It Just Won't Quit 3

Leaving

by Annie

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asa/annie/wontquit03.php
Summary: Jack goes to see General Hammond after his visit to Daniel in Truth

The morning after his confrontation with Daniel, Jack drove into the mountain with a feeling of dread squeezing his heart.

What's Daniel gonna say this morning? What will he do with the information he had learnt?

Jack knew that he would have to face the younger man sometime today. Just not yet he thought as he headed towards his office. Before he got to his sanctuary though, an airman walked up and advised that General Hammond wanted to speak to him as soon as he got in.

A few minutes later found Jack himself standing at the open door of the base commander.

"You wanted to see me, Sir," Jack said as he tapped on the doorframe.

"Yes. Come in Colonel and have a seat."

Colonel! Jack thought, Not good news then.

"I've had a visit from Dr Jackson. He's asked to be assigned to another SG team, effective immediately, and I want to know what's going on."

Another team!

"What did Daniel say, Sir?" Jack asked.

"Just that it has become difficult for him to work in SG-1."

Yeah it's become difficult for him. First his CO rips into him at any opportunity and then he admits to being in love with him.

"I know Daniel's been unhappy with the way things have been going, and I admit that I've caused a few of the problems," Jack said cautiously, unsure exactly how much Daniel would have said to the General about what had happened.

"What have you done about sorting it out Colonel?" General Hammond demanded to know.

"We talked and I just made it worse. Sir, if Daniel thinks it would be better to move to another team I'll not object."

"God Jack, how could you have let things get so much out of hand? SG-1 has always been the flagship team and now you're telling me things are beyond hope."

"I think I blew any hope when I talked to him last night, Sir," Jack replied sadly.

"Will it help if I temporarily assigned Daniel to SG-11? Give you both some space to sort out whatever it is you need to do?"

Would it? Or would it be better if I just leave?

"If you think that would be best Sir, though it may not be necessary," Jack said, coming to his decision. Giving his CO a small smile he continued, "General, I've decided it's time for me to retire."

"What! Jack you can't just leave because things have become strained between..."

"With all due respect Sir, I think now would be the best time to leave. Yes, this trouble with Daniel has brought it to a head but I honestly think it would be for the best. SG-1 needs Daniel, he has the knowledge and experience the first contact team needs of its linguist."

"The same could be said of you."

"Thank you Sir but there are plenty of people out there who could do what I do, no-one else can do what Daniel does."

General Hammond sighed and wondered how he had missed the break up of his best team. He had honestly thought that the only way they would split was when one of them died.

"You have two weeks vacation. Go fishing, relax, whatever you want to do. Then if you still want to leave, I'll accept your resignation."

Jack shook his head and said, "It won't change anything Sir."

"Humour me Colonel. Dismissed."

"Yes Sir," Jack responded as he stood up, "I'll be at my cabin if you need me."

As he went to leave, General Hammond asked, "Do me a favour Jack, and speak to Daniel before you make your final decision."

"Sir."

Half an hour later, Jack left Cheyenne Mountain after clearing out his desk. He had no plans to change his mind.

Next: Decision