Sam and Daniel

Sam and Daniel finally had an evening off and met at Daniel's favorite wine bar. It certainly wasn't the most exclusive, in fact the place was rather modest but the owners were friendly and not at all snobby. The cellar, lined with casks and barrels and racks of wine, had a rough cobbled floor. It was dressed as a dining room with small tables in the center of the room. There was music playing softly in the background. One would have expected light jazz or classical but it was right out of the middle ages - viols, pipes and lutes.

Daniel had convinced Sam they had to eat and if they had to eat, they may as well dine. A light meal was planned. A sample of a series of wines were to be paired with trays of sumptuous hor d'oeuvres.

First up was a Prosecco paired with warm brie encrusted with honey and walnuts and toast points. Sam and Daniel continued their conversation, started in the car on their way over.

"With Narim and Martouf, they all wanted more than I could give, and yes, even Pete, I think. The only time I felt I was on equal footing was with Jonah and it was all an illusion. It was so confusing with the Colonel...ah...the General. I didn't know he had been reprimanded and had pulled back for my sake."

"It wasn't the first time." Daniel said and quieted as shrimp satay with a dipping sauce of lime and red chili as well as glasses of a dry Riesling arrived.

Daniel continued "I'm sure you were aware after the arm bands and Za'tarc incident Jack was called on the carpet. Jack put all the blame on himself. He was warned he could lose SG-1, and possibly an end to his career and a taint on yours."

"How do you know?"

"Teal'c told me and I went to see Hammond." Daniel said.

"I thought we were evasive enough. We didn't lie but…"

"There are reports on everything, you know that. Janet told me Hammond ordered her to put all of that in medical records that could not be accessed without clearance and both of your permission. He protected you both."

Next up the wait staff presented trays of cured meats and an assortment of crackers with a Cabernet Franc.

"And then that computer thingy invaded you."

"Very technical terms, Daniel." Sam said.

"Best I could think of, anyway, it knew we wouldn't terminate it if it was in you. Were you aware of any of that?"

"No. I tried to read the reports of the incident and look at the security tapes but they had been put under wraps even from me." Sam said.

"Jack threatened to destroy its world if it didn't leave you. It knew he was serious."

"That's why it left me?" Sam asked.

Glasses of a dry Sauvignon Blanc were placed with trays of chicken kebabs with a middle eastern flare served on a bed of rice.

"Kinsey, in his attempt to discredit the SGC, had accused Jack of using his rank to force inappropriate behavior from a subordinate."

"That's absurd."

"Jack was dressed down, humiliated in front of others. He didn't defend himself. He defended you. Hammond defended both of you.

He told me Hammond had given him 'latitude' but warned him about appearances. Hammond knew Jack, knew he was honorable."

Last of the meat courses was sliced rare beef tenderloin with tiny multicolored potatoes served with a hearty Malbec.

After a few moments of silence Sam asked Daniel if he ever thinks about their experience on the Ice Planet. "Do you ever dream about it?"

Daniel asked "You and Ja...Jonah? Do you?"

Sam nodded.

"Memories are strongest with emotional content. Basic human function, you know, like smell or a certain sound can trigger memories." Daniel continued

"I put so much of my energy into my work." Sam countered.

Daniel interrupted "Sublimating your feelings?"

"And I used to think that with me usually it's the intellectual that attracts me, reacting on a higher level. I don't mean to suggest he's dumb but this attraction is viceral. I thought it would simmer down and even fade in time. Have I been fooling myself? And this thing is mostly physical...am I using Pete so I don't…"

"We're all just human Sam. Do you still want him, Jack, I mean? Or are you looking for a 'normal' relationship with someone who's free to show you affection?"

"We still have the same problem we've always had. We've never had a chance to be...normal. No ranks, no chain of command. I don't even feel comfortable talking about this."

A hearty Port was last with a tray of beautifully decorated petit fours.

"You can fix that, can't you?" Daniel asked, swirling the jewel colored port in his glass. "What's most important?"

"This war, Daniel, this endless war."

Sam put her glass down and took a deep breath. "I think I may have drunk too much wine. This is all your fault Daniel, getting me to talk too much."

"You need a window of opportunity, some way, even if it's temporary, to get out of each other's chain of command. Then take that leap of faith."

As Daniel popped another petit four in his mouth he said "Boy am I glad I brought you here. Last time I came with Jack and was lucky to get one petit four."

"You brought the general here? He drinks wine?" Sam was incredulous.

"Sure, he even bought a few bottles. He said he liked it but complained the 'cakes' were too small." As Daniel stood and began to list a bit and said "Better call a cab."