Jack strode through the halls of the SGC on his way to Hank's office, his mind still replaying his conversation with President Hayes. The summons back to D.C. hung over him, and now he had to make sure everything was in order before he and Carter left again.

When he reached Hank's office, he knocked lightly on the doorframe before entering. Landry looked up from a stack of reports, raising an eyebrow.

"Jack," Landry greeted. "I take it you've got some news?"

Jack nodded and sat across from him, folding his hands in his lap.

"Yeah, I just got off the phone with Hayes. Filled him in on everything—the handover of Davenport to the Brits, the interrogations with Danvers, Stroud, and Montague. He's pleased with the progress." Jack paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "He also asked when I plan on heading back to D.C."

Landry leaned back in his chair, observing Jack with a thoughtful expression.

"Ah…Your actual job. The one I suppose you still have. And what did you tell him?"

"Soon," Jack replied. "Tomorrow, probably. But before that, we've got a few things to take care of. I gave Hayes the full rundown on Montague. The intel we pulled from him paints a pretty clear picture of how everything went down, but I'm not taking it at face value yet."

Landry raised an eyebrow. "Meaning?"

"We've still got one person who can either confirm or contradict Montague's story," Jack explained. "Mitchell. If Montague's telling the truth about the drugs and the blackouts, then Mitchell might remember something when he wakes up. You must cross-check Montague's claims with what Mitchell can recall—if anything."

Landry nodded slowly, rubbing his chin as he considered Jack's words.

"That makes sense. So, when Mitchell regains consciousness, we'll run him through everything Montague said, see if anything jogs his memory."

"Exactly," Jack said, leaning forward slightly. "If Montague's story holds up, we can wrap this up nice and neat. If it doesn't… well, we've got a different problem on our hands."

Landry let out a breath and nodded in agreement.

"I'll ensure we debrief Mitchell when he's fully conscious, and Dr. Lam's team tells us he is ready."

"Good," Jack said, then hesitated briefly before continuing. "I also asked Daniel and Teal'c to check the list of smuggled items Montague provided and cross-checked with the cartoons. See if it checks and if they can name more buyers. We need those names, Hank. Put pressure on them. As for me, my job here is done. Hayes wants Carter and me back in D.C. to finish things up there. We still have Clayborne out there."

Landry gave him a knowing look.

"And once this is all over, Jack… am I going to have my Colonel back in SG-1 fighting the Ori? Or is this a permanent reassignment to Homeworld?"

Jack exhaled deeply and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

"That's not my call, Hank. The President's the one who pulled her for Homeworld Security, not me. I'd like to see her back where she belongs, but it's up to him."

Landry nodded but didn't push further. He could see the uncertainty in Jack's eyes, even if the man would never admit it.

"Well, whatever happens, you know she's always got a place here."

Jack smiled faintly. "Thanks, Hank."

With that, Jack stood up and prepared to leave. Landry gave him a nod of respect before returning to the paperwork on his desk. As Jack exited the office, he felt a strange sense of finality creeping up on him. It wasn't just the mission wrapping up—it was the uncertainty of what came next for him and Carter.

Jack decided to find Carter to give her the news in person, but when he reached her lab, it was dark and strangely empty. The whiteboard was filled with her meticulous notes and connections, but there was no sign of Sam herself. Jack frowned, glancing around the room.

"Where'd you go?" he muttered, stepping back into the hallway.

He passed several scientists and staff, none of whom knew where she was. Finally, he spotted Vala walking toward him, as always, with a mischievous grin on her face.

"Looking for someone?" Vala asked casually, her tone carrying that usual teasing lilt.

"Yeah, you've seen Carter?" Jack asked.

Vala nodded, her grin fading slightly.

"She left the base not long ago. Looked upset."

Jack's expression hardened in concern.

"She said where she was going?"

Vala shrugged.

"Didn't say. But knowing her, I'd guess home."

"Thanks," Jack said, his tone tight.

Vala gave him a curious look. "Everything all right between you two?"

"Yeah," Jack replied quickly, but Vala wasn't fooled. She gave him a sly smile but said nothing more as she walked away.

Jack hurried to the surface, his mind racing. If Sam had left the base upset, something had bothered her enough to push her to take off without a word. He didn't like her being alone, not with everything going on.

Once he reached the surface, Jack entered the car assigned to him and headed straight for her house. The drive felt longer than usual, his mind running through all the possible reasons Sam might have left so abruptly. They had been through a lot lately, and Jack knew how hard she could be on herself. Maybe the weight of everything was finally catching up with her. Or she was having second doubts about them.

When he pulled up to her house, Jack parked and stepped out of the car, taking a deep breath before walking up to the door. He knocked softly, waiting for a response. After a few moments, the door opened, and there stood Sam, looking surprised to see him. Her eyes were red like she'd been crying, but she quickly tried to compose herself.

"Jack," she said, her voice a little strained. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," Jack replied gently. "Vala said you left the base and looked upset. You do look upset."

Sam glanced down at the floor, avoiding his gaze.

"I just needed some space. Had a lot on my mind."

Jack nodded, stepping closer.

"You want to talk about it?"

She hesitated momentarily, then stepped aside, letting him into the house. Jack followed her inside, closing the door behind him. Whatever had driven her away from the base, they would figure it out together. After everything they had been through, there was no way he was leaving her to face it alone.

Sam swallowed hard, the tightness in her throat betraying her internal struggle. As Jack stood in her hallway, his gaze fixed on her with concern and confusion, she struggled to find the right words. She had changed from her BDUs into a more casual T-shirt and jeans, starkly contrasting the formal military attire that usually defined her day. The casual clothing felt like a shield, a way to guard herself against the emotional weight of the conversation she was about to have.

"What's going on, Sam?" Jack asked, his voice gentle but tinged with confusion. His eyes searched hers for answers, but Sam's throat felt dry, her voice catching as she spoke.

"I could ask you the same question, General," she replied, her tone cool and clipped as she used his military rank, a sign of her frustration and hurt.

Jack's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"What does that mean? And why are you calling me General?" he asked, his confusion deepening.

Sam turned and walked towards her living room without waiting for a response. Jack followed her, his footsteps echoing softly in the quiet hallway.

"Sam?" he called out again, his voice now laced with concern.

She settled onto the couch, crossing her legs and leaning back with a resigned sigh. The casual pose was in stark contrast to the emotional turmoil she was feeling. Jack sat down beside her, trying to gauge the situation.

"Sam? What is it?" he asked again, his voice a blend of gentle prodding and genuine worry.

Her expression was a mix of hurt and determination.

"I thought we said we would be honest with each other, Jack," she said slowly, each word deliberate, as though it took all her strength to get them out.

Jack blinked, clearly caught off guard.

"We did," he confirmed, his confusion evident.

Sam bit her lip, and a heavy silence filled the room. She looked away, her gaze distant, and Jack's heart began to race with anxiety.

"And? Come on, talk to me, Sam," he urged gently, trying to bridge the gap between them.

Finally, Sam's jaw tightened, her gaze shifting back to him with an intensity that made Jack shift uncomfortably.

"What have you done all day, Jack?" she asked, her voice low but sharp.

Jack's throat tightened as he hesitated.

"I've been working," he said, the words coming out more as a deflection than a complete answer.

Sam shook her head, and disappointment was evident in her eyes.

"Working? You told Daniel and Teal'c about the interrogations but never mentioned anything to me. Why?" Her voice was barely a whisper, but the hurt was palpable even if she knew she wasn't entitled to it deep down. That she was a damn hypocritical, but it hurt nonetheless.

Jack took her hand, his grip firm yet reassuring.

"Honestly, I didn't want you present," he admitted. His eyes were earnest, trying to convey the truth behind his decision. "I was questioning our suspects—Danvers, Stroud, and Montague about you, among other things. I didn't want you there listening because I thought it might be better for you not to hear everything directly. Especially Montague."

Sam's mouth opened slightly, but she didn't speak. Instead, she closed it again, her frustration and confusion evident in the tight line of her mouth.

Jack continued, his tone softer now.

"Maybe I should have told you after the interrogations. I'm sorry if I didn't. It's been a hectic day. We can talk about it now if you want."

Sam's silence was heavy, and Jack's heartbeat quickened as he tried to gauge her reaction.

"I didn't mean to hurt you, Sam. I'm just trying to keep our work and personal lives separate. Please understand that," he pleaded, his voice filled with regret and desperation.

Sam took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

"Yeah, I understand that," she said, her voice strained. "I just wish you had told me beforehand. I understand that our professional and personal lives must be separate, but I... I was just..." Her voice trailed off, and she closed her eyes, struggling to contain her emotions.

Jack's hand moved to her shoulder, his touch gentle and reassuring.

"Hurt. You were hurt with me," he said softly, completing her thought.

Sam leaned into him, her face finding refuge in the curve of his neck. God! Why was this so difficult?

"It takes time to get used to this," she admitted, her voice muffled against his skin. "I know I was being childish, but I felt hurt when I found out you questioned Montague without telling me."

Jack swallowed. Major Marcus Montague was definitely a subject they needed to address. The last thing he wanted was another 'Pete' situation between them.

"I needed to question him and wasn't sure how the interrogation would go—whether it'd stick to operational details or…" Jack cleared his throat, "…or whether it would touch on your abduction. I wanted to spare you that," he said gently.

Sam sighed.

"I understand, but we can't ignore what happened, Jack. We haven't really talked about it yet. And I think we should, or we risk creating another rift between us—like Pete. What do you think?" She asked, her hand resting on his knee.

"I think you're right. We need to talk about what happened on that planet. Do you want to start, or should I?" he asked, taking her hand.

"You go first."

Jack squeezed her hand a little tighter.

"When you disappeared with him through the Stargate, my heart stopped. I remember shouting at Hank, and we went after you. And then, when I walked into that cabin and saw you on the ground, your jacket torn, your shirt…" Jack's voice caught, his breath growing heavier.

Sam bit down on her lip.

"Yeah... it was a close call. Things were getting bad just before you arrived. I fought as much as I could, but the handcuffs…" Her voice faltered, and a tear slipped down her cheek.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry I didn't get there sooner," Jack said, pulling her tightly.

Sam closed her eyes, her tears falling onto his neck.

"You got there, Jack. You got there just in time and saved me," she said, her voice breaking.

He held her closer, his lips brushing against her neck.

"I'm sorry, Sam. I'm so sorry, honey," he whispered.

Sam's tears continued to fall, but the word "honey" registered in her mind. They held each other in silence for a few minutes until she began to calm down. She gave him a quick kiss and wiped her face.

"I don't want to talk about it anymore, Jack. It's over. Can we leave it at that?" she asked, sniffling.

Jack nodded.

"If you're okay with it, so am I. I've already punched him. Teal'c's already punched him. We're good," he said with a slight smile.

Sam chuckled.

"I saw how carefully you two 'escorted' him back to the Gate."

Jack took a deep breath.

"He also tripped a lot. You know, rocks and all."

Sam shook her head with a small smile.

"At least we talked about it. That's progress," she said.

Jack smiled softly, his own emotions softened by the moment.

"This is all relatively new to both of us, Sam. We're adapting. I think it's just... normal."

She chuckled softly, the sound a faint whisper of her previous frustration.

"We are anything but normal, Jack," she said, her lips pressed against his neck again, not moving from her favorite position.

Jack took a deep breath, his fingers gently caressing her shoulder.

"I know, but sometimes we can try to be normal. You know, like now. Two people sitting on a couch in a living room," he said, glancing around with a touch of humor. "A very tidy living room, by the way. You're really a control freak, aren't you?"

Sam's smile grew, even as she remained nestled against him.

"Maybe a little," she admitted, her voice warm.

Jack's lips brushed against hers, his kiss tender and reassuring.

"Back to us being normal," he murmured between kisses, his hands holding her gently as they shared this intimate moment.

Sam's fingers gently threaded through Jack's hair as she leaned into the kiss, her earlier anxieties giving way to a softer, more vulnerable side of herself. She felt the warmth of his breath and the strength of his presence, and it was comforting to be in this moment of closeness where the world outside their tiny bubble of comfort seemed to fade into the background.

When they finally pulled back, their foreheads resting against each other, their unspoken agreement was explicit. They were navigating the murky waters of their dual roles as colleagues and partners, and it wouldn't always be easy. But in that shared moment, they understood that the effort to bridge their personal and professional lives was worth it.

They sat there for a moment, wrapped in each other's presence. Jack's arm around Sam was a steady comfort, a tangible sign of his commitment to their relationship. He took a deep breath, the sense of calm and connection between them offering a welcome reprieve from the stresses of their daily lives.

Sam snuggled closer, resting her head on Jack's shoulder and finding comfort in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. She decided to let the "honey" comment slide—it was probably just a slip of the tongue.

"You know, Jack," she murmured, her voice barely more than a whisper, "sometimes it's nice to just be here, like this. No pressures, no expectations—just us."

Jack's smile was tender as he kissed the top of her head.

"I couldn't agree more. Sometimes, the best moments are the simplest ones, where we can just be ourselves. And we haven't that often."

As they sat together in the quiet of the living room, their shared space felt like a sanctuary—a place where they could let their guards down and find solace in each other. Their challenges as a couple were still present, but they now had a deeper understanding of each other's needs and emotions. In this moment, they found comfort in their connection, reassured that they were together despite the complexities.

But Jack couldn't stay still very long with her by his side, so his lips brushed against Sam's. Their kiss deepened, as well as their positions on the couch. The warmth of their shared moment was abruptly interrupted when Jack gently pulled back, his expression shifting to one of grave concern.

"Sam, there's something else I need to tell you," he said, his voice steady but carrying an undertone of urgency. "I talked with Hayes earlier. He's requested our presence back in D.C. as soon as possible. I'm planning to leave tomorrow morning if you agree."

Sam's brow furrowed slightly as she looked up at him, her arms still draped around his neck.

"Did you discuss my situation with him?" she asked, her voice hinting at apprehension.

Jack hesitated for a moment before responding.

"I did. Hayes said he read your reports and was very impressed. As such, he wants to speak with you at the White House. You've been sending him reports?"

Sam sighed deeply, the sound a mixture of frustration and resignation.

"Yes. He asked me to keep him updated on everything, and it's part of my function," she said without going into much detail. And seconds ago, she had been mad at him about honesty. Sam swallowed hard. Karma was indeed a bitch.

Jack passed a hand through his hair.

"So what kind of reports? Because I've just given him a detailed report before coming here…" he said slowly.

Sam knew what he was implying and that he was also fishing. So she did something she wasn't particularly proud of but knew it would be effective. She wrapped herself more tightly around Jack, straddling him with an air of finality.

"I don't want to talk about investigations, interrogations, or President Hayes right now," she said firmly. "I want to spend our last hours here in Colorado Springs enjoying each other's company."

Jack's eyes softened with affection as he met her gaze. A small, understanding smile played on his lips.

"I couldn't agree more," he said, his voice warm and filled with a sense of resolve.

Jack effortlessly picked Sam up with a gentle but firm grip, cradling her in his arms as if she were the most precious thing in the world. Her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist, and she nestled her face into his shoulder, finding comfort in his embrace.

Jack carried her with purpose, their destination clear in both minds. As he moved toward her bedroom, the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the sanctuary of their private space. The house's quiet enveloped them, broken only by the soft sounds of their breathing and the rhythmic thud of Jack's footsteps.

Once inside her bedroom, Jack carefully set Sam down on the bed. He took a moment to look around the room, appreciating the soft lighting and the way it cast a warm glow over the space. The room was inviting, a perfect setting for their intimate farewell to Colorado Springs.

As Sam lay back against the pillows, she looked up at Jack with anticipation and tenderness.

"This is our time," she said softly, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Let's make the most of it."

Jack smiled, his eyes reflecting the same sentiment.

"Absolutely," he agreed as he began to undress, his movements slow and deliberate. He focused solely on her, creating a serene atmosphere where they could relax and connect without distractions.

Sam, in turn, slipped out of her jeans and T-shirt, her movements graceful as she readied herself for their time together. The intimacy of the moment was palpable, the weight of their earlier conversation dissolving in the soft light and the warmth of their shared space.

When Jack finally joined her on the bed, their bodies pressed together in a comfortable embrace. The night was filled with quiet, whispered conversations and gentle touches. They explored each other's skin with a tenderness that spoke of their deep connection, their movements in sync as they lost themselves in the simple joy of being together.

The hours passed in a slow, dreamlike haze. They made love with a passion that was both tender and intense, each touch and kiss a reaffirmation of their bond. With its demands and responsibilities, the outside world seemed distant and unimportant compared to the closeness they shared in that room.

As the night wore on, they held each other close, their bodies intertwined beneath the soft sheets. Sam's head rested on Jack's chest, her ear catching the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Jack's arms wrapped protectively around her, his fingers lightly tracing patterns on her back.

When the first light of morning filtered through the curtains, Jack and Sam lay entwined, their sleep gentle and restful—the night had been a precious gift, allowing them to reconnect and reaffirm their bond before returning to the world of duty and responsibility.

As they prepared to leave for D.C., the memories of their last night in Colorado Springs would stay with them, reminding them how their relationship was strengthening and the depth of their commitment to each other. The journey ahead would be challenging, but they faced it knowing they had shared something significant in their final hours.

Eventually, Sam would have to reveal the full extent and depth of her investigation for President Hayes, but that was a conversation for when she was back in D.C. Until then, she intended to cherish every moment she had with Jack, even if it meant compromising the honesty she had promised at the start of their relationship. She kept reassuring herself that it was all in the name of national security, but deep down, she knew fear held her back—fear of telling him the truth.

She knew she was being a coward and dreaded how he would react when he finally discovered the scope of her investigation. Would he understand? Would he forgive her? Would they still have a chance at a future together? Or would duty ultimately destroy everything they had built in these past months? She preferred not to dwell on it for fear that her heart would break and her mind would shut down. And she couldn't afford either.