All references to Jack, John and Johnny are all Jack O'Neill.
Sam and Liz's first Girl's Night Out
Sam picked up Daniel and dropped him off at Jack's where she picked up Liz. Sam and Liz headed out for their first girl's night out. Her and Liz tried a new Japanese restaurant Sam had been curious about, which did not disappoint. They were having such a good time.
They discover the awkward teenage years they shared. That both of them had lost a parent in ninth grade. That they were both determined to follow their own path, and that they had both seen every episode of MacGyver.
And then of course Liz had to know…"So what did you think of my brother the first time you met him."
"Liz, I can't talk about stuff like that to you, he's your brother."
"I'm not going to tell him really. I just like hearing people's stories. Especially when they have to do with Johnny."
"You see that's it though Liz. To you he's Johnny and to me he is Colonel Jack O'Neill, a highly decorated Air Force Officer and my commanding officer." Liz had a way about her that you just ended up giving in to her. Not like with Daniel, who you knew was going to drive you crazy so you just went ahead and gave in so he would leave you alone. Or Teal'c because even when he smiled he was scary or Colonel O'Neill because he was your commanding officer so you had to. Liz had a genuine way about her that you just wanted to answer her questions. And, so far Sam couldn't believe how much she had already told Liz. Not about the top secret work she did. Liz was not interested in that. It was nice just to have someone interested in Sam Carter, the friend. She had not had a friend outside of work since…well Sam couldn't remember. Any friends she could claim were work related. So Liz won this match again.
"Okay, I walked in to this meeting room and I am terrified that somebody is going to say that I don't get this assignment. There they are a bunch of guys sitting around the table and your brother, Colonel O'Neill stands up and I introduce myself. I got a little ribbing from the other guys about being a woman and so to prove I can handle it, I blurt out 'I'm an Air Force officer just like you are, Colonel. And just because my reproductive organs are on the inside instead of the outside, doesn't mean I can't handle whatever you can handle.'" Liz starts laughing. "I could have kicked myself right there. I mean really who says that and that's not the worst part. Then I challenge him to arm wrestle. I had been dealing with men in the Air Force for more than ten years and that's the best I could come up with."
"I see where in combat situations Johnny could have difficulties with women, but I would think I trained that chauvinistic stuff out of him."
"Actually that's just it. Colonel O'Neill is one of the most respectful officers I have served with." Sure she had to prove herself in the field just like any other team member would. But, he never made her feel like he was coddling her in anyway or treating her differently because she was a woman.
"I was thinking of his very protective nature."
"I can see that. He is very protective of his team, but there are men and women. He is an equal opportunity protector. Really Liz he is very respectful, which is remarkable considering his liberal use of sarcasm."
"What Johnny?" Liz mocked.
"Okay now, you got me to say enough about your brother."
"So who is Daniel?"
"He is another one of the scientist on the team."
"Are you two?"
"Daniel, no! He's married."
"Oh. So are you seeing someone?"
"No, my judgment in that department is in question. Not a good track record there. Besides your brother was right I really don't have a life outside of work. I'm kind of focused right now."
"I'm sure you do, but if you don't fish – he can't relate."
"I take it you fish."
"I can fish. I chose not to most of the time. Mike and Johnny go up to the cabin when they can. I let them go and be men. Sometimes I go up there if I want to get away from the city and relax, but rarely do I fish. It's just beautiful up there. Have you been?"
Sam was uncomfortable with the conversation heading back in the Colonel's direction, so she re-directed. "Me no. So where is Mike stationed."
"I think Peterson right now. Usually Peterson, although he gets around to Virginia and Texas quite a bit. He doesn't sit still. He prefers to be in the field."
"Is that why you still live in Chicago and not on a base?"
"I grew up in Chicago and Minnesota in the Summer. It might have been fun moving to some base in a city I had never been to. But, I had my career and my community and Mom to look after. We weren't kids anymore. I knew marrying him meant that life would be the same as it was while we were dating. He's always on the move and usually overseas. He would hardly be at home if I was on base. So he comes and sees me every chance he gets and vice versa, and we are great pen pals. It's not for everyone, but it works for us.
"I'm envious. You seem so confident, secure and at peace. The only relationships I've had left me mess."
"When it's right, it's right. It's not profound. Mike would quit and moved to Chicago if I asked him and I would drop everything and move where ever he asked me to. The thing is we respect each other enough to not ask. I miss him all the time and I wake up wishing he was here and I worry about him constantly. But he's mine and I'm his. No matter what. That's all I need. That's enough of that let's go have some fun."
