Little bit of sitting around and waiting, lots of worrying. The week has been a bit crazy for me, but I'm doing my best to try and get this up once a week. I'll do my best to continue that. Hope you all enjoy!
When Daniel and Teal'c left, Sam glanced at General O'Neill, obviously noticing the other men's hasty escape. She turned quickly back to the wall, sure he would start when he wanted to. He studied her for a couple minutes before he spoke, realizing she was getting to be more tired by the minute, and delaying this wouldn't help. He hoped talking would help, anyways. "You know you don't have to do this alone, right?"
She turned back to him with a "No really?" sort of look on her face. It shifted far too quickly into a tired and forlorn look again, "You say that, but we both know that isn't true."
"Oh for crying out loud. There's another you somewhere on this base, Carter. Your dad is helping us out, and Daniel can handle anything else. You don't have to do everything alone. I know I put you in charge, which perhaps wasn't fair of me, but everyone trusts you."
She nodded, "It was the right call. I'm not blaming you for that. I'm not blaming you for any of this, honestly." Her free hand started to fiddle with the sheets, although she was still careful of the IV going into that arm. "This isn't even about this mission. I can handle it, and I'll be fine, but you can't tell me that it's starting to be too much for you too."
He narrowed his eyes in thought, losing track of the conversation, "What are you saying?"
She started to nervously move her thumb over his hand while staring down at her lap, "I'm saying as much as I love my job, at some point it's too much for us. I mean look at us, since we've been together, all we've had is weekends here and there with a week off if we're lucky. They promised us a week of vacation this week, but the world needed us. Sometimes it feels like we'll never get a break. The world will always need us, which means the military will never let us go. I just wish they'd let someone else handle it now."
He sat still for a moment, thinking, making her worry she'd said something to upset him. His hand squeezed hers when he saw her worried expression, "Sam… I know what you're saying, but at the moment, we don't have much of a choice unless you retire as well. If I retire then we'll see each other less, so at the moment that isn't an option. As much as I'd love for you to retire, I know you need your job."
"I need you too…" She practically whispered. "I do love the Hammond and the crew, but I also miss you. After everything we've done, there has to something more we can do."
He shook his head, "Trust me, I've looked over it. We don't have a lot of options, and none of them are particularly good options. Besides, we already got what was owed us when they let us be together, even if that meant a long distance relationship. I know, it isn't fair, and I'm tired too, but we just have to live with it."
"I know, and I know you're dealing with the same problem. You're working a job that you hate with a bunch of people that I know you hate." He smiled at that. "Days like today I want to take you up on your offer of just running away. It would be so much easier if we could."
He chuckled, lifting her hand to kiss her knuckled gently, "It's still an offer, although I always assumed that you'd never take me up on it."
"Probably not, but it's a nice thought." She sighed, closing her eyes for a moment. "Just promise we'll actually get a vacation when this is over."
He smiled, "All the time you want is yours. I'll make sure the universe doesn't end for at least two weeks."
She nodded with a giggle, "That sounds nice. I think I'll keep you to that promise."
He watched her blink tiredly then wince, her hand tightening around his. He frowned worriedly then stood, not letting go of her hand. "Why don't we continue this when we're home and we can actually have that supposed vacation? For now, you need some sleep. Let the leg heal. I'll take care of everything for now."
"I just need something to hope for so we can get through this. There has to be a future to save, after all." She smiled sadly up at him and he returned it. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Get some rest. That's an order."
"Yes sir." She replied sleepily, trying to stifle a yawn. He smiled down at her, thinking about leaving, but decided to sit down at least until she fell asleep. She seemed to agree since she didn't let go of his hand even as she closed her eyes.
What they didn't realize was Doctor Fraiser was standing by the door, coming to check on her when she saw the gentle kiss, and now noticed the interlaced hands resting on the bed. She smiled to herself, and decided to watch, at least until Sam was asleep. She didn't need to be told who had given that ring to Sam, not anymore, and Sam was right, she did approve. He certainly cared for her very much.
She came in once she was sure Sam was asleep, pretending not to notice when General O'Neill slipped his hand out of Sam's. He looked up at her with an appreciative smile, "Look after her, Doc. We need her for this."
She nodded to him, "Of course, Sir." He nodded with a grim expression as he looked over Sam then quickly left the room.
He headed straight to the commissary, accompanied by an SF, of course. He didn't mind though. It wasn't like he was planning on doing anything at the moment. He found all of them sitting around two tables pushed together, chatting quietly. General O'Neill took a seat beside his Teal'c, nodding to the others in brief acknowledgment.
Everyone paused their conversation to look at him. He hadn't grabbed anything to eat so it was likely a bit strange. He was surprised when Major Carter was the first to ask the question, "So, how is she?"
He shrugged, "She's fine. She's sleeping now and her leg is hurting her, but Doctor Fraiser will take care of her."
They each nodded thoughtfully. After a moment of silence, the older Daniel pushed a folder towards him, "I was looking at this," He passed over the information the Tok'ra had first given them with the date and planet he was coming to. "Maybe we should check this place out. It's highly likely he moved on right away, but it's worth a look. There may be a clue as to where he went or anything else."
General O'Neill shook his head, "What more information can this place give that we already didn't get from the temple, Daniel? No, it's too dangerous."
Major Carter argued quickly, "Sir, I think this could help. He may even still be there. If we send through a MALP and find nothing then we won't go, but it might be worth a shot. At the moment, we have nothing else to find this Goa'uld."
He shook his head, "And it could just be another trap. We don't know what to expect. The answer is no." He gave her and Daniel a look, stealing a grape from Teal'c's plater, ignoring the glare he received.
Major Carter simply returned his look with a defiant one of her own, "You're not my superior officer, so you don't get to order me around. I can bring this to Hammond or even Colonel O'Neill to accept this plan."
He rose an eyebrow at her, smirking when Colonel O'Neill replied for him, "No, he's right. We're not going anywhere until Jacob gets back. If he finds information about this place then we'll check it out. If he finds no information we'll at least send a MALP to check it out. Chances are, this place has been deserted since Sopdu showed up."
General O'Neill nodded to himself in gratitude, "Well, there's your answer. Besides, I think we need to stop and wait. Colonel Carter needs to recover, and it's nice to have Jacob as backup in all of this. So while we're eating, can we please talk about something else?"
Major Carter made a face, but Colonel O'Neill quickly agreed, "He's right. We're all a little tense. Why don't we talk about something else? Like…" He turned to the older Teal'c. "Teal'c what's with the hair?"
General O'Neill and Daniel burst out laughing, finding relief in the act. Even the older Teal'c chuckled at the question. The younger group looked absolutely confused, although they couldn't help but smile themselves. The burst of laughter drew attention from the few other people present in the commissary. They probably would never get used to how weird things could be with SG-1.
The younger team stared at them until they stopped laughing. Colonel O'Neill said after glancing around the room then back at them, "It was just a question."
General O'Neill nodded, still smiling widely, "Yeah, I know. It's just… Well Teal'c's hair grew while I was… away for a little while, and I asked the same question when I woke up. That's all."
They all smiled at that, including Major Carter who had looked a little put out at being shut down by someone who looked like her commanding officer but wasn't. Then she'd been confused, but not she was relaxing steadily. She started to munch on her Jello while smiling. After swallowing she asked amidst the slowly dying laughter, "So what was the answer?"
General O'Neill turned to Teal'c then, "Actually you never did answer the question. I mean Thor's planet was in trouble, and we needed to rescue Carter, but I never got my answer."
Teal'c opened his mouth to answer, but Daniel interrupted him this time, "In all the years since, you haven't thought to ask Teal'c this question? Some friend you are."
He frowned, "Hey, things were rather busy after all of that, if you don't remember. It kind of slipped my mind, and then I never found a good time to ask. It was simply a part of him them."
Teal'c smiled in response, "It was simply a decision I made. You can ask Colonel Carter if you truly wish to know. She was around during those months you were gone."
He narrowed his eyes at him, "Perhaps I will."
Teal'c nodded to him while Daniel smiled. The younger Daniel cut into the conversation they were getting left out of, "Okay, so that explains the hair, but that doesn't explain the gray streak. What's that about?"
They shared looks before the older Daniel answered, "That's a long story, and one we'd rather not tell. Just know that Teal'c can actually get old, but he can still beat Jack if he wants to. Not all that surprising since Bra'tac could do so as well." He smirked at General O'Neill who shot him a scowl. "But enough about us, let's hear about you."
Colonel O'Neill held up a finger, "Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you know everything about us and what we've been doing recently."
Daniel shrugged, "Yes, but it's been awhile, and you can actually tell us things without there being any trouble for the timeline, so come on, tell us something exciting." This opened it up for the younger Daniel and Carter to explain far too much about experiments. It seemed only to show how much they didn't have a life. Daniel almost forgot how little of a life they'd had for years. Not that he was all that much better now, but Vala tended to pull him away from work for a little bit. Jack did the same for Sam, although she tended to go more willingly.
Over time both O'Neills seemed to get more annoyed with the way the conversation had turned. General O'Neill actually went and got some food, although he mostly picked at it, so it seemed it was more of a distraction than actual nutrition. Colonel O'Neill started to do the same, getting up for more food when he ran out.
Part way through a tale of artifacts, the older Daniel nudged General O'Neill and whispered, "You remember how we were bugging Sam about eating? You need to eat too, Jack." He scoffed quietly in reply, so Daniel continued, figuring that was the only response he would get, "I know you're worried, but she's fine. After this you can go see her again if you want. You still need to eat."
Teal'c added in an equally quiet, but deeper tone, "He is correct, O'Neill. You are in need of sustenance."
He still didn't reply, but started to actually eat the food on his platter. Daniel and Teal'c both relaxed back into position, listening to the information the young Doctor Jackson was regaling them with. He hadn't even noticed the conversation that would indicate they hadn't been listening to him, however, Colonel O'Neill did. He eyed them, but seemed to decide it wasn't of consequence and went back to his pie.
After some time, Colonel O'Neill was asked to see General Hammond, which he was more than happy to agree to. He got up quickly, told Daniel it was interesting and hurried off to see General Hammond. General O'Neill did his best to contain his laughter. Daniel frowned, watching him leave, "He didn't listen to a word I said, did he?"
Carter smiled at him and patted his shoulder, "I'm sure he found the whole thing fascinating, Daniel. But don't worry, there's still one O'Neill at the table ready to hear all the tales you want to tell."
General O'Neill gave her a look, "You're not really one to be talking here, Carter."
She returned a bashful smile and muttered, "Sorry, Sir."
He smiled back at her, "Ah, it's fine. You eventually get better at it or perhaps I learned to enjoy it." He ignored the look Daniel gave him although it was more amused than his usual embarrassment at comments like that.
Major Carter simply seemed not to understand, "Uh… thank you Sir, I think."
He gave her a charming smile in reply. Daniel nudged him, leaning over and whispering, "I don't think Sam would appreciate you flirting with her younger self."
He shrugged, "I don't think she'd mind. Speaking of…" He spoke louder to the whole group. "I'm going to go check on Sam. I'll be there if any of you need me. I suggest you all get some rest while we wait." He gave them all a look before walking out of the room. It had been nice to spend some time relaxing, but he really wanted to get back to checking on her.
Colonel O'Neill strolled into General Hammond's office and closed the door when the General gestured for him to do so. He got right to the point after Colonel O'Neill sat down, "I want to know what happened out there, Colonel. How did she get shot?"
He nodding, figuring that since they couldn't formally have a briefing at the moment, this would have to do, "She took charge of the mission so she was leading us around. On the way back out of the temple we missed a sensor and some sort of explosion went off as well as some arrows. She was the only one severely injured."
General Hammond nodded, "Why did she take charge? Was that General O'Neill's idea? I thought I said you would be in charge."
"You did, Sir, but the fact is that everyone trusts her more. The other team wasn't going to listen to me, and even my team is on rocky grounds with me. It was the best course of action, and likely kept anyone else from being hurt. She's a good commander, Sir. She knew what she was doing."
He nodded thoughtfully, "Why didn't General O'Neill wish to take control of the mission?"
"Colonel Carter has had more field experience recently, and again, he didn't think my team would listen to him. He brought the idea to me and I agreed. It was a mutual and informed decision we made, Sir."
"And this thing about your team not trusting you?"
"Well Sir, it took a blow to their trust in me when I went undercover. We're functioning fine, and I think Carter understands more than Daniel or Teal'c, but there's still a lack of trust there. I didn't want that to affect this mission so Colonel Carter was put in charge. Even Jacob agreed to this."
General Hammond nodded, "Jacob was rather tight lipped about the whole thing. I'm just glad you all got out alive. I'm sure Doctor Jackson will tell me later, but what did you find out?"
O'Neill shrugged, picking up a paper clip and starting to play with it, "Seems this Goa'uld has a stash of technology that has now been destroyed, but we're sure there's more. He has quite the plan to kill us. And apparently if he does kill us, we become part of his collection of teeth." He waved him off when he got a strange, confused look in reply. "The point is, he needs to be stopped before anyone else gets hurt or killed. The problem is, we have to wait until Jacob gets back. The older team has another address, but they think it'll be a trap."
"And what do you think?"
He shrugged, "I think it might be, but I'm not sure. I say we should try to send a MALP, but you'd have to get the address from them, and I doubt they'd be willing to share. Besides, we should probably wait on Colonel Carter recovering enough to help. She is an asset, Sir."
"Yes, but from your own assessment, we don't have a lot of time to stop this Goa'uld."
O'Neill nodded, flicking the paper clip back onto the desk, "Yes, that is true, but I'm not sure we have much of a chance against him without her. Sure, our Carter can do the job as well, but she doesn't know as much as her future self. We don't have a lot of time, but we also have to be careful. He is trying to kill us, after all."
"So then what would you have me do?"
"Give us time and access, and make sure no one up top finds out about this. If they do, they'll want to question all of them, and especially take the technology they have. We can't let that happen, Sir. We have to do this on our own if we want this to work."
General Hammond sighed, "So I'm guessing that means no reports should be filed on this since that would give someone access to future information that they shouldn't have. Do you know how many rules I'm having to break here, Colonel?"
He nodded, "I think I do Sir, although I have a feeling I'll have a better feeling in the future." He paused. "I think you should trust them, Sir. She did save our lives, and they seem to be genuinely trying to keep the timeline safe. My future self has a much better idea of all of this. He might be able to help you if you need it. They're here to help and save lives."
General Hammond nodded thoughtfully in reply, "I'll think about it. They're still hiding information, though. I'm sure they are."
O'Neill stood then, "Only for good reasons, Sir. We know time can be tricky. They're just taking precautions. Anyways, after all of this, we'll forget this conversation ever happened." He flashed him a smile. "I should go find out what I can so we're prepared when we do need to leave again. May I…?" He gestured to the door.
The general waved him away, "Yes, go. I think I have the information I need."
O'Neill opened the door then paused and turned back, "If you want my opinion, General, then I would suggest you don't ask for too much information. The less you know, the less you'll be keeping from your superiors. I'd hate for you to have to take the downfall for this one."
General Hammond smiled in reply, "Thank you, Son. I'll keep that in mind."
Janet wasn't surprised when General O'Neill stuck around all night. The rest of the team popped in every once in a while, but he refused to leave her side. For people who didn't want anyone to know they're married, they sure were going about it the wrong way. She somehow doubted that the present day SG-1 would figure it out, especially not Colonel O'Neill and Sam.
She worked through the night on determining if the virus was still present, and to ensure no one else could be contaminated. She was grateful to find that her tests didn't show the virus present in herself or any of the nurses present when Sam was brought in. She wouldn't let anyone else see the Colonel until she was sure they couldn't get sick.
She was also worried about the infection that hadn't gotten worse, but also wasn't getting any better. Sam was still in pain, even if she masked it well. Janet simply knew her far too well. As did, General O'Neill it seemed since he continued to worry about her, despite her protests that she was absolutely fine.
She came in to do a couple tests, glad to see for once General O'Neill was asleep in his chair. It didn't look comfortable, but she didn't want to move him. Normally she would have kicked him out by now, but she had a feeling that wouldn't work with him. She moved quietly around the room, checking the charts and changing the bandages on her wound. Still it was infected, but it seemed it was a bit better. She'd check again tomorrow to see. She had a feeling Sam wouldn't let an infection stop her at this point. She was, unfortunately, needed on this mission.
She accidently knocked a tray, causing General O'Neill to stir. She winced and smiled apologetically when he opened his eyes and stared at her tiredly. He smiled when he saw her then looked to Sam worried, "How is she?"
She looked to the leg that she'd just dressed and covered, "It seems to be doing better, but I'm not sure. We'll have to see tomorrow. There really isn't much more I can do except wait for the anti-biotics to kick in so her leg can properly heal. Something tells me she won't want to stay here for long."
He shook his head with a soft chuckle, "No, as soon as Jacob is back, she'll want to help. She's started to fit into the role as a commander instead of the one who goes out, but I don't think it's something we can ever truly get used to."
"Oh? She's been in command? You make it sound like she was sending teams out there while having to sit back and wait for them to get home. She is only a Colonel, isn't she?" She inquired.
He nodded slowly, "She is a Colonel, yes, but there was a posting that put her in charge of a large group of people. The original person in charge was a civilian, but they wanted someone military and she fit all their criteria, well for a little while. She's back in the field now… of sorts."
"Ah, so she has been in that situation. I suppose just recently they were thinking of giving you an off-world position." She paused, remembering the circumstances that made that particular point rather sore. "Sorry, Sir."
He looked up in surprise and shook his head, "Ah, nothing to be sorry for. That was years ago, and I've been in command since. Besides, that was more part of an act than anything. I wouldn't give up SG-1 for anything. Eventually we split up, but we're still together in some ways." He looked down, and she couldn't help but remember the ring that was undoubtedly in his pocket, and perhaps a matching one on his own dog tags.
She nodded then thought over her next question. She figured it was safer to approach him than Colonel O'Neill at the moment. "Did you have much of a hard time after what you did? After the act?"
The General smiled and nodded, "You mean from my team? Yeah, they gave me some grief for it afterwards, but nothing I couldn't handle. I suppose Colonel O'Neill is dealing with that right now. That's actually why she got put in charge of the last mission." He nodded to Colonel Carter. "It was my call, but everyone agreed with it. The younger team trusted her more than Colonel O'Neill and myself. My Daniel and Teal'c of course trust her more than Colonel O'Neill so it was the right call to make. I just wish…" He sighed, looking back down to his hands in his lap.
"You wish she hadn't gotten hurt because of a decision you made. Or that you came to a time where they did trust Colonel O'Neill so you would have been the one hurt instead of her." She nodded in understanding. She supposed this could have been one of the worst times for a Goa'uld to travel too, and they all knew it, yet it wasn't expected that the Goa'uld would know that.
She continued, "Well I assure you that I will ensure she will be better as soon as she can be."
He smiled, almost sadly, but she wasn't sure why, "You always have, Doc."
She gave him a confused look before continuing, "Anyways, I think you need to go get some rest. You need to sleep better than in a chair. I promise I'll have someone come get you as soon as she wakes." He looked ready to protest but she held up a finger, "Ah, Doctor's orders. Now go."
He decided not to fight, standing up and walking towards her bed. He glanced to Doctor Fraiser, but decided he didn't care, even if Sam shot him later for this, and he kissed her on the forehead before he left the room to get some sleep wherever he could.
