DISCLAIMER: SG-1, Stargate, SG-A, all its characters, and all devices associated with it do not in any way belong to me.
A/N: Here is my second fic ever! I just sat down and started writing, so I don't know where this will go quite yet. If you have an ideas, feel free to let me know. This is loosely based around the time of season four and will not follow the proceeding seasons directly.
General Hammond stood at the end of the briefing table and quickly scanned the faces of those individuals gathered in front of him. The four members of SG-1 sat before him with anticipation on their faces. Jack was fiddling with his pen and looking forward to possibly exploring a new planet, while Daniel was smiling and hoping that the next place they visited would hold keys to the Tauri's past. Teal'c's face was as unreadable as ever, and Sam looked to be staring off into space while she pondered the practical uses of the latest device that SG-4 had brought back through the gate.
Although he hated having to share his latest directive with his favorite team, General Hammond knew that he had no choice if there was even a possibility of saving the Stargate Program. He cleared his throat and four pairs of eyes immediately snapped up to his face. Sitting, he began. "SG-1, I have called you here to discuss the future of the Stargate Program. As you well know, politicians have tried several times to shut down this program out of fear and self interest."
"Big surprise considering how unselfish they usually are, right?" Jack's sarcasm earned him a quick grin from everyone except Teal'c.
"Nonetheless, this time they have the ear of the President."
Sam looked up, her intense blue eyes most rapidly grasping the implications of the General's statement. "The President, sir? I thought that he was behind this operation."
General Hammond sighed deeply. "He was, and is. However, he is just under too much political pressure. I just got off the phone with him, and his advisors are continuing to pester him with reports that the Stargate program is not bringing in enough new technology or information for the government to spend this kind of money on it anymore."
"So that's it?" Daniel's eyes narrowed. "He can't just do that! We have learned so much already, there is no way that we can turn back now. Besides, what are we going to do, just stop talking to the Tokra and the Asgard. That would look a little strange, wouldn't it? This is ridiculous!" He got up and began pacing as his frustration increased.
"Calm down son. It isn't over yet."
Jack smiled. "Of course, we knew you wouldn't go down without a fight. What are we going to do, storm the white house this time?"
Hammond shook his head. "Not quite Colonel, although that's not a bad idea. I did argue with him, citing all of your accomplishments, but to no avail. The President has already had the argument several times over with his advisors. What he needs is new results."
Daniel all but growled at this Hammond's words. "And by that he means that he needs new weapons to annihilate our enemies with, which is exactly why none of the more advanced civilizations will share their technology with us!"
"Daniel Jackson is correct. The warlike tendencies of this planet are a concern to all of our allies, and it is common for them to withhold their insight due to this concern."
"Well, we're not going to steal it!" Everyone in the room nodded at Sam's words.
"Definitely not, Major. I would expect that no one at this facility would stoop to that level, as you have seen in the past. This does put us in a bad spot however. The President has given us an ultimatum. We have exactly one week to come up with an innovative idea to obtain useful technology or he will be forced to shut us down." Hammond looked around. "Any thoughts?"
Jack glanced at Sam. "Innovative idea? I believe that would be your territory, Major."
"Somehow I bet you have had your fair share, Sir."
"Are you going to tell the rest of the base?" Daniel sat down, grateful that all hope was not yet lost. "Who knows, someone else might be able to help."
"Would not the Tokra or Asgard be capable of offering assistance in meeting this challenge as well?" Teal'c asked.
"I am briefing the rest of the base at 1300. I have already sent messages to our allies. Trust me, I am doing everything I can. I wanted to talk to you four as soon as possible though, because I know that our job here is as important to you as it is to me. I know that you'll do everything in your power to keep things going."
Each of the others at the table mumbled, "Of course Sir."
"Excellent." Hammond stood, a determined look on his face. "Well, go ahead and get started. I will not be assigning SG-1 any off world missions except for as they relate to saving this base. Dismissed." He turned and left the room.
Jack looked around at his three comrades. "Any bright ideas yet folks?"
Please R & R so that I know if I should continue. Right now I would expect updates every other week, but if people all really interested I will work faster I promise. Input is more than welcome, and thank you all for reading!