Reclaiming Her Life:
Spoilers for Ghost in the Machine and Enemy at the Gate. Elizabeth returns to Earth after being restored to her human form. Weir; Sheppard/Weir; Sam/Jack
Elizabeth 2.0
The first thing that penetrated her consciousness was a rhythmic beeping. Concentrating, she placed the sound as a monitor of some sort. That led to her registering the pads on her chest and forehead and an IV in the back of her hand As she gradually became more aware she picked out murmuring, hums from equipment, the squeak of rubber soled shoes. Then the slight vibrations she associated with traveling on a space ship. "OK, ship's infirmary" she thought. "But the last thing I remember was shutting down just beyond the Spacegate. Shutting down, so why the monitors and IV? Am I dreaming? Is this another Replicator trick? Had the entire ordeal been another of Oberoth's mind games?"
The monitors must have noted her gradual return to consciousness. She heard steps approach, then soft voices, one with a distinct Scottish brogue. That finally got her to open her eyes. "Carson? What.., how…"
"Easy there. Welcome back lass. I'm just going to check your vitals."
"Am I me, I mean .. ."
"Human? Well mostly." That earned him a raised eyebrow. He smiled, seeing Elizabeth's familiar, skeptical reaction. "We started with your DNA, added the Ancient gene, then used a combination of Asgard cloning technology and the work you and the others were doing to make human bodies using Replicator nanites." Knowing that last would be hard for her to take he quickly added "The nanites were the best solution to stabilizing the cloned body. Believe me, you don't want to have your body start to shut down like mine did."
A new voice finished the story. "We did use strictly Asgard tech to transfer your consciousness."
"Sam?"
She nodded. "Welcome aboard the General Hammond." Then speaking into her headset "Major, contact Atlantis, tell them it worked and we have Dr. Weir back "
"Your ship?" Sam nodded, smiling. "Needless to say I have a lot of questions."
"I'm sure you do. Let Carson finish checking you out first. Then we'll talk. Bridge conference room, 30 minutes." Sam left as a nurse came over, placing some folded clothes on the end of the bed and a pair of boots on the deck.
- - - - - - - -
Sam was busy on her laptop, typing with one hand and sipping from a mug in the other, when they walked into the conference room. Elizabeth took one breath, smiled and asked "Coffee?" Carson nodded "Just the one cup, mind you. You'll need to be careful about what you eat and drink for a while." They both helped themselves from the carafe at one end of the table and sat on either side of Sam, who began the story.
She explained that she and Carson, Rodney, Radek, Jennifer and Jeannie, had all been working, whenever their normal duties and the inevitable crises and emergencies allowed, on finding the best way to recreate her body and transfer her consciousness to it. Once they'd agreed on the techniques and gained the approval of the Air Force, Homeworld Security and the IOA Sam was given the go ahead to take the Hammond and proceed to the coordinates where Elizabeth and her companions were floating. All of them were beamed into Asgard stasis pods, where the others remained. While Elizabeth's new body was grown, links through her pod downloaded information, everything form mission reports to election results to who won the World Series.
Carson continued, telling her that a week ago they had uploaded her consciousness from the Replicator body to her new "human" one, gradually bringing her out of what was basically an induced coma. He explained that the nanites had been programmed to perform just a few specific tasks - maintain her organs, give her limited self-healing ability, and provide added strength. After much debate they had also decided to program them to allow her to directly interface with computers.
"I argued against it but the Air Force insisted" Carson said, not looking directly at her.
"What aren't you telling me?"
Sam grimaced, now came the hard part. "Pull the tape off the shoulders of your flight suit." Elizabeth did, clearly puzzled at seeing embroidered eagles.
"General O'Neill recommended it, and the President agreed. They were concerned that the IOA would try to force you out of the program, or worse, some self serving politicians or rogue agents would want to lock you up for study. As an Air Force Officer you'll report directly to Homeworld Security, and you can be permanently assigned off world if need be."
She let that sink in, then continued. "Officially you were granted a Direct Commission when you were involved in the Balkans negotiations, then were Inactive Reserve until six years ago when you were recalled to active duty. Your diplomatic expertise was needed but the position was military. It's shaky, a lot of backdated records, a few fake ones to justify the initial commission. But considering they've created a whole new identity for Carson, and Earth backgrounds for Cassie, Vala, Teal'c, Tayla, Ronan, and other aliens, adding a bit to your real existence was simple. Anyway, who's going to question it?"
"Besides my mother? She's going to wonder why I accepted a commission that I never told her about at the time I was still publically advocating significant cuts in military spending." Elizabeth stopped, realizing something. "What has my mother been told?"
"That you were captured by an armed faction as you were returning from a negotiation. You were listed as MIA at first, then Missing, Presumed Killed. Never KIA. Once we reach Earth orbit she'll be told that you've been rescued and will be back in the States shortly."
"So unlike me, you can go home again." Carson grumbled.
"Carson, I'm sorry. When I was on Atlantis John told me what happened with Michael, you were one of the few things we were able to talk about without being awkward."
"Aye, well. I've made the best of it. It's not as if I can't return to Earth, just not parts of Scotland."
Sam resumed her briefing. With the Milky Way relatively peaceful the countries that were aware of the Stargate had agreed to significantly expand Earth's presence in both their home galaxy and Pegasus. A new class of ships, based on Asgard science vessels, was being constructed to serve primarily exploration missions. Luckily the shipyards were miles away from the chair facility and had not been damaged in the Wraith attack.
"Explorer Class, they'll be named after Earth explorers. About half the size of Daedalus, one squadron of F-302s, a small Marine unit, large science compliment." Elizabeth reeled off the stats. "Download?"
Sam nodded. "Among other technical information. You also have the course work from any military classes you might have taken, from OCS through Command and General Staff College, current policies and procedures, even the UCMJ." She slid a folder, marked with the usual security information, toward Elizabeth. "Your Orders, Colonel. After debriefings and leave on Earth you'll be taking command of the Magellan, based out of Atlantis. Your primary mission to contact and attempt to establish relations with those advanced civilizations you mentioned you'd encountered while disembodied. Basically you'll be Earth's Ambassador at Large in this Galaxy. "
"Why do I get the image of Commodore Perry and his Gunboat Diplomacy?" Her remark may have been a bit sarcastic, but Elizabeth was intrigued. It wasn't leading Atlantis but it sure beat a desk at the Pentagon, or anywhere else on Earth for that matter.
With her immediate future somewhat clear Elizabeth turned to that of the other Replicators in stasis elsewhere on the Hammond. They too would be getting "human" bodies, using DNA donated by SGC personnel of similar appearance, but with their nanites limited to maintaining their organs and strengthening their immune systems. In checking coordinates from the Ancient database where no gate connection could be established Daedalus had come across an isolated planet that no longer had a Stargate or Spacegate but supported a human population scattered across two continents, with a late 18th century level of technology. The former Replicators would be established on an abandoned farm that had been purchased on their behalf on the outskirts of one of the larger villages, as migrants from a more rural area
As their meeting broke up, Elizabeth thanked Sam and Carson for their efforts in restoring her. As she was leaving she asked "By the way, wasn't this ship originally going to be the Phoenix?" Sam nodded yes. "I appreciate the irony of being reborn, for lack of a better term, here, considering my original body did basically turn to ashes."
- - - - - - - - -
Over the next week, as the former Replicators received downloads of practical information, from crops to carpentry, cooking to sewing, before their consciousnesses were transferred to their new bodies, Elizabeth caught up on the missing three years, filling in the blanks in the dry data she'd had downloaded. Hearing about Atlantis' sojourn on Earth, she wished she'd been around to have been part of it, to have seen the Golden Gate Bridge from her favorite balcony. Though she didn't regret having missed the battle or the ensuing political bickering before they were allowed to return to the Pegasus Galaxy.
Long talks with Sam and Carson, he sharing his similar experiences, Sam talking about her year running Atlantis and telling her amusing stories about Jack coping with Washington helped her to adjust to being back. So did the "care package" she found in her quarters that first night - back copies of the Journal of Foreign Affairs from Daniel; Athosian tea from Tayla; an assortment of DVDs sent by John and Rodney; hand held electronic solitaire from General O'Neill and several resent best selling books on politics and history from General Landry.
When the other Replicators were ready to be awakened Elizabeth insisted on being planet side with them. She was the one who decided to space them all, even if they wouldn't know it. As far as they were concerned they'd been placed in stasis on Atlantis then woke up in organic bodies in their new home.
Elizabeth paced as Carson and a nurse switched off the stasis pods. Unlike her gradual return to consciousness they would wake up abruptly, all at about the same time. Within a few minutes they were all stirring, sitting up in the pods, looking around, until they all focused on Elizabeth.
"We did it. Or rather Dr. Beckett here and others back on Atlantis did. We are all flesh and blood beings, basically human, able to feel and grow old and, one day hopefully, ascend." Gesturing around the farmyard at the buildings and fields Elizabeth continued. "This is now your home, come and go, interact with those in the nearby village or remain here in isolation, pursuing ascension. The choice is yours."
Lia asked "Elizabeth, why do you say you not us?" Before she could answer another questioned "Do you no longer desire to ascend?"
Elizabeth took a deep breath, collecting her thoughts. "I do hope to ascend some day, many years from now. But I have been given the chance to reclaim my life and I have much I still hope to accomplish. I also have an obligation to my Government, which supported the efforts to make us all organic. I will stay with you for a few days, help you settle in, then I must go. Atlantis personnel will check on you from time to time, and I will visit if you will allow."
Homecoming:
A month later Elizabeth was once again pacing, anxious for the Hammond to come out of hyperspace. After leaving the former Replicators they'd stopped at Atlantis for a few days, to drop off Carson and allow Elizabeth to reconnect, or in the case of Kanaan and Torren, finally meet them. She'd marveled at the wall of photos in the conference room; Presidents and Prime Ministers in front of the Gate, surrounded by Atlantis staff, the military personnel in Service Dress or the equivalent, the civilians wearing the hastily designed Expedition Dress Uniform, Navy "blacks" with plain buttons and colored piping on the sleeves in place of rank stripes, their countries' flag pins on their lapels. The central, largest photo was the most impressive, Carson being knighted by the Queen.
She'd spent much of the trip back to Earth adjusting to being Colonel Weir: observing operations, picking up the nuances of commanding a ship; spending time, reluctantly on the firing range and pleasantly working with some Ancient tech; having long talks with Sam, a genuine friendship developing between them. Her pacing stopped as they reverted to real space and she just stared down at Earth. Memories of that view helped her get through the long days of medical tests, briefings and various other meetings that followed.
- - - - - - - - - -
For what must have been the tenth time that afternoon Phyllis Weir put down the book she was reading and went to look out the window on hearing a car door slam. This time she saw what she was waiting for. A black car was pulled up to the curb in front of her Georgetown townhouse, someone in a blue suit leaning into the open rear window. As she opened the door that person turned and Phyllis let out the breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Ignoring Sedge, who bounded out in front of her, and the young Airman carrying luggage up the walk, she rushed to embrace her daughter.
For several minutes they just stood there, hugging, Phyllis crying, until Sedge's bumping of her leg caused Elizabeth to release her mother and bend to her dog. She held her hand out for Sedge to sniff, wondering what the reaction would be. Sedge sniffed, then licked her hand and gave Elizabeth the look that said "pet me", tail wagging. Not quite as enthusiastic a greeting as some in the past, but Elizabeth was relieved that she obviously smelled enough like her old self that the dog recognized her.
As soon as they got in the house Elizabeth yanked off her tie and her jacket and unbuttoned the top button of her shirt. Her mother chuckled at her actions. "Your father used to do the same thing the minute he walked in the door. "
"I remember. He'd hang his tie and jacket on the banister until he went upstairs to change. Only one of our dogs kept eating his ties, so he started rolling them up in his pocket."
There was an awkward pause, Phyllis looking pointedly at Elizabeth. "I suddenly feel like I'm back in high school and coming home late from a date." Still Phyllis didn't say anything. "I suppose you're wondering about the uniform?'" That got a raised eyebrow.
Elizabeth had been preparing herself for this since that first conversation with Sam. Still she took a moment before answering. She hated lying to her mother, yet her very existence was a lie. "You know I've been working for the Air Force for the last six years. Only it wasn't so much working for as being in. The messy Balkans negotiations I worked on, just after grad school, well, ah, that job came with a commission. I went to reserve status right after they finished, inactive until the President tapped me six years ago. What I've been doing since required I be on active duty."
"And you never told your father and me about this because?"
"Because I was embarrassed that I'd agreed to the commission in the first place, considering my rather vocal skepticism about military spending. I felt like a hypocrite, but the negotiations were important enough that I compromised. I didn't think much about it until the new job, by then so much time had passed, and what I was doing was so highly classified that I couldn't really tell you anything anyway. And, well I'm sorry."
Phyllis reached out and placed her hand on Elizabeth's arm. "I didn't mean to upset you. The last three years, I was just so worried. Then seeing you in that uniform…" She took a deep breath, collecting herself. "Civilian or military, I'm just glad to have you home." Grabbing the smaller of the two suitcases Phyllis started up the stairs, heading for Elizabeth's bedroom.
Elizabeth stopped just inside the door, dropping the suitcase she carried, surprised to see the room basically as she'd left it the last time she'd been home on leave. "I couldn't bring myself to get rid of anything. Or to go through the boxes the Air Force sent." Her voice waivered, she was having trouble holding back the tears. "Why don't you get changed while I check on dinner?"
"OK. I'll be down in a while." Clearly her mother needed some time to herself. Elizabeth plopped on her bed, just taking in the familiar surroundings, until the aromas wafting from the kitchen penetrated and got her moving again.
It was close to a half an hour later when Elizabeth, much more comfortably dressed in jeans, a t-shirt and flip flops, finally joined her mother in the kitchen "Something smells wonderful" she commented, accepting the glass of wine her mother handed her.
"Nothing fancy, just the chicken stew you like so much. You always asked for it when you came home from school or a long assignment."
They spent the rest of the evening talking, avoiding any more serious conversation, instead reminiscing, discussing politics, Phyllis catching Elizabeth up on friends and relatives.
- - - - - - - - -
The next afternoon found them both relaxing in the family room, reviewing the enjoyable day they'd spent, the TV tuned to CNN providing a backdrop to their conversation. While her mother kept her standing Friday hair appointment Elizabeth had gone through her closet and dresser and the boxes of effects the SGC had returned, sorting clothes, shoes, etc into keep, donate and toss, coming to the conclusion that she really needed to do some shopping. And after a leisurely lunch that's just what they did, spending several hours in Macys.
They were debating whether to go out for dinner or order in when the doorbell rang. Elizabeth was pleasantly surprised by the person on the doorstep.
"John!" She started to hug him but was impeded by the garment beg he held folded over his arm.
"Hello, Elizabeth." Indicating the bag, "Special delivery, one Mess Dress Uniform. Sgt. Harriman handed it to me as I was leaving the SGC. You can imagine the look General O'Neill gave me when I showed up in his office with two of these bags and my suitcases." She took the bag, hanging it in the hall closet, before getting her hug.
As with her mother the previous afternoon they were interrupted by Sedge poking her nose between them. John bent to pet the dog, speaking softly. "You must be Sedge. I've heard a lot about you." Sedge licked his hand in response.
"I think you have a new fan" Elizabeth joked
Phyllis, wondering who was at the door, had come out to the hall and Elizabeth introduced her. "Mom, I'd like to you to meet John Sheppard. John, my mother, Phyllis."
They shook hands, exchanged the usual greetings. "Elizabeth, why are we standing in the entryway? John, come in."
"I just came by to drop off Elizabeth's uniform. General O'Neill's driver's waiting, he's trying to find me a hotel. I'd planned on using the apartment the family business keeps here in DC but someone else has it for the weekend."
Phyllis put a stop to that. "Don't be silly, you're welcome to stay here, we have plenty of room." Not giving him a chance to argue she headed down the stoop, calling to the Airman to bring Colonel Sheppard's luggage. John shrugged, he wasn't about to turn down a chance to spend leave with Elizabeth. He just took the bags, telling the driver to let the General know he'd be staying at Colonel Weir's.
"Wonder what he'll make of that."
"Carter's due in tonight. He'll have other things to think about."
Elizabeth showed John to the guest room. As soon as he dropped the bags he yanked at his tie and collar button, causing Elizabeth to chuckle. "What's so funny?"
"I did the exact same thing yesterday."
"I've been in this thing for hours. Give me a flight suit or our field uniforms any day."
"Seems there was a good reason for the service dress today, Colonel" she emphasized the title.
"Yeah, that's why O'Neill called me back early. The promotion list just came out the other day. I think he jumped me over most of the others."
"That sounds like General O'Neill. Anyway, congratulations." She started to leave, then added "You're buying dinner" before continuing out of the room.
When John joined Elizabeth and her mother in the living room Phyllis was setting a tray holding a Champaign bucket, a bottle chilling in it, and glasses on the coffee table. She poured, then held up her glass. "I bought this the day I was informed that Elizabeth had been found, intending to open it when she got home. We never got around to that yesterday. So, welcome home Elizabeth!' John echoed her toast and they all drank. Then Phyllis raised her glass to John "and congratulations on your promotion, Colonel John Sheppard".
After refilling their glasses Elizabeth toasted John. "Here's to proving whoever said you'd never make it past Captain wrong again. And to more promotions in your future."
John was getting uncomfortable with the attention so he asked about dinner. They decided to order in, John promising to take them out another night. While they waited for the delivery Phyllis asked about the uniform John had brought. Elizabeth brought it in from the hall, opening the bag to show her mother, explaining "We're expected at a White House dinner Wednesday, so formal Mess Dress." John added "Lots of the politicians and diplomat types Elizabeth's dealt with before. She can schmooze while I stand there trying not to look bored."
He'd expected a retort to that last comment, so was surprised when Elizabeth just asked "Did Walter give you anything else for me?"
"No, just the garment bag. Something missing?"
"Shoulder boards." Now John got a funny look on his face. "What?"
"I haven't worn mine since before my last promotion."
"So your formal shoulder boards are gold oak leaves. To go with the silver leaves on your shirt?"
"Hey, O'Neill sprang the promotion on me. He had a set of eagles for my coat, that's what counted."
Phyllis was amused by their exchange. "Good thing you decided to show me. I can just imagine if you hadn't realized you had the wrong insignia until Wednesday."
"Maybe we should head over to Andrews tomorrow? I need to schedule some flight time anyway and it'll be easier to do in person. We can hit the Exchange there."
"Sounds like a plan. If we're going to be stuck in meetings for a week I'll need a couple more shirts and some other things."
"Me too. Had to borrow a tie from Lorne, I have no idea what happened to mine." John paused, frowning. "Ah, my brother's invited me to dinner Friday, to meet his fiancé, someplace fancy here in DC. I don't suppose you'd be willing to help me pick out a new suit, etc? You're invited too."
Before Elizabeth had a chance to react to the second hand invitation the doorbell rang, their dinner had arrived. While eating John explained that he'd talked to Dave while he unpacked, letting his brother know where he was staying and how long he'd be in town, Dave immediately including Elizabeth in the dinner invitation. And offering John his box seats for the Nationals game Thursday night since he had a business function he had to attend.
After dinner the three of them took Sedge for her evening walk. Turning into a street several blocks from the Weir house Sedge started pulling on her leash, barking to get the attention of a couple strolling hand in hand ahead of them. The couple stopped and turned, the man bending to pet the dog "Hi there Sedge." Looking up he greeted Phyllis, clearly amused by the puzzled looks John and Elizabeth exchanged. "What, I've lived here for five years, I'm not supposed to know my neighbors?"
"You know my mother, Sir?"
Just then a jogger ran by, calling excuse me as he tried to dodge them. Jack waived the group towards a house in the middle of the block. When they were sitting in the great room, beer and wine at hand, he explained that he'd met Phyllis shortly after being transferred to DC, they'd literally bumped into one another when a car backfiring had spooked Sedge and she was rushing to catch the dog. They tended to walk at the same time in the evenings and he would often accompany her for a few blocks, sometimes in very bad weather showing up to walk Sedge so Phyllis didn't have to go out. It wasn't until after Elizabeth had gone MIA that he learned of the connection. He'd sent Major Davis to deliver the news.
"So you're the General O'Neill Elizabeth's talked about? Small world. I recall you mentioned that this house belonged to your wife."
"I don't think we've been properly introduced. I'm Samantha Carter, Sam, and yes, this is my house, ours now. Dad's first assignment out of Flight School was Andrews. My parents were newlyweds, they managed to scrape together a down payment on this place, it was kind of run down, had been turned into three apartments. They lived in one and rented out the other two, then when Dad was transferred they rented all three. There are always military personnel looking for rentals in the DC area. I even lived in one of the apartments when I was stationed at the Pentagon, 14 years ago now. Much nicer than what I could have afforded on a Captain's pay."
Jack picked up the story. "I was promoted and transferred here not long after "Dad" died. Carter'd inherited the house, one of the apartments was empty, so I moved in. When the other tenants left we renovated the place, made it a one family again."
They didn't stay long, John and Elizabeth not wanting to intrude. Sam had been away for at least two months, after all. They did accept Jack's invitation to dinner the next evening, in spite of Sam's joking that maybe it would rain so Jack wouldn't be able to use the grill.
I have no idea whether the Service Academies graduations are before or after Memorial Day but for the purposes of this story it's after.
Long Weekend:
The next day Elizabeth and John were on their own, it being Phyllis's Saturday for working at a local center providing basic pro-bono legal assistance, something she'd been doing for years, even while practicing at the firm where she was a partner. That evening she had agreed to attend a party celebrating the graduation from Georgetown of the first child she'd assisted as a guardian ad litem, having kept in touch with her and her new family long after the adoption was finalized.
John picked up a rental car and he and Elizabeth drove out to Andrews. After a quick visit to the Exchange and a longer stop for John to deal with scheduling flight time they headed down the Beltway to the Springfield Mall. John reluctantly tried on several suits then nodded as Elizabeth picked out the right shirt and tie, glad to finally hand over his credit card and be done. Then he dragged her to the multiplex where they caught the latest blockbuster summer movie.
Jack did grill steaks, Sam watching so he didn't burn them. By unspoken agreement their dinner conversation stayed away from serious topics. Jack told some amusing stories involving the various bureaucrats he had to put up with, Sam and John had some Rodney stories and Elizabeth a few embarrassing incidents from her teaching and diplomatic career. And the major one they barely avoided with their uniforms.
That set Jack grumbling about wearing the "monkey suit" and having to work the following week while the other three were on leave, but he cheered up when John invited him to the ball game Thursday. Neither Elizabeth nor Sam was interested so they decided they'd invite Jeanie and Jennifer, who would be spending a few days in DC after the formal dinner, and have a "girls' night", and offer Rodney and Caleb the other seats.
The invitation had prompted Jack to turn the TV to that night's game as he and John discussed sports. Sam and Elizabeth looked at one another, shook their heads and moved to the small formal living room where they could talk.
'I still can't get used to having a professional baseball team in DC." Elizabeth commented. "If you don't mind my asking how come you and General O'Neill are in town this weekend, don't you have a country place?"
"Jack's cabin. Jack pulled ceremonial duties for Memorial Day so we'll take a long weekend next weekend. Tomorrow we plan a typical city Sunday, leisurely morning with fresh bagels and the Sunday papers, maybe go to one of the museums. What about you?"
"Other than doing the Sunday crossword? Not sure if my mother has anything planned, I think John's taking us to dinner to celebrate his promotion. I want to buy my mother a new TV, she's still watching the old set I bought after I moved back home when I started teaching at Georgetown. Might as well spend some of my three years' back pay. John's volunteered to help with that. And I do need to get a dress, and shoes, for Friday, John's brother's invited us out to meet his fiancé, but I think I'll do that Wednesday while John's at Andrews. As I discovered today John doesn't have much patience for clothes shopping, even for himself."
"Want some company?" They decided to make a day of it, shopping, lunch, hair and nails. Then sat talking, emptying a bottle of wine, until Jack and John wandered in when the game ended.
Sunday passed leisurely, with the expected papers and bagels, the most energetic thing they did braving the holiday weekend sale at an electronics store where Elizabeth bought a flat screen TV and new DVD/stereo system, then spent an inordinate amount of time setting them up. Monday morning they accompanied Phyllis to visit her husband's grave, something Elizabeth had managed to avoid since her father's funeral. She found it rather surreal, standing there in a cemetery, alive when technically she'd been dead for more than a year. John didn't say anything, just squeezed her hand, thankful that it wasn't her empty grave they were visiting.
John was watching the flames in the old grill they dragged out of the basement, waiting for the coals to burn down to white, when his cell phone rang. After talking for a while he called to Elizabeth. "Ever been to Annapolis?"
"A class trip in sixth grade. Why?"
"Matt, my best friend from high school's on the phone. He's a Commander in the Navy, teaches at the Academy, wants us to drive over tomorrow, have lunch, give us a tour of the place."
"OK. Why don't we make a day of it, drive down to Ocean City afterwards?" John nodded, resuming his phone call. While they grilled the hot dogs and burgers John explained that he'd lost touch with Matt after they'd graduated, but saw his name in a mailing from their high school and called when he was waiting at the SGC before heading to DC. After several days of telephone tag they'd finally connected. He was looking forward to seeing Matt again, but was glad that Elizabeth would be there, in case things got awkward. "Ah, there's one other thing. He suggested we wear our uniforms."
"Air Force uniforms at the Naval Academy?"
"Since graduation is Friday there are a lot of visitors. Matt said it would be easier if we're in uniform. Short sleeve shirts with open collars, not jackets or ties. We'll just have to bring jeans to change into for later."
- - - - - - - -
They left Washington around 1000 the next day, after the morning rush had ended, pulling into the parking garage near the waterfront in about an hour. Walking to the Academy gate they received some odd looks but proper salutes from the few Cadets that passed. John had called when they left the car so Matt was waiting for them, a woman a head shorter than Elizabeth, his wife Deb, standing next to him. Seeing John's and Elizabeth's eagles Matt snapped a salute, which they returned, then the men each introduced their companions.
Arriving at the Gold's home protocol was dropped, John and Matt trying to catch up on 20 plus years all at once, blurting out "Do you remembers" and "Have you heard froms" and basically ignoring the women. Deb ushered Elizabeth into another room, asking the questions typical for new acquaintances - where did you go to school, likes and dislikes, etc. They found common ground when Elizabeth mentioned she'd taught at Georgetown. Deb had recently gotten tenure at St. John's. Their fields might be completely different, Deb being a biologist, but the ins and outs of academia were the same across disciplines.
Over lunch John and Matt joined in the "getting to know you" talk, John and Elizabeth giving edited versions of how they'd started working together and Matt and Deb admitting they'd met in grad school, doing cross disciplinary work, he in oceanography, she marine biology, drifted apart, then got together for good when they'd run into one another at a local bookstore after both moved to Annapolis. The three academics vied for who had the worst horror story about grad school and the process of writing and defending a thesis.
Once the talk turned to academics John hadn't said anything beyond "pass the salad", though he did smile at some of the stories, and Matt called him on his lack of participation. "What about you, John? Full Colonel you have to have at least a Masters."
"ABD, actually." Seeing Elizabeth's surprised look he added "Not much to do in Antarctica. Even I get bored with movies and working out after a while. With math it's not like I had to do a lot of library research. And before you ask, the only person who knew was Jeannie. "
"You told Rodney's sister but not your CO?"
"It would've shown up in my files if I ever finished. And Jeannie was in the same situation, at the time. She finally finished her dissertation and defended her thesis, successfully, last month."
Matt picked up on the CO reference. "You were John's CO? That must have been awkward. I gather that's not an issue now."
"Ah, we aren't…" "We never…" both started to explain. John nodded for Elizabeth to continue. "We were just close friends. I was taken prisoner three years ago, just rescued last month, and will be going pack to a new posting." Looking at John she admitted "I don't know what will happen now that I'm back."
Seeing how uncomfortable her guests had become Deb turned the conversation and they spoke of less personal matters until she had to excuse herself to leave for an appointment, Matt then gave John and Elizabeth the promised tour, ending at at quiet spot overlooking the Severn. As they were saying goodbye a Cadet came up to the group, stopping a respectful distance away until Matt noticed her. "Excuse me Ma'am, Sirs."
"Cadet Brunello?"
"Commander, excuse my interrupting, Sir, but I was wondering if you know anything about why my orders were changed."
"Aren't you headed to Pearl?"
She shook her head, handing a paper to Gold. "No Sir. New orders, an inter-service posting out of Peterson AFB." Elizabeth and John exchanged glances at that, which Matt noticed. "I thought, seeing you with Air Force Colonels, you might know. I apologize for interrupting."
"Understandable mistake, but I'm afraid not. Colonel Sheppard and I are old friends. Colonel Sheppard, Colonel Weir, this is Cadet Maria Brunello, top 10% of her class, double major in Oceanography and Naval Engineering. From your expressions I gather you have a good idea of what this is about."
They both nodded. "I'll leave you to it then." Matt said goodbye, promising to keep in touch, and departed.
Brunello had come to attention when Gold introduced her. "As you were, Cadet." Elizabeth began as John moved away a bit and pulled out his cell phone. "From your orders it seems you'll be working for Colonel Sheppard. He's verifying it now."
John meanwhile had confirmed with the SGC that soon to be Ensign Brunello had indeed been assigned to Atlantis. He walked back toward the two women, nodding, giving Elizabeth a thumbs up, so she elaborated. "We're part of an international scientific/military expedition. I put in a request for an oceanographer at least four years ago. Looks like you're it."
John continued his call. "Really? That means she'll be able to pilot the Jumpers underwater." A short pause. "Patch me through." Cadet Brunello looked from one Colonel to the other, clearly puzzled, but too disciplined to say anything. Her confusion increased as Sheppard finished his call. "Elizabeth and I need a lift, we have our newest expedition member here and got the OK to show her around." He and Elizabeth led the puzzled Cadet behind some trees as he listened to the person on the other end, gesturing for Elizabeth to take Brunello's hand, then announcing "All clear".
Seconds later the transporter released them in front of one of the Daedalus's observation windows, Elizabeth steadying Maria then turning her to face the window. The Cadet stared, fumbling for words "Ma'am? What…? How…? Where am I?"
John answered, motioning for her to move closer to the window. "We've just been transported aboard the USAF ship Daedalus, in geosynchronous orbit over the US…
"Transported, like on Star Trek?"
"Yeah. As I was saying…"
Elizabeth tuned out the speech, having heard and given it enough times. She turned hearing someone walk into the room, smiling a greeting. "Hello, Stephan."
"Elizabeth, welcome back. And congratulations on your new command." They spoke while John finished the basic orientation.
Less than half an hour after they'd transported out they were back on the Academy grounds. Before they left Elizabeth reminded the still stunned Cadet that what she'd seen and heard was classified. It wasn't until late that night, everything she'd learned keeping her from sleep, that it occurred to Maria how odd it was that two senior officers had bothered to show her what her first assignment entailed. Of course the entire situation was odd, unbelievable really. A month later, immersed in the new personnel orientation at the SGC, she realized that Colonels Sheppard and Weir had barely scratched the surface of what she was now involved in.
As for John and Elizabeth, after stopping at the first gas station they found to change out of their uniforms, they headed across the Bay Bridge to Ocean City. They spent the rest of the day walking the boardwalk, playing some of the games of chance, eating crabs and frozen custard. And if they held hands or smiled for no apparent reason, well as the conversation over lunch had brought up, they weren't CO and 2inC any longer.
Pomp and Circumstance:
Wednesday, while John put in his flight time, Elizabeth and Sam met up for a day of shopping and pampering. Just because they had to be in uniform with their hair up didn't mean they couldn't have it professionally styled or their nails manicured. They were having dinner at the White House after all.
Jack's driver pulled up in front of the Weir house promptly at 1800. They were to meet with the President prior to the dinner.
Entering the Oval Office had a different effect on each of them. John, a bit nervous, he'd only been in the White House once before, on a tour with his eighth grade class. In contrast to Jack, who appeared completely relaxed, as he should be given how much time he spent there. Sam wasn't nervous so much as curious; she had been to a few receptions with Jack so being in the White House wasn't a completely novel experience, and she'd spoken to President Hayes a number of times, particularly during and after the Wraith attack, but she'd never actually been in the Oval Office before. Elizabeth's unease was different from the others'; she was remembering the last time she'd been in that Office, the day she found out about, and was put in charge of, the SGC.
President Hayes entered from the terrace shortly after they'd been shown in and they snapped to attention. Saying "At ease" he came up to Elizabeth. "Dr. Weir, it's good to have you back among the living."
"Good to be back, Mr. President."
"That has to be one of the strangest things I've ever said and meant. You are literally back from the dead." Looking at the others he added "But then you've all been dead at least once, haven't you?"
Jack answered for them. "Not sure about Sheppard. Carter and I, several times but not for very long. Daniel on the other hand."
"What about you, Colonel Sheppard?"
"Does flat-lining, being shocked back count, Mr. President?"
Hayes didn't answer, just sat on one of the couches, motioning for them to do likewise, and moved on to the reasons for their being there. "Jack knows some of what I'm about to tell you. General Landry will have briefed your colleagues who will be here tonight. I'm about to announce the creation of the Homeworld Security Agency." Giving the officers time to take that in he continued "Officially it's an outgrowth of NORAD, an amalgam of various operations that are concerned with publically acknowledged threats to the whole planet as opposed to just the US and Canada. Comets and asteroids that could come within striking distance of Earth, weapons proliferation, SETI, global warming, alternate energy, global health concerns, preservation of historic and cultural heritage, you get the idea."
Elizabeth understood immediately. "So if the SGC blows up an enemy ship it can be explained as destroying an asteroid, and while I'm negotiating with aliens I'm officially trying to stop terrorists getting WMDs."
"Essentially, yes."
Sam spoke up. "I assume this will also give us a clear channel to introduce backwards engineered technology for general use."
"Medical devices and treatments as well. The public side will work with the UN, WHO and relief agencies, as well as the CDC, FEMA, Homeland Security, even the military in disaster and epidemic situations."
Hayes let Jack take over then, giving them a top level overview of the structure of the new Agency, how it would interact with the IOA, and most importantly for them what it would mean in terms of keeping their secrets. He concluded "You'll get more detailed briefings next week."
Hayes thanked Jack, then got up, reaching for something on his desk, the four officers standing immediately. The President turned to face Elizabeth, who came to attention.
"Now for the fun part. Colonel Elizabeth Weir, in recognition of your sacrifice on the Replicator homeworld, providing your team time to escape and return to Atlantis with the ZPM necessary to save the City, you are hereby awarded the Silver Star." He pinned the medal to her jacket, adding it to several others hanging there.
Elizabeth was stunned. The Purple Heart she had received was recognition enough for what she'd been through. "Thank you, sir. I just did what I needed to do to save the Expedition."
Hayes next turned to John. "Colonel Sheppard. This is rather late, and there should have been separate acknowledgements. I won't bother reading the citation, but for your skill in piloting Atlantis under less than ideal conditions following the Replicator attack, without which numerous lives would have been lost, and your actions defending Earth during the Wraith attack, you are being awarded the Air Medal," which he pinned to John's jacket. John was so surprised he could barely get out a "Thank you, sir."
Unnoticed by the others Jack had moved to the door. Motioning in the President's aide, and taking something form him, they came up behind Sam as Hayes turned to address her.
"With many of the technologies you and your colleagues have reengineered about to come to public knowledge I need a senior scientist who can be the bridge between the public and classified. I had planned on naming you Chief Scientist for Homeworld Security. However, the head of the National Science Foundation just handed in his resignation, health problems. I will therefore be submitting your name as the new NSF Director, Brigadier General Samantha Carter. Congratulations."
Sam was stunned. She barely reacted as the aide helped her out of her jacket and Jack slipped her new one on. Until she focused on the distinctive braiding on the sleeves and it hit her, Brigadier General. If only her father could have been there. Swallowing, fighting off tears, she managed a "Thank you."
Smiling, Jack was about to administer the oath that goes along with a promotion when Hayes stopped him. "One more thing." He pulled a set of shoulder boards, three stars on each, out of his pocket, handing them to Jack. "I've managed to persuade General O'Neill to delay his retirement once again. He'll be staying on during Homeworld Security's transition to a semi-public Agency. I decided it's about time to promote him to the rank that goes with the job." While the President spoke his aide took Jack's jacket, quickly switching the shoulder boards. "Now, if you will both hold up your right hands and repeat after me. I, state your name,…" The two Generals recited the familiar oath, received congratulations, then left with John and Elizabeth as the President went out the other door.
The four paused before entering the room where cocktails were being served.
"Everyone ready?" Jack asked. With three of them having been promoted and Elizabeth about to meet diplomats and other officials she hadn't seen in years who were bound to be curious about how she'd ended up in the Air Force, he was concerned. At least Sam's and Sheppard's promotions should keep McKay quiet for a while.
Spotting most of the SGC and Atlantis people together at one end of the room Jack steered his companions toward them. Conversations gradually died as they joined the group. Rodney started to say something to Sam, then stopped, openmouthed, as he registered first the stars on her shoulders then the eagles on John's.
Jennifer shook her head, nudged his arm, and congratulated them on their promotions. That broke the ice, everyone adding their congratulations, Rodney finally speaking, even remembering to introduce his sister and brother-in-law to General O'Neill and Caleb to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth excused herself when she saw someone she knew from her diplomat days and was soon swept up in the crowd, not rejoining them until it was time to find their tables for dinner. She sat down gratefully; between the heels she was wearing and the strain of watching what she said to old acquaintances she was exhausted. Taking in her dinner companions she decided they were quite the impressive bunch, Daniel, Rodney and Caleb in tuxes, Jeannie a black evening gown, the rest of them in their formal uniforms with gold and silver and medals, Jennifer and Carolyn, unexpectedly, wearing the Public Health Service's Navy whites, the other six the deep blue of the Air Force.
As they began the first course Elizabeth's curiosity was satisfied when Jeannie asked Jennifer about her uniform. She explained that the non-military medical personnel were technically Public Health Service Officers assigned to Homeworld Security and on occasions such as this were expected to wear uniforms, though it made her uncomfortable. "Not physically, but I feel like an imposter. People look at me, then the stripes on my shoulders, and get this funny look on their face, and I know they're thinking I'm not old enough for the rank."
"Even I get that sometimes" Carolyn interjected. "Especially when people don't recognize the PHS insignia and assume I'm a Navy or Coast Guard Officer. Something I'd hoped not to have to deal with after I came to the SGC from the CDC."
"Look on the bright side, it's at most a few days a year, we get to wear comfortable clothes most of the time."
"Speak for yourself, Mitchell" grumbled O'Neill. "Some of us have to wear ties everyday. Or mostly civilian business clothes now for Carter."
"You're not retiring, are you? I'd assumed you'd be taking command at the SGC when I finally retire." This wasn't part of the briefing Landry had received.
"No, sir. But President Hayes has offered me an appointment in his Administration so I'll be here in DC for a while." Sam smiled, asking her husband "Do you realize that for the first time in five years of marriage we'll actually be living in the same house in the same city?"
"About time." Daniel hadn't meant to say that out loud. Luckily Jack was in too good a mood to call him on it.
Elizabeth deftly turned the conversation, taking pity on Caleb, who'd barely said anything all night, asking his impressions of Washington. That led to stories about places they'd been, favorite sights, parks, museums, things they could talk about in public.
After the main course was cleared the President rose, giving a short speech about the new Homeworld Security Agency. He was then joined by the Canadian Prime Minister, the guest of honor at the dinner, who spoke about Canada's sister Ministry and the significant role of Canadians in the shared mission, then turned the microphone back to Hayes.
"Some of you may have recognized Dr. Elizabeth Weir from her involvement in a number of sensitive treaty negotiations and other diplomatic endeavors. As you can guess from what she's wearing she didn't burn out or go off and write her memoirs. Her Reserve Commission was activated and she has been an integral participant in negotiations and the international relations aspects of HWS for the last six years. Colonel Weir, if you will stand." Elizabeth did so, then resumed her seat as Hayes went on with his speech.
"Many have questioned the value of the Apollo moon missions and our intention to return to the moon, establish a permanent presence there. Is abundant, cheap, clean energy worth it?" That certainly got the room's attention. "In trying to better understand the composition of asteroids to be able to deflect any should they pose a threat to Earth our scientists discovered a previously unknown mineral, which they've named naquadah, in samples brought back from the early moon missions. This mineral has certain properties that make it an ideal basis for electrical generators. All the power for his building is being generated by one, about the size of the microwave oven on your kitchen counter, using just a few ounces of naquadah. Frankly I don't understand how or why it works, but that's what we have the HWS scientists for. General Samantha Carter, then a Major, initially developed naquadah generators and she and Dr. Rodney McKay were instrumental in converting them to practical use." He asked Sam and Rodney to stand, which they did to considerable applause. "General Carter has also been working on plans to send small rockets to attach themselves to asteroids and steer them into controlled crashes on the moon where the naquadah and other useful minerals can be extracted. Given that background you won't be surprised to learn that I will be submitting General Carter's name to the Senate for confirmation as the new National Science Foundation Director." More applause.
"There's one other development I'd like to share with you tonight. How many of you wish your doctors had the sort of scanner used on Star Trek instead of the bulky machines and uncomfortable tests they use now?" Everyone in the room, with the exception of the Atlantis and SGC personnel, raised their hands. "Notice the one table that only had one hand up, he's the husband of one of the scientists. That's because HWS has been testing such a hand held device, a version of which is soon to be released for FDA supervised trials. It's a long way from a tricorder, and initially it will be limited to use in the field by military medics and in disaster situations. Doctors Carolyn Lam and Jennifer Keller, US Public Health Service Officers assigned to HWS, and Dr. Jean Miller, a physicist and engineer based in Vancouver, are the geniuses behind this one." The three women stood to be acknowledged.
Hayes then turned the podium back to the Prime Minister, who asked Rodney and Jeannie to come forward. "I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge two of my fellow Canadians for their parts in the inventions President Hayes just told you about. Dr. Rodney McKay and Dr. Jean Miller, on behalf of her Majesty the Queen, it is my honor to announce your appointments as Members of the Order of the British Empire. You will be formally inducted along with other new Members by Her Majesty in a ceremony later this year."
The PM shook their hands while they received a round of applause, and a few "Hear Hears" from the Commonwealth citizens in attendance. They were both so stunned they almost missed the significance of the PM's quiet "I'll expect both of you, and Caleb, is it, at the Embassy tomorrow at 10AM, Colonel McKay, Major Miller." They exchanged puzzled glances as they returned to their table but had no chance to talk as they were hugged by their partners, then congratulated by the others.
President Hayes finally concluded the proceedings. "I could go on about other achievements and inventions, but I won't bore you. Suffice to say there are many so be on the lookout for future announcements."
Coffee and dessert were served and people wandered among the tables talking. Many stopped at O'Neill's table to ask questions and offer congratulations. They were all weary when they finally left shortly before midnight.
Millers' Surprise and Girls' Night:
Rodney, Jeannie and Caleb arrived at the Canadian Embassy well before their scheduled meeting. After clearing security they were shown to a conference room, told to help themselves to coffee or tea. While they were waiting an Army Officer, who introduced himself as Colonel Biggs, came in with an aide who set the box he was carrying on one end of the table and left.
The PM entered shortly thereafter, greeting Rodney and Jeannie and being introduced to Caleb. Then he got down to the reason they'd been called in. He'd been stunned by the briefing he'd received about the Stargate, Atlantis, the Ancients, everything, when he'd become Prime Minister, shortly after Atlantis had left Earth. This was his first chance to meet any of the Canadians who had the ATA gene, even through gene therapy, and he was eager to see how several Ancient devices worked.
Caleb had been invited, his clearance level having been raised after the nanite incident. As he was sitting nearest the box containing the Ancient items he was asked to hand them around. And almost dropped the first one he picked up when it lit up.
Everyone just stared at Caleb, not believing what had happened. Finally the PM voiced what they had all been wondering. "You had no idea you have the ATA gene? But, didn't you visit Atlantis when the City was on Earth? Shouldn't someone have realized then?"
Jeannie answered for her husband. "Meredith and I were with him the whole time and he didn't touch anything. The City might have registered his presence but we wouldn't have noticed, not with all the people with ATA around."
Caleb finally managed to talk, focusing on the first thing that had come to him after his shock. "Madison, does she…?"
"Probably. I mean, we think it's dominant but we've never really studied it, the inheritance part. O'Neill and Sheppard and Beckett don't have any kids. Well, O'Neill did, but, anyway no one's parents or siblings have clearance and they couldn't just go around asking to take blood samples from people."
Jeannie cut Rodney off before he could go off on a tangent. "Dr. Beckett wasn't even sure whether the gene therapy working for one person would mean it would work on a sibling. That's why he asked me to volunteer the first time I visited Atlantis. It took, but without further study…"
The PM nodded, then leaned towards Biggs, who excused himself after a short, whispered conversation. They continued examining the devices, Rodney and Jeannie encouraging Caleb to think it on when one didn't activate automatically, activating a few more difficult ones themselves. By the time Colonel Biggs returned they'd turned everything on and off and shown or at least explained to the PM what each did.
Biggs handed the Prime Minister a folder, which he opened to sign something. Then he addressed Caleb. "Dr. Miller. In light of the fact that you possess the ATA gene, I'm granting you a higher clearance level. You'll need to know more about what's out there now that you are to be one of those called upon to operate the Canadian weapons chair, Major Miller."
"What?" Rodney, Jeannie and Caleb all asked at the same time.
"Dr. McKay, Dr. Mi.. Dr. Jean Miller, as you are aware, in searching for a planet to relocate the former Replicators the Daedalus discovered an Ancient supply depot, long hidden from the Wraith, with ZPMs, drones, several Jumpers and three disassembled weapons chairs. Two of those chairs, with drones, were recently installed here on Earth, one in the Yukon, the other in Siberia. With the original chair finally extracted from the rubble and relocated to a Cold War era missile silo in the US we now have a formidable defense against attacks from space. The only problem is lack of personnel to operate the chairs. As I understand it, unlike most Ancient technology these chairs are difficult for anyone not born with the ATA gene to operate."
Rodney explained "That's true, to an extent. We're not sure why but it takes a lot more effort for anyone with the ATA from gene therapy than for someone with the inherited gene. I can operate it, but I've had a lot of practice, first few tries it barely moved."
"Thank you, Doctor. Needless to say we have been searching for people with inherited ATA but we're limited to those in the military and civilians with clearance. This is complicated by the fact that, after the near disaster when the Wraith attacked, the member countries have committed to having an operator on call to beam to each chair site around the clock. I really don't know what the situation is with the Russians. The US has identified three or four people. But so far we've only found one Canadian here on Earth. I was seriously considering recalling one of our Atlantis scientists, even if she had to be reassigned to the SGC or Area 51 at least she'd be within transporter range of the chair. Now…"
"You want me to be one of the operators of these weapons chairs, whatever they are?"
- - -
"Poor Caleb, complete information overload. I don't think the whole Air Force Reserve Commission even registered at the time, he just signed where he was told and took the oath with Mer and me. He barely said a word until we'd changed, gone out and were sitting on a bench on the Mall eating the sandwiches we'd pick up on the way. Sorry, I know we weren't supposed to talk business, but I though you'd want to know about this" Jeannie apologized to the other women gathered in Elizabeth's living room as she finished telling them the big news.
Sam, Jeannie and Jennifer had arrived at the Weir townhouse shortly after John left for the ballgame. Sam had offered to move the "girls night" to her house, so they wouldn't disturb Phyllis, or have to watch what they said. But Phyllis had flown up to Boston that morning to attend her fiftieth college reunion the next day, leaving early to spend time with a few close friends "before the craziness" Elizabeth quoted her mother. And this was the perfect way to break in the new entertainment system. Sam did insist on supplying the drinks and dessert.
"That's a lot more than Rodney told me all afternoon. Of course we were at the Zoo so he had to watch what he said." Jennifer broke into a mischievous grin. "Oh, do I have something to get back at him, after all the teasing I got about Commander Keller."
Sam shook her head. "Rodney, basically drafted, after all his cracks about the military. Maybe I should call him on it, next time he calls me Sam?" They all laughed, agreeing.
"Well, we are supposed to get a crash course in military etiquette before the OBE ceremony since we're expected to attend in uniform. Maybe you could help Mer, General?"
"I though we agreed, no ranks tonight. And speaking of ranks, what about you, Jeannie, how do you feel about all this? Material for teasing Rodney is one thing, but you all were in effect drafted."
"Well, it's not like I'm expected to report for active duty, it's more of an honorary thing. If I was ever called up it would be a planetary emergency and chances are I'd be called into the SGC anyway. Caleb's probably going to have more to adjust to, he'll have to put in some time learning to operate the chair, maybe the occasional weekend on duty up there. On top of the whole ATA thing. Funny thing is, Mer would have been the only one with a commission if it hadn't been for Wallace and his nanite fiasco. Caleb wouldn't have had the higher clearance that let him be included in the meeting this morning and I'd still be epileptic. Never thought this would be one of the side effects when Dr. Lam used the treatment you'd found in the Asgard data base."
Jeannie's cell rang just then. She excused herself, answering after checking the display. A short conversation, clearly with her daughter, left Jeannie smiling. "Madison couldn't wait to tell me she got an A on her spelling test." That led to some questions about the girl, favorite books and toys, did she like school.
Jeannie's answer to that last question surprised them. "Too much I think. The school has recommended she skip a grade, go into four in September. Caleb and I are torn, we don't want her to become bored but Mer and I both skipped and it wasn't always easy."
"Tell me about it" Jennifer grumbled. "By the time I graduated from high school I was four years ahead of other kids my age, five years when I started med school since I finished college in three years."
"I didn't skip any grades but I was younger than almost everyone in my class." Sam contributed. "My birthday's the end of December so my parents sent me to a private school for Kindergarten and First Grade so I wouldn't have to wait a year. What about you, Elizabeth?"
"I didn't skip any grades, but I did do mostly AP classes my senior year of high school, so I had enough credits to finish college a semester early and travel, though I came back to graduate with my friends. Grad school I did both programs simultaneously, took a full schedule in the summers, then finished the dissertations while working part time."
"I was back on active duty while writing mine" Sam said. Realizing the others didn't know the background she explained that she'd chosen to become a pilot even though her Academy advisor had encouraged her to go for her PhD, even preparing the paperwork that would have enabled Sam to attend at the Air Force's expense. But she wanted to fly, had dreamed of becoming an astronaut since she was a girl. So she went to flight school and had then flown in action during Desert Storm.
"Then I flunked my first eye exam after I got back. So I went off to Cal Tech, assumed I'd be assigned to Space Command after I finished my degree. Instead I was sent to the Pentagon to try to figure out how to get the Stargate to work. While I was there I had Lazik surgery, so I could have qualified for flight status but I'd found something so much more interesting."
"Is that why you don't wear wings on your uniform?" Elizabeth had wondered about that since she'd first seen Sam in Service Dress at the Change of Command/Promotion ceremony at the SGC.
"I'd stopped wearing the wings when I was pulled from flying. I kept up my private pilot license, and when we started analyzing the Death Gliders and working on the 303s I did get my flight status restored, but I never did start wearing the wings again. I suppose I should now. And we've gotten completely off Jeannie's concern about Madison."
Jeannie assured them that hearing about their varied experiences in school helped her put the issue in perspective. She guessed they'd let Madison skip now, it was only one grade, and deal with the question of further acceleration if and when it came up. And it wasn't her only concern about Madison, not after this morning.
"You're worried about the ATA gene," Jennifer guessed "what having it might mean to Madison?" Jeannie nodded. "Next week, when Rodney and I are visiting, let me take a blood sample, so you'll know. If she does have the gene she'll probably be recruited when she's finished school. On the bright side, at least you and Caleb would know what she's involved in even if everything hasn't been made public by then."
That elicited groans from Elizabeth and Sam. They'd both dealt with the possibility of the Stargate becoming public knowledge and worried about the fallout that would follow disclosure.
Jennifer gave the two older women an odd look. Hoping to forestall that conversation Sam quickly asked Jeannie "Speaking of Madison, do you have any pictures?" Jeannie pulled out her wallet, proudly showing photos of her daughter in dance class and with Caleb.
Sam smiled wistfully, then noticed Elizabeth doing the same thing. "You too?"
"Sometimes. Simon and I talked around the issue, but we basically drifted, never even were formally engaged, let alone planned a family. What about you? You're set here for a couple of years now at a desk job."
"Not sure that's really sunk in yet. I'd pretty much given up the idea of having children, not sure if I even could at this point, with everything I've been through. Jack and I have a lot to talk about this weekend." She looked from Elizabeth to the two younger women. "What about you two?"
After a short, awkward silence Jeannie answered. "Caleb and I had talked about another child, and now that he has tenure plus my salary from the SGC we don't have to worry about the financial end. But I don't know, with the nanites, and now the ATA. Would the baby even really be human?"
That hit close to home for all of them. Jennifer, in doctor mode, responded. "Unfortunately, none of us is completely human anymore. ATA's not the concern, it's been passed on since the Ancients, who were basically human, mingled with early Europeans. Whether your dormant nanites, or Elizabeth's functioning ones, Sam's naquadah and protein marker or whatever Wraith cells I have left would be passed on to our children, we don't know. At the moment it's not an issue for me. Rodney and I only recently moved to shared quarters, we're a long way from even thinking about a family."
Their conversation gradually moved on to more general topics, stories from their schooldays, favorite books and movies, clothes, the sorts of things any group of women might talk about. This being a "girls" night that included a fair amount of teasing and innuendo, from Rodney finally having met his match to trying to pry information out of Sam about just how long she and Jack had really been together, to the fact that John and Elizabeth had the house to themselves all weekend. They laughed, cried at the sad parts of the movies, ate too much, and managed to forget for a while the things they'd seen, the secrets they kept and the burdens they carried. For one night at least they were just "normal".