Well guys, I got lucky I guess and was able to put out another chapter. Thank you all for the support you have given me. It does not go unappreciated.

To the guest reviewer who wanted to know why I chose for Jack to call Carter Samantha instead of Carter in this story. Well, I will tell you and whoever else may have wondered that. If you saw the episode Grace – then you know that Jack visited Carter on the ship while she was going through her hallucinations. What did he call her?

Again, thank you each and every one for reading this and for reviewing.

Chapter 21

Bridges

General Hammond slowly set the receiver back into its cradle and rubbed his tired eyes. Would it never end? He had known the whole time the order was given to him that it was the wrong thing to do but who argues with the President. He had known that if he let Samuels out of his sight – he would never see him again. And it appears he was correct. The call he had just finished confirmed it. Samuels had been killed in an accident when the car that was transporting him to Washington lost control and went over the side of a mountain ridge. It caught on fire and all occupants were killed. Some would consider it justice but Hammond just could not help but wonder whose hands may have been involved with "the accident" as they were calling it. Now they not only had lost another witness, but someone they may have cracked enough to give them the one name they all so desperately wanted to hear. Kinsey!

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Vice President Kinsey leaned back in his plush chair and smiled. Another one bites the dust as the old song goes and he could not help but laugh as he thought of the look on O'Neil's face when he heard the news. Oh they may have thought they had him right where they wanted him, but they needed to look again. He was still sitting real pretty and soon he would be one office up. Things would cool off soon concerning the whole incident with Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter and then his next plan would go into action. No one really expected him to stay just as a vice president, did they? That would be like telling a child who lost a game that it only mattered how you played. Such crap! He wanted the big chair and he would get it.

Kinsey was not worried about the fact that the Goa'uld he made agreements with had left this planet unsatisfied. It was not his problem that the people he had gotten to work for him had not completed their assignments the correct way. This Goa'uld who assumed he was a god needed to understand that there was only one God and Kinsey had no doubt that he was high up on His charts. He had nothing to worry about from anyone. He felt sure that if the one and only true God that he believed in had not stopped him by now then he obviously agreed with Kinsey about what he had been doing.

Oh, he would not fool anyone or claim that he had not been worried when he had first heard that O'Neill had lived. But that was fine – just gave him another chance at destroying the pain in the butt and he would, eventually. Even if he had to wait until he became President. He would get everything he wanted, everything he felt he deserved and never have to hear the name Jonathon Jack O'Neill again. That would be a day of celebration in his books.

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The nurse watched her as she made another long pass across her private room. The young lady would be the first to ever do it, but the nurse honestly believed that she was going to walk a hole in the concrete floor of the hospital room. Sam Carter was so lost in her thoughts she had not even noticed the nurse standing there.

She was thinking about Jack and what she had agreed to with Janet. He would be coming up here today to see her as soon as things were under control at Colonel Reynold's home. She prayed everything was going okay there and that between Jack, Janet and Dr. Jennings – no one would get hurt. She did not want to think about what poor Mary was going through right now. She knew how Jack was when he got lost in his memories and it was not a happy situation. It was downright scary to be truthful. But she loved him just like Mary loved Colonel Reynolds so she knew without a shadow of a doubt that Mary was doing everything possible to keep her husband alive.

Jack was there in the middle of all of it and knowing he had to face what he may be having to face made Sam's heart hurt for him. She knew him well enough to know he was more than likely blaming himself for what Mary and Colonel Reynolds were going through. But that was Jack and once you were under his command it did not matter if it was on duty or off – he felt he was responsible for you. Not only that but knowing that Reynolds would not be going through this had she not gone to Area 51 did not help Sam either and that was something else she knew Jack was thinking because she had heard him make the comment that if he had kept his head on the job instead of in the clouds, she and others would not have gotten hurt.

Sam also knew she blamed herself for Colonel Reynolds health status. But was there really anything she could have done to keep this from happening. Being with Jack did not have anything to do with what had happened at Area 51. The plan had been set in motion before she had even talked Jack into sharing a room with her. It was not like she went there because of something she wanted to do on her own. She had been given that mission through the service and she had followed orders. And no matter what Jack thought, the sleeping together had not in no way kept him from doing his job.

Sam was glad now that they had had those special days and nights together. She was so afraid there would be no more. God, how was she supposed to face him? She really did want to see him – want was not even the word. She needed to see him, desired to see him. Her soul ached to have him near her but that did not stop her from being scared. She still was not sure how much he had been told about her injuries. Did he know that the possibility of her ever having a child was slim to none? She did not even know if she would even be able to perform the act to get pregnant.

Would it change his feelings for her once he found out? She wanted to believe that it would not but somehow that was digging way down deep and right now – with no more faith then she had in this whole thing- she felt too tired to dig that deep. Jack loved her, she would never doubt that. But could she put more on him. For all she knew he may be hoping that one day he will have a chance to start again with another child and if she could not give him that – well she just would not do that to him. She loved him too much.

With one finally pace, Sam had made up her mind. She would see him when he came today but she would just have to let him know straight up that there could never be anything between them but friendship. If she had to she would make him think that all she ever wanted was just a romp in the hay with him. She would end it before he would ever find out just how messed up she really was.

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Jack heard the scream that ripped through Reynolds throat as he lunged towards Jack. Jack had just enough time to figure out that he was considering Jack a predator and Reynolds was going to get him before he could harm his family. The good thing about this was that once he put his mind on protecting Mary – he no longer felt the need to harm himself. The bad part of this, Jack thought, was what kind of shape was he going to be in by the time Reynolds was through with him. He knew he would never harm Jack on purpose, but Jack also knew that a man protecting his loved ones was dangerous enough, add that to the fact that Reynolds did not even know who he was at this moment, and things just got a heck of a lot worse.

Jack had no doubt that he could take Reynolds but in the back of his mind he could not help but wonder if he wanted to. Maybe he just needed to let Reynolds beat the crap out of him for a while. Maybe what the guy needed was something to beat on and take all the anger and frustration out on. And who better than him? No he was not feeling sorry for himself but in all reality it was because of him that Ba'al had used Reynolds like a scape goat. Yes, if he had not used him to make Carter think Reynolds was Jack – Reynolds most likely would have been killed straight out.

Jack felt the fist as it landed against the side of his face and had just enough time to prepare himself when he felt the other one hit him square in the solar plexus. Even knowing it was coming the hit was hard enough to knock Jack back against the wall. Before he even had time to brace himself Reynolds was at him again, this time both fists going as fast as they could. Jack knew he was going to have to start defending himself or he would be killed – Reynolds did not see him as anything other than a danger to his family and he was trying his best to get rid of him.

Just as Reynolds brought his foot up the second time to catch Jack in the side with it, Jack caught it and used it to swing Reynolds around. Then he shoved him against the other wall and held him there while trying to talk to him. Not only to calm Reynolds down but Jack needed to catch his breath also. He knew it was going to take some effort to get through to Reynolds and the best way was to get his full attention. He was not going to let him go until he realized who Jack was – especially with the others around Mary. That would be really bad, and Jack really did not want to think about the outcome. He could already feel the side of his face swelling and he knew that he had at least one bruised rib if not two. He had to somehow get Reynolds to understand that he was a friendly face not an enemy that needed to be taken out.

Jack felt some of the tension draining out of Reynolds when he heard Mary's voice still coming through the bathroom door. It felt as if a calmness washed over Reynolds body as her soothing voice continued to tell him how much she loved him, needed him, and could nor would not live without him. Jack felt the love coming from her as it wrapped itself around the man he was still leaning against, holding firmly against the bathroom door. The same door that his wife sat at on the other side. Jack had never witnessed anything like it before.

Oh, he knew he had experienced love, he was in love right now. But he could tell that the couple that was facing this right now believed in a higher love that controlled their lives. It had been a long time since Jack had felt God's power in a situation – but that is exactly what he was feeling taking place here. He felt Reynolds as he slipped to his knees and he knew that though there would still be hard days – the fight for now was over. He squatted beside his friend and almost fell backwards when Reynolds slammed into him, crying, with his face buried in Jack's chest. The pain was still there, it would be there for a long time but the healing was taking place.

Jack knocked on the door to let Dr. Jennings or Janet know that it could be opened. Mary was the first one to rush in and Jack slipped from Reynolds as Mary knelt to take his place, both husband and wife crying and praying. Jack slowly backed out of the bathroom and left them alone. As he passed Janet he noticed that Daniel was standing behind her, holding her close and Teal'c was beside Daniel. He had not even known that Daniel had showed up. Janet had called them when she had gotten here and assessed the situation, figuring a couple more strong men would not hurt. She never dreamed that Jack had no intention of allowing another soul in the bathroom with him and Reynolds. Too many people would have caused things to turn a different way than they had and it would not have ended well.

There was only one member of SG1 missing and God how he missed her. Especially after feeling all the love that just passed by him, radiating from the couple not only in the bathroom but the couple standing in the hallway. Obviously, he could not say anything to Reynolds about not being in reality. Seeing how close Daniel and Janet was, he must have missed some reality time himself. He was not sure how Janet would take him walking past her so he waited until she looked up at him. He realized in her eyes there was no hatred, only sadness. Sadness for him and the one he loved.

"I believe I owe you an apology, Doc." Jack made the comment with a half crooked smile on his face. He understood now how easy it had been for him to become threatening and he did not want to leave here with her thinking he was still a threat.

"I understand more than you will ever know but your apology is accepted. Are you through here, or did you want to hang around while Dr. Jennings and I talked to Mary and Colonel Reynolds?"

Jack looked back through the bathroom door. Although he would have liked to stay and offer his support if it was needed, he also felt like what he could do had been done. Besides, after glancing between Daniel and Janet, he knew that Daniel would not leave here until she did. He did not see this turning back to something devastating but even if it did Daniel could call him and he would be here in no time. No, he wanted to go home. Since where he really wanted to be and who he wanted to be with, was out of the question, he just wanted to go home. He was even thinking of calling the General and seeing if he could leave Colorado and go home to Minnesota. Back to the cabin where he always seemed to find peace.

"What's going to happen to him, Doc?" Jack asked looking at Dr. Jennings. He knew in the past, when a military person would go as far as Reynolds did with an attempt at suicide it was automatic that they went to a psychiatric ward. He was not sure if that would happen here or not. If both doctors felt like they could handle him outside of a hospital, they all knew that would be the best. But this had been a very close call and even though he hated to admit it, Jack knew that there could always be another one. He himself had attempted twice to commit suicide after Charlie's death. The mission to Abydos was actually the second attempt. No one knew of the other time, besides him, Sara and her father. It was actually her father that had stopped the first attempt and he still held great respect for him, even though he and Sara had separated.

"We four will talk and see what the best option is and I will let you know since you are his commanding officer on what the decision is. I think we can assume our session is over for today, Jack. I will see you next Tuesday – same time?"

"Yes, sir." Jack answered, then with a grin he stated "Just make sure your secretary knows that I was not the reason you had to leave the office today. I don't like the looks she can give when she thinks I have hurt you."

Jack started down the hallway and Janet walked behind him. When he realized she was following him, he turned around and looked at her with questioning eyes. He could tell she wanted to tell him something but she looked like a deer caught in headlights. Jack looked down at her and he could not stop the regret nor the small amount of anger that pushed through the back of his mind. Janet had never looked at him like this and she never would have if he had not scared her like he had. God, he hoped they could get over this bridge and her be able to once again trust him.

"Janet, did you need to tell me something? I did not think you were leaving?"

"Jack, I talked to Sam today…."

Before Janet could say another word she was interrupted by a very scared Jack O'Neill.

"Doc is there something wrong. Did something happen to Carter? Is she okay?"

"Jack she has given me permission to allow you to know where she is. If you want to see her, here is the address and the room number. "

Jack took the paper from Janet's hand and she noticed that he was actually shaking. Tears were spilling from his eyes. The look he had on his face as he held that piece of paper so tightly was a look of hope – not of fear. It was a look that said maybe, maybe this was the time for them.

"Jack, she is still very scared and she still blames herself for all that has happened. I have not told anyone but General Hammond what all her injuries consisted of and since you had to leave the base you did not get a chance to read her medical file as you normally would since you are 2IC of the base. Jack, she still has some very serious injuries. If she feels she cannot talk to you about them, I will come up there when we finish here and the three of us can talk."

Janet looked back at Teal'c and nodded her head. Jack watched him come over to where the two of them stood.

"I am sending Teal'c with you just in case you need someone to help you. She is going to fight you. She is going to tell you that you are better off without her. I know this because that is exactly what I would do if I was in her position. Jack, do not let her win this battle. You two love each other, have now for over seven years. It is time for you two to be together. We will work out the details on how to make that happen. Dr. Jennings, General Hammond and I will not let this pass again. You two will not survive this time without each other. So no matter what she tells you, remember how much you love her and fight for it."

Janet said these last words and then turned around and walked back towards Reynolds and Mary. Dr. Jennings had gotten them to go into the bedroom and they were sitting on the bed talking. Seems Reynolds had drifted away from Mary while she had been cooking supper and when she had called him he did not answer. She had not noticed that he had mentally left the house and was back in Iraq until it was too late and she had touched his shoulder to let him know that supper was almost ready, to go wash up. He had back handed her without even realizing it was her. The bruise on her face was the first thing he saw when she finally made him realize that it was her he had held down on the floor. That was why he had taken his gun and gone to the bathroom. The nightmares were now becoming day phases and that was scary. Dr. Jennings knew that they were going to have to do something drastic to help Reynolds and he was afraid that the hospital may be the only answer. He just had to get Mary to agree. Then again, he felt it would not hurt for Mary to have some one on one counseling time.

Jack listened a minute longer, then he and Teal'c walked out to his truck. He opened the piece of paper that Janet had placed in his hand and actually had to laugh. She had been right here in the same town with him all this time. Colorado Springs Medical was about 30 minutes away from the SGC but he had not even checked there. He had assumed since Carter had wanted him not to know where she was – she had picked a hospital outside of Colorado. God, he could have found her had he known this. Then again, would he have been prepared if he had found her right after she had been moved or would it have been nothing but another hurt between the two of them. If she thought the way Janet seemed to think she did, then she did not think Jack would want her even now. There is no way she would have been willing to listen to him when she was first moved.

As he drove to the hospital, he could not help but think about what all he and Sam had been through in the past seven years. He had not been lying when he had told her that he loved her the first time he had seen her. And through the years, that love had grown stronger and stronger. After the nights they had spent together, he knew he would not be able to live a normal life without her beside him. He had to hope she felt the same. He just could not believe that the love she had shown him when they were together was anything other than true love.

"I know what you are thinking, O'Neill. Believe me Major Carter loves you as much as you love her. It is because you two love each other that you both are so stubborn when it comes to talking."

Jack looked at Teal'c as if someone else had taken over his body. For Teal'c to say something that profound and that long was very uncommon but Jack knew from times in the past that when he did say something the Jaffa warrior was usually correct. He could not disagree with him either; they were both stubborn. Jack honestly believed that is what made their teamwork so strong. Maybe that is what their love so strong too. Hopefully strong enough to get them through this.

He sat in the truck for a few minutes after he had parked. He could feel his body tensing up and it scared the crap out of him. He was not this nervous when he was going into battle. Heck, he was not this nervous when he had asked Sara to marry him. As a matter of fact, he did not believe he had ever been this nervous in his life. He remembered back to the day Charlie had been born. He had just gotten off of the plane from a mission when he got on another one to head to Sara. She had gone in labor early and they were worried. But he had handled it like he was on the warfront and not like he was getting ready to greet his son for the first time.

Jack jumped out of the truck when he realized that Teal'c was already out and heading towards the hospital. The nervous tick continued all the way up the elevator ride and through the halls until he was standing outside of her door. Teal'c had stopped at the waiting room at the end of the hall, raising an eyebrow at Jack like a school teacher would. Telling Jack without any words that this was between him and Major Carter but he would be there if Jack or Sam needed him.

Jack knocked once then proceeded to open the door. She was sitting at the window looking out of it. He could not believe she was right here, right where he could reach out and touch her if he wanted to. Did he want to? Yes, more than anything in the world he wanted to take her in his arms and hold her until the world slipped away from them both. He wanted to let her know with his touch that she was still the only thing worth living for in his life.

Jack could tell the way Sam had tensed that she knew it was him that had entered her room. She turned slowly around and he held his breath waiting to see her face. "What would she do? Would he see love or hate in her eyes? Was she willing to forgive him for slipping up and letting her get captured." The thoughts raced through his mind until he saw her face. Then he did not care. All he knew was that he loved her, more than anything

Sam had turned around with the intent of telling Jack straight out that it was over. That there had never really been anything there and time away from him had proven that. But when she saw him, saw his eyes, his face, just him period, she knew that she was lying to herself. She could never look at him and tell him that she did not love him. There was no way and if he saw the same look in her eyes that she saw in his, she did not even have to tell him she loved him. It was written in their eyes as much as brightness was written in the stars.

Tears sprung from both of their eyes as they held each other closer than anyone had ever been held. God, how were they going to get through this and hide their feelings the way they have had to for the last years? They would not be doing that again. That was clear between them, there would be changes made. But it would be hard because the big shots had made it plain that they would not be losing Carter or O'Neill. But Jack O'Neill had news for them. He had fought and saved Earth enough, it was his and Sam's time now. He did not know how they would do it but it would happen.

Sam was thinking the same thing. When she looked into his eyes, she could not hide the yearning that was there to just escape with him.

"Let's go away together….somewhere…do we have to name a place? Couldn't we just sail away until we found where the sun and the moon rest on the waters? Could we just sail away until the whole world looks as beautiful as the ocean waves? Could we sail away until the love we have for each other is enough to sustain us where we don't even need food anymore? Could we sail away until we are so wrapped up with each other that we become one? Can't we do this, Jack? Can we not for once forget about what we need to do or should do and do for us?"

Jack pulled her close and held her tight against him. He was tired. She was tired. It was time for a change. But how?

Maybe Hammond could figure something out, but then the General was just as he and Sam were. They were all military. The President was your boss and what he said went. God, how were they going to make this work? Before he or Sam either one had a chance to say a word to each other, a blinding light engulfed the enter room and when it went out there was not a soul left in the room. Next thing Jack knew, he and Sam were standing on the bridge of an Asgard ship, and for the first time he could have sworn there was a smile on Thor's lips.

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Guys I think we are getting somewhere!