Fourth year, A.F Academy.
After Daniel was gone or ascended as the other SG1 members called it, it took some time for Willow and the members of SG1 to get used to Jonas' presence. Eventually, he became a valuable member of the SGC who was able to continue Dr. Jackson's work. In this final year at the Academy Willow had learned more about the race who created the Stargates, the Ancients; the Asgard, although she was still hoping to meet one of them soon; was briefed on the appearance of a new Gua'uld system lord called Anubis by Jonas and Major Carter and was even thought by Colonel O'Neill to fly the new F-302 space superiority fighter. Colonel O'Neill was impressed at how fast she was learning to fly the new fighter. He trained her a few times every week until she could fly the 'Black Bat', as she called it, in her sleep. Teal'c continued training Willow in more advanced techniques in both armed and unarmed combat. In addition to combat training, Teal'c helped Willow in meditation techniques and sometimes she would join him for a few hours while he was doing the Kelno'reem.
A few weeks before the graduation ceremony, General Hammond and Colonel O'Neill had called Willow back to the SGC to talk to her about some issues. As she was taking the elevator down to General Hammond's office, she was wondering what this issue could be. Hopefully it wasn't something that was really bad.
"Come in" said General Hammond from behind his door.
"General Hammond, Colonel O'Neill, you wanted to see me?" said Willow as she saluted her superiors.
"At ease Cadet, take a seat" replied the General.
"Hiya Red, I know you're excited about graduating and all but General Hammond and I have some news for you. Although I don't know how you're going to take it, I think you should hear him out" said the Colonel in a somber voice that had Willow a little worried. She was wondering what could have happened. She started imagining something happening to Xander, Buffy or her parents.
"Cadet Rosenberg, are you aware of the request Colonel O'Neill made in regards to your inclusion into SG1?" asked the General.
"Umm.. Yes… Sir" replied Willow, sounding a bit worried. She started thinking that maybe she failed to make it into the SGC's flagship team.
"Well, I have some news for you" said General Hammond sadly.
"I am so sorry, Red," Colonel O'Neill interrupted.
Willow was stunned. She was happy to be a part of the SGC travelling to other worlds but she wanted to do it with SG1. She quickly composed herself thinking that it would be alright to prove herself with any of the other teams.
"General, do you mind if I tell her?" asked Colonel O'Neill, interrupting Willow's thoughts.
"Go ahead Colonel" replied General Hammond.
"Willow, I am really sorry but…." Said the Colonel as he sat down beside her and held her hands, "You're going to be stuck with me and the others in SG1 for awhile" he continued as he smiled.
"Congratulations young lady, you aced all your classes and we are very impressed at how much you have improved these past few years. Teal'c and Major Carter have also given you high recommendations. Your ability to learn fast and apply yourself has also gone in your favor" General Hammond said smiling.
"Uh Sir, about that other thing?" said the Colonel.
"Oh yes, when you start after graduation, you will be going through the Stargate on your first official mission with SG1 as a Second Lieutenant. We feel that because of your efforts and rapid improvements, you earned it. Congratulations" replied General Hammond.
Willow was still very much stunned. At first, she thought that she was going to be put into another team altogether but now she learnt that it was all an act and that she had actually made it into SG1. She really didn't know what to do since there was a part of her that was nervous while another part was genuinely excited. She then looked up and saw the smiles on the faces of General Hammond and Colonel O'Neill, and she knew what to do.
"General, permission to give you and the Colonel a hug?" a beaming Willow said.
"Granted" both of the officers answered.
"Thank you so much" said Willow as she hugged both the General and the Colonel.
"Congratulations, Willow" said Major Carter who appeared along with Jonas and Teal'c behind her.
"Thank you so much, Major" replied Willow as she hugged her.
"Welcome to SG1, Willow" said Jonas.
"Willow Rosenberg, it would be an honor to fight alongside you in the field of battle" said Teal'c.
"Alright everyone, let's go get some cake" said Colonel O'Neill smiling and rubbing his hands together.
"And some blue jello" said Major Carter smiling.
"You all go ahead; I still have a lot of paperwork to go through. Congratulations Lieutenant Rosenberg, welcome officially to the SGC" said General Hammond.
"Thank you, Sir" she said as she saluted the General.
Willow was simply beaming as she and the other members of SG1 went out for some cake.
A.F Academy, Graduation Day.
This was the day that the soon-to-be Lieutenant Willow Rosenberg was waiting for. After four long years, she would be going on her first official mission a few days after the ceremony. Major Carter had already helped her to get an apartment so that she would not have to stay at the base.
That morning, she left with Major Carter and Colonel O'Neill for the graduation ceremony. She met up with Teal'c, Jonas, Janet and Cassandra Frasier at the stadium where the graduation would be held. But she hasn't been able to see Buffy or the Scoobies anywhere.
"Alright Willow, we'll be going to our seats, see you after the ceremony" said Major Carter.
"Sure, thanks for coming" said Willow smiling.
"Willow Rosenberg, undomesticated equines would not keep us away" said Teal'c.
"Again T, its Wild horses, wild horses" said Colonel O'Neill looking at Teal'c.
"Indeed" replied Teal'c.
"Willow, are your parents and your friends here?" asked Dr. Frasier.
"I think so, they should be here somewhere. We already picked a place to meet after the ceremony. I'd really love it if they could meet you guys" said Willow.
"Of course, we would love to" said Major Carter.
"Alright kiddo, time to graduate. We'll meet you at the designated meeting place" said Colonel O'Neill.
A while later, Willow's name was called and she went up to received the piece of paper that indicated she graduated with honors. As she received her degree, she heard SG1 screaming her name. Two hours later, she met with her new team at the meeting place.
"Congratulations Willow, we're all proud of you" said Major Carter smiling,
"Willow!", Willow turned around to a familiar voice shouting her name. Her heart jumped when she saw Xander running towards her with Dawn following him at a distance.
"Hey Xander, I've missed you so much. Oh sorry, please meet the people I'll be working with. This is Colonel Jack O'Neill, Major Samantha Carter, Jonas Quinn, Murray, Dr. Janet and Cassandra Frasier" said Willow as she introduced her oldest friends to her new friends and superior officers, "Guys, these are two of my friends from Sunnydale. This is Xander Harris and this young lady is Dawn Summers" said Willow as she finished introductions.
"Hello Xander, Dawn. It's really nice to meet Willow's friends from Sunnydale" said Major Carter.
"Willow Rosenberg, are your parents not coming today?" asked Teal'c/Murray.
"No Murray, I thought they would be able to come but I received a message an hour ago during the ceremony saying that they had a very important engagement they couldn't postpone today in New York" said Willow sadly.
"Sorry to hear that Willow. They're missing out on your big day" said Jonas trying to make Willow smile.
"Anyway Red, you go catch with your friends. I'm sure you don't want us oldies around here" said Colonel O'Neill as he turned to walk back to his car with SG1.
"Speak for yourself Uncle Jack. I'm still young" said Cassandra as she stuck her tongue out at the Colonel, "See you at Uncle Jack's house, Willow" she continued as she followed Colonel O'Neill and her mother back to the parking area.
"Enjoy your reunion with your friends Willow, see you tonight at Colonel O'Neill's house" said Major Carter smiling as she waved at Willow.
The three SG1 members then piled into the Colonels truck and headed back to the SGC for a day of report writing and artifact examinations. Willow waved at the team and then turned facing Xander and Dawn.
"Thank you guys for coming" said Willow to Xander and Dawn.
"Umm.. Where's Buffy and the others?" asked Willow as she released Dawn from her hug.
"Well, a case just popped up and Buffy wanted to stay in Sunnydale with the gang to handle it. You know how it goes" said Xander.
"Yea, I guess. Listen lets go for some lunch, we've got a lot to catch up on" said Willow as she grabbed both Xander's and Dawn's hands.
"Willow, while we're immensely happy that you finished school and everything, there is another reason we came today" said Xander as he and Dawn walked with Willow towards the cafeteria.
"Willow, although Buffy would never say it, I think she needs your help for something Giles and Tara feel is coming" said Dawn interrupting Xander, "We're recruiting as many magic users as possible to face this thing. Giles is even recruiting and training some potential slayers. Buffy, Faith and Spike are helping with the training as well. We need you back in Sunnydale to help train the new magic users" she continued.
"But you guys do realize that I haven't used any magic in the last four years. I think I may be out of practice" said Willow as she stopped walking.
"You're still one of the powerful witches we know. You even managed to re-soul Angel, and that kind of magic requires a powerful witch. So come back with us. You proved yourself to Buffy, Xander, me and the other Scoobies that you can handle yourself" replied Dawn.
"I'm sorry you guys. But I can't leave, I've made a new life here with finishing school and all; and I even have a fantastic job waiting for me" said Willow
"Willow, this is more important than any job" said Xander trying to convince Willow.
"I'm sorry Xander" said Willow.
"What's so important that you can't help your friends Willow? What are you doing here anyway?" asked Dawn getting a bit annoyed.
"I'll be working with Deep Space Radar Telemetry. I'll be helping to design the next Mars rover, and it's a pretty big deal" said Willow.
"Who cares about that Willow!" hissed Dawn, "It's just a rover, and this fight we're getting prepared for has the possibility of saving so many lives. You can do this whole rover thing later. Let's go back" said Dawn getting angrier by the minute.
"Listen Xander, Dawn I'm not going back and that's final. Please respect my decision" said Willow who was getting increasingly annoyed.
"Are you absolutely sure Willow?" said Xander before mentally kicking himself, 'how could I forget? She can't. She needs to serve a few tours before she…' Xander remembered his Army training during Halloween a few years back and was about to say that Willow couldn't join them even if she wanted to when Dawn interjected..
"Buffy was wrong about you Willow" Dawn scowled, "When she came back to us, she sat me down and explained that she thought what you did was the right thing. She said that you wanted to leave Sunnydale to make something of yourself and she was glad that you succeeded. But from what I see now, you not wanting to help us even after what we've told you, makes me think that you are just a coward. I think that you ran away from Sunnydale because you were afraid. Anyway if we don't do this, many people may die. Who's going to die while designing rovers for some Deep Space Telemetry crap!" said Dawn angrily.
"Dawn I'm sorry, I won't be going with you back to Sunnydale" said Willow folding her arms across her chest, as she looked into Dawn's eyes in anger, "I have a life here and I don't want to leave it. Besides, you guys don't need me. You've got Tara, Giles, Spike and Buffy. I have every confidence you'll be able to handle whatever's coming" she continued.
"Let's go back Xander, since she doesn't want to go, it'll be a waste of time staying here" said Dawn turning around.
"I should have remembered the Army stuff earlier, Will," Xander whispered in the redhead's ear after pulling her in for a hug.
"Sure, goodbye my friend, take care of Buffy and Dawn will you?" Willow replied in a gentle voice.
"Will do" replied Xander pulling back before he turned around and walked away together with Dawn.
"Hello Willow" said a familiar voice that made Willow turn around smiling.
"Hi Daniel, nice of you to visit us lowers" she said as she smiled and hugged her friend.
"Congratulations on graduating and joining SG1, Lieutenant Rosenberg" said Daniel giving her a mock salute.
"Thank you. Wait, how did you know about me becoming a lieutenant and joining SG1?" asked Willow.
"I've been around, checking up on everyone" he replied.
"Well, as long as you don't see me changing or anything" joked Willow until she saw his face, "You don't watch me changing right? Daniel?" said Willow nervously.
"No, no, no. I'm not some pervert" said Daniel laughing, "Anyway, are you sure about not going back to Sunnydale to help your friends?" he continued.
"Yes, I am. I think that they'll be able to handle anything without me" Willow replied smiling.
"As long as you have no regrets" said Daniel.
"No regrets at all" replied Willow as she stood tall with confidence.
"Well Willow, I have to get going now. I'm really not supposed to be here for long anyway" he said.
"Are you doing alright? You know, up there" she said pointing upwards.
"Yes" said Daniel, "Congratulations again Willow. I think everything will be ok" he said smiling.
TBC