Bells Are Ringing

The night before the wedding all the girls were gathered at Sam's former house. She was already nervous as hell.

"We've agreed that each of us would get you something to wear at the wedding," Cassandra said pulling out something and presenting it to Sam, "So, here's something new…"

Sam took the little box, extracting a silver bracelet that had engraved the words 'forever and ever and ever and ever,' on the surface. The words joined making a full circle and to a casual observer it would look like decoration. "This is beautiful! Thank you!" she hugged Cassandra, kissing her on the cheek.

"Okay, okay, now me!" Vala said impatiently, giving her a little box as well.

"Let's see…it's an undergarment!" Sam laughed at the sight, blushing a little remembering the last time she wore one and Jack's excitement.

"That's for something old. It's my lucky one! You wouldn't believe how it can drive man crazy…"

"Oh, believe me I know," Sam interrupted blushing again.

"Um! Pray tell!" Cassandra saw the look on Sam's face, and was very interested in the details.

"No! No!" Katana yelled trying not to sound disgusted. "It's my turn!" she hoped to changed the subject, and it worked. Sam took yet another little box, opening it instantly; this time Sam pulled a silver necklace from the box with a small pale blue round shaped rock, very delicate.

"It's gorgeous! Thank you," Sam hugged Katana as well as the two women before her. "Thank you all, this is great," she paused, "I just hope that everything goes right tomorrow…" she lowered her head a little.

"Hey," Cassandra pulled her chin up, "everything's gonna be fine. There's no reason to worry."

"Yeah, I know, but I can't help myself…"

"You worried Jack's not gonna show up?" Vala interrupted, "Because that will never happen!"

"No! Of course not!" she laughed at the thought, "He knows that he wouldn't live for long if he doesn't show up," she joked.

"Than what?"

"I don't know… what if something happens and the Ori attack… or I don't know, something blows up at the SGC, or…"

"Okay, okay! We get the picture," Katana stopped her, "I can tell you for sure that nothing will happen to stop you from marrying Jack!"

Sam smiled widely at those words.

"Now, we want you to try the dress on," Vala said.

"Okay," Sam got up momentarily hopping like a child, and went to the bedroom.

"You're sure that nothing's gonna happen?" Vala turned to Katana when she was sure Sam wouldn't hear them.

"Nope," Katana said to their surprise. "I had to tell her something to calm her down, otherwise she wouldn't be able to enjoy her own wedding," Katana justified her lie, which met the approval of the two women. "But I'm sure that if something happened at their wedding I'd know about it," Katana assured them.

Sam returned moments later. The white, strapless dress followed the line of her body, falling freely at the bottom. She looked stunning.

"How do I look?"

The trio stood open mouthed in amazement.

"Wow!" Vala finally said with a sound of admiration.

Cass whistled, and Katana was speechless. Her mother was beautiful. 'Who am I kidding, beautiful doesn't cover it.'

When the doorbell rang, Sam looked up in surprise as Vala grinned behind her back. Opening the door a fireman winked at her asking "So, where's the fire?" And proceeded to enter with the other men trailing behind him.

"Vala!"

"Oh yes!" Vala said satisfied at the appearance of the men.

Sam tried covering Cassandra's eyes, but realized it was useless, she was an adult and obviously enjoying the show.

The guys did the same for Jack. He protested a little but gave in in the end. The only one who didn't have such a great time, was Teal'c who kept saying to the girl: "Please remove yourself from my lap, or I will be forced to do so myself." She finally told him 'seductively' she'd love for him to do just that. It was pretty much then when the party was over.

SJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJ

The following day, people were gathered at the old compound, near Jack's cabin, that he'd rented for the wedding. It was the end of May, and the weather allowed for an outdoors wedding.

Jack was ready, standing in front of the minister in his blues, awaiting his bride. He knew she had arrived but he didn't understand what was taking so long.

The first ones to walk down the aisle were Cassie and Daniel, followed by Vala and Teal'c, and Katana and Cameron.

Than Sam came from the house, walking hand in hand with General Hammond. Jack was sure he was hallucinating. An angel was coming towards him. No, it had to be Sam. She was escorted by a big bold man, and there was no chance he could be mistaken for an angel. A Cupid maybe.

Sam wore a beautiful smile walking towards the man she loved. Jack was hers.

She didn't notice the people or their stares as they admired her beauty; her eyes were locked on Jack. He was hers, and she could never belong to another man.

As she took his hand they turned to the minister but the happiness in their eyes they shared just with each other. They agreed that they would say traditional vows and turning again to each other they spoke each in turn, repeating the words solemnly.

When the time came for the couple to say their 'I do's' Katana held her breath in anticipation. It was like witnessing history. The event that insured the creation of the O'Neill family. A tear escaped her eye, but this time it was a tear of joy.

"You may now kiss the bride."

"Yes sir!" Jack turned to Sam pulling her into a kiss. "You're mine now," he whispered close to her lips.

"Wouldn't have it any other way," she whispered back.

The reception got underway with the newlyweds First Dance. General Hammond took Sam away from her husband at one point, leaving Jack standing alone.

"May I have this dance?" Katana pulled his hand gracefully, leaving him no choice but to take her for a spin.

"So, do you like it here so far?" Jack wore a big smile.

"How can I not," Katana replied with matching his grin.

Jack took on a more serious expression. "You didn't when you first came, are we so terrible in the future?"

"No, you're… no," Katana stumbled with words, "I'm the terrible one… You know," her strength of voice returned, "when you get to know me, please don't take anything I say or do seriously."

"Okay," he simply said.

Katana watched her father dazzled . He was such a strong man, intelligent, competent. On an impulse she hugged him and gave him a big kiss on the cheek.

"What's that for?"

"Congratulations on your marriage, and a thank you for letting me be a part of your lives."

Jack looked at her oddly, knowing full well there had to be more than that, but accepted her explanation for now. "Don't mention it."

Like many times before Katana had once again reminded him of Sam, and he stared at her familiar eyes, wondering just how the hell she managed to get under his skin so easily. "You remind me so much of Sam, you're eyes…" he blurted it out.

Katana panicked. "I, I …" she stuttered, "We don't look that much alike."

"Can I get my husband back," a voice came behind Katana. She turned instantly to meet the eyes that are so recognizable.

"Of course," Katana regained her composure, backing away slowly, trying not to meet Jack's continuous stare.

Sam smiled at Katana's behavior. "What's the deal with her?" she wrapped her arms around Jack, moving to the rhythm.

"I don't know," Jack said sincerely. "I mentioned how she reminds me of you, and she started acting strange."

Sam shook her head at his insistence at that. "We don't look that much alike," she rejected the idea, but even so, there was a part of her that always went high with pride when he said that.

"Yeah, right," his sarcasm was obvious, but Sam chose to ignore it.

They danced in comfortable silence; his hand kept going to Sam's belly, like he was making sure it was all true. It still hasn't started showing but just the knowledge his children are in there was enough.

Jack didn't like toasts but there was nothing he could do about it when General Hammond tapped his glass, demanding attention.

"As their Commanding Officer, I was always proud to have people of their character under my command," he spoke strongly.

"Why thank you sir," Jack injected, "that was wonderful."

Hammond looked at him smiling. "I'm not finished."

"Oh." Jack played innocent.

For a moment there George wondered if he should make this a very long speech and making his retribution for all the trouble Jack caused him over the years, but decided against it. "But as an ordinary man, I am proud to call them friends. I have never met two people so right for each other, and I am grateful for the opportunity to watch them create a family together. Sam and Jack," he turned to face them, "I wish you all the love and happiness you can withstand."

Sam took hold of Jack's hand, holding it tightly. "Thank you, sir."

"To Sam and Jack," the General raised his glass, but Jack interrupted again.

"George," Jack spoke his name awkwardly, "I believe there's something missing."

Sam looked at him, frowning, but Hammond understood perfectly.

"God speed, and good luck," he finished and everyone laughed as they understood Jack's reluctance to undertake any mission without those words. "That's of course intended for you Sam," the general added, "he's yours now," for the first time in ten years, he had managed to get the better of Jack O'Neill and it felt good.

"Alright, alright," Jack tried calming down the laughter, but Sam stopped his attempts with a kiss.

"To Sam and Jack," he repeated taking the sip of champagne, and everyone followed.

At the end of the evening Sam tossed the bouquet right into Vala's hands, and then glanced at Daniel meaningfully.

Vala grinned knowing the Earth tradition associated with the bridal bouquet, and Daniel didn't appear to dislike the idea.

Sam knew that for the first time since Sha're's death, Daniel had found a woman he loves, and he had confessed to her that the possibility of spending the rest of his days with Vala didn't disagree with him.

Alone with Jack, Sam rested her head on the back of the Limo seat as they set off to their honeymoon. Jack hadn't wanted anyone to know where they were going, so they wouldn't be interrupted. Of course, she had left a contact number just in case and Jack pretended he didn't know.

SJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJ

Over the next seven months Katana spent all her free time with Sam and Jack. Her integration in SG-1 went perfectly. They trusted her with their lives and she did the same. They found themselves in rough situations every now and than, but managed to pull through, and Katana's 'powers' came in handy a few times.

Sam read everything there was about babies, and now was listening only to classical music as some scientists deducted it improves the intellect of children who were exposed to it in their mother's womb. Jack was going crazy, but Sam stood firm about it.

Katana adored her parents. They were loving, smart, funny people. All of a sudden she found herself proud for being their daughter. For some reason Katana always blamed her mother more for abandoning her, but now, she only had love for Sam.

When Katana first met them, she gave them the benefit of the doubt and wanted to listen to their reasons for leaving her, but all they said was it wasn't their choice. After that she didn't want to listen.

Katana tried hacking into the files of the year she was born, but came up empty. It was frustrating there were no records, and she thought her parents were so guilty they had to erase evidence of their shame. Who knew Katana herself was the reason there were no documents of that year?

It was obvious to her now that her parents wanted her, and only something horrible would've made them give her up. The time was ticking, and Christmas, her birthday was only two days away. Sam and Jack had invited everyone to their place with Sam being so close to birth, but none of them knew they won't be celebrating it this year.

Katana walked through the base with these thoughts, when Cameron found her.

"Hey!"

"Hey Cam."

"I've been looking for you," he said, "SG-3 has returned with some information, and general Landry asked as to come to the briefing room in 20 minutes."

"Oh? Why?" Katana tried to stay focused.

"SG-3 has returned with some important information," he repeated slowly. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Katana looked away from him, "SG-3, important information, I'll be there, I just need to go to my quarters for a moment," she needed to get away from him, from people, she didn't want to be here, she should be with her parents protecting them…

"Okay," Cam yelled after her, "don't make me come for you again!" he threatened jokingly.

Katana waved her hand off. "I'll be right there."

Twenty minutes later she and the rest of SG-1 were all present and accounted for.

"We have a problem," Landry started and Katana didn't like it one bit. "Apparently the Ori want to establish a strong hold on P3P-X45."

"The Relly?" Daniel knew the planet in question since SG-1 was the first to make contact with them.

Landry nodded. "Yes. We were fortunate they were already warned before the Ori arrived. They have accepted all the terms the Ori have imposed, but they're still on our side and willing to help us fight them."

"That's good news," Vala's voice gave away her insecurity.

"Yes, and no. The Ori want to make P3P-X45 their base for this galaxy. Apparently Adria is due to arrive in a day," Landry said.

"Why do they need a base? They can just come and go from this galaxy to theirs," Katana finally got involved.

"Well actually they can't go. They can come, but they can't risk closing the worm hole from their galaxy to ours since we may try to disable it. So they need a base, and we can't allow that to happen. I'm sending you to see what the situation is, and if we don't find a way to stop them…" his voice trailed off.

"Sir, I can't go," Katana's tongue was faster than her mind. She still hadn't found an excuse to stay behind there – than the truth – which wasn't an option.

The statement surprised everyone at the table.

"What? Why? Is there something wrong? Dr Lam gave you a clean bill of health," they were all talking at once when Landry raised a hand and stopped the eruption of disapproval.

"Katana, Dr Lam gave you a clean bill of health, you're good to go."

"I know sir, but I can't go."

"Why?" Landry asked.

"Sir, its Christmas in two days. We have to be here," Katana tried to explain but it only appeared as if she didn't want to miss out on a Christmas party.

"Katana you're going, and so is the rest of SG-1, there's no debating this," Landry spoke firmly. "You might be our only chance in defeating the Ori, so you are absolutely necessary on this mission."

"Sir, I'm good at hiding us from the Ori Priors, but I can't imagine myself to be strong enough to go against an actual Ori!"

"I've seen you in action Katana," Cam folded his arms proudly, "I think you could handle it."

"You have no way of knowing that," Katana shook her head frantically.

"We already know Adria can only concentrate on one thing, while you can do multiple actions," Daniel butted in.

"It is possible that Adria is too young to know how to use her powers correctly," now Teal'c joined in, "even if you are weaker from Adria, you will be able to defeat her since you have been using your powers longer."

"Wait, have you ever stopped to ask me? You already seem to have it all planned out. I can't interfere with your future!" she practically yelled at them out of frustration. "I won't go!"

"Like it or not, you're already affected future, there's no turning back now," Landry stated firmly.

Katana knew he's right. Everything pointed in the direction that she had changed a significant part of their lives, non-existing records, the fact she saved Sam's life, missions she had participated in. Everything.

"So you expect me to fight this Adria person?"

"We haven't been able to develop a weapon to neutralize her. For now you're our best hope," Landry said, "Gear up, you leave within an hour," with that he left them.

Katana was deep in her thoughts, and didn't pay much attention to the conversation about the mission any more. They were due to embark in an hour, report back in 12 hours, possibly stay on the planet for a day or more, depending on the situation. All she could think was her own fate, and what would happen in two days.

SG-1 went through the 'Gate to find Ori forces waiting on the other side. But the soldiers of the Ori only witnessed the worm hole engage, but no one stepped through.

"I can never get used to this," Cameron walked freely down the stares, passing one Ori soldier, waving in front of his face.

The time has stopped for everyone on the planet besides them. Like many times before, Katana has used her abilities to hide them from the enemy; sometimes they were just invisible, other times, they moved freely when everyone else seemed to be frozen. It was a good way to do recons.

The Gate was near the village, but they moved into a different direction.

"We have to hurry," Katana was already at the end of the open space, ready to move into the forest.

Sirius, a man they knew from their previous visits to this planet, waited for them by the river.

"Dr Jackson, it is a pleasure to see you all again," he greeted the rest of them with a nod.

"Sirius," Daniel nodded back. "What happened?"

"There are three Ori ships in orbit and two on the ground. They will not let us do anything, except prostration. It is not much they ask of us, but still we value our freedom. There is word that two more ships are coming, and the one that brings the Orici is coming the day after tomorrow."

SG-1 looked at each other, than all of them significantly turned to Vala.

"Don't worry, I've come to terms she isn't my daughter," she said a bit shakily but strongly. "I was just a means for getting one of their own to this galaxy," she continued convincing herself as much as everyone else.

"I have prepared a place where you could watch everything that goes on in the village," Sirius said not reading too much into Vala's words and not really caring.

They walked in silence, Sirius leading, followed by Cameron. They were going upwards, and before long they arrived in front of a cottage, on a cliff that looked directly to the village.

"It has been abandoned for years now, nobody comes here and you will be safe to observe," Sirius said, "I am sorry but I have to go now, it is time for prostration."

"Yes, yes. Go, and thank you," Daniel waved him off.

They assumed their positions for observation but after two hours it was obvious there's nothing to observe. The people were prostrating, while the soldiers walked around checking every house to make sure nobody's missing the joy of praying to the Ori.

SJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJ

"Sam!" Landry said surprised. "What are you doing here?"

She walked slowly holding on to Jack. "Sir. I wanted to grab a book I left in my quarters."

"You shouldn't have come all the way here, we could've sent it to you…"

"Thank you! That's what I've been trying to tell her," Jack said annoyed, but he couldn't resist those blue eyes when she asked him to take her.

"It's alright sir, I really wanted to get out of the house, and…"

Sam disappeared in a flash of bright light leaving her thought unfinished.

"Hank?" Jack's voice asked in nervous agitation. "What the hell just happened?"

GENERAL LAUNDRY TO THE CONTROL ROOM. GENERAL LAUNDRY TO THE CONTROL ROOM.

Jack and Laundry were there within a minute.

"Sir, we have reports of an Ori ship exiting hyperspace, but it was only here for 30 seconds, it's gone now," Walter said as they entered.

Jack's hands were on his head. 'This is not happening'

"Sirs?" Walter looked questionably.

Landry couldn't believe it. "They've got Sam."

TBC