Sticks and Stones - Chapter 17 - by Emma Nisbet (grnfield)
It was early the next week when Jack was finally recalled to General Hammond's office. He waited nervously while the General spoke to his secretary outside.
When the older man stepped back into the room he immediately noticed Jack standing behind the visitors chair. "At ease, Colonel. Take a seat."
Jack waited until the General took his own seat before sitting down himself.
George leaned his elbows on the polished wooden desktop and steepled his fingers looking at Jack thoughtfully. "I think you know why I asked you here and you don't need to worry. I think I've found a solution that will keep all affected parties happy."
"That's good to hear, Sir." Jack told him, letting out a small sigh of relief. "May I ask what your plan entails, Sir?"
"Well, it all hinges on you being willing to take the occasional gate trip. Only backwards and forwards between the Alpha site and maybe occasionally the Beta site too," the General explained.
"I would be agreeable to that, Sir. Doing what though?" Jack asked.
"Off-world training, Colonel." The General said confidently. "Once the new recruits have undergone basic training they will be sent to yourself, and the team that you'll be leading, for more in-depth training. You have completed more missions through the gate than most other men and you've been with the program since it's inception. If there's anyone who can prepare those soldiers for what they might meet out there then - in my opinion - there's no better man than you, Colonel."
Jack leant forwards wanting to hear more of the plan.
"You would be based at the Alpha site, accommodation areas have already been set up - granted they're not glamorous but they're serviceable. You'll be in constant contact with the SGC and also with teams in the field - to offer advice if needed. You will be the most experienced officer there and the most highly decorated. Basically, Colonel, you'll be your own boss - within reason - while you're there. You will, however retain the position of second-in-command of this base, to be recalled here as and when required."
The General saw an evil glint run through Jack's eyes as he processed the information that the older man had just imparted.
"Sir…" Jack said slowly. "I think you're a genius."
A relieved smile played across the faces of both men.
"I'm glad you approve, son," George told him fondly. "How long do you need to put your things in order here? When can you be ready to go?"
"End of next week OK, Sir?" Jack asked. "Nyan's moving into Daniel's house at the weekend and I said I'd help him. I think he's finding the whole prospect a bit daunting actually, Sir."
"I'm sure he is, son. I'm sure he is. I'm grateful you accepted the position, Jack. I'm not sure what I would have done with you if you hadn't," the General admitted.
"Thank you, Sir. It's more than I could have hoped for when I spoke to you last week." Jack told him. "To be honest I was still wondering if a quick retirement may have been on the cards. I wouldn't have been entirely surprised if you'd ordered it actually, Sir."
"No, Colonel. You're far too valuable a commodity to let go that easily." George told him. "This way your vast experience can benefit the SGC for years to come, through the next generation of soldiers. With any luck it'll be the start of a legacy that'll outlive the pair of us."
"A cheery thought, I'm sure." Jack said, raising himself to his feet. "If that's all, Sir. I think I've got some packing to do."
"Certainly, son." George said. "Dismissed."
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