Chapter Eleven
Sam's eyes bugged out in shock, "Why? When?"
"Next Sunday night there will be a live press conference at the White House. They want all the 'big players' in D.C. for it." He looked up, confusion in his eyes, "For some unknown reason this includes Jacob, Ishta, Thor and Kristie."
At the mention of her name Kristie shot a look at her uncle. "It's because of the gene manipulation Loki preformed on me, and what I am now."
"Okay," Jack started, annoyed. "That's the thing I don't understand – what are you?"
Kristie winced slightly at his tone, "Thor explained it to me this way: You know that in most religions, and all throughout mythology the Earth is thought of as a woman, right? A Mother Earth that is responsible for all life and can control the elements, understand?" She paused before finishing, "Basically, I'm a lesser version of Mother Earth. Thor called me an 'elemental'."
Jack and Sam looked at one another then back at Kristie, not even trying to hide the shock they felt.
"How? What powers do you have?" Sam sputtered out, after a few minutes of silence and fish imitations.
Kristie smiled; she knew where this was going. "I'm telepathic but only when I enter a person's mind. I don't do it often because it is the ultimate invasion of privacy. I also have prophetic dreams and dreams that look into the past sometimes."
Jack eyed her warily again, "Have you ever looked into my mind?" he asked harshly.
Kristie was aghast, "How could you even think that! I would never do that to you or any one else I respect without their permission! Never!"
Silence reigned again; this time to be broken by Sam, "It's getting late, I better get going home. Thanks for dinner, sir."
She stood, and was about to leave, when Kristie called after her, "Why didn't you give up when he was on Endora?"
The older woman turned back sharply and looked at the girl, "What?"
Kristie looked her square in the eye, "When Jack was trapped on Endora, why didn't you give up?" Without waiting for a reply she turned to her uncle, "When the entity – and Jolinar – were inside of Sam, why wouldn't you give up on finding a way to get them out?" The young woman stood gracefully and turned to go, saying: "The president will contact you in the next week, about appointing joint commanders to the SGC. Goodnight."
Sam looked at Jack. Jack looked at Sam. Their eyes met with mirrored expressions of fear, want and love.
They were like that for some time before Jack's raspy voice filled the air, "Why didn't you give up on me?"
"I couldn't," she replied; voice shaking, "And I knew you would do the same for me." She reclaimed her seat at his side – just a little closer than before.
Jack let out a snort, "I'm not so sure that I could, Sam. You rewrote the laws of physics to bring me back. Frankly I'm not that smart."
"Don't downplay your IQ, sir. I saw your files." She looked up at him again, "Why didn't you give up on me?"
"Because I love you," he said – not even registering the words in his brain until they were out of his mouth.
They stared at each other; eyes wide at this declaration.
"Listen, Carter," Jack began, "You don't have to pay any attention to what I just said…"
Sam silenced him with a finger to his lips, "I love you, too." She stared deeply into his eyes, willing him to understand how much she loved him, before allowing her lips to follow her finger to his mouth.
Chapter Twelve
The next morning, when Kristie went into the kitchen after her shower, she found Sam and Jack eating breakfast together.
The young woman bounded up to the table, gave them both hugs and asked in a very serious tone; "Does this mean I get a new aunty?"
Jack threw a Fruit Loop at her, as all three of them burst out laughing.
"Okay," Jack said after they had all calmed down, "Kris, I'm going to drive you to school today and send a member of SG-10 to pick you up for your appointment. Is that all right?"
Kristie did a perfect mock salute, "Sir, yes, sir! May I inquire as to his name, so I don't get the wrong car?"
"Don't be a smart ass," Jack glared at her half-heartedly. "His name is Captain Jeffery O'Connor. He's career Air Force, so don't give him a hard time about the name thing."
"I wouldn't dream of it, Jack. It's not everyday that I get to meet someone who is from a family thoroughly despised by mine."
Kristie made it through her first four hours with minimal mishap – she only had to leave the classroom twice to deal with morning sickness and that horrid substitute was gone. Mr. O'Neil had permanently replaced Mr. O'Brien, and being the clone of her uncle, was very paternal in his treatment of her.
Lunchtime, however, was a completely different story.
She had just stepped out of fourth hour, when a hand grabbed her arm. Kris turned to see who it was – prepared to inflict serious damage to his body, when she came face to face with Melanie's older brother.
She sighed in relief, "Todd, you scared the hell out of me! Don't do that to people – especially when they're pregnant."
The blond eighteen-year-old smiled nervously, "Sorry, Kris, I just really need to talk to you."
"Well, come on then. I've got to put this stuff back in my locker. What's up?"
"Did you get pregnant at Mel's party?"
"As far as I know, why?"
"I was the only one you slept with that night."
Kristie was way beyond shock at this point, "I slept with you?"
Todd sighed, fearfully, "You don't remember?"
"No, as far as I was concerned I passed out while dancing with you."
"More like blacked out. You were definitely awake when we had sex. Is it mine?"
The infamous O'Neill anger welled within Kristie, "First of all, that would be they – not it. And second of all, if you're telling the truth and you were the only one I slept with, then yes they are your handiwork."
Surprise was evident on Todd's face and in the hesitation he displayed before answering, "Wait a minute, Kris, just how many kids are we talking about here?"
"Don't call me 'Kris', only my friends are allowed to do that. And I'm pregnant with at least two, possibly more."
This time there was no hesitation, "I don't want them."
"Are you sure, Todd? If you say no now I won't give you a second chance. It's all or nothing."
Still he didn't hesitate, "No."
All witnesses that day agree on this one thing, Todd had that punch coming. He bore the scare of his answer until he was thirty – at which time he had enough money to get a nose job to fix the mess Kris's right hook made of it.
Chapter Thirteen
Some say that first impressions are usually wrong. Most agree that they always stay present in one's mind. All agree that there can only be one. So it was that day after school for one Melanie Howardson, one Kristina O'Neill, and one Captain Jeffery O'Connor.
Man, Jeff thought as he waited beside the military issue SUV for his boss's niece, I hope I don't have to wait much longer, I've been standing here for nearly an hour. This is more boring than waiting around for Lieutenant Clyde to play with her 'rocks'. Damn, I've been spending too much time around 'The Man'.
Hey, this chick is kinda hot…nope; she doesn't mach the description The Man gave me – too skinny, not to mention her breasts are way too small to be pregnant. Crap, I can't believe I'm looking at the chest of a high schooler. Shit, she's coming this way…I wonder how old she thinks I am…probably just likes the uniform.
Melanie scanned the parking lot; looking for the man fitting the vague description Kris had given her a few minutes earlier. She spotted a tan skinned, muscular, young man with a military buzz of his dirty blond hair, leaning against a black SUV. Bingo, she thought as she began to advance slightly swaying her hips as she walked.
She reached the car and saw the man tense slightly at her close proximity, Not another one!
"Excuse me," she began sweetly, "Are you by any chance Captain O'Connor?"
Jeff glanced down at her then back up, "Yes."
She flung her hair over her shoulder expertly, "I'm Melanie Howardson; one of Kristie O'Neill's friends. She in the middle of a bout of morning sickness taking place in a trash can located near her locker."
Jeff's military training took over, "Take me there."
The first impression Jeff O'Connor had of Melanie Howardson was that of a flirtatious young girl who liked older men. And the first look he had of one Kristina O'Neill was of a mound of lovely light brown curls spewed over a garbage can. He could hear the retching as he saw Kris's white arms go even whiter as she clutched the bin for dear life.
Immediately he went to work. Jeff strode forward and gently gathered her masses of hair into his hands. He held it with one hand as he used the other to slowly rub her neck and shoulders.
Melanie watched in awe as this near stranger calmed her friend down in minutes when she hadn't been able to do so in half an hour. She saw Kris look up and her mouth move, but Mel couldn't make out the words.
Jeff nodded, as he said something in response, and helped Kris to her feet. Kristie looked at her friend and said in a clear voice, "Tell your brother to go to hell. And congratulations Mel, you're going to be an auntie." With that Kris and Jeff walked away – leaving Melanie in shock over her words.
"Captain?" Kristie asked, after they were both situated in the car, her book bag in the back seat. Jeff started the engine.
"Yes, ma'am?"
"Can I tell you something that may sound a bit strange, Captain?"
"Sure. But call me Jeff. Captain makes me feel old."
Kris grinned; she was beginning to like this man. "Alright, Jeff. Well, back there, at the trash can – I was throwing up balls of fire." She glanced at him, seeing interest and curiosity on his face. "And right before you showed up, I felt like I was dying – but as soon as you touched me it stopped. It was like… you flipped a switch. The strangest thing, though, was that right after the retching stopped I heard voices say;
" 'Daddy's here'," they finished together.
Chapter Fourteen
Jeff pulled off the road sharply, before parking on the shoulder. "Your heard that?" he asked in awe and fear. "I thought I was going crazy!"
Kris nodded slowly; having not expected this reaction, "I heard it." She smirked shyly, "Believe it or not, I think it was the babies."
Jeff looked down at her already swollen belly, "I believe it."
"The question is," Kristina started, following Jeff's gaze: "What does this all mean?"
Jeff met her eyes, as he took one of her hands in both of his, "I think it means: Would you like to go out to dinner with me tomorrow night?"
Kristie smiled at him, "I'd love to." They sat in silence for a few moments before she continued, "I'm only seventeen, though. And you work for my uncle, people would talk." She looked at him questioningly, "How old are you?"
Jeff winced as he told her, "Twenty-eight."
Kris went over the numbers in her head, also taking into account the age difference between Jack and Sam – she'd use it against her uncle if push came to shove. "Only ten years difference," she said. At the look he gave her she explained, "My eighteenthbirthday is on Wednesday. The age thing's fine with me. But first you have to ask my uncle's permission."
"Only if you come with me – for protection," he added with a smile at Kris's look of horror.
"Deal."
They drove on for about five more minutes in silence before Jeff glanced at Kristie, "What are we going to do if he says no, Kristina?"
Kris glanced at him before turning her gaze back out the window, "I'll remind him of a few things."
"You'll blackmail him?"
"If it works, why not?"
"I don't know, he just seems a hard man to blackmail."
Kristie grinned evilly, "Oh, but I'm family. I know a lot of embarrassing stories about him that I'd be willing to share with the grape-vine at the SGC."
Jeff laughed outright at that prospect and the two fell again into a comfortable silence, this time to be broken by yet another question. "Kristina?" Jeff asked, tentatively.
"Hmm?"
"Why are you pregnant?"
"What?"
"I mean, you don't seem like the girl who would be sexually active, so how did you land in this predicament?"
Kris looked at Jeff for a while, weighing whether she should tell him or not, "I went to a friend's birthday party, blacked out, and was raped by her brother."
Jeff was aghast and suddenly felt the urge to strand the bastard who did this to her on Ba'al's home world… he would have too – if Ba'al had still been alive. "How are you dealing with all of it?"
Kristie sighed, if it had been anyone else but Jeff, she would respond with a few harsh words – or not have responded at all. But this was Jeff; a man she had known less than a day and yet felt an extreme attachment towards. For the first time in her life, Kristina Dawn O'Neill felt like she could trust a man who wasn't related to her.
"I honestly don't know. I'm thrilled that I'm pregnant, but I'm still kind of in shock about the whole… rape thing," she admitted finally.
Jeff took his right hand off the steering wheel as they came in sight of Cheyenne Mountain. He took Kris's left hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze, "If first impressions are right, and if the babies' intuitions are to be trusted, then I can tell you one thing with certainty." He slowed the car to a crawl, and looked Kris in the eyes, "I'll always be there for you, Kristina O'Neill. Always. We may have only known each other for little over thirty minutes, but it doesn't matter."
Kristie smiled through misty eyes, "Thank you."
Jeff smiled, squeezed her hand again and turned back to face the road, "Come on then. We have an appointment to get you to."
Chapter Fifteen
That Friday couldn't go by fast enough for one Jack O'Neill. He spent the entire day thinking about what he and his 2IC had done the night before, and wishing he could be kissing her. He sat through entire briefings, signed papers and reports on autopilot. His mind was on vacation, and it was a very good thing that none of the briefings that day were of very much importance and he was almost never asked for his opinion – otherwise he would have been in major trouble.
It was nearing 1200 hundred hours, and Jack had nothing planned but lunch so he told Walter where he was headed, before taking off to his 2IC's lab to get her to eat.
Jack found Sam concentrating very hard on typing into her computer. He smiled as he watched her, thinking she was in the middle of figuring out something very cool and interesting for him to play with.
Little did he know, that what Samantha Carter was really typing into her computer, was a journal entry about what had happened the night before, with Jack. She felt his presence long before he made himself known, so she just typed on, seemingly oblivious to her CO standing in the doorway.
Needless to say, it freaked Jack out, when, without slowing down the pace of her typing, she said, "Anything I can help you with, General?"
"Uh, yes actually. It's lunchtime and I was wondering if you would join me in the commissary."
Sam grinned, "I'd love to, sir, just let me save this and we can be on our way."
"So, um, Carter I have it on good authority that the weather is rather warm for the middle of November," Jack commented after finishing their meal.
Sam raised an eyebrow in Teal'c like fashion, "Really? I've heard that same rumor."
"Would you care to join me in investigating its authenticity?"
Sam giggled. Jack shot her a mock glare, as he said, "No giggling, Colonel. What's so funny?"
"Sorry, sir," Sam said after she got her fit under control, "But you just used a word with five syllables!"
When the pair reached the surface, they started walking towards a well-liked clearing, to the left of the SGC. They sat together in the clearing for a few minutes, soaking in the sun's rays on the rare cloudless day in the middle of autumn.
"Sam?" Jack whispered so as not to alert the guards who were still within sight.
"Jack?" Sam replied, equally as soft.
"I have a present for you," he said, pulling out a ring box from his pocket.
Sam gasped, she had a fairly good idea of what was in that box, "You didn't have to do that, Jack."
A boyish grin graced Jack's face. "I wanted to. After all, today is the tenth anniversary of when we met. November 15th."
Sam smiled, touched that he had remembered. "I left your gift at home," she confessed sadly.
Jack shrugged it off, "You can give it to me tonight, and you can thank me tonight as well." He handed her the box and watched her face intently as she opened it up to reveal the missing tear cut sapphire ring. The sole sapphire was surrounded with tiny square cut diamonds that were perfectly set off by the white gold band.
"I thought so," she whispered as she tried it on.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Jack asked curiously.
Sam looked back up at him, love in her gaze, "Kris took me to your family jeweler's yesterday and she got me the rest of this set to wear to the black and white ball in three months."
Jack grinned, "Smart girl."
"So, what exactly is this? I mean, I know it's a ring, but does it symbolize something special?"
Jack let the walls in his eyes down as he looked at Sam, letting all his love flow through. "It is a promise to you, that as soon as circumstances change for the better, I'll be replacing it with a wedding band."
Chapter Sixteen
Since the ring could hinder Sam's ability to perform some experiments, and would cause too many questions from her assistants, she put it on the chain that held her dog tags. She was fingering the sapphire and gazing at the device SG-13 had just brought back from their mission.
There was a knock on the door, and she looked up to find Kris and that Captain from SG-10 standing in the doorway. "Kristie, I thought you were supposed to be here an hour ago?"
"Yeah, well, I kind of had a little bout with morning sickness right after school got out." She smirked, "It's a good thing we got out early for Thanksgiving break, and my appointment isn't until 1600 hours. It's already 1535, do you want to head up with us to the infirmary?"
"Us?" Sam questioned.
Kristie gave her a look that told her that they would talk later, "Yeah, us. We're going to get Jack on the way." Sam got up and her hand came down from the necklace, revealing its presence for the first time. "Oh," Kristie grinned, "I see you commandeered the missing ring, Sam."
Sam's cheeked flushed pink as she returned the girl's grin. Her attention turned to the Captain at Kris's side and Sam said, "So, Captain, how many babies do you think young Kris here is pregnant with?"
Jeff grinned, "I passed up that bet, ma'am."
Kris looked between Sam and Jeff, "There's a bet about how many babies I'll have?"
Sam shrugged, "There's a bet about everything in this base."
"How did this particular betting pool come around?"
Jeff thought for a moment, "I think it was your first visit with Dr. Fraiser. Siler was in one of the neighboring beds and heard what you were in for. He also happened to overhear who you were. This news got around rather quickly to Major Ferretti, and he started the pool two weeks ago."
"Hmm, okay," Kristie said, letting it all soak in, and realizing that she really didn't care about the pool at all. If anything, she felt kind of special that the base had a betting pool going on about her babies.
"Colonel Carter! Kristie O'Neill!" The three people stopped to allow Teal'c and Jack the chance to catch up to them. When they did they took in the third member of the group.
"So, Captain?" Jack started, reverting to 'General' mode. "Don't you have some business to attend to with your team?"
Jeff remained non-phased at his boss's question, "No, sir. We're on down time for the remainder of Major Steven's recovery period. I've already finished everything that needs doing, sir. That was one reason why you asked me to pick up your niece this morning."
Jack thought for a moment before answering, "Oh, yeah. Well, why are you still here?"
Jeff looked at Kristina imploringly and she answered, "I asked him to accompany me to my appointment. We need to talk to you about something afterward anyway, so it would be easier if he just stayed with me."
"Okay," Jack said, wondering what the two of them needed to talk to him about. "Well, campers, let's get this show on the road. Hey, where's Danny?"
It was Teal'c who responded, "I believe Daniel Jackson is currently at the infirmary having his glasses repaired after running into Dr. Fraiser in the hallway."
"Okay, Kristie," Janet said as the ultrasound machine was wheeled into place by one of the doctor's many assistants, "Let's get you set up, shall we?" Kris hopped up onto the bed and lied down, while Janet got out the infamous cold gel that would allow her to see everything inside Kris's uterus.
The doctor looked at everyone else surrounding the bed and then back at Kristie, "Are you sure you want all of them here for this?"
Kris nodded, taking in everyone else in the infirmary – nearly every bed seemed to be filled with airmen who wanted to witness the ultrasound. "Well, maybe not all the airmen here, but I don't really care."
"All right, then," Janet said as she put the gel on Kris's abdomen and started the process.
"Oh my God," she said at the same time as everyone else who could read an ultrasound machine. Janet turned to Kris with tears in her eyes, "Congratulations, you're going to be the mother of quadruplets. You're pregnant with four babies."
You could have heard a pin drop after this proclamation, and everyone heard the two thuds as one Jack O'Neill and one Jeff O'Connor both fainted.
Chapter Seventeen
Within minutes both men were on beds in the infirmary, and conscious. Jack came around first, and had more time to process what he had just been told. By the time Jeff had regained consciousness, Kris was sitting between the two men's beds, looking like the cat that ate the canary.
"Can you tell me why the hell you fainted, Captain?" Jack roared. "I know why I was rendered unconscious for a few minutes, but why were you?"
Jeff looked to Kris for some help and she spoke up quickly, "I think this conversation is better had in your office – away from prying eyes and ears." She shot a quick glare around the infirmary, and everyone who had before been so captivated by their conversation became obsessed with everything else but the three of them. Somewhere during their time in the unconscious realm, Sam, Daniel and Teal'c had all made their escapes.
The trip to Jack's office was silent and uncomfortable for all three people. The looks that passing airmen sent Jeff's way portrayed their pity and concern for their comrade's welfare.
Upon arriving at Jack's office, Jeff offered the seat to Kris who sent a smile of gratitude to him as Jack sat in his chair. The Captain stood tall behind Kristina, ready to face the anger of 'The Man'.
"Now, will you tell me what the hell this is all about?" Jack asked angrily.
Jeff put his hand on Kris's shoulder and she squeezed it reassuringly, "Well, sir," Jeff started nervously, "I uh, would like uh, your permission to uh, go out on a date with Kristina, sir."
Jack knew he would consent five seconds after Jeff finished speaking, but he didn't let this show to either of the two other occupants of the room. To them, his face was a stone mask that showed no emotion. After about two minutes of mind numbing silence, Jack spoke:
"You want to do what?" he asked in a dangerously low voice.
"I want your permission to date your niece, sir," Jeff answered, absolutely terrified and trying not to let it show.
"Have you two even thought about this?" Jack asked, his voice raising an octave. "I mean, Kris is ten years younger than you, Captain! And don't even get me started on what your reputation would be like after this. Do you know how many people would accuse you of sleeping your way up the ranks if you got promoted? How about the fact that she's pregnant, Captain? They're not your children, O'Connor. Have you thought about any of this?"
It was Kris who answered. "Yes, we have, Jack," she spat back. "And it's none of your business about my children! It's Jeff's and mine – not yours."
"As for being accused of using Kris to get myself promoted, sir." Jeff continued, "There's a very simple way to fix that problem – don't promote me. We discussed the issue with our age difference, and we don't care."
"Besides, you're twelve years older than your girlfriend, Jack," Kris added quietly.
Jack groaned and let his head drop onto his desk. "I knew that was going to come back to bite me in the ass," he whispered, causing Kris to smirk at her resourcefulness. "Fine, you have my permission," Jack finally consented. He was about to say something further when the red phone interrupted him.
He picked up the ringing appliance and shooed the two out of his office, "O'Neill…Hello Mr. President…No, sir, I haven't thought about it…You want to do what!…Promote her? To what?…Brigadier General, sir?…She'd be doing what?…Sorry sir, I didn't realize I was repeating everything you were saying…Alright, sir…Yes, I understand, sir…Well, then I guess I'll see you next week, sir…Goodbye, sir."
Jack sighed as he hung up the phone before picking up the gray telephone and speaking into the receiver, "Carter? Can you report to my office in the next ten minutes, please? Thanks."
Five minutes later, Sam Carter knocked on the door of her boss's office, impatient to find out why she had been summoned.
"Come," a disembodied voice said from the other side of the door. Sam opened the door and hesitantly entered, closing the door behind her.
"Hi, Carter, have a seat." Sam sat down nervously as Jack continued to speak from his seat, "I just got off the phone with the president. Apparently he thinks that when we go public that the Science and Archeology departments should be under separate command than the off world teams." He sighed before continuing, "He wants one Brig. General Carter to be the head of that department."
Sam could barely breath, one thought kept running through her mind – separate command. "Does this mean that we can…" she trailed off as Jack nodded fervently.
"Yeah. The president wants to perform the promotion ceremony with you himself, so he's going to come by next week for the big shindig."
Sam grinned like a mad woman, "I don't know if I can wait that long," she said as she leapt into Jack's lap, kissing him for all she was worth.
Chapter Eighteen
Kris looked again at the pile of clothes on her floor. She just couldn't find anything to wear on her date with Jeff. The first date had gone wonderfully, he had taken her out on a picnic at a promontory that looked over Colorado Springs. The night had been lovely, because it was a warm November; it was perfect weather for the meal.
Now it was the day before Thanksgiving – her birthday, and Jeff had told her that he wanted to take her out somewhere. Jeff insisted that it was a surprise and would only tell her that she should wear comfortable clothing that was easy to move around in and socks.
Kris began pacing her room again, she glanced at the clock – it was 1500 hours, she only had an hour and a half before he showed up. Deciding on a course of action, Kristie picked up the telephone and quickly dialed Sam's number.
"Carter."
"Hi, Sam, it's Kris."
"Hey Kris, what's up?"
"I don't know what to wear," the girl complained, knowing Sam wouldn't need an explanation.
"I'll be there in twenty," Sam said before she hung up the phone. Now that she was head of the entire science department, she had the wonderful ability to delegate most of the projects to those under her, freeing up a lot of her time. She had actually just finished up the last of her paperwork for the week when Kris had called.
Twenty minutes later, Sam Carter pulled into the O'Neill's driveway ready to face the hormones of the pregnant teenager. She knocked on the door and it was quickly answered by a disgruntled Kris dressed in a robe, and with wet hair newly cut to a pixie cut.
"Sam! Thank God, you're here," Kristina said as she allowed the Colonel access to the house and followed her into her bedroom.
"He told me to wear something comfortable and to make sure to wear socks." Kris growled in frustration, "Why do men have to be so vague!" she said, more as statement than a question.
Sam sighed, "I don't know, maybe he just likes surprising you? After all, it is your birthday."
Kris grinned, "I've only known the guy for six days, and he already wants me to spend my birthday with him."
"You're very lucky with that. I've known your uncle for nearly ten years, and each and every year he manages to forget my birthday."
Kris hit her head, like she just remembered something. "Oh, I forgot! Yesterday was your second anniversary for being a Colonel. I got you something."
Sam smiled, as the girl rummaged through her clothes for the missing present, "You didn't have to do that, Kris."
"Oh, but I wanted to. Especially since you won't make it through your third year of being a Colonel." She popped up with a small box in hand, "Ah, here it is!"
Samantha took the box from the younger girl and opened it to reveal a set of hair combs that matched her dress and jewelry for the presidential ball. "Oh, Kris they're beautiful," she said as she gave the girl a hug.
"I'm glad you like them. I didn't remember about the hair combs until after we had gotten home, so I went back two days ago and got them for you."
Sam smiled, tears coming to her eyes, "Thank you. Now, let's find something for you to wear." The older woman eyed the pile of clothing with a critical eye, before picking up a forest green maternity tank top, that fit Kris perfectly, and a pair of black pants that hugged the girl's curves but still gave her freedom of movement.
As Sam helped Kris into her tennis shoes, she resumed their conversation. "So, where do you think he's taking you?"
The younger woman shrugged, "I have no clue. He just told me to wear something comfortable and make sure I had socks on. Maybe he's taking me to play laser tag… nah, he probably thinks it's too dangerous for a pregnant woman to play. So I haven't got a clue."
Sam grinned, she was beginning to love this girl like a daughter – Kris was so much like Jack that Sam couldn't help but love her in a motherly way.
Kristie glanced at the clock – it was 1600 and she was hungry. "Come on, Sam. I know there's some food in this house somewhere. And I have serious doubts that you ate lunch before coming over."
"You're just like your uncle. Always trying to force me to eat," Sam muttered as the two walked into the kitchen and Kris began to forage through her uncle's refrigerator and cabinets.
"Yep, well we don't want you getting sick on us, now do we? Ooo! Lunchmeat and bread! We have the makings for sandwiches in here!"
"So, is the morning sickness easing up any?" Sam asked as the two ate their lunch.
Kris shook her head, "No, not really. But the babies don't really mind turkey, or bread, so that's why this is a dry turkey sandwich. My stomach is fine if I eat plain foods that don't have much flavor."
Jeff made his way down the streets towards his boss's house, swerving to avoid non-existent traffic. He pulled into the driveway to find only Kris's car there. Jeff glanced at his watch and saw that he was five minutes early and wondered if she would be ready.
He decided to brave the fact that she might not be ready to go, and got out of his car to knock on the door. Jeff was shocked to find Kris dressed in an outfit that accentuated her curves to the fullest, and made her look like a movie star.
"You ready to go?" he asked nervously.
"Yep, just let me grab my jacket," she said, eyeing the way he was dressed. Her boyfriend was dressed in loose hugging blue jeans and a button up black t-shirt that was done up all the way. "You look hot, Jeff," she commented as they walked to the car.
The young man flushed with embarrassment, "So do you."
Jeff blindfolded Kris half way through the trip so she really wouldn't know where they were going. When he finally pulled into a parking lot and turned to take the blindfold off, she gasped in surprise.
"Bowling?" she said with humor in her voice. "You're taking me bowling?"
Jeff grinned, "Yeah, I asked the General and he said that you loved to bowl, so I thought that it was fitting."
"How so?"
"I was on the bowling team all through high school."
Kris rewarded his thoughtfulness with a long, passionate kiss – their first. "Thank you so much."
It took a few moments for Jeff's mouth to catch up to his mind, so that he was able to respond. "If I get thanked like that, then I should do this kind of thing more often."
Kris grinned, "Yeah, you should."
Chapter Nineteen
The promotion ceremony was held, per usual, underneath the Stargate. The amazing thing about it was not only that the president himself performed it, but also that civilians not a part of the Stargate Program (A.K.A. Kristie, Julia Donovan, and a camera crew) were allowed to watch.
At the close of the ceremony, President Williams said into the microphone, "Ladies and gentlemen of the SGC and the world, I'm proud to present for the first time the co-commanders of the SGC, Brig. General's Jack O'Neill and Samantha Carter. May our enemies tremble in fear."
The room erupted in applause, as the new commanders of the SGC walked down the ramp of the Stargate together.
The two just made it to the end of the ramp when the Stargate began to activate. "Unscheduled off-world activation!" came Walter's voice from the control room where he watched the ceremony.
The president quickly moved off the ramp with the rest of SG-1. Jack and Sam raced up to the control room to find out if an IDC was coming through as the wormhole engaged, "It's the Tok'ra, ma'am, sir," Walter told them, as the iris locked closed.
"Open the iris," Jack called.
Out from the open wormhole sauntered one Jacob Carter. He looked around at everyone in their dress blues and looked up to the control room, "What? Did I miss it?"
Jack activated the microphone in the control room, "We just finished with the ceremony, actually. Hang on a second and we'll be right down."
A few seconds later, Sam was down in the embarkation room in her father's arms. Most of the base personnel started to get back to their jobs, as President Williams waited patiently with his two Secret Service agents, and a select few waiting for Sam and her father's attention.
Jacob saw the small crowd and didn't recognize two of them very well, so he disentangled himself from his daughter to inquire about whom the newcomers were. "Hey Jack, how's things?"
"Fine, Dad. You?"
"Oh, I'm fine. Sel's making sure of that." He smiled at he younger man, "Care to introduce us?" he said, indicating the young woman before him, trying to hide between Teal'c and Daniel.
Jack grin got bigger, "This is Kristina O'Neill, my niece. Kris, this is Jacob and Selmak, Brig. General Carter's father and his symbiote."
Kris extended her hand for the Tok'ra to shake, as she smiled warmly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. I've heard a lot about you."
"All good things I hope?" Jacob questioned lightly.
"Assuredly."
"You can call me Jacob – I really don't like being called 'sir' unless you're in the military. And you're Jack's niece, huh? I've heard nothing about you." The Tok'ra said with a sincere smile.
"Well I'd be very happy to fill you in on humorous stories about my uncle another time. I believe you came to scare him out of five years of his life?" Kris said this smiling innocently at her uncle, who glared in response.
Jacob turned his attention to Jack, "Oh yes, I remember now. So, Jack," the older man said, taking the younger man's arm, "Since I'm rather hungry at the moment, why don't we head out to get something to eat? I believe you promised me a grill the last time I was here."
Jack's smile now showed relief, "Yeah, why don't we head off base around 1700 hours, that way you'll have time to talk to the president, and I'll have time to finish up the rest of my paperwork for the weekend."
Chapter Twenty
Kristina absently rubbed her swollen stomach, as she pondered over the last two weeks. Thanksgiving had been a wonderful family affair, with Jeff and most of her uncle's friends in attendance. There had been turkey, stuffing and everything else for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, but there was also a 'plain' version of everything in case Kris started to get nauseous again.
Flashback to the day after Thanksgiving:
Kris walked into the kitchen dressed in loose sweat pants and an oversized tee shirt, to find her uncle sipping his coffee while he watched the news.
"Jack?" she asked softly as she sat next to him on the sofa.
"Yes, Kris?" he replied.
"I think we need to do a paternity test for the babies."
"Why? Did you find out who the father was?" Jack turned the television off and faced his niece.
Kris looked down, "Yeah, about that. I think I know who it is, but we need the test to be positive. There are some things about last Friday that I didn't tell you."
Her quiet demeanor was beginning to scare Jack, "What?"
"I had a confrontation with Todd Howardson. He said that I only slept with him that night at the party, and if that's true then he's the father. Todd said that if the babies are his, he doesn't want a thing to do with them."
"Then why did he tell you?"
Kristina met her uncle's gaze, "Because that's the kind of person he is. Todd was apparently concerned that I didn't tell him right after I found out I was pregnant, and he wanted to know why. It's just the way he is."
"What did you do when he said that he didn't want a thing to do with them?"
The girl smirked, "I broke his nose."
Jack chuckled, "That's my girl." The two were silent for a few moments before the aging man continued, "If he's the only guy you've ever slept with, why do you need a paternity test?"
Kris sighed, "Because that day after school when I met Jeff, we both heard the babies say, 'Daddy's here'."
Jack nodded; this was so confusing, "I'll get Janet to do it when we go in on Sunday for your appointment."
Fast forward to Saturday:
Jack looked at the Captain beside him as they walked up the pathway of the Howardson residence. "Are you sure you're up for this, O'Connor?" he asked concerned.
Jeff found that he couldn't form words so he nodded silently, this was going to be hard but he'd get through it. He was a soldier, and soldiers did not allow their personal feelings to get in the way of their duty, the man standing beside him was proof of that.
Both men were suffocating in their Class A's, but wearing them was worth the effort of instilling fear in the man they were about to try to get.
General O'Neill knocked on the door and the two men waited for it to be answered, both with their hats on their heads. A few seconds later, Melanie opened the door.
"Hello, I'm General O'Neill," Jack formally introduced himself, "And this is Captain O'Connor. Is Todd Howardson at home?"
Mel nodded, "Yeah, he's in the back. Come on in." She moved so she was no longer blocking the doorway, and led the two Airmen into the living room. "Just wait here for a minute and I'll go get him and our parents," she said before making a hasty retreat.
The flyboys remained standing in silence for a few minutes before an older couple and their son came into the room – Melanie had obviously chosen not to join in this particular discussion.
Mr. Howardson stepped forward, "Hello gentlemen, I'm Marcus Howardson, this is my wife, Agatha and our son, Todd. Please, take a seat. How may we help you two today?"
The five people sat down and Jack began talking, "My name is General Jack O'Neill, this is Captain Jeffrey O'Connor. We would like Todd to come with us for paternity testing."
Marcus looked at his son and back at the men before him, "Are you arresting him?"
"No, Mr. Howardson, your son isn't being arrested," Yet. "At the moment I am just trying to find out who the father of my niece's children is."
Todd took this moment to try and get the answer to a question he had asked a week ago. "Do you know how many children she's carrying?"
Jeff looked at him with a cold glare that the other man would hope never to see again, "Quadruplets. She's carrying quadruplets."
Todd could barely breath; what the hell had he done? "I'll go with you."
End flashback.
Chapter Twenty-one
Waiting was by far not one of Kris's strong points. She was like her uncle that way; she got antsy after having to wait fifteen minutes for test results. It didn't help matters any that the test results they were waiting for would tell them who the father of her babies was.
Jeff and Kristie had been the final two to arrive at Jack's house. Daniel and Teal'c watched the grill with Jeff, as Sam and Kris talked in the kitchen.
Kristina had given Janet (who had another two hours before her shift was over at the SGC and would be arriving later) strict instructions to not even think about leaving the infirmary until the test results came back and she could bring them with her. They had sent Todd home after he gave his sample, but not before he was 'accidentally' left alone in a room with Jack, Teal'c, AND Daniel (Jeff was in his office, catching up on some paper work).
The younger woman reached for a tea mug and as she was bringing her arm back to her side, the cup slid from her hand to shatter on the floor. Sam had been chatting happily about her latest project, but stopped as soon as she saw Kris freeze. The teen's knees buckled and she fell into Sam's waiting arms.
"Kris? Kris!" Sam called, trying to get the girl to look at her, as she slowly lowered her to the floor. "What's wrong?" she asked, as she saw Kristie's eyes lock with hers and recognition dawn on her young face.
"I was raped," she said in a small voice. "I was raped," she repeated, her voice raising in volume. She collapsed in a heap within Sam's arms, crying as she repeated the phrase over and over.
All the men came running in, at the growing sound of Kristina's hysterical cries. Jeff and Jack simultaneously saw the state Kristie was in and rushed to her side, Jack knelt down beside Sam, adding his voice to hers in telling Kristie that it was alright now and she was safe. Jeff made the mistake of putting his hand on her back like he had done the first day they met.
"Don't touch me!" Kris told him in a dangerously low voice.
Jeff jerked his hand back as if burned, then turned to Sam with confusion. Sam just shook her head, telling him that he should just leave it alone. "Come on, Kristie, lets get up off the floor and get you to your room," Sam said soothingly, to the young woman. "It's going to be all right."
Kris nodded, still crying, as Sam gently helped her up and walked with her into her room. Once there, Sam offered to stay with her, but Kristie refused, saying she wanted to be alone at the moment.
When Sam rejoined the men of SG1, Jacob and Jeff, she found them all in the living room, waiting anxiously.
Jack jumped to his feet when Sam entered, "Is she okay?"
Sam spoke with anger in her voice, "She's just realized that she was raped. Would you be 'okay'?"
Jack was taken aback at her tone and looked at Jacob with confusion. Jacob's eyes met his daughter's as he firmly said in full 'father' mode, "Now Samantha, is that any way to talk to your friend? How the hell is he suppose to know what happened to you when you were in high school?"
Sam sighed, "You're right, Dad. I'm sorry, Jack, that was out of line."
Jack was saved having to respond by someone knocking fervently at his front door. He stood and answered it to be confronted by a very haggard looking Janet Fraiser still in her BDU's and holding a medical folder as if it was the secret of life.
"Janet, glad to see you could make it," Daniel said, as she walked briskly into the living room.
Janet completely ignored his comment, "Where's Kristie?"
"In her room, why?" Jack asked, concerned.
"I have the test results."
Chapter Twenty-two
Jack opened the door to his house, as Sam and Jacob chatted away behind him. "Come on in, Jake," the younger man said. "I'm sure I have some steaks in the freezer, somewhere."
Sam giggled at him, "I made sure some were in there two days ago. Kris can't stand beef so they better still be in there, mister."
"Yeah, sure, you betcha!" Jack called as he found the steaks and put them on the counter.
"Hey, Sam? We don't have any ketchup or salad stuff, could you run to the store and get some?" He said this handing her his wallet. "Oh and get some dark chocolate chips for Kris, they're the only kind of chocolate she can still stand, and you know how she can get without chocolate."
"Yeah, sure, you betcha," Sam said, mimicking his earlier statement.
After Jacob heard the car start and drive away, he turned
Jack looked at him in surprise, "Just going straight to the point, aren't we, Dad?"
Jacob sighed, "Don't call me Dad right now, Jack. And stop trying to avoid the question!"
Jack winced and took something out of his pocket, it was a set of two white gold wedding bands.
"Aww, Jack, I'm sorry, but I don't think of you that way," Jacob said, eyeing the rings.
"Haha, very funny, Jacob. You know these are for Sam and me. I have every intention of marrying your daughter. But I wanted to get your blessing before I asked her."
Jacob looked Jack in the eye, "You have it. Just make her happy, Jack. That's all I ask - make her happy."
Jack nodded, accepting that order proudly, "I have every intention of doing that, Jake. She makes me feel like the luckiest man in the universe. God only knows why she chose to be with an old, beat-up soldier like me, but she did. I have every intention of making her happy because of that decision every day of her life."
Jacob nodded in consent, before breaking out in a grin, "I've really got to give Hammond a call. The guy owes me two hundred dollars now."
"What, the two of you bet when I'd ask Sam to marry me?" Jack said, with mock indigence – he had known about the betting pools regarding Sam and him for a long time.
"Actually we bet on whether you would ask me for my blessing before asking her."
Jack winced, "Then I guess it might be you who owes him the money. I kinda made my intentions for her clear about five days ago. No one besides Kristie should know, but…"
Jacob smiled, "But you didn't ask her five days ago, right?"
"Right."
"Then I still win."
The door being opened, by Daniel who was talking to Teal'c interrupted their conversation, "Well, how was I supposed to know that she likes the regular vanilla ice cream? It's not like I got Rocky Road? I got French Vanilla Bean! What the hell is the difference?"
"French Vanilla Bean has a stronger flavor than regular Vanilla and she still has a problem with too much flavor in her foods," Jack responded for the Jaffa.
Daniel looked at him frustrated, "Do you want me to go back and get the right kind?"
"No, I'll just call Sam and tell her to grab some. She knows what Kris will eat." Jack replied, grabbing his cell phone and dialing the number. He walked into the kitchen to put the bags away as he spoke to Sam.
Daniel sighed exasperated and somewhat relieved that he didn't have to leave again to go to the store. "So, where's Kristie and Jeff?"
Jack shrugged, "I think Jeff had to stop by his house to change his clothes."
"Why did he not just change his attire at the base?" Teal'c asked.
Jack shrugged, "I don't know. All I really know is that I trust my niece with my life, and I know that she wouldn't do anything 'questionable'."
Jacob looked at Jack quizzically, "Well, Jack, she is pregnant."
Everyone was in shock at Jacob's comment and looked at Jack to gage his reaction, "She was date-raped, Jacob."
Selmak took control of the body right as Kris, Jeff and Sam all walked in the door with grocery bags. "O'Neill, my host and I would like to confer with you privately about some matters pertaining to the Tauri's need for us to speak when you divulge the information pertaining to the Stargate to your nations' public."
Jack nodded, "Sure Selmak. We can talk in my office. Hey, Sam, Kris? Could you two start the salad in the kitchen while the others get the barbeque going?"
Kristie nodded, "Yeah, you betcha, Jack. You all go off and do manly things… Light fire, burn meat. Who cares? I'm not eating it!"
Chapter Twenty-three
Everyone stared at Janet as if she had just announced she was pregnant with Anubis's child.
"Where's Kristie?" Janet repeated, impatiently. She really wanted to get these results to the young woman.
Jeff pointed to her room and Janet was off to get her before you could say, "Apophis' resurrected".
Janet knocked on the door twice before hearing the sounds of Kristie saying, "Who is it?"
"Kristie, it's me, Janet. Can I come in?"
She heard the young woman get up off her bed and shuffle towards the door, before hearing the lock click out of place and saw it open to reveal a red, puffy eyed Kris in sweat clothes.
"What, Janet?" Kris sniffled, moving so the older woman could enter.
Janet sighed; she knew this wouldn't be easy for Kristie to handle. "I have the test results back from the paternity test."
Kris nodded and sat down again on her bed, "What's it say?"
"The biological father of you children is Todd Howardson."
Without speaking Kristina got up and walked past Janet to the door and into the living room. She looked at everyone silently, before resting her gaze on Jeff. "You're not the father, Todd is." Turning her attention to Jacob she added, "I'm sorry you had to witness my behavior earlier, Jacob, I don't have an excuse for my actions, and I apologize for acting like that in your presence."
Jacob shook his head, "There's nothing to apologize for, Kristie. You're actions were completely justified given the circumstances."
Kris nodded, "I still feel bad about it, Jacob."
Jacob nodded, "Now, I think the barbeque is ready for the steaks to be put on, so someone should probably do that sometime soon."
Sam nodded, "Why don't you guys do that? There's something I need to share with Kris and Janet."
Jacob nodded, already knowing what his daughter would be sharing with the other two women, and ushered the other men out into the backyard.
Sam sighed as she heard the back door close after the men. She turned to face the two waiting women and smiled nervously, "I guess we better sit down for this one."
When the three were sitting down, Sam began her tale, "When I was a junior in high school, Dad was stationed in the southern part of Florida. It was the end of May. May 27th to be exact, when it happened…"
Flashback:
Samantha Carter walked steadily into her automotives teacher's classroom. For some reason unknown to her, she had been called during her final class of the day to stay after the school day was over.
The young Sam Carter walked into the classroom to find her teacher, Mr. Stevens, sitting at his desk. Um, you wanted to see me, Mr. Stevens?" Sam said as the middle-aged man came into view.
Mr. Stevens smiled, "Ah, yes, Samantha. I wanted to discuss your grades." He looked her over once, taking in her curve hugging spring dress greedily. "You've been here since the beginning of this semester, and I've noticed a drastic drop in your grade during the past month."
At this point he rose from his desk and began advancing forward. "You have to get a perfect score on the final to be able to pass this class with anything higher than a C." He started stroking her cheek and suggestively ran his hand up and down her neck.
She shot him a famous Carter glare, side-stepping his attempts to move his hand any lower down on her anatomy. "What's that got to do with anything?"
Mr. Stevens smiled with a disgusting hunger in his eyes as he went and locked his classroom door. "Only that I'm in control over whether you remain in the top ten percent of this school." He started advancing again, "Give me what I want, and I'll give you what you want."
"No."
"Yes, you will, Samantha." And with that he jumped on her, pulling her underwear down in one fluid motion as he forced himself on her – all the while with Sam screaming out 'no'.
End Flashback.
Silence followed the finishing of Sam's tale and the three women joined in a group hug, tears in all their eyes. Sam was the first to pull back, "I'm not done." She took a shaky breath and continued, "Dad took me to the hospital the next day, when I told him what happened. He took the next two weeks off and let me take them off, also so that he could be there for me and I wouldn't have to deal with anything at school. I found out the next week that I was pregnant." At this point she looked Kristina right in the eyes, as Janet gasped in shock. "I had a miscarriage when I was ten weeks along."
When she was greeted with silence, the Brigadier General continued, "I didn't tell you this for your sympathy, but just so that you would know – if there's anyone who can understand even remotely what you're going through it's me. You're not alone in this and you never will be. I'm here for you, Jack is here for you, Janet is here for you, and Jeffis here for you. Even Teal'c and Daniel are here for you."
Janet interjected, "Although you could be a little nicer to Jeff about it. He wasn't the one who raped you."
Kris looked her in the eye; "I don't think I'll be able to be touched by any man without flinching for a while."
"And I can live with that," Jeff said from the doorway. "Just don't shut me out, okay? I'm here for you, Kristie – always."
Kristie nodded, tears coming to her eyes again, "Thank you, I just don't know what I did to deserve a guy like you."
Jeff grinned, lopsidedly. "The same thing I did to deserve a girl as great as you - nothing."
