Title: A Marriage of Convenience
Summary: Jack and Sam have to appear married when he's offered a gift offworld. What happens when they are forced to continue the charade on Earth? Set late season 4.
Rating: PG-13/Teen
Disclaimer: Alas, the characters are not mine. But the story is and I can claim copyright on that!

Constructive feedback is graciously appreciated as I'd like to know what works and what doesn't. Thank you.

"Oh, I already have a wife," Jack announced proudly to the tribal leader. "In fact," he swung his head around, "hey, Carter, get over here, will ya?"

The blond major broke off her conversation with a couple of local people and ambled over to join her commanding officer. "Sir?" she asked with a smile on her face.

He placed an arm around her shoulders and pulled her tight against him. "My wife, Ahmek," he announced proudly while giving her arm a squeeze in the hope that she'd not give the game away.

Ahmek nodded and smiled. "So I see," he replied. "Does she accompany you on all your trips through the Sacred Circle?"

Jack grinned back. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Ahmek didn't seem quite convinced. "But she addresses you so formally?"

The colonel didn't miss a beat. "There's such a thing as keeping business and personal life separate, you know." He leaned conspiratorially towards the leader. "Besides, the other guys would get jealous."

Ahmek smiled again, though it was doubtful he got the joke. "Well, although I cannot persuade you to accept my gift, I still invite you and your people to share in our repast." Another man appeared at his side and whispered in his ear. He nodded again. "Please excuse me," he said. "I have matters to attend to."

As soon as he was out of earshot, Sam ducked out from Jack's arm. "Should I ask what that was about, Sir?"

He made a face. "Old Amen wanted me to accept his oldest daughter as a gift. While some people round here might be into that," his voice rose a fraction and he looked pointedly at the archaeologist standing in his line of sight, "I'm not."

"I didn't exactly have a choice, Jack."

"Sure, you didn't, Daniel."

"So, you thought you'd lie to him instead?" Sam asked.

Jack looked at her. "I really didn't think you'd mind," he said quietly.

Sam shook her head. She didn't mind, not really. It was the closest she was probably ever going to get to the real thing. Besides, it's not like they hadn't had to pull this type of charade before. She still remembered – all too clearly – having to pretend she was mated to all three of her team-mates before. The local leader – a woman – had told Sam she could only bring one of her mates to negotiations. The downcast expression on Colonel O'Neill's face when she'd chosen Daniel was one she'd treasure forever in her mind.

"Not at all, Sir," she replied equally quietly.

"It's only for one night, at least."

She glanced sharply at him, but was unable to read his expression. True, they'd had to pretend for up to a week before now, but this time she couldn't tell whether or not he was glad it was just for one night. Things had changed too much in the past year.

The mission to this particular planet had been simply for exploratory reasons. The UAV had fed back information indicating that the planet appeared uninhabited and that there might a Naquadah supply within a half day's walk from the 'gate. So far, the supply hadn't materialised and a nomadic tribe had moved into the area since the flyover. Ahmek had welcomed the team to his tribe with a big smile on his face, prompting Jack to compare him to Kasuf. He'd invited the team to join in the big feast scheduled for sundown and then had promptly offered his oldest daughter to Jack. Just as quickly, Jack had turned to the female member of his team and pressed her into service as his wife once again.

TBC