Wow, the reviews were fantastic!

Sorry to those of you who hate the 'cliffhangers'- authors thrive on them.

I hope you enjoy the chapter! I'm sorry I took so long but I have major writers block for this story.


Sam was up early the next morning. Though she was still technically on downtime, she knew no one could complain if she returned to work. The fact that she had requested downtime was probably big news that day.

She dressed and fed Natalie. While the infant laid happily on the carpet, looking at multi colored toys dangling over her, Sam dressed with extra care… not that it would do any good- as soon as she reached the base, she had to change.

Quickly toasting a bagel for herself, she loaded Natalie's assorted paraphernalia that was absolutely necessary, ate her bagel, grabbed her laptop case along with two letters, and headed at the door.

The guard didn't seem surprised to see her- after all, years ago, she used to come in at 0600 all the time… that is, if she went home.

Dropping Natalie at the 'nursery' and getting a Lieutenant to baby-sit for an hour, she left for her lab, first stopping at two floors, leaving a letter at each. As she entered her lab, she hoped that the recipients would understand.

Å

General Hammond's brow creased as he finished his letter. He was about to summon an SF to fetch Colonel O'Neill when his door flew open and the man stalked in.

"I take it you got the letter," he said, not even reprimanding his second-in-command.

"Oh, yeah… you're not going to accept it are you, sir?"

"I don't know, Jack," he admitted. Looking at his uncluttered desk, the spotless room, the angry man in front of him… he sighed. "Read it, Jack. It makes sense."

Jack unfolded the piece of paper.

General Hammond, sir.

It has been my honor to serve under you, sir.

That being said, I respectfully submit my resignation from the United States Air Force.

While this may come as a shock, and you may be unwilling to accept this, please let me state my reasons.

1. As you know, I recently adopted a baby girl from 94X-JR2. While I never intended it to, she has had a great impact on my life. In the field, I'm distracted… something that could eventually endanger us (SG-1) all.

2. I don't think it's right that my daughter should grow up alone… stuck in daycare while I'm off saving Earth. I know officers all over the world do it but… she has no one else, sir, but me.

Therefore, I respectfully submit my resignation from the United States Air Force and request permission to stay on as a resident scientist.

Sincerely,
Major Samantha Grace Carter, U.S.A.F

Jack lowered it. "But-"

"Jack, she has a right to a normal life… Major Carter is never had what you would call an 'easy' life. If this is what she really wants…" Hammond trailed off. "Talk to her, Jack."

"I was planning on it, sir," he said tightly.

"Dismissed."

Jack had reached the door when the General commented, "Yelling never help a man's cause."

The man paused for a moment then closed the door behind him. Barking at anyone who got in his way, he reached the elevator in record time. As soon as it began moving, he pulled out a now wrinkled piece of paper, and re-read if for the tenth time.

Sir.

By the time you read this, General Hammond has probably received a copy of my resignation. Please, sir, don't fight it. It's what I want, sir.

You once told me that you regret not being there for Charlie… I don't want to ever regret not being there for Natalie.

Thanks for everything,
Sam.

As he stepped off, he saw her. Carter. She was buried in a report that was probably filled with stuff that he didn't understand. She hadn't noticed him, so he walked behind her for a few brief moments. He caught the title ('Simplified Wormhole theory report for Colonel O'Neill') before she stopped. Turning around slowly, she reminded him of a guilty teenager, caught sneaking into the house after partying all night.

"Sir."

"Carter."

Some personnel slowed down, obviously curious of what was happening. The two were in the middle of the corridor, staring at each other. Colonel O'Neill looked angry, while the Major looked guilty. He scowled at them and they speeded up, intent on finding Walter and wringing the truth from him.

"Sir?" She tried again.

"Carter."

Sam glanced down at the letter he held. "I… you got my letter."

"Yes, Carter, I did," he said evenly.

."I'm sorry, sir," she was walking away when he said,

"Your middle name is really Grace?"

She was momentarily thrown. "Uh, yes, sir."

"You realize that your initials are-"

"S.G.C- yes, sir."

He was quiet a moment. "C'mon, let's go get something to eat."

"I already ate, sir."

"Then we'll go get coffee."

"The commissary only has decaf," she objected.

He raised a shoulder. "Then we'll go to the surface."

Sam hesitated a second and then smiled her one hundred mega watt smile. "Why not?"

Å

"Sam what?"

"Major Carter has resigned, Daniel Jackson."

The archeologist hastily swallowed the rest of his coffee. "Why?"

"She said she wished to spend more time with young Natalie."

"How'd Jack take it?" He questioned.

Teal'c was silent for a moment. "O'Neill was… much surprised."

"A diplomatic way of saying he had a fit in General Hammond's office," Daniel stated.

The Jaffa barely inclined his head.

"Is General Hammond accepting it?" was Daniel's next question.

"Indeed."

"She'll still remain on the team... right? As a civilian?"

"It is unlikely. Major Carter has asked permission to remain at Stargate Command as part of your scientific personnel."

Daniel slumped in his chair. "It won't be the same without her."

"No, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c admitted. "It will not."

Å

"Your dad's going to flip, you know."

Sam shrugged. "Maybe."

"I mean flip."

"I'm not so sure, sir. He said something to me last time I saw him."

"What'd he say?"

"I can't remember exactly- something about calling on my friends… but it was the way he said it-there was this gleam in his eye…" She trailed off and sipped her coffee.

Jack looked at her curiously then took a drink of his own coffee. "When is your dad dropping by?"

"Soon- he needs to pick up Daniel's work." She glanced at her watch. "I need to get back to the base- I told the girl I'd only be gone an hour, and she's been watching Natalie for almost two."

Jack nodded his understanding and they left. The trip was made back to the S.G.C in a comfortable silence.

Å

As Jack O'Neill lifted weights that afternoon, only one thing was on mind.

Carter wasn't his second-in-command anymore…

And as such, he could pursue a relationship with her.

He finished his workout with a grin.


This chapter wasn't the best... many apologies.

I hope some of you liked it and...

PLEASE REVIEW!