A/N: This one is in reference to a piece called "Welcome to Atlantis" in my SGA Spare Parts Bin.

Okay, so Lorne and I are currently locked in an epic battle over another multi-chap fic. Being a holiday, I declared time off and washed my hands of the whole thing hoping for a day of peace. He and Sheppard got together and apparently decided to give me a couple of peace offerings. The other is currently in the SGA Spare Parts Bin.

Merry Christmas!

Prologue

Staring at the room full of military personnel both in and out of uniform saluting him, Major Lorne recalled Colonel Sheppard's word from their first meeting in the Colonel's office some two years ago now or so.

"…around here, the salute is reserved for, shall we say, 'special occasions'."

Now understanding the weight of those words as he took in the sight of the mess hall before him, Lorne wasn't sure if he should be feeling irritated at having been found out, embarrassed by all the attention, or something else altogether. Instead, he let his professionalism and training take over. He returned the salute and everyone smiled as they went back to their breakfasts.

Something told him today was going to be a very long day.