Sam looked on admiringly as the General stood at the podium, new stars sparkling brilliantly on his shoulders, making his final speech to the troops of the SGC. She had been watching him intently, holding back tears, as he commended them on their performance, their integrity, bravery and patriotism making no reference to his own. She guessed he was almost finished now and directed her full attention back to the handsome figure that she had long admired.
"…and in conclusion, let me say it has been my honor to serve with each and every one of you, that I will remember each of you, as well as those who have fallen, as I begin my new assignment in Washington. Let me also say that my door is open to all of you and I will continue to welcome your assistance and expertise…as well as the occasional game of ping-pong, hockey match or…yo-yo competition! And yes, Carter, they do allow yo-yos in the Pentagon – I checked!"
Sam shook her head and looked down toward the floor then back up to meet Jack's smiling eyes. Irreverent to the end, typical Jack! He glanced around the room as the chuckles rose from the floor where the troops had gathered to hear his farewell speech. When most of the laughter had died down, he continued.
"I consider myself lucky to have been a part of this team and I will do everything in my power to see that this facility continues to thrive as America's first and last line of defense, as well as an open door to her allies. I know that I will continue to be proud of your accomplishments and amazed by your talents. Let us hope the day will soon arrive when the gate can remain open without fear, but until that time take care of each other, keep the team strong and I will rest easier…knowing that you, the SGC are standing watch."
Sam noted that every person in the room had just come to attention, each one of them, including herself, stood a bit taller. The General had stoked their pride and encouraged them all with his words of praise and his confidence in them. And as she turned her attention back to Jack she realized they had just been treated to a side of the General they'd rarely seen, the public figure, the confident, charming, newest commander of Home World Security. He had just put their best foot forward, had made sure they were standing tall and proud as he relinquished command.
"So it is with honor and pride that I transfer command of this facility to General Hank Landry, knowing that you will give him the same dedication and professionalism that you have given me. General Landry?"
Sam snapped into a sharp salute, as did the rest of the SGC, until the new General issued "at ease" and as she looked across the ramp and met Jack's smiling eyes a single tear trickled down her cheek.
Sam continued to hold Jack's gaze as they stood across the ramp from each other and General Landry delivered his first address. Sam didn't hear any of it, she just stared at Jack, his face a blank slate but his eyes smiling. She didn't notice Daniel, who stood at her side, watching them, wondering what silent conversation they were carrying on until he nudged her gently with his elbow and leaned in close, whispering in her ear. "You guys are steaming up my glasses. Knock it off!" He ducked his head and grinned boyishly at her as she tried not to blush and turned her attention back to General Landry.
The ceremony was quickly over and General Landry busied himself visiting with his new officers and mingling with the enlisted personnel of the base. O'Neill shook hands with Landry, offered congratulations and then stepped aside to allowed Landry to take his place as base commander.
He stood just beyond the ramp, a stoic spectator as the troops welcomed their new commander. Most stopped to say goodbye and he warmed instantly to their smiles and well wishes, patting the occasional still timid airman on the shoulder as he shook their hand. In only a few minutes the room had cleared and he stood surrounded by his team, SG1.
Jack visibly relaxed as he smiled into their familiar faces.
Teal'c extended one arm to him and when Jack did the same, he grasped it firmly. "O'Neill, I will miss your presence and your friendship."
"Yeah, me too, Teal'c. Landry's a good man and I'll be keeping an eye on you. Everything should be fine, but if it isn't, you let me know." Teal'c dipped his head in understanding and slowly made his way out of the gate room.
Daniel slapped Jack playfully on the shoulder and said, "Nice speech, General. See you this week-end." Then he too, left the gate room.
Jack cocked his head at Daniel thinking 'he never calls me General' but smiled and nodded in agreement. Now he stood alone with Carter and he smiled deeply into her eyes. "Colonel?"
Sam executed a sharp salute, which he returned after a moment of surprise. "It's been my honor to serve with you, Sir, it was a great tour."
"Yes, it was Carter and it's not over. You'll still be traveling through the Stargate."
"True, Sir, but we've already established it won't be the same without you."
Jack smiled as he watched her fighting back tears and fought the urge to pull her into an embrace. "True. You might get in less trouble." She raised an eyebrow and cocked her head in doubt and he replied, "Then again, maybe not. You'll be joining us this week-end, right?"
"Sir?"
"To say good-bye. Our last team night."
She searched his eyes for a long moment before answering. "I'll be joining you, Sir, but I won't be saying good-bye."
He turned his head slightly and smiled back at her. "Good. I'll see you then, Carter!" And he turned quickly to leave the gate room; pausing at the doorway, he turned and stared at the gate for a long moment.
"Yes, Sir! I'll see you then."