A/N: This outing is so long it's 2 chapters! Hope you enjoy it.
Sam looked at her mail; SG-1 had been out for a few weeks this time. The last mission had gotten interesting. The group had actually been in space suites this go around. The MALP had shown a truly alien world. Usually, the landscape was very earthly, but this was something they've never seen before. The Sky was an array of colors. There were 3 moons and 2 suns. The soil sample came back as almost pure iron. The plant life was glowing day and night. They didn't quite believe the MALP readings, so as a precaution, they were in suits until Sam could do all the tests to make sure it was safe.
When she concluded it was safe, they took them off and began to explore. All of them were interested at first, taking in the new surroundings; even Jack would be intrigued by something they knew they found. Although this wasn't a planet with any intelligent life, they hoped that maybe this could be a breakthrough for medicine or technology somehow. They were only supposed to be there a few days, but Sam all but begged to continue with 2 other SG teams. There weren't any pressing issues, so all of SG-1 with the expectation they would be pulled at any time. The planet was cold, and all of them were bundled up. She was quite happy by the fact the summer sun was out. SG-1 had been given a week off, and she breathed in the fresh air of Colorado. Then it hit her; she knew what she wanted—a few days at the beach. The warm air hitting her skin. She desperately wanted to go to the beach. She smiled in the hope that this would be a group outing. They've never taken Teal'c to the beach.
She didn't want to go the whole week. It would be good to be at her home for a few days. Work on some home projects, pack up, and go. She wanted to go to the East Coast, but the West Coast was a quicker flight. Sam decided San Diego would be the best bet and got to researching before saying anything to guys to make sure it was an option.
Sam found a beachside motel. When Sam wanted the beach, that's what she wanted, the salty air, the warm sun, and the sound of ocean waves breaking along the shore.
Sam called Daniel first, asking his thoughts.
"Sam, that sounds great. Really it does, but Deb is coming in this week, and…" Daniel claims.
"You want to see her, I get Daniel. Why don't you bring her along?" Sam asks.
"I'll ask her, just for a few days?" Daniel asks.
"Yeah, a couple of days," Sam claims.
"I'll see what I can figure out and let you know what days are best," Daniel claimed.
"Daniel, I'm really happy for you," Sam claims.
Daniel smiles, and says "Thanks." Before hanging up.
Sam isn't mad he's bringing Deb, quite the opposite; Sam wanted to get to know her.
Although Daniel hadn't said much, on their last mission, he had told Sam that he and Deb were together. It was something new and something they were taking it slow.
Sam couldn't imagine Daniel with someone not in his field. His passion was unlike anyone else she had ever known. He was always working, trying to fill in the gaps, and Deb seemed to be doing that personally and professionally, so she wouldn't complain. Sam wanted to get to know her better to see if she was right for Daniel. Sam loved Daniel greatly and knows that he will always feel loss and Sam wasn't quite sure how Deb stacked up. She hoped that Daniel would open up his heart once more, but she could understand if he didn't.
Sam booked the hotel got the flights for 5 of them. She had decided that 3 rooms would work out. However, they needed to. She got 2 double rooms and a King room; they would figure it out when they got there. Sam wouldn't mind having the room alone, but she also wouldn't mind if anyone else had it either, or if Daniel and Deb wanted it, it was theirs. Sam was hoping this trip would bring her into their circle a bit more.
In the little bit of time Sam has worked with Deb, Sam had figured out that she loves African and Greek food. She was also always willing to go to one of the local steak houses. Outside of Deb living and breathing archaeology, she loved to read. Sam had found she always had fiction and non-fiction with her, and on her breaks, she would go back and forth reading. Sam had also loved to read when she found the time, but it seems like the only things she got to read are physics books, and now with her blowing multiple theories of the water, it wasn't quite the same anymore, knowing if they were right.
Sam calls Jack and Teal'c to let them know of their trip to the beach. By now, Sam didn't think Jack would be surprised, but he was, thinking that she would like a break from the group. Sam wasn't upset by this Jack was actually right, and that's why it was a few days away. Sam never liked being in a large group of people. Bringing Deb to make 5 was about the max she could handle for days on end. She didn't need a large base of friends, just a few really close ones, and she was lucky they all worked with her. Sam knew it was kind of odd not to have many close friends outside of work, but when all you do is go to work, it seems like it's all you really know.
Sam smiled at her handiwork and went to bed, knowing in a few days, once again, SG-1 would be somewhere else once again. She was happy that Daniel, Jack, and Teal'c agreed to these outings. She had no idea how long this was feasible, but she was hoping that as long as they were together, they would enjoy the times together when work wasn't involved.
Jack, Daniel, Teal'c, and Deb wait for Sam, who is running behind. Although she has plenty of time to spare, Samantha Carter is the last one to the airport Bag in hand.
Jack drops his bag at the sight of her, not even in the heat of Las Vegas had he seen her wear less, other than the trip to the pool so many months ago, and that was different. Sam was wearing a floppy sun hat, huge sunglasses, an off-the-shoulder pale blue shirt, and white shorts, the shortest he had ever seen on her. She was wearing Flip Flops; prior to today, Jack didn't even think Sam knew what they were. She had a large weekender bag, and if anyone else would look at her, she looked as though she just came out of the fashion magazine.
"Well, looks like someone is ready to enjoy the sand," Jack claims.
Sam smiles, taking off her sunglasses and walking with the group to board the plane.
Jack and Sam sit together, allowing Daniel and Deb to sit next to each other. For her just flying in yesterday, Jack is surprised by her willingness to hold a conversation. Teal'c sits in a seat alone, stretching out to take up both spots in front of Jack and Sam.
"I never played you for a beach bum, Carter," Jack stated.
"Mmm, I love the beach. I went all the time when I was a kid," Sam stated.
"Really, I've never heard the Carter family beach vacation stories," Jack claimed.
"Because there weren't any well maybe 2-3 times, but I always went with friends," Sam explained.
"I never saw Jacob as a beach guy," Jack smiled.
"Dad, no, not at all; I think the last time we went to the beach, I was about 12, we were in Florida, but I don't even remember where. All I remember is him going to one of the overpriced stores right beside the beach to buy a lounge chair because a towel wasn't enough space between him and the sand." Sam laughed.
"So you really like the water, don't you? Our first trip was the water park," Jack pointed out.
"I do; I love to swim, relax in the bath, or a hot tub; the only reason I don't have one now is because I'd have to keep the chemical balance right, and I don't have the time. A lot of my time in the gym, is in the pool," Sam explained.
"When was the first time you went to the beach?" Jack asks.
"I was little, and I don't remember much. Like I said, dad wasn't a fan, but mom insisted that Mark and I see the ocean sooner rather than later; dad was in DC at the time, so we took a trip to Virginia Beach; that's where my mom's family went every year. Dad tried to have fun, and I think he did, but he just kind of sat there watching Mark and me. I think he got us kites, and we had fun with those. Mom helped me collect a bunch of seashells. I remember dad finally getting in the water with us, and he held me, we went pretty far out, but I wasn't afraid like my mom thought I would be. I didn't even know how to swim yet. The ocean was a lot warmer than I expected, and I just liked that feeling of buoyancy bobbing along with the waves, my dad holding me," Sam mentioned.
"Sounds really nice, Carter. No wonder you like the beach," Jack claimed.
"Don't tell me you're not a fan," Sam stated.
"Well, I understand your dad's avoidance of sand. I actually love the beach too, I haven't been in years, but it's always the crashing of the waves that gets me. It's so lulling; the best sleep I ever got was when I was on vacation with Sara and Charlie; we took him to Myrtle Beach down on the boardwalk let him play in the arcade for hours. We had an oceanfront room; I'd leave the balcony door open all night, as and hear the waves crash," Jack stated.
Sam smiled, and the two continued to discuss the beach and their memories.
Meanwhile, Deb and Daniel were talking about the latest find, it really had nothing to do with the SGC; Deb had been sent to Mexico to see about an item at the National Museum, it looked at first like the writing on it was ancient, but after further inspection, it was Hebrew which was shocking. The ruins were so old, there was just no way of known transportation to get someone to Mexico at that time. Of course, who knew, but it brought up theory after theory of what could have happened all that time ago. Both Deb and Daniel agree they would love to just know the answer to how advanced Earth was so long ago.
The plane lands, and Sam gets a rental SUV; Teal'c sits upfront with her, Jack in the middle, and Daniel in Deb in the back. All their stuff was packed in the back. Sam drives to the motel, it's not dingy, but it's not a fancy hotel either. Jack was surprised by her pick but didn't say much. She explained the rooms and what the group wanted to do. After about 20 minutes, it was decided that Teal'c would have the King bed room allowing him time to himself and plenty of room. Deb and Daniel would share a room leaving Jack and Sam to share as well. There was a discussion of Sam and Deb sharing a room as well, Sam was fine with that if that's what they really wanted, but when it came down to it, Deb was more comfortable with Daniel.
Each room had a porch that went directly into the sand, the ocean water only about 20 yards away during high tide. Sam opened the curtains but claimed the bed further from the window.
"If you want the window bed, it yours," Jack claimed.
"No, you can have it. I don't know about keeping the glass door open on the ground level, though. Sam mentioned.
Jack smiled.
"You ready?" Sam asks.
"Can't we have lunch first?" Jack wines.
Sam laughs. "Fine food first, water later," Sam stated.
The group of 5 had seen numerous restaurants in a short distance and come across.
"Joey's Seafood and Bar." the group agrees it's as good of a place as any. Deb insists on getting Margaritas, and Sam is sure they will get along just fine for the next few days.
After some good food and alcohol, they all head back to the hotel rooms and get changed into bathing suits to go spend time on the beach. Sam slathers on some sunscreen; Jack does a quicker, less methodical job and claims he is ready to go. Jack looks at Sam oddly as she grabs a bag and fills it with stuff as though the room isn't a quick trip from where they will be. Sam grabs 2 towels, 2 water, a granola bar, a book, her phone, a hat, and a few other odds and ends. Deb, Daniel and Teal'c have already found a spot, the beach is crowded, but they found enough room for their own little spot. Deb pulls the dress she had on over her head, and Sam can't help but smile.
"I have the same suit, back in the room, but it's green." Sam laughs.
Deb is wearing a triangle top blue bikini with boy short bottoms. Daniel is staring at the woman, and Sam can't help but giggle at him. Deb slips off her sandals and quickly heads for the water sticking her feet into the waves. Deb doesn't expect it to be so cold, and Daniel comes running quickly after her, stopping when the water hits his feet.
"Damn, that's not like the Atlantic," Daniel claims.
"Nope, but it's warmer down here than if we decided to go to Malibu or Long Beach," Deb explained.
Sam smiles, watching Deb and Daniel interact with one another.
Jack looks at the two as well.
"So what do you think, Carter, Danny boy found himself a girl?" Jack asks.
"I hope so; he deserves it," Sam claims.
Jack nods; he then realizes that Teal'c has not made any movements.
"What you thinking, T?" Jack asks.
"I have been to so many place's O'Neill, but I have yet to see an Ocean like this," Teal'c explains.
"Yep, it's certainly something. I brought all the classic beach things to do too." Jack explained.
Sam wondered what Jack meant by that… He didn't bring anything out, but as Jack ran the list of things he brought, Sam was convinced he must have only packed one outfit and filled the rest with beach supplies. He had told T that he had kites, a volleyball, a Frisbee, a yo-yo, and last but not least, sandcastle building material. Sam couldn't help but smile at his words. It was nice showing Teal'c all the little things they took for granted. In some odd way of doing this, it reminded Sam of the little things that she had forgotten about.
Sam had heard Daniel and looked up. A large wave had come in soaking him and Deb both; Daniel was quite surprised, and Deb had laughed, making Daniel laugh with her.
Jack ignored the two continuing to talk to Teal'c, who sat on a beach towel like everyone else. Teal'c had looked at everyone on the beach, talking walking around taking it in.
"Many people come to the beach, and it looks like many just sit on towels and do not enter the water," Teal'c claims.
Sam smiles.
"A lot of people enjoy the sun and the sounds of the ocean waves crashing," Sam claims.
"The sounds are quite soothing," Teal'c claimed.
Jack was playing with the sand.
"So how bout you and me, T, building a huge sandcastle," Jack claimed.
"If that is what you wish, O'neill, I will be happy to assist you," Teal'c stated.
Sam shook her head, happy that the two of them were finding something to do. She herself wanted to relax.
Jack and Teal'c went back to the motel for supplies.
Sam took her time to get the dress she was wearing off and lay face down; every time someone walked by her, though, she perked up, knowing she wouldn't be able to truly relax with that many people on the beach. She knew there was little threat there compared to daily life, but it was just something she couldn't shake. After about 10 minutes, she heard Jack and Teal'c approaching her, and she lifted her head.
"take it, you're not joining us, Carter," Jack said.
"Not today. I plan to lay here until dinner." Sam smiled.
"Fair enough, by that time, Teal'c and I will have the biggest sand Castle this beach has ever seen," Jack claims.
"Have fun," Sam stated.
Sam heard Deb come up and lay down on her towel, Daniel absent.
"I find it amusing that 3 grown men are arguing about making a sandcastle," Deb claims.
Sam laughed, "It gets annoying real quick." Sam stated
Deb nodded her head.
"I know you're the one who plans these trips, and I know they're supposed to be for the team, so thanks for inviting me," Deb stated.
"Hey, no problem besides, it's nice that Daniel has someone, he's like my brother, and I'm not sure how much he's told you, but he's had a rough life; I am happy he has someone else in his life," Sam claimed.
Deb nodded.
"I met Daniel about 3 years before you met him. He's changed in a way, but a lot has stayed the same. I knew he was in foster care and his grandfather just took off on him. When I knew him, then he'd never be at the beach; he would be researching, always looking like he was moments away from groundbreaking discovery." Deb claims.
"He still does that," Sam stated.
"Oh, I know, but now that he knows that he's found the answers his parents were looking for, what he was looking for, he's a lot more well-rounded," Deb claimed.
They both look up to find Jack, Daniel and Teal'c are taking up a considerable amount of room, and it looks like they are digging a deep trench for what they assume is a moat.
"They realize that if they build there, high tide is going to destroy it, right?" Deb asks.
"Probably not, but I'm not saying a word," Sam claims
They both giggle and watch the guys building their castle.
"So Sam, tell me something I don't already know about you," Deb stated.
"Mmm, don't know what Daniel has told you," Sam replies.
"Well, he says you're a genius. You had been working on the gate before anyone knew what it was. He said, you have a brother Mark, and your dad is Jacob. He told me you, and he gets along so well because you work all the time, and it's nothing for the two of you to work on a project for 24 hours straight; it kind of surprised me you were the one coordinating the trips." Deb claimed.
"Well, what he didn't tell you is Jack was constantly pounding us about having a life, but really none of us did anything outside of work. So I decided to plan little activities, especially to get Teal'c out to see more of everything. He barely gets to go out, and he deserves to see what he's protecting. Jack was right though, we never did anything, and it's nice to just get out." Sam claims.
"Daniel tells me you and Jack have a complicated relationship." Deb ventures.
Sam smiles. "It is, we well if. It's just…" Sam stated.
"Daniel would probably kill me if he knew I told you this, but he said that you guys really care for each other; he really thinks the two of you love each other, but two respect each other too much to cross the line," Deb claims.
Sam looks at her oddly for a second. Sam has pissed Daniel had something to Deb, but then again knows that he liked to talk all the time about anything and everything, so when Deb had asked about the rest of SG-1, Sam is sure Daniel hadn't meant much by it.
"He's right, he's my commanding officer, and we can't just be together; it would change the team dynamic, and it's just not in the cards right now," Sam claims.
Deb looks at her.
"I know we don't know each other very well, and I don't want you mad at me this first trip, but after everything Daniel has told me, which isn't a whole lot, I don't know how the two of you could ever wait it out, you never know if we have tomorrow," Deb claimed.
Sam looked at her. "I know, Jack and I aren't the best about feelings, a few months ago, we talked, but it never goes anywhere," Sam claims.
Deb gave her a sad smile and quickly changed topics.
"Daniel told me you like motorcycles," Deb said.
Deb and Sam keep talking as the guys build a castle.
"Daniel, you're wrong. This will hold." Jack claims as he puts another chunk of sand building the castle up.
Daniel rolls his eyes as the wet sand pours over either side, making the castle maybe an inch taller.
Teal'c is confused as to why this sandcastle seems to be a big deal to both Jack and Daniel and continues to look around the beach, watching the people. Before he knows it, Jack says the castle is complete, but it didn't look like any castle Teal'c had ever seen. He says a few small children make one with molds that looked very good and pointed it out to Jack, saying it looked better. Jack grumbled something. The three of them had their back turned to the water; not realizing high tide was coming in, a particularly large wave came right at them, crashing at their back and up into the castle, destroying the project.
Deb and Sam were too busy talking and tanning to realize what had happened; it wasn't until Deb squealed that Sam popped her eyes open to find 3 soaking wet men; Daniel had shaken his hair, causing water to fling onto Deb.
"Where's the castle?" Sam asked, looking out towards the sea.
"I catastrophic event took it to sea," Teal'c claimed.
Sam laughed and laid back down.
Jack couldn't help but stare at her, her eyes closed lying in a white string bikini.
"Jack, you're in my sun," Sam claims.
"Sorry, Carter, forgot you decided to come to the beach to tan," Jack claimed.
Sam rolled her eyes. The guy also lay on the towels.
"So, what have you ladies been doing?" Jack asks.
Both Deb and Sam say "nothing." At the same time.
"That spells trouble," Daniel claimed.
Sam and Deb laugh, and the group talks about their dinner options.
The group arrives back at the motel after they've eaten, there is still about an hour of daylight left, but they're all tired.
"Sit out on the porch and watch the sunset, Carter?" Jack asks as they enter their room.
Sam nods, and Jack opens the sliding glass door.
She half expects Daniel and Deb to be outside as well, but they aren't. Sam watches as the Sun goes down over the Ocean until the star can no longer be seen. Jack and Sam hadn't said a word the whole time, letting time go by as they watched the sky change color.
Sam smiled at him and walked back in, ready for a shower and bed. She didn't say anything as she stepped into the bathroom, wondering why she was letting herself stay with him again. Las Vegas came flooding back to her, the cabin, all the time in the spring she had spent at his home, she should be used to her feelings by now, but she's not. She doesn't want to feel this way about Jack O'Neill. She doesn't want to be excited that there may just possibly be a moment between the two of them; she lives for those tiny moments, the sparks that ignite at the oddest of times when they are alone and no one else can see. She wishes things would be easier. She starts the "what ifs" as she turns the shower on and doesn't even realize she is washing until she feels a sting in her eyes from the shampoo; she snaps out of her thoughts and shakes her head, rinsing the soap wondering why she keeps putting herself in these situations.