Disclaimer in chapter 1
14
Vice-President Robert Kinsey looked up as the Army Lieutenant Colonel entered his office. He made no attempt to stand and welcome him into his space.
Robert left the man at attention for a few moments before offering him a seat. "At ease, Colonel," he said, gesturing to the chair across from him. "It's Samuels, isn't it?"
"Yes, sir," There was a certain smugness about the man that grated on Kinsey's nerves. From what he'd learned, Samuels was the man who could carry out his directives efficiently and discretely. He didn't have to like him.
Robert slipped on a pair of reading glasses, opening the file before him. "Colonel, it says here until recently you were attached to the Stargate Coalition as General Hammond's Executive Officer." He pulled off the glasses, regarding the man.
"Yes, sir, that's true."
"Mind telling me why you're no longer stationed there?"
Samuels shifted in his seat, tugging on his collar. "General Carter and I don't seem to have the same. . .rapport I enjoyed with General Hammond. I asked to be reassigned to the Pentagon, and due to my exemplary record, my request was granted." Robert wasn't privy to the circumstances, but he had no doubt it was at Jacob Carter'srequest Samuels had been removed from the SGC.
"So it was a personal issue, not that you didn't agree with the SGC's mission," he stated.
Samuel's eyes darted back and forth. "I believe there should be some oversight over the device," he stated diplomatically.
"That's not what I asked you, Colonel." Again Samuels shifted in his seat as he worked on formulating an answer.
"May I speak freely, Mr. Vice-President? Off the record?" Kinsey nodded. "Sir, I believe the SGC, SG-1 in particular, are playing with fire. The Stargate is an accident waiting to happen. It has been ever since the first mission. I think it's only been by the grace of God we haven't met up with an aggressive alien force before now. I think suspending 'gate travel has been the wisest decision you and the President have made."
Robert rubbed a coin between his thumb and index finger, staring at man sitting ram-rod straight across from him, his dress uniform impeccable. "So your disapproval of the program isn't just the leadership of the facility."
"Sir, I believe the only way to assure this country's safety-the world's safety-is to bury the 'gate, some place where it'll never be found again." Kinsey considered the man across from him. He sounded sincere. He acted sincere, but it could all be faked. Perhaps the Lieutenant Colonel was merely telling him what he thought he wanted to hear in order to ingratiate himself.
"Your friends at the SGC think otherwise," he said, sliding a folder across his desk. Samuels flipped open the file, quickly scanning the contents. After a few minutes he looked up.
"An alternate universe? Surely they're grasping at straws if this is the explanation they've given for wanting to re-open the Stargate!"
"Actually, that doesn't seem to be their priority at the moment. Read on."
Samuels resumed his perusal of the report, pulling a photo out of the stack of papers. "This is her?" Kinsey nodded. "And their rationale is that she saved this other 'universe' so she should be able to do the same here?"
Robert crossed his legs, leaning back into his chair. "Apparently. It says there the Samantha Carter Colonel Jackson met on his theoretical journey to another reality built a weapon capable of destroying the Replicators. It's the SGC's contention she could do the same in this universe given the opportunity."
Samuels whistled. "That's a pretty big 'if', sir.
"Which is why I want you to apprehend her before SG-1 does.
Samuels' head jerked up. "Sir?"
"I need to know what she knows, what her abilities are, and most importantly, where her loyalties lie. Oh, I'll turn her over to them, providing I get satisfactory answers. I'm just not convinced these 'Replicators' represent the significant threat the SGC would have us believe. That being said, I think this Samantha Carter is a much greater threat as a security risk." Robert stood and walked around his desk, signaling the interview had reached it's end.
"I want you to bring her in, Samuels. No rough stuff, but enough to scare her. Shake her up a bit. Under no circumstances is she to learn of this office's involvement. This will be strictly a military matter, is that clear?"
Bert Samuels rose to his feet. "Yes, sir. I understand, sir."
"Oh, and when you submit your report, make sure it goes to Agent Cross."
"The head of the NID?"
Robert narrowed his eyes on the colonel. "Do you have a problem with that?"
"No, sir!" Samuels quickly answered. "I just thought since you were trying to keep this within the bounds of the military. . ."
"The NID may ultimately a civilian organization, Colonel, but they're closely allied with the military as well. They're the perfect liaison between this office and the Army. I assure you, our goals are one in the same."
Samuels acquiesced. "Of course, sir."
Robert handed him a sheet of paper. "This is the last known home address for Ms. Carter. She seems to have moved recently, but she's still employed at this address," he said, pointing to the last line on the paper. "Bear in mind, if we have this information, the SGC does as well."
Samuels nodded. "Consider it done, Mr. Vice-President."