A/N: After New Order
Naturally the next time I saw Jack I was relieved.
For three months the cigar box sat tucked away on the top shelf of the closet, waiting.
The wait ended late one afternoon. I had come home from work to find Megan and Jason dutifully doing their homework at the kitchen counter.
"Someone called for you." Megan announced as I dropped a kiss on the top of her head.
"Oh?"
Jason nodded, "It was weird."
A sudden nervousness settled in my gut but I tried not to let it show, "How so?"
Megan scrunched up her face trying to remember, "He said it was Jack, to tell you that he called, that he's back but stuck on the base or out of town until Friday afternoon but he just wanted to let you know that he was wrong and everything is okay."
I breathed in deeply through my nose and fought against the relieved moisture building in my eyes.
"Was that Jack as in Charlie's Dad?" Jason asked innocently.
I nodded, and swallowed back my burgeoning emotion, "Yes sweety, it was."
"Where'd he go? What was he wrong about?"
"I don't know where he went." I answered honestly, "But he thought he wasn't coming back so I guess that's what he was wrong about."
Megan bit down on her lip, "Are you going to go live with him again?"
I sighed and wrapped my arms around the young girl, "Oh honey, no. I love you and your dad very very much. Jack is still my friend and I may visit him from time to time but when I married your dad I made a promise to him and to you. I'm not going anywhere."
"I love, too." She whispered into my chest.
A week later I pulled into Jack's driveway and parked behind a black SUV. I grabbed the cigar box from the passenger seat and headed up the walk way.
I was just about to knock on the door when it opened revealing a harried Daniel Jackson awkwardly balancing a box in his hand. He was sharply dressed in a grey suit and blue shirt with a tie visibly hanging out of his pocket.
"Dr. Jackson." I greeted before he barreled over me.
"Sarah!" He drew himself to a halt, "Hi!" He shifted the box to push his glasses up his nose and extend a hand. "Good to see you."
I smirked, struck by the similarities to our first meeting. He shifted the box again and pulled the door shut behind him and turned a key in the lock.
I raised an eyebrow.
"Oh!" Daniel looked back at me and then the door, "You're probably here for Jack?"
I held up the box in my hand, "I just wanted to return something to him."
Daniel's eyes grew wide as he took in the battered cigar box, obviously aware of its significance.
"Oh. Yeah. Of course." For a moment his free hand reached out to the keepsake but he stopped mid air instead gesturing to the car. "A bunch of us are gathering at General Hammond's house. You should join us."
I shook my head, "I don't think so. Maybe you could just return this to him for me?"
Daniel took the box carefully and tested the weight in his hand. "You know..." He said seriously, eyes trained on the battered cover, "Jack's become slightly more open in recent years but he never told me, or to my knowledge Sam even Teal'c, about what's in this box." He grimaced, "But I know it's important. He's kept it in his locker since we started at the SGC." His blue eyes looked into mine earnestly, "If he trusted you with this I think he'd prefer to get it back from you."
He extended his arm and I hesitantly took the box back.
He smiled, "Come on, we have a lot to celebrate. It's just a few streets over."
"DanielJackson, Have you acquired the necessary equipment?" Teal'c came around the corner, also dapperly dressed in a dark suit and maroon shirt, tie securely in place even as he he balanced Jack's grill in hand.
I watched as the large man effortlessly guided the grill into the rear of the SUV.
Daniel held up his box, "Yep!" He looked to me sheepishly, "We didn't take into consideration that General Hammond was in the process of moving when we planned the party."
"Ah." I nodded.
"SarahMatheson." Teal'c greeted me with my new proper name. "It is good to see you again. Will you be joining us?"
"Umm." I glanced first to Daniel and then to the box in my hand.
Teal'c's gaze followed mine knowingly. "I believe you would be most welcome; it is a day of great celebration."
Both men watched me intently and I felt my resolve crumple under their attention.
"I think I'm under dressed." I indicated their own snappy attire compared to my simple jeans and blouse.
Daniel visibly pushed away my concern, "Don't worry about it. I'm sure most people, including Jack dressed down before they even left the base. It's really just a cook out."
"Indeed." Teal'c agreed simply.
"Okay, okay." I acquiesced , "Lead the way gentlemen."
10 minutes later we pulled up to a beautiful house surrounded by a rolling yard and several cars in the driveway and on the street in front.
A large banner over the garage read "Bon Voyage General & Doctor and Congratulations Generals, Lt. Colonel, Captain & Sergeant!"
"There have been some personnel changes around the base." Daniel explained. "We figured it was better to make the banner about that then 'Yay We Survived The End of The World Again!'" He grinned.
"Naturally..." I agreed dryly, feeling like I didn't really want to know how many times we had already survived a supposed end of the world.
I followed Daniel around the side of the house. There were many people milling about including several families with children and people in and out of uniform.
I smiled as I caught sight of who I was looking for standing to the side of a small pond. Just as Daniel had predicted, Jack was dressed in jeans and a black t shirt as he spoke with Major Carter who was in tight fitting jeans and a cream top, a slightly portly balding man in a Hawaiian shirt and khakis and a younger short woman in the blue skirt and button up blouse of the Air Force's formal uniform.
Sam saw me first and nudged Jack with her elbow even as she smiled broadly and waved me over. Jack followed her sight line and although smaller, the smile he gave was honest.
I stopped once I reached the small group, flanked by Teal'c and Daniel. "Look who we found." Daniel announced jauntily.
"Jack." I greeted simply, drinking in the fact that was, indeed, alive and well.
"Sarah." His eyes locked with mine for a moment before he glanced around, "Let me introduce you to Lieutenant General George Hammond, Captain Jennifer Hailey and of course you know Lieutenant Colonel Carter."
The change in Sam's rank coupled with the proud emphasis Jack put on all of their titles had me guessing these were some of the personnel changes Daniel had mentioned. I noted the young captain was blushing furiously while Sam and the General both regarded Jack with amusement.
"This is Sarah." He introduced me without explanation. Captain Hailey clearly had no understanding and I could see her thinking as she nodded, "Pleased to meet you ma'am."
On the other hand I got the distinct impression that General Hammond knew exactly who I was as he grasped my hand in a warm, double pawed hand shake. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"You as well, sir." I grinned, immediately sensing his genuine nature, "I've heard a great deal about you."
"Yes..." He shot a glare at Jack who cleared his throat and looked down as he toed the dirt, "Jack may have mentioned his inability to understand the word confidential a few years ago."
"Umm." Captain Hailey shifted nervously, obviously sensing the teasing reprimand was part of a conversation above her level, "With permission, sirs, ma'am?"
Sam smiled and nodded gently, "Actually, Captain, why don't you come with me to the deck? Now Teal'c is back we can start grilling." She looked to me and gave a quick squeeze to my arm, "It's good to see you Sarah."
I nodded but quickly turned my attention back to the General. His tone had sounded light and I was happy to hear Jack had been honest about his revelation of the Stargate to me but I wanted to assist with any damage control. "Sir, about what Jack's told me. It's been very minimal. I assure you. Really just context."
The older man smiled warmly, a twinkle in his blue eyes, "It's fine." He glanced between Jack and I, his face growing serious for a moment, "After...well after what you saw it was the right thing to do, even if I didn't approve it at the time."
Jack glanced up and made eye contact with Hammond and flashed a quick, appreciative grin. The General straightened, the smile returning to his face, "Not that it's really my problem now, is it?"
Jack shrugged, "I don't know sir, I think in your new position you still have approval over civilian involvement, right?" Jack glanced to me, "General Hammond here has been appointed to the Pentagon by the President himself."
Hammond sent a knowing look back at Jack before rolling his eyes.
I smirked, "I'd say congratulations but I know enough that people don't always see Pentagon transfers to be a good thing."
Hammond laughed, "You would be correct. But I think this is unique enough that it should be fun for a while." He smirked at my ex husband, "I just should have figured it out before Jack here caused me to loose what hair I had left."
"Soooo not just my fault." Jack balked good naturedly. He gestured around the yard, "Everyone here has played their fair share in stressing you out...sir." He smirked.
I was just about to try and pull Jack away when a snort coming from Doctor Jackson had the three of us turning to see what he was looking at.
A newcomer had arrived. He seemed innocuous enough, dressed in jeans and a checkered shirt and I almost asked what it was that had caused Daniel's reaction when I saw the man approach Sam and drop a kiss on the side of her mouth and wrap an arm possessively around her waist even as she pulled back, focused on her attempt to fix the grill hose.
I turned back around to see Jack studiously watching ducks flap on the pond and Hammond and Daniel exchange a look.
"You know, last time you thought you weren't going to be coming back from a mission you retired when you got home." I directed pointedly at Jack.
His head swiveled and his eyes were full of surprise when they met mine.
"This is different." He said steadily.
I spared the general a glance before I tilted my head and looked back at Jack, "What actually happened Jack? 3 months ago you come to me and say you'll be dead in the week. Now your not."
He shrugged and scratched at the side of his head. "I uhh, got lucky."
"Many times you have." Hammond agreed seriously, "Luck didn't have much to do with it this time."
Daniel wrapped his arms tightly around his torso and nodded, "Sarah, Jack has spent the last 3 months in stasis." My eyes widened and shot back to Jack who was again looking out over the pond, his eyes creased in a wince.
Daniel's hands dropped and he shoved them into his pockets, "He had to because he did almost die. He sacrificed himself to save the planet." I would have been struck by his bluntness except Daniel's eyes were no longer on mine. They were focused with laser like intensity on Jack, as if he were attempting to force Jack to acknowledge the magnitude of his deed.
Hammond's eyes were also on Jack, a small smile playing on his lips as if he were enjoying the discomfort Jack was experiencing.
I found myself smiling as well. "Saving the world, huh?" Jack shrugged with a single shoulder. "That'll look good on a resume."
His eyebrows climbed and he let out a huff of amusement. "Well, you know, it's not really the first time. Teal'c can give you a count."
This time I blinked, "A count of how many times you've saved the world."
Jack shook his head, "Not me," He raised a hand to indicate the other people in the yard, "Collective efforts."
Even as I shook my head in disbelief I noted the man who was still standing hip to hip with Sam as she engaged in what looked like a serious conversation between Captain Hailey and a tall man with glasses and USAF trucker hat. I also noted the way Jack's eyes paused in the same direction.
He coughed and pulled his attention away, a wry smile in Hammond's direction, "Anyone want to take bets as to how long before Siler ends up accidentally on fire?"
Hammond smiled but said nothing.
I looked back to the blond woman gesturing animatedly with grill implements and ignoring the man who now had his hand resting in her rear pocket.
"So Lieutenant Colonel..." I started carefully, shooting a quick look to the general before tilting up to Jack, "Good for Sam. I'm sure she deserves it."
Jack grinned proudly, "Yes, she does."
I crossed my arms, "Are they letting you stay together as a team or does her promotion complicate things?"
Jack's grin faltered and he shifted, "Actually it made things easier. Carter's team leader now."
I looked back to Daniel and the General who were both still grinning.
"So you're no longer on the same team as Sam?" I asked carefully.
Jack's mouth opened slightly as he glanced at Hammond who was looking down and Daniel whose eyebrows had risen over his glasses in anticipation.
"General!" Sam shouted in our direction and Jack closed his eyes in apparently relief, exhaling.
"Yes?" Hammond looked up.
"Oh. Umm." Sam grinned, "I'm sorry sir, I meant the other General."
My eyes shot back to Jack even as Hammond cleared his throat to grab Jack's attention. "General O'Neill. I believe she means you."
"Huh?" Jack blinked, "Oh, yeah, right. Me. General. Got it." He turned back to the porch, "Carter?"
She gestured helplessly at the grill, "Sir," She gestured to the short Captain and tall Sergeant beside her, "We can bend the laws of physics probably better than most but we give up. I have no idea how you get this heap to work."
Jack grinned brightly, "Are you insulting my grill Colonel?"
"Yes General, yes I am." She returned his smile.
"Well then, I will just have to defend its honor! Be right there and I'll show you a thing or two about bending physics! ..." He winced at his own words and gestured an awkward apology which Sam just waved away with a fond roll of her eyes.
The interplay was enough to tell me all I needed to know about Jack's feelings but everything also fell into place as I put together that with Hammond's departure and Jack's promotion he was probably now running the base; still Sam's CO and nothing had changed...except apparently she had a boyfriend. My chest tightened.
Impulsively I pulled him in a tight hug before he could walk away. Seemingly caught off guard Jack hesitated before he returned the hug for a moment before pulling away.
"What was that for?"
I smiled gently, "You're alive, apparently saved the world and have been promoted to a General and you're asking me why I might be inclined to hug you?"
He rolled back on his feet, "It is kind of cool, isn't it?" He whispered conspiratorially, even though I knew he knew Danial and Hammond could still hear it. I patted his chest,
"Yes, it is very cool. General." I smiled, "Now, go, save your grill."
He grinned and departed mumbling something about scientists.
I turned back to Hammond and Daniel who were both looking at me with interest. I shifted uncomfortably. "I'm sorry, should I not have hugged him in front of everyone like that?"
Daniel's grin turned into a full blown smile even as Hammond shook his head gently, "No, I think that it was actually a good thing."
I furrowed my brow, confused, "How so?"
Daniel glanced to the general and then back to me. He licked his lips as he explained, "You have to know how the military is tough for women."
I nodded, I had lived on bases long enough with Jack to know how viscous the military grapevine could be.
"Well, from what I understand the SGC is better than most especially as Sam has more than proven her worth but..." He looked back to the General who simply nodded acquiescence, "Jack and Sam are also closer friends than most. And although there have been a few incidents of rumors there really hasn't been a problem but this morning the first thing Jack did upon promotion was announce Sam's promotion."
Hammond smiled sadly, "I was the one who initiated it and Jack didn't know it would be approved until the President told him at his own promotion yesterday morning."
I nodded seriously, "So the rumors have been given some fuel."
"I can tell you that starting a command is hard enough with out having people doubt your integrity." Hammond intoned seriously.
Daniel's eyes flashed furiously, "Sir, with all due respect, even if people talked, do you honestly think anyone on the base would ever doubt Jack's integrity? I mean it's Jack."
Hammond smiled patiently, "Of course Dr. Jackson. But I'm also sure that Jack doesn't have the same confidence in people's opinions as you do." He glanced fondly to the man in question before returning his eyes to Daniel and sighing, "Even so, it's one thing to be a member of the command structure on a base, it's another thing entirely to be the CO of the whole base. And I don't need to tell you how dangerous idle talk can be. He's made a target of himself before, promotion and being in Hayes' good graces only makes that target larger."
I swallowed dryly at the implication and glanced back to where Jack was proudly gesturing to the fire in the grill while Sam stood toe to toe pointing out the lack of even heat distribution. The two were clearly enjoying their argument while ignoring everyone around them, including the man who had to move his hand from Sam's back as she grabbed the grill tongs from Jack's hand in feigned annoyance.
Daniel and Hammond were also both watching the interplay, sad smiles on their faces. Daniel looked down first, "I don't have many thoughts about Sam's boyfriend but in the grand scheme of things it's good he's here and it's good for people to see Jack smiling with and hugging a mysterious woman." He wagged his eyebrows.
"Throw the rumor train off the scent." I concluded quietly.
"Yep." Hammond agreed ruefully.
I regarded the older man carefully, "Sir, if you don't mind my saying, you were their CO."
He nodded, "For a long time."
"And you were okay with..." I gestured to where Jack now stood, arms crossed as Sam continued to fiddle with the settings on the grill.
"They never gave me any reason to question their actions or motivations." He replied evenly. "SG teams are notably close."
I sighed, fiddled with my fingers, debating what I wanted to say. I looked into his kindly blue eyes and saw a twinkle there.
"You're worried for him?" He asked gently.
I squirmed under his gaze, "Not exactly. For the most part I have faith he can pull himself out of trouble...It's just..." I tried to articulate how I was feeling. "I've gotten remarried and I have two amazing step children and I could not be happier. I would understand if Jack were jealous but he's made it abundantly clear that he's happy for me...I just wish I could return the same for him."
Hammond smirked, "The man is a general, in charge of a base he loves on the front line of the planet's defenses, has the trust of the President and the ear of the joint chiefs. That's not enough to be happy for?"
"Is he happy?" I shot back without thinking.
I watched Hammond's eyes return to the deck. Jack was now leaning back obviously not listening to a slender woman with dark shoulder length hair, his eyes flicking past her to where Sam stood at the grill taking hamburgers off of the tray in her boyfriend's hands.
Hammond sighed, "He's content." He admitted quietly.
I looked up to the clear blue sky. "He really saved the world?"
"He did." Daniel affirmed, "More than once."
I looked first at him and then back to Hammond, "He deserves more than content."
To his credit the older man smiled and nodded his head, "He does."
I glanced to Daniel, encouraged by the surprised and interested look on his face.
"You couldn't help them?" I pressed Jack's former CO.
He grinned wryly, "I thought I was."
It was Daniel's turn to speak, "What?"
Hammond shrugged, "Last year, after the Prometheus was recovered and Major Carter was still in the infirmary." His eyes met with Daniels, "You remember how difficult that S&R was?"
"Of course." Daniel agreed, the memory of frustration playing across his face.
"Well when everything got back on keel Jack came to me and indicated that it was probably time for Sam to have her own command."
Daniel's eyebrows rose.
Hammond inclined his head. "That's when I started the process for her promotion. Jack didn't want to break up you three and I needed her to have a higher rank to ensure her appointment as SG-1 team leader would be approved."
Daniel blinked, "If Sam was going to run SG1 what was Jack going to do?"
"We discussed a few different options. Prometheus, Alpha site, 302 command, the training program...He's had his hands in a lot the last few years and we would have found something relevant." He looked back to the porch, "We never spoke frankly about it but I understood enough that I was going to make sure that there were no obstacles." Hammond sighed, "But it's all moot now."
Daniel nodded, "Because Sam found Pete and Jack's promotion came from the Pentagon and the President."
Hammond nodded.
Daniel glanced back to the deck and wrapped his arms around himself, "That explains why he was so reluctant to accept the promotion. I mean I know he'll miss going off world but I've never seen him doubt himself so much."
I sighed, "He may have hesitated but if his appointment came from that high up he was never not going to accept. Nothing comes in between Jack O'Neill and what he perceives as his duty." I grimaced. "No matter how distasteful it may be."
"That's certainly the truth." Daniel acknowledged.
"Agreed." Intoned Hammond heavily.
"Agreed upon what?" Came Jack's jovial voice behind me.
Before I could think of something Daniel interjected, "We were just commenting about how much better the burgers are going to be because Sam's cooking them and not you."
Jack pulled a face, "Sure, maybe they won't be burnt but she's got no finesse."
"Finesse?" I repeated, amused.
"She's got a thermometer in there for crying out loud!" His indignation was evident as he gestured widely and liquid sloshed out of the nearly full beer bottle in his hand.
I smirked and placed my hand on his forearm, "Jack, honey, most people cook with a thermometer." Even as I was speaking I suddenly became aware of the quick, questioning glances in our direction and pulled my hand back.
Jack hardly seemed to notice as he snorted. "Boring."
I rolled my eyes. "Well it doesn't really matter as I won't be having any."
Jack looked sharply at me and I gestured to the cars with my thumb, "I wasn't planning on being away long this afternoon. I just wanted to return something to you..."
His eyes darkened and he nodded slowly, "I'll follow you to your car."
I turned to Daniel and General Hammond, "Thank you both. I'm happy we had the opportunity to talk."
"As was I, Ma'am." The General smiled sincerely.
I patted Daniel on the shoulder, "Please give my good byes to Sam and Teal'c for me?" He nodded and covered my hand with his own for a moment.
I paused until I felt Jack's hand on my back and I allowed him to steer me toward the road.
We got to the car and he gave a short nod as I handed him the box. He opened it briefly eyes taking in the photos and a rare, soft smile crossed his face.
I leaned back against the car, arms crossed, "General O'Neill" I murmured in amazement.
He rolled his eyes, "Don't read too much into it. They didn't have a whole heck of a lot of choices."
I shook my head, "Can't you take a moment and just be proud of yourself?"
He looked at me but said nothing.
"I seem to recall an old CO of yours, that guy from Vietnam? Colson? I remember when we first ran into him on that base in California. Do you remember? He flicked your lieutenant bars and made some comment about how he never thought you'd graduate from the Academy."
"I almost didn't." He reminded me.
"Getting in trouble for fighting a bully is not almost not graduating." I shook my head. "My point was...you've come a long way."
Jack smiled again, giving a small nod. "Colson retired a lieutenant colonel."
"If only he could see you know, eh?" I smirked.
Jack's eyes glistened wickedly, "He's not the only one."
"You did work with a lot of assholes." I agreed curtly.
His eyebrows jumped up at my crassness.
I shrugged in indifference to his surprise, "I never liked the way a lot of your former teammates treated you."
Jack winced. "Well, they're not here now." He replied quietly.
"General!" We were interrupted by a short bespectacled man in khakis and a white button down. I grinned in amusement as Jack again seemed to forget his new title.
"Sergeant." He greeted evenly, "Just go ahead around back, Carter's working the grill."
"That's good, sir." The shorter man blinked, "I mean not that it wouldn't be good if someone else were, I mean, I'm sure you're very good at grilling sir, just Major Carter, I mean Colonel Carter is also very good...at grilling...sir."
Jack waited for the poor man to finish his stuttering before patting him on the shoulder, "Walter. Go. Eat. Relax for once."
Walter brightened and nodded. "Thank you sir." He paused mid stride, "You're not leaving yet sir?"
Jack shook his head, "I'll be back soon. I know we have much to discuss."
"Yes sir." The man nodded and turned back to the house.
Jack turned back to me and I couldn't help but grin wildly.
"What?" He asked tentatively.
"I'm happy for you." I found myself replying honestly.
He blinked in surprise and then settled into his own smile. "Thanks."
My eyes drifted back to the house, "I know there are still things you want, that you may not think you deserve, even if you do and I hope you get those things. But I'm realizing now that you're right. Those people you used to work with, who treated you like crap and I know made you do things that you aren't proud of...those people aren't anywhere to be seen."
He shifted uncomfortably and I looked at him in awe, "You're a General, Jack. You've survived in many more ways than one and I'm really happy for you."
He looked me over carefully before whispering, "C'mere." And he pulled me close and we hugged tightly for a long, long moment.
When we pulled away there were tears in my eyes even though I didn't know why.
I wiped at them as I looked up at him, "There's something else." I said carefully.
He tilted his chin, waiting.
"Greg's been transferred." I explained. "We're moving to New York in two months."
Jack's eyes tightened for a beat but he nodded, "How're the kids handling it?"
I smiled, "Jason was annoyed because it will screw with soccer tryouts but Megan is excited. We're going to be in the city. It will be a fun adventure."
He returned my smile. "Yes, I'm sure it will. Let me know if you need any help."
"I'm sure we'll be fine." I
He nodded. "Yeah."
"I'll send you a post card with my new address on it." I promised as I got in the car.
He tucked the cigar box under his arm and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Make it a funny one."
I rolled my eyes and turned the key. "Good bye, Jack."
"Is it?" His tone was disinterested but his eyes were dark and I felt my heart skip a beat.
"I'll see you later." I capitulated gently.
His lips tipped up at the corners, "See ya." He offered me one last grin then tapped on the roof of the car and stepped away.
As I pulled out of the parking spot I watched as another car pulled in and 4 kids tumbled out. Still in the front yard Jack mock saluted and then tickled each one in turn. The driver, a serious looking man with "Colonel = In Charge" on his t-shirt said something which made Jack shake his head with an amused smirk even as his expression lit up at the cake box the newly arrived colonel's wife carried.
I wasn't sure when or if I'd be seeing Jack again but I knew what I had said was true; he had come out the other side of the worst that life had to throw at him and he had survived. I did still believe he deserved more but as I watched him disappear around the house with a cake box in one hand and his coworker's toddler in the other I mused that perhaps General Hammond was right, I could be happy with Jack being content.
After all, it was a long way from where he started and I had faith he still had more of life's adventures ahead.
