"What If" By Lola

TITLE: What If

AUTHOR: Lola

RATING: NC-17

PARTS: 0/3

DISCLAIMER: Stargate SG-1 and its characters belong to MGM, Gekko Corp and Double Secret Productions. This fan fiction was created solely for entertainment purposes and no money was made from it. Also, no copyright or trademark infringement was intended. Any similarity to real persons, alive or dead, is coincidental.

SUMMARY: Sam in an alternate reality.

ARCHIVE: Please ask.

SPOILERS: Broca Divide and There but for the Grace of God

WARNINGS: Sam & Jack romance, alternate reality, angst.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: most of it takes place in an alternate reality. As this is my second attempt at fanfic I hope you enjoy it. Consider yourself warned.

FEEDBACK: is welcome, hope you like it. Just remember I'm new at this. I'll be offline from April 5th - April 9th so if I don't get back to you for a few days I'm really not ignoring you.

___________________________________________________________________________

Klaxons blared. Alarms sounded

"Incoming traveler arriving, General!" The technician on duty in the observation room stated.

"What's the rotation? Is anyone due back?"

"No sir, but we are receiving SG-1's transmission code."

"Get Colonel O'Neill here immediately!"

As the technician started to page the Colonel, Jack walked into the observation room. "What's going on?"

General Hammond replied "We have an incoming traveler using SG-1's code."

"None of us are off world."

"Sir," the technician jumped in, "should we close the iris?"

Jack looked at the General and said "I'd really like to know whose using our code, sir, and how they got it."

"Very well. Don't close the iris. Colonel get down to the Gate room now."

Jack reached the Gate room door in time to see a lone traveler tumble through the Gate followed by blasts from energy weapons. "Close the iris! Shut it NOW!" He couldn't make out who it was, but gauging by the speed the traveler exited the gate and the thud made by the landing over half way down the ramp, the traveler was going to need medical attention. Looking to the nearest guard, "Get a medical team here, NOW!"

He heard a moan. Ran to where the traveler had landed. Definitely someone form SGC, if the clothes were anything to go by. Slowly Jack turned the traveler to get a better look at the face. His heart stopped. No, it couldn't be.

He was pushed away by Doctor Fraiser as she tried to assess what was wrong with her patient. Doctor Fraiser looked at her patient's face, "Oh my God!" Janet whispered, stunned. "Alright, team," She yelled, "let's get to the infirmary."

The medical team moved the patient to the stretcher then took off toward the medical facilities. Jack started to follow, his mind dwelling on who was occupying the stretcher.

"Colonel, who was that?" General Hammond asked. As Daniel and Teal'c approached the Gate room door.

"Sam."

"But Jack," Daniel stated, his voice full of sorrow, "she's dead."

"I know that! But it was Sam." He was positive.

"Alright people, we won't have any answers to who she is until Doctor Fraiser gets her conscious. Until then SG-1, you're dismissed." General Hammond told them.

As one SG-1 turned to go to infirmary. Upon arriving there Doctor Fraiser told them that the patient had a concussion and a broken wrist. They waited for hours. Hours that seemed like days. Hours that brought back painful memories of another vigil for Sam. But this time the prognosis was good. This time was different, Jack held on to that one thought as a drowning man holds onto a rope.

**

Doctor Fraiser informed SG-1 that the traveler had regained consciousness. "I want to speak to her." Jack calmly stated. Doctor Fraiser had known that O'Neill would want to talk to her. All things considered it would have been astonishing had he not. She stared at him for a moment, weighing what it would do to the Colonel and whether he would listen if she said no, before giving her consent. She figured nothing was going to stop him from talking to Sam.

Jack approached the bed where Sam lay. She was so still, so pale, like, no he wouldn't think of that dreadful day. Her eyes opened. God she had the most beautiful eyes. They reached down right into your soul. "Hi," he said somewhat uncertainly.

"Colonel, what happened?"

"That's what I was going to ask you." Jack wondered at her calling him Colonel, she hadn't done that in a long time. "It's going to be okay. What do you remember?" He asked taking her uninjured hand in his.

"We were on the planet, in a building with lots of artifacts. Exploring. Got separated. Had to run for the Gate. Serpent guards. Saw you and Teal'c carrying Daniel through. Waited 'til I thought it was clear, dialed, the gate engaged and had to dive for it. Guards firing. I barely made it. Bad landing. Is Daniel alright?"

"Yeah, he's fine. We're more concerned about you, right now. Doc's wondering about amnesia." Okay the doc wasn't, but he sure wanted to find out if this was Sam.

"Do you want my name, rank and serial number?" Sam asked jokingly.

"Name, rank and year will be fine." Jack replied seriously.

"Captain Samantha Carter, United States Air Force, sir, and it's 1999." Jack started at her name. "Was I right, Colonel?"

"You're fine. I'm going to get the doctor." He responded, not answering whether she was right or not. He slowly released her hand and smiled down at her then gently brushed her bangs from her forehead before going in search of Doctor Fraiser.

**

In the hallway General Hammond, Doctor Fraiser, Teal'c and Daniel anxiously awaited his return. "She says she's Samantha Carter," Jack told them.

"Colonel", Doctor Fraiser replied "I ran some tests while she was unconscious, blood type, finger prints and DNA match, somehow she is Sam. I also checked for Goa'uld, she's clean."

"What now?" Hammond asked.

"She needs to get her strength back before anything, General" Stated Doctor Fraiser.

"Alright, let her get some rest. SG-1 you're dismissed, go home for the evening. Doctor let us know when we can question her."

Jack looked as if he wanted to return to Sam. Doctor Fraiser told him she'd let him know as soon as Sam was up to having visitors.

**

The next day when Jack arrived at the infirmary Sam was sitting up. She had more color and was looking much better.

"Hey, Doc," He said to Doctor Fraiser, "is the patient ready to go home yet?"

"I'd like to watch her for a few more hours."

"Janet, I'm ready to go home, really," Sam said on her own behalf.

Jack looked at Sam and smiled, "We'll just have to follow the Doctor's orders." But he was pleased that she was obviously feeling much better.

Daniel and Teal'c entered the infirmary to check on Sam. Doctor Fraiser looked on as SG-1 surrounded her bed, all of them smiling. That was what had been missing from SG-1 for the past three months. But could this be Sam, despite the evidence supporting it. Well that would come out in the debriefing, one in which Janet was going to be present. After all she had to look out after her patient.

**

They were in the debriefing room General Hammond, Doctor Fraiser and SG-1 minus Sam; she was still in the infirmary. They had been there for awhile. Trying to conceive how Sam could really be in there, alive. And arguing over what to do with her.

"So doctor what do you suggest we do?" General Hammond asked.

"I think we should let her go home, as long as someone keeps a close eye on her she'll be fine. We checked her out there's no evidence of anything dangerous, to Sam or her environment. I think we'll learn more if she's not cooped up like a prisoner in the infirmary."

General Hammond looked around the table and saw all the members of SG-1 agreeing. Not that he expected them to disagree. "Alright. Colonel, why don't you take her home? I want SG-1 to keep an eye on her, understood?"

"Yes, sir." Jack replied.

**

Back in the infirmary they were all once again around Sam's bed. Doctor Fraiser informed her that she was being released into SG-1 care, after all she had a concussion so she shouldn't be on her own. Sam was just glad to be leaving the infirmary and didn't give it a second thought.

Sam was changed and ready to go in no time. The rest of SG-1 had changed into civilian clothing. Sam and Jack rode in his car, while Daniel took Teal'c in his. They were quite during the ride; each lost in their own thoughts.

Upon arriving at Jack's the guys went into the kitchen to make something for lunch and Sam went into the living room to sit down. She didn't know what it was at first, but there was something different about the Colonel's place. Then it hit her there were pictures. She could have sworn that the last time she had been here there had been nothing of a personal nature decorating the room. She went over to the mantel to look at the pictures; one of them looked like a wedding photo. She thought that was odd considering that Jack had been divorced for a few years. She picked up the photo; it was a recent one. That surprised her. Jack was smiling happily. Then she noticed the bride. She gasped as the picture fell from her nerveless fingers.

**

In the kitchen they heard a crash and the breaking of glass. Jack anxiously started toward the living room. Daniel and Teal'c following close behind. He saw her looking down at a broke picture frame. "Sam?"

"What's going on?" She asked. Jack looked at her questionably. "Where did that picture come from?"

Jack looked to the photograph, noticing for the first time that it was their wedding picture. He looked back at her. He could tell that she was upset and confused. Daniel and Teal'c quietly retreated back to the kitchen to give them some privacy.

"Sam," Jack started, he was, for once, at a loss for words.

She looked at him. "We're not married." Jack just looked at her. She could tell he was hurting. But she knew that they weren't married. They couldn't be married. "How? Why? When?" The questioned tumbled out. "It's not possible. What's going on? Is this a joke?"

Jack walked her over to the couch where they both sat down. He looked deeply into her eyes, took her uninjured hand in both of his and started to explain. "How, the usual way. A big ceremony, friends and family the whole nine yards. You were so beautiful." He paused to gauge her reaction. She was still confused but she seemed calmer. "When, about a year ago. Why, well that's where it gets complicated. Do you remember the mission to P3X797?"

"Yes," Sam replied. "The Land of the Light. There were the touched on the dark side and the untouched on the light side. We brought the disease back to earth through the Stargate with us. Most of us were infected we behaved like primitives, Doctor Fraiser found the cure."

Jack nodded. "What else do you remember?"

Sam looked down at the floor, acutely embarrassed. "I tried to seduce you," she mumbled still looking at the floor. Hoping it would open up and swallow her. Not her most sterling moment, trying to seduce her CO.

"Tried?" Jack questioned. Sam's head shot up; she looked up into his eyes, startled by the question. He brushed her bangs from her forehead before resting his hand at the side of her neck "Succeeded and I didn't resist at all, it was mutual," he said with a slight grin. He still remembered the way she looked, the way she felt. Remembered her scent and the taste of her. God he'd remember it until the day he died. He closed his eyes briefly at the memories and feelings this invoked.

Sam looked at him trying to comprehend this information. "But," she started only to stop.

Jack squeezed her hand reassuringly then he continued, "You found out a month or so later that you were pregnant. I didn't want to rush you or have you feel trapped; after all you weren't exactly in your right mind, but I've never been one to let opportunity pass me by. We both agreed that marriage would be the best thing." Sam just stared at him in disbelief. "I remember how you looked when you walked into my office that day. You had a letter of resignation. You said you had to leave no other explanation. You didn't want to tell me about the baby. You can be so stubborn when you set your mind to something. I knew you were hiding something. But finally after arguing for over an hour you realized I wasn't going to calmly accept your resignation. I ripped up the letter and you lost your temper and blurted it out. I remember the look of horror on your face when you realized what you had just said. You clamped your hand over your mouth, as if hoping I hadn't heard or that you could somehow take it back. We argued for about an hour after that, but I got you to agree to marry me."

"That's not what happened." Sam said, "I don't remember it that way. I know it didn't happen. I'd remember having a baby."

"That's not all." Jack continued looking her straight in the eye. "About three months ago we were on a mission, you were seriously injured. We brought you back, but there was nothing the doctors could do. You died."

"How? I'm alive. This doesn't make any since. It's like a dream."

"I know. You alive, my fondest dream."

Sam could only stare at him confused. He looked hopeful and wary all at the same time. "I don't see how this could be happening. There must be some logical explanation. It's like something's out of sync."

"We'll figure it out, Sam. It'll be okay." Jack said and she believed him.

Hell, she'd trusted him from their first mission together. They'd saved each other's lives and cheated death more times than she cared to remember. She didn't know what was happening, but she knew she could always count on Jack.

Married to Jack, she must be dreaming or delusional. If she was, there was a part of her that never wanted to wake up. She loved Jack, she'd never admit it to anyone but she did. She knew the regulations forbid a relationship between them, but the heart didn't heed rules and regulations. She had known she was in trouble long ago. But she couldn't transfer and not only for the obvious reasons that she'd never find a more interesting job or work with a better team. The team was family and she couldn't let them down. This had to be a dream.

Jack pulled her close and murmured "We'll figure it out. It'll be alright." At that point Sam's stomach decided to rumble. Jack pulled away and smiled at her. "Let's get something to eat before you pass out from starvation. Can't have Doctor Fraiser accusing me of not taking care of her patient."

**

They all sat around the table in Jack's kitchen. They were eating the sandwiches that Daniel and Teal'c had made. Sam looked around the table the silence was unusual. The whole situation was unusual. She'd catch them staring at her, as if not quite believing she was real. Well to them she was dead. To her the whole situation was unreal. She stepped through the gate expecting home, but she found, well she wasn't sure what she'd found. It was like instead of stepping through the Gate; she'd stepped through the looking glass. This sure as hell wasn't Kansas.

Before the silence became unbearable Sam decided to ask what was on everyone's mind, "So, how could this have happened?"

"We're not sure," Daniel replied. "Actually, we don't even have a theory. You're not a robot, you're not Goa'uld. There must be some logical explanation."

"Theory. A theory. That's it!" Sam exclaimed. Leave it to Daniel to trigger that memory. The rest of SG-1 looked at her with blank stares, obviously not following where she was going.

"Remember when we went to P3R233 and Daniel touched the mirror and went to an alternate reality? He had never joined the Stargate program. You were a General." She looked at Jack. "We never went to Chulak, Teal'c was still First Prime. He was in an alternate reality. That's what this must be."

"We've never gone to P3R233." Jack stated.

"I did, my SG-1 did."

"It fits, Jack. I mean, how else could Sam be here." Daniel interjected.

"It does fit, things are the same but different. Similar but not exact. Changes, forks in the road, paths not taken. Decisions made differently." She looked at Jack trying to gauge his reaction to this.

"If this is true, what are we going to do?" Jack asked staring intently at Sam.

"I don't know what we can do, at least not yet." She replied.

They finished the meal in silence. Each considering the ramifications and possibilities. They adjourned from the meal to Jack's living room. There they watched some movies, not that they were all that interested in the movies but more to have something to do and noise to fill the silence. Jack kept stealing glances at Sam. Daniel noticed, his heart ached for hie friend. He knew what it was like to lose the woman you loved, then to have a chance at getting her back, only to lose her again. He couldn't help but feel that Jack wasn't really facing the fact that this wasn't their Sam and that she'd have to go back to the reality that she'd come from. He noticed that Sam had fallen asleep on the couch, guess the movie wasn't holding anyone's attention. He caught Jack's eye and nodded toward the kitchen. They both got up quietly and went into the kitchen.

Once in the kitchen, Daniel started, "Jack, I, um, well, that is..." he was hesitant, not quite sure what to say, but knowing he needed to express his concerns for his friend.

"Spit it out, Danny."

"It's just she's not our Sam. She looks, acts and sounds like ours, but she's not staying. She can't stay."

"Daniel."

"I know that you want her to stay and I know how much Sam meant to you. I just don't want you to get hurt again. God we all went through hell when she d..." his voice trailed off, not willing to finish that statement.

"I know, Daniel. But answer me this, if that was Sha're in there what would you do? How would act?"

Daniel closed his eyes in defeat. Trust Jack to think of the one argument he couldn't refute the one tactic he couldn't counter the one truth he couldn't ignore. "Just what you're doing, hoping and holding on for as long as it lasts." He replied in hushed tortured tones. His heart still ached for his friend. This was bittersweet. Sam was back, but not for good, not for always. He couldn't blame Jack for trying to capture some happiness while he could, even knowing that it wouldn't last, couldn't last. "I'll take Teal'c back to the base, you two should have some time alone." He didn't say before she leaves, but they both knew the thought was there.

Jack nodded. He knew Daniel had only been trying to protect him from himself, he also knew that out of everyone Daniel understood the situation better than anyone else could.

**

Jack sat there just looking at Sam for a long time, completely ignoring the movie that was playing. Watching her sleep. She looked so peaceful, so beautiful. Sam woke up after the movie had finished; she looked around and saw only Jack. "Were are Daniel and Teal'c?"

"They went back to the base. Come on time for you to go to bed." Sam got up and followed Jack. He led her to the master bedroom and motioned to the chest of drawers. "I never got around to cleaning your, my Sam's, stuff out." Sam went over and got some pajamas out then went into the bathroom to change. When she came out of the bathroom she noticed that Jack was still there, he was in pajama bottoms.

She looked at him for a moment before "Um, Colonel..." She started slightly flustered, out of her element.

"Sam," He breathed. He knew what she was thinking. "I just want to hold you while we sleep. I promise nothing else will happen."

Now there was a line Sam thought, but she knew that she could trust him. He was a man of impeccable honor and she trusted him implicitly. She nodded.

Jack turned off the lights then they climbed into bed. Jack drew her close to him. They were spooning, his arms around her, holding her close. God how he missed this. Just holding her. Listening to her breath. Sam drifted to sleep, feeling safe and protected. Feeling cherished. Jack stayed a wake awhile longer, savoring the feel of her in his arms, the scent of her, the warmth of her skin.

When he woke the next morning he was lying on his back and Sam was sprawled partially over him using him as a pillow. His arms were still around her, their legs were entwined, Sam's uninjured hand laid on his chest. Slowly memories returned. Sam, but not his Sam. Still, he could stay like this forever. Holding her close, safe. He felt her stir, waking. She raised her head and looked into his eyes, confused and startled. "Jack?" She breathed hesitantly, cautiously. His arms tightened around her. That was the first time since she came through the gate that she'd called him by name.

"Morning." He said as he saw her memories return. Slowly, reluctantly he loosened his hold on her.

"Morning, Colonel." She answered slipping back into formality, putting some distance between them. "Mind if I hit the shower first?"

"Go ahead." He watched her rise and walk into the bathroom. Heard the water start before he got up. Pondering the look on her face when she first woke up in his arms. Maybe their realities weren't that different after all. Oh, they weren't married in her reality, but obviously she had feelings for her Jack O'Neill.

**

She found Jack in the kitchen, making breakfast. He was dressed casually, jeans and a T-shirt. As if waking up in his arms wasn't bad enough for her blood pressure, seeing him relaxed and in civilian clothes in a homey setting was not helping. God he looked good in jeans.

"Hope you don't mind me borrowing some clothes."

"Not at all."

"So what's for breakfast?" She asked.

"My famous waffles."

"Famous, huh?"

"Yep. They'll be done in a minute. Want to get the plates and pour the coffee?"

"Sure." She tore her gaze from him. Sam get a grip on yourself you've seen men in jeans before she sternly thought to herself.

They ate breakfast mostly in silence. Each watching the other when they thought the other wouldn't notice.

"So, um, what's on the agenda for today?" Sam asked breaking the silence.

"We should probably go to the base and see about the alternative reality theory."

**

Back at the base SG-1 debriefed with General Hammond. Doctor Fraiser was present to keep an eye on her patient. The debriefing went on for hours. Everyone was focusing on the alternate reality theory. It was the most plausible explanation. The questions were how did it happen and how would they return Sam to her reality.

After arguing with no resolution for what seemed to Jack for hours he noticed Sam rubbing her temples. He shot a look to Doc Fraiser to see if she noticed this. Their eyes meet and she nodded.

"General, I don't think we're going to get the answers in one session. And I think my patient should get some rest."

General Hammond nodded his agreement. At this point they were arguing in circles. "We'll pick it up tomorrow, after we're all rested and have clearer heads people. Dismissed."

Janet caught Sam's eye. "I'd like to check you over."

Sam nodded, "It's just a headache, but if you think it's necessary."

**

Back in the infirmary, Doc Fraiser gave her a clean bill of health and some aspirin for her headache. Then told her to go home and get some rest. Sam found Jack in the cafeteria.

"Doc gave me a clean bill of health and said to go home."

"Come on, I'll drive you home."

Once in the car Jack asked, "Do you think we'll be able to figure out a way to get you home?"

"I'm sure we will. Daniel got back from his trip to an alternate reality, so it is possible."

**

Later that evening they were up on Jack's roof, watching the stars, watching each other. Curiosity got the better of Jack. "So, what am I like in your reality?"

"Well, you're a good CO."

"Not quite the answer I was looking for."

"Very sarcastic. Dedicated. Honest. Sure of yourself, willing to bend the rules to do what you know is right. You don't suffer fools." Sam paused before asking, "What was she like?"

"A lot like you. Her smile would brighten any room. Stubborn. Smart. Beautiful. Strong beliefs and convictions. A strength of character that I've never seen before. Very caring."

"You said we got married because I... she was pregnant." She paused looking at him. He nodded. "So we, I mean you, have a child?"

Jack smiled, "Yeah, Danielle. You're idea to name her after Daniel. He was best man at the wedding. She stays with my sister, since you, I mean when I'm away on missions. I usually get to see her a few times a month. When she's older I'm planning on getting a live in nanny, so she can be here with me all the time. She has your smile."

Sam could she how much their/his daughter meant to him. She wanted to see her, but knew she shouldn't, knew she couldn't. God it was getting harder to stay detached, keep her distance. Her heart ached for him. She loved him. His reality, her reality it didn't matter. She was so confused. She reached out and touched his face. He held his breath, not wanting the moment to end. They stared into one anther's eyes for eternity. Slowly Jack leaned down, giving her plenty of time to pull away. He placed his lips on hers. It started out as a gentle comforting kiss, but soon escalated beyond that. Their mouths' opened, tongues met and retreated only to meet again. Their arms slipped around each other pulling them closer together before wandering to explore the other. For Jack it was like coming home. For Sam it was fulfilling her most secret fantasy. Their lips broke apart only to meet again and again.

"Sam," Jack breathed. Pulling back some, resting his forehead on hers. His hand slipped under her shirt. She shivered from the coldness but leaned into his touch. Wanting it and much more. Her hand started tugging his shirt from his pants. She leaned closer and raised her lips to his. She felt his hand slip under her bra to caress her breast while the other wandered down her back stopping when he reached her butt. Shifting he slipped one leg between hers and pulled her closer. She moaned. God she wanted him. Needed him. "Sam," he gasped his voice rough with passion.

"Jack," she moaned, her hands going to the button on his jeans, starting to undo them, hindered by her injury. Jack's hand left her breast and he pulled her shirt off. Cold air hits her naked torso, but she only leaned closer to him tugging at his jeans. His released her zipper and his hand slipped into her pants. His touch elicits a ragged moan. She's hot and very wet. He slips his fingers into her. "Jack!" She gasps as her uninjured hand goes to his wrist, urging him on. Briefly Jack looks at her. Her eyes are close; her head is thrown back and her breathing coming in gasps. He continues his ministrations watching her as she gets closer and closer to climaxing. He pulls her closer with his free hand and starts to kiss her, his tongue mimicking the actions of his fingers. She climaxes gasping his name then spent leans against him completely. He holds her close while her breathing returns to normal. Stoking her hair, calming rather than arousing.

"Sam," he murmurs. Her arms tighten around him. She lifts her head from his shoulder. They stare at each other before she pulls away. With her uninjured hand she clasps his and starts toward the ladder. They climb down in silence. Once they reach the ground she leans into him and kisses him. Her lips travel over to his ear where she seductively whispers, "Follow me." She smiles at him, her eyes glinting mischievously.

She leads him to his bedroom. She starts kissing him hungrily. They move as one to his bed. Their passion spiraling higher and higher with each touch. Slowly Sam undresses him. Just as slowly he finishes undressing her. Each one savoring the touch and taste of the other. They fall on to the bed, continuing to explore the other with their hands and lips. Jack slowly pulls away watching Sam; he reaches into the nightstand drawer and retrieves a condom. Sam takes the package from his hand and opens it, he slips it on.

"Sam," Jack breathes her name raggedly.

"Jack," she moans in response.

He slips into her easily, gently at first then faster and faster. Her nails rake down his back. His hand slips into her hair, guiding her lips to his. Both of them frantic for release. Harder, deeper he pumps into her until they spiral out of control.

They return to earth slowly. Sam snuggles closer to Jack and falls asleep. Jack watches her, sleeping so peacefully, so safe in his arms. "I love you, Sam." He whispers before succumbing to sleep.

**

Sam woke first the next morning. She watched Jack as he slept. While she didn't regret making love with Jack, she knew this seriously complicated matters. She knew she shouldn't have, but she also knew that it was a memory she would cherish for the rest of her life. She need some distance, she needed to figure out what she was going to do. Slowly she got up, leaving Jack sleeping; quietly she crept from the room.

Jack woke slowly. Memories surfacing, he smiled and reached for Sam. His hand encountered only a cold empty bed. He bolted up; afraid the last few days were just a dream. He looked around the bedroom frantically. He saw the pile of clothes that they had discarded the previous night. His breathing slowed, she was real. Sam was here. Not forever he thought to himself, not long enough. A lifetime wouldn't be long enough. He got up and pulled on a pair of jeans and went in search of Sam.

He found her sitting at the kitchen table, a cup of cold coffee in her hand. She was so lost in thought that she didn't hear him come in.

"Hi," he said quietly, so as not to startle her. She looked up at him and he searched her face. Trying to figure out what was going on behind her beautiful blue eyes. Was she mad, did she regret what happened, did she blame him?

She smiled at him tentatively, "Morning." She said it noncommittally, trying to gauge his mood. He could hide his emotions so well; reading him was difficult at the best of times. This was like walking through a mine field.

"Missed you when I woke up, everything alright?"

"Yeah, I just needed to think. Didn't want to wake you."

"Sam," he started, then pulled her into his arms and just held her.

"Jack, I can't stay, " she said pulling away. "You know that."

"I know, I just don't like it."

"Neither do I." She smiled sadly. They both knew. Logically they understood, but it didn't make this easier.

"Come on, lets get ready then figure out how to send you back where you belong." He knew she couldn't stay, knew she didn't belong here, but his heart wasn't convinced. He kissed her gently.

**

They were back in the debriefing room. They'd been at it for over an hour.

Daniel could tell something had happened between them, but he wasn't quite sure how far things had gone. He knew they had to figure a way to send Sam home. He just wasn't sure he wanted to.

"How did I get home in your reality?" He asked Sam.

"There was an artifact on P3R233, you touched it and it sent you to the alternated dimension. You went back to that dimensions P3R233 and touched it again and where back in our my dimension."

"So was there something you touched on the planet you came from, something that could have sent you to and alternate dimension?"

"I don't know. It was all happening so fast, the Goa'uld were attacking."

"Well," General Hammond said, "I think an expedition to this planet is in order. Doctor is Captain Carter up to it?"

Up until that point Doctor Fraiser hadn't had much to contribute to the discussion. "Yes sir, she is."

"Alright, SG-1, you'll leave in two hours, dismissed."

**

"Chevron Seven locked."

The gate came to life. Sam never tired of watching it engage. But this time in the gate room, she looked around trying to memorize everything. It was the same as her gate room, but if all went well, she wouldn't be returning to this gate room. She'd be in her own gate room. Her emotions were conflicted, she knew she had to go home, but part of her wanted to stay. Here she had Jack; back home she didn't know what he felt about her. Did he feel the same as this Jack? How was going to explain having a relationship with her CO in another dimension. She knew she didn't belong here, that people were worrying about her in her own dimension. Her own SG-1 must be frantic. How was Daniel, he had looked pretty bad when Jack and Teal'c had carried him through the gate. Sam took a deep breath and walked through the gate.

On the other side she waited for the rest of SG-1. Everyone arrived safe and sound.

"All right campers, what next?" Jack asked.

"Sam, do you remember what you touched, where you were, what you did before going through the gate?"

"It's coming back. I was over this way." She replied walking to the left of the gate. Sam stopped in front of an artifact it was strangely familiar to her.

"Do you think this is it?" Daniel asked.

"Yeah, I do." Daniel reached toward it Sam stopped him. "If this is it, you guys should return before I activate it."

"Alright, Daniel, Dial us home."

Daniel hugged Sam goodbye. "Take care, Sam."

"Goodbye, Captain Carter."

"Goodbye, " she whispered as Daniel and Teal'c stepped through the gate.

Her eyes met Jacks. He pulled her close and kissed her. "Be careful, Sam. You, she died on P54X32, ambush, came from the left in the forest about two miles from the gate. Don't let it happen to you. I love you." He turned and stepped through the gate.

"I love you, too," she whispered even though he had already disappeared, tears streamed down her face. She stood watching the gate until it disengaged. She wiped the tears from her face, then went to the artifact. Slowly she reached forward and touched the artifact. She didn't notice anything change, but she heard a noise behind her. Slowly she turned and saw him, Jack. No, he had gone back to SGC. This must be her dimension, Colonel O'Neill. His back was to her as was Daniel's and Teal'c's.

"Colonel," she started. He spun around, his eyes finding her.

"Carter, where the hell have you been for the past three days?" He yelled at her while he advanced to where she was. She looked up at him and saw the worry in his eyes, before he pulled her into an embrace. "Don't ever do that again." Slowly he let go of her, still trying to assure himself that she was there.

"Sam, what happened to your arm?" Daniel asked after he had hugged her.

"Captain Carter, it is good to see you." Teal'c said before she had a chance to answer.

"I'll tell you all about it after we get home." Well not everything, she thought to herself. She was going home. This was her home. And maybe her Jack cared more than he was willing to let on.

The End.