Question about the later seasons

[Arynne_Bookworm]

I haven’t seen the later seasons of SG-1 in quite awhile and I’m trying to write a Daniel/Vala fic, but I can’t remember what Vala calls Carter. Is it Sam or Samantha? If anyone knows, please let me know!

[Falcon Horus]

I was going to suggest transcripts but it seems there are none for SG-1 season 10 on the main site. There is one for the penultimate season 9 episode where Vala briefly appears but I don't know it if would be helpful.

[Arynne_Bookworm]

Thank you so much!

[Xaeden]

If interested, Stargate Solutions has transcripts for every episode (http://www.stargate-sg1-solutions.com/index.php).

A quick search shows that Vala refers to Carter as "Sam" in "Company of Thieves:"

VALA
No, Sam warned us that a number of the arrays had been damaged. Even with the locators, beaming a person from one room to another within the ship is very risky. Do you want them to rematerialize between the decks?

Source: http://www.stargate-sg1-solutions.co...%22_Transcript

Same for "Line In the Sand" and "Bounty" but in these instances she was talking about Sam to other people.

In "The Road Not Taken" she uses "Samantha" when talking to her directly:

VALA
Welcome back, Samantha. We really did miss you!

Source: http://www.stargate-sg1-solutions.co...%22_Transcript

In "Family Ties" she directly calls her "Sam" (twice) instead...

VALA
(into radio)
Yes, Sam?

...

VALA
It did on our end.
(keying radio)
Sam?

Basically, we see Vala using "Sam" in the field where brevity makes sense. You could, I suppose, make a case for her using "Samanatha" in social situations, but "The Road Not Taken" feels more like a strategic writer's move. The scene shows Vala being overcome with emotion and hugging Carter. Hearing her also refer to Carter by her more familial, less casual name adds emotional weight to the scene. This is effective when done sparingly, so if you want to replicate that in your writing, save "Samantha" for a singular moment that shows Vala's feelings toward or bond with Carter.

Disclaimer: I didn't search to see if Vala ever referred to her as "Colonel" or "Carter," so you may want to check that for yourself. I also didn't check season 9.

[Arynne_Bookworm]

Thank you so, so much, that was extremely helpful! I’ll add that site to my fic research list.