A/N: Some good questions have been asked in the reviews. Points well taken. Please rest assured, as you learn more about the reality SG1 is currently in, all will be revealed and explained, at least as well as it usually is in scifi! (or so I hope)

OoOoOo

"Come on," she said, pulling her hand from his and slowly standing up. "Let's take a walk. There's something I need to tell you.

Chapter 8: The Way It Happened

Jack readily agreed to walk the quiet shop-lined streets of the downtown area. The layout and atmosphere of the once popular shopping area was far different from what Sam remembered. Low key, with fewer upscale shops and fewer shoppers clogging the streets, they could have been walking in a park. On a gorgeous summer's day like this, the area was normally bustling with activity, at least in Sam's world.

Those changes, however, were the least of Sam's worries today. Walking side by side with a man she'd loved in at least two realities, Sam agonized over what to tell him. More than anything, she wanted to lay it all on the line, tell him about her team's predicament, and ask for his help. But things are different here, really different, she reminded herself. It was possible Jack knew nothing about the Stargate. If that were the case, mentioning such a thing would be a sign she needed further psychiatric hospitalization. At the moment, that wasn't a chance she could afford to take.

Instead, she chose a safer, more tentative approach, a fishing expedition she hoped would net some much needed information.

Sam breathed deeply to steady herself, appreciating the extraordinary freshness of the clear, crisp air.

"I wanted to ask your opinion on something," Sam began as they strolled along.

"Like what?" Jack asked. "You know I love telling people what I think."

Sam chuckled softly, "Yeah, I remember that about you."

"Just so you do," he confirmed, offering a lopsided grin as he remembered their good natured disagreements back when their lives were filled with love.

Sam smiled in return. "As I was saying, I'm thinking over some possibilities for career advancement."

"Glad to hear it," Jack enthused, easily recalling recent days when Sam wasn't interested in anything, let alone work. "Getting a bit bored with Deep Space Radar Telemetry, are we?"

"In fact, I am," Sam sighed. "Did you know my dad used to think my job was a cover for a top secret military operation at the Mountain?"

"Is it?"

"Not that I know," Sam answered in a light tone.

"Exactly! Jack quipped. "Sometimes Deep Space Radar is just Deep Space Radar."

I was right, Sam thought. Things are different here.

"Anyway, I've been thinking," Sam continued aloud. "There've been rumors in the labs about a top secret alien transportation device, something called a Stargate. I'm thinking of doing some research, see if it really exists."

"And you thought I might know something about it."

"Well, you are my father's top secret keeper, from what I hear," Sam suggested.

"Why thank you for the promotion, Ma'am," Jack said genially, his stride slowing noticeably. "But if there is such a thing, it's news to me."

With that, Jack slowed to a stop and the two estranged lovers turned to face each other, directly outside a fairly deserted ice cream stand. Jack's face was a blank slate, devoid of emotion, a look Sam hadn't seen since he'd arrived at the café. It was the look of the consummate military professional, the look he got whenever he was trying to keep a Top Secret something from her.

How do I even know that? Sam wondered. My Jack never had to keep things from me.

His studied look in place, Jack took hold of Sam's shoulders and said earnestly, "As far as I know there is no such thing as a Stargate thingie on Earth. Now, how about directing that incredibly curious, brilliant mind of yours in another direction, maybe, say, cheap energy, I don't know … gas that doesn't cost four dollars a gallon. You know …"

Sam smiled in spite of herself. He was covering; whatever it was she obviously didn't have clearance. But that was for another day.

"I'll consider it," she said. "If I come up with anything, you'll be the first one to know. You can use it to power those experimental aircraft you're always developing," she teased, fishing for more information about Jack's professional relationship with Cam Mitchell.

"You know about that?"

"Don't worry," she admonished. "All I know is 'experimental aircraft'."

"That's good," Jack said. "For a minute there I thought I'd have to fire Mitchell. Can't have security leaks, you know. By the way, how are you two doing?" As soon as the question was out, Jack regretted it; the last thing he wanted to hear about was Sam's relationship with her new boyfriend.

"It's good Jack," Sam said reflexively. "Cam's a good man."

"Yeah, he is," Jack agreed. Though it still hurt to see anyone else with Sam, he'd developed a grudging respect for the non-military test pilot turned entrepreneur. "I want you to be happy, Sam."

"I know," Sam said simply, tears threatening once more. This was about all the angst she could take for one conversation. "Hey, how about some ice cream," she suggested lightly.

"Thought you'd never ask."

OoOoOo

Late that night, Sam received a phone call from Cameron Mitchell, letting her know Daniel was onboard. In fact, Cam had taken the liberty of setting up a meeting for the three of them in Colorado Springs, day after tomorrow.

What a day it's been! Sam thought, coming to the end of thirty-six hours in this strangely familiar place. I've lost Jack and a son I never knew I had. And if Jack's telling the whole story, we've lost the Stargate too. If that's the case, I have no idea how to get us back. Who am I kidding? I have to figure out where we are before I can even think about getting us home! What do I tell the guys when they get here? They're counting on me to figure this out.

With that thought, she turned on her home computer. There wasn't a lot on it. Dry research material devoted to Deep Space Radar and upcoming seminars she was presenting. Okay, that's no help, she thought despondently. Turning her attention to the Internet, Sam found she was limited to a lowly DSL connection with no special government clearance. Frustrated, she began to search for anything she could find to tell her more about this reality. News sites were as good a place as any to start.

What she found rocked her world.

TBC

A/N: Work was exceedingly stressful today; I used my break to write this chapter. Great relaxation! Hope you enjoyed it.

Thanks again for reading and reviewing.