O'Neill was clearly going crazy. He desperately wanted to get out of bed and go for a walk – to do anything other than lie around in the bed. He was bored, and started to take it out on Sam, snapping at her and generally being a pain in the ass.
Or being a general pain in the ass, she chuckled. Or, being a pain in the General ass! She laughed again, knowing that it wasn't that funny, but that she needed something to keep her mind off of killing O'Neill
"What's so funny," he snapped.
"What?"
"You were laughing at something. Can you tell me, Carter, what's so funny?" He was clearly still in a pissy mood, and she'd frankly had enough of it. She was officially on leave – and she decided she didn't have to put up with his – his jerkishness any longer.
"No," she answered.
"What?" he growled.
"No – I can't tell you or rather I won't tell you what was funny. In fact, I'm going out for a swim. See you later." She headed to the door, a feeling of satisfaction that she'd given Jack a bit of his own.
"Carter!" he practically yelled. "I didn't give you permission to leave!"
She swung on him angrily. "What? Are you seriously telling me that you're going to hold your command over me? You're going to demand my obedience like I'm some kind of raw recruit? For your information Jack I quit the Air Force. So you have no power or authority over me and I refuse to be treated this way by you. I understand you're frustrated, but it's not my fault and I don't have to stand here being – being abused by you any longer!"
"Abused! Since when have I ever abused you Carter?" he shouted. "I just expect to be treated with respect."
"Yes – I will treat you that way when you deserve it. And I also deserve to be treated with respect. Do I have to remind you again, that I'm a General too? I am neither your servant, nor some twenty-year old who has to take the crap you decide to shovel out. Now – I'm going out for a swim and then I'm going to do something else. When you've decided to stop treating me like crap, I'll be back!"
She stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her. She didn't know when was the last time she'd done something so – so immature – but right now she was too angry to care.
She stomped to her room and threw on the robe she'd managed to turn into a short bathing suit. It didn't have bottoms, but at least when she stood up, or walked on the beach, she was decent. She didn't think it mattered that in the water she was partially naked. None of the natives were ever close enough to her to see anything.
She quickly walked to the beach, the eyes of some of the aliens once more on her. She wondered how they always knew when she went swimming, and hoped it wasn't because she was being monitored – at least not in a bad, we are prisoners, kind of way.
She threw herself into the water and proceeded to swim as hard and fast as she could, while always staying near to the shore-line. The last thing she needed was to be caught in a current and swept out to sea. Eventually her anger cooled, and she slowed down, feeling suddenly sad and tired.
Jack had looked stunned at her tirade and hadn't said anything as she'd left. She hoped he felt bad – but instead he could be even more angry. If that was the case, they were in for an uncomfortable time ahead.
If – when – they got back to Earth she didn't believe he'd report her for insubordination, although with their history she couldn't be sure. But frankly, she didn't really care. Even if he did, she had plenty of ways to defend herself. And anyway, she had finally decided it was time to officially retire. She was ready to – finally – move on with her life. What the future held, she didn't know – except that it wouldn't be with the Air Force.
Tired out from her furious swim, she returned to her room. She took a long, hot bath and tried to relax. She felt calmer, but still upset and hurt. She knew it wasn't right to let O'Neill's attitude get to her – but after weeks of doing nothing but worry about him, it felt terribly unfair.
She got up and dried herself off and put on a fresh, clean robe. She'd gotten used to the clothing here and found it wonderfully unrestricting, although a little boring. She would love a pair of jeans.
As she sat on her bed and brushed her hair, there was a knock on her door. It was the first time the aliens had knocked and her brows went up in surprise. After the second knock she stood and walked to the door and opened it – to see a semi-naked Jack O'Neill standing there. He had the small piece of material wrapped around his waist and was holding it carefully. It didn't cover much, although it did cover the essentials.
She immediately noticed that he was swaying and looking rather pale. "General – what are you doing?" she stepped forward and put her arm around his waist and guided him to her bed, where she helped him sit. She pretended she didn't see the material move or that she'd gotten a glimpse of what was underneath.
"Are you okay?" she asked as he sat and took a few breaths. "You shouldn't have gotten up by yourself like that. You could have fallen and hurt yourself."
He nodded slightly, but then looked up, his eyes huge in his still rather pale face. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "I know I was a bastard. I didn't mean to take it out on you."
She was surprised – and touched – by his apology. He'd never been one for direct apologies –always saying sorry in more indirect ways. But this time she could tell that he was really upset – and that he needed her to forgive him.
"It's okay," she said softly. "I know you're frustrated."
"It's no excuse," he told her. "I – you've been nothing but wonderful and I was a complete jerk taking my frustrations out on you. I – don't do convalescing all that well."
"No?" she smiled knowingly. "I never would have guessed."
He chuckled at that, recognizing that she was teasing him. "I was always a bastard to Janet in the old days. And she gave as good as she got as well. I really am sorry, Sam."
"Thank you for saying that – Jack," she told him. "That means a lot. Although you were an idiot for getting out of bed. The aliens are going to have a heart attack!"
He shrugged, obviously not caring one way or the other a bout the aliens. That there was something still on his mind was obvious, however.
"What is it?:
"You said - you resigned?" he asked, hesitatingly. "You've left the Air Force?" For some reason, which she knew she'd have to revisit later, he sounded really distressed at the idea.
She then sighed to herself. She'd forgotten all that she'd said to him in her anger, had forgotten she'd told him that.
"Yes – but they didn't accept it. They – wouldn't let me have any more leave, since you're not - they wanted me back at the SGC," she finished. Saying that they weren't family, would just bring up a whole bunch of memories neither of them needed to deal with right now. "So, I quit."
His lips quirked at that and he regarded her closely. "I'm sure they just about crapped their pants at that," he told her.
She chuckled softly. "Oh yeah. Then they told me I'd have to give them six months' notice before I could retire."
"And what did you say to that?" he asked, sounding amused. He did know Sam Carter.
"Uh," she looked at him out of the corner of her eye. "I told General Radcliffe," she stopped, grimacing.
"You told Radcliffe - ?"
"To jump in the lake. I said if they forced me to return they would not be happy."
He gave a silent whistle, amused and impressed by her courage in telling Radcliffe – one of the more hard-assed of his Generals – to jump in a lake.
"And what did he say to that?"
She grinned at him. "Well, I think he actually swallowed his tongue. He threatened me with all sorts of dire consequences, but the next thing I knew, they'd granted me an indefinite leave. I think the President stepped in."
"Good for him," Jack said softly. "So – you did or didn't quit?"
"I didn't. I mean, I did, but then I agreed to the leave. I was – I was angry at you when I said that."
He nodded. "I don't blame you, but I'm glad you didn't really retire – or quit."
"Why?" she asked softly. What difference did it make to him – other than that he trusted her to command the SGC. There were other, equally as qualified people who could take over.
He looked away from her, not answering for a moment. She wondered what he was thinking. She heard him take a shaky breath, and then he faced her.
"I'd miss you," he said simply. "Even though we don't – talk – I'm glad to know you're there."
She looked at him in shock, not sure quite what to say. She could tell his words made him very uncomfortable, but she appreciated his honesty. It also warmed her and she suddenly wondered, like she hadn't since he'd woken up, if there was some hope.
"Thank you," was all she said. "That – means a lot." She wasn't about to tell him of her recent decision to retire. That could wait – for another day – or for something else she was too afraid to give name to – yet.
Suddenly Jack swayed and she looked at him in concern. "We need to get you back to your room!" she told him. "I don't think you should be away from the healing machine."
"I'm fine," he protested, "just a little wobbly. Maybe I should just rest here for a bit." With that he flopped back on her bed, and closed his eyes.
She smiled, watching him. Sometimes he seemed just like a little boy – something she'd always loved about him.
"You rest, Jack," she said softly, although she could tell he was already asleep. She smiled, not sure quite what had just happened, but it felt like things had changed.
She just prayed they had changed for the better.
The door burst open, and Sam blinked trying to clear her eyes. She was curled up on her bed, warm and cozy. There was an arm around her waist and she looked at it, puzzled.
Three of the aliens, including Marie, Curly and Larry, were standing in the doorway. For the first time she saw the aliens looking upset – angry even. She couldn't figure out what was going on, until the arm around her moved.
Jack! He was in bed with her and they had both fallen asleep. She sat up quickly, although groggily. "It's okay – he's safe," she said.
"Carter – what's up?"
"It's the aliens, Sir. I think they were worried when they found you missing." She glanced behind her, at a rather pleased looking O'Neill. He pushed himself up, so that he was leaning against the wall at the head of her bed.
"Hi," he said, waving to the aliens.
Marie took a step forward, and her face changed – she looked relieved, although there was still a spot of – something, anger maybe, in it.
"Okay, okay," Jack muttered. "I'll go back to my room. Just relax!" He struggled to get out of bed, finding it difficult with Sam in his way. She finally moved and stood up, offering him her hand.
"Come on Sir – I'll help you. I don't think they're too happy," she said, commenting on the three motionless aliens.
"Nah – they're pissed," he said, sounding completely unworried. "I think they're worried I'll fall apart."
"Maybe you have to stay under that healing thing for a while. They might be worried you're messing up your treatment."
"I'll be fine," he said, as she helped pull him to his feet. "See, I'm okay," he told the aliens. "Yes I am," he said again, almost as if they'd contradicted him.
Sam's eyes narrowed. Jack seemed to be able to understand the aliens, better than she did – or maybe he just acted as if he understood. "Sir – can you – can you communicate with them?"
"Who? With the aliens?" he asked in surprise. "No, of course not. But I think it's pretty obvious what they're thinkin'."
She regarded Marie and the others closely, but other than the faint signs of relief and frustration on her face, she couldn't read anything. She sighed. The General was a very perceptive man – probably one of the things that had made him so successful. She wished she could read them as well.
"Okay General – let's get you to bed!"
That garnered a swift look from the man, but she refused to rise to the bait. She couldn't watch everything she said. They'd just have to learn to be more relaxed about everything.
In the end, two of the aliens helped Jack, who was stiff and weak. He refused to admit it, of course, bitching and complaining the whole way. At least this time he only bitched at the aliens, treating her as if she was his ally – which pleased her no end.
Finally back in his own bed, Jack sighed in relief, although he'd never admit that to a soul. The aliens fiddled again with the healing device and it changed color once more – this time emitting a purple toned light. Sam wondered if it was something that would keep him down, although doubted there was anything that actually could!
"Time for dinner, Sam," he said, rubbing his hands together. Curly and Larry had both left and Marie was watching them both closely – this time her more usual, placid expression evident.
"I'm hungry," she agreed. "I know you don't want me to ask you this, but please - just tell me – how are you feeling after your little – adventure?"
She knew he wanted to make some quip – she could almost hear him answer, "peachy" – but he didn't. Instead he grew serious and spent a few seconds considering how he felt.
"Well, I'm a little shaky," he told her honestly, "but otherwise not too bad. And I must admit it felt good to get out of this room. There aren't even any pictures on the wall!"
Sam realized that that was true. A man like O'Neill needed stimulation – needed something to do. Just lying around would drive anyone crazy – but a man like him would find it almost unbearable. They needed to figure something out – and quick.
"We need to find something for you to do," she said in agreement. "Maybe we can get the aliens to bring you something."
"What?" he asked, looking at her curiously.
"I don't know – paint-by-numbers? A PlayStation?"
"Now that sounds like fun," he sighed. "Somehow I don't think they have something like that here."
"No, neither do I. Maybe I can find something on one of my hikes."
"Like what?" he asked.
"I could collect some branches and reeds."
"What for?" his eyes narrowed.
"You could make some baskets," she told him, a little hiccup of laughter in her voice.
"Are you telling me, General, that I should take up basket –weaving?" he asked incredulously.
"It's an honest profession, Sir."
"Not for me Sam," he told her. "Now I could do some wood carving – if I had a knife."
"I would have no idea how to get one," she informed him. "I haven't seen one since I've been here. I get the feeling this is a weapon free zone."
"I don't need a weapon – I need a knife for carving."
"I'll see what I can do," she told him.
During the entire conversation, Marie had been watching them closely. She finally approached O'Neill, and reached out, touching his hand gently. She left it for a moment and then withdrew it. With a nod, she headed towards the door and out of the room.
"That was strange," Sam said, watching her leave. "I wonder how much she really understands of what we're saying?"
Jack shrugged, not too concerned by the aliens. He found their silence a bit creepy, if truth were told. "I think she was just wondering what we were talking about. I bet she brings back some things for me to do!"
Marie didn't return, but two of the other aliens did. The next thing Jack knew, he was being wheeled out of the building in their version of a wheel chair. He looked at Sam, who was just as confused as he was. A few minutes later they arrived at the platform Sam had used on many occasions. Now, however, it had a ramp.
Jack was wheeled up and then helped into one of the lounge chairs. Danny appeared a few minutes later, a tray of food and drinks in hand. He grinned and set everything by Jack and then scampered – or glided – off.
A couple of minutes later, Marie arrived, healing object in tow. She touched one of the controls and it immediately flew over Jack's head, and hovered there as he ate. He glanced at it once, and then ignored it, too interested in his food to really care.
"This is nice," Sam said, leaning back. She loved feeling the fresh breeze as it rustled through her hair. She glanced over at General O'Neill, who had leaned back, his eyes closed. He didn't appear to be sleeping but was simply enjoying an afternoon outside.
"It's nice here, isn't it?" she asked softly.
"Mmm hmm," he agreed. "Beautiful."
"I'd love to build a cabin here," she told him. "Someplace to come and relax."
"Mmm hmm," he repeated.
"I wonder if this is all there is here."
"Hmm?" he asked.
"I just wondered if there was anything else on this planet? Are there cities, towns – other people."
"Mmm – yeah," he answered. "This is just a spa."
"A spa?"
"You know, like they have in Europe or in the old days. Places you could go to get well – to "drink the waters" – that's this place."
"Are you just guessing?" she asked, carefully.
"Mmm," he answered, which told her nothing at all.
"Jack?"
"What Sam?" he asked sleepily.
"You think there are other cities?"
"Yeah," he repeated. "Cities, towns – this is just a retreat."
"How do you know these things?"
She could hear him breathe in and out softly – almost asleep. She watched as he licked his lips, seeming not to have heard her.
"Sir – how do you know?"
His eyes opened at that, although he was clearly sleepy. "Know what, Carter?"
"That there are cities and towns here?"
"Oh," his eyes drooped slowly, "Don't know – don't most places have towns and cities."
"Yes, - but you seemed sure."
"Mmm – yeah – maybe, don't know." A few seconds later he was sound asleep.