Sam and Jack end up stranded on Maybourne's planet. Set in a slight AU where Season 8's "Endgame" doesn't take place until the end of "It's Good To Be King"
Inspired by (i.e., not necessarily adhering to): (Mike) "Sam and Jack are stranded on a planet and a relationship forms out of necessity... In the end they are together and not courts martialed, but they waited a ridiculously short time to give in..." (Buc252) "Has anybody ever seen a fic where it comes out... that in the Abydonian culture, that CotG sharing of a cup made Sam and Jack married?"
As yet un-beta'd.
Disclaimer: I don't own Stargate. I just like it :) All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Originally published in 2006 as SJ Author.
Chapter 1: Day One
Teal'c and Daniel climbed up to the 'gate as the "kawoosh" receded. Jack and Sam stood with good King Arkhan I, saying their goodbyes.
"Ya sure you don't wanna leave all this?" said Jack, holding his wildflower bouquet and surveying the "subjects" of his - was he a friend, now? - of Maybourne.
"I can't abandon these people, Jack," said Harry. "I made a life here. I can't walk away from my home, my friends... my wives."
"Wives?" said Sam, stressing the plural with instantly raised hackles.
"Go," Jack said, nudging her in a safe direction (away from Maybourne and towards the stargate). She walked off disbelievingly.
"Wives?" repeated Jack after she was out of earshot. He shook his head with a smile. "Dog," he added under his breath, then headed for the 'gate himself.
Jack watched Daniel and Teal'c step through the event horizon, as he and Sam neared. Suddenly, as soon as the first pair had vanished, the 'gate shut down. Sam and Jack stopped short, then Sam turned back to the DHD. Just as she began to descend the stairs, the 'gate started giving off a strange hum. As she reached the dialing device, the control face suddenly exploded.
"Carter!" Jack yelled, as he sprang down the stairs to her side where she lay on the ground. Harry had pulled her away from the DHD and patted out the small flames on her jacket. "Carter, you alright?" Jack said, seeing her shake her head and sit up under her own power.
"Whoah," she said. Then she was on her feet, walking back to the DHD with Jack at her elbow - just in case. "I've never seen anything like it sir - except... when we hooked the Russian DHD up to our 'gate without the control crystal. But everything was fine, here."
"You sure you don't wanna sit down, Carter?" said Jack uselessly.
"I'm fine, sir. I just don't understand what happened."
"Is she always like this?" said Harry, coming up to Jack on his other side.
"Oh, yeah," Jack replied with half a smile, wishing she would sometimes be as worried for herself as he was... for herself.
Sam continued, heedless of their conversation. "Every time we've seen a wormhole interrupted in the past, it's been because something happened to the transmitting 'gate - unless we intentionally pulled the power. But here, I think the DHD was trying to continue to power the 'gate after something on the receiving end made the wormhole disengage."
"You think something happened to the earth 'gate?" said Jack, catching up to the last bit of her reasoning.
"It makes sense, sir. This DHD is shot, but we should still be able to dial out using the DHD on the Ancient ship's console - at least to the Alpha Site, if not back to the SGC," she said. "Assuming the ship's DHD is operational, of course."
"And that humming sound doesn't have you concerned?" asked Jack. It was fading now, but the 'gate was still giving off an odd tone.
"I'm not sure what else we can do other than try, sir," said Sam.
"Alright. I'll get the ship," said Jack, striding to the edge of the clearing where they had hidden the ship for the follow-on team's inspection before bringing it back through to base.
Sam stood still, looking between the 'gate and the DHD.
"Anything I can do, Colonel?" said Harry from behind her.
"No, thanks, Maybourne," she said coolly, still fuming over his "wives" comment. Harry backed off wisely.
The ship lifted off from behind the trees and made its way over to the 'gate. Jack set it down next to the damaged DHD. When he opened the ramp, Sam boarded. "I've disconnected the DHD, sir, just in case. You can go ahead."
She watched as Jack entered the chevrons for earth. "Nothing," he said, stating the obvious.
Then, she heard the gate begin to whine again, and the control console within the ship started to spark. Jack and Sam backed away quickly, as they watched the ship's DHD fry.
"That can't be a good sign," observed Jack.
Sam made her way out of the ship and to the base of the 'gate. The strange sound was fading again as she approached. "Sir," she called to Jack, as he appeared at the back of the ship, "Can you still power the ship? It might just be the DHD that's damaged," she said.
"I'll take a look," said Jack, heading back towards the pilot's seat. Sam looked on hopefully as he laid his hands on the console. To her immense relief, she saw his face lit by the controls coming to life.
She turned back to the stargate, and heard Jack power down the ship and come to join her. "There's a chance we can still dial out manually," she said. If the 'gate doesn't have enough stored energy on its own, the ship might have enough for us to establish a connection. But I definitely think we should dial the Alpha Site rather than earth. That may be what's caused the problem both times."
"I don't suppose there's any chance we could just fly the ship to another planet with a 'gate on it and try that one?" asked Jack.
"I thought of that, sir, but we don't know how much more power the ship can supply. More than likely, we'd find ourselves stranded in space. Plus, there's the damage we sustained attacking the Goa'uld. I have no way of knowing how severe it might be," she concluded.
"Alright, manually it is," said Jack. "Harry, you think you could bring some of your subjects over here to give us a hand?"
"Sure thing, Jack," Harry said, turning to the bystanders. "Let four of the strongest among you come forth, and lend aid to our saviors!" he declared. Four men stepped forward and Sam directed them up to the 'gate.
Sam had them input the Alpha Site coordinates, but couldn't get a lock. "It may just be a lack of power, like I said, sir. I'll need a few moments, but I think I can hook up the ship's systems to the 'gate," she said.
"If you still think that's wise," said Jack, watching as she left her place at the 'gate and swiftly made her way back inside the ship.
"Even if you can't dial out, Jack, I'm sure they'll find a way to come pick you up," Harry supplied. "They always do."
"Yes, well, as much as I've appreciated the royal hospitality, I think we'd both rather just get home as soon as possible."
"Have it your way, Jack, but I am having a celebratory feast prepared as we speak, so, if you end up sticking around for dinner, let me know. You two will be the guests of honor!" Harry walked back to the onlookers, and dispersed the crowd.
"All set, sir," said Sam as she came out of the ship with improvised bundles of cable.
Jack helped her set up the 'gate, and then their assistants dialed one last time. As the seventh chevron locked in place, instead of a connection the 'gate began its uncharacteristic hum again, and a small explosion came from the ship.
"Get those disconnected!" yelled Sam, indicating the cables as she ran back to check on the ship.
Jack and Harry's subjects removed the cables quickly, and backed away from the 'gate. Jack came around to the back of the ship, only to find Sam staring blankly at the blackened panel and circuitry within the wall of the ship.
"I don't get it," she said self-reproachfully.
"It's not your fault, Carter," said Jack, stepping inside. "It's something you've never dealt with before. Anything could have gone wrong."
"There's got to be a problem with the 'gate itself," she said, still determined to figure it out.
"Yes, well," said Jack, "I think we've done enough just now, and about as much as we can do with night coming on. Take a break - just a short one!" he said at her incredulous look, "and we'll go and get you something to eat."
As much as Sam hated to admit it, he was right. "Yes, sir," she said, and let him guide her back down the ramp.
"Oh, Maybourne," said Jack to Harry, who was still waiting nearby with his wives and burly volunteers, "is that dinner invitation still open?"
Daniel and Teal'c emerged from the event horizon back at the SGC. "Welcome home, SG-1," announced Colonel Reynolds over the intercom. Jack had appointed him "deputy-in-charge-of-the-SGC-'til-I-get-back" when he left to deal with the Ancient ship on Maybourne's planet.
Teal'c paused on the ramp, awaiting Sam and Jack, when suddenly the 'gate was engulfed by what could only be an Asgard transportation beam. "Daniel Jackson!" he shouted, as an SF in the 'gate room sounded the alarm.
Daniel turned and caught the tail-end of the 'gate vanishing in a flash of light. "Sam and Jack were right behind us!" he yelled up to Reynolds.
"Get to the briefing room immediately," the colonel ordered over the mike. Teal'c and Daniel, both a bit shaken, handed over their weapons and climbed upstairs as requested.
Reynolds was on the phone in Jack's office when Daniel and Teal'c arrived. They both stood looking through the window at where the 'gate had stood only moments before. "The president's been given an initial heads-up," said Reynolds, joining them at the conference table. "What can you two tell me?"
"Nothing appeared out of the ordinary as we departed the planet," supplied Teal'c.
"But that beam sure seemed Asgard," said Daniel.
"Indeed," replied the Jaffa.
"Why would the Asgard want to take our 'gate?" asked Reynolds.
"It didn't have to be them," observed Daniel. "Didn't the Asgard install beam technology as well as a hyperdrive on the Prometheus?"
"They did," said Reynolds, "but Prometheus is still in the hangar."
"Anubis possessed Asgard beam technology," injected Teal'c.
"But he's dead," Reynolds said, hoping the pair didn't have some news to the contrary.
"Yes, but Ba'al isn't, and he absorbed most of Anubis' fleet," answered Daniel.
"So you think Ba'al could have our 'gate?" Daniel shrugged. "I'd better call the president, again," said Reynolds, turning back to Jack's office.
"Good luck," said Daniel as he departed.
Torches were lit in King Arkhan's courtyard, as his subjects gathered and the feast was served. Jack was seated at Harry's right hand, next to Sam and across from Garan. Harry's wives were attending their king, while other women served the rest of the table.
After at least three main courses, Harry whispered something to one of his ladies, and she departed, returning with two large goblets and a flask. "Here, Jack," he said, directing the goblets to be filled for himself and his friend. "A little concoction of my own," he said with a wink as he picked up his glass. "Try it; you'll like it, I promise."
Jack picked the goblet up, trying to accustom himself to the unwieldy form of the large glass, and took a sniff. He gave Harry an eyebrow, but proceeded to sip the amber liquid. "Hmm," he said, surprised. It was definitely alcoholic, but surprisingly non-offensive for what could only be considered moonshine.
"It's made from the juice of the guango," Harry said, turning his attention back to his wives.
"A cross between a guava and a mango," Sam supplied. "Daniel's idea." Jack proffered the beverage to Sam, who hesitantly tried it in turn. "That is actually pretty good," she said, handing it back to Jack who helped himself to a few more gulps before setting it back down and digging back in to his "steak."
"My lord, good people, hear me!" said Garan, suddenly standing at her place at the table. "Today is indeed a day of celebration. These two have tonight, in your presence, pledged themselves at our feasting!" The crowd around them erupted with cheers and clapping, and the minstrels began a more lively tune.
Sam's fork stopped halfway to her mouth, and Jack nearly choked on his mouthful. Harry turned back to them suddenly. "What did you do?" he asked urgently.
"Nothing!" said Jack. "We were just eating!"
"Why's she saying you're pledged, then?" asked Harry.
"For, my lord, they have shared their cup," provided Garan, resuming her seat.
"The guava-mango juice?" Jack asked her, shock written across every part of his face.
"Oh, you didn't," said Harry, burying his face in his hands and shaking his head.
"What!" demanded Jack.
Harry didn't seem to know what to say.
"Maybourne, if this is another one of your stupid laws -" Sam began.
"They're not my laws," Harry interrupted her. "One of the promises I made to the people when I took the throne is that I would respect their own sacred traditions as the foundation of any laws. This is one of those traditions."
"What," said Sam, "so any man who puts a cup into a woman's hands is married to her?"
"Actually, it's the woman's offer," Maybourne corrected her. "She drinks from a cup, then offers it to a man. If he accepts and drinks, then they're married."
"And that is precisely what we have all witnessed here tonight," provided Garan helpfully.
Sam was gaping at Harry, while Jack began pounding his forehead into his fists where they rested on the table in front of him. "Okay, your majesty," said Jack, sitting upright again, "so can you un-declare the marriage? Got any divorce laws?"
"They don't believe in divorce, Jack. And like I said, this is one of the things I promised I'd never change," Harry said apologetically.
"I don't believe this," said Sam, shaking her head.
"Don't worry, Colonel," consoled Harry, "the multiple wives thing exclusively applies to the king, so you're only stuck with each other."
"There's that," spat Jack, not at all appeased.
Somewhere at the table, someone began a chant. "Hurrah!" clap-clap "Hurrah!" clap-clap It was quickly taken up by rest of the guests and onlookers.
"What's that?" asked Jack.
"You've got to kiss," said Harry quietly, not meeting his or Sam's eyes.
"What!" whispered Jack angrily.
"It's tradition," moaned Harry. "The newlyweds have to kiss; it's like banging on the dinner glasses at a wedding reception."
The chant became more and more insistent, until finally Sam and Jack turned to each other, and with a resigned head tilt, gave each other a quick peck on the lips. The crowd did not seem appeased.
"It's gotta be a real kiss, Jack," supplied Harry by way of explanation.
"I should have shot you... again," said Jack, then turned back to Sam. She shrugged as if to say "just make them stop" as the chant grew louder. So, each staring determinedly at a spot somewhere near the other's ear, they leaned in for a kiss. A satisfied cheer arose, and they broke apart after a moment longer, quickly turning back to their dinners.
"See, that wasn't so bad," said Harry.
"Don't push it," warned Jack.
"Alright, alright. Don't worry in a few days, it'll all be over," Harry mumbled.
"A few days?" caught Sam, turning from her plate to glare at him again.
"Please do explain this 'few' you mentioned," said Jack following suit and forgetting his meal.
"It's a sort of honeymoon period," explained Harry. "The couple usually gets cheered like this whenever they appear outside of their chamber for the first four days after the pledge."
"Four?" repeated Sam.
"Their chamber?" asked Jack.
"It's no big deal," Harry tried to console, "a little kiss here and there, a nice room to rest in, and besides, you'll probably be rescued before long, anyway," he concluded.
"I think I'll go have a look at the 'gate, sir," said Sam almost completely seriously.
"In the morning, Carter," said Jack, still focused on Harry. "You are so going to pay for this somehow, Maybourne," he threatened, rather emptily.
The crowd chose that moment to take up the "hurrah!" chant once more. With an evil glare at their host, the two complied with another just-barely-long-enough kiss. "I think we'll hit the sack now, with your permission," Jack said, standing up and helping Sam to her feet.
"Of course," said Harry rising. "Escort the couple to their chamber!" he cried. Sam and Jack were shouldered by the crowd and carried through the city to a small room high on one of the outside walls. After another chorus of "hurrahs!" and a satisfactory kiss, the crowd departed and they were finally left in peace.
Jack leaned heavily on the inside of the wedding chamber door, now dreading to turn and face the ire of the lieutenant colonel. To his relief, he found her sitting on the overlarge bed, smiling and shaking her head to herself.
"What?" he asked.
"I guess I can't hold that business with Kynthia and the wedding cake over your head anymore," Sam said, laughing.
To be continued...