"Col. Mitchell? Col. Mitchell?"

Hearing his name, he pulled himself out of the memory and stopped.

"General?"

"I've just come from seeing Vala. I wanted your opinion on the Alorans."

Walking side by side, Cameron filled him in, "It looks promising General. We didn't stay long. The villagers didn't want to say too much without the leader present. But from what we observed, I think there are possibilities of trade and an introduction to the Bo'Rak- if all goes well. Their leader, Fariq, won't be back for a couple of days, but I've got the feeling that any negotiations will be lengthy but rewarding. SG12 shouldn't come across any problems, they seem like good folks."

"Good. Now, Colonel I want you to get something to eat and get some sleep. You look like you need it!" General Landry patted him on the back as they stopped outside the infirmary.

"Thanks General, I'll do that." Cameron waited for him to enter the elevator before he set foot in the infirmary. He felt guilty for not being there when she woke up but as soon as Dr Lam had finished his post mission medical, he wanted him and Vala to meet with the Alorans, a people who could provide an introduction to the powerful Bo'Rak- a possible ally against the Ori.

There was no sign of Sam in the infirmary, on a hunch he went to the cafeteria. He spotted her in the corner on her own. She looked good, damn good, despite her ordeal he thought to himself as he made his way to her.

Sam looked up at the same time he saw her, their gaze met and she flushed. Her pulse quickened, her stomach flipped and she felt sick with nerves, "Get a grip girl, it's only Cameron. Act normal, smile, and pretend everything's fine!" She chided herself while at the same time wiping her sweaty hands on her pants.

As he sat down opposite her, she took the opportunity to have a good look at him. He looks tired and drained, at that moment she wished she could reach over and touch him.

"How you feelin'?" Sam could hear the deep concern in his voice. She looked into his eyes and held his gaze. Everything she needed to know, wanted to know was there for her to see. His eyes told her everything and what she saw broke her heart…why didn't I notice this before? Sam looked around the cafeteria they were alone. Cameron followed her gaze and looked back at her questioningly. With the knowledge of his love for her boosting her confidence, Sam reached over and caressed his cheek. She heard him take a deep breathe in and with their eyes still connected, he leaned into her touch, eyes sparkling with hope and desire.

"Sam…?"

As other air force personnel began to enter the cafeteria Sam pulled away, breaking contact.

"Cam we need to talk," speaking quietly. She could see he was still trying to absorb what had just happened between them, "but not here."

"Yeah, we definitely need to talk," Cam ran both his hands through his hair as he stood up, "Let's get you checked out of the infirmary first and then we go to my place."

Sam nodded in agreement, leading the way. As he followed her out, Cameron put his hand over where she had caressed him. His skin was burning from her touch and he wanted to burn some more, preferably for the rest of his life.

As they walked down the corridors, to the outside world Samantha Carter and Cameron Mitchell were just going about their business as normal. To the casual observer they both projected themselves as professionals. Only they knew different, inside they were a nervous and excited mess.

To be continued. Please review.