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 8
"Welcome home," George announced as Sam and Dana trod onto the ramp.
"It's a pleasure to be back sir," acknowledged Sam cheerfully.
Dana gave George a half-hearted wave.
Sam looked at her, "You better get to the Infirmary Brigadier."
Dana didn't reply, instead she ran to the nearest bathroom and vomited.
George meet Sam at the bottom on the incline and asked, "Should I be concerned Colonel Carter?"
"No sir, Ridley is suffering motion sickness."
With a furrowed forehead, George noted, "That's a first."
"She had a few too many drinks last night with the locals and ran out of the lollies she chews on before jumping."
Chuckling, the General patted Sam on the back, "You better go check on her then."
"She'll get no sympathy from me; it's a purely self-induced affliction."
"You are a hard woman Sam."
"Dana said the same thing to me after barfing for the first time this morning."
Sam was still tittering away when she walked into the Infirmary fifteen minutes later.
Janet approached her with a hug, "Welcome home sweetie."
"Hey Jan, how's the family?"
"Perfect, but your fiancée is not so good."
Sam frowned, "Oh, I just thought it was a hangover."
Janet took hold of Sam's elbow, "No Sam, it's more than that. She's picked up some type of virus."
"Oh boy," mumbled Sam.
"I'm waiting for her blood work results."
"Can I see her?"
"She's in Obs one under quarantine until we can isolate the problem."
"Gee, of all the rotten luck."
Janine Caldwell approached holding a printout, "Brigadier Ridley's results Doctor."
"Thank you," replied Janet before reading the findings then sighing. "Your girl has the flu."
"That's a relief. We are supposed to be flying to Nellis tomorrow for the weekend."
"Is Dana practicing with the band for the wedding?"
"Yes."
"Cassie told me all about Dana's stage presence."
Blushing brightly, Sam shared, "Oh yeah, she is something else all right."
Janet laughed, "In that case I look forward to the reception. Come on let's go see Dana then you can take her home after I've given her a shot or two."
-o-
"What are you doing out of bed?" chided Sam when she heard Dana on the stairs.
"I'm feeling much better and was missing you," replied Dana as she took a seat on the couch beside Sam.
Raising her wrist, Sam checked the time, "Well you did sleep for five hours and certainly look brighter."
"I've had a shower and am hungry." She nuzzled into Sam's ear, "It's your fault I got sick."
"How do you figure that?"
"It was from being arse naked on the balcony."
Sam giggled softly, "Actually, I think you may be right."
"Can you make me some of your delicious pancakes baby?"
"I've already made you some chicken and vegetable soup."
Brown brows rose, "From scratch?"
"Yes honey."
"Yummy."
Sam stood up, "Stay here and I'll fetch you a bowl."
Returning minutes later, Dana eagerly accepted the bowl of steaming broth.
"What time do you want to leave in the morning?" she asked between spoonfuls.
"Eight works for me."
"Good and this is great darling."
"So are you." Sam pulled the blanket over Dana's legs, "You have to stay warm honey."
"I like how you look after me Sam."
Looking at the near empty bowl, Sam enquired, "Would you like some more?"
"Yes please then I am going to take you up to our bedroom and make love to you."
"Oh boy, thank goodness you are not contagious."
-o-
Dana recovered swiftly and the weekend trip the Nevada was hectic but fun. Sam went shopping with the wives again and purchased a wedding gift for the girls, new shoes and a handbag.
On the return home, Dana stopped at the bank and Sam withdrew cash from the ATM so she could pick up a few groceries next door at the supermarket. Jumping into the passenger seat after placing several paper bags on the back seat, she tossed the transaction receipt at Dana.
"What was that for?" protested Dana as she reversed out of the parking bay.
Sam pursed her lips before speaking, "I thought we settled on $200,000 for the sale of my house?"
"We did and that's how much I transferred to your account," replied Dana sheepishly.
"So how do you explain the fact I have a 1,806,056 dollar bank balance? I seem to be $1,000,000 richer."
Dana shrugged her shoulders and scrunched up her nose, "Internal computer glitch?"
Sam gave Dana a frosty glare, "Glitch my ass."
Dana pulled into their street, "Oh okay, happy birthday."
Anger dissolved and Sam giggled, "You're a little early and you already bought me a motorbike."
"Happy Anniversary."
"Still too early."
"Happy Halloween."
Laughing, Sam ran her hand down Dana's arm, "You really are something else honey."
"I did it the same day I changed my will," confessed Dana as she raised the garage door.
"Say what?"
"Before we left for Atlantis I faxed my lawyer a new will."
"I thought you'd already done that honey?"
Driving into the vacant spot, Dana put the SUV into park and killed the motor, "I had, but I made a couple of amendments."
"Oh okay, so why the money into my account?"
"For no other reason other than I love you."
Sam got out and grabbed the groceries while Dana collected their bags, "That's very sweet and remind me to thank you after dinner and my cello lesson."
"Don't worry I will," promised Dana. "Oh, before I forget, I've got the builders arriving tomorrow."
"Builders?" queried Sam while opening the side door.
"I'm having a veranda built outside our bedroom so we can put our telescopes out there."
The couple walked into the kitchen and Sam giggled, "Great idea my geek."
"Do you want me to cook dinner while you go call the girls?"
"Okay," replied Sam before kissing the breath out of Dana then allowing her to take the luggage up to the bedroom.
-o-
By Friday night the tenth of October, the deck outside Dana and Sam's bedroom was complete and SG-1 had jumped three times and formed trade relations with three new worlds. Janet had joined two of the missions and was currently retelling Carrie during a get together about the unfortunate slide on her butt down a mud hill.
Everyone burst into laughter and Janet refilled wine glasses.
After the debriefing, Janet had invited the team to her place for dinner. George, Daniel and Teal'c all had prior engagements, so that only left Sam, Dana, Cassandra and Reese. On her way out of the base, Janet had run into Carolyn and asked her to attend too.
Carolyn stopped laughing, "Carrie, you should have seen Janet trying to explain why she had twenty pounds of mud inside her shirt when she turned up at the Infirmary. I walked in and there was this pile of sludge sitting on the floor with your wife looking ever so sheepish and saying "oh my god" over and over."
Janet roared, "I was so freaking embarrassed and it didn't help when Carolyn here started parading in all the staff to take a look. It looked like a freaking elephant had taken a dump."
Sam wiped away the tears, "I hope someone took a photo."
"Don't worry sweetie," replied Janet. "Your girl ran off and grabbed a camera from the store room. I plan on using the shot for Christmas cards this year."
Carried pulled Janet into her arms, "You are too funny darling. Have you told everyone our happy news?"
Janet looked at Carrie with glistening eyes, "No, you go ahead honey."
Placing her chin on top of Janet's head, Carrie announced, "As of yesterday afternoon, Janet and I are officially married."
After congratulatory hugs and kisses, Janet explained, "We went down to the Registry Office at the Courthouse. We decided against the whole ceremony ritual because in our opinion we've been married for two years."
Dana stood and headed for the door, "I'll be back in a couple of minutes ladies." She was out of the house before Sam could ask her where she was going or what she had planned.
-o-
Dana walked back into the living room carrying two chilled bottles of Moet and a box of cigars. Carrie went into the kitchen to retrieve five flutes and an hour later, she was sitting on the backstairs with Carolyn and Dana smoking a cigar. All three were anything but sober and looking up to the night sky.
Dana pointed to her left, "That one over there is Orion."
"Wow," said Carrie in awe. "You really do know them all."
Tittering, Dana admitted, "Yes I do and I am a geek."
Carolyn added, "She is, I've seen it for myself."
"So you and Sam have that in common then," stated Carrie.
Dana exhaled some smoke then giggled, "Why yes we do."
Carolyn turned the Dana, "Why are you laughing?"
"Sam's geekness is bloody sexy."
Carolyn chuckled at the confession, "Janet told me Sam said the same about you."
Nodding, Carrie enquired, "How hard is it working side by side with the woman you love?"
"We remain professional and it gives me a particular sense of comfort knowing I am right there to protect her."
"Wow that is so romantic."
"There's nothing I wouldn't do to keep Sam safe."
"That's true Carrie," stated Carolyn. "Dana threw herself in front of a staff weapon blast meant for Sam. It nearly killed her; that's true love and very beautiful."
"No more alcohol for you Doc," taunted Dana. "You are getting too mushy."
"Sorry," apologised a tittering Carolyn.
Dana put an arm around the doctor, "I'm only messing with you."
Carolyn cringed and pulled away.
"Sorry, I forgot about my randy alternative self."
"Oh it's okay; I just forget sometimes when I look at you."
"I know how hard this is Doc. When I was in the parallel universe I wanted to touch the other Sam."
Carolyn dragged on her cigar, "Yeah, but you didn't have mind blowing sex with her."
"You've got a point there," agreed Dana.
"I certainly do understand why Sam is always happy and content."
"Why is that?" asked Sam as she and Janet walked out onto the deck.
"Oh shit," muttered Carolyn with embarrassment.
Dana raised her left hand to Sam, "That's because you are a spunky monkey."
"A spunky monkey?" queried Sam while taking hold of her lover's hand.
"It's the best I could come up with under pressure."
Bending down, Sam kissed Dana on the top of her head, "Are you ready for home honey, we've got an early start in the morning?"
"All right baby. Sorry guys, I've got to go, the boss is cracking the whip."
Sam laughed, "Yes and you love it my love."
Dana stood and grinned at her, "I certainly do baby."
-o-
Dana ambled into the bathroom and handed Sam her ringing cell phone, "It's the Control Room."
"Oh crap, this can't be good news," reasoned Sam as she took the phone. "Colonel Carter speaking."
"This is Sergeant Torres, sorry to bother you at home this early Colonel. We have just received a communiqué from your father advising us he is arriving at zero nine hundred hours."
"Thank you for the message Sergeant Torres and I'll be there shortly." Finding Dana in the walk-in-robe, Sam apologised, "Sorry honey, but there's been a change of plans. Dad is on his way here."
"Oh pooh."
Sam glided her hand over Dana's right hip and suggested, "You still go and I'll get there as soon as I can. You know dad will probably only be here for a couple of hours to visit with Janet and the girls. I can catch a later flight."
Dana zipped up her duffle bag and turned to Sam, "Are you sure?"
"Yes honey, you go to band practice."
They both burst out laughing and Dana joked, "That sounded like I am high school."
"It did and I'll call you when I am on the way."
"Okay, I better get a move on baby." Drawing Sam into her arms, the farewell kiss took seven minutes.
-o-
Dana spent the weekend without Sam as Jacob stayed until Sunday night. He had a glorious dinner with his ex-daughter in-law and her family on Saturday night and Sam escorted her father back to SGC at seventeen ten hours.
"I will return in two weeks' time on the twenty fifth Samantha."
Sam's face lit up, "Are you staying until Cassie and Reese's wedding?"
"Yes I am. I have arranged a little break from duty and can share some quality time with everyone."
"That will be great dad."
"I look forward to getting to know your Brigadier Ridley a little better."
"Just promise not to interrogate her like last time."
"I promise Samantha. I love you; now kiss your father goodbye."
Sam did and Jacob pecked her on the head before stepping through the Gate.
Driving home, Sam called Cassandra and told her the news.
"When is Dana due back?"
"Eighteen hundred hours."
"Give her a hug from us please."
"I will, love you Kiddo."
"Love you too mom and good luck with your jump in the morning, bye."
After closing her phone, Sam organised her and Dana's uniforms for the morning. SG-1 was scheduled to travel to the new destination of P7X-246 at zero eight hundred hours and that meant a zero six thirty hour wake up.
-o-
Sam parked her Mustang in her allotted car park and turned off the engine. "Do you want to set up the U.A.V. while I organise the M.A.L.P.?" she asked.
"Sure Sam," acquiesced Dana as she grabbed her bag from the rear seat. "Lieutenant Kelly called me yesterday."
"Oh," responded a surprised Sam. She wondered why it took so long for Dana to mention it.
"McDonald will be sentenced on Friday then dishonourably discharged after serving thirty five years imprisonment."
"Are you okay with all that?"
"I've mixed feelings," answered Dana as the couple entered the first lift. "I mean Erin deserves everything she receives, but it's hard to image that in all probability she will never be free again."
"I guess I can understand how you feel," countered Sam as she stepped out of the elevator on Level 11. "She could have killed you and look at what she did to Bronwyn. God only knows what other horrendous things she may have done without being held accountable."
Dana signed in at the check point then pressed the lift call button.
Sam joined her and gave her a look of frustration, "Don't tell me you feel sorry for her?"
Pressing the button for the twenty fourth floor, Dana was hesitant to answer, so didn't, "Do you just want a standard U.A.V.?"
Peeved at Dana's avoidance of her question, Sam snapped, "Yes and I gather from your silence on the other matter, you do feel sorry for McDonald."
The lift came to a halt and the door slid open.
"No, it means I don't want to talk about it." Dana moved out speedily and headed for the storage area.
"HEY WAIT UP," shouted Sam, none too pleased with the dismissal.
Dana stopped and turned to Sam with tears in her eyes, "Please Sam, just drop it. It has nothing to do with McDonald, it's all about me and I don't want to discuss it right now."
Seeing how upset Dana was, Sam pulled back, "Fine, if you don't want to talk then okay."
Entering the bay Dana wiped a lone tear from her left eye and concentrated on the job at hand.
Sam approached an M.A.L.P., picked up the remote and steered it out into the hall.
Dana immediately closed the access panel and raced after Sam, but missed the lift. "Shit and bugger," she cursed before returning to transport the U.A.V. to the Gate Room.
She found Sam standing at the bottom of the ramp manoeuvring the M.A.L.P. into position. Standing beside her, Dana apologised, "Sam, I'm really sorry."
"It's fine Ridley. Can you send these two through while I go establish a link?"
Dana answered impassively, "Yeah sure Carter."
-o-
Dana took her seat at the table in the briefing room and read Sam's report on the surveillance feeds while waiting for the others to arrive.
As Sam departed the Infirmary, she buttoned up her shirt then pulled her vest on. When she turned the corner, she ran into Jack, "Hello sir."
"Hey Carter, how you doing?"
"Good sir and you?"
"I am very well thank you. Say what's up with Ridley?"
"No idea."
"I passed her in the hallway about five minutes ago and she looked preoccupied."
"She is, but doesn't wish to discuss it."
"That's unusual for her."
"I think it has a lot to do with the news she received regards McDonald facing thirty five years in the stockade."
"No shit. Ridley is probably rehashing old memories."
"You are more than likely correct sir."
"I'll catch you later Carter, I have a date with a couple of recruits."
"Bye."
-o-
Dana greeted Daniel and Teal'c as they entered the briefing room then returned her attention to the report.
She looked up when Teal'c stated, "Dana, you have the appearance of someone who is troubled."
"I am Teal'c. It's a sad day for me and I'm not too talkative."
"Then I will question you no further. I am however here for you when you need to talk."
"Thank you Teal'c, I appreciate your offer."
Daniel peered over the edge of his file and pondered as to what was upsetting Dana.
Sam walked into the room with George and the briefing got under way.
Half an hour later SG-1 stepped through the Gate into the sub-tropical atmosphere on P9X-246.
"Phew," uttered Daniel as he wiped his brow. "It's a little balmy to say the least."
"We are fortunate it is only the weather we have to contend with and not a hostile welcome," reasoned Teal'c.
Data collected from the U.A.V. and M.A.L.P. suggested the world was only populated with plant and animal life and rich in mineral deposits, particularly naquadah and trinium. SG-1's mission was purely one of a recon nature and to gather samples.
Daniel moved the F.R.E.D. into position in front of the others and led the way towards the area pinpointed as an abandoned town.
-o-
Three hours after arrival, no trace of human or alien life had been detected. Dana had taken off her shirt and tee shirt and was only wearing a vest on her upper torso. Her skin glistened with perspiration and her hair lay damp under her boonie hat. The woman had remained quiet throughout the journey and methodically collected plant samples and searched for evidence of why the world was devoid of citizens.
Sam looked over to her fiancée and frowned. Whatever was disturbing Dana was still hanging around and her eyes were unreadable behind dark Oakley sunglasses. Sam radioed Daniel and Teal'c and asked them to come back to the town centre.
Daniel was agog with news as he joined the others, "I think I've discovered why the inhabitants are no longer here."
A perspiration soaked Sam wiped her brow with the back of her hand and asked, "What did you find?"
"I located some writings in one of the houses and it appears the population just packed up and left through the Gate in search of a more hospitable climate. Apparently this is the planet's winter."
Dana turned her head to the left and interrupted Daniel's summation, "I hate to break up the celebration, but we need to get out of here A-SAP."
Sam was about to ask why when the ground beneath their feet started to shake, "Okay, let's get back to the Gate."
The team took off at full speed and managed to have the Gate open as the earth reverberated and a loud roar emitted from behind a nearby copse of trees.
"Holy crap!" exclaimed Daniel. "We better get out of here."
The group ran up the dirt incline as Teal'c manoeuvred the F.R.E.D. into the shimmering blue.
Sam turned just in time to see a huge animal resembling a prehistoric dinosaur exit the tree line and head directly towards them. "Holy Hannah," she uttered in disbelief as she was gripped by the arm and dragged through the Gate.
Dana was still holding onto her elbow when she exited into the Gate Room and shouted, "COMING IN HOT."
"Wow, that was fantastic," raved Daniel while turning around at the bottom of the ramp.
Teal'c stood by his side, "I have not seen a creature such as that before."
George rushed through the blast door, "Close up the Iris. Report Colonel Carter."
"Sir, P9X-246 appears to be inhabited with creatures of a prehistoric nature."
Everyone jumped when there was a loud crash against the other side of the Iris when the animal failed to reintegrate and was destroyed micrometres from the Gate.
"Indeed the creature was unhappy to see us," noted Teal'c deadpan.
Daniel patted Dana on the shoulder, "Thanks for the heads up."
"You're welcome Daniel," she replied before leaving the room and going to the Armoury to hand over her weapons to Security personnel.
Sam observed Dana leave and Teal'c commented, "Dana is having a sad day."
"Apparently so," uttered Sam with a frown.
"Debrief in an hour people," announced George. Looking up to Chief Harriman he directed, "Chief, lock the address out of the computer until further notice."
Walter nodded in acknowledgement.
-o-
After the debriefing, Dana approached Sam, "Would you like to grab some lunch with me in my quarters?"
Smiling brightly, Sam answered, "I'd really like that."
"All right, I'll meet you there in five."
"See you then."
Dana ran out of the room and headed for the Mess. She selected two chicken salads along with blue jello for Sam. Entering her room moments later, she grinned when she saw Sam perched on the armrest of the couch, "Hey baby."
"Hello and I see you are spoiling me again."
"I'm sorry for my distance Sam."
"Well you've got an hour to explain what is bothering you."
Dana placed the food on the table, "Would you like some water?"
Taking a seat at the table, Sam replied, "Yes please, I think I'm dehydrated."
"Yeah, you probably are." Handing over a bottle, Dana sat down. "When I told you I had mixed feelings about Erin, I meant it was hard to understand how evil she had become and I showed poor judgement in being fooled by her."
"Oh honey I'm sorry."
"It makes me sick to the stomach to think she used to touch me and I gave myself willingly to her."
"Dana you can't let her get to you."
"I know baby and under normal circumstances she wouldn't."
Sam reached over and stroked her lover's still wet hair, "There is something else troubling you?"
"Yes Sam."
"Teal'c mentioned it was a sad day for you."
Dana's jade eyes were awash with tears, "It's twenty years today since my parents perished."
Sam got up and pressed Dana's head to her stomach, "Oh Dana."
"I'm usually okay, but with everything that's happened this year, I'm overwhelmed with the fact they won't be here to see me marry you."
"Honey, I'm so sorry," sympathised Sam while running her fingers through Dana's locks.
"I know you are and I love you so much."
"I love you more."
"Nah, that's not possible baby."
The couple spent the remaining lunch time eating and swapping tales about their parents.
-o-
