CHAPTER FOURTEEN

When Daniel and Hayes stepped through the gate at the SGC, they found Hammond, the other three members of SG-1 and several of the people in the president's party all standing in the gate room.  The expressions on their features varied, the most notable being the amusement on Jack's face and the fury on the face of General Lindenburg, one of the military personnel who had accompanied the president.

"What the hell did you think you were doing, Doctor Jackson?!" Lindenburg shouted.  "You can't just take the President of the United States on a joyride across the galaxy."

"Chill out, Marshall." Hayes told him.  "I asked him to take me."

Startled by the lie, Daniel looked at him.

"Then he should have refused," Lindenburg insisted.  "And, with all due respect, sir, you shouldn't have asked.  It was not safe.  You had no security team with you.  What would have happened if a Goa'uld showed up?"

Hayes stared at the man.  "Marshall, are you forgetting who was with me?  I'm sure that Doctor Jackson could have handled any trouble that showed up."

"Besides, sir," Sam piped in, "the planet they went to is one that was not on the Abydonian cartouche, which means that it's not a world the Goa'uld ever used.  There's a good chance that they don't even know about it."

"And, as you can see, we're both all in one piece," Hayes added.  "No harm done."

Lindenburg opened his mouth to say something more, but changed his mind.  This was not the time or place to discuss it.

As they headed up the stairs to the control room, Jack leaned in close to Daniel.  "Sweet move, Daniel," he whispered.  "You should have seen the look on Lindenburg's face when you two went through the gate.  I thought he was going to have a stroke right then and there."

President Hayes was shown a few more things, then taken to a VIP room so that he could freshen up.  While that was going on, the gate room was being prepared for the award ceremony.  After parting with the president, Daniel went to his office, along with his teammates.

"Okay, Daniel.  Tell the truth.  It wasn't Hayes' idea to go through the gate, was it," Jack said.

Daniel just smiled slightly, which was all the reply the colonel needed.

"That's what I thought.  So, did he enjoy the ride?"

"Yes, he did."

"I do understand why you did it, Daniel, but do you think it was wise?" Sam asked.

"Maybe not, Sam, but if you were standing right there, inches from a wormhole that would take you on a galactic journey that you would probably never have the chance to go on again, how badly would you want to go?"

"Pretty badly," she admitted.

"I just wanted to give him that experience."

"I believe that you made the right decision, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c stated.

"Yeah, you just scored even more points in the president's books," Jack remarked.

"Jack—" Daniel began.

"I know, I know.  That's not why you did it."

Fifteen minutes later, SG-1 returned to the gate room.  A lectern had been placed on the ramp, a red carpet leading up to it.  There were flags set up behind the Stargate.  The room was packed with people.  Along with military personnel and other civilian employees, every member of Daniel's archeology and linguistics staffs was there, as was Cassie, who'd been given permission to attend after pleading with her mom repeatedly.  There was one face, however, that sent a shockwave through Daniel when he saw it.

"Catherine?"

Catherine Langford came forward and engulfed Daniel in a tight hug.  "Jack called and told me.  There was no way I was going to miss this."  She cupped his face in her hands, her eyes sparkling with tears.  "I am so proud of you, Daniel.  I couldn't be prouder.  After all this is finished, we need to get together and talk."

The archeologist smiled and nodded, overjoyed that she was there.

At that moment, the president arrived.  He stepped up to the lectern and looked out over the crowd.

"We are all here today to honor a man who has devoted his life to protecting our planet from the greatest dangers it has ever faced and to seeking knowledge that will shape the course of history in the years and centuries ahead.  I am sure that many of you here have things that you'd like to say about him, but I think we would all agree that the person best suited to speak about Daniel Jackson is the man who has been his team leader for so many years."  Hayes looked at Jack.  "Colonel O'Neill, it's all yours."

The president moved aside as Jack came up to the lectern.  The colonel's eyes met Daniel's for a long moment before looking at the crowd.

"Eight and a half years ago, I met a man named Daniel Jackson, and the first thing that popped into my head was, 'Oh, great.  Another dweeb of a scientist.  I so do not need this.'"

The sound of laughter echoed in the room.  Jack saw Daniel smile faintly.

"They say that you should never judge a book by its cover, and I learned pretty fast how right that is.  It was only two weeks later that I saw how wrong I'd been about that scientist.  He may have worn glasses and had hair hanging in his eyes, he may have sneezed continually and had zero experience in life and death situations, but he was also a man of extraordinary courage and honor, a man who gave his life for someone who didn't even like him, namely me.  By the time everything was over and I went home, I'd come to respect him and, yes, even like him a little.

"Over a year later, he came back into my life.  Since then, I have come to truly know Daniel, and, in knowing him, I've learned things about myself as well, some of it good, some of it not so good.  I think it's safe to say that all of us who have really come to know Daniel, those who have had the privilege of being his friend, have been changed by him . . . regardless of how much we might not have wanted to change."  A few people smiled at Jack's comments.  "Though I know that I will never be as good a man as Daniel is, I believe that knowing him has made me a better person, even if it is just a little bit.

"These years have brought a lot of pain and loss to all of us, and we've all been changed by it.  Yet, despite the fact that Daniel has lost more in this fight against the Goa'uld than any other human being in this room, myself included, he has never once sacrificed his morality.  He has fought right alongside the rest of us, seen the horrors of war and experienced them firsthand, yet has somehow managed not to lose even one shred of his decency and humanity.  In fact, these years have seen his convictions and determination to do the right thing grow even stronger, much to the dismay of a certain colonel in the U.S. Air Force."

More laughter arose.

Jack became absolutely serious.  He met Daniel's gaze.  "Several years ago, when we all thought that we had lost him, I stood here and talked about Daniel.  On that day, I said that he was our conscience, but he is so much more than that.  In Daniel I see the best that humanity has to offer.  I see a man whose courage, strength, compassion and integrity are far greater than many of us could ever hope to have.  He is the finest person it has ever been my privilege to know.  And it is only right that we all stand here today to honor him."

Daniel was now staring at the floor, clearly uncomfortable about Jack's words of praise.  'Sorry to embarrass you, Danny Boy.  I'm just telling it like it is.'

Jack's gaze returned to the others in the crowd.  "This planet, this galaxy owes an incredible debt to Daniel Jackson, for far more than I could ever name.  I'm not much for that destiny stuff, but I believe that Daniel was always destined to do great things, and I hope that I live to see the day when the whole world comes to know what we all owe him."

As Jack stepped back from the lectern, loud applause filled the room.  Daniel's gaze remained fixed on the floor, his cheeks reddened in a blush.  Jack headed back down the ramp, the president taking his place at the lectern.  The room grew silent.

"Well, I have to admit that I can't think of a single thing to say that could better express our thoughts regarding Doctor Jackson."  He looked at Jack.  "Colonel O'Neill, I think you stole my thunder."

Everyone in the room laughed, several people clapping.

"My apologies, sir," Jack said, smiling.

President Hayes turned back to the audience.  "The truth is that no amount of words or deeds could adequately express our gratitude to Doctor Jackson nor repay him for all we all owe to him.  Not only did he open the Stargate for us, in the years since then, he has given us so much more, repeatedly risking, even giving his life while fighting to protect this planet.  The fact that he is a civilian, a man who gave no oath to protect and serve this country nor any other, makes what he has done even more worthy of praise.  It is men like Daniel Jackson that make me proud to be the leader of this fine nation and a member of the human race."

Thundering applause greeted the president's words.  As soon as it faded, he motioned to one of officers in his retinue.  The man came forward with a polished walnut case, which he handed to the president.

"When a man or woman in the U.S. Military performs a deed of courage that is above and beyond the call of duty, they are often presented with this country's highest military award, the Congressional Medal of Honor.  In 1945, President Harry Truman, searching for a way to honor American civilians in World War II, created the Medal of Freedom.  In 1962, President John F. Kennedy issued an Executive Order creating the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  It became one of America's two highest civilian awards, bestowed on those who have made an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, or world peace, or cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.  It is generally not awarded for solitary actions, but, instead for a lifetime of service.  Though Daniel Jackson has not spent his whole life here, the eight and a half years that have passed since that day he opened the Stargate for us have been filled with more achievements and sacrifices than what most people have in an entire lifetime."

The president's eyes came to rest on Daniel.  "And so it is with great pride and honor that I bestow upon Doctor Daniel Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom . . . with Distinction."

There was a small gasp from Sam and a look of surprise on Jack's face.  None of them had known that the president was going to add the higher degree of honor by making the award with distinction.

"Doctor Jackson?" Hayes said, smiling.

The stunned archeologist walked up the ramp and stood before the president.  Hayes opened the case to reveal the three-inch Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction.  The medal was in the form of a five-pointed white star set on a red pentagon.  A gold eagle was displayed between each pair of the star's points.  In the center of the white star was a blue disc, which was edged with gold and bore a constellation of thirteen gold stars.

President Hayes lifted the medal out of the case and pinned it over Daniel's left breast.  If it had been a Medal of Freedom not given with distinction, it would have been placed around his neck on a ribbon and have been only two inches in diameter.  Hayes then took a blue sash edged with white from the case and draped it over Daniel's right shoulder.  The sash's rosette, which bore the central disc of the medal at its center, came to rest on his left hip.  Three more items remained in the case: a miniature of the medal, a ribbon bar, and a gold lapel emblem.

The president closed the case and handed it to Daniel, along with the official certificate.

"With our great and humble gratitude, Doctor Jackson," he said with feeling.

The audience exploded with applause and whistles that seemed to go on forever.  Daniel turned to them, feeling more than a little overwhelmed.

When the audience finally quieted down, Hayes gestured for Daniel to go back down the ramp, which he did, rejoining his teammates.  Jack was grinning from ear to ear and gave him a hearty slap on the back.  Sam, who was also grinning hugely, couldn't stop herself from giving Daniel a hug.  Teal'c was wearing an extremely pleased expression on his face.

"Before we all go enjoy that buffet that's waiting for us, there is another order of business to be done," the president said, drawing everyone's attention back to him.  "For this, I am going to step aside for General Hammond."

The general took his place at the lectern.  "Among my duties as a general, there are few that give me greater pleasure that what I am about to do now," he said.  He looked directly at Sam.  "It is with great pride that I announce the promotion of Major Samantha Carter to the rank of lieutenant colonel."

Shocked, Sam felt her mouth fall open.  Then she was smiling, turning to Daniel to see that he was beaming with joy.

Jack was also grinning.  "Congratulations, Sam.  You deserve it."

Sam walked up to the lectern and stood facing the general.

Another member of Hayes' retinue stepped closer.  "The President of the United States has placed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, integrity and abilities of Major Samantha Carter, who is promoted to the grade of lieutenant colonel, United States Air Force."

As the man spoke, Hammond removed the insignias from Sam's epaulettes and replaced them with lieutenant colonel insignias.  He then saluted her, which she returned.  Everyone applauded.

"Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter," Hammond said.  "Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, state your full name."

"I, Samantha Carter."

"Do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic."

Feeling the same pride she had the first time she spoke this oath, Sam repeated the base commander's words.

"That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same," Hammond continued, "that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion."

The new lieutenant colonel recited the sentence.

"And that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, so help me God."

Sam spoke the final words, accompanied by more applause.

"Congratulations, Lieutenant Colonel Carter," Hammond said, smiling.

A short while later, Sam was back with her teammates, receiving congratulations.

"Did you know about this, sir?" Sam asked Jack.

"No, I had no idea.  I guess Hammond decided that he wanted to surprise us all."  He turned to Daniel.  "Just like Hayes surprised us with that."  He pointed at the medal on Daniel's chest.  He draped his arms over Sam's and Daniel's shoulders.  "I couldn't be prouder or more delighted than I am right now.  Come on.  Let's go eat and see if they have a great big cake to celebrate this fantastic day."

In the commissary, both Sam and Daniel received several hugs, especially from Janet, Cassie and Catherine.  The doctor made a show of saluting Sam before hugging her.

"This is just so cool!" Cassie exclaimed.  She looked at Daniel.  "Mom says that this distinction thing makes your medal an even bigger deal."

"Yes, it does," Sam confirmed.  "There's only a handful of people who have officially received the Medal of Freedom with Distinction."  She smiled at Daniel with pride.  "It's a very high honor."

"And very richly deserved," Catherine stated.

A couple of hours later, the president was gone and things were getting back to normal at the SGC.  Catherine went in search of Daniel and found him in his office.  He had removed the sash and medal and was holding the latter in his hand, staring at it.

"You've come a long way since that young man I found carrying two suitcases in the pouring rain," Catherine said with a fond smile.

Daniel placed the medal in the case and set it on the desk.  "Yes, I guess I have."  He turned to the elderly woman.  "I think about that day, and it seems like so long ago.  I feel like a completely different person now."

Catherine came further into the room.  "But you're not, Daniel.  Yes, you've changed.  That was inevitable, what with all you've gone through, but at the heart of you, you're still the same person, the same courageous, compassionate man I watched step through the Stargate for the first time almost eight and a half years ago."

She settled on a chair.  "So, how have you been lately?  When Jack called, he said that a whole lot had been happening to you."

Daniel slowly sat down.  "Well, to put it simply, my whole life has changed.  Something happened last year that turned everything upside down."

The archeologist told Catherine about his paranormal abilities and many of the events that had happened since he gained them.  The woman listened to it all with amazement and wonder.

"I can't even fathom what this must be like for you," she said at last.  "To possess that kind of power would be a tremendous responsibility."

Daniel nodded.  "In the beginning, I kept wishing that I didn't have it.  I didn't want it.  I was so afraid that someone would accidentally be hurt by it.  But I learned to control it, and I came to see how much good it could do, how many lives it could save.  There are still times when I wish that I was just an ordinary guy again, but the bad things that come with having this power are outweighed by the good."

"I'm glad it was you," Catherine told him softly.  "I don't think I'd want that power in the hands of anyone else."

Daniel gazed at her.  "So, how are you doing? I'm sorry that it's been so long since I called."

"You've been busy saving the world, Daniel.  I do understand."  She paused a moment.  "I'm doing well.  I still miss Ernest."  She took a deep breath.  "But we had five good years together, years we wouldn't have had if it wasn't for you."

Daniel rested his hand over Catherine's.  He had been saddened to learn that Ernest Littlefield passed away during the year that he was ascended.  He had wished that he could have been there for Catherine.

The woman put on a smile.  "But enough about that.  I'm still keeping busy with my work at the museum.  I've added some wonderful new pieces to my personal collection.  You really do need to come and see sometime, visit for a few days so that we can really catch up on things."

Daniel smiled.  "I'll do that, as soon as I have a break from saving the planet."

Catherine looked at her watch, her expression turning regretful.  "I'm afraid that I'm going to have to leave.  I would love to have stayed for a couple of days, but I have an important appointment tomorrow that I can't reschedule."  She stood, as did Daniel.

"How about if I drive you to the airport?  That would give us a little more time to talk."

"That would be wonderful."

Catherine had flown into Colorado Springs, so Daniel did not have to drive her to Denver.  Unfortunately, it meant that they did not have a great deal of time to talk before they were at the airport.

They shared a long hug at the entrance to the security checkpoint.

"Now, I expect you to call me more often in the future," Catherine told him, "even if you are busy saving the world."

Daniel smiled down at her.  "I will, and we'll have to make plans for that visit."

The elderly woman kissed his cheek and gazed deeply into his eyes.  "You take care of yourself, okay?  And don't you ever forget that you have people out here in the world who love you."

Daniel's throat tightened.  "I won't forget."

The archeologist watched Catherine pass through security.  On the other side, she gave him one last wave, then headed off to her gate.

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