Chapter 4 – More Christmas Party

For the remainder of the party, Sam did her best to avoid Jack. She'd come to the conclusion that he wasn't in fact flirting with her at all and any thoughts she'd had that led her to that original conclusion were purely alcohol induced imaginations. She felt ridiculous for even thinking that way. Someone like Jack O'Neill would never be interested in a geeky astrophysicist like her. And, she reminded herself, even if he was, she was a married woman who shouldn't be attracted to another man.

She made her way through the room ensuring that she spoke to scientists, civilians and military alike. And even though she definitely wasn't making a conscious effort, she knew where Jack was at all times. But she didn't speak to him and made sure that if he joined a group that she was already conversing with, she moved onto another set of people. This pattern continued until the party started winding down.

She was saying goodbye to Janet and Teal'c who were returning to base, Janet because she was on duty in just a few hours and Teal'c because he was planning to return to Chulak for the holidays. Even though he obviously didn't celebrate any of Earth's religious holidays, he had embraced it as a time to spend with family and those he loved. Jack must have noticed the farewells and made his way over to join them.

"Howdy campers", he started having had quite a few beers during his time at the party. "Leaving already?" he questioned looking around the entire group as he spoke. It was clear that the General wasn't asking a rhetorical question and the Doctor and Jaffa quickly explained their intentions. Jack nodded as he listened, remembering that he already knew what he was being told. Satisfied that his friend weren't leaving the festivities for what he considered to be frivolous reasons, like sleep, he turned his attention to the people who remained. He found Sam's eyes and held them.

"So, what do the rest of you have planned?" he asked, not waivering from the eye contact with his favorite scientist. Daniel noticed the interaction between them and waited, curious to see what Sam would say. Cam Mitchell, however, didn't appear to have Daniel's observation skills and he answered, oblivious to the implication that the question asked was in fact meant for Sam.

"Well, Sir, Sam and I are going to grab some dinner at the steak house with what's left of SG's 2 and 3".

"Really?" Jack asked, eyebrows raised in surprise. "Dr. Carter", he continued still looking at Sam intently, "you're going out with a bunch of flyboys and jarheads, eh?"

Disliking what she perceived to be the amusement Jack was taking in the conversation at her expense, she decided that two could play at that game.

"Yes I am. Why? Would you like to join us?"

He appeared to me momentarily taken aback by her comeback and simply turned his head away from her, making a show of looking around the bar at the people who remained.

"I'll try to make it. But there's still some folks here that I haven't had a chance to speak with. Sorry Sam but duty calls".

And with that parting shot, and a quick wink, Jack walked away. Sam quietly let out the breath she hadn't known she was holding and turned to Cam.

"Should we get going? From what I can see, the other teams have gone ahead of us", Sam asked realizing that both Daniel and Janet were watching her. Cam looked around nodding as he did.

"Yes Ma'am", he answered putting his arm out for her to take. Not knowing whether he did this because he was worried that she wouldn't make it up the stairs, or merely because he was a gentleman, wasn't her concern. She looped her arm through his and throwing her Goodbyes over her shoulder, let the leader of SG-1 walk her out of the bar.

Cam's finely tuned senses told him that they were being watched as they left but as he made the incorrect assumption that it was just the remainder of his team, he didn't turn around. If he had done so, he would have seen General Jack O'Neill staring at them, mixed emotions crossing his face. Within the space of five seconds, he showed surprise, jealousy, anger and finally rested with his usual impassive mask that he wore more often than not.

As she placed another bite of filet mignon into her mouth, she came to the conclusion that she was bored. It wasn't that she didn't like her team mates but she was wired from the alcohol in her system and something else that she couldn't put her finger on. Without a second thought, she put down her knife and fork and reached into her purse for he blackberry. She quickly typed a note to Jack and sent it.

Where are you?

Sam went back to the conversation trying to figure out exactly which mission they were attempting to discuss in the SGC's own secret code. She left the device on the table her eyes flicking to it every few minutes to see if the light was blinking. She lost interest, however, when Colonel Feretti began recounting a particularly funny story that involved SG-1 from years before that involved Jack and some kind of alien cake.

Soon a type of game had evolved at the table the goal being to see who could tell the most outrageous Jack story, the only rule being that they couldn't mention anything that would breach Homeworld Security. Sam was captivated by all that he had been involved in prior to his promotion to General and finally, after being assigned to the SGC for seven months, she understood the level of admiration and respect the off-world teams had for their commander.

As the laughter was dying down, the waiter took advantage of the lull in conversation to present the dessert menu to the group. As she looked down at the list of sweets, Sam noticed the red light flashing out of the corner of her eye and opened the e-mail reply from Jack.

Sorry. Got stuck with a "sozzled" Daniel wanting to discuss off world affairs. Can you bring the guys to O'Malley's for an after dinner drink? My treat!

A broad grin spread across her lips as she read the words. Cam must have noticed the goofy expression she wore and called across the table.

"Hey Sam! What's made you so happy?"

Not realizing that her change in attitude had been so obvious her smile quickly turned into a frown

"Nothing", she snapped. She caught herself, knowing that she over-reacting and did her best to relax. "Well nothing really. It's just General O'Neill wants us to meet him at O'Malleys for a beer. His treat."

By the end of her sentence she was looking down at her menu, staring at it as if the most important decision in her future was making the right choice between Crème Brulee and chocolate cake. She told herself that tonight the cake was the winner and raised her head up to order. All the men at the table were staring at her, a couple were even open mouthed, literally.

"What?", she asked defensively.

"Nothing", Feretti answered, with a twinkle in his eye and a sly smile on his face. "It's just that the General doesn't normally issue an invitation like that so it has to be something to do with you. But it doesn't really matter. I think we should get the check and head to O'Malley's before he changes his mind. Anyone with me?"

The men around the table all nodded their agreement and looked at Sam for her answer.

She knew that she should go home. It was now well after midnight and Pete would be starting to worry but despite the nagging voice she could hear in the back of her head, she heard herself mutter one single word.

"Fine".

She grabbed her blackberry up of the table in dramatic fashion and dictated to the table as she typed.

Oh if we must! Be there in 10.

As Cam pulled out her chair, Sam stood and walked towards the exit with seven of the bravest men in the Universe in search of their drunken fearless leader.

TBC

A/N To everyone who took the time to review the last chapter, you are wonderful. Honestly if it wasn't for you all, I probably wouldn't have continued (or at least not until real life calmed down). So thanks to everyone who reads and to those of you who review, you are who inspire me to write faster! And for tjose of you who are concerned, I always do my best to ensure that everyone stays in character so take from that what you will in relation to where this plot will go.