Disclaimer: I don't own Stargate or any of the characters. I did not write this for any monetary gain, just wanted to play with the characters for a while.
Author's note: Loved the expression on Jack's face when he decided to give the order to Daedilus, and when he was watching the Ori ships come through the gate. He knew he was in deep...
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Jack O'Neill stood, hands in pockets, staring out the view ports. Anyone who didn't know him would think he was looking nonchalant, just watching as ship after ship come through the gate from the Ori galaxy. For all the world, they look like toilet seats, he thought, and that's exactly where my career just went. There was no way to prove that Sangraal really had been a weapon, or that it worked at all. There was, however, definite proof that, by his order, the door had been opened for more Ori ships to enter our galaxy - even after arguing against orders aimed to prevent just that.
He just stood in silence while SG-1 debated what would happen next. In the scheme of things, he thought, it doesn't matter what happens to me next, if we're wrong. The galaxy would be lost, and it would be his responsibility. And there was nowhere to hide from that truth.
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The ship returned to earth, and O'Neill transported down with SG-1 to Stargate Command. The first thing they saw was the briefing room and Landry and Woolsey, and the first thing out of Woolsey's mouth was no surprise to Jack.
"General, please come with me."
Jack smiled grimly, noting the presence of SF's also in the room, and the look of barely controlled rage on Hank's face.
Jack turned to Woolsey. "You ass. After I saved your butt on Atlantis."
"I assure you, sir, this was not my doing."
"Yeah, yeah. Let's just get on with it," and he moved to leave the room.
"Whoa, whoa," Daniel protested. "What's going on here?"
"Simple, Daniel," Jack replied, "I blew it with the IOA. You're alive, and there's no evidence the Ori aren't."
"There is no way to verify that," Woolsey agreed.
"So you're what? Arresting Jack because I'm alive? And I assure you that can be verified, by the way."
"General O'Neill did not contact the IOA, as ordered, for final permission to remove the blockade of the Supergate," Woolsey replied. "And there's no evidence that the so-called weapon worked, or that any Ori were even harmed. Indeed, what evidence we do have indicates that General O'Neill's actions allowed an invasion fleet to enter our galaxy. He is being summoned to Washington to explain himself and possibly face disciplinary action."
"What!" Daniel took two angry steps.
Landry intervened. "Dr. Jackson, stand down!"
Jack quickly stepped back to Daniel's side, reaching out, taking him by the arm. "It's okay, Daniel. I expected it."
"You expected it!"
Sam moved to stand on Daniel's other side. "There's nothing we can do right now, Daniel. We'll need to offer our testimony in the General's defense at the proper time."
At a head nod from Woolsey, the Sergeant of the SF's stepped forward, a man on either side of Jack. "Please, sir. If you would come with us now."
Jack removed his hand from Daniel, nodded to him with a pat on the shoulder, turned and left with his escort.
Daniel watched his friend leave, then turned to Woolsey. "You're making a big mistake."
"We'll see," Woolsey said, turned on his heel and followed.
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Henry Hayes, President of the United States, sat at his desk, head rested on one fist, reading reports absently while his mind was occupied reviewing conversations he'd had with a dozen people during the past few days. There were members of the IOA, demanding not only O'Neill's removal, but also that charges be filed against him. There were also calls from O'Neill's superiors and other generals, largely in his support - not to mention reports and calls from O'Neill's subordinates at Cheyenne Mountain. Then there was O'Neill's own damning report accepting all responsibility.
Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it, he thought. He paused in his reading, removing his glasses, and rubbing the bridge of his nose. As his old friend and trusted advisor, George Hammond, had pointed out, O'Neill was not just the best man for the job - he was the only man for the job. And as Major General Hank Landry was fond of pointing out, O'Neill had a penchant for winning. Landry, also having a fondness for quoting wise people, reminded Hayes of the lesson of General MacArthur. During the Korean war, with victory imminent, the enemy pursued through the 38th parallel nearly to the Chinese border, then-President Truman had fired his commanding general for insubordination. Though he was winning the war, diplomats were upset with Chinese involvement, and worried about creating a larger war. MacArthur had defied Truman's orders, admittedly largely from his own ego, but because he was sure he could win the war with another strategy. After MacArthur's removal, the tide of the war had swung in back and forth for two more long, bloody years. As it was, decades later, the war was still not officially ended, only a declared truce in place. MacArthur came home to a hero's welcome, still revered in Korea, as well as the Phillipines, to this day. As for Truman, he was roundly criticized for firing a very popular general and nearly defeated in the next election.
Yes, there is a lesson here - a big one.
Henry Hayes was not a stupid man. He realized that with every passing day, the world was moving closer to disclosure - the day the Stargate would become public knowledge. There are just too many people now who know. It was different when only a handful of people outside the SGC were aware of the program. How many thousands knew now? How many people had worked to build the 302's and 303's? How many people didn't believe the "meteorite" story when Anubis had attacked? And with every country that comes to be included in the knowledge of the Stargate, the greater the chance someone will decide to shoot off his or her mouth just for political gain. When that happens, we'll need to keep people calm, prevent panic. The world will need a strong front. We need to prove to the people of this planet that they are safe - we'll need to give them their heroes.
He couldn't fault O'Neill's reasoning most of the time. The IOA was rash in expecting Dr. Jackson be eliminated. "Over my dead body," O'Neill's reaction, from what he had heard from Woolsey, who was probably still quaking in his boots that O'Neill would follow up on that. He didn't blame O'Neill for his reaction. Their friendship aside, Dr. Jackson was just too valuable to the program.
There was a soft rapping at his door, and his secretary entered quietly. "Mr. President, members of the IOA and the generals are here."
"Thank you, Megan. Please show in Generals O'Neill and Maynard. Give us a couple of minutes, then invite in the others."
"Yes, sir." She departed.
Of course, now he had to put O'Neill in his place. He couldn't just let this go. The two generals, Maynard, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and O'Neill, appeared at the door.
"Come in, gentlemen. Have a seat." Hayes waited until they had seated themselves - O'Neill somewhat stiffly in his observation - before he rose and came from behind his desk. He stopped in front of the younger man a moment, then sat on the couch in front of him, and leaning forward, got right to the point.
"General O'Neill - just what the hell were you thinking?"
"I was thinking about what made sense. I was thinking of a well-thought out plan, the best one that's come along yet to make headway against the Ori, and not just a knee-jerk, fear-based decision that gets a good man killed."
Hayes did not respond immediately, just stared down O'Neill, considering, tapping his glasses against his leg. Let him sweat a bit.
"You know, Jack, politically, I can't keep looking the other way when you act in defiance of the IOA orders."
"Sir, the IOA wasn't there. They don't know SG-1," O'Neill was obviously angry, but trying to rein himself in. "Mr. President, this is why you hired me - to make the tough calls. I drew on experience when I made the decision to open the gate. In my opinion, we had the best weapon against the Ori we've ever had. The chance had to be taken."
"You have continuing problems with the IOA."
"Sir, I have continuing problems with them continually countermanding my decisions, military decisions. They are a group of civilians who have no idea what it's like out there. I understand the political position, and why we need to have international oversight. It would be different if they were military representatives, or had military liaison at the very least."
Hayes continued his thoughtful regard of O'Neill. Even though he knew that O'Neill was full of rage, outwardly the man was deadly calm.
"Do you believe the Ori have been destroyed?"
"Yes, sir, I do."
"Based solely on Dr. Jackson's word."
"More than that. Based on years of experience. Based on the fact that time after time, Daniel Jackson has come up with ways to save this planet, or the key to solve a mystery to lead us to advanced civilizations or advanced technology. Based on the fact that Colonel Carter agreed the plan would work, and oh, by the way, time after time she has come up with a plan to save our collective butts on this planet, too. Those things cannot be discounted."
If anything, O'Neill was forthright, Hayes thought, watching Maynard's shocked face at O'Neill's language directed at his Commander in Chief. Hayes decided to play devil's advocate, and push O'Neill. "And yet, there's no proof. What am I supposed to tell the international community? Six Ori ships, an invasion force, has been allowed into the galaxy, for certain, even though you think the Ori themselves are dead? That's a hard sell, general."
Hayes, now tapping his glasses against the arm of the sofa, regarded O'Neill silently a few moments more, but O'Neill didn't squirm, and continued looking him in the eye, maintaining his gaze unwaveringly.
"We'll get proof," O'Neill said, breaking the tension. "Let us get intel. Let us send a team into the Ori galaxy, and confirm they're dead."
"And that would be SG-1."
"We need to send the best."
"And you better be right. That's why I'm leaving you in charge."
O'Neill was surprised, then his expression visibly relaxed. "Thank you, sir. We'll know soon."
Hayes stood, walking back to his desk.
"I'm going to need to do some fence mending with the IOA. We need to bolster our position with them. You've been having to kiss their collective asses far too long while their political posturing continues."
"That would be a plan, sir."
Hayes nodded. Right on cue, there was a soft knock on the door, and his secretary ushered in the IOA members, as well as the Air Force Chief of Staff, General Jumper. Jack watched with some admiration as Hayes worked the room, greeting each comfortably. He really didn't know how the man did it, since he suspected Hayes couldn't stand the sight of half of them.
The President asked them all to sit, then began.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I want you to know that I've read all your reports, and I understand all your concerns. However, after careful consideration, I think it would be best for Howeworld Security leadership to remain at status quo."
As protests began around the room from the IOA members, Hayes merely waved them down and continued. "The fact is, we don't know if the anti-Ori weapon was or was not effective. General O'Neill, and General Landry at the SGC, have assured me that they will be able to gain intelligence soon as to whether or not the Ori have been eliminated. In the meantime, we need their expertise as we continue the battle to keep followers of Origin in check, and away from Earth. I continue to have full faith in the SGC, and in my generals."
"Thank you, Mr. President," O'Neill said, and looked from Jumper to Maynard.
"Mr. President, and members of the committee, I assure you we will continue to do everything possible to ensure the defeat of the Ori and their followers," Maynard agreed. "I, too, have full faith in General O'Neill and the rest of the Homeworld Security team, to keep us secure."
The Chinese representative spoke up, "Mr. President, the government of China wishes to formally object to General O'Neill's continued leadership."
"The government of France also wishes -"
Hayes cut them off. "I'm sure many of you still have reservations, but our stance is that it is too early to determine the outcome of the recent battle. Please, ladies and gentlemen, give us some time."
There were murmurs around the group, then support came from an unlikely source.
"Mr. President, the government of Russia stands in support of General O'Neill and the SGC."
O'Neill absolutely flinched, Hayes observed, and forced himself not to smile. O'Neill had made himself some friends handling the Kiselev crisis a couple of years back.
"Let's agree, then, to wait, and see what we can find out."
There were a few mumbles as some of the representatives talked among themselves, then gradually Hayes noted they were coming to consensus. What else can they do, after all? Go after the Ori themselves?
"Let's all get back to work, then." Hayes rose in dismissal, and the group also rose and started to disperse. As the others turned to leave, Hayes called out to the Chairman, "Francis, stay." He saw Jumper look back over his should, and give a slight nod to his boss as he left, clapping O'Neill on the back and escorting him out.
After they'd all departed and the door closed, Hayes motioned Maynard to resume his seat.
"Francis, we need to give Jack O'Neill more support in his dealings with the IOA. Chief of Homeworld is a three star slot. I think it's time we gave Jack a promotion."
"Yes, sir," Maynard replied, sounding only slightly surprised.
"Further, have your staff write up a brief on circumstances or requirements to brevet him to a five star, in his specific command only."
"Mr. President?" Now Maynard sounded shocked.
"Jack is right - his command is a military one, and he should be the one making decisions on military matters. The IOA should not be able to override his decisions, order him around, question every detail of every plan he lays out. The day and time will come when we will have to move and move quickly, and won't be able to wait for a group of stuffed shirts to give their approval. Jack is also right that including some high-level military liaison from the international community would help reassure their respective countries that the military reasoning is sound. But we can't have an allied country appointing a four-star to the position who would therefore out-rank Jack. He's leading not only a multinational force, but also an interplanetary one. There ought to be some precedence set."
"You're quite correct, Mr. President."
"For security reasons, we cannot permanently promote him. He will still be a Lieutenant General when he's roaming around the Pentagon, and only be permitted to wear his brevetted rank in his office, during IOA meetings, or while visiting one of his command sites. Of course, we can't have Jack out-ranking his boss, so you should also be promoted, permanently in your case."
"Thank you, Mr. President."
"I'll inform the Secretary of Defense about my decision. Get that brief for me, ASAP. You're dismissed, Francis."
"Yes, sir." Maynard rose and saluted, then turned and left. Hayes remained seated for while longer, it was still a complicated matter, but somehow, he felt more relaxed than he had been in days.