SG-1 fic: Coming Home, pt 4
Nov. 26th, 2007 01:53 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
smg01Sarah awoke at mid morning to feelings of anticipation, nervousness, and excitement. Today was the day. She got out of bed, showered, dressed, and looked around the room. She picked up the large duffle bag in the corner and began packing the few items she planned to take with her. Clothes, books, toiletries, tea leaves, and teapot were all carefully added to the bag. She checked and double-checked the bag and the room, making sure she had not missed anything. She set the books to return to Sam on the table along with a note identifying to whom they belonged. After a moment’s thought she put the electric kettle beside the books with another note suggesting that Cassandra could take it with her to college. She made the bed. As she paced around the room trying to figure out what to do next, her stomach growled.
Food. That would help her fill some time. It was nearly noon. She might as well have some lunch. She went to the commissary and sat down in a far corner. She ate and people-watched, marveling at how different it all looked to her now than it had two months ago when she first arrived. She had had time to see and learn what the people on the base did. She respected them. And she knew now that she could never be one of them. It was not her world and never would be. She hoped, however, that she would always be in touch with it. If she was ever in a position to help these people, she would; just as they had been a help and refuge for her when she had needed one. She turned these thoughts over in her head, her confidence growing that she was making the right choice.
Her meal finished, Sarah left the commissary and decided to take a final tour of the facility. She walked through the exercise room, then the infirmary. She felt a pang at not seeing Janet in her accustomed place. It was still hard to believe that she was gone. Sarah prowled along the other floors, passing by labs and offices. She stopped to chat with a few people who wanted to wish her well. She waved and smiled at others who called greetings to her as she walked by. She boarded the elevator and pressed the button for her floor. It stopped on the floor above hers and Jack got on.
“I was just coming to look for you,” he said.
“And here I am.”
“You’ll be ready to leave at 2:00 as scheduled?”
Sarah checked her watch. It was 1:30. “Yes. I’m ready now,” she told him.
“All right then. Come down to the boardroom by 2:00 and we’ll get started.”
The elevator doors opened and she stepped out on her floor. “I’ll be there,” she said.
The doors started to close, but Jack stopped them. He leaned out. “I can’t thank you enough for passing along that story from the dig in Peru.” The look of suppressed glee on his face was almost alarming.
She chuckled. “He expressed some dismay that I shared that. I told him I was sure it wouldn’t be a big deal... He didn’t seem convinced,” she concluded innocently.
“You think I shouldn’t use that information?”
“I’d be very disappointed if you did not. I’d hate to think that I wasted my time in telling that story,” Sarah said mischievously.
Jack looked like he was proud of her. “Oh I’m sure I’ll be able to get a lot of mileage just out of him knowing that I know. You know?” He looked at her out of the corners of his eyes and allowed the doors to close.
Sarah walked to her room, smiling and shaking her head. She checked her bag again, then sat down for a few minutes to collect her thoughts. She looked around the room that had been her home for the last few weeks. The accommodations had not been luxurious, but they had served her well enough while she struggled with the aftermath of alien possession. For that, she would always be thankful.
She stood up and slung her bag over her shoulder. It was time to go. She left the room and made her way to the boardroom.
Daniel and Sam were already there, talking quietly.
“All set?” Sam asked her.
“I think so,” Sarah said with a hint of apprehension.
They smiled their understanding.
Teal’c and Jack walked into the room. General Hammond approached from his office at the same time.
“I wanted to wish you well before you left,” he told Sarah.
“Thank you General Hammond. Thank you for the opportunity to stay here.”
“It’s been our privilege. We’ll keep in touch so you can let us know how you’re doing. We’re always here if you need us.”
“Thank you.” She held out her hand.
Hammond shook it. “Good luck to you.”
Thank you,” she said again.
“Are we ready?” Jack asked.
Everyone nodded. “Let’s get moving then,” Jack said.
They began walking downstairs. General Hammond parted company with them and went to the control room while SG-1 and Sarah went on to the gate room. They milled around at the foot of the ramp, performing typical pre-trip actions: adjusting clothing, shifting from one foot to another, or sending glances darting about the room. Teal’c stood still, looking stoicly at the gate.
“Okay, then. Let’s get this show on the road. Dial the gate Sergeant!” Jack called.
The gate began to spin as the chevrons engaged. Sarah watched with interest. When the final chevron locked and the gate kawooshed to life, she yelped and took a tiny hop backwards.
“I suppose I’ve done this before, but I don’t have a memory of it,” Sarah said hesitantly. There was wonder on her face as she stared at the shimmering event horizon.
“SG-1, you have a go. Godspeed Sarah.” General Hammond’s voice came from the control room.
“Thank you, sir. Let’s move out.” Jack said.
Teal’c and Sam walked up the ramp, with Jack on their heels. Daniel picked up Sarah’s bag in one hand and touched her lightly on the shoulder. He gave Sarah a word of encouragement and they followed the others.
Sarah watched as the other three stepped into the puddle. She came to a stop at the gate’s threshold. Daniel halted with her.
“We just step into that and it takes us to another planet.” She touched the puddle cautiously.
“Yes. It’s like seven league boots that allow you to step across the galaxy,” Daniel offered.
“And it’s safe?”
“It’s safe. Ready?”
She looked at the gate, then looked behind her. She took a deep breath and looked at Daniel. “Ready,” she said.
Daniel took her hand. “Let’s go then. On three. One... Two... Three.”
On three, Sarah looked back at General Hammond and the technician in the control room. She waved at them, then facing forward again, she closed her eyes and stepped with Daniel through the gate.
**************************************
Daniel and Sarah stepped out into another world. She stumbled slightly, regained her balance, and, shading her eyes against the sudden glare of sunlight, she surveyed the horizon with interest. Daniel kept her hand in his. Teal’c, Sam, and Jack were looking up at her. A woman she had never seen before was standing with them.
“Wow, that was...” Sarah’s sentence remained unfinished.
“It’s a trip isn’t it?” Jack said understandingly.
“Yes,” Sarah breathed. Daniel squeezed her hand and walked her over to the others.
“Sarah, this is Gairwyn.” Daniel said by way of introduction. “She’s mistress here and will help you out.”
“Hail and welcome,” Gairwyn greeted her. “We are pleased to have a friend of SG-1 join us.”
“Thank you,” she said. “I hope that I will have something to offer in return.”
“I’m sure you will,” Gairwyn smiled. “It is but a short walk to the village.”
They walked at a leisurely pace in the direction of the community. Sam, Daniel and Gairwyn chatted quietly, exchanging news and gossip. Sarah listened to the conversation while examining the countryside around them. They followed a path that sloped gently upward. In the near distance she could see forests. Foothills and mountains were visible far on the horizon. Within fifteen minutes they reached a plateau. Sarah could see slender stalks of a crop of some sort lined up in neat rows in nearby fields. It looked and felt like Cimmeria was in mid Spring.
Their path became a wide street lined with tidy, well spaced timber and stone houses. They had arrived at the village. The street led to a spacious town center. They stopped to give Sarah a chance to take in her surroundings. The center was roughly in the shape of a circle, with six streets leading out from it like spokes. A bell tower stood in the center. Large, shady trees graced the the perimeter of the common area. Sturdy tables and chairs were in view. On the far side, a group of children were kicking a ball amongst themselves. They appeared to be around the age of ten. One of the them looked up and caught sight of the newly arrived group and pointed them out to the others.
“Colonel O’Neill!” one of the boys shouted.
“Bambinos!” he shouted back.
All five children came running. A confusion of voices called out “Sam!” “Daniel!” Teal’c!” “How long are you staying?” “Is she the one that’s moving here?” They threw themselves on various members of SG-1 in welcome. Laughter and chaos reigned for a few minutes. Sarah could see others standing in the streets near the common area watching the commotion with interest.
At last Gairwyn made her voice heard above the din. “All right, children. That’s enough. Our friends can only stay for a little while this time. Yes, this is Sarah Gardner. She will be staying, if you haven’t scared her off yet.”
They studied her curiously.
“Hello,” she said a little shyly.
They smiled shyly back.
“And now, we have things to discuss.” She looked at the children. “You’ll get the chance to meet our newcomer later. Go on now.” She made shooing motions with her hands.
The children made sounds of protest, but scattered back onto the green. Gairwyn smiled and led her guests along the edge of the common area until turning down one of the streets. They followed her up the walkway and into the dwelling at the head of the street. The front room was a pleasing sight. Embroidered wall hangings in green, gold, and red decked two of the walls. A large fireplace took up much of a third wall. Handsome wooden furniture, topped with comfortable cushions was spread about the room. A good sized window faced the street. In the mornings, sunlight would stream into the room. At mid afternoon, the natural light was beginning to fade.
A tall, blond, sturdy man entered the room from another part of the house. SG-1 looked at each other with raised eyebrows, but greeted the man by name. Gairwyn made introductions.
“Aandress, this is Sarah Gardner. Sarah, this is Aandress.” Gairwyn smiled shyly. “My husband. We were joined last week.”
Cries of surprise and delight greeted her statement.
“You waited this long to tell us?” Congratulations!” Sam exclaimed.
“Congratulations!” Daniel and Jack echoed.
“May you enjoy many happy years together,” Teal’c said solemnly.
“Thank you,” Gairwyn said. Aandress beamed and shuffled his feet bashfully.
A happy energy filled the room. Sarah could not help but smile along with the others.
“Please be seated,” Gairwyn told her guests. “I have prepared a modest repast.” She gestured to Aandress and both disappeared into a back room. They reappeared a few moments later carrying heavily laden trays which they carefully set down on the table in the middle of the room.
“Come, eat, drink,” Gairwyn invited.
The others gathered around the table. They picked up plates and selected meat pastries and fruit. Gairwyn poured mead into glasses for each of them. Soon everyone was eating appreciatively. Aandress build a fire in the fireplace. A cozy sense of contentment stole over the group.
Conversation centered around the spring planting, and the new shops that had opened in the past year.
“It sounds like things keep getting better,” Daniel commented.
“Yes,” Gairwyn said. “Baldr was most helpful as we rebuilt.”
“Baldr? Rebuilt?” Sarah asked, lost.
“Baldr is our Asgard friend. A few years ago the Etins came and destroyed much,” Aandress explained.
“Etins?”
“Goa’uld,” Daniel clarified.
“I thought the Goa’uld couldn’t come here,” Sarah said in confusion.
“Yes, well, a few years ago we sort of destroyed Thor’s Hammer, which was protecting Cimmeria,” Daniel said uncomfortably.
“Destroyed?” Sarah asked, alarmed.
“It’s been rebuilt,” Jack assured her. “We managed to hold off the Goa’uld who invaded long enough for the Asgard to ride to the rescue. Cimmeria is very much protected now.”
“Oh.”
Emotionally it felt almost as if shadows of gloom were creeping about the edges of the room. The lazy peace had been disrupted by the memories of that unhappy event.
“That was years ago,” Gairwyn said serenely. “It was a bad time. We lost much. But the people of Midgard have been our good friends ever since. We have met the Asgard who watch over us and guide us. Life here is good.”
As Gairwyn was speaking, Aandress stoked the fire. The combination of Gairwyn’s calm voice and the cheerful flames from the fire chased away the literal and figurative shadows. They all relaxed back into the warmth.
Gairwyn spoke again. “Sarah. We thought you could stay with us at least for awhile.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to impose on you as newlyweds.” Sarah said.
“We would welcome your company. I understand that, like Daniel, you study the past?”
“I’m trained in archaeology,” Sarah answered.
“We have finished a new building. It will display objects from our past. People will visit and learn our history. In our council meeting yesterday, we wondered if you would like to help with it.”
“You’re opening a museum?” Daniel asked with interest.
“Museum?” Gairwyn repeated.
“On Earth we have museums that hold artifacts from our past as well as records and papers for research,” Daniel explained.
“I see. Then, yes, a museum. It was Baldr’s idea. We have been calling it a repository.”
The idea caught Sarah’s interest. “I think I’d like that. It would also help me to learn about this place.”
“Good,” Gairwyn smiled. “We’ll spend your first few days letting you become accustomed here. Then we can get you started with the work.”
Sarah felt her heart lift. For all of her talk about making a fresh start, she had been uncertain as to what that would or could entail. She stopped feeling like she was simply a refugee escaping from her past. She looked forward to meeting the opportunity that lay before her.
The afternoon passed swiftly. Sooner than anyone was really prepared for it, Jack checked his watch and commented that they were due back at the base. No movement followed his observation. Several minutes later, Gairwyn suggested showing Sarah her room.
Gairwyn and Sarah stood up. Sarah picked up her bag and followed Gairwyn through the kitchen and up the stairs. Hers was a small room at the end of the hall. A bed, chair, and a small chest of drawers furnished the room. A wall hanging of horses galloping across a plain adorned one wall. A window looked out on the sky where the sun was dropping. The ceiling slanted down toward the window, following the line of the house’s roof. It was a spare, but cozy room. Sarah liked it at once.
Sarah dropped her bag on the foot of the bed and walked to the window. Looking out and to the left she could see part of the common area. Looking to the right she could see some of the fields of grain that she had observed when they walked into town. It was an idyllic scene. She turned to look at Gairwyn who had stayed in the doorway watching her.
“I hope this will suit,” Gairwyn said.
“Oh yes. Very much.” Sarah said. “I can’t thank you enough for taking me in. I hope it’s not too much trouble to have me here.”
“Not at all. We are delighted.” Gairwyn turned back to the hallway. “Shall we go back down?”
They returned to the front room. Jack was fussing with his shoelaces. Sam was talking quietly with Aanderss. Daniel was examining one of the intricate wall hangings. Teal’c was raiding the food tray. Daniel gave Sarah an inquiring look upon her reentry.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
“More than okay,” she said quietly.
“Good,” Daniel smiled.
Jack got to his feet. “I’m glad to hear it. You do want to stay then?”
“I do,” she said sincerely.
“Well, we are due back at the base,” Jack said addressing the room at large.
Everyone gathered near the door. They stopped there, looking at each other. No one seemed to know what to say or do next. The awkward silence grew. At last Gairwyn spoke.
“I’ll walk you to the portal.”
“I’ll join you,” Sarah said.
That broke the spell and the group went into motion. Sarah and Gairwyn accompanied SG-1 out the door. Aanderss waved to them from the doorway. They walked quietly through the village, along the the common area to the street that led in the direction of the stargate. The sun was low on the horizon behind them. It cast the village and sky in a glow of orange and pink. The temperature had begun to drop along with the setting sun.
They reached the DHD. Gairwyn and SG-1 exchanged good-byes amid promises that the next visit would be longer. Gairwyn then stepped tactfully aside.
Sam hugged Sarah. “I hope that you’ll be happy here.”
“Thank you,” Sarah replied. “And thank you for your friendship. I’m glad to know you.”
“Good luck,” Sam told her.
“And to you,” Sarah replied.
Sarah turned to Teal’c.
“I have enjoyed your friendship Sarah Gardner,” he said.
“And I yours,” she replied hugging him. “I’m counting on you to bring me book 5,” she added. “I may be off-world, but I still want to keep up with what happens at Hogwarts.”
“On that you may depend,” Teal’c promised.
The others watched the exchange with benevolent amusement.
Sarah turned to Jack next. She searched for the words to convey her appreciation.
“Don’t I get a hug too?” he asked her.
“Of course.” She stepped closer and embraced him. “Thank you,” she whispered. The words were heartfelt and, she thought, inadequate.
“Good luck,” he told her.
She nodded.
She shifted her attention to Daniel. They looked at each other with feeling.
Sarah spoke first. “I’ll miss you most of all,” she said as she stepped up for one more hug.
“I’ll miss you too.”
For the first time since embarking on the journey, Sarah choked up. “I hate saying good-bye,” she said, her voice thick.
“Then let’s not. We’ll just say so long. We’ll see each other again. At least this time I know that you’re safe.”
“Yes, there’s that,” she sniffled. “And you be safe too.”
“That’s always one of our goals,” he said.
They broke apart enough to face each other. “Be happy,” he said softly.
She gave a shaky laugh and wiped her eyes. “For the first time in a long time, I feel like that’s possible.”
“That’s good,” he said. “I’m always there for you if you need me.”
She nodded. “The same to you.”
She stepped back and looked at all four members of SG-1. “Thank you so much for your help and support. It’s meant so much to me. Thank you for rescuing me from the Goa’uld. And thank you for rescuing me from myself. I could never repay you all.”
“Be well. That’s all we want,” Daniel told her.
“That’s one of my goals,” Sarah repeated Daniel’s words back to him with a smile. She gave each of them a long look and a smile. She held up her hand for a few seconds, palm out, in a gesture that seemed to be part wave, part benediction. She nodded at Gairwyn. Then, without a backward glance she began walking back to the village.
**************************************
SG-1 watched as Sarah and Gairwyn walked away. The figures were dark against the backdrop of the sun that was now barely above the horizon.
“Dial us home Daniel,” Jack said softly.
Daniel turned to the DHD. He pushed the proper sequence of symbols and the gate engaged. Sam operated the GDO. One by one they stepped through. Daniel was last. He paused at the threshold to take a last look around. Squaring his shoulders, he stepped into the puddle.
“Welcome back SG-1. I trust everything went well?” General Hammond was standing at the bottom of the ramp.
“Smooth as silk,” Jack answered.
“Glad to hear it. We’ll see you when you report for duty tomorrow. Have a good night.”
Thank you sir,” Jack answered.
They exited the room. General Hammond returned to his office while SG-1 headed for the elevator. Nobody was in a talkative mood. The first stop was for Teal’c. Wishing the others a good night, he departed the elevator for his quarters. A few floors later, Sam stepped off so that she could go to her lab, leaving Daniel and Jack alone.
“You going to be all right?” Jack asked.
“Yes,” Daniel answered. The elevator dinged as it stopped at his floor. He held the door as he continued talking. “I’m sorry that Sarah’s not staying, but I know now that this was the right thing. I think she can be happy there.”
“I do too.”
“And she’s in a safe place,” Daniel added.
“Yes she is.”
Daniel had not put together until that instant just how carefully Jack had chosen when he suggested Cimmeria as a refuge for Sarah. By virtue of her location she was now under the protection of the Asgard, out of reach to both the Goa’uld and the NID. He had to hand it to Jack, he could be awfully savvy sometimes.
Daniel stepped out of the elevator doorway. “Good night,” he said.
“Good night... Cowboy,” Jack responded just as the doors closed.
Daniel gave the elevator doors a brief, resigned look, then turned away. There were a few reports that awaited Daniel’s feedback. He walked into his office and gathered the folders together. He would take them home to read. He stopped for a moment at the door preoccupied.
He turned the events of the last days and weeks over in his mind. His thoughts clarified into the belief that while things had not worked out in the way that he had hoped, they had worked out the way that they should. He was where he was supposed to be. As for Sarah--he believed that she was where she needed to be. He had to believe that she would be all right. More importantly, he thought, she seemed to believe that she would be all right. He smiled, turned out the light, and walked out feeling both exhausted and satisfied.
**************************************
One week later, across the galaxy, Sarah Gardner took a night time walk around the town center. She had begun work at the new Cimmerian Historical Repository. She was beginning to form friendships at work and in the village. Living with simpler technology was an adjustment, but overall she found herself revitalized by the more basic lifestyle.
She looked up to see stars grouped into constellations she did not yet recognize. It was a brilliant sky, undimmed by any terrestrial lighting. She was enthralled by the beauty on display above her. With a start she noticed that the sense of underlying fear that had once been ever-present was gone. It had been replaced by hope and anticipation. She walked back to Gairwyn’s house.
“Sarah?” Gairwyn came into the front room at the sound of Sarah’s entrance.
“Yes, I’m home,” Sarah said.
It was late and she was tired. With a smile, she wished Gairwyn a good night and went upstairs to bed. The word home had rolled off her tongue without thought. It echoed in her head as she climbed the stairs. She was struck by the sudden realization that it was true.
She entered her room and closed the door.
“I’m home,” she whispered.
THE END
part 1
part 2
part 3
Food. That would help her fill some time. It was nearly noon. She might as well have some lunch. She went to the commissary and sat down in a far corner. She ate and people-watched, marveling at how different it all looked to her now than it had two months ago when she first arrived. She had had time to see and learn what the people on the base did. She respected them. And she knew now that she could never be one of them. It was not her world and never would be. She hoped, however, that she would always be in touch with it. If she was ever in a position to help these people, she would; just as they had been a help and refuge for her when she had needed one. She turned these thoughts over in her head, her confidence growing that she was making the right choice.
Her meal finished, Sarah left the commissary and decided to take a final tour of the facility. She walked through the exercise room, then the infirmary. She felt a pang at not seeing Janet in her accustomed place. It was still hard to believe that she was gone. Sarah prowled along the other floors, passing by labs and offices. She stopped to chat with a few people who wanted to wish her well. She waved and smiled at others who called greetings to her as she walked by. She boarded the elevator and pressed the button for her floor. It stopped on the floor above hers and Jack got on.
“I was just coming to look for you,” he said.
“And here I am.”
“You’ll be ready to leave at 2:00 as scheduled?”
Sarah checked her watch. It was 1:30. “Yes. I’m ready now,” she told him.
“All right then. Come down to the boardroom by 2:00 and we’ll get started.”
The elevator doors opened and she stepped out on her floor. “I’ll be there,” she said.
The doors started to close, but Jack stopped them. He leaned out. “I can’t thank you enough for passing along that story from the dig in Peru.” The look of suppressed glee on his face was almost alarming.
She chuckled. “He expressed some dismay that I shared that. I told him I was sure it wouldn’t be a big deal... He didn’t seem convinced,” she concluded innocently.
“You think I shouldn’t use that information?”
“I’d be very disappointed if you did not. I’d hate to think that I wasted my time in telling that story,” Sarah said mischievously.
Jack looked like he was proud of her. “Oh I’m sure I’ll be able to get a lot of mileage just out of him knowing that I know. You know?” He looked at her out of the corners of his eyes and allowed the doors to close.
Sarah walked to her room, smiling and shaking her head. She checked her bag again, then sat down for a few minutes to collect her thoughts. She looked around the room that had been her home for the last few weeks. The accommodations had not been luxurious, but they had served her well enough while she struggled with the aftermath of alien possession. For that, she would always be thankful.
She stood up and slung her bag over her shoulder. It was time to go. She left the room and made her way to the boardroom.
Daniel and Sam were already there, talking quietly.
“All set?” Sam asked her.
“I think so,” Sarah said with a hint of apprehension.
They smiled their understanding.
Teal’c and Jack walked into the room. General Hammond approached from his office at the same time.
“I wanted to wish you well before you left,” he told Sarah.
“Thank you General Hammond. Thank you for the opportunity to stay here.”
“It’s been our privilege. We’ll keep in touch so you can let us know how you’re doing. We’re always here if you need us.”
“Thank you.” She held out her hand.
Hammond shook it. “Good luck to you.”
Thank you,” she said again.
“Are we ready?” Jack asked.
Everyone nodded. “Let’s get moving then,” Jack said.
They began walking downstairs. General Hammond parted company with them and went to the control room while SG-1 and Sarah went on to the gate room. They milled around at the foot of the ramp, performing typical pre-trip actions: adjusting clothing, shifting from one foot to another, or sending glances darting about the room. Teal’c stood still, looking stoicly at the gate.
“Okay, then. Let’s get this show on the road. Dial the gate Sergeant!” Jack called.
The gate began to spin as the chevrons engaged. Sarah watched with interest. When the final chevron locked and the gate kawooshed to life, she yelped and took a tiny hop backwards.
“I suppose I’ve done this before, but I don’t have a memory of it,” Sarah said hesitantly. There was wonder on her face as she stared at the shimmering event horizon.
“SG-1, you have a go. Godspeed Sarah.” General Hammond’s voice came from the control room.
“Thank you, sir. Let’s move out.” Jack said.
Teal’c and Sam walked up the ramp, with Jack on their heels. Daniel picked up Sarah’s bag in one hand and touched her lightly on the shoulder. He gave Sarah a word of encouragement and they followed the others.
Sarah watched as the other three stepped into the puddle. She came to a stop at the gate’s threshold. Daniel halted with her.
“We just step into that and it takes us to another planet.” She touched the puddle cautiously.
“Yes. It’s like seven league boots that allow you to step across the galaxy,” Daniel offered.
“And it’s safe?”
“It’s safe. Ready?”
She looked at the gate, then looked behind her. She took a deep breath and looked at Daniel. “Ready,” she said.
Daniel took her hand. “Let’s go then. On three. One... Two... Three.”
On three, Sarah looked back at General Hammond and the technician in the control room. She waved at them, then facing forward again, she closed her eyes and stepped with Daniel through the gate.
**************************************
Daniel and Sarah stepped out into another world. She stumbled slightly, regained her balance, and, shading her eyes against the sudden glare of sunlight, she surveyed the horizon with interest. Daniel kept her hand in his. Teal’c, Sam, and Jack were looking up at her. A woman she had never seen before was standing with them.
“Wow, that was...” Sarah’s sentence remained unfinished.
“It’s a trip isn’t it?” Jack said understandingly.
“Yes,” Sarah breathed. Daniel squeezed her hand and walked her over to the others.
“Sarah, this is Gairwyn.” Daniel said by way of introduction. “She’s mistress here and will help you out.”
“Hail and welcome,” Gairwyn greeted her. “We are pleased to have a friend of SG-1 join us.”
“Thank you,” she said. “I hope that I will have something to offer in return.”
“I’m sure you will,” Gairwyn smiled. “It is but a short walk to the village.”
They walked at a leisurely pace in the direction of the community. Sam, Daniel and Gairwyn chatted quietly, exchanging news and gossip. Sarah listened to the conversation while examining the countryside around them. They followed a path that sloped gently upward. In the near distance she could see forests. Foothills and mountains were visible far on the horizon. Within fifteen minutes they reached a plateau. Sarah could see slender stalks of a crop of some sort lined up in neat rows in nearby fields. It looked and felt like Cimmeria was in mid Spring.
Their path became a wide street lined with tidy, well spaced timber and stone houses. They had arrived at the village. The street led to a spacious town center. They stopped to give Sarah a chance to take in her surroundings. The center was roughly in the shape of a circle, with six streets leading out from it like spokes. A bell tower stood in the center. Large, shady trees graced the the perimeter of the common area. Sturdy tables and chairs were in view. On the far side, a group of children were kicking a ball amongst themselves. They appeared to be around the age of ten. One of the them looked up and caught sight of the newly arrived group and pointed them out to the others.
“Colonel O’Neill!” one of the boys shouted.
“Bambinos!” he shouted back.
All five children came running. A confusion of voices called out “Sam!” “Daniel!” Teal’c!” “How long are you staying?” “Is she the one that’s moving here?” They threw themselves on various members of SG-1 in welcome. Laughter and chaos reigned for a few minutes. Sarah could see others standing in the streets near the common area watching the commotion with interest.
At last Gairwyn made her voice heard above the din. “All right, children. That’s enough. Our friends can only stay for a little while this time. Yes, this is Sarah Gardner. She will be staying, if you haven’t scared her off yet.”
They studied her curiously.
“Hello,” she said a little shyly.
They smiled shyly back.
“And now, we have things to discuss.” She looked at the children. “You’ll get the chance to meet our newcomer later. Go on now.” She made shooing motions with her hands.
The children made sounds of protest, but scattered back onto the green. Gairwyn smiled and led her guests along the edge of the common area until turning down one of the streets. They followed her up the walkway and into the dwelling at the head of the street. The front room was a pleasing sight. Embroidered wall hangings in green, gold, and red decked two of the walls. A large fireplace took up much of a third wall. Handsome wooden furniture, topped with comfortable cushions was spread about the room. A good sized window faced the street. In the mornings, sunlight would stream into the room. At mid afternoon, the natural light was beginning to fade.
A tall, blond, sturdy man entered the room from another part of the house. SG-1 looked at each other with raised eyebrows, but greeted the man by name. Gairwyn made introductions.
“Aandress, this is Sarah Gardner. Sarah, this is Aandress.” Gairwyn smiled shyly. “My husband. We were joined last week.”
Cries of surprise and delight greeted her statement.
“You waited this long to tell us?” Congratulations!” Sam exclaimed.
“Congratulations!” Daniel and Jack echoed.
“May you enjoy many happy years together,” Teal’c said solemnly.
“Thank you,” Gairwyn said. Aandress beamed and shuffled his feet bashfully.
A happy energy filled the room. Sarah could not help but smile along with the others.
“Please be seated,” Gairwyn told her guests. “I have prepared a modest repast.” She gestured to Aandress and both disappeared into a back room. They reappeared a few moments later carrying heavily laden trays which they carefully set down on the table in the middle of the room.
“Come, eat, drink,” Gairwyn invited.
The others gathered around the table. They picked up plates and selected meat pastries and fruit. Gairwyn poured mead into glasses for each of them. Soon everyone was eating appreciatively. Aandress build a fire in the fireplace. A cozy sense of contentment stole over the group.
Conversation centered around the spring planting, and the new shops that had opened in the past year.
“It sounds like things keep getting better,” Daniel commented.
“Yes,” Gairwyn said. “Baldr was most helpful as we rebuilt.”
“Baldr? Rebuilt?” Sarah asked, lost.
“Baldr is our Asgard friend. A few years ago the Etins came and destroyed much,” Aandress explained.
“Etins?”
“Goa’uld,” Daniel clarified.
“I thought the Goa’uld couldn’t come here,” Sarah said in confusion.
“Yes, well, a few years ago we sort of destroyed Thor’s Hammer, which was protecting Cimmeria,” Daniel said uncomfortably.
“Destroyed?” Sarah asked, alarmed.
“It’s been rebuilt,” Jack assured her. “We managed to hold off the Goa’uld who invaded long enough for the Asgard to ride to the rescue. Cimmeria is very much protected now.”
“Oh.”
Emotionally it felt almost as if shadows of gloom were creeping about the edges of the room. The lazy peace had been disrupted by the memories of that unhappy event.
“That was years ago,” Gairwyn said serenely. “It was a bad time. We lost much. But the people of Midgard have been our good friends ever since. We have met the Asgard who watch over us and guide us. Life here is good.”
As Gairwyn was speaking, Aandress stoked the fire. The combination of Gairwyn’s calm voice and the cheerful flames from the fire chased away the literal and figurative shadows. They all relaxed back into the warmth.
Gairwyn spoke again. “Sarah. We thought you could stay with us at least for awhile.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to impose on you as newlyweds.” Sarah said.
“We would welcome your company. I understand that, like Daniel, you study the past?”
“I’m trained in archaeology,” Sarah answered.
“We have finished a new building. It will display objects from our past. People will visit and learn our history. In our council meeting yesterday, we wondered if you would like to help with it.”
“You’re opening a museum?” Daniel asked with interest.
“Museum?” Gairwyn repeated.
“On Earth we have museums that hold artifacts from our past as well as records and papers for research,” Daniel explained.
“I see. Then, yes, a museum. It was Baldr’s idea. We have been calling it a repository.”
The idea caught Sarah’s interest. “I think I’d like that. It would also help me to learn about this place.”
“Good,” Gairwyn smiled. “We’ll spend your first few days letting you become accustomed here. Then we can get you started with the work.”
Sarah felt her heart lift. For all of her talk about making a fresh start, she had been uncertain as to what that would or could entail. She stopped feeling like she was simply a refugee escaping from her past. She looked forward to meeting the opportunity that lay before her.
The afternoon passed swiftly. Sooner than anyone was really prepared for it, Jack checked his watch and commented that they were due back at the base. No movement followed his observation. Several minutes later, Gairwyn suggested showing Sarah her room.
Gairwyn and Sarah stood up. Sarah picked up her bag and followed Gairwyn through the kitchen and up the stairs. Hers was a small room at the end of the hall. A bed, chair, and a small chest of drawers furnished the room. A wall hanging of horses galloping across a plain adorned one wall. A window looked out on the sky where the sun was dropping. The ceiling slanted down toward the window, following the line of the house’s roof. It was a spare, but cozy room. Sarah liked it at once.
Sarah dropped her bag on the foot of the bed and walked to the window. Looking out and to the left she could see part of the common area. Looking to the right she could see some of the fields of grain that she had observed when they walked into town. It was an idyllic scene. She turned to look at Gairwyn who had stayed in the doorway watching her.
“I hope this will suit,” Gairwyn said.
“Oh yes. Very much.” Sarah said. “I can’t thank you enough for taking me in. I hope it’s not too much trouble to have me here.”
“Not at all. We are delighted.” Gairwyn turned back to the hallway. “Shall we go back down?”
They returned to the front room. Jack was fussing with his shoelaces. Sam was talking quietly with Aanderss. Daniel was examining one of the intricate wall hangings. Teal’c was raiding the food tray. Daniel gave Sarah an inquiring look upon her reentry.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
“More than okay,” she said quietly.
“Good,” Daniel smiled.
Jack got to his feet. “I’m glad to hear it. You do want to stay then?”
“I do,” she said sincerely.
“Well, we are due back at the base,” Jack said addressing the room at large.
Everyone gathered near the door. They stopped there, looking at each other. No one seemed to know what to say or do next. The awkward silence grew. At last Gairwyn spoke.
“I’ll walk you to the portal.”
“I’ll join you,” Sarah said.
That broke the spell and the group went into motion. Sarah and Gairwyn accompanied SG-1 out the door. Aanderss waved to them from the doorway. They walked quietly through the village, along the the common area to the street that led in the direction of the stargate. The sun was low on the horizon behind them. It cast the village and sky in a glow of orange and pink. The temperature had begun to drop along with the setting sun.
They reached the DHD. Gairwyn and SG-1 exchanged good-byes amid promises that the next visit would be longer. Gairwyn then stepped tactfully aside.
Sam hugged Sarah. “I hope that you’ll be happy here.”
“Thank you,” Sarah replied. “And thank you for your friendship. I’m glad to know you.”
“Good luck,” Sam told her.
“And to you,” Sarah replied.
Sarah turned to Teal’c.
“I have enjoyed your friendship Sarah Gardner,” he said.
“And I yours,” she replied hugging him. “I’m counting on you to bring me book 5,” she added. “I may be off-world, but I still want to keep up with what happens at Hogwarts.”
“On that you may depend,” Teal’c promised.
The others watched the exchange with benevolent amusement.
Sarah turned to Jack next. She searched for the words to convey her appreciation.
“Don’t I get a hug too?” he asked her.
“Of course.” She stepped closer and embraced him. “Thank you,” she whispered. The words were heartfelt and, she thought, inadequate.
“Good luck,” he told her.
She nodded.
She shifted her attention to Daniel. They looked at each other with feeling.
Sarah spoke first. “I’ll miss you most of all,” she said as she stepped up for one more hug.
“I’ll miss you too.”
For the first time since embarking on the journey, Sarah choked up. “I hate saying good-bye,” she said, her voice thick.
“Then let’s not. We’ll just say so long. We’ll see each other again. At least this time I know that you’re safe.”
“Yes, there’s that,” she sniffled. “And you be safe too.”
“That’s always one of our goals,” he said.
They broke apart enough to face each other. “Be happy,” he said softly.
She gave a shaky laugh and wiped her eyes. “For the first time in a long time, I feel like that’s possible.”
“That’s good,” he said. “I’m always there for you if you need me.”
She nodded. “The same to you.”
She stepped back and looked at all four members of SG-1. “Thank you so much for your help and support. It’s meant so much to me. Thank you for rescuing me from the Goa’uld. And thank you for rescuing me from myself. I could never repay you all.”
“Be well. That’s all we want,” Daniel told her.
“That’s one of my goals,” Sarah repeated Daniel’s words back to him with a smile. She gave each of them a long look and a smile. She held up her hand for a few seconds, palm out, in a gesture that seemed to be part wave, part benediction. She nodded at Gairwyn. Then, without a backward glance she began walking back to the village.
**************************************
SG-1 watched as Sarah and Gairwyn walked away. The figures were dark against the backdrop of the sun that was now barely above the horizon.
“Dial us home Daniel,” Jack said softly.
Daniel turned to the DHD. He pushed the proper sequence of symbols and the gate engaged. Sam operated the GDO. One by one they stepped through. Daniel was last. He paused at the threshold to take a last look around. Squaring his shoulders, he stepped into the puddle.
“Welcome back SG-1. I trust everything went well?” General Hammond was standing at the bottom of the ramp.
“Smooth as silk,” Jack answered.
“Glad to hear it. We’ll see you when you report for duty tomorrow. Have a good night.”
Thank you sir,” Jack answered.
They exited the room. General Hammond returned to his office while SG-1 headed for the elevator. Nobody was in a talkative mood. The first stop was for Teal’c. Wishing the others a good night, he departed the elevator for his quarters. A few floors later, Sam stepped off so that she could go to her lab, leaving Daniel and Jack alone.
“You going to be all right?” Jack asked.
“Yes,” Daniel answered. The elevator dinged as it stopped at his floor. He held the door as he continued talking. “I’m sorry that Sarah’s not staying, but I know now that this was the right thing. I think she can be happy there.”
“I do too.”
“And she’s in a safe place,” Daniel added.
“Yes she is.”
Daniel had not put together until that instant just how carefully Jack had chosen when he suggested Cimmeria as a refuge for Sarah. By virtue of her location she was now under the protection of the Asgard, out of reach to both the Goa’uld and the NID. He had to hand it to Jack, he could be awfully savvy sometimes.
Daniel stepped out of the elevator doorway. “Good night,” he said.
“Good night... Cowboy,” Jack responded just as the doors closed.
Daniel gave the elevator doors a brief, resigned look, then turned away. There were a few reports that awaited Daniel’s feedback. He walked into his office and gathered the folders together. He would take them home to read. He stopped for a moment at the door preoccupied.
He turned the events of the last days and weeks over in his mind. His thoughts clarified into the belief that while things had not worked out in the way that he had hoped, they had worked out the way that they should. He was where he was supposed to be. As for Sarah--he believed that she was where she needed to be. He had to believe that she would be all right. More importantly, he thought, she seemed to believe that she would be all right. He smiled, turned out the light, and walked out feeling both exhausted and satisfied.
**************************************
One week later, across the galaxy, Sarah Gardner took a night time walk around the town center. She had begun work at the new Cimmerian Historical Repository. She was beginning to form friendships at work and in the village. Living with simpler technology was an adjustment, but overall she found herself revitalized by the more basic lifestyle.
She looked up to see stars grouped into constellations she did not yet recognize. It was a brilliant sky, undimmed by any terrestrial lighting. She was enthralled by the beauty on display above her. With a start she noticed that the sense of underlying fear that had once been ever-present was gone. It had been replaced by hope and anticipation. She walked back to Gairwyn’s house.
“Sarah?” Gairwyn came into the front room at the sound of Sarah’s entrance.
“Yes, I’m home,” Sarah said.
It was late and she was tired. With a smile, she wished Gairwyn a good night and went upstairs to bed. The word home had rolled off her tongue without thought. It echoed in her head as she climbed the stairs. She was struck by the sudden realization that it was true.
She entered her room and closed the door.
“I’m home,” she whispered.
THE END
part 1
part 2
part 3