"Dismissed," Jack said, as the meeting came to a closing. It had been another two long hours without interruptions – for once they hadn't even been interrupted – before they decided to call it a day. So far, they had worked out a strategy they all felt comfortable with and Carter and Dr. Lee had convinced them the intergalactic bridge would actually be finished ahead of schedule. Teal'c had offered the support of the Jaffa movement, now that the situation on Dakara seemed to be stabilizing and the Jaffa were still willing to fight – mostly because they didn't know anything else – and felt they owed the Tau'ri. Besides, if the Wraith and Replicators in the Pegasus Galaxy were successful they would surely come to theirs. Almost forgetting, Jack called back Dr. Lee. "Dr. Lee, could you stay for a moment?"

Sam was surprised to hear he was actually asking a scientist to stay longer for a private chat. "Sir, do you need–"

"No, you're good to go, Carter," Jack nodded and waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. "It's just Dr. Lee I need."

"Of course, General O'Neill," Bill stammered a bit, unsure of what to think. He watched as Colonel Carter shrugged and took off with the former SG-1 and the two generals retreated to General Landry's office. Looking around, he couldn't find any clue as to why O'Neill would want to talk to him, but he knew the man's reputation – he'd seen him in action often enough when he'd been a Colonel and commander of SG-1 – so his curiosity was piqued. Perhaps he was a bit scared as well, he thought grimacing.

Closing the door behind him, Jack followed Hank into his office.

"What's up, Jack? Forgot to say something during our meeting?"

"No, I was just wondering how your visit to Washington went," Jack shrugged. "I haven't been in touch much with the President this week, I was too busy with video conferences and getting my transfer through, therefore, I haven't had an update yet."

"Ah, I see," Hank nodded and sat down in his chair. "Well, everything went fine… of course, the Appropriations Committee was whining about our budget and threatened to cut into it, but that was just a warning – like they did the previous years – we still have a few months before the budget is revised."

"What about Atlantis?"

"The IOA is still backing them with their money, but have – again – requested a greater military presence, so the President and I have been thinking about that as well. Can't really say anything about it now," he saw Jack frowning and held up his hand. "The President ordered me not to say a word until it was completely taken care of, I'm sorry."

"That's okay," Jack shrugged; it wasn't as if he was actually worried. "That was all?"

"Yeah, I think that about sums it up," Hank chuckled, leaning back in the chair. "Why don't you go see your little girl?"

"I will, just have to talk to Dr. Lee," he pointed over his shoulder with his thumb. "We'll talk later," with that, he turned on his heels and stepped into the briefing room. He chuckled as he saw Lee fidgeting with his papers, realizing the man was probably nervous and wondering why he had to stay behind. He cleared his throat loudly and smirked as the doctor jumped up.

"Aah, er… General," Bill tried to find his composure and nodded, while wiping his sweaty palms on his pants.

"Doctor," Jack smirked, cocking his head to the side. "Is something wrong?"

"Um… I don't know, Sir, you asked me to stay here…?"

"I know, you just look, I don't know, nervous," he shrugged, smiling inwardly. He was enjoying teasing the doctor a bit.

"Really?" Bill squeaked, before clearing his throat. "No- No, I was just wondering why you wanted to talk to me in private, General."

"Oh," Jack drawled out the word, nodding. "Right, well, I was actually going to ask you about that thingamajig."

Bill crossed his arms before his chest, frowning, and was trying to think of what to say. "My what?"

"You know, that doodad I gave you guys the other day."

Scratching his chin, he was thinking what the man could probably be referring to. "I don't know what you're talking about General," Bill shrugged, unable to come up with something.

"Oh, come on, don't be like that. That gizmo from the Asgard," Jack rolled his eyes.

"Sir, the Asgard haven't given us anything except those data crystals which you assigned to Colonel Carter," he replied, a bit dismayed. He'd been hoping to at least work with the data, but everything had been assigned to Colonel Carter and he was swamped in his own work so he couldn't go over to take a peek. Most of the scientists had expected to each get assigned a part of the data to work out, no one had expected General O'Neill to butt in and hand everything over to her, especially not after their strained relationship – everyone knew their relationship had changed when the General had gone to DC or when Carter had married, pick one…

"For crying out loud, I brought it to you and your geeks myself," Jack said exasperated. "That shiny ATA doohickey," he tried. "Orb shaped, this big," he motioned with his hands, "and it lights up when someone with the ATA gene touches it? It had to be cleared because it was an off-world gimmick. Thor gave it to my daughter and she wants it and I'm pretty sure Thor wants her to use it," he said exasperated.

"Oooh, that orb," finally a light bulb went on in Bill's head and he nodded. "Yeah, I handed that over to Colonel Carter a while ago, I had other things on my plate, and she wanted the extra work. Besides, she is the expert on off-world technology," he respectfully admitted with a shrug.

"Thank you," Jack replied in a frustrated manner. "I guess I'll just go over to her and get it then," he mused aloud, forgetting all about Dr. Lee on his way out.


Sam immediately went over to her computer, to see if more data had been processed in the last two hours and was mildly disappointed by the lack of result. Reaching for her inbox, she scanned the few files there; most were requests, since she was now the unofficial head of the Science Department, and there was another file asking for her input on a problem from… of course, Felger and his assistant. Sam rolled her eyes and put the file to the side to check on after the weekend, because she would be too busy moving back into her house and cleaning. Not to mention relaxing, she thought as she stretched her lean frame. Thinking about moving in, she realized she still had to make an appointment with Pete to collect some of her personal things – some clothing, paperwork, official documents she didn't keep in a safe at the bank, jewelry, her bikes, cars and some personal items, mostly from her mother.

Still feeling the buzz from the earlier conversation with her General, she found the courage to pick up the phone and dial her old number. The phone rang a few times and she glanced at the clock, making sure she wasn't calling during one of his shifts, when it was finally answered.

"Shanahan."

"Hey Pete, it's Sam…"

"Sam, babe, I was hoping you'd call! I tried calling a few times but I couldn't get through the switchboard or was put on hold for half an hour," she heard his annoyance loud and clear and sighed herself.

"Look, Pete, I was just calling to make an appointment–"

"That's great! We could talk and perhaps find a marriage counselor and"

"No," Sam grunted, her own annoyance getting the best of her. "I called to ask when I could pick up my things."

A silence of at least two minutes followed and for a moment, Sam was afraid he'd hung up on her.

"Oh," was all he said, breaking the silence.

"I'm sorry," she tried, feeling guilty for smashing his hopes.

"Well, I'm busy tonight, so…"

"I understand," Sam nodded, knowing she'd probably be late as well.

"Sorry Sam, you know you can always come over, but I have plans for tonight and I can't just cancel those last minute."

"No, that's okay."

"Sorry," he muttered again.

Sam shrugged, playing with the chord. "I'll probably be late tonight as well. I still have a lot to do."

"Working late again?"

"Yeah," she could hear the resentment in his voice.

"I'm free tomorrow, so you can drop by then, okay?"

"Okay, I'll see you later, bye Pete," Sam circled tomorrow's date in her calendar and hung up the phone.


Jack padded slowly through the corridor on level 19, a bit apprehensive to go over to Carter and ask her about the orb. Sure, they'd said to try and be friends again, but that was easier said than done, he knew. It hadn't escaped his attention that Carter kept glancing at him during the second half of the meeting and he had to admit that his own eyes had wandered over to her every now and then. He'd made some quips, she'd grinned or smiled shyly and, in turn, she'd done her fair share of techno-babble to the point he'd found himself just staring at her, at her mouth… hearing her voice, but not understanding the words, even blocking out the words, just enjoying the sound. Yeah, exactly like old times again, he told himself.

Still, that had been in a familiar setting, now he had to ask her about a 'toy' for his daughter. A daughter she'd only met a few days ago and hadn't known of her existence, not that that was entirely his fault, but still, it would probably be weird. That was why he'd decided to pick up Milou after, instead of taking her with him. Rounding the corner, he found himself in front of her lab. Taking a deep breath, he stealthily walked in, expecting her to be hunched over the latest data results or something, which would mean she wouldn't notice him at first.

To his surprise, she was on the phone engrossed in conversation. So engrossed that she didn't notice him, which usually only happened when she was working on her doohickeys, he mused. He decided this was the perfect opportunity to study her, take in her features for he had been Carter-deprived for over two years… she was still beautiful, her hair much longer and she had it up in a ponytail, the light playing with those golden locks. He still thought she was too skinny, even though he couldn't see much of that today since she was wearing her BDUs, including the large jacket. Probably cold from the lack of sleep if the dark circles under her eyes were anything to go by. It made him second-guess his decision to assign the Asgard data to her, he had only done it because she was the most experienced with Asgard technology and Thor had, casually – if the Asgard did such a thing – mentioned that she'd be interested.

He couldn't help but overhear – as he was almost standing in front of her – her saying she'd be late tonight and felt slightly awkward when he heard her say his name. He fidgeted with the zipper of his leather jacket, which he had donned in the elevator, as his fingers started to twitch. Jack knew that strange feeling in his gut was something close to jealousy, but he stomped it down; they would try to be friends again. That didn't mean he had a right for more, least of all to feel jealous as she talked to her husband. Well, he should probably count himself lucky he didn't overhear an intimate conversation, he thought.

The jealousy-related feeling – he refused to call it jealousy – was stomped down pretty easily, having had over a decade of experience, but the anger that went with it was more difficult. It was obvious Carter was tired and yet, here she was, already thinking she'd be home late, if at all tonight, and her husband was okay with that. That bastard didn't deserve her… But she wanted to be with the cop because he made her happy, a little voice in his head kept chanting. That didn't mean Jack himself couldn't order her to take it easy and get out of her lab at a decent hour, even if that meant she'd go home to Shanahan.

"Sir!" Sam exclaimed as she looked up from her calendar. "What, when– when did you get here, Sir?"

"Don't worry Carter, I just walked in," he fake-smiled at her. She didn't have to know he'd overheard her apologizing to – or more sharing with – her husband she'd be working late.

Relieved, Sam blew out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding and tried to shrug off the awkward tension in the room. "What can I do for you, Sir?"

"Actually, I was here for the Asgard doohickey," he replied.

Sam frowned, glancing at her computer. "You want to see the Asgard data?" She asked, incredulous. "Sir," she added belatedly, to cover up her shock.

"No," Jack waved with his hand. "I want the shiny orb."

"What shiny orb, Sir?"

"You know, that little white one from Thor."

"No, I don't know," she said slowly, making sure he understood.

"For crying out loud, I just talked to Lee and he said he'd given it to you!"

"When?"

"How should I know?" Jack asked sweetly, his facial expression belying his tone of voice.

"An orb, you say?"

"Yes, it's pretty, about this big," he held his hands in the shape of an orb, "white, can glow – probably in the dark as well," he grinned.

Sam chuckled at his lame joke and shook her head, berating herself. "Thor gave this to you?"

Arching his eyebrows, Jack stuffed his fists into his pockets and rocked on his feet. "Yeah, sort of, but it had to be cleared by the geeks first."

"You didn't steal it, did you Sir?"

"Of course not, Carter," Jack heaved a sigh, rolling his eyes. "He uses it to measure someone's ATA gene."

Now Sam knew what he was talking about and quickly walked over to a cabinet and pulled out a see-through sphere. "This one, Sir?"

"Yes, thank you!" Jack threw his arms up in gratitude, before holding out a hand to take it from her.

Sam took a closer look, examining the sphere after his description and frowned. "Sir, are you sure? With all due respect, General, your description is way off."

"Is not," Jack petulantly replied, reaching for the orb.

"It is, Sir," she retorted, keeping it out of his grasp. "This sphere is see-through, slightly smaller than you described and there's nothing pretty or shiny about it. Let alone it being white," she scowled at him.

Reaching over her workbench, Jack snatched it out of her hand and the orb immediately started glowing, giving off a white, bright light. "See?" He asked smugly.

Sam stared at the item, before retrieving it – their hands slightly brushing – and she ducked her head, pretending to study it further. "Well, it was cleared, but – What?"

Jack chuckled at her protest as the light faded and the orb returned to its original state. "It's not for you to play with, Carter," he teased her, all awkwardness from before forgotten, as he placed one hand over it while it was lying in her hands.

Amazed, she stared at the orb as it started glowing and could feel it warm up, warming her cold hands. Although she had to wonder if the heat was actually coming from the orb as she glanced up and held his gaze, feeling warmth spread through her body as she looked into those brown eyes. His intense gaze made her heart flutter and she had to tear her eyes away from his, scared she'd do something stupid. Instead, she looked back at the orb, which she was still holding, his large hand on top of it almost shielding it from sight. "It's amazing," she said in awe.

Watching her amazement and that big megawatt smile that grew on her face, Jack's heart ached… for more. Startled by the inappropriateness and strength of his feelings, he withdrew his hand. "Sure is," he mumbled, his attention still focused on her face. He saw her face fall as the white glow diminished, her shoulders drooping slightly with disappointment. Clearing his throat, Jack took a step back and grabbed the orb, juggling it. "I can take it with me, right?"

"Um," Sam started, eyes still glued to the orb he was juggling. "Please don't drop it, Sir," she said with a scared smile.

"I won't, I've gotten quite good at juggling after that time loop," he waggled his eyebrows at her.

Smiling, Sam shook her head. "Well, since I can't study it while it's working, it's good to go," her smile turned rueful, a bit disappointed she couldn't make it work on her own. "Sir?"

Almost on his way out, Jack turned back to her. "Yeah?"

"Why did Thor give it to you?"

"Er," Jack grinned at her, rubbing the back of his neck.

"You said you didn't steal it, Sir," Sam replied warily.

"It's for Milou," he shrugged. He could see the wheels turning in her head, trying to figure out what that meant. As she looked up and opened her mouth, he held up his head. "Yeah," Jack ran a hand through his hair. "Thor asked me to have her tested and–"

"That was your meeting," Sam nodded. "So," she motioned towards the sphere, "I take it she has it?"

"Thor was as happy as a cheerleader," Jack grinned, fiddling with the orb. "He–"

"General O'Neill?"

"Yes?" Jack glared at the airman interrupting him.

"General Landry requested your presence, Sir."

"Great," Jack groaned, waving the man away. "I should go and see what it is about," he pointed over his shoulder.

"Yes Sir," Sam agreed, giving him a small smile. "Oh and don't forget your sphere, Sir," she protested, following him into the corridor as he walked out the door, after putting it down.

Looking at his hands, Jack realized he'd automatically placed the orb on her desk, falling back on old habits from when he'd visited her lab to fiddle with her doohickeys. "I'll get the orb later. Carter you just make sure you eat something."

"Yes Sir," she mumbled, the sound of his footsteps fading.

"Carter?"

Her head snapped up at his commanding voice and she saw him standing at the elevator. "Sir?"

"Come on," he beckoned her over with his hand.

Slowly walking towards him, Sam frowned. "Sir?"

Jack smiled at her askant posture and pushed the button again. "You're getting too skinny, Carter, got to get you something to eat first."

She placed her hands on her flat stomach and looked down, still frowning. Well, she hadn't been eating that much lately, with all the stress from ending her marriage and finding out about the General's life. She just wasn't hungry. Besides, there was still a lot of work to do; she didn't have the time to keep running towards the commissary. "With all due respect, I'm not skinny, Sir."

As the doors opened, he walked into the empty elevator. Turning to face her, he gave her a slow onceover. "I don't care if it's the latest fashion," he started, remembering all the discussions he'd had with Cassandra. "You're getting skinny, Carter and it doesn't suit you."

"I've hardly lost any weight, Sir," she huffed, placing her hands on her hips. Perhaps he had a point, she mused as she felt the lack of fat tissue on her hips and remembered the way she had to fasten her belt lately. "There's nothing wrong with me, I still have the same size."

Jack's eyes glanced over her body, her hands on her hip causing the jacket to fall open and at the same time emphasized the way her standard issued black tank top stretched over her breasts. His gaze lingered for a moment, before sliding down her lean frame. Her hips looked less… curvy. Her pants was hanging low on her hips and it was obvious her belt was the only thing holding it up, before– God, no, don't go there!He shook his head and his arm stretched out just in time to prevent the doors to close. "Perhaps you should reconsider that," he carefully replied. It wouldn't be a smart thing to tell her those lovely curves were almost disappearing in front of his eyes, not to mention her sweet little six… "Now," he coughed, covering for his low tone of voice, "do I have to make it an order?"

"Sir?"

"Elevator, now, commissary food, Carter," Jack stated in his General voice.

Pressing her lips together, Sam acquiesced, knowing he'd actually order her to eat something; he'd done if before, when she'd been his 2IC.


"I'm hungry," Milou said out of the blue, without looking up from her drawing.

Jacob had been reading a book on his bed and he glanced at the clock. "Well, that's probably because you didn't eat anything at lunch," he reminded her, careful not to mention her lip, hoping she'd forgotten about that.

"Daddy gives us a b'nana," she mumbled, before slipping from her chair and walking over to his bed.

"A banana?" He placed the book on his nightstand and got up. "I wouldn't mind a banana myself, let's go to the commissary and get us something to eat," he smirked, grabbing her small hand.

"Okay," Milou held his hand and tagged along, trying to keep up with his large steps. "Where's Daddy?"

"He's still in a meeting, sweetie," Jacob explained, softly pushing her out in front of him. "I'm sure it won't be much longer now."

"Hi," Milou smiled shyly at the passing men who all seemed to stare at her, before looking back at Jacob. "Why they stare?

"They're looking at you because we don't get a lot of kids here," he replied, patting her head softly. Letting his fingers rake through her hair, he was glad to see Jack had been able to untangle those blond locks. "Especially not such cute ones," he smiled at her.

"May I?" She asked with big eyes, pointing at the elevator button.

Jacob shrugged, telling her to go ahead and push it. The doors immediately opened and they stepped in, after which he let her push the third button again. "We should probably get you something to drink as well," he mused aloud.

"Lemonade?"

"Sure, you can have some lemonade," he wondered if the commissary actually had lemonade, but they'd find out soon. "Go on," he prompted her as the doors opened.


"Well, bye, Sir," Sam broke the uncomfortable silence that had been hanging in the elevator. They hadn't said a word during the ride up and she could feel his eyes glancing at her every now and then, it had unnerved her in more ways than one. Was he right, was she losing too much weight? She knew she had to take better care of herself. Sam was surprised when he followed her when she stepped out of the elevator. and frowned. "Sir?"

"Just making sure you're actually off to eat something other than jello, Carter," Jack gave her a small grin and motioned for her to start walking. Yeah, that sweet little six was definitely losing some of its sweetness, he pondered as she walked in front of him. "While you're at it, you might want to get a goodnight's sleep, too."

"I will, Sir," Sam replied, glancing over her shoulder.

"Carter, that could be construed as lying to a superior officer, you know that right?"

"What, no, Sir, I'd never–"

"Please," Jack groaned as they stepped in line. "You and I both know you're going to get all excited about that Asgard data and stay up all night. Therefore, I'm ordering you to call it quits at 2000 hours," he put some food on a tray for her and handed it to her. "Don't think I won't tell Landry," he squinted at her.

"Yes Sir," she gritted her teeth, annoyed with his interference. "You probably should get back, Sir," she continued, smiling sweetly.

"Yeah, just waiting for you to get to your table and watch you take a bite," he retorted, turning around to look at the table. "What the hell…"

Hearing his voice trail off, Sam turned, only to see him stalk off. Following his gaze, she saw his daughter standing next to the bathroom and frowned herself. Wasn't her father supposed to be watching the General's daughter? She handed her tray to one of the airmen and went after him, in the meantime looking around for her Dad.

"Milou, what are you doing here?" Jack asked, trying to keep the panic out of his voice. Where the hell was Jacob?

"Daddy," she beamed, holding out her arms.

Leaning down, he picked her up and hugged her. "Sweetie, what are you doing here all alone?"

"Sir, have you seen my Dad?" Sam asked as she joined them.

"Gwandpa is in there," Milou pointed over her shoulder as she looked at her father.

"Grandpa?" Sam gasped, incredulous.

Jack's eyebrows rose to unknown heights, and at the same time the door opened. "Care to explain, Dad?"

"Jack, Sammie! How did the meeting go?"

Ignoring his questions, Sam glared at him, fighting her inner turmoil. "Grandpa?"

Not knowing what else to say – Carter had a way with words sometimes – Jack joined her in glaring at Jacob, who, to his surprise, just shrugged.

"Well, I figured with Jack calling me 'Dad' all the time, she might as well call me 'Grandpa,'" Jacob casually replied, looking at his daughter. He recognized the stubborn, set jaw and shook his head. "Unless you mind, of course," he continued, glancing at Jack. "Milou told me about her grandmother," Jacob whispered, making sure the girl wouldn't hear as to not upset her. "She then explained she didn't know her grandpa of either side, so…"

Clearing his throat, Jack's eyes shifted from Jacob to his smiling daughter and back again. "No, of course not, that's nice of you Jake," he clasped his shoulder.

"Go home, Daddy?" Milou asked, getting bored.

"Um… no, I actually have to talk to General Landry," he apologized, putting her on her own two feet, before pressing a kiss on her crown. "Jacob?"

"Yeah, I don't mind," he waved his hand, "go on."

"Thanks, bye Carter," Jack smiled and walked away.

"Cahter and Daddy are fwiends," Milou told her grandpa, tugging his shirt.


Closing the door of his quarters, Jacob turned to his daughter. "Look Sammie–"

"You let his daughter call you grandpa," she interrupted him, in an emotional tone, once again reminded of what she didn't have. "Why?"

"She's a real sweetheart," he shrugged. "No one ever said you have to be blood related to be family, you don't mind Cassie calling me grandpa."

"That's different," Sam petulantly stated, knowing he had a point.

"Is it?" He asked her, cocking his head to the side. "I can understand you're upset about this-"

Frowning, Sam pointed at him. "Is that your phone?"

"Yeah," Jacob turned, opened the door and walked back in his quarters – where he'd left Milou so he could talk to his daughter – and picked up the phone.

Sam peeked inside, finding two large brown eyes staring back at her. She heard her father mumble in the background and continued studying the girl the way she was apparently taking in her.

"Sam?" Jacob picked up Milou and her doll, and ushered his daughter out of his quarters. "There's a situation with the Tok'ra and Jack and Landry need Selmak and me," he shrugged, handing out the child to her.

"What?"

"Take her; we have to go meet the rest of the High Council."

"No," Sam exclaimed, feeling bad as the little girl actually cringed at her reply. "Dad, I don't want to–"

"Well, that's too bad, there's just no other way. Or would you rather Jack had to dump her with someone unknown?"

"I hardly know her," she protested.

"Still, I've seen you with Lola and Tim, you can certainly handle this little angel," he pushed the child in her arms, forcing her to hold her.

"God Dad," Sam hissed. "Please, just take her with you, I can't do this," she pleaded with him, her emotions rampaging through her body. Glancing at the girl, who looked a little hurt, Sam knew she didn't want to take care of Jack O'Neill's daughter – she was too afraid she might like her and would do just about anything to prevent that. There was no way she wanted to like this girl, not with the charming father after who she seemed to take.

"You might as well take her, aren't you and Jack supposed to be friends?"

"You know it's not that simple," she groaned, rolling her eyes.

Jacob looked at her – he knew why she didn't want this – and smiled at her. "Sammie, how can you not want to like her?" He whispered rubbing the girl's back. "She's cute as a button, not to mention you love her father," he winked at her.

"Dad, I know that, but… this," she glanced at the girl in her arms. "This hurts, it's too painful," her voice barely a whisper.

He knew that, he could see it in her eyes. Still, something had to happen between those two and if this little girl could help… "Suck it up, soldier, I've got to go. We'll try to be back as soon as possible."

"Dad!" She knew it was too late by the way he was striding through the corridors and breathed in deeply, trying to regain her composure.

"It's okay," Milou spoke softly, leaning back in her hold.

Sam looked at the girl with the familiar eyes and felt something tugging at her heart. "What?"

"I love Daddy too," she beamed proudly.

Closing her eyes, Sam prayed for someone to just shoot her now… "Look, Milou, that's not what my father meant," she tried, making sure the girl wouldn't tell Jack O'Neill or her mother!

Milou nodded, still smiling. "Everybody loves Daddy."