Week Two:
Day Two
There wasn't really a lot to do on the planet apart from explore, and talk to each other.
As the machine was turned down they found they could go further away for longer without feeling depressed. It was safe to say they were probably the only ones on the planet and certainly the only ones in the area. Col O'Neill had decided there really was no need staying in pairs all the time, the risk to them was minimal. Sometimes he would patrol with Carter, which he enjoyed. Other times they would go in different directions, and not see each other until meal times, it was times like this that he realised he missed her when she wasn't with him.
Daniel and Loran had grown closer over the week they had been there. Daniel had come to think of Loran like a brother. Sometimes he was a very annoying little brother, but still a brother. Loran had been on his own for some time and although he enjoyed having Daniel and the others for company he also missed having time on his own. On more than one occasion Daniel and Loran would argue over something trivial and it was unusual up to jack to separate the two. He was starting to feel like a father all over again. He missed having a son of his own but it was a good feeling having Loran look up to him.
Day four
Sam had spent the afternoon outside. The atmosphere, although perfectly save and breathable was still different to that of Earth. Today had been the first day she had spent a good portion of the day outside. And she was feeling exhausted from the excursion, that machine had really messed with her fitness levels. She had retired to her room early that night, all she wanted was sleep. When Col O'Neill knocked on her door he found her already in bed for the night.
"Hey Carter, you alright? You were very quiet at dinner."
"Yes sir, just tired."
"That outing wear you out, huh?"
"The air here's just a little different, I'll get used to it" She said in a sleepy voice. All she wanted to do was sleep.
O'Neill moved into her room "You sure we have to be here for four weeks? Can't you, I don't know, speed up the slowing down?"
"No Jack, I can't we'd get sick" she said before instantly recognising her error.
"Carter?" he didn't sounds angry just a little confused. She never called him Jack.
"Sorry Sir, I just really need some sleep"
"Ok. Get some sleep; we'll talk in the morning"
He left her room then, making sure he closed the door as quietly as possible. It was unlike Carter to call him anything other than O'Neill or Colonel, she must have be really tired to make a slip like that. Although he had to admit to himself that he quite like the way she said his name. It was something he could get used to, not that he would get the oppertunity. There was rules about that sort of thing, but, while they were here who would know? Day five- morning
Sam wanted to show Daniel the outside of the palace; she had seen some interesting inscriptions carved into the fabric of the building.
"Can I ask you something Sam?"
"Cause you can."
"Why do you still call Jack 'Colonel'? I mean were going to be here a while it just makes sense to make it as relaxed as possible."
"It's complicated."
"Why?"
She really didn't want to answer that question "It's easier to keep things professional."
Daniel smiled "I knew you liked him."
Sam stopped "Daniel, he is my superior officer. We are not allowed to get personally involved, even I wanted to.
"So by using you actually names, you would be getting personal?"
"It's not as simple as that."
"It's complicated I know" Daniel said, finishing her thought.
The rest of the morning's conversation was purely related to the planet, the inscriptions and the arrival of Teal'c in the next couple of days.
Evening
The evening meal was just like every other night they. Loran insisting they talk about some adventure or planet or baseball. He really did have a liking for baseball. Jack suggested next time they check in with the SGC that they get Teal'c to bring through some bats and balls and a glove or two so they could actually show Loran how to play. It wouldn't be much of a game with just the four of them, but it would make a nice change for all of them.
Daniel and Loran went back to there room first, leaving Sam and Jack to tidy things away.
"Sir, I've been thinking."
"You're always thinking Carter."
"About something Daniel said."
"Oh? What's he got you thinking about now?"
"Well, last night when I called you Jack."
"I was going to talk to you about that."
"I…um…well…Daniel asked why we don't drop rank while we're here."
Jack smiled he was going to suggest the same thing "Sam…"
"I know it's against procedure sir…wait…did you just call me Sam?"
"Well it is your name."
She smiled "Yes, sir, um Jack, it is."
"Glad we got that sorted."
Jack walked Sam to her room, wished her a good night, and retired to his room.
Jacks' Room
He was glad that he know got to call her Sam; he didn't get to do that enough. He was her superior officer after all and there was rules and regulation governing everything in the military. This was a unique case though, they were stuck here on this planet for another two weeks possibly more, and no one would know if the odd regulations got broke. Daniel certainly wouldn't tell anyone, and Loran was unaware of the specifics.
Sams' Room
She had secretly been hoping that Jack would say no to using first names. It would make things easier, help keep things professional. Now that they were going to be on first name terms it felt very personal. It was bad enough that they were spending 24 hours a day together; well if she was going to be accurate, it was closer to 27 hours, what with this planet being on a slightly different orbit around it's sun than Earth is with it's.
Day Six
As they met for breakfast Sam was a little nervous, today was the first day a more relaxed command. Jack was the last to arrive for breakfast and Sam noticed that he was definitely more relaxed this morning; to start with his outer military jacket was undone.
"Morning folks"
"Jack." Daniel greeting a little confused at Jacks casual persona.
"Morning, um, Jack" she smiled. This felt a little strange, but strange in a good way, certainly something she could get used to.
"Morning Sam. What's the plan for today then?"
"Same as usual"
"Wrong! I had a quick chat with the SGC last night and today is Sports day."
"Jack, we don't have any sports…" Daniel began before he was interrupted by the activation of the Stargate.
General Hammonds voice came over the M.A.L.P. "Good Morning SG1 as per your request Colonel, Teal'c is bringing your supplies a day early. The additions we discussed have been arranged."
"Thank you sir"
"Teal'c should be there shortly. I'll check in again later Colonel" and with that Hammond was gone, and Teal'c step through the gate.
"Hey T, nice to see you."
He nodded his usual gretting, and said "You appear to be in a happy mood today."
"I'm always happy."
Teal'c gave him that look "I remember many occasions when you were not happy."
"Well what can I say I'm getting used to it here."
"Indeed."
Teal'c stayed for a few hours helped put the new supplies away in the room they were using as a store room, and help gather the rubbish to take back. They couldn't exactly leave empty food boxes lying around now could they?
Loran was fascinated by the new equipment he saw. Some things looked familiar to him through the descriptions Daniel had given.
"Ok here's what I suggest." Jack began, picking up a ball and catchers glove "I bowl, one person hits two fielders"
"Loran why don't you bat first?" Daniel suggested.
"I would like that."
"Great. Let's go" Jack replied.
They all moved outside and marked out a rough playing area. Now that the machine had been turned down a few places they should be safe to play outside for a few hours. And that's exactly what they did, they took it in turns pitching, batting and catching. As the light began to fade Sam stood up to bat, Jack was going to bowl and the others were going to try to catch her out. Jack smiled at Sam as she took up the bat. he could be nice and give her a slow ball to hit, but then again she was quite good with a bat so a curve ball could be fun. As there eyes locked for a short time a silent conversation happened.
"You ready carter."
"Bring it on."
"You asked for it."
Jack bowled, Sam swung and connected with the ball and Loran surprised everyone by catching the ball. It was to dark to play anymore so they gathered things up and headed for there evening meal.
The meal that night was quick and fairly quiet; everyone was tired and ready to get some sleep. Again Jack walked with Sam to her room.
"Do you want to come in" she asked.
"You not tired after all that?"
"Yes, but I want to show you something."
"Oh?" Jack was intrigued and followed her in.
She checked the corridor before shutting the door. Why she checked the corridor she didnt really know, there was noone about to see them. She felt like a teenager again, having a man in her room when she wasn't supposed to. Sam went over to the trunk were she was keeping here spare clothes.
"Fancy a drink?" she said shyly showing Jack a bottle of Whisky.
This went against so many orders and regulations that he really should be mad at her, but the look on her face was enough to melt his heart.
"Where'd you get that from?
"I sent a note back with Teal'c to give to Janet. She snuck it in for me. Thought, maybe, at some point we might want a drink?"
"That, Sam, was the best idea you've had?"
She dug around for a couple of glasses and poured a shot each. They sat down on the only things they could; her bed. Well it wasn't really a bed it was just a mattress on the floor, but still it was where she slept.
It felt a little too personal to start with, but that was soon sorted with a couple more shots each.
Sam moved so her back was against the wall "You ever think of things?" Sam asked, the alcohol starting to effect her inhibitions.
"What sort of things?"
"The 'what ifs'?" she sounded a little sad now.
Jack moved so he was sitting next to her "You mean 'what if we didn't wear this uniform'?"
Sam giggled "yeah sort of" she leaned her head on his shoulder. She really was getting tired and just a little drunk now "would we have worked?"
Jack noticed her breathing get shallower, she was falling asleep.
"I think I better go."
"No, stay."
"Carter, that's not a good idea, and you know it."
"Not asking for anything, Jack, just stay."