14 weeks after coming to Atlantis, some surprises in store for our lovely Major!
14 weeks after that wonderful night with Evan, Kaley sits on a bed in the infirmary with Carson standing holding a chart
"Right lass are you ready?" Kaley stares at a wall "Kaley?" without moving her eyes she hands him a white plastic stick Carson scans his professional eyes over it "Have you told Major Lorne?"
"No" she shifts her position
"How many weeks?"
"12, so you can't x-ray my chest or back"
"No, but we can still x-ray your arm and skull and protect baby, your back I can do by feel; then we will ultrasound you" he says gently placing a hand on her shoulder
"Can you wait on the ultrasound till I've told Evan?" she asks
"Of course love" Carson leads her to the x-ray room to prepare and take the x-rays; after 10 mins she exits and taps her radio
"Evan, come in please"
"Go ahead Kaley"
"Can you come to the infirmary please?" she requests
"I'm on my way"
He enters the infirmary to find Carson talking to Kaley "What's up babe"
"Well my skull is fine, my arm is nearly there a few more weeks Carson says" he hugs her
"That's great news!" he looks down at her "there's a but…"
"No an and" she takes a deep breath, "I'm pregnant" Evan tries to speak but words fail him, instead he just scoops her up and spins her around whilst grinning ear to ear
"You look pleased Major" states Carson
"Yes I am" he puts her down
"I'm glad" she whispers
"Shall we start the scan?" asks Carson, Kaley detaches herself from Evan and lays on the bed and lifts her top up slightly, Carson puts ultrasound gel on to her abdomen and places the probe, and beings to find the baby's heart beat
"There we go" he says after a few minutes, there is a loud strong fast continuous sound of a heartbeat filing the room "Baby with a nice strong heart rate" he turns the screen to both of them and they gasp
"Can you tell if it is a boy or girl?"
"Evan I don't want to know!" exclaims Kaley
"You can not tell this early" Evan's face falls slightly "But one healthy 12 week baby" at that moment John and Elizabeth walk in
"And what is going on here?" asks John, Kaley tries to hide
"Good news bad news sir" mumbles Evan
"I'll go for good" smiles John
"We'll start with bad" jumps in Carson "Kaley's arm is still another few weeks, but her skull is fine, as for her chest and back I can't tell you"
"Carson you should know!" exclaims John in a joking voice
"Oh, why?" asks Elizabeth also slightly surprised at Carson's lack of knowledge, Kaley takes a deep breath for the second time in one day
"I'm pregnant" there is an awkward pause
"Well congratulations" says John looking at the good side; his 2IC deserves something good after spending 3 years picking up after him and his team, Kaley's face looks sad
"What's the problem?" asks Elizabeth looking at John, Evan and Kaley's faces
"Ranks already prohibit our current relationship ma'am" informs Evan
"We have been talking about everything" starts Kaley
"I did talk with Gen Landry and Col Carter" adds Carson, Kaley looks at him "Col Carter felt you may leave the military"
"Yes, she's properly right" Kaley chewed her lip before carrying on "I have felt like that since Cam died and know I really want to, but what about a job for me, seeing Evan?"
"That is what we discussed" Evan looks at the Scottish doctor he wasn't normally secretive or the type to go behind peoples' backs "I would like to offer you a civilian position as my head OR nurse, if you are leaving the military, or I will take you as a transfer inside the military"
"And raise a child here?" says a shocked Elizabeth
"Teyla's managing" offers John
"She is a native of Pegasus" starts Elizabeth in opposition to John as she always does
"It is their decision" says John, Elizabeth looks a taken back knowing it is partly her decision as well, but the IOA also had there decisions too
"If you would like to raise your child here I won't stop you" she says after a while
"The Air Force will be losing a fine officer" whispers John
"Thank you ma'am" replies Evan, John, Elizabeth and Carson disappears into Carson's office to allow the couple time to think in peace.
"Carson" calls Kaley, not having said anything for 20 minutes, he turns to her "I would like to take you up on your offer as a civilian head of OR" he smiles
"You are welcome, lass, how much notice do you need to give the Air Force?"
"It depends, usually around 4 weeks"
"May be you can tie in the rest of the recuperation with terminal leave?" suggests Evan "Doc can we have a picture?"
"Of course major, wanting to start a book?"
"My mom did for me and my sister, she kept major events like, first Christmas and birthday, major birthdays and events, Air Force graduation all that kind of stuff"
"Nice idea" pipes up John
"When is the next data burst to the SGC?" asks Kaley
"6 hours" notifies Elizabeth
"I'll write my terminal leave letter, could you make sure it goes" Elizabeth nods
"what if you change your mind?" she enquiries
"I won't of that I am sure"
SGC 7 hours later
7 hours later Walter knocks on Gen Landry's office door
"Sir" Landry looks up from reading a report
"Walter" he walks forward and hand the Gen a letter
"For your attention from Lt Rivers's sir" Landry takes it
"Thank you, please send for Col Carter" Walter nods and leaves, he already new what it said he just didn't want to believe it, a few minutes later there is a second knock at the door
"Gen, you asked to see me" calls Carter
"Yes, come in and have a seat" Carter obliges "I have just received a letter from Lt Rivers"
"Yes sir"
"Please open it and read it to me" he hands her the unopened letter which she reluctantly opens
"Dear Gen Landry, It is with regret and respect that I request terminal leave from the United States Air Force effective immediately." Landry hangs head, knowing that this had been coming "she's leaving, it's not a surprise, Cam and the SGC hold to many memories" Landry nods
"Major Lorne makes her happy I haven't seen that in her in months" he sighs "please continue"
"Dr Beckett has offered me a position as Atlantis's head OR nurse, which I have accepted, I will not be able to take up the position immediately as my injuries from the car crash are not fully healed, it is estimated another 4 weeks. I am also informing you, as a courtesy, that I am 12 weeks pregnant"
"She's what!" shouts Landry "And Dr Weir is happy with this?"
"Hold on sir" Carter scans the letter "Ah, Dr Weir is content with Evan and myself raising a child in Atlantis, we can't find another solution to us being together and having a family without both losing our careers" Carter smiles "I would like to thank you being a great CO and it has been a an honour serving under your command, yours Lt Rivers."
"Love and family before career" he mutters "Can you tell Dr Lam that she isn't getting her head OR nurse back"
"Yes sir, can I tell SG-1?" Landry nods
"Dismissed" Carter stands up and leaves
2 weeks later SGC gate room
2 weeks later Kaley walks down the ramp at SGC to find SG-1, Dr Lam and Gen Landry waiting for her
"Sir" she salutes to Landry "I trust you got my letter sir" as he salutes back
"Yes Lt, can we discuss your decision?" he motions for her to exit the gate room
"Of course, in fact all of you can hear it" they all move to the briefing room
"Nice to see you smiling Kaley" says Jonas as they all take seats around the table
"Lt, SG-1 knows you are leaving, but not why" informs Landry
"Right" she thought of where to start "Cam made me very happy, but the SGC holds to many memories for me to be able to move on her, not only in my job but my personal life; Evan has given me something special and I owe it to him, Cam and me to keep it." She let's what she has just said sink in "I've requested terminal leave"
"Which you have been on for 2 weeks, with 2 weeks left, you owe the Air Force nothing and we owe you nothing" states Landry
"Thank you sir, I have come back to collect my personal effects and hand in the keys to my accommodation" Landry nods "And I have some news" everyone looks up "I'm 14 weeks pregnant" Daniel and Jonas get up and hug her at the same time
"That's great" exudes Daniel
"Well done" adds Jonas, Carter and Landry look at each other
"You 2 already knew" says Dr Lam
"Yes, I read Kaley's letter, I also had a feeling you would leave the Air Force" Kaley looks sadden not knowing she was that readable, but she was her friend if she couldn't read her who could
"Am I that readable?" she asks out loud
"No, I've seen it before" she says quietly "I'm just glad you have found someone to make you happy"
"Thank you Col, in fact I was wondering if you would be a godmother?" Carter's face lights up
"Thank you, but under 1 condition?" asks Carter
"What"
"You call me Sam which you seemed to manage ok on occasion"
"Okay, Sam would you be a Godmother to my child?"
"Yes Kaley I will" Jack walks in to the briefing room
"Hello campers" he greets
"Jack!" cries Carter running to him "God I've missed you" he wraps his arms around her
"You to" she stands beside him arm around his waist "Sorry to be losing you Lt"
"Thank you sir, but it is Dr Beckett's gain"
"And Dr Weir's, they are good people doing a hard job, they need the best" O'Neill adds
"And does that include Major Lorne?" knowing that Daniel didn't really get on with him, especially since the mining operation under Col Edwards 4 years ago
"Yes, that does, and it is his gain getting a beautiful intelligent loving woman"
"Hey" Carter playful hits him in the chest
"Well Mitchell and I discussed manly things, like Sam said it is Jack from here on in"
"Thank you... ... Jack"
"This calls for a party complete with cake!" everyone laughs, the General's normal response.
"You and your cake" prods Sam
"Nice to see marriage hasn't dampened your relationship" notes Kaley
"Not a bit" says O'Neill "So SG-1 are off Mon/Tues so party at my place Monday afternoon say 3pm?" they all nod in agreement "Bring partners folks and wine" everyone disperses from the briefing room, O'Neill catches Kaley
"Kaley"
"Jack"
"Pack an overnight bag for Monday" she looks at him confused "stay the night, I have a feeling that the party will finish late, the road down isn't the easiest, and besides the outdoors is nice, you can discuss things if you want to"
"Thank you I will" she heads off to her quarters
Jack's Cabin Monday
Monday afternoon, Hank, Carolyn, Sam, Jack, Daniel, Sarah, Jonas, Kyanna, Teal'c and Kaley are all seated around 2 large tables at Jack's cabin
"Right folks, I hope everyone left their ranks at the door, I left mine on base" Jack staring the afternoon with some light humour "A toast, firstly to Lt-Col Cameron Mitchell; thank you for saving the galaxy, you were an honourable brave man and very much missed" everyone raises their glasses
"To Cam" they toast together, there is a small pause for reflection
"A 2nd to Kaley, Evan and their baby, I hope you are happy and have many years together, to half of the happy couple"
"They aren't getting married yet Jack!" cries Sam
"I know, but having a kid means you need to stick together"
"Can't argue with that I suppose" she mumbles
"To the happy couple" toasts the group
"Right, Hank, a hand with the BBQ if you please" he obliges by getting up and following Jack to the grill. 45 minutes later Hank and Jack have produced a marvellous feast consisting of corn on the cob, ribs, chicken, loin steaks and salad
"So, how do you plan on getting baby bits?" asks Sarah Gardener "Going to be difficult there isn't any places in Pegasus"
"You know I don't know" she thinks "I suppose I'll have to make a few trips back before it's born"
"If you send us a list we'll get some of it sent to Atlantis for you" offers Jack "I should know better than most of them here" he whispers
"Thank you" replies Kaley in a small voice, Sam and Daniel know how hard it is for Jack to admit that.
"Well let's think, crib, stroller, bottles, clothes, diapers, toys" starts Carolyn
"Bigger clothes for me" adds Kaley "god there is so much"
"Yep, but it is really worth it?" asks Jonas earning him a playful punch from Kyanna "Yeah I was joking"
The evening carries on with its light heartedness until every late, everyone starts saying their goodbyes and getting into their cars; Kaley stands on the front porch watching all the tail lights disappear
"Let me show you the guest room" offers Sam, walking back into the house Sam shows her a room on the ground floor with a double bed looking out over the pond "sleep well" wishes Sam
"Thanks" she smiles "Sam" she turns round "can we talk?"
"Of course" they sit on the bed
"I can't believe this has happened"
"What's happened?" asks a confused Sam
"The way my life has played out, finding Cam loosing him and now finding Evan and starting all over again"
"Without the death blip" corrects Sam "Everything is part of a greater plan, it will work itself out"
"I guess, but did it have to take away the man I love?"
"It is cruel twist, everyone has to bear one and it always happens to the nice kind people of the world" Sam stands up and leaves Kaley to get to bed
The next morning Kaley looks at the clock 08.00, she had heard some movement earlier but had drifted back to sleep, the sun shone brightly so she decided to get up, as she enters the kitchen a voice says
"Morning" looking startled she turns and sees Sam "Can I get you anything?" she offers
"Coffee please" looking round the kitchen it was plain and simple, Sam poured her a cup "Where's Jack?"
"Still in bed, lazy git; have a seat" they sit together at the table "you look happier this morning Kaley, you know Major Lorne really has brought you out of your shell" she blushes "What would you like for breakfast?"
"Do you have pancakes?" Sam gets up
"I was just thinking that" calls voice from behind
"Morning sleepy" jokes Sam "So pancakes for 3?" Kaley smiles
"Thank you for letting me stay last night"
"Not a problem, so have you emptied your accommodation?" enquires Sam
"Just a few boxes left, a couple for storage on base, 1 or 2 to take to Atlantis"
"Well we'll help you move them" informs Jack; Kaley started to talk about how they had been good enough already "In your condition just except the help"
"Then thank you"
That afternoon Kaley, Jack and Sam enter her base quarters, each place 2 boxes in the corner, and Kaley dumps a rucksack
"What is staying on base?" enquires Sam
"The 2 that you brought down, I don't have a need for what is them. The other 2 contain items like photos, clothes, other small personal items. Atlantis provide uniform, towels, bedding so it is just specific items"
"There still a limit to the amount of personal items"
"I know I'm not sure to the total limit, I don't think exceeding it" O'Neill looks round the room, he picks up box
"Acrylic paints" he reads "Major Lorne?"
"Yes, and other small items for various people" he moves along
"Golf balls"
"Col Sheppard" she laughs "He hits balls off a pier into the ocean, so losses them" Kaley pauses "Could you do me a favour?"
"I'll try" says Carter
"Could you visit Cam from time to time, put fresh flowers down" her voice faltering
"Of course, he saved everyone, so he deserves it" Carter hugs her
"I'm glad I went to see him, explain everything to him"
"I know and he'd be glad"
SGC gate room
SGC gate room Wednesday at 13.00, there is a group of 25 people in Atlantis uniforms looking quite nervous, Kaley stands away from them with her rucksack and trolley with her boxes, SG-1 and Landry enter
"Safe trip" says Jonas
"Keep in touch" asks Daniel
"Of course I will, hopefully you get to come and explore the database for yourself" Daniel smiles, O'Neill enters holding a box, he comes over to Kaley
"Keep him safe" he says as he hugs her
"I will, always" he slides the box into her rucksack, Walter dialling the gate "I can't believe she didn't want it"
"Well it is tough" the gate opens making the group of 25 jump "New meat for Col Sheppard" comments O'Neill, they make their way gingerly up the ramp and walk through "Bye Kaley"
"Bye" she follows the last few up to the gate, turns to take one last look at SG-1, her extended family and with a heavy heart walks through.