TITLE: Take A Chance
AUTHOR: XFManic
EMAIL: xfmanic@lycos.com
CATEGORY: Romance, humor, angst, Jack and Sam, Challenge #684
SPOILERS: Cold Lazarus, A Matter of Time, Divide and Conquer
SEASON / SEQUEL: 4th Season
RATING: PG
CONTENT WARNINGS: Male/Female Relationship
SUMMARY: Jack has something to ask Sam, but someone from his past almost jeopardizes his future. Response to Challenge #684
STATUS: Complete
ARCHIVE: Heliopolis, Sam & Jack Archive, please contact me first for any others
DISCLAIMER: Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions. This story is for entertainment purposes only and no money whatsoever has exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author. Not to be archived without permission of the author.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: I was wondering what story to follow-up Colour My World when I was searching throughout the Heliopolis site and found the challenges. Thanks Sarge for the idea! Also, a big thanks to Ange and Denise for "volunteering" to participate in the story. For arguments sake, Jack and Sam are in a committed intimate relationship that is okay with General Hammond for some reason or other. As usual, send me your comments.

"Has it really been two years?"

Samantha Carter smiled. "Yes, it's been that long. Why? Not memorable enough for you?"

"Quite the contrary," Jack O'Neill replied. He smiled back at Sam as they peered out into the stars from his observation deck near his house. "It's just amazing that two years has passed since..."

"Yeah, I know."

Sam remembered for a brief moment that fateful day when she and Jack had to handle the awkward silence between them. Just moments before, they were forced to reveal their true feelings for one another in front of a roomful of people. It wasn't exactly the scenario that she had in mind for their first romantic encounter together, but the Zatarc issue had to be resolved. Once their uneasiness subsided, the joy they both felt of their mutual attraction was almost difficult to contain.

"Sam?"

She quickly got her mind back to the present. "Sorry, Jack. I guess I zoned out there for a minute."

"You, zone out? I thought I was the expert in that field."

Sam appreciated his ribbing when it came to "quiet" moments between them. Lately, her mind had been wandering, and it was pretty obvious to Jack.

"Is there something wrong, Sam? I've noticed that you've been zoning out a lot lately. As your CO, I think it is my responsiblity to ensure that each one of my team is operating at 100% capacity."

"Will you stop that? We're off-duty, Jack, so you don't have to keep up the military protocol. This is our quality time together. Don't blow it!"

"Yes, ma'am," Jack replied while giving her a mock salute.

Sam couldn't help but smile at his antics. It was always like this between them for as long as they've been dating. She would be in some kind of melancholy mood, and Jack would try to break the quiet with one of his wise-ass remarks. It usually worked. Yet, Sam admitted that lately, the novelty had been wearing thin on her. She just couldn't summon the resolve to tell Jack.

"Seriously, Sam," Jack continued. "I can tell that something is bothering you. At the very least, something is on your mind that you're not telling me."

Sam hesitated. "Um...it's nothing...really."

Jack wouldn't quit prodding. "One thing I know about you is that when you hesitate, that means you're thinking about something. And believe me, you've hesitated *more* than a few times in the past five minutes."

Sam didn't answer immediately. It was obvious that something was very much on her mind.

"Sam?"

She looked at Jack. Her eyes revealed a secret to Jack that he knew affected him in some way. What is it?

Sam took a breath. "Jack...I'm just wondering where we're going?"

Jack gave her a look. "Where we're going? What do you mean by that?"

Sam showed disappointment. "You said so yourself..."

Jack gave a questioning look.

Sam continued. "...that two years has passed."

Jack nodded. "Right. I was just commenting that I couldn't believe its been that long."

"Exactly my point. We've been together for two years but haven't progressed in our relationship."

"Really? I thought we've been progressing pretty well."

"Oh? Explain to me how you think we've been progressing in our relationship?"

Jack felt a standoff coming, so he took his answer slowly. "Well...we have always been friends and the added intimacy has been beneficial for both of us. Also, we are still able to work well together even though we've been involved romantically."

Sam waited.

"Um...we also look forward to spending quality time together...like tonight for instance. If I didn't spend time with you, I would probably be inside trying to find a hockey game on the tube and drinking my fill of beer."

"Ah...the Jack O'Neill perspective. I just don't know *how* I have been able to survive all these years without it," Sam replied with more than a hint of cynicism.

Ouch! "Um...Sam..."

"Yes?"

Jack could see the dark cloud forming above her. "Um...tell me what the problem is. What's on your mind?"

Sam's face softened. "Jack...I can't really get all into details right now, but let's just say that I've had feelings of..."

"Yes?" Jack anxiously asked.

She turned to look at him. "Well...I just want to know if I can count on you to be around."

"Be around? Of course I'll be around. For crying out loud, what on earth makes you think I'm going anywhere?"

Sam didn't answer.

"I may not have a PhD., but I can tell that there's something up that you're not telling me."

Sam tried to wave it off. "It's nothing, Jack. I just feel a little insecure lately."

"There's no reason to feel that way, Sam." He put an arm around her shoulder. "If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm in love with you."

Sam smiled at him and gave him a small kiss on the cheek.

"While we're on the subject, I was thinking..."

She looked at her watch. "Um...it's getting late, Jack. I need to get some sleep. We have that early briefing in the morning." She started to get up.

Jack felt as though he was punched in the stomach. "You have to go? I thought you were going to stay over."

Sam shook her head. "Not tonight, Jack. I feel like I need to be alone in my own bed tonight."

Dejected, Jack didn't press the issue. "Okay. I understand. Let me walk you to your car."

She shook her head again. "That's okay, Jack. I won't slip and fall. You get some sleep, okay?" With that final word, she gave Jack another kiss on the cheek and climbed down from the deck.

He watched her leave. I guess I'll have to talk to her about it later...

Jack tried to fight the yawning as he headed towards his office. He had a heck of a time getting any sleep. The strange conversation the previous night with Sam only worried him more. Though he didn't feel as though it was anything too serious, he knew Sam too well to know that if something was bugging her, it definitely was something to worry about. The timing couldn't be worse. He had something to ask Sam, and after last night, he felt that he had to talk to her about it very soon.

As he neared his office, he heard his phone ringing. It took him a few seconds to unlock the door as he struggled to find his key. Finally stumbling through the door, he was able to catch the phone.

"O'Neill!"

"Colonel? Are you okay? You sound out of breath," said the familiar voice of his CO.

"General! Um...no, I'm fine, sir. What can I do for you this morning?" Jack asked as he looked at his watch. <6:33> Kind of early for the old man, isn't it?

"I need you to come by my office at 0700."

"Okay, sir, but I thought we had a debriefing at that time?"

"It's been postponed until 0800."

"May I ask why, sir?"

"Just come by my office, Colonel. Everything will be explained then.

"If you say so, sir."

Jack hung up the phone but couldn't help but be curious as to what the general wanted. Trying to recall events from his memory, there weren't any recent episodes from their last few missions that warranted any special investigation or inquiry from NID or any other department for that matter. None of his team members have been put on report. And even though Teal'c lived off-base now, he made sure that he never revealed whom he was or what he did to anyone not involved with the Stargate program.

Great! Like I need something else to worry about.

Jack picked up the phone and called Sam's lab. After several rings, he figured that she wasn't on base yet. He tried another number.

"Infirmary. Fraiser."

"Good morning, Doctor. It's Jack. How are you doing this morning?"

"I'm fine, Colonel. Sam's not here if you were wondering."

"How did you know that I was looking for Sam?"

"Because you never call down here unless you're looking for her."

Silence.

"Colonel? You still there?"

"I'm thinking!"

"About?"

"How to get back at you for that remark."

Janet tried to stifle her giggle but did not succeed.

"I don't think it's *that* funny, Doctor."

"Yes, sir. I'll let Sam know that you are looking for her if I see her."

"Thank you."

Jack hung up the phone and looked again at his watch. <6:38>

Where the hell is she?

Daniel Jackson raised his glasses to his forehead and massaged his eyes. He had trouble sleeping on the military issue bed and sheets but stayed on-base too late the previous night to even attempt the 30-minute drive from the mountain to his apartment. As he sat up on his uncomfortable bed, part of him regretted that he did.

On the table were various books and some artifacts brought back from SG-9's recent mission to P7A-628 that he had been translating. That was the next mission for SG-1 as it was discovered there were more than trace amounts of Naquada and other important minerals and elements that they could bring back samples. Daniel was excited to know that there were structures that were reminiscent of ancient Peruvian civilizations based on the reconnaisance photos brought back by the MALP. However, the writings on the artifacts were more akin to Gaelic to Daniel's surprise. Yet, there were some derivatives of Peruvian words that made it even more puzzling.

He heard a knock at the door. "Yes?"

"Daniel?" came the muffled reply from the other side. "Are you just getting up?"

"Sam?" Daniel replied while walking towards the door. He put his glasses on and looked at his watch. <6:45> He unlocked the door and opened it to be greeted by a fresh-faced Sam standing with a slight smile. Yet, Daniel could tell that there was something on Sam's mind. "This is a bit early for you, isn't it?"

"Early? We have a debriefing in 15 minutes. I stopped by to see if you wanted to grab a cup of coffee at the commissary."

"Oh? I guess you didn't get the change."

"Change?"

"Yeah. General Hammond emailed us last night to say that it's been pushed back another hour to 8am."

Sam's face crinkled. "I just got in. I haven't checked my email yet."

"Well, I could use more sleep. I stayed way past my bedtime last night looking at some of the writings on those artifacts SG-9 brought back."

"Anything interesting?"

"You can say that, but I'm looking forward to our mission today so that I can check out some of the ruins myself."

"Yeah, I'm sure you will."

Daniel definitely noticed his friend acting rather odd. "Sam? Are you okay? You seem like your mind is a bit preoccupied."

"What makes you say that?"

Daniel took another look at Sam. "Well...I'm no psychologist, but you look as though you have the weight of the world on your shoulders."

Sam showed a disgusted look.

"Now why did you give me that face? Did I hit a nerve?"

"Daniel, I'm not really in a mood to talk about it. Yes, I admit that there is something bothering me, but I just want to think about other things right now."

He nodded. "Okay...I'm not going to push. But you know that if you ever need to talk..."

Sam smiled. "I know. Thanks. I might take you up on that offer."

"Ah, there you are!"

Both Sam and Daniel turned towards the door to see Jack standing just outside the room.

"Good morning, Jack. I guess you didn't know about the change in our briefing?"

Sam was visibly agitated, but still was able to give a small smile. "I didn't know about it either, sir. Daniel just told me."

"Oh, I know about it. In fact, General Hammond called me about the change as soon as I got in my office. It seems that it's been pushed back, because of some other reason that I'm going to see him about in a few minutes."

Daniel's eyebrows shot up. "Oh? You don't think that we're in trouble or anything, do you?"

Jack shook his head. "I doubt it. The old man didn't sound agitated, even this early in the morning. Whatever it is, I need to get going."

Sam gave him a half smile as he waved them goodbye. Daniel noticed the tension in her face but decided to not mention it.

Jack stood outside of General Hammond's office. His mind was still going through the small exchange he had with Daniel and Sam. Any worry that he had earlier only got worse, but he had to try to concentrate on whatever was awaiting him on the other side of the door. He lightly knocked.

"Come in!"

He opened the door and stepped inside. There were two females seated directly across from General Hammond's desk. One was Major Kind from SG-5. The other was someone whom Jack hadn't seen in quite a long time. Quite frankly, I thought I would never see again.

"Good morning, Colonel O'Neill," General Hammond greeted him. "Thank you for coming. I wanted you to meet the new CO of SG-5."

Both women stood up from their seats as Hammond got up from behind his desk and started to introduce them to Jack.

"You already know Major Denise Kind," Hammond continued. "She's been interim CO for the past five weeks."

"Um, yes," Jack replied. "Hello, Major."

Major Kind gave a small smile and nodded.

"She'll now be second-in-command to Lt. Colonel Angela Preston," Hammond said.

With her introduction, Preston extended her hand towards Jack. "I don't think the general knows this, but Colonel O'Neill and I served together."

As Jack shook her hand, Hammond raised an eyebrow. "Really? I should have guessed. I remember reading in your file that you had extensive black ops training."

Preston nodded. "That's correct, general. Jack and I had a few missions together during the Persian Gulf war."

Hammond looked over at Jack who was noticably subdued. "Is that so? Well, it looks like the major and I are the ones to meet you for the first time."

Preston smiled while Jack's expression was blank.

"It's nice to see you again, Jack. It's been a long time."

Jack hesitated. "Um...yes, it has. Nice to see you alive and well, Ange."

Hammond could *feel* the tension between them. It was obvious there was more going on in front of him then the simple pleasantries being exchanged. And I thought this was going to be a routine welcome.

"Colonel, why don't you show Colonel Preston around the SGC?"

Jack looked instantly uncomfortable. "General, couldn't Major Kind do that? We have a debriefing with SG-1 in less than an hour."

Hammond shook his head. "Major Kind has some pressing matters to attend to on my request. As far as the debriefing, it can be delayed for awhile. Besides, you're not scheduled to go off-world until 1500."

"But General..." Jack started to protest.

"Colonel, am I to understand that my second-in-command, whose duties include welcoming new personnel to the SGC, will not be courteous enough to show the new CO of SG-5 around?"

Jack hesitated. He recognized the tone. Hammond was dressing him down but at a much more restrained level for the sake of the two female officers present in the room.

"Of course not, sir. I'll be happy to show Colonel Preston around," Jack finally replied with a feigning smile. He noticed that the two women were trying to stifle their laughter.

"So what's the deal?"

Sam looked at Janet with a questioning eyebrow.

"Your boyfriend called me earlier looking for you. He sounded a bit agitated. Something happen between you two?"

Sam let Janet's question hang in the air as she sipped her coffee. With some time to kill until SG-1's debriefing, she decided to go to the commissary with Janet. Daniel had been asking her too many probing questions that Sam was not ready to answer. Yet, Janet seemed to be taking up the slack.

"You're avoiding the question, Sam."

"Huh? Avoiding what?"

Janet gave her a smirk. "You know exactly what. That cup of coffee in front of you isn't going to give you any answers. Heartburn, maybe, but not answers."

Sam smiled. "Well, I know who to go to if I get heartburn."

Janet laughed. "Good one! Now are you going to tell me what's really wrong?"

Sam hesitated. "I...I honestly can't give you a definitive answer. It's a lot of things I guess."

"Tell me."

She looked at Janet. The concern in her friend's eyes touched her deeply. She realized at that moment how much her self-turmoils have been obvious to everyone. Sam took a breath. "Yesterday was the second anniversary that Jack and I realized how much we cared about each other."

Janet nodded as she recalled the events as a witness herself.

"Well...it's been two years, Janet. I feel as though Jack and I have reached the limit of this stage in our relationship, and he doesn't seem to mind in the slightest."

"What do you mean?"

"He acts as though all this between us is enough for him. We get together after missions or on down-time and just hang out at his place or at a bar or something. It's like he stopped trying to be romantic anymore. On top of that, he seems to try harder to be distant when we're on missions as though he doesn't want Daniel or Teal'c to see him weak or something."

Janet thought a moment. "Sam...what is it that you want exactly? Have you talked to Jack about any of this?"

"I tried to last night. Remember that we're talking about Jack O'Neill, who would rather be tortured and joke his way through life than reveal to everyone that he's human. Or did you forget how he revealed his true feelings for me to begin with?"

Janet laughed. "You're right. He practically denied his own feelings until he had no choice to help prove he wasn't a Zatarc."

Sam nodded in agreement. "Yeah, he was about to get his brain fried by Anise just so he didn't have to reveal the truth."

Janet shook her head. "Jack O'Neill can be one stubborn man."

Sam smiled. "Yeah, but he can also be romantic when he sets his mind to it."

"So what is it that you want him to do?"

Sam hesitated. "I guess...I....I just want to know how important I am in his life...in his future."

Janet's eyes widened. "You're not telling me that you're wanting him to pop the question?"

Sam didn't answer and looked down at her cup of coffee instead.

"Oh, Sam...remember that we're talking about Jack O'Neill."

Sam's eyes filled up with tears. "I know."

"But you love him, don't you?"

Sam nodded. "More than he'll ever know..."

"...and finally, this is the control room, which is the heart of the SGC. From here, we can input the destination to the next world as well as being Earth's first line of defense against an alien attack through the Stargate."

Preston peered through the blast shield at the awesome structure on the other side. "So that's the Stargate, huh?"

Jack nodded. "Yep, that's it alright. Kinda impressive, isn't it?"

Preston agreed. "It certainly is. So you just walk through that thing and you're instantly on a different world?"

"Well...yes, but we have to *dial* out and connect to another Stargate to activate a wormhole so that we can travel to that world."

"Yes, I remember reading some of that information when I was at the Pentagon."

"You might feel a little queasy the first couple of times. It's like doing a barrel roll with 10 G's hitting you all at once, but you get used to it."

Preston smiled. "I appreciate you showing me around, Jack."

"No problem. After all, it is part of my duties as second-in-command," Jack quipped.

Preston laughed. "Yes it is. I'm glad that you still retained your sense of humor."

Jack waved towards the corridor. Preston took the lead in that direction followed by Jack.

"I heard about Cromwell. I'm sorry, Jack. He was a good man."

"Yeah. I thought I was still mad at him for what he did in Iraq all those years ago, but he did what he thought was the right thing to do."

"Don't blame him, Jack. I know that he was racked with guilt for years after that even after he found out you were alive and made it out."

"Yeah, well I made my peace with him. In fact, he sacrificed himself for my life."

Preston grimly nodded. "I know. I read the file. Even though I've known about the Stargate program for over a year, I only learned what happened to Cromwell just a few months ago working with Major Davis in the Pentagon. I was shocked! A black hole?"

"Yeah, well I was there, remember? Two weeks passed, and it seemed like a day to me. Even now, I don't understand that whole time inversion thing."

As they were walking down the corridor, Jack noticed another member of SG-1 heading towards them.

"Hey, Teal'c. Where are you off to?" Jack asked.

"Good morning, O'Neill. Do we not have a debriefing with General Hammond regarding our next off-world mission?"

"Um, no. I guess you didn't read your email."

Teal'c shook his head. "I just arrived 10 minutes ago. It appears that the electricity in my apartment went out in the middle of the night. I was not awoken at the proper time."

"Don't worry about it, Teal'c. The debriefing is postponed for now. I need to check with the general, and then, I'll let you know."

Teal'c bowed his head in acknowledgement.

"I've been showing SG-5's new CO around the facility. Teal'c, I want you to meet Lt. Colonel Angela Preston. Colonel, this is Teal'c."

Teal'c bowed his head again. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Colonel Preston. I assume that you have met the rest of SG-1?"

Preston shook her head. "Actually, I've only met you and Jack. I'm looking forward to meeting Major Carter and Dr. Jackson."

At the mention of Jack's name, Teal'c raised an eyebrow at the obvious familiarity, which Jack didn't fail to notice.

"Um...Colonel Preston and I knew each other awhile back," Jack tried to explain.

Teal'c gave a small smile as if to say "Sure. Fine. Whatever."

"Well, I'll talk to you later, Teal'c," Jack said while lightly pushing Preston past him.

"I am sure we will see each other again, Colonel Preston," Teal'c said as they departed.

"I'm looking forward to that," Preston replied back to him while Jack led her quickly through the corridor.

Sam was heading back to her lab when she saw Jack on the other side of the corridor walking with another female whom she didn't recognize. Neither of them had seen her yet as they appeared to be in the middle of a discussion. Sam felt her pulse increase instantly and decided to head into the nearest storage room before the couple spotted her. She didn't feel like a confrontation with Jack or inquiring about the new female officer. The door was slightly ajar so that she could listen in on their conversation as they passed. However, they stopped just past the open door.

"...it's not a big deal, Jack," the female said.

Sam felt a twinge of jealousy at the mention of his name. Jack? She called him 'Jack.' Who the hell is this woman?

"Well, it's a little awkward for me, Ange."

Ange? He called her 'Ange.' Who the hell is this woman?

"Why do you say that?"

"What do you expect, Ange? I haven't seen you for well over 10 years, and then you just show up here. Why is it that I wasn't informed earlier of you becoming involved with the Stargate program? Is it because I would have had some objections of a conflict of interest?"

"Conflict of interest? Jack, we're ancient history, remember? Our careers wouldn't let us get that involved with each other. Besides, I only got the confirmation a few days ago. I think Hammond only found out yesterday himself. It was a tough screening process to begin with. I had been requesting to be transferred here, since I first got involved with the program at the Pentagon over a year ago."

"And why did you want to get involved with this program?"

"It was a new challenge, Jack. You know how I love challenges."

"Oh, yes. All too well. In fact, I remember how you almost got my ass shot off in Tunisia, because you just couldn't follow orders."

Preston laughed. "Ah yes, well, those were much wilder days for me."

"Whatever."

"So when can I meet the rest of SG-1?"

"Well, we're still having a debriefing sometime this morning and then we're going offworld after that."

"I'm definitely looking forward to meeting them, particularly your Major Carter."

Sam felt her heartbeat increase at the mention of her name.

(Pause) "Really? What makes her so interesting?" Jack asked.

"Remember that I was at the Pentagon, so I read many of your field reports. I noted how much you seem to depend on Carter on every mission."

"What's wrong with that? She's a good soldier as well as a really smart woman."

"As her exemplary service record shows, but I get a distinct impression that you're sweet on her."

Sam heard no response from Jack.

"What's the matter, Jack? Cat got your tongue?"

"Of course not! I just don't understand where you get these ridiculous ideas from."

"After that response, Jack, I'm believing that it's true."

"You know something? I don't remember you being this nagging when we were involved. What happened?"

Sam felt her palms perspire. Involved?

"I haven't changed that much, Jack. You just have a lousy memory."

"Listen, I need to check with Hammond about this debriefing. If you have any questions, ask Major Kind. She knows what she's doing."

"What about you, Jack? I can't ask you?"

(Pause) "I'm..uh..going to be a bit busy the next few days, Ange. Maybe when I get back from this mission, we can have lunch or something."

"If you say so."

With that last remark, the two went off into different directions. After a couple of minutes, Sam felt it was safe enough to depart from the room and head towards her lab. There were many things brewing in her mind, and she needed the comfort of familiar surroundings to ease her anxiety.

"...As you can see on this section of the pylon, there are distinct writings akin to the..."

Jack stared at the report in front of him without the least bit of comprehension. Daniel was doing his usual in-depth presentation of the various writings found on an alien planet that reminded him of some lost Earth civilization. As usual, Jack didn't listen. Yet, his mind was also distracted by his earlier encounter with Preston and how he had to tip-toe around his relationship with Sam to avoid any awkward moments. Speaking of Sam, Jack noticed that she had been rather short with him prior to the debriefing. In fact, even though Sam was sitting directly across from him, she avoided eye contact as much as possible. Something was definitely up...

Sam tried to avoid looking at Jack. Her mind felt like a tidal wave of emotions that she could not explain or control. She tried to concentrate on Daniel's presentation as well as the report in front of her, but she couldn't focus. After what she overheard in the corridor between Jack and "Ange," her insecurities about her relationship with Jack began to spring forward in her mind. Part of her knew that he hid a past which he never talked about other than occasional references about Sara or Charlie. He also never talked about his days with Black Ops or about any previous relatonships before Sara. Sam felt frustrated to know that Jack was not willing to share that part of himself with her. Yet, this "Ange" person knew Jack's past fairly well, and she hated to admit a twinge of jealousy.

"Major? Do you have anything to add?"

Two years together and Jack still didn't feel comfortable enough with her to talk about his life prior to the Stargate program. Sam felt as though Jack didn't trust her enough to openly talk about his past. It was obvious that "Ange" and Jack had something quite volatile at one point, but Sam couldn't tell from what she overheard just how volatile they were. Maybe that's why Jack has trouble opening up with me...

"Major? Did you hear me?"

After all, it took Jack four years to openly admit his true feelings for me...

"Major!"

Sam broke out of her thoughts as she realized that everyone in the conference room was staring at her. "Sir?"

"I was asking if you had anything to add to Dr. Jackson's findings regarding P7A-628," General Hammond replied.

Sam took a quick breath. "Um...no, sir. 628 appears to have a few trace elements of Naquada as well as some other minerals based on the samples brought back by SG-9. Nothing really out of the ordinary."

Hammond gave Sam a concerned look. "Is something wrong, Major Carter? You look preoccupied."

She felt herself blush. "Nothing, sir. I'm fine. Thank you."

"Colonel? Do you have any concerns with this mission?" Hammond asked.

"Only that there are more trees on this planet than any of the other ones we visited combined," Jack replied.

Hammond smiled. "I'll take that under advisement. Well, if that's it then, dismissed."

Sam quickly gathered her papers and proceeded to head out of the room.

"Carter? Can you wait up?"

Sam felt her heart rate increase upon hearing his voice, but she stopped just outside of the room. Teal'c and Daniel walked by her with some curious looks but didn't say anything.

"Sam, what was that all about in there?" Jack quickly asked.

"Oh, well, I, um...you know...Daniel's presentation and all...I, um..." Sam stuttered through her explanation, "I guess I was kinda...um, lost...in my thoughts. I didn't realize Hammond said anything to me."

"That's something I don't ever remember you doing in a debriefing."

"Yeah, well...I'm sorry, Jack. I didn't do it on purpose or anything."

Jack nodded. "Okay, that's fine. I'm not really worried about that. I was just wondering if you have time for a cup of coffee with me."

Sam looked at her watch. "Normally, I would love to, Jack, but I need to get my gear ready before we head off to 628."

Jack frowned. "I get the distinct impression from you that you're avoiding me for some reason. Care to tell me why?"

Sam shook her head in response. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Jack. I'm fine."

"Hammond may have bought that routine, but I know you better. What's going on?"

"There's nothing wrong, Jack. Will you just drop it!"

He was surprised by her sudden outburst. Taking a quick look at Sam's face, Jack could tell that she seemed ready to explode, and he was at ground zero.

"If that's all, Colonel...permission to go to my lab?"

Jack was again taken aback by the formality. Rarely did they ever revert back to their ranks unless Hammond was somewhere nearby. He nodded his response to which Sam turned on her heels and headed down the corridor. Jack watched her quick strides away from him.

Yep. Something is definitely up...

"Chevron three locked."

Jack triple-checked his gear as he stood in the embarkation room with the rest of SG-1. It had been a couple of hours since Sam's outburst in the corridor, but she still avoided looking at him or talking to him. Daniel and Teal'c avoided eye contact with him as well. What the hell is going on?

"Chevron four locked."

Jack felt the hair on the back of his head stand up. It was something that he grew accustomed prior to each mission. Yet, he was also feeling anxiety-ridden with Sam's recent behavior.

"So this is the rest of the famous SG-1..."

Jack instantly recognized the female voice through the blaring of the klaxons. He turned around to see Ange coming into the room. The rest of his team did the same.

"Chevron five locked."

"I wanted to see the gate initiate up close and personal. I also wanted to meet the rest of SG-1."

Jack noticed that Sam's face changed slightly...from one of being unreadable to one of being slightly agitated.

"Chevron six locked."

"I'm Lt. Colonel Angela Preston, new CO of SG-5. This is my first day, but I wanted to meet you all."

Daniel stepped forward. "Daniel Jackson. I'm pleased to meet you, Colonel," he replied while extending his hand.

Sam followed. "Colonel. Major Samantha Carter. Nice to meet you as well," she said in an even voice.

Ange shook both of their hands.

"Chevron seven locked." With that announcement, the familiar swoosh of the opening wormhole engaged out towards the ramp before settling back to a calm, blue, liquid-like event horizon.

"Wow!" Preston commented.

Jack smiled. "Yeah, I know. It doesn't matter how many times I see that. I'm always impressed."

Ange returned his smile, which Sam noticed, before returning her attention back to the Stargate. "I've read about this, but until you see it in person..."

"SG-1...you have a go!" Hammond's voice boomed over the speakers.

SG-1 started walking up the ramp. Jack paused to smile at Ange. "Well, it's time to go to work. I'll see you later."

Sam slowed her stride to overhear their conversation.

"Don't get your cute butt shot off, Jack. I'll see you when you get back."

Upon hearing the obvious fliratious remark, a disgusted Sam headed into the wormhole.

SG-1 had a five-mile hike to the ruins that SG-9 had discovered. Along the way, Sam picked up soil and plant samples. Jack was lost in his thoughts but kept his eyes aware of their surroundings for any unexpected surprises. Teal'c watched their sixes, as usual.

"Pretty lady, Jack."

He turned to see Daniel walking up next to him. "What?"

"That new CO of SG-5...Preston. She's pretty."

Jack nodded. "I didn't really notice."

Daniel ignored the sarcasm and continued. "Did I detect a slight Aussie accent coming from her?"

Jack was surprised. "She was born near Adelaide and grew up there until she was 12 before her parents moved to Washington State. She worked hard to supress her accent. How in the world did you notice?"

"I'm an expert linguist, Jack. Remember? I just noticed the voice inflection in some of her words. It wouldn't be detectable to the untrained ear."

Jack shook his head. "Show off."

"I also noticed that there was a bit of familiarity between the two of you."

"What is that supposed to mean?" he asked in a much more harsh tone than he intended.

Daniel knew he touched a nerve and pressed on with a slight twinkle in his eye. "Well, I did get the distinct impression back in the gateroom that you and Preston know each other. Since you obviously know about her Aussie background, I thought you might have known her from before her arrival to the SGC."

Jack thought of a hundred ways to divert the issue, but he knew Daniel wouldn't let him steer the conversation away from the topic. He looked behind him to see that Sam stopped to get some samples a few meters back.

"Don't worry, Jack. I could tell that there was a bit of tension between you and Sam. I won't say anything."

"Say what?"

"That you and Preston were involved."

Jack was taken aback. "Now why would you say that?"

"I don't just study cultures, Jack. I study people, too. Observation is very important in my line of work."

"Oh for crying out loud...you're not going to give me some pop psychology, too, are you?"

Daniel grinned. "Of course not, Jack. I don't consider myself the type. Besides, I was just curious as to why you don't want to talk about it."

Jack took a breath. "It's been a long time, Daniel. That's ancient history."

"But you were involved with Preston?"

Jack hesitated a moment. "Um...yeah. We served together in the Gulf on a few missions. It got hot and intense in some of the LZ's. Ange and I kind of got to know each other...um...*really* well."

Daniel tried not to show his smile but failed miserably. "I...see."

"Look, it was some unusual circumstances. What we had didn't work when we were state-side. Plus, our jobs prevented us from having a real relationship anyway."

"Did you love her?"

Jack was surprised at the question. "Um...I guess at one time, I did. But it was a special kind of love. We shared some experiences that not too many humans can talk about."

Unbeknownst to either of them, Sam was within earshot of their conversation but pretended to look for more samples just in case they noticed her. Teal'c was still a few meters back from the rest of the group.

"Do you think it's awkward now? I mean, working with someone who was a former lover and having Sam around..." Daniel asked.

"Yeah, well, it is strange. I had no idea that Ange was even coming to the SGC. This morning's debriefing was postponed so that I would be able to meet and greet the new CO of SG-5. It took me totally by surprise to find Ange sitting on the other side of Hammond."

"So...do you feel any of the old emotions brewing up?"

"What is this? 20 questions, Daniel? I already feel weird telling you all this to begin with."

Sam heard that last remark and felt even more inner turmoil. It's okay for Jack to talk about his past with Daniel, but not with me?

"Come on, Jack. It's good to let it out sometimes," Daniel replied.

"Yeah, well, I'm not a big supporter of that philosophy."

Sam had a little smile. I noticed.

"All I know is that you and Ange have a familiarity that is making *some* members of SG-1 a bit self-conscious."

Jack was about to respond, when he saw some structures up ahead. "Hey! We're here!"

Daniel looked ahead. "Wow! We got here pretty fast."

Jack grinned. "Time flies when you're having fun."

Jack watched the fire as he sipped his coffee. He was exhausted. It had been several hours of setting up camp, surveying the area for defense parameters, taking digital images of the ruins, and watching Daniel and Sam setting up scientific equipment for study. The rest of SG-1 was resting as he stood first watch.

"Jack?"

Startled, Jack whirled around with his Zat aimed at the direction of the voice. "Sam! Geez! Don't do that!"

Sam smiled. "It's just me, Jack. I thought I would keep you company."

Jack looked at his watch. "You still have two more hours until your watch, Sam. You should get some rest."

"I can't sleep. Besides, I was hoping to talk to you."

Jack felt the little hairs rising on the back of his neck. "About....?"

Sam looked at him and felt her inner resolve weakening. She wanted to talk to him about Preston but wasn't sure how to approach the subject.

"Um...I wanted to apologize for my behavior outside of the conference room today. I guess I was just distracted..."

Jack looked confused. "Distracted? With what?"

She hesitated. "Look...I overheard what you and Daniel were talking about earlier on the way over here. I also, um, kind of eavesdropped on you and Ange earlier today."

Jack's eyebrows popped up. "Eavesdropped?"

Sam felt her face get red. "You two were walking down the corridor, and I didn't feel like talking to you at the time, so I ducked into an empty room before you saw me. I just heard some of the things you said."

Jack couldn't look at her but peered at the coffee cup in his hand.

"Jack, I didn't mean to spy on you two. I just wanted to avoid talking with you at that moment, but instead of walking on, you both stopped right near the room I was in."

"So that makes eavesdropping okay?"

Sam shook her head. "Of course not. I'm trying to explain..."

"Now it's starting to make sense to me why you acted so strangely during the debriefing and that outburst of yours outside of the conference room..."

"Jack, it's not how it seems..."

"Not how it seems? You're reacting like a jealous schoolgirl for God's sake!"

"Now, wait a minute!"

"Do you honestly think that just because someone from my past shows up out of the blue, I would just want to hook up with her?"

"Of course not! But why didn't you say anything to me? It seems okay for you to talk about it to Daniel, but to your own girlfriend, it wasn't important enough to mention?"

"You've got it all wrong, Sam..."

"Do I, Jack? I told you last night that I felt unsure about the future of our relationship. Instead of reassuring me that I'm actually investing my time and emotions into something that will last, you mention beer and hockey games. That wasn't what I wanted to hear from you."

"Well, if you had stuck around, I would have talked to you about all of this."

"About what? Nothing I heard coming out of your mouth remotely mentioned a future for us."

Jack looked at her. "Is that what's bothering you? A future?"

Sam didn't answer. She just stared at the fire in front of her.

"My God, Sam! I told you that I loved you. Isn't that something?"

Sam felt tears running down her cheeks. "At one time, maybe...," she whispered. "But I'm not sure anymore."

"Sam, what happened between Ange and me ended a long time ago. I had no idea that she was even being assigned to the SGC. It was a surprise to me."

"Well, you certainly didn't look disappointed," Sam venomously responded as she got up to leave.

"Sam, let's talk about this."

She shook her head while wiping away her tears. "I've done enough talking, Jack. I'll see you in a couple of hours."

With that final remark, Jack watched her leave.

"Penny for your thoughts, Jack?"

He turned around to see Daniel striding up next to him.

"I kind of guessed that you and Sam got into a little tiff last night," he said.

They both saw Sam at point up ahead. She was not in the mood to talk with anyone.

"You guessed, did you?" Jack sarcastically replied.

"What's going on? Sam wouldn't even say anything to me earlier."

"Well, that makes two of us. At least we know Teal'c isn't the only one on this team that can communicate paragraphs without saying a word. I have no idea what's gotten into her lately. She acts as though we're in some kind of turmoil in our relationship all the time."

"Well, are you?"

Jack thought for a moment. "I honestly can't say. From what Sam tells me, I'm an inconsiderate bastard."

Daniel tried not to laugh at the remark but couldn't hide the smirk caused by Jack's comment. "Um...did she say *anything* to you that can explain why she feels that way?"

"I get the distinct impression that she feels insecure about us for some reason."

"Do you know why?"

Jack scrunched his shoulders. "Dunno. She feels that there might not be a future with us, I guess."

"Do you feel that way?"

"Of course not! I want her to be a part of my life."

"Does Sam know that?"

Jack was about to answer when they heard a scream up ahead.

With Teal'c coming up from behind, the three men ran towards Sam's position. What they found instantly horrified them. Sam's body lay unconscious on the ground as *something* that can only be described as a mix between a crab and a spider hovered within inches of her. Jack noticed a huge red welt with blood streaming out from a torn part of Sam's sleeve.

"Oh my God! What the hell is that?" Daniel asked with both awe and horror.

"I don't know," Jack replied. "It's ugly as hell, and obviously something that's got a nasty bite."

Teal'c aimed his staff weapon towards it.

"No, Teal'c!" Jack shouted. "We need to preserve that thing somehow."

"Preserve it?" Daniel asked. "That thing could kill Sam if it hasn't already not to mention the rest of us."

"I know, but judging from Sam's arm, she's been poisoned. And unless we have something back on Earth that looks like that son-of-a-bitch, we need it to help Sam."

Without hesitation, Teal'c took his Zat out and shot the creature. At first, it seemed as though there was no effect as the creature stared back at the men with its three pairs of black eyes. Teal'c was about to fire again when the creature suddenly turned on its side and lay still.

Cautiously, the three men approached it with their Zats raised to fire, but the creature appeared knocked out. Jack took off his pack and got his rain poncho. Teal'c took it from him and wrapped the creature with it as Daniel helped.

Sam lay still on the ground and looked extremely pale as Jack worriedly checked her pulse. It was thready and uneven. He tore off the remainder of Sam's sleeve and started to form a tourniquet on her arm between the red welt and her shoulder. Since he had no idea how potent the creature's poison was, he decided to tie it tighter than usual. Next, he checked the large welt on her arm where the creature bit her. There was nothing protruding, so he couldn't pull out any kind of "stinger."

Daniel came over and gave Jack his sleeping bag. They both wrapped it around Sam to keep her warm.

"Okay, this is what we need to do," Jack began. "Teal'c, Daniel...you two head back to the Stargate and get that whatchamacallit back to Doc Fraiser."

"What about you, O'Neill?" Teal'c asked.

"Someone has got to stay here with Sam."

"I can do that, Jack," Daniel said.

"Do you know anything about how to take care of poisonous bites?"

Daniel looked blankly at him.

"Thought so. Go back with Teal'c, Daniel. Try to get a medical team here quickly. Heaven knows how much venom is in Sam's bloodstream before I tied her arm off. Since we have that thing for Fraiser to look at, hopefully, she can come up with an anti-venom serum."

"Are you sure, Jack?"

He nodded his reply. "Go! Get back to the Stargate!"

Jack anxiously checked his watch. It had been over three hours since Daniel and Teal'c left for the Stargate. He knew that even at a quick pace, it would be closer to five hours before they even reached the Stargate.

Sam was still unconcious, but her pulse was steady and weak. She also developed a fever, which was both good and bad. It meant that her body is fighting an infection, but it also weakens her body in the process. Jack had used his lighter to sterilize his pocket knife and lance out the tip of the red welt from Sam's arm hoping that any stinger would have been taken out. He had wrapped her arm with some bandages, which were slowly being soaked with blood.

Jack also loosened her tourniquet. It was a no-win scenario. He had to make sure there was circulation in her arm to avoid gangrene forming. Yet, that would also let the poison flow freely. He hoped that he was able to get her stabilized at the very least. Jack made sure she was warm and gave her little capfuls of water from his canteen every 20 minutes or so to keep her hydrated. There really wasn't much else he could do.

He thought of all the events leading up to the attack and couldn't believe how their concerns seemed so petty now. Though he would never admit it to anyone, Jack was scared. He couldn't help but feel responsible. His thoughts were racked with guilt. After all, he could have taken point instead of Sam. Maybe he might have noticed that creature sooner. Maybe he could have killed it before it harmed anyone. Maybe...

"Jack?"

His attention quickly turned to the woman next to him. "Sam?"

She tried to get up but turned over and started vomiting instead.

Jack supported her head as her violent convulsions finished its course. "You okay? Maybe it wasn't a good idea for you to try to get up."

Sam's face still looked pale and her eyes revealed a fatigue that was evident from her sluggish movements. "Where...where am I?"

"We're still at P7A-628. Do you remember anything, Sam?"

She looked at Jack with sheepish eyes and slowly shook her head.

"You were attacked by something that resembled an overgrown spider. You've been unconsious for over three hours."

Sam looked around as best as she could. "Where's Daniel and Teal'c?"

"They went back to the Stargate to get medical aid. No...don't touch that!" Jack warned as he noticed Sam reaching over to her bandaged arm.

"What's this?" she asked.

"It's where that spider-thing bit you. You instantly went into shock. We found you laying on the ground moments after you screamed."

"Screamed?"

"Yeah. That's how we knew you were in trouble."

"I...I don't remember."

"It's okay. I'm sure it will come back to you. Just try to get some rest. There's nothing else we can do right now until Daniel and Teal'c come back with a medical team."

"My arm is numb."

"Yeah, that's from the tourniquet. I was hoping that it would delay circulating the poison through the rest of your body."

Sam became noticably quiet, which worried Jack.

"Hey! You still with me, Sam?"

"Yeah. I was just thinking..."

"About?"

"Why I was so mad at you last night..."

"Oh, that..."

"I guess I was jealous."

"Sam, we don't have to talk about any of that right now. You should try to get some rest."

"No! I want to talk about it," Sam replied but gave a noticeable gasp.

"What is it? Feeling sick again?"

Sam took a moment before responding. "My arm...so sore. I was trying to turn to look at you and put weight on my arm. Damn! That smarts!"

"Be careful, Sam. From the looks of it, you got some kind of poisonous bite. Moving around will only get your heart pumping faster, which in turn..."

"...makes the poison flow throughout my body faster," Sam finished. "Yeah, I know."

"Finally! I won an argument!"

"Shut up, Jack!"

They both laughed, though Sam started coughing.

Jack got his canteen. "Here, drink some of this water."

She eagerly accepted the offer.

"Whoa! Slow down, girl! We don't have *that* much water, and God only knows when help arrives."

"Sorry, Jack. I didn't realize how thirsty I was."

"You're a bit dehydrated from the fever. Just try not to overexert yourself."

Sam nodded. "Listen...I'm sorry about last night..."

"That's not important right now, Sam. We've got other more pressing issues to worry about."

"True, but I didn't want to lose consciousness without...telling...you..."

"Sam?"

He looked over to see that she had passed out. "I told you not to overexert yourself."

The welt grew larger.

Jack kept staring at his watch even though it was only mere minutes since the last time he checked. It was already dark and almost ten hours since he last saw his teammates.

Sam's fever got worse, and she was developing chills. He started a fire with some of the twigs laying around them. He made sure that Sam was near the fire and that she was completely enveloped by the sleeping bag. Jack was definitely getting worried. Please God. Don't take Sam away from me.

"Jack?" Sam weakly asked.

"I'm here, Sam. Shhhh. Don't try to talk. Your body is very weak right now. You need to conserve your energy."

"How long...?"

"About five hours this time."

Sam shivered. "So cold..."

"Yeah, I know. I made a fire. Does it help?"

Sam nodded weakly.

Jack offered her a capful of water. "Here, drink some of this."

She slowly drank the precious fluid as it cooled her dry throat.

Jack offered her a cracker, which she did not take. "You should try to eat something, Sam. Your body needs some fuel."

"I know, but I'm afraid that the way my stomach is doing somersaults right now, I might throw it up anyway."

Jack nodded and just made sure that Sam was as comfortable as possible.

There was a moment of awkward silence between them.

"I'm not going to make it, am I?"

Jack couldn't look at her right away. He was never good at lying to her. She could always tell. "I admit that it doesn't look very peachy, Sam."

"That was my thinking as well, Jack."

"All we can do right now is wait for Daniel and Teal'c to come back with the cavalry."

Sam nodded. "Jack..."

"Yes?"

"Just in case I don't...well, just in case..."

"Sam, stop talking like that."

Sam shook her head. "We both knew that there was always a possibility that one or both of us might not make it back from a mission. I just want to make sure that I die without any regrets."

Jack couldn't answer. He felt tears forming in his eyes but made sure Sam didn't see them.

"I just want to know one thing, Jack."

Jack took a breath. "What is that?"

"Why don't you ever talk to me about your past?"

He wasn't too shocked at the question. It was just a bit more complicated than he could ever say in one simple statement. "I guess I'm a bit ashamed of some of the things I did."

"Why?"

"Because I took things for granted. I thought no matter what I did or where I went, I would always come back home to something stable. That I would always have someone to look forward to my return."

"Is that what happened between you and Sara?"

Jack nodded. "After Charlie died, it was like we couldn't be in the same room without feeling like total strangers. I ended up pushing her away more. I had never realized just how different we really were until then."

"But you loved each other, didn't you?"

"Yeah, we did."

"So why couldn't you two work it out?"

Jack took a moment to think about that. "Sometimes, two people can love each other so much but be so wrong for each other."

Sam nodded her understanding.

"I was too chicken to admit that, but Sara wasn't. That's why she left."

"And Ange?"

Jack felt himself blushing. "Well, um, she was something of youthful indulgence. I'll just leave it at that."

"Did you love her?"

"At one time, I think. In fact, I thought about asking her to marry me. Good thing I didn't, though. She's too much of a free spirit. Not the kind of person who wants to be tied down."

"So you never asked her?"

Jack shook his head. "A couple of years later, I met Sara, and the rest is history."

Sam smiled. "I'm glad you told me all of this. I guess it's always bothered me that you never talk about it."

"Well, you know how I hate talking about myself."

"Yeah, I know."

There was another moment of awkward silence between them.

"Jack, promise me something?"

"Yeah?"

"Tell my father personally. Don't just send him a message."

Jack nodded and felt the tears forming in his eyes again.

"I love you, Jack."

"I love you, too, Sam."

Jack woke up. He had drifted off to sleep without realizing it. Sam was sleeping soundly next to him. He checked his watch. It was almost a full 24 hours since Sam was first attacked. He checked her to discover that her fever had broken, and that she seemed to be resting comfortably.

He opened his canteen to get a drink and realized that it was running dangerously low. At least two miles separated him from the ruins where they set up camp. There was no way he could leave Sam by herself in her weakened condition. Yet, the situation was desparate to phrase it lightly.

"Jack?"

"I'm here, Sam. You okay?"

"Thirsty. I'm really thirsty."

Jack gave her a capful of water. "Take it slow, Sam. We're hitting bottom on the water. I might have to leave you for a little bit to see if there's a water source nearby."

Sam nodded. "I understand."

"Did you sleep well?"

Sam smiled. "Yeah, I did. Actually, I had a nice dream, too."

"Really? What about?"

"You and me...that we had this small wedding and we were spending our honeymoon in the Bahamas."

"Funny. I always thought we would spend our honeymoon on Chulak."

"I don't think so."

Jack's attention was towards a sound in the distance. Though barely audible, he could swear that it sounded like an engine.

"What's wrong, Jack?"

"I don't know...but I could swear that sounds like a motorcycle in the distance."

"A motorcycle? Out here?"

"Yeah, I know. Sounds totally silly."

"I don't hear anything."

"Well, it's probably my imagination. Anyway, I wanted to ask you something."

"Oh?"

"That dream you had. Was that what you were trying to talk about the other night?"

"The other night?"

"Yeah..at my place. Remember? You were asking about where we were going and all that."

"Oh. Well, I was curious at what your thoughts were on the subject."

"I figured as much. Believe it or not, I was planning to talk to you about that as soon as we got back from this mission."

"You were?"

"Yeah. I figured two years of dating is more than enough time to know whether the person you're with is the right one to be with. Do you know what I mean?"

Sam felt tears in her eyes. "I think so."

"Well, this isn't the most romantic place to ask this question, but..."

"Jack! I hear it!"

"What?"

"That motorcycle sound you were talking about. It's getting closer!"

Jack heard the approaching vehicle and instantly got his Zat ready to defend themselves from whatever it was coming at them.

The sound was definitely one of a motorized vehicle, possibly a motorcycle but not as loud. As he saw the dust trails from just 100 meters away, he aimed his Zat in the same direction. Just moments later, a 4-wheeler came tumbling through the shrubbery and stopped just short of Jack and Sam.

A lone figure wearing a black jumpsuit and helmet got off the bike and approached Jack.

"Whoa! Whomever you are, I suggest taking off that helmet first," he said while pointing the Zat.

The figure stopped and removed the helmet to reveal a familiar smiling face.

"Ange?"

"Hey, Jack! It's been barely 24 hours since I got to the SGC, and I have to go save your ass again. How the hell did you survive all these years?"

He had to laugh at that remark and walked over to give her a hug. "What the hell took so long? Where is everyone?"

"Daniel and Teal'c are back at the ruins along with SG-5 and Dr. Fraiser and her medical team."

"That's great, except Sam still can't move."

"We figured as much. That's why we rigged up this 4-wheeler with a special attachment."

They walked over to the bike to reveal a modified carriage attachment towed from behind. There was room for one.

"So I guess I ride shotgun, huh?" Jack asked.

"Not really. I thought you would just hike the two miles back," Ange replied.

Sam giggled at that remark, but the effort made her start coughing.

"Ah, Major Carter. I almost forgot that I need to give you this shot immediately," Ange said as she took out a small syringe and an alcohol swab. She unloaded the anti-venom into Sam's arm.

"So Fraiser was able to find a cure?"

"In a matter of speaking...it's a modified serum used for people who eat poisonous puffer fish."

"Puffer fish? That *thing* is related to the puffer fish?"

"Maybe you should have Dr. Fraiser explain. I just got the outline version."

"That makes sense, Jack," Sam said. "I can barely move and paralysis usually occurs when people eat an improperly prepared puffer fish."

Jack didn't even try to understand that one. "Okay, let's get you back to the camp."

"So how is she, Doc?" Jack eagerly asked.

"She's dehydrated and still suffers from some paralysis, but the serum was given to her in time and you did a great job with your first aid efforts. I would say the prognosis looks good, Colonel," Janet replied.

"Can I see her?"

"Just for a few minutes. She still needs some rest."

Fraiser left as Jack entered the makeshift tent that Sam was sleeping in. He watched her breathe steadily as monitors were beeping quietly around her. It seemed like an eternity since the whole incident started but it was just the previous day. He heard a noise behind him.

"How is she doing?" Daniel asked. Teal'c had followed him inside.

"Doc Fraiser says that Sam should be fine. She just needs to get her rest."

"That's great."

"I am pleased that we found both of you well, O'Neill," Teal'c added.

"Jack?"

They all turned towards the bed to see Sam slowly waking up.

"Hey! Hope we didn't wake you up. Daniel and Teal'c came in to check on you."

"And Ange, too," came a voice entering the tent. She had donned the standard SG green fatigues as the rest of them.

Sam turned her head slowly to the four people hovering near her. "I'm glad that you're all here."

"You are?" Daniel asked.

"Yeah, so that you can all witness what Jack was about to ask me before Ange rescued us."

Jack started to blush. "Um, Sam...I don't think this would be a great time to do this..."

"Oh, shut up, Jack," Ange blurted. "Go ask the lovely lady what you were going to before little ole me showed up."

Daniel and Teal'c were amused and curious as well.

"Okay..." Jack finally acquiesed. "Um, Sam...what I was trying to say out there...well, you know it's been two years and all that and...I mean, I think that maybe it's time that we think about, um..."

"Oh for God's sake, Jack. I could have read a novel as long as this is taking you," Ange uttered.

Jack gave her a dirty look to the delight of everyone present.

"Fine. Sam...will you marry me?"

A smile formed on her lips as a lone tear trickled down her cheek. "Oh, Jack...of course I'll marry you."

With that happy response, Jack gave her a gentle kiss and a hug. The three witnesses were all smiling and some applause was heard outside. Teal'c opened the tent flap to reveal the rest of SG-5 and Fraiser with her medical team all clapping and smiling.

"How in the world did you all know about this?" Sam asked.

Daniel raised his hand. "Guilty as charged. I figured the two of you were getting around to it. I just kind of helped push it along."

"Me, too," Janet said with a big, beaming smile.

"The doc gave me the scoop on you two before we went through the Stargate," Ange added.

"Well, thank you all," Sam replied before she turned her attention back to Jack.

"You're getting yourself a good man, Sam," Ange said.

"I know," she replied with a big, happy smile towards Jack.

"I believe we should give the couple privacy," Teal'c stated as he opened the flap more to let Daniel and Ange out.

"Thanks, Teal'c," Jack said, which Teal'c slowly nodded his response as he left.

Turning back to Sam, Jack gave her another gentle kiss but lingering longer than before. They broke it off and went into another embrace.

"I love you, Jack."

"I love you, too, Sam."

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