Interruptions
Chapter Eighteen
The next day, Sam and Jack drove to Denmark, a small town about half an hour away from Albany. They visited the markets that were held once a month. They spent the day wandering around, checking out the small shops and the town. Late in the afternoon, the returned to Albany and relaxed at their hotel. The next day, the went to Mount Barker. Mt Baker was another small town, also half an hour from Albany. Albany, Denmark and Mt Barker form an almost perfect triangle, each half an hour away from each other. They made up three towns in the Great Southern Wine Region. Sam and Jack visited a few different wineries, including Gallifrey, Plantagenet, and West Cape Howe, which was in Denmark. Again in the afternoon, they returned to Albany. They were in sitting on the balcony of their hotel room when Jack said, "Let's go out tonight. Let's go to Middleton Beach and walk along the boardwalk. We can have an early dinner, then go for a walk. Daylight Savings means the sun doesn't go down 'til at least 2030 hours."
"Half past eight." Sam said. "Let's forget military speak."
Jack smiled, then leant over to kiss Sam. "Of course."
"Anyway, sound's like a plan." Sam said. "What are we doing for dinner then?"
Jack grinned. "I've already made a reservation."
"You do? Where?" Sam asked.
"The Venice, down on York Street. I noticed it the other day, and it seemed nice, so I made a reservation."
Sam smiled. "And you didn't consult me?"
Jack shrugged.
Sam laughed and shook her head. "So what time's the reservation?"
"1730 – uh, half past five." Jack corrected himself.
"Okay, so we've got half an hour to get ready then." Sam said.
"Yeah, it's not too fancy, so wear whatever's comfortable." Jack said.
"Okay." Sam replied as she disappeared into the hotel room, leaving Jack sitting on the balcony.
The restaurant turned out to be an Italian place, so Sam and Jack shared a large pizza.
"That was good." Sam said when they'd finished eating.
"It was." Jack agreed.
"So, we're going walking, are we?" Sam asked.
"Yes we are." Jack replied, standing up. He and Sam walked over to the counter to pay.
"Did you enjoy your meal, sir?" The waitress asked in a crisp Australian accent.
"We did, thank you." Jack replied.
The waitress smiled. "Well, have a nice evening."
"Thanks." Sam said, and they left.
They drove to Middleton Beach, and parked, before beginning the boardwalk. The boardwalk follows the water around the point and up to the road. It was a pleasant walk, and Sam and Jack stopped numerous times to look at King George Sound. From the lookouts they could see the two mountain ranges, the Porongurup's, and the Stirling Ranges.
"It's beautiful." Sam sighed.
"Yes." Jack agreed. Once they reached the end, they turned to walk back to Middleton Beach.
"Hey look." Jack pointed out a path coming off the side of the boardwalk, partly covered by bush.
"It's a path." Sam said.
"Let's check it out." Jack said.
Sam shrugged. "Sure, why not?"
They left the boardwalk and followed the path. It led to an old brick house, crumbling ruins, not far from the ocean.
"Wow." Sais Sam.
There was a sign explaining why the house was built, and why it was there.
"Hey Sam, go sit on that wall and I'll take a picture." Jack said, brandishing the camera.
Sam sighed, but went and sat. she didn't particularly like being in photos, but it was Jack asking.
Jack took a photo, then walked over to her. The wall Sam was sitting on was not very tall, but tall enough that, standing in front of her, Jack had to look up into Sam's face. He stared at her intently. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small black box. He opened it, and Sam's eyes widened.
"Oh my God." She said. "Jack?"
Taking hold of Sam's left hand, Jack smiled at her.
"Samantha Carter?"
"Yes?"
"Will you do me the honour of marrying me, and becoming my wife?" Jack continued to stare Sam in the eyes. Eyes which we rapidly tearing up.
"Oh my God." Sam said again. She blinked away the tears. "Jack, of course, yes, of course I'll marry you."
Jack grinned and slipped the ring onto Sam's finger. Then he leant up and kissed her. Sam wrapped her arms, and her legs, around Jack and kissed him back.
"Oh God, I love you." Jack said between kisses.
Sam kept kissing him.
Eventually Sam dropped her legs from Jack's waist and pulled away. The sun was starting to go down. She grinned. "We're engaged!"
"Yeah!" Jack grinned too.
"I love you so much." Sam said.
Jack wrapped his arms around her. "I love you more."
Slowly they made their way back to the boardwalk. It was almost dark, and there was no-one else walking. There was a flash of light up ahead.
"Was that lightening?" Jack asked.
"No, there's no clouds." Sam replied.
"Didn't think so. So then, what was that light?"
They rounded the corner, then saw the source of the light.
"Oh for cryin' out loud." Jack muttered. Then he spoke up. "Vacation. Private. Me. Sam. No-one else."
"Yeah, we're fine. And how are you?" Daniel replied.
"Pissed that you're here."
"Well, I knew he'd be mad, but this is not what I expected." Vala said to Daniel.
"No. Neither." Daniel replied.
"What are you guys doing here?" Sam asked.
"Well, it was either that or beam you up unexpectedly." Daniel said. "You need to come back."
Sam sighed. They happy, tingly feeling inside her dropping a little. "Why?"
"Well… something's come up. Can't discuss it here."
Jack rolled his eyes.
"We've already beamed up your stuff." Daniel said. "Now we just need you."
"What about out hotel bill, and our hire car." Jack asked.
"We'll get someone to deal with it later. Now, we're being beamed up, well…"
There was a flash of light, and they were suddenly aboard one of their ships.
"…Now." Daniel finished.
"So, what's going on?" Jack asked.
"Well, Teal'c went to Chulak for his break, and Mitchell decided to go too. All was fine apparently, until Mitchell was kidnapped."
"Kidnapped? By whom?" Sam asked.
Daniel shrugged. "Teal'c's been following them. So far, Mitchell's been moved to over five different planets."
Sam sighed. "Great. So we have to go rescue him."
"Pretty much." Daniel replied. He looked at Sam and Jack. "So… how was your holiday?"
Neither Sam nor Jack answered the question.