A/N: Well, what can I say? Demetra83 is awesome and that's it! She got back to me early this morning (or rather late last night for her since she's not in the same country, continent or even hemisphere as I am!) with a green light for the last three chapters, so here they are!

A big thanks to all readers/reviewers/followers/favorites as usual, and especially to (in no particular order) mmkbrook and Dafidowndilly for getting in touch; and of course all credit goes to Demetra83 for the storyline! I did add (with my learnèd friend's approval of course) a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment of the original series, so give it a try and let me know if you find it?

Without further ado, let's get back to our story and its antepenultimate chapter, shall we?...


Chapter 53 – Visit

That Friday morning, the SGC was ready to welcome Hammond. Jack had been inflexible, he wanted the place spick-and-span, and everyone in dress blues rather than plain BDUs. It proved more and more difficult for Sam to conceal her bump; thankfully, the jacket of her Class As did hide the fact that her long-sleeved shirt was strained across her chest. She heaved a sigh as she looked at her reflection into the mirror. Jack was stunning in his own uniform and swiftly moved to her side. He smiled at her and gave her a kiss on the temple.

"You are breathtaking, my love."

"Thank you, Sir," she replied, eyes twinkling.

He was a real, honest-to-goodness Adonis; butterflies unfailingly fluttered in her stomach when he was dressed like that.

Sam drove her car to the SGC and arrived there a few minutes before General O'Neill. She was nervous, as before every official visit. Even though Hammond had stressed this one would be informal, she felt as if he would review the troops and hoped everything would go seamlessly. Jack, his back ramrod straight, exchanged a salute with Hammond as he arrived, and his superior realized he was nervous, as had been all the men he'd passed by.

"Problem, Jack?"

"Not at all, George, what makes you say that?"

"Everyone seems to be worried..."

"Well, we're rather intrigued by your visit. Don't get me wrong, we're very happy to see you but we're wondering..."

"It's nothing Jack, a simple courtesy call, nothing to be alarmed about, really. Where is Colonel Carter?"

"Erm, in her lab I think, she had an experiment to finish writing up before handing her report in."

"Very well. Let's have a quick tour of the base first, then we'll gather everyone into the 'Gate room."

"The briefing room, Sir?"

"No, no, Jack, the 'Gate room, you heard me correctly."

Jack frowned. He was completely lost. He followed Hammond on his tour as his CO checked on various elements of current projects with both the scientists and Jack.

~SJ~SJ~SJ~SJ~SJ~SJ~SJ~SJ~SJ~SJ~

All the officers and then some were crammed into the embarkation room, standing at the foot of the Stargate. Harriman, following Hammond's orders, had arranged for a podium and a microphone, and a buffet was being spread out in the commissary. Jack was taken aback by all that had been done behind his back. He did however let out a somewhat relieved breath: if George had bad news, they'd have discussed it together and he wouldn't have planned a buffet. A new promotion maybe? Jack shook his head, all requests went through him first. Hammond stepped onto the prodium and spoke into the microphone.

"Good morning everyone, I know you're wondering what brings me here, apart from the satisfaction to see you all in the flesh."

The crowd smiled, and everyone was slightly relieved.

"The President of the United States and myself frequently discuss this base and all the excellent airmen that work here, devoting themselves, body and soul, for the greater good. We know that being here is not an easy task, and neither is overseeing this base," Hammond said, glancing at Jack, signaling him to come up to the podium.

"We want to demonstrate all our trust in Brigadier General Jack O'Neill and present him with a second star to pin on his uniform. He performs his duty with abnegation and autority, and remains fair and kind. I am proud to call him friend and hope he shall one day take my place at the Pentagon. This new insignia comes with the official rescinding of the fraternization regulations for him, applying to anyone on this planet. I hope you shall take full advantage of it, General O'Neill."

Sam was stunned and did not seem to fully understand her Godfather's words. As for him, Jack did understand the whole of it. Hammond invited Sam to come and help him change Jack's epaulets.

"The President of the United States has placed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, integrity and abilities of Brigadier General Jonathan 'Jack' O'Neill. Brigadier General Jack O'Neill is promoted to the grade of Major General, United States Air Force."

The three officers exchanged salutes as everyone enthusiastically clapped.

"Major General Jack O'Neill. Now, raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, insert name," Hammond started.

"I, Jonathan O'Neill," Jack replied.

"...do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic..." Hammond continued.

"...do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic..." Jack repeated.

"...that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same..."

"...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..."

"...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 on which I am about to enter. So help me God," Hammond finally said.

"...and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God," Jack finished.

Jack turned and addressed the rest of the room to give his thanks to Hammond, his Commander-in-Chief despite his absence and all his men for their trust in him.

"I am as surprised as I am flattered by this promotion. I will endeavor to remain worthy of the trust General Hammond and all of the members of the Stargate Program have placed in me. Thank you all."

General Hammond invited everyone to make their way to the buffet, a smile dancing on his lips. Most of the SGC personnel was scrutinizing Jack and Sam, as if the presidential waiver had authorized them to jump in each other's arms in public. Teal'c and Daniel gave Jack their congratulations for his promotion; they were not expecting anything in particular from the couple as they already knew about their situation. Bets on the Jack-and-Sam situation were more or less covertly made; if some put their money on when their next date would happen, others put theirs on the length of their so-called hidden relationship, if the couple ever ended up letting the truth out.

"So, Jack, are you gonna ask Carter out for a drink or what?" Reynolds asked.

"Erm... no," Jack replied, Reynolds and SG-3 looking askance at him.

"Wait a minute, now you can date her, and you're not jumping on the occasion? I don't get it!" Reynolds indignantly cried as Hammond smiled.

The group turned towards Sam, who was quietly talking to Siler, out of hearing from Jack's conversation. She was smiling and seemed relaxed. Jack decided to amuse himself a bit.

"I'm not sure her husband would approve..."

The crowd gasped.


A/N2: Ah ah! The cat's out of the bag! stay tuned for what happens next...