Title: Masquerade II: Uphill Climb

Author/Email: Jo. R PG-13, bad language.

Category: Sam/Jack Established, Angst, Action/Adventure, Drama, AU.

Spoilers: Anything up to Threads – though set in an AU after the story "Masquerade" so the Sam/other, Jack/other storylines don't exist. In this little universe, Jack retired at the end of season eight 5 or so months ago.

Season/Sequel: Set season nine, follows "Masquerade" but can be read as a standalone story.

Summary: Retired? They don't know the meaning of the word.

Archive: SJA, Random Ramblings, SJFic, Helio, SG Novel Archive. Anywhere else, please ask.

Disclaimer: Not mine, never will be. The MIU and all agents in it are mine, apart from Belle and Pete Alexander, who belong to Fairygnomes and are a lot fluffier in RL.

Authors notes: There's a flashback between the marks. Written before I read anything much about season nine/watched an episode so some characters are missing and others aren't as likeable as they are on screen.

Universe Background: If you haven't read Masquerade, you'll need to know the MIU stands for Military Investigation Unit, a select group of agents who work within various military groups and investigate various government and military organisations if there's anything suspicious about them. In Masquerade, Sam was called back into action and closed an investigation into the NID, shutting them down and getting rid of a double agent in the process, who was also her mentor and responsible for the death of a close friend. The other characters in that story will be reintroduced in this one so that's all you really need to know.


She was having a bad day.

A really, really bad day. One that started at two am when her pager went off, waking both her and her partner at least five hours too early on what should have been their day off together.

"SGC?"

"No. MIU."

"Thought you were retired."

"Yeah. Apparently my former colleagues don't know the meaning of the word." A quick kiss followed by a half-hearted bought of wrestling as he tried to keep her from leaving thwarted her first attempt at crawling out of bed. "I'll be back before you know it. Go back to sleep."

A grunt signalled he was already on the way towards taking her advice.

That was the start of her bad day, having to leave the nice warm bed she'd been happily ensconced in for too few hours. Add that to the briefing where in the President himself told her via satellite link that he was personally taking an interest in the case and was withdrawing her retirement request from her record temporarily and then add the satisfied looks on the faces of her former colleagues at the news...

... Not to mention being dragged out with them to follow a lead that yes, fortunately, resulted in detaining one of their suspects but not without said suspect taking advantage of her lack of sleep and managing to get two good blows to the side that were most definitely going to leave telling marks on her skin.

All in all, it was a bad start.

A telling start to the rest of her day.

At 0500 hours she found herself pulling sleepily into the drive, bumbling through the front door only just remembering to lock it behind her as she started stripping off her clothes, not caring where they landed as she made her way to the bedroom.

She found the rumpled sleep shirt she'd discarded previously – a t-shirt that had once, distantly, belonged to the snoring man in bed – and slipped it on, wincing as her newly bruised flesh protested at the action of raising her arms.

Within two seconds of crawling under the covers and attempting to bury herself inside them, her 'I don't like cuddling' lover rolled over from his position of lying on his stomach to drape an arm loosely over her waist, nuzzling her neck sleepily.

"Everything okay?"

"Fine."

"You sure?" His arm tightened around her waist – until he felt her flinch and withdrew, drawing the blankets back and rolling up her t-shirt to see the beginnings of the tell-tale bruising. "That doesn't look like everything's okay."

With a yawn that started life as a sigh, Sam twisted to lie on her side and met his almost accusing gaze. "I've been officially reinstated as a MIU Agent. President's orders. On a temporary basis at least."

He withdrew the hand that had been gently tracing the blemishes and lay on his back, folding his arms underneath his head as he stared up at the ceiling, his jaw clenched.

Her role within the MIU was still a source of tension between them; one they'd both thought was in the past. He didn't like the thought of her putting herself in so much danger – adding to the danger she was already in through her position at the SGC, particularly since he had some experience with it himself. She didn't like the thought of her status of an active agent putting his life in danger, knowing that as soon as he officially retired as commander of the SGC and their relationship was out in the open, he would become a target for those she'd managed to alienate during her long career as a MIU Agent.

So after a few years as a sleeper agent for the MIU, she retired when he retired from the SGC. It was the only solution that made them both happy, the only one that made it possible for them to give their relationship the chance it deserved.

"Why?"

"Someone with a grudge is eliminating MIU Agents and their families. Even the ones who retired or resigned a long time ago." She shuffled closer and let her hand rest on his chest, hoping to diffuse some of the tension. "That means we're targets already, Jack. You just as much if not more than me. I couldn't refuse. I need to be involved in this so I know whether to arrange for you... for the two of us to disappear for a while."

He covered her hand with his, lacing their fingers together. Turned his head so his eyes could find and lock with hers. "You promise you'll keep me involved? Let me help, if only unofficially? And you won't go putting yourself in unnecessary danger, even if you think it'll mean I'm safe?"

She considered crossing her fingers behind her back but decided against it. He was one of the best Air Force officers she'd served with, a damn good solider, and if she was honest she liked the thought of him being there to watch her back just as much as she knew she wouldn't want anyone else watching his. "I promise. On all accounts." Pushing herself up, she leaned over him and sealed the deal with a soft kiss before returning to lie on her side, cuddled into him just a little.

He didn't like cuddling, after all. Even though he shifted to lie more on his side, his body leaning into hers as his arm returned to her waist.

"You still have the day off?"

"Yep." Her eyes closed, a small smile playing on her lips as she remembered the President's reaction to her insistence that she wouldn't be able to devote any real time to the mission until tomorrow. "As far as the MIU is concerned, I'm still assigned to the SGC until tomorrow. So today's okay. Still ours."

"So we can go back to sleep for a while and do stuff later?"

Burying her face into the crook of his neck muffled the snort of amusement. "Yes. We can do stuff later. Go back to sleep, Jack."

"Okay."

A kiss on the top of her head and five minutes later had them both heading towards the bliss of the unconscious...

... Until her pager went off again, this time joined by the ringing of the phone beside the bed.

Bad day.

Very bad day.


And it got worse very quickly.

It was unusual for them both to be called to the SGC, particularly since he'd been retired for five months and counting so neither hesitated in grudgingly getting up, sharing a quick shower and dressing hurriedly before heading for their respective vehicles.

They chose to travel separately, to try and ward off the one or two gossips at the SGC just waiting for a new chapter in the Carter-O'Neill saga. No doubt rumours would start of trouble between the two when they arrived in different cars but even that was better than adding to the already rife speculation that wedding bells would soon ring, followed closely by the pitter-patter of tiny feet.

It was frustrating to have no choice in sharing their relationship with seventy-plus people, some of whom they didn't even know.

The bad day continued, though, when Sam unlocked her car and got inside it, shutting the door behind her without looking around so she could back off the drive and let Jack get his truck from the garage.

The moment her door was shut, the locks were automatically engaged and she noticed the tape recorder sitting neatly on the passengers seat with a big 'Play Me Now' sign.

Her nerves on edge, she did as ordered and lifted an eyebrow as the somehow vaguely familiar voice started speaking.

"Good morning, Colonel Carter. Beautiful day, isn't it? I advise you to sit very still and listen carefully to what I have to say. Do not attempt to leave the vehicle and do not attempt to turn on the engine. To do either would result in General O'Neill being caught in the debris of the blast, not to mention the distress it would no doubt cause him to witness your death by being blown to pieces due to the bomb rigged to the bottom of your car."

The threat was delivered in a cheerful voice.

Her hand froze on the door handle and she looked up to see Jack looking back at her from the driver's seat of his truck.

"I watched you deal with my former colleague this morning. I hope he didn't hurt you too badly, I would hate for you to be unable to continue the task the President of our good country has issued you. I admire your work, Colonel, and always have. This is why you're receiving this warning. Your former teammates with the MIU, or should I say current? They are now our targets. Every one you have worked with through your capacity with the MIU is now under threat and we will enjoy watching you do your best to save them. If you fail at any time, my disappointment will result in a punishment of my choice. Keep your friends close, Colonel. Your loved ones even closer. I will enjoy watching you work and hope to meet with you face to face soon. It's not that I want you to find me and my existing colleagues but you could say I'm a fan and would relish the chance to meet you in person. There is no time limit on how long you have to free yourself from your vehicle without activating the bomb. I will be watching to see that you manage it, and to mourn you if you don't. Enjoy the rest of your day."

With a click, the recording ended and the tape stopped rolling.

Her hand was in her pocket, digging out her cell phone frantically as she watched Jack leave his truck.

Watched him take his own phone from his pocket and look at her in confusion when he realised who was ringing.

"Carter, what..."

"There's a bomb underneath my car. It will explode if I turn on the engine or open the door." She wasted no time in explaining, her concern for his safety rising as she fought back panic about her own. "Keep away from the car, Jack. Go back inside the house, go to my drawer in the desk and dig out my address book. Annie's in there, look under Bartley. Call her and tell her I need a MIU team with bomb disposal experience here ASAP and tell her... Tell her the sick psychopath stalking the MIU likes playing games and he's chosen me and my team to play them with."

"Jesus Christ, Sam." He stared at her from his place rooted to the driveway, the colour draining from his face as his mouth dried up. "Don't move. I'll go call her then be right back, okay?"

"No." She saw the surprise on his face, quickly followed by the frown as realisation dawned. "The guy said the bomb didn't have a timer but I can't exactly trust him when he didn't even give me a name and has already taken out three MIU agents and their families. For all I know he's screwing with me. Giving me false hope. After you've made the call, you get the hell out of here. Get the MIU to work with the cops and the FBI and CIA and anyone else who can help evacuate the area and get the hell out of the way. You can't be here, Jack. I can't have you be here just in case."

"And you think I'm going to stand back from a distance and watch you go up in flames?" He turned on his heel and stormed away, the affect ruined only slightly by the way he still clutched the cell phone to his ear. "You're in no position to stop me from being here, Sam. I'll stand right beside the damn car if I want to."

"And get yourself blown up, too? What good will that do?" She closed her eyes, her head falling back against the seat. "Please, Jack. I don't want you to die, too."

"It's not your call. You die, I die. Then we can go haunt the bastards who killed us." His attempt at humour failed to take the edge off the situation but it did make her smile.

"You do realise that came close to being a 'till death do us part' declaration, right?"

"I'd noticed."

"Good."

She heard him sigh, imagined him walking into the study she'd half claimed on moving in, heard him rummage through the desk drawers.

"I'm going to have to put the phone down for a minute. Sit tight."

"Like I have a choice."

Bad day.

Really, really, really bad day.


Within the hour, all members of her former team were there, as team of MIU Agents she'd worked with before with experience of bomb disposal.

She turned carefully in her seat and surveyed the people helping out with the evacuation of the area, recognising one or two MIU agents, some CIA agents and a handful of people running around in FBI jackets. She hoped whoever was behind the excitement was having a good time but she certainly wasn't.

Especially not when Daniel Jackson and Teal'c arrived on the scene and joined Jack.

Standing right beside the car, despite her repeated requests for them to get as far away as possible.

"How's she holding up?" She heard Daniel asked as he crossed his arms over his chest and stared at her through the glass window.

A string of expletives burst from her lips and she saw Jack grin in response.

"She's holding up pretty well. And can hear every word." His grin grew when he noticed her glare and he had the audacity to wink at her as she swore at him through the phone she clutched to her mouth. "She says to tell you hi."

"I do not believe that is what Colonel Carter said, O'Neill."

Jack gave another grin but didn't respond, too busy listening to the voice in his ear.

"I mean it, Jack. I don't want to see you standing there in five minutes time."

She watched him take a step forward, moving closer to the car and scowled at him through the window.

"Like I said before, you're hardly in a position to stop me." He walked right up to the drivers door, pleased the bomb had been located at the back of the car so the way was clear of hard working agents. "I'm not going anywhere till you're out of there."

"I'll leave you." The threat was an empty one; one they both knew she couldn't keep despite the fire behind her eyes as she delivered it. "The moment I get out of here, I'll pack my bags and go."

"No you won't. You tried that before, remember?" His smile softened, and he let the hand that wasn't holding the phone rest against the glass between them, watching her mimic the gesture, hearing her sigh as she did. "I wouldn't let you go then and I won't let you now. You made me promise not to let you run away from this, Sam. I usually keep my promises."

A reluctant smile curved her lips as she remembered, the blush staining her cheeks despite the time that had passed since the night he referred to.



It was the beginning of their third month of living together. Three months of being an official couple, of being in a relationship they didn't have to hide.

Under pressure from her new CO at the SGC, Sam returned to find a note saying he'd gone out for a bottle of wine and if she had time, could she heat up the soup on the stove for starters.

It wasn't an unreasonable request, but it turned out to be the catalyst in bringing to light the stress she was under, and a fear she wasn't even aware she had.

She put the soup on as he'd asked and went up to their room to change, slipping out of her BDUs into worn jeans and a t-shirt she'd taken from his drawer during the first week after moving in with him. A little gesture that helped her feel comfortable claiming his home as her own.

Thoughts of her day circled in her mind, distracting her as she puzzled over the tasks she'd yet to complete in her lab, groused over the new General's less-than-pleasant attitude towards her. An attitude that hadn't improved when he found out she was a former MIU agent and was living with her former CO.

The sound of the smoke alarm broke into her musings, a rude awakening.

With several colourful words that would have made her father blush, Sam had raced down the stairs, tripping on the purse she'd left thoughtlessly lying about and spraining her ankle in the process so having to hobble into the kitchen to attempt the rescue operation of the smoking pan of soup.

The operation failed miserably and she startled herself by doing a complete irrational, completely female thing to do: she burst into tears.

Ten minutes later when Jack arrived home, it was to find her standing just inside the front door, struggling with two bulging bags while balancing on one foot as the other swelled to an impressive size.

"What's going on?"

She looked up at him, her eyes red, as red as her nose. "I can't do this. I'm leaving."

"The hell you are!"

The angry outburst made her jump, as did the sound of the bottle of wine shattering as the bag it was in slipped unnoticed to the floor. He advanced towards her, his eyes burning and for the second time that day she did the only thing she seemed capable of doing in her highly hormonal and deeply vulnerable state.

She burst into tears. Again.

Dropped the bags she'd been trying to juggle and tried to bat his hands away when he moved to encircle her with his arms and draw her close.

"I'm a horrible person," she sobbed. "Useless. I can't do the relationship thing. I don't know how. I keep screwing it up like I screw up everything."

"You don't screw everything up, Carter. You rarely screw up anything." He let his chin rest atop her head, running his hands up and down her back in soothing circles.

"I am a screw up. General Landry hates me. I think he hates all women but he hates me most of all 'cause I keep correcting him and messing up his perfect plans." She sniffed loudly. "And then I came home and I screwed up here and you deserve better than me because I really, really can't do this. I can't make it work."

"First of all, Landry is a bastard who hates women because he can't get laid. Secondly." He eased her away with gentle hands and stared at her streaked face in concern. "How'd you screw up here, to her than obviously having done something to make your ankle decide it wants to start wearing my shoes instead of yours?"

She looked at him then, with solemn blue eyes and a trembling bottom lip, setting his heart racing as he tried not to worry about what she was going to say.

"I burnt the soup."

Of all the things he'd dreaded her saying...

He managed to restrain himself, contain his laughter because the distress on her face wasn't amusing. He shuffled his feet closer to hers, mindful of her injury, and moved his hands to cup her face. Holding her still so he could lean in and kiss her tenderly.

Once, twice.

Three times.

"Jack?"

"Mmm?"

"What are you doing?"

"Trying." Kiss. "To make you forget." Another kiss. "About burning the damn soup."

Another slightly longer, slightly more insistent kiss punctuated the answer.

"Oh. Okay." Her arms moved to wind around his neck, her eyes nicely dazed when he pulled back after bestowing yet another kiss on her mouth. "What soup?"

"I have no idea." Confident that she wasn't going to do anything stupid, like push him away and try to leave, Jack released her face and lowered his hands so they came to rest on her hips. "You're not a screw up. And you're not getting rid of me so easily. Definitely not because of a pan of soup that probably wasn't that good to begin with."

Sam sniffed again, staring up at him through lowered eyelids. Her bout of crying over, she started to feel more than a little embarrassed for letting her emotions run riot and get the better of her.

"I'm sorry. I guess I just... over-reacted. It's been one of those days, everything went wrong at work and then I came home and couldn't even heat up some soup without trying to burn down the house. Soup, for crying out loud! I'm not good at the domesticated thing, at relationships. I panicked." She opened her eyes slightly wider, her hands clutching his shoulders. "I'll probably panic again," she warned. "Try to run away."

He kissed her nose, smiling fondly at her. "I won't let you. Now let's get you to the couch and put some ice on your foot. I'll tidy up the mess I've made in here and then you can tell me all about your day. I'll even call in sick for you tomorrow so you don't have to deal with Landry till you feel better."

"Thank you."

"Think nothing of it."



"I still don't want you here. So close." She stared at him past their hands, wishing the glass wasn't there between them. "Maybe you could find out how it's going at the back end of the car? See if they're any further on getting me out of here?"

He nodded as she watched, his reluctance to pull his hand away showing on his face. Then it was gone, replaced with a grin that didn't quite meet his eyes as he walked away. "This is going to be one hell of a phone bill, Carter."

She snorted, letting her hand drop to her knee. "I'll claim it back in expenses from the MIU, don't worry."

She heard him ask how it was going, saw Annie Bartley glare at the muffled answer through the review mirror. She watched Jack threaten someone, saw Annie's look of approval and really, really wished he hadn't muffled the conversation with his hand.

She didn't need to hear it to get the gist of what was being said, though. Whoever had decided to toy with her was damn good at it, which meant she wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Great.

Fantastic.

Really, really bad day.