Title: Stargate: SG-1 – New Families (A New Beginnings sequel)

Summary: Colonel Samantha Carter's new found happiness is tested as circumstances out of her control threaten her family.

Rating: MA for Mature Readers.

Disclaimer: The following story is purely a work of fiction created by borrowing characters from a television series with the purpose of entertainment. Characters other than originals remain the property of creators Brad Wright & Jonathan Glassner. No profit is gained nor is any copyright infringement intended towards Sony Pictures Television, Gekko Film Corp & MGM Worldwide Television.

Author's Note:Please take the time to review and nourish the Muse.

Chapter 4

Dana opened the door to her quarters and greeted the SF on guard outside in the corridor, "Good morning Airman."

"Good morning Brigadier. Generasl Hammond and Carter are waiting for you in the Control Room."

"Thank you."

Dana made her way to the elevator and rode to Level 27. She walked into the briefing room and down the stairs

As she approached the others positioned behind the bank of monitors, George asked, "Are you positive it's Colonel Ridley's IDC Chief?"

"Yes sir," replied Harriman.

Looking out, Dana watched the spinning inner track of the Gate and a security force positioning themselves around the ramp.

Sam turned to her and explained, "It looks like your Sam beat us to the punch."

Dana's smile was radiant, "That's my Sam and I knew she would have realised the convergence existed in her parallel universe."

"I figured it out at zero one hundred hours," admitted Sam humbly.

"I thought you would and I was an hour behind you."

Sam grinned at Dana with shiny blue eyes.

Dana gulped down her emotion, "I guess I better get ready to leave."

Janet reached for her hand, "Take care Brigadier."

"You too Janet and your true love is waiting for you just around the corner."

"Thank you."

Janet walked Dana down the stairs and they waited behind the blast door for Colonel Ridley.

-o-

Sam was sitting behind a control station beside Harriman as he manned the Gate computer. General Hammond was standing behind her watching Sergeant Siler making final adjustments to an energy weapon that was suspended from the track above the ramp.

"Good lord," uttered George. "I always get nervous when Siler is up in the cherry picker."

The Asgard Kvasir leered up at him, "There is a seventy five percent chance of him falling General."

Cameron chuckled, "I love this guy; he's so full of optimism."

Kvasir turned towards Mitchell, "Colonel, the percentage prediction of me ever finding humour in your comments, is zero."

"Hey Kvasir, I can work on that."

Sam tried to suppress her giggle and failed hopelessly. Daniel joined in as did George and Teal'c.

"Sir, the wormhole is remaining stable," announced Sam once she regained her composure.

"Excellent news Colonel Carter."

"If I am correct, the blast of energy we send through the wormhole will cause the space-time rupture to reverse, causing the convergence to invert. As soon as we establish the inversion, we can send Colonel Ridley through." Sam rotated and saw the confused expression on the face of Mitchell, "You just don't get it, do you?"

"Hell no Carter, but I know you do and that's why I trust you."

Siler stepped off the lowered platform of the scissor lift and everyone in the Control Room sighed audibly with relief.

He waved to them and yelled out, "WE'RE GOOD TO GO THIS END SIR."

George leaned into the intercom microphone and announced, "Okay people, clear the Embarkation Room."

The SF and technicians departed via the blast doors and once they were out of harm's way, the alternative Dana commented, "I guess that's my cue to leave."

She moved away as she heard the blast doors and Control room window shutters slid shut and George order Sam to activate the weapon. Dana turned around and watched the monitor view as the weapon fired up then sent out a long, bright white energy beam into the blue wave of the Stargate. She felt a hand on her shoulder and when she pivoted, she found Carolyn by her side.

"I wanted to say goodbye," explained the doctor in a soft tone.

"I'm glad you did Carolyn. There is something you should know."

"What is it?"

Dana reached for the other woman's right hand, "In my reality we were married for only two years, but your heart was never mine."

"Pardon?"

"Carol I was your one and only lesbian lover. You and I started out because of your curiosity and I guess I fooled myself into believing you were in love with me. You belong with someone else; just give yourself time to find them."

Carolyn began to cry, "Thank you for telling me that and I want you to know that I don't regret what happened between us."

Dana pulled Carolyn to her chest, "I don't either, you helped me say goodbye to my Carolyn."

Smiling through her tears, Carolyn confessed, "I want you to know you were the best lover I have ever had."

"Honey, a relationship is so much more than just sex, but I do appreciate the compliment and for a first timer, you were brilliant."

Carolyn laughed softly, "Take care Dana and be happy."

"You too honey." Dana lowered her mouth onto Carolyn's and kissed her tenderly.

The couple parted and Dana headed for the stairs. She overheard Sam say, "The wormhole is holding at 3.4 seconds. We are good to go sir."

"Open the blast doors and shutters Chief," ordered George.

Dana stepped inside behind the team of SFs and turned when she heard someone running down the stairs. It was George, Teal'c, Daniel, Janet and Sam.

George handed her a folder, "I've no doubt our Dana has passed on invaluable information to assist your SGC with your fight against the Goa'uld and Ori, but I wanted to be on the safe side."

"Thank you sir, my SGC will be extremely grateful to you all. On a personal note, I want to thank you all for your hospitality and Colonel Carter, I'm happy you didn't shoot me on our first meeting."

Sam smiled wryly, "You're welcome Colonel Ridley."

Dana started up the ramp, but she stopped and turned, "I'll not forget any of you, have a good life everyone." She stood to attention and saluted them.

The group of friends returned salute and Dana lowered her hand, turned heel and vanished into the rippling pool.

-o-

Dana let go of Janet's hand as she heard George welcome Colonel Ridley back home. The blast doors slide open and she moved inside the Embarkation Room. She balked when confronted by her alternate self, "Hello Colonel Ridley, I'd love to stay and chat, but I've got a hot date with my fiancée."

Colonel Ridley laughed, "I expect you do Brigadier, so don't let me keep you."

Dana approached the ramp and was surprised to hear alternate Sam's voice yelling out to her.

"WAIT A MINUTE BRIGADIER RIDLEY."

Dana turned around to find a beaming Sam running towards her, "What is it Sam?"

"Are you sure my Dana is the one?"

"I'm hundred percent certain and there is so much to learn about her. You are the one she will share it all with. You two have more in common then you realise."

"Thank you Dana."

"You're welcome Samantha." Dana hugged Sam and whispered, "Does this feel right?"

"Yes it does and I appreciate you sharing."

Dana pulled back and smirked, "You'll learn that your Dana likes to share and this is the other reason you and she belong together." She leaned in and captured Sam's lips in a soft kiss. It quickly turned to passion and Sam moaned from deep within.

Withdrawing, Dana clarified her actions, "We kiss well together Sam."

The blonde's jaw dropped and she mumbled, "Holy Hannah that was incredible."

"Go be with your Dana and find the love you deserve." Dana stepped into the blue and was gone.

-o-

Sam nervously waited at the bottom of the Gate ramp.

Janet was standing next to her as she said, "She'll be home soon sweetie."

"I feel so anxious Jan and she's only been gone a day."

"Well a lot has happened in those twenty four hours Sam."

"Oh god isn't that the truth."

Harriman announced over the intercom, "Brigadier Ridley is coming through now."

Dana walked onto the ramp and was all smiles when she saw her beloved surrounded by SG-1, George, Janet and Cameron. Her heart was full of love and longing as she strutted down the incline. Ignoring all protocol, she embraced Sam and seized her lips in a feverish kiss.

Sam yielded to her lover's show of affection and wrapped her arms around the brunette. The kiss went on for several minutes before Dana grudgingly released Sam's mouth.

Holding on tightly, she locked eyes with her and declared, "I missed you so much."

Sam smiled broadly, "Oh honey, I missed you too and I love you."

"And I love you. I don't know about you, but my report is going to be a doozy."

Sam laughed briefly, "Mine will have to be censored."

Dana raised her eyebrows, "You can explain that one in private, but for now I believe our friends want to say hello to me."

The couple separated and Dan hugged everyone in turn. She giggled when she cuddled Janet last, "I believe you are quite the vixen on the parallel universe."

Janet chortled, "Yes apparently you and I were all hot and heavy. Oh how lucky for alternative me."

Dana roared with laughter and stepped off the ramp, "It's so bloody good to be home."

Sam took her by the hand, "Come with me honey, there is someone I'd like you to meet."

"I'm all yours sweetheart." Dana faced George again, "I apologise for my blatant disregard for regulations sir."

"Under the circumstances you are excused Dana."

Sam led her up the stairs into the Control Room and Dana stopped moving the second she saw the Asgard. She knew Sam would have enlisted their help with technology to produce the bridge between the two worlds, but hadn't expected to meet one.

Kvasir turned his head and blinked several times, "Ahh Brigadier Ridley, I am pleased to see you have returned safely to your world."

"Dana may I present Kvasir," said Sam.

"It's a pleasure meeting you and my heartfelt gratitude to you for providing your assistance with my return."

Kvasir looked to Sam and she responded, "Yes Kvasir, I know you are waiting for the return of your equipment. I'll have Sergeant Siler pack it for you immediately."

"That is acceptable," replied Kvasir before beaming out.

Cameron stated the obvious, "He's not one for conversation."

"I thought he'd be taller," noted Dana dryly.

"I said the same thing when I first met him and thanks for providing all this entertainment on my first day back after leave Dana."

"I suppose I better go do my post-mission check up and get to my report," suggested Dana.

George chuckled, "I look forward to reading it Brigadier Ridley."

-o-

Dana was waiting for her blood work results when Kvasir suddenly beamed into the cubicle.

"I wished to extend an invitation to you to come visit the Asgard at your convenience Brigadier. I find your file fascinating and wish to learn more."

"Uhm, thank you Kvasir and I'll see what I can arrange."

Kvasir nodded and was gone in another flash of light.

Nurse Hathaway popped her head through the gap in the curtains and announced, "You are cleared to go Dana."

"Cheers," replied Dana while jumping off the bed and racing to her quarters.

She unpacked her kit before showering and as she walked out of the bathroom eight minutes later, she spotted a pair of briefs on the floor beside the bed. Not recognising them as a pair of Sam's, she picked them up and tossed them into the dirty clothes basket.

After taking an hour to complete her report, Dana sent a copy to George's computer then went to the fridge and retrieved two apples. She ate them while making her way to Sam's lab.

Dana entered the room and walked straight up to Sam. She was bent over her microscope and Dana quipped, "Nice view Colonel Carter."

"Glad you like it," responded Sam as she straightened up.

"I'm off home baby, when are you likely to be done here?"

"I've got about another hour or so before I'm finished."

"Okay, I'll see you at home. Do you want me to cook dinner?"

"Yes if you don't mind?"

"I don't. Do you have any requests?"

"Your meatloaf would be good."

"No worries and do we need anything for home?"

"No honey and you look tired."

"I am and I intend on catching a couple of hours sleep when I get home."

"That's a good idea and I'll wake you up when I get in."

Dana stepped into Sam, "God I hope so."

Sam brushed her lips against Dana's, "Get out of here before I forget where we are."

Dana kissed Sam hungrily then said, "That's something to tide you over with until later."

"I don't think so honey," challenged Sam before pulling Dana back to her lips.

Five minutes later Sam pushed back, "Now you can go home and wait for me to kiss you all over again."

"I look forward it. By the way, did you know we weren't a couple in the alternative reality?"

"I did, but I think that may change in their not too distant future."

"You can fill me in when you get home."

"Oh trust me darling, I intend to."

"On that note, I am totally ignoring your double meaning and going home. I love you madly and will see you soon."

"I love you too."

-o-

Two hours passed and Sam slid into bed and pressed into Dana's naked back. Lowering her lips to Dana's ear, she whispered, "I want you."

Rolling over, Dana smiled at her partner, "I want you too."

Ninety minutes elapsed and Sam collapsed back onto the pillows, "You really should be given an award for that honey."

Dana giggled and crawled back up along the bed. She nuzzled onto Sam's chest and softly kissed the splatter of freckles above the top of the right breast, "Do we have anything planned for the weekend?"

"No honey," answered Sam while stroking Dana's shoulder.

"Would you mind going to Nevada so I can organise the playlist with the band for Cassie and Reese's reception?"

"That sounds like a good plan and I guess you'll have to practice too."

"Yep."

"Oh good, I'll get to watch."

"You like to watch don't you?" teased Dana playfully.

"I love the way you move on stage and play your guitar. I get very proud of the fact you're my girlfriend and are so talented."

"That's sweet and I bought you a gift while I was out grocery shopping."

"You did?"

"Yes, but you can't have it until after dinner."

"Is it bigger than a lunch box?"

Dana giggled, "Yes and no more questions."

"Okay, I can wait."

"Oh, I found a pair of underpants on the floor of my quarters; do you care to explain that one?"

"Oh honey, you are not going to believe what happened in your absence."

"I assume it concerns my alternate."

"Yes it does."

"Oh god, please don't tell me she slept with Janet."

"No she didn't. How much did you find out about your other self?"

"Sam B and I had dinner last night and she told me a few things. Apparently, Dana B is married to Carolyn B, but they are separated and Dana B has been dating Janet B for a month."

"All right, the rest of that story is Dana B went on a mission six months ago and didn't return as planned. When she was listed as MIA Daniel B stepped in to comfort Carolyn B and they ended up in a relationship. Dana B found her way home and was shattered to find out her wife had moved on so quickly. Dana B started up with Janet B after she was assigned permanently to SG-6."

"Yeah I knew that part about Janet. I knew something was amiss during the debriefing when George B addressed me as Colonel and Janet B was feeling me up under the table."

"Oh crap."

"Don't panic baby, it wasn't too bad. It was just a thigh caress and during the post-mission physical, Carolyn B wouldn't talk to me. That was another clue that something was wrong."

"Apparently the night before Carolyn B had asked Dana B for a divorce."

"Shit," said Dana as she rose up and looked at Sam. "Bloody hell, Dana B slept with our Carolyn."

"Yep and I actually burst in on them when I realised it wasn't you that came through the Stargate."

"Oh Sam, that must have been incredibly hard on you."

"It was even though I knew it wasn't you. Actually seeing Dana B with Carolyn came as quite a shock."

Dana lowered her lips to Sam's, kissed her tenderly then confessed, "Sam I would never cheat on you, even with your alternative in another universe."

"I trust you unconditionally Dana. The thought never crossed my mind."

"Good and poor Carolyn must be so bloody confused."

"Maybe you should talk to her tomorrow."

"Will she be on duty?"

"No, she is rostered off."

"Okay I'll give her a call at home in the morning. When are you due back?"

"I'm off until Tuesday."

"Cool me too, but George and I are off to D.C. Wednesday morning to give evidence. Are SG-1 scheduled for any missions?"

"Not that I am aware of, but I do know George is planning on sending Atlantis another Z.P.M. to give them a full complement."

"Maybe you and I could volunteer for the trip?"

"Already done my love, I spoke to George yesterday morning."

"Cool and you'll be pleased to know in the parallel world Jack never divorced Sara and Charlie is a teenager with a younger sister named Samantha after her godmother."

"Oh that is wonderful."

"Sam."

"Yes honey?"

"If we are ever separated during a mission, promise me you won't give up on me until all avenues have been exhausted or all hope is lost."

"Dana, I promise, but I can tell you now I want you to do the same."

"I will and if I am killed, I want you to go on."

"Don't talk about that, besides I have already thought about that possibility and I won't be able to live without you."

"Oh god Sam I wouldn't be able to either."

Sam laughed, "Face it honey, we're bloody hopeless."

"That we are my Sam. Now it's time I got up and made dinner."

"Good because I am ravenous."

-o-

While Sam was busy doing the dishes, Dana was in the living room on the phone to Steve.

"No problem Kanga and we'll expect you some time Friday afternoon."

"I'll call when we've checked into the hotel."

"I look forward to it and I'll let the other guys know tomorrow on base."

"Thanks Steve, see you soon."

"Bye Kanga."

Dana hung up and went into the kitchen and found Sam on her phone.

"That sounds good Cassie and I'm so glad all your plans are finalised."

Dana waved to Sam, "I need to talk to her baby."

"Kiddo, Dana wants to speak to you."

"Okay mom, talk to you soon."

"Bye honey."

Sam handed over her phone and Dana kissed her on the lips.

"Do you want a drink of water?" Sam asked.

"Yes please," answered Dana before addressing Cassie. "Hello Doctor Carter-Fraiser."

"Hey Doctor Ridley, good to see you are home."

Dana wrapped her left arm around Sam's waist, "It's wonderful to be back. Listen, I'm hooking up with the band this weekend and we'll be working on your playlist. How long do you want us to play for and can you discuss your preference for songs with Reese and get back to me before the morning?"

"Sure Dana. Reese will be home any minute and we'll get on it tonight."

"Thanks Cassie, talk to you then, bye."

"Bye."

Sam took her cell phone, "I'm off to shower. Do you want to join me?"

"You go on up baby; I've got another call to make."

"Okay I'll see you in the bedroom then we can talk some more."

"Before you go Sam, I was thinking maybe instead of flying to Nellis we could leave tonight and drive."

"If you want, that's fine with me honey."

"It's just under a twelve hour drive and we could find a hotel along the way once we get tired. That way we can take our time."

"Sounds like a good plan and it will give your new truck a workout."

"Thanks baby and it means I can take my guitars and sound equipment with us."

"That's even better. When do you want to leave?"

"As soon as we shower and pack."

"What about my present?"

"Oh, it can wait until we get home."

"So it's not a cat then?"

"No and yes I know you like cats, but neither of us has the time to look after one."

"Cats look after themselves and I could always take one to work with me."

Dana scrunched up her face, "I guess so."

"I gather by that look you are a dog person."

"Yep, but we have no time to look after one of those either."

Sam slipped her hand into Dana's, "We'll see my love."

-o-