The rest of the day unfolded without further discussions or meetings. Sam and Daniel remained focused on their respective lab work while Teal'c continued his routine exercise at the gym. The SGC was experiencing a period of relative tranquility following the recent turmoil caused by Anubis. As dinner time approached, Jack passed by Sam's lab and inquired about her plans for the evening.
"Sam, are you heading home or staying at the base?" he asked. Sam's house had recently been completed after the explosion orchestrated by Vladimir Babanian. Due to its larger size, Jack's house took longer to rebuild.
"I still don't feel very comfortable there. I hardly have any furniture at all," Sam replied, shutting down her computer.
Jack crossed his arms, a hint of teasing in his tone.
"And whose fault is that?" he quipped. He, Daniel, and Teal'c had offered to help her set up her new furniture as soon as she bought it, but Sam had been procrastinating. So far, she had only managed to acquire a bed, a table, and a couple of chairs. She didn't even have a couch.
"I know..." she admitted, her expression reflecting guilt.
Jack proposed, "How about we grab some takeout and have dinner together?"
Sam shot him a warning glance.
"Jack, we need to be careful," she cautioned as they exited her lab, walking side by side in the corridor. Their hands occasionally brushed against each other, the only close contact they'd had all day.
"It's just dinner, Carter," he reassured her, a mischievous glint in his eye.
She gave him a sidelong look.
"Right," she muttered through clenched teeth. These 'dinners' were becoming increasingly challenging to control. They arrived at the locker room, and Jack gestured for her to proceed. "Go on, I'll wait for you," he offered, having already changed into more casual attire. Sam smiled gratefully, entered the locker room, and closed the door.
They left the base in separate cars to avoid raising suspicions and agreed to meet at Sam's place. Jack parked his car two blocks away, just as they usually did. Upon his arrival, he found Sam already in her house.
Sam's single-story house had been meticulously reconstructed after the devastating explosion ordered by Vladimir Babanian. It stood as a welcoming, modest abode with a comforting simplicity that reflected Sam's no-nonsense personality. The house had a clean, classic design, and all the interior walls were painted in a pristine white, a stipulation by the Air Force, although Jack had assured her she could choose a different color later if she wished.
The front of the house featured a charming porch with two chairs, where one could sit and enjoy the pleasant evenings. The exterior was made of durable materials, ensuring it would stand firm against the elements.
Upon entering the house, one was in a corridor that led to the living room and dining area, which flowed seamlessly together. A large window in the living room allowed natural light to flood the space, highlighting the white walls and making the room feel more spacious. They were empty since Sam had lost everything in the explosion and hadn't decided to buy furniture yet.
The kitchen was small but efficient, with modern appliances and gleaming white cabinets that complemented the rest of the house. It was a space designed for functionality, perfect for Sam's busy schedule if she used it, which she hardly did. She had a table with some chairs, the few furniture that had entered the house recently.
As soon as one entered the house, there was a study on the left, where Sam usually worked on her projects and research. A desk with a computer and shelves for her books and equipment used to be there. Now, it also was empty.
The master bedroom, while currently sparsely furnished with only a bed and a mattress, was a comfortable space for Sam to rest and recharge. The two additional rooms were empty, and the doors closed. The bathroom was bright, featuring pale blue tiles and fixtures, with a shower and a tub for Sam to enjoy a soothing bath.
A basement provided additional storage space for her future belongings and any equipment she needed for her work. It was also empty.
Sam's house was a clean canvas, waiting for her to add her personal touch and make it her own when the time was right. She hoped that Jack was part of it.
Using his key to enter, he saw her setting up the plates and noticed the two pizza boxes. Jack gave her a quick kiss on the neck before heading to the fridge to grab two beers. They began to eat silently, and Jack couldn't help but study her closely. It was clear that something was on her mind, but she didn't seem ready to share it yet. So, he decided to broach the topic first.
"I've already booked you a flight seat to Minnesota. You can change the flight date pending Landry's approval," he said, sipping his beer.
Sam paused in her eating and looked at him, her brow furrowing slightly.
"Don't you think it would look bad if I go to Landry's office and ask for leave after our discussion today?" she questioned slowly.
Jack pondered for a moment, realizing what was bothering her.
"You want to wait for his decision regarding SG-1?" he asked, taking a bite of pizza.
Sam glanced down, her expression conflicted.
"No, but I think I should. He did question my ability to lead SG-1," she admitted.
Jack finished his slice of pizza, wiped his hands, and reached for hers.
"Look at me, please," he requested.
Sam slowly lifted her gaze to meet his.
"He's new there, Sam. He doesn't know you, only what he's read. I'm sure he'll make the right choice," Jack reassured her, confidently speaking.
Sam gently caressed his hand.
"I have a black mark on my record, Jack," she reminded him.
Jack sighed.
"Yes, you do, but you also have years of experience on your service record. You're still the leading scientist on all matters concerning the Stargate. No one can erase that, Samantha Carter," he said firmly.
Sam bit her lip and nodded.
"Well, let's hope he feels that way," she said.
Jack smiled at her.
"We're going to my cabin. I have to leave in two days, or it'll draw attention. But I'll be waiting for you there. Just let me know when you're arriving, and I'll pick you up at the airport," he added, interlocking his fingers with hers.
Sam's smile grew brighter.
"You might have to wait," she cautioned.
Jack squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"I'll wait. Don't worry," he whispered, his voice filled with determination.
They ended the rest of the evening making out in her kitchen until things started to get too heated, and Jack had to leave. It was always frustrating, but they had decided to wait until they were alone in the cabin, away from prying eyes.
Hank Landry took little time to decide the fate of SG-1 after all. He had a backup plan in case things didn't work out. Lieutenant Colonel Cameron Mitchell, who had flown an F-302 fighter-interceptor and led the Tau'ri forces in the Battle of Antarctica, had recovered from his injuries and was eager to join the SGC, particularly SG-1. But for the time being, he would remain on standby. Now that Jack had departed for Washington, D.C., Landry felt more comfortable. He liked Jack, but this was his base now, and he didn't need a shadow over him.
He called another meeting with the SG-1 team members already seated and waiting. They rose when he entered, and he noticed that Colonel Carter seemed particularly tense.
"At ease," he said, taking his seat. Clearing his throat, he decided not to waste any more time.
"I asked you here to announce that I've decided on SG-1. From today on, the team is back on rotation. Colonel Carter, you will continue as the team leader, and until further notice, the team will remain as it is. It has worked well with three members so far; changing that is unnecessary. Any questions?" he asked, looking at the three.
Sam seemed a little surprised but answered firmly, "No."
The others shook their heads.
"Very well, meeting adjourned," he declared, rising from his seat.
Daniel and Teal'c left the room while Landry returned to his office. Sam, however, stayed behind and, taking a deep breath, knocked on his door. It was now or never. After a brief "enter," she opened it. He appeared surprised by her visit.
"What can I do for you, Colonel?" he asked, setting aside his work.
Sam stood tall, maintaining eye contact.
"Sir, first, I would like to thank you for your confidence in keeping me as the leader of SG-1," she began. Landry made a dismissive gesture, prompting her to continue. "And then, although this might sound a little unusual after our meeting, I would like to request some days of leave," she said, her voice steady but nervous.
Landry raised both of his eyebrows simultaneously.
"Leave, Colonel?" he inquired slowly.
Sam remained resolute.
"Yes, Sir. As you know from my file, since my return to the SGC, I've had no time off due to our various engagements, including our dealings with the Russians and restoring our Stargate to normal. I…" Sam's voice faltered briefly, and she cleared her throat.
Landry continued to study her, waiting for her to continue.
"I would appreciate some days to attend to personal matters," she concluded.
The office fell into a tense silence, with neither Landry nor Sam making a move. Landry glanced at the calendar on his desk.
"Would a week be sufficient to attend to your matters, Colonel?" he inquired.
Sam's heart raced, but she kept her composure.
"Yes, Sir," she replied.
Landry leaned back in his chair and nodded.
"Very well, your leave is granted. I advise you to make the most of it. When you return, I expect SG-1 to be operating at its highest level," he stated, returning to his work.
Sam could barely contain her smile.
"Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir," she said, saluting.
"Dismissed," Landry said without looking up.
Sam left his office, her mind already in Minnesota. She had a call to make.
Jack had been at his cabin for a few days, busying himself with chores and preparations. He had stocked the fridge, cleaned the place, changed the sheets in the guest room, and was busy cutting wood for the fireplace when his cell phone rang. A smile crossed his face when he saw the caller ID.
"Hey," he greeted, placing the axe down.
"Hey," Sam replied in a hushed tone, mindful of her surroundings in her lab.
"So, any news?" Jack inquired.
"Yes, Landry gave me one week," Sam said, her voice laced with a smile.
Jack couldn't help but smile, too, even if she couldn't see it.
"Oh, how generous. Any plans, Colonel?" he asked.
Sam played with her pencil as she thought.
"Well, I was told Minnesota is quite beautiful at this time of the year, General."
Jack rested one foot on a log.
"I can tell you it is. In any case, I think you should see for yourself," he added.
Sam continued to smile, her heart feeling lighter.
"You think so?" she teased.
Jack replied with conviction, "Oh yes."
"Okay, then," Sam agreed.
Jack's anticipation was growing, so he cleared his throat, feeling a rush of excitement.
"When can I pick you up?" he asked, a hint of eagerness in his voice.
Sam paused her thoughts, still finalizing her plans.
"I still need to pack some things and catch the flight. The departure is only tomorrow morning at 0730," she replied.
Jack wasn't sure he could wait another night without her, but he had no choice.
"Okay. I'll be at the airport waiting for you. Then we'll drive to the cabin," he said.
"Okay," Sam said, her voice filled with warmth.
"I miss you," Jack confessed.
"I do, too," she replied. Daniel walked into her lab just as she spoke, catching Sam off guard. She blushed, realizing her conversation wasn't as private as she thought. "I have to go. Talk to you later," she said, hurriedly hanging up.
Daniel looked at her with curious eyes.
"So... New boyfriend?" he asked curiously, unable to hide his curiosity. He had never liked Pete Shanahan.
Sam blushed even more but decided to divert the conversation with a white lie.
"No, just my brother," she said.
Daniel sat on a stool, seemingly satisfied with the answer.
"Oh. How is he?" he asked, attempting to maintain the conversation.
Sam fabricated more details.
"He's doing all right. I'm going to see him and his family. General Landry gave me a week off."
Daniel smiled.
"That's good, Sam. It would help if you had some time away from all of this. And now that Jack is in Washington..." He left the sentence unfinished, acknowledging the strained relationship between Sam and Jack.
Sam cleared her throat, trying to keep up the facade.
"We have to go on with our lives, Daniel," she replied.
Daniel nodded.
"Yes, sadly, our little family has followed different paths," he said, contemplating their shifting dynamics.
"He just went to another city, Daniel. He didn't leave the country," Sam reassured him, hoping he would accept her explanation.
Daniel shrugged his shoulders.
"Yeah, but still..."
Sam had many things to do and couldn't linger any longer. She needed to buy new clothes as most of her wardrobe had been destroyed in the explosion. She'd been surviving in BDUs, jeans, and a few sweatshirts. Now, she needed something more suitable for her upcoming visit to Jack's cabin, including new underwear.
"So, Daniel, I'm leaving. I've got a lot of things to do. If you need anything, call my cell. See you in one week," she said.
Daniel escorted her to the exit, accepting her explanation.
"Okay, have a nice time. Give my best to Mark," he said as he watched her leave, wondering why she had chosen to spend her week off with her brother, with whom she had barely communicated. It seemed that things had improved between them.