Chapter 38: Just Rewards

1200hrs: Base Chapel…

Sheppard Book stood at the altar looking over his flock. He sees Colonel O'Neill, fully recovered courtesy of Thor, sitting with newly promoted Lt. Colonel Carter. They're finally are getting the chance express their love for each other. Next to them was Dr. Jackson with his arm around Lt. Colonel Janet Fraiser. SSgt. Nantz and Sgt. Rogers sat the left of their CO with Teal'c to right of Dr. Jackson. Thankfully all three men were fully healed by allies.

To his surprise, Supreme Commander Thor and Anise/Freya had decided to attend. The other alien allies had asked if they could observe their own religious ceremonies in honor of the fallen. Book had readily agreed to their request. Once Derail Book recovered from his shock he made sure they had front row seats.

The chapel was now filled with people. Some had to stand wherever they could. Sheppard Book took one last look then spoke…

"Everyone please stand for our opening prayer: A psalm of David." He said then started to pray…

1The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2He lets me rest in green meadows;

He leads me beside peaceful streams. 3He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4Even when I walk through the darkest valley, a I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Amen! You may be seated." Sheppard Book told his faithful flock.

"We have much to be grateful for over this weekend. We also have others to remember, despite their shortcomings. Colonel O'Neill could have forever been lost to us. God, our lord and Father saw it fit for him to annoy us a while longer. Lt. Col. Frasier and others worked hard to save the colonel. They succeeded by the grace of God. Our friend and ally, Supreme Commander Thor also contributed in this effort. They all saved him from certain death. I personally believe God just had enough sarcastic Colonels around already that he did not need another." His comments caused several chuckles in the crowd however;Samantha just tightened her grip on Jack's hand. He promptly squeezed it back giving her a smile.

General Hammond and a few others just nodded in agreement, some just groaned jokingly.

"Dr. Jackson and Sgt. Nantz were both injured too but not gravely. Again many of our brothers and sisters contributed in their recovery. Anise/Freya of the Tok'ra helped heal them and others in the infirmary. I've heard that she will be staying on to help where needed. We thank you Anise/Freya." Book continued in reverence.

"We must not forget our wayward friends…Both Dr. Chase and Major Rollins had a good soul that got tempted to do something bad. One bad deed does not make you a bad person for your soul is the sum of you and not a single event. We need to remember the good in them. Do not dwell on one mistake that caused them to be taken from us. Their mistake cost them this life. We should not judge them for this. God has already." He said without casting judgment.

The gathered people had conflicting views on the two wayward people. They did many wrongs but the Shepherd is right. It's not their place to judge them. Others wanted to see them rot in hell but had a hard time justifying it given Books words of wisdom. .

"One day we will be judged by our Lord and savior. When that day comes you shall be granted entry into the kingdom of God or not. I for one believe I shall see you all there. We are the children of God after all. Let us all stand and sing praise to Jesus. We will sing 'On Eagles Wings'…" he finished and started singing with everyone else joining in. the service went on for another 45 minutes with singing and praise for God. Unbeknownst to everyone but Thor, Oma was in attendance too. .

1300hrs: After Sheppard Books Service…

"Sheppard Book, your sermon was most inspiring and thought-provoking. Do you have an extra copy of the Bible as you call it? I would like acquire more information about this Jesus. The Asgard archives have no empirical evidence of such events or persons as you described in your sermon. We have legends of a prophet such as you described. We regulated it to myths and superstitions of lesser beings." He said blinking a couple of times. "That is interesting Thor." The Sheppard finds it almost funny that the Asgard would believe that God could be a fantasy of lesser being. Especially sense these since lesser being have destroyed Goa'uld portraying gods. "I have several Bibles in my office. I give them out to soldiers and personnel when they feel their faith wavering." The Sheppard told him. Other alien allies had come over to listen to their discussion as well. They made similar requests of Book too. He ledthem to his office with a wide smile on his face.

1400hrs: Lt. Colonel Carter's lab….

Sam was humming a happy tune all to herself as she looked through the microscope. In the background one could hear "My Baby Loves Me (Just the Way That I am)" by Gretchen Peters. Her thought were on a handsome and now available colonel so much so she never heard said colonel enter. .

Jack watched as HIS Carter hummed and danced at the same time. Sara never reacted this way... i must be some kisser Jack watched a little while longer as she moved her fine SIX around to the music. Deciding to make his presence known Jack walked over to the other side of her desk. "Watch listening to S…M…A…N…T…H…A? He drawled outs slowly.

His sudden appearance made her jump back and heart to race. As Sam got control of her breathing she wondered how long he had been there. Did Jack see her dancing around like a fool?

"Gretchen Peters" she says slightly embarrassed. She answered wondering what Jack thought about her choice in music. "Ah, girl tunes!" he replies rocking on his heels. "Which song Carter is it? Gretchen is a very talented singer. I have a few of her CD's at home." Jack said putting Sam at ease. He saw her begin to blush as if the song was too girly for her.

"It's called romance Sir…I mean Jack!" Sam says thinking that the lines are getting blurry.

"Ah yes, the 'R' word…" Jack responds with a fake cringe. "Men tend to lack at it times along with remembering anniversaries." She laments with a devil-may-care look. "I can do romance Carter. Let's see…" he begins counting on his fingers. "The things I need to romance a woman are flowers, candy, dancing and possibly jewelry. Am I right Samantha?" He leans in for effect. Jacks closeness making her blush. "They are very traditional gifts but solid ones. A man can never go wrong with flowers Jack…" she says as if giving a hint.

"Maybe you could give Siler a few tips then." She smirks giving him a huge smile.

"I'll be sure to give him some of my stellar tips later. Would you like to go out with me Friday Samantha?" she averts her eyes to the floor then looked into his chocolate-brown eyes.

"Sure…" she responded as her heart beat faster. Jack O'Neill just asked her out and she agreed, OMG! I have to tell Janet!

Jack moves closer to her "I'll romance you 'my'way. My romantic side will leave you breathless." He whispers softly. Sam licks her lips wondering what the romantic side of him is. Her blush deepens once again.

"I think I'm free…let me check my schedule." She says mockingly looking through her appointment book. Jack places his hand over hers and then wiggles his eyebrows. I can clear your schedule for you. I'm the 2IC of the base after all."

Sam revels in the feel of his hand on hers. Samantha feels embarrassed but loves the attention. "People may get jealous. I just got this job Jack." She replies feeling the heat rise in the room.

"Let them get jealous." Jack responds then sweeps her into his arms. The sudden movement catches Sam off guard taking her breath away. Jack brushes his thumb over her cheek then kisses her slowly only to break away for air.

Sam lets out a whimper as the kiss gets broken sooner than she wanted. She looks at him then melts into his body loving the contact. He stands her back up still keeping her close to his body. "Jack…" she whispers softly into his neck.

"Yes Samantha." He says leaning back to look in her baby blues.

"…are we sure about this…?I mean…" Sam has wanted this for a long time but now, as her dreams are coming true, it scares her slightly.

"I'm absolutely positive Carter!" Jack tells her reassuringly.

"What if...what if it..." she stumbles for words. He caressed her cheek once more. Sam wrapped her arms around his neck then played with the back of his hairs softly with her fingertips. Instead of Jack initiating the kiss she does with all her saved up desire.

Samantha broke the kiss then laid her head on his shoulder smiling widely. Jack gently swayed her back and forth while playing with her hair. "We'll be fine Samantha; just don't over-think this or us." He reassured her then kisses her hair.

"Ok…" she agrees putting her trust in him. Jack's judgment has save the team countless times. Sam then blocks out all the 'what if's' that are trying to cloud her mind. She focuses on the moment enjoying having Jacks arms around her.

"Now that we have that settled how's Friday at 1800hrs sound?" asks still swaying her gently.

Sam bits her bottom lip nervously then answers.

"Sounds great Sir…I mean Jack." Then let out a sigh of contentment.

"Wear something formal and comfortable shoes for dancing." They reluctantly let go of each other both knowing they should get back to work.

"Jack, women don't have comfortable shoes that go with an evening dress, but I will find something." Sam replies jokingly. "Then wear flats, your feet is the last place I'll be looking. I want to see your beautiful face and smile." Jack says walking to the door. "Not sexy en..." She catches herself before finishing her thought. Sam really wants to impress him but not go overboard.

"You're sexy in BDU's Carter and you have a wonderful six!" he adds from the door. "Ok…so I um…need to get back to work." She turns blushes bright red again then glances back down at her work. "Yea me too…"

Jack answers watching her nervously rummaging through papers trying to look busy. "…paperwork is calling my name." Sam watches Jack walk away with hands in his pockets whistling a happy tune.

She can't believe she let that slip. 'Not sexy enough"…what was he going to think of her now? I've been dreaming of this moment for so long and now I may have ruined it. Sam is starting to feel a little panicked. Sam picks up the phone, dialing her best friend to try to calm her nerves.

"Hey Sam or do I call you Lt. Colonel now?" Janet answers with joy.

"I could call you by your title too as you're the same, Janet." Sam replies with an equal happiness at her friend's promotion.

"What can I do for your Sam?" she asks holding the phone to her ear with her shoulder. Sam pauses a moment the jumps right in.

"What are you doing for lunch tomorrow?" Janet thinks for a moment then answers.

"Nothing as of yet... what's going on Sam? You never take lunch unless Colonel O'Neill makes you." Janet asks putting her medical file down.

"Well..., I was wondering if you wanted to take a longer lunch than normal. I need to go the little dress shop on 4th and main." Sam blurts out faster than normal.

"Hold up Sam. The only reason you would need to go there is if you have a date. Also you'll need more than an hour to shop, so spill!" Janet tells her friend wanting to know who the mystery man is." "Oh I think I can get us an extra hour for lunch. I have a few...connections?"

Sam thinks back to Jack's comment about how he can clear her schedule for her, referring to his status as base 2IC. "I have a dinner engagement on Friday." This caught Janet's attention, saying it had better be Jack or there'll be hell to pay after all that has happened.

Sam is hesitant to confirm or deny Janet's assumption. Sam's silence is enough to confirm it is Jack. Janet does a fist pump in the in her office getting odd looks from the staff.

Sam is lost in her thoughts as her friend talks. She has loved Jack for so long. This step is huge, a date that could lead anywhere. She can't fathom the thought of it not working out or not being with him every day. It is a huge chance but she is ready to take it.

"Sam, you there or did I lose you?" Janet asks already knowing the answer.

"I'm still here Janet, just looking at some paperwork while you ranted." Sam says hoping Janet buys her little white lie.

"Right…Jack asked you out didn't he?" she replies sarcastically.

"Yes Janet, he asked me out. I can't believe this is happening!" Sam answered her excitedly.

"Where is he taking you? What time Friday?" Janet fired off questions and declaration rapid fire.

"He didn't say where just that it was formal." She answered.

"Oh, you need to get something new for this my friend. What is his favorite color beside Peridot? That will be a pain in the ass to find especially since it isn't prom season I mean Peridot, really?" Janet rants some more.

"Ok so I say red or black...Sam...Sam are you listening to me?"

"I am Janet, this happening faster than I imagined. I hope Jack has something romantic planned." Sam says dreamily.

"I know so; he's been saving his romantic side for you. If he takes you fishing I'll kill him my way."

She says seriously. "Do you think he'd do that?" Sam answered a little worried. "Look, don't panic...I will talk to Daniel. I'll have him make sure a row-boat is not in your future as your first date. I mean the man is smart but he is a man."

"He mentioned dancing to Janet. I haven't been dancing in a long time." She said a little scared.

"OK so a fancy restaurant and dancing. We can work with that. Trust me Sam, when he comes to pick you up Jack will be speechless." She assures her nervous friend. "Sam, you have nothing to worry about. He loves you. Now the next time you are in front of him stand on your toes so you are eye level because you need to get the right heels. For the past 6 years you have been in combat boots. Men typically hate it when you tower over them." Janet finished. "Ok I will try to relax. This is going to hard 3 days Janet."

I know it is. Just wait till Cassie finds out. She'll be over the moon." Janet says rolling her eyes at Samantha even over the phone. "So I'll meet you top side at 1150hrs tomorrow." Sam says feeling better already. "I'll see you then Sam. I feel like I'm back in high school because my best friend just go asked out by the lead football player." She gushes to Sam. "Me too Janet… I think your right, the star football player just asked me to the prom." Sam sighs happily.