Even before joining the Air Force, Samantha Carter had always been a brilliant scientist. From a young age, she had shown an affinity for astrophysics, and her father, Air Force General Jacob Carter, continued to encourage her to pursue a career at NASA. He had even pulled some strings to get her an internship at the prestigious space agency, where she had excelled and caught the attention of many top scientists and engineers.
But when Catherine Langford approached her with a secret project at the Pentagon, Captain Carter couldn't resist the opportunity. The allure of a classified project involving wormhole theory, something she had only touched upon during her PhD studies, was too intriguing to pass up. She had always admired Catherine's work, and the chance to work on something she believed in was a dream come true.
Sam's first day at the Pentagon was exciting and nervous. She had never been involved in such a covert operation before and couldn't help but feel a bit out of her depth. As she settled into her new office, she wondered what she had gotten herself into. She only knew that Project Giza involved a mysterious device that Catherine had witnessed her father discover in Giza in 1928. And that she was supposed to focus her work based on that. The possibilities were endless.
Her first encounter with Doctor Daniel Jackson at the Pentagon was an unexpected and somewhat unconventional introduction. She was engrossed in reviewing classified documents in her newly assigned office when she heard a commotion in the hallway. The sound of excited voices and the clattering of books drew her attention. Curiosity got the best of her, and Sam ventured out to investigate.
As she entered the hallway, her eyes fell on a disheveled man with tousled brown hair, glasses perched precariously on his nose, and a stack of what appeared to be ancient texts clutched to his chest. Daniel Jackson was an eccentric sight. He didn't notice her presence as he rushed past, muttering about something he'd just discovered.
Sam couldn't help but watch him with fascination and amusement. When he finally noticed her standing there, he gave her a somewhat distracted smile.
"Oh, hi. Sorry, I didn't see you there. I'm...you know, ancient texts and all. They have a way of grabbing my attention," he grinned.
"I can see that. I'm Captain Samantha Carter. I'm working on the wormhole project with Catherine Langford," Sam said, chuckling.
Daniel's eyes lightened up.
"Oh, you're… Captain…Doctor Samantha Carter, the astrophysics expert. I've heard about you. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Doctor Daniel Jackson."
Their initial meeting was a casual exchange but left an impression on them. Over the following days, they treated each other more personally as they worked together on various aspects of the project. Their conversations evolved beyond professional matters as they discovered shared interests and a growing connection.
One evening, as they were poring over ancient texts, Daniel looked up from his research, his eyes meeting Sam's with a hint of curiosity.
"You know, Sam, this project is incredible, but I have to say, you're pretty incredible too. Your dedication to your work is inspiring."
Sam wasn't used to receiving personal compliments from men. Her recent story of the failed engagement with Captain Jonas Hanson had left her deeply suspicious about men.
"Thank you, Daniel. I must admit that your passion for deciphering ancient languages is something I've never encountered before. It's fascinating." Sam said, blushing.
Their mutual admiration for each other's work undeniably formed the foundation for something more profound. As days became weeks, their conversations became increasingly personal, revealing their dreams and pasts and shared wonder about the universe.
One evening, as they were having dinner in a quiet, dimly lit restaurant, their connection deepened even further.
"Sam, there's more to life than work and research. Have you ever thought about what lies beyond the stars, beyond our careers?" Daniel asked with a gentle smile.
Sam let her eyes drop to the hands in her lap.
"I have, Daniel. But I've always been so focused on my work. It's hard to find someone who understands that," she said thoughtfully as Hanson's jealousy and need to be in control crossed her mind.
Daniel smiled.
"I understand, Sam, but maybe we can find a way to explore that 'beyond' together," he said softly.
When their eyes met, their unspoken attraction became crystal clear. This was a turning point in their relationship, as they both realized there was more to discover beyond the universe's secrets.
So, the late nights working on the project turned into intimate dinners, where they discussed everything from wormhole theory to their hopes and dreams. Sam was fascinated by Daniel's passion for ancient civilizations, and he was equally intrigued by her groundbreaking work in astrophysics. Their connection grew stronger with each passing day, and soon, they found themselves in a passionate affair.
Their secret romance added an element of excitement to their already thrilling work at the Pentagon. They knew the risks of getting involved with a colleague on a top-secret project, but their desire for each other was too powerful to ignore. They became adept at hiding their relationship, stealing moments of passion whenever possible.
Sam continued working on Developing the Earth Dialing (DHD) computer that combined her astrophysics, computer science, and engineering expertise to create a system capable of successfully dialing the secret device.
At the same time, her personal life became increasingly intertwined with her affair with Daniel. Given her living situation, with her father in a townhouse in Washington, D.C., she found maintaining her relationship with Daniel challenging. He, too, had irregular stays in the city, typically at a hotel paid for by the Air Force. It was in this hotel that their clandestine romance truly began to flourish.
Their secret rendezvous at the hotel became a regular occurrence, hidden behind the guise of late work or official business meetings. Sam would tell her father that she needed to stay late at the Pentagon or that she was traveling for work, which explained her absence from their townhouse. She felt a pang of guilt every time she used these excuses, but her love for Daniel and the thrill of their passionate connection kept her coming back.
For Daniel, these stolen moments with Sam were a balm to the loneliness that often accompanied his travels and research. Their encounters at the hotel brought a sense of warmth and intimacy into his life that he had been missing for a long time. Being an orphan without family, he connected with Sam as he had never felt with anyone else.
As the affair deepened and their feelings for each other grew stronger, the risk of discovery became a constant concern. They started taking excellent care to avoid suspicion, meeting at different times and locations to ensure their secret remained hidden from prying eyes.
However, Catherine Langford, the brilliant and wise archaeologist, began to notice a change in Sam's behavior. She had known Sam for a while, and her close working relationship with Daniel made her particularly attuned to the dynamics between her team members.
One day, as Sam and Catherine reviewed some project details in Catherine's office, Catherine couldn't help but address the matter delicately.
"My dear Samantha, I've noticed that you've been working late quite often, and there have been times when you've seemed...distracted. Is everything all right?" Catherine asked, observing Sam closely.
"Oh, yes, Catherine. It's just that the project has been demanding a lot of my time. I'm trying to make sure everything is in order." Sam said nervously.
Catherine, however, wasn't satisfied, so she continued, studying Samantha's expression, "And I've also heard that you've been traveling for work more frequently lately. Is there something you're not telling me, Samantha?"
Sam looked at her mentor.
"It's just... some unexpected changes in my schedule, Catherine. I promise it's all related to the project. You know how much I care about our work." she said, choosing her words carefully.
Catherine seemed unconvinced but didn't press the matter further. She knew Samantha to be a dedicated scientist and didn't want to intrude on her personal life. However, the seed of suspicion had been planted, and Catherine couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.
As Sam and Daniel's relationship continued to evolve, they realized that maintaining their secret affair had become more complicated and risky. The impending threat of discovery weighed heavily on their hearts, but their love for each other was a force they couldn't easily dismiss. They were now faced with a difficult decision—how to navigate the delicate balance between their professional commitments and their passionate connection.
One evening, Catherine addressed the matter directly after finding that delaying the inevitable discussion was no longer possible. Someone from the department had seen Sam and Daniel kissing outside the Pentagon and had started gossiping. She invited Sam and Daniel to her office for a talk.
"Well, we have a situation that needs to be addressed. I've noticed a change in your dynamics, both professionally and personally. Am I reading too much into this?" Catherine asked them, giving them the benefit of the doubt first.
"Well, Catherine, it's...we've been working closely on the project, and sometimes lines between personal and professional matters can get a bit blurry," Sam said, stuttering.
Daniel passed a hand through his hair nervously.
"We're just passionate about our work, Catherine. It's easy to get caught up in it."
Catherine gave them a skeptical look.
"Passion is one thing, but I've seen how you look at each other. I'm not one to pry into personal matters, but remember that we're working on something of global importance here. Our project can't afford any distractions."
Sam and Daniel exchanged nervous glances, aware their secret was no longer hidden. Catherine's warning was clear: their relationship could jeopardize the success of their groundbreaking project.
As they left Catherine's office that evening, they couldn't help but feel the weight of her words. Their affair had brought them immense joy and satisfaction, but it had also put their professional aspirations and the project's success in peril. The future of their relationship and the project hung in a precarious balance.
The weight of their secret affair had grown heavy, and the mounting pressure from Catherine's warning began to take its toll on Sam and Daniel. They knew they couldn't continue down this path without jeopardizing their careers and the success of their project. One evening, they decided it was time to have an intense and emotional conversation about the future of their relationship.
They met in the same hotel room where their affair had bloomed, but now it felt like a place of closure, a bittersweet farewell to a love they had to let go.
"Daniel, we need to talk. As much as I cherish our relationship, it risks our project. Catherine is right. We can't allow our personal feelings to interfere with our work. The project comes first," Sam said, her voice trembling.
She had extensively deliberated over this matter, striving for objectivity despite its challenges. It had been a complicated process requiring deep reflection and careful consideration. In the end, her brain had overcome her heart.
Daniel sighed with a heavy heart.
"I know, Sam. It's tearing me apart, too. I've never felt a connection like this with anyone, and I don't want to lose it."
Sam was seated on the bed, tears welling up.
"I don't want to lose it either. But if we continue down this path, our careers will suffer, too. The project could be compromised, which we can't allow."
Daniel grabbed her hand. Unlike Sam, whose rationality often guided her decisions, Daniel grasped the project's significance. It had rescued him from a stagnating career, and he was determined not to regress. Despite his emotional attachment, he knew he had to set his heart aside and prioritize the mission.
"You're right, of course. We must prioritize the project, but that doesn't mean we must forget what we've had."
Sam squeezed his hand tight.
"I don't want to forget. I want to remember every moment we've shared, every conversation, every stolen kiss. But we must channel that connection into our work and genuine friendship," she nodded.
Daniel gently kissed her hand.
"I'm going to miss you, Sam. This is breaking my heart."
Sam kissed his, tears falling.
"I'll miss you too, Daniel. More than I can express. But we'll always have this special bond, and nothing can take that away."
Their eyes locked in a lingering, tearful gaze, and they clung to each other momentarily as if they were saying their final goodbyes. But in their hearts, they knew it wasn't a farewell to their connection but a redirection of their love.
Sam and Daniel navigated the challenging transition from lovers to friends in the following days and weeks, pouring their emotional energy into their work. The project thrived as they channeled their passion and dedication into their scientific pursuits, while the memory of their love remained a silent but profound presence in their lives.
And then, suddenly, Catherine and Daniel were called to Cheyenne Mountain Complex in Colorado Springs to join what was now called the Stargate project, and Sam found herself alone in the Pentagon, facing a wave of emotions. She was still deeply hurt by the breakup with Daniel, but mainly because she was not included in the project she had worked on with such dedication. It felt like a painful rejection and a significant setback in her career.
Sam had poured her heart and soul into the wormhole project, and to be sidelined at this critical juncture was a bitter pill to swallow. She hoped to see the project come to fruition and make her mark in astrophysics. Instead, she felt like her contributions were undervalued and overlooked.
Daniel's move to the forefront of the Stargate project was a bitter reminder of his role in her life and how their romantic involvement had ultimately impacted her professional standing. The fact that he was given a prominent position at Cheyenne Mountain while she remained at the Pentagon only intensified her feelings of inadequacy and heartache.
As she continued to work on the project from a secondary role, Sam couldn't help but wonder if it was for the best that they had separated. The complexities of their relationship had taken a toll on her career, and now she had to find a way to regain her sense of purpose and reestablish her professional identity.
The days at the Pentagon felt lonelier without Daniel by her side, but she was determined not to let her emotions hinder her dedication to the project anymore. She threw herself into her work, determined to prove herself and contribute meaningfully to the project's success, even from a distance.
While Catherine and Daniel moved forward with the Stargate project, Sam forged her path, determined to prove her worth as a scientist. She would ensure that her contributions were not overlooked, even if it meant working from the shadows for the time being. The pain of her past relationship and professional setbacks drove her to excel in her work and reclaim her role in the project.
The news of the first Abydos Mission, led by Colonel Jack O'Neill and his team, hit Sam like bricks. She constantly requested a transfer to the Stargate Command (SGC), hoping to participate in the groundbreaking exploration. General West denied her requests each time, and the disappointment weighed heavily on her.
She dreamed of the Stargate every night, even though she had never seen it in person; she had only seen schematics and diagrams. The longing and frustration gnawed at her as she knew she had discovered the wormhole theory that allowed the Stargate to function. The Stargate adventure felt rightfully in her heart, and it pained her to see Daniel living it while she remained on the sidelines.
Resentment toward her former lover began to grow. She couldn't help but feel that her accomplishments had been overshadowed, and she deserved a place on the Abydos Mission just as much as he did.
Then came the devastating report that Colonel O'Neill's team had returned from Abydos, but Daniel wasn't among them. The news shattered Sam's world. She was unable to go to work for an entire week, her grief and worry consuming her.
Her father, deeply concerned for her well-being but without knowing the reason since Sam refused to speak, contacted Catherine Langford, the only person he knew Sam had any attachment to. Catherine, who had become a close friend and mentor to Sam, rushed from Colorado Springs to Washington, D.C., to find a heartbroken Sam in her bed, her eyes red from days of crying. The weight of not knowing Daniel's fate had become too much for her to bear.
"Samantha, my dear, I'm here for you. We'll get through this together." Catherine said in a concerned and compassionate tone.
"Catherine, I can't believe he's gone. I should've been there with him, part of that mission," Sam said, choking up.
Catherine tried her best to comfort her.
"It's not your fault, Sam. You are incredibly talented, and your time will come. We are still trying to get all the information about what happened to Daniel, but I promise we'll do it together. I'll share as much information as I can," she promised.
Samantha's grief was a heavy burden to bear, but with Catherine's support, she began to piece her life back together. The search for answers and the quest to unravel the mysteries of the Stargate would continue, even in Daniel's absence. Sam's determination to honor his memory and her commitment to the project burned brighter than ever, and she would not rest until she had her opportunity to step through the Stargate and explore the unknown.
Eventually, the Stargate project was shut for a year, giving Sam time to gather herself. When it was reopened due to an off-word attack, her transfer request was finally accepted, and she was on her way to Colorado Springs.
She had meticulously reviewed Colonel O'Neill's mission brief repeatedly. His directives were crystal clear: step through the Stargate, assess any potential threats to Earth, and, if danger lurked, activate a nuclear device to obliterate the gate on the other side. His report confirmed the detonation and the devastating loss of Daniel and the entire population of Abydos. She'd grappled with the painful reality of Daniel's absence for a year, slowly accepting that she would never see him again.
Her assignment to the SGC had arrived by direct order from the new base commander, General George Hammond. She was tasked with serving as the resident expert on the Stargate and was determined to carry out her mission, regardless of the challenges it presented. She had already secured a house near the facility. Her mind was racing as she descended the mountain in one of the elevators, accompanied by an airman en route to the briefing room where the team had convened. Her heart pounded within her chest, but her exterior betrayed no signs of nervousness.
Upon entering the briefing room, her initial encounter with Colonel O'Neill couldn't have been more disheartening. He made his reluctance to have her on the team abundantly clear, and his men followed suit by mocking her. The only support voice came from General Hammond, who emphatically affirmed her place in the team. The memory of challenging her new commanding officer to an arm-wrestling match still made her blush, realizing how desperate it must have appeared for a newly arrived Captain about to embark on interplanetary missions.
As she geared up in the locker room, the biggest shock of her life hit her like a ton of rocks. She learned that Daniel was, in fact, alive and had chosen to remain on Abydos rather than return to Earth. Sam struggled to process this astonishing revelation, her mind racing with the implications. A sudden bang on the locker room door abruptly interrupted the startling news. Sam quickly donned her helmet and left, focusing squarely on the task. She had a job, and the anticipation of stepping through the Stargate and possibly reuniting with Daniel was an electrifying sensation that surged through her.
Sam felt an uneasy sickness as she stepped through the Stargate, which caused her to hunch over momentarily. This discomfort quickly gave way to an unexpected sight: native inhabitants in the otherwise empty room, all pointing weapons in their direction. Then, to her disbelief, Sam heard a voice she never thought she'd listen to again—Daniel's voice.
"Cha'hali! Cha'hali. Lower your guns," he urged the natives.
Sam's eyes met his as their weapons were lowered, and everything else seemed to blur into the background.
"Sam?" he asked, his voice filled with disbelief and wonder.
Still taken aback by the events, Sam remained speechless as the natives relaxed. An astonished Jack observed the peculiar interaction between his new Captain and Daniel, sensing that something vital eluded him. Deciding to break the tension, he stepped in.
"Hi, Daniel," Jack greeted him.
Still in shock, Daniel met Jack's gaze. "Hello, Jack. Welcome back."
Ferretti and Kawalsky also exchanged pleasantries with Daniel, who continued to watch Sam closely. Suddenly, a woman emerged from the side of the room. Daniel beckoned to her, and she joined him.
"Sha're, don't be shy," Daniel encouraged her.
Jack extended his hand to her, saying, "Hi, good to see you again."
Sam, who had been silently studying Daniel, was beyond surprised. She was in total shock.
With deliberate slowness, Daniel approached her with Sha're by his side.
"Sam, this is my wife, Sha're. Sha're, this is my dearest friend from Earth, Samantha Carter," he introduced them gently, offering a reassuring smile while his eyes held an apologetic quality.
Sam opened her mouth, but words eluded her, causing her to close it again quickly. WIFE?
Her response was a tentative "Hello" as she extended her hand to the beautiful dark-haired woman before her. She didn't spare a glance for Daniel, who had her full attention moments ago.
Meanwhile, Jack watched the unfolding scene with a silent curiosity. It was clear that Daniel Jackson and his new Captain had a history, and there might have been more to their relationship than met the eye. However, there was a better time and place to address such matters. Their mission took precedence, and they proceeded as planned.
The mission took a grim turn as they encountered fierce opposition. In the ensuing chaos, Daniel's wife and her brother, Skaara, were captured, and Ferretti sustained severe injuries. The team returned to the SGC, their spirits low, and reported their findings to the eager General Hammond. Immediately, Daniel fervently requested to be part of the rescue team, which took Sam even more aback. She still hadn't fully recovered from the shock of discovering he was not only alive but also married. And now, he had expressed his desire to join a team. She had to fight to conceal her disappointment and hurt, realizing she hadn't moved on from her feelings for him as thoroughly as she had believed.
After they were all cleared from the infirmary, Daniel approached Sam with a bewildered expression. Putting aside her feelings with a tremendous effort, she offered him to stay the night. After all, he had no place to stay, and she wasn't vindictive. Jack was about to make the same offer, but Sam beat him. Daniel promptly accepted, and Jack watched as they left the Mountain together. There was undoubtedly something going on between those two, Jack thought as he made his way to the elevator and the parking lot.
As he reached the parking lot, Jack saw a vintage Volvo driving away, with Captain Carter at the wheel and Daniel in the passenger seat. It was evident they were engaged in a heated argument. Intrigued by the situation, Jack got into his truck and drove home, curious about how this unexpected development between his team members would unfold.
As soon as Sam entered her house, Daniel followed closely behind. She couldn't contain her emotions, which she had been wrestling with since first seeing him in Abydos.
"What the fuck, Daniel?" she exploded, angrily tossing her jacket onto a nearby chair.
Daniel ran a hand through his longer hair and adjusted his glasses, his nervousness evident.
"I'm sorry, Sam. Truly," he said, leaning against the entrance door.
Sam had made her way to the living room, her pace agitated, and she was gnawing on her lip. The room was still sparsely furnished, as she had recently moved in, containing only the bare essentials. Daniel followed her at a measured pace.
"I understand you're hurt, but you must realize my life changed drastically when I first set foot on Abydos during that initial mission. I had to stay there," Daniel attempted to explain.
Sam stopped pacing and fixed him with an accusatory glare.
"Oh, I saw exactly why you stayed there. She's a damn good reason for you to remain on that fucking planet!" she spat out.
Daniel sighed and ran a hand through his hair again.
"I fell in love, Sam. I wasn't expecting it, but it happened," he admitted, his gaze dropping to his feet. They had given him a pair of boots that didn't quite fit.
Sam took a seat on her couch, her breathing heavy.
"Of course, Daniel. You moved on; we had broken up after all. I understand that," she said, struggling to control the pain that coursed through her.
Carefully, Daniel lowered himself to the floor, as there was no other place to sit, and he didn't want to intrude.
"I cared about you deeply while we were together, Sam, and in some ways, I still do. But Sha're is different. I'm truly sorry if this hurts you. I never intended to cause you pain. I am sorry," he repeated, his words laced with sincerity.
Sam leaned her head against the back of the couch and closed her eyes.
"Yeah... I'll get over it. It's just the story of my life. It hit me so hard because, for almost a year, I genuinely believed you were dead. I mourned you, and it feels so...pathetic," she confessed, tears streaming down her face.
Daniel rose and sat beside her, taking her hand in his.
"It's not pathetic, Sam. I'm honored that you had those feelings for me. We shared something beautiful, Samantha, and I hope we can still be friends. I care for you deeply, not in the same way as before, but we've shared so much, and you know me like very few people do," he expressed honestly.
Sam opened her eyes and met his gaze. One of the things that had drawn her to him was his kind and open heart.
"We are friends, Daniel. We've always been friends. At some point, friends with benefits," she added, a small smile breaking through the tension.
Daniel returned her smile, and the atmosphere in the room lightened considerably. Neither was inclined to hold grudges or dwell on the past when there was no point.
"I am sorry," Daniel reiterated.
"I know," Sam replied, squeezing his hand. "We'll get through this, and we'll bring your wife back," she declared with determination.
Daniel kissed her hand.
"And for that, Samantha Carter, I will always love you," he said, offering a warm smile.
They spent hours in Sam's living room, discussing Daniel's life on Abydos until the early morning hours; their bond as friends was reaffirmed, and a new chapter began in their relationship.
The formation of SG-1 marked a pivotal moment in the Stargate program's history. On their rescue mission to save Sha're and Skaara, the team unwittingly brought back Teal'c, the First Prime of Apophis. After his heroic actions in their defense, Colonel O'Neill recommended that Teal'c become a vital member of SG-1.
As the flagship team of the SGC, SG-1 embarked on a journey to explore the galaxy and protect Earth from various alien threats, starting with the formidable Goa'uld. Time flew by, and their experiences turned them into a well-coordinated and highly efficient unit.
However, as time passed and their members faced numerous trials and tribulations, the bonds within SG-1 were tested. The team's dynamic evolved, and each member underwent personal growth, contributing to the resilience and adaptability that defined SG-1's enduring legacy.
A shifting dynamic within the team began to take shape, with Colonel Jack O'Neill and Captain Samantha Carter at the center of it as the CO and 2IC of SG-1. While Jack had never confirmed any prior personal relationship between Sam and Daniel, he was increasingly drawn to the blonde scientist as her contributions became pivotal to their survival in several missions.
As he got to know her better, Jack discovered Sam was far from the stereotypical scientist he had initially feared. She proved to be a strong, skillful soldier who was also a genius in her own right. Her kindness and unwavering loyalty, particularly towards her team members, shone through as she defended them valiantly in countless battles against formidable foes.
Jack couldn't deny that he was increasingly attracted to her despite the strict Air Force regulations and frat rules that stood in their way. This attraction presented a significant problem, as it threatened to blur the lines between professionalism and personal feelings, creating a complex and delicate situation within the team.
Their initial attraction blossomed into something more profound as time passed: love. Though unspoken, it reverberated through their silent conversations and meaningful glances. Following Sam's merging with Jolinar and her subsequent encounter with the Tok'ra, a divide grew between them.
Sam's loyalty to the Tok'ra stemmed from the profound impact of her father's life-saving merging with Selmak. Additionally, her relationship with Martouf was complicated by Jolinar's lingering feelings, making it challenging for her to distinguish between her own emotions and those inherited from the symbiote. Meanwhile, Jack remained deeply distrustful of them, further deepening their chasm in what concerned the Tok'ra.
Jack could no longer hide to himself that his feelings had transcended mere admiration for his second-in-command. He had fallen deeply in love with her, and when faced with the possibility of leaving Sam behind during a mission that had gone awry, he couldn't bear the thought. Seeing her trapped behind a force shield, he decided to stay by her side, gazing into her blue eyes with a sense of helplessness.
Yet, amidst the chaos of their battles against the Goa'uld, Jack always harbored a silent hope that Sam would never return Martouf's affections. He longed for the conflict to end, yearning for a moment when they could openly acknowledge their feelings without fear or reservation. However, their hopes were shattered when the Za'tarc detector incident stripped away any semblance of secrecy, leaving them nowhere to hide.
And then, one night, she appeared at his doorstep, and all hell broke loose.
