Thanks to all of you for your condolences. It's been a rough week but things are hopefully settling down.
A few of you asked about Chapter 3 of Colic. My apologies - there actually wasn't a third chapter. I went to add a chapter to my other story - Calia - and by mistake hit Colic. I dried to immediately delete it but it showed up on the site. I meant to let everyone know and simply forgot. The adventure does continue though. I'll keep going with this series as long as people are enjoying it.
Thanks all!
"I'm going now Jack", Sam called from the front door. "I'll see you later."
"Okay", he answered. "Have fun!"
"Ba-bye Dadee!" Alex called. "See oo 'ater!"
"Bye Alex", Jack walked to the front door and knelt down and gave his son a kiss. "You look after Mommy, okay?"
"Kay Dadee!"
He stood up and gave his wife a kiss and watched as they got in the car and drove off. Today was Alex' play group, something both he and Sam agreed was important for the little boy. He'd quickly decided however, that it was better for Sam to take him. It wasn't that he minded being with a bunch of moms, but he didn't really know what to say to them and they seemed rather uncomfortable in his presence. It was when one of the single moms had started to flirt with him, that Jack had decided play group was Sam's thing.
Today they were all going to a children's concert and so would be gone for most of the day. Jack was kind of glad he wasn't going. As much as he loved kids, he didn't know if he could take being in an auditorium full of hundreds of screaming toddlers!
So, he got to stay home with Kat – something he enjoyed immensely. It was a good bonding time with his daughter and he loved the quiet and peace with his little girl. Alex was at an age where he was constantly on the go, while Kat, who wasn't walking yet, was much easier to look after.
Just at that moment he heard her wake up from her morning nap. He heard her babbling from her crib and grinned. He hurried up the stairs and into her room.
"Dada!", she squealed, giving him a big grin. She held her hands up and bounced up and down on her diapered bottom.
"Good morning Kat", he answered. He lifted her out of the crib and gave her a kiss.
"Dada!" she repeated, patting him on the cheek. She continued to smile, showing off her tiny little teeth. She now had four – two on top and two on the bottom.
"How's my little girl? You and Daddy are going to have fun today." He took her over to the change table and laid her down. She continued to smile and babble, as if carrying on a very important conversation with him.
Although she wiggled a bit, for the most part she was cooperative when getting her diaper changed. She was much easier than Alex in that department, he thought with a smile. Right from day one his son had hated to have his diaper changed and still did everything he could to get out of it. Jack thought about the times he'd had to chase the toddler down, Alex running away as fast as he could, his diaper hanging down half way to his knees. If any his friends in the Air Force had seen him they wouldn't have let him live it down.
As it was, Daniel teased him about it all the time. "You should just order him to stop Jack", he'd said. "You are a General you know."
"Yeah – and I'm sure a two year old cares about that Daniel!"
"Probably about as much as I do", his friend had grinned.
"And he obeys me about as well as you do too!"
So, now that Kat was clean it was time for some fun! He took the little girl downstairs and gave her a snack. Glancing outside he noticed that it was a beautiful, sunny day. "Hey Kat – wanna go outside?"
She squealed and laughed – which he took for a definite yes. He grabbed the blanket, Kat's hat, some baby sunscreen and a few toys and they headed out into the back yard.
It was a warm day – not too hot - and perfect to sit outside. He laid the blanket out and got Kat fixed up and then sat her down. He plopped himself beside her and the two O'Neills began to play.
Jack had brought out some blocks and stacked them up – then Kat would knock them all down and laugh uproariously, as if this was the most fun thing in the whole world. After a while she grew tired of the game and Jack laid back and watched as she crawled around.
At one point he had to pull blades of grass from her mouth – she'd decided to try and eat some. He removed the remaining bits from her fingers and then let her go again. She didn't move far away – staying pretty close to the blanket.
He could feel himself relax and he allowed himself to doze a bit – although always with his eyes on his daughter. There was no way he would fall asleep while watching her. After a bit more exploring – he laughed as she tried to catch a butterfly that just didn't want to cooperate – she turned and proceeded to crawl on top of him.
"Oooph! Hey – watch that sweetheart!" he gasped as her little knees landed with force in a very tender area. "Mommy will not be happy if you damage that!"
Kat smiled again and patted his stomach.
"Yeah – you think that's all it takes, don't you", he said. "Just a smile and a pat and Daddy will forgive you?" He grabbed her and held her up over his head. "Well you're right! You have me wrapped around your little finger, do you know that? Your Mommy says I'm gonna let you get away with murder just because you bat those beautiful blue eyes at me. Well, she's probably right – and she should know! She does it to me already." He lowered her down until their noses were touching and she giggled – and then tried to bite his nose."
"Ow!" he pretended to be hurt although in reality she'd been very gentle. That was one thing he loved about both their kids – they were loving and gentle – with each other and with others.
"Dada!" she laughed as he swung her around over his head and then gently set her down beside him.
He hadn't heard the knocking on the front door but the two men standing on the porch had heard the squeals coming from the back yard. With a quick look at each other they both turned and headed towards the sound of childish laughter.
"That's it Kat. Way to go!" He watched as Kat leveraged herself up using Jack's body. After a few seconds she was standing beside him, although holding on carefully to her Daddy. "Good girl", he told her, holding gently onto her arm. "You're going to be walking in no time. We'll have to tell Mommy what a big girl you are."
"Mama!" she smiled, looking around.
"I'm afraid Mama's not here right now. She's out with Alex. It's just you and me baby girl."
"Sir?"
Jack whipped his head around, which caused Kat to lose her balance and fall to her seat with a 'thump'. She was startled and her chin began to quiver.
Jack grabbed her immediately and pulled himself up – startled and more than a little frightened. After the episode in the park with the madman who'd threatened to kill the kids, he still felt a little spooked.
"Who the hell are you?" he said ferociously. It was only then that he realized the two men were in uniforms – Air Force uniforms – and he began to relax slightly. "What do you want and why are you in my backyard?"
Technically they weren't in his backyard – they were looking over the fence. Still – he felt like his privacy had been violated and he was beginning to get angry, now that the fear was receding.
"I'm sorry Sir", one of the men, a Captain, said. The other officer – a Lieutenant – nodded his head at Jack. "We didn't mean to disturb you General. We went to the front door and then heard your voice out here. We've come to escort you to the White House Sir."
"Escort me – what are you talking about?"
The men looked at each other and then at the General. "Uh – the President has asked that you come Sir. It's important – that's why we were sent to – escort you."
"Well I'm afraid this isn't a particularly good time. As you can see, I am looking after my daughter. You'll have to tell the President he can invite me another time."
"Uh Sir – General" the Lieutenant looked around as if to check and see if anyone was listening. "I'm afraid it's classified Sir – but it is extremely important. General Hammond will also be there."
That made Jack pause – and frown. It sounded like something had happened, or was about to happen and he knew he really didn't have a choice. He could feel himself start to get nervous – wondering what the hell was going on. He prayed it wasn't some kind of disaster – not now, not when life was finally good.
"Okay", he sighed, "but I'll have to bring Kate", he said. "My wife isn't here."
Again the two men looked at each other, but there really wasn't anything they could do. "That's fine Sir. We'll just wait here while you get ready."
He walked towards the back door. "You can wait in your car. I'll have to take mine because it has a car seat. I'll follow you."
The two officers obviously didn't like it, but weren't about to disagree with a four star general – even if he was retired. The fact that the President had insisted that he come indicated that this was an important man. Captain Roberts thought the General seemed awfully young to have reached his position – but there had been some strange rumors about General O'Neill. Still – he was just a lowly Captain and he figured he should just follow orders and forget about anything else.
Jack made his way inside, still wondering what was going on. He wished Sam were here – he'd have to leave her a message on her cell as it would be turned off during the concert. He also hated the fact that he had to drag poor Kate out with him, although to be honest, she would probably love it. She loved meeting new people and seeing new things.
He went into her room and quickly changed her into a cute little dress. "You're going to meet the President of the United States Kat", he told her. "Your Mommy would kill me if you weren't dressed properly. Once finished he put her in her crib and got her diaper bag together.
After that was done he made his way into his room and quickly changed into something a little more formal – although he refused to dress up too much, and refused to put on his uniform. He was retired, for God's sake. He shouldn't have to do this!
Once everything was ready he picked up his daughter and the diaper bag and headed towards the front door. He suspected his 'escorts' were having a conniption. He was pretty sure they weren't used to having someone take their time when called to see the President!
The fact of the matter was that Jack really couldn't have cared less about going to see the man. It's not that he didn't respect him, and he'd always do his duty, but he'd lost his awe of the person and the position a long time ago. He laughed softly to himself – after travelling all over the galaxy and meeting a variety of aliens, nothing really fazed him anymore.
The two Air Force officers were standing by their car looking slightly panicked. Did they think he'd run off or something, he wondered? He loaded his daughter into her car seat and then got in. He gave a wave to the men and waited until they pulled out of his driveway.
He followed them as they wound through the streets of Alexandria, where he and Sam had their house. They'd actually been talking recently about selling and moving back to Colorado. Although he'd gotten to appreciate the capital district more – especially since he'd been retired – he still missed the fresh air and mountains out west. The only thing keeping them back was Sam's work. She was going in part-time to work at the Pentagon.
Kat was silent in the back seat and he looked in the rear view mirror – only to smile when he saw that she was sound asleep. He thought back to those first couple of weeks, when she'd had colic and all he could do to settle her down was to drive her around in the car. She still found the sound and movement calming and usually slept while he drove.
It didn't take long before they were pulling up to the gates of the White House. The car in front stopped and there was quite a lengthy conversation. Finally it was his turn to pull up and the guard bent down and looked into his car.
"General O'Neill Sir?" the guard said. "Welcome to the White House." He looked around the car and smiled when he saw the sleeping baby. "And welcome to the little one. Is she yours?"
"Yeah", O'Neill returned the smile. "I'm taking her to see the President", he said.
The guard grinned and then straightened up and waved him on. "Go ahead Sir - and I hope she has a good time!"
Jack drove forward and parked his car in one of the visitor spaces. The two officers were waiting for him as he got Kate from the car and picked up her diaper bag.
By the time they reached the Oval Office Jack was pretty sure that his daughter had charmed most of the staff at the White House including the usually inscrutable Secret Service men. She'd woken up her usually cheerful self and had proceeded to smile and babble at everyone they passed.
He arrived in the outer office and was greeted by the President's secretary, Mrs. Lincoln. He'd always thought her name was rather funny but didn't say anything – he was sure the poor woman heard it all the time.
"Good afternoon General O'Neill", she stood up. When she saw Kat she suddenly smiled. "Why isn't she precious! Is she yours General?"
"Yes – she's my youngest. This is Katherine O'Neill", he told her. Kat did her usual and smiled and waved at the lady. She'd made another conquest. Just like her mother, thought Jack proudly.
"Well you can go right on in. The President is expecting you. Oh, and General – if you need me to take Katherine for you I'd be glad to!"
"Thank you Mrs. Lincoln – if she starts getting bored I'll bring her out."
He opened the door to the Oval Office – okay, so he had to admit that just never got old – and walked inside.
"Jack! It's good to see you." The President looked up and smiled. His expression slipped a bit when he saw Kate. "Uh – and this is your daughter?"
"Yes Sir – Sam's away today and the officers seemed to indicate it was important for me to be here – so I brought Kate with me." He wasn't going to apologize – it wasn't his fault that he'd been practically ordered to show up here.
"Oh – well that's fine. Maybe Mrs. Lincoln can take - "
"That's alright Sir, I'll keep her with me", Jack answered firmly. There was no way he was going to be pushed around. If they wanted him, they'd just have to accept Kat!
"Jack, it's good to see you – and little Kate here too." A voice he recognized – and greatly admired – spoke from his left.
"George! It's good to see you too."
Kat squealed and held out her arms to her 'Grandpa George'. Here was someone she knew and loved.
George Hammond laughed and approached the O'Neill's – and carefully lifted Katherine out of Jack's arms. "Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes young lady", he said, giving the girl a soft kiss on the cheek. He was still living in DC and saw the O'Neill's regularly. He was the childrens' honorary 'Grandfather' and he enjoyed spending time with both of them.
Kat squealed again and began to babble away at George, obviously telling him everything that had happened in her young life since the last time she'd seen him. She finished babbling and then simply said "Papa!" Papa was her name for him.
George grinned and rubbed noses with the little girl and then handed her back to her Daddy. She twisted around and smiled and patted George's cheek and again said 'Papa'.
"She's a charmer Jack – you're going to have to watch her!"
"Don't I know it Sir", he answered with a grin. "And Alex is every bit as bad. They get it from their mother."
George laughed. "Oh, I don't know Jack – you can be a charmer, when you to be. You've got half the aliens in the universe eating out of the palm of your hand."
"And the other half trying to kill me!"
George laughed again but stopped at the sound of the President clearing his throats. Oops, thought Jack. We've just ignored the leader of the free world for the past five minutes.
"I'm sorry Sir – it's just that Kat – Katherine thinks of George here as 'Grandpa'."
"Yes – well she is cute General O'Neill", the President smiled – he was a grandfather himself after all. "But I do have something that's rather important to discuss."
"Of course Sir, I'm sorry." Jack shifted Kat to his one arm and looked expectantly at the President. The other man sighed and gestured towards the couch.
"Have a seat Jack – this will take a while. You're sure you don't want Mrs. Lincoln to take the baby?"
"If she gets fussy I will Sir. I think she'll be fine if you don't mind if I put her on a blanket on the floor."
So Jack sat on the couch in the Oval Office with his daughter playing at his feet. He remembered briefly the picture of Robert Kennedy with young John and thought that at least his child wasn't the first!
"Jack – we've had some disturbing news and we want you to come back", the President stated baldly. "We need you."
"What is it Sir?" Jack looked with a frown between George and the 'man'. He prayed it wasn't some new alien threat. He certainly hadn't heard of anything although he wasn't totally in the loop anymore. Still, he was pretty sure he would have heard something, even if not all the details.
"The Chinese government is saying they want to make the Stargate public. They're planning an announcement next Tuesday, six days from now." He stopped and looked at Jack expectantly.
"O – kay", he answered, a little unsure why he was here. "I agree it's serious although we've known this day was coming for a while. I still don't understand what you need me for."
"We've had word from some of our allies. They don't believe that the people of earth are ready to know about it. They're threatening to break off relations with us if we make it public."
"Let me guess", he said cynically "the Tokra?" Ever since they'd lost Jacob/Selmac he had had no use for their supposed allies. As far as was concerned, they weren't that much better than the Goa'uld.
"Yes, for one. There are others though. Even the Asgaard aren't happy."
"The Asgaard? Come on – they're the good guys!"
"Yes – but it turns out some on their High Council are concerned that there are those on earth who will cause trouble if they gain access to the gate."
"They're probably right – although it's still our business if we want to tell the rest of our world. We don't interfere in their business – they should keep out of ours!"
"I tend to agree, but that doesn't stop them cancelling the treaties they have with earth. That is their business."
"Yeah", Jack grimaced. They certainly had a right not to do business with earth if they didn't want to. "So why are the Chinese insisting on this now?"
"I think they see a marketing opportunity", the President answered. "They can start flooding the universe with goods made in China!"
Jack snorted – 'Great – I'm sure the Asgaard will love those knock-off Gucci bags and watches. They'll become a huge fashion statement on Othalla!"
Both George and the President laughed, although things soon became serious again. "That's why we need you Jack – to straighten this mess out."
"You want me to talk to the Chinese government?" He was pretty sure he heard George choking although when he looked at his friend it was to receive an innocent look in reply.
"Goodness – I mean – uh no. We have diplomats who are working on that right now. No – we want you to speak with our allies and get them to back off on their threats. Make them see that everything will be fine, even once everyone on earth knows about the gate."
"You want me to – where? Will they be coming here?"
There was a pause and it was George who spoke. "No Jack – they want you to go meet them. There is a summit planned on Othalla."
"On Othalla?" He looked at the two men as if they were crazy. After a few seconds he shook his head. "Look, I'm honored you thought of me, but I'm retired. And oh- in case you wondered – I'm loving it. Not missing this", he gestured around him, "in the least – with all due respect Sir. I'm a stay-at-home Dad. I don't go on 'missions' anymore unless it's to the grocery store to get diapers. The only battles I fight are trying to get my son's diaper changed or making sure my kids eat their vegetables. Oh – and my only boss is my wife. She's really the only one I have to listen to on a day to day basis. My only duty is to her and the kids – oh, and taking out the garbage – she hates that."
The President and George both looked at him somberly. He could see the thoughts going around in their minds – how to convince him, how to make him do this. Well they could think all they wanted to – he wasn't going to do it.
The somber mood was suddenly shattered when Kat decided to grab onto her father's leg pull herself up. She held onto him tightly and looked incredibly pleased with herself when she made it.
"Dada!" she exclaimed, looking at him with a very proud and happy expression.
The President was looking down, bemused at the turn of events, but even he couldn't help but smile when he saw Kat's expression. "Looks like your daughter likes adventure Jack – she's not content to stay in one place."
Jack narrowed his eyes at the man – sneaky! When Kat said another 'Dada' – this time more insistently, he looked at her and smiled. "Good girl Kat – you're standing up. That's wonderful."
As soon as her hero had seen her she allowed herself to 'plop' back down. "Dada", she lifted her arms, begging to be picked up.
Jack complied and she snuggled into him, her head buried under his chin. He realized that it was her nap time and she was getting tired. He held her and proceeded to rock back and forth, hoping she'd just fall asleep in his arms.
"What about General Benton – he's a good guy and he's now head of Homeland. Shouldn't he be the one doing this? Or there's Hank. He knows these guys, some of them better than me now that I've been away from the front lines for a couple of years."
"General Benton is stepping down from Homeland in the next couple of weeks", George told him. "He has health problems – his heart I think. I agree that Hank would be a good choice, although it would leave the SGC without a commander."
"Just tell him George", the President broke in.
Jack looked at George, wondering what he was keeping from him. "George? What?"
Hammond sighed. "I'm afraid you've been requested specifically Jack. Our allies have gotten together and formed a joint council. They sent us a message this morning and said that they would only deal with you. So, I'm really afraid you have no choice."
Crap! Jack walked away from the two men, still holding onto and rocking Kat. She was almost asleep, but every few moments she'd move her head and clutch tightly to his shirt.
"So – I'm supposed to go to Othalla? When is this summit?"
"In five days", the President answered. "The Asgaard are sending a ship and will pick you up in 24 hours."
"Twenty-four hours? Crap – what were they going to do? Sam had a busy project this week and he'd promised her he would watch the kids. He also really, really didn't want to leave his family and go wandering around the galaxy.
"Surely someone else can go? Why don't you ask Daniel? I bet the aliens would be just as happy – happier probably – with him. He's a much better diplomat than me."
"I'm sorry son", the President replied. "You know that the Asgaard prefer you. I agree that Dr. Jackson would be a good asset though. He's very good at dealing with difficult aliens."
"Yes", Jack frowned, wondering what was going on. "Yes he is."
"In fact", the President continued. "I'd like you to take him with you."
"Take Daniel Sir?" Jack asked. At least the space monkey could come – that would make things a bit more pleasant.
"Certainly. In fact, I think all of Sg1 should go. You're still famous throughout the galaxy and it would add weight to the negotiations."
"All of Sg1? You mean take the whole team?"
"Yes – it's a great idea, isn't it George?" The President turned to Hammond. "They're our best people."
"Yes Mr. President, I agree. Uh, do you mean the present Sg1 or the original team?"
Oh God – Vala, thought Jack.
"Sure – why not go with the whole team. The more the merrier."
"Uh Sir – I think Colonel Carter has an important project she was working on this week." Jack knew his wife wouldn't be happy at the thought of being dragged off on a mission – and she certainly wouldn't want to leave the kids. "And she'll have to stay and watch the children."
"I'm sure the project can wait General" the President answered. "As for your kids – why don't you take them along? It's just a diplomatic mission to Othalla and I understand the Asgaard consider your children citizens. In fact, now that I think about it, it would be a great idea. Having them there will probably help the negotiations."
"I am not using my children as a negotiating tool – Sir", Jack said angrily. He didn't give a crap that this was the President – no one was going to use his kids. His voice woke Kat up and she started to wiggle. Since she seemed happy he set her down again on the floor.
"Jack, Jack – I didn't mean that. Of course not. I just meant they'd improve the atmosphere. Everyone likes kids and yours are delightful."
Yeah right – pull out the flattery! God – politicians! Still, it would mean that he didn't have to leave his wife and kids behind. And it was true that the Asgaard had been begging them to come for a visit. Hell, it could be a little family vacation.
"Okay Mr. President. I'll ask Sam – although if she doesn't agree to take the children then she's staying home." He didn't care what the President said.
"I'm sure she'll agree to go Jack", Hammond said. "And Thor will be happy – he's told me he's bragged about his godchildren to the entire Asgaard race and I think he's anxious to show them off."
"Yeah – and Alex will be thrilled", he grinned at George. "He cons Thor into playing trains with him by the hour." He turned to the President. "So, is that everything Sir? I'll go to Othalla and try and get our allies not to leave us – but when I get back I'm still retired!" He didn't ask it as a question – he wanted to make sure the President knew where he stood.
"We'll talk about it when you get home Jack. For now, just do this one mission for us. Afterward we'll talk."
Jack narrowed his eyes at the man, knowing he had something up his sleeve. "I will not come back Sir. I am retired and I plan to stay retired. Nothing is going to change my mind."
"Okay, okay. Let's just not worry about that right now." The President suddenly looked down only to be faced with a pair of brilliant blue eyes and a smile that could slay armies. Kat had crawled her way over and had pulled herself up the President's legs and was hanging on for dear life.
The President couldn't help but smile back at the heart-wrenchingly cute face. He leaned down and picked up the little girl. "I can see why you don't want to leave Jack. She is adorable."
"Yes – that she is. And I have two more waiting for me."
After saying goodbye to the President and George he slowly made his way back to the car. He was escorted by one of the secret service agents but the man was quiet, which allowed him to think.
Kat slept the entire way home although he knew that went they arrived home she'd wake up wanting to eat. He glanced at his watch and realized that it was almost time for Sam to come home. He sighed, wondering what she was going to think about all of this.
He was in the kitchen giving Kat a late lunch when he heard his wife and son return.
"Dadee!" Alex called from the hallway. The little boy raced into the kitchen when he heard his father's voice.
Kat squealed when she saw her brother and he ran over and gave her a kiss.
"Hi Kat! Me saws a conswert."
"Did you?" Jack swung his little boy up in his arms. "And was it fun?"
"Yeah! Ays singed."
"He did Jack", Sam leaned over and gave her husband a quick kiss and then walked over to Kat who was calling 'Mama'.
They chatted a bit about the concert, with Alex talking a mile a minute about all he'd seen and done. "I'm exhausted", Sam complained. "although it was fun. So", she turned to him, "how was your day? Did you and Kat have a good time?"
"Yes. We sat outside and played for a while, then we went and visited the President and then we came home and had lunch."
"You what?" she laughed. "The President?"
"Yes – oh, and George was there too. He said to say hi by the way and wants us to come for dinner soon."
"That's nice. I'll have to give him a call. Now, tell me why you went and saw the President. And did you say you took Kat with you?"
"Well, I went because he sent two messengers to invite me and yes, I took Kat. I did dress her up though – you would have been proud."
"Okay. So why did he invite you?" She started to look worried, knowing it couldn't have been anything good. "He wants you back, doesn't he?"
"Well, just for a single mission. I told him I wasn't going back permanently."
"A mission? What kind of mission." God, it had better not be anything dangerous. There was no way in hell she was chancing losing her husband – not now.
"It seems as though the Chinese are ready to go public on the Gate. Our alien allies are furious and don't think we should be telling the world about it yet – they say we're not ready and it will cause problems. They're threatening to break their treaties with us but have called a summit to discuss it first. I've been asked to lead earth's 'delegation' at the summit."
"You have?" she asked incredulously.
"Hey, don't sound so surprised. I am capable you know. Remember I was the one the Asgaard asked to negotiate with the System Lords."
"Yes but – I'm not doubting your abilities, I just thought they'd send someone – you know –"
"Better at diplomacy?" he asked with a smirk.
"Yes", she answered simply.
"Me too. I guess the Asgaard asked for me though. I really can't figure out what they see in me", he said, shaking his head.
"I do", she leaned forward and kissed him. "It's your sexy butt! So, you're going to go to this summit. Where is it being held?"
"On Othalla. And I really don't think the Asgaard care in the slightest about my butt. At least I hope they don't", he said with a frown. "Oh, and I'm not going alone."
"No? That's good. Who else is going?"
"Uh – Sg1", he answered simply.
"Sg1? You mean the present one – with Teal'c and Daniel, Cam and Vala?"
"And you", he answered, this time a little carefully.
"Me? But I can't go. What about the children?"
"Uh the President thinks they'd be good to take along – that they'd help the negotiations."
"There is no way in hell I'd allow our children to be used - "
"I know, I know. I said the same thing – and I meant it. Still, Thor has been trying to get us to come for a visit. It might be kind of fun Sam. We could use it as a family vacation."
"Right – instead of going to Disney World we'll just jaunt on over to another galaxy!"
"You hate the idea?"
"I don't know Jack." She sat back and took a deep breath. She didn't say anything more and he let her think about it.
Sam spent the next few minutes talking to Kat and Alex. After her daughter was done her lunch she wiped her face and pulled her out of her highchair. She then held the little girl in her arms and nursed her until she fell asleep.
Alex had climbed onto his father's lap and was soon out as well, the excitement of the day exhausting him. Jack and Sam put both children to sleep and then went into their room and lay down on their bed.
"So?" Jack asked. "What do you think?" he asked finally.
"I think I'd better start packing."
