Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters; no profit is made from this little scene.
The Bearer of News
After much discussion, the Pentagon had agreed to offer the Russians their own Stargate team. Hammond was surprised that the suggestion had come from O'Neill. If nothing else he thought the colonel would rather have a single Russian where he could keep an eye on said Russian, rather than four Russians operating independently. But O'Neill was full of surprises; life at SGC was never dull with him around.
Chekov came in with his usual inscrutable expression. So far, Hammond had only noticed two expressions on the liaison's face: inscrutable and outraged.
"You asked to see me, General?"
"Yes. I've discussed the matter at length with the Pentagon, and we've decided not to add a Russian to SG-1. However-"
Predictably, Chekov interrupted. "Zis is an outrage!" he said, accent thickening with anger. "It is our stargate by international salvage right, and we will not allow Americans to use it without a single Russian in your program! Does the Pentagon not realize that we can inform the entire world-"
Hammond wasn't in the mood for another of Chekov's rants. The man could go on for a very long time. "Colonel," he said sternly and loudly, "kindly allow me to finish my statement."
The Russian glared but was silent.
"As I was saying, we are prepared to offer you a Russian team instead."
"An entire team?" asked Chekov disbelievingly.
"All four would be Russian."
That was how Hammond finally saw a third expression on Chekov's face: stunned. "Let me be clear on this point, Colonel: the team would take their orders from me, not Moscow. This is a good faith effort to include Russians in the Stargate program, and we both know the diplomatic repercussions if the team was found to be taking secret orders."
"Yes, General. This team, it would be an equal to your American teams?"
"They'd start out on low-profile missions like any other, but yes." That was just common sense, and Chekov as a military man could appreciate giving a new team experience before throwing them up against Anubis. "Of course, we ask that the commander be fluent in English and the other team members speak enough English to communicate with us."
"Naturally," agreed Chekov, who was becoming more reasonable by the second. Hammond was beginning to wish they'd given the Russians a team a year ago, because it might've saved him several Chekov-induced headaches.
"Do you think this is an acceptable proposition?"
"I will have to speak with my superiors, but I am confident that it will be."
"Good." He checked the clock. "If you'll excuse me, I have an engagement I can't be late for. Why don't we continue this conversation tomorrow once you've talked to your superiors?"
"Very well. Good night, General."
He nodded in reply and Chekov left at a brisk pace, no doubt rushing to his phone. After getting up and reaching for his coat, Hammond set a brisk pace of his own lest anyone else come in with something they were sure couldn't wait. He had to leave in the next three minutes in order to make it to his granddaughters' school concert on time. After a long day of trying to save the planet and then navigating the discussions with the Pentagon, he was very much looking forward to seeing the girls perform.