Going back to his office, he shut the door and stood looking around. His eyes rested on the picture of himself and Charlie that sat behind his desk. Charlie would have loved Sam. They both had inquisitive minds, both wanting to know how things worked and why. They both loved science and space, wanting to know the universe and its deepest darkest secrets. He could picture them both sat pouring over some book, debating what was written. Yet, a part of him wondered what would have happened if Charlie was still alive. He wouldn't have joined the Stargate program, wouldn't have gone to Abydos, and definitely wouldn't have met a certain captain who was full of spit, fire and drove him insane from the moment he first set eyes on her. Walking around his desk he sat down, knocking his knee on the partially closed draw that he hadn't shut as he dashed out.
Rubbing his knee he shut the drawer and sat back, closing his eyes. He hoped he would get five minutes peace to mull over how much life had threw at him in the past 10 plus years, but this job was not a one for giving him much peace. Sure enough just as his mind was doing a replay of Sam stood at the Stargate for the first time, telling him something about fluctuations there was a sharp rap on the door.
"Come in." Sighing as he opened his eyes and tried to look as if he hadn't been daydreaming.
"Sir, not sure when you last ate so brought you something." Placing a plate of sandwiches and a cup of tea on the table.
"Thanks, Walter." Looking at the face of the man stood opposite him.
Walter Harriman hadn't changed at all in the time he had known him. Other than the change in rank, he was still the same as the day he had met him.
"She'll be fine, sir, she always is. Especially now she has a reason to come home." Walter pointed out as he stood looking a little uncertain at speaking out of term.
"I hope so, this is not what I had planned for my retirement." Knowing Walter would get the fact he should have been retired at least a few times by now.
"I'll leave you alone sir if you need anything just shout." Smiling as he left the office.
Picking a sandwich up he started to eat, hoping it would help with the headache he could feel building up. Finishing the first sandwich, he picked the cup and his finger caught the string. He should have known. It was probably the amount of coffee he had drank that was playing a part in his headache. Taking a drink he smiled to himself, he would not be telling Sam coffee gave him a headache, she would love that snippet of information way too much. Sitting up, he tucked into the remaining sandwiches and drank his tea hoping that the mundane task would help pass time.
Sure enough, it did. Just as he drained his cup he saw Walter pass the glass partition in his office. He couldn't read the man's face as he opened the door and told him the Hammond was signalling. Maybe that was for the best. Standing up he followed behind and exited his office, this day was going to last forever. Stopping in front of the big screen he waited for a connection, watching as Sam's face filled the screen.
"We barely made hyperspace, this time was even closer." The adrenaline still coursing through her as she spoke.
"What about casualties?" Knowing by the look on her face and the haunted look in her eyes there was some.
"Two of my 302's couldn't make it back, and if Rush was still on the planet," Not finishing her sentence as she saw him look down and see the report coming through the system.
"I'm sorry Sam." Knowing no words could replace the fact she had lost men under her command.
"Yes, sir. Did any of them make it to Destiny?" Hoping her men had died for nothing.
"I haven't heard." Knowing that she wanted to know so she could at least have some peace of mind before they set off for home. "Head on back, hopefully by the time you get back we'll have news." Seeing the look of sorrow on her face.
"Yes, sir." Knowing there was no more either could do until they heard from the Destiny.
The screen went blank and the room fell silent. Turning to look at the data that was streaming through he was pleased to see that The Hammond had survived unscathed. The ship had a good name, a name important to both its commanding office and him. He knew Sam was pleased she had The Hammond, she had told him it was if a piece of their commanding officer and dear friend was with her, watching over her. Now he was inclined to agree. Looking up at the ceiling he gave a silent pray to the ship's namesake,
"Thanks George, she did it again." Looking around to see everyone was busy and hadn't paid him any notice.
He heard his name being called from the open doorway and turned to see an airman flanked by two of his own men. Looking them over he inclined his head towards his office and moved to join them. Taking a seat in his office he looked at the man who was sat opposite him.
"I'm sorry, sir
"Second guessing a decision is a waste of time. I'm not there, but I'm starting to wonder if I should be." Raising his voice as his temper started to rise.
"I can't speak to that, sir." The man opposite him who was carrying the mind of Everett said.
"This should be done, over." Knowing it was always easier said than done.
"Yes, sir. Yet at the time I believed venting the gate room would kill both Dr. Rush and colonel Telford. They deserved a chance." Everett said as he tried trying to explain his actions.
"We lost two 302 pilots, sent to stop the attack." Hoping he could make the man see what his indecision had cost.
"I'm sorry," not actually sure what he could say to make things right.
"Colonel Carter knew she would lose her ship if she tried to save them, but it was the right decision." Knowing he was trying every tactic to get the man to see his point.
"Yes, sir." Was Everetts only response.
"Are you up for this Everett?" A 'yes sir' coming from the other man before he had finished speaking. "Cause somebody will take your place if you're not." Knowing the man would understand what losing his command would cost.
"I'm not gonna let anyone else take that ship." The determination in his voice evident.
"Well get you ass back there." Knowing he had finally got Everett to do what was needed.
Watching Everett he slumped back in his chair. The day was by far over, especially for Everett and himself. Looking at his watch, he knew he needed to keep everyone up to speed, the president included. Rubbing his hands up and down his face, he gave himself a shake before picking up the receiver on the phone situated on hand desk, best get it over with.
The phone call with the joint chiefs and the president were quick and to the point. He did not want to drag the matter out. He informed them that Yes, Destiny had been taken over. The Hammond, which had been sent to hopefully stop the attack, had lost two of her pilots and ships but was undamaged and on its way home. Colonel Everett was now back aboard the Destiny and doing everything in his power to take back his ship, and put an end to the Lucian alliance presence on board. He informed the president he would keep him updated with any new developments in the situation, before putting the receiver back in its cradle and sighing. He still had a couple of hours before he would, and should, consider sleep, so he called Walter and asked for a refill and something to snack on until he heard something.
Walter appeared at the office door five minutes later carrying a piece of cake on a plate and a cup with the very noticeable string hanging down the side. Just what he needed, more tea. Walter placed the items on the table and excused himself, leaving him alone with his thoughts, and a pile of paperwork. Taking the fork he slowly ate the cake, savouring every mouthful and crumb. He knew when he was done he should get on and do some work so he took his time eating. When he was finished he placed the fork on the plate and pushed it to one side, clearing room for files he needed to read and sign.
He had just signed off on the report to have 2 new 302's sent to The Hammond when the office door opened and Daniel stuck his head around the door.
"Hey, Jack thought you might have headed home by now. Maybe grabbed a couple of hours sleep since you've been here since the crack of dawn, if not before." Daniel subtle hinted as he looked at his watch.
"Was just thinking about that actually. No point hanging around if I can't do anything." Stacking up the finished paperwork ready for someone else to file away.
"True, plus I know a certain tall, dark haired, colonel who may need some input on writing her letter to the two families. She's probably feeling a little sorry for herself, which she won't show anyone else." Knowing Sam well enough to point that fact out.
"Thanks, Daniel. Why don't you call over tomorrow, see Sam before she gets sent back out? It's gonna take a couple of days to restock the ship, plus find pilots and get the new 302's up there." Looking up at the ceiling when he said the last part.
"Will do, I'll call first, make sure she's still down here and not up there." Following Jack's gaze to the ceiling.
"Night Daniel, I'll tell Sam you were asking after her when I see her." Standing up and stretching out his scrunched up limbs from being sat at the desk too long.
"Night Jack, give Sam a hug and tell her I'm sorry about her pilot's." Smiling at Jack before leaving him alone.
Quickly clearing his desk into some sort of order, he left and headed to the control room. Going around he gave out instructions on what needed doing, signed a few reports Walter had and then headed for the elevator before he was stopped. Riding down was nothing new, especially after being in the mountain so long. He always felt a little lost when the ride ended quickly, trips in the mountain took, or seemed to take ages. When the doors opened the dimmed lights of the lobby stood out against the blackness of the windows in front of him. It was definitely night time. The problem being tucked away inside was no daylight, no time frame for day or night, just like in the mountain.
Striding past security, he heard a mumbled 'goodnight sir' as he made his way quickly out the building. He was not being stopped, not tonight. Getting to his car, he pulled the keys out his pocket and opened the door, the headlights flashing and lighting the nearly deserted parking lot up. Getting in he started the car and put his seatbelt on, the car's heating kicking as it picked up how cold it was outside. Driving out the lot and onto the Main Street, he was pleased it was so late. The roads were near enough empty, making driving a lot easier and less time consuming. He hadn't even bothered to check if Sam had stayed aboard The Hammond, he knew if she was on Earth, she would make an effort to get home. Pulling into the street, he noticed how dark all the other houses were bar one. Nearly every light was on at the front of the house, even in front of the garage. It was then he saw the shiny wheel arch of the bike parked up just to the side of the still closed garage door. Why hadn't she put it away? Wait, why and when had she got it out? She never rode the Indian now, unless she was really down and needed space away.
Pulling into the driveway he put the car in park, switching the ignition off and got out. Taking his keys he pressed the button for the garage door and stood back as it opened. Kicking the stand off the bike, he let the bike roll backwards, steering it towards the now open garage. Wheeling it inside, he quickly turned the light off and stepped back out onto the driveway, pressing the button to close and lock the garage door as he went. Making his way towards the front door he made sure his car was locked before entering the house as quietly as he could. Dropping his keys next to the set on the hall table, he made his way around the downstairs of the house, looking for Sam and switching lights off as he went. He was just about to head upstairs after going to lock the door leading to the yard when he spotted the very person he was looking for out on the back decking. Stealing himself against whatever mood Sam was in he opened the door and stepped out into the cold night air.