A/N: This is a bit of a dark/angsty S/J one. Feedback is always welcomed, the good the bad and the ugly ;o)

Spoilers: Chimera

Rating: PG13/R

Disclaimer: Stargate is and never will be mine, but a girl can dream.

Archive: SJD (Yes)

Chapter 1 - Consequences!

Sitting in her car, Sam pondered about what had happened that morning, it had been totally unexpected. The bruises around her abdomen were tender to the touch, but she didn't think anything was broken. Her main problem at the moment was to ensure her friends never found out; she didn't know if she could live with the hassle or embarrassment of having them lecture her.

Lost in thought, she couldn't believe that this had been the second time in her life that she'd been conned into believing that she could be happy and in a normal relationship. She was beginning to wonder who she ticked off in a previous life.

Getting out of the car gingerly, she cradled her ribs with her arm. Knowing that she couldn't pull another sick day she walked carefully towards the mountain, preparing herself for endless questions from her team mates, when all she wanted to do was lock herself in her lab and wish the day away. Looking at her watch, she knew she was already two hours late...this was not good.

For the past several weeks, she'd been late almost constantly and she knew that her behaviour of late was not conducive to a good working relationship... particularly with Jack. Distraction seemed to be her middle name lately, and nothing the Colonel had said to her previously; about her "strange" behaviour, seemed to be making any difference.

Sighing, she headed for the elevator and to the Colonel's office; he was not going to be a happy camper. *But*, at this moment in time, she couldn't care less. There were just too many other things to worry about.

Knocking on his door, she waited a few seconds before he called out. Pulling herself together, she felt the adrenaline coarse through her veins. Her heart rate increased from nervous and she had to take a few steadying breaths before walking in.

"Carter! Nice of you to show up."

"I'm sorry, sir. I promise it won't happen again." Sam replied apologetically.

"What's this, the fifth time in as many weeks that you've been late? What's the excuse this time, Carter?" Jack replied heatedly. "You know what? For the last seven years, I've counted on you to be there for the team and to watch our six. *And* never once in those 7 years did you show up late, but now... What the hell is going on with you these days? You get yourself a boyfriend and all of a sudden the SGC means nothing to you? Is that what it is?" Jack continued, his aggravation increasing. Hell, he wasn't exactly Mr Punctuality himself, but never did he disrespect his teammates as much as she'd been doing these last few weeks. Missing briefings, arriving late, leaving early, was something that he'd never have associated with her, but these days...he didn't have a clue what was going on in that head of hers, but he knew it wasn't work related. Ever since she'd started dating *him* there'd been something different about her.

They'd barely talked these last few weeks, and it hurt him. Their relationship had always been based on trust and friendship, but now... It seemed as if she was changing, distancing herself away from him, and he didn't why.

Sam winced at his tone, she'd rarely seen him get this upset, but deep down she'd known it was going to come sooner or later. Lowering her head in shame, she whispered, "I'm sorry, Sir. I know my behaviour of late hasn't exactly been forthcoming, but I promise you, it won't happen again."

"Carter, I've heard it all before. You said the same thing a few days ago, you promised then that things would change, but have they? No." Jack got up from his seat and walked over to her. "Sam...I know something's not right with you, but I'm warning you here and now. You had better snap out of it, otherwise I won't have any other alternative, but to file a formal warning."

"Yes, sir." Sam replied submissively, she didn't know what else to say. Everything in her life seemed to be going wrong at the moment, and the last thing she needed was to lose her job. This was her life, and she was going to make damned sure that no one took it away from her. "If there's nothing else, sir, I have some things to do in my lab."

Jack shook his head, he hated chewing her out, but nothing else seemed to be working with her. As she went to walk out of the office he called out to her. "Sam."

Sam's hand hovered on the handle, but she couldn't look at him, she had to hold it together.

"Sam, please talk to me, I'm not just your CO, I'm your friend, and if something's not right, professional or...personal, then tell me. I can't help you if don't tell me what's going on." It was a heartfelt plea, he didn't know what else to say to her, his eyes reflected pain and sadness that she wouldn't confide in him.

"Everything fine, sir. I...um... just had some personal issues to sort out...that's all." Sam replied half turning back to him.

"You're sure?" Jack asked with uncertainty.

"Yes, sir."

"Okay, if you say so." He commented, unconvinced that everything was okay.

"Before you go, don't forget that we're due to go off world this afternoon. The briefing starts in 2 hours. Don't be late!"

"I won't, sir."

With her head as heavy as her heart, she walked slowly towards her lab. Getting into the elevator, she was so lost in thought that she didn't see the hand grab the sides to stop it from closing. Jumping slightly, she tried to calm her breathing. Thankfully it was only Daniel.

"Hey, Sam. Feeling better?" Daniel enquired, but not quite sure that she was all right.

"Never better. How's the translation coming?" Sam asked trying to steer the conversation away from her.

"Fine." He answered hesitantly. "You sure you're okay? You still look... a little pale."

"I'm fine, really." She responded, suddenly finding the floor very interesting.

"You spoken to Jack yet?"

"Yes thanks." Sam replied briefly not wanting to get into their conversation

"And?"

"And what?"

"What did he say?" Daniel questioned in silent exasperation. Noting that this was harder than having a conversation with Teal'c on a bad day.

"Daniel. No offence, but I don't want to talk about it." Sam replied coldly.

"Oh...okay. If you want to talk..."

"Thanks for the offer Daniel, but I won't."

Not knowing where to look or what to say, they continued in silence until Sam got out of the elevator, leaving a stunned Daniel to carry on alone. He didn't know what was going on with the two of them, but he sure as hell was going to find out.

***

CHAPTER 2 - Regrets and Resignations

With her arm balancing the open telephone book, Sam reached for the phone with her free hand dialling the operator. "Locksmiths, please."

"Yes, we can do that Miss Carter, would 4pm be convenient?"

"Yes that would be great." Sam replied before remembering they were due to go off world.

"Oh, no sorry, it's not good for me. Can you do tomorrow morning?"

"I'm sorry, but we're booked all day tomorrow. It's only because we've had a cancellation today that we could do it this afternoon...I'm sorry. The only day I can do it now, would be... Saturday." He replied checking his schedule. Damn! That was two days away, but she had no alternative, she'd called everyone else and he had been her last hope. Pondering on what to do, she decided that she could stay on the base for a few days. She was sure the General wouldn't mind. All she had to do was say she had a burst pipe and he would be none the wiser.

"Fine, Saturday it is then. Thanks." Sam replied before hanging up. Crap, that would mean she'd have to go home and get her stuff. Something she didn't relish.

***

This had to be the worst day of her life! Sam thought as she dropped down in the dirt for the umpteenth time. The seemingly peaceful planet hadn't been so 'peaceful' and they had been met by some very angry natives, intent on trying to kill them at each and every opportunity.

"I thought you said this planet was friendly, Daniel!" Sam hissed.

"Yeah, sorry about that." Daniel replied returning fire as the bullets ricochet off the rocks besides them.

"Will you two stop yapping and get your asses back to the gate!" Jack shouted above the noise. "We can all blame Daniel later. Now get moving. Teal'c and I will cover your six."

Nodding an affirmative, Sam and Daniel, got up slowly crouching behind anything that would give them some protection. Sam winced as her ribs began to protest. This hadn't gone un-noticed by Daniel.

"Sam, are you hurt?"

"Daniel! Now is not the time."

"Sam."

"You heard the Colonel, we need to get the gate active."

Shaking his head, he knew he should've had that talk with Jack. Mentally kicking himself he knew that there was nothing he could do about it now, but when they got back he was going to make damn sure that he heard about *this*.

***

Emerging from the other side, they barely reached the gate in time, and were thankful when the iris closed behind them.

"Well, that was fun!" Jack replied to no one in particular.

"What in Gods name happened? You couldn't have been gone for more than a couple of hours."

"Thank Daniel for that one, General. It's seems the 'friendlees' weren't so... 'Friendly'."

Jack advised wiping the mud from his face.

"Everyone, okay?" General Hammond enquired.

"Yes, sir. Once again, we've defied death, foiled our foes, eluded our enemies..." Jack answered on behalf of SG-1 and gathering momentum after each word in typical O'Neill style.

"Actually General, Sam's hurt." Daniel replied.

"Daniel." Jack replied with complete surprise. Then looking directly at Sam, he wondered why he hadn't noticed or why she hadn't said anything the minute they got back. She certainly didn't appear to be injured.

"Jack." Daniel replied indicating that he should ask, Sam.

"Carter?"

"I'm fine, sir. I simply pulled a muscle. That's all. Daniel is being a mother hen. It's nothing, honest." Sam replied through clenched teeth, she couldn't believe he'd snitched on her.

"What is this, pick on Daniel day or something?" Daniel retorted with a touch of bitterness.

Sam was never like this and to hear her being so off hand with his feelings, hurt him slightly.

"Maybe you should go to the infirmary, Major."

Rolling her eyes, she certainly didn't want to go to the infirmary. That was the last place she wanted to be. "Really General, I don't need to go."

"Carter." Jack admonished, making her realise that this was not open for debate.

"I'm on my way, sir."

"I'll come by to check on you in a few minutes." He shouted after her as she began walking away with General Hammond, Daniel and Teal'c just behind her.

Stopping dead in her tracks, she let the others go ahead of her before turning back on her heels "Really sir, there's no need. I'm fine." Sam replied. The last thing she wanted was to have her CO there when they found out her secret.

"I'm sure you are Carter, but *I* want to make certain."

"Don't you trust me?" Sam asked bordering on the lines of subordination.

Standing face to face, their bodies only inches apart, he looked intently into her eyes. "I don't know these days, Carter. I really don't." Jack replied honestly. Standing in total silence neither of them said a word; each trying to sense what the other was thinking. The gate room was now deserted, leaving them alone. Momentarily betraying his feelings for her he continued. "You're not the same person that I... I've worked with for the last 7 years."

Sam looked at the intensity of his expression and the emotions that filled his eyes. She knew he'd been about to say something else, but given their current standing she watched as he stumbled - covering his tracks. *And* Sam felt guilty for not confiding in him earlier. Ever since Pete had come on the scene, she always hesitated about telling him what Pete was really like. She didn't want him to see her as 'some helpless female' who needed a man to fight her battles. It was something she had to do on her own. Closing her eyes briefly, she tried to collect her thoughts. Trouble was, she didn't know where to start.

"I know I've not been myself these last few weeks, and I'm sorry. But, I would hope that with everything we've been through together, you'd have more faith in me... I guess I was wrong." Sam finished sadly. As far as she was concerned the day just couldn't get any worse. Glancing up at him one last time, tears burned in her eyes, at the thought that she had lost his respect and friendship.

This was her life, and she couldn't imagine not being able to work beside him everyday, but now that he didn't trust her anymore... there didn't seem to be any point in her staying in the SGC. Struggling inwardly at the decision she was about to make, she didn't want things to end like this, but she wasn't prepared to stay in a place where they didn't trust her. She knew it was of her own making, but... it didn't make it any easier.

"I'll have my resignation letter on your desk first thing in the morning, Sir." She advised him solemnly, her head hung low with sadness. Her chest felt heavy with emotion at her decision. Unable to cope with anything else at the moment she tore a look at him.

Jack couldn't believe it. She was resigning? Her statement knocked him sideways, and for the first time in his life, he didn't know what to say. Watching silently as she backed away from him, the only thing he could do was watch as she turned on her heels and walked quickly towards the doorway.

"Sam! Sam wait!"

*CHAPTER 3 - Difficult Decisions*

Sam quickened her pace towards the showers, she couldn't believe what she'd done, but there really hadn't been any alternative. The Colonel had made his opinions perfectly clear...he didn't trust her; it was as simple as that. Her heart slammed against her chest at the thought of what she was giving up. The SGC had been her life for the last seven years. She didn't know how she was going to handle not coming to work everyday, exploring new worlds, laughing and joking with her friends... it was hard to believe that it had come down to *this*. It was her own fault really; no one else was to blame. She'd brought it on herself - all because she'd wanted a 'normal' life. No, that wasn't true, someone else was to blame for this and she was going to make damn sure he paid for it. No one had the right to make her feel insecure in her own home. She had the right to feel loved and wanted, and just because someone had violated her in that way didn't mean that couldn't re-build her life...even if it meant leaving everything that she'd worked hard for and everyone she loved. *But*, if that was true, then why did she feel like she was making the biggest mistake in the world.

Ensuring that there was no one else in the locker room, she switched the sign to "Female Personnel Only" and walked in. The advantage of being one of only a handful of women on base ensured that the locker room was nearly always empty. Stripping off she headed towards the showers. Increasing the thermometer slightly, it wasn't long till the mirrors steamed. The water cascaded over her sore aching muscles and down her back, the mist from the heat entered her nostrils, and she inhaled deeply. As the water trickled down her face, she allowed herself to cry. The tears fell silently down her cheek, surreptitiously she wiped them away, but they kept on falling. Her sobs echoed in the emptiness of the room; sliding down the tiled walls she placed her head on her knees unable to keep the emotions at bay any longer. // Damn it Sam, it's your choice, you made your bed, you have to lie in it. //

***

Jack was stunned, for the first time in his life; he didn't know what to do. He couldn't believe that she was resigning. This was all so wrong, but then again, there didn't seem to be anything familiar about her these days. It was like she'd had a personality transplant and nothing he'd said to her over these last few weeks had made any difference.

Picking up his pace he headed towards the infirmary, where he expected to find her, but entering into the infirmary he found it empty. A deep frown settled between his eyes, thoughts tumbling to the forefront of his mind, //Where the hell is she now? // Walking into Janet's office, he found her deep in thought with some medical literature. Tapping her lightly on the shoulder, he watched as Janet jumped unexpectedly.

"Colonel, what are you doing here? Normally we have to drag you kicking and screaming before you step foot in here. What can I do for you?"

"Has Carter been to see you?"

"Sam, no, not recently. Why?"

"I asked her to report here about 15 minutes ago. Do me a favour Doc, can you give her a thorough check up? Something's not quite right with her."

"I know she's not been herself lately, but..." Janet looked at him more closely, there was more than concern behind his eyes, something had happened. "Colonel, what's happened?"

"Sam's resigned." Jack advised her sadly, his head bowed in deep contemplation.

"What! I don't understand? What...what happened? Why?"

"Your guess is as good as mine. We had words, she got upset and handed in her resignation."

"That's not like her, Colonel. The Air Force is her life. This job means everything to her, she wouldn't leave just because you had an argument."

"Yeah, I thought that too." Jack replied, his head bowed in defeat.

"When she comes in, I'll have a chat with her. It's probably just some misunderstanding." Janet answered with more optimism than she felt. It wasn't like Sam to just resign on a whim, there had to be more to it than a simple argument. The Colonel was right in one respect...she was different. Over the last few weeks, she'd noticed a subtle change in her behaviour, making excuses to avoid coming over. Avoiding her questions regarding 'Pete', it wasn't like her. Normally they shared everything, but not anymore.

"I hope you're right." Jack answered truthfully walking out of the infirmary, his voice flat with the feeling that Sam's mind was made up.

Turning the corner sharply, he failed to see her coming and the two of them almost collided into a heap.

"Carter, sorry. I was just looking for you."

Sam shook her head slowly in disbelief, hurt etched in her eyes "You really don't trust me anymore, do you...Sir?" Sam added more as an afterthought as opposed to her previously respectful "Sirs" that she'd answered with him previously.

"I was worried."

"I'm sure you were." Sam replied off handed, not wanting to get into a discussion with him. All she wanted to do was get this physical over and done with and head home.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Jack asked slightly hurt at her accusation.

"You've made your feelings about me and my performance perfectly clear, Sir." Sam replied too harshly for her own ears.

Jack couldn't believe her attitude, here he was worried about her, and all the words coming out of her mouth were laced with an attitude.

"What's with the attitude?"

"I apologise if I was out of line...sir. After tomorrow this whole matter will be resolved." Sam told him flatly, tiredness began filling her whole body, all she wanted to do was get out of the SGC as soon as possible.

They stared at each other; deathly silence filled the air between them. Neither one of them was sure who would speak next. Mixed emotions fell between them, sadness, pain, and regret. Gathering what little strength she had left, Sam was first to speak. "If there's nothing else you wanted, Sir, I have an appointment with Doctor Frasier."

Jack wanted nothing more than to be there when Frasier carried out the medical exam, but he didn't think it would be conducive to her good mood. He hated this, he couldn't remember a time when she had behaved so abruptly or treated him with such disdain. All the feelings he'd been storing up for her over the last few years came tumbling to the forefront of his mind, and he wondered if this was the end of their... friendship.

***

"Janet." Sam said briefly.

"Hey, Sam. The Colonel said you'd be stopping by..."

"I know, he ordered me to come."

"Everything okay, between you two?" Janet broached carefully, not wanting to cause an argument. She could tell that Sam was angry over something, but there seemed more to it than that, something that went deeper.

"Not really."

"Want to tell me about it?"

"No, it's something I need to sort out on my own."

"You sure, I'm a good..."

"No offence, Janet, but I'm not really in the mood for talking. Can we just get this over with? I've got things to do."

Wondering whether to bring up the conversation she'd had earlier with him, Janet didn't know at the moment how her friend would react to them discussing her behind her back. She knew it wouldn't be pleasant, but she had to get to the bottom of things. Sam wasn't acting like herself and it was up to her, not only as her doctor, but also as her friend to find out why she was behaving so out-of- character.

"The Colonel told me that you'd resigned."

"The Colonel has a big mouth."

"Sam!"

"I'm sorry, Janet, but he had no right." Sam replied annoyed. "This is hard enough as it is without him telling everyone, it's like he's glad I'm leaving."

"Sam, you're being irrational. The Colonel told me because he doesn't want you to make such a huge mistake. And I hardly think he's happy that you're resigning. Why would you think that?"

Sam's eyes filled with unshed tears, she felt miserable, her whole world was tumbling down around her like a deck of cards falling in on itself, and she didn't know how much more she could cope with.

Embracing her friend into a hug, Janet was completely taken aback by this usually unseen display of emotion. Sam was not the sort of person who'd cry on a whim.

"Oh, Sam, honey. Talk to me, please. I can't help you if you don't tell me what's going on." Janet advised her softly, her arms fully embracing around her friends back.

Sam's tears fell precariously onto her friends shoulder; soft sobs escaping from her lips racked her body as she felt herself fall to pieces for the first time since this whole mess had started.

"Sam, look at me." Janet commanded gently after several minutes. "I'm your friend, and I'm worried about you. Does this have something to do with what happened on the planet?"

"No, its nothing like that." Sam sniffled, wiping the tears from her eyes.

"Then what?"

"It's nothing, Janet. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you before. I'm just hormonal... that's all." Sam answered trying to hide her problems with small attempts at humour. "Look, I know that the Colonel's asked you to do the medical exam today, but would you mind if I left it for now. I promise to come back in the morning and see you first thing, but I really don't know if I could face the prodding and poking." Sam continued jesting lightly, her eyes pleading slightly with her friend.

Technically she should've examined her there and then, particularly in light of her changing moods, which could have been as a result of something medical. *But*, feeling that, that was unlikely, she didn't push it and subsequently relented. "Okay, Sam, it can wait till the morning." Pausing slightly, she hesitated before asking. "You feel like coming over to mine? Cassie's away on some school trip, so it would be just you and me?" Janet finished hopefully.

"Thanks, but no thanks. It's been a long day and I'm tired." Sam answered truthfully, feeling as if she had run the gauntlet with her emotions today. Sighing deeply, she knew though that tomorrow was going to be worse.

"Alright, if that's what you want. Just one thing though before you go. Please think about what you're going to do. This isn't just your career we're talking about here. The people here care about you, and they're worried." Sam was about to protest once more, before Janet raised her hands in a 'surrendering' gesture; the last thing she wanted to do was alienate her further. "All I'm saying, Sam, is, don't rush into anything. You and the Colonel have had disagreements before, and I'm sure that whatever he said wasn't meant to hurt you..."

"But, it did Janet. And... I don't know if I can just forget about it. He made his feelings perfectly clear, and I wish things could be different, but... it's too late. I don't have any other choice, Janet." Sam told her sadly slipping off the gurney. Her eyes held a vacant look, Jack had hurt her with his words and it was something that he could just...take back. If you didn't trust the person that you were with, then it was pointless working together, and that was why she wouldn't go back on her decision.

Janet watched as her friend walked slowly out of the infirmary, her head hung low, as if the weight of the world had been placed on her shoulders. //Stubborn as a mule Samantha Carter// Janet said inwardly. Once her friends mind was made up, it wasn't likely that she would change it in a hurry. An idea popped into the forefront of her mind. After her shift she would drive over and see her, armed with a bottle of nicely chilled wine, and some Belgium chocolates in the hopes that she'd open up. With that said though, Janet wasn't going to hold her breath.

*Chapter 4 - What Becomes of the Broken-hearted*

Rubbing her eyes tiredly Sam stepped out of her car and headed towards her front door. All she wanted to do was sleep. Her eyes felt sore and puffy and she could feel the beginning of a tension headache forming at the top of spine. The pounding feeling in her skull didn't seem to want to leave and she craved 'something' to take it away.

Walking up the steps she noticed that the door seemed slightly ajar. Cocking her head slightly, thoughts from the morning filtered through confusing her. //I was sure I locked it this morning. // She thought to herself, remembering locking it as she left in a hurry. A sudden panic-stricken thought struck her and her chest tightened in response. Pete!

Her breathing became shallow as she placed her shaking hand on the doorknob. It was one thing to prepare yourself going into battle, but another to have someone invade your home. Adrenaline coursed through her veins, heightening her senses in preparation for what lay ahead. She knew better than to just walk in to an unknown situation, but her instincts began kicking in forcing her forward into the unknown.

Grabbing the nearest thing to her, she held the baseball bat firmly in her grasp; eyeing her surroundings. The house had been ransacked. Drawers were hanging off their hinges; its contents scattered across the room as if her home had been invaded by a tornado. Turning towards the sofa, nothing could have prepared her for what lay in front of her; her brand new sofa was slashed to pieces; fabric peeled off the cushions like banana peel. Her hand flew to her mouth in shock, and her body trembled at the thought that someone could've done something like this; she felt violated.

Her footsteps echoed on the wooden flooring as she wondered round the house checking for signs that someone was still in the house. Going from room to room, the only thing she found was more destruction, her wardrobe had been completely emptied and splayed out on the floor. Something didn't seem right though; all her valuables were still there. Whoever had ransacked her home, they weren't typical burglars. This attack wasn't random; it was pre- meditated. Someone had deliberately entered her home for the intention of warning her that they could get to her at any time.

Sitting down on her bed she picked up the telephone. Instead of dialling the police like she should've done Sam held the receiver in her hand with uncertainty. This wasn't a simple case of robbery; this was revenge. *And* Pete was a cop, admittedly a cop from out of town, but nevertheless she wasn't sure how the police would handle things. Questions plagued her. Would they take notice of her, or would they unintentionally shy away from capturing the person responsible because of the person's job? Placing the receiver back down for the moment, Sam curled herself on the bed pulling the pillow towards her in an attempt to seek some comfort. Silently the tears fell once more. She didn't know how long she'd been lying there on the bed before she heard the floorboards creak in the direction of the living room. Startled, she grabbed the nearest to her, the baseball bat. Her heart rate accelerated with nervous energy. Cautiously she headed towards the noise, armed and ready to take on the person that entered without her permission.

Creeping silently, her hand gripped tightly around the weapon. Venturing stealthily into the living room she heard the gentle sound of footsteps heading towards her. Her heart pounded in her ears as she raised the bat towards her assailant.

"Son of a..." Sam cried in defiance, jumping out at her would-be- attacker.

"Sam...it's me, Janet." Janet shouted quickly before Sam had the opportunity to swing the bat at her.

"Janet, my God, you frightened me, I thought that you were... What...wh... what are you doing here?" Sam gasped in surprise.

"I was worried. I saw your door open, and saw the mess on the floor and the sofa, and I thought that something had happened to you. I was just about to call the police." Janet told her friend worriedly.

"No, don't." Sam shouted quickly.

"Sam, what the hell is going on? Don't give me any BS either."

Throwing the bat onto the wooden flooring, Sam sat down on the nearest chair indicating to Janet that she should do the same. Silence filled the room for a few moments while Sam tried to think of a way to explain everything. For weeks she'd been pushing everything to one side in the hope that it would all go away by itself. As far as she was concerned, Pete was out of her life, never to return. Obviously Pete had other plans for her.

"It's complicated." Sam replied cryptically.

"I've got all the time in the world." Janet answered promptly, adamant in the fact that no matter what happened here, she was going to get to the bottom of it. "First of all, why haven't you called the police?"

"I can't, Janet. Like I said, it's complicated."

"I don't care, Sam. You can't let this go, without reporting it." Janet argued strongly, turning her body towards her friend. Janet knew something was amiss, it wasn't like Sam to *not* report an incident. Taking her hand, she squeezed it firmly, letting her know that she wasn't going anywhere. "Sam." She pressured, watching her friend struggle internally.

Sam sighed; she knew that someone would find out eventually, and that it was only a matter of time. *But*, she didn't know where to start, or how to put it into words. "I know who did this."

"Who?"

"Pete."

"Pete? As in your boyfriend, Pete?"

"*Ex-boyfriend* as of several days ago."

"I don't understand...if you know who it is, why haven't you called the police?"

"Because he's a cop, that's why. What makes you think they're going to believe that 'one of their own' would be capable of doing something like this?"

"Sam, I'm sure this wouldn't be the first crime that's been committed by a cop. I don't understand your reluctance to call them."

"Can you imagine what would happen if I reported it? The press would get hold of the story; it would be all over the evening news." Sam shouted angrily, standing up to walk away. "I'm not prepared to sit back and watch my private life be made public because of *him*, Janet. Can you imagine what the Colonel, Daniel and Teal'c would do if they found out?"

A light bulb clicked in her head, and Janet finally realised what had been going on for the last few weeks, and why her behaviour had been so erratic. *But*, that was something that they'd discuss later, *after* the police had been called. She didn't care who or what the reasons were behind this attack, she wasn't prepared to let her friend let this go.

"Sam, I understand your reasons, but, you don't have a choice in the matter. If you let this go, there's a chance he could come back."

"Don't you think I know that Janet that, that thought hasn't crossed my mind? *If* he comes back, I'll be ready for him. *And* believe me, he won't get a second chance."

Janet heard her words, and became more certain that this wasn't the first incident between her and Pete, and if that was the case, then she figured out that if it's happened more than once, it was more than likely that he would come back again. "That's not the point, Sam, and you know it. If you won't call them...I will." Janet argued, now completely facing her with hands on hips.

The Colonel would have described it as 'Napoleonic power monger' mode, with little chance of resistance. Sam knew the 'look' and realised that her friend was not going to let this drop, without a heated argument; and Sam was too tired and emotional to cope with that right now.

"Okay, you win. I don't want anyone else hearing about this though."

"Sam, they're your friends. Don't you think...?"

"No, Janet. I've agreed to the police coming, but I don't want anyone else to know..."

Not wanting to push her to far, Janet agreed for the time being, but made her perfectly aware that this matter wasn't closed; not by a long shot. Calling the police in though was her first priority.

Wandering through room to room in a daze, waiting for the police to arrive, she tried to catalogue the damage, and to ascertain if anything had been taken. As far as she could tell nothing had been taken; everything could be replaced quite easily, which Sam was relieved about to, some extent.

Janet handed her a large cup of coffee, before taking stock of everything around her.

"He really has done a number on you, Sam. Are you sure it was Pete? I mean I know I didn't know him that well, but he didn't seem to be the sort of man who'd do something like this."

"That's what I thought at first." Sam answered sadly.

Suddenly, Sam jumped up from the sofa and ran into the bedroom, quickly followed by a worried Janet. She didn't know what had caused this sudden outburst, but she was damned sure it must've been important.

"Sam, what is it?"

Unable to speak, she had to see it was still there. A panic stricken look befell her face as she rummaged through her wardrobe. She knew though that he'd done it, just to hurt her more. A sinking feeling emerged in the pit of her stomach when she pulled out her jewellery box. Opening it up she didn't need to check through; it was gone.

Placing the box back into the wardrobe, Sam's anger threatened to bubble over. Picking up the coffee mug she threw it against the wall in a fit of rage, before sliding down the wardrobe doors, clenching her fists in anger.

"Sam, talk to me."

"My mother's jewellery...he's taken it." Sam replied bursting into tears. Out of all the things he could've taken, he chose the one thing that meant the most to me; my mom's wedding ring." All her emotions came tumbling forward and she pulled her knees up to her chest and wept; her body heaved with the effort of trying to contain all her emotions.

"Oh, honey, I'm so sorry." Janet empathised kneeling down next to her and scooping her up into her arms.

No words were required, the simple fact that her friend was there holding her was all that was needed.

***

Sitting in front of General Hammond, Jack shook his head, "...and then she told me she was resigning...just like that."

"And she didn't give any reasons for it?" General Hammond enquired stoically, clasping his hands in front of him.

"None." Jack replied simply still reeling at her decision to leave the SGC. He knew that deep down this wasn't what she wanted, but, then again this seemed par for the course these days. "Her behaviour has been erratic these last few weeks, which could be attributed to what's going on in her personal life. *But* I never thought that she'd give everything up without a valid reason, and from what I've heard...she hasn't got one."

"Maybe she has, Jack, but one that she's not willing to share with us at the moment. Like it or not though, it's something that has to be done before her resignation can be accepted." Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly. "Talk to her, Jack, try and get her to open up to you."

"With all due respect, Sir. I'm the last person she wants to speak to at the moment."

"I understand that, but you are in her direct chain of command, Colonel. Major Carter and yourself obviously have some issues to work out, and I want everything sorted before she comes and sees me. Is that understood?"

"Sir..."

"Colonel, this isn't a request. Do whatever you must, but, I do not want to see her resignation letter on my desk without her having discussed this fully with you first."

"Yes, Sir." Jack knew that once the General had made up his mind that there was no turning back, he had no alternative *but* to speak to her. For the first time in his life, this was one order he wasn't looking forward to undertaking.

Walking out of Hammond's office, his mind filled itself with how he would confront her. Debating on whether he should go to her house or not, he failed to hear Daniel shout his name.

" Jack, I just heard about Sam."

Turning around, Jack noticed that Daniel's face showed signs of distress at the recent news, //Gotta love that old rumour mill//! Jack thought checking his watch. It had only been a few hours since she'd told him and already news had gotten around the base. Sam would've been impressed.

"News travels fast."

"Why didn't you tell me? I would've thought that after working together for the last 7 years, you'd have the common courtesy to at least..."

Jack listened absently while Daniel went off in frenzy; anger bubbling to the surface, like a pressure cooker waiting to boil over. He didn't know how it had started, but it certainly hadn't been his intention to keep this from them. It had obviously taken place when he'd been discussing it with the General. He understood Daniel's anger, but he didn't need to hear it right know, he had more things to worry about other than Daniel's feelings.

"Daniel. Look I'm sorry that you had to hear it this way."

"Your sorry." Daniel continued indignantly.

"Yes, *I'm sorry*. What do you want me to do? Get down on my hands and knees and beg for forgiveness?"

"That would be a start." Daniel replied crossing his arms over his chest defiantly.

"Look, I don't know what happened myself. So I sure as hell haven't got a clue what to tell you." Jack started getting annoyed.

"Didn't she give you a reason?"

"Nope."

"Did you ask her why?"

"I never got the chance, Daniel. We...exchanged words...and then she left." Jack replied cagily walking to his office, with Daniel following closely behind.

Noting Jack's posture and elusiveness in giving him details, it was obvious that they'd had a disagreement. In fact he wasn't surprised by it. Over the last few weeks their behaviour towards each other had become decidedly bizarre. Between awkward silences and arguments over trivial matters while they were out in the field, Daniel had been surprised that they'd lasted this long without something 'giving'.

"What were you arguing about?"

"It wasn't like that Daniel."

"No? Then what was it like, Jack?"

"Don't start with me, Daniel. I'm not in the mood."

Relentless and un-yielding, Daniel was determined to get to the bottom of things, or at least get Jack to confess what was going on in his mind...if nothing else. "It must've been bad for Sam to just hand in her resignation. You must've really upset her."

Stopping in his tracks, Jack had just about had enough, and finally let rip off all the pent up frustrations that he'd been feeling for the last few hours. "It wasn't intentional f'crying out loud. You know how she's been acting for the last few weeks. I think I've shown great restraint in not hauling her ass over the coals a long time ago."

"You know, Jack, there's this wonderful device humans have been using for years. It's called 'Talking'! Something you and Sam have done little of over these last few weeks. Instead of shouting at each other, why don't you..."

"I'll tell you what Daniel, if you think you're such an expert why don't you talk to her?" Jack said finally before storming off down the murky grey corridors of the SGC.

Bowing his head in reflective silence, softly he whispered, "Because it's not me she needs."

*Chapter 5 - Confrontation*

Sam wandered back to the living room, feeling as if the weight of the world had been placed on her shoulders. The police had yet to arrive, and Sam's patience had just about reached the end of its tether. She couldn't wait any longer. All she wanted was to get back to normal, but she couldn't, not as things stood.

Walking back into the living room Janet asked, "How are you feeling?"

"Like a lost-soul."

"It'll get better. I'm sure they'll catch whoever's responsible, Sam."

"You mean, Pete."

"Sam, it might not have been him. It could have been just your run of the mill burglars."

"Janet, just take a look around. Does this look like a typical burglary? Everything apart from my mother's ring is still here. Only Pete knew where I kept my valuables, and he knew what the ring meant to me. I'm telling you, it *was* Pete."

"Okay, okay, I'm just saying."

"Yes, well don't."

Janet rolled her eyes, trying to bite back her tongue; there really was nothing she could say to make things easier for her friend. Pulling the curtain back, she waited patiently for the police to arrive and at least it gave her something positive to do. At the moment she felt like a spare part, nothing she said to Sam seemed to be helping.

Bending down to pick up the bat, Sam felt a twinge in the side of her chest, and sucked in a breath to ease the discomfort. The pain wasn't giving her a break though. Wrapping her arms around her stomach she tried to protect herself from waves of pain that hit her like a tidal wave. The nausea erupted, hitting her with full force. Unable to keep the bile that rose in the back of her throat, she rushed to the bathroom to rid her stomach of its contents.

Turning round, Janet watched as her friend darted quickly out of the room. A worried look passed over the young doctor. Calling out to her friend she got no response. "Sam?"

She couldn't understand what had made her disappear so quickly; confused she wandered in the direction Sam was headed. Hearing noises from the bathroom, she knocked lightly on the door.

"Sam, you in there?" Getting no response, she tried again. "Sam, honey let me in."

Sitting on the wooden floor with her head hovering over the toilet bowel, Sam didn't want Janet seeing her like this. Doctor or not, she wasn't ready to tell her the whole story just yet. Taking a deep breath, she waited for the queasiness to subside before she answered her; she hated being sick.

"Sam! I swear if you don't let me in right now, I'm going to kick this door down."

Despite the situation, Sam smiled at her friend's desperate plea. At 5 ft 1, she couldn't imagine Janet Fraser kicking anything down let alone the door.

The pain in her side seemed to have eased slightly and she levied herself to a standing position, leaning on the bathroom sink for support. "I'll be out in a second." She called softly before rinsing her mouth out.

Taking a good look at her reflection, she noticed the dark ringed circled under her eyes. Her usually peachy complexion now seemed pale and lifeless, and her normal crystal blue eyes seemed to have lost their vibrancy and looked as washed out as she felt. Losing track of time, lost in her own thoughts, she completely forgot about the waiting Janet outside the bathroom door.

"That's it! I'm coming in." Janet shouted.

Snapping herself back to reality, she went and opened the door. "You're so impatient." Sam admonished walking away from her friend.

"You look like crap, Sam." Janet advised her in no uncertain terms.

"Is that what you say to your patients? It's no wonder they want to leave the infirmary as quickly as they do."

"Don't think you can talk your way out of this Samantha Carter. I've dealt with Colonel O'Neill for the last seven years, and I've heard *all* the excuses going. Now, park your heinie on the sofa and don't move."

"Where are you going?"

"To get my bag."

"Janet, I don't *need* for you to be my doctor. I need you to... just be my friend." Sam told her. The last thing she wanted was for her to see her bruised ribs, but she knew that once Janet had set her mind to something, there was no point in arguing her.

"What is it that you don't want me to know?" Janet asked shrewdly, noting her continued avoidance at being examined.

"I don't know what you mean." Sam replied evasively, crossing her arms across her chest defensively.

"Well let me put it simply for you. This is the second time you've avoided me having a look at you. So, I want to know what it is you're hiding?"

"I'm not *hiding* anything, can we just leave it please. It's been a long day, I'm tired and I don't feel like being poked and prodded."

"No Sam!" Janet told her finally. "Either we do it here and now, or I'll call General Hammond *and* the Colonel and they can order you back to the base and we can do it there. Your choice." Janet told her firmly, complete with hands on hips.

"You wouldn't?" Sam questioned with uncertainty. The thought of being ordered back to the base by the Colonel was not something she wanted to face this time of night. It was bad enough that she had to see him tomorrow; she didn't think she could handle his questions right now.

"Oh no? Try me."

Their eyes locked for a few seconds, both ladies trying to ascertain who would break first. Neither one was prepared to back down, but ultimately someone had to give.

"You're serious aren't you, you'd call the Colonel on me?"

"In a heartbeat. Like I said before, I have heard every excuse in the book, Sam. Nothing you say will convince me that everything's okay, so we can do this the easy way or the hard way."

"Fine, but not until the police have finished."

"Okay, but for the time being you sit on the sofa, and do nothing."

Opening her mouth to protest, more out of habit than anything else, Janet placed her hand on her shoulder stating simply, "Just humour me."

***

Brooding in his office, Jack didn't feel like going home tonight. Absently pushing his paperwork from one side of his desk to the other, he knew staying here was a futile gesture; particularly when his mind was on other things.

He felt as if the whole world was turning against him, first Sam, then Daniel, and while General Hammond didn't openly state that it was his fault she was leaving, he knew better. The worst thing was, he didn't understand *why* she was leaving. Sure they'd had their differences before, but it wasn't like they'd had a big bust up or anything. It made him so annoyed to think she could just walk out on him like that...how dare she. Pent up frustrations of the day crept towards the surface and he felt like a volcano preparing to erupt. Grabbing the nearest thing to him, he threw it venomously towards the other side of the room, narrowly missing the person walking into his office.

"Teal'c, I'm so sorry, that wasn't meant for you." Jack jumped up apologetically, walking around towards the shards of glass that now littered his office floor.

Teal'c completely un-phased by what had transpired; lifted his eyebrow replying, " *And* for whom was it intended?"

Silence filled the room while Jack waited to come up with a good answer. Truth was he didn't know who he was angrier with...Sam or himself. In the end he replied, "No one, really. I just felt the urge to break something." Jack lied unconvincingly. "Don't you ever just get the urge?"

"Indeed O'Neill, only my urges have nothing to do with breaking inanimate objects."

A quizzical look passed over his face wondering what he was referring to, then once it hit him, all he could say was. "Ooookay, way too much information." Expecting another comment from his friend, but nothing came. Instead Jack watched his friend wait quietly and calmly as he'd done so many times in the past for him to make the first move, but this was one night he wasn't giving in. "I'm done here for the night, fancy going for a beer?"

"Do you wish to... drown your sorrows O'Neill?"

"Well that was subtle. And, who taught you that phrase? Or do I really need to ask?"

"Daniel Jackson is most upset at the loss of Major Carter, and advised me that he was going to drown his sorrows."

"She's not dead Teal'c. She's just leaving to...pursue other interests." Jack answered casually. "Besides, you can't really drown your sorrows with Daniel, it only takes one beer from him and he's passed out on the floor speaking incoherently."

Realising that his friend was avoiding answering the question, Teal'c attempted to return the conversation to what weighed heavily on his mind. "Major Carter would not leave the SGC voluntarily."

Grabbing his jacket from the rack, he paused for a moment. With his hand resting lightly on the peg he replied softly. "Yes, well...she did."

"You must advise her that this is not a wise course of action, O'Neill."

"It's her decision, Teal'c." Jack advised him solemnly, preparing to walk out of the room.

Flexing his arm, Teal'c grabbed on to his friend's triceps, stopping him in his tracks. His face was stoic, as he told him firmly, "It is the wrong decision."

"Tell me about it." Jack sighed finally; walking out of his office - the discussion was over.

***

Peter Shanahan skulked behind the bushes, as if waiting for his prey. Watching the police cars pull up outside her house caused his blood to boil. One thing he was counting on would be the fact that she wouldn't call the cops, how wrong he was. *But*, one thing was certain, she would pay. He wasn't prepared to lose his whole career over her, not if he could help it. *And* the only way he could preserve his job was to silence her once and for all. Patience and timing was all that was required. He had to have her, and if he couldn't...then no one else would either.

As far as he was concerned she still belonged to him, he'd earned that right. They'd been good together, until a certain person had gotten in the way. Although she hadn't come out and directly said she wanted to be with him...he knew.

Watching her invite them in, a small smile played on his lips. He knew exactly what he was going to do with her; calculating the plan in his mind, he would bring her to the edge of sanity before making his final move; making her suffer more and more each day. He'd already left her a message, just to let her know that there was nothing she could do to stop him.

***

"See that wasn't too bad, was it?"

"Did you see the look that the policeman gave me, when I told him that Pete was a cop."

"Sam, you're getting paranoid." Janet replied casually. "Well now that they're gone, let's get down to business shall we?"

Biting her lip with nervous energy she knew she'd have to tell her. Time had run out, there were no more excuses that she could've come up with. *But*, there was one thing she had to do first...tell her the truth.

"On one condition." Sam advised nervously.

"Sam..."

"Janet, I need you to promise me that this won't go any further. I don't want anyone else to know about this."

Eyeing her suspiciously, Janet realised that she was dead serious. It wasn't just that though, there was something more lurking behind her eyes, something she couldn't quite put her finger on. Nodding in agreement, Sam stood up lifting her sweatshirt to reveal a bruise going right across her ribs. Closing her eyes she waited for her friend's reaction.

Janet was completely taken aback, not with the injury, she'd seen worse, but with the complete devastation on her friend's face. Everything fell into place, Sam's behaviour of late, her reluctance to be examined... There really was nothing she could say to make her friend feel any better. All this time she'd kept this dark secret to herself, and it pained her. Part of her felt hurt that Sam hadn't confided in her, she couldn't understand why she'd let it get this bad without telling anyone. Right now though that didn't matter.

"Pete?"

Sam nodded pulling her sweater back down, silent tears began falling from her eyes... the secret was out. She felt so ashamed, partly because she was used to being the smart one, the one who could solve anything complex, everything that is apart from her own life. She hadn't even seen it coming. With Jonas it had been different, she'd known he was off the wall, but she liked that in a man. It was only when he'd become controlling that she'd started to get uncomfortable within the relationship. Strange though how she'd seen the signs in him, but she hadn't with Pete and she felt like such a fool because of it. All those little arguments she'd have with him in the morning about her not sharing her life with him. Sure she'd told him some things, but just like always there were certain aspects of her life that had to remain private. And when he wasn't able to cope with that, that's when things had turned nasty.

"When did it start?"

"Not long ago. Initially he'd start arguing when I'd be getting ready to go to work, he was annoyed because he wasn't part of that aspect of my life, then more recently it intensified. He became more and more controlling until everything came to a head... and that's when I told him to leave."

"When did the beatings start?"

"It was only once, Janet."

"That's once too many, Sam."

"Don't you think I know that? I honestly thought he would change, that I could reason with him, but it's not as easy as you think." Sam shouted in frustration at getting her friend to understand.

"Sam, believe it or not, I do understand. You'd be surprised how many women stay in abusive relationships, either out of fear, or loneliness. It's a hard decision leaving that part of your life behind, and for most women it's impossible; either because they don't think they deserve any better or they can't find a way out. And what makes it worse for them is the fact that they keep it a secret from their friends and families because they're too ashamed or embarrassed to let anyone know. I just wished you'd confided in us, Sam."

"It's not exactly the easiest thing to drop in the middle of conversation, Janet. Nice weather we're having, oh and by the way my boyfriend's hitting me. It doesn't exactly roll off the tongue."

"I know, but we'd have helped you."

"I didn't want anyone to know, Janet. I'm a Major in the US Air Force; I fight for my life and my friend's lives everyday. What would they have thought of me, if I told them I couldn't handle this?"

"So is this why you decided to leave, because you couldn't face the thought of telling them?"

"Partly."

"Then what's the other reason? I don't understand what else would make you just throw away your career?"

"Janet, like I said before, I don't want to discuss it." Sam advised her firmly. "Look, Janet, I don't mean to be a bad host or anything, but I'm tired and need to get this place sorted. Can we call it a night please?"

"I'd prefer you'd stay at mine tonight. I don't want you to be here on your own."

"I'll be fine, Janet."

"I'm sure you will be, but..."

"Janet! I *need* to do this on my own. I appreciate what you're saying and everything you've done for me today, but I need to start putting my life back together."

"Sam, about tomorrow..."

"I know what you're going to say, Janet, but my mind's made up."

"There's nothing I can say to change it?" Janet asked sadly.

"No." There was no hesitation in her voice, she was resolute that tomorrow would be her final day.

Standing up, they gave each other one last longing look, knowing that this was an end of an era. Janet's fear was that they'd grow apart. It would start off that they'd call each other every day, then every day would turn into once a week. The visits and phone calls would become less frequent as they became used to their new lives, and soon enough they'd end up being just a familiar face they'd meet on the street. Life was like that. But, she didn't want all the years they'd shared to be nothing more than a chapter in her life. She wanted things to remain as they were now, but ultimately she knew that time moved forward... as did friendships.

Pulling her into a hug, Sam allowed herself to be comforted by her friend. Resting her head gently on her friends shoulder, she drew strength from her friends support. She didn't have many close friends, and the thought that she'd lose the one person that felt more like a sister hurt her deeply. Janet knew her inside and out and she knew she'd never find another friend quite like her. "I'm going to miss you."

"Me too." Janet replied softly moving away from her. "Come see me tomorrow, okay?" Janet finished wiping her eyes.

Nodding, Sam walked her out.

Unable to face anything else at the moment, Sam headed towards the shower. Stepping in she felt the hot water ease her aching body, the sweet smell of the shower gel filled her nostrils as the torrent of water cascaded down her spine. Closing her eyes in silent contemplation, she thought about how she was going to word her resignation letter and how she would face the Colonel in the morning, and where her new life would take her. Only one thing was a certainty now...she was alone.

Oblivious at the time that had passed she had gotten in the shower, she knew she couldn't stay there for much longer, she stole a look at her shrivelled fingers and knew then that she'd been in way too long.

Stepping out of the shower, she grabbed the towel; the bathroom was clouded in mist from the hot steam. Wiping off the moisture from her face, she walked towards the mirror and was unprepared for what lay waiting for her.

Dropping the towel in surprise, she clasped her hand to her mouth, adrenaline rushing through her veins. Her body trembled at the message that had appeared on the mirror.

I'm watching you!

Fear and dread tore through her as she stood; frozen like a statue. As the steamy mist began clearing from the room, the rush of cooler air circulated around the bathroom causing the message to erase from the mirror. She didn't know how or when he'd had the opportunity to leave the message for her. Thoughts clouded her mind. Maybe he'd crept in as she showered? Or maybe he'd left it earlier when the house had been ransacked. Worse still - what if he was still here? The thought that he was in her house brought an icy chill down her spine, her hands shook with nervous energy as she picked up the nearest towel to cover herself before walking towards the bathroom door.

With her hands shaking, she felt her heart catch in her throat. Preparing herself for what lay in wait, she took a deep breath and opened it. Scanning the room she couldn't hear a sound. Listening intently for any kind of movements, she cautiously headed for the living room to pick up the wooden baseball bat, that she'd casually tossed aside earlier.

Poised and ready to strike at anything that moved she wandered carefully from room to room waiting for *him* to jump out at her at any moment. As she neared the last room, she placed her hand on the door handle; pulling the lever down she went to push it open, but was suddenly startled by the telephone.

Panic set it at who might be ringing her at this hour.

Flinging the last door open, she looked inside.

Alone

Cold

Frightened

Persistent ringing filled the house; she couldn't ignore it, in case there'd been an accident or an emergency at work. Tentatively she picked up the receiver, "Hello?"

A voice cold and calculating on the end whispered, "Did you get my message?"

She recognised *him* immediately. "Why are you doing this?" She countered vehemently.

"Because I can." The voice stated menacingly, feeding on her fear.

"It's over Pete. The sooner you get that into your thick skull, the better."

"It's over when *I* say it is."

"Don't threaten me, Pete. The police know all about you, and for your sake you'd better hope they catch you before I do. If you come within 2 feet of me or my property, I swear to God you'll regret it."

Hearing the laughter on the end of the receiver infuriated her. This was her home and she was damned if he was going to scare her away.

"I love it when you get feisty, Sam. I look forward to seeing more of that. By the way, did I tell you how sexy you look in that towel? It brings out the blue in your eyes."

Slamming the phone down, Sam ran to the window searching for him. Scanning the front porch the dim light of the street lamps filtered through the pathways casting shadows on everything that moved, but she couldn't see him. Closing the blinds, she ran towards the front door, anger boiling over, but if he'd been there before, he certainly wasn't now. She decided then and there that there was safety in numbers and she knew there'd be no one at the base this time of night. While the last thing she wanted was for him to frighten her away from her home, she wasn't stupid. Until the locks were changed, she'd be safer at the base.

***

Sitting in front of her computer, Sam finished off her letter. It was done. There was no going back now. Looking at the clock, the time showed 5.00am, she'd been at this all night. She couldn't believe that this was going to be her last day. The words on paper could never compare to how she was feeling, the formality of it all had taken away how much she had enjoyed her job and her time here on the base. Seven years of working here had built up a lot of happy and painful memories for her, but there comes a time in everyone's life where things have to come to an end...and it was her time. As much as she regretted the decision there was no other choice. Jack and herself would continue to argue over trivial matters, and she'd end up hating him. He'd already lost his respect and trust for her, and to her, there really was nothing else he could've said that would've hurt her more. She felt as if she'd failed him, he'd put all his trust in her and she'd let him down. If only she'd told him everything when this whole thing had started, things might have been different. Now though, things had gone too far for her to back away now, and like it or not she had to face the consequences of her actions. Handing in her resignation was the only way she could salvage this sorry state of affairs.

Thinking back to a couple of months ago, she remembered discussing her resignation with him, or rather his imaginary persona. She'd had no qualms about giving up her career for him then, if she knew how he felt about her. Fate though obviously had different plans for her now. Hell, she didn't even know if he harboured those same feelings for her as he did that day when they were tested by the Zatarc device. Or most recently when he'd held her in his arms; bloodied and battered from her lucky escape from the super soldier. She'd felt so safe and secure then as if everything was just meant to be. It seemed like a lifetime ago...nothing, but a distant memory. How she longed for him to hold her like that once more, to tell her that everything would be okay and that he still trusted her and needed her. Then...maybe everything could be as it once was.

***

Holding the letter in her shaking hands, she gathered her thoughts, //Well Sam, this is it. //

Why then did she hesitate? If this was the right decision, why not just do it? Because it was *him* she had to face, that was why. She couldn't bear his questioning eyes, his wonderings of where things had gone so wrong between them. She knew, because those were her thoughts and feelings. Their relationship had gone beyond friendship and camaraderie; he was the one she'd give her life for.

Pain

Anger

Regrets

Jack heard the subtle knocking on his door, and knew it was goodbye. Hammond had asked that he talk to her, but he knew her inside and out - stubborn as a mule when she had set her mind on something. They were the same, but different. Born of the same instincts to protect and serve no matter what the personal cost.

"Come in."

"Sir."

Jack watched her for signs of anything to indicate that she'd changed her mind; but there was none.

"Sit down, Carter." Carter? Why did he have to be so formal? She was leaving f'crying out loud, and he was acting like she was just here on detached duty, not someone that he cared about. But, it was easier than actually facing up to his feelings...wasn't it? He didn't know anymore. All he knew was, she was handing in her resignation and he'd never see her again. His heart felt as if it were being ripped from his chest.

"I'd rather stand, Sir. I'd like to get this over and done with as soon as possible if you don't mind." Stay calm. Focus on anything but him.

"Actually, there are a few things we need to talk about."

"I have some leave owing, 6 weeks I believe. I'd appreciate it if you'd release me as soon as possible. I'd like to use that in lieu of my notice." Sam answered formally, wanting and needing to end this as quickly as possible.

"Sam..."

She hated it when he used her name like that, it just made everything that much harder. Trying to maintain her composure was difficult enough as it is without *this*.

"Don't." It was a simple word that conveyed so much more, she held the tears at bay. It was a plea for him to just let her go.

Jack stared silently into her eyes, unsure of what to say. "Hammond wanted me to speak with you about your...resignation." That word was bittersweet in his mouth, so much so that he had to take a drink to wash away the aftertaste. "He wants to be sure you're making the right decision, and frankly so do I. What happened to you, Sam? Did you know that you were only one of a handful of people that I'd trusted to watch my six?"

Were? There it was again, the doubt in his voice. What could she say to that?

So, this is what it had come down to...silence. Their once familiar and open relationship was now stagnant and uncommunicative, and he hated it. Never in his life did he feel so uncomfortable.

"So... are you going to tell me what this is all about?"

"It's personal."

"As in 'Pete' personal." Even speaking his name held a bitter taste in his mouth. As far as he was concerned, Pete was a piece of slime that he could happily stomp on. He didn't know what it was about that guy, but something didn't settle right with him. He was like a bad smell that kept on coming back.

"With all due respect, Sir. It's my business."

"Maybe, but when it affects your career, then it becomes *my* business. And lets face it, since *he's* been on the scene your work performance has not exactly been up to your normal standard."

Anger and pain filtered through her. Bitterly she replied, "Well then, you should be thankful that I'm leaving... Sir."

Shaking his head, he knew this would be a fruitless exercise. "So you're not going to tell me."

"No." There was no hesitation. In one word she conveyed to him her refusal in discussing the issue further. Looking at him directly, she noted that his feelings were hidden so deeply behind the mask that he'd put up that for the first time since she joined the SGC, she couldn't 'read' him. Pulling an envelope from her pocket, she handed it to him before snapping back to attention. "It's my formal resignation, Sir. You'll find it's all in order. If you'll grant my request for my leave to begin immediately, I'll go and clear out my things."

"I'll have to clear it with General Hammond first, but I can't see any reason why he wouldn't allow it." Jack replied sadly, trying to maintain control of his emotions that threatened to overwhelm him was becoming more and more difficult.

"I understand, Sir. Now if there's nothing else I have some things to do before I leave."

Jack nodded simply not knowing what else to say. What could he say? Her mind was made up, and he was letting her go...just like that. Watching her walk out the door as she did was difficult to say the least, but what right did he have to stop her? After all it was her decision, and while he knew she was making the wrong decision it wasn't his place to interfere, if she wanted to give up her whole career for the sake of being with Pete, then what right did he have to stop her? It wasn't as if he could just tell her to stop seeing that slimy no good cop...could he? And if he did, how would she react? Knowing Carter like he did, she was as stubborn as a mule and there was no way in hell she'd listen...would she? Mulling things over in his mind, he felt as if he was being held in a cage. The office was becoming decidedly claustrophobic and he had to get out of there before he went nuts, he picked up her letter of resignation and held tightly against his chest; hoping against all odds that this was just one long bad dream and that he'd wake up at any time. Unfortunately that couldn't have been farther from the truth. Closing his eyes in quiet contemplation he tried to think of someway he could get her to change her mind, but ultimately it was her decision.

***

She couldn't believe it; the last of her boxes had been packed away. General Hammond had authorised her leave and her resignation with some persuading that it was her choice, and nothing he could've said would have made any difference.

The morning had only begun, and she knew it wouldn't be long until Janet, Daniel and Teal'c would come and see her, she'd already spoken to them earlier that morning and they had tried to change her mind, but she was resolute in her actions and nothing they said could or would change her mind. As for the Colonel...she just didn't know. One thing she didn't want was a long goodbye, it would just make things harder, not just on her, but on all of them. Gathering the remaining boxes she headed out to the hallway, but not before taking one last look around her lab. A lot of things had happened there, some good, some bad. Ultimately though, this place would always hold a special place for her. Turning off the lights one last time, she surreptitiously wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye. With her arms cradled around the last box she walked slowly towards the elevator, waiting patiently for her in the corridor were her friends, all of them except the Colonel. Her heart sunk at the thought that he wouldn't...or couldn't say goodbye, she had to bite the side of her mouth to stop the tears from falling freely.

Daniel looked so sorrowful, that she just wanted to drop the box she was carrying an envelope him into a sisterly hug. She couldn't though, she had to remain calm and in control, to show them all that this was what she really wanted when all along her inner voice was screaming at her to tell the General that it was a mistake.

Walking over towards her, he waited while she lay the box down before taking her into his arms. Resting her head lightly on his shoulders, she felt the tears finally fall, and this time she didn't wipe them away. Lost in silent comfort, for a moment she wished someone else were holding her. Pulling slightly away from him, Daniel brushed away her tears.

"Please, Sam, don't leave like this."

"I have to, Daniel." Sam told him softly. The last few days were starting to take it's toll on her and without even realising what she was saying, she let slip her true feelings. "I wish I had another choice, but I don't. Things have gone too far now. I just wished I knew why he didn't trust me anymore."

"What do you mean?" Daniel asked looking at her quizzically.

As realisation hit her with full force, she grasped his arm retracting her previous statement, "Just ignore me Daniel...it's been a long day."

Pulling her to one side away from the others he asked, "You're leaving because of Jack aren't you? What's he said to you?"

"Daniel, drop it, please."

Raising his voice slightly he continued, "No I won't Sam."

"Daniel, I'm asking you as my friend, please just let it go."

Not wanting their last day to end on a bad note, he reluctantly agreed. One thing was certain though as soon as he saw Jack he'd give him a piece of his mind.

Giving him one final hug she told him, "Thank you for everything, Daniel. I want you to know that you've been like a brother to me and it's something I'll always remember."

"I'll miss you."

Struggling to find the right words, she simply nodded before turning to face her Jaffa friend. "Teal'c, what can I say, you and I have been friends for so long, and you've saved my six many times. I want you to know that I'll never forget what you've taught me about loyalty and friendship. You've always been there for me when I've needed a shoulder to cry on, and well, I just wanted you to know that it meant a lot to me."

Although Teal'c revealed very little about his feelings, he could count on one hand those he classed as true friends, and she was one of them. Bowing his head in his typical manner he held his arms out to her. She embraced him completely basking in his strength.

"I wish you well Samantha Carter."

"Thank you Teal'c." Sam answered simply before turning finally to her best friend. "Janet, you know how I hate goodbyes, so I'll see you tomorrow?"

"You can count on it. I'll be round first thing in the morning, I promise. Just remember your not alone, okay?"

Sam nodded before taking one last look around she'd already said her goodbyes to the General, so all that was left was for the Colonel, but he was nowhere in sight, and she didn't think she had any strength left in her to go and find him. He'd obviously made his mind up that he was better off without her. And if that was his reasons for not being here, then she was right to hand in her resignation.

Jack watched from the corner of the hallway as she stepped into the elevator, he couldn't do it, he couldn't say goodbye.

Lost in his silent reverie he walked slowly back to his office. Each step he took was painful, she was gone and she wouldn't be coming back. He hated himself for just letting her go. But, he was too obstinate to do anything about it. Worst of all, she'd never know how much she meant to him. He heard heavy footsteps running up behind him, but he couldn't be bothered to face anyone at the moment.

"Jack!"

There it was, he knew it wouldn't be long before he sought him out.

"Daniel." He answered simply noting the steady reddening of the young archaeologists face as anger bubbled towards the surface.

"You know, Jack, you can be such an ass sometimes."

"I'm not going to stand here and listen to this." Jack replied angrily storming off.

Daniel though wasn't in the mood to play silly games with him and went ahead of him, placing his hands on his to chest to stop him moving forward.

"Remove your hand, Daniel. Or I'll remove it for you."

"NO! You are going to stand there and listen to what I have to say."

"If it's about Sam, I don't want to discuss it." "I can't believe you're just going to let her go...just like that. Does she mean so little to you?"

"Hey! It was Carter's decision to leave. I didn't force her out the door." Jack shouted angrily poking his finger in his chest.

"Oh no? You sure about that?"

"What the hell are you talking about?" Jack retorted his blood pressure rising.

"She's leaving because of *YOU*. You hurt her Jack, and you're the only one that can get her back." Daniel told him honestly.

"Don't you think I've tried to talk her out of it?"

"Yes well, you obviously haven't tried hard enough, have you? Otherwise she'd still be here. You owe her a big apology and I suggest you do it now, before it is too late."

"I don't need for you to tell me what I should and shouldn't be doing, Daniel. I'll handle things in my own way and in my own time." Jack finished finally walking away.

Calling after him, he shouted. "Don't let your stupid pride stand in the way of losing her, Jack."

Jack stormed off down the corridor muttering to himself, fury threatened to overwhelm him. It's my fault? How the hell could it be my fault? If she hadn't gone off and set up with 'whatsisface' none of this would've happened. She was in the wrong...not him. She let her personal life interfere with her career, and put him before the team, something that could've had disastrous consequences if he hadn't stepped in.

Without even realising it, he'd got in the elevator and headed for the surface. He didn't know what she'd said to Daniel to piss him off so much, but she sure as hell was going to explain it to him.

***

Loading the last boxes into the car, she went to put her key in the door, before feeling a hand grab her shoulder. It was Jack.

"What did you say to Daniel?"

Yanking free from his grasp, she finally lost it. Shock and annoyance hit her like an energy blast. Just what the hell was he accusing her of? It was as if his whole demeanour had changed. It was a side of him that she rarely saw and felt so angered by his attitude that she completely lost control.

"Excuse me?"

Ranks and Regulations be damned, this wasn't professional anymore...this was personal. And both of them knew it.

"Well according to Daniel, you're leaving because of me."

"Don't flatter yourself." Sam retorted snidely

"You know what Carter, I can't believe that I wasted seven years believing that we had something special. You and Pete are welcome to each other."

"So this is what it's about is it? Pete!"

"Hey, I'm not the one who's giving up her career for someone I hardly know. I thought you were different. Obviously I was wrong."

"Is that what you really think?" She asked, waiting for some kind of reaction. "If it is, then you don't know me at all." Sam finished unlocking the door.

"Hey! Don't turn your back on me. I haven't finished talking." Jack retorted grabbing her arm once more, and forcing her to face him.

"Oh I think we've said enough." Her eyes were steely cold with rage. She couldn't believe he was acting this way. She yanked her arm away from him, and glared at him.

Everything was spiralling out of control, this wasn't what he wanted to say to her, but he felt like he was on a tidal wave that was out of control. He didn't know why he was acting like this, but he knew this wasn't the way to win her back. He tried to calm himself down, but Daniel was right, he realised that, his words were personal and he'd hurt her. He didn't know why he'd said those things, but it was too late to take them back.

Taking a deep breath he pushed his anger and jealousy to one side. There he'd finally admitted it to himself. He was jealous. That green-eyed monster which threatened to consume him, he hadn't even realised until now. He hated the fact that she was leaving him and SG1 to be with someone else.

"Sam..." Jack replied reaching out to her.

Tears welled in her eyes, gone was the anger that was there before. His face showed signs of regret, but it was too late, she couldn't forgive him. Too many words had tarnished their relationship...hadn't it? The feeling of mistrust was still there, that hadn't changed, and until then, they couldn't go forward. It didn't mean that she could just switch off her feelings that she'd harboured for the last seven years for him. Ultimately she still loved him...but maybe it was too late.

"Don't!" Putting her arms up defensively, she couldn't take any more.

The shooter watched the two of them closely through his eyepiece, noting that he was touching her, holding her arm. How dare he lay one finger on her. No one had the right to touch her, but him. Lining up his prey he took aim, he wanted to see her reaction as he took the Colonel down; he wanted to see her suffer as much as him.

A single shot flew threw the air at an incalculable speed heading towards it's target.

Before Jack had the chance to answer her, he felt a searing pain in his shoulder before crying out in pain. He stumbled forward.

Sam didn't know what was happening, one minute they were arguing the next minute he was falling into her arms.

Shock

Fear

Panic

Blood

Jack lay collapsed in her arms, for a minute she was paralysed. Everything was happening so fast. He was losing blood. His t-shirt began turning crimson. His face paled considerably.

Everything was becoming blurry, he tried to keep his eyes from closing, but he couldn't. His body felt like a dead weight as his life force began fading. There was so much he wanted to say to her, but he knew he was on borrowed time.

Sam screamed for help.

They were alone.

"SOMEONE HELP ME!"

She watched as the SF forces came running towards her their weapons raised for action.

"Sam..." Jack whispered, blood pouring from his mouth. "I'm sorry..."

"Don't you dare do this to me. You hear me?" Sam pleaded, teardrops falling onto her hands below that attempted to stop the blood flow. But it was no use...he couldn't hear her.

*Chapter 6 - Honesty*

Fear set in as she watched his eyes closing. Anger and panic began building up inside her, as she wondered why the SF's were taking so long.

"You can't leave me Jack O'Neill, you hear me. I won't let you." Sam pleaded, feeling the beat of his heart slowing down; it was if he was giving up. Blood continued to seep through his clothing. Checking his pulse, she felt a searing pain in her right arm, but she didn't have the time or inclination to see what was wrong. Adrenaline was acting as a natural painkiller for the moment. All she was interested in was keeping him alive. She refused to let him go.

Keeping her hand firmly against his wound, trickles of blood from her own injury mingled in with his. And before long, she couldn't tell whose blood was whose.

The SF's arrived within a few minutes and began rushing around them like bees gathering honey; everything seemed to be happening so fast. Anger was now replaced with shock. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't focus. He was dying here in her arms and there was nothing she could do.

She didn't know how long it had been between Jack getting shot and Janet's arrival, but she knew it was long enough for him to have lost more blood. As they lifted him on to the gurney, she could see the pool of blood where he had lay in. Sam felt sick as she watched his head loll to one side.

Janet began checking his vitals, before glancing over towards her friend, noticing her crimson red shirt. "Sam! Are you hurt?"

"It's not my blood." Sam answered flatly her eyes never leaving the Colonel's limp form.

"You're sure?" Janet queried not quite convinced. Something wasn't quite right with her and it wasn't just shock. Watching her friend careful she knew there was more here than met the eye, something darker lurking behind her friend's eyes. But, at the moment her immediate attention was required assessing and dealing with the Colonel's injuries.

Turning back towards her patient, she knew she had to hurry. From the amount of blood that covered both their clothing, it was apparent that there wasn't much time. Once he was settled on the gurney Janet checked his vitals once more. His heart rate was erratic and his breathing was slow and shallow, she knew then he was going into hypervolemic shock. Without immediate intervention she knew he wouldn't survive the journey. Suddenly Janet barked, "We're loosing him, get the paddles!"

The flurry of activity seemed to be going in slow motion, particularly when she heard those fateful words. Her heart slammed against her chest. She tried to breath, but found her chest ached at the effort...it was if her heart was breaking in two.

Time was running out.

"Come on Colonel." Janet encouraged him, placing the paddles on his chest. "Clear!"

Sam watched as the heart monitor beeped incessantly. He was clinically dead. She watched as Janet administered the first electrical charge to his body. Jack's prone figure raised slightly off the gurney as the current passed through him. Her heart rate quickened each time the paddles were activated.

She was completely numb.

Out of all the near death experiences that they'd gone through together, for some reason this one would stay forever in her mind. Their last words had been spoken in anger, and she really believed that if he died now...she'd never be able to forgive herself.

Then she heard it...irregular at first, but within seconds the monitor began picking up the beats until it had become as steady as it was going to get.

"Okay, he's stable for now, let's get him to the infirmary STAT."

Watching him rushed through the base, Sam felt herself being led away by one of the medical staff down the long hallways. Janet and the others had tried to talk to her, but she'd said nothing. What could she say? He was laying on the gurney his body pale and lifeless and she was responsible...maybe not directly, but ultimately that was how she felt. The medical team had wanted to take her by gurney to, but she'd refused, she couldn't bear the fact that they were helping her like this, especially when she felt as if she didn't deserve it.

Feelings of guilt encumbered her soul. Irrational thoughts plagued her conscious mind. Somewhere deep inside she knew it wasn't her fault, but the more she tried to convince herself of it, the darker her thoughts became.

Each step she took was now becoming harder and harder, her vision was becoming blurry, but she refused to give in to her body's need for help. She wanted them to concentrate on *him* not her, and until she knew he was out of danger she wouldn't seek out their help.

Waiting for them at the infirmary, were General Hammond, Daniel and Teal'c their faces reflecting concern and shock at Jack being wheeled into the operating room. She noticed the General opening his mouth to speak, but Janet hadn't had time to discuss the situation with him. Uncertainty of how this could have happened filled their eyes as they turned towards her. Sam felt that familiar knot forming in the pit of her stomach as their questioning eyes bore into her soul. Torn with guilt she turned away from their penetrating gaze.

Daniel was the first to reach her, concern etched in his delicate features. Reaching out to her, all he wanted to do was provide some comfort, but she couldn't bear it. She didn't want their sympathy...she didn't deserve it.

"Leave me be, Daniel." Sam replied backing off.

"Sam?" He didn't understand.

"Easy, son. She just needs a bit of space. Let the medical staff deal with her for now. We can wait a few minutes."

"General I just want to know what happened. First Sam's resignation, now, just as she's leaving Jack gets shot. I just don't get it. Something else is going on here."

"I know you're anxious... as am I. But, our first priority is to make sure that they are both okay."

Daniel nodded simply; he knew the General was right. Trouble was he needed answers.

***

Sam had gotten past the point of caring now. A black cloud embraced her, dragging her downwards. Uncertainty mixed with hate, guilt and anger filled her soul. Jack was in the operating room, fighting for his life and the med technicians were only concerned with her welfare, and she detested herself for it. In her mind she wasn't worth the effort, as far as she was concerned all their concentration should have been on the Colonel, but instead they were wasting their time with her.

"I wish everyone would stop fussing! You should be concentrating on the Colonel, *that's* your priority." Sam shouted to the technicians as they tried to remove her bloodied jacket.

"Major, there are enough people taking care of him. My responsibility is to take care of you."

"I *don't* want your help. I want to make sure the Colonel's okay first."

"Major, please sit down, and at least let me look at your arm."

"No." Sam continued, her voice slightly hysterical. It was as if her emotions were on a roller coaster, and she couldn't get off. "I don't want you to help me. I want to know what's happening with Colonel O'Neill. Please, I just want to know that he's okay."

"If I find out how he is, will you let me look at you?"

Sam nodded. If this was the only way she'd find out, then that's what she'd do.

Turning on her heels the nurse walked out the infirmary, leaving an agitated Major Carter alone in the infirmary. Checking her watch, it had been nearly 20 minutes since she had spoken with the nurse. Her patience was wearing thin, and she wondered what was taking so long. Frustrated by lack of action, the pressure of being confined began building up inside her like a pressure cooker. Pacing the infirmary floor, she waited for someone...anyone to tell her what was happening. Fear and shock compounded with lack of sleep made her feel agitated and paranoid. She felt as if the nurses were deliberately holding back information from her. It had been nearly 35 minutes since he'd been wheeled into the operating theatre, and they still hadn't told her how he was. Why would they refuse to tell her? She didn't understand. Didn't they know how important it was for her to know that he was okay? Unless...

The thought stopped her in her tracks - fear paralysed her momentarily. That couldn't be it. They would've said something...wouldn't they? Maybe it was more than that; maybe they blamed her for the shooting? Maybe that was the reason for Daniel, Teal'c and General Hammond had for staying away all this time?

Irrational thoughts assaulted her fragile mind. Days of living on pure adrenaline began catching up with her, and she couldn't think clearly anymore. Only one thing was a certainty. She couldn't stay here anymore she had to find out for herself.

Before she had the opportunity though, she watched Daniel and Teal'c come through the doorway.

Something was wrong.

Apprehension filled the infirmary.

"Sam." His voice was soft and non-threatening, his heart ached and seeing her like this.

Backing away from she shook her head vigorously. "No."

"Sam, please. We just want to talk to you." Daniel pleaded walking closer. Concern fell over his young face, he'd never seen her like this, and it scared him. He couldn't bear the thought that he may lose both his friends in one day. It seemed incomprehensible. "Sam, we know you're upset, and tired, but we need you to listen."

Instead of retreating further, Sam stopped and listened to him, for the first time. With her voice barely above a whisper, she whimpered. "He's dead isn't he?"

"No, no, no, Sam. The nurse was worried about you and asked us to come and speak to you. He's okay Sam. Janet will be out shortly and you can ask her for yourself."

"Really?" Sam asked with uncertainty.

"Have I ever lied to you?" Daniel replied softly pulling her into him.

Hesitating for a brief moment, she gradually allowed him to hold her. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she let her headrest gently against his shoulder. She felt his hand move to her back where he made soft circling motions in an effort to provide comfort. It had been a long time since she'd felt so safe. "I was so worried, Daniel. One minute we were arguing the next minute he was lying in my arms, bleeding. I thought he was going to die." Sam choked.

"I know, I know." Daniel crooned in her ear. "Everything's going to be okay, Sam. I promise."

"I'm so tired Daniel. Everything's spiralling out of control, and I can't stop it. I just want everything to be as it was." Sam answered softly, pouring her heart out to him. Between her injury and the days' events, her head felt as if it were wrapped in cotton wool, she had no energy left in her to fight anymore.

Unknown to Sam, the nurse crept round the side of her and injected her with a light sedative. Daniel half carrying her led her to the nearest bed and laid her down.

"What was that?" Sam asked slightly dazed, the medication appearing to have taken effect.

"It's just to help you rest."

"No, I need to stay awake...the Colonel...I need to tell him..." Her eyes began closing. The effects of the sedative were working its way through her veins and her vision clouded. She tried to protest, but her strength was fading.

"You're exhausted, Sam. You need to rest. Jack's going to be okay, it's you we need to take care of now." Daniel advised brushing her hair back off her forehead.

"Teal'c." Her eyes searched for him through blurred vision.

"I am here." He advised gently nearing her side.

"Make sure that Pete...wants to...the Colonel...hurt him. Don't let me...sleep. Stop him..."

Daniel and Teal'c looked at each other quizzically they could barely hear her, let alone comprehend what she was saying. Hearing only snippets of what she was saying, Teal'c advised. "You must rest." Watching her eyes close once more he finished. "I will not leave you, my friend."

With Sam finally asleep, this allowed the nursing staff to assess her injuries. Teal'c and Daniel stepped out into the hall out of earshot to an awaiting General Hammond.

"How is she?"

"Calmer. They've given her something to help her sleep. She's exhausted."

"Did you find out anything?"

"Not really, just a lot of jumbled words as she was drifting off. She mentioned something about Pete Shanahan, and someone getting hurt. Nothing made sense though. It was if she seemed frightened to go to sleep."

Hammond nodded in understanding; he knew something was wrong when she'd tendered her resignation. He didn't believe for one minute that this was primarily due to the Colonel's dealing with her. They'd weathered stormier times before and had gotten through, but this time it had been different. For one reason or another they had lost the ability to communicate with each other, and as far as he was concerned, this was far more serious than anything else. Once you lost the respect for the person that you worked with, it was very difficult to get it back, and ultimately he believed that this is what had happened. Somewhere along the line they had both lost their way. Now though a common goal had been placed in their paths... to see each other through this. They now had no alternative, *but* to talk to each other. He was saddened at the thought that it had taken something like this to make them realise.

"I'll go check in on her first, and then speak to Doctor Frasier as soon as she comes out of surgery. Hopefully when the Colonel wakes we'll have some more answers, but until then gentlemen... I'm afraid it's a waiting game."

***

Sitting by her side, they waited patiently for Jack to return to the infirmary. Sam's injuries had been attended to and she was sleeping peacefully for now. Neither Daniel nor Teal'c expected it to last though. When Sam was determined to do something, there was usually very little that could be done to stop her.

Brushing back her hair, Daniel sighed softly, whispering, "Oh Sam, what are we going to do with you? You think you have to do everything on your own don't you?" He knew it was a futile gesture asking her questions, but maybe somewhere in her subconscious she could hear him.

Hearing the small pitter-pattering of steps nearby, Daniel and Teal'c looked up simultaneously to see the diminutive Doctor watching by the doorway.

Leaving Sam alone momentarily they walked casually up to her.

"How is he?"

"He's going to be fine, the bullet passed through his shoulder. Thankfully though it didn't hit any vital organs, so with any look he'll be up and about within a few days rest. He lost a lot of blood though, so we're keeping a careful eye on him for now. Barring any complications he should be back to normal very shortly. How's Sam been doing? I heard from the nursing staff that there were a few problems."

Daniel brushed his fingers through his hair, stealing a peek at his friend. "Yeah, there were. She's been sleeping for a while now. I've never seen her like this before Janet."

"I have." The doctor advised sadly

Pulling one of his quizzical faces, Daniel asked, "When?"

"When it was believed you had died, and SG-1 had returned from the planet without you." It was a difficult memory for her. At the time neither of them knew that he was still alive. But Sam...she was a mess. She could count on one hand the number of times she had seen her friend fall to pieces in the seven years that they had been working together, but nevermore so than when the Colonel was injured or missing. Those memories would stay forever in the forefront of her mind. While she had no intention of sharing them with anyone, she knew that when it came to the Colonel, Sam's feelings tended to get the better of her. A special bond between them would never be broken, no matter how many bad words had been spoken between them.

"Oh."

Teal'c also recalled memories of his friend, particularly when it was believed that they'd never see Colonel Jack O'Neill again. But it was rare that she would share her thoughts and feelings with her friends. He knew, because he understood their dilemmas. Borne of the military, they would serve God and country before they would let their relationship interfere, even if it meant sacrificing their happiness.

When he'd cradled her that time in the locker room, she had initially chased him away, but they were friends, and he could not leave her alone. He understood loss more than others, and was glad that he could at least provide some comfort in her time of need.

"It's not a side that Sam likes to portray." Janet answered on her friends' behalf.

"Don't I know it." Daniel answered flatly. "What is it with military people and hiding their feelings all the time?"

"Because Daniel Jackson, you cannot allow your enemies to see that side of your psyche. It shows weakness, something that would not be conducive to a formidable warrior." Teal'c interjected, knowing how hard it was for his fallen comrades.

"But that's just it Teal'c we're not their enemies. We're their friends, and Jack's just as bad as Sam for hiding things. I've never understood it."

"Daniel Jackson, you look upon the universe with the innocence of a child. It is a very rare gift and something that should be cherished. You are open and honest and your trust is un-yielding, something which is a remarkable trait for a human. But, for a warrior to portray these attributes, it could result in disastrous consequences."

"Knowing that doesn't make it any easier though...does it." Janet remarked

"Indeed. Yet it has to be this way."

Daniel shook his head; he'd never understand it, never in a million years. He knew his friends were hurting and the only way he knew to resolve the situation was for them to talk openly about how they felt. Changing the subject he asked, "When are they bringing Jack down here?"

"Soon. He needs to stay in recovery for a little while, but I'll make sure that he's here before she wakes up."

"Why Doctor Frasier, do you have something planned for them?" Daniel asked slightly surprised that Janet had cottoned on to the situation.

"I don't know what you mean Doctor Jackson." Janet answered smiling contentedly. She had not betrayed her confidence to her friend; she was just giving her a nudge in the right direction.

Walking towards her she checked over her vitals. Everything seemed to be stable, and Sam looked at peace for the first time in a long while. She couldn't resist brushing her hair back against her forehead. It was a mother thing that she did with Cassie when she was ill. And while she knew Sam wouldn't be aware of that simple gesture, it brought comfort to her, reminding her that she was going to be okay, particularly if she had her way.

***

"Owwwww!"

"He's awake." Daniel declared softly sitting in-between his friends. Turning his head he asked with concern. "How do you feel?"

"Like I've been shot." Jack grimaced trying to move his shoulder. His head still felt as if someone was standing over his brain with a sledgehammer. Struggling to remember where he was and how he'd gotten here, he asked, "What the hell happened?"

"Someone took a shot at you."

"Really, I never would have guessed." Jack answered slightly annoyed. Gradually his clouded brain started slipping back into focus, snippets of memory began coming back to him. There had been a lot of shouting...and anger...Sam! It all came flooding back like a Tsunami. "Where's Sam?" Panic stricken he tried sitting up to see where she was. Struggling to disentangle the electrodes from chest, his shoulder felt as if it was on fire, but he had to know that she was all right.

"Jack, relax, she's okay. Look." Daniel advised pointing to the prone figure in the next bed.

"Is she hurt?" Jack asked trying to ignore the incessant pain.

"The bullet went through you and caught her slightly, but she's okay. The Doc gave her something to help her sleep, that's all."

"Why?"

"Why? Well, because she's the doc, and that's what she does. She...um... puts people to sleep."

"Daniel, she's not a veterinarian f'cryin out loud. Now stop stalling and tell me what's going on."

"Jack." It was more of a plea that he shouldn't ask any more questions than anything else. It wasn't his place to tell him. It would be like breaking a confidence. And if he did that, he'd never forgive himself... or worse, Sam would never forgive him.

"Daniel. I'm hurt and I'm at the tender mercies of the doc, and you know how I get. So either tell me now, or so help me, I'll make sure that Sam and I are not the only ones who will need the doc's attention."

Looking at him sceptically, Daniel didn't believe he could swat a fly at the moment let alone take a swing at him. "I'll go get the Doc. Teal'c you might need to baby-sit him till I get back." Daniel said without giving it a second thought then went to find Janet.

"Indeed." Teal'c replied stoically.

"Thanks." Jack responded dryly, he was in no mood to be baby- sat. "And there was I thinking you were my friend."

"I am O'Neill, which is why I am here with you both."

Jack mumbled an incoherent response, he knew his friend was looking out for their welfare, but he just wished someone would tell him 'something'. He couldn't understand what all the cloak and dagger stuff was all about. All he remembered was that they'd had an argument...feeling a sharp pain, then lying in her arms. Now, to wake up and find her lying in the cot next to him had his stomach doing flip-flops.

Before he had the opportunity to ask Teal'c anything else, Janet walked in with clipboard in hand. "How are you feeling?"

"What's wrong with Carter?" Jack asked first off, he could care less about his own condition.

Daniel sighed inwardly noting that jack was now calling her 'Carter' and not Sam as he'd done previously. Shaking his head he wondered if he'd even realised that the only times he ever called her by her first name was when he was worried for her, or when she was hurt. Now though surrounded by people, he'd obviously decided to bury his feelings once more.

"She'll be fine Colonel. Sam got hurt as the bullet passed through you, but we've cleaned and dressed the wound, and she should be up and about shortly."

Mulling what she said around in his head, sure he knew that was plausible. But, there was something else she wasn't telling him, and he was going to call her on it.

"Well, why is she sleeping now? Is there something you're not telling me?"

"I wanted her to get some rest. SO I gave her something to help her sleep, that's all. You have a suspicious mind, Colonel." Janet tiptoed around his implications. "Now, Colonel, I want *you* to get some rest to, so I'm going to give *you* a sedative as well."

"No thanks Doc. I'd rather stay awake if you don't mind." He wanted to be awake when she woke up; he needed to explain to her that he didn't mean what he said.

"Unless you've obtained your doctorate recently, then I believe that I am more than qualified to judge what my patients require. And, in medical matters Colonel, I outrank you." Janet finished smugly, injecting the sedative into his IV.

Within a few seconds, Jack felt everything around him bend in the middle. Their voices sounded decidedly far away, and before he had the chance to protest further he drifted off to sleep.

"He should sleep for a few hours at least."

"That was sneaky, Janet."

"Thank you. I learned everything I know from Colonel O'Neill." Janet advised. Checking over her friend once more, she was content that Sam was okay before returning to her office. Hopefully keeping them in the same room would result in some communicating... if nothing else. They needed to talk, and all she was doing, was giving them the opportunity.

***

Confused and disoriented, she opened her eyes. I'm in the infirmary! Apart from feeling slightly sore and groggy from the after effects of the sedative, she felt calmer and more in control of her feelings. Sitting up she turned to see him lying beside her in the next bed. Dangling her feet over the edge of the bed she looked longingly at him. He looked so peaceful when he slept. There were no traces of anger or strain on his face, something that had been apparent over the last few weeks. He looked at ease for the first time in a long while. Steadying herself first, she then slipped herself off the bed.

Janet heard the gentle patter of footsteps against the cold stone floor and went out to check if everything was all right. Seeing her friend at the end of the Colonel's bed, she slipped her head around the door whispering to her, "You okay?"

Sam nodded softly, her teeth chewing on her bottom lip before she took a deep breath. "Just give me a few minutes, okay?"

"Shout if you need me."

"I will."

Acknowledging her friends need for privacy, she closed the door behind her. It was early in the morning, and it was unlikely there'd be any interruptions. She'd already briefed the General on what had taken place, minus one or two things that would remain confidential. Daniel and Teal'c would no doubt be around later, and she had a tonne of paperwork to catch up on before she could get some well- deserved rest. It had been a long day for all of them, but unfortunately the day wasn't over yet...and the shooter was still at large.

Pulling up a chair beside him, she sat down quietly so not to disturb him.

Sitting beside him like this, she found herself lost for words. For the first time in her life, she couldn't think of what to say or even if she should say it. For the last seven years they had worked together side by side, being there for each other, relying on one another. Over time their relationship had become so much more than camaraderie, moving beyond the bounds of friendship. She'd harboured feelings for him for a long time; it was if their souls were meant to be together. But that was then.

Lost

Alone

Frightened

She couldn't believe that such a simple mistake would have such far- reaching consequences. All she'd wanted was a 'normal' relationship. Was that so awful? Instinctively she knew that it was, particularly when she was in love with someone else. Fate had obviously decreed that she couldn't have both. Why did life have to be so cruel?

Watching him sleep, she noticed how serene he looked. There were times over the last few weeks when she had wanted to tell him what was going on, but her fear of looking like some damsel in distress, had ensured that silence had to be maintained. She didn't want him to think that he couldn't trust her with his life as he'd done in the past. But, by a cruel twist of fate, that's exactly what happened. Instead of sharing her life with her friends, she'd shut them out. With everything that was going on with her personal life she had let things slide at work, and all because her efforts were put in pretending that everything was okay, when it wasn't. And now it was too late to turn back the hands of time.

His hand lay listlessly by his side. Unconsciously he could feel the presence of someone near by, but his conscious mind was struggling to find a way out of this drug filled haze. Somewhere between dream state and reality, he felt someone holding his hand.

Slipping her hand into his, she caressed the side of his thumb. Feeling the soft flow of tears fall down her cheek, she realised that if she stayed, and he could end up getting hurt again... or worse. And she wasn't prepared to take the risk.

It was time to say goodbye.

Droplets of tears connected with his skin and he felt himself rushing back towards reality.

He could hear a women's voice, whispering softly to him...Sam! All his sense returned at once, and he could feel her hand slipping out of his.

"Goodbye...Jack."

He couldn't let her go.

Opening his eyes, he saw her leaning over him whispering 'Goodbye'. He had to stop her before it was too late.

"Sam." He croaked, tightening his hand on hers. "Don't leave."

Bringing her hand to her forehead, she closed her eyes in desperation. The tears fell precariously down her cheeks. Sadness filled her soul. Why did he have to wake up now?

"I have to." Sam replied sadly

"Why?" He didn't understand. "Please Sam, you can't go like this."

"It's better this way...for all of us."

"Stop shutting me out." Jack argued, his strength returning.

Raising her voice slightly she replied, "I'm not..." That wasn't true, she was, but it was only to protect them *and* her from getting hurt further. "What's the point? We just end up arguing."

"What do you expect, Sam?" Jack answered trying to sit up without losing the grip on her hand. "You think you can just hand in your resignation, and we wouldn't give a damn? Is that what you think? Don't you think I have a right to be angry when you don't tell me what's going on?"

"You don't understand!"

"F'crying out loud, Carter, I'm not a mind reader."

Janet heard the raised voices, and went to the Perspex window to make sure that they were okay. She didn't want to interrupt unless she absolutely had to. Seeing that neither one of them was in any danger, she decided she would just hold out for a little while longer.

"You hurt me. And nothing you say can change that, so what's the point?"

"Whoa whoa whoa." Jack answered his thoughts coming to a complete stop. Daniel had said the same thing to him. Trouble was he didn't know what he'd said that would upset her this much. "I don't understand? What could I have possible said that would make you want to leave?"

Pent up anger and hurt threatened to bubble over. "You don't trust me anymore!"

"What are you talking about?"

" In the gate room a few days ago, when you ordered me to the infirmary." She couldn't believe that he didn't remember.

"Oh." The conversation with her came flooding back.

"What's the point of me staying if you can't trust me?"

"Sam...I didn't mean... I didn't trust you. I was angry and worried. You weren't telling us what was going on in that head of yours. It was like you could care less about your job...or us, you were argumentative all the time. I needed to rely on you, and you weren't there. Trust is a two way street, Sam."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I mean you talk about me not trusting you, but you're doing the exact same thing."

"That's different."

"Why?"

"Because it is." Sam replied pulling away from him. "I need to sort this out myself."

"But that's just it, Sam. You're not. You're running away."

"I'm not running away."

"Oh no? Then what would you call it?"

Silence filled the room.

He was right.

She wasn't solving her problems by leaving the SGC she*was* running away from them. She had thought that he'd lost his trust in her, but what she hadn't realised was she was doing the exact same thing...not trusting her friends.

Taking a leap of faith he asked tiredly. "Does this have something to do with Pete?"

Nodding she sat back down on the chair, her energy depleted.

"Does he want you to leave the SGC?"

"He did."

"Why? I mean it wasn't as if it was a secret?"

"Because of you..."

"Me?"

"He was jealous of what we had. I told him everything about Daniel, Teal'c and us..."

"Everything?"

"Well...not everything." Sam answered shyly unable to look at him. "We have something special, you, me, Daniel and Teal'c. We're like family. He was jealous that he couldn't be a part of that aspect of my life."

Jack felt a sense of foreboding in the pit of his stomach as he began realising where this was headed. But, he also knew that she had to tell him in her own time, without him interrupting every few minutes. So, he waited until she was ready to continue.

"Anyway, it wasn't too bad in the beginning, but then..." She felt her hands tremble in her lap, and her voice was shaking with having to relive the memory.

Reaching out to her, he grabbed her hand ignoring the pain in his shoulder, giving her the strength to carry on.

A thankful smile played on her lips, and she took a deep breath before continuing. "Things became steadily worse after the attack on the Alpha base. Pete couldn't understand why I needed to spend so much time here. And because I wasn't allowed to tell him, he thought there was something else going on."

"With...us?" Jack asked hesitantly

Sam nodded nervously, and tried to make things sound casual even though her stomach was doing flip-flops. "I told him that there could never be anything between us...not while we were in the same chain of command."

Jack shifted uncomfortably in his bed; he didn't know why he was nervous when she spoke about this...maybe it was a guilty conscience. "So what did he say?"

"He said, just because we couldn't... do anything, it didn't mean that the...um... feelings weren't there."

"Oh."

"He didn't believe me, and we had a big argument about it. That's when I told him it was over."

"I gather he didn't take it very well."

"No." Sam answered shaking her head.

An uncomfortable silence settled in between them, Sam didn't seem to want to offer up any more information, but Jack knew that she had to.

Trying to contain his rage, he had to know for certain. "And he hit you."

Sam's eyes flew up to meet his. She could see the anger burning deep in his eyes. His face was trying to remain calm on the surface, but his eyes said it all. "Yes."

The heart monitor betrayed his inner emotions, and began steadily increasing. Sam wondered if she should carry on.

In her office Janet checked the monitors and noted a rise in pulse and blood pressure in the Colonel, and decided she needed to check that he was okay. Whatever they were discussing, and she had a good idea what, it was obviously causing him some distress...not conducive to a healing patient.

Janet's light footsteps echoed in the quietness of the room, and on hearing them, Sam turned round to see who it was. Her normally clear blue eyes were now tired and bloodshot as her eyes met the doctors.

"Everything okay?" Janet queried, manually checking his pulse, before checking the monitors.

"It will be." Jack answered quietly.

After seeing that everything was okay, Janet finished, "Well, you know where I am if you need me."

"Thanks Janet." Sam replied on their behalf.

Giving her friend a quick rub on the shoulder, she returned to her office.

Lapsing back into silence he tried to gauge her reaction, he wanted her to know that she could trust him. "Is this why you didn't want me to know?"

"Partly. I didn't want you to think that I couldn't cope. I thought that you wouldn't be able to trust me in watching your six. That every time we went off world, you'd hesitate in trusting the decisions I made...which is what happened."

"Because he beat you up, you thought I wouldn't trust you?"

"Honestly?" Sam waited for him to give the nod to carry one. "I thought that you would think less of me for allowing myself to be treated that way."

"Why would you think that?"

"I don't know." Hesitating for a minute, she knew inwardly that, that was what she believed... because that was how she felt. But, she couldn't bring herself to say that to him. Right now she couldn't even meet his eyes...she felt so ashamed.

"Sam. Look at me." Jack coaxed her, he could see she was torturing herself, but he didn't understand why. How could he think less of her when they'd gone through so much together? "You didn't *allow* him to do anything. He was in the wrong...not you. Your only mistake was letting things go on for so long without telling anyone." Jack barked, his temper getting the better of him.

"But that's just it. I had to stand up to him...not you, Teal'c, Daniel or Janet. Me! I had to prove to myself that I could do this on my own...and I did. But then things got out of control."

"What do you mean?"

"After he... knocked me down..." Sam started cautiously waiting for his reaction. Thankfully he had reined his temper, and the only outward sign he was manifesting was gripping the bed spread. "I made sure he'd never hurt me again."

"What did you do?"

"I kicked his ass." Sam answered confidently, for the first time in a long while.

"You did?" Jack questioned.

"Did you think I wouldn't?"

"Honestly? I didn't know. It's one thing fighting off Goa'uld, but another defending yourself against an abusive boyfriend. It's not the same, Sam. Don't forget I've known you for a long time. I know how your mind works...for most of the time. Sometimes...and don't take this the wrong way, you back off. I don't mean when you're off world, that Sam Carter is a mean lean fighting machine. But, when you're faced with adversary here...you do sometimes back down."

Initially Sam was hurt by his statement, but recalling various times she had had to stand up for herself here, she had to concede...he was right.

"It's a confidence thing I think. You just have to be more assertive and have more confidence in your own abilities...as much as we do. Stand up for yourself a bit more." Jack continued hesitantly.

"Which is what I tried to do, and look where it got me. We fall out and you end up getting shot."

"That's not your fault, Sam. Unless *you* shot me?" Jack retorted pretending to back away in an effort to at least get her to smile.

Despite of the seriousness of the situation, she smiled lightly. "No, but I have a good idea who it was."

"Pit?"

"Pit? Is that your name for him? How come I've never heard you use that name before?" Sam laughed softly, it felt good to talk to him like this, it was as if things were getting back to normal.

"Well, I didn't want *you* to hear me say it. You were dating him f'crying out loud."

"You never liked him, did you?"

"No I didn't, not after what he did."

"What are you talking about?"

"I thought you knew?"

"Knew what?"

"He did a background check on you..."

"That scheming little..." Sam remarked sternly. Instead of letting it out, she held back.

"Let it out, Carter." Jack advised her. It was nice to see the old Carter back... he'd missed her.

"...Shit!"

"Feel better?"

"When I get my hands on him I will..." Not wanting to cause another argument, she wanted to know why he hadn't told her. "How...when...why didn't you tell me?"

"Lets just say I have contacts to. As for why...I didn't want to sound like I was..." He wanted to say jealous, but instead he finished. "...Interfering. I'm sorry, I should've told you, maybe I could've stopped this whole thing from happening."

"I doubt it. I have a knack for choosing the wrong men." Sam replied sadly.

What could he say to that? He didn't want to sound as if he was happy she had split up with Pete, but ultimately he was glad in a way. He wanted her to be happy, and if that meant finding Mr Right, then he would support her. He just wished that they could give it a go.

"So what now?"

"I don't know."

"You can't go home, Sam. Stay here on the base."

"Jack." She surprised herself by the way his name fell so easily from his lips, but ultimately she thought, why not? It wasn't as if he was in her chain of command anymore.

"You know I think that's only the second time I've heard you say that since we've worked together."

"Somehow I don't think the first one counts, do you?" Sam joked remembering when she'd returned from the Prometheus after sustaining a severe concussion. "I appreciate the offer, but... I've resigned. My place isn't here anymore."

"I thought that maybe because we worked some things out, you'd take back your resignation."

"It's not that simple..."

"I don't think the General has forwarded your resignation yet, you could..."

"No. There's too much that's happened recently. I'm not sure I want to *be* in the Air Force anymore...its too hard. Don't get me wrong I love the job, and I'll be sorry to leave all this behind, but..." She didn't know where her strength was coming from. It was as if the weight had been lifted from her shoulders since she'd confided in him. How wrong she'd been in not telling him earlier. But, she didn't want to go back to being just his 2IC, she wanted...needed more, but while they were both in the same chain of command, she'd be forever wondering what it would be like. No, this was the right decision, she was certain.

Confused and tired, he couldn't think anymore. His shoulder hurt, and he could feel his eyes closing. "What about Pete? What if he's waiting for you?"

"Then I'll be ready." Sam answered with complete determination. "I misread him once. I won't make the same mistake again."

"I don't want you to face this on your own, Sam. Go to the police, tell them...or take Teal'c and Daniel with you. I don't want you placing yourself in danger. "

"I won't, but I won't run from him either. I've done more than enough of that lately, and... it's time to take back control of my life."

"Sam..."

"I'll be okay, but you need to get some rest. Janet is going to have my hide for keeping you awake this long."

"I'm not tired."

Sam smiled at his attempts to keep him awake, but she knew their emotions had run the gauntlet. He was tired and injured, and needed to regain some of his strength back. And now that she'd had told him everything, and realised that he was going to be okay and out of harms way for a little while, she felt much calmer in herself. The thought of nearly losing him had brought her to the edge and back. It was only now she was realising how much he meant to her.

As for Pete, he had no idea who he was dealing with. She'd needed a kick up the butt to bring a few things into perspective, and she'd certainly got that. Now though, she was going to make sure he got what was coming to him, and nothing was going to stand in her way.

"Sleep today, worry tomorrow." Sam told him softly.

"At least take Teal'c with you."

"No, Jack. I'm a big girl...remember, kick ass Carter? Well she's back. Now go to sleep."

"Yes Ma'am." He saluted, then regretted it as soon as he'd done it, when his shoulder protested at the effort being exerted on it. He was more than worried for her, and like it or not, a shoulder wound wasn't going to stand in the way of helping her...not if he had his way. Watching her walk away, he had a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. If Pete was capable of *this*, then he was capable of much more...and that worried him.

Chapter 7 - CARPE DIEM

Driving back home, Sam felt relieved that she'd finally talked to him. It had been long overdue. The early morning sunrise was just peeking over the mountains and for the first time in a long while, Sam was hopeful that she had made the right decision in leaving. Her decision wasn't based on the fact that she hated her job...far from it; she would miss her friends and duties immensely. But, for too long she'd been pushing aside her feelings for him hoping that one- day they could eventually give things a go between them. In the mean time though, it had to be this way. The only thing left standing in her way now, was Pete.

After visiting Jack in the infirmary, she went to see Daniel and Teal'c; firstly to apologise to Daniel for crying on his shoulder,