"Jack we need you," the President told him. "There's no one else with your qualifications and this is a vital job."
"I understand, Madam President, but you knew I was planning on retiring."
"Yes, well – that was before. Now you've been restored to health – and you looks years younger. You have a lot more in you to give."
"With all due respect, I've given enough," he said angrily. "I've spent nearly 50 years in the Air Force, and during that times I've saved this planet – and others, many times over. I think it's time for someone else to step up."
"But there is no one else," she answered him.
"Bull – uh – pucky," he answered sharply. "There are lots of good people who could take over for me. And right now the galaxy is at peace so it's the perfect time to put someone new in charge."
"I told you, Jack, there is no one else. It's very clear that General Cummings isn't the right person. The only other person the Joint Chiefs and I could think of was General Carter, but I hate to take her away from the SGC." The President sighed. "But if you're insistent, I can have her transferred here in a couple of weeks. General Dooley seems to have done a good job. I can make his position permanent and have you train up Samantha Carter."
"Uh – well," Jack rubbed his face, "that might be a bit difficult Ma'am," he told her. "You see – Sam – General Carter, is also planning on retiring."
"What? President Kinman looked startled, and then angry. "She can't retire! She has years of service left."
"She has over 30 years and can retire with a full pension," he told her.
"This is crazy! You both can't leave at the same time. We can't leave the program without our two best people. If you retire, then there's no way I'm going to allow General Carter to at the same time!"
"I'm sorry Madam President, but you can't stop her. It's her right to retire – and we're not at war with anyone right now. As I said, there are plenty of people who can take over for me. What about Davis? He knows more about the program than anyone and he knows Washington inside and out. He's long overdue for making General and he'd be great. He's much better at dealing with the IOC than I am."
The President sighed again and slowly lowered herself into a chair. She regarded Jack for a few moments. "And I can't change your mind?"
"I'm sorry," he shook his head. "I've thought long and hard about this. I'm tired, Marie. You need someone with a fresh outlook and a passion for the job. I'm afraid I've lost that. I'm ready for a new chapter in my life – and thanks to the Furlings, I've got one."
"Yes, you're looking amazing Jack. I am really pissed at you – but I'm also happy for you. You deserve a life – I know what public service takes out of you! May I ask what you're planning on doing."
"Well," Jack grinned, looking self-conscious. "I'm going to move to San Diego, buy a house, a cat and a dog, and have a kid. I'll be pretty busy."
"Uh – a kid?" The President said, catching the last part of his list. "Is this a future plan or -?"
"No – uh – I need to tell you that – Sam Carter and I are together – as in together. We were in love years ago – after we didn't serve together any more – but it didn't work out. When we were on Furlin – well, we rediscovered our feelings for one another. And as a result - "
"She's pregnant," the President said. "Ah – now I understand! Well, I'm still pissed – and very sorry to be losing both of you. Can I ask one thing?"
"Of course."
"Can you stay until we find your replacement? If you could spend a couple of weeks training him or her, that would be helpful – then I promise to let you go gracefully."
"I'll stay," he agreed, "as long as you don't take too long picking someone."
"We won't," she agreed. "I like your idea of Colonel Davis. Let me run that by the Chief and see what he says." She stood and waited until Jack was standing as well. "I am happy for you, Jack," she said. "You're going to be an amazing father and partner. Give Sam Carter my best wishes, and tell her I'm pissed at her as well," she grinned.
"I will, Madam President," he said. He chuckled softly when she leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"I may still call you if we get into trouble," she told him. "You're my favorite General, you know!"
"Really?" he looked pleased. "I'll have to tell Sam that."
The President laughed. "And you may have to handle the negotiations if the Furlings do decide they want a treaty."
"I know," he sighed. "I kind of hope they decide they don't want one. But if they do – give me a call."
After saying goodbye, Jack headed home. Sam was meeting with his boss, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, to hand in her resignation. They had felt that was the better thing to do, since she still technically reported to him. He hoped that she didn't have any trouble – or that they didn't decide to make an issue of the two of them being together.
It was almost two hours before she was home – during which he'd practically paced a hole in his floor. He kept thinking that something was going to come in the way of the two of them being together. He also continued to have a niggling doubt that Sam actually would retire. He worried that she was doing it for him, rather than because it was something she really wanted.
When he finally heard the door open, he jumped into his chair and turned on the TV. The last thing he wanted was for her to think he was nervous.
"Hey," she said as she came in and threw her purse down. She stretched, looking tired.
Jack turned off the TV – he had absolutely no idea what program had been playing. "Hi. How did everything go?" he asked casually.
"Fine," she answered. "I am so tired. Give me a few minutes. I'm going to grab a drink and then change. I'll be right back."
He wanted to scream, but instead nodded. She didn't seem upset, so hopefully things went as planned.
For the next 10 minutes he wanted to jump out of his skin, but instead remained in the family room, trying to keep from going crazy.
"There, that's better," she said, collapsing beside him. She leaned her head on his shoulder. "How did things go with the President?" she asked, as if that was a normal everyday question.
"Fine," he told her. "She didn't want to let me retire, but when I made it clear I was going to, she said fine and that she'd give you my job."
"What?" she lifted her head and looked at him incredulously. "Are you serious?"
"Mmm hmm. Do you want it?" he asked, trying to sound casual, but inside he was dying.
"Do I – are you crazy, Jack? I want to retire and have your babies," she told him, resting her head back down. "Although I must admit I'm flattered she would think of me. Of course, I could never have filled your shoes."
"My shoes? No, there two big," he said putting out his foot and regarding it carefully. "But you would have done a helluva good job – better than me, I'm sure."
"We'll never know," she yawned. "I'm sleepy."
"And how about you?" he asked. "How did it go?"
"Fine," she said, sounding sleepy. I don't think General Adams was particularly happy, especially when I told him you were retiring too – but in the end he was okay with it. I'm going to go back to the SGC and officially hand things over to General Dooley. It shouldn't take more than a few days," she told him. "Then – I'm officially retired!"
"And you're sure that's what you want?" he asked carefully.
"Jack!" she punched his arm. "Will you quit asking me that. I've told you – and told you – and told you – I want to retire. I'm ready for it and for a move. Of course I may be a bit sad – but it's not what I want – not now. I am gloriously happy and excited – that's all you should be thinking about!"
"Okay, okay," he laughed. "I just wanted to double check." He gave her a swift kiss. "The President did ask me to stay on until they hire someone."
"What did you tell her?"
"I told her I would, as long as they got to hiring someone quickly. I am not going to hang around indefinitely."
"Well, as long as I can stay here in your house all day, and read books, you can stay. But the moment they hire someone -"
"I'm outta there," he agreed. "The only other thing that might come up is the Furling treaty – if they decide they want one. I'm afraid you and I are pretty much it as far as the negotiators."
"As long as I can do it with you, I'm fine."
"Good! Now – I think we should test this bed, don't you?" he asked with a smirk. "We have to make sure it works properly."
She rolled her eyes at him, and then laughed. "Sounds like a plan," she agreed.