XOVER: Changing of the Guard 5: Terms of Engagement 12/19 [PG13]
Ecolea (ecolea@wt.net)
Thu, 20 Jun 2002 00:35:00 -0500
Chapter 21
General Hammond wore a somber expression as he reviewed Carter's report. =
Finally, he closed the folder, nodding soberly. "The evidence," he =
agreed, "is very compelling. As are your conclusions regarding the =
possible whereabouts of Colonel O'Neill and Captain Pierson. Good work, =
Major."
"Thank you, sir."
"Please excuse us now, Major."
Carter nodded briefly and left the general's office, glancing only once =
at Major Davis, the Pentagon liaison assigned to the SGC.
"Any comments, Davis?"
"If I may speak candidly, General?" he responded.
"Certainly, Major."
"It's a touchy situation, sir. The last report we had from Colonel =
O'Neill was that Gallisia could possibly become an ally. If we accuse =
the Gallisians of kidnapping two of our officers we could lose any =
chance of an alliance."
"My thoughts exactly, Davis." Hammond sighed deeply. "I believe the best =
tact to take is the one Narim suggested. I'll request a personal meeting =
with the Gallisian ambassador and present the evidence. He may honestly =
be unaware of the situation and willing to help us locate our people."
"And if he's not?" Davis asked.
Hammond shook his head. "Let's cross that bridge when we come to it, =
Major. In the meantime, have our people start searching for Gallisia's =
gate coordinates. If they do turn out to be hostile to our approaches, =
we may need to send in a team covertly."
Davis frowned. "That may not be the best course of action, sir."
"True, but if this doesn't work, it may be the only course of action =
available to us. I am not willing to lose Colonel O'Neill or Captain =
Pierson."
"Yes, sir," the major responded.
At that, General Hammond dismissed him and called for his aide. This =
would have to be handled delicately. Very, very delicately.
***
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