The Gift of a Family. Chapter 1 A Road Trip.
Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate SG1 or Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
If this looks familiar it is because I also post at http/ as FireDragon.
This story picks up in season 7 of Stargate. After Evolution parts 1 and 2 and before Heros. From there things will go AU but may have things happening through season 8. For Buffy it will pick up several months after season 6 and some things have changed.
Jack O'Neil sat staring in shock at the letter from his daughter. Turning the envelope over he looked at the date on the letter. She had sent this over a year ago. She must be thinking I didn't want to get to know her.
He had been wondering why Joyce hadn't sent him any updates on his daughter lately. Now he had his answer. Joyce, that remarkable woman who he had loved and lost because of his job, was dead.
He was shocked beyond words to get this letter from his daughter. Not only because of the news that was within it, but because Buffy now knew who he was. When Jack had returned from being captured and held hostage for over a year, he found the woman he loved married with a daughter. He didn't blame Joyce for not waiting for him. She had been told that he was surely dead. She didn't want to confuse Buffy. Buffy had a father now and there was no place for a 2nd father in her life. Jack had hesitantly agreed to keep his distance on condition of receiving regular reports and photos of his daughters life and well being.
Now that Buffy knew, Jack didn't have to maintain his distance. If she would accept him, he just might have a family again. He could claim his daughter and actually get to know her now. Not wanting to wait a single instant longer, Jack raced to Hammond's office. He ran like there were 10 patrols of Jaffa hot on his heels not sparing his knees even for the stairs.
The base as small (as it was) and with the rumor mill they had, it wasn't long before the other members of SG1 gathered outside of Hammond's office. All of them were wondering what was going on. There were rumors of all kinds (of explanations) ranging from the mundane to an all out invasion by the Gould.
General Hammond looked at Jack with concern and curiosity. Jack was not acting like himself and that was cause for concern on this base.
"Jack before I grant your request for leave would you mind explaining why you are acting so strangely?"
"It's kinda hard to explain sir. Can't you just go with me on this one?"
"I'm sorry Jack but I want some more information. When my second in command comes racing into my office like the devil himself is at his heels requesting well-deserved time off, time off I might add that I normally have to order him to take, I want to know who he is and what he has done with Jack O'Neill (and who you are)." He stated only half joking.
"I am Jack O'Neill." Jack stated in his 'I am tired of going over this, when are you going to believe me' voice. Sighing loudly Jack took a deep breath. "It's my daughter Sir. I got a letter from her today. She didn't know I am her father until her mother was dying and told her about me. Buffy sent me this letter over a year ago and I only just got it today."
"I had no idea you had a daughter. Jack what is her name?"
"Buffy Summers. Sir, I'm really looking forward to introducing myself to her. If she accepts me, I'll have a family again. I want to get to her as soon as possible. I'm worried she might think I don't want to have anything to do with her. The men in her life keep leaving her."
"I see. I'm sorry to hear that. Consider yourself on leave. Take as long as you need but keep your phone on you. No more 'accidentally' dropping it into lakes or what not. I want to know where you are and how to get a hold of you if there are any emergencies. Let your team know that they all have some down time."
"Yes sir!" Turning, Jack left the office to see said team waiting with concerned looks on their faces.
"Well kiddies I'm off to see the wizard. We all have some down time starting now. Carter, I want you off the base and getting some fun in the sun and that's an order! That goes for you too Danny boy. Teal'c I want you to enjoy this time too. Well I'm off. Enjoy the time while we've got it kiddos." All that was said with a bright smile and Jack was off, followed closely by a very curious Daniel.
"That was interesting." Sam stated to Teal'c.
"Indeed. I am curious what will you do with your 'fun in the sun' time?"
"I'll probably go for a few jogs in the sunshine but mostly there is this really interesting project I have been wanting to try. What will you do?"
"O'Neil said I should enjoy my time. I think I will go train some of the new recruits in hand-to-hand combat. It should prove most amusing."
Sam laughed. "Indeed. Don't be too hard on them Teal'c but have fun."
"Perhaps when I am done you would care to join me for a pizza and a movie. We could invite Dr. Daniel Jackson as well. He thought I might enjoy a movie called Dune. But for some reason he insists I watch the 'old version' first."
"I'll probably be wrapped up in my experiment. But stop by and I'll see how it's going."
Daniel chased after Jack curiosity burning in his eyes.
"Oh, Jack!"
"Talk while we're walking Danny boy I'm in a hurry."
"I noticed that. What's going on Jack?"
"Daniel, we're on leave. Go. Enjoy the freedom while it lasts."
"And what are you doing on this rather sudden leave?"
"Road trip to California."
"Really?" Daniel knew Jack was hiding something and his curiosity got the better of him. "Want some company? We could take turns driving."
Jack stopped for a second. At first he was going to refuse out right but . . . he would get there a lot faster if they did took turns driving. Truth be told, he could use a friend along for support when he finally meets Buffy. "All-right Danny boy if you want to come, you are welcome. We are leaving in two hours and not a second later. I will warn you though, I'm going there to find a member of my family."
Daniel blinked in surprise. He thought Jack didn't have any family left. Jack was definitely in a hurry to get to California. His curiosity not assuaged at all, Daniel rushed to get packed. This might be interesting and revealing . . . If Jack doesn't drive me crazy first. He thought to himself.