Dear Readers: I apologize for the long wait. Life has been hectic. But I appreciate your patience and encouragement for me to finish this novella. It's almost complete. The first three chapters have been revised to accommodate improvements in the established plot. I hope you enjoy the rest of this novella.
Jack and Sam hugs,
HailDorothy
Title: Que Sera Sera novella – Chap 1 - Chosen Hearts Series, S9 Follows: Forever and For Always novella
Author: HailDorothy
Category: Romance/Angst/Action-adventure/Humor
Warnings: Some bad language, violence, sexual situations between married couple.
Rating: T
Pairings: Jack/Sam
Other Characters: Daniel, Teal'c, Pete, Hank Landry, Malcolm Mitchell, Rodney McKay, Nirrti, Janet Fraiser, and other surprise appearances.
Season: S9
Spoilers: S1-S9-Threads, Moebius 1&2, Avalon 1&2, Beachhead
Story Summary: Although enforced by TPTB to remain incognito about their marriage, Jack and Sam strive for normalcy outside the SGC only to discover that battling aliens is a lot easier than maintaining domestic bliss and parenting. That's until a vengeful Pete Shanahan and a resurrected Nirrti join forces and Jack finds himself trapped in a freezer with one gassy Rodney McKay!
Series Summary: ''Chosen Hearts' series, which not chronological written, begins with Jack and Sam's pre SG-1 first romantic encounter to present whether S9, S10 or beyond. Please read the previous posted fics of this series. Other than the twists I've first introduced and a few along the way, this series is canon based. Really!
Beta Thanks: A very special thanks to Carol Sue and Dinky Dow for their editing, advice, and intuitive gift to flesh out the real Jack and Sam. Ladies, thanks for your friendship and believing the impossible can become possible, through faith in Jesus Christ. Above all, thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving me the gift of the bards.
Song: Que Sera Sera – Doris Day. Lyrics and music: Jay Livingston and Ray Evans 1956 ©
Disclaimer: All publicity recognizable characters and places are the property of MGM, World Gekko Corp and Double Secret Productions. This series may include script excerpts from the TV Series 'Stargate SG-1.' This fan fiction was created for entertainment, not monetary purposes and no infringement on copyrights or trademarks are intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of said author, HailDorothy 2005©.
Author's Notes: Even if you're not a shipper, this is Jack based action fiction. So give it a read, huh?
Feedback: Gosh, darn, don't make me beg! Pretty Please? Starvation of this writer's muse is no pleasant sight. All feedback is food for thought and well digested. "Feed me, Seymour!" (The Little Shop of Horrors)
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CHAPTER ONE
Jack's Minnesota cabin, four days after Daniel and Teal'c's arrival in Moebius II:
"Que sera, sera, whatever will be will be, the future's not ours to see que sera, sera . . ." the song his grandmother sung to a six-year old boy now seemed strangely cliché. Ever since hearing Doris Day sing the song on the radio last week, he'd not been able to get the dang lyrics out of his head.
Since he and Sam had taken it out of the closet Jack couldn't remember being happier. They'd had a few days to themselves before Daniel and Teal'c showed up to baby-sit via General Hammond's orders, until the paperwork for their new assignments went through. Well, they had and now there was nothing to keep him and Sam from being a married couple, at least in private. They so weren't wasting time.
Dusk had settled. The disbanded SG-1 huddled around a small bonfire. Flames crackled. Smoke drifted up toward the first evening star. Teal'c, who'd been filling up on burnt marshmallows, ambled toward the dark cabin to retrieve another package of marshmallows.
Daniel sat crossed-legged on the grass contemplating his third bottle of beer. Space Monkey had downed two beers without getting snookered and there was no orange to balance on the mouth of his bottle. Meanwhile, Jack and Sam were discreetly making out in the shadows, making up for eight years of restrained passion. Right now, he wanted to be alone with the woman he loved. However, Daniel and Teal'c hadn't gotten Jack's telepathic message of, "get lost, guys."
He knew that good things came to those who wait. Trouble was, he didn't want to wait. Time to just get up and go to their bedroom. However Sam's languid touches hinted she was enjoying the fire and the company. Dang! Lost in Sam's pliant kisses and somewhere in the depths of his lust-fogged mind, Jack heard Daniel say,
"Um, I hate to interrupt your petting session, kids, but I want you to be the first to know I'm going to Atlantis when the Daedalus sails."
Yep, that got Jack's attention. Easing from Sam's embrace, Jack came up for air. "No, Daniel, you're not going to Atlantis." He turned back to Sam who stared at him like he had grown two heads . . .again. He tilted his head and returned the look. "Whaat?"
"Jack?" her tone held warning, but too late.
"Excuse me?" he peered at Daniel's determined look.
The linguist shoved to his feet walked around the fire pit and then squatted before the couple to get in Jack's face. "I'm no longer part of SG-1 let alone under your command, Jack."
"As long as you're employed by the SGC your ass belongs to one Major General Jack O'Neill. And that happens to be me!" There, that should end this stupid conversation.
"Screw your stars, Jack! If I can finagle my way to Atlantis, I will. And this time you aren't going to stop me."
"Guys. . ." Sam tried to intervene but got shutdown as she eased from Jack's tensed arms and sat upright.
"Hah! Watch me! You might answer to Landry, but he answers to me. Besides, you're needed on Earth."
"Don't shovel me bullshit. This isn't about where I'm needed. It's about what you need. You need me safe, you need me where you can play Daniel's big brother. Well, I don't need you watching over me. I'm all grownup. And I don't need General Jack O'Neill as my nursemaid. I've not needed you for a real long time. But you just don't get it. You won't let go. And it's burying me!" He shoved to his feet and glared down at Jack.
"Whatcha trying to say?" Confused, Jack pushed to his knees then to his feet. Stretching, he gaped at his outraged friend. Like why was Daniel blowing a fuse?
"Oh, for Pete sakes, Jack. Look around, willya? You finally got everything you want. You're happy. And I'm glad you're happy." He glanced at Sam's emotionally drawn face as she came to stand beside Jack and brushed the grass from her jeans.
"Heck, Jack, you've got Sam. I bet within six months you'll be procreating a houseful of O'Neill rug rats."
"Um, Daniel, much as I appreciate your confidence in my ability to fertilize Sam. Ow!" Her elbow connected hard with his ribs. "I'm sure it will take us longer than a year to . . ."
"Shut the crap, Jack!"
Jack blanched and glanced wide-eyed at Sam, "Um, did he just tell me to . . .?"
"Yep." She looked cautiously at Daniel.
The linguist growled. "Look, I don't have those great things, Jack. Maybe, I never will. So please do me a favor and let me get my own life, be my own person."
"I thought you were." Jack's heart hammered as Daniel's words sunk in.
"No, I'm not. I'm always in your shadow, Jack. First, I was Colonel O'Neill's geeky sidekick, then I became," he glanced at Sam, "No insult intended, Colonel Carter's geeky sidekick."
"Daniel, I . . ." Sam frowned then glanced at Jack whose emotions boomeranged between shock, hurt and anger.
"No, Sam. Let the grown man finish." Jack's hands directed traffic.
Sam swallowed and slid her hand over his clenched fist and then looked up at Daniel who was the color of a ripe tomato.
"Jack, in the ten plus years we've known each other, no matter what I did, I was always under your wing. Most of all, everyone compared me to the lean, mean, mouthy, fighting machine of Jack O'Neill and I never made the mark. I'm tired of competing with you, of seeking your approval in everything I do and needing your permission to do what I want. I want to go to Atlantis. And this time, you are not going to hold me back."
"Daniel, I've never wanted to hold you back."
"I didn't say it was intentional." Jackson dragged a hand through his brown hair. "Anymore than when you held Sam back."
"Hey hey, that's not the same."
"Um," Sam tugged his arm. "Yes, Jack, it is. You can't protect us forever, that includes Daniel." He met her confirming blue gaze and shut his eyes. Anger welled inside him.
"Fine!" he waved a hand at his best friend. "The cage door's open, Doctor Daniel! Go fly off to Atlantis or some other God forsaken galaxy. And don't worry, I won't stick my nose in your life ever again!" With that he tramped off toward the woods.
"Well of all the childish rantings." Daniel started after him.
"Let him go." Sam calmly instructed.
"Oh, I'm not chasing him." Daniel countered as Teal'c walked around from the cabin with his bag of marshmallows. "I'm leaving."
"Please, Daniel?" She blocked his path. "You can't go like this."
"Yes, I can." He drew a breath and looked down at her. She saw his emotional pain and anger. "I'm sorry, Sam. I love Jack and despite his ornery bedside manner I know he loves me. But I'm suffocating here. I need to find out who Daniel Jackson is without Jack O'Neill, without you or Teal'c."
"I understand, Daniel. You have my blessing. I just wish you guys would part on better terms."
"Yes, well, if it happens that old coot has to the sucking up. I'm tired of being the first one to kiss ass."
Sam nodded. She wished Daniel knew how much Jack had changed, especially this last while. When Daniel headed for the cabin to collect his belongings Teal'c blocked his path.
"Not you too?" Daniel groused.
"I could not fail but hear the disagreement between you and O'Neill. Although I did not realize you were lost, Daniel Jackson, I apologize if in any fashion I have restrained you from finding yourself." A slight smile tugged the Jaffa's lips and Sam realized he was trying to add some humor to the edgy situation.
"No, Teal'c, you didn't restrain me from finding myself. In fact, if anyone's to blame it's me. Now, I hate to be the party popper here, and I know you drove, but I'd like to head home tonight. I'm sure you want to stay, but could you drive me to the airport?"
"I'll drive you," Sam offered.
"That will not be necessary, Samantha." Teal'c injected. "I already informed O'Neill that I must return to Dakara. Also, General Hammond and Cassandra are expected to arrive tomorrow, so our presence will no longer be required to oversee the lovebirds, correct?" he smiled.
"Yes." Sam sighed out in defeat.
"Good." Daniel stepped around the larger man, "Then let's pack."
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
One week later:
Jack loved to watch her sleep. Ironic that after all these years, some of his fondest memories on and off world were watching Samantha Carter-O'Neill sleep. How many moments had he stolen, waking up while his team slept to watch over her, and be there when demons attacked her peaceful dreams? Too many. He used to wonder if she knew. He didn't anymore. Even though she slept, Sam knew he was awake, watching her. Of late, it seemed to help. Her demons didn't come too often of late. Mainly Fifth.
Jack yawned. One would think after making love for three hours he'd be exhausted. While still joined, Sam had crashed in his arms. This being Ancient definitely had its perks—for both of them.
He glanced at the dresser clock. Past three a.m. He needed his beauty sleep. Tomorrow they'd return to the real world. It would be bittersweet for everyone. Jack would pack up his belongings at the SGC and head for D.C. Sam had packing to do and would accompany him and take courses on management protocol for her new position as head of R&D at Area 51. Jack had his fill of those politically correct sessions since managing the SGC. Well at least they'd have some extra time together. Teal'c hadn't officially left Earth, but had returned to Dakara to take his place on the Jaffa Council.
Meanwhile, Daniel planned to wine and dine the new CO, Hank Landry into letting him go to Atlantis when the Daedalus returned. Although that was Hank's call, Jack didn't want his best buddy taking the trip. Didn't want Daniel that far away where Jack couldn't rescue him. Let's face it, other than ascending twice, Daniel had become a constant in Jack's life. Oh, he could handle the changes in his and Sam's relationship just fine, but the thought of losing Daniel well, that wasn't going over well.
Daniel was family. So was Teal'c, but Jack realized that he did think and of feel as if Daniel was that missing kid brother he'd never had. Despite their age difference, they had a sibling bond that often bordered on childish sibling rivalry. Their less than adult behavior last week made that obvious. Sam hadn't been pleased him. Maybe she was right. He needed to let Daniel go, to make choices and mistakes on his own, even if it killed him. See, that's what Jack had a problem with, the dying part.
Their last conversation had been explosive and Daniel revealed just how much he resented Jack's big brother mind-set. Jack had been devastated. He'd never realized! In fact, Daniel packed and left without a goodbye at least to Jack, who mulishly didn't make an effort to rectify the situation. Now he wished he had.
"Hey," Sam yawned against his shoulder, her warm breath sending a pleasant shiver through him. He loved her more than he'd ever be able to say.
"Go back to sleep." He brushed his lips across the bridge of her nose and closed his eyes with a weary yawn. He needed shuteye.
"Don't wanna," In one fluid movement she straddled him, making a point as her sensual curves meshed with his lean hardness. She then dipped her blonde head and her wet tongue dove into his ear, sending a shudder due south.
"Um, Carter?" Jack's eyes rolled back as her pelvis ground against his, "Whatcha doing?"
"Just lying here, sir," she murmured then began sucking his earlobe. A huge turn-on for Jack, "On top of you, naked." Her silky smooth legs pressed firmly against his hair dressed thighs.
"Oh, good." his voice bottomed out, "Coz, I thought you were initiating plan A to seduce me."
"I am. Now be quiet."
"Ah," he sighed as his hands roamed the familiar plains of her arched back and waist, urging her closer as he let himself be seduced.
In another calculated move, Sam grabbed his wrists and then pinned them above his head as her teasing mouth and teeth worked her way down his body.
"Careful," he warned trying to keep the smile and excitement from his voice.
"Always." She murmured against his parted lips and thrust her tongue between them while she continued to undulate above him. Jack was no longer tired. He was wide-awake. So was John-John.
Two could play this game. Jack growled, eased a knee between her warm thighs and then flipped her onto her back.
"Sir!" she cried out in pleasure when he fastened her hands over her head and moved against her. "What-cha doing?"
"Plan B."
One month later – The honeymoon is over or welcome to the parent trap.
Jack and Sam sat in the University's counselor's office silently watching the thin elderly man, who strangely reminded Sam of one Professor Ernest Littlefield. He handed over a copy of Cassandra's grade scores and the comments from her professors. She and Jack scanned them. She heard Jack's grunt of disapproval. Not good. Nor that had they hadn't spoken more than a few words in hours. Mainly because they'd had a knockdown argument on their way from the airport.
They'd known for months that Cassandra's, I'm just fine act, was a ploy. First Janet's death, then after realizing that Cassandra was his granddaughter, Jacob had died. Yeah, the last two years had been rough on the poor kid.
Sam sighed and glanced over at her husband. His mouth was so flat his lips had virtually vanished. The dent between his dark brows well, one could get lost in there for days. His blue-shadowed jaw was clenched so hard she feared he'd crack it. Meanwhile his antsy hands repeatedly curled and uncurled the official letter they'd received three days ago. Amazing he'd not shredded it by now. Give him time, Sam.
Rough times aside, she knew his mulish Irish mindset and nothing she'd say or transfer telepathically would change his decision regarding their daughter's less than stellar freshmen year performance record.
"Ms. Carter, Mr. O'Neill?"
Jack physically flinched. Yeah, Sam internally sighed, another issue to be rectified, but now was not the time or place and she hoped Jack kept his wits.
The unsmiling Mr. Richards looked at them. "As I said before, Cassandra originally showed great potential. Her entrance score was an astounding 4.0. She's a genius you know."
"Ya think?" Jack muttered looking at his clipped nails before facing the man.
"However, it's not uncommon for freshmen students, especially as young and brilliant as Cassandra to nosedive the second semester. However, if she wishes to continue with the ROTC program, the required grade average must be maintained in all classes."
"You mean she's failing?" Jack's lips twitched.
"Yes at least for ROTC."
"Ah." He shook his head. "Well, that simplifies matters. She's coming home."
"Jack, Cassandra wants to stay on her own and work at the campus's medical library," Sam explained. "And I support her choice."
"Stupid choice." Jack did an eye roll.
Sam glanced over and rolled her eyes in return.
"You were saying, Mr. Richards," she said in a soft polite tone.
"Yes. I understand how difficult this must be to share Cassandra's guardianship especially being military officers. Perhaps you'd like some state intervention?"
"I don't think so," Jack groundout sitting upright in his chair, his paternal hackles apparent.
Sam winced and shook her head at his behavior. "We appreciate your suggestion, sir, but decline."
"Thank you." Jack sniffed, glanced at her and his left brow lifted.
"Um, Cassandra's been under a lot of strain, Mr. Richards. Her mother died last year and—,"
Jack grunted. For cryin' outloud, Sam, Cass is an alien. Her parents are Ancients and now we're all talking heads. No wonder she's a basket case!" he said in her head, then, "We value your candor, Mr. Richards. But I believe the best thing for Cassandra is to come home with us."
"As do I. But you realize she will have to retake her 2nd semester classes and—"
"Yes. Now if ya'll excuse us." Jack stood and motioned to Sam, who remained rooted. "I never did think an eighteen-year should go off to college, without spending time in the real world, especially Cassandra."
Well, the fact she knows what you think might have affected her grades, Jack. Sam glanced up.
Careful, he warned with a dark look.
Sam drew a breath of resolve and said out loud. "Jack, I think we should make sure Cassandra wants to come home." She came to her feet.
"Like I'm giving her a choice." He snorted and shook his silver head.
Mr. Richards cleared his throat. "Um, about the shoplifting charges at the local mall —,"
Jack's mouth dropped open and he sunk back into the chair.
Sam followed his actions and gasped out, "Shop--lifting?"
"Yes, you did receive the notification from the campus police department during spring break?"
"No, but then we've been shuffling between households." She floundered for an excuse that didn't include Cassandra intercepting the mail when she'd been home for Jacob's funeral. By Jack's black expression, he was seeing black.
"Yes, she's had an arrest last month. However a second charge will put her in jail and have her expelled from the university. I'm hoping you can convince her to return home for the remainder of the summer and—"
"Oh, she'll come home all right!" Jack shoved to his feet and looked at Sam who no longer argued the matter. "She needs to be with family and get her bearings. Which I'll be glad to help her find."
Sam nodded. Oy! No doubt, if they'd lived a hundred years back, Jack would have hauled their daughter to the tool shed and whipped Cassandra's butt with a leather belt. Thank goodness for small favors.
"Here's her new address." Mister Richards handed over the paper and his hand trembled. Sam realized her husband intimidated the man.
"New?" Jack glanced at the unfamiliar street address. "Ya gotta be kidding."