Life's Problems – Part 11
A/N: Thanks to TZ Maverick for Beta Reading!! Also thanks to all of you for Reviewing!!
Sam arrived on base by lunchtime the next day. She didn't have anything else to do. She was on downtime until her father returned to the Tok'ra home world. Her Father had left in a rush early this morning, when he hadn't returned she decided to go to the base. She was heading towards Jack's office when she ran into Daniel.
"Hey Daniel. How are the translations going from the artifact SG-7 found on PXR-772?"
"Slow. I decided to take a break. Are you going to see Jack?"
"I was going to ask the General when SG-1's next mission would be."
Daniel smiled at her not completely believing her.
"What?" She didn't miss that mischievous smile on Daniel face.
"Nothing. Actually Jack left for Washington this morning."
"Are you sure? He didn't mention anything about going out of town."
"I don't think it was planned."
"Do you know if Washington called him, or if he went on his own?"
"I honestly don't know, Sam. Why do you ask?"
"No reason. Listen I'll talk to you later." Sam walked back to her lab deep in thought. 'He wouldn't do anything without talking to me first ... would he? We talked about this. We both agreed we wouldn't do anything drastic without both of us agreeing to it.'
Jack had arrived in Washington and was now sitting in the Oval office waiting for the President. He wasn't completely sure why he was here. The President's Secretary called and asked that he be on the next plane to Washington for a meeting.
Jack hated waiting. He got bored easily, but this was even worse.
The President finally walked in apologizing. "Sorry for the wait General O'Neill. I've been in meetings all morning. Would you like something to eat?"
"No Sir. I'm fine."
"Thanks for coming on such short notice. I know you were busy, but this had to be done in person."
Jack began to get nervous. "Not a Problem, Sir." Jack thought the less he said the quicker he would find out what this was about.
"Jack. May I call you Jack?"
"Yes, sir."
"Jack, it has come to my attention that another General is in need of Colonel Samantha Carter's expertise. That was the reason for the majority of my meetings this morning."
"How long will this General need her assistance?"
"Actually we were discussing a permanent transfer."
The tight feeling in Jack's stomach was turning into nausea. He wasn't about to lose Sam to another General. Some egghead at area 51 wasn't going to steal her away from him, not now.
"Sir, with all do respect. I can't imagine running the SGC without our top gate expert. What about SG-1, she's the leader of our flag ship team."
"I understand your apprehension, Jack. Actually, we would reassign all of SG-1 along with her. She would still be in command of her team."
Jack couldn't believe what he was hearing. Not only was he losing Sam, but also Daniel and Teal'c. He was losing his family. He couldn't let that happen. "Sir, SG-1 is needed entirely too much to be reassigned to another General. What about gate travel? Teal'c wouldn't be able to see his family and friends. Daniel is needed on peace negotiations with new cultures. Carter is the only one that can keep the gate in working order. I'm sorry sir; I can't understand how this would benefit them or the SGC."
"They said you would put up a fight when I told you."
"They, sir?"
The President picked up the phone to his secretary. "Show him in, Please."
Jack was surprised when General Hammond walked in. He couldn't believe that General Hammond had gone along with this insane plan to transfer SG-1. 'Why isn't he protesting as much as I am?' Jack thought to himself.
"George, Come in and have a seat. I was just telling Jack that you wanted to transfer SG-1."
Jack looked at him as if a Goa'uld had suddenly possessed him. "Sir, you agreed to this?"
"Agreed to it? It was his idea? I have to say it sounds like a solid plan to me. Just hear him out, Jack." His secretary came in to announce he was late for a meeting with the new Vice President. He excused himself and left the two Generals talking, well actually staring at one another in his office.
General Hammond was amused at Jack's anger. He knew if he were in command of the SGC and someone wanted to take SG-1 away he would put up a fight too.
His smile must have shown, because Jack's face became even grimmer.
"Jack, let me explain."
"George, you want to take SG-1 away from me permanently? What explanation will be good enough that I will actually agree to this?"
"Jack, just calm down and I will explain everything. We aren't actually taking SG-1 away from you. They will still be based at the SGC. They will just have a few more missions and little more responsibility, then other SG teams."
Jack calmed down a little after hearing they were still going to be on base. "O.K. I'm listening."
"Well. You know part of my responsibilities of overseeing the "Homeworld Security is being in charge of the Prometheus and the F-302."
"Yeah...so."
"Well, since Colonel Carter was instrumental in the development of both ships her expertise would be greatly useful. Teal'c has more flight experience than anyone with the death gliders, so his knowledge will help fine-tune the F-302's modifications for constant space travel. Dr. Jackson's linguistic and diplomatic expertise will help in case they were to meet up with other civilizations."
"I'm still not sure what they would be doing?"
"They would go on several missions with Prometheus and on the F-302. Colonel Carter saved the entire Prometheus crew already."
"Yes, but she paid the price by being in the infirmary with a concussion for several days."
"Jack, we have already started building another ship like Prometheus, and more F-302s. They just outfitted the Prometheus to carry two F-302s. SG-1 will spend time on the Prometheus and use the F-302s to scout planets the Malp gives incomplete data on, or on planets where the gate didn't engage. We can determine through SG-1 if the planet is worth exploring before sending other SG teams through."
"It sounds very risky. There may be a reason the Malp didn't make it through or why the gate is buried."
"The Prometheus has long range scanning. We can scan for death gliders and motherships and determine when a planet is reasonably safe. You would of course be kept apprised of their missions."
Jack felt a little more at ease. He couldn't help but worry about them. He wasn't going to be there to back them up. He knew he had to trust Sam to command SG-1. It was time to let her go and command her own team. She had to get out from under his shadow. This was an amazing opportunity for her and he couldn't stand in her way.
"Can we call this new ship Enterprise?" He was still disappointed they hadn't liked his idea when naming the Prometheus.
General Hammond just laughed. "I don't know Jack. We'll have to talk about that later. Does this mean you will agree to the transfer?"
"How often would they be going on these missions?"
"Well I guess that would depend on the Prometheus's need, and the number of Planets we can't explore with the Malp. I'm thinking at least seven to ten days out of every month. They would be kept up to date on all the missions the Prometheus went on, and I would determine when they were needed. Until then they could go off world through the Stargate as normal. You and I would have to work together to coordinate their schedules."
"Great more paper work." Jack added sarcastically, although he knew this would be a good opportunity for them if they wanted it. "I'll have to talk to them George. If they agree to it, then I'll sign their transfers."
"Great. I know it'll be a little weird for them to be under my command again." He watched as Jack's face lit up, as if he suddenly realized what this would mean.
"Your command ... that's right. Now let me ask you. While they are at the SGC would they be under your command or mine?"
General Hammond knew what he was asking. This was what he and Jacob had talked about in great lengths. Jacob was even on a conference call this morning with him and the President going over all the fine details. He had a feeling the President was aware of the underlying reason why he and Jacob were pushing for their transfer, but he never said anything.
"They would still be under my command, because I will have to OK all their missions. I will check in with you and Colonel Carter daily on their progress. I oversee the SGC anyways, so I will do all their paper work, promotions, etc."
Jack couldn't help but smile. 'If she was answering to General Hammond, then she was no longer under my command.'
"This will provide an opportunity for you Jack. I suggest you don't blow it."
Jack looked at him as if he was reading his mind. 'General Hammond couldn't know, could he?'
"I agree with you George." The President said as he walked back into his office.
Both Generals stood up as they heard the President.
"Mr. President, I didn't realize you were back."
He came and stood beside Jack. "When General Hammond and General Carter presented this idea I couldn't refuse. I think everyone wins. The SGC gets to keep SG-1 together and the Prometheus crew will benefit from their expertise as well. If that allows two good officers to pursue a relationship of a more personal nature then who am I to stand in their way?"
'Oh for cryin-out-loud, does everyone know?' Jack was a little embarrassed, but very grateful. "Wait a minute, did you say General Carter?"
General Hammond cleared his throat. "Uh yeah. Actually Jacob and I had several conversations regarding the events over the past few days. He knew you would both try to retire, and none of us were willing to give either of you up to retirement just yet. So we decided to play a little interference."
"They're right Jack, there is no way we are losing you two." The President said.
"Well I guess I need to go ask SG-1 if they would be interested in a little transfer."
"Good Luck, Jack."
"Thank you, Sir." Jack shook the President's hand and walked over to George. "And THANK YOU. Sir. This really means a lot to us. I can't speak for SG-1 but this sound's like a great idea."
"Good Luck, son. And if you ever hurt her you will have a lot of people to answer to."
"Yes, Sir. I promise I'll do whatever it takes to make her happy."
"That's a good start, son."
Jack walked out in a hurry to get back to the mountain.
Sam was sitting in her lab lost in thought. Jack called from the plane and said he had some news he needed to share with SG-1. He ordered them to stay on base until he arrived for their meeting. She was going to kill him if he went to Washington and retired without talking to her first.
Jack finally arrived and SG-1 was waiting in the conference room as he made his way down.
"Do you have any idea what this is about Sam?"
"I don't want to speculate Daniel, but he better have a good explanation."
"Teal'c, do you know?"
"I do not Daniel Jackson. I am sure he will inform us as when he arrives."
Jack walked in smiling. Sam became a little uneasy. He was entirely too happy. "Good evening Campers. Sorry I'm late. I'm glad you stuck around."
"What's going on Jack?" Daniel asked impatiently.
"Well, I have an offer for SG-1."
Sam nerves calmed a little, at least his first words weren't 'I retired'.
"Another General has requested your expertise."
"How long would we be in their service, O'Neill?"
"Well, Teal'c it would be a permanent transfer."
"What! Jack, are you crazy? You would transfer us to another base. What about going through the gate and our work here?" Daniel wasn't pleased at all. In fact he was upset that Jack would be so happy to get rid of them.
"General. This is not the answer." Sam couldn't let Jack take Daniel and Teal'c away from the jobs they have dedicated their lives too, so she wouldn't be under his command anymore. She was willing to give it all up for him, but it wasn't fair to ask that of Daniel and Teal'c.
"No, it's nothing like that. Look you would be assigned to General Hammond. He is in charge of the Prometheus, the F-302, and the Stargate program. If you three agreed to a transfer you would be going on regular missions through the Stargate, but you would also be going on regular missions aboard the Prometheus."
"Where would we be stationed?" Sam asked tentatively. She didn't want to be based on the Prometheus and coming home once in awhile. How would she and Jack get to know each other any better if she was a galaxy away?
He smiled as if reading her thoughts. "Don't worry; you would still be stationed here. You would keep your office, lab and base quarters. Going offworld as usual, but once a month ... or so you would go on a mission with the Prometheus. They could use each of your expertise to keep the ship in working order along with making advanced modifications. This would help develop our Homeworld Security defenses, with the Goa'uld and the Replicators becoming more of a threat in our own galaxy. It would also, provide more Intel on planets where the Malp doesn't provide enough Intel or when the gate will not engage. They have outfitted the Prometheus with two F-302s. SG-1 would board the Prometheus from a friendly planet and travel on the Prometheus to these planets in question to gather more information. SG-1 would then explore these planets from the F-302s. Essentially you would be doing the same thing you have done the last 8 years only occasionally you'll be in a ship." Jack smiled because his speech was over. He had hit the main point and hoped they saw the opportunity that was presented to them.
Sam thought of the implications. She would get to do more traveling in space, which she had always wanted to do since she was child; she would still be able to go offworld and discover new planets, she could work in the lab on her experiments, but the best part...she would no longer be under Jack's command. Her face broke into a huge smile. This would be a dream come true on so many levels. She decided she couldn't say anything until Teal'c and Daniel responded. She didn't want to influence their decision.
Daniel thought about it and he didn't really understand what he could offer to this transfer. He didn't know that much about ships. He was content to just going through the gate, meeting new civilizations, and translating artifacts. However, when he looked over at Sam and noticed she had a smile that matched Jack's, it dawned on him that this would be a great opportunity for them. He might enjoy traveling around the planets among the stars instead of just walking through the Stargate. "It sounds O.K. to me. I'm up for the transfer if everyone else is."
Teal'c had always felt the Tau'ri need a more formidable way to defend their planet besides the Stargate. The development of these ships would insure this planet with a line of defense that was greatly needed. He also noticed the most pleasant expressions on Colonel Carter and O'Neill's face. He would not interfere on their personal quest. "I believe this would be the ideal situations O'Neill. I would agree with this transfer as well."
Jack looked over at Sam with a smirk. "Colonel Carter? What do you think about this Transfer?"
Sam couldn't stop smiling. "I believe it's a great idea General. Do we have you to thank for this transfer?"
"No actually, that honor belongs to General Hammond and your dad."
Sam was shocked. "My dad! What are you talking about?"
"He and General Hammond came up with the idea, and presented it to the President this morning. He agreed as long as SG-1 agrees to it."
"Wow!" Sam couldn't believe her father was in on this.
"Well, when does this transfer take place?" Daniel asked pleased that Jack and Sam could stop dancing around their feelings for one another. He couldn't be happier for them.
"Well as soon as you sign these papers, General Hammond and the President will sign off on them as well. It'll take 24 to 48 hours before the transfer is complete." He spread out the paper in front of each of them to sign. "Although, you can take your time and think this through. There is no rush. If you want to sleep on this or take a few days to make sure this is OK, then that will be fine too." He didn't want them to feel pressured.
Sam nodded her head in approval. She and Jack would have more to gain in this then Daniel and Teal'c would. "Maybe the General is right. Maybe you guys should think about this for a while before you make a decision."
"I do not require more time Colonel Carter. I believe this is a wise move." Teal'c signed his papers and handed them to O'Neill.
"What are a few more missions? I think it'll be fun traveling through space. You can count me in." He signed his papers and handed them to Jack.
Sam signed her papers and handed them to Jack, who was still smiling. "You will let us know when the transfer is complete?"
"You'll be the first." He said with a smirk.
They all left in order for Jack to complete their paperwork to send it to Washington. Sam decided to go home and thank her dad for his interference. It was a great plan that she and Jack had not thought of. 'I guess it took two experienced Generals to come up with a brilliant plan that allowed Jack and me to have our careers and each other. Who would have thought?'
Well What did you think? I always thought Jack and Sam were too self-sacrificing to get past the regs on thier own without one of them giving up a lot. That's why I thought they would need a little help.
Up Next: The last chapter.