To say Samantha Carter had a chip on her shoulder would be a major understatement. As the days passed, she became more and more infuriated about being let go from Atlantis. She had sacrificed so much for that position, and her superiors owed her a damn good explanation.

It did come down to the 'Michael' incident. She was too close to the people that she commanded. That made her a weak leader in the eyes of the IOA, and they were the only eyes on the matter that counted.

That didn't erase how she felt. She was still angry when they told her that she could have any position that was available.

She told them that she would have to think about it. She was taking leave, and she dared them to tell her no.

She was still consumed in her feelings as she headed for the elevator and accidentally bumped into someone.

"Sorry." She said, looking at the offended party.

"It's ok. Carter?"

She looked up, and saw him.

Her breath caught in her throat. "Sir." She said nodding.

He grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the traffic of people.

"What are you doing here?" Jack asked.

"Being debriefed. I've been officially removed from my position as the commander of Atlantis." She said bitterly.

"I'm sorry to hear that." His voice was genuine.

She looked at him. A warm feeling started to spread over her, and she looked away. But as soon as it had come, it was replaced with resentment. She turned back to face him.

"Excuse me, sir, but I have things I have to do." Sam said, as she started to turn and walk away.

"Hey, hold on a minute." He said grabbing her arm. "Don't be like that. Do you want to grab a cup of coffee? Talk about things?"

Her eyes steeled, "No, Sir. I don't want to talk about it with you. You lost that privilege." She pulled her arm away from Jack, and started towards the elevator.

"Carter!" He called after her.

She kept walking.

"Sam!" he said as she entered elevator and the doors shut.

-o-o-o-

Both of their phones started ringing.

"Hello?" Daniel and Vala answered in unison.

They talked to the respective ends of their own conversation, Daniel speaking to Jack, and Vala to Sam.

They hung up practically at the same time too.

Daniel and Vala turned and looked at each other.

"That was Sam. She's in Washington."

"Jack wanted to play cards tonight."

They smiled at each other.

"Try not to come home too drunk Daniel." Vala said.

"I'll see you if you get here." Daniel replied, as he shut the door behind them.

TBC

A/N: Now… don't go hating on Carter. Tell me you would have done different.