The loop they never showed us

Season: Four (window of opportunity)

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction intended solely for entertainment; no infringement is intended to MGM; Gekko or Double Secret Productions.

~ Sam's thoughts // Jack's thoughts

Feedback: Thanks you, it been great .Especially kind of you since it's my first story!!! Sorry about the previous spelling mistake!

Author's note: sorry it took so long but it should be pretty good, it was great fun writing!

******************

The Plan in Action

As the General went in and sat down Jack lingered in the briefing room.

"Right, this will take just a minute kids, but you might want to order some more coffee for after." Before he entered the office he flashed Sam a quick grin.

// This is for you Sam//

~ He's up to something ~

And for the second time that day (as far as they where aware) Daniel and Sam exchanged yet another quizzical look. At which point the door to Hammond's office closed.

*********************

The general still in complete shock awaited Jack's next words, unaware that his bald head shimmering in the cabinet behind him was in fact distracting his 2CI.

//Wonder if he polishes it to make it that shiny, nice cabinet as well...damn it Jack! Focus!!//

Jack shook his head slightly and sat in front of his commanding officer. Sounds of chairs being repositioned for better listening could be heard from beyond the door. Jack looked intently at he general. This was serious business. Jack opened his mouth then shut it quickly realising his brain and mouth weren't working coherently at the present time.

//This is a lot harder this time. //

"Colonel," the general's voice barked across the desk, making Jack jump ever so slightly.

In the end Jack resorted to just handing him the newly typed letter. Realising that his brain still had control over his limbs, he reached in to his pocket, removed a sealed envelope and placed it on the desk, between the two men. Neither of them moved for a moment, each knowing what the envelope contained both literally and figuratively. The older man stood and walked to over to the glass planet chart that acted as a window to the briefing room, at this time two heads could be seen turning from the direction of the office. Jack stood also, and taking the letter from its current resting place put it in the hand of his CO.

"Read it," said Jack now finding that he had full control over his mouth, the barely audible words slipped over his lips.

The general opened the letter and began reading. Jack moved back to his seat and sat in it gratefully reducing the strain on his knees and the situation, slipping into the comfortable chair. After reading the letter once he sat back down and began reading it for a second time.

"General, I want to resign, I want to retire." Said Jack resolved in his course of action. The older man did not respond for a few moments, and then finally, collecting his thoughts he uttered just one word, "Why?" in an almost pleading tone.

"I'm not going to say that it's because I put my life on the line everyday, because I've done it before and I'd gladly keep doing it." Pausing for a moment he glanced towards the briefing then leaned forward slightly and looked the general in the eye before glancing at the window and the woman on the other side "Personal reasons," he said his voice hardly audible.

"Jack, as long as it's what you want," he asked already knowing the answer.

"Yes," replied jack before he finished his sentence.

"Jack your one of my best officers." The general was going to attempt to change his 2CI's mind but the resolved look on his face made him think otherwise. He also knew that Jack would be able to 'pursue' certain things that he couldn't have done given previous circumstances." Once you retire Jack, that's it. Finished completely, you know that. "Yes sir... George."

Placing the letter in his top drawer for safekeeping, he then turned to Jack and smiled. He knew that he would be happy.

"We're all going to miss you round here."

The general stood up, as did Jack, they shook hands, then suddenly deciding to throw protocol out the window gave each other a hug.

"What are you going to tell them?" asked the older man glancing towards the window.

"You know me, I'll make it up as I go along."

And with that they both left the office with a smile on their face.

******************* Meanwhile, 5 minutes ago out side...

Quizzical looks still firing across the table.

"What was that about?" said Sam remembering the words of her friend.

"I really worry about Jack sometimes." Said Daniel truthfully. "Airman," he called gaining the attention of a young man not far from the door, " could you get us some coffee?"

The airman looked to Sam and seen that she approved gaining confirmation of the request, and with that he headed off in the direction of the cafeteria.

Daniel and Sam exchanged yet another look then quickly repositioned their chairs for better listening.

"So what do you think they are talking about," asked Sam.

"Nothing apparently, oh wait Jack just put something on the desk."

"Yeah I see it."

They continued to look in the direction of the office until the general walked to the window.

"Shit! That wall looks very nice painted that colour doesn't it Sam?"

"Yes it does," said Sam pretending to be interested. Leaning across the table she whispered, "Are they still at the window?" not daring to look herself.

Daniel turned to face Sam as they continued to talk about the wall as well as steal the occasional glance at the office.

"Jack's handing the general something. A letter."

"A letter !?!?"

"Yeah, Hammond's got it and he's reading it now."

"Any ideas??"

He never answered knowing what the possibilities could be and to engrossed in the scene unfolding in front of him.

Sam, too, was watching the scene not even caring that Daniel had not answered her question.

~ What was in that letter? ~

Silence crept into the room, both Sam and Daniel sitting waiting patiently for the answer. Two pairs of eyes looked on intently as the men stood and gave each other a hug and pause before entering the silenced room.

So many questions all needing answered ran through the minds of those just sitting waiting.

The general took a seat while Jack stood, ready to make an announcement. The room was motionless, anticipation at his next words.

"Did you get more coffee?"

The wave of hate he received from his friends pleased him, he enjoyed the atmosphere that came from postponing the news.

"Yes, we sent an airman to go and get some, sir." Said Sam quickly to get to the bottom of what exactly was going on.

Jack look intently at Sam, deep onto those blue eyes, he could see fascination and worry. She had inadvertently given him the perfect way to reveal the retirement. His eyes glinted with mischief knowing what would come of his next words.

"Sir," he repeated as he sat down, "doesn't apply any more." He took a slight moment to observe his audience. "I'm retiring."