Chapter 19
General Hammond walked into his office at 8am. He wasn't looking forward to the day, the Base was still in shock over Hanson even though most of them didn't know the full story or even half the full story, but rumours were flying and teams needed rebuilding.
He looked down at the post in front of him, flicking through the pile he noticed three envelopes. Two were addressed to him in Jonas Hanson's handwriting and the third written in Sam Carter's neat script.
Forgetting the rest completely, having decided long ago that is was unlikely that the Gou'ald would write to let him know they were invading. He slid his thumb briskly along the seal of the top envelope from Hanson. Tipping the contents out onto his desk he saw five photographs and a note.
The photographs showed a much younger Carter and a man Hammond didn't know, but what they were doing was pretty clear. In the first two it could have been said they were just friends but unfortunately not in the next three. Turning them face down he picked up the note:
'Sir, I am sorry to have to bring this matter to your attention but I
can no longer keep my wife's secrets. These photos may well explain
Sam's remarkable academic results. I know you will investigate fully,
the man was Sam's instructor at the academy after all, or else I shall
take this matter further myself. Conduct unbecoming an officer is a
serious offence.
Thank you, Regards, Captain Hanson'
Jonas Hanson was dead but he was still proving to be a serious threat. With an increasing sense of dread Hammond reached for the second envelope Hanson had sent.
More photo's fell out, these were more recent and this time he recognized both officers. One again was Major Carter, the other was Colonel O'Neill, the pictures were not as incriminating as the first batch, showing only a close relationship. Again there was a note;
'She hasn't changed, don't believe her. They are both openly flaunting
a relationship that is a serious offence, I know you will again
investigate fully
Respectfully, Captain Hanson'
Hammond reached a conclusion, Jonas was dead and he would not allow him to ruin two of his best officers on a rumour and a few inconclusive photographs. So, walking over to the shredder he dropped the second set of photos in, destroying them in only few moments.
Sitting back at his desk, where the first set of photos still remained again he picked up the envelope from Carter, it contained two letters, he began to read the first;
To General Hammond
I am writing to you regarding a set of photographs from my late husband, which if you have not received already you will receive shortly.
The relationship I engaged in with the man depicted in the photographs was a violation of the regulations and conduct unbecoming. If necessary I will testify to this at my court martial, I will not add lying under oath to my crimes.
If you will accept it, I will tender my resignation immediately, but I respectfully request you don't investigate this matter. This probably sounds a ludicrous request given the implications, but I am not the person most affected. The man is no longer in the military, he has left but he has a wife and three children. I simply want to protect his honour but I know after what we did this may be an impossible request.
I will accept any other option you are able to give me. My letter of resignation is attached, should you be willing to accept it
Thank you for your time,
It was an honour serving under your command,
Respectfully
Major Carter
He then read the letter of resignation, it was short and to the point.
He got up, taking the remaining photo's and shredded them. Then he took the letter containing Carter's confession and it followed the photo's. He looked again at the letter of resignation.
Authors note: Thanks for reading please review I will post the last part tommrow!