Hi,

Here is the next chapter. Thank your for reading and for the reviews.

Good reading.^^

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Chapter 2

- What if we connect this part directly on the power generator?, suggested Charlotte, showing the items on the drawings., It would reduce energy losses and this component uses a lot of it.

Sam studied it then shook her head.

- I think it would be too dangerous. We might create a power surge that could damage the circuits. We already faced it before., she told her, thinking out loud.

- I didn't read the report about that., the younger woman mumbled, searching through her notes.

- Well, it was not the exact same thing but we have to be sure it won't happen again., Carter explained, finding the report in one of her drawers and giving it to her.

Charlie took it and read it attentively before closing it and scribbling some words on her notepad under her senior officer's look. It was accurate and organized and Carter liked this. They had been working together for a few days now and things were settling quite easily between them.

- Well, maybe I could run some tests and see if it could work while you're on mission., suggested the lieutenant.

- You already have lots of them to do. We should only be gone for twenty-four hours., Sam pointed to the list they had made together.

- Should? You don't think it will go smoothly?, Charlie asked, curious.

- You never can be certain of that. We… we seem to be prone to get into hazardous situations., Carter explained.

- Ok… I'm not aware of the details. I can only read your reports on your findings, technical ones specifically. I know next to nothing about your missions and what you learn on other fields. I think that's pretty stu… unwise, the younger woman corrected herself out of habit.

When Sam snorted, she raised her head to look at her, frowning.

- You sound like Teal'c when you say that., she explained.

- Really? I take that as a compliment. He seems pretty… wise., Charlie chuckled.

- He is indeed., Carter affirmed smiling while using his favorite word.

- Did you take some time to bond with the others?

- I met Teal'c while I was training this morning. He is not really talkative but he seems… trustworthy., the lieutenant told her, not finding the right word to define what she thought him.

At first sight, he seemed pretty intimidating but at the same time he gave her a certain feeling of safety. While training with him this morning, she discovered someone very careful, a man of few words but she was certain he would give everything for the people he cared about and the weaker ones.

- He is. Everyone in SG-1 is. We're more than a team., Sam affirmed without hesitation.

- Well, I will trust you on this., Charlie said, ill at ease.

- Do you have any problem?, Carter asked, looking at her.

- No, everything is alright., the lieutenant opposed to her too quickly.

- I saw you with Daniel and everything seemed ok so I guess this has to do with Colonel O'Neill., the major assumed and found out she was right when her assistant looked away.

- He's a good man. Just give him a chance to know you.

- Well, I would have no problem doing so wouldn't he flee away each time he sees me. I don't have to be a genius to understand he doesn't want to get to know me and, to be honest, that's not really a problem as I have to work with you and not him., Charlotte told her putting on a blank face.

Truth be told, she was a little hurt and mostly very angry that a senior officer supposed to be unbiased had judged her only after having met her for a few minutes. In the past days, he had walked by Carter's office a few times and had the major go away with him when she was there or simply walked away when she was not there, mumbling a hasty "hello" without a second glance.

- Carter…

Both women faced the door where the colonel was standing, hands in his pockets. He took a look at them, noticed the worry etching on the younger one's face, and focused on the other one, still unsettled by the feelings his namesake was fueling in him.

- We're going to have some lunch before the briefing. Mind to join us?, he asked her.

Sam looked her watch before looking back at him.

- I'll be there in five minutes, Sir., Sam answered.

- Okay, see you…, he waved at her before leaving.

- Don't ask me why I feel like a fly on a windshield.., Charlie mumbled, concentrating on her notes.

Well, Carter could understand the feeling and was sorry for her. The colonel hadn't been very subtle, which made her a little worried too. She could understand his shock at hearing her name and her nickname but it was just a name for Christ' s sake. He should have had the time to recover by now.

- Jack…, Daniel left his voice trail while following his friend in the corridors.

- Daniel.

- He won't make it easy, will he?, the archaelogist told Teal'c.

- Indeed.

- Well, let's say it simply: you were an ass… again., Daniel dared.

- Was not., Jack denied, cringing.

He had been but would not admit it. He had heard what She told about him and how it was not a problem but he knew she lied. His attitude had hurt her and he was grateful she was not to come with them off-world as it could have been dangerous would he not be able to control it.

- You were. You should have told her she should join us. She's part of the team., Daniel pointed out.

- She's Carter's assistant and I didn't say she couldn't come., Jack opposed to him.

- Well, given your latest encounters, I'm pretty sure she won't assume she can., Daniel insisted.

- I am too., Teal'c said, looking at O'Neill.

- Guys, if you want to date her, you don't have to ask for my blessing. We have the same name but I'm not her father., Jack scolded.

On these words, he paced away. His friends just looked at each other before following him, trying to catch up with him.

- We are not interested in… dating her… well, I am not..., Daniel whispered, setting his tray to face Jack and looking around for unwanted attention.

- Neither am I., Teal'c concurred.

- You are just trying to change the subject. Jack, we're here if you need to talk about it. And you'd better get rid of what's bothering you because she may be there for a very long time and who knows what can happen in the meantime., Daniel said calmly.

- She's under your chain of command, O'Neill., Teal'c asserted.

- She's under Carter's., the colonel objected, knowing he was dishonest.

- She's SG-1 so she's under yours., Daniel reasoned, looking at him pointedly.

- Oh, for crying out loud…, Jack mumbled, looking behind his friend.

Daniel turned around and saw what, or rather who provoked his raction. Charlie was coming their way, following Sam. She didn't look really pleased so his guess was that the major had forced her to come with her, probably to have both of them get acquainted.

- I talked Lieutenant O'Neill into joining us for lunch., she simply said, taking her seat next to O'Neill after grasping a chair for her assistant.

- Good morning Sir, hi Daniel., the younger one told them before looking at her plate.

- Oh Charl… otte, I brought the book we talked about two days ago. I had to delve into my boxes but you'll see, it's worth it., he told her.

- Thanks, Daniel. I'll read it and give it back to you quickly., she promised to him.

- I know it by heart so take your time., he evaded.

- Preparing a new master, Lieutenant? Sciences are not just good enough?, Jack sneered.

Charlie set her fork down and stared at the colonel. Should she or shouldn't she?, she wondered. To the hell with it, she decided.

- Actually, I'm preparing doctorates for my two masters, Sir. This book is only for my own culture but I'll think about your suggestion when I'm done with them., she told him, lifting her chin in a sign of defiance.

- Are you really doing it? I mean, preparing both doctorates?, Daniel asked, really surprised.

- Yes, I am., she already regretted telling them about it.

She felt self-conscious. She wanted to shut him up but she just drew more attention on her and, gosh, that was really awkward.

- Do you hear that, Jack? I mean, it's really brave to do it while working full-time. I remember when I was preparing…, he pointed out, trying to have some reaction from him.

- I guess when she becomes Doctor O'Neill, she won't care about the USAF. Retiring will allow you to go on a more lucrative career, won't it?, Jack sneered again, cutting him.

- I…, she tried to answer.

- No need to try to convince me otherwise. You already made your point by coming back from war zone as quickly as you did., he cut her dryly.

Everyone around the table saw the cold stare he gave her and how she froze, visibly shocked. Images flew before her eyes, making her lose her nerves. She got on her feet, clenched fists. She needed air, she needed to get away from here before doing something utterly wrong.

- Nothing to say, Lieutenant?, he asked her scornfully.

- Jack!, Daniel called him out, followed by Sam.

- Sir!

She just lost it and put both hands on the table, leaning towards him with a furious look.

- I'm not here to please you but to do my job, sir. So as far as I'm concerned, Major Carter's opinion is the sole one that matters, sir. You may not like me but you have to respect me… sir., she scolded to him before leaving.

She didn't know how she had managed to keep her voice from trembling but she did. Nonetheless, she didn't notice the people around her and in her way and bumped into someone. She knew she was on the verge of crying so she refused to look the person in the eyes.

- I'm sorry., she whispered, trying to pass them by but was retained by the wrist.

- Colonel O'Neill, you are to come to my office in ten minutes. Lieutenant, you come now., General Hammond ordered them.

- Yes, sir…, she could only manage before following him.

She was going to get fired, well sent back to Area 51 after only a few days here. Too good to be true, she told herself, remembering too well that was how she had felt when she had been given this assignment. She had dreamed to meet Major Carter, the person she looked up to since she had discovered her existence. She pressed her fingers on her lids to prevent the tears from falling. She was a soldier for god's sake, she couldn't cry just because she had failed to keep her job here.

When O'Neill arrived in front of General Hammond's office a few minutes later, he just slumped onto a chair. The door was still closed and he could hear whispers of an ongoing conversation. He tried to eavesdrop but didn't succeed. He knew he had crossed the line and this time, there was nothing that would prevent him from being punished for it. He should have been more in control, he shouldn't have snapped just in front of everyone, hell he shouldn't have snapped at all. He was former black-ops for crying out loud. He was still making a list of all his faults when the door opened, letting her come out.

- Sir, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you., she told him before nodding slightly and leaving.

- Colonel O'Neill, come in., he called him in before he could process what had just happened.

- Sir…, he only said.

- Sit down, Jack.

He would have rather stay standing and pace but he obeyed. Hammond looked very angry and he was going to chew his head off for his attitude.

- Do I need to ask for retirement, sir? It would be easier for everyone, I guess., Jack suggested, ill at ease in front of the General's silence.

- Do you think I would agree to that? Do you think you deserve to retire and escape the consequences of your little outburst out there?, his senior officer asked him sternly.

- I… don't think so, sir., Jack agreed begrudgingly.

- We do agree, Colonel. What the hell is the problem with you, Jack? What did she do to you other than having almost the same name as your son? You can't hold a grudge on her for that.

- I was caught off-guard?, O'Neill offered as a meager excuse.

- I don't buy that. You may not want to talk about your reasons with me but you will have to act on them. I cannot let anyone act as you did on my base., Hammond recalled him.

Jack didn't answer because there was nothing to say to save his head. He knew he was right. If anyone did as they wished, things would be out of control down there.

- So, what is my punishment? Stand down, I guess? A little visit to the shrink?, O'Neill suggested.

- You may do so… but it won't be mandatory., Hammond told him, relaxing in his chair.

- How long will I be on stand down?

- You won't be. She has refused to file a complaint against you. Said it was just a misunderstanding and she was tired and nervous because of this new assignment., Hammond told him, looking at him to see his reaction.

- She what?, Jack asked in disbelief.

- You heard me, Jack. She saved your ass taking all the blame on her. So I have to ask you the question: do you want to file a complaint against her?

He saw Hammond's position in his stance. He already knew the answer but he had to proceed what he just learned.

- Colonel O'Neill, we have a briefing in thirty minutes.

- I… No, sir. I won't file a complaint against her. The fault is mine, entirely mine., he whispered, feeling even more like an ass.

- Well, I have two officers taking responsibility for a public argument. I guess the two of them are reasonable enough to find a way to settle this.

- We will, sir… I will., O'Neill assured him.

- Good… Jack, just for you to know, she really did her part on war zone. I won't go into details but she almost got KIA. You may want to think about it before talking to her., the general advised him.

- I will., the colonel promised.

- And whatever is on your mind, solve it. Dismissed., Hammond said.

- Easier said than done., he whispered leaving the office.

He strolled down the corridors and found himself in front of Carter's lab. The door was closed and, for once, he took the time to knock but, as he heard no answer, he opened it slightly, seeing his 2IC totally engrossed in her work. She was alone and he felt a little bit relieved to have more time to think about the things he wanted to say.

- Hey Carter, you're alone., he called her out.

- Well, it seems so, sir. Want something?, she asked him quizzically.

- Just to tell you not to forget about the briefing., he lied.

- I won't. I've just finished. I was reading what the lieutenant has to do while we are off-world., she told him, closing the folder in front of her.

- Carter, look… I'm sorry for my outburst earlier.

- Well sir, I'm not the one you yelled at., she answered.

- I know but I must begin with someone., he told her, offering her a little smirk.

- Where is…

- She's on video conference with some of the engineers of Area 51. She should be back after our briefing., she told him to answer the question he didn't ask but know he wanted to be answered.

Jack knocked on her table with his fingers and nodded to thank her.

- Well Dorothy, let's take the golden path., he suggested, gesturing for her to follow him.

She grinned and did as she were told, hoping everything would get settled. A few minutes later, they found the two other members of their usual team in the briefing room.

- I thought the mission would be canceled., Daniel said, a little surprised.

- It's not. Let's concentrate on the subject, Daniel., Jack told him, not yet ready to explain everything to them.

He needed some time to sort his ideas out and General Hammond's arrival gave him just that.

- So Major, what can you tell us about P9G-7695?, he began.

- The first readings show a planet which is quite similar to Earth. Gravity and atmosphere are obviously normal and suitable for us. There is a village located three miles from the stargate with a hundred people in it, more were spread across the fields surrounding the little town. There are also some ruins in the precincts, gathered in three locations at four, seven and ten miles away from the village, on the opposite direction of the gate., she told them, leaving the rest to Daniel.

- The evolution of these people seems to relate to the beginning of the seventeenth century in Europe. I didn't see anything else that could link them to a specific civilization here on Earth.

- Thanks, Doctor Jackson, Major Carter. Colonel O'Neill, you will depart tomorrow morning at 0800. Major, something we need to know about Lieutenant O'Neill?, he asked her.

- No, sir. We have established her agenda together this morning. She knows what she has to do., she informed him.

- Good.

- Sir, I would like her to have access to our complete reports about the artifacts we brought with all cultural knowledge that we know of. It would help her appreciate their use and the precautions taken by their creators., she asked him.

- Well as you know, she does not have the same clearance as you. She cannot even see the stargate nor going under this level. I will see what I can do to get that out of her way and give her what's necessary to be the most helpful possible., he assured her.

- Thanks, sir.

- You're all dismissed., he told them, leaving the room.

They got out of the room and headed to the elevators.

- So Jack, how did you succeed to stay on the mission? I thought you would be punished for… you know…., Daniel said.

- This is where I go down., Jack said pushing the button for the next level the cab was arriving to.

- So do I., Teal'c concurred.

- Will you go training, O'Neill?, he asked him.

- Sure., Jack said while it wasn't what he had in mind.

He just wanted to escape from Daniel and his questions but he felt compelled to say so.

- I would appreciate it if you accept to be my sparring partner., Teal'c told him.

- We do that, T.

They found themselves face to face and soon fought each other in hand-to-hand combat. They gave the best of themselves during a half hour before taking a break.

- That was good, Teal'c., O'Neill said, patting him on the shoulder.

- I do agree. You may not have the agility of the youth but you have the slyness acquired through experience.

- I am young!, O'Neill protested.

- Well, younger than you are at least., he sobered.

- Lieutenant O'Neill is young and agile. You are sly., Teal'c told in in his usual tone.

- Well, T, that is a heck of a compliment!, Jack sneered.

He took a swig of his bottle of water before looking around the room.

- Hey, wait a minute, you said she is agile. Does that mean you sparred with her?, he realized suddenly.

- Indeed. For the second time this morning. I won but she learns fast. She is a brave soldier, O'Neill, and she just wants to improve by working hard., Teal'c told him.

- I think I get that., the colonel whispered.

- She may even be wiser than I am., he added.

- She tries but, sometimes, she fails… just like you, O'Neill., his friend mused.

With a little bow, the jaffa left him and got changed. The colonel looked at him and then followed his cue. He still needed time but he already knew what would be the third thing he would do when they come back from their mission. He would find Lieutenant O'Neill and apologize to her.

He reached the locker rooms and changed into his civvies, ready to leave and spend the night at home. He turned around when the door opened and saw Daniel coming in, a book in his hand.

- This is the book you must give her., he pointed.

- Hmm, yes it is., Daniel said, setting it down on the bench.

- Civilizations throughout the ages… Good choice. Your version or the other one?, O'Neill asked to him.

- The other one. She wants to understand the background. Jack, what happened?, the archaelogist asked him, fed up with beating around the bush.

Jack took a deep breath before releasing it.

- Sarah got married and has adopted a kid., he whispered.

Daniel looked at him in disbelief then shuffled his hair, taking a sit on the bench.

- I am sorry, Jack. I can only imagine what you must feel.

- She is just a few years older than Charlie would have been. I guess it was a good target to concentrate my pain and anger on. Now, I will just have to swallow my pride and try to make things better.

- Oh yes, you will. But you're a grown man now. You stopped bickering with your fellows in the mess a long time ago, didn't you?, Daniel snickered.

- Smartass… You know you'll pay for that, don't you?, Jack answered, taking his coat from the hanger.

- Have a good night, Daniel.

- Yeah, you do that. Good night, Jack., Daniel waved at him.

As he went out of the room, he bumped into Charlotte. They stared at each other for a moment before stepping away from each other.

- Lieutenant…

- Sir…

- Well… thank you for not…, he began.

- No need to talk about that, sir., she cut him, looking away.

- Maybe… maybe I can come and see you when we come back. You know… have a little talk about…, he trailed, ill at ease because he didn't know how she would react.

- As you wish, sir. You know where to find me. Have a good mission, sir., she wished him, going into the locker room.

He cursed himself for being so awkward and hoped he could use some of his time off-world to find a better way to apologize and make things a little easier between them and for the team's sake too.