So, this is the end. I hope you all enjoyed this story. Reviews please? I know there were problems with the site, so hopefully people can review this chapter. Thank you all!

"Oh no, I think I forgot to pack my tie." Daniel opened his suitcase and began to frantically look through it. Jack looked on in amusement, and caught Sam's eye. She was grinning, and looked gorgeous.

"It's okay Daniel", she said. "I'm sure you can borrow one of Jack's." They were all heading to DC and had agreed to meet at the Colonel's and head to Petersen from his place.

"Jack's? I don't think he has any."

"I do too. I'll have you know I have – uh – one, somewhere I think. I'll go look."

"No, here it is!" Daniel pulled out the tie in relief, although now that he thought about it he was kind of interested to know what kind of tie Jack had.

"I am ready O'Neill." Teal'c was standing, looking particularly fine in a white shirt and jeans. He was, of course, wearing a hat on his head – a Minnesota Twins hat that the Colonel had brought back from one of his treks to Minnesota.

"Good for you Teal'c. Carter?"

"All ready Sir", she said with a grin. It was just like old times, going on missions, although they were all dressed in civilian clothes for the journey.

"Well then let's get going. We don't want to keep the President waiting!"

Jack was surprised, when they reached the air base, at the attention they seemed to be getting. They'd travelled together before, but never had he seen so many looks, salutes and just plain gawking. "Uh – what's going on?" he leaned over to Carter, who seemed to be sticking close to him.

"Haven't you heard Sir? They've released our names to the press and we're kind of uh –"

"Famous. We're famous Jack." Daniel was looking around too, obviously as uncomfortable with this as he was. "My neighbor actually came and asked for my autograph."

"Mine wanted to take my picture with them. I had to turn off my phone because reporters kept calling", Sam said. "Didn't you get any calls Sir?"

He had heard the phone ringing but when he hadn't recognized any of the numbers he'd ignored it. "Uh – maybe. I didn't answer. Who the hell released the information?"

"It was the President's press secretary. I expect it's going to be a zoo when we get to D.C." Daniel looked singularly depressed.

Great! Just what he needed. He hoped to hell that the President didn't expect him to pose for pictures and do interviews. Crap – this was all he needed. Just then he felt a nudge and he glanced over to see Sam beside him, smiling.

"It'll be okay Sir. We'll just have Teal'c glare at everyone. That'll keep them away."

He laughed and looked over at Teal'c. "We should have dressed him in black and had him wear a fedora. Maybe we can go back for my P-90, that'll really scare em."

He'd noticed, the last few times he'd gotten together with his team, that Sam always stayed close by him. He'd wondered a bit, but certainly wasn't about to complain. He wasn't quite sure what it meant, but he rather liked it. Since she'd told him she liked her life – and was interested in 'older men', she'd been somehow different. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but it seemed as if she was more – sure of herself around him. Again he liked it and wasn't about to screw it up.

She made sure to sit beside him on the plane on the way to D.C. In fact, she'd actually told Daniel to 'move, that's my seat'. The archaeologist had looked at her in surprise but had shrugged and moved to sit by Teal'c.

"Uh – Carter?" He didn't mind but was surprised at her forthrightness.

"I want to sit with you", was all she said. She then sat down, arranged everything and did up her seat belt. "Are you looking forward to this Sir?"

"No", he groaned. "I hate this sort of thing. I promised Hammond though." He then smiled. "And I really do want to see all of you get yours."

"I wonder what it'll be. The General didn't say."

"Probably the Silver Star", he said. "Although they'll probably give me a boy scouts badge or something", he grinned. "I wonder if they have one for defeating evil Vice-Presidents?"

"I'm sure they do – probably somewhere between chess and dog care."

"They have a badge for dog care?"

"Sure – weren't you a boy scout?"

"Nah – didn't want to wear the uniform."

She laughed. "So when you grew up you decided to join the Air Force? That's logical Sir."

He grinned back at her. "It was only as an adult that I realized women loved uniforms. Boys don't care about things like that."

"So that's the reason you joined. I always wondered", she joked.

"Oh yeah – wanted to be a babe magnet."

She laughed again. "Well Colonel, it worked!"

He choked at that and she couldn't help but giggle at how red he turned. He was actually embarrassed – something she saw very rarely.

"Hey Jack, you okay?" Daniel asked from across the aisle. "Did you choke on a nut or something?"

"Yeah, a nut", he answered, giving Carter a narrow look. "And what about you Major?"

"Oh, I had no desire to be a babe magnet Sir", she replied with a straight face. "I joined because -"

"Because?"

"Oh – because I'd get to be around all those guys in uniform."

Daniel and Teal'c looked over in wonder at the two Air Force officers who seemed to be having a great time together.

"I believe things are finally progressing Daniel Jackson", Teal'c said softly.

"I think you're right. I just worry about what's going to happen if Jack does go back to work. It'll kill him to lose her after this."

"Things have a way of working out. I am confident their time has come."

"Yeah, it's about time!"

They arrived in Washington, again to the stares, whispers and sometimes actual congratulations from people at the base. It was even worse when they walked into the hotel. At first there was just murmuring and a few people pointing. By the time they got to the front desk the whole lobby had erupted in applause. All of them were embarrassed and Jack looked plain mortified. They got their keys quickly and headed to the elevator. Fortunately, the hotel got security to come to the lobby and refused to allow anyone to follow them.

"Damn, don't tell me we're going to have to put up with that for the next few days!" O'Neill was lying on his bed. Daniel was sitting on the edge of his bed and Teal'c and Sam were on the one next to him. He spared a brief thought that he wished it was Sam with him, but then realized that she was actually closer to him on the other bed. He grinned.

"Probably", Daniel said, lying back and looking up at the ceiling. "We could wear disguises."

"Right – like what?"

"Oh, I don't know. We could go as aliens or something."

They all chuckled at that and began to argue about what aliens they'd be. Daniel picked one of the naked, mute guys. "Although I absolutely refuse to be actually naked", he said.

"Of course not", agreed O'Neill. "I mean, they didn't have any – uh – you know."

"Genitalia?"

"Ooh – you could have gone all day without mentioning that Daniel." Jack wrinkled his nose. "So yeah – please don't go naked because you do have -" he stopped, seeming to realize where this was heading. "At least – I assume you do."

Sam giggled and at Jack's glare put her hand over her mouth although it didn't stop her laughing.

"What about you Teal'c?" Jack turned to his big friend to try and quickly change the subject.

"Yes, I have -"

"No, no", interrupted Jack frantically. "I mean, what kind of alien will you be?"

"Oh, I believe I shall be an Unas, O'Neill."

"Yeah – they're scary enough for you, although I can't imagine putting the make-up on. What about you Sam?"

"Hmmm, let me see. I think I'd like to be a Nox. They're so kind and gentle and just plain good!"

"Yeah, I can see that – although I don't know about the hair Carter. Twigs just don't seem like your style."

"What about you Sir?" she asked. "Who would you like to be?"

"Me? Well, I'd probably pick the Asgard if they weren't so short and – naked", he glared at Daniel, just daring him to speak. The other man just grinned and shrugged. "So, if I can't be one of them I guess I'll go as one of the Salish. I liked them."

"That's appropriate Sir", Sam nodded. "And I think you'd look good in one of those little loin cloths they wear."

"Yeah Jack, almost as good as being naked."

Jack threw the pillow at him and everyone laughed. They continued to talk until late in the evening, deciding to order room service so as not to have to face anyone below or out in public. The phone rang once, and it was a reporter so Jack quickly hung up the phone. He then called the desk and asked that they screen all their calls.

It finally grew late and everyone decided to call it a night. Teal'c and Daniel were sharing a room and Sam had her own. She was the last to leave and she was at the door when Jack stopped her.

"Carter?"

"Yes Sir?" she turned back and looked at him. He was sitting up now, his legs over the side of the bed. She could tell he looked uncomfortable and wondered if his legs were bothering him. It had been a long trip and it was late. "Are you okay Colonel? Do you want me to get you some Tylenol or something?"

"No, I'm fine. Uh, I'm just wondering if I could talk to you for a minute?"

"Oh, sure." She shut the door to his room and walked over to the bed. She wasn't quite sure where to sit until he patted the bed beside him. "I'm sorry, I know this isn't the best place for a discussion, but I don't really feel like going downstairs right now."

"That's okay Sir. What is it?" She was feeling nervous now, recognizing that something was up, although she didn't know quite what.

"Uh – I haven't really had a chance to talk to you since that day I was such a bastard to you and I wanted to apologize."

She looked at him in surprise. She hadn't thought he was ever going to bring that up – beyond the comment about not interfering in her choice of boyfriend. "That's okay Sir. I understand that you were feeling down. It doesn't matter."

"It doesn't?"

"Uh – well, I mean – I didn't think you still meant it."

"I don't. I never did it's just – I want what's best for you Sam."

"I know Sir – Jack", she responded, suddenly realizing that for this conversation ranks had best be left behind. He didn't seem to mind, or maybe it was that he didn't really notice. "But you see, I know what's best for me."

"You do?" He looked at her carefully and she could tell he was nervous.

"Oh yeah. I've known for a long time, unfortunately there really wasn't much I could do about it." She looked at him sadly, only to see his feelings, for the first time, revealed in his eyes. "I still can't", she said softly, "but that doesn't change how I feel."

"I'm glad – I mean, not that you can't do anything about it – but that you – feel that way."

"What about you?" There – she figured since she was being at least somewhat honest she might as well push a little.

"Me?" he asked in surprise. She needed to ask? "I feel – the same. I just hate the damn – I mean, I hate that I can't do anything about anything."

They sat there in silence for a long time, contemplating the same old problem, although things had changed. They both knew how the other felt – at least obliquely – and it did make a difference. In a funny way it was a relief, but it also added to the frustration. Before they could both pretend, now they didn't have that luxury.

"I'd better get back to my room", she finally sighed. "It's late and we have a long day tomorrow."

"Yeah." He stood up and walked, or rather limped her to the door. He didn't use his crutches, and she looked at him in concern but didn't say anything, for which he was glad. He opened the door for her and held on to it for support. "Good night Carter. Sweet dreams."

"You too Sir." She smiled at him and then turned and walked to her own room down the hall. He waited until she'd gone inside and then he shut his door. Holding on to the wall and then the furniture he slowly made his way back to the bed, where he collapsed. He spent a long time that night, just staring off into space. He didn't know how to feel, but knew that it was time to make a decision. He only fell asleep before dawn, but by then he knew what he had to do.

"God, this is crazy!" Daniel looked at the crowd of people waiting outside the hotel. The flashes of cameras and shouting of people trying to get their attention was disconcerting, to say the least.

"You'd think we were actors or rock stars", Sam agreed. Fortunately they had an escort that walked them to the waiting car, through the crowds. It was only when they were inside, the windows darkened so no one could see in, that they were able to relax.

Jack looked pale, whether from the reaction of the crowd or from trying to navigate with his crutches his friends couldn't tell. He didn't seem upset, although they all knew how much he hated this sort of thing.

"We'll be there in just a few moments Sirs, Ma'am", the driver informed them. Their hotel was close to the White House and they could have walked, if it hadn't been for their fame and Jack's crutches – although he could actually go quite a distance with them now.

When they arrived at the White House there was a crowd actually waiting outside the barrier. When their vehicle passed the crowds cheered.

"Wow, we're actually at the White House", Daniel said when the car pulled up. Outside there was an honor guard waiting. When they got out of the car a woman stepped up to them.

"Good morning Colonel O'Neill, Major Carter." She turned. "Dr. Jackson and Mr. Murray. Welcome to the White House. I'm Valerie Hilsop and I'm Chief of Staff for President Hayes. He asked me to meet you and take you to the hall."

They followed her into the White House, all of them looking around carefully. Sam had been on a tour when she lived in DC and Jack had been once before but for Daniel and Teal'c it was the first time. Even Jack was feeling a bit overwhelmed, especially since this was in honor of all of them.

They arrived in a small anti-room to find the rest of the honorees already present. There were hellos and general conversation. Siler was looking particularly spiffy in his dress uniform – as far as Jack could remember he'd never seen it on the man before. Janet was there, also dressed in her dress uniform with Cassie standing beside her, looking excited and nervous. Lieutenants Toll and Sutherland were there in their uniforms as was Mark Johnson from Security. From the civilian side there were Robert and Rebecca, Chloe and Marie, Mario and finally Irving. Each of them were looking nervous and like they couldn't quite believe they were here. Jack knew the feeling.

"Welcome everyone." They all looked up and there were a few gasps as the President of the United States walked into the room. "Before we get started, I wanted to come in and personally thank each one of you – not only for saving my life, which I admit is pretty important to me" there was general laughter, "but even more importantly, for saving our country from evil and corrupt men. What you all did was go above and beyond the call of duty, and you deserve to be here today." With that he walked around the room and shook everyone's hand. He also posed for pictures with each person – something that most of them would cherish for the rest of their lives.

He eventually got to Jack and grinned at the man who had truly saved his life. "Colonel, it's good to see you up and around."

"Thank you Sir", Jack smiled and nodded. "Still not finished with these things", he lifted one crutch, "but I'm getting there."

"Good – they told me you were doing well. Uh Colonel, I have a little something here for you – just an added expression of my thanks. I wanted to give it to you now, since I expect it'll be hard to talk after the ceremony." He handed Jack an envelope. "You can look at it later."

"Thank you Sir", Jack looked at the envelope in surprise, wondering what the President would be giving him. "Although you really didn't need to. I was just doing my duty."

"No you weren't Colonel – you were doing more than your duty. Look Jack, I know how much you've given up for your country and I wanted to repay you a bit for that. Just accept it and enjoy."

"Yes Sir." He watched as the President said a few words to Carter and Daniel and then left. As soon as he was gone, his Chief of Staff returned and gave them all instructions.

A few minutes later they were escorted out into the main room, which was completely filled with people. Jack looked around and saw many faces he recognized. There were politicians, from both sides of the House and Senate, reporters – many from TV news shows he recognized. There were also actors, singers and other notable people watching them. It wasn't until he saw General Hammond and a large contingent from the SGC that he relaxed and smiled. If anyone should be here it was them.

A few moments later the orchestra began to play 'Hail to the Chief' and in walked Henry Hayes. Once he was seated the speeches began.

Jack was thankful that Carter was next to him. He detested things like this and knew he would have soon started to fidget. Just when he could feel the twitches start, she moved her hand until it was resting just against his thigh. It was subtle, and he was positive no one else would notice. He wasn't quite sure what was going on until she started tapping his leg. It took a few seconds before he realized she was doing Morse code. He almost burst out laughing but stopped himself in time. Instead, he spent the next few moments deciphering what she was saying.

He had to bite his lip a few times as she tapped out some insults on some of the politicians in the audience. It was when she began to tell him 'knock knock' jokes that he was worried he'd lose it. Fortunately for him – and her – the President finally stood to hand out the medals.

Sam dropped her hand and both she and Jack sat up straight. This was why they were here.

"It gives me great pleasure to be here today to thank these worthy people for the service they gave to me, and more importantly, to our country. They are all heroes, acting in a way that was selfless and courageous." He continued to speak for a few more minutes about the civilians, and what they'd done. He then called them to come to the front – all except Daniel and Teal'c. Jack wondered briefly why they were being excluded.

"Dr. Chloe Angstrom, for bravery in the face of danger, for putting your comrades and your country before yourself, I am pleased to present you with the Presidential Citizens' Medal."

"Wow", Sam whispered in his ear. "That's the second highest civilian honor there is."

He nodded, also impressed. He watched as each civilian received the medal, each of them looking nervous but proud. He also felt proud – these were his people, and he knew they deserved this for what they'd done. He felt especially proud when Cassie went up to receive hers. She grinned at him when she returned to her seat and he winked at her. He was so proud he could burst.

The President finished by thanking them again. All of them stood and faced the audience and received a standing ovation. After that they sat down.

Hayes next asked Daniel and Teal'c to stand. Teal'c stood proudly, looking every bit the brave and fearless man he was. Daniel too looked good – and Jack felt his heart swell with pride. He looked at Sam and grinned. "I feel like a proud papa", he whispered to her. She nodded, her eyes swimming with tears but a smile on her lips.

"Me too- or a proud mama", she corrected.

"Dr. Daniel Jackson, Mr. Teal'c Murray, I am here to honor you for service far above and beyond your duty to this country. You proved yourselves brave and honorable – and willing to do what was right regardless of personal cost. For many years you have served this country with honor and it is time you were recognized for that service. Thank you for all you have done. I am proud, and this country is proud, to have men such as yourselves as our citizens."

Jack shrugged his shoulders – wondering about Teal'c being a citizen but just then the President spoke again.

"Mr. Murray, you were not born in this country, but have proven yourself a loyal citizen, so it gives me great pleasure to first confer on you Citizenship of the United States of America." He handed Teal'c a piece of paper and the Jaffa – and Daniel – both looked surprised. Teal'c finally gave a small bow of his head as he accepted the paper.

"And now – for the real reason we came. I am pleased and proud to confer on both of these men, The Presidential Medal of Freedom."

"Holy crap!" Sam whispered. "That's –"

"I know – the top civilian honor. They deserve it!" Jack whispered back. He thought briefly of all those colleagues who had ridiculed Daniel in the past and felt a sense of satisfaction and vindication for his friend – probably more than Daniel would actually feel!"

After Daniel and Teal'c sat down, the President got to the military members. He called Siler, Toll, Sutherland, Mark Johnson and Janet up and awarded them all the Air Force Cross – one of the top honors anyone in the Air Force could receive.

"Sir?" Sam was looking at him with wide eyes. He was feeling just about as shocked. He and Sam hadn't been included in that round which could only mean –

"I would now like to ask Colonel Jonathan 'Jack' O'Neill and Major Samantha Carter to step forward."

Sam stood and waited for Jack to retrieve his crutches. They both moved over to where the President was standing and stood there. There was suddenly complete and absolute silence in the room. It almost felt like everyone had stopped breathing.

Jack couldn't swallow and was grateful he didn't have to say anything. He glanced out and saw Hammond looking at him with pride – and beside him sat – Jacob! God, they hadn't heard from the man in months. He wondered if Sam knew he was there. He glanced at her and realized she had just spotted her father as well – and she was on the verge of crying. He moved his finger just slightly until it touched her hand. She turned and gave him a quick smile and then faced forward once again.

President Hayes was speaking about them – talking about their bravery and sacrifice, their sense of duty and long service. He spoke even more – but Jack lost the train of what he was saying. The day was overwhelming, as were the tributes which were coming at him, but all he could think about was the woman at his side and how much he loved her.

"In recognition of the service given by Jack O'Neill and Samantha Carter, I am pleased to award them both the Medal of Honor."

There were gasps throughout the room, especially from the service people present. The Medal of Honor was given out to very few, and was the top honor ever awarded to anyone. It meant lifelong honor – but also brought with it security and some financial rewards. It meant their careers were safe – and they would both go far in those careers. It also meant that their country had finally recognized what they had both done for it. Much that they had done would always remain classified – but that didn't matter as those in power knew and now the whole country knew they were worthy.

As they both returned to their seats there was still a hush – and then the audience erupted. Jack looked at the woman by his side and grinned. It had been a good day.

There was partying afterward, with lots of back slapping and congratulations. Everyone wanted to take a look at their medals – especially Jack and Sam's. He'd also received another purple heart, although he shrugged that one off. It didn't take much to get hurt, as far as he was concerned. Still, it added another bar to his uniform.

Eventually, in the small hours of the night, they all returned to their hotel, to collapse in exhaustion. Fortunately there were few people around so they managed to make their way to their rooms virtually unchecked. They all said goodnight and stumbled inside.

Jack sat wearily on his bed. His legs and back hurt from so many hours standing, but he was pretty sure a good night's sleep would probably cure that. Sam had made him sit down and rest a few times which had allowed him to get through the day. He put his hand up and again felt the medal. As much as he usually hated pomp and circumstance, he had to admit that today had been pretty special. He grinned when he thought of some of the people who'd never thought he'd be worth anything.

He took deep breath and began to pull off his uniform jacket. It was only when he went to lay it on the back of a chair – too tired to hang it up – that he felt the crinkle of paper. With a frown he reached in and pulled out the envelope the President had given him. He'd forgotten all about it.

He tore it open and then blinking a couple of times to clear his tired eyes, he started to read.

The insistent knocking startled her. Who could it be at this time of night? She finished drying her face and made her way to her door as the knocking continued. She was in her pajamas and wasn't about to open the door until she knew who it was. She peeked through the peephole and exclaimed.

She pulled open the door. "Sir – what is it? What's wrong?"

Jack stumbled in, almost falling as he moved faster than his crutches could keep up. "Nothing", he grinned. He pushed the door closed behind him and dropped the crutches. He then reached for Sam – who was wondering what was happening – and pulled her forward. With a smile he leaned down – and kissed her passionately.

For a moment she thought about pushing him away, about warning him that they couldn't do this – it wasn't allowed, it was wrong. But almost instantly her mind shut down and she stopped thinking, and just enjoyed.

It was better – way better than he'd imagined – or actually, than he remembered. Although to be fair, it had been a long time ago since he'd kissed her in the time loop. Nope this was better – because she was responding completely and absolutely. He deepened the kiss and pushed her against the inside of the door. His legs were weak – not from the accident, but from the feelings surging through him. God – he loved her so much!

It was a few minutes – or hours, or lifetimes – later when he finally lifted his head. He had to sit down before he fell down, or pulled her down with him. "Bed", he muttered.

She nodded and, taking his hands, helped him there. Before he knew what had happened she pushed him down and had lifted his legs. She then got on the bed beside him and resumed kissing him.

He'd actually said the bed because he was about to collapse, not because he'd been planning something there. However, who was he to complain or correct her impression. He was enjoying this way too much!

It was only when her hand reached for his belt that reality returned. It's not that he wanted to stop this, but he figured he at least owed her an explanation or, knowing Carter, she'd be filled with guilt once she realized what she'd – they'd done.

"Carter", he murmured against her mouth. As soon as he said it he winced, knowing that wasn't the right thing to say at a time like this. "Sam?" he tried again. "Sam!" He pulled his mouth away but she reached behind his head simply pulled him down again.

"No", she murmured. "Kiss me."

"Uh okay", he said, into her mouth. "But I should tell you -"

"Don't", she whispered. "Love me."

"Kay – I mean, I do, but -" Her tongue – god, her tongue stopped him cold. He couldn't utter a single damned thing, instead he began to help when she resumed her attack on his belt. It came off quickly, to be followed by the swift unzipping of his pants. He spared a brief thought for his uniform but then figured 'what the hell'. He wiggled a bit as she grabbed his pants and simply pulled them off and then tossed them away. He figured fair was fair and went to reach for the tops of her pajama bottoms. He'd barely touched her when they came off – she'd helped with that too. Okay, so then her - "Sam!" he yelped as she grabbed him, right through his boxers.

Hell – this woman meant business!

"Do you like that?" she whispered into his ear.

"Y – a" he couldn't talk. "Sam?" he gasped.

"Mmmm." She hummed into his neck, sending goose bumps up and down his body. He was pretty sure he'd died and gone to heaven, although even heaven couldn't be this good.

As much as he was feeling good – great – fantastic, he knew she deserved something too. Using every bit of strength and courage he had, he pulled away from her. Her whimper almost had him, but then he stopped that with a kiss, this time using his tongue. Oh yeah – that worked, he grinned. Next he grabbed her hands and trapped them, using one of his hands to hold her wrists above her head. He then began to trail kisses down her neck. While she writhed in ecstasy he managed to pull up her pajama top and just look at her.

"God", he whispered. He lowered his head and gently played with one nipple, causing her to pant and then to whimper.

"Please?" she asked.

He wasn't quite sure what she was asking for, but he was willing to give her anything and everything she wanted. He lowered his head and gave some attention to the other breast – and then began to move down.

The playing went on for a long time. First one, and then the other, would have the upper hand and take control. Just as things would start to get out of control, the other one would take over. Jack was pretty sure he'd never experienced anything quite so – erotic – without actually getting to the end. He'd been close a number of times, but had managed to keep himself on the edge, without going over.

Finally however, he knew he couldn't take any more of the foreplay. He wanted her desperately – and looking at her he was pretty sure she was in the same state as him. The thing was, he thought in a brief, lucid moment, she still didn't know. He didn't want her to have any doubts, any worries so he finally forced himself to calm down, as much as he was able, and to again capture her arms.

"Sam", he said gently. "Sam, listen to me."

She finally opened her eyes and peered at him hazily. "Wha-?"

"I have something to tell you."

She squinted at him and looked quite put out, which made him want to kiss her again. Instead he just grinned. "Listen – remember the letter the President gave me?"

"Huh?" she reached up and tried to kiss his neck.

"Sam! Pay attention!"

"Don't wan' to."

"I know", he laughed, "but it will only take a moment and then we can resume this."

She sighed, a heart-rending sound "Kay."

"Listen, the President gave me a letter that says we can do this."

She frowned, trying to figure out what he was saying. "Huh? The Pres – says we can have sex?"

He laughed and kissed her. "Yeah, essentially that's exactly what he says, although he puts it a bit more delicately. He says the regulations don't apply to us and we can have a relationship if we want – it's in return for service, bla bla bla. Sam – we can be together – honestly!"

"Really?" She frowned again. "That's nice – now make love to me!"

He shook his head, not in refusal, but because she was quite funny like this. Definitely a one track mind. Oh well – if that's what she wanted! He lowered his head and continued his exploration of Sam Carter.

She woke up first the next morning and stretched. What a wonderful dream that had been! She turned her head to the side and squealed.

Jack opened his eyes and sat up suddenly, sure something terrible had happened. "What? What is it? What's wrong?"

"Colonel?"

Jack turned and looked at the woman beside him. "Sam? What is it?"

"Nothing I – you're – oh god, it wasn't a dream, was it?"

"You mean", he pointed between the two of them. "You don't remember?"

"Oh yeah", she sighed. "I remember." She flopped down on the mattress and covered her eyes with her arm.

He frowned – god, don't tell him she hadn't known what she was doing? If that was the case then things were about to hit the fan.

"Although", she continued just as if she hadn't been silent for the past five minutes. "I may be forgetting. I think I need a reminder."

"Sam?" he looked down at her in confusion, only to see her eyes open and a big grin appear on her face. He sighed in relief. "You just scared the shit out of me."

"Really?" She waggled her eyebrows at him. "So – that was – amazing."

"Yeah, yeah it was." He flopped down beside her, imitating her position. "we'll have to do it again."

"Mmmm. By the way, you did say the President said we could have sex, didn't you."

"Yes – or at least that was what he meant."

"Good – then, since we have the Presidential seal of approval – let's have some more."

Later on – much later – once Teal'c and Daniel had given up and had gone for lunch – they talked about what had happened.

"I can't believe he did that", Sam said. "I mean, how did he even know?"

"I think we kind of gave it away in the cave."

"Yeah, when you asked if I'd sleep with you."

"Sorry", he said, looking slightly ashamed.

"That's okay. I wanted to."

"Did you? Even then?"

"Hell, I've wanted to sleep with you since practically the beginning. You're a very sexy guy you know."

"Really? Well, I wanted to sleep with you the moment I saw you."

"You did not!"

"Yup. Hey, I'm a guy and you're gorgeous."

"So – what are we going to do now", she finally asked.

"Do you mean now now – in which case I think we should make up for lost time and have sex again – or do you mean now as in the future now – in which case we should also have sex."

She giggled. "Well, I actually meant the future now – although sex does sound good."

"Great – we can talk about the future later."

In the end they did talk, and decided to take the President up on his offer and go for it. Daniel and Teal'c were happy for them, as was the President, General Hammond, Janet, Cassie and everyone at the SGC. Jacob blew and stomped off back to the Tokra, although everyone knew he'd be back when he'd had time to get over the shock. Sam didn't seem too worried and just shrugged. "He was like that when he met my first boyfriend too. He got over it."

In the end, Kinsey was convicted of treason and was sent away to spend the rest of his life in prison, along with Javitz, Gabriel, Jenks and Moss and a few others involved in the conspiracy. Sutherland transferred to the SGC and eventually became a team leader as did Mercer – who ended up dating and then marrying Janet. Chloe ended up marrying Siler – unable to stand Jay's jealousy and cluelessness any longer. He wasn't as upset about losing her as he was over the fact that she'd gotten to meet the President, and he hadn't.

As for Jack and Sam? Well, they eventually decided to move in together since Sam was spending all her time at Jack's anyway, much to the disgust of Daniel and Teal'c, who constantly discovered them wrapped in each other's arms. Those two ended up renting Sam's house and became roommates and they all continued to see each other on team nights. Bill Nichols and his family became friends and Jack introduced them to Sam and Sg-1. And, as far as Jack's future was concerned, he was still working towards getting better, although he wasn't as worried about being back on the front lines as he had been. He was thinking instead about becoming a stay-at-home dad in about seven months time.

The End