Major General Hank Landry's first day as the appointed commanding officer at SGC wasn't precisely aligned with his expectations. After being summoned to Washington D.C. by his longtime friend George Hammond and informed about the existence of the Stargate Program, Landry briefly considered the possibility of a practical joke, or perhaps Hammond had lost his grip on reality. It took some persuasive words to convince him that this was no prank and that the Stargate Program was a reality. His request to assume command of the base housing this enigmatic alien device was genuine and Hank eventually accepted.
As he gazed upon the colossal Stargate, Hank Landry, a career military man known for his unwavering dedication to duty, contemplated the vast wealth of knowledge he would need to acquire to oversee the complex operations tied to the Stargate effectively. Inside the SGC briefing room, he was interrupted by approaching footsteps. He turned his attention to the left.
"Hi, Jack," he greeted.
Standing beside him and fixated on the imposing Stargate, Jack asked, "So, what's your initial impression?"
"It's quite a sight," Hank acknowledged.
With a mischievous grin, Jack warned, "Just wait until you step through it."
Hank casually slipped his hands into his pockets.
"I think I'll give it some time before I take that leap," he replied, sporting a knowing smile.
Jack reciprocated with a smile of his own and drew in a deep breath.
"So, are you ready to meet the flagship team?" he inquired.
Hank had meticulously studied the reports on SG-1.
"Aren't they currently on stand down?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Jack glanced at his boots, dressed in comfortable black BDUs, relishing the freedom while he still had it. He knew he wouldn't have that luxury in the Pentagon.
"Yeah, they are. You'll have to sort that out," he admitted, his tone tinged with apology.
Hank raised an eyebrow.
"So, you head to Washington D.C and leave me holding the hot potato? Your old team, Jack? Seriously?" he asked, a hint of exasperation in his voice.
Jack cleared his throat.
"I thought it would be a fitting welcome gift," he said with a wry smile.
Hank shot him an unamused look.
"Very funny," he muttered as he made his way to his new office.
Jack had already cleared the office days ago and leaned against the doorway, observing Hank as he examined the intercom. Jack decided to offer assistance.
"You have to push the button to talk," he quipped.
Hank shot him another withering glance but complied. "Hello?" he said.
Jack suppressed a smile.
"Yes, Sir?" Chief Master Sergeant Walter Harriman's voice crackled over the intercom outside the office.
"Oh, Hi, Walter. I'm going to need SG-1 in the briefing room in ten minutes. Can you call them?" Hank requested.
"Of course, Sir," Walter replied dutifully.
"Thank you," Hank acknowledged.
Jack watched the interaction with an amused expression.
"See? Not that difficult. You'll get used to it. If you encounter any problems with computers and technical stuff, call Carter. She can fix anything," he advised.
Hank took a seat. "I'll take that under consideration," he replied.
Jack entered the office and settled into one of the chairs.
"Look, Hank, before the meeting, I just want to tell you that they're good at what they do, and they've been doing it for many years. You'll see for yourself," he said, choosing not to delve into specifics about his friends and Sam.
Hank had their files on his desk.
"I've read their files, Jack, and their mission reports. I'm aware of what Colonel Carter has accomplished recently. I must admit I have certain reservations about her despite her being Jacob's daughter," Hank said carefully.
Jack felt his jaw tighten.
"She was cleared and received a 'black mark' on her service record," he pointed out.
"Exactly. I'm unsure if she's the right person to continue leading SG-1," Hank stated. He knew he was navigating treacherous waters, but now, as the base's CO, the decision was his.
Jack swallowed hard.
"It's your decision in the end, of course. But at least talk with them before," he managed to say.
Hank nodded.
Jack had already briefed Sam, Daniel, and Teal'c about the new CO of SGC. The words "no-nonsense commanding style" still resonated in Sam's mind as they made their way to the briefing room. She wondered if such a style was ideal for someone responsible for an alien device like the Stargate. Upon entering the room, Hank and Jack were already present. Sam snapped to attention and saluted both generals, and they returned the salute. Daniel and Teal'c nodded their heads in acknowledgment. Taking their seats, Hank claimed Jack's customary chair as the CO.
"Well, the famous SG-1," Landry began. "I have to say, it's my first time meeting a Jaffa, Teal'c," he remarked, eyeing the imposing figure seated in the room.
Teal'c regarded Landry with his typical solemnity.
"I am certain you will have many opportunities to meet other Jaffa, General. The Jaffa High Council will soon elect a new leader, and discussions about an alliance with Earth are likely," he intoned gravely.
Landry was impressed with his straightforward way.
"I'll look forward to it," he replied.
Daniel and Sam remained unusually quiet, a fact not lost on Jack. Next, Landry turned his attention to Daniel.
"So, Dr. Jackson, what should I expect from all of this?" he inquired, gesturing toward the Stargate.
Daniel cleared his throat.
"Well, General, as you probably know, our mission is to prevent chaos from filling the void left by the Goa'uld and the Replicators. It's a significant responsibility," he stated thoughtfully.
Suddenly, Landry's gaze fixed on Sam.
"Is that why SG-1 is currently off rotation, Colonel Carter?" he asked, his tone turning colder.
Sam had her hands resting on her lap and slowly clenched them into fists.
"No, Sir," she replied, her voice unwavering.
"Then, please provide an answer as to why the flagship team has been sidelined for months," Landry pressed, still focusing on her.
Jack swallowed hard; he hadn't expected Landry to confront Sam so directly, but he had to let her defend herself.
"As you've probably read in my file, Sir, I was away from the Air Force and SGC for some time. Since my reinstatement, no decision has been made regarding the future of SG-1," Sam replied, her voice matching Landry's chill.
Landry appeared surprised.
"And why is that? You've been back on active duty for a while," he said, reclining in his chair.
Sam's fists clenched even tighter.
"I received an offer from Area 51," she stated, her eyes locked onto Landry.
Daniel and Teal'c exchanged surprised glances while Landry started drumming his fingers on the table.
"But you decided to stay at SGC. Why?" he asked, genuinely curious. That information hadn't been in her file, and he wondered if there was something more about the SG-1 stand-down than he had already been aware of.
Sam hadn't expected this intense exchange on her first day with the new general, but she wasn't about to back down since he was pressing.
"I didn't want to go to Nevada," she admitted.
Daniel lowered his head, hoping the situation wouldn't escalate further. Landry gazed at the blonde colonel, her unwavering stare giving him pause.
"Not a fan of the desert, Colonel?" he teased.
Sam didn't flinch.
"I have no problem with the desert, Sir. I have a problem with Nevada," she replied.
A subtle smile tugged at the corner of Landry's mouth. He realized he had underestimated her. Shifting his attention to the rest of the team, he announced, "Very well, I'll inform you of my final decision regarding SG-1 in a couple of days," and rose from his chair.
The rest of the team stood up, except for Jack.
Jack couldn't hold back once the room was empty except for the two generals. "A bit harsh, Hank," he remarked.
"They're all competent individuals, Jack, according to you. They'll adapt," Landry replied before heading to his office. Jack raked a hand through his hair and followed after Sam.
After the briefing, Sam returned to her lab, her emotions still running high. Daniel and Teal'c decided to join her. They found her pacing back and forth in the lab. Daniel chose to break the silence.
"That was a bit unusual," he began.
Teal'c remained by the door, silent.
Sam continued pacing as she spoke, "I'm sorry I didn't mention the Area 51 offer to you all earlier, but it was never a real option for me."
Jack arrived a few moments later and looked surprised to find the three together. He asked Teal'c if there was a meeting, but Teal'c just shrugged. Sam halted her pacing when she saw Jack. He motioned for her to relax and sat on his customary stool. Daniel leaned on her workbench.
"I want you all to know that I had no idea Landry was going to approach you like that during the meeting," Jack said, a hint of annoyance in his voice.
"It's all right, Jack. We can handle ourselves," Daniel assured him, though he could sense Jack's frustration. "We appreciate your concern."
Sam said softly, "Thank you, Sir," her eyes expressed her gratitude more than her words.
Jack's frustration ebbed.
"Anyway, I also wanted to let you know that now that SGC has a new CO, I'll be departing," he said, his gaze fixed on Sam. They had previously discussed their plans, but Daniel and Teal'c were unaware of the specifics.
Daniel reacted with surprise, "Oh..." He looked at Jack, his curiosity evident.
Teal'c asked, "When is your departure, O'Neill?"
Jack cleared his throat.
"In two days," he revealed.
Daniel idly fiddled with one of Sam's pens and suggested, "We should go out for a farewell dinner or something."
Teal'c nodded in agreement. That is an excellent suggestion, Daniel Jackson.
Sam swallowed her emotions and concurred, "Yes, it is."
Jack crossed his arms and smiled, "As long as there's cake, I'm in."
Daniel smiled and assured him, "I think we can manage that."
