O'Neill had been dealing with handshakes and chats with guests. They congratulated him on the baby to come and on this other thing to come that shocked Jack the first time he heard about it. General Kent encouraged him to do political networking for that reason. Jack obeyed, but did he really have the choice to say no? He would need the politicians at some point, therefore, he'd rather have them among his friends than among his enemies. He had to admit that Sam was excellent at this activity. She had got accustomed to it very well, as a general's wife, and she was doing much better than him. Politics had never been Jack's cup of tea and he had often wondered how he had survived since his promotion to Homeworld Command. Jack must have been doing quite well in this reality, or rather must have benefited from Sam's help, to be able to make it to the next levels.
That would explain why people were coming to him and asking about his wife. They seemed to genuinely appreciate Sam. Jack could see that before he lost her in the reception. Two chats with two senators, two events planned. A lunch with the first so he could show his collection of paintings that Sam was eager to discover. A session at a spa between the wife of the second senator and Sam, to thank Sam for helping the couple on something. Each time, Sam spoke as if she had known her interlocutors for a while.
The Vice Chief of Staff couldn't find his wife until he left another handshake with a senator at the terrace. Hopefully, no common project came out from this handshake. Sam was at the edge of the terrace, discussing with Rodney McKay. Jack didn't want to interrupt, but he was curious. He hid behind the bush that was near them, and followed their chat, while sipping Champagne. O'Neill could only see the back of McKay. Sam was facing the scientist from Atlantis. The edge was on McKay's right and on Carter's left.
The Canadian astrophysicist sounded disappointed. Not for him. For Sam. He was vividly expressing his feeling, "Some of them will only bear in mind that you've spent years at home, looking after your husband and your kids. I know this is absolutely unfair, and that's not my opinion, but that's the truth.". McKay paused a moment, then, insisted with his hands, "You have an incredible opportunity that's showing now, don't let it go."
Sam smiled, touched by Rodney's words. "I'm very flattered by your motivation, McKay, but I can't accept."
"Why?" McKay exclaimed, confused.
"Because I already have a lot to do. The kids, Jack's going to be Chief of Staff, and if you haven't noticed, I have a third baby on her way - Sam rubbed her belly - I know I'm capable of many things, unfortunately, I don't have three heads and six arms."
Sam didn't sound upset by this missed opportunity. Or she pretended to not be affected. Jack could swear that the Canadian was sad to hear that Sam decided to keep on living the way she had been living for the past couple of years.
McKay shook his head and sighed, resigned, "It's absurd. You should be with us."
"That's life, McKay." Sam intoned with a soft smile.
"Is that really what you want?"
"I've made my decision, Rodney." Sam replied more firmly than she wanted.
McKay straightened. Sam reacted before he could add anything else, "I know what you're thinking, but that's not the same situation as your sister."
Rodney held up his left index as if he wanted to argue. He probably opened his mouth as well, ready to speak. Nevertheless, he decided to give up, realizing that it wouldn't change anything. So, his hand fell and he glanced at the sky.
When he came back to Sam, he implored, "Please, don't blame me for wanting you to go back to science, Sam. It's just…". McKay stopped, sounding desperate.
"I don't blame you." Sam assured with a hand on Rodney's left upper arm. "You know I will never blame you for that. I'm lucky to have a friend like you."
Sam hugged McKay. The man returned Sam's hug. Her tone and her face clearly indicated that a part of her was missing her former life even if the other part was happy with her current life.
Silence filled the place after the embrace. The two scientists looked at each other. McKay was sadly processing the fact that Sam would remain a housewife. Sam had accepted that a long time ago, but it still hurt.
Jack felt bad. Nobody could confirm that he personally and explicitly requested Sam to quit the Air Force and stay at home. Still, Jack had this strong feeling that he was responsible for this situation.
Maybe he personally and explicitly requested Sam to quit the Air Force and stay at home.
Maybe Sam suggested to quit the Air Force and stay at home. Jack approved without questioning the idea, content with this very convenient solution.
Either way, how was it possible that Jack had acted like a jerk? He recalled his conversation with Daniel at the SGC and what the archeologist had said about McKay. How was it possible that Sam had been supported by a friend and not by her own husband? Rodney McKay could be arrogant, but right now, he deserved more respect than Jack O'Neill. The general was ashamed. He admired Sam so much. Didn't he say once that she was one of the country's national treasures? Didn't he promote her to lieutenant colonel as his first order of business when he became brigadier general? Didn't he recommend her for the position at Atlantis?
Whatever happened happened, but Jack couldn't let it continue.
He had to do something.
Immediately.
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Dear readers, thank you for your fidelity to this story. You're right to have suspicions... Next chapter should come within the next couple of days. In the meantime, if you're okay with another Sam/Jack story, maybe you'll be interested in the one that I wrote for the Sam/Jack ship day. Title is "A Very Special One", available on the site ;)
And take care,