Ch. 60

(Sheppard's Cabin)

John nearly choked on his piece of pancake. Allison thumped his back harder than normal. Adam giggled. Stacey started digging in her food.

"Landry didn't say anymore," she told her husband through bites. Stacey realized how hungry she was.

After they ate, the usual morning scramble to get ready began. John and Stacey hadn't experienced since John had left for Antarctica. The cabin only had one and a half bathroom, with only one shower/bath. Stacey and John took very quick showers while Allison kept an eye on Adam. It was apparent now, that Allie loved having a younger brother.

John took the huge task of getting Adam cleaned up and ready for the day. As Stacey cleaned up the large mess in the kitchen left by John and Allison's cooking escapades. Allison got herself ready and made her bed.

The car ride to Cheyenne Mountain was quiet. Except for the occasional giggles from the kids in the backseat of the SUV. Both, John and Stacey were wondering what on earth could this be about. General Landry had promised them a week before they'd have to decide on anything.

(SGC, Briefing Room)

The Sheppards entered the room. General Landry sat in his usual seat at the head of the table. Sitting on the side where the window, currently covered by a blast door, was General Hammond, General O'Neill, and, to John and Stacey's surprise, General Sheppard. Stacey and John looked at one another. Jack got up from his seat and went over to great them.

"Uncle Jack!!" Allison jumped up and down excitedly.

"Hey, kiddo!" Jack hugged the 11 year old.

"Allie, take your bother and go play over there." Stacey pointed vaguely over by Walter's desk, when he's not dialing the Gate.

Allison took Adam and his baby bag and walked over to where Stacey had just pointed. Jack ruffled her hair as she walked past him.

"What's this about, Jack?" Stacey asked, John and Stacey sat on the opposite side of the Generals.

"This is about the kids," Jack answered, sitting back down.

John and Stacey folded their arms in front of their chest.

"General Hammond, General O' Neill, and President Hayes seems to think that Atlantis would be a great atmosphere for them. Especially since they have both the Ancient Healing gene and the ATA genes," General Landry told them.

Okay, I defiantly wasn't expecting this, John thought. He glanced over to Stacey. She had her mouth wide open. Hey, he would have too, if he wasn't in the presence of three USAF General's and his father. General Sheppard eyes his son and daughter-in-law closely.

"Well . . . ." Stacey stammered, looking at all three general's. "Ummm . . ."

"I'd say we saw this coming. But, then I'd be lying," John spoke.

Stacey finally found her words, "Yeah, I'd thought we'd have to fight for the kids to come to . . . Atlantis." She paused, looked at General Sheppard and asked him, "Wait, have you been given security clearance, Jeff?"

"Yeah, I was just given it this morning," he told her.

"May I ask why, sirs?" John asked.

"General Sheppard will be Atlantis' new military commander," Hammond informed her.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me?!" Stacey said under her breathe.

To be continued . . .