Thanks for the reviews ;) All questions would find their answers in time :D
Chapter 7 - A shadow
The days that followed, Sam wondered if her new CO was not trying to avoid her. She had never managed to discuss with him, he also never took her phone calls. She was forced to contact him by email in order to obtain equipment for her lab. Charles had helped to rearrange the furniture in Dr. Carter's lab. Her personal belongings had been carefully deposited in a box and Sam carried it into general's office. As he fled at every move she made , she placed the box on his desk . She recognized a picture of Charlie , similar to the one Colonel O'Neill had. However, a photo was unique to her : Jack O'Neill and Samantha Carter on their wedding day . It made her think of the picture bring with that another Dr Carter, from the quantum mirror. Sam left the office with a heavy heart .
Jack sent a note about Carter and Kawalsky's return. He wanted Harriman to take care of the ceremony for Carter , not wanting to get involved. He knew - and Daniel reminded him - he could not avoid her forever. He was just trying to get used to her presence and resume his former habits. For now, Colonel Carter was his subordinate - as his wife before they married. He must put aside his feelings for his wife and find a professional relationship with the new Carter.
Ten days after her arrival, Samantha Carter officially got promoted to lieutenant-colonel, emotionally, especially when the general changed her stripes on the uniform . She saluted him, eyes shining with unshed tears . To regain good habits, SG1 decided to go party downtown but Jack declined the invitation , using work as an excuse. Daniel knew it was not true but did not force his friend. He also knew he would spend the evening with little CJ at home.
Sam tried to ignore General's shadow and to have fun, but she was sad. Even if she had not lost a husband , she had lost a friend and the love of her life. She also had to deal with Jack's presence, that's why she can't really be mad at General O'Neill.
Lost in her thoughts, she did not hear Daniel talk to her. He put his hand on her arm to get her attention.
"Sorry Daniel , you were saying ? "
"I asked if Harriman had found you a place to live ? "
" No, everything is either too big or too small, according to him " Sam sighed .
"Something is bothering you , Sam ? "
The woman was surprised by this familiarity. It did not bother her , on the contrary because Daniel was the only one to treat her as the person she was. She would not have been surprised , it was typical of him . He took people as they came with their luggage, their qualities and defects. Except that now , Sam's biggest flaw was being Sam, precisely .
"I do not think it's wise complaining about my CO with his best friend " she said with a sheepish smile.
" No, indeed. But if you had a friend in trouble with her boss, I would be quite willing to listen to the story and give some tips . " Daniel then winked at her.
" I see," Sam said, grinning at Daniel . " Let's say my friend - um - Amanda works as a scientist in a secret facility."
"Mmmm " Daniel nodded , inviting her to continue.
" And his boss - um let's say - Richard, he is kind of administrator but not scientific at all, you see what I mean ? "
" Yes, former military type. "
" Indeed ! Amanda has just arrived in this laboratory and her boss avoids her like the plague when she needs to talk to him about her research, do you follow ? "
" Absolutely ! And do we know why Richard flees your friend ? "
"Probably - and that's just my theory - because Amanda looks like the late Richard's wife . "
Daniel wrinkled his nose .
" Nothing is simple in your story ! And Amanda, how is she dealing with everything ? "
" She suffers a lot because, you can't' guess ! Richard also looks like someone my friend loved ! "
Sam had hesitated on the last word, but she had to be honest with her new/old friend .
" So it is not easy for her either, she feels rejected by this man while the other man she knew was - ? "
" Less cold and less distant with her, I guess. "
"Maybe, Richard needs time to get used to her. He must have been very in love with his wife. I think he has feeling issues, dealing with your friend must be difficult. "
Sam nodded and finished her beer.
"Thank you , Daniel. "
Daniel took Sam back to the SGC, with the rest of SG1 and he decided to spend the night there.