ten weeks since Sam left for Atlantis
Jack was exhausted. It had been a very stressful week. It was now fourteen hundred on Friday afternoon, and he still had a meeting ahead of him.
He wouldn't make it to Cheyenne Mountain tonight for Atlantis' weekly check-in. He'd heard very little from Sam in the past two weeks. Sheppard had given last week's report, so he hadn't even heard her voice. The flash drives she sent had been brief and uninformative. On them she'd apologized several times for being distracted, citing her workload, and repeated that she loved him. Maybe it was simply his own insecurities, but he didn't believe that was the whole story. He needed to know what was wrong...
He shook his head, refocusing on the meeting notes in front of him. He had to keep his attention where it belonged.
The intercom on his desk buzzed and he answered. "Yes, Blackman?"
"General, Mr. Woolsey is here, and would like to see you."
Jack felt a stab of fear—had something happened to her... No. Hank would've called him first, not left it up to that officious little git to tell him.
He drew a breath. "Send him in, Blackman."
sjsjsjsj
"Stargate Activation!"
Carter raised her head from the report on her computer, then glanced at the clock. 09.45. She pushed back her chair and headed out into the Atlantis control room. Down on the lower level, the gate was spinning toward the second chevron.
"Are we expecting any teams in?" Sam asked.
Lt. Morrison, the duty officer, shook her head. "No, ma'am. Major Lorne's team isn't due for twelve more hours. And Captain Farrell's not for another day."
"Activate the shield."
Morrison placed her hand over the sensor, and the shield shimmered into existence.
The gate continued to cycle through the address. Lt. Colonel John Sheppard arrived and walked over to stand beside Sam, giving her a sidelong glance, eyebrow raised. She shrugged to indicate she had no idea.
Chevron seven engaged, and the ring reversed into another revolution. Sam relaxed slightly. Eight chevrons meant this was most likely the Midway Station stargate. Who would be coming in from the SGC?
"Chevron eight locked," Morrison announced. "Receiving Midway's IDC."
"Respond," Sam ordered.
"This is Atlantis, Midway." The lieutenant spoke into the communicator. "Do you have a traveler?"
"This is Midway Station. We have two travelers, Atlantis. IOA Authorization Woolsey. Sending ID codes now."
Sam and Sheppard looked at one another. Woolsey? Why was he coming here now? Unannounced?
Their curiosity would not be satisfied immediately. The intergalactic stargate bridge consisted of thirty-four stargates spanning the distance from the Milky Way to the Pegasus galaxy, synchronized to dial in sequence, without requiring travelers to rematerialize for each gate. Traversing the seventeen gates between Midway and Atlantis would take approximately fifteen minutes.
"ID codes are valid," Morrison announced.
"Give the all clear and drop the shield," Sam ordered.
"Midway Station, you are clear to transport," Morrison said into the radio, at the same time disengaging the stargate's protective shield.
"John, station a security team at the gate," Sam instructed as she turned back toward her office. "Lieutenant, call me at the three minute mark."
John gave her a casual salute and Morrison responded with, "Yes, ma'am."
Sam spent the next twelve minutes reading the mission report she'd begun earlier. Now that she was grounded from gate travel, she had found that it was easier to be on top of all of her paperwork, and finishing this report cleared her inbox, at least for the time being. She was just getting up to head for the control room, when Lt. Morrison gave her the warning she had requested.
The control room had filled up while she was gone. About two dozen people were standing around, talking or simply watching the shimmering event horizon. Word had spread quickly—a traveler from Earth was a rarity, even more so an unexpected one. Ronon Dex and Teyla Emmagan were talking to Sheppard, and Rodney McKay was hovering over the tech station—annoying Lt. Morrison, Sam was certain. Dr. Radek Zalenka had arrived and taken the backup station, relieving the airman who had been seated there. Dr. Keller was just descending the stairs from the infirmary level and headed toward Sam when she saw her emerge from her office.
"How are you feeling today, Colonel?" Keller asked quietly. Sam had not made a general announcement of her pregnancy. Besides herself and Keller, only John Sheppard knew at this point. Her withdrawal from gate travel was explained by administrative duties.
"I'm fine, Doctor."
"Morning sickness?" Jennifer knew better than to simply accept Sam's pat answer.
"Much better." That had the ring of truth.
"Good."
"One minute until traveler arrival," Lt. Morrison announced.
Sam, John, Keller, Ronon, Teyla and McKay moved toward the stairs and descended to the stargate level, joining the armed four-man security team already waiting. Sheppard and Ronan were also fully armed. Surprises came through the stargate far too often to be lax.
The event horizon rippled and Richard Woolsey, representative counsel for the IOA bustled through. Woolsey's face, as well as his officious and self-important personality, was well-known to all the Atlantis personnel. His arrival on Atlantis was hardly a welcome event for anyone.
The second person stepped through the gate in a much more leisurely fashion, and his presence drew everyone's attention and immediately eclipsed that of Woolsey.
The event horizon evaporated behind him.
Major General Jack O'Neill walked away from the gate, past Woolsey, and halted three feet in front of Carter, his eyes fastened on her face. He was stiff and stern, and his expression brought every military person present to instant attention. John Sheppard's heels almost clicked. The security detail straightened with a snap. On the upper level, the Air Force personnel came to their feet.
"Sir!" Sam exclaimed smartly, coming to attention with the rest, but her eyes met his and sent a message that telegraphed her joyful surprise.
An instant later, she had blinked the expression away, but he saw it, and some of the tension he was holding eased. "Carter," he said quietly, locking his gaze with hers. After a moment he tore his eyes away and glanced around. "At ease, everybody." He looked back at Carter and allowed himself a moment to enjoy being in the same room with her once again.
It took some effort to direct his attention to the other people present. Just then Mr. Woolsey decided to take over the situation, and Jack was happy to let him, not sure what he would have said next. His eyes moved back to Carter's face.
"Colonel Carter." Woolsey's tone was abrupt. "Colonel Sheppard. Dr. McKay." He ignored the others present.
Sheppard could see that something was happening between Carter and the General. Sam appeared shocked into silence.
John took a half step forward. "Mr. Woolsey. This is a surprise. To what do we owe this... visit?"
"I need to meet privately with the three of you," Woolsey stated.
"We need to meet with the three of you," Jack corrected, finally redirecting his attention from Carter. "Ms. Emmagan, Dr. Keller, Ronon. Good to see all of you. Sheppard. McKay." He deliberately made his greeting more cordial than Woolsey's had been. He ignored the look that Woolsey shot toward him.
Sheppard glanced at Sam, and she nodded for him to continue. "Then let's head to the conference room," he said. He dismissed the security detail, then turned to lead the way up the stairs. In the control room, he nodded at Morrison. "Lieutenant, the deck is yours."
"Yes, sir," she acknowledged.
The five of them made their way down the corridor that led to the conference. Ronon, Teyla and Jennifer had followed them up the stairs as far as the control room.
"I wonder what that's all about," Jennifer said in a low voice.
"I am certain we will be informed when the time comes," Teyla said.
"Can't be anything good," Ronon declared. "Not with that little man calling the shots."
John led the way through the corridor, with Woolsey straining to match his stride. Sam walked just behind them, beside Rodney, but she was acutely aware of Jack's presence bringing up the rear. His tense and rigid body language disturbed her, and she had the sense that it had to do with him and her, rather than whatever had brought Woolsey and Jack to Atlantis. She was dying to talk to him, but Woolsey's presence made it impossible for her to speak to him alone at the moment.
The conference room door slid open to admit the group and then closed behind them. Sam moved around to her accustomed place at the oval table, opposite the door. The others ranged themselves around the table. Jack sat across from her, where he could see her face.
"Now, Mr. Woolsey," Sam began. "What can we do for you?"
"I'm here..." Woolsey glanced at Jack. "We're here to conduct interviews."
"What kind of interviews?" John asked.
"I assume you are aware that Dr. Weir had submitted her resignation. She will not be returning as Administrator of Atlantis."
"We are," Sam said. "It was a blow to everyone. Her people here are disappointed."
"Yes, I understand," Woolsey agreed perfunctorily. "The IOA needs to appoint a permanent replacement as soon as possible. The three of you are on our short list."
Rodney straightened abruptly. "Me? You're thinking about appointing me?"
"You're being considered, Dr. McKay, along with the others. Your scientific credentials are among the best..."
"I am the foremost expert on Atlantis, Mr. Woolsey," Rodney cut in eagerly. "And my scientific credentials are superior! The IOA is wise to consider the contributions of science when considering a new Administrator. I can assure you that I would make an excellent leader for the expedition." Rodney was practically bouncing in his seat with excitement.
"And he's modest and self-effacing, too," John put in wryly.
McKay shot John an irked look and opened his mouth again.
"However," Woolsey interrupted. "We must consider the fact that much more than a scientific mind is needed in the position. That's why I intend to interview each one of you at length to determine your qualifications. General O'Neill has kindly volunteered to assist in the interviewing process," he added, without enthusiasm.
Sam put a hand to her face to hide the involuntary smile that threatened, and Jack smirked openly.
"Are there other people on your list, Mr. Woolsey?" John asked.
"Yes. Colonel Mark Danson who's currently heading the Odyssey Project in Colonel Carter's absence, and also Dr. Francine Michaels, head or R&D at Area 51. Colonel Danson combines the best of military as well as scientific qualifications. And Dr. Michaels' work at the Ancient Outpost in Antarctica gives her a unique perspective."
"The outpost is hardly the same as being here on Atlantis itself," Rodney put in fervently, leaning forward. "As you know I've been here since the beginning, and am imminently qualified..."
"We're aware of your qualifications, McKay," Jack cut in. "That's the only reason you're on the list at all."
Rodney subsided somewhat. "Of course... I simply wanted to point out..."
"Rodney," Sheppard warned. "Enough."
"Thank you, Colonel," Woolsey said. "So we'd like to set up a schedule for the interviews. We've set aside the next two days for this visit, and I'd like to get started right away."
"I can help you with your time constraints, Mr. Woolsey," Sam said.
"Oh? How's that, Colonel Carter?"
"I'm withdrawing my name from consideration." She was looking at Jack when she said it, and saw the instant flaring of surprise and hope in his eyes. She smiled a little. Rodney looked startled also. The only one who seemed unfazed was John, and she assumed it was because he knew her reason.
"I don't understand, Colonel..." Woolsey almost stuttered.
"I am not a candidate for a long-term posting here. I plan to return to Earth as soon as a permanent administrator is in place." She gave him a pleasant smile. "I'm sure you'll have no trouble completing the interviews of Colonel Sheppard and Dr. McKay in the time allotted. I'll be happy to put any facilities you need at your disposal, and to assist you in any way I can."
"This is... a surprise, Colonel," Woolsey managed, for once nearly speechless. "We had assumed... That is, your name is at the top of the list."
This last statement brought a frown to Rodney's face.
"You have four excellent candidates to consider, Mr. Woolsey," Sam said smoothly. "I've worked with all of them, and they each possess unique qualifications. I'm sure any one of them would be an admirable choice. Just tell me when you would like to begin."
They decided to begin with Sheppard, much to McKay's disappointment. The first session would start after lunch, and continue through the afternoon. John's interview would finish up the next morning. Tomorrow afternoon and the morning after, Woolsey and Jack would speak with Rodney. That would leave that afternoon for any loose ends, and then the two men would return to the SGC early in the evening.
"Very well," Sam stood up, indicating that the meeting was ended. "John, would you arrange quarters for General O'Neill and Mr. Woolsey."
"Yes, Colonel."
"Colonel Sheppard can answer any questions you have," she said to Woolsey.
Sheppard got the hint that Carter wanted to speak to General O'Neill alone, so he showed Woolsey out of the conference room. Predictably Rodney came hurrying after them, talking rapidly about his own qualifying experience. They vanished into the corridor and the door slid shut.
Jack and Sam were left alone, facing each other across the conference table.
She smiled hugely. "I can't believe you're here!" she exclaimed.
"I can't believe what you just did," he replied. "Are you sure..."
"I'm positive. Atlantis isn't what I want, Jack. We can talk about it later, if you like, but you can't convince me to change my mind."
"I don't want to try and change your mind." He came swiftly around the table to stand directly in front of her. They stared at one another. He wanted to put his arms around her and hold her tight, but there were security cameras, and also someone could come in at any moment. Instead he reached over and grasped her hand.
She squeezed his hand in return. "Are you okay? You looked so... well, angry, when you came through the gate."
He cleared his throat uncertainly. "I haven't heard much from you the past few weeks. I was worried." He rubbed the back of his neck. "About us..."
"What? No!" she exclaimed. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to worry you. Nothing's wrong. Just busy..." She waved a hand to indicate their surroundings, which he took to mean her responsibilities. "We can talk about it when we get some time alone," she promised.
The last traces of tension slid away from his posture, and he smiled. "Time alone with you sounds good."
They continued to simply stand there, taking in the sight of one another.
"We should probably go," Sam whispered finally.
"Yeah. Before I do something unprofessional."
"Later..."
He nodded. Reluctantly, they turned toward the door.
They ate lunch with the others in the cafeteria, sitting at two tables pulled together, as Rodney carried on about his qualifications, and John nervously shoved his food around his plate. They only half listened to Woolsey expound on the importance of the IOA and his own role. They did not notice the looks exchanged by Keller and Teyla as they watched the General and Colonel trying not to stare into each other's eyes.
"I've set aside a small conference room on the twentieth level of the central tower for your interviews," Sam told Woolsey as they left the cafeteria. "Colonel Sheppard knows the one I mean." She glanced at John who nodded. "Feel free to come and go as you please and call if you need anything."
"Thank you, Colonel Carter," Woolsey said, sounding the most genial that he had since he arrived. He looked at O'Neill and Sheppard. "General. Colonel. If you're ready."
"Yes, sir." John nodded.
"Be right along," Jack said.
John and Woolsey headed for the lift and Jack turned to Carter. "Dinner tonight? In private?"
She smiled. "My quarters. Twenty hundred hours?"
"Done." With a long look into her eyes he walked after the other two.
Sam watched him go, and then turned toward her office. She had work to do.
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By 1700 hours, Jack was certain there was nothing Woolsey hadn't asked Sheppard about himself—right down to the condition of his toenails! He had to admit that John had held up well against what could only be called an antagonistic interrogation. Despite the fact that Woolsey had Sheppard's reports and records right in front of him, he had insisted that the man explain every action and decision he'd made in the three years on Atlantis.
As John completed his answer to Woolsey's last question, Jack pushed his chair back and got to his feet. "That's enough for today," he said. "We'll continue this tomorrow morning at 0900."
Sheppard stood up as soon as Jack did.
"General, I think..." Woolsey began.
Jack cut him off. "Sheppard, you're dismissed. Good night."
"Yes, sir." John left the room.
"General O'Neill," Woolsey exclaimed. "I wasn't finished..."
"Yes you are, Woolsey," Jack stated flatly. "You're done. If you have more legitimate questions, you can ask them tomorrow."
"Legitimate questions?"
"Yes." Jack leaned forward, hands on the table. "Every question you've asked for the past ninety minutes is answered in that file you have in front of you. Everything he said conforms to the reports he wrote. All of those reports were read and reviewed by Dr. Weir, by myself, and by the IOA. You are wasting time. Sheppard's time. Your own time. And my time. Tomorrow morning, I will ask the questions."
Woolsey sputtered. "It's my responsibility to conduct these interviews..."
"Then conduct an interview. Not an interrogation!" Jack straightened and headed for the door.
Out in the corridor he shook his head in exasperation and made for the lift. In the car, he leaned against the wall and closed his eyes. He was exhausted. He'd been tired before he came on this jaunt. Only the prospect of seeing Carter had made him agree, and now he felt so drained he was afraid he wouldn't enjoy her company. Sitting there listening to Woolsey and his inane babbling had leached away nearly all of his energy.
Getting off at the level where his quarters were located, he made straight for his room. Inside his removed his uniform jacket and shirt, sat down and took off his shoes. He exchanged his dress trousers for sweat pants from his bag. He locked the door, set his watch alarm for two hours and lay down on the bed. In five minutes he was asleep.
