Summary: How do you handle it when your paradigm is shifted and you learn that life, the universe, and everything don't work quite the way you though?
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Zoë was sure her dad's head was going to explode. While the science behind the Stargate was way beyond what she had ever studied, at least she had recently studied some quantum physics and the basics of relativity.
The Sheriff, on the other hand, was being thrown even further off the deep end. While he might have worked with some of the most brilliant minds on Earth for the last few months (or years, in his altered time line), he usually glossed over the details to focus on the big picture and make sure no one caused a nuclear meltdown or some other such disaster. While the General (and Sam, as much as she could) had dumbed down the explanation, it was still a lot of information to take in. They had been talking for almost two hours by the time they reached the end of the prepared information on the Stargate program.
"Let me see if I get the gist of it," the Sheriff said. "You walk through this giant puddle. It takes you to another planet by moving you outside of normal space and time. While there, you will probably encounter natives who will probably attack you in some sort of cultural misunderstanding. Oh, and there are almost always lots of trees. In order to get back home, you have to redial the 'gate because if you tried to walk the wrong direction through an open wormhole, you'd die. The 'gate network was built millions of years ago by a race of beings known in the Milky Way Galaxy as the 'Ancients' and in the Pegasus Galaxy as the 'Lanteans.' Some people, including General O'Neill, have a special gene that lets them use their technology. They also built the Lost City of Atlantis, which is actually a giant space ship that flew away from Earth and landed in another galaxy. For the last year, Sam has been the commander of our people on the research outpost there. Oh, and they built some really cool spaceships that can go through the Stargate and that Jack can fly just by using his mind."
"Don't forget that Aunt Sam also helped design a fleet of our own spaceships with the help of Thor and the Asgard," Zoë interjected. "And that we're well on our way to becoming the Fifth Race, after the Asgard, Nox, Ancients, and Furlings."
"Yep, that about sums it up," the General agreed.
"I'm impressed. You're taking all of this really well," Sam told her brother and niece.
"Oh, I'm completely freaking out," the Sheriff replied quickly. "But then again, that's pretty much normal for me now."
"Remember, we do live in Eureka," Zoë added. "We see impossible things happen every day."
"I think I'm going to go grab another beer and head to bed before the shock wears off," the Sheriff stated as he headed to the kitchen. "SARAH, hit me again."
"Analysis of your alcohol intake over the past few hours reveals that you have consumed a more than advisable amount already. I do not think it would be wise to have another," SARAH answered.
"SARAH! Just pour me the damn beer!" Jack demanded.
"All right, Sheriff Carter, but do not say I didn't warn you," the house acquiesced.
When he passed back through the living room on the way to the stairs as he headed to bed, the Sheriff told everyone goodnight. He was greeted by a chorus of replies on his way upstairs as he went to sleep off the buzz in both his mind and his body.
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"So, what do I need to do to be just like you when I grow up, Aunt Sam?" Zoë asked a few minutes later, hero worship painted all over her face.
Her sincere, eager expression almost made Sam cry. She quickly crossed the room and enveloped her niece in a gigantic hug. "Oh, honey! That's what I was hoping to hear when I asked the General to let me tell you about the SGC!"
Zoë beamed at the compliment, honored that her Aunt thought highly enough of her to want her to follow in Sam's footsteps. "I mean, traveling to other planets and getting paid to do it? How cool is that!"
"I need to warn you, though, that what we do is dangerous," Sam cautioned, releasing her hug and returning to her seat next to Jack. "I can't count the number of times I've come home from missions where I was injured."
"Or dead," Jack added dryly.
Zoë's eyes widened. "You've died?"
Sam nodded solemnly. "A couple times. Not nearly as often as Jack or Daniel. But one of those times was actually from an incident that happened on base. It just goes to show that it's a very dangerous job. You need to consider that carefully."
"Oh, I understand," Zoë replied dismissively. "Then again, so is living here or working at GD. But I can't imagine anything better than saving the universe and traveling to other planets, no matter what the risks may be."
Sam couldn't help but nod in agreement. "Well, you're going to have to keep your behavior under control. No more identity fraud or running away from home, young lady. As for schooling, I'd suggest that you study theoretical astrophysics."
"You want to turn her into a mini-you?" Jack kidded.
Sam frowned at him. "You know as well as I do how important it is to understand the principles behind what we do. And apparently, you understand them a lot better than you've ever let on…"
Turning back to Zoë, she continued. "I'd also suggest studying astronomy, anthropology, archeology and as many foreign languages as you can."
"Latin in particular," Jack supplied. When both Sam and Zoë looked confused and surprised, he elaborated on his comment. "It's a close descendant of Ancient. That's how Daniel taught Teal'c and me during the whole time loop incident."
"Are you considering joining the Air Force?" Sam asked her niece.
"Honestly, I'd never really thought about it," Zoë admitted.
"Well, the Air Force Academy is a great pipeline into the SGC. It's the best way to get assigned to a field team, but it's not the only way," Sam explained. "We also look for the most brilliant civilian experts in strategic fields, namely the ones I just mentioned."
"Either way, though, you should get some experience with firearms, especially if you want to be on an SG team," Jack stated. "And don't forget, you can't tell anyone about the SGC or why you want to learn any of these subjects."
"Several of our scientists have been recruited from GD, so an internship there would look very good on your resume. As for the weapons training, I'd suggest you talk to Jo. She used to be at the SGC, so she'll understand," Sam offered.
Jack snorted at that thought. "Uh, you might be better off getting your dad to teach you, at least for your firearm basics. Jo can be a little intense with a weapon."
Zoë laughed. "Yeah, she does get pretty gung-ho."
"Indeed," Sam intoned, causing Jack to chuckle.
Assuming it was some sort of inside joke, Zoë let it go. She stifled a yawn before looking at her watch. Realizing what time it was, she decided to turn in for the night. She got up and gave Sam another hug. "We've got a lot of shopping to do tomorrow, so I better hit the hay. It's so good to have you here, Aunt Sam!"
"It's been really nice to see you again, too, Zoë," Sam replied.
"Goodnight, General," Zoë said, offering a sloppy attempt at a salute that made everyone smile.
"Sleep well, Zoë," Jack returned, reaching out and giving her a hug as well.
As Zoë left the room, Jack turned to his fiancée. "Are you ready for bed yet, Sam?"
"Not yet, Jack. Let's just sit here and enjoy the silence for a few more minutes," she implored.
While he was partial to snuggling up with Sam in bed, how could he resist cuddling with her on the couch, either?
"Well, now that we've told them, how do you think they'll handle it in the long run?" Jack finally asked after several minutes of reminiscing. He enjoyed the peace and quiet while he held Sam, but he also wanted to know her thoughts on the events of the day.
"I think they'll be OK," she eventually replied. "It's a lot to take in at once, but I think after what they've experienced living in Eureka, they'll be able to deal with it."
"So, next question: who do you think will ask to go through the 'gate first?" O'Neill pondered.
"$20 says Jack will. No question about it," Sam responded.
He quirked an eyebrow. "How come you're so sure? I mean, Zoë wants to be just like you…"
"Yes, but Jack will be up first," Sam shot back.
"Touché," Jack acceded. "How do you feel about Zoë wanting to be just like you? I mean, going out into the field is always risky."
Sam paused for a minute to consider the question before she answered. "We both know how dangerous it is out there. It's safer now, certainly, but every time you step through the 'gate, there's a very real chance that you might not come back. I know she's gotten into trouble before, but I really think it's because she didn't have any goals or challenges in her life. If she applies herself, there's no limit to what she can do. She's absolutely brilliant and has the Carter stubborn streak, too, so I think she'll make it. I don't know how my brother will react when he finds out what she wants to do, but at least we know he'll understand the concept of duty first and that she'll be trying to make the world a better place."
They sat in silence for several more minutes before Jack spoke again. "How did you feel about the meeting with Stark?"
Sam shuddered. "Ugh. He's almost as arrogant as a Goa'uld!"
Jack laughed.
Sam glared at him. "He's even worse than McKay! At least Rodney's been out in the field and has done the actions to back up some of his words. He knows what's at stake. Stark is just a pompous blowhard. And he's not even right half the time!"
"But do you think we can trust him to do the tasks he's been assigned?" Jack asked, cutting to the heart of the matter.
"I don't know. He seems to follow his own agenda. Where the projects we give him match, he will probably be fine. If it's something he doesn't see as important, though, there could be problems," Sam confided.
After sitting for several more minutes, reflecting on his own thoughts about the day, Jack noticed that Sam was starting to nod off. Without hesitation, he picked her up and headed for the stairs. "Come on, Carter. Time for bed."
"Good night, General O'Neill and Colonel Carter," SARAH called out, startling them so much that Jack almost dropped his fiancée. They had momentarily forgotten that they were in an AI-controlled house.
"Thanks, SARAH," Sam sleepily responded. "Could you please lock everything up for the night?"
"I have already sealed the bunker. I hope you have pleasant dreams," SARAH answered.
"You too," Jack replied without thinking.
"I do not dream, General," SARAH stated. "I appreciate the sentiment, though."
"Whatever," Jack grumbled as he settled his love into bed. She was asleep before her head hit the pillow, and he followed soon afterwards.
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Published 04-28-09