"All of it son?"

"Nearly enough sir. There might be a couple things I'm missing but it's probably minor things like Ba'al's birthday or the president's shoe size."

George chuckled. "I'm glad to hear it. Colonel Carter was starting to get concerned."

"She was, huh?"

"Try not to let it go to your head Jack." George told him.

"She's been doing great running the base all this time. She's got a knack for administration."

"I got that impression as well. Don't worry Jack. I'm fast tracking her as much as I can on my end. She might need to move to head of R&D over at 51 though for a while."

"Why is that sir?"

"Well, if you want her to make full bird before she hits forty Jack, she's going to have to head up some divisions."

"Huh. That would take her out of my chain of command, wouldn't it?" He said, thoughtfully.

"Something I need to know son?" George asked him wondering if he'd have to pay out on a bet he'd made with Walter a while back.

"Oh nothing yet, it's just something to consider." Jack told him cryptically.

"Keep me in the loop Jack."

"Sure. I'll let Walter know when you owe him a Benjamin too sir." Jack said grinning.

George chuckled. "Sam was right. You only play dumb. But, I already knew that."

"I have no idea what you're talking about sir." His tone was falsely injured but he grinned after he said it.

"So the boyfriend is on the curb, huh?"

"That should be the scuttlebutt some time this week in case you have anything riding on it. Sir."

"I will keep that in mind son. I'll expect your reports by the end of the week."

"How do you know I've already been working on them sir?"

"Because you willingly write me novels Jack." George told him chuckling. "I suggest you send Colonel Carter home tonight all things considered. It's much harder to be tempted when your temptation is half a town away."

"Message received sir." Jack wondered exactly what square George had put his money on here. Something told him it was the honorable route. He probably wasn't wrong.

Sam had made a date with Pete because she knew what needed to be done which only made it worse when he showed up with flowers for her and a happy smile.

"Hey babe. I take it your boss is feeling better finally." He told her as he leaned in to kiss her.

Sam turned her head just slightly so he only caught the corner of her mouth. "He's doing much better, yes." She doubted he honestly cared beyond was he tying up her time still or not.

"Gotta admit babe, I was kind of surprised that you called me first for a change." He said grinning triumphantly.

"Well, I needed to talk to you Pete." She told him, stomping down her nerves, knowing he'd be leaving unhappy from the table. "How have you been?" She knew he'd wax poetic about himself much like Daniel could about ancient societies or rocks and let his description of his last couple weeks flow in one ear and out the other.

"So anyway, I've been thinking Sam."

"Have you?" She asked surprised and slightly happy, perhaps he could see they weren't a good fit after all.

"Sam, you know I really care about you right?"

"Well, of course Pete, I care about you too." She said, thankful that he felt he should let her down easy. This way he'd feel like it was his own idea.

Pete grabbed her hand and held it looking nervously in her eyes. "Sam, I, ah, Sam, will you marry me?"

"Er… what?" Sam stared at him in shock.

"I think the problems we're having as a couple are because I haven't really committed to you."

"Pete… I... I don't know what to say."

"Say yes. Please Sam. I love you." He said and squeezed her hand but she pulled it away.

"Pete, I, I came here to talk to you about taking a break."

"But that's all the more reason to get engaged, so I know it's just a break."

Sam looked at him mystified. A challenge she never backed down from, but she was out of her element here. "Pete, look, I'm… flattered, but I don't think you understand. I don't want a temporary break."

"What are you saying Sam?"

"Pete, you're very sweet and you'll make a wonderful husband." He grinned broadly "For someone else."

Pete's face fell. "It's your boss, isn't it Sam? You can't be a good little workaholic if you have someone at home. I knew he hated me from the start." He said bitterly.

Sam shook her head. "No Pete, That's not the reason."

"Then what is it Sam? I've been patient through all this and done everything I can to show you how much I love you." He pleaded, nearly whined.

Sam sighed. And wasn't that exactly why right there. She wanted to ask him what her favorite color was, what she liked on her pizza, who her favorite classic movie actor was or even modern actor but she knew he knew none of those things even though she could easily tell him all his and his favorite actress too. It was Pamela Anderson. Shouldn't someone who professed to love you pay attention to those things and at least be willing to tolerate them from time to time? "Pete, I care about you. I do. But I need more than just 'care about you' to marry you. That's a huge commitment I don't take lightly."

"Sam." He said, his tone pleading.

"I'm sorry Pete. I wanted to tell you in person because I respect you but this just isn't working out. I'll pack up any of your stuff at my house. You can come by and get it when you have time. If I'm not home call the base and an SF will let you in to get it. I'd um, I'd like my key back Pete."

"But, Sam…"

"I'm sorry Pete." She shook her head and held out her hand.

Pete looked at her mystified but pulled out his key ring and slid her key off his collection. "I don't understand Sam. I thought we were happy."

"I'm sure you were Pete, but I haven't been for a while and it's time I was honest with you about it." She picked up her purse and slid on her coat. "I hope you find someone you have more in common with Pete. You're a nice guy and deserve to be happy."

Pete watched her go. The waiter came up and looked at where she'd been sitting then at Pete and gave him the pitying look. "You, ah, won't be needing that special desert now sir?"

Pete looked up at the guy. "Apparently not." He snarled.