6.
Reinstated
Summary: General Hammond assesses Daniel for reinstatement.
Reinstated
General George Hammond finished reading the report Dr Jackson had handed in scarcely a minute before the deadline. No doubt it had been hard for him to write, the general mused sympathetically. Though he had lightly chastised the archaeologist for almost failing to be punctual.
Dropping the sheet of paper so that it drifted down to join the other reports scattered over the dark wood surface of his desk, George Hammond steepled his fingers and went over what he had read in his mind.
Dr Fraiser had certified Jackson to be back to full health, and O'Neill, Carter, Teal'c and Jonas had all requested that he be assigned to SG-1. Then there was Daniel's own report. The archaeologist had put down his capabilities and talents with typical modesty. He was clearly disappointed and almost downright apologetic that he had retained barely any knowledge of his time spent ascended.
George Hammond shook his head in wonderment. This from the man who had worked out how to use the stargate!
Dr Jackson was the leading archaeologist, anthropologist and linguist at the SG base. A place in the flag team was the only position worthy of his abilities.
Yet, the general gave a troubled sigh.
Part of him wanted to protect Daniel, wanted to protect all of them, from the horrors beyond the 'gate. He would bury the giant ring beneath tons of rock, only he knew that would be the worst thing that could be done. The enemy wasn't restricted to 'gate travel, they would come in ships, great motherships that would blast Earth into smouldering ruins.
No, they needed the stargate to get out into the universe and do what they could to protect their home and assist the many other inhabited planets needing help. And Hammond needed to send out the best people to do that task. Daniel Jackson was one of those people.
Daniel had suffered greatly from being part of the Stargate programme, not least by losing his beloved wife. However, if it had not been for that first mission to Abydos, he would never have even met Sha're.
Jonas Quinn had partly filled in the abyss left by Daniel's departure. The Kelownan was a good man and a quick study, who had proved himself to be invaluable. However, SG-1 still needed Daniel. Having both Jonas and Daniel on the team was as close to predetermined success as could be found in this dangerous and unpredictable game.
After stacking the reports into an impeccably neat pile, the general used the intercom to call the waiting Dr Jackson and Colonel O'Neill into his office.
General Hammond leant back in his leather chair and watched them enter.
The light-brown haired, young man stood formerly before the general's desk. Through their glasses his sharp blue eyes nervously tried to read behind Hammond's impassive expression. More relaxed, the colonel stood off to one side. Jack knew that really there was no question mark hanging over his friend's reinstatement. Daniel was fit and eager to return, and they needed him, period.
General Hammond's mouth curved into a warm smile.
"Dr Jackson, it gives me great pleasure to reinstate you as a member of SG-1."
~ End ~