Previously in chapter 9 - Jack was forced to cut it short when someone quite strong grabbed him from behind around his neck and shoulder, forcing him down to the floor. The handset dropped by the cord, but the line didn't disconnect. When General Hammond got the message he was subjected to the alarming sounds of his friend trying to fight his way back to the phone using only non-lethal force against a troop of armed SFs who weren't nearly so concerned about inflicting painful or even permanent damage. The message ended when an ominous shout suddenly rose above the din: "General! They're gonna kill m—oomph!"
Chapter 10
And the rest, as they say, was silence. Actually the call dropped, or the line disconnected, and Jack was left bruised and subdued on the floor outside x-ray. Someone had a knee pressed into his back, and though he had dropped the weapon immediately, a booted foot kept his cuffed hands pinned to the floor. It took only a few seconds for them to shackle his ankles and get his hands secured behind his back.
The head of the security detail left after announcing he was going to speak to his commander, and for far too long Jack didn't think it would matter whether or not Hammond got his message; it would be too late. Due to the weight on his back, he couldn't even raise his head a little to turn it the other direction. He heard muffled sounds as the downed SF was removed for treatment, and Jack knew he'd have to answer for what he had done. He could only hope the young man wasn't seriously injured.
In less than a minute he was jerked up off the floor between two burly men and shuffled off to a security holding cell where, without word, the leg chains were removed, but not the cuffs. An apologetic Dr. Weir arrived a little later explaining that he was being held until the NID decided what to do with him and made the arrangements for his transfer. A brain tissue sample was still a possibility, as well as a transfer to another secure facility and there was nothing she could do. She didn't say he'd been compromised, but it was pretty clear to him that thought was on her mind.
Jack didn't respond at first. He knew why he was there, he just didn't agree with it. The ACLU would never hear a word. He couldn't argue Geneva Convention since he wasn't being held by a foreign power, and with everything so secretive even Amnesty International couldn't help him. He could forget about a care package from the Red Cross, so he knew for certain a pizza delivery was out of the question.
Upon reflection, it was the sincere sympathy in her eyes that kept him from cursing her in Farsi or Goa'uld, and before she departed he did talk to her. He didn't apologize about getting away or making the phone call. That was self preservation. He asked about the SF he had manhandled and was relieved that the guy was just fine, probably already released from the infirmary and being chewed out by his CO. For that much Jack was thankful. She had asked, but he wouldn't tell her which general he had called. She hadn't pushed, probably realizing that he had no reason at all to trust her. He knew she must have suspected it was Hammond.
He requested and was granted a trip to the men's room which he now needed for real. Dr Weir went back to her office, and Jack went in chains to fill the little plastic cup under the watchful eyes and cold hands of the SFs because – yep, you guessed it – they wouldn't remove the cuffs restraining his hands behind his back. The NID ordered him restrained, even in the holding cell.
Much later Jack was pacing, but he couldn't work up to a steady rhythm without his arms. Then he tried to lounge sort of comfortably on his side – that being the position of least protest from what he rather suspected were a pair of badly bruised ribs – and he was getting seriously worried. He wondered if Weir even tried to get in touch with the President or just accepted the claims of the NID. Maybe she was part of them. Them, they, the NID, the bad guys, the ones who thought they knew what was best for the SGC and Earth, the same ones who wanted a piece of his brain.
He wished Thor had stayed around monitoring things, because if Hammond didn't come through there was no telling what would happen. His life and ergo his brain belonged to the United States Air Force to be used however they pleased, and whatever rights he may have had, had disappeared as soon as the alien influence had hijacked his brain. In this secret program there would be nobody to report any wrong doing, nothing for anyone to do at all. TPTB could and would make Jack O'Neill disappear.
The SF just outside the bars wouldn't even look at him, let alone make small talk. Jack had nothing to do, they wouldn't give him a newspaper or even a training manual. Every hour the SFs changed posts, when the one inside went out and one from outside came in. Jack didn't have a watch, but guessed it would be another ten or fifteen minutes before they would change again.
Then suddenly he heard the distinctive sound of the electronic locking mechanism and he watched through the bars as the door opened. Hoping they were bringing him food and water and not coming to take him back to the infirmary, he was cautiously optimistic when he saw the Airman straighten from parade rest, and then he saw Weir along with NORAD's two-star Chief of Staff.
The General, whom he'd had contact with several times wasn't exactly who he was expecting, but he rationalized by remembering that if General Hammond got his message that he would need a little time to go through channels. Just because he had connections, and apparently the President's ear, didn't mean he could get access to him whenever he wanted. He was special advisor though, which gave Jack realistic optimism, but he knew Hammond would need to make some calls and talk to some people… rational people... reasonable people.
So he'd go to the Joint Chiefs, specifically the Chairman and the Air Force Chief and maybe the SecDef, and that would take time. The Secretary of the Air Force had only been informed about the Stargate Program a couple of days ago and his anger at having been excluded for so long was still evident, so he was not a good choice. Even if Hammond got through to someone who could and would help, it would take time. And that person would have to use someone besides Dr. Weir to tell the NID what they could do with their plans for O'Neill.
The NID had ridden roughshod over her and rendered her powerless by usurping her authority and controlling everything about his return. Hammond would have had to make sure that the President and others were made aware of the NID's intentions and confirm that they disagreed too. Then someone, most likely a person high in the chain of command, would need to get the NID out of the mountain, preferably without them somehow secreting him out along with them. The high ranking officer was needed to insure that the military personnel followed any new orders, and not the instructions of the people currently in charge, just in case a confrontation of some kind became necessary. The secrecy of the program limited the possibilities to a number of senior officials, but NORAD's commanders had clearance and were close by. Jack was grateful this wasn't several years ago when nobody upstairs knew anything about what went on in Stargate Command, aka Deep Space Radar Telemetry, because on this day he needed someone a lot sooner rather than later.
Jack's message to Hammond had gone through. Hammond had been able to contact the right people. The right people contacted NORAD command. NORAD command stepped in and Jack was more than aware that the Major General was waiting for him to react. It took several seconds for him to bring himself into a sitting position by swinging his legs off the bunk. Then he hauled himself up, his hands clenching into fists behind his back as he struggled to stand, and was immediately aware of pain and stiffness in his knees and ribs. On top of that his shoulders had stiffened along with his back and he found himself definitely looking forward to some extra strength Tylenol and a hot shower.
It was hardly painless, but he managed to finally get on his feet and stand at slightly hunched attention, looking for something good in the faces of the two people watching from outside the bars. His visitors looked uncomfortable, what with Dr. Weir studying the floor and the senior officer glancing around the small room before settling on him. Still hoping that the appearance of the General was something positive, Jack didn't say a word, and for several seconds the two men silently evaluated each other.
Then the General spoke the magic words. "Senior Airman, open the cell and remove those cuffs."
The order was immediately followed and briefly O'Neill flexed his shoulders and massaged his wrists, before stepping forward to bring himself to attention once again. Dr. Weir still looked a little uncomfortable, but the Major General nodded, quickly offering his hand. "As you were Colonel, and welcome home."
"Thank you, Sir," O'Neill quietly responded before turning his gaze to Dr. Weir. He still didn't completely trust her, but she looked repentant. "Dr. Weir, it's good to see you again."
The NORAD Chief of Staff looked somewhat relieved and Jack wondered who'd briefed the man – and just what it was they'd told him. His homecoming so far sucked, but for now Jack held onto his anger. The jury was still out on Dr. Weir, but seniority aside, the General was hardly a suitable target, especially if the man was in any way responsible for his return to freedom.
"Colonel O'Neill, you are restricted to base until further notice." Well, partial freedom anyway. Jack knew getting out of the cell would be easier than getting out of the mountain, and he also recognized the underlying implied order – no phone calls, no contact, don't talk about anything.
"You will report for debriefing in one hour," he continued, looking the Colonel up and down. There might have been a time when Jack would be angry or even embarrassed by the look the General gave his appearance, but not now, not today. It wasn't his fault they hadn't let him clean-up or given him any actual clothes.
"Until then, maybe you'd like a shower." The General's eyes kind of sparkled, as if he might be getting a kick out of the Colonel's obviously non-regulation appearance, including the dirtied knees of his scrubs. Perhaps he'd been told about his break for freedom. Jack didn't care, he was just glad to be out of the cell and not going back to the infirmary. If that was going to happen the cuffs would not have been removed. And the leg chains would have been put back on. And more SFs, lots more SFs would be in the room. Oh yeah, lots more SFs.
"Thank you, Sir," O'Neill replied, relief obvious in both his voice and his demeanor.
Dr. Weir was looking at him expectantly, and his eyes met hers. "Colonel, you can't speak with your team until after your debriefing, but I do have a message from them." This was good.
"Dr Jackson, Major Carter and Teal'c would like you to join them for a late dinner after your debriefing. They'll be waiting for you in Dr. Jackson's office." She looked pleased to be able to give him the news.
"Dinner will be good," he replied, suddenly realizing his own extreme hunger and thirst.
Ten minutes later he was showering without a watchdog, after raiding his office for Tylenol and sending an airman to get him a snack and an icepack. The airman didn't bring a feast, but Jack wanted to be hungry for dinner so he shared, taking half the sandwich, four country fries and three tomato slices. The airman gladly accepted the rest, even staying inside the room when the officer insisted. They didn't talk much, and Jack resisted the urge to relax while he ate, for fear he might fall asleep.
Following a lengthy taped video-conference debriefing, he was finally reunited with his team. They ate dinner together in the mess talking about nothing, but Jack knew that he would always remember the looks on their faces when they first caught sight of him. They were a mix of 'glad to see you' and 'what the heck happened to your face?' - absolutely priceless.
The medical testing portion was over and the psychological evaluation followed. After the lab tests came back clean, and everything was reviewed by still more doctors, Jack was cleared for return to active duty. And though they'd never actually discussed it, he was absolutely certain that General George Hammond had intervened to save him. There was no doubt in his mind.
Saved to be promoted and taken out of the field. O'Neill used to wince internally when he thought about how that had happened. Of course after the surprise had worn off, and he actually was the General in charge of Stargate Command, every reservation, insecurity and fear of failure he'd ever had hit him full force. Believing he wasn't right for the job or the job wasn't right for him, he'd come close to bailing out and asking Hammond and the President to replace him. Then in a span of two to three days, he'd been hit with an unreal number of challenging situations, but instead of failing, he'd actually managed to handle things.
After that he had thrived in the new job. He still missed going off world, always would, but he was too old for field work and since receiving his second star was actually enjoying his time in Washington, DC. Things were different, but they were still okay, and in some cases better than just okay. He'd been told by Hammond to give the new job a little time, that it would grow on him. Yeah, he thought at the time, grow on him like a fungus. In the end the job not only grew on him, but he grew into the job. With George Hammond's help and encouragement, Jack had actually become comfortable and had grown fond of his position as head of Homeworld Security. Getting comfortable with the IOA and politics took a lot longer. Now back at Stargate Command more than eighteen months later, his former CO was really retiring, and as much as he'd miss his good friend, Jack was ready to ride the Washington bicycle without the Hammond training wheels. Landry still hadn't come back to the control room, so Jack leaned back in the chair thinking some more about the days just before he got his first star.
It was before his visit with Dr. MacKenzie that Dr. Weir had asked to see him. He hadn't expected to talk with her until after he was cleared. They'd spoken briefly after he was released from the holding cell, but other than his debriefing, they hadn't spoken at length about much of anything.
He'd been surprised to learn about the Goa'uld contacting the SGC and three of them actually visiting. He wasn't ready to think about the one that stayed. Daniel hadn't mentioned any of it when they'd been on the return trip from Orilla. O'Neill guessed there had been too much else to talk about, though he couldn't remember too much of it. Maybe Daniel had told him. Thor insisted his memories would return, but had forgotten to mention that Jack's short term memory might be messed up for a while too. Thankfully by the time they all got back after kicking Fifth's butt, his memory was in pretty good shape. Dr. Weir had been happy to fill him in on things that the others hadn't, but the biggest surprise had been her apology.
"Colonel, I owe you an apology. I let the NID in here, and I allowed them to dictate how to deal with you. I shudder to think what could have happened."
O'Neill had seen even Hammond get pushed around by the NID, so he couldn't be too upset. Of course, not having brain surgery or getting locked away somewhere had helped his disposition immensely and it wouldn't do anybody any good for him to lash out.
"Dr. Weir, it wasn't your fault and you don't need to apologize." He watched as the worry lines on her face eased a little before adding, "You helped get the mission approved in the first place and as I understand it you stood up to Kinsey."
She had looked embarrassed before smiling and revealing, "Yes, I did and it felt good too."
They had both laughed before Jack continued. "When Anubis attacked, you recommended the Prometheus provide cover for the Teltac?" She nodded.
"You let Colonel Carter and Teal'c take the Teltac to find Thor." She nodded again.
Even Jack was surprised that had happened since the little ship was faster than anything Earth had after he'd modified it. She had smiled and they had a nice inconsequential chat before the phone rang. It was for Jack, and she had left him in her office alone to take the call, much like she'd done before.
"Hello General, how are you? How's D.C.?" Yep, deja vu.
"It's all good. I understand you're very close to being cleared for active duty."
The man knew everything. "Yes, Sir, just have to see MacKenzie."
"Good, I'm sure that will be no problem." Hammond knew Jack's history, and turning ancient, saving the planet, going into stasis, coming out of stasis and saving the Asgard was nothing compared to what he'd been through in the past, so he saw no reason why the man wouldn't easily pass the psych evaluation. Dr. MacKenzie was a good man and knew O'Neill well, so they'd get through it all pretty quickly. They'd had their differences over the years, but what started as grudging respect for the other had turned into genuine esteem.
"Not that I mind talking to you, General, but didn't we just chat a few hours ago when you told me all about the new department and how the President jumped all over the NID." He didn't give Hammond a chance to respond before he asked, "I didn't hallucinate that conversation did I, Sir?"
It wasn't outside the realm of possibility. Jack hoped it wasn't true, hoped he wasn't hallucinating because it meant the NID would still be after him, even more now if he was hallucinating. Kinsey might be gone, but the people he had put in place were still there and a very real threat. Proof of that threat had met Jack head-on when he got back. The NID had come in with written authorization from the White House declaring Colonel Jack O'Neill compromised and a security risk. They had wanted to take him into custody and transport him out of the mountain. Dr. Weir had called the wrong people for verification, but had succeeded in keeping him at the SGC for the medical tests. Dr. Weir hadn't rolled over. She was rolled over. Rolled over by Kinsey's powerful above-the-law NID cronies.
When Hammond had received the voice message he didn't contact Dr. Weir or anyone else at the SGC to find out what was going on because he already knew. Jack had told him. Instead of trying to get through to the President, he contacted the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs who could easily get in to see President Hayes or at least speak to him. Following the initial call, Maynard, Mantley and Hammond all went to the White House for a briefing about the Jack O'Neill situation. It took only one minute of explanation before the President was ready to call Dr. Weir, but the three Generals knew that would be a mistake. The NID would probably know that she was going to get a call before the switchboard even put it through and attempt to remove O'Neill. They decided to use NORAD because the military force at the SGC would follow an Air Force Generals's orders before those of an NID operative or even Dr. Weir. Hayes learned then that it was just one more reason to have a military leader at the base - perception to the public be damned. After a call and followup fax, the NID folks were thrown out of the mountain and Jack was released from custody. In a sweeping move in Washington, anyone who had even been seen talking to any of Kinsey's former staff following his resignation, were immediately let go or reassigned to lower profile departments far away from the White House and Eisenhower Executive office building.
Now Jack was hoping that it wasn't all some weird hallucination.
Hammond chuckled. "No, you didn't hallucinate any of it." After several seconds of silence Hammond asked, "Are you sitting down, Jack?" He wasn't chuckling anymore.
Jack hadn't been sitting, but he was now as he hesitantly answered, "Yes, Sir." He had a slight feeling of dread, and wondered what Hammond needed to tell him.
"I know this won't be a total shock," Hammond started. He knew Jack had to suspect what was coming; the man was not stupid.
Jack's gut wrenched. He knew. "I'm being taken out of the field, aren't I, Sir?"
Hammond had been ready."Now Jack, you make it sound like it's a bad thing." His voice resonated in that paternal tone Jack knew well.
"Well, isn't it? I mean, well, I don't know what I mean. Retirement doesn't look so bad now that I think about my cabin and fishing," Jack quipped, trying to make light of the seemingly devastating news.
"You're not retiring Jack. Not yet," Hammond firmly responded.
If he wasn't going to be in the field and he wasn't retiring, what in the world did they want him for? He didn't have to wait long to find out what Hammond had on his mind.
"Son, keep this to yourself." He didn't wait for O'Neill to reply. Hammond knew the man would keep his mouth shut. "Dr. Weir has asked to be relieved."
O'Neill was stunned since they'd just had a nice conversation, a kind of meeting of the minds, and everything seemed to be okay.
"General, we just talked, she seemed fine. I swear I haven't done anything to piss her off."
"I know you haven't, Son. She feels guilty about the NID. And she is admitting that as exciting as it's all been, she really wants more research and wants to start with a study of the ancient outpost."
There was silence for a few seconds as Jack pondered Hammond's words, and then the General revealed, "The President has agreed to put her in charge of that project, so we need a SGC commander."
Jack almost couldn't believe he'd heard right. He was being taken out of the field and they needed a new commander. They needed a new commander and he was being taken out of the field. click "You can't mean me, Sir?"
Hammond recognized the disbelief in O'Neill's voice and told him emphatically,"Yes, Jack, I mean you. President Hayes and the Joint Chiefs want you in command."
O'Neill bit his tongue to keep from swearing into the phone. He timidly asked, "You're staying in Washington, aren't you, Sir?" Jack was suddenly feeling a little bit insecure and hoped Hammond would still be around for advice and support. He knew Hammond was selected to slide into the new position, but something inside Jack told him to confirm it. Jack wasn't afraid of the command opportunity, and didn't have severe misgivings, just honest reservations. He knew he'd never be the commander Hammond was, but with Hammond's help and counsel and he would be on that SGC personnel deserved.
"Yes, the President is making some changes, and my place is here. I know for you that giving up field work will take some getting used to, but you said months ago that it was going to happen pretty soon."
Jack thought for a second, remembering conversations with both Doctor Janet Fraiser and Hammond about his age and his knees, and how he couldn't keep going forever. He'd stressed then that it wouldn't be so bad if he could quit going through the gate on his own terms. TPTB weren't waiting for that to happen, but maybe promotion wasn't a bad way for it to happen. After all, there were way worse ways it could have happened.
"I don't know what to say." And he really didn't. Promotion to Brigadier General? Who would have imagined? Who could have imagined?
"Say you'll think about it and that you won't let on to Dr. Weir that you know anything."
"Yes, Sir," Jack softly replied. Keeping a secret like like this one was easy.
"And Jack, give me a call tonight." Hammond knew that Jack would come around. And Jack had every intention of calling Hammond after he'd had time to think.
He'd left her office heading somewhere, he wasn't sure where. One more appointment and he'd be cleared. He still couldn't believe they wanted to put him in command, but the more he thought about it, the more he knew he'd give it a try. God only knew who they'd peg if he said no. And his knees were getting worse, and he was getting older, and feeling older. He'd miss the field, but things change. This could be a good change.
It would be easy with Weir, she didn't know him well at all, and convincing her he was surprised wouldn't be hard. SG-1 was another story altogether. He'd need to string them along, let them think he needed their help to decide about everything. It would be fun for him and they'd feel like they were helping. Teal'c would be the hardest one to deceive, but he wouldn't let on to the others that he suspected something. Jack knew he could count on his friend to play along. Later that night he'd called General Hammond and they'd talked for over an hour.
The next morning after only half an hour, MacKenzie cleared him. He'd reported to Dr. Weir's office and found her packing boxes. Jack had known it was time to play along and it had gone beautifully. A while later he'd summoned his team together, and that had gone well too. If Teal'c suspected anything he hadn't let on. Then the announcement had come that he'd been summoned to Washington, DC, supposedly to give a first hand account about the Asgard and the replicators, but really it was to have his meeting with the President and Joint Chiefs.
Afterward he had received his stars, pinned on him by Hammond and Air Force Chief of Staff Mike Mantley in a very exclusive and very secret ceremony. The SGC command change had been planned, and while there were lots of rumors, it was only Dr. Weir and SG-1 who had known for certain that he was going to be the new commander. That was, until he had returned to the mountain base wearing his new stars, and then everyone knew before he ever arrived on sub level 27.
A lot had happened since he was promoted. Another promotion in fact. He still felt like shaking his head every time he thought about it. And now there was talk that he'd be promoted to Lt. General, maybe even before the Ori armies were defeated and Ba'al, not a clone, but the real one, was caught. He didn't care about a third star, not really, but rank did help him do his job better with allies and the IOA. Due to the secrecy of the Stargate and related programs, Jack wasn't expected to hobnob with anyone in Washington, DC who was not already intimately familiar with Homeworld Security and that suited him just fine. Socializing with politicians was not his cup of tea and he'd rather do almost anything else... anything.
Turning his attention back to the security document in his hand, O'Neill leafed to the back sheets of the plan and saw the signature pages. The SecDef and Joint Chiefs had approved and signed off on the security plan covering this visit. The plan was classified, with some pages for eyes only, and other pages had not even been copied. Whole sections were blacked out. Other pages were left blank with only page numbers.
The security additions with information about codes not known to base personnel were not in this copy of the plan, not even in encrypted form. They were not listed in the front or the back, in fact as far as the SGC knew, they didn't exist. A new key card was to be issued to O'Neill and now the new security guy. Suddenly Captain Guernsey's access would not be so limited. It had taken only 30 hours for the Captain to go from relative new hire to someone almost in charge of SGC computer security. Jack's gut wrenched again, then he heard footfalls on the metal stairs and turned to see Hank about one third of the way down where he had stopped.
"Jack, I need a few minutes. Jordan and Guernsey are here, and I need a word. You want to wait for me?"
Hank looked like either way he was fine, so Jack made the decision and responded. "I'll head to my quarters; give me a call when you're ready."
"That sounds good," he replied and plowed back up the stairs.
Jack looked at the security plan for another minute before getting up. He stretched his legs, slipped a couple of fingers inside the neck of his collar before smoothing his trousers and jacket. Taking the bundle of papers with him, he headed down the steps and through the door into the corridor. A young SF was waiting for him, quickly straightening up, and squaring his shoulders as Jack approached.
"General O'Neill, sir. I am to accompany you to your quarters."
"Thank you son," O'Neill replied and walked with the kid to the elevator.
The young man slipped his own key card into the slot on the wall and the door opened. Both men entered and the button for level 25 was pressed. It was only a few seconds before the doors opened, and the SF waited for Jack to step out. He quickly followed and turned left at the junction passing only a few doors before reaching their destination. Jack recognized where he was and silently thanked Hank for the room with the best location.
"I'll wait for you by the elevator, sir. General Landry said you don't have access….yet."
Jack couldn't help but smile with the long pause between access and yet. It was true; they hadn't done any of the security things they needed to…yet. The SF turned the door knob and pushed open the door, quickly and smoothly stepping back out of the way.
"Thank you, Airman," he politely told the young man and entered the room.
Glancing around at the familiar surroundings, he put the bound security document on the dresser. One bedside lamp was on and he could see the walls were freshly painted and the bedspread new, complete with the Air Force insignia embroidered on the blue background. He pulled it back, revealing crisp white sheets that looked like they'd been ironed, and cases covering standard issue pillows. The room was clean yet sparse with only necessities, but that was fine with Jack. It was as good or better than most motels.
Jack saw his bag on the luggage rack and noticed it was open. He looked inside and found the garment bag section empty. He found his uniforms hanging in the closet, looking fresh like they'd been steamed. His trousers, shirts and coats were all hung crisply, even his ties hanging separately looked pressed. His jeans, Dockers and casual shirts were also there on wooden hangers.
Shrugging out of his jacket, he hung it next to the others, thinking how most of the clothes were no longer necessary since he'd be going back so soon. Jack hadn't been completely sure what to bring with him. He knew he needed a service dress in addition to the one he wore, but he wasn't sure about mess dress so he'd brought it anyway. The more formal attire was usually reserved for events like the Air Force Ball and weddings, but with a trip like this one Jack knew to be prepared for anything. Even Mantley didn't seem to know and had packed the same way.
He pondered what they'd do to him if he showed up wearing jungle camouflage while he put away his folded clothing items and tossed his shaving kit with toiletry items onto the bathroom counter, where two extra rolls of toilet paper already resided. He then took out his spare shoes and removed them from the shine bags, giving each a quick rubdown with a soft cloth before depositing them on the rack in the closet. He moved to the wall by the door and found the room controls, flipping the switch for the ceiling fan. The room was clean, but a little stuffy, and Jack felt stuffy enough just wearing his uniform. Retrieving the papers from the dresser top he sat down, thinking he might as well finish scanning the document while waiting for his phone call.
General Landry finished his brief orientation with Guernsey, his new computer security man and sent him on his way. His orders were to head back to the auxiliary security office on sub level 16 where he'd team with Major Moore. The head of SGC security Colonel Jordan stayed seated in Landry's office after Guernsey departed. The two men waited until the office door was again closed before speaking.
"What do you think?" Landry addressed the Colonel thoughtfully.
"Wish I had more time to get used to him, Sir," he thoughtfully admitted.
"I understand completely, but the Captain knows his job and he knows what's at stake. You said yourself that he's done a good job up on 16."
"Yes sir. It's just kind of sudden." Landry nodded. He understood and even agreed, but with the President and other VIPs already there, they had no choice except to go forward.
Jordan hesitated only a moment before adding, "I'll issue him an updated key card and passwords ASAP."
"Thank you, Colonel. That will be all for now." Landry watched as the Colonel stood up and silently left the office. He turned at the last second to close the door, but the CO waved him off and picked up the phone knowing that O'Neill was waiting for him.
Jack was half reading, half daydreaming when the phone rang. Its loud ring startled him slightly, but he got up and quickly took the few strides to the nightstand.
"O'Neill," he announced, noticing the phone smelled slightly of disinfectant.
"Hey Jack, I'm finished here so... I'll meet you in the control room?"
He waited for O'Neill's reply and then left his office to dismiss the airmen in the hall and at the top of the stairs, before descending to the control room.
Leaving his jacket behind, O'Neill left his temporary quarters and headed for the elevator. The SF escort had heard the door and was waiting with the elevator door already open. The ride down to 28 was faster than the ride up had been and it wasn't any time at all before Jack was stepping through the control room door. Hank was already there, sitting in the chair Jack had vacated 20 minutes earlier.
Landry stood and pulled over another chair as he spoke to the SFs outside both doors.
"You're dismissed until I call for you. Please inform the gate techs and then retreat to the elevator."
"Yes sir," they replied practically in unison, and only their shoes could be heard as they walked away. The two generals waited until they could no longer hear the footfalls before either man moved.
Without a word, Landry reached over to enable a switch on the computer mainframe, and displays started lighting up, bringing everything out of standby mode. In under a minute the computer was ready, and he was entering info known only to him.
"I already disabled the control room security cameras, and now I'll input the code to erase the record of changes. I understand you also have a code which when entered will prevent all keystrokes from being recorded."
"Yes Hank, I do, and it is imperative that no one else knows we've done any of this."
Both knew it wouldn't be hard for any of the security personnel or Carter to accidentally become aware of someone using the computer, and it wouldn't take them long to check out what was done. All of them were very good and could possibility stumble across something without even knowing it.
They would believe they were looking at a security breach or some kind of subterfuge, and it would be natural for them to investigate further. Both generals knew it was better to leave them nothing at all to find, nothing at all to be curious about.
"There's no reason for anyone to know anything about it, as long as those codes will keep the changes invisible. If the codes don't work then I cannot guarantee someone won't make a discovery," Landry told him, speaking softly.
"I've been assured that after I enter the codes it will appear as if nothing else was done on this system," O'Neill kept his voice low. "The recorded data will have Major General Jack O'Neill being issued a controlled access key card for the dates specified, and that's it."
Hank nodded and continued typing. Jack didn't pay attention, he knew about most of what was being entered, and the rest were passwords he didn't need. He had his own, and they were more powerful than Landry's.
"Okay Jack, you just need to enter your Homeworld information and then press F6 to enable the system to accept whatever you are going to put into it." He carefully rolled his chair away to make room.
Jack slid his chair into the place vacated by Hank's chair, and out of habit looked around first to make sure there really were no eyes watching. The security cameras had been turned off, both sight and sound disabled, the SF presence relieved and Hank had turned around, facing the other way.
'Good man,' O'Neill thought as he looked at the display. "This will just take a minute or two," he told Hank.
Jack watched the displayed information after he pressed the correct function key: not F6, but Landry didn't need to know that. The screen flashed a couple of times and went black with only a flashing cursor visible. He entered his 18 digit code, his fingers roaming all over the keyboard including the space bar. Then he pressed enter, and it looked as if the computer wasn't going to do anything. No sound, no change in the display, nothing, and he leaned back in the chair to wait. The cameras were disabled, but he hadn't taken any chances. Making sure he was carefully hunched over the keyboard. his body had blocked all views of his hands.
The screen changed to a light blue color, and again all that was left was the flashing cursor. Jack leaned forward and entered another 18 digit code and pressed enter again. This time the computer made a familiar chunking sound, the display brightened and flashed and the computer looked like it was shut down. If you didn't know better you'd think something had gone terribly wrong.
"All right Hank, I need the card now."
Landry turned his chair around, reached into his shirt pocket and took out a laminated card, handing it to his friend. He saw the dark monitor, but didn't say anything, just turned back around. Jack looked at both sides of the card before inserting it into the slot next to the palm reader for the iris.
"I need you to input your validation code, and then I need to enter additional information for the system to accept new changes," Jack explained.
"These are changes I already know about?" Hank asked to confirm what he thought he already knew. There was something about all the secrecy that nagged at his brain, and he knew Jack would understand him inquiring.
"Yes….and no. Sorry Hank."
Jack actually felt a little bad saying those words to his friend, but it was SGC and national security. There were no options. He just hoped Hank knew it too.
Landry didn't hesitate, didn't flinch, heck didn't even seem to wonder about it. The man was a model Air Force officer, a Major General and when he was told to do something, he did it. Not without thinking he didn't, but this was Jack, who even though he was also a Major General, technically outranked him by job assignment and was privy to info Hank didn't have, and there were lots of other minor reasons that made him obey without question. In fact, he mumbled a "Yes Sir" as he entered his code, and then slid back, once again swiveling his chair around.
Hank stared straight ahead, remembering the conversations he'd had with Jack and Hammond, together and separately, and he was completely comfortable with whatever they had cooked up for the security of his base. Jack moved again to the keyboard, entered some numbers and letters, and took out the card before taking a couple of minutes to enter additional data. The stream of code on the screen went on and on, until he was finally finished and pressed the enter key. He half smiled thinking about how his memory was in pretty good shape to remember all of it.
Jack then took a plastic card from his own shirt pocket and slipped it fully into the slot. He entered another long code, waited for the computer, and removed his card. Then he slipped the new card back in, returning his own to his pocket. His Homeworld card was now linked to the gate computer as well as all access slots throughout the facility. The computer chunked and beeped a couple of times before the display again went dark. Both men could hear the slight wheeze it made as the cooling fan shut down, and once again the system was in standby mode. Jack removed the card and eased himself up from the chair.
"Thanks, I'll test this at the elevator," he told Landry who swiped his own card to put the gate computer back exactly the way it was before O'Neill made the changes.
"Does anyone around here have any clue about your capabilities with computers?"
"Nope," O'Neill responded matter-of-factly. Landry smiled. O'Neill didn't admit or deny his computer skills. He just let everyone believe what they wanted to believe. A computer genius he wasn't, but he was capable of much more than anyone expected.
"I need to enable the cameras and review the final security reports. You want me to call you when they're finished upstairs?"
O'Neill thought for just a second before he replied, "Yeah, guess I better have a few minutes notice to put on my dancing shoes." He started for the door. "Hank," O'Neill hesitated.
"I know Jack. It's okay. You'll tell me when you can."
"Yeah," O'Neill confirmed, smiling almost sadly at his friend before turning to leave. Sometimes orders sucked.
Landry headed for the other doorway to call back the SFs while O'Neill headed to the elevator to test his new card before going to his temporary quarters. And leaving Colonel Jordon's office, Captain Arden Guernsey smiled as he slipped his shiny new key card into his shirt pocket.
TBC
Big thanks to Zeilfanaat for the beta and to everyone else who has/had good thoughts about her. I value her hard work in more ways than I can ever express in my regional American slang way. My beta doesn't have any problems at all expressing herself or telling me what she thinks, which is good. :) And here's what she wrote to the reviewers when I told her about their praise of her.
'Thank you for the sweet words. I'm having a good time working on this story and it's nice to see the readers appreciate the editing. So: thank you!'
(Sorry Z, I left out the part of your statement where you praised me.)
**And if anyone is wondering about this stuff, well here it is.**
Leadership according to the NORAD site (2007 to present)
Commander – 4 star USAF General
Deputy Commander – 3 star Canadian General
Chief of Staff – 2 star USAF General
Senior Enlisted Leader – Chief Master Sergeant USAF
ACLU - American Civil Liberties Union - known to step in to protect a person's loss of liberty.
Geneva Convention - international treaties and their additional protocols that protect people who do not take part in the fighting or those who can no longer fight, like prisoners of war. But not when you're held by your own gov.
Amnesty International - stands up for humanity and human rights. Their purpose is to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. But not usually when it's by your own gov.
Red Cross- provides relief to disaster victims and helps communities prepare for and respond to all kinds of emergencies. Internationally they help with restoration of basic and essential services, provide medical and infrastructure support, along with many other services, and during war time provide care packages to POWs.