AN: Sorry it's taken me so long to finish this chap, I had to go away. Anyway I hope this makes up for it. ;O)
Spoilers: Chimera, Death Knell
Rating: mmm 15? For content rather than anything else, it's a bit on the angsty side.
Warnings: GO PEE NOW it's 18 pages.
Chapter 5 – Confrontation
Sam wandered back to the living room, feeling as if the weight of the world had been placed on her shoulders. The police had yet to arrive, and Sam's patience had just about reached the end of its tether. She couldn't wait any longer. All she wanted was to get back to normal, but she couldn't, not as things stood.
Walking back into the living room Janet asked, "How are you feeling?"
"Like a lost-soul."
"It'll get better. I'm sure they'll catch whoever's responsible, Sam."
"You mean, Pete."
"Sam, it might not have been him. It could have been just your run of the mill burglars."
"Janet, just take a look around. Does this look like a typical burglary? Everything apart from my mother's ring is still here. Only Pete knew where I kept my valuables, and he knew what the ring meant to me. I'm telling you, it was Pete."
"Okay, okay, I'm just saying."
"Yes, well don't."
Janet rolled her eyes, trying to bite back her tongue; there really was nothing she could say to make things easier for her friend. Pulling the curtain back, she waited patiently for the police to arrive and at least it gave her something positive to do. At the moment she felt like a spare part, nothing she said to Sam seemed to be helping.
Bending down to pick up the bat, Sam felt a twinge in the side of her chest, and sucked in a breath to ease the discomfort. The pain wasn't giving her a break though. Wrapping her arms around her stomach she tried to protect herself from waves of pain that hit her like a tidal wave. The nausea erupted, hitting her with full force. Unable to keep the bile that rose in the back of her throat, she rushed to the bathroom to rid her stomach of its contents.
Turning round, Janet watched as her friend darted quickly out of the room. A worried look passed over the young doctor. Calling out to her friend she got no response. "Sam?"
She couldn't understand what had made her disappear so quickly; confused she wandered in the direction Sam was headed. Hearing noises from the bathroom, she knocked lightly on the door.
"Sam, you in there?" Getting no response, she tried again. "Sam, honey let me in."
Sitting on the wooden floor with her head hovering over the toilet bowel, Sam didn't want Janet seeing her like this. Doctor or not, she wasn't ready to tell her the whole story just yet. Taking a deep breath, she waited for the queasiness to subside before she answered her; she hated being sick.
"Sam! I swear if you don't let me in right now, I'm going to kick this door down."
Despite the situation, Sam smiled at her friend's desperate plea. At 5 ft 1, she couldn't imagine Janet Fraser kicking anything down let alone the door.
The pain in her side seemed to have eased slightly and she levied herself to a standing position, leaning on the bathroom sink for support. "I'll be out in a second." She called softly before rinsing her mouth out.
Taking a good look at her reflection, she noticed the dark ringed circled under her eyes. Her usually peachy complexion now seemed pale and lifeless, and her normal crystal blue eyes seemed to have lost their vibrancy and looked as washed out as she felt. Losing track of time, lost in her own thoughts, she completely forgot about the waiting Janet outside the bathroom door.
"That's it! I'm coming in." Janet shouted.
Snapping herself back to reality, she went and opened the door. "You're so impatient." Sam admonished walking away from her friend.
"You look like crap, Sam." Janet advised her in no uncertain terms.
"Is that what you say to your patients? It's no wonder they want to leave the infirmary as quickly as they do."
"Don't think you can talk your way out of this Samantha Carter. I've dealt with Colonel O'Neill for the last seven years, and I've heard all the excuses going. Now, park your heinie on the sofa and don't move."
"Where are you going?"
"To get my bag."
"Janet, I don't need for you to be my doctor. I need you to… just be my friend." Sam told her. The last thing she wanted was for her to see her bruised ribs, but she knew that once Janet had set her mind to something, there was no point in arguing her.
"What is it that you don't want me to know?" Janet asked shrewdly, noting her continued avoidance at being examined.
"I don't know what you mean." Sam replied evasively, crossing her arms across her chest defensively.
"Well let me put it simply for you. This is the second time you've avoided me having a look at you. So, I want to know what it is you're hiding?"
"I'm not hiding anything, can we just leave it please. It's been a long day, I'm tired and I don't feel like being poked and prodded."
"No Sam!" Janet told her finally. "Either we do it here and now, or I'll call General Hammond and the Colonel and they can order you back to the base and we can do it there. Your choice." Janet told her firmly, complete with hands on hips.
"You wouldn't?" Sam questioned with uncertainty. The thought of being ordered back to the base by the Colonel was not something she wanted to face this time of night. It was bad enough that she had to see him tomorrow; she didn't think she could handle his questions right now.
"Oh no? Try me."
Their eyes locked for a few seconds, both ladies trying to ascertain who would break first. Neither one was prepared to back down, but ultimately someone had to give.
"You're serious aren't you, you'd call the Colonel on me?"
"In a heartbeat. Like I said before, I have heard every excuse in the book, Sam. Nothing you say will convince me that everything's okay, so we can do this the easy way or the hard way."
"Fine, but not until the police have finished."
"Okay, but for the time being you sit on the sofa, and do nothing."
Opening her mouth to protest, more out of habit than anything else, Janet placed her hand on her shoulder stating simply, "Just humour me."
Brooding in his office, Jack didn't feel like going home tonight. Absently pushing his paperwork from one side of his desk to the other, he knew staying here was a futile gesture; particularly when his mind was on other things.
He felt as if the whole world was turning against him, first Sam, then Daniel, and while General Hammond didn't openly state that it was his fault she was leaving, he knew better. The worst thing was, he didn't understand why she was leaving. Sure they'd had their differences before, but it wasn't like they'd had a big bust up or anything. It made him so annoyed to think she could just walk out on him like that…how dare she. Pent up frustrations of the day crept towards the surface and he felt like a volcano preparing to erupt. Grabbing the nearest thing to him, he threw it venomously towards the other side of the room, narrowly missing the person walking into his office.
"Teal'c I'm so sorry, that wasn't meant for you." Jack jumped up apologetically, walking around towards the shards of glass that now littered his office floor.
Teal'c completely un-phased by what had transpired; lifted his eyebrow replying, " And for whom was it intended?"
Silence filled the room while Jack waited to come up with a good answer. Truth was he didn't know who he was angrier with…Sam or himself. In the end he replied, "No one, really. I just felt the urge to break something." Jack lied unconvincingly. "Don't you ever just get the urge?"
"Indeed O'Neill, only my urges have nothing to do with breaking inanimate objects."
A quizzical look passed over his face wondering what he was referring to, then once it hit him, all he could say was. "Ooookay, way too much information." Expecting another comment from his friend, but nothing came. Instead Jack watched his friend wait quietly and calmly as he'd done so many times in the past for him to make the first move, but this was one night he wasn't giving in. "I'm done here for the night, fancy going for a beer?"
"Do you wish to… drown your sorrows O'Neill?"
"Well that was subtle. And, who taught you that phrase? Or do I really need to ask?"
"Daniel Jackson is most upset at the loss of Major Carter, and advised me that he was going to drown his sorrows."
"She's not dead Teal'c. She's just leaving to…pursue other interests." Jack answered casually. "Besides, you can't really drown your sorrows with Daniel, it only takes one beer from him and he's passed out on the floor speaking incoherently."
Realising that his friend was avoiding answering the question, Teal'c attempted to return the conversation to what weighed heavily on his mind. "Major Carter would not leave the SGC voluntarily."
Grabbing his jacket from the rack, he paused for a moment. With his hand resting lightly on the peg he replied softly. "Yes, well…she did."
"You must advise her that this is not a wise course of action, O'Neill."
"It's her decision, Teal'c." Jack advised him solemnly, preparing to walk out of the room.
Flexing his arm, Teal'c grabbed on to his friend's triceps, stopping him in his tracks. His face was stoic, as he told him firmly, "It is the wrong decision."
"Tell me about it." Jack sighed finally; walking out of his office - the discussion was over.
Peter Shanahan skulked behind the bushes, as if waiting for his prey. Watching the police cars pull up outside her house caused his blood to boil. One thing he was counting on would be the fact that she wouldn't call the cops, how wrong he was. But, one thing was certain, she would pay. He wasn't prepared to lose his whole career over her, not if he could help it. And the only way he could preserve his job was to silence her once and for all. Patience and timing was all that was required. He had to have her, and if he couldn't…then no one else would either.
As far as he was concerned she still belonged to him, he'd earned that right. They'd been good together, until a certain person had gotten in the way. Although she hadn't come out and directly said she wanted to be with him…he knew.
Watching her invite them in, a small smile played on his lips. He knew exactly what he was going to do with her; calculating the plan in his mind, he would bring her to the edge of sanity before making his final move; making her suffer more and more each day. He'd already left her a message, just to let her know that there was nothing she could do to stop him.
"See that wasn't too bad, was it?"
"Did you see the look that the policeman gave me, when I told him that Pete was a cop."
"Sam, you're getting paranoid." Janet replied casually. "Well now that they're gone, let's get down to business shall we?"
Biting her lip with nervous energy she knew she'd have to tell her. Time had run out, there were no more excuses that she could've come up with. But, there was one thing she had to do first…tell her the truth.
"On one condition." Sam advised nervously.
"Sam…"
"Janet, I need you to promise me that this won't go any further. I don't want anyone else to know about this."
Eyeing her suspiciously, Janet realised that she was dead serious. It wasn't just that though, there was something more lurking behind her eyes, something she couldn't quite put her finger on. Nodding in agreement, Sam stood up lifting her sweatshirt to reveal a bruise going right across her ribs. Closing her eyes she waited for her friend's reaction.
Janet was completely taken aback, not with the injury, she'd seen worse, but with the complete devastation on her friend's face. Everything fell into place, Sam's behaviour of late, her reluctance to be examined… There really was nothing she could say to make her friend feel any better. All this time she'd kept this dark secret to herself, and it pained her. Part of her felt hurt that Sam hadn't confided in her, she couldn't understand why she'd let it get this bad without telling anyone. Right now though that didn't matter.
"Pete?"
Sam nodded pulling her sweater back down, silent tears began falling from her eyes… the secret was out. She felt so ashamed, partly because she was used to being the smart one, the one who could solve anything complex, everything that is apart from her own life. She hadn't even seen it coming. With Jonas it had been different, she'd known he was off the wall, but she liked that in a man. It was only when he'd become controlling that she'd started to get uncomfortable within the relationship. Strange though how she'd seen the signs in him, but she hadn't with Pete and she felt like such a fool because of it. All those little arguments she'd have with him in the morning about her not sharing her life with him. Sure she'd told him some things, but just like always there were certain aspects of her life that had to remain private. And when he wasn't able to cope with that, that's when things had turned nasty.
"When did it start?"
"Not long ago. Initially he'd start arguing when I'd be getting ready to go to work, he was annoyed because he wasn't part of that aspect of my life, then more recently it intensified. He became more and more controlling until everything came to a head… and that's when I told him to leave."
"When did the beatings start?"
"It was only once, Janet."
"That's once too many, Sam."
"Don't you think I know that? I honestly thought he would change, that I could reason with him, but it's not as easy as you think." Sam shouted in frustration at getting her friend to understand.
"Sam, believe it or not, I do understand. You'd be surprised how many women stay in abusive relationships, either out of fear, or loneliness. It's a hard decision leaving that part of your life behind, and for most women it's impossible; either because they don't think they deserve any better or they can't find a way out. And what makes it worse for them is the fact that they keep it a secret from their friends and families because they're too ashamed or embarrassed to let anyone know. I just wished you'd confided in us, Sam."
"It's not exactly the easiest thing to drop in the middle of conversation, Janet. Nice weather we're having, oh and by the way my boyfriend's hitting me. It doesn't exactly roll off the tongue."
"I know, but we'd have helped you."
"I didn't want anyone to know, Janet. I'm a Major in the US Air Force; I fight for my life and my friend's lives everyday. What would they have thought of me, if I told them I couldn't handle this?"
"So is this why you decided to leave, because you couldn't face the thought of telling them?"
"Partly."
"Then what's the other reason? I don't understand what else would make you just throw away your career?"
"Janet, like I said before, I don't want to discuss it." Sam advised her firmly. "Look, Janet, I don't mean to be a bad host or anything, but I'm tired and need to get this place sorted. Can we call it a night please?"
"I'd prefer you'd stay at mine tonight. I don't want you to be here on your own."
"I'll be fine, Janet."
"I'm sure you will be, but…"
"Janet! I need to do this on my own. I appreciate what you're saying and everything you've done for me today, but I need to start putting my life back together."
"Sam, about tomorrow…"
"I know what you're going to say, Janet, but my mind's made up."
"There's nothing I can say to change it?" Janet asked sadly.
"No." There was no hesitation in her voice, she was resolute that tomorrow would be her final day.
Standing up, they gave each other one last longing look, knowing that this was an end of an era. Janet's fear was that they'd grow apart. It would start off that they'd call each other every day, then every day would turn into once a week. The visits and phone calls would become less frequent as they became used to their new lives, and soon enough they'd end up being just a familiar face they'd meet on the street. Life was like that. But, she didn't want all the years they'd shared to be nothing more than a chapter in her life. She wanted things to remain as they were now, but ultimately she knew that time moved forward… as did friendships.
Pulling her into a hug, Sam allowed herself to be comforted by her friend. Resting her head gently on her friends shoulder, she drew strength from her friends support. She didn't have many close friends, and the thought that she'd lose the one person that felt more like a sister hurt her deeply. Janet knew her inside and out and she knew she'd never find another friend quite like her. "I'm going to miss you."
"Me too." Janet replied softly moving away from her. "Come see me tomorrow, okay?" Janet finished wiping her eyes.
Nodding, Sam walked her out.
Unable to face anything else at the moment, Sam headed towards the shower. Stepping in she felt the hot water ease her aching body, the sweet smell of the shower gel filled her nostrils as the torrent of water cascaded down her spine. Closing her eyes in silent contemplation, she thought about how she was going to word her resignation letter and how she would face the Colonel in the morning, and where her new life would take her. Only one thing was a certainty now…she was alone.
Oblivious at the time that had passed she had gotten in the shower, she knew she couldn't stay there for much longer, she stole a look at her shrivelled fingers and knew then that she'd been in way too long.
Stepping out of the shower, she grabbed the towel; the bathroom was clouded in mist from the hot steam. Wiping off the moisture from her face, she walked towards the mirror and was unprepared for what lay waiting for her.
Dropping the towel in surprise, she clasped her hand to her mouth, adrenaline rushing through her veins. Her body trembled at the message that had appeared on the mirror.
I'm watching you!
Fear and dread tore through her as she stood; frozen like a statue. As the steamy mist began clearing from the room, the rush of cooler air circulated around the bathroom causing the message to erase from the mirror. She didn't know how or when he'd had the opportunity to leave the message for her. Thoughts clouded her mind. Maybe he'd crept in as she showered? Or maybe he'd left it earlier when the house had been ransacked. Worse still - what if he was still here? The thought that he was in her house brought an icy chill down her spine, her hands shook with nervous energy as she picked up the nearest towel to cover herself before walking towards the bathroom door.
With her hands shaking, she felt her heart catch in her throat. Preparing herself for what lay in wait, she took a deep breath and opened it. Scanning the room she couldn't hear a sound. Listening intently for any kind of movements, she cautiously headed for the living room to pick up the wooden baseball bat, that she'd casually tossed aside earlier.
Poised and ready to strike at anything that moved she wandered carefully from room to room waiting for him to jump out at her at any moment. As she neared the last room, she placed her hand on the door handle; pulling the lever down she went to push it open, but was suddenly startled by the telephone.
Panic set it at who might be ringing her at this hour.
Flinging the last door open, she looked inside.
Alone
Cold
Frightened
Persistent ringing filled the house; she couldn't ignore it, in case there'd been an accident or an emergency at work. Tentatively she picked up the receiver, "Hello?"
A voice cold and calculating on the end whispered, "Did you get my message?"
She recognised him immediately. "Why are you doing this?" She countered vehemently.
"Because I can." The voice stated menacingly, feeding on her fear.
"It's over Pete. The sooner you get that into your thick skull, the better."
"It's over when I say it is."
"Don't threaten me, Pete. The police know all about you, and for your sake you'd better hope they catch you before I do. If you come within 2 feet of me or my property, I swear to God you'll regret it."
Hearing the laughter on the end of the receiver infuriated her. This was her home and she was damned if he was going to scare her away.
"I love it when you get feisty, Sam. I look forward to seeing more of that. By the way, did I tell you how sexy you look in that towel? It brings out the blue in your eyes."
Slamming the phone down, Sam ran to the window searching for him. Scanning the front porch the dim light of the street lamps filtered through the pathways casting shadows on everything that moved, but she couldn't see him. Closing the blinds, she ran towards the front door, anger boiling over, but if he'd been there before, he certainly wasn't now. She decided then and there that there was safety in numbers and she knew there'd be no one at the base this time of night. While the last thing she wanted was for him to frighten her away from her home, she wasn't stupid. Until the locks were changed, she'd be safer at the base.
Sitting in front of her computer, Sam finished off her letter. It was done. There was no going back now. Looking at the clock, the time showed 5.00am, she'd been at this all night. She couldn't believe that this was going to be her last day. The words on paper could never compare to how she was feeling, the formality of it all had taken away how much she had enjoyed her job and her time here on the base. Seven years of working here had built up a lot of happy and painful memories for her, but there comes a time in everyone's life where things have to come to an end…and it was her time. As much as she regretted the decision there was no other choice. Jack and herself would continue to argue over trivial matters, and she'd end up hating him. He'd already lost his respect and trust for her, and to her, there really was nothing else he could've said that would've hurt her more. She felt as if she'd failed him, he'd put all his trust in her and she'd let him down. If only she'd told him everything when this whole thing had started, things might have been different. Now though, things had gone too far for her to back away now, and like it or not she had to face the consequences of her actions. Handing in her resignation was the only way she could salvage this sorry state of affairs.
Thinking back to a couple of months ago, she remembered discussing her resignation with him, or rather his imaginary persona. She'd had no qualms about giving up her career for him then, if she knew how he felt about her. Fate though obviously had different plans for her now. Hell, she didn't even know if he harboured those same feelings for her as he did that day when they were tested by the Zatarc device. Or most recently when he'd held her in his arms; bloodied and battered from her lucky escape from the super soldier. She'd felt so safe and secure then as if everything was just meant to be. It seemed like a lifetime ago…nothing, but a distant memory. How she longed for him to hold her like that once more, to tell her that everything would be okay and that he still trusted her and needed her. Then…maybe everything could be as it once was.
Holding the letter in her shaking hands, she gathered her thoughts, //Well Sam, this is it. //
Why then did she hesitate? If this was the right decision, why not just do it? Because it was him she had to face, that was why. She couldn't bear his questioning eyes, his wonderings of where things had gone so wrong between them. She knew, because those were her thoughts and feelings. Their relationship had gone beyond friendship and camaraderie; he was the one she'd give her life for.
Pain
Anger
Regrets
Jack heard the subtle knocking on his door, and knew it was goodbye. Hammond had asked that he talk to her, but he knew her inside and out - stubborn as a mule when she had set her mind on something. They were the same, but different. Born of the same instincts to protect and serve no matter what the personal cost.
"Come in."
"Sir."
Jack watched her for signs of anything to indicate that she'd changed her mind; but there was none.
"Sit down, Carter." Carter? Why did he have to be so formal? She was leaving f'crying out loud, and he was acting like she was just here on detached duty, not someone that he cared about. But, it was easier than actually facing up to his feelings…wasn't it? He didn't know anymore. All he knew was, she was handing in her resignation and he'd never see her again. His heart felt as if it were being ripped from his chest.
"I'd rather stand, Sir. I'd like to get this over and done with as soon as possible if you don't mind." Stay calm. Focus on anything but him.
"Actually, there are a few things we need to talk about."
"I have some leave owing, 6 weeks I believe. I'd appreciate it if you'd release me as soon as possible. I'd like to use that in lieu of my notice." Sam answered formally, wanting and needing to end this as quickly as possible.
"Sam…"
She hated it when he used her name like that, it just made everything that much harder. Trying to maintain her composure was difficult enough as it is without this.
"Don't." It was a simple word that conveyed so much more, she held the tears at bay. It was a plea for him to just let her go.
Jack stared silently into her eyes, unsure of what to say. "Hammond wanted me to speak with you about your…resignation." That word was bittersweet in his mouth, so much so that he had to take a drink to wash away the aftertaste. "He wants to be sure you're making the right decision, and frankly so do I. What happened to you, Sam? Did you know that you were only one of a handful of people that I'd trusted to watch my six?"
Were? There it was again, the doubt in his voice. What could she say to that?
So, this is what it had come down to…silence. Their once familiar and open relationship was now stagnant and uncommunicative, and he hated it. Never in his life did he feel so uncomfortable.
"So… are you going to tell me what this is all about?"
"It's personal."
"As in 'Pete' personal." Even speaking his name held a bitter taste in his mouth. As far as he was concerned, Pete was a piece of slime that he could happily stomp on. He didn't know what it was about that guy, but something didn't settle right with him. He was like a bad smell that kept on coming back.
"With all due respect, Sir. It's my business."
"Maybe, but when it affects your career, then it becomes my business. And lets face it, since he's been on the scene your work performance has not exactly been up to your normal standard."
Anger and pain filtered through her. Bitterly she replied, "Well then, you should be thankful that I'm leaving… Sir."
Shaking his head, he knew this would be a fruitless exercise. "So you're not going to tell me."
"No." There was no hesitation. In one word she conveyed to him her refusal in discussing the issue further. Looking at him directly, she noted that his feelings were hidden so deeply behind the mask that he'd put up that for the first time since she joined the SGC, she couldn't 'read' him. Pulling an envelope from her pocket, she handed it to him before snapping back to attention. "It's my formal resignation, Sir. You'll find it's all in order. If you'll grant my request for my leave to begin immediately, I'll go and clear out my things."
"I'll have to clear it with General Hammond first, but I can't see any reason why he wouldn't allow it." Jack replied sadly, trying to maintain control of his emotions that threatened to overwhelm him was becoming more and more difficult.
"I understand, Sir. Now if there's nothing else I have some things to do before I leave."
Jack nodded simply not knowing what else to say. What could he say? Her mind was made up, and he was letting her go…just like that. Watching her walk out the door as she did was difficult to say the least, but what right did he have to stop her? After all it was her decision, and while he knew she was making the wrong decision it wasn't his place to interfere, if she wanted to give up her whole career for the sake of being with Pete, then what right did he have to stop her? It wasn't as if he could just tell her to stop seeing that slimy no good cop…could he? And if he did, how would she react? Knowing Carter like he did, she was as stubborn as a mule and there was no way in hell she'd listen…would she? Mulling things over in his mind, he felt as if he was being held in a cage. The office was becoming decidedly claustrophobic and he had to get out of there before he went nuts, he picked up her letter of resignation and held tightly against his chest; hoping against all odds that this was just one long bad dream and that he'd wake up at any time. Unfortunately that couldn't have been farther from the truth. Closing his eyes in quiet contemplation he tried to think of someway he could get her to change her mind, but ultimately it was her decision.
She couldn't believe it; the last of her boxes had been packed away. General Hammond had authorised her leave and her resignation with some persuading that it was her choice, and nothing he could've said would have made any difference.
The morning had only begun, and she knew it wouldn't be long until Janet, Daniel and Teal'c would come and see her, she'd already spoken to them earlier that morning and they had tried to change her mind, but she was resolute in her actions and nothing they said could or would change her mind. As for the Colonel…she just didn't know. One thing she didn't want was a long goodbye, it would just make things harder, not just on her, but on all of them. Gathering the remaining boxes she headed out to the hallway, but not before taking one last look around her lab. A lot of things had happened there, some good, some bad. Ultimately though, this place would always hold a special place for her. Turning off the lights one last time, she surreptitiously wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye.
With her arms cradled around the last box she walked slowly towards the elevator, waiting patiently for her in the corridor were her friends, all of them except the Colonel. Her heart sunk at the thought that he wouldn't…or couldn't say goodbye, she had to bite the side of her mouth to stop the tears from falling freely.
Daniel looked so sorrowful, that she just wanted to drop the box she was carrying an envelope him into a sisterly hug. She couldn't though, she had to remain calm and in control, to show them all that this was what she really wanted when all along her inner voice was screaming at her to tell the General that it was a mistake.
Walking over towards her, he waited while she lay the box down before taking her into his arms. Resting her head lightly on his shoulders, she felt the tears finally fall, and this time she didn't wipe them away. Lost in silent comfort, for a moment she wished someone else were holding her. Pulling slightly away from him, Daniel brushed away her tears.
"Please, Sam, don't leave like this."
"I have to, Daniel." Sam told him softly. The last few days were starting to take it's toll on her and without even realising what she was saying, she let slip her true feelings. "I wish I had another choice, but I don't. Things have gone too far now. I just wished I knew why he didn't trust me anymore."
"What do you mean?" Daniel asked looking at her quizzically.
As realisation hit her with full force, she grasped his arm retracting her previous statement, "Just ignore me Daniel…it's been a long day."
Pulling her to one side away from the others he asked, "You're leaving because of Jack aren't you? What's he said to you?"
"Daniel, drop it, please."
Raising his voice slightly he continued, "No I won't Sam."
"Daniel, I'm asking you as my friend, please just let it go."
Not wanting their last day to end on a bad note, he reluctantly agreed. One thing was certain though as soon as he saw Jack he'd give him a piece of his mind.
Giving him one final hug she told him, "Thank you for everything, Daniel. I want you to know that you've been like a brother to me and it's something I'll always remember."
"I'll miss you."
Struggling to find the right words, she simply nodded before turning to face her Jaffa friend. "Teal'c, what can I say, you and I have been friends for so long, and you've saved my six many times. I want you to know that I'll never forget what you've taught me about loyalty and friendship. You've always been there for me when I've needed a shoulder to cry on, and well, I just wanted you to know that it meant a lot to me."
Although Teal'c revealed very little about his feelings, he could count on one hand those he classed as true friends, and she was one of them. Bowing his head in his typical manner he held his arms out to her. She embraced him completely basking in his strength.
"I wish you well Samantha Carter."
"Thank you Teal'c." Sam answered simply before turning finally to her best friend. "Janet, you know how I hate goodbyes, so I'll see you tomorrow?"
"You can count on it. I'll be round first thing in the morning, I promise. Just remember your not alone, okay?"
Sam nodded before taking one last look around she'd already said her goodbyes to the General, so all that was left was for the Colonel, but he was nowhere in sight, and she didn't think she had any strength left in her to go and find him. He'd obviously made his mind up that he was better off without her. And if that was his reasons for not being here, then she was right to hand in her resignation.
Jack watched from the corner of the hallway as she stepped into the elevator, he couldn't do it, he couldn't say goodbye.
Lost in his silent reverie he walked slowly back to his office. Each step he took was painful, she was gone and she wouldn't be coming back. He hated himself for just letting her go. But, he was too obstinate to do anything about it. Worst of all, she'd never know how much she meant to him. He heard heavy footsteps running up behind him, but he couldn't be bothered to face anyone at the moment.
"Jack!"
There it was, he knew it wouldn't be long before he sought him out.
"Daniel." He answered simply noting the steady reddening of the young archaeologists face as anger bubbled towards the surface.
"You know, Jack, you can be such an ass sometimes."
"I'm not going to stand here and listen to this." Jack replied angrily storming off.
Daniel though wasn't in the mood to play silly games with him and went ahead of him, placing his hands on his to chest to stop him moving forward.
"Remove your hand, Daniel. Or I'll remove it for you."
"NO! You are going to stand there and listen to what I have to say."
"If it's about Sam, I don't want to discuss it."
"I can't believe you're just going to let her go…just like that. Does she mean so little to you?"
"Hey! It was Carter's decision to leave. I didn't force her out the door." Jack shouted angrily poking his finger in his chest.
"Oh no? You sure about that?"
"What the hell are you talking about?" Jack retorted his blood pressure rising.
"She's leaving because of YOU. You hurt her Jack, and you're the only one that can get her back." Daniel told him honestly.
"Don't you think I've tried to talk her out of it?"
"Yes well, you obviously haven't tried hard enough, have you? Otherwise she'd still be here. You owe her a big apology and I suggest you do it now, before it is too late."
"I don't need for you to tell me what I should and shouldn't be doing, Daniel. I'll handle things in my own way and in my own time." Jack finished finally walking away.
Calling after him, he shouted. "Don't let your stupid pride stand in the way of losing her, Jack."
Jack stormed off down the corridor muttering to himself, fury threatened to overwhelm him. It's my fault? How the hell could it be my fault? If she hadn't gone off and set up with 'whatsisface' none of this would've happened. She was in the wrong…not him. She let her personal life interfere with her career, and put him before the team, something that could've had disastrous consequences if he hadn't stepped in.
Without even realising it, he'd got in the elevator and headed for the surface. He didn't know what she'd said to Daniel to piss him off so much, but she sure as hell was going to explain it to him.
Loading the last boxes into the car, she went to put her key in the door, before feeling a hand grab her shoulder. It was Jack.
"What did you say to Daniel?"
Yanking free from his grasp, she finally lost it. Shock and annoyance hit her like an energy blast. Just what the hell was he accusing her of. It was as if his whole demeanour had changed. It was a side of him that she rarely saw and felt so angered by his attitude that she completely lost control.
"Excuse me?"
Ranks and Regulations be damned, this wasn't professional anymore…this was personal. And both of them knew it.
"Well according to Daniel, you're leaving because of me."
"Don't flatter yourself." Sam retorted snidely
"You know what Carter, I can't believe that I wasted seven years believing that we had something special. You and Pete are welcome to each other."
"So this is what it's about is it? Pete!"
"Hey, I'm not the one who's giving up her career for someone I hardly know. I thought you were different. Obviously I was wrong."
"Is that what you really think?" She asked, waiting for some kind of reaction. "Then you don't know me at all." Sam finished unlocking the door.
"Hey don't turn your back on me. I haven't finished talking." Jack retorted grabbing her arm once more, and forcing her to face him.
"Oh I think we've said enough." Her eyes were steely cold with rage. She couldn't believe he was acting this way. She yanked her arm away from him, and glared at him.
Everything was spiralling out of control, this wasn't what he wanted to say to her, but he felt like he was on a tidal wave that was out of control. He didn't know why he was acting like this, but he knew this wasn't the way to win her back. He tried to calm himself down, but Daniel was right, he realised that, his words were personal and he'd hurt her. He didn't know why he'd said those things, but it was too late to take them back.
Taking a deep breath he pushed his anger and jealousy to one side. There he'd finally admitted it to himself. He was jealous. That green-eyed monster which threatened to consume him, he hadn't even realised until now. He hated the fact that she was leaving him and SG1 to be with someone else.
"Sam…" Jack replied reaching out to her.
Tears welled in her eyes, gone was the anger that was there before. His face showed signs of regret, but it was too late, she couldn't forgive him. Too many words had tarnished their relationship…hadn't it? The feeling of mistrust was still there, that hadn't changed, and until then, they couldn't go forward. It didn't mean that she could just switch off her feelings that she'd harboured for the last seven years for him. Ultimately she still loved him…but maybe it was too late.
"Don't!" Putting her arms up defensively, she couldn't take any more.
The shooter watched the two of them closely through his eyepiece, noting that he was touching her, holding her arm. How dare he lay one finger on her. No one had the right to touch her, but him. Lining up his prey he took aim, he wanted to see her reaction as he took the Colonel down; he wanted to see her suffer as much as him.
A single shot flew threw the air at an incalculable speed heading towards it's target.
Before Jack had the chance to answer her, he felt a searing pain in his shoulder before crying out in pain. He stumbled forward.
Sam didn't know what was happening, one minute they were arguing the next minute he was falling into her arms.
Shock
Fear
Panic
Blood
Jack lay collapsed in her arms, for a minute she was paralysed. Everything was happening so fast. He was losing blood. His t-shirt began turning crimson. His face paled considerably.
Everything was becoming blurry, he tried to keep his eyes from closing, but he couldn't. His body felt like a dead weight as his life force began fading. There was so much he wanted to say to her, but he knew he was on borrowed time.
Sam screamed for help.
They were alone.
"SOMEONE HELP ME!"
She watched as the SF forces came running towards her their weapons raised for action.
"Sam…" Jack whispered, blood pouring from his mouth. "I'm sorry…"
"Don't you dare do this to me. You hear me?" Sam pleaded, teardrops falling onto her hands below that attempted to stop the blood flow. But it was no use…he couldn't hear her.
End of Part 5
Don't shout at me for leaving you there, but I couldn't resist, lol. As usual run, go Pee, then come back and tell me what you thought. :o) Chapter 6 is coming soon.