Epilogue

"This was the scene in the nation's capitol two days ago…"

The view screen in the locker room wasn't as high definition as the one in the briefing room, but it was more than good enough to show a large crowd of excited people gathered around the President of the United States, a supreme court judge and General George Hammond, who had one hand raised and the other resting lightly on a bible.

"It was an impressive ceremony…" Sam said, turning the video feed off.

Jack nodded.

"Yeah."

"It's still hard to picture him as Vice President…"

Daniel shrugged, looking over at Sam.

"If something happens to Hayes, he's going to be President, you know…"

"Better him than Kinsey," Sam said, earning a smile from her husband.

"Did you see the way Kinsey reacted to Nate?" Jack asked. "Priceless."

Sam frowned.

"He's really afraid of him…"

"With good reason," Jack agreed, nodding.

They'd all flown to Washington to see the ceremony that turned General George Hammond into Vice President George Hammond – all of them except Ian, who had congratulated Hammond personally and sincerely, but had refused to get on the plane.

Jack had made a joke about him being Mr. T – a joke Ian didn't get – which had made Jack roll his eyes and make yet another comment about people who wasted their youth by reading instead of watching good TV (like the A-Team).

Ian had replied that Jack was just jealous since electricity (not to mention TV) hadn't been invented when he was trying to waste his youth.

Which had, of course, led to more teasing and taunts which continued right up until everyone left Ian standing at the tarmac and had entered the military plane that was going to take them to DC. Ian's smile was tinged with regret – he was really going to miss being able to mess with Jack like that.

"Besides…" Daniel said, pulling Ian's attention back to the present. "Everyone's afraid of him…"

"I'm not," the New Yorker said.

"He's your dad. Of course you're not."

Sam smiled.

"I'm not, either."

Daniel rolled his eyes.

"Okay, all the bad people – and a whole bunch of really annoying ones – are afraid of him. Better?"

Jack chuckled.

"I'd say there are a lot of people here on the base that aren't sure of him, yet."

"But none who will test his resolve to command…" Teal'c added.

"We don't let idiots in," Jack replied.

"What about McKay?" the Jaffa asked, with a smirk of his own. He knew the response to that.

"Good point."

Sam stood up and scratched Jaffer's ears, lovingly.

"Are you guys ready to go?"

Jack nodded and stood up as well, pulling Ian up by the scruff of his jacket.

"Come on, kid. Last mission together and all that – we'd better make it a good one, eh?"

Ian nodded, wondering if he was the only one who felt a pang at the finality to that.

"Yeah…"

And of course Sam noticed. She was way too perceptive to miss his change of expression.

She smiled, and wrapped an arm around his waist, steering him to the door while the others all followed behind – except for Jaffer and Jack (the dog) who crowded past them and led the way out into the corridor.

"Last mission together," she said. "But not the last time we'll see each other. Don't forget that."

He echoed her smile, knowing that she was right – although it still made him feel like it was the end of something great. Something important.

"I know…"

"Don't be so moody, Ian," Jack said from behind. "Just think, you're going to Atlantis with McKay – how much more fun can you have?"

Ian's melancholy smile changed to a completely different expression and he rolled his eyes.

"Thanks, Jack. I feel so much better now."

"That's what I'm here for."

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

The commanding general of the SGC looked down from the control room as SG-1 entered the embarkation room. A moment before he'd been admiring the Stargate, but now he was scowling as he watched the group cross the room and stand in front of the ramp. He was still scowling when they turned to look up at him, but he couldn't help the surge of pride that made his chest puff out just a little bit when he saw his son standing in front of him.

It wasn't common for a general officer to lead an offworld mission, but Jack had insisted – for old times sake – and Nathan had given in without argument. Like he'd send his only son off with someone else?

Of course, that was what he was going to be doing later on, when Ian went to Atlantis with the expedition that was growing larger and larger with each bearer of the Ancient gene that they found, but he was also intending to send a very large contingent of Marines with them – to make sure that they all returned home safely.

The group in front of him consisted of only four – and one of them was a civilian. And two dogs, of course. He couldn't even imagine what Hammond had been thinking to allow Daniel Jackson to go offworld with such a small group, but it had paid off, of course – which was why Hammond had continued to allow it.

Nathan Brooks wasn't so certain he would have made that initial decision – he'd probably have had the SG teams bring the artifacts back home and have Jackson examine them here. Which would have been a mistake. Daniel had proven himself to be made of more than Nate would have given him credit for – which was a lesson the General would learn as he continued to command the SGC. One of many, he was sure.

"We're ready, Nathan…" Jack said.

Nate suppressed the urge to ask Ian if he'd made sure his gun was loaded, knowing that he undoubtedly had – and knowing that Ian wouldn't appreciate the nagging from his father.

"You have your assignment, General O'Neill," Nate said. "Make sure you bring your team home safely."

Jack nodded, and the team turned around as Sam separated herself from the rest of the group, standing off to the side to watch.

Nathan turned to the technician sitting in front of the dialing computer.

"Get it going, Sergeant."

"Aye, aye, sir…"

The gate started dialing, and Nate's gaze went back to the embarkation room. He was concerned about his son, but knew he was doing what he wanted to – and what else could a father ask for?

He scowled, hiding his concern behind the expression.

"Someone find me some coffee…"

The End!

So! Tell me what you think! What did you like? Was it too long? Too short? Favorite line – if any?

We're very close to the end of the Campers series (at least as far as I intend to write) so I'm going to give you readers a choice. I didn't specify what this final mission was, so if you want me to write it into a story I will – but only if there's interest in it. So let me know!