"We are gathered here today to pay our final respects to the first, the original, and some may say, the best team of this command. SG-1." I pause at that point to look at the crowd of solemn faces that are gathered in front of me in the gate room. Despite what I'm feeling inside, my voice is steady and my outward appearance is that of a perfect military officer. I know precisely where the O'Neill and Jackson children are sitting along with Colonel and Major Fraiser, and I purposely don't look that way. My eyes briefly drift to my wife, and she gives a barely noticeable nod, telling me that I'm doing okay. That's easy for her to say; she's not the one up here.
"Everyone here knows who they were. What they did; the sacrifices they made; the lives they led. I could stand here for hours telling you about all the wonderful things they did, who they helped, what they saved. But it's not what they would have wanted. I had the privilege of serving with them for over twenty years, and I'd like to think that I knew what they were like. How they didn't boast about their achievements, how all they were satisfied with just a few days extra leave for saving the world over and over again. Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter did it because it was their job. Doctor Jackson did it because he felt that it was his duty. Teal'c did it to free his people. They were just four people who fate had thrust them into this role, and trusted them to do what they thought was right. Maybe to some of you they were heroes to be worshiped; larger than life. Maybe in some ways you're right. But they were also just people with families..." I swallowed - hard. "And we should remember them that way too. Not just as General O'Neill, General Carter, Doctor Jackson. But simply Jack, Sam, Daniel and Teal'c."
I nodded towards Janet Fraiser-Jackson as I stepped away from the makeshift podium and hurried to sit beside Holly; a lump already in my throat. There are only a few personnel in this command who understand what it's like for me; having been around from almost the beginning. The petite woman taking the podium is one of them. And for her, this is a hundred times worse.
