Part 8
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After changing into their BDU's the two made the anxiety filled trip to the General Hammond's office.
Knocking on the door, Jack waited for permission to enter before sticking his head into the office "General, you got a minute?"
"Of course" He was surprised when both Jack and Sam entered his office both looking nervous "What I can do for you?" Although he had a pretty good idea as to why they would approach him together looking nervous
"General we'd like to inform that our relationship has gone beyond that of CO and second in command"
"I see, when did this happen?"
"Last night sir"
"General if it comes down to it I'll retire, because Carter's career is more important than mine and we wanted to come to you first instead of sneaking around because that would look a hell of a lot worse" He was rambling and he knew he was rambling but he just couldn't seem to shut himself up
"Jack shut up"
"Yes sir, sorry sir"
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't see this day coming. To be honest I thought it would have come a hell of a lot sooner than it has"
"Sir?" they said at the same time
"I'm not blind nor I am completely heartless"
"General?" Jack asked slightly confused
"As long as the two of you keep it professional while on duty and off world I see no reason why you can't be in a relationship"
"Sir what about the regulations?" Sam asked
"You don't have to worry about being brought up on charges Major as long as the two of keep it private"
"Thank you sir" Jack replied hardly able to keep his enthusiasm at bay. He couldn't help the small smile that had managed to creep onto his face
"Your very welcome and congratulations. Now Dr. Jackson is looking for you, Major"
"Yes sir" Sam replied before she and Jack left his office
When they got outside they let out a collective sigh.
"Wow did that just happen?"
"Apparently"
They stayed in the general state of shock through most of their trip to Daniel's office. When they entered Daniel immediately picked up on their odd behavior couple that with the fact that Sam was at Jack's house when he called his curiosity got the better of him
"Jack is everything ok?"
"Daniel everything is great"
"Ok, why?"
"Because I just got permission to be with the woman I love" he was grinning like an idiot but he didn't care. He wanted the whole world to know just how much he loved Samantha Carter
"Congratulations O'Neill, Major Carter. I am sure that you will be very happy together"
"Thank you Teal'c"
"Yeah its about time"
"Why thank you Daniel" he replied before Daniel, in Jack's opinion, went into a long boring explanation about the object SG-16 brought back.
After examining the artifact for several hours, Sam was able to find the right radio frequency to get the object to open. Once opened Daniel stayed up for two days straight translating the writing. The entire base was on the edge of their seats waiting for the archeologist to tell them if the object could lead them to the lost city.
Unfortunately, the object wasn't a map to the lost city. After spending two days translating, Daniel figured out that the object was nothing more than a type of children's book. The book was sort of a history book that explained the history of the Ancients before they were wiped out by a plague. Everyone, excluding Daniel, was gravely disappointed with the find.
~~~
Month and half later
Missions had been relatively boring and safe, much to Jack's liking. He wouldn't know what he would do if he lost Sam, especially now that got to have her. They would often sneak kisses here and there but decided not to go any further than that. Occasionally they would hold hands when the team was on long a safe planet but more often then not they simply walked side by side.
After the general had given his permission to be together Sam had practically moved into Jack's house. She was surprised at how affectionate Jack could be. He would often surprise her with dinner or draw a bath and pamper her when they got back from a long mission. They fought from time to time but always made up quickly, sometimes not even making it to the bedroom.
As of late Sam hadn't been feeling and Jack was starting to get a little nervous. He assumed it was the anxiety having to do with the fact that they were heading back to P3X-771 later in the day.
"Sam are you ok?" he asked through the door to the bathroom of her quarters. After a moment the door opened and Sam stepped out
"Yeah"
Sam had her own suspicions as to why she wasn't feeling well but wasn't about to jump to conclusions considering her time as host to Jolinar may have ruined her chance at having children at all. Also she wasn't sure how Jack would react or even if he wanted anymore children. She was definitely going to have to take the test she had purchased the say before when they returned from P3X-771.
"You don't have to go if you don't want to. I could tell Hammond you aren't feeling well"
"No, I'll be fine"
"You sure?"
"Yes. Now lets go before everyone starts wondering where we are" she gave him a quick kiss before moving past him and out of the room.
The ride through the gate did nothing to quell the uneasiness Sam felt in her stomach. It churned further when she descended the steps and saw Chancellor Nolanti waiting to greet them. Here we go she thought to herself as he approached them.
"Welcome back." He had said it to all of them but Sam had the feeling he had only meant it for her.
"Chancellor Nolanti" she replied trying to convey that her presence was for business only and nothing else. She didn't think he got the hint though.
"Come, a celebration has been planned for after we sign the treaty between our two worlds"
The signing was relatively boring, as were all treaty signings. But Jack had to admit that the Triffani knew how to throw a party. Good food and drink always made Jack a happy camper. Although he would have been enjoying himself more if Nolanti wasn't hoarding Sam's attention. He hadn't left her alone since they exited the gate, it was beginning to really annoy him.
Sam on the other hand, tried several times to make her way towards Jack but Nolanti just kept talking. Smiling politely at his jokes and stories, Sam prayed for a moment to escape but none came. Looking across the room she managed to catch Jack's eye and sent him a look that screamed 'help me.'
Seeing Sam's pleading look, Jack swiftly moved towards her being sure to give her a long kiss before greeting the Chancellor. Both shocked and embarrassed, Nolanti apologized and made a quick and hasty exit.
"That was mean" she said trying hard to contain her giggles
"But necessary" he replied wrapping his arm around her and leading her back to the table he and the rest of SG-1 were sitting at.
"Whatever" she muttered
"Is that insubordination Major?"
"Not at all sir"
The rest of the night was spent laughing and enjoying the local food, which was surprisingly good. Sam couldn't help but laugh at the look on Nolanti's face whenever they caught him looking over at them. The evening was a nice break from the usual stuffy rules of the military.
The team set out for the gate early the next morning. The walk back to gate was made in relative silence except for the usual jibes between Jack and Daniel, Sam spent most of that time thinking about her little situation. She was definitely going to have to take that test as soon as they got back.
Nolanti apologized to them once again for his behavior when they reached the gate. Both of them merely smiled before following Daniel and Teal'c through the open wormhole.
~~~
TBC…One more chapter to go!!