A/N Ok so you are just the nicest people in the world wanting this story to continue. I was actually going to leave it as it was but you know, who am I to not give the people what they want. The song in this one is Baby I Need You Lovin by The Four Tops and is a great tune. Oh I should probably do the whole "please do not sue me thing" . I do not own it I know I know. Just having a little fun playing with the MGM toys. Please keep reviewing as I love the help. Also I am looking for some people to give some feedback on some original fiction so if you are interested please let me know. Some spoilers here and there for various things, just be careful if you are anal about that kind of thing. Please excuse what I am sure a few errors as it is very late and I hope I did the Air Force justice in what I said. I am not sure of all the technical stuff like that. Now after that, on with the show! The whole SGC stood to attention in the Gateroom as General Hammond made his way to the top of the ramp where a small podium was set up. SG 1 stood to his right side while General Vidrine, Major Davis and three other officials from the White House stood to the left of him.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," he began, "As most of you know, there have been some major developments to the leadership structure and organisation of this facility. Dr Elizabeth Weir proved herself to be an exemplary leader in the face of adversity but has chosen to accept an offer to head a research facility from our newly located Antarctic Outpost. With this I was given two options as to what would come of the command post of the SGC, I could retain my position here and continue to lead you as I have done, or I was given the option to take a senior consultants position between the SGC and the White House, working closely alongside Major Davis and the Pentagon. I have had a, to quote a colleague of mine, "astronomical to use exactly the right word" time in my seven years at the SGC. I have fond memories of all of you and am thankful to have seen the things I have seen. With that, it is with hopes for the future I inform you, I am accepting the offer from the White House and will no longer be permanently located here at the SGC." Military training was put to the test as the officers held back gasps and looks of shock.
"I know it will be an adjustment for all, but keep in mind I will be keeping my eye on all of you. I am honoured to have served with all of you. You truly are the countries finest and I wish you well on all your future endeavours. Before we continue on with the question I know is on all of your minds, I have a few announcements to make. Firstly, I am pleased to present Teal'c with the keys to his very first apartment. You will be missed on base I'm sure." SG 1 all smiled and held back a laugh as Teal'c stepped forward and accepted the small set of keys on the Homer Simpson key ring and bowed his head at General Hammond. He took his place back in line and got a pat on the back from Daniel.
"Secondly, in recognition of his work in helping with the rescue of Colonel O'Neill, once again, and in recognition of his service to the USAF as a civilian who took on the role of a soldier and has served this country as well as any military personnel, I am pleased to present Dr Daniel Jackson with this commendation on behalf of the United States Air Force." Daniel stepped forward and accepted the small medal and certificate.
"Thirdly, would Major Samantha Carter please step forward?" Sam stepped forward with a look of intrigue on her face. What was she getting, she only knew about Daniel, Teal'c and Jack.
"Major, in the last five years since your promotion to the rank of Major, you have continued to prove yourself to be an invaluable asset to this facility and to your team. Saying that, it is my pleasure to bestow on you the new rank and responsibility of Lieutenant Colonel." Sam could not hide her smile as she had her new insignia pinned on by General Hammond and Jack who stepped forward. A sense of familiarity washed over her as they did, her mind wondering back to when she became a Major. When they were done she turned to them and gave them both a salute and they returned the favour. Sam went to make her way back to the two other members of her team when General Hammond stopped her.
"Colonel if you would mind staying for a moment. Colonel O'Neill please come forward. The last item but by no means the least is actually three things. Colonel O'Neill it has been an interesting time working as your commanding officer. Whilst you may not have always acted in accordance with the regulations your job outlines, you have proven on more than one occasion how dedicated you are to your work, to your fellow officers, to your country and the planet no less. Not only am I proud to call you my second in command I am proud to call you friend. And I am also proud to bestow on you the new title of Brigadier General and new Commander of the SGC." General Hammond began to change his wings for the new stars that were handed to him when he handed one to Sam.
"Sir?" She said in slight surprise, could a subordinate perform such a duty, and to a newly named General?
"It just seems right." Hammond said.
"Go ahead Colonel." Jack said to her with a grin.
"Yes Sirs." She replied taking the shiny object and pinning it to his shoulder.
A round of applause erupted as they saluted each other once again and Jack and Sam rejoined Daniel and Teal'c.
"Now I understand that there will be many questions regarding these changes and all the appropriate information will be forwarded to you. But to clarify, effective tomorrow General O'Neill will be acting commander of the SGC and this will become his official title and position once all the paperwork is put through. Colonel Carter will now be the new commander of SG1, which for the time being will remain a three-person unit and they will be handling most diplomatic and research matters and less combative duties from now on. But they will be there to support all of you when needed. I close by saying once again it was an honour and god speed." General Hammond snapped of a salute to the crowd that was returned by all.
That night SG1 and a large number of SGC personnel gathered at O'Malleys for a much-needed celebration. The crowd cheered as Sam and Jack stood to make a toast to all the people in the back of the restaurant where everyone had gathered.
"To those who were crazy enough to think I could do this, and to Colonel Carter who will most likely be doing more of my job than I will." Jack said and got a cheer in return.
"To General O'Neill, may god help us, Sir?" Sam said giving him a large grin and causing the crowd to laugh.
Jack and Sam clinked glasses and sat back down at the table.
"So, Sam you are now second in charge of the most secret military operation in the world, how do you feel?" Daniel asked holding a pretend microphone to her mouth.
"Well I think that with a team effort and a little grovelling on my part I should be able to get permission to ride my bike to base. I hear the new General cannot resist blondes." She said giving Jack a smirk.
"That's insubordination Colonel." Jack said.
"I learned from the best Sir." She said.
"Geeze get a few in you and you forget your perfect soldier routine." Jack said.
"Well I can apologise in advance and then I am fine. Another round?" Sam said.
"Yeah, I think a slammer is in order." Jack said.
"Coming up." Sam said standing and making her way to the bar.
A minute later Sam returned with three tall shot glasses two thirds full of tequila, an empty one and a small bottle of tonic water. Sam filled the glasses up with the tonic and then poured the rest into the empty one and handed it to Teal'c. Handing the rest out to her team and her self she pushed the tray towards the middle of the table out of the way.
"To Janet, without her there would be no us." Sam said. The other three raised there glasses and gently clinked to avoid spilling. As they pulled back each person covered the top of the glass with their hand and holding it tightly with the other banged it down on the table then quickly rushed it to there mouths downing it in one mouthful. The strong tequila and fizz of the shaken drink causing them all to wince.
"Daniel come dance with me." Sam said standing up and extending her hand.
"Ah Sam I don't think so..." he said leaning back.
"Oh come on no one else will." She pouted.
"Why am I not in that category?" he asked.
"Because you are nicer than them." She replied now pulling on his arm.
"Ah Jack little help here?" he said.
"Sorry Space monkey you're on your own."
"Ok one song." He said sighing heavily.
Daniel and Sam made there way to the small dance area where a few other couples were dancing. Sam enjoyed it as you could dance but still talk to the person you were with. Sam put her arm on Daniels shoulder and held his other hand against her chest while he held her waist. To an outside observer they could look like a couple but to those that knew them, it was a bond somewhere between best friends and big sister/little brother. Sam was not the only one who got a little mouthy when she had a few drinks.
"You know Jack would dance if you asked him." Daniel said quietly.
"No he wouldn't." Sam said looking past his shoulder to where Jack and Teal'c sat.
"Yeah he would, you would be surprised. He actually is shy around you out of that mountain."
"Daniel I do not like where this is going."
"Sam, come on it is me and I am not trying to make you uncomfortable but the man came effectively back from the dead, you both got promoted, new jobs basically. It is a night to celebrate. Just dance with him."
"No Daniel."
"Why not?"
"Because."
"Because why?"
"It is complicated."
"No it's not, you just have to ask him. I am sure he is not a terrible dancer."
"Daniel come on. People talk. It would not look good."
"You mean they would be saying the same thing they have been saying for years."
"What?" Sam nearly yelled.
"Oh come on Sam. I denied it every time but if I had a dollar for every time someone tried to get the inside scoop."
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah. You know I would never betray a confidence if they two of you decided to I don't know..."
"Risk a court martial?"
"Something like that."
"Not going to happen Daniel."
"But you do feel something for him right? It was not just a phase?"
"Daniel he is my..."
"Sam. You don't have to say anything but I just want you to know that I am praying you two find a way." Sam was silent for a minute trying to come up with something to say that would change his mind but could not.
"Thank you." She whispered unable to look him in the eye.
The song ended and as Sam was trying to convince Daniel to stay someone tapped her on the shoulder.
"Can I cut in?" Jack asked.
"Yes!" Daniel said as he haded Sam over to him.
"General?"
"Let's see if these rumours of me not being able to resist a pretty blonde are true." He said moving his hand to rest on her hip, a small shiver ran through her as she assumed he would reach for her hand and take the same stance as Daniel. She almost steped away when his other hand came to rest on her other hip and they began to sway to the music. Sam placed her hands on his shoulders, unsure of what to do next. The song was familiar to her but she could not place it until the first line came out of the speakers.
Baby I need your lovin'
Baby I need your lovin'
Although you're never near
Your voice I often hear
Another day, another night
I long to hold you tight
'Cause I'm so lonely
Baby, I need your lovin'
I got to have all your lovin'
Baby, I need your lovin'
Got to have all your lovin'
Some say it's a sign of weakness
For a man to beg
Then weak I'd rather be
If it means havin' you to keep
'Cause lately I've been losin' sleep
By this time Sam's arms had wrapped around Jack's neck and their bodies were in full contact as they danced and swayed to the upbeat tune. Sam wondered why this song had to play when he asked her danced. It seemed like Oma De Sala herself was taunting them.
Baby, I need your lovin'
I got to have all your lovin'
Baby, I need your lovin'
Got to have all your lovin'
Empty nights
Echo your name
Sometimes I wonder
Will I ever be the same
Oh yeah, when you see me smile
You know
Things have gotten worse
Any smile you might see
Has all been rehearsed
Darlin', I can't go on without you
This emptiness won't let me live without you
This loneliness inside me darlin'
Makes me feel not alive, honey
Baby, I need your lovin'
I got to have all your lovin'
Baby, I need your lovin'
Got to have all your lovin'
Baby, I need your lovin'
I got to have all your lovin'
Baby, I need your lovin'
Got to have all your lovin'
When the song was fading Sam became aware that her forehead was pressed against Jack's and all she had to do was lift her chin slightly to kiss him. His hand was tracing circles on the small of back while the other was in the middle of it. The intimacy of the moment caught her by surprise and she let out small gasp and pulled back.
"Sir I am so sorry."
"Hey, there is nothing to apologise for. Who are they gonna report me to? Me?" He asked stepping for another dance."
"Maybe we shouldn't?"
"Maybe we should?"
"You know we are the talk of the water cooler." She said.
"Well let's give them something to talk about." Jack replied stepping back and spinning Sam in and out form his body then taking her full weight dipping her back. Causing her to burst into laughter as he lifted her back up.
"You know I would swear you've done that before." Sam said causing Jack to break out into a large grin. If you only knew, he thought to himself.
The two continued to dance and Sam could have sworn she saw Major Griff collecting money and writing something in a notebook.
As the night wound down the four of them called two taxis with Daniel and Sam taking one and Jack and Teal'c taking the other. Before they arrived Jack and Sam found themselves outside while Daniel and Teal'c said goodbye to some other people inside, and Daniel gave Major Griff $100.00.
The two waited outside in near silence before Jack broke it.
"I had a god time." He said.
"Me too Sir."
"So tomorrow is the first day of the rest of our lives I take it."
"Something like that Sir."
"Are you looking forward to babysitting Daniel?" He asked with a grin.
"Can not wait Sir. Looking forward to the paperwork?"
"You had to say it didn't you."
"Sorry Sir."
"I wonder what is happening on the other side of the mirror." Jack said kicking a rock.
"Sir?"
"You know that alternate reality thing. I wonder if there is a me and you that chose differently. Or a General Hammond who kept command."
"I think there would be both. There is also the world where I am sharing a cab with you, one with Teal'c, one where Daniel did not drink and is driving us home..."
"Ah ah ah...Ok so lots of scenarios." Jack said.
"Yes Sir."
"So the one where I turned down the promotion and command and retired, it is out there?"
"Yes Sir. And the one where I have resigned and am a civilian scientist."
"What?"
"Nothing Sir."
"Something Carter."
"When you were still frozen, I thought about it. I was cracking I guess. It was about three weeks before you woke up. I was at home after being forced off base and I had the idea. So somewhere there is a me who is now a scientist and she and you, the you in her world are..."
"Not us." He finished.
"No Sir."
"Funny. You do not think about it, but there are so many different paths we could take, some big, some small."
"Yes Sir."
"Are you happy?"
"Sir?"
"At the path we have taken, the decisions we made."
"Well we had to."
"No we didn't. You could have convinced me to tell Hammond to go jump that day in the infirmary." His words causing her to blush.
"No I couldn't."
"Why not."
"Because our SGC needs you Sir."
"And what about what I need?"
"You need it too. You are not ready to move on yet, and I am not either. Somewhere out there I was. One of me resigned before you woke up. One of you resigned when you woke up, but not us."
"And why was that again?"
"Because it would be too easy Sir. And nothing in our lives is easy"
"So somewhere right now, the one of me that resigned could be on your doorstep babbling like an idiot?"
"And the one of me that resigned could be reading a science journal on her couch waiting for her to get the courage to call you." Sam said quietly.
"And the one of me that resigned is thinking he is pretty damn lucky."
"Ditto Sir."
"And the one where General Hammond kept command, those two are in a similar situation to us?" He asked.
"Unless one of us resigned in that world too. He kept command but I left and whilst I still report to you and him as an employee I am a civilian."
"Or I left and you are his new second in command and I am training recruits somewhere. Why didn't we think of that?" Sam let out a small laugh.
"Because Sir, that is not us. So far the choices we have made have saved the planet, saved our lives. We have been strong and always taken the righteous path."
"But being a civilian is righteous."
"Yes Sir but we could not do a lot of the things we do without our ranks." Sam said.
"But there are things we could do." Jack said standing in front of her.
"Not us Sir. Them." Sam said taking his hand.
"One day though right."
"Well Sir, that is for fate to decide."
"But don't we chose the paths we take?"
"Ah but each one depends on the one before. Cause and Effect."
"So the you and me who decided it could not stay in the room..." Sam drew in a deep breath
"I can only imagine Sir."
"White fence, two kids, big car and a dog?"
"Wow, maybe."
"Lucky bastards."
"Sir, whatever we decide we do it for a reason. We are here right now for a reason. Maybe you and I are going to do something great with the Air Force in the future so we have taken the steps to ensure that can happen because it needs to in this reality. Whatever the future holds, we have to accept it and not fight it. Not risk everything for personal gain. It's not who we are."
"Just tell me one day I can take you fishing." Jack said touching her cheek lightly.
"I hope so...Sir." She said backing away a bit.
Sam was having the hardest time trying to control the emotions that were consuming her. Was this his way of telling her that he felt the same way she did? She could only hope she was not reading him wrong. She was sure he moved on, maybe there was still hope. It was at times like this she wished Janet was still around. She would now what to say.
Soon enough Daniel and Sam got into their cab and by the time Sam made it up to her room she barely had the energy to take off her shoes. Curling up into a ball in the warmth of her bed she allowed herself to fall asleep and dream of a cabin in Minnesota.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," he began, "As most of you know, there have been some major developments to the leadership structure and organisation of this facility. Dr Elizabeth Weir proved herself to be an exemplary leader in the face of adversity but has chosen to accept an offer to head a research facility from our newly located Antarctic Outpost. With this I was given two options as to what would come of the command post of the SGC, I could retain my position here and continue to lead you as I have done, or I was given the option to take a senior consultants position between the SGC and the White House, working closely alongside Major Davis and the Pentagon. I have had a, to quote a colleague of mine, "astronomical to use exactly the right word" time in my seven years at the SGC. I have fond memories of all of you and am thankful to have seen the things I have seen. With that, it is with hopes for the future I inform you, I am accepting the offer from the White House and will no longer be permanently located here at the SGC." Military training was put to the test as the officers held back gasps and looks of shock.
"I know it will be an adjustment for all, but keep in mind I will be keeping my eye on all of you. I am honoured to have served with all of you. You truly are the countries finest and I wish you well on all your future endeavours. Before we continue on with the question I know is on all of your minds, I have a few announcements to make. Firstly, I am pleased to present Teal'c with the keys to his very first apartment. You will be missed on base I'm sure." SG 1 all smiled and held back a laugh as Teal'c stepped forward and accepted the small set of keys on the Homer Simpson key ring and bowed his head at General Hammond. He took his place back in line and got a pat on the back from Daniel.
"Secondly, in recognition of his work in helping with the rescue of Colonel O'Neill, once again, and in recognition of his service to the USAF as a civilian who took on the role of a soldier and has served this country as well as any military personnel, I am pleased to present Dr Daniel Jackson with this commendation on behalf of the United States Air Force." Daniel stepped forward and accepted the small medal and certificate.
"Thirdly, would Major Samantha Carter please step forward?" Sam stepped forward with a look of intrigue on her face. What was she getting, she only knew about Daniel, Teal'c and Jack.
"Major, in the last five years since your promotion to the rank of Major, you have continued to prove yourself to be an invaluable asset to this facility and to your team. Saying that, it is my pleasure to bestow on you the new rank and responsibility of Lieutenant Colonel." Sam could not hide her smile as she had her new insignia pinned on by General Hammond and Jack who stepped forward. A sense of familiarity washed over her as they did, her mind wondering back to when she became a Major. When they were done she turned to them and gave them both a salute and they returned the favour. Sam went to make her way back to the two other members of her team when General Hammond stopped her.
"Colonel if you would mind staying for a moment. Colonel O'Neill please come forward. The last item but by no means the least is actually three things. Colonel O'Neill it has been an interesting time working as your commanding officer. Whilst you may not have always acted in accordance with the regulations your job outlines, you have proven on more than one occasion how dedicated you are to your work, to your fellow officers, to your country and the planet no less. Not only am I proud to call you my second in command I am proud to call you friend. And I am also proud to bestow on you the new title of Brigadier General and new Commander of the SGC." General Hammond began to change his wings for the new stars that were handed to him when he handed one to Sam.
"Sir?" She said in slight surprise, could a subordinate perform such a duty, and to a newly named General?
"It just seems right." Hammond said.
"Go ahead Colonel." Jack said to her with a grin.
"Yes Sirs." She replied taking the shiny object and pinning it to his shoulder.
A round of applause erupted as they saluted each other once again and Jack and Sam rejoined Daniel and Teal'c.
"Now I understand that there will be many questions regarding these changes and all the appropriate information will be forwarded to you. But to clarify, effective tomorrow General O'Neill will be acting commander of the SGC and this will become his official title and position once all the paperwork is put through. Colonel Carter will now be the new commander of SG1, which for the time being will remain a three-person unit and they will be handling most diplomatic and research matters and less combative duties from now on. But they will be there to support all of you when needed. I close by saying once again it was an honour and god speed." General Hammond snapped of a salute to the crowd that was returned by all.
That night SG1 and a large number of SGC personnel gathered at O'Malleys for a much-needed celebration. The crowd cheered as Sam and Jack stood to make a toast to all the people in the back of the restaurant where everyone had gathered.
"To those who were crazy enough to think I could do this, and to Colonel Carter who will most likely be doing more of my job than I will." Jack said and got a cheer in return.
"To General O'Neill, may god help us, Sir?" Sam said giving him a large grin and causing the crowd to laugh.
Jack and Sam clinked glasses and sat back down at the table.
"So, Sam you are now second in charge of the most secret military operation in the world, how do you feel?" Daniel asked holding a pretend microphone to her mouth.
"Well I think that with a team effort and a little grovelling on my part I should be able to get permission to ride my bike to base. I hear the new General cannot resist blondes." She said giving Jack a smirk.
"That's insubordination Colonel." Jack said.
"I learned from the best Sir." She said.
"Geeze get a few in you and you forget your perfect soldier routine." Jack said.
"Well I can apologise in advance and then I am fine. Another round?" Sam said.
"Yeah, I think a slammer is in order." Jack said.
"Coming up." Sam said standing and making her way to the bar.
A minute later Sam returned with three tall shot glasses two thirds full of tequila, an empty one and a small bottle of tonic water. Sam filled the glasses up with the tonic and then poured the rest into the empty one and handed it to Teal'c. Handing the rest out to her team and her self she pushed the tray towards the middle of the table out of the way.
"To Janet, without her there would be no us." Sam said. The other three raised there glasses and gently clinked to avoid spilling. As they pulled back each person covered the top of the glass with their hand and holding it tightly with the other banged it down on the table then quickly rushed it to there mouths downing it in one mouthful. The strong tequila and fizz of the shaken drink causing them all to wince.
"Daniel come dance with me." Sam said standing up and extending her hand.
"Ah Sam I don't think so..." he said leaning back.
"Oh come on no one else will." She pouted.
"Why am I not in that category?" he asked.
"Because you are nicer than them." She replied now pulling on his arm.
"Ah Jack little help here?" he said.
"Sorry Space monkey you're on your own."
"Ok one song." He said sighing heavily.
Daniel and Sam made there way to the small dance area where a few other couples were dancing. Sam enjoyed it as you could dance but still talk to the person you were with. Sam put her arm on Daniels shoulder and held his other hand against her chest while he held her waist. To an outside observer they could look like a couple but to those that knew them, it was a bond somewhere between best friends and big sister/little brother. Sam was not the only one who got a little mouthy when she had a few drinks.
"You know Jack would dance if you asked him." Daniel said quietly.
"No he wouldn't." Sam said looking past his shoulder to where Jack and Teal'c sat.
"Yeah he would, you would be surprised. He actually is shy around you out of that mountain."
"Daniel I do not like where this is going."
"Sam, come on it is me and I am not trying to make you uncomfortable but the man came effectively back from the dead, you both got promoted, new jobs basically. It is a night to celebrate. Just dance with him."
"No Daniel."
"Why not?"
"Because."
"Because why?"
"It is complicated."
"No it's not, you just have to ask him. I am sure he is not a terrible dancer."
"Daniel come on. People talk. It would not look good."
"You mean they would be saying the same thing they have been saying for years."
"What?" Sam nearly yelled.
"Oh come on Sam. I denied it every time but if I had a dollar for every time someone tried to get the inside scoop."
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah. You know I would never betray a confidence if they two of you decided to I don't know..."
"Risk a court martial?"
"Something like that."
"Not going to happen Daniel."
"But you do feel something for him right? It was not just a phase?"
"Daniel he is my..."
"Sam. You don't have to say anything but I just want you to know that I am praying you two find a way." Sam was silent for a minute trying to come up with something to say that would change his mind but could not.
"Thank you." She whispered unable to look him in the eye.
The song ended and as Sam was trying to convince Daniel to stay someone tapped her on the shoulder.
"Can I cut in?" Jack asked.
"Yes!" Daniel said as he haded Sam over to him.
"General?"
"Let's see if these rumours of me not being able to resist a pretty blonde are true." He said moving his hand to rest on her hip, a small shiver ran through her as she assumed he would reach for her hand and take the same stance as Daniel. She almost steped away when his other hand came to rest on her other hip and they began to sway to the music. Sam placed her hands on his shoulders, unsure of what to do next. The song was familiar to her but she could not place it until the first line came out of the speakers.
Baby I need your lovin'
Baby I need your lovin'
Although you're never near
Your voice I often hear
Another day, another night
I long to hold you tight
'Cause I'm so lonely
Baby, I need your lovin'
I got to have all your lovin'
Baby, I need your lovin'
Got to have all your lovin'
Some say it's a sign of weakness
For a man to beg
Then weak I'd rather be
If it means havin' you to keep
'Cause lately I've been losin' sleep
By this time Sam's arms had wrapped around Jack's neck and their bodies were in full contact as they danced and swayed to the upbeat tune. Sam wondered why this song had to play when he asked her danced. It seemed like Oma De Sala herself was taunting them.
Baby, I need your lovin'
I got to have all your lovin'
Baby, I need your lovin'
Got to have all your lovin'
Empty nights
Echo your name
Sometimes I wonder
Will I ever be the same
Oh yeah, when you see me smile
You know
Things have gotten worse
Any smile you might see
Has all been rehearsed
Darlin', I can't go on without you
This emptiness won't let me live without you
This loneliness inside me darlin'
Makes me feel not alive, honey
Baby, I need your lovin'
I got to have all your lovin'
Baby, I need your lovin'
Got to have all your lovin'
Baby, I need your lovin'
I got to have all your lovin'
Baby, I need your lovin'
Got to have all your lovin'
When the song was fading Sam became aware that her forehead was pressed against Jack's and all she had to do was lift her chin slightly to kiss him. His hand was tracing circles on the small of back while the other was in the middle of it. The intimacy of the moment caught her by surprise and she let out small gasp and pulled back.
"Sir I am so sorry."
"Hey, there is nothing to apologise for. Who are they gonna report me to? Me?" He asked stepping for another dance."
"Maybe we shouldn't?"
"Maybe we should?"
"You know we are the talk of the water cooler." She said.
"Well let's give them something to talk about." Jack replied stepping back and spinning Sam in and out form his body then taking her full weight dipping her back. Causing her to burst into laughter as he lifted her back up.
"You know I would swear you've done that before." Sam said causing Jack to break out into a large grin. If you only knew, he thought to himself.
The two continued to dance and Sam could have sworn she saw Major Griff collecting money and writing something in a notebook.
As the night wound down the four of them called two taxis with Daniel and Sam taking one and Jack and Teal'c taking the other. Before they arrived Jack and Sam found themselves outside while Daniel and Teal'c said goodbye to some other people inside, and Daniel gave Major Griff $100.00.
The two waited outside in near silence before Jack broke it.
"I had a god time." He said.
"Me too Sir."
"So tomorrow is the first day of the rest of our lives I take it."
"Something like that Sir."
"Are you looking forward to babysitting Daniel?" He asked with a grin.
"Can not wait Sir. Looking forward to the paperwork?"
"You had to say it didn't you."
"Sorry Sir."
"I wonder what is happening on the other side of the mirror." Jack said kicking a rock.
"Sir?"
"You know that alternate reality thing. I wonder if there is a me and you that chose differently. Or a General Hammond who kept command."
"I think there would be both. There is also the world where I am sharing a cab with you, one with Teal'c, one where Daniel did not drink and is driving us home..."
"Ah ah ah...Ok so lots of scenarios." Jack said.
"Yes Sir."
"So the one where I turned down the promotion and command and retired, it is out there?"
"Yes Sir. And the one where I have resigned and am a civilian scientist."
"What?"
"Nothing Sir."
"Something Carter."
"When you were still frozen, I thought about it. I was cracking I guess. It was about three weeks before you woke up. I was at home after being forced off base and I had the idea. So somewhere there is a me who is now a scientist and she and you, the you in her world are..."
"Not us." He finished.
"No Sir."
"Funny. You do not think about it, but there are so many different paths we could take, some big, some small."
"Yes Sir."
"Are you happy?"
"Sir?"
"At the path we have taken, the decisions we made."
"Well we had to."
"No we didn't. You could have convinced me to tell Hammond to go jump that day in the infirmary." His words causing her to blush.
"No I couldn't."
"Why not."
"Because our SGC needs you Sir."
"And what about what I need?"
"You need it too. You are not ready to move on yet, and I am not either. Somewhere out there I was. One of me resigned before you woke up. One of you resigned when you woke up, but not us."
"And why was that again?"
"Because it would be too easy Sir. And nothing in our lives is easy"
"So somewhere right now, the one of me that resigned could be on your doorstep babbling like an idiot?"
"And the one of me that resigned could be reading a science journal on her couch waiting for her to get the courage to call you." Sam said quietly.
"And the one of me that resigned is thinking he is pretty damn lucky."
"Ditto Sir."
"And the one where General Hammond kept command, those two are in a similar situation to us?" He asked.
"Unless one of us resigned in that world too. He kept command but I left and whilst I still report to you and him as an employee I am a civilian."
"Or I left and you are his new second in command and I am training recruits somewhere. Why didn't we think of that?" Sam let out a small laugh.
"Because Sir, that is not us. So far the choices we have made have saved the planet, saved our lives. We have been strong and always taken the righteous path."
"But being a civilian is righteous."
"Yes Sir but we could not do a lot of the things we do without our ranks." Sam said.
"But there are things we could do." Jack said standing in front of her.
"Not us Sir. Them." Sam said taking his hand.
"One day though right."
"Well Sir, that is for fate to decide."
"But don't we chose the paths we take?"
"Ah but each one depends on the one before. Cause and Effect."
"So the you and me who decided it could not stay in the room..." Sam drew in a deep breath
"I can only imagine Sir."
"White fence, two kids, big car and a dog?"
"Wow, maybe."
"Lucky bastards."
"Sir, whatever we decide we do it for a reason. We are here right now for a reason. Maybe you and I are going to do something great with the Air Force in the future so we have taken the steps to ensure that can happen because it needs to in this reality. Whatever the future holds, we have to accept it and not fight it. Not risk everything for personal gain. It's not who we are."
"Just tell me one day I can take you fishing." Jack said touching her cheek lightly.
"I hope so...Sir." She said backing away a bit.
Sam was having the hardest time trying to control the emotions that were consuming her. Was this his way of telling her that he felt the same way she did? She could only hope she was not reading him wrong. She was sure he moved on, maybe there was still hope. It was at times like this she wished Janet was still around. She would now what to say.
Soon enough Daniel and Sam got into their cab and by the time Sam made it up to her room she barely had the energy to take off her shoes. Curling up into a ball in the warmth of her bed she allowed herself to fall asleep and dream of a cabin in Minnesota.