Left Brain, Right Brain
Chapter 1: The Charge
SG-1 gathered in the briefing room, waiting for General Hammond.
He entered the room, carrying what appeared to be booklets of some kind, and set them down on the table. Their curiosity was piqued.
"Listen up, people," began the General. "I'm sure all of you are aware of the concept of the right and left sides of the brain. As you know, the military is very much attuned to things that are logical and factual – the left side. And that's how it should be – couldn't be any other way. However, studies have proven the worth of developing the right side of brain -- the creative side. Apparently doing so enhances interpersonal skills, amongst other things."
Everyone glanced at each other, puzzled. Not like any "ordinary" meeting, this one.
The General continued. "Seems like poetry can be a useful tool, so..." here he paused to pass out the booklets... "the Air Force Office of Interpersonal Relations has directed each Stargate team to participate in a special project – 'Operation Muse.'"
Jack picked up the booklet in front of him. It read, "The Poetry in All of Us." "Sir, with all due respect, is this a joke?"
"Afraid not, Colonel. One week from today, at 19:00 hours, you, and all your team, will be required to present, orally, either one medium-length or two short poems, here in this meeting room. It must be your original work."
Jack sent his copy spinning across the table. "This is by far the most idiotic, the most asinine thing I've ever heard of...Sir."
The General's level voice continued. "Son, I know how you feel. This seemed like the most damned silly thing I ever heard of, too, at first. Still does, in fact. However, we have no choice. The directive has been given. My advice is for you to get the most you can out of the assignment. Just might help with inter-planetary diplomacy, if you catch my drift." Everyone looked at Jack.
"Whaat?" said Jack.
"Since it's been years, in some cases many years, since any of you sat in Literature 101, I suggest you read and make use of that book," Hammond said, nodding in the direction of Jack's copy at the far end of the table.
"Sir, I've already made up a poem that I'd like to share."
"Colonel?"
"Roses are red, violets are blue, this thing's really stupid, and a pile of crap, too."
"Dismissed!"