Hammond had spent most of the day trying to placate two very agitated NID agents. It was an understatement to say that they were less than pleased. Now both sat on the other side of the desk in his office, waiting for an explanation for his 2IC's behavior. He hadn't been surprised when Jack had attempted to get the young woman through the Stargate, the circumstances around the attempt had surprised him somewhat, but he couldn't say he was unhappy with the way it had turned out. The Asgard had a funny habit of turning up just at the last moment, and this time they had arrived none too soon.
"Gentlemen….."
"General? General can you hear me?"
Both men jumped out of their seats when Jack appeared next to them in the office, each reaching for their service pistol.
Jack grinned, holding up his hands in front of him. "Just a hologram guy, calm down"
Hammond could have laughed as both agents scowled and relaxed back into their seats.
"Colonel, to what do we owe the honor"
"I've got someone here who wants to have a little chat with you guys"
A hologram of Thor appeared next to Jack and extended his greeting to Hammond, pointedly ignoring the two agents who starred in awe at the little grey alien.
"Hammond, O'Neill informs me that you government is planning to begin colonizing other planets."
"That is correct Thor. Jack himself was offered the leadership position on the first colony, a position which he refused several months ago"
"I believe the current situation has caused O'Neill to change his plans and he now wishes to accept the position offered to him by you government."
One of the agents opened his mouth to speak.
"Wait, there's more" Jack smirked.
"The importance of O'Neill remaining in contact with the woman known as Lalia may be vital to the continuation of my race; as such the Asgard would offer their continuing protection of Earth along with the protection of any Earth colony, in exchange for O'Neill's position as leader on the first colony and the freedom of the woman Lalia"
"Colonel will be charged with insubordination and the woman will be studied to further our war against the Guao'ld" answered one of the agents.
"That is unfortunate. If Earth's government is unwilling to participate in the possible protection of the Asgard race, we may have to withdraw any current or future protection offered to Earth."
Hammond could see Jack's smile getting wider as Thor spoke and knew it wouldn't take many phone calls to sort this mess out. Jack knew it too and the man looked almost too damn smug, the two NID agents were positively seething.
"Thor, please allow me to convey your offer directly to the president. I'm sure he will be only too happy to accept"
"Very well Hammond. My ship will remain in orbit until I have received your answer"
"Catch ya later guys" Jack grinned, waving comically at the two agents as the image fuzzed and faded.
Hammond turned to look at the men sat opposite him.
"Please excuse me gentlemen, I have a very important call to make. I don't think your services will now be required"
Hammond smiled to himself as they left, Jack had scraped through by the skin of his teeth, yet again and he had to admit that he was pleased.
