"Hell Hath No Fury" by Alexandra

Title: Hell Hath No Fury...

Author: Alexandra

Status: Complete

Category: SJ friendship/romance?

Rating: M.

Season/Sequel Info: Season 3.

Spoilers: Very brief mentions of Brief Candle and 100 Days by implication only. [I've only read the spoilers for 100 Days, I haven't actually seen it, so I doubt I'll ruin much for you].

Archive: SJ - I'd be flattered if it's wanted. All others please ask first.

Summary: Sam's a little irritated. Everyone wants to know why...

Disclaimer:All publicly recognisable characters and places are the property of MGM, World Gekko Corp and Double Secret Productions. This piece of fan fiction was created for entertainment not monetary purposes and no infringement on copyrights or trademarks was intended. Previously unrecognised characters and places, and this story, are copyrighted to the author. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

Feedback: Please! *Constructive* criticism warmly, enthusiastically welcomed. Any other type will probably make me curl up in a ball underneath my desk unable to write another fic. Of course, if you don't like this you may think that's a good thing...

BTW, I've had the idea for this floating around for a while, but I was having problems with my muse till I read the spoilers for 100 Days, then my muse decided it liked me after all. <g>

And last, but definitely *not* least, big, huge thanks to Kris for betaing!!

Alexandra :)

Hell Hath No Fury...

It didn't take a genius to realise that Major Samantha Carter was not happy, thought General Hammond, as SG-1 stepped out of the event horizon and made their way down the ramp. In fact, judging by her expressive face, she wasn't just angry, she was downright furious. Colonel Jack O'Neill wasn't in the best of moods either, and Dr. Daniel Jackson's expression was definitely irritated. Even Teal'c looked unsettled. Hammond made his way quickly from the control room to the 'Gate room, wondering what could possibly have happened to his top team this time.

He arrived to find SG-1 divesting themselves of their gear. "Welcome back SG-1. Colonel do you have anything to report?"

"No, sir nothing major. Just another nice, *friendly* planet, with lots of nice, *friendly* natives," O'Neill replied, glancing at the Major as he said this. She didn't acknowledge him, simply continued to hand her things to the waiting airman. O'Neill looked back at the General. "Could be we've found ourselves some more allies."

At this, the Major rudely shoved the rest of her gear at the airman, and strode angrily from the room.

Hammond looked from her back to his second in command. He noted the beginnings of a black eye forming, and a cut lip. "Did something happen that I should know about, Colonel?"

"No, sir. Just a little misunderstanding that'll be easily cleared up."

"Good. I don't want any disruptions to your team Colonel. Now, you know the drill. Get yourselves cleaned up, and see Doctor Frasier in the infirmary for your post-mission medical. Debriefing will be at 1500 hours."

"Yes, sir"

****

Jack watched the general leave, and then turned to find Daniel and Teal'c staring at him. Teal'c raised an eyebrow.

"Easily cleared up?" Daniel asked, the disbelief in his voice palpable. The look on his face clearly suggested he thought Jack was nuts.

"I agree, O'Neill," Teal'c added. "I do not believe that this disagreement with Major Carter will be so easily resolved."

Jack just glared at the both of them and headed for the showers. Which of course he couldn't get into, because Sam was already in there. Just great.

***

Sam *was* furious. In fact she couldn't remember the last time she'd been this mad. She stripped off her clothes, throwing them in the garbage in disgust. She didn't want to keep anything which would remind her of that damn planet. She stepped into the shower and proceeded to scrub herself until her skin was an angry red. 'Just like my mood at the moment' she thought. Damn Jack O'Neill! How dare he? *How dare he?* She turned the shower off angrily, and grabbed her towel to dry herself off. Normally she lingered in the locker room if she got there first, just to irritate the rest of her team, but all she wanted today was to get out of there, off the base and home. Away from SG-1. Damn Daniel Jackson, what the hell was he thinking siding with Jack? He *never* sided with Jack! And Teal'c, how dare *he*? Furiously she pulled her comb through her damp hair, knocking over a bottle on the ledge under the mirror with her elbow in the process. That was the last straw. She picked up the offending bottle and hurled it at the opening door, pleased with the shattering sound it made as it hit.

Janet's head poked around the corner, looking first at the broken glass on the floor, then up at an irate Sam. She looked questioningly at her. "Uh, are you Ok?"

"Oh, just peachy," Sam replied, unconsciously mimicking Jack.

"Sure," Janet said slowly, looking back down at the broken bottle, and noting the scent that came from it. "What exactly did your favourite perfume do to you anyway?"

Sam's eyes widened, as her gaze went from the mess in doorway to the shelf under the mirror. She groaned, and banged her fist angrily against the wall. "Great, that's just great," she muttered. Mind you, Jack had given her that perfume, so maybe it wasn't such a bad loss...

"Uh-huh," Janet said, "Um, see you in my office in five for the check-up?"

Sam nodded and finished getting dressed. When she left the locker room, she studiously avoided her friends' gaze.

****

"So, what's up Sam?" Janet asked as she started the physical.

"Nothing," Sam replied shortly. "Let's just get this over with so I can go home, shall we?"

Janet raised her eyebrows, but decided to say nothing for the moment. She proceeded with the usual tests. Near the end, she finally asked, "What happened Sam? And don't tell me 'nothing', because something obviously did. I've rarely seen you so upset.""I am *not* upset. And I don't want to talk about it, *Doctor*."

Janet visibly flinched at her tone. This wasn't like Sam at all. "I'm not asking you as your doctor, Sam, I'm asking as a concerned friend."

Sam had the grace to look a little ashamed of herself. She let out a long breath, and looked at her friend. "Sorry, Janet. I shouldn't be taking this out on you." She hesitated, and seemed about to say something, but changed her mind. She motioned to Janet's tray of instruments. "Are you finished?"

Janet nodded, concerned.

"Good. I'm going home," Sam announced, getting up and making her way to the door.

"But what about the debriefing? General Hammond won't be happy if you miss that."

Sam's anger returned in full force as she turned back to Janet. Her face flushed pink with anger. "You can tell Hammond where he can put his debriefing! I'm going home!"

"Sam!" Janet gasped, as Sam opened the door. " You can't just ignore the debriefing, it's against the regulations..."

"Oh, but I don't need to worry about that anymore. Didn't the Colonel tell you? I quit!"

****

Janet arrived at the debriefing just as it was starting. She glanced at Jack as she sat down, but all she got in return was an angry 'what?' stare. She sighed quietly and arranged her papers in front of her. She had a feeling this was not going to go well.

"Where's Major Carter?" the General asked.

"The Major wasn't feeling very well, sir. She asked to be excused," Janet answered.

"I'll bet she did," Jack muttered. 'No, this *wasn't* going to go well', Janet thought.

Hammond looked form Jack to Janet and frowned. "Anything serious, doctor?"

"No, sir. She's just feeling a little run down. I sent her home to rest."

Jack made a disbelieving 'humph' sound. The General looked sharply at his 2IC. "Alright. I'll let it go this time, but in the future, Colonel, I want all your team present at the debriefing. It's an important part of the mission and should not be brushed off. Is that clear?"

"As a bell, sir," Jack replied. "It won't happen again."

"Good. Now, let's get on with this."

They ran quickly through the report, which seemed fairly ordinary, almost to the point of boring. It was also obviously the condensed version, and they were leaving something out, Janet knew. Daniel looked distinctly uncomfortable at the end, when Jack ran through their decision to come home early, and Teal'c raised his eyebrow at Jack at his explained the disagreement.

"The Major did not think there was anything else we could learn from the planet. In the end we agreed and we came home."

Oh, yes, they were definitely hiding something, Janet thought. And so did he General it seemed, for when they had finished he asked for a *full* report from each of them to be on his desk within the next 48 hours.

"That's it people. You are now on stand-down for the next three days. Enjoy your rest," Hammond said as he left. The other four remained seated.

When they were sure he was out of ear shot, Janet asked, "*What happened*?"

"Well, Doctor, if you can figure that out, please tell me, because I'd really like to know myself," Jack replied angrily.

"It appears that the Major did not like the people on the planet," Teal'c explained.

"That's an understatement...," Daniel added quietly.

"She said she quit," Janet said, wanting them to say it wasn't true. When they didn't dispute it, she asked, "Why?"

Jack shrugged.

"She doesn't seem to be... too happy at the moment," Daniel said.

Janet looked back at Jack who had risen and was making his way to the door. "And you're going to let her?"

"What do you think?" he answered.

****

Sam was cleaning. She'd been at it since she'd come home from the base several hours ago. She found it soothing. You didn't have to think about anything, you just got on with the job. She cleaned everything, top to bottom. Nothing was left untouched. This is not to say her house was ever untidy, but when something was bothering her, it became immaculate.

She finished cleaning out the kitchen cupboards and entered her living room, surveying her efforts. The carpet was freshly vacuumed, the cushions on the couch placed just so. The coffee table had been polished and was clear of books and journals for once; she'd placed then all back on her bookshelf where they belonged. The place practically shone. It hadn't been this clean since Jolinar... Stop. Let's not go there.

She moved over to the stereo, and turned up the classical music she'd put in when she came home. Thank god for multi-CD players. You could put in five CDs at once and then not worry about it for the next four or five hours. She let out a breath. Now for upstairs.

She'd had a lot of time since she'd got back early that afternoon to think about what had happened on P3J492, and her rage had dissipated a little. Not much, but enough to make her wince slightly at some of the things she'd said. Well, at some of the things she'd said to Janet at least. The others had deserved what they had got. When she thought of... Stop she thought again. She let out a long deep slow breath. What was wrong with her? She hardly ever got really angry, and even then it was usually over in a couple of minutes. A quick flare, and gone as quickly as it came.

She heard a car pull into her drive. She sighed. Great. Company. Just what she didn't want right now. She moved to the window and looked out. In the lamplight [when had it got dark?] she could see Janet was getting out of the car. She turned away again, and waited for the doorbell to ring. She briefly considered ignoring it, but after all, it wasn't Janet she was mad at, and it seemed a little silly not to let her in. She went back downstairs.

She opened the door. Her anger flared again. Correction. It *was* Janet she was mad at. Standing behind her was her CO. Jack. She moved quickly to shut the door again, but Jack was quicker.

"Come on Sam, let us in. We have to talk," Jack said, keeping a firm grip on the door.

"I have nothing to say to you, sir," she replied, trying equally hard to close the door again.

"Oh, for crying out loud," Jack complained impatiently. He flinched slightly at the frosty glare he received in return.

"He's right Sam. Come on, don't you think you're being a little childish? At least let *me* in," Janet said.

Sam considered this for a moment, and then moved aside. Janet turned back to Jack and suggested that maybe he should wait outside.

"Janet..."

"Jack, please. I warned you before we came that she might not see you. She's not going to say anything with you there. Go and take a walk around the block or something. Get your own temper under control."

Jack raised his eyebrows at the Doc's order, and opened his mouth to protest, but Janet had already stepped inside and closed the door behind her.

****

Great, Jack thought as he sat down on the steps, pulling his coat closer around him. He wanted, no, *needed* to be inside, talking to Sam. He had to know what had happened. It was unlike her to act like this. He was beginning to wonder if they had brought back the real Sam, whether she'd been swapped on Bareem, Barleen, hell, whatever that planet's name was. It really wasn't like her to fly off the handle like that, and certainly not over something so trivial. Mind you, they'd all been acting a little bad-tempered. He couldn't remember everything he'd said to Sam in that heated argument before they'd stepped back through the 'Gate, but he knew it wasn't complimentary. And by the end of it they'd all been yelling at each other. Well, except Teal'c. He'd just said some sharp words, but that was unlike him as well. Maybe the locals had slipped them something...

This was stupid. He was freezing his butt off out here. He stood, and started to make his way around the back of the house. He wasn't going to sit out here and freeze, or walk around the block and freeze, when he could be inside and warm. And he had to know what Sam was telling Janet. He still had the key to Sam's back door, he could maybe even get in without her noticing. And if she did, well, he'd tell her the truth for once. That he was worried about her. That he wanted to know what was wrong, whether he'd done anything, and what he could do to fix it. And get his 2IC back. No, get Sam, his friend, back. His good friend, one who he cared about more than he cared to admit, even to himself.

He unlocked and opened the backdoor, which opened into the living room, and glanced around. Wow, he thought. She's been cleaning again. Haven't seen it like this since Jolinar. They were sitting on the couch; Sam was curled up in one corner with a cushion held tightly across her front. Janet was sitting at the other end, her left elbow resting on the back of the couch supporting her head. They both looked up as he came in. Sam looked as though she'd been crying. Janet looked at him, exasperated.

"I thought I told you to wait outside."

"Do you know how cold it is out there?" He looked towards Sam, but she turned away and said nothing, pulling the cushion more tightly against her.

Well, at least she's not biting my head off, Jack thought. He made his way over to the women, taking a seat on the chair nearest Sam, his eyes never leaving her.

Janet turned her attention back to Sam.

"Sam? You were saying?"

Sam looked up at Janet, then at Jack.

"I..." Abruptly she stood up and threw her cushion at Jack, getting him squarely in the face. "Why didn't you listen to me?" she asked angrily. "I told you I wasn't comfortable and you just ignored me!"

He took the cushion and placed it on his lap. Something occurred to him. "Sam," Jack said quietly, looking up at her, "Did something happen?"

All the fury seemed to leave her then. She seemed to sag, and sat back down on the couch, facing him. "No, I...I don't think so," she looked at him then, without anger for the first time in days. She looked worried, her blue eyes clouded. "I don't know."

****

They arrived on the planet at what seemed to be late afternoon. The 'Gate was set in a large grassy clearing. They moved cautiously down the ramp, Jack taking his usual post at point, with Sam close behind him.

I wonder if they even know they do it, Daniel thought as he watched them. They always seemed in tune with each other, always knowing what the other was going to do before they did it. Mind you, it might have something to do with the fact they were always watching each other when they thought the other wasn't. He knew Sam had been upset after rescuing Jack from that planet. She'd been colder towards him since, but she hadn't let it interfere with her work. But that was Sam, always the professional, especially in front of Jack. Maybe that was the problem. He sighed, and decided to take in his surroundings, rather than the problems of his team mates.

The sky was the deep clear blue you get on a fine day just before the sun goes down. To the north, behind the 'Gate, and to the east and west lay trees, trees, and more trees. That always seemed to be the way. Nearly every planet they'd visited had either copious amounts of trees, or sand. Neither of which was particularly good for the preservation of artifacts, or rocks, as Jack called them. To the south lay what appeared to be a large town.

"Looks technologically advanced," Sam was saying to Jack as Daniel reached them.

"Yeah, well, just as long as they haven't advanced themselves with Goa'uld technology," Jack replied, shifting the weapon he was carrying.

"I do not see any sign of Goa'uld technology so far, O'Neill," Teal'c offered.

Jack nodded, and looked at each of them. "Well, kids? Let's go. With any luck we'll be home in time for supper," Jack said, obviously trying to get a smile out of Sam. He didn't succeed.

They moved off towards the town.

****

As they approached the town, it became apparent that it wasn't a collection of buildings, but one great big one. The nearest part appeared to be built around a large square. It was made up of many different levels, and a composition of various styles of architecture, not all of them Sam could place. They were greeted by a large group of people, mostly men, Sam noted, and unconsciously moved closer to Jack. They were wearing long, loose flowing clothing in sombre colours, mostly tunics with trousers underneath.

One of the men stepped forward, with a smile on his face. He was rather tall, with greying hair, and dark eyes. His face seemed open and friendly though.

"Well met, travellers. You came through the Great Ring?"

Daniel, as usual, took on the role of ambassador. "Uh, yes we did. Well met. My name is Daniel, and these are my friends Jack, Sam and Teal'c," he said, introducing them.

The man's glance fell on each of them in turn. It lingered on Sam in a way she found most disconcerting. I don't like this, she thought, and moved even closer to Jack.

"We have not had visitors through the Great Ring in many years. You are most welcome to our planet Bareel. My name is Batak. I am the leader of this Complex. We were about to eat, would you join us?"

Jack glanced at his team mates briefly and assented. He motioned them to follow their hosts inside. They crossed the square, and entered what appeared to be a large banqueting hall. The ceiling was high, and supported by thick Doric-looking columns. There was a long table down one side, covered with many different types of food. Scattered around the room were rugs and cushions of various styles and colors, and bright tapestries adorned the walls. In all, it made the room appear more brightly garbed than the people themselves.

"Looks almost Greek," Daniel observed. "But not quite. There're subtle differences. I can't quite put my finger on it..."

Typical Daniel, thought Sam. Always looking for the archaeology in everything. Once more she noticed that most of the people in the room appeared to be men. There were a few women around, wearing outfits similar to the men's clothing, although they weren't joining in the men's conversation. Just serving the food and drink. 'Great, yet another culture where the women are subservient to the men. Why does that always seem to happen', she wondered. She must remember to ask Daniel about it.

Jack and Batak were talking as they were ushered to the centre of the room. Sam couldn't quite hear what they were saying, but Jack had obviously agreed. Batak raised his arms, and a hush fell over the hall.

"Welcome all. Today we are honoured with guests from the Great Ring. They come from afar, and we will make them welcome. Now, we have waited long enough, let us eat." He motioned then to take seats on the cushions in the centre of the room. He looked curiously at Sam as she sat down next to Jack, but said nothing. Sam felt uncomfortable again.

"I don't like this, sir," she said quietly.

He frowned as he made himself more comfortable. "What's there not to like, Major? They seem friendly enough." He looked at her closely. "What's wrong?"

"I don't know, sir. I just..." She was interrupted by a serving girl who brought them food and drink. Sam accepted, noting the puzzled expression on the girl's face. Sam frowned. Then she sighed. He was probably right. Might as well make the most of this. She cautiously tested the food on her plate, but only after watching Batak take some and put it in his mouth. She glanced at Jack, and noticed he was eating as well, although he was studiously avoiding what looked like cake. She hid a small smile.

A man wandered over and whispered something in his ear. Batak nodded, and smiled apologetically at his guests. "Please excuse me, there is something which needs my attention I'm afraid."

Jack watched him go, his eyes narrowed. He looked cautiously around the room for anything unusual.

"They seem quite technologically advanced," Daniel said. "Batak was just telling me about their power source and agricultural abilities. He said he would show us later. I think we could learn a lot from these people."

"Yes," Sam replied, "And they could learn a lot from us. Do you see any women around here doing anything other than serving food? And they all keep looking at me as though I've got horns growing out of my head."

The three men looked at her. 'Great', she thought. 'They probably think I'm going to go into a women's rights tirade'.

"It is likely that the women have a different standing in their society from that which women hold in your own, Major Carter," Teal'c suggested. Sam gave him a perfect imitation of Jack's 'ya think?' look. Teal'c raised an eyebrow and returned to his food. This time it was Daniel's turn to hide a smile.

The conversation went no further, as other local people joined them, and Batak returned.

After the meal and some local entertainment, Batak announced that he had quarters for them to rest in overnight, and asked them to follow him. However, at the door to the hall, he stopped, and looked at Sam. He turned to Jack. "My apologies, but we do not allow women into this part of the Complex. My wife will show her to the women's quarters," he said as a dark-haired woman who appeared to be in her fifties appeared by his side.

"Uh, sir?" Sam asked, the uncomfortable feeling returning. Jack looked at Sam and then back at Batak.

"You can't make an exception this once?"

Batak looked shocked. "I realise that you have different customs where you come from, allowing your women to eat with you, but I'm afraid I must ask you to abide by our traditions."

Sam did *not* like this. Last time she had been separated from the team like this she had been kidnapped and sold. Jack took her arm and pulled her aside.

"I don't like this, sir," she said softly, "Couldn't we just pitch a tent somewhere?"

"I don't think so," Daniel said, his arms crossed in front of him, a sure sign he was uncomfortable as well. "We might offend them. They have a lot of useful technologies, Sam, and they know about the Goa'uld, and dislike them as much as we do. They could be good allies." He absently pushed his glasses back up his nose.

Sam suppressed a flicker of irritation. She was the technology expert, remember? Daniel should have directed Batak to talk to her. Sometimes she thought Daniel was too much of a diplomat.

Jack let out a breath and looked at Sam. "I don't much like it either. But under the circumstances... If they were going to do something to us Carter, they would have done it by now."

"But sir..." Sam protested.

"It'll be ok. You have your radio?"

Sam nodded.

"Good. Call in before you go to bed."

And with that, they left her. Sam sighed, and followed Batak's wife to the women's quarters.

****

"My name is Nayla," the woman introduced herself.

"Sam."

"An unusual name. My husband said you came though the Great Ring, and that you are allowed to eat with your men. Your world must be very different from ours."

"Well, a little. On my world, women have equal standing with men. We can do want we want. Make our own living."

"I see. And your husband allows this?"

"Uh, I'm not married. But even if I were, he wouldn't have any choice in the matter. My career is just as important as his."

Nayla looked confused. "Career?"

"My work. My occupation."

"Ah, I understand," Nayla nodded. She was quiet for a few moments, thinking.

"Your world is indeed very different from ours, " she said eventually.

Nayla had led her down some passageways, and into a large hall very similar to the one they had just left, except that it was populated by women. They went through the hall and entered another large room with many doors leading off it. Nayla opened one of the doors and showed Sam inside. "These will be your quarters for the length of your stay here. Please make yourself at home. There is still food available in the Great Hall if you are hungry. I hope you will be comfortable here. If you need anything, please just let one of us know."

"Thank you, Nayla. I'm sure I'll be fine," Sam smiled.

Nayla nodded. "I wish you a good sleep." With that, she left, closing the door behind her.

Sam surveyed her room, dropping her things on the bed. It was sparsely furnished, just the bed, and what looked like a dresser. Off to the right was another small room. Eventually working out how to turn the light on [she really must get someone to show her how this technology works tomorrow], she discovered it was a bathroom, complete with a bath and running water. Maybe she'd been a little over reactive. This might turn out all right after all.

"Carter, you there?" Jack's voice came over the earpiece she was still wearing.

"Yes, sir."

"Everything ok?"

"Yes, sir. They have baths and running water sir."

"Yeah, I noticed that." He seemed to wait for Sam to say something else, but when she didn't, he wished her good night, and Daniel came over the two-way.

"Good night, Sam."

"'Night, Daniel," Sam grinned.

"Sleep well, Major Carter," came Teal'c's voice.

"Thanks, Teal'c. You too."

Sam sighed, and made her preparations for bed.

****

She woke the next morning to find the sun streaming in one of the windows. She got up and peeked out. It wasn't long after dawn she surmised, but there were already plenty of people milling around in the square below her. She quickly washed and dressed, and went to find Nayla. She thought briefly about contacting the others, but didn't want to wake them if they were still sleeping.

She found Nayla and several other women in the women's hall they'd come through the night before. Nayla smiled and offered her a seat, and a plate of food.

"Welcome, Sam. I trust you slept well. Will you break your fast with us?'

Sam returned her greeting, and said that she had slept very well, taking the plate of food. She ate quietly, listening to the conversation of the women around her. Most of it concerned husbands, children and the planned activities for the day. Eventually she asked when they would be able to show her back to the rest of her team. Nayla replied that her husband would be taking the men on a tour of the Complex, and she had other things she wanted to show Sam. Sam tried to politely say she'd rather be with her team, but Nayla was insistent. Sam resigned herself to talking with the others about what they'd seen later.

After they'd finished eating she contacted Jack.

"Good morning, sir."

"Morning Carter. Sleep well?"

"Yes, sir. Nayla said that Batak would be taking you on a tour of their Complex today."

"Nayla?"

"Batak's wife, sir. I don't suppose there's any way you can convince them to let me come along? They've got some really interesting technology, and I have some questions..."

"I don't think so Carter. Not this time. They seem to be really strict about women should and shouldn't do. Probably best not to upset them. Let me know what the questions are and I'll ask."

*He'll* ask? He didn't even know what she was saying half the time, Sam thought. And 'not upset them'? She took a deep breath. There's no point getting worked up, Sam. He wouldn't understand anyway. Actually, he probably wouldn't even notice how irritated that made her feel. It was probably a good thing they weren't in the same room right now, the temptation to give him a piece of her mind had been growing for weeks. The only thing that had stopped her was the fact that she really liked her job.

"Fine, sir", she replied shortly. She rattled off her questions.

"Danny, did you catch all that?" Jack asked.

"Uh, yes Jack. I think so."

Good, Sam thought. At least Daniel will get the words in the right order. But typical of her CO to pass the job on to him.

"Alright, Major. Have a good day."

"Yes, sir." Jerk, she thought, he knew how much she would rather be exploring the Complex with them. She took another deep breath. Ok, this was the situation, Sam. Make the most of it. It could actually be really interesting. Different culture, different way life. So the women aren't as independent as they are at home. It doesn't mean that they don't hold equally important positions in their society. Look and learn Sam. Show some tolerance.

But that uncomfortable feeling had resurfaced and she couldn't shake it.

****

She spent the morning with Nayla, wandering around the Complex looking at the work the women were doing. The closest she got to looking at technology were the weaving machines. She also observed that Nayla and her followers belonged to some type of ruling class. And (now this *was* interesting), she discovered they had some sort of telepathic ability. They wouldn't enlighten her as to what sort or how it worked though. When she realised that, she tried to hide her boredom. She wondered what the others were up to.

They broke the tour at midday, returning to the Great Hall (the women's version of course), for their meal. She tried to contact her team mates, but there was no reply. She tried to suppress the worry, and a certain amount of fear this caused. She did *not* like being separated from them, not knowing where they were. It heightened her sense of unease. Dammit, why wasn't Jack answering?

They continued their tour briefly that afternoon, until Nayla was interrupted by some sort of disturbance in another part of the Complex. She and most of her followers disappeared. Sam didn't particularly like that either. She tried to get Jack on the two-way again, but there was still no reply. Her sense of unease grew. Finally, sick of just sitting around doing nothing and waiting she decided to see if she could find them. Or at least get out of this rabbit warren Complex. It was better than sitting there worrying herself sick.

She made her way back to the Great Hall, or at least the direction she thought the Great Hall was in. She didn't really have any idea where she was going, but she was bound to meet someone sooner or later.

She heard something. She stopped and turned around. Nothing. No one in sight. She continued walking, tense now, and cautious.

"What are you doing here, woman?" Came a voice from behind her.

Sam jumped slightly, and turned around. The voice had come from a young man, in his early twenties, she guessed. "I was trying to find my way back to the Great Hall..."

The blow, when it came, was so unexpected she didn't have time to react. It catapulted her back, hitting her head on the wall. Everything went black.

****

Sam woke briefly to find her head being cradled in Nayla's lap, rubbing her temples. She felt stiff and sore, and her head throbbed. There were two or three other women present, one of whom was holding something over her. She tried to speak, but Nayla shushed her. "Rest, child." She saw Nayla look back up then, but she couldn't see what she was looking at. A wave of anger assaulted her, and she passed out again.

****

When she woke she found herself in her bed in her guest quarters. Her head throbbed painfully. What appeared to be late morning sun streamed through the windows. What on earth had happened? The last thing she could remember was walking down the passageway and ... An intense wave of anger swept through her. She pushed her blankets back angrily, the headache forgotten. She dressed and grabbed her gear. She would not stay here one minute longer. She was going home, and if the others didn't like it... The others. Where were they? Why hadn't they come to see her? Her anger rose to encompass them as well.

She opened her door and went through to the Great Hall. Nayla stood when she saw her.

"Sam," she greeted smiling. "Did you sleep well?"

Sam ignored her greeting, and Nayla flinched when she saw how angry Sam was. "I want you to take me to the rest of my team. We're leaving."

Nayla hesitated, then nodded. "Perhaps it's for the best," she agreed.

She led Sam out of the hall and into the square below, where Sam saw the rest of SG-1 laughing with Batak. Her fury increased. They looked up at her approach.

"Carter, nice to see you've finally woken up..." Jack started, but Sam was in no mood for his wisecracks.

"We're leaving," she announced.

"*Excuse* me?" Jack replied, eyebrows almost at his hairline. "Did someone make you commanding officer without my noticing, *Major*?"

Sam blasted him with an angry glare. "I'm leaving. And I don't really care whether you come or not." And with that she hoisted her gear, and headed off towards the 'Gate.

Batak, Teal'c, and Daniel stared after her in concerned puzzlement. Jack, however, was livid.

****

By the time they caught up, Sam was already at the 'Gate.

"Don't you *ever* give me an order like that again, do you hear me? What the *hell* is going on Major?" Jack shouted as they reached her. She spun around and focused her angry stare on Jack.

"Those, those...*people*, are the most phony, hypocritical..." Sam shouted back, "I can't even find a suitable adjective to describe them! The way they treat their women. They may be technologically advanced, but their society belongs to the dark ages!"

"What the hell are you talking about Carter? They treat the women well, as far as I can see. Now what's going on here, did something happen or are you just pissed that they wouldn't show you their toys?"

Oh, no, here we go, Daniel thought as he watched Sam stare at her CO, her expression livid. This had been building for weeks. Ever since they had rescued Jack. He'd never seen her so angry. At Jack's last comment, she launched herself at him, landing a good blow to his left cheek before he could even react. Within moments they had a full-on fight going. Well, Sam was doing most of the attacking. It was all Jack could do to defend himself. He and Teal'c quickly intervened, trying to separate them, Teal'c grabbing Carter, and Daniel, Jack. Sam was so angry she even tried starting in on Teal'c, but she was no match for him, and he quickly had her in a good grip. Daniel helped Jack off the ground. Jack wiped a spot of blood from his lip.

"You never listen to me!" Sam yelled, still struggling against Teal'c, "I told you I wasn't comfortable and you ignored me! I tried to get you on the two-way yesterday and there was no reply! Where the hell were you?! You always expect me to come running after you, get you out of some ridiculous situation you've got yourself into, and the fool that I am I do! You take me completely for granted, always expecting me to come up with some miracle, and because you ask me - I do it! Well I'm sick of it! Sick of all of this!"

"Sam, you're not making any sense..." Daniel started. Big mistake. She rounded on him.

"And you! The only reason you're even here is because of Sha're. Give it up Daniel! She's gone! She's never coming back!" Sam shouted, finally shaking herself free of Teal'c.

That was it - within moments the insults were flying in all directions. It took Teal'c' s shout to shut them all up.

"Enough!" he yelled. He looked at each of them in turn. "I do not know what has happened to cause all this, but I do not believe it can be resolved here."

The other three took deep breaths, trying to get their tempers under control.

"Daniel, dial us home," Jack ordered. Daniel moved to the DHD. Sam, Jack, and Teal'c picked up their gear, and headed to the 'Gate as the wormhole engaged with its usual explosive 'whoosh', and settled. Sam sent their code signal through to open the iris. As they moved towards the watery event horizon, Jack said to Sam, "I'm going to report you for insubordination, Major."

"Go ahead, Colonel," she replied without looking at him. "I quit." Daniel looked sharply at Sam, shocked. Then they stepped into the wormhole.

****

"You don't remember anything after whoever it was hit you?" Janet asked.

Sam shook her head. "Nothing, except for when I woke in Nayla's lap." She had resumed the position she was sitting in when Jack had walked in, and during her account she had absently taken the cushion back from Jack's lap to her own.

"I think we'd better get you back to the base for a thorough check up," Janet said. "And that wonderful shiner you have could do with something on it too, Colonel." Both Sam and Jack smiled at that. That was a good sign.

Sam looked up at Jack uncertainly. "Colonel, I..."

"Don't worry about it Major. I probably deserved it. I said some nasty stuff."

"I think it might be a good idea if you had a chat with Dr. Mackenzie too, Sam," Janet added. "He might be able to get you to remember what happened."

Sam nodded.

****

Three sessions with Mackenzie hadn't brought back any of Sam's memories, repressed or otherwise. Those missing hours remained a blank, and Sam had resigned herself to the fact they probably always would be. A thorough medical examination had produced nothing either. In fact, it appeared as though nothing had happened at all. But they all new something had.

SG-1, minus Sam, and SG-3 had returned to the planet to confront Batak. He was shocked at what was suggested, and claimed he knew nothing about it. That was when Nayla came forward and confessed what she knew. She said she'd found Sam, who had been badly injured. She wouldn't elaborate, but they got the picture. She and her women had healed Sam, and Nayla had felt it best to blank out her memory of the attack, and the healing after it. She had been interrupted by her son Baynor, who had confessed to her what he had done. It was at this point Sam had woken from her healing sleep, and it was Nayla's anger she had felt. Apparently the healing techniques they used utilised their telepathic abilities, and Nayla had been 'linked' with Sam, transmitting all she had felt. This would explain what had happened to Sam the next day. Any latent anger she felt would have surfaced. As for the reason for the attack, she couldn't say. Baynor had disappeared.

Batak was dismayed and shocked to say the least. His son had committed a grave crime; at least that was something both their societies had in common. Jack wondered what would happen to Baynor, and his mother for protecting him. And for passing on to Sam the feelings she had felt at her discovery of his crime.

Hammond had put Sam on stand-down for the next few weeks while she recovered. Sam wasn't impressed; she said she had nothing to recover from. After all, she had no physical injuries, and she couldn't remember what had happened. Janet pointed out that injuries weren't necessarily skin deep. She insisted that Sam had regular sessions with Mackenzie. Sam had agreed, eventually. Sam didn't like being on stand-down though. She liked to be busy, hated sitting around her house doing nothing. So she usually ended up in her lab, working on various projects and items they had brought back from other missions.

Jack had been putting himself through the wringer over the mission the last few weeks. He blamed himself, and knew Sam did too. But it wasn't just that, it was the things she had said while under the influence of Nayla's anger. They were all true and he knew it. He did take her for granted. He didn't really listen to her. He never thanked her for getting him out of all the scrapes he'd been in. He just assumed she'd be there, pulling miracles out of a hat. He'd deserved every bit of the distance she'd put between them in recent months. He now understood all those looks his friends had been giving him. He was a selfish excuse for a bastard. He also knew that she had apologised to Daniel and Teal'c for the things she had said to them, but hadn't even mentioned the incident to him. In fact, she was studiously avoiding him. Mind you, he'd been avoiding her too. It worked both ways.

He found her in her lab, as usual. He stopped in the doorway, his hands in his pockets, watching her work. Now that he really looked, he noticed she was thinner than she used to be, and looked tired, despite the rest she was supposedly having. Her hair was still that amazing golden blond though, and he liked the way the light shone on it. He shook himself out of his reverie. Really shouldn't head down that track, Jack. She's your 2IC for christsakes.

"Hey Carter."

She looked up, surprised. "Hi, sir," she replied, giving him a polite smile. What he wouldn't give for one of her full-blown ones right now. Just one would light up his entire week.

"Whatcha working on?"

"Just a pet project." She didn't even explain it to him. Great, he had a long way to go. He sighed. Might as well take the plunge.

"Carter, can we go somewhere and talk?"

Now she looked really surprised. "Uh, what about sir? Is there a problem?"

"Yes, Carter, there is a problem, and I think you know it." She looked uncomfortable. But at least she didn't tell where to go. And she kept eye contact, which was more than he'd had in weeks. It was a start.

"Alright." She got up and closed and locked the door to the lab. Jack didn't know whether to feel relieved that she'd agreed, or run screaming the other way. She sat back down, and gestured to him to take a seat. She obviously meant to make him go first. He guessed it was only fair.

He started haltingly, apologising for all the times he'd taken her for granted, thanking her for her forbearance with him, and for laughing at his jokes, no matter how pathetic they were. It wasn't easy, he wasn't adept at speaking his feelings after all, and he wasn't known for his eloquence. He even brought out the speech he'd written for her promotion, but which he'd never got say. That seemed to do it. She started apologising for her actions too, despite his protests. It was a long talk, but at the end of it, Jack felt that they'd at least gained back their friendship, and had a deeper understanding of each other than they'd ever had before. They wouldn't be making the same mistakes again.

After two or three hours, Jack's stomach rumbled, and he suggested they get something to eat. Off-base. Some real food for once, just the two of them. Sam agreed, and gave him one of here full-blown smiles, her blue eyes sparkling. Jack grinned. She had just lit up his entire week.

FIN