A/N I realize you have all read the first two emails before but for the interests of keeping me sane, I am just going to replace the chapter with the longer finished chapter. I realize it's late and the weekend is nearly over but I have actually been studying…so here is the rest of the chapter, hope it's long enough.
Muahsio,
fyre-anjel
Jack's POV
Jack was sitting twiddling his thumbs thinking, 'What am I doing? The regs are still intact, nothings change within the last couple of days. I'm still her CO, but she's so fragile at the moment, I can't help but want to hold her and comfort her. I wonder how her interview with Major Mitchell's going; I bet he already has a crush on her! I hope I didn't interrupt; she's been having enough problems finding a new member. Shut up Jack, concentrate!' Jack snapped out of his thoughts in time to hear a knock at his door, "Come in"
"Uh, General O'Neill? Colonel Cater said you would want to see me after her interview?" Cameron stuck his head inside the door
"Ah yea Major Mitchell" 'Damn his young and good looking!' "Carter was right I need to sign off on you first. Please take a seat I have a few questions" Jack smiled
He watched the younger soldier sit and wondered if Sam thought he was cute, 'Note to self, ask Sam if Mitchell is cute', "So Major is says here that you were part of the fleet that saved our asses over Antarctica?" Jack began
"Yes sir, it was a privilege to serve beside you sir, in a manner of speaking" Cameron replied
"No need to suck up Major, I'm guessing Carter would only bother me with you if she already chose you. Lucky for you I trust her decision and you can have the assignment if my superior signs off, which is once again in your favor because his around the base somewhere" Jack smiled
"Yes sir, Colonel Carter was very thorough with her questions and made sure I understood the basics of the SG1 team, sir" Cameron replied
"Please Major, I love the respect just drop the sir, Carter gives it to me enough as it is, take a leaf out of Danny boy's book and just call me General, well he calls me Jack but we go WAY back and he is civilian" Jack finished thoroughly confusing both in the room
"Uh…yes General is there anything else you would like to know, General?" Cameron asked
"Actually there is; do you find Carter attractive?" Jack asked off handedly
"Sorry sir?"
"Do you, as in you Major, find Carter, as in Colonel Carter, attractive? Cute? Hot?" Jack asked again this time looking at Cameron
"I think she's a good looking women sir but from what I've heard the entire base does, including yourself" Cameron responded
"Me Major? What gave you that impression?" Jack asked eyeing off the new competition
"Actually sir it was Colonel Carter that told me sir and I respect the bond between the two of you, please find me in no way competition for her affections, it is very clear where they lie, and I respect you even more sir for not breaking regs" Cameron replied
"Carter, I should have known…" Jack was cut off by the now familiar beeping of his email; "Talk of the devil" Jack opened the email.
emailemailemailemailemailemailemail
TO: O'Neill, Jack
FROM: Carter, Samantha
SUBJECT: Um…Something important!
General, or is it Jack?
Sam is fine sir, meeting with Major Mitchell went well, I'm expecting him to be in your office right now, hence the reply at this time, you interrupt me I interrupt you…you're the one who said I could call anytime anywhere any reason sir!
I received my keys just after Major Mitchell left, pink, very funny!
Yea, the problem is I only really like the slow songs and we can't dance to them therefore I am stuck with every male daring enough to ask me for a dance. I wish things were different too Jack, we just need to wait and hope things change.
Thank you again for this morning sir; I never realize how much I did need someone until I felt alone. I can't imagine how you must have felt loosing Charlie, but loosing my dad was as if the last thing that tied me to this place was gone. I lost my mum at a young age and now I loose my dad just as we were getting things back on track. Thank you for sharing so much about your past, I can see that it was pretty dark for you for awhile there, I'm glad you came back to the Stargate program, even if I do know more than you! I also feel honored to be mentioned as one of the reasons why you're still around.
1. I have been thinking a lot about Jonas since his last visit before dad died, he would make a great addition permanently on SG1, and he knows the team, the facility, the commands, and his perfect to help me when I'm in a crunch for time and resources. Can you ask Hammond if we are allowed another off world member?
2. Yes I'm feeling a lot better now thank you, hugs and calming words work wonders on a female, especially when they are said by someone like you sir!
3. Halloween would be great; I can ask Dr Lam to help me organize if you get permission for spouses and partners. I think announcing them as permanents would be great then but we need them on the team now…
4. Christmas with you guys would be great, would that mean my hint for a vacation is ok? Teal'c might want to spend some time with his family.
5. Sir you forgot question 5…
Ok now for you;
1. Lunch 1400 again? That's if you don't have any briefings and such
2. Halloween party is it going to be formal, dress-up or casual?
3. What makes the world go round? Money, love or sunshine?
4. Did you hear about the SGC betting pools?
5. Up for dinner tonight?
Sam
emailemailemailemailemailemailemail
Jack actually blushed when he read Sam's last question, "Sir? Are you alright?" Cameron asked
"Wha…oh yea I'm fine Major, I guess I can safely say welcome aboard Stargate Command" Jack rose and presented his hand to Cameron who readily shock it
"Thank you sir, when do you need me to report?" Cameron asked
"How soon can you pack?" Jack smiled
"I thought you needed confirmation from your superior sir? But I'll see you Monday sir" Cameron smiled walking out
"It should be fine, he knows how hard it is for me to make a decision about teams! Monday it is…Damn Carter" Jack swore at his computer
emailemailemailemailemailemailemail
TO: Carter, Samantha
FROM: O'Neill, Jack
SUBJECT: Um…Something important!
Sam,
Your welcome for the last time about this morning Sam and I didn't realize when I offered that anytime would be in a meeting with your new team member who by the way finds you attractive! Too bad for regs! LOL! Oh, and here I thought pink was your color Colonel, I mean isn't it supposed to go well with green and blue?
It doesn't matter how dark things will get for you Sam remember that you have T, Danny boy and me to light your way, even if sometimes I can be a sarcastic bastard, and T might not understand and Danny boy can get carried away! Don't shake your head at me Colonel I know what you're thinking! On a serious note though, we will always be your support when the walls feel like crumbling, don't hesitate to call, cry or scream for us, well me…not too sure T would understand the screaming part and Danny boy might get flustered! I mean come on a female screaming for him, wrong messages!
Dancing would be nice to do, but like you said we have to wait and see what happens, maybe we can dance at Halloween, costumes mean no one will know who we are…what are you going as? I was thinking Army or Military? I've done Air Force too many years I don't think I can get away with it anymore and besides I never knew so many women like us fly boys!
Thank you for pointing out that mistake, nothing gets by you does it, Carter!
1. I have a briefing at 1330, so if you can meet me in my office with food, I'll be in straight after it ends…did you realize that's 4 teams off world? Just so you know it's the office with the sign GENERAL O'NEILL…if you didn't know already…
2. Well I already mentioned costumes so Dress-up? LOL Can you imagine Siler as Captain Jack Sparrow…wait I can do that!
3. What makes the world go round? Are you high or something or just really, really bored? Thinking that I know it's not money and love hurts I'd go with the sunshine, at least it's like clockwork!
4. The base has BETTING POOLS! Why did no one tell me? How do YOU know BEFORE ME! This world has gone mad, seriously mad!
5. Dinner? Can you actually cook Sam? I mean you don't leave that lab much! If you want I can cook…just a suggestion…
I wont forget question 5 this time since it seems you've become attached…maybe I can kill off question 3 instead…ideas, ideas.
1. Do you think I should go as Captain Jack Sparrow?
2. What do you think they bet about?
3. Do you think Major Mitchell is cute?
4. Have you seen Hammond today? His around here somewhere it's kinda freaking me out!
5. Dinner, dress casually nice…if you get what I mean…oh crap needs to be a question…Can you dress casually and nice for dinner?
Jack
emailemailemailemailemailemailemail
After sending Sam the email Jack relaxed back into his chair, Major Mitchell seemed to be a promising aspect to join the SG1 team, and he already seemed to know the rule about Sam, "Is there really a rule?" Jack asked his empty office, half expecting Daniel to walk through his door asking if what was a rule? Trust Daniel to walk in at odd times!
Glancing at the clock above his door Jack realized it was time to actually read the report on SG6 before the briefing, 'Good thinking Jack, actually read a report, that'll make Sam drop dead! Well at least collapse in shock…You don't want her dead remember?' Laughing at his own stupidity Jack searched his desk for the report, "AH HA!" Jack relinquished the report from underneath his laptop which was on half of the SGC files, "How did it get there? I only got it a few hours ago"
Skimming through the report Jack was able to decipher the fact that the team was going on reconnaissance on P7C-552, the UV found small clusters of what seemed to be life forms and the team were going to judge the threat of said clusters and report back in a few days. This was due to the fact that the clusters were a good three days from the Stargate in any direction they took. Looking up Jack noticed the team assembling in the briefing room, "Time's up!" Jack rose from his chair file in hand and headed for the briefing room.
"Good afternoon boys" Jack sat at the head of the table like General Hammond used to, "At ease"
The soldiers relaxed and took their respective seats before bombarding Jack with the ins and out's of the their current mission, relaxing into his chair Jack pretended to listen, nodding at appropriate times and adding comments where necessary. After all why else would Jack read the file if not to tune out during the briefing? The important part was telling them to be safe and have a good trip, oh and to remind them not to engage in enemy fire unless last resort! It was already 1400 when Jack finally dismissed the men, many taking note that they could see Colonel Carter in Jack's office through the glass map separating the two rooms (A/N: It's there I checked!).
Jack strolled back into his office, "Carter sorry for keeping you waiting, you brought cake I presume?" Jack asked keeping an air of decorum, remembering there were still SGC personnel outside his open office door
"Cake like ordered, did you receive my email before? Concerning Major Mitchell? Sir" Sam noticed the lingering soldiers as well
"Ah that email, yes and I believe so did the Major when I welcomed him aboard" Jack replied high enough for the remaining soldiers to hear then lowering his voice, "Boy they just don't trust me do they?" Jack grinned
"Of course not sir, you haven't given them a reason to, sir" Sam whispered back
"Major!" Jack barked at the open door while sliding into his comfy chair
"Yes General sir?" the Major asked coming to attention at the door
"At ease, care to inform me as to why you and the Lieutenant are still in the briefing room when you are supposed to be getting ready to embark to P7C-552?" Jack asked calmly
"No reason sir, we…ah we…" Jack cut him off
"You were wondering why the beautiful Colonel here was in my office with food? Well major it's your lucky day! The Colonel here is having lunch with me, yes major me, but we are also discussing the replacement to SG1. I presume you heard me mention Major Mitchell? Now scoot and go tell the base!" Jack shooed him out of his office with a big grin on his face
"You are just drawing more attention to our current situation General, isn't it bad enough I can't walk anywhere without half the personnel wondering where my engagement ring is?" Sam laughed
"Let them talk, if they stop work for it then I will court marshal each and every one of them! Then watch the base gossip drop" Jack smirked
Laughing Sam got up to close the door adjoining the briefing room before resuming her seat in front of her food. "Ok, I got you a salad, cake, red jell-o; I still don't understand why you won't try blue! I also got you an apple and some meat thing, I think it's dead sir" Sam listed while gazing wearingly at Jack's meat portion
"Ah, I think I will forgo the meat portion of my diet until tonight, what's up?" Jack asked casually
"Nothing of interest sir, any clue as to whether or not the Halloween Party is going ahead sir? The ground level has a hall big enough for the entire party or we could just book O'Malley's" Sam suggested
"I think O'Malley's would be the better option, saves the call to the actual 'Big Man'" Jack replied, "Besides O'Malley's can give us a better deal on beer than buying from the drive through"
Sam grabbed some paper from Jack's desk, "Pen, sir?" Sam asked pointing at Jack's shirt.
Jack handed over his pen and watched as Sam carefully wrote down the details of the upcoming Party. He noted how she had already counted out the number of personnel and the approximate numbers of guests each might bring, "I think we should limit it to one guest per person, it cuts down on costs and numbers" Sam looked up at Jack once he didn't reply quickly, "What's wrong sir? Do I have something on my face?"
Jack blinked realizing he had just been caught staring, "Ah, no, oh hang on yes there is actually some mustard form your sandwich right there" Jack smiled wiping the remains off with his thumb
Sam went slightly red at the intimate interaction, "Uh…thank you sir" Sam went back to looking at the sheet of paper in front of her as intently as she would a fault in the gates mainframe system. The silence was becoming awkward between them when there was a knock at the door.
"Ah…Come in" Jack called. Not surprised to see General Hammond at the other side of the door
"Am I interrupting? Colonel Carter, I'm surprised to see you here, then again no I'm not" Hammond smiled at his two best officers
"No sir, Carter and I were just discussing Major Mitchell and hoping you could get the President's approval to request Jonas back?" Jack covered up the awkwardness within the room the way he knew how, with work.
"Jonas? I'm sure the president would have no problem agreeing to that. I assume now that the new team has been decided upon there will be a celebration once Teal'c and Doctor Jackson arrive back?" Hammond asked
"Yes sir, we are actually planning a Halloween Party for the entire base, everyone deserves a chance to kick back and relax for one night, there are no teams off world on the night either so all can enjoy. The base will be running with minimal personnel, only the basic necessity and everyone will be reachable incase of emergency. The first chance since the demise of the System lords for the base to actually celebrate, sir" Sam explained
"I think that is a great idea, give them all a chance to relax, good thinking Colonel" Hammond commended Sam
"Actually sir it was Ja-General O'Neill's idea sir, we were actually discussing that too sir" Sam smiled
"Well I will leave you two to it then. Oh and Jack you have my approval of Mitchell, good call both of you" Hammond smiled before retreating from the room sensing the intense tension of the room, closing the door firmly behind him, 'They wont do anything on base, but still whatever just happened deserves some privacy…Hmm…maybe another call to the president concerning my mission'
Back inside Jack's office, the tension was mounting again as Jack and Sam sat in silence, finally Jack broke it, "Look Sam, I'm sorry I shouldn't have…" Jack begun
"No it's fine, I'm just, actually to be honest Jack, I'm not feeling well at all" Sam's voice came out no louder than a whisper before she sank into her chair passing out
"Carter!" Jack yelled before reaching for his phone, "Get a med team in here now, Colonel Carter has collapsed! NOW!" Jack slammed the phone down and raced to Sam's side, "Come on Carter, not now! Please wake up! Come on!" Jack gently picked her head up resting it on his lap as he reached for her water sprinkling some on her face hoping for a reaction
Moments later the med team reached Jack's office, gently prying her from her CO's arms before placing her on the gurney and racing her to the Infirmary. Jack slumped onto the floor as he watched Sam being wheeled from the room, "Damnit Jack! You should have noticed something was wrong! She was paler than usual, she wasn't eating much! Just look at her DAMN PLATE! Shit, what am I going to do? I can't loose her now, not Sam!" Jack sat ranting at a now empty office not noticing the company he had at the door.