====
-- Chapter Two: It's For Real This Time!
====
"Sir, the perimeter is secured," Sam spoke confidently. "SG-2 is in place surrounding the Stargate, and SG-3 reports no sign of hostiles in our area."
"Good. Teal'c, lead the way, and let's see if we can manage to get in and out of this paradise without starting a war."
"We shouldn't be here, Jack."
"I know that, Daniel, but we have our ..."
"Orders. Yes, I know, but the orders are wrong, and you know it."
"Daniel, the intel on the advanced weaponry these people have can't be overlooked. We need those ... gun things, whatever they call them."
"Neuexgarrotics."
"Whatever. Darn things don't even have a name that can be logically shortened."
"Jack, we don't know anything about this war, or the Grizslems or the Tzlites."
"Who comes up with these names anyway?"
Pulling on Jack's arm, Daniel stopped the leader of SG-1.
"Listen to me, General. The Grizslems appear out of nowhere, claiming to be friends of the Tollan, a race you don't even like, I might add, not to mention a race that may not even exist anymore, and then draw us in with the lure of this super-weapon, like a fisherman hanging a baited line for a fish."
Jack groaned at the metaphor, but Daniel released Jack's arm, knowing he was at least getting in his say.
"Think, Jack. If this neuexgarrotic was all it claimed to be, why do the Grizslems need us to extract it from this planet? Why don't they come here and get the weapon themselves? Why can't they use another neuexgarrotic, or some other supposedly advanced ... doohickey, to use your term, to get what they want? Why do they need us?"
Jack sighed, distressed at Daniel's logic. It was another of those "too good to be true" scenarios. The Grizslems had promised the Tau'ri they would share their technology so Earth could build its own neuexgarrotics. The catch was that they wanted their new allies to go to the Tzlite home world and retrieve the stolen neuexgarrotic.
However, if the weapon was so wonderful, and if they could be replaced so easily as these supposed friends of the Tollan claimed, then why were the Grizslems sending SG-1 to retrieve the one reportedly stolen by the Tzlites, a race the Tau'ri hadn't even met?
Even though he knew Daniel had a valid point, Jack still had his orders.
"The point is, we don't know anything about either of these two races, and without doing any investigation, any background check at all, Kinsey has us here, ready to jump in and destroy a world based on what?"
Jack shuddered at the sound of Kinsey's name. The man was a pain in the mikta. Though no longer Vice President, he had wormed his way back into the Senate and into a place of power in the Pentagon. When Jack had found out the man was back to pulling strings at the government level, he had told his lover, "That man is like a snake who refuses to die. You keep cutting off his head, but he comes back again and again, growing a new one."
Knowing Kinsey was behind their current orders should have made Jack question them from the get-go, but he hadn't. He was hoping the Grizslems were ... honorable.
"Daniel, I hear you. I do; but we have our orders, and the Grizslems seem like nice enough folks. They gave us that pain-killer stuff."
"That means nothing, and you know it."
"We have our orders," Jack barked.
He walked on, increasing his pace, separating himself from Daniel quickly.
"I HAVE ONE WORD FOR YOU, GENERAL," Daniel yelled. "EURONDA! THEY SEEMED LIKE NICE FOLKS, TOO, JUST ... LIKE ... US!"
Jack froze in his tracks. He felt like the air had just been sucked out of him. He couldn't breathe. His desire for Earth supremacy had just been slapped down. He turned, staring at Daniel. They were separated by several yards. Their eyes met, but neither said anything at this point.
Finally, Jack looked around, and with a nod of his head, he clicked on his radio, "Carter. Come in."
"Sir?"
"Pack it in, Carter. Recall SG-3, and head back to the Stargate," Jack said quietly.
"Sir? Our orders?"
"You know that old saying, Carter, 'Fool me once, shame on you, but fool me twice, shame on me'?"
"Um," Sam flinched as she stood in her position about a half mile ahead of where Jack and Daniel were. "Yes, Sir. I've heard it."
"Well, our orders stink, Carter, and we're going home until we can find out a bit more about these 'friends' of the Tollan."
"But Senator Kinsey ..."
"... is a moron, Carter. We knew that years ago. I gave you an order. Do it -- now!"
"Yes, Sir. Carter out."
Daniel smiled, proud of his husband. What he had just done had not been easy for him, and it was the final step of an evolution for Jack O'Neill, a man who used to carry out an order without ever questioning, a Jack O'Neill who eventually began to question, but still followed orders without too much of a disagreement, and now, here was the Jack O'Neill who would do what was right, orders or no orders.
From a distance, Jack shook his head at the man he used to be, grateful that Daniel Jackson had entered his life, and opened him up to a world that was far greater than anything he ever could have imagined!
As the rain began to fall on the heavily forested planet, Jack started to walk towards SG-1's archaeologist. He'd almost reached the younger man when they were suddenly surrounded by hostiles, one of whom sneaked behind Daniel. The alien pulled out a long knife and held it to Daniel's throat.
Jack stood motionless, as two others approached him, pointing weapons at him, and yet another was jabbing him in the back with a sharp object.
"Inczwa mel torzic!" the man behind him said.
"Yeah, whatever," Jack responded, moving forward towards Daniel, which he assumed is what the man wanted, based on the prodding of the object at his back.
A fifth man stood near Daniel and the man with a knife. Jack noticed that the man was watching the actions of the others intensely.
As they neared Daniel and his captors, the two on either side of Jack stopped him.
"Daniel, do you know what they're saying?"
"I think, uh, that we're some kind of prize," Daniel spoke tentatively, the knife still at his throat, though it had been lowered just a tad, until he spoke.
"Crzoia mel viorliz."
"Daniel?"
Daniel shrugged.
Jack raised his voice to the group of hostiles, which numbered only five that he could see, the two by Daniel, the two in front of him, and the one behind him, but his instincts told him there were more nearby. He could feel them, and he saw small motions from the apparent leader towards a small clump of bushes to the south of their position.
"Who are you, and what do you want?" Jack demanded to know.
"Crzoia mel viorliz!"
"Jack, I think that means ..."
"Shut up," Jack said. "I didn't mean you, Daniel. I meant I figured that out on my own."
A punch to his solar plexus took Jack by surprise.
"JACK!"
"I'm okay," he gasped, his hands holding his midsection as he stared a dagger in the face, the dagger belonging to the man he assumed was the leader.
"Crzoia mel viorliz," the man said again, only this time with an air of superiority.
"Backatcha, you cretin."
The leader punched Jack again, shoving him back to the ground.
"Jack, stop!"
"Daniel, be quiet, and THAT'S AN ORDER."
Daniel flinched, unable to move, his throat still feeling the pressure of the knife being held against it. One of the others who had been guarding Jack, moved nearer to the archaeologist, aiming a weapon at Daniel's heart.
Daniel knew what Jack was doing, taking the attention away from him. Daniel had seen the look that the leader had given him, and he knew Jack had seen it as well. Daniel spoke a silent prayer, to that power in the heavens that both Jack and he knew existed, "Please, we're so close to our dreams. We don't know what you are, or who exactly, but we know you're there. Please, help us ... one more time."
With two of the hostiles concentrating on keeping Daniel at bay, and one desperately trying to get a clear shot at his enemy, Jack fought the leader and the fifth hostile, the one that had been jabbing him in the back.
Quickly, Jack had been able to down the fifth man, three hard blows in succession knocking the fighter out. Jack reached for a weapon, but the leader pulled him away, and the two continued to fight each other.
Daniel watched, helpless to assist. Still, he had to try to do something, no matter what, so he struggled to get free of his attackers. Unfortunately, their grip was firm, and the knife that had been so near his skin finally nicked his throat, a small amount of blood beginning to drip down Daniel's neck.
Then the hostiles that had been in hiding revealed themselves, helping the leader to fend off Jack, who was fighting not for his life, but for Daniel's.
"Well, now, imagine that. You're not alone," Jack taunted the leader, knowing they didn't need to speak the same language to understand each other.
Jack had been outnumbered, and had to give up his fight or be killed, and if he was killed, he knew it would be over for Daniel, too. Breathing hard as he lay prone on the ground, he raised his hands in surrender.
The hostiles spoke heatedly to one another, and Jack, who had been prodded into standing up again, saw the leader that he'd been fighting with walk excitedly towards Daniel. Seeing all the attention being focused on his husband, Jack covertly raised his right hand, flipped on the radio, and then watched the hostiles continuing to argue amongst each other.
The man who had been fighting with Jack seemed to be arguing with the leader of the group that had been in hiding. Finally, the angered man that had hit Jack stabbed the other, and fiercely walked to Daniel, grabbing hold of his chin.
"Grizslem tor mel frizloic. Te mel viac."
Daniel shook his head, and again, Jack didn't need words to know Daniel understood what the man had said. After all, Jack understood it clearly, and no way in creation was the leader of the hostiles getting a hold of Jack's lover in private, not while Jack was alive.
The leader ordered one of his men to tie Daniel's hands, which he did. Daniel winced at the tightness of the binding, a grunt coming from his throat as his captives pulled the rope taut. Others were holding Jack at bay, or so they thought.
Daniel's eyes were locked onto Jack's as one man started to pull Daniel away, and the blue eyes widened as he saw another pointing a weapon at Jack.
Jack mumbled into his radio, "Now would be good, Carter."
Hearing two clicks of acknowledgment which indicated Sam was in position, Jack yelled, "DANIEL ... DOWN ... NOW!"
Without question, Daniel dropped to the ground, keeping his head up so he could see what his lover was doing. Jack had charged forward, into the leader, knocking him to the ground. He landed punch after punch to the man, who without his weapon, wasn't much of a match for Jack's hand-to-hand combat skills.
Seeing the second man who had been guarding him taking aim at Jack, Daniel rolled over and, using his feet, kicked him in the shins, causing the man to scream and fall to the ground.
At the same time, Sam and Teal'c emerged from hiding and took on the other hostiles, briefly surprised when even more appeared out of the bushes. Fortunately, SG-1 had superior firepower and better tactical skills. Knowing their battle was lost, some of hostiles tried to flee. Within two minutes, the battle was over, SG-1 having killed four of the hostiles and capturing six others.
"SG-3 has the area surrounded, Sir, and are en route to our location. They should be here in five."
"Thank you, Colonel," Jack said, standing.
"Feel free to shoot this one, Teal'c," Jack said, motioning to the leader and then rushing to Daniel, who was still on the ground.
Even though Teal'c had responded, "Indeed," the look the large Jaffa gave the hostile was sufficient to leave the man visibly shaking in fear.
"Danny, are you okay, Angel?"
Jack quickly examined the small cut on Daniel's neck, relieved that it didn't appear to be severe. Pulling out a first-aid kit from his pack, he carefully applied a small band-aid to cover the wound.
"I am now. It's just a scratch," Daniel said, smiling as Jack moved to untie him. "What about you? Are you hurt, Jack?"
"Nah, been punched in the gut a lot in my time. His didn't even register."
"Jack, they're the Grizslems."
"What?"
"I figured out part of what they were saying. They wanted us as a trophy. I don't understand it all, but I think it's a competition between the Grizslems and the Tzlites."
"And we're the game?"
"Yes. I don't think that weapon works for long. I think it was just a mock-up or something."
"I thought we were helping them, protecting them even from the evil Tzlites. Geez, Danny."
With Daniel's hands free, Jack tenderly caressed his lover's wrists, held his hands, and then leaned in and kissed his husband.
"Jack, SG-3 will be here any second."
"I know. Come on."
Jack pulled Daniel up and began organizing the trip back to the Stargate.
====
"Janet, he has a small stab wound on his neck," Jack said to the SGC doctor even before the Stargate had shut off.
"Jack, its just a scratch! You're the one that got beat up."
Janet took one look at Jack's worried face and pulled Daniel to a sitting position to get a better look and attend to the injury.
The gate room was full of activity, the Marines making sure the prisoners were contained, and the medical staff working on the various injuries.
Jack didn't leave Daniel's side even though he saw Hammond waiting for him, an anxious look on his face as he watched from the control room.
"Doc?"
"Jack, it's nothing," Daniel spoke up.
"I'm the doctor here, Doctor Jackson," Janet said, smiling, "but in this case, he's right, General. Just a tiny surface wound, not much worse than a razor cut."
Janet replaced the band-aid and smiled as she spoke authoritatively, "You're just fine."
"Thanks, Doc," Jack chimed, reaching down and helping Daniel up.
"Jack?"
Daniel was noticing a difference in Jack's demeanor. The man in front of him seemed more like his husband than the 2IC of Stargate Command, and considering they were in the gate room, that wasn't normal.
"General, why did you abort the mission?" Hammond asked abruptly, having entered the gate room and approaching his flagship team.
Jack looked at Daniel, and replied, "One word, Sir ... Euronda."
The Major General studied his 2IC and knew it would be an interesting debriefing. He also knew the current President Hayes wouldn't be happy with it. Silently, the leader of the SGC also acknowledged that he shouldn't be happy with it either, but somehow, he had a hunch Jack was right.
The room was full of military personnel, as well as the medical team looking over the few injuries that had been received in the short skirmish. SG-2 and SG-3 were still present, as were the always nearby armed and on duty Marines that guarded the gate room whenever anyone travelled through the Gate.
Above the gate room, the control room was full of the usual personnel as well as representatives of Kinsey and others who thought like him. Jack and Daniel were still at the base of the ramp, waiting for orders or a scolding, Daniel thought.
Daniel tensed briefly when suddenly, as Jack looked around the room, he felt his hand being held by his husband. His first instinct was to pull away before anyone saw, but Jack's hold was firm.
Jack turned to face Daniel. They looked like a perfectly centered arrangement, standing there with their profiles against the backdrop of the Stargate. Jack's right hand still held Daniel's. His left hand reached up to caress his lover's face. The noise of the gate room began to hush.
"Jack?"
"It's time, Danny. We've done our duty, and more. Maybe we can still help out from time to time, but, it's time, and we both know it."
Daniel blinked just twice, and sighed, nodding as he did so. They were a few weeks ahead of their planned exodus from the SGC, but that didn't matter. Daniel had promised Jack that the next time the older man wanted out, they'd go. Besides, Daniel truly agreed. It was time.
"General Hammond," Jack turned to face their friend, "it's been a pleasure and an honor, but I'm retired now, Sir."
"And I resign," Daniel added.
Jack smiled at Daniel's words, and as silence loomed in the crowded room, Brigadier General Jack O'Neill of the United States Air Force, the 2IC of the SGC, leaned forward and kissed the Head of Archaeology, the wonder who had opened the Stargate, the geek who had taken down System Lords and worse.
It was a long, lingering, tender kiss, their arms wrapping around each other in warmth and possessiveness. It was clear to almost everyone that this was not the first time these two had kissed. When they stopped, the sound of a pin dropping could be heard.
"I love you, Daniel Jackson-O'Neill, and our forever, our dreams, they begin now."
"And I love you, ex-General Jack Jackson-O'Neill, so freakin' much."
The room was still quiet as Jack and Daniel headed for the exit, walking hand in hand, but before they exited, they heard a Marine say, "But I thought he was doing it with Carter?"
Jack and Daniel burst into laughter, as did Sam.
Looking at the Marine, she responded, "You guys are so easy!"
With a nod, Sam and Teal'c followed their friends out of the gate room, knowing Jack and Daniel were about to begin their new life together.
====
"Gawd, Jack, I thought I was going to die, right there in front of everyone," Daniel spoke, his voice an octave higher than normal. "You could have waited and let us tell the General in his office."
Jack shook his head, as he insisted, "No, I'm through. Danny, when you showed me how much this mission was like Euronda, I knew right then that it was the last time. We're too close to having everything we've wanted. You could have died, and I won't risk losing you anymore just so we can have the biggest gun. Besides, I've always wanted to kiss you in the gate room, in front of everyone."
Daniel laughed, knowing the truth of that statement. Jack had teased and joked about kissing Daniel on the ramp for years.
"I love you, Jack."
"Yeah, and now I have more witnesses to prove it, too!" Jack sneaked up on his half-dressed lover and kissed the nape of his neck. "We're going home, Danny. Finally, no more hiding."
"No more hiding, My Love, not ever," Daniel agreed, turning to face his husband.
As the two kissed, Teal'c entered.
"O'Neill, DanielJackson ..."
"That's DanielJacksonO'Neill, Teal'c."
The Jaffa glared at his former CO and stated honestly, "If I said all of that, O'Neill, he would be dead before I could warn him of danger."
"It's my name, and you don't have to warn me anymore."
Daniel smiled, putting on his blue plaid shirt. Jack just laughed, then looked at his lover, a quizzical look on his face.
"What?"
"Geez, Danny, of all days for you to wear that old retread. You rarely wear that stuff anymore, but it used to be all you wore. Just seems kinda ... nostalgic."
Jack turned back to his locker.
"Not even sure why I wore it," Daniel acknowledged, wondering if it was a strange premonition about their sudden retirement.
"General Hammond wishes for the debriefing to begin immediately."
"We'll be there in a minute, Teal'c," Jack responded.
After Teal'c exited, Daniel suggested, "Maybe we should be wearing our ..."
"No, our life begins now. Besides, these uniforms aren't exactly trendy."
"You're a scoundrel, Jack, flaunting us in front of the SGC."
"Ain't it grand?" Jack smirked with a gleam in his eye, "but I'm not flaunting. I'm just ... happy. No more hiding. No more ridiculous games with Carter. Just you and me and our forever."
"Gawd, Jack. You're not supposed to talk like that in here."
Jack went up to Daniel and kissed him.
"No more hiding, Love, and no more pretending." Jack started to turn, but stopped. "Danny, there's something you should know."
"What?"
"When that idiot had that knife to your throat, I said a prayer ... a real one."
"Gawd, Jack," Daniel whispered. "So did I ... I mean, when they were attacking you ... so did I."
Jack nodded, and then, as if one mind, both Jack and Daniel reached into their pants pockets, removing their wallets. In a singular motion, they removed their wedding rings from the velvet pouches that always protected them.
Daniel held out his ring, and Jack took it, placing it gently on his husband's finger.
"Forever and always, Danny, I love you, and this time, that ring stays on."
Jack kissed the ring on the finger, and then handed his golden ring to Daniel.
Sliding it carefully onto Jack's finger, Daniel spoke softly, "I love you, Jack, forever and always, for our eternity, and from now on, this ring," Daniel kissed the ring, "it never comes off, not ever."
The couple kissed again, no longer bogged down by concerns of "Don't Ask, Don't tell."
"We have so much to do, Angel. I can't wait to get home and start our eternity, our way."
"Sounds perfect."
Jack moved back to close his locker, and Daniel did the same with his. Then, Jack extended his hand out. Daniel reached out and took it, and together they walked to the briefing room, not noticing the constant stares and whispered voices as they made their way through the corridors. All they knew was that for the first time, they didn't have to hide who they were or how much they loved each other.
====
"Your minds are made up?"
After the debriefing, Hammond had asked Jack and Daniel to accompany him to his office to discuss their resignations. Hammond was seated at his desk, the two lovers in chairs in front of the desk. The door was closed, and Hammond had asked not to be disturbed during the meeting.
"Yes, Sir. It's for real this time. No more retiring and being talked back into service, or delaying it."
Jack paused, leaning forward in his chair, clasping his hands together, speaking mildly.
"George, you know we were going to do this last year when Daniel got hurt and almost died. We came back ... for six months, to make things right with the Hedronix, but then there was that mess with the Ancient's knowledge messing with my brain. Geez, just when that was through, I got promoted, and we didn't feel like we could leave the SGC in the hands of another civilian, or worse, so we stayed."
Jack looked at Daniel, shaking his head. He returned his focus to his friend, the Major General.
"See what I mean? There's always been something. We stuck it out, found Atlantis, kept this place moving forward as much as possible, and when you came back, we felt like we had to stay yet again."
"We wanted the transition to be smooth," Daniel explained. "We were afraid the President might do something ... I don't know. We just thought we should stay until everything got back to normal again. So we did."
"The point is, General," Jack picked up the ball again, "there's always something the government wants from us, some crisis to lure us back in. We love what we do here, and that's part of the reason we've stayed ... in spite of ourselves, but there comes a point when enough's enough."
Jack took a breath. He leaned his chin on the tips of his fingers as his hands were held together at the palms.
"Two months ago, we decided it was time to stop, but ... you did it again -- convinced us to stay."
"For the good of the universe," Daniel interjected.
"... Even though we had plans ... plans we've worked for and thought about for a long time. Like I said, George, there's always some danger or threat that everyone thinks only SG-1 can handle. Up until today, I've let myself believe it, or be talked into it. Well, Sir, no more. Daniel almost died out there because someone wanted a weapon. The people we thought we were helping were the same ones who attacked us. So, yes, Sir, our minds are made up."
Leaning back in his chair, Hammond asked, "Doctor Jackson, there is still a lot for you to do here. Are you sure that you won't reconsider?"
"It's up to you, Danny. He's right. What you contribute has always been beyond anything I or any other member of the SGC can do ... AND NO, I'm NOT exaggerating!" Daniel blushed slightly, making Jack smile. "Geez, he's beautiful when he blushes. Actually, Sir, he's always beautiful."
"Jaaaack, not here!"
"Yes, here." Jack reached over and took Daniel's left hand in his. "No more hiding or pretending. You're my husband, and I love you, and now, we start our family, but, if you want to stay on as a consultant or something, you can. There's no reason why you can't, Danny."
"Yes, there is. You see, I happen to love you, and we've already decided what our future is going to be. I love the Stargate, Jack. The experiences we've had, the friends we've made ... they're wonderful and awesome, but that experience is ours, together. Its magic and mysteries belong to both of us, and without you here to share it with ..."
"You mean argue about it, don't you?"
"... whatever." Daniel smiled, his hand gently massaging Jack's, "Whatever you call it, Jack, without you, I don't want it anymore. We have plans, remember?"
"I get to be your eyes."
"If you still want to."
"Oh yeah, there's nothing I want more ... except for you and our children."
"Children?" the Major General had to ask.
Jack stood up, bringing Daniel with him. They exchanged a look of agreement. His arm around Daniel's waist as they faced the now-standing Major General, Jack smiled. His eyes sparkled as he explained, "Yes, Sir, Daniel and I are hoping to be pregnant ... any time now, Sir."
Seeing the General's stunned look, Daniel explained, "We're using a surrogate, General. She might already be pregnant. We're hoping anyway."
"I had no idea."
"Well, George, the less you knew about our lives, the better off you were."
"Very well. I'll need your written resig..."
"Had them written years ago," Jack said, handing over two envelopes, "just needed to put in the date."
The General laughed.
"I knew when you were riding that bicycle built for two in my gate room that you'd never stop surprising me."
"You saw that?" Daniel asked, totally caught off guard.
"Yes, Son. Although I should say, I saw enough to know that for everyone's sake, I didn't want to see any more."
"Oh, gawd, and I thought you didn't know until all that crap with Thor."
"Son, why do you think I knew you were at Jack's house every time I needed to track you down?"
"Our house, General," Jack corrected. "Danny's ..." Jack stopped suddenly, "Danny, we're having a party!"
"What?"
"A house deed burning. Geez, I can't wait to get rid of that house. I hate it."
"I do, too," Daniel admitted.
"Your house?" Hammond asked.
"Oh, not ours, General. That place Daniel bought."
"It was a cover, Sir," Daniel said.
Danny, I need to tell him.
About what?
That covert mess. I hated lying to him. Do you mind?
No, I don't mind.
Hammond had watched the two men staring at each other. He'd seen it before, this silent communication between them. He didn't really know what was happening, nor did he understand it, but he was sure they did.
"General, I'd like to come clean about something that has bothered for me for years."
Hammond looked surprised, but nodded, and they all sat back down in their chairs.
"Sir, you remember that mess with the Tollan when we uncovered Maybourne's operation?"
"As if I could forget."
"I apologize, Sir, but I disobeyed your orders. I had to, and I've regretted having to lie to you ever since, but ... I'd do it again."
"What are you talking about, Jack."
"Daniel knew."
Hammond looked at the archaeologist who simply nodded.
"Sir, we were living together. There was no way I could have pulled it off without him knowing."
"For my part, General, I apologize as well," Daniel spoke. "It wasn't easy lying to you, but we both did what was necessary."
Hammond nodded, his face tight as he thought back to the covert operation of that time, remembering how Jack had been ordered to go undercover. The Tollan, Nox, and Asgard had all threatened to cut ties with Earth if the thieves stealing their technologies were not apprehended. They had also insisted that only Jack be told.
"It wasn't an easy time," the Major General acknowledged. "You pulled it off very well, Doctor Jackson. I didn't have a clue."
"I guess that's a ... compliment."
"I understand your reasons, Jack."
"I didn't like doing it, George, and I didn't do it easily."
"I understand. Thank you for telling me now."
"We owe you honesty. We wish we could have told you then, but truthfully, General, we never wanted to risk your position here," Daniel stated. "Everything Jack and I have done has been not only to protect ourselves, but our friends. We didn't want anyone to be hurt because of our love."
Then, the room got quiet. The General opened the letters of resignation and read them to make sure they were in order. Then, he placed them on his desk in front of him. No one spoke for a minute or more, but then the Major General stood, and walked around his desk to his ... friends. They stood and faced him.
"It's been a privilege, General O'Neill, and an honor, Doctor Jackson ... one this old war horse will never forget. Thank you, Gentlemen."
The three shook hands, and then Daniel spoke.
"Some time soon, we're going to have another wedding, Sir. You may remember we talked about that. I ... we, hope you'll come ... and, well ..."
Jack reached out, took Daniel's hand, and then clarified the young man's thoughts.
"What my linguist here is trying to say is that we consider you part of our family, General, and you're always welcome in our home. Our kids could use a grandpa, if you're interested."
"You're a great grandpa, General."
Daniel had spoken with great sentiment in his voice and moist eyes, remembering when Hammond had been the grandfather to a nine-year-old Jack and an eight-year-old Daniel due to an unusual transformation that had reverted the two men to childhood for a week. The two had truly believed Hammond was their grandfather, and the Major General hadn't let them down, showering both with nothing but love. Neither had forgotten it, and both sincerely hoped Hammond would want to be a surrogate grandfather to their children.
"I'd like that. Thank you. Thank you, both."
"We should let you get back to work," Daniel spoke quietly.
"You realize we have a little transition time here, things to be discussed, finalized ..."
"Yes, Sir. We'll be here, but no more missions through the Stargate. We've gone through for the last time. Good night, Sir."
"Good night."
As the two men left his office, Major General George Hammond, head of the SGC, found he couldn't mourn the passing of SG-1. He was too glad that the premier unit of the SGC had ended like this, with all members of the team alive, happy and moving onto bigger and better things.
====
"Carter, Teal'c," Jack said as he and Daniel walked into Sam's lab.
They were glad the two had agreed not to leave the base until after their meeting with Hammond.
"Thanks for waiting for us," Daniel said calmly.
"No problem, Daniel. So ... you guys are really going to retire?"
Daniel nodded, but it was Jack who responded.
"You know we've wanted this a long time. We've made plans to start a family. Actually, it's already in the works."
Sam smiled, first out of surprise, then out of pleasure. She knew, of course, that they were going to have children, having agreed over a year ago to take the Jackson-O'Neill children should something disastrous happen to the couple at the same time. She was just surprised that they had already begun the process, even before Jack's retirement.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah," Daniel responded. "Jack's going to make a great dad."
"Hey, so are you."
Daniel's smile as shy and hesitant as he answered, "I hope so."
"I have great confidence in your ability to be a father, DanielJackson."
"Thanks, Teal'c."
"We're going to miss you guys. It's ... I mean, we're ... I ..."
Jack tugged Daniel close to him, and looked at his friends.
"You know what we mean. You're like a brother, T, and Carter ... we owe you, big time, for all that ... crap we pulled off."
"I was glad to do it, Sir." She looked at Daniel. "Um, not that I was glad, exactly. I mean, I'm your friend. I was glad I could ... oh crap."
Daniel laughed out loud and felt Jack's hand rubbing his back. Now wasn't the time to rehash old insecurities or military crushes. It was all in the past, and now ... now they had a bright future to look forward to.
"Don't sweat it, Carter. Listen, how would you two like to come for dinner tonight? It'll be a ... last team night."
Teal'c nodded, as did Sam. The group agreed to pizza due to the lateness of the day, and decided to meet at Jack's and Daniel's home in ninety minutes.
====
"To SG-1," Jack said, raising his glass of champagne.
"To SG-1," Sam and Daniel stated.
"Indeed," Teal'c nodded.
Jack, Sam, and Daniel clanged their glasses together, Teal'c abstaining since he didn't drink alcohol, and then sat down.
"I'm going to miss working with you guys," Sam said before taking another sip.
They'd already devoured the pizzas and were now assembled in the living room. Sam and Teal'c were seated on the sofa while Jack was comfortable in his favorite chair. Daniel sat on the floor, in between his husband's legs.
"Do you know what GeneralHammond intends for SG-1, O'Neill?"
"I imagine we'll get new team members, Teal'c," Sam stated.
"Command's all yours, Carter."
"I guess it'll be real this time."
"Real?" Daniel asked.
"Well, when the General was promoted, you know how it was. I didn't so much command as just give him someone to yell at."
"I didn't yell."
"Not much, Sir," Sam said with a smile.
None of the teammates knew what would happen to SG-1, but they did know that the bond the four of them shared would not end because Jack and Daniel had retired. They would maintain their strong ties, and Jack and Daniel explained that soon they'd be an aunt and uncle to their children.
"We'll see you two tomorrow," Jack said as he and Daniel said goodnight to their friends.
"Do you know when your last day will be, Sir?"
"We're not going through the Gate anymore, but we'll be around to help with the transition for a little while."
"And we have to clean out our offices," Daniel said. "Gawd, I need boxes."
Jack chuckled. His lover had several personal possessions in his lab, mostly artifacts and relics that would have to find a place in their home now.
"Don't worry, Love. There's lots of boxes in the storage room."
The lovers watched Sam and Teal'c leave and then returned to the living room to clean up a bit. After checking on Bijou and Katie who were asleep in their doghouse outside, the two locked up the house, turned off the lights, and went upstairs.
"As wonderful as it's going to be, it's also going to be a little funny for a while, Jack."
"I know. No more Goa'uld. No more glowing eyes."
"That I won't miss," Daniel stated dryly.
"Me, either, Love. Let's go to bed."
Excited about their future, but also with a touch of regret about what they had to give up to have their tomorrow, Jack and Daniel fell asleep in each other's arms.
====
Jack and Daniel stood in front of the Stargate. They had cleaned out their offices, made recommendations for their successors, and helped facilitate the transitions as much as they could. The two had also agreed to continue to help as needed at the base, but after today, coming to the SGC would no longer be a daily part of their lives.
"So much has happened, Jack."
"I know," Jack said softly, his arm around Daniel's waist.
"That first time. The ground shook from the Stargate, and going through was so cold."
"Before Carter and the other techs worked their magic and made it a lot simpler."
Jack looked at his husband staring at the circular object that had been the center of their lives for almost a decade.
"You're thinking about Sha're."
Daniel smiled and sighed. He nodded his head, and said, "I just wish she'd had a chance to live. That's all. I pushed my way onto SG-1 to save her; in the end, I couldn't do it."
"You tried, Danny, and in a way, you did save her. She had more control of that parasite than most, and that was because of you."
"She loved me." Daniel looked at Jack. "I didn't even know what love was back then, Jack. I cheated her out of the chance to find it."
"No, you didn't. You did the best you could. We've both learned a lot since then."
"Even Abydos is gone ... the place that started it all."
"Oh, no. That was here."
"What?"
"When you solved the puzzle. That's what started it. I watched you make mincemeat of those so-called experts in mere minutes."
Daniel laughed as he spoke, "And I already drove you crazy."
"The best kind of crazy."
"I wouldn't change a thing, Jack, because good or bad, it's all led up to this moment."
"The beginning of our forever."
"Exactly."
Jack and Daniel were surprised when the Gate began to move. There had been no warning about an off-world activation, and it was late at night. No teams were scheduled to return or check in. The Marines weren't running in to guard the Gate either.
The two stood mesmerized as the first chevron engaged ... then the second ... and the third ... until finally, the seventh chevron locked, and the kawoosh of the Stargate blasted towards them.
Slowly, Daniel walked up the ramp, Jack a step or two behind. They looked at the shimmering blue event horizon in awe. The archaeologist reached out his hand and touched the beginning of the wormhole lightly. Jack, too, reached out. He did the mark of Zorro, a big letter "Z" as he had done once before, but then he looked at Daniel and smiled.
With his finger, Jack wrote, 'Jack loves Daniel.'
"You're hopeless."
Jack just smiled, then laughed when Daniel's finger wrote, 'Daniel loves Jack.'
"Goodbye, Friend," Daniel softly.
Jack sighed and bobbed his head. He reached down and took Daniel's hand, and then the two turned and walked to the end of the ramp. They paused and looked up at the control room.
Sam leaned over to the microphone.
"Goodbye, Sir. Daniel."
Then she stood up straight and saluted, but Daniel had heard her cracking voice, and even from a distance, he could see the tears she was fighting back.
"Bye, Sam."
"Thank you, Carter," Jack said, returning the salute.
With a final look at the Stargate, the lovers exited the gate room ... and the SGC, finally free to love in plain sight.
====On to Chapter Three...
-- Chapter Two: It's For Real This Time!
====
"Sir, the perimeter is secured," Sam spoke confidently. "SG-2 is in place surrounding the Stargate, and SG-3 reports no sign of hostiles in our area."
"Good. Teal'c, lead the way, and let's see if we can manage to get in and out of this paradise without starting a war."
"We shouldn't be here, Jack."
"I know that, Daniel, but we have our ..."
"Orders. Yes, I know, but the orders are wrong, and you know it."
"Daniel, the intel on the advanced weaponry these people have can't be overlooked. We need those ... gun things, whatever they call them."
"Neuexgarrotics."
"Whatever. Darn things don't even have a name that can be logically shortened."
"Jack, we don't know anything about this war, or the Grizslems or the Tzlites."
"Who comes up with these names anyway?"
Pulling on Jack's arm, Daniel stopped the leader of SG-1.
"Listen to me, General. The Grizslems appear out of nowhere, claiming to be friends of the Tollan, a race you don't even like, I might add, not to mention a race that may not even exist anymore, and then draw us in with the lure of this super-weapon, like a fisherman hanging a baited line for a fish."
Jack groaned at the metaphor, but Daniel released Jack's arm, knowing he was at least getting in his say.
"Think, Jack. If this neuexgarrotic was all it claimed to be, why do the Grizslems need us to extract it from this planet? Why don't they come here and get the weapon themselves? Why can't they use another neuexgarrotic, or some other supposedly advanced ... doohickey, to use your term, to get what they want? Why do they need us?"
Jack sighed, distressed at Daniel's logic. It was another of those "too good to be true" scenarios. The Grizslems had promised the Tau'ri they would share their technology so Earth could build its own neuexgarrotics. The catch was that they wanted their new allies to go to the Tzlite home world and retrieve the stolen neuexgarrotic.
However, if the weapon was so wonderful, and if they could be replaced so easily as these supposed friends of the Tollan claimed, then why were the Grizslems sending SG-1 to retrieve the one reportedly stolen by the Tzlites, a race the Tau'ri hadn't even met?
Even though he knew Daniel had a valid point, Jack still had his orders.
"The point is, we don't know anything about either of these two races, and without doing any investigation, any background check at all, Kinsey has us here, ready to jump in and destroy a world based on what?"
Jack shuddered at the sound of Kinsey's name. The man was a pain in the mikta. Though no longer Vice President, he had wormed his way back into the Senate and into a place of power in the Pentagon. When Jack had found out the man was back to pulling strings at the government level, he had told his lover, "That man is like a snake who refuses to die. You keep cutting off his head, but he comes back again and again, growing a new one."
Knowing Kinsey was behind their current orders should have made Jack question them from the get-go, but he hadn't. He was hoping the Grizslems were ... honorable.
"Daniel, I hear you. I do; but we have our orders, and the Grizslems seem like nice enough folks. They gave us that pain-killer stuff."
"That means nothing, and you know it."
"We have our orders," Jack barked.
He walked on, increasing his pace, separating himself from Daniel quickly.
"I HAVE ONE WORD FOR YOU, GENERAL," Daniel yelled. "EURONDA! THEY SEEMED LIKE NICE FOLKS, TOO, JUST ... LIKE ... US!"
Jack froze in his tracks. He felt like the air had just been sucked out of him. He couldn't breathe. His desire for Earth supremacy had just been slapped down. He turned, staring at Daniel. They were separated by several yards. Their eyes met, but neither said anything at this point.
Finally, Jack looked around, and with a nod of his head, he clicked on his radio, "Carter. Come in."
"Sir?"
"Pack it in, Carter. Recall SG-3, and head back to the Stargate," Jack said quietly.
"Sir? Our orders?"
"You know that old saying, Carter, 'Fool me once, shame on you, but fool me twice, shame on me'?"
"Um," Sam flinched as she stood in her position about a half mile ahead of where Jack and Daniel were. "Yes, Sir. I've heard it."
"Well, our orders stink, Carter, and we're going home until we can find out a bit more about these 'friends' of the Tollan."
"But Senator Kinsey ..."
"... is a moron, Carter. We knew that years ago. I gave you an order. Do it -- now!"
"Yes, Sir. Carter out."
Daniel smiled, proud of his husband. What he had just done had not been easy for him, and it was the final step of an evolution for Jack O'Neill, a man who used to carry out an order without ever questioning, a Jack O'Neill who eventually began to question, but still followed orders without too much of a disagreement, and now, here was the Jack O'Neill who would do what was right, orders or no orders.
From a distance, Jack shook his head at the man he used to be, grateful that Daniel Jackson had entered his life, and opened him up to a world that was far greater than anything he ever could have imagined!
As the rain began to fall on the heavily forested planet, Jack started to walk towards SG-1's archaeologist. He'd almost reached the younger man when they were suddenly surrounded by hostiles, one of whom sneaked behind Daniel. The alien pulled out a long knife and held it to Daniel's throat.
Jack stood motionless, as two others approached him, pointing weapons at him, and yet another was jabbing him in the back with a sharp object.
"Inczwa mel torzic!" the man behind him said.
"Yeah, whatever," Jack responded, moving forward towards Daniel, which he assumed is what the man wanted, based on the prodding of the object at his back.
A fifth man stood near Daniel and the man with a knife. Jack noticed that the man was watching the actions of the others intensely.
As they neared Daniel and his captors, the two on either side of Jack stopped him.
"Daniel, do you know what they're saying?"
"I think, uh, that we're some kind of prize," Daniel spoke tentatively, the knife still at his throat, though it had been lowered just a tad, until he spoke.
"Crzoia mel viorliz."
"Daniel?"
Daniel shrugged.
Jack raised his voice to the group of hostiles, which numbered only five that he could see, the two by Daniel, the two in front of him, and the one behind him, but his instincts told him there were more nearby. He could feel them, and he saw small motions from the apparent leader towards a small clump of bushes to the south of their position.
"Who are you, and what do you want?" Jack demanded to know.
"Crzoia mel viorliz!"
"Jack, I think that means ..."
"Shut up," Jack said. "I didn't mean you, Daniel. I meant I figured that out on my own."
A punch to his solar plexus took Jack by surprise.
"JACK!"
"I'm okay," he gasped, his hands holding his midsection as he stared a dagger in the face, the dagger belonging to the man he assumed was the leader.
"Crzoia mel viorliz," the man said again, only this time with an air of superiority.
"Backatcha, you cretin."
The leader punched Jack again, shoving him back to the ground.
"Jack, stop!"
"Daniel, be quiet, and THAT'S AN ORDER."
Daniel flinched, unable to move, his throat still feeling the pressure of the knife being held against it. One of the others who had been guarding Jack, moved nearer to the archaeologist, aiming a weapon at Daniel's heart.
Daniel knew what Jack was doing, taking the attention away from him. Daniel had seen the look that the leader had given him, and he knew Jack had seen it as well. Daniel spoke a silent prayer, to that power in the heavens that both Jack and he knew existed, "Please, we're so close to our dreams. We don't know what you are, or who exactly, but we know you're there. Please, help us ... one more time."
With two of the hostiles concentrating on keeping Daniel at bay, and one desperately trying to get a clear shot at his enemy, Jack fought the leader and the fifth hostile, the one that had been jabbing him in the back.
Quickly, Jack had been able to down the fifth man, three hard blows in succession knocking the fighter out. Jack reached for a weapon, but the leader pulled him away, and the two continued to fight each other.
Daniel watched, helpless to assist. Still, he had to try to do something, no matter what, so he struggled to get free of his attackers. Unfortunately, their grip was firm, and the knife that had been so near his skin finally nicked his throat, a small amount of blood beginning to drip down Daniel's neck.
Then the hostiles that had been in hiding revealed themselves, helping the leader to fend off Jack, who was fighting not for his life, but for Daniel's.
"Well, now, imagine that. You're not alone," Jack taunted the leader, knowing they didn't need to speak the same language to understand each other.
Jack had been outnumbered, and had to give up his fight or be killed, and if he was killed, he knew it would be over for Daniel, too. Breathing hard as he lay prone on the ground, he raised his hands in surrender.
The hostiles spoke heatedly to one another, and Jack, who had been prodded into standing up again, saw the leader that he'd been fighting with walk excitedly towards Daniel. Seeing all the attention being focused on his husband, Jack covertly raised his right hand, flipped on the radio, and then watched the hostiles continuing to argue amongst each other.
The man who had been fighting with Jack seemed to be arguing with the leader of the group that had been in hiding. Finally, the angered man that had hit Jack stabbed the other, and fiercely walked to Daniel, grabbing hold of his chin.
"Grizslem tor mel frizloic. Te mel viac."
Daniel shook his head, and again, Jack didn't need words to know Daniel understood what the man had said. After all, Jack understood it clearly, and no way in creation was the leader of the hostiles getting a hold of Jack's lover in private, not while Jack was alive.
The leader ordered one of his men to tie Daniel's hands, which he did. Daniel winced at the tightness of the binding, a grunt coming from his throat as his captives pulled the rope taut. Others were holding Jack at bay, or so they thought.
Daniel's eyes were locked onto Jack's as one man started to pull Daniel away, and the blue eyes widened as he saw another pointing a weapon at Jack.
Jack mumbled into his radio, "Now would be good, Carter."
Hearing two clicks of acknowledgment which indicated Sam was in position, Jack yelled, "DANIEL ... DOWN ... NOW!"
Without question, Daniel dropped to the ground, keeping his head up so he could see what his lover was doing. Jack had charged forward, into the leader, knocking him to the ground. He landed punch after punch to the man, who without his weapon, wasn't much of a match for Jack's hand-to-hand combat skills.
Seeing the second man who had been guarding him taking aim at Jack, Daniel rolled over and, using his feet, kicked him in the shins, causing the man to scream and fall to the ground.
At the same time, Sam and Teal'c emerged from hiding and took on the other hostiles, briefly surprised when even more appeared out of the bushes. Fortunately, SG-1 had superior firepower and better tactical skills. Knowing their battle was lost, some of hostiles tried to flee. Within two minutes, the battle was over, SG-1 having killed four of the hostiles and capturing six others.
"SG-3 has the area surrounded, Sir, and are en route to our location. They should be here in five."
"Thank you, Colonel," Jack said, standing.
"Feel free to shoot this one, Teal'c," Jack said, motioning to the leader and then rushing to Daniel, who was still on the ground.
Even though Teal'c had responded, "Indeed," the look the large Jaffa gave the hostile was sufficient to leave the man visibly shaking in fear.
"Danny, are you okay, Angel?"
Jack quickly examined the small cut on Daniel's neck, relieved that it didn't appear to be severe. Pulling out a first-aid kit from his pack, he carefully applied a small band-aid to cover the wound.
"I am now. It's just a scratch," Daniel said, smiling as Jack moved to untie him. "What about you? Are you hurt, Jack?"
"Nah, been punched in the gut a lot in my time. His didn't even register."
"Jack, they're the Grizslems."
"What?"
"I figured out part of what they were saying. They wanted us as a trophy. I don't understand it all, but I think it's a competition between the Grizslems and the Tzlites."
"And we're the game?"
"Yes. I don't think that weapon works for long. I think it was just a mock-up or something."
"I thought we were helping them, protecting them even from the evil Tzlites. Geez, Danny."
With Daniel's hands free, Jack tenderly caressed his lover's wrists, held his hands, and then leaned in and kissed his husband.
"Jack, SG-3 will be here any second."
"I know. Come on."
Jack pulled Daniel up and began organizing the trip back to the Stargate.
====
"Janet, he has a small stab wound on his neck," Jack said to the SGC doctor even before the Stargate had shut off.
"Jack, its just a scratch! You're the one that got beat up."
Janet took one look at Jack's worried face and pulled Daniel to a sitting position to get a better look and attend to the injury.
The gate room was full of activity, the Marines making sure the prisoners were contained, and the medical staff working on the various injuries.
Jack didn't leave Daniel's side even though he saw Hammond waiting for him, an anxious look on his face as he watched from the control room.
"Doc?"
"Jack, it's nothing," Daniel spoke up.
"I'm the doctor here, Doctor Jackson," Janet said, smiling, "but in this case, he's right, General. Just a tiny surface wound, not much worse than a razor cut."
Janet replaced the band-aid and smiled as she spoke authoritatively, "You're just fine."
"Thanks, Doc," Jack chimed, reaching down and helping Daniel up.
"Jack?"
Daniel was noticing a difference in Jack's demeanor. The man in front of him seemed more like his husband than the 2IC of Stargate Command, and considering they were in the gate room, that wasn't normal.
"General, why did you abort the mission?" Hammond asked abruptly, having entered the gate room and approaching his flagship team.
Jack looked at Daniel, and replied, "One word, Sir ... Euronda."
The Major General studied his 2IC and knew it would be an interesting debriefing. He also knew the current President Hayes wouldn't be happy with it. Silently, the leader of the SGC also acknowledged that he shouldn't be happy with it either, but somehow, he had a hunch Jack was right.
The room was full of military personnel, as well as the medical team looking over the few injuries that had been received in the short skirmish. SG-2 and SG-3 were still present, as were the always nearby armed and on duty Marines that guarded the gate room whenever anyone travelled through the Gate.
Above the gate room, the control room was full of the usual personnel as well as representatives of Kinsey and others who thought like him. Jack and Daniel were still at the base of the ramp, waiting for orders or a scolding, Daniel thought.
Daniel tensed briefly when suddenly, as Jack looked around the room, he felt his hand being held by his husband. His first instinct was to pull away before anyone saw, but Jack's hold was firm.
Jack turned to face Daniel. They looked like a perfectly centered arrangement, standing there with their profiles against the backdrop of the Stargate. Jack's right hand still held Daniel's. His left hand reached up to caress his lover's face. The noise of the gate room began to hush.
"Jack?"
"It's time, Danny. We've done our duty, and more. Maybe we can still help out from time to time, but, it's time, and we both know it."
Daniel blinked just twice, and sighed, nodding as he did so. They were a few weeks ahead of their planned exodus from the SGC, but that didn't matter. Daniel had promised Jack that the next time the older man wanted out, they'd go. Besides, Daniel truly agreed. It was time.
"General Hammond," Jack turned to face their friend, "it's been a pleasure and an honor, but I'm retired now, Sir."
"And I resign," Daniel added.
Jack smiled at Daniel's words, and as silence loomed in the crowded room, Brigadier General Jack O'Neill of the United States Air Force, the 2IC of the SGC, leaned forward and kissed the Head of Archaeology, the wonder who had opened the Stargate, the geek who had taken down System Lords and worse.
It was a long, lingering, tender kiss, their arms wrapping around each other in warmth and possessiveness. It was clear to almost everyone that this was not the first time these two had kissed. When they stopped, the sound of a pin dropping could be heard.
"I love you, Daniel Jackson-O'Neill, and our forever, our dreams, they begin now."
"And I love you, ex-General Jack Jackson-O'Neill, so freakin' much."
The room was still quiet as Jack and Daniel headed for the exit, walking hand in hand, but before they exited, they heard a Marine say, "But I thought he was doing it with Carter?"
Jack and Daniel burst into laughter, as did Sam.
Looking at the Marine, she responded, "You guys are so easy!"
With a nod, Sam and Teal'c followed their friends out of the gate room, knowing Jack and Daniel were about to begin their new life together.
====
"Gawd, Jack, I thought I was going to die, right there in front of everyone," Daniel spoke, his voice an octave higher than normal. "You could have waited and let us tell the General in his office."
Jack shook his head, as he insisted, "No, I'm through. Danny, when you showed me how much this mission was like Euronda, I knew right then that it was the last time. We're too close to having everything we've wanted. You could have died, and I won't risk losing you anymore just so we can have the biggest gun. Besides, I've always wanted to kiss you in the gate room, in front of everyone."
Daniel laughed, knowing the truth of that statement. Jack had teased and joked about kissing Daniel on the ramp for years.
"I love you, Jack."
"Yeah, and now I have more witnesses to prove it, too!" Jack sneaked up on his half-dressed lover and kissed the nape of his neck. "We're going home, Danny. Finally, no more hiding."
"No more hiding, My Love, not ever," Daniel agreed, turning to face his husband.
As the two kissed, Teal'c entered.
"O'Neill, DanielJackson ..."
"That's DanielJacksonO'Neill, Teal'c."
The Jaffa glared at his former CO and stated honestly, "If I said all of that, O'Neill, he would be dead before I could warn him of danger."
"It's my name, and you don't have to warn me anymore."
Daniel smiled, putting on his blue plaid shirt. Jack just laughed, then looked at his lover, a quizzical look on his face.
"What?"
"Geez, Danny, of all days for you to wear that old retread. You rarely wear that stuff anymore, but it used to be all you wore. Just seems kinda ... nostalgic."
Jack turned back to his locker.
"Not even sure why I wore it," Daniel acknowledged, wondering if it was a strange premonition about their sudden retirement.
"General Hammond wishes for the debriefing to begin immediately."
"We'll be there in a minute, Teal'c," Jack responded.
After Teal'c exited, Daniel suggested, "Maybe we should be wearing our ..."
"No, our life begins now. Besides, these uniforms aren't exactly trendy."
"You're a scoundrel, Jack, flaunting us in front of the SGC."
"Ain't it grand?" Jack smirked with a gleam in his eye, "but I'm not flaunting. I'm just ... happy. No more hiding. No more ridiculous games with Carter. Just you and me and our forever."
"Gawd, Jack. You're not supposed to talk like that in here."
Jack went up to Daniel and kissed him.
"No more hiding, Love, and no more pretending." Jack started to turn, but stopped. "Danny, there's something you should know."
"What?"
"When that idiot had that knife to your throat, I said a prayer ... a real one."
"Gawd, Jack," Daniel whispered. "So did I ... I mean, when they were attacking you ... so did I."
Jack nodded, and then, as if one mind, both Jack and Daniel reached into their pants pockets, removing their wallets. In a singular motion, they removed their wedding rings from the velvet pouches that always protected them.
Daniel held out his ring, and Jack took it, placing it gently on his husband's finger.
"Forever and always, Danny, I love you, and this time, that ring stays on."
Jack kissed the ring on the finger, and then handed his golden ring to Daniel.
Sliding it carefully onto Jack's finger, Daniel spoke softly, "I love you, Jack, forever and always, for our eternity, and from now on, this ring," Daniel kissed the ring, "it never comes off, not ever."
The couple kissed again, no longer bogged down by concerns of "Don't Ask, Don't tell."
"We have so much to do, Angel. I can't wait to get home and start our eternity, our way."
"Sounds perfect."
Jack moved back to close his locker, and Daniel did the same with his. Then, Jack extended his hand out. Daniel reached out and took it, and together they walked to the briefing room, not noticing the constant stares and whispered voices as they made their way through the corridors. All they knew was that for the first time, they didn't have to hide who they were or how much they loved each other.
====
"Your minds are made up?"
After the debriefing, Hammond had asked Jack and Daniel to accompany him to his office to discuss their resignations. Hammond was seated at his desk, the two lovers in chairs in front of the desk. The door was closed, and Hammond had asked not to be disturbed during the meeting.
"Yes, Sir. It's for real this time. No more retiring and being talked back into service, or delaying it."
Jack paused, leaning forward in his chair, clasping his hands together, speaking mildly.
"George, you know we were going to do this last year when Daniel got hurt and almost died. We came back ... for six months, to make things right with the Hedronix, but then there was that mess with the Ancient's knowledge messing with my brain. Geez, just when that was through, I got promoted, and we didn't feel like we could leave the SGC in the hands of another civilian, or worse, so we stayed."
Jack looked at Daniel, shaking his head. He returned his focus to his friend, the Major General.
"See what I mean? There's always been something. We stuck it out, found Atlantis, kept this place moving forward as much as possible, and when you came back, we felt like we had to stay yet again."
"We wanted the transition to be smooth," Daniel explained. "We were afraid the President might do something ... I don't know. We just thought we should stay until everything got back to normal again. So we did."
"The point is, General," Jack picked up the ball again, "there's always something the government wants from us, some crisis to lure us back in. We love what we do here, and that's part of the reason we've stayed ... in spite of ourselves, but there comes a point when enough's enough."
Jack took a breath. He leaned his chin on the tips of his fingers as his hands were held together at the palms.
"Two months ago, we decided it was time to stop, but ... you did it again -- convinced us to stay."
"For the good of the universe," Daniel interjected.
"... Even though we had plans ... plans we've worked for and thought about for a long time. Like I said, George, there's always some danger or threat that everyone thinks only SG-1 can handle. Up until today, I've let myself believe it, or be talked into it. Well, Sir, no more. Daniel almost died out there because someone wanted a weapon. The people we thought we were helping were the same ones who attacked us. So, yes, Sir, our minds are made up."
Leaning back in his chair, Hammond asked, "Doctor Jackson, there is still a lot for you to do here. Are you sure that you won't reconsider?"
"It's up to you, Danny. He's right. What you contribute has always been beyond anything I or any other member of the SGC can do ... AND NO, I'm NOT exaggerating!" Daniel blushed slightly, making Jack smile. "Geez, he's beautiful when he blushes. Actually, Sir, he's always beautiful."
"Jaaaack, not here!"
"Yes, here." Jack reached over and took Daniel's left hand in his. "No more hiding or pretending. You're my husband, and I love you, and now, we start our family, but, if you want to stay on as a consultant or something, you can. There's no reason why you can't, Danny."
"Yes, there is. You see, I happen to love you, and we've already decided what our future is going to be. I love the Stargate, Jack. The experiences we've had, the friends we've made ... they're wonderful and awesome, but that experience is ours, together. Its magic and mysteries belong to both of us, and without you here to share it with ..."
"You mean argue about it, don't you?"
"... whatever." Daniel smiled, his hand gently massaging Jack's, "Whatever you call it, Jack, without you, I don't want it anymore. We have plans, remember?"
"I get to be your eyes."
"If you still want to."
"Oh yeah, there's nothing I want more ... except for you and our children."
"Children?" the Major General had to ask.
Jack stood up, bringing Daniel with him. They exchanged a look of agreement. His arm around Daniel's waist as they faced the now-standing Major General, Jack smiled. His eyes sparkled as he explained, "Yes, Sir, Daniel and I are hoping to be pregnant ... any time now, Sir."
Seeing the General's stunned look, Daniel explained, "We're using a surrogate, General. She might already be pregnant. We're hoping anyway."
"I had no idea."
"Well, George, the less you knew about our lives, the better off you were."
"Very well. I'll need your written resig..."
"Had them written years ago," Jack said, handing over two envelopes, "just needed to put in the date."
The General laughed.
"I knew when you were riding that bicycle built for two in my gate room that you'd never stop surprising me."
"You saw that?" Daniel asked, totally caught off guard.
"Yes, Son. Although I should say, I saw enough to know that for everyone's sake, I didn't want to see any more."
"Oh, gawd, and I thought you didn't know until all that crap with Thor."
"Son, why do you think I knew you were at Jack's house every time I needed to track you down?"
"Our house, General," Jack corrected. "Danny's ..." Jack stopped suddenly, "Danny, we're having a party!"
"What?"
"A house deed burning. Geez, I can't wait to get rid of that house. I hate it."
"I do, too," Daniel admitted.
"Your house?" Hammond asked.
"Oh, not ours, General. That place Daniel bought."
"It was a cover, Sir," Daniel said.
Danny, I need to tell him.
About what?
That covert mess. I hated lying to him. Do you mind?
No, I don't mind.
Hammond had watched the two men staring at each other. He'd seen it before, this silent communication between them. He didn't really know what was happening, nor did he understand it, but he was sure they did.
"General, I'd like to come clean about something that has bothered for me for years."
Hammond looked surprised, but nodded, and they all sat back down in their chairs.
"Sir, you remember that mess with the Tollan when we uncovered Maybourne's operation?"
"As if I could forget."
"I apologize, Sir, but I disobeyed your orders. I had to, and I've regretted having to lie to you ever since, but ... I'd do it again."
"What are you talking about, Jack."
"Daniel knew."
Hammond looked at the archaeologist who simply nodded.
"Sir, we were living together. There was no way I could have pulled it off without him knowing."
"For my part, General, I apologize as well," Daniel spoke. "It wasn't easy lying to you, but we both did what was necessary."
Hammond nodded, his face tight as he thought back to the covert operation of that time, remembering how Jack had been ordered to go undercover. The Tollan, Nox, and Asgard had all threatened to cut ties with Earth if the thieves stealing their technologies were not apprehended. They had also insisted that only Jack be told.
"It wasn't an easy time," the Major General acknowledged. "You pulled it off very well, Doctor Jackson. I didn't have a clue."
"I guess that's a ... compliment."
"I understand your reasons, Jack."
"I didn't like doing it, George, and I didn't do it easily."
"I understand. Thank you for telling me now."
"We owe you honesty. We wish we could have told you then, but truthfully, General, we never wanted to risk your position here," Daniel stated. "Everything Jack and I have done has been not only to protect ourselves, but our friends. We didn't want anyone to be hurt because of our love."
Then, the room got quiet. The General opened the letters of resignation and read them to make sure they were in order. Then, he placed them on his desk in front of him. No one spoke for a minute or more, but then the Major General stood, and walked around his desk to his ... friends. They stood and faced him.
"It's been a privilege, General O'Neill, and an honor, Doctor Jackson ... one this old war horse will never forget. Thank you, Gentlemen."
The three shook hands, and then Daniel spoke.
"Some time soon, we're going to have another wedding, Sir. You may remember we talked about that. I ... we, hope you'll come ... and, well ..."
Jack reached out, took Daniel's hand, and then clarified the young man's thoughts.
"What my linguist here is trying to say is that we consider you part of our family, General, and you're always welcome in our home. Our kids could use a grandpa, if you're interested."
"You're a great grandpa, General."
Daniel had spoken with great sentiment in his voice and moist eyes, remembering when Hammond had been the grandfather to a nine-year-old Jack and an eight-year-old Daniel due to an unusual transformation that had reverted the two men to childhood for a week. The two had truly believed Hammond was their grandfather, and the Major General hadn't let them down, showering both with nothing but love. Neither had forgotten it, and both sincerely hoped Hammond would want to be a surrogate grandfather to their children.
"I'd like that. Thank you. Thank you, both."
"We should let you get back to work," Daniel spoke quietly.
"You realize we have a little transition time here, things to be discussed, finalized ..."
"Yes, Sir. We'll be here, but no more missions through the Stargate. We've gone through for the last time. Good night, Sir."
"Good night."
As the two men left his office, Major General George Hammond, head of the SGC, found he couldn't mourn the passing of SG-1. He was too glad that the premier unit of the SGC had ended like this, with all members of the team alive, happy and moving onto bigger and better things.
====
"Carter, Teal'c," Jack said as he and Daniel walked into Sam's lab.
They were glad the two had agreed not to leave the base until after their meeting with Hammond.
"Thanks for waiting for us," Daniel said calmly.
"No problem, Daniel. So ... you guys are really going to retire?"
Daniel nodded, but it was Jack who responded.
"You know we've wanted this a long time. We've made plans to start a family. Actually, it's already in the works."
Sam smiled, first out of surprise, then out of pleasure. She knew, of course, that they were going to have children, having agreed over a year ago to take the Jackson-O'Neill children should something disastrous happen to the couple at the same time. She was just surprised that they had already begun the process, even before Jack's retirement.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah," Daniel responded. "Jack's going to make a great dad."
"Hey, so are you."
Daniel's smile as shy and hesitant as he answered, "I hope so."
"I have great confidence in your ability to be a father, DanielJackson."
"Thanks, Teal'c."
"We're going to miss you guys. It's ... I mean, we're ... I ..."
Jack tugged Daniel close to him, and looked at his friends.
"You know what we mean. You're like a brother, T, and Carter ... we owe you, big time, for all that ... crap we pulled off."
"I was glad to do it, Sir." She looked at Daniel. "Um, not that I was glad, exactly. I mean, I'm your friend. I was glad I could ... oh crap."
Daniel laughed out loud and felt Jack's hand rubbing his back. Now wasn't the time to rehash old insecurities or military crushes. It was all in the past, and now ... now they had a bright future to look forward to.
"Don't sweat it, Carter. Listen, how would you two like to come for dinner tonight? It'll be a ... last team night."
Teal'c nodded, as did Sam. The group agreed to pizza due to the lateness of the day, and decided to meet at Jack's and Daniel's home in ninety minutes.
====
"To SG-1," Jack said, raising his glass of champagne.
"To SG-1," Sam and Daniel stated.
"Indeed," Teal'c nodded.
Jack, Sam, and Daniel clanged their glasses together, Teal'c abstaining since he didn't drink alcohol, and then sat down.
"I'm going to miss working with you guys," Sam said before taking another sip.
They'd already devoured the pizzas and were now assembled in the living room. Sam and Teal'c were seated on the sofa while Jack was comfortable in his favorite chair. Daniel sat on the floor, in between his husband's legs.
"Do you know what GeneralHammond intends for SG-1, O'Neill?"
"I imagine we'll get new team members, Teal'c," Sam stated.
"Command's all yours, Carter."
"I guess it'll be real this time."
"Real?" Daniel asked.
"Well, when the General was promoted, you know how it was. I didn't so much command as just give him someone to yell at."
"I didn't yell."
"Not much, Sir," Sam said with a smile.
None of the teammates knew what would happen to SG-1, but they did know that the bond the four of them shared would not end because Jack and Daniel had retired. They would maintain their strong ties, and Jack and Daniel explained that soon they'd be an aunt and uncle to their children.
"We'll see you two tomorrow," Jack said as he and Daniel said goodnight to their friends.
"Do you know when your last day will be, Sir?"
"We're not going through the Gate anymore, but we'll be around to help with the transition for a little while."
"And we have to clean out our offices," Daniel said. "Gawd, I need boxes."
Jack chuckled. His lover had several personal possessions in his lab, mostly artifacts and relics that would have to find a place in their home now.
"Don't worry, Love. There's lots of boxes in the storage room."
The lovers watched Sam and Teal'c leave and then returned to the living room to clean up a bit. After checking on Bijou and Katie who were asleep in their doghouse outside, the two locked up the house, turned off the lights, and went upstairs.
"As wonderful as it's going to be, it's also going to be a little funny for a while, Jack."
"I know. No more Goa'uld. No more glowing eyes."
"That I won't miss," Daniel stated dryly.
"Me, either, Love. Let's go to bed."
Excited about their future, but also with a touch of regret about what they had to give up to have their tomorrow, Jack and Daniel fell asleep in each other's arms.
====
Jack and Daniel stood in front of the Stargate. They had cleaned out their offices, made recommendations for their successors, and helped facilitate the transitions as much as they could. The two had also agreed to continue to help as needed at the base, but after today, coming to the SGC would no longer be a daily part of their lives.
"So much has happened, Jack."
"I know," Jack said softly, his arm around Daniel's waist.
"That first time. The ground shook from the Stargate, and going through was so cold."
"Before Carter and the other techs worked their magic and made it a lot simpler."
Jack looked at his husband staring at the circular object that had been the center of their lives for almost a decade.
"You're thinking about Sha're."
Daniel smiled and sighed. He nodded his head, and said, "I just wish she'd had a chance to live. That's all. I pushed my way onto SG-1 to save her; in the end, I couldn't do it."
"You tried, Danny, and in a way, you did save her. She had more control of that parasite than most, and that was because of you."
"She loved me." Daniel looked at Jack. "I didn't even know what love was back then, Jack. I cheated her out of the chance to find it."
"No, you didn't. You did the best you could. We've both learned a lot since then."
"Even Abydos is gone ... the place that started it all."
"Oh, no. That was here."
"What?"
"When you solved the puzzle. That's what started it. I watched you make mincemeat of those so-called experts in mere minutes."
Daniel laughed as he spoke, "And I already drove you crazy."
"The best kind of crazy."
"I wouldn't change a thing, Jack, because good or bad, it's all led up to this moment."
"The beginning of our forever."
"Exactly."
Jack and Daniel were surprised when the Gate began to move. There had been no warning about an off-world activation, and it was late at night. No teams were scheduled to return or check in. The Marines weren't running in to guard the Gate either.
The two stood mesmerized as the first chevron engaged ... then the second ... and the third ... until finally, the seventh chevron locked, and the kawoosh of the Stargate blasted towards them.
Slowly, Daniel walked up the ramp, Jack a step or two behind. They looked at the shimmering blue event horizon in awe. The archaeologist reached out his hand and touched the beginning of the wormhole lightly. Jack, too, reached out. He did the mark of Zorro, a big letter "Z" as he had done once before, but then he looked at Daniel and smiled.
With his finger, Jack wrote, 'Jack loves Daniel.'
"You're hopeless."
Jack just smiled, then laughed when Daniel's finger wrote, 'Daniel loves Jack.'
"Goodbye, Friend," Daniel softly.
Jack sighed and bobbed his head. He reached down and took Daniel's hand, and then the two turned and walked to the end of the ramp. They paused and looked up at the control room.
Sam leaned over to the microphone.
"Goodbye, Sir. Daniel."
Then she stood up straight and saluted, but Daniel had heard her cracking voice, and even from a distance, he could see the tears she was fighting back.
"Bye, Sam."
"Thank you, Carter," Jack said, returning the salute.
With a final look at the Stargate, the lovers exited the gate room ... and the SGC, finally free to love in plain sight.
====On to Chapter Three...