Morning light leaks into the bedroom around the curtains.
Becky opens her eyes, yawns and stretches, reveling in the firm, warm- and very male- body cuddling her close, his scent surrounding her. Natural and musky, leather, books and ancient, sun-warmed stone.
Delightful.
Three days have gone by awfully fast. Plenty of sleep and food, concerts and sweet lovemaking and just lazing around reading, enjoying each other's company. Every minute spent together memorable and satisfying.
In the state she'd been last week she would've gone completely nuts, which in retrospect wouldn't have been good for the mission at all. Thank god for Jack's timely intervention, though she now owes her uncle an awful lot of favs.
She sighs in satisfaction, wanting nothing more than to stay in bed with her beloved the rest of the day.
"Morning," he breathes softly into her neck, accompanied by tender nibbles and licks. A delicate, arousing touch. She leans back, smiling as she becomes aware of him stirring, in more ways that one.
Oh yeah, staying in bed together is definitely on today's agenda.
"Morning. Sleep well?"
"Mmm-hmm." Soft, moist lips leisurely move along her neck, drifting down onto her shoulder. "And you?"
"Oh, most definitely." She turns to face him. Their lips meet, all sweet and warm and comforting. An unspoken desire for more.
How lucky she is to have her clever and talented raven as a lover. For a fellow shy geek he's got some impressive skills in seduction which he's patiently taught her many times, to their mutual satisfaction.
Hands trace patterns, words and hieroglyphs over each other's bodies as they kiss. No translation required since they all have the same meaning: I love you. Shared passion between linguists is the best, Becky's sure.
She sighs in dreamy content, eyes closing as they rest against each other, heads just touching. The intensity of their connection keeping the rest of the world at bay.
Perfection.
"So," Daniel murmurs, "are you ready for today?"
Her eyes fly open. "What about today?"
"The mission, remember? Final briefing's in a couple hours."
Oh, yeah. Mission day. Right.
"Um, I guess."
He cocks his head, regarding her with wry amusement. "That doesn't sound very convincing."
"Guess I'm still kinda nervous." She pauses. "Can't believe I broke down like that in front of you guys. It's embarrassing."
"There's nothing to be ashamed of, Becky. You'll learn to manage things better next time, that's all."
She scoffs. "If there is a next time."
"There will be. I'm sure of it." Gentle, reassuring caresses that warm her heart.
He's been her faithful assistant, her steadfast support the entire time, as she tries to be for him. It's the least she can do for her handsome archaeologist.
"You think Jack will ever forgive me for yelling at him?"
"Sure. I yell at him all the time and we're still friends."
She can't help the wry chuckle. "True. How about us? Are we good?"
"We're good." His lips brush against hers, linger on her cheek. "So, ready to get out of bed?"
"Not yet," she admits. "Feeling a little tense, you know?"
"Is that so." He purses his lips, considering. Sly mischief twinkles in his eyes. "Well, I happen to know of an ancient and very reliable cure for reducing anxieties. Proven to ease all kinds of tension."
God, she loves it when he's like this, playfulness mixed with passion. "By replacing them with ones of a more carnal kind, no doubt."
"Oh, yeah." Hot, open-mouthed kisses laced around her neck as long, clever fingers deftly tease her in places that soon reduce her body to a delightful quivering state of anticipation.
"Well since you put it that way," she says with a wicked smile as her smaller hands linger around his most sensitive spots, making him gasp and squirm a bit. "Are you sure this miracle cure of yours can ease all my tensions before the briefing, Dr. Jackson? I've got ever so many."
"I guarantee it." His lips close on hers.
It's been the best idea Jack's had in, well, ever.
There's a spring in people's steps, easy banter traded across the table as the team gathers for the briefing. Looks like the downtime did everyone a world of good, what with that obvious glow from attentions paid by loved ones.
Not something generally expected during a mission, he has to admit. This taking a back seat thing is proving to be pretty interesting so far.
Becky enters with Daniel, clearly in much better spirits than a few days ago. She stops in her tracks, tensing slightly. He follows her gaze, smiles and murmurs reassurance, gently pushing her in Jack's direction.
She hesitates nonetheless, worrying at her lower lip a little. "Hey."
"Hey yourself."
"Um, look, I'm really sorry about-"
He waves it off with a smile. "Don't worry about it, kiddo. We're good."
"Really?"
"Yeah, really." Gives her a playful nudge in the direction of the opposite end of the table. "You're up."
Sam frowns, a little puzzled by their byplay. "Something happen between you two last week, sir?"
"Just some uncle-niece stuff, Carter. Nothing that concerns you. Heads up, here comes the General."
Hammond enters, nodding at salutes and deferential greetings alike. "Good morning, all. Dr. Grahme, if you're ready to proceed with the final briefing?"
"Yes, sir. Thank you." The quiet confidence is back in her voice. "Daniel, can you please bring up the second image of the valley, the one with the dots?"
Same horizontal orientation as before on the screen, this time with five points indicated in red, three on top and two on bottom.
She picks up a laser pointer. "The top is the eastern range, the bottom west. The red dots indicate the emplacements with the city in the center top. After everyone's in place the AI will direct the city to generate an energy beam, sending it first across the valley to here-" the dot on the lower left, "then to there-" sweeping the pointer to the upper right, "then over to here-" to the upper left, "and afterwards down to there-" to the lower right, "with a final boost back up to the city." A five-pointed figure is outlined in laser light as she speaks.
Cameron snaps his fingers. "The Star in the Eye!"
She nods. "Exactly. As we found out the emplacements are essentially parabolic antennas designed to receive a laser beam and bounce it back and forth, creating a feedback loop amplifying the beam's energy. Judging by our initial assessment the emplacements looked fine but if any problems occur they have to be fixed right away before the beam discharges. So our timing has to be pretty accurate."
"Makes sense, but how do we communicate?" John asks. "Our individual sets don't have enough reach to go all the way across the valley."
"That's why we're setting up one of the longer range radio sets in the control room, using the base as a repeater."
Jack raises his hand. "So who are in those two-person teams you mentioned last time, Beck?"
"You and Sam will be in the northwest emplacement, Mac and Janet in the southeast. Carson and Radek, you'll be in the northeast, and John and Rodney, the southwest. Daniel and I will of course be in the tower's control room." Nods all around the table, no one disputing the pairings.
"And my duty, Becky Grahme?" Teal'c inquires.
"You'll be in the control room with us on the radio, relaying status updates and other information. And you guys," with a nod to Mitchell and Lorne, "are gonna help us put the system through its paces in your F-302s."
Cameron grins. "Sure will, thanks to Mac's spiffy targets."
Becky leans forward intently, locking her gaze with each one onf the team in turn. "Look, I don't need to tell you guys how important this is. Our survival as a settlement may very well depend on making this work, and we only have one chance to do it right. Are there any questions?"
Not a single one. Everyone knows what they have to do, thanks to her extensive prep.
Hammond nods in satisfaction. "I can see my confidence in you has been well placed, Dr. Grahme. You have a go for the next phases of Operation Astria."
"Thank you, sir. We'll try not to disappoint."
"I'm sure you won't. Good luck, all of you. Dismissed."
The room breaks up. Daniel's hand comes to rest on the small of Becky's back, a light, reassuring yet intimate touch. He bends to whisper in her ear and she laughs, a soft tinkling sound. Her blue eyes sparkle as she beams up at him.
Back to normal.
Good for her. He knew she could pull this off.
Definitely his best idea. Ever.
The control room lights up as usual at Becky's presence as she enters with Daniel and Teal'c. A quick glance at the monitors shows all systems active and ready.
Outside the window the Jumpers take off, one heading north, the other south. Both now including two ZPMs apiece as part of their precious cargo.
She turns away to face the room, biting her lower lip. Daniel's crouched on one side of the chair, connecting it to his laptop with a specially-adapted cable. Teal'c settles himself on a folding stool in front of the radio, talking to the base in his usual deep, measured tones.
She takes a deep breath, the morning's confidence vanishing. The past couple weeks were easy, in comparison. This is another level entirely.
Too late to back out now, though.
Eventually the reports start coming in, one by one:
"O'Neill and Carter, in position."
"MacGyver and Fraiser, in position."
"Beckett and Zelenka, in position."
"Sheppard and McKay-"
"For the record let me say this is a terrible plan and it's going to blow up in so many awful ways, I just know it."
"Hell of a time to bring it up now. Why didn't you say so at the briefing?"
"Didn't want to upset her. I mean, she's obviously worked hard on this, not to mention letting me see that wonderful, sexy machine in the sub-basement."
"Why Rodney, one might almost think you're fond of her." She can practically hear the smirk in John's voice.
"I wouldn't say fond. I don't not like her, okay? There's a difference. Can we get on with this, already?"
"...Sheppard and McKay, in position."
"Becky Grahme," Teal'c informs her after contacting the base. "General Hammond says we can proceed when ready."
"Right." Sits down but instead of leaning back she hunches forward, hands rubbing nervously on her thighs.
This is it. The moment of truth.
Time to see if she's got what it takes to be a leader.
Yeah, right. Who's she kidding, anyway? She's not cut out for this.
All of a sudden it's too much.
She swallows hard, mouth going dry. Panic rising within, breath coming out in quick, ragged bursts. Heart pounding faster.
In a flash Daniel's kneeling in front of her, cupping her face between his hands. "It's okay, Becky. I'm right here. Look at me. Take deep breaths...that's it." His voice soft and soothing, keeping her grounded.
"I'm scared," she whispers.
"There's nothing to be afraid of. I'm with you every step of the way."
"As am I, Becky Grahme," Teal'c adds. "O'Neill and General Hammond have placed their confidence in you to lead this mission. I believe you are worthy of their trust. You will not let them down."
Such calm certainty in both their voices, she can't help but take heart.
Daniel kisses her gently then steps back, his hand lingering in hers. "Better now?"
"Yeah. Thanks."
"You're welcome. Kun shjaeana ya hubibi." A gentle squeeze before releasing her.
Okay. She can do this.
A few more deep, calming breaths, then she settles further back into the chair, her hands resting on the arms (for some reason it actually seems to fit her better, these days). Closes her eyes and slipping into a familiar receptive state.
Contact.
The AI shimmers in her mind, amber and russet and a clear pale gold.
~ Connection established. Ave, Domina.~
Hello, Huy-Braesealis. How are you?
~ I am well, thank you. I've been looking forward to this day. Are we ready to begin?~
Soon. How will I know everyone's in place?
~You will, I assure you.~
All right.
A moment of stillness, calm before the storm.
Here goes nothing.
Daniel watches with trepidation as the chair lights up and tilts Becky back. He's putting on a brave front for her sake but inside harbors all manner of doubts. Ancient technology's something of a double-edged sword after all; there's still so much they don't know about it yet.
He frowns, thinking of Jack and his exposure to the Repository of Knowledge. How helpless he felt watching his friend slowly lose his mind, bit by bit.
Before leaving the base Janet and Carson insisted she wear a wireless monitoring patch over her heart, as an extra precaution while she's under. He checks the readings on his laptop, a separate window from the data coming from the chair. Everything normal, as far as he can tell.
Good thing he's not the only one looking out for her. Jack would never forgive him if anything bad happened to her on his watch, to say nothing of his brother. Not that he'd blame them.
Hopefully this level of exposure won't cost his beloved her sanity in the long run.
Or her life, for that matter.
He gives himself a mental shake. No time to let his mind wander now. They have a mission to complete. The work comes first, as always.
Keep your feet on the ground, Danny.
So her mind can be in the stars. Or in the earth, or wherever she goes when she's under.
One by one they come online as they sit in the chairs. A sense of surprise, then gradual acceptance of the link-
-not enough to complete the connection, however.
Without hesitation she reaches out. Touching adjacent minds, drawing them in, binding them together-
-completely laid open to each other, an onslaught of memories, hopes, dreams, fears-
-every good or bad quality, for better or for worse-
-loves them for all of it, even while struggling to remain afloat herself in the sudden tide, almost drowning-
Easy kiddo, we got you.
-an upwelling of friendship, support, approval, trust-
-bearing her up again-
-almost but not quite enough, one more component needed-
-earthy and warm yet cool and logical, a reservoir of endless patience and willingness to serve-
-and now it's enough.
~ Connection complete. Astria sto pro Oculo is active and ready to initialize, Domina. ~
Give me a status check on the emplacements, please.
~All in full functioning order. The laser awaits your command to fire once the potentias are installed.~
Very well. Okay folks, listen up. Give me a go/no-go for initialization. Jack and Sam?
Go.
Mac and Janet?
Go.
Carson and Radek?
Go.
John and Rodney?
Go.
Daniel?
You're doing fine. Go.
Huy-Brasealis?
~All calculations made and double-checked, Domina. Recommend a go on your command.~
Teal'c, inform base we are go for initialization.
I will do so. A pause. General Hammond says to proceed when ready.
All right. On my mark insert ZPMs. Five...four...three...two...one. Mark!
ZPMs inserted. Consoles activated. Three sets of voices.
Hold on. Ours isn't activating.
What's wrong? Look Rodney, if we get the timing wrong on this-
Working on it. God, the wiring's a mess. The Ancients obviously had idiots for engineers.
Ten thousand years too late to complain. Sam, can you help him out?
Rodney, I'm looking inside my own console right now. {sending image} Does this help for comparison?
...Yes. Yes, it does...okay, I think that's it. Ah, that's much better. Console activated.
Power thrums under her fingertips, just waiting to be unleashed.
Okay folks, here we go. Huy-Braesealis? Fiat astria.
~Yes, Domina. Firing laser.~
A flash of light, gaining in strength as it bounces around the reflective surface of the emitter, amplified through the crystal matrix-
-and she becomes the beam, shooting across the valley to Jack and Sam in the northwest-
Hey, kiddo. Come here often?
Hey, guys. How's it going?
Never better. Ready to move on?
-to Mac and Janet in the southeast-
Just like catching and throwing a baseball. Having fun, Beck?
Oh yeah. How about you two?
Having the time of our lives. See you later.
-over to Carson and Radek in the northeast-
There ye are, lass.
You guys all right?
Aye, we're fine. Time to go on now.
-then down to John and Rodney in the southwest-
Hey, little sister.
Hey, big brother. All good?
We're good. Ready for the big push?
-a massive surge of power back to the city-
Welcome back, hummingbird. I've missed you.
Missed you too, raven. Huy-Brasealis?
~Here, Domina. The Astria sto pro Oculo is now primed and ready. You may proceed with testing.~
Very well. Huy-Brasealis, activate aspida.
~Yes, Domina.~
Outside herself now. Floating in the center of the star, bathed in blue light.
Touches every point simultaneously-
-eleven distinct minds, linked together as one-
-intelligence, compassion, curiosity, friendship, awe, optimism, creativity, loyalty, kindness, hope-
-and above all else love-
-weaving it together into a protective shield encompassing the valley.
Teal'c? Go to the window, please. Be our eyes.
A star outlined in beams of shimmering blue light. Gradually expanding, transforming into a clear dome, fragile in appearance, like a soap bubble yet infinitely more resilient.
Good. Tell the base we're ready to proceed with the next phase.
"Huy-Brasealis to base."
"Go ahead, Huy-Braesealis."
"Phase Two is successful. Inform General Hammond we are prepared for the first part of Phase Three."
"Copy that, Huy-Braesealis. Base to Snakeskinners One and Two, you have a go."
"Copy that, base. Commencing attack run." Mitchell's voice.
What do you see now, Teal'c?
Two F-302s swoop down from the sky in attack formation. Bullets and energy beams are harmlessly absorbed by the impenetrable shield.
Get a load of that, folks. Is that sweet or what?
Indeed, O'Neill.
The shield's not even weakening. Which can't possibly happen, right? How is that happening?
It's the naquadah coating on the antennas, Rodney. Absorbing the energy generated by the attack and replenishing the shield with it at the same time.
What goes around comes around, huh Carter? This is so cool.
"Snakeskinner One to Base. Test is successful. Repeat, shield test is successful. Awaiting orders to deploy the targets."
"Copy that, Snakeskinner One. Base to Huy-Braesealis. General Hammond says you may lower the shield now, but delay firing the ray until the targets have been deployed into orbit."
"Understood."
Huy-Braesealis, deactivate aspida.
~Yes, Domina.~
The shield disappears.
A surge of elation, a sense of accomplishment.
Man, if that's what the shield does I can't wait to see the big honkin' space ray in action. Let's fire it up, already.
Not yet, the targets have to be released in low orbit first. Patience is a virtue, remember?
{smirking} Yes, ma'am.
"Snakeskinner One to base. Targets have been deployed into low orbit and now drifting into position."
"Copy that, Snakeskinner One. Base to Huy-Braesealis. General Hammond says you have a go to proceed."
Everyone ready?
Ready.
Huy-Brasealis, activate aktina.
~Yes, Domina.~
The laser fires again, bouncing between the five points even faster than before, generating more and more energy-
-until each point emits its own beam of light, suitably augmented with the additional energy stored in the naquadah coating of the antennas-
-converging right on her in the center.
Shudders rock her body, as though hit by lightning multiple times.
Janet, can you double-check these monitor readings for me? They're worrisome.
You're right, Daniel. Becky, are you okay? Your pulse and blood pressure both spiked for a moment.
I'm fine, all that energy hitting at once just startled me a little. Got it under control now.
Are you sure, lass? Do we need to abort?
No, Carson. I'm good.
First target's coming into range, Becky.
Thanks, John. Okay folks, let's do this.
Drawing on different feelings than before for this mode. Strength, honor, power, determination, courage, a fierce desire to protect what they have left-
-combining the beams together into a single huge, pulsing ray-
-propelling it up through the atmosphere towards the target-
-which explodes in a brilliant burst of actinic light. Shredded Mylar, duct tape and bamboo-like splinters rain down upon the planet, which immediately burn up upon reaching the atmosphere.
Holy Hannah! That's amazing.
You said it, Sam. Second target coming into range, Becky. Fire at will.
Another burst of energy, another spectacular explosion and shower of debris.
Sweet! Now that's what I call a big honkin' space ray. Becky, have I told you lately you're my favorite niece?
Glad you approve. What are the ZPM levels now, Rodney?
Drained by about a third. The energy collected in the antennas are completely depleted, however. No way they can fire a third time without needing to be recharged.
So we only get two shots per charging. Better than nothing, right? At least we know the system works now.
Oh yeah, it works.
"Snakeskinner One to base. Targets destroyed. Repeat, targets destroyed. And how!"
"Copy that, Snakeskinner One. Base to Huy-Braesealis. General Hammond sends his compliments on a successful operation. You may return to base when ready."
"Understood. Huy-Braesealis out."
The mission has been accomplished in a most impressive manner. I believe it is time to return to the settlement and, as O'Neill would say, 'cool off our heels.'
I think you mean 'kick up our heels,' Teal'c. But I agree, it's time to celebrate.
Me too, Jan. Gotta admit this was pretty fun. My kind of mission. How about you, Sam?
Couldn't agree more, Mac. The Prometheus should be online soon, but now we have another means to defend ourselves.
And we didn't blow up after all! I have to admit it wasn't an entirely unpleasant experience.
High praise coming from you, Rodney. I second that emotion.
I third it. Neuvěřitelný!
Aye, it was wasn't it? Well done, lass.
A general feeling of satisfaction in a job well done. Warm approval.
Aw, thanks guys. And thanks for your help too. Yours as well, Huy-Braesealis.
~My pleasure, Domina Turris. Might I recommend that it remains active in aspida mode for the time being, in light of your current situation? The potentias have more than enough capability to leave it running until the threat is resolved.~
Very well. Reactivate aspida.
The laser fires and the shield reforms, without anyone's intervention this time. As easily as that.
All right guys, show's over. Let's go home. Jack, mind giving us a lift back to base?
{chuckles} On our way, kiddo. Sit tight.
One by one the others drop out of the link, until only Becky and the AI remain.
~I am pleased the Astria sto pro Oculo performs according to specifications, Domina. I believe the original designers would also be pleased.~
Glad to hear it. Thank you again for your help.
~My pleasure. I am ever at your command, kidemóna Nova Terranus. Until next time. ~
The chair returns her to an upright position, the lights going out.
Daniel gently touches her arm. "Becky?"
Her eyes slowly open, blink several times before focusing on him. "Daniel?"
He grins in relief. "Yeah, it's me. You okay?"
She tilts her head, considering. "Yeah. Yeah, I am."
"I'm glad." He enfolds her in his arms, pulling her away from the chair. "I was so worried for a second."
"I know you were." She holds him tight. He murmurs soft words of love, his hands caressing, soothing.
"Becky Grahme, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c says after a while. "O'Neill is here with the Jumper. It is time to return to base."
High time indeed.
It's an odd sensation, to be all alone in her head again. It'll take some getting used to.
Becky frowns as the base comes into view. "Why is everyone outside? What's going on?"
Jack smirks at her from the pilot's seat. "Doesn't surprise me a bit. After the little light show we put on I'm betting it's the talk of the settlement."
"Oh god," she groans. "Just what I need to hear."
The Jumper settles on the landing field outside the Stargate hangar, Sheppard landing his craft right beside theirs.
As the team emerges impromptu cheers and applause arise from the assembled personnel. Becky flushes, hangs back. "Um, you guys go ahead, okay?"
Knowing smirks and grins are exchanged between everyone else. "Nothing doing, Beck. You deserve this. Step up to the plate already." With a hand on her shoulder Jack gently nudges her ahead of the group in the direction of the waiting General.
Oh, what the hell. Have to admit it was kinda fun, leading this motley crew. Wouldn't mind doing it again sometime.
He nods to her as she approaches. "Dr. Grahme."
"General Hammond," nodding her respect in turn. "Mission accomplished, sir."
"Well done." A rare, warm smile. "Well done indeed."
"Thank you, sir," lifting her chin and standing up straighter. She's had more effusive praise when younger- from singing to gifting her handicrafts to getting good grades in school- but right now those simple words mean more to her than anything she's ever heard before.
Doesn't need to reach out to the others to feel their collective approval, either.
Her heart soars. Now she truly feels part of the SGC. Like she's doing her part.
Like she belongs here.
The post-mission party's held the following night. Laughter and snatches of song around the firepit in the center of the residential square, along with occasional clinks and raising of Jack's latest brew and Ferretti's homemade grappa.
Ever since the settlement's earliest days people have been coming together on even the slightest pretext. To celebrate the fact they're alive for another day, and reassure one another they're not alone in the universe.
Tonight's party seems more festive than usual, however. But there's good reason, Daniel muses as he tips his head back to regard the faint rippling shimmer overhead, visible sign of an active shield in place. To be raised or lowered at the command of the Domina of Huy-Braesealis sitting next to him, laughing hysterically at the antics of Jack and Sam's impromptu swing dance.
A successful mission indeed, yielding a significant measure of protection. Couldn't come at a better time considering the latest intel.
Anubis' fleet is surely coming for them now, after decimating his rival System Lords. The SGC and New Earth are all that stands between him and galactic conquest.
Daniel gives himself a mental shake. No use worrying about a future that isn't here just yet. It's time to party down, as Jack might say.
A nearby table practically groans with the weight of rich plentiful food, courtesy of the refectory. Sergeant White and his staff have come up with every kind of snackable delight possible for the celebration, using a combination of edible native ingredients and Old Earth adaptations.
"My stomach's rumbling," Becky idly remarks. "You hungry?"
Daniel glances at her from his book (introvert habits die hard, and he knows she's carrying one in her jacket as well). "Sure."
"I'll get us some food. Be right back."
She slips out of the chair which is occupied almost immediately by McKay, settling in for an intense discussion with Sam. He irritably waves away Becky's protests when she returns with a full plate, not even sparing her a glance (Sam does though, with a sheepish, apologetic shrug).
"Problem?" Daniel innocently inquires.
She grimaces. "No place to sit now, thanks to Rodney."
"Yes, there is."
"Oh yeah? Where?"
He sets the book aside and smiles, holding out a hand. "Here."
"Well since you put it that way." Sliding right onto his lap, which is where he intended her to be all along. Fitting together so easily, as if made for each other.
He sniffs appreciatively at the plate in her hand. "Mmm, I'm hungry."
"Then you'd better have something before it gets cold." She picks up a tidbit, offering it to him.
He takes a careful bite, briefly catching her fingertips between his lips. "Delicious," he murmurs, making sure with a sultry look he's talking about more than just the food.
A corner of her mouth turns up in a wry smile. "You're nuts."
He only smirks at her in reply, picking up a piece from the plate and feeding it to her. She reaches out to caress his cheek before leaning in for a sweet, lingering kiss.
"Je t'aime, mon corbeau."
"Je t'aime aussi, ma colibri."
McKay glances at them, rolls his eyes. "God, you two. Get a room, already. And what's with bird names as endearments, anyway?"
Becky smirks at him. "None of your business, Rodney. Now shoo," making a waving motion with her free hand. He huffs and puffs a bit but complies.
Mac immediately takes his place, stretching out his long legs. "Man, thought he'd never leave. So Beck, how'd you like being in charge for once?"
"Not bad, all things considered. Gotta admit I enjoyed giving out orders for a change. Especially to Jack." Both he and Daniel chuckle. "Guess I need to do a better job figuring out a work/life balance, though."
Mac nods. "That'll come with practice. You'll do just fine next time."
A derisive snort. "If there is a next time."
"Oh, there will be," Sam chimes in. "I'm sure you'll have plenty of missions to lead in the future, Becky, and not only concerning the city. I hear General Hammond's going to offer you a permanent position on the ruling council as well."
Becky gapes at her. "You're kidding. Me?"
Daniel nods. "The system's so integral to our defense now, you should have a voice on the council. And you're our liaison with the city besides. It's time for you to take on more responsibility."
She moans, dropping her head on his shoulder. "Oh god, no. I'm so not ready for this."
Mac chuckles. "Yes, you are. Time to come into your own, Beck. And even if you have problems, don't worry. We've all got your back."
"You do?"
"Of course we do," Daniel reassures her with a gentle caress. The modest flush he finds so endearing tints her cheeks.
Jack balances on top of a rather unsteady chair, tapping a fork against the bottle in his hand. "Attention, folks. First off I'd like to say thanks for coming tonight. While I usually just get together with my team after a successful mission I thought it only fitting to include the rest of you guys, considering what we accomplished together and all," gesturing upwards with more enthusiasm than caution, almost falling off the chair..
"Oh for crying out loud Jack, control yourself why don't ya," Mac suggests in a lazy drawl. A ripple of laughter through the crowd.
"Yeah, sure, ya betcha. And now it's time for our fearless leader to say a few words-"
Becky utters a soft moan, trying unsuccessfully to hide against Daniel's shoulder. "Oh please god, no."
Sheppard and Mitchell start clapping and whistling, yelling "Speech! Speech!" She throws them a baleful glare and they grin back, unrepentant.
Grinning himself Jack comes over, yanks her up and away from Daniel's lap, practically carrying her back to the chair. "C'mon, kiddo. Your many admirers are waiting."
She groans. "Do I really have to?"
"It's what leaders do, Beck. Here, let me warm 'em up for you. Any of you guys heard the one about the Goa'uld, the Nox and the three-legged stool? See, there was this Nox-"
Boos and catcalls from Mac, Daniel and Ferretti drown him out, to everyone else's amusement.
Jack chuckles. "Okay, Beck. Your turn."
She rolls her eyes, leans over to him. Daniel's just close enough to hear her say, "You and your damn tricks. But thanks for giving me the chance to prove myself anyway."
He grins and pats her shoulder. "Glad to help, kiddo. Proud of you."
She faces the crowd, takes a deep breath. "Okay. Well, all I can say is I really appreciate the help of each and every one of you in carrying out this mission. I couldn't have done it without you. And I humbly apologize if I was too tough a boss on anyone."
"No problem, little sis," Sheppard calls out. "You can lead us anytime."
She ducks her head. "Yeah. Right. Anyway, that's it." Sergeant White and a helper carry a huge sheet cake to the table and she grins. "Though I do have one final order. In the immortal words of my uncle the colonel here," winking at Jack, "let them eat cake!" The group roars its approval.
He beams at her. "That's my girl."
Past midnight now, the summer night big and quiet, soft lavender light trickling through the curtains.
The bedside lamp illuminates the cream-colored pages of Daniel's journal as he writes. One of his favorite nighttime rituals even as a boy, a way to organize his thoughts at the end of the day. Put everything in perspective.
A soft sigh beside him from Becky, curled on her side facing him, hair all mussed with sleep and wearing one of his faded university t-shirts.
So much power within such a deceptively delicate frame. And yet she persists in thinking herself perfectly ordinary.
She's going to have an extraordinary ordinary life from now on, he's sure.
Daniel's secretly in awe of her though he tries hard not to show lest it freak her out. Being able to touch other minds with ease, with the unlimited power of a city ten thousand years old at her fingertips.
The Ancients obviously could do more with their minds than Ascension, so perhaps the ATA gene carries potential for psychic ability as well. Not that Jack or his brother have shown any signs themselves but to date she has the strongest expression of anyone, according to Carson.
Maybe the ability's been active in her the whole time, albeit at a very subtle level. It would explain her reliable gut feelings or the bond she shares with her uncles. Even his connection with her since Seattle, though he wouldn't trade what they have together for anything.
With a shudder he recalls the Harsesis, Shifu. All that terrifying power in the person of a little boy, the son of two Goa'uld hosts. Even in a dream the temptation to use it was almost too hard to resist.
(And besides, isn't it said the road to hell is paved with good intentions?)
He wonders how easy it would be for her to become like one of them, in the name of protecting New Earth. Would Jack be willing to take down his own niece for the greater good?
Could Daniel handle having to choose between her and the settlement, if it came down to him? Is that a choice he's even prepared to make?
He has no idea, but already he's lost one beloved at the hands of those vain, spiteful alien parasites. He won't lose another to Ancient technology and unpredictable psychic talents if he can help it.
"Penny for your thoughts." Becky's voice startles him, as soft as it is for the late hour.
"Sorry, did I wake you?"
"Nah. Couldn't sleep. Too keyed up after the party, I guess." She sits up, leans against his shoulder. "Have you always kept a journal?"
He nods. "Since I knew how to write in full sentences, it seems. I was pretty precocious as a kid."
"So was I. Never could get the hang of it myself, though."
"Really? I find it hard to believe, as articulate as you are."
She shrugs. "Go figure. Too hard to write in one left-handed, you know? And it just felt so awkward, trying to consciously put my thoughts down on paper. Besides, my handwriting's lousy."
"As bad as Jack's?" Recalling his friend's rather messy scrawl.
A wry smile. "Okay, maybe not that bad. Nothing I'd like to inflict on future generations, though." She pauses, her gaze turning inward. "Ever since we got back from the city I've been thinking about this..." vaguely waving her hand, "this talent I apparently have. Reaching other minds. How easy it would be if I wanted to force people to do things against their will, you know? I could turn into one of those awful Goa'ulds if I'm not careful." She shudders.
"I've been wondering the same," he admits. "But I don't think you'll ever become like them, Becky. Not at all."
"You really think so?"
"I do. Hey, would I lie to you?" Giving her his best wide-eyed innocent expression, which makes her laugh.
He caps the pen, setting it and the journal aside on the nightstand, placing his glasses on top. Turning off the light he faces her, one arm sliding easily around her waist as they snuggle together against the pillows, heads just touching. "So proud of you," he says softly, playing with a strand of hair before tucking it behind her ear. "My beautiful Lady of the Tower."
"God," she groans, rolling her eyes. "Don't you start."
"Why not? It's what the AI called you. Domina Turris."
"Because it freaks me out, that's why. People keep staring at me, even on base. Some even bow to me, for crying out loud. Bad enough they already think I'm some kind of a prophet because I was a Witness. But now?" She grimaces. "The idea of me being considered divine in any fashion makes me sick to my stomach. I mean, do I really look like I should be worshiped or something?"
He's secretly relieved at the aggravated tone in her voice. A good head on her shoulders, as Jack might say. No need to worry about Goa'uld-like delusions of grandeur from her.
He takes her hand, kisses it reverently. "Every inch of you, and as often as possible." Lips trail up her arm, along the shoulder up to her neck. He lingers at the pulse point, feeling the life beating there.
"You're nuts." She says it fondly, winding her arms around his neck, running fingers down his scalp in a way that sends shivers through him. "To be honest I'd rather be worshiping you."
"Maybe we need some mutual divine inspiration then, hmm?" Their lips meet, warm and tender. "Love you."
"Love you too."
Then no more need for words, only a sweet giving and receiving of their shared passion for one another.
Afterwards Daniel cradles Becky in his arms, both of them spent and replete. Feeling grateful at the remarkable turn his life has taken. How lucky he is to have found his soulmate, between the end of one world and the beginning of another.
He can't imagine life without his jewel-bright, quick-witted hummingbird. So comfortable together, almost like a married couple (and might as well be for real, after a surprise native ceremony on PX7-248 to Jack's infinite amusement).
Which isn't a bad idea, now he thinks about it. They do seem to keep each other grounded.
But he won't bring it up anytime soon. It's only been a month since she moved in, after all. Wouldn't want to spook her any.
Besides, he's content with things as they are. Thriving in each other's company. Loving and working side by side. Being there for his beloved as much as possible, as she is for him.
Savoring the calm before the coming storm.
Notes: Quick references to (once again) S2 E16 "The Fifth Race" and S3 E10 "Forever in a Day". For translations of phrases and explanations of certain concepts please see A Linguist's Guide to New Earth on AO3.