AN: This came to me after watching "Learning Curve". I suppose it is set a few months later, just so it makes sense really.
Spoilers: S3 Ep49 Learning Curve.
Usual disclaimer as per profile page.
THE COLONEL'S VISITOR
Sam rounded the corner heading for the elevator to see a familiar figure already standing waiting for the car, like herself, he was dressed in his civvies. He turned to face her before she had the chance to speak.
"Carter! What are you doing here?"
"Hi Colonel. I just came to collect the last of the stuff from my lab. I can finally transfer everything back after the flood in my apartment."
"Yeah, sorry to hear about that, pretty tough break. Two weeks without anyone realising, must have been a lot of water damage."
"Don't even talk to me about it. The guys in the flat below were away in Europe so they weren't there to let me know. Turns out I have to sort out their damage too!"
He sucked in a painful hiss. "Bet you're glad you're on a Major's salary now then huh?"
She smiled dolefully at him. "So what are you doing here Sir? I thought you'd be off fishing by now."
"Oh I'm just here on a little errand, nothing special, you know me." He smiled mischievously at her.
"Uh huh." She did know him, little errand my ass, he'd never come back in unless it was something important.
Walter emerged from the elevator in front of them, Jack instantly turned away as if looking for somewhere to hide.
"Oh Colonel O'Neill I was just coming to find you Sir. We are scheduled to make contact in approximately fifteen minutes." He offered his superior a crisp salute, acknowledged the Major and scooted off down the corridor.
Jack grimaced as Sam eyed him with scrutiny. "Contact?" She asked as they entered the elevator.
"Yeah Carter I have a visitor coming." He sounded a little resigned.
"Oh?" She knew she couldn't ask directly it was obviously none of her business, but who could the Colonel possibly have coming through the Stargate to visit him?
He sighed and shuffled his feet. "If you must know its Merrin. She comes to visit me from time to time, we talk, play chess, you know."
Carter's eyes turned into saucers. "Merrin still comes to visit you? Why didn't you say anything?" Her whole face lit up with her Cheshire cat grin.
"Because Carter I knew this would be your reaction. I don't want to make a big deal out of this. She keeps asking to see me. How could I say no to her?"
Carter saw the flash of pain behind his eyes just as he turned away and realised she'd stepped into something very personal. She surmised that Merrin's company was like having a child back in his life. No matter how brief and sporadic he would could never turn that opportunity down. The doors opened and he stepped out. "Not coming?" He asked.
"Ah no Sir, I'm on a tight time schedule, wish her all the best from me though."
He nodded, as the doors began to close again his hand shot out stopping them but no words came out of his open mouth.
"Don't worry Sir, I understand, I won't say anything."
"Right coz its need to know." He said all bravado. She hid ninety percent of her smile. "Yes of course Sir, need to know."
"It is SGC security, General Hammond ord…" The doors closed cutting of the rest of his words. Sam smiled to herself. Colonel O'Neill had risked everything for Merrin and now, it seemed it was all paying off.
THE END.
AN: Well that's it. Feedback welcome.
