Warnings and Disclaimer in Chapter 1.
Enjoy.
Janet was waiting for them on the porch when they arrived. "Hey Cass," Jack said as he pulled up behind them and saw the look on Janet's face when Sam got out of the driver's seat. "Let's go grab some dinner for everyone."
"Yeah," Cassie quickly agreed and jumped in Jack's truck. She has been on the receiving end of that look many times knew it didn't bode well for Sam or Vala. They delayed as long as they could, hoping Janet would be done yelling by the time they got back. "Mom?" Cassie asked as they carefully reentered the house, the bags of food clutched defensively before them like shields.
"In the kitchen," Janet called back. Cassie peaked in the living room as they made their way to the kitchen. Sam and Vala were on the couch watching the evening news. Both looked slightly ashamed of themselves, but there was a gleam in Sam's eyes as she tried to reconnect with the world around her. "Did you hit every restaurant in a ten mile radius?" she asked as they piled the bags of food on the table.
"We wanted to give you plenty of time to get the plates ready," Cassie said, the other two quickly agreeing with her. Janet just sighed as she handed out plates. She prepared a plate for Sam, while Daniel got Vala her dinner and Jack helped with drinks. Sam accepted her plate with a smile and dug in, Janet nodding in approval. Soon everyone was relaxing and eating in the front room as they watched the movie Sam had picked out. Just like at the restaurant Sam had a never ending line of questions, which were answered with varying degrees of truthfulness depending on who answered them.
"Teal'c is going to be mad he missed this," Daniel said after the movie ended and they were cleaning up.
"As is Cameron," Vala added as she grabbed empty boxes and threw them in the trash. "We'll just have to tell them the truth. It was a girl's night."
"Excuse me?" Jack demanded, though the effect was diminished by the pink fluffy apron he donned to wash the dishes.
Daniel looked him up and down before whispering loudly. "Not helping." A spluttering of giggles erupted which earned Daniel a wet washrag thrown his direction.
"Okay okay," Janet interrupted. "Time for bed." Sam looked like she wanted to argue but a sharp glance had her agreeing. "There's some sleep wear and extra clothes in the spare room for you Sam. Cassie? Will you make sure Sam knows where everything is?" The teen nodded and ushered Sam up the stairs.
"Well I better get the car back to the base. We are still doing the girl's day tomorrow right?"
"Yep," Janet agreed. "I need to finish up some reports at the base and will pick you up when I'm done. We should be able to spend the whole day being pampered in Denver before we come back here for the dance. Which reminds me Colonel?" She held out her hand.
"What? Oh right." He dried his hands on the dishtowel and took out his wallet, moving as far away from Vala as he could before actually opening it. "Have fun," he said, giving Janet his credit card.
"I'm hurt that you don't trust me," Vala said from the door.
"Not as far as I can throw you," Jack rebuffed.
"Oh well," Vala sighed. "It's a good thing I have Daniel's treasure card."
"What?" Daniel asked, reaching for his wallet, but Vala had already shot out the door and into the car. "How does she do that?" he asked, looking at the empty spot where his card had been hours ago. The other two just laughed as they quickly finished clearing the garbage away and washing the dishes.
"Can I offer you a beer?" Janet asked, already knowing the answer and grabbing two from the fridge. She poured herself a glass of wine and led the way to the patio, not wanting to disturb the sleeping occupant of the house.
"She seems better," Jack said, taking a gulp of the beer. Janet nodded.
"A remarkable difference from just yesterday," Janet agreed. "Whatever Vala told her must have been life changing. But if she ever disappears like that again… I thought my heart would stop when her bed was empty."
"We found them at the cemetery," Daniel said. Janet widened her eyes, shooting Jack a glance. "They were at her headstone. I kept flashing back to her funeral. And what happened after." He took a sip of his beer. "We all came so close to losing, not just Sam but each other."
"I know what Vala meant about death and rebirth," Jack said suddenly. "I've been there more times than I care to count. First after Iraq, then Charlie, then Skaara, then SG-1, then Sam. Sam will never be the same person. We have to give her the freedom to find herself."
"But that doesn't mean she has to do it alone," Janet said, finishing her wine. "Or tonight. There will be plenty of time after the dance."
"Right," Daniel said, standing up and giving Janet a quick hug. Jack followed with a hug of his own then the three of them headed inside. No one saw the figure standing by the upper floor window. Sam smiled as she turned away from the window and climbed back into bed.
The next day was as hectic and enjoyable as they could ever remember. The girls made good time getting into Denver, arriving in time to have an early lunch before immersing themselves in the day spa Janet raved about. Afterward they were able to find new gowns, with matching shoes and accessories, just in time to hit the salon for a full make over. They talked about what the guys' expressions would look like all the way back to Colorado Springs. After a quick detour to Janet's house to put on their new purchases they were on their way to the SGC.
Teal'c, Daniel, Jack, and Cameron were waiting for them in the parking lot. Their jaws dropped as the ladies stepped out of the car. "You look amazing," Jack said as he took Sam's hand. She spun around so he could admire the light blue summer dress she had found. The others were showing off their new purchases too. Janet found a stylish skirt and blouse in varying shades of purple while Cassie had finally picked up that little black dress she always wanted. Vala had gone the opposite way though, choosing a very seductive red sequin dress with a slit up the side all the way to her waist. She had already latched onto Daniel's arm and was dragging him to the dance.
"You look quite handsome yourself," Sam said. Jack and Cam looked quite impressive in their dress blues, the medals and ribbons shining brightly in the fading sunlight. Teal'c and Daniel also dressed up for the occasion; purchasing new suits that made them look even more dignified than normal.
"Shall we join the festivities?" Teal'c asked, extending his arm out to Cassie, who took it with the smallest of giggles. Sam and Jack followed them, leaving Cam and Janet to bring up the rear. They quickly made their way to one of the larger storerooms, which had been converted to a dance floor for the occasion; several tables had been set up around the sides and a buffet line off in the corner with a DJ booth in the opposite corner. Major Bailey gave a little wave from the booth. He was in charge of the music and Cam secretly wondered if that was a good thing or not.
"May I?" Cam asked Janet as he pulled her onto the dance floor. Everywhere couples where dancing while groups of people were chatting quietly at the tables, spouses clinging uncertainly to the various SGC personnel. Eventually their apprehension faded and they were mingling and dancing. Laughter rang out through the storeroom and even Jack had to admit that this was a good idea.
"Can I cut in?" Jack had taken Sam out onto the dance floor for the third time when he felt a finger tap his shoulder.
"Of course," he said when he saw Jacob standing behind him. "I'll just mingle for a bit." Sam smiled as he gave her a little bow before making his way toward the buffet line.
"You look beautiful Sam," Jacob said as he began dancing with his daughter. Jacob had also donned his dress blues for the occasion and looked just as handsome as Sam though he would.
"Thanks Dad," Sam replied, blushing slightly. "Did we visit Mark?" Jacob's eyebrows shot up.
"Yeah," he told her, "just before the whole mess with Pandora. You remember that?" Sam shrugged.
"I wasn't sure. It felt like a dream. That's what most of the things I think I remember feel like. A dream."
"I'm sure you can always ask Jack or Daniel."
"I have been," she told him, "but I'm afraid they're going to get annoyed with me asking so many questions."
"I doubt they'll get annoyed with you any time soon," he told her. They danced quietly for a few more minutes before he spoke again. "I have to leave soon. My friends are pushing me to come back and report about Pandora." He chose his words carefully, aware that many ears here didn't have clearance, but Sam understood his meaning. The Tok'ra needed him again.
"Are you going to say goodbye before you leave?" Sam asked, reminding him again of the child like persona she had at the start of his visit.
"Of course," he promised as the song ended. "Looks like you have another courter and I need to have another talk with Jack about the proper way to treat my baby girl." Sam giggled at the look Jack was throwing her when she started dancing with someone else.
"What is amusing Samantha Carter?" Teal'c asked, spinning them around so he could see where she was looking.
"I am just wondering what my father could possibly say to intimidate a man who kills Gods for a living."
"It is a mystery," Teal'c said, thinking back to the very public declaration Jack had given when they first rescued Sam and Jacob's reaction which had left the other man cowering in his bed for several minutes. Sam looked at him quizzically before deciding to simply enjoy his presence. Jack also decided to enjoy the dance, asking Cassie to the dance floor. The two of them smiled at each other as they passed. Each having been asked to dance by so many people they hardly spent any time with each other, but both thoroughly enjoying the evening. The dance was winding down when Joris finally asked Sam for a dance.
"You look radiant Samantha," he told her as he swept her onto the dance floor.
"Thank you…" she paused before deciding, "Minister." Joris looked sadly at her before she caught onto what he said. "This is the first time you've called me by my name."
"Yes it is," he agreed. "Though I've come to love the name Kianna, it is not really who you are."
"I guess I have changed these last few weeks," she admitted, frowning slightly. "I guess I am ready to stop being Kianna."
"My dear, you have been ready for months, long before Jack even arrived. It is I who was not ready to let go."
"But you are now?" she asked. Joris nodded, leading her off the dance floor and into the hallway. They passed the sentries who were keeping the civilians out of the rest of the base and entered a little used office.
"Things have changed on Birona," he told her, "and throughout the system. The discovery that the Inturi and Pandora are the same, especially learning Pandora is the Goa'uld who enslaved our ancestors has united our people like never before. All past sins are to be forgiven. Birona will share the knowledge gained through the Inturi with the rest of the systems, who will in turn share all they know with Birona. The Sanctuary will be open to all again, including permanent settlers, something that has never happened. They seek to create a healing center not just for the mind, but for the body as well, while a new governing body is being created with representation from all the planets in the system. No longer will one planet rule over the others, nor a planet remain so inconsequential then the others." He looked her in the eyes. "My people have asked me to represent them in this new counsel."
"So you're leaving," Sam said despondently. Joris smiled.
"I have learned much in my time here," he said, "mostly about myself. I never could have been the man I am today without you and your friends to help me."
"So you are leaving," Sam sighed.
"Soon, but the planets have also agreed to explore diplomatic ties with Earth. I am sure we will see each other again." Sam's face lit up as she pulled him into a hug.
"Can I still call you Father?" she asked timidly.
"Of course," he said, tightening the hug before releasing her. "You will always have a special place in my heart Samantha. Besides, someone needs to keep Jack in line."
"Dad," Jack whined from the doorway. Sam ran into his arms.
"Did you here?" she asked quickly, excitement rolling off her voice as idea after idea popped into her head.
"Slow down," he said when she finally stopped to breathe. "That talk is what tomorrow is for. Right now we have just enough time for one more dance. Will you do me the honor of dancing with me one last time tonight?"
"It would be my pleasure," she said, reaching for a kiss. Joris quietly excused himself, leaving the two of them swaying to music only they could hear.
"Sam?" Jack asked after a few minutes. "How much is this night going to cost me?"
"I'll tell you tomorrow," she said, tiredly putting her head on his shoulder. He grinned, pulling her closer. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was determined to help Sam find herself again. It didn't matter what was coming tomorrow. Everything was right in the world today.
The end.
A/N: I'd like to thank everybody for reading. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. I am not planning to make this into a trilogy. I think the story is finished and leaves off in a good place. I am working on a couple other stories and hope you'll join me when they're finally ready to be read. Thank you again.