"Right. Now to you two, Colonel, Major. What are your plans?"
Rachel spoke up confidently. Since she was the one mostly affected here, it had been decided she would also speak. "Sir. Our situation is different. I'm certain I'm pregnant, because I was in the middle of my cycle while on the planet. And because of what Doctor Jackson has told me about the planet, it's purpose and how it affected me I'm even more certain of it. Doctor Fraiser has offered me a morning-after pill, but I refused. If this had been a one night stand with some stranger I wouldn't have thought twice, I would've taken the pill, especially since this is one of many reasons why I don't have one night stands or casual relationships. But it wasn't. I know the Colonel personally quite well and have worked with him before many times. We are friends and I like him as a person and as a man. I also know of his son's unfortunate accident." Jack's face darkened and under the table she put her hand on his in a silent show of compassion, not pity, and support. He turned his hand and entwined their fingers. "This is his second chance and I won't take that away from him. That's not all. I'm almost 35 and have had no relationship in quite a while and until now didn't have any prospect for a long-term relationship. I want this. I've always wanted a family, children with a good man, therefore I am treating this as my last and only opportunity too. I want this for the Colonel as well as for myself. We've talked about it and decided to have this baby, as well as making a go at a relationship." she left out the days it had taken to corner Jack and break down his walls to get him to have that talk. "We both agree this is what we want and what is best for us and for our baby."
Jack nodded in affirmative. "What she said."
The General spent a few long moments just observing them thoughtfully while they tried not to squirm. "Alright. Since until now Colonel O'Neill has been your direct commanding officer, because as the head of the Astronomy Department you have no-one above you in that department, you will from now on report directly to me. When the Colonel takes over the SGC" the comment drew an astonished stare from Jack "you will report to whoever is his CO. Details of these arrangements will be put into your permanent files so you'll have no problems. This way you'll have freedom to do whatever you feel is best for the three of you. This is your chance, make a damn good use of it."
"Thank you, sir." chorused Jack and Rachel.
"I think this is all for now, if any of you have questions or requests, don't hesitate coming to me with them. Dismissed."
Everyone stood up to attention and dispersed as Hammond left.
As he and Rachel remained alone in the room Jack looked at her watching him he thought 'This might not be so bad after all...'
THE END
