A Frozen Surprise

Chapter 1

ANTARCTIC BASE

"It's a blip. A shadow on the ultrasound. Too deep to tell. You know, maybe a...a dead seal. Anyway, we're, uh, we're gonna rule it out and pack up for the season. Another week or two, it'll be dark most of the time, much too cold to work outside. As far as coming back next year, well, you know it's not up to me. The Pentagon reevaluates our presence here every year. Take it up with them." Dr. Michaels said, as she situated herself in front of the webcam.

On the other side of the screen was a pensive Carter. She was quiet. But an odd quiet. Her head was down, and she had zoned out.

"Major Carter, are you all right? Dr. Michaels asked, seeing her disconnect.

"Oh...yes, yes I'm fine, just tired. We've been working around the clock here, in hopes to get approvals." She said, hoping she wouldn't ask any more questions.

"How are you recouping after being stuck on that planet for so long?" Dr. Michaels asked.

Sam paused. She was tired of people asking her that same question.

"I'm good. It's good to be home." She said, although a part of her felt like she was lying to herself. She smiled at Dr. Michaels, and quickly changed the subject.

"But in regards to funding, maybe with my new conclusions about the DHD it will be enough to convince them that we should continue." Sam said.

"I'm sure coming from you, it'll hold more weight." Dr. Michael said, while she looked over some reports.

"There has to be something else down there." Sam said.

"Well..we've been here four years running. Since we dug out those two Jaffa we've found nothing. If this latest lead turns out to be...

Suddenly Dr. Michaels is interrupted, by her husband, Dr. Osborne (her keeping her maiden name), one of the leading scientist at the base.

"Hey, the thing in the ice." He said, "It's something." Michael looked at them and then at Sam on the monitor. She smiled from ear to ear, and Sam was grinning wide as well.

Several days later at the Antarctic Base...........

"Why's the plane leaving?" Jonas said. With his first time in the Antarctic, being left on a cold base was not too comforting.

"Cold's no good for the electronics. It'll be back." O'Neill said, but Jonas wasn't too convinced.

"When?" Jonas asked looking back as the plane disappeared into the cold sky.

"Good to see you again Sam" Dr. Michael stated. Sam and her had done some undergrad work while at the academy.

They all introduced themselves. Dr. Frasier had joined them on this mission as well. All having the title Dr.'s made it quite amusing for O'Neill.

"All right. That's enough." O'Neill responded." Let's get inside, it is kind of, you know...cold" he said, with his all-familiar sarcastic tone.

"I can see why you're happy to be back. Is he always soo..." Dr. Michaels said leaning into Sam.

"You have no idea" Sam replied. Thing is, it was one of the things she loved about him.

"Well, welcome to Antarctic, Colonel." Dr. Osborne said.

"Thanks. Great to be back." O'Neill said glancing at Carter. There all too familiar bought with Antarctica wasn't soon forgotten.

"Let's go inside." He said as he led them into the base.