Disclaimer: Please see first chapter.
-------
Feeling her feet lock into place, the bewildered Major couldn't rip her eyes away from the emerald gaze. She merely titled her head at it, her own grey-sapphire irises questioning. She received only a small blink in return.
The figure stood gracefully. She was covered in an ivory cloth that sparkled with what looked like diamond dust. Flakes of copper glazed her cheeks creating freckles. The women's hair was pulled back, curly strands looking quite like a fire, with a ring of dewdrops tangled within them and drooping across the figure's forehead.
"Who... are you? Sam found her voice, never blinking away from the heavenly figure.
The women bowed her head and took a few steps towards Sam. Reaching her, she placed her chilly fingertips on the Major's forehead. "I am Mayet. Sam felt all concerns and questions fade away. She saw this women's story, of her struggle against Upuaut, and her fight for her people.
When Mayet backed away, Sam noticed another change. She was no longer in her uniform. Instead, she was dressed in a similar less decorative garb as the goddess. She was about to inquire as to why, but Mayet was a step ahead of her.
"You deserve many a gift for lifting me from my slumber, child. You, a mortal not of my own blood, have succeeded where none of my blood-children could. Blood children? Did she mean Ayianna, the other Ancients? "Please... sit beside me, so that I may proudly call you daughter.
Her experience had led her to never upset one whom considered them powerful, and in this case a goddess. Even if she disagreed, her feet seemed to float near Mayet's throne. She sat down on the steps at the now seated women's feet. Cranking her neck up, she could see her looking down adorably.
"Please... Sam broke the silence they had fallen into. "... I need you help. I don't know what's real. And my friend, he's in trouble. He's frozen in one of your devices. We can't get him out.
"It is not my device. It is my children's. And this, my darling, is real. This is the paradise I created for those who met my challenge. At her words, the white room melted into an open marble temple. Behind them a long beach could be seen. IN front of them a lush jungle was sprawled out.
Sam gasped as she looked around. This was marvelous! She knew, though, that she could not stay here. She had no wish too. Not now at least.
"What you experienced, the reality you fought through was my creation. I s designed my world so that those would have to face three of their worst fears. If one could survive the three terrors, they are permitted here with my good grace. "
"Yours were on the emotional level. Third was loosing your job, Second your father disappearing with nothing but a good-bye, and first was loosing Jonathan for good. And though you broke your personal boundaries, I find nothing amiss in your reactions.
Sam opened her mouth to ask how she knew it, but Mayet's laugh met her. "I can see into your mind, soul, heart, my dear. It is one of my gifts.
"I understand... Sam frowned. "That still doesn't answer part of my question.
"I am afraid that I myself can not help him. She said, watching Sam's smile diminish. "No, Samantha, I can not help him. But I can help you see.
"See?
"Freeing your friend is much similar then you think. Anyone is capable of doing it. Or, I should say, any of my children. Mayet stood once more and walked over to a shimmering glass. "Come here, Samantha. Tell me, what do you see?
Doing as she was commanded, Sam glided over to the looking glass. A slight gasp left her mouth. Normally she didn't take much in her appearance. But in this moment, she even thought herself beautiful. She appeared sad, but still beautiful.
"I see my reflection. I see a woman who's had a few times that have almost worn me down. I see a women who's nearing the end of her strings. She replied to the question, her initial happiness fading a bit.
Mayet chuckled once more. "Too much faith do they put in your friend Jonathan. I tell you what I see. I see a great hope for your people. You look upon my children as if they were great things to be worshiped. I see them no better then you.
"But their knowledge, they're technology! Yes, they had a plague that destroyed them, but they were prepared. They left us the means to live when they could not! The scientist argued.
"Yes, but is that not what you do? You leave knowledge and advancements to your children. The only difference between my children and your people is control. We have learned to use the energy of the mind and body to it's fullest. I can teach you how. "
With little hesitation, Sam sat in the middle of the temple. Light from the above sun shimmered down on her through a circular opening. Her shoulders drooped down, and her feet were crossed. She dragged slow breaths in and out as Mayet had instructed her.
Slipping into a deep state of mediation, she felt quite like Teal'c may during Kel'no'reem. She could hear Mayet whispering to her, giving her instructions. Her mind followed them, not her ears or senses.
In a few moments she was back in the chamber, facing the block of ice that Jack was being held in. This time, though, she saw hundreds of little strings knotted together. Biting her lip she slowly reached foreword and tried to untie them. The going was slow, but the time past swiftly.
She had one more knot to undo. Her fingers were split and cracked from her tedious work. Small blood stains marked several spots of the other strings. This one seemed impossible to figure out. But Mayet's voice rang in her head.
"You focus too much on your physical ability. Reach to him with your mind. Drop your fingers, do not use physical means. She urged.
Taking another breath, Sam glanced from Colonel O'Neill's face to the string. Her heart swelled with determination. She had come too damn far to let one small string stop her now. She concentrated on the thread, willing it apart. Sure enough, it slid like pieces of silk slipping by.
The barrier was removed between the two. Jack fell foreword slowly towards her. She barely caught him, gently lowering him to the ground gently. His face was still pale, his eyes staring into an unknown target.
"Jack? Please. Wake up. Come back to me. Please. Don't let this all have been for nothing... She pleaded, grinning as he gasped in a breath. But just as she had come into Mayet's presence, she disappeared in one last flash.
------
After returning from Harlise, Daniel had persuaded Dr. Wier to let them return to Antarctica. He wished to look for signs of Mayet in the Chamber. If he could confirm that, then he could possibly find a way to bring Sam back. That was his first priority.
With more tools, he searched the walls around them. Hints in the Harlisian temple gave him a little more guidenance. He had unlocked several more wall panels that revealed even more of the story. But nothing lead him any closer.
Daniel rested his head against one of the panels. It had been two days with still no sign of the blonde Major. His eyes drooped. He couldn't remember when the last full night of sleep he had had was. He started to slumber when something caught his eye.
The ice that held the Colonel in place was ... shimmering? His jaw dropped slowly as he walked over for a closer look. Inside the ice silver and gold sparks radiated for a few moments at a time. It resembled the strings of a grand piano being struck by a delicate manner.
With one last plunk of light, the shield of ice retreated. Jack inhaled a sharp breath. The Colonel doubled over coughing and fell forward. Teal'c caught him by the shoulders, waiting for him to catch his breath. When he finally did his eyes searched the room, apparently not finding what he was looking for.
"She's not here, Jack. Daniel answered him. Jack's brows furled at him in question. "She... Ah... went looking for you.
"But she was just here... Jack crocked out in English. After what he had been stumbling before his hibernation, this in itself was a miracle.
A blinding blue flash filled the chamber. Lying in a heap of cloth, a very tired Sam curled up in a ball. She lifted her head to see those present gathering over the one she had released. With a grin she collapsed.
-------
Dr. Wier shuffled the papers on her desk. These past few weeks had been the most confusing in her life. She had gained a whole new respect for the work General Hammond had done. So many great people went through hell and came back to do it all over again. She had the pleasure of knowing and trying to lead these people for the time that she was being placed here. It's a shame she was moving on so soon, she'd miss this place.
Elizabeth had planned on staying until a permanent replacement had been found for Hammond. And, that replacement had been found. At the discovery that Colonel O'Neill would return to full health physically and mentally, he had been offered a promotion and a new job. Who ever thought that one who detested paperwork so much would jump at the offer?
A noise at the door caused her to lift her head. Teal'c, Daniel, and Sam stood there waiting to come in. They had yet to hear the news of the soon-to-be ex-CO of SG-1, Dr. Wier wanting to tell them herself.
"Dr. Wier, if this is about our next mission, I really would like to find Mayet again. There's so much-" Sam enthusiastic response was cut off.
"Please, we can discuss that later. Right now, I have some important news I would like you to hear from me." She sat them down, relaying to them what she had wished. "In addition, it has been decided that SG-1 will remain a three member team. And that Major Carter is to be promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel as the new commanding officer. Weither you will remain O'Neill's second in command as he was to Hammond, is up to the both of you."
Congratulations were passed, and the team was dismissed. As excited as she was, Sam still had something tugging at the back of her mind. There was still something she had to find out.
-------
Five days had passed since SG-1 had freed O'Neill from his "hibernation." The new medical commander had insisted on monitoring Jack for at least two weeks, with another minimum of two weeks down time. His temporary home, a small cubical in the infirmary, had started to look like a gift shop. All the flowers, cards, candy, and letters that decorated the otherwise bare wall put hallmark stores to shame.
Sam knocked lightly on the doorway before stepping into the infirmary room, fresh from Dr. Wier's office. Her kilowatt smile beamed brightly as she walked towards the bed. A very sleepy looking Jack smiled drowsily back.
"I hear you've been giving the nurses some trouble about them waking you up." She pulled a chair over to sit beside him, but, he scooted over and patted the free space of the bed for her to sit down. "Don't you think you've slept enough?" She asked, reluctantly taking up his offer.
"Well, you know." The Colonel shrugged," I wasn't really sleeping that...oh... MONTH or so." He couldn't help but grin. "By the by, Congrats on the promo! Though, they had me worried, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to order you around anymore."
Sam chuckled, "Ohhh no. Instead you get to order EVERYONE around! So help us. And no getting rid of my blue jell-o just because you like Strawberry!"
"Ouch! You drive a hard bargain! Actually I planned on doubling the amount of jell-o per serving and adding little chocolate cakes for certain female employee's sweet tooth!"
Another laugh left her as reached over the blankets to tuck him in , in an almost motherly fashion. When her hand came to his neck she shuddered. He still hadn't returned to a normal temperature. She couldn't help but recall the nightmares that still clung to her.
"Carter... It's alright." He took her hand away from his neck and placed it on his cheek. "I'm right here. This is me. I'm not going to fade away this time." He sat up, pulling her into a tight hug.
In a sudden realization hit her, causing her to pull back. "Sir, this could be viewed as very wrong..." She cautioned. Like in other situations, Jack didn't seem to care all too much.
"It 'this' could, what ever 'this' is, then I'll blame it on a delusional state. But right now all I want to do is have my best second in command to sit by me so that I know that I'm really here... And so I can pick on her!" He finished, attacking her with tickling.
"Ahhh! Nooooo! I surrender!" She squealed, wriggling from his grasp. Abruptly, she stopped. "Wait. You know that this is real?"
Jack's smirk faded. "Yea... Sam, I saw everything that you did. That is.. except from my point of view." His face shifted in confusion.
"What do you mean everything?" She questioned. Her mind lingered back on the use of her first name.
"Your not the only one who had to go through a test. I kinda had to go through the wringer, too." He shuffled under his coverings.
She paused as her eyes fell to the floor. "What did you see...feel....do?" Confusion laced her words.
"You." He answered after a few moments. His reply prompted another baffled look from her. "I saw what you went through."
" Ya' know... It is quite odd to go to your own funeral. But, you really should wear that dress more often. It really-" Her look turned to a glare. "Oooor not?" he rubbed the back of his head.
Yet another uncomfortable silence fell on them. Like usual Carter seemed to be contemplating something. O'Neill waited patiently for a reply, actually wanting to her her say something. At this moment he'd be thankful for even her scientific blabbering.
"I don't understand it. Mayet told me that I had to live out my three greatest fears... Why would you only have to watch mine?"
"I guess that I went through mine. Not being able to comfort my friends, Not being able to try to fix a bad situation, and...Well, seeing you hurt." He reasoned.
Sam's eyes did not widen, but rather closed. She had been aware that he cared for her 'a lot more then he was supposed to' as to quote his own words. Heaven knows how her heart had pounded when he said that four years ago.
She had thought that by now those feelings would have faded and let her rest in peace. By their own fears, it was evident that didn't happen. I wouldn't. What confused her now was that they had been given a chance, but she wasn't sure if she wanted to take it even now. There was still a part of her that wasn't sure.
"Ya' know... Sam..." He took her hand, squeezing it gently. "I can chose another for a second. We wouldn't have to lie anymore." He said in a low voice. Had her face really shown that much?
"Jack...As much as I want that..." She started.
"Then it's done! There are a ton of-" He stopped by her hand on his lips. "Carter?" He questioned, falling back into habit.
"No, no! Jack, I don't mean that. What I mean is that we still have so much to do. I think we can do it the easiest working the way we did. When that's done... I can always ask for reassignment."
Jack smiled softly, nodding slowly. "Alright, Carter. Just a little longer. I know you can't wait to have an old man like me bugging you even more."
"Well, I always thought men were like fine wine." She said thoughtfully.
"Ah....huh? I mean I know I start out bitter, but..." He smirked, provoking laughter.
Sam glanced around, snickering to see the camera in the corner pointed the other way. Someone was up there. Safe from dangerous eyes, she bent down to kiss him quickly and back up towards the door.
"No. Not quite, though on the same track. They're much better aged." She said before vanishing from his sight.
Still many mysterious left as to what would be the result of her little adventure. Now that Mayet was awake, would Upuaut open his eyes? Now that she had been introduced to the higher world of the ancients, would she be satisfied not searching for more? For now, those would have to wait.
She had found him. Her nightmares were gone. And there were many ends that needed to be tied. Somehow, though, she would follow this through to end. But first, sleep.
------
A/N: Oh...my.... I finished something! YES! o.o I hope you all enjoyed. A sequel might be written if I can muster up the strength/ you guys wish. What do ya' think?
-------
Feeling her feet lock into place, the bewildered Major couldn't rip her eyes away from the emerald gaze. She merely titled her head at it, her own grey-sapphire irises questioning. She received only a small blink in return.
The figure stood gracefully. She was covered in an ivory cloth that sparkled with what looked like diamond dust. Flakes of copper glazed her cheeks creating freckles. The women's hair was pulled back, curly strands looking quite like a fire, with a ring of dewdrops tangled within them and drooping across the figure's forehead.
"Who... are you? Sam found her voice, never blinking away from the heavenly figure.
The women bowed her head and took a few steps towards Sam. Reaching her, she placed her chilly fingertips on the Major's forehead. "I am Mayet. Sam felt all concerns and questions fade away. She saw this women's story, of her struggle against Upuaut, and her fight for her people.
When Mayet backed away, Sam noticed another change. She was no longer in her uniform. Instead, she was dressed in a similar less decorative garb as the goddess. She was about to inquire as to why, but Mayet was a step ahead of her.
"You deserve many a gift for lifting me from my slumber, child. You, a mortal not of my own blood, have succeeded where none of my blood-children could. Blood children? Did she mean Ayianna, the other Ancients? "Please... sit beside me, so that I may proudly call you daughter.
Her experience had led her to never upset one whom considered them powerful, and in this case a goddess. Even if she disagreed, her feet seemed to float near Mayet's throne. She sat down on the steps at the now seated women's feet. Cranking her neck up, she could see her looking down adorably.
"Please... Sam broke the silence they had fallen into. "... I need you help. I don't know what's real. And my friend, he's in trouble. He's frozen in one of your devices. We can't get him out.
"It is not my device. It is my children's. And this, my darling, is real. This is the paradise I created for those who met my challenge. At her words, the white room melted into an open marble temple. Behind them a long beach could be seen. IN front of them a lush jungle was sprawled out.
Sam gasped as she looked around. This was marvelous! She knew, though, that she could not stay here. She had no wish too. Not now at least.
"What you experienced, the reality you fought through was my creation. I s designed my world so that those would have to face three of their worst fears. If one could survive the three terrors, they are permitted here with my good grace. "
"Yours were on the emotional level. Third was loosing your job, Second your father disappearing with nothing but a good-bye, and first was loosing Jonathan for good. And though you broke your personal boundaries, I find nothing amiss in your reactions.
Sam opened her mouth to ask how she knew it, but Mayet's laugh met her. "I can see into your mind, soul, heart, my dear. It is one of my gifts.
"I understand... Sam frowned. "That still doesn't answer part of my question.
"I am afraid that I myself can not help him. She said, watching Sam's smile diminish. "No, Samantha, I can not help him. But I can help you see.
"See?
"Freeing your friend is much similar then you think. Anyone is capable of doing it. Or, I should say, any of my children. Mayet stood once more and walked over to a shimmering glass. "Come here, Samantha. Tell me, what do you see?
Doing as she was commanded, Sam glided over to the looking glass. A slight gasp left her mouth. Normally she didn't take much in her appearance. But in this moment, she even thought herself beautiful. She appeared sad, but still beautiful.
"I see my reflection. I see a woman who's had a few times that have almost worn me down. I see a women who's nearing the end of her strings. She replied to the question, her initial happiness fading a bit.
Mayet chuckled once more. "Too much faith do they put in your friend Jonathan. I tell you what I see. I see a great hope for your people. You look upon my children as if they were great things to be worshiped. I see them no better then you.
"But their knowledge, they're technology! Yes, they had a plague that destroyed them, but they were prepared. They left us the means to live when they could not! The scientist argued.
"Yes, but is that not what you do? You leave knowledge and advancements to your children. The only difference between my children and your people is control. We have learned to use the energy of the mind and body to it's fullest. I can teach you how. "
With little hesitation, Sam sat in the middle of the temple. Light from the above sun shimmered down on her through a circular opening. Her shoulders drooped down, and her feet were crossed. She dragged slow breaths in and out as Mayet had instructed her.
Slipping into a deep state of mediation, she felt quite like Teal'c may during Kel'no'reem. She could hear Mayet whispering to her, giving her instructions. Her mind followed them, not her ears or senses.
In a few moments she was back in the chamber, facing the block of ice that Jack was being held in. This time, though, she saw hundreds of little strings knotted together. Biting her lip she slowly reached foreword and tried to untie them. The going was slow, but the time past swiftly.
She had one more knot to undo. Her fingers were split and cracked from her tedious work. Small blood stains marked several spots of the other strings. This one seemed impossible to figure out. But Mayet's voice rang in her head.
"You focus too much on your physical ability. Reach to him with your mind. Drop your fingers, do not use physical means. She urged.
Taking another breath, Sam glanced from Colonel O'Neill's face to the string. Her heart swelled with determination. She had come too damn far to let one small string stop her now. She concentrated on the thread, willing it apart. Sure enough, it slid like pieces of silk slipping by.
The barrier was removed between the two. Jack fell foreword slowly towards her. She barely caught him, gently lowering him to the ground gently. His face was still pale, his eyes staring into an unknown target.
"Jack? Please. Wake up. Come back to me. Please. Don't let this all have been for nothing... She pleaded, grinning as he gasped in a breath. But just as she had come into Mayet's presence, she disappeared in one last flash.
------
After returning from Harlise, Daniel had persuaded Dr. Wier to let them return to Antarctica. He wished to look for signs of Mayet in the Chamber. If he could confirm that, then he could possibly find a way to bring Sam back. That was his first priority.
With more tools, he searched the walls around them. Hints in the Harlisian temple gave him a little more guidenance. He had unlocked several more wall panels that revealed even more of the story. But nothing lead him any closer.
Daniel rested his head against one of the panels. It had been two days with still no sign of the blonde Major. His eyes drooped. He couldn't remember when the last full night of sleep he had had was. He started to slumber when something caught his eye.
The ice that held the Colonel in place was ... shimmering? His jaw dropped slowly as he walked over for a closer look. Inside the ice silver and gold sparks radiated for a few moments at a time. It resembled the strings of a grand piano being struck by a delicate manner.
With one last plunk of light, the shield of ice retreated. Jack inhaled a sharp breath. The Colonel doubled over coughing and fell forward. Teal'c caught him by the shoulders, waiting for him to catch his breath. When he finally did his eyes searched the room, apparently not finding what he was looking for.
"She's not here, Jack. Daniel answered him. Jack's brows furled at him in question. "She... Ah... went looking for you.
"But she was just here... Jack crocked out in English. After what he had been stumbling before his hibernation, this in itself was a miracle.
A blinding blue flash filled the chamber. Lying in a heap of cloth, a very tired Sam curled up in a ball. She lifted her head to see those present gathering over the one she had released. With a grin she collapsed.
-------
Dr. Wier shuffled the papers on her desk. These past few weeks had been the most confusing in her life. She had gained a whole new respect for the work General Hammond had done. So many great people went through hell and came back to do it all over again. She had the pleasure of knowing and trying to lead these people for the time that she was being placed here. It's a shame she was moving on so soon, she'd miss this place.
Elizabeth had planned on staying until a permanent replacement had been found for Hammond. And, that replacement had been found. At the discovery that Colonel O'Neill would return to full health physically and mentally, he had been offered a promotion and a new job. Who ever thought that one who detested paperwork so much would jump at the offer?
A noise at the door caused her to lift her head. Teal'c, Daniel, and Sam stood there waiting to come in. They had yet to hear the news of the soon-to-be ex-CO of SG-1, Dr. Wier wanting to tell them herself.
"Dr. Wier, if this is about our next mission, I really would like to find Mayet again. There's so much-" Sam enthusiastic response was cut off.
"Please, we can discuss that later. Right now, I have some important news I would like you to hear from me." She sat them down, relaying to them what she had wished. "In addition, it has been decided that SG-1 will remain a three member team. And that Major Carter is to be promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel as the new commanding officer. Weither you will remain O'Neill's second in command as he was to Hammond, is up to the both of you."
Congratulations were passed, and the team was dismissed. As excited as she was, Sam still had something tugging at the back of her mind. There was still something she had to find out.
-------
Five days had passed since SG-1 had freed O'Neill from his "hibernation." The new medical commander had insisted on monitoring Jack for at least two weeks, with another minimum of two weeks down time. His temporary home, a small cubical in the infirmary, had started to look like a gift shop. All the flowers, cards, candy, and letters that decorated the otherwise bare wall put hallmark stores to shame.
Sam knocked lightly on the doorway before stepping into the infirmary room, fresh from Dr. Wier's office. Her kilowatt smile beamed brightly as she walked towards the bed. A very sleepy looking Jack smiled drowsily back.
"I hear you've been giving the nurses some trouble about them waking you up." She pulled a chair over to sit beside him, but, he scooted over and patted the free space of the bed for her to sit down. "Don't you think you've slept enough?" She asked, reluctantly taking up his offer.
"Well, you know." The Colonel shrugged," I wasn't really sleeping that...oh... MONTH or so." He couldn't help but grin. "By the by, Congrats on the promo! Though, they had me worried, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to order you around anymore."
Sam chuckled, "Ohhh no. Instead you get to order EVERYONE around! So help us. And no getting rid of my blue jell-o just because you like Strawberry!"
"Ouch! You drive a hard bargain! Actually I planned on doubling the amount of jell-o per serving and adding little chocolate cakes for certain female employee's sweet tooth!"
Another laugh left her as reached over the blankets to tuck him in , in an almost motherly fashion. When her hand came to his neck she shuddered. He still hadn't returned to a normal temperature. She couldn't help but recall the nightmares that still clung to her.
"Carter... It's alright." He took her hand away from his neck and placed it on his cheek. "I'm right here. This is me. I'm not going to fade away this time." He sat up, pulling her into a tight hug.
In a sudden realization hit her, causing her to pull back. "Sir, this could be viewed as very wrong..." She cautioned. Like in other situations, Jack didn't seem to care all too much.
"It 'this' could, what ever 'this' is, then I'll blame it on a delusional state. But right now all I want to do is have my best second in command to sit by me so that I know that I'm really here... And so I can pick on her!" He finished, attacking her with tickling.
"Ahhh! Nooooo! I surrender!" She squealed, wriggling from his grasp. Abruptly, she stopped. "Wait. You know that this is real?"
Jack's smirk faded. "Yea... Sam, I saw everything that you did. That is.. except from my point of view." His face shifted in confusion.
"What do you mean everything?" She questioned. Her mind lingered back on the use of her first name.
"Your not the only one who had to go through a test. I kinda had to go through the wringer, too." He shuffled under his coverings.
She paused as her eyes fell to the floor. "What did you see...feel....do?" Confusion laced her words.
"You." He answered after a few moments. His reply prompted another baffled look from her. "I saw what you went through."
" Ya' know... It is quite odd to go to your own funeral. But, you really should wear that dress more often. It really-" Her look turned to a glare. "Oooor not?" he rubbed the back of his head.
Yet another uncomfortable silence fell on them. Like usual Carter seemed to be contemplating something. O'Neill waited patiently for a reply, actually wanting to her her say something. At this moment he'd be thankful for even her scientific blabbering.
"I don't understand it. Mayet told me that I had to live out my three greatest fears... Why would you only have to watch mine?"
"I guess that I went through mine. Not being able to comfort my friends, Not being able to try to fix a bad situation, and...Well, seeing you hurt." He reasoned.
Sam's eyes did not widen, but rather closed. She had been aware that he cared for her 'a lot more then he was supposed to' as to quote his own words. Heaven knows how her heart had pounded when he said that four years ago.
She had thought that by now those feelings would have faded and let her rest in peace. By their own fears, it was evident that didn't happen. I wouldn't. What confused her now was that they had been given a chance, but she wasn't sure if she wanted to take it even now. There was still a part of her that wasn't sure.
"Ya' know... Sam..." He took her hand, squeezing it gently. "I can chose another for a second. We wouldn't have to lie anymore." He said in a low voice. Had her face really shown that much?
"Jack...As much as I want that..." She started.
"Then it's done! There are a ton of-" He stopped by her hand on his lips. "Carter?" He questioned, falling back into habit.
"No, no! Jack, I don't mean that. What I mean is that we still have so much to do. I think we can do it the easiest working the way we did. When that's done... I can always ask for reassignment."
Jack smiled softly, nodding slowly. "Alright, Carter. Just a little longer. I know you can't wait to have an old man like me bugging you even more."
"Well, I always thought men were like fine wine." She said thoughtfully.
"Ah....huh? I mean I know I start out bitter, but..." He smirked, provoking laughter.
Sam glanced around, snickering to see the camera in the corner pointed the other way. Someone was up there. Safe from dangerous eyes, she bent down to kiss him quickly and back up towards the door.
"No. Not quite, though on the same track. They're much better aged." She said before vanishing from his sight.
Still many mysterious left as to what would be the result of her little adventure. Now that Mayet was awake, would Upuaut open his eyes? Now that she had been introduced to the higher world of the ancients, would she be satisfied not searching for more? For now, those would have to wait.
She had found him. Her nightmares were gone. And there were many ends that needed to be tied. Somehow, though, she would follow this through to end. But first, sleep.
------
A/N: Oh...my.... I finished something! YES! o.o I hope you all enjoyed. A sequel might be written if I can muster up the strength/ you guys wish. What do ya' think?