With the winter holidays over and long passed, Stargate Command had become it's usual lively self; technicians were constantly repairing the base's equipment, scientists giddily examined alien technologies, and SG teams embarked on missions to uncharted planets. Everything was running smoothly, no mishaps or emergencies, meaning Libby was stuck on base with absolutely nothing to occupy her time. Holding her title as Ms. Fix-it was quite difficult when there was nothing to fix.
Noticing Libby's obvious restlessness, General Hammond approached Libby on the subject of possible job opportunities. Together they decided she would teach the new personnel for SG teams about Stargate technology.
"Like a Stargate for Dummies kind of thing?" Libby inquired.
This startled a chuckle out of the General. "Yes, I suppose you could call it that." He sighed and was serious once more. "Although one of the new recruits is actually a scientist transferring from Area 51, and I think she might give even you and Major Carter a run for your money."
"Oh…I seriously doubt that sir." she said with a smug smirk.
The General and Major Pierce continued their conversation down a long corridor. They stopped at the large metal door sporting the name plate 'Maj. Gen. George Hammond', where Hammond opened the door and directed the Major to an armchair in front of his polished wooden desk. The Major gladly took the seat and invidiously watched the General sink into his famous ruby leather chair. Now comfortable, the two once again resumed their discussion.
"General," Libby spoke, "I can't help but broach this topic repeatedly. Why can't I receive some off-world training in my spare time?"
The General's laid back manner quickly changed to annoyance. "Major, we need you here on the base. You are our resident Stargate expert while Major Carter is off-world."
Libby, severely irked, sighed and opened her mouth to speak only to be cut off by Hammond's stern voice.
"I know what you are going to say, Major. 'You were one of the youngest Captains in the Air Force and your military training is being wasted by sitting in front of a computer all day.' I know. You may not think your work on base is as important as off-world missions…but it is."
"Yes, sir, I understand that. But the entire reason I joined Stargate Command was to put my Stargate knowledge to use in and out of the field." Libby recognized that the General's patience was slowly thinning but continued on. "I mean, even Walter has been off-world, sir!"
"Major Pierce, I've about had my fill of this debate today," Hammond voiced firmly. "You are needed more at the SGC than on some alien planet. End of discussion. You are dismissed."
Libby silently stood up from her chair, nodded to her superior, and marched out of the office.
Infuriated at the General's stubbornness, she stomped down the hallway toward the elevator, intending to go fume in her quarters. She thrust her hand into her pocket and produced the gray keycard which allowed her access to every part of the base. She angrily swiped it at the reader, causing the card to slip out of her hands and fall to the ground. The Major growled and furiously snatched the card off the cement floor. Her fury quickly turned to pain, however, as she straightened at just the right angle to slam her head into the reader. Libby cried out and promptly fell back to the ground, clutching her throbbing forehead. Unable to make her body move, she sat on the cold floor, whimpering. Minutes passed before the metal doors slid open.
Still cursing the reader, Libby managed to regain her feet and turned to enter the elevator. To her horror there stood a tall, salt-and-pepper haired man with piercing brown eyes.
Colonel Jack O'Neill stared amiably at the teary eyed Major, fighting back laughter. He stepped aside to make room for the petite woman. A chuckle escaped him as the brunette smacked the level 18 button and retreated to the corner of the elevator, fuming. It wasn't until the doors slid closed that he decided to speak.
"Having a bad day?" His voice was at its most innocently neutral.
Libby glowered at the Colonel, causing the elevator to suddenly become uncomfortable. Moments of tense silence passed before the young woman finally responded.
"The best damn day of my life," she said calmly, "Sir."
The atmosphere lightened; the Colonel always had a way of calming Libby with the simplest of phrases. She smiled up at the older man.
"Well, Libby," Jack said imperiously, "I know what will fix your day right up." He paused, waiting for the Major to reply.
"What?" Libby asked warily.
The Colonel paused once more, for dramatic effect, and then whispered. "Pie."
Libby giggled and pressed the button that would take them to the cafeteria.
A few moments passed before a high pitched tone signaled that they had reached their destination. The elevator doors opened and the duo made their way down the hallway and into the cafeteria. Both quickly grabbed trays and headed straight for the dessert section of the bar; Colonel O'Neill arrived first.
Jack greedily snatched the last piece of pumpkin pie and placed it on his tray, along with a glass of milk. Realizing he needed utensils, he turned and walked away to get a straw, some napkins, and a fork. Upon returning the Colonel found his tray empty and Libby innocently gazing up at him, clutching a tray with a single slice of pumpkin pie and a tall glass of milk.
"Thank you so much, sir. I was just about to go get those." Libby seized the contents of Jack's hands, threw them on her tray, and took a seat at the nearest table.
Shocked, the Colonel stood frozen, mouth gaping open as the Major made herself comfortable and took a bite of his pie. Jack decided not to kill her this time; instead he gave her leeway due to her distressed state and shook it off, laughing silently. He grabbed a piece of apple pie, another cup of milk, and joined Libby at the table.
"How's the pumpkin pie, Major? Good?" the Colonel inquired, eyes gleaming.
"Quite wonderful," Libby said, all smiles. "You should have gotten some yourself, sir"
"Oh!" Jack exclaimed. "I see how it is. Let's change the subject before I decide to steal back what is rightfully mine!"
The small brunette chuckled and replied, mouth full of pie. "Did you hear what General Hammond assigned me to do?"
"Yeah, train the new SG team recruits. Sounds like fun," he said sarcastically.
"Loads." Libby's voice was also cynical. "I just don't understand why Hammond won't let me go off world, sir. It's not like the entire SGC is going to fall apart without me."
"I wouldn't be too sure about that. You don't know how much you actually hold this place together, Major." Libby sighed at the Colonel's remark. "But, personally, I would let you go off-world."
"Really, sir!" she squeaked in surprise.
"Sure! I would love to see you in action, to prove those promotions." Jack paused and ate his late bite of pie. "But…it's not my place to decide." The Colonel picked up his plate and pushed in his chair, Libby following.
The Major placed her tray among the other dirty dishes and headed back to the elevator, Colonel O'Neill in tow. "But, sir, couldn't you at least put in a good word for me? The General will listen to you. More than some pesky Major who plays with computers."
The Colonel thought it over while awaiting the elevator. It wasn't until Libby impatiently nudged him and they reentered the elevator that he told the Major he would try his best.