Tears of Aphrodite

By Rocza

--SG--SG--SG--SG--SG--SG--SG--SG--SG--SG--SG--SG--SG--SG

Chapter 9

Jack had been able to convince General Hammond that the mission debriefing didn't need to include what he and Sam had experienced during their 'captivity.' However, he was surprised when he was also able to convince the general that Sam didn't need to debrief since they had never been separated. At least he was surprised, until he saw Janet's medical report on the general's desk.

Well, at least he could save Sam the embarrassment of having to tell her 'Uncle George' the details about being a sex-starved temple servant. Not that he was looking forward to participating in the conversation himself, but he felt that it was the least he could do for Sam.

Of course, now that he was sitting in the general's office, he was wondering exactly how much to tell the general. Surely, the man didn't want details. But how unspecific did he want Jack to be.

"Alright, Jack, let's get started. We've already talked about the mission up to the point where you saw Daniel and Teal'c go through the Stargate. What happened next?" General Hammond asked him casually.

Okay, you can do this Jack. "Well, we sort of left off the part where one of the goa'uld priestesses did the whole piercing and collaring thing," he started. "After we were taken from the cells, we were stripped and…ah…pierced…you know, like a nose ring, but not in the nose…several times. They also sealed a metal collar around our necks before we were taken to the goa'uld queen naked." He flushed, "I'm not sure exactly why and I don't want to know. But regardless…that was how the interview was conducted."

Jack found that for this next part, he really couldn't look the general in the eye. "Fast forward to the guys leaving…We were in the tower for a bit longer when the rings activated and the door opened. A few moments later, after we traded witty remarks, they darted Carter and I with some kind of knock out drug. When we woke up…everything was…off. I remember not being able to move and…well, whatever drug they gave us, it definitely altered our perceptions and eliminated our inhibitions. We…ah…we spent the rest of the time…crap…"

He glanced at General Hammond. The man was a statue. "I'm sorry, Sir. But this is harder than I thought." He paused, "You read Fraiser's report?" he asked hopefully.

"Yes, Colonel, I did," the general stated flatly.

"So you know that we…ah…you know, broke the…ah…fraternization regulations?" Jack asked.

Jack saw the general's lips twitch. Oh, thank God. He isn't going to make me say it.

"Yes. Enough times that you…" The general opened the report and flipped to a specific paragraph, "…'suffer from extensive trauma on your'…" the general paused and looked up from the report, "ah…ahem…'from chafing'," the general finished.

Oh God, kill me now! Jack felt himself flush a deep red. "Ah, yeah." He replied, lamely. Well, might as well press on now. He took a deep breath and continued, "Well, the temple priestesses sort of monitored…us. I can remember being told to eat and sleep in between…ah, you know. Until finally, we woke up in a small room. Not a minute later, Daniel was there with our clothes to escort us home."

"Jack," the general hesitated, "How clearly do you remember the 10 day interval?"

Jack considered his reply. He had to be honest, because, honestly, it had taken all his self control to focus on the initial mission briefing. His entire mind wanted to do nothing more than recall how Sam tasted, how her breasts felt in his hands, how she moved when she was being fucked from behind. He remembered every minute with the kind of clarity that he didn't usually have outside of a firefight. Each image burned into his mind and accompanied with scent, taste, and sound.

He winced as his cock started to respond the memories. "Very clearly, Sir. Like…crystal."

General Hammond nodded and then let out a soft sigh, "How do you want to handle this, Jack?"

"I could retire…again," he offered hopefully.

Hammond laughed, "Not likely, Jack. You know that your knowledge of the program alone makes you too valuable an asset to let go that easily."

"Yeah, well, can't blame me for trying…It's not like I can keep doing this kind of damage to my body forever…Hell, Fraiser almost didn't clear me on my last annual," Jack joked.

Jack had quietly been planning on retiring as soon as his body finally gave out under the constant abuse. Janet had been trying to convince him that he should quit before he needed a wheelchair to get around. She had almost won the annual argument this last time and Jack wasn't sure that she hadn't informed General Hammond of how close he had been to throwing in the towel.

"While it is true that Doctor Fraiser has…pushed for a less strenuous posting, in light of your medical history, I have denied that request because you so obviously wanted to continue on the operations side of the house." Hammond paused, "But now, in light of recent events, either you or Major Carter needs to be removed from Field Operations and put into a more…administrative role."

Jack almost jumped out of his seat in protest, "Sir, you can't take Carter off SG-1. She is more than capable for field duty and she has the mind of a tactical field officer. You put her in the labs full time and you'll lose her. She'll stagnate. If someone has to go, it's me."

Then Hammond smirked and replied, "I thought you might say that." He had neatly backed Jack into a corner. "I've given this considerable thought. What would you say to the position of Executive Officer?" Hammond asked.

Jack winced. "Not my first choice," he replied.

"I won't accept your retirement," Hammond continued, steadily.

Jack sighed, "Then I'll just have to say, 'great'." He tossed the general a fake smile.

"Jack, we need you here. I need you here. There are advantages to executive management," the general tried to reassure him.

"Yeah, like what?" he asked, his disbelief evident in his voice.

"Like no more fly physicals. Have you seen the new Health Assessment system? You would only have to see the good doctor when something is wrong. Trust me, you will both be happier," Hammond was smiling. "I need to keep my doctor happy, after all."

Jack pouted, "Not your XO?"

"Nah, a grumpy XO keeps the scientists in line," Hammond replied with a laugh.

Jack feigned a look of horror, "You mean I have to talk to…'them'," he whispered in a conspiring voice and using air quotes.

"Yes, Jack," Hammond said with a long suffering sigh, "you will have to manage the scientists." He turned serious, "I want you and Major Carter to take the next week off. Doctor Fraiser has stated that you are both grounded for the next two weeks anyway. Take some time to get used to the idea. I'm sure you'll warm to it eventually."

"Alright. Doc didn't mention anything that would limit our Earthy travels. Are we restricted to the local area? Carter and Jacob wanted to head to San Diego to visit family," Jack asked.

Jack was sure that Sam was trying to put as much space between them as she could, both emotionally and physically. He intended to give her the space she wanted. Especially since he found that he really didn't trust himself around her. Too many memories surfaced when she was around. He felt himself craving her touch and missing her kisses.

"No. I'll go ahead and approve her leave," Hammond said interrupting his thoughts.

"Thank you, Sir. I'll let her know. Is there anything else?" Jack asked as he rose from the chair.

"No, thank you. I'll see you in a week," Hammond rose and escorted him to the door.

As the door slowly closed behind him, Jack felt both relieved and pained. He never thought he would see the day that he was removed from Operations and moved to Support. And while he knew that it was the logical thing to do, it was hard to let go. He sighed and headed to the locker room. It would definitely take some time to get used to the idea.

TBC