A/N: So sorry about the wait hangs head in shame A huge, gigantic thankyou to everyone that reviewed the previous chapter, i needed that reassurance and encouragement.
Chapter Twenty.
The elevator doors slid open as Sam finally reached level 28 of the SGC an hour later, stepping out of the elevator she was immediately accosted by Sergeant Harriman.
"Ma'am." He greeted, thrusting a hot cup of coffee into her startled hands. Hmm Perks! She thought. He looked intently at the clipboard he was carrying as they continued toward the General's office; Sam had to increase her pace to keep abreast of the small man as he spoke. "SG-3 is scheduled to return from M4Y 479 tomorrow morning ma'am, but they have a routine contact in an hour. You have a briefing with SG-5 in ten minutes, the file is on the Generals desk ma'am," He added before Sam could ask. "SGs 4 and 11 are due to embark to P3X 901 at 0900. SG-2 is due back at 1100, the debrief will be at 1200 hours and SG-6 at 1300 hours will debrief at 1400."
Sam was sure he wasn't even stopping for breaths as he carried on with his list and she was suddenly grateful that as SG-1's CO and the General's Second IC she was aware of any scheduled missions and their objectives.
They finally arrived at the General's office and Sam waited as the sergeant opened the door for her before entering. Her eyes fell on the file for SG-5's briefing before shifting to the rest of the desk that was piled high with file folders. Sam frowned; she swore he left this all for her deliberately. It was common knowledge that the General hated paperwork, but it was Sam who had always felt the brunt of this aversion, he knew she'd get it all done. She couldn't help the slight smirk that twitched at her lips, Jack O'Neill could not be tamed; a part of him would always belong in the field.
"Ma'am" Sergeant Harriman noticed the Colonel eyeing off the files on the desk, "SG-13 still needs the assignment of a new Commanding Officer, General O'Neill has asked that you go through the personnel files and narrow it down to three recommendations. The rest are standard requisition forms Ma'am."
Damn that Jack O'Neill, how can he be such an ass and so irresistible at the same time. Sam looked over to Harriman and gave him a small smile, "Thankyou sergeant, dismissed."
The sergeant straightened to attention for a moment before turning smartly and heading back to the control room.
Sam looked at the desk and with a heavy sigh she pulled up one of the chairs, there was no way she was sitting in the General's chair – that had to be bad luck - and began refamiliarising herself with the details of SG-5's upcoming mission.
Sam took a sip from her mug grimacing as the cold liquid slipped past her lips. She replaced it on the desk with a scowl.
It was the second day Sam was temporarily in command of the base - two days since he had gone to Washington, and she hadn't heard anything from him since, but she refused to think about that. Yesterday had gone relatively well; no emergencies, well serious ones anyway, and she'd managed to get all those tiresome requisition forms out of the way; she could understand why the General hated those so much.
Sam closed the final personnel file on the desk, she'd finally narrowed the command position for SG-13 down to the three candidates the General had requested, the final decision was up to him. She pursed her lips as she checked her watch; she'd managed to finish with five minutes to spare before the briefing with the science department leaders.
She itched to get back to her own lab.
Sam depressed the intercom button and spoke into it, "Sergeant, when you get a minute you can remove the personnel files from the General's desk, I'm done with them."
"Yes Ma'am." Came the tinny reply.
"Who've you gone for?" Daniel asked. He was sitting on the floor, various open books in front of him and three enlarged photos. He'd come by the office an hour ago, juggling books and papers, to let Sam know he was studying the pictures of the alien text SG-6 had found on some ruins, and had somehow ended up on the floor. The comfortable silence was broken only by Daniel's occasional questions on physics, evidently something to do with what he was trying to translate, and Sam's replies.
"Major Henderson, Major Connors and Lieutenant Colonel Jefferies." Sam replied.
Teal'c, who had also stopped by about ten minutes after Daniel and seated himself in a chair by the wall, quirked an eyebrow. "I am not familiar with Major Connors."
"She's been serving as SG-10's Second for two years now." Sam informed him. Teal'c inclined his head. It wasn't strange that he didn't know her; SG-1 hadn't been on any missions with SG-10 since she was assigned.
Sam turned to glance out of the star map window when she heard footsteps on the stairs and saw the heads of the SGC's science department slowly filing into the briefing room and taking their seats. "Guys, I've got a briefing now." She said as she stood, gathering the files she needed for the briefing.
Her friends followed suit, Teal'c helping Daniel with his things. "Ok Sam, we'll see you at lunch?"
Sam nodded as they followed her out into the briefing room, "Yeah, 1300?"
"I will return at 1300 ColonelCarter." Teal'c announced, all three knowing that Sam would need a gentle nudge to get away from her work.
She gave them a friendly smile before they began their descent down the spiral staircase and turned back to the people currently waiting for the briefing to begin. She took her seat at the head of the table, waving a hand at the military scientists to be seated.
Just as Sam opened her mouth to begin the briefing, the Klaxons rang out loudly. She stood quickly taking a look out into the 'gate room at the Stargate, the inner wheel began spinning and Sgt Harriman's voice came over the speakers "Unauthorised Off-world Activation."
"Excuse me everyone." She said as she bolted down the stairs into the control room.
The iris slid shut just before the event horizon formed, creating a blue flashing hue around the 'gate. Sam felt Daniel and Teal'c arrive behind her but didn't turn around.
"Sergeant?" She asked.
"Nothing…wait, receiving IDC…It's SG-3 Ma'am."
"Open the Iris." The sergeant placed his hand on the palm scanner and Sam turned to Daniel and Teal'c, "They're not due back until 2000 hours." She said, concern etched in her voice.
"We're receiving an audio and visual signal Ma'am." The sergeant told her.
Sam looked to the monitor and saw Colonel Reynolds with one of his team members.
"Stargate Command, come in?" Colonel Reynolds said standing in front of the MALP.
Sam leaned into the comm. "This is Stargate Command Colonel, go ahead."
"Colonel Carter," Reynolds began, he spoke quickly and urgently. "Olsen's fallen into a deep crevice, he's injured, barely conscious. Request assistance."
Sam turned immediately on hearing this to Harriman, "SG-9 and call in a med team. And get me Siler." The sergeant flung himself out of his chair to contact the teams while Sam turned back to the monitor. "Colonel, how far from the 'gate is he?"
"Three clicks."
"SG-9 and a med team will come through in ten minutes."
"Roger that Colonel, Reynolds out." He replied and the shimmering pool within the Stargate winked out.
"Ma'am?" Sergeant Siler questioned as he reached the control room just as the Stargate deactivated.
"Siler have a FRED in the 'gate room and ready to go in ten minutes, we have a man injured and stuck in a deep crevice. I want it loaded with all the necessary rescue equipment. Go" She said quickly and abruptly.
"Yes Ma'am." Siler said as he ran out of the control room to see to his orders.
Sam headed back up to the briefing room, "I'm sorry everyone," She said to the scientists when she reached the landing. "I'm afraid we have to reschedule this briefing." She didn't wait to hear the grumbling as they left.
Ten minutes later SG-9 and two medics stood in the 'gate room geared up and ready. The FRED was parked at the end of the ramp loaded with the rescue and medical equipment, including stretcher.
As the inner ring of the Stargate began to grind its way to the first Chevron, Sam strode in nodding to each of the six men, before addressing the team leader. "Major, the accident happened around three clicks from the 'gate, Colonel Reynolds will be waiting for you on the other side with more information." The vortex shot out with a roar and Sam watched as the FRED, guided by remote, was swallowed up by the event horizon. "Bring them home Major." She said.
"Yes Ma'am," The Major said vehemently. Turning to his team he bellowed, "Move out."
Sam waited for them to disappear through the 'gate before making her way back up to the General's office. As she passed the Control Room Sergeant Harriman intercepted her.
"Ma'am, General Hammond's on the phone for you Ma'am." He told her.
"What?!" She exclaimed her eyes going wide, but she didn't wait for Walter's reply as she raced up the stairs. Her heart was beating fast in her chest when she arrived at the General's office and it had nothing to do with her sprint.
She took a moment to steady her breathing and force her stomach to quiet, before sitting down and picking up the phone. "General Hammond? I'm sorry to have kept you waiting sir."
"It's all right Colonel Carter, I know how it can be around that base." General George Hammond, current head of Homeworld Security, former commander of the SGC replied.
Sam smiled, "Yes sir. What can I do for you sir?" It seemed like the most absurd question considering General O'Neill had probably just been meeting with him, if he wasn't still sitting there, but she just couldn't think of anything else to say.
"Nothing Colonel, I just wanted to let you know that I'll be accompanying General O'Neill back to the base today."
Sam nearly dropped the phone, "Sir? In an official capacity sir?"
"Yes Colonel, General O'Neill and I will arrive at the SGC at 1400 hours, unfortunately I can't stay long so I'll be addressing the squadron as soon as we arrive." General Hammond answered.
"Yes sir, I'll have everything prepared." Sam said, her tone calm and confident belying the fact that her head was swimming.
"Good, well Colonel I'll see you in few hours."
"Yes sir." She said automatically, but just as she pulled the receiver from her ear she was sure she heard General Hammond's low chuckle before the phone clicked as he hung up.
"Sergeant Harriman, I need a word." Sam said into the intercom. It was happening just like the alternate Janet had described. General O'Neill went to Washington, leaving her in command for two days and when he came back General Hammond was with him. The butterflies in her stomach were starting to travel up through her chest and into her throat. God! Could it be true, could he be doing just what his alternate did?
There was a knock, "Ma'am?" Sergeant Harriman queried.
"Sergeant, General O'Neill is returning this afternoon and General Hammond with him." She noted the look of surprise on the small man's face. "General Hammond will be giving a speech in the 'gate room at 1400, please make all the necessary arrangements, podium, carpeting that sort of thing."
"Yes Ma'am." He said, and left to take care of things when the Colonel nodded her dismissal; Walter was an old hand at getting the 'gate room smartened up for important officials.
"He should make a full recovery Ma'am." Dr Brightman was saying as she delivered her report on the status of the injured member of SG-3.
SG-9, SG-3 and the two medics had returned forty minutes ago carrying the injured man on a stretcher.
"Good, thankyou Dr Brightman." Sam replied a little distractedly, looking up at the clock on the General's office wall for the fifth time in as many minutes…1353.
"Ma'am." Dr Brightman said respectfully, before leaving.
"Ma'am?" Sergeant Harriman called as he knocked on the open door. Sam turned to him. "General O'Neill and General Hammond are on their way down now ma'am."
"Thankyou sergeant." She said standing up and looking tall and dignified in her class 'A' uniform. She swept out of the office, Sergeant Harriman trailing after her, and made her way to the elevators where she would be meeting the two General's before accompanying them to the 'gate room for General Hammond's speech.
Sam was the picture of confident ease as she stood waiting for the elevator doors to slide apart and reveal her superiors; no one knew that she felt as though the blood was draining away from her body and that her pounding heart may leave her chest at any minute. She forced her breathing to remain even, her heart to quieten and felt the dizziness that was threatening subside. Oh thank God! It really would not do to pass out right now. God! Get a hold of yourself; I wasn't this nervous when I blew up that sun!
Finally the elevator rang as the doors came apart and out stepped the two Generals, General Hammond's small retinue behind him.
Sam stepped forward and came to attention, holding her hand up in salute – well he did say it was an official visit.
General Hammond, as the ranking officer, saluted lazily, "At ease Colonel." He said gently.
Sam completed the salute and relaxed her spine, "Sirs," She said, her eyes alighting briefly on General O'Neill who gave her a small smirk, the one he got when he knew something she didn't. It was downright sexy. Damn the man! And why did he have to look so hot in his class A's, his shoulders broad, the stars twinkling in the fluorescent lights overhead; he was tall and commanding, a tangible, arresting presence dominating any room he entered…oh boy! Sam was sure someone had turned up the thermostat. She wrenched her thoughts and eyes away from the man and back to General Hammond, "Everything is ready for your speech sir."
General Hammond gave her a friendly smile, but it was General O'Neill who spoke.
"Of course, Carter!" He said with amusement, "After you sir." He addressed General Hammond and swept his arm out in the direction of the 'gate room.
Hammond turned to him, "You still sure about this son?"
Jack's eyes flicked to Sam for just an instant, "Yes sir I am." He said with conviction.
Sam thought her heart actually did a somersault as she watched the exchange and why did Jack…uh General O'Neill always look so calm, it was irritating damnit!
General Hammond nodded allowing his smile to broaden before striding away, General O'Neill keeping beside him.
Sam kept her face impassive as she walked behind them; she'd had a lot of practice at it, but she couldn't control the light in her eyes. Jack knew those expressive eyes too well, he'd learned to read them like a 'Carter' manual over the years and as Jack glanced back at her, he saw the nerves and the underlying fear in them.
"Ten Hut!!" Colonel Reynolds bellowed as he saw the Generals approach.
The military personnel filling the room stood to attention, the stomping of their boots echoing around the room.
General Hammond strode immediately up the ramp to the podium stationed in front of the Stargate.
Sam quickly took her position at the head of SG-1 who, as the flagship team, made a line at the left foot of the ramp and also came to attention.
General O'Neill stood upright and imposing on the ramp steps next to her. Though she noted the slight movement he made on the balls of his feet, before stopping himself; so he was a little nervous after all. She smirked inwardly in satisfaction, knowing that she and maybe Teal'c and Daniel would have been the only ones who could have noticed the tiny movement or knew what it meant.
"At ease." General Hammond said and there was a slight shuffling as everyone shifted their stance, feet apart and hands behind their back.
"First of all, let me just say…" The General went on, "How pleased I am to be visiting the SGC again. I see many familiar and dearly missed faces as well as some new ones. The president has asked me to send his deepest respect and admiration to each one of you for the important, dangerous and outstanding work you continue to do here."
Sam was sure she saw many chests visibly swell around the room at his words.
"However I've come here to address you all today because I have an announcement to make and I wanted to make it personally." The squadron collectively held their breath. "Brigadier General Jack O'Neill has served his country with loyalty, courage, honour and distinction all of his adult life. He is one of the finest officers it has been my pleasure to serve with." The General quirked a small smile when he noticed Jack's wince of embarrassment. "I am both saddened and pleased to announce Brigadier General O'Neill's honourable resignation from the United States Air Force."
A shocked murmuring spread throughout the assembly and Hammond paused to allow it.
Sam stood as still as a statue, acutely aware of the strong form of General O'Neill standing next to her. Her heart was pounding and she noticed Jack's head turn slightly toward her to glance at her. He had done this for her; he had resigned his commission to be with her; he wanted to be with her!! She kept her wide eyes fixed on General Hammond still standing behind the podium; if she looked at Jack she might not be able to keep the goofy grin off her face.
General Hammond held up his hand and there was instant silence. "I know what you're all thinking," He continued good naturedly, "But don't worry the base will be in good hands. Jack O'Neill will continue to command the SGC as a civilian."
Sam did let her eyes shift momentarily to Jack then and had to bite her lip to keep from grinning. Jack's face meanwhile remained impassive. She quickly looked back at the General.
"I will now hand the podium and the base back over to General Jack O'Neill retired. Jack?" General Hammond said, stepping aside as Jack replaced him behind the podium.
"Thankyou General, for your kind words." Jack said. "I'm not going to take up much more of your time, I know how busy you are, besides I've got some exciting colour choices for the rec. room walls to sift through." Quiet chuckles rippled through the officers and enlisted men and women. "I just wanted to say how fortunate I am to have served and to continue to serve with all of you." Jack's eyes raked over the squadron - though deliberately avoiding SG-1 – and rested briefly on each and every person as he spoke, each of them standing that bit taller. "And actually that's one of the reasons I resigned, I wanted to stay here at the SGC." He noted the looks of confusion pass over many of their faces but he wasn't intending to elaborate. "We are on thefront line of defence for our entire planet and while we have all had to make sacrifices, in one way or another, I'm sure I'm echoing the sentiments of everyone here when I say there is no where else I'd rather be, no where else more important and no greater people to serve with. You are here because you are the very best at what you do and it is my honour and my privilege to continue to command the SGC. Now, while I may not be military anymore, I can and will kick your asses if I deem it necessary…or fun." More snickers ensued, relieving some of the intense emotions Jack's words elicited. "Any changes due to my resignation from the military will be minor so I won't bore you with the details, you'll just have to read your memos. Thankyou."
Jack stepped away from the podium and he and General Hammond strode down the ramp toward the blast doors.
"Ten Hut!" Sam barked and the entire squadron once again came to full attention, their arms held up in salute this time.
Jack finally looked right at her, their eyes locking and only parting when Jack moved past her.
The two men swept out of the 'gate room and immediately Daniel whirled around to face Sam, "Did you know about this Sam?!" He asked in a loud whisper.
"Squadron at ease…" There was another shuffle as boots scuffed the concrete floor. "…and dismissed." Sam called before answering Daniel. The room erupted into incomprehensible murmuring and she waved at Daniel and Teal'c to follow her. "I didn't exactly know…" She said guiltily as they left the room. "I may have suspected a little."
"O'Neill has done this for you ColonelCarter." Teal'c stated, a smile lighting his face.
That goofy grin escaped onto her face, she could feel it. "Come on, we'd better get up there." She said and quickened her pace.
A/N: I know that Sam is only a Lt Colonel and there are some full birds running around the base (though i can only think of Reynolds of SG3 who i have conveniently disposed of). Although i'm not certain, i believe it is possible for an officer to be assigned the 2IC position regardless of the fact that there are other officers of a higher rank around. And Sam's position as CO of the flagship unit, the fact that only Jack has had more experience offworld, as well as being the expert on all things Stargate qualifies her above and beyond anyone else. And though i'm loath to do it, she does take command in one of the season ten episodes - ugh there i said it, admitted that season ten exists - i feel dirty.
Anyway, i like to see her taking charge and wish we'd seen more of it on the show, but please let me know what you think, good or bad. Again i apologise for the wait but the next and final (it'll be a long one) chapter is done, it just needs some finishing touched so i promise no more than two or three days. Thanks for reading : )