Title: Something to talk about

Author: Anna B

Status: Done

Category: SJR, a little angst, a bit of Daniel/Janet

Rating: PG13, maybe a teeny bit R near the end.

Sequel: Sequel to Afterwards

Spoilers: Small ones for POV and Politics, I think.

Archive: SJ yes/ Heliopolis yes

Summary: Sam and Jack have something to talk about

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction intended solely for entertainment,

no infringement in intended to MGM; Gekko or Double Secret Productions.

Copyright (c) Anna B. 2000

Authors Note: I got thinking, a dangerous thing I know, but when I finished Afterwards, I didn't feel it was complete. I knew that there was more to be said at between Jack & Sam. :) It helps to read Afterwards first, but it's not necessary. Oh and there's more of a plot this time, well at least a mission off world.

Feedback is always appreciated.

Something to talk about

By Anna B.

The mission briefing had been hell. From the moment she stepped into the room, she had felt as if everyone was watching her. Naturally the only open seat had been beside him, so she'd been forced to sit next to him for what seemed like forever. Every time his sleeve had brushed against her arm she had felt an electric thrill. That had made it extremely difficult to concentrate on the briefing. She'd fled to her office as soon as the briefing was over. Sam pushed aside the paperwork she hadn't been working on. She'd made it and no one was the wiser. Well, except for Janet. Janet knew something was up and Sam was expecting her to come through the door any minute. She wasn't disappointed.

"Got a minute?"

"Go away Janet, I'm busy."

Janet stepped in the office and sat down, "Oh yeah, I can see how busy you are. Talk."

"There's nothing to talk about, I told you that."

Folding her arms across her chest, Janet leaned back, "I know what you told me Sam. I didn't believe then and I don't believe it now."

Sam looked across her desk at her friend, "Janet, I really don't want to talk about it. I'm fine. I've dealt with what happened and it's over."

"What's over?" Both women turned to see Colonel O'Neill standing in the doorway. "Sorry. Am I interrupting?"

"No," Sam answered, "we were finished weren't we Janet?"

"For now," Janet got up and walked to the door, "we'll finish this discussion later."

Jack stepped into the office to let Janet pass, "If you ladies were in the middle of something I can come back."

"No, Colonel, I was just leaving," Janet said firmly as she left, closing the door behind her.

The silence lengthened until Sam finally spoke, "Please open the door. There's enough gossip going on around here without us meeting behind closed doors."

He did as she asked and then sat down in the chair that Janet had recently vacated, "Gossip? About us?"

Sam permitted herself a small smile at his surprise, "Not just about us, about Janet and Daniel, Major Grant and Captain Bernhardt, any number of people, it's a small base Colonel."

"Grant and Bernhardt, I just don't see that ever happening. Now Danny and Doc-."

"Sir," Sam voice held a hint of disapproval, "I can't imagine you came here to gossip about base personnel."

"No I didn't, but since it seems we are numero uno on the gossip hit parade around here I think it would be better if we have this conversation off base." He stood up, "Dinner tonight?" She nodded, "I'll pick you up at seven. Nothing fancy, you like ribs don't you?"

"Ribs are fine, maybe I should just meet you there." I do not want to do this, she thought, racking her brain for a way out.

"Not acceptable Major. When I take a lady out to dinner I pick her up and drop her off afterwards. Call me old fashioned, but that's the way it was done in my day. See you at seven." Before he could leave the loudspeaker crackled into life. "SG1 please report to the briefing room, SG1 to the briefing room."

Sam got up and joined the Colonel, "Any idea what's going on?"

"Not a clue Carter, not a clue."

"Chevron four engaged."

"So much for ribs," muttered O'Neill as he shifted his pack onto his back. Why did Kruse have to choose today to come down with the Asian Flu and naturally it had infected almost her entire team. Which is why SG1, minus Daniel who was still recovering from the last mission, was about to step through the Gate for the second time in one week.

"Chevron five engaged."

"I'll take a rain check sir," she said secretly relieved to have a respite. The last two days had been filled with preparations for the mission and she had been able to avoid him and his need to talk. She wasn't looking forward to having that conversation with him. All she wanted to do was forget the events that had taken place on PX957. And what had happened afterwards? That she would never forget. It would be a memory she would always hold tightly and cherish.

"Chevron six engaged."

Daniel sat in a wheelchair in the control room watching his team as they prepared to step through the Gate without him. It was a weird sensation, he thought, one he didn't think he liked very much. His eyes were drawn to the slight figure of Theo Stanislus as he stood tensely behind Jack and Sam. Theo was the only member of SG4 who hadn't gotten sick and he looked nervous about joining SG1 on this mission. Daniel knew that the rest of SGC thought of SG1 as slightly odd. He smiled, they certainly were a mismatched set, he thought as his gaze drifted from Theo to Teal'c and over to Sam and Jack who stood side by side at the edge of the ramp. Side by side, mused Daniel, but there was a distance between them that hadn't been there before PX957. They had gone to great lengths to hide it, but Daniel knew it was there, that something had changed. And he knew he had caused it.

"Chevron seven engaged."

The event horizon whooshed out and then settled back, it's surface shimmering, waiting. General Hammond leaned forward and spoke into the open microphone, "Safe trip SG1."

Jack raised a hand in acknowledgment as he and Sam moved up the ramp followed by Theo with Teal'c bringing up the rear. Daniel held his breath as one by one they stepped into the Gate and vanished. When the wormhole closed, the iris snapped into place and Daniel sighed.

"They'll be fine Dr. Jackson."

Daniel looked up at the General, "I know, it just feels, odd, not to be going with them."

never consider trading you for Dr. Stanislus." Daniel returned the General's smile as he wheeled himself out of the room.

***

"Okay campers, you know the drill. Let's secure the perimeter and set up a base camp. Doesn't look like we have much light left." He stepped down the steps that lead up to the Gate and helped SG4's anthropologist up. "Rough trip Theo?"

"I'll never get used to that sir," Theo said as he wiped off the seat of his pants, "Never."

"Sure you will," Jack answered, "You've only been with SGC for what, five months?"

"Yes, sir." Stanislus was surprised that Colonel O'Neill even knew his name, much less the length of time he'd been at SGC. He'd been warned that O'Neill was tough and closed off, unapproachable.

"How many times have you gated?"

"This is my third time sir."

"You'll get used to it," O'Neill smiled at the young man. Hell, he thought, he's just a kid. He knew from his service record that Stanislus came from Detroit and had gone to U of M during which time he'd served in the Air National Guard. He'd been recruited during his dissertation and joined SCG within weeks, all at the tender age of 24. Another genius. Jack's gaze traveled to Sam as she and Teal'c moved carefully around the perimeter. He knew that sooner or later they would have to sit down and talk about what had happened on PX957 and after. He just hoped he could find the words to reassure her, to make her understand. He closed his eyes, damn it O'Neill, he berated himself, why is it that you always do the one thing that is guaranteed to cause the most trouble. Like fall in love with your second in command? And then you take advantage of her the first chance you get. "Damn."

"Sir?"

The young anthropologist 's voice drew him out of his reverie. "Huh? Oh nothing. Let's move out."

A half hour later Theo stood beside the shelter he and the Colonel had just finished putting up. "You share a tent? All of you?"

Jack grinned at him, "All of us, do you have a problem with that kid?"

Theo glanced quickly over at Carter and Teal'c who were preparing the camp fire, "Major Carter's a woman sir."

"Not much gets past you does it?" O'Neill stood up and brushed off his fatigues, his smile letting the younger man know he was joking, "I'm aware of that." Very aware, he thought, painfully aware. "Is that a problem for you?"

"No sir, I like woman, I mean, um-" he stammered furious at himself for blushing, "it's just SG4, sir, well we usually have separate quarters."

"SG4 has eight members, three of whom are female, it makes sense. Here there are four of us, one tent."

"Yes, sir." O'Neill nodded and walked over to join the other team members leaving Theo to berate himself. Stupid, stupid, he thought. He knew that SG1 was different form the rest of teams. He'd heard the gossip about the Colonel and the Major and dismissed it as just that, gossip. As he stood by the tent he watched as Jack joined Carter and the alien, Teal'c. The Jaffa fascinated him and once again he envied Daniel Jackson his position on SG1, to be able to study a culture that closely, to actually befriend an alien. Hell, Jackson had lived on another planet for over a year, he'd married an alien woman. A soft laugh from near the campfire drew his attention back to the couple who now stood slightly apart from the Jaffa. Carter was smiling up at the Colonel, apparently laughing at something he had said. There was an intimacy there, a bond, thought Theo, so maybe the gossips weren't wrong. As he crossed the camp to join them he also noticed a tension, an undefined something between them, that would surface momentarily and then they would move apart.

Sam looked up and smiled as Theo joined them, "Hi. Hungry?"

"Depends on what's for dinner."

"Field rations," she answered, "but Colonel O'Neill does wonders with them, doesn't he Teal'c?"

The Jaffa shrugged, "It is adequate."

"High praise," laughed O'Neill, as he passed a field kit to Theo, "So kid, tell us about yourself. "

Theo took a bit of his rations and grimaced, "Well, sir, I was born and raised in Michigan, Detroit. My dad worked for GM. I went to U of M and then joined SGC, not much to tell."

"That I got from your service file. What do you do when you aren't on duty. Do you have any hobbies? Are you married?"

Theo blushed and once again cursed his fair skin, "I read mostly sir. Study the Stargate. I used to golf, but can't seem to find the time these days." He glanced over at Carter, "I have a girl back in Detroit, but we haven't discussed marriage, sir."

Sam smiled gently, "What's her name?"

"Mary."

"A grand old name," sang O'Neill, ignoring the surprised look Sam gave him.

Theo smiled and relaxed a bit, "Yes it is, my grandfather does that every time we visit."

Jack rolled his eyes and then laughed, "Ouch. It was my grandfather's favorite song. My grandmother was his Mary."

Sam leaned back on her elbows and watched as Jack and Theo talked about music. The firelight was casting shadows on Jack's face that defined the strong lines of his profile. You've real gone and done it, she thought, you've gone and fallen in love with him. The one man you can't have. She closed her eyes against the regret that washed through her. It wasn't fair, falling in love and not being able to act on it. Or more precisely, act on it again. She sat up and wrapped her arms around her legs as the memories surfaced, she could almost feel the touch of his lips against hers. Stop it, she chided herself, you can't go there, you can't have him. "Why not," she whispered dropping her head onto her knees.

"Hey," a soft voice asked, "you okay Carter?"

She opened her eyes to see Jack leaning over her, concern plainly etched on his face, "I'm fine. Just tired." He held out a hand, which she reluctantly took and he pulled her to her feet. It was then she realized that they were alone, Teal'c had taken up position near the tent and Theo was no where to be seen.

"He went to hit the hay," Jack answered her unspoken question and his next words eased the nagging worry she had, "Don't worry, Sam, I won't push. This is not the time and place for us to talk. But I want you to know that we will have that conversation. We can't not have it."

"I know," she said, "and sir, I never doubted your professionalism."

He smiled at her, "I did," he admitted, "let's hit the sack Major."

The next morning SG1 packed up the camp and headed west away from the Gate. After hiking for about an hour, O'Neill called for a halt. In the distance they could see the chimneys of a small town approximately another hours hike away. O'Neill pulled out his field glasses and focused on the town as Teal'c stood at the ready, his eyes scanning the area for intruders. "What do you think Stanislus?" O'Neill asked as he handed the glasses to him.

After focusing the glasses on the town and peering through them for several minutes Theo answered, "It seems to be a pre industrial society sir. Form the look of the town and houses I'd say similar to Earth's early 1600's I'd guess. There is probably a council that runs this town and answers to a ruling body, probably a king. But this doesn't look like a capital city, so I'd guess the ruler lives elsewhere."

"Could that possibly be off world," Sam asked.

"Could be," he replied, "this town has the look of a colonial town."

Jack nodded, "Okay kids, for Theo's benefit, lets go over our game plan. One, until we are certain of the laws, we do and say nothing that can be taken as a threat. Second," he glanced quickly at Sam, "we follow the following guidelines. I am in charge, if anyone asks, Carter is my wife, Theo my scribe, Teal'c my bodyguard. " He and Sam exchanged smiles, "and we try not to get separated okay?"

Theo nodded, he understood the precautions O'Neill was taking. This was his first time on a first contact mission. SG4 usually went in after SG1 or one of the other first contact teams had opened the gate, so to speak. He'd read the reports of what had happened on more than one occasion when a SG team hadn't paid attention to the laws of a new civilization.

Sam smiled at Jack, "Well, shall we head out husband?"

Jack returned the smile, "As you wish wife," he teased, "let's move out kiddies."

The quartet started down the road that lead to the town, moving with a deliberate pace. They had seen no one, but Jack had no doubt that they would soon be spotted and stopped. He wasn't disappointed. Within less than a mile of the town, they were met by several armed men. Jack stepped forward to the leader hold his hands out, palms up and spoke softly, "We are travelers from far away and we come in peace and friendship."

The leader, a tall man in his forties, inclined his head and lowered his weapon, "Welcome travelers to Tyree. I am Rybo Kestee." At his signal his men also lowered their weapons and Jack gestured to the rest of his team to join him.

As the leader's eyes lingered on Sam and Jack quickly decided that the best way to stem any potential problems was to introduce her as his wife. "I am Jack O'Neill, my wife, Samantha," he said simply, surprised at the warmth he felt at saying those words. Sam flicked a glance at him and stepped forward inclining her head in greeting. "My scribe Theo and servant, Teal'c." When the last mentioned member of the party stepped forward a murmur ran through the men.

from the ancient ones."

Jack glanced at Sam before answering, "The ancient ones?"

"Those who came from the stars many years ago and enslaved our people. After the black death they have never returned."

Jack nodded, "He no longer follows the ancient ones, but has joined my people against them."

"You know of the ancient ones and still you fight against them?"

"Yes. We travel great distances searching for allies to join us."

The leader digested this information and then spoke, "Please, follow me, I will take you to the council and so you may speak to them of the ancient ones and your battles."

As O'Neill and his team followed the man to the town they were joined by several young boys, who danced around the quartet and one even reached out boldly and touched Teal'c.

"Rayo!" Rybo yelled, "go home to your mother. I shall speak to you of this later." The boy and his companions scampered off and the leader turned to O'Neill, "I apologize. He is my sister's son and I am afraid she has spoilt him."

"No harm done," said Jack, "little boys are like that."

"Ah, spoken like a father."

"Yes," answered Jack as Sam sensing his pain reached out and wound her fingers through his. Jack squeezed her hand gratefully. "A lifetime ago," he added softly as he looked at her.

Theo watched the exchange with great interest. Clearly the Colonel and the Major were sharing a very private moment, but a child? There was no way they could have kept that a secret. Then he remembered someone talking about the Colonel's ex-wife. They must have had children. That must be it, because this was the first time he'd actually seen the Colonel and Major touch and she was pretending to be his wife. Any speculation about the Colonel and Major fled as they walked through the town gates Theo's head swiveled back and forth. Amazing, it was practically a replication of a town of the pre-Revolutionary era. Like Jamestown or even Roanoke Island. Roanoke Island, the settlement that had vanished with out a trace. Could the Goua'ld be responsible for that disappearance? Before he could voice his opinion the group came to a halt in front of what was clearly the town hall. Their procession through the town had gathered quite a crowd and Theo was grateful for the presence of the Jaffa and the local army who stood between the team and the curious crowd.

Rybo walked up the steps and motioned for O'Neill and his team to follow, pushing open the door they found themselves in the presence of five men. Rybo bowed and then spoke carefully repeating Jack's earlier greeting, "My Lord Mayor, this is Jack O'Neill, a traveler from far away who comes in peace and friendship."

"How do we know he comes thus?" asked the eldest of the five.

"He arrives with his wife, a scribe and one other, my Lord Mayor."

The Lord Mayor and the council glanced at Sam who stood motionless by Jack's side. When their gazes moved to Teal'c one exclaimed, "An ancient one."

"No longer, Councilman Lestra, no longer. This one has pledged his support to O'Neill's people and their battle against the ancient ones."

"The ancient one's are myth, legend," snapped on council member, "a way to explain the dark time."

"You are wrong Janso, there are written records-"

"Tales, stories nothing more," spat the one called Janso, "This man comes here to instill fear in us, to use such lies to defeat us."

"Whoa, just a minute," Jack stepped forward, ignoring Sam's restraining hand. "That isn't true. We are travelers, explorers, not an army."

"Then why," questioned another council member, "does your wife wear the clothes of a man and carry weapons and not a child?"

Jack took a deep breath as he formulated his reply, "Because," he began, "not all places we visit are as civilized as yours. We carry arms for defense only and my wife dresses as a man to protect her from attack." Inwardly he winced as he remembered the troubles on PX957. Sam's attire hadn't protected her then and neither had he. He had only been there to pick up the pieces.

***

Janet rapped softly on Daniel's door, "Daniel, are you in here?"

"Yeah, come in."

Pushing open the door she stepped into the room to find Daniel seated in front of his computer staring into space. "Everything okay Daniel, no pain in the leg?"

He turned and smiled up at her, "No, just itches a little. You here to check up on me?"

"No," she answered, as she sat down on the bed, "Daniel, what can you tell me about PX957?"

"It was a bad mission on a planet where not much went right and I wish we'd never gone there."

Janet watched as a myriad of emotions played over Jackson's face, "Daniel, please. I need to know what happened. Sam won't talk about it. The Colonel told me very little and I'm concerned about Sam. I can't help her if I don't know what happened. I can't help you or the rest of the team either and whatever happened there is affecting all of you."

Daniel looked over at the doctor, he knew that Sam trusted her and that she was Sam's closest friend and she cared about all of them. But he wasn't sure he could talk about what had happened. His gaze fell on the report he had been struggling with. He knew that Jack had deliberately left certain things out of the debriefing and at the time it had seemed like the right thing to do. But now, he wasn't so sure. They had all been traumatized by the event and Janet was probably right, she needed to know what had happened to help them. He could only hope that Sam would understand. Taking a deep breath he began to tell Janet what had transpired on PX957.

"It was such a routine mission. I mean, we arrived, set up camp and then started looking around. I could tell Jack was bored out of his mind. There wasn't much to look at, just a lot of rocks and trees. After a few hours we decided to head back to the Gate since we hadn't found any sign of life on the planet. I was following Jack and Sam up a hill, we were many ten, fifteen minutes from the Gate, when I slipped and fell." Daniel sat motionless staring at this cursor that blinked on his computer screen.

"Was that when you broke your leg," Janet asked softly, reaching over and clasping his hand in hers.

"Yeah," he replied, bitterness creeping into his voice. "That's when I broke my leg. Jack and Teal'c helped me up and Sam," he took a deep breath, "Sam went on ahead to the Gate to active it." He closed his eyes and held tightly to Janet's hand. "We were about, I don't know, less than a hundred yards away from the Gate when we heard her scream. God it was the most awful thing I've ever heard. Jack never hesitated, he took off toward the Gate and Teal'c picked me up and we followed." He bowed his head and fought back tears, Janet sat motionless as Daniel struggled to compose him self, "We were maybe a minute or two behind Jack. When we got there, god, when we got there, Jack was holding Sam in his arms and there was blood all over and this, this," Daniel jerked his hands away from Janet's burying his face in them, "this man laying on the ground. Sam had smashed his head in with a rock," he finished quietly. "Jack told me to dial home and it was then I noticed that, that, Sam's uniform was ripped and half torn off her and I realized what must have happened. " Daniel looked up at Janet his face a study in anguish. "He tried to rape her, he brutalized her and it was my fault," he sobbed.

Janet knelt beside him and wrapped her arms around him, "It wasn't your fault Daniel," she tried to comfort him.

"Yes. It was. If I had been paying attention to the path I wouldn't have fallen and Sam wouldn't have been alone. We would have been there to protect her. Jack would have been with her, " he cried.

Janet stroked his hair, "Hush, Daniel, there are no guarantees in this life. The man who attacked Sam could have as easily killed the three of you and still attacked her."

"Or not," he retorted.

"Or not," she agreed, "but we have no way of knowing what would have happened. We can only deal with what did happen. "

"Sam was nearly raped and killed a man because of me."

"You are half right Daniel," Janet answered as she searched for the right words, "Sam was attacked and defended herself. Like she has been trained to do. You didn't cause the attack. You slipped and fell, it could have as easily been the Colonel or Teal'c who fell. Or Sam."

Daniel starred at her, "Cause and effect Janet. My fall caused Sam to go on ahead, alone. The effect was an attack that could have been prevented were she not alone. It's as simple as that."

Janet stood up and looked down at him, "Fine. Wallow in your guilt if that's what you want to do. But I swear, if you behave like this with Sam or the Colonel I will make damn sure you aren't fit for duty for a long time. I want you to wrap your mind around this Daniel. If you feel like this just try to imagine how he feels. SG1 is his team, he came back from a mission with one team member injured and another had been attacked. He sent Sam ahead to activate the Gate. SOP when a team member is injured. So when you are done feeling sorry for yourself take and minute and think about your friends." She whirled and slammed out of the room, leaving a stunned Daniel starring after her.

***

council to reach a decision and watched as Stanislus and Teal'c moved through the town. From her vantage point it was clear he was asking the same questions Daniel would if he'd been with them. Daniel, she thought as she wrapped her arms around her self. She knew Daniel blamed himself for what had happened on PX957. She didn't blame him, or anyone else for that matter, if there was blame to placed anywhere it was hers. She had been sloppy, lazy, had not been paying attention to her surroundings. She'd not noticed the movement in the woods that would have warned her she was being watched. Not paid attention to the calls of the birds that had warned of an intruder. She had been so intent on getting to the DHD and activating that damn Gate. But she knew that Jack, Teal'c and most of Daniel all were laying the blame on themselves and she didn't know how to take that burden away from them. She closed her eyes against the tears that threatened.

"Penny for them."

She opened her eyes to find Jack standing beside her, "Not worth it." She gave him a wane smile, "I was just watching Theo out there and thinking that he reminded me of Daniel." Which was the truth, partly.

"I miss him too, it feels strange to be here without him," he smiled at her, "However, if you tell him I said that I'll deny it."

Sam smiled back at him, she knew how close he and Daniel were. Despite the almost daily aggravation Jack felt with Daniel, he was his friend. "Any word from the council?"

"Nope, and I don't like the delay. Something about that Janso guy bothered me. Did you get any, uh, sense from him?"

"No. But I thought he was a little to quick to accuse us of being agitators."

"Nothing else?"

She shook her head, "No, but I wasn't very close to him."

Jack scowled, "I don't want to get close to him either. There's something about him-" He stopped talking when the door opened.

"Sir," Theo came in followed by the Jaffa, "I'm sorry did I interrupt?"

"Well, I talked to several people and most of them have never seen the ancient ones, but the from the descriptions that they gave, these ancient ones were clearly the Goua'ld. None of them had ever seen them however. From what I gather, about two hundred years ago a plague devastated the planet. The Goua'ld visited during this time and the story says their leader contracted the disease and died."

"Whoa. Hold up here," Jack looked at Teal'c, "is this possible?"

"As a child I heard stories of a Goua'ld who died of a illness that his host had contracted. But it was told as only a story to frighten."

"But it is possible? Carter?"

Sam shrugged, "I'm not a medical doctor, but if this plague was similar to the bubonic plague or another fast acting virus, there is a remote possibility that the parasite could die."

O'Neill nodded, "Anything else?"

"One old man says that travelers came through the Gate when he was a child, but most of the people don't believe him. One went so far as to say that Old Tays is mad."

"And your opinion?"

"The old man seems pretty sharp sir, but like the Major, I'm no medical doctor."

"Got that. We need to see what we can find out about-" he stopped when someone tapped on the door, "Yes?"

Shriell, son of Ranyo and Keslla."

Samantha." He held out his hand to Sam, "and my servants, Theo and Teal'c."

have pledged my loyalty to O'Neill and his people."

followed by Rybo and the rest of the council members, "and although some of the council believes this to be true, there are others who do not."

not able to earn your trust," he said carefully. "In that case we will leave your world and not return."

laws, they have harmed no one." He turned back to Jack, "Please leave us now and do not return."

As they followed the path back to the Gate, he slowed so Carter could walk beside him. "What do you think?"

didn't sense one. But he's definitely on edge about something. I think we'd better watch our backs."

loosing daylight is a couple of hours, so we're gonna have to make camp. Keep your eyes peeled for a defensible sight."

***

"Any word from SG1?"

The tech on duty sighed and looked up as Daniel Jackson hobbled into the control room. "No Dr. Jackson. They aren't due back for another 48 hours. I told you'd I'd call if they came in early." She turned her attention back to the terminal she was monitoring.

Daniel got the message and left the room carefully negotiating the stairs. At the bottom he stopped to rest and that was where Janet found him several minutes later.

"Daniel, what do you think you are doing?"

"Resting."

Janet rolled her eyes, god help me, she thought, he's getting more and more like the Colonel every day. "I thought I told you to stay off the leg."

"Yeah, well, I had some stuff I needed to check out."

"In the control room?" She leaned against the wall folding her arms across her chest, "They aren't due back for another 48 hours."

Daniel gave her a sheepish look, "I know, but I just needed to," he looked down at his feet, "I miss them. I'm worry about them."

Janet smiled, "I understand. Come on, I'll buy you a cup of coffee." She reached out and wrapped an arm around his waist and lead him down the hallway.

Daniel sat at a table and watched as Janet crossed the mess hall to join him. He'd never thought about how she felt when they were off world. Taking the cup of coffee she handed him he asked, "Do you worry when we're off world?"

"I worry when any team is off world," was her candid reply, "but I guess it's fair to say I worry more when SG1 is off world."

"Really?"

Janet suppressed a smile at the eager look on his face, "Yeah, well, SG1 holds the record for most injuries in the line of duty," she teased. "Oddly enough, it seems to be a civilian member of the team that gets hurt the most."

Daniel had the good grace to blush, "Yeah, I guess. Jack says it's because I act before I think."

"Is he right?"

"Yeah, probably. But don't tell him I said that."

Janet reached over and patted his hand, "Your secret is safe with me."

Daniel gazed at her intently and then smiled, "I suspect it is. Thanks Janet."

"For what?"

"For being here. For being such a good friend, for listening to me."

"That's what I'm here for Daniel. Anytime. Day or night." She smiled at him, "so are you really as impetuous as the Colonel says or just clumsy?"

***

They seldom spoke, but he could see the connection between them. The sign of a good command team, he wondered, or were they lovers? Before he'd joined this mission he'd not formed an opinion on the rumored relationship. He knew that when they returned he'd be interrogated about them. He glanced back at the silent figure of Teal'c as he brought up the rear. He knew the Jaffa was loyal to his teammates and whatever he'd seen or heard he kept his peace. I only hope I can follow his example, he thought. But the truth was the Major and the Colonel had done or said nothing that convinced Theo that the rumors were true. Besides, he mused, as he climbed up an incline, it's not my or anyone else's business.

Sam glanced back and gave the young anthropologist a quick smile, he was keeping up pretty well. She knew he'd spent time in the reserves, but he'd come aboard SGC as a civilian and Jack's pace was hard enough on her sometimes, let alone a civilian. She reached up and brushed her hair back, with any luck they'd be making camp soon. She knew it wasn't going to be the relaxed evening they'd shared last night, not with the implied threat of Janso and his followers. She almost jumped when Jack touched her lightly on the shoulder.

"What do you think?" he asked pointing to a small out cropping of rocks.

She followed his gesture, the sight was higher than the trail and from her angle looked defensible. "It looks good from here sir."

Jack nodded and turned back to the two men who were following, "Carter and I are going ahead to scout for a campsite. Take a few minutes rest and then follow us." He glanced at Teal'c who nodded understanding as Jack and Sam moved away.

Several minutes later they arrived at the spot he'd pointed out earlier. They could set up the camp out of sight of the path, but from the higher elevation they could keep close watch on any comings and goings. Sam stood and watched as Teal'c and Theo walked up the path toward them. "How far from the Gate do you think we are?"

Jack joined her, "I'd say another six or more hours," he glanced toward the setting suns, "I think it'd be best if we got a few hours shut eye and head out at first light. We each take a two man watch."

Sam nodded, "Can I suggest that we forgo the tent and sleep under the stars. It's getting dark now and the less we unpack, the less we have to pack up in the morning."

"I agree. We'll eat and then try to get some rest," he pulled out his field glasses and surveyed the horizon.

"Anything?"

"Nothing, maybe we were wrong about Janso."

"Maybe, but my gut instincts tell me the man has a hidden agenda."

Jack grinned, "I've learned to trust your gut Carter," he said as he draped his arm over her shoulder. They stood in companionable silence for several minutes each lost in their own thoughts as they watched the suns slide below the horizon.

"Wow," Sam whispered, "beautiful." She relaxed leaning against him stealing a moment to pretend they were just Sam and Jack, two people who loved each other.

"Oh yeah," he breathed, as he slipped his arms around her waist and savored the feeling of holding her in his arms, if only for a minute on this alien planet as they watched the dual suns sink and darkness slowly envelop them. The sound of footsteps pulled them apart as they turned and joined Teal'c and Theo. After a quick dinner of field rations, Sam and Teal'c took first watch while the Colonel and Theo settled in for a couple hours of shuteye.

The morning broke clear and crisp as Sam rolled out her bedroll and shivered. Right now she was regretting her agreement with Jack that they not build a fire, because right now the only thing she wanted was a hot cup of coffee. As if he was capable of reading her mind Jack walked over and grinned at her, "I promise, when we get home I will take you out for the biggest strongest cup of coffee you've ever had."

"We won't have to go far, we'll just let Daniel make it," she shot back as she attended to her bedroll, "But don't expect a lot from me for at least an hour, I don't function well without my morning caffeine."

"So I've noticed," he teased her as he helped her on with her pack, "Ready to go campers?" Shrugging at the apparent lack of enthusiasm he lead the way back to the main path and toward the Gate.

watched as the Colonel and Major settled side by side underneath a spreading tree. The Jaffa sat apart from the rest keeping a weather eye on the path below. Stanislus lowered himself against a rock and closed his eyes. This mission had been uneventful, he thought, nothing like the other SG1 missions he'd read about. On the other hand, part of him was glad it had been. He had no desire to be either a hero or a martyr. He found he was especially surprised at the people of SG1. Colonel O'Neill was not the cold, closed off man he'd been warned about. He had a sly wit and had made sure that Theo felt that he was part of the team. He opened eyes and glanced over to where the Colonel sat talking quietly with Major Carter, who had been described as an ice princess by one airman. Theo smiled, she must have brushed that one off, he thought, because he'd found her to be warm and friendly and genuinely interested in what he had to say. And the Jaffa? Did anyone really know Teal'c?

"Other than watching us," Jack said, "which he's been doing the entire mission. I like the kid, he's no Danny, but then that might be point in his favor."

"I suppose you're right. Well, they can talk all they want. I just want to get home," she leaned forward and rubbed the calves of her legs, "and take a long hot shower."

O'Neill pulled his gaze away from her as he tried to banish the idea of taking that long hot shower with her, "Yeah and a good nights sleep."

Sam nodded, "And a good hot meal."

"Which I still owe you. We have a date for the first night of downtime."

Sam looked at him, "Yes we do," she answered despite the sinking feeling in her stomach. They'd managed to put the tension between them aside for most of the mission and she had foolishly hoped that things would return to normal when they'd return.

Jack stood up and wiped off his pants, "Then lets hit the road Major, I have a hankering for ribs."

***

"Hey Janet."

The doctor looked up from her desk slightly irritated at the interruption, she had charts to dictate and reports to get out. "What Daniel?"

quite capable of begging if he thought it would get him anywhere, "Okay, but it'll have to be quick. I have a ton of work to do and I would like to get home early enough to tuck Cassie in tonight. Give me one minute."

and went to get her purse. He was enjoying getting to know Janet better, he thought. Usually when they went out it was a group and Sam and Janet always had their heads together. Time to start living, he thought, to put the past behind you.

think that you'll be able to go home tomorrow Daniel, you seem to be moving around much better. "

the control room you wouldn't be so bored," Janet teased.

I'll be a good guy and stay out of your hair for the next twenty four hours."

***

over at the Colonel who nodded indicating that he too had heard the noise. Suddenly a small figure jumped out into their path and Teal'c leapt forward lowering his staff weapon.

crying out loud are you trying to get yourself killed."

I had to warn you." He was clearly frightened.

were dangerous and the Elder was foolish to let you leave. That you had things that we needed."

Janso said he was going to kill the two men and keep the woman for himself. " It was clear the child didn't quite understand that, "Don't know why he'd want a silly girl, but that's what he said."

know where they are?"

the gate, but I knew a shortcut and caught up with you first."

his voice.

without being spotted and then we may have to make a run for it." He knelt down and put his hands on the boy's shoulders. "I want you to run home and tell your uncle what is happening."

militia stepped out in front of them. Teal'c and Theo each reached for their weapons in the same instant.

wishes to defeat you so he may run the council. To prove he is better able to defend us from travelers from sky."

"The old man told my people that visitors came through the Gate when he was a child. Was he telling us the truth?"

ones returned. But the people hid and they didn't stay. It was believed that they came back to destroy the people who had killed their leader and when they found no one they left us alone. You are the first to appear since that time."

planet has nothing for the Goua'ld, if they believe the population was wiped out during the plague then they will probably not return."

a planet of death."

stories you keep remembering. Okay, let's get this show on the road, I'd like to get home in one piece."

they saw no sign of Janso and his followers. While Carter dialed home, O'Neill said his farewells to Rybo and his men and Theo took the opportunity to gather a few more cultural tidbits. SG1 walked up the steps and with wave one by one they stepped into the wormhole and materialized on the other side.

the General. "Glad to be home sir."

to Sam, "I thought Daniel'd be here to welcome us home. I guess he didn't miss us at all."

was driving us all crazy asking if we'd heard from you."

followed by Janet.

***

General. She just wished he would get this over with so she could get out of here. A poke at her hand drew her attention away from the speaker. Jack slipped a piece of paper in her hand and returned his gaze to the doctor. Sam turned it over and read it silently, 'Pick you up tomorrow at 7 PM. No excuses.' She knew there was no way out this time. SG1 was going to be on world until Daniel was fit for duty. She and Janet were going to take some time to further study the bubonic plague and see if it was a viable weapon against the Goua'ld. Jack as usual had a pile of paperwork to study. But first, General Hammond had given them a week of downtime. She sighed, might as well get this over sooner than later. She glanced over at him and nodded her assent.

***

O'Neill got out of the car and glanced down at his watch, he was early. For once the traffic had been with him. Shutting the door he strode up the walk to Sam's building and arriving at her door, he pushed the doorbell.

"Come in it's open."

Pushing the door open he stepped in, "What have I told you about locking your door?"

Sam came down the hallway, "I was expecting you, besides I'm a big girl and I can take care of myself."

"Never said you couldn't. These are for you." He held out a bouquet of flowers.

Sam smiled at him, "Thank you. I'll go put them in some water. Do we have time for a drink?"

Jack followed her to the kitchen, "We have time, the Floating Rib doesn't take reservations."

"Beer or wine?"

"Beer for me, I've got it." He reached into the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle, "What are you having?"

"Wine. Go sit down, I'll be right out."

A few minutes later Sam joined him in the living room. Jack watched her walk across the room and hesitate before joining him on the sofa. "Sam, we have to talk about what happened after PX957."

She took a sip of her wine and carefully placed it on the table before answering him, "Do we?"

"We can't ignore it."

"Can't we?" Please say we can, that, as much I'd like not to, we can go back to where we were before, she thought.

Great, he thought, this is going just great, how come she had to be the only woman in the world who didn't want to talk? "Sam do you regret what happened?"

Sam dropped her gaze to her hands, do I regret what happened, she thought. Regret that you had reached out without hesitation, that with each single touch and each kiss you healed me? How could she regret that? "No," she whispered, "do you?"

"What?" she had spoken so softly he hadn't heard her question.

"I asked if you had any regrets about what happened."

"God no, of course not."

"Then this conversation is over, we have no regrets. We move on right?"

Jack looked at her in surprise, "Over? No this conversation is not over. Sam, we have to deal with this. We've danced around it, we tried to ignore it, but we can't, we need to talk about this."

"This. It. You can't even say it, can you? We had sex. Jack. S-E-X."

"Was that all it was, just sex?"

Sam looked at him in surprise, his question caught her off guard. "Yes. No. I don't know-"

"Well I do. It was than just sex and if you were honest with yourself, you'd admit that."

"Okay, maybe it was more, but it can't be more."

Jack set down his beer, "Because you don't want it to be or you won't let it be?"

"I don't know," Sam stood and began to pace avoiding his gaze. "Damn it I don't know. Why do you have to be the one man in the world who wants to talk? Most guys would just be happy to have scored."

"I'm not most guys."

"My luck," She stopped and wrapped her arms around herself, "Jack I don't have such a good record when it comes to relationships. I don't know how to make them work."

"My track record isn't exactly great either Sam, but that doesn't mean I've given up."

"Damn it Jack, it's hard enough to make a relationship work, but we have so much against us." Oh my god, she thought, I just admitted I want a relationship with him. Maybe he didn't notice.

He had, "Are you saying you want a relationship with me," he asked softly, hopefully.

"It's impossible," she answered choking back tears, "you know that."

"I seem to remember you once saying it was possible."

Sam closed her eyes at that memory and the unbidden vision of Jack kissing the other Sam, the one who had been married to her Jack. "I said that the alternate universe or parallel life theory was possible."

"I know what you said, but was it what you meant? Damn it Sam, if we can fall in love and marry in that universe, or whatever, why can't we do it here?" Shit, he thought, did I just say that?

Sam looked at him, surprised. "Because, in this universe we are Air Force officers. There are regulations regarding fraternization."

"That are broken every day, all over the world, come on Sam, you and I both know that. Hell, they are broken at SGC with alarming regularity. Not a viable argument."

"I don't break the rules."

That got Jack laughing, "How can you even say that with a straight face? Okay so maybe you don't actually break rules, but you certainly know how to bend them. You have to admit that much."

She permitted a small smile, "Occasionally I have been known to bend a rule or two, but this is not the same and you know it. If we get involved we are willfully and knowingly going against regulations. We could be subject to a court martial, stripped of rank and separated."

"Sam," he moved over to her and gently laid his hands on her shoulders, "I know the risks, but I think what we could have together is worth those risks."

She looked up at him and saw the truth in his eyes, "I'm scared. Everything has changed so quickly. I'm terrified that in the end I could end up losing everything. Everything that means anything to me, you. SG1, my career-"

"I wish I could give you a guarantee Sam, but I can't. I'm scared too, scared I'll fail again, scared I'll lose you if I screw this up. But I need you in my life and I'll agree to whatever you decide. We can take this a slow as you need," pulling her against him he placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head, "I can't explain it Sam, but I think we are meant to be together."

Tilting her head up she looked at him, he means that, she thought, it's not just words. He truly believes that we are supposed to be together. It surprised her, he was the last person she would have dreamed believed in fate. Part of her wanted to agree with him, to fall into his arms and surrender to the emotion. But that other part of her, the practical part of her, the soldier, the scientist, was telling her use her head, to weigh the pros and cons.

"Sam?" Jack watched her face, sensing the battle she was waging with herself.

"I think so too."

"You do?" He wasn't sure if he had heard her right.

"Yes, I do." She smiled at him, "Getting cold feet Colonel?"

"Not a chance Major."

He kissed her then, and Sam found she felt strangely shy with him. What would this mean, where would this go? She pushed aside the fears, questions and doubts and relaxed in his arms.

Jack sighed contentedly and he focused on her, exploring her with his lips and hands. He slid his hands down her back and then found his way up her rib cage and to her breasts. They sank onto the couch oblivious to anything but each other. He continued to caress and explore, hands burrowing beneath her blouse, savoring the softness of her skin. Each kiss was more persistent, each caress more intimate than the one before.

Sam felt as if she was losing control of her body and the sensations were frightening, overwhelming and thrilling. As she gave herself over to them, she gave her self over to Jack. He kissed his way down her body, unbuttoning and removing clothing as he went. He lingered at the curve of her waist, at the slight swell of her belly. Sam groaned with frustration, trying to urge him lower, but he had other ideas. He slid his body along hers and buried his face against her neck, murmuring assurances in her ear.

Sam took the initiative, using her hands and mouth to explore and expose his body. His broad shoulders, stomach ridged with muscles. She caressed and gently kissed the scars that marred his flesh, offering him healing and softness. She ran her hands along his spine, her lips gently caressing his throat.

Jack wrapped his arms around her, groaning at the softness of her breasts against him. He was amazed at the sense of rightness, how she fit against him. Somewhere the thought that he shouldn't be feeling like this, flitted through his mind, only to be replaced with the overwhelming need to be inside her, to possess her.

eyes, nothing else mattered, only this moment and this feeling. This commitment. She closed her eyes against the sensations that were taking control and overwhelming her. Her legs tightened around him as she drew him deeper within her, hot, sweet words of love melting into inarticulate cries of passion as he thrust against her. She felt herself going over the edge as Jack joined her in free fall.

pressed against his chest, one leg tangled with his. His arm was around her, holding her loosely. She had no idea what time it was. She shifted slightly and the arm around her waist tightened.

priorities straight."

girl, she thought, I like the sound of that, Jack's girl.

order in."

"Suddenly," she whispered as she moved toward him, "I'm not so hungry after all."

The End

Hope you liked it. Let me know