A/N: Thanks SG1-Fanfic, I was going to post this story eventually on Heliopolis and GateWorld, but I didn't know about the Carterfic site, you said it was new though, so I'll check it out, always like a new place to find good fiction! I was likely going to start with my other story since it's shorter and complete. I think I'll have to combine chapters to post this one, since it's really grown a lot!

The three stepped back outside into the steady rain, and Jack fervently hoped that Carter wasn't out in this mess, and was instead holed up somewhere safe and warm.

Chapter 185

If only the guys of SG-1 knew, but Sam was indeed safe and warm. And they'd been a lot closer to her than they'd thought. But the miles between them were quickly stretching once again, as Sam slept on, oblivious to her close encounter with the dejected and forlorn search party.

Big Red was making good time despite the weather, and he glanced occasionally over at the little sleeping cat. He'd finally determined it was a girl. She was still sleeping, even though she would sometimes stir or sigh, burrowing deeper into his jacket.

The little cat was a puzzle to him. She seemed like she must belong to someone or she wouldn't have let him handle her. But if that were the case, why had she been wandering around in the cold and rain? No matter what, it seemed like he now had a passenger. He couldn't hide the soft smile that teased the corners of his lips as the little cat stirred and sighed again.

She looked so peaceful, despite how thin she seemed. Maybe she'd been abandoned out by a farm, it wasn't unusual in the area he'd found her in. He thought it was cruel to take an animal that was safe and protected, used to being cared for and given meals, and one day out of the blue dump it all on its own in what might as well be the wilderness. If that were the case, it would explain a lot. She'd probably never had to catch a mouse or bird or rabbit in her entire life.

Further up the highway, a car cut off another one, causing the driver to blare his horn. The sound traveled and the cat woke startled. Fear was evident in her features, and Red spoke quietly in what he hoped was a soothing voice.

"It's ok little one, I won't hurt ya. Been sleeping a long time haven't ya? Guess you needed it. Poor little bit, I'm guess you got left out by someone didn't want ya no more. Damn shame." Red glanced over at his new little friend now and then and was pleased to see her gradually relaxing.

"Well, can't just keep calling ya cat or whatever, if we're gonna be riding together, ya need a name." Red thought about the problem. It would have to suit her. Suddenly, he thought of something, and grinned. "Blondie. Yep that's you alright." He laughed, turning his attention back to the road, completely missing the cat's laid back ears and look of disgust.

Sam absolutely detested being called "Blondie". She'd spent way too much time in her life getting past the "dumb blond" stigma that so many seemed to have. Hard enough being female in the military. She'd more than once considered early on dying her hair, but she didn't think it would have helped much, and she happened to like her blonde hair. She just didn't like being called Blondie. Sam sighed. She'd only have to put up with it a short time, as long as she remembered not to growl at the man every time he used the name.

The miles passed, and Big Red chattered on about the route, his work, and his family. Sometimes he would ask her questions or opinions, and Sam would meow in response. Sam tried not to hold it against him though, when he would misunderstand her reply. After all, he didn't speak cat. Then again, neither did she. If she couldn't understand what she was saying, she didn't expect he would either.

As they traveled, Sam stretched, moving lightly around the cab from the seat, to the floor, back to the seat, even the back of the seat. She explored the sleeping compartment too, but was always careful not to disturb Red while he drove. Sam had no way to really tell time, since she couldn't see the man's watch, and he didn't have a clock anywhere in the cab. She guessed about 5 or 6 hours had passed based on distance and the speed of the truck when she started to see signs for Columbus, although she wasn't sure since she'd taken another nap. Big Red was yawning.

"Ok Blondie, rest stop coming up, gonna pull into it and get some shut eye. We'll be home by tomorrow! Wait'll my boy sees ya. Wait'll my wife sees ya!" Red seemed to pause and ponder a moment. "Maybe I should get some flowers before I go home, ya think?"

Sam wasn't really listening anymore. At the mention of home, Sam had to fight off a wave of homesickness. Even though she was closer now, and getting closer, there was still a great distance to travel. She'd have to leave the kind hearted truck driver, before she got sucked into being a family pet, and there was no telling if she'd be lucky finding another ride like the one she was on. Sam missed the SGC, and her team. She missed being human, and she wondered how Daniel was coming with the translations, or if he was spending more time looking for her. Curse Arden, and his henchmen, for taking her so far away from her home, and her friends, really her family. Not to mention her only chance of ever becoming human again.

While lost in thought, Red had pulled into the rest area and parked. Yawning and stretching, the man got into his bed. Looking in her direction, he patted a space beside him invitingly. He looked so disappointed when Sam didn't budge. Sam shook herself from her thoughts of loneliness, and leapt lightly into the sleeping compartment. It was the least she could do was thank the man for taking her in. Besides, it would be prudent to share body heat since the nights were getting chilly now. At least that's what she told herself. She settled next to the man and let him pet her.

Red gently scratched her head, and Sam leaned into the caress, only slightly surprised at the purr she felt as much as heard. He fell asleep eventually, his hand resting lightly on the back of her neck, his snores sounding gently into the cabin. Sam lay awake for a long time after the man had drifted off, thinking about home, and the people she loved and missed.

A/N: Oops, I goofed in Chapter 48, Big Red said he was headed to Cleveland, but I meant Columbus, Cleveland is a bit out of the way if you are going from Johnstown PA to Indianapolis, and not on I-70 at all. (Gives thanks to the creators of MapQuest for Sam's travel route)

And as you've seen, I settled for "Blondie" for the name, which was suggested by several people, so thanks to Princess of Grace, Laura, spacemonkeylover, and Alys. I was tossing about "Little Bit" or some variation, but thought it woud be more fun for him to give Sam a name she despised lol. Anyway, there were a lot of good suggestions for names, and lots of feedback on the last few chapters so thanks again!