Disclaimer: I don't own Stargate.

Rating: PG, I guess there's some language, but nothing worse than what they use on the show.

Setting: The day after the last chapter

Notes: Please review…no one reviewed my last chapter, and I don't mean to nag, but I want people to review it if they read it. So I ask a second time, Please?

Running Away: Chapter 4

General O'Neill walked into Carter's lab. Over the past few days, she had showed much improvement, and was no longer spewing tears at random moments. He was thinking of letting SG-1 go off world again, but only if Sam was ready.

Sam was standing at the table in the center of her lab, bending over a very important looking artifact. She was using that giant magnifying glass thing, the General noticed, with some glee. He knew exactly how he was going to start this conversation.

"Hey Carter, whatcha doing," he asked, sticking his head in front of the tool. Her blue eyes were enlarged from his side, and Carter was getting a pretty close look at her CO's face. She couldn't stop the giggles. He did this often, but she was still surprised every damn time.

"No giggling."

She tried to stifle the laugh. "Yes sir."

With the mood light, Jack stood up straight and Sam did the same. "Carter, I do have a reason for coming into your lab."

"Wow, sir. That's a first." She flashed him the brilliant smile that always got her out of trouble.

"Ha ha." Jack rolled his eyes, but inside he was secretly doing cartwheels. They were back to joking with each other, so she was obviously healing.

"Seriously, Carter, I want to know if you would like to go back to active duty. I'm ready to send SG-1 back out, as long as you're willing."

Sam thought about it for a minute. "You know, sir, I think that's a great idea."

Jack let out a relieved breath. "Great. Your next briefing is at 0900 hours tomorrow. See you then, Colonel." Jack walked out and down the halls into his office.

Sam went over to her desk and sighed deeply. This is the right thing to do, right? I mean, as much as I may hate it, Cassie is not coming back anytime soon. Might as well not dwell on my mistakes. While she was deep in thought, Daniel and Teal'c walked into her lab.

"Hello? Earth to Sam?" Daniel waved his hand In front of her face, trying to bring Sam back from her reverie.

"Hey, Daniel. I was just…thinking."

Teal'c rest a strong hand on the Colonel's shoulder. She was grateful, as it reinforced how even if she had moved on from waiting for Cassie, her team members were there to support her. She smiled.

"Guys, I was just talking to General O'Neill. Our briefing for the next mission is at 0900 hours tomorrow."

Teal'c nodded. "That is indeed a wise decision."

"Good idea, Sam."

Carter was happy that they were ready to go offworld too. "Actually, the General proposed it."

The man and Jaffa nodded in understanding.

The room fell silent for a moment. I am most pleased that Colonel Carter is ready to go offworld, Teal'c thought. Perhaps now when Cassandra Frasier returns, she will not be as emotional and overwhelm the young woman.

Daniel cleared his throat. "So, lunch?"

Sam stood up and said, "Sounds good to me."

"I require sustenance. That is a most brilliant plan, Daniel Jackson."

The archeologist grinned. "Thanks Teal'c"

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Cassie stuck her head out of her bedroom, checking the living room and kitchen for any sign of Lindsey. She really didn't want her staring, or trying to talk. While Cassie had only known Lindsey for a short time, she knew her well enough to know that this touchy topic would not be left alone. Lindsey felt that family and friends were the most important part of life. The judgment in her eyes when she discovered that Cassie was hiding from people who loved her was painful to look at.

Seeing the coast was clear, Cassie stepped out into the main living area. She pulled on her shoes, flipped the TV to the morning news and made some coffee. Swallowing the liquid slowly, she let herself wake up. Last night had been a late night, and it had been a good time, until she got home. Lindsey's brother, Ben, was part of a great band. The might not have gotten a record deal yet, but they were defiantly on their way.

She cut her morning musings short to get out of there as soon as possible. Lindsey was bound to get up soon. Plus, she had to go to work.

Ug, work! Cassie rolled her eyes at the thought of it. She stepped outside and tried to hail a taxi. She was working at a bookstore in the morning, which alone was wonderful, but after her shift was over, Cassie worked at a restaurant. And the people who came there for meals were, in a word, unappreciative.

"I give up," she exclaimed aloud, and started to walk. You can never get a taxi when you want to in this damn city.

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Lindsey watched from the window as a frustrated Cassie called out and gave up on her quest for a taxi.

Lindsey had known that Cassie would avoid her, so to make sure her friend got to work in time, Lindsey had stayed in her room. When she heard Cassie leave, she took a post at the window with a cup of the wonderful coffee Cass had made.

What am I going to do with that girl? Lindsey sighed and sat on the couch once Cassie had disappeared from sight. She may not realize it now, but everything she left behind is everything she should need.

The coffee cup was long empty before Lindsey had come up with a plan. But the plan, however hard to come by, was brilliant. But Lindsey was going to need help…

She picked up the phone and dialed familiar digits. After three short rings, a voice came over the line. "Claire Folds, how can I help you?"

"Hey, it's me."

"Lindsey! What's going on?"

"Mom, I need your help." Lindsey slowly explained the problem and her solution, and could almost hear Claire's smile over the phone.

"Oh, I'd be happy to help."

………………………………………………………………………………………………

"Daniel! Dial the gate!" Colonel Carter screamed at the archeologist over her shoulder as she fired a zat at an advancing hostile. She looked over at Teal'c, who was concentrating on the battle before him. She did likewise, remembering that they were in danger.

Over the cries of the regiment of natives and the hum of zats as they went off, Sam heard the familiar sounds of chevron's engaging, followed by the roar of an opening wormhole. She stopped firing her weapon to rapidly sent SG-1's IDC.

"Go now," she called again to Daniel once the code was sent. He ran through, and then Sam followed with Teal'c close behind her. The first words out of her mouth when Teal'c came all the way through the gate were "Close the iris."

The metal barrier shut, Sam leaned forward with her hands on her knees and attempted to catch her breath.

"Sam? You ok?" She straightened to see Daniel's blue eyes looking into hers, concerned.

"I'm fine, just a little out of breath. I need to take a breather."

General O'Neill strode into the gate room with a troubled expression. "You guys ok? What happened?" He was trying to keep his nerves clear from his voice unsuccessfully.

"Indeed, O'Neill. Daniel Jackson accidentally dropped an artifact of grave importance to the culture of the indigenous people of this planet. The natives were very troubled with this turn of events, and attempted to imprison and execute us." Teal'c's expression was stoic, as always. "Needless to say, Colonel Carter displayed great leadership and guided us home with little difficulty."

The General was impressed. "Nice one, Carter."

"Thank you, sir." She attempted to get up and failed.

"Sam, are you sure you're ok?" Daniel looked guilty.

"I'm fine," she insisted again, but the three men nearby noticed that she didn't try to move again.

"Carter, let's get you to the infirmary."

"Sir, really…" she began to protest, but he cut her off.

"That's an order, Colonel." Teal'c and Daniel supported her and guided her into the other room. Jack followed, mind full of worry and apprehension.

Note: I can't believe I'm asking a third time…but please review! Advice, criticism, and (of course) praise are accepted.