"So as you can see, with the added power source derived from the ZPM's, in relation to the amount of use they would receive, the 304's could last forever. Or until we make another advancement." Sam said taking in a deep breath. The eleven sets of eyes focused on her all felt like they were passing a judgment, which they were. Jack, General Hammond, Senator Bosley; the new chairman of the appropriations committee, General Kerrigan, Major Davis and the six other representatives from the White House and the Pentagon all sat in silence.
"Colonel Carter, from a scientific point of view," Bosley said "I can understand how you might justify this, but from a tactical advantage stance, wouldn't these be a tad redundant?" He asked.
"No Sir, I don't believe so." Sam replied, offering no further explanation.
"Why not?" Bosley asked.
"Well there was many times when I was with SG 1 that something like this would have been a great advantage." Sam said.
"And what advantage would that have been?" General Kerrigan asked, much to Sam's relief.
"Well Sir, if you were being chased by someone, would you rather have to run or drive away form them? If you are going to a dinner party 20 miles from your home, would you walk or drive? The same principal applies to gate travel and off world exploration. Fleeing a group of Jaffa is a lot harder than it looks, this would give an added advantage. Also, if designated areas that an SG team or an Alpha team has to visit are located long distances form the gate, this is more economical for the duration of missions. I'm not suggesting we work these into a regular mission rotation, we don't want to become lazy." She caught Jack's smirk from the corner of her eye. "But this is one expenditure I believe is worth it."
"Three billion dollars is not just sitting there waiting to be used. Do you have any idea just how much money that it?" Bosley asked. Jack's face fell and Sam thought she was going to have to tell him to sit.
"Excuse me Senator but I believe Colonel Carter is extremely good with numbers." Hammond said with smile at Sam.
"Sir, it's a lot of money, too much money if we are honest. I admit that. But I was asked to oversee this project out of my base, I gave you a rough projection of figures when we were building the first prototype, I don't think it is the right thing that you pull the plug on this now." Sam said trying to keep her temper in tact.
Bosely sat back in his chair not looking at anyone but fixed his eyes on his hands. Everyone sat in the room once again in silence, not willing to make a move. Moments later Bosley looked directly at Sam, a large smirk spreading across his face. "Colonel, I agree with you one hundred percent." He said.
"Sir?" Sam asked with surprise.
"You had me convinced when I stopped being able to understand your explanations of the engine functions. I just had to know that you believed what you were saying. And if General O'Neill and General Hammond offer their full support, I feel compelled to do the same. I think I can say you should start going through some more TV shows. Can I put in a request for Cagney and Lacey?" Everyone in the room gave a collective sigh with the sudden loss of tension in the room and began to chat about the advantages of the 304's. Sam took her seat, conveniently next to Jack, and almost let out a yelp as she felt a hand slide up her thigh and come to rest on her hip that was farthest from Jack. With a grin he leant across so only she could hear him as he spoke.
"Well done Colonel." His words vibrated down her entire body and Sam had to close her eyes for a moment.
"Thank you Sir." She replied softly.
"Meet me in my office in a about half an hour...I have something for you." Before Sam could even ask for a hint, Jack had turned to answer a question from Hammond, seeming to forget the little world they were just in.
Sam knocked on the door to Jack's office about 25 minutes later, unable to wait the last five.
"Come in!" He bellowed from inside.
"Hey Sir." Sam said slipping into the room, closing the door behind her.
"Hang your coat up by the door, and leave that S word with it." Jack said standing up and moving towards her. No sooner had she taken the coat off of her dress blues, Jack's arms immediately found their target, wrapping around her tightly and pulling her close to him. Without another word Jack began to kiss her softly. Sam let herself fall into the kiss before her rational side came through. She pushed him back slightly, but did not break the hold he had on her.
"Nice as this is, you said to come and see you?" Sam said a little breathlessly.
"You just want to know what I have for you." Jack said.
"Yeah, but this is nice." Sam said trying to sound sincere.
"Minx." Jack mumbled. "So it's nothing special, and if you don't like it I can take it back, I have thirty days." Jack said walking back to his desk and pulling out a small box from his drawer.
"Jack, what are you up to?" Sam said with every ounce of suspicion in her voice.
Jack said nothing as he handed Sam the small box. Looking over it cautiously, Sam studied the outside intently, black velvet.
"For cryin' out loud open it." Jack said to her. Sam hid her smirk as she carefully opened the box. Sam just looked at the contents for a moment, unsure what to make of it. After a minute Sam looked up at him.
"Ah Jack, it's lovely, but shouldn't someone be wearing this?" She asked.