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Sam Carter poked her head into Janet Fraiser's office, raising an eyebrow as she noted the other woman's posture where she was hunched over, glaring at the computer screen, her fingers moving rapidly over the keyboard. As the blonde watched, she muttered an impressive array of obscenities, one on top of another. "Having trouble?" she questioned through a grin. Janet pivoted in her chair to glare at Sam. "This," she accused, gesturing to her computer, "is your fault." "Who me?" Sam inquired too innocently. Fraiser's dark eyes narrowed dangerously. "Don't you even try it," she warned Sam. "This is your nasty little bit of revenge for my enforcing the requirement for yearly physicals for SG-1. Apparently having to putting up with the colonel naked just wasn't quite enough." She reached back with her right hand, flicking the computer screen. "You had to add a request for a complete medical history review ... which, in your case, means enough paperwork to sink a blasted battleship ... and then talk the rest of SG-1 into following suit." She growled a soft obscenity in the back of her throat. Sam knew damn well she tracked them all closely on an ongoing basis and the review was pure makework. And what makework. They all had files well over an inch thick when printed out. Sam struggled, without much success, to tamp down a chuckle. Janet was right about her motives, but if she didn't get herself under control, the doctor was going to hurt her. "Now, Doctor, you know as well as I do that Air Force regulations recommend a bi-yearly review of all medical records ... rather like our yearly physicals." She displayed a smooth smile that earned her another flashing glare. It occurred to Sam that she was taking her life in her hands by pushing so hard, but there was something childishly enjoyable about teasing Janet. A sarcastic smile curved the doctor's mouth upward. She knew when she was beaten, or at least, Sam assumed she did. "Are you here for a reason, or just to gloat?" Sam leaned in close until they were nearly nose to nose. "I never gloat," she said softly, well aware of the subtle arc of sexual tension that flared between them. "I just make sure I'm always on the winning side." Janet carefully settled her palms on the armrests. "Really?" she drawled, one russet eyebrow arching neatly. Sam glanced back, double-checking that the office door was closed, then covered Janet's hands with her own, blockading her into the chair. "Really," she confirmed and offered a smile that was definitely meant to be an invitation. Janet swallowed hard, momentarily lost in the bright blue sea of Sam's eyes. She blinked suddenly, not wanting to give in quite that easily. Her lover was still on her bad side, after all. Sam lifted one hand from its resting place on Janet's, brushing feather soft, auburn bangs aside and stroking the other woman's temple very lightly before smoothing her fingers down over a soft cheek. She let her fingers drop to the sculpted column of her lover's throat, caressing lightly, unbelievably aware of the soft beat of her pulse and the way her pupils expanded with sensual awareness. A sudden, hard push on the chest broke up Sam's thoughts and forced her back a step. "Sorry," Janet began in a voice that dripped ice crystals, though her smile was saccharine sweet, "I've got so much work to do." Sam swallowed hard and worked a hand through her hair. "Cute," she exhaled, chest pumping as though she'd just run several miles. She folded her arms across her chest in an unsuccessful attempt to look nonchalant. "So, what are your plans for the evening?" The question was deceptively casual and belied by the steady tension that rippled through her muscles. Janet grinned approvingly, enjoying her measure of victory as she noted the frustrated lust that lurked in blue eyes. "Paperwork," she said innocently. She gestured to a box of video tapes sitting under the small video monitor and VCR she had on hand for professional reasons. "And if I'm feeling really...adventurous, I might play a movie while I work." She put extra emphasis on the last word. Sam sighed softly and made a mental note never again to plot any kind of revenge against this woman. She knew exactly where to hit back. "Y'know, I could probably ... cancel ... that request," she offered a little queasily. "And I'm sure the guys don't ... really ... care...." Janet shook her head. "No, no...Air Force recommendations...remember?" "Damn," Sam breathed. "Hoist by my own petard," she muttered disgustedly. Janet smirked triumphantly, turning back to the glowing computer screen. "And it's such a cute petard too," she chuckled. "Pity, I've got all this paperwork to do." She not only thrust the knife, she gave it a healthy twist as well. "You mentioned that," Sam complained. She picked up one of the videos, idly noting the title. It was an old Robert Shaw pirate movie: Swashbuckler. She tossed it back and grabbed another: The Spanish Main this time. She frowned and grabbed several more, flipping through them with raised brows. Against All Flags, The Crimson Pirate, Nate and Hays, Captain Blood, and Cutthroat Island all went by. "Janet," she murmured to gain her attention. Fraiser looked up. Sam fanned the tapes so she could see them. "I'm starting to notice a trend here." "I have no idea what you're talking about," the doctor muttered and went back to her computer screen, betrayed only by the flush, staining the high curve of her cheekbones. "Right," Sam chuckled. "It's pure coincidence that every film in here involves pirates." "I like movies with sailing ships," Janet muttered defensively. "Then why not Horatio Hornblower, or Mutiny on the Bounty?" "Gregory Peck is too stiff in Hornblower, though I did like the cut of his uniform," she murmured, noting the way Sam stiffened in annoyance, then continued. "As for Bounty, I don't care how politically incorrect it is, I don't like Brando movies." Sam leaned close to her ear, curving fine-boned hands to narrow shoulders. "Or maybe you just prefer to fantasize about being ravaged by some careless rogue?" she whispered suggestively, her warm breath ruffling auburn silk. Janet turned her head to peer up at her lover with an arch look. "Not likely," she murmured dryly. They both knew she wasn't talking about a movie. Sam massaged her shoulders with firm strokes, feeling taut muscles warm and relax under her hands, wishing she could touch her lover more intimately, but knowing that anything that might be easily misconstrued -- or worse, not misconstrued, all things considered -- was off limits as long as they were on base. "Admit it," she whispered, leaning down so her lips were close to Janet's ear, her tone intentionally seductive. "The thought of being carried off by some daring buccaneer excites you." She brought her chair around, resting her hands on the backrest on either side of Janet's head. "Though I'm hoping you were thinking more along the lines of Maureen O'Hara and Gina Davis than Errol Flynn or Robert Shaw." Janet raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything. Blue eyes dropped, taking in the doctor's prim pose, then rose, clashing with near-black eyes. "Y'know Cass is spending the night at Sarah's. We'll have your place all to ourselves...." Her lips turned up in a lazy grin. "Can make all the noise we want." That single russet brow rose another notch. "Really?" Janet murmured on a slow, cool drawl. Sam nodded, her grin broadening, cockily confident she was getting to the other woman. "That's right." Her gaze fell again, sliding over her lover's body with the intensity of a caress. "I thought maybe you'd like to be carried off and ravished." She was teasing ... sort of. Though.... Janet's eyebrow was going to be touching her hairline soon, and a smile flicked at the corners of full lips before she could quite banish it. "Is that what you thought?" she murmured, her tone giving away nothing, though that tiny smile made Sam's heart beat faster because she knew the depths it hid ... or at least she suspected the depths it hid. Some days she doubted she'd ever learn everything there was to know about Janet Fraiser. Sam considered the neutral response for a moment, then decided her lover was purposely taunting her in hopes of drawing a reaction. Janet was quite capable of telling her when she was being annoying ... more than capable actually. The blonde's mouth turned up in a sensual grin, playing the part as she wove a fantasy. "I hadn't intended to take the English schooner. Her cargo wasn't worth a farthing, then I saw you on the deck, and I had to have you." The smile slipped through again before Janet hid it behind an impassive wall. "Considering your tendency to get seasick in rowboats, I question the likelihood you'd do very well as a pirate captain," she commented idly. Sam flashed her a dirty look, but didn't break from the scenario. "We caught your ship in a few hours. Your captain knew he was bested, and didn't even try to put up a fight...but you did..." Sam reached out, tucking a finger under Janet's chin and drawing her head up when she would have looked away to hide the flare of heat in her gaze. Despite her attempts to seem disinterested, Janet shivered gently. Triumph lit a fire behind Sam's eyes. "You came at me with a sword, spitting like a cat--" "Really, Sam, I had no idea you read novels like that," Janet taunted in an effort to distract her. It didn't work. "I could have had my men take the sword, but you offered a wager. Your freedom if you win, your body if I win....Someone taught you how to use a sword well, but the fight ended quickly." She flashed a sly smile. "I cheat." "I believe that," Janet exhaled. "In my cabin, you were shy--" The brunette folded her arms across her chest. "Virginity is no longer an option, even in your fantasies," she pointed out with a fine edge of sarcasm. Sam pulled up short. Her lover had a point -- one that made her wince ever so slightly -- but a point all the same. She opted to change tactics slightly. "Your experience will increase your value on the open market." She outlined the full curve of her lover's lower lip with the pad of her thumb. "Not that I care. I won't be selling this prize." "Really?" Janet drawled, and nipped the tip of Sam's thumb, well aware they were playing a very dangerous game, one that could cost them both dearly if it were found out, but also aware that in her office the dangers were comparatively low, and both of them would let it go only so far. It happened that way sometimes ... they played gently, walked right up and toed that line just to let off stress. It helped alleviate the urge to do something really stupid. Sam felt her pulse pick up in response to the raw promise in chocolate brown eyes. "I'm no fool," she sighed. Janet slid her hands up the warm curve of her lover's chest. "I don't know about that," she whispered and shoved...hard. Sam stumbled backwards, bumping into a cabinet. It took her a heartbeat to regain her balance, and by the time she looked up again, Janet was out of her chair, her expression wickedly alluring. The brunette brushed her hands over the breadth of her lover's shoulders, testing the muscles under her uniform with an assessing touch. "You see, your mistake is in presuming I want to be ravished." Caught by surprise, Sam could only stare at the other woman in confusion. Her brows drew together in a flummoxed frown as Janet gave another hearty shove, unbalancing her just enough that she was forced to lean against the cabinets at her back. "In reality, I want to the do the ravishing." The doctor's voice dropped to little more than a throaty purr. "I'd have the stuffy captain of the ship I just captured brought before me in manacles and offer her a choice. Satisfy me in bed, and her ship may go free. Fail, and captain and crew walk the plank." Sam swallowed hard. She'd always suspected Janet had a touch of the dominatrix in her soul; now she was sure of it. On the other hand, the sensual promise in near-black eyes made the blood run like heated lava in her veins. She suddenly wondered if starting this game had been such a good idea considering where they were. She glanced over her shoulder at the door to the doctor's office, noting the lock on the knob even as she tried to clear her head enough to calculate whether or not it was worth the risk. Sam was still busy calculating when Janet abruptly backed up a step and reached for the doorknob. "Whoops," she said entirely too cheerfully and pointedly glanced down at her watch. "Time's up! Say hullo to the plank," she instructed as she wrenched the door open with one hand and shoved Sam out through it with the other. It slammed shut before the blonde quite knew what hit her. Sam was still standing in the corridor, not entirely certain what had just happened when she heard the sound of the lock clicking into place with considerable authority. "Not fair," she mumbled and leaned her forehead against the cement wall opposite Fraiser's door. It didn't do much to help cool her raging hormones, but it was better than nothing. "I ... uh ... oh...." Daniel Jackson's voice went from normal to hesitant in the span of the stammered words. He was aware of their relationship, knowledge he really could have done without as far as he was concerned. It just made things ... weird ... sometimes. "You okay?" he asked, kind of hoping she wouldn't answer, or at least wouldn't answer honestly. Sam straightened, struggling against an embarrassed flush as she pivoted to face her friend, praying, hoping he wouldn't notice that she wasn't exactly her usual calm self. "Fine," she croaked a little unsteadily. Daniel's gaze flicked back and forth between his friend and the door to Fraiser's office. "I ... er ... problem?" he asked, still hoping she keep him thoroughly in the dark. He liked the dark. With Sam and Fraiser sleeping together, and O'Neill blissfully unaware -- though he apparently fantasized about it often enough, judging by some of his whispered asides to Daniel -- the dark was a good place to be. "Yeah," Carter insisted too quickly, her voice unusually breathless, though she got the worst of the tremors under control. Daniel raised an eyebrow, but didn't respond, too polite to call his teammate a liar. "I ... uh ... was just doing some research on that new Goa'uld outpost we ran across," he said after a beat, hoping to distract his friend. "Interested in taking a look." Sam sighed softly and cast a last, disappointed gaze at her lover's office door. "Might as well," she sighed at last and trudged after him. * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * In her office, Janet dropped her forehead to her desk, uncertain that throwing Sam out had been such a good idea even if it had been a wise one. The look of surprise on his face offered a nice moment of revenge, but ... well ... some days revenge was vastly overrated. She almost wished the other woman had just ignored the lock and pushed her way back in ... a suicidal idea she knew, but much as she loved Sam, there were days she wished she could be a bit more persistent. Janet sighed heavily and worked her hands through her hair, massaging her temples, then working her fingers back under her head in concentric circles as she struggled to throw off the heat still running in her veins. It took several minutes of that coupled with mentally calculating her income taxes before her head was clear enough to return to the hated paperwork. Finally, she dug in, growling curses under her breath and reminding herself that it was Sam's fault and the blonde had gotten exactly what she deserved, even if she did have the most adorable puppy-dog eyes in the SGC. Several hours passed before she finally quit, her back and shoulders aching painfully. She made the drive home in a numb state, grateful that Cass wasn't there to need any parental influence. She just wasn't up to parenting at that point. She didn't even bother with dinner, just stumbled back to her bedroom, barely sparing the time for a quick shower before falling into bed. Within minutes, she was asleep. Within an hour, she entered the REM state, eyes dancing beneath her closed lashes as the dream world closed around her. A hard sea wind filled the sails of the tiny ship as it fled its pursuer. The merchant trader had never been intended for speed or combat. Unfortunately, to have any chance at escape, she needed to be capable of both. The ship advancing in her wake flew the skull and crossbones...a pirate flag. Captain and crew were breathing hard, scurrying about the deck as they struggled to drag every bit of available speed out of the craft. The captain paused in his duties as he noted the woman standing on the aft decks, staring back at the rapidly advancing pirate schooner. "You should get below, Ma'am," he said with automatic courtesy. She nodded and wrapped a silk shawl tighter around narrow shoulders. "Their captain watches from the bow," she pointed out. The merchant captain's eyes followed the line of her arm until he spotted the dark figure. "Aye...Samantha Carter...." he said softly. "You sound as though you know the woman." The captain nodded. "Aye. Her father was an admiral in the royal navy. I saw her more than a few times over the years ... but then she went to Americas to serve their interests." "She's English, then?" The captain shook his head. "No, she was born in the Americas. She had some kind of falling out with her father after her mother died ... from what I've heard that's why she goes after English ships ... to get back at him." Janet shivered with an instinctive frisson of something akin to fear. "She sounds a blackguard." Hammond shrugged. "She's not so bad," he admitted cautiously. "But you should get below. The woman I knew would never harm a civilian, but I don't know how she's changed...since..." Hammond trailed off, then shooed her on her way as he returned to his duties. ~~ ** ~~ ** ~~ Aboard the pirate ship, the first mate hurried to join his captain at the prow. "We will be upon them within the hour," he informed Sam Carter, his diction perfectly measured. Carter glanced back and she nodded approvingly, pressing the sections of her spyglass together as she commented. "Hammond sent her below." Teal'c folded heavily muscled arms across his bare chest. "I do not understand why we hunt a ship which carries no cargo of significant value." "She's English," Carter responded distractedly, her attention still on their prey. "We chase English ships." Teal'c inclined his head in confirmation. "Indeed, but under normal circumstances it is rich English ships which we chase. In this instance, it seems to be the woman above decks, rather than any treasure below, which holds your attention." Sam squinted to make out the last glittering highlight of sunlight on auburn hair before the woman on the other ship disappeared belowdecks. "I'm a pirate. I steal what I want, and the treasure I want is now below decks. Does that make you happier?" Teal'c let out a long suffering sigh. "One female is much the same as any other--" "Not this one," Sam said with quiet intensity. By the time she turned to look at her first mate, her expression was lighthearted, but something serious still lurked in her eyes. "We can take Hammond's ship easily enough. He'll not even put up a fight when I offer him a chance to escape with his ship and crew intact." "From what you've said he is a gentleman at heart," Teal'c pointed out with quiet logic. "He may be willing to fight to protect the woman." Sam stroked her chin thoughtfully. "I'll tell you what," she spoke at last. "If Hammond puts up much of a fight, or the woman has the face of a cow, then we'll leave." "Your word?" Teal'c demanded. Sam laughed and nodded. "On my honor." Her first mate rolled his eyes, an annoyed expression creasing his hard features. "A sentiment which would be more comforting were I not aware that you have no honor." "There is that," Sam laughed, doubtless annoying Teal'c though it was impossible to tell by his impassive expression as he returned to his duties. The captain of the StarQuest shook her head, still laughing softly as she turned her eyes back to the sails of her prey. She had every intention of keeping her promise, or more correctly, she was certain she wouldn't need to. ~~ ** ~~ ** ~~ In her cabin, Janet Fraiser could hear the sounds of activity overhead and catch hints of the crew's panic. She didn't wait to see if the pirate ship would overtake the merchant vessel. It seemed obvious it would. She quickly loosed the stays on her gown, slipping it down off her shoulders to let it fall to a puddle at her feet. Petticoats and the much-hated corset soon followed, then her light, linen shift. Nude, she quickly dug through her luggage to retrieve the men's clothes she'd worn when her brother, Jack, was teaching her to fence. The white, linen blouse was voluminous on her slender figure, but the soft, fawn knickers fit like a second skin. She'd worn leather soled shoes in his tiled studio, but the deck above would be slick with blood and water. The shoes she had with her were too likely to slip under those conditions. She opted to go barefoot, rather than risk a slip at a bad moment. A heavy cloak over the top would conceal her costume until she needed the freedom it offered. Lastly, she lifted the long wooden sword case from her things, staring at it momentarily before flicking the latches open. The rapier inside was beautifully made. An intricate guard curved over the wire wrapped surface of the hilt, and the razor sharp edges of the blade glinted even in the dull candlelit interior of her cabin. A pair of black, kid gloves lay folded in one end of the box and she carefully tugged them on before lifting the weapon. It was light and exquisitely balanced. It ought to be, Jack had paid a fortune for it. Overhead, there were a series of heavy, clanking thumps, followed by an army's worth of footsteps. Janet's heart lurched with tension. They'd been boarded. She waited, expecting to hear sounds of combat, and was surprised when they didn't come. Had the captain surrendered without even a token attempt at resistance? She was still standing there several minutes later when someone knocked on her door. Uncertain what to do, she froze. A man's deep voice, muffled by the door, reached her ears. "If you do not open the door, I will be forced to break it down." Squaring her shoulders, Janet flipped the cloak around herself, hiding the sword within the confines of the heavy fabric, then clicked the latch and opened the door. The huge, dark skinned man standing in the corridor was obviously one of the pirates. He looked at her for a long moment, his head canting to one side, then muttered a word she didn't recognize. By his tone, she was comfortably certain it was an obscenity, though she thought she'd heard them all from Jack over the years. "What?" she exhaled nervously. He reached out, tipping her chin up, and cursed again. "I had hoped to find you have the face of a cow," he sighed, then gestured her through the door. Janet stepped around him, careful to keep the sword positioned so that it couldn't accidentally brush him. She stiffened as she stepped on deck a moment later. The scrawny, short-handed crew of the merchant ship stood on one side of the deck, their only weapons a few, poorly-made swords and whatever pieces of equipment they could find on the ship that might serve. To a man, their expressions were ones of terror. On the other side of the deck stood the pirate crew; burly, well armed, and confident of their ability to win any fight. Between the two groups the captain of the merchant stood beside a tall, lean woman with short, wheat blond hair and a sailor's tan. A wicked smile twisted her sensual mouth as she laid eyes on Janet. "You're everything I'd hoped for, Madame ... and more," she said appreciatively. Janet's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Do I know you?" The pirate shrugged one shoulder, her eyes gleaming with hunger. "Not yet, but you will," she pronounced confidently. Janet glared at the woman with regal disdain. "Explain yourself." She tipped an imaginary hat. "Samantha Carter, captain of the StarQuest, at your service. I find I have a desire for your company." A confident grin curved her lips, sensual hunger obvious in her eyes. There was no doubt in anyone's eyes just what she wanted. "I see," Janet exhaled, a strange kind of awareness coiling deep inside her and sending a frisson down her spine. Captain Hammond stepped forward. "My crew and I will defend you to the death, Your Ladyship." He flashed an angry glare at his old friend's daughter. "I can't believe you've sunk so low," he chastised, hoping to shame the woman into a different course. Carter shrugged, but her eyes never left the auburn haired figure standing several feet away, her dark gaze flicking back and forth between his crew and the merchant crew. "They don't stand a chance," she informed her prisoner of what she already knew in a low, oddly soothing voice. "You can prevent that bloodbath." She reached a hand out to the smaller woman. "All you have to do is come with me." Janet stared at he frightened faces of the crewmen poised to fight, and she shook her head as her gaze returned clash with the pirate's. "I won't see any man's blood spilled to protect my virtue." Sam Carter nodded in appreciation. "Good." She flexed long fingers to urge her forward. "Come along then." "Damn you," Hammond hissed, helpless to do anything without getting his crew killed. Carter shrugged. "I was damned long ago, old friend," she said agreeably. "Just ask my father." The woman still hadn't moved, so she stepped forward, ready to reach for her. Janet danced back a pace, running into Carter's first officer where he still stood behind her. "That doesn't mean I intend to come with you," she snarled. Carter's brows rose, her expression politely curious. She gestured to their surroundings. "If you don't intend letting them fight, then how do you plan to avoid going with me?" Teal'c was ready to grab the woman if she tried to run, but Sam waved him away, then gestured her prey closer. When she didn't immediately move, she sighed softly. "You have my word, I won't use force ... at least not until I've heard you out." Careful to keep the front of the cloak closed, Janet drew nearer. "I offer a wager, Captain. If I win, this ship and my person both go free." "And if I win?" the pirate captain demanded huskily. "I go with you." Sam shook her head. "You'll do that either way...no, I want your promise that you'll come to my bed ... willingly." She paced around behind the smaller woman, her voice dropping too low for anyone else to hear. "Naked, warm, and ready for pleasure." Against her will, Janet's breathing roughened with unwanted excitement as adrenaline flooded her veins. She glanced back to find the lanky blonde, studying her carefully. She was beautiful to be certain, but there was also something fiercely charismatic about her. "What's your name?" the pirate queen whispered as she reached out to brush a finger over a stray curl of auburn hair. "Janet Fraiser," she answered, unable to resist the soft note of command in the other woman's voice. "And I'll take the bet." She knew her own skills and was certain she could win. The other woman was taller and doubtless stronger, but it was unlikely that she'd had any real training with the sword, and she'd be expecting to face an opponent with no skill whatsoever. If she struck quickly enough, she had a good chance. Carter's eyes glinted triumphantly. "Good," she whispered, convinced she could best her captive at any contest she might choose. She backed away a step, grinning as she questioned. "So, what's the game to be...canasta, chess...checkers," she allowed in deference to Janet Fraiser's obvious station as a lady of good breeding. Janet's eyes narrowed dangerously. She was going to enjoy carving Samantha Carter's arrogant heart from her chest. "No," she said softly. "Swords." She slung her cloak off and swung her weapon for the taller woman's chest in the same motion. Sam yelped and leapt backward in time to avoid the deadly arc of the blade. Scrambling, she quickly regained her balance, then barely ducked another swing. She'd come aboard without her sword to avoid frightening the lady, and now she was on the verge of getting skewered while her crew looked on, too busy admiring the cut of the prisoner's jib to offer any help. Of course, if she hadn't been so busy trying to stay alive, Sam would have joined them. "Captain!" Teal'c shouted and tossed his own weapon her direction. Carter caught it by the hilt in time to block the next thrust just before it made contact, then used raw strength to push her captive back several steps. Janet backed off to regroup, glaring at the pirate as the blonde straightened herself and returned the angry glare with a gently chiding smile. "Now, my dear," Carter scolded, breathing hard despite her seeming nonchalance. "This really isn't a good idea." She used her own weapon to gesture to the epée in her prisoner's hand. "You could get hurt with one of those." "So could you," Janet snarled with deadly intensity, resisting the charming smile directed her way with fierce determination. An appreciative murmur went up among the pirate crew, and Sam turned a warning look their way to silence the sentiment. She turned her attention back to the other woman. Her stance was good, her manner confident. "Mayhaps you should finish taming the wench, Captain," one of her men called out, "then put the hilt of your sword to better use." The other men laughed along with the crude joke, "since you lack the sort of sword she really needs." "Shut up!" Carter snapped angrily, cutting off the men's roars of laughter, before addressing his quarry again. "I have no desire to harm you." "That's funny," Janet shot back, an embarrassed flush crawling over her cheekbones, "hurting you gives me no qualms whatsoever." "The terms of victory?" Sam demanded, careful not to give the other woman any openings to attack, but wanting this silliness over as quickly as possible. "To the death," Janet growled. "I can see why you would like that one, but..." Carter shrugged suggestively, "it would substantially reduce the value of my prize." "If you're so confident you'll win, why worry about it?" Janet hissed and lunged again. Sam blocked the move, skillfully. The other woman was good. Very good, but she wasn't likely to win. She'd been taught to fence, while Sam knew how to fight. Contrary to what most people thought, the two were very different. The combatants circled each other, so focused they forgot about the watching crews. Sam tested her prisoner's skills, pressing her back with her sword without ever releasing the full power behind her weapon. Their blades locked again, and she leaned into the space between them. "Victory comes with first blood," she offered. "Otherwise I'll simply have my men overwhelm you. You're likely to walk away with some bruises ... and unfortunately," her lip curled with distaste, "they aren't likely to miss a chance to ... enjoy a brief taste of what they'll never have ... but no one will die ... and I won't have any deaths for this. Your choice." Breathing hard from the strain of the fight, Janet only nodded. "Good," Sam whispered, then released a dizzying flurry of blows that forced Janet back without ever coming close to touching flesh. Janet stumbled and fell hard against the door to the lower decks. She saw Carter fling her weapon away and tried to bring her own up between them, but the taller woman wrapped strong fingers around her hand, forcing it back against the door as she closed the distance between them. They were both gasping and flush with exertion. Janet's eyes were drawn upward to implacable features as the pirate pressed close, molding their bodies together until she could feel every rise and hollow of smooth curves and hard muscle. "You lose, my dear," Carter breathed, then her lips came down to claim Janet's with hungry passion. She invaded her prisoner's mouth with hungry strokes, giving her no chance to refuse as she tasted, and explored the warm depths. Janet tried to drive her free hand into the taller woman's stomach, but Carter blocked the blow, knocking Janet's fist aside. "Damn," Sam gasped and jerked her head back. "You've lost, accept it," she ground out, totally focused on the woman pressed so firmly against the length of her body. Janet shook her head. "The rules said first blood. You haven't managed that." "Dammit, woman," Sam snarled in frustration. "I don't want your blood." "But I damn well want yours." Janet lunged wildly in an effort to free herself and get her sword between them. Sam responded by slamming Janet into the door at her back hard enough to knock the air from her lungs. Cursing softly, she realized the smaller woman wouldn't accept her victory until she was forced to. Arms and shoulders flexing with controlled power, she dragged the hand trapped in her own up away from the door, containing the other woman's weapon with raw strength. Despite her best efforts, Janet couldn't break the imprisoning hold, or even slow the measured progress as the pirate forced the weapon between them. Under the blonde's control, the blade just barely nicked her left shoulder, cutting through the gauzy fabric of her shirt, and drawing a single bead of crimson. "First blood," Carter growled, then stripped the weapon from her hold and flung it aside. She cupped her prisoner's jaw in one hand, forcing her head up. "I'm your master now," she panted, then claimed her mouth again, the kiss perversely gentle after the rough battle. When the kiss broke, she slung the smaller woman over one shoulder, careless of her struggles, as she flung the command over her shoulder. "Teal'c, see to casting off. You have the helm. And bring the lady's sword. It's a fine weapon, and I've earned that as well." Janet fought her captor, but the pirate was too strong, her long frame surprisingly muscled under the softness of her curves. She hurried across the gangplank, her voice hard when Janet's struggles risked sending them both into the water. "Careful ... unless you can swim." The threat was obvious, forcing the lady to quiet until they were safely on the deck on the other side when she promptly began struggling again. "Well, at least you're reliable," the pirate queen muttered under her breath, tightening her hold as she hurried across the deck, well aware of the envious way her crew's eyes followed them. Moments later, she stepped into her cabin and kicked the door shut in her wake, then dropped her prisoner's feet to deck and stood grinning down at her. Janet stumbled away from her captor, snarling every curse word she could think of. For a lady of her station, it was a surprisingly vast collection. Sam's brows rose. "Impressive," she allowed, eyeing the soft curves revealed in the open vee of her prisoner's blouse, definitely admiring the view, "but don't you think you should honor your wager. You did lose the fight, after all." "Go to hell!" Janet spat, almost as furious over losing the fight as she was about the pirate's intentions. Sam canted her head to one side, appearing to consider the command. "And here, I thought you were a woman of your word." "Would you have gone if I drew first blood?" Janet demanded. Sam laughed and shook her head. "No, but then I'm a pirate. We're supposed to cheat. You're a lady. Your word should be as good as gold." "Go to hell," her prisoner repeated. Sam tore her gaze away from the sight of heaving breasts to meet her prisoner's slashing gaze. "You already said that," she reminded her helpfully. "However, I feel the need to point out, that if all bets are off, then I'll feel duty bound to finish what I started aboard the merchant ship." As threats went, it wasn't even subtle. "You can't," Janet insisted instantly, unintentionally giving her captor a weapon. "There's nothing of value aboard her and you know it." "Oh, but I can," Sam warned her, purposely hardening her expression in reminder of what she was and what she was capable of. "And when I raid a ship and don't find anything I want, I've been known to put it to the torch." She had no intention of doing so, but her prisoner didn't know that. Janet froze, shaking her head uncertainly, unable to believe that anyone could be so cold-blooded. "You wouldn't," she whispered, her tone edged with pleading. Carter's expression remained perfectly bland, giving nothing away. "Are you willing to bet their lives on that?" "Damn you," Janet exhaled. She couldn't get those men killed, not on her behalf. It wasn't worth it. "Yes," Sam agreed and advanced on her in a heartbeat. Janet backed away and was soon pinned between the wall and the pirate's lanky figure. She swallowed hard, staring up at the taller woman through wide eyes, taking in the intensity of her gaze, the power in her body, hardened as it was by work and combat, the relentless set of her mouth. Only the flutter of pale gold hair softened her face as pale eyes held Janet prisoner, unwilling to let her look away. Tapered, well-made fingers rose to slide over Janet's face, tracing the planes of her face with featherlight strokes. She jumped, startled by the subtle nature of the caress, unable to deny the cool rush of pleasure that followed the pirate queen's fingers as they moved over her skin. Those graceful hands slid down, following the graceful arch of her throat, then slipped under the gaping band collar of the blouse, the slow caresses sending unwanted bolts of sensation through Janet. A smile touched the captain's mouth, softening her features and making her look younger. Still smiling, she turned her hands suddenly, gripping the fine linen and tore, splitting the fabric down the center with a loud rip. Janet instinctively started to cross her arms across her chest, but the pirate captain caught her wrists, forcing them aside as she stared at the pale strip of flesh made visible by the open front of the shirt. "No," Sam commanded. She stepped forward until they were pressed breast to breast, then lifted Janet's hands, placing them around her neck. "Hold on," she instructed, her voice throbbing with hedonistic promise. Against her will, Janet did as told, threading her fingers into the silky hair at the nape of her captor's neck, clinging to her despite her best intentions. She knew she should let go and fight, but the other woman's intensity held her prisoner as firmly as chains would have. She shuddered lightly as the other woman carefully spread the tattered edges of her blouse. The first thing the pirate did was brush a tender kiss over the small injury on her shoulder, laving away the small spatter of drying blood. "I'm sorry I hurt you," she exhaled, genuine regret thickening her voice. She trailed tapered fingers down the center of her prisoner's body, her touch incredibly light, contrasting with the brief moment of near violence. Janet's stomach muscles clenched and her breath caught as those exploring hands dropped steadily lower, but Carter shook her head, resting her fingers lightly over taut abdominal muscles. "Not yet," she whispered as though she'd read her prisoner's mind. Her hands parted, curving to slim hips, then downward to tighten on her thighs, dragging her forward until they were pressed pelvis to pelvis. Janet gnawed on her lower lip, torn between fear and desire, then gasped sharply when her captor abruptly dropped her head to bury her face in the valley between her breasts. Trembling violently and dazed by the hard rush of pleasure evoked by the twin teases of her mouth and the feel of skin brushing against skin, Janet could only cling to taut shoulders, tiny shudders rippling through her. Soft lips ranged over her breasts, tasting and caressing before opening over a sharp peak. Sam let her feel the edge of her teeth, then curled her tongue around a swollen nipple, lashing at tightly puckered flesh. Unable to resist the rush of thick heat, Janet's head fell back against the wall with a soft thump, and she gasped for air, chest heaving with the need for oxygen. Her chin still pressed against her prisoner's breastbone, Sam looked up at her through heavy lidded eyes. "You like that," she whispered triumphantly. "Damn you," Janet gasped, but her tone lacked conviction. Sam redoubled her hold on slim thighs as she worked her way lower, kissing her way hungrily over perfect curves. She tasted the rises and hollows of her ribcage, then slid to her knees to mouth the warm flesh stretched taut over Janet's stomach. "Your skin's so soft," she groaned against her abdomen, then purposely dragged her tongue over sensitive muscles, feeling them jump and quiver in response. "And it only gets softer, I'll wager," she breathed. Janet's head tipped back on her shoulders, thumping into the wall again, while her fingers tightened in sun-bleached hair. Her whole body was throbbing with sensation and she could barely think straight enough to even try to resist the beautiful pirate captain's siren's song. Sam tilted her head up, staring at the fine cut of her prisoner's features, twisted in passion. "Look at me," she commanded. Janet tipped her chin down, staring at her through glazed eyes. Primitive lust arced between them with unstoppable force. Pirate, kidnapper, whatever she was, Janet couldn't deny she wanted her. Sam pushed to her feet and slowly straightened until she stood at her full height, peering down into her prisoner's fathomless eyes. She tightened her hold on slim hips once again, pulling Janet hard against her body. "Say my name," she ordered huskily. "Sam," Janet breathed. "Janet." Sam nipped her prisoner's lower lip, then darted her tongue out to soothe the slight injury. "Mine," she panted possessively. She feathered kisses along the curve of Janet's jaw, then down her throat as she peeled the loose shirt away from slim shoulders and tossed it aside. A moment later, finely made hands made short work of her trousers. Sam pushed the soft cloth down over seal curve hips, sliding to her knees as the cream fabric dropped to a pool on the floor. When she lifted her hands, it was to brush them lightly over the sleek length of her prisoner's legs. She leaned forward, brushing a soft kiss onto her hip, the gentle contact sending a shudder of heat through her prisoner. "My name," she whispered again and nipped pale flesh, dragging her teeth over soft skin while she stroked slim calves with gentle hands. "Sam," Janet repeated, her voice draining off into a low moan as her captor suddenly leaned forward. Her lips and tongue were warm and wet against tender skin, teasing soft hair, then pressing deep into even softer folds. She jumped as the pirate's sandpaper tongue flicked sharply, hitting sensitive nerve endings with unerring accuracy. Slim fingers clenched tightly on gilded hair and a whimper escaped Janet's lips as her hips rocked in time with the sharp, rhythmic strokes. Any thought of resistance was completely forgotten under the tidal wave of lust coursing through her blood. No one and nothing in her life had prepared her for this, certainly not the tepid pursuit of the men she'd known. None of them compared to this woman. She was utterly lost as Sam kept her perched on an erotic knife's edge of desire until her knees were close to buckling. Chest pumping with her own effort to control the molten heat pulsating through her veins, Sam abruptly pushed to her feet and cupped Janet's face in her hands, kissing her hungrily and drinking in her tiny moans of disappointment at losing the sweet caress. "Please," the prisoner moaned through the kiss, her voice a hungry whimper, while her body moved restlessly to meet the fingers that slid over fine curves. "Soon," her captor growled, then reclaimed soft lips, her tongue demanding the right to explore until they were both gasping for air. Groaning low in her throat, she suddenly swung Janet up into her arms, then settled her on a thick mattress. The pirate captain backed away momentarily to peel her shirt off, lamplight gilding tanned skin, highlighting, the sharp rises and hollows of bone and sinew. She was built on a sleek line, her body smoothly muscled, feminine curves subtle but perfect, her every movement a thing of animal grace. She returned to the bed, sitting down to fold one leg over the other and finish pulling off her boots. The momentary respite Janet just enough time to clear her head a bit. Running a shaking hand through her hair, she tried not to stare at the pirate's tapered back, where muscles flexed and played as she peeled off her boots, tried not to admire the grace and beauty of the woman's body. The woman had stolen her from a ship, and was in the process of ravishing her, and -- God help her -- her body was responding ... and her mind and emotions weren't far behind. As if sensing the direction of her prisoner's thoughts, Carter looked back over her shoulder, a rakish smile curving her lips upward. She dropped her boot, her grin broadening when Janet flinched ever so slightly at the solid thud it made as it landed. "I'm not sure letting you have a moment to catch your breath was such a good idea," she said softly as she saw her prisoner start to pull back, trepidation replacing arousal in her eyes. Her other boot clumped noisily as she dropped it beside the first, then she stood, movements languorous as she unbuttoned her breaches, hooking her thumbs in the waistband to peel them down. She stepped out of the pool of black fabric and took another pace forward. Suddenly snapped out of her paralysis as the reality of her situation hit her, Janet dove for the edge of the bed, thinking if she could get her hands on some kind of a makeshift weapon, maybe she could put a stop to this complete loss of all control. Hard hands caught her before she could do more than twist, and she was suddenly borne back to the mattress by the weight of the pirate's body, her hips straddled and pinned by muscular thighs. "Oh no, my dear," Carter panted, muscles flexing as they wrestled, bodies stretched out together and rippling with the effort of the struggle. "Can't haven't you leaving so soon." She ducked her head, snatching a quick kiss that left them both even more breathless than their impromptu combat. She shifted position above her captive, forcing a hard thigh into position between Janet's legs as they continued the slow motion struggle. "I ... won't ... do ... this," Janet ground out, muscles taut with effort as she tried to throw the taller woman off her. "Yes, you will, my love," the pirate disagreed surprisingly cheerfully and snatched another kiss. She purposely pressed her thigh against soft flesh, thrusting and dragging it to create a sweet, drugging friction. "And what's more, you'll love it," she whispered through the heady kiss as she found her prisoner's mouth again, tasting Janet's unwilling groan of arousal. The pirate trailed her lips down a taut cord in her prisoner's throat, thrusting again even as she used her weight to force her prisoner's hands to the mattress at her sides. "In fact you already do," she whispered triumphantly as thick moisture coated her dragging thigh. "No," Janet gasped, fingers clawing helplessly into the mattress as flashfires of pleasure went off all over her body. "Yes," Sam disagreed through a chuckle, muscles rippling with the effort required to keep the smaller woman contained as she kissed her way down from her throat. Soft lips dusted delicate kisses over the brunette's upper chest as she thrust her knee again, tasting the vibration that shuddered through the smaller woman. She nipped the upper curve of a full breast, then laved a swollen nipple. "You want so bad it hurts ... aches," her voice dropped low, turning molten and sexual, "makes muscles you barely even knew you had clench and ripple with need." "No," Janet gasped again, but despite her denial, her body arched to meet her captor's slow thrusts, hips grinding her pelvis against a muscled thigh. "Yes," Samantha Carter corrected, her hot breath playing over the faint patterning of Janet's ribs. "Makes you ready to beg." She looked up, eyes gleaming with sensual knowledge. "Beg for me, Janet." Her captive swallowed hard, unable to summon the defiance to speak and simply shook her head, her movements unsteady. Another thrust drew a whimper and Janet's head snapped back into the pillows, but still she summoned the presence of mind to shake her head, refusing to surrender. Carter chuckled softly and leaned back down, her voice confident as she whispered. "You will soon, my love ... very soon." Then she slid lower, outlining flexing abdominal muscles with the heated brush of tongue before following the vee of Janet's pelvic girdle even lower, lips just barely brushing silky curls. Janet made a last, desperate play to escape, twisting her hands in a bid for freedom as she tried to buck her captor off. Carter only increased the weight pressing slender wrists into the mattress, muscles flexing to contain the struggles. As they trailed off into panting gasps, she dusted a soft kiss onto the top of Janet's thigh. "Open for me," she breathed, the husky command playing heated breath over needy flesh. Janet groaned low in her throat, her body bucking again, though this time it was more aimed at bringing her lover closer than pushing her away. "I-I can't," she groaned, unsuccessfully fighting the need moving like a sirocco through her blood. "Yes, you can, love," the pirate coaxed, her voice surprisingly tender. "Just do what feels right and let me in." She brushed a delicate kiss over soft curls, tongue working a little deeper, drawing a tiny moan as she came so close to the desperate ache she'd already created. Slim thighs fell apart like a marionette with its strings cut, momentarily limp as Sam slid lower, stroking slowly, teasing until tension re-entered Janet's legs and they slid up and farther apart of their own accord. Releasing her prisoner's wrists, the pirate shifted position, sliding her hands down to cup rounded hips, tightening to control her prisoner's restless movements. And then teasing play turned to earnest demand as she used her lips and tongue on silky flesh, asking no quarter and giving none. Sweat beaded on fine skin, pooling in places, and running in others, while Janet moved with the stroking, demanding tongue, her body completely under her captor's control, her pleasure so intense she couldn't even begin to think through the sweet, sensual haze of sensations so mind numbingly vivid she barely knew her own name anymore. And then suddenly it stopped. Janet groaned desperately, fingers tightening on blonde silk, pulling her pirate lover's head up, eyes pleading as she looked down. "Beg," the single word was incredibly softly spoken, the tiny gust of air like a caress on superheated flesh, that tiny bit of stimulation nearly enough to drive her over the brink. A tiny moan escaped Janet's lips, and her body quivered, hips rolling in blind search for more stimulation, but Sam only pulled back, hands tightening to control the slow thrusts, denying her lover and prisoner what she wanted to desperately. She ducked her head, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Janet's thigh. "Beg," she commanded again. Her ardor reduced ever so slightly by the momentary lapse in stimulation, Janet found the strength to shake her head more firmly, her voice a ragged croak as she whispered, "No." Her fingers tightened in short, blonde hair, clinging to the silky strands as a silent battle was waged between them. She was surprised by the genuine smile that suddenly curved the pirate's lips. "You are a challenge, beautiful," Carter exhaled. She maintained her grip on her prisoner's hips, but her thumbs shifted faintly, slowly stroking silky skin. Then she turned her head, lips dusting featherlight kisses over Janet's inner thigh, teasing gently as she purposely allowed the other woman's arousal to ramp down a bit without letting it drain away. "You ... push ... me ... to ... the .... limit," she added, dropping kisses onto bare skin between each word. She glanced up, eyes burning with raw need. "But I promise you, I will win." Then she dragged her tongue back up, sliding into throbbing flesh and stroking hungrily, driving Janet right back to the brink when she again quietly demanded, "Beg." Her breath coming in ragged gasps, Janet still managed to shake her head somehow, teeth digging into her lower lip from the effort it cost her. Once again, the pirate queen pulled back, denying her prisoner the sensations her body needed so desperately as she fluttered tiny kisses everywhere but where Janet most wanted them. She pushed up on her hands, lips finding the flat plane of her prisoner's belly, soft caresses making taut muscle ripple and jump, then back down tasting the curve of her hip and a smooth thigh. When Janet's blood had cooled ever so slightly, Sam returned to the center of her need, sandpaper and silk caresses broken for occasional moments of gentle suction. The pirate drove Janet to the brink twice more, each time giving her time to catch her breath, while she explored and teased elsewhere before coming back, the caresses growing more demanding each time. Firm strokes blended with gentle suction and the slow, rhythmic thrust of agile fingers, stopping and starting, pushing the need a little farther with each foray until finally, the single word command was whispered once again and Janet couldn't fight the need any longer. Looking down, her skin glossy with sweat, eyes glazed with arousal so intense it couldn't be resisted. She saw the oddly proud smile that flickered on her captor's lips, and the desperation reflected in her gaze. That raw hunger stripped the surrender of any humiliation, making her aware that the captor needed just as badly as the captive. "Please," she groaned, her voice little more than a croak. Sam's eyes momentarily slid shut, relief evident in her expression, and a hard shudder slid through her. She nodded, hands clinging tightly, her own body tightly wound with arousal. They were both hopelessly caught in a silken web of need that would not be denied. Then Janet had no more time for thought as Sam's mouth dropped back to needy flesh and her fingers thrust deep, the caresses rougher and more demanding this time, gaining momentum with each stroke. The pirate looked up only one more time, eyes blazing with possessive lights. "Now," she commanded, then ducked her head, pressing a possessive kiss over auburn curls that were damp with need, "Come for me, now." It was as though the softly uttered words loosed a pent up damn of passion. Janet's head rocked back and a low, keening cry was torn from her throat as ecstasy broke across her. In an instant, she was aware of everything, the room around her, the woman joined so intimately to, the exploding rush of raw pleasure, the... Janet awoke with a sudden start. Gasping for air, she sat up in bed, momentarily confused as she stared around the darkened interior of her quarters. She was breathing hard, her heart pounding as though she'd run ten miles, and her skin was damp with perspiration. She glanced at the space next to her and exhaled hard. A dream. The whole thing had been nothing, but a dream. She flopped over, burying her face in a pillow. But, what a dream. She was still almost painfully aroused. Sam as a pirate, rough and demanding, kidnapping her and dragging every available ounce of sexual response from her trembling form -- forcing her to beg for more. That'd be the day. Sam'd probably be mildly horrified over the mere thought of anything so kinky. In the confusion of the moment, she completely forgot that her lover was the one who'd started the erotic role play she'd cut short in her office. Janet sighed softly and pushed out of bed, stumbling into the bathroom. She flicked on the lights and peered at her reflection in the mirror. "You have got to get over this obsession with dangerous lovers," she chastised herself disgustedly. She ran cool water into the sink, splashing it over her face before straightening and glaring at her reflection. "You married a dangerous man. Remember how well that worked out? And remember all those dates with all those jackasses who were after one thing and one thing only? You have now found, a nice, sweet, thoughtful woman, so stop having all these pirate fantasies. The admonitions weren't working. She only had to think about Sam in the flowing shirt and high boots, commanding her into her bed, and she was hotter than hell. With a grumbled curse, she dunked her head under the spigot and flipped it on, pouring cool water across the back of her neck and into her hair. When she straightened, she worked her hair away from her face. Tomorrow -- she decided in an instant -- tomorrow, she'd drag Sam home with her and apologize for the brush off, then if need be, she'd seduce her, throw her in bed, and make love all night long--not necessarily in that order. In the meantime, it looked like she wasn't getting any more sleep tonight. Stumbling toward the kitchen, she mumbled several choice invectives under her breath. Damn Sam and her fantasies. Thanks to her, it looked like she was going to be catching up on the household finances. Just what she wanted to be doing in the middle of the night.
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