Well, here is the next chapter. Short but sweet, but not the end. Another chapter and epiloge to follow. I could use a beta if anyone is interested. Thank you all for the reviews, I love to hear from you. This story has had more hits than my others combined.

O O O O

She was now over $5000. The MC was in a frenzy of delight crooning on how this one "Lovely" was going to be single handedly responsible for a new Arts and Crafts Center for the DAV Rehab Hospital.

Sam was starting to feel very self-conscience standing there in her red white and blue bikini. Not to mention a bit chilly.

Then she heard it. "How about $10,000!" came a bid from the back of the room.

O O O O

Who was it? Sam didn't recognize the voice and she couldn't see who it was past the bright lights of the stage.

"Was that $10,000 Sir" asked the MC.

"That's correct sir, $10,000" said the handsome stranger from the back of the room.

As he confirmed his bid several men, as well as the group from the SGC, let out grunts of disappointment.

"That's $10,000 going once, twice, SOLD to the gentleman with the very generous wallet. I am sure I speak for everyone when I say thank you very much!"

Sam didn't know what to say, $10,000, WOW, I hope this guy knows he's only getting dinner.

She then walked forward to the end of the stage to meet her date for the evening and shake his hand.

As she looked around she found that her mystery date had disappeared.

She got up quickly, trying hard not to look too disappointed, gracefully took her escorts arm and walked backstage.

As they disappeared behind the curtain Sam turned to her escort "Did you see my bidder?" she asked in desperation.

"No, I'm sorry, I couldn't see past the lights" he said. "I didn't recognize the voice, he had a strange accent."

Sam gave a deep sigh, "well I am off to get changed, have fun and happy bidding." She knew he was intent on bidding on a few of the ladies himself.

As Sam changed into her evening gown she started to get a bit worried. This calendar was sold all over the world and the auction was famous. Her bidder could be anyone from anywhere. What did she get herself into?

At the end of the auction each of the models was to be introduced to their date in the front foyer where cocktails were being served. Everyone was gathered, both the winners and the losers. The MC was announcing them one by one and finally it was Sam's turn.

"And let's have a big round of applause for our beautiful Miss July, Lt. Col. Samantha Carter of NORAD" the MC paused for the applause. "Now let's have another big round of applause for her lucky date for the evening Mr. Howard Thorp."

A huge round of applause rang out as the mysterious gentleman walked up to Sam and gave a slight bow. He was a handsome man with kind features and sparkling grayish blue eyes.

He then offered Sam his arm and escorted her out of the room. Sam kept looking sideways at her date. She had no idea who it was, but so far he seemed very nice. Her only question was. Where was Jack?

He was still no where to be found. As she was leaving the room with her date she looked around to find Daniel and Teal'c who just looked at her and shrugged their shoulders.

At the door he helped with her wrap guided her toward a black stretch limousine. The driver quickly came around and opened the door for them.

As she slid into the limo she looked around to assess the situation. She couldn't help it. Even though every bidder who registered was thoroughly screened she was still worried. She had encountered too many surprises on distant planets. She had learned her lesson before.

Her date slid in and took a seat directly across from her. As soon as the driver got into the front seat they quickly pulled away.

"Mr. Thorp" said Sam quickly "thank you for your kind donation, I am sure it will be put to good use."

"You're quite welcome Colonial Carter, but I am not the one whom you should thank." Suddenly there was a flash of blue light and the kind gentleman in the tuxedo transformed into Thor.

"Thor!" squealed Sam with delight as she reached over and hugged her very favorite little grey alien. "Was that a hologram? Wait, don't answer that I'll find out later. Where's General O'Neill? Did he put you up to this?"

"Indeed" he replied, a bit surprised by Sam's outburst and sudden show of affection. The Asguard were not accustomed to physical contact, needless to say hugging. "If you would kindly release me, I will beam General O'Neill in so that he may continue your date."

"Oh, Sorry" she said a bit embarrassed "beam away."

"Thank you." he replied as he straightened himself. "Colonial Carter, when General O'Neill contacted me to plan this charade he seemed quite anxious and even more protective of you than I have usually observed him." With that said he sort of smiled and continued "congratulations and enjoy the rest of your evening." When he finished speaking he disappeared in a beam of white light.

Seconds later another beam of light appeared and Jack arrived right next to Sam, still dressed in his tux and wearing a grin from ear to ear.