Authors Note 1 – Oops! So, I finished writing this about nine or ten years ago, moved house, met a man, married him & had a baby myself (who has recently turned three), but never actually got around to uploading this ending. I can only ask for your sincere apologies.
Big hugs to my beta reader Bookwork 37, not sure if you are still out there sweets, but thank you for all your hard work. Any mistakes are my own
Chapter 8
Jack's POV - November 10th 2005 20.15 p.m.
"Hey guys. You haven't drunk all our good beer have you?" I ask, walking up to the fridge and pulling out two bottles, opening them and passing one to Sam, who takes it with a silent thank you.
"We have not O'Neill."
"Good. Ya know, you guys coulda knocked or rang the bell?"
"We did Jack." Replies Daniel with a blush, staring at his beer.
"You did?" I ask, wanting clarification.
"Indeed. I knocked four times."
"Sorry T. Jet lag." I defend myself. "So… what'cha doing here?"
"General Landry ordered us over here when nobody could get hold of Sam." Replies Mitchell. "Since the rumours that have been going around for the last week or so, we though we'd check it out."
"Rumours?" I ask. If there are any rumours about my Sam, I wanna know about 'em.
"Last week a man resembling Ba'al was seen following Sam around the local supermarket." Says Mitchell.
"My sources have been unable to confirm the location of all the Ba'al clones at that time O'Neill."
I turn my eyes to Sam, who is studying her bare feet.
"Sam?"
"I felt naquadah nearby and called the SGC immediately. One man on the security cameras looked like Ba'al."
"Shit. And you didn't think I would want to know about this?" I ask, trying not to yell at her.
"He was seen getting on a plane in Denver, headed back to Seattle. The NID confirmed he got off the plane at the other end." Says Daniel.
"This is Ba'al Daniel. He's a sneaky bastard. And a snakehead. And he… he's Xeroxed himself a bazillion times."
"Actually, I think there are only-"
Sam interrupts Daniel quickly. "Jack, nothing happened. He came. He watched. He left. The end. I've been sleeping at the SGC just in case the last week, except for the other night."
"Sam…" I turn my back, take a deep breath and rest my head against the fridge for a minute, composing myself. She's here. She's fine. The guys are looking out for her. Easy Jack. Don't screw this up with careless words O'Neill.
"I can take care of myself General." Says Sam and I flinch as she deliberately uses my title.
"Dammit Sam, don't…" I trail off, suddenly all too aware of our friends ready to step in before one of us snaps. If we were alone she would have probably thrown a punch by now. But we aren't, and I'll be damned if I'm going to let them stop me from getting my point across. I look up into her angry eyes and hold her gaze. "You're right Sam. But this is Ba'al we're talking about." 'I worry about you.' I add silently.
'I'm okay.' She replies without saying a word. 'I'm careful Jack. Please don't fight me over this.' Her eyes tell me from across the room.
I take another deep breath. "I suppose it'd be useless to ask you to come to D.C. with me for a few days? Or Minnesota?"
"Maybe for Christmas." She answers with a tender smile. 'Thanks Jack'
"If there is an on-world threat O'Neill, ColonelCarter will be safer at the SGC than anywhere on Earth."
"Guys, I keep telling you. I'm fine. The threat is over."
"Hey Sam, we all love you, okay? Some of us in different ways, but still, we love you. That means we're going to worry about you." says Daniel with a smile in my direction.
"Indeed."
"Yeah. Wouldn't you be worried about us if we had some gal stalking us?" drawls Mitchell which earns him an eye roll from Sam.
"A stalker Cam? You wish."
We all laugh and most of the tension leaves the room as Sam comes to lean against the counter next to me, her arm brushing mine as she raises the beer to her lips.
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Chapter 9
Sam's POV - November 10th 2005 21.30 p.m.
I look around my living room at my guys.
Jack slouching beside me on the sofa, his arm casually slung across the back of the couch, almost brushing the sensitive hairs at the nape of my neck.
Teal'c sitting cross-legged on the floor next to the TV watching us all in amusement.
Daniel sat across from me, drunk and babbling about something SG-7 brought back last week.
Cam perched on a stool, the wall supporting his back, his eyes rolling in exasperation at Daniel's theatrics.
They all declined when we made room for one of them on the couch and Jack just shrugged, stretching out and resting his beer between my thighs as he got comfortable.
Daniel is interrupted mid-sentence by a ringing cell phone and Jack mumbles a curse before standing up and stomping out to the hallway, rummaging around in his bag, where we dropped our things when we arrived earlier.
I strain to hear the conversation as Daniel continues his tale.
"O'Neill… Yes sir… Tonight? But… No sir. I'll be there with bells on… Yes sir." The phone snaps shut with a decisive click.
A moment later, Jack appears in the doorway. I stand up and make my way over to him as the others continue their discussion. Jack takes my hand and pulls me into the kitchen.
"I'm sorry Sam. There's some meeting that's apparently important. I have to leave right away. They're sending a car." His hands make soothing circles on my back.
"It's okay Jack. You're the Head of Home World Security. I'm proud of you Jack O'Neill, so don't be sorry for having to do your job. It's a part of you. And me."
"Sam… please go back to the base tonight?"
"Jack."
"I'm asking you. Please Sam."
I look into his eyes and he shows me everything. For once the poker face is dropped and every emotion is in his eyes. The trust he has in me to do this tears my heart and I find myself agreeing. "Okay. I promise."
"Thanks Sam."
"Be careful Jack."
"You too." We both move in for the kiss and as I wrap my arms around him, he dips me. When we separate and he helps me to straighten, I let him go reluctantly and he heads for the living room. I listen as he says his goodbye to the guys and hear the toot of the horn from outside. His car must be here.
I grab another beer from the fridge and watch him leave my house, his bag slung over his shoulder. He turns back to face me in the doorway and waves a small piece of black material at me, before closing the door with a smirk.
Was that…? I hurry to the door and open it, watching as he stuffs my panties in his pocket.
"Hey!" I protest and both the driver and Jack turn back to look at me. The driver looks at me like I'm a crazy woman as I run out, barefoot, and snake my hands into Jack's front pocket. "They're mine General." I growl softly, tugging the lace out and putting them in my own pocket.
"Well, I didn't want anyone else's Sam." He replies with a leer.
The driver busies himself with stowing Jack's small bag in the boot.
"You're an ass Jack."
"Yep. Can I have them back Sam? Please?"
"No." I reply. "Ask first next time."
"But I did, remember?" His smirk makes a re-appearance. "Earlier. On the couch."
A shiver runs down my spine but I resolutely stand firm. "Don't go there Jack."
"Okay. Gotta go. 'Night." He climbs in to the car.
"Good night." I step away and let the driver close the door between us. I turn around, refusing to look back as I head back inside and close the door.
I hear Daniel arguing about something and my smile returns.
"I'm telling you I saw the ring on her dog tags." He protests.
"You mean this ring?" I ask, removing the chain from my neck and dangling it in front of him.
His eyes take a moment to focus on it.
"Yep. That's the one." He takes it in his palm, cradling it carefully before passing it on to Teal'c, who inspects the ring closely and passes in on to Cameron.
"O'Neill has asked you to consent to be his wife?" asks Teal'c with a smile.
"We were interrupted, but yes."
"Hey Congrats Sam. Why don't you put it on? We promise not to tell anyone at the base." Says Cam as he passes my dog tags and ring back.
"I haven't exactly said yes yet."
"Why not?" asks Daniel. "You love him right? You've known that for a long time. Years even! And Jack adores the ground you walk on."
"I just wanted to get to know him better as a man and not my CO. Daniel, usually I'm a very cautious person. And I like to think things through."
"But you said yes to Pete."
I bite my bottom lip. "After two weeks and after I'd talked about it with Jack."
"You asked Jack's opinion on whether you should marry that… cop? Oh Sam, how could you?"
"I needed to know Daniel. Okay! You think it was any easier for me to ask that question?!"
"How long ago did the General ask you Sam?" asks Cam.
I drop my eyes. "Three weeks ago. And it's not like he actually asked me, asked me. There was a candlelit supper and roses and he got down on one knee, but we never made it to the proposal. The phone rang."
"Has O'Neill not attempted to ask you again?"
"No. We keep on getting distracted or interrupted. I promised him I'd think about it, but that's about it."
"You did not wear PeterShanahan's ring on your dog tags ColonelCarter?"
"No Teal'c. I never did. I didn't take it off-world either."
"Then it would seem you have made your decision, whether you are conscious of it or not."
"It's quite a rock." Says Cam as I tuck the chain back under my t-shirt. "Must've cost a few grand."
"The inscription on the band is Ancient." Adds Teal'c.
"I know. I recognised the symbols."
"Have you translated it?" asks Daniel.
"No. I was going to run it through the computer… but, I keep on loosing my nerve."
"Pass it over. I'll translate it for you." says Daniel eagerly.
"No." I press the ring into my skin, holding it protectively.
"No? But Sam, don'cha want to know what it says. It must be pretty important, and Jack knows you'd figure it out."
"Daniel. Please?"
He huffs and crosses his arms, spilling his beer in the process. "Fine. Your ring. Your choice."
I take a deep breath but at that same moment a familiar sound and white flash envelop me. My eyes close automatically and I feel the tug on all my cells at once.
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Chapter 10
Sam's POV - November 10th 2005 22.00 p.m.
I open my eyes, expecting to see the interior of an Asgard ship.
I frown as I find myself standing beside a bed, my back to the rest of the room. I turn around and reach for my non-existent weapon as Ba'al's laughter echoes around the room.
Except it isn't a true echo. There are four of them, shoulder to shoulder, blocking the doorway. I recognise the other woman in the room, Charlotte Mayfield, Vice President of the Farrow-Marshall company, standing in front of a curtain directly opposite me.
"Greetings Colonel Carter. I am pleased you could join us. Welcome to our humble home."
"Ba'al. Sorry, I'm not dressed for entertainment. I wasn't expecting you or I'd have brought the C4."
His dry chuckle sounds like a death rattle. "I see you have been spending too much time with O'Neill."
The Ba'al's all look at each other and I choose that instant to reach for the Zat. Unfortunately, cloning hasn't slowed their reflexes in the least and I feel the pain of the first shot before I black out.
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Jack's POV - November 10th 2005 22.10 p.m.
I see my aide at the top of the ramp into the plane.
"Hey Hoppy. I didn't expect them to send you to drag me back."
"General. There's a telephone call coming through for you sir. It's the SGC, they say it's important."
"It's always important Hoppy." I reply, waving him back so I can get in. Jeez, the kid's been my aide for two months and he doesn't know this already?
"Sir, it's about Colonel Carter." He whispers as I get closer.
My heart drops into my boots. I catch the sympathetic look as he moves out of my way and I grip the proffered phone like a lifeline. "O'Neill."
"General, it's Colonel Mitchell. Sam was beamed up from her living room. Prometheus is scanning for any Asgard vessels in orbit, just in case, but so far they've had no luck. And General… we think Ba'al may have gotten hold of a transporter."
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Chapter 11
Jack's POV - November 10th 2005 22.50 p.m. Cheyenne Mountain
Daniel meets me at the surface, but the three of us, me, Hoppy and Danny ride down in complete silence. He still smells slightly of alcohol. The booze we shared with…
'Don't go there Jack' I warn myself, but even that is a harsh reminder of the woman we're all sure is missing. She said those same words to me about an hour ago.
I shove my hands into my pants pockets… My pockets and that little souvenir she refused to grant me.
The door opens and Teal'c is waiting for us. "We have received a message from Ba'al. General Landry is expecting us in the briefing room."
Ba'al. Damn. I knew it. I just knew it.
Hank, Dr. Carolyn 'Cary' Lam and Colonel Mitchell are waiting for us. The guys hands are fisted on the table and Cary has a file in her hands, running her index finger soothingly up and down the spine, just like when she was a kid, fiddling with a book.
Hank points a control at the TV and it springs to life.
Ba'al.
He rattles on and on for several minutes. Arrogant asshole.
"I have one request."
That catches my attention.
"I wish to be left in peace. Or Lt. Col. Samantha Carter and her unborn child will die."
Unborn child? Sam? Shit, why the hell didn't you tell me?
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Chapter 12
Sam's POV - November 10th 2005 22.50 p.m.
I wake up and curl up protectively onto myself. One of the Ba'al clones must've kicked me in the gut while I was out. My stomach aches like I've gone three rounds with Teal'c and lost.
I am aware of one Ba'al standing beside the curtain I noticed earlier. "Welcome Colonel Carter. My apologies for any inconvenience, however I am pleased to inform you that you have provided the ultimate weapon in my personal assault against O'Neill."
He pulls back the curtain and my brain processes what I am seeing in an instant. Three incubators. For his next generation of clones.
"I see you have surmised the purpose of these incubators. The process may also be used as an artificial womb for an extracted foetus."
My stomach revolts again and I feel my heart rise up into my throat.
"Colonel Carter, allow me to introduce you to your daughter."
"I don't have any children Ba'al."
The death rattle laughter of Ba'al chills me as he brings out a piece of Ancient technology, which glows and hums softly as he rests it against the incubator wall of the centre pod.
"Only a being with the Ancient gene can activate this device. It is an Ancient scanner my loyal Jaffa discovered some time ago. O'Neill was the first I encountered that could make this machine work. At the time I did not understand why. I have since found a few other human's with the Ancient gene."
"Fortunately, thanks to your daughter, I am now in possession of a considerable amount of Ancient genetic material. And O'Neill was kind enough to place more within you a few hours before your capture. I shall thank him properly when he demands your release."
My stomach cramps again and I fight the urge to throw up. I stand up, refusing to show weakness to this bloodhound.
"I caution you Colonel. You are being held behind a force field. Any attempt to move beyond the boundaries I have marked on the floor will result in a significant amount of pain."
"I will leave you alone with your daughter, so you may become better acquainted. Sleep well Colonel."
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Chapter 13
Jack's POV - November 10th 2005 23.00 p.m.
"Jack?" asks Hank as I stand there before the screen. I'm sure I'm vibrating with rage. "Jack, I asked Dr. Lam to join us here, hoping she could shed some light on… well. I think you should listen to what she has to say."
"Jack, why don't you sit down?" asks Daniel, as Teal'c approaches me and pushes me down into a chair.
"Cary?" I question softly.
"General. I ran all the usual tests on Colonel Carter when she came back from her mission two days ago. Some of the tests got backed up in the lab and I didn't get the results until this afternoon after she had left."
"Cut to the chase Cary, and quit calling me 'General'. For crying out loud, I've known you since you were seven."
"Colonel Carter is pregnant."
Daniel breathes in deeply and Teal'c rests a hand on my shoulder, whether in silent support or to keep me in the chair I'll never know.
"I re-ran the test several times myself when I got the results back. It's not often we get a false positive but it has happened in the past. With Colonel Carter's unusual body chemistry, we have to take several factors into account. Without further data, I can't confirm how far along she is, but looking at the hormone levels in her blood, I…"
She trails off at a stern glance from her father. It's not often I've seen Cary back down from a fight, but she stays silent.
Everyone is quiet. Waiting for something. Probably waiting for my explosive reaction. Well they can keep on waiting.
"Hopkins?"
The kid snaps to attention so fast he's gonna break a bone. "Sir?"
"Get in contact with Agent Malcolm Barrett of the NID. Tell him… tell him Sam Carter needs his help."
"Aye sir."
"Hank, I'm gonna need Hailey on this one."
"She's yours as long as you need Jack."
"Jack? Why Hailey?" asks Daniel.
I let my frustration taint my voice as I reply to Daniel's dumb question. "She is the only damned scientist I trust with Sam's life!"
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Chapter 14
Jenny Hailey's POV - November 11th 2005 00.20 a.m.
I enter the briefing room, coffee firmly clasped in my hand, stifling a yawn even as I bring my body to crisp attention.
It takes my half asleep brain a few seconds to realise that my presence has barely been noted.
Dr. Jackson, Teal'c and Colonel Cameron are all sitting in the corner, discussing plans quietly, General Landry is talking to Dr. Lam and…
"General O'Neill?"
"Hailey." The former leader of SG-1's greeting is quiet and I automatically glance around for my mentor, the only one missing from the group. The one who should be here in my stead. "I need your help again."
"Aye sir." I reply automatically.
"Sit down Hailey and let me fill you in." He starts and I listen attentively as he explains why Colonel Carter is not here, asking a few pertinent questions along the way for clarification. "So we're going in to his penthouse and we're going to get her out."
"Yes sir."
"Jack." Says Daniel softly.
"I know Daniel." He snaps back at the archaeologist. "Hailey, there's something else."
"Sir?"
"S-Carter's pregnant."
Oh hell. No wonder the man looks like death warmed over. "Congratulations sir." I reply and he looks at me, stunned, for half a second before a sad smile crosses his face.
"Thanks Hailey." Then his walls go up again and the General is back in control. "So, what'dya need to make this work?"
"Well sir, we're going to need a distraction. And I think I know just the thing, if I remember Ba'al's ego correctly sir."
"I'm sure you do Captain."
"I need a computer with hi-speed internet access."
"Hank?"
"Hey, it's for a good cause. Use my office."
"Thanks sir. General." I enter the office of our latest commander and switch on the computer, mentally planning my emails as I go. I poke my head out of the door. "Sir, I'm going to need every square inch of video and sound file of Ba'al that we have."
I return to the computer and enter my roaming profile. I open the Outlook Express program and use my password to enter the personal section.
New Message
From: Jennifer Hailey
To: Logan Cale
Subject: Happy 18th birthday
Hi Logan,
Happy birthday.
I've got a challenge for you. Interested?
Jenny
I wait a few minutes and sure enough the email comes back.
From: Logan Cale
To: Jennifer Hailey
Subject: Re: Happy 18th birthday
Hi Jenny,
Thanks.
A challenge? I'm intrigued.
We can discuss it over dinner?
Logan
"Yes!"
I'm suddenly aware of General O'Neill at my elbow.
"What's the plan Hailey?"
"We're going to use Ba'al's own arrogance against him sir. What would happen, if say, a young hacker released a video onto the internet smearing his reputation publicly? Very publicly. Maybe even on every major news website of the world."
"He'd never let it go without comment."
"Exactly."
"And this… Logan kid is reliable?"
"He's the best that there is when it comes to hacking. He got into our computers here just for the hell of it. Not entirely unnoticed of course, which is how we 'met' so to speak."
"Hold it. You caught him?"
"After a year of trying to track him down, yes sir."
"A year?"
"Yes sir. And I had some help." Lots of help. But if I say her name he might start to crack.
"Should anyone ask me about this, I'm gonna deny everything."
"That's usually best sir."
"Carry on Hailey."
"Aye sir."
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Chapter 15
Jack's POV - November 11th 2005 03.30 a.m.
"General?"
Hank and I both look up at the title as Hailey pops her head around the door.
"Sorry sirs. General O'Neill. The video is prepared sir. My contact is ready whenever we are sir."
"Sweet. Hailey, you want anything when this is over, and I mean anything… professionally… it's yours."
"How about naming me Godmother sir?"
Damn, this kid is good. "Not professional kid, but you've got a deal. Get down to your quarters and get some sleep. I need you alert when we move."
"Yes sir." She executes a perfect salute and leaves the room.
"Danny, Teal'c, Mitchell, you too. Sleep. That's an order."
"With all due respect General sir. No way." Says Mitchell.
"Jack, you can't order me to sleep." Protests Daniel.
"Indeed. You are no longer part of our direct chain of command O'Neill, as you wished."
"Hank?"
"Don't look at me Jack. I don't see you going to sleep either."
I can't sleep while she's not safe and they know it. That's my lover and child out there.
"I could have you all up on charges for this one, ya know." I argue half-heartedly.
"You could." Agrees Daniel.
"But we'll get Sam to kick your ass if ya do." Drawls Mitchell with a smirk.
Hank hides his laughter with a coughing fit. Bastard.
"Fine. Hopkins! Have you located Barrett yet or not?!" I yell down the stairs only to be met by both men trudging tiredly up the steps towards me.
"Yes sir. I have."
"Alright O'Neill, I'm here, what the hell is going on? And where's Sam Carter?"
"Ba'al has her, now are you gonna help or sit there like a bump on a log?" I reply. I never did like the sound of this guy.
"Why would Ba'al want her?"
"I can think a thousand reasons, but not least of all is because she's carrying my child!" Hah! Take that you smarmy little piece of-
"Jack." Chides Daniel softly and I shrug. "We do need his help."
"Your…" The man is still in shock.
"Yep." I confirm.
"You and…"
"Sam Carter. Blonde. Blue eyed. Brilliant." Mine.
"But she said… oh."
"Well, sometimes Barrett "Not exactly" means hell no." The others look at me like I've finally lost it, but Barrett understands the reference. Yep, she told me all about your little tete a tete in the van, pal. "Now are you still willing to help us or not?"
He sighs and for half a second I feel sorry for the guy. I mean who can't help but fall in love with Sam. "Yes."
"Good. Now, tell us everything you know about his set up. Security. Defences. The works."
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Chapter 16
Sam's POV - November 11th 2005 08.30 a.m.
The pain in my abdomen is finally starting to ease off a little only to be replaced by an ache in my heart as I focus my gaze on the centre pod across the room. The being within is hardly visible at this distance, but the gentle humming from the ancient device assures me that she is there.
She…
My mind flashes back to the incident on the Prometheus two years ago. 'You know who I am.' Grace whispers in my memory.
I hear Ba'al approaching and force myself into a seated position glaring steadily at the door until they come into view. Three of them.
"Good morning Colonel Carter. It appears that O'Neill has made his first move in our game. An altered video feed has been broadcast across the Internet, implicating me in several recent incidents. No doubt they plan a rescue mission while I am away. My clones will keep you company until his arrival."
I keep my eyes fixed on the wall behind his head.
"No morning quip?" He taunts.
"Is there any point in it?"
"No."
He presses a button on the wall panel and I hear a hissing noise. Gas?
"Do not distress yourself Colonel Carter. The gas will not harm you. You are far too valuable to me as a hostage. For the moment. It will merely ensure you remain unconscious while O'Neill makes his first attempt."
His words start to run together as the gas takes effect within seconds, a dense fog clouding my vision.
"'Neill… know how…him. Pity… pressure sens… occupied… a while… should they…her release…not… destr… dau…ter…will… O'Neill and Co… Carter."
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Chapter 17
Jack's POV - November 11th 2005 08.55 a.m.
While Ba'al is presenting his press conference in the main conference room on the first floor, I lead a small four person team into the building.
Before we drop in from the roof, Hailey disables the security systems with an Asgard doohickey.
Hailey, Teal'c and Cam efficiently sweep the room and nod the all clear, silent as shadows. Daniel and Agent Barrett wait in the van outside, keeping an eye on the building and watching our progress through the mini cameras Hailey installed on our vests.
I hear a footstep and freeze in place. T fades into the corner of the corridor until even I have to make a guess about where the huge Jaffa is hiding. Hailey and Cameron wait patiently on either side of the doorway as my nemesis strides into the dark passageway.
One. Two. Three.
CRACK!
I feel no remorse as the thing falls silently to the floor, it's neck at a weird angle, even as I lower my hands. Hailey cringes but composes herself quickly as we continue into the next room where Carter…
"Carter?" I whisper to the prone body on the floor, noting the slightest shimmer & hum of a forcefield as a discarded mug ripples with energy, just on the edge. Carter remains unresponsive and I hear Daniel's voice through the receiver in my ear.
"Jack?"
"Carter's been knocked out. Looks like a drug in her coffee. Her breathings good." Replies Mitchell from beside me.
"There's a discarded mug by her side and a force field between her & us. Hailey can yo-"
"Way ahead of you sir."
"Mitchell, T, check the place for bugs and snakes."
While Hailey works on disabling the force field, behind which, Sam is still unconscious on the floor; Teal'c points out the incubators attached to the wall with the tiny beings within them.
"We should destroy them. They can only be more Ba'al clones." Advises Mitchell in a soft whisper.
"Wait!" protests Daniel over the radio. "Jack, if you can transplant them out, we could study the technology. It might give us an advantage. Besides, why keep them in plain view?"
Mitchell replies. "Sir. This is probably the most well protected room in the building. It'll take time we don't have to remove it safely." He turns his gun on the incubators.
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Chapter 18
"Will you Sirs shut up for five minutes. I'll have a look at it once Sam is free to evaluate how easy it would be to move. Okay?!" Hisses Hailey, and I've gotta admire the kids guts.
A few moments later, the force field drops, but as I rush forwards an alarm sounds throughout the building, due to pressure sensors in the floor. Damn. What a stupid rookie mistake!
I scoop Sam up in my arms as we all make a run for it. Hailey is the last one left in the room as a portcullis slams down from the ceiling over the doorway.
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Hailey's POV
Teal'c turns and tries to lift the bars high enough so I can escape. Not one to be left idling, I start scouting the room for something I can use as a lever.
"Now that the forcefield is down, could you use the Prometheus to beam her out?" asks Mitchell.
"Too dangerous." I reply. "The building has been specially shielded to make beam outs hazardous at best."
My eyes scan the incubation units, and despite the wailing of the alarm, that sounds like I trod on my Aunt's cat, I recognise the ancient device attached to the centre pod.
It's glowing.
It's active.
The foetus within has the ancient gene in its genetic make up. I pick up the device and rest it against the other two pods. No reaction.
"Oh hell! General!"
"Easy Hailey, we'll have you out in a minute." He replies, laying Sam down on the floor with care & then helping Teal'c and Mitchell with the portcullis.
"No Sir. It's the incubator units. This foetus is different from the other two."
"Hailey, could you stop being a scientist for two seconds, so we can get outta here?" complains Colonel Mitchell.
"Different how?" asks O'Neill, grunting with the effort of trying to force my prison open.
"There are two possibilities." I explain to the team. "Ba'al got hold of the ancient gene from some where and has spliced it into one of his next generation of clones or… this is Colonel Carter's child."
The General backs up and looks down helplessly at the unconscious Sam on the floor for half a second, before reaching down and lifting her into his arms again.
He passes Sam to Mitchell, with orders to get her out of the building and to safety.
"But Gen-"
"Later Mitchell. Get her out of here. Hang on Hailey. Barrett! Lock down NOW!"
I hear Agent Barrett's protests over the radio. "General, that's impossible. We'd need at least 100 men we don't have. And what if Ba'al has rigged the building to explode, like he did last ti-."
"Daniel, call Landry. We need every available Airman here five minutes ago. Beam them into the lobby using the Prometheus if you have to. I want this building secure."
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Chapter 19
Hailey's POV
Four minutes later, the building has been taken over by SGC personnel in full flak gear.
"General?" asks Siler as he enters the room carrying a blow torch.
"Siler. Good. Job for you." General O'Neill indicates the bars between me and freedom, while I work on disconnecting the incubator from the wall carefully.
Siler tests the bars to see if there are any hidden surprises.
"No problem Sir. I'll have you out in a few minutes Captain."
"Take your time Siler. I need it."
"Hailey?" asks the General.
"I'm working on it Sir."
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Meanwhile, Ba'al has been captured trying to re-enter the building. Daniel and Agent Barrett immediately head to the interrogation. Ba'al smiles smugly as Daniel comes in to view.
"Dr Jackson. I might have known you would be here. I trust Colonel Carter is still trapped in her cell?" He gloats.
"Actually, Sam was rescued a few minutes ago." Replies Daniel calmly. "And we know what you did to her child."
Ba'al chuckles. "I underestimated my enemy again. I assumed O'Neill would bring a larger force to rescue his woman and child. A pity the team that entered that room was so small."
"Why?" asks Barrett.
"Should more than five people at a time enter the room where my new clones and O'Neill's child are being held, the incubators will self destruct."
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Chapter 20
Hailey's POV
Siler finally cuts through the last bar blocking the doorway and several people flood the room. I hear Dr Jackson's voice yell a warning through the comms in a panic.
"Jack! Hailey! It's a trap!"
The General's eyes widen as I hear an overload building up in the power systems attached to the incubators in front of me.
One chance. "Prometheus, this is Hailey, do you have a look on my position?"
"Confirmed Captain."
"Prepare to beam me and an incubator up on my mark. And someone get a Naquada reactor ready!"
I rip the wires connecting the central pod to the Naquada reactor away, and order "Prometheus, NOW!"
I feel several shards of glass flay my exposed skin even as I am transported into orbit. The last image burned into my brain forever. The destroyed Incubator pods.
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Chapter 21
November 14th 2005. SGC Infirmary. Sam's POV
I open my bleary eyes to see a dark form hovering over me and automatically raise my fist to punch. My fist is caught a few inches from it's target.
"Whoa!"
"Jack?" I blink my eyes furiously, trying to make them adjust faster.
"Hey Sam. Glad you're fighting fit."
"How do you feel Colonel Carter?" asks Thor. I turn my head a look across to see Thor and a second Asgard hovering on my opposite side. Dr Lam, Mitchell, Daniel and Teal'c are clustered near the end of the bed.
"Thor? Like somebody used my stomach as a Pinuata. What happened?"
Dr Lam steps forward, speaking softly. "It's a long story Colonel, and you need to rest. We'll explain everything later." She injects something into my IV.
"Jack?" I query, hating myself for needing his reassurance, even as I feel my eyelids getting heavier.
"Everything's okay Sam, I promise. Thor's got it covered. Get some sleep." He rests one hand on my stomach and uses his other to caress my face.
My last thought before I surrender to the sedative is for the child we could have raised. 'I would have loved you Grace.'
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Chapter 22
November 14th 2005. SGC Infirmary. 1800 hours. Sam's POV
The next time I wake up, I keep my eyes closed, listening to my surroundings for a few moments. The steady beeping of several machines and clean, sterile smell tells me I'm still in the Infirmary. I notice Jack's cologne and a spicy, but not unpleasant scent in the air. One machine seems to be running on overdrive and I find my fingers itching to take it apart and stop it from making that loud racket in the quiet room. There is a gentle snore from someone near my hip, and a familiar hand holding mine.
I open my eyes to see Jack's head resting on the bed at my waist, fast asleep. I smile softly. 'You're always here when I wake up.'
I look around and spot Thor on the other side of the room, examining some readings with another Asgard. Ahh. That would be the spicy smell I detected earlier.
"Thor?" I query softly, trying not to wake Jack just yet.
The aliens both turn around and Thor makes his way over to me. "Colonel Carter. I am pleased you have awoken so soon. Do you remember Heimdall?"
"Of course. It's nice to see you again." I greet the Asgard I intuitively dubbed as a female.
"Colonel Carter, please inform me if you are still experiencing discomfort in your abdomen?" asks Heimdall, getting right down to business.
"Not as bad as earlier, but I still feel… tender." The baby. Jack's baby. Our daughter. Grace. My heart suddenly leaps into my throat and I try to contain my sense of loss. Locking up my emotions until I'm alone.
The two Asgard converse rapidly in their own language.
"Thor? Heimdall? What's going on?" What else did Ba'al do to me?
"My apologies Colonel Carter. We did not wish to alarm you. However, a full explanation of what has occurred would require considerable understanding of human biology, greater than you or O'Neill possess."
"Is there a Cliff Notes version?"
The two Asgard blink at me in silence.
I've spent too much time with Jack. "The short summary rather than a long story."
"You and your offspring are well and will suffer no permanent damage from what has occurred." Says Heimdall.
"Offspring!?" What are they talking about? The… ba… Grace… Did Thor save her too? Is she on Thor's ship in a new incubator? An Asgard pod?
"My apologies Colonel Carter. O'Neill also desired I do not refer to your young as such. The… foetus…" Heimdall pauses, waiting for me to pass judgement on the name and then continues. "has been returned to your womb. The re-implantation was successful and your pregnancy will proceed as normal. I have also taken the liberty of repairing the damage to your other reproductive organs and tissues. You will experience no difficulty should you and O'Neill wish to procreate again."
"Again?!"
Thor continues where Heimdall left off. "Yes Colonel Carter. The Goa'uld had removed your offsp… foetus and placed her in an incubator where he could study her and control both yourself and O'Neill. The quick actions of Captain Hailey prevented the destruction of the incubator and she had connected the vessel to a new power source before the stored energy had dissipated. I believed you would prefer that Heimdall replace your daughter in her natural environment. Is that not the case? We may return her to an artificial incubator, if you wish, or perhaps a surrogate female?"
Every protective instinct in me suddenly erupts "Surrogate FEMALE?!" I yell, waking Jack, who sits up and grins.
"Hey Sleeping Beauty, you're a-" He starts, but I cut him off.
"Thor, if you even THINK about removing my child-"
Thor has recognised his error too late, and Jack restrains me as I reach for the nearest Asgard neck. "Colonel Carter, I assure-"
"ENOUGH!" calls Carolyn Lam from the doorway, making everyone jump.
I wince as the movement jars my sore body, and hold back a moan as I sink back to the bed.
"Thor, Heimdall, I recall asking you both to wait until the Colonel was recovered before revealing the particulars of what happened. And General O'Neill, did I, or did I not order you to get some rest in the VIP quarters?" Dr Lam, moves over to me and makes note of my stats.
Jack winces. "Hey, I was sleeping. I wasn't disturbing her rest. Honest Cary." He holds up three fingers in a 'scouts honour' salute.
"How are you feeling Colonel Carter? Any side effects of the transfer?"
"I'm a little sore, but besides that, fine." I whisper, as it clicks what that annoyingly fast beeping is in the background. Grace's heartbeat. My little girl.
"Good. I'd like to do an ultrasound and amnio later if you have no objections."
"Shh!" I order, desperately listening to the sound.
"Dr. Lam, I am the Asgard foremost biologist, I assure you that Colonel Carter's offsp-"
"Ah!" warns Jack.
"Foetus is in good health."
Dr. Lam turns and softens slightly. "Heimdall, no offence, but have you ever performed that procedure before?"
"No, however, Asgard technology is far superior to your own. Our instruments are more sensitive than any test you can perform."
"That would be more reassuring if I could read Asgard and evaluate the results myself. I'm sorry Heimdall, but as I will most likely be the Colonel's Ob/Gyn I would like to have some data that I can compare future results to."
"Will everyone please either leave the room so I can hear her better or finish explaining exactly what happened first?" I protest.
"Colonel, I believe you have had enough excitement for one day. You need to rest." Admonishes Dr. Lam, recognising my instinct to connect with my child.
Jack raises his own protest. "Ahh, c'mon Cary. Sam's been sleeping for two days. Surely five minutes for the Cliff Notes versi-"
"Need I remind you that during those two days we were highly concerned for her life and the baby, General?"
Jack sits back, squeezing my hand tightly. "No." He answers softly.
"Good. Now, go and have a shower, a hot meal and some sleep."
"Jeez, you're worse than your ol' man Cary."
"Thanks Uncle Jack, from you that's a complement. Now move it Airman."
Jack sighs and kisses me on the forehead. "Get some sleep, Carter. I'll come back later. If you need anything..."
"An explanation would be good." I reply.
"Later, I promise." He replies, curling the fingers of his left hand around mine, his eyes kissing my lips.
"General." Warns Dr. Lam.
"Okay, okay, I'm going."
Dr. Lam sighs and shakes her head with a fond smile as he leaves the room, muttering under his breath. "How do you put up with him?" she asks me
I shrug and then wince as the movement jars some painful muscles.
"Alright, get some sleep Colonel. Explanations will have to wait. Thor? Heimdall? Can I see you both in my office please?"
The two Asgard incline their heads and start to follow her out.
"Thor?" I call softly.
"Yes, Colonel Carter?"
"I'm sorry I shouted earlier."
"You have undergone much stress since our last meeting Colonel Carter. I did not take offence."
"Are Jack and the guys and… the baby okay?" As much as Dr Lam's devices and tests will tell her, I know Thor's are much more sensitive.
"O'Neill was most concerned for your welfare. Neither he nor any other members of SG-1 were injured. Your… foetus is healthy."
"Thanks Thor. You're a good friend."
Thor blinks at me for a moment and then tilts his head, before leaving the room.
I close my eyes and carefully move one hand to rest over my abdomen, listening to the fast pace of Grace's heart.
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Chapter 23
November 14th 2005. Dr. Lam's office. Dr. Lam's POV
"Heimdall, Thor, can I get you a drink or something? Would you like to sit down?"
"We do not consume human food, but thank you, Dr. Lam." There is white flash, and both Asgard seat themselves in chairs that have appeared.
"Do you mind if I indulge?"
"Please continue with your routine Dr. Lam."
I pour myself a cup of coffee and sit down in my chair, composing myself and collecting my thoughts.
"Perhaps I should explain why I did not want Colonel Carter to hear about the procedure so soon after waking. It might be difficult to explain to yourselves. Do the Asgard have any… unforgivable crimes?"
"There have been incidents in the past which have been considered to be unforgivable Dr. Lam."
"Alright. What Ba'al did to Colonel Carter is considered to be unacceptable in the eyes of her friends and colleagues here."
"We understand Dr. Lam. We also consider the incident unforgivable. The offspring of O'Neill and Colonel Carter are important to my race."
"Oh?" This perks my interest. I've heard that they expressed interest in his genetics before. The Ancient gene, which allowed him to work a few Ancient devices in the past.
"We believe it is important that O'Neill procreate as many times as possible with a suitable mate. Colonel Carter was our first choice for his life partner. That is why I repaired the damage Ba'al's procedure and other incidents in her past had caused to her reproductive system."
Is the Colonel a kind of broodmare to them? "Heimdall, I'm not sure we're on the same track here… Do you understand the term rape?"
"Dr. Lam, I assure you that did not occur."
"Thor. He forcibly took something from her body, from her womb. And not just something, but her child. The emotional, physical and mental effects of which are very similar to sexual assault."
"But we have repaired her tissues and restored the offspring." Replies Heimdall.
"And that makes everything fine for you? I wish it was so easy."
"My apologies Dr. Lam. I had not considered this issue." Says Thor after a pause.
"Colonel Carter is my friend and I should express my regrets at our further violation of her body."
And now Thor has brought up another good point. On the other hand… "No, Thor. You and Heimdall did the right thing. By… restoring her child, you helped in the best way anyone could have. If she had been unable to carry her child to full term, it would have caused a much bigger issue."
"Even though the… child's development was progressed and she will now be suitably matured for birth in six months rather than eight?"
"Yes. I'm not saying there won't be physical, mental and emotional symptoms of what happened, but you did your best. And that's what counts."
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Chapter 24
November 14th 2005. 18.40 hours. Sam's POV
The fast paced beeping is a melody I have quickly become addicted to. Earlier, I wished for silence, but now, I might have to spend an hour a day hooked up to this machine, just to get my fix.
I sense a presence in the doorway. Shuffling feet. A hesitant deep breath. Jack. I open my eyes with a lazy smile. "Hey."
"Hey. You okay?"
"Fine."
"Stunned huh?"
"A little. You?"
"Yeah. Danny-boy, T and Mitchell say hi."
"They okay?"
"No cuts or broken bones. When I last looked in on them Danny had his nose in a book, T was eating for six men and Mitchell was grinning at me. Kinda disturbing."
"Cameron's okay." I placate him and gently pat the side of my bed.
"Does he always do that?" Asks Jack, as he takes my hand and sits on the chair beside me.
"What? Grin?"
"Yeah."
"No."
"Oh." Jack picks up a tongue depressor from the nearby tray and starts fiddling with it.
"Jack?" He looks up into my eyes. I take his hand and he traces small patterns on my skin. "What happened?"
"You want the highlights or the full report Sam?"
"Highlights, for now."
"All started about a month back. Probably the weekend after that Ori virus thing. You know, when you wore that sweet littl-"
"Jack?" I interrupt, half amused, half exasperated.
"Yeah Sam?"
"Highlights?"
"Right. We… got busy and loads of little O'Neill swimmers-"
"Jack!" I try not to laugh, knowing how much my stomach muscles will protest.
"Hey, this important, quit interrupting. And are you trying to get me kicked outta here? Shh. Well, my guys hit the target, dead centre, and one baby girl Carter-O'Neill was the result. But she's really sneaky, she didn't tell her Mom, or her Dad she was there. We'll have to watch that as she gets older."
"Jack."
"I'm just sayin'. So, hit the fast forward button and one month later, Mom and Dad were having great-"
"I was conscious through that part." I remind him with a smirk of my own.
"Don't know anyone who could scream like you do while they were unconscious Sam."
"Watch it, General."
"Oh, I am, and it gives me great pleasure Colonel. Anyway, our friends came along and saw a bit more of you than I'd like, then teased us for a while. After that Henry called me up, saying he needed my infamous diplomacy skills."
I can't help the giggle that escapes me.
"What have I told you about giggling Carter?"
"That it turns you on?"
"Sam."
"Yes?"
"Can I get on with the story?"
"Sure."
"Thank you. Kissed you goodbye. Got on the plane. Had a message from Mitchell. Went back to the SGC. Set a trap for old Bocce. He fell for it. Went in, extracted you and the alarms went off. Hailey saved the kid. Our Asgard buddies put her back where she belongs. You woke up. And we all lived happily ever after. The end."
"That's the whole story?"
"Highlighted version Carter. You need some sleep. The full report can wait."
"Fine. Will you stay? Please?" Oh, what the hell, I can blame my needy whining on the hormones.
"Always Sam." He reaches up and kisses me softly on the lips, his free hand running soothingly over my stomach. "Always. Now go to sleep. I'll be here when you wake up."
I take a deep breath as I realise I've made a decision. "Jack?"
"Yeah?"
"Can you get my ring? It's on my dog tags."
"Sure Sam, they're right here." He reaches for the chain, which was lying on the table beside my bed and moves to place it around my neck.
"No Jack, just my ring."
He stops and looks into my eyes.
"Are you gonna argue with an officer who is trained to Level 3 Advanced, General?"
"No Ma'am!" His hands shake slightly, as he takes the engagement ring off the chain, and places it in my palm, looking up at me like a puppy dog for approval.
"Can't you follow orders Airman? I want my ring, on my finger."
"Shouldn't there be music and flowers and candles while I do this Carter?"
"I don't want the fairy tale Jack. I wan-"
Thor's soft voice interrupts my reply. "O'Neill, I believe Dr. Lam will be most distressed to see you here again so soon."
"Thor, buddy, it's in my vows." Protests Jack after sharing a long-suffering glance with me. I hold out my hand with a giggle and he slips the ring onto my finger.
"Of which vows do you speak O'Neill?"
"Wedding vows. Congratulate us Thor, we just got engaged."
"Congratulations O'Neill. Colonel Carter. This is pleasing news. I had hoped you would choose to remain life partners."
"Yep. Life partners. Man and wife. The other half. My Significant other. After nine years, she finally gets to make an honest man out of me."
"At what time have you been dishonest O'Neill?"
I giggle again, but wince as it hurts my abdomen.
"No giggling for a few days Sam."
"It's a phrase Thor." I explain for our poor bemused alien friend.
"I see. Colonel Carter, my scans indicate that you require rest."
"Thor's right Sam. No more stalling. Sleep."
"Yes dear. Good night Thor."
"Pleasant dreams Colonel Carter."
I lie fully back on the pillow and close my eyes. The soft pitter patter of the machine that keeps track of my baby's heartbeat, the only lullaby I'll ever want to hear again.
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Chapter 25
November 15th 2005. 1100 hours. Sam's POV
When I wake up, Jack, SG-1, Thor and Heimdall are all in the room. Jack is fiddling with the chain of my dog tags that he probably didn't put down earlier. Thor and Heimdall are talking in Asgard, quietly in the corner. Teal'c, Daniel and Cameron have all taken up positions throughout the room.
"Hey Sam. You and the bump had enough sleep?" asks Cameron.
"For now. You guys all okay?"
"Hungry, but okay." Quips Jack and I grasp his hand.
"How long was I out?"
"Sixteen hours."
"Sixteen hours!?"
"Yep. The bump must be tiring you out." Replies Mitchell.
"Cam?"
"Yeah Sam?"
"Quit it, or I'll set Teal'c on you. Nobody is calling my daughter 'the bump'."
"How d'ya feel about 'baby bean'? 'mini-you'? 'the kid'? Or ya got her name picked out already?"
"Teal'c?"
Teal'c takes one-step forward.
"Okay, I give! Uncle! I surrender! Whatever."
"I'm changing my mind about you Mitchell, you got sense after all." Says Jack with a smirk.
There is a knock on the door and Hailey comes in, bearing a huge bunch of flowers.
"And here's the Godmother of our little girl." says Jack, grinning as Hailey seems to glow with pride at her new title.
"Godmother?" I query, winking at Hailey discretely while Jack squirms.
"Well, Sam, ya see, she did save her life. And yours. So I sorta made a promise she could have whatever she wanted."
"I see."
"Did you invite her to the wedding too?"
"Uhhh, what wedding?" asks Daniel.
"Colonel Carter is making an honest man of O'Neill." Advises Thor, making the human's in the group chuckle softly, before the congratulations are given and hugs exchanged.
"So, when is the big day?" asks Cam.
"Before I get too fat to squeeze into the gown." I reply.
"Colonel Carter, have you not already gained weight since the Foetus' development was advanced by two months."
"Uhhh Thor." Warns Jack as Cameron stifles a chuckle.
"Advanced? Thor, I think you need to explain exactly what you did."
"But in Dumb terms. In fact, stupid enough so that I can understand it." Replies Jack.
"As you wish O'Neill. Ba'al's extraction of your offsp… child occurred 33 of your days after conception."
Jack stares into space for a second, and I smack him on his arm.
"Hey! What'd I do?"
"Listen Jack."
"I was."
"You were not. You were trying to work out exactly when Grace…" Oops. I never did tell him what happened on the Prometheus.
It's Jack's turn to smirk at me. "Grace?"
"Guys, can you argue about this later please?" protests Daniel.
"Right. Sorry Thor."
"He placed the foetus within the incubation chamber and began an accelerated maturation process. Had your daughter remained in the chamber for more than one solar day, we would have been unable to restore her to your body Colonel Carter. She has now developed to the equivalent of 95 days."
"The baby completed two months of development within a 12 hour period?" asks Hailey.
"That is correct Captain Hailey."
"Cool, let's hope you've skipped the morning sickness completely and go straight into the horny stage." Jack quips smugly.
"Jack!" I glare at him in outrage, but he just shrugs non-chalantly and puts his hands in his pockets.
"I have never observed horns growing on gravid females of your species before O'Neill." Replies Thor as I turn my piecing gaze on the 'innocent' Asgard.
Dr Lam enters the room and clears her throat. "Visiting hour is over. My patients need rest. Thor, Heimdall, that includes you. You can all come back later."
Daniel, Teal'c, Hailey & Cam give us their congratulations before leaving the room in a hurry.
"I will return later O'Neill. Samantha Carter. May I have your permission to continue monitoring the health of your foetus?"
"Of course Buddy." Replies Jack. Of all the arrogant... Thor turns his attention to me, while I divert my attention to the floor, reminding myself that it's not good to strangle, maim or otherwise kick the butt of the father of my child, nor the Supreme Commander of the Asgard Fleet.
"Colonel Carter? I request your permission as well, since I will also be monitoring your status at all times."
"Thank you Thor." I reply with gritted teeth.
Thor & Heimdall disappear in a white flash of their transporter.
"So… Grace Carter-O'Neill?" asks Jack.
If I had laser vision, any persons in the immediate vicinity would be sliced, diced and served with a side of pickle… and bananas… ohh. This must be my first craving.
"He-lloooo."
The muscle in my jaw twitches furiously.
"Come on Carter. Out with it. I'm not your CO anymore, feel free to smack me, scream or fight with me if you need to. Express and not repress."
I let out an unladylike snort. "You're one to talk Jack."
"Yeah. Maybe we both need to get our heads around the relationship. And you know I don't do well with the whole… talking thing. I guess I overstepped the line a little earlier, but… well… you're really hot. Can I help it if I feel the need to brag?"
"Bragging does not include embarrassing the hell out of me in front of our friends and colleagues! Damn it Jack, you can't imagine some of the…" I take a deep breath and compose myself, holding back tears. "Do you remember the day we met?"
"Yeah. I thought you were hot! It takes guts to confront you new CO like that on the first day."
"I may have been a little… oversensitive about my gender. And your sexist comments just pushed me over the edge."
"Well, I was trying to be an ass. I figured you wouldn't want to work with me, if I acted like Colonel-treats-women-like-hood-ornaments, and I'd stop wanting to get into your pants if you weren't around."
"Jack, I've been fighting men with that attitude my whole career. And the downside to our relationship… The question they can finally answer without hesitation… 'Who did she sleep with to get where she is today?'"
"Hey! You earned every damned promotion, medal and commendation in your file. And more! If anything I was harder on you than I've ever been on any officer. But you keep on raising the bar Sam. You are the model soldier, and there's no one in the Universe I'd rather have watching my six. Professionally and personally." He waggles his eyebrows and I finally allow a small smile.
"This isn't over." I warn him, trying to regain my anger.
"I know."
My stomach growls as I take a deep breath and Jack smirks.
"Stop smirking and go get your family food, O'Neill. I want-"
"Whoa! Flashback to Neanderthal Carter."
"Neanderthal Carter?" I ask dangerously and Jack's smile slips, replaced by a dark passionate gaze raking me from head to toe.
"You, me, locker room. Nine odd years ago."
"We didn't discuss food."
"We didn't discuss much of anything, Samantha Carter."
I feel the automatic shiver race down my spine as he calls me by my full name. "If I remember correctly, didn't they have to use twice as much sedative on you than anyone else Jack? How do you know your memory wasn't affected?"
"Well, someone got me all hot and bothered when she infected me. If I live to be one hundred-"
"Again." I quip, earning me a smirk.
"I won't forget that day. And I'm not senile yet."
I let out an unladylike snort in amusement, even as my stomach grumbles again.
Jack reaches forward and rests his hand on my stomach. "Okay Gracie, Daddy's going to get you food. Any requests?"
"Banana. Pickle. A hamburger. Oh and custard!"
"Coming right up." He replies, standing up and heading for the door.
"With extra cheese. And a diet soda. And broccoli, or cabbage."
"Sam, this is the commissary not a supermarket."
"Watch it O'Neill, or I'll get Thor and Heimdall to transplant Grace into your abdomen and see how you cope."
"I'm just sayin'."
"Me too. You got me into this, you've got to take some of the responsibility."
"How 'bout I give you a back rub? Build the crib? Bring you whatever craving your stomach desires?"
"Get to it Airman."
"Yes Ma'am." Jack sketches a salute and heads for the door.
"Jack?" I call after him.
"Yeah?" He stops in the doorway, swinging his tall frame around, both eyebrows raising as he waits for my next request.
"Blue Jell-O too."
"Coming right up."
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Chapter 26
A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Bookworm37 as she helped me flesh out two great ideas. The first idea was a request for… A particular familial relationship… and the second was choosing the inscriptions from a list of 20ish translated latin phrases, when my muses decided that they would not make up their minds.
November 15th 2005. 1120 hours. Walter's POV. The SGC Commissary.
"So Dr Jackson learned to never walk around the General's house barefoot."
Richard laughs at my anecdote, before raising a delicate subject. "So, how's our Grandma?"
"You know Grandma O'Reilly. She's more stubborn than a horde of Jaffa. The Doctor's gave her a year to live, seven years ago. But she's still going strong. Grandpa says she's got more willpower than the entire US Military put together."
"But Grandpa's never worked for General O'Neill."
"Huh, you think he's stubborn now, you should have seen him when Colonel Carter was engaged to that Cop. He'd swear 'til he was blue in the face that he was fine. Trust me, he's mellowed."
"I found the file he had done on Shanahan, while I was clearing out some filing cabinets. It went right back to some unsavoury days in Shanahan's youth in Metropolis. He was part of an arsonist group called the…"
"The Toasters."
My cousin looks up at me, blinking in surprise. I shrug. "Who do you think packed the files to go to D.C?"
Richard chuckles.
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November 15th 2005. 1130 hours. Jack's POV. The SGC Commissary.
Okay, so I've got Diet soda, blue jell-o, three bananas, a pickle, a hamburger and a bowlful of custard. That's it.
"Hey Jack. Hungry?"
"This isn't for me Danny boy." I reply, indicating the blue jell-o on the tray and the diet soda. Like anyone but a woman would touch that stuff. I sneak a glance at his tray… diet soda and a low fat yoghurt? "Watching your calories Danny?"
He stutters for a second before his eyes light up with an evil glint. "Still writing in ancient Jack?"
"Ancient?" I ask calmly. Like I'd fall for such an obvious verbal trap.
"Sam showed us her engagement ring the other night."
"And?"
"The inscription on the inside of the band: /cor meum in aeternam/?"
"What about it?"
"Nothing. My heart forever. I just think it's… cute."
CUTE?! Okay. I have never done anything cute in my entire life! "Everyone has blurb like that in their rings nowadays. It's romantic stuff to impress the womanfolk. Like chocolates and flowers. And anyway, Mr-I–can-translate-any-language-in-the-galaxy, it's 'for all eternity' not 'forever'."
"Uh huh."
"What?" I protest.
"Hmmm?"
"Daniel." I warn my ex-team-mate. Blast him to Netu, he's laughing at me.
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November 15th 2005. 1125 hours. Sam's POV
I have closed my eyes, and taken up an already familiar position, with my hand resting protectively on my abdomen, when Dr Lam enters.
"Colonel? Are you in any pain?"
"No, just trying to take it all in. The baby… She's okay, right?"
"Your baby appears to be developing normally after your recent… ordeal."
I breathe a sigh of relief.
"Has the General finally gone to get some rest?"
"Uhh, not exactly. I sent him to the Commissary for some food."
Dr Lam laughs. "I'm sorry, it's just the thought of Jack O'Neill obeying a woman's request like that…" She composes herself. "You have him well trained."
"Yeah, it's only taken nine years. Another nine and I might get him to pick up all those Guinness bottle caps before someone stands on them again. On the other hand… this is Jack O'Neill I'm taking about… make it 30 years."
"Do you feel up to the Amnio- and ultrasound today?"
"The ultrasound definitely. But the amnio… I'm sorry, Dr Lam, unless you think it is absolutely necessary… I'd rather you didn't. My sister-in-law lost her second baby after that procedure, and after everything else…"
"I understand. I presume you'd prefer General O'Neill to be present during the ultrasound?"
"He'd never forgive me if he wasn't here. Speaking of which, could I ask you to pass on a request to Daniel?"
"Of course."
"I… uh… I need a phrase translated into Ancient so I can have it inscribed on Jack's wedding ring."
"Sure. Write it down here and I'll get Dr Jackson to translate it."
I take the notepad and pen, writing down the exact phrase I want. Jack is always making me smile, so hopefully this will return the favour when he reads it. I pass it back to Dr Lam and she frowns in confusion.
"'Seduce my mind & you can have my body.' How… unusual. But shouldn't that be body and soul instead of mind and body?"
"Let's just say it's a long running joke." I reply, slightly unsure of myself. Jack will understand my sentiment… right?
"I'll ask Dr Jackson ASAP."
"Thanks."
A/N 2: The relationship that Bookworm37 requested was for Walter & Hopkins to be cousins. The whole "O'Reilly" family idea (M.A.S.H) was also not mine & has been included in so many fanfics over the years, I forget who did it first. As for the reference to Lois & Clark... David DeLuise did play one of the Toasters in 1993. I'm sure you gentle readers will forgive me for this indulgence… right?
SJ JS SJ JS SJ JS
Chapter 27
November 15th 2005. 1640 hours. Daniel's POV
I don't think Sam realises how many possible words there are for things in Ancient. And changing the structure of a sentence to make it have more romantic commutations… rather than a cheesy Ancient pickup line is worse than trying to reason with Jack on a bad day.
"Ohhh Danny-boy." Calls Jack from the doorway to my lab. "Cary's kicked me out of the infirmary again. Can I hang out here for half an hour?"
"Jack!" I hastily shove my scrawled drafts into a drawer and turn around, almost falling off my chair in the process.
"Hey, careful Danny. Don't want to hurt anything in your lab. The insurance on this place is a nightmare at the best of times." Jack picks up one of my pens & starts fiddling with it.
Huh? Did he just say… "The SGC has insurance?"
"Sure. My idea. Can you believe that in nine years, not one person in Washington thought to do that? 'Course it meant extra paperwork for yours truly, but I think it has potential for the Alpha Site too."
The Alpha Site? "So what are we insured for?"
"Ahh, ya know. Theft, fire damage, planetary destruction, stuff like that."
Planetary destruction. "Right." After nine years and I'm still gullible occasionally.
"NORAD, upstairs, they've got insurance."
"So, what do I get for dying?"
"Nothin'. They insured the mountain, Sam's doohickeys, your rocks, but no people."
Is the man physically incapable of saying Artefacts? "Why not?"
"Danny have you seen the list of casualties and injuries that come out of this place every month?"
"Uhh no."
"Well, I have. It's heavier than a block of weapons grade Naquada." He spreads his hands wide apart and the pen snaps, shooting parts in every direction. I watch in horror as one part tips over the mug of coffee resting on the edge of my desk. Time slows to a crawl as the mug catches on the handle of one of the drawers on it's way down, tipping the contents into the drawer below.
Jack instantly opens the drawer & starts rescuing paper after piece of paper with my scribbled translations all over them. He pauses at a single sheaf, shaking off the excess coffee, even as I try to take it from him. Sam's original request.
He chuckles.
"Jaaack!" I protest.
He picks up a pen and ripping a clean sheet from my notebook, he hastily scrawls over the paper, folds it up and pops it in the top pocket of my BDU jacket.
"Give that to Sam. See you later Danny-boy." Jack exits, with a smug grin on his face.
I reach into my pocket and open the piece of paper. /Si mentum meam sedicis, corpus meam habere potes./ Seduce my mind & you can have my body.
The end
Authors notes 3 – thank you for your patience. Please review