TITLE: WHEN THE WORLD HALTS - Chapter 3
AUTHOR: WITEZON
PARING: S/J friendship/romance
RATING: PG-13 or R (depending on how you feel about swearing)
DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything but what my mind thinks up.
SUMMARY: JACK CENTRIC - What happens when the universe is at stake,
Hammond is missing, and everything rests on Colonel O'Neill's shoulders.
Several people had risen from their chairs in stunned silence. Ferretti looked at Teal'c. "I guess the Asguard are here."
"Indeed."
In that silence, Captain Stemke, Commander of the US Navy SEAL Teams, asked, "The Asguard do that a lot?"
Colonel Quince turned to him, "Only to General O'Neill. They have a particular liking for him. They've named him Tau'ri Ambassador to the Asguard. They even put a genetic marker in his DNA. They like General Hammond, Major Carter, and SG-1 too, but not anything like the way they like General O'Neill."
Stemke frowned, "He allowed a marker in his DNA?"
Ferretti answered, "No. He was pretty pissed at the time, but they explained that since he's their Ambassador and one of the few Tau'ri they trust, they wanted to be able to find him when necessary. He and SG-1 have helped them several times saving their race from destruction, as they have helped us. In fact, just a couple of years ago, Teal'c and the General almost lost their lives saving Earth and the Asguard rescued them."
For the first time the Russian General Ozmantich spoke up, "Oh yes, that was when the 'Blackbird' had those mechanical bugs and the Asguard 'beamed' them up at the last minute."
Colonel Quince spoke up again, "Normally, I lead SG-11, the search and rescue team. But now I'm second in command to General O'Neill. If I can offer one suggestion for you to think about its this: We are dealing with aliens. Not humans impersonating aliens, but actual aliens who don't think like we do. While they would reach an understanding with us, they have no desire to become us or us them."
He looked over at Ferretti, who nodded, "Yes, Colonel, I agree. I think that's why the aliens either like General O'Neill or hate him. He is what he is. He doesn't try to change them or become like them, he has his own brand of honor and they respect that."
Stemke nodded. "When will they return him?"
Teal'c regarded Stemke, "CaptainStemke, you seem perturbed by this action. May I enquire why?"
Slowly considering his reply, Stemke nodded once, "Yes, I am. I'm uncomfortable with the Asguard, no matter how much they like the General, to just 'beam' him up like that. Is he safe there? Where did they take him?"
"Commander Thor has taken O'Neill to his ship, where he is safer than he is on Earth."
Stemke studied Teal'c, then, "Teal'c, may I enquire why you call him O'Neill rather than GeneralO'Neill?" "He is my brother. We do not call brothers any name but their own."
He contemplated Stemke, "CaptainStemke, I have been informed that the SEALs are strong and fierce warriors. While O'Neill intends to use them for missions through the Stargate, I would like to investigate the possibility of using some SEALs as part of O'Neill's personal security teams."
Agreeing, "I can give you 5 SEALS. Who else are you going to use?"
"Jaffa." Muttering broke out, and Teal'c raised his voice, "Along with some of the SGC security forces."
Quince broke in before it could get unruly, "Sirs, Ma'am, I'd like to do some housekeeping before the General returns. We need you to bring all your personnel to the mountain for quartering."
At their surprised looks, "Yes, we know that's a lot of quarters, but we've got the room now, barely. This has got to be done quickly so we can provide the basics of Stargate travel. You'll start with accompanying SG Teams to the alpha site."
Stratten, "Alpha site?"
Nodding, "Yes, sir. The alpha site is, well, was going to be Colonel O'Neill's command. Its an off-world location that's on a safe planet. We've put building materials and supplies there. Its also a worst case location in case we need to evacuate the base and then destroy this Stargate."
Quince was going over his list, when the conference room door opened and Carter and Daniel came in, "General..." Carter stopped and looked at Teal'c, then Quince, "Colonel?"
Pointing at the ceiling, "Thor's here."
Nodding, she and Daniel took their earlier seats. "How long has he been gone?"
Ferretti answered, "About twenty minutes."
Quince began again, "MAJ Ferretti and SG-2 are scheduled to take 4 teams of SEALs through to the Alpha Site at 1400 hours." Looking at Stemke, "Captain, can they be here in an hour?"
"Yes, Colonel. Let me contact them and they'll be here."
Quince nodded at the phone on the wall.
"Next is Major Westmore and SG-10, who will start taking through the Special Forces teams. Westmore will start at 1900 hours and continue until 0300. Then Major Carter and SG-1 will start taking the SAS teams through at 0630 hours and run through until 1430. Then we'll start up the process all over again. I'll post and provide everyone a schedule of the training. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me, Major Ferretti, Major Carter or any of the other SG Team Commanders."
Pausing a moment to ensure everyone was paying attention, he said in a stern voice, "General O'Neill has two hard and fast rules. Make sure your teams understand them. The first is that the SG Commanders and teams are in-charge. If anyone on your teams can't understand that, they're gone. We need teams that work, not fight to see who's boss. No one has the off- world experience that the SG Teams have. If the General ever hears about anyone giving any shit to the SG Teams, he won't just kick them out of the SGC, they'll go to some unknown."
He paused again, "The second is that no one is allowed in the Gate Room except for the teams that are coming and going. The initial extension of the wormhole will kill any live being in its path." His glance took in all of them and they nodded at him. "The SGC will also continue to have live missions throughout the day, and as you already know, live missions always have priority."
Again, they nodded, as that's standard operating procedures. "We're hoping that to ease this massive preparation period both the Asguard and Tok'ra will help."
A flash of light and O'Neill was back in his chair. "Yeah, the Asguard have agreed to help. They said they were saddened to hear about General Hammond and wish his speedy recovery."
He tossed something over his shoulder to Carter. She grinned, "Oh, thanks, sir. I was so not hungry."
Smirking, "Yeah, don't say I never bring my 2IC anything back from vacation."
With that he tossed a cube to Quince. "Thanks, General." Quince grimaced at the cube and put it on the table.
O'Neill grinned at the others, "Asguardian food. They know from studying humans that we often offer food and drink when we have guests. Unfortunately, what they eat and what we eat is entirely different, not to mention tastes really awful."
O'Neill turned to stare at Stemke. Stemke, who thought O'Neill wasn't paying attention, was caught by surprise, "Captain, talk to me."
Straightening in his chair, surprised, "Yes, sir." He glanced at Teal'c and saw the dark humor in his eyes, "General, I'm concerned about...how you left just now, sir."
O'Neill continued to stare at him. Stemke suddenly realized something about O'Neill. He realized that O'Neill had a hidden side that most people didn't notice. Stemke noticed it - now. The emotionless look in O'Neill's eyes. He recognized it. The quiet confidence he exuded - neither challenging nor backing away. It said push or don't push, it's all up to you. The look that only selected few had in the entire military - O'Neill had it. Stemke knew that he'd been at least special ops, but probably black ops, to get that look in his eyes.
'Shit,' Stemke sighed to himself. O'Neill had noticed his derision, which he thought he had carefully hid, and called him on it. 'Shit.' Stemke nodded in apology and acknowledgement that he had under-estimated him.
He began again, "Sir, my teams are going to start going through to the Alpha site in less than two hours."
Nodding, "Good, Captain." Looking around at everyone else, " I know that during my absence, Colonel Quince brought everyone up-to-date on everything, especially my rules. Does anyone have any questions?" No one said anything. "We'll have another meeting later on today. Go bring your troops in. Dismissed."
He gathered in Carter and Daniel with a look. Once back in his office, "Okay Carter, what did SG-10 come back with?"
"Sir, Major Westmore was passed some information on Heru'ur. He was last seen in the area of Apophis' stronghold."
O'Neill nodded, "Do we have any reason not to believe that's where Hammond and the SG Teams are?"
Carter and Daniel exchanged a look, "Jack, according to the translation on the 'gift' we got from P6G-769, it says 'they, who try to halt our natural progression of universal dominance, will find eternal damnation in the vaults of Kheb'."
In a pissed voice, "Net'u?"
Carter nodded, "Yes, General, that's what we think."
The KLAXON suddenly went off. "OFF-WORLD ACTIVATION. UNSCHEDULED TRAVELER. General O'Neill to the Control Room."
O'Neill and SG-1 strode into the Control Room, "Siler?"
"Its the Tok'ra, sir."
Nodding, "Open the iris."
Out of the Stargate came Jacob, Aldwyn, and Garshaw. Only after the wormhole had disengaged did Teal'c allow O'Neill into the gate room.
Jacob stepped over to hug Sam. Smiling at each other, "Hi, Dad."
"Hi, Sam. How are you holding up, honey?"
"I'm find, Dad." She squeezed his hand, then walked over to where O'Neill was greeting Garshaw and Aldwyn. Jacob followed her over.
Jacob stopped and looked Jack over. Sam had told them that Jack was now in command of the SGC, but what she didn't say was that he was now a four-star general.
Garshaw turned to Jacob, "Jacob, Earth has seen fit to promote Colonel O'Neill to General and Commander of Earth Forces."
Jacob blinked in shock, then nodded, "General, I'm sorry about George and your teams."
O'Neill frowned, "Thank you. I'm still hoping to get them back and we may need your help."
Garshaw nodded, "Who else is attending?"
"Thor is on his ship and he'll come down when its time for the meeting. Bra'tac will be here later. We're hoping that Lya will also come."
O'Neill looked over at Quince, who had just come in, "Garshaw, Jacob, Aldwyn, I'm sure you already know Colonel Mark Quince, Commander of SG-11, but right now he's also my 2IC. He'll show you to your quarters. We're scheduled to have our meeting in about an hour."
Behind him SG-2 entered with four 4-person SEAL teams following them in. SG-2 had checked their packs, given them a briefing on traveling in the wormhole, and the protocols of arriving on planet. Now it was their turn to actually experience it.
Jacob gestured, "Ja...General, what's this?"
Captain Stemke stepped up to O'Neill, "Sir, SEAL Teams are ready."
Nodding at Stemke, "Never had any doubts, Captain. Major Ferretti?"
Grinning, "Yes, General. We're ready." SG-2 lined up at the bottom of the ramp, with the SEALS behind them.
Teal'c put his had on O'Neill's arm, "Okay, kids, let's go to the Control Room. Siler, dial it up!"
"Yes, sir, dialing in progress."
Everyone watched from the Control Room as the chevrons encoded and locked into place. The wormhole engaged and settled into its normal state.
Sgt Silar activated the MALP that was permanently stationed at the alpha site, validating all was well (as they could see).
O'Neill leaned down, "You have a go, SG-2. Teach them well."
Ferretti nodded at two of his team who went through the gate first. He then turned to Stemke and his SEALS and nodded at them to go. Ferretti and Stemke turned to O'Neill saluted, and went through the event horizon. The Stargate closed behind them.
Quince had already taken Garshaw and Aldwyn to their quarters, but Jacob had stayed with them in the Control Room.
Jacob turned to Sam, "Sam, I told Col Quince that I'd stay with you." Shaking his head at that memory, "But he got the strangest look at his face."
Frowning, "You think General O'Neill will let us go to your quarters and visit for awhile?"
Everyone in the Control Room immediately directed their attention back to their duties. O'Neill sighed and looked up at the ceiling, then over at Sam; who had been holding her breath, staring at him.
Jacob, confused, "Sam?"
O'Neill nodded and tossed his key at her - behind Jacob's back. He had actually gotten a duplicate from Major Davis, just in case she hadn't been able to move out yet "Go, Carters."
She blushed and grabbed the key, then her father. "Thank you, sir."
In the busier than usual corridor, Sam and Jacob walked in silence until they got to a split. Sam went one way, Jacob the other.
"Uh, Dad, we're going this way."
Frowning, "But your quarters are this way."
"Only if you want to meet with the Special Forces Group Commander or his aide. I had to give my quarters up until we get all the other floors and quarters opened."
She led him to another door, which said 'J. O'Neill.'
"Sam? Why are we at O'Neill's quarters?"
She unlocked the door and stepped in, gesturing to the cot, "Because this is where I stayed last night?"
"Uh huh." Jacob looked around and saw her stuff on the desk and chair. "You and Jack think this is a good idea?" Sighing, "Probably not, but it was the best I could do at 0130 last night."
He sat down on the other chair in the room, "You know there's going to be rumors."
She sat on the cot, "Dad, there already are, lots of them. They never seem to stop."
"Any truth to them?" Jacob studied her. Selmak chided him on teasing his daughter. She knew that Jacob liked Jack, even with all his dark parts.
KNOCK KNOCK
Shaking her head in frustration, Sam went and opened the door. The laundry team stepped in carrying some freshly laundered BDUs.
They hadn't seen Jacob yet, "Ma'am, we've got your and the General's uniforms, and we've changed out his rank on all of them. Can I go ahead and put them in the closet?"
Jacob snorted, or maybe it was Selmak, and the Airman jumped. "Major, I'm sorry, I didn't know anyone was with you."
Glaring at her father, "No problem, Airman. Yes, please put them in the closet."
Mentally shaking her head at the situation she found herself in, she decided to just go for it, "There's some dirty ones in those laundry bags. If you would take those, please?"
Nodding, he wrote down the information, "Sure thing, Ma'am. For both of you?" At her nod, he gathered them up, wrote a receipt, and left.
Sam looked at the floor and her Dad at her, "Are you sure there's nothing you want to tell me, Sam?"
Sighing, "Yes, Dad, I'm sure."
CONTINUED IN CHAP 4
Several people had risen from their chairs in stunned silence. Ferretti looked at Teal'c. "I guess the Asguard are here."
"Indeed."
In that silence, Captain Stemke, Commander of the US Navy SEAL Teams, asked, "The Asguard do that a lot?"
Colonel Quince turned to him, "Only to General O'Neill. They have a particular liking for him. They've named him Tau'ri Ambassador to the Asguard. They even put a genetic marker in his DNA. They like General Hammond, Major Carter, and SG-1 too, but not anything like the way they like General O'Neill."
Stemke frowned, "He allowed a marker in his DNA?"
Ferretti answered, "No. He was pretty pissed at the time, but they explained that since he's their Ambassador and one of the few Tau'ri they trust, they wanted to be able to find him when necessary. He and SG-1 have helped them several times saving their race from destruction, as they have helped us. In fact, just a couple of years ago, Teal'c and the General almost lost their lives saving Earth and the Asguard rescued them."
For the first time the Russian General Ozmantich spoke up, "Oh yes, that was when the 'Blackbird' had those mechanical bugs and the Asguard 'beamed' them up at the last minute."
Colonel Quince spoke up again, "Normally, I lead SG-11, the search and rescue team. But now I'm second in command to General O'Neill. If I can offer one suggestion for you to think about its this: We are dealing with aliens. Not humans impersonating aliens, but actual aliens who don't think like we do. While they would reach an understanding with us, they have no desire to become us or us them."
He looked over at Ferretti, who nodded, "Yes, Colonel, I agree. I think that's why the aliens either like General O'Neill or hate him. He is what he is. He doesn't try to change them or become like them, he has his own brand of honor and they respect that."
Stemke nodded. "When will they return him?"
Teal'c regarded Stemke, "CaptainStemke, you seem perturbed by this action. May I enquire why?"
Slowly considering his reply, Stemke nodded once, "Yes, I am. I'm uncomfortable with the Asguard, no matter how much they like the General, to just 'beam' him up like that. Is he safe there? Where did they take him?"
"Commander Thor has taken O'Neill to his ship, where he is safer than he is on Earth."
Stemke studied Teal'c, then, "Teal'c, may I enquire why you call him O'Neill rather than GeneralO'Neill?" "He is my brother. We do not call brothers any name but their own."
He contemplated Stemke, "CaptainStemke, I have been informed that the SEALs are strong and fierce warriors. While O'Neill intends to use them for missions through the Stargate, I would like to investigate the possibility of using some SEALs as part of O'Neill's personal security teams."
Agreeing, "I can give you 5 SEALS. Who else are you going to use?"
"Jaffa." Muttering broke out, and Teal'c raised his voice, "Along with some of the SGC security forces."
Quince broke in before it could get unruly, "Sirs, Ma'am, I'd like to do some housekeeping before the General returns. We need you to bring all your personnel to the mountain for quartering."
At their surprised looks, "Yes, we know that's a lot of quarters, but we've got the room now, barely. This has got to be done quickly so we can provide the basics of Stargate travel. You'll start with accompanying SG Teams to the alpha site."
Stratten, "Alpha site?"
Nodding, "Yes, sir. The alpha site is, well, was going to be Colonel O'Neill's command. Its an off-world location that's on a safe planet. We've put building materials and supplies there. Its also a worst case location in case we need to evacuate the base and then destroy this Stargate."
Quince was going over his list, when the conference room door opened and Carter and Daniel came in, "General..." Carter stopped and looked at Teal'c, then Quince, "Colonel?"
Pointing at the ceiling, "Thor's here."
Nodding, she and Daniel took their earlier seats. "How long has he been gone?"
Ferretti answered, "About twenty minutes."
Quince began again, "MAJ Ferretti and SG-2 are scheduled to take 4 teams of SEALs through to the Alpha Site at 1400 hours." Looking at Stemke, "Captain, can they be here in an hour?"
"Yes, Colonel. Let me contact them and they'll be here."
Quince nodded at the phone on the wall.
"Next is Major Westmore and SG-10, who will start taking through the Special Forces teams. Westmore will start at 1900 hours and continue until 0300. Then Major Carter and SG-1 will start taking the SAS teams through at 0630 hours and run through until 1430. Then we'll start up the process all over again. I'll post and provide everyone a schedule of the training. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me, Major Ferretti, Major Carter or any of the other SG Team Commanders."
Pausing a moment to ensure everyone was paying attention, he said in a stern voice, "General O'Neill has two hard and fast rules. Make sure your teams understand them. The first is that the SG Commanders and teams are in-charge. If anyone on your teams can't understand that, they're gone. We need teams that work, not fight to see who's boss. No one has the off- world experience that the SG Teams have. If the General ever hears about anyone giving any shit to the SG Teams, he won't just kick them out of the SGC, they'll go to some unknown."
He paused again, "The second is that no one is allowed in the Gate Room except for the teams that are coming and going. The initial extension of the wormhole will kill any live being in its path." His glance took in all of them and they nodded at him. "The SGC will also continue to have live missions throughout the day, and as you already know, live missions always have priority."
Again, they nodded, as that's standard operating procedures. "We're hoping that to ease this massive preparation period both the Asguard and Tok'ra will help."
A flash of light and O'Neill was back in his chair. "Yeah, the Asguard have agreed to help. They said they were saddened to hear about General Hammond and wish his speedy recovery."
He tossed something over his shoulder to Carter. She grinned, "Oh, thanks, sir. I was so not hungry."
Smirking, "Yeah, don't say I never bring my 2IC anything back from vacation."
With that he tossed a cube to Quince. "Thanks, General." Quince grimaced at the cube and put it on the table.
O'Neill grinned at the others, "Asguardian food. They know from studying humans that we often offer food and drink when we have guests. Unfortunately, what they eat and what we eat is entirely different, not to mention tastes really awful."
O'Neill turned to stare at Stemke. Stemke, who thought O'Neill wasn't paying attention, was caught by surprise, "Captain, talk to me."
Straightening in his chair, surprised, "Yes, sir." He glanced at Teal'c and saw the dark humor in his eyes, "General, I'm concerned about...how you left just now, sir."
O'Neill continued to stare at him. Stemke suddenly realized something about O'Neill. He realized that O'Neill had a hidden side that most people didn't notice. Stemke noticed it - now. The emotionless look in O'Neill's eyes. He recognized it. The quiet confidence he exuded - neither challenging nor backing away. It said push or don't push, it's all up to you. The look that only selected few had in the entire military - O'Neill had it. Stemke knew that he'd been at least special ops, but probably black ops, to get that look in his eyes.
'Shit,' Stemke sighed to himself. O'Neill had noticed his derision, which he thought he had carefully hid, and called him on it. 'Shit.' Stemke nodded in apology and acknowledgement that he had under-estimated him.
He began again, "Sir, my teams are going to start going through to the Alpha site in less than two hours."
Nodding, "Good, Captain." Looking around at everyone else, " I know that during my absence, Colonel Quince brought everyone up-to-date on everything, especially my rules. Does anyone have any questions?" No one said anything. "We'll have another meeting later on today. Go bring your troops in. Dismissed."
He gathered in Carter and Daniel with a look. Once back in his office, "Okay Carter, what did SG-10 come back with?"
"Sir, Major Westmore was passed some information on Heru'ur. He was last seen in the area of Apophis' stronghold."
O'Neill nodded, "Do we have any reason not to believe that's where Hammond and the SG Teams are?"
Carter and Daniel exchanged a look, "Jack, according to the translation on the 'gift' we got from P6G-769, it says 'they, who try to halt our natural progression of universal dominance, will find eternal damnation in the vaults of Kheb'."
In a pissed voice, "Net'u?"
Carter nodded, "Yes, General, that's what we think."
The KLAXON suddenly went off. "OFF-WORLD ACTIVATION. UNSCHEDULED TRAVELER. General O'Neill to the Control Room."
O'Neill and SG-1 strode into the Control Room, "Siler?"
"Its the Tok'ra, sir."
Nodding, "Open the iris."
Out of the Stargate came Jacob, Aldwyn, and Garshaw. Only after the wormhole had disengaged did Teal'c allow O'Neill into the gate room.
Jacob stepped over to hug Sam. Smiling at each other, "Hi, Dad."
"Hi, Sam. How are you holding up, honey?"
"I'm find, Dad." She squeezed his hand, then walked over to where O'Neill was greeting Garshaw and Aldwyn. Jacob followed her over.
Jacob stopped and looked Jack over. Sam had told them that Jack was now in command of the SGC, but what she didn't say was that he was now a four-star general.
Garshaw turned to Jacob, "Jacob, Earth has seen fit to promote Colonel O'Neill to General and Commander of Earth Forces."
Jacob blinked in shock, then nodded, "General, I'm sorry about George and your teams."
O'Neill frowned, "Thank you. I'm still hoping to get them back and we may need your help."
Garshaw nodded, "Who else is attending?"
"Thor is on his ship and he'll come down when its time for the meeting. Bra'tac will be here later. We're hoping that Lya will also come."
O'Neill looked over at Quince, who had just come in, "Garshaw, Jacob, Aldwyn, I'm sure you already know Colonel Mark Quince, Commander of SG-11, but right now he's also my 2IC. He'll show you to your quarters. We're scheduled to have our meeting in about an hour."
Behind him SG-2 entered with four 4-person SEAL teams following them in. SG-2 had checked their packs, given them a briefing on traveling in the wormhole, and the protocols of arriving on planet. Now it was their turn to actually experience it.
Jacob gestured, "Ja...General, what's this?"
Captain Stemke stepped up to O'Neill, "Sir, SEAL Teams are ready."
Nodding at Stemke, "Never had any doubts, Captain. Major Ferretti?"
Grinning, "Yes, General. We're ready." SG-2 lined up at the bottom of the ramp, with the SEALS behind them.
Teal'c put his had on O'Neill's arm, "Okay, kids, let's go to the Control Room. Siler, dial it up!"
"Yes, sir, dialing in progress."
Everyone watched from the Control Room as the chevrons encoded and locked into place. The wormhole engaged and settled into its normal state.
Sgt Silar activated the MALP that was permanently stationed at the alpha site, validating all was well (as they could see).
O'Neill leaned down, "You have a go, SG-2. Teach them well."
Ferretti nodded at two of his team who went through the gate first. He then turned to Stemke and his SEALS and nodded at them to go. Ferretti and Stemke turned to O'Neill saluted, and went through the event horizon. The Stargate closed behind them.
Quince had already taken Garshaw and Aldwyn to their quarters, but Jacob had stayed with them in the Control Room.
Jacob turned to Sam, "Sam, I told Col Quince that I'd stay with you." Shaking his head at that memory, "But he got the strangest look at his face."
Frowning, "You think General O'Neill will let us go to your quarters and visit for awhile?"
Everyone in the Control Room immediately directed their attention back to their duties. O'Neill sighed and looked up at the ceiling, then over at Sam; who had been holding her breath, staring at him.
Jacob, confused, "Sam?"
O'Neill nodded and tossed his key at her - behind Jacob's back. He had actually gotten a duplicate from Major Davis, just in case she hadn't been able to move out yet "Go, Carters."
She blushed and grabbed the key, then her father. "Thank you, sir."
In the busier than usual corridor, Sam and Jacob walked in silence until they got to a split. Sam went one way, Jacob the other.
"Uh, Dad, we're going this way."
Frowning, "But your quarters are this way."
"Only if you want to meet with the Special Forces Group Commander or his aide. I had to give my quarters up until we get all the other floors and quarters opened."
She led him to another door, which said 'J. O'Neill.'
"Sam? Why are we at O'Neill's quarters?"
She unlocked the door and stepped in, gesturing to the cot, "Because this is where I stayed last night?"
"Uh huh." Jacob looked around and saw her stuff on the desk and chair. "You and Jack think this is a good idea?" Sighing, "Probably not, but it was the best I could do at 0130 last night."
He sat down on the other chair in the room, "You know there's going to be rumors."
She sat on the cot, "Dad, there already are, lots of them. They never seem to stop."
"Any truth to them?" Jacob studied her. Selmak chided him on teasing his daughter. She knew that Jacob liked Jack, even with all his dark parts.
KNOCK KNOCK
Shaking her head in frustration, Sam went and opened the door. The laundry team stepped in carrying some freshly laundered BDUs.
They hadn't seen Jacob yet, "Ma'am, we've got your and the General's uniforms, and we've changed out his rank on all of them. Can I go ahead and put them in the closet?"
Jacob snorted, or maybe it was Selmak, and the Airman jumped. "Major, I'm sorry, I didn't know anyone was with you."
Glaring at her father, "No problem, Airman. Yes, please put them in the closet."
Mentally shaking her head at the situation she found herself in, she decided to just go for it, "There's some dirty ones in those laundry bags. If you would take those, please?"
Nodding, he wrote down the information, "Sure thing, Ma'am. For both of you?" At her nod, he gathered them up, wrote a receipt, and left.
Sam looked at the floor and her Dad at her, "Are you sure there's nothing you want to tell me, Sam?"
Sighing, "Yes, Dad, I'm sure."
CONTINUED IN CHAP 4