Author's Note: Hey all! I know its been a while, but I've been writing and plotting away, don't you worry. As Macisgate already knows, I'm going to be introducing another character very soon, the new fourth member of SG-1. I've known for a while I wanted to add this character and what I was ultimately going to do with them, but I had no idea how I was going to get us all there. I've also known how I wanted to disclose what was happening to Sam in the Prologue (remember that?) but I had no clue how I was going to get there either. THEN I saw "New Order" and was inspired. I've decided from here on out, if the episodes fit, I'm going to use them, slightly modified, in this story. As such, this story will now contain spoilers for all season 8 eps--not that it already hasn't but I'm going to be using all released spoiler information AND anything the US has seen in episodes. That means, if you haven't seen any of season 8 yet/don't read the spoilers--you might not want to go any further than this. Go ahead. Turn back. I won't mind. Seriously, ya'll, here there be spoilers. I'm going to futz with stuff and rearrange things/orders of events as I see fit, but I might also borrow pretty heavily from episode dialogue if it suits me. So if you don't wanna know what happens in S8 from here on out, turn back. It's cool. Come back and read me after you've seen some stuff. And if you're still here and keep reading, and get spoiled, don't say I didn't give you fair warning.
Author's Note 2: Thanks, as always, to Macisgate for betaing. All episode dialogue taken from SG1Transcripts.
Disclaimers/Spoilers: I kinda did this already, but I claim everything that's already aired in the US AND everything that has yet to air. If you don't wanna know, don't read. I put stuff in these chapters that I've found about in the spoiler world. You've been warned.
"And now, it is my pleasure to present, Brigadier General Jack O'Neill!"
Reserved, yet somehow still thunderous, applause filled the gate room as President Hayes stepped aside and allowed a now officially promoted Jack to step up to the podium. With a nervous, yet appreciative smile, Jack shook the surprise guest's hand. Originally, as departing leader of the SGC, Dr. Weir was going to run the ceremony. Then, he had been informed that instead it would be a "surprise guest." After hearing that news, Jack had bet SG-1 who that person would be; loser had to do whatever the winner wanted for an entire day. He had bet on Hammond. Daniel, Sam, and Teal'c had bet on the President. They won. Now he owed each of them a day from Hell. Well, with Sam, he was sure he could persuade her to do something fun--he was cute and damned charming after all--but with Daniel and Teal'c...he shuddered at the thought.
"Thank you, Sir," he replied, proudly saluting the leader of the free world. Looking around, he met the equally proud faces of his friends and colleagues. On the ramp stood the President, a smiling Major General George Hammond, and a humble Dr. Elizabeth Weir, as well as Staff Sergeant Walter Davis. At the base of the ramp, slightly ahead and apart from the rest of the SGC, stood SG-1. His family. Daniel and Teal'c, newly tanned and haired, respectively, were impeccably dressed in suits and ties. Daniel sported a big old congratulatory grin while Teal'c merely, and characteristically, bowed in respect. Beside them stood a beaming, soon-to-be-officially-promoted Doctor Samantha Carter. After his speech, Jack would promote her and turn over command of SG-1 to her. Before opening his mouth to speak, he smiled at her. He hadn't thought it possible, but her smile widened.
"Carter, you checked the skies for our Asguard friends, right? We all remember what happened last time I got up to give a speech like this." His voice boomed via the microphone. The assembled SGC personnel chuckled.
She nodded, chuckling herself. "All clear, sir."
He nodded in satisfaction. "Good," he replied. "But I'm going to make this brief anyway, just in case Thor decides to pull a fast one on us and beam me outta here."
More laughter.
Jack took a deep and steadying breath. "Normally, I am a man of very few words--" He looked up, body stiff, as though waiting for Thor to snatch him up. When it was clear that wasn't going to happen, Daniel cleared his throat and waved his hand discreetly.
"Keep going," Sam mouthed.
Jack leaned forward. "I wish I could say I didn't owe anything to anyone, but the truth is I wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for the courage and support of each and every one of you. I hope I can be as good a leader as we've had in the past." He looked briefly over his shoulder at Hammond before continuing. "And as good as you deserve."
"Hear, here!" Daniel called, soliciting applause from the rest of the spectators.
Jack smiled, continuing, "The other reason I took this job, aside from being able to do whatever I want--"
The President cleared his throat.
"Within reason of course," Jack added slyly. "Was so I could do really cool stuff like this: it is with great pride that my first order of business as commander of this base is to promote Major Samantha Carter to Lieutenant Colonel."
Once again, thunderous applause filled the gate room. Sam smiled in appreciation, blushing. She hated the attention almost more than he did. "C'mere," he mouthed, cocking his head. He laughed when he saw Daniel give her a little push and she began ascending the ramp towards the podium. As she approached him, Jack suppressed the urge to hug her. It was inappropriate. Here, and especially in moments like this, he was reminded how tremulous their arrangement was--here, they were CO and 2IC, friends and comrades at best, not lovers. Most of the base, he assumed, had assumed they'd "hooked up" the moment he was thawed out. Most had the decency, discretion, and perhaps enough fear of him, not to mention anything about it.
Jack stepped away from the podium, her new insignia in hand, as the President once again stepped up to the mike. "As President of the United States," his booming voice filled the room, and probably could have done so without electronic aid. "I have placed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, integrity, and abilities of Major Samantha Carter. Major Samantha Carter is promoted to the grade of Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force."
Jack finished pinning her and saluted. She returned the gesture in kind and was rewarded with a wink. "Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter," he murmured, more for her ears than anyone else's.
"Doctor Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter," she replied cheekily.
He made a face before turning back to the crowd. "Mr. President, General Hammond, ladies and gentlemen, please may I have a round of applause for Doctor Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter." As still more applause filled the room, he raised his right hand and instructed her to do the same. "Repeat after me. 'I, insert name--'"
She smiled at him, replying, "I, Samantha Carter--"
The rest of the ceremony was somewhat of a blur for both of them. She pledged to abide by all the rules and regulations her new title carried, as well as to continue to serve and fight for her country. She repeated whatever Jack told her to, their eyes never wavering from each other. She was so nearly lost in them that she could have been promising to watch the entire Simpsons DVD collection and not have known it. For his part, Jack was nearly bursting with pride. He thought back to their conversation the previous night and knew that in two weeks things had gone quite fast. And yet, things felt so right. Sure, he was nervous as hell to be taking over command of the SGC. He also wasn't loving the fact that some day, sooner rather than later, he was going to have to send them out into the field and not be there to protect them. Despite all that, he knew he had made the right decision. The decision to follow his gut instead of the regs, the decision to accept the promotion instead of pushing for retirement. With Hammond getting bumped up to Director of Homeworld Security--so much for his retirement--Jack knew he was the best man to take over. No one knew the SGC like he did, and he couldn't risk leaving them in the hands of some tyrant bureaucrat, no matter how tempting a life of fishing might have been.
After the ceremony was over, they headed to the mess hall, which had been converted into Party Central. It was a Congratulations/Welcome Back, Jack/Farewell Dr. Weir Party. There was a hot and cold buffet, desserts, an open bar, and an SF playing disc jockey. However, before Jack and Sam were allowed to join the festivities, they were whisked away to his new office.
"Colonel, General," Sergeant Davis said, almost apologetically as they were about to enter the party with Teal'c and Daniel. "The President would like to speak to you in...well, in your office, General."
Jack turned to his friends, "Go on ahead of us. We'll be there in a jiffy." Their friends nodded and walked away from them. "And stay away from the bar, Daniel!" Jack called as an after thought. Daniel paused briefly but did neither turn around nor reply. Teal'c, however, caught Jack and Sam's attention and gave them a look as if to say 'I will do my best to keep him from getting inebriated too quickly.' It was the best they could hope for.
Five minutes later, Davis ushered them into Jack's new office. As they entered, the President stood, rising from his chair behind the empty desk. Dr. Weir had already cleaned her things out in preparation for her move to the Antarctic outpost.
"Give us a minute, guys," Hayes said, dismissing his Secret Servicemen. The typically stoic, black suit clad men nodded their heads and filed past Sam and Jack silently, shutting the door behind them. "Have a seat, kids," the President said, directing them to sit in the two chairs in front of the desk.
Exchanging quick, slightly nervous glances, Jack and Sam did as they were told.
"Congratulations on your promotions," Hayes said, sitting once more behind the desk.
"Thank you, sir," Sam said respectfully.
"Yes, thank you," Jack added. "It was a very nice ceremony."
Hayes nodded, "I thought so too." He paused, thoughtfully. "But that's not why I asked you here."
Jack looked sideways at Sam before replying, "Didn't think so, sir."
Sam sat up a little straighter. "Then what did you ask us here for, sir?" Her hands were folded neatly in her lap, but Jack could tell she was nervous. For two weeks, he knew she'd been waiting for the other shoe to drop. Now, with the President calling them into the principal's office, she was sure it was going to happen. He didn't know what Hayes had in mind, but he had been promised that this was kosher, and he was not going to let this get taken away from them.
Hayes stood again and came around to the front of the desk, sitting casually on the edge of it. "I can't make it to the party--gotta go back to Washington. I've left mice alone to play too long. But before I go, I just wanted to make sure we were all clear on the situation here."
Jack didn't think it was possible, but Sam sat up even straighter. He could practically hear her thinking: 'Here it comes.' Still, he resisted the urge to reach out and comfort her, to take her hand. He was going to let the President play his hand and then go from here.
"I think we're all on the same page, sir," he said cautiously.
Hayes smiled. "Jack, I know we talked about this, but I want to bring Colonel Carter up to speed, although I'm sure you've already told her."
"I gave her my understanding of our agreement sir, but please feel free to add anything," he replied politely. Let him play the hand...
Hayes turned towards a professional, but uncomfortable Sam. "Colonel," he began. "When then-Colonel O'Neill was revived, one of the first things he did was video conference with me. I wanted to talk to him personally about his experience, not read a report."
Sam nodded, "That's understandable, sir."
"During our discussion, I commended Jack on once again going above and beyond the call for his country and planet," Hayes continued.
"General O'Neill is a very dedicated soldier, sir," Sam offered helpfully.
Jack really suppressed the urge to take her hand. She was about this close to babbling and he knew it.
Hayes nodded indulgently, and went on. "I then made the mistake of telling him that I owed him big time for what he'd done and if he ever needed anything, to let me know."
Sam nodded, smiling politely.
"For God sakes, Colonel, at ease," the President said with a laugh. A deep blush stained Sam's cheeks, and she forced herself to relax. He looked at Jack, "Is she always like this?"
"She loosens up eventually," Jack deadpanned before breaking into his patented megawatt grin.
The President smiled, saying to Sam, "Now that you've relaxed, Colonel Carter, allow me to continue." Sam blushed some more. "It was then that Jack pointed out that I didn't just owe him one, I owed most of the SGC, especially SG-1, about fifty times over. At least. I'm sure you see now how he got me to bend the regulations for you two."
"And we appreciate it, sir," Sam replied sincerely.
"I'm sure you do, and I was glad to do it," Hayes told her. "I'd heard rumors about the two of you, and while I don't necessarily condone this kind of...office romance, especially since the military expressly forbids it, I'm not a heartless man. I understand the dedication and hours this job requires. I know the sacrifices it has demanded of you, and I know how closely the teams work, especially SG-1. Frankly, I'm surprised you didn't request this sooner."
Truth be told, until Jack had found himself no longer a popsicle, the thought had never occurred to him. It was just how things were. Period. End of story.
"However," the President was saying. "There are still rules and regulations to be followed. He's now the leader of this facility, and you are now the leader of our flagship team. Those new positions are going to put both of you under even more scrutiny than you were before and not just from your colleagues. You're now being watched by hawks in the highest levels of government. Just because I okayed this bending of the rules doesn't mean I can protect you forever, nor do I intend to. You're both..." He looked at Jack, considering his words. "Mature adults and seasoned Air Force officers. You know what is expected of you and I expect nothing less. On this base, you are General and Colonel, base commanding officer and second in command. If I even smell that there is any kind of special treatment going on here, you'll both be discharged so fast your heads will spin. I don't want to do that. You two are both way too important to this planet--hell, to this galaxy--to lose. As such, I expect you to go about your jobs as though the regulations still wholly applied to you. I can't court martial you for what happens off the clock any more, but if I hear of things happening on the clock..."
Jack nodded. That was fair. Even though he felt a little bit like a schoolboy being given his first curfew by his parents.
"Of course, sir," Sam said, the relief in her voice unmistakable.
"Good," Hayes said, smiling. He clapped his hands on his thighs and rose from his desk. "Now that that's over with, we'll never speak of it again." He glanced at his watch. "I really have to go. Someone's gotta run this country, and our new Vice President is still getting used to his promotion from Speaker of the House."
"If you don't mind my saying so, sir," Jack said. "I couldn't have been happier when I heard Former Vice President Kinsey had.... resigned."
"You and me both," the President said with a gleam in his eye. "Congratulations again, kids. I leave the SGC in your more than capable hands."
"Thank you, sir," both Sam and Jack said, slightly overlapping, as they rose to shake the President's hand.
As he slipped his suit jacket back on, Hayes snapped his fingers. "Oh right, one more thing."
Sam and Jack once again exchanged glances. "Yes, sir?" Jack asked pleasantly.
"I don't know if either one of you had put any thought into this yet, but I'm assigning a new fourth member to SG-1."
They both frowned. "Sir?" Sam queried. "I didn't know you were that interested in the daily goings on of the team."
Hayes shrugged, "Normally, I'd leave it to you, but with the Stargate program becoming more and more public, especially with the development of the Ancient outpost, international pressure is increasingly exponentially by the day." He sighed. "So, in the spirit of diplomatic good faith with our European allies, I'm authorizing some interagency musical chairs."
Jack frowned, "Pardon my idiocy sir, but, huh?"
The President hid a smile. "Interagency cooperation, Jack. I'm sending some of our guys overseas to work with some of the European agencies, and they're sending us a few of theirs. The SGC, specifically SG-1, gets its new member tomorrow. She arrives at 0900." He smiled reassuringly. "It'll be fine, kids. She's quite capable, and I know she'll be a great addition to the team. Good luck." And with that, he took his leave of them, leaving a stunned General and Colonel in his wake.
"A new team member, huh?" Jack said after a time.
"Guess so," Sam replied, still trying to assimilate all the information she'd been given. "I guess things are about to get a lot more interesting around here.
Jack sighed. "Things are never not interesting around here, Carter," he replied ruefully. He just couldn't shake the feeling things might not be changing for the better.
Author's Note 2: Thanks, as always, to Macisgate for betaing. All episode dialogue taken from SG1Transcripts.
Disclaimers/Spoilers: I kinda did this already, but I claim everything that's already aired in the US AND everything that has yet to air. If you don't wanna know, don't read. I put stuff in these chapters that I've found about in the spoiler world. You've been warned.
"And now, it is my pleasure to present, Brigadier General Jack O'Neill!"
Reserved, yet somehow still thunderous, applause filled the gate room as President Hayes stepped aside and allowed a now officially promoted Jack to step up to the podium. With a nervous, yet appreciative smile, Jack shook the surprise guest's hand. Originally, as departing leader of the SGC, Dr. Weir was going to run the ceremony. Then, he had been informed that instead it would be a "surprise guest." After hearing that news, Jack had bet SG-1 who that person would be; loser had to do whatever the winner wanted for an entire day. He had bet on Hammond. Daniel, Sam, and Teal'c had bet on the President. They won. Now he owed each of them a day from Hell. Well, with Sam, he was sure he could persuade her to do something fun--he was cute and damned charming after all--but with Daniel and Teal'c...he shuddered at the thought.
"Thank you, Sir," he replied, proudly saluting the leader of the free world. Looking around, he met the equally proud faces of his friends and colleagues. On the ramp stood the President, a smiling Major General George Hammond, and a humble Dr. Elizabeth Weir, as well as Staff Sergeant Walter Davis. At the base of the ramp, slightly ahead and apart from the rest of the SGC, stood SG-1. His family. Daniel and Teal'c, newly tanned and haired, respectively, were impeccably dressed in suits and ties. Daniel sported a big old congratulatory grin while Teal'c merely, and characteristically, bowed in respect. Beside them stood a beaming, soon-to-be-officially-promoted Doctor Samantha Carter. After his speech, Jack would promote her and turn over command of SG-1 to her. Before opening his mouth to speak, he smiled at her. He hadn't thought it possible, but her smile widened.
"Carter, you checked the skies for our Asguard friends, right? We all remember what happened last time I got up to give a speech like this." His voice boomed via the microphone. The assembled SGC personnel chuckled.
She nodded, chuckling herself. "All clear, sir."
He nodded in satisfaction. "Good," he replied. "But I'm going to make this brief anyway, just in case Thor decides to pull a fast one on us and beam me outta here."
More laughter.
Jack took a deep and steadying breath. "Normally, I am a man of very few words--" He looked up, body stiff, as though waiting for Thor to snatch him up. When it was clear that wasn't going to happen, Daniel cleared his throat and waved his hand discreetly.
"Keep going," Sam mouthed.
Jack leaned forward. "I wish I could say I didn't owe anything to anyone, but the truth is I wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for the courage and support of each and every one of you. I hope I can be as good a leader as we've had in the past." He looked briefly over his shoulder at Hammond before continuing. "And as good as you deserve."
"Hear, here!" Daniel called, soliciting applause from the rest of the spectators.
Jack smiled, continuing, "The other reason I took this job, aside from being able to do whatever I want--"
The President cleared his throat.
"Within reason of course," Jack added slyly. "Was so I could do really cool stuff like this: it is with great pride that my first order of business as commander of this base is to promote Major Samantha Carter to Lieutenant Colonel."
Once again, thunderous applause filled the gate room. Sam smiled in appreciation, blushing. She hated the attention almost more than he did. "C'mere," he mouthed, cocking his head. He laughed when he saw Daniel give her a little push and she began ascending the ramp towards the podium. As she approached him, Jack suppressed the urge to hug her. It was inappropriate. Here, and especially in moments like this, he was reminded how tremulous their arrangement was--here, they were CO and 2IC, friends and comrades at best, not lovers. Most of the base, he assumed, had assumed they'd "hooked up" the moment he was thawed out. Most had the decency, discretion, and perhaps enough fear of him, not to mention anything about it.
Jack stepped away from the podium, her new insignia in hand, as the President once again stepped up to the mike. "As President of the United States," his booming voice filled the room, and probably could have done so without electronic aid. "I have placed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, integrity, and abilities of Major Samantha Carter. Major Samantha Carter is promoted to the grade of Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force."
Jack finished pinning her and saluted. She returned the gesture in kind and was rewarded with a wink. "Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter," he murmured, more for her ears than anyone else's.
"Doctor Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter," she replied cheekily.
He made a face before turning back to the crowd. "Mr. President, General Hammond, ladies and gentlemen, please may I have a round of applause for Doctor Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter." As still more applause filled the room, he raised his right hand and instructed her to do the same. "Repeat after me. 'I, insert name--'"
She smiled at him, replying, "I, Samantha Carter--"
The rest of the ceremony was somewhat of a blur for both of them. She pledged to abide by all the rules and regulations her new title carried, as well as to continue to serve and fight for her country. She repeated whatever Jack told her to, their eyes never wavering from each other. She was so nearly lost in them that she could have been promising to watch the entire Simpsons DVD collection and not have known it. For his part, Jack was nearly bursting with pride. He thought back to their conversation the previous night and knew that in two weeks things had gone quite fast. And yet, things felt so right. Sure, he was nervous as hell to be taking over command of the SGC. He also wasn't loving the fact that some day, sooner rather than later, he was going to have to send them out into the field and not be there to protect them. Despite all that, he knew he had made the right decision. The decision to follow his gut instead of the regs, the decision to accept the promotion instead of pushing for retirement. With Hammond getting bumped up to Director of Homeworld Security--so much for his retirement--Jack knew he was the best man to take over. No one knew the SGC like he did, and he couldn't risk leaving them in the hands of some tyrant bureaucrat, no matter how tempting a life of fishing might have been.
After the ceremony was over, they headed to the mess hall, which had been converted into Party Central. It was a Congratulations/Welcome Back, Jack/Farewell Dr. Weir Party. There was a hot and cold buffet, desserts, an open bar, and an SF playing disc jockey. However, before Jack and Sam were allowed to join the festivities, they were whisked away to his new office.
"Colonel, General," Sergeant Davis said, almost apologetically as they were about to enter the party with Teal'c and Daniel. "The President would like to speak to you in...well, in your office, General."
Jack turned to his friends, "Go on ahead of us. We'll be there in a jiffy." Their friends nodded and walked away from them. "And stay away from the bar, Daniel!" Jack called as an after thought. Daniel paused briefly but did neither turn around nor reply. Teal'c, however, caught Jack and Sam's attention and gave them a look as if to say 'I will do my best to keep him from getting inebriated too quickly.' It was the best they could hope for.
Five minutes later, Davis ushered them into Jack's new office. As they entered, the President stood, rising from his chair behind the empty desk. Dr. Weir had already cleaned her things out in preparation for her move to the Antarctic outpost.
"Give us a minute, guys," Hayes said, dismissing his Secret Servicemen. The typically stoic, black suit clad men nodded their heads and filed past Sam and Jack silently, shutting the door behind them. "Have a seat, kids," the President said, directing them to sit in the two chairs in front of the desk.
Exchanging quick, slightly nervous glances, Jack and Sam did as they were told.
"Congratulations on your promotions," Hayes said, sitting once more behind the desk.
"Thank you, sir," Sam said respectfully.
"Yes, thank you," Jack added. "It was a very nice ceremony."
Hayes nodded, "I thought so too." He paused, thoughtfully. "But that's not why I asked you here."
Jack looked sideways at Sam before replying, "Didn't think so, sir."
Sam sat up a little straighter. "Then what did you ask us here for, sir?" Her hands were folded neatly in her lap, but Jack could tell she was nervous. For two weeks, he knew she'd been waiting for the other shoe to drop. Now, with the President calling them into the principal's office, she was sure it was going to happen. He didn't know what Hayes had in mind, but he had been promised that this was kosher, and he was not going to let this get taken away from them.
Hayes stood again and came around to the front of the desk, sitting casually on the edge of it. "I can't make it to the party--gotta go back to Washington. I've left mice alone to play too long. But before I go, I just wanted to make sure we were all clear on the situation here."
Jack didn't think it was possible, but Sam sat up even straighter. He could practically hear her thinking: 'Here it comes.' Still, he resisted the urge to reach out and comfort her, to take her hand. He was going to let the President play his hand and then go from here.
"I think we're all on the same page, sir," he said cautiously.
Hayes smiled. "Jack, I know we talked about this, but I want to bring Colonel Carter up to speed, although I'm sure you've already told her."
"I gave her my understanding of our agreement sir, but please feel free to add anything," he replied politely. Let him play the hand...
Hayes turned towards a professional, but uncomfortable Sam. "Colonel," he began. "When then-Colonel O'Neill was revived, one of the first things he did was video conference with me. I wanted to talk to him personally about his experience, not read a report."
Sam nodded, "That's understandable, sir."
"During our discussion, I commended Jack on once again going above and beyond the call for his country and planet," Hayes continued.
"General O'Neill is a very dedicated soldier, sir," Sam offered helpfully.
Jack really suppressed the urge to take her hand. She was about this close to babbling and he knew it.
Hayes nodded indulgently, and went on. "I then made the mistake of telling him that I owed him big time for what he'd done and if he ever needed anything, to let me know."
Sam nodded, smiling politely.
"For God sakes, Colonel, at ease," the President said with a laugh. A deep blush stained Sam's cheeks, and she forced herself to relax. He looked at Jack, "Is she always like this?"
"She loosens up eventually," Jack deadpanned before breaking into his patented megawatt grin.
The President smiled, saying to Sam, "Now that you've relaxed, Colonel Carter, allow me to continue." Sam blushed some more. "It was then that Jack pointed out that I didn't just owe him one, I owed most of the SGC, especially SG-1, about fifty times over. At least. I'm sure you see now how he got me to bend the regulations for you two."
"And we appreciate it, sir," Sam replied sincerely.
"I'm sure you do, and I was glad to do it," Hayes told her. "I'd heard rumors about the two of you, and while I don't necessarily condone this kind of...office romance, especially since the military expressly forbids it, I'm not a heartless man. I understand the dedication and hours this job requires. I know the sacrifices it has demanded of you, and I know how closely the teams work, especially SG-1. Frankly, I'm surprised you didn't request this sooner."
Truth be told, until Jack had found himself no longer a popsicle, the thought had never occurred to him. It was just how things were. Period. End of story.
"However," the President was saying. "There are still rules and regulations to be followed. He's now the leader of this facility, and you are now the leader of our flagship team. Those new positions are going to put both of you under even more scrutiny than you were before and not just from your colleagues. You're now being watched by hawks in the highest levels of government. Just because I okayed this bending of the rules doesn't mean I can protect you forever, nor do I intend to. You're both..." He looked at Jack, considering his words. "Mature adults and seasoned Air Force officers. You know what is expected of you and I expect nothing less. On this base, you are General and Colonel, base commanding officer and second in command. If I even smell that there is any kind of special treatment going on here, you'll both be discharged so fast your heads will spin. I don't want to do that. You two are both way too important to this planet--hell, to this galaxy--to lose. As such, I expect you to go about your jobs as though the regulations still wholly applied to you. I can't court martial you for what happens off the clock any more, but if I hear of things happening on the clock..."
Jack nodded. That was fair. Even though he felt a little bit like a schoolboy being given his first curfew by his parents.
"Of course, sir," Sam said, the relief in her voice unmistakable.
"Good," Hayes said, smiling. He clapped his hands on his thighs and rose from his desk. "Now that that's over with, we'll never speak of it again." He glanced at his watch. "I really have to go. Someone's gotta run this country, and our new Vice President is still getting used to his promotion from Speaker of the House."
"If you don't mind my saying so, sir," Jack said. "I couldn't have been happier when I heard Former Vice President Kinsey had.... resigned."
"You and me both," the President said with a gleam in his eye. "Congratulations again, kids. I leave the SGC in your more than capable hands."
"Thank you, sir," both Sam and Jack said, slightly overlapping, as they rose to shake the President's hand.
As he slipped his suit jacket back on, Hayes snapped his fingers. "Oh right, one more thing."
Sam and Jack once again exchanged glances. "Yes, sir?" Jack asked pleasantly.
"I don't know if either one of you had put any thought into this yet, but I'm assigning a new fourth member to SG-1."
They both frowned. "Sir?" Sam queried. "I didn't know you were that interested in the daily goings on of the team."
Hayes shrugged, "Normally, I'd leave it to you, but with the Stargate program becoming more and more public, especially with the development of the Ancient outpost, international pressure is increasingly exponentially by the day." He sighed. "So, in the spirit of diplomatic good faith with our European allies, I'm authorizing some interagency musical chairs."
Jack frowned, "Pardon my idiocy sir, but, huh?"
The President hid a smile. "Interagency cooperation, Jack. I'm sending some of our guys overseas to work with some of the European agencies, and they're sending us a few of theirs. The SGC, specifically SG-1, gets its new member tomorrow. She arrives at 0900." He smiled reassuringly. "It'll be fine, kids. She's quite capable, and I know she'll be a great addition to the team. Good luck." And with that, he took his leave of them, leaving a stunned General and Colonel in his wake.
"A new team member, huh?" Jack said after a time.
"Guess so," Sam replied, still trying to assimilate all the information she'd been given. "I guess things are about to get a lot more interesting around here.
Jack sighed. "Things are never not interesting around here, Carter," he replied ruefully. He just couldn't shake the feeling things might not be changing for the better.