Faith's Quarters, SGC, One month later, 1000 hours.
Faith sat on her cot after having taken a shower following an appointment with the punching bag in the gym and a sparring session with Teal'c. Sighing, she looked at the drawer on her side table and reached for the key that opened the lock. After unlocking the drawer, she took out a small velvet box that she had hidden away in the back left side of the drawer.
Opening the small box, there was a hint of a smile on her face together with fear in her eyes. After taking out the ring, she put the box back down on the table and looked on at the inscription she etched on the inside of the band that hand one small diamond on it. After looking at the ring for a few minutes, she reached for the box again and put the ring back into the velvet slot before she closed the top slowly. She then sat down quietly with her thoughts as she handled the box with one thought echoing louder than all the others.
'Will she say yes?' thought Faith to herself, 'Will she accept me? What if it's too soon, and she gets scared?'
As she had these thoughts and the possible scenarios that could happen, including Willow leaving her for good and gravitating towards Tara, Faith started to tear up a little before she realized what she was doing and shook her head. She wiped the tears off her face and then put the ring back into the drawer she took it out from. She then locked the drawer and hid the key underneath the cot's mattress.
When she finally got up to change into her BDU's she heard someone knocking on the door and closed her eyes and exhaled once she sensed who it was.
"Faith?" asked Willow as she knocked on her girlfriend's door, "may I come in?"
"Yea" replied Faith as she zipped up her BDU's and sat back down on her cot as she put on her socks and shoes.
"You alright?" asked Willow as she entered the room and closed the door.
"Yea" replied Faith as she looked up at Willow, "why wouldn't I be."
"Well" said Willow as she sat next to Faith, "I know we agreed to not read each others minds, and I did show you how to block your thoughts from me through the link. But I couldn't do anything about the empathic bit. I'm sorry but I just felt a little bit of fear from you. And when you feel scared, that makes me scared too, because I can't ever think of you being scared over anything."
"Oh there are something's that I do fear" said Faith as she looked at Willow before she put her head on the redhead's shoulder, "I fear a lot of things."
"Wanna talk about it?" asked Willow.
"It's just a feeling I have that all of a sudden, everything will go into a downward spiral for all of us" said Faith as she closed her eyes, "especially you and me."
"Hey" said Willow as she kissed the top of her head, "the only way you're getting rid of me is if I die."
"Don't say that" said Faith, "I saw your dream remember? The one about you on the Phoenix and I saw the ship you were piloting explode and…"
"That was just a dream, Faith" said Willow quietly as she tried to soothe the brunette, "that was…"
"What if you saw the future?" asked Faith, "what if it was like the dream you had where Anubis took over your body and burned this planet? You changed that future… but what if you die, Red?"
"Faith" said Willow concerned, "where's this coming from? You're a slayer. You, of all people, know that there's the possibility that people could die at anytime. We could die next week during our next mission, or…"
"I know" said Faith as she raised her head and looked at Willow, "I guess, I'm just starting to think about all this because of Sam's wedding tomorrow."
"We're together, Faith" said Willow, "that's all that matters, we'll take everything as it comes."
"Yeah" said Faith as she lay her head on Willow's shoulder again.
"SG1, please report to the briefing room" said the voice of Walter, "SG1, please report to the briefing room."
"I guess that's us huh?" said Faith as she looked up and smiled at Willow.
"It is" replied Willow as she ran her hand through Faith's hair, "shall we go?"
"Yea" said Faith as she got up before turning around and helping Willow up. She then opened her room door and looked at the drawer she kept the ring in, and smiled.
Briefing Room, SGC, 1030 hours.
"Sir?" said Willow as she sat down at the table together with Faith.
"Red" said the General as he nodded his head.
Faith noticed that the General had this faraway look in his eyes as he nodded at the both of them.
"Everything alright, Sir?" asked Willow as she suddenly felt a gamut of emotions from the General.
"Huh?" said the General as he focused on Willow, just as Colonel Carter, Teal'c and Daniel walked into the room.
"You alright, Big-G?" asked Faith as she looked at Willow before looking at the General.
"Yeah" said the General as he looked at Faith before nodding at the others.
"Carter" said the General, "anything on interfacing the ZPM with our systems? Any idea on when we could try dialling Atlantis?"
"Willow and I have been working on that, Sir" said the Colonel, "we can finish up a program and a more efficient power transfer station for the ZPM within two weeks, instead of the month I mentioned in the brief last week."
"That's good" said Daniel, "means we could actually go to Atlantis. When's the Daedalus due?"
"About a week, Daniel" said the Colonel, "its shakedown cruise will be the journey to Atlantis and back."
"Red?" asked the General, "anything on your end?"
"We've got the Kull armour ready for human testing" said Willow, "Colonel Carter, Dr Lee and Dr. Brightman's newest underlayer for the suit works perfectly now in preventing burns to the body. And I've managed to lower the amount of absorption from both kinetic and energy weapons to a safe level for ordinary people to use the suits. The Colonel and I are now working on back engineering the cloak from the Ancient time ship. We should have a working prototype within six months to test in one of our F-302's."
"Cool" replied the General.
"O'Neill" said Teal'c, "there is something that I would like to… as you would say…. Bring up."
"Alright" said the General.
"As you know" said Teal'c, "I have fought for the freedom of Jaffa even before joining the SGC. And now with the creation of the Free Jaffa High Council, Bra'tac and I have been asked to serve as councellors."
"Congratulations, Big Guy" said Faith as Teal'c gave her a small bow.
"However" said Teal'c, "this would require I resign from the SGC so that I could give my full attention in helping my Jaffa brothers and sisters in creating this new government."
Oh" said Faith in shock as she glanced at the others who were also in shock, especially the General and Willow.
"T?" asked the General, "are you sure about this?"
"I am sorry, O'Neill" replied Teal'c, "but I have given this a great deal of thought. While I am forever thankful to the Tau'ri for its aid in helping us achieve this freedom, it is time that the Jaffa take hold of it and chart our own destiny."
"I won't force you to stay, T" said the General as he looked down at his table before he looked up at the people sitting at the table with him now.
"I have some news too" said the General as he looked at Willow first before looking at the others.
O'Neill: "I'm so sorry, Red."
Willow: "Sir?"
"Hammond is retiring in six months" said the General, "and.. well, I just received a call from the President this morning. It seems that Hammond recommended me for the job to head up Home World Security, and the President agrees with him. His call was to… well…."
"Reassignment, Sir?" asked the Colonel.
"He offered it to me, and I accepted it" said the General, "plus it came with a promotion as well."
"Congratulations, Sir" said Willow as Faith felt sadness coming from her girlfriend, despite the outward show of happiness she was showing.
"Thanks, Red" said the General as he looked down at the table.
"Jack?" said Daniel.
"This is the best" said the General, although it seems he was talking to himself rather than to the people in the room, "if I didn't take the position, the President could have appointed someone who is opposed to the SGC or has his own agenda or…."
"We understand, Jack" said Daniel.
"Indeed, O'Neill" said Teal'c, "this is a great opportunity."
"It is, Sir" said Colonel Carter.
"You should be happy" said Faith, "like you said, if it was anyone else…. Who knows what they could have done. At least you know what the people here go through everyday and the role this place plays in the planet's defence."
"She's right, sir" said Willow as she looked at the table fighting the tears from coming to her eyes, "you should be happy."
"Right" said the General quietly before he looked at the Colonel.
"Carter" continued the General, "I received a call from General Murray at Area 51. He called right after I talked to the President."
"Sir?" asked Colonel Carter.
"I remember what you talked to me about in the cabin" said the General, "that you wanted off SG1 and stay on-base instead of going through the Gate."
"Ma'am?" said Willow in surprise, "why?..."
"Sam?" asked Faith and Daniel in surprise.
"You didn't tell them?" asked the General.
"I'm sorry" replied the Colonel and she looked down at her boots, "after the cabin, we were all so busy that it must have slipped my mind."
"Sam?" said Daniel, "what's going on?"
"Pete wanted me to take up a safer position within the SGC" said the Colonel.
"But, ma'am" said Willow as she tried her best to hold off her anger, "with all due respect….."
"I realize how everyone here feels about my decision" said the Colonel as she glanced at Willow. She could see that Faith was holding on to the redhead's hand tightly and she realized how Willow really felt about her decision, "but I'm getting married tomorrow. And.. well.. what Pete said was right, I could die at any time going through the Gate. What happens when we have kids, do I want them to grow up without a mother?"
"Sam" said Daniel, "but that would mean…"
"I know there is a risk to my career, Daniel" said the Colonel, "I've thought about all that and I've made my decision."
"Are you certain, Colonel Carter?" asked Teal'c.
"Yes" said the Colonel.
"I see" replied Teal'c.
"Anyway" said the General as he looked at the Colonel before rubbing his forehead, "General Murray called and he wants you to head up the Stargate Research and Development programs out of Area 51. I know it's not teaching at the Academy but you'll be able to work in a safe environment and, at the same time, handle all the tech that SG teams bring through the Gate."
"Sir" said the Colonel, "it is Nevada, I don't know if Pete will go for it."
"Carter" said the General, "I told you at the cabin that I don't want to see you throw away a career you've built over years, this will ensure that you can still move up the chain of command. An Academy position? I'm just scared you'll be stuck."
"I understand, Sir" said the Colonel.
"Red? Faith? Daniel? Any requests?" asked the General in jest, when suddenly Daniel held up a hand.
"Daniel?" asked the General surprised.
"I… well…." Said Daniel nervously.
"Out with it Daniel" said the General.
"Well" said Daniel, "I wasn't going to bring it up until everything was confirmed with the Daedalus but since everyone is giving out their wish list.."
"Daniel" said the General.
"Since the Daedalus is almost done testing the hyperdrive" said Daniel, "and since we have the capacity to contact Atlantis.."
"If the team is still alive" said the General, "for all we know, Atlantis could be under water and the expedition team dead."
"Let's assume that the expedition team is alive" said Daniel, "I'd like to be reassigned to Atlantis, studying the home of the Ancients…. That's like my dream come true."
"Daniel?" said the General, "what about your place here, there's no one…"
"Dawn" said Daniel, "I'm recommending her for full inclusion into the SGC. Not just six months here and six months with the BPRI. She can replace me, Jack."
"I… I'll think about it" said the General, "but if you're so eager to go."
"I am" said Daniel, "I mean... I'd like to."
"Then" said the General as he rubbed his forehead again, "I'll allow it, talk to Dawn as soon as you can. I'll inform Miss Chase about this. Right now, Dawn's not exclusive to any one organization so I'll offer her a contract with Home World. That way she'll be placed on loan with the SGC. But it depends on her, and if she refuses, you're finding someone better than you."
"Great" said Daniel.
"Faith?" asked the General.
"I thought it over about what you said in the cabin, right before we returned" said Faith, "about the Daedalus shakedown cruise?"
"Yes?" said the General.
"I talked to Red about it and we agreed that I should do it" said Faith, "but I have a condition."
"OK?" said the General.
"I still get to Gate travel when I get back" said Faith as she looked at Willow, "and I still want to be on SG1."
'Of course" replied the General who looked at Willow.
"Red?"
"I.. ummm.. I'd like to stay" said Willow as she looked at the General, "I mean ever since I fell here, my dream's been to go through the Gate.. so I'd like to continue doing that."
"Alright" said the General as he looked at both Faith and Willow, "but SG1 will be temporarily retired, until the new commanding officer of the base appoints a new leader for the team. IN the meantime, the both of you will go off-world with Reynolds and SG3."
"Yes, Sir" said Willow.
"Ok then" said the General as he stood up, "I guess this is it… dismissed."
"Yes, sir" said both Willow and the Colonel as they got up as well.
"Red, can I see you in my office?" asked the General.
"Yes.. yes, sir" said Willow as she followed the General to his office and closed the door.
"Sam" said Daniel, "I'll see you tomorrow…. Are you sure about leaving the SGC?"
"Are you?" asked the Colonel as she hugged Daniel.
"Yes" said Daniel, "I've discussed it with Anya and we both agree that this would be better. I mean I could still come back every few months since we now have the capacity for it, and she's busy with the BPRI…. So… yeah."
"Teal'c" said Daniel as he stepped back from the hug with Colonel Carter and shook the Jaffa's hand, "I wish you all the best my friend."
"Me too, Teal'c" said Colonel Carter, "we'll miss you."
"She's right, Big-Guy" said Faith as she glanced back at Willow, "Red will miss you too."
"I shall miss you all" said Teal'c as he bowed to everyone.
"How about some coffee?" asked Daniel.
"Indeed" said Teal'c with a smile.
"You guys go ahead" said Faith, "I'll wait for Red."
"Alright" said Daniel as he, Teal'c and the Colonel walked away.
Faith turned around to walked towards the window that looked down at the Stargate when she sensed someone behind her. Turning around, she saw that it was Colonel Carter coming up to her.
"Sam?" said Faith.
"I couldn't walk away without apologizing" said the Colonel, "you and Willow have been good… no…. great friends to me and I should have told you what I wanted to do…. You know… get into a scientific only position."
"Sam" said Faith, "Red and I really are happy for you and…."
"I know Willow isn't" said the Colonel.
"Sam" sighed Faith, "we support you no matter what."
"I..." replied the Colonel as Faith interrupted her.
"But" said Faith, "look… Red will never tell you this so I will, I think you're making the wrong move by leaving the SGC just because of what Pete told you."
"Faith" said the Colonel.
"No" replied Faith, "I get your reasons… I really do, but there are other couples in the military who face the same thing everyday right? I mean, I admit that our situation…. With the Gate and all is unique, but if you think about it… it's not different to anyone who gets deployed to a mission overseas."
"I realize that, Faith" said the Colonel as she turned around to look into the General's office, "but I'm getting older, and my luck with guys isn't great. Pete is the first guy I met who loves me, he's the first guy I've met who's normal. And I need some normality in my life."
"Sam, if he loves you he wouldn't be asking you to give up your career" said Faith, "can you tell me honestly that you won't miss going through that Gate? Cause I can tell you right now, I can't think of what I'd do if Red didn't vouch for me to join the SGC."
"I'm getting married, Faith" said the Colonel softly, "there has to be some sort of compromise."
"Sam" said Faith, "if you take the job in Nevada, we'll support you two hundred percent. That's the absolute truth… but what would you do if Pete refuses to compromise and insists that you stay here?"
"I... I... really don't know" said the Colonel.
General O'Neill's Office, at that same time.
Willow glanced to her side as she looked at Faith talking to Colonel Carter before she looked at the General who was looking back at her.
"Red?" said the General.
"Sir?" asked Willow.
"Are you ok with all this?" asked the General.
"Yes sir" said Willow.
"Red" said the General.
"Sir"
"Red"
"Sir"
"Red" said the General, "if I remember correctly, you once told me about a certain wish you made to bring you here. Can I expect something like that again?"
"Of course not, Sir" said Willow surprised, "I.. I'd like to think I've changed from that girl who dropped onto that briefing room table all those years ago."
"I know you have" whispered the General, "so I need to know the truth from you. How do you feel?"
"I… I'm angry, Sir" said Willow as she closed her eyes, "I know that reassignments are part and parcel of being in the military but… I mean… I can't help but get angry at the entire situation. You're leaving, Colonel Carter's leaving because that… that…. Child in a man's body says that she should leave… Teal'c's leaving and now Daniel said he wants to leave…. I'm sorry Sir but I can't help but feel angry about the whole situation."
"We're still here, Red" said the General, "I'll be in D.C. just a phone call away, Carter… wherever she ends up will be the same way… just a phone call, Teal'c will be just a simple Gate address away and as for Daniel…. Well, two weeks on a ship. But…"
"We have to still move on with our lives" said Willow.
"Yes" replied the General as he looked at Faith, "I'm glad you're staying here… I'm glad that the both of you are staying here."
"Yes Sir" said Willow quietly.
"Listen" said the General, "Until we get someone new here to take over SG1, all of the current mission orders for the team have been scrapped. And while Faith will be on the month long shakedown cruise, how would you like to join me in D.C? I need to find an apartment there and I could sure use the help. But before that, we need to talk to a friend of mine. I recommended Hank Landry for this job after I accepted the Home World position, and the President agreed. We're going to go talk to him and offer him this position. I also will be showing him your and Faith's file should he agree."
"Alright, Sir" said Willow as the General got up and walked around the table.
"Everything will be alright, Red" said the General as he hugged the redhead, "you'll see, everything will be alright."
"Yes, Sir" replied Willow as she nodded her head on his shoulder.
Colonel Carter's house, the next day, 1230 hours.
"Ma'am?" asked Willow as she peeked her head inside the Colonel's bedroom, which became known as the Bridal Room, "Faith and Cassie said that you wanted to see me after Pete's mother was done?"
"Willow" smiled the Colonel as she motioned Willow to come in, "she's gone, please come in."
Willow walked into the room in her bridesmaid dress and walked towards the Colonel.
"Willow" said the Colonel, "thanks for your support in all this, it's been really important to me."
"Always, ma'am" said Willow, "I'll always support you no matter what."
"I know that you disagree with me doing this" said the Colonel as she held Willow's hand, "I just wanted to explain to you why I…."
"Ma'am" said Willow as she smiled and squeezed the Colonel's hands, "you don't need to explain anything, I'm happy…. We're happy for you…. and no matter what we'll always be there for you."
"She's right, Carter" said the General as he peeked into through the door.
"Sir" smiled the Colonel, "please come in."
"Carter" said the General as he looked at Willow.
"IF you'd excuse me, ma'am" said Willow as she started to walk away, "I think I hear my phone ringing."
"I don't hear anything" said the General.
"Its on vibrate" replied Willow.
"I'd still hear something" replied eh General.
"It's….. umm… on a different vibrational frequency that no one over a certain age could hear, Sir" said Willow as she closed the door behind her as she walked out.
"Did she just say I'm old?" asked the General as Colonel Carter tried not to laugh.
"No giggling, Carter" said the General, "You'll…. Well you wont really ruin anything.. so… go ahead and giggle. Ignore my previous orders."
"Thanks, Sir" laughed the Colonel.
"You look beautiful, Carter" said the General as he stepped back, "a vision in white."
"Sir" said the Colonel, "for this day, please just call me Sam?"
"As long as just for this day you call me Jack" grinned the General.
"Yes, Si….. I mean.. Jack" blushed the Colonel.
"I think Jacob's downstairs already" said the General, "if you want, I can…"
"Wait" said the Colonel as she grabbed his arm.
"Sam?" asked the General.
"I… I'm sorry" said Colonel Carter, "I wish that it could have been different…. I wish everything could have been different."
"I know" said the General as he caressed her cheek and she leaned into his hand, "but if things were different, I wouldn't be here. I wouldn't have joined the program. I would be retired and living with Sara somewhere. Just know that I'm glad that I've met you and the others."
"Sir… Jack, about that offer with Area 51" said the Colonel as General O'Neill interrupted her.
"Not today, Sam" said the General, "today you celebrate your day of happiness; we can talk about everything else after your… honeymoon. I asked General Murray to give you a month to decide…. So you've got time."
"I understand, Jack" said the Colonel.
"I just want you to be happy, Sam" said the General.
"I know" said Colonel Carter as she hugged the General, "I'm so glad that you came."
"I'd go to hell and back for you" said General O'Neill, "so what would make you think that I'd miss the happiest day of your life."
"Thank you" said the Colonel as she placed her head on his chest.
"Dawn" said Willow as she came out from the kitchen, "you ready?"
"Yep" grinned Dawn, "two weddings in two months… this is so cool."
"Hah" said Faith as she came up behind Willow and put her arms around her waist, "it is."
"I know" smiled Willow as she leaned back and kissed Faith.
Just then, the small group heard the doorbell ring and Willow went up to open it.
"Teal'c" said Willow smiling as she stepped aside with Daniel and Anya following him into the house.
"Hey Anya" said Willow as she hugged the vengeance demon, "everything going alright."
"Yep" grinned Anya as she looked at Daniel, "everything's alright."
"Cool" smiled Willow as General Carter, in his full dress blues, approached Willow.
"Captain" said the General.
"Sir" smiled the redhead, "please, call me Willow."
"Alright" smiled the General, "have you seen Sam? Is she ready? It's almost time to leave."
"Yes, Sir" laughed the redhead, "I think General O'Neill's talking to her right now."
"Oh" said the General, "I better get up there and remind her that it's time to leave."
As she watched General Carter run up the stairs, she heard the doorbell going off again.
"Hey Red" said a very familiar face as Willow grinned, "how's it going?"
"Jon" said Willow as she hugged the General's clone, "how are you? What have you been up to?"
"I'm alright" said Jon as Willow hugged him tightly, "ummm… Red… can't breathe."
"Sorry" said Willow sheepishly as she stepped back and let him in.
"Jon?" said Daniel.
"Hey Danny-boy" said Jon as he shook Daniel's hand.
"Oh" said Daniel, "meet Anya, my date… well, my girlfriend really."
"Really?" said Jon as he shook Anya's hand, "you made a great catch, just so you know."
"Thank you" smiled Anya.
"Jon" said Willow, "this is Faith Lehane, the newest member of SG1"
"HI" replied Jon, "I'm Jon O'Neill."
"Wait" said Faith, "you related to Red's boss?"
"He's…. well… he's the clone I told you about" said Willow.
"Oh!" said Faith as she stepped back, "damn he was cute when he was younger."
"Hey" said Willow, "you telling me I'm not cute?"
"I never said that" grinned Faith.
"Wait a sec" said Jon as he looked at Willow and then Faith, "don't tell me…. the both of you are…..?"
"Yep" said Willow.
"Huh…" said Jon surprised, "that's cool."
"Jon O'Neill" said Teal'c as he walked out of the kitchen, "I is a welcome sight to see you again."
"Hey T" said Jon as he shook the Jaffa's hand, "how goes the battle against the snakes?"
"OH" said Daniel, "we have a lot to talk about… but later… you know.."
"Yea" said Jon as he head a familiar voice.
"Willow" said Dawn as she walked out of the kitchen, "here's the juice you… JON?!"
"Dawn?" asked Jon as everyone looked at the two in surprise, "what are you doing here?"
"What are you doing here?" asked Dawn, "I asked you if you wanted to go to a wedding as my plus one and you said you were already booked for another wedding."
"Yeah" said Jon, "this one. And you said you couldn't come with me because you we booked for another wedding."
"Yea" said Dawn, "this one."
"Wait.. wait… wait… hold on" said Willow, "the both of you know each other?"
"Oh" said Faith as she looked at Dawn, "he's the one you told me about? The one you were.. you know… 'dating'?"
"You knew?" asked Willow as she looked at Faith.
"She never told me his name" said Faith, "plus I promised I'd keep it a secret."
"So the two of you are dating?" asked Daniel, "seriously?"
"Daniel" said Jon.
"This is just too funny" said Daniel as he started to laugh.
"Daniel" said Willow as she couldn't help but smile, "it's not funny…."
"Hey guys" said General O'Neill as he walked down the stairs when he saw Jon in the living room.
"Hey old man" grinned Jon.
"You've grown" said the General nonchalantly.
"And I hear you became a General" said Jon with a smirk.
"Yea" replied the General.
"Jack… Jack…" said Daniel as he tried his best not to laugh, "guess what, Jon and Dawn are…"
Daniel couldn't help it but start laughing hard.
"Huh?" said the General as he looked at Dawn while shrugging his shoulders.
"Sir" said Willow, "Jon and Dawn are dating."
"Oh" said the General in surprise as he looked at both Jon and Dawn while grinning, "why, ain't I lucky."
"What's going on?" asked a confused Dawn.
"Dawnie" said Willow as she put her arm around her shoulders, "do you think Jon is cute? Honestly."
"Red" said Jon as he blushed.
"Well…" said Dawn as she whispered into her ear, "yea, he's kinda hot."
"Alright" said Willow, "well, full disclosure then."
"Jon is Big-G's clone" said Faith as Dawn's mouth hung open.
"Clone?" said a surprised Dawn, "clone?"
"Yea" said Jon, "I understand if you…."
Suddenly Jon stopped talking as everyone in the room started to get into a hysterical laughing fit, including Dawn.
Air Force Academy Chapel, Colorado Springs, 1330 hours.
Willow stood behind Cassie, who had come to the Colonel's home soon after the whole laughing fit was over and all Dawn and Jon could do was smile at each other. She glanced back at Faith and smiled while looking out at the guests who had seated on the pews. She saw the Colonel's brother who had set the two of them up and made a mental note to one day give him a piece of her mind. She then looked at the rest of the bride' side of the chapel which consisted of the majority of the SGC personnel. She saw Teal'c seated next to Daniel and Anya, along with Dawn and Jon who were seated next to General O'Neill.
"Red" whispered Faith, "some of the groomsmen are giving us the look."
"The look?" asked Willow.
"You know" said Faith as she gave a little smirk, "the look."
"Oh" whispered Willow, "that look."
"Yep" replied Faith.
"Oh if they only knew" replied Cassie as she looked back at Willow.
"Where's Dominic?" whispered Willow.
"There" nodded Cassie, "next to Uncle Jack."
"Oh" said Willow as she noticed a nervous looking young man, "well, you better tell him to be careful or else the General will have his say."
"He's a nice boy" smiled Cassie.
It was at that moment that the wedding march started to play and the three young bridesmaids looked towards the entrance at Colonel Carter who was all in white and General Carter who stood smart in his dress blues as her arm wrapped around his.
"It's not too late, Sam" grinned the General.
"Dad" said the Colonel, "I'm sure you'll get to like him, he's like an acquired taste."
"I know" said the General as he walked down the aisle with his daughter as everyone stood up and looked towards them, "doesn't mean that I have to like him. Just remind him that if he does anything to hurt you in anyway, there's a mountain full of civilians, Airmen, Marines and Army personnel that would like to have a go at him."
"I'll be sure to tell him dad" smiled the Colonel, "and don't forget that we have a psionic and a young woman with preternatural abilities."
"I haven't forgotten" replied the General, "that was already implied in when I…."
Just at that moment, as they passed by General O'Neill, that they heard his phone go off.
Smiling at the General, the Colonel and General Carter passed him as he picked up the phone to silence it and put it on vibration mode, before putting it back into his pocket. When everyone sat back down, he felt the phone vibrate again but he ignored it.
Faith was looking at the Colonel and noted how beautiful she looked as she stepped up to the alter after General Carter had given her away to Pete and went back to his seat. While looking at the smiling Colonel, she noticed a sudden movement in her peripheral vision. Turning her head, she noticed that the movement was actually from the General as he picked up his phone. Looking pissed as he answered it, Faith suddenly noticed the General's demeanour change as he put the phone back into his pocket and looked straight ahead. She couldn't be sure but she noticed a hint of a smile on his face.
Willow, having seen the same thing, was unsure of what was going on but from the emotions coming off the General, she knew that it had to be big.
Willow: "Sir. Everything alright?"
O'Neill: "Oh yeah."
While the ceremony was going on, Willow couldn't concentrate. She was wondering what had improved the General's mood so much. Once all the vows were done and the rings exchanged, Willow and the others clapped for the Colonel as the priest informed Pete that he could kiss his bride.
As the Colonel walked towards the entrance so that they could change and get to the reception, she passed General O'Neill. She saw him smiling at her before turning towards Willow and Faith… the smile that said something possibly good had just happened. The Colonel looked back as the General, followed by Dawn, Jon, Daniel, Anya and Teal'c ran towards her father, Willow and Faith. She couldn't see their reactions as she ran down the stairs and wondered to herself if this was really it. At first she didn't really think about anything that would happen after she got married, but now she did. Her biggest wonder was now if she would be frozen out of the group of close knit friends she had made, and for the first time since she said 'I do'; she felt a pain in her chest.
"Jack" said Daniel as the chapel started to clear out with everyone getting ready to go for the reception, "what's going on?"
"Listen" said the General as he pulled everyone out through a side door which led to a quiet side of the parking lot. Making sure that there was no one there, the General spoke again.
"I got a call from the SGC" continued the General, "they received a three second data burst from a certain location."
"Just three seconds?" asked Willow.
"Highly compressed data burst" said the General, "Walter used Carter's algorithm to uncompress it and…."
"Sir?" said Willow, "what was in the data burst?"
"I need you" said the General as he looked at Willow, "to head back to the SGC and confirm the data. I know we're all supposed to be in Carter's reception but this takes priority. At least for a few hours, so Red just confirm the contents of the data burst and then head back to the reception. We can have a full briefing tomorrow."
"But sir" said Willow, "what's this all about? Where did the data come from?"
"Atlantis" grinned the General as everyone's eyes widened in surprise.