Chapter 46 by Abbot & Natters

Sam's POV – early the next morning.

I run the experiment for the fifth time in God knows how long. The numbers have all started to stream together and I rub my eyes. 'One last time' I promise myself. I know the answer is in here somewhere. I just have to find it.

"Morning Sam!" calls Daniel as he pokes his head in. He takes one look at me and enters all the way. "Have you been up all night?"

"Yeah. I had this idea, while I was getting ready to go home, and it hasn't panned out yet. What time is it?"

"0800."

"Oh no. It can't be."

"We've got the debriefing in half an hour."

"And my report was due an hour ago. It's probably just as well I'm…" Oops. Not supposed to tell anyone yet. Wake up Carter. "Ready for coffee. I'll just turn this off and we can go, okay."

"Maybe, you should skip the coffee, make your excuses to the General and go straight to bed. I'm sure he'll understand."

"No Daniel. I'll go and face the music. In fact, if you'll run and get my coffee, I can type up a quick report just in time for the meeting."

I see him hover for a moment, undecided.

"Please Daniel?"

"Alright Sam."

Daniel's POV

Well, I was hoping to put these laxatives to use somewhere other than coffee, but okay. I can deal with that. I suppose you could call us even now. I hurry back, mug in hand. Handing it off to her, my next stop is Jack, who is still stuck in infirmary. All I need to do is convince him to stay still -not that he'll escape in that state, but rather not to bother to nurses with returning his ass to the gurney. Tricky, tricky.

Juggling all this is hard. Janet, Teal'c, Cassie and Jacob are all out shopping and making preparations, so it's hard to co-ordinate all this. Cell reception in the mountain is non-existent. Hopefully, everything's going as planned.

SG-1 SG-1 SG-1

Sam's POV

As I take my usual seat beside the Colonel's empty chair, Daniel and Teal'c hurry in. The General comes in and I stand, but he waves me back down.

"Major? Are you alright?"

"Fine sir. I was up late with an experiment."

"I see. Well, while Colonel O'Neill is off duty for a few weeks, we'll see what we can do to arrange a bit more lab time for you Major. I know you find it a challenge to balance your scientific experiments and the off world missions."

"Yes sir."

"Doctor Jackson, as neither Doctor Frasier nor Colonel O'Neill will be joining us this morning, perhaps you'd like to start?"

I listen to Daniel start explaining the significance of the N'Tinevale ceremony, and the next thing I know, everyone is staring at me, while I blink my eyes open. Teal'c and the General are both hiding an amused sparkle in their eyes and Daniel's looking at me like I dropped a priceless artefact.

"Major?"

"Sorry sir," I blush as I realize I fell asleep during Daniel's briefing.

"Teal'c, perhaps you'd escort Major Carter to her quarters to get some sleep. Major, you are not to leave your quarters for the next eight hours."

"Indeed."

I mouth a quick sorry at Daniel as I follow Teal'c out the door. But as I walk down the spiral stair case I swear I can hear laughter.

Hammond's POV

It's almost painful keeping the laughter down. But somehow, the fake briefing works. Sam's been awake too long, and she nods off. We shuffle her out the door, and I raise the blast doors. The gate room is looking good- Siler is bringing in an arch, while SFs look surly and unfold steel chairs.

Everything is going according to plan. I can't wait to earn my money. Double or nothing this time...

SG-1 SG-1 SG-1

Janet's POV

Two hours to go and its time to wake up the bride. Everything looks perfect. The cake, the dresses, the mess hall and the gate room have all been decked out with ribbons and balloons.

Daniel's just gone to get the Groom ready, and Cassie and I have the job of preparing the Bride, without letting her know exactly what's going on. Personally, I'm glad we've got the easy one. I knock on the door a few times before I hear a sleepy reply and a few moments later a half awake Sam opens the door.

"Hey Janet. Is everything okay?"

"We've got a surprise visit from some important heads of state and they want everyone in formal wear. We've got two hours to get ready."

"What?"

"Hey Aunt Sam. Apparently they're making some big announcement."

"Cassie. You're here too."

"Yep. Come on, we have to get ready." She replies as she practically forces her way through the doorway with the garment bags and make up bags in her hands. My daughter is a force of nature, and nothing is getting in her way today.

Daniel's POV

"Jack, hate doing this to you...but there's a formal occasion happening in about an hour and a half."

"Awww...shit. You gonna make me wear my dress blues?"

"Actually...ahh...the general has ordered you into a tuxedo. He doesn't know if you're still in or not."

"Great."

"Gonna need help, or should I just leave it here?"

"Leave it, leave it, I'll be out as soon as I can," he groaned. I left the package on his lap, on top of a folder, and fiddled with my bow tie. This was going to be interesting, to say the least.

SG-1 SG-1 SG-1

Sam's POV – one and a half hours later

The more Cassie fusses, the more I think, something is definitely going on. It started with a quick sprint to the locker rooms for shower. It was fifteen hundred and no one was around. No airmen in the corridors, nothing.

Next Cassie starts fixing my hair, while Janet does my nails. As much as I enjoy the occasional pamper session it gets a bit much when I see the dresses.

It's THAT dress. The dress that practically begged me to buy it. But I was a good girl. I took one look at the price tag and walked away. But here it is. Lying on my bed, in my quarters, next to the matching shoes and, of all things a garter. A blue garter. I see a pair of blue earrings and matching necklace that I've seen Janet wear a few times. All I'm missing is the something old and I'd be…

Nah. It's just my imagination playing tricks on me. After all, Janet and Cassie are both in blue too. With matching garters. Must've been a special offer or something.

Yeah, right. Maybe Daniel asked Janet to marry him? It's possible. He was looking nervous this morning. Before I fell asleep at the table.

But, then why isn't Cassie helping Janet a bit more? And why not tell me?

"Janet? Who did you say was coming to this thing?"

"A few heads of state, a couple of alien Ambassadors. That's why we ladies have to match. It presents an image of solidarity."

"Our dress uniforms would have done the same job."

"Yes, but then Cassie would have been left out. Right Cass?"

"Right Mom. Come on Sam, get into your dress. Uncle George will blow a fuse if you are late."

I narrow my eyes, but Janet just smiles brightly and holds the dress so I can step into it. As she zips it up and passes me the earrings I make eye contact with her in the mirror. Her eyes are bubbling with the punchline to a joke that I'm not in on.

A few minutes later, we're all in our outfits, dressed to the nines, and there's a knock on my door.

"That must be the guys, come to escort us to the dance," says Janet as she takes a last look in the mirror, before hurrying to the door. Daniel, Teal'c and the Colonel are standing there, all looking perfect.

"Wow! Ladies, you have never looked lovelier. Right Teal'c?" Daniel says, and Janet predictably blushes.

"Indeed. You are a credit to the Tau'Ri."

"Thanks Teal'c." I smile warmly before turning my gaze to the Colonel. He's looking me up and down like he wants to eat me for dinner. And he… is stunning. We both bring our eyes up at the same moment and laugh. Janet and Cassie have already taken the arm of the rest of SG-1, leaving the Colonel and I to bring up the rear. I close the door to my quarters, and take the proffered arm that's held out to me with a smile.

As we follow our four friends to the elevator, the Colonel leans close to whisper in my ear. "Any idea who the guests are?"

I shiver slightly as his breath caresses my ear. "No sir. Janet and Cassie wouldn't tell me any thing."

"We'll find out soon enough I guess. Not to put too fine a cliché on it, but that dress is… you."

I curse my fair complexion again as I blush. "Thank you."

We all get into the waiting elevator and Daniel pushes the button for 28. "Are all the guests here already?" I ask.

"I don't know Sam. The General told us to be in the Gate room in five minutes time."

"And for once you are not gonna be late Danny-boy."

"No one will be late to this evening's proceedings O'Neill."

"Right Teal'c. 'cause there's this important announcement that's gonna be made."

Oh boy. The Colonel's mood is turning. His pain meds must be wearing off. A Colonel in pain is never a happy camper. His ribs must be aching after the walk down to my quarters from the Infirmary.

Janet rolls her eyes and opens her purse. She brings out a pill and hands it to the Colonel. "As soon as we get to the Gate room Sam, make sure he takes that with a glass of water."

"Or beer."

"Colonel. No beer. No alcohol. Just water and soft drinks for you tonight."

"Yes Doc," He placates her with a wink in my direction and I giggle. I hear Janet sighing in frustration but Daniel and Cassie just grin.

As we exit the elevator I can hear the music is in full swing already. I hope they play a few slow dances. Come hell or high water or Gou'ald or Asgard, I'll have one dance with Jack O'Neill tonight if it kills me.

The Colonel and I lead the others into the room and I lead him straight to the drink table after acknowledging the General. The Colonel pulls a face at me as I had him a glass of water, but takes his meds.

I look around and spot a few SG teams, milling around the room. There's a few musicians in the corner, playing a bright dance tune. Siler and Walter are laughing at something the General said. My Dad's talking to… Thor?

"Thor's here sir."

"Where? I can hardly see anyone in this group let alone his skinny grey-"

"Talking to my father on the ramp. Near the podium."

"Ahh, let's go say hello," he places my arm back in his, and draws me along in his wake. The crowd's part before us and with a little effort we're climbing up the ramp to my Dad and Thor. I feel a sympathetic twinge in my ribs as the strain pulls on the Colonel's injured thorax and slow him down with a gentle pressure on his arm.

He turns to look at me and I glance down at my three inch heels, which were not made for walking up this ramp with its struts and grid. He nods and steadies me as I negotiate the surface.

"Evening Thor. How's life in your Galaxy?"

"Greetings O'Neill. Major Carter. I am well. We have already begun work on the Carter."

"Buddy, I'm hurt. No, O'Neill the Second? Or Jack's Chariot?"

"Since the first O'Neill was so successful thanks to Major Carter's 'dumb' idea, we have decided to afford her a similar honour, by naming our newest ship after her."

"Yeah, Carter and her 'dumb' ideas are always saving my sorry a...behind too."

"Thank you Thor. That was very kind of you."

"Hey Carter, d'ya think you could manage not to blow it up if you got your hands on this one?"

"I could try sir." I reply with a smirk before turning to greet my Dad. "Hi Dad." I kiss his cheek, and I'm stunned at the emotion in his eyes.

"Sammy. You look beautiful."

"Thanks. Is everything okay?"

"You look so much like your mother."

I take a steadying breath and the Colonel makes a quip while I recover

"Hey Dad."

"Jack. I hope you've been behaving yourself?"

"The Doc's had me locked up in the Infirmary. With nothing to do. Not even a yo-yo. One more night in there, and I gotta tell ya, I woulda gone wacko."

"Sanity is relative Jack. Compared to most people in the Universe you are wacko."

"Thanks 'Dad'." He replies and I giggle. "Whose side are you on, anyway Carter?"

My reply is cut off as General Hammond taps on his glass for attention.

"Ladies, Gentlemen, and Thor." A ripple of amusement passes through the crowd. "I'd like to begin, by thanking you all for coming. It's taken a lot of effort to prepare this in the twenty-four hours they were given, but between them Cassandra and Janet Frasier, Jacob Carter, Teal'c, Daniel Jackson, and Sergeant Siler have managed a miracle." The crowd applauds. "A night I hope all of us will remember for a long time. If the Ambassador's would please assemble beside the podium."

The Colonel and I make our way off the ramp, but I'm stunned as Daniel, Teal'c and Cassandra join my father and Thor at the top, along with General Hammond.

"Teal'c, if you would please summarize this document aloud for those few, who don't know it's contents."

"Between the five of us, we represent five races. Races that are of paramount importance to Earth and Star Gate Command. The Asgard, the Jaffa, the Abydonians, Cassandra Frasier's people and the Tok'Ra. As a matter of intergalactic diplomatic relations with the Tau'Ri, we have requested one thing. The President of the United States has been kind enough to agree to this request, on behalf of two of my dearest friends."

I feel all eyes turn to us at the bottom of the ramp, and the Colonel squirms beside me. I squeeze his arm in reassurance, and wait for Teal'c to continue.

"We requested that Colonel Jack O'Neill and Major Doctor Samantha Carter be married, tonight, without any repercussions on their careers."

Did he just say-

"Married?" asks the Colonel in disbelief, looking first at me and then at Teal'c, Daniel, Cassie, the General and finally my Dad.

Jack's POV

Not so much walking as being dragged the halls by T and Daniel, I start to wonder if something is up. The BS alarm is going wild. And then we roll up on the girls, and I know it's a scam. I can't tell what flavor, though. Daniel and Teal'c compliment them, but I'm helpless. I just stare at Sam, who's blushing furiously. She's got this beautiful dress on, hugging her curves. High heels. Jewelery. The whole nine yards. I've never seen her look so...effeminate? Beautiful is the word I'm looking for.

So we go to the gate room, and it looks amazing. Blue ribbons, red carpet, podium, honor guard, dignitaries. Sam forced me to take my pills, spotted her dad and Thor. Sam dragged me THERE too. I talked to my little grey buddy, distracted by an arch at the end of the red carpet. The meds mighta been fiddling with my mind, but I remembered seeing something like it at another, recent social event. Distracted, I resumed ogling Sam until I noticed Jacob glaring at me. Time to put on the old O'Neill charm.

"Hey Dad."

"Jack. I hope you've been behaving yourself?"

"The Doc's had me locked up in the Infirmary. With nothing to do. Not even a yo-yo. One more night in there, and I gotta tell ya, I woulda gone wacko."

"Sanity is relative Jack. Compared to most people in the Universe you are wacko."

"Thanks 'Dad'."

Hammond tapped his glass, and started spouting political mumbo jumbo. Teal'c started to have a go at it, and my eyelids started to drift until I heard the words,

"We requested that Colonel Jack O'Neill and Major Doctor Samantha Carter be married, tonight, without any repercussions on their careers."

I...we...my...

"Married?"