Chapter 29

Just as Jack had predicted, Sam managed to both have a shower and call Caity before her meeting with General Hammond. And what a call that had been! Caity had been happily babbling away – she could sure talk as fast as Daniel at his best – managing to fit every single minute of the previous day into nothing more than 5 minutes. Sam's head had still been spinning when she entered the General's office!

And now, less than an hour later, it was spinning again. She had just finished talking to General Hammond and was now standing in the briefing room, watching over the Stargate. Luckily, she had another 15 minutes until the official briefing about Daniel started, giving her some time to order her thoughts.

General Hammond had been right, the proposal sounded good - even great - to her and the logical thing would have been to accept it right away. But she hadn't. Accepting the new position would mean so many things – most prominently the end of a very important era in her life – and she wasn't sure she was ready for it.

She was still standing there when Jacob entered the briefing room. After watching her for several minutes, he and George had talked about the offer last night so he knew what was going on, Jacob went over to his daughter, touching her shoulder lightly.

"Hey, how are you doing?" Jacob asked quietly.

Shrugging her shoulders, Sam answered just as quietly, "That's the million dollar question. I mean, I know what I should do … But-"

"But you think it would change everything." Jacob finished knowingly.

"Yeah." Sam replied, then realising her dad's choice of words, she looked at him for the first time. "Don't you think it would?"

"Of course things will change, Sam. But they will either way, that's life after all. However, it's your call how much they'll change."

"Yeah, sure." Sam replied disbelievingly.

"Sam, look. You are one of the smartest persons I know, so use that brain of yours and you'll find a way to make the very best out of it – no matter what your decision will be!"

"You really thinks so?" Sam asked, still doubtful and unsure of herself.

"Yes, as does Selmak. We both have the utmost confidence in you." Jacob answered seriously.

"Thanks, dad," Sam replied - smiling for the first time after leaving General Hammond's office – hugging her father tightly.

"Your welcome, kiddo," Jacob answered smiling, before whispering conspiratorially, "Now, let's get this meeting over with, I'm sure Jack and Teal'c are dying to hear what George had to offer!"

And seeing the two men in question, eying her with a mixture of curiosity and concern, she knew her dad was right. This wasn't a decision she could make on her own, this was a decision to be made with her friends' help. Feeling much better already, Sam smiled broadly and went to take her usual seat next to her CO, waiting for the meeting to start.

xoxoxoxoxo

"So, what's up?" Jack asked, trying to sound indifferent, once he, Teal'c and Sam reached the secluded clearing several hundred feet above the SGC.

"General Hammond offered me the position as Head of Research and Development at the SGC," Sam all but blurted out.

"There is no such Department at the SGC, however, it can be found at Area 51." Teal'c stated.

"What? How do you know this stuff anyway?" Jack asked confused. "And Area 51?"

"Teal'c is right, sir. However, according to some desk jockey, it'd be more efficient to coordinate all research – in the natural and applied science anyway – into one big department to work more efficiently. This set-up apparently worked wonders at Area 51. Anyway, up until now, the head of every single division reported to General Hammond – no matter how simple the occasion. By implementing an R&D department at the SGC, General Hammond would only have to deal with the head of R&D, who in return would deal with all the minor stuff and only bring the important things to General Hammond's attention, leaving him more time for his other tasks. Of course, it'd also simplify the dealings with Area 51 and the Pentagon." Sam explained.

"So you'd be the uber-geek?" Jack asked casually.

"Uber-geek?" Sam asked amused.

"Yeah, you know, keeping all those geeks from blowing up the base ... stuff like that."

"Well, you could put it that way, I suppose," Sam replied shrugging.

"And lots of paperwork too," Jack added.

"Yep."

"Sounds like fun..."

"Want the job?" Sam asked smiling.

"Yeah, yeah. Very funny," Jack replied shaking his head, before adding tentatively. "But-?"

"But?" Sam asked frowning.

"Well, their must be a 'BUT' because otherwise you'd be jumping up and down right now," Jack explained. "Figuratively spoken, of course!" he quickly added after seeing both Sam's and Teal'c's raised eyebrows.

"Indeed," Teal'c agreed.

Of course they were right! There was a – using Jack's words – big honking 'BUT' hanging in the air. See? Everything already started to change – she never called him Jack at work, not even in her thoughts. Hell, just a view weeks ago she hadn't allowed herself to call him Jack at all! And now he was Jack as soon as they left work. Of course, it was only so they wouldn't confuse Caity. But still...

Realising that Jack – See? Again! – and Teal'c were still waiting for an answer, Sam sighed deeply and admitted quietly, "It also means I'll have to leave SG-1."

Okay, that's a problem, Jack thought. SG-1 without Sam? That just wasn't right!

Luckily, he was saved to think of an appropriate answer as Teal'c spoke up.

"Major Carter, did you not ask to spent less time off-world?" Teal'c asked, tilting his head slightly.

"Yeah, but-" Sam answered, unsure of what Teal'c was going at.

"And does your new position not require you to go off-world frequently?" Teal'c continued.

"Yeah, but-"

"And will you not require our assistance on those travels?"

"Yeah, but-" Sam replied, still not knowing where this was going.

"Then you will not leave SG-1!" Teal'c concluded with a very satisfied smile.

"But I have to! If I become the head of R&D I have to give up SG-1!" Sam answered miserable. Why wouldn't he understand? It made it just that much more difficult to make the right decision.

"No Sam, T is right!" Jack replied grinning, slapping Teal'c's shoulder. You just gotta love the big guy!

Groaning inwardly, Sam started again, "But, sir! I-"

Okay, maybe Sam was a bit slow today, but he did understand the meaning of Teal'c's statement.

"Sam, listen! It's not about stupid patches on an uniform. You might officially leave SG-1, but whenever you go out there, we'll be going as well. Okay, you might not be with us on every single mission, but we'll still be SG-1 and no one at the SGC will think otherwise. And if you ask me, that's all that counts!" Jack said, trying to make Sam understand. Seeing her finally starting to realise what he and Teal'c were talking about – it was hard to ignore that starting full-blown smile after all – he leaned towards Sam and added conspiratorially, "And if you play your cards right, Teal'c might even nick a little SG-1 patch for you!".

Laughing out loud at the last comment, Sam stood up from the log she was sitting on and moved over to Teal'c, hugging him tightly.

"Thank you!" she finally whispered, kissing him on the cheek.

"Hey, what about me?" Jack asked playfully.

Turning around to face him, Sam asked innocently, "Sir?"

Shaking his head at his indignant 2IC, he nevertheless smiled and opened his arms for her, "C'mere."

Things were going to work out just fine. For all of them.

As soon as they went back inside, Sam – in the presence of the Colonel and Teal'c – went to General Hammond to accept the offered position. The General wasn't quite finished congratulating her, when Jack requested that SG-1 became Carter's official babysitters whenever she went off-world. Okay, Jack phrased it slightly different, but he didn't fool anyone in the room and the General was quick to agree. He had planned on doing so anyway.

So, come Monday might see Major Samantha Carter's officially leaving SG-1, yet it was more of a 'SG-1 is dead. Long live SG-1!'-kinda deal and everyone involved could live with that.

In fact, the General was so pleased with everything, that despite it only being lunch-time he gave them the rest of the day off. Between Daniel's latest adventure with death and the newest developments they clearly had a lot to talk about. Besides, he had some phone calls to make, things to organise, a certain General/Tok'ra to talk to and the list went on and on.

xoxoxoxoxo

It was the following Monday and Sam was driving back to Cheyenne Mountain. Well, she was watching the landscape fly by while her dad was driving. Or maybe Selmak was, she wasn't too sure about that one. Anyway, she had truly enjoyed the weekend with her dad - and so had Caity. Her daughter was overjoyed to see her mom come home early on Friday and the two of them spent a quiet Friday night at home. On Saturday, her dad and Jack had joined them and they spent a fun day outside. For most of Sunday, it was once again only her and Caity, as her dad spent the day at Jake's place.

But now it was Monday, Sam was going to start her new position today and as if that wasn't enough, she also had to wear her dress blues. According to the Colonel 'the brass thought it was time for a morale boost thingy', whatever that meant. Truth be told, she didn't really care anyway, she was far too nervous about her new job. Was she the right person to do this? Would the other scientists resent her for suddenly overlooking all their research, for possibly interfering, because she sure would have to do this occasionally? Would it truly be the same to go off-world with SG-1, even though she wasn't an official member anymore? What would Daniel say, once he finally came back? Would she-

"Samantha, we have arrived at the SGC," Selmak announced, interrupting her train of thoughts.

"What? Oh!" Sam replied surprised, nevertheless unbuckling and getting off the car. "That was quick."

"Well, you know how much Selmak loves to drive. Fast." Jacob replied chuckling, well aware of Sam's state of mind during their drive.

"Fast?" Sam looked up alarmed, "Do I want to know?" she added carefully.

Smiling, he preferred to refrain from answering that particular question. "Come on, we better hurry or you are going to be late!" Jacob said instead.

"Yeah, whatever," Sam replied sighing, not really in the mood for any official get-together.

Sam didn't really pay attention to who joined them in the elevator on their way down, so she was pretty annoyed when someone clearly wolf-whistled her. Ready to chew this person out, she was surprised to see her brother grinning at her. Still needing some outlet for her annoyance, she boxed his arm. Hard.

"Ow! What was that for?" Jake asked rather surprised.

"Uhm, natural response?" Sam replied. "What was the whistling for anyway?"

"Can't I show my appreciation to my little sister's good looks?" Jake asked amused.

"By whistling?" Sam asked, raising her eyebrow.

"So? I was feeling ... creative today! Besides, I haven't seen you in your dress uniform before and you look, well, stunning." Jake said grinning, earning him a chuckle from his dad.

"Fine. But whenever you are feeling creative again, try something else, okay?" Sam replied only half-serious.

"Yes ma'am!" Jake said, saluting her. "Don't worry, Sam. You'll be doing just fine," he added on a more serious note.

"Thanks," Sam replied gratefully. "You are aware that I'm your boss now?" she added grinning.

Apparently not. Judging by his dumbfounded look anyway.

The elevator chose that moment to arrive at its destination, and just before the door opened, Sam kissed her brother's cheek, grinning at him mischievously before hurrying towards the gate room. "Gotta go. See you later!"

Still chuckling, Jacob patted his son's shoulder reassuringly, "Come on, or we gonna miss the fun."

"Yeah, can't disappoint my new boss after all," Jake replied grinning, already thinking about the little fun with he could have with that new arrangement.

Father and son quietly entered the gate room, staying in the back, observing their surroundings.

General Hammond was just walking up the ramp towards the Stargate, stepping behind the podium set up there. Major Davis was standing next to the podium while gate room personnel was lining the ramp and the SG-teams were standing in a semi-circle in front of it, surrounded by other base personnel. It was a tight fit and still only a part of the SGC-personnel could be present. For that reason, the speakers throughout the SGC were connected to the microphone on the podium, so all personnel – both military and civilian – could listen into whatever was going to happen now.

As soon as General Hammond stepped behind the podium, everyone stood at attention.

General Hammond started, smiling at the people in front of him. "First, in the name of the President of the United States of America, I am honoured to congratulate every man and woman, civilian and military, to your ongoing valour, courage and bravery in order to keep each other, this country and this planet safe. Furthermore, to show his ongoing faith in everyone at the SGC, as of this morning, several military policies have been adapted to the special needs here at the SGC. The new handbooks will be available to everyone after lunch and will be given to you by your CO."

Taking a short break, the General observed the people in the gate room – his people – with more than just a little pride. Once again, their President saw it fit to address his men for their accomplishments in a fight, the world didn't know about. Looking pointedly at a certain Colonel, he continued, smiling.

"I am well aware that handbooks aren't the most favourite reading for some of you and as keeping to the old policies won't get anyone in trouble, I am sure some would prefer to never even take a look at it." Seeing the knowing smile in most of his people's faces, he was quick to continue. "So to peak your interest, let me explain some changes. One part that has been reviewed are the fraternization policies, that have been loosened to some degree."

Now that got everyone's interest. And there was more than one head turning into the direction of a certain Colonel and Major, who both seemed to be oblivious to the stares they were getting. Seeing some faces fell slightly at his announcement, the General guessed they might have placed bets in favour of a Jake/Sam relationship. Rolling his eyes – mentally – he continued.

"However, while - as long as this won't interfere with their work - relationships between non-permanent and permanent SG-team members will be allowed, even if one will temporary be the direct supervisor of the other, relationships between permanent members of the same SG-team will still be strictly forbidden."

Yep, right now the General really loved his job. The faces of his people that had been smiling in anticipating of the things to come regarding the two officers of SG-1 fell again. They truly looked like kids that got their chocolate stolen from under their noses! Though it was even funnier to watch Sam and Jack, both still being oblivious to their comrades reactions to his announcement. Teal'c, on the other hand, seemed to rather enjoy himself, having tilted his head approvingly as he told them about the fraternisation rules.

"Now that I hopefully raised your interest in the new handbooks, I have a couple of more announcements to make," General Hammond continued after giving everyone a couple of minutes to process the news. "It is with great pleasure and pride that my next order of business is the announcement of the promotion of Major Samantha Carter to Lieutenant Colonel. Major, step forward."

When a dumbfounded Sam was gently pushed forward by Jack, the whole gate room erupted into applause – and out of a corner a couple of wolf-whistles could be heard. As Sam - followed by Jack who was probably spotting the biggest grin possible – finally reached the top of the ramp, everyone in the room came to attention. And while the General and the Colonel pinned the new insignia to her uniform, Major Davis was reading the commendation. Once Sam re-affirmed her oath of enlistment, both she and Jack stepped back into line.

"I know you are eager to celebrate the newest promotion – and yes, there will be cake in the commissary for everyone, a little 'Thank you' from the President I might add – I have another announcement to make," General Hammond started once again. "As of today, the new Department of Research and Development, short R&D, will be implemented within the SGC. Anything research-related will be coordinated through this department, which is supposed to simplify any dealings with new technologies and the like. The heads of the different research divisions will be briefed at 1300 today, so any questions will have to wait until then. As for gate travel, whenever something is to be brought through the gate, appointed members of R&D have to be contacted first and they will coordinate any further action."

Looking at his people once again, he wondered how they'd take his next statement. "Also, as of today, Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter is officially leaving SG-1 to become the head of R&D."

Silence. Followed by unbelieving glances towards their front-line team. She was really leaving SG-1?

"However, as head of R&D, Lieutenant Colonel Carter will have to frequently go off-world, and I am sure you are all pleased to know that Colonel O'Neill offered his team as escort on those occasions," the General concluded smiling.

One could clearly hear the sighs of relief throughout the room. It also made clear - just like Jack had predicted – that although Sam had officially left SG-1, within the SGC she was still considered to be a member of this team. Also, Hammond could tell when the first of his people realised what that meant – fraternisation rules didn't apply to them anymore! The betting pools were surely getting some new life today...

Looking over at where Jacob and Jake were standing, Hammond saw that they both got the meaning of the new rules – and even more important, they both seemed fine with it. But now wasn't time to think about this, his people were anxiously waiting for their cake after all! So after a view more sentences, he ended their little meeting, sending everyone back to work – or to eat cake.

xoxoxoxoxo

Sam's had was spinning from all the congratulations she had received throughout the day. She was quite positive to have shaken every single person's hand on base by the time she was leaving. And then her promotion! She still couldn't believe it! Also, she had no idea how she managed to survive the 1300 briefing, but somehow she did. The only piece missing to complete happiness was Daniel. At least her dad had been there, even though he had to leave before lunch.

Sighing, it was a bit later than she would have liked, she drove to her brother's house, ready to get Caity and head home. Of course, that wasn't going to happen. As soon as she opened the door, her daughter came almost flying towards her.

"Mommy, mommy! Look!" Caity squealed in happiness, hugging her mom tightly.

And look she did. There was a big banner in the living room, a multicoloured, somewhat uneven 'Congratulations!' written across it. Jake, Jocelyn and their kids as well as Jack, Teal'c, Janet and Cassie were standing close by and all of them were grinning at her.

"Uncle Jack said you've been really, really good at work and Uncle George got you pro... something and everyone got cake! But we didn't get some so Uncle Jack and Uncle T brought cake for all of us and we're having a party!" Caity explained excitedly, throwing the confetti she had been hiding in her left fist all over Sam. That was the sign for everyone else to step forward and start a new round of congratulations.

The food turned out to be pizza for everyone, as it was truly an impromptu party and there wasn't much time to prepare anything. Nevertheless, everyone was having fun and Sam was told to just sit back and enjoy. The party was in her honour after all.

Once the pizza was eaten and the twins put to bed – by Sam and Teal'c on their request – Sam was ready to leave. It was almost Caity's bedtime and as much as she loved having her family and friends around her, she really needed some time for herself after everything that had happened today. Like a long, hot bubble-bath – yes, that sounded heavenly right now.

"Hey, watcha smiling about?" Jack asked, sitting down next to her on the couch, thighs barely touching.

"Nothing," Sam replied innocently.

"Ah, the infamous nothing," Jack answered, absently fiddling with the hem of his shirt.

"Yep," Sam replied grinning.

"So-o, watcha smiling about?" Jack asked again.

"Water!" Sam all but breathed, closing her eyes as if the idea alone is heavenly.

"Water?" he asked confused.

"Lots of hot water. Lots of bubbles." Sam clarified, opening her eyes to look at him.

"Oh! Need some company?" Jack suggested, waggling his eyebrows.

"Hm, you think Teal'c ever had a bubble bath?" Sam asked innocently, furrowing her brow as if deep in thought.

"Hey!" Jack exclaimed indignantly, before pulling Sam onto his lap with lightning speed, starting to tickle her mercilessly.

Between laughing and breathing, Sam managed a weak "Help!" or two, before Caity came running into the room, joining in the fun. She loved tickle fights after all!

Janet and Jocelyn entered at a more sedate pace, while Cassie and Keenan decided to stay outside for a little bit longer. Lucas was already in his room, showing Teal'c and his dad something he found on the internet.

"Do you think there was something in the pizza? Maybe I should check them over?" Janet finally asked thoughtfully, while grinning mischievously at Jocelyn.

Sam and Jack stopped in mid-motion, looking up to see Janet and Jocelyn laughing at them. Blushing furiously, they tried to disentangle themselves while Caity who wasn't that concerned kept tickling Jack, which was much easier now as his attention was elsewhere. Finally grabbing Caity and efficiently trapping her laughing form under one arm, he stood up and shrugged his shoulders innocently.

"We were just teaching Sam the finer arts of tickle fighting, right Caity?" Jack asked before setting Caity down in front of him.

"Uh huh," Caity answered giggling, before adding, "Uncle Jack is good in tickle fights, but me is better! And I had to help mommy!"

"Hey!"

"Yes, Uncle Jack?" Caity asked sweetly, looking at him with innocent eyes.

"Beaten by a 7-year old," Janet commented dryly, eliciting a snort from both Jocelyn and Sam.

"Anyway, it's time for us to head home," Sam added.

"But mommy!" Caity started to protest.

"No buts, it's close to your bedtime already and we have to get up early, remember?" Sam reasoned.

"Come on, Caity. We'll continue our lecture another time," Jack added.

"Promise?" Caity asked, looking up at him.

"Promise," Jack answered before bending down and kissing her forehead. "No go and get ready."

"Okay," Caity conceded, before she remembered something else, "Mommy? Do you think we'll have tickle fights at camp, too?"

"At camp?" Sam asked confused – and then she remembered. "Oh! I totally forgot! Jocelyn, any chance you remember the dates of Caity's summer camp?"

"Uhm, the letter must be here somewhere. Sorry Sam, with all the moving I completely forgot about it too! Especially as Lucas and Keenan aren't going this year," Jocelyn apologised before searching for the missing letter.

"Does that mean I can't go?" Caity asked, close to tears. Just today, Lucas had told her a couple of stories of last summer and she really wanted to go there and do all the fun stuff herself. Even if her mommy couldn't go with her. But Lucas said there are always lots of other kids and none of them had there mom with them.

"Of course not!" Sam was quick to pick up and reassure her daughter. "It's just that even adults forget important things sometimes."

Jocelyn chose that moment to come back, a surprised look on her face. "Well, that was close, Caity's summer camp is next week."

"See, nothing to worry about," Sam reassured her daughter. "We still have almost a week to get everything ready."

"Really?"

"Really. It's too late today, but how about we look at everything tomorrow? See if we've got everything you'll need?"

"'Kay."

"Good. Now go and say goodbye to everyone, okay?"

"Yep!" Caity replied, running off in search for the missing members of the family.

Once she was finished and Sam had gathered Caity's things, they left for home – though not without the repeated promise of another lecture in tickle fighting before camp started. Of course, Sam only agreed to it to please Caity. Well, she'd do almost everything for her daughter, even if it meant to spent more time with Jack...


A/N: Wow, I actually managed to put all the things into this chapter that I wanted to! Must be a first or something. LOL. Next chapter, someone from the SGC is finding out about Caity – and the rest shouldn't be too far behind!

Once again, I want to thank all those who reviewed so far – and give a special thanks to those who do so frequently! It really means a lot and helps Muse along!