Title: Full Circle
Author: Slayersgrl
Summary: As he waits to meet with Colonel O'Neill, supposedly for the first time, General Hammond ponders the events that have led him to where he is.
Disclaimer: In absolutely no way do I own Stargate. If I did, if definitely would not have been canceled…
Spoilers: Children of the Gods & 1969

"Another mission, another typical day at the SGC," Hammond thought to himself as he entered the control room. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined he could become so complacent about travel to other worlds. It had been two years since the Stargate program had been set in motion. Two years since he had once again encountered Colonel Jack O'Neill. And everyday he waited for a sign, for the last piece of the puzzle to fall into place.

He noticed Carter finishing some last minute preparations for their departure. As she indicated to one of the technicians to start dialing, he caught a glimpse of her right hand. When she turned to leave, he moved to block her path.

"Sir?" she asked.

"How's the hand?" he replied, reaching over to inspect her injury. He had to make sure his suspicions were correct.

"It's a little sore, but it'll be alright. Thank you," was the somewhat guarded reply. The general realized he was probably showing a little more concern than usual, especially since she had obviously passed the pre-mission medical screening. But he just had to be sure.

There was no denying the evidence. He calmly pulled out a small yellow sheet of paper, neatly folded in half. He had been carrying it around with him ever since that first mission through the Stargate. Sure, he still made Carter do the research into solar flares, which had taken some time to complete. But he already knew the dates and times he needed to write down. They had been ingrained into his memory thirty years ago.

For a brief moment, he thought about calling the whole thing off. It would be so easy to just cancel the mission and pretend the past had never happened. But he realized he couldn't do it. Who was he to question the will of fate?

"I'd like you to take this note along with you. Keep it in your vest pocket until you get on the other side," he said as he carefully handed her the note. "It's fairly self-explanatory." At least he hoped it was. It was too late to turn back now.

"Sir, is everything alright?" Carter asked.

"Everything's fine," he quickly replied. He tried desperately to believe his own words. All he could do was hope he had done the right thing. "Time to ship out, Captain."

He watched with trepidation as his flagship team prepared to embark on a seemingly routine mission to another planet. The general suddenly had the urge to warn them, to let them know what was about to happen. But his mouth refused to cooperate. He could only stand by and watch in silence as the team stepped through the active wormhole. They were on their own now, and there was nothing more he could do to help them.