A Love Too Strong To Break 1

Falling

by Arcturus

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asa/arcturus/loveto01.php
Summary: Senator Kinsey finds a way to break up SG-1
Info: This is an AU story. As a writer I like to explore situations that are not in the show; I hope however that the plot (while unlikely) is believable and that I have remained true to the characters. Thank you for reading.
Thanks to OxfordShoes2 for the beta

Two SF's had knocked on her lab door, asking her to accompany them, informing her that they were to escort her to a meeting. She had been taken aback by the action and now as they rode the elevator a feeling of dread gripped her. Possibilities flicked through her mind; death of a team member, re-assignment, diplomatic emergency, the list was infinite.

They stopped on level 16, not usual; and the guards stayed close to her as they made their way to one of the interview rooms. The two SF's took up positions either side of the door and Sam reluctantly raised her hand to knock.

Inside the room she was greeted by Lieutenant Colonel Simmons, Senator Kinsey and a woman in Air Force blues she did not know. They sat across the table, looking grim. Realizing the situation was a formal one she snapped to attention and pulled a crisp salute. Simmons nodded in return, "At ease Major."

She relaxed slightly, clasping her hands behind her back and picking a point above the colonel's shoulder on which to focus. Simmons; "Major Carter, would you like to tell us about your relationship with Dr. Fraiser?"

Sam flinched inwardly at the words, but managed to keep her shock from her face, her schooled soldier expression masking a sudden inner turmoil.

"What would you like to know sir?" she managed evenly.

"I would like you to explain this."

He reached into the folder sitting in front of him and began to lay out a number of pictures for Sam to see. The color drained from her face. They were photos of her and Janet, taken on their last trip to Jack's cabin. There were shots of them cuddling, kissing, laughing together. There was no room for interpretation; the two people in the images were obviously lovers. Simmons again, "Major Carter, you are to be charged with breaking the fraternization regulations by conducting a relationship with a fellow officer of the same sex. Do you have anything to say?"

Sam swallowed, silently counting to ten before answering; and to her surprise it was anger that surfaced. "If you are looking for denial, then no I have nothing to say."

She looked at him squarely, "Sir, is that my service record?" she asked.

"Yes Major."

She wasn't going to let them get away with this. "Sir, may I ask you how many times during the last five years there have been any complaints about my conduct, any actions from my CO about my inability to do my job, any official records of not following orders?"

The Colonel held her gaze for several moments and then flipped the folder open. "You have been cited twice in five years for disobeying a direct order Major. There are no other incidents to note." His voice was clipped, annoyed.

"And sir, in the last five years how many commendations and citations have there been regarding my actions during missions and on base?"

He looked down briefly again, "There are 23 commendations on your record Major, including four from the President."

"That's all very nice Major, but what is your point?" Kinsey interjected.

"My point, sir," she managed, pinning her gaze on the senator, "Is that I have been in a relationship with Janet Fraiser for five years. In all that time I have never let my personal circumstances get in the way of my duty. I have never done anything to compromise my team, the base or any other personnel. Our relationship is a private thing that remains off base and I don't understand why it has suddenly become an issue."

"Because, Major, you have broken the rules and have betrayed the trust your country put in you. You are an ambassador for this planet and yet here you are cavorting around in a 'relationship' with someone of the same sex."

And then she understood. This had nothing to do with breaking regulations and everything to do with Kinsey's rightwing homophobic views and his wish to destroy SG1. She couldn't contain her anger any longer, "And if this relationship had been with a man, I guess it wouldn't be a problem senator?"

"Major!" Simmons bellowed. She bit her lip and looked to the floor. He continued, "Major Carter, as of now you are relieved of duty. You will be confined to your quarters until a decision is reached as to what action will be taken. You are to have no contact with Dr. Fraiser."

She looked at him. The sudden lump in her throat made it impossible to respond. She snapped to attention and saluted.

"Dismissed."

The guards at the door fell in with her as they made their way to her quarters. She was thankful they met no one on the way.

***

Janet had been trying to clear the backlog of paperwork when the SF's interrupted her. She was irritated that they had prevented her from completing her task and their refusal to state the destination raised her hackles further. But when they stopped outside a room on level 16, Janet had no choice but to knock and enter. The sight of Kinsey and the two Air Force officers, rung alarm bells in her head and her annoyance turned quickly to worry. Never being one to step back, she asked the first question. "Colonel Simmons. What can I do for you?"

The odious man smirked at her, leaning back on his chair, making no pretense at hiding his amusement. "You, Major Fraiser can explain these to me." He said scattering the photos once again across the table.

Just as Sam had done previously, Janet kept her face impassive, her mind racing a mile a minute. She tried for sarcastic. "They appear to be photographs sir."

She watched Simmons visibly bristle and had to repress a smirk. "Yes, Major. Photographs that seem to suggest an improper relationship with another member of the Air Force."

"What Major Carter and I do in our spare time should be of no concern to anyone but us."

"That's where you are wrong. You know the rules. It appears though that you have a blatant disregard for those that don't suit you. Tell me, are there any other parts of the regulations that you ignore because you don't like them?"

Janet felt the blush rise up her cheeks at his rant. Of course technically he was right; but their relationship had never been an issue on base. Everyone at the SGC supported them and Hammond used the 'Don't ask, don't tell' policy to his advantage. "I have never knowingly broken any regulations sir..."

"Apart from this one."

"Our relationship has not affected our work on this base, sir"

"Oh I disagree doctor." Kinsey piped up. "How can you make rational decisions when it comes to SG-1? Major Carter in particular?"

"I make all my judgments on a professional basis, no matter who is involved. There are plenty of couples on base Senator. Do you have a problem with them too?"

"Please do not insult me by trying to divert the conversation away from your crime." He spat, almost rising form his chair. "You and Major Carter have broken regulations and you will pay dearly for it."

Simmons cleared his throat to restore order. "As of now Major, you are relieved of duty and confined to your quarters. You are to have no contact with Major Carter. Dismissed."

Janet made an attempt to come to attention, then turned and marched from the room.

***

"Carter?"

The door clicked shut behind him and he was grateful it hadn't taken much for him to get past the SF posted outside. His 2IC was seated on her bunk, knees pulled to her chest, watching him as he moved into the room. She didn't move. "Sir?"

"What the hell is happening Sam?" he raged. "Hammond tells me you're relieved of duty and under investigation. Why?"

"Kinsey and Simmons sir - they have photos of Janet and me at your cabin."

She saw he didn't get it. "We weren't just holding hands sir..."

His eyes widened at her implication, then the anger was back. "They were spying on you? On your down time?"

"So it seems..."

"Why?" his tone incredulous.

Sam snorted a bitter laugh, "This is Kinsey sir, you know what his agenda is. Anything he can do to hijack SG-1."

"You think this is what it's about?"

"I can't think of any other reason sir."

They watched each other silently for several moments, trying to take it all in. "But whatever transpires sir, you have to promise me not to do anything rash."

Jack wanted to deny the implication in her words, but the resigned look she wore hit him hard; Sam really believed that something bad was going to happen.

"Well, what's he going to do? It's not like you've ever been caught on base is it?"

"Sir, I think all he cares about is wrecking our team, showing us who's in charge. Whatever goes down, I don't think it will be pretty. He will have pulled some strings to get this far, he won't let it go with just a reprimand."

"Carter, what are you saying?"

Sam sighed heavily. "What I'm saying sir, is be prepared for this to get ugly. And promise me that whatever happens, you won't do anything to put you or the team in harm's way."

Jack ran his hand through his hair, "Alright, it's a promise, but I think you're being a little dramatic..."

***

"Did you know that Major Carter and Doctor Fraiser were in a relationship?"

Daniel stared at Simmons, unphased by the intimidating stance of the colonel. "Yes, I did."

"And how long have you known?"

He shrugged casually, trying to calculate in his mind how long it had been. "I'm not sure, four, maybe five years."

"You didn't think it was inappropriate?"

"Why would I?" he asked, failing to keep the surprise from his voice.

"Because they are both military officers."

"Ah yes, the whole military mind set thing. You see, I don't really buy into that. If you love someone, you love them. It's that simple. Sam and Janet are professionals on the base, their relationship is strictly private."

"Yet you knew."

"I'm family," he stated simply. "We don't have secrets."

"Did Colonel O'Neill know?" Simmons asked, grabbing onto Daniel's apparent slip.

The archeologist smiled and shook his head. "Why don't you ask him?"

***

"Did you know that Major Carter and Doctor Fraiser were in a relationship?"

Teal'c sat passively in the chair provided, his features slack, eyes on the wall in front of him. "Yes."

"Were you not concerned by this?"

"No."

"How long have you known?"

"I have been aware for four, perhaps nearly five years."

"You didn't think you should report what you knew to someone?"

"I did not."

"Is this common where you come from?"

Teal'c turned his head to look at Simmons, quirking an eyebrow. "I have seen many cultures in my travels. Some bound by laws about how and with whom relationships should be conducted. The most successful societies appear to be those where inhabitants are free to love with their hearts."

***

"Did you know your second was conducting a relationship with the base CMO?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't you report it?"

"I didn't feel the need. Carter has never let her personal life get in the way of her work."

"But it is against regulations."

"Carter and Fraiser are very private about their relationship. Strictly off base. Unless it affects their functioning as officers I see no reason why I should have reported them."

"You see?" Kinsey couldn't keep quiet any longer. "When did you get to decide which rules to break and which to keep?" he bellowed.

Jack glared at the senator; the anger was plain to see on his face. "Why should who she loves affect how she does her job? Carter is one of the best officers I have ever worked with. That has everything to do with her ability and dedication and absolutely nothing to do with her private life!"

"She's in a relationship with another woman!" Kinsey was standing now, pounding his fist on the table. Jack felt a small smirk escape as he calmed himself.

"And your point?"

***

"Did you know Major Carter and Doctor Fraiser were in a relationship?"

"No one has ever informed me about it, no."

"That doesn't really answer the question, General." Simmons smarmed.

"As I said, Colonel, I have never been informed that there was any inappropriate relationship between these two people. If I listened to every rumor on the base I would have no staff!"

Simmons stiffened as he realized he was losing this battle. Still, he didn't really need anything from Hammond; everyone else had been most forthcoming...

***

"This hearing will come to order." Simmons barked.

The small room was now filled with people, the three members of the panel, SG-1, General Hammond, Janet and Sam. The air was thick and the tension palpable. The men stood off to one side, the two majors, centered in front of the table.

"Major Fraiser, Major Carter, you are both guilty of breaking the rules on fraternization and it is this panel's duty to impose punishment." He looked from one to the other, not hiding his contempt. "Major Fraiser."

Janet stood taller, trying not to look as terrified as she felt. "Your expertise as the CMO of this facility has not gone unrecorded. You will keep your assignment here at the SGC but will be demoted to Captain. You will be stopped two months pay and will serve a 6 month probation period."

The relief in the room echoed in murmurs from those present. Janet exhaled shakily; they were going to get away with a severe slap. Everything was going to be ok.

"Major Carter,"

Sam swallowed and allowed her gaze to shift to Kinsey, he was smirking and the dissipated fear was back in her gut tenfold. "You are a member of the flagship team. As such you represent not only this country but often this planet when going through the stargate. It is obvious from this investigation that you and other members of this command have little respect for the regulations that are in place. There is no room for latitude or interpretation. You and this facility cannot just choose to ignore certain rules because you want to. You have put the integrity of this entire facility, project and planet in jeopardy and your punishment will reflect this."

Sam could feel herself paling at his words. They were looking to set an example to the SGC; Kinsey wanted to show them that he was in control. She was going to take the fall.

"You will be dishonorably discharged from the Air Force and serve five years in a maximum security facility."

In the silence that followed Sam could hear the blood rushing in her ears, the thump of her heart as it tried to escape her chest. She reached her hand to the table, steadying herself as her legs threatened to buckle.

And as her throat tightened and tears gathered a voice in her head was clear and sharp – don't let him win, don't show him what he wants to see. Sam snapped her eyes to the Colonel who was on the verge of launching into a tirade and stopped him with a look, ever thankful that they had the ability to communicate without words. With an outward calmness she did not feel she spoke. "I would like a few minutes with Dr Fraiser."

And before anyone could answer, she snagged Janet's hand and pulled her into a corner. Sam lifted her dog tags from around her neck, placing them over her lover's head and drawing her into a fierce hug in one motion. Janet shook in her embrace. Several seconds passed before Sam straightened her arms and looked Janet in the eye. She leaned her face down so their foreheads were touching. "We will not let him win this Janet. Promise me you'll be strong. Promise me you'll look after the boys, they'll need it."

She smiled despite herself, willing her turmoil away; she would not give Kinsey the satisfaction. "Just know that I love you, with all my heart and that nothing, nothing will ever change that."

Janet reached her hand up to stroke Sam's cheek, savoring the feel, committing her lover to memory. "We will fight this Sam, believe me. Nothing, no one will ever come between us. I love you, now, always. Stay strong my love, know that whatever happens we are here for you."

They kissed.

Jack felt the color drain from his face as he listened to Simmons' smug words; but before O'Neill could launch his fury at the colonel, Carter drew her commanding officers attention and they conversed silently. She was right, they could not - should not give Kinsey any satisfaction; what the senator wanted was to see them anguished and distraught. Jack knew they could not give the politician even this much. As Sam drew Janet into the corner, he turned to the other three and whispered his thoughts.

The cold steel on her wrists brought Sam fully back to reality. Even as the two SF's secured her arms behind, Janet still held onto Sam until they began to take her from the room. They were halted in their path by SG1. Teal'c simply stepped in front of Carter and raised an eyebrow to her escorts. They were wise enough to back off.

The Jaffa embraced Sam tightly, pouring his love and respect for his comrade into the action. He did not understand the maneuverings of the Tau'ri, why one of their most courageous warriors was being punished for loving someone. Still, he knew that he would do anything he could to ensure she rejoined them as soon as possible. He stepped back and tilted her chin gently up to meet his eyes, "Be strong Samantha, this wrong will be righted and you will once again be back with us, I assure you." The smile she blessed him with would remain with him in the dark days to come.

She turned slightly then to Daniel, who in turn swept her into his arms, pressing his face into her shoulder to hide the tears she knew she had seen. She smiled against his neck, "Look after Jack and Teal'c for me, I'll worry about them." she managed.

"Count on it." he breathed back, squeezing her tighter, trying to preserve the feel of her for himself. He drew away and looked at her, the tell tale sign of his tears on the blue of her shirt. They said nothing, five years of friendship allowing them to converse without words.

And now it was Jack's turn. He could not believe what was happening, could feel the vice around his heart contract dangerously. He wanted to hit someone, shoot someone, yell, scream, anything but stand and passively watch his 2IC led away in chains.

His hug was fierce, he needed her to know that they would do everything in their power to right this wrong. But he also needed her to know that he would not do anything to jeopardize the team, the base, the stargate. They had already had this conversation. "I swear I will bring that son of a bitch down Carter. The right way. We will nail him, don't you worry."

He felt her relax into him a bit then, knowing he had allayed her fears that he would do something rash. "Take care of Janet for me." she mustered, the crack in her voice registering in him.

He knew she could only hold it together for so long, knew that inside she was dying, breaking, raging. He tightened his grip and lightly kissed her temple, "Always Carter, always." he whispered.

They drew apart and the next thing he knew she was out the door and being dragged away. He watched her as she was escorted to the elevator, never taking his eyes from her until she was invisible behind the doors. She didn't look back; he knew it would cost her too much.

Next: New Reality