Interruptions

Chapter One

Not a day went past that Samantha Carter didn't sit alone in her lab, pestered with thoughts of what could have been. She couldn't complain that her life wasn't good, hell, she went to other planets, even other galaxies, on a regular basis. But still she wished for more. She wanted a life. And not just her military life. A life with a husband she loved, maybe some kids, and a nice house, preferably without the threat of impending alien invasion. But that was never going to happen, was it? There were a few problems with that fantasy. One, how could she have kids, knowing that every mission off-world could be the last; two, sure, they weren't about to be obliterated by aliens, the Goa'uld were gone, the Replicators destroyed, the Ori neutralised, but who knows when something else would pop-up out of nowhere; and three, the object of her desires was still, albeit indirectly, her CO. Boy she hated regulations. Loathed them with a passion.

Sam sighed. Why did she have to fall in love with someone she couldn't have? Why couldn't she have fallen for Daniel, or Teal'c, or even Pete. She'd had some flings in the past with other alien men, notably Martouf, but nothing compared to the love she felt for him. General Jack O'Neill. Sam still remembered the exact moment she realised was in love with him. Before that she'd put it down to sexual attraction. Who wouldn't be attracted to O'Neill? He was an impressive specimen of the male gender. Very impressive. Sam'd realised quite early on that she was attracted to him, especially after the 'touched' incident, and even with his 'side arm' quip when they were stuck in Antarctica. But it was after three years, or was it four, Sam didn't remember anymore, that she knew for certain that she loved him. When they'd been separated from each other by that stupid force field on Apophis' new ship and Jack wouldn't leave her, that's when Sam knew. Everything she felt came down to one simple fact. She was in love with her CO. she knew he cared for her too, however she didn't know if that was love or just a drive to protect anyone on his team, especially after what happened to Charles Kawalsky after his second mission off world. That was about eight years ago now, Sam realised with a start. Wow, she'd been in love with him for eight years, at least.

Sam was so lost in thought that she didn't hear the phone ring, until it was answered.

"This is the laboratory of Colonel Samantha Carter PhD. Vala Mal Doran speaking. How may I direct your call?"

Sam chuckled at Vala's answering technique, before vaguely wondering when she'd arrived.

"I will be sure to tell her as soon as she stops daydreaming." Vala said into the receiver. "Mmm hmm… let me ask… Samantha?"

Sam looked up at the other woman expectantly.

"Are you free tomorrow night at 1930?" Vala asked.

Sam frowned. "Why?"

"You've been asked to dinner."

"What are you, my secretary?" Sam asked.

Vala shrugged. "I like answering the phone."

"So I gathered." Sam replied. "Who's on the phone?"

"Oh you know, that guy you're always thinking about." Vala gave a cheeky grin. "General Jack."

Sam almost leapt out of the chair to get to the phone.

"Oh, she's eager to talk to you." Vala told Jack. "Very eager."

Sam snatched the receiver from the other woman's hand and stuttered into it, "Hello?"

"Carter?"

The voice was like music to her ears. "Sir, how are you?"

"Yeah, not so bad. You?" Jack replied.

"Not so bad." Sam said back.

There was a pause, which Sam used to shoo Vala from the room.

"So…" Jack said. "Are you free tomorrow night?"

"Yes." Sam replied.

"Great, how about dinner?" Jack asked.

"Sounds good." Sam answered, then she frowned. "Aren't you in Washington, sir?"

"As a matter of fact, I'm in Colorado Springs for a few days. I'm 'inspecting' the SGC ." Jack said. Then he added conspiratoriously, "It's just an excuse to drop by."

Sam laughed. "It's good to hear from you sir."

"It's good to hear your voice again Carter." Jack said quietly.

Sam smiled to herself. "So, where are we going for dinner?"

"Tell you what, I'll pick you up from your place at 1900. Wear something nice." Jack replied.

"You're not going to tell me where?" Sam asked.

"Nope." Jack replied.

"Fair enough." Sam replied. "I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Yeah."

There was another pause.

"Thanks for calling sir." Sam said quietly.

"You're welcome." Jack answered. "Bye."

"Bye." Slowly Sam hung up the phone, smiling happily to herself.