Disclaimer: Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of Showtime/ Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions. This story for entertainment purposes only and no money whatsoever has exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author.

A/N-This story is a sequel to "Second Reality To The Right," and it's strongly recommended you read that first. If you can't find it, click on my name and it's under "stories."

The Other Side Of Reality

1

Samantha Carter felt a familiar rush of cold, seconds before she was expelled through the Stargate, barely catching herself as her feet connected with the metal grating of the ramp. As her vision cleared, Sam was overjoyed to see this trip had finally brought her to her goal. Blessedly, General Hammond was standing in the middle of the control room. She was still trying to orient herself as the base commander leaned forward, reaching for the microphone.

"SG-1 report to the 'gate room!"

Eying the amount of armament aimed at her, Sam held up her hands, extending the rifle away from herself. She'd anticipated such a reception, seeing it had been nearly a year since she'd gone missing, and was relieved when Hammond recognized her, instructing the soldiers to stand down.

The blast door to her left opened, admitting Colonel O'Neill, who strolled in leisurely, hands stuffed casually into the pockets of his pants. "Took you long enough, Carter. Where've you been? Doc's been waiting on you for your post-mission physical."

Sam stared at him, mouth agape. Missing eleven months and this is the reaction she got from him? Sure, they did their best to avoid any public displays, but after this much time she didn't think a hug or even some relief in his voice would have been inappropriate.

"Sir, I . . ."

"Save it," he grinned. His tone was nearly jovial. "Get to the infirmary so we can get this briefing over with and I can get outta here."

Sam was still stunned at how blaze' he was acting. Surely they'd tried to locate her? "Sir?" she managed, still not processing his reaction.

"Come on, Carter, we haven't got all day!" he made a gesture indicating she should get a move on. Blinking, she took a step forward, trying to understand how he could be so nonchalant. Just then Daniel and Teal'c stepped into the 'gate room, waking Sam from her stupor.

"Daniel!" she cried, taking he final steps down the ramp to embrace him. "Teal'c!" she called, turning to hug the Jaffa with the same enthusiasm. "God, it's so good to see you both!"

Daniel accepted her act of affection rather stiffly, but reached his arm around his comrade, patting her on the back. He cast a glance first at Teal'c, then to Jack, who shrugged and jerked his head towards the door.

Daniel gave her an understanding smile. "Getting separated from the group can rattle you, that's for sure."

"Separated?"

"Yeah. I saw the lightening hit the 'gate when you went through. When you weren't here, we figured you'd gotten 'derailed.' You know, jumped to another 'gate."

"Well, that is what happened," she said, bewildered.

Daniel stopped mid-stride. "So we were giving you a chance to dial in. We didn't want you stranded because of an outgoing wormhole."

They hadn't been using the 'gate for months on the off chance she was trying to get back? Sam still wasn't making the connection. "You weren't worried?"

Daniel resumed his pace. "I was, I thought we should go back out and look for you, but Jack decided we should give you some time to make it in on your own." Sam looked over at the colonel who'd fallen into step with them. He continued to look unconcerned, and Sam found herself swallowing to dispel the tightness in her throat.

"You can take care of yourself," he said with a shrug. Sam stopped dead in her tracks, causing the men to halt as well. His callous attitude momentarily left her speechless.

"I can take. . . .!"

"For crying out loud, Carter, you were only missing thirty-five minutes! If I would have sent the troops out for you, you'd have had my hide!"

"Thir. . .thirty-five minutes?"

"Give or take."

Sam felt light headed, and her view of the 'gate room suddenly slanted. "MajorCarter, are you ill?" Teal'c asked, grasping her elbow before she could wilt to the floor.

Turning to the control room, Jack called out, "Call for a medical team!"

Sam struggled to right herself. "It's okay. I'm fine," though the strength of her voice was at odds with her reassurances. "It's just a bit of a shock, but I suppose it's possible. . . ."

"What's possible?" Jack asked, hesitating for a moment before taking her other arm.

Turning her head to look into his eyes, Sam read the concern she'd initially hoped to find. "That it's only been thirty-five minutes here."

"Carter, you're not making any sense. Are you sure you don't want a ride to the infirmary?"

Sam shook her head, "Sir, what's been about a half hour to you has been nearly a year for me."

Jack's gaze connected with Teal'c's, then Daniel's and he released a sigh. "Oy. So not gonna see the Simpsons."

A/N-Chapter 2 to follow shortly