"And Sam ..." General Hammond began. "I'm bringing a surprise for you as well."


CHAPTER 52: THE BEST SURPRISE

A surprise? What now? Sam thought. Wasn't Weir enough of a surprise? Though Sam sincerely rejoiced in Elizabeth's surprisingly fast recovery, there was a part of her that dreaded having her predecessor return right now, even for a visit.

Samantha Carter O'Neill pulled herself up sharply at the thought. Truth was she'd been gratified to see the way her command was accepted by the Atlantis military contingent, scientific community and even their alien guests. So it surprised (there was that word again) her she could still feel so threatened. Oh well, she was human after all. What if, seeing their old friend and leader again, everyone decided the Carter command was a bad idea whose time was up?

Okay, Carter, snap out of it, Sam ordered herself. Enough is enough. Everything is as it should be. You've got enough to do without being so paranoid. With that self imposed pep talk, Sam began to change into her dress uniform, making final preparations for President Montoya's visit.

She had to hand it to Lucida Montoya. A consummate politician, the woman was clearly an adventurer as well. It wasn't every high ranking official who would step through the Stargate. But this woman wasn't your run of the mill politician. She was used to taking risks and standing up for her beliefs, qualities Sam admired.

As she tugged her uniform jacket into place she sighed deeply. There were so many people coming. What difference would one more have made? When first informed of plans for the anniversary, she'd asked Jack if he couldn't finagle an official invitation. She'd been devastated when he eventually replied "no can do". She assumed he was as disappointed as she; he'd told her the President was unable to spare him at the time. Sam had little choice but to accept that as fact.

Maybe it was just as well, she told herself. If Jack came along with the political delegation, well, she couldn't predict how she'd react. How could she be expected to attend to the President and her official responsibilities with Jack striding though the Gate, looking his unbearably handsome self? For all she knew, the otherwise well mannered, by the book leader of Atlantis would ignore all other guests, scream her husband's name and run into his arms in full view of everyone. That simply wouldn't do! Yes, it was better he wasn't coming right now.

OoOoOo

"Send the signal, Lieutenant," Sam ordered.

The gate sprung to life, an effect Sam would never tire of seeing.

First through was a contingent of SGC Marines followed by the Secret Service agents, bodyguards for President Montoya. Directly behind them came Hammond, Woolsey and the President herself. Only a step off the pace was Dr. Weir, immediately greeted by a less than restrained round of applause in the control room. Sam walked over to greet President Montoya and Dr. Weir in turn. As she reached out her hand, she realized another visitor had burst through the event horizon, a second male figure in dress blues. She looked up out of curiosity, and her eyes froze to the spot.

For a moment, Sam Carter O'Neill forgot all about General Hammond, Dr. Weir and even the President. Her mouth fell open slightly and her eyes widened as if to contain their surprise. She had all she could do to suppress the little sound struggling to find its way from her mouth. As always, the calm, light hearted stride of the last man through the gate calmed her enough to continue with her current duties. That, along with the gesture of silence well known from their combat days, gave her wild side pause. But the twinkle in his eye nearly undid it all.

Jack O'Neill battled to maintain his decorum as well. As soon as he caught sight of his wife, all he wanted was to take her in his arms. Everyone else be damned. But once again, duty and appearances came first. He'd never embarrass Sam like that. This was an important moment in her command, more than a visit from her husband. There would be time for them, he'd seen to that, with a little help from President Montoya of course.

Still, the next few minutes were unending for both of them. Official greetings could take forever. Daniel sprang to mind for Sam. She wished he was here to take over; he was so appropriate and gracious in every diplomatic situation. She'd gladly switch places with him at this moment. But for now, she did her best.

Managing to tear her eyes away from Jack, Sam greeted President Montoya warmly.

"Welcome to Atlantis, Madame President."

"Thank you, Colonel," Montoya replied. "That was quite a trip. Nothing like it, I'd say."

"Nothing even comes close, Ma'am," Sam replied with a smile. Sam proceeded to introduce her senior staff, beginning with Lt. Colonel John Sheppard. All the while she realized Jack was standing slightly behind her, greeting others in the reception area.

Finally, Sam was able to turn to her husband. Still conscious of all eyes upon them, she greeted him with restrained enthusiasm.

"I can't believe you're here," she said softly. For a moment her voice and her eyes spoke only to Jack. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry; in point of fact, she knew Colonel Carter, Commander of Atlantis was allowed neither.

"Hello yourself, Sam," Jack said with a crooked smile, reaching smoothly to grasp her hand if only momentarily.

"I'm so happy," she whispered. Then she broke their moment and turned back to the President and her contingent. "Madame President, Colonel Sheppard and I would be honored to lead you and your staff on a tour of Atlantis. The formal anniversary ceremony won't begin for another hour."

President Montoya slyly eyed her Secret Service agents then returned her attention to Colonel Carter.

"If it's all the same, Colonel, I'd prefer to settle in for a few moments before the ceremony. I'm afraid I'm not the caliber of explorer you clearly are," she said. "I'd very much like to see the city after the ceremony if that is possible."

"Of course, I'll see you to a guest area."

"That won't be necessary, Colonel," was the response. "I'm sure Dr. McKay would be happy to steer me in the right direction."

Though taken by surprise, McKay had little choice but to respond affirmatively.

"It would be an honor," Rodney said with uncommon graciousness.

"Then we'll meet in the conference room at 1400 hours," Sam said.

"Until then, Colonel," the President replied.

OoOoOo

Elizabeth Weir, recently liberated from the use of any assistive devices, was occupied for the next hour catching up with her friends and colleagues. George Hammond began to make supervisory visits to a few of the more high profile stations on the base. And the security guards, well they did their best to secure whatever needed securing.

This left Jack and Sam a few moments to themselves.

"Jack, come with me, I have to …," Sam said, realizing at least three more things she could see to before the ceremony.

"You don't have to do anything," he said, taking her arm gently and steering her to a small room off the reception area, "except visit with me."

As soon as they were inside, Jack deftly closed and locked the door.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me you were coming," Sam said, her eyes sparkling.

"Hey, Montoya dragged me out of Washington with her yesterday. It was a surprise for me, too," Jack said. "The best surprise..."

"The best surprise," Sam echoed.

"Come 'ere," he said, gathering her into his arms.

Sam went more than willingly into her husband's waiting arms. It's all she wanted, after all. He held her so tightly, she thought for a moment they'd melt into each other on that very spot. Then she realized she was holding him just as tightly. And she was crying.

Jack didn't say a word. He stroked her hair, nuzzled her neck and listened to her softly breathe his name.

"Jack …"

They held each other, breathed each other in, and relaxed into the other's presence. Jack felt his own tears answering Sam's. It had been so long, almost four months since they'd been together, able to touch, to be touched. He was never going to let go.

Moments later, Jack pulled back far enough to see her face.

"Let me look at you … you are so beautiful," he said, his lips only inches from hers.

Sam breathed deeply, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "You're beautiful too."

Jack smirked. "No one's ever accused me of being beautiful."

"Then I suppose I'll have to be the first," she said. Before Jack could think of a come back, his wife had captured his lips with her own. And the kiss was all they'd imagined it would be … and more.

TBC


A/N: Thanks to all readers and reviewers. Thanks especially this time to smithcrafter who reminded me of what I'd probably do were I in Sam's place during this scene, namely, run to Jack as soon as he came through the Gate. Well since I couldn't see Sam doing that in her commander role, I used it as her fantasy. Thanks for the idea!!