Sam had successfully avoided her father for two days, but eventually, Jack persuaded her to face the inevitable and converse with Jacob. He pointed out that Jacob knew the truth about her exit from the Air Force and her actions, so it was time to talk to him. Sam listened to Jack's reasoning in silence before finally getting up from her bed and leaving her room.

Jacob had been patiently waiting in her lab, a place she hadn't frequented in the last few days. Sam entered the lab and quietly closed the door behind her. Jacob was seated on her usual stool, ready to greet her. He started with a small smile, "Hi, kiddo."

"Hi, Dad," Sam replied, her voice reflecting her mixed emotions. She began to pace as she struggled to find the right words.

Jacob watched his daughter's pacing with understanding.

"Look, I know I've hurt you with all I've done and said, and I'm truly sorry about everything, but I had to do it. General O'Neill's life was at stake. But I'm sorry," Sam admitted, her voice filled with genuine remorse.

Jacob crossed his arms and continued to observe her pacing.

"Yes, he told me," he confirmed, letting her know he knew the situation.

"I'm sorry," Sam repeated, her sincerity evident.

Jacob shook his head.

"All that matters to me, Sam, is your well-being. That you're safe and happy. I haven't been a good father, but I've been trying. I want you to know that I'm here for the good and the bad things. That's all," he said with an emotional tone.

Sam felt the first tears welling in her eyes as his words touched her heart.

"I know, Dad," she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude and affection.

Jacob smiled warmly.

"Good. Now tell me, are you all right?" he asked, genuinely concerned for her well-being.

Sam nodded, her tears finally falling from relief rather than sorrow.

"I'm getting there," she confessed, feeling a sense of healing and reconciliation.

"Good," Jacob said, his smile growing.

Sam realized that facing her father had not been as difficult as she had anticipated, and perhaps she could begin to mend the gaps that had formed during her tumultuous journey, bringing her closer to the few people she truly loved.

After the heartfelt conversation with her father, Sam felt a profound sense of relief. It was a relief not just for her but for Jacob as well. His decision to return to the Tok'ra was a weight off her shoulders, as it had become clear that there wasn't much he could do to help in the situation involving the Mafia thugs. Sam knew that Jack and General Hammond controlled things on that front. With her father safely returning to the Tok'ra, Sam returned to her duties in the Air Force and at the SGC.

As they said their goodbyes in the gate room, Sam watched her father disappear into the swirling blue puddle. She knew there was still unfinished business to attend to, particularly with Daniel and Teal'c. She had some serious apologizing to do for her words and actions during her time before exiting the Air Force. The prospect of facing them and making amends was a source of anxiety and determination.

Despite the sense of relief, Sam still felt a bit overwhelmed. She was readjusting to her role as Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter and trying to find her bearings. Returning to the military and the SGC had brought with it a host of challenges. Transitioning from the secluded life under Vlad's rules back to her role as a high-ranking officer was challenging. The weight of responsibility and the military regulations were pressing down on her, making her feel somewhat suffocated.

Her complicated relationship with Jack was at the top of her list of concerns. The recent operation had brought to the surface deep emotions that had long simmered between them. Their feelings for each other had been laid bare, and they had taken a significant step forward while she was a civilian. However, as soon as she returned to the SGC, things seemed to regress. It was a source of great inner turmoil for Sam. She couldn't help but think about the potential revealed during their time apart, only to see it recede as the demands of their professional lives took over.

Sam found it increasingly challenging to stay away from Jack. The magnetic pull between them was undeniable, and she grappled with the urge to confront their feelings. It was a complex mix of longing, desire, fear, and the realization that their love was not something she could easily ignore or dismiss. Sam had a lot to cope with, and navigating her emotions amid her responsibilities at the SGC was becoming a delicate and overwhelming task.

Jack remained at the SGC, tethered to his duties as the interrogations of Vlad and his men progressed. While he focused on the mission, his thoughts often wandered to Sam. Their moments together, both during the operation and on the base, occupied his mind. He knew they were dancing along the edge, subtly breaking the frat rules regarding romantic involvement within the military. Despite this awareness, he found keeping his distance from her increasingly challenging. The attraction between them was undeniable, and he could no longer deny the depth of his feelings.

General Hammond's advice to "hide it better or do something about it" had been echoing in Jack's mind. He realized he didn't want to hide his feelings for Sam anymore; he wanted to act on them. He was no longer willing to suppress or conceal his desire from others. He wanted a life with Sam by his side, a future with her, and he longed for something more substantial than the secret kisses, the glances, and the stolen moments they had shared.

Jack also reflected on the impulsive mention of marriage that had caused Sam to freak out in the past. He understood her reaction; he had been hasty and insensitive in how he had broached the subject. This time, he was determined to handle things differently. The next time he brought up the topic of marriage, he wanted Sam's response to be a resounding "yes." He was prepared to approach it more carefully, ensuring she felt secure and comfortable. Jack was relentless in making their relationship official and building a future together.

His feelings for Sam were a whirlwind of love, longing, and determination. He couldn't stop thinking about her and the life they could have together. Jack was willing to risk everything, even the rules and regulations, to make his dream of marrying Samantha Carter a reality.

After a long night working with the Stargate's codes, Sam was returning to her quarters when she sensed someone behind her. She didn't have to turn to know who it was. The base was almost asleep, except for the few airmen who kept watch. And her and Jack. Her hand was reaching the card's door when suddenly she felt her body being held by her waist and moved. In front of her room, there was a small storage room. That door was suddenly opened and closed. And she was in Jack's arms, holding her firmly.

"What the hell…" she started, only to be silenced by his lips hungrily on hers. She put her arms around his neck and passionately kissed him back, melting in his arms. She didn't care that they were on the base, that he was her CO, and that they were in uniform. She couldn't care less. She just wanted to kiss him. And by God, he was kissing her. His hands on her hips, her back firmly pressed against the closed door.

"Jack," she moaned as his lips moved to her neck.

"I've missed you so much," he said, utterly insane with her body.

Sam had difficulty breathing as he continued kissing her, his hands doing beautiful things to her body.

"Jack," she tried again.

"What?" he asked, kissing her collarbone and pressing her harder against the door.

Sam closed her eyes and moaned harder, grabbing his hair.

"Jesuss…"

"It has been driving me nuts," he admitted, licking her earlobe.

"I know, me too…" she said between kisses. "But Jack, we have to stop," she added, holding his hair.

"I know we have," he said. But then he started to kiss her again. Harder, their tongues dueling fiercely.

Sam grabbed his hair even tighter when his hands started to move to her breasts. "Oh God!" she moaned. "Jack, if you don't stop, I can't stop," she managed to say between kisses that were getting more passionate and feverishly.

Closing his eyes, Jack put his head on her shoulder, panting. He tried to regain some control. Sam let go of his hair and put her hands around his waist.

"We have to stop, Jack," she said again, breathing heavily.

"I know," he said, still not moving from her shoulder.

"One day, we'll do all this without hiding," she said gently.

With a semblance of control back, he kissed her shoulder and let her go.

"It's getting damn hard, Sam," he warned.

"I know, I know," she said, caressing his face where the stubble was already noticeable.

Jack composed his BDUs.

"I'm sorry," he said, likely suddenly aware of where they were.

"For what? For making out in a storage room?" she asked with a smile.

"For not being able to do more than making out," he said with sadness.

Sam gently kissed him on the lips.

"I liked making out with you, General," she said.

"I liked it too," he said, also smiling.

Sam put a hand over the handle.

"Okay, now don't turn this into a habit," she warned and opened the door.

The corridor was deserted, and they both exited. Sam entered her room, and he went to his. Both had a smile on their face.

The morning after, the atmosphere in the briefing room was tense as Jack had called the meeting to discuss the current status of SG-1. The unspoken tension between Jack and Sam was palpable, and even Teal'c and Daniel couldn't ignore it. It was clear that something had happened between them, and Daniel anxiously awaited one of them to speak up, hoping it wouldn't lead to another shouting match.

Sam, in particular, avoided eye contact with Jack, even when he directed a direct question at her. Frustration crept into Jack's voice as he repeated his question.

"Is there a reason why I'm not getting an answer to my question, Colonel?" he asked, clearly annoyed.

Sam continued to draw in her notepad, her fingers moving slowly. Her voice was low as she replied, "No, Sir," without looking at him.

Jack's patience was wearing thin. He pressed her, "In that case, then please answer what I asked you. We are all waiting."

Sam's hand stilled, and she slowly lifted her head to meet his gaze. Her response was curt, "I don't have any answer to give you, Sir."

Jack's face twisted with a mix of anger and frustration. He continued, "I find that very hard to believe, Colonel."

Sam began drawing in her notepad again, which only fueled his anger. The tension in the room was almost suffocating.

Daniel decided to step in before things escalated further.

"Maybe I can answer that, Jack," he offered, attempting to diffuse the situation. Jack shot him a furious look, preferring a private conversation with Sam.

Daniel persisted, "I think SG-1 should be back on rotation, and I have no problem with Sam as the leader again."

Teal'c also said, "I share the same feeling as Daniel Jackson."

Sam, however, remained focused on her notepad, refusing to engage with any of the men in the room. Jack cleared his throat and deliberately provoked her, "I appreciate your opinion, guys, but I believe SG-1 is still not ready to be back on active duty, at least with Colonel Carter on it." He knew that comment would catch her attention, and it did, causing a visible blush to creep across her cheeks. But she still didn't look up.

"And since she can't give me a single reason to overturn this decision," Jack concluded, addressing Daniel and Teal'c, "I'm afraid you two will continue to go with other teams."

Daniel sighed heavily, and Teal'c nodded in agreement. Jack collected his papers and ended the meeting. Daniel and Teal'c left the room, but Sam remained seated, her gaze locked on her notepad.

Standing at the door, Jack addressed her coldly, "Do you have anything to add, Colonel?" Sam replied, "No, Sir," as she set her pen down, her eyes still fixed on the notepad.

Jack tightened his grip on his papers and left the room, closing the door to his office. From the window, he observed Sam standing in the same place as though glued to her chair. He couldn't fathom what was going on with her. After a few minutes, he decided to leave his office and was about to head to check on her when she suddenly exited the briefing room, almost as if she were running. Jack was left baffled, unsure of what had just transpired.

In the corridors of SGC, the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken tension. Daniel and Teal'c were unaware of the fraught conversation that had taken place in Sam's lab in the moments leading up to the meeting in the briefing room. The fate of SG-1 hung in the balance, and Jack had strong opinions about its future.

Jack had been eager to see SG-1 return to active duty and resume their missions. With Sam back at SGC, he believed it was the perfect time to reinstate the flagship team. However, Sam needed more convincing. She doubted her place within SG-1, and a sense of apprehension clouded her thoughts.

"Why the hell wouldn't you have a place in SG-1? It's your team, it has always been," Jack exclaimed, his bewilderment apparent. Sam remained seated on a stool, her gaze fixed on her hands. She hadn't had a direct conversation with Daniel or Teal'c yet, and each time she thought she was ready to broach the subject, shame and dread held her back.

One significant reason Sam felt unworthy of returning to SG-1 was the need to seek forgiveness from her teammates, especially Daniel and Teal'c, and for them to grant it if they thought she deserved it. This unresolved guilt weighed heavily on her decision.

However, there was a second, more complex issue that she was struggling to address. Sam was offered a position at Area 51 in Nevada two days ago. Though it initially seemed appealing, her recent experiences with Vlad's organization and the ongoing uncertainties surrounding his process, even if he was in custody, had made her think it and rethink it. This decision would also remove her from Jack's chain of command, which could mean a real chance for their relationship if they were to have a relationship. She had yet to disclose this to Jack.

Jack's patience wore thin as Sam continued her silence.

"You know a conversation or even a discussion usually involves two people, Carter," he remarked with frustration.

Sam kept her gaze on her hands, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Oh, now I'm Carter again?" she teased, testing the waters.

Jack's frustration flared, and he leaned close to her, his face inches from hers.

"What the hell is wrong with you today? Did I do something wrong? Is this about what happened yesterday in the storage room?" he asked, his voice laden with concern and frustration.

Sam leaned back, her voice barely above a whisper.

"No," she replied, leaving Jack even more perplexed. He sighed, frustrated, and pressed her for answers.

"So why don't you speak to me about SG-1?" he demanded, not caring about the surveillance cameras recording their heated exchange.

With a heavy heart, Sam got up from her stool and walked toward the door, her decision made. "Because there's no point," she said, and with that, she left her lab, leaving Jack standing there, a mixture of confusion and anger swirling within him.

With that tension lingering in the air between Sam and Jack, the meeting in the briefing room had begun, casting a shadow over the uncertain future of SG-1, even if Daniel and Tea'c remained unaware of it.

After the disastrous meeting, Sam returned to her lab, desperately needing a moment to gather her thoughts and emotions. She sat at her cluttered workbench, her expression a mixture of frustration and sadness, lost in silent contemplation. Her mind was a whirlwind of turmoil, and she didn't notice when Daniel approached her door.

"Mind if I come in?" Daniel asked with a warm, understanding smile.

He had keenly sensed the tension in the meeting but also noticed the palpable distance between Sam and himself and her discomfort whenever she was around him and Teal'c. Daniel knew precisely why things had become strained – he knew her well. They had shared secrets and stories for years, their bond closer than mere colleagues. They were like siblings, and Daniel missed his surrogate sister. He was sure she missed him too, even if she was too ashamed to admit it. After witnessing her struggle again during that disastrous briefing, he decided it was time to take the first step.

Sam looked up, surprised, as she finally registered Daniel's presence.

"Daniel?" she asked, her voice laced with surprise and vulnerability.

"Hi," he replied, still smiling to ease the tension. Her gaze remained distant, so he took it as an invitation to enter her sanctuary. He settled onto a stool in front of her workbench, just as he had done countless times before, and cleared his throat.

"Look, Sam," Daniel began, "I know things have been a little awkward since you left the SGC, but I hope that doesn't mean the end of our friendship."

Sam's face flushed with emotion, her eyes glistening.

"No, of course not. I'm sorry, Daniel," she said with a lump in her throat. "I should have talked with you already…" Her voice quivered as the first tears fell, and she quickly wiped them away. "And Teal'c. I've been a coward, and I'm sorry," she apologized again, her voice trembling.

Daniel reached out, gently taking her hand and holding it.

"I understand, Sam. I do. And I'm here to tell you I'm not upset with you. Well… I was at first when you decided to storm out of here and disappear without a word. That hurt me a lot, but then Jack told us what was behind that, and I understood why you did what you did," he said with an understanding tone.

Sam swallowed hard, the weight of her actions bearing down on her.

"I'm sorry, Daniel. I had no other choice. At least, that's what I believed. But I'm sorry for all the words I've said to you and the pain I've caused," she said, her voice heavy with remorse.

Daniel held her hand tightly, reassuring her.

"I know. It was Jack. You had to do it," he said, acknowledging her difficult decision.

Sam merely nodded, her gratitude evident.

"So now that things are a little clearer, do you think we can talk like we used to? Can you tell me what is happening between you and our General?" Daniel asked with a playful wink.

Sam blushed again, the tension slowly dissipating.

"It's complicated," she admitted.

Daniel chuckled, bringing a sense of familiarity back to their interaction.

"When has it ever stopped us?" he asked.

More relaxed and relieved, Sam began to open up, sharing her inner struggles and how her relationship with Jack had evolved since her rescue. The connection they had rekindled felt like a return to their old, comfortable days, a soothing balm to the wounds of the past.

Feeling a newfound sense of confidence after her heart-to-heart with Daniel, Sam mustered the courage to seek out Teal'c. She found him alone in the gym, focused on the rhythmic lifting of weights. Sam locked the door behind her and sat on a nearby bench, patiently waiting for him to finish his exercise. When he noticed her presence, Teal'c stopped and acknowledged her respectfully.

"Colonel Carter," he greeted.

Sam managed a smile.

"Sorry to interrupt your training, Teal'c, but I would like to talk to you if you don't mind," she said, her voice earnest.

Teal'c wiped the sweat from his face with a towel and set it aside.

"Of course not," he replied, sitting across from her. "How can I be of assistance?" he inquired, his calm and composed demeanor a stark contrast to the emotions swirling within Sam.

Taking a deep breath, Sam began, "You can listen to my sincere apologies to start with. I'm sorry for what I said and did, Teal'c. And I should have talked with you before. But I was ashamed and scared," she admitted, her voice carrying the weight of her remorse.

Teal'c regarded her with an understanding expression.

"We have known each other for many years, Colonel Carter, and we have battled many wars across the galaxy," he began, his deep voice resonating with wisdom. "You told me before that you had no friends and no one would miss you when you left the SGC, but you are mistaken. You have friends. I am one of them. You are my colleague and friend, and I will always be there for you when you need me. Even when you don't know," Teal'c assured her, his words carrying a profound sense of loyalty.

Sam felt her eyes welling up with tears, but she kept them at bay.

"Thank you, Teal'c. Those were beautiful words. I'm not sure if I deserve them," she admitted, her voice quivering as she bit her lip in gratitude and regret.

"I've said them from my heart; otherwise, I would remain silent," Teal'c responded, his stoic expression revealing the depth of his sincerity.

Sam nodded, unable to find more words to express her feelings. Together, in the gym's quiet, they stood in silent reconnection, reaffirming their strong bond that had weathered the storms of war and now had emerged from the shadows of their recent turmoil.

Sam was conspicuously absent as they gathered for dinner in the cafeteria that evening. The familiar group of Jack, Daniel, and Teal'c sat together, trays of food in front of them, but one seat remained noticeably empty. Jack, in particular, was not his usual self, hardly eating and his gaze fixed on the vacant chair where Sam typically sat.

Recognizing the tension in the air and the unspoken questions, Daniel decided to break the silence. He ate his meatloaf and addressed the others, "So, I talked with Sam today. To clear the air. Everything is back to normal. So just... you all know, guys."

Jack looked at Daniel, his expression a mixture of confusion and anticipation. Teal'c, on the other hand, calmly finished drinking his water before chiming in, "I did too."

Jack's eyebrows shot up, and he leaned in, his appetite seemingly gone.

"You did what, Teal'c?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Teal'c finished chewing what was in his mouth and then spoke solemnly, "I had a conversation with Colonel Carter. We also turned the air cleaner."

Jack placed both hands on the table, a puzzled look on his face.

"Okay, so why isn't she here?" he questioned, casting searching looks at both of them.

Daniel shrugged, "Maybe she needs a little time alone. I don't know, Jack," he responded, trying to provide a reasonable explanation.

Jack took a deep breath, his expression pensive, and mumbled, "I'll see you later, guys," before abruptly leaving the table. Both Daniel and Teal'c watched him go, a shared sense of concern and uncertainty in their expressions.

"Oh boy," Daniel muttered under his breath, shaking his head, as they returned to their meals, unsure of what the future held for their team and their relationships.

Deep in her thoughts, Sam was lying on her bed when a knock at her door disrupted her reverie. Startled, she scrambled to her feet and moved to open it. Jack entered without a word, his face wearing a stern expression, and his eyes seemed darker than usual. Immediately, Sam's concern was evident as she inquired, "What's wrong?" She had learned to read Jack's moods over the years and knew something was amiss.

Jack turned around and fixed his gaze on her. She was still dressed in her BDUs.

"Why haven't you shown up at the cafeteria?" he asked, his tone direct and tinged with worry.

Sam hesitated, caught off guard by the directness of his question. She didn't want to reveal the real reason for her absence.

"I wasn't hungry," she offered a lie to protect herself.

Jack took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair, attempting to gather his patience. "You've been there before without eating a damn thing. So, find another excuse," he pressed, his concern evident in the lines of his face.

Sam bit her cheek, feeling the weight of Jack's scrutiny and the need for a convincing answer. Finally, she sat down on her bed, her silence speaking volumes. Jack remained standing, his arms crossed, waiting for an explanation. The room was tense as they faced an unspoken rift between them.

As Sam's silence persisted, Jack's patience wore thin, and he felt the urgency to break through her emotional barriers. He leaned closer, his concern evident in his voice, and implored, "The last time you decided to keep things to yourself, the outcome wasn't good, Sam. So please don't do that again," he urged his tone a mix of reason and care.

Sam's gaze remained fixed on her boots, avoiding eye contact with Jack. After a prolonged silence, she finally let the words escape her lips.

"I received a proposal to work in Area 51," she admitted, her voice soft and hesitant.

Jack paled, his heart racing.

"What?" he managed to say, his mind racing to grasp the implications of her revelation.

"They want someone to supervise the research and development department," Sam continued, still avoiding Jack's gaze. The room was filled with an uneasy tension.

Jack sank into a chair next to the small table in her room, his hand covering his mouth as he struggled to process the news.

"What did you tell them?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I needed time to think," Sam replied, still uncertain.

Jack looked at her, shock and disbelief etched across his face.

"So you didn't say 'no'... I see. Now I understand why you don't want to go back to SG-1. I've been a complete fool," he mumbled, the weight of the revelation hitting him like a tidal wave.

Sam immediately turned to him, her eyes seeking to convey her true intentions.

"No, Jack, it's not what you're thinking! Area 51 is in Nevada. It's not exactly a place I want to return to now. However, I would be out of your chain of command. I can't decide. I'm conflicted," she admitted, her vulnerability laid bare.

Jack looked into her shining blue eyes, deeply moved by her honesty.

"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked, hurt evident in his gaze.

Sam wanted to look away but forced herself to meet his gaze.

"Because I'm used to deciding everything alone," she confessed, her tone reflecting a sense of defeat.

Jack couldn't hold back any longer; he embraced her tightly.

"Goddamn, Sam, when will you start to trust me? How is this supposed relationship of ours ever going to work if you don't trust me?" he asked, his voice trembling with emotion as he buried his face in her hair.

Sam allowed her tears to flow freely, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"I'm sorry, Jack," she whispered, her voice carrying a sense of remorse.

Jack held her even closer, his lips brushing her head.

"God, you're stubborn as hell," he remarked, a hint of a smile in his voice.

"Blame my father," Sam replied, managing a small smile.

Jack smiled, too, and moved in to kiss her.

"Oh, I do, I do," he said, their lips meeting in a sweet moment of reconciliation and understanding.