General Alan Hunt watched from the control room as the Stargate engaged. Feeling a prickle of concern, despite the fact that this was the exact time that Brooks and others were supposed to be coming in. The metal iris that closed on activation of the gate was all that protected his people from all the dangers in the universe that always seemed so hell bent on taking out Earth at every turn.
He looked down at the technician seated at the main computer, but the man had anticipated his look and nodded.
"It's Colonel Brooks' code."
Hunt felt a little less tense.
"Open the iris."
"Yes, sir."
A moment later the small, coffee can shaped ship emerged from the gate, hovered long enough in the embarkation room for the general to see the pilot and copilot of the craft. There was no mistaking either Major Hayden's cheerful wave, or Ian's dark hair.
"Park up top, please, Major," he requested over the intercom – as well as the radio.
"Yes, sir."
The craft rose as the roof opened far above them, and Hunt watched as the gate disengaged and went dead once more.
"I'm going up top."
"Yes, sir."
The technician stayed where he was, knowing that with no shield they had to always have someone in control of the iris. The two Marine guards stayed where they were as well – and for the same reason.
OOOOOOOOOOO
There was an open hangar specially rigged out for the Gateships whenever someone from Atlantis was on the planet. Usually it was Ian. As little as he liked to fly – and everyone knew how much he hated it – a Gateship made for a much faster flight to Washington DC than if he walked through the gate and then caught a military flight. Besides, it also made it a lot easier for him to hide from anyone he didn't want to see – namely the press, who were always more than happy to badger him for an interview when they found out he was around. If not an interview with Ian, then at least pictures of the twins – who were definite favorites of the press. Luckily, the boys were far more cheerful and willing than their father was, and were used to being in the public's eye whenever they were visiting their grandparents in Washington.
The hangar had mesh netting that covered all sides, and the Gateships were always cloaked. Not so much to keep the public from seeing them, but because it was always better to keep any technology hidden from plain sight when they could. It was located against the mountain, about a hundred feet from one of the unofficial openings to the SGC. There was a guardhouse there, which was always manned, and a large grassy field that was mainly used for practicing basic field maneuvers. It was also a very convenient place for the twins to run a little of their energy off as soon as their father released them from the confines of the Gateship.
They were chasing each other in circles, giggling happily, when Hunt walked out of the SGC with a couple of his Marines with him. McKay was also out of the hangar, enjoying – for the moment, at least – the fresh air and greenery that the mountains of Colorado afforded.
Hunt walked over to the hangar, smiling at the sight of the boys being boys and offered his hand to McKay just as Ian and River emerged from the mesh netting that hid the Gateship until they were ready to cloak it, both carrying a baby in one arm and diaper bags in the other.
"Doctor McKay," Hunt said, shaking Rodney's hand. "Are you a sight for sore eyes."
Which wasn't really something Rodney was used to hearing. Slightly discomforted, he forced a smile.
"Thank you."
"How long until you can get me a shield again?"
Now McKay scowled. Figures.
"How about you give me a chance to at least look at it and see what your people did to it? Then I'll have a better idea of what I'll need to do."
"So, what?" Hunt pressed. "A couple of hours?"
"I'll let you know."
Before Hunt could say anything else, Ian and Hayden had joined them, drawing the general's attention from McKay – at least for the moment.
"General Hunt…"
Decked out as they were, and carrying babies, there was no way either man would be able to salute, but Hunt understood that, and really didn't often stand on formality with Ian since he knew it didn't mean much to Brooks.
"Colonel, it's good to see you again. You, too, Major Hayden."
"Thank you, sir." Ian looked toward the mountain base. "Is my wife here, by chance?"
Hunt smiled.
"No, Ian. From what I understand she had a lot of shopping to do. I did issue you a car, though, and I know Shawn's waiting for you guys to meet him at his house. You remember the way, I assume?"
Ian echoed Hunt's smile.
"I think I can find the way, yes. What about-"
They were interrupted by the twins, who came rushing over, breathless, eager to say hi to Hunt, who was imposing to his men, but definitely a favorite of Ian's oldest boys.
"Hi, General Hunt!"
Carter threw himself into Hunt's arms, knowing he'd be caught. Which he was. Hunt scooped him up into his arms just as cheerfully as the boy he was holding. He hugged him for the briefest moment before letting him down and ruffling the other twin's hair, with true affection. Not only did he really like the boys, he liked their parents – as well as their grandparents. The twins had a lot to live up to, but Hunt couldn't wait to see what they would turn out to be.
"Hey, guys. Ready to see grandma?"
"Which one?" Michael asked.
"Both," Ian replied, before Hunt could answer. "Mom's folks are already here, and Granny Mags will be in tonight."
"She doesn't like being called that," Carter chided.
Which made Ian smile. He knew it very well – which was why he called her that when she wasn't there and wouldn't dream of calling her it anytime when she could hear it.
"I know. Don't tell her, okay?"
"Okay."
"Are you going with them, Doctor?" Hunt asked, looking at McKay once more.
"No. I'm going to fix your shield."
Which was exactly what he was hoping to hear. The commanding officer of the SGC smiled.
"Let's go, then." He looked at Ian and River once more. "Tell Shawn I'll be by for cake tomorrow."
McKay gestured toward the hangar.
"And have someone bring me my bag, will you?"
Without looking back, he headed for the entrance, leaving the rest of them standing there watching.
