SG13 The Suicide Squad

by Cesar A

First in series. Prisoners form SG-13, the lives of the members of SG-1 and the SGC will never be the same again. Characters from JAG and West Wing appear.

9. Part 9

Chapter 19: Interludes IV

Daniel and Sam left the White House Saturday morning after having completed all that was necessary for the President's visit. Walking around the nation's capital, they relaxed knowing that they had until Tuesday morning to report back to base.

"You know." Daniel began his arm wrapped around Sam's shoulder "I know this cozy little bed and breakfast not too far from here." He proposed

Sam smiled liking where his mind was going "Really, is it nice and cozy?" She asked snuggling closer into Daniel's shoulder trying to keep warm. Daniel hailed a cab and gave him the name of the hotel and they were off.

Daniel continued as they drove through the cold streets of Washington D.C. a gentle snow was already falling making the city look magical "Oh yeah, each bedroom has this little fireplace with a bearskin rug. I would love nothing more than to get you in front of that fire and make love to you all night long." He whispered kissing her ear.

"Sounds like a plan." She shivered at his touch. The cab stopped and they got out when Sam's beeper went off. Pulling it out she hoped it wasn't something urgent, reading the message she quickly hid the smile that found its way to her lips, unable to believe her good luck, "Look Daniel, why don't you go back up to our room and pack up our stuff. I have one quick errand to run while we're in town." She said waving her pager at him "I'll meet you here in an hour and we can get going to the bed and breakfast."

"I'll go with you." He offered

"No that's okay honey." Sam smiled putting her pager away; she had to remember to thank Janet for taking her messages and beeping her with the news. "I'll be quick and besides I want to be out of here and in front of that fire as soon as possible." She told him rubbing her body against his suggestively.

"Okay" Daniel smiled feeling himself already getting aroused "If you're sure." He offered one more time

"One hour." She promised him giving him a gentle kiss then left him in front of the hotel.

"Taxi!" she called out

The cab pulled up in front of her and she quickly got in giving the driver an address a couple of miles away. Sam smiled happily thinking how thrilled Daniel was going to be on Christmas morning. Their first Christmas together.

"Here you go Miss." The driver called out to her

"Could you wait please?" She said slipping him a few bills, "I'll just be a few minutes." She promised

"You got it lady." The man smiled pocketing the bills

Sam jumped out of the cab and walked quickly to the store in front of her. The bell rang as she entered and a little old man stepped out from behind the counter.

"Yes Miss, can I help you?"

Sam smiled with anticipation "Yes, I called you a few days ago about a book?"

"Authors name?"

"Melbourne Jackson, Doctor Melbourne Jackson."

"Ah yes." The man smiled "I remember now, archeologist if I remember correctly."

"Yes."

"I put it behind the counter on hold for you." He told her reaching under the counter "Let me see....Ah here it is." He smiled holding up a thick leather bound book and passed it to her "This was a very difficult book to find. Most books about the sciences are hard to find."

Sam shook her head ruefully taking hold of the book holding on to it as if were the holy grail "Tell me about it, you were the tenth book seller I contacted out of about a hundred and the only one who came through for me in time for Christmas." Opening the book Sam was thrilled to see that it was in pristine condition and that it was also fully illustrated with some hand drawn sketches. She remembered Daniel telling her about his parents.

"My father would write the articles and books and my mother would draw the illustrations inside them. I just wish that I could find some of their work. After they died and I was put into foster care they sold off or threw away all of my parents belongings so I never had anything of theirs. They thought that it would be easier that way for me." Obviously, they had been completely wrong.

Sam flipped through the pages coming across the dedication page of the book. It listed the usual schools and members of the community who had sponsored their trip. But at the bottom was another dedication one that lit up Sam's face.

"Well now you will." Sam promised putting the book on the counter "How much do I owe you." She smiled.

"Commence operation Gift Hunt." Annie smiled exiting the van still dressed in BDU's quickly followed by three men and their security team which consisted of the two remaining members of SG1 and SG 9.

Seeing the strange looks that they were getting Annie looked at the three men also dressed in BDU's.

"They think that we're invading the place." She remarked "First stop, the GAP let's get some regular clothes and out of these uniforms."

Twenty minutes later dressed in jeans and t-shirts SG 13 set out to start shopping.

"Where's the toy store?" Link asked holding up a list he had gotten from his wife the night before when he had called her. "What the hell is a pokemon?" He asked them

"You got me." Gabe shrugged staring in awe at the amount of stores this place had "This would go quicker if we split up." He told them "I gotta hit the computer store and get some games for Josie, and look for something called Tomb Raider." He said, just as confused as Link

"Okay campers." Jack smiled clapping his hands "Teal'c and I are with Gabe, Franks you and Smith are with Link, Jefferson and Nelson are with Sam, and Torres you and Richards are with Annie." Looking at his watch he continued we meet in the food court in four hours grab something to eat and head back to base."

"Alright, let's move out." Franks smiled, glad that he had volunteered for this assignment. He was amazed to see the looks on the faces of SG 13.

"They looked like children who had been allowed to go outside and play with the other kids. In a way they are" he thought, "Being in prison for so many years these people have forgotten what it was like to just have the simple pleasures of being a normal human being." He was glad that he could help give them that feeling again. Even if it was just for one morning.

"So Gabe, where to first. Computer store?" Jack asked

"Sure." Gabe smiled watching all the bustling people move around and listening to the Christmas music booming through the mall's speakers

"This way." Jack pointed to the escalator going up.

Twenty minutes later Gabriel was loaded down with several games and smiling happily reading a gaming magazine while waiting on line to make his purchases.

"It is good to see them smile." Teal'c told Jack

"Yeah old buddy, it sure is nice." Jack agreed

"Oh no." Peter Richards paled as he saw the store that Annie was about to enter.

"What?" Torres asked coming up behind him and looking up "Well, well, well." He smiled

"You guys coming or would you rather wait out here." Annie asked with a smile standing with packages in hand outside Victoria's Secret.

"Ah... You go ahead." Peter smiled weakly, blushing profusely "I think that Victoria is entitled to keep some of her secrets."

Annie's smile grew even larger throwing the handsome young linguist a last look as she entered the lingerie store.

"I think she likes you." Torres smiled leaning against the wall to wait for the woman. Remembering how Annie had specifically asked about him.

Peter Richards paled at the very idea "You're joking right, she's a...a..."

"Woman?" Torres supplied helpfully

"Goddess." He whispered "Beauty, intelligence and grace rolled up in a powerful package." He shook his head in awe

Torres stared at the man "Oh you've got it bad Peter." He chuckled shaking his head

"Jose." Peter shook his head wistfully "A woman like that would never be interested in a guy like me."

"Why not?"

"I'm a total geek." He said staring at his reflection in the window

Jose Torres stood up and went over to his friend "Listen Peter, there is no telling what kind of man a woman is interested in. You've met my wife; she's a gorgeous woman and look at me. I never thought for one second that she would ever be interested in a guy like me. Ten years later, we're still married and have three beautiful kids. You just never know what men, women will go for." Torres leaned back against the wall and they continued to wait.

"Ready!" Annie popped out of the store loaded down with even more packages "Well I'm done shopping for the family. Now it's time to shop for me." She smiled with a gleam in her eyes "Where is the book store?"

Peter smiled immediately "Up stairs." He told her "We'll show you the way."

Torres coughed "I'll meet you guys up there." He announced, "I gotta call my wife, my oldest is sick. I want to check on him." He lied knowing that his son was at school enjoying his school Christmas party at that very moment. However, he did want to call his wife and let her know how much he loved her, once again realizing what a lucky man he really was.

"Okay" Annie nodded her eyes never leaving Peter Richards face "I hope he feels better. Shall we?" she asked

As they walked towards the escalators Annie shifted her packages.

"Here let me help you." Peter offered

"Thank you Peter." Annie said shyly

She remembered his name! "No problem, anytime Annie." He smiled shyly as well

"You're not a soldier are you." Annie asked as they rode up the escalator

"What gave me away." Peter laughed, "I'm not, actually I'm a linguist. Specializing in Greek and Latin. You're an astrophysicist."

As they walked to the store Annie opened the door "Yes I am, I graduated from MIT."

"Really." Peter was amazed "I first went to Yale then I was offered a scholarship to finish my doctorate at Oxford University."

Annie was browsing through titles in the romance section of the bookstore when she asked

"So why the SGC?" She asked interestedly "Why not teach at some university?"

"Oh I do." He told her "I teach at Colorado State, this is my part time job. I do this as much as possible, it's incredible the things you can learn with the SGC. But when next semester starts again, I'll be teaching a few classes, mostly on Monday's and Wednesday's the rest of the week I'll be at the SGC."

"My brother teaches." She told him "He teaches theoretical math at Berkley."

"So why did you join the ah...." He asked unsure of what branch of service she belonged to.

"Army." Annie supplied "I joined because I didn't have the money for graduate school." She explained "My brother is just a year older and it was all that my parents could do to keep him in school. They're professors as well. My mother teaches English and my father teaches history at Cal State. Anyway, I spoke to a recruiter who said that the army would pay for the rest of my education if I put in a few years with them. I thought what the hell, it would save me thousands in loans and I was promised to work on some interesting stuff that the army had going."

"Did you? I mean did you work on anything interesting?" he asked amazed that such a brilliant woman would be interested in romance novels. He found it comforting to see that she was just a romantic who still wanted to believe in the man riding in on the white horse to save the damsel. In his case, however it would be her riding in on the white horse to save him. But he could dream as well, couldn't he?

"Yeah I actually did." She smiled at him

They continued to talk back and forth about books and just any topic that came up that either thought would be interesting. Annie was thoroughly enjoying her afternoon with this man. If she closed her eyes, she could almost imagine that they were on a date. A first date and Annie realized that never in her life had she ever enjoyed a first date more.

Finally, they got back to the topic of her and Peter had to ask

"Annie you don't have to answer this if you don't want to." Peter began nervously "But what did you do to end up in prison?"

Annie nodded sadly; she knew that it had to end eventually. That her dream bubble would pop, it was inevitable. Still she had wanted to believe for just a little bit longer, dream for just a bit longer that she was just a regular woman on a date.

"I was working on a fusion reactor. There was an accident and it blew up, killed a lot of people. I was accused of blowing it up that's how I wound up in prison." She told him turning her back on him so he could not see her tears; suddenly she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"How stupid can people be?" Peter shook his head disgustedly "Just by looking at you, even I know that you wouldn't do such a thing."

Annie turned immediately staring at the man, he believed her! She could see it in his eyes, the utter conviction of her innocence "How do you know for certain?" she asked just having to know why he believed her.

Peter shrugged his shoulders "Several reasons actually. First, no scientist would ever blow up his or her own experiment on purpose. Not after all the work that they have put into it, all the blood, sweat, and tears they have put into creating something. Second, no woman who reads romance novels would ever do that; it shows that you have a romantic soul. Third, I saw you back at that village; you put your life on the line for us and a bunch of kids you did not even know. A murderer would never do such a selfless heroic act. And fourth..." Peter took a deep breath and decided to go for it "Fourth no woman with eyes as beautiful as yours would do such a thing." He said reaching out to wipe her tears away.

Annie closed her eyes and leaned into kiss him and was thrilled to feel his arms going around her. Annie relished in feeling his tender kiss and gentle hands rubbing her back. Reaching up she wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss, feeling for the first time in many years truly like a woman.

Jose Torres turned the corner and stopped in his tracks as he saw two people making out in the stacks of books.

"Way to go Doc." He smiled and backed away to give them some privacy.

"One last stop." Gabe told them spotting the music store, the windows full of instruments.

"What, don't tell me that Josie plays an instrument too?" Jack asked as they entered the store. He watched as Gabriel went directly the acoustic guitars

"No" Gabriel said staring at the beautiful Classical guitar "But I do. Where do you think she got all her musical talent from. She got it from me and I got it from my father." He said picking it up and strumming it gently. Jack and Teal'c listened in awe as Gabriel Fuentes, former navy seal and convicted murderer played Mozart on the guitar. No sheet music, no help whatsoever except for what was in his memory. Patrons throughout the store stopped and listened as well, when Gabriel finished they all applauded. Jack smiled as he realized that he found another performer to entertain the president during his visit.

A few hours later SG 13 made their way back into their cell loaded down with packages and wrapping paper. All smiling and joking happily having spent one of the best afternoons they had in years, especially Annie. They had all noticed that when they finally got back together for a late lunch that Annie seemed flushed and could not stop smiling. So, Gabe had waited until they had returned to pounce.

"Okay Annie what's up?" he asked sitting down facing her

"Yeah." Link smiled "You've been smiling like a crazy woman since we had lunch."

Annie sat down and faced her family "I've met someone." She told them happily

Gabe stared at her "Not Torres, he's married."

Annie slapped his arm "No not Torres, Peter."

"Peter?" Sam was confused

"Peter Richards." She told them "He's the linguist for SG 9."

"I thought that you said no military men in your life." Gabe asked hoping that she was not setting herself up for a fall.

"He's not military." She began "He's a civilian linguist, he teaches at Colorado State and does this part time as they need him. He is so sweet and gentle." Annie sighed, "His kisses are..."

"I don't want to know." Gabe announced holding up both hands "This is like hearing my sister talk about sex." He shivered "There are something's that should not be shared."

"So whom am I supposed to talk to?" Annie asked needing to talk to someone about these incredible new feelings she was experiencing. Needing to know if it was real, needing reassurance that she wasn't just deluding herself like she had years ago.

"Well Sam is supposed to be back from Washington." He said reasonably "Why don't you just talk to her. You know girl talk and stuff." He suggested

Annie smiled realizing Gabe was correct, "You're right, I need to talk to another woman. But I can't wait." She complained "I need to talk to her now."

"Why don't you go up to medical." Link suggested, "That's where she usually hangs out with Doc Fraiser, or Doc Hammond."

"I'm sure that Daisy would love to listen as well." Gabe nodded "She lives for this kind of stuff, besides she likes you already."

"Okay, I'll wrap my gifts later." Annie paused before leaving "And no peeking while I'm gone." She warned them "I want your gifts to be a surprise."

The three men held up their right hands and promised

Annie dashed out of the room in search of Sam.

Sam and Janet were sitting in Janet's office drinking coffee talking about their weekends. Sam was shocked and saddened by what happened while she and Daniel were gone. She felt guilty that she and Daniel were having fun at a bed and breakfast while SG 13 was fighting for their lives.

"Stop it Sam." Janet warned her friend knowing Sam's propensity for taking blame "There was absolutely nothing that you've could have done. SG 1 was on stand down; anyway, we were right here the whole time. We didn't even know anything was wrong until it was all already over. Taking blame that just isn't there is just too much."

"You're right Janet." Sam hated to admit it, grateful that at least everyone was all right.

Janet smiled and refilled their coffee cups "So how is Washington in December?"

Sam smiled "Absolutely beautiful, if somewhat cold." Sam picked up her coffee cup "The meetings with the President went very well." She added and had to laugh, "He was practically fawning over Daniel. President Bartlett really does love history, and he respects Daniel for his discoveries."

"I'm impressed. OH! Speaking of discoveries." Janet shot up out of her chair "I have something that you just have to listen to."

Slipping a CD into the player, Janet sat down. Sam listened as some classical music came on.

"Ave Maria?" Sam asked confused.

"Wait."

Sam waited and then a voice began to softly sing the words to the song. Listening enraptured Sam had never heard a voice so beautiful, so crisp and powerful. The kind of voice that invoked deep feelings that the music was supposed to, but all too often did not because the voices just did not do them justice. Although you never realized this until you heard an angel sing.

"My god that was beautiful. Who sings it?" Sam asked when the song ended

Janet handed over the CD case; Sam took it staring dumbly at the cover of a young girl smiling back at her.

"Josie?" Sam's mouth hung open looking back at the CD

Janet nodded pointing to the CD case "Yup, it seems that Josie has been holding out on us. This is her latest CD; she has about five or six others out there as well. She's performed all over the world for sell out crowds. And she has agreed to put on a show for us here at the base when the President comes."

"In other words she's famous?" Sam asked still trying to get it through her head

Janet turned to her computer and quickly called up the net and typed in the search engine.

"Take a look for yourself."

Sam looked over and saw site after site dedicated to Josie Fuentes. "Unbelievable." Sam shook her head "That such a shy girl, who blushes pink when you notice her can sing like that!"

Janet agreed and added "And we found out while you were shacked up at a bed and breakfast, which I'm completely jealous about by the way, that a certain captain doctor of mine also sings opera."

"Daisy?" Sam shook her head "What next Gabe sings baritone?"

"No" Jack called from the door "But he does play a mean classical guitar." He told them "Welcome back Carter, how was your vacation?" he asked

"Colonel!" Sam jumped "Fine sir, all the arrangements have been finalized with the President and his staff. I'll have a report of it on your desk in the morning."

"Fine." Jack waved it away, not all that anxious to read another report his desk was overloaded with them as it was. "I just came by to inform you Janet that we have another performer for the President's visit."

"Who?" Janet asked curiously

"Gabriel Fuentes."

Janet stared at Jack as if he'd gone insane "What you want him to give a martial arts demonstration?"

"No" Jack said taking a seat leaning forward "Like I said, Gabe plays the guitar. While we were at the mall, we went into the music store. Gabe picked up this classical guitar and started to play Mozart like he'd been doing it since he was in the cradle. The whole place was applauding when we left."

"You're kidding." Sam was shocked to believe that so much talent could come from just one family

"Gabe said where do you think Josie got her talent from." Jack told them

Janet shook her head remembering, "That's right, Daisy did mention that Gabriel's father had taught him to play the guitar. I'm surprised that he remembers though, his father died when he was five." Gabriel must have loved his father a great deal, Janet thought to herself, to honor his fathers memory by remembering what he'd been taught.

Just then, Annie rushed into the room.

"Sorry to bust in like this." She said to them seeing that the colonel was there

"No problem Annie." Janet told her "Come in, is anything the matter?"

Annie stared at Jack for a moment and he understood "Oh oh time for girl talk, I better go talk to the General anyway and let him know of my latest discovery, maybe I should become a talent scout." He joked "I'll see you guys later." He said waving as he walked out.

Sam watched Jack leave and the moment he was gone she turned to Annie "What's up?"

Annie bit her lip "Do either of you know Peter Roberts?"

Sam nodded "The cute linguist, sometimes works with SG 9 right."

"Yeah him."

Janet smiled "Nice man, very polite. Reminds me a lot of Daniel, just not as smart or as accident prone."

"I think I like him." Annie told them

"Like him as in 'like him'" Sam asked

"Yes" Annie admitted

"What does he say about this?" Janet asked

Annie smiled remembering "Well he didn't say much when we were making out in the corner of the book store." She told them

"Way to go Annie!" Sam said happily

"I don't know though." Annie told them and looking around she made sure that they were indeed alone "Can I tell you guys something just between us."

"Sure you can Annie." Sam smiled "We're your friends."

Janet nodded having come to respect and like the huge woman

"I was a fat kid." She told them simply "The other kids used to make fun of me, you know typical fat jokes." She began feeling embarrassed "One day when I was in high school, this boy that I really liked came on to me. I felt special, like someone besides my family really liked me." She told them sadly "It turned out that he was just paying off a bet by being seen with me."

"Oh Annie." Sam shook her head remembering what it was like in high school and all the little clicks there were back then. The cool kids, the nerds, and the few like Annie obviously was who did not fit in at all.

"I decided to lose weight after that." She told them "I lost over a hundred pounds by dieting and working out. Then I found out that I liked working out and I went from being fat to having more muscles than most of the boys in school. They were too intimidated by me then to even think of asking me out. It's been that way ever since as well. Oh, I have dated but mostly it's been other body builders because they weren't intimidated by my size, but usually they were as dumb as rocks. The only thing that they ever talked about was how to improve their workouts. Peter is the first man who isn't a body builder who looks at me like a woman and not just as a freak of nature."

"You are not a freak of nature." Sam told her friend immediately

"That's right." Janet agreed, "If a guy can't handle it that you are a muscular woman. That's their problem and it is only because they feel inadequate. The only way that they can feel like men again is to put you down."

"Obviously Peter doesn't have that problem." Sam smiled patting Annie's knee

Annie looked like she was in pain "That's the problem, I just don't know." She told them "And it's not like I can ask him out on a date and find out for sure."

Janet stared at the woman before her. True when she first met Antoinette Yates, she had been completely intimidated by the woman. Janet knew that she would never be confused as a tall person; usually she spent the day with her neck angled up to look people in the face. Annie was the biggest woman she had ever met, not an ounce of fat on her muscular physique. Janet knew that the woman could use her as a basketball and toss her around with absolutely no problem. Janet had felt a twinge of jealousy when she saw the six-foot Amazon woman, wondering why she could not have just a few more inches on her height. It had not helped that Annie had just popped Jack in the eye either and given him a nice shiner. Therefore, Janet had given the large woman the "complete" physical and she was none to gentle about it either.

Since that time though Janet had also seen the vulnerable part of the woman. The part that was feminine even though she had to live with men. The woman who cried her heart out when she lost one of her friends in an attack. The woman who would wake up in the infirmary in tears. That was the worst of it; Janet would never forget that night when Annie woke up in tears. Janet had gone over to see if she was in pain, Annie had grabbed Janet and cried on her shoulder hysterically. Later when Annie had calmed down, she told Janet about life in a woman's prison. How she had to fight almost everyday of her life to avoid being gang raped by her fellow inmates and guards. Alternatively, being stabbed by someone in the back for some imagined slight. Annie admitted to her in strictest confidence about how she had actually killed one of the other inmates because she had tried to stab her in the shower. Janet shivered thanking God that she was not in that position, Janet knew that she probably would not survive one night in the hell that Annie had called home for seven years. Janet had also talked to Sam and to Sarah Mackenzie, only to learn that in all probability Annie Yates was an innocent woman. Imprisoned by a general who wanted another notch on his belt, and that had sickened her. Annie deserved better than that, they all did.

Janet stood up, closed her door, lowered her shades, and turned to face the two other women in the room.

"It's time we plAnnied your date with Peter Roberts." She smiled at Annie

"My date?" Annie asked confused wiping her tears

"Yes." Janet nodded emphatically "Sam there are a lot of places on this base that are usually kept empty right?"

"Sure there are." Sam smiled conspiratorially "28 levels in fact, some of those levels have only a couple of guards that we can easily avoid."

"Or have ordered away." Janet agreed, "Even guards need physicals you know."

Annie stared at the two women "You'd do this for me?" she asked amazed, no one had done anything like this for her ever. Annie knew that these two women were talking about breaking some major regulations, which could really damage their careers. Yet, here they were talking about it as if it meant nothing to them, just to help her.

"We are your friends." Sam pointed out to her "If it wasn't for you I never would have told Daniel I loved him. I'd still be pining away feeling miserable because I thought that I would always be alone. I owe you big for that, I have never been this happy with a man in my life. I owe that to you for getting me off my ass and into his arms."

"So when do we do this?" Janet asked Sam and Annie

"As soon as possible, if I have anything to say about it." Annie smiled for the first time

"New years eve." Sam said struck by inspiration "We're having that party here on base, nearly all personnel on base will be there. That's in less than two weeks, we could probably stage an invasion here and no one would notice."

"Great." Janet pulled open her drawers and searched through them "Ah... here it is. Stand up Annie."

"Why?" Annie asked doing as she was told

"You are going to need a dress, and since you can't go out and buy one. We will need your measurements to get it for you. Sam you write while I measure."

"Right." Sam smiled grabbing a pen and pad off the desk.

Annie looked down at the petite doctor and gave the woman a bear hug "Thank you." She whispered

"Just let me breathe and we'll call it even." Janet gasped in the woman's powerful embrace

Pulling back Janet took a deep breath and smiled "Okay ladies we have a lot of planning to do." She said trying to hide her blush, being in Annie's arms like that made her feel like she was a baby in her mothers arms again. GOD I HATE BEING SHORT!

The next morning Sam and Janet entered the commissary and looked around. They spotted Peter Roberts sitting in a corner table alone reading some reports. Immediately they swerved from the direction of their table and headed over to the man.

"Hello Peter." Sam smiled at the man

"Sam" Peter blinked behind his glasses smiling shyly at the attractive woman "Doctor Frasier, what can I do for you ladies." He inquired politely

"We need to talk to you about Annie Yates." Janet began

Immediately Peter panicked "Is she alright?" he asked, "I haven't heard of SG 13 getting a new assignment."

"She's fine." Sam calmed the man down throwing a smile at Janet

"That's a relief." Peter relaxed

"We want to know if you're serious about her." Janet fixed him with a steely gaze; she would not have this man hurting Annie.

"Serious how?" Peter asked innocently

Damn, Sam shook her head; he was just as good at the innocent puppy dog eyes as Daniel was. Sam wondered if there was a special course in college that taught it.

"She told us about the bookstore." Sam told him meaningfully

"She did?" Peter looked uncomfortable

"We want to know if you are serious about her."

"Extremely serious." Peter admitted, "I wish circumstances were different, you know?" They did indeed.

Sam smiled "We know, now listen do you want to get together with her or not."

"What!" Peter almost shouted

Janet cringed and looked around seeing faces staring at them now "Oh great now the grapevine is going to get a hold of this and that meant that Jack would hear about it soon.

"Hold it down." Janet told the man "We want to know if you want to go on a date with her."

Peter smiled "Of course I would love to do that, but how can we."

"Just listen and don't speak." Janet told him and laid out her and Sam's plan to him

Peter listened and his grin got wider and wider, finally he looked at them "If you can do this for us, I'll owe you for the rest of my life." He told them.

"Leave it to us." Janet patted his hand "We'll let you know about specifics later."

"When?" he asked

"New years eve, here during the party." Sam told him

"That would be perfect." He smiled thinking of all the things he had to do between now and then, haircut, new suit, candy, and flowers...

Janet and Sam left the table and went to get some lunch and back to their own table.

"Oh Janet by the way Daniel said you can count on him to help in anyway." She informed her friend

"You told Daniel?" Janet was surprised; this was supposed to be an all woman operation

"He forced it out of me." Sam shrugged helplessly "You didn't have to stare at his puppy dog eyes for four hours straight. I couldn't hold out."

Janet laughed at her friend with Special Forces training on how to resist enemy interrogation

"Well let's hope that the Goa'uld never learn of Daniel's technique otherwise we will be in a lot of trouble." Janet shook her head wiping her tears of laughter away "Don't worry about it, my nurses are the same way. Daniel usually has them wrapped around his finger inside fifteen minutes."

"Oh really." Sam asked finding out something new about her lover

"Oh yeah, he gets them to sneak him books and coffee and chocolate bars when they think I'm not looking." Janet informed her sitting down with her tray.

"And why don't you do anything about it?" Sam asked her friend "If you know what's happening."

Janet held up her palms "Hey, I'm only human, and those are some powerful blue eyes."

They both laughed.

Christmas day

Sam awoke on Christmas morning to the delicious smell of frying bacon. Opening her eyes, she saw that the sun was streaming through the windows and that it was a beautiful crisp December morning. Stretching languidly like a cat, she looked over to see that the other side of the bed was suspiciously missing an archeologist. Getting out of bed she put on her robe, Sam yawned and made her way to the bathroom, brush her teeth, and clean up a bit. Then she padded through the living room and into the kitchen. Daniel was listening to Christmas carols on the radio that was playing softly as not to disturb her. His back to her, Sam watched curiously wondering what he was doing.

Daniel smiled humming 'jingle bell rock' while flipping the pancakes smiling that he had waited just long enough so that it was golden brown on one side. Quickly he went back to chopping and dicing the green peppers and mushrooms to make the omelets, he then checked the bacon one more time.

"Whatever you are doing Daniel smells heavenly."

Daniel whirled around "Oh no I woke you." He said deflated "I wanted to surprise you with breakfast in bed."

Sam smiled making her way to him "I'm sorry" She whispered "Merry Christmas." She smiled throwing her arms around his neck.

"Merry Christmas Sam." He said taking her into his arms kissing her passionately

They separated and Daniel threw a quick eye over his pots and pans to ensure that nothing was burning.

Sam's stomach began to growl smelling all the delicious aromas in the air.

"What are you making?" Sam asked, "It smells great, I didn't know you knew how to cook."

"Breakfast only." He told her "I worked at a IHOP for a summer when I first got into college for extra money." Pouring her a cup of coffee, he handed it to her "We have farmers omelets for two, bacon, sausage, pancakes with fresh blueberries, not easy to find mind you. Hash browns, toast, biscuits and plenty of coffee." He smiled at her

"Daniel!" Sam eyes popped wide open "Are you trying to fatten me up for market." She asked staring at the amount of food.

"Oh you bet." Daniel swooped in again claiming her lips

When they finally came up for air Sam shook her head, "You are really in a good mood today."

"This is the happiest Christmas I've had in many, many years." He told her "And so what if I want to spoil you once in a while."

Sam smiled his infectious mood "Oh I don't mind at all, I'll set the table and get the juice." She told him pinching his butt as she passed.

"Hey! Genius at work here." He protested lightly

"Yeah right." Sam snickered tasting the coffee for the first time, her eyes opened wide in shock "What kind of coffee is this?" she asked

Daniel's grin turned into a full-fledged smile "My own special super secret recipe." He told her "Only for special occasions though. Otherwise it would ruin any other coffee altogether."

Sam shook her head tasting and savoring the richness "I think it already has, you really are full of surprises aren't you doctor Jackson."

"Only for you my love." Daniel told her expertly flipping the omelets

Sam turned up the radio and set the table while Daniel loaded the table up with food fit for the gods. No, don't go there Sam, today is not going to be ruined by thoughts of the Goa'uld. Today they do not exist.

Later Sam rubbed her full stomach feeling like doing nothing other than going back to bed. Preferably, not alone, maybe she and Daniel could work off some excess calories. She thought wickedly.

Sam closed her eyes for a moment and when she opened them, she saw a small ornately wrapped gift being held just before her.

Sam smiled taking the box "I thought we did gifts last night." She said accusingly

Daniel shrugged "Santa must have left that one." He said innocently

"Right." Sam ripped the wrapping with unconcealed glee, shocked to see the jewelry box in her hand. Opening it she saw to her delight a golden necklace with a pendant, staring at it she thought it looked familiar. It was shaped like an Egyptian scroll, at the top, she was shocked to see the gate symbols for earth and Abydos interlocked and some hieroglyphics underneath it. Looking up at Daniel, he smiled and told her.

"It says 'my love for you is as constant as the moon and stars, Daniel.' And the gate symbols is 'our' point of origin, that we are from earth but met on Abydos." He whispered

"It's beautiful Daniel." Sam smiled wrapping her arms around him "Thank you so much, but why in Egyptian?"

Daniel took the necklace placing it around her delicate neck fastening it "This way I can show people how much I love you, but they won't realize I'm showing them."

"It's beautiful." She told him again kissing him

Reaching behind the couch, Sam pulled out a gift of her own "Oh look Santa left a gift for you too." She smiled

"Sam, you didn't have to. You've already given me so much." Daniel smiled at her. "Especially that Glass display case, I can't wait to find something to put in it."

Sam shook her head, knowing there was a specific something she wanted him to put in that small case she had found "Not as much as I want to give you Daniel." She smiled and then began to jump up and down on the couch "Come on open it."

Daniel smiled and ripped the paper open and held the thick book in his hands. The smile faded as he read the title and author.

"The life and death and afterlife of Tutankaumen Egypt's youngest pharaoh, by Dr.'s Melbourne and Claire Jackson." Tears began to form in his eyes flipping quickly through the book he saw his mothers illustrations.

Sam smiled gently opening the book "There is a dedication inside from your parents as well."

Daniel looked down tears streaming down his face "This book is dedicated to the greatest gift the Valley of the Kings has ever given us, our son Daniel born in Cairo July 8th 1969. Our love for you is as eternal as the sands of Egypt."

Daniel closed the book hugging it to his chest his tears falling "How...?" Was all he could say.

Sam took him into her arms holding him, her own tears falling "It wasn't easy." She admitted "But it was worth the effort, now you have a part of your parents back."

"Sam, I can never thank you enough." He said hugging her tightly

"Shh, my love there's no need to thank me."

Jack, Janet, Cassie and Teal'c were all singing Christmas carols as they drove over to Sam's house. It had been decided that this year it was Sam's turn to host the Christmas dinner. Since last year, it was at Jack's place and the year before it had been at Janet's. This year it was time for them to relax and Sam to be harried back and forth in the kitchen with Daniel helping. Jack however was dubious about Sam's culinary talents. He had been off planet with her long enough to know that Sam had very little experience in the kitchen.

"Carter" He had once asked "How is it that you can remember the entire periodic table and every atomic weight there is, perform calculus in your head while field stripping your MP-5 and yet you can't boil an egg." He had asked staring at his runny eggs

"Watch it sir." Sam had warned him giving him an icy stare "I'm tired, I have cramps, and I have a gun."

"Point taken major." He had shut up immediately and ate his runny eggs

Pulling up to her house they all saw the festive decorations lining the property cheerful multi-colored lights blinking and off, immediately they jumped out. Cassie tore off like a shot heading to the front door."

Janet struggled carrying some pies and cakes that she had made to take the load off Sam a bit.

"Jack can you grab the bags in the trunk?"

"Your wish is my command." Jack smirked opening the trunk

"May I offer assistance Doctor Fraiser." Teal'c bowed holding out his hands

"Oh thank you Teal'c." Janet handed over some of her load to the Jaffa

"Not at all." He said heading towards the front door.

"Now remember Jack, no cracks about the food." Janet warned him for the hundredth time "Sam is going to be nervous enough as it is."

"Not even one little crack?" Jack begged knowing that Janet's request was not going to be easy.

"Jaacck." She warned

"Spoilsport." He smiled at her

Janet shook her head and headed for the door.

When they got there, Cassie was already hugging and wishing Sam and Daniel a merry Christmas. Jack's nose went up immediately, the food, it smelled good!

"What is that delicious aroma?" Janet asked smelling it as well

"Leg of lamb with a mint sauce, scalloped potatoes au gratin, some venison and asparagus in hollandaise sauce, mashed potatoes and biscuits and for dessert tiarama sue." Sam smiled at them innocently

Jack and Janet's jaws dropped

"What?" Sam defended seeing their expressions "I never said I couldn't cook, just that I don't like to cook." She told them taking the pies from Janet "This way Teal'c."

Daniel laughed as he took their coats and hung them up.

"Cassie honey, could you put the gifts under the tree." Janet asked

"Sure, when do we open them?" She asked excitedly

"After dinner." Janet said sternly

"Awww." Cassie left going to the tree

"I thought Josie was coming." Daniel asked them handing each of them a glass of wine

"Josie has been one busy girl today." Janet told him "She spent the morning with her parents opening presents, then she was singing Christmas songs at the service that they held at the base for on-duty personnel. Daniel her silent night was brilliant. Then for dinner, she is spending it with Daisy at the Generals with the rest of the family. Later she is going caroling with Daisy to collect money for the church and they are going to end up here for dessert later."

"Wow." Daniel shook his head amazed at the amount of work the girl put in on Christmas "That's a full day."

"Well she is also going to do the midnight mass at the church. She's expecting you and Sam there as well." Janet warned them.

"We'll be there." Sam promised coming up behind them "So how has your day been going?" she inquired

"Wonderful" Janet sighed glad to have one day of complete peace with her family "Cassie has spent all day on her computer playing with all her new games. Jack has been fiddling with his new fishing rod, and I've spent the day watching my new Cary Grant movie collection on DVD."

"An affair to remember?" Sam asked hopefully

"Tomorrow nights main feature." Janet smiled knowing how much Sam loved that movie.

Sam smiled happily, "I'll bring the tissues and popcorn."

Jack smiled patting Daniel on the back "Well Danny-boy it looks like tomorrow night is boys night out." He announced

"Men" Janet complained staring at Sam "No appreciation for fine cinema."

Jack looked horrified "Hey, I'll have you know that I love a good tear jerker just like any other guy."

"Right." Sam smiled

"Hey I'll have you know I was crying like a baby when Yul Brenner and Steve McQueen were captured by Eli Wallach in the Magnificent Seven." He said sniffling

"Oh no Jack not that." Daniel held his hands to his face "And when James Coburn got shot and he flicked his knife into that wall and then died. Oh and when Charles Bronson..."

"Stop Daniel, I can't take it." Jack moaned horribly

"MEN!" Janet smiled at Sam "Why do we put up with them." She asked lightly

"Because we are cute and cuddly." Jack said throwing his arms around his fiancée.

"Well there is that." She admitted smiling

Sam laughed and made her way into the kitchen "I'll check on dinner, I'll be right back."

"O'Neill, what is this Magnificent Seven that has you and Daniel Jackson so upset." Teal'c asked confused wondering if his friends were all right.

Jack smiled "Movie night at Daniel's it's time to introduce you Teal'c to the greatest western ever made."

Teal'c nodded stoically "Then I will bring the tissues and the popcorn."

Janet sputtered her wine and tried to keep a straight face "I'd better help Sam." She said heading quickly towards the kitchen before she broke down laughing.

Teal'c raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

"So Danny-boy how was your Christmas." Jack asked

Daniel smiled from ear to ear "The best I've ever had." He admitted

Lowering his voice, he asked, "How did the necklace go over."

"She loved it, but it was nothing compared to her gift." Daniel said pointing to the now enclosed in glass book.

"A book?" Jack was confused "You have hundreds of those."

"My parents wrote that one." Daniel said proudly

"Really?" Jack was surprised "You mind if I take a look."

"Sure" Daniel opened the case and handed the book to Jack

"Heavy" he commented, reading the dedication Jack smiled looking at his friend "This must mean a lot to you." He said knowingly

Daniel touched the leather binder "It does Jack, more than you can imagine."

"So did he like the book?" Janet asked while checking the leg of lamb.

"He loved it." Sam smiled happily stirring the gravy "I don't think he ever even knew that book was written. He cried when he read the dedication inside."

"That was a brilliant idea you had in getting that book." Janet smiled checking the roast

"That's nothing, I have a standing order for anything relating to the doctors Jackson out there all over the net. If anyone ever finds anything, they'll contact me." Sam checked the potatoes again, "They sold off all his parents belongings Janet." Sam told her angrily that they could do that to a child "They never even asked him if he wanted something to remember them. They sold it all and whatever they couldn't sell, they threw away. Threw away his parents life work, like it was just trash." She said banging the lid down.

Janet hugged her best friend "Hey, we'll get some if it back for him." She promised, "Hey what's this?" Janet asked looking at the gold chain. "Is that a gate symbol?"

"Yes." Sam smiled "Daniel says that it is our point of origin."

Janet smiled shaking her head "What does the rest of it say."

"My love for you is as constant as the moon and stars, Daniel." Sam smiled "It's sappy I know, but I wouldn't trade it for anything."

"It's perfect." Janet smiled knowing how much that little piece of gold really meant to Sam.

"That was one hell of a meal." Jack said leaning back pushing his plate away "I'm stuffed." He complained good-naturedly

"I hope you left enough room for coffee and dessert." Sam smiled knowing that she had shocked her CO with this meal; she just hoped he would not be expecting this on missions.

Jack smiled at his 2IC "Oh I think I have a little corner left for some cake and coffee." He said patting his stomach

The doorbell rang "I'll get it." Daniel offered

"Merry Christmas uncle Daniel." Josie smiled giving him a hug.

"Merry Christmas to you Josie, Daisy, come in you are just in time for dessert."

"Oh God." Daisy moaned "I think I've put on twenty pounds already."

"Josie?"

"Cassie! Merry Christmas everyone." She said hugging her friend

"Daisy" her boss smiled "Just in time for dessert."

Daisy moaned but sat down

"How did the caroling go?" Daniel asked

Daisy gratefully received her coffee cup "Great, we made a few hundred for the church." She smiled "It was fun singing with Josie again." She admitted, no it was heaven to sing with her again. She thought

"Coffee is up." Sam put the large pot down "Just a warning, this is Daniels own recipe for coffee. It will definitely spoil all other coffees after it."

Jack smiled holding out a cup "Not your super secret blend!" he said excitedly

Sam stared at Daniel "I gave some to him for his birthday." He shrugged "I mean it's not everyday a man turns...."

"That's enough Daniel." Jack scolded lightly "I don't need to be reminded of my age, besides I'm not getting older, I'm getting better. Like a fine wine I just get better with age."

Sam snickered and went back to bring out the desserts

"Riiiight Jack." Daniel saw the girls eyeing the presents under the tree "How about we take this to the living room and open some gifts." He suggested

Sam and Daniel sat in one of the front pews listening to Josie sing her heart out. Her powerful voice shaking the rafters.

Silent night Holy night All is quiet All is calm Round young virgin mother and child

Sam wiped a tear away, she was sure that god himself could hear Josie's beautiful voice singing in praise for him. Sam gripped Daniel's hand; this was the most perfect Christmas she had had since she was a small girl.

New Year's eve

"Coast is clear." Daniel called out on his radio

Jack led a nervous Peter Roberts out of the elevator and down the passageway. Passing Daniel, he nodded and kept moving.

"I really appreciate what you're doing Colonel." Peter smiled nervously adjusting his tie for the hundredth time.

"Don't mention it." Jack smiled grimly, wondering how he ever let Janet talk him into doing this. "Ever, don't ever mention this to anyone." He said

"Right Colonel."

"Just treat her like a lady." Jack warned him knowing that if this man did anything to hurt Annie Yates, the rest of SG 13 would make sure that not even a dentist could identify the linguist's body.

"I will." The linguist nodded solemnly

"How do I look?" Annie asked nervously at her reflection in the mirror in Janet's office.

"You look beautiful." Sam smiled at her friend

Janet smiled nodding in approval "There is nothing like a little black dress." She had to admit

"Lookout 2 this is lookout 1 come in."

Sam lifted the radio "This is lookout 2 go ahead look out 1."

"The package has been delivered, awaiting addressee."

"On our way lookout 1." Sam put down the radio "Well it's time."

Peter nervously lit the candles and turned on the tape machine and soft music began to play. Opening the wine, he heard the door open and close quickly and he spun around. His breath caught in his chest, Annie was standing there in a knee length black dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Just a touch of make up and lipstick to enhance her features and startling blue eyes.

"You...you are stunning." Peter gasped

Annie blushed "Thank you, you're looking very handsome as well." She said nervously

Turning Peter grabbed the roses and the chocolates "For you."

Annie's face lit up "Flowers and chocolates for me?"

"Yes."

"Thank you."

"Would you care to dance?" He asked

"I'm not very good." Annie admitted nervously

"Neither am I." Peter said taking her hand and wrapping an arm around her waist they began to move to the music, "I can't believe that I am here with you." He whispered in her ear

Annie trembled feeling his hot breath in her ear "Neither can I."

"How's it going?" Jack asked nervously looking around

"Fine." Daniel told him "Relax Jack no one is coming down here tonight. Everyone is too busy getting snotted upstairs."

"Just remember, if we are caught I am denying all knowledge of this endeavor of yours." He told Daniel

Daniel snickered "Say what you want Jack, but deep down you are just an old softie."

Jack grunted and made his way to the elevator to keep an eye on the brass at the party.

Daniel snickered again as he watched Jack walk away to go back to the party.

Sam came down a little while later holding two glasses of champagne smiling she saw that Daniel was still on guard duty watching to see that Annie and Peter were not disturbed. The rest of the hall, just like most of the mountain was deserted.

"There you are." Daniel smiled at her "I was wondering if this was some sort of elaborate way of keeping me away from the party." He joked

Sam handed him a glass "The party does look like fun." She admitted to him, and then stared deeply into his eyes "But it is just not a party if you aren't there with me."

Daniel checked his watch "Two minutes till midnight." He smiled wrapping an arm around her "Any new year's resolution?"

Sam smiled thinking to herself "Yes to get you to propose to me."

Aloud she shook her head "If I say it may not come true."

"That's birthday candles." Daniel pointed out

Sam shook her head seriously, "I am not willing to take that chance."

Holding up his glass, Daniel smiled at her "To a wonderful new year with you."

Sam smiled clinking her glass against Daniels "I'll drink to that." Lifting the glass up she drank

Daniel looked down at his watch "Oh here we go." He smiled excitedly "Five, four, three, two, one. Happy new year Samantha." He took her in his arms kissing her deeply

Chapter 20: Justice at last!

January 2nd

Judge Advocate General's office Falls Church VA.

A.J. Chedwiggen leaned back into his seat sipping his coffee studying the two officers before him.

"Well?" He inquired gently feeling very good after spending Christmas and new years with this daughter Francesca.

Harm smiled feeling very good as well for a very different reason "Well sir, we are almost set, I figure one more month to prepare everything and we will be set for trial."

"Which case?" Chedwiggen asked

"Both Captain Yates and Chief Washington." Mac told him "We just need you to appoint opposing counsel and to appoint a jury."

"Tell me about the cases." He ordered not wanting to rush things, if these people were indeed innocent, Chedwiggen for one wanted to make sure that the cases were airtight.

"In the case of Captain Yates sir, we have the testimony of fifteen women all of whom were sexually assaulted by the General."

"Assaulted?" Chedwiggen asked, "Isn't that a bit rough Colonel?"

"I don't think so sir." Sarah Mackenzie stood by her guns "All the women were threatened that if they didn't perform sexual favors for the general they would face the same fate as Captain Yates. The General mentioned her by name to each woman. He made them believe that if they didn't perform sexual favors for him that they would go to prison, they believed him because he had done it before."

Chedwiggen didn't like to think men like that still existed, but obviously he was wrong "What is the possibility of them being acquainted with the captain."

"A few of them are sir." Mac admitted "But ten of the women were stationed on base after Captain Yates was sent to prison. Some of them as late as just a year ago and have never met Captain Yates."

"Continue." The admiral ordered

"We have the testimony of Major Billingsly that substandard parts were used on the reactor. I have copies of the invoices and dates of when those parts were installed. Interestingly enough all the parts were installed by technicians' just days before the explosion on Captain Yates's days off. I also have the schematics of the reactor and have gone over it with five separate experts they all agree that it was a faulty valve on the exhaust that probably gave way and caused a chain reaction in the reactor. It would have been too late by the time anyone noticed. All of them are willing to testify."

"Chief Washington?"

"We have the signed confession of one Lt commander Bell, NIS also says that they are on the verge of getting another of the group to confess." Harm smiled handing the document to the admiral "The Lt commander says that he and three others including the victim tried to lynch Chief Washington because of his color. He wants to make a deal for a lesser charge; he is willing to testify in open court in his complicity in the crime and to name all the others in their little organization. It is a clear case of self defense."

"What about Dr. Fuentes?" Chedwiggen asked knowing that this was the real important case, well at least it was to the Hammond family.

"We are still having trouble locating Major Powers sir." Mac admitted "But we have found out that the insurance policy did indeed have a second beneficiary, a Nicholas Bradford." Mac shrugged "Who exactly that is we don't know. Nevertheless, the policy was paid out a little over a year after the incident. The insurance company dragged its feet not wanting to pay out that policy. Bud is trying to trace the money now to find out where this Bradford is; he is just having a hard time because of banking regulations. It's just a matter of time now sir." She told him

Harm continued, "We are looking to find out exactly what his relationship with Amanda Fuentes was. Bud has requested Major Powers service record be reopened so that we can find out if he has any next of kin or anyone who has seen him."

"Very well, proceed in forming your cases. I will appoint opposing counsel for both Captain Yates and Chief Washington. I will give them three weeks to prepare their cases, make sure that you are just as prepared if not more so. I don't want another miscarriage of justice here." The admiral warned them both

"Yes sir."

"Dismissed."

Harm and Mac stood up at attention and left the office. Making their way out into the main offices, they compared notes and arranged to meet later with Bud and Harriet and have some dinner at Harm's place to prepare the cases.

"Commander, Colonel!" Bud called to them excitedly waving at them.

Harm and Mac made their way over to the over anxious couple.

"Inside sir, please." Bud opened the office door for them

"What is it Bud?" Harm asked watching him close the door.

Harriet was practically jumping up and down with excitement

Bud smiled happily that he had solved the case "Well sir, last night Harriet and I were in bed watching television."

"Bud" Harm shook his head not really wanting to know

"No sir! Not that." Bud blushed "No sir we were watching this movie about a man who killed his lovers husband to collect the insurance. Well anyway the killers knew that they would be suspected immediately if they killed him so they came up with a plan."

"Bud is this going somewhere?" Harm asked wanting to get to work

"Yes sir, you see what they did was to create a man who didn't exist. They got everything, birth certificate, drivers license, bank account the works. Then they made it seem as this imaginary man killed the husband so that they could get away with the crime. The cops would be looking for a man who didn't exist."

Harriet interrupted "So we were thinking what if this happened in reverse. What if a man who actually existed killed his lover, the wife and pinned it on the husband so that the husband couldn't collect the insurance. Then create a man that doesn't exist, namely Nicholas Bradford, and just assume that identity and collect the money."

Bud smiled "That would explain why we haven't found Powers sir, because..."

"Powers doesn't exist anymore." Harm smiled and turned to Mac "And they say you can't learn anything watching television."

"Any information about this Nicholas Bradford yet?" Mac asked wondering if they could possibly be right.

"It was a cinch." Bud told them "I just tracked the money like the Admiral suggested. The money was paid to a local bank in Virginia, and then it was immediately transferred to another one in New York where the money still is. Once I knew what city to look in, I just found out what local branch keeps the account. It was a snap to find Nicholas Bradford, one who was wealthy, it just took time to cut through the banks red tape and get authorization." Bud told them handing them an address

Harm took the address with one hand and reached for the phone with the other "Admiral, Rabb here sir. We got a hot tip as to where to find this Nicholas Bradford and the Lt.'s Roberts have come up with an interesting theory that Bradford and Powers might be one and the same.... New York sir." Rabb listened to the Admiral nodding "Yes sir!" Hanging up the phone, he turned to Harriet

"Harriet get us a car we are driving up to New York right now." Harm ordered

"I'm on it sir." Pausing Harriet turned back "Sir request permission to go with you."

Harm nodded after all they are the ones who broke the case "Granted, both you and Bud deserve to be in on the end if that's what this is."

The drive to New York had been a long and silent affair. Mac had gone through the files that they had collected, picking up a picture she studied the face of the man. He had been young probably only thirty-five at the time of the incident and handsome. His dark features she noticed were not that dissimilar to Fuentes himself. Maybe that was why Amanda Fuentes had started a relationship with the man, because he looked something like her soon to be ex-husband. It also explained why the insurance broker could not identify Fuentes as the purchaser of the policy, he never bought it. That was why Powers was so desperate to keep that insurance man away from the trial so he would not be recognized. Pulling out another picture she stared at the beautiful red headed woman with green eyes. If Powers did prove to be a murderer, maybe they could find out where he had buried her and bring her family some peace.

They drove through an exclusive neighborhood in Long Island where the real estate was prime and expensive. A small township that had it's own police department as opposed to the county department which served the entire area. The rich could afford the high taxes for the area and to ensure that all it's residents were safe from the riff-raff.

"242, 244, there it is sir the Tudor style house." Harriet pointed out the window.

They slowed down the car and pulled over inconspicuously.

"Got the camera?" Harm asked staring at the house.

Mac lifted it up "Right here." She nodded grimly

"Well now I guess we wait." Harm told them

They did not have to wait long, twenty minutes later a sleek BMW pulled into the parking space in front of the house and it's passengers got out.

Mac lifted the camera and focused it on the man "No doubt about it Harm, that's him." She said snapping pictures then the other figure stepped into the frame. Mac continued to snap pictures at a more rapid rate.

"Oh my god." She whispered

"Holy shit." Harm's jaw was hanging open

"Got it." Mac put down the camera

Harm pulled out his cell phone "The number for the New York offices of the FBI please." Harm waited and received the number, quickly redialing the phone he waited "Yes hello, my name is Commander Harmon Rabb U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General's office, I'd like to speak to an agent please."

A few moments later a voice came on the line "Special Agent Hess speaking, to whom am I speaking with please."

"Commander Harmon Rabb U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General's office out of Falls Church Virginia."

"Commander, what can I do to assist you today."

"I'd like to report a crime Special Agent Hess." Harm explained the situation over the phone and waited for a response as Mac snapped a few more shots.

"What was that address again Commander." Writing it down Hess tore it off his pad "We will be there in twenty minutes." He promised hanging up the phone

"Twenty minutes." Harm told them shaking his head "I just don't believe it."

"I can't believe that anybody could be so much without a conscience." Harriet said looking out the window watching former Major Powers of the U.S. Air force watering his lawn without a care in the world. Dressed in expensive tennis shorts, in front of his million-dollar home.

It was closer to thirty minutes before two cars pulled up behind Rabb. Exiting the vehicle Rabb and Mac made their way over to the agents and explained the situation to them. Showing them the files and the pictures.

"And you're sure that you've got the right guy?" Hess asked stepping out of the car.

Mac handed him a polaroid "Yeah that's him alright. You just take this?" he asked.

"Thirty minutes ago." Mac told him "While the commander was on the phone with you."

"Okay, let's go. You two cover the back." Hess and the other agents made their way over to the house with the four JAG officers right behind them.

Hess knocked on the door and waited, they heard a man's voice call out "I got it."

The door opened and a healthy tAnnied man stood in front of them "Can I help you?" he asked

"FBI" Hess showed him his ID we'd like to ask you some questions Mr. POWERS." He said stressing the name.

Fred Powers face blanched but he tried to play it out "I'm sorry there must be some mistake my name is Nick Bradford." He told them

Harm stepped forward holding out an old picture of Powers in uniform "I don't think so Major."

"Honey what's wrong?" A voice called out, suddenly a red haired woman with green eyes poked her head around "Is there a problem?"

"No Mrs. Fuentes." Harm told her "The problem is now solved."

Amanda's eyes flew open; she immediately turned and tore off.

"She's heading out the back!" Hess yelled out loud immediately, he pulled out handcuffs and read Powers his rights as two agents came from the back of the house Amanda Fuentes was also in custody.

Harriet stared at the woman disgustedly "How could you do it." She asked "To your own husband and child?"

Amanda shook her head laughing, "Well at least you're too late to save Gabriel." She laughed heartily

Harm took great pleasure in telling her "I wouldn't worry about that Mrs. Fuentes, Gabriel Fuentes is just fine. You'll see him soon across from you in court of law." He promised

"NOOO!" She screamed and started kicking and trying to pull free.

Harm reached out a hand to the special agent "Thank you agent Hess, the Navy owes you a favor."

"Any time." Hess smiled "Come on let's take them in." he told the others.

"I don't believe it." Mac shook her head in disbelief "She was alive the whole time."

Harm nodded pulling out his cell phone and dialing "She is one vindictive bitch." He told them "Admiral, we've got him...No sir there is no need for a confession.... That is right sir no need, Amanda Fuentes was alive the whole time.... Yes sir that's what I said the FBI just took them both into custody." Harm smiled "We are now ready for court on all three cases." Harm saw Mac motioning for the phone "Just one second sir, Colonel Mackenzie wishes to say something."

Mac took the phone "Admiral, I request that you contact General Hammond and have him put SG 13 on stand down until the trials are over sir. We wouldn't want anything to happen to them just before they are proved innocent." She smiled.

"I'm on it Colonel." Chedwiggen smiled "By the way, stay in town tonight on the Navy and have yourselves a nice steak dinner. When you get back here pack your things, I have made arrangements for the trials to take place at Cheyenne Mountain in three weeks."

Hanging up the phone, he picked it up immediately and dialed a number "General Hammond please tell him its Admiral Chedwiggen." The pause lasted less than a minute.

"A.J. a pleasure to hear from you." George called over the line

"George, how are you?"

"Never better, what can I do for you?"

A.J. sat in his chair a little straighter "General Hammond it is the request of the Judge Advocate General that you put your team known as SG 13 on stand down until further notice. They are to be given new trials beginning in three weeks." He said formal tone of voice.

The pause lasted almost a full minute "A.J. please tell me that you are not joking." Hammond told him his eyes closed.

A.J. smiled, his friend had not thought that he could do it. "No joke George, I'm flying out personally to keep an eye on the proceedings. My officers are ready for trial."

"All of them?" Hammond asked sending up a silent prayer.

A.J. smiled he knew what George was really asking "Yes George, Lt. Fuentes as well, he will be a free man in three weeks. You have my word on that."

"How can you guarantee that?" George asked hoping it was true for Daisy's sake.

"I'll explain when I get there in the morning, I don't want to say on an open phone. But sufficed to say, be prepared for a big shock. Oh could you get uniforms for them as well?"

Hammond smiled "It will be my pleasure Admiral. A.J. if there is anything that I can ever do for you or your people. You just let me know." He said sincerely knowing that he owed the admiral big for this one.

A.J. smiled "Well there is one thing that would make us even."

"What? Name it and you got it."

"I'll tell you when I see you."

"Okay bye A.J., I'll have a car waiting for you at the plane."

"Thanks, see you tomorrow George."

Hammond hung up the phone, picking it up again he dialed a number "Have SG 1, Doctors Fraiser and Hammond and Colonel Kennedy in my office in five minutes, tell them to drop whatever they are doing." He ordered and hung up leaning back smiling at the ceiling. George Hammond had one more Christmas gift to give his daughter.

They all arrived in just under five minutes having recognized that this must be something important to have them here that fast and it was almost unheard of for the general to tell them to drop everything.

"Come" the general ordered and he watched as they filed in

"General, SG 1, Doctors Fraiser, Hammond, and Colonel Kennedy reporting as ordered sir." Jack saluted

"I have some quick orders to give out and I want them followed to the letter." Hammond told them reaching for three files he handed them to Jack.

"These are the actual service records for Dr.'s Yates and Fuentes and Mr. Washington. I want you to go to the uniform shop and I want you to pick up one Naval lt. Uniform, one army captain uniform and one chief petty officer uniform with all the proper insignias and medals and ribbons in their sizes by 1400 hrs, colonel."

"Sir?" Jack asked confused taking the files.

Hammond ignored him and turned to Kennedy "I'm sorry colonel, but by the order of the Judge Advocate General, Admiral A.J. Chedwiggen. SG 13 is now on stand down indefinitely."

"Sir?" Kennedy asked confused as well

Daisy gripped Janet's hand finding it hard to breathe suddenly staring at her father's face

"I just got off the phone with the JAG." He told the gathered group a huge smile lighting his face "Because of new evidence the JAG has ordered that the cases of Hospital Corpsman Chief Petty Officer Lincoln Roosevelt Washington, and Captain Antoinette Constance Yates, and Lieutenant Gabriel Michael Fuentes be reopened and new trials are scheduled to begin in three weeks."

"New trials?" Kennedy asked still confused

Daisy's legs buckled, Janet grabbed her by one arm and Teal'c quickly grabbed the other one lowering her into a chair.

"Dad?" she asked forgetting about formalities, this was not the time for it.

Hammond stood up and came around his desk and took his daughter's hand "A few months ago, I called in a favor owed to me." He told Kennedy "I'm sorry that I went behind your back colonel, but at the time I didn't know you as well as I do now, I realize now that you are a man of honor and principle. You have my sincere apology. Besides this was a personal matter since it involved my daughter. I contacted Admiral Chedwiggen, he and I are old friends and I asked him to look into the cases of SG 13. Now in the case of Simon and Sam Pierson there was nothing to be done they were indeed guilty of that there is no doubt. However, as I found out, there were some lingering questions about the remaining three members of SG 13. I have just heard from the JAG, I don't know all the specifics yet; the JAG is coming in the morning to tell me himself. The upshot is that while I don't know yet if the cases against Captain Yates and Chief Washington are set in stone. I do know that I have the word of Admiral A.J. Chedwiggen himself that Lt. Fuentes will be a free man in three weeks, proven innocent of all the charges against him."

Daisy Hammond broke down crying, it would soon be over and Gabriel would be coming home to her a free man.

Janet put a hand on her back smiling at the others tears in her own eyes.

Kennedy looked shocked but nodded stoically "I accept your apology General, and I thank you for your kind words. SG 13 is now on stand down until further notice."

Jack smiled at his friends "Sir with your permission I would like to get my team to that uniform shop ASAP."

"Permission granted Colonel, take the money out of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation fund. This will be a boost for morale for everyone." He ordered

"Sir!" Jack O'Neill saluted and SG 1 and Janet Fraiser made their way out.

"General." Kennedy saluted then added "Sir with your permission I would like to be present when you inform SG 13."

Hammond nodded, over the last year he had come to respect the officer in front of him. He did not agree with everything that Kennedy had done, but Hammond had to admit that everything done was for what was best for the country. "Of course colonel, I am telling them first thing tomorrow morning after I have spoken to Admiral Chedwiggen."

After the door closed George Hammond put his arms around his daughter "He's coming home." He whispered to her

"What happened daddy?" she asked still in shock

George shook his head "I don't know yet, A.J. is going to tell me in the morning. He said to be prepared for a big shock." He warned her

Daisy looked at her father grabbing at his lapels "Oh god daddy, I thought he did it. God forgive me I thought he was guilty." She cried, ashamed that she had not believed Gabriel's protest of his innocence. How could he love a woman who would so doubt him when it had mattered most? By all rights, Gabriel should hate her, as much as she hated herself at this moment.

George hugged his daughter tighter "Gabriel is not holding any grudges against you sweetheart." Hammond kissed her forehead his arms still around her "He knows that you love him, and you know that he loves you. In the end, when all is said and done, that is all that matters."

SG 1 entered the uniform shop with Janet; all smiling happily, their friends were soon going to be free.

"I can't believe it!" Sam hugged Janet "They're free!"

"Not yet." Jack warned them "They're getting new trials, we just gotta be there to back them up. Like they have backed us up. If they win we will celebrate, if they lose they are going to need us to help them get through it."

They all nodded, Jack was right it was not over yet. Hopefully it soon would be.

One of the women behind the counter came up to them "Yes Colonel can I help you?"

"You sure can, I need three sets of uniforms, two naval and one army. Can you do it?"

"I just need sizes sir." The woman smiled "Being that this is such an eclectic base we keep all service uniforms on hand."

Pulling out slips of paper Jack handed them over "Okay this is the size for the Naval officers uniform, rank of lieutenant. This is the sizes for Naval uniform for a chief petty officer of the navy."

"What rating?"

"Hospital corpsman. And this is for an army female uniform rank of Captain."

"What kind of dress?"

"Full military dress, seasonal wear." He informed her

The woman smiled heading towards the back of the store "I'll be just a few minutes."

"Okay" Turning towards the medals and ribbons rack he opened the first file "Okay Carter we need a six ribbon holder for chief Washington."

Sam grabbed the required holder and pulled out the ribbons as Jack called them out. Soon she showed him a neatly arranged set of ribbons.

"That's it, now for captain Yates, a four ribbon holder." He read out the ribbons

"Got it." Sam smiled putting it down.

"Now for Lt. Fuentes." Jack opened the file "Holy shit." He shook his head amazed "A twelve ribbon holder." He smiled at them.

Sam's eyes opened wide as Daniel and Janet looked over Jack's shoulders. Sam grabbed a twelve bar ribbon holder and waited.

"Sea Service ribbon with cluster, Armed forces expeditionary medal, south west Asia service medal with cluster, meritorious unit citation three clusters, Kuwaiti defense medal for desert storm, POW medal, Purple heart, bronze star, silver star, expert marksman 9mm, expert marksman rifle and national defense service medal."

"Is that all?" Sam joked holding up the ribbons.

The woman returned ladened down with uniforms "Colonel I have the uniforms, do you need insignias and patches?" she asked placing them on the counter.

"Yes and name plates, covers, the works." He told her putting the ribbons on the counter.

"Which?"

"The captain's uniform needs a parachute pin, expert pistol and rifle insignias. The chief needs an ESWS pin, the lieutenants uniform needs a screaming eagle SEAL pin, OSWS pin and Sub service pin."

"You got it sir." The woman smiled pulling out the necessary pins "How will you be paying sir?"

"Send the bill to the MWR fund of Mt. Cheyenne facility." He told her

"Of course sir." She said totaling up the purchases "I just need you to sign here sir."

"Add garment bags for those as well. We need the uniforms pressed." Sam informed her as well.

A.J. Chedwiggen arrived at 0900 hrs. Colorado time with his four JAG officers. It had been decided that Sarah Mackenzie would defend Captain Yates, Lt and LTJG Roberts would defend Chief Washington, and that Harmon Rabb would get to retry his first case with Lt. Fuentes. They arrived at the General's door and knocked.

"Come" George stood up immediately "A.J. welcome back, Commander, Colonel and Lt's. Please be seated. I have been on pins and needles all night, with your permission Admiral; I have some people who want to be involved in this meeting. These are friends of SG 13."

"No problem George." A.J. smiled

Picking up the phone "Send out the word to the interested parties that the JAG officers have arrived."

Not five minutes later, there was a knock on the door. They did not even wait for acknowledgement.

"Ah, Admiral you remember SG 1, this is Colonel Nicholas Kennedy the man in charge of SG 13, and Major Doctor Janet Fraiser, and of course you remember Captain Doctor Daisy Hammond."

A.J. stood up and shook hands "A pleasure to meet you, SG 1, and Daisy you look more beautiful than ever."

"Thank you admiral." She said nervously

A.J. understood her nervousness and got down to business "Okay General, we have set up new jury trials for three members of SG 13. Lt Bud Roberts here is in charge of Chief Washington's case. Bud."

Bud stood up "General, we intend to prove that the death of Chaplain Lt. Westcott was self defense. We now have confessions from two of the individuals involved that a group of naval officers were in fact white supremacists who tried to lynch Chief Washington because of his color and that the resulting death was due to self-defense. We also have a taped conversation supporting this as well."

"Dear god." Hammond shook his head angrily; the others all shook their heads angry as well.

"Lt Colonel Mackenzie will be representing Captain Yates. Mac."

Sarah stood up "General, we have evidence from 15 different women that General McAllister has sexually assaulted them. We also have their testimony that if they had refused they would have all suffered similar fates as Captain Yates. We also have another victim of the General's who was falsely incarcerated for allegedly stealing top-secret materials. It was proven to be false accusations. We also have six separate physicists, seven probably once I talk to Major Carter. That the explosion of the fusion reactor that Captain Yates was working on was due to faulty cheap equipment ordered by another officer and that resulting explosion was an accident."

Sam breathed a sigh of relief, she would be happy to help Annie if she could.

"Commander Rabb the original defense attorney will again be representing Lt. Fuentes. Harm."

Harm stood up knowing that this was going to be very hard "We have evidence beyond a shadow of a doubt of a conspiracy to implicate Lt Fuentes on charges of murder in the first degree, a cunning conspiracy to murder Lt. Fuentes using the government as it's murder weapon, conspiracy to defraud an insurance company, conspiracy to interfere with a court martial, conspiracy to tamper or forge evidence."

"Whoa son." Hammond held up a hand "Who?"

"Sir, we have the confession of one Major Fred Powers that it was he that took out the insurance policy for Amanda Fuentes pretending to be Lt. Fuentes, that he as the prosecuting attorney manipulated witnesses and evidence to ensure that Lt Fuentes was convicted so that he could collect the insurance money, one million dollars."

Jack whistled at the amount.

"And sir one last thing." Harm shook his head looking down at Daisy Hammond "We have just placed into custody his accomplice in these crimes. Amanda Fuentes." SG-1's eyes snapped to the commander immediately

"WHAT!" Daisy jumped up "She's alive!" she demanded unable to grasp it.

Harm nodded "Yes Captain, she and Major Powers faked her death and planted the evidence against Lt. Fuentes in order to collect the insurance money. They plAnnied it so that Gabriel Fuentes would be sentenced to death. It was her revenge for his divorcing her." He explained to them

Daisy felt an anger burn through her that she never thought that she could ever feel "That bitch, I'll kill her myself." Daisy whispered angrily

"You will be an old woman before you can do that." Chedwiggen told her "She is facing eighty years in prison for her crimes. The government does not take it lightly that she tried to use it to commit murder against an innocent man. It takes it even less lightly that, that man spent ten years of his life in prison for a crime that never even happened."

Hammond picked up the phone "Send for Drs. Yates and Fuentes and Mr. Washington." He said softly his stomach in knots. He wanted to kill Amanda Fuentes himself as well; she had stolen so much from his family. Ten years that his daughter could have been happily married with children of her own, ten years from Gabriel a man whom he already thought of as a son. Who spent the entire time in a cell on death row. God only knows what he had to do to survive there. Moreover, a mother stole ten years from her own daughter, his granddaughter, making her believe that her father was a murderer and that she herself was dead. No, it was Amanda Fuentes who deserved the death penalty, and not her ex-husband.

At the knock on the door, he looked up. "Come"

Gabriel, Annie and Link walked into the crowded office. Looking around they saw that the people from JAG were also back.

"Sir you wanted to see us?" Gabriel asked hoping it was not another mission

"Yes, I wanted to tell you personally that SG 13 is on stand down until further notice. Admiral."

Chedwiggen looked at the three convicted criminals "We have reviewed your cases." He began he saw them all tense up.

He let them stew a moment, then finally the JAG smiled at them "I have decided that there is evidence to support new trials for all of you. We have found new evidence that calls into question the veracity of your guilt for the crimes of which you were convicted."

Mac stood up and went to a shocked Annie "Captain Yates, I will be your defense attorney, if you will come with me. We will review your case and testimony."

Sam smiled at her handing her a garment bag "You'll need this Captain."

"Captain." Annie smiled tears falling down her face she was led out of the room Sam following close behind.

"Chief Washington." Bud stood up smiling "I will be your defense attorney, let's go over your case."

Teal'c handed the man a garment bag "I am pleased for you Chief Washington."

Smiling he gently punched the Jaffa on the arm "Thanks Teal'c, but it's not over yet." Link refused to get his hopes up.

"It soon will be Chief." Bud promised him "I will explain everything that we've been able to uncover."

Gabriel looked at Harm shaking his head "We've done this dance before, you and me."

Harm smiled at the man, he'd be damned if he didn't like him sarcasm and all "This time we do it right." Turning to Daisy, he asked, "Would you like to tell him or should I?"

Daisy handed him a garment bag "Gabe, Amanda is alive."

Gabe's eyes shot open "Alive!?"

"Come on Lieutenant, and I will explain everything to you." Harm told him

Dumbly Gabriel was led out of the room. The rest of SG 1 and Colonel Kennedy followed them out.

Hammond watched as the last man was led out "So A.J. what are their chances?"

A.J. shrugged settling himself in his chair with his coffee "Well there is no doubt that Lt. Fuentes will be released, his record expunged of the entire incident. He will be given an honorable discharge. He will leave the service as a lieutenant or remain if that is his wish. It is also pretty certain for Chief Washington as well seeing as how we have a confession. I don't see it being thrown out of court. He will also receive an honorable discharge his record wiped clean. Captain Yates is the only one we aren't sure about. We have a lot of evidence, but there is the chance that they might convict again. Colonel Mackenzie has to show the General up for what he is. If she does that then she can prove reasonable doubt that Captain Yates deliberately set the explosion. You cannot convict if there is a reasonable doubt. If she is found not guilty then she will receive the same as the men, honorable discharge and her record wiped clean."

George sat back into his seat relieved, just a few weeks and some formalities and it would be over at least for Gabriel. He still could not believe that any person could be that cruel and vindictive to another human being. It would have been more merciful to just shoot the man instead of what they did.

George smiled at A.J. "I seem to remember that I owe you a big favor."

A.J. sat back in his chair smiling "You know I understand from my people that the President is coming here." He began

"Yes." George admitted, "He wants to go to Abydos himself to see and talk to the people there. In fact, he will be here in just over three weeks. Hopefully the trials will be over before he gets here." George could only hope "Which reminds me I have to call him and explain the loss of one of our SG teams and discuss what we are going to do with it's final member."

"Well the Fuentes and Washington trials are more formality than anything else. We can have them done and over with in a day. Captain Yates, I'd say a day possibly two to hear all the testimony. After that it's up to the panel." The JAG spoke from experience of the speed of military trials.

"So your favor?"

A.J. leaned his elbows on his knees "I'd like myself and my people to go with you to Abydos."

"What!" George looked shocked

A.J. smiled leaning back once again "I remember being a little boy and going to the Saturday matinees and watching Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers. I used to dream about being them, to actually go to another world. This would be a dream come true for me George." He said sincerely "A once in a lifetime opportunity."

George nodded as well knowing full well that he had felt the same way in the beginning. "Can your people handle weapons?" he asked

"Sure, why?"

George smiled at his friend "Well, by the rights given to me by the Joint Chiefs I hereby order that you and your officers are now under my command. You will be traveling with us to Abydos to help us in ensuring the safety of the President and that of the first family."

A.J. smiled excited "Yes sir General."

"Come on let's go get some breakfast." George stood up "I know the Air force don't give much in amenities aboard our transports."

A.J. stood up laughing, "You're right about that George."

Later that afternoon General Hammond spoke to the President at length about SG 13 about the new trials and about Samuel Pierson. He explained all that SG 13 had endured all the hardships and the crimes that the military had done to them. George explained the missions that they had been asked to do and how they had all been accomplished successfully with only one fatality but with many injuries. The President was shocked to find out about this turn of events. He promised to think it over and decide what to do. He even asked when the trials were to take place.

Josiah Bartlett hung up the phone; he sat back lost in thought, all his other responsibilities forgotten for the moment. His mind whirling around what he had just been told, innocent, they had been innocent. How could three of them be innocent? Then Josiah realized that these were people of honor, and that a grave injustice was done to them. They had to be paid back for their sacrifices, for what they had endured at their government's hands.

Picking up the phone, he dialed an extension "Josh, please come in here immediately."

Moments later Josh Lyman entered the oval office "You wanted to see me Mr. President?"

"Yes Josh, we are moving up my vacation three days." He told his assistant chief of staff "There is something very important going to happen at Cheyenne Mountain and I have to be there for it."

Josh saw the expression on the President's face, sadness, almost anguish. "Mr. President what's wrong sir, if I might ask." He asked his commander and chief worried. Josiah Bartlett was more than just his president, but also his friend. Josh could not help but remember when his own father died during Bartlett's run for office. How Josiah Bartlett was willing to leave the campaign trail to go with Josh to the funeral. How concerned the president was when Josh had been shot by the would be assassins that tried to kill the president. How the President had helped him with the aftermath of that ordeal, when Josh was having a hard time suffering from Post Traumatic Stress. Josh was under no illusions, he knew that he could have lost his job then and there. Yet the President had kept him on, got Josh the help that he needed to help him get over what had happened to him. No Josh would never forget either incident, and he would forever be indebted to this man. Josh would help him however he could.

Bartlett smiled ruefully and motioned the younger man into a seat "Josh do you remember a little over a year ago when I gave the authorization for the formation of SG 13?"

Convicted criminals to serve as the suicide squad, Josh nodded he remembered "Yes sir I do, as I remember we were all for it."

Josiah Bartlett nodded "Well a five man team was formed and we sent them on fourteen suicide missions. One of the team died, the others have been wounded many times. They also successfully accomplished those missions." He looked up at Josh's face and shook his head still unable to believe it himself "I just heard from General Hammond, JAG has evidence that possibly shows that three members of that team are innocent of the charges against them."

Josh stared at his boss dumbly "Oh dear God." Imaging what they must have been through. What he himself by agreeing to the formation of the team did to them.

"I've made a decision Josh." He told the man "I want the following done for these people..."