Author's Notes: No notes.

Part 1 - The Arrival
Sunday 23rd November, 2003

        Little Daniel Jackson swung his small legs to and fro as he sat in the booster seat.  His right thumb was in his mouth while his left arm hugged a blue teddy bear to his body.  He had been travelling for such a long time and he was very tired.  The lady in the front seat had told him that they were going to see his big brother in Colorado Springs but Daniel hadn't realised that it was going to take so long.  He had only met his big brother once and he had been so little that he didn't even remember it.  Daniel didn't know why he couldn't stay with his Mom and Dad; if they were going to be away for a long time, why hadn't they just taken him with them?  He would be very good and wouldn't go running off like he did sometimes.  He had told that to the lady but she had told him that little kids weren't allowed to go where his parents were going.  It was so unfair.
        "We're here, Daniel," the lady told him as the car finally stopped.
        Daniel looked out the window at his brother's house.  It looked very small but it had lots of windows and a backyard for playing in.  Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to stay here until his parents could come and get him.
        The lady came around and opened the car door for him.  Then she undid all the straps and helped him onto the grass.  Daniel kept his thumb in his mouth and a firm grip on his teddy bear. He didn't like meeting new people, and being so far away from home made him nervous.  
        "Come on then, Daniel, let's not keep your brother waiting."  After taking the booster seat out of the car, the lady picked up Daniel's large suitcase in one hand and with the other, guided her young charge to the front door.  Once there, she gave a loud knock on the wooden door.
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        Jack O'Neill sighed and put down his beer.  He had only just received news about his mother's death a few days ago, along with the knowledge that he was being asked to care for his half-brother. What did he know about raising children?  He was a confirmed bachelor and he wanted to stay one,not permanently baby-sit a small brat.  The sooner they found someone to adopt the kid, the better,in his opinion.  But for now, he supposed he'd better put on a happy face and greet his visitors.
        He opened the door and immediately saw a pudgy woman in her mid-fifties standing there
carrying a large plaid suitcase.  Then his gaze drifted downwards to the sandy-haired kid by her side.  Long floppy hair prevented Jack from seeing much of the kid's face but he could see the glasses, not to mention the thumb that was vigorously being sucked on.  
        "Good afternoon.  Captain Jonathon O'Neill?" the lady asked.
        "That's me," Jack confirmed.  "You must be Mrs. Clarke, the social worker."  He shook her hand.
        "Yes.  And this is Daniel Jackson."  Mrs. Clarke nudged the small boy.  "Say hello to your brother, Daniel," she prompted.
        "Hew-wo," Daniel said around his thumb.
        "Hello, Daniel," Jack said politely.  "Please, won't you both come in?"  He ushered them both into the living room.
        Mrs. Clarke guided Daniel to sit on the couch and told him to stay there then turned to Jack.  "Is there somewhere we can speak privately, Captain O'Neill?"
        "In the kitchen."  Jack looked at the kid.  "Will he be okay by himself?"
        "Oh yes," Mrs. Clarke responded.  
        With a final glance at Daniel, who hadn't looked at him since arriving, Jack led the social worker into the kitchen.  Once there, the woman said, "Daniel doesn't know that his parents are dead.  He thinks they've gone on a long trip and can't take them with him.  We would appreciate it if you would stick to that story, Captain, as he is not old enough yet to understand the truth."
        Jack sighed again; not two minutes had passed and already he was being asked to lie to the kid. "Gotcha.  Anything else?"
        "He has allergies to certain foods, as well as pollen."  She handed him a list.  "These are the things he is allergic to, please make sure he doesn't eat or come in contact with them.  If he does, here are instructions on what to do."  She handed him another sheet of paper.  
        Great.  "Has Grandpa Nick, uh, Nicholas Ballard, been contacted yet?"  He hadn't seen the old man in years as Nick tended to put his work over his family, and often went on digs in
difficult-to-reach places.
        "We're still trying to locate him," Mrs. Clarke replied.  "All of Daniel's toys and clothes are in the suitcase.  His parents travelled a great deal so he didn't have much to bring," she informed him.
        "What about Mrs. O'Neill's, I mean Mrs. Jackson's, belongings?  And those of her husband?" Jack inquired.  "Surely Daniel will want to have those?"
        "They were put into storage until Daniel is of age to receive them.  It was believed that Daniel should not see them otherwise he would find out the truth about his parents."
        By the time Daniel turns eighteen, those belongings will be lost, Jack thought cynically.  "I want them shipped here immediately.  I can store them until Daniel's old enough to see them."  Besides, half the stuff belonged to him as Claire Jackson, formerly O'Neill, had been his mother too.  He could put the things in the garage, as his house wasn't much bigger than an apartment.
        "As you wish."
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        While the adults were talking in the kitchen, Daniel surveyed his surroundings.  The couch and chairs were white and comfy, there was a brick fireplace with a mantelpiece above it, and big windows showing the backyard.  It was all very neat, the complete opposite to his parents' house. They didn't worry about keeping things neat because they were too busy digging and finding old stuff.  He was going to be just like them one day and they would be so proud.
        He swung his legs, making a satisfying thump on the soft front of the couch.  He hoped that Jack was going to be a nice brother.  Some of the children he'd met on his travels had said they hated having a brother or sister but Daniel reckoned it would be nice.  Especially one as old as Jack, who would be able to look after him.  That was, if Jack liked him.  With a child's intuition, Daniel knew that Jack hadn't been happy to see him.  But they didn't know each other yet.  Maybe, with time, Jack would like him better.
        Footsteps sounded and Daniel quickly stilled his legs.  He watched as the lady came back into the living room and sat down beside him.  
        "Now, Daniel, I want you to behave for your brother."  She listed a few more instructions which Daniel tried to listen to but promptly forgot because there were too many to remember.  Then she patted the top of his head and left.
        Jack showed Mrs. Clarke out then went back to the living room and looked down at the little kid, who was staring up at him, trust shining in his eyes.  How was he going to do this?  What was he going to do with the kid?