The Best-Laid Plans – Chapter 17

Author's Notes – Refer to Chapter 1 for all the thank yous. I've really appreciated everyone that has read this so far. Reviews are always appreciated.

Disclaimer – Refer to Chapter 1

After they were gone, Ev went to speak with Stacia. Motioning to the bed, he asked, "Okay, what's the deal? You don't need to sugar-coat it for me. The pain in her head looked really bad. I can't imagine what it made her feel like."

Stacia responded, "Well, if I understand the reference correctly, you want the truth. I can do that. I believe there is some damage. Your mate is going to have a long hard road, and there is no guarantee she will ever have everything back."

A look of sorrow appeared on Ev's face which was almost immediately replaced by a look of determination. "You mentioned earlier about the special doctors on Altera. Do you really think they could help Missy?"

"I do."

Everett took a deep breath. "Okay, I need to speak with Commander Aurelius. Can you…."

A voice interrupted him. It was the commander who was standing with General O'Neill and Dr. Jackson. "You need to speak with me, Colonel?"

"Yes, but you couldn't have known I needed to speak with you. Why are you here?"

Gaius motioned to Jack and Daniel. "We wanted to check on how your mate was doing and to let you know the prisoners will be transported shortly. Did she wake up?"

"She did." He turned to where TJ was sitting with Missy and quietly talking with her. "She had bad pains in her head, and her speech was very hesitant like she had to think of what to say. Dr. Giovanni was saying she thought there might be some kind of damage."

"I am so sorry, Everett," said O'Neill. "We will make sure Missy has the best doctors when we get everyone home."

"Thank you, Sir." He looked over at the commander. "There was a reason I needed to speak with you though."

"I gathered that," said Gaius. "I was going to tell you that I thought it was time for truth-telling. Once they know the truth, they will know your decision is the correct one."

The other two men looked at Ev and Gaius curiously with Jack saying, "What are you talking about?"

"I've come to a decision, and I think once you hear the whole story, you will understand why I need to do this."

"Go on."

"Did you wonder how the Alterans knew where to find us?"

"The thought had crossed my mind."

"Well, it goes something like this." Everett began the story of when he and Melissa had first discovered their true Alteran origins. He told of the appearance of David and an older version of their daughter right after the crew had first come to the Destiny and how they had said the Alterans were coming. He also talked about the empathic abilities that they had become more aware of and the appearance of their ascended parents the night before the wedding.

Commander Aurelius added in his comments about how ascended beings had appeared to members of his government and how they had told them of the existence of Destiny and the group from Earth. By the time he had finished telling of how the Caprea was sent on its mission; O'Neill and Jackson were looking at them in shock. O'Neill asked Ev, "And you believe all this?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't you report it?"

The younger man motioned around the infirmary. "Do you have to ask that, Sir? I had to protect Melissa and our babies. She had already been attacked once before they even appeared. And then Telford attacked her. Sir, I love Missy and our children with every ounce of my being, and I will protect them."

"I understand that. What decision have you come to?"

Everett took a deep breath because he knew his next statement would change his family's lives forever, but he knew in his heart that it was the right decision to make. "Sir, as of now, I resign my commission." He looked at Gaius. "And I accept your offer on behalf of myself and my family."

O'Neill gazed at Aurelius suspiciously. "What offer?"

Gaius spoke up. "My offer for them to travel to Altera with us so his mate can get help from our doctors who are trained in brain injuries. She is Alteran, and I think this would be the wisest course of action for her. I know we will eventually want to exchange ambassadors, and there will also be a role for some of your scientists if they wish to stay."

Stunned silent, it took the general a moment to speak. When he did, he said, "You are right about everything you said, but…." He motioned to Missy's bed. "There's no way she's capable of consenting to that."

A voice came from behind them. It was Cameron Mitchell who had Patti with him. "He's right. She's not capable."

That started a furious argument with everyone in the group putting in their opinions about the matter. Finally, they heard a loud noise from the direction of the beds. It was TJ who yelled, "All of you, shut up!" She had gone to Melissa who was sitting up and trying to talk. "Sir, I think Melissa wants you."

Ev went to his wife and took her hands in his. "What is it, baby? What do you need?"

Looking at him and the others determinedly, Missy replied, "Ev….speaks…for me. Want….to…get help….and…..want…to know…..my heritage. I…..want…this…..for my…..family."

Holding his thumb up, Everett smiled proudly at his wife. "Good job, honey." He kissed her forehead. "I will make sure you get the help you need." He turned back to the others. "I hope this resolves once and for all, Melissa's capability of consenting."

O'Neill stared at him for a long moment before answering. "It does."

"Jack!" protested Patti. Daniel and Cameron also added in their protests.

"Stop it, all of you! I know you all care about her, and from what I just heard, this will be the best thing for her." He walked to the side of Missy's bed and smiled fondly at her, clasping her hand, while speaking to her sister. "Patti, I promised you girls' dad I would look after you when he passed. I'm still concerned about this, but I'm not going to deny her something that might help her. And besides, we're establishing diplomatic relations with the Alterans. We're going to be exchanging personnel back and forth." He looked at Commander Aurelius. "That's correct, right?"

"It is," said Gaius. "Anyone who has the trust of Everett and Melissa is welcome. And, of course, this is up to you, but may I suggest that appointing Everett as your ambassador to our people would be a good way to start."

"I do have input into who is chosen. We will consider it."

The other man nodded, and O'Neill left the infirmary with the others from Earth following him. Once they were gone, Ev sat on the bed with his wife and put his arm around her. "I am very proud of you, Missy." She smiled at him and nestled in the crook of his arm as the others took seats or stood around the bed. Looking around at all of them, Ev said, "Well, I guess I'm not a colonel anymore." He turned to Melissa and softly stroked her cheek. "Don't care though. My main priority is to make sure this one gets all the help she needs."

Gaius warmly smiled at them. "And you will have it. Dr. Giovanni told me she had told you about the special doctors we have on Altera that help with traumatic brain injuries."

"Yes. That's the main reason I decided we would come with you."

Dr. Rush spoke up, "I am glad the lass will be able to get help, but I did have a question."

"What's that, Doctor?"

An uncertain look came over Rush's face. "I was wondering if Linda and I would be considered people that you trust. We had talked about going to Altera if you decided to go. As you know, neither of us have anyone on Earth." He motioned to the next bed where a propped-up Linda was eagerly nodding. "She was just saying how she wanted to help the lass with the babies, and you know I wouldn't pass up a chance to learn more about the Destiny. Will you have us?"

"Of course, I trust you. You saved my son's life, and we would welcome both of you wholeheartedly." He gazed at his wife affectionately. "I know it will help her to have some familiar people around her. You will need to talk to General O'Neill though. I want to make sure he has a running list of those who want to stay."

"I understand, and I'll do so. Thank you."

Another voice came from across the room. It was TJ who was sitting on Mac's bed. "We would like to come too, Sir." Mac weakly smiled as he nodded his agreement.

Everett's eyes opened in surprise. "But, TJ, you have people on Earth. Are you sure?"

"Yes, Sir. I'll miss everyone on Earth, but Mac and our baby are my family now. You and Melissa taught me that."

"That's right," said Mac. "And with that, I have a very important question for you, Tamara."

TJ turned to him, and he took her hands in his. "What is it, Mac?"

"Will you marry me? I love you very much, and I want to spend the rest of my life taking care of you and our child and hopefully more children."

An excited look came over the young medic's face. "Yes, yes, I will." She leaned over and kissed him. "I love you too."

Gaius spoke up. "Congratulations to both of you. I can make arrangements for an Alteran bonding ceremony if you'd like." After he saw them eagerly nod, he continued, speaking to Ev, "Well, including the children, that makes eight so far, that are coming with us. Do you know how big General O'Neill will want the first group to be?"

"I'm not sure," replied Everett, "But I'm thinking there will probably roles for scientific and military personnel. Except for the people who worked with the IOA, I would welcome anyone on this ship. Dr. Rush could tell you the best scientists, and for anyone coming from Earth, I believe they would be thoroughly vetted. At least, I intend for them to be."

"I think that is appropriate."

They heard a voice from the entrance to the infirmary. It was Ronald Greer who was with Eli, Chloe, and Lieutenant Scott. "There'll be one more if you'll have me, Sir. I heard Colonel Telford talking in the Mess. He intends to make sure I never work in the stargate program again once we get back to Earth." He shrugged his shoulders. "I like being in space, and I would much prefer to stay at your side. Besides, after the conversation we…" He motioned to the others who had just come in. "Just had in the hallway, my namesake, well..." He pointed to Scott. "Our namesake will need someone to look after him. Will you have me?"

Ev walked over and shook his hand. "That's not right, Ronald, and of course, we will have you, but there is something the three of you…." He pointed to Ronald, TJ and Mac. "Will need to remember."

"What, Sir?" asked TJ?

"I am not in the military anymore so colonel or sir is no longer appropriate." He went and sat back with Missy on the bed, putting his arm around her. "We're a family, an unusual one to be sure, but a family and families usually call one another by their first names."

Melissa spoke up. "That's….right…Ronald. Thank…you…for…..what you…said. I….think of….you…as a brother." She gazed around at the group. "I….think….of…all of….you as…..brothers…and…..sisters."

Walking over to the bed, Chloe gave her a hug. "I think of you as a sister too, Melissa. But…."

Ev noticed the hesitant look on the younger woman's face and the other two men's faces. "You're going back to Earth, Chloe. That's okay. I know you and Eli still have living parents, and I know you, lieutenant, want to stay with her. Doesn't mean you're not part of this family too."

Tears came down Chloe's face. "Thank you, Colonel. Or I guess I could say Everett now." She motioned to Eli and Scott. "We talked in the hallway. I want to change the face of politics and how they deal with the military and the stargate program. I know the sacrifices you all have made now, and I want to bring decency back to Washington. General O'Neill has offered me a position with the IOA, and I'm going to take it."

The group gaped at the young woman in astonishment with TJ saying, "That's great, Chloe!"

"Yes, it is," said Everett with a warm smile. He motioned to Missy who was eagerly nodding. "We're both very proud of you."

Commander Aurelius nodded respectfully. "Miss Armstrong, I am impressed—especially from one so young. You would be welcome on Altera whenever you would like to visit. I can think of a few members of my government who would learn something by talking with you."

"Thank you, Sir," said Chloe.

"You're welcome. Let me go talk to General O'Neill and see what else needs to be done to complete the negotiations." Aurelius nodded at the group and left the infirmary.

Once he had left, Ev said, "Okay let's see what we can do to help move things along. Those of you who are staying need to let General O'Neill know, and Dr. Rush, I would like you to put in recommendations for scientists who would be good candidates to go to Altera."

"I can do that, Colonel," said Nicholas. "Wait a minute; I guess I should call you Everett now."

The other man grinned. "Yep."

"Well, only if you call me Nicholas."

"I can do that." He pointed to the baby bed. "You never said what you wanted the babies to call you. Have you thought about it?"

Gazing over at Linda fondly, the scientist said, "Well, Linda told me she had requested the title of grandma. I know I'm not a whole lot older than you, but maybe….grandpa would work." He glanced at the new parents hopefully.

Melissa tugged on Ev's sleeve and when he turned to her, he saw her smile and say, "I…..approve."

"I do too," said her husband.

With that, everyone who was healthy headed out, and Lieutenant Scott handed out assignments to different personnel to facilitate the transfers of people back to Earth and for supplies to be delivered to the ship for people who were staying. It was decided that the first group going to Altera would be a small one with more people coming after the Caprea and the Destiny had reached the planet and after General O'Neill had had the chance to reorganize the IOA and Homeworld Command. Everett was appointed the official ambassador to Altera with Dr. Rush being the chief scientist of the Earth delegation. Arrangements were made for the group that was staying to be moved into quarters on the Caprea since Commander Aurelius had decided to have his ship's engines linked in tandem with the Destiny's so they could travel together through space. During the week it took for the negotiations to be completed, the people who had been injured in the infirmary shooting had more time to heal. Melissa though made very slow progress as she was healing from her injuries as well as from the birth of her children. Dr. Giovanni determined that the damage she had sustained was mainly in her language processing center, and she and Specialist Gemini began therapy with her as well as having her share feedings of the children with the specialist.

It was decided to have a going-away party for all the Earth bound personnel the night before everyone was due to leave. About an hour before it was due to start, Everett walked back into the infirmary to see Missy carefully walking to the baby bed with Matthew in her arms. She placed him on the bed and then turned to her husband in excitement. "Did….you…see! Did…you…..see! I did….that…all by…myself. And…..I…fed him….too!"

Taking her in his arms, Ev hugged and kissed her and then said, "I did see that, honey. Great job!" He turned to Christiana and Stacia. "Looks like things are going well here."

"They are," said Stacia. "She did have a couple of headaches though."

Melissa pursed her lips and pouted. "Weren't….supposed…to….say…that…Stacia. I…want…..to…go to….party." A piercing pain went through her head, and she attempted to let go of Everett so she could massage her temples.

Grabbing her hands, Everett shook his head. "Uh, uh. Let me." He massaged her temples in motions that had become very familiar to him in the last week. When he felt his wife's body relax, he gently touched her cheek. "Better?"

"Yes…..thank….you." She gave him a pleading look. "You….won't…make me…..stay…here, will….you?"

"No, but it has to be okay with Stacia for you to come."

Melissa turned to the doctor. "Please….they're…..gonna…play….Earth…music."

The other three laughed as Stacia said, "I was going to tell him you could go, Melissa. You do, however, need to go in the hover chair. That way, you'll have a place to sit, especially if the babies need to be fed."

"All right." She turned to Ev. "Is…it…..time to…go?"

"Not quite," said Everett. "I thought I'd come and help you get ready, and we'd go to the Mess and get something to eat."

"Okay."

After he had helped her to get ready, the two of them left for the Mess with the specialist telling them she would bring the children to the party in a little while. When they got to the Mess, they found the group that was going to Altera with them all sitting at one table, and Ev pushed Missy's chair up to it saying, "Hello, are we ready to send the rest of this group back to Earth?"

Airman Becker brought two more rations as Mac replied, "Evening, Sir. I think we are." He noticed the rest of them shaking their heads. "What!"

TJ laid her hand on his shoulder. "You forgot again, Mac. You're not supposed to use sir or colonel anymore."

"That's right," said Greer with a grin. "And only ambassador if we're in public, or you have this overwhelming urge to be formal." The group laughed as at least one of them had repeated the same words to the others many times over the past week.

Lisa Park, who was sitting on the other side of Greer and who had decided to come with them after Ronald had told her how he felt about her, said, "Well, I for one don't have that problem. Hello Everett. Hello Melissa. Melissa, you look more alert today."

Warmly smiling at her friend, Missy replied, "I….think…I am…..Lisa. I…..carried…..Matthew…by….myself, and…..I…..just…had a…few….headaches."

The other woman's eyes lit up with pleasure. "That's great!" She motioned to the sling on her arm. "I will be really glad when this can come off. It's still pretty sore."

"I….hope it…..comes…off….soon too."

Continuing to eat, the group had a pleasant time talking and laughing. Mac, who had also come to the Mess in a hover chair, motioned to himself, Linda, Missy, and Lisa. "I think we're all going to be in the walking wounded group tonight."

Everett clasped Missy's hand as he replied, "Well, at least, you are all still here. I am very grateful for that."

"I would have to agree," said Dr. Rush with a warm smile.

Everyone finished eating a short time later and headed for the gate room where the party was going to be. Once they had arrived, Ev pushed Missy's chair up to where several chairs had been placed and sat down next to her. He saw General O'Neill and Dr. Jackson approach them and greeted them. "Hello, Sir, Daniel."

"Hello, Ambassador," said O'Neill. "That has such a nice ring to it."

Daniel nudged him. "Well, you know that could have been me."

The other man rolled his eyes. "Down, boy. Yes, you will get to go to Altera, but not yet. I need your help with reorganizing the IOA."

"Yes, I know." He spoke to Melissa. "How are you feeling, Missy?"

"I'm….feeling…okay…..Daniel," said Missy. "Where's….Patti?"

"Oh, she'll be along. She and Cameron were arranging a little surprise."

"Oh, okay."

Members of the Destiny and Caprea's crews and of the Earth delegation made their way into the gate room. Over the past week, the different crews had been able to get to know one another so the conversations were cordial. When it looked like just about everyone was there, General O'Neill called for everyone's attention. "It's nice to see everyone here tonight and to see people healthy. Hope you all have a good time." He gazed at Everett and Commander Aurelius who had walked in. "Do either of you want to say anything?"

Aurelius nodded. "Thank you for inviting us to this gathering. I am looking forward to hearing Earth music."

"You're welcome, Commander." He glanced at Ev. "What about you, Ambassador?"

Standing up to address the crowd, Ev smiled and said, "Glad to see everyone here. Have a good time and enjoy the music."

O'Neill motioned for Sergeant Harper and Eli to start the music, and people resumed their conversations with some of them getting up to dance. He walked back over to where Missy and Ev were talking to some people. "So, have you guys moved over to the Caprea yet?"

"We'll be sleeping over there tonight, and Missy's therapy will start being over there tomorrow."

"Excellent, and that's going well?"

Melissa, who had been following the conversation, said, "Stacia….has…..puzzles…on the…..Caprea. Said….doing…them…would…..help…..my…brain….re….connect. And….I get…to…plant….flowers too." She smiled in triumph that she had gotten all the words out.

Her husband turned to her and smiled. "That's right, baby." He turned back to Jack. "The x-rays indicate there might be some bruising on her brain, but we won't know that until the swelling goes all the way down. She's doing pretty well, but she forgets things a lot. That's why the doctor said this therapy would help. They're also having her practice holding the babies and feeding them too." He clasped her hand. "I'm pleased with the way things are going."

"That's good," said Jack who then moved off to talk with some other people.

Once he had gone, Missy tugged on Ev's sleeve, and he looked over at her. "What is it, honey?"

"Can…we…dance," asked Missy with a hopeful expression? "Just…..once."

Everett gazed at Dr. Giovanni who had just come in. "Is that okay? I don't want to tire her out or anything."

"It should be fine," said Stacia. "Just watch her fatigue level."

"All right." He helped Melissa get out of the chair, and the two of them walked over to the dance floor. Taking her in his arms, they began to slowly sway to the music. He noticed the long braid down her back. "You look pretty tonight, Missy. Did you braid this yourself?"

His wife smiled at him affectionately. "No…..Stacia did. She…saw…me…try….ing…..to and…..said…she….knew….how. Called….it a….saeta braid. Said…..she…would…teach me."

"Very cool." He brought her close to him. "You are so amazing." At her inquisitive look, Everett caressed her cheek and told her, "You bring me so much joy, and you're always happy to see me. Anna was never happy to see me."

Hugging him, Missy said, "Why….wouldn't…..I…be…happy? I….love…you."

"I love you too." They continued to dance.

Meanwhile, Cameron and Patti had entered the gate room with another woman who had long dark hair, looking enough like Patti to be her sister, and was, in fact, her sister, Amanda. Cam gestured to the large expanse of a room and said, "So, we're back where we started from. What do you think, Mandy?"

Mandy replied to Patti, "If this is the kind of thing our little sister has been involved with for the past seven years, I am totally amazed. She never let on at all."

"No, she didn't," said Patti, "But I think that was the point." She noticed
Cam looking at the crowd of dancers. "Who do you see, Cameron?" They followed his gaze and saw Missy dancing with Ev. She put her arm around him. "Are you okay?"

He turned back to her. "Yeah, I think I am. I don't think I told you two. Sam and I went on our first date a few weeks ago. I think I might have the start of something special with her. Anyway, she told me, when I was about to leave, that I needed to come so I could get Missy out of my system, and I think I have."

"What do you mean?"

Cameron gestured to the dancers. "Just look—look at the joy and love they show when they look at each other. I have never seen Everett look like that—not even with Anna, and while I think Missy and I were happy together, she never looked at me like that either. They're meant to be, and I'm okay with that." He gazed back at the sisters. "And I want you to be okay with it too. Hopefully, we can all still be friends."

"Of course," said Mandy who reached over and gave him a hug. "And I think I remember Patti telling me that Missy had said the same thing."

"Yes, she did."

"Well, let's go tell her I'm here." She noticed Everett leading Missy back to the chairs. "I can't wait to see the look on her face."

They walked over to the chairs with Cam and Patti getting in front of Mandy. When they arrived, Patti greeted her sister. "Hi Missy. How are you feeling?"

Melissa smiled at the two of them. "Hi Patti. Hi Cam. I'm….okay. Daniel….said…you…had….surprise."

"Oh, yes." They moved out of the way so Missy could see Mandy.

Her eyes widening, an expression of joy appeared on Missy's face. "Mandy!" She got up to give her a hug. "I'm…glad…..to see you….but how?"

Mandy replied, "I'm glad to see you too, Missy." The newcomers and Melissa sat in the chairs. She pointed at Cameron and Patti. "Thank them. They thought you might like to see me."

Nodding at them, Missy said, "Thank….you."

The three women started talking enthusiastically with one another while Everett took Cam aside. "Thank you. This means a lot to her."

Cameron shook his hand. "Everett, I've told you. I want us to still be friends. Did you tell her about me and Sam?"

"I did. She actually has something for you." He got Missy's attention and said, motioning to Cam, "Honey, did you bring it?"

His wife gazed at him uncomprehendingly for a moment and then realized what he was talking about. "Yes." She took something out of her pocket and dropped it in Cam's hand. Everyone could see that it was a set of wedding rings. Putting her hand on top of his, she told him, "When…you….are…..ready, give…..this to…..Sam. Want…..you to…..be….happy."

Glancing at the rings and then back at his former wife, Cameron squeezed her hand, and, with emotion in his voice, said, "Well, when I give this to Sam, I want you and Everett to come to the wedding. That means you have to be healthy, okay?"

"Okay."

The group continued to talk with one another, visiting with the people who stopped by as well as watching the people who were dancing. A few minutes later, Ev had gone with Commander Aurelius and General O'Neill to another part of the room, and the three were discussing what some of his duties as ambassador were going to be. Ev asked Jack, "Okay, Sir, exactly how are you planning to vet people who come to Altera?"

O'Neill replied, "Well, I already have some of my people working on gutting anyone from the IOA who had a strong association with Strom and his cronies. I'm taking Rush's recommendations for scientists, and anyone who wants to apply for the Altera posting is going to go through a rigorous interview and background check. No one will get through who we don't want to get through."

"Very good."

Walking over to join them, Dr. Jackson heard the last thing that O'Neill said and asked a question of his own. "Commander, we're still going to get access to your historical database, right?"

Aurelius responded, "Of course, Dr. Jackson, and I know our historians will be just as eager to see your database." He turned to the general. "Will our personnel be located near your stargate?"

"They will. There are a lot of people that are looking forward to meeting them."

Nodding with approval, the commander continued, "I know this alliance will be productive for both of our governments. In fact, I received a message the other day that….." His voice trailed off, and the music gradually stopped as they noticed the appearance of three ghost-like figures in the middle of the room.