Chapter 4: Less Talking and Lot More Action
1730Hrs Guest housing: "It's about time you called Sam! Where on earth did Jack take you?" Janet asked her friend. "I'm at Wright Paterson AFB Janet. We arrived about 40 minutes ago." Sam answered sitting in what looked like a mid to late 80's recliner. "How did you get there so fast and more importantly why are you there?" the petite doctor asked watching Cassie and her friends play with Colonel in the back yard. "The F-15E I used for flight time was being retired so Jack arranged for us to bring it the Air Force museum in Dayton. Time wise Jack called in a favor from the president...I flew at mach 2.5 for the better part of an hour Janet." She replied with a happy sigh. "How did he manage that? Even I know mach speeds are for extreme emergencies." Janet said sitting down and picking up a medical journal. "Jack called in a 'Save the World' favor." Sam answered twirling the phone cord. The air force really needs to update their houses she thought. "So Cassie was wrong about Jack whisking you away to Vegas wedding conducted by Thor." Janet said with a laugh trying to imagine the real Thor marrying her two friends. "This is way better besides you wouldn't forgive us if we eloped." Sam replied laughing as well at the thought then continued. "There's an Air & Space Symposium tonight. Jack got the last few tickets for it." She finished listening to the sounds of Jack taking a shower letting her mind wonder into dangerous territory. "So where are you man-child at Sam...?Sam you with me still!" her friend asked listening to soft humming. "Oh sorry, I was just lost in thought." She replied grateful the Janet couldn't see her blushing cheeks. "What did you ask Janet?" Sam asked sitting up straighter. "I asked where your man-child was at." Janet asked once more turning her head at the stampede of teenage girls and dog coming inside. "Hold that thought Sam; I need to talk to Cassie for a minute." She told her love struck friend.
Sam killed the time wondering what Jack talked to Sgt. Cotto about. Did he have other plans for them tomorrow? It wouldn't seem right to do a turn & burn. That would be a waste of a perfectly good weekend in her opinion. "Sorry Sam, a stampede of teenagers came through my living room. I redirected them to her room." Janet explained noticing Colonel lying at her feet looking tired. "Jack is in the shower getting ready for tonight's event. I figured I'd call you while he showered." Sam told her imagining what Jack might have been like as a teen. "Why are you talking to me then?" Janet asked her catching Sam off guard. "Janet, I can't just join him. That would be..." is all she got out before being interrupted. "...fun, romantic and sexy!" she finished for Sam. "You sound like Sophia Janet!" Sam said blushing again. "...and you're dodging my question!" Janet countered with a wicked grin. "Fine, I considered it but chickened out." She admitted with a sigh. "I understand Sam, really I do. Crossing the line from friend/coworker can be hard to do. It was easier for me and Daniel but you two are complicated." Janet said trying to comfort her friend. "Maybe I'll feel more confident tonight Janet." Sam replied wondering if she should just go for it. "Did you pack the lacey lingerie from Victoria's Secret?" the mischievous smiling friend asked knowing full good and well that Sam would be blushing at the question. "Janet, I most certainly did pack it!" Sam answered hearing Jack finish his shower. "I got to go Janet, Jacks finished and he thinks I called the general." She told Janet getting her composure back. "You missed this opportunity, don't miss tonight!" Janet said hanging up before Sam could retort back. "Ugh, I hate when she's right." She said putting the receiver in its cradle. Five minutes later Jack walked out into the hallway as Sam was walking to their room. They had decided share a bed given how many times they had to pretend to be man and wife. It was also a step forward in their relationship. Much to her surprise Jack walked out of the shower without a shirt and hair needing a combing. "That felt great, you're up next Carter." He said pecking her cheek then walked into the bedroom. Sam just stared at his bare chest stunned. Jack had a six pack and chiseled chest that would make a body builder jealous. Jack must be spending more time in the gym than normal and she wasn't going to complain. Sam felt butterflies form in her stomach for the 3rd time today. She walked into the bedroom and smiled at her former commanding officer. "You okay Carter?" Jack asked as he approached her holding a muscle shirt in his hand. Sam couldn't speak just yet so she touched his chest making sure it wasn't just her imagination. "You've been working out more haven't you Jack?" Sam asked placing her arms behind his neck pulling the two of them closer together. Jack smiled reciprocating dropping the shirt placing his hands behind her back holding tight. "No more than normal Samantha if you don't count making hasty retreats to the gate." He replied leaning down to kiss her. Their lip met in a soft yet explosive kiss only breaking for air. Sam leaned her head against his chest listening to the strong heartbeat. "I take it you approve of my appearance."Jack said brushing her blonde locks away from her face. "I do approve, can I have personnel tour later tonight?" Carter asked surprised at her sudden confidence. "Only if you behave and not make fun of the speakers." He responded pulling her up and closer. "Isn't that your specialty Sir? I just correct their mistakes." Sam said kissing him once more thinking about the things she was going to do to him tonight. "You know me so well Carter, now go get ready or we definitely won't make it in time for diner." Sam reluctantly let go walking over to the dresser. Jack however caught her by surprise slapping her on the arse then grabbing his discarded shirt. "Jack..!" Sam said getting a deep blush past her shoulders. "That's for calling Janet instead of the general Samantha!" He responded smirking. "How did you know?" She asked not really caring more interested in her thoughts of the moment. "...simple deduction Dr. Carter, you're a women!" Jack answered back finishing getting dressed. "I'm the woman that will rock your world...sir!" Sam replied swaying her hips on the way out of the room smiling. "You did that the day you walked into my life." He said to himself.
-"A true warrior feels fear but say to hell with it!"-Unknown
Sgt. Cotto pulled up to the Wright Patt Club (A/N 1) main entrance coming to a stop behind other vehicles. "Sir, ma'am you'll enjoy the club. They have great food and decor is the best in the area." The sergeant told his passengers waiting for his turn to pull up. "Have you eaten here many times Sgt. Cotto?" Sam asked watching the other attendees enter the building. "I've ate here twice since being posted at the base ma'am." He answered pulling up coming to a stop. "Does that mean their cake is top notch Cotto?" Jack asked earning him a smile from Carter. "If you measure 'great' by how good cake is then I'd have to say no sir." Sgt. Cotto said honestly. "Who has the best cake in your opinion then?" Jack asked stepping out of the door that Cotto just opened. "Sir, I don't follow." The confused sergeant asked doing the same for Sam. "The colonel loves his cake Sergeant. If a restaurant has great cake it gets his seal of approval." She informed the sergeant getting a nod of understanding. "That would be my wife, Druselle to be completely honest." He answered closing the door. "I value honestly Cotto. Did you meet your wife in France by chance?" Jack asked offering Carter his arm. "Yes sir, I met her during my first deployment overseas a diplomatic attaché in the embassy. How did you know that?" He asked with curiosity. "Her name is unique and largely French."He answered the sergeant. "Druselle defiantly is unique sir. Have a great time sir, ma'am." Cotto said saluting the officers before getting back in the staff car. Jack saluted the sergeant back confirming their pick up time. "Your wife is a lucky to have found such a sweet guy. Have a good dinner on us Sgt. Cotto." Sam said handing him a $30.00 as a thank you. "What's this for ma'am?" he asked surprised at their kindness. "It's probably for putting up with my weird sense of humor." Jack answered for her. "Take your wife out to dinner on us. He's not wrong by the way sergeant." She replied nudging Jack inside gently earning her a small grumble. The sergeant's opinion of the two went up several points. His first impressions were correct; they would be excellent commanding officers.
-"Whatever the Job is, we can do it. That's why the nation has a Marine Corps." Gen. James J Amos-
Jack pulled out Samantha's seat for her then went to the open bar. He returned with two Heinekens handing one to her before sitting down. The maitre'd un-surprisingly seated them with the base commander who had yet to arrive. "This ought to be fun Carter." Jack said taking a swig from his beer. "If you get to sarcastic I'll just run my foot up and down yours Sir..." Sam said grinning at him emphasizing the Sir part. "Carter, you're going to be the death of me, but it'll be worth it." He responded looking around for supply closet. Sam read his mind blushing slightly. "We have incoming to our left Jack." She said nodding in the general direction. Col. Donaldson and his wife were making their way to them exchanging pleasantries along the way. "Behave yourself and I'll reward you later tonight." Sam added wiggling her eyebrows giving him a devil may care look. Jack was about to answer her but the Donaldson's had made it to the table. Jack and Sam both stood up greeting the couple. "Col. O'Neill, Lt. Col. Carter this is my wife Margret." He said introducing his wife to the two officers. Margret Donaldson stood right at 5' with long jet black hair past her shoulders and slim build. She appeared to be a mix of Asian and French. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Donaldson." Sam said shaking her hand. Jack shook her hand as well smirking trying not to answer in his Homer voice. Behaving just became a challenge. "Thank you Col. O'Neill, Lt. Col Carter, my husband tells me you flew the newest addition to our museum in. What is it like going faster than the speed of sound?" Margret asked taking the seat offered by her husband. Both Jack and Sam looked at each other silently communicating before answering. "Breaking the sound barrier is exciting. It gets your blood flowing every time ma'am." Sam answered getting a sparkle in her eyes just thinking about it. Col Donaldson smiled as well remembering hitting mach speeds in an F-16 Falcon. "I couldn't agree more Lt. Colonel. I used to fly falcons before taking command of this base." He replied then continued. "While I do miss the thrill of flying this is much better for our family, isn't it dear?" Bradley said patting his wife's hand. "Yes is it is honey, I don't have to worry as much anymore." She answered then looked at Jack. He was taking a drink of beer listening and observing his surroundings like always when the colonel's wife asked him a question. "My husband mentioned you were a test pilot Col. O'Neill. Can you talk about what you did or is it classified?" Margret asked as she gracefully took the wine offered to her by the waiter. Carter gave him a smile as well. Jack hardly ever talked about his test pilot days so this would be interesting to hear. "Please call me Jack; otherwise we'll never finish a conversation due to ranks." He replied with a smirk causing the base commanders wife to laugh. "Okay Jack, will it be okay it I call you Samantha then?" She asked Carter. "It would be much easier Margret." Sam answered back. "...as for your question I can tell you about a few of them." he replied. The four of them made small talk until it Mrs. Steel came onto the stage.
"Ladies and gentleman, can I have your attention please?" She asked the crowd waiting for them to quite down enough to continue. "The head chef just informed me that dinner is ready. I know many of you Air force officers are ready to eat. We'll start with Col. Donaldson's table then work our way around." Mrs. Steel said watching as people started moving then continued. "The symposium will start around 1845hrs, for us civilians that mean 6:45pm." She informed everyone getting laughs. "We'll start with Jose Sarduy, an Air Force officer and comedian for your entertainment (A/N 2). He will be followed by Retired Major Brian Shul (A/N 3) and Elon Musk (A/N 4), enjoy your meal." Mrs. Steel informed the attendees.
"Holly Hanna..! Elon Musk is going to be here, do you know who he is Jack?" Sam asked excited about hearing the private space pioneer was going to speak. "He is the owner and founder of SpaceX Sam. He's also the co-founder of Tesla." He answered her smirking as she made a fish face. "...see, I do listen to your techno babble." Jack added earning him a kiss on the cheek. Their antics weren't lost on the Donaldson's particularly Col. Bradley. His wife smiled at how the two officers acted knowing that they were truly in love.
The buffet table had a wide variety of foods and desserts much to everyone's delight. Once seated the four of them started eating. Jack had attempted to eat his cake first but thought he'd better wait by the look Carter gave him. Mrs. Donaldson saw their interaction and just couldn't help but to address the elephant in the room. "May I ask you a small personnel question Samantha?" She said after politely wiping her mouth. "I don't mind Margret. Please don't mind Jack, he can be a man-child at times." Sam replied as Jack grimaced slightly. "Aren't all men like that Samantha?" Margret answered back curious. Bradley's interest was piqued as well. He couldn't find out anything else about the two officers from his friend in the pentagon. In fact he was told to stop before someone noticed. Whatever they did was classified above top-secret and was meant to stay that way.
"You happen to have the same name as his cartoon hero's wife, Marg Simpson. I've been waiting for Jack to call you Marg." She explained using air quotes. "I love that show...I've been a fan since it was a short on Tracy Ullman Show (A/N 5)." Margret replied then turned to Jack letting him know he could call her Marg. Jack responded by impersonating Homer. "Thank you Marg!" making her laugh causing the other two roll their eyes. "Great now we have two of them!" both Sam and Bradley said at the same time making everyone at the table laugh. "You had a question for me Margret." Sam asked patting Jacks hand in apology for kicking him earlier. "Yes I do... I was wondering how long the two of you have been dating? The two of you make a cute couple by the way." Marg said before taking a bite of her food. "This weekend is our two month anniversary, isn't it Jack?" Sam answered then kissed his cheek. "Indeed it is Carter, I knew better than to forget it." He replied then continued. "...and you are surpassing my expectations wildly." She told him with a megawatt smile. "If I may ask how you got around the frat regulations given you're in the same chain of command." Bradley asked pushing his plate to the side. Jack looked at Sam having one of their famous word less conversations. "Fine, I'll be nice about it Carter." He said then looked at the Donaldson's. "In a nut shell our division is growing. The result of that was Sam getting promoted to head of R&D while I'm in charge of base security. We answer separately to Gen. Hammond giving us the ability to date." He said masking his anger. 'Why does their relationship always have to be scrutinized, can't they just be left alone?' Jack thought to himself. "I apologize for the question Col. O'Neill, Lt. Col. Carter. I just wondered how the two of you managed it when others got it wrong and paid the price." He replied honestly. The two officers at least went about it correctly as opposed to others. "You're not the first one to ask that question, it just gets old after a while...right Jack." Sam answered trying to smooth things over and move them along. "Yes sir you betcha!" he said trying not to let it ruin his evening. "Please excuse my husband's bluntness. There were two officers under his command that got busted for fraternization regulations last year, it wasn't a pleasant ordeal."Marg explained patting her husband's hand. Sam was hiding her anger better. She still wanted to tear Col. Donaldson a new one though. "It never is Marg. I'll tell you this though; Samantha is the smartest woman I know. She was worth waiting for and I'm glad I did." Jack said kissing Sam's hand making her blush. "The two of you complement each other. It's obvious that God meant for you to find each other. Don't let anyone tear you apart."Marg told them with honesty. "We've come this far together and nothing will separate us." Sam replied with a smile. Mrs. Steel walked onto the stage at that time getting everyone's attention. What could have been an explosive situation was diffused without incident. "I trust everyone is sufficiently stuffed." She asked getting nods from the crowd. "That's great because we decided to change things up from last year adding a little laughter. So without further a due I'd like to introduce Jose Sarduy. Please give him a warm welcome." Mrs. Steel said clapping her hands as the crowd joined in.
-"Fate whispers to the warrior what keeps you awake at night? The warrior whispers back NOTHING; I keep other people awake at night!"- General Mattis
2200hrs End of Event: Sam walked back to their table smiling broadly. She was holding a picture in her right hand happy as a clam. "Samantha must have really enjoyed talking to Mr. Musk Jack. I thinks she's on cloud 10 instead of 9." Margret said getting both men to look Sam's way. "If her smile is any indication I believe you made her extremely happy!" Bradley added to his wife's statement. "Does she know about tomorrow night or is it a surprise too?" the colonel's wife asked. "It's a surprise as well." Jack answered them standing to meet Carter. "Did you talk his ears off Carter?" he asked receiving a kiss on the cheek. "I didn't have time to but he did give me an autographed picture though." She replied showing him. When Jack reached out to hold the photo Sam pulled it back. "You can look but not touch sir!" she said with a mischievous grin. "Oh, I see..! You went all FAN-GIRL and only you're allowed to touch it." Jack said causing the Donaldson's to laugh. "YesSirYouBetcha!" Sam answered putting the picture behind her. "Can I see it Samantha?" Margret asked genuinely wanting to see it while also wondering if Sam trusted her. "...only because it's you Margret." She answered as they both gushed over the picture. Bradley stepped next to Jack and laughed. "You're a lucky man Jack; Samantha is both brilliant and beautiful. She truly loves you and I'm sorry I jumped to conclusions." He said offering an apology and handshake. "Thank you, others have thought the same thing but never apologized. Carter is a National treasure." Jack replied honestly. "While you were talking to Major Brian Shul at the bar Sam was going on about things I couldn't understand." Bradley said then continued as the two men watched the women talk. "She realized we weren't following then explained in english for us." He finished with a chuckle. "That's Carter for you, her mind goes at warp speed!" Jack added as Sam walked over looping her arm through his. "I take it your ready to head back." He surmised judging from her actions. Sam looked a little tired from the day's events and her yawn confirmed it. "I don't know what else you have planned so sleep might be helpful." She said emphasizing the word MIGHT. "We should be heading home to. I have a few meetings in the morning. Have a good evening Col. O'Neill, Lt. Col. Carter." Bradley said taking his wife's hand. "Yes have a wonderful night you two." Margret said as the couple walked away. "Shall we Carter? I think all the excitement has gotten to you." Jack asked her getting peck on the cheek. Sam then whispered 'the nights not over yet SIR.' "Then let's get going Carter..." He said then leaned over and whispered into her ear 'I'm dying to know the color your Victoria Secret lingerie.' Sam blushed at his words while wondering just how much of Janet and her conversation he heard.
A/N 1: The Wright Patt Club is located on 800 Lahm Circle, Dayton Ohio. It's near Wright Patterson AFB and offers a wide variety of dining and entertainment option. I use this location as it fit in the story perfectly.
A/N2: Jose Sarduy is a professional comedian and Air Force Officer. I watched a few of his routines and their funny. I figured a comedian wouldn't hurt to have in the mix. You can find out more about him at
A/N3: (Ret.) Major Brian Shul flew the badass SR71 Blackbird aka Sled Driver during the cold war. If you haven't heard the LA Speed story look it up, it cool to hear him tell it. I met Mr. Shul a few years ago at air show and I even got his autograph. I wanted to include Mr. Shul because I'd pay to hear him speak about his time in the Air Force.
A/N4: Elon Musk is the owner of SpaceX and Co-founder of Tesla. We all are familiar with his exploits so including him is a no brainier.
A/N5: The Tracey Ullman Show ran from April 5 1987 to May 26 1990 of Fox. This is where The Simpsons got their start a cartoon shorts before becoming the hit TV show.
A/N6: I considered actually have each guest speaker of the symposium talk. Once I thought about it logically I nixed the idea. I didn't want to bore everyone to death.
-LoneWolfO'Neill-
