Fish or Cut Bait
Stand and Deliver
Now or Never
Do or Die
When you are the one of the greatest warriors the world has ever produced – how hard is it to lay down your arms and realize that that life is no longer your path? In one word… VERY.
Jack O'Neill, of course, had never thought of himself in this light despite having received the highest Air Force medal for bravery and being on the receiving end of the President of the United States' hero worship every time they met. This was just another of his unique qualities – that made him a extremely rare commodity -- the ability to stay 'grounded' --no huge ego to be fed or dealt with -- just a strong-willed, capable military man who had the innate ability to lead and utilize every resource – animate or inanimate – to problem-solve.
Way more intelligent than his persona at times conveyed -- again, a strategy that was uniquely O'Neill's'. How many times had Hammond seen it in action? O'Neill's crew of 'young geniuses' in meetings, hashing and rehashing the strange problems they had to deal with and just when they were about to give up – O'Neill would step forward and 'suggest' or say something to get them on the right track to the solution. When it happened one time – Hammond thought it was luck, but after seeing the same recurrence of this ability countless times over the past eight years – Hammond knew without a doubt that Jack O'Neill was special.
For almost a year Jack had managed to step off the frontline and become the leader of SGC – a damn effective one at that – despite a very rocky first few weeks. Now, things were changing again and Jack was going to be needed even more than ever – but in a different role. His reputation off world was that of a Legend. Every major alien race both good and evil knew of Tauri's 'O'Neill'. The Asgard particularly considered him extremely singular – even as they had never divulged the reason -- but had assured Hammond that it wasn't an emotional idea – there were solid grounds on why O'Neill was perceived this way. He was actually more appreciated in the Universe than on his own planet – an irony that did not escape Hammond.
These were the thoughts of General Hammond as he gazed at General Jonathan 'Jack' O'Neill and two other members of the original SG-1 team; Dr. Daniel Jackson and the alien Chulak warrior, Teal'c. Standing so somberly, they paid tribute to the father of the last member of their elite force, Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter. The graveside service at Arlington National Cemetery for General Jacob Carter was an impressive sight. Hammond wondered if Jacob was watching from somewhere on high as this moving tribute played out. The bright, spring sun and cool, brisk breeze belied the somberness of the outdoor scene.
It was a large turnout of all who had served under and with him during his career, along with Samantha Carters' friends who wanted to support her in her loss. Hammond noticed that the eyes of the SG-1 team standing across from where Sam was seated with her brother Mark and his family never left Sam's face. All three watched her steadily as if transmitting their strength and support through the steady gaze of their eyes. This was not lost on Sam. Hammond noticed that she sought out one set of eyes over the others and did appear to be comforted by the support shown in their dark brown depths.
Suddenly Hammond realized how alone Sam Carter was now. She had never been close to her brother and he had moved on to be a part of his wife's family more than his own. Her father, whom she had hero-worshipped and the reason she had joined the Air Force – was now gone. He had heard without surprise that her engagement was off with the policeman. Yes, Sam Carter needed someone. Sam Carter deserved someone. She deserved the best and Hammond at that moment, came to a decision that had been hard for him to make. He was about to delve into un-chartered waters -- the personal matters of one extremely private individual… Jack O'Neill.
After the 21-gun salute and taps played, Hammond watch as Jack stepped forward as the folded American flag was handed to him along with a salute. O'Neill was the epitome of military perfection as he then approached the family to present the flag. Sam stood, herself re-splendid in her full dress uniform and accepted the flag; her blue eyes swimming with yet, unshed tears – never leaving his. Hammond was never more proud as he watched Sam's inner strength that shone for everyone to see. Jack returned to stand by his team as the funeral ended.
General Hammond approached Sam and was gratified with the fierce hug she gave him.
"If there is anything I can do…" He started and before he could finish,
"I know. Thank you Sir" she quietly said with a sad smile.
He worked his way around to where Jack stood,
"George" Jack said quietly in greeting, his look solemn,
"Jack" Hammond responded as he shook the taller man's hand and then Daniel and Teal'c's.
"Jack before you go back to the mountain, I would like to meet with you."
"Sure. Regarding..?" Jack's brown eyes searching as he asked inquiringly.
"Nothing I can discuss here. Say, 01000 hours tomorrow – my office."
"Be there with bells Sir" Jack quipped in his usual cavalier way even as his eyes watched Sam hug her niece and nephew and move toward the waiting limousine. Suddenly, she stopped and turned, her eyes seeking and finding her team. Excusing herself from her family she quickly approached. She reached Daniel and Teal'c first and they each hugged and kissed her in turn and then stood in a close group murmuring quietly to her. Sam stood between them with her arms around each of their shoulders and they all three turned to make their way to where Jack and Hammond stood waiting.
"Sir, I just wanted to say, Thanks for being a part of the ceremony today." She addressed Jack, her eyes locked with his.
Jack, without a word stepped toward her as she released her hold on Daniel and Teal'c and moved into his embrace. Tucking his head into her shoulder he held her for a long moment before releasing her,
"My privilege." His quiet tone, very gentle.
Sam looked around the group and with a small gesture she said,
"Well, I'll see you back at the Mountain, I guess." And with that, she quickly left to join her family waiting in the limousine.
Daniel cleared his throat and pushing his glasses further up his nose addressed the group,
"Now what?"
"I have an interest in viewing the Temples of Washington, D.C." Teal'c stated emphatically in his formal way.
"Uhh, we don't actually have TEMPLES, Teal'c" Daniel responded in his usual reasonable tone, "but we do have memorials that are very impressive."
"Are they not large buildings built solely to honor an individual?" Teal'c asked as he raised his eyebrow inquiringly.
"Uhhh, yeahh…" Daniel began to say…
"Then they are Temples, DanielJackson." He stated flatly in a tone that brooked no argument.
"Sure Teal'c… Let's go see the TEMPLES. Jack, you going to join us?" Daniel asked hopefully.
"Nah, I've seen my quota of Temples in this lifetime – ya'll go ahead.. Knock yourselves out.. Take pictures.. Buy me a t-shirt. I'll meetya for a drink at the hotel later on."
"Uhh.. Jack, I distinctly remember it was you who told Teal'c about the Temples – so, don't you feel obligated to … " Daniel's voice trailed off as he squinted through his glasses at his boss and best friend.
"NO Daniel… I DON'T." Jack's forceful tone would have had a any other subordinate wondering which way and how far to jump, but left no impression on Daniel Jackson.
"You Do." Daniel's smooth voice immediately responded with total confidence.
"I Don't." Jack's just as confident.
"You Do." Daniels response – still convinced that Jack would come around.
"Don't" Jack's tone still determined and settling in as if he had all the time in the world.
"Do." Daniel, still going strong and good for another 10,000 retorts knowing he could 'wear him down' even if he had never done it yet.
"If you do not wish to show me these places, I will perhaps attend a Star Wars Movie Marathon' Teal'c interjected, knowing that the Jack/Daniel volley could actually last much longer than the patience of any living Jaffa and he would hate to murder his friends over such a silly situation.
"No! Teal'c Ole buddy – Daniel's been looking forward to showing you the wonders of D.C. for months! YOU! GO FORTH… ENJOY!" Jacks' brown eyes sparkled with devious pleasure.
"Thanks Jack." the sarcastic tone in Daniel's voice only made Jack's smirk larger and his eyes a little brighter.
"You are welcome Daniel… anytime…anytime…" Jack always tried to get the last remark in when dealing with Daniel Jackson. Sometimes this took long sessions of barter – but it was 'their game' and they enjoyed it.
General Hammond and Jack watched as the two made their way back to the road and waiting rental car discussing which 'Temple' to view first.
"Can I give you a ride, Sir?" Jack asked as they started toward the road themselves.
"You can give me a ride and a drink, Jack."
"Sure. I know just the place; little hole in the wall that the snarky politicians haven't discovered yet."
A half hour later, situated in the bar, Jack and Hammond found an isolated table and each ordered a beer. Jack took a long swig and sighed with pleasure.
"Nothing like a brewski to lift the spirits." He held his bottle up,
"To Jacob and Selmak, They will be missed." and they clinked their bottles in tribute. . Hammond nodded in agreement as he took a long drink.
"How are things at the Mountain, Jack? Getting used to being "The Man"?" Hammond asked with a grin on his face. His memories of being commander to Colonel Jack O'Neill were never dull to recount.
Jack grimaced and it seemed like he read Hammond's mind.
"Sir, I now feel like I should apologize to you for all the times that I gave you grief while you were my CO at the mountain."
Hammond chuckled and answered "Nothing to apologize for… you were always worth the trouble you gave me."
"Can you give me any clues as to what to expect tomorrow in your office? " Jack's keen brown eyes alert and studying the older generals' face for any clues he could spot.
"Jack, don't change the subject. How do you like running the mountain?"
Jack leaned back, not realizing how impressive he looked in his full dress uniform and totally unaware of the stares that he was the object of, by almost everyone - male and female - in the bar. He sighed heavily and answered, "I love it and I hate it. Go figure."
How's that Jack?
Leaning back in his chair, fiddling with the beer bottle in his nervous way – his dark eyes bored into Hammonds as he quietly said,
"I think you know what I mean.. Don't ya? No one else could know better… It was your command. I love being a part of SGC – I have to be a part – how could I be somewhere else? …After knowing all that I know --and then, to not know what is actually happening out there? That would be impossible. I would go stark raving NUTS! Yet, to sit in my office -- your old office while SG1 is on missions … I hate it. It hurts like hell that they are doing perfectly well without me. How's that for selfish? You think they need you – and you find out they don't. It is a no-win situation."
Hammond nodded his understanding. He thought awhile before he answered,
"Son, it was hard for me, sure. I knew though, that as hard as it was for me – it was going to be 100 times harder for you. You were SG-1. I never had that -- yet I understand completely. I know I don't have to tell you this, but I'll say it anyway. You should be proud that SG-1 doesn't need you. THAT is a credit to your skills as a soldier and a leader."
Jack grimaced; receiving compliments had never been easy for him, even as he appreciated them when they came from someone he respected..
"Thank you sir. It is also a credit to you." The best CO an officer could ever have!"
He grinned and raised his bottle in salute.
Draining his bottle, he motioned,
"WAITRESS! Two more of these. Thank you"
Hammond waited until the waitress left leaving two more bottles on the table before speaking again. "I appreciate that Jack. I would like to say something now that you may not appreciate on any level. Hear me out before you respond as I'm talking to you now not as your CO but as someone who cares for you personally."
Jack's chair dropped back to the floor as he frowned, his nervous fiddling stilled as he waited for Hammond to continue.
"Something unusual has been occurring over the past two months. Thor has been a frequent visitor of mine. "
"Thor Sir? Jack's face suddenly showing worry.
"Something going on in their neck of the woods that concerns us?" He asked quietly
General Hammond's face flushed, as he seemed to find something interesting in his beer - not meeting Jack's gaze. Taking a deep breath he continued,
"Nothing like that son, let me get to the point. Thor has a concern regarding you. I have been told time and again by him that your destiny is of the utmost importance. Earth's future is intertwined with you somehow. Now don't misunderstand me – I was never TOLD exactly what this meant. Hell, how he even knows is beyond me!"
Jack simply stared blankly and said a tad sarcastically, "Well sir… possibly he meant the seven.. No WAIT! Eight times we saved the world? Could THAT be what he was referring to?" Jack almost added, "Du'oh" but fogged as he was by the two beers, he did remember that you don't want to say that to your CO.
Hammond stiffened unable to conceal his ire at the sarcastic comment, and then remembered this was Jack O'Neill who was the master of sarcasm and just as quickly relaxed.
"I thought the same thing Jack, when Thor told me this last week in another unexpected visit. When I pointed out your accomplishments, he continued to tell me that you have YET to fulfill your destiny!"
Jack scowled, "WHAT? Did you ask him to spell it out? And, if he mentioned a burning candle – did ya hit him? I would have!"
"Yes. I did ask him. You are not going to like this, Jack. Evidently it is on a personal level that you have yet to fulfill your destiny."
"WHAT!" This said even louder. "For crying out loud what are you talking about?"
"I believe that it has to do with your personal life – I believe it has to do with you and someone you care about."
Jack stiffened, his eyes narrowing as his face flushed. His whole body seemed to vibrate as if an attack was imminent. In a very low, yet vibrant tone, he answered emphatically, "I do believe 'personal' implies that it is nobody's business but MINE. I also would like to state that I have always obeyed the Military regulations – and any information that you have that says otherwise is totally incorr.."
"JACK!" Hammond's voice thundered… and Jack stopped his tirade in mid-sentence.
Hammond lowered his voice and leaned into the table – his blue eyes flashing fire as he earnestly continued,
"Off the record – as your friend – I know that you care deeply for one very intelligent, blond-haired Lt. Colonel; that you would give your life for in a second. That is old news to me, son! I also happen to believe that she cares for you.
He sighed heavily -- his countenance weary, as he continued, trying to make his point, "Life is short. You need to fish or cut bait. Think on this tonight and I'll see you in my office tomorrow." With that, he stood up and left Jack sitting stunned – trying to wrap his thoughts around all that had been said.
NEXT DAY – 01000 hours, Pentagon, General Hammond's office
"I am retiring Jack and I want you to take my place as Director of Home World Security."
Jack had no longer sat down when this bomb was dropped.
"ME! Nahhh… I … You… WHAT?
ME! I can't…
ME! Not gonna happ…
WHAT! I'm not quali..
ME!"
Hammond stoically waited out the stuttering, stammering General. When Jack just stopped and stared in almost horror with his mouth slightly open… Hammond had to grin. The man who had saved the world seven… no wait… eight times and who was completely nerveless under fire – who could face evil Goa'ulds and other assorted evil creatures without displaying one ounce of fear – was now completely and totally terrified.
"Hear me out Jack. You would be in charge of all off-world matters – not only SGC but also the spaceships and other technologies we are designing and building. You can write your own ticket as to what the job entails. You said you would go insane if you didn't know what was going on – here you would know it all. You would be our liaison with the Nox, Asgards and other allies. You would not be stuck behind a desk – you would do off world traveling to visit existing and meet new allies."
Jack's dark eyes were stunned as he simply stared at Hammond in silence.
Hammond waited him out. He knew it was a lot to dump on him and it would take time for it all to sink in.
Finally Jack stirred uneasily in his chair – cleared his throat and asked quietly, "I really don't have an option here do I Sir?"
Hammond answered quietly, "We are here to serve the President, Jack and he wants you. No one else."
"Why are you retiring, Sir, If you don't mind my asking?" Jack asked suddenly his expression intent.
Hammond smiled slightly, "It's time. I'm not a young man – I want to spend more time with my granddaughters before they get older and quit worshipping the ground I walk on like they do now. Do you understand that Jack? I need a personal life to sustain me."
Jack nodded his understanding. Of course he understood even if he didn't have a family life now, at one time he had had a great one and over the years since, he missed it sorely. Not having something that you once had - and always took for granted – is, for all time a life lesson on appreciation.
Hammond watched as the man he had grown to think of as the son he had never had, come to grips with what faced him. "Jack, remember our conversation last night? This opens up options that you didn't have – in your personal life…" He paused uncomfortable himself at bringing this topic up even as he had to – it was possibly the most vital aspect of what he was offering Jack.
Jack had stood and walked to the window, staring out blindly when this comment was made. He had been thinking the opposite, his selfish thoughts centered on how he would not see Samantha Carter every day and how was he going to survive that hardship? He valued every moment he had with her even if it was on a completely platonic, CO/2IC footing. Change. Sometimes the hardest obstacle in life to accept – nothing remains the same.
He had definitely not considered that all his dreams were now viable instead of being locked down and stowed away in a dark 'room' in his mind. His euphoria at the revelation was brief and then his mood took a sudden nosedive into depression. What was he thinking? Too many years of tamping down and suppressing had done the damage. This was Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter, PHD with a trail of other degree acronyms after her name that would take up a whole line. One of the premiere minds in the world if not the whole universe and he thought he was deserving of someone like that? Of course he loved her… always would; but never could he have her. She soo deserved someone more worthy.
Hammond watched as the tall figure silhouetted in the window suddenly drop his head and his whole posture seemed to slump.
"Jack?" He questioned carefully "What are you thinking?"
He watched as Jack seemed to collect himself, draw on that deep well of inner reserve and turned to face him, his handsome face inscrutable.
'I'm thinking that if everyone thinks I'M THE BEST Earth has to offer – then we are in big trouble, a whole HONKING lot of trouble." He then smiled a sad smile and added,
'But If the President wants me – I live to serve."
Hammond's eyes narrowed and he wasn't buying 'the Jack act'. He had seen the moment of sudden awareness of how he could pursue certain relationships and then he had seen the change.
"She loves you, son – Always has and always will. She deserves to know if she has a future with you. It's 'stand and deliver' time and either way – I am ordering you to have a conversation with her regarding this matter. This is the only way she can 'move on' from you if that is the decision you make."
Jack's face darkened with something akin to rage, as he heard this very unusual order.
"You cannot be serious." He said very quietly.
Hammond stood up and leaned across his desk, his weight resting on both arms, and
Answered, "Completely serious, Brigadier General O'Neill. When I have the High Commander of the Asgard beaming in every four days to discuss one specific subject every time – that subject being YOU and their bizarre anxiety regarding your personal life – then, Yes, I believe that the President will support me on giving this order – NOT that I have involved him into this as of yet – but, if you want me to – we can arrange a meeting. I'll explain the situation, and tell him my reasons and then you can formally complain. It is your call, Jack.
Jack O'Neill physically flinched – as he considered the idea of escalating this to the White House. Hell, he couldn't even look in his bathroom mirror and discuss it with himself – no way was he going to the oval office for this type of conversation. It may not physically kill him, but emotionally it would be crippling. His whole life – every harsh and brutal experience – every disappointing moment – every sorrow felt – had re-engineered him, layer by tempered layer until he was the man he was today and that man did NOT – would NOT – could NOT do his emotional laundry in public. He felt as if one of the few whom he considered a friend was cutting his feet out from beneath him. Didn't he understand what he was doing? How he was asking the impossible of him?
Hammond sat back down in his desk chair his own emotions in turmoil over what he was doing to one of the finest officers he had ever worked with. He knew that he had no legal authority to ask Jack to do what he was doing – even as he knew the idea of going to the President to complain was something Jack would never consider. Basically he had used mental blackmail and it appeared to be working. He waited silently as he watched the battle being played out in the pale features of his former 2IC.
"That won't be necessary, Sir." Jack finally said. Anger and resignation were both evident in his low tone.
Hammond leaned forward, his aggressive stance abandoned and his more kindly nature back in place as his calm voice continued,
"Jack, You have a week to get this done. Dismissed."
Still considering his position – discarding options as they came into his head – until he was out of ideas -- Jack gave up; stoically saluted and left without saying another word.
End of Part 1 of Change Happens