SG – 1 had been given leave after coming back from the Ice World. It was a world where their minds, wiped of former memories, were overwritten with memories of service to this world on the brink of disaster. They along with their fellow workers were the first line of defense, a role that suited them well. It was a world they knew only as meager, tasteless meals and endless toil, living and sweating underground to provide power for their civilization to survive an Ice Age – 'it my honor to serve'. Amid the drudgery of daily life what little comfort they could find they took. Meanwhile, unknown to them, the civilized members of society basked in luxury under the dome. Meanwhile, their real lives bubbles beneath the surface of this shadow existence.
Sam had been cleared by Fraiser, spoken to the shrink and taken off for some greatly needed rest. She had hoped the time off would make things better between her and the colonel. She knew in time the real world would come into sharper focus and this implanted one would fade away.
They hadn't said a word about...she couldn't even broach the subject in her mind, certainly not to Fraiser or McKenzie or Jonah, no Jack, no, damn it, it's Colonel O'Neill. But the inability of either of them to look the other in the eye spoke volumes.
She woke in the night remembering what it felt like to be in his arms. He had wanted her to stay yet didn't wanted her to get into trouble with Brenna. He knew Brenna's disapproval wrangled her. But more importantly he knew of her dedication and admired her for it.
She woke feeling his fingers on her bare skin.
She woke hearing his voice softly telling her he knew her from before, he remembered her. Remembered these deep feelings that he expressed not with words but with caresses and kisses and...
No, damn it. She was Sam Carter. Thera was only a figment of Caulder's imagination planted in O'Neill's mind. Thera was no more real than was Jonah. He didn't remember her. He didn't remember 'feeling feelings'. He didn't remember her, he didn't have 'feelings' for her. How could he, he didn't exist.
But she still woke in the night and remembered his touch.
