Jacob Carter died on a Tuesday evening, but not before he got to make sure Jack O'Neill would promise him to look after his daughter.

Seeing Sam squirm in his backyard that same day and not going to finish what she came to say because his girlfriend came out back and then her phone rang with horrible news of her father made him realize no matter what, he would be there for her. He just can't lose her within his life. She was his best friend. Sure, she was the love of his life, he couldn't even remember loving Sara this much, but still those Air Force regulations stood in their way. And it looked like this would be the situation for a long time.

And with her married to another man maybe their situation will get easier. Everyone would know that she's married and nobody would question a look he would give her or a touch that wouldn't be appropriate for a commander yet perfectly normal for good friends. At least they could openly be friends for the first time and no one would care.

When he arrived on base he directly made his way to the infirmary, but she wasn't there. Only Jacob, lying in the middle of the room, his eyes closed. It scared the hell out of Jack. Shocked he might be too late, but when he was about to retreat Jake spoke.

"She's not here." He told him in a shushed voice.

"What?" Jack's voice sounded more confused. Not sure if he was surprised by Jacob being awake or by being caught to look for the General's daughter.

"Sam, she's in the mess, trying to eat something. I couldn't stand her sitting here any longer, trying not to grieve while I am not dead yet. You were looking for her, right?"

He's a dying man, Jack. At least be honest.

"Yes, she got the news while at my house, I just wanted to make sure she's alright. I mean as alright as she can be."

"I appreciate that. Take a seat, Jack. There will be no other time to talk."

"What do you wanna talk about Jake? Is there anything I can do for you?"

"You can promise me something. Look after her! I know she's an independent woman, a kickass soldier for sure and thinks she can do everything by herself, but she's also my little girl. There will be times when she needs you. She won't admit it, but you will know."

A lump was forming in Jack's throat and he was fighting to remain strong.

"She has a fiancé for this, you know? He will be there to support her and he will love her. He's a good guy."

"I know, I've met him. And that's exactly why I'm asking you. You and Sam, you're so similar in a lot of things. Especially when it comes to admitting you need help, but you're also the first ones to give it to someone. I always thought I would be there on her wedding day and walk her down the aisle, but I never thought about a Pete waiting at the end…"

"Jake…" He warned him not to continue as he knew well where this was headed.

"I know, I know."

"No, you don't. Believe me, Jacob. I tried, they won't let me go. We'lll always be bound by rules."

"I'm sorry!"

"Me too. But I can promise you that I'll be there for her. Hell, I always looked out for her and I won't stop now. We're friends and I can promise that won't change. I will be there for her…"

They were interrupted by Sam's entrance. One last look between the men and they knew everything was said.

A few Tok'ra arrived to say goodbye to Selmak and Jacob as well. Meanwhile Sam sat watching him from the observation room as Jack joined her. She felt his presence long before she heard him. What she didn't know was that his girlfriend just dumped him, because she knew. She even suggested he should retire. When Kerry left the room he laughed bitterly, no one knew how often he had tried to retire, he would have, but they wouldn't let him.

He took the chair next to her. His right sight completely pressed to her left, knees touching. They looked down where companions said their goodbyes.

"You're ok?" He asked her. Her puffy eyes showed that she's been crying, but not a single tear escaped since he was there.

"Actually I'm fine. Good even, strange as that sounds. I thought I lost him four years ago. Since then, we've been closer than we ever were in my whole life. In a way, Selmak gave me the father I never thought I'd know."

He looks at her closely, ready to put his arm around her shoulder.

"C'mere."

She feels safe in his embrace when she reaches up and takes his hand rubbing her thumb over his hand. Snuggling her cheek against it.

"Thank you, Sir." She whispered.

"For what?"

"For being here for me."

It didn't take him long to answer that and he spoke softly.

"Always!"

He felt that he meant what he'd said. He would always be there for her, no matter what.

"Sir," she started, "earlier today, in your backyard…"

"I know!"

"I think I need to say what I came to say."

"No, you don't, Sam. I know what it is. But it won't change anything."

She looked him straight in the eyes and as she opened her mouth to speak she was interrupted by him again.

"Not that I don't want to. I couldn't say anything when you asked me in your lab 'what if things had been different?' Because they aren't different. Sam, they won't let me retire. Believe me I tried. The President won't let me, he says I'm needed where I am. And I'm not letting you give up your career. They won't let you either. So it looks like this same chain of command thing isn't going to change, I'm sorry. I really am. But knowing that you're happy, and that you can finally get a life, a husband, kids, family. That's worth it. You're young and you don't deserve to wait for 'someday' which is unlikely to come soon. I'll always be there for you Sam, you're my best friend, and a marriage won't change this."

That was it. When she was about to answer and ask him if this decision wouldn't be up to her, the Tok'ra waved her down. It was time to say goodbye. While on her way, Jacob took the opportunity to look up at Jack, confirming the promise of their earlier talk.

Sam entered the room and stepped beside the bed, taking her father's hand in hers while he said "I love you!" for the last time in his life. Now the tears streamed openly down her cheeks. Her forehead touched his, not ready to let him go.

What happened then Sam can't remember clearly, it all was a blur. As much as she tried concentrating on the situation, on saving earth, she wasn't as focused as usual.

Her dad dying left her with a big hole in her heart. Sure, she was thankful that the last few years she had a father she never thought she would get, they mended their fences and she got to know a loving, caring man. All she could think of was how much she would miss him.

Jack noticed that she was trying to compose herself. He reached out for her under the briefing room table, his hand on her thigh, silently supporting her to regain control over her emotions. She wouldn't want Teal'c and Bra'tac to see her falter. Thankfully she took his hand, unnoticed by the other two, and squeezed it to let him know how grateful she was for his support.

When Daniel showed up in Jack's office, coming back from ascension again the day ended better as it had started.

They all lost a very dear friend, but defending earth and getting back one friend that seemed lost again helped a lot.

Daniel had to stay in the infirmary at least overnight and she just left the General's office. He was trying to write up the report of the day, struggling to find the words to describe what happened. Still he made sure she'd be okay, offered to drive her home, but she declined. She needed to be alone for a while and still has to inform her brother and her fiancé about Jacob's death. So while she waited for the elevator she sensed someone approaching her.

Sam turned around to see who it was. A slight smile appeared on her face when she recognized it was Teal'c.

"Hey!" Her voice was soft and only a whisper.

"Colonel Carter! I was looking for you."

She was surprised. "Is there anything I can do for you Teal'c?"

"It is I who wanted to know if there is anything I can be of assistance. I am very sorry for your loss! Jacob Carter was a great warrior and a very wise man. Not just because of Selmak. He will be dearly missed."

Struggling to keep the tears at bay but with watery eyes she reached out and touched his forearm.

"Thank you so much. I'm going home, I think I want to be alone for a while. I still have to tell Mark and Pete the news. The General offered to help me tomorrow to organize the funeral, he told me that dad left him a few instructions and he knows what to do. He will be by tomorrow morning, why don't you and Daniel join us around lunchtime? How does Chinese takeout sound?"

"I will make sure we're on time and bring the food with us, Colonel Carter!"

He then drew her close and gave her a comforting hug. She always felt safe in his strong arms. When the elevator doors opened she had to let go, said goodbye and stepped inside. The doors closed again and for the first time since her drive back to base from Jack's she was alone.

Now she sat driving in her classic Volvo, windows rolled down and the wind blew through her hair. She took a deep breath to fill her lungs with fresh air and decided to call Pete first, this conversation would be easier and faster than the one she'd have with her brother.

Only two rings of the phone she heard him greet her.

"Sam, hi, I was wondering if I'd hear something from you tonight."

"Hey Pete! Yeah, look, I just wanted to call you quickly to fill you in, but I need some time alone. I was called in because my father got really sick really quick. He… He died today, Pete."

"What?" Pete was shocked and you could hear that. "But I thought as a Tok'ra he'd live a very long life."

"Usually they do. Look, that is not a secure line so I can't go into detail, but we didn't know how sick Selmak really was. She hasn't had enough strength to save dad. He didn't want her too, because her expertise was needed to defend the planet. We made it, so at least that's nothing to worry about. I still have to call Mark, but I need some alone time tonight. General O'Neill is coming over in the morning to help me plan the military funeral, Daniel and Teal'c will come around noon. Why don't you join us in the afternoon."

"I can do that. Sam, if there's anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you, Pete. See you tomorrow!"

She was home when the conversation ended. Had parked her car while saying goodbye and was now contemplating whether to call her brother from the car or go into the house first. On the one hand she was looking forward to getting rid of her clothes, haven't bothered to change out of the BDU's, on the other hand it was a crystal clear night and you could see the stars shining brightly. That was always her comfort zone, even more now, it was a connection to her father.

Her thumb absently drummed a melody on the steering wheel before she came to the decision it wasn't something she could tell her brother from out of the car. Sam wasn't sure if getting the mail out of the box before entering her home was her way of wasting time, but nonetheless she took her time.

She changed into something comfortable and headed out to her little backyard, phone in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. Sure it wasn't a big garden as the General's, but she had made herself a cozy little corner that was perfect for stargazing if the weather allowed it.

Slowly she dialed the phone number of her brother and sat down in the lounge chair.

"Carter!" Mark answered the phone.

"Hey Mark, it's me, Sam!"

"Sam! What's wrong? You do sound sad."

"Yeah, well, I've got something to tell you and I have no idea how to start." She felt her voice fading.

"Just spit it out, it's always easier that way."

"I was called in today, dad suddenly felt sick. He was I'll, Mark."

"Was? What are you telling me?"

"Dad died today!" She got it out under tears. "I'm sorry. I didn't know before today."

"Oh Sam! I'm sorry too. Lately we got along very well, but I know you two were very close. Was it the cancer again?"

Until now she hadn't thought about what to tell people about Jacob's death. Even Pete had limited clearance. Her brother was the first one she couldn't tell the truth to, but he gave her an excellent out.

"Yes, no one knew. I mean, you know how dad is, not wanting someone to worry about him. I had the chance to say my goodbye and I should tell you that he loves you. You and Penny and the kids."

"Thank you sis. Do you need my help with anything? I could come the day after tomorrow."

"No need, Mark, thank you! My boss and my team are coming over tomorrow to help with planning the funeral and in the afternoon Pete will be here too. I'll let you know about the details tomorrow so you can plan your visit."

"Alright, how are you doing?"

"I miss him. Already. But in general I'm okay."

"Good, try to get some sleep and then I'll hear from you tomorrow, right?"

"Yes and I'll try. Good night Mark!"

"Night Sam!"

Finally she was done for today, everyone was informed about Jacob's death and for the first time she could lean back and reflect on the events of the day. She bent one leg on the chair, resting her chin atop, while wrapping her right arm around it. The glass wine dangling in the left hand. Looking up to the sky full of shining stars she knew her father was up there watching over her.