Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 7:53 pm
Chapter 40 continued from above
“That is the last time you will ever call me that or need to curtsy to me. After today it will be I who calls you ‘Highness’ and curtsies to you.” She said softly.
“Oh I don’t know about that, Your Highness.” Liz said deliberately. “You will ever be the King’s Mother; always respected, always loved by all of us.”
“As I said, you will make an extraordinary queen.” Was all Valaria said before disengaging her hands from Liz’s and walking away with the President and his Guard.
“Let’s allow them a few minutes to get seated.” Isabel said.
“Don’t even think about sitting down on that patio furniture!” Amy cried out as Maria made as if to do just that.
“I’m too nervous to sit down anyway.” Maria pouted before slipping her arm through Liz’s and making her pace around the patio instead.
‘They Are all so beautiful.’ Nancy Parker thought to herself as she watched her daughter circle around the rest of them. ‘The dresses turned out so beautifully.’
All of the brides’ dresses had the same skirts; a baby pink underskirt over a hoop just showed below the white over skirt, which topped it, but which was drawn back to each side in the front; ala “Sleeping Beauty” or “Cinderella”. And all of the dresses had long, tight sleeves made of delicate white lace with the tiniest of pink, silk rosebuds dotting them all over. To make each dress slightly different, each white bodice had a different neckline. Isabel’s was square, Maria had a sweetheart neckline, Tess’ had a scoop-neck and Liz had a tight, high necked collar, which emphasized her slender neck. Additionally, to distinguish Liz’s dress from the rest, the designer had also insisted on embroidering the Antarian Royal Crest in a delicate, pale pink, lace-like pattern all over the skirt and around the high collar. Liz had not liked the idea when it was first mentioned to her, but loved it when she saw the finished product. All of the brides had their hair swept up into elegant buns and wore wreaths made up of several different types of white flowers. Liz’s wreath was again distinguished with the addition of a few pink flowers as well.
The bride’s-maids wore simplified versions of the bride’s dresses but without the hoops and the white overskirt was not drawn back in front, but hung down in soft folds over the pink underskirt, which peaked out from underneath by three inches. Each bride’s-maids’ dress had the same lace sleeves, but without the pink rosebuds and each neckline matched that of the bride they were accompanying.
“Valaria and the President have had enough time to get seated, let’s go.” Sam said again and all of the women carefully got into the waiting and flower-bedecked hover-craft and off they went to the Holy Clearing.
~*~
That same morning, out in the shared backyard between Seria and Beneck’s houses, the grooms and their best men spent their time playing field hockey (instigated by Jack), basketball (suggested by Max) or even wrestled each other after Kyle goaded them all into giving it a try; anything to work off some of their excess energy and nerves. Jim Valenti, Jeff Parker and Philip Evans sat on the sidelines drinking fruity drinks and talking amongst themselves, but every once in a while they would be pulled into a hockey game or some basketball. Over an early brunch, some manly advice about the pleasures and pitfalls of the wedding night was passed on by the fathers and memories were shared about when the brides-to-be were little girls. But finally it was time for showers and shaves; getting dressed up and they all rushed inside. When the fathers and the best men; Jack, Beneck, Dr. Ebron and his son, Nardo arrived back after getting ready themselves, they found the four grooms all ready but restlessly pacing around outside.
“The only good thing about these monkey-suits is that we don’t have to wear ties with them.” Michael exclaimed, tugging on the stiff, high collar which encircled his neck.
“You all look pretty snazzy though, even without ties.” Philip replied looking over the grooms and best men.
They all wore sharply pleated dark maroon slacks with a thin white stripe running down the outside seam of each leg, a white, hip-length, long-sleeved shirt worn outside of the slacks and had that stiff high collar which Michael was complaining about. Over the shirt the grooms wore tailored, knee-length, long-sleeved collarless jackets which had no fastenings in front. And pinned over the left side of their chests was a single dark red rosebud.
“Snazzy, Dad?” Kyle asked.
“Yeah, snazzy” Jim Valenti shot back. “Don’t ya know what snazzy means?”
“Yeah I know what it means…thanks, Dad.” Kyle said sincerely.
“The sash looks fine, Max; stop fiddling with it.” Philip told his son.
To distinguish Max from the other grooms, he was wearing a wide maroon sash tied around his waist on the outside of his jacket. The Antarian Royal Crest was embroidered delicately onto it in gold.
The best-men wore the same outfits except that their jackets were shorter, coming down only six inches below the waist. Nor did they wear the boutonnières.
“Time for you guys to get over to the clearing, before the brides do. The hover-craft are waiting out front.” Daniel reported. “I’ll see you over there once I pick up Dr. Jordon and Sha’re.”
Daniel, Dr. Jordon and Sha’re managed to arrive at the clearing just a few minutes after the others did and they fanned out to the head of each aisle, to greet the guests as they arrived. There were eleven of them, with Sha’re helping Dr. Jordon and there were ten aisles to man. Not only the clearing was circular, but the set up for the sanctuary inside was circular as well, with ten sections for seating radiating out from a central raised dais. The platform was empty; no altar and no pulpit were upon it. Anything which was needed for any given ceremony was brought to the dais by the people involved.
Finally, Valaria and the President arrived; the last of the guests and Max and Jack escorted them up to a front or inner-most seat; before joining the rest of the grooms and best-men up at the dais; each of them was standing around the outer edge of the dais, facing outwards. At the same time, a priestess, an old woman with a kind face, dressed in simple long, green robes, her white hair in two long braids, which hung down her front, came in from the other side and joined them on the dais. Each bride was to enter the sanctuary from a different point on the compass; North, South, East or West and proceed up the aisle to the dais…and her groom.
And Jack noticed as he stood looking out over the congregation that the ten aisles continued on out along, it seemed, natural aisle-ways through the trees which circled the clearing. He had not noticed it before, but today with the garlands marking out those paths through the trees, Jack could see that from the central point in the clearing, one could look out and see for miles. Down three aisles, he could see the Capital, down three more aisles on the other side, he could see great mountains off in the distance and down three more aisles between those two extremes, Jack could see the much closer hills just outside the City, where the Stargate made its home. This holy place was all about being at the center; at the center of the world, both natural and man-made and being at the center of the immense congregations which had worshiped there for centuries, perhaps even millennia…and giving thanks for it all…
Suddenly four horns sounded from the four quarters of the clearing and everyone went silent, but no one stood; instead they waited expectantly and gazing down the aisles opposite from where they sat. Then a gentle music began to play, the melody as soft as a breeze. Other instruments joined in adding to the anticipation, but still fluid and soft. Next came the ringing of tiny bells, but there was a rhythm to them, as if to denote the slow marching of faeries. Then Jack noticed the gazes and craning of necks of the people seated in front of where he stood, trying to see something behind him and he turned his head enough to see. Janet Fraser had begun to slowly walk up the aisle with Tess on General Hammond’s arm, following behind her. Janet had just reached the dais, General Hammond had kissed Tess on the cheek and put her hands into Kyle’s and taken his seat when Cassandra started down her aisle, ninety degrees away from the one Tess had traversed. Maria, on Jim Valenti’s arm came slowly after her. Step-father and daughter had just made it up to the front when Seria began walking down the aisle across the clearing from the one Maria had just walked down. Necks swiveled as Isabel began to walk down the aisle behind her bride’s-maid. Philip Evans kissed his daughter on the cheek, put her hands into Alex’s and took his seat, but then there was a slight pause before Sam began to glide (there was no other word for it in Jack’s mind) down the aisle. Everyone’s eyes were glued as Liz, on her father’s arm, followed after and came up to the dais to face Max. Jeff kissed her on the cheek, put her hands into Max’s and then took his seat beside Nancy.
Now the wedding party shifted around a bit. The priestess remained in the center of the dais and the brides stepped up onto it, to face their respective grooms; the couples showing their profiles to the congregation. The groom’s-men stood two steps below the dais facing each of their respective bride’s-maids and these couples stood two steps away from each other so that they did not block the congregation from seeing the brides and grooms who circled the dais. Sometime between Maria’s and Isabel’s walk down the aisle, Jack had noticed that the huge screens between the trees had been lit up and he could see thousands more people gazing out of those screens, watching with the same joy on their faces as those sitting here in the clearing.
After all of the preparations, the ceremony was a very simple one. The priestess lifted her hands and head up to the sky…
“I call upon The God, who has no name and no form, but who caused everything to be created…to bless these four couples who stand here with me in The Center today. They have come to begin their new lives together, in Your Presence and before all of these people they make their vows to one another…”
The priestess brought her head and hands down and smiled gently at Kyle and Tess, indicating them to begin their vows to one another. Their voices were soft with nerves and yet everyone in the congregation; near and far away, could hear them easily where they sat.
‘It’s as if we’re all wearing earphones.’ Jack thought to himself. ‘Their voices aren’t booming over us, it’s as if they’re standing next to each and every one of us, all at once.’
Each couple had been encouraged to write their own vows with only some gentle guidelines from the priestess on what they should include. As each couple took turns saying their vows and exchanging their rings, their words of love, commitment, healing and forgiveness rose like a light filled mist to float and pulse above their heads.
“You may now seal your unions with a kiss.” The priestess told the couples, once Max and Liz; the last couple, finished saying their vows and all four couples did just that.
Jack noticed that the gazed of many in the congregation were raised above the young couples, to the pulsing mist above them and he unconsciously began to count the pulses himself. But finally the couples broke their passionate lip-locks to the gentle laughter of those watching and the mist began to dissipate.
At this point the best-men and bride’s-maids stepped away from the dais to go and sit in seats reserved for them and began to clap along with the congregation; everyone grinning happily. After a few moments the priestess whispered to three of the couples and as in their rehearsal, they also left the dais to go and sit in their reserved seats, leaving just Max and Liz up on the dais with the priestess. But she too left the dais and walked down until she stood before Valaria and then bowed before her.
“Your Highness…” The priestess said indicating with her hand that the Queen Mother should now approach the dais. Valaria stood and with great dignity approached the dais but did not step up onto it. At the same time, Sam had stood up from her seat and quietly come to stand beside and just below Liz.
At the same moment the priestess had stepped off of the dais, another priest in green robes walked up to it between two Antarian Guards. In his hands he carried a crystal tray with an intricately cut crystal dome on top of it. Inside the dome lay a crown. With very little fanfare the priest bowed his head to Max, lifted the dome up off of the tray and presented the crown to his king. Max, who was blushing slightly under his tan took the crown and placed it on his own head. The priest nodded to him (to indicate that the crown was on straight) and then stepped back with the guards.
As Max was turning back to Liz with his crown on his head, Valaria stood up and with great dignity approached the dais, but did not step up onto it. Instead she curtsied deeply before Max who bent over, took her hands in his, kissed them and then pulled on them indicating that she should stand up before him.
“Your Highness.” Valaria said to Max as Liz looked on with tears swimming in her eyes. “As my King’s Mother did, years before, so I do now. I hereby retire my title as Queen of Antar so that you may bestow it upon your soul-mate…and my new Queen, Elizabeth Claudia Evans.”
Valaria reached up and carefully removed the crown from her head and presented it with a bow, to Max. At this, Sam quietly stepped up behind Liz and carefully removed the bridal wreath from her head and then stepped back down off of the dais and took her seat again. Max then turned to Liz, the Queen’s crown in his hands.
“Elizabeth Claudia Evans, I hereby ask you, here in the Presence of The God and all of Our people, do you wish to become Queen of Antar and will you accept all of the responsibilities and privileges which accompany that high rank?”
Liz gazed up into Max’s serious, yet love-filled amber eyes and saw also his pride and respect for her and spoke clearly.
“I do, Your Highness.” Liz then bowed her head a little to Max and lowered her eyes humbly.
Sometimes she still could not believe that all of this was happening to her; as she had called herself once years ago, “the smallest of small-town girls”. Liz then felt the weight, both physical and emotional, as Max gently placed the crown on her head and then tucking his index finger under her chin to lift her face and gaze back up to him. He leaned in and chastely kissed her on each cheek and whispered “I love you” in her ear before turning back to the congregation.
“In the Presence of The God and all of you assembled here, I present your new Queen of Antar!”
Everyone cheered, there in the clearing and back on the screens as Max gently guided Liz to turn on the dais so everyone could see her. She was in a daze; this had been her wedding day and Now she had been crowned queen of an entire planet! She looked up to Max for encouragement and he smiled back down at her and then mouthed “You’re doing great” as his arm tightened around her waist and his hand tightened on hers. When they finally circled back around to where Valaria still stood before the dais, Liz saw happy tears in her eyes. Valaria then curtsied deeply to her new queen, as did everyone out in the congregation, even those people from Earth and other planets. It was Liz’s turn to bend down, take her mother-in-law’s hands and draw her back up to stand before her. She kissed Valaria on both cheeks and whispered “Thank you for giving me such a great example and allowing me to marry your son; I love him so much.” before straightening back up to stand next to her new husband and king.
After a new round of applause and cheering, the priestess came to stand before the dais, bowing to her new Royal Couple and then turned to the congregation.
“Let us celebrate these new marriages as these four couples step out into their new lives, together. The reception is out in the Park. Please come and join us.”
“Thank you, Mother.” Max told the priestess as he and Liz stepped down from the dais.
“May you have a wonderful life together, Your Highnesses.” She said smiling.
The priest came up now carrying two crystal trays and passed one off to the priestess. They bowed and removed the crystal domes from the trays.
“Here, let me help you.” Max murmured as he removed Liz’s crown from her head and placed it on its crystal tray and then just as easily as he had put it on, he took off his own crown and placed it in its crystal home as well. The priests placed the domes back over the crowns and left the clearing with their guard escorts.
“Here’s your wreath, Liz if you want to put it back on.” Sam came up with the rest of the wedding party and held out the ring of flowers.
“Do you think I should bother putting it back on won’t I be just taking it off again in a little while to throw over my shoulder?” Liz asked.
Antarian brides wear flower wreaths rather than carry bouquets, so Liz and Maria had decided that they would throw their wreaths over their shoulders as a unique way of doing the traditional “bouquet-toss”.
“We’re going to eat first and then dance together before any of the fun and games start, Liz.” Max reminded her. “Why don’t you put the wreath back on until later; you look so pretty wearing it.”
“Okay.” Liz said happily as Max took the wreath from Sam and placed it back on his bride’s head for her. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Max replied. “Now why don’t we all get to the reception?”
“Yeah, I’m starved.” Jack said.
The wedding party and other family and friends hopped into the hover-craft which were waiting for them and arrived at the reception in good time. The planning committee had gone all out and there were tables loaded down with food and drink. Everyone helped themselves; Max and Liz fed each other, which got the other three couples to give that a try with varying success. After everyone had had a chance to eat, the toasts began; from each of the best-men, the fathers and even the President. Then everyone was ready to dance by the time everyone had had their say and the fathers took their daughters out onto the dance floor.
‘My little girl’s not only all grown up and a bride, she’s a queen…of an entire planet! And I even saw her wearing a crown earlier today.’ Jeff Parker thought in wonder as they slowly circled around the floor.
“I am so proud of you, Lizzy; me and Mom too. You’ve made so much out of yourself…the secret life you had to live as you fought to keep your boyfriend alive and all that while you were still a teenager…getting your Ph.D. and then being recruited by the SGC…And now you’ve finally been reunited with Max after so many hard years apart, you’ve married him and now you’re even a queen! Ah Lizzy!” Jeff fought to keep the tears back.
“Daddy…I love you and Mom so much.” Liz said also trying to keep the tears in her eyes from falling. “And I’m so glad that you found out about that secret life I led…and that you’re proud of me…that means so much to me.”
Father and daughter hugged wordlessly, swaying back and forth a little for several moments before breaking apart.
“Let me take you back to your anxious groom, he hasn’t taken his eyes off of you once.” Jeff whispered to Liz, who giggled wetly…
All four grooms got their brides back from their fathers-in-law (and General Hammond who had danced with Tess) and happily danced with them for some time. During dinner and while they had been dancing, Liz had been hearing quite a few people refer to “the twelve pulses”, but she could not figure out what they were talking about.
“Max, I’ve been hearing nearly everyone refer to twelve pulses…what are they talking about?” Liz asked finally and Max blushed a little.
“I don’t know if you noticed, during the ceremony, while we were saying or vows, a white mist began to form over our head and it gave off a pulsing light.” Max began.
“Oh yeah…what was that?” Liz asked.
“It’s an Antarian thing that happens during weddings, the intense emotions of the bride and groom causes it.” Max explained. “Anyway, once we were invited to kiss, people began counting how many times the light pulsed, until we stopped kissing. With the four of us combined, the light pulsed twelve times…and many people believe that that signifies how many children we’ll have.”
“What? We’re going to have twelve children?” Liz exclaimed, but Max shushed her.
“Between us four couples, Liz; not just the two of us; and it’s only a myth, nothing to worry about. It’s a lot like the belief that whoever catches your bouquet will be the next to marry; just some harmless fun.” Max said.
“Except for today, right Max? Is everything set up?” Liz asked quietly.
“Yep, the General will set up the groundwork for us.” Max replied grinning.
“Great!” Liz exclaimed happily.
Just then Amy DeLuca waded out onto the dance floor and insisted that it was time to cut the cake. And after they had fed each other a piece of cake (and Maria had been cleaned up from where Michael had missed her mouth), the other fun began. With a wink from Max, General Hammond went up to the stage and had a word with the band leader before stepping in front of the microphone.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please? For those of you who don’t know me, I am General George Hammond, commanding officer of Stargate Command. I also played Dutch-uncle to Lady Tess and walked her down the aisle since she has no living male relatives to fulfill that little duty for her. And it was my honor to do so. But what I’m really up here for is to explain to anyone who’s not familiar with Earth customs, two of the little games we’re going to play in the next few minutes. At many Earth wedding receptions, the ‘bouquet-toss’ and the ‘garter-throw’ are two such games. The idea is that all of the unmarried ladies gather ‘round the bride; she turns her back to them and throws her bouquet over her shoulder to them (or in the case of our four new brides here today, their wreaths). And it is believed that whoever catches the wreath will be the next person to marry.”
There was quite a bit of giggling after that.
“Now, for all of our bachelors, we play a similar game. The groom removes the garter from his bride’s…uh…leg…uh…turns his back to all of the men and throws the garter over his shoulder. I’m not sure if the same belief holds true with the men; that whoever catches the garter will be the first to marry, but I do know that whoever catches that little bit of elastic and lace here today will get a dance with the lucky lady who caught the bouquet.”
“You know, George…” The President called out from where he stood nearby. “What I’ve always heard is that quite a few couples meet for the first time when they dance after catching the bouquet or the garter…and quite a few long and happy marriages have resulted from their having met during that one dance.”
“That’s very interesting, Mr. President; thank you for bringing that up, sir.” The General said, winking at his co-conspirator. “So…uh…would anyone here like to play?”
Dozens of hands went up in the air and the young ladies scrambled into a grouping to one side of the stage, while the bachelors grouped themselves together on the other side. Sha’re and Daniel shoved Sam and Jack, respectively, into their appropriate group and then stood back to watch.
“I think we’ll do this one couple at a time since we have four couples with us here today.” The General continued. “And Mr. and Mrs. Evans have told me that they would like to throw their own particular projectiles at the same time, so if that lucky couple would like to come up here onto the stage, we can all watch as Mr. Evans removes his wife’s garter.”
The General gave a chuckle as Max simply picked Liz up and sat her down on the edge of the stage. Max tried to slide his hand up Liz’s leg without raising her skirts too much (‘Thank goodness her hoop is soft enough that it can be pressed down enough so that Liz’s skirts didn’t just fly up in front of her face.’ Max thought.) but her garter was trickier to find than he thought…or at least that is what he told the audience as he ran gentle hands up and down his lovely wife’s leg…But then Max finally drew the lacy garter down and over Liz’s foot and the games could commence.
Max helped Liz take off her wreath and handed it to her, winking as he did so and then both Liz and Max turned so that their backs were to their audience. Liz could feel the little tag, which Max had magically added to her wreath and concentrated on throwing it over her shoulder…and right into Sam’s startled hands. Max threw the garter over is shoulder at the same time…and low and behold, if it did not just land in Jack O'Neill’s outstretched palm.
General Hammond left his M.C. duties as well as Isabel and Alex, to take their turns at the wreath and garter toss and walked around the crowed to the back where Sam, Jack, Max and Liz had gathered together. He saw the President casually closing in on the two couples as well.
“I think something fishy happened during that toss.” Jack told Max, half teasing, half serious.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Jack.” Max replied, a twinkle in his eyes.
“What will the General think of us catching this stuff?” Sam asked, concern in her voice.
“Why don’t you take another look at your wreath, Major…and your garter, Colonel?” General Hammond suggested, his own eyes twinkling with anticipation.
Sam and Jack did as they were asked and both found a surprise as Liz began to giggle and Max chuckled next to them.
“There’s a medallion attached to the wreath.” Sam observed.
“The garter has one too.” Jack added as they took a closer look at the small metal discs.
“Mine has the Air Force seal on it.” Sam exclaimed, puzzled and excited at the same time.
“Mine has the…Presidential seal.” Jack said cautiously, looking up at his superiors. “What’s going on here, sir…sirs?”
“These are an extra little gift to the two of you for all of your extraordinary work over the last three years.” The President said. “I assume that you both understand what they and the delivery method employed here, signifies?”
“I think so…General?” Jack asked, not wishing to give anything away until he was positive that he fully understood.
“It came to our attention that you and Major Carter have…fallen in love…” General Hammond said. “And while that is against regulations, it was also pointed out to us how professionally and exceptionally you have performed your duties, in spite of, or…perhaps because of your relationship. And in recognition of the many times you have saved this planet, especially during your most recent mission…the President and I have decided to grant you a special dispensation to pursue your relationship with each other…as long as you continue to act professionally while on duty.”
“Thank you very much sir…sirs.” Jack replied smiling, but then he became serious again as he turned to the General.
“I’ve asked Sam to marry me…and she’s said yes…And we were going to come and tell you after tonight, sir. To see if something could be worked out…and we were prepared to pay the consequences as well, sir.”
“I think that the Goa’uld have dealt out all the repercussions that anyone can stand, Colonel; almost dieing…several times in the line of duty is good enough for us. No mention of your actions together will be made in your permanent records.” The General assured them.
“Thank you very much sir.” Sam said again after a moment of shocked silence.
“Thank you, General.” Jack added, his shoulders losing some of their tension.
“So…have you two picked a date yet?” The President asked smiling.
“Not yet, Mr. President; Jack only asked me this morning…” Sam answered.
“Well, unless you have anymore questions, perhaps we should rejoin the party for a little while before we have to pull you away to attend the awards ceremony.” The President suggested, looking around.
The other three newly married couples had almost finished their wreath and garter tosses and because of the President’s tight schedule the awards ceremony, to recognize everyone who had taken part in Operation Queen Bee was being held right after the Royal Weddings, at the nearby amphitheater.
“Thanks again, General, Mr. President.” Sam said sincerely.
“Yeah, thanks again, sirs.” Jack added as the other two men walked away well satisfied with the conclusion of their surprise.
As soon as they disappeared into the crowd, Sam threw herself into Jack’s arms and kissed him senseless.
“Oh man, I can’t believe it!” Sam exclaimed after pulling away, but continuing to hug her fiancé.
“It’s not as if we haven’t earned it.” Jack said irreverently.
“Jack.” Sam scolded, pulling back a little.
“I know, Sam; we are so lucky not to be in the brig right now.” Jack became serious and pulled her back into another hug.
They were brought out of their self-involved haze by giggles and chuckles coming from behind Jack.
“I’m glad that worked out so well, aren’t you Liz?” Max asked.
“Yes, I am, Max.” Liz agreed between giggles.
“Wait a minute…did you two have something to do with that?” Jack asked, pointing his thumb behind him in the direction the President and the General had walked in.
“Do you know how much trouble we would have been in if they hadn’t decided to make an exception in our case?” Sam asked incredulously.
“Hey, hey calm down.” Max said smiling gently. “Yes, I had a few words with the President, that last time he was here on Antar; I asked him how many times SG-1 had saved Earth and whether that didn’t earn some special consideration for a couple who loved each other so much…But…” Max said loudly to stop any protests from Jack. “We would not have allowed them to punish you for your love…I would have wiped their memories of my conversation with the President and any talks he had held with General Hammond if necessary.” Max promised.
“We don’t feel guilty for what we did or what we were willing to do, to protect you and neither should either of you.” Liz said sternly. “Just in the general order of things, you two deserve to be happy and in your love with each other…not to mention the extra you deserve for all you’ve done to keep the Earth safe.”
“It wasn’t just us; it was Daniel and Teal’c and all the rest of the SGC who helped save Earth.” Sam said fairly.
“True, but I have a feeling that Daniel and Teal’c will receive the prize they each desire within the next year or so. And anyway, being in the military you two’ve lived under stricter regulations than Daniel and Teal’c have all these years.” Max pointed out.
“I hope so, I really hope so.” Jack said after a few moments of thought.
“Are we clear then?” Liz asked her two friends and they both nodded. “Then let’s have a quick hug before you two go and change into your dress uniforms for the awards ceremony.”
The friends hugged and then the two Air Force officers quick-stepped their way back to their home where they could change. A short while later, looking very impressive in their dress uniforms, Sam and Jack made it to the amphitheater, attached to the park where the wedding reception was still going strong.
The eight teams who had gone after the Goa’uld queens were there as well as many of the Antarians and SGC personnel. Most of the Antarian physicians were still busy working with the Jaffa on other planets, to remove all of their symbiotes and get their immune systems working properly. And SG-teams ten through fifteen had been left behind on Earth as a skeleton-crew, just in case something happened while everyone else was on Antar. But video equipment had been set up to send footage of the ceremony to Earth and to everyone else who wished to see it on other planets; physicians and Jaffa alike.
“We are here to acknowledge and commemorate all those who have fought the Goa’uld over many, many years, especially those who lost their lives during that fight…let us all take a moment to remember our friends and comrades who have fallen.” Max Evans said as he stood on the stage and everyone bowed their heads and remembered.
SGC personnel remembered Charles Kowalski and the others from amongst their ranks who had been killed protecting Earth. Sha’re remembered all of her people who had died under Goa’uld enslavement or directly at the Goa’uld hands. The Jaffa watching the ceremony while waiting to have their symbiotes removed or who were recovering from having the procedure done, remembered the hundreds, maybe even thousands of their brethren who had died while protecting and/or fighting for the false-gods they had served. And all Antarians remembered those who had died during Apophis’ short-lived attack on their planet.
“But today we are here to celebrate.” The President announced proudly. “And to award those of you who took part in this latest and greatest battle against the Goa’uld. Operation Queen Bee has succeeded beyond our wildest dreams. The latest reports I have received as of this morning, Earth-time, tell us that almost all of the Goa’uld have killed each other and will finish the job in the next few weeks. Those who are left, if any, will be hunted down by the Tok’ra or their own Jaffa. And all but one of the Goa’uld queens have been destroyed; one of them…we don’t have her name as yet…has agreed to become the new Tok’ra queen!”
There was a spontaneous outburst of joy from the audience, begun by Jacob Carter and a few of his fellow Tok’ra, who had come to the ceremony.
“The Antarian physicians caring for this queen have scanned her thoroughly and are certain that she is honest in her wish to spawn only Tok’ra symbiotes.” The President concluded after everyone had calmed down. “I would like to add that once all of the Goa’uld have been handled, we plan to inform our world about the Stargate program in perhaps one year. First Congress, then the leaders of the other major powers; China, England and France (since Russia already knows about the Stargate.) will be told. Then the rest of the U.N…and the general populace will be told at least the basics of the Stargate’s existence. At that time, all Earth Stargate military personnel will be awarded this medal.”
The President held up a jeweler’s box and opened it. The large screen up on the stage showed a close up. The medal was an intricately carved replica of the Stargate, with its nine chevrons and all of the address symbols surrounding the inner ring and even a blue crystal in the middle to affect an open wormhole.
“Until that day, when I will be honored to hand each and every one of you this medal, the Stargate must remain top-secret. But I am here today to tell you how proud I am of all of you; the work you are doing and the sacrifices you are making…”
The crowd erupted again before General Hammond brought them to order again and everyone sat down.
“At this time, however, we will present awards to the eight teams who participated in the most critical part of Operation Queen Bee. When your name is called, please come and stand on the stage.” General Hammond said before he began to read off the names.
Fifteen Humans, sixteen Antarians, one Abydonian and one Jaffa; thirty-three in all, equaling eight teams, came to the stage as their names were called under their team designations.
“And finally, I call SG-1; Colonel Jack O'Neill, Major Samantha Carter, Dr. Daniel Jackson, Teal’c and Mrs. Sha’re Jackson, please come forward.” The General called out and the five teammates came to line up next to the other teams on stage.
The President and Max Evans then began at the far end from SG-1 to award the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal or the Antarian equivalent, respectively to each team-member; General Hammond and Liz Evans (also wearing her crown again) guiding two floating trays bearing the medals and congratulating the awardees as well, as the audience joined them in applauding each team-member.
“To Mrs. Sha’re Jackson, for her heroism during Operation Queen Bee, I award the Air Medal…” Daniel kissed is wife after the medal had been hung around her neck and then joined his teammates in proudly applauding her.
There had been some discussion about which medal to award Sha’re. The Air Medal was decided upon as it is allowed to be given to foreign military personnel in actual combat, alongside U.S. military personnel.
And now for SG-1.” The President said, coming up before the rest of the team. “Not only for your extraordinary heroism during this most recent and most important mission, but also for your exceptional meritorious service during your years of being the SGC’s elite, first-contact team; opening up the galaxy to us and protecting us from it as well…I award Colonel Jack O'Neill, Major Samantha Carter and Teal’c the Air Force Cross.”
General Hammond had explained that they would have been awarded the Medal of Honor; the highest military honor, but that Congress was required to approve the awarding of that medal and they could not be informed about the Stargate, just yet.
“And to Daniel Jackson, I award the Presidential Medal of Freedom; the highest honor which may be bestowed upon a civilian.”
The President, General Hammond, Max, Liz, the other seven teams up on stage and the entire audience…as well as quite a crowd of people who had gathered around the upper rim of the amphitheater, all broke out into applause and happy cheers as SG-1 were all given their awards. Everyone agreed that no one else deserved such high awards than SG-1.
To Be Concluded Soon with the epilogue (looking ten years into the future)…stay tuned!
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“That is the last time you will ever call me that or need to curtsy to me. After today it will be I who calls you ‘Highness’ and curtsies to you.” She said softly.
“Oh I don’t know about that, Your Highness.” Liz said deliberately. “You will ever be the King’s Mother; always respected, always loved by all of us.”
“As I said, you will make an extraordinary queen.” Was all Valaria said before disengaging her hands from Liz’s and walking away with the President and his Guard.
“Let’s allow them a few minutes to get seated.” Isabel said.
“Don’t even think about sitting down on that patio furniture!” Amy cried out as Maria made as if to do just that.
“I’m too nervous to sit down anyway.” Maria pouted before slipping her arm through Liz’s and making her pace around the patio instead.
‘They Are all so beautiful.’ Nancy Parker thought to herself as she watched her daughter circle around the rest of them. ‘The dresses turned out so beautifully.’
All of the brides’ dresses had the same skirts; a baby pink underskirt over a hoop just showed below the white over skirt, which topped it, but which was drawn back to each side in the front; ala “Sleeping Beauty” or “Cinderella”. And all of the dresses had long, tight sleeves made of delicate white lace with the tiniest of pink, silk rosebuds dotting them all over. To make each dress slightly different, each white bodice had a different neckline. Isabel’s was square, Maria had a sweetheart neckline, Tess’ had a scoop-neck and Liz had a tight, high necked collar, which emphasized her slender neck. Additionally, to distinguish Liz’s dress from the rest, the designer had also insisted on embroidering the Antarian Royal Crest in a delicate, pale pink, lace-like pattern all over the skirt and around the high collar. Liz had not liked the idea when it was first mentioned to her, but loved it when she saw the finished product. All of the brides had their hair swept up into elegant buns and wore wreaths made up of several different types of white flowers. Liz’s wreath was again distinguished with the addition of a few pink flowers as well.
The bride’s-maids wore simplified versions of the bride’s dresses but without the hoops and the white overskirt was not drawn back in front, but hung down in soft folds over the pink underskirt, which peaked out from underneath by three inches. Each bride’s-maids’ dress had the same lace sleeves, but without the pink rosebuds and each neckline matched that of the bride they were accompanying.
“Valaria and the President have had enough time to get seated, let’s go.” Sam said again and all of the women carefully got into the waiting and flower-bedecked hover-craft and off they went to the Holy Clearing.
~*~
That same morning, out in the shared backyard between Seria and Beneck’s houses, the grooms and their best men spent their time playing field hockey (instigated by Jack), basketball (suggested by Max) or even wrestled each other after Kyle goaded them all into giving it a try; anything to work off some of their excess energy and nerves. Jim Valenti, Jeff Parker and Philip Evans sat on the sidelines drinking fruity drinks and talking amongst themselves, but every once in a while they would be pulled into a hockey game or some basketball. Over an early brunch, some manly advice about the pleasures and pitfalls of the wedding night was passed on by the fathers and memories were shared about when the brides-to-be were little girls. But finally it was time for showers and shaves; getting dressed up and they all rushed inside. When the fathers and the best men; Jack, Beneck, Dr. Ebron and his son, Nardo arrived back after getting ready themselves, they found the four grooms all ready but restlessly pacing around outside.
“The only good thing about these monkey-suits is that we don’t have to wear ties with them.” Michael exclaimed, tugging on the stiff, high collar which encircled his neck.
“You all look pretty snazzy though, even without ties.” Philip replied looking over the grooms and best men.
They all wore sharply pleated dark maroon slacks with a thin white stripe running down the outside seam of each leg, a white, hip-length, long-sleeved shirt worn outside of the slacks and had that stiff high collar which Michael was complaining about. Over the shirt the grooms wore tailored, knee-length, long-sleeved collarless jackets which had no fastenings in front. And pinned over the left side of their chests was a single dark red rosebud.
“Snazzy, Dad?” Kyle asked.
“Yeah, snazzy” Jim Valenti shot back. “Don’t ya know what snazzy means?”
“Yeah I know what it means…thanks, Dad.” Kyle said sincerely.
“The sash looks fine, Max; stop fiddling with it.” Philip told his son.
To distinguish Max from the other grooms, he was wearing a wide maroon sash tied around his waist on the outside of his jacket. The Antarian Royal Crest was embroidered delicately onto it in gold.
The best-men wore the same outfits except that their jackets were shorter, coming down only six inches below the waist. Nor did they wear the boutonnières.
“Time for you guys to get over to the clearing, before the brides do. The hover-craft are waiting out front.” Daniel reported. “I’ll see you over there once I pick up Dr. Jordon and Sha’re.”
Daniel, Dr. Jordon and Sha’re managed to arrive at the clearing just a few minutes after the others did and they fanned out to the head of each aisle, to greet the guests as they arrived. There were eleven of them, with Sha’re helping Dr. Jordon and there were ten aisles to man. Not only the clearing was circular, but the set up for the sanctuary inside was circular as well, with ten sections for seating radiating out from a central raised dais. The platform was empty; no altar and no pulpit were upon it. Anything which was needed for any given ceremony was brought to the dais by the people involved.
Finally, Valaria and the President arrived; the last of the guests and Max and Jack escorted them up to a front or inner-most seat; before joining the rest of the grooms and best-men up at the dais; each of them was standing around the outer edge of the dais, facing outwards. At the same time, a priestess, an old woman with a kind face, dressed in simple long, green robes, her white hair in two long braids, which hung down her front, came in from the other side and joined them on the dais. Each bride was to enter the sanctuary from a different point on the compass; North, South, East or West and proceed up the aisle to the dais…and her groom.
And Jack noticed as he stood looking out over the congregation that the ten aisles continued on out along, it seemed, natural aisle-ways through the trees which circled the clearing. He had not noticed it before, but today with the garlands marking out those paths through the trees, Jack could see that from the central point in the clearing, one could look out and see for miles. Down three aisles, he could see the Capital, down three more aisles on the other side, he could see great mountains off in the distance and down three more aisles between those two extremes, Jack could see the much closer hills just outside the City, where the Stargate made its home. This holy place was all about being at the center; at the center of the world, both natural and man-made and being at the center of the immense congregations which had worshiped there for centuries, perhaps even millennia…and giving thanks for it all…
Suddenly four horns sounded from the four quarters of the clearing and everyone went silent, but no one stood; instead they waited expectantly and gazing down the aisles opposite from where they sat. Then a gentle music began to play, the melody as soft as a breeze. Other instruments joined in adding to the anticipation, but still fluid and soft. Next came the ringing of tiny bells, but there was a rhythm to them, as if to denote the slow marching of faeries. Then Jack noticed the gazes and craning of necks of the people seated in front of where he stood, trying to see something behind him and he turned his head enough to see. Janet Fraser had begun to slowly walk up the aisle with Tess on General Hammond’s arm, following behind her. Janet had just reached the dais, General Hammond had kissed Tess on the cheek and put her hands into Kyle’s and taken his seat when Cassandra started down her aisle, ninety degrees away from the one Tess had traversed. Maria, on Jim Valenti’s arm came slowly after her. Step-father and daughter had just made it up to the front when Seria began walking down the aisle across the clearing from the one Maria had just walked down. Necks swiveled as Isabel began to walk down the aisle behind her bride’s-maid. Philip Evans kissed his daughter on the cheek, put her hands into Alex’s and took his seat, but then there was a slight pause before Sam began to glide (there was no other word for it in Jack’s mind) down the aisle. Everyone’s eyes were glued as Liz, on her father’s arm, followed after and came up to the dais to face Max. Jeff kissed her on the cheek, put her hands into Max’s and then took his seat beside Nancy.
Now the wedding party shifted around a bit. The priestess remained in the center of the dais and the brides stepped up onto it, to face their respective grooms; the couples showing their profiles to the congregation. The groom’s-men stood two steps below the dais facing each of their respective bride’s-maids and these couples stood two steps away from each other so that they did not block the congregation from seeing the brides and grooms who circled the dais. Sometime between Maria’s and Isabel’s walk down the aisle, Jack had noticed that the huge screens between the trees had been lit up and he could see thousands more people gazing out of those screens, watching with the same joy on their faces as those sitting here in the clearing.
After all of the preparations, the ceremony was a very simple one. The priestess lifted her hands and head up to the sky…
“I call upon The God, who has no name and no form, but who caused everything to be created…to bless these four couples who stand here with me in The Center today. They have come to begin their new lives together, in Your Presence and before all of these people they make their vows to one another…”
The priestess brought her head and hands down and smiled gently at Kyle and Tess, indicating them to begin their vows to one another. Their voices were soft with nerves and yet everyone in the congregation; near and far away, could hear them easily where they sat.
‘It’s as if we’re all wearing earphones.’ Jack thought to himself. ‘Their voices aren’t booming over us, it’s as if they’re standing next to each and every one of us, all at once.’
Each couple had been encouraged to write their own vows with only some gentle guidelines from the priestess on what they should include. As each couple took turns saying their vows and exchanging their rings, their words of love, commitment, healing and forgiveness rose like a light filled mist to float and pulse above their heads.
“You may now seal your unions with a kiss.” The priestess told the couples, once Max and Liz; the last couple, finished saying their vows and all four couples did just that.
Jack noticed that the gazed of many in the congregation were raised above the young couples, to the pulsing mist above them and he unconsciously began to count the pulses himself. But finally the couples broke their passionate lip-locks to the gentle laughter of those watching and the mist began to dissipate.
At this point the best-men and bride’s-maids stepped away from the dais to go and sit in seats reserved for them and began to clap along with the congregation; everyone grinning happily. After a few moments the priestess whispered to three of the couples and as in their rehearsal, they also left the dais to go and sit in their reserved seats, leaving just Max and Liz up on the dais with the priestess. But she too left the dais and walked down until she stood before Valaria and then bowed before her.
“Your Highness…” The priestess said indicating with her hand that the Queen Mother should now approach the dais. Valaria stood and with great dignity approached the dais but did not step up onto it. At the same time, Sam had stood up from her seat and quietly come to stand beside and just below Liz.
At the same moment the priestess had stepped off of the dais, another priest in green robes walked up to it between two Antarian Guards. In his hands he carried a crystal tray with an intricately cut crystal dome on top of it. Inside the dome lay a crown. With very little fanfare the priest bowed his head to Max, lifted the dome up off of the tray and presented the crown to his king. Max, who was blushing slightly under his tan took the crown and placed it on his own head. The priest nodded to him (to indicate that the crown was on straight) and then stepped back with the guards.
As Max was turning back to Liz with his crown on his head, Valaria stood up and with great dignity approached the dais, but did not step up onto it. Instead she curtsied deeply before Max who bent over, took her hands in his, kissed them and then pulled on them indicating that she should stand up before him.
“Your Highness.” Valaria said to Max as Liz looked on with tears swimming in her eyes. “As my King’s Mother did, years before, so I do now. I hereby retire my title as Queen of Antar so that you may bestow it upon your soul-mate…and my new Queen, Elizabeth Claudia Evans.”
Valaria reached up and carefully removed the crown from her head and presented it with a bow, to Max. At this, Sam quietly stepped up behind Liz and carefully removed the bridal wreath from her head and then stepped back down off of the dais and took her seat again. Max then turned to Liz, the Queen’s crown in his hands.
“Elizabeth Claudia Evans, I hereby ask you, here in the Presence of The God and all of Our people, do you wish to become Queen of Antar and will you accept all of the responsibilities and privileges which accompany that high rank?”
Liz gazed up into Max’s serious, yet love-filled amber eyes and saw also his pride and respect for her and spoke clearly.
“I do, Your Highness.” Liz then bowed her head a little to Max and lowered her eyes humbly.
Sometimes she still could not believe that all of this was happening to her; as she had called herself once years ago, “the smallest of small-town girls”. Liz then felt the weight, both physical and emotional, as Max gently placed the crown on her head and then tucking his index finger under her chin to lift her face and gaze back up to him. He leaned in and chastely kissed her on each cheek and whispered “I love you” in her ear before turning back to the congregation.
“In the Presence of The God and all of you assembled here, I present your new Queen of Antar!”
Everyone cheered, there in the clearing and back on the screens as Max gently guided Liz to turn on the dais so everyone could see her. She was in a daze; this had been her wedding day and Now she had been crowned queen of an entire planet! She looked up to Max for encouragement and he smiled back down at her and then mouthed “You’re doing great” as his arm tightened around her waist and his hand tightened on hers. When they finally circled back around to where Valaria still stood before the dais, Liz saw happy tears in her eyes. Valaria then curtsied deeply to her new queen, as did everyone out in the congregation, even those people from Earth and other planets. It was Liz’s turn to bend down, take her mother-in-law’s hands and draw her back up to stand before her. She kissed Valaria on both cheeks and whispered “Thank you for giving me such a great example and allowing me to marry your son; I love him so much.” before straightening back up to stand next to her new husband and king.
After a new round of applause and cheering, the priestess came to stand before the dais, bowing to her new Royal Couple and then turned to the congregation.
“Let us celebrate these new marriages as these four couples step out into their new lives, together. The reception is out in the Park. Please come and join us.”
“Thank you, Mother.” Max told the priestess as he and Liz stepped down from the dais.
“May you have a wonderful life together, Your Highnesses.” She said smiling.
The priest came up now carrying two crystal trays and passed one off to the priestess. They bowed and removed the crystal domes from the trays.
“Here, let me help you.” Max murmured as he removed Liz’s crown from her head and placed it on its crystal tray and then just as easily as he had put it on, he took off his own crown and placed it in its crystal home as well. The priests placed the domes back over the crowns and left the clearing with their guard escorts.
“Here’s your wreath, Liz if you want to put it back on.” Sam came up with the rest of the wedding party and held out the ring of flowers.
“Do you think I should bother putting it back on won’t I be just taking it off again in a little while to throw over my shoulder?” Liz asked.
Antarian brides wear flower wreaths rather than carry bouquets, so Liz and Maria had decided that they would throw their wreaths over their shoulders as a unique way of doing the traditional “bouquet-toss”.
“We’re going to eat first and then dance together before any of the fun and games start, Liz.” Max reminded her. “Why don’t you put the wreath back on until later; you look so pretty wearing it.”
“Okay.” Liz said happily as Max took the wreath from Sam and placed it back on his bride’s head for her. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Max replied. “Now why don’t we all get to the reception?”
“Yeah, I’m starved.” Jack said.
The wedding party and other family and friends hopped into the hover-craft which were waiting for them and arrived at the reception in good time. The planning committee had gone all out and there were tables loaded down with food and drink. Everyone helped themselves; Max and Liz fed each other, which got the other three couples to give that a try with varying success. After everyone had had a chance to eat, the toasts began; from each of the best-men, the fathers and even the President. Then everyone was ready to dance by the time everyone had had their say and the fathers took their daughters out onto the dance floor.
‘My little girl’s not only all grown up and a bride, she’s a queen…of an entire planet! And I even saw her wearing a crown earlier today.’ Jeff Parker thought in wonder as they slowly circled around the floor.
“I am so proud of you, Lizzy; me and Mom too. You’ve made so much out of yourself…the secret life you had to live as you fought to keep your boyfriend alive and all that while you were still a teenager…getting your Ph.D. and then being recruited by the SGC…And now you’ve finally been reunited with Max after so many hard years apart, you’ve married him and now you’re even a queen! Ah Lizzy!” Jeff fought to keep the tears back.
“Daddy…I love you and Mom so much.” Liz said also trying to keep the tears in her eyes from falling. “And I’m so glad that you found out about that secret life I led…and that you’re proud of me…that means so much to me.”
Father and daughter hugged wordlessly, swaying back and forth a little for several moments before breaking apart.
“Let me take you back to your anxious groom, he hasn’t taken his eyes off of you once.” Jeff whispered to Liz, who giggled wetly…
All four grooms got their brides back from their fathers-in-law (and General Hammond who had danced with Tess) and happily danced with them for some time. During dinner and while they had been dancing, Liz had been hearing quite a few people refer to “the twelve pulses”, but she could not figure out what they were talking about.
“Max, I’ve been hearing nearly everyone refer to twelve pulses…what are they talking about?” Liz asked finally and Max blushed a little.
“I don’t know if you noticed, during the ceremony, while we were saying or vows, a white mist began to form over our head and it gave off a pulsing light.” Max began.
“Oh yeah…what was that?” Liz asked.
“It’s an Antarian thing that happens during weddings, the intense emotions of the bride and groom causes it.” Max explained. “Anyway, once we were invited to kiss, people began counting how many times the light pulsed, until we stopped kissing. With the four of us combined, the light pulsed twelve times…and many people believe that that signifies how many children we’ll have.”
“What? We’re going to have twelve children?” Liz exclaimed, but Max shushed her.
“Between us four couples, Liz; not just the two of us; and it’s only a myth, nothing to worry about. It’s a lot like the belief that whoever catches your bouquet will be the next to marry; just some harmless fun.” Max said.
“Except for today, right Max? Is everything set up?” Liz asked quietly.
“Yep, the General will set up the groundwork for us.” Max replied grinning.
“Great!” Liz exclaimed happily.
Just then Amy DeLuca waded out onto the dance floor and insisted that it was time to cut the cake. And after they had fed each other a piece of cake (and Maria had been cleaned up from where Michael had missed her mouth), the other fun began. With a wink from Max, General Hammond went up to the stage and had a word with the band leader before stepping in front of the microphone.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please? For those of you who don’t know me, I am General George Hammond, commanding officer of Stargate Command. I also played Dutch-uncle to Lady Tess and walked her down the aisle since she has no living male relatives to fulfill that little duty for her. And it was my honor to do so. But what I’m really up here for is to explain to anyone who’s not familiar with Earth customs, two of the little games we’re going to play in the next few minutes. At many Earth wedding receptions, the ‘bouquet-toss’ and the ‘garter-throw’ are two such games. The idea is that all of the unmarried ladies gather ‘round the bride; she turns her back to them and throws her bouquet over her shoulder to them (or in the case of our four new brides here today, their wreaths). And it is believed that whoever catches the wreath will be the next person to marry.”
There was quite a bit of giggling after that.
“Now, for all of our bachelors, we play a similar game. The groom removes the garter from his bride’s…uh…leg…uh…turns his back to all of the men and throws the garter over his shoulder. I’m not sure if the same belief holds true with the men; that whoever catches the garter will be the first to marry, but I do know that whoever catches that little bit of elastic and lace here today will get a dance with the lucky lady who caught the bouquet.”
“You know, George…” The President called out from where he stood nearby. “What I’ve always heard is that quite a few couples meet for the first time when they dance after catching the bouquet or the garter…and quite a few long and happy marriages have resulted from their having met during that one dance.”
“That’s very interesting, Mr. President; thank you for bringing that up, sir.” The General said, winking at his co-conspirator. “So…uh…would anyone here like to play?”
Dozens of hands went up in the air and the young ladies scrambled into a grouping to one side of the stage, while the bachelors grouped themselves together on the other side. Sha’re and Daniel shoved Sam and Jack, respectively, into their appropriate group and then stood back to watch.
“I think we’ll do this one couple at a time since we have four couples with us here today.” The General continued. “And Mr. and Mrs. Evans have told me that they would like to throw their own particular projectiles at the same time, so if that lucky couple would like to come up here onto the stage, we can all watch as Mr. Evans removes his wife’s garter.”
The General gave a chuckle as Max simply picked Liz up and sat her down on the edge of the stage. Max tried to slide his hand up Liz’s leg without raising her skirts too much (‘Thank goodness her hoop is soft enough that it can be pressed down enough so that Liz’s skirts didn’t just fly up in front of her face.’ Max thought.) but her garter was trickier to find than he thought…or at least that is what he told the audience as he ran gentle hands up and down his lovely wife’s leg…But then Max finally drew the lacy garter down and over Liz’s foot and the games could commence.
Max helped Liz take off her wreath and handed it to her, winking as he did so and then both Liz and Max turned so that their backs were to their audience. Liz could feel the little tag, which Max had magically added to her wreath and concentrated on throwing it over her shoulder…and right into Sam’s startled hands. Max threw the garter over is shoulder at the same time…and low and behold, if it did not just land in Jack O'Neill’s outstretched palm.
General Hammond left his M.C. duties as well as Isabel and Alex, to take their turns at the wreath and garter toss and walked around the crowed to the back where Sam, Jack, Max and Liz had gathered together. He saw the President casually closing in on the two couples as well.
“I think something fishy happened during that toss.” Jack told Max, half teasing, half serious.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Jack.” Max replied, a twinkle in his eyes.
“What will the General think of us catching this stuff?” Sam asked, concern in her voice.
“Why don’t you take another look at your wreath, Major…and your garter, Colonel?” General Hammond suggested, his own eyes twinkling with anticipation.
Sam and Jack did as they were asked and both found a surprise as Liz began to giggle and Max chuckled next to them.
“There’s a medallion attached to the wreath.” Sam observed.
“The garter has one too.” Jack added as they took a closer look at the small metal discs.
“Mine has the Air Force seal on it.” Sam exclaimed, puzzled and excited at the same time.
“Mine has the…Presidential seal.” Jack said cautiously, looking up at his superiors. “What’s going on here, sir…sirs?”
“These are an extra little gift to the two of you for all of your extraordinary work over the last three years.” The President said. “I assume that you both understand what they and the delivery method employed here, signifies?”
“I think so…General?” Jack asked, not wishing to give anything away until he was positive that he fully understood.
“It came to our attention that you and Major Carter have…fallen in love…” General Hammond said. “And while that is against regulations, it was also pointed out to us how professionally and exceptionally you have performed your duties, in spite of, or…perhaps because of your relationship. And in recognition of the many times you have saved this planet, especially during your most recent mission…the President and I have decided to grant you a special dispensation to pursue your relationship with each other…as long as you continue to act professionally while on duty.”
“Thank you very much sir…sirs.” Jack replied smiling, but then he became serious again as he turned to the General.
“I’ve asked Sam to marry me…and she’s said yes…And we were going to come and tell you after tonight, sir. To see if something could be worked out…and we were prepared to pay the consequences as well, sir.”
“I think that the Goa’uld have dealt out all the repercussions that anyone can stand, Colonel; almost dieing…several times in the line of duty is good enough for us. No mention of your actions together will be made in your permanent records.” The General assured them.
“Thank you very much sir.” Sam said again after a moment of shocked silence.
“Thank you, General.” Jack added, his shoulders losing some of their tension.
“So…have you two picked a date yet?” The President asked smiling.
“Not yet, Mr. President; Jack only asked me this morning…” Sam answered.
“Well, unless you have anymore questions, perhaps we should rejoin the party for a little while before we have to pull you away to attend the awards ceremony.” The President suggested, looking around.
The other three newly married couples had almost finished their wreath and garter tosses and because of the President’s tight schedule the awards ceremony, to recognize everyone who had taken part in Operation Queen Bee was being held right after the Royal Weddings, at the nearby amphitheater.
“Thanks again, General, Mr. President.” Sam said sincerely.
“Yeah, thanks again, sirs.” Jack added as the other two men walked away well satisfied with the conclusion of their surprise.
As soon as they disappeared into the crowd, Sam threw herself into Jack’s arms and kissed him senseless.
“Oh man, I can’t believe it!” Sam exclaimed after pulling away, but continuing to hug her fiancé.
“It’s not as if we haven’t earned it.” Jack said irreverently.
“Jack.” Sam scolded, pulling back a little.
“I know, Sam; we are so lucky not to be in the brig right now.” Jack became serious and pulled her back into another hug.
They were brought out of their self-involved haze by giggles and chuckles coming from behind Jack.
“I’m glad that worked out so well, aren’t you Liz?” Max asked.
“Yes, I am, Max.” Liz agreed between giggles.
“Wait a minute…did you two have something to do with that?” Jack asked, pointing his thumb behind him in the direction the President and the General had walked in.
“Do you know how much trouble we would have been in if they hadn’t decided to make an exception in our case?” Sam asked incredulously.
“Hey, hey calm down.” Max said smiling gently. “Yes, I had a few words with the President, that last time he was here on Antar; I asked him how many times SG-1 had saved Earth and whether that didn’t earn some special consideration for a couple who loved each other so much…But…” Max said loudly to stop any protests from Jack. “We would not have allowed them to punish you for your love…I would have wiped their memories of my conversation with the President and any talks he had held with General Hammond if necessary.” Max promised.
“We don’t feel guilty for what we did or what we were willing to do, to protect you and neither should either of you.” Liz said sternly. “Just in the general order of things, you two deserve to be happy and in your love with each other…not to mention the extra you deserve for all you’ve done to keep the Earth safe.”
“It wasn’t just us; it was Daniel and Teal’c and all the rest of the SGC who helped save Earth.” Sam said fairly.
“True, but I have a feeling that Daniel and Teal’c will receive the prize they each desire within the next year or so. And anyway, being in the military you two’ve lived under stricter regulations than Daniel and Teal’c have all these years.” Max pointed out.
“I hope so, I really hope so.” Jack said after a few moments of thought.
“Are we clear then?” Liz asked her two friends and they both nodded. “Then let’s have a quick hug before you two go and change into your dress uniforms for the awards ceremony.”
The friends hugged and then the two Air Force officers quick-stepped their way back to their home where they could change. A short while later, looking very impressive in their dress uniforms, Sam and Jack made it to the amphitheater, attached to the park where the wedding reception was still going strong.
The eight teams who had gone after the Goa’uld queens were there as well as many of the Antarians and SGC personnel. Most of the Antarian physicians were still busy working with the Jaffa on other planets, to remove all of their symbiotes and get their immune systems working properly. And SG-teams ten through fifteen had been left behind on Earth as a skeleton-crew, just in case something happened while everyone else was on Antar. But video equipment had been set up to send footage of the ceremony to Earth and to everyone else who wished to see it on other planets; physicians and Jaffa alike.
“We are here to acknowledge and commemorate all those who have fought the Goa’uld over many, many years, especially those who lost their lives during that fight…let us all take a moment to remember our friends and comrades who have fallen.” Max Evans said as he stood on the stage and everyone bowed their heads and remembered.
SGC personnel remembered Charles Kowalski and the others from amongst their ranks who had been killed protecting Earth. Sha’re remembered all of her people who had died under Goa’uld enslavement or directly at the Goa’uld hands. The Jaffa watching the ceremony while waiting to have their symbiotes removed or who were recovering from having the procedure done, remembered the hundreds, maybe even thousands of their brethren who had died while protecting and/or fighting for the false-gods they had served. And all Antarians remembered those who had died during Apophis’ short-lived attack on their planet.
“But today we are here to celebrate.” The President announced proudly. “And to award those of you who took part in this latest and greatest battle against the Goa’uld. Operation Queen Bee has succeeded beyond our wildest dreams. The latest reports I have received as of this morning, Earth-time, tell us that almost all of the Goa’uld have killed each other and will finish the job in the next few weeks. Those who are left, if any, will be hunted down by the Tok’ra or their own Jaffa. And all but one of the Goa’uld queens have been destroyed; one of them…we don’t have her name as yet…has agreed to become the new Tok’ra queen!”
There was a spontaneous outburst of joy from the audience, begun by Jacob Carter and a few of his fellow Tok’ra, who had come to the ceremony.
“The Antarian physicians caring for this queen have scanned her thoroughly and are certain that she is honest in her wish to spawn only Tok’ra symbiotes.” The President concluded after everyone had calmed down. “I would like to add that once all of the Goa’uld have been handled, we plan to inform our world about the Stargate program in perhaps one year. First Congress, then the leaders of the other major powers; China, England and France (since Russia already knows about the Stargate.) will be told. Then the rest of the U.N…and the general populace will be told at least the basics of the Stargate’s existence. At that time, all Earth Stargate military personnel will be awarded this medal.”
The President held up a jeweler’s box and opened it. The large screen up on the stage showed a close up. The medal was an intricately carved replica of the Stargate, with its nine chevrons and all of the address symbols surrounding the inner ring and even a blue crystal in the middle to affect an open wormhole.
“Until that day, when I will be honored to hand each and every one of you this medal, the Stargate must remain top-secret. But I am here today to tell you how proud I am of all of you; the work you are doing and the sacrifices you are making…”
The crowd erupted again before General Hammond brought them to order again and everyone sat down.
“At this time, however, we will present awards to the eight teams who participated in the most critical part of Operation Queen Bee. When your name is called, please come and stand on the stage.” General Hammond said before he began to read off the names.
Fifteen Humans, sixteen Antarians, one Abydonian and one Jaffa; thirty-three in all, equaling eight teams, came to the stage as their names were called under their team designations.
“And finally, I call SG-1; Colonel Jack O'Neill, Major Samantha Carter, Dr. Daniel Jackson, Teal’c and Mrs. Sha’re Jackson, please come forward.” The General called out and the five teammates came to line up next to the other teams on stage.
The President and Max Evans then began at the far end from SG-1 to award the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal or the Antarian equivalent, respectively to each team-member; General Hammond and Liz Evans (also wearing her crown again) guiding two floating trays bearing the medals and congratulating the awardees as well, as the audience joined them in applauding each team-member.
“To Mrs. Sha’re Jackson, for her heroism during Operation Queen Bee, I award the Air Medal…” Daniel kissed is wife after the medal had been hung around her neck and then joined his teammates in proudly applauding her.
There had been some discussion about which medal to award Sha’re. The Air Medal was decided upon as it is allowed to be given to foreign military personnel in actual combat, alongside U.S. military personnel.
And now for SG-1.” The President said, coming up before the rest of the team. “Not only for your extraordinary heroism during this most recent and most important mission, but also for your exceptional meritorious service during your years of being the SGC’s elite, first-contact team; opening up the galaxy to us and protecting us from it as well…I award Colonel Jack O'Neill, Major Samantha Carter and Teal’c the Air Force Cross.”
General Hammond had explained that they would have been awarded the Medal of Honor; the highest military honor, but that Congress was required to approve the awarding of that medal and they could not be informed about the Stargate, just yet.
“And to Daniel Jackson, I award the Presidential Medal of Freedom; the highest honor which may be bestowed upon a civilian.”
The President, General Hammond, Max, Liz, the other seven teams up on stage and the entire audience…as well as quite a crowd of people who had gathered around the upper rim of the amphitheater, all broke out into applause and happy cheers as SG-1 were all given their awards. Everyone agreed that no one else deserved such high awards than SG-1.
To Be Concluded Soon with the epilogue (looking ten years into the future)…stay tuned!
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