The Holiday Inspection

by sg-1fanintn

Chapter 2: Arrival

Author's Note: The plot thickens…

"Pleased to be here, Colonel," Landry said, looking around in awe. "Jack convinced me I needed to see the place."

"It's a fascinating place to be, sir."

"I'll agree with that," Jack quipped. "I always find my trips to Atlantis to be…both informational and educational at the same time."

Sam could have sworn Jack was leering at her, but refused to give in to the urge to look. "How long will you be staying?" she asked her CO.

"I'm going back to Earth tomorrow," Landry replied. "I just want to get an overview of what goes on here…you know…put what I've read on paper into my mind's eye. General O'Neill will be staying a bit longer. The President has asked for a more thorough report for the IOA from Homeworld Security. No one better to do that than General O'Neill himself."

"It's been a year since I was here for an inspection, Colonel. That one was interrupted by the Wraith, if you'll remember."

"I read that, sir." Looking back over her shoulder, Sam saw her department heads assembled at the base of the platform. "And when should we expect the rest of the inspection team?"

"We are the inspection team, Colonel," O'Neill replied. "I think we can handle it. Don't you, Hank?"

"Absolutely, Jack."

Sam stared at the two for a moment. Did they really think she believed them? She was shaken back to the moment when Jack rather loudly cleared his throat. Sam's eyes widened before she forced her face into a neutral expression. Then, she turned around and spoke. "Colonel Sheppard, could you get someone to take the generals' bags to their quarters?"

"Yes, ma'am," Sheppard smiled, as he keyed his radio. Sam wasn't sure, but she thought she saw a twinkle in his eye. Maybe she was just imagining it…

"If you don't mind, Colonel, I'll go with the bags," Landry said. "I need to get a dispatch back to Earth confirming our arrival and leaving some additional notes for Sgt. Harriman. I believe the data burst goes out in an hour or so?"

"Correct," Sam said. "Rodney, would you get Dr. Zelenka to help General Landry send his message?"

"I can do that myself, Sam, and then I'll show the general my lab."

"That's fine," she replied. "Everyone else, dismissed for now. We'll be calling on you later." She watched as they began to disperse, and noticed Jennifer pausing for a moment to look back over her shoulder.

"Jack, why don't you spend a little time getting caught up with Sam?" Landry asked. She turned back to see Jack's eyes widen and his head cock to the side as Landry continued. "Let her fill you in on their latest missions and trade activities?"

"Ah, yes…good thought, Hank. Come along, Colonel, let's talk about your activities." Jack was standing beside her, and she knew he was barely resisting the urge to place a hand on the small of her back as they went down the stairs and walked away from the stargate. Her heart was beating faster just because of his proximity to her. She looked up into his face and saw a look of anticipation there.

Walking across the common area, she started up the stairs to her office before she realized Jack was not following. "General…don't you want to sit down in my office?"

He looked around before replying. "I was on a plane for five hours before I got to the SGC. I'm a little tired of sitting. Could we…" he gestured broadly, "…take a walk on the promenade?"

So Jack! Grinning, she turned and retraced her steps down the stairs, as she motioned toward the lower balcony. "Certainly, General."

They stepped through the doorway onto the balcony, and she breathed in the fresh, salt air. They were alone, she realized, as she leaned against the railing and scanned the calm sea beyond. Turning to face him, she asked, "So, Jack, what did you have to promise General Landry in order to get him to go along in this little plot?"

His eyebrows shot up as he drew himself to his full six feet, four inches. "Plot? What plot? This is a legitimate inspection."

She shot him a full wattage smile. "Sure it is…perfectly timed to allow you to spend Christmas with your wife."

"I'd call that a happy coincidence," he quipped. "But the President did convince the IOA we needed the inspection, and that now would be a good time…because it's almost Christmas and your folks might be slacking off." He smiled back at her. "I would so rather be somewhere else other than this balcony right now."

"Ah," she replied. "Back on Earth maybe?"

"Not exactly," he played along. "But I'm feeling an urgent need to inspect a certain colonel's personal quarters." Although they were alone, he lowered his voice. "Sam, it's been almost six months since I've seen you."

The intensity of his words made butterflies take flight in her stomach, and the breath she drew in hitched. "I know," she whispered, her eyes glued to his. "I know."

He reached out to pull her closer. She took his arm, but held him back. "Not here," she said. She turned on her com mic and motioned for him to stay quiet. "Colonel Sheppard, come in."

A crack of static—then a familiar voice. "Yes, ma'am."

"General O'Neill has been sitting on a plane for several hours, and he doesn't want to meet around a conference table. I'm going to show him some of the work we've done on the infrastructure around the city. Can you stay close to the control room?"

"No problem. I'm already there. Kinda anticipated that might be the case."

"John…are you going psychic on me?"

"Maybe," came the sheepish reply. "Take your time, Colonel."

She smiled. "Carter out."

"Now…let me show you some of the improvements we've made here, and we'll work our way back to my quarters," she said, talking as she stepped toward the outer walkway.

Instead, he took her arm and pulled her into the recess of an ancient doorway before drawing her close to him. "Sam, the only infrastructure I want to see is yours." The warmth of his breath on her neck and the feel of him against her finally broke her resistance. As she wound her arms around his strong, familiar body, his lips found hers. They clung to each other hungrily, each starving for the other's touch.

Finally, they broke apart, both breathless. "Sam," he gasped, his voice raspy and low, "can we go to your quarters now?"

Her hand gently caressed his cheek as she looked up into his eyes and nodded in response. Breaking contact, she led him around to a nearby entrance that took them into the residential area.

S&J S&J S&J S&J S&J S&J S&J S&J S&J S&J S&J S&J S&J S&J

The sky was beginning to turn shades of coral, pink and periwinkle when Sam awoke. Her bed was a tangle of sheets and deliciously entwined limbs. She flexed her back slightly, reveling in the contentment she felt. Laying her head back on Jack's strong shoulder, she tried to scoot even closer to him, but found that impossible. Spreading her hand out over his chest, she began tracing patterns on his skin. She had barely begun when she felt his strong arms tighten their grip on her, and he planted a kiss on her tousled head.

"I feel better than I have in six months," he chuckled.

"Me too."

"How long do you suppose we've been here?"

"Considering that the sun is about to set, I'd say around two hours."

"How long before they miss us?" One of his hands was running lightly up and down her back, creating the most tantalizing sensations.

"Sheppard hasn't tried to contact me." She really didn't want to move from this place—ever again. "I'd say another hour or so."

"Good," he said, rolling over and pinning her beneath him. "Because I intend to make love to my wife again." His lips sought out the soft skin of her neck. She giggled with pleasure as her hands stroked his broad shoulders. Responding to his touch, she was quickly lost in the intensity of their connection. Ever true, ever fresh, ever volatile, the current they generated renewed their commitment and joined their souls…just as it always had.