A/N: This chapter doesn't deal with Daniel and Laura as much but, hopefully, the end will make up for it.

FYI - The title of this series comes from a quote I read somewhere that said, basically, love is the principle of existence.

The Principle of Existence

Chapter 7

Bobbie and Chaz's Steak and Seafood

Malcolm pulled up to the valet stand and put the car in park. A valet opened his door while a second one opened Sam's. He waited while she made her way to his side. As they approached the front door it was opened from inside by a woman in a casually elegant chocolate brown pants suit and white blouse.

"Barrett. We have a reservation."

"Yes, sir. Right this way." The hostess picked up two menus and two sets of silverware wrapped in cloth napkins. Malcolm held Sam's chair then seated himself to her right.

Now that he was finally on a date with Sam, he was afraid that he'd say something incredibly stupid. He'd just have to trust his natural ability to be calm in any situation to carry him through. She's not a Goa'uld system lord or an Ori prior. She's just a woman. Yeah, right! She just the woman you've had a crush for how many years? Remember, women can sense fear so…be cool!

Sam set her purse in the chair to her left then covered it with her shawl just as the sommelier came to the table. The three of them conferred and they settled on a moderately priced red wine to go with the steaks they planned on having for dinner. Once they were alone again Sam had to use will power to stop from drumming on the table nervously. She wasn't usually nervous but tonight was different. The other times they'd eaten together, just the two of them, it had been as colleagues and they had only talked about work.

"Malcolm…" he looked up sharply because it was the first time she'd called him anything other than "Barrett" or "Agent Barrett", "…tell me something about yourself. That I don't already know."

In his best James Bond imitation he said, "Barrett. Malcolm Barrett. Serial number 26388-725. Profession: Spy." He said "spy" with an impudent eyebrow lift. "I like rock climbing, snowboarding, playing one-on-one basketball, and last August I went to Wichita Falls, Texas for the Hotter N' Hell 100. Finished 8,652 out of 12,789. I have one sister, a niece and a nephew. Oh, and at the age of 15, I jumped out of a moving car just to be able to say I'd done it. Ended up with multiple bruises and scrapes. They went away in just a few days but I was grounded for two months."

Sam pursed her lips in amusement. "Sounds like you're making a dating video."

"Sorry." He took a drink and made a face. The wine wasn't just cheeky. It was downright rude!

"How did you…"

Malcolm shifted in his seat unable to get comfortable. The chairs were overly fussy for a steak and seafood place that had a business casual dress code. He noticed Sam doing the same thing. "Sam…"

"Yeah?"

"Did you get the feeling the sommelier was looking down her nose at us?"

Sam laughed in understanding. "Yeah."

He picked up his fork, looked at it as if examining it for flaws then dropped it back on the table before bringing his eyes up to meet hers. "Burgers and beer?"

"Oh, yeah!" She drained her glass, grabbed her purse and shawl with one hand then pushed away from the table.

Malcolm finished his wine and signaled for the server. He passed his credit card to the man who just stared at him for a few seconds then rushed off. Over in the corner they could see him conferring urgently with the manager. The man came over and spoke quietly with the agent, shot a quick glance and knowing grin at Sam, nodded then returned his credit card. Malcolm slipped the server a bill then they headed quickly for the exit.

Once in the car Sam asked, "What was that all about?"

"The wine was on the house."

"Why?"

Malcolm buckled his seatbelt, shifted into gear and pulled away from the curb. "I told him you're a famous Canadian actress who's incognito. You're here to do research for a part in the next Will Smith movie and we just got word that the press has found out where you are."

Sam put a hand over her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. "If I'd known I would've played the part."

He braked to a stop at the light and looked over at her. "How about we play goofy golf instead?"

She lifted one eyebrow. "Depends. Are you ready to get your ass handed to you?"

"Is that a challenge, General Carter?"

"Only if you accept, Agent Barrett."

"You're on. But first we'll make a stop at my hotel."

"Excuse me?" Sam's eyes widened.

"Oh, uh…" The NID agent was always so confident and self-assured it was amusing to see him flustered, "…I didn't, uh, mean to imply that we…that you and I…what I mean is…I would never, uh…"

She chuckled. "Relax. It's fine." His agitation was…cute.

Their eyes met and when Sam lifted one eyebrow he couldn't stop the laugh that burst out. He silently thanked her for easing them out of an awkward moment.


Laura was eating alone. Daniel was supposed to be there but he, Colonel Mitchell and Sergeant Brackman had joined SG-22 on a recon of PC7-559 at the last minute and hadn't returned yet. Still on light duty, she'd had to stay behind. She sighed and chewed a bite of her sandwich. Across the room she saw Vala enter and make her way through the food line then cast her eyes around for a seat. Laura waved and, with just the slightest hesitation, Vala joined her taking the seat across. Her back was still sore and she moved a little stiffly.

The women just sat there without speaking for a few minutes uncertain how to start the conversation. Finally, Vala said, "Thanks for, you know…back on the planet."

"You're welcome."

"While we were there, you said something about sharing McKay's body."

The red-head almost choked on a bite of her sandwich. "Forgot about that."

"Met him once. He's an annoying little man."

Laura shrugged. "Not such a bad guy when you get past his arrogance." Like I did.

Vala took a bite of potato salad and waited for her to continue. This was more of that bonding thing she'd heard about and, truth be told, she was tired of fighting with her. She really did wish Laura and Daniel the best.

"I was guarding McKay and Doctor Beckett while we did a recon to check out Wraith culling activity when we were attacked by a dart. Carson got away but McKay and I were scooped up."

Her companion took a drink of her coffee then picked up the other half of her sandwich. "Sounds unpleasant."

"It was and not just for the reasons you think. I…we woke up hours later in the Infirmary…"


Daniel left the armory and went to his quarters. If he hurried, he'd still have time to meet Laura for dinner. They should have been back hours ago but there'd been a rock slide and they'd had to take the long way back to the Stargate.

He showered, dressed, combed his hair, slid his glasses back on and was out the door in record time. He slowed down when he got close to the Mess Hall entrance, running a hand through his still damp hair. When he stepped into the room he was greeted by loud female laughter. Laura and Vala were sitting together, the remains of their meal untouched as they wiped tears from their eyes.

"…then, oh God, I grabbed Carson and k-kissed him on the (gasp) lips." Laura said in between gulps of air.

"But weren't you and McKay still…?"

"Uh-huh!"

Picturing the two men kissing, Vala lost what little control she had left causing Laura to lose hers as well. Vala laughed so hard her back began to ache again. She wrapped her arms around her ribs and moaned in between fits of mirth.

Daniel walked up to the table just as Laura handed Vala a napkin. The dark-haired woman used it to wipe her streaming eyes then blew her nose.

"What's going on you two?" The women looked up at the archaeologist, finally getting themselves under control, sort of. Daniel leaned down and gave Laura a quick kiss before pulling out the chair next to her.

"Laura was just telling me a very funny story." Vala told him then pushed back her chair and stood. "But it's time for me to go. I don't want to intrude."

"You're not. Intruding, that is."

She shrugged. "You know me. Places to go…"

"…people to annoy?" Vala smiled ruefully at the other woman's aside then Laura's eyes widened in understanding. "Oh! You have a date, don't you?"

The dark-haired woman shrugged noncommittally. "Good night." She dumped her tray then went down the hall to the elevator, taking it to the surface. She went to the jogging trail and sat down under a tree.


Sam tightened the belt on the jeans she'd borrowed from Malcolm and settled them on her hips a little more comfortably then gave the too long sleeves of his shirt one more roll. She gripped the club, adjusted her stance then swung, whacking the bright blue golf ball into the lion's mouth. She heard it rolling around inside the faded representation of the king of the jungle then come out the other side with a thunk. Malcolm was standing at the other end, both hands on the grip of his own club as he watched Sam's ball roll into the cup for her third hole-in-one.

When she joined him he said, "How do you do that?"

Sam grinned and pointed at herself. "Physicist."

"Bet you know why the balls have dimples, too."

Sam's face lit up at the chance to talk about her favorite subject as they headed for the next hole. "Well, for regular golf, the dimples scoop the air on its front and top surface and throw it back behind the ball. This causes turbulence which prevents the pressure behind the ball from falling and thus the pull back effect that would have. It also causes the air-flow above the ball to travel faster and thus the pressure on the ball from the top to be lower than the air pressure below the ball. This pressure difference…" She'd been waving her hands to illustrate but stopped in mid sentence when she saw that his eyes had glazed over. "Sorry."

He shook his head, laughing, and raising both hands in surrender. "I give up! You win."

"We're only on the seventh hole, Malcolm. We're finishing this round then you're buying dinner." She poked him in the chest.

He hung his head and sighed. "It's the story of my life."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. I lose the game…but I get the girl."

"What makes you so sure you've got her?"

"Well, she is wearing my clothes and assuming we're still having dinner…" He slipped his arm around her shoulders as they arrived at the next hole, a dragon guarding a castle.

"Ah, well…we'll see." Sam elbowed him gently in the ribs and gave him a coy smile.


Vala heard the crunch of footsteps on the path but not running like the day she'd met Siler in the same place. She got to her feet just as the owner came into view, offering him a welcoming smile. He smiled back leaning down when she offered him a kiss then took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his elbow. They walked the path for a while until he finally said, "You surprised me the other night, inviting me to your room."

"Is that all that surprised you?"

"No. I thought you just wanted to talk, not, uh…" The rest went unspoken.

She smiled in the dark, he could hear it in her voice then it became visible as they walked under a light. "So you've never once thought of…"

"Sleeping with you? Didn't say that. Just never thought it would happen."

"Uh-huh. Do you regret…?"

He stopped walking and faced her with his hands on her shoulders. "Not for an instant." His palms slid down her arms to take her hands in his. They were cold and he thought about taking her back in but he would let her decide.

"Good."

They resumed their walk talking about nothing in particular. He was glad they could be like this together and have it feel so…comfortable. Not at all like their relationship had been up to now. When they got to the part of the trail occupied by a moderately sized barbeque pit and several picnic tables, she drew him over to the closest one. He thought maybe she was tired and wanted to rest, but she had something else in mind. She pushed him onto his back on top of the table. He yelped in surprise as she climbed up and straddled him, her hands on either side of his head. She sat back and reached for the buttons on his shirt but he stopped her.

"We need to take this inside." She kept trying to kiss him but he evaded her, not easily, and nodded up at a carefully hidden surveillance camera. "We're being watched."

"Oh." She pulled him to his feet and they headed back inside. With a grin she said, "Did I tell you how much I enjoyed that thing you did with your hand last night?"

"You mean…this?" The arm around her waist moved lower.

"Yes!" she gasped, took the same hand in hers and dragged him toward the entrance. The guards checked their IDs then shared a smirk when the couple rushed inside.


Malcolm pulled up to the gate in front of the SGC and waited while the guard checked their IDs.

"You don't have to come in." Sam told him but the NID agent was shaking his head.

"Have to. It's mandatory. Mom brought me up to be a gentleman and that means walking a lady to her door…"

"…even if her 'door' is nearly a mile underground?"

"Especially then. And if mom were to find out I didn't, well, there'd be hell to pay."

They both laughed while Sam thought over all the possible implications of his statement before saying, "Okay."

Malcolm walked beside Sam as they entered the elevator on the ground level. Once the doors closed he took a chance to glance at her and found her watching him. They both shrugged and smiled at being caught staring.

The doors opened and Sam led the way to her office. She looked around but Walter was nowhere to be seen though he seldom left before she did. Checking the time, she realized it was late-they'd stayed at the bar longer than expected-and didn't blame him for leaving.

Once inside Sam's office Malcolm glanced around at the mostly utilitarian décor. Here and there were a few personal touches, photos, plants, diplomas, medals, ribbons. He stopped to look at a photo taken in a park of a woman with short dark hair, her arms around a teenage girl with long straight blond hair. In the bottom right corner was written "To Sam. Love, Cassie & Janet."

Sam hung the bag containing her black dress, shawl and heels on the coat rack in the corner then closed the door. Malcolm's back was to her while she quietly closed the blinds then went to stand next to him. Picking up the photo, she said, "My goddaughter and her mom. Cassie's in med school."

He watched her face. "You obviously care for them both very much."

"Yeah. I'm the only family Cassie has since Janet died. She spends school breaks with me when my schedule allows and with my brother the rest of the time." She didn't want to go into the details of how Cassie had come to Earth and had been adopted by Janet Fraiser who'd been killed a few years later in the line of duty.

He watched the cheerful demeanor Sam had displayed all night disappear to be replaced by sadness. She was still torn up by the death of her friend who'd been as close as a sibling.

"I'm sorry." They stood there a few heartbeats then he turned to face her, resting his hips on the side of the desk.

She replaced the photo in its place of honor on the credenza. "It…was a long time ago."

"But it feels like yesterday?" At her nod he said, "My dad died a little over a year ago. I still reach for the phone sometimes to see if he wants me to help work on his car…or to tell him I have a date with an amazing woman."

"Was that something you did often?"

"Now and again."

Sam watched his face trying to gauge his sincerity. For someone who dealt with falsehoods and dissembling on a daily basis, he'd been remarkably guileless in his dealings with her. At this moment she would have bet money he was being completely truthful.

"I'm in town for a few more days. What other trouble can we get into? I'm free Friday night and all day Sunday."

"Sorry. I'll be in meetings most of Friday. Drills and inspections Sunday."

"Oh, okay." It sounded like she was giving him the brush off and he tried not to show disappointment. He must have succeeded because the turned down corners of her mouth lifted just a little.

"...but I'm free Saturday afternoon."

Fighting a grin he pretended to think it over. "I'll have to check my schedule but I'm sure I can free up a few hours. How about I get back to you no later than, say, 1700 Friday?"

Sam nodded. Her previous positive outlook returned slow and easy. "1300 at the front gate. Casual dress. Bring a jacket."

"You plan it, I'll do it…" he waggled his hand, "…within reason."

He heard her chuckle softly. "It'll be fun. Promise."

He was looking at the floor and brought his head up when he saw her feet, clad in the sneakers they'd purchased for her at the hotel gift shop, appear in front of him. A slow smile came to her lips as she put her hands on his shoulders and tilted her head to the side. Her warm breath brushed his face just before their lips touched.

His eyes drifted closed and he put his hands on her upper arms, gently sliding up and down her firm biceps still covered in the cotton of his shirt. She ended the kiss before he was ready and because this was her show, he let her. "'Night…Mal."

She took a step back and he took the hint. Time to go. At the door he turned with one hand on the knob. "'Night…Samantha."

Sam watched the door close then picked up the stack of messages resting on the keyboard and began thumbing through them to see which would need to be answered immediately and which could wait. One was from Walter advising her that there were a few emails that needed her attention first thing in the morning. She decided they could wait until then and stuck the messages under a paperweight in the shape of the symbol for pi. The smile stayed with her until she went to her quarters an hour later and climbed into bed.


Daniel and Laura were on their way down the stairs between levels 27 and 28. When they reached the landing Laura stopped him and brought him down for a kiss. Her hands slid into his hair holding him still while she kissed him tasting the Baklava he'd had for dessert. Finally, he pulled away to look into her eyes. They were both panting as Daniel's hands came up to frame her face. His thumbs drew small circles on her cheeks, watching her green eyes change to the color of evergreen leaves. They'd both been slightly chilled from their walk outside but now warmth started where they touched spreading to all parts of their bodies.

Laura licked her lips then gave him a wicked smile as she pushed him against the wall and tugged his mouth back to hers. Their tongues and lips engaged in battle, slipping and sliding over and around each other. Her hands glided up his chest as far as his collar bone then down and around his ribs to hook over the tops of his shoulders to pull him even closer.

Daniel's mouth tried to devour her, making her whimper in the back of her throat. When she pulled away, his moan of disappointment echoed in the stairwell then changed to a startled gasp when she dragged him toward the door and down the hall.

"Laura?"

She looked at him through her long lashes and pursed her lips in amusement. "Don't tell me you're surprised."

"No, of course not. I just didn't think…"

Laura laid a finger over his mouth then replaced them with her lips. "Then don't start now." She took him by the hand again and he followed her willingly.

TBC

A/N: In future chapters, we'll delve more into the mystery of the couple who spent the night together because by now you know it wasn't Daniel and Laura or Sam and Malcolm. You get a special prize if you can figure out who they are before the revelation. :-D

The physics of golfing came from http (colon) /www (dot) golf (dash) simulators (dot) com/physics (dot) htm.