It had been a month since she'd first met Annie. She couldn't believe how fast the time had gone. Then again, with their hectic mission schedule, it was not all that surprising. Since then she'd had the discomfort of meeting her twice more. The woman seemed very nice. Like the kind of woman who would quite happily play the role of housewife. She wasn't sure what it was that made her so uncomfortable, but she was desperately hoping and trying to convince herself that it had nothing to do with jealousy. And she was doing quite well - that is, until the Colonel suggested a double date. At first she had laughed at him, thinking he was joking, then, seeing his unamused expression, she realised he was serious and agreed out of contrition.
'Painful' was the only word she could use to describe how it had gone. As much as she was trying to, she just didn't get along with the Colonel's girlfriend - and she hated calling her that. They had absolutely nothing in common, and had very different views on some very major issues. Annie didn't think that the Air Force was a place for women. Annie had laughed at the possibility of the existence of aliens. Annie wasn't very fond of scientists. So you can see how Annie might get on Sam's nerves a little. She wondered how Jack felt about his girl… his partner's… his love - oh, definitely not going there - about Annie's opinions. She even dared to speculate that he may agree with two of the three. No prizes for guessing which.
Sighing, she attempted focussing on the task at hand - collecting soil samples - to no avail. As pleased as she was that her relationship with the colonel was growing stronger and healthier by the day, and as much of a comfort having a steady boyfriend was, she still wasn't happy. 'Content' and 'in control' were her imaginary father's words. She just couldn't seem to manage happy. If it were as simple as solving a scientific or mathematic equation, then she would have been happy a long time ago. She laughed as the voice of Jack O'Neill popped into her head; "Fun, plus fishing over downtime, equals happiness."
The equation appeared as a visual image in her head. On a scientific level it had no basis whatsoever, but it definitely made sense to her right at that moment. Maybe he would even invite her the next time he decided to head to Minnesota. Smiling, she continued to work.
As luck would have it, they were given a week and half's downtime after returning home. Plenty of time to go to the cabin. Sitting in her lab, after they had been given the pleasant news, she didn't have to wait long for the colonel to stop by. They chatted aimlessly for a few minutes before she directed the conversation to what his plans were for the next week. Her heart did a little flip flop when he said he was going to go fishing. She waited for him do drop the invitation in casually, but it soon became clear that it wasn't going to happen. Trying a different approach, she asked him who he intended dragging up there this time. Annoyance flared in her features when the name 'Annie' came out of his mouth. Without thinking, she blurted out, "You can't do that!"
His eyebrows rose to heights that Teal'c would be proud of. "And why is that?" he asked rather shortly.
All she could do in reply were fish impersonations. Looking at him, she could tell he wasn't going to let it go. "Well, I… you… we…" Composing herself she asked, "What about me? I thought I was next in line?" Her attempt at humor fell flat.
Shock was written clearly over his face. "You want to go fishing?" he asked skeptically. "With me - in Minnesota?"
She looked at him pleadingly, willing him to change his plans and invite her instead of Annie. "It would be nice."
"O-kay." He shook his head, as if to shake way the disbelief.
"Okay, as in; yes, I can come with you, or as in; okay, maybe next time?" 'Please say yes, please say yes.'
"I'll pick you up at 0600. Pack warmly." And with that he left.
'Oh my God, what have I gotten myself into?' she thought, as her head fell forward onto the work bench.