Mistrust

By Scully

Email Author: scully30.miller@virgin.net

Status: Complete

Summary: Sam wants to resign

Category: Angst, Dark

Warning: Domestic Violence, Sexual situations.

Season: 7

Spoilers: Chimera

Rating: R

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

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Part 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.

***

Part 2 - Regrets and Resignations*

With her arms laidened with the open telephone book, Sam reached for the phone and dialed 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, who were 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 didn’t go un-notice 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 ‘friendlies’ 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!”

***

Part 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 wanted a ‘normal’ life. Then a little voice popped in her head, admonishing her. 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 she 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.

Finally arriving at her destination she ensured that there was no one else in the locker room before switching 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. // Dam 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, this 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 Fraser.”

Jack wanted nothing more than to be there when Fraser 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.”

“Okay, if that’s what you want. Sit yourself down and I’ll take a quick look at you.”

Without so much as a word, Sam pulled herself onto the nearest gurney. With her hands tightly clasped in front of her, she wondered if she was making the right decision in not telling her friends about Pete. Part of her felt like she was being unreasonable, but the other half of her was ashamed that she’d let it get to this stage. She was a soldier and a damn good one, one of her skills was to spot signs that ‘things’ were not quite right, but she’d missed them and paid the ultimate price. Closing her eyes briefly she allowed Janet to take her vitals.

“Blood pressures up a bit, Sam. Have you noticed any symptoms? Headaches?”

“It’s been a hard day.” Sam told her briefly.

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!” Janet admonished standing back to look clearly at her.

“I’m sorry, Janet, but he had no right.” Sam replied annoyed. “This is hard enough as it is without him telling everyone, I’m sure he’ll be happy when I’ve left, that way he won’t have to write up anymore negative reports on me.”

“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 if she could cope with much more.

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.

***

Part 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.”