General George Hammond sat behind his desk in his office at Homeworld, a bemused smile playing on his lips as he regarded the man standing before him. Seeing Jack O'Neill in his dress blues was a familiar sight, though it was a uniform he knew O'Neill despised. He couldn't help but reflect on how the frequency of these encounters seemed to have increased lately. He leaned back in his chair and decided to break the ice.
"So, Jack, what is it this time? Dare I guess?" Hammond inquired, his tone light but curious.
Jack managed a smile, but it was not the same amused smile that Hammond wore. He was visibly nervous, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape. He'd rehearsed his speech countless times since he'd stepped off the plane, but now, in this moment, his mind had inexplicably turned into a blank void. He cleared his throat and decided to opt for honesty.
"Well, General, I had a nice speech prepared," Jack began, his voice wavering slightly, "but it seems like my mind just decided to take a vacation." He offered a self-deprecating chuckle, trying to ease the tension he felt.
Hammond chuckled in response, finding O'Neill's predicament amusing. He knew Jack had a unique way of dealing with these situations, often using humor.
"Well, Jack, your mind isn't the only one that's gone AWOL on occasion," Hammond quipped. He appreciated Jack's honesty and knew that sometimes, direct and blunt communication was the best approach with his former second-in-command and current successor.
"All right, Jack. Go ahead. I'm listening." He leaned forward in his chair, waiting for Jack to lay out whatever was on his mind.
As Jack continued to explain his situation to General Hammond, he couldn't help but feel a weight lifting from his shoulders. He was about to face a significant change in his life and needed to be honest about it.
"As I suspect that you already know what it is, Sir," Jack said slowly, looking directly into Hammond's eyes. Hammond nodded non-committally, indicating his awareness of the unspoken matter. Jack took a deep breath and continued, choosing his words carefully.
"This whole thing with Carter has brought certain matters to my attention, matters that have been lying dormant for quite some time, Sir," Jack admitted, his voice reflecting a mix of emotions. "Matters that neither of us have acted upon. You have my word on that. Nothing has happened that seriously compromises the frat rules, but I honestly don't know how long we'll be able to continue doing that, Sir." It was a candid admission, and Jack knew he had to be clear about the situation.
Hammond listened attentively, understanding the gravity of Jack's words. Kissing passionately had already pushed the boundaries, and they were tiptoeing along the edge of a risky line.
"Okay, Jack, and what does that have to do with your promotion to Washington?" Hammond inquired, seeking clarification.
Jack cleared his throat, preparing to reveal his true intentions.
"I want to marry Sam, Sir. I want her to be my wife," Jack confessed with a determination in his voice. "But I believe it is important for her to continue at the Stargate Program. She was given a second chance by the Air Force, even though I continue to believe she acted under forced circumstances. But I also understand that not all people agree with me."
Hammond sighed heavily, recognizing the complex dilemma that Jack was presenting.
"Her position is not as strong as it was," he stated, acknowledging the change in Carter's standing. "Although she still has many friends here at the Pentagon," he added.
Jack seized the opportunity to advance his plan.
"Is General Maurice Vidrine one of them? Or is he in the opposition?" he asked, slowly revealing his intention to transfer Sam to the Pentagon.
Hammond was surprised by the directness of Jack's question but understood where the conversation was heading.
"Vidrine? Why do you ask?" he inquired, intrigued.
Jack decided to lay all his cards on the table.
"I was hoping to have Sam transferred to the Pentagon as well," he admitted. "And General Vidrine always liked her job. At least he used to like it. I was searching for confirmation if that remains."
As Hammond considered the situation, he recognized the potential of Jack's request.
"You know that Vidrine was the first to speak in favor of Samantha when the voting occurred?" he disclosed, studying Jack's reaction.
Jack shook his head, feeling a glimmer of hope.
"He was. I was the second. We made a solid case, and soon others followed. Like I said, she still has many friends at the Pentagon. Maurice is one of them."
Hammond assured Jack that he would speak with General Vidrine, and the relief in Jack's expression was palpable. He thanked Hammond and left the office with optimism and determination, ready to navigate the challenges ahead.
As Jack and Sam anxiously waited for news from George Hammond, the tension in the room was palpable. Their eyes darted between the clock on the wall and the door, hoping for positive development. The weight of uncertainty hung heavily in the air.
Suddenly, Jack's phone buzzed, breaking the silence with an urgent update. His face lit up with relief and satisfaction as he read the message. It was news about the status of the legal proceedings against Vladimir Babanian and his criminal associates.
The message conveyed the long-awaited verdict: Vladimir Babanian and his thugs had been found guilty of all charges. It was a resounding victory for justice, and relief swept through the room. The evidence had been irrefutable, and justice had prevailed.
But the punishment didn't stop at a mere conviction. The update informed them that, with the cooperation of SGC operatives and the NID (National Intelligence Department), Babanian's criminal empire had been effectively dismantled. This joint effort had struck a decisive blow to the illicit operations plaguing their world.
The final piece of information was the most satisfying of all. Vladimir Babanian and his criminal cohorts were sentenced to spend the rest of their lives behind bars. Justice had not only been served; it had been served with a firm, unyielding hand.
Relief washed over Jack and Sam as they took in the news. The threat loomed over them; their world was defeated, and they could finally breathe easier.
Jack's stomach tightened with mixed emotions as he received the rest of the news. He had been hoping for good news, but not all seemed as he had wished. The information he received pertained to Sam and the disciplinary actions the Air Force had decided to take against her. Although she had been reinstated, it was evident that there was a price to pay, and that realization weighed heavily on him.
In his office, the atmosphere had grown somber. Jack glanced at Sam, her expression revealing a complex mix of emotions. The news was not easy to digest, as Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter was to receive a 'black mark' on her service record. It was listed as a disciplinary action, and the consequences were significant. She would have a forfeiture of pay retroactively from the time she had exited the Air Force until her reinstatement—essentially encompassing the duration she had been working for Vladimir Babanian.
Sam took in the news with a paled face, but her response was measured and composed.
"I was expecting worse," she said, her voice hinting at resignation. The weight of the disciplinary action was clear to her, and it was evident that she had mentally prepared herself for this outcome.
Jack, ever supportive, sighed and sought to offer some consolation.
"Your work speaks for all you've done for this Program, Sam. This is just something they had to do," he said, his tone trying to justify the situation. He understood the necessity of these actions but also felt for Sam, who had done so much.
Sam, her gaze lowered, replied with a degree of acceptance, "It's okay, Jack." Her response was a reflection of her professionalism and her ability to handle adversity with grace.
Jack wasn't content with leaving it there. He wanted to uplift her spirit.
"You are still Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter, and don't you dare forget that," he said, his voice carrying a sense of pride.
She responded with a small smile, though her gaze remained on her boots.
"Yep," she replied softly, her determination to soldier on clear despite the difficult circumstances. The two of them had been through many trials together, and this was yet another challenge they would face.
Sam sat alone in the cafeteria, slowly eating her blue Jello, her mind consumed by the weight of the "black mark" on her service record. She didn't know how her father would react and wasn't eager to tell him either. As she processed the implications of the disciplinary action, her thoughts were interrupted when Daniel walked in, spotting her sitting at a table.
"Hi, you've been elusive," he remarked, sipping his coffee.
Sam smiled weakly and replied, "Sorry, lots to think about." Her response revealed the ongoing struggle she was facing.
Daniel noticed the concern in her expression and probed further.
"Is everything okay?" he asked, genuinely worried about his friend. Sam mumbled something barely comprehensible, prompting Daniel to offer an observation. "Now, you looked just like Jack."
Sam blushed deeply at the comment and, as if suddenly spurred into action, she declared, "I have some work to do." She abruptly rose and left, surprised Daniel by her uncharacteristic behavior.
After discussing her disciplinary action in his office, Jack searched for Sam, first checking her lab, where he found her absent. His search led him to the cafeteria, but she was nowhere to be seen. Frustration building, he eventually went to Daniel's lab and asked about her whereabouts.
"Hi. Have you seen Carter?" he inquired from the doorway, his concern evident.
Daniel engrossed in a large book, looked up and replied, "No, I saw her earlier at the cafeteria." With that information, Jack nodded and left to continue his search.
Jack's search took him to various places around the base, including the gym and the library, but the results remained the same—no sign of Sam. Growing increasingly worried, he decided to check her quarters, even though it was still early afternoon. Upon arrival, her room was empty.
Concerned and not knowing where else to look, Jack picked up the phone and called security at the top of the mountain.
"This is General O'Neill. Has Colonel Carter signed off?" he inquired.
After a few seconds, an airman on the other end confirmed that Sam had signed off at 1315 and had yet to return. Jack hung up and dialed her cell phone, but it went straight to voicemail. Frustrated and anxious, he left a message, saying, "Carter, call me immediately," before hanging up.
As he stood in his office, the worry continued to mount. Jack attempted to gather his thoughts, wondering where Sam might have gone, but no clear answers presented themselves. The mystery of her sudden disappearance left him deeply concerned, and he was determined to discover what had happened to her.
As the hours passed and there was no sign or news from Sam, Jack was ready to climb the walls of SGC. Dinner time had passed, but he wasn't remotely hungry. He called the top security office again but was informed that Colonel Carter had yet to return. Her cell phone continued to go straight to voicemail. Jack was starting to go crazy. Finally, at 0030, he received a call from security saying that Colonel Carter had signed in and was going into the base. Jack rushed from his office to the elevators, hoping to catch her.
The elevator doors opened, and Sam was dressed in jeans, boots, and her leather jacket. She stopped when she saw him standing with his arms crossed and an annoyed expression on his face.
"What?" she asked, clearly surprised.
"Where the hell have you been?" he asked through gritted teeth.
Sam, clearly taken aback, widened her eyes and responded: "Excuse me?"
Jack took a deep breath and tried to maintain his composure.
"I called you several times on your cell," he said.
Sam took her cell from the back pocket of her jeans and looked at it.
"The battery is dead," she said.
Jack attempted to stay calm.
"And you didn't check it the whole time?" he asked.
Sam put the phone away again, her tone slightly exasperated.
"Do you need something?" she asked. "You do realize this is my day off," she added, her frustration evident.
Jack had forgotten about that detail, but now it didn't matter. She had been out of contact for hours. After everything that had happened, it was reckless.
"I needed to talk to you," he said. "But apparently, that isn't high on your priority list," he said, clearly perturbed, then turned around and left.
Sam stood there, looking at him as he walked away, and she merely smiled.
"Jesus, Jack," she said, mumbling and passing a hand through her hair.
Having initially checked his room, Sam headed to Jack's office. Surprisingly, she found him hard at work, fingers rapidly tapping on the laptop keyboard.
"Don't you think it's a little late to be working, General?" she inquired from the doorway.
Jack didn't stop typing, nor did he bother to lift his head. He ignored her, a clear indicator of his frustration. Sam entered his office, even though the hour was quite late. She closed the door behind her.
"I'm sorry if I didn't notice that my cell was out of battery," she apologized, sitting in front of his desk.
He continued to type intensely, but Sam could see the furrow lines on his forehead deepening.
"Come on, Jack. I've already apologized," she attempted once more.
Jack finally stopped typing and looked directly at her.
"More than eleven hours, Colonel," he said plainly.
Sam raised an eyebrow.
"Eleven hours?" she repeated, her surprise evident.
Jack took a deep breath, striving to maintain his composure.
"You were out for more than eleven hours," he explained.
"Oh," Sam said, realizing she had been absent from the base for an extended period. "I was picking up my bike," she clarified.
Jack looked at her, baffled.
"Your bike?" he asked.
Sam smiled.
"Yes, I received an email from a Captain in Nevada. They'd gone through Vald's things and found a motorcycle registered in my name. So, I went to pick her up," she said as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world.
Jack struggled to contain his exasperation.
"Your Indian?" he inquired.
"Yeah. Luckily, they didn't ruin it. I think they didn't touch it at all, except for the trip from here to Nevada," she said with a broad smile.
Jack lowered his head, overwhelmed.
"And you didn't think telling anyone at the base about your whereabouts would be advisable? After everything that has happened?" he questioned.
Sam appeared surprised by his inquiry.
"By anyone, you mean you?" she asked.
Jack gave her a warning look, causing Sam to decide not to press further.
"So, you were worried?" she inquired, crossing her arms.
"No," Jack responded immediately.
Sam raised her eyebrows.
"A little," he finally admitted.
She continued to scrutinize him. He closed his laptop forcefully.
"Okay, fine. I was damn worried. Happy now?" he said as he got up.
"I'm sorry, Jack. It wasn't my intention," she admitted.
Jack ran a hand through his hair.
"Yeah."
Sam got up, and there was a corner in Jack's office that the security cameras didn't cover. She carefully moved there, her hand discreetly touching his.
"Can I make it up to you?" she asked in a low voice, keeping her back to the cameras.
Jack was torn between wanting to ignore her and leaving the office, but he couldn't resist the moment's intensity. He quickly moved his body to where she was, grabbed her arm, and pulled her close, their faces just inches apart.
"You can try," he almost whispered, his lips hovering just above hers. Sam placed her arms around his neck, taking note of the exhaustion in his eyes.
"You look tired, General," she said softly, gently kissing his cheeks.
Jack held her tightly in his arms, his tension slowly melting away.
"I have a lot on my mind," he answered, his voice carrying the weight of his thoughts.
"You know this isn't the best place to make out," Sam whispered, her fingers gently caressing his hair. Jack continued to hold her close.
"The base is practically asleep," he murmured.
Sam looked into his eyes, her concern evident.
"Even so," she said, her hand slowly descending to his chest. "We need to be careful."
With a quick, passionate kiss on his lips, she pulled away from his embrace. Jack sighed in frustration and began to adjust his BDUs.
"You know this isn't fair," he said, his frustration apparent.
Sam was already by the door, and as she turned around, a mischievous smile played on her lips.
"Oh, I know it isn't fair. For both of us," she teased. With that, she left a frustrated and lonely General alone in his office.
The tension between Jack and Sam persisted for several more days as they anxiously awaited General Hammond's feedback. It seemed nearly impossible to be in the same room with the two of them without feeling the electrifying charge that seemed to hang in the air. Even simple activities like breakfast had become silent, punctuated by intense gazes and unspoken emotions.
During one of these silent breakfasts, Daniel observed Jack and Sam with a thoughtful look, darting back and forth between them as they exchanged charged glances. Teal'c, on the other hand, remained focused on his food, seemingly uninterested in the unspoken drama unfolding around him.
When they finally left the dining area, Daniel couldn't contain himself any longer and turned to Teal'c, an eager anticipation in his voice.
"Did you see that, Teal'c?" he asked almost immediately.
Teal'c calmly finished his last pancake before responding.
"What, Daniel Jackson?" he inquired.
Daniel pointed to the two empty seats where Jack and Sam had been sitting.
"Those two. Something is going on between them. I'm certain of it," he said with a sense of agitation.
Teal'c raised an eyebrow, his expression steady.
"Something has been ongoing for several years, Daniel Jackson. I don't see why this morning is any different," he calmly stated.
Daniel stared at Teal'c, his mouth hanging open in surprise.
"What?" he exclaimed.
Teal'c merely nodded in affirmation, and with that, he got up and left. Daniel remained in his chair, his brain still processing what Teal'c had just revealed, leaving him with a newfound understanding of the complex relationship between Jack and Sam.
Finally, Jack received a call from Hammond, asking him to go to the Pentagon. The General also requested the presence of Colonel Carter. Jack quickly informed Sam, and they departed for Washington, D.C together. The plane ride was tense, and both felt the weight of the impending meeting.
Upon their arrival at Hammond's office, the secretary informed them that General Hammond would see General O'Neill first. Sam took a seat and waited anxiously. Inside, Hammond kept Jack up to date with the latest decisions. When Jack left Hammond's office, his expression was unreadable, leaving Sam unsure what to expect.
Sam entered Hammond's office, feeling a sense of trepidation. Hammond asked her to take a seat.
"So, Colonel, I was informed that you would like to be transferred to this lovely city," he began.
Sam couldn't help but blush, feeling self-conscious under Hammond's scrutiny.
"Yes, Sir," she admitted.
Hammond nodded, his expression grave.
"I've discussed your situation and that possibility with another colleague close to the Stargate Program, and for the time being, I'm afraid that transfer isn't possible," Hammond informed her, his tone filled with regret.
Sam felt her world crumble, but she fought to control her emotions. Something in her expression must have revealed her disappointment because Hammond quickly added, "This doesn't mean the doors are completely closed. It just means that the moment isn't the right one."
"I understand, Sir," she replied, doing her best to maintain a composed demeanor.
Hammond leaned forward, keenly observing her.
"You don't seem very happy with this decision," he noted.
Sam swallowed, searching for the right words.
"I'll follow orders, Sir," she said, sounding resolute.
Hammond continued to press.
"I know you will, but that's not what I'm asking."
Sam averted her gaze, fixing it on a point on the wall behind Hammond, her voice low and measured.
"I had hoped to be transferred to the Pentagon, but I knew the chances were slim."
Hammond appeared surprised.
"Jack was more confident," he pointed out.
Sam continued staring at the wall, her emotions masked.
"General O'Neill is more optimistic than me."
Hammond scrutinized her.
"Why did you think your chances were slim, Samantha?" he asked, genuinely curious.
This time, Sam met her former CO's gaze directly.
"The black mark, Sir. It will be an obstacle in every transfer from now on in my career," she stated matter-of-factly.
Hammond couldn't argue with her; she was right.
"Like I said, it isn't just the right time," he assured her.
Hammond also offered some encouragement. "I'm sure you will continue your excellent work at SGC and on SG-1," he said.
Sam understood that the conversation was over. She rose from her seat.
"Thank you, Sir, for everything," she saluted.
Hammond returned the salute and dismissed her. Sam left his office without noticing Jack seated outside, waiting for her. She needed some air, and Jack followed her, concern etched on his face.
"Carter? Wait up," he called out, doubling his pace to catch up with her.
Outside the Pentagon, Jack finally caught up with Sam. She was breathing heavily and wore sunglasses to mask some of her disappointment.
"Are you okay?" he asked, grabbing her arm.
Sam took a deep breath, composing herself. She knew this moment was crucial.
"Yes, I'm fine," she replied, putting up a facade.
Jack sighed heavily, seeing through her attempt to hide her feelings.
"You don't have to lie, Sam. I know what Hammond told you. I'm not fine, so I don't expect you to be fine," he said, putting on his sunglasses.
"It was a possibility, Jack," she admitted, starting to walk.
"I honestly believed they were going to accept," Jack said.
The streets were bustling with people, so Jack guided them to a quieter area, and they found a bench to sit on. Sam remained standing at first, but at Jack's insistence, she joined him.
"So, I'm going to lay out a scenario, and I want to know what you think about it, okay?" he said.
Sam gave him a sidelong glance and nodded. Jack joined his hands as if in prayer and began speaking.
"I thought they would accept, but I also prepared for the case they didn't. Here's what I would like to do. I must assume my post as Head of Homeworld Security here, and you must return to SGC and SG-1. We'll be apart, at least for the time being. However, I want to marry you. Now. I want us to fly to Vegas, get married there, and not tell anyone. Just you and me. What do you think?" he asked, looking at her expectantly.
Sam swallowed hard, considering his proposal.
"I want very much to marry you, Jack, but if we do that, it would be a court-martial offense, and I think we can do without that in our lives right now," she said, expressing her reservations.
Jack removed his hat and ran a hand through his hair.
"So, you don't want to get married now?" he asked, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
Sam reassured him with a warm smile.
"Oh no, I want to get married very much," she said. "But through the proper channels," she added.
Jack closed his eyes, letting out a sigh.
"They will say no," he warned.
Sam shrugged her shoulder, displaying determination.
"They might, probably yes. Or they won't," she replied, confident in her voice.
Slowly, Jack took off his sunglasses and gazed at her directly.
"Okay then. Can I start taking care of that? Officially?" he asked.
Sam looked at him with a broad smile.
"Of course," she said with enthusiasm.
"Good, we must stay in Washington for at least another day. I'll have to talk to Hammond again," he said resignedly.
Sam began to laugh, her mood lightening.
"He might agree if you stop showing up at his office," she said amusedly.
Jack smiled, too, realizing that this trip was far from over, and they had some official matters to sort out before they could make their marriage official.
Hammond could only receive Jack the next day, so they had to find a hotel for the night. This presented a real challenge for them. Although they had booked two separate rooms, Jack wasn't sure if he could resist the temptation of spending the night alone in his room, with Sam just next door. She was grappling with the same dilemma. At this point, military regulations and the threat of a court-martial were the last things on their minds. They couldn't bear to spend more time apart.
Jack was the first to give in to his desires. He knocked on her hotel room door, feeling a rush of anticipation. Sam opened the door, wearing only an Air Force t-shirt, her long legs bare to his eyes.
"What are you doing, Jack?" she asked, her voice filled with longing as the door remained partially open.
"You know very well," he replied, the longing in his voice matching hers.
Biting her lip, Sam opened the door wider and allowed him to enter, unable to resist the magnetic pull drawing them together.
Once inside the room, Jack cupped her cheeks in his hands and drew her mouth up to his, kissing her gently. Sam's arms came up to roam his neck and chest as the kiss became more passionate and intense. Slowly but deliberately, he started stumbling backward towards the bed, never daring to break contact with her for fear that she might vanish. Upon reaching his destination, he spun them around, picked her up, and tossed her gently onto the bed, causing her to laugh and smile so brightly he thought his heart would melt.
"Jack, we can't," she warned, still smiling.
"I'll be a gentleman," he said, kneeling on the bed.
"I'll bet you will," she said, putting one foot on his chest and preventing him from moving forward.
Jack grabbed her foot and kissed it tenderly. Sam closed her eyes as his lips moved further up.
"Jack…" she managed to say again in what she hoped sounded like a warning tone.
He stopped kissing her leg and, still holding it, looked at her.
"What?" he asked, panting.
"We can sleep in the same bed, and that's it," she offered.
Jack raised an eyebrow.
"Just sleep?" he asked disappointed.
Sam swallowed.
"Okay, we can cuddle," she added as his lips started to kiss her naked stomach.
"That's better," he mumbled, kissing her body.
Sam grabbed his hair, trying to get some control of the situation. She wasn't succeeding as his body lay on her, and his mouth hungrily sought hers. They kissed feverishly, moaning and turning on the bed, their legs interlinked. When he finally moved his lips to her neck, she tried again, "Jack…" she said between labored breaths.
"I know," he said, still kissing her jaw. "Just a minute."
The minutes were extended longer than they were supposed to last. Finally, Sam grabbed his head and made him stop.
"Jack. We need to stop!" she warned, her blue eyes shining passionately.
Jack was breathing heavily, his body already more aroused than he wanted. Reluctantly, he rolled to the side and stared at the ceiling.
"This sucks…" he vented, putting one arm over his eyes.
Sam, who was also trying to calm down, gently touched his rising chest.
"I know", she said gently.
"I'm talking to Hammond first thing in the morning," he said, sighing.
Sam suppressed a laugh.
"Yes, General," she said, her hand caressing his chest.
Jack growled, frustration all over his body.
"Don't…don't call me that while we are in bed, and I can't do a thing about it", he asked, shutting his eyes again.
Blushing, Sam bit her lip.
"Can I call you that when you will be able to do all the things you want to do?" she asked, curious and knowing she was pushing him.
Jack suddenly turned to her, his eyes almost black with desire.
"When that time comes, you can call me anything you want," he said.
Sam passed a finger through his lips.
"Promise?" she asked.
"Swear," he answered, kissing her fingers.
Sam gave him a quick peck and closed her eyes to avoid further distractions.
"We need to sleep if you're going to see General Hammond so early tomorrow," she said.
Silently cursing, Jack put his arms around her body, inhaling the scent of her hair. He closed his eyes also. He had dreamt of this for years on end. Gently, he kissed her neck.
"Sleep well. I love you", he said.
Sam smiled, adjusting her body to his.
"I love you too, Jack," she said, letting her mind drift into sleep.
General Hammond sighed heavily as Brigadier General Jack O'Neill entered his office unannounced first thing in the morning. His secretary had warned him that Jack had made an urgent request for a meeting at the first available opportunity. Hammond was no stranger to Jack's impromptu visits and couldn't help but express his frustration. He was seated at his desk, still sipping the coffee his secretary had set out for him.
"Is this becoming a habit, Jack?" Hammond inquired his tone a mix of annoyance and weariness.
Jack, in his crisp dress blues, cleared his throat and adjusted his uniform.
"My deepest apologies, Sir," he began, sounding somewhat remorseful. However, Hammond couldn't help but notice a glint of mischief in Jack's eyes.
"Why am I not surprised?" Hammond asked, rolling his eyes.
Jack's cheeks flushed slightly, but he pressed on.
"Since Carter's transfer to the Pentagon wasn't approved, we would like to get married as soon as possible. I want to ask your permission since you are still my superior officer," Jack suddenly explained.
Hammond raised an eyebrow and leaned back in his chair, clearly unsurprised.
"Took you long enough," he remarked, sighing.
Jack's blush deepened, and he shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
Hammond continued, his voice tinged with amusement, "It won't be up to me, you know that, Jack. This will have to go to higher ends. The President himself, most probably."
Jack nodded, fully aware of the formalities.
"Whatever you can do for us is highly appreciated, Sir. I don't want her to leave the Air Force again. This time would be for good. She's struggling with the black mark," Jack explained slowly, his concern evident.
Hammond understood the gravity of the situation.
"I imagine. It was inevitable, however. Some wanted a heavier punishment. She'll have to learn to live with it."
Jack remained calm, trying to advocate for Sam.
"Although I understand why the Air Force felt the need to punish her, she did what she did because she believed she was saving my life," he argued.
Hammond nodded in agreement.
"I know that Jack, and that's why I managed to keep it a light punishment. Others shared that view also, but some didn't."
Jack cleared his throat, moving the conversation forward.
"Very well. That is settled. As you said, we'll deal with that. But now, Sir, we need to work out this thing of the marriage. Things are getting difficult," he urged.
Hammond made a thoughtful noise in his throat.
"I'll have to talk again with some people, and you'll have to wait. And behave," he added with a stern warning.
Jack nodded, showing his gratitude.
"Thank you, Sir," he said, getting up. "We'll be waiting," he added, saluting Hammond before taking his leave.
As Jack left, Hammond was left to ponder the various challenges and negotiations ahead, and he couldn't help but feel that his phone had been ringing more frequently than he'd prefer in recent days.