Chapter 10
Sam was in her lab collecting the final few items together before she had to gate through to the Alpha site. Jack was seated in a chair in the corner simply watching her. Just as she put the last item in it's assigned box she found a lone scrap of paper halfway under the desk.
Kneeling down to pick it up, she discovered that it was a note Daniel had left her about the last Team night at O'Malleys. Sat on the stool silently, Jack was suddenly overloaded with emotions of loss and fear. Jack bent down to see Sam crying while re reading the note.
That was it, he couldn't help himself, gently pulling her round so she was completely facing him Jack pulled her into his warm embrace.
They stayed that way for a good half hour- two beings joined together. Logic and reason however, stepped into play. 'Well I really should let you get back to work Carter,... I'll meet you at the gate.'
Sam watched sadly as Jack smiled a hollow smile and exited the room.
She picked up a few of her final few projects, stacked them on the desk next to the packing crates. She began wrapping them one by one to be stored safely during transit.
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Meanwhile in the gateroom, a somber mood clouded the air. Daniel, Jack, Teal'C and General Hammond were stood to attention, ready to say goodbye.
There was silence as Sam entered the room. All eyes were upon her and the several airman assisting her with her luggage.
Daniel waltzed up to her and embraced her, he knew he could visit but there was no way that things were going to be the same. He pulled back slightly but still kept her in his grasp as he told her. "I'll miss you Sam." "I'll miss you too Daniel."
Once Daniel had pulled away completely Teal'C wasted no time in giving a bear hug.
Sam smiled sweetly in response., words weren't necessary.
Teal'C stepped back to let General Hammond approach.
"Samantha, I hope you realize this wasn't my choice."
"I know Sir,... I understand. Thanks for going to bat for us; I appreciate it."
"No problem." Hammond smiled and very gently gave her a fatherly hug.
Sam took a few more steps to the gate where Jack was waiting. He obviously wanted to be the last to say goodbye.
Sam walked up to her 'other half', her eyes focused on his.
'I love you.'
'I love you too Jack'.
They hugged, a long and tender hug. Grudgingly they both let go when the sound of the gate dialing up began.
Sam strolled up to the shimmering surface, taking her time on the all too familiar ground.
She turned her head round a looked at the mix of people she had come to consider family, and with tears trickling down her face, stepped through the gate.