Colonel Carter's New Home, 1900 hours.
Willow finished her briefing with the General, Daniel and Faith about what happened in Atlantis, the link that she and Faith shared which, in turn, caused Faith to confirm the visions that Willow had about Athena. The both of them also had told the General about the generic experiment Athena was talking about to Janus which seemed to peak his interest a bit. She remembered Daniel arguing against using such a weapon, if they could even find the research on in Atlantis that would cause the complete eradication of not only the Wraith, but the weapons as well.
She recalled the argument had gone on for quite some time until General O'Neill said that he would order Dr. Weir and Dr. McKay to find that research and if it was viable, he'll bring it up to the President. She then recalled as she parked her car behind two other cars about how the rest of that conversation went earlier that day.
"Sir" said Willow, "there's one more thing."
"Which is?" asked the General.
"Janus told Athena to bring her data crystals and copies of her research during the evacuation so that she could continue her research in the continental outposts on Earth, and other planets in this galaxy."
"Wait" said Daniel, "you said outposts? As in plural?"
"Yes" said Willow excitedly, "meaning…"
"The Antarctic Outpost isn't the only one on Earth" said Faith.
"Exactly" said Willow, "those outposts could hold even more technology, or even ZPMs."
"Control Chairs" said the General.
"Yes, Sir" said Willow, "but the problem is that we have no idea where these outposts could be."
"On each continent?" said Daniel sheepishly.
"Probably" smiled Willow, "but the question is where exactly. I mean I have an idea of what to look out for but I need Colonel Carter's help in this. We examined the ZPM, we know that it gives off ambient energy. I think we can create a program that could be installed on the Prometheus or the Daedalus that could detect this energy from space."
"Speaking of whom" said Faith as she looked around, "where is Sam? I mean, she's done with her honeymoon, right?"
"Yeah" said the General as he looked at Daniel before looking at Willow and Faith, "something happened while the two of you were in Atlantis."
As Willow shook her head, she slowly got out of her car and walked up the driveway.
'How could you do that, ma'am?' thought Willow to herself as she walked up to the front door and knocked.
"Mark" said Pete's voice, "could you open the door?"
"Sure" said Mark Carter, Colonel Carter's brother as he opened the door only to be surprised by a redhead in a black blouse with blue jeans standing on the porch, "hi."
"Mr. Carter?" said Willow, "I'm…."
"Yea" said Mark as he held a can of beer in his hand, "I know who you are, one of Sam's bridesmaids…. The one who skipped early for her job, and then came in late."
"Yea" said Willow, "that one… I see you've been talking to Pete."
"He's my best friend" said Mark, "I've heard stories about you, about how you're a bad influence on my sister."
"I bet" said Willow as she rubbed her forehead, "Look, Mr. Carter, I'm not here to argue, I'm here to speak to Colonel Carter."
"Who is it?" asked Pete as he came to the door and looked at Willow as he smirked, "oh… it's you."
"I'll be inside with Kris" said Mark as he left Pete and Willow alone.
"What do you want?" said Pete as he tried to tower himself over Willow as a form of intimidation.
"I need to talk to the Colonel" said Willow as she stepped forward, "not to you."
"Oh you can give me a message" smirked Pete as he had a loud thought about having a threesome with her and Colonel Carter together, which made Willow wince a little, "and I'll make sure Sam get's it."
"Listen you creep" hissed Willow, "you knew that the Colonel couldn't take her alcohol and you pushed her into that confrontation in the balcony in front of all those people. I know it was you. And what I have to say, is for her ears only….."
"She's out" said Pete as he slammed the door behind him and walked out onto the porch, "she's out and away from you and all those other people. Stay away from her or else I'll have you arrested for trespassing."
Willow: "Colonel, I know you can hear me ma'am. I just got back from Atlantis and I came as soon as I heard about what happened. All I'm asking is that you listen, you can decide then if you really want to go through with this. If you still want to go through with this, then you have my support. I'm your subordinate and your friend, ma'am. So please, hear me out."
"Willow?" said the Colonel as she ran down the stairs and opened the door, only to see Willow and Pete staring each other off.
"You should be in bed, Sam" said Pete as he turned around and held on to her shoulder, "come on, don't let her bother you. You need rest."
"Ma'am" said Willow, "please. I need to talk to you; there are some things I've never told you about and well…. It needs to be said."
"Mark!" shouted Pete, "get Sam out of here will you, I'll be calling the cops and getting rid of this trespasser."
"Come on, Sam" said Mark as he tried to pull the Colonel into the house but she was resisting as she looked at Willow as her blue eyes started to tear up.
"Mark" said the Colonel softly, "let me go."
"But Sam" said Mark, "you've been depressed since yesterday when you went to that Godforsaken place and submitted that letter. Come back in, you need to lay down."
"What's going on out here?" said a female voice and the voice of General Carter as the both of them walked up to the door.
"Willow?" said the General, "when did you get back from your deployment overseas?"
"This afternoon, sir" said Willow as she nodded at the General.
"Good to see you back" said the General.
"I came as soon as I heard, Sir" said Willow as she looked at the Colonel, "General O'Neill told Faith and I about her letter.. so… yeah."
"Sam" said the General, "why don't you go out for a while? You've been cooped up in this house since yesterday."
"Dad!" said both Pete and Mark.
"Oh stop it" said the woman as she pushed through Pete and Mark towards Willow, "hi, I'm Kris… Kris Carter."
"Willow" said the redhead as she extended her hand, "Willow Rosenberg."
"Please don't be mad at Sam for what happened that day" said Kris as Willow noticed the Colonel visibly wince, "it was just….."
"I'm not" said Willow as the Colonel looked up at her in surprise, "it was just one of those things that happens at a wedding… I'm sure we'll all laugh about it years from now."
"Now that's all done" said Kris as she looked at Willow, "how would you like to come in for some dessert? We have a lot of extra cupcakes. Jacob just can't seem to get enough, especially of the chocolate ones."
"Cupcakes, Sir?" smiled Willow as she looked at the General who shrugged his shoulders.
"Kris" said Pete, "I'm afraid she has to go… she'll be busy with her girlfriend… right?"
"Actually" said Willow, "I came to talk to Colonel Carter about something important."
"She's out" said Pete, "now I want yo…."
"Stop it right there" said General Carter, "it's not your decision."
"Sam?" said Pete as he turned to the Colonel, "you don't want to talk to her right?"
"Ma'am" said Willow, "if you don't want me here then I'll leave. You won't hear from me again."
"No" said the Colonel.
"See" grinned Pete as he looked at Willow, "now get…"
"Pete" said the Colonel, "what I meant was that no, I don't want her to leave."
"Sam?" said Pete as he grabbed her shoulders, "we talked about this; this is us starting a new life together…."
"I'm hearing her out, Pete" said the Colonel softly, "now, please… let me talk to her alone."
"Come on" said the General as he gathered everyone and pushed them back into the house, "let the two friends talk this out. It's none of our business."
"Thanks, Sir" said Willow as the door closed and she was left alone with the Colonel on the front porch.
"Willow" said the Colonel as she stepped forwards and held Willow's hands, "I know I don't deserve your forgiveness for what I said and what I did during the reception, but I hope… I really…. Please forgive me?"
"Ma'am" smiled Willow as she squeezed her hands, "it was a crazy time for all of us and well, you were drunk. I was shocked a bit… I'll admit that but.. yes.. I forgive you. I value your friendship ma'am, I hope you know that."
"I value yours, and Faith's too" said the Colonel as she went and gave Willow a tight hug.
"Feel like going for a drive, ma'am?" asked Willow, "I have some things I need to tell you, you know… classified stuff."
"But I don't have clearance anymore" said the Colonel, "and please, no more titles… just call me Sam."
"Can't ma'am" grinned Willow, "you are still my superior officer; the General hasn't turned in your retirement papers yet. It was just blind luck that I came back today. When he told us you planned to retire from the Air Force, I wanted to talk to you… hope that what I say would change your mind."
"I.. I don't think you can" said the Colonel as Willow pulled her to her car, "the General, Daniel and my dad tried to change my mind.. but…."
"Ma'am" said Willow as she got into her car, "they don't know what I know."
Cheyenne Mountain Lookout platform, 1945 hours.
"So this is your plan?" asked the Colonel as she walked with Willow as they each carried a bag of fast food and a cup of pop, "eat under the stars? Won't Faith get jealous or something?"
"Hah" said Willow as she sat on the bench, "you're funny ma'am."
"I try" smiled the Colonel as she sat on the bench next to Willow, "so how was Atlantis?"
"Other than trying to beat back a race of alien space vampires?" said Willow, "it was peachy."
"You just did say space vampires, right?" said the Colonel as she looked at Willow in surprise.
"Oh yeah" replied Willow with a grin.
"Faith won the pool, didn't she?" asked the Colonel.
"Yes" said Willow as she laughed, "she won the pool."
"I wish I was there" said the Colonel as she looked up at the sky, "at Atlantis with you guys."
"Me too, ma'am" said Willow, "the city's beautiful. The Ancients really know how to build 'em."
"What a time for the expedition to contact us" said the Colonel as he hung her head and closed her eyes, "don't get me wrong, I'm glad that they're alright.. but their timing sucks."
"I'm sorry, too" said Willow as she looked at the Colonel, "I should have let you know what…."
"No" said the Colonel, "General O'Neill was right. Our people take priority over everything else and…"
"Ma'am" said Willow, "I'm not trying to replace you… I don't want to replace you because you can't be replaced."
"Willow" said the Colonel, "in case you hadn't noticed, you will be replacing me on the team… eventually I know you can lead SG1. And the day that happens, I'll be so proud of you that you couldn't believe… even though I may never hear about it through official channels, especially if I retire."
"Please don't" said Willow as she put her drink and burger down and looked at the Colonel, "don't retire."
"I have to" said the Colonel, "Pete doesn't want to leave Colorado, and well… the Area 51 job would take up too much of my time to even have time to spend time with him if he stays here…. Hell, the commute itself will be…."
"Ma'am" said Willow, "I've been having visions."
"I know" said the Colonel, "I remember you told me about the Anubis one. That's why you asked me to make that counter measure."
"You don't understand" said Willow as the Colonel looked at her confused, "before I was possessed by Anubis, I had another dream…. In that dream, I saw someone who looked like me when I was a little girl."
"What are you talking about?" asked the Colonel.
"She said her name was Athena" said Willow, "and she looks like me, ma'am…. Exactly like me when I was a little girl. And then I saw her a few more times. Usually it was as a third person perspective. Then there was one vision where she or I was chained to the wall of a cave, I saw some people carry out a procedure or something and suddenly there were screams. I heard people dying. They said that it was because of Athena that they were able to create… the word they used was a destiny."
"Willow" said the Colonel, "have you told the General about this?"
"I just told him about it today, everything is in my report which if I hope you read if you decide to stay" said Willow, "then there was another nightmare or dream…. I don't know what to call it, I was the night Faith and I established our link. I was seeing everything from Athena's point of view. She was on a ship or a cloning facility occupied by the same race that attacked Atlantis, the Wraith."
"What?" said the Colonel as she looked at Willow with her mouth open.
"That's not the weirdest part ma'am" said Willow, "they killed someone who was in the shadows next to me. A female."
"Ok" said the Colonel nodding her head.
"I had a vision in Atlantis" said Willow, "actually Faith did too since we shared the link and well…. May I show it to you?"
"OK" said the Colonel as Willow placed her hands on the Colonel's temples and closed her eyes. Willow showed her the entire vision that she had in Atlantis about Janus and Athena. Even Athena meeting Dr. Weir.
"Whoa" said the Colonel as Willow removed her hands, "that's… that's…. she's just like you."
"I know" said Willow, "and the weirdest part was in the beginning of the vision."
"Yeah" said the Colonel, "It seemed like a continuation of the other vision you told me about, especially the body. So Athena had a sister who was killed by the Wraith, and in her anger she proposed living weapons to annihilate them."
"Yes" said Willow.
"Willow" said the Colonel, "I don't know what…."
"That's not all, ma'am" said Willow as she held the Colonel's hand.
"There's more?" smiled the Colonel.
"This one is about you" said Willow, "well two of them, one more than the other."
"Me?" said the Colonel surprised.
"This is the one that I never told the General, ma'am. I think I saw the future" said Willow, "like how I know I saw a vision of the future and what would happen if Anubis took over my body… I felt it in my heart that this was the same. These dreams were the same."
"When did it happen?" asked the Colonel, "Why didn't you tell me then? Why tell me now?"
"I'm afraid if I don't tell you now" said Willow as she started to tear up, "then you'll ruin your future, ma'am. If you retire, then that future is effectively gone."
"What did you see?" asked the Colonel as she put her hands on Willow's cheeks and rubbed her tears away.
"It happened when I died" said Willow, "I had three visions that were clear as day. In one, I was in the infirmary, everyone was sick…. Life support machines were everywhere. Then the CMO and another person in a isolation suit approached me…"
"Wait" said the Colonel, "I thought you said it was a vision, how could they approach you?"
"They talked to me" said Willow, "the CMO asked me why I wasn't with SG1, she said I should be with the Sodan getting the blood sample we need from the Prior for a vaccine. By the looks of it, it seemed like a sickness was going around."
"Willow" said the Colonel surprised, "time travel… I mean.. yeah we have the time jumper but…. Physical travel unaided.. it's not possible…"
"Ma'am" said Willow, "I saw a man claiming to be the base commander and he wasn't General O'Neill. I never saw him before in my life. But when I said that General O'Neill was the base C.O, he told me that he left the SGC and that he was the Head of Home World Security."
"My God" said the Colonel as she placed her hands over her mouth.
"I never realized until later" said Willow, "what happened in that vision just recently happened, General O'Neill will head up Home World Security and someone new will take over the base."
"Willow" said the Colonel, "I need to get you to the infirmary now, time travel unaided will kill you."
"Ma'am" said Willow as she pulled her back down to the seat, "it happened when I was dead, and I'm not done."
"Ok" said the Colonel as she moved some of the hair from Willow's face.
"In my other vision" said Willow, "I found myself on a ship that was being attacked. Attacked hard."
"Daedalus?" asked the Colonel, "Prometheus?"
"The Phoenix" said Willow, "she was called the U.S.S Phoenix and I saw you, ma'am. The ship was taking fire from an unknown enemy and you were in command. Ma'am, you were a full bird colonel commanding a ship against an enemy we never saw before. You have to trust me on this."
"Willow" said the Colonel.
"I died, ma'am" said Willow.
"What?" said the Colonel.
"You were at the command chair ordering me to get back to the ship" said Willow as she looked into the Colonel's eyes, "from what I could see from the bridge, I was flying an Ancient ship, a Puddle Jumper, into another bigger alien ship, at least I think it was a ship. You told me that it was a suicide mission since they took out our transporters. Then there was a shower of sparks behind me and I shouted your name. You turned around and saw me… you looked confused. So did Faith…"
"Faith was there?" asked the Colonel.
"Yes" said Willow, "she looked at me and then at a small ship. And so did you…"
"The last thing I remember" said Willow, "was a huge blinding flash of light from the other ship before I seemed to lose consciousness."
"That doesn't mean you died" said the Colonel as she smiled.
"It does ma'am" said Willow, "the third vision I had was… ma'am, this vision is why I don't want you to leave the Air Force. I saw a huge crowd gathered near some kind of a monument, I later found out it was called the Home World Security Memorial. The people were listening to someone I never saw making a speech. By the time I reached the crowd, the woman's speech ended and she introduced the head of Home World Security."
"Willow?" said the Colonel as she saw the redhead smile.
"The head of Home World Security was Lieutenant General Samantha Carter" said Willow as the Colonel looked on in shock.
"What?!" said the Colonel, "Willow… that's… that's not possible."
"When I called your name" said Willow, "I thought it was a dream, but then you looked up and saw me while you were making a speech. You stumbled on it, but then you shook your head and went on with it. I was confused about that reaction at first, I never thought anything about it until I took a closer look at the memorial. Major Willow Rosenberg's name was there among the dead."
'Oh Willow" said the Colonel as she hugged Willow tightly and kissed the top of her head.
"I stumbled back in shock just as you finished your speech" said Willow, "you turned around to step down from the podium and when you did, you saw me again and this time you stopped in shock. It seemed as if you saw a ghost, and in my shock I ran away. But I distinctly heard your voice shouting my name. I thought it was all a dream… but if you saw me…. If you shouted for my name…"
"That means that you were there" said the Colonel surprised.
"Please ma'am" said Willow, "don't leave, things will happen.. and I'm afraid that if you're not here then…."
"Willow" said the Colonel, "I….."
"Ma'am" said Willow, "please…. Reconsider your retirement. You have a future ma'am, a fantastic future…. and I'm begging you not to let go of it. We need you ma'am, I need you. Working with you and Dr. Lee is one of the things I enjoy about this place. But if you do decide to let go, then I meant every word I said, I will support your decision two hundred percent."
"Willow" said the Colonel as she closed her eyes, "can you take me back home?"
"Sure, ma'am" said Willow as she sensed a mixture of emotions from the Colonel, "we can go now."
"Thank you" said the Colonel as she led Willow back down to the parking lot.
Colonel Carter's New Home, 2130 hours.
"Sam!" said Pete as he got up from the couch and walked towards the Colonel as she entered the house followed by Willow, "where the hell were you? You know how late it is? I almost called some of my cop buddies to look out for you."
"Pete" said the Colonel as she took off her coat, "it's not that late and besides, you usually get home around eleven."
"Sam?" said the General as he walked toward the Colonel, "everything alright?"
"Yea, Dad" smiled the Colonel, "Willow and I had a talk and well…. I'd like to make an announcement in the living room."
"Sure" said the General as he walked over to the living room and gathered Mark and Kris over to the main couch as Willow stood beside the General.
"Sam" said Pete, "what's going on?"
"I had a talk with Willow" smiled the Colonel, "we discussed my future in the Air Force."
"I thought we decided that retirement was better?" said Pete, "you already put in the forms."
"Apparently they haven't been filed yet" said the Colonel as she grabbed his arm and pulled him to the living room.
"Sam" hissed Pete.
"Sam?" asked Mark as he looked at the angry face that Pete had on while he sat down, "what's going on?"
"I'll be calling General O'Neill and asking him to shred my application for retirement tomorrow" said the Colonel as she looked at her father before looking straight at Willow, all the while Pete looked on in anger.
"Sam" said Mark surprised, "but why?"
"Willow convinced me that just because I got married, it doesn't mean that I have to give up on my future" said the Colonel, "in fact, she convinced me that I should fight tooth and nail for it, and at the same time, to make changes for the better."
"Good for you, Sam" said the General and Kris as they stood up and hugged the blonde as the General whispered in her ear, "see, I told you that you can still have everything that you ever want."
"Pete" said the Colonel, "I need to do this, its…."
"Fine" said Pete angrily as he got up and slammed their bedroom door shut.
"He'll be alright, Sam" said the General, "just know that I think you made the right call."
"Me too" said Kris.
"Mark?" said the Colonel as she saw her brother rubbing his forehead.
"Look" sighed Mark as he got up, "you know my feelings towards the Air Force but, I just want to know if you really think not retiring is the best way to go. Especially if you want to start a family?"
"Mark" said Kris, "I think most women have proved that they can have a career and a family life, unless you think I should give up my job so that I can stay home and cook and clean?"
"I didn't mean that" said Mark, "it's just…"
"It's my decision, Mark" said the Colonel, "Yes I made a decision to resign but now I changed my mind, you think I can't? Or that I shouldn't?"
"Not based on what someone I barely know tells you" said Mark as he pointed at Willow.
"OK" said Willow, "I think I better leave now."
"Stay" said the Colonel as she looked at Willow before turning to look at Mark, "true, you don't know her. But I do. Not only is she my subordinate, she is also one of my closest friends and confidants. I trust her and Faith with my life, so you're right… you don't know her. What matters here is that I do and that's what matters."
"Mr. Carter" said Willow, "I understand that you don't know me.. and that maybe you've heard things about me that may have been….. exaggerated. But if you'd like, my friends and I are having a barbeque in the park in a couple of days. You and your family are more than welcome to join us."
"That's nice of you" said Kris, "have enough room for two kids?"
"My nieces" said the Colonel as she looked at Willow.
"Of course" said Willow as she looked at Colonel Carter, "you're coming too ma'am, as is the General. And Pete too, if he's not too busy that is. What the heck… we'll make it a welcome back party for Colonel Carter. I'll get General O'Neill, Daniel and Anya to come, Murray too if he's not busy."
"But I didn't go anywhere" said the Colonel.
"Just run with it" said General Carter, "this just means that Jack gets to order the cake."
"Of course it does" said the Colonel with a smile at Willow.
"Mr. Carter?" said Willow, "Faith is a mean griller."
"Come on, Mark" said Kris, "you've always complained that you don't know any of Sam's friends."
"Pete told me…" said Mark as Kris interrupted him.
"I think we should get to know them ourselves, don't you?" smiled Kris.
"Fine" said Mark as he looked at Willow, "we'll join you and your friends."
"Cool" said Willow as she walked towards the door, "I'll make the arrangements. See you guys in two days."
"Bye, Willow" said the Colonel as she walked the redhead out to the driveway, "and thank you."
"I just didn't want to see you waste your future ma'am" said Willow, "it's nothing against Pete, well maybe a little but that's beside the point, I meant every word I told you."
"I know" said the Colonel as she hugged Willow again.
"Does Faith and Dawn know that a huge group is coming?" whispered the Colonel into Willow's ear.
"Yes" replied Willow.
"Does the General know I changed my mind?"
"I thought I'd keep him in suspense, ma'am" said Willow, "I can pick you up tomorrow if you want."
"Sure" said the Colonel, "I'd like to hear your idea."
"Thank you, ma'am" said Willow as she smiled and got into her car. Willow waved at the Colonel as she reversed her car out of the driveway. As she did, she saw Pete looking at her out of the second floor window angrily.
Sacramento, California, one week later.
"Sir" said Willow in her dress blues and carrying a briefcase, "so this is the place?"
"Yep" said General O'Neill as he got out of the black sedan and the both of them walked towards the house, "the SGC will be fine with Hank, he's one of the best people I know, and the one I trust explicitly to run the place. Don't get me wrong, I think Reynolds makes a great Second in Command but, I don't think he's ready… yet."
"I understand, sir" said Willow as the General, who was also in his dress blues, knocked on the door.
"Hold on, hold on" said a familiar voice as Willow looked at the door and then at the General.
"Red?" asked General O'Neill as he looked at Willow, "you alright?"
"Ummm.. yes, Sir" said Willow as the door opened and she saw the same man that she saw when she was in the infirmary among all those who were sick in her vision.
"Hank" said the General as he nodded his head.
"Jack" replied General Landry, "what brings you out and….. oh."
"Hank" said General O'Neill, "meet Captain Willow Rosenberg, Captain Rosenberg, Major General Hank Landry."
"Sir" said Willow as she stood at attention.
"At ease, Captain" said the General.
"Sir" said Willow as she stood next General O'Neill.
"What's up, Jack?" said General Landry as he stepped aside and let the both of them in.
"Hank" said General O'Neill, "I want you to head up the Stargate Program based out of Cheyenne Mountain."
"Huh?" said General Landry as he closed the door and looked confusingly at General O'Neill and Willow.
Willow and General O'Neill spent hours with General Landry in going over mission reports and classified files after he had signed the NDA. All the while, Willow looked on as he rubbed his forehead but could feel a sense of excitement coming from him. It was as if he was looking forward to a new adventure,
"You're serious?" said General Landry after he read all the relevant files on the operations of the base.
"Hank" said General O'Neill, "you'll be starting immediately. I'll be off to Washington tomorrow to find my apartment, and I'll be moving there in about two months. In the meantime, you'll have my current Second in Command, Al Reynolds to show you around together with Captain Rosenberg here, and Lt. Colonel Carter."
"Who's commanding SG1?" asked General Landry as he opened SG1's folder, "other than Captain Rosenberg here and this Faith Lehane, it seems the team has been retired. Dr. Daniel Jackson applied for a transfer to Atlantis…. Still can't believe it… Atlantis. Lt. Colonel Carter will be heading up the Stargate Research and Development at Area 51 in three months, and Teal'c resigned from the SGC to help lead the newly formed Free Jaffa Nation. You haven't given me much to work with. No offense to Captain Rosenberg or to Miss Lehane."
"None taken, Sir" smiled Willow.
"It's just temporary, Hank" said General O'Neill, "I actually have an idea for the next commander of the team, he was one of the downed pilots who risked his life during the battle over Antarctica. In addition to the inclusion of Captain Rosenberg and Faith, he can pick whoever else he wants."
"This Lt. Colonel Cameron Mitchell?" asked General Landry.
"Yea" said General O'Neill, "that one."
"Ummmm…." Said General as he looked through Colonel Mitchell's file, "he seems good for the position, typical Type A personality."
"He'll be good" said General O'Neill, "actually, he wanted the position ever since he found out that there was an opening."
"Ah" said General Landry as he closed Colonel Mitchell's file, "I agree, he'll be the new commander of SG1."
"Cool" said General O'Neill as he looked at Willow and nodded.
"Sir" said Willow as she reached into her briefcase and took out two folders and handed them to a surprised General Landry.
"More?" said the General as he looked at General O'Neill.
"Captain Rosenberg and Faith have special Top Secret: Presidential Eyes only files" said General O'Neill, "its only for the President and the SGC Commander. That will be expanded to include the Head of Home World Security since the both of them are technically under contract with HWS and on loan to the SGC. Just read through and you'll know why."
"You're kidding me" said General Landry after he spent time reading the files not once, but four times before he looked at General O'Neill, "Jack!"
"It's all true" said the General, "I was there when she landed into the briefing room, you can ask Hammond too."
"Holy" said General Landry as he looked at Willow, "what am I thinking about now, Captain?"
"Sir" said Willow, "permission to speak freely?"
"Granted" said General Landry.
"Wanting to eat six pieces of steak, one on top of another with mashed potatoes and… is that blueberry pie?" said Willow as she leaned forward, "they're not really good for you, I mean, in my honest opinion. I mean, I'd challenge you but…. I don't think I'd win… Faith may though… she eats like a horse."
"Ok" said General Landry, "and vampires? Demons?"
"All true" said General O'Neill, "we have one working with Daniel and after he leaves, she'll be on loan with us for seven months out of the year with Dawn Summers taking her place when she's not here for the other five months."
"That's a complicated relationship with this… BPRI" said General Landry, "and I've read the report on that incident with Captain Rosenberg."
"It's better now" said General O'Neill.
"I see" said General Landry as he closed the folders and handed them back to Willow before looking at General O'Neill, "I'll do it, sounds like an exciting proposition and I'm really looking forward it. Basically, it's going to be real fun."
"Cool" said General O'Neill.
Washington, D.C. Two months later, 2000 hours.
"Wowza" said Willow as she opened the room door that she was sharing with Colonel Carter and looked at Faith in a silky blue dress, "you look…. Look…. I mean... wowza!"
"Yeah" said Faith with a grin, "that's the reaction I was going for."
"Hey Faith" said the Colonel as she put on her dress blues after handing Willow hers, "wow, you look great."
"Red said the same thing too" said Faith as she smiled at Willow, "Daniel and Anya are waiting downstairs."
"Angel and Cordy?" asked Willow.
"They're downstairs too" said Faith, "it was nice for the President to invite them."
"Well" said the Colonel, aware that they were in a highly public place, "he read Dr. Weir's report, and he was impressed with his contribution in helping our people overseas repel those intruders."
"Pete?" asked Faith.
"He said he had to work" said the Colonel, "he's not really for all of this… you know."
"Yeah" said Willow as she looked at Faith.
"Shall we go?" asked Faith as the Colonel and Willow nodded before they closed the door and headed down to the hotel lobby.
"The White House" said Faith as she and the others entered a large room filled with both Air Force personnel in their best Dress Blues and civilians in their best formal wear, "never thought I'd be coming here."
"You and me, Faith" said Cordelia as she looked around.
"Carter, Faith" called General O'Neill who was talking to General Landry, and motioning for the both of them to come over and meet the new base C.O.
"We'll see you guys later?" asked the Colonel.
"Of course, ma'am" said Willow as the Colonel smiled and walked towards the two General's.
"I'll be back" said faith as she winked at Willow before she too followed Colonel Carter.
Willow smiled as she watched Faith walk up to the General and shake his hand.
"Willow" said Angel, "Cordy and I are going for some punch, would you..?"
"Sure" smiled Willow as she followed the both of them to the punch bowl at one of the large tables where there were some familiar faces milling around.
"Doc" said Willow as she hugged Dr. Beckett, "how are you?"
"The question should be how are you?" said the doctor, "you scared us you know?"
"You did" said Dr. Weir as she come up from behind Willow, "but I read the report that the Asgard had on you, pretty interesting stuff."
"Thanks, ma'am" grinned Willow.
"So" smiled Dr. Weir, "have you given any thought to joining us in Atlantis?"
"Not yet, ma'am" laughed Willow, "I have a feeling that something's coming."
"Some things always coming, Willow" said Dr. Weir, "but, this opportunity is always open for you."
"Thanks, Dr. Weir" said Willow as she saw the Atlantis expedition leader walk over to Daniel and Angel.
It was almost twenty minutes later that the staff had closed the doors to the room and the Presidential Anthem, Hail to the Chief, started to play. With everyone quietened down, they looked on as the President walked up to the podium and started to make his speech. By that time, Faith had finished talking to General Landry and stood next to the redhead. The both of them listened as the President thanked the personnel of the SGC for the defence of the planet, and welcomed back the personnel of the Atlantis Expedition. He also announced that all those who were instrumental in the defence of Atlantis would be receiving a special commendation in their files.
"That includes the both of you" said Colonel Carter as she came up to Willow and Faith, while Angel and Cordelia stood behind them. Willow then looked at the Colonel as she felt a strange sense of pride, mixed with dread.
"Ma'am" said Willow as she looked at the Colonel, "is everything alright?"
"Yea" smiled the Colonel, "I was just thinking."
"Penny for your thoughts?" asked Willow.
"Don't worry about it" said the Colonel.
"Alright ma'am" said Willow.
"And finally" said President Hayes, "I would also like to give a special mention to an individual from the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Investigation based out of Sunnydale, California who was also instrumental in helping repel the Wraith incursion into Atlantis. His help was particularly crucial in preventing one of the intruders from detonating an explosive deep in the city two days after their final attack. Incidentally, if that bomb had gone off, it would have caused untold damage to that section and it could have been flooded, resulting in further loss of life. So if you could please come up here, Angel."
"Huh?" said Angel as everyone started clapping and Cordelia had to literally push him, with help from Willow and Faith, to walk up to the small stage with the podium where Dr. Weir was standing next to the President with a small box in her hand.
"Angel" said President Hayes as he shook his hand, "you did a good job out there, son. We can't offer you much with the secrecy surrounding the program for now, but I hope you'll accept this plaque as a sign of our thanks."
"It was no problem, Mr. President" said Angel as he was handed the box after he shook hands with both the President and Dr. Weir before he went back to Cordelia who gave him a kiss as the combined SGC and Atlantis attendees clapped and whistled.
"OK" said the President, "just a few more items on the agenda and then the party can really begin. First of all, I'd like to invite General George Hammond to the stage."
Willow and the others clapped as the General walked up to the stage where he made a speech that said how proud he was to work at Home World Security and that it was time for new blood to take over. HE then called up General O'Neill to the stage where he and the President awarded him another star and a promotion to Major General.
The biggest applause was for General O'Neill when he took the microphone and thanked everyone, and said that the night still wasn't done. Willow saw Dr. Weir walking up to the General as she stood beside him with a smile. She then walked up to the microphone as General O'Neill motioned for her to take over and asked for Major Sheppard to come up to the stage. Willow looked on as a surprised Major Sheppard stopped talking to McKay once he heard his name being called. He was equally surprised that when he reached the podium and stood in front of General O'Neill, he heard that he was being promoted to Lt. Colonel. Willow and the other clapped for him as he stepped down and while everyone was happy for him, she knew the loudest cheers were coming from the Atlantis personnel.
It was then that there were more promotions for the SGC, including for Jennifer Hailey and Grogan to the ranks of Major. But the final promotion was the biggest surprise for Willow.
"Alright" said General O'Neill, "This will be my final promotion for an officer under my command at the SGC, and it's one that I am extremely proud to make. I'd like to ask Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter to the stage please."
"She deserves it" said Willow as she looked at Faith as everyone clapped when Colonel Carter walked up to the stage and looked at General O'Neill as he handed her a box.
"Lt. Colonel?" said General O'Neill with a smile, "if you'd please?"
"Of course, Sir" said the Colonel as she walked up to the microphone to everyone's surprise.
"Ok" said Willow confused, "that's odd."
"You guys really didn't think I was getting this right?" grinned the Colonel as everyone started to laugh, "but seriously, this… this is for someone I'll be working with for another month before I leave the SGC for a new position in Stargate Research and Development."
"Red?" said Faith.
"No" said Willow, "no way."
"Willow" said Daniel as he a hand on her shoulder and squeezed, "you deserve this."
"She's someone I'm proud to call my Second in Command, and she will be the Second in Command of the new commander for SG1. Please come up here, Captain Rosenberg."
"What" said Willow in surprise as everyone clapped; even the President and General Hammond were motioning for the redhead who looked like a goldfish to come over to the stage. Finally, Daniel and Angel had to lead Willow to the stage as she stood in front of both General O'Neill and Colonel Carter.
"Congrats, Major" said General O'Neill as Willow grinned.
"Willow" said the Colonel as she helped put on a gold oak leaf on her left shoulder while the General put the other oak leaf on her right shoulder, "we'll look out for each other. How about we change the future?"
"Yes, ma'am" grinned Willow as she stepped back and saluted both Colonel Carter and General O'Neill.
TBC.