Chapter 37: More Lose Ends 3
1030Hrs: Promotions...
With everyone seated once again they all waited with bated breath. The only people who knew who was getting promoted were commanding officers and command staff. That left a lot to talk about. However, Major Carter and Col. O'Neill was still the main topic of choice. There was so much money bet on the pair it wasn't funny. A person could go on a European vacation with the money was a common belief.
"ATTENTION!" CMS Harriman belted out once more ending all conversations. Satisfied that he had everyone's attention Walter stepped away from the microphone giving the podium to General Hammond. The General looked around the room again beaming with pride. The people being promoted worked hard to get here. They deserved more than just a promotion.
"At ease everyone. It's my honor to stand here with all of you. We are going to honor several people for their hard work and effort. Many deserve much more than I can give you. I have several meetings and plenty of paperwork waiting for me so I'll keep this brief. I'll borrow a phrase from my 2IC... 'Speeches are for diplomats, honor is for soldiers'. Walter if you'll please start the program." The General ordered. "It would be my pleasure Sir." He answered back with pride. Being Gen. Hammond's right-hand man was an honor he reveled in. Walter called several names having them line up to the left.
Promotions (a/n: I'm just going to list them for I don't know the ceremony)
Corporal Dianna Brun (a German combat scientist) got promoted to sergeant for saving a group of children. SG-27 was exploring a new planet when they happen on a burning village. A group of raiders came in setting a school on fire as a diversion. She ran into the building saving all 24 children.
Private 1st class (PFC) Rovers Gregory (French reverse fist & last name) completed specialized training in heavy weapons. His was new assignment was with SG-18 replacing a medically retired soldier.
Lt. Colonel Joachim Rosenthal took a position on Delta Site (Advanced Weapons testing) as field medic/weapons tester. This left a vacancy on SG-39. Major Henri Gruber got promoted to Lt Colonel. There was much fanfare from his team and Anise/Freya. The snake charmer was moving up the chain of command.
Several others got promoted for various deeds and reasons. That left one last group for promotion.
General Hammond nodded to his 2IC as they both stood up. "I'll take it from here Walter." Colonel O'Neill said to the CMS Harriman. "Yes Sir!" he answered back wondering what was going on. That was the last of the promotions to his knowledge. "Would the following people please step forward...Major Janet 'Napoleon' Frasier." The room erupted into laughter briefly at Jacks antic. George even laughed at his nickname for the CMO. Janet shot him a death glare trying to hide her smile. Truthfully, she did not expect a promotion. Cassie was laughing so hard she fell out of the chair. The marine she said was cute earlier helped Cassie back into the chair causing her to blush.
"Major Samantha Carter and last but never least...CMS Walter Harriman!" Colonel O'Neill stated to the surprise of all three. The two women stood beside Walter wondering why they were on stage. Sam knew that her new position didn't come with a promotion, at least she wasn't told that. Janet had never given thought to further advancement. Being CMO of the base was prestigious for her age. Walter, well he was the most perplexed of the three. He came in and did his job. It's not like he kept the place from falling apart. That was Siler's job.
"Major Janet Ann Frasier, for your dedication and outstanding service President Hayes and the US Air force hereby promote you to Lt. Colonel. Congratulations Lt. Colonel." George said shaking her hand. Jack followed suit giving her a wink. Janet was beside herself never thinking that this was possible. Janet smiled brightly seeing Cassie jump up and down clapping for her.
"Major Samantha Louise Carter, for your hard work and self-sacrifice President Hayes and I are proud to promote you to Lt. Colonel. Also, Lt. Colonel Carter will be heading up the R&D section. She'll also be lead scientist for the base as well. Congratulations Lt. Colonel." General Hammond said with the pride. They shook hands with her promotion complete. Sam was in shock the entire time. Jack shook her hand when she realized this was actually happening. They could pursue a relationship in the open without worry. Without thinking, she threw her arms around his neck kissing him fully on the lips. To her surprise he kissed back pulling her closer. The crowd let out earth shattering cheers along with whoops and hollers. "Ahem...If the two of you will finish can we continue with the ceremony?" the general interrupted with a smile bigger than Texas. "Um...I'm sorry Sir. I don't know what came over me." Sam replied blushing deeply. "My apologies Sir; I just went with the moment." Jack answered not letting go of Lt. Colonel Carters waste. The crowd just laughed more while calculating winners and losers.
The couple parted, going back to parade rest. The smiles on their faces couldn't be hidden unfortunately. Lt. Colonel Frasier discreetly elbowed Sam giving her a hard time. "Chief Master Sergeant Walter Harriman, It is with great pleasure that President Hayes and I to promote you to Command Chief Master Sergeant. With all the event and changes that have taken place and your unwavering dedication, this promotion has been long overdue. Congratulation Command Chief Master Sergeant Harriman." Walter did not expect a promotion. This was beyond any of his wildest dreams, CCMS. He stood tall as General Hammond and Colonel O'Neill pinned the new rank on. They both shook his hand congratulating him once again. The assembled group of civilians and soldiers alike stood giving the three a round of applause. Once it died down the General dismissed everyone.
The KISS initiated by Lt. Colonel Carter spread through the base like wildfire. Within an hour, everyone knew. Anise/Freya grabbed hold of Lt. Colonel Gruber dragging him off to her quarters to properly congratulate him. His teammates just yelled out "Hol ihr Schlangenbeschworer!" (Go get her snake charmer!), leaving for the commissary.
CCMS Harriman just walked in a daze. He couldn't wait to tell his wife. Kelly will be over the moon about his promotion. They were close to adopting a 3yr old girl so the extra money would come in handy. She wasn't able to have children due to a vehicle collision years before. The little girl, Jamie, would make their life complete.
"The possibility that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of the cause we believe just." Abraham Lincoln
0830hrs Monday: Lt. Smiths House...
Jessie Shanahan paced the living room of Lt. Berry Smith. She had received a phone call from her husband. Pete told her about his release early this morning and he was fine. The lawyer that his father secured for him had done an excellent job. He was now headed to her location. They (Jessie & Drae'ma) barely slept at all filled with worry about retribution from the NID. His parents were just as concerned although unaware of the actual danger that their son was in.
Berry graciously put up his friend's wife and parents up for the night. It was the least he could do for his longtime friend. He had the horrible job of informing Pete's parents of what happened. Smith heard what was going down at the airport arriving too late to intervene. All he could do was console Jessie and her new in-laws. His wife, Nichole, was out-of-town with their 4-year-old daughter visiting relatives' in Indianapolis.
A car stopped in front of the house causing both Jessie and Marybeth to pause. They ran to the window catching a car drive of leaving Pete standing there. He watched until it turned left at the intersection. Pete turned around with slumped shoulders walking slowly up to the front door.
Before he reached the door, his wife embraced him with concern. "I was so worried about you love, did THEY hurt you?" Jessie asked cryptically. He hugged her back with as he was a lifeline. "No, they just asked me questions that I had no answers to." He replied. Pete reluctantly let Jessie go to hug his mother.
"I'm so glad your back with us Son." His mother said embracing her son. His father just stood in the doorway with Berry. He looked over at his son's friend and nodded. The two of them went back inside letting the women console Pete. While the women were doing their part, they broke out a case of Coors Light. It was Pete's favorite beer. Berry and his friend's father knew exactly what to do in these situations, get stone faced drunk. Talking can about it could come later.
0907hrs: Air Force Academy Hospital...
The local news with a few national reporters gathered for an update on what had happened on Saturday morning. Among the reporters present was Natalie Thornburg. The podium had the FBI symbol on it with many microphones on it. The reporters were talking about what the announcement could be. Theories talked about but none of them correct except for Natalie's. She kept her thoughts to herself.
One theory from a local newspaper thought that the agent had died from his injuries. Another thought he was still in critical condition. Others believed that the shooter was still at large. They also theorized the shooter had unfinished business with the unnamed agent.
The talking came to an end as FBI Agent Kerry Johnson stepped up to the podium flanked by members of her team. Before she could begin the questions began. "everyone please be patient and I'll answer your questions. Before I can do that I have some information for you." Kerry said getting their undivided attention. "Thank you… The injured FBI agent is in stable condition thanks to Dr. Frasier. He was shot in the right shoulder. The agent hit his head on the ground receiving a minor concussion as well. Dr. Frasier has cleared the agent for transfer to a hospital closer to home. His family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this trying time." She informed the gathered reporters.
Natalie rolled her eyes at Agent Johnson's lie. She knew full well it was a load of bull. The others were eating it up taking notes and recordings. A few asked if they could see the injured agent. What they really wanted was to question him in-depth. Others asked to speak with Dr. Frasier. "Neither Dr. Frasier or the injured agent will be available for comment." Agent Johns responded dryly just wanting to get the press conference over.
"What's the status of Sara Gardner Agent Johnson? Is she being detained along with the supposed assassins? What exactly is her connection to Dr. Jackson?" Natalie asked getting glares from the other reporters. She always could cut to the bone of the matter. Kerry wanted to let out a groan of frustration but held back. The general warned her about Natalie Thornburg. She was a literal thorn in your side. "Ms. Gardner is still in custody and being questioned. The assassins have been already transferred to a high security Air Force brig and interrogated." She replied then continued hoping for an interruption getting none. "Dr. Jackson and Sara Gardner had a previous relationship but separated peacefully. Dr. Jackson had no knowledge of Ms. Gardner's activities until we informed him after the fact." Kerry finished, hopefully, for good. "What does Dr. Jackson do for the air force? I highly doubt he's flying planes." Natalie asked sarcastically getting a few chuckles from her peers. "Dr. Jackson teaches languages to air force personnel. That's all we know given the classified nature of Glass Mountain. That will be all. I have other prisoners and a Ms. Gardner to question. Everyone have a great day." Kerry said then promptly left the podium in a slight hurry. Reporters continued to ask questions despite her leaving. With many groans and complaints came the group dispersed except for Ms. Thornburg. She sat there smiling evilly knowing the truth eventually makes it way out one way or another.
1109hrs: Thor enters the infirmary looking for Janet…
"Hey Thor, is there anything I can do for you?" Sophia asked sweetly. She had a soft spot for the little alien from the beginning, Thor was just too cute. "Sergeant Rogers, it is a pleasure to see you again. I see you got the sport drink out of your hair." He said blankly leaving her speechless. "Did I say something wrong Sergeant Rogers?" Thor asked concerned that he offended her. "No, Thor, you didn't. You just reminded me that Colonel O'Neill owes me a trip to the beauty parlor. Thanks for reminding me!" she replied then promptly went about her duties leaving him perplexed.
Thor shrugged it off as her just being human. He walked over to Dr. Frasier's office knocking loud as he could.
"Daniel, would you see who that is please?" Janet asked her boyfriend sweetly. He opened the door looking around not seeing anyone.
"I'm down here Dr. Jackson." Thor said getting his friend's attention.
"Oh, Hi;Thor, I apologize about that. We didn't expect to see you. Please come in." Daniel gestured towards one of the chairs. He gently placed Thor in one of the chairs then sat himself.
Janet stopped reading a file of one of her petients giving the little alien her attention. "What can we do for you Thor?" he looked at her then Daniel as if in deep thought.
"I have important information to tell you Dr. Frasier. I can tell you another time if you would like to hear it in private." Thor said, giving her the option. Janet looked at Daniel, confused, not sure how to answer that. Honestly it scared the hell out of her.
"Whatever it is you can tell us both; and call me Janet. There's no need for formal titles." She replied trying to hide her nervousness.
Daniel moved over to Janet's side taking her hand in a show of support, suspecting she would need it. This act made Thor curious about human need of comfort.
"…as you wish Dr. Frasier, I mean Janet. While you and the others were sleeping on my ship, I conducted a medical check up on everyone." He started but Janet interrupted him.
"Is Cassandra OK, you didn't find anything wrong did you? Please tell me you didn't!" she pleaded. Daniel tightened his grip letting her know he was still there.
Thor thought for a second then answered. "Young Cassie is in perfect health Janet. She will live a very long and prosperous life. I did find a dormant ATA gene. However, I did not activate it. That is your choice as her mother." He replied like it was nothing earth shattering.
"She's an ATA carrier? That's great news Thor. I'm glad you gave me the choice. I think that Cassie will have the final say in it though. What do you think Indy?" she said relieved it wasn't something bad.
"I agree Red; Cassie should make her own choice." He replied getting a glare for using her pet name in front of someone else.
"Is that all Thor?" she asked with crossed fingers. "It is not Dr… I mean Janet. What I discovered concerns you." He stated firmly. This caused concern for the couple. They had just started dating two weeks ago without telling anyone. Their thoughts went to worst case possibilities.
Janet took a deep breath then asked the dreaded question. She then squeezed Daniel's hand tighter than ever before. "You have nothing to worry about Janet. I found a very small cancer cell in your right breast. It would not have become active for another 4 years." Thor informed the couple. Janet's hands flew to her mouth in shock. Daniel hugged her tight.
"Go ahead Thor, you can continue…" he said quietly rocking Janet.
Thor got confused at their reaction. He hadn't told them the good news. "I isolated the cancer then removed all damaged cells replacing them with new healthy ones. Janet you no longer have cancerous cells in your body." Thor informed them causing Janet to look up from Daniel's shoulder.
"You cured me Thor; I mean… no more cancer at all?" She said even more shocked. "I have Dr. Frasier. It's the least I could do for you. SG-1 wouldn't be here if not for you. For this, we the Asgard owe you a great debt that we will never be able to repay." He said blinking a few times. This news sent Janet into another crying moment making Daniel's wet jacket even wetter.
"I shall leave the two of you alone. I have to meet with Lt. Col. Carter to try a substance called jello." Thor finished.
"Hold on Thor…" Janet replied moving from Daniel's embrace and drying her tears. She walked over then kneeled in front of her little friend. To Thor's surprise Janet hugged him. "Thank you, Thor; you have no idea what you've done for me. Thank you so very much." Thor didn't know how to respond so he just mimicked Daniels actions by patting her shoulder.
"It was not a problem at all Janet." He said confused at her sudden hug. After a minute passed she dried her tears once again then set him on the floor.
"I will see you both at the sermon by Sheppard Book. General Hammond tells me it will be eye-opening." With that said, he left the two humans to themselves with much to ponder.