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'' What the Hell was that all about, Jack?''
Even though he hadn't been offered a seat, Jack dropped down onto a chair and lowered his head to his hands. Jesus Christ, what had he just done? Had he lost it entirely? All yesterday he'd worked on calming himself down, steadily building up a wall. He'd listened to classical music, gone swimming, done all the usual tricks that relaxed him, short of going up to the cabin and zoning with the lack of fish.
But... just seeing her. Standing there, her hair just slightly ruffled. Then when she'd turned around and he'd felt that sharp punch of lust and love, all he'd been able to see was her lying underneath him, that one expression on her face.
Lost it.
He'd lost it.
'' Jack? I asked you a question.''
He came up with something suitable scathing, just in time too. The General was surely pulling out all the big guns by calling him 'Jack': '' Well, I'm trying to think of something to say that won't get me fired.'' He drew his hands up his face and down, stretching the skin and trying to shake some semblance of order into his head.
'' Is the shit hitting the fan, Jack? Is that what this is?''
Jack laughed, horribly. The General wasn't a fool, never had been. He'd probably been waiting for this day to come for two years. '' I think it is, yes. Big time. Oh my God, she's never going to speak to me again.''
'' I'd like to say otherwise, but unfortunately I can't speak for Major Carter. Though, obviously, it's not Major Carter you're having a problem with. It looks like Jack and Sam are having the problem.''
He fumbled for the words, the right ones, the wrong ones, and came up with nothing. Instead, he spread his hands to the side and pleaded with his eyes. '' George, can I speak to you off-record?''
Hammond paused. '' Is what you're about to say a serious regulation offence?''
'' Yes, and no.'' He looked at his commanding officer seriously. Hammond was a man he had so much respect for it was verging on awe. He was probably the first CO he'd ever had who completely understood him, knew how far to let the reigns go, knew when to tug him back into line. Knew his limits. Knew his weaknesses. And the big weakness that Jack dealt with every single day: Samantha Carter.
Cautiously, Hammond took in his surroundings, finally looking down at the folder on his desk with the SGC label emblazoned across it. '' I don't think I can do that here, Jack, no matter how much I want to. It goes against everything I believe in.''
'' Great.''
'' As your commanding officer, I suggest you seriously consider your options.''
Options. Ah, yes. Jack's options. The forks in the road he could take. '' I could retire.''
Hammond blanched. '' Is it that bad?''
There was no doubt in Jack's mind. '' Yes.''
'' Jack, I'd hate to lose you.''
'' You know my time is coming.''
He smiled slightly, but his eyes remained serious. '' I had hoped... one day, you would replace me.''
Jack sat bolt upright. '' What?''
General Hammond seemed to be amused. He finally sat down in his chair and clasped his hands together. '' At some stage, Jack, you will no longer be fit to go off-world, but I imagine it would be difficult for you to just step away from the programme.''
'' I could do it.'' With the right incentive.
'' I've no doubt of that, son, but there are other reasons... reasons we are both aware of for your continuing involvement in the Stargate programme.''
'' If you're talking about Carter, there's no way in hell she'd want me after that stunt I just pulled in there.'' He thumbed the general direction of the control room, shaking his head as he did so.
'' The longer you leave it, I imagine the closer you get to that fact, Jack.'' He raised his eyebrows and nodded to the door. '' I give you permission, Colonel, to go and apologise to your second in command.''
'' General...''
'' Jack, get your ass down to her lab this instant!''
He jumped out of his chair. Orders. Yes. He could follow orders. '' Yessir.''