Silver Creek, Minnesota, General O'Neill's Cabin. The next day, 0700 hours.
Willow awoke on the pull out futon next to Faith, who was still sleeping soundly, to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. As she peeked over the back of the futon, the redhead saw the top of a certain grey haired General walking around in the kitchen. Rubbing her eyes, Willow discreetly kissed Faith's shoulder before slowly getting up so as not to disturb the sleeping Slayer.
"Morning Sir" whispered Willow as she sat at the edge of the Futon and placed her feet into a pair of fuzzy slippers.
"Morning" said the General as he motioned for the redhead to take a seat at the kitchen counter, "sorry, did I wake you up?"
"No Sir" said Willow as she stood up in an Air Force T-shirt and a pair of shorts and walked towards the table near the kitchen, "I'm usually up by this time, Faith usually sleeps for another two hours or so."
"Ah" said the General as he poured Willow a cup of coffee before handing it to her.
"Yep" replied Willow as she took the cup and sat down across from the General, "how come you're up so early, Sir?"
"Well" said the General, "I've got some groceries to do from the nearby farmers market, it's better to get there early before all the good stuff is gone."
"Cool" said Willow, "need any help, Sir?"
"Sure" replied the General, "unless you wanna sleep in some more."
"Nah" said Willow, "Daniel and Teal'c still sleeping?"
"Yup" said the General as he looked back at the room right next to his, "Daniel snores through the wall, I tell you. You're lucky you and Faith were sleeping out here…. Oh, it didn't get too cold did it?"
"No, Sir" said Willow, "the fire in the fireplace was perfect."
"Good" said the General as he took another sip of his coffee.
"Anyway" said Willow with a grin, "even if it was too cold, me and Faith would have…."
"I don't wanna know, Red" said the General as he put his fingers into his ears.
"Yes, Sir" giggled Willow.
"No giggling, Red" said the General.
"Of course, Sir" replied Willow as she brought her finger over her lips.
"How about you finish the coffee and then go freshen up?" said the General, "I'm ready to go, so once you're done, we can get doing. We'll be back by the time these guys get up."
"Alright, Sir" said Willow, "are you making your world famous omelettes?"
"Maybe" grinned the General.
"Cool" said Willow as she stood up after drinking the last of the coffee in her cup, before she grabbed a change of clothes and went into the restroom to change. It took her twenty minutes before she came out with her clothes changed and her hair in a ponytail.
"I'm ready, Sir" said Willow.
"Let's go then" replied the General as he led Willow out the door, which she locked, and into his truck.
Colonel Carter's Residence, Colorado Springs. At that same time.
"Hey babe" said Pete as he put his arms around the Colonel's waist and kissed her neck, "good night last night, huh?"
"Which one?" asked the Colonel as she turned her head and looked at Pete, "do you mean the awkward moments at dinner with your cousins or the argument I had with your mother?"
"They didn't mean it Sam" said Pete, "my cousins really aren't that in the know about the Air Force, plus they have this thing about the military.. so.. yeah… I mean I'm not trying to make an excuse for them but just give them some time."
"Pete" said the Colonel, "they suggested I give up my career to stay home…. And cook."
"They' still have that old fashioned way of thinking" said Pete as he caressed the Colonel's cheek, "I mean, Matt's always insisted that Maggie stay at home with the kids and she's been ok with that. I guess they thought that everyone subscribes to their way of thinking."
"Then there's your mother" said the Colonel, "I mean… ok, your dad is alright but your mom hates me."
"She doesn't hate you" said Pete as he slowly sat up in bed, "she's just a bit overprotective."
"Seriously?" said the Colonel, "she said that she hopes I get lost in space whenever I go on the space shuttle."
"She was just kidding" laughed Pete.
"Pete" said the Colonel.
"Look, Sam" said Pete, "just give them more time to get to know you, and honestly, they love you very much… although they may not show it."
"Right" said the Colonel as she got up from bed and stretched her body.
"Actually" said Pete, "one thing my mother said got me thinking."
"Which is?" asked the Colonel as she began to brush her teeth.
"Well" said Pete, "I know they don't know about the Stargate and what you really do, but they do think that you get deployed to any far off country at the drop of a hat."
"OK" said the Colonel.
"Couldn't you still keep your career and, I don't know, teach at the Academy or something?" asked Pete.
"Pete" said the Colonel after she rinsed her mouth and walked back into the bedroom, "we talked about this, you said you were alright with me going through the Gate."
"I am" said Pete, "but you have to admit that going through the Gate runs the risk of you not coming home. Maybe for days, weeks or, and I shudder to think this even, ever. What happens when we have kids? I don't want our son or daughter to have a life without a mother."
"Do you want me to give up Gate travel?" asked the Colonel.
"No" said Pete, "I don't want you to give it up, I'm just asking that you consider going into a safer role. I mean, you can still be at the SGC and keep your rank… but just work on scientific stuff, right?"
"Yeah" said the Colonel, "but….."
"That's good, right?" asked Pete as he stepped towards the Colonel and wrapped his arms around her waist, "I mean it won't affect your rank… and you'll be safe."
"That would mean I'm essentially stuck in one place" said Colonel Carter, "I mean, I can ask General O'Neill but…"
"Please, just ask him" said Pete, "if he says no, then I'll be fine with that."
"Alright" said the Colonel as she looked down at the floor, "I'll be meeting them and the girls at the General's cabin later today so…."
"You're going to his cabin?" asked Pete.
"Yea" said the Colonel as she raised her head and looked at Pete, "I was supposed to go with them yesterday but there was that visit from your cousins and mother."
"Yeah" said Pete, "but I assumed that you'd be staying here since my cousins and mother were still going to be here for the rest of the week."
"They told me they were leaving this morning" said the Colonel.
"They did?" said Pete as he walked towards his phone, "maybe I should ask them to stay, you know.. so that they could get to know you more."
"Pete" said Colonel Carter, "they live in Denver, just a few hours from here. They can come visit us whenever they want, but I should get to the cabin. The General's always been asking us to go and since most of the threats we have are neutralised, we have some time to ourselves."
'Yea' thought Pete to himself, 'but you'll be alone with three guys with dubious motives and the two bitches. They're still dangerous until we get married. Maybe I should run my background special on those two, see what their deal is."
"Right" said Pete, "you know, I don't really know any of your colleagues. And since we are getting married, maybe its time I go to know them better?"
"I don't know" said the Colonel, "I mean, this is supposed to be a special team gathering."
"Come on" said Pete, "who knows when I'll be able to meet all of them at once. Plus, I wanna get to know Willow and Faith more. I get the feeling that they don't like me, and I wanna do everything I can to change that feeling."
"They're just worried about me" said the Colonel, "I really haven't had many girl friends until I met them, so I don't really fault them for being suspicious."
"Well" said Pete, "this is my shot to show them the real me.. you know."
"Alright" smiled the Colonel, "I really want you all to get along, let me just call…."
"No" said Pete as he grabbed the Colonel's hand as it reached for her phone.
"Pete?" said the Colonel confused.
"How about we make it a surprise?" said Pete as she took her hand and pulled the Colonel towards him.
"A surprise?" asked the Colonel as Pete slowly took off her shirt and underwear.
"Yea" replied Pete with a grin as he picked her up and placed her on the bed, "a big surprise."
"Sure" smiled the Colonel as Pete started to kiss her from her neck down, "it should be fun."
Silver Creek, Minnesota, General O'Neill's Cabin. 1800 hours.
"Ok" said Faith as she placed her cards on the table, "fullhouse, I win."
"No fair" said Daniel as he handed all his chips to the excited Faith.
"Congratulations, Faith Lehane" said Teal'c, "you have mastered the art of the bluff."
"Thanks Big Guy" said Faith, "although I technically wasn't bluffing."
"Indeed" smiled Teal'c.
"What do you mean no fair?" said Willow as she sulked on the couch while staring at the small group playing poker, "I'm the one not allowed to play."
"Sorry" said the General, "you know the rules, no psychics allowed at the poker table."
"But" said Willow.
"Red" replied the General as he started to deal the cards again.
"It's alright, Willow" said Daniel as he flopped down on the couch beside her, "we can sit here and stew in the unfairness of this world."
"True" said Willow as she stuck her tongue out at the General before she sat facing the fireplace.
"Wasn't Sam supposed to be here by now?" asked Faith as she checked the table.
"Yea" said Daniel, "she called me and said she was on the way from the airport. Said she had a surprise."
"Please don't tell me it's Potato" said Willow as she looked at Daniel who shrugged and shook his head.
"I am in agreement" said Teal'c as he looked at the General, "will the President not provide a way for Colonel Cater and…."
"Don't go there, T" said the General as he made a bet.
"I'll raise" said Faith as she raised the General's bet, "but I think what the Big Guy is trying to say is that this whole situation here sucks."
"Indeed" said Willow, Daniel and Teal'c together.
"Tell me about it" said the General, "but, despite how we feel about the Potato, we should be supportive of Carter. Is that understood?"
"Jack" said Daniel as he got up and walked towards the table, "we are supportive of Sam but we just think she can do much better."
"I know" said the General, "but…"
Everyone stopped what they were doing when someone knocked on the cabin door.
"That's Sam, probably" said Faith as she got up and looked at Willow who frowned and shook her head.
Everyone noticed what Willow had done and, so, expected who was on the other side of the door as Faith opened it.
"Faith" smiled the Colonel as she hugged the Slayer who then stepped aside.
"Carter" said the General as he walked towards the Colonel and the unexpected guest.
"Sir" said Colonel Carter as the others walked towards the entrance, "this is my fiancé, Pete Shanahan."
"Hiya, folks" grinned Pete as he waved at the small group.
"Pete" said the Colonel, "this is the Commanding Officer of the base, General Jack O'Neill, that's Teal'c, that's Daniel and you know Willow and Faith."
"Hi guys" said Pete as he shook the hands of the men before waving at the young women.
"So" said the Colonel as he closed the door, "long trip?"
"No, Sir" said the Colonel as she looked around the cabin, "Wow, this place is beautiful, Sir."
"Told ya" said the General.
"Sam" said Faith, "you should see the lake out back, apparently it actually has fish in it."
"Really?" said the Colonel, "but the…"
"It was wrong apparently" said Willow.
"Did I miss something?" asked Pete.
"It is, as you say, need to know" said Teal'c with a small bow.
"Right" said Pete.
"Anyway" said Willow as she glared at Pete before turning to the Colonel, "you should have been here yesterday ma'am."
"What happened?" asked the Colonel.
"Water war" smiled Willow as she looked at the General, "and we won."
"Wasn't a fair fight" said the General, "she was throwing water bombs at us and all we had were water guns."
"Oh, I should have been there" laughed the Colonel, "I'd have assisted you girls."
"But we had a nice meal with some nice members of the family" said Pete with a grin.
"Yes" said the Colonel as she looked at Willow.
Willow: "Not nice, ma'am?"
Carter: "They hate me."
Willow: "They'll like you ma'am. They're idiots if they don't."
Carter: "Thanks."
"Alright" said the General as he looked at Pete, "how about you and Carter help yourselves to some drinks and I'll start the fire for the grill?"
"Sure, Sir" said the Colonel.
"The kitchen's this way, Sam" said Faith as she led the Colonel to the kitchen to get some drinks.
"Poker?" asked Daniel as he walked to Pete, "but I have to warn you, we play with chips."
"Cool" said Pete, "I haven't played poker since I was state champ."
"Good" said Willow, "I'll join you, but I have to warn you. I'm really not that great. I mean this is the first time I'm playing this game and all… my parents never let me play."
Faith: "Liar. You cleaned us out the last time you played, which was why you were banned."
Willow: "Shhhhh."
"Great" said Pete as he rubbed his hands together, "its easy to learn."
"Oh" said Willow as she looked at Pete innocently, "will you teach me?"
"Sure" said Pete, "gives us a chance to know each other."
'Bitch' thought Pete loudly to himself.
'Oh' thought Willow to herself, 'I'm gonna enjoy kicking your ass.'
BPRI, Sunnydale, CA; 2000 hours.
"Hey Buff" said Xander as he knocked on the blonde Slayer's door.
"Hey.. hey… hey" said Anya as she quickly ran to the door and blocked it, "you can't see the bride before the wedding."
"It's not until a month, Ahn" said Xander.
"Xander" said Tara as she came up to the door and opened it just a little bit and peeked out, "Anya's right, Buffy's trying on her dress."
"Again?" said Xander as he trying to take a peek but was being expertly blocked by Tara and Anya, "come on Buff, you look beautiful no-matter what you wear."
"I know, Xander" said Buffy from a corner of the room as she winked at Tara and Anya, "but….."
"We found Reed" said Xander as he heard a commotion from inside the room and soon Buffy's voice was right behind the door.
"Where?" asked Buffy as she motioned to Tara to help her get out of the dress quickly.
"We found him in the lake" said Xander, "we thought that maybe he ran away or something, but his body just floated up to the surface an hour ago."
"And we weren't notified?" asked Buffy as she took off her dress and was just rushing for her T-shirt in her underwear.
"The police just notified Cordy and then she told me" said Xander as Buffy opened the door to a smiling Xander, "see, I told you look beautiful in anything."
"Umm…" said Tara nervously, "Buffy?"
"Yea?" replied Buffy as she started to walk out the room.
"You forgot your…. Pants" said Anya as she held up a pair of blue pants.
"Xander!" said Buffy as she slapped his arm as she ran back to the room in her underwear, "why didn't you…."
"Hey" grinned Xander as he saw Buffy putting on the pair of pants, "I'm not going to complain."
"I'll get you" said Buffy as she kissed Xander before walking with him to meet Cordelia.
"Can't wait" said Xander as he waved to Anya and Tara.
"Guys" said Buffy as she ran back to the room and looked at Tara and Anya sheepishly, "I'm sorry about this… you know rushing off.. but could you?"
"Of… of course, Buffy" said Tara, "we'll put back the dress for you."
"Thanks" said Buffy as she gave both Anya and Tara kisses on their cheeks, "I mean it. Thanks for everything."
"See what happened with Reed" said Anya, "we'll see you tomorrow."
"Bye" said Buffy as she ran back to Xander.
As Tara closed the door, she saw Anya looking sadly at the wedding dress.
"Hey" said Tara, "you alright?"
"Yea" replied Anya as she wiped a tear from her eye, "I was remembering….."
"I know" said Tara as she nodded her head, "I… I was there. But, that…. That was a long time ago. You should be happy for them."
"I am" said Anya, "but it still doesn't take away the pain in my chest."
"It'll be alright" said Tara as she took the wedding dress from Anya and put it back on its hanger, "I mean you're dating Dr. Jackson now right?"
"Yes" said Anya.
"Have you called him?" asked Tara with a smile.
"I talked to him last night" said Anya, "he said that he was going to be in some place called Silver Creek for a few days with Willow and the others. He said something about a team night."
"Oh" replied Tara, "why don't you call him? I'm sure they'll be alright if you drop by."
"I can't" said Anya, "I mean I've got stuff here to do… and I…."
"Anya" said Tara as she held on to the blonde woman's shoulders, "just call him first."
"Alright" said Anya with a smiled as she took out her phone while Tara started to clean the room.
Silver Creek, Minnesota, General O'Neill's Cabin. At that same time.
"And I win, again" grinned Willow as she placed her cards on the table, "royal flush."
"I feel like I've been hustled" said Pete as he glared at Willow.
"Pete Shanahan" said Teal'c, "I believe the term is, 'you have been served'."
"Umm….. big guy" said Faith trying not to laugh, "no more dance movies for you."
Teal'c could only smile and bow his head at Faith and Pete just as the brunette Slayer's phone rang.
"Excuse me" said Faith as she stood up and walked to the patio outside.
"Everything alright?" asked Willow.
"I hope so" said Faith as she stepped out and closed the door.
While Faith was talking on the phone, Daniel's phone started to ring.
"Umm…." Said Daniel as he looked at the phone, "it's Anya."
"OOooooo" said Willow as she smiled at Daniel while counting her chips. At the same time she saw that Pete had left the poker table in a huff and walked towards Colonel Carter who was talking with General O'Neill, "I see."
Willow watched what was going on around her. She saw Faith with her hand rubbing her forehead, and Willow did everything she could to prevent herself from eavesdropping on that conversation. At the same time, she was watching Daniel talking softly with Anya and she could tell from her body language that he was totally at easy with the vengeance demon. And then she looked at Teal'c who was simply counting his chips.
"One last hand?" asked Willow as she watched Teal'c.
"Very well, Willow Rosenberg" said Teal'c.
"You deal" said Willow as she handed the deck over to Teal'c who simply nodded his acceptance.
"So" continued Willow as she picked up her cards and tried not to smile since she had two aces in her hands, "how are things going with Ish'ta?"
"They are progressing" replied Teal'c, "she and the rest of the Hak'tyl are in discussion of who should represent them in the new Free Jaffa High Council."
"Ah" said Willow as she pushed all her chips forward, "all in."
"How goes the relationship between yourself and Faith Lehane?" asked Teal'c as he looked up smiling at Willow, before he too matched Willow's chips and pushed them forward, "I call."
"Nice" said Willow as she smiled at Teal'c, "we're doing as best as can be, the General told me this morning that the commander of the Daedalus was asking about having Faith on board the ship for training. Apparently Colonel Pendergast recommended her for the new ship's shakedown cruise."
"That is good, is it not?" said Teal'c as he lay down his cards, "Flush."
"Yeah" replied Willow with a smile as she turned over her cards, "I got nothing… pocket Aces."
"It was a pleasure" said Teal'c as he took all of Willow's chips.
"See" smiled Willow as she glanced at Pete's direction, "I don't cheat… well, not always."
"Indeed" smiled Teal'c as he started to put back all the chips, "does Faith Lehane not know about the offer?"
"Well" said Willow, "the General will be telling her once we get back to the SGC. He said that this trip here is for enjoyment purposes only, no work stuff."
"It is a good policy" said Teal'c.
"Yeah" replied Willow as she stood up and looked around, "looks like everyone's busy doing something."
"Indeed" said Teal'c as he put all the cards and chips away.
"I was thinking of going out on the dock while the General finishes grilling" said Willow as she looked at Teal'c, "feel like joining?"
"Very well" said Teal'c as he bowed and followed Willow out to the small dock on the lake, "what are we doing here?"
"The stars, Teal'c" said Willow as she sat on the dock with her legs hanging from the edge asn lay down, "just looking at the stars."
"Do we not travel those very stars we are looking at?" asked Teal'c as he sat down on one of the chairs that was still at the dock from the previous day.
"We do" said Willow, "some of them maybe… but then again, it's a completely different experience just looking at them from Earth. Did you ever do that on Chulak? You know, just lay on the grass and look up at the stars?"
"I have not" said Teal'c, "a young Jaffa times are mostly spent training and fighting in the services of their masters, there was not time for pursuits such as lying down and watching the stars."
"You're free, Teal'c" smiled Willow as she looked at the Jaffa, "I think you can just lay down and watch the stars and be content…. Even if it's just for a little while. I guess its just one of those things that make you forget about everything that's happened…. Just makes us use our imagination."
Willow heard movement as she was looking up at the stars and then noticed that Teal'c had gotten up from the chair. Thinking that Teal'c was going back into the cabin, she was pleasantly surprised when he lay down across from her such that the top of his head was touching the top of hers.
"You are correct Willow Rosenberg" said Teal'c after a few minutes, "this is… pleasant."
"Hah" smiled Willow, "maybe one day you can take your grandchild…. Well, whenever Ry'ac and Ka'ryn have a kid anyway, and show him or her the stars."
"Indeed" smiled Teal'c.
Back in the cabin, Faith had just finished talking with Buffy and Cordelia. They had told her about finding the body of Agent Reed and told her that they would be calling General O'Neill in a little while. They wanted to let her know first, however the only thing she was worried about now was the whereabouts of one Robert Kinsey. She wanted to give the General a heads up first before Cordelia called him so she opened the door and saw Daniel heading towards the General with his phone in his hand.
"Jack" said Daniel, "I got a call from Anya… you know… from the BPRI?"
"Yes, Daniel" said the General as Faith came up to them and stood next to Colonel Carter and Pete, who had just come in from checking the meat outside.
"Yo, Jack" said Pete as the General looked at both Faith and Daniel and grimaced, "your meat is getting burned… get it?"
"Right….. funny" said the General as he motioned to Daniel and Faith to follow him.
"Come on, Sam" said Pete as he looked at the Colonel, "it was kinda funny."
"Yeah" said the Colonel as she pulled him to the couch, "lets sit."
"You're just trying to get me drunk so that you can have your way with me, right?" grinned Pete as he grabbed his seventh can of beer.
"Yeah" smiled the Colonel, "but for now, lets just sit down and enjoy the fire, huh?"
"I'll enjoy you" said Pete with a hint of smugness on his face as he kissed the Colonel.
"Ummm…. Jack" said Daniel as they were all standing at the grill where the General was standing with his tongs and looking at the kissing couple through the glass door.
"Big-G?" asked Faith as she placed her hand on the General's shoulder, "you alright?"
"Huh?" said the General as he looked at Faith and then Daniel, "oh, yeah… I'm alright. Was just thinking."
"Right" said Faith as she glanced at the kissing couple.
"So, Daniel. What's up?" asked the General.
"It's alright, Jack" said Daniel, "it's nothing…."
"Ask her to come" said the General as he looked at a surprised Daniel, "I mean, that's what you wanted to ask me, right?"
"Yeah… I mean.. It's alright, Jack" said Daniel, "I can meet up with her in Colorado Springs when we get back… I…."
"Ask her to come, space-monkey" said the General, "that's an order. Don't worry about the food and drinks, we've got plenty of it. And Red told us the time we met her that she can teleport, so just tell her to come over. But make sure she's got permission from Miss Chase, first. And tell her to teleport outside the cabin, we don't want Potato asking too many questions."
"Jack" said Daniel as he looked at the Colonel who was helping Pete, who had just finished his eighth beer, into the guest room as he waved at the group outside and closed the door.
"Daniel" said the General as he wiped his eyes because of the smoke, "call her…. call her, tell her to come by. You need to enjoy yourself with her, cause if you don't then you'll regret it later on."
"You sure?" asked Daniel.
"Yeah" said the General as he pushed Daniel into the cabin, "tell her to come, but she needs to land outside, at the entrance."
"Ummm…. thanks, Jack" said Daniel as he went inside the cabin.
As Faith closed the glass door, she heard Daniel talking to Anya as he went through the front door.
"What's up, Faith?" asked the General as he turned over the meat after pouring some beer over them.
"Ummm….. Cordy called" said Faith as the General turned to face her, "they found Agent Reed's body."
"Oh" said the General, "where?"
"In a lake" said Faith, "he must have come back to Sunnydale because his body was still relatively intact. The only reason he floated back to the surface was because the rope that was tied to the rock that weighed him down was horribly tied. He just floated to the surface."
"Well" said the General, "he's the NID's and the BPRI's responsibility now. Agent Barret is still questioning Travers about Kinsey, but if nothing goes on there… then we may have to bring in Miss Summers."
"Scare the living daylights out of him?" asked Faith.
"Yea" said the General as he saw Colonel Carter walk out by herself from the guest room and smiled at the General.
"Well" said Faith as she noticed the Colonel grabbing three beers and walking towards them, "I'll go meet with Red, but Cordy said she'll call you soon. I just wanted to give you a heads up."
"Thanks" said the General as Colonel Carter opened the door.
"Thanks, Sam" said Faith as the Colonel handed the Slayer a beer, "but I gotta go, need to find Red…. I'll talk to you later then."
"Ummm… Sure" said the Colonel as Faith hurriedly went back into the cabin just as Daniel walked in with Anya. The General smiled as Faith pulled Daniel and Anya back outside just as Anya waved at the General and mouthed a 'Thank you'.
"Looks like Anya made it" said the General as he turned the meat again.
"Umm… Sir" said the Colonel as she handed the General a fresh can of cold beer, "I'm sorry."
"For?" asked the General as he looked at Colonel Carter in surprise.
"Pete" said the Colonel, "I never realized how drunk he could get after eight beers."
"It's alright Carter" said the General softly.
"Sir" said the Colonel, "I was talking with Pete, and… well, he was wondering if it would be possible for me to be just a scientist in the SGC."
"Just a scientist?" asked the General in surprise, "you mean no more Gate travel?"
"Yes, sir" said the Colonel.
"Carter" said General O'Neill, "I need you to be in command of SG1, it's the flagship team and I can't have my best people sidelined."
"Sir" said the Colonel, "I won't be sidelined, I'll still be at the SGC but…."
"In a diminished capacity, Carter" said the General, "you're the best we have. You're both a scientist and a soldier so I need you out there. And before you say anything, I know Red can handle it…. But I can't have a Captain be in charge of SG1. Hell even the President won't accept that, neither will Hammond. Especially at the last minute. One day, I know she can lead the team, but for right now… I need you out there."
"I understand, Sir" said Colonel Carter, "it's just that Pete's….."
"Carter" said the General, "do you want to give up Gate travel?"
"Me, sir?" asked the Colonel.
"Yea" said General O'Neill, "you.. do you want to give up Gate travel?"
"Of course not, Sir" said the Colonel, "but something Pete said was right… what if I have children and I'm still going through the Gate. Heck even when I'm married, there's still the danger that every step I take through the Gate could be my last. Sir, I really want to be out there exploring the galaxy but…."
"This sucks" said the General as he placed some steaks on a plate and put on a new batch.
"I'm sorry to bring this down on you now, Sir" said the Colonel quietly.
"Are you happy, Carter?" asked the General as he looked at Colonel Carter.
"Yes… Yes, Sir" she said, "very, very happy."
"Have you told Red about this yet?" asked the General.
"No" said the Colonel, "I.. I haven't, I wanted to get your input first."
"You already have it" said the General, "I need you out there, but if you really want to stay in a lab… then I'll see what I can do."
"I'm sorry, Sir" said the Colonel, "I never meant to disappoint you."
"You've never disappointed me, Carter" said the General as he brought his hands to the Colonel's cheeks, "I just don't want to see you throwing away a career you've spent so many years building."
"I…" said the Colonel.
"Help me bring these in?" asked the General as he picked up the plate of steaks along with another plate full of corn and potatoes.
"Of…. Of course, Sir" said the Colonel as she sadly opened the glass door and entered the cabin, followed by an equally downcast General.
"I think we've been there" said Willow as she pointed to a star in the sky.
"Which one?" asked Anya as she lay down next to Willow who was laying down next to Faith.
"There" said Willow as she pointed up into the night sky, "the one to the left of the blinking thing."
"Ah" said Anya.
"I don't think there's a Gate on that…. Whatever it is" said Daniel .
"You never know" said Anya as she got up and walked over to Daniel before she sat on his lap.
"True" replied Daniel as he looked up into the sky, "but I'd like to think we haven't. Just means that there is a possibility we could go there one day."
"Ah" replied Willow.
"Ladies and gentlemen" said the General as she stepped out to the dock, "dinner has been served."
"Yay" said Willow as she got up and helped both Faith and Teal'c stand up, "the beer steak smells good Sir."
"Thanks, Red" said the General as Willow, Faith and Teal'c walked by him. Suddenly Willow stopped and looked at the General.
"Everything alright, Sir?" asked Willow as she felt a rush of emotions from the General.
"Yea, Red" said the General as he led Willow into the cabin.
"Ummm….. Anya" said Daniel as he grabbed her hand and waited for everyone to go back into the cabin, "I was wondering…. Well, my friend…. Sam… Colonel Carter… is getting married in two month's time… and well, I have space for a plus one.. so I was wondering if…"
"Yes" smiled Anya while she nodded her head.
"You will?" asked Daniel, "it's not weird?"
"Nope" said Anya, "actually, I also wanted to ask you the same question. You see, Buffy's wedding is next month and… well, I require a plus one too… so, if it's not too weird, would you like to accompany me?"
"Sure" smiled Daniel.
"Is it weird if I do this?" asked Daniel as he gave Anya a kiss.
"No" replied Anya as she returned his kiss.
"Hey lovebirds" said Faith as she peeked her head out from the cabin, "food's getting cold, and if you're not back here in thirty seconds, I'm eating your share."
"We better go" said Daniel as he held Anya's hand, "Faith can eat."
"It's a Slayer thing, you should asked Willow about Buffy's habits after slaying. She can eat three whole pizza's by herself" said Anya as she walked hand in hand with Daniel back into the cabin and closed the front door.
The Summers Residence; One month later, 1730 hours.
"Hey" said Willow as she entered Buffy's room where she was nervously standing in front of a mirror, "wow, you look great."
"Thanks, Will" said Buffy as she turned around smiling in her white wedding dress.
Willow slowly walked up to Buffy as she turned back to the mirror and stepped down from the stand she was on.
"I can't believe it's come down to this day" said Buffy as she looked at Willow's reflection in the mirror.
"Congratulations" said Willow as Buffy turned around to face the redhead, "you and Xander deserve each other."
"Thank you" said Buffy as she gave Willow a hug, "thank you for coming, thank you for being one of my maids of honour."
"I hope you're happy, Buff" said Willow as she gave the blonde Slayer a kiss.
"Hey B" said Faith as she entered the room in her dress, together with Tara and Anya.
"Hey guys" said Buffy as the small group stood in front of her, "thank you all for this… without you guys, well…."
"As long as you enjoyed the strippers yesterday, we're happy" said Anya as Buffy and the others looked at the vengeance demon and blushed.
"Ahem" coughed Willow, "right."
"So, B" said Faith, "the sun's almost down."
"Yeah" said Buffy as she looked out the window, "Angel and Spike should be here soon."
Buffy turned around and looked at a surprised Willow.
"Could you guys give me and Will a moment?" asked Buffy.
"Yeah" said Tara.
Once everyone had walked out the door, Buffy took a deep breath and walked towards a surprised Willow.
"Sorry, Will" said Buffy, "I know you asked about Spike before… you know, when we were in D.C. And I was still so angry…. I'm just sorry I never told you earlier. A lot of the things I told you when I came to you those years ago in Colorado Springs was a lie. As you heard during the whole Council thing, Spike is alive. He went to L.A to head up Angel Investigations after the Council's fall, and he's been there ever since with some of Angel's old gang."
"Oh" sighed Willow, "you should have told me, but I guess it's alright. As long as he's not been… you know…. Doing bad stuff."
"No" said Buffy, "he's been fighting the good fight in L.A. He's one of Angel's sources of information so he's been very useful to the BPRI in that capacity."
"Well, that's good" said Willow.
"There's one more thing" said Buffy, "and don't be mad, all right."
"Ok" said Willow.
"We've been on a kind of a recruitment drive" said Buffy, "and one of our new recruits is…. Well…. It's Oz."
"Oz?" said Willow as her eyes widened, "Oz…. Oz?"
"Yeah" said Buffy, "you're not upset, are you?"
"Oz" said Willow surprised when she shook her head and smiled to herself, "No, I'm not upset. I'm with Faith now, and I couldn't be any happier. But the BPRI made a good choice with Oz."
"I'm glad that you're alright with it" said Buffy.
"What will he be doing?" asked Willow.
"Recruitment" said Buffy, "he'll be going around the country and recruiting people for the BPRI."
"That's good" said Willow, and everything between you and Cordy are….."
"We're doing great" said Buffy with a smile, "I thought that it would be weird taking orders from her, but… I guess I'm glad that I'm not the one making all the big decisions like before…. And we know how that went down."
"Yeah" said Willow.
"Buffy?" said Giles as he knocked on the door.
"Giles" smiled Buffy.
"I'll meet you downstairs" said Willow as she gave Buffy a kiss on her cheeks before smiling at Giles as she passed him as she went through the door.
"Your guests are here" said Giles, "and its time."
"I'm ready, Giles" said Buffy as she held on to Giles's hand as she went out her room and headed to the staircase which was decorated will all sorts of flowers.
"I'm sorry your father couldn't give you away, my dear" said Giles as he and Buffy slowly walked down the stairs.
"My father is giving me away" said Buffy as she looked at Giles and smiled.
Giles smiled as he gave Buffy a kiss on her cheek before he led her to the back door and then to the decorated and covered backyard where everyone had stood up upon seeing that Buffy, the bride-to-be, was walking down the stairs and then stood at the head of the aisle between the seating arrangements for the two families.
Willow looked on as Buffy slowly walked down the grass aisle with Giles at her side and smiled. She noticed Daniel sitting in the bride's section alongside a few of the potential slayers. She was sure that the one sitting right next to him had started to hit on him. Turning behind her to look at Anya, she nodded at what was going on, leading to Anya whistling at the girl and motioning at her to stop it. Everyone including Buffy and Giles then looked at both Anya and Daniel, who was already starting to blush and sit back on his seat. Buffy then grinned and started to walk towards the priest where Xander was standing with Angel and Spike beside him. Giles then handed Buffy over to Xander after giving her a light kiss on the cheek and she stood next to Dawn, Tara, Faith, Willow and Anya. Buffy gave a quick hug and kiss to Dawn's cheek before they officially started the wedding.
It took nearly fifteen minutes for the vows and the exchange of rings to be finished before the priest told Xander that he could kiss his bride. Willow and everyone else in the backyard cheered and clapped as the couple kissed before they ran back into the house to change for the reception.
About thirty minutes later, the reception was in full swing. Kennedy and Faith removed the furniture from the living room again and placed all the sofas n the basement with some of the furniture being put out in the backyard once all the chairs were put to the side.
"Hey, Little bit" said Spike as he tapped on Dawn's shoulder.
"Spike" said Dawn as she jumped back after turning around to face the bleached haired vampire. She couldn't help but remember what happened to her in that other reality with the alternate Spike. But she had to remind herself that this wasn't that Spike.
"Easy, pet" said Spike as he brought both his hands up to the air, "you alright?"
"Yeah" smiled Dawn, "sorry, I was just a bit on edge."
"Right" said Spike, "I take it congratulations are in order?"
"Huh?" said Dawn confused.
"You graduated, remember?" said Spike.
"Right" said Dawn with a grin, "thanks."
"Sorry, I couldn't be there" said Spike, "you know… the sun and all."
"It's alright" said Dawn as she saw Willow waving at her.
"Dawnie" said Willow, "Buffy's looking…. Spike?"
"Hey Red" said Spike as he turned around, "how're things?"
"Spike" said Willow as she gave the vampire a tight hug, "it's good to see you again."
"You too, Red" said Spike as he stepped back. Then Willow suddenly noticed his furrowed eyebrows.
"Spike?" said Willow.
"Red" said Spike, "you smell different."
"That's rude" said Willow laughing as she glanced at Dawn.
"No" said Spike as he grabbed her arm, "you really do smell different, what's going on here?"
"It's just my perfume, Spike" smiled Willow, "that's what you're smelling."
"Red" said Spike, "that's no perfume."
"The truth is Spike" said Dawn, "Willow was badly injured in a lab explosion."
"She's right" said Willow as she looked around, "not many people know and I'd like to keep it that way. I was working on some volatile chemicals which suddenly exploded. Some of the chemicals got onto my skin, so I think that's what you smell."
"It was so bad, that she even lost all her hair" said Dawn.
"You sure, Red?" asked Spike.
"Yea" smiled Willow, "I'm alright now, but the combination of those chemicals must have changed how I smell."
"Red!" said Faith as she peeked out of the back door, "get in here, you owe me a dance from last time."
"I'm coming" smiled Willow.
"Wait" said Spike, "so you and the Slayer are…. You know…?"
"Oh yeah" grinned Willow.
"Damn" smiled Spike as he turned to face Dawn, "wanna dance?"
"Sure" smiled Dawn as she, Willow and Spike walked back into the house.
Willow walked over to Faith and put her arms around her neck as the both of them danced to the music. As they were dancing, Willow smiled and put her head on Faith's shoulder as she looked at the various couples dancing in the living room. She saw Daniel with Anya, Kennedy with Tara, a nervous Angel dancing with Cordelia and of course, Buffy and Xander.
After dancing with Faith for awhile, Willow felt someone tapping her shoulder. She turned around and saw that it was one of the more friendly demons in Sunnydale that Faith had introduced her to.
"HI" said Willow, "You're Clem? Right?"
"Yea" said Clem, "you remember me."
"Well, we did just meet" smiled Willow.
"Right" said Clem, "ummm….. do you mind if I dance with Faith?"
"Sure" said Willow as he took over her spot, "I'll just go and get a drink."
"Alright" said Faith.
As Willow headed to the kitchen, she failed to see that the door had opened and two people carrying a child had walked in. After a little while, Willow found herself talking to Tara whose partner, Kennedy, was now dancing with Giles. As she was talking with the blonde witch, she noticed someone tugging on her dress.
"Hey" smiled Willow at the little boy who seemed to be about four years old who had wrapped his arms around her leg.
"Looks…. Looks like you.. you have a fan" smiled Tara.
"Yea" grinned Willow, "I can see that."
"He looks familiar" said Tara.
"Really?" asked Willow as she crouched down and picked up the little boy and placed him on the island in the kitchen.
"Hey kiddo" said Willow as she smiled at the boy, "what's your name?"
"Kel" said the boy.
"Where are your parents, Kel?" asked Tara as she held Kel's hand.
"Somewhere" smiled Kel as he looked at Willow and pointed at her hair, "pretty."
"Thanks" said Willow as she tussled his hair, "want some juice?"
"Yes" grinned Kel as he nodded his head.
"Ummm" said Willow as she looked at Tara, "so we have any juice?"
"Let me check" said Tara as she opened the fridge and took out a carton of orange juice.
"Orange alright?" asked Willow as Kel nodded.
"Kelden!" said a woman who sounded very worried.
"Oops" said Kel as he smiled at Willow.
"OH" said Tara as she came to a realization, "you're Kelden?"
"Uh huh" nodded Kelden.
"Oh" replied Tara as she smiled.
"Did I miss something?" asked Willow.
"Willow?" said a very familiar voice as her eyes widened.
"Willow?" said the voice again as Willow slowly turned around.
"Oz?" said Willow in surprise as he stood next to a dark haired woman.
"This is Willow?" asked the woman as she stepped closer to Willow.
"Ye….. yea" said Oz as he looked at Willow with his eye brows furrowed in confusion.
"Umm…." Said Willow as she extended her hand to the woman, "I'm Willow, Willow Rosenberg."
"I'm….. um….. Bay… umm… Oz's wife" said the woman as Willow opened her eyes wide, "and… well… that's Kelden. Our son."
"Mommy.. daddy" said Kelden as he waved at the both of them.
"Come here" said Oz as he passed a still shocked Willow and went to carry his son.
"He seemed thirsty" said Tara, "so we gave him some juice… hope you don't mind."
"No" said Bay, "it's alright. He loves orange."
"Good" said Tara, "because that's the only juice we have really."
"Oz" said Bay as she took Kelden from Oz, "I think I'll go find Buffy and Xander, let them know we're here and give them our best wishes."
"Sure" said Oz as he stared confusingly at Willow before he looked at his wife and smiled, "give them my best too."
"Of course" said Bay as she walked to the front porch where she saw Buffy and Xander walking to.
"So… marriage?" said Willow.
"Yeah" replied Oz, "umm…. Can we talk? Alone?"
"Sure" said Tara, "I think Kennedy is calling for me."
Willow nodded as Tara passed by her.
"The backyard is full of people" said Willow, "maybe we should….."
"Who are you?" said Oz, his face suddenly serious, as he stepped towards Willow. Talking a quick glance at him, she noticed that he was breathing hard and his hands were rolled into fists.
"Oz?" said Willow.
Oz grabbed her hand and opened the basement door and pulled her down the stairs, but not before closing the door again.
"You heard me" said Oz, "who….. are….. you?"
"Oz" said Willow as she stepped back, "I was involved in an accident… a lab accident actually and…."
"Don't" replied Oz, "if you know anything about Willow, it would be that the both of us were together for a few years. I know her….. most importantly, I know her intimately… including her scent. You may be able to trick the vampires here, but not me. So, I'll ask you again… who are you?"
"Oz" said Willow as she held her hands up, "it's me… its Willow."
"Are you a demon?" asked Oz as he stepped closer to Willow, "a shape shifter who intends to make problems for Buffy?"
"Oz" said Willow, "I need you to calm down, it's me."
"I know that you're not Willow" said Oz, "who are you?"
"Damn it" said Willow as she looked at Oz, "Oz… it's me….. you met me when we had that career day thing at school, remember? Remember graduation, what we did? How about when you cheated on me? Remember any of those? Because I do."
"You could have Willow tortured somewhere to get that information" said Oz as he started to breathe hard.
"Red?" said Faith as she opened the basement door and walked down the stairs, "I felt something from…. OZ?"
"Willow" said Daniel, who had followed Faith down the stairs, "I got your message."
"Daniel" said Willow who was still looking at Oz, "I need you to call the General from topside, ask him I need priority permission to tell my ex, who just happens to be a werewolf, about me…. tell him it's urgent and that he already suspects something."
"Wait" said Daniel as he hurriedly walked down the stairs and looked at Oz, "you're a werewolf? That's interesting."
Daniel then turned to Willow.
"And you dated a werewolf?"
"Yep" said Willow, "now, please? Daniel?"
"Right" said Daniel as he ran up the stairs while calling for the General on his phone.
"Oz" said Faith, "it's really her."
"She's tricked you" said Oz, "you can't smell her… but I can. I know her scent by heart and I'm telling you, it's not her. There's nothing that you can say or do that will convince me."
"Willow" said Daniel as he ran back down the stairs after talking to the General, "Jack has given the go ahead but he needs to sign the NDA tomorrow."
"The what?" asked Oz as he looked at the small group in front of him in confusion.
"Non-Disclosure Agreement" said Faith.
"Thanks Daniel" said Willow as she turned to face Oz and walked towards him, "Oz, I need to show you something. I can't tell you what it is because there are too many people here who could overhear. But, if you tell anyone… including Bay, about what I'm about to show you… you'll be charged with treason. Do you understand?"
"What are you talking about?" asked Oz.
"Do you understand, Oz?" said Willow as she moved closer to Oz, "if you want to know, then you can't tell anyone. Not even your wife, not Buffy… not anyone. Someone will come tomorrow who'll ask you to sign a document."
"Listen" said Oz as Willow interrupted him.
"Oz" said Willow, "this is not just national security I'm talking about, but planetary security."
"What?" asked Oz as he looked at Faith, Willow and Daniel in confusion again.
"Willow" said Daniel, "Jack wants you to give him just the stuff on what happened to you. Limit everything else."
"Right" said Willow.
"What's going on?" asked Oz, "Planetary security?"
"You want to the truth about myself?" asked Willow as she placed her hands on Oz's face, "here it is."
"Whoa!" said Oz as he stepped back and looked at Willow, Faith and Daniel in shock after a few seconds had passed, "you…. you…."
"You know the truth now, Oz" said Willow as she stepped back after showing him through telepathy what happened to her during her possession by Anubis and the resultant cloning of her body, "please, don't tell anyone."
"How?" said Oz, "When? You…. you…. you died."
"Oz" said Willow as she looked at her ex, "it's me…. I'm Willow….. I may be a clone but I'm the Willow you've always known."
"I.. I…" said Oz, "I.. umm…. I .. need to go…. Bay's waiting for me… I….."
Willow then saw Oz running up the stairs as he opened the door.
"I'll go talk to him" said Faith as she went up the stairs.
"Willow" said Daniel, "are you alright?"
"No, Daniel" said Willow, "I never thought that I'd ever see Oz again, and even then, I never thought that he could pick out the change in my scent. I mean, Spike and Angel were easy to convince… but I forgot that Oz's sense of smell is much, much better than theirs."
"Come on up" said Daniel as he grabbed Willow's hand.
"Maybe you should go up first" said Willow.
"Willow" said Daniel, "he's in shock, you just showed him what happened to you and why. It's going to take some time for him to get used to it."
"I guess" said Willow.
"Dance?" said Daniel, "When I left, I think some silver haired guy… the same guy at the Council that time… was dancing with Anya. So I'm pretty free."
"Sure, Daniel" said Willow as she followed Daniel up the stairs and into the living room.
After dancing with Daniel and then Xander for a while, Willow noticed that Oz was walking towards them.
"Hey Xander" said Oz, "mind if I…..?"
"Sure, dude" said Xander, "I think Buffy's waiting for me."
"Oz?" said Willow as Xander walked away.
"I'm sorry" said Oz as he put his hands on Willow's waist, "it's just that.. well, I never expected….. you know."
"Me too" said Willow as she put her arms around his neck, "you should have seen me after.. that… I was a bit loopy."
"Yeah" said Oz, "that thing that happened would drive anyone a bit…. Loopy."
"So" said Willow, "where have you been?"
"Tibet" said Oz, "that's where I met Bay."
"Oh" said Willow.
"I came back, you know" said Oz, "I came back to Sunnydale."
"You did?" asked Willow, "when?"
"A few months after that whole thing with… you know" said Oz.
"Right" replied Willow.
"Buffy told me you left and joined the Air Force" said Oz, "I couldn't believe it at first.. but Tara showed me the emails you sent, and the pictures. You looked happy."
"I was" said Willow, "I am happy."
"What are you now?" asked Oz.
"A Captain" said Willow.
"Nice" said Oz as he suddenly looked sadly at Willow, "was it painful… you know…. After that happened?"
"All I felt was a tight pain in my chest" said Willow, "after that… it was like I fell asleep."
"Oh" said Oz.
"I'm happy for you, you know" said Willow, "I don't know your wife but I can tell that she loves you very much."
"Thanks" said Oz.
"And I can feel your love for her as well" said Willow.
"Are you heading back to Colorado Springs soon?" asked Oz.
"Tomorrow morning" said Willow, "Faith, Daniel and I have some work we need to finish up."
"Right" said Oz, "maybe we'll come by sometime? I mean if that's alright?"
"You're welcome anytime" said Willow as she gave Oz a kiss on his cheek.
"Hey" said Faith as she walked up behind Willow and tapped her shoulder, "last dance?"
"Of course" said Willow as Oz nodded and headed towards Bay, who in turn handed Kelden to Giles and the both of them started to dance.
"Everything alright?" asked Faith as she pulled Willow close and started to dance.
"Yea" said Willow, "he'll keep the secret, I trust him."
"Me too" said Faith as she looked at the pictures of Joyce and the family together, "you know, if Joyce was still alive, I'd have given anything to see her and Big-G together."
"Hah" said Willow, "that would have been something right?"
"Yeah" replied Faith, "we can always wish right?"
"Please don't say wish" smiled Willow.
"Yes, ma'am" said Faith as the music suddenly stopped and everyone saw Buffy and Xander on the foot of the staircase.
"Ladies and gentlemen" said Xander, "my lovely wife has something important to do before we go on our honeymoon where we'll be spending time in bed…. Just in bed with nothing…."
"Xander!" said Buffy as she punched Xander's arm.
"Sorry" said Xander as she grinned at Willow and Dawn.
"Anyway" said Buffy as she glanced at Willow, "it's time for the customary throwing of the bouquet so… well, good luck."
"Aim it at Dawn" shouted Faith.
"Hah" said Dawn, "bet'cha you get married before me."
"I'll take that bet" whispered Willow.
"Your recent runs at betting sucks" whispered Faith as she looked at Willow.
"Not this one" whispered Willow as she looked at Faith.
"Alright" said Buffy as she turned around, "ready?"
"Yes" said all the females in the living room.
"Here we go" said Buffy as she threw the bouquet and turned around.
She watched the bouquet fly through the air before it fell straight into the hands of Angel, who looked at the bouquet and then looked nervously at Buffy just as Cordelia hugged him.
"Oh dear lord" smiled Giles, "looks like its Angel's turn next"
"Huh?" said Angel as Cordelia squeezed his hand.
"Remember to invite us, Angel" said Buffy as she ran out the door with Xander, "and thanks.. all of you… see you in a week."
"So…. Marriage?" said Willow as she smirked at Angel and Cordelia.
"We haven't really.. you know…" said Cordelia.
As Willow was talking to Angel and Cordelia, Faith approached Daniel and Anya with a piece of paper.
"Anya" said Faith, "could I talk to Daniel alone?"
"Sure" said Anya as she gave Daniel a kiss and walked towards Willow.
"What's up?" asked Daniel as Faith handed him the piece of paper.
"Can you translate that for me into Ancient?" asked Faith as Daniel looked up in surprise.
"Faith" said Daniel, "this is…"
"I know" said Faith, "I already have the ring in my quarters on base. I'll be going to the workshop tomorrow to etch that message on it. Please, don't tell Red."
"I won't" said Daniel, "when are you….?"
"I don't know" said Faith as she looked at Willow, "I love her so much but I don't want it to be just at any time. I need… I want it to be sometime special."
"Yeah" said Daniel, "I can give you the translation tomorrow morning, but how are you going to keep this secret?"
"I'm not going to think about it, I'll be extremely cool about this particular thing" said Faith, "plus she respects my boundaries and won't actively read my mind even though we have the link."
"Alright" said Daniel with a smile, "tomorrow then?"
"Tomorrow" replied Faith.
TBC.