Unlocking the Key

"Well, that was…odd." Sam flicked on a light to her old house which she had left behind when she went to Atlantis. After moving to Area 51 and back once already, she had decided it would be best if she and Jack had a place to stay in Colorado if they were ever there together; even though most of this time was spent in their apartment in D.C.

Jack nodded as he threw his jacket over a chair that was already covered like most of the furniture. "No kidding." Slowly he took in the sight around him. Even with the empty feeling that a house has when no one has been in it for a while, Sam's old house was still inviting. "You sure it's safe in here….kinda dusty."

Sam grew an accusing tone. "Is that a comment about my housekeeping skills?"

Jack drew back. "No, no of course not…I was just…" He stopped when he saw Sam beginning to giggle at his nervous reaction.

"Relax Jack, I'm just playing with you." She shook her head.

He raised his eyebrows slightly and grew a small smile. "Promises, promises."

Sam quickly raised a finger. "No. Not until we talk about this."

"Crap."

Slowly they made their way into the kitchen with the takeout they had picked up on the way home. They would have to go to the store tomorrow. They took out the boxes, more than usual as Sam's appetite had increased drastically. Sitting close around a corner they started to dig in, and began the conversation that they had agreed they would have in private.

"So." Jack started.

"So." Sam reverberated. "I sure didn't see this one coming."

"I don't think anyone did."

"Well, I mean we knew she was a part of something. Just not something so…big."

Jack sat back a little, still eating. "Big? Daniel said there were only twelve of these guys…girls…whatever."

"I meant big as in causational. If she, they, whoever hadn't done what they supposedly did, then we would never have defeated the Goa'uld. At least not in the way that we did. But at the same time, they must have kept their activity pretty contained."

"How's that?" Jack peered more deeply at her.

"Well, for one, the Goa'uld never seemed to link us together. In fact until now, we had never heard of this particular uprising."

Jack let out a short laugh. "Yeah, guess the Goa'uld were trying to sweep that little embarrassment of losing Earth under the rug." Sam smiled in agreement. "OK, so Lizzie, is, from the future."

"Yeah." Sam leaned back.

Jack grew a curious look on his face. "How far do you think?"

"Hard to say now. For all we know there could be two of her running around the universe as we speak. There's no telling how far into the future, or how short she came from."

"I bet she was a handful as a kid." Jack imagined the thought before continuing with the serious part of the conversation. "And then there's also the question of why is she awake now."

"Her stasis chamber had to have malfunctioned. But for technology that advanced I don't see how."

"You know it scares me when you don't know something."

Sam smiled at Jack. "I really don't think we have anything to be afraid of." Sam's hand was running gently over her stomach and Jack slowly reached out his own to lay over it as well.

"Me either. But that doesn't change the fact that we have to find out who she is, and try to get her back to where she came from."

"You're right. There's no telling how much her waking up early may have changed the timeline. I mean, she's saved some lives…and ended others."

"Well, she saved mine, so I'm not going to complain about her fussing with things too much."

Sam leaned closer to Jack who was already seated rather close. "Me either." She placed a light kiss on his lips. "So…" She said looking into his eyes, "Any ideas?"

"Me?"

"Yes, you." She said playfully.

Jack grew a cocky air. "Just two."

"Two WHOLE ideas, I'm impressed."

"Easy." Jack gave her a warning glance "First, I think it's time we talked about plan B on opening that chest. And second, maybe we could help her understand her memories that she's getting back."

"How is that?" Sam was sincerely interested in what Jack could possibly be thinking about.

"Well, I was thinking we could have her open the chest herself, under close supervision."

"No, that part I got. I meant how could we help her understand her memories?"

Jack stood up and took his takeout to the refrigerator. "You remember that time that crazy red-wig-wearing Goa'uld Hathor had us all stuck in that fake SGC?"

"Yeah…" It was a difficult thought remembering what Jack had gone through, the whole team for that matter.

"You know those screens they hooked up to those Tok'Ra memory things?"

"No." Sam said quickly.

"What do you mean no? You're telling me you don't remember that?"

"I mean we're not putting her through that again. Last time I let her use one of those things she cut herself up. I don't want to see her like that again."

"Sam, I don't want her to get hurt, but isn't there some way we can look at her memories. See if there's something we recognize, some clue as to where and exactly when she is from?"

Sam stood up as quickly as she could with her extra weight. "Jack…you're a genius!"

A little stunned he replied, "I know. How so?"

Sam began to talk excitedly. "The chairs. The technology we manipulated from the Keeper's planet to run virtual simulations with!"

"Huh?"

"We can use the chairs, the ones we've modified, for her to show us what she does remember!" She came closer to Jack and placed another quick kiss on him. "My husband the genius!" She teased as Jack grew a shade pinker.

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The next morning Daniel Jackson decided to himself to give his own approach to helping Lizzie remember exactly how familiar she was with Earth. "General Landry?" He peered around the open office door.

"Dr. Jackson! Come on in." He motioned for Daniel to take a seat. "What can I do for you today?"

Daniel twisted his nose. "Well Sir, it's more of what you can do for Lizzie."

"I see." Landry put a pen down that he had been writing with as he was already seated at his desk when Daniel arrived. "What's on your mind Doctor? Because I probably won't be as quick to agree with you after Jack's last reaction. Especially now that we know her very presence may have an unwanted effect on the timeline."

"Which is why we have to work twice as hard to help her remember, Sir." Daniel repositioned himself. "We are fairly certain…positive, that the young woman we know as Lizzie was a part of a group that set out from here on Earth, to rid our planet of the Goa'uld until we were strong enough to fight them ourselves. I think we owe her General, the world does."

"I read the report Dr. Jackson, I'm aware of the facts. I'm also aware of one which you are leaving out."

"General, she doesn't remember…"

"And should we force her to? I have to admit, that's quite a personality she's got. But is it still going to be there when she remembers who she is, or is she going to remember whatever that 'stain' is on her hands and make us regret ever helping her in the first place?" The General's tone had left no margin for error.

Daniel bit his lip and proceeded with what they both knew. "There's only one way to find out."

General Landry heaved a sigh, "So what's your plan Dr. Jackson?"

"I wanted to ask your permission to take her topside, Sir."

"Why?"

"Maybe it would jog her memory…if she was on Earth for any period of time…the truth is I don't know if it will do anything. But it could help her mental health to get out of this mountain. It has been over a month General, and this place is no where near as comfortable as Atlantis."

"Alright, alright. Just take Colonel Mitchell with you, and maybe a zat."

"Thank you General!"

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Walking down the hallways Daniel ran into Mitchell and informed him of the situation. The Colonel was also eager to see Lizzie's reaction, if any, to getting out of underground section of the base. She would however, be restricted to Cheyenne Mountain property.

The two men arrived at her door and knocked. "You did mention to the General that stun weapons don't work on her right?" Mitchell questioned.

Daniel raised his brow. "Oops."

Just then the metal door swung open to reveal Lizzie in a t-shirt and jeans with her hair pulled back in a messy ponytail. "Hey guys, what's up?"

"Well, Daniel and I were just heading up to get a breath of fresh air, thought we might invite you to come with us." Cameron smiled.

"As in," Lizzie pointed up, "outside of the mountain?" She didn't want to get her hopes up too high but they could see excitement building behind her eyes as she bit her lip.

Daniel nodded. "May wanna grab your jacket. It's a little…" But Lizzie had run back into her room before he could finish and was already returning as she tugged her leather jacket on.

"Ready!"

The three made their way to the elevator shaft. On the second length of the trip after switching over to the second elevator, Lizzie's legs couldn't stand in one place. She kept shifting back and forth. "Didn't realize we were this far down."

"Yep. Safer this way though." Mitchell replied.

Finally the elevator halted and the doors opened. After a short walk the three found themselves in a large concrete vault filled with vehicles. They had arrived in the parking garage.

"Please tell me this isn't the surface." Lizzie looked towards Daniel nervously.

"No, that's where we're going." He pointed towards where light was filtering in from outside

Lizzie's face brightened up. As they walked closer she could feel the warmth of the sun beginning to touch her skin and she smiled openly. At the opening a member of the SGC drove past and Lizzie followed the vehicle's movement with her head.

Mitchell noticed her curiosity. "That would be a car."

She gave him a funny smirk. "I thought it was a truck."

The Colonel almost choked on his last breath, "How did…"

She pointed to her head. "Popped in."

"Well, why don't we see if anything else 'pops in' out here." Daniel coaxed them out and they made their way to a grassy area near some trees but still close to the road. "So what do you think?"

"Wow. I guess the pictures really don't do it justice." Lizzie plopped down cross legged in the grass as she ran her fingers through it. "This is amazing."

Mitchell was impatient. "Remember anything?"

"That truck bit wasn't enough?"

"Well, no, just wandering if…you know…"

"No offense guys, but there is a flaw in your plan. If you were thinking this would make me remember Earth…don't you think being in the SGC all this time would have accomplished that?"

"Maybe, but you have to admit it's a nice reprieve from being stuck down there for a month."

Lizzie threw herself the rest of the way down onto the grass and ran her arms over it like a snow angel. "Excellent point Daniel, excellent point." She closed her eyes and breathed in the smells around her. The mountain was far lovelier on the outside than the in.

The rumble of another car engine came closer and Lizzie pulled herself back into a seated position.

"Did we have a little break out this morning boys?" Jack peered out from the driver's side of a base car that he and Sam had borrowed for the night.

Sam leaned forward from the passenger seat. "Hey guys, hey Lizzie."

The girl had now gotten all the way up and walked to the side of the vehicle along with Daniel and Mitchell. "Good morning! Sam, you weren't kidding when you told me how beautiful Earth was, this is great!"

"I'm glad you like it. But how did you get up here?''

"Daniel and Colonel Mitchell brought me. Daniel got permission from the General though, don't worry."

Daniel explained. "We thought it might help her remember something. Of course, all we learned is that she knows the difference between a truck and a car."

"Taught the Colonel something though huh?" Lizzie chided at Mitchell as he gave her an un-amused smile.

"So Jack, Sam, what are you guys doing here? I thought you were going to take a little break and get use to this whole…thing." Daniel was slightly awkward with describing Sam's current condition.

"We will be Daniel, but General O'Neill and I had an idea or two we wanted to try before we head up to the cabin for a bit."

A look of hurt came across Lizzie's face. "You're leaving?"

Jack just smiled. "Just a little vacation…a little…alone time."

"Eww." Lizzie scrunched up her face.

Daniel and Mitchell both laughed lightly and Sam giggled in the car.

Jack, while slightly amused himself, retorted. "Just for that, we'll get started right now young lady."

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Back down in the mountain the team, now with Teal'c and Vala as well, stood around the chest. There were several scientists standing further away who had been working on trying to open it themselves since it had arrived, but no attempt short of C4 had worked. As General Landry entered the room they proceeded with the first phase of Jack's plan.

"Hey Hank, how's it going?"

"Not bad Jack, didn't expect to see you two here so soon."

"Well, it wasn't exactly MY idea." Jack motioned towards Carter with his head.

"Yes it was. Sir." Sam gave him a mean smile that made him swallow hard.

"Anyways." Daniel prompted. "Shall we give this a try? Now Lizzie, you already confirmed that the knife, ribbon device, and protective armor you had came from this chest, correct?"

Lizzie gave a curt nod and a quick reply. "Yes."

"Now was there anything else in here we should be worried about?"

Her eyes swirled in her head as she tried to remember. After her little episode with Colonel Caldwell a couple months back she was having a hard time remembering the specifics of an incident that now seemed rather trivial. "I don't think it's anything dangerous. I honestly don't know what they are." She shrugged.

"OK. Well, if everyone is ready, why don't you see if you can open it again?" Daniel motioned towards the chest and stepped back as Lizzie moved forward to the familiar container.

Carefully examining it again she tried to recall exactly what was still inside. She knew that there were only more mysteries that she couldn't open but there was one item that they may be able to decipher that she was at a loss for. Slowly she raised her hands and placed them on the top of the box. Looking at everyone in the room she finally closed her eyes and imagined the chest opening like it had before. Once again the metallic clank was heard echoing in the lab they were in and Lizzie stepped back without a word.

Sam began to step forward to investigate but Jack grabbed her arm gently and pulled her back. No one noticed their silent conversation as he pointed towards her stomach and then shook his head. She merely rolled his eyes at him but didn't protest in a crowded room. He'd hear about it later.

"So Daniel, what's in the box?" Jack asked.

Daniel stepped forward and peered into the dark chasm. "I'm not sure." He dug in and pulled out a single box. "More boxes it looks like." He pulled out the second identical box and set the two down on the end of the table. "Lizzie were you able to open these?"

"Un-uh. I tried but they don't work like the big one. And I can't remember how. Sorry." She looked almost ashamed to be unable to figure it out.

"That's OK, these guys may be able to figure these two out." He indicated the scientists in the room and was having a hard time not laughing when he saw Lizzie roll her eyes at the idea of the group who couldn't even open the chest finding a way into the two smaller containers.

Daniel reached into the chest one last time. "Now this, looks…familiar." He heaved up the large crystal that Lizzie had been unable to identify before and still could not place.

"Holy Hannah!" Sam gasped.

Jack turned to her. "What?"

"That's a control crystal. For the Stargate."

"What kind?" Vala asked with a bit of her old self wandering just how much the item would fetch.

"That's the same crystal that allows us to connect with the Atlantis gate." She said with an excited tone.

"What?" Jack was still confused.

Sam stepped forward this time and ran her fingers over the crystal now on the table beside the two boxes. "This crystal allows for connections between galaxies. There is one just like it in the Atlantis gate controls. But not all gates have them in the Pegasus galaxy. If they did, the Wraith would be able to reach us."

"So then where did she get this one?" Jack asked.

"I don't remember. But I think that was part of what we were doing…"

Everyone turned to Lizzie who was now staring intently at the crystal.

She continued when they did nothing but stare. "This was how I got to the tomb. I think. I can't remember…but we…I think besides the big picture, we were suppose to try and get this too."

Daniel moved closer to her as did Sam. "Why?"

"I don't know." She shook her head at both of them. "Ah." She grabbed her head as another flash of memories took her. These were different than the others, more like the one she had with the memory recall device. She saw charts and graphs, numbers and equations, and then she saw the Stargate, down to every last detail.

"Lizzie!" Sam grabbed her arms to steady her. "What's wrong?" She was very worried.

The young woman shook her head. "Nothing. Sorry, it just hurts when that happens. And it's been happening a lot more lately."

Jack moved closer to her now as well. "What's been happening?"

Her voice was low as she tried to regain herself and now stood up taller. "It's like doors keep opening in my head. Chunks of things have started popping in. Like when I see things, or I dream. But nothing makes sense on its own, and everything is so scattered." She started to get frustrated as she spoke.

Jack rubbed her arm. "Hey, it's OK. We still have a few tricks up our sleeves. We'll figure this out."

She gave a meek smile to him and Sam. "Thanks guys. Would it be alright if I took a nap, Sir?"

"Sir?" Jack was taken aback.

Lizzie bit her lip and looked down. "Sorry. That's one of those things. I just can't understand why I keep saying that. It's like I'm suppose to but I don't know why."

"Well then in that case a nap may be a great idea." Vala insisted and no one corrected her.

Lizzie walked out past the group of scientists all studying her with their eyes. It made her angry though she didn't know why and she allowed her eyes to glow every so slightly at them as she passed. The majority of them jumped back a bit, but she had continued to make her way out so no one corrected her. Jack just looked to Teal'c who understood his friend completely and followed behind the girl to make sure she got to her room.

"Wow." Daniel muttered after she was gone.

"Tell me about it." Sam replied.

"So. Does this tell us anything?" Mitchell asked.

"It tells us how she got to the Pegasus Galaxy." Sam placed her hand on the crystal. "But it doesn't tell us why or where she got this."

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Lizzie's nap was less than helpful. Her mind continued to be bombarded with images involving the Stargate and its functions. She could see herself working unsuccessfully inside of a DHD, cursing it as it refused to cooperate. One of the faces she had been seeing was working with her. A woman with short fiery read hair and freckles. Lizzie had screamed at the DHD and kicked it when it wouldn't work, but instead of getting scared the red head had just started laughing until Lizzie looked at her sternly.

"This isn't a laughing matter Lewis." She growled, more upset with the situation.

"No, ma'am, it isn't." She smiled a bit.

"OK, well maybe a little." Lizzie had corrected herself. "Go get Dr. Kim, maybe he has an idea."

"Yes, ma'am"

Lizzie shook her head as the woman ran over to find the person in question and then began talking to herself. "Though I doubt it, I got a better grade in this stuff than he did, and I can't even figure it out."

Lizzie was taken out of her dream by a knock on the door.

"It's open." She called from her bed.

Two faces appeared, Sam and Vala.

"Feeling better?" Vala asked in a motherly tone that she had a way of producing and shocking people with. Lizzie however thought she'd make a great mom. But when she had mentioned Vala babysitting Danny to Sam she was given a strange look in return. Sam wasn't quite ready to start thinking about that.

"Little bit." She replied.

Sam walked over and sat at the edge of her bed resting her hand over her stomach, running small circles before she spoke to Lizzie. "Are you feeling up to one more try today? Because if you're not we can wait…"

Lizzie cut her off. "I'm game."

Sam cocked her head. "Game?"

Lizzie covered her eyes with her hand. "I think it will be better for all of us if we can just figure this out."

Sam reached over and put her hand on Lizzie's shoulder. "We will. Come on, all you have to do is sit for this one."

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"NO!!" Anger and fear were evident in Lizzie's eyes.

"What's wrong?" Jack questioned.

She pointed at the altered chair. "I'm not doing this. Last time I had one of those memory things I almost hurt Sam. I'm not doing that again."

Sam stepped forward calmly. Much more carefree about the situation than the others in the room. General Landry wasn't there this time, But Jack, Daniel, Mitchell and Vala were. Teal'c had been called on a mission. "Lizzie, this isn't the same thing. The chair won't make you see anything, it will just show us what you are thinking about." She walked to the other side of the room. "See this screen here? When you're in the chair, it will show us what you're seeing. Now, if you see anything that we are familiar with, or can look into, it may help us figure out exactly where and when you're from in the future, and perhaps find a way to help you remember everything."

Sam walked back over to Lizzie. "But if you don't want to do this, you don't have to." She put a hand on her shoulder.

"So I'll be in complete control of myself?" She still seemed apprehensive.

"Well almost."

Lizzie raised her eyebrows.

"The chair will release a slight sedative to help you relax your mind, and let the images flow more easily. But since sedatives don't work on you as easily as another person, there most likely won't be that much of an effect."

Lizzie walked over to the chair and put a hand on it. "OK, let's do it." She smiled at them. "Time for you guys to get a glimpse of 'Lizzie Land'." She giggled and the rest smiled and laughed too.

After about fifteen minutes, Lizzie was in the chair and hooked up to the system, but the screen only showed the people in the room that she was looking at.

"So what do I do?"

Sam answered her. "Just, close your eyes, and try to remember something."

"Like what?"

Daniel thought for a second. "Try and remember your childhood."

"I'd have better luck trying to see what's in Vala's mind, even though I'm pretty sure I know what she's thinking about..." Lizzie looked at Vala whose eyes got wide with embarassment. "Let's try something a little more realistic please." She gave a wide eyed smile to Daniel to show that she wasn't trying to be rude, just stating the facts.

"How about those faces you say you keep remembering?" Jack had spoken up and everyone was looking at him. "You said you could see like ten right?"

Lizzie nodded her head, wires and all.

"Close your eyes." He instructed. "Now are there any of 'em you see more than the others?" Jack's question mixed with a light sedation had worked. Lizzie began to think of a face that had at one time scared her out of her sleep. The screen behind them began to flicker with flashes of light and they all turned to watch what she was seeing. However, they were unable to do anything but hear and see the actions; they could not feel the emotions or inner thoughts going through her mind.

This vision was unlike the others. True, bits and pieces seemed like clouded space; things that couldn't quite be remembered. But still, it felt so real, so current. There was no questioning. This had happened, and to her. She was alone now in the hanger, surrounded by the aircraft covered in numbers. The one nearest to her was labeled F-506, but there was more. Something was missing she knew, but what she saw under the cockpit was so real. A name, a call sign…Athena next to the title Lieutenant.

Lizzie stood inspecting the plane. Her hair was pulled back where she couldn't see it. It felt lighter somehow. Her clothing was a green jumpsuit, but it was void of identification. Slowly she moved closer to the aircraft, running her fingers over the cool metal frame. It felt like an extension of herself, and when she closed her eyes she could see herself high above a planet with a feeling of such freedom and such exhilaration that she couldn't fully understand.

"Thought I might find you here Lieutenant."

Lizzie turned around. "Colonel Paulson." She stood at attention.

"At ease, Athena." He waved her to relax and she did. "Can't get enough of her can you?"

"It's a great ride, Sir." Lizzie grinned.

He smiled at her, wrinkles deepening on his face. "That it is."

Lizzie straightened up a bit. "Colonel is there something you need me to work on. If the configuration systems are still messed up I can give it another look over…"

"No, no, nothing like that. Once you fix something it tends to stay that way." He shook his head. "No, you got some mail today, and I thought I might deliver it myself." He walked closer and handed it to her.

Lizzie looked at him knowing from their time together that he knew more about what was in the letter than he was letting on. "Did you already read it Sir?" She questioned wearily.

"No, but I'm pretty sure I know what it's about." He grew a blank stare after uttering the statement.

Slowly Lizzie turned the letter over in her hands after seeing the quick flash of the Air Force insignia on the front. She quickly slid her finger under the flap and tore out the single sheet of paper inside. She glanced over the first part labeling the letter classified and began to read aloud, 'Congratulations on your reassignment. Affective immediately you will report to the SGC where you will be placed as a junior member of…SG-1…' She almost dropped the letter as she began to part her lips like a fish. "SG-1? When I put in the request to be transferred to a unit, I didn't think they would actually take me seriously so soon…and SG-1? That's like THE top team…and I'm only a Lieutenant!"

"Your records stand for themselves. The SGC is lucky to have you." He gave a smile that showed he was slightly bitter but trying to hide it. "And as far as being a Lieutenant…I may have put in a good word or more about early promotion. But you are a little young, so it may be a while."

Lizzie was beside herself. "Sir, you didn't have to do that, you shouldn't have."

"Athena, when you first got here, I admit, your personality and certain other traits made me question if you were here for any reason other than the fact that you carry a highly developed form of the Ancient gene. You came in here a little too…lively…in my honest opinion to be able to do your job. We all thought you were just too, young. I admit that, as well as the fact that I was wrong about you. When you're up there, you have more control than anyone I've ever seen. You're smart as hell, and quite frankly when you're in soldier mode you set the bar for this command. You are one of the finest officers I have EVER served with." He looked towards the ground. "In fact, sending a recommendation to have you technically removed from my squadron was pretty tough."

"I'm sure you'll replace me in no time, Sir." Lizzie blushed slightly. Suddenly she had a feeling that this man had confided in her something. She dug deeply. He was wearing a wedding ring. His family, she could see them…he had lost them. Somehow she had helped fill that void left…a daughter perhaps.

"Well, I probably shouldn't say this either, but I could never replace you, but the Air Force already has." He turned back. "Lieutenant!" He hollered. Quickly he turned back to see her expression change.

From around one of the other aircraft she saw a taller man come over. Younger than her definitely, though not by much, with bright blue eyes and dark hair. "Oh my God!" Her voice was shrill and peppy as she ran over to the other Lieutenant who had just appeared. Totally forgetting their company she was soon in a leaping hug that included her legs being wrapped around his waist as she hit him playfully on his shoulders.

"Nice to see you again…Lieutenant!"

Colonel Paulson coughed and Lizzie quickly hopped to the floor. "Sorry Sir, it's been a long time."

"I'm assuming you two have met?" He questioned, knowing full well the two had been friends for a while.

Lizzie smiled at the big blue eyes beside her. "Way back in middle school." Now she addressed the man beside her. "Lemme guess, your dad put in a good word for you?" She started giggling.

He rolled his eyes. "My father didn't have to say anything so don't insinuate anything else. I got this position all on my own. You on the other hand…"

"Hey hey…" Lizzie just giggled at him. "I have every confidence in you."

"Well I hate to break up this friendly little reunion, but Athena you need to be packed and ready within the hour. We'll be in range of Colorado soon and you'll be beamed directly to Stargate Command."

A buzzer sounded meaning shift changes. Lizzie snapped to attention and saluted. "Colonel Paulson Sir! It has been an honor and privilege to serve with you Sir."

The older man with green eyes snapped to an equally perfected salute. "The honor, Lieutenant, was all mine."

Thanks for reading...only a little left to go.

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