Alternate Politics
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Chapter Five:
Jack stood against the hood of his truck, taking in the scene before him with a smile on his face. A few feet in front of him was his team, Captain Carter, and the little girl who had won over all their hearts. Cassandra had been attached to Sam from the moment she met her. And, Jack could tell, Sam was quite attached to the little girl, as well.
Jack still hadn't got his date with Carter yet, something he planned on rectifying as soon as possible. The day after their kiss at Daniel's, a goa'uld sarcophagus arrived at the SGC. Apparently, the women of the SGC, including Captain Carter, were the only ones unaffected by Hathor and thus, were responsible for stopping Hathor before she repopulated the earth with baby goa'ulds. Jack cringed at the thought!
Once Hathor disappeared through the stargate, Jack hoped to get his much-anticipated date with Sam, but she was immediately called back to Washington. Even knowing she would be back in a few weeks for their mission to Hanka to witness the eclipse, he was still greatly disappointed that they would have to postpone their date even longer.
He had visualized a nice, romantic day on Hanka prior to their arrival. Of course, the last thing he expected was to arrive on the planet and find everyone dead. Everyone that is, except for Cassandra.
He saw the look on Sam's face when the full information of what was going on with Cassandra was discussed. He knew she had grown attached to the little girl, and her death by the hands of the goa'uld was going to tear Sam apart. He barely knew the woman, and all he wanted to do was hold and comfort her, to take all the misery she was feeling away. He knew how she felt, he had lost his son, and even though Cassandra was not Sam's daughter, at the moment, Sam considered her to be.
He couldn't believe the mountain of emotions he felt when Sam had gone back down to stay with Cassandra in the nuclear facility. He had only been around this woman a handful of times, and yet, he felt like if he lost her, he would never be the same. A part of his heart had healed when he met Carter, it had been so broken after losing Charlie and Sara, but this woman, somehow, just the thought of her was medicine for his aching heart.
Watching as Sam and Daniel swung Cassandra between them, Jack remembered the girl's surprise in his truck and walked around to retrieve it. Grabbing the dog, he walked through the park and towards his team.
They spent the rest of the afternoon in the park until Cassie let out a humungous yawn and Sam declared they had had enough fun for one day. Daniel scooped up the tired little girl while Teal'c held the dog, and the group made their way back to the parking lot.
"So, have you found anything out yet?" Jack asked quietly, he and Sam a few steps back from the rest of the group.
"No, not really. General Hammond is trying to get me transferred permanently to the SGC so I can have a more stable life. Janet's going to take her for now, at least until I can get things sorted out."
"Everything will be fine, Sam. Hammond's got your back on this," Jack tried to console her.
"I know, but there are a lot of people who don't want me tied down here. I'm really worried they won't let me have her, Jack." Sam slowed and turned to face Jack as she confessed her fears to him.
Jack, still reeling over hearing his given name come out of her mouth, and the emotions she was allowing him to see, stopped and wrapped his arms around her. He held her tightly, wishing he had some way of giving her everything she wanted. "It's going to work out, Sam. I promise."
Sam sniffled and buried her head further into Jack's neck, still upset, but at the same time, delighting in the smell of Jack O'Neill. A few seconds later, she pulled off his shoulders, her face back to the neutrality expected of an airforce officer.
"Hey," Jack said, lifting her chin up with his thumb so she would look at him. "Trust me," he told her, a deadpan look on his face.
Sam gave him a warm smile. "I do," she whispered. "I do."
Jack leaned in and kissed her on the forehead and then tugged on her hand as they headed off to catch up with the rest of the group.
They all retreated to Janet's house so Cassie could settle in. Janet had gone out while they were at the park and bought a bunch of girl things for Cassandra. She had just finished making Cassie's bed and stocking her bookshelf with several children's books when the large number of people came bounding into her small home.
"Hey!" she greeted, her eyes settling on the little girl curled up in Col. O'Neill's arms, did you guys have fun?"
"Oh, yes! Lot's of fun," Cassie declared, lifting her head off Jack's shoulder. "And Jack got me a dog."
"A dog?" Janet repeated, tossing a glare at the colonel.
"Uh huh, it's a rule, every earth kid has to have a dog."
Janet shook her head at the colonel, throwing him an 'I'll get you back with huge needles' glare.
Before Janet could even register who all was in her house, Daniel had already called in a pizza order while Teal'c and Tobias made themselves comfortable in Janet's living room. Having invited Sam to stay with her whenever she was in town, Janet shouldn't have been surprised that SG-1 just assumed they were all invited as well. Realizing the closeness SG-1 had formed with the captain, Janet surmised that this would be the norm whenever Sam was here. Surprisingly, Janet found herself looking forward to spending time with this odd bunch of people.
Once the pizza arrived, everyone dug in and Cassie promptly declared that pizza was her favorite earth-food. Jack decided to begin Cassie's schooling on earth-culture by sticking in the movie 'The Wizard of Oz,' and everyone settled in to watch it.
Teal'c had commandeered Janet's lazy-boy while Janet, Daniel, and Tobias were spread out on the large sofa. Cassie, Jack, and Sam had taken over the smaller loveseat. Jack sat in between Sam and Cassie, wanting to narrate any confusing parts for Cassie.
By the time Dorothy met the scarecrow, Tobias' attention had been pulled over to the trio on the loveseat. She couldn't help but notice how relaxed her CO was in between Sam and Cassie. If she didn't know better, she would have assumed they were one, happy family. As this thought struck her, Claire realized that it was exactly what the colonel needed. It was obvious that he was a family man. She had been there when the blue crystal had morphed into the colonel and then into his dead son. She tried to talk to him afterwards and comfort him in anyway she could, but he just pushed her away. Seeing the three on the couch, Claire became increasingly aware that it wasn't her he needed to comfort him.
Claire felt a small bubble of jealousy erupt in her stomach at knowing that it was Captain Carter who the colonel needed. Anyone else and she would have been fine, but it always seemed to come down to Captain Carter. Carter held the highest awards and honors at the Air Force Academy. Carter was the Pentagon's golden girl. Carter was General Hammond's pet. Carter was the envy of most of the women at the SGC. She was the one the men all drooled over whenever she was on base. Everywhere she went it was always Carter, Carter, Carter!
Even her own team were in love with the wonderful Captain Carter! Daniel had her cellphone number on speed dial and called her almost everyday, no matter where she was in the country. Teal'c always made sure to have a conversation or two with the oh-so-wonderful captain whenever she was in the mountain. And, the colonel. Don't even get her started on the colonel! He was head-over-heels for the captain. That was quite obvious! Even right now, he had his arm around her as she was snuggled into his side. Tobias couldn't help but notice the colonel's hand as it ran light circular caresses on Carter's bare skin that was exposed between the hem of her shirt and the waistband of her jeans.
Tobias turned her head back to the television. The last thing she wanted to do was be accused of voyeurism. She tried to keep her attention on the movie, but thoughts of the colonel and Capt. Carter kept assaulting her mind and causing her to grow more and more agitated.
By the time the movie was over, Claire had had enough. All she wanted to do was go home and gulp down a bottle or two of wine and pass out. Sure, she found the colonel hot. Sure, she respected and admired him. Maybe even had a little bit of hero-worship for the high-ranking officer. He was an astounding man. But, she did not have a crush on him! She was fine with him dating women. She wanted him to have a life and a family again. Just not with Captain Carter! Anyone but her! Why did it have to be her? Why was it that the pretty little general's daughter always got what she wanted?
Tobias sneaked a peek back over to the loveseat and noticed the trio all gleefully happy. Sam was laughing and Cassie was screeching as Jack tickled her on her sides. Sam was still sitting impossibly close to the colonel, even with him jerking around as he attacked Cassie.
"Well, I'm outta here," Claire stated, a little harsher than she meant to, as she stood up and stretched.
"I must take my leave as well," Teal'c announced, standing up out of the lazy-boy.
Daniel jumped up off the couch and adjusted his glasses. "I'll run you back to base, Teal'c."
Teal'c nodded his head in acquiesce.
"And, it's time for you to head on to bed, little miss," Sam declared, looking at Cassie.
"Come on, I'll show you your new toothbrush and get you all tucked in," Janet said, walking over and holding her hand out for Cassie.
Cassie hopped off the couch and hugged both Sam and Jack good night before taking Janet's hand and heading to the bathroom.
"Well, guys, we'll see you tomorrow," Daniel announced as he, Teal'c and Tobias all slipped on their jackets and headed for the front door.
"Good night, guys," Sam replied, smiling and waving, not moving away from Jack.
"See ya," Jack added, his own grin gracing his face as he watched his team head out.
Once they heard the click of the front door shut, Jack turned his attention back to Sam, tightening his hold and pulling her closer to him. "Sooo, when do I get that date?" he cooed into her ear.
Sam smiled, her whole body quite warm. "I have to take care of a few things in DC and then I'm scheduled for a two week visit to Area 51 before I can even think about coming back here," she sighed, disappointment evident in her voice.
"What about Cassie?"
"Janet's going to work on getting her up to par to start school. She has to learn how to read and write before we can enroll her or people might get suspicious. Even if General Hammond can get me transferred, I still have to finish my Area 51 assignments and the work at the Pentagon before I'll be cleared to leave. At least, going back tomorrow, I can get a head start."
"There's that," Jack replied, still holding her close to him as he took in the intoxicating smell of her hair. I've got three missions scheduled in the next two weeks, so I guess we'll both be busy."
Sam nodded her head, getting more and more comfortable on Jack's body.
Before long, Janet came back out and the three conversed about the recent events and how best to adjust Cassandra to earth living. An hour or so later, Janet gathered the few dishes still in the living room and took them to the kitchen.
Jack sighed. "I should probably be going. It's getting late," he said, reluctantly, not really wanting to move.
"I'll walk you out," Sam replied softly.
Jack nodded and the two stood up. After telling Janet good-bye, Jack led Sam outside and over to his truck. Sam was standing next to him, her arms crossed across her chest trying to keep in the warmth. She hadn't bothered to slip on a jacket before coming out.
"So, you head back tomorrow?" Jack asked.
"Yeah. But, I'll be at the base in the morning. I have a few things to take care of before my flight back."
"Good! Well, I'll see you tomorrow then. Don't leave without telling me good-bye," he ordered, a gentle grin on his face.
"Of course not," Sam replied.
Jack shifted his weight, all of a sudden a little apprehensive. "C'mere," he ordered in a soft voice.
Sam walked into his hold and they both felt a sense of relief in each other's arms. Pulling away slightly, Jack leaned in and gently met her mouth with his own. Just as before, their kiss turned passionate quite quickly. And, Jack was beyond reluctant to pull away.
Unfortunately, making out in the good doctor's driveway was no way to reward her for her hospitality, so they eventually pulled apart and Jack hopped in his truck to head home.
Sam watched his truck pull out of the driveway and down the street, the warmth she felt coursing through her body from Jack had quickly dissipated after he pulled away, and Sam rushed back inside to escape the cold air.
Janet had a huge grin plastered on her face as Sam came back into the house. "Soooo?" she prompted.
Sam's face reddened in embarrassment. "What?" she tried, but the large grin that spread quickly across her face betrayed her.
"You two look like the perfect couple," Janet squealed.
"Oh, Janet!" Sam sighed. "He is so perfect!"
Janet grinned. "I'm happy for you, Sam. For both of you. He obviously thinks the world of you."
Sam grinned, unable to hide her happiness. After a little girl talk, mainly focusing on Jack's features, the women headed off to bed.
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One month later………
Jack was outraged. He couldn't believe this was happening! He couldn't believe she would do this! Why would she do this? Jack paced the general's office, furiously.
"I don't understand!" he hissed.
"Jack, calm down," George ordered. "This was her decision. I'm sure she had a good reason."
"Good reason? Sir! You had her transfer orders! She was all set to be transferred here permanently and she just upped and changed her mind! Why would she do that? She promised to take care of Cassie and instead just called up Frasier and told her to adopt her herself! What the hell is going on with her?" Jack fumed.
"Colonel! I wish I knew! But, the fact of the matter is, I don't. Jack, don't give up on her yet, son. I saw the look in her eyes when she turned down the transfer. There is something else going on, I'm sure of it," Hammond stated, wishing he could tell the colonel more.
"Then why won't she talk to us? I called her four times! She hasn't called me back at all."
Hammond shook his head, unsure of how to calm down his outraged colonel. "Just give her some time, Jack. She'll let us know when she's ready."
Jack let out a grunt and asked to be dismissed.
Hammond nodded and watched as the colonel stomped out of his office. His anger obviously trying to cover up his broken heart. Hammond thought back to the other day when Captain Carter was in his office.
"Sir, I'm sorry, I can't take the transfer. I-I've got Janet to adopt Cassie. I can't be a large part of her life."
"Sam, why? I don't understand," Hammond asked, a confused and worried expression on his face.
"I can't say, sir. I'm sorry."
"Just give me something, Captain."
Sam shuffled her feet, fighting an internal battle of what to tell the general. Coming to a decision, Sam lifted her head to meet the general's gaze. "Let's just say the extra gate the colonel and Teal'c found in Antarctica is turning out to be more trouble than it's worth."
"Can you elaborate, Captain," Hammond asked, now more worried than before.
"I'm afraid not, sir. Not yet. I have to take care of this," she replied, sadness radiating through every pore in her body. She turned to leave, but then changed her mind and turned back around. "Sir, please don't tell Colonel O'Neill what little I've told you. I know he will try to do something, and he can't. Not yet."
"Okay, Sam. I'll keep this just between you and I. For now. But, I need updates or else I will have no choice but to tell him. It's going to be a hassle keeping it from him as it is."
"I know, sir. Thank you."
General Hammond shook his head as he heard the colonel's loud voice yell at an airman who had probably made the mistake of getting in his way. "I hope you figure this out soon, Sam. For Jack's sake as well as the rest of ours."
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a/n: And, thus, drops the other shoe, folks! Oh, woe is me, what will happen next?
