Seducing Sam was difficult. For a start, I wasn't that keen on the job. It wasn't that I didn't want her, I did, so badly it hurt. But not just sex.

And definitely not as a way of using her. I didn't want to shatter her when she found out the truth. I didn't want to darken the joy in her eyes.

I'd started to care for her. I'd found something more important then just getting through the day. And that was so dangerous. Because the next time Maybourne saw me, he guessed.

"Remember, " he told me. "Accidents happen, and she is in a very dangerous profession."

So the seduction continued. And the more time I spent with her, making her laugh, trying to understand what the hell she was talking about, the more I fell I love. Utterly, completely bound to her. I only came alive when she walked into a room. I only talked when she was there to listen. I only smiled when she smiled at me. On missions, I'd stand back, quietly amazed, as she created solutions to impossible problems. And as time went on, it would have been so easy just to reach out and kiss her, touch her, seduce her. But I didn't. I was afraid of shattering the fragile, unbearably sweet bond between us. It wasn't worth it. She'd be gone soon anyway.

But then Tobias had a relapse. And Hammond told me he was so impressed with Carter's work, he was seriously considering making her a permanent member of the SGC.

I was condemned.

******************************

I knew. from that moment on, that it would lead to this, me dying, alone.

I'd hoped and dreamed it wouldn't, but rationally, I knew. She's been gone an hour now. If she did find another reality, a safe one, she must be having a hell of a time to convince them to come back.

If she's coming back.

***************************

Five hours ago, I kissed her.

SG6 had bought back reports of something they called a 'quantum mirror', with wild stories of other realities. I'd heard a rumour Sam and I were engaged in one.

I liked the sound of that.

Sam had been trying to describe the whole concept of alternate realities to me. She'd been so excited, her eyes glowing, as she chattered, patiently trying to make me understand, laughing deliciously at my mistakes. She was ...irresistible. I reached forward, and placed my hand on her mouth, shushing her. Then gently, I moved my hand round to her hair, tangling my fingers in it. Then I leaned forward, and kissed her, gently. And I swear to you, there was no thought in my head of Maybourne, or threats, or seduction, just...peace. After a few seconds surprise, she responded, eagerly. The we pulled away, and I was staring into her eyes, such an intense shade of blue.

"S...sir?" she stammered.

"Am I interrupting?" someone said, coolly. Clare Tobias stood in the doorway, her hands on her hips, smiling cruelly. Sam stepped out of my arms, reddening and turning away from me.

"What?" I snapped at Clare. She motioned me out of the room. I followed her into the corridor, reluctantly.

"Made another conquest?" she asked, loud enough for Sam to hear.

"What do you want?" I asked, harshly.

"It's not what I want. It's what Maybourne wants. That mirror."

"Why?"

"What's it got to do with you? Just get it, like the good little thief you are."

"I'm not sure I can get it. Not with Carter around."

Tobias laughed.

"Hasn't the pure little virgin given in yet?"

"Be quiet." I snapped.

"What's the matter? Isn't Miss Snow White putting out?"

"I said be quiet." I snapped, turning away from her. But she grabbed me, and turned me around, her eyes fiery with anger

"Or what? Come on tiger, what are you going to do to protect your sweet little friend?"

I smiled slowly.

"Nothing. I don't need to. I've seen her in action. If you lay so much as a finger on her, she'll kick your butt in ten seconds flat. I just hope I'm there to watch it."

And I left her, standing there in the corridor. I'd made my decision. I was going to tell Hammond. I was sure between us, we could protect Sam.

But when I got to his office, she was already there. I was going to leave, but then I heard my name mentioned.

"Sir, I can't believe Colonel O'Neill is involved." she was saying.

"I hope he isn't. Jack was a good man once. But he's either involved, or stupid. And he''s not stupid."

I stayed there, listening. It turned out it had been no accident, Sam turning up. Hammond had requested it. He'd suspected something had been going on for some time. He'd asked for Sam to be transferred, as he knew her father, and knew her to be trustworthy. He'd given her three weeks to settle in, and get to know the place, and now he was asking her to investigate the thefts.

And I was chief suspect.

She stood up for me, but she couldn't deny the evidence. And it was Hammond's final words that dealt the death blow.

"No-one's ever spoken against him. But I've been watching him. He's manipulated almost every one on the base, including me. And he's made half the women fall in love with him, made them believe he loves them, to get them to help him cover up. I hope he hasn't tried anything on you. I should have warned you."

I could just see her face. And I saw her turn white. I heard her voice shake as she said,

"Don't worry Sir. I am under no illusion that Colonel O'Neill feels anything for me."

*********************************