This story came about after co-writing "Status Quo" with Rose Stetson. I took the basic idea of that story and changed it up a bit. It's more humorous than "Status Quo". It is NOT identical to "Status Quo" and I hope the similarities don't keep you from reading.

I hope you like it. This is only the first chapter but I'm hoping to have the second chapter up soon.

A Wake up Call

Sam mindlessly played with the small gold piece in her hand. It was pretty, no doubt about that, but it wasn't her. She was somewhat disappointed in Pete. They were about to get married and he didn't even know what kind of jewelry she liked. She couldn't totally blame him though. He had never asked and she had never said anything. Honestly she was hoping he never would. As sweet as Pete was, he wasn't the one she wanted to receive a ring from. He wasn't the one she had been with for eight years, even if they were never really together.

She let her mind drift back to a day of shopping. After having her body invaded by a computer virus Sam felt like she had earned a day of self-indulgence. Although Sam was never really the shopping maniac most women are made out to be, she felt like a day at the mall would be a good way to keep her mind off anything related to the SGC, including her commanding officer. The mall was busy and loud, a perfect distraction.

While window shopping, she passed by a jewelry store. She wasn't planning on buying anything but she always liked to see what creative ideas the designers had come up with. In the back of her mind, she always kept her eye out for the perfect ring, that one ring that she could proudly flash around.

Sam was studying a particularly beautiful diamond on a white gold band when the man behind the counter took it from its case. Sam watched him as he took the ring to a machine in the corner of the shop. Curiosity got the better of her and she couldn't help but ask, "What does that machine do?"

The man looked up from his work and grinned. "It's an engraving machine. A customer wants a special phrase on this one." Sam smiled at the romantic gesture.

"I'm telling you. Whoever gets this ring is one lucky girl."

She thanked him and went on with her shopping, wishing she would get a ring like that.

Sam's daydreams were interrupted by a familiar voice. "CARTER!" She almost jumped out of her seat at the loud voice of the Colonel and the site of him waving his arms in front of her face, trying to get her attention.

"Sir!"

Jack saw the ring still in her hand. "What cha got there?"

For a moment Sam didn't know what he was talking about. Then she remembered the ring. "Oh. This?" She looked down at her hands.

"Yeah. That." Jack wasn't so sure he wanted to know anymore. The expression on Sam's face was not the most encouraging. "…Unless you don't want to talk about it?" he added cautiously.

For reasons unknown to her, Sam relaxed at his words. Maybe it was the fact that he wasn't pressuring her to explain. Maybe it was because she didn't have to lie about having feelings for him. She wasn't sure the reason but none the less she was glad he had asked.

"Um, Pete gave it to me." She replied and handed Jack the ring. He took it carefully, not really wanting to touch it, like a tissue someone has just blown into. Sam saw this look but before she could take it back, Jack closed his hand around the piece of metal and returned to his military toughness. He examined it for a minute before giving it back.

"It's nice." He sucked in a quick breath before adding, "Congratulations."

No Jack. No. You are supposed to be telling me NO!

"Thank you." She replied uncomfortably.

There were a few moments of silence in which Jack played with the gadgets on Sam's desk while she avoided his gaze by acting suddenly interested in rearranging her pens and pencils.

"UNSCHEDULED OFFWORLD ACTIVATION" came the loud voice of Sergeant Walter over the speaker system.

Thank God! Sam and Jack thought simultaneously as they ran off to see what was happening.