Thank you all for your kind reviews - and for some great ideas! I'm keeping them all and will use them - with some personal modifications. Thank you again - and here is the epilogue to me story. I hope you enjoy.
Damn it all! He threw the pen down and watched as it skittered across the desk and rolled onto the floor. He was so frustrated he didn't know what to do. He'd tried to come up with something – anything – that was feasible but there was nothing. Nothing had changed. It was the same old problem they'd always had. There was just no way for them to be together, not if they wanted to remain in their present jobs.
When Sam came over the other night it had finally seemed like they could figure it out, that they could work out all the problems and be together. He chuckled ironically. Yeah right! Obviously they'd both been suffering temporary insanity, brought on by their - almost - confessions to each other.
He had to smile to himself though. As frustrated as he was now, he still felt a million times better than he had before her visit. Things weren't resolved, or even near to being resolved, but at least he wasn't wallowing in pity and despair. At least now there was hope.
It had been a strange time, he thought of the last few days. He and Sam had agreed to try and figure things out, but beyond that, nothing had been said. They both knew they couldn't – that if they brought things out into the open completely, they would have been in danger of breaking those regulations they'd spent years obeying. As it was, his self-control had almost snapped. When she had reached out and touched his face he'd wanted nothing more than to grab her, pull her to him and kiss her senseless. It still amazed him that he hadn't, that he'd exercised restraint – although to be fair, it had been Sam who had pulled back first.
"I think I should go", she'd said, taking a step back. He would have been upset except that her eyes were soft, and promised so much more. "I'm afraid if I don't", she stopped and bit her lip. "If I don't, I don't think I'll ever want to leave."
He nodded, unable to speak. If he had opened his mouth at that moment it would have been to beg her to stay, to say to hell with everything. Instead he watched silently as she moved towards the door. It was only when she reached out and took the doorknob in her hand that she turned around again.
"Are we still going to figure it out Sir?" she'd asked, sounding unsure.
"Yeah Carter", he'd smiled softly. "We're going to figure it out. It's just – until then - "
"I know Jack." She returned his smile and pulled the door open. "Back to the status quo – but I'll know inside -" She didn't finish.
"Me too Sam", was all he said. He stood and watched as she got in her car and drove away. He slowly returned inside and turned out the lights. Instead of going to bed however, he stood looking out into the dark night. He wasn't quite sure how he felt, or what he felt – he just knew that a door had suddenly opened and he was damned if he was going to slam it shut again. Not this time.
But here he sat, days later, still unable to come up with any kind of a solution. "DAMN IT ALL TO HELL!" he shouted, slapping his palm onto his desk. What was he going to do?
"Is everything okay Sir?" a frightened looking Walter rushed into his office. Walter was used to the mercurial man who was now the base commander, but he'd never heard him shout out like that before. He was seriously worried that something awful had happened, like an alien attack on earth – or the cancellation of the Simpsons.
"What?" The General looked at him, confusion written all over his face. "What's wrong?" he asked, noticing how flustered the usually imperturbable Walter looked.
"Uh – nothing Sir. I just heard you shout and I was worried something was wrong in here."
"You heard me – oh", suddenly the General looked rather sheepish. "Sorry about that. I guess I'm just frustrated about something."
"Is it anything I can help you with Sir?" his faithful assistant asked. "I'm usually pretty good at figuring things out."
Now that was the understatement of the year", thought Jack. If there was anyone in the whole universe who was good at pulling rabbits out of his hat, it was Walter. Jack really didn't know what he'd do without the Sergeant.
He sighed and looked regretfully at the man in front of him. "I wish you could Walter", he replied. "I'm afraid this is something beyond even your magical touch."
"Uh – I'd be glad to try General", he answered.
Jack sighed again, and leaned down into his arm, which rested on the desk. "Unfortunately, it's kind of – personal – well, not really personal – I mean, it has to do with the Air Force – but personal – you know what I mean?"
Walter raised his eyebrow – although nowhere near as effectively as Teal'c, thought Jack. He then let out a little cough and looking nervous, began to speak. "Is it – Sir I don't want to get – uh personal – but is this maybe about", he stopped and shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. "Is this to do with Colonel Carter Sir?" he asked.
O'Neill looked at him in astonishment, although a second later he realized that he really shouldn't be surprised. If there was anyone who knew what was going on in the SGC it was this man. He was about to deny it, but instead looked closely at the faithful little sergeant. Who knows – maybe – !
"Well – it might", he answered. "I really – look Walter, this is a very sensitive matter and I don't want to get you into trouble – or Carter or myself for that matter. It's the kind of thing that could really hit the fan and so maybe it's best to -"
"No Sir", Walter interrupted. "All of us here – we all think that you and Colonel – I mean, we'd do anything for you Sir. And don't worry, I'll be careful. No one will suspect a thing, but I'd be honored if you'd let me help."
Jack stared at his assistant, not quite sure what to do or say. Finally, he cleared his throat. "If you think – I mean I don't really think there's anything you can do – but go ahead and try. It can't hurt because I sure as hell can't figure out what to do!"
"I will General", Walter smiled. "And don't worry – we'll figure out something."
Jack nodded again. "Okay – uh – thanks Walter. You're a good man."
After Walter had returned to his desk Jack just sat there, bemused by what had just happened. He laughed softly. God – he was lucky to have the loyalty of such amazing people. Still, he was pretty sure Walter wouldn't be able to do anything. Hell, Sam hadn't been able to figure anything out – and she was a bloody genius.
It was the next morning and he was anxiously awaiting his pre-misison briefing with Sg1. Sam had called in on Monday morning and had asked for a few days off. She had been pleasant, but formal, and he had simply agreed and told her he'd see her Thursday. Her team had a routine mission scheduled for that day and she indicated she'd be back.
He couldn't believe how nervous he was. He didn't know what to expect. What if she'd changed her mind? What if it had simply been nerves and she had decided to stick with old dough boy? Stop it Jack – no need to be mean – Pete was a nice man. And he'd be a lot nicer if he wasn't with Sam, thought Jack.
Just then he heard Teal'c's voice and knew that it was time to move. He took a deep breath and told himself to be brave. Plastering a grin on his face – he hoped it looked natural – he headed into the other room.
"Good morning guys!" Sam hadn't shown up yet but according to his watch she still had a couple of minutes left. At that precise moment he heard her steps and she appeared in the room.
With a small smile and a 'hello', she sat in her usual chair. She glanced briefly at him but he couldn't for the life of him tell what she was thinking.
"So – you're off to -" he reached down and picked up the file. "P3X 2YR?"
"Yes Jack – it's just a routine -" Daniel's voice continued, but Jack lost all ability to follow him. All he could think of was that Sam had most likely changed her mind. She looked wan and tired – and he was very afraid she was going to tell him she'd made a mistake. God – why did this keep happening? Couldn't he just once catch a break?
"Jack?"
"O'Neill? Are you feeling well?"
"Huh?" He looked at the men of Sg1 and frowned. What were they saying?
"Are you okay Jack?" Daniel asked again, looking at him with worry.
"I'm fine. So – what's special about P3 – whatever?" he looked at Daniel expectantly.
"Uh – I just spent the last ten minutes going over all the details Jack", the younger man said carefully.
"What?" he looked back and forth among the members of Sg1. "You did not", he said. There was no way he had missed all that.
"Yes O'Neill, he did", Teal'c said directly, although he too was looking slightly confused.
"Oh – sorry. I guess I'm a little preoccupied. Can you just give me the quick overview?"
So Daniel again explained about the planet. This time he worked hard to listen, although he still found his mind wandering. He desperately wanted to look at Sam – and ask her what she had decided.
"Okay", he managed to say when Daniel was done. "It sounds pretty routine, so you have a go. You'll leave this afternoon at 1300 hours. Is there anything else?"
When no one spoke he grabbed his files and was about to stand up. He was interrupted by Sam's voice.
"Uh – I have something Sir, although it's not about the mission."
"Okay Carter", he sat back down and looked at her. "What is it?" He tried to smile at her, to reassure her that he was okay with everything, but he expected it came out as more of a grimace.
"Well – I just wanted to let you all know that I", she took a deep breath, "that I've broken things off with Pete. We've called off the wedding."
There was dead silence in the room. Sam looked at the three men she'd known for so many years and couldn't read a single one of their faces. She watched Jack carefully, but his face was an utter blank.
"That's – I'm sorry Sam", Daniel finally managed to get out. "Are you okay?"
"Yes Daniel, I'm fine", she answered calmly. "I mean – I hated having to hurt Pete and I feel terribly guilty, but it was the right decision. I actually feel quite relieved."
"You made the correct decision Colonel Carter", Teal'c said. "I am sorry too that Pete Shanahan was hurt but you acted with honor."
"Thank you Teal'c", she smiled gratefully at him. She could always count on his honesty and his support.
"Teal'c is right Sam", Daniel said suddenly. "I know it will be hard, but you did the right thing." He walked over to her and gave her a hug. "We're here for you Sam."
"Thank you too Daniel", she said into his shoulder. When he released her she took a deep breath and looked at the General, unsure of how he'd react.
Jack was stunned and didn't know what to say. He had been hoping that she'd dump – no, that she'd break things off with the cop – but he had refused to get his hopes up. He certainly hadn't expected her to announce it like this. He really didn't know what to do.
It was as a slow grin tried to force its way onto his face – in spite of all his efforts to repress it – that he acknowledged how relieved, how grateful – hell, how ecstatic he was. "Sorry to hear that Carter", he said, biting his lip as the grin threatened to break out. He coughed into his hand. Get a hold of yourself O'Neill – this is neither the time nor place to break out into song. Maybe a quick little dance would be in order? NO – stop it!
"You are?" she asked, a small smile beginning to appear on her face.
"No", he answered baldly. "Actually I'm thrilled. He was totally wrong for you Sam."
"He was?" she said, the smile growing bigger.
"Oh absolutely." The two of them stood grinning at each other. The other two in the room looked back and forth between them, totally mystified by what was happening.
"Uh – Jack?" Daniel finally asked.
"Yes Daniel?" Jack turned to his friend. "What can I do for you?"
"What's going on?" he asked.
"Going on? Why nothing. I'm just telling Sam I think she made the right decision. No different than what you and Teal'c just told her."
"Yes it is", Jackson answered with a frown. "It's totally different."
"Indeed it is O'Neill", Teal'c agreed.
Jack looked at Sam. "Is what I said any different Carter?" he asked.
"No Sir", she grinned. She then turned to the other men in the room. "I'm glad all of you think this was the right decision." She looked again at the General. "If you'll excuse me Sir, I should get ready for this afternoon's mission."
"Of course Carter", he replied, feeling better than he had in – well, since early Sunday morning. Damn it all – they really had to figure this out!
His eyes followed his Carter until she was out of sight. He was going to turn and head into his office until he realized that the other two members of Sg1 were still sitting – and were looking at him with intent expressions on their faces.
"What?" he asked, sounding peeved. "What's wrong?"
"I do not believe there is anything wrong O'Neill, however there is something you are not telling us." Teal'c informed him. His tone of voice indicated he was not about to let Jack out of the room without some explanation.
"Okay Jack – give", Daniel said more succinctly. "What's going on?"
Jack sighed a long-suffering sigh. "There really is nothing going on guys. I'm just – look, I never thought Pete was right for Carter, okay. I'm just happy she's come to her senses."
"There's more to it than that", Daniel answered. "We saw the two of you and there's something going on!"
"Daniel!" Jack said sharply. "Watch what you're saying. You could get us both into trouble by saying something like that."
"I don't mean that Jack. I know nothing's going on – athough I think you're both crazy – but I mean it was obvious there was something just now between the two of you – and don't try and deny it. Teal'c and I have known you both for a long time."
"Okay look – I'll tell you – but don't let Sam know. She confided in me that she was having doubts about Pete. I told her the same thing, that I didn't think he was right for her. I didn't know she was going to ditch – ur break up – with him. I was just happy she did. That's all – I promise."
The two men looked at him carefully and he worked hard to look sincere. After a few seconds they both seemed satisfied, although he was pretty sure they weren't going to just leave it there. Still, for now he had a reprieve.
"All right O'Neill", Teal'c finally broke the silence. "We will believe you. And it was a wise thing that you finally told Colonel Carter the truth."
"Yeah Jack – we both wanted to kick your ass for not saying anything to her. I can't understand why it took you so long?"
"What about you? Did you say anything to her Daniel?" Jack asked.
"No – but -"
"But what?" Jack's eyes narrowed.
"Oh nothing. I'm just glad you finally did – and old Pete the cop is gone, gone, gone!"
"Yeah", Jack grinned again. "He's gone alright – never to return!"
That afternoon Jack sat at his desk, but this time he was staring off into space, a smile on his face. He barely noticed when Walter walked into office and it was only on the other man's clearing his throat that he looked up.
"Oh Walter." He allowed his chair to drop back down from where he'd been leaning back. "What can I do for you?"
"It's not what you can do for me Sir", the other man grinned. "I think it's something I can do for you."
It had been a boring mission. The planet didn't have anything on it but a few rather primitive villages. There was nothing else of interest – not even any ruins for Daniel. Still, it was probably a good thing, thought Sam. Her mind really hadn't been on her work today. Instead she kept thinking of a gray haired General – who had looked very happy at the news of her break up.
She spared a brief moment of sorrow for poor Pete. He'd taken it really hard – but very graciously – which almost made it worse. She really wished she could go back a couple of months and change things, but at least she'd stopped things from going any farther. She just hoped he could find someone who loved him like he deserved to be loved. He was a good man.
"Sam", Daniel repeated for the third time. "I think we're ready to head back", he said. She looked up startled, to see both Daniel and Teal'c staring at her.
"Oh, sorry. I guess I'm just a little preoccupied today."
"A little?" Daniel snorted. "I'm just thankful this is a peaceful planet!"
"Have I been that bad?" she asked, a worried frown on her face.
"I am sure that if there had been danger Colonel Carter, you would have been much more attentive."
Good old Teal'c, she thought, always trying to make her feel better.
"Yeah – you were that bad", Daniel said baldly. He began to walk towards the gate. "You two just need to get a room!" he threw over his shoulder.
She looked to Teal'c, surprised and unsure what to say.
Her Jaffa friend simply nodded and said 'indeed' as he turned and moved out after Daniel.
When they walked through the gate General O'Neill was there to greet them, a pleased look on his face. "Welcome back campers", he said jovially. "So how was good old P3X 2YR? I hope you said 'hi' for me?"
"It was boring Jack", Daniel said, looking askance at his friend and commander.
"It was uninteresting O'Neill", Teal'c agreed. "There was nothing of any value for earth."
"Oh – too bad. How about you Carter? See any interesting doohickeys?"
Daniel made a rather rude noise. "I'm pretty sure Sam didn't see much of anything. She was slightly – preoccupied!"
Jack looked at the woman in front of him and was interested to note the blush which crept up onto her cheeks.
"Daniel! I wasn't that bad!"
"Yes you were", came from both Daniel and Teal'c.
"Don't worry about it Carter", he said. He knew her well enough to know that if they'd been on any other kind of a mission she would be been careful to stay alert.
"What are you doing here Jack?", Daniel suddenly frowned and looked at the General. Usually he only met them if something important had happened.
"Oh, I just wanted to tell Carter I needed to see her after she has her post mission check."
"Really?" Daniel looked at him suspiciously. "You had to come to the Gate room to tell her that? Why didn't you just send a message to the Infirmary?"
"Oh – I just felt like stretching my legs." He looked again at Carter, who was still quite pink. He grinned. "So, you'll come and see me Carter? It's important."
"Yes Sir, I'll be there."
"Good, good." He patted a bemused looking Daniel on the shoulder and then headed back to his office, whistling loudly as he went.
"What the hell was that?" Daniel asked Teal'c.
"I do not know Daniel Jackson. It may be that O'Neill is losing his marbles."
Sam couldn't help but hum as she moved off towards the Infirmary. She knew her teammates were dying to know what was happening – but she didn't really know either. All she did know is that she was feeling happier than she'd felt in a long time.
Finally done with her post-mission check, she jumped off the table and headed quickly towards the door.
"We wanna know what's going on Sam", Daniel called to her as she left. She simply waved at him and kept going.
By the time she reached the General's office her happiness had turned to anxiety. What was this all about? Jack had looked happy – but it could be something to do with work, rather than them.
She stood outside, biting her lip, and trying to make herself knock, when the door suddenly opened in front of her. She squeaked in surprise and practically fell back.
"Whatcha doing standing here Carter", the General said, grabbing her by the arm. "Come in, come in. Walter", he shouted, "I'm not to be disturbed."
"Yes Sir", Walter said, a huge grin on his face.
Sam frowned in confusion. Walter looked like he knew something. This must be to do with work then, she decided, feeling herself deflate slightly.
"What is it Sir", she asked as she followed him into the room. Actually she couldn't help but follow as he was still holding on to her arm.
"Sit down Sam", he said. Once she'd seated herself in the chair, he sat on the corner of his desk right in front of her. "So", he grinned. "Not too successful a mission?"
"Uh – no – I mean, it was okay, but there wasn't really anything interesting. Even Teal'c was bored."
"Really? The only time I think I've seen him really bored is when I took him fishing."
She just looked at the man sitting opposite her and continued to wonder what was going on. He looked and sounded – happy. Something was up. She just wished he'd get to the point.
"What was it you wanted Sir", she finally decided to take the bull by the horns.
"You", he answered simply.
She stared, not sure if she'd heard correctly. He couldn't have just said that, could he? Not at work, not when they were both in uniform on base. "Sir?" she asked, tilting her head.
"You – I want you Carter. I have for a long, long time." He smiled at her, enjoying her confusion – and panic. He knew he'd just thrown her completely – which he must admit was fun. It was a rare thing to get Samantha Carter.
"I – Sir? What – what's going on?"
"Well- remember our conversation the other day?" he asked.
"Uh – which conversation sir", she asked, although she was pretty sure she knew what he was talking about – at least she hoped so.
"Sam, Sam, Sam", he tutted. "Don't tell me you've forgotten already? I mean – you were the one who showed up at 4:30 in the morning and woke me up."
"Oh – that conversation."
"Right!" Suddenly Jack was feeling a bit unsure. Had he misread things? He looked down at Carter and instantly was cheered up. She was looking confused still – but also hopeful. No, he hadn't misread things at all. "So, if you'll remember we said we wanted to figure things out." He grew serious. "Do you still want that Sam?"
She looked at this dear, crazy man in front of her and slowly allowed herself to relax. "Yes", she answered simply. "More than anything in the world."
"Excellent!" he grinned, hopping off the desk. He moved towards her and knelt down beside her chair. Taking her hands in his he looked deep into her eyes. "Good, because I have."
"You have?" What did he mean? "You've - ?"
"Figured it out. Well, actually I can't claim to have figured it out – but Walter has – and I can take credit for having him as my assistant."
"Walter?" her eyes grew big. "You told him?" She wasn't sure whether she should be angry or not. Why would he have told Walter, for heaven's sake?
"No, I didn't tell him", he said sincerely. "I didn't tell anyone – I wouldn't do that Sam, you must know that."
She looked at him and nodded. "I do. But how did he help then?"
"Well, he knew about us – and no, I really didn't say anything. I guess he's just been around long enough and knows us well enough that he figured it out on his own. Anyway – he could tell that I was really frustrated the other day and asked me about it. I told him it was a personal matter – and that's when he guessed it was about you. He offered to figure it out for us – and you know Walter, he can pull off more miracles than just about anyone I know except you."
"He offered – ?" her voice petered out. She really wasn't sure what to say.
"Yup – he did and you know what? He figured it out."
"He did?" she asked, startled. "But – how? What?"
"That's what I said", he laughed, "and just about as eloquently. Well, he went back to the regs and read them from top to bottom – then he went and checked out if there were any addendums."
"Addendums?"
"Yeah, you know, 'addendum - an item of additional material, usually omissions, added at the end of a book or publication'"
He'd clearly memorized the definition but she was still confused.
He reached out and trailed a finger gently down the frown lines on her forehead. "Yeah – I didn't think about an addendums either – but Walter did."
"And what did these addendums say?" she asked weakly.
"Well, it was just one addendum, actually, and what it said means everything. You see, the Air Force has regulations against people of any rank fraternizing with each other."
"I know Sir", she said impatiently. "Believe me, I know."
"Yes well", he smiled, "What you don't know – and what I didn't know either, is that they doesn't apply to general officers."
"General officers?" Okay, she was still confused. What in the world was he saying?
"General officers Sam – anyone of the rank of Brigadier General or above is excluded from the frat regs. It's in the Addendum!"
"But – why?"
"Why? I don't know -" he stopped. "I expect it's because if you're a general it would be almost impossible to meet anyone with whom to have a relationship. It's not like there are a lot of women generals running around to meet and uh – date. I guess they also think that a general is less likely to abuse the chain of command."
"Hey", he objected when she snorted and rolled her eyes at that. "I'm just saying what I think they're saying. I didn't say I believed it – at least about the abuse part. It's true there aren't many women generals."
"So you're telling me that you're exempt from the regulations?"
"Those ones, yeah", he grinned. "And those are the important ones."
"But I'm a Colonel – not a general officer", she argued.
"Doesn't matter. I'm exempt – and so is anyone I – uh - date."
"You're sure?"
"Yup! I checked."
"You checked?" she cried, looking panicked.
"Sam – of course I did. I didn't mention any names – although he knew instantly who I was talking about", he said in an aside. "I had to check to make sure so we didn't get into any trouble."
"Who did you check with?", she asked weakly, astounded at what he'd just told her.
"Well, I called General Hammond – and he checked with the Air Force lawyers – and the Joint Chiefs, and the President. They all agreed it was okay."
"You checked with – oh my God Jack!" she was overwhelmed. "When did you do all this?"
"Today", he answered, "after you'd left on the mission."
"But we were only gone a few hours."
"So – I was anxious and wanted an answer", he shrugged.
She just stared at the man kneeling down next to her and didn't know whether to laugh or to burst into tears. Only Jack O'Neill would have pushed the President for god's sake. She shook her head, still stunned – she didn't know what to say. After all that – after everything – it was as easy as that! Easy yes, she suddenly realized, but it was only in the last few months – since Jack was promoted to General - that it would have been okay anyway. Before that it was prohibited so they hadn't lost any time. She kept looking at Gen – no, at Jack – and slowly began to smile.
"So – you figured it out", she said softly.
"With Walter's help", he acknowledged.
"I'll have to buy Walter a nice present", she said.
"Yes – we both will", he agreed, staring into her beautiful eyes.
"So – we're legal?" she asked, just to make sure.
"Very legal", he answered.
"And if I decided to lean forward right now and kiss you, right in the middle of your office in the SGC, I wouldn't get into trouble?" she asked.
"No, in fact not only would you not get into trouble, I consider it a -"
His words were interrupted when Colonel Samantha Carter put her hands on either side of his face and pulled him forward – and planted her lips on his. The kiss lasted for a long time, neither officer coming up for air until absolutely necessary.
" - a virtual order", he continued as she pulled back. He was finding it almost impossible to catch his breath. He looked at the woman in front of him – and smiled as he noticed her look of complete and absolute bliss. He knew just how she was feeling.
"I really have to get something for Walter", she continued, once she could catch her breath.
At that moment there was a knock on the door and Jack stood up slowly. "Come in", he called. The door opened, and to neither his nor Sam's surprise, Daniel and Teal'c walked in.
"What can I do for you two?" he asked, leaning back against his desk.
"Uh – well – we just wanted to make sure everything was - " Daniel stopped and looked at Jack and then down at Sam. "What the hell?" he asked.
"What's wrong Daniel?" Jack asked, his eyes crinkling with humor, although the rest of his face remained blank.
"What have you two been doing?" the younger man asked bluntly.
"Doing?" Jack asked innocently. "We've been talking about Air Force rules Daniel", he answered.
"Rules? I don't think so Jack. Teal'c – what does it look like they've been doing?"
"I believe, Daniel Jackson, if their faces are anything to go by, they have been kissing."
"TEAL'C !" Sam protested. "What are you saying?"
"I think it's pretty clear what he was saying Sam. He's saying we were kissing. So, what's your point big guy?" Jack asked casually.
"His point? Jack – are you telling me you were kissing Sam?" Daniel looked shocked – worried that his friends had lost their minds.
"Of course I was. I've wanted to do it for years – figured now was a good time."
"Now – but why now?" Daniel looked back and forth between his two friends.
"Why now?" He looked down at the woman sitting calmly in the chair in front of him. She smiled up at him with a nod and reached out and took his hands in hers.
Jack smiled. "Because we finally figured it out."
Air Force regulations do exclude 'general officers' and 'field officers' from the frat regulations – I have absolutely no idea what that means but decided to use it here – writer's prerogative.
The end