I hadn't planned on this; I hadn't intended on going to another galaxy when I joined the air-force, but we don't always choose our destiny. In this case though it wasn't my destiny I couldn't control; it was my genes. Apparently I had some kind of alien-ancient gene that let me operate ancient technology.

So here inside Cheyenne Mountain; in a top secret classified ancient outpost, getting a final mission briefing from Dr. Weir and Colonel Sumner.

I looked around at the rest of the military team, feeling very uncomfortable; the only three people I knew by name were Sergeant Bates, Lieutenant Ford, and Colonel Sumner.

Then I saw him out of the corner of my eye. He was leaning against the wall, hands in pockets, looking completely bored with the proceedings. No, it couldn't be him, I was imagining it. He shifted slightly and I saw his face; I had been right, it was John Sheppard.

I had seen him last in Afghanistan, and hadn't in my wildest dreams expected to see him here. I wasn't ready to see him again; I couldn't face him. He had saved my life in Afghanistan, and what had I done when he needed me? I had ran; I had left him and he had almost died. I didn't know if I would ever be able to face him again.

What was he doing here? Sure, he was an ace pilot, but surely he didn't have the ancient gene.

I looked away and tried to concentrate on what Colonel Sumner was saying, but my mind kept drifting back to Shep-No. He was Major Sheppard, I had to remember that. Maybe he wouldn't remember me; it had been a long time ago. If he didn't remember we could start over, and maybe I could forget.

The expedition was ready, the gate would be active soon, and Colonel Sumner was seriously getting on my nerves, talking to us like we were a bunch of wayward children. I saw him stop and talk to Major Sheppard, and even though I couldn't hear what they were saying I recognized Shep's expression. To someone who didn't know him he would have looked amused but I did know him, and he looked defiant.

I fumbled with the straps of my pack to avoid staring at him.

The Scottish Doctor-what was his name-Becker? No, Beckett was arguing with a Canadian scientist somewhere to my right, and I saw Dr. Weir talking to General O'Neil in the control room. I looked back to where I had seen Major Sheppard, but he was gone, in fact I couldn't see him anywhere.

A hand dropped onto my shoulder and I knew before I turned that it was Shep. He gave me a crooked smile.

"Haven't seen you around lately, Hazel."

"I-uh-I've been busy." I shifted my weight uncomfortably and avoided meeting his eyes. "It's good to see you, Major."

His smile widened. "Since when do you call me major?"

"Since now, I guess."

"Look, Hazel, I know-" he was interrupted as the Stargate activated, and Colonel Sumner started shouting again. He scowled. "We'll talk later." He turned to go, but looked back. "It's good to see you Lieutenant Williams."

For a minute I wondered if I had offended him; then he flashed me a grin and was gone in the crowd. I scowled after him.

A/N: Thankyou to Gollykins for pointing out that the Earth StarGate is in Cheyenne mountain and not Antarctica.