CHAPTER SIX
Jack stepped off the transport onto the tarmac in his pressed blue uniform. There was a black Cadillac waiting for him.
"General O'Neill," the driver said as Jack approached the car. The driver opened the door to the backseat. Another man walked up to the car and placed Jack's luggage in the trunk.
Jack groaned inwardly. He had always loathed the pomp and pretention of the D.C. Generals and now he was one of them. He felt a surge of regret at agreeing to this gig in the first place. He muttered a quick "thank you" and stepped into the car. The door slammed shut beside him.
A minute later, the car was moving. Jack pulled out his cell phone and flipped it open. He heard Sam's voice in his head giving him a tutorial on text messaging as he punched the buttons on the keypad.
"I hate DC," he wrote and hit the send button. A minute later he heard the phone ding.
"Glad to see you're making an effort at least," Sam wrote back with a little smiley face symbol at the end.
Jack smiled at the response. "Call you later," he wrote back and put the phone back in his pocket. He stared out the window as the car made its way into the city.
o-O-o
Sam flipped her phone closed and put it back on the desk next to her computer. She pulled up the new hyperdrive data on her screen.
"Sam!"
Sam jumped at hearing the loud voice. "Dammit McKay!" she huffed under her breath.
Rodney McKay shuffled into her office and hovered next to her at the desk. He shoved a tablet in front of her.
"See! Right there," Rodney said, pointing at a line of data on the screen. "These idiots haven't properly accounted for the increased energy output of the new hyperdrive technology."
Sam rolled her eyes. "Don't you have somewhere else to be, McKay? You've been stranded in the Pegasus galaxy for a year."
Rodney ignored her. "I'm telling you, with the increased energy output of the drive, you need to retrofit all the secondary systems, including the inertial dampeners. What do you have, first graders working on this? The Daedalus has to get me back to Atlantis in one piece."
Sam's fists clenched on the desk. "McKay, you are really pushing it."
"Oh come on, you know I'm right."
Sam let out a breath.
"Oh! What'd you think of my time travel theory? It would make a good paper, right?" Rodney said.
Sam had to admit that his outline of the theoretical implications of SG1's time travel incident was interesting—brilliant even, but she would die before she would ever tell him that.
"It's not bad," Sam conceded.
Rodney's face broke into a wide smile.
Sam rolled her eyes. "Come on, let's get some lunch. There's lemon chicken today," Sam said with a grin.
"Funny," Rodney replied. He followed after her as she headed out down the hallway.
o-O-o
Hank could feel the anger dripping off the man standing in his office. For all his surliness, Colonel Steven Caldwell wasn't one to lose his temper easily. But he was clearly rattled by the dressing down he took—they all took—from Dr. Weir. They had tried to strongarm her into accepting new military leadership in Atlantis and she was having none of it.
Hank made sure the doors to his office were closed before taking his seat behind the desk. "I know you don't want to hear this, Steven, but she's right. If we fight her on this, we'll lose. I think we may have underestimated her fortitude," he said.
Caldwell pushed himself off the wall forcefully and folded his arms over his chest. He still wasn't sure what to make of Dr. Weir. She was a civilian whose experience was almost entirely in academia and diplomacy. She had no military training and no experience off-world before leading the expedition. But she clearly had no problem throwing her weight around when it suited her. He acknowledged to himself that he may have underestimated her. He would not make the same mistake again. Sheppard was another matter. The kid was a punk who hadn't earned the command of something as important as Atlantis. He was only assigned to the expedition in the first place because he had the dumb luck of possessing the Ancient gene. And he fell into command only after the untimely demise of Colonel Sumner—something that Sheppard had helped bring about. The idea that he would get to keep his command bristled. Caldwell wanted to hate the kid but his almost-suicide mission to save Atlantis from the Wraith made that hard. So he'd settle for just deciding that he was too green and too headstrong. But Landry was right. They had tried to intimidate Weir and it had backfired. Caldwell paced for a few minutes before standing to face the General. He took a deep breath.
"I can follow orders, General. I will command the Daedalus until ordered otherwise by my superiors."
Hank looked at the other man and opened his mouth to speak. Thinking better of it, he simply said, "dismissed," and watched Caldwell storm out into the hallway. Hank picked up the phone and dialed.
"O'Neill," came the succinct response on the other end.
"Jack—" Hank began.
"Told ya she wouldn't go for it," Jack said, cutting him off. "I'm telling you Hank, she's tougher than she looks."
Hank sighed and leaned back in his chair. "You're right about that."
"I know Caldwell's all butt-hurt about this, but did he really think she would put up with him as military commander, even if Sheppard wasn't in the picture? The guy's not exactly Mr. Personality. I can't see those two getting along."
"He's a big boy. He'll get over it. But I don't like civilian leadership overruling me on military personnel. She's stepping on toes here big time."
Jack thought for a second. "The fact is, the President loves her and she's got the support of the IOA. And the expedition team, including military personnel, has sent back nothing but glowing reviews of her leadership, except that sniveling little Kavanaugh who would be getting re-assed to Siberia if it was up to me. This is not the fight to pick, especially not now."
"I get it Jack. It just doesn't sit right. Sheppard doesn't deserve this command, not by a longshot. He hasn't earned it and it sounds like his little insubordination problem hasn't improved any with time."
"Give the kid a chance. He's stubborn but he's smart. He'll either figure it out or get himself court martialed. Reminds me a lot of myself 20 years ago."
"Comforting," Hank quipped.
o-O-o
Teal'c could feel the pressure building behind his eyes. He had never been prone to headaches before but the constant bickering he was subjected to was enough to try even his patience.
When he could not bear it any longer, he slammed his palms on the table in front of him. "Silence!" he yelled. "These Tau'ri are here to help us, not to listen to your endless complaining." He turned to address the man in uniform seated across from him. "Major Davis, please, continue."
Davis opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted before he was able to begin.
"I did not renounce the false gods of the Goa'uld only to serve another master!" Gerak shouted as he rose from his seat. "The Tau'ri come here, trying to impose their way of life on us! And you, Teal'c, invite them in. Can't you see they are trying to subjugate us?" Gerak threw his arms down at his sides to emphasize his words. "Or are you so blinded by your loyalty to them that you would forsake your own people?"
Silence hung over the room.
"Perhaps we should take a break," Davis said, in his usual even-tempered manner. If he was rattled by the events of the meeting, he didn't show it.
Teal'c remained where he stood as the rest of the Council filed out of the room, muttering in hushed tones to each other. When he and the Major were alone, Teal'c sunk down into his chair and allowed a frustrated sigh to escape his lips.
Davis spoke first, trying to comfort the other man. "This is to be expected, Teal'c. The Jaffa have never had a chance to form their own government before. There were bound to be some challenges. I'm still hopeful we can get some more members on board with this proposal."
Teal'c appreciated the young man's optimism but felt none of it himself. "I truly believed defeating the Goa'uld was the greatest challenge the Jaffa would face; and that the prospect of freedom would unify us. I see that now for the childish fantasy that it was."
Davis could see the defeated look on Teal'c's face. It was a look he had never seen before, even when it seemed SG1 faced certain death. But this was not a battle that Teal'c knew how to fight.
"Why don't I leave you and the Council to consider what we've discussed? I don't think my presence is helping much right now," Davis said as he collected his papers on the long table in front of him.
Teal'c nodded. As the Council members trickled back into the large room, he schooled his features back into an impassive expression and tensed his shoulders. He followed Gerak with his eyes as the older man took his seat in the center of the table.
"Shall we begin again?" Gerak said when the room was once again full.
"Indeed."
o-O-o
Jack stared at the wall in front of him while he twirled the pen around in his hands. He really hated having a desk job. Not just a desk job—the ultimate desk job. He huffed out a breath and looked again at the two files in front of him. He pressed the intercom on his desk to page his assistant. "Send him in, Watkins."
"Which one, sir?" came the quick reply.
"Surprise me."
"Very well, sir."
In a matter of moments, the door opened and in walked the newly-promoted Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard, with his boyish face and messy hair. Jack thought he looked like a kid playing dress-up with his dad's Air Force uniform. Formal did not suit him at all and Jack noted again how much this kid reminded him of himself.
"General O'Neill, sir," Sheppard said, slowly coming to attention.
"At ease, Sheppard," Jack said and waved for him to sit down.
"I hope you've been enjoying some well-earned leave in the Milky Way."
"I have, sir, thank you. Though I admit I'm eager to get back to Atlantis."
Jack nodded and slid into the chair behind his desk. "Let me cut to the chase here. You know you are not the Air Force's first choice to command this expedition."
"I am aware of that, sir," Sheppard responded.
"You're not even second choice. Or third, for that matter."
"Understood, sir," Sheppard said, hoping there was a "but" coming soon.
"Weir went to bat for you. She's the reason you have those silver leaves on your shoulders. So the next time you think about disobeying one of her orders, you might want to remember that."
"I will, sir."
"I don't have to tell you, Sheppard, that you don't have many fans among the top military brass. Frankly, some of them would like to see you court martialed, not rewarded with a command that dozens of decorated officers would kill for."
Sheppard fought the urge to sink down into his chair. "I understand that, sir."
"Now, as it so happens, you saved my life from that rogue drone in Antarctica, so I'm willing to overlook some of your shortcomings. And your little would-be suicide mission to destroy the Wraith hive ship impressed some people. Including me. Bottom line, Sheppard, you have a shot here. Don't fuck it up."
"Understood, sir. Thank you, sir."
"Well then, congratulations Colonel," Jack said, standing up to shake the other man's hand. Sheppard managed to keep his smile from turning into an all-out beam as he rose and grabbed the General's hand with his own.
"Dismissed," Jack said as Sheppard gave a quick salute and turned to leave the room.
Jack sighed and picked up the second file.
"Send in the next one, Watkins," he said into the intercom.
"Yes, sir."
As awkward as Sheppard had looked in his ill-fitting uniform, Cameron Mitchell wore it as well as Jack had ever seen. The man was born to be an Air Force officer.
"Reporting as ordered, General O'Neill, sir," Mitchell said in a clear voice as he stood at attention.
"At ease, Colonel," Jack replied, gesturing for him to sit down. Jack slowly eased back into his own chair. "How're you feeling, Mitchell?"
"Excellent, sir. Ready for duty, sir," Mitchell said a little too forcefully.
Jack fought the urge to roll his eyes. His liked this kid, really. And he saved their asses in Antarctica. He would never forget that. But damn, he needed to loosen up.
"Glad to hear it, Mitchell." Jack paused for a moment as he looked at the younger man in front of him. "I did say you could have any assignment you wanted if you recovered, didn't I?"
Mitchell smiled. "You did say that, sir."
"Go ahead, then. Name it."
"General, sir, I think you know what assignment I want. SG1, sir."
"Be careful what you wish for, Colonel," he said before giving the kid a small smile. "General Landry is expecting you Monday morning. Welcome to SG1, Mitchell," Jack said as he stood up and stretched out his hand.
Cam jumped up in response and eagerly shook the General's hand. He could have leapt to the moon at hearing those words. SG1 had been all he had wanted since he found out about the Stargate program. He couldn't wait to get started.
o-O-o
Daniel was buzzing around his office, grabbing books and throwing them into a box, seemingly at random. Elizabeth Weir approached the open door of his office and watched for a moment as he moved around at a frantic pace.
"Last minute packing, I see," she said.
Daniel's gaze shot up to the woman in the doorway.
"Elizabeth!" He exclaimed excitedly. "I wasn't expecting to see you until we boarded the Daedalus."
"I'm just finishing up the selection of new personnel. It's funny, I've been stranded in the Pegasus Galaxy for a year, wondering if I'd ever see Earth again. And now that I'm here, all I want to do is go back."
"I know the feeling," Daniel said, smiling back at her. "Did you enjoy your trip home at least?"
Elizabeth nodded. "I did. I got to visit some family back east. But if this trip has taught me anything, it's that this isn't my home anymore. Atlantis is."
Daniel's dimples appeared as he gave her a wide smile. "I can't wait to get there," he said honestly. A fresh start, a new adventure, exploration for the sake of knowledge and understanding instead of just survival. He couldn't wait to get started.
"You'll be a great asset to the expedition. I just hope Atlantis lives up to your expectations."
"I am confident I will not be disappointed."
Elizabeth nodded. "I'll see you on the Daedalus then. Welcome to the Atlantis team, Dr. Jackson," she said as she turned to leave.
The smile stayed on Daniel's face long after she left the room.
o-O-o
Jack's heart sank as he saw the stack of folders Watkins carried as he entered his office.
"The reports on the new hyperdrive technology, sir. And the personnel files for the tentative new Atlantis expedition members, awaiting your final approval. Oh, and I have Mr. Woolsey from the IOA requesting an urgent meeting for tomorrow."
"Thank you, Watkins," Jack said with as much sarcasm as he could muster.
He whipped out his cell phone and punched in the keys. "This job sucks. Send naked photos to make me feel better," he wrote.
The phone in his hand rang a few seconds later. He smiled at the name that popped up on the little screen and flipped the phone open.
"Hey there," he said. "Whatcha doing?"
"I'm about to head out on the Prometheus to test out the new hyperdrive. The technology is incredible—" she began.
"Sam, I've got a stack of files 3 feet high on this 'incredible' technology. Consider me fully briefed."
He could almost feel her rolling her eyes at him.
"When are you heading to Colorado?" she asked.
"Tomorrow evening."
"Everything all set with the house?"
"Yup." Jack sighed. "Signing the papers on Saturday. I officially live in this God-forsaken city now."
"D.C. has a lot of charm once you get used to it. I'll take you to my favorite places when I come visit."
Jack allowed his mind to wander, thinking about all the things he would like to do when she came to visit, and none of them involved leaving the bedroom. When he brought his attention back to the conversation, Sam was going on about some new system or other on the Daedalus.
"…It took awhile, but I finally managed to get it working," she said.
"Well you know Carter, that's why I love you," Jack said absently.
Sam's eyes widened on her end of the phone at hearing his words. Jack froze as he realized what he had just said. It's not that it wasn't true. He did love her and he did want her to know it. He just hadn't planned on blurting it out quite like that.
Neither spoke for a moment. Jack cleared his throat and continued, "Cause I do you know. Love you."
Though he couldn't see it, Sam gave him one of her megawatt smiles.
"I love you too, Jack."
Maybe things would work out okay after all.
