Spoilers: a few in here up to Season 7's Chimera.
Rating: PG15 - because it's a lil bit risqué, but not much, promise.
WARNING: Boyfriend alert and Pee warning of course.
Stargate isn't mine, because if it were, I would have Jack as Sam's boyfriend.
Chapter 4 - Taking Control
Samantha Carter lay awake, wondering if she should finally make an effort and get out of bed. A soft stream of light filtered into the bedroom through the muslin curtains warming her bare shoulders. Turning over to see the clock, she noticed that it was midday. A gentle tap on the door reminded her that Janet had probably been waiting patiently downstairs for her to surface.
"Sam, are you awake?" Janet asked softly opening the door slightly.
"Hey, Janet, come in."
Walking over to her friend, she laid a coffee on the side for her. Perching herself on the end of the bed, Janet waited for her friend to adjust herself to a sitting position.
"So, are you planning on getting up sometime today? Or have you taken refuge under your covers for the foreseeable future?" Janet enquired lightly.
Sam smiled softly in the dim light, then taking a sip of coffee she stated timidly, "I've been awake for a while, thinking about things."
"Sounds serious."
"No, not really. Lets just say that there are a few things in my life that I need to start taking control of."
"Wow, that must've been one hell of a talk you had with the colonel yesterday."
Sam nodded, keeping her eyes on the coffee nestled comfortably in her hand, the aroma of the freshly ground beans, seemed to fill the room. Inhaling deeply, she knew it was time for a bit of honesty with her friend, it had been too long in coming, and she didn't want her friend worrying needlessly anymore.
"Janet, I haven't been totally honest with you these last few days. I'm sorry."
"I knew you'd tell me when you were ready." Janet replied honestly taking her friend's hand and giving it a gentle squeeze of encouragement.
"Remember the little girl, I was telling you about?"
"What about her?"
"She was strange, she kept singing these nursery rhymes, 'Twinkle, Twinkle, little star,' and every time I saw her, she kept singing in riddles - confused the hell out of me. I didn't have a clue about what they meant."
"What sort of riddles?"
"I don't know, that's what's so frustrating. I only remember bits and pieces, but I think she helped me find the solution to get the Prometheus out of nebula. The more I think about it, the more I think it had to do with the Aliens."
"You think they sent her?"
"Honestly, I haven't got a clue. Part of me thinks it was them, but the other half of me thinks that it was me projecting her." Shaking her head, she swung her legs of the bed and walked over to grab her dressing gown, before sitting back down on the bed. "Oh, I don't know, Janet. When she talked to me, it seemed as if the riddles were helping me find the answers. The others coming to me I can understand now, but the little girl. Do you think it could have been the Aliens messing with my mind like Teal'c suggested?"
"It's possible, but what would they gain from it? Why not take you aboard their ship like the others?" Janet asked, recalling events that she had told her before.
"I don't know and it's frustrating the hell out of me."
"Sam, maybe you'll never find the answers. I wouldn't worry too much though, unless there's something else you're not telling me?"
"I still hear her. and sometimes out of the corner of my eye, I feel as if she's still watching me." Sam answered quietly keeping her eyes on anything, but her friend.
Without missing a beat, Janet asked calmly, "How often?"
Sam snapped her round to face her. There was no judgement, mistrust or anger in her friend's expression, only kindness and friendship reflected in her eyes. Sam felt herself smiling in spite of the seriousness of the conversation; she had found a true friend in Janet Frasier and she had never felt closer to her as she did just then. At this point she knew she could tell her anything; and she wouldn't be judged rightly or wrongly for her actions, she would simply listen and guide her.
"Not often, just every now and again, I'll hear her singing or she'll be there just out of the corner of my eye; smiling sweetly like she did on the ship."
"To be honest, Sam. I don't think it's anything to be concerned about. People who've sustained head injuries, particularly when they've lost consciousness can experience hallucinations for some time after. Remember what I said yesterday?"
Sam nodded listening intently.
"Well, every knock on the head is different as is every concussion. Now it's probably nothing to worry about, but I would like you to have another CAT scan done just to be on the safe side."
"Janet, I..."
"Ah! No arguments, Sam. As I said, it's just a precaution. If everything is clear, then I'll help you work through this. Chances are the hallucinations will disappear in time."
"That's what, Colonel O'Neill said."
Janet paused for a moment; she'd been waiting for her to bring this up. Thankfully, Sam had given her that opening. "Speaking of which. You never did get round to telling me." Janet smiled coyly.
"Janet."
"Oh come on, Sam. I'm a single mom with no love life. I need a bit of excitement."
"Wasn't it you who always told me that a girl should never kiss and tell."
"You kissed him? What was it like? Is he a good kisser?" Janet asked getting excited, her eyes growing wide with anticipation.
"Janet! I never said that I kissed him. It's just an expression."
"I know that look, Samantha Carter, so spill it!" Janet remarked, with hands on hips.
"Okay." Sam answered, raising her hands in surrender, "But you have to promise..."
"I promise." Janet replied quickly.
"I only saw him once. I'd all but given up. I couldn't think clearly.everything I tried didn't seem to be working. He sat down opposite me, and we started talking, just generally at first, but then he said something."
"What did he say?"
"He said, 'That's what friends are for' and I just said 'friends', like it was the worst thing in the world that he could've said."
"You were expecting something different?"
"Yes, no, oh I don't know. I told him that I would give up the Air Force if I knew."
"If you knew what? That he.loved you?" Janet broached carefully. Sighing softly, Sam nodded in response. "I didn't know you'd thought about it, Sam. I mean. I knew you had feelings for him, but I never knew that you'd contemplated giving up your career."
"I know, I know." Sam replied holding her hands up defensively. Deciding that she couldn't sit still any longer she began pacing the room, in an effort to rid herself of the nervous energy building inside her "I don't know what made me say it.no, that's not true, I do know why. I guess I wanted to know if he felt the same."
"And what did he say?"
"He told me that he'd never ask me to give up my career, that he was a safe bet and that as long as I'm setting my sights on something unattainable, I'm not risking anything."
"Because you're afraid of being hurt?"
"Partly. My track record isn't great, Janet. I was engaged to a control freak, the only people I've come close to having a relationship have died; Martouf, Narim, Orlin. I just sometimes feel as if I'm cursed, and I don't know how long I can go on... pretending that everything's okay."
"Pretending? What do you mean?" Janet asked, slightly confused.
"I mean, pretending that things would be different if I told him how I felt. Janet, for the last 7 years, I've been alone, because I thought maybe one day that 'things' would be different.but how much longer can I put my life on hold?" Sam answered sadly, flopping down on the bed, her energy reserves depleting rapidly.
"I can't answer that, Sam. I know he cares about you."
"Does he?" Sam enquired, her face revealing uncertainty and insecurity. She honestly didn't know if he did or not. It had been so long since they had told each other openly how they felt to some degree, but that was three years ago and she honestly didn't know if he felt the same way anymore.
"Sam, how can you think he doesn't?" Janet asked incredulously. She couldn't believe that her friend would think otherwise
"He's never told me." Sam answered sadly. If he had, then she probably wouldn't be wondering so much.
"Have you told him?" Janet enquired with total sincerity.
"Good point."
"So. what now?"
"I start getting on with my life." Sam answered honestly and with more confidence than she felt.
"And what about you and Colonel O'Neill?" Janet broached softly.
Taking a steadying breath she placed her hands firmly on her hips, and replied with more conviction than she felt. "We carry on as we did before; he's my superior officer and I'm his 2IC. Nothing will change as long we're serving together and until it does.well, I have to get on with my life."
"Just like that?" Janet asked with uncertainty. She'd known, Sam for a long time and knew just how stubborn she could be once she'd set her mind to something. It was just a shame that it had come to this.
"I have to try, Janet." Sam answered honestly.
"Well, I'll be here for you, Sam." Janet told her sympathetically, giving her hand one last squeeze. "In the mean time, time for you to get up and get yourself ready. You and I have a date with a CAT scan."
"Today?"
"Yes." Janet responded simply. Standing up, she left her friend to it. The next few weeks were going to be unsettling for her friend, and she wanted to make sure she received all the help she needed to get her through the difficult times.
It had been nearly 3 weeks since Janet had given her the all clear, and her life certainly seemed to be improving by the minute. It was 7.30 am and the sun was shining outside; it looked certain to be another wonderful day. Sighing happily she watched the birds flying overhead, then swooping down on the sidewalk outside the coffee shop; even their simple chirping seemed to fill her with happiness. Yes, things were definitely improving in her life.
Janet and the Colonel had been right all along; the hallucinations had simply been a product of the concussion. Not long after her scan, the soft sounds of the young girl seemed to dissipate into the background until she could no longer hear her. Her injuries had all healed and she'd started to take control of her life once more; and it was all thanks to one man.
Settling down to drink her coffee, she pulled out her newspaper. Before she began reading, she felt someone standing over her.
"Is this seat taken?" The young man asks standing over her.
"No, but there are plenty other...tables." Sam answered, watching the man sit down opposite, a quizzical expression reflects in her soft features.
"Yes, but none of them have single, beautiful women sitting at them." He counters boldly, leaning back in his seat his eyes never leaving her face.
"Well, thank you, but how do you know I'm single?" Sam interjected.
"There's no ring on your finger." He observes, his eyes directing her gaze to her left hand.
"I could have a boyfriend."
"You're having coffee by yourself at 7.30 in the morning."
"You're very observant."
"I'm a cop!" The young man answers proudly, sitting up a little straighter.
"Well, I feel compelled to warn you, that most of the guys I've dated recently have died." Sam advises him, watching and waiting for some kind of reaction. Her insides began fluttering, wondering where this was going.
"As in."
"Dead!"
"How." The young man probes, searching her expression for truth, not quite sure if she's serious.
"Various circumstances." Sam responds casually.
"I'll risk it."
"How about dinner, tonight, my motel room."
"Your motel room?"
"I'm in town from Denver, on a case. We'll order room service, open a box of wine."
"A box."
"Something with a duck on the front."
Giggling, Sam found herself reaching out to him, pulling him closer, his lips brushing against hers as she kisses him tenderly. A twinkle escaped from her eyes, and she felt the corner of her mouth turn upwards, smiling at the joy of seeing him there. Disbelief that the feelings she has for him happened so quickly and she smiles again more fully this time; lost in the moment she can't believe that they'd only known each other for such a short time.
"Stop it, Pete."
Looking at her watch, she couldn't believe that they he was here with her. She didn't want to leave, but if she was going to sort out the mountain of paperwork on her desk she had to get going. Giving him one last look, she felt his lips brush against hers, and for the first time in her career she wanted to play hooky; and for a split moment contemplated phoning work to tell them she was sick.
Walking down the corridors with Daniel, Sam watched as Daniel, for the third time in as many minutes yawned. Rolling her eyes she told him, "At least pretend that it's interesting."
Covering his mouth over to escape the last remnants he replied, "Sorry, no it is interesting.go on."
Looking at him, she noticed that he was starting to get dark circles over his eyes, and with sisterly concern, she wanted to make sure he was okay.
Talking honestly with her, was never a problem, Sam was a great listener and he really felt he could open up, and would have had the lift doors not opened. Standing inside seemed a moody, Colonel O'Neill. From the looks of his face, Daniel suspected that he'd just heard something unpleasant, and didn't feel like getting involved. Making his apologees he turned and headed for the nearest coffee machine, desperately hoping that another 10 cups of coffee would keep him awake for the rest of the day.
Sam didn't know where to look, he looked.angry? No, not angry, maybe melancholy was the right word. Either way, he didn't look like the normal light-hearted Colonel that she'd talked to a few weeks ago. A sudden thought struck her.maybe he'd heard about Pete. Deciding it would probably best if she kept quiet, she casually pushed the button on the elevator and kept her back to him. Without a second thought she started humming to distract herself, hoping that he wouldn't ask her.
Casually he looked over at her, he wasn't sure what to say, part of him thought that he'd ask her outright, but then deciding against it, he kept quiet. Feeling the lift slowly descend, he couldn't believe how long it was taking to get from one floor to another; any other time he probably wouldn't have noticed it, but the lift suddenly felt claustrophobic and he felt an increasing urge to escape as soon as possible. Within a few seconds of those feelings emerging, he heard the unmistakeable sound of 'humming' and it threw him off guard for a second, he knew he wasn't 'humming' so that left.Carter! It was so un-Carter like, that he didn't know what to say.
Jack couldn't believe his ears, it was definitely her and he just had to ask. Turning to face her he enquired, "Humming?"
"I am?" Sam asked, feeling a bit awkward, she hadn't realised.
"You are!"
"Sorry." With arms folded she quietly berated herself for enjoying herself, Just keep your head down. Now she didn't know where to look, suddenly the floor looked very interesting.
Wrestling with his feelings, he had to ask her. The curiosity was killing him; he didn't want to know, but felt an overwhelming urge to sink under the metallic floor. "Okay, Jack...." he mused, "...on the count of three. Remember, nonchalant, casual enquiry, don't make it think like you've been thinking about her, since she got in the elevator." Looking directly at her he said aloud, "What's his name?"
"Now why would you.?" Sam replied quickly, out of all the things to come out of his mouth, she never expected him to come out and say something Damn him for being so observant.
"Humming!"
"Pete." Sam replied, a little to hastily, she had never felt so awkward as she did just then. It had been easier talking to Daniel; he'd been great, but the one thing she hoped she wouldn't have to do was talk to her CO about her new boyfriend.
"Pete."
"Pete Shanahan. He's a cop!"
"Speeding again are we?" Jack replied slowly; he wanted to be happy for her, but didn't know quite what to say. It was one of those feelings that you got when you'd break up with someone, and then find out there seeing someone else. You still love them, but you know it would never have worked out, for one reason or another.and it still hurts.
"He's from Denver, a friend of my brothers." She wasn't sure how much to tell him, but it had to be done. Quick and fast, Sam just like pulling off a plaster, the sooner you get it over with, the better
"A set up?"
"Pathetic, I know." As soon as the words came out of her mouth, she instantly regretted it. She sounded like some 'desperado' who needed to be set up by her brother, because she couldn't find someone herself. Sam knew it wasn't like that, but to hear it out loud.it bothered her.
"No, it's great."
"Really?" For an instant, she looked quickly back at her CO; she couldn't believe that he thought it was okay. Maybe he meant it? Her stomach flipped slightly at those words and in a heartbeat when she looked in his eyes, she saw.something lurking behind the mask that he so frequently put up. Regret? This confused her even further and she thought maybe he did care for her and this is why it hurt.
"Isn't it?" Jack queried, thoughts scattering around his brain, like a steamroller running off its tracks. She wasn't sure and it threw him off guard, maybe there was still a chance.
"Well, its not serious or anything." Sam replied hurriedly, looking directly into his eyes, wanting and needing to make it clear that this was nothing more than a casual fling. She didn't want to hurt him and yet she was, simply by talking about her 'Love life' to the man that she had loved and cared about for so long.
"Yet, it is hum worthy!"
"Sir..." Sam tried to explain, but the look on his face and the sadness in his eyes told her it was pointless.
"Well Carter, it's none of my business. I'm just happy that you're happy about something other than.'Quarks'!" Jack told her; babbling like a brook. He knew that if he didn't tell her he was happy, it would hurt her feelings. After all these years of caring for her, he couldn't stomp on her emotions like that; he didn't have the right. Instead he continued, "Not bad with 'Quarks'."
"Excellent!"
The elevator suddenly felt extremely claustrophobic as they both lapsed into silence, Jack didn't know where to look and Sam's stance revealed that she was feeling exactly the same.
And so it comes.that uncomfortable silence where you don't know what to say or where to lookHe hated it, he doubted that he could look her in the eye for fear of her seeing him without his mask; vulnerable and wounded, his heart torn apart in the fear that he'd lost her and might never get her back.
I hate this, when is this lift ever going to stop. Okay, don't look at him; it'll just make things worse. I've never felt so uncomfortable in my lifeSam thought. She hated this feeling and to make matters worse, she knew he was feeling exactly the same, which caused her even more anxious. Wrapping her arms even tighter around her chest, she concentrated on anything but the empty silence that filled the elevator. Guilt enveloped her, but she didn't know why, she thought she'd sorted all this out in her mind.maybe she was wrong.
"Bit uncomfortable isn't it?" Jack replied suddenly, unsure of what else to say.
"Yeah, a bit." Sam breathed heavily, the tension breaking just for a moment.
"Good luck." Jack told her, rushing out of the elevator; an overwhelming urge to get out of this facility was threatening to consume him.
"Thank you, sir." Sam answered grateful that he'd gotten off on that level. Breathing a sigh of relief, she watched as he began walking down the corridor and for a moment she forgot that she had to actually press the button to get the lift moving again.
Walking through the park, she felt so content; it had been a long time in coming. For the first time in years she felt like a lady. Her date with Pete had been nothing, but fun, something her life had been lacking in lately. Her dad had been right. She needed to do this, to feel special again, rather than just being the techno genius like she was in work; Dressing up, strolling along the park with a handsome man and enjoying herself without feeling guilty was something that she never thought would happen.
As they got to her house, Sam felt an electric surge inside her body; fear and uncertainty careered through her body. It had been so long since she'd dated, she felt uncomfortable, it was going to be the last time she saw him. Pete was due to return to Denver and she was going to be left alone once more, part of her didn't want him to leave, but the other half still held some uncertainty about their.relationship.
When he told her that he'd asked his Captain to stay for a few more weeks, Sam wasn't sure what to say. She'd had fun with him, but it was only intended to be something short and sweet, she never expected anything more from him. As Pete told her though, she thought she saw something else in his eyes; it seemed to him as if this wasn't some fanciful fling.
Pete wanted more, and Sam didn't know if she wanted to take it any further.and she hesitated. It was only briefly, but he picked up on her signals, and noticing her discomfort he backed off slightly.
Pete didn't know what to think, everything had been going so great, the whole date was a complete success and he couldn't believe that here he was with an attractive, intelligent women, whom he adored and she was backing off, saying something about getting up early; hell it was only 7pm and she was saying she was having an "Early night"! Something was definitely up, and he was determined to get to the bottom of it. Deep space telemetry wasn't normally something that you'd have to have an early night for.maybe the whole; "I'm staying a couple more weeks" had thrown her off balance? Whatever he was, he wasn't going to risk losing her.
A sudden thought struck him; she loved dancing, he'd learned that much after only being with her for a few hours and he knew just the place to take her. A nice secure comfortable environment where he'd not only make her relax, but he'd get to hold her close and then.who knows.
Smiling to himself he told her he'd see her later, kissing her goodbye he thought about his plans for the following evening, and he was certain that it would knock her off her feet.
Walking back into the house, Sam slipped off her shoes and headed for the kitchen; pouring herself a cup of coffee she walked over to the answer machine noticing that she had three messages. Perplexed as to whom they could be from, she sat down on the sofa, before switching on the answer machine.
Bleeping it stated in that quirky baritone voice, the machine advised, "You have three new messages."
A male voice was the first one she recognised, sing-songy at first, "Carter it's O'Neill, if you're screening, pick up. Carter, hellooo, anyone there?" A brilliant smile filled up her whole face and her eyes twinkled in anticipation. "Well, you're obviously not there, so there's no point in talking to this machine, I'll speak to you later."
Belaying that, that was the end of the message, Sam was curious as to what he wanted. It wasn't often he called her at home, and when he did, it usually involved work. Listening intently, the machine peeped again, this time it was Daniel, "Hey, Sam, listen, Jack was supposed to ask you if you wanted to come out for dinner with us, but he wouldn't leave a message."
In the background, she could hear him mumbling to someone else, but she couldn't quite figure out who it was. That was until she heard her CO say, "Tell her to meet at mine if she's back before 6." Sam giggled as she heard Daniel say, "I will, if you'd just shut up for a minute and let me speak!"
Hearing a struggle in the background, Daniel had obviously passed over the phone to her CO, who had apparently became annoyed with Daniel's communication techniques. "Carter, listen, we're having a Bar-B-Q at mine about 6pm, to try and cheer Daniel up. He's a bit...well you know." At this time, Sam was giggling away to herself at her CO's incessantness, then Daniel's indignant voice made her laugh even harder, "Hey I heard that!" Shaking her head at her friend's demise at having the Colonel cheer him up, she grinned as he finished, "If you can't make it, we'll see you in work tomorrow." Then the message ended, leaving a smiling Samantha Carter, wondering if it was too late to catch them up; before realising that it was gone 7. Disappointed, she sighed, it sounded as if they were having a good time, and she would have loved to hear Jack calming Daniel down, and knowing Teal'c who would've bought some rocky road; shame she'd missed it, pulling her legs up from the floor and tucking them under her legs, she waited excitedly to see who the other messages were from.
The third message was from Janet, asking about her date with Pete. It was funny, for a moment there she'd forgotten that she'd been out with him after hearing the message from Daniel and the Colonel. Realising it wasn't a good sign, she made a mental note to herself to ring Pete up and thank him, as well as apologise for her behaviour at the end of their date. She certainly didn't mean to back off, it was just the thought of getting heavily involved with someone straight away.it frightened her.
The last time she had been seriously involved with someone was with Jonas Hanson and she knew how well that turned out. It had been a difficult time when they'd split up and she'd handed the ring back. Initially he'd follow her and tried to get her to change her mind. When that hadn't worked, he used to leave a string full of messages on her cell phone or turn up at her door unannounced. It had been a bit creepy at first, but after a couple of weeks she'd had enough and confronted him about it. After that, things had settled down between them, allowing her to get on with her life, until they met up again on the planet where he nearly killed her.
For a while she had felt guilty that she hadn't seen it in him, before. But, that was a long time ago, she was a different women now, stronger, more capable. At the moment she was more interested in having fun than getting involved, but Pete obviously hadn't seen it like that. For a split second she felt guilty that she might have hurt his feelings. Pondering as to whether to ring him, she weighed up the pro's and con's, after a few minutes she decided against it, she didn't want to come across as needy and desperate, which is what she felt she would've come across as if she had phoned him.and that just wasn't who she was.
The next morning at work was just like any other, apart from Daniel falling asleep at the drop of a hat these days. She was starting to worry for her friend; it wasn't like him. The more she thought about it, the more convincing it became that something else was going on. Walking towards her front door, she noticed a letter and something lying on her front porch, getting closer, she realised they were flowers and a card. Smiling to herself, she opened the card, which read; "Dinner at 8, SURPRISES to follow, dress up!" Walking into her house with a spring in her step, she headed up for a shower.
The night had been fantastic, she couldn't remember when she's enjoyed herself so much, and Pete had been right, there were surprises.a night of dancing, laughter and good company and she was feeling sexy, flirty, exuberant and full of excitement, the only hard part of the night had been as they were slow dancing. As she held him close, for a minute she'd thought about, Jack, and how she wished it was him dancing with her, holding her close; their bodies pressed tightly against each other. Reminding herself that, that was why she was here.with Pete, she pulled him closer, enjoying the feel of someone close, helped heal an empty space that had been there too long.
Driving her back home, Pete glowed at the way she sparkled in the night and he didn't want it to end; everything had been right: the mood, her company. He wanted to feel closer to her, to wake up beside her, and he hoped she felt the same.
Toying with the idea of inviting him in, Sam hesitated; it had been so long since she's made love. For one night she wanted to have that closeness with someone and since Pete was the only likely source of getting some resolution in her life, she decided to risk it. It wasn't as if she invited anyone into her bed, but sometimes a woman.just needed to have someone lying beside them in the morning. All she wanted was for someone to hold her and give her the tenderness that she craved. It wasn't as if she didn't like Pete, because she did. Tonight though, was one night she would forget that she was one of the boys and enjoy her femininity. Letting herself relax and enjoy the moment was the only way that she could move forward.
The sun was rising brightly; she couldn't believe that they had talked for most of the night. She loved the pillow talk afterwards; everything just seemed so natural between them. Gradually she lowered her guard and let him see more of her than she had most men. He was so easy to talk to, that she felt herself talking about her family and growing up, the problems she'd had with Jonas.and that was something she'd never shared with anyone; not even Janet knew how hard the days were after Jonas had been killed.
Pete began talking about the reasons why he had become a cop, and Sam knew then that it was just a matter of time, before the conversation of work turned towards her. Nervousness began to erupt in her stomach, when the topic began focusing on her job. This was the part that she'd been dreading, she wanted to tell him, but she wasn't prepared to put his life in danger or put her job on the line by revealing her work at the SGC.
The words resonated in her ears as she watched him get out of bed and get dressed, "How can we have a future if you won't share your life with me!"
He was right, and she knew it.and that was the problem. But she hadn't expected him to get up and walk out on her after they'd made love. Seeing him like this upset her more than she realised, and this was purely the reason why she hadn't risked everything before. Her greatest fear was that when you love someone.they hurt you. That's what happened in the past and that's what was happening now. All Sam could do was standby and watch, hoping that he'd change his mind and prove her wrong.but he didn't, and here she was left alone once more. Her heart was breaking at the thought and she was now determined to live her life alone.
Hanging up the phone in her lab, she realised that it was entirely possible she wouldn't see him again. The day was getting worse by the minute! Earlier on, Daniel, Teal'c and herself had believed that Osiris was controlling his dreams and that was why he was so tired. They had to do something to stop her and soon.before something happened. To top it off, Pete was ignoring her phone calls, which was never a good sign. Could this day get any worse!
"What have we got?" Jack asked with excitement.
"Daniel's at his house with a team, setting up video surveillance." Sam replied distractedly.
Hearing a distance in her voice, he knew something wasn't quite right and tried to elicit a smile from her. "Teal'c's picking out his donuts, he loves a good stakeout." Jack advised brightly picking up a dart from the metallic table.
A small smile broke free from her, "Jamming device has been installed in the surveillance van, and it should prevent Osiris from beaming herself out."
"We're taking her down with these?" Jack enquired waving the needle from side to side and finding it fascinating.
"She probably has her own personal shield, but we know a tranquil dart will get through. At that point we hope the Tok'ra can safely remove the symbiote and save Sarah."
"What about the whole Lost City, deal?"
"We watch and see, once in his room, Osiris won't be able to leave. It's just a case of us getting to her before she finds out that she's been made." Sam answered with less exuberance than normal.
Now he knew something was up, and it hurt him to see her like this. He suspected something wasn't right and at that point he knew that it had something to do with, "Pete". Whether it was instinctual, or he'd been there before, he wasn't sure. All he knew was; Carter was hurting.
"Backup?"
"Local authorities have been notified, but we don't want to do anything to alert Osiris."
Jack watched as she closed the case lid, which was lying on the table. She seemed distant and unsettled, he'd never seen her like this before and it bothered him. While he knew this situation was bound to happen at sometime or another, he hoped he'd never have to watch her go through this. He wanted her to be happy and to have someone in her life that could take care of her.even if it wasn't him. What distracted him more was the fact that something was going wrong with her personal life, and she wasn't sharing it with him. After all they'd been through together, he hoped she would at least feel as if she could confide in him. It didn't look as if she were going to though and he realised at that point, that he'd have to make the first move, no matter how hard it was for either of them.
"How's Pete?" Jack asked casually, wanting her to see that it was okay for her to talk to him about Pete.
Sam felt as if she had punched in the stomach, this was certainly not something she expected, particularly after their awkward silence in the elevator. When she took a few seconds to control her breathing, she looked deeply at his facial expression; there was no awkwardness there, or judgement. He didn't seem upset or angry that she was dating someone else, it felt normal, something she never expected it would be between them.
"You know how it is?" Sam started off slowly, trying to gauge his reaction. When he looked at her intently, jack conveyed with his eyes to let her know that she should continue, and that was all Sam needed. "Usually you don't let it bother you, because you know they couldn't cope with the truth anyway."
"Usually."
They had both been in this situation, before, with friends, relatives and neighbours. Their working lives had to remain Top Secret, which was one of the pitfalls of working for a secret organisation. It was one of the reasons why their relationships with people on the base were so strong, purely because you can go to your colleagues and tell them you've had a crappy day, because some Alien stole part of your memories or you got Zatted at close range.and they'd understand, because they've been in that position themselves.
With people outside the base, they could never truly open up to them, it was a part of their life that they could never be involved with. As the missions got harder and more deadlier, the more they relied on each other, but sometimes, there were things in life that she had to do and this was one of those times that Sam felt lost because of it.
The words hurt her as she said, "I think he could have."
It had been a long day, everything had been organised to ensure Daniel's safety, and he knew he could rely on his friends to keep it that way. An irritation crept through him as he heard Jack say, "Daniel.Daniel! Are you sleeping yet?"
"Yes, Jack, I'm fast asleep." Daniel replied with slight annoyance. If Jack didn't shut up, he'd never get any sleep, and he's be doomed to go on like this for another week, and in all honesty he'd about reached the end of his limits. Physical exertion or the stress of battles, he could cope with, but not sleep deprivation. Over the last few days, he had gotten to the stage where he couldn't concentrate any more. Now though he hoped to find resolution and maybe in the process he'd get Sarah back. Eventually he fell into a deep slumber.
After what seemed like eternity, Daniel had fallen asleep. While Carter was busy jamming Osiris's frequency to stop the beam out, Jack and Teal'c lay in wait for the signal.
Within moments of Daniel's realisation as to Osiris's intentions, he woke up to find her leaning over him, a hand device encapsulated around her wrist and fingers. As Daniel mumbled incoherently, Osiris seized the opportunity and tried to erase his thoughts and his lifeline. As the hand device glowed from her inner power, Daniel grasped his head as a searing pain soared through his skull, taking away everything in his mind, extracting his thoughts with such ease filled Osiris with pleasure as she watched him squirm beneath her.
A noise from the side of her threw her off balance and she tried to activate the signal to return to her ship. Realising that she wouldn't escape through normal means she fired at Jack, hitting him square in the chest and throwing him against the wall knocking him unconscious.
Stepping out of the van to help her colleagues, she became distracted as Pete made his presence known.
"Pete.what are you?" Sam asked, with animosity, she couldn't believe that he'd followed her to a stake out, which could ultimately jeopardise the whole operation. Before she had the chance to tell him exactly what she thought, Osiris fired her weapon hitting everything in sight. "GET DOWN!"
"Holy..." Pete voiced with wonder as beams of energy and light expelled from this 'women's' hands, he'd never seen anything like it. Hesitating slightly the energy weapon hit the side of the truck and he returned fire.
"It's no use, Pete!" Sam advised crouching herself behind a parked car, trying hard not to get caught by the beam.
"Yeah! Why is that?" Pete replied breathlessly.
Without warning, Osiris stopped suddenly and looking directly at the truck in front of her, she'd found her next target. Her eyes glowed a brilliant white, and it a flash they returned to normal, her Goa'uld venomous instincts showing briefly, before she sought out her latest victims.
Pete was in shock as he watched with wonder, a glaze filtered over his face as he announced, "That is not normal!"
Sam realised first what Osiris was planning and she shouted to Pete, "GET DOWN!"
Adrenaline surged through their bodies, as her aim found it's target. Hitting the back tyre, Sam and Pete threw themselves onto the ground as they waited for the explosion. Shielding each other from the blast, they lay on the ground, unmoving.
With Osiris's attention paid to her victims, she failed to hear the commotion and the people behind her as O'Neill fired the tranquilliser into her body, and within a heartbeat her fate was sealed.
On the ground in front of the burning truck, Sam turned over to check on Pete, initially he told her he was fine, but placing her hand on his stomach, she felt blood soaking through her fingers and the realisation shook her to her very soul, he was injured.maybe dying, and she couldn't allow that to happen, she was not prepared to risk anyone else's life on account of her job. Calling out to her CO, her friend she shouted that Pete was injured.
Jack's face said it all, he was not happy. Running inside to call an ambulance, angry thoughts filtered round his mind. "Stupid, stupid, man." Then the other half of his brain saw the panic in his friend's face. And no matter what he thought of Pete, he wouldn't have Carter suffer.
Sam was thrilled that Pete was going to be all right, it seemed as if the 'curse' that had plagued her for so long was finally broken and she couldn't have been more pleased. Finally she was able to tell him what her work was like and the wonderful people she worked with. She couldn't wait for him to meet Daniel, she expected them to get on so well, she felt like a kid in a candy shop. Then there was Janet; she knew her friend would like him, mostly because she did. Teal'c would probably just glare at him; let him know in his silent way that he was to take care of her and if he hurt her in any way, he would come after him. And then there was the Colonel.
Standing in the corridor, Jack watched as his 2IC went to visit her boyfriend. He couldn't believe that General Hammond had authorised her to tell him about the Stargate programme. Thinking about it rationally now, he knew that it was the right thing to do. Seeing Osiris shooting stuff out of her hands was not a normal scenario, not even in the USA; where strange things can and do happen on a daily basis.
Unhappiness filtered through him, lowering his head, he took a deep breath, believing that it might be the end of.end of what? Friendship? No, not friendship, but the love he held deep within his heart.he wasn't sure; he couldn't even contemplate that thought, it hurt too much. So lost in thought, he didn't even hear his friend walking up to him.
"O'Neill! Have you been properly introduced with Major Carter's friend?" Teal'c stated plainly. He knew that this was a difficult time for his friend and while he wouldn't say something so directly, he would say it in his own way. "I'm sure Major Carter would want the two of you to become friends, do you not think?"
"Friend." Jack replied softly, his voice barely above a whisper. Then raising his voice, he answered, "No, Major Carter hasn't had the chance to introduce us to her friend; 'Pit's'..."
"Peter Shanahan, I believe you meant, O'Neill."
"Sorry...um.Freudian slip. Anyway, I think she needs a bit of time with him before I introduce myself. So..." Jack stated rubbing his hands, "...any donuts left? We'll go share them with, Daniel while Frasier's giving him the once over."
Walking towards the infirmary, Teal'c replied simply, "I have consumed them, O'Neill as you did not wish to have any." He hoped it would have the desired effect of taking his friends mind off the situation, and it appeared to work, when he heard his friend's soft admonishment.
"Teal'c.how could you, you know the chocolate ones were my favourite. What are you going to tell, Daniel?"
"I will send flowers." Teal'c replied stoically.
End of Chapter 4