Daughter
Chapter 68 – Proposal
"Let's bring the little one with us to that party."
"Jack," Sam chided in bed.
"Come on, Sam. We can't pretend the gate doesn't exist. She already knows about it."
"Gracie isn't even authorized to be on the base, let alone stepping through the gate."
"Says who?"
"Says…" Sam stopped short. "Dammit."
Jack smirked into the dark. He patted his wife's shoulder, clearly reveling in victory. "To be honest, I kind of want to see how she'd do. We don't get out to the cabin much. She should have more nature in her life than she does."
"We'll go camping instead. On Earth."
"Nah. Other planets are more fun."
Sam sighed. How were they supposed to manage bringing a four-year-old offworld? It was overwhelming just to think of all the things that could go wrong. Their child could get lost, hurt, or worse. It was bad enough knowing that the original Gracie's first trip through the gate saw her never coming back home until seventeen years later. That terrified her.
"How can you be so relaxed about this?" she asked.
"What's the point of keeping her from experiencing all these things we've seen? She's our kid. She deserves to know what we know."
"It's dangerous out there!"
"Sam… did it occur to you that all our babysitters are invited to this shindig? Even Hank?"
His wife scrunched her face. "Aww, shit."
"Rick of Earth," Jasuf greeted with enthusiasm the moment he saw Jack.
"Old Buddy." They grasped forearms readily. Jack clapped him on the back.
Reynolds watched them act surprisingly familiar and jovial with each other. He quirked a brow in interest. Baker seemed just as intrigued.
Crawford was with them, too, newly-returned from his prolonged jaunt offworld with SG-2's intelligence officer. He'd barely made it back in time to change into a fresh uniform and join them here on Tek'ron. The younger marine was instead staring in confusion at the tiny human the group brought along. Gracie's little hand was firmly gripped by Colonel Carter, who stood among SG-1.
"Sir…"
"What is it, Corporal."
"What's the little kid doing here?"
Reynolds also regarded that part strangely. "General O'Neill is just special like that." He returned his attention to his old friend, talking animatedly with his female subordinate's Jaffa boyfriend. SG-3 watched as General Landry stepped forward to greet the prince.
"We welcome you," Jasuf said graciously. He then looked behind him at Dr. Lam. "Ah, our guest of honor. DoctorLam, welcome back to Tek'ron." He bowed to her.
Cameron urged Carolyn forward. He stayed with her and grinned as she humbly smiled. "Thank you, Jasuf," she answered timidly. She gazed around, noticing Elda was not here as promised.
"Elda will return shortly. She is still offworld retrieving the last of our people from the other village."
"Other village?"
Cameron patted her shoulder. "Long story. I think…" He turned around to look at Reynolds. "Corporal Smith is with her right?"
"That is correct."
As if on cue, the gate activated behind them all. The SGC personnel had already moved out of its danger zone. The guardsmen moved forward with active staff weapons, placing themselves between the gate and their guests protectively.
Soon Elda was stepping through. "Brothers. Hol mel," she commanded them to relax.
Smith was at her side. They were accompanied by a group of Jaffa carrying various things from the fake village they had just inhabited for a few days.
Jack looked on proudly at her, seeing how easily she could give orders.
Reynolds didn't fail to catch his expression. He squinted, then looked at his newly-arrived subordinates. "Corporal Smith. Miss Mal Doran."
The pair stepped over to their CO, who stood closer to the Firefly than everyone else. Its hatch was open behind him, having activated automatically upon sensing SG-1 and SG-3's presence. They trusted the ship to close itself on its own after they left.
"Sir," Smith said with a salute, opposite hand holding a large bag of holographic equipment.
As Reynolds checked in with his team, Jasuf called out to the new Jaffa arrivals. "Brothers, Sisters, greet your healer."
They readily bowed low with respect. "Healer." "DoctorLam."
Carolyn nervously inclined her head to them as she'd seen Jaffa do before. Hank smiled with pride. Cameron bumped her shoulder encouragingly.
There were just so many people that it now made more sense to finish the greetings in the village. Meil'nor was waiting. Ishta was already there. Jasuf encouraged everyone to follow the guardsmen into the forest. The bright sun of midday shone down on them, offering a comfortable warmth in the new spring that was emerging on Tek'ron.
Smith dropped off Rellie's equipment inside the ship for safe-keeping. Elda, meanwhile, was given permission by Reynolds to return her attention to the Jaffa. She quickly grabbed something out of the ship's storage console then rushed to catch up to the refugees. She waved to everyone distractedly along the way.
"Brothers, sisters," she addressed the Nameless. "Bier, Andin, with me." Elda pivoted in a different direction. The other humans casually watched as two guardsmen and the refugees split off to follow.
Jasuf only glanced back unsurprised. Elda led them toward a ring platform nearby.
Jack was keeping pace with him. He tilted his head at her. "What's she doin'?"
"She is escorting our Nameless up to the Ha'tak. They have been offworld and need a moment to refresh themselves in their own quarters."
"They can't go up and down as they please on their own?"
Hank looked back and forth between Elda and Jasuf.
"Activation of the ring platform requires a control device. She possesses one of the few we own on Tek'ron. The refugees also do not have communicators to send a request to our ship."
"Perks of the job, huh?"
Jasuf looked at him curiously.
"She's got a title. So she gets to control the rings," Jack rephrased. They all heard the hum as they activated. Some of the Jaffa disappeared.
"She acquired that access bracelet before her station was raised, Rick of Earth."
"No kiddin'?"
The young Jaffa smiled. "My father gifted it to her personally."
Jack looked over at Sam to grin with pride. He glanced down at their little girl, who was barely keeping up with them as they walked briskly through the forest. Her eyes were wide as she looked around. He would have picked her up himself, but… knees. "Daniel," he quickly delegated, gesturing at Gracie.
His friend got the hint. "Hey, psst. Piggy back ride."
"Yay!"
Daniel knelt down to let Gracie climb onto his back. She squealed happily when he stood straight up. Now she had an even better view of the forest. She saw the rings activating from afar. She pointed at them with awe. "Whoa! Look at that!"
Sam and Vala smiled at her adoringly. Jasuf's eyes sparkled as he observed the child.
Behind them, SG-3 regarded the scene with soft smiles. But the marines were still very confused as to why the little girl was allowed to come along with them. It was highly irregular.
They came upon the settlement to find it busy with Jaffa going about their days. Meil'nor, Ishta, and Teal'c were there to receive them in the village square. Tables were set up for their gathering. All the pleasantries were exchanged, then Meil'nor and Ishta made short remarks about the value of their alliances with the Tau'ri. Elda appeared just as her Den Mother finished speaking. She was now wearing her cream-colored dress and cape.
She appeared to be in a huff, rushing from one place to another.
Smith and Crawford's eyes took her in as she bowed respectfully to her tribe leaders. The boys glanced at each other in surprise. She was looking extra gorgeous today. She placed herself to the left of Meil'nor.
Baker leaned in behind them. "Jasuf is one lucky motherfucker," he whispered.
The two younger marines looked back and laughed silently at their 2IC.
Minders arrived with large glass bottles. Jack encouraged everyone from Earth to partake in the drinks as they pleased. It was a party after all. Elda disappeared briefly and returned with a cup especially for Vala. Her marines noticed, but didn't ask. Only Reynolds really understood why Elda's big sister was getting a different drink than everyone else.
The former and current members of SG-1 mingled easily with the tribe leaders. Hank stepped over to Reynolds's team. "SG-3."
"General," they all greeted.
"Sir?" Smith asked, eyes focused on Gracie. "How did that happen?"
Hank glanced back to see what he was looking at. He shook his head. "We had no choice. Every single person who ever watches that little girl is here."
"Geez."
Elda grabbed Jasuf's hand to bring him closer to the child.
Gracie happily jumped up and down when she approached. "Elda!" she screamed in delight. She ran into her sister's legs, causing her dress to flutter with the motion.
Jasuf smiled sweetly and knelt down to her level. "Hello, little one," he said softly.
The child looked at him curiously. She gazed up at Elda for guidance.
"Gracie, this is Jasuf. He's my very good friend. Say hi."
She offered the Jaffa a tiny wave. "Hi."
He grinned wider at her. "There are other children here your age. Would you like to play with them?"
Elda said encouragingly, "I think you'd like their toys. They're really, really cool."
"Oooooooh. Okay!"
Both girls clapped delightedly in exactly the same manner.
Sam saw this and hid her face in her husband's shoulder to cover her laugh. Jack just scrunched his eyes shut, hilarity all over his expression.
Reynolds did a double-take just watching the two young blondes.
Baker squinted at them in confusion. The two of them shared a glance.
Elda gestured for one of the minders to report to her. She whispered into his ear, prompting him to hurriedly dart away.
"While we wait… I will show you something." Jasuf pulled something from the pockets of his formal robes. He held a small cube in his palm. When he pressed the top, a show of color shot up from the top.
The little girl was mesmerized. She reached out tiny fingers to brush through the light. She locked eyes with Jasuf. He smiled and encouraged her to take the device.
"My Love, what is that?" Elda asked curiously.
"A light given to our young for when night falls. To illuminate their paths as they walk." He showed Gracie how to change the colors shooting out of the cube.
She giggled. "I want blue!"
He fulfilled her request, making the light switch to a serene blue hue. Even though it was bright outside with full sun, the beam was still strong and visible.
"That is a nifty little flashlight," Cameron remarked, pointing at it. By now everyone was watching Gracie and Jasuf's interaction.
Vala leaned in to whisper to Carolyn. "He's good with her," she commented with pleasant surprise.
"I know. A natural."
Teal'c glanced at Ishta, who was quietly regarding them with satisfaction. He could just see the gears turning in her head. She met his gaze and smirked. He sighed internally. This scene was only reinforcing her resolve to manipulate his niece into having Jasuf's offspring.
The minder returned to speak into Elda's ear. She smiled and nodded. "General. Colonel. Is it alright for Gracie to play over there?" She pointed at a small group of children gathering at the edge of the square. "She'll stay within sight."
"Sure," Jack answered. "Thanks for thinking of her."
Elda winked at him. "Come on, Gracie. Let's go meet the other kids."
Jasuf stood as they left. His father handed him a fresh glass. They watched as Elda exchanged pleasantries with the Jaffa mothers who had brought Gracie-sized children along.
She leaned down to address the little ones. "This is your chance to practice speaking in the common language," Elda declared gently in Goa'uld. "It's alright if you don't know how to say something. Just try." She switched her tongue. "Gracie, these kids are just like you. But they live here, so they have to learn another language at home."
The child innocently clarified, "Like Spanish?"
Daniel grinned behind her. "A little different than that, Honey."
"Just like at preschool, Baby," Jack encouraged. "Sometimes you don't understand, but you can still play."
Gracie nodded enthusiastically. One of the Jaffa children stepped forward to show her his toy. She gazed down at it interestedly. Soon the children were all eagerly showing each other what they had in their hands. Gracie proudly presented her new flashlight.
Elda clapped lightly again in delight. "Yay." She turned around now to look for more guests to accommodate. "Now. Marines." She snapped her fingers and pointed directly at Crawford and Smith.
They quirked smiles at her from across the square. They pointed at their chests in a 'who me?' sort of gesture.
Elda went directly to them. "Where do you think you have been?" she pretended to chide Crawford. She held out her arms to hug him.
He leaned down to reciprocate, one hand holding a cup half-full of wine. Crawford smiled at Elda, genuinely happy to see her again. "Been out and about, Cakes," he said casually.
"You shoot anyone?"
Smith guffawed.
"Only a little."
Elda laughed. She pulled on Smith's sleeve to make him come closer. "So?" she whispered. "How did it really go?"
Smith stared at their friend intensely, all ears.
Crawford pursed his lips. "It's classified."
His friends complained loudly. "Aww, come on!" "Bullshit."
The marine shook his head with a smile. "I can tell you it wasn't a fail this time."
"We're gonna need more than that, asshole," Smith said. He narrowed his eyes at him. "On a scale from 1 to 10, how naughty did you get?"
Elda waggled her brows at him.
"Ehhh…" Crawford grit his teeth, events replaying in his mind. "Eight."
"Wait a minute. Is that very naughty or only slightly naughty?" Elda tried to verify with Smith.
"That's like borderline naughty-naughty."
Crawford just burst out laughing.
Elda pouted out her lips and scrunched her face at Crawford suspiciously.
"What about you guys?"
Smith grinned. "Oh we had a fun one. Had a chance to play The Sims with real life stuff. Got a trade deal. She got rufied. I got a job offer… All in all, pretty decent Friday."
"The fuck!?"
Elda watched with amusement as Carolyn found herself surrounded by grateful Jaffa refugees. The doctor smiled at them graciously as they spoke to her in deferential tones of voice. Elda sensed that her aunt was a bit overwhelmed by all the attention. She leaned into the crook of Jasuf's arm. "Should I rescue her?" she wondered aloud.
He chuckled quietly. "Do as you please, Lady Elda. But fair warning: those brothers and sisters hold you in the same high regard. You will only be redirecting their attention to yourself."
She blew out a breath, pushing a stray strand of hair out of her face. "Nevermind."
Jasuf kissed her cheek adoringly.
Elda figured it wouldn't hurt to give her aunt some back-up. She caught Smith's gaze and tilted her head in Carolyn's direction. He squinted at her from across the crowd then looked. Realization dawned on his face. Well, he had gotten pretty friendly with that group of Jaffa, seeing as how they were hired to be actors in his fake village.
He felt comfortable enough inserting himself in the middle of the group to run a little interference for the doctor's sake. They'd become sociable with each other, too, since that escort mission on the space station.
"She possesses a natural aptitude for command, O'Neill," Meil'nor commented off to the side. They both observed as Smith followed Elda's wordless suggestion. He enthusiastically cheered and attracted some of the Jaffa's attention. Carolyn seemed to breath out a sigh of relief.
"You think? I don't get to see her in action much."
"I believe it to be true. She is hesitant to openly accept her station. But when she is called upon to lead and has no time to dwell upon her concerns, she performs well."
"Nice," Jack said.
"Meil'nor," Sam asked contemplatively, "what do you really see her doing in this role of hers? What does it mean for her?"
"She may command and represent the village, ColonelCarter. Ishta has afforded her a similar station among the Hak'tyl, should she be needed there."
"Sounds like a lot."
"Command is always a burden. But a worthy one. Such roles are best filled by those who genuinely care about those they command. Lady Elda is a natural choice. I feel fortunate to have met her." He made it a point to bow his head toward Sam to emphasize his respect for her as the birth mother.
Sam smiled easily. "This might be good for her. It's stable. It's relatively safe."
"All you can eat buffet," Jack quipped, pointing at the food on the tables. "Pretty good deal if you asked me."
She snorted.
Meil'nor quirked a smile, sensing the human's humor but not quite understanding it.
Vala squeaked.
The sound had everyone looking at her. Her eyes, however, were on Elda. Jasuf was pulling her to the center of the square.
"What's wrong with you?" Elda mouthed silently to her adoptive mother as she let Jasuf maneuver her.
Vala's eyes were twinkling.
Elda scrunched her face, wondering if she was having some sort of pregnancy-related problem. All kinds of weird things were known to happen that one would never expect. She'd heard plenty of stories.
She didn't bat an eye when Jasuf carefully placed her where he wanted her to stand. She was used to him touching her. This was nothing new. When she felt his hands pulling down on hers slightly, Elda turned her head. He was kneeling before her.
She gazed at him curiously. Her eyes asked him what he was doing.
He looked up at her adoringly, dimples flashing as he smiled.
Her cheeks flushed. She absolutely loved those dimples. If all these people weren't here right now, she'd kiss him senseless.
"Elda, My Love. You are my sun, my moon. More beautiful than the stars themselves."
Sam gasped and grabbed onto Jack's collar. "It's happening!" she squealed under her breath.
The humans' mouths dropped.
Ishta didn't dare breathe. Her plans were coming to fruition.
Meil'nor looked quietly satisfied. He knew what was in his son's pockets.
"I am grateful to you for all that you have done for our people. For me. I am a better Jaffa because of you."
Elda's eyes went wide. Her mouth was open as she blinked rapidly at him. Her heart was ready to burst out of its cage.
She heard his words and his alone. Only his voice could drown out the cacophony of her little sister running around with her new Jaffa friends. Or the villagers further away yelling to each other in friendly greetings. And the tell-tale squeak of the water wheel behind the huts. Everything faded into the background.
His eyes were so full of love for her. He made her smile.
"Will you marry me?" he breathed out.
Time seemed to stop.
She breathed out once.
"Yes," she said without any real hesitation, almost unable to speak in her shock.
He produced a glittering bracelet made of silver metal and jewels. Jasuf slipped it onto her left wrist.
Elda looked at him in more surprise. She'd seen this jewelry before.
It was from his mother's shrine.
Her eyes filled with tears. She prompted him to stand and now actually kissed him absolutely senseless. Despite whoever was there. She didn't care anymore.
She was his. He was hers. This just felt right.
Sam fanned herself and leaned back into Jack. He smiled widely.
Hank and Cameron began to laugh at her as she sighed heavily.
Daniel grinned, similarly holding up Vala, who was ready to faint. His hand automatically cupped her belly.
Carolyn clasped her hands together in the middle of all the Jaffa, just smiling. Smith was next to her grinning like a fool.
Teal'c hugged Ishta's waist. Meil'nor watched with quiet joy, thoughts now filled with memories of his wife.
The rest of SG-3 simply stood there, blinking.
"Holy shit, she's really gonna be the queen," Crawford whispered loudly to his fellow marines.
"Damn straight," Baker agreed, equally in awe.
"Told you we were in the presence of royalty," Reynolds chided.
The children suddenly stopped. Gracie was front and center. She pointed at her sister, still kissing Jasuf. "Ewwwwww."
"How long have you been planning to propose?" Elda asked suspiciously as they lounged together in the hut. The day was over now. Everyone had gone home. She spun her new bracelet around on her wrist, examining all the pretty jewels there.
Jasuf held her in his arms as they sat against the wall in bed. He watched as she memorized the features of his gift. "I have always imagined marrying you one day. But I did not consider it in earnest until recently."
"So why now?" She seemed to recall him talking about them being together forever. But she didn't realize he was testing the waters, seeing how amenable she would really be to marriage.
"I do not see a reason to wait. We are committed to each other." He cupped her face. "I love you more with each passing day. I wish to show it." He kissed her.
"Jasuf, you don't even know how happy you make me. And this?" Elda held up her adorned wrist. "This is significant. I never would have imagined you or your father letting me have something like this." She wouldn't say empty words as humans sometimes did about the gift being too much. 'You shouldn't have' and the like. Ultimately, Elda knew she was keeping this incredible symbol of their dedication to each other. She wouldn't dishonor them by engaging in human niceties that were unnecessary here.
"It was his suggestion."
Elda swallowed a lump in her throat. Her eyes welled up with tears again. "You are both so good to me. What did I ever do to deserve you?"
He wiped away the few tears that dared to fall down her cheek. He understood they were tears of joy. He wasn't worried by them tonight. "I ask myself the same each time I hold you, My Love."
She let out a breath as she smiled. "I love you, Jasuf. I always will." She grabbed his face and kissed him happily.
He responded naturally. She climbed onto his lap as they continued. They made love long into the night. And when she awoke the next morning, the only thing she wore was the bracelet.
"Damn," Cameron said as he sipped a beer in the bar with Jack and Daniel. "Y'all are setting some high bars there. I need to find a big ol' party to use an excuse to get everybody together and do my own proposing."
He said it so casually.
Jack and Daniel turned to him slowly. They simply stared.
"What?"
"You're going to propose?" Daniel verified.
The Colonel tilted his head. "Yeah."
Jack shared a look with Daniel. It was about time. This was one thing from the future they both expected to happen all over again. Some things were just worth keeping.
"When?" Jack asked.
"Not sure yet. I already have the ring."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. You do?" Daniel asked incredulously.
"Yeah."
"Are you waiting for the right moment?" Daniel wondered.
"Yeah." Cameron just sipped his beer.
Daniel squinted at him. "Where's the ring now?"
"Somewhere safe."
"What if the right moment happens and you don't have it on you?"
Cameron gave him a look. "I'm not bringing that with me offworld, Jackson. It would be too damn easy to lose it."
"Trust the process, Daniel," Jack said nonchalantly.
Now Daniel gave him a look.
Jack smirked as he took another swig of beer. "Mitchell, forget parties. Try…" He swept a hand in the air. "Space battles."
His friends began to snigger, knowing that's how he had done his own proposal to Sam. Of course, he waited until the actual battle was over and everyone was certain they were in one piece.
"I'll keep that in mind, sir."
Jack laughed aloud and clapped him on the back.
"So how's it feel?" Cameron asked.
"How's what feel?"
"To have your daughter about to get hitched?" The Colonel shook his head. "Can't even imagine."
Jack sat back and looked thoughtful. "Ya know, when Gracie was first born, I wasn't even sure I'd live long enough to see her grow up. So this is… nice."
Daniel glanced at Cam. They both knew their fearless leader was feeling his age.
"I'm alright with it," Jack continued. "My old buddy's a good guy. He even asked me for my blessing beforehand."
Cameron raised his brow. "Is that right, sir? Wow. And they say chivalry is dead."
"On Earth, maybe," Jack retorted.
"So you knew this was coming?"
"Oh no. Didn't know he'd ask her when he did. He only said he'd wait until the right time."
"See, that's what I'm thinking. With these jobs of ours? It's a bit hard to plan. Too unpredictable."
"So you're just going to wait until there's a big honkin' space battle and then ask Carolyn?" Daniel quipped.
"That's a guaranteed win," Jack offered with a twinkle in his eye.
The group laughed.
"I'll just take a page out of Jasuf's book," Cameron reiterated. "Wait until the right time."
"Mommy, when can we go back to the circle? I wanna see my friends."
Carolyn looked over at Gracie on the couch of Sam's condo with adoration. "Aww."
Sam stroked her daughter's hair. "You really had fun today, huh?"
She nodded enthusiastically. "Mmm hmm. So much fun. I like Elda's circle."
Vala giggled from across them on the other seat. She was busy munching on a late-evening snack. "Isn't it just so appropriate that both versions become very good friends with Jaffa?" she marveled.
"Right!" Carolyn agreed. "They really are twins."
"Can you remember any of their names, Sweetie?" Sam asked.
"Uhhhhh…"
"Oh that's okay. We can just ask Elda if she knows."
"Why didn't Elda come home with us?" Gracie said with a pout.
The women all smiled at each other.
"Darling," Vala explained, "she wanted to stay with her family there."
"But we're her family."
"Yes, we are. But she also has another family. Jasuf's family."
"Like my friends?"
"Yes."
Gracie tried to process this new idea that one could have an extra family elsewhere and far away. She understood that using the gate meant you ended up in a place very different than the one you left. She looked up at her mother. "Can I go be with Elda? So I can have another family, too?"
Carolyn chuckled. "She wants to see those kids again."
Sam pinched her cheeks. "When you're bigger and can do things on your own. You can have as many families as you want."
"Corporal Smith, take a seat."
The marine did so, placing himself in front of Reynolds's desk. His CO called him here when he knew no one else would be around. The other Colonels he shared an office with were all busy. "I did a fitrep on you."
Smith remained still. "Sir."
"And the deadline to submit updates to your file was posted."
His quirked his brow. "It was?"
The corner of his CO's mouth quirked in a smile. "It was."
Smith stared at Reynolds curiously. He normally didn't worry about his Official Military Personnel File. Going offworld and now gating to a space station kept him busy enough. And the fact that his commanding officer was telling him he just completed a fitness report on him was interesting. Smith tried to wait before getting cautiously optimistic.
"Review your file and make sure everything's right in there. See Combat Camera about getting a new picture in there, too. Promotion board likes it better when everything is accurate and up to date."
His eyes went wide with realization. "Yes, sir."
"And Corporal… good work. You've been exemplary lately. I'm going to make sure promotion board knows about it."
Smith couldn't help himself from openly grinning now. "Thank you, sir. Can I ask… what exactly you think I did right?"
"A lot of things, Corporal. You've been going above and beyond on the regular. You responded quite well to quickly-changing conditions on the last handful of missions. The fact that you looked out for Elda and still successfully met your objective on the Chigu op was icing on the cake. The whole Ambassador thing, too. Dr. Jackson said you did well. You convinced a space station to accept a stargate; that's noteworthy. So General O'Neill wants to see you advance. I agree that you should. He's adding a short note in there with his recommendation. Should push you over the line."
His subordinate's eyes became round as saucers. "Thank you," he repeated.
"You're welcome. Looks like you picked the right MOS, Smith. Intelligence suits you."
He nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, sir. I guess I wouldn't be here otherwise."
"That is a fact." The SGC was picky about which sorts of marines it accepted. The military occupational specialty of intelligence was an oft-looked at population. Smith counted himself lucky to have even been noticed at all. And now here he was, just riding the wave.
"I'll get all that paperwork reviewed today, sir."
"Good. Dismissed."
Elda squealed when Smith told them the news. She shot up out of her chair to hug him in the commissary. Her bracelet sparkled as she moved. A few others turned to look. Some of the SFs they'd gotten to know on the moon base were there. They glanced at each other with knowing smirks.
Crawford also stood and shook Smith's hand heartily. "Good luck, man. Hope you get it."
"Wait a minute," Elda said in confusion. "He isn't promoted yet?"
"No, Baby, it still has to go through a review. There's a group of higher-ups that will look his file over. And he's got competition from a lot of other marines for limited spots."
She deflated. "Aww." She turned to Smith and placed supportive hands on his shoulders. "Well, you deserve it."
Smith smiled at her sweetly. "Thanks, Cakes." He patted her waist to encourage her to sit back down.
The eyes of the SFs focused on their touches. They were carefully watching for Crawford's reaction, seeing if he'd get jealous or not. But so far, the marine wasn't reacting to what he saw.
"Crawford, what do you think of me asking Rellie to pin me? If I get it?"
"I think it's perfect."
Landry, Pierce, and Reynolds sat in the briefing room together. The two Colonels eyed each other carefully. One was suspicious. The other was cautious. "Colonel Pierce, tell Colonel Reynolds here how his subordinate performed out in the field," Hank prompted.
"Corporal Crawford supported Major Matthews in achieving the mission objectives. And then some."
"What does that mean?"
"It means, if he were Air Force, I'd be recommending him for promotion myself."
Reynolds quietly smiled. "Is that right?"
Pierce nodded. "He's got talent, Reynolds. He can read a situation like a book and twist things around to make 'em work for him."
"Sound familiar, Colonel?" Landry said.
"Elda."
The General tilted his head.
"Any chance I could keep him, Reynolds?" Pierce now inquired.
The Marine's eyes shot back to his counterpart. "Hell no."
The Air Force Colonel shrugged. "Had to ask."
"I've already made it clear to Colonel Pierce that we're not making any permanent personnel changes to SG-2 or SG-3 right now," Landry added reassuringly.
"Yes, sir," Reynolds simply said. "What exactly did Corporal Crawford do out there?"
"The two of them went in deep undercover. Found themselves in the hornet's nest of a slavery ring. Matthews was asking questions. Crawford was keeping an eye on everyone else. He saw signs that something was about to go down and reacted just right. Saved her life." Pierce shook his head, imagining how bad that could have been.
Reynolds let out a breath, suddenly very proud of his subordinate.
"In the process, a couple ring leaders got themselves knocked off. The few that were left are now in custody. My guys and I are busy coordinating the safe return of the victims back to their homes."
"Well, shit. I'm definitely keeping him."
"You should promote him as well, Colonel," Hank stated.
"I will," Reynolds said with confidence. "Colonel, it would go a long way for him with our promotion board if you wrote a brief note of recommendation."
"He saved my Major's life, Reynolds. You don't have to ask me twice."
After a bit more back and forth, Landry kept Reynolds behind and dismissed Pierce. "I should tell you. General O'Neill made it an order to keep your team as is."
Reynolds widened his eyes.
Landry nodded to affirm it. "He thinks you've got a good thing going here. I agree. You and your team are doing top-notch work, Colonel."
He nodded humbly. "Thank you, sir. I appreciate that."
"You've all been working hard. You deserve some downtime. Take advantage of it. Pretty soon you'll be picking up the slack when SG-1 has to pull back and stand down."
"Because of Vala and Dr. Jackson?"
"Exactly. Teal'c, too. He'll be distracted in the coming days."
"I'm sure. How long, sir?"
"Take a week off."
Elda squeaked again. "You too!?" She jumped up and down while holding Crawford's hands excitedly in the corridor.
He laughed at her enthusiasm. "I guess so. Reynolds just warned me to get my paperwork together. Or else."
"Oooh, okay." She let him go and flapped her hands at him. "Go, go. Don't let me keep you."
"He also wanted me to spread the word. SG-3's getting a week off. General Landry's orders."
Elda's eyes widened. "You lie."
Crawford chuckled. "I wouldn't lie to you, Baby." He held up her wrist adorned with a bracelet. "Go be with your man. Plan your wedding or something."
She grinned and punched his arm. "Maybe I will! Go find Chelsea. I'm sure she misses you."
"Trust me, I'm looking her up the minute I get outta here."
Elda hugged him. "Congratulations, Crawfy. I wish you luck with that promotion board thingy."
"Thanks, Elda." He savored the feel of her in his arms. But it didn't hurt the way he thought it would when he let her go. Going on that op with Matthews was exactly what he needed to reset himself. And now he'd go home to find his girl and reinforce the wall he built while he was away from Elda. He could go back to the way things were with her. Crawford was already feeling so much better.
It was just in time. She was going to get married now. Elda didn't need him distracting her.
"Say hi to Jasuf for me when you go back."
"Aww, I will. Say hi to Chelsea, too. I guess I'll see you in a week?"
"Yup, have fun, Cakes."
After the pair separated, the few SFs manning the corridor glanced at each other. "Did he say 'wedding'?" Everything they thought they knew about the trio from SG-3 was suddenly turned upside-down.
A/N: Thank you for reading! Next chapter will be full of humor. See you soon...