I created some characters and named them. Any similarity to any person living or dead is purely coincidental. Many thanks to Zeilfanaat for the beta. She easily discovers errors that go right past me most of the time. As always, anything wrong, screwed-up or hinky in any way is all on me.


Previously in chapter 10 - Landry headed for the other doorway to call back the SFs while O'Neill headed to the elevator to test his new card before going to his temporary quarters. And in the auxiliary security office up on 16, Captain Arden Guernsey smiled as he slipped his shiny new key card onto his pocket.

Chapter 11

Upstairs in the mountain complex, Air Force Chief of Staff General Michael Mantley had just finished speaking and the applause was still deafening when the NORAD Commander returned to the podium. The four star General raised his hands palms down indicating to the crowd that they should quiet down just a bit and he waited until the noise level dropped before speaking.

"And now ladies and gentlemen, I am honored and pleased to present, the President of the United States, our Commander-in-Chief, President Henry Hayes."

'Hail to the Chief' began streaming from the speaker system and the crowd waited for Hayes to appear. It wasn't long before a group at the left side of the stage started clapping and then the rest of the gathered crowd saw the President, and the applause and cheering became almost deafening. Smiling at everyone as he passed by, he made his way to the podium and faced the personnel assembled to greet him. He grinned almost shyly and those that knew him, knew that he actually felt humbled by the military response to him, so this was no exception. Things in the world were not great and animosity at home was prevalent. It was common for the American people to blame the President, even when there was nothing he could have done to remedy a situation. The good news for an American President though, was that most people in the military usually had a different view of things, and for that he would always be grateful.

The music had ended, but the President hesitated, waiting for the noise to get to a level where he would be heard. It was another minute before he began to speak.

"Thank you for your welcome and for your attention while your superiors outlined the vision, and what will be the ultimate outcome for this mountain complex. The history lesson was invaluable to me, but I'm sure you already knew all about the structural specifications of blast doors and underground ventilation systems," he quipped with a big smile. The crowd laughed and then clapped intermittently before he continued.

"In my many years of political service, I've met with the women and men in uniform around the world. I served in the Air Force," and the crowd cheered loudly again. Speaking from his heart, he went on to tell them a couple of short stories about his time in uniform, and then went on to tell them just how valuable they were to national security. He didn't completely reiterate the previous dialogue about the future, but he did want them to know that shifting day to day operations from the mountain complex to Peterson Air Force Base was about an evolving Air Force, and did not diminish their contributions in any way.

"I continue to be amazed by the courage, dedication, commitment and patriotism displayed by all our troops, and I am humbled that it is you that remain our symbols of pride and strength of this nation. The missions have changed throughout the years at this facility and others worldwide, but our nation's core mission has not changed, and it will not change. You and others have saved our collective red, white and blue behinds." He waited for the applause to die down, and was glad he had included that colorful reference as another 20-30 seconds passed. Finally he got an opening. "You've saved our behinds and I know you will save them again in the future. We are the strongest nation on earth and we will continue to be on the leading edge of the sword that defends our freedoms and way of life from any and all adversaries."

He let them clap and cheer; they were, after all, congratulating themselves, and he was fine with that because he knew they each deserved much more. The noise abated just a bit. He smiled broadly, dipped his head slightly and sincerely told them, "Thank you for your service. Thank you for your dedication." He had planned on more thank yous, but he crowd reacted, bursting into clapping, cheering and shouting. and anyone who hadn't already stood up was suddenly on their feet, including the civilian politicians. President Hayes stepped away from the microphone, and the protocol officer stepped up and delivered an announcement about refreshments. NORAD's three commanding officers and senior enlisted man approached the President where handshakes were exchanged before the group moved off the stage toward the receiving line.

Commanders from Colorado military bases - Schreiver, Fort Carson, Peterson, Lowry and Buckley were first in line, followed by commanders from Air Force bases in Kansas, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and Oklahoma. The politicians were next. The President greeted the governor, along with two senators, seven representatives, the Colorado Springs mayor and city council, and all the politico support staff. All of them, even the junior staff aides, seemed to think they were entitled to their own special time and not just a handshake. Finally after a photo op the politicians moved on, and surrounded by secret service the President's party headed to the main corridor. They wouldn't be staying for refreshments or for the Colorado version of the capitol hill two step. The group was halfway to the elevator junction when Mantley noticed they had picked up an additional five people who wouldn't be going downstairs with them. He quickly singled out an SF, whispering instructions to him. Letting the President, Hammond and the others move a few steps ahead, Mantley turned to the unexpected and uninvited folks.

"Lady and gentlemen, the President has concluded his official visit."

He didn't get another word out , before the Peterson Base Commander petulantly spoke up. "Where's the President going... Sir?"

If looks could kill then the commander would be sprawled dead on the floor at Mantley's feet. The Chief of Staff needed to be cautious because of the civilians, but he also needed to slap down the Brigadier.

"General, I'd like you to take these folks back to the reception and then meet me on three." He looked pointedly at the Brigadier before noticing the return of the SF accompanied by the NORAD liaison officer. Deciding everything was under control, Mantley headed for the elevator so he could go down to three and secure a room. A soundproof room.

As he spoke to the civilians, the liaison officer noted the General leaving. "The reception is available for about another 30 minutes. In 10 minutes or so I can have your cars and drivers waiting outside the main north portal entrance." Seeing the confused looks from the four civilians in the group, he quickly clarified, "The door you came in," and added, "We'll let you know when."

"What if I want to leave now?" The man asking the question wore large, horn-rimmed glasses, and had arrived at the mountain with the senior Colorado Senator's group.

Glancing at several SFs standing nearby, the liaison officer tried again. "The official visit has ended. Please return to to the reception hall, and we will announce when it's possible for you depart."

Another man with little chiclet* teeth spoke up. "I heard that this mountain complex houses something else. I want to know what it is, and I want to see it."

"I'm sorry, Sir, that is not possible." His look implored the SFs to help, though he had no idea what he wanted them to do. They sure didn't need a problem, especially one that could make it into the press. Just when he was seriously worried, Mantley came back around the corner, and walked towards them. The liaison officer breathed a sigh of relief, because he hadn't been sure of what to do, but surely the Air Force Chief of Staff would.

Smiling affably, the four star General greeted the group. "Hello folks. Come on back to the reception and I'll be glad to tell you about this mountain's other command, Deep Space radar Telemetry."

"I don't want to hear about it, I want to see it," a snarky civilian with a bad toupee emphatically told him.

Ever the diplomat with civilians, Mantley smiled. It was past time to nip this in the bud. "That's not possible. The area is very restricted. As you saw, even the President's group is kept quite small."

Chiclet mouth barked sarcastically, "He had a civilian with him. That follically challenged guy in the suit."

Mantley felt like decking the idiot, but instead he replied, "The man you are referring to, and none too kindly I might add, is a retired Air Force general and special adviser to President Hayes." The man seemed to swallow his ire, probably after wondering if he could get into trouble for insulting the bald guy. Mantley pushed ahead. "Keeping the visiting group small has something to do with too many people causing an increase in static electricity. It's not good for the sensitive equipment." He relaxed a little when it looked like three of four civilians had bought it, and he moved past them on his way back to the reception. "Now come on back, and I'll tell you about it. Or better yet, I'll find a scientist who can explain it all much better than I can."

Thankfully they all followed him like he was the pied piper. The SFs had kept other personnel out of the corridor, so it was empty as the group made their way back. When the door closed behind them, none of the unauthorized people were aware of detained SGC personnel leaving through an adjacent door into the same corridor.

Mitchell and Carter, along with many other SGC personnel hung around long enough for their departure to not be obvious, before they made their way to the corridor that would take them to the elevator. They'd only gone about 10 feet when two SFs stopped them, quietly instructing they return to the reception where they should stay close to the adjacent door. Mitchell and Carter both started to protest, until one of the SFs told them quite frankly, "Sir, Ma'am, there are unauthorized civilians in the corridor." Then he whispered, "You will have to wait for them to get out of there, before you can get to the elevator and go downstairs."

Finally understanding the delay, the two SGC officers actually looked a little bit embarrassed for not finding out what was going on, before reacting the way they did. It was only another minute or so when the door opened and the same SF told them the corridor was clear, but they hadn't gone very far when Carter was called back.

"Colonel Carter, General Mantley wants to see you," the SF urgently explained. "He's waiting for you by the large table next to the stage."

She looked at Mitchell, kind of shrugged her shoulders, and headed back into the reception area. Mitchell waited, trying to decide what he should do, and finally concluded that he would wait for her inside.

*~*~*~*~*~*

General Hank Landry was in his office when he became aware of the time, so he wasn't startled when the phone suddenly rang. He listened for a full minute as the person on the other end gave him some kind of report, before he replied, "Escort to quarters, and please remind President Hayes I said no detours."

He gave his dismissing comment and then quickly dialed his head of security. They spoke briefly about what had happened upstairs, and how General Mantley was handling the somewhat delicate situation. Thank goodness the only civilians coming to his base were authorized to be with the President. He hung up the phone and started to relax… just a smidgen. He knew the SGC was sealed, additional SFs were in place, and the guests were on their way to quarters. The phone rang again a few minutes later and after he thanked the person on the other end, he called Jack to tell him that the President had arrived on time. Then after putting on and straightening his jacket, Landry quickly left his office.

~*~*~*~*~*~*

On sub level 16, the auxiliary security station was busy. Keeping track of everyone and everything meant three people never had a dull duty shift especially when the President, Sec Def , Secretary of the Air Force and Air Force Chief of Staff were visiting, all at the same time. The initial SGC reception was scheduled to begin in less than an hour and so far everything else had proceeded like clockwork. All except one of the guests to the NORAD celebration had been expelled from the mountain on schedule, but it was only a few minutes later when the last guest went out the door and General Mantley, who had been upstairs finally came down. Captain Guernsey worked through his duty shift, confident that everything would proceed as planned. He vowed that during the next restroom break he would check on a couple of things, just to make sure.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Mitchell sarcastically quipped, "Well that was fun," as the elevator descended to the lower levels of the SGC.

Carter smiled, but didn't say anything. She knew Mitchell wasn't just referring to the speeches and reception, but the science lesson as well. The four others in the car, all enlisted didn't speak either.

Mitchell was undeterred. "We should have had cake. Then we could compare it to ours later,"

His proclamation made everyone chuckle, and he smiled broadly as the elevator came to a stop. They all disembarked and went their separate ways, with Carter and Mitchell heading for Daniel's domain. That's where they guessed they'd find him, and Teal'c and Vala too.

Three fifths of SG-1 were inside the archaeologist's office when the two Air Force officers came down the corridor and stopped just outside the door where they could see their teammates inside. Teal'c looked as stoic as ever, Vala was casually lounging in a chair and Daniel was seething.

"I don't get it. He's been here for over an hour and we still haven't seen him."

Vala grinned when she realized her friends and teammates had joined her and the boys. Mitchell and Carter gazed at them, noticing posture and facial expressions right away. Teal'c looked like… well, Teal'c. Vala looked amused and Daniel looked royally ticked. His arms were waving, with his hands gripping nothing except air, and his words were spoken harshly.

"I haven't talked to him in almost three weeks," Daniel bellowed. "He was here long enough to almost get me frozen..." Daniel's rant continued, while the others watched helplessly.

Mitchell whispered to Carter, "We should have had cake."

"I don't think it would have helped," Carter whispered back. Mitchell gave her an incredulous look because everybody knows cake makes everything better.

"Have any of you talked to him?" Daniel's question went unanswered, as he quickly forged ahead. "Because if you did and you didn't tell me you had talked to him..."

It wasn't obvious to Daniel, but the others glanced at each other, confirming that they either hadn't spoken to whomever Daniel was referring, or they didn't have a clue what he was talking about.

Carter whispered to Vala, "Is that the jacket you bought last week when we went shopping?"

"Uh huh, do you like it?"

Daniel was still venting his feelings, not paying attention at all to the others.

Carter nodded, wondering where Vala got the fabric sequin kit to decorate the garment.

Mitchell whispered to Carter, "She bought the craft kit from somewhere advertised on television. Teal'c showed her how and she had it delivered to my place."

Carter just smiled at Vala's creativity.... and her gall. Then she felt the pang of hurt feelings when she wondered why it hadn't been delivered to her house. She would have been glad to help Vala.

Teal'c had overheard the whispers and felt Carter's misplaced distress. In a hushed murmur he told her, "Vala Mal Doran wished to surprise you."

Carter smiled at her teammates, understanding why they did what they did, and then looked at Daniel, who was still ranting. By now everyone knew Daniel was venting about O'Neill, but they didn't say anything.

"He shows up today and I find out that he wasn't up in NORAD with the President. He's been down here for hours. HOURS." Daniel's hands were moving wildly in front of him. All of them knew it hadn't been hours, but kept silent about the actual time. Everyone except Teal'c, who had had enough.

"Enough Daniel Jackson. It has not been hours."

"I'm sure he'll have time to talk to us…you" Carter added, mumbling softly, "eventually." She winced at her pathetic attempt. Her words were meant to reassure the linguist, but that didn't happen. Thankfully Teal'c wasn't finished.

"I do not believe your anger is solely about O'Neill," Teal'c offered, his head slightly cocked.

Daniel looked defiantly at his friend before finally nodding. "What are we doing here except wasting time? We should be looking for a way to defeat the Ori army." And on he went from there. The others waited patiently, knowing that eventually he had to run out of steam, which would definitely happen before he ran out of opinions, and the words to express them. He went on about the Ori, Ba'al and the Wraith, and about the SG teams being recalled. In that way he was right. All missions were on hold, but the threats were real.

When Daniel stopped a minute later, it was Vala who spoke, but not to Daniel. "So you two, you saw your President." Smiling she then not so innocently asked, "What color is he wearing?"

*~*~*~*~*~*

The President was in his special VIP suite, while the SecDef, the Secretary of the Air Force and General Mantley were in VIP rooms nearby. General Hammond was in a room just down from Jack, and other VIPs were located in various rooms throughout the lower levels of the facility. The President's personal aide knocked on the door of the special suite. He listened and then opened the door to the suite of rooms announcing, "Mr President, General Landry is here." Waiting only for a look from his boss, he stepped back to the corridor and indicated for the visitor to come with him.

"General Landry, please come in and sit down," President Hayes beckoned as the agent standing just inside the door exited, closing the door behind him. The room was brightly lit and appeared to meet the needs of the President just fine. After all, Stargate Command was a military base, not a fancy hotel, and the man wasn't going to be there for very long.

"Thank you, Mr. President," Landry responded, but he did not sit down. He shouldn't have been surprised that the President wasn't surprised to see him, but somehow he was... a little bit, and wondering if he should have waited to be summoned. The President was in an adjoining room so Hank hung back near the door waiting patiently. He wouldn't be sitting down anywhere until the President sat down, even though he'd been told that he could.

"I'm glad you stopped by, it's great to see you" the President offered as he came through the door. Landry was already at attention, but stiffened further, squaring his shoulders.

The President casually walked over and offered his hand. They shook hands and Hayes gestured for him to sit. Hank chose a chair while the other man relaxed on the sofa, his arm resting on a solid colored blue pillow.

"I enjoyed this room arrangement the last time I was here," he smiled, rubbing his hand on the cushion. "I hope my being here is not too much of an inconvenience."

Landry couldn't tell if he was kidding or not. Of course his visit was inconvenient, but nobody in their right mind would ever acknowledge it. "I imagine it's more of one for you, and your staff, Sir."

"Oh not at all. Well, not for me, can't speak for them," he chuckled. "I spend so many days and nights without any kind of privacy that being here is almost a vacation." Chuckling he added, "Even in the residence I'm always being interrupted." He paused, thinking about something, perhaps how to phrase his next statements.

"I do almost nothing by myself, or for myself. It's eerie. I don't even have a credit card to personally order flowers for my wife. A secretary does it for me," he continued, coolly looking right into Hank's eyes. "I haven't made a personal call by myself since I took office." He smiled wryly. "I guess a person has to dial 9 for an outside line, but you couldn't prove it by me." He shifted his position on the sofa and crossed his leg.

"I have a white house chief of staff and several aides who insist on trying to handle me. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy being President, most of the time anyway, but I'm sure I'd like it a lot more if it wasn't so....... political," he mused. The smile returned and his eyes sparkled. Both men laughed openly and Hank was suddenly very comfortable. He now understood a little better why both Jack O'Neill and George Hammond liked this man. They spoke for several minutes about family and service, and then, as if on a cue, Hayes changed the subject. "Everyone is very pleased with the job you've been doing here." He noticed Landry relaxing just a little.

Feeling as though he should respond, Hank said, "Thank you, Mr. President. This command has certainly had its challenges. I appreciate your compliment, and your confidence." He looked right into the man's eyes and said, "The groundwork laid by Generals Hammond and O'Neill paved the way for me to be successful, Mr. President. And the truly amazing officers and enlisted, as well as civilian scientists who work here."

Hayes rubbed his chin and looked thoughtfully at the General before continuing. "I know what you mean about the people who work for you, Hank, but I think you have a lot to do with it. Certainly running this place is far from easy. I give credit, a whole lot of credit to Generals Hammond and O'Neill. Both were instrumental in getting us to where we are today, but the continuing day to day operation right now, with all of its successes is because of you."

Hank beamed and changed his position in the chair where he sat, actually amazed that the President was devoting so much time to a personal conversation.

"Failures too, Sir." Both men nodded solemnly, knowing things didn't always go well or have expected outcomes.

The President continued, "I think you deserve enormous credit, especially with the Ori and the Goa'uld Ba'al...." he chuckled, then added, "mucking up things." Both men understood the seriousness of it all too well. They chatted for a just a few minutes longer, and then as if a hidden bird had jumped out and cuckoo-ed, the President stood up. And as quickly as he could recover from the surprise, Hank stood up too. The conversation was over. Just like that.

"Good talking to you, General. I'm looking forward to the show and tell." The President shook Landry's hand saying, "I'll see you again in a little while." Then he was through the adjoining door before Landry could form a reply. Even though the man wouldn't hear him, the SGC commander spoke into the air, "Thank you, Mr. President."

With a big grin, Landry checked his watch. The meeting had lasted six minutes. Almost exactly six minutes. Still grinning, he went to the outside door and pulled it open. The closest secret service agent turned, acknowledged him, and just like that the General was out the door, down the hall, into the elevator and back in his office. Still slightly smiling, Hank retrieved a file from his computer and printed it, waiting the few seconds for the printer to spit out the pages. He left one copy on his desk, another he deposited in the basket on his aide's desk, and the last one he inserted into a folder. He then notified the duty officer, and made his way to his on-base quarters. A few minutes later with the folder in hand, he proceeded to the elevator for the short ride to level 25.

The SFs along the way all straightened up as he approached and then passed by them. He glanced at each one, acknowledging them, but not speaking. They men and women looked in top form and ready for the days activities. Finally he got to his destination and gently knocked. Jack O'Neill was standing in the bathroom when he heard the knock and quickly went to open the door. Hank looked surprised when the door was opened by Jack in a white round neck t-shirt wearing shaving cream on half of his face. Jack smiled and Hank returned it.

"Come on in, Hank, I'm just finishing up," O'Neill invited his friend into the room as he headed back to the bathroom. "Take a seat, get comfortable," he invited.

"Thanks Jack, sure you don't mind?" He moved to sit in a chair across the room, out of direct sight of the mirror through the still open door of the bathroom.

"Not at all, I'm just clearing the stubble. My whiskers are on eastern standard time," he joked, rinsing the razor under the water collected in the sink. "I shaved at 3AM so I guess I'll shave three times today instead of just twice."

It was only another couple of minutes before Jack emerged from the bathroom. He was freshly shaved, washed, coiffed, brushed and gargled, and looked like he would getting ready for work on any normal morning.

Jack went to the open closet, and was busy putting on a shirt when he asked, "Did you have a nice chat with President Hayes?" Emphasizing the word chat, he half turned, grinning, his eyes sparkling as he smoothed the shirt collar and started buttoning.

Landry's eyes narrowed slightly. "As a matter of fact, I did, kinda surprisingly," Hank admitted, suddenly taken aback by Jack seeming to know everything.

"He's pretty down to earth," Jack commented, tucking in the shirt and zipping his fly, his back to Hank. Remembering his own meetings with the man, he asked, "I'll guess... uh... five minutes?"

Understanding immediately, Hank cracked up laughing. "Six actually." He had to know so he had to ask. "And just how did you know I was in his quarters?"

"He asked me if I thought you'd show up or if he'd need to call you. I of course told him you'd be there with bells on, as soon as he and the base were secure. Calling was not required," Jack told him with his eyes twinkling.

Hank grinned, "I had security notify me when he'd had a few minutes to get settled, and then I just showed up." He looked thoughtful for a moment and said, "He wasn't at all surprised to see me."

The men shared a knowing look as well as the moment until Jack reached for his tie. "I think he's all right. As much as a politician can be……I think," Jack added, chuckling softly at his own phraseology. "He let me and Hammond pick you…that's something." He looked at Landry a little more seriously. "The President is walking a tight rope between all the people who know about this place, and that's in addition to everything else he has on his plate day in and day out. I think he's doing all right... all things considered." His eyebrows went up, his mouth formed a wry grin and he added, "And he hasn't fired me... yet."

Landry smiled, understanding his friend's humor. That Jack hadn't been fired was not a surprise to the Stargate CO.

Jack finished with his tie and plucked his coat from the hangar, briefly examining it from all sides before smirking, "I wish these events could be more casual. BDUs would be good."

"Maybe the room will be hot and we can take off our jackets," Landry offered hopefully, but knowing that the thermostat would keep the room comfortable.

"Now that sounds like a plan," Jack mused as he adjusted the jacket over his shirt. He approached the full length mirror and deciding he was presentable, turned to Hank. "Guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be," he proclaimed, rocking back on his heels.

Hank stood and offered the folder that he had brought with him. Jack took it, opened it, scanned his eyes quickly down the freshly printed paper and nodded his thanks. He moved to the dresser and retrieved the security document from earlier, placing it in the folder with the newly printed list. He then put the folder back into the top drawer of the dresser.

"I suppose I better get going. I want to see for myself that everything is ready," Hank declared.

Jack concluded, "I'm sure Hammond is ready to go. We'll only be about 15 minutes early if we go now too."

Jack opened the door from his room to the corridor and allowed Hank to exit first. The two men walked three doors down before stopping to knock.

George Hammond opened the door, smiling at the two men standing before him. "My escorts are here," he quipped cheerfully. "Good to see you Hank. Hello Jack."

"Nice to see you, General," Landry drawled, smiling widely. He really liked this man and was very happy he was here for this get together. "We're going early so I can check on things."

Jack and Hammond exchanged looks and small smiles, no other words were necessary,because they would have done the same thing. Jack and Hank moved back and to the side, allowing Hammond sufficient room to step out into the corridor and close the door to his room behind him. Then as the three men headed for the elevator, Hammond casually asked, "So Hank, did President Hayes have anything enlightening to say during your private conversation?"

Landry's eyes went wide as he and Hammond locked their gaze, settling into a side by side walk with Jack just behind them. Landry was surprised again that someone knew he'd spent time with the President. Thinking about it for a few seconds though, he was reminded to not be surprised by anything at all having to do with George Hammond or Jack O'Neill.

"Yes sir, I enjoyed the few... minutes... uh... very much," Landry stumbled on his words a bit as they walked down the corridor.

Hammond asked hopefully, "What was it, about seven minutes?"

Asked the same question again and knowing something was up, Landry half choked, turned it into a cough and sputtered, "Six."

Hammond turned his head to look back to O'Neill, who was a few feet behind them. "Jack?"

Opening his arms wide, O'Neill admitted, "I guessed five, Sir."

Hammond slowly shook his head and chuckling said, "Well, you get to keep your money."

Landry was momentarily flabbergasted until he almost gave himself an invisible head slap. "You two bet on how long the meeting would last?"

Hammond and O'Neill laughed out loud. "Ya sure you betcha," Jack crooned for them both. "Next time we'll have to guess to the quarter minute or even exact seconds for a better chance at determining a winner."

"Or we specify the guess has to be equal to or less than the actual," Hammond suggested lightly. He remembered his own guess was high so he added, "Or more."

O'Neill quipped, "I can see an SF posted outside the door with a stopwatch clutched in his hand," and the other two men laughed out loud.

Hammond and Landry were still chuckling when they entered the elevator, but had composed themselves by the time the elevator came to a stop and the three men disembarked. Hammond and Landry first, walking side by side with Jack following reluctantly behind.

As he walked down the corridor with Landry, Hammond called back to his friend, "You coming Jack? You're not getting out of this you know."

Jack hadn't wanted Hammond to know he was actually looking forward to the reception, so he had fallen behind, but his long stride had him even with Hammond and Landry in only two or three steps, and the three men turned the corner walking side by side.

*~*~*~*~*

"Why are we ready so early?" Daniel asked, his patience already tested after his earlier outbursts. He absently smoothed his coat; no wrinkles, no lint, no fuzz.

"I don't know, it just happened. I don't want to be first to arrive so we better just get comfortable and wait for a few more minutes," Mitchell announced. The five members of SG-1 were in various states of relaxation in the office, and a few moments passed before Vala asked Daniel, "Are you feeling any better about the general?"

"Which general?" he snarled. "We have three of them."

"Daniel, you know which one, and we have four," Carter smirked, rolling her eyes. "At least."

"Yeah," Daniel grudgingly admitted. "I miss Jack, but I don't think he misses me........ us." Nobody missed the slip.

Carter was careful not to make the same mistake. "Daniel, you know he cares about us. That hasn't changed."

The angry archaeologist nodded, but didn't reply before going back to absently rubbing his hand on the fabric of his sleeve.

Feeling feisty, Vala asked, "How much time until we go?" She leaned down very close, trying to see Daniel's watch.

"Soon," he replied, after confirming the time. "You think we can actually talk to Jack at this thing?"

All four opened their mouths to respond, but it was Vala who voiced her opinion first.

"Certainly Daniel. We're SG-1, we can talk to anybody." She smiled at the amused faces around her.

Mitchell couldn't resist adding, "I understand it's going to be pretty informal, after the many speeches and remarks of course."

"Speeches - oh goody, goody," Daniel groaned hanging his head.

"Cake Daniel," Vala tried to pacify him. Softly cooing she said, "There's going to be lots of cake."

Daniel didn't look up. He didn't want anyone to see the scowl on his face at the mention of cake. Eating cake and talking about eating cake was Jack's thing. Damn Jack. Daniel was still mad at him and the last thing he needed was a reminder.

Vala was looking at Daniel when Carter, Teal'c and Mitchell exchanged looks. Maybe they shouldn't say anything, but Mitchell just couldn't help himself when Jackson was being a jerk. He and Carter had skipped eating cake at the first reception, and now he was feeling snacky and snarky. Grinning widely he joked, "I wonder what kind of cake?"

TBC


Thanks very much for reviews and emails of all kinds. This story is better because of your input and Cole J - you too. Really appreciate your comments and advice in review and email. :)

Hey Daniel fans, it's just a story so please don't flame me too badly.