New Home (Stargate Atlantis fanfiction)

29 Getting the crew

Samantha Carter was waiting for more than half an hour now. Waiting in the SGC for general Landry and for her new assignment. Her time seemed no longer valuable if she was kept unproductive like that. She might have used the time much better, like get a cup of tea with Jack or something. Despite her feelings she snapped at attention when general Hank Landry entered his office where she was directed and told her to sit down.

"There is a new assignment for you and your ship, colonel Carter." He told her with a smile. "It's the more unusual that after a two month period it would be completely voluntary for you and your crew." Sam was intrigued. "Therefore I would like you to change the crew to include only those that are going to volunteer for a longer period."

"Sir?"

"You will be flying Elizabeth Weir to Pegasus. Then Hammond will stay there indefinitely as the new Lantian flagship for Weir's use." Landry explained.

"What?" Sam was shocked to put it mildly. "First I thought that it would be the Dedalous to go there, it's more their department. And Col. Caldwell would probably like to continue..."

"Steven Caldwell agreed to give you every person from his crew you want and also made it clear that he would take the job if you decide you do not volunteer."

"May I ask something, sir?"

"Go ahead."

"Why me?"

"Because doctor Weir requested you specifically." Informed Landry. "And Hammond is a better ship, a newer one, so it would be operational for a longer period, which is of essence in this case. But don't worry, she assured me you will most definitely accept the position for a longer time."

"Just great..." Murmured Sam angrily.

"And, Colonel, this, your mission, is considered top secret and you can speak of it with no one except me or Weir, Jack O'Neill is not to be told as well. You will report to Weir a week before departure so the supplies can be loaded and every imaginable arrangement for this four-week travel can be made."

"I'm going to be away for more than two months, do you know?"

"I know" he said getting her closer on the couch and rearranging the blanket around them both. "I've seen your schedule. What bothers me is that I don't know where you're going."

"Jack, I can't..." she started, but he stopped her with a sweet, chaste kiss.

"I know, Sam" he said quietly. "I know it's top secret. I don't want you to feel bad about it. It's our job."

"I just wish..."

"I think I will not be reachable in the Pentagon when you come back from this mission, Sam." O'Neill confessed into her ear.

"You mean..." She started with a lot of faith in her voice.

"I'm gonna retire as soon as Atlantis is in space. I just want to see this through, I think I owe it to Elizabeth to help her in it. It was her and her team who came back for me against my own orders as you recall."

"I agree. I was so thankful when I heard what happened..."

"Sleep now. There are busy weeks ahead of you. You need to rest."

"I've still got about a week of leave, you know... and so do you." Murmured Sam settling to sleep.

"I know, but we have to make the most of it." He closed his eyes as well. Then he added with a small smile. "Now that's going to take a lot of energy..."

Elizabeth Weir waited in her home for the arrival of her four new aides. They were to come at eleven. It was twelve now and they were still nowhere to be seen.