Jack pulled at his collar again. Why on earth did these things have to be so uncomfortable? This was just another reason why he had not wanted to become "The Man". When he had been informed by General Hammond that he had to attend this function, he had seriously considered getting hold of Ba'al and organising a mock attack. For a base that was on red alert more often than not, suddenly everything had to go smoothly now, just so he couldn't get out of this.

He straightened up and advanced on the doors as if they held back a horde of Anubis' super soldiers. Entering he was faced with a whirl of colour, dress uniforms from all branches of the armed forces, tuxedoes and evening dresses, as the Washington crowds came out to play and network.

He worked his way round the room, necessary contacts interspersed with occasional meetings with old friends who were flying a desk now.

The business part of the evening being completed, he looked around for General Hammond. Hopefully he could spend the rest of the evening in more congenial company. Scanning the room, he found him chatting to a beautiful redhead, so he headed towards the bar instead but close enough to catch the General's eye after they parted company. He sighed as after a few minutes the General caught sight of him and waved him over, so much for the plan, he just hoped she wasn't a politician.

"Jack, I was wondering where you were hiding. I would like to introduce you to Jennifer Sheppard, Director of NCIS. Jenny, this is General Jack O'Neill, USAF, stationed at the Cheyenne Mountain Complex."

Jen, looking up at the new arrival was suddenly reminded of Abby's favourite nickname for Gibbs, her "silverhaired fox", although the General's leaner, rangier frame made her think "wolf" was maybe more appropriate. She grinned internally at the thought and couldn't prevent the corners of her mouth from twitching slightly.

Jack couldn't help but smile in reply, wondering as he did so what had amused her. He held out his hand, "Nice to meet you, Madam Director."

She shook his hand, but grimaced slightly and said, "Nice to meet you General O'Neill, but please call me Jenny."

"Jack."

"Jack. Are you acquainted with Colonel Carter? I believe she said she was stationed at Cheyenne Mountain."

"She was my 2IC while General Hammond here was in charge, and now heads up our premier team."

"We met recently, when she came to brief me."

"Ah yes, her trip to Washington. Interesting briefing?"

"Very! Mind you, she made quite an impression even before we started the briefing."

He quirked an eyebrow in query. Hammond looked interested as well, so it appeared he hadn't heard the story either.

"My best agent has the reputation for always knowing everything and he has a habit of sneaking up on you. Sam walked into the office, snuck up behind him and in one of the best parade ground voices I have heard in a while, had him at attention and saluting. She managed to out-Gibbs Special Agent Gibbs, and I don't think they have stopped talking about it yet!"

"That's Carter for you, always doing the impossible." The pride in O'Neill's voice was clear.

"That she does. Although that kind of mischief reminds me more of the teenage Sam, than our Colonel." Hammond reminisced. "I am afraid I will have to leave – getting too old for this partying."

"Goodnight George."

"Goodnight Sir."

Jack leaned closer to Jen, close enough to catch an enthralling whiff of her perfume.

"You know, there is someone who has been staring at you, and glaring at me by the way, the whole time I have been here."

"Let me guess. 6Ft, silver hair, marine, blue eyes."

"Your date for this evening?"

"My protection detail. Threats. Joys of being the Director."

Jen looked over and signalled slightly with her head, and Jack watched the silver haired man making his way towards them in answer to the summons.

"There is someone I think you should meet." She turned slightly to meet the man as he came up beside her, placing his hand on the small of her back. Jack smiled internally, this man wasn't just here for protection detail, she was clearly something more than that to him. "Jack, this is Special Agent Gibbs, Jethro this is General Jack O'Neill, Lt Colonel Carter's CO."

Obsidian met ice, cool and unrelenting. Rapid assessments were made, the AF General, ex spec ops, and the ex marine sniper, both skilled at reading men, both masters at hiding who they were, as two of the most important men in Sam Carter's life took stock of one another.

"So tell me, are you the reason Carter enjoys tormenting our Marines?"

Gibbs' eyebrows went up and the right corner of his mouth twitched upwards.

"She does?"

"Oh yeah, within a week she has fleeced them at pool. Never yet met a marine who would turn down the chance of beating her, at least not until after they had played and lost. They treat her with a bit more respect after that. Of course, by the time she has saved their six a time or two, they are all willing to walk through fire for her."

"That's my girl!" Jack just caught the almost whispered words, before Gibbs' tone returned to normal. "That sounds like the Sam Carter I know, always up to some mischief or another. So, there are seriously still marines out there who are willing to challenge Sam at pool?"

"Yup, crazy isn't it?"

"Ooh rah."

"So, you like fishing?"

Jen rolled her eyes, somewhere in there, challenges had been met and answered. As the conversation turned to out of hours pursuits, she allowed her mind to wander, catching herself enjoying the feel of Gibbs' hand, still at the small of her back, warming her skin through the silk of her dress. 'Pull yourself together, Jenny!' She scanned the crowd and found her date for the evening.

"Excuse me gentlemen. I think I had better remind my date, he owes me a dance."

She smiled up at the two men, and weaved her way through the throng towards Ducky, both of them watching her graceful progress. Jack noticed Gibbs' eyes scan the room and then make contact with a number of individuals on the perimeter, the orders as clear as if they had been shouted, keep your eyes on the Director.

Jack fidgeted, he knew what he wanted to say, but he had never been very good at these kind of conversations. As he caught Gibbs' gaze though, he realized there was really only one thing he needed to say.

"Thank you."

Gibbs tilted his head as he studied the General, before nodding in acknowledgement.

"Sir." He straightened, almost a salute and added, "And if anything happens, or she needs anything!"

"Yes."

Asked and answered.