After the Divide
By: Heather
There may or may not be spoilers in this. I guess you can call this AU since in my little twisted corner of the universe Jack didn't say no when Sam tried to seduce him in The Broca Divide. This picks up several weeks after the events in that episode. It's definitely a Sam/Jack story. If you don't like Sam and Jack LEAVE NOW!
Sam Carter woke up with a start and ran to her bathroom. She made it just in time before the contents of her stomach were on her bathroom floor. She sat there for a few minutes emptying her stomach.
"Ughh. That is just so gross." Sam said to herself before kind of chuckling to herself. She was kind of amused by the fact that she who had seen things that would make most people cringe was grossed out by throwing up in her toilet. She quickly rinsed her mouth and brushed her teeth. something I ate must not have agreed with me she thought to herself. She quickly glanced at her clock by her bed. 430am. Damn. It's early. Guess I'll go ahead and go on into the base.
Sam quickly showered and dressed. As an afterthought she grabbed a couple of packs of crackers from her kitchen as she headed out the door. The drive to the base was uneventful and she soon found herself in her lab unloading her purse, briefcase and coat. It had been cold that morning and according to the weather wasn't going to get any warmer. She booted up her computer and decided she would go down and get her some coffee. She then remembered that the mess hall had begun serving this flavored coffee that she didn't really like. Daniel! she thought. He always has the good stuff in his office! She made her way to his office to raid his coffee stash. To her surprise the light in his office was on when she got there.
"Daniel, you're in early today." She said standing in his doorway.
"Huh, what? Early? Is it morning?" Daniel asked looking up from his computer. He strained his computer weary eyes to see her, and blinking several times as Sam turned on all his office lights.
Sam just shook her head and smiled. "Yes, Daniel it's 530 in the morning. Did you not go home last night?"
"Um, no. I didn't. I got caught up in some research." He said straightening his desk and looking for his glasses. "I suppose you're looking for some coffee?"
"Guilty as charged."
"Can't say as I blame you. The stuff the mess hall has been serving lately is just nasty." Daniel said going over to his coffee pot to pour Sam a cup. He had started a pot of coffee about an hour ago thinking he still had several hours before daylight.
Sam for her part had taken a seat by his desk. Although she hadn't really known Daniel all that long she was really fond of him. He had this way about him that made you want to mother him. He really was just too cute. But that's all it was. Daniel was quickly becoming like a brother to her. Someone she could talk to when she needed another opinion. Now the Colonel was another matter entirely. She shook her head trying to clear her thoughts. She really didn't want to think about him right now. They were still trying to get back on track after the whole Land of Light events. Gen Hammond and Dr. Frasier had decided that what they didn't have first hand knowledge of would be left alone. So far it had not even been mentioned to Daniel and Teal'c. She and the Colonel….
"Sam!"
"Huh? I'm sorry. What?"
"Do you want anything in your coffee?"
"No. I'm sorry, Daniel. I was thinking."
"I'll say. Must be pretty important. You were pretty spaced out there. Whatcha thinking about?"
"It's not really important."
"If you say so. So why are you here so early this morning?"
"Oh, I woke up about an hour and a half ago and decided I might as well go ahead and come on into work. What research are you doing?"
"I'm still studying the Minoan culture we found in the Land of Light. SG11 is going back there to do some research and cataloguing of information. I was going to ask Gen Hammond if I could go with them."
"Ahh."
"Speaking of the Land of Light, you never told us what happened to you and Jack. Nobody could find either of you before Teal'c and I left."
"Well would you look at the time. I gotta get going. See you later, Daniel. Oh, I'll bring your coffee cup back later." With that she quickly left his office.
Daniel watched her leave. He must have hit a nerve. He had tried to question Jack about it yesterday and got pretty much the same response. I guess they'll tell us eventually, then again maybe not.
Meanwhile the aforementioned Col. Jack O'Neill was just getting into his office. They had a briefing at 1030 this morning and were scheduled to be off world at 1200 hours. He had a few things that had to be done. Namely paperwork that had to be done. The General had been very specific that he expected several of Jacks reports on his desk before he left Earth. Jack hated paperwork. He spent most of his time trying to get out of doing it. Yet he always seemed to end up doing it at some point. He knew he had to get it done or Gen Hammond was going have his six nailed to wall this time.
He booted up his comp and went in search of coffee. He knew Daniel always had the good stuff so he headed there before coming back to his office and tackling the mound of reports that needed to be done. He was well on his way to Daniels office when he nearly collided with his 2IC coming around the corner. He grabbed her shoulders stopping her before they could collide and spill hot coffee all over both of them.
"Whoa, look out there, Carter. It's too early to be moving that fast." He said reluctantly letting go of her shoulders.
"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir. I was not paying attention to where I was going."
"I can tell. So if you're not paying attention to where you're going, what are you paying attention to?"
"Reports and the mission briefing, sir."
"Ahh yes, those lovely reports. I'm off for coffee and then to tackle my backlog of reports. Rumor has it I actually have a desk under all that paperwork." He joked.
Sam smiled at his humor. He could make her smile even when she really didn't feel like smiling.
"Yes, sir. I heard that rumor. I hope you confirm that rumor, sir. I'll see you at the briefing, Colonel." Sam replied heading off to her office.
"See you then." Jack watched Sam head off to her office. She was occupying more and more of his thoughts these days. He wasn't in love with her. Atleast not yet. But he liked her. He liked her A LOT. It wouldn't take much for him to be in love with her. But given the events of last month with the virus from the Land of Light he doubted Sam was going to have much to do with him outside of work, regulations or not. He thought to himself. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he headed off for his coffee.
"Knock, Knock." Jack said as he entered Daniel's office.
"Hey, Jack. Looking for coffee?" Daniel said not looking up from his computer.
"Dannyboy, have you even left the base in the last few days?" Jack asked helping himself to the coffee on the table across from Daniel's Desk.
"Ah, No. I intended to go home last night but I got engrossed in my research." Daniel responded.
"Figures. Well you better get a little shut eye. We're offworld at noon and a mission briefing at 1030. Don't want to be tripping over you later." Jack quipped putting some sugar in his coffee.
"Ha ha, Jack. I'll be fine. Have you seen Sam this morning?" Daniel casually asked.
"Leave it alone, Daniel. We're fine. Don't go poking your nose into things, ok?"
"Alright, Jack. You guys just seem to be on eggshells around each other lately. Not good for the team, you know."
"I'm working on it. Just leave it at that." Jack said as he made his way out of Daniel's office. "I'll see you in a few hours."
"Later, Jack."
1100 Briefing Room
Mission Briefing.
"In conclusion, this is really a standard recon. We'll be gone about four days. The ruins Daniel wants to see are about a day from the gate. We'll spend two days collecting soil samples and letting Daniel poke around and then return to the Gate and back home." Sam concluded.
"Do you concur, Colonel?" General Hammond inquired of his 2IC.
"Yes, sir. It's a walk in the park. We'll take a little walk in woods and be home in a few days."
"Very well, SG1 you have a go for PX5-745. Be ready to leave in an hour." Gen Hammond ordered.
A chorus of 'yes,sirs' sounded as SG1 headed to their locker room to get geared up and head out.
1200 hours Gate Room
"SG1, you have a go. We'll see you in four days." Gen Hammond said from the Control Room.
"Yes, sir." Col. O'Neill replied and turned to his team. "Well, campers, lets gets this little family outing underway." He finished motioning to Daniel to head on through the gate. Daniel headed through the gate followed by Sam, Teal'c and finally Col. O'Neill. They exited the gate in a lush field surrounded by forest on all sides.
"Trees, trees, and more trees. Doesn't the scenery ever change?" Jack asked to no one in particular.
"Actually Jack we figured the Ancients placed the Gates in open fields to lessed the damage that could be done by falling trees, landslides and the like." Daniel answered.
"You don't say." Jack responded, "Well, we are here for the next four days so lets get going. Which way, Carter?"
"10 clicks, North, northwest, sir."
"Let's head out. Carter, take point. Teal'c and I will bring up the rear."
"Yes, sir" the captain responded turning and heading off in the aforementioned direction.
Several hours later with still several hours to go, Daniel decided to chance a conversation with Sam.
"Hey, Sam. How's it going?"
"Fine. Daniel. Just trying to keep moving. We still have at least 3 more hours before we reach our destination and camp for the night."
"I just thought I would ask. You seemed a little tired earlier."
"I am a little tired, but its nothing to worry about." Sam replied. They lapsed back into silence and not much else was said until they reached their camp three hours later, just as it was getting dark. They quickly set about to setting up the perimeter, Col. O'Neill and Teal'c each walked part of perimeter while Sam and Daniel got the fire going and started unpacking their gear.
They ate quietly when Jack and Teal'c returned. The dynamic was off. Jack and Sam still did not have much to say to each other.
"Well, campers, lets call it a night. I'll take first watch, Carter, second, Daniel, then Teal'c." Jack said. The rest of the team nodded their agreement and turned in.
Jack couldn't help but notice how fast Carter fell asleep. She must be exhausted." He thought to himself. Jack decided there really wasn't anything he could do about and tried not to worry about it. The operative word being tried. This is going to be fun. he thought to himself and settled down to take the first watch.
The next morning when Jack awoke he noticed that Carter was already up and gone.
"Teal'c where did Carter go?"
"Good morning, O'Neill. She said she needed to take a walk. Something did not agree with her stomach. She went in that direction." Teal'c answered indicating the direction that the Captain had gone.
"Thanks, Teal'c. I'm gonna go check on her. Wake Danny-boy up and start breaking camp."
"It will be done, O'Neill."
"Thanks, Teal'c." Jack replied heading off after Sam.
Jack walked for some distance. He thought he heard water and sure enough came up a running stream and his errant Captain. He didn't want to startle her, so he slowed down and watched her for just a few minutes. He watched as she dipped a cloth in the stream and wiped her face and neck down with it. She didn't look like she felt well. If she wasn't feeling well, why didn't she say so. We could have postponed this trip. He thought.
He cleared his throat to alert her to his presence and walked out into her line of sight.
"Captain."
"Morning, sir."
"Everything alright, Captain?"
"Yes, sir. My stomach was just a little off this morning."
"You don't look like you feel all that well. You're sure you're ok?" Jack asked really sounding concerned.
"Really, sir. I'm fine. I'm sure it'll pass." Sam replied really trying to calm his concerns.
"You'll tell me if you continue to have problems?"
"Yes, sir. I'll be fine."
"Okie dokie, then, lets make our way back to camp and let Daniel go play with his rocks." They started back when Jack decided to broach the subject of last months events. "You know, Sam, we never have discussed it. We said we would, but we haven't. I'm not normally a talker but I think this is something we should talk about."
"Colonel, there really isn't much to talk about. We were under the influence of the virus. It would probably be best if we forgot it even happened. I know if we can't get back to the way we were before, Daniel is not going to give me any peace."
"Trying to talk to you, too, huh?"
"Yeah."
"Are you sure that's the way you want to handle it, Sam?" Jack asked trying hard to mask the disappointment in his voice. He was hoping for an entirely different answer from her, but if this was the way she wanted to handle it then he wasn't going to make it difficult for her.
"I think its best, sir."
"Then that's what we'll do. Now, Captain, I suggest we get back to camp before Daniel starts doing all kinds of speculating." He replied a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth.
"Yes, sir." Sam responded heading in the direction of camp. She was also trying to keep from smiling over the antics of their resident archaeologist, who also fancied himself a counselor.
Meanwhile back at camp:
"DanielJackson, it is time to get moving." Teal'c stated.
"Huh, what?" Daniel responded not quite awake.
"It is time to break camp as O'Neill said."
"Where is Jack?" he asked looking around. "Where's Sam for that matter?"
"Captain Carter took a walk. She said to calm her stomach. O'Neill went to check on her."
Daniel looked like he wanted to say something more but decided against it. They went about cleaning up the camp site and were ready to move out when Col O'Neill and Captain Carter appeared from the woods.
"We are ready to leave, O'Neill."
"Then let's head out. Danny's got lots of rocks to play with today, and I'm sure Carter here just can't wait to get her soil samples." Jack said getting the rest of his gear together. Daniel kept looking from Sam to Jack and from Jack to Sam. He could tell something had changed but he wasn't quite sure what it was. Not sure if he should try to talk to either one of them right now, he settled for quiet observation of the pair.
The team quickly made their way to the ruins, where Jack and Teal'c watched Daniel become as excited as an only child on Christmas morning who has realized that all the gifts under the tree are for them alone. Sam for her part was efficiently going about getting her soil and air samples just a few hundred feet away. The remainder of the day was uneventful. Daniel collected several artifacts and took images of items he couldn't transport back to earth. He scurried around and started complaining when Jack has said that it was time to set up camp and called it a day.
"It's your turn to cook, Daniel." Jack said, turning to go collect Captain Carter and make camp.
Daniel had a rather perturbed look on his face but followed along anyways. They quickly made camp and Daniel prepared dinner. Nobody but Jack noticed that Sam really didn't eat anything and turned in early. Again she was asleep in no time.
Gotta make sure, Frasier gives her a good going over when we get back. Jack thought to himself.
The next morning Jack noticed that Sam had taken off again but he made no move to go after her. She returned fairly quickly and proceeded with getting her remaining tests and samples done.
"Daniel, how long do plan on taking to get your work done today.?" Jack asked.
"Well, I could really spend another week here, but I've really done as much as I can for the moment, without a few other references from my office and a full team of scientists."
"So then, I guess I would get no objections on returning early when Captain Carter is done with her tests?"
"Nope. The sooner we get back, the sooner I can hit Gen Hammond up for a team of archaeologists to come back here with me."
"Excellent. Carter, as soon as your done, we are heading back to the gate. So let me know when you're done."
"Yes, sir." Carter responded not looking up from her tests. She was afraid if she looked up she might pass out. She was feeling really nauseous and dizzy. She could hear Col O'Neill and Daniel talking in the background, but the pounding in her head and the turning of her stomach was quickly consuming her attention. So much so that she didn't hear the Colonel when he called to her again.
"Captain!" Colonel O'Neill called.
"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir…" Carter quickly passed out as she stood up and turned to see what the Colonel had needed. She had done so too quickly and as such passed out.
"Sam!" both Daniel and Jack said as they ran to where Sam lay on the ground.
Jack reached her first was checking for a pulse and was relieved to find it and that it was strong.
"Captain, can you hear me?" he calmly said to her. She didn't respond.
"Sam." Daniel tried.
"She's out cold, Daniel." Jack concluded.
"Well, don't you think we should get her back to the Gate and to the infirmary?" Daniel asked worriedly.
"Ya think?" Jack responded sharply, "Teal'c find some trees small enough to make a litter to carry Capt Carter on. Daniel, start packing up the camp, but first make sure that her bedroll is laid out. I'm going to move her back to the camp. You will watch her while I help, Teal'c. Now let's get moving."
"I shall return shortly, O'Neill with the trees you require." Teal'c said heading off to the surrounding forest.
Daniel helped Jack get Sam back to camp. Sam never stirred.
Less than two hours later, they had broke camp and built a litter for Sam and were on their way back to the Gate. About 4 hours into their trek back, Sam started to stir.
"Oh, did someone get the number off that bus?" She asked grabbing her head. Jack and Teal'c carefully set her down. Jack came to kneel beside her.
"What happened, Captain?" He asked.
"I don't know, Colonel. I was really dizzy and nauseous. I guess I stood up too quickly. Where are we?" she asked noticing that her surrounding had changed.
"We are on our way back to the gate. You need to be checkout by the Doctor."
"Well, I can walk. There's no need for you to carry me." Sam said trying to stand up but quickly sitting back down and the trees started spinning.
"Its not a bother, Captain. You're in no shape to walk. You just stay right there and try to rest." Jack said getting back up and signaling to Teal'c that they were ready to go.
"Yes, sir." Sam replied weakly as her eyes slid shut again. They lifted her back up and continued their trek.
Cheyenne Mountain Complex, SGC
"Unscheduled offworld Activation. Gen Hammond to the Control Room." The alarms and red klaxons sounded throughout the base. Two teams of SFs took their positions, weapons trained on the gate.
Gen. George Hammond, strode into the control room ready to handle whatever was coming through the gate.
"Do we have and IDC yet?"
"Coming through now, sir. It's SG-1!"
Damn Gen Hammond thought. When they come back early it usually means someone's hurt.
"Open the iris." Sgt Siler opened the iris and moments later the members of SG-1 walked down the ramp, still carrying Capt Carter on the litter they had constructed.
"We need the medics." Jack ordered.
"Already called them, Colonel." Gen Hammond replied walking through the doors of the gate room. A moment later two medics and Dr. Frasier came running into the gate room as well.
"What the problem?" Janet asked.
"She collapsed this morning. She was unconscious for several hours. She's had trouble keeping food down and in general seemed exhausted."
"Well let's get her to the infirmary and do some tests." Janet said motioning to her medics to help her move Sam from the litter to the gurney. "I'll let you know when I know something" Janet turned and the medics followed her taking Capt. Carter with them.
"What happened, Colonel?" Gen Hammond inquired.
"Well, like I said, General, Carter didn't seem to be feeling well, but didn't appear to be hindered in any way so we continued with the mission. We were pretty much done and I had decided to come back early when Carter decided to take a nap." Jack responded.
"Very good. We'll debrief tomorrow morning. Until then SG-1 you're on stand down pending Dr. Frasier's report on Capt. Carter's condition."
"Yes,sir." Jack responded and led Daniel and Teal'c out of the gate room. They headed for the showers. They knew if they tried to head to the infirmary now that Janet would just chase them out. So they got cleaned up and got a bite to eat and then decided to take their chances with good ol' Doc Frasier.
Infirmary
Capt. Samantha Carter lay on the bed resting. She was tired and BORED. She knew she should be sleeping but she just couldn't bring herself to go to sleep. She wanted to know what Janet had found out.
Janet for her part was looking at Sam's blood work that had been done over the last two hours. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. She'd had one test re-run twice and the result was the same. She knew that Sam was still awake and waiting for the results. She picked up the reports and went to talk to her patient.
"Well, Janet, what's the problem?" Sam asked. "Am I gonna live?" she finished with a smile.
"Oh your gonna live. You've done a number on yourself, your dehydrated, your blood sugar level was cratered and your exhausted."
"Well, I haven't been sleeping well lately, and nothing seems to agree with my stomach. I keep throwing it up." Sam stated.
"Well I can give you something to help you sleep, as for the nausea that should abate in a month or two."
"In a month or two? What have I got?"
"A simple case pregnancy."
"A simple case of what?" Sam asked again not sure she heard correctly.
"Pregnancy. You're pregnant, Sam." Janet said, watching Sam closely.
Sam closed her eyes and breathed for a few moments before looking at Janet.
"Are you sure?"
"Yea. I ran the test three times. I suppose the Colonel is the father?" Janet inquired.
"Yea, he's the only one in a long time."
"What are you going to do?"
"I don't know. I guess I need to talk to him about it. He deserves to know and have a say I guess."
"You know if you want some time I can keep them out of here till tomorrow."
"No, if I don't tell him now, I probably won't till its too late. I need to do this now while I still have the courage to do it. Can you get him here?"
"Sure thing." Janet had Colonel O'Neill paged to the infirmary. A few minutes later three men came running into the infirmary.
"Whoa, whoa. Whoa." Janet said holding up her hands to stop the three men in their tracks.
"Hey, Doc. Is she ok?" Daniel asked before Jack could get a word in.
"She's going to be fine. But she wants to talk to the Colonel first. Alone." She emphasized.
"Me?" Jack asked.
"Yes, you, sir. Daniel and Teal'c can wait outside." Janet said indicating that Daniel and Teal'c really should wait outside.
Daniel and Teal'c stepped out and Jack made his way over to Sam's bed.
"Hey, Carter, how ya doin?"
"I'm fine, sir."
"Sooo, Doc Frasier, says you need to talk to me."
"Yes, sir." Sam responded fidgeting with her blankets.
"Well what's wrong with you?" He asked.
"Well, not sleeping well, nausea, a little morning sickness."
"Oh well, Janet can….I'm sorry did you say morning sickness?" Jack stammered.
"I'm pregnant, Colonel." Sam simply stated.
"the land of light thing, right?"
"It would seem so, sir."
"Ahh." He mumbled, not quite sure what else to say. He closed his eyes, running his hands through his hair. Pregnant! He was trying furiously to wrap his mind around the situation. He really couldn't believe it.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes, sir. Janet ran the test three times. Are you all right, sir?"
"Jack, Captain. It's Jack. Doesn't seem right, you calling me sir when you're pregnant with my kid."
"Yes, si..Jack. It'll take some getting used too."
"What do you want to do?"
"Well, I want the baby, if that's what you're asking. Beyond that I hadn't really thought about it."
"A baby. I'm gonna be a dad again!" He suddenly said as if it just finally hit him.
"Yes, sir. Sorry Jack." Sam said smiling at him. "Are you ok with this?"
"Of course I'm ok with this! Are you?"
"Well it is unexpected but yea I'm ok with it." She replied. "Are you sure you're ok with this?"
"I am if you are." He replied.
"Same here."
"Then its settled we're ok about becoming parents." As he said that she immediately looked in his eyes. They shared a long look before each looked away nervously.
"Ok, then we have a lot to decide. But it doesn't have to be decided today." Jack finally said.
"We need to talk about what to tell the General and how we are going to handle it. Technically we have broken the frat regs and can be court-martialed."
"True, but I'm not letting you go through this alone, and my child will have my name. Frat regs be damned."
"I didn't know you'd feel so strongly about this."
"Hell, Sam. I've been given a second chance. I'm not going to blow it this time. I'll even marry you if that's what you want!"
"You would?"
"If that's what you want. Sam, I…ah hell, I never was really good at this talking crap." He said getting visibly frustrated.
"It's ok, Jack. I'm not looking a profession of your undying love for me. I just wanted you to know and to be involved if you wanted to be."
"I was serious, Sam, if you want to get married, that's fine."
"Jack, lets not rush things. Let's adjust to the idea of being parents together and then we'll talk about what to do with the rest of our lives. So what do we do about the General?"
"Well I guess we should fess up to the truth of what happened during the land of light fiasco and if they demand that one of us go then I'll retire again. Some one will have to stay home with the little one and you're way too important to the program to leave. I'm expendable."
"That's not fair to you. I can resign my commission and work as a consultant."
"Well first things, first we need to talk to the General and then go from there." At that moment Janet chose to make an entrance.
"I suppose congratulations are in order." Janet said looking from Sam to Jack.
"Thanks, Doc." Jack replied, "When are you letting Sam out of here?"
"Well I was going to keep her a few days, but I trust you will take care of her?" Janet replied.
"Absolutely."
"Then I'll release her to go home. She needs to eat a good meal, something healthy, not fast food, and get a good nights sleep. Make sure you get some crackers for morn.."
"Morning sickness, I remember the routine, Doc."
"And bring her in tomorrow morning for me to check on her. Preferably before the briefing but afterwards is fine if the General insists."
"Hey, you know, I am still here! It's really rude to talk about people like they are not here!" Sam said getting a little frustrated with the two.
"Sorry, Sam." Jack said apologetically.
"Sorry, Sam. As I was telling Jack, its very important for you to get lots of rest, and as of now your are restricted from Gate travel. I suggest you two talk to the General as I'll have to make my report to him soon."
"How about it, Sam? You feel up to talking to the General?"
"Better get it over with, I guess. If you'll let me get dressed we can go." Sam said starting to get up.
"Oh! Yea, right! I'll be outside with Daniel and Teal'c. Oh man, I forgot about them, I guess we had better tell them, too."
"You tell them, Jack. I'm going to get dressed."
"You're sure?"
"Yes, Jack. Now would you get out of here!" Sam said rather exasperated with him.
"Ok, call me when you're ready." He replied getting up and heading out the door.
"You are one lucky lady." Janet said watching the retreating form of what had to be one of the best looking guys on the base.
"How so?"
"Not only do you have him wrapped around you're little finger! You're going to have Daniel and Teal'c to help as well. You'll never have to do anything else for the rest of your pregnancy." Janet finished as she left for her office leaving Sam to change her clothes in peace.
Sam smiled and thought about it. It would be nice to have the guys helping her out. She didn't quite get what Janet meant about having the Colonel wrapped around her finger. It's not like they were in love or anything, right?
While Sam was getting dressed, Jack walked out to tell Daniel and Teal'c the news. As soon as he came out the door both Daniel and Teal'c stood with expectant looks on their faces.
"How is she?"
"She's going to be fine." Jack answered.
"What is Capt. Carter's condition.?" Teal'c asked.
"She's fine. She's getting dressed. Then she and I are going to talk to the General. After that I am taking her home."
"I think Teal'c was asking what's wrong with her?" Danny asked getting frustrated.
"Well, it's really rather simple." Jack began nervously. "It's just a little case of pregnancy." Jack mumbled keeping his voice low."
"What? How?" Daniel exclaimed excitedly.
"The usual way." Jack responded. Teal'c simply raised an eyebrow.
"I know that, but who…I mean she didn't say anything about seeing anybody." Daniel stated.
"If you must know, the baby is mine." Jack finished again keeping his voice low.
Two sets of eyebrows were raised nearly to the roof. Daniel and Teal'c stared for a minute before the gravity of what Jack had just said sunk in.
"You mean you…she….JACK! She's your second in command!" Daniel hissed.
"Calm down, Daniel." Sam said making her entrance in the conversation. "Or your going to have this all over the base before we even get to talk to the General."
"Sam! How do you feel?"
"I'm fine, Daniel. I appreciate your concern but really you're going to drive yourself to a heart attack."
"Sorry, Jack. I guess I overreacted just a bit." Daniel said.
"Ya think?"
"Col O'neill and I have to go and speak with the General. Both of you meet us back at my place and bring pizza and drinks and we will fill you in, ok?"
"Yea, sure. About 8?"
"Works for me. We'll see you there." Sam said as she and the Colonel headed off to Gen Hammond's office. They entered the elevator to head down to level 28 and the General's office. Jack turned to look at Sam. She didn't notice him for a few moments before she turned to look at him.
"What?" She said rather self consciously.
"Nothing."
"What we you looking at then?"
"You. You're glowing."
She smiled that 100 watt smile she so rarely graced anyone with and then blushed.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you." He said turning away.
"No, you didn't. You just had this look and I was surprised. Thank you though. I guess other than the nausea, pregnancy agrees with me."
They lapsed into a comfortable silence. The elevator stopped and they stepped out heading towards their future only they didn't know what all that entailed.
Major General George Hammond sat in his office. He had called down to the infirmary to check on Capt. Carter and was told by the nurse on duty that she had been sent home. So when the aforementioned Captain and Colonel O'Neill entered his office he was a little surprised.
"Captain, I had been told that you had been sent home." Gen Hammond asked motioning for them to sit down.
"I was, sir, and as soon as we are finished here, I am going home."
"Well, what can I do for you?" Gen Hammond inquired not really sure if really wanted to know.
"Well, General, have you heard from Dr. Frasier yet?" Col O'Neill asked.
"No, not yet. I expect her up here in the next little bit. Why?"
"Well, we figured we had better be the ones to tell you, sir. It seems that..um..well you see, sir…it's like this…"
"I'm pregnant, General." Sam stated interrupting Jack.
"I was getting there." Jack commented quietly.
"Not fast enough." Sam replied.
"I'm sorry. Did you just say that you're pregnant, Capt. Carter." Gen Hammond asked not quite sure he heard her correctly.
"I did, sir."
"I see." He said. "And the reason the Colonel is here with you is because…."
"The baby is mine, sir."
"The land of light incident?"
"It would appear so." Jack commented.
"I see." Hammond said closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose and then breathing deeply. "And just how do you plan to handle this situation?"
"Well, sir, Janet has already relieved me of gate travel for the duration of my pregnancy, sir. The Colonel has made his intentions clear…" Sam began.
"And those are?" The General asked interrupting her looking at Jack.
"To take care of the baby and assist Captain Carter in whatever way she needs, sir." Jack stated firmly.
"I'm glad to hear that, son. Now I'm sorry, Captain, I interrupted you. You were saying…"
"Yes, sir. The Colonel is quite adamant that he is going to be involved with the baby and that he would do whatever I wanted including marriage, sir. However at this time I think that might be jumping the gun a bit. As for the rest, I imagine that's up to the Air Force, sir."
The General was not happy at the turn of events but to be honest he was not surprised. After the report he had from the Doctor on the conditions of several officers following the mission to the Land of Light he was not surprised to be handed this mess.
"Well, Captain, you will be glad to know that you are not the only one this apparently happened to. Three other women on SG teams 3, 7, & 8 are also expecting. I guess I am just lucky that none of the parties involved are currently married, or this would be an even greater headache to contend with."
"Really?" Both Sam and Jack asked shocked. None of that was in the base grapevine yet.
"And if you're both wondering why you haven't heard about it yet, its being kept secret till the respective mothers-to-be decide what they are going to do."
"Understood, sir."
"Since you have obviously made the decision to keep the baby, I concur with Doctor Frasier's opinion that you be suspended from gate travel for the duration. Until further notice you are to work out of the labs, Captain. I will assign a temporary to SG1 pending Capt Carter's return to gate travel."
"Yes, sir." They replied in unison.
"I am bringing all the situations before the president later this week. I will let you know what actions they deem it appropriate to take. Dismissed."
"Yes, sir." The again replied in unison. They stood up to leave.
"Oh, and for what its worth, congratulations. Children are a blessing. I wish you both the best of luck."
"Thank you, sir." Sam said and turned to leave the office.
"Jack, a moment."
"I'll be along in a few. Why don't you get your stuff together and I'll meet you at the locker room." He told Sam. She smiled and went on ahead.
"Yes, General?"
"Were you serious about marrying her?"
"I am, sir."
"Are you in love with her?"
"No." Jack began, "But I could be so easily, sir."
General Hammond was taken aback by the younger man's honesty.
"You're aware that if you marry her you both can't be on the same team?"
"I'm prepared to retire again if need be, General." Jack put forth.
"I see. You don't think it would be better to move Capt. Carter to the science labs?"
"No, sir. She's worked too hard to get where she is. She deserves to stay on SG1."
"She's not ready for command yet, Colonel."
"Maybe not, sir, but I don't feel right discussing Capt. Carter's career options without her being present."
"That's understandable, Jack, but you have to be aware that she being the junior officer and the fact she is or rather will be the mother, the Air Force is likely to going to favor her removal from the team."
"Well I won't let that happen, sir. Capt. Carter and I are capable of maintaining our professionalism on the team."
"Be that as it may, Colonel, it is now up to the Air Force. I'll let you know what they decide. Dismissed."
"Yes, sir." Jack said turned and left the General's office.
Jack approached SG-1's locker room to hear the sounds of someone being sick. He rushed in to find Sam washing her face in the sink.
"Geez, Sam, I didn't think you had anything else to throw up." Jack taking the towel from her and rubbing the back of her neck.
"Sir, this is the Ladies." Sam rasped out.
"I'm aware of that, Sam. But you sounded bad from out there." He continued rubbing the back of her neck. She stood there for a minute before standing up. He washed the towel out and started to clean up her face. He stood there looking at her. Her eyes were closed as he gently moved the towel over her face. After a few moments she opened her eyes to find him staring at her. Just as he was about to lean in and kiss her the door to the locker room swung open and they could hear Daniel.
"Jack? Sam?"
The moment was broken. "I, uh, better go see what he wants." He stammered handing the towel back to her. She took the towel and ducked her head back towards the sink. She was blushing and didn't want Jack to see. She had hoped he would kiss her. She didn't remember what it was like to kiss him and she really wanted too. Especially now that I am not under his command for the moment. she thought to herself. She finished cleaning up and headed out to see what Daniel wanted.
She walked out to hear Daniel talking to Jack about what was being said around the base.
"So anyway there is speculation already that Sam is pregnant." Daniel was saying.
"So what?" Sam said walking out of the bathroom."
"Well, I thought you were trying to keep this between us for now?" Jack asked.
"Well, I was but its not going to be able to be kept a secret for much longer. What else are they saying, Daniel?"
"That Jack is the father and that you've been removed from gate travel and SG-1. But I know that can't be true." Daniel finished. Sam looked to Jack who in turn looked back at her. Daniel noticed the look pass between them. "What its true?"
"Janet doesn't think Carter should be going through the gate until after the baby is born and you already know that I'm the father so what's the big deal?"
"I guess there's not one, I was just surprised how fast the rumor mill picked up on it." Daniel confessed.
"I'm not. Besides while the baby is unexpected, I can't say I'm unhappy about it." Sam put in grabbing her jacket.
"You're not?" Daniel asked.
"No. I was sure not moving very quickly towards having a family. I always wanted kids but kept putting it off because of my career. This is my chance. So like I said while its unexpected, I'm glad."
"We'll see if you're still saying that in 6 months when you can't see your feet." Jack said grabbing his jacket and keys from his locker. He shut the door and turned to Sam. "Ready to go, Carter?"
"Yes, sir." She replied sliding on her own coat and shutting her locker.
"Daniel, its been fun but I need to get her home. We'll see you in Teal'c at eight." Jack said leading Sam out the door.
"Yeasureyoubetcha." Daniel mumbled to their retreating forms. Damn, life just got a lot more complicated. But maybe it's a good thing. he thought to himself as he began to get his things out of his locker.