"Fine work with the drones, Jack. I mean it," Hammond says over glasses of what could possibly be the last of genuine Old Earth scotch in the known universe.
On the credenza next to the cut-glass decanter is a version imported from one of their trading allies but neither is inclined to give it a try as of yet (it's purple, for god's sake).
Jack leans back in his chair, crosses one long leg over the other. He likes having these infrequent, off-duty conversations with his CO over drinks. "Thank you, sir. Though honestly my niece should get equal credit. Everything was prepped ahead of time thanks to her, all I had to do was sit in the chair and give directions."
"A sensible young woman. You should be proud."
"Oh I am, sir. Believe me. Though Mac had more influence when it came to her upbringing. Dunno how he managed to raise a teenage girl in between Phoenix assignments but I gotta admit he did a pretty good job."
"I'm sure your niece had a lot to do with it herself. Good head on her shoulders." He sips at his drink. "I suppose you've been wondering why I invited you over today. I'll be making an official announcement later this week but I wanted you to be the first to know. I'm stepping down as commander of the NEDF, retiring to an advisory position. The General-Governorship is yours, and welcome to it."
Jack's eyes widen, almost dropping the glass in his hand. "So soon, sir?"
"Fairly late, you mean. The SGC would've been my last posting anyway. A nice, easy assignment before retiring for good. Or so I thought," he ruefully adds. "Tell you son, never once had I imagined I'd be fighting a secret intergalactic war at my age. Or being governor of an offworld colony, for that matter. I've been in the service a very long time, and this business with Anubis was just about the last battle I had in me."
"To be honest, I don't think anyone could've predicted any of this happening."
"Perhaps not. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to a good long rest, looking after my granddaughters."
"You've more than earned it, General. Time after time you've gone way above and beyond the call of duty for all of us. Gotta admit you're a tough act to follow."
Hammond smiles. "Thanks for the compliment, Jack. There's no doubt in my mind you're up to the task yourself. You may have a reputation as a maverick but you also care deeply about those under your command. It's no sinecure, but you've got the imagination and flexibility it takes to navigate our current situation and ensure we have a future. The official handover will be held after the Awakening festival, I should have everything wrapped up by then."
Jack stares pensively into his drink. He'd known this day was coming, but the reality of it still kinda floors him. Even though his body welcomes the rest he's not mentally ready to be kicked upstairs. He's always been a man of action, and the notion of spending the rest of his career behind a desk and dealing with politics- even the small-scale, settlement version- sets his teeth on edge.
Yet he doesn't have a choice, when it comes right down to it. The NEDF needs a leader, and no one else knows the scale of operations both on and offworld like he does, thanks to time spent shadowing Hammond as his 2IC.
He'll just have to do his duty, bite the bullet and take life as it comes. As he always has.
"If that's what you want to do, sir. I'll try not to disappoint, only- off the record?" Hammond nods. "I appreciate the promotion, but honestly I'd rather be fishing."
A wry chuckle escapes the General's lips. "I hear you, Jack. Don't worry, you'll do just fine. Feel free to come to me for advice anytime." He reaches over the desk, holding out his hand. "Congratulations."
Jack refrains from saluting just in time and takes it instead, a gesture of equals. "Thank you, sir."
Just wait 'til the gang gets a load of this.
The first team night after the battle, everyone gathered around the table at his place for dinner. Which feels pretty empty now since Mac's moved in with Janet and Cassie and Becky's comfortably cohabitating with Daniel.
Maybe he should jump on the bandwagon, convince Carter to move in after the handover. Or even asking her for something more, and not only because Mac showed him up by tying the knot first.
He's never met anyone who both complements and challenges him the way she does. Not to mention she looks damn sexy in everything, from BDUs to flight suits to that sweet little tank-top number.
Then again, they've both been content to take things slow. It's probably for the best to give their relationship more time to develop, or at least wait until after he's gotten used to being The Man for a while.
No one's surprised at the news of Jack's promotion. Which irks him a little, having expected a lively reaction on par with hearing about Mac and Janet's battlefield engagement.
"I don't know if I can do this," he admits. "Hammond's leaving behind some pretty big shoes to fill."
"You'll do just fine. Nobody knows how this place should be run better than you," Daniel says reasonably. "You can do whatever you want."
"Like ordering cake to be served every day in the refectory from now on," Becky quips, eyes twinkling.
"And I won't have to see you in the infirmary quite as often," Janet chimes in with a wry smile. "Unless it's to order you to cut down on said cake."
"Not likely he'd take your advice though, if I know my brother," Mac informs her with a smirk. "I'm warning ya, Jack, one of these days we'll have to hold an intervention about this unhealthy obsession of yours with baked goods."
"Hey, a man's gotta have a hobby," Jack counters in mock protest. He rubs his chin thoughtfully. "So I'll be able to do whatever I want, huh?"
Everyone else trades alarmed glances as they realize the implications. "Within reason, sir," Carter quickly amends.
He smirks at her. "Figured as much. So what's the flip side?"
"Well, the state of affairs out there is pretty chaotic, sir. An ambitious minor System Lord named Ba'al has already absorbed several territories into his domain and intends to acquire more."
"The Replicators are still a threat," Daniel notes. "The Asgard are barely holding their own against them; we'll have to help out somehow. And there are rumors of a newly-formed organization called the Lucian Alliance, eager to snatch up whatever's left."
"Any silver linings?" Jack inquires.
"Since word's gotten out about how we defeated Anubis we've received petitions via the Tok'ra from the surviving minor System Lords, for assistance in fending off Ba'al," Becky offers. "Other recently-freed worlds are also making overtures for our protection."
"I have word from Master Bra'tac," Teal'c says. "Many of my fellow Jaffa are eager to unite their tribes into a new nation, now they are free of their false gods. I intend to offer the constitution of our settlement as a role model at the first convocation. Elizabeth Weir has indicated her willingness to advise me on appropriate modifications."
"Sounds like a full plate," Jack muses. "Gotta admit sitting on the sidelines and watching you guys go have all the fun sure won't be easy. Just be sure to think of me slogging away behind a desk while you're taking a jaunt through the ol' orifice every now and then, okay?"
"Oh, I'm sure there'll be situations in which you can join us in the field, sir," Carter hastens to reassure him.
"And you can always come to your friends and advisors here any time you need guidance," Daniel adds with a trace of a smirk.
"Not sure if that's a good thing or bad thing, Danny. Though at least I'll have one ally on the council. Right, Beck?"
She smirks. "Depends on what you offer as a bribe, dear Uncle General-Governor."
"C'mon Jack," Mac says encouragingly. "Step up to the plate already. You can do this."
"MacGyver is correct, O'Neill," Teal'c states with his usual calm certainty. "We are facing some formidable challenges indeed but we are fully prepared to meet them with you as our leader."
"I appreciate the vote of confidence, guys. I really do." He sobers. "Seriously, thanks. Means a lot to know you're in my corner. Now, who wants dessert?"
Naturally, everyone raises their hands.
Later when everyone else has left Carter helps with the washing up, a pensive expression on her face.
"Penny for your thoughts."
She blinks at him, belatedly realizing she's been holding the same plate for the last couple minutes and setting it carefully in the dish drainer. "Oh, sorry. I was just thinking."
"You aren't ever gonna stop, period. That's one of the things I love about you. So lay it on me."
"Well, I was wondering who'd be leading the team if you're not with us. That is, if you're taking the job." A look of uncertainty in her eyes tugs at his heartstrings, that hint of vulnerability and self-doubt always making him want to cuddle her close even as he takes pride in her bravery and self-reliance.
"Hey, it's not like there are any other career opportunities waiting for me out there. As for who leads the team, hmm." He affects a thoughtful expression, pursing his lips. "Guess I'll have to give that serious consideration. Unless you wanna arm wrestle for it?"
She flushes at the reminder of their first meeting, what feels like a lifetime ago. "Still can't believe I actually said that out loud. You must've thought me terribly forward and insubordinate."
"Yeah, but I kinda liked it. Showed you had guts for a scientist. But let's not dwell. Don't know about you, but I wouldn't mind having a private celebration. How about it, hmm? Just you and me?" Offering her that slow, sexy grin which he knows always makes her melt.
She grins back. "As if you have to ask." They share a sweet, hot kiss over the soap bubbles.
A notion about her is already forming in his mind, even as he pulls her close. One long overdue.
Maybe being The Man has its perks after all.
The ceremony's held the first Friday after Awakening in the Memorial Grove. Three flags stand behind the podium in the clearing- the familiar SGC along with two new ones for the NEDF and New Earth itself, the material provided as a gift from one of their trading partners specializing in textiles and tailoring, eager for business since their original clothing from Old Earth's getting pretty worn out.
Becky squirms a little in her chair, squinting up at the light filtering through everblue branches high above. It's a peaceful setting but even three years after the Memorial it stirs up more embarrassing memories than she'd care to admit.
Her gaze strays to Daniel sitting on her left. He smiles as if he knows exactly what's on her mind and takes her hand, entwining their fingers.
A flush warms her cheeks. Okay, so maybe not everything about that day was humiliating.
Personnel salute as General-Governor Hammond approaches the podium for his farewell address. He takes in the assembled crowd with a sweeping glance before he begins.
"Ladies and gentlemen, when I first agreed to take command of the SGC I had no idea of either the events that would transpire or the challenges that would be faced, both internal and external. Nevertheless I'm honored to have fought alongside the finest and bravest men and women I've ever had the privilege to work with. And proud to stand among you now, as a fellow citizen of Gateway Settlement and New Earth. I commend each and every one of you on a job well done in defending our former homeworld to the best of your abilities, and in doing your utmost to make this one something we all can be proud of. Congratulations and thank you."
Everyone applauds.
"New leadership is required to take us into the future, whatever it may be. So without further ado it is with great pleasure I introduce to you the new General-Governor and Commander of the NEDF, Jack O'Neill."
From the other end of the grove people move to either side to make a path, military personnel coming to attention and saluting as he strides forward in full dress blues, shaking hands with Hammond.
Recognizing their cue Becky and Mac stand and approach the podium, each carrying the insignia of Jack's new rank. After replacing silver birds with silver stars Mac pats him on the back and Becky rises on tiptoe to kiss him on the cheek. He grins at them as they return to their seats before taking his place behind the podium.
In the front row Daniel and Sam smile broadly while Teal'c looks inordinately smug in his fashion, all three proud of their friend and teammate. He gives them a playful wink before focusing on the crowd at large.
"At ease," he says. "You all know how much I love speeches and there's cake being served afterwards so I'll make this quick. I wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for the courage and support of each and every one of you and I'm grateful. Let me tell ya- despite all I've seen and done in my career I still believe in hope. It's not a friendly universe out there, but what we've lost along the way only increases the value of what remains, and only by standing together to meet our challenges head on can we find something precious on the other side."
"Pretty eloquent for Jack," Mac whispers to Becky.
"I helped him with this part," she admits just as quietly. "He couldn't think of anything inspirational to say that wasn't a quote from The Simpsons."
Daniel hides a smirk behind his hand. "Somehow I'm not surprised."
Jack arches a knowing eyebrow their way but continues. "We've come a long way since arriving on this planet, but there's also a long way to go before we can truly live in peace. I promise I'll do my best to be as good a leader as we've had and as good as you deserve. Thank you.
"Now it's time for the cool stuff. With great pride my first order of business as General-Governor is to announce the promotion of Major Samantha Carter to Lieutenant Colonel, and appoint her as my second-in-command of the NEDF."
A soft gasp escapes from Sam, her eyes widening. Jack smirks, gesturing for her to come up to the podium. "Major, in recognition of your years of dedicated service both officially and unofficially, and in light of the sacrifices you've made both willingly and unwillingly, and in acknowledgement of your selfless dedication to protecting two worlds, it's my great pleasure to confer upon you the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Congratulations."
He exchanges silver oak leaves for gold. They salute each other.
The enthusiastic applause and cheers resound through the grove.
After the ceremony Becky's close enough to hear Sam say, "Are you sure keeping me on as your 2IC is a good idea, sir?"
"Sure as I am of anything, Carter. No one else I'd rather have on my six. I also need you to make sure Danny and T don't get into too much trouble out there."
She gasps. "You mean-"
"Yep. SG-1 is all yours. I'll figure out a fourth sooner or later, or you can find someone yourself who fits the bill." She can only continue to gape at him. He chuckles. "Speechless for once, huh? I gotta mark this date on my calendar."
She swallows. "Sir...I...I don't know what to say. I mean I'm honored, but-"
He waves away her objections. "You deserve it, Carter, the whole thing. I mean it. Off the record though, I'm open to accept any further thanks you're willing to give as, let's say, part of an off-duty strategizing session later tonight at my place?" Throwing her a sly wink.
Her smile's equally wicked. "Count on it, sir."
Becky grins at their exchange. She's so proud of them both. Jack's cheekiness and out-of-the-box thinking (a talent which runs in the family) is complimented by Sam's verve, moxie and sheer brilliance. They make a great team, with or without Daniel and Teal'c. The perfect combination to navigate the increasing chaos out there and confound their enemies.
The settlement needs that, now more than ever.
Several interesting days pass before Becky's radio chirps just as she's settling down for the night. "Hey, Becky?"
"Yeah, Jack?"
"Just wanted to let you know Danny's on his way home from the infirmary."
She takes a breath, hoping nothing's gone wrong. This is the first time SG-1's gone on a mission without Jack and of course he's just as concerned about his former team as she is, especially after the business with Ba'al, Camulus and the booby-trapped ZPM. "Are they okay?"
"They're fine. At least, no bones broken or anything like that according to Janet. But the guys are gonna need a good long rest before I let 'em go on another mission. Plenty of sleep and food, stuff like that. So don't let Daniel get away with it, when he insists on hitting the books until the wee hours again. Even if you feel like doing the same, since that's your natural inclination."
"Understood. Thanks for the heads-up." It's the least she can do for her beloved archaeologist. "You're a good friend, you know that?"
"I know my Spacemonkey. I'm looking after Sam the same way, too."
"How about Teal'c?"
"The big guy can take care of himself. Lots of food and some kel'no'reem and he's good to go. But the sooner Sam and Danny are rested and fed the better, because then I can send 'em out again. And don't worry, they won't get another mission until we both think they're good for it. Not even if Ba'al himself breaks down the door for real."
"Got it. I'll do my best, Uncle General-Governor."
"I'm sure you will, kiddo. See ya later."
Becky opens the door right when Daniel's reaching for the knob, which is good. Right now he's so exhausted he's about to do a face plant right onto the floor. "Hey."
"Hey yourself." A quick kiss on the lips. He catches sight of the clock and frowns. "Isn't the monthly council meeting taking place now?"
"Nah, staying home tonight. Laying low so I don't have to hear Williams expound on my saintly deeds during the battle." She makes a face.
"If you say so. Jack tell you I was on my way?"
"Yeah. How'd you know?"
"You wouldn't just be waiting by the door otherwise if he didn't already let you know Janet was releasing us from the infirmary."
"Good point. You need anything first, maybe a bite to eat?"
"No, just sleep."
"Okay." He lets her lead him by the hand into the bedroom. "Tough mission?"
"Yeah." He settles onto the bed, uttering a weary sigh before tossing the green jacket on a nearby chair and removing his boots before stretching out. Just as good as he'd been imagining while cooped up for days in that secret lab with Sam and Teal'c- soft mattress and pillows easing his tired body, the deep pleasure of his hummingbird joining him, snuggling in close. Her quiet, gentle presence soothes his spirit like nothing else.
He yawns. "Anything interesting happen while we were away?"
"You could say," she says, yawning herself. "SG-8 brought back a plant sample from P6J-908 for Botany to study two days ago. Turned out to be the 'alien kudzu from hell,' as Jack so eloquently put it. Grew ten times its size in fourteen hours, doubled that again in 28. Took the whole day after that to contain it before it could make inroads on the settlement."
"Good thing I wasn't around for that."
"Definitely. Your allergies would've been in overdrive, mine were bad enough. We finally got it all taken care of permanently but just in case Jack's ordered scans of the valley every day for a month or so, to make sure any stray spores haven't taken root. He's already chewed out SG-8, Bill Lee and the entire Botany section something awful for being careless and not taking proper quarantine measures first."
Daniel snorts. "I bet he did. Loudly, too."
"Oh, yeah. Heard him all the way across the compound." She pauses. "I'm really glad you're home. When Ba'al claimed he was holding you guys for ransom in exchange for Camulus I had a gut feeling he had no intention of letting you go."
"He never had us in the first place. Didn't Jack tell you that?"
"Well yeah, I know that now. But at the time-" She gives a one-sided, helpless shrug. "I know you've taken some pretty big risks before but I honestly don't think I've ever feared so much for your safety." A single tear slides down her cheek.
He brushes it away with his lips. "Hush, now. Don't think about it anymore. I'm safe and we're together again. That's all that matters."
"Oh, raven." They share a slow, sleepy kiss.
Too tired for lovemaking, he takes pleasure in just holding her for now. So sweet and pliant in his arms, the cotton t-shirt the slightest barrier from her soft skin and perfectly-proportioned feminine comforts. He'd be a happy man if they could stay like this forever, bodies and souls entwined, safeguarded against bad dreams and a myriad of terrifying what-ifs.
Daniel closes his eyes, falling into peaceful slumber, safely home at last.
Perfection.
It's almost 0200 when he wakes again, warm and comfortable, stomach content with a late supper of pancakes, near-bacon and avian eggs. Becky wrapped in his arms, her petite form a comforting familiar weight on his chest. Daniel brushes her hair back with a fond smile.
Naturally his body needs to answer an urgent call of nature at that moment. He carefully settles her against the sheets and drops a gentle kiss on her cheek, a soft sigh her only response.
He reaches for his glasses, gets out of bed and heads to the bathroom. Stares blearily at his reflection for a few moments, rubbing at the emerging bristles on his chin- he must remember to shave in the morning- before turning to the toilet.
Afterwards he opens the door and almost bumps into Becky. "Sorry."
She makes no reply but instead shuffles right past him, eyes glazed over, not even wearing her glasses.
"Becky? You okay?"
Her lack of reaction is puzzling, to say the least. Not her usual half-asleep stumbling after waking unexpectedly, that's for sure. Reminds him more of sleepwalking than anything.
Wouldn't be good to disturb her in this state. Better just to follow, make sure she's not going to hurt herself without realizing it. He makes a mental note to ask Mac later if she's ever done this before.
She enters the office without bothering to turn on the light, picks up a pen and starts writing on a piece of scratch paper.
He regards her carefully, brow furrowed in concern. It's been almost a year since the first expedition to Huy-Braesealis, when she sat in the control chair for the first time. Could what he feared for her back then be happening at last, delayed reaction from prolonged exposure to Ancient technology?
She sets the pen down and turns away from the desk, moving past him in the doorway without even acknowledging his presence. He follows her back to the bedroom where she collapses onto the bed, already sound asleep.
Daniel silently watches for a while until he's certain she's safe before returning to the office. He turns on the desk light, frowning slightly as he studies the scratch paper.
Gate glyphs. Eight of them this time, including the one at the end that's become increasingly familiar over the years as their new origin point even as they've kept the peak-and-circle at as a reminder of their former homeworld.
Never before has he seen a sequence beyond the usual seven-symbol affair, despite there being nine chevrons on a Gate. No one has, until now.
It must have special significance. But what?
He shakes his head in disbelief. From out of the blue Becky sleepwalks and writes down an eight-symbol Gate address to god-knows-where. Weird, though admittedly not as much as what happened to Jack while under the influence of the Repository.
But it comes a close second.
With a frown he notices the Ancient letters she added below the glyphs. His eyes widen as he automatically translates it.
It's a word. No, a name. One straight out of myth and legend.
Atlantis.
Notes: References to S8 E4 "Zero Hour" because the alien kudzu was fun.
