Hammond sat in his office when the red phone rang. "Mr. President, Sir." He answered the call.

"General! I just wanted to know if our plan is in motion?"

"It is. But I'm not sure if this won't destroy SG1."

"What do you mean by that? I thought I gave you the permission to give the team every time they need afterwards to reconnect. Surely they will understand the Colonel's behavior when they are aware of what it was all about."

"Jack will have to do some pretty nasty things to convince them and some of them will get hurt emotionally in the process. Henry, this comes with bad timing."

"It's perfect timing, O'Neill just returned from a three month absence, he could have changed in that time, so his behavior is believable."

"SG1 isn't just a team, they're family and they tend to take things a little too personal from time to time. Especially Dr. Jackson. But that isn't my main concern. I have to make changes on the team anyway."

"What? Why?"

"Can I speak to Henry instead of the President? I need to ask a few hypothetical questions that shouldn't go on the record."

"You're scaring me, George. Shoot!"

"We may have to give the Colonel a bit more than a 'Thank you' afterwards. We might have to give him a 'get out of jail free' card. We asked a lot of him and he's always willing to do his job. A little reluctant this time, but he agreed."

"What is it you think he will do that gets him into prison?"

"It's not about what he will do, more about what he might have done already. I don't have proof, but let's say we might have a problem with fraternization here."

The President didn't respond immediately, he took his time to think about what Hammond could have meant. Fraternization would only apply if it was someone from the team and this could only be Major Carter.

"You think he has an inappropriate relationship with his Major?"

"No, not a relationship. They are too professional for that. I think it was more like just one weak moment. As I said, the team is like family, but a few feelings may be deeper than others."

"But if it was just once I think we could look the other way. If they're acting professional right now I don't think we should do anything about it."

The General wasn't sure on how he should proceed. He has no proof of his suspicion, but it couldn't be anyone else, could it?

"I have to remove Major Carter from the team, Sir. Pregnant personnel aren't allowed on a front line team."

"Oh boy, are you saying that she's pregnant with her CO's baby?"

"I have nothing to prove this right, but from her behavior to get him back from that god damned planet I would say so."

"This complicates things a little, I would say. But nothing we can't handle, George. We asked a lot of him now and you're right, he deserves a bit more than a well meant 'thank you'. As does Major Carter, she did a hell of a job, creating that device from scratch. I'll set up the papers for special treatment for outstanding performance, for both of them. It'll say that the frat regs won't apply to them if they ever choose to pursue a personal relationship. I'll date it back to six months ago, so there won't be any issues."

"I hadn't expected that. I thank you so much Henry. That takes a lot of pressure off my mind."

"Just one condition, okay?"

"And that will be?"

"Place a bet for me in the betting pool. I might as well take advantage of it."

The General had to laugh and promised the President he would set the bet for him.

"You can't let them know, George. They have to come to you with this. They have to sort it out for themselves, but when they do there won't be consequences for them."

"Thank you. I'm a bit scared that it will take some time. Jack isn't the most diplomatic person I know and he might hurt her more than he anticipated, but they will make it eventually."

"For sure he isn't. Keep me updated! I'm already late for my next meeting. Have a nice day, George."

"You too, Mr. President. I'll let you know."

Sam was released from the infirmary, but according to doctors orders she had to take things slow for the next few weeks. Hammond asked her to join the debrief, as none of her team knew she would be removed soon and he wanted her reaction to Jack's actions to be noticed by her teammates as well.

Sam took the seat next to Daniel and immediately sensed something was wrong. No one spoke a word and there was no time to ask questions as General Hammond entered the room and sat down at the end of the table.

"As you were. Sorry to keep you waiting. So, what is this device you've brought back?"

"It's the thing the Tollan used to disable our weapons the last time we were there." The Colonel explained.

"And it really works?"

"Worked on us and the Goa'uld."

"It should come in handy. Good job."

"Thank you, sir."

Jack looked over at Daniel, who avoided his gaze.

"So, what did you have to promise them in return, Dr Jackson?" Hammond turned to Daniel.

"Actually, General, we didn't…er…have to promise to give them anything."

"They just gave you the device as a reward for saving them from the Goa'uld?"

The room was silent, before Daniel spoke.

"Actually, General, the Tollan refused to give us any technology."

"Offered us a nice fruit basket, though." O'Neill said sarcastically.

"I'm confused. How did you get the device?" Hammond tried to ask as surprised as possible, not to let it show that this was all an arranged game. Daniel tried to speak, but was lost for words, shocked about what his friend had done. As Jack interrupted.

"I took it, sir."

"Took it?"

"Yes."

"You stole it?" Hammond raised his voice.

"I like to think of it as borrowed, sir. Major Carter can figure out how to reproduce it and we'll give it back."

Sam was shocked about what she heard. As was Hammond.

"I can't believe what I'm hearing. You and your team stole an alien device from an extremely advanced alien culture."

"They won't retaliate, if that's what you're worried about. Not their way, right Daniel?" Jack tried to argue.

"This command has already been accused of stealing from several other alien cultures, Colonel. Until now, we've denied it. Perhaps that was a bit premature. Dare I ask how many other items you've stolen?" Hammond was furious.

"None. This is the first."

"Colonel, you don't seem to understand how serious this matter is. You and your team have committed a court-martiable offence."

"To be fair, General, I did it. Daniel protested. And Teal'c…well he really didn't say anything but I could tell he was opposed to my actions by the way he cocked his head and sort of raised his eyebrow…and Carter wasn't even there."

"Enough, Colonel. Dr Jackson and Teal'c. You will return this device immediately to the Tollan and hopefully smooth over what must be some very ruffled feathers."

"Yes." Daniel nodded.

But Jack was trying to defend his actions.

"Why? Our core mission is to go through that Gate and find technologies we can use to defend against Goa'uld incursion. Am I right?"

"You are bordering on insubordination. We do not steal from friends." Hammond begann.

"Well, with no due respect, General, that's just plain stupid."

"Colonel…"

"And since the Pentagon won't approve our backup program, we have no choice!"

"Colonel, do not go there…"

The Colonel was shouting by now.

"We have no choice but to take whatever steps we need to get what we need!"

"As long as I am in command of the SGC, we will hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards."

Sam was watching their argument with desperation. What was going on here? What happened with Jack to cause such a behavior?

Jack was angry "And when the Goa'uld wipe us out because we have nothing with which to defend ourselves, I'm sure we'll all feel great about ourselves and our high, moral standards!"

"Colonel O'Neill. You are out of line. Now stand down!"

Jack threw himself back into the chair.

"Colonel O'Neill, I am hereby relieving you of your command. You are to report to the Infirmary and stay there until I send for you."

"No holding cell, sir?" Was Jack's snippy answer.

"That could very well be your next stop if you say another word." The General nearly lost his patience.

And when the voice over the intercom announced an incoming traveler it was clear this would be the Tollans. Sam felt a wave of nausea hit her, but was reluctant to give in.

She followed Hammond into the control room and saw a Tollana delegation enter. When Hammond led them to the briefing room Sam left the control room as well, just to run into Teal'c and the Colonel.

Jack only acknowledged her with a quick "Carter." He tried to move past her when she called him.

"Sir!"

"What?"

"Is there anything I can do?" Sam asked carefully.

"About?"

"Well, sir, with respect you aren't exactly acting like yourself."

"No Carter. I haven't been acting like myself since I met you. Now I'm acting like myself."

He turned around and left her standing there, tears forming in her eyes. Damn hormones. She looked eyes with Teal'c and saw that he also had no idea why Jack acted the way he did. To not let him see her tears she turned and made her way to her quarters. As soon as her body hit her bed the tears were streaming down her cheeks. She cried for some time before she was able to go back to work in her lab. Sooner or later she knew that Daniel and Teal'c would show up to discuss the situation with her.

"Hey!" Daniel was the first to enter. "How are you feeling? You don't look much better, I have to say."

"Thanks Daniel. Exactly what a girl wants to hear." She mocked him. "I feel a little steadier. And it will get better in time, I promise. Still a bit nauseous so Janet won't clear me for active duty." She hated to lie to her friends, but especially now with Jack's strange behavior she can't let anyone know that she's pregnant.

"If there's anything I can do you'll let me know, right?"

"I will, thank you Daniel."

Teal'c found his friends in Sam's lab.

"Daniel Jackson, Major Carter." He greeted them and looked at Sam. "Are you feeling better Major Carter?"

"A little, thanks Teal'c. Doctor Fraiser won't clear me for duty right now. Only light work, sorry. But I think there's no mission right now without the Colonel. Guys, what happened out there? Why is he like this?"

"I don't know, Sam. When the Tollans wouldn't give us anything he went crazy. Before I came here I saw Jack. He told me that Hammond and he planned an off world SGC base and he should get command over it. The pentagon refused." Daniel told them.

"An off world base? He would have wanted to leave earth?" Sam was shocked for the umpteenth time this day.

"Yeah, I don't buy that either. Jack's a front line soldier. He won't want to have command of an entire base and be restricted to paper work."

"But what is it then?"

"I don't know. Someone should go and talk to him. I know that he left the base to go home after a talk with Hammond. He retired to avoid any consequences."

Teal'c just watched his friends conversation when Sam nearly screamed.

"Retired? Is he nuts?" A few weeks ago they agreed that they both are too valuable to the mission to do anything this drastic. They wouldn't give up their career to be together and now he's retiring because he felt insulted?

"I tried to talk to him, but that wasn't successful and he also said a few things that makes me want to avoid him for a bit and Teal'c here isn't much of a talker either. I think it should be you who should go and talk to him, Sam."

"Oh that wouldn't be a good idea, Daniel." For many reasons she thought. But arguing didn't do her any good.

So she found herself in front of Jack's door that afternoon, knocking softly at the dark wood. She heard footsteps getting louder inside and her stomach made a flip. It took her everything not to puke on his front porch out of excitement.

"Carter!" Jack answered surprised. He hadn't expected her, more like Daniel, or even Teal'c. He had tried to be rude to her so that he wouldn't have to face her at his home. Jack wasn't sure that he wouldn't spill the beans when he had to look into her beautiful blue eyes. But she was different somehow since he returned, more distanced and she didn't look healthy. He knew that she'd been in the infirmary for the past days, but he hadn't thought it would be that bad. He heard stories that she worked night and day to get him home and he still felt guilty that he gave in to Laira on the last day of his stay on the planet. Had he known he was that close to being rescued, he'd never have laid an eye on her. But after three months he had thought that even Carter couldn't rescue him. And now here she was, the last person he wanted to see, because he hated to have to lie to her, standing on his front porch, looking worn out and pale.

"Sir! Can I come in, or is this a bad time?"

"I'm not your commanding officer anymore Carter, you shouldn't call me Sir." He told her and opened the door further to let her get in.

"You keep calling me Carter though."

"Right." How he would love to call her Sam, but he knew after this mission he'd be her CO again. In his head he had to keep his distance, but for the act he should call her by her given name, maybe she'll get suspicious if he won't. "So, Sam, what brings you here?"

"You know damn well why I'm here. What's wrong Jack? Why are you acting like you don't care about our allies? Because I know that's not true. Daniel told me about the off world base. Is that the reason?"

"Gimme a break. Their denial of the program was just another indication that they're not serious about attaining our goals."

"Which you think is attaining new weapons and technology? "

"Protecting ourselves."

"But isn't our mission also about establishing and maintaining diplomatic relations with other cultures?"

"Now you sound like Daniel. What's the point if we don't gain anything to help our other interests?"

"Well there's a lot we could learn from people like the Tollan."

"I want to see tangible gains from our efforts, and if people like the Tollan don't want to share, we should just take."

"You really believe that?"

"Being sweet and nice isn't going to stop three or four Goa'uld motherships if they decide to come back again. I'd rather be a thief and alive than honest and dead. It's a cliché, but there it is."

"I can't believe you're saying that. I thought not long ago we had a talk about how important our work in the field is. How valuable both our careers are to the program."

Protectively and unconsciously her hand rested on her abdomen. She'd love to tell him about the baby, now that he was retired there would be no regulations stopping them. But he wasn't the man she had known.

"Yeah well, stuck on a planet for over three months can change you!" Bam, that one hit the spot.

"I worked as fast as I could!" She felt like he slapped her in the face.

"Sure." He answered like he didn't care. Maybe she will leave now.

"What do you think we did all those months?" Her voice rose. "Putting our feet on the table and waiting? I worked out how to build that damn accelerator and actually build it from scratch. I have left the base just once during the whole three months. Haven't slept and nearly lost…" No, she wouldn't go there, she won't tell him that Janet found her in her lab, bleeding. She had prevented a miscarriage, but that was not for him to know. Sam was in her second trimester and everything was looking good.

"What? You lost what?" His voice grew louder, matching hers. He really hadn't known how much work she put on bringing him home and he felt even worse having to act like he does.

"It doesn't matter. I thought you had more trust in me that I'll do everything I could to bring you home. Apparently I was wrong."

"Apparently!"

"Okay, I guess I should go." Biting her lip until it bled.

"I guess you should!"

"So, this is it?"

"This is it. It was an honor serving with you Major. Good luck with your new team leader."

"Yeah!" She took a last look at the father of her child, then turned around to leave his house. Her heart felt like stone. It hurt. Maybe someday, when some time has passed, she will be able to tell her child who is its father.

Back at the Base she told Daniel and Teal'c what happened. They agreed to give him some time until they would try another approach. They were ordered to the briefing room by General Hammond and told that their new commander would be Colonel Makepeace. As Major Carter was on light duty the three remaining members would go off world alone for the time being. First on some easy missions to get to know each other before it comes to combat situations.

When he was discussing something with Makepeace in his office a few days later Jack entered and asked if he could retire on Edora. That was their plan for him to go off world without arousing suspicion, every one on base knew he made a home there.

Teal'c, Janet, Sam and Hammond were in the control room. Daniel standing in the background. And when Jack stepped on the ramp, looking intensely in the blue event horizon. He heard Hammond call out "Colonel."

Janet, Sam and him saluting for O'Neill before he stepped through without looking back. He wouldn't have gone if he looked at them. Leaving Sam behind like that, making her think he would go off world and retire for another woman was making him sick. He would have retired for her in a heartbeat, but he knew she wouldn't have let him. He could only hope for their forgiveness when he comes back.

Janet watched Sam intensely, ready to step in if this becomes too much for her friend. But Sam was a soldier after all. She wouldn't break until she was alone. And that she did, the moment she came home and closed her door she sunk down in her hallway, her back against the door, sobbing until she fell asleep on the floor.