He took the red eye to D.C. Monday night, so he could have absolutely as much time with Sam as possible. With their week cut short, Sam had opted to go home and finish packing, so she could leave for Nevada a little early and unpack before her first day on the job. He missed her already, but they'd worked out a schedule of sorts so they could see each other as often as possible. Jack knew he'd be retiring in a few years regardless, so he made up his mind to just make things work until they could share the same zip code again.

General Hammond was already in the Oval Office when Jack arrived. "General, Mr. President," Jack saluted.

"At ease, Jack," Hammond said with a smile.

"Take a seat, Jack. George and I have a little proposition for you," Hayes grinned.

As soon as they were seated, Hammond began, "With the war over, I've decided it's time for me to retire, Jack. I want to get back to the Springs and enjoy my grandchildren."

"That's great general. You deserve the chance to enjoy life."

Hayes took over, "of course, it leaves Homeworld security is a bit of a precarious position, Jack. I need someone I can trust here, someone who's been out there. I want you, Jack."

The realization of what they were asking hit Jack like a ton of bricks. Homeworld encompassed so much more than just the gate. He'd be the man for the SGC, over the 302s, Prometheus, and Area 51. That would but Sam back in his chain of command. "I don't think I'm the right one for this job. Politics isn't really my forte."

"Exactly why I need you, Jack. You bring the real know how to the table. I don't want a yes man. I need you."

"Well, you see, Mr. President, I was actually thinking it was about time to retire again. It's time," Jack said softly.

"I can't let you do that, Jack. I can't lose you and George at the same time. It would be to much of a blow to the program. No, I need you here, Jack."

"With all due respect, Mr. President, I've put in my time. I need to focus on other things now."

"Jack, Jack, this isn't negotiable. You're coming to D.C.," softening a bit, Hayes continued, "give me a year then we'll talk retirement. Fair enough?"

Jack knew he was beaten, so with a resigned sigh, Jack finally nodded, "One year then I need to retire."

Hayes and Hammond seemed satisfied with his answer and they went right into planning the transition. Jack had a terrible time focusing on the details. His mind was on a beautiful blonde who was currently flying through the air oblivious to the way their carefully laid plans were falling apart. They really couldn't catch a break. How on earth was he supposed to tell her he was about to effectively be her boss again after all they'd shared at the cabin?

Jacks trip to Washington lasted much longer than he expected. He'd really hoped he could make it back to the Springs before Sam and her loaded down volvo left for Nevada. This really wasn't something he wanted to say over the phone, but a trip to Nevada wasn't an option. He had to be back in D.C. within the week and the rest of the base would know he was leaving by morning. With a heavy heart, Jack dialed Sam's number.

"Hello my gorgeous general," came Sam's voice on the other end of the line.

"Hi, Sam."

"So, how was Washington? Is General Hammond doing well?"

"Uh, yeah, he's fine. He's good actually. He's decided to retire."

"That's great. He deserves it," she paused then quietly asked, "who's taking his place?"

"Apparently me. I tried to get out of it. I reminded them I'm not really the kind of guy they'd want in Washington. I tried to explain to them that I'd make a terrible politician."

"No, you're exactly what the program needs," Sam responded in a sad voice. "You're the logical choice."

"Sam, I tried to retire. I don't want you in my chain of command. You've given up gate travel for us. It's not fair. They wouldn't accept it."

"It's okay, general. I know this isn't your fault."

"General?"

"Apparently, we are gong to have to go back to general." After a moment, she added, "I could resign."

"No, absolutely not. I don't think they'd let you anyway."

"I could do my job as a civilian. Heck, I could even go back to the SGC and work with the science division. We could still be together."

"I have enough regrets in my life, Sam. I'm not going to add destroying your illustrious career to the list."

"But, Jack-"

"No, Sam. Hayes promised we'd revisit this retirement thing in a year. I know it's not ideal and I don't even have the right to ask, but will you wait for me?"

"A year is nothing compared to 8 long years, of course, I'll wait for you. I'm going to miss you."

Jack knew she was referring to a lot more than just seeing his face and he knew he was going to miss her just as much. "We can still be together, just not exactly. One year, Sam. One year and I'm all yours."

"One year," Sam repeated softly.

Telling the people on base was considerably easier than telling Sam had been and soon Jack was up to his eyeballs in paperwork. He sat looking at one particular piece of paper that he'd been ignoring for awhile. He'd filed it in the same drawer he'd placed Sam's letter in weeks before but Jack knew it was time. Picking up the phone, he dialed. "Daniel, you can go to Atlantis. I'm signing your request now."

"Are you serious, Jack?"

"Well, if you're no longer interested-"

"No, no, of course I want to go. Thanks Jack. This means a lot to me."

"You're welcome, Daniel. You deserve it. I do need a favor first."

"Sure, anything."

"I need you to stick around just a little while and help the new general. With Carter gone, I'd just feel better knowing you were here to brief him. Hank Landry said good guy. You'll like him."

"Carter? I thought you'd moved on to Sam."

"Homeworld security encompasses more than just the gate, Daniel."

"I'm sorry, Jack. The timing really stinks. I thought you guys were finally getting your chance."

"Me, too. I promised Hayes a year then I'm retiring."

"A year seems a lot longer right now than it actually is, Jack. You'll both be so busy. It'll fly. I'm sure you guys can manage."

"Yeah," Jack said as he fiddled with the pencil in his hand.

"I'll stick around long enough to help the new general get settled."

"Thanks, Daniel."

"If you need to talk-"

"I know, Daniel. It's alright. It's just a year, right?"

After they ended their conversation, Jack repeated, "just a year," but it still seemed like a long time to him. This was not on his to-do list. He definitely wished he could take the time travel jumper forward a year and just get this over with so he could be with Sam.