A/N okay so it was bugging me that I left it the way the show does...this is the world of make believe so that is what I will do. Still playing with the MGM toys (hope they do not send the lion out to get me- he has big teeth!) This is set about three months following the events in part three. The song is Goodnight Moon by Shivaree- to be found on their CD and on the Kill Bill 2 soundtrack.
Sam was working on her laptop about to fall asleep on the keyboard when the phone ringing startled her awake.
"Carter." She answered
"Hey, didn't wake you did I?"
"No Sir, what can I do for you?" She asked smiling at the sound of Jack's voice.
"Oh nothing just getting ready for bed and wanted to wish you good luck for your mission tomorrow. I have that teleconference on so I will not see you before you go."
"Well thank you Sir. It should be an easy day. It's just a 5hour recon mission and mineral survey. Seems like a lifetime since I did one of those." Sam replied.
"Yeah. So I'll let you get some sleep. Have a good time and Carter?"
"Yes Sir?" Sam asked.
"I'm proud of you." He said quietly.
"Thank you Sir." She replied. "Goodnight."
"Night." Jack said and Sam heard the soft click on the other end.
It seemed like she had got nowhere. She and Jack had perhaps the most in-depth and honest conversations after their promotions then it seemed like out of conditioning and habit they were acting like it never happened, and it was driving her crazy.
They felt the same way about each other, but they had a duty to the SGC and neither could move on from there. So they shared those occasional smiles, if they were lucky a brush of a hand, and when it got too much, when they needed to remind each other what they were fighting for there was those hugs. There was only a few but each one was burned into Sam's mind and whenever she needed it she mentally put herself back in his embrace and she seemed renewed.
But she still missed the intimacy side. Pete had given her something that she did not realise was so important till she lost it. It was not long after she and Jack had that conversation Pete had called her and they organised to go to dinner. She was aware that on some level she was betraying Jack, she knew that it was unfair to Pete as well. But he was not a bad guy. Still things were strained. She told Jack that he had called her. He was quiet and though normally he would have made a joke or got mad, he just told her that she should be happy. He did not realise that she would never be fully happy. Content would have to do.
She and Pete had dinner every now and again, and they spoke on the phone. But it was not the same. She could not touch him in public, and she hated it when he did it, kisses were brief and sex, well it was not option.
The week before, they got home from a restaurant and Pete attempted to take things a little further than the usual goodnight kiss. Sam had caught on and told him that she had to get up early. Pete had slammed his fist again the wall.
That Night
"Sam what is wrong?" Pete asked in exasperation.
"Nothing."
"Then why do you treat me like I have some disease."
"Pete you know it is not like that."
"Well it is obviously something. What did I do?"
"Nothing, I know this is going to sound like a cliché and a copout but it is not you, it's me."
"Oh please I'm a cop Sam I am not stupid. Just tell me why I am wasting my time?"
"I'm a waste of time because I won't sleep with you?"
"Not just that. It's like you can't bare me even touching you."
"Pete, please calm down."
"No Sam, not till you tell me what is going on."
"I can't love you." Sam said sitting on her couch.
"What?"
"Please don't take it the wrong way. You are wonderful and funny and smart. You are the perfect guy. But I don't deserve you." Sam said softly.
"Ok I am perfect and I love you, this is a problem where?"
"In here." Sam said putting a hand over her heart.
"Sam, I know that this is still kind of new and the serious thing is going to be hard with our work but please don't give up because things are a little tough." He said sitting beside her.
"It's not that. You deserve someone who can give you everything she has. I can't do that and it is unfair to us both."
"Sam I will take whatever time you can give."
"Pete, I'm not talking about time." She said placing a hand on his cheek.
"Then what?"
"You know that song on the Reba McEntire CD in your car, I'm Not Your Girl."
The lyrics flowed silently through Pete's head as she said it.
'They say people change, and I wish it were true, it's something I've tried so hard to do. And I can't explain why right feels so wrong, and I keep hearing the same old song.'
"I see." Pete said quietly.
"Pete I am so sorry. I know it sounds hollow. But I just need you to know that I cared for you a lot. I never lied to you, I lied to myself."
"It's O'Neill isn't it?"
"No, well yes but not in that way. Nothing has happened, but I would be lying if I told you that was by choice. And I cannot hold onto you and keep you from meeting someone who can make you happy. You have such a great heart to give to someone, but it is not me."
"I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything. You can hate me and curse my name forever. But please do not let this stop you from loving someone."
"Sam I could not hate you. But I am going to hold on to the right to do so in the future. But I will say the same thing to you. If you feel that strongly about him, do something about it. Do not let it pass you by."
"Oh god Pete. She is going to be very lucky." Sam said kissing his cheek.
Present Time
Sam packed up her laptop and headed off to bed. It sucked to be in love she thought to herself as she closed her eyes.
Next Day
Sam, Teal'c and Daniel were on PXB 490 and were ready to head back to the SGC in an hour.
"Well this is interesting, I think we have found a temple used by the Furlings." Daniel said.
"Really?" Sam asked coming to his side.
"Yeah, here it looks like a message, or a blessing in the language of the Ancients; May Dun'lay watch you and may you guide your people till we meet again. Well at least that is what I think it says. I will have to ask Jack when we get back but he should be able to fill in the holes and help with the translation of the rest of it. This wall here is in what I can only assume is Furling."
"Perhaps the Asguard could be of assistance with the translation of the Furling text." Teal'c said.
"We'll see when we get back. If you are done here Daniel we should head out now." Sam said putting stuff into her pack.
The three made there way back to the Stargate with Teal'c taking a lead on Sam and Daniel.
"So Sam, how are you liking command?" Daniel asked.
"It's great. I wish I had more lab time that is for sure but on a whole, I don't hate it." She replied.
"You and Jack seem to be getting on well?"
"I guess...don't we always?" Sam asked confused.
"Oh yes of course I just meant after everything that happened, you know."
"No I'm sorry Daniel I don't."
"I just thought maybe that you had thought about working out something a little more solid I mean Pete is officially out of the picture now. You said the dinner a few weeks ago did not go well."
"Not 'not well', just not great. I don't know why he is a great guy."
"He may be a great guy but you realise he is not the right great guy for you."
"Is this going to be a new thing with you? Since when do you play matchmaker?" Sam asked with a smirk.
"Ah, new hobby, next is to learn Swahili."
"Well maybe work on that first."
"So no chance of asking for a transfer or perhaps stepping down from the Air Force?"
"Daniel?"
"I mean how different would it be working as a scientist? I do and look, I have the same respect that you do...well some of it."
"God maybe I have waisted my life trying to make something of it, trying to be somebody." Sam said with a slight huff in her voice.
"Sorry, don't get me wrong I don't want to lose you as a team member I just thought that maybe when you had a taste of it as a colonel you may want to think about doing it as Dr Carter to remove a few ah...obstacles I guess."
"Daniel you are unbelievable you know that! What obstacles would they be exactly?"
"The ones keeping you from Jack."
"Daniel we have had this conversation. It is not going to happen." Sam replied getting more frustrated.
"No we have not had this conversation I believe I told you I was hoping for the best for you. But it seems that I am getting nowhere so I am taking affirmative action, I think would best describe it. Just think about it Sam. Don't you wonder?"
"YES DANIEL! God when did you get so pushy? Yes I think about it. I think about it almost every time I see him or when I am not concentrating on a project or mission. But I deal with it and move on." Sam yelled at him turning to face him.
"You should not have to do that though Sam."
"Well I've been doing it for nearly seven years I've gotten pretty damn good at it." Sam hissed back.
"Sam, I'm sorry. I am not trying to upset you I just see how much it hurts you, both of you." Daniel said trying to calm her.
"Yeah well then shut up about it and I will be just fine." Sam said and started walking back to the gate.
The three of them emerged on the other side of the gate and handed their weapons to the waiting airmen. Jack stood at the bottom of the ramp.
"Welcome back SG 1 I take it the mission was a success."
"Yes Sir." Sam replied.
"Yes."
"Indeed."
Jack was surprised at the friction between the team and could sense things had not gone well.
"Sir with your permission could we please conduct the debriefing following our physicals I have a lot of work to catch up on and it should be a short recap." Sam said.
"Certainly Colonel. See you in half an hour." Jack said walking off.
Briefing Room
"And with help from the Asgaurd we should know what the temple was for and find out more about Dun'Lay." Daniel said.
"Anything else you wish to add?" Jack asked. "How is the three person unit working for you?"
"Fine Sir." Sam replied.
"Great." Daniel said.
"Teal'c?" Jack asked.
"It is a satisfactory situation. Although I am missing your bad jokes O'Neill. They seem to relieve the tension." Teal'c replied. Jack gave the man a smile.
"Well then if that is all, dismissed. Go play with your reactors and ancient texts and...candles."
"Thank you Sir." Sam said getting up and leaving before anyone.
"I'll just..." Daniel said standing up pointing to the door.
"Teal'c could you perhaps inform me of what the fight between the two of them is about?" Jack asked.
"I believe it is a private matter O'Neill." He replied.
"Oh come on, since when do you conceal anything?"
"Daniel Jackson made a comment to which Colonel Carter took offence. I suggest you ask them for the rest." Teal'c said with a bow of his head and left the room.
Jack made his way to Daniel's office and banged oh the door.
"Come in!" Daniel called.
"Got a minute?" Jack asked as he came in.
"Sure. What's up?" Daniel asked.
"What did you do to Carter?" he asked.
"Nothing."
"Well you obviously managed to piss her off. And it had to be you because Teal'c does not say anything to annoy anyone and I was not there."
"You just answered your own question."
"What?"
"What?"
"You said I answered my own question."
"You did. When you said you weren't there."
"Ok look it is late, very late, just answer in the English language structure and not as if you translated it from German."
"Sam got mad because I made a suggestion that to anyone else would seem like a good idea."
"And what was that, and where do I fit in?"
"I told her that if she worked at the SGC as a civilian, gave up the Air Force, then she could still lead SG 1 because we are not a defence team now and she would be able to pursue other interests."
"WHAT!" Jack yelled taking a step towards him.
"Hey it was a suggestion."
"A bad one."
"And why is that?"
"Daniel, do you know how important this is to her? You obviously forgot otherwise you would never have said that to her. She has gone further than a hell of a lot of women do in the military and she is going to make others see that being a woman is not going to disadvantage them if they want to pursue a career in the Air Force." Jack said pacing.
"And since when did you add a purple sash to your BDUs?" Daniel asked.
"Oh real mature."
"I'm serious Jack. Do you think she would have gone from Captain to Colonel in 7 years if it were not for this assignment..."
"Daniel so help me if you make any insinuation that she has not deserved EVERYTHING that she achieved I will shoot you myself."
"No Jack of course not. But that is not going to happen for every woman who joins the military. Sam has had chance after chance to prove herself worthy of going all the way to the top to probably out rank you one day. Not every officer is that lucky, Major Tanns has been a Major since 93. And he is a man."
"But he took a sizeable chunk of that time off to look after is wife and kids when she was in a car wreck and he was also injured himself and it took him a while to get back to full fitness." Jack countered.
"Ok but all that aside. I am proud of Sam, she is like a sister and I know that if she were to step down now, no one would think any less of her. She went far and she has left a thumbprint that no one will match. She deserves a life."
"Pete understands what it means to her."
"Pete is not an issue, they are not seeing each other anymore."
"Yes they are."
"No they are not. You are so dense. She left him for you." Daniel said.
"Daniel watch what you say."
"No. I have been doing that for too long. The two of you have given your lives to this place. Isn't it time that you had the chance to have a life outside here."
"Look who's talking?"
"At least I tried. I am trying to get things back on track with Sarah. Let me ask you one question, how do you feel about her?" Daniel said.
"Not important."
"YES IT IS! It is VERY important Jack. Answer me."
"Will you shut up?"
"Probably not, if you say what I want you to say."
"I care about her you know that."
"You care about her as a friend, sister, daughter what?"
"I care about her. She knows I do. But I cannot just call her up and profess my love for her. I am not going to make her give up all that she has worked for."
"You do love her?"
"Yes I love her Daniel."
"Sir?" A small voice asked from behind them.
"Sam." Daniel said going a whiter shade of pale.
"Carter." Jack said felling slightly ill.
"Um I'll let you finish." Sam said stepping out of the room.
"Sam wait!" Daniel called.
"Let her go."
"Jack, you should talk to her."
"Later."
Later that night
Jack took a deep breath as he opened her door.
"Sam?"
"Sir! What can I do for you?"
"Well considering...everything I think I am just going to ask. How much did you hear?" Jack said.
"I came in when Daniel asked if you loved her. I did not know you were seeing anyone Sir." Sam said going back to her computer.
"What! No. Carter I'm not seeing anyone."
"Oh."
"So you and Pete are officially over I hear?"
"Yeah. It was too much."
"Too much?"
"The whole commitment thing."
"So you are happy single?"
"Well no."
"Sam..." Jack said stepping to her side.
"Jack please don't." She said moving away.
"Jack now is it?" He replied.
"Sorry Sir." She said stiffening.
"Don't be. It was you."
"What?" Sam asked
"I was talking about you."
"I thought so."
"So Daniel is being a pain in the ass."
"A royal one." Sam replied with a small smile.
"Listen. I thought we had solved this." Jack said.
"We did Sir."
"But I've been thinking. What if we never get the chance to go fishing, if we leave it up to fate." Jack said tentatively.
Sam drew in a sharp breath.
"Sir, please."
"No Sam, what if I told you that I was ready to move on?"
"You're not."
"That's where you are wrong." He said standing in front of her. Jack hit the remote to the small stereo by accident, which started playing as the two stood face to face. Both unable to speak.
There's a nail in the door
And there's glass on the lawn
Tacks on the floor
And the TV is on
And I always sleep with my guns when you're gone
There's a blade by the bed
And a phone in my hand
A dog on the floor
And some cash on the nightstand
When I'm all alone the dreaming stops
And I just can't stand
Jack put his hands on either side of Sam's face and stared deeply into her eyes unable to look away.
What should I do I'm just a little baby
What if the lights go out
And maybe and then the wind just starts to moan
Outside the door he followed me home
So goodnight moon
I want the sun
If it's not here soon
I might be done
No it won't be too soon 'til I say goodnight moon
Sam's arms wound around his waist and she leaned in until her forehead was pressed against his.
"This is wrong." She said softly.
"Shhh. No it's finally right." He replied.
There's a shark in the pool
And a witch in the tree
A crazy old neighbour and he's been watching me
And there's footsteps loud and strong coming down the hall
Something's under the bed
Now it's out in the hedge
There's a big black crow sitting on my window ledge
And I hear something scratching through the wall
What should I do I'm just a little baby
What if the lights go out
And maybe I just to be all alone
Outside the door he followed me home
Jack leaned in and pressed his lips to Sam's softly. Sam tried to forget how much trouble she was creating and kissed him back.
So goodnight moon
I want the sun
If it's not here soon
I might be done
No it won't be too soon 'til I say goodnight moon
Jack pulled back and Sam looked down at the floor.
"What have we done?" She asked quietly.
What should I do I'm just a little baby
What if the lights go out
And maybe and then the wind just starts to moan
Outside the door he followed me home
So goodnight moon
I want the sun
If it's not here soon
I might be done
No it won't be too soon 'til I say goodnight moon
Sam was working on her laptop about to fall asleep on the keyboard when the phone ringing startled her awake.
"Carter." She answered
"Hey, didn't wake you did I?"
"No Sir, what can I do for you?" She asked smiling at the sound of Jack's voice.
"Oh nothing just getting ready for bed and wanted to wish you good luck for your mission tomorrow. I have that teleconference on so I will not see you before you go."
"Well thank you Sir. It should be an easy day. It's just a 5hour recon mission and mineral survey. Seems like a lifetime since I did one of those." Sam replied.
"Yeah. So I'll let you get some sleep. Have a good time and Carter?"
"Yes Sir?" Sam asked.
"I'm proud of you." He said quietly.
"Thank you Sir." She replied. "Goodnight."
"Night." Jack said and Sam heard the soft click on the other end.
It seemed like she had got nowhere. She and Jack had perhaps the most in-depth and honest conversations after their promotions then it seemed like out of conditioning and habit they were acting like it never happened, and it was driving her crazy.
They felt the same way about each other, but they had a duty to the SGC and neither could move on from there. So they shared those occasional smiles, if they were lucky a brush of a hand, and when it got too much, when they needed to remind each other what they were fighting for there was those hugs. There was only a few but each one was burned into Sam's mind and whenever she needed it she mentally put herself back in his embrace and she seemed renewed.
But she still missed the intimacy side. Pete had given her something that she did not realise was so important till she lost it. It was not long after she and Jack had that conversation Pete had called her and they organised to go to dinner. She was aware that on some level she was betraying Jack, she knew that it was unfair to Pete as well. But he was not a bad guy. Still things were strained. She told Jack that he had called her. He was quiet and though normally he would have made a joke or got mad, he just told her that she should be happy. He did not realise that she would never be fully happy. Content would have to do.
She and Pete had dinner every now and again, and they spoke on the phone. But it was not the same. She could not touch him in public, and she hated it when he did it, kisses were brief and sex, well it was not option.
The week before, they got home from a restaurant and Pete attempted to take things a little further than the usual goodnight kiss. Sam had caught on and told him that she had to get up early. Pete had slammed his fist again the wall.
That Night
"Sam what is wrong?" Pete asked in exasperation.
"Nothing."
"Then why do you treat me like I have some disease."
"Pete you know it is not like that."
"Well it is obviously something. What did I do?"
"Nothing, I know this is going to sound like a cliché and a copout but it is not you, it's me."
"Oh please I'm a cop Sam I am not stupid. Just tell me why I am wasting my time?"
"I'm a waste of time because I won't sleep with you?"
"Not just that. It's like you can't bare me even touching you."
"Pete, please calm down."
"No Sam, not till you tell me what is going on."
"I can't love you." Sam said sitting on her couch.
"What?"
"Please don't take it the wrong way. You are wonderful and funny and smart. You are the perfect guy. But I don't deserve you." Sam said softly.
"Ok I am perfect and I love you, this is a problem where?"
"In here." Sam said putting a hand over her heart.
"Sam, I know that this is still kind of new and the serious thing is going to be hard with our work but please don't give up because things are a little tough." He said sitting beside her.
"It's not that. You deserve someone who can give you everything she has. I can't do that and it is unfair to us both."
"Sam I will take whatever time you can give."
"Pete, I'm not talking about time." She said placing a hand on his cheek.
"Then what?"
"You know that song on the Reba McEntire CD in your car, I'm Not Your Girl."
The lyrics flowed silently through Pete's head as she said it.
'They say people change, and I wish it were true, it's something I've tried so hard to do. And I can't explain why right feels so wrong, and I keep hearing the same old song.'
"I see." Pete said quietly.
"Pete I am so sorry. I know it sounds hollow. But I just need you to know that I cared for you a lot. I never lied to you, I lied to myself."
"It's O'Neill isn't it?"
"No, well yes but not in that way. Nothing has happened, but I would be lying if I told you that was by choice. And I cannot hold onto you and keep you from meeting someone who can make you happy. You have such a great heart to give to someone, but it is not me."
"I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything. You can hate me and curse my name forever. But please do not let this stop you from loving someone."
"Sam I could not hate you. But I am going to hold on to the right to do so in the future. But I will say the same thing to you. If you feel that strongly about him, do something about it. Do not let it pass you by."
"Oh god Pete. She is going to be very lucky." Sam said kissing his cheek.
Present Time
Sam packed up her laptop and headed off to bed. It sucked to be in love she thought to herself as she closed her eyes.
Next Day
Sam, Teal'c and Daniel were on PXB 490 and were ready to head back to the SGC in an hour.
"Well this is interesting, I think we have found a temple used by the Furlings." Daniel said.
"Really?" Sam asked coming to his side.
"Yeah, here it looks like a message, or a blessing in the language of the Ancients; May Dun'lay watch you and may you guide your people till we meet again. Well at least that is what I think it says. I will have to ask Jack when we get back but he should be able to fill in the holes and help with the translation of the rest of it. This wall here is in what I can only assume is Furling."
"Perhaps the Asguard could be of assistance with the translation of the Furling text." Teal'c said.
"We'll see when we get back. If you are done here Daniel we should head out now." Sam said putting stuff into her pack.
The three made there way back to the Stargate with Teal'c taking a lead on Sam and Daniel.
"So Sam, how are you liking command?" Daniel asked.
"It's great. I wish I had more lab time that is for sure but on a whole, I don't hate it." She replied.
"You and Jack seem to be getting on well?"
"I guess...don't we always?" Sam asked confused.
"Oh yes of course I just meant after everything that happened, you know."
"No I'm sorry Daniel I don't."
"I just thought maybe that you had thought about working out something a little more solid I mean Pete is officially out of the picture now. You said the dinner a few weeks ago did not go well."
"Not 'not well', just not great. I don't know why he is a great guy."
"He may be a great guy but you realise he is not the right great guy for you."
"Is this going to be a new thing with you? Since when do you play matchmaker?" Sam asked with a smirk.
"Ah, new hobby, next is to learn Swahili."
"Well maybe work on that first."
"So no chance of asking for a transfer or perhaps stepping down from the Air Force?"
"Daniel?"
"I mean how different would it be working as a scientist? I do and look, I have the same respect that you do...well some of it."
"God maybe I have waisted my life trying to make something of it, trying to be somebody." Sam said with a slight huff in her voice.
"Sorry, don't get me wrong I don't want to lose you as a team member I just thought that maybe when you had a taste of it as a colonel you may want to think about doing it as Dr Carter to remove a few ah...obstacles I guess."
"Daniel you are unbelievable you know that! What obstacles would they be exactly?"
"The ones keeping you from Jack."
"Daniel we have had this conversation. It is not going to happen." Sam replied getting more frustrated.
"No we have not had this conversation I believe I told you I was hoping for the best for you. But it seems that I am getting nowhere so I am taking affirmative action, I think would best describe it. Just think about it Sam. Don't you wonder?"
"YES DANIEL! God when did you get so pushy? Yes I think about it. I think about it almost every time I see him or when I am not concentrating on a project or mission. But I deal with it and move on." Sam yelled at him turning to face him.
"You should not have to do that though Sam."
"Well I've been doing it for nearly seven years I've gotten pretty damn good at it." Sam hissed back.
"Sam, I'm sorry. I am not trying to upset you I just see how much it hurts you, both of you." Daniel said trying to calm her.
"Yeah well then shut up about it and I will be just fine." Sam said and started walking back to the gate.
The three of them emerged on the other side of the gate and handed their weapons to the waiting airmen. Jack stood at the bottom of the ramp.
"Welcome back SG 1 I take it the mission was a success."
"Yes Sir." Sam replied.
"Yes."
"Indeed."
Jack was surprised at the friction between the team and could sense things had not gone well.
"Sir with your permission could we please conduct the debriefing following our physicals I have a lot of work to catch up on and it should be a short recap." Sam said.
"Certainly Colonel. See you in half an hour." Jack said walking off.
Briefing Room
"And with help from the Asgaurd we should know what the temple was for and find out more about Dun'Lay." Daniel said.
"Anything else you wish to add?" Jack asked. "How is the three person unit working for you?"
"Fine Sir." Sam replied.
"Great." Daniel said.
"Teal'c?" Jack asked.
"It is a satisfactory situation. Although I am missing your bad jokes O'Neill. They seem to relieve the tension." Teal'c replied. Jack gave the man a smile.
"Well then if that is all, dismissed. Go play with your reactors and ancient texts and...candles."
"Thank you Sir." Sam said getting up and leaving before anyone.
"I'll just..." Daniel said standing up pointing to the door.
"Teal'c could you perhaps inform me of what the fight between the two of them is about?" Jack asked.
"I believe it is a private matter O'Neill." He replied.
"Oh come on, since when do you conceal anything?"
"Daniel Jackson made a comment to which Colonel Carter took offence. I suggest you ask them for the rest." Teal'c said with a bow of his head and left the room.
Jack made his way to Daniel's office and banged oh the door.
"Come in!" Daniel called.
"Got a minute?" Jack asked as he came in.
"Sure. What's up?" Daniel asked.
"What did you do to Carter?" he asked.
"Nothing."
"Well you obviously managed to piss her off. And it had to be you because Teal'c does not say anything to annoy anyone and I was not there."
"You just answered your own question."
"What?"
"What?"
"You said I answered my own question."
"You did. When you said you weren't there."
"Ok look it is late, very late, just answer in the English language structure and not as if you translated it from German."
"Sam got mad because I made a suggestion that to anyone else would seem like a good idea."
"And what was that, and where do I fit in?"
"I told her that if she worked at the SGC as a civilian, gave up the Air Force, then she could still lead SG 1 because we are not a defence team now and she would be able to pursue other interests."
"WHAT!" Jack yelled taking a step towards him.
"Hey it was a suggestion."
"A bad one."
"And why is that?"
"Daniel, do you know how important this is to her? You obviously forgot otherwise you would never have said that to her. She has gone further than a hell of a lot of women do in the military and she is going to make others see that being a woman is not going to disadvantage them if they want to pursue a career in the Air Force." Jack said pacing.
"And since when did you add a purple sash to your BDUs?" Daniel asked.
"Oh real mature."
"I'm serious Jack. Do you think she would have gone from Captain to Colonel in 7 years if it were not for this assignment..."
"Daniel so help me if you make any insinuation that she has not deserved EVERYTHING that she achieved I will shoot you myself."
"No Jack of course not. But that is not going to happen for every woman who joins the military. Sam has had chance after chance to prove herself worthy of going all the way to the top to probably out rank you one day. Not every officer is that lucky, Major Tanns has been a Major since 93. And he is a man."
"But he took a sizeable chunk of that time off to look after is wife and kids when she was in a car wreck and he was also injured himself and it took him a while to get back to full fitness." Jack countered.
"Ok but all that aside. I am proud of Sam, she is like a sister and I know that if she were to step down now, no one would think any less of her. She went far and she has left a thumbprint that no one will match. She deserves a life."
"Pete understands what it means to her."
"Pete is not an issue, they are not seeing each other anymore."
"Yes they are."
"No they are not. You are so dense. She left him for you." Daniel said.
"Daniel watch what you say."
"No. I have been doing that for too long. The two of you have given your lives to this place. Isn't it time that you had the chance to have a life outside here."
"Look who's talking?"
"At least I tried. I am trying to get things back on track with Sarah. Let me ask you one question, how do you feel about her?" Daniel said.
"Not important."
"YES IT IS! It is VERY important Jack. Answer me."
"Will you shut up?"
"Probably not, if you say what I want you to say."
"I care about her you know that."
"You care about her as a friend, sister, daughter what?"
"I care about her. She knows I do. But I cannot just call her up and profess my love for her. I am not going to make her give up all that she has worked for."
"You do love her?"
"Yes I love her Daniel."
"Sir?" A small voice asked from behind them.
"Sam." Daniel said going a whiter shade of pale.
"Carter." Jack said felling slightly ill.
"Um I'll let you finish." Sam said stepping out of the room.
"Sam wait!" Daniel called.
"Let her go."
"Jack, you should talk to her."
"Later."
Later that night
Jack took a deep breath as he opened her door.
"Sam?"
"Sir! What can I do for you?"
"Well considering...everything I think I am just going to ask. How much did you hear?" Jack said.
"I came in when Daniel asked if you loved her. I did not know you were seeing anyone Sir." Sam said going back to her computer.
"What! No. Carter I'm not seeing anyone."
"Oh."
"So you and Pete are officially over I hear?"
"Yeah. It was too much."
"Too much?"
"The whole commitment thing."
"So you are happy single?"
"Well no."
"Sam..." Jack said stepping to her side.
"Jack please don't." She said moving away.
"Jack now is it?" He replied.
"Sorry Sir." She said stiffening.
"Don't be. It was you."
"What?" Sam asked
"I was talking about you."
"I thought so."
"So Daniel is being a pain in the ass."
"A royal one." Sam replied with a small smile.
"Listen. I thought we had solved this." Jack said.
"We did Sir."
"But I've been thinking. What if we never get the chance to go fishing, if we leave it up to fate." Jack said tentatively.
Sam drew in a sharp breath.
"Sir, please."
"No Sam, what if I told you that I was ready to move on?"
"You're not."
"That's where you are wrong." He said standing in front of her. Jack hit the remote to the small stereo by accident, which started playing as the two stood face to face. Both unable to speak.
There's a nail in the door
And there's glass on the lawn
Tacks on the floor
And the TV is on
And I always sleep with my guns when you're gone
There's a blade by the bed
And a phone in my hand
A dog on the floor
And some cash on the nightstand
When I'm all alone the dreaming stops
And I just can't stand
Jack put his hands on either side of Sam's face and stared deeply into her eyes unable to look away.
What should I do I'm just a little baby
What if the lights go out
And maybe and then the wind just starts to moan
Outside the door he followed me home
So goodnight moon
I want the sun
If it's not here soon
I might be done
No it won't be too soon 'til I say goodnight moon
Sam's arms wound around his waist and she leaned in until her forehead was pressed against his.
"This is wrong." She said softly.
"Shhh. No it's finally right." He replied.
There's a shark in the pool
And a witch in the tree
A crazy old neighbour and he's been watching me
And there's footsteps loud and strong coming down the hall
Something's under the bed
Now it's out in the hedge
There's a big black crow sitting on my window ledge
And I hear something scratching through the wall
What should I do I'm just a little baby
What if the lights go out
And maybe I just to be all alone
Outside the door he followed me home
Jack leaned in and pressed his lips to Sam's softly. Sam tried to forget how much trouble she was creating and kissed him back.
So goodnight moon
I want the sun
If it's not here soon
I might be done
No it won't be too soon 'til I say goodnight moon
Jack pulled back and Sam looked down at the floor.
"What have we done?" She asked quietly.
What should I do I'm just a little baby
What if the lights go out
And maybe and then the wind just starts to moan
Outside the door he followed me home
So goodnight moon
I want the sun
If it's not here soon
I might be done
No it won't be too soon 'til I say goodnight moon