Daisy, Josie, Uncle Chun-li and Fujiko Tanaka and her three children and Tenji Tanaka were all sitting in the courtroom waiting for the trial to begin. They had shown up the day before, they had all taken the first plane after they had received Gabriel's call. Gabriel had been happy to meet with them, he was also happy to meet his three younger siblings, Valerie, Jessica and Michael. The three had hugged him and had treated him as if he had just been away for a long weekend instead of meeting him for the first time. This is how it probably would have been for him as well, if he had been raised like them. Now they were all sitting waiting to see what would happen at the trial. They were all worried for Josie, she had been told, and now it remained to see how she would react. SG 1 and SG13 except for Sam Pierson were also there plus members of every other SG team were there as well to lend their support. SG 13 had proven themselves and saved many of the lives of the people in that room, they had backed up most of the teams on base at one time or another. Now it was their turn to back up SG 13, especially if they were innocent, they had to atone for the way they had treated the team when they first arrived. All were waiting with baited breath for the trial to begin, for the prisoner to be bought in and then the judge and jury. The prosecution was already talking to the defense one Harmon Rabb.
Suddenly General George Hammond strode into the room "Attention!" he said loudly. Immediately everyone stood the lawyers faced the General. Anyone who could make a Major General stand ramrod straight at attention was someone to be reckoned with.
President Josiah Bartlett strode into the room and immediately a hush descended, everyone shocked to see the President there, he was not expected for three days yet. Immediately everyone in the room saluted the President and the first lady who stood at his side, his daughter on the other. They were followed by his executive staff.
"At ease everyone." Bartlett smiled at them charmingly, looking around he saw that the place was packed "No room left?" he asked seemingly disappointed.
"SG8!" Hammond nodded his head
"Mr. President, it would be an honor sir if you would take our seats. SG 8 move out." Major Fox ordered and stood in the back of the courtroom.
The President looked at Hammond and nodded to him. George Hammond walked over to the Tanaka family.
"Mr. President, may I introduce you to my daughter and fiancée of the defendant, Captain Doctor Daisy Hammond."
"Captain." Bartlett shook her hand
"The defendant's daughter Josie Fuentes."
Bartlett's face lit up "An honor to meet you."
Josie blushed pink almost unable to meet the President's eye "It is my honor Mr. President." She said bowing deeply
"I have all of your recordings, you have the most spectacular voice I have ever heard."
If possible, the girl turned even pinker "Thank you Mr. President."
"Sir this is the rest of the Tanaka Family." George Hammond introduced them and the President shook hands with each member of the family.
Josh came up behind him and whispered in his ear
The President smiled "It looks like they wish to begin, I'd better sit down."
Taking his seat, he nodded for them to begin.
The defendant entered the room. Hair now cut military short, standing tall and proud in his blue dress uniform Lt. Gabriel Fuentes was led into the makeshift courtroom, head held high. Gabriel stopped mid step when he saw that the President of the United States was there at his trial.
"Oh shit." He whispered and made his way to the defense table.
"All rise."
Everyone stood as the Judge a naval captain entered the room. He had been informed of the President's arrival but he decided that he was a judge and had to act like one no matter who attended the trial.
The court officer read from a clipboard "Please be seated, this court-
martial is now in session. Case number A93208 the People of the United States vs. Lt Gabriel Michael Fuentes, USN, on the charge of first degree murder. The honorable Captain Thomas Mallory presiding."
The judge turned to the defense table "How does the defendant plead?"
Harm stood up at attention "Not guilty your honor."
The judge nodded making a note of it "So noted, please begin Mr. Prosecutor."
The prosecutor rose to his feet "This is more of a formality your honor, we felt that the defendant deserved to have his day in court."
"Excuse me Commander?" The judge asked confused staring at the prosecutor.
The commander looked at the judge "That was just a way to say your honor, that the prosecution rests its case." He said and sat down.
The judge was shocked looking at the jury then back at the prosecutor "What is this commander." He demanded. The crowd gathered in the court murmuring. The president looked confused at how the case was starting out, the first lady whispering to Sam Seaborne who shrugged his shoulders.
Standing up again "We have no evidence to present sir, we wish only to set the record straight. To let the defense show what really happened on that fateful night ten years ago."
"This is highly irregular." The judge stared at the man
"Yes sir I understand. But if you will indulge us sir, everything will become self evident shortly."
"Very well, highly unusual. Is the defense ready?" The judge asked hoping that someone was prepared or he would have someone's ass.
"Yes sir."
"Proceed commander Rabb." The judge snapped
"Sir" Harmon Rabb patted Gabriel's arm "Let's dance." He smiled at him.
"Your honor, members of the board. This is a most unusual case, ten years ago my client Lt. Fuentes was wrongly accused and convicted of murdering his ex-wife Amanda Fuentes, a crime that he did not commit. He was taken from his home, taken away from his daughter and his fiancée, stripped of his honor and rank and sentenced to death by lethal injection. He spent the next ten years on death row living a life that we could not imagine in our worst nightmares, just waiting for his execution until finally the hand of justice intervened." He nodded to the Judge.
"You may call your first witness." The judge ordered
Rabb stood up and faced the panel "The defense calls Major General Jacob Carter to the stand."
Jacob Carter stood tall and walked down the central aisle. Gabriel stared at the man intently. Rabb had told him that he was calling the general as a witness but not what his testimony would be.
Jacob was sworn in and took his seat.
"General you were in charge of the base and in fact were Lt. Fuentes commanding officer."
"Yes I was."
"You were still his commanding officer during the time that Lt. Fuentes was getting divorced were you not?"
"Yes I was." Jacob agreed
"I have here a statement marked originally as prosecution exhibit 12 alpha. It is a statement that you gave at the time of the incident. Is this statement accurate?"
Jacob looked over the statement and shook his head "No commander, this is not the statement that I gave the prosecution."
A startled rush flew through the room and Gabriel sat up straighter staring at the general.
"Can you please describe what is inaccurate about this statement?"
"The whole thing." Jacob admitted, "First of all I never believed that Lt. Fuentes killed his wife out of jealousy. I knew that Lt. Fuentes was capable of doing the deed, but he would only do it to protect his daughter's life or that of his fiancée Daisy Hammond. Second, the statements that I made about Amanda Fuentes's mental state are missing. I thought that the woman had become unbalanced due to her irrational behavior since the divorce. Several times MP's had to be called to escort her away from the Fuentes home. There were also several threats made against the life of Daisy Hammond that I included in my statement. That is also missing. Thirdly, I never ordered that the home of Lt. Fuentes be searched. Up until that moment I assumed just like Lt. Fuentes that his ex-wife had simply decided to leave the area."
"How is it then that none of this appears in your statement?"
"I do not know." Jacob admitted truthfully, "All I do know is that I gave my statement to the prosecutor of the case Major Fred Powers."
"What were Major Powers other duties on base?"
"For a short time Major Powers was also in charge of the Naval Investigation Service. The naval officer in charge at the time had been transferred and Major Powers replaced him until the Navy assigned someone to the post."
"Why didn't you clarify your statement during the original trial?"
Jacob stared straight at Gabriel "Lt. Fuentes and I had some serious problems between us. I had foolishly, no, stupidly become involved with the Lieutenant's wife."
A rush of voices sounded through the audience, but Jacob held his head up high. The judge stared at the General surprised at his behavior.
"When our relationship ended and later when Lt. Fuentes had been accused of the crime. Major Powers and the judge of the case recommended that I distance myself from the trial. To my ever-lasting shame, I did as they recommended, so I never heard this statement read into the transcript. If I had attended the trial, I could have been on hand to renounce that statement as my own. Perhaps I could have saved a good man ten years of his life."
Rabb moved away from that topic "I also understand that you recently had a conversation with general Bixby, who was the original judge of the case."
"Yes I did."
"What did you learn from him General?"
"Wait a second." The judge ordered turning to the prosecutor "Any objection, this is after all hear-say evidence."
"No objection your honor." The prosecution sat back in his chair.
The judge shook his head "You may answer general."
"I learned from the general that at the time he'd been shown confidential NIS reports that then Lt. Rabb was under investigation for witness tampering. This was done to keep certain defense witnesses from testifying. Witnesses that may have proven Lt Fuentes innocent."
Rabb smiled at the Judge handing him a letter "This is a letter from Admiral Whatley head of the NIS stating that at no time was I ever under investigation for anything."
"So noted."
"Who was in charge of NIS at this time?"
"Major Fred Powers."
"So Major Powers had the right credentials to falsify these reports."
Jacob nodded "That is correct commander."
"That is all General thank you."
Jacob stood up and walked past Gabriel
"We'll talk." Gabriel promised the man, Jacob nodded in agreement.
"Your next witness Commander." The judge ordered.
Rabb smiled "The defense calls Mrs. Amanda Fuentes to the stand."
A startled rush of voices went off around the court.
"Commander, what is the meaning of this?" The judge demanded, "Calling a dead woman to the stand?"
Rabb nodded "Precisely sir."
The doors in the back of the court opened and Amanda Fuentes was escorted into the room by two military policemen.
Josie stared at her mother, her mouth hanging open. Her father had told her, that her mother was alive. But Josie could not wrap her mind around the very idea, she was in shock. Daisy grabbed her hand giving her all the support that she could.
Amanda took the stand and stared at her ex-husband, malice, hatred and love all mixed up in her eyes. It was evident to the whole court that the woman was definitely unbalanced.
"Could you state your name for the record please." Harm asked
"Amanda Louise Cunningham Fuentes." She said smiling at Gabriel, never taking her eyes off him.
The jury of officers all stared at the woman and then back to the defendant. Who stared at his ex wife with unconcealed hatred.
"Can you tell the court what happened on the night of your 'death'." Harm asked her
Amanda leaned back quite relaxed staring at Gabriel she began as if they were the only two people in the room "It was a perfect plan." She began "I knew you were going to be out that night to go see a movie. Gabriel you are so predictable, anytime a Disney movie would come out the first thing you'd do would be to take that brat to the movies."
"By the brat, I take it to mean your daughter." Harm asked
Amanda laughed crazily "Yes, my daughter. Major Fred Powers and I broke into the house while you were with that whore Daisy Hammond and planted the evidence where you would never find it unless you tore the closets apart. The blood was mine; I cut my arm and used my blood to completely cover the knife. Then I went to New York to wait. Fred Powers then conducted the search of the house and 'found' the knife. It was Fred Powers who tampered with the trial and the witnesses to make sure that you would be convicted. Then we could collect the insurance money, it was perfect." She laughed insanely
"No further questions." Harm turned and sat down
"Take Mrs. Fuentes into custody." The judge ordered disgustedly
Amanda was cuffed and walked past the defense table
"Gabriel!" She pleaded, "I love you."
Gabriel stared straight ahead "Get her away from me and my family before I really do kill her." Gabriel said through clenched teeth. Gripping the sides of his seat his knuckles turning white the wood groaned at the pressure.
Josie stood staring at the stranger passing her.
Amanda stopped staring at her "Well, well look at my daughter all grown up."
Josie shook her head grabbing Daisy's hand "This is my mother." She said proudly "I don't know who you are."
Amanda was led out of the court.
"The defense rests your honor." Rabb sighed and sat down
The judge shook his head "There is no need for the panel to retire." He ordered, "The defendant will rise for the verdict."
Gabriel stood up facing the judge
"The defendant is found not guilty. It is the order of this court that Lieutenant Gabriel Michael Fuentes be released from custody immediately. I further order that his record be wiped clean of this incident and that Lt Fuentes be re-instated to the rank of Lieutenant with full pay and all privileges. One last thing Lieutenant."
"Sir?"
The judge stared at him a moment, "You have the apology of this court. This court cannot express it's sadness that it cannot change what has happened to you or give you back the years that you have lost. I can only wish you good fortune and hope that you always find the wind at your back and fair sailing in the future. This court is adjourned." Banging the gavel, the judge stood and left the room.
Gabriel closed his eyes he was free.
The court erupted in cheers.
Rabb held out his hand "Lieutenant."
Gabe smiled and pushed the hand away "After ten years it's Gabe." He said giving the commander a hug
Turning Gabe went to his family who were all crying. He hugged and kissed every one of them. Finally, he turned to Daisy who was standing to the side crying as well. Going up to, her he threw his arms around her.
"Will you still marry me?" he whispered in her ear.
"Yes. And it's about time." She smiled happily
Gabriel looked up to see Jacob Carter staring at him.
"Excuse me I need to talk to someone."
Daisy turned and saw who was standing there and was about to protest.
"Relax honey." Gabriel smiled "I'll be back in a minute." He promised
Gabriel and Jacob made their way outside of the courtroom, Sam and Daniel not far behind. In fact, Gabriel was amused to see that there were several security men standing around to see what he was going to do now.
"You know I'll never forgive you for cheating with my wife." Gabriel began
Jacob sighed "Yes, I do realize that Lt."
Gabriel sat down heavily on to a seat "Amanda played us both for a couple of chumps." He laughed bitterly, and then suddenly stood up. The move was so fast that several of the guards began to reach for weapons. Both men ignored them.
Gabriel stood at attention and saluted the general "I'll see you around general."
Jacob smiled and returned the salute "I certainly hope so."
"Just stay away from Daisy." Gabriel smiled poking the general on the arm he turned and walked away.
"She's too much like my own daughter." Jacob called back
Sam smiled going to her father "So?" she asked
"It'll take time." Jacob told her "But I think that we'll make it." Jacob pointed at Gabriel's back "He's the strongest man I've ever met."
"Yes he is." Sam smiled watching Gabriel take Daisy into his arms.
"The United States vs. Hospital corpsman chief petty officer Lincoln Roosevelt Washington is now in session."
"You may be seated." The judge ordered, "The prosecution may begin."
Link looked back and saw that his wife and son were there. Gabe was sitting on one side with his son in his lap holding Charlene's hand giving her support Annie was on the other side. Link barely heard a word of the prosecutors opening remarks and the quick string of witnesses that the man had produced. Instead, Link stared at the clock and just watched the time tick away.
"The prosecution rests."
The judge nodded "Is the defense ready at this time."
Lt. Bud Roberts stood "We are ready to proceed your honor."
"Proceed."
"The defense calls Chief Washington to the stand."
Link was sworn in and Bud began to question him.
"So on the night in question what happened Chief?"
"I had just gotten off duty from Balboa naval hospital. I was on my way to my car to get back home to my wife and nine month old son. I was just about to unlock my door when I was attacked by several men wearing masks. One of them slipped a noose around my neck and said 'let's go lynch us a nigger.'"
Carlene Washington closed her eyes tears streaming down them. Josiah Bartlett's eyes narrowed and he whispered something to Leo.
"What happened then?" Bud asked
"I went buck wild on them." Link told the court "I had a wife and baby waiting for me back home. I wasn't about to go anywhere with them without a fight. I fought back and I guess that I struck one my attackers in the throat, he immediately coughed up blood, so I knew I'd crushed his windpipe. The others saw what happened, I was then hit from behind and fell unconscious. Sometime later, I don't know how long, I was found by some nurses still unconscious and they ran to get help. Soon afterwards while I was recovering I was arrested by Lt commander Haley for murder."
"That's all chief."
"The defense calls Lt Commander Francis Bell to the stand."
After the preliminary questions, Bud went in for the kill.
"So Lt commander where were you on the night of this alleged attack on Chief Washington?"
"I was in the car waiting for the others to bring Chief Washington over. We were going to drive him to the obstacle course and hang him from one of the parapets."
Link stared at the man with unconcealed hatred. Turning he saw his wife had her head buried in Annie's chest. Gabriel stood up and took Lincoln jr. out of the room. Link smiled, Gabe was right the boy should not have to listen to this.
"Who was involved in the attack, besides yourself?"
Bell took a deep breath there was no going back now "Lt. Nicholas Brent, Commander Maxwell Petrie, and Lt. Commander Haley and of course the victim Lt Westcott."
"The same Lt. Commander Haley that arrested Chief Washington?"
Bell nodded "That is correct lieutenant."
"Your honor at this time I would like to offer into evidence Lt commander Bell's confession as well as the confession of Lt Nicholas Brent. I would also like to offer into evidence a tape recording made by JAG officer Commander Harmon Rabb. We'd like these exhibits to be labeled respectively as defense exhibits one alpha, two alpha and three alpha."
"So noted." The judge a black man himself stared at the lt. commander with intense interest. "Proceed Lt."
"With the court's permission I would like to play into evidence defense exhibit 3 alpha."
"Granted."
The court and the panel listened to the taped conversation. Disgustedly they shook their heads as the attempted murder of Lincoln Washington was described in detail. In addition, how Lt. Commander Haley described removing incriminating evidence from the dead man's apartment before NIS arrived. Finally, the tape ended.
"You were present the night that Commander Rabb made this tape." Bud told him
"Yes lieutenant."
"Is what is on this tape accurate?"
Bell nodded "Completely accurate."
"Who else was present at this meeting?"
LT commander Bell went on to say the names of an Admiral, a captain and three commanders, five lt. commanders himself included and three lieutenants.
Bud faced the judge "The defense rests your honor."
Link looked at the clock "Four hours and thirteen minutes." He whispered
"The panel will retire and return with a verdict." The judge ordered. "This court stands in recess."
Link stood up and turned to his wife taking her into his arms.
"It's okay honey." He whispered in her ear
"Oh baby." Charlene cried grateful to feel her husband's strong arms around her again.
"How did it go?" Gabe asked reentering the room, Lincoln Jr. sleeping in his arms
"Good." Annie smiled "He confessed to the whole thing, Rabb even got the whole group of them on tape."
"There's my boy." Link smiled taking him from Gabe "Thanks Gabe, Annie I don't know what I'd do without you guys."
"Anytime." Gabe smiled
The court reporter whispered into Bud's ear
"They have a verdict." He told the others excitedly
"Ten minutes." Link shook his head, three years in prison and it came down to ten minutes.
People began to reenter the court as word spread that a verdict was already in. A few minutes later, the jury panel was bought back into the court. The judge entered.
"All rise."
"Please be seated." He nodded to the jury "You have reached a verdict?"
An admiral stood up "We have your honor."
The judge nodded "The defendant will rise and face the jury."
Link stood up and faced them standing tall. He could feel the young Lieutenants hand on his elbow."
"In the case of the United States Vs. Chief Petty Officer Lincoln Roosevelt Washington. We the panel find the defendant. Not Guilty."
"So say you all?"
The panel stood "So say we all." The admiral nodded, as did the others.
"The defendant is ordered released immediately, his record expunged of the crime. This court is adjourned."
Link hugged Bud and then Harriet and went to his wife and son. Cheers sounded in the courtroom.
It was not until the next morning that the next case was heard.
"The case of the United States vs. Captain Antoinette Constance Yates is now in session."
Sarah Mackenzie and Annie listened carefully as the prosecution put on its case. Several times Annie leaned over and whispered into Sarah's ear. Nodding Sarah made notes and prepared to cross-examine many of the witnesses.
"So you knew Captain Yates." She asked one staff sergeant.
"Yes ma'am, everyone in the facility knew Captain Yates."
"What was she like?"
The sergeant smiled "Well you definitely didn't want to make her mad. She would always come up with a way to get even with you."
"Anything violent or unfair?"
The sergeant shook his head "Never, it was just little things, it was more of an annoyance than a real punishment. More of a pain in the butt, but it sure taught you to never do it again."
"Like what for example?" Sarah asked the man
"Well like there was this one time when I went into her office to get some papers while I was there I accidentally brushed up against this blackboard she had there. I wiped away a bunch of calculations that the captain had been working on for over a month."
"How did Captain Yates react?"
"Oh she was plenty mad. Ma'am." The sergeant shook his head "If I had done that to anyone else, I would have been reamed a new one. Pardon my language ma'am." He blushed
"That's alright Sergeant." Mac smiled "What did Captain Yates do?"
The sergeant laughed "She made me write on the black board 'I will not erase complicated calculus formulas from captain Yates's black board' a hundred times."
The court erupted into laughter; the judge covered his mouth and tried to pretend he was coughing.
Mac smiled and shook her head "Anything else?"
"Well once a private came into the lab to clean up and moved all of Captain Yates's equipment around. Then he put it all back in the wrong place, the captain was very put out. She couldn't find anything for a couple of days. She ended up having to come in on her day off to move all the equipment back to where it belonged herself."
"What did captain Yates do to that private?"
"Well in all rights she could have caused him a lot of problems, it wasn't the first stupid thing he'd done. Instead of coming down hard on him like anyone else there would have done. Captain Yates made him count every screw that she had in this big bin. All 15,458 of them."
Again the court erupted into laughter.
"How can you remember so specifically?"
"Oh we ran a pool, I won." He smiled as the courtroom laughed again "That's what Captain Annie was like, I know most people look at her and think that she's a tough woman all muscle with no heart. But that is where they are wrong; Captain Annie's biggest muscle is her heart. She looked out for us."
"How long did you know Captain Yates?"
"Since she arrived at Palo Alto a second LT, right out of boot. Five years give or take."
"Describe your relationship with her."
"I was her chief go-getter, she'd tell me what she wanted and I'd go and get it for her."
"Was Captain Yates a hard worker?"
"Ma'am, I've been in the labs of Palo Alto facility for fifteen years. I've never seen anyone as dedicted to her work as Captain Yates. Most of the people there would run out the door once five o'clock came. They all figured what the hell they were not getting paid any over time. Captain Yates could sometimes be found there at two or three in the morning still at it. She absolutely loved it there, she loved the work. I'd often had to stay late to help her out."
"Knowing her as well as you do sergeant. Do you believe that Captain Yates would ever destroy her own work? Even if some one else was getting the credit for it."
"No Ma'am!" the sergeant sat forward "Captain Yates isn't like that, she doesn't care about credit, she just wants to see if she can do it. If her ideas were really possible. Captain Yates would often help out other scientists, give them ideas help them out with their projects. Not once did she ever ask for or expected any credit for it, even when it was offered to her she turned it down with a smile. I used to tell her to not be a fool and take the credit, it was a quick way to promition. She would shake her head at me and say 'I can't do that, it ain't right to get a promotion off of someone else's work'. That's rare, I've seen more scientists stab each other in the back than I care to remember just to get ahead, to get promotions or more money for their projects. As for destroying her work, I would sooner believe that the earth is flat before I would believe that. That reactor was her baby."
"Thank you Sergeant, that's all."
The prosecutor stood up "So Captain Yates considered the reactor her 'baby' as you say it."
"That's right sir."
"And Captain Yates would not be angry about someone taking her 'baby' away from her?" He asked incredulously
"Everyone knew who's work was going into the reactor." He told him "Besides I warned her about Hanson trying to take credit for her work."
"Really." The prosecutor smiled "And what did Captain Yates say to that?"
The sargeant smiled back "She said that Hanson was a pentagon bean counter, he couldn't explain how the reactor worked if you held a gun to his head and she proved it."
"How would one do that?" The prosecutor asked confused, he hadn't heard this before.
"Well when General Marsten came on base, two weeks before the accident he questioned Major Hanson about the reactor. General Marsten was very anxious to find out how the work was coming being that he was the president's scientific advisor. Major Hanson stood there like a fish out of water. He had to admit to the general that he didn't do the actual work that Captain Yates was in charge of the reactor, but he was in overall command of the project. General Marsten spent a very pleasant afternoon with Captain Yates going over her work. I was standing right by Captain Yates when he told her to keep up the good work and that if everything went well he'd see to it personally that she was rewarded."
The prosecutor cursed under his breath, he should never have asked about that.
"That will be all."
Sarah leaned over to Annie "The prosecution just made a big mistake."
"Why?" Annie whispered
"In your original trial the prosecutor was smart enough to keep general Marstens name or any mention of him out of it."
"So?" Annie asked confused
"By General Marstens knowing the reactor was your work, it takes away the prosecutions motive of professional jealousy." Sarah smiled and patted her hand.
The prosecution called General Phillip McAllister to the stand. Sarah stared at the man with barely concealed disgust. She listened as the prosecutor led him through his testimony which was very well rehearsed. Soon it was the defenses turn.
"General McAllister, prior to the explosion of one of your research facilities. Were you aquainted with Captain Yates?"
"I'd seen her around the base." The general admitted graciously "She is pretty hard to miss." He joked, no one laughed.
Coughing he got himself under control and stared hard at the Lt colonel.
"Did you ever approach her on an intimate level?"
"Define intimate." The general asked
"Did you ever for instance ask captain Yates to dinner?"
"No, never."
"Did you ever ask her out on a date?"
The general laughed "Never, I like feminine women." He leered at Sarah
"Did you ever in any way shape or form, ever proposition Captain Yates in a sexual mAnnier."
"Never, that is a ridulous lie." The general laughed at the very idea
"Have you ever propositioned any woman on the base in a sexual mAnnier."
"Objection." The prosecutor stood "The general is not on trial here."
Sarah turned to the judge "Your honor I beg the court for some latitude in this line of questioning. I will connect it up shortly." She promised
"You had better Lt colonel." The judge warned her turning to the general "Answer the question General."
"Never." He said
"Are you sure of that sir." Mac asked again "Remember sir you are under oath."
"I don't need to be reminded of that by you." He snarled "No I have never sexually propositioned any woman under my command."
Mac turned and nodded to Harm and Bud who rolled out a television and VCR.
"At this time your honor I would like to offer this tape into evidence. To be marked Defense exhibit 12 bravo." She said handing the tape to the judge.
"Any objection?" he asked the prosecutor
He shrugged "None."
"Very well" the judge handed the tape to the court officer. "So noted."
"If you will please." Sarah was getting ready to move in for the kill.
The tape was turned on and suddenly a very blonde woman in close up was positioning the camera on a shelf and moved away straightening her skirt. General McAllister entered the office and immediately noticed the woman standing before him.
"Well, well well, what do we have here." He leered at the woman
"Sir, Captain, Nancy Phillips reporting for duty." She saluted
"Relax captain, please sit down."
The woman sat down and the general crossed to the front of his desk and sat down.
"So are we ready for our first day of work."
Sarah stared at the general who was staring at the screen his face turning redder and redder by the second.
The court watched as the general smiled and began to proposition the blonde woman.
"Sir, that wouldn't be right."
"Right." The general shrugged "Who's to say what's right." He said persuing the woman around his office
"Sir the uniform code of military justice says it's not right." The woman ran around the desk
"Don't play hard to get now captain, I can make life very difficult for you if you try that."
"Sir please, if you continue in this mAnnier. You will leave me no choice but to file a sexual harrassment charge against you."
The general stopped and pointed at her "You had better watch your mouth honey if you know what's good for you. Why don't you ask some of your women compatriots about trying that. Ask Captain Annie Yates about that."
"Who's Annie Yates?"
"She turned me down, she's in prison now. I made that happen, I can do the same to you."
"Enough" Lt colonel Mackenzie ordered and the tape was shut down.
"So general, you never propositioned Captain Yates?" Mac asked again
"I don't know how you doctored that tape." The general accused her "But I do know Captain Phillips, she would deny that ever happened."
"Why don't we ask her then." Mac turned towards the table and pulled out a bag.
The general looked uncomfortable "Unfortunately Captain Phillips went AWOL. I wouldn't know where she is now."
Sarah pulled out a blonde wig and put it on and turned to face the general.
"Oh I know where she is general." She smiled sweetly at him "She went back to JAG and filed a sexual harrassment suit against you."
"YOU!" General Macallister's eyes bugged out and he literally turned purple.
"Yes General." Sarah's voice dripped venom, no one in the court dared intrupt her now.
Removing the wig she stalked forward towards him "So did, Captain Susan Perez, so did Staff Sargeant Denise Richards, so did Major Joyce Hanlon, so did Private first class Jennifer Andriotti and so did eleven other women under your command."
"Objection your honor." The prosecutor stood up
Mac continued ignoring the man "Each one of them will testify that you told them that you diliberately set up captain Yates."
"Objection your honor."
"Each woman will testify that you forced them to have sex. Including Lt. Gloria Velasquez who you had arrested for theft of classified materials."
"Colonel Mackenzie!" the judge ordered
Sarah stopped hoping she hadn't gone too far. "Forgive me your honor, I lost my head."
The judge nodded and accepted the apology
The prosecutor took a deep breath and began "Your honor I object to this whole line of questioning. It is irrlevant to the proceedings at hand. I ask that it be stricken from the record."
"Lt. Colonel?" The judge asked
"It goes to the very heart of the matter your honor. General McAllister is the one who bought Captain Yates up on charges. It was his testimony alone which sentenced her to death. From his own mouth we have heard that he never propostioned any woman on the base. We have 15 witnesses that will refute that claim, 16 if you consider myself. All of whom will testify that the General used the threat of doing to them what he did to Captain Yates." She said handing the judge the complaints
"Still it is immaterial to this case." The prosecutor intrupted her "No doubt that the general will be held for futher procedings but..."
The judge held up a hand as he read through the complaints.
Mac crossed her fingers this was it, if he ruled against Annie now. Then it was an uphill battle from here on out.
"Your objection is noted Captain Sorenson, and it is overruled." The admiral looked at the general "The witness has put his own foot in his mouth. General McAllister, you may wish to retain counsel for these serious allegations against you, plus you may find yourself up for three counts of purjury. The witness is excused."
Sarah went back to the table and sighed Annie grabbed her hand smiling.
The judge looked at the clock. "This court will now adjorn for the noon hour, we will reconvene at 1400 hrs."
"All rise"
The judge left.
"Colonel you were brilliant." Annie gushed "I almost peed myself when you pulled out that wig."
"I was afraid I might have gone too far there at the end." Mac sighed relieved that it worked out. "Come on let's get something to eat, tearing apart a general gives me an appetite." She smiled
"The defense calls Major Samantha Carter."
Sam stood up and made her way to the stand and was sworn in.
Sarah smiled at her "Major what is your educational background?"
"Oh your honor, this is way off base here." The prosecutor called
"I will allow it for now. But you had better connect it up Colonel."
"I will in just one moment sir. Major." Mac nodded "you may answer."
"I have a PHd in theoretical astro physics." She answered
"So you understand the science behind a fusion reactor."
"That is correct."
"What is a fusion reactor?"
"Basically it is a faster, more powerful way of creating and conducting energy. It is cleaner on the environment and is not as dangerous as say nuclear materials."
"What would one use this energy for?"
"Anything really, you could supply power to cities and everything in them. You can theroretically build an engine with it and you would have a much more powerful engine. NASA has been working on one to power a space shuttle with a fusion engine. It would go faster, travel greater distances and have an almost inexhaustable power source."
"You have studied the blue prints marked prosecutors exhibit 46 delta have you not?"
"Yes I have."
"What is your professional opinion of it?"
Sam shrugged "It is the basic design for a fusion reactor, a very good one in fact."
"What kinds of materials should one use to build a reactor of this kind."
"Mostly titanium." Sam told her
"Why Titanium?"
"Well a fusion reactor is a very powerful mechanism, it's like a mini nuclear reactor. The casing has to be strong enough to contain that energy."
"Titanium is very expensive isn't?"
"Very" Sam agreed
"What would happen if for instance someone unfamiliar with the power of a fusion reactor was to say use a part that was made of steel."
"That would depend on where it was used."
"The exhaust system let us say."
"Well, nothing at first." Sam began "But over time the steel would give way."
"And what would be the result of that be?"
Sam shook her head "Catstrophic, the fusion reactor's energy would eventually rip throught the steel and release that pent up energy it would cause a chain reaction. Eventually it would blow up."
"How big an explosion."
"Well it could easily take out a few city blocks."
"How many is a few?"
Sam shrugged "I don't know a reactor this size, possibly five to ten blocks in all directions."
"What if this explosion was to occur in a secure room like those found in some labs?"
"Well the room would take the brunt of the explosion. Still, I wouldn't want to be in that building when it went off."
"How long would it take for the steel to give way?"
"That depends on how much power your running through it. But even at the lowest settings it wouldn't be more than three, four days."
"I have here defense exhibit 24 alpha, your honor." She said showing him the book "This is a record of the amount of recorded energy that was being run through the reactor six hours before the explosion took place."
Mac took the book back and showed it to the prosecutor.
"No objection your honor." The prosecutor smiled
"Very well let the evidence so be entered."
Handing the book to Sam she pointed to the last entry "At this time the log shows that the reactor was running 65 percent of capacity. How long for the casing to give out."
Sam smiled and pulled out a caluclator "Do you mind?" she asked
The judge smiled "Not at all."
Sam started to think running through equations in her head and typing on the calculator. Everyone watched as the Major mumbled to herself.
"Steel melts at .... The stress.... Take into consideration the mass...divide that by...." It took her nearly ten minutes to complete "It would take a reactor of this size to go critical five hours and 12 minutes give or take 25 seconds."
"Would there be anyway to stop it?" Sarah asked
Sam shook her head "Once the chain is set in motion, all you can do is run like hell."
"Thank you that is all."
"No questions your honor."
"The defense calls Dr Thomas Rice."
An elderly man stood up and took the stand and took the oath.
"Dr. Rice, what do you do for a living?"
"I am a professor of theroretical math at MIT." He said
"You heard the testimony of Major Samantha Carter?"
"Yes I did."
"What did you think of her analysis?"
Dr Rice smiled "She took a very complicated science and put it into laymans terms. She obviously knows her work."
"Do you agree with her assessment?"
"Not completely, I ran the same calculations, I have her off by four seconds."
The court laughed
"Well she did say give or take 25 seconds."
"That she did." The old man smiled
"So you agree with the Major."
"Yes I do. With that steel casing instead of titanium it was just a matter of hours before disaster struck."
"No further questions."
"No questions." The prosecutor shrugged wondering where this was all going.
The judge looked at Mac "You said that you would connect this up Colonel."
"Right now sir, the defense calls Major Billingsly."
"Major, you were working at the Palo Alto facility at the time of the explosion."
"Yes I was. In fact I was working with Captain Yates on the reactor."
"So you knew Major Hanson?"
"Yes I was well aquainted with him."
"Was he a scientist?"
"No Ma'am, he was an accountant from the pentagon."
"Why was an accountant in charge of building a fusion reactor?"
"Well, the pentagon was concerned about budget overruns and they assigned Major Hanson to come and see if he could cut costs."
"Did he?"
"Yes, he began with computer equipment and scAnniers and tools."
"What else did he cut?"
"He cut our budget to obtain titanium by half."
"How did Captain Yates react to this?"
"She called him a fool and that he should go back to Washington and count his beans and leave it to her to build the reactor."
"I would like to enter into evidence at this time some reciepts for materials purchased at that time. Marked exhibits 23 alpha through mike."
"No objection."
"So noted, proceed."
Sarah handed the reciepts to the major
"Could you describe these receipts for the court please."
"Well most of them are for standard equipment that we used on the project."
"Is there anything out of the ordinary about any of these?"
"Yes, the ones marked exhibit hotel and delta are unusual."
"How so?"
Pulling out the reciepts he pointed out "They call for steel coupleings instead of titanium ones. They were serial numbers 3982008 and 3982010."
"Were these used on the reactor."
"Yes they were."
"Where on the reactor were they used."
"According to records 3982008 and 010 were used on the exhaust system of the reactor." The panel looked surprised, they had just been told what would happen if steel was used instead of the stronger titanium.
"Why was steel used?"
"Because it is about a thousand times cheaper than titanium." He said sadly
"Did you install them?"
"NO!" Billingsly was shocked "I knew what would happen if that were the case."
"Did Captain Yates use steel in the exhaust system?"
"No, she is the one who told me what would happen if we were to use steel."
"So who ordered the placing of steel couplings on the reactor?"
"Major Hanson, he signed the order."
"You mean this order here?"
Billingsly looked at the book "Yes."
"At this time I would like to introduce into evidence marked defense exhibit 15 charlie. It is the daily log of orders from the Palo Alto facility."
The prosecutor looked at the book "No objection."
"So noted. Proceed."
Handing the book to Billingsly "Could you please locate that order for us."
Billingsly turned the pages "Here your are."
Taking the book Mac read "It says here 'Use of Titanium couplings serial numbers 2838890 and 2838818 are authorized for use on reactor exhaust system, signed Captain Antoinette Yates. That order is then crossed out and replaced 'titanium couplings are disallowed for use instead use steel couplings serial numbers 3982008 and 3982010 by order of Major Steven Hanson'" turning she handed the book to the panel who read it themselves.
"Why was this book never produced before?" Mac asked
"Because we thought it had been destroyed in the explosion." He told her truthfully "After the explosion it was a long time before the building was deemed safe to reenter. Even then we weren't allowed in until the general himself inspected the building."
"General McAllister?"
"That is correct."
"How was this book discovered?" she asked
Billingsly took a deep breath and continued "CID came to the base a little over two months ago. They began to question me about my involvement with the reactor and my work with Captain Yates. When I told them about the general insisting on going through the building himself with a team of builders they asked me where the General kept his private papers. I took them to the vault and they produced a warrant to the Lt in charge. They asked me to stay as a witness, I did. The book was found amongst the Generals personal documents."
Sarah held out five sheets of paper to the judge "These are the statements of those CID officers." Turning she handed copies to the prosecutor and to the panel.
"What happened next?"
"I sat down with you and we went over the book from cover to cover. That is when I found that entry, that is when I knew that the reactor explosion was an accident."
"Objection your honor, speculation."
"Sustained. Rephrase."
"In your professional opinion was the use of these parts, ordered by a man who didn't know any better, the cause of this explosion."
"Yes that is my professional opinion."
"Closing arguments for the defense?"
Sarah stood up and faced the panel "Ladies and Gentlemen of the panel, what we have here is a simple case. Inferior parts used on a potentially lethal reactor. Was there any malice in this? No. It was a mistake, a mistake made by a major who wanted to save the tax payers some money. Did he want the reactor to explode? Again no. Major Steven Hanson was a man who was probably very good at his job, maybe even excellent at his job. But ladies and Gentlemen of the panel, his job was as a certified accountant for the pentagon. Major Hanson was not a physicist, he did not know, could not know what would happen if steel was used instead of titanium, only a physicist would know. Did he tell Captain Billingsly? As he was at the time? No he did not. Did he talk to Captain Yates about this? Again no he did not. Major Hanson made a decision, a decision to save the tax payers some of their hard earned money. Was he wrong in doing this? No, that was the man's job, unfortunately he chose to cut costs on the wrong piece of equipment." Sarah shrugged helplessly an expression which said, it could have happened to any of us "At the time of the explosion there was no thought given that it was anything more than a tragic accident. That is until General McAllister entered that building after it exploded. He found the daily log book, he saw that the orders had been changed. You have heard the testimony from Captain Yates herself that she had filed a sexual harrassment charge against the general. A charge which could've ended his career in the army, a charge which could never be proven if he were able to get rid of Captain Yates. Finding that log book gave him that opportunity, here was a chance placed into his hands to get rid of a nuiscense that threatened his career. It was even found in his personal safe by five CID officers and Major Billingsly, why would General McAllister hide such a vauable piece of evidence which would prove that the explosion was an accident? Could it be that he was afraid that he couldn't talk captain Yates out of her charges against him?" Sarah held up her hands showing that there could be no other answer "General McAllister says that he never approached women on base for sex that he never tried to coerce them. Yet you heard the testimony of 15 women who all claim different. They all claim that the general had threatened them, to do to them what he had done to Captain Yates. You saw for yourselves a video tape of me giving him every oppourtunity to stop harrassing me. Instead once again he used the threat of what he had done to captain Yates to try and scare me into his bed. Was this an idle threat of the general's? Again no, you have been shown evidence that at least one other female officer was jailed by the general for again not giving him sex. Please ladies and gentlemen of the panel, I am asking you to do what is decent, what is right. Captain Yates is guilty of nothing, yet she has spent seven years in prison on death row. I am asking you to finally end her nightmare. When you look at this evidence there can only be one possible verdict, not guilty. Thank you." Smiling sadly she sat back down and immediately took Annie's hand.
The judge turned to the panel "The panel will now retire and weigh the evidence that has been placed before it. This court stands in recess." Banging the gavel he stood and left followed by the panel."
Annie smiled at Sarah "You were great." She said
"Great?" Harm shook his head "Mac you were brilliant. Your closing argument was fantastic, playing Hanson as an innocent was brilliant."
Mac nodded "Yeah it wouldn't have sat well with the jury to have too many bad guys. It would make it seem as if we were desperate to pin it on someone, anyone. The only bad guy here is McAllister, and he buried himself."
"But you handed him the shovel." Harm smiled
"How you holding up Annie?" Peter Roberts asked her concerned
"I'm doing okay Peter." She smiled happy that he was there for her.
"Would you like to get something to eat in the commissary?" he asked her "We could talk, well I mean you can talk and I'll be happy to listen." He offered
"That sounds nice." Annie smiled
Sarah stood up "It may be awhile before we hear anything." She warned "But I'll come and get you the minute we hear anything." She promised
"Okay, and thanks."
"No problem."
Daniel smiled as he and Sam approached "Well Sarah I know who I'm going to call if I ever get into trouble."
Sarah smiled "Thanks, oh and Sam you were great. Pulling out that calculator at that moment was perfect."
"Really?"
Harm nodded as they left the court going towards the commissary "Sure was, it gave the impression that it was a mathamatical certainty that the explosion would happen."
"Well it was." Sam told them
Sarah put her arm around Sam "Yes, but it was much more dramatic watching you figure it out right there on the stand than, just handing them a bunch of numbers on a page that none of them would have understood anyway."
"Where is the president?" Harm asked
"Having dinner with General Hammond and Admiral Chediwiggen." Daniel told them "Oh by the way we have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow morning at 8am." He told them
"Why?" asked Harm confused looking at Mac to see if she knew anything "I thought that after we were done here we were leaving."
"Not anymore." Sam smiled at them "By order of General Hammond you are now under his command, temporarily of course."
"To do what?" Sarah asked just as shocked as Harm was
Daniel looked around then lowered his voice so only they could hear "You two and Bud and Harriet and the Admiral are going with us on a little trip. You have been added to the president's security force." He informed them
"Where are we going?" Sarah asked wondering why the military was protecting the president and not the secret service.
"Abydos" Daniel told her with a smile
"You're kidding." Harm sat down shocked, I'm going to another planet? He thought
Sam stared at their dumb-founded expressions "At 0800 hrs tomorrow morning we are going to explain to you what to expect when going through the gate."
"Hey there they are." Jack smiled at the lawyers shaking his head "If we are going to have celebration parties everytime you guys come to town. I'm going to have to insist that you move next door. I'm getting too old for this, I don't recover like I used to when I was young." He joked taking a seat by them.
"Another party?" Harm shook his head, he barely remembered the last one "Sounds great."
Gabriel sat with Josie in Daniel's and Sam's office talking. It had come down really hard on Josie what her mother had done to them. She was confused and hurt by her mothers reaction to her.
"Why daddy, why does she hate me?" Josie cried in her father's arms
Gabriel shook his head "I don't think that she hates you honey. I truly believe that your mother is sick in her head, she has some severe problems. Your mother had a lot of trouble in her childhood from her parents. She needs help."
Josie's tears began to fall "And I am my mothers, daughter. Does that mean that it's going to happen to me too?" she asked obviously terrified of the prospect.
Gabriel lifted her chin up "You are also your father's daughter. You got your looks from my family, your musical talent from my family. You are the sweetest most loving young woman that I know. You can never be like your mother." He promised her
"Thanks dad." Josie smiled really needing to hear that right now "Are you going to marry Daisy now?" she asked with a smile.
Gabriel smiled "I've already asked her and she said yes."
"Dad I want to ask you something, and I want you to give me an honest answer."
"Always." He promised her
Josie told him what she wanted to do. Gabriel took a deep breath.
"Is that what you really want, and not just your anger talking?" he asked her
Josie nodded imfactically "Yes it's what I really want, what I've wanted for a very long time, mom being alive doesn't change how I feel."
"Then wait here." He said kissing her on her forehead.
Stepping outside he saw his family standing there waiting for him.
"Gabriel how is Josie taking it?" his mother asked worried about her granddaughter.
"Hard" he admitted "She's just coming to grips with it." Turning to Daisy "She wants to speak to you. We'll meet you in the commissary, I want to get to know my bother and sisters." He said smiling at them.
Daisy knocked on the door and opened it. She saw Josie sitting at the table with her arms leaning on the table a small smile on her lips.
"You wanted to talk?" Daisy asked sitting down at the table
"I wanted to ask you something."
"What?" she asked taking Josie's hands into her own.
"Well dad told me that he's already asked you to marry him."
Daisy smiled "He sure did, we're finally going to be a real family." She said excitedly
"That's the point Daisy, we're not." Josie complained "Not unless..."
Not a family? Daisy's heart was breaking, had she read the signs wrong. Did seeing Amanda again change the girls feelings toward her.
"Not unless what?" Daisy asked afraid to find out
Josie looked at the woman across from her "You will never be my mother unless you adopt me."
"Adopt you?"
"Would you?" Josie pleaded "I love you like my mother already, I want to make that real."
"Josie." Daisy started tears streaming down her face "You have just made me the happiest woman on the face of this planet." She laughed taking her daughter into her arms. They sat there for a long time just crying happily.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door and Link stuck his head in "Sorry to interrupt, but we got a verdict."
"Okay." Daisy nodded "Well let's go my little girl."
"Yes mother." Josie smiled liking the sound of that already
"Has the panel reached a verdict?" The judge asked
"Yes we have your honor." The foreman annouced
"The defendant will please rise and face the jury."
Annie stood up holding Sarah's hand squeezing it tightly.
Sarah winced at the grip but decided not to say anything.
The judge read the verdict and handed the note back to the officer of the court who then handed the note back to the foreman.
"The foreman of the panel will now announce the verdict."
"In the case of the United States Vs. Captain Antoinette Constance Yates on the first count of the indictment charges of ten counts of first degree murder, we the panel find the defendant Captain Yates. Not Guilty."
Annie began to cry
"On the second count of the indicitment of thirty counts of attempted murder we find the defendant Captain Yates. Not guilty."
Annie collapsed into her seat covering her face crying.
"So say you all." The judge asked, he couldn't help but feel for the woman and all she endured
"So say we all." The foreman nodded
"Captain Yates, it is the order of this court martial that you are hereby released from custody, it is further ordered that the service record of Captain Yates have this entire incident removed from it. It is further the order of this court that an arrest warrant be issued for General Phillip McAllister for perjury, and sexual misconduct and what ever other charges that Judge advocates office may add. This court stands adjourned."
Chapter 21: Just rewards
SG 13 walked back into their cell. Immediately the lone occupant jumped up out of his rack. Samuel Pierson stood facing his friends, two days he waited impatiently to find out the results of their court-martials. No one would tell him anything, now the guys were back and their faces devoid of expression.
"Well?" he asked hoping for some good news at least.
"Not guilty." Gabe told him
"All of you?" Sam asked excitedly
"Yes." Annie smiled weakly
"Well alright!" Sam jumped up and down; happy for his friends "Come on this is a time for a celebration." He told them "You guys look like you're ready to go to a funeral." He complained
Annie turned away from him, how could they ever celebrate. SG 13 stands together, they don't leave one of their own behind to stand-alone.
"We can't." Gabe told him "You're still in here."
"Hey." Sam shook his head angrily "Simon and I did what we did. We were stupid, we fucked up, and now I gotta pay the price for it. I can deal with that." He told his friends "You guys did nothing, you didn't deserve what you got."
"SG 13 is no more Sammy." Link told him "They're going to send you back. Who's going to watch your back now?" he asked more than just a little worried for his friend.
"I'll be fine." He told them with a lot more conviction than he actually felt "But I do hope you guys will visit me once in a while."
"You better fucking believe it." Link smiled hugging the man
"I'm going to talk to Kennedy." Gabe promised him "I'm going to see if we can at least get you minimum security. Maybe even a reduced sentence, shit you deserve it." He pointed out reasonably
"So no more SG 13." Annie smiled at her adopted family "You know when I first accepted this assignment, I thought holy shit. I'm going to be with a bunch of convict assholes." She admitted "I was afraid that I was going to have to sleep with one eye open so that I wouldn't get raped. You guys treated me with respect and as an equal. You trusted me with your lives and I trusted you with mine. You three guys are my brothers, and I love you guys. If you ever need anything, you can always count on me." She promised
Gabe threw an arm around her shoulder "We love you too, little sister." He said kissing her on the cheek.
"ATTENTION!" Jack O'Neill entered the room standing to one side
SG 13 stood at attention as General Hammond entered the room.
"SG 13" He began "Your presence is requested in the gate room immediately. Yours as well Mr. Pierson."
"Yes sir." Sam nodded and headed out behind the rest.
"Colonel what's going on?" Annie asked hoping that they weren't about to be asked to do one more mission.
"Don't know Captain." Jack lied hiding his smile
SG 13 entered the gate room shocked to see almost all the other SG teams already present in dress uniforms. Civilian personnel were standing behind the glass partition above. Jack left the group and rejoined SG 1 in the front line of soldiers. Admiral Chedwiggen and his officers stood to one side as well.
General Hammond entered the Gate room at attention "The President of the United States of America." He announced
Admiral Chedwiggen called out "Attention!"
President Bartlett entered followed by his wife, daughter and staff who immediately took up position by the doors.
"At ease everyone." Bartlett ordered turning he faced SG 13 "Let's begin."
"SG 13 attention." Hammond ordered as they snapped two, Hammond turned "SG1 take positions."
SG1 came to attention and marched to stand behind SG 13.
The president faced the gathered crowd.
"When I was first approached about forming SG13, I was skeptical about its chances for success. I thought that to use convicted criminals in such an operation was foolhardy and just plain dangerous. Besides I found it uncomfortable, the idea of sending anyone, even convicted criminals on missions with no likelihood for success, missions in fact I have been told that stood less than 30 percent chance of success and even less chance to come back alive, some missions I've been told were even less likely for either success and survival was estimated at five percent. I thought that I had to be more honorable than they were. People who had discarded their values and ideas of honor and service to their nation, I thought them a disgrace to their service and their country. When I arrived here, yesterday I sat down in court and I listened to the testimony and the evidence of the cases before them. I must tell you now, that I was ashamed and angered when I heard the testimony of those witnesses. I was ashamed when I saw the evidence with my own eyes, and realized that these people were indeed innocent, that I myself had misjudged them. During the course of the day, I have spoken privately with many of you. I spoke to SG 1 who told me how SG 13 on their very first mission bravely went in and rescued them from the hands of a large force of Jaffa who were holding them prisoners, how Lt. Fuentes went back to rescue Colonel O'Neill when he was injured during the escape with the enemy just a few steps behind him. I also spoke to them about how SG 13 actually climbed up the side of a mountain to rescue our allies again from overwhelming Jaffa forces. How they parachuted down the side of the mountain as the Jaffa fired down at them. How again Lt Fuentes came under fire, how his parachute was struck and how he fell from a great height breaking many bones. The pain that he suffered in months of recovery and rehabilitation. Yet he succeeded in his assignment, his plan to obtain the release of our allies was nothing less than brilliant. I spoke to SG 9 who described to me what happened when the Arcadians were being evacuated from their home, how SG 13 held the line. Four soldiers holding the wall against overwhelming odds of over one hundred and twenty five to one, how when they ran out of ammunition they were willing to sacrifice their lives to buy every possible second for the other SG teams and a group of refugee children. They stood there with nothing more than knives, with more honor, more courage and just pure old American guts than I ever imagined was possible. I've spoken to others as well about the other heroic and selfless acts that SG 13 has performed, the lives that they saved and the conditions in which they lived. I was told by Dr. Janet Frasier the wounds that SG 13 received in defense of our country, our planet. She told me how former staff sergeant Simon Pierson died, how Captain Yates has been shot and stabbed, how Lt. Fuentes suffered many broken bones and how he was tortured to reveal secrets of the SGC. I was even shown a video, which showed how Lt. Fuentes was tortured. A lesser man would have broken, but what really amazed me was Lt. Fuentes' adamant refusal to reveal those secrets he knew, he just kept repeating name, rank and serial number. Even when offered freedom and a new identity and money, he refused to divulge any information that might endanger this facility and it's personnel, that he would rather remain in prison than to betray his nation. Now, I realize that most probably all the members of SG 13 would have done the same if it was them placed in that situation. How do you repay that? How do you repay such selflessness and dedication, when we in turn have treated them so badly. Our country turned its back to them, yet these soldiers never turned their backs to their country. How do you repay that? If you can answer that, then you are smarter than I am, because I still don't know how to fully repay that kind of courage and loyalty to their country. All that I can do, the least I can do, is the following."
Turning he faced SG 13 who all stood at attention.
"Gunnery Sergeant Samuel Pierson, it is not your fault that your teammates have to leave you. And although I know that, you are indeed guilty of your crime. I also know that you have more than paid the price for it." Holding out his hand, Leo McGarry handed him two envelopes "For your service and for the service of your late brother, I order you pardoned for your crime. You will receive an honorable discharge as will your brother and a ceremony for a full military funeral and honor guard for your brother."
Handing the envelopes to Sam, he stood at attention "Thank you Mr. President."
"Chief Petty officer Washington, for wounds received in battle I award you the purple heart, for your service over and above the call of duty. I award you the silver star." Pinning the medal to the large man's chest "And I am awarding you an officers commission at the rank of ensign."
"Captain Yates, for wounds received in battle I award you the purple heart, for your courage under fire I am also awarding you the silver star." Nodding to O'Neill, who stepped forward with Sam on the other side "You are also promoted to the rank of Major in the United States army."
Jack and Sam removed the captains bars and replaced them with gold oak leafs.
"Finally, Lt. Fuentes leader of SG 13, for wounds received in battle I award you a second purple heart, for your bravery under fire, for your brilliance in formulating plans for the safe extraction of your team and others in the face of almost insurmountable odds, I award you the medal of honor. You are also promoted to the rank of Lt. Commander in the United States Navy."
Bartlett came forward, placed the medal over Gabe's head, and centered it on his chest. General Hammond and Daniel Jackson removed his insignia of rank and placed those of a Lt. Commander in their place.
Gabriel stood up even straighter "SG13, hand salute."
The four soldiers saluted the President; Bartlett stood at attention and returned the salute. Then he came forward and shook their hands.
"I know that technically all of you are now all out of the service." He told them "But it is my hope, my prayer that all of you take your oath to defend our great nation again, we desperately need people with your courage and honor. That includes you Sergeant Pierson, just don't steal my equipment again." He joked
"Never again sir." Sam Pierson nodded seriously knowing it was not everyday that you got a second chance to right the things you did wrong in your life. He only wished that Simon were here to do the same, well he'd just have to do it for both of them. "And sir it would be an honor to take my oath again."
Bartlett smiled "Very good Sergeant, I'll let the rest of you think it over and talk it over with your families. If you decide that you do want to re-enlist, you get your choice of duty, and you all have one favor that you can ask of me. If it is in my power to grant it, I will." He promised them, and then he stepped back.
"Attention!" General Hammond called out to all personnel
Bartlett walked out of the room his staff following behind him.
"Dismissed." Hammond announced
"Commander." Jack smiled shaking his hand
"This is going to take some getting used to again." Gabriel shook his head
Jack waved it away, remembering how easy it was to fall back into old patterns when he returned from his early retirement. "It's like riding a bike."
Gabe looked over and saw Rabb approaching him "YOU!" he said
Rabb stopped surprised as he watched Gabriel walk to him
"Anytime, anything, anywhere." Gabriel held out a hand "You ever need me, you just call and I'll be there." He promised. Harm nodded and shook the man's hand.
"I'm just glad that it's finally over for you."
Gabriel's eyes darkened for a moment "It'll never be over." He told him "Too many memories, but I can start again." He said with a smile.
Chedwiggen approached Gabriel "Major Yates, Ensign Washington." He called to them
Gabriel smiled at him "Hey A.J. how you doing?"
"That is Admiral Chedwiggen to you son." Hammond reminded him with a smile
"Not yet George." Gabe smiled cheekily "I haven't re-enlisted yet."
Chedwiggen smiled "So you are going to re-enlist."
The smile disappeared "I don't know yet." He admitted "I have to talk to my daughter about that, and to Daisy."
"Take your time." Hammond told him "Don't rush to give up this glorious life, you all have accumulated leave time. Use that time to make your decision."
"Well the reason I called you three over." Chedwiggen began "Is that the President didn't want to do this himself." Pulling out three envelopes he handed one to each with their names on it.
Gabriel opened his up "This is a really big check." He said his eyes opened wide
"Sure is." Annie looked at the Admiral confused
"Back pay." He told them "For the time you spent in prison. It's considered hazardous duty so you got that pay as well and it's tax-free."
"I'm going to Disney world." Link smiled, he couldn't wait to tell his wife and son. This would pay off all of their bills and still have a lot left over.
"General, Admiral." Jack nodded to both men "We are having a celebration get together at my place tonight." He told them "I was hoping that you could make it, it is completely informal."
"Thank you colonel, sounds like fun." The admiral nodded "And after all the crap from the last few days, I can certainly use a beer." He admitted with a smile.
"Commander a word?"
Gabe smiled "If you ladies and gentlemen will excuse me." Turning he walked away "Yes captain."
"Let's blow this pop stand." Daisy smiled "There is something I have been wanting to do with you for a long time now." She said playfully "Well at least in a bed where we don't have to worry about being caught."
Gabriel groaned wanting the same thing "We really should put in an appearance at Jack's party." He told her
"One hour." She told him "One hour then we go home."
Gabriel agreed "Tomorrow we have to talk, you me and Josie."
"What?" Daisy asked suddenly serious
"The president has asked me to reenlist." He told her
"And what do you want to do?" She asked
Gabriel knew what he wanted, but he had his family to consider "That is what I want to talk to you about."
"No Gabe." Daisy told him "All your life you've done what other people have wanted you to do. You sacrificed first for your family then for Amanda, you sacrificed for Josie and for me, you then sacrificed for your country. Now it is your turn to decide what it is you want. Josie and I will understand." She promised "If you want to re-enlist, we'll be behind you, if you don't well we will support you in that as well. You have been just released from the worst kind of hell that I can possibly imagine. Now is the time for Gabriel, to do what it is that Gabriel wants to do. We will support whatever decision you make."
"I am a samurai." He told her "I want to, I need to serve my country." He told her
"Then serve it to the best of your ability." Daisy smiled
Gabriel smiled hugging her closely, not caring who saw "Do you still want a big wedding?" He asked her
Daisy laughed happily "I'd settle for Vegas by this point. I've waited for you long enough."
"Janet." Gabe called out over his shoulder his eyes never leaving Daisy's "How fast can you do a blood test?"
"Very fast." She told him smiling
"Then let's go down to medical and get it done. I've kept this woman waiting ten years, that's long enough." He announced proudly
Josie and Cassie watched from the stairs as the adults partied late into the night. Already Janet had shooed them away twice from the stairs, but both girls were too excited to sleep. Too happy from the last couple of day's events to even consider doing anything mundane like sleeping.
Cassie leaned her head on Josie's shoulder "It's so romantic, a wrongly accused man getting released from jail and going back to the woman he loves and the first thing they do is get married." Cassie sighed, "Sounds just like a romance novel."
Josie smiled happily "Yeah, I hear that the commissary at the base is already working on the cake and the food. A chaplain is coming in to do the ceremony tomorrow night."
"What about rings and stuff?" Cassie asked her eyes held a dreamy expression as she watched the couple dancing.
"That's why the ceremony is tomorrow night." Josie explained to her friend "We are going to be running around like crazy people tomorrow morning. Your mom says that you're not going to school tomorrow either, so you gotta help me find a dress for the ceremony." She begged her best friend
"You bet." Cassie smiled widely "You know how I love to shop. Your parents haven't let go of each other since they've got here." Cassie laughed pointing to the couple that was dancing slowly just holding each other.
Josie stared at her parents admiring their loyalty to one another "Ten years Cassie, that's how long they've waited for it, now tomorrow it comes true." Then laughing, "I just can't believe that the President himself is going to be at my parents wedding."
Cassie laughed as well then, asked, "So Daisy is really going to adopt you?"
"Yes." Josie smiled "I already talked to my lawyer, I told him I wanted it done as soon as possible."
Cassie threw her arm around her friend "That makes two of us. Jack has already contacted a lawyer and he's working on his adopting me now as well."
Janet spotted the two girls again and made her way over to them.
"Girls, I've told you twice already." She warned them, although she knew that they were too excited to sleep "We have a lot to do tomorrow."
"Where is uncle Chun-li?" Asked Josie "I haven't seen him for awhile."
Janet shook her head; she had given up trying to keep up with the lively old man "He said something about staying with your grandparents at their hotel. Then he disappeared, from the middle of the room." She added exasperated.
"Show off." Josie laughed, "Okay aunt Janet, I'll try and get some sleep." She promised
"Hey!" Cassie remembered "I saw something in Junior Miss magazine, a dress that would be perfect for you."
"Let's go!" Josie announced excitedly and the two ran up the stairs
"Caught them again?" Sam smiled handing Janet another beer.
"Those two." Janet shook her head "So are you ready to be a maid of honor?"
Sam shook her head "Are you ready to be a matron of honor?"
"Oh god, did they have to make it tomorrow?" Janet complained "We have to get dresses, our hair done, makeup the works by tomorrow afternoon."
"They've waited a long time for this Janet." Sam smiled staring at the couple.
Janet nodded, she knew, they would just have to get it done. "Hey if we can save our planet from invasion from an alien force. Then we sure as hell can get dresses by tomorrow morning." Then looked at the still dancing couple, "I'm surprised that they are still here." Janet laughed looking back at Sam "I know if Jack had been gone for ten years the last place that I'd be is here."
Sam looked around and saw that the couple had disappeared "They're gone."
"W-what?" Janet looked around the room and saw that they were indeed gone "Just like his uncle." Janet complained looking at her watch, "I'm never going to get used to it. HEY!" she called out loud getting everyone's attention "They're gone." She told them "I got it at one hour even."
"That's me!" Sarah Mackenzie smiled
"And me!" Daniel smiled as well moving towards the front
"Damn." Feretti complained good naturedly "Leave it to a marine and a civilian to come in and take all our money."
"Watch it fly boy." Another marine called out "Way to go Colonel!"
Sarah collected her winnings with a smile counting out half.
"How did you know Mac?" Harm asked Jack at his side
Batting her eyes Mac looked at Daniel handing him half the money and nodded.
"What didn't you ever read Heloise's book of etiquette?" Daniel asked innocently
"Heloise?" Jack questioned his friend "What the hell were you doing reading Heloise?"
"I took a class in college." Daniel admitted pocketing the money he'd just received.
Harm shook his head staring at Jack, both men knew that they would rather die than be caught taking an etiquette class "Why would you take a class in etiquette?" Harm asked curiously
Sarah smiled "Where do you think he met me." She told them
Jack's eyes opened wide "Daniel you sly dog." Jack smiled surprised at his friend's ingenuity "You must have been the only guy there."
Daniel shrugged with a big smile on his face, "I don't have three PhD's for nothing." He told them.
Janet laughed lowering her voice so only the gathered group could hear
"And to think Sam you only had to go to another planet to meet him."
The Admiral and the General approached the group.
"Colonel Mackenzie."
"Sir?" Mac looked at the two senior officers
"The general and I have a bet going. We'd like you to settle it."
Sarah blinked "If I can sir."
"What time is it right now." He asked holding up his watch for George to see
Without even thinking about it "23:48 and 29 seconds sir."
"Unbelievable." The general shook his head handing over twenty dollars to the Admiral the two men walked away.
"Still doing that?" Daniel asked amazed as always, at how she always knew the exact time.
Sarah smiled at him saying nothing more walking away from the group who were all staring after her.
"I have to find out how she does that." Harm shook his head telling the others "First it was just curiosity now it is my mission in life."
"Is she always right?" Jack asked staring after the woman
"Always to the second." Harm groused
Jack shook his head "That must get really annoying."
"It does." Harm admitted "It's like working with that operator, you know 'at the tone the time will be...'"
Chapter 22: Interludes V
"Up and at'em." Janet called out the next morning
"Grlllnhwodkillyou." Sam groused pulling the blanket over her head.
"What?" Janet pulled back from her grumbling friend, Sam was obviously not a morning person.
"Allow me." Daniel smiled walking in throwing Janet a wink.
Moving by her side he waved a cup of coffee underneath Sam's nose. Janet watched amazed as Sam came alive moving as a snake would to a snake charmer.
Daniel handed her the cup "Let's give her some time." He warned, "It'll take her ten or so minutes to come alive."
"Okay you finish rousing sleeping beauty here. I'll get the girls moving." Janet announced. "We have a lot to do, we have to be at the mountain at three. It's already 8:30."
"Sljjiellbfuckmornings."
"What!!" Janet turned back shock written on her face.
"Nothing." Daniel smiled innocently at the doctor who eyed them warily as she walked out of the room.
"Htemorningsslked." Sam sipped at her coffee her eyes fluttering open
Daniel smiled having after many months of careful study successfully deciphered Sam morning speak. It hadn't been easy but after the first few times she yelled at him. He found that he had better start on that new language and do it quick.
Kissing the back of her neck, "I know you hate it."
"Massined"
"Massage?"
Sam nodded still trying to wake up.
"Of course my love." Daniel rubbed her shoulders getting all the morning kinks out from her back.
Ten minutes later Sam put down her empty coffee cup.
"Thanks Daniel." She murmured leaning back to give him a kiss
Daniel threw his arms around her "Anytime." He told her "You know I was thinking." He began nervously
Sam snickered "What else is new." Snuggling her head into the crook of his neck smelling the musky scent of his after-shave. Now there was a morning wake me up!
"Hey." Daniel feigned being hurt "Now I won't tell you." He said crossing his arms staring at the ceiling.
Sam looked up and saw that he was in a playful mood today. Well he wasn't the only one.
"Don't make me force it out of you Daniel." She smiled getting on her knees
Daniel looked around, this wasn't their bedroom and there were others around the house somewhere. She wouldn't, would she? Oh Daniel, of course she would!
"Ah Sam..." Daniel tried to get away
Sam was on him in an instant and had him on his stomach in another instant.
"OW! Sam my arm." Daniel laughed as Sam gently twisted his arm behind him.
Janet, Cassie and Josie stood at the door laughing at Daniel's predicament.
"Now are you going to tell me?" Sam asked sweetly "Or do I have to go to the next level."
"Janet, you're a doctor, help me!" Daniel shrieked in laughter as Sam began her tickle assault on a particularly sensitive spot.
"Just don't hurt him Sam." Janet laughed and ushered the girls away
"Okay, I give, I give." Daniel surrendered
Sam stretched out along his back kissing his neck "So what were you thinking?"
Daniel gulped hard "I thought that we might...I mean that I want....no I mean we might..."
"Daniel spit it out." Sam pulled him to face her
"Well...Okay Danny get a grip." Daniel ordered himself
"Daniel?" Sam sat up suddenly worried, getting out of bed Sam quickly closed the door and came back "Honey what is it? What's wrong?" she asked staring into his frightened eyes.
"I'm afraid of doing what I want most." Daniel admitted to her.
Sam was confused wondering what he wanted to tell her "Danny, take a deep breath and tell me."
Daniel took a deep breath and began "This last year, that we've been together has been the most wonderful year of my life. I can no longer imagine my life without you in it." He told her taking her hand he continued, "I want to ask you to marry me."
Sam's eyes flew open, marriage!
Sam threw her arms around him "Oh Daniel, I'm ready to marry you right now." Sam told him seriously "But I think if we're going to get married that we should take this relationship to the next level."
Daniel's eyes lit up "You mean moving in together?"
Sam smiled kissing him gently "Precisely we move in together, then we can set a date."
"So this is a yes, you will marry me Sam." Daniel smiled happily at her.
"Yes" Sam smiled happier than she ever thought that she could be. Sam began to cry happily, "It's just like my father said." She told him.
"What is?" Daniel kissed her neck rubbing her back gently
"The handsome prince coming to sweep me off my feet and into the happily ever after." Wiping her tears, she smiled "I'm going to be Mrs. Major Doctor Samantha Carter Jackson."
"Some moniker." Daniel smiled
Sam slapped him on the shoulder "It is a beautiful moniker, but I warn you now Daniel Jackson. I want the fairy tale; I want a big wedding, with all the trimmings. White gown, beautiful church, everything. I plan to do this only once in my life." She told him
Daniel cupped her cheek "Anything that you want Sam anything, I love you Sam." Bringing her to him, he kissed her deeply
There was a knock on the door "We have to hurry!" Janet complained
Sam leaned back "Hey there's a newly engaged woman in here trying to make out with her future husband. So hold your horses." She complained.
The door slammed open "WHAT!" Janet demanded to know her eyes wide with shock Cassie and Josie both staring wide eyed at the couple.
Daniel smiled at them "I've asked Sam to be my wife." He told them
"And I said yes." Sam smiled happily at her best friend "But you're right." She sighed staring into Daniels' blue eyes "We do have a lot to do today." She said wistfully
"That's right." Daniel smiled "So get moving and let's see if there is time to pick you out a ring."
Sam smiled nodding her head "Sounds like a good idea."
"What about the general?" Janet asked not really wanting to be the bad guy here, but they were hanging on by a thread as it was. This news might just snap that string altogether.
Daniel waved the concern away "Let him get his own girl."
Sam's smile never seemed to want to end "We're not getting married today Janet. It's going to be at least a year before we do it."
"A year?" Daniel eyes were bugging out "It takes that long to plan a wedding?" he asked shocked
Sam smiled wickedly at her fiancée "I told you I want the fairy tale wedding." Then more seriously she told him "Besides, Janet and Jack are getting married in six months. We have to help them plan their wedding. Then we should give people some time to rest up for our wedding. We also do have to talk to General Hammond about this; I mean it was one thing to keep our seeing each other a secret. However, a marriage is something completely different. We have to give him time to see that we can still function as a team."
"One thing though." Daniel told her "If he says no way, there will be no discussion about it. I'll leave the SGC."
"Whoa wait a second." Sam protested, "Why should you leave?" she demanded.
"Sam this is your career, you love it." Daniel told her seriously, "I can always get a job teaching. Hell the university of Colorado has been trying for the last two years to get me to join their faculty. I can take that job and still be here so if the project ever needs me to translate anything I'll still be around."
"You go, I go." Sam told him "That is what we promised each other in the beginning, that is the way it's going to be." Sam knew how important Daniel was to the SGC, even if he couldn't see it himself. Sam also knew how much Daniel would hate to leave the project, but hell she could always quit and just be a civilian on base like Daniel.
"Let's not argue about this now." Sam told him before he could say anything "Janet is right, we have a lot to do today. Besides, let's not put the carriage before the horse. Let's wait and see what happens, if the general sees that we can work fine together. Then maybe he won't be a problem six months from now when we announce our engagement to him."
"Okay." Daniel agreed not wanting to argue either
"So Janet, girls." Sam warned them "No one is to know a thing."
"Except Jack and Teal'c." Janet agreed
"And my mom and dad." Josie shrugged "I wouldn't last ten minutes under their combined attack."
"Jack and Teal'c and Gabe and Daisy and of course my father." Sam agreed getting up "Now let's hurry, we've got a lot to do. Oh don't forget Daniel, the President is going to do that medal's presentation today, so you need to wear a suit." She reminded him knowing how forgetful he sometimes was, especially when his mind was on something else.
"I'll remember." He promised.
Sam and Janet walked out leaving the girls to congratulate Daniel "Does he know yet?"
Sam shook her head excitedly "No, Jack said he'd demote me to a second lieutenant if I said a word. He wants this to be a surprise."
Janet stopped her friend "By the way, congratulations." Smiling she hugged her friend tightly
"Thanks" Sam hugged her back "I can't believe this is really happening. Who says New Year's wishes don't come true."
Two truck loads of military personnel in full dress uniforms, disembarked in front of their destination. Major General George Hammond stared at the imposing citadel that he was about to invade. Behind him, his men and women from the SGC were also staring at the imposing structure. Hammond looked over his shoulder and saw his people were all waiting for him to give the order. This place would never be the same, people stopped and stared at the gathered group of soldiers all dressed in uniform made an impressive sight.
"All right people form ranks on the sidewalk." He ordered them as more and more people began to gather around watching out of sheer curiosity.
Hammond walked in front of his troops preparing to address them before they stormed the citadel "We are here today to accomplish a mission people." He began to tell them "My youngest daughter, your colleague is getting married in precisely." He looked at the Lt colonel.
"Eleven hours, sixteen minutes and 35 seconds." Mac told him
The general stared at the woman and shook his head continuing down the line "You heard the colonel. Now Sierra Gulf seven, you are on liquor duty, I want plenty of champagne." He ordered
"Yes sir!"
"Sierra Gulf 9, I want flowers, lots of beautiful flowers."
"Yes sir general!"
"Major's Carter and Fraiser."
"Sir" Both women came to attention
"You have precisely one hour to find brides maid dresses. You will then report to have your hair and makeup done."
"Yes sir." Sam saluted him
"Captain Hammond, you will report to the bridesmaid store. They already have your dress and are awaiting you to alter it. Hair and makeup will be waiting for you to arrive."
"Yes sir." Daisy smiled happily, unable to wait a moment longer.
"Lt Commander Fuentes. You are on ring detail, Doctor Jackson you will assist. Your dress uniform will be waiting with the rest of Sierra Gulf 13."
"Sir!" Gabriel saluted
"Yes sir." Daniel smiled; it would give him a chance to look for a ring for Sam.
"Temporary Airmen Josie Fuentes and Cassandra Fraiser. Your assignment is to find dresses for yourselves and to assist Sierra Gulf 9 in the choosing of the flowers."
"Yes sir." Both girls saluted him in a serious fashion.
"I want this done in a military fashion, people." He told them marching back and forth in front of the troops "You all have your assignments, I want you all back at this location at 1300 hours. With all of your assignments, complete. If you finish your assignment early, you will contact me via radio and I will tell you where to go to assist another team. Is that understood?"
"Yes sir!" The soldiers barked out loudly startling the gathered crowd
"Colonel O'Neill." Hammond nodded
"Sir!" Turning he faced the men "About face!" As one, the entire group turned and faced the entrance to the mall.
"Attack!" O'Neill ordered
It was the first time in history that the Armed forces of the United States of America had invaded a mall in such a strategic military fashion. Men and women alike stormed inside each heading for their pre-
determined areas.
George Hammond smiled proudly as he watched his people go and do something to help him and his family out. They didn't have to do it, but they had all volunteered to assist in the wedding. The other half of the teams was back at the base preparing a large area for the ceremony under the direct command of Admiral Chedwiggen. While the commissary were cooking their hearts out for a romantic cause under the stern eye of the first lady herself, who thought that the entire affair was completely romantic. The crowd that had gathered around stood in shocked silence as the troops stormed their quiet suburban mall. One woman began to clap and soon others who stood by clapping at the general's planning joined her.
"Hey general!" One young woman called out "Do you do other weddings as well?"
"I'm afraid not Ma'am." The general smiled at her "If you will excuse me, I have an assault in progress." He said calmly walking into the mall.
Daisy stood in front of the three-way mirror dressed in her mother's white gown. Lace and silk rustled softly as she turned proudly to see how the dress looked from behind. Her smile never wavered in its intensity, her heart beating at about twice the normal rate. George Hammond stood to one side staring at his youngest daughter, his breath momentarily taken away.
"Y..Y..You look just like your mother." He told her proudly quickly wiping away a tear that had somehow found it's way into the general's eye. "Oh Lord" he thought to himself "Please don't let me blubber like a baby in front of my men." He begged the almighty.
Daisy looked at her father tears in her own eyes "You really think so?" she asked
"No doubt about it." George looked proudly at his daughter "You are the spitting image of her."
Daisy fell into his arms "Oh daddy, I wish she could be here today."
"She is." George promised her "Your mother will be standing right by your side the whole time. Nothing, not even death would keep your mother away from your wedding day." He promised her
Janet and Sam walked out of the changing rooms staring at one another "You look good." Janet smiled at her tall friend "Peach is a good color for you."
"You look good too." Sam smiled and turned to the general "Sir, what do you think?"
"You look exquisite ladies." The general smiled approvingly "Daisy?"
"Those dresses are perfect for you." She smiled
"You sure?" Sam asked still unsure
"Yeah" Janet agreed "We don't want to take anything away from the bride on her special day."
"You look perfect."
"What do you think Daniel?" Gabriel asked holding up the two bands of gold
Daniel shrugged "I still think that other set was nicer." He said knowing that Gabriel had liked those the best.
Gabriel nodded "Yeah I think that you're right." Turning to the sales lady "I'll take these." He told her "And I'd like to see your engagement rings please."
"Getting her a diamond as well?"
Gabriel smiled "You can't ask a woman to marry you and not get her a diamond."
"I know what you mean." Daniel smiled
Gabriel stared at his friend's goofy grin with dawning realization "You asked Sam to marry you!"
Daniel's smile got even bigger "And she said yes."
"Well all right." Gabriel slapped Daniel on the back causing the other man to wince "Now that is the way you grab on to that brass ring my friend." He told him
"Gentlemen?" the sales woman appeared smiling brightly at them, 'today's commissions are going to be real nice' she thought to herself.
"No." Josie shook her head at Captain Ferguson "Sterling roses, those are yellow."
The marine stared at the girl completely mesmerized "I have no idea what you are talking about." He admitted.
"Sterling roses are almost like a white-gray and they have no thorns. Those are Daisy's favorites."
"Got it." The captain smiled finally understanding what he was looking for.
"Josie what do you think?" Cassie asked holding up the bouquet
"Perfect." Josie smiled at the beautiful arrangements
"And these are for the brides maids." Cassie held out another two that were slightly smaller but no less beautiful.
"Yeah." Josie smiled fingering the petals "These are going to work just fine."
"Girls, what are you still doing here?" Lt Colonel Mackenzie asked walking in with Harriet Roberts "You're supposed to be shopping for dresses." She told them pointing at her watch.
Cassie frowned at the men who all turned away from her; the younger Fraiser definitely had her mother's angry look down pat they thought.
"It seems that some men don't know how to pick flowers." She said loudly all the men cringed.
Mac smiled wondering how a couple of sixteen year olds could frighten battle hardened Special Forces soldiers.
"I'll take over here." Mac volunteered, "You had better get cracking."
"Thanks Sarah, you're a life saver." Cassie pointed out the bouquets on the counter "These are for the bride and bridesmaids."
"Oh they are beautiful." Harriet smiled
"Josie we gotta go." Cassie called out
"Josie?" Captain Ferguson called out holding out a rose
Josie smiled relieved "Yes that is a sterling rose."
"Whew!" the Captain sighed obviously relieved
"Jack!" Harm called out "What do you think?" he said holding up the bottle of champagne
"Yeah that's the one." Jack looked at the list he held "Were going to need 10 cases. In addition, assorted other bottles of booze. You know scotch, vodka and all the rest."
"Don't forget the beer." Harm warned
Distastefully Jack showed him what the general wanted for beer.
"Foreign?" Harm shook his head "Hey how about we slip in a couple of cases of domestic as well." He asked
Jack smiled "I like the way that you think Commander, but this stays between us." He whispered looking at the others wandering around the store picking up bottles.
"Yes sir Colonel." Harm smiled walking over to the merchant
Jack picked up the radio "Bootlegger calling big chief over."
"Go Bootlegger."
"Sir we have procured the champagne and everything else is under control here. Do you need me anywhere?"
"We are having some problems with the music man." The general told him
"I'm on my way sir, over and out." Jack slapped one of the men on the shoulder and told him where he could be found if anyone asked.
"Yes colonel."
Some time later, the men gathered at the food court and reported the results to the general, who checked off his master list.
Sighing he looked at his second in command "It looks like we pulled it off Jack." He smiled relieved
"That's great sir."
"We couldn't have done it with out all your help men." The general looked at his troops "You have my thanks. Pizza for everyone." The general ordered
The troops cheered as some ran over to place the orders in.
"So where are the ladies?" asked Gabriel looking around
"Beauty parlor, getting splattered with mud or something." Jack told him "You get the rings?"
Smiling Gabriel pulled out the twin wedding bands showing them to Jack and the general.
"Nice." The general smiled approvingly
"And" Gabriel produced the diamond ring that he'd selected as well
"Now that is a rock." Jack shook his head gazing at the diamond in shock
"Very nice." The general patted his soon to be son-in-law on the back "Time-check" he called out
"1200 hours and 37 seconds, sir." Mac smiled taking a seat and a slice of pizza
"Good ahead of schedule." Hammond sighed relieved, he'd done it, well they'd done it. Made his daughter's dream of a big wedding happen in one morning. It's just a good thing that the couple was so well liked and that they had a lot of friends to help.
"On to other business Colonel. How is tonight's concert going?"
"Like clockwork." Jack smiled "The grounds crew are setting up the stage as we speak. The orchestra is slated to arrive at 1230 hrs and be ready by 1500 hrs. While the President is doing his medals presentation, Josie will be having her last rehearsal with the orchestra. The camera crews are already on base setting up their equipment." Jack shook his head amazed "Sir did you know that Josie's manager has managed to sell the rights of the performance to a major cable chAnniel, Showtime, I think?"
"You're kidding, Showtime?" Harm asked surprised "She has a manager?"
Gabriel smiled "Josie is a professional singer, Harm." He explained, "She's performed all over the world, tonight the show is being beamed live via satellite to 52 countries all over the world. Plus it is being taped for a video release and recorded for her next CD. I gotta admit, her manager is good." Gabriel shook his head, he hadn't thought that the man could pull it all off in the few weeks he had for notice.
"Live all over the world!" Mac asked nearly choking on her slice "Is she that good?"
Jack shook his head handing a CD to her that he'd picked up at the music store "She is not good, she is amazing." He smiled "As I was saying sir, at 1900 hours the concert begins and ends at 2030 hours. Then we re-
enter the mountain and have the nuptials then the reception right after."
"So is Daisy going to perform as well?" Gabriel asked
"Yes" George smiled happily "She is finally going to have her chance out in the spot light."
"Good" Gabriel slapped the table gently "It's about time."
"You are also going to perform." Jack informed him
Gabriel laughed "Yeah right." Looking around the table, he saw that he was the only one laughing, "You're kidding me." He said seriously
"Nope" Jack smiled "Someone told the President that you play a mean classical guitar."
"Gee I wonder who that could have been." Gabriel asked accusingly
Jack looked like an innocent babe "Wouldn't know, besides, Josie has been looking forward to this for weeks. It's being built up as Josie Fuentes and family." Jack knew that Gabriel would never be able to resist the girls green eyes.
"And the 'other' plans?" asked the general getting them back on track
"We are all set to leave day after tomorrow at 0900 hours sir. Transportation reports that they have everything ready on the other side."
Hammond nodded "That was a good idea you had colonel. I wouldn't have wanted the President or any of his staff to pass out from the heat after doing all that walking in the sun."
"Danny, Teal'c." Jack waved both men to him
"O'Neill." The Jaffa nodded solemnly dressed in a double-breasted black suit cut to perfection on his large frame.
"Yeah Jack?" Daniel was dressed again in his new suit.
"I need you two to join the others on the podium." Jack smiled proudly at his two friends "The President has something for you guys as well."
"You're joking aren't you Jack?" Daniel asked seriously "What have I done to merit anything?" He asked naively "There are others here that are a lot more deserving than me."
Jack stared at his friend unbelievingly; Daniel still didn't realize the importance of his role with the SGC "Don't argue with me Space monkey." Jack told him "This is the President's choice, so you two just get up there. Oh by the way Teal'c, there are some people here to see you." Jack pointed
Teal'c turned to see his wife Drey'ac son Ray'ac and his mentor Bra'tac there. Teal'c smiled and went to them.
"Drey'ac, Ray'ac, it is so good to see you my wife and son." He said hugging them both
"Husband." Drey'ac smiled at him "O'Neill sent word to us that you are to be honored this day by this world's leader. How could we not come."
"Master Bra'tac."
"It is good to see you Teal'c." The old Jaffa slapped his former pupil on the shoulder