Chapter 55: The Proposal
Location: Stargate Command, Earth
Time: Two Months into the New Galactic Alliance
Peace had settled over the galaxy in a way that SG-1 had almost forgotten was possible. With the Ori defeated and the Asgard now revitalized, Earth's allies were thriving. There were no looming invasions, no ancient evils waiting around the corner—just the vast expanse of space, open for exploration and filled with possibilities.
For James, this peace felt strange, almost unreal. He'd lived his second life on a constant edge, dealing with threats that required his powers to the utmost limit. Now, as he walked through the halls of Stargate Command, life felt... almost normal.
Beside him, Adria walked with the familiar confidence she'd developed over the past few months, her role within the alliance solidified. She had transformed from an adversary into a cherished friend, partner, and now something even more meaningful.
"So," James said, breaking the comfortable silence as they walked toward the SGC's main control room, "I think this is the longest I've gone without using reality-bending powers."
Adria chuckled, her eyes sparkling with humor. "You're saying you miss the galaxy-threatening crises?"
"Well, not exactly," he replied, smirking. "But I might miss being needed as the 'all-powerful cosmic gamer guy.'"
"You're still needed, James," she said, touching his arm. "Just maybe... in a different way now."
He looked over at her, meeting her gaze. There was something unspoken between them, something that had grown deeper over time. They both felt it, and he sensed that maybe, just maybe, she felt ready to leave her old life behind entirely.
As they entered the control room, Jack was already there with Sam, McKay, and Teal'c, standing around a display of recent exploratory data from the Ori galaxy. Jack turned to them, looking uncharacteristically relaxed as he munched on a piece of toast.
"Ah, here come the lovebirds," he said with a grin, waggling his eyebrows.
James rolled his eyes, unphased by Jack's ribbing. "Good to see the SGC's breakfast bar is being well utilized."
Jack shrugged, taking a big bite. "Gotta appreciate the perks while we're not fighting intergalactic warmongers. So, what's on today's agenda?"
Sam brought up a new set of star maps on the display, indicating several planets in the Ori galaxy that they'd identified as safe for further exploration. "We've got a few leads on potential Ori outposts that were left behind. From what we've gathered, they might hold valuable knowledge, but none of them seem to pose any real threat."
McKay squinted at the screen, clearly interested. "Knowledge that could be... I don't know, weaponized? Or are we just talking about another repository of philosophical babble?"
James and Adria shared a look before she replied, "I'd say it's probably a mix. The Ori didn't just spread their beliefs; they also left behind infrastructure for control. Removing or repurposing it will be important."
Teal'c nodded. "Such remnants must be carefully examined. Even in defeat, the Ori's influence could linger."
Jack raised his toast in mock salute. "And here I was thinking we'd finally have a planet that didn't have some hidden secret weapon buried underground."
Sam gave him a wry smile. "That would be the day."
As the briefing continued, James couldn't help but notice how naturally Adria fit into the group dynamic. Gone was the fierce, unwavering leader of the Ori; in her place stood a woman who, despite her power, now exuded warmth and curiosity. Every so often, she'd meet his gaze with that familiar soft smile, and he felt a sense of peace he hadn't known was possible.
Location: Athena, En Route to the Ori Galaxy
Time: Two Days Later
The Athena was a marvel of Earth and Asgardian technology, and James still felt a surge of pride every time he stepped onto its bridge. This journey, however, felt different. The ship wasn't heading into battle or even on a high-stakes mission—it was, in many ways, a diplomatic tour. James, SG-1, and Adria were heading out to ensure that the remaining Ori installations were secured or dismantled, all while exploring new opportunities for alliance growth.
As they cruised through hyperspace, Adria wandered up to the bridge, where James was reviewing data on the Ori's previous influence over their galaxy.
She watched him with a soft smile, and when he looked up, she asked, "So, you're really getting used to being the diplomat now?"
"Not exactly my area of expertise," he replied with a grin. "But I'm adapting. Though I think the real hero here is the coffee machine." He raised his cup in mock salute.
She laughed, a sound that felt as warm as sunlight. "I can see why you'd think that."
He glanced at her thoughtfully. "And what about you, Adria? Do you feel at home here, with us? In this galaxy?"
She hesitated, her gaze softening as she looked out at the stars streaking by. "At first, I wasn't sure. I always thought I belonged to something bigger, something grand. But now... I realize that 'home' is less about where I am, and more about who I'm with."
James felt his heart skip a beat. There was something profound in her words, and he couldn't ignore the growing connection between them. It felt like they'd both come so far, and here, amidst the stars, they were finally able to just... be.
Location: Ori Outpost, Unnamed Planet
Time: Arrival at the First Destination
When they arrived at the outpost, SG-1 was quick to fall into their familiar roles. They moved cautiously through the facility, scanning for any signs of lingering Ori influence. To their surprise, they found not hostile defenses or ominous traps, but rather a vast library filled with Ori texts, data banks, and advanced equipment.
"Looks like we stumbled on the Ori's version of a public library," Jack quipped, glancing around at the neatly stacked data tablets.
McKay snorted. "Let's hope their late fees aren't enforced."
As Adria moved through the rows of shelves, she seemed entranced. "The Ori accumulated so much knowledge... but they twisted it, distorted it for control."
Sam nodded, running her scanner over a nearby console. "It's incredible how much information is here. We could spend years studying it."
James placed a hand on Adria's shoulder. "This knowledge could be put to good use now. You could help us understand it—without the Ori's distortion."
Adria looked at him, her eyes filled with gratitude. "I'd like that. Maybe this is how I can make up for everything that happened."
Jack clapped his hands, interrupting the moment. "Alright, folks, less reflection, more action. Let's pack up as much of this data as we can before something decides to explode."
Location: Athena's Observation Deck
Time: Later That Night
With the outpost secured, the team returned to the Athena and set course for their next destination. James and Adria found themselves on the observation deck, watching the stars once more. The quiet of space felt almost surreal after the chaos of the past months.
"You know," James began, leaning against the window, "if someone told me a year ago that I'd be standing here with you, staring at alien stars, I wouldn't have believed them."
Adria turned to him, her gaze intense yet gentle. "And if someone had told me I'd be here, free from the Ori, with you... I'd have thought it was impossible."
He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "You've been incredible, Adria. Your strength, your courage—it's amazing to see how much you've grown."
A faint blush rose to her cheeks, and she looked away, clearly touched. "I owe it to you, James. You helped me see things differently, to believe that I could be... better."
He reached out, taking her hand. "You don't owe me anything. You've become part of this team, part of our lives."
Her gaze softened, and for a moment, they just stood there, holding hands as the stars stretched out before them.
Location: Asgard Meeting Room, Athena
Time: The Next Morning
As they convened in the meeting room to plan their next steps, the atmosphere was light. They'd successfully secured multiple Ori outposts, dismantling or repurposing the remnants left behind.
Jack was leaning back in his chair, looking far too pleased with himself. "So, who else thinks we're due for a nice, quiet planet? Preferably with a beach?"
Sam raised an eyebrow. "Since when do we get a say in where we go?"
"Wishful thinking, Carter. Wishful thinking."
Adria, sitting beside James, chuckled at their banter. It was clear that she was becoming more comfortable with SG-1's dynamics, joining in on the lighthearted moments without hesitation.
McKay leaned forward, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Now, if we could only find an outpost with some more advanced tech—something we could reverse-engineer and integrate into Earth's systems."
"Ah, yes," James said, smirking. "Because nothing says peace and diplomacy like reverse-engineering alien tech."
They all laughed, the camaraderie among them unmistakable.
Location: Stargate Command, Earth
Time: Return to Earth
As the Athena docked back at Stargate Command, the team was met with an enthusiastic welcome. After debriefing, they were finally released to enjoy some well-deserved downtime.
James and Adria walked through the base, savoring the calm. It felt strange to return after so much time away, but he realized that this place felt like home because of her presence beside him.
Stopping just outside the main gate room, he looked at her, feeling a surge of emotions he couldn't hold back any longer. "Adria, I know this hasn't been an easy journey. But... I don't think I could have done any of this without you."
She looked up at him, her eyes bright. "James, I don't think I'd even be here if it weren't for you. You saved me from a life I never chose. You gave me the freedom to be myself."
He took a deep breath, his gaze intense. "You know, I never thought I'd feel this way about someone. You've changed everything for me, Adria."
For a moment, the air between them was thick with unspoken words. And then, in a move that felt both inevitable and exhilarating, he leaned in and kissed her, a kiss that spoke of all the love, hope, and new beginnings they'd found in each other.
When they finally pulled apart, she was smiling, her cheeks flushed. "I think I'm beginning to like Earth even more."
They both laughed, the sound echoing softly through the corridor.
Chapter 55: The Proposal (Part 2)
Word Count: 7,510
Location: Stargate Command, Earth
Time: The Next Evening
James paced along the SGC corridors, deep in thought. For once, his mind wasn't occupied with galactic threats or ancient technology schematics. Instead, he found himself wrestling with something far more personal—his feelings for Adria. Their journey together had been intense, transformative, and filled with moments he would never forget. Now, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was leading somewhere extraordinary, a future he never could have anticipated.
He walked past SG-1's briefing room and felt a familiar tug. Jack, Sam, Teal'c, and Daniel were waiting there, having called him in for an "impromptu team meeting."
"Did you ever think this day would come?" Jack said as James entered, smirking from his seat. "James here, not stressing over an imminent galactic disaster but actually... in love?"
James gave him a lopsided grin. "Funny, Jack. Can't a guy just be thinking things through?"
Sam exchanged a knowing glance with Teal'c, and Daniel chuckled. "Let's just say you've been glowing in more ways than one, James."
"Indeed," Teal'c said, nodding solemnly. "It is a most positive development."
James sighed, realizing his team could see through him better than he'd thought. "Alright, alright. It's... complicated. She's different. And I... well, I want to take it to the next level."
Jack raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You're thinking about...?"
James nodded, a hint of nerves breaking through his usual confidence. "I'm thinking about proposing."
The room went quiet, each of them absorbing the weight of that moment. Then, Jack leaned back, grinning. "About time."
Location: Stargate Command Garden, Private Section
Time: Later That Night
James had been pacing the secluded garden area within the SGC for nearly half an hour, gathering his thoughts. He knew what he wanted to say, how much he cared for Adria, how much she'd changed his life. But the words weren't coming easily, and the notion of confessing his feelings felt strangely daunting.
He didn't notice Adria walking up behind him until she cleared her throat, making him jump slightly.
"James? You seem... distracted," she said, her eyes soft but concerned.
"Distracted? Me?" He gave her a shaky smile, rubbing the back of his neck. "You know me, always thinking."
She stepped closer, her gaze never leaving his. "You've been quiet today. Something's on your mind."
James exhaled, finally meeting her eyes. "Adria, I... I've been wanting to talk to you about something. It's important."
She tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Then tell me."
But before he could begin, Adria's expression softened, and her normally composed face took on a look of vulnerability he'd rarely seen. She glanced down, then back up at him, her eyes glowing softly with that warm orange-red light that had become so familiar, so captivating.
"James," she began, her voice barely a whisper. "I know that I haven't said this, and I know that we've had a strange journey to get here. But... I need you to know that you've changed my life in ways I never thought possible. You made me see the galaxy differently, made me want something different, something more."
She took a shaky breath, her eyes glowing brighter as she continued, her words filled with raw emotion. "I love you, James. Truly. I didn't know if I was even capable of this before I met you. But here I am, and here you are, and I feel like... I feel like I'm finally home."
James stared at her, struck speechless. Hearing those words from her was like a dream—something he'd dared to hope for but never expected. He felt his heart race as he reached for her hands, taking them in his own.
"Adria," he began, his voice thick with emotion. "You have no idea how much that means to me. You... you're everything I never knew I needed. I've spent two lifetimes searching for meaning, for purpose, and you brought it all together. You've made me see that peace is possible, that hope is worth fighting for."
He took a deep breath, steadying himself. "And because of that, I want you in my life, not just today or tomorrow, but forever."
Her eyes widened slightly as he continued, his voice unwavering. "Adria, will you marry me?"
For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Adria's gaze searched his, her hands trembling slightly in his grasp. Then, with a luminous smile that could rival the brightest stars, she nodded.
"Yes, James," she whispered. "Yes, a thousand times, yes."
They both laughed, relief and joy flooding them as they embraced. His heart felt as though it might burst from happiness, and he held her close, feeling the warmth of her glow surround him like a promise of everything that was to come.
Location: SGC Briefing Room
Time: The Next Day
Word of their engagement spread through Stargate Command with a speed that rivaled light itself. SG-1 was ecstatic, and Jack didn't hesitate to remind everyone that he had "totally called it."
"So," Jack said, leaning back with a grin, "what's next? A wedding by the Stargate?"
James smirked. "Well, we thought it'd be fitting, considering that's where everything started."
"Good call," Sam said with a smile. "Nothing says 'unique wedding' like an intergalactic portal."
Adria laughed softly, and James couldn't help but admire the way she looked, her eyes alight with joy and a touch of wonder. It was as though she, too, was discovering a whole new life.
Teal'c inclined his head. "It would be an honor to attend such a ceremony. It represents not only your union but also the bond between our galaxies."
McKay chimed in, looking unusually sentimental. "I'm just here for the food and the tech displays, but... congrats, you two. You're like some kind of cosmic power couple."
Daniel gave them a warm smile. "This is huge, you two. You're making history."
As the team discussed wedding plans and the inevitable mix of Earth and Ori traditions, James felt an overwhelming gratitude for these friends—his family. This was their moment, but it was also a celebration of the peace they'd fought so hard to achieve together.
Location: Private Quarters, SGC
Time: Late Evening
Later that night, James and Adria retreated to his quarters, taking a rare moment to just be together, away from the congratulations and the whirlwind of planning.
Sitting on the couch, she leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder. They stayed in comfortable silence, simply savoring the quiet.
"You know," he said after a while, "if someone had told me I'd be proposing to a reformed Orici in a top-secret military base, I might have thought they were crazy."
She laughed, snuggling closer. "And if someone had told me I'd be here, in love, planning a wedding on Earth... well, I'd have thought they were delusional."
They both laughed, but then her gaze softened, and she looked up at him, her eyes glowing with that beautiful, warm light he had come to cherish. "James, you're my home now. No matter where we are in the universe, you're the one I want to be with."
He brushed a strand of hair from her face, marveling at her transformation, both physical and emotional. "And you, Adria, are everything I could have ever hoped for. You've given me a reason to believe that no matter what happens, we'll face it together."
Their fingers intertwined, and as they sat there, James felt the unspoken promise between them, stronger than any vow.
Location: Stargate Command, Planning Room
Time: The Next Day
The following morning, the team gathered to discuss the details of the upcoming ceremony. SG-1 was, of course, the wedding planning committee by default, and they approached the task with their usual blend of humor and efficiency.
"Alright," Jack said, pointing at a hastily drawn sketch on the board. "So, we've got the Stargate as the backdrop. Decorations on the sides... maybe some of those shiny Asgard crystals?"
Sam raised an eyebrow. "Are we going for 'alien chic' here, sir?"
"Why not?" Jack replied, shrugging. "If we're going to have an intergalactic wedding, might as well look the part."
Teal'c, with his usual calm demeanor, added, "It would be fitting to incorporate elements from both Earth and the Ori cultures. Such symbolism would be powerful."
Daniel perked up. "Actually, I've been researching Ori symbols that represent unity and peace. We could incorporate those."
James exchanged an amused look with Adria. "See? This is what happens when you have an overqualified wedding team."
She squeezed his hand, her smile radiant. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
As the plans solidified, they each took a role—Daniel handling the symbolic elements, Sam and McKay overseeing the tech setup, Teal'c assisting with security, and Jack... well, Jack was self-assigned to "general awesomeness."
Location: Observation Deck, SGC
Time: That Night
As night fell, James and Adria found themselves alone again on the observation deck. The stars stretched out before them, and the peaceful silence felt like the universe's blessing.
He turned to her, the weight of everything hitting him all at once. "I feel like we're about to step into a whole new chapter. A better one."
She nodded, looking up at him, her glowing eyes filled with affection. "I've spent my whole life believing that my purpose was decided for me. Now, I get to choose. And I choose you, James. Every time."
He held her close, his heart full, knowing that together, they were stronger than anything they'd faced alone. They stood there for a long time, hand in hand, ready to face the future as one.