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Jack O'Neill didn't know whether to hit something or to be relieved at the interruption. "You'd … ah … better answer that, Sam," he mumbled, moving away from the woman's warm body and inviting lips.

"Uhm … right," Sam said, licking those lips and picking up the receiver. "Carter," she added. "Yes, sir." … "I'll be there within the hour, sir." … "Of course." … "Goodbye, sir."

She put the receiver down. "I've been called back to the base, sir," she said. "General Hammond's been trying to reach you, but your cell's switched off."

Oh, yeah.

They got up, their minds shifting quickly back to military mode, and Sam slipped her jacket back on, starting when Jack helped her settle it on her shoulders.

"Sam; I don't want things to be weird between us again," Jack said, sure he could see her withdrawing. "Chalk it up to a moment of temporary madness, if you like."

"Okay …," Sam said slowly.

Then, Jack being Jack, he just had to say it. He waggled his eyebrows. "Or the fact that you're insanely hot might have had something to do with it," he added.

Sam's eyes widened. And then she giggled. "Back atcha, Jack," she told him, slapping him lightly upside the head.

"Ah! Hmmm!" Jack coughed in embarrassment. The last time she'd told him he was hot, she'd been completely trashed – now she was dead sober. "Well … after you, Carter," he said, ushering her out of the house and into his truck. She had yet to be cleared for driving. "So … we still on for pizza tonight?" he added.

And she grinned at him. "Yeah," she said, then tapped his shoulder. "I think we'd better invite the guys along this time, though. You know how Teal'c pouts when he misses out on food."

"And can't forget Jonas," Jack put in. "That boy eats like he's about to starve to death." He slammed the door to the passenger side and made his way to his own side.

Sam snickered. "Well, he's hardly a boy, but you're right about his appetite."

"He's still young – like you and Rock Boy," Jack said, doing up his seat-belt and eyeing Sam pointedly till she clicked hers into place. "Makes me feel damn old."

Sam rolled her eyes. "Sir; you're not old."

Jack rolled his own eyes. "I am," he said flatly, "and most of the time I'm okay with that." Most of the time.

Sam's hand suddenly landed on his knee and squeezed it briefly, comfortingly. "Sir; you are not old. You're young. The way you move, your child-like behavior, that twinkle in your eyes when you tease any of us. You are young. The gray hair doesn't matter."

Jack turned out of her quiet little street and merged with a large phalanx of traffic. Then he patted her knee. "You're pretty sweet for a kick-ass Major," he said lightly.

He didn't need to look at her to know she was blushing. "Thanks, sir, but I meant it," she told him.

Then she snickered again and placed her hand briefly on his thigh.

High on his thigh.

That little witch.

Huh; maybe he wasn't so old after all, he mused as he felt his body's instant response.

A warm tingle shot through Sam's fingers at the feel of Jack's firm thigh under her hand. He had the thighs of a runner – long, lean and powerful.

Just … a couple … inches higher?

Very, very tempting.

But no.

They were friends.

Friends who were strongly attracted to each other, but unless things changed that was all they could be.

And Sam would have his friendship if she couldn't have his love.

She sat back, muffling another giggle as she saw her big bad CO flush, then heard him clear his throat.

"Don't toy with me, Samantha," he warned her in a silky tone. "I still owe you for the eyeliner, remember?"

Jack O'Neill held grudges. He was the king of grudge-holding. And she should've known he wouldn't forget about the eyeliner any time soon. "Ahh … yes, sir," she said.

"You've had a reprieve while you've been in la-la land, but now that you're getting better …?"

The Goa'uld had nothing on one Colonel Jack O'Neill for menace. Sam was just glad he wasn't on their side.

He laughed softly and Sam couldn't help but smile. The Colonel laughed so rarely, it was nice to hear it.

And what that husky chuckle did for her temp …!

"I'll watch my back, sir," she told him.

"You do that."

"I'm sorry to have called you back while you're still recuperating, Major," General Hammond said, waving Sam and Jack into seats in front of his desk.

"No problem, sir," Sam said.

"Hell; she's attached to this mountain with a bungee cord anyway," Jack chimed in, settling his lanky frame into his chair and shooting one of his biggest smirks at Sam.

Hammond gave him a mildly exasperated look, then picked up a slim sheaf of papers. "As you know; we've had to ship many of our discoveries to Area 51 as we don't have the manpower on this base for an exhaustive analysis."

"Yes, sir," Sam murmured.

Jack 'hmmm'ed in agreement, remembering the look of disappointment in Sam's eyes every time they had to ship out one of her big honkin' fancy pieces of alien tech. Like when a kid found out there was no Santa.

"To that end; the Joint Chiefs have directed that a Science Corps be established on this base – a joint effort between the Air Force and the Marines. All the scientists on the base – civilian and military – will join this team and will report directly to the Joint Chiefs, although day to day things will be handled by the SGC commander."

"And how does this affect us, sir?" Jack said, thinking that he could take a wild guess.

"I've been asked to offer Major Carter the chance to head up this team, with of course a promotion to Lieutenant Colonel," Hammond said, turning to Sam.

He knew it. "Way to go, Carter!" Jack said proudly. But he waited for the other shoe to drop.

Sam's eyes widened and her pretty face flushed with combined pleasure and embarrassment. "Thank you, sir," she said. "I'm honored."

"Of course, this means that you'll no longer be on SG-1," the General continued.

SG-1 … without Sam Carter? That was just … weird.

"Oh," Sam said blankly. "May I think about it, sir?" she asked.

"Of course," Hammond said comfortably. "It's a big change after nearly seven years, but in any other command you would never have stayed with the same team for this long."

"This isn't just any other command, General," Jack said.

"I'm aware of that, Colonel," Hammond told him.

Note to self; don't piss off the General.

"If you take this new role, this will leave SG-1 one man short, and I don't propose to have a three-man team," Hammond continued. "And that brings me to you, Colonel."

Now what did I do?

"As you know, when I took command of this base, it was supposed to be a quick, simple assignment – my last one before retiring."

Oh, crap …

"This command has gotten bigger and bigger, and the Chief of Staff believes that there should be two Generals in command. And I happen to agree with him."

Don't say it, General!

"Jack; I'd like for you to take joint command of the SGC with me – with a long delayed and well deserved promotion to Brigadier General."

And the other shoe dropped.

In some ways, Jack knew it was time. While he was fit, strong and healthy, he knew that a man in his fifties couldn't go charging around the galaxy indefinitely. But, damn it, there was nothing that beat the rush of stepping through that wormhole! Did he really want to give that up?

"Sir; congratulations!" Sam said, her eyes shining with happiness and her cheeks glowing.

Jack took in a moment to appreciate the sight before returning his attention to the General. "Sir; I'm honored by your faith in me, but …".

He paused here. How to phrase this without sounding like he was shirking his duty …

Hammond suddenly chuckled. The man was laughing? At Jack? "Major; could you wait outside for a moment?" he asked.

The man probably didn't want Sam to witness a full-bird Colonel throwing a tantrum.

"Of course, sir," she said politely, then got up and headed out of the office.

Jack was lost in dark thoughts. He could just see it. A big honkin' desk full of papers. Or retirement. He'd tried retirement before and knew that option would drive him rapidly crazy. But paperwork? Oy!

After the door closed, Hammond chuckled again and folded his hands on the desk. "Relax, son," he said comfortably. "I have no intention of putting you in an administrative role."

Jack wasn't comforted. "So … what would I be doing? Sir?"

"Your security and tactical instincts are the sharpest I've ever seen in over thirty years in the service," Hammond said. "We've come too close to losing you far too many times in the last seven years, and it's time for that to end."

That was true. In fact, Jack and his 'kids' had died so many times that very few at the SGC regarded death as a permanent state any more.

"As Strategic Tactical Officer for the SGC" – cool title – "you will spend time on the new Alpha Site, coordinate the scouting for a proposed Beta Site, work with the Prometheus crew on their security and provide tactical training and intelligence to the SG teams." Hammond eyeballed him. "You will be very busy, Colonel, and very challenged. It's more than time people got to know the intelligence you've tried to hide for so long."

Wow. Had anyone … ever … bought his dumb act?

"And if … big if … I take this on, what about T and Daniel?" he asked.

"As an archeologist, Doctor Jackson's role would fall under the proscribed Science Corps team and, he will go out with various SG teams as needed. And Teal'c …". Hammond paused. Then smiled. "I've finally been authorized to offer him a commission with the rank of Captain and second in command of SG-2."

Holy crap. Daniel would be bouncing off the ceilings with the chance to concentrate solely on archeology and languages. Sam deserved a promotion and the chance to lead her own team. And as for T … it was about damn time the Air Force recognized what he'd done for them, what he'd given up for them!

Could he deny his 'kids' the chance to spread their wings simply because he would miss the rush of being on SG-1?

He was a selfish son of a bitch at times, but could he be that selfish?

"And one other thing, Colonel," Hammond said, "although you would be a General, Major Carter will not report to you. I will oversee her officer evaluations."

"Sir?" Jack knew Hammond didn't buy his dumb act, but it was still worth a go.

The older man sighed. "I've noticed that you and she have become closer – much more flirtatious – over the last few weeks. And if I've noticed, you can bet other folks have."

He held up his hand as Jack opened his mouth to protest. "I trust you, son," he added quickly, "and I trust Major Carter. I've given you two a lot of latitude over the years as you make an unbeatable combination, but you're walking a fine line."

And this change would mean the frat regs wouldn't apply and Hammond's command wouldn't be in danger. But would Carter even want a relationship with him? Yes; he knew she was attracted to him, but attraction was one thing … being stuck with him was something else entirely.

"Just … something to consider, Colonel," Hammond said solemnly.

Were his eyes twinkling?

"Yes, sir," Jack said. "I'll think about it and let you know by the end of the day," he added.

"Good. And think hard, son."

That evening:

The five members of SG-1 (Jonas had been co-opted in recent weeks) sat in a quiet corner of Luigi's Pizzeria chowing down happily on pizza. "So, you're really gonna do it, Jack?" Daniel said. "Become a General?" He sounded like he'd swallowed a bug. "Brigadier General O'Neill … sounds weird."

"Deal with it, Daniel," the Colonel said around a mouthful of pepperoni. He chewed, then swallowed. "We all know it's time. Hell, I'm no kid any longer."

Sam rolled her eyes and grabbed her diet soda. She wasn't drinking tonight – she was determined to keep her edge for whenever Jack chose to wreak his revenge on her. "Ja-ack …," she protested, "stop calling yourself old. You're not old."

"Maybe not," Jack agreed, "but too many good kids are coming back in body bags or not at all. If I can pass on what we've learned the hard way, maybe we can preserve more lives." He nudged her knee with his. "Don't tell me you aren't itching to get your hands on all those alien toys, Carter!"

Sam grinned. "You've got me there, sir," she acknowledged, pressing her thigh to his hard muscled one and watching with glee when he gulped and his eyes darkened.

The Major Carter part of her was shouting; He's your commanding officer!

Not for much longer, her Sam part countered.

Gotta love the Joint Chiefs.

Jack gave an innocent boyish grin to Daniel. "And you can't tell me you really want to face death at every turn? You're not a soldier, you're a man of peace, and you shouldn't have to do what I've chosen to do."

"I accepted the risks when I joined SG-1, Jack," Daniel said. "I think I'm past the stage where I need your protection."

"That's exactly my point, Daniel!" Jack said. "You've become a damn fine soldier, and I'd trust you with my life in a heartbeat. But … you shouldn't have had to become a soldier. You only joined SG-1 because of Sha're."

"Sha're died years ago," Daniel said. "Yet I'm still here. If you're taking some desk job out of a misplaced sense of loyalty …".

"I'm not. Really!" Jack said. "And it's not a desk job. I'll still get to … ah … travel. Visit the other sites." He looked around. "Hell, I'll even get to play on the Prometheus," he added in low tones. He sat back, his thigh rubbing against Sam's. "Besides, it's a done deal," he added. "I've accepted the promotion and I'll get the stars next week. And Carter's going to head up the Science Corps."

Daniel shrugged. "So it looks like Teal'c and I have some thinking to do," he acknowledged.

Sam shivered at the warm pressure, then looked over at Teal'c. Broad, strong, compassionate and utterly dependable. "So … will you accept the commission?" she asked him.

"I am … unsure," Teal'c admitted. "When I came here, I pledged my allegiance to all your people; not to your Air Force. The Air Force has many enemies here, but I can no longer believe that someone is my enemy simply because of a differing belief system."

"I know," Sam said. Maybe Earth would have developed with less internal strife if they hadn't been left in such isolation. Yet it was perhaps that internal strife that had made the 'Tauri' more independent, much more of a threat to the Goa'uld, than other human-descended races.

"And you, Major Carter?" Teal'c said. "Are you looking forward to your new role?"

"I am," Sam said. "I'll miss traveling with you guys on a regular basis, but I'll be able to lead science teams through when necessary."

"Carter; you're a great scientist, with a big honkin' brain – we know that," said Jack. "But you're a soldier too. You'll miss the adrenaline rush from combat."

"I'll still see combat," Sam replied. "How many 'simple' scientific missions have we been on that have become totally FUBAR?"

Jack snickered and raised his glass. "Point taken … Colonel," he drawled.

Colonel … Sam had to admit; that sounded pretty good. "Well … we've still got this week together," she said. "So, let's just have fun tonight, huh?"

"Good idea," Jonas said, finishing off his own pizza in record time, then leaning over to snag one of Teal'c's slices. Brave man. "So … this is the end of SG-1, huh?"

"Looks like it," Sam said morosely. SG-1 was the greatest. But times changed, and they had to change with them.

"You are both incorrect," Teal'c said. "The SG-1 designation will be no more, but we have become family. And family does not end simply because the roles of the family members change."

Teal'c never said much, so when he did speak it always had an impact. "You're right," Daniel admitted.

Teal'c dipped his head in his little bow, then smiled. "Of course," he stated simply. He picked up his glass of Scotch and soda. "To SG-1 and to family," he said.

Sam and her friends joined him and clinked their glasses. "To SG-1 and to family," they echoed.

Jack pulled up outside of Sam's house. "Here you are, milady!" he said. "Hold on!" He got out of the car and hurried round to Sam's side, pulling the door open.

"Thank you, kind sir," she said, accepting his hand as she got out of the big truck. He held on a little longer than necessary and she felt a flush crawling up her cheekbones. "Jack?" she queried.

"So … Carter; how would you feel about maybe … going on a date with me?" he said. "After our promotion ceremony, of course."

A date? With Jack? Sam was both thrilled and terrified at the idea. Everything was changing so damn fast, and she was getting dizzy trying to keep up with it.

"Okay. Forget I asked," Jack said quickly. "Don't freak out, okay?" He took her other hand. "If you just want to be friends, that's fine. That's cool."

And the tingling shot throughout Sam's whole body. He really had no idea what a simple touch could do to her. "I … ah … don't want to be just friends, Jack," she said shyly. "Our friendship's great, but we could have that and … more." She coughed and looked downward, unable to believe how timid she felt. Strong, stubborn, kick-ass USAF Major Samantha Carter felt like a teenager with a crush on the boy next door.

"I agree," Jack said. Still holding her hands gently, he dipped his head and grazed his lips across hers, then ran his tongue testingly along her full bottom lip.

And Sam sighed, opening her lips to that sweet pink tongue. It entered her mouth, running over her teeth and gums before curling and stroking lazily with her own tongue. "Mmmmm," she sighed, using his hold on her hands to pull him closer into her.

His firm chest nestled into her soft curves, and one hand freed itself to roam down her back, to rest on her butt as the kiss deepened – became less sweet and more passionate.

Sometimes change was bad.

Sometimes change was good.

And sometimes change was fan-damn-tastic.