Chapter 20
He considered the consequences of his decision to everyone, it took only a second before, he then feed the resignation into the shredder.
He cleared away the rest of the mail, knowing it wouldn't be long until he had a visitor.
Half an hour later his PA's voice came over the speakerphone;
"General, Major Carter wishes to speak to you, Sir"
"Yes, I've been expecting her, send her in"
"Can I help you, Major" He asked, as she stood rigidly to attention in front of him. Her posture was that of ultimate confidence, her face betrayed a sadness, but it would have taken a braver man than Hammond to tell her.
"Sir, I was wondering if you'd given my resignation any thought, Sir"
"No Major. I haven't, since I received nothing regarding a request to resign" She looked momentarily nervous.
"I requested your PA to put it in with your post this morning, Sir"
"Ah, Very unfortunately somebody accidentally shredded this mornings post before it was opened. Very good for security of course but not very helpful. I was informed there were a couple of items from your late husband. Any idea what he might have sent me?"
"Um, No Sir"
"I suppose no one will ever know now. Sorry. Now about your resignation?"
She squared her shoulders almost unnoticeably before she continued
"Yes Sir, I formally request to be allowed to resign my commission, Sir"
"Request denied, Major"
"Sir, I really feel..." but Hammond cut in,
"This Base needs you Carter, whatever mistakes you've made in the past I think you've been through enough. Just make sure you learn from them. Now I'm very sorry about Hanson but you need to look to the future now"
"Sir, with respect, I don't know if I can here, with Jonas and everything here"
"Major Carter, if there was another SGC I'd transfer you but there isn't and you're needed here, you'll find a way to cope. This is the option I'm offering you."
Then she knew for certain. She had said she would accept any option; this just hadn't been on the list of hell assignments he could have sent her on. She'd lost no rank, nothing, her option was to cope; so as always, she would do her best to obey.
"Yes Sir, Thank you for your consideration"
"You're welcome Major and remember to try and protect yourself as well as everyone else."
"Yes Sir"
Fin,
Remember in real life some people break more than their partners hearts!
A/N: Thanks for reading, I love to here what you thought, you took the time to read it, please take 10secs to review it, constructive critism is very welcome