Generally Speaking, by Wonderland (PG-13)

[figs_sg1_rec]

Rec Category: General Hammond
Pairing: none
Category: General Hammond, sg-1, humor, drama
Warning: off-screen violence, some language
Author on LJ: sg_wonderland
Author's Website: Wonderland's fics
Link: Generally Speaking

Why This Must Be Read: George Hammond not only dealt with the danger of leading the facility on the front lines of Earth's survival, but he also had to deal with the incredibly disparate personalities that made up its members. This fic from the ever-talented Wonderland relates the story of Hammond's attempts to deal with the inevitable clashes of those personalities... and his bemused attempts to keep the fiercely protective members of SG-1 at bay.

When Daniel returns from a mission with SG-3 in slightly more whumped condition than when he left, Hammond has to sort through various interviews to find out what really happened and, at the same time, stop SG-1 from enacting any personal revenge. His adroit handling of the case includes evasive action, deft manipulation, and, in the final analysis, some sound advice that the SG-3 Marines should keep themselves safely out of sight for a while!

Hammond's voice is engaging and rueful in turns as he deals with this minor crisis, handling each individual with ease and competence. His reflections on his people, both civilian and military, are both professional and personal. The reader will surely enjoy this fic, and find themselves missing George just a little bit more when they're done.

"Teal'c. Dr. Jackson requires someone to drive him home. I'd like you to do that, and stay with him. Dr. Fraiser wants him to rest for a couple of days, and well, you know Dr. Jackson. I told him I don't want to see him till Thursday, I'm counting on you to make that happen. And, Teal'c, make sure he leaves empty handed, I don't want him taking work with him."

Teal'c inclines his head. "It will be my pleasure, General Hammond."

As he's leaving, yet another knock. And I call, "come in," before glancing at the clock. And I belatedly realize that it's SG3. Teal'c moves toward them. "Stand down, Teal'c." If he's inclined to whoop these guys, there's not a helluva lot I can do about it. "Which of these men harmed Daniel Jackson?"

I get between Teal'c and the Marines. Didn't I just tell Dr. Jackson not to do this? "Teal'c, Daniel needs you." I can't think of anything else that might get through. He stares at all of SG3 before bowing to me and gliding to the door.

"Another time," he promises as he departs.

And we all release a deeply held breath, talk about dodging a bullet. I motion toward the door. "The briefing room, gentleman, and you can tell me why you felt called upon to strike a civilian." And they all give me their version, which is basically unchanged. Yes, they were arguing, yes, they shoved each other and yes, when Dr. Jackson tried to break them up, they did in fact hit him. Both of them.

"Sergeants Bayes and Craft, you are suspended from gate travel for one month. You will receive your new assignments next week. The cost for Dr. Jackson's medical care and his replacement glasses will come out of your pay. And before you can return to gate duty, you will attend 20 hours of anger management sessions. Colonel Makepeace will be attending these classes with you. And you will all three publicly apologize to Dr. Jackson. If I hear of any other altercations, I will not hesitate to recommend a court-martial. Is that clear?"

I get a round of `yes, sir' and salutes before I dismiss them. "Makepeace, a minute please?" He stays behind as his team slinks away in disgrace. "Have you spoken to O'Neill?" If I know Jack, he's already cornered one or all of the Marines.

"No, sir, I haven't seen him since this morning." He looks at his shoes, then finally meets my eyes. "To be honest, sir, I'm trying to avoid him."

"Good plan, Colonel. I'd stick to it if I were you." He salutes as he, too, leaves in disgrace. I return to my office and just sit for a few moments. I know a lot of people think Jack O'Neill is the biggest headache I have. In fact, he is one of the finest officers I've ever served with. Yes, he's unconventional and can be a bit of a loose cannon when it comes to subjects about which he is passionate. To his credit, he has managed, despite tremendous odds, to take four people with little in common and build one of the best teams I've ever commanded. But I can't see him ever letting two members of that team duke it out on an alien planet. He'd be more inclined to get them back Earth-side and set them up with boxing gloves in the gym.

Not that I could picture any members of SG1 hitting each other. I know Jack is constantly threatening Dr. Jackson, but he's just blowing off steam. The least likely would, of course, have to be Dr. Jackson. He would much rather find a peaceful solution than fight. Wonder from which parent had he gotten his pacifist leanings? And I wonder what they would make of their gentle son all decked out in a military uniform, carrying a weapon. Not the life most mothers would wish for their sons. But the truth is, Dr. Jackson makes a fine soldier. He will fight when he has to. I know he's taken a few shots that should have been Jack's, a fact that Jack hates. He'd much prefer it to be the other way around, that's what Cos are for. The intercom interrupts my thoughts. "Yes? Please, send him in." Speak of the devil.

"Sir, about Daniel.."

I hold my hand up. "I've sent him home with Teal'c, who's going to keep an eye on him for a couple of days."

He points at me as he sits down. "You're a smart man, General."

"Not quite smart enough. I didn't get Teal'c out of here before SG3 got here."

He glances around. "I can't even see the blood splatters on the wall, cleaning crew did a great job."