Title: The Exclamation Series Part 9: Screw It!
Author: Su Freund
Email: sufreund (delete spaces)
Website: www ficwithfins com (insert . instead of spaces in the address)
Category: Romance, with a little fluff and angst.
Content Warnings: Non explicit references to sexual activity and use of mild language.
Pairings: Jack & Sam
Season: Future
Spoilers: Window of Opportunity
Rating: PG-13. NC-17 version also available on the Fic with Fins site
Summary: Sam has made her decision at last, but is it in Jack's favour?
Sequel/Series Info: Sequel to The Exclamation Series Part 8: Sam!
Status: Series
Disclaimer: Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of Stargate (II) Productions, Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions. This story is for entertainment purposes only and no money exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author. This story may not be posted elsewhere without the consent of the author. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
Copyright © 2004 Su Freund
File Size: 70 KB
Archive: My site, Jackfic yes, SJD yes, Gateworld, FanFiction Net
Author's Note: My eternal thanks to Bonnie for beta reading this fic and her patience and advice.
The Exclamation Series Part 9: Screw It!
Sam couldn't quite believe the conversation she had with her father in the engine room of the Tel'tac on the way home from their mission. They'd had a few close calls, but the mission had been a complete success. They were in more danger when they'd broken down in the middle of Goa'uld territory, yet again, than they'd been while putting the universe to rights for the Tok'ra.
They'd finished fixing the Tel'tac and Sam had shouted for Teal'c to punch it and went to leave.
"Wait Sam." Jacob gently grabbed her arm to stop her.
"Dad?"
Jacob went for the direct approach. He'd never been a beating around the bush kind of guy.
"What's with you and Jack?"
"W...what?" Sam replied, caught off guard. Her father just stared at her and said nothing. "What do you mean? Nothing."
"Come on Sam, you can't pull the wool over your father's eyes. I sensed it. I know it. Things have changed between you, haven't they?"
"And if I say yes are you going to give me the big lecture about duty, honor, and Air Force regulations?"
"No." He replied, surprising her even more. "Does that mean there is something going on? Please don't lie to me Sam." Sam sighed. She so did not want to have this conversation with her father.
"If not the lecture, then what?"
"Stop avoiding the question Sam. And don't give me that look. I know you better than you think."
"Oh screw it!" Sam exclaimed, surprising Jacob, "okay, I confess. What now?"
"Sam, sit down."
"Where dad?"
"On the floor, where else?"
They sat and Jacob took her hand.
"You think I won't approve of you with Jack? Are you having an affair? Breaching the regs? You think I won't like that either. I don't want to lecture you Sam, I just want to know what's going on in my own daughter's life."
Sam reluctantly resigned herself to telling him.
"After all these years... something... just happened. We never meant it to, not really, but it did. I love him dad." She admitted. It felt good to tell someone else, even if it was her own father; a General in the USAF. Go figure!
"Tell me something I didn't know sweetheart."
Sam looked into his eyes, shocked that he knew.
"How could you know that?"
"I told you I know you better than you think."
"So?"
"So. Does he make you happy? Do you want to be with him? I'm talking to you as your father Sam, not a General. I know I shouldn't approve if you're breaching the regs but, frankly, I don't really care about them. I care about what's in your heart."
Sam was moved by this simple confession from her father. It was refreshing to have a heart to heart with him. Too often in the past he had played the General, instead of the father. Now he was reversing his polarity.
"Jack's in my heart." She said it so softly, he almost didn't hear it.
"Then go for it. Be happy. He loves you, doesn't he?" Jacob stated this as if he was certain of the truth of it.
"How do you know that?" She asked and Jacob laughed.
"You think it isn't obvious?" Sam felt slightly embarrassed that it seemed that way. "If I thought for one minute he wasn't serious, that he was messing around with you Sam, I'd kill him. I want you to be happy and I think, hope, he's the one that's going to do that."
"I want to go for it dad, but I'm scared."
"Scared? Scared of committing your heart to a good man? Scared of letting your feelings loose? Scared for your careers?"
"All of the above." She shrugged helplessly.
"Take the chance Sam." He smiled and squeezed her hand, very much like Jack did. "Go be happy, make babies. You want children don't you?"
"Yes. I'd love to have Jack's children." She smiled slightly dreamily at the notion and it warmed her father's heart.
"Then screw it!" Sam smiled at his use of her words. "Do it before it's too late, for both of you. I like Jack. You know that. I think he's probably a little too old for you, but what the heck? None of that stuff really matters. Your life matters Sam. You only get one of those... well generally speaking anyway." He grinned at that and Sam tittered. "So?"
"So. I... I'll sort it out when we get back dad. I promise."
"Good enough."
They stood up and Jacob pulled her into a hug.
"You're a sentimental old fool sometimes Jacob Carter." Whispered Selmak softly in his mind.
"Pot and kettle comes to mind my dear symbiote." Jacob replied affectionately.
"Don't doubt yourself so much Sam." He said aloud to Sam. "It's your biggest failing. You're great at the science, and the soldiering, but not so hot when it comes to the heart. It's time to put that first." He kissed the top of her head and led her back to the others without another word.
A few days later:
Sam wondered what Jack would think about the little surprise that would greet him when he got home from the mountain. She rang to check he'd been discharged to discover that he'd left the SGC about 45 minutes before.
Jack returned the salute of the airman who had brought him home and opened his front door. There's no place like home, he sighed as he walked in. On the floor was a note in hand-written scrawl, 'Delivery 8 am'. Left round back.' Oh? Jack was intrigued and quickly trotted to the back to find a bouquet of flowers lying in wait for him. Sam! Trust her to send him flowers; a little unusual perhaps but it made him feel good and his heart fluttered erratically. He grinned, picking them up and reading the card: "My place, 19:00, S'. Jack laughed aloud. 19:00? She didn't seriously expect him to wait that long, did she?
He pottered around for a while, dealing with some of his own paperwork and a couple of non strenuous things. He was under strict orders; no driving, drinking alcohol, heavy exercise or lifting; lots of rest. He wasn't a person who took much notice of those sorts of orders, but he wasn't stupid either. There was no point in asking for trouble.
Jack was still a little sore, but that few days in the infirmary had made a lot of difference, and he was healing fast. He couldn't run a marathon, that was for sure, but was feeling remarkably fit considering the circumstances.
He'd been relieved when SG-1 had all got back safely, and a little perplexed by Jacob's strange attitude towards him. Something had changed. What? Had Sam told him about them? If she had, Jacob clearly didn't disapprove or he would never have left the SGC without saying something to Jack. If that was the case then he must have a few points in his favour.
He hadn't expected Jacob to be happy about them. He knew Jacob liked him, they got along pretty well, and the sarcastic ribbing was just their way of dealing with each other. They were alike in many ways. They say all girls end up with people like their fathers, so maybe that was a good thing, maybe not.
Liking him was one thing, but liking him having intimate relations with his daughter, who also happened to be Jack's 2IC, was something altogether different. Jacob as dad? That really would be something. Now all he had to do was persuade Sam to marry him. He laughed to himself at these ridiculous thoughts.
Eventually, he got showered and ready to go to Sam's, picking out something to wear that he hoped she'd like. He didn't worry that much about clothes but wanted to make an effort for her. He was relatively satisfied with the image that met him in the mirror. Okay, Jack, go get her!
The cab arrived at Sam's place at 16:00, a whole three hours earlier than her invitation had said. Surprise! He hoped she was in a good mood. This was going to be the first opportunity they'd had to be entirely alone since the weekend they had slept together. Was that really a couple of weeks ago?
"Oh! Ummm...hello Sir." She was taken aback to see him on her doorstep this early. Jack didn't like the sound of the 'Sir' one little bit and hoped it was a case of old habits dying hard.
"Look I know I'm a little early Sam, but are you gonna let me in?"
"Are you running out of patience with me?"
"I guess..." He shrugged in his most apologetic manner. She let him in and they stood awkwardly in her hall. Jack was beginning to regret coming so early, worried that he was pushing her too far. Surely she must have made her decision? She'd promised it last weekend and now it was this weekend. "Umm... I love the flowers Sam. Thank you."
He blushed and Sam thought, oh my, he looks cute when he's embarrassed and flustered, and was pleased that her gift had elicited such a response. She hadn't been sure that flowers were the right thing for a man like Jack, but had been unable to resist the idea once it had occurred to her. She felt her own face flushing in response to his reaction. When Jack saw that he grinned, holding both hope and doubt in his heart in almost equal measure.
"It's weird you should come here because I thought about coming round to yours." She said, surprising him.
"Despite the invite?" He asked, and she nodded. "You made a decision?" She could hear the trepidation in his voice but didn't reply.
"Right." He looked disappointed. She was taking too long to think about it. He feared that the longer she took the less hope he had of a positive outcome from all of this. "So I guess that's why you didn't come round, huh?"
She placed her hands on either side of his face and leaned up to kiss him, starting slow and becoming quite passionate. This had to mean something, right? Jack thought as he responded. Something good for him? Had he won?
Then Sam's hand's started to seduce him. She was coming on strong; hands everywhere. Despite wincing a little as she ran her fingers over his chest, initially he responded with enthusiasm, starting to undo the buttons on her blouse.
Unfortunately, Jack's mind wandered to the question of whether this was all about the sex and he couldn't shift it. It was pretty clear that sex was what she wanted. Was she going to come to his place merely to seduce him? The thoughts were off-putting. He couldn't bear for this to be that sort of relationship, however much he desired her.
"Sam! Stop, please stop it!" He cried, pushing himself away from her and leaning against the opposite wall, breathing heavily.
"Jack!" She looked a little put out.
"I really do not want this to be about the sex Sam." He started to walk the length of her hall to the kitchen, frustrated and uncomfortable, Sam following behind.
"It's not Jack. For God's sake stop already!"
"I think I could do with a beer." He snapped, helping himself without even asking and taking a long gulp before he would look at her. He reasoned that no one at the SGC was going to know that he'd had one small beer. "So what is it all about because you are confusing the hell out of me? One minute you imply that you haven't made up your mind and the next you're all over me."
"I would think you'd be more flattered. Didn't this give you some clue as to what I'm thinking?" She replied, annoyed.
"Not really."
Jack's face was set to stubborn mode and Sam sighed. How did she convince him? It occurred to her that he was so lacking in self esteem for someone apparently brimming in self confidence. She guessed she couldn't blame him for thinking that sex might be what she was really interested in. She'd turned up to seduce him on his roof top, then next morning had sex in the shower before telling him she was wasn't sure they should continue with it. Poor Jack was bound to be confused because so was she. Too damned right she was interested in the sex, Jack was extremely talented, but there was a whole lot more to it than that and she had to convince him that this was so.
It was all her fault for being so cautious about everything she did; she should have just gone for it there and then. Instead she'd filled him with doubt and
wounded his ego. He'd put such a brave face on it, been so wonderful, trying to woo her to him. He could so easily have sulked and been in a bad mood about it, and maybe he was feeling like that behind the Jack O'Neill mask.
She tried to imagine how she would have felt in his place and realised she would have been very hurt and angry. If a man treated her like that she would probably cut him off entirely. Sam Carter, you are a fool, she told herself, men have feelings too; you can't just dick around.
Those thoughts heightened her admiration for Jack. He had been incredibly patient. She could so easily have lost him through her actions and she didn't want that. This was one relationship which required her to throw her Major Carter caution to the wind. Screw it! She suddenly knew what to do.
"I never said I hadn't made up my mind Jack. Follow me." She ordered.
Okay... what now? The anger and hurt Jack had been suppressing for the last couple of weeks had started to boil up inside and he was barely containing it. Sam led him to her study, although he was more than tempted to walk out on her at that point. She would never know how close she'd come to blowing it.
Sam's laptop was open and switched on.
"Take a look at that. Go on, read it!" She urged angrily.
"Nice screensaver!" He replied sarcastically.
"Jack! Don't play dumb. Please."
"He touched the laptop, bringing it back to life. The screen displayed a letter and his eyes widened as he read it.
"Sam!" He was shocked to the core. It was her resignation from the Air Force. "You... you..."
Jack was lost for words. She was willing to give it all up for him and he was screwing around. The anger dissipated rapidly, replaced by humble acceptance of her depth of feeling. She saw his shoulders slump and he reached out to her, pulling her into his arms. "I'm sorry. I... I didn't know."
"Of course not, how could you? Jack, don't think I haven't had my doubts because I have. I guess that's why I've been... avoiding the issue." He kissed her tenderly.
"I can't let you do it. You know that don't you?" He whispered.
"It's not up to you." She said. That was true but he knew she would regret it.
"You haven't done anything with it yet, have you?" He asked.
"No."
"Good. Then we'll talk about it." He looked at the beer in his hand, screwing up his nose. "I don't really want this. Got something else? Non-alcoholic?" He asked, shrugging apologetically.
He couldn't believe he was taking this so calmly. Sam would resign? This meant a lot and told him everything he needed to know about what she truly felt for him. He wouldn't let her sacrifice her career; not for him. He wasn't worth it and it should be him that did the leaving. He'd been pondering it ever since their night of passion.
"We'll talk later." She said. "Now? Lemonade." She paused and then grasped his arm continuing on a different theme. "There was one horrible moment a week ago when I thought I was going to lose you forever Jack. I couldn't bear that." He smiled and took her into his arms for a Jack O'Neill hug. It felt so comforting and secure.
"It'll take more than a dozen Jaffa to kill Jack O'Neill." He joked.
She smiled and took his hand, leading him back into the kitchen. She wanted him so much that she would resign for him? It played over and over in his mind. He could hardly believe it. He watched as she filled two glasses with ice and then lemonade. She was beautiful and he loved the way she moved. Her blouse was still undone and he felt desire hit him with a rush.
"I'm sorry Sam. I'm a fool. I just..."
"It's ok. I know." Leaving the glasses where they were she faced him. "Just kiss me or something you idiot."
He smiled and pulled her towards him, placing his lips on hers and rapidly gaining entrance to her mouth with his tongue. They stripped off and made love right there in her kitchen, fulfilling yet another one of Jack's erotic fantasies.
"That was..." She said afterwards, kissing his chest and sighing happily. "Wanna go again?" She enquired, a devious look in her eye.
"Sam! You're sex mad." Seeing the expression on her face, he added quickly, "Not that I'm complaining. But, hey, I'm getting old and grey here. I'm not sure I can keep up." He smiled and she laughed.
"You might have grey hair Jack but one thing you most definitely are not is old."
"Yeah? Well, maybe I've got a bit of life still left in me. Just... not right now? I don't think this is exactly what the doctor meant by rest and relaxation."
"I'm sorry." She said, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "It's just... dammit Jack I've wanted this for so long. Too long. I've never felt like this. No man has ever..." She didn't finish, just shrugged and looked at him so filled with love and desire that his stomach did a back flip and his heart raced.
Pulling him to her and laying her head gently on his chest, she stroked his back lightly.
"I just want you sooo much Jack. You can't know." She said. Her breath tickled at his chest hair, sending a shiver down his spine.
"Ya think?" He said, jauntily and she looked up and greeted his happy smile with one of her own. "I wouldn't bet on that."
She gently kissed the remaining bruising on his chest. It wasn't the livid black, blue and purple of fresh wounding anymore, but tinged the green and yellow which signified it's healing.
"I'll kiss it all better, Jack." He smiled at that, as she continued her gentle ministrations.
"I wish you could have done that in the infirmary. I would have been out of there twice as fast." He joked, grinning broadly, and she giggled. "You really are very beautiful Sam. I don't deserve you."
"No you don't. You deserve much better."
"I couldn't find any better."
"You deserve someone to love you without fear and reservation Jack. I should never have left your house that day. I should have known without thinking about it. You did, didn't you?"
"I've always known Sam."
"And you think I'm the clever one." He laughed at that.
"You can't learn everything from books you know." Then he turned serious and added, "I think we need to talk now, don't you? Get dressed and sit down like two normal people?"
The reticent Jack O'Neill wanted to talk? That was so unlike Jack that she thought it should be a headline in the Denver Post. He'd been awesomely astonishing lately; the flowers and presents, the e-mail, and now talk. This was riches indeed from the likes of a man like Jack. Normally he fiercely guarded his emotions, and his privacy.
"I'm not sure I do normal, but I can try." She kissed him briefly on the lips and started to put her clothes back on. "We could take a shower." She winked at him and he slapped her butt playfully.
"Maybe later." He grinned. "You might be able to 'persuade' me." Although he very much doubted his body was up to the athleticism they had displayed that morning in his shower.
"I might well try that." She paused to watch him put on his shirt, licking her lips as he covered his alluring chest. Battered and bruised it might be, but he still looked hot and sexy. She figured the shower was so not a good place for them to try sex at the moment, given his injury, but she pondered other things they might try instead, if they wanted to later.
They went into her living room, taking the lemonade, and cuddled together on her couch. After a while of quite canoodling Jack decided it was time to get down to business.
"I can't let you resign Sam. It should be me. I've thought a lot about it over the last couple of weeks. I had a bit of time on my hands, you know?" He picked up the lemonade to take a sip. The ice was almost melted and it was too weak.
"I'm the one that will have the kids Jack. It should be me."
Jack's eyes widened and he spluttered lemonade everywhere at this remark, taken aback that she said such a thing.
"Sam?" He enquired when he had regained his composure and noticed the look of horror on her face.
"Oh my God, what am I saying?" She had reddened. "I... I... I didn't mean to..."
She was mortified that she had taken so much for granted and spoken aloud of those feelings. That might not be what Jack wanted. They had never discussed any long term future together. He took her hand.
"Is that want you want? Get married, have kids. With me?" He seemed shocked and she wasn't sure how to interpret his reaction.
"Jack, I love you. That's what people normally do when they love each other isn't it? I didn't mean to be presumptuous."
Using lemonade as her excuse, Sam let go of his hand and got up to get away from him, turning her back so he couldn't see her fear. She was worried that she had put her foot in it and spoiled this thing that had only just started between them.
"Was that a proposal Samantha Carter?" He said, grabbing her hand to stop her from leaving.
"Ummm... I guess... I guess it was." She replied, unable to look at him.
He pulled her to him and onto his knee. Ow! Jack did his damnedest not to wince. His knees had been playing up lately. Another reason he should probably resign. It all added up.
"I thought that was my job." He said softly.
"I'm a liberated woman." Sam dared to look into his eyes at last, judging by his reaction that he was not totally adverse to the idea. "So what do you think Jack? I want to wake up with you next to me in the mornings. Babies. The whole bit. Am I moving too fast for you?"
"Not for me Sam." He raked his hand through her hair and kissed her tenderly on the cheek. "I'm a little taken aback is all, given I thought you hadn't even made up your mind about us when I first arrived."
"Did you really think I'd decide not to continue with it Jack?"
"Didn't you? It was you who was so full of doubt Sam, not me." She looked a little shame faced at this response.
"I wanted to find a way. I had to figure it out. I... Oh, I don't know. Does it matter anymore?"
"Only if you're gonna change your mind again."
"I'm not gonna change my mind Jack. So how about it old man?" She smirked lasciviously, "You gonna marry me?"
"God yes Sam. Anytime you want. I love you."
"Yeah. That's kinda cute."
"Cute? Oh puleeze!" He wrinkled his nose and she snickered. "Sam!"
"Jack, don't be so serious." She continued to laugh.
"I shouldn't take a marriage proposal seriously?" He exclaimed.
"Oh yeah. You should take that very seriously indeed."
"Then don't make fun of me." He made a sulky face.
"Would I?"
"Hell, yes." He started to tickle her unmercifully, deftly manoeuvring her off his misused knees and onto the couch, and then settled down into a deep kiss.
"So do I become Mr Jack Carter then?" He quipped as he pulled away from the kiss. "As you were the one who did the asking." Sam giggled.
"Now who's making fun?" She made a face.
"I like easy targets."
"Oh yeah? Hey... I quite like the sound of Jack Carter."
"Humph!" He tickled her again and she squealed with delight. "Then he looked very sincere and asked, "So how does tomorrow sound for a wedding date?" He smiled at Sam and she giggled.
"I'll have to check my schedule." She managed to reply jokingly.
Jack wasn't sure this was really happening. It was all going so fast. This was really it; him and Sam, for life. Until this moment he wasn't sure he had fully grasped how much that truly meant to him. It was a treasure beyond price and worth growing old for; they could grow old together. He smiled at that thought.
"So how about a few dates first, huh? The getting to know you thing I mentioned?" He said.
"I guess we ought to do that. There's the weekend you planned for us in Denver." She kissed his cheek as a thank you.
"That's a couple of weeks away!" He protested.
"It could take us at least that long to settle everything. We need to be careful until then Jack. I don't want either of us getting into trouble." He knew she referred to openly breaching the regs.
"It is settled. I'll hand in my resignation on Monday and we'll get married on Tuesday." He winked and she chuckled.
"Sadly I think it might take a bit longer than that to sort it out Jack." She said bringing reality back to the proceedings.
"Are you trying to say there'll be no sneaking around until it's all settled?" He was disappointed, not wanting to part with her ever again.
"Well, no sneaking around in public Jack, just a little sneaking around to each other's houses?"
"I can live with that." He kissed her lips lightly and gave her a gentle squeeze. At least he'd get to see her outside of the SGC, no more messing around.
"I'm not convinced you should be the one to leave Jack." She said, shortly.
"Sam!" he was exasperated. "You know it's the only sensible thing."
"There are other options."
"None of which are the right ones. We can scrub you leaving the Air Force, the SGC, or even SG-1. They are all non runners Sam. And me ending up a desk jockey? Forget it. What else is there?"
"Hammond might think of something."
"I'll talk to him about it if it makes you happy. Good enough?"
"You're not going to tell him...?"
"Of course not. What do you take me for?"
If he was honest, he genuinely wanted to leave the SGC. It was time. The thought had been sneaking up on him for days and hit him out of the blue while he'd been lying in the infirmary; despite his doubts about greeting Sam like an overgrown puppy dog when she got home from missions. He'd find something to do.
Jack thought he was getting too old for all of this and had a good reason now to want to live to a ripe old age in a relatively healthy condition. He worried that if he stayed too much longer he'd be leaving feet first and wanted to enjoy a life with Sam. He'd sacrificed a lot in his lifetime and was not prepared to sacrifice anymore of himself. Screw it! It was time for Jack O'Neill to get selfish.
"So Sam, what's dad gonna think?" Jack ventured.
"He'll be delighted." She replied with a smile.
"He will?"
"We had a little chat."
"I wondered why he seemed... I dunno... a little different towards me? When you got back from the mission? I'm surprised you spoke to him about it though."
"He kinda forced my hand. He guessed."
"Oh! It was that obvious?" Jack blushed a little. It was something so rare that Sam derived great pleasure from it.
"To him, or so he said. He's happy for us Jack. He wants it. He wants me to be happy, to be in a loving relationship, and he likes you." She laughed, "Which is more than you can say for any previous boyfriends I've had." Jack's face became one huge grin.
"That's great Sam. I never expected it. It's... great."
Jack was relieved, and flattered. The frequently caustic banter between the two men belied Jack's deeply held regard, respect and admiration for Sam's father. He was more than happy not to have the anticipated battle on his hands, although he suspected that Jacob might have a few choice words for him anyway. He was willing to bet that Jacob wouldn't be able to resist the future son-in-law lecture.
"He doesn't think I'm too old for you?" Jack asked as it was something that had crossed his mind occasionally.
"He doesn't care about that, and neither should you." Sam kissed him gently on the lips, "I don't."
"I guess you wouldn't be here if you did, huh? Neither do I Sam. Not really. It's just that sometimes I think..."
"Well don't think Jack O'Neill. I'll be the thinker in this household. It really doesn't suit you." She teased.
"Hey!" He laughed, giving her a playful slap on the arm and kissing her again. They didn't talk very much after that.
Jack never left Sam's place that night and they both returned to his house on the Sunday evening with Sam toting enough clothing to last all week. She more or less lived with him from that point on.
When he saw Hammond on the Monday morning the General was struck speechless by Jack's request to resign as soon as possible. Jack mainly told him the truth, missing out the references to Sam; he'd been thinking about it for a while, the last mission was the final straw, he wanted to live to enjoy his retirement. Hammond thought he would never hear such a thing from Jack's lips and wondered whether he was still suffering from concussion. Jack took a while to convince him he was serious and in the end the General had to accept it.
Sure, Jack had loved the job, it was a worthy and honorable cause, but his priorities had suddenly changed. He was not going to be alone anymore and that was the most important thing to him now. He should have done this a long time ago; they'd missed too much already.
It was the end of an era; the SGC would not be the same without Jack O'Neill. Hammond regretted Jack's decision, but respected it. It got him to thinking about his own delayed retirement but he wasn't sure he was quite ready yet. He wasn't sure Jack was either, but something the President had said to him once gave him an idea, and he picked up the red phone after Jack had left his office. Then he called in Major Carter and asked if she wanted the SG-1 team leader's job, telling her to say nothing yet about Jack's retirement, or plans for her to replace him.
Sam was a little pissed that Jack appeared not to have discussed any other options with Hammond, as they had agreed. She sought him out in his office and confronted him about it but, in the end, he convinced her that it was what he really wanted and that he did not consider it a sacrifice anymore. Quite the reverse, the work had been the sacrifice.
So she told him that Hammond had offered her Jack's job and was pleased with the look of delight in his face.
"Good for George." He said, "The man always did have a good brain in his head."
"So you trust me to lead the team Jack?"
"Are you kidding? You are the only one I would trust to do it."
When they got home that night Jack dug out a bottle of champagne he'd been keeping for a special occasion and stuck it in the freezer to get cold quickly. Then he dragged Sam into the bedroom and slowly and torturously made love to her. Afterwards, he got the champagne and two glasses and took it back to bed with him. Wrapped in each other's arms, they toasted their future together, and Sam's future as leader of SG-1 and almost inevitable promotion as a result.
When Hammond called him into his office to offer him a job as a roving ambassador to their alien allies Jack laughed.
"Good one Sir. Very funny." He said when he had wiped the tears of hilarity from his eyes.
"Do you see me laughing Colonel?" Hammond said using his best 'take me seriously or else' expression.
"I... What?" Jack was lost for words. He was the least diplomatic person he could think of and he said so.
"But these people know you Jack. The Asgard already think you are our Ambassador, for God's sake. They accept you as you are; they even seem to like it. You are a much better man than you give yourself credit for Jack."
"I am?"
"The President himself asked that you undertake this important role for him."
"He did?"
"He said he'd consider it a personal favour and he'd ask you himself on his hands and knees if necessary."
"He did?"
"I'm quoting him Jack."
"You are?" Jack was more than a little bemused by this idea.
"I can see you need to take some time to think about it, let the idea settle." Said Hammond, at last.
"What's the job description, Sir, and how much paperwork does it entail?" Asked Jack, and Hammond smirked. He'd got Jack hooked, now all he needed to do was to reel him in. Only O'Neill could enquire about the paperwork when he'd been offered an Ambassadorship.
"The President and I agreed this." Hammond responded, handing him a thin file. "I'm sure such a job would evolve over time; it's not like anyone has ever done it before. Of course you'd be reporting directly to the President himself."
"I would? Of course I would." Jack was wide-eyed with astonishment. "If you don't mind sir I'd like to take this away to read it properly and take a couple of days to think about it if that sounds ok to you General?"
"A couple of days will be fine... Mr Ambassador." Hammond smiled at the look on Jack's face as he said it. He definitely had him.
Mr Ambassador? Cool! He had to admit it had a nice ring. Sam was going to laugh herself silly, which would take one heck of a lot of laughter.
Sam did laugh but when she realised it was serious she was all for it and totally thrilled for Jack. To celebrate she did a rather sensual strip tease in his living room and seduced him right there on his couch. That thrilled Jack much more than the notion of an ambassadorship.
By happy chance, it turned out that Jack's last day in the USAF was the Friday of the weekend he had organised for them in Denver. He cancelled the Friday night hotel booking and made arrangements for a retirement party that night instead. They would go to Denver on the Saturday morning. It would mean that he couldn't drink much alcohol at his own retirement shindig, but he didn't much mind about that. In fact, it might be wise as he was going to have one heck of a job keeping his hands off Sam all night.
He decided against holding his party at the SGC. Something other than grey walls might be nice, he thought. So he booked Carmine's Bar for the night. He had a long and interesting history with Carmine's, liking both the place and Carmine. Actually, Carmine wasn't Carmine at all but Frankie. He hadn't liked the sound of Frankie's Bar so had named it after his uncle Carmine instead. Jack sometimes wondered if he had a few less then savoury connections but never asked.
The advantage of Carmine's was that it was big enough, Frankie did great food, and there was a dance floor. Surely it couldn't hurt to dance with his 2IC a few times over the course of the evening? At least it was a plan.
Jack was having trouble with Daniel on and off, who quizzed him relentlessly about why he was retiring. Daniel was driving him nuts in a way only Daniel could. He simply did not believe that Jack thought himself too old to do the job anymore. He thought there had to be a better reason than that.
He was right, of course; Daniel could be an astute guy. However, Jack was not telling. He was under strict instructions not to mention the Ambassadorship to anyone yet so couldn't use that as an excuse either. Only Jack and Hammond knew, plus Sam. Daniel was going to throw a fit when he found out; he didn't think too highly of Jack as a diplomat. Jack was dying to see the look on Daniel's face.
Teal'c was more stoical about Jack's departure, although Jack could tell he was disappointed in him, which saddened him greatly. He hoped Teal'c would understand better once he found out the truth. Teal'c's respect and friendship meant a lot to Jack and he didn't want to lose either.
Sam gave an award winning performance when he'd told his team he was going; shock, disappointment, and horror. Jack could hardly keep a straight face. She didn't go too over the top, and chose to look broody instead.
Both Daniel and Teal'c wondered what the impact of Jack's departure might have on Sam and Jack themselves. They were more than aware that this pair had feelings for each other, them better than anybody. They secretly hoped that this might be one of the upsides to Jack's retirement. The pair deserved some happiness outside of this place that was for sure.
They also both wondered who might take over SG-1 and hoped it would be Sam. She had earned that distinction. Sam was under orders not to tell them that she had been offered the job, so her team mates were in ignorance of more than one truth. It would all become abundantly clear eventually; after Jack's retirement party.
Jack asked Hammond to ensure that the guys at the SGC didn't arrange for anything stupid to happen at his party, like strip-o-grams, or scantily clad girls leaping out of giant cakes. That would be typical and he would be so embarrassed if they did something like that with Sam there. Hammond made it clear that, should anything like that occur, he'd have the men up on charges as a personal favour to the retiring O'Neill. That put paid to the plans of the SG-3 Marines.
At Carmine's on the night of the party, he was itching for Sam to turn up. She had alluded to some sort of surprise and he wanted to find out what it was. She'd even gone off for one of her few visits to her own house to get ready for the party. He was chatting to Hammond, and his other two team mates when he sensed something different in the atmosphere of the room. Turning his eyes to the entrance he saw it was Sam, and she had caused quite a stir in the ranks of their SGC friends. His was not the only mouth whose jaw dropped and hit the floor. A kind of low hushed whisper started around the room.
Sam looked what could only described as ravishing. Her long green dress made her eyes glow emerald, instead of their usual blue. The dress flattered her curves in all the right places, showing her petite waistline to full advantage and making a stunning feature of her ample breasts. It was sexy and provocative even though it showed nothing but her bare arms. The dress was sleeveless with a cowl collar that suited her slender neck, and hugged her closely, but left a swing in the skirt that would allow her to dance freely. Amen to that, Jack thought.
Immediately her eyes alighted on Jack she made a beeline for him and his companions, never wavering from his admiring gaze. Her movement across the room was watched by a number of eyes, as was Jack's reaction to it. The dress and the way she walked in it was slinky and sensual. There was an air of expectation in the room and most of the guests seemed to hold their breath.
Sam's smile was devastating as she approached, and meant only for Jack. She glowed. Jack noticed she'd had something done to her hair, which added to the whole look, and she wore makeup. Jack thought, wow, what a stunner! This woman is going to marry me? He had never seen her look so beautiful. This Samantha Carter was all woman; the Major was nowhere in evidence.
"Colonel." She said when she reached them, maintaining eye contact with Jack, blasting him with an even more alluring smile, and holding her hand out.
"Carter." He replied, taking her proffered hand in his and kissing it. The room let go of it's collective breath and that's when Jack realised there were actually other people there, and came back to reality. She had not been anticipating Jack's move and before he let her hand go she squeezed his briefly and he returned her shattering smile with one of his own.
"General Hammond, Daniel, Teal'c." She greeted the others, who looked equally as startled as Jack was by the apparition. This broke the spell, and the party continued as before, with the addition of much whispering and pointing.
"Carter, you look... great." Jack understated.
"Thank you Sir. It is a very special occasion." He inclined his head in acknowledgement.
"You will have to save me a dance to two for later, Major. I'm sure there will be a lot of bees buzzing around you tonight."
There was a glint in his eyes as he spoke. Now confident that she only had eyes for him, he could afford to mock a little; none of these guys were a threat to his relationship with Sam. She had known her entrance would have an impact and was happy to play queen bee, as long as it was with Jack.
"I'll save as many dances for you as you want Sir." She smiled sweetly.
They are flirting again, thought Daniel. I guess if anything is ever going to happen between them it's going to start tonight. He willed it to happen. He was disappointed when Jack wandered off to do the rounds, saying his goodbyes. He noticed, however, that Jack's eyes frequently strayed to Sam's, and hers to his. Yes! This could be an interesting night. However, Jack and Sam pretty much kept their distance and Sam spent a good part of the evening fighting off her male admirers, refusing all advances.
When the Colonel approached and took her hand, there was no such refusal. She was up and in his arms in once graceful movement. They didn't stray too close to each other as they danced and, to Daniel's dismay, parted at the end of it, Sam continuing to decline other suitors until Jack asked again later. It seemed to Daniel that they were never going to get closer that that.
Then it came to speech time and the merry-go-round stopped. Jack sought out Sam and sat next to her before the proceedings started. While Hammond spoke she could feel his hand surreptitiously brush her back and thigh. He ensured that no one could see and she half listened to Hammond while day dreaming about Jack and what they should do once they got home from the party. For his part, Jack could hardly contain himself, yearning to hold Sam close and kiss her. Not long now, he thought.
To Daniel's surprise, after the speeches ended, Sam asked him to dance. After that she tried to twirl Teal'c around the floor. He was graceful but had no clue how to dance and she determined to teach him one day. Meanwhile, Jack laughed and joked with some of the guys, half an eye almost constantly on Sam.
It was getting late and Daniel was frustrated by Jack and Sam's lack of 'togetherness'.
"Mind if I sit down?" He said to Sam.
"Please Daniel," she indicated the seat next to her, "you can protect my honor from the SGC wolves."
"Well Sam, you rather asked for attention in that dress."
"Yeah but I didn't wear it for them." She stated, in a matter of fact manner, and Daniel's mouth dropped open.
"For Jack?" He asked, knowing that was the answer but wondering if she would say so.
"Of course. It's his party." She smiled at Daniel, not giving anything away.
"Sam?" He ventured, unsure how to broach the subject.
"Uh, huh?"
"You aren't just gonna let Jack retire and walk out of your life are you? I know how you feel about him, Sam. I sure hope you aren't going to waste it. Not now that you could be together. You are going to do something about it, aren't you?" He was rambling, nervous of her reaction.
Sam looked at him without saying anything and reached to take his hand, giving it a squeeze.
"Yes Daniel, I am."
Daniel thought back to what he'd said. Was she answering his first or his last question? She smiled and winked at him.
"I knew it!" He exclaimed, "There is something going on with you too isn't there?"
"Yes Daniel, there is."
"Wha...?" The response surprised him. He hadn't expected a confession.
"It's ok Daniel." She said, removing her hand and getting up. Without any further ado, she walked over to Jack and asked him to dance. This time they got a whole lot closer, and once again the eyes of the SGC were upon them.
"It's nearly midnight Jack." Sam said as they danced cheek to cheek.
"Yep, I know and I'm not letting go of you now in case you turn into a pumpkin or something. Those aren't glass slippers you're wearing are they, Cinderella?" He asked.
"Definitely not glass my prince." She replied, looking into his eyes.
"You look like a princess tonight Sam. Was this your surprise?" She nodded.
"I bought it specially so we'd better go somewhere else I can wear it sometime."
"I'll make sure of that." He drew her even closer, eliciting a few raised eyebrows with the troops. "Or maybe I should insist on private viewings only, given the general reaction." He whispered and she could sense his smile, and feeling of pride in her appearance.
Jack started to imagine divesting her of her dress, slowly and seductively, and tried to pull his mind away from that thought as it could prove embarrassing in front of so many people. He changed the subject.
"So, when you gonna make an honest man of me Sam, make me Mr Carter?" Jack grinned mischievously.
"Actually, I rather like the idea of becoming Mrs Ambassador."
"I'm sure that can be arranged."
"Then how about tomorrow?" She said in answer to his question and Jack laughed at her echo of his own response whenever they discussed this.
"I wish it could be that soon Sam, I really do."
Surreptitiously he glanced at his watch. Midnight. He was no longer Colonel Jack O'Neill. He'd been waiting for this moment.
"Knock, knock." He said and she smiled brightly, making his heart hammer against his chest.
"Who's there?" She answered through her smile, eager to hear what he'd thought up this time."
"Jenny."
"Jenny who?" She responded, obligingly.
"Jennymen prefer blondes." He winced to indicate he knew it was pretty awful but she laughed anyway, unable to help herself responding to his charm. "This one does anyway - one particular blonde." He continued, "I love you Samantha Carter." He drew her into a passionate kiss right in front of Hammond and the rest of his guests. He dipped her as he had when he'd stolen a kiss on one of his time loops so long ago. Jack figured he might have to mention that to Sam at some point and wondered whether she would be amused, or annoyed; probably amused, although that might not have been true even a few weeks previously. When they came up for air they were greeted by some astonished looks, not least of which was from Hammond, who was close by.
"Colonel O'Neill!" Hammond said, shocked by this display from his two officers.
"Screw it! Regs be damned General. I'm not a Colonel anymore... George." Jack replied, smiling broadly at the his ex-CO. " Hammond laughed. "I'm Mr Ambassador now."
The whole room recovered as one from it's shock and loud clapping, whistling and cat calling reverberated around Carmine's. Jack took a bow to cover his sudden embarrassment, and was treated to calls for 'More!' and 'Encore!'.
"Yeah, later guys!" He shouted, in good humor. "Stop it already will ya?" He nearly added 'that's an order' but realised he couldn't do that anymore. Weird.
The noise, which had began to die down, became a hush, and then things slowly started to return to the normal background hubbub. Jack thought he'd be getting lots of pats on the back if he hung around this place for much longer. Sheesh! Still, he'd asked for it by deciding to go so public. What has gotten into you Jack O'Neill? He asked himself. Sam; go figure! She was turning his life around; and upside down, inside out and every other which way.
"We're going to get married George." He announced, and then looked at Daniel and Teal'c to gauge their reaction. Daniel was looking a little shocked and Jack wondered whether that was because of what he'd just said, or if he had heard Jack's words alluding to his ambassadorship. Probably both. Teal'c was smiling and bowed when Jack caught his eye as if to say 'Congratulations my old friend. Be happy'.
"Congratulations. Both of you." Hammond declared with a broad smile, shaking Jack's hand enthusiastically and hugging Sam. Teal'c was the first of their friends to step forward.
"I am most pleased with this outcome, O'Neill." He said, smiling even more broadly and bowing again to Jack. He turned to face Sam and bowed to her too, but she took him in her arms and gave him a gigantic bear hug, which he returned delightedly.
Then it was Daniel's turn as he clapped Jack on the back, and pulled him into a hug, turning to hug Sam too.
"I'm so happy for both of you. I knew something was going on. Jack you're a dark horse. It can be sooo infuriating." He looked at his friend curiously, "Ummm... d... did you say... Mr Ambassador?" He stammered.
Jack looked towards Hammond who nodded his head to give him permission to confirm it. Jack laughed. He was so going to enjoy this.
"Well it's like this Daniel..."
Jack drew his friends into a conspiratorial group and told them his news. He enjoyed watching the expression on Daniel's face as his eyes widened and jaw dropped.
"Daniel. Close your mouth, you're dribbling."
"Funny Jack. So... does this mean I have to call you... Mr Ambassador?" Daniel queried, not sure how to react to this strange turn of events.
"I'll consider giving you dispensation Daniel." Jack jested but seeing the look on Daniel's face, added. "Look I told them I was crap at diplomacy, but nobody listened; isn't that right George? So screw it!" Jack shrugged.
"Well...c... congratulations Jack." Daniel maintained a nonplussed expression and Sam moved forward and kissed him on the cheek, drawing him away from the others slightly and whispering in his ear.
"Don't worry Daniel. Jack's a lot more intelligent than he pretends you know."
"Oh, I know that Sam. It's not the quality of his brains I'm worried about; it's whether he remembers to engage the engine before he puts his mouth in gear." Sam chuckled at the analogy.
"Well, maybe the O'Neill touch is exactly what the President wants in dealing with aliens." She replied, and Daniel smiled at her, and gently grasping her arm.
"So you and Jack, huh? I was beginning to worry that I'd never see this day. It's great Sam. Mrs, Doctor, Major, Ambassador O'Neill; quite a mouthful." Sam laughed.
"I'll be happy just to be plain Mrs O'Neill, Daniel."
"I know." He squeezed her arm gently, "and with a bit of luck you'll become Lt. Colonel O'Neill and take over the team."
"Yeah, that would kind of be the icing on the cake, Daniel." She smiled, giving nothing away. They'd know soon enough but there were more important things right now. This was Jack's night of glory and she had no intention of taking anything away from that.
Meanwhile, Teal'c spoke to Jack.
"I believe that you are more than worthy of this position, O'Neill."
"Which one? Mr Ambassador, or Sam's husband?" Jack asked and Teal'c smiled.
"Both, my friend." Jack clasped his arm, pleased that Teal'c thought so.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence T. I certainly hope so."
"I am sure that you will perform both tasks with dexterity, O'Neill. And now I understand." Jack peered into Teal'c eyes for a moment.
"Why I decided to retire?"
"Indeed." Teal'c inclined his head.
"I'm glad Teal'c." Jack replied and, to Jack's surprise, Teal'c pulled him into hug.
"You are a noble warrior, and an honorable man, O'Neill. I will miss fighting by your side, but hope that I will always call you friend."
Jack took a breath, not for the first time overwhelmed by Teal'c's brief but telling words.
"Backatchya, Teal'c. But I'll be around."
Jack clapped Teal'c on the back and they drew apart. It occurred to him suddenly that he was in the wrong pair of arms, despite his love of this bear of a man. He turned towards Sam and Daniel.
"Hey, don't manhandle my future wife, Doctor Jackson." Jack joked, putting his arm round Sam. "Want a dance Sam?" he asked, softly, leading her away onto the dance floor."
"Do I have a choice?" She asked.
"Not really." He replied, smiling sweetly and pulling her close to him. She returned his embrace, meeting his eyes with hers. As they danced, so close together that you couldn't insert a dollar bill in-between their bodies, their eyes never strayed from each other's hypnotic gaze. It made quite a picture and elicited a number of knowing glances and remarks of an 'I told ya so' nature.
Oh screw it! Jack thought, and kissed her again. It was one hell of a life.
The End of The Exclamation Series
