She awoke to her usual alarm but a ceiling that was unfamiliar. She sat up to assess her surroundings. Oh yeah, hotel. She remembered she was in D.C. and slowly laid back down. Not yet ready to face the world. She could allow herself a small respite. Her body relaxed back into the luxurious bed but she couldn't get her mind to follow suit. The previous day's activities already played through her consciousness.
The day started well. Coffee with Jack. She'd been eager to get to the commissary in time so she woke a little early. Luckily enough they'd caught each other in the hall on the way. They'd fallen into step and chatted about base operations just like any old day. But the undercurrent was different and nobody knew but them. She had his undivided attention for a whole half an hour. She cherished every minute of it. After he headed off to his scheduled meetings she'd stayed long enough for another refill. Knowing the rest of her day consisted of a frenzy of activity. Between finalizing details for her fathers service, calls to the family, packing a bag, wrapping up a few things in her lab, and getting herself across town to Peterson AFB she didn't have time for much else.
Boarding was a breeze and the plane wasn't packed. As she stowed her carry on the only thoughts she had was for food and a nap. Thankfully the flight would be just long enough for both. She crossed her fingers for some peace and quiet. Just as she got herself settled she noticed a set of blue pants blocking her periphery. A tall, distinguished officer loomed in the aisle and asked if the seat next to her was taken.
"Sir! I thought you were catching the red eye." She exclaimed, truly surprised to see him standing there.
"Yeah, well, you know how I hate sitting in morning DC traffic, Carter." He quipped. She could definitely imagine his disdain for slow moving vehicles and highway congestion. Having lived in Colorado Springs long enough you kind of forget the hustle and bustle of the capitol city.
He stowed his luggage and his jacket as well. Took the seat with ease after she'd moved closer to the window.
"Hi." He said softly with a hint of a smile.
"Hi." She replied in kind. Their proximity was a little distracting. Her eyes inadvertently traveled to his lips and back before she knew it.
He just smirked and busied himself with his briefcase. Clearly he'd left base before completing his paperwork for the day. She left him to it and settled in a little more and readied for take off. The flight ended up being blissfully uneventful. Unless you count waking up with your head on your commanding officer's shoulder. She'd certainly not intended to slide his way after drifting off. Neither said a word about it but she saw the happy expression on his face. He seemed quite relaxed to her.
She noted the cheaters balanced on his nose as he still focused on his reports. Must be self conscious about it as he avoided being seen wearing them. She liked it though, they made him look as smart as she knew he already was. Smart was sexy. Brave was sexy. He was sexy. She'd definitely felt the initial attraction early on but fell in love with who he was on the inside. Luckily she didn't have any aversion to grey hair and reading glasses; they came with the whole package.
The sun was setting as everything got loaded into the trunk of the town car. They hadn't had to wait for transport too long. Benefits of traveling with a General. Andrews AFB wasn't all that busy on a Wednesday evening as they rolled through to get to the highway. Jack had suggested staying closer to the cemetery instead of around the base. They ended up at the Sheraton over in Pentagon City.
After checking in he walked her to the elevators but stopped short of hitting the button. He pushed the bag cart toward her as well as handing her his extra key card. He requested she drop off his things in his room across the hall from hers and not to wait up. At her confused expression he explained that he was due at the Hammond residence for a night cap. He patted the breast pocket of his jacket and gave her a knowing smile. She hadn't anticipated him meeting with Hammond before the funeral. In a daze, she watched him walk back through the front doors of the hotel. She didn't have much of a choice but to do as requested.
As she stood in the window of her ninth floor room she witnessed the amazing view of the lights that lit up the Pentagon. Also, to her left was the much less illuminated Arlington National Cemetery. How strangely fitting to have the juxtaposition of the two before her. The end of one relationship and the birth of a wholly different one? Even though she knew Jack wasn't in the Pentagon this evening it still represented the powers that be who would determine that possibility. She wondered just how that was going. She sent up another prayer that Hammond would be receptive to this request of hers. Deciding that she would just be torturing herself to remain standing at the window. She pulled the curtains tight to effectively end those thoughts and headed off to bed. Tomorrow was another busy day and she'd need the rest to fortify her resolve. Come what may.
And so, here she was. Lying in bed among the crisp white sheets and fluffy pillows. Feeling very alone. The floor had been quiet overnight. She positioned herself facing the door so that maybe she'd hear Jack return to the hotel but she'd slept like a log. Completely unsure of when or if he'd returned at all. She had more pride than to call his room or creep across the hall in her pajamas. She'd find out soon enough.
After a quick shower, a cup of coffee and some room service breakfast she felt composed enough to seek him out. Her dress uniform always seemed to give her that extra edge of confidence she needed. She grabbed her clutch, cap, key card, and cell phone as she made her way through the room. Just as she flipped off the lights there was a knock at her door. She peeped through the spy glass to see a familiar face. Speak of the devil.
"Good morning, Carter." He spoke even before she could get the door fully open.
"Good morning, Sir." She replied. Immediately tried to gauge his mood. As if he'd be that transparent. "I'm ready to go. Do we need to call for a car?" She asked him as she stepped into the hall and pulled her door shut.
"It's about five minutes out." He said as he waited for her to join and then proceeded down the hall side by side.
She waited until they were ensconced in the elevator to ask the million dollar question. "So, how did it go?" She almost whispered. Even though they were the only two in there. He stared at the glowing "L" among the rest of buttons for a few seconds before turning her way.
"Good. I think." He paused before elaborating. Shoving his hands in his pockets. "He had to make a couple calls this morning. He hoped to give us a solid answer by mid day." He graced her with a reassuring smile. But it didn't quite reach his eyes.
There was something else there. She couldn't quite put her finger on it. She could see it in his face and the way he carried himself this morning was just a little off. Like an extra weight sat on his shoulders. She nodded almost as an afterthought but remained silent. There was no reason to interrogate him about it. They wouldn't have the time or privacy to delve into any conversation at the moment anyway. The chapel was close by and Arlington kept to their schedules.
They made good time in traffic and arrived before the mass of others. She sought out Mark and his family to check up on any last minute details. The hugs she received from them were timely and like a balm to her soul. Jack managed to linger near enough if needed but not close enough to get in the way. She went through the motions as she answered questions, greeted a few distant family members, saluted the higher ups and met Jacob's good friends from service years gone by. They all called him Jake and offered stories she figured her dad would likely disapprove of her hearing. It just made her smile. Soon enough it was time for the service to begin and the ushers pushed the chatty groups to their seats.
She felt it. When he sat next to her in the Old Post Chapel. Listening intently to the words of a good soldier's life from the military chaplain. She felt it when he traveled out to the grave site quietly by her side. Together, immersed in the white stones that seemed to go on forever. She felt it when he stood next to her, steady and strong, as her father's casket was delivered and placed at his site.
Jack's devotion to her was palpable. She knew that he was there for her and her alone. She could feel it warm her weary heart. She couldn't stop it, not even if she tried. Not even if she wanted to.
She held it together quite well until the casket team leader started to fold the flag of the United States of America. Fat, unrelenting tears blurred her vision and made their way down to drip off her chin as she struggled to get a tissue from her pocket. A handkerchief was pressed into her hand before she lost it altogether. Never more grateful to Mark for relenting in their squabble over who should get the flag. Both thought the other deserved it, hands down. In the end she convinced him, for the kids sake, to keep the memory alive in their home. She watched as he stoically accepted the cherished item with his family by his side.
She managed to get it together enough to accept the cards of condolence from the Arlington Lady. She held them to her chest as the chaplain concluded the service. Only then did Jack lay a hand on her shoulder and only for an appropriate amount of time. She gave him a watery smile and briefly squeezed his forearm in a silent thanks. He was stoic as always.
He gave her space again to do what needed to be done. Condolences, hugs, and goodbyes to those on their way. A few stuck around to chat or simply stand quietly by the stones taking it all in. She accepted a hand shake from the chaplain and thanked him for his service. At that point she felt she'd deserved a break from it all. Glancing around she caught Jack's eye and she made her way over. Stopping by the flower arrangement and pulling out a lone red rose along the way.
As they silently wandered away from the grave site a bit she was so tempted to reach out. Side by side it would be so easy to fit her hand in his. However, his steady presence was still an illicit thrill. She had to tap back into the restraint fostered by years of practice. She idly wondered if his restraint required as much energy as hers.
He slowed to a stop under the canopy of the nearest tree. She followed suit and stood quietly beside him. No words needed. Just space and time to process. She chose to focus on the dew dripping from the grass. She could smell it, like it had just been cut early in the morning. The slight breeze cooling her face and drying the last of her tears. Watched the solemn sway of the tree's branches. She closed her eyes to focus on breathing it all in. After a beat she opened them again to marvel at how time seems to stop for everyone while inside the gates of this oasis. Surrounded by the concrete jungle of DC.
She chanced a glance over to Jack to see what he was up to. At parade rest, with his hat in his hands looking off into the distance. She followed his eyes over her shoulder. The Pentagon loomed just above the Potomac's dwindling fog. She looked back towards him and took in his demeanor. There it was again. That weight. His distraction didn't allow him to notice the concern that passed over her eyes. He missed the tilt of her head to study him earnestly and the curiosity that knit her eyebrows. Craving to know what he knew.
General George Hammond interrupted their silent musings as he came up behind them. Shaking them both from their reverie.
"Sam." He said as he enfolded her in a brief hug as she turned toward his voice. "Please accept my utmost condolences. Jacob was a true American hero." He held her hands for a beat and let her go.
"Thank you, Sir. I appreciate you being here this morning." Sam managed.
"I wouldn't miss it." He stressed as he dug around in his pocket until he found the piece of paper he was looking for. "Listen, I need to head back to the office for a few things but I would like to take you two out to lunch. On me." He handed the folded paper to Sam.
"Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir." Sam glanced from the note to the waning crowd behind him.
"Sam, it's no rush, you have time to wrap up things here. Just give that address to your driver when you're ready and I'll meet you there. Say, around noon? It's not far." He patted her arm and smiled his typical warm Texan smile.
"Jack." Hammond nodded to Jack as he turned to leave.
"George." Jack nodded right back.
Sam glanced up at Jack after Hammond made it past the small group left by the site. He met her eyes with the softest expression he'd shown that morning. She was briefly taken aback at the emotion he let her see without reservation. Cares put aside. Questions forgotten. She let herself be held captive by his kind eyes. If only for a minute.
"Shall we?" He offered with an elbow to lead her back.
She held his gaze as she stepped closer and took the offer. Was glad for the contact and continued support. The few stragglers paid their respects once she'd rejoined the group and made their way. She bade goodbye to Mark and his family last. They couldn't stay in town any longer. Work, school and responsibility called them back as soon as possible. They tossed around a couple ideas for a possible summer get together as they walked back to the cars.
Sam handed the address to the driver and requested a noon arrival. The driver asked if there were any other desired stops in the meantime as the location was not far and they'd get there rather early. She was unsure of just where they could go to bide some time. Before she could come up with something Jack cleared his throat.
"Just take the long way around." Jack spoke up behind her. He'd already opened the back door and waited on her to slide in ahead of him. She took his cue with a smile and made her way inside the car. She hadn't scooted all the way over so when he made his way in they were hip to hip.
Another illicit thrill to ride around town in such close proximity. Hands lightly tangled. There was no partition so their conversation remained silent. She was actually glad for it. Gave them both some time to decompress from the funeral as well as mentally prepare themselves for the meeting with Hammond. She let the spring breeze from the lowered window take her away.
Lunch was a casual affair. Small talk over sandwiches and lemonade. It was a quaint little place off the main drag. Sparsely filled. They had a table on the patio all to themselves. She didn't let the figurative elephant sitting in the corner disrupt the easy camaraderie. Just like old times. She listened to him intently. It was great to be regaled with tales of life in Washington. She didn't get to see Hammond much anymore and found she had missed the man even more than expected. Especially now, with her dad gone, she realized that Hammond was just like her surrogate father at times. Filling in the gaps when Jacob was absent. Always reliable, an undercurrent of genuine care and willing to have the hard conversations. He meant more to her than a superior officer and she'd keep that in her back pocket if she ever needed a stand in for Jacob in the future.
They finished their meal and sat back to enjoy the last dregs of lemonade. A lull in the otherwise steady conversation. She looked at Hammond with patient expectation.
"I'll get right to it." He looked up at her and continued. "Lt. Colonel Carter, I've reviewed your request for transfer and have approved it with the support of my superiors. You'll be required to finish out the remainder of your scheduled missions with your assigned team. General O'Neill has indicated that there's only a couple locations scheduled on the roster at the moment due to... recent unplanned events and staffing issues. I'm sure it will be no hardship to wrap up your command in this way. You can complete or hand off any ongoing projects within the lab and this will buy us a little time to vet your replacement."
"Thank you, Sir! You have no idea how much I appreciate this, Sir." She managed to hold back the full blown smile but couldn't keep the twinkle from her eyes. Pure elation coursed through her. She could hardly keep her seat.
"I have some idea, Colonel." Hammond seemed willing to let her enjoy this moment a bit. "For what it's worth, Sam. I'm happy that you're happy." He placed his warm hand over hers to reinforce just how much he's been invested in her.
"Now, for the other shoe?" Jack spoke up for the first time during this whole thing. It caught her off guard. What did he mean by that? Why was he so subdued after such great news?
"Yes. Well, last night I took the liberty to inform Jack of his promotion." He said almost hesitantly. She looked at Jack who still wore the best poker face he could muster. She was as confused as ever and looked back to Hammond for more.
"I'm retiring and Jack has been tapped to fill my shoes in Washington." Hammond stated bluntly.
"Wow! Sir, good for you, that's great….news." Both men could see the exact moment the realization hit her. He'd be Homeworld Security and she'd be right back in his chain of command. Fuck.
She looked right at Jack to now mirror back the same look of confliction he'd had most of the day. She got it now. Clear as a bell. He didn't have much to offer her back but a shrug of the shoulders and a half smile that again, didn't reach his eyes.
"General, should I rescind my transfer? Since it won't matter either way?" She turned back to Hammond. She was a bit panicked and clearly at a loss for the next step here. Were they just screwed then?
"No, Sam. I still think this transfer is appropriate for you. There will be a couple more layers of command between the two of you in Nevada as opposed to Cheyenne Mountain." Hammond leaned forward as if to tell secrets. "This is why I requested we meet here instead of my office at the Pentagon. Jack led on why you were looking for this transfer in the first place. I'm on your side. However, the plans for my retirement were set in motion before I was made aware of this entire situation." He waved his hand back and forth to infer the connection between Jack and herself. "In fact, it's been held off for longer than it should've been. I didn't want this paperwork to surprise you all a few weeks ago when you were dealing with...bugs. I'm having to expedite these transfers now." He said apologetically and continued.
"Jack was always going to be the next man up. There's nothing I can do about that. The President won't accept his resignation or request for retirement at this time either." He paused with a bit of a frown on that note. Jack had all but begged him for those options the night before. "What I can offer is a small window of time. As you both serve out your last couple weeks in the Springs the new leader of the SGC is being briefed as we speak. He will be ready to step into the Mountain as you both leave. I'll only need a week with Jack to be able to get him up to speed and make the formal transition before my last month is up. I'd say that leaves you about a week and a half to make it official before Jack's back in active command. Seeing as you both have paid leave on the books I suggest you use it wisely."
Her ears immediately perked up at the words 'official'. She didn't make it a habit of asking stupid questions but felt this was as good a time as any. "Official as in….?" She piped up. She couldn't bring herself to say it out loud. Again she looked at Jack for anything to help. He met her gaze with a sardonic look and flicked up his left ring finger for all to see. Her eyes widened in shock.
"I'm sorry. I know this isn't ideal. But if you can get it done legally I've got the President's word that he'll look the other way on this. The Joint Chiefs will have no choice but to follow suit. The expedited transfers will raise more hackles than a marriage certificate will. Trust me. It's the best I can do." Hammond laid his case to rest.
She recognized what he must've done to come up with even this much of an opportunity for them. "Thank you General. I understand." She knew she shouldn't push the envelope here but just couldn't stop herself. "May I make one request?"
"I'll hear it." Hammond replied, likely unsure of just what more she could eek out of this situation.
"Can the week reprieve happen after we leave the Mountain but before we find ourselves in different states?" She hoped it really wouldn't matter to the military. It seemed the more logical route to take. Get one chapter closed so that they could focus solely on themselves, if even for a week. No distractions. Then they could both start fresh in their new locations.
"Sure, I don't see why not. As long as after that week is up you in fact make it to your posts on time." He looked more to Jack this time with a warning glare.
"Never fear, General. We'll get there." Jack spoke up for both of them. Resignation in his voice.
"Glad to hear it. Now, I've got to get back to the office. Let's keep this between us for the time being. The pertinent paperwork will likely beat you back to the mountain. Please get to it ASAP. If you need anything in the meantime please reach out on my personal cell phone." Hammond said while standing and pushed the chair in after retrieving his jacket from the back. He barely waited for the mutual "Yes, Sir" replies before he turned on his heel and made his way back through the restaurant.
"Well." Her mind was effectively blown.
"Yeah." He couldn't offer much either at the moment.
They sat there in the afternoon sun for not as long as it felt like. The wheels turning in their minds could likely power a steamboat. Out of the corner of her eye she saw sudden movement. It brought her out of her trance. She saw him pull a small silver circle off the pinky finger of his right hand. She saw the sunlight glint off a diamond or two. He placed it in front of her on the table and retracted his hand. She could only stare at it and gape.
"I'm game if you are Carter."