Ch. 61

(Ext. Cheyenne Mountain, Parking Lot)

The rest of the briefing went unusually. Mostly, the Generals explained to them the situation, while John and Stacey listened, occasionally looking at one another or stealing glances over at Adam and Allison.

John was fuming on the way back up to the surface. He had his arms folded around his chest and had a scowl on his face. Stacey took the keys from John. John didn't say a word until they exited the main gates.

"How could they do this?" he said. "I mean, what about Elizabeth? The moment Dad comes on base, he'll take over, regardless of what his orders are."

"How'd you come up with that?" Stacey asked him reasonably. "He's Base Security. Landry and the I.O.A. didn't assign him to be leader of Atlantis."

John gave a pout.

"Hey, I'm not agreeing with the situation. You're doing just fine handling all of your duties in Atlantis. But, with both kids coming on the base, I need help raising them," Stacey told him.

"Yeah, but, why my dad?" he asked, sighing.

"I don't know," she shook her head.

(Sheppard's Cabin)

They were back at home now. When they got home Stacey put Adam down for a nap. Allison and John played a small football game, one on one, around the large grassy area. Stacey peeked through the window looking out onto the yard. She giggled as Allison tried to tackle him down, but ended up hanging around his neck. John ran around the yard with Allie hanging on tightly, not wanting to let go. This was John's way of venting his frustration. And this was a healthy way of doing so.

It would be interesting, to say the least, on how his father will behave in Atlantis. The Atlantis expedition had become family over the past year, just has SG-1 had become family to Stacey. And poor Elizabeth. She must be fuming, as well. How intimidating would it be to have a General watch over you? That's when it hit Stacey: the I.O.A. had finally assigned a watch dog for Atlantis. A little far fetched. But, look what they do for a living? She, personally, thought it would be Woolsey. He must be too busy watching over the SGC.

(SGC, Weight Room)

It was four days later after the most shocking briefing's John and Stacey have ever attended. And, by now, they've been present in many strange briefings.

John had decided to stay home with the kids. To get in some well needed alone time with them. Stacey decided to work of her frustration on the punching bag. Even with her feral abilities out of whack, she proved that the bag was no match for her. Her hair was braided in one large braid that hung all the way down her back and about an inch from touching her butt. She was to busy to hear Teal'c enter.

"You have become quit the warrior, Stacey Grayson," he said.

Teal'c's presence surprised her. She had preformed a leaping kick-jump. But, missed the punching bag by an inch and fell to the floor on her side. Stacey looked up at him, and gave a sheepish grin. Teal'c extended his large arm. She took it and he easily lifted her up, with a slight grin on his face.

"Guess, there's still room for improvement, huh?" Stacey told him, with a sheepish grin.

Teal'c bowed slightly, still grinning, "Indeed."

"And, actually, I changed my last name. It's Sheppard now," Stacey told him. " The only reason I had a different last name was just in case John and I would be assigned at the same post. But, now . . . The Air Force knows we're married now, so, why bother?"

Stacey went over to the nearby bench and grabbed her towel. She wiped her sweat of her face. Stacey sat down on the bench and drank from her water bottle. She motioned Teal'c to sit down beside her. He did.

"So, anything you need, Teal'c? Or did you just come by to compliment me on my fighting skills?" she asked.

"I have come to ask you whether you'd like to Kel-nor-eem with me tonight," he told her.

"That would be nice," Stacey wiped the back of her neck. "Hey, would it be ok if I bring Allie along? It would help her control her healing ability."

Teal'c gave a slight nod, "I agree."

Stacey sighed as she leaned back and rested her head on the wall behind her, looking up at the ceiling.

"Is there anything on your mind, Stacey Sheppard?" Teal'c asked.

"How long has it been since I was assigned as Janet's second-in-command?" Stacey asked him, not at all ignoring Teal'c's question.

"Eight years and six months, I believe. Why do you ask?" he answered her.

"That's what I thought. I just can't believe it's been that long," Stacey looked over at him. "Well, I'm off to the showers. See you tonight, Teal'c."

With that, Stacey got up and collected her things. On her way to the showers, she threw her sweaty towel into the dirty towel pile and grabbed a new, fresh one.

To be continued . . .