By dinner that evening, things were much better between Jacob and the O'Neills. After having a discussion with her father, Teal'c and Daniel, she learned that Jack and she were already married many times over thanks to the multiple ceremonies that they had participated in over the years.
Like the previous night, the Clan O'Neill, as Jack jokingly referred to their group, was once again in the conference room enjoying their dinner.
George, as the Patriarch of the family, sat at the head of the table with Jack to his right followed by Sam. To his left were Jacob, Janet, Daniel, and then Teal'c.
"So George, when is the promotion ceremony?" Jacob asked.
"It will be a private ceremony in the Oval Office tomorrow afternoon followed by dinner in the east room. We are required to be there at 1645 hours. Everyone is required to be in their dress blues. Daniel, Teal'c, you will also be given your new civilian orders tomorrow as well. Cassie and I took the liberty of picking up your new civilian dress uniforms. They look very similar to the military dress blue uniforms, but without the rank and military insignias. They are in your quarters."
"Thank you George Hammond."
"Yeah thank you George. If I may ask, how did you get mine and Teal'c's sizes?" Daniel asked.
"Your future stepdaughter" George replied.
At 1630 hours the next day, the group was standing around the throne chair as Janet, Sam, and Daniel were giving out last minute orders to their subordinates.
"Carson, the gene therapy will be fine. I have already set up the lab; all you need to do is relax and just give everyone a single shot." Janet told the Scottish Doctor.
"…Damnit McKay, just do as you're told or so help me god I'll make sure that Major Longo puts a bullet in your head. Or leave orange peels under your bed." Sam yelled.
"…I think Sam and I have unlocked everything, just plug in the computers and begin work on the translations…"
"General O'Neill, General Hammond sir. Permission to bring in another officer as my 2IC of the outpost" Major Longo asked the two men.
"Who?" Jack asked.
"Major John Sheppard." Long answered.
"Isn't he the man who was going to get court martialed for disobeying orders?" Jack asked.
"And in doing so saved the lives of the soldiers he was ordered to leave."
"I like him already. Bring him in, but keep him on a short leash for a little while. Is he stationed in DC?" Jack ordered.
"No sir. He is currently stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, but I have requested his presence at the promotion ceremony this afternoon." Reynolds said.
"Excellent work Reynolds. We'll talk more there." Jack said.
Jack pulled out his communication stone and activated it. "Thor, this is Jack, eight to beam to Washington."
"DAMNIT MAJOR I AM DEATHLY ALLERGIC—" were the last words that they heard from McKay as they left and say Major Longo tossing orange peels at the scientist.
Arriving on the bridge of Thor's ship, Jack and Sam both broke into giggles about Major Longo and McKay.
"How long do you think McKay is going to live?" Jack asked.
"Depends on whether or not Longo throws the orange down McKay's throat." Sam answered.
"Thor, will you be joining us for this ceremony?" Jacob asked.
"Yes Jacob Carter, I will be accompanying you all. Please prepare for transport."
Jack and Sam grabbed each other's hands before Thor beamed them to the new secure arrival and departure room of the White House. When they arrived, everyone saw that Thor was no longer looking like himself, but looked like a human.
He was a tall man, 6'5" with wide shoulders and pure muscle. In this form, Thor could give Teal'c a run for his money in the physical fitness department. With his piercing blue eyes and long blond hair, he could almost pass for a distant relation of Jack and Sam's. He was also wearing a proper three piece pinstripe suit, black fedora hat, and carried a polished wooden cane.
"O'Neill, you and the others may call me 'Donald Blake', the alter ego of the character Thor you're your Marvel Comic Book Series."
"Very cool Thor. Is this a hologram?" Sam asked.
"Very advanced holographic projection. I will pass any scans your people have as a human."
After a quick check with the Secret Service Agent who guarded the door, the group made their way to the East Room of the White House for a small reception before the promotion ceremony. President Hayes, his wife, the White House Chief of Staff, and members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff were waiting for them.
"George! I see you brought the whole gang here today. Can you make the introductions for us? Many of us have read their files and reports, but we have never actually met them." Hayes asked.
"Of course Mr. President; may this is Mr. Donald Blake, better known as Supreme Commander Thor of the Asgard." George said.
"Mr. President." Thor/Blake said.
"Next to him is Retired Major General Jacob Marcus Carter. General Carter is the host to the symbiote Selmac of the Tok'ra."
"General Carter, would it be possible to speak with Selmac for a moment?" Mrs. Hayes asked.
Jacob dropped his head as Selmac took over and flashed Jacob's eyes. "President Hayes, I am Selmac of the Tok'ra. I must ask you about the time you, George Hammond, and Jacob Carter wrestled those four nurses in the big jell-o bowl."
SEL!! WHY IN THE HELL DID YOU BRING THAT UP?!?!?!?!
Because I could and I knew that President Hayes would love it.
Everyone turned to look at the President, George, and then Jacob. Mrs. Hayes decided to explain to the others about the joke.
"Henry, George, and Jacob here were First Lieutenants stationed in West Germany in the early 1960's. While on weekend liberty, they got drunk and decided to flirt with three nurses who challenged them to a wrestling match. Needless to say, the boys lost. Henry and I were married fourteen months later, George and Anna were married six months after our wrestling match and Jacob here…Jacob and Katherine were married two years later, mainly due to Jacob being too nervous to propose. Isn't that right Jacob?" Jennifer Hayes asked sweetly.
"Yes Jenny." Jacob said, sulking.
"Anyway, now that Selmac has embarrassed us too no end; let me continue with the introductions; this Major Doctor Janet Frasier, Chief Medical Officer of Stargate Command and her fiancé Doctor Daniel Michael Jackson. Doctor Jackson is our expert in Linguistics, Archeology, Alterrans, and of course about being ascended. Doctor Jackson is also the Earth Ambassador from Abydos and one of the members of SG-1."
"Congratulations on your engage Dr. Jackson, Major Frasier." President Hayes said.
"Thank you sir. Daniel and I have decided that with what we do, we should not wait any longer because we do not know what tomorrow brings." Janet said.
"Well said Mom." Cassie said.
"Cassie!! I am sorry sir, please let me present our daughter, Cassandra." Janet said.
"Doctor Frasier, I thought you adopted a little girl who survived a goa'uld attack?" Jennifer Hayes asked.
"Yes I did. Cassie was the soul survivor from the planet Hanka. Daniel plans on adopting Cassie after we're married." Janet replied.
See that this satisfied everyone, George carried on with the introductions. "Next is Teal'c. He is from the planet Chulak, formerly under the control of the goa'uld Apophis. Teal'c is also the Earth Ambassador from Chulak and one of the leaders of the Jaffa Rebellion as well as one of the members of SG-1."
"President Hayes, Mrs. Hayes, I am honored to meet you both." Teal'c said as he bowed to the first couple.
"The honor is ours Teal'c. What you have done for all free people is worthy of many songs and stories. I am sure that one day your name will be known far and wide." Henry Hayes said.
"Yes, Teal'c is one of the reasons why SG-1 makes it home every time and why Earth is still free." Jack said.
"Well, Teal'c may be part of that reason Jack, but Doctor Jackson, Major Carter, and you are also part of that reason." Jacob said.
"Very true Jacob. Mr. President, Ma'am, may I present to you Colonel Steven Reynolds, the Commanding Officer of SG-2." George said.
Colonel Reynolds shook the President and First Lady's hands.
"This here is Major Doctor Samantha Grace Carter." George said, pointing at Sam. "Major Carter has a PhD in Astrophysics and is the foremost expert on the Stargate and wormhole theory in general."
"Colonel Carter, it is an honor to meet you finally. After reading all of your reports, I still have no idea about half of what you say, but I am glad you do." The President said, shaking Sam's hand.
"See Sam. I feel the exact same way." Jack said with a straight face.
"Thank you sir. It is an honor to meet both of you." Sam said ignoring Jack.
"And finally, allow me to introduce Colonel Jonathan Patrick 'Jack' O'Neill. Colonel O'Neill is the Commanding Officer of SG-1 and currently the Second in Command of the SGC. Jack is not only the Earth Ambassador to the Asgard, but he is also Heir to the Alterrans and Major Carter's fiancée."
"Colonel, it is an honor to meet you finally. Thank you for your hard work and for putting your life on the line for all of us."
"It is my honor, sir." Jack said.
"Well, why don't we get this show on the road then." Hayes said.
"Ladies and Gentlemen thank you for coming to this promotion ceremony. Today we are here to honor the achievements of seven individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to not only the United States Air Force, but to Earth as a whole.
"First off, Major General George Washington Hammond, step forward" George stepped up and took his place in front of the President.
"George and I have known each other for over forty years now, since we were in basic training. We have grown up together, stood by each other when we were married, watched our children grow up, and helped each other when our careers diverged.
"When George thought he was getting to the end of his career, he took command of the inactive SGC so that he could run out the clock on his retirement. Well needless to say that George did not retire, though the time has come for him to move on. At this time, I would like to introduce the Secretary of Defense William Kilpatrick."
The Secretary of Defense made his way to the podium, and opened a file folder.
"Attention to orders." Everyone in the room stood and all of the military personnel snapped to attention. "The President of the United States, acting upon the recommendation of the Secretary of the Air Force, has placed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, integrity, and abilities of Major General George Hammond. In view of these special qualities, and his demonstrated potential to serve in the higher grade, Major General Hammond is promoted to the grade of Lieutenant General, United State Air Force, effective this day, by order of the Secretary of the Air Force."
General West and President Hayes changed out Hammond's two stars for his new three stars. Once completed, both men saluted the new Lieutenant General who returned their salute.
"At this time, President Hayes will administer the Oath of Office." Kilpatrick said.
"George, repeat after me "I, George Washington Hammond/// having been appointed a Lieutenant General in the United States Air Force /// do solemnly swear /// that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States /// against all enemies, foreign and domestic /// that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same /// that I take this obligation freely /// without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion /// and that I will well and faithfully discharge /// the duties of the office which I am about to enter /// so help me God."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present Lieutenant General George Washington Hammond." Everyone applauded loudly and congratulated George on the long over due promotion.
"Our newly minted Lieutenant General will not only be heading up Homeworld Security, but he will also be serving as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Hammond will directly oversee the SGC, Area-51, the X-301, X-302, X-303, X-304, X-305 projects, the Alterran Outpost, and our off-world bases and embassies. Needless to say George, you are going to be a busy man."
Everyone chuckled at George. Realizing what he was now in charge of made him realize that the SGC would be a cake walk. His face showed the shock.
"Shortly after I took office, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and I began a top to bottom review of the Stargate Program, Area-51, and related programs. What we discovered was that the SGC was run very well under the Command of then Major General Hammond while Area-51 and the other related programs, while running well, were not running anywhere as well as the SGC so we began to make changes. The first change that we decided on was that we needed someone to oversee the entire program, so we promoted Lieutenant General Hammond and his subsequent assignment as the Director of Homeworld Security.
"The second change is a top to bottom restructuring of the SGC; from the command staff to the enlisted airmen. The SGC itself will continue to be considered a military installation, but there will civilians within the upper levels of the command structure. The 6th in command of the SGC will be the Chief Medical Officer Major Janet Frasier.
"Janet Frasier, please step forward." Janet stepped up next to the podium and saluted the President.
"Major Doctor Janet Frasier, as the Chief Medical Officer of Stargate Command, you have constantly demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism and ideals of not only the United States Air Force, but of all medical practitioners throughout the world. George, if you would?" Hayes asked Hammond who nodded. After reaching the podium he spoke.
"Attention to orders." Everyone in the room stood and all of the military personnel snapped to attention. "The President of the United States, acting upon the recommendation of the Secretary of the Air Force, has placed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, integrity, and abilities of Major Janet Suzanne Frasier. In view of these special qualities, and his demonstrated potential to serve in the higher grade, Major Frasier is promoted to the grade of Lieutenant Colonel, United State Air Force, effective this day, by order of the Secretary of the Air Force."
General Hammond and President Hayes changed out Janet's Major Insignias for the Lieutenant Colonel Insignias. Once completed, both men saluted her then she returned their salute.
"At this time, President Hayes will administer the Oath of Office." Hammond said.
"Dr. Frasier, repeat after me "I, Janet Suzanne Frasier/// having been appointed a Lieutenant Coronal in the United States Air Force /// do solemnly swear /// that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States /// against all enemies, foreign and domestic /// that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same /// that I take this obligation freely /// without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion /// and that I will well and faithfully discharge /// the duties of the office which I am about to enter /// so help me God."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present Lieutenant Colonel Janet Suzanne Frasier."
The remainder of the ceremony was a blur for Jack except for a few specific things. After Janet got her promotion, Teal'c and Danny were presented with the Civilian Service Medals and their new orders. Then Sam was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and given her new orders before being presented with the Bronze Star, the Silver Star, Meritorious Service Award, Air Medal, the Air Force Combat Action Medal, and the newly created SGC Award of Valor and the SGC Distinguished Service Cross.
Sam later filled Jack in what he and Jacob had received. Jack received the Bronze Star, the Silver Star, Meritorious Service Award, Air Medal, the Air Force Combat Action Medal, the SGC Award of Valor, the SGC Distinguished Service Cross, three Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal, and the Air Force Medal of Honor.
Jacob, who had retired shortly after Jack for the first time, was officially recalled to active duty and assigned to Homeworld Security as the Off-world contact to the Tok'ra. Jacob was also officially recognized at the Tok'ra Ambassador to Earth. He was then promoted to Lieutenant General, just like George.
The dinner that followed held no memories for Jack. In fact nothing really registered in Jack's brain until Thor beamed the group back to the SGC gate room. The only thoughts he had in his head were of him and Sam bare ass naked on his desk in his office.
"Well, I'm glad that we are done with the Dog and Pony Show." Jack aid as began to remove his coat and tie.
"Indeed." Teal'c said.
"Alright everyone. There are offices that need to get moved around and new assignments to start." Hammond said. "But first things first…Jack I would put your coat and tie back on, son."
"Why?"
The blast doors opened and all of the SGC personnel entered the room. Once they were in place, Walter spoke up. "Base Attention!!"
All of the military personnel snapped to attention while the civilians also stood up straight. George, who was still standing on the gate ramp, spoke up.
"Thank you Sergeant. At ease, everyone." The military personnel dropped into what is known as parade rest and waited for their General to address them.
"It has been an honor to serve with you here for the last seven years. Stargate Command has been Earth's first line of defense against the goa'uld and also our first line for meeting new people and acquiring new technologies.
"Our base has saved the lives of this planet a dozen times over and I want to thank you all for your hard work." There was a large amount of applause before Hammond continued.
"As you all know, I have been recently promoted to Lieutenant General and placed in charge of the Office of Homeworld Security which will be based out of Cheyenne Mountain and the SGC. At this time, I would like to introduce to you the new command staff of the SGC.
"Lieutenant Colonel Janet Frasier will continue to serve as the Chief Medical Officer of the base. Doctor Daniel Jackson will be heading up the new Archeology, Research, and Linguistics. Dr. Jackson will also be the general ambassador to all off world cultures we come into contact with.
"Teal'c will be in charge of the SGC training program and also the Chief Trainer for all new recruits. All training for base personnel will be handled by Teal'c and his training team.
"Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter will serve as the 3rd in Command of the Base as well as the Second in Command of SG-1. Colonel Carter will also be heading up the Department of Research and Development of Alien Technologies. Colonel Reynolds will serve as the base's Second in Command and the Commanding Officer of SG-2. Colonel Reynolds will also be the SGC liaison to other HWS programs like Area-51."
George took a deep breath before continuing "Last but not least, Brigadier General Jack O'Neill will serve as the new Commander of the SGC and the Commanding Officer of SG-1. General O'Neill." Hammond looked over at Jack who moved to stand next to him.
Hammond then removed an official set of papers and read from them. "By order of the Secretary of the Air Force, under order from the President of the United States of America, I hereby transfer control of this facility to General Brigadier Jonathan Patrick O'Neill on this day and at this place." Hammond then saluted Jack who then turned to the assembled group.
"Thank you General Hammond. As you all know, I am a man of few words so I'll be brief." Jack looked at his family and then looked over the gate room at large. "With the defeat of Anubis, the mission profile of the SGC will slowly begin to change over the next few months from just a military operation to a military, scientific, and diplomatic mission. While we begin this change, I expect the same level of devotion and excellence that I have come to expect from all of you. I only hope that I can provide the same leadership that you have come to expect from General Hammond. Thank you."
The applause was deafening as Jack stepped off the ramp. He then pulled Sam into his arms and into a deep, passionate kiss which caused everyone to clap louder and woof whistle. Not to be outdone, Daniel grabbed Janet and kissed her with just as much love and devotion that Jack was kissing Sam with.
"Now that you have been provided your daily entertainment by the future Mr. & Dr. O'Neill, and the future Dr. & Dr. Jackson, everyone dismissed!" Hammond then turned to Jacob, "And you owe me a hundred bucks for each couple." George said as the two Generals left the gate room, leaving the two couples still kissing.
As Teal'c and Cassie left the gate room, they turned off the lights and closed the blast doors, leaving the couples in complete blackness. Cassie and Teal'c laughed when they heard the screams from the gate room and thuds as they stumbled over each other.