It didn't take long for the delegates assembled to realize that the photo op they'd been hoping to get with Ian and McKay was a waste of time. Between Ian's monosyllabic replies and McKay telling things different with each telling, they all knew fairly quickly that anything filmed was going to be more or less useless for handing out to the press – who were badgering them all for some access to Ian and McKay.

Which was a problem for the exact same reason they were having problems just then; McKay was trying to take too much credit and Ian wasn't taking enough. It was frustrating, but there really wasn't all that much they could do about it. You can't badger someone into answering a question and expect him or her to sound gracious about it, after all. And it was especially hard to badger someone when his father was standing silently nearby watching the proceedings with a piercing gaze and a thunderous scowl anytime someone tried to press for a better answer.

Only the French ambassador was getting anywhere – Ian was more than willing to answer his questions because he knew what the man had done for his mother – but the others had too much ego to allow the man the center stage for more than one or two questions. So eventually the President called an end to the conversation, cutting off yet another lengthy reply from McKay, who was telling them all about the technology behind the ZPM – and more than willing to theorize when it came to parts he didn't actually know.

"I think that's enough, people," he said, finally, ignoring McKay's annoyed look at the interruption. "We should probably let these two get some rest."

While Ian didn't need rest, he didn't say anything, and glared at McKay to keep him from telling them they were fine.

The others grumbled a little, but they left without much fanfare, and the President turned to Nathan.

"General Brooks? If you have a moment, I'd like a word with you please…"

Nate glanced over at Ian, but then nodded.

"Of course, sir. When?"

"Now?" he glanced at the door to Janet's office. "Perhaps Doctor Fraiser would loan us her office…"

Since Janet had been monitoring the interview, she overheard this and nodded.

"It's all yours, sir."

Like she was going to say no?

"I'll be back in a minute, Ian," Nathan said – letting both Hayes and Ian know he intended to spend a little time with his boy.

Ian nodded, and Hayes gestured politely for the retired general to precede him into the room.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOO

"What was that all about?" Rodney asked, watching as the two men entered the office and closed the door behind them.

Ian shrugged.

"Who knows? Maybe they're sharing cookie recipes."

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

"Can I get you some coffee?" Hayes asked him once the door was closed behind them.

Nate raised an eyebrow at that.

"Shouldn't that be my line?"

The President chuckled, and sat down on the edge of the desk.

"I'm not as formal as some people may think," he said. "And I certainly could pour my own coffee…"

Nathan shrugged, not really in the mood for small talk and well aware that Hayes was trying to charm him.

"What can I do for you?" he asked, bluntly – but not antagonistically.

Hayes wasn't surprised at the abrupt change. He was coming to expect it.

"You're friends with George Hammond and with Colonel Jack O'Neill, right?"

"Yeah."

"Has either of them told you what I have planned for them?"

"No. But if I were to guess, I'd say that you're going to put George in charge of this new Home Defense League you were talking about in your interview – which will leave Jack in charge of the SGC…"

Hayes smiled, but shook his head.

"Not exactly, but close. I'm going to put Jack O'Neill in charge of the Homeworld Defense Organization, and make Hammond my Vice President when Bob Kinsey tenders his resignation."

That wasn't what Nate had expected, and it showed, but he wasn't one to be startled long.

"You'll have to have Jack made a General…"

Hayes nodded.

"I won't have any trouble getting congress to agree to that."

"And getting them to agree to George being VP?"

The President smiled.

"After the events of the last week? And the knowledge that it was George and O'Neill who were in charge of things? Not a problem, I'm certain."

"And George is going along with it?"

Hayes nodded.

"It's what's best for the country. Kinsey was the biggest mistake I've ever made politically, and George will do a good job in his place."

"And Jack?"

"Will be well taken care of."

Nathan believed that. But he scowled, then.

"And who's going to be in charge of things here, then?"

After all, Ian was going to be here, and there was no way Nathan would let him be led by some wet behind the ears beaurocrat who didn't know his ass from a hole in the wall.

"Funny you should ask, General Brooks…" Hayes said, nonchalantly. "I was rather hoping you'd be interested in the job."

Nate was startled again.

"I'm retired."

"So was Colonel O'Neill. And Hammond was ready to retire and still hasn't. Retirements can be undone."

Brooks scowled.

"I'm not-"

"Otherwise I'm afraid that the country might think that the former Vice President might be the perfect person for the job – seeing as how he has been aware of the SGC and the Stargate project for far longer than I have…"

Nathan's scowl vanished, but his eyes turned dangerous. Very dangerous.

"That's not funny…"

Hayes shook his head.

"It's not meant to be. But Kinsey could make a bid for the job – and without telling the world exactly what a piece of scum he is; I wouldn't have any reason to turn him down. Besides, if you took the job you could keep a closer eye on your son."

"Ian doesn't need me to look after him."

"He would if Bob were in charge of things around here."

Which was true. Probably. But Nathan wasn't really worried about Ian. He'd already proven he could take care of himself. But Kinsey had proven just what a piece of shit he was, too. As much as he hated the idea of being talked – or more like manipulated – into doing something he really didn't want to do, he had no intention of leaving Ian hanging on his own in some cesspool of corrupted politicians, either.

"Let me think about it."

He would have to discuss it with Maggie, of course.

Hayes smiled.

"Great. Let me know."