Morning run?” Janet asked. ‘Cassie hates exercising, much less early in the morning.’

“Yeah, A.J. and I got up at 0530 in order to exercise. It’s a great way to be energized for the day.”

“0530? Cassandra, in all the time you’ve lived with me, you have never gotten up before 0700.”

“I know, but A.J. started me on it and I’m sure he’ll be up at 0530 Portland time doing the same.”

“Why?”

“He got used to it in Florida. Mom, please stop prying. I know you want to know exactly who he is and where he’s from, but that will come in good time.”

“Goodnight Cassie.”

“Goodnight Mom.”

------------------------------------------------------

And so it went, Cassie survived her mother’s ‘punishment’, knowing when her mother found out that Cassie was using it as an opportunity to get ahead in her studies, she would faint. Cassie went off to college and began to e-mail her friend. At first it was everyday, then as both got busy with their studies, when they had the time. Three years had gone by and it was time for Alexander Godin’s graduation from Officer Candidate School, having graduated three months before from MSU with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. The Air Force had sponsored his application to graduate school at MIT and he was anxious to share the news with Cassandra.

“Dear Cassie,

Tomorrow I graduate from OCS here in Florida. I would have asked you to come, but your last e-mail said that you were doing extra classes after your training course this year and had finals this week. I hope you are doing well and wish you and your family the best.
Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that I got into MIT for my graduate study of astrophysics. It’s a good thing that I specialized in it in my undergraduate years, it will make it easier to learn.

Still missing you,
Future 2nd Lt. Alexander J. Godin, USAF”

Cassandra Fraiser smiled as she read the missive from her friend. It was indeed true that she had in fact stayed for extra courses that summer, as she had the two years before that, in order to complete her degree by the end of this summer, which she had. She was graduating from college a week from the day he was from OCS, with a bachelor’s degree in pre-med and specializing in astrophysics. She had wanted to honor the female role models in her life, and so she had chosen her major with that in mind. Janet Fraiser-Jackson was very proud her daughter wanted to be a doctor. Cassie had some help from her mom studying for her MCATs but Janet had two little twins and a clumsy archeologist at home to worry about, so she couldn’t help as much as she wanted to. Samuel Nicholas and Thomas Jonathan were born during Cassie’s sophomore year, and even though there were complications, the boys were now happy and healthy almost two year olds, already showing signs of great intelligence.

‘How coincidental, I’m going to be at medical school out east, though not until spring term.’

There was one tiny thing that the SGC family didn’t know yet. Cassie had followed in her friend Alex’s footsteps as well as her mother’s when she chose to join the Air Force ROTC at CSU-FC the fall of her freshman year. She had learned something about what it means to be a hero from her family, and she wanted to honor those people that were her heroes. That and she wanted to give back to the world that had given her so much. ‘Besides,’ she thought ‘Mom isn’t going to be at the SGC forever, and the legend of “Ole Doc Fraiser” has to live on. I mean she may be the first “Napoleonic Power Monger”, but she won’t be the last.’ She smirked at that, her mom and herself terrorizing poor airmen with needles. ‘Poor Uncle Jack.’

She clicked onto the compose button and replied to the message.

“Dear A.J.

Well, I’m sorry I can’t make it, though I wish I could be there to support you. I’ve not seen you in three years and I miss you a lot, I wore out that tape you sent me last year. Congratulations on your commission and your acceptance into MIT. I’m very proud of you!
I’m actually going into OCS in three weeks. I managed to finish my undergraduate degree and will receive it next weekend. I know that you won’t be able to make it due to the fact you need to find a place in Massachusetts to live. Term starts in about two weeks, doesn’t it? Anyway all the best until I hear from you next, which I hope is soon.

With all my love,
Future 2nd Lt. Cassandra M. Fraiser, (Future M.D.) USAF”

------------------------------------------------------

Three years had passed from those two e-mails, and though they meant to keep in touch, A.J. and Cassie didn’t, due to their increasingly busy lives.

Alexander J. Godin had finished what he had set to do when he entered college; he had finally finished graduate school at MIT. He had a master’s in astrophysics and a doctorate in astronautical engineering. He had also been promoted to 1st Lieutenant earlier that year. He had impressed his superiors and professors, both of whom said brilliant things about the young man. Eventually word had spread to the SGC and (now) Lt. Col. Samantha Carter-O’Neill, head of the Research and Development department. ‘This kid is a genius, I never would have thought of that. Must be his engineering background. I have to get him assigned here.’ She thought, looking over his file. ‘Hmm, nice looking kid, where do I know him from?’ She shrugged at that and made the appropriate calls.

A week later, he reported to Colorado Springs for SGC training. The opportunity to work with Dr. Samantha Carter, who had inspired his master’s thesis, was too great of one to pass up. He found a small house on the edge of town and quickly settled in. Now he was at the front gate of Cheyenne Mountain. An airman led him to Lt. Col. Carter’s office, where he waited at the door until she told him to come in. He walked up to her desk, saluted and said “1st Lt. Alexander Godin, reporting as ordered ma’am!”

Sam looked over the young man in front of her. She was struck again by how the lieutenant looked familiar for some reason. “At ease, Lt.”

A.J. did as ordered and waited for the colonel to say something more. He didn’t have to wait long as she launched into questions about his thesis and dissertation. Sam, for her part was thrilled to have such an intelligent person for this project. Even though the SGC had been in business for a little over thirteen years, they had never recruited someone with the lieutenant’s background before.

After a few more questions, Sam decided that the kid could go. “Alright, Lt. Welcome to the project.”

“Thank you, ma’am! It will be an honor to work with you, as your dissertation inspired my thesis.”

“Thank you for the complement, but lets wait and see. I want you to report to the infirmary for a standard physical, then go to General O’Neill’s office. He will brief you on the purpose of the SGC.”

“Yes, ma’am! One question before I go, if I may.”

“Yes?”

“Where is the infirmary?”

“I’ll send an airman with you, the airman will also take you to the General’s office.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

“Dismissed, Lt.”

He snapped to attention, then walked out the door where the airman was waiting for him. A.J. followed the man to the infirmary, where Dr. John Warner was waiting. The doctor quickly checked him over, then complimented him on how healthy he was. Dr. Warner signed off on his physical, then the airman Col. Carter had sent with him led him to General Jack O’Neill’s office.

After a short meeting with the General, telling him the next new SGC recruit meeting was on Monday and not to report in again until then, A.J. left the base. As soon as he left O’Neill’s office, the General was on the phone to Sam, telling her that he agreed with her assessment of Lt. Godin. The kid would be an asset to the SGC and had a bright future ahead of him, as long as Fraiser didn’t stick her needles into him too hard. To which his wife retorted, “Why would she do that? He can’t be as bad a patient as you, Jack.”

------------------------------------------------------

Three days later…

1st Lt. Cassandra M. Fraiser, M.D. sighed as she entered Cheyenne Mountain Base. She first had to report to General O’Neill, then to Dr. Warner. As her mother was CMO, she fell under her mother’s command, but due to possible conflict of interest, Cassie had become Dr. Warner’s intern.

After graduating with her bachelor’s in pre-med, which nearly caused her indomitable mother to cry hysterically – being four months pregnant could do that to a person, she went on to medical school at Johns Hopkins, which had turned down her mother nearly twenty years before. That made her mother very proud of her. She had graduated five days previous and had to pack up her apartment before moving back to Colorado. She had applied for a posting here and was surprised she had gotten it. Of course, her mother knew she was in the Air Force but still ‘Cassandra Fraiser’ should have tipped her off, when the application came across her desk.

She stood outside her ‘Uncle’ Jack’s office and waited until he had commanded “Enter!”

She quickly walked in and snapped to attention in front of his desk. “1st Lt. Cassandra M. Fraiser M.D., reporting as ordered, sir!”

Jack looked up. “Cassie!”

“Hello again, sir.”

“You’re my new doctor.” He stated in disbelief.

“Yes, sir.”

“Does your mother know about this?”

“Not that I am aware.”

“Goody, the Napoleonic Power Monger is gonna love this.”

“Why, sir? I thought you knew I was coming, someone had to approve my posting here. Who ever did, assigned me to Dr. Warner so no conflict of interest.”

“I was only told that a new doctor was transferring in. Who has enough power…Hammond! That sly old dog!”

“Grandpa George? Isn’t he a Congressman now?”

“Yep, and he’s running for Senator.”

“Must have.”

“Well, I know that you’ll be a welcome addition down in the infirmary. Go and see Dr. Warner for your physical, then go and tell your mother. Today is Tuesday, so there will be a barbecue at our house on Saturday to welcome you home, that is if your mother doesn’t kill ya first. Report in on Monday, there will be another SGC new recruits briefing. Oh, this time is for you to find an apartment, understood Lt.?”

“Yes, sir!”

“Dismissed, Lt. Fraiser.”

Cassie snapped to attention and marched out of his office. Jack sighed, ‘I’m gonna get a call from an irate needle-pusher in about five minutes. Better start writing my will.’

Jack’s prediction rang true, and no more than five minutes after he dismissed Cassie, he received an irate call. After assuring Janet he had nothing to do with Cassie being assigned to the SGC and he also had nothing to do with her being in the Air Force, he sighed in relief. ‘I’m not facing a huge needle now.’

-----------------------------------------------------

The week came and went, it was now Saturday and the O’Neills, the Jacksons, Teal’c and assorted personnel were gathered at the O’Neill house for a ‘Welcome Home’ party for Cassie. The last guest had just arrived and was walking up to the door of his commanding officer’s house. He was a bit nervous, just as he was earlier in the week when Carter had ordered him to show up after she had found out that he had no plans other than to sit in his house all weekend.

He knocked on the door and smoothed out his clothes. He was wearing a forest green button-up shirt with a white tank top underneath and khakis. He hoped he was dressed appropriately for this. Colonel Carter opened the door and smiled at him.

“Hey Lt.”

“Hi, ma’am. Call me Alex or A.J., please.”

“There are no ‘sirs’ or ‘ma’ams’ in this house, there haven’t been since I married Jack. So call me Sam or if you can’t do that, Carter outside of work, ok Alex?”

“Yes, ma’am…I mean Sam.”

“Come in Alex, there are some people you should meet.”

He followed her into the house, putting the leather jacket he had brought in case it got cold into the room where she said the other guests had placed theirs. He meandered the main room, stopping to chat with the people he had met during the week he’d been at the SGC. He spotted an acoustic guitar in the corner of the room and asked Carter if she minded if he played a song or two. She said that she didn’t, and to go ahead if it would make him feel more comfortable. She was better at noticing when people were uncomfortable now, since she had three children and Jack to observe. Jacob Daniel was born five years ago, followed by the twins, Janet Elizabeth and Timothy Declan, born three years ago.

A.J. walked over to the guitar and brought it over to a stool. He tuned it and strummed a few chords, deciding what to play. Thinking of what his commanding officer said about her husband he decided to play one of his favorite country songs. It was a little old, but it would suit his purpose.

“For so long I searched in desperation
For one love that would always be true
And I came close but there were always complications
I finally decided there was nothing I could do
So I gave up and I let go
And as soon as I did wouldn't you know

Just look what I found when I wasn't lookin'
Look what I found when I was just bein' me
I turned around and love was mine for the takin'
Look what I found when she found me

Now there's a lot of lonely people out there waiting
And there's a lot of lonely people searchin' to
But if you've got too many expectations
You might miss the one who's right in front of you
No tellin' when no tellin' why
She'll say hello and you'll know
You'll never say goodbye

Just look what I found when I wasn't lookin'
Look what I found when I was just bein' me
I turned around and love was mine for the takin'
Look what I found when she found me

And every single day I'm still surprised
When I turn around and look into her eyes
I'm like a kid who won a prize

Look what I found
Just look at what I found

Look what I found when I wasn't lookin'
Look what I found when I was just bein' me
I turned around and love was mine for the takin'
Look what I found when she found me”

A crowd had gathered as he played. They applauded him as he finished the song. “Who was that song by?” A tall man with glasses and slightly graying hair asked him.

“Chris Cagle.” A voice behind him answered. The voice sounded familiar to the young lieutenant, but he couldn’t remember when or where he’d heard it before.

“Will you play something else?” Sam asked him.

“Sure, do you have a piano?”

“Yeah.”

Sam led him into the next room, where a baby grand piano sat. A.J. sat down and played part of Handel’s Water Music No. 2 to see if the piano was in tune. He finished and then said, “That was a warm-up. Now I’ll play the song I was going to play. I’ve not played it in a while so sorry if I mess up a bit.”

“I don't need to be anything other than a prison guard's son
I don't need to be anything other than a specialist's son
I don't have to be anyone other than a birth of two souls in one…”

He finished, got a round of applause and again was asked by the man with glasses who the song was by.

“I don’t know, actually. The song was a favorite of a friend of mine who I haven’t seen in years. Its from her favorite television show.”

“One Tree Hill, and its by Gavin DeGraw.” That voice from behind him came again and this time A.J. managed to turn around and catch the eye of the young woman answering for him. Brown eyes locked on brown and recognition set in.

“A.J.” Cassie Fraiser said in a whisper.

“Cass.” Came the reply. With that she rushed him and hugged him for all she was worth. In the background, Sam Carter-O’Neill and Janet Fraiser-Jackson smiled while their husbands looked on confused.

The two newest SGC members broke apart and smiled. They communicated every thing they felt by one look, a look that told of something incredible about to occur.

“I can’t believe it, A.J. What are you doing here?”

“Here, as in this house or here, as in this state?”

“Both!”

“Well, I’m here in this house because Col. Carter invited me and I’m in this state for my new post as an engineer on the colonel’s new project. What about you?”

“Well, this party is in my honor and I’m working as a doctor under my mother’s command up at the SGC.”

“You’re up there too?”

“Yeah, I’ve known about it since I was twelve.”

The two slowly made their way out onto the porch. They caught each other up on their lives, talking easily about anything and everything. They went on for hours, until it was well after dark. They went inside, where Janet and Daniel were waiting to say goodbye to Cassie.

“Where is everybody, mom?”

“Gone, you two have been out there for hours, you missed dinner.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry mom.”

“That’s alright, I figured what you had to say to your friend here couldn’t wait.”

“No, it couldn’t. I haven’t seen him in six years and haven’t talked to him in two. His e-mail address had changed and I lost the new one.”

“Ah. So, Cassie, care to introduce your mother and me to your friend?” Daniel asked as Sam, Jack and Teal’c came up behind the younger pair.

“Don’t forget us!” Jack added.

“Alright!” Cassie said, pointing to each person as she went. “A.J., this is my Uncle Jack, better known as Brigadier General Jonathan O’Neill. Next to him is my Uncle Teal’c, also known as Teal’c of Chulak. Then there is my Aunt Sam, known to you as Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter-O’Neill, Ph.D. Next to her is my dad, Daniel Jackson, Ph.D. in Archeology and Anthropology. Lastly, this is my mom, Lieutenant Colonel Janet Fraiser-Jackson, M.D. Everybody this is my A.J., or First Lieutenant Alexander Joseph Godin, Ph.D.”

“Honored to meet all of you properly.” Alex said, shaking hands with Daniel and Jack, kissing the hands of Sam and Janet, lastly bowing to Teal’c.

“Nice to be able to put a full name and personality to the name Cassie has used so much in the past six years. How is your family, I remember what nice things they had to say about her?” Janet asked.

“They are fine, although we lost Grandpa Frank and Grandma Mary to old age over the years. Scott is ten, almost eleven now, and says he wants to fly airplanes when he grows up. He has two younger sisters, Alexis Jacqueline who is five and Cassandra Michelle who just turned two.”

“Alexis is named after you and Jackie and little Cassie is named after me and your father?”

“Yeah. I was given the honor of naming the little one. I’m Lexi and Cassie’s godfather and Scott’s guardian if something happens to Dani and Jim. Scott’s godfather died in a boating accident three years ago.”

Just as he said that, six little kids ran into the room. They saw the man next to Cassie and were overcome with curiosity about his identity. “Oh, I knew I was missing some people. Hey guys,” she said to the little kids “you want to meet a friend of mine?”

“Yeah!” all six said in unison, they never got to meet any of Cassie’s friends.

“Ok.” Cass said. “A.J. these rascals are the next generation. First is my cousin Jacob Daniel O’Neill, he’s five. Next to him are his younger sister and brother Janet Elizabeth and Timothy Declan, they’re three. Next to them are my siblings. These two are my brothers Samuel Nicholas and Thomas Jonathan, they’re four. And this little one, our miracle, is my younger sister Catherine Leigh. She is two. Ok, crew this is a very good friend of mine, his name is A.J.” She pointed out each person in turn. When she finished, A.J. crouched down to the kids’ level and shook each of their hands like they were big people like their mommies and daddies.

“Hi kids, I hope I can be your friend too.” A.J. said softly and evenly to the kids.

“Are you in the Air Force like mommy and Cassie?” Sam Jackson shyly asked the young man.

“Yep. Your aunt Sam is my boss.” A.J. said.

The kids warmed soon after that to A.J. The adults and Cassie watching in awe as A.J. won over the hearts of the little ones. Daniel and Janet forgot that they were going home until little Catherine started to fuss. They were surprised when A.J. picked her up and started to rock her gently, as if he was used to doing this. The other kids seemed to realize what he was trying to do, so they went silent.

A.J. asked Jacob, “What time do you go to bed?”

Jacob, enthralled with Cassie’s ‘new’ friend, automatically replied, “Eight o’clock.”

A.J. looked at his watch. “It’s eight-thirty. Ok, kiddos, lets get you ready, hmm? I mean you don’t want to be tired tomorrow, do you?”

“No, A.J.” all the kids answered quietly. A.J. and the O’Neill kids went upstairs closely followed by the Jackson kids. The parents, in shock at how this young man had managed to charm their rowdy bunch into being quiet, stood where they were for ten minutes. Cassie chuckled at the looks on their faces. She remembered how much Alex’s nephew loved him and did everything Alex asked of him. She silently walked upstairs and found Jacob, Janet, and Timothy in their room listening to A.J. tell them a story about his own childhood. He was just finishing with the story as Cassie watched from the doorway.

“Ok, kids no more stories, you need to go to sleep. Did you say your prayers?” He asked. He wasn’t sure that his CO was religious, but this was a question that he thought was posed to every kid – so better to be safe than sorry.

“Yeah.” Jacob answered for them.

A.J. tucked in all three O’Neills with one hand, singing an Irish lullaby he had learned from his Grandpa Patrick before he died over ten years before. All of the kids were drifting off as he sang. He picked up Tommy and looked at the door, motioning for Cassie to grab Sam. He knew the minute she stood in the doorway, he could sense it. They shut off the light in the room, turning on the hall light and leaving the door a crack open in case the kids needed the bathroom in the middle of the night.

They made their way downstairs, where the Jacksons were waiting for their kids. Teal’c had already left to go home. When they saw their kids dozing in the young adults arms, they smiled.

“They ready?” Janet quietly asked.

“Yep.” Came the answer in the same tone.

A.J. handed over Tommy to Daniel and was just about to hand Catherine to her mother when she woke up. She started to fuss again until Alex had coaxed her back to sleep. He then handed her over to her mother. After the Jacksons left, A.J. and Cassie took their leave of Sam and Jack and went off together for a late movie.

------------------------------------

Cassandra Fraiser and Alexander Godin thrived at the SGC for two years after they met up again. It had been eight years since the day they met, he now being a Captain in the Air Force and twenty-seven and she being a Captain and twenty-six. They had begun dating as soon as General O’Neill had declared them free of regulations a year and a half ago. Alex frequently told his girlfriend how he would have dated her sooner if she had been closer to him.

Cassie’s family loved the young man and how well he treated not only her, but them as well. So when he came to them for a favor, they readily agreed. That led to the events that were to take place this day.

A.J. had asked for one thing, when he told Cassie about the favor he had asked her family for. That he would get to choose the location. Remembering the sheer amount of relatives he had, she readily agreed. Exactly eight years ago this day, a young woman crashed into a young man in Detroit Metro Airport and found a friend, now to be her husband.

The church where Alex had borrowed the piano was now host to three hundred of their relatives and friends. As the preacher finished the ceremony, eight Air Force officers lined up outside the church. Jack O’Neill stood across from his wife, Janet next to him across from A.J.’s best friend from ROTC. Janet was so proud standing there in her best dress uniform. The only reason she was in the line of officers was because Cassie had told her that “You’re my mother, but you’re also my CO. You will stand beside Daniel as my mother, but I want my CO to be there in the arch.”

Janet couldn’t refuse that request as the people filed out of the church. They waited ten minutes to make sure no one was still in the church. Movement near the door was noticed and Jack barked out “Officers, present swords!”

“Arch swords! Blades to the wind!”

A.J. and Cassie appeared at the door. “Presenting for the first time in public, Captain and Mrs. Alexander Godin!”

They walked through the arch, nearing the end when Sam and Jack dropped their swords in the path. “Toll is a kiss.”

The couple obliged and the swords rose back to their positions. A.J. and Cassie passed the O’Neills when Cassie felt a tap on her butt. “Go Air Force!” Jack said.

The newlyweds smiled as they heard Jack give the orders to end the tradition. A.J. leaned over to his wife and smiled, whispering “This new life is going to be interesting isn’t it?”

“Yep, Alex. With this bunch, anything is possible.”

“Good, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Love you.”

“Love you too, Cass.”

------------------------------------------------------------

That’s the end of this fic. Any feedback, please send it to my e-mail.

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