Hammond – waiting for the man

General George Hammond walked casually into the room, eyes falling on its sole occupant. "You know, technically, you should be in jail."

"I'm sorry, do I know you?"

"No, we never formally met. You were too busy taking my ship to exchange pleasantries."

"Oh… Oh! You're General Hammond, aren't you?" Vala squirmed in her seat.

"Right you are, miss."

Vala cleared her throat, her face growing shyer. She stood up to properly speak with the man. "Oh, um… I just want you to know that I'm truly sorry about that. It wasn't anything against you personally, just business."

"Business?"

"Less than reputable business?"

"I see."

Vala looked pensively at the General and had to ask, "Would you have really put me in jail?"

Hammond nodded. "After the events on the Prometheus, we wouldn't have thought twice about it. You caused us a lot of damages."

"Um, yeah, I know. I've read the mission report and your state's law," At Hammond's look, Vala explained, "I was bored and read all these law books that were lying around, I thought it'd be best to know this planet's legal loopholes." She paused, and smiled awkwardly, self-conscious. "Not that I would have used them. Anyways, I know that I should have been put in jail for I believe, reckless endangerment, and an intentional attempt at manslaughter, or something equally malicious. But I really am sorry. Really. I didn't want to truly hurt anyone. I made sure the ship had enough life support for a few hours, long enough for you to hail someone or to ring aboard the other ship and get the other crystals – I didn't know about the carbon monoxide poisoning I read about in the reports."

George Hammond could only look at the woman and be impressed, and was also reminded of his granddaughter when scolded. He decided to give her a break. It wasn't like he was angry with her. "And I hope you know the only reason you weren't put in jail after, was because Dr. Jackson vouched for you."

At that Vala grinned, wide and bright. "Well, that's because Daniel loves me."

"Does he now?" Hammond was beginning to see just why every body had come to like this woman.

Vala nodded enthusiastically. "He does, he just doesn't know it."

George Hammond had to laugh at that, and wished Daniel Jackson luck with this woman. She was a firecracker.

"You know, I have tell you, Ms. Mal Doran, I'm beginning to see why you've been such a welcome addition to the SGC and SG-1." He sat down at the head of the briefing room table.

"You are?" Vala leaned towards the general, curious of his assessment of her.

"Of course, who wouldn't want a beautiful young woman on their team." George Hammond gave Vala his first smile, but not his last.

Vala smiled back, blushing a little. "Thank you, General Hammond." Hammond couldn't help but think the woman had a great smile.

"Call me George."

"Call me Vala."