A/N: The first part of this chapter is mirrored in More Than Friends 1, Chapter 14.

Evolution

Knocking on the general's door, Nicola waited to be allowed in before standing in front of his desk. "How can I help you, Lieutenant?"

"The mission you're sending Daniel on, sir, I think I'd be better suited to join him than remain here studying a Goa'uld soldier."

"I can't send a military presence in, Lieutenant."

"I understand and appreciate that, sir, but I'm also a doctor, an archaeologist just as Daniel is. I've done my share of digs and trekking through jungles, not as a military officer." He looked like he was considering the notion. "And seeing as it is dangerous territory, perhaps I could be of more use than any of the other non-military archaeologists."

"You will not have any military authority. There is no guarantee of any back up, so do not reveal your military background."

"Yes, sir."

"And I don't need to remind you to not take any weapons."

"Of course, sir. Why would an archaeologist carry a weapon?"

SG – SG – SG

Jack was on his way to see General Hammond, to discuss the upcoming mission and his concerns, when he saw Doctor Fraiser approaching him. "Colonel," she greeted with a tone that said that she had more to say.

"Good morning."

"May I have a word?" she asked and he nodded, shoving his hands into the pockets of his BDUs and scanning the corridor constantly for anyone passing. "You mentioned a few months ago about your concerns with Sam. Are you still having them, sir?"

"I thought you were respecting patient confidentiality?"

"I noticed something while off duty."

"What?" he near demanded. He was still worried about Sam, but things had been improving at home bit by bit. It was his main concern with their upcoming mission – General Hammond had ordered both Jack and Sam on the mission. Jack was wary both about his own involvement in the mission and with regards to Sam and how she would deal with it.

"Are you still concerned?"

"What did you notice?"

"Jack, please." His head snapped up, his eyes meeting hers at her use of his name. He could see the concern and fear in Sam's friend's eyes.

"Sometimes. She can seem… distant. I think she's had her reckless moments." Her look asked him to explain more. "The loopy race with Warrick. I told her she can have time and space, but things can be strained." With each extra word, Jack felt his levels of comfort decrease.

"At the BBQ the other week, I went looking for Sam and found her passed out on the bed."

"Passed out?"

"I thought she was asleep, but she wouldn't wake up. She was unconscious. When she woke up she yelled at me, declaring that I had no right to be there."

"That doesn't sound like Sam."

"No, it doesn't."

"What else aren't you telling me?"

"I checked her drawers, to see if she was taking sleeping tablets or something."

"Is she?"

"No. Not that I could find. I did find a pouch with a needle in, empty vials."

"What for?"

"I don't know, but I checked her blood tests and they're negative. There's something going on with her and I don't want to go to the general yet."

"I'll look into it."

"Thank you." There was relief on the good doctor's face, but Jack could still see the worry and discomfort at turning on her best friend. She walked off and he continued his journey to Hammond's office. Pausing outside of the door, he could hear voices inside.

"Major, I appreciate your issues, but this is my decision."

"General, I'm needed on this mission. I have the knowledge and experience to lead it. You can't drop me in favour of Colonel O'Neill."

"Major Carter, I can do whatever I damn well please. You are both on the mission with Colonel Reynolds. I have no concerns with regards to both of your skills being present on this mission. I do have concerns over your current attitude, Major."

"Yes, sir."

"Dismissed." General Hammond did not sound happy. As Sam left his office, Jack stepped back and tried to get her to pause.

"Don't, Colonel." Deciding to allow her to storm off, Jack knocked on Hammond's door and then smiled at the general.

"Come in, Colonel O'Neill."

"Thank you, sir."

"I'm sending you, Major Carter, SG-3 and some other units to try and trap this … Super Soldier, or whatever it is."

"I've been thinking about that, sir, and I have a few ideas."

"Go ahead."

"Almost two years ago, this base was attacked by black clad unknown alien hostiles."

"The day Daniella was born."

Jack nodded. "I didn't get to see much of them, but they have similarities to these new genetic hosts. When SG-1 went off world to rescue Major Carter-"

"Without authorisation."

"Yes, sir. Daniel and I saw a room full of similarly black clad aliens, or at least the suits. Sarah Gardner had warnings about them."

"I'd send someone to speak with her, but Daniel Jackson is already on his way to the Mayan site."

"Understood."

"If we were able to question Major Carter…"

"I still don't think that's wise, sir." Especially not with Janet's new concerns, Jack thought to himself.

"You're not her commanding officer anymore, Jack."

"I know that."