Final Decision

Author's Notes: refer to first chapter

Disclaimer: refer to first chapter

Rush nodded with satisfaction. "That's exactly what I meant. So, what did you want to talk with me about?"

"Let's go backwards from what you found today. I think I remember hearing that if a certain key code was found, someone with an Alteran gene could activate more of Destiny's systems."

"Yes, that's right."

Looking over at Missy who gave him an encouraging smile, Ev said, "Well, you're gonna have two people who can accomplish that task when you find it."

Not comprehending for a moment, Rush gazed at both of them and then asked, "Are you talking about you and the lass? I thought she was General …."

Melissa tapped her forehead and said to Everett, "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I should have remembered this part would confuse him." She then turned to Rush and stated, "Dr. Rush, I'm General Hammond's adopted daughter. Actually, if you were to put all of my names on a driver's license, it would need to be a big one. Let's see. Melissa Caitlin Allen was my birth name; my biological parents were killed when I was thirteen and the Hammonds adopted me after I was found wandering around Mountain Home, ID with amnesia; and Mitchell was my first husband's name. I'm pretty sure the divorce is final now though. Ev, didn't you tell me General O'Neill was going to have Cam take care of that?"

"Yes."

"Now, Dr. Rush, please know that last part is something I'm not proud of. In fact, if it hadn't have been for the frat rules, Ev and I probably would have been married long before now."

Shaking his head, Rush said, "Never liked the frat rules. Always thought they were too much of a distraction. And for the last couple of weeks, I've been watching the two of you. If there are not two people who are more meant to be together than the two of you, I don't know where they are."

A slow smile came over Missy's face as she clasped Ev's hand. "Thank you, Dr. Rush."

"You're welcome, lass. Now tell me about this Alteran thing."

"Well," said Ev, "after we first got to the Destiny, while we were waiting to crash into the sun, Missy and I saw an ascended Alteran."

"What!"

"He told us that they had detected our group coming onboard because of the presence of a strong Alteran gene in us and in the baby. Apparently, our parents were Alteran and abandoned on Earth by the Ancients shortly before I was born, but we were never told anything. My parents were killed when I was 17 and in the Air Force Academy."

Rush asked, "And you believed….?"

"We did, especially after TJ told us there were inconsistencies with Missy's blood work. Apparently, the differences between humans and Alterans are minimal, but they do show up in blood work."

"Wow! I appreciate you sharing that with me."

Melissa touched Ev's arm. "Sweetheart, you're forgetting the part he'll be the most interested in."

"Oh, yes." Ev grinned as he continued, "We were also told that there is a planet of present-day Alterans in this part of the universe. They are aware that Destiny has re-activated, and they've sent a ship to meet us. They'll be here by the time Missy is ready to deliver. So, can you understand why I'm not concerned about not being on Earth for the delivery?"

Dr. Rush's eyes had gotten as big as saucers during Everett's speech, and he didn't answer the question for a moment. When he realized the other two were still waiting for an answer, he replied, "Of course, I understand why you're not concerned. I also think I understand why you don't want the whole ship to know."

"Yes, because as long as we're letting people use the stones, there's a chance it could get back to Earth." Ev put his arm around Missy. "And considering I found out that what Telford did to Missy yesterday was ordered by the IOA, I'm not taking any more chances with her or the baby's safety."

"Oh my God! What did the lass do to deserve being beaten up like that?"

"Apparently, someone figured out she was important to me, and they didn't like it that I ended up here instead of their person."

"That makes sense."

Leaning forward in his seat, Everett said, "Dr. Rush, I would like us to work together. There is a lot of potential for discoveries to be made out here—on planets and on this ship. You can run the science team as you see fit. I just ask that you let me know if there's some kind of life and limb risk."

"Agreed." The two men shook hands. "I think this will be a productive partnership. I do have a question. You do know if we find the code, more people will find out about your Alteran gene?"

Melissa answered, "I'm thinking we can portray this as more of a latent thing—like General O'Neill has the Ancient gene—and we wouldn't have to go through all of the background stuff. What do you guys think?"

"Works for me," said Rush.

"Me too," said Ev who looked at his watch. "It is just about 20:00. Who's ready for poker?" At that moment, the door chimed. Everett said, "Come on in," and the door opened to reveal Scott, Greer, Chloe, Mac, TJ, and Eli who greeted the other three already in the room.

Holding up the cards, Greer said, "It is time for some fun!"

Her eyes alight with anticipation, Melissa asked, "So, what are we using for money, Sergeant?"

"We actually found poker chips." He dumped the pile in the middle of the table and gave her a curious glance. "How long have you played, Doc?"

Looking over at Ev, Missy said, "You didn't tell them. Tsk. Tsk. Sergeant, I've played for a while. Ask the Colonel how many watches I got out of when we were offworld."

Everett laughed as he put his arm around Missy's shoulders. "Missy is cutthroat as far as poker is concerned. When I first came to the SGC, there were about ten of us involved in a game, and I was the one that lasted the longest against her. Let's see, who was in that game? It was General O'Neill, Colonel Feretti, Colonel Carter, and Dr. Jackson along with a few others. They all folded when it got too rich for their blood. There was $250 in the pot. She had the makings of a royal flush and told me I could see her face-down card if I doubled the pot which I did. Turns out she only had a straight which still beat what I had. She went home $500 richer that night. I was so mad."

"Yes, Jack and Lou have said many times that they regretted teaching me," chuckled Missy.

Greer handed her the cards and said, "Ok, Doc, let's see you shuffle." Missy shuffled the cards expertly. "Well, well, I do like a challenge."

"So do I," said Mac.

Missy looked at the rest of the group. "Ok, who's in?" Everyone motioned that they wanted cards except Chloe who indicated that she would watch for a round. Greer and Scott divided the chips evenly between the group while Missy passed out the cards. She said, "The game is five card stud—sevens are wild." For a few minutes, the game play was very brisk with people turning in cards and getting replacement cards. Finally, Missy said, "The opening bet is two chips." Everyone passed forward their chips.

Then Greer said, "I'll raise that five more." He put five of his chips into the pile. Immediately, Scott, Eli, and TJ folded while everyone else pushed in five chips. Melissa proceeded to give everyone left in the round another face-down card and opened the betting again. The game playing continued in this fashion until everyone had folded except for Melissa and Greer. "So, Doc, you ready to give up yet?"

Missy grinned and said, "Nope, I'll take your bet of five and raise it ten."

Chuckling, Ev said, "Sergeant, it's best to get out when she starts betting like that."

"But I've got to see those cards, Sir. I'm calling it. He laid down his cards—four jacks and a king. Starting to pull the pile of chips towards him, he said, "Come to papa."

"That's good, Sergeant, but not good enough." Missy laid down her cards. She had a royal flush, and everyone was suitably impressed. They played several more rounds which were won by Missy, Greer, Mac, and Dr. Rush. Finally, the pile of chips was split between Missy and Rush for several minutes until Missy called it and laid down her cards—four tens and a queen.

She was about to proclaim victory when Rush said, "Lass, I'm pretty sure this beats what you have." He laid down his cards—five jacks. Pulling the pile of chips toward him, he winked and said, "That was quite the challenge. I wouldn't mind doing this on a regular basis."

Greer said, "I like how you think, Rush. Let's plan on it." The rest of the group enthusiastically agreed.

"Before we break up for the night," said Chloe, "I had a question for Melissa and the Colonel."

Missy, who had snuggled back up in the crook of Ev's arm on the sofa, said, "Yes, Chloe."

"If I understand it correctly, didn't the Colonel ask you to marry him back on Icarus?"

"He did." She reached underneath her shirt and pulled out her tags which still had the sapphire ring on them. "You know, I guess I could wear this on my finger now."

"Well, I was talking with Matthew, and we were thinking that it would be really nice if the crew had something positive to plan towards. So, we wanted to ask you…"

Scott interrupted, "Chloe, you're beating around the bush. Sir, you know I was raised by a Catholic priest, and I pretty much have everything memorized. I would be very honored if you would let me preside over your wedding."

"Yep," said Mac in a teasing voice. "We gotta get 'Mom and Dad' married off before the baby's born."

Chloe continued, "Enough people have IPODS so I think music is covered."

Dr. Rush said, "Lass, I would be willing to give you away."

"And that lady I was telling you about," said TJ, "was very enthusiastic. I think a wedding dress wouldn't be a problem either. So, what do you think, Sir?"

Overwhelmed at the generosity of their friends, Ev and Missy looked at each other for a long moment. He took her hands in his and asked, "What do you think, baby?"

Giving him a gentle smile, Missy said, "Nothing would make me happier than to be married to you, Ev. That would be wonderful!"

"Fantastic!" exclaimed Chloe. "The planning starts tomorrow!" Everyone headed out telling Everett and Melissa they would see them in the morning.