A/N: Needed to edit out something from this chapter that was already in it…sorry!

Sam's POV…again

Jack dropped Sam off at the base, she mentioned that she wanted to stay over night considering Pete was supposed to come around sometime in the next few days to collect the last of his things and drop his house keys off at the front gate of the base. She also mentioned that she was changing the locks just to be safe and hat she didn't want to see Pete at all, everything was hard enough without him adding to the mounting pressure.

"Hey Sam, don't worry ok, I'm not going off world for awhile! Come chat sometime ok?" Jack called through the open window in his car

"Sure Jack, Ok well see you tomorrow" Sam smiled before passing through the first check point at Cheyenne Mountain

Upon reaching her lab Sam dumped her bag next to her desk and logged onto the base system, the first noise reaching her ears was the dull beeping of a new email. "Must have sent it before we went out" Sam muttered clicking open, checking the clock, Jack had kept her out past midnight; in fact it was nearly 0100 when she got round to replying.

emailemailemailemailemailemailemail

TO: O'Neill, Jack
FROM: Carter, Samantha
SUBJECT: Um…Something important!

General,

Just got your email sir, can't sleep so I'm going to reply now, you will have it before 0900 this morning!

Thanks for worrying sir, but there is really no need, I'm beginning to get a handle on things. I know what you're thinking and avoiding Pete is best for both sides, did you know it's been four months today since Dad died? I'm thinking of taking the afternoon off if it's alright with you and visiting Dad's grave, maybe that was why General Hammond was here.

Do I have a thing for you sir? Well, how to put this…I went after Pete so readily because you told me it was ok on the Prometheus and because Dad was at me about not having a steady relationship with a man outside friendship, which too was while on Prometheus. I can't honestly tell you no sir, but I can't openly say yes because of frat regs and things are already confusing enough at the moment. If you really want an answer however I will tell you that it is frustrating going to a base function and seeing everyone else able to relax, joke and dance with each other regardless of frat regs and us, well we really can't do that can we sir?

LOL I can see you teach Teal'c to golf, but resign sir? YOU KISSED ME! That was what that smirk was for! General O'Neill I would watch my back if I were you!

Marriage and kids had always been a want for me, something I will always want but probably never get. I mean can you imagine me as a mum? I step off world at least once a week, well I will when I get clear by the psychologist! I know there's nothing I can say that will help with Charlie, but he sounded like a great kid, well like you actually sir. He sounded just like you!

1. Christmas? I want a vacation at Christmas…hint, hint! Present wise I never know!
2. Yea I want kids, but whether or not I should have kids is another question entirely. As I said I'm off world a lot and the thought that I could be gone for weeks scares me a little if I have a kid, because then I would be like my Dad in some ways, never there.
3. The Simpsons sir? You know I would prefer a doco over them any day, but I mean they are great to zone out with and forget about the real world, but some day sir, you got to step back in.
4.Why did I choose the Stargate program over NASA? You have to be kidding right? Why choose to look at the stars and galaxies when I could be out there among them? No amount of pleading from my Dad could have changed my decision; as soon as I found out about the Stargate program I jumped aboard and refused to look back, even when you were disgruntled by me being female at first!
5. There was more to ending things with Pete than just the Job I will admit, it was hard, he was constantly begging me to give it up, work a desk job, but I couldn't; more importantly I wouldn't. He didn't like how close I was to you guys either, he considered all of you a threat and I couldn't handle that, I trust you guys with my life and he was asking me to give up the one part in my life that has been stable for 8years. I would like to tell you that it was a conflict of personal values but to be brutally honest sir, it was you. You're a great judge of character and you didn't like him so there must have been something wrong with him!

Damn! Would you look at the size of this email! It's already 0230! I'm going to give you your questions and head to my quarters!

1. Did you have fun last night?
2. Why are you asking me if I have a thing for you?
3. Your offer to call if I need to talk, is that anytime?
4. Why did you come out of retirement for the Stargate program?
5. Can I have the afternoon off sir? I really just want to see Dad.

I'm going to apologize now sir if you get complaints about my behavior to nosey people, sir.

Sam

emailemailemailemailemailemailemail

Clicking send Sam logged out of the base system, locked up her lab and walked the dark corridors to her quarters. The familiar route didn't take long and she found solace from within the confines of her room, shedding a few tears as she slipped into a restless sleep.

"Cater! CARTER!" Jack's voice boomed from outside her quarters

Without realizing she was still at the base Sam screamed back at the offending voice, "GO AWAY CAN'T YOU SEE I'M SLEEPING HERE!"

"Glad to know you can sleep Carter, now can you WORK!" Jack yelled through the door, he was gathering a large crowd of people behind him, "Look Carter, if you don't open this door I will do it for you" Jack whispered menacingly

"Good then I can stay asleep" Same replied rolling away from the voice

"Have it your way Carter I'm coming in!" Jack bellowed before busting her door open, only to quickly shut it behind him when he saw the state of his 2IC, "Damn it Sam!"

"Jack?" Sam whispered suddenly becoming away of her surroundings, "Please tell me I'm not at the base and you were not just screeching through my door" she quietly begged

Jack's tone softened when he her Sam's weak voice, "Yea, your still at the base, you alright?" He sat on the bed next to her

Sam rolled over her eyes still red from crying herself to sleep, "Do I look alright?" Sam asked staring at Jack

"Yea, you look stunning as usual Sam, the scientists are going to blow a gasket when they see you" Jack smiled warmly, "You want the day off?"

"You haven't checked your email have you? I asked for the afternoon off, I want to go see…I want to go…DAMN IT!" Sam's voice cracked and her whole shocked as she suppressed a gut wrenching sob

Jack's immediate reaction was to comfort Sam, so he scooped her off the bed and into his arms, "Hey, shhh…it's ok to miss him you know" he soothed

"It's not that I miss him! I mean I do but it just hurts so much! All of it HURTS!" Sam sobbed into Jack's chest, "And now I feel so embarrassed because I shouldn't behave like this at work, and your just being so nice and calm about it and that is even more embarrassing!" Sam continued sobbing

"HEY! Don't ever be embarrassed for missing your dad, if you didn't I would have you locked up in the psych ward that the Air Force hospital!" Jack warned

"How? How do you deal with all this? I mean I loose dad and he tells me to find happiness even though he knows I'm with Pete, and then I end it with Pete so I can try and find this happiness he was talking about and the only amount of happiness I've had in the past four months was last night with you! I can't even enjoy that without feeling guilty that I'm breaking some sort of regulation!" Sam's sobs became harder and stronger

Jack was trying all he could to calm her when her door slowly opened unnoticed, General Hammond had heard of the commotion the second he entered the base and headed straight for Sam's quarters. Smiling at the couple he silently closed the door and walked away, only for Siler to come barging in opening the door wide, "Colonel Carter, sorry the door was open…" he began without looking up

"Out" Jack snapped

"Sorry but I need…" Siler began again

"It can wait. Out" Jack snapped again

"Really sir, I need Colonel…" Siler began again

Jack spun around quickly still holding strong to Sam's trembling body, "If you value your life past this point Siler, YOU WILL TURN AND LEAVE!" Jack bellowed, "And close the damn door behind you! Sam doesn't need an audience!"

"Uh yes sir, sorry Colonel, General" Siler quickly left the room making sure to close the door behind him before leaving.

"Thank you sir" Sam looked up at Jack with a weak smile

"It's gonna be ok Sam, come on lets get you out of here" Jack looked down at Sam smiling warmly, she looked so defenseless and vulnerable

"Yes sir" Sam said before relinquishing her grasp on Jack's shirt, "Uh sir? Jack, could you leave for a minute so I can change?" Sam asked blushing slightly

"Why Sam you've never minded before!" Jack succeeded in making her smile, "Sure I'll be outside directing gossipers! I swear sometimes I have to restrain myself from requesting a base name change from Cheyenne Mountain to Mothers Mountain!" Jack exasperated sarcastically before closing the door behind him

'Damn you're a wimp Sam! No your just vulnerable today, it's understandable. I know but he was so close and you were such a bloody mess!" "Oh my…" Sam whispered looking at her reflection in the mirror, "He called this stunning! He must be crazy"

Sam quickly finished dressing and followed Jack to the surface, passing Siler on the way he stopped, "Siler I'm leaving the complex today, if anything happens…" Jack was cut off by a voice behind him

"I will be here and can handle things" Hammond smirked from behind, "Sam how you doing?" he asked turning his attention to her

"Not to well to be honest, I'm going to see dad, hopefully come back later less red and more focused" Sam smiled wearily

"OK, Jack you look after her!" He scolded with a smile.

"Yes sir!" Jack saluted, turning to Sam, "Shall we?" he motioned for them to continue up

Once the elevator doors shut and the started the ascension to the surface Sam slumped against the wall, "One thing I am grateful for! Daniel's off world!" Sam laughed softly

"Yes well we all know how fast news travels there don't we!" Jack smirked, getting rid of Daniel had been a smart plan after all

"Thank you again s-Jack" Sam smiled at him

"Don't mention it, come 'ere" Jack pulled her into a hug, separating when they reached the surface

The ride to the cemetery was uneventful and made in companionable silence, 'I wonder if he thinks any less of me after I burst into tears, stupid bloody things!' "We're here, you want to go alone?" Jack asked softly

"NO! No, please come with me" Sam reached for Jack's hand, "Then we can get back to the base, I know what your going to say, but I need to find the replacement and Mitchell will be there by 1200"

"Ok, come on" Jack got out of the car and reached for Sam's hand which she accepted.

They sat and talked to Jacob for a few hours, sharing tears and memories with the lost friend and father. It wasn't until Sam realized she would be late for Mitchell if they didn't leave that they finally left, hand in hand back to Jack's car. Once again the drive back was quiet, with both trying to sort through some thoughts and new emotions, 'He didn't have to come, I'm glad he did though. Of course your glad, who wouldn't be! It's not like that, we both know nothing can happen, his just being a good friend' Sam was brought out of her thoughts when Jack tapped her on the shoulder, "We're back"

They made the descent down in silence as well, Sam felt better after crying and talking to her Dad, as the doors opened she stopped Jack, "Thank you…again" She smiled at him and walked to her lab where she found a Cameron Mitchell standing outside, "Major Mitchell I presume?"

"Colonel Carter, sorry I was early" Cameron smiled sheepishly

"Nothing wrong with that Major, come in" Sam unlocked her lab and sat at her desk motioning for Cameron to take a seat, "So you understand the basic reason why I've called you here, SG1 needs a replacement and you were top of our lists" Sam go to business

"Wow, uh…I just thought you guys needed more trainers, but wow" Cameron looked like a kid at Christmas time

"Yea" Sam chuckled, "The Stargate program can do that to you. Do you have any experience in diplomacy?"

"Yes, I've done numerous training courses and meeting with important figures" Cameron replied

"Good start, General O'Neill never was one for diplomacy! What are your thoughts about the rest of the team members, I presume you know of them?" Sam asked

"Uh…there's Doctor Jackson archeologist, was on the first Stargate mission and was presumed dead until 8 years ago when the program became functional again. There is an alien, or Jaffa named Teal'c, great fighting skills, valuable member with his knowledge and I remember reading about a Jonas Quinn, he was a scientist and became part of the team after Doctor Jackson did die 3 years ago and left when he returned, am I correct?" Cameron recited

"Well you do seem to know the team, and yes there was a Jonas Quinn he returned to his people a few years ago, he still returns occasionally for social visits" Sam smiled, "Why would you want to be on SG1?"

"Why wouldn't I want to be? You command the best team in the world, you have every base covered from science to military, you have defeated the threats facing this world and are hoping that it stays peaceful for a few more months; well your team promotes peace with the different races you meet. Under General O'Neill your team was very strong and now without him they need that missing link, but you're unsure about whom to choose because you were dynamic before and wonder if you can be again" Cameron stated

"Well you seem to understand the difficulty I'm facing, I wont lie, your probably our best bet, but I just needed to meet you first, the other two members are off world at the moment one on a mission the other visiting…" Sam was cut off by a beeping noise from her computer, "Excuse me for a second it's from the General" Sam smiled turning to her computer

"Sure, no problems" Cameron sat there staring around her lab

emailemailemailemailemailemailemail

TO: Carter, Samantha
FROM: O'Neill, Jack
SUBJECT: Um…Something important!

Carter! Or is it still Sam?

How goes the interview with our Major Mitchell?

I can understand your logic behind avoiding Petey, as for Hammond I'm not so sure, but it would be nice. I'm sorry about this morning I didn't mean to break your door, I have maintenance down there now repairing it, and your new keys should be there in a few minutes. No need to thank me for this morning it comes with the job, not the actual job the caring about you job.

I know where you're coming from with the functions and everyone else, I think we could dance at least one dance as long as it wasn't slow, close together and sensual, we should be fine. I'm sorry things aren't different between us Sam, I really do.

1. Yes I had a great time last night, especially when you pretended we were engaged, it was fun, I really enjoyed that part, and you smiling!
2. I can't exactly explain why I'm asking, I overheard some nurses and wanted to know, I think I'm transparent when it comes to how I feel for you, except with you I can't sem to get it across. You know I care for you more than I should Sam, I just wish there was some way I could tell you that it's more than just caring, it's more than just CO and 2IC, it's more than I can admit to with these stupid regs!
3. My offer stands at anytime, anywhere, any reason
4. I was actually ordered back, but the program peaked my interests. I wasn't told then that a few years later I would meet you! The drama since then is endless! Actually by the time they came to me, Charlie had died, things weren't so good at home and I was with nothing. I came back form the first mission and retired again, hoping to save my marriage but she divorced me. I had nothing except my cabin when they came back; I basically told them where to fly their orders, not so pretty. The Air Force has taken so much from me, my life, my marriage, I could say my son but that was my gun, issues to me by the Air Force. Everything bad that had happened to me had happened with some link to the Air Force, then I met you, Teal'c and had Danny boy back from Abydos.
5. You already had the morning off Colonel if you have the afternoon I have no one to email, request denied!

I think Mitchell is our best option by the way, here are your questions:

1. You mentioned Jonas earlier, why not consider him for a position too? 5 can't be that bad, although you will be even then, 3 scientists, 3 warriors (I'm including you in both categories!)
2. Are you feeling better now?
3. Still agree with a Halloween Party? We can announce to new member then! Or two depending on Jonas…
4. Want to have Christmas at my cabin with T, Danny boy and the new member/s?

Jack

emailemailemailemailemailemailemail


Sam chuckled to herself, Cameron looked at her weirdly, "Colonel?"

"Oh sorry Major, the General is bored and wants to know if you're in for the team? Oh, and your thoughts on a 5th member?" Sam asked twisting some of Jack's words, she had already decided upon Major Mitchell

"Five members would make the team more functional I guess, ultimately it would be ideal but you would need all five members to be able to function as a group, bringing in one new member is going to be hard, two made be suicide" Cameron admitted

"Oh no, you would be the only new member, General O'Neill misses Jonas and wants me to think about bringing him back" Sam laughed

"Oh well then certainly, two off world members would be excellent for intelligence and language barriers. I don't mean to sound rude being that this is my interview, but on my way in I was warned about the General, is something wrong with him?" Cameron asked slowly

"This morning he snapped Siler's head off because of something personal, his nothing to be worried about as long as you remember a few rules; firstly his usually right unless its science or history; secondly his motto 'Never leave a man behind no matter what'; thirdly don't eat too much of the cake or take the last piece from to commissary and lastly I'm out of bounds! I'm sure you would hear that soon enough" Sam laughed

"Four rules, can't be hard, sorry but why are you out of bounds?" Cameron asked

"Simply, anyone goes after me they have to deal with Teal'c, Daniel and ultimately Jack…Oh and the rest of the base because they would think I'm cheating on hteir beloved commander and slaughter you. The base thinks were an item and getting married, not happening but it's fun to make the guess" Sam winked

Cameron caught on quickly, "Oh ok, so your not out of bounds but the rumor mill is all this base has?"

"Exactly, everyone knows the regs are stopping us" Sam sighed forgetting who she was talking to, "Oh crap, did I say that out loud?"

"Say what ma'am?" Cameron smiled

"You're hired!" Sam laughed, "I think the General wants a few words too, his up behind the control room"

As Cameron left the room Sam sat there kicking herself for her slip of tongue 'Bloody hell, now the whole base will know! He might not tell! WHO WOULDN'T! His not Daniel, good point'

A/N:

This one was pretty long, I got carried away…hope you enjoyed.

LJQ: I need to credit for the idea of bringing back Jonas, I contemplated it and decided that they were right and Jonas was sorely missed…but I still like Cameron Mitchell's character to I bent the rules…I can do that my fanfiction!

Arrant Schemata: Great name, I figured you out Samantha Carter! Glad you like my twist of Hammond, it was actually my mum's idea when I was telling her about it!

Stargate-Rocks: You don't need to review all the time but apology accepted!

Vid Z: LOL I'm a diehard fan of Sam/Jack! I thought it was a funny twist on the situation with the women, it was actually added in after I had already written the section, glad you liked it!

SeedC: My question is would Thor understand the concept of a bet? Besides he would have an unfair advantage of being highly advanced! Would be funny though!

Sci Fi Fan Gillian: Thank you, hope you enjoy the rest

misstweedledee: Like I said in the email thinking comedy, possibly obstacle for them personally, I think I reached a personal conflict with Sam this chapter…in put? I still can't believe you would use the ring trick! It's a classic!

Jack-Sam4ever: ARGH! You make me feel horrible! Do your homework! Hmm…so should I! Got heaps of revision! I'm glad its good enough to distract you though…shhh don't tell the folks! I think I might mosey on down and read your distractive story!

Squirrel of Doom: I can understand how I'm more interesting than math! I hated math…I hope you get it done though, wouldn't want to cause you any problems…

Chapter 7 might take a bit longer for me to update, sorry guys I have to revise some glossaries for my last exams…wish me luck!

Muahsio,

fyre-anjel