A/N—Thanks again for the reviews; I really appreciate them!

Disclaimer in chapter 1

21

Robert Kinsey didn't look up when he heard his door open. "Thank you, Linda. Just leave the file on the side table."

George Hammond held up a manilla folder. "Would this be the file in question, Mr. Vice-President?" It was stamped "top secret: eyes only" and he wielded it like a summons. In a way, George guessed it was.

"Did we have an appointment, General?" Kinsey asked, barely glancing up. His tone was mockingly polite, and George gave him an equally insincere smile.

"I realize you're a busy man, but I think you'll want to take time for this." Hammond took a seat before it was offered, sliding the file across the desk. Kinsey reached for his glasses, making a show of placing them on his pinched face. Reclining into the leather armchair, George noticed everything Kinsey did was a show. To intimidate, impress, stall, or simply annoy, he moved as if scripted and the part he played in this drama was his usual roll: pompous ass. He excelled at it.

Robert flipped through the report, barely looking at it's contents. Sighing, he pulled off his glasses. "I really don't have time for this."

"I'm not sure you understand, Mr. Vice-President, this woman was forcibly taken from her place of employment, questioned and detained without legal representation. As far as I know, that's considered a crime."

"And since when does the head of Homeworld Security concern himself with this kind of domestic issue? Isn't this a little pedestrian for a cabinet-level office?"

"Since the woman in question somehow infiltrated Area 51, I think it's very much the realm of Homeland Security." Kinsey started to interrupt, but George continued. "The question I have, is why you're interested her."

Robert chuckled. "You think I am? I don't even know her name."

"I know you've seen the initial report from the SGC. I saw you were copied on Colonel Jackson's report. Although, with as busy as you are, I suppose you could have missed it."

"I'm not sure I like what you're implying, General."

"And I don't like being lied to. Sir." George watched Kinsey's neck, then face bloom to an angry red. The man had a temper and often the secret to getting vital information from him was to push his buttons.

George tossed another file on Kinsey's desk. "When you heard of Ms. Carter's 'arrival' within Area 51, you didn't waste any time or resources in finding her and taking her into custody. In fact you made it your mission to get to her before the SGC could make contact."

"That's ridiculous! If I had heard about this woman I would have contacted you. This is the realm of your office," Kinsey said, waving his hand over the file.

"Yes, it is," George confirmed. "And as head of Homeworld Security, you think I don't keep regular tabs on what goes on beneath NORAD?"

Robert pulled at his collar. George watched his eyes shift and hands clench into fists. His nervous gestures were much more telling than the rhetoric he was sure to spout. "I would hope you would be aware of who was being detained there. Again, I don't see what that has to do with me."

Hammond waited a moment or two, letting the Vice-President stew. "You've heard of Lieutenant Colonel Bert Samuels?"

Kinsey tightened up slightly before he forced himself to fein a relaxed posture. One thing for certain, George thought, the man had never been trained into schooling his reactions during an interrogation. "The name's not ringing any bells."

"Really? He certainly seems to know you." George pushed the second file closer to Robert. "It's a full disclosure. In return for certain concessions, of course. It should comfort you to know the man didn't sell you out easily."

Kinsey's hands were shaking with rage, and his unsteady fingers caused the sheets from the new file to rattle in the silence of the room. "What do you want?" he asked, still staring at the papers in his grasp.

"Not that much, really." Hammond waited until Kinsey looked up and met his gaze. "I want you to leave the SGC alone."

"That's not possible! The Replicators. . . .!"

"Are coming, and the SGC and SG-1 are our best hope."

"You're making a huge mistake," Robert warned. "Not only politically and professionally, but putting this entire planet at risk. I'm sure the President would love to hear how you're doing your best to blackmail this office and. . ."

"Save it, Kinsey. The only thing you're concerned about is getting your ass nailed. Hiding behind the Vice-Presidency isn't going to save you this time. The President is more than aware of your nefarious dealings, and I won't hesitate to give him the evidence he needs to crucify you."

It was obvious he'd succeeded in cornering Kinsey. He didn't think for one minute the enraged tiger was going to be contained. Kinsey had always held a grudge against him, and he wasn't certain why. It was the main reason he'd accepted the post as director of Homeland Security. The SGC kept coming under attack from Kinsey, and George thought his removal would ease some of the pressure. He'd been wrong. At least now the program would be granted a reprieve. For the moment. He'd worry about the future of the Stargate if they survived the Replicators.

"Well, Mr. Vice-President?"

"Don't think this is over," Robert growled.

"I don't expect it is," Hammond said, rising. "I'll make sure you're appraised of SG-1's progress, sir."

A/N-Another short one. I'll post another short chapter later today. Thanks for reading!