The Stargate party reminded Jack of the good old times. He saw many familiar faces, military people in their service dress and civilians in elegant dresses and suits from the SGC, Atlantis, and the space ships built by the program. There were also politicians and generals from the Air Force and the other branches of the armed forces. Guests were enjoying the moment, juggling between chats, food, and beverages. Major Bradley was discussing with Colonel Reynolds and Lieutenant-Colonel Lorne. McKay was drinking with Keller and Bill Lee. Even Ronon Dex and Teyla were there. The man with long hair didn't look at ease in this reception where people would talk again and again. Harriman was describing to them the different beverages at their disposal. Teal'c was listening to Landry and a USMC colonel. Davis was handing a plate of petits fours to Zelenka and Sergeant Peacock.

General O'Neill was with Colonels Mitchell and Sheppard, Sam, and Daniel. The men had a Champagne flute in the hand, Sam, a glass of orange juice. Jack spotted Vala going to the rooftop, accompanied by Siler and another Air Force lady. Jack's attention went back to his group. Colonel Mitchell was enthusiastically recalling an adventure that SG-1 had years ago:

"We were surrounded by Ba'al's Jaffas. Like, man, we were really stuck, in a room full of stargates stolen by Ba'al, and we couldn't even use them! Can you believe it? The Odyssey couldn't beam us, that was terrible… And then, when we were short of options, Sam reprogrammed a DHD in a minute, saving our asses!"

Sheppard, who had become a full bird colonel, said, "I totally see what you mean, Cameron. I remember we had a situation in Atlantis when Sam was the base commander. We had to literally fight against trees the botanists had brought back from a planet. It was complete chaos. People were panicking, we were losing ground, but Sam managed to find a solution, God knows how, and with McKay, they did something, don't ask me what exactly, and we could reverse the situation. That was epic!"

John and Cameron smiled. There were sparkles in their eyes, as if they were missing those days when they were spending most of their time on the field. Daniel was smiling, too, but more discreetly. Sam was smiling, but it was rather a polite smile.

Daniel seemed to notice Sam's state of mind and changed the topic, "Nice party, isn't it?"

General Kent popped up at that moment and answered, "Indeed, Doctor Jackson."

The rest of the group greeted him. Then, Kent said, "You did a very great job on the organization, Sam, but I'm not surprised… Well, not anymore."

"Thank you, General Kent." Sam bent her head.

"No, thank you, Sam." the general insisted with a warm smile. He exchanged a few other words with Sam. He turned to the two colonels afterwards. "Mitchell, Sheppard, good to see you here. I wasn't sure you could make it. How are things going on in Alpha site and the Apollo?"

Sheppard started to talk about Alpha site. Jack understood that John Sheppard was now in charge of this outpost, and Cameron Mitchell, the Apollo. When John was finished, Sam decided to leave the group, pretending she was longing for fresh air. Jack couldn't go with her because Mitchell started his speech by thanking him. Indeed, the general had recommended the colonel for the position. He had also suggested Sheppard's name for Alpha site, based on Sam's reports when she was heading Atlantis (and other elements). Of course, Jack had no recollection of these events. It made sense however that he would be in favor of Mitchell and Sheppard because they had proven their valor on the battle field. Not that Jack didn't like Sheppard enough to recommend him, he just happened to have less interpersonal relationships with Sheppard than with Mitchell.

Jack wanted to leave the three men once Cameron's thank you note was over. Once again, he couldn't, as Kent insisted on keeping Jack around him a bit. So, O'Neill listened to other stargate adventures that Cameron and John were keen on telling, prompted by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, who envied these two men for living such extraordinary situations.

Not surprisingly, Sam would play a key role in a lot of Cameron's stories.

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So, what do you think will happen next? All I can tell is that I have a lot of surprises for Jack and you guys! Thanks for reading.