I just want to say again that this is an AU …. just in case people are wondering why Jack is having this particular conversation with General Hammond instead of Elizabeth Weir. My Aus tend to vary widely from the actual show in some respects, as per the needs of the story. This is one of them xxx
A beam of white light inside the containment section of the infirmary signalled that the body of Samantha Carter had been transported to the Asgard mothership.
Thor had warned them that the process would be a little more complex since the body was lifeless and there was Naquadah in her blood. He prepared them for the possibility that the process might not work at all, due to the latter. Then he too disappeared.
"Now what?" asked Jack.
"Now we wait" said Jacob, who had since returned to the SGC.
He watched, amused, as Jack started to pace.
"Are you going to be doing that all day?"
"Why?"
"Because if you are I'm going to the VIP quarters …"
Jacob left the room shaking his head.
The hours rolled by but there was nothing from Thor.
"What's taking them so long?" muttered Jack to Daniel over coffee in the commissary.
"Perhaps Major Carter needs time to adjust to her new body" suggested Teal'c.
"Colonel O'Neill to General Hammond's office. Colonel O'Neill to General Hammond's office."
Jack was on his feet in an instant.
"Here we go …"
Jack knocked on the General's door and walked in, his hands stuffed deep into his pockets.
"News from Thor Sir?"
"No Jack … but we have to talk son."
Jack steeled himself for what he knew was sure to follow and took a seat.
"Look Sir … I can explain." Hammond waved him off.
"A few days ago I received an urgent communication from the Pentagon. I am being transferred to Washington to head up Homeworld Security, effective immediately."
Jack did a double take; this was not what he had expected to hear.
"Who will be taking your place Sir?" he asked warily.
"The recommendation is for you to be promoted to Brigadier General and given command of this facility."
Jack looked left and right, trying to figure out who the General was talking to, as he couldn't possibly be addressing him, could he?"
"Sir?"
"I wanted to talk to you about this when it came in but you were away, and what with this business with Major Carter there was just never a good time. However, I cannot delay the matter any longer Jack. I have no choice but to move on up, but you can decide whether to take this or not. I don't have to tell you what a big career move this is son …" he smiled.
"Can I have some time to think about this Sir?"
"Of course – you will need to discuss it with your team and …" he got cut off short when Jack disappeared into an Asgard beam.
Jack found himself on the deck of the 'Daniel Jackson' with Daniel, Teal'c and Jacob.
Thor regarded them seriously.
"The cloning process is complete O'Neill. It was possible to transfer all of Major Carter's memories to her new body. There is, however, one question I must ask. Should I manipulate her consciousness to remove the memory of the four days prior to her demise before I move on to the final stage?"
Jack thought about it and looked to Jacob for advice. He shook his head.
"No Thor. As painful as those memories may be they are a part of her."
"Very well then. I shall return soon."
As they waited Jack filled them in on the news that General Hammond had imparted.
"General huh? Now I've really seen it all!" laughed Jacob.
'You're really going to do this Jack?" Daniel was incredulous. "I don't believe it."
"Thanks for the moral support Danny boy."
"No, it's just weird. I can't really imagine you taking General Hammond's place … seeing us off without coming on missions … dealing with mounds of paper work … being diplomatic …"
"Sheesh Daniel … rub it in will ya?"
"Will you not miss being out in the field O'Neill?"
"Maybe I'm being put out to pasture nicely …"
"Who will lead SG-1 in your stead?" asked Teal'c.
"Hey … I heard the news all of ten minutes ago ya know. Haven't quite thought that far ah- "
"Dad?" came a tentative voice. All four men spun round.
"Hey kiddo …" she fell into his arms.
Daniel and Jack stood there with their eyes fairly popping out of their heads, while Teal'c moved forward with purpose and embraced her firmly.
"It is good to see you Major Carter."
"You too Teal'c. Daniel …" she turned to him and hugged him tightly – a gesture he returned wholeheartedly. "Sir …" she took in Jack's appearance.
"Carter … don't do that again" he crushed her to him, sinking his face into her neck.
"You ok?" he asked when he could speak.
"I am now …" she smiled, tears shining in her eyes.