SGC - 1997

Finishing the report on the entire Hathor incident, Sam closed the file and let out a sigh. Never had she imagined receiving a medal after knocking out a General. As she made her way to the commanding officer's office, she crossed paths with Janet and offered her a smile.

"How are you doing?" she asked, nodding toward Janet's arm in a sling. Janet had taken a bullet during the chaos and was now on a few days' rest.

"I've been better," Janet replied honestly. "Life's not going to be easy alone at home."

Sam nodded, seeming to ponder something. "Would you like to...," she hesitated, studying the younger woman's face. "You can come stay at my place if you want. I have a guest room, and besides, the whole base is on leave for a few days." She added the last part hurriedly, as if justifying her offer.

Janet seemed surprised by the suggestion. "I wouldn't want to impose."

"Oh, don't worry," Sam replied, waving away her concern. "It doesn't bother me, and honestly, it could be useful to have a female ally around the base. Right?"

Reflecting on the offer, Janet finally nodded in agreement. "Do you realize we saved the entire base with just five women?"

The two shared a knowing look before bursting into laughter at the absurdity of the situation.

Colorado Springs - 1997

Parking the car in the supermarket lot, Sam gave Janet an apologetic smile. "This shouldn't take long, but I really have nothing left at home, sorry."

The doc smiled back. "Really? With the lifestyle we lead, you don't keep a fully stocked fridge?" she teased.

Sam let out a small laugh. "Oh, sure, and I even have time to cook balanced meals."

Janet raised her good hand. "Well, in that case, I'm warning you, we're eating healthy tonight!"

They got out of the car, quickly discussing what they could buy for their upcoming days of cohabitation. Engaged in a fervent debate about the necessity of buying Jello, Sam was interrupted by the ringing of her phone.

"Sorry," she apologized, showing the phone. "This will just take a minute."

Janet smiled at her and led the way down the aisles, filling the cart distractedly while Sam talked to her caller.

"Hi, Liz!" Sam answered, a smile on her face. "So, what does Oliver think of the great barn renovation plan?"

"Hi, gorgeous," Liz replied, the phone's volume loud enough for Janet to overhear both sides of the conversation. "Guess what? He loved our plans. We start construction next week."

Sam followed Janet through the aisles, continuing her conversation with the Irishwoman. She was about to hang up when she came face to face with Jack, standing in the middle of the produce section.

Jack froze as well, eventually clearing his throat. "Carter. Doc," he greeted them finally.

"Seriously?" Liz asked on the phone, recognizing her brother's voice. "Wait, what are you doing there? Don't tell me I'm interrupting... anything."

Remaining silent for a few seconds, Sam finally responded as Janet greeted the Colonel. "I'm grocery shopping, Liz. And for the record, we've been talking for several minutes."

"Liz? As in Elizabeth?" Jack asked, equally surprised to hear his sister's name.

Sam nodded as Janet watched the scene in amazement. "Yes," Sam answered one of Liz's questions.

"Yes. Liz, I... Oh." Rolling her eyes, Sam handed the phone to Jack. "She wants to talk to you."

Jack took the phone from her hand, his fingers brushing against hers in the process. "Yes, Elizabeth?" he asked, lowering the volume so no one could hear what his sister might say.

Janet immediately turned to Sam, who was busy examining the contents of Jack's cart. Although the intimate nature of the situation made her think about what life as a couple might be like, she tried not to show it.

"Liz...?" the doc asked, far too curious to understand the situation.

"Elizabeth O'Neill," Sam replied with a sigh. "His sister."

"Oh boy," Janet responded instantly. "We're definitely buying wine!"