So folks – this is the end of this story – although I may continue it at a future date with a sequel about the O'Neill family. Thank you to all of you who faithfully read, reviewed, and added me to their alert list. You have made this so enjoyable and have given me some great ideas. It's been a fun ride. Hope you have all enjoyed.
I have another story in mind that I'm starting soon. Please watch for it and I hope you'll check it out. It will be a little different!
"Well Danny, it was a hard decision." Glancing over at Sam he watched as she carefully lifted his son to her shoulder and gently rubbed his back. After the baby had let out a tremendous burp Jack stood, walked over and took the boy from Sam so that she could nurse his younger son.
Holding the baby in the crook of his arms he looked tenderly down at him.
"This is David Jacob Charles O'Neill." He bent down and softly kissed the velvety smooth cheek of the tiny boy.
"Nice name Jack", Daniel replied with a small smile. Teal'c nodded gravely, understanding the importance of the child's middle names as he had been named for those dearly loved and lost.
"Is the David for someone special"? the younger man asked.
"He's named after Jack's father. Jack wanted to name him Jacob but I insisted on David. We had quite an argument about it." Sam interjected, grinning up at Jack.
"Yes, and as usual she won! It used to be a lot easier when she had to obey me!"
Continuing to smile, Sam looked down at the baby contentedly nursing at her breast.
"And this one is Daniel T George O'Neill. I'm sorry Teal'c – we couldn't very well name an Earth baby after you – Teal'c wouldn't work very well. I hope you know it's not because we don't love you like family." Sam said softly
"Hey – the T is for you buddy! I insisted on that one."
"I understand Samantha, O'Neill. I am not offended – rather I am honored that you have included that in his name. You know that I will always regard you all as family."
"Thanks T … ditto!"
Jack looked over at Daniel who as yet hadn't said anything. Upon looking at the archaeologist and friend he realized why. Daniel had removed his glasses and was furiously wiping his eyes – overcome with emotion.
Finally looking up he grinned a wobbly grin at Jack.
"What can I say Jack, Sam. Like Teal'c I'm honored. I lost my family when I was a kid but found it again with you guys. Now I have the younger O'Neills to add to my family. You don't know how much that means."
The others in the room were all looking a little teary eyed as they looked at the two young children and their parents. Daniel eventually broke the silence by adding.
"Of course, you realize what this means don't you?"
"No … what?" asked Jack suspiciously.
"I now have a responsibility to teach my namesake all about artifacts and archaeology. Can't have him growing up like his father."
"Oh, not like his father eh? So what's wrong with me?"
"Weeeelllll – nothing of course Jack. I just want to make sure he's a bit more ... you know ... cultured."
The others in the room were laughing at the exchange. All of them, including Daniel, knew that Jack would be an amazing father. But they also knew, Jack included, that these children would be enriched by having the love of an extended family.
As Jack sat on the couch, holding David and watching Sam with little Daniel, he knew life couldn't get any better.
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"Oh, for cryin' out loud! Where is that damn file!" Jack was madly going through the pile of papers on his home office desk. He was sure he'd brought it home – he'd promised Jumper he'd look it over and make a recommendation first thing in the morning. As he continued to search his desk and the floor underneath, he heard a sudden loud and insistent cry coming from the monitor on his desk.
"Don't tell me it's that time already?" he sighed. "Didn't I just put you two to bed?"
Turning and walking out of his office he made his way up to the bedroom where the cries of a second child could now be heard.
"Daddy's coming. Hold your horses. Where's Mommy when you need her?" he grumped.
Entering the bedroom he looked over to the twin cribs along the wall where two very unhappy boys were crying as if the world were ending.
Going over to Daniel's crib he picked the little boy up and jiggled him in his arms. As the cries began to die down he then went over to the other crib, leaned down and scooped up David. He'd gotten very adept at handling the two boys at once but knew that time was coming to an end as they got bigger. Even now, at six months they were almost too much to handle at one time.
David continued to cry, even as his brother settled down. This was typical. Of the two, David was the noiser, more active twin. Sam swore he took after his father. Daniel, on the other hand, was more placid. Big Daniel said it was because he was a thinker like his honorary 'uncle' – Jack thought it was simply out of self-preservation. Unable to compete with his noisy big brother he used other methods to get what he wanted.
Jack told Sam that baby Daniel was just like her – using his big, doe shaped eyes to get attention. Quieter? Maybe – but sneaky! At least that's what Jack figured.
As he sat in the rocking chair holding his two sons he smiled to himself. Differences aside, he realized he couldn't love anyone more than he did these two little bundles of sweetness (except, of course, their mother!). The last six months had been amazing. Tiring, yes. Exhausting – totally! Frustrating – sometimes. Blissful – always.
He leaned down and kissed the fuzzy head of each of the boys. David had finally stopped his wailing – making do with the odd little sniffle. Daniel had begun to babble and was trying to grab his brothers hand.
One of the things Jack enjoyed most was to see the interaction between the two boys. They obviously had a deep connection. They were happy when together but soon got fussy if separated. They loved to nap together, often ending up with arms and legs intertwined. They had identical grins – each with two tiny teeth sticking through on the bottom, brown hair which stuck up everywhere (poor kids – O'Neill hair), and brown eyes. Although he could see Sam in them there was no doubt these were O'Neills.
Realizing that the boys would soon be getting hungry he figured he'd better get them changed and fed before the crying started again. Again like their father – if not fed on time they would become very indignant. Jack couldn't wait until they were old enough to introduce them to pizza.
"I bet you guys will love pizza", he said as he laid them on the change pad on the bed. Undoing David's sleeper he quickly and deftly changed him into a clean diaper. After he had finished Daniel he grabbed two new outfits and changed the boys. Only after he was done did he realize they were wearing the tiny BDU's that had been given to them at the shower.
Scooping the boys up he made his way downstairs so he could prepare a bottle for them. Placing them in their bouncy seats he went to the fridge and took out two bags of Sam's expressed milk. Determined to do motherhood the way she did everything else – in other words practically perfectly – she was still nursing the boys. He hadn't known much about it but found out from her that the World Health Organization – and the International Association of Pediatricians, recommended breastfeeding until 2 years of age. Not one to ever argue with a determined Mother, he did whatever he could to support her in this.
That meant he didn't often get an opportunity to feed them, although they had just introduced solids this week. That was fun! He'd ended up with mushed rice all over him as the boys discovered raspberry blowing.
He slowly heated the milk and when the two bottles were ready he took them into the living room and set them on the coffee table. He returned to the kitchen and retrieved the boys. Settling down on the couch he turned on the TV, took a boy in each arm and gave them both a bottle. He was quite impressed with his own dexterity.
He must admit, he thought, only half watching the game, that he enjoyed this alone time with his sons. Sam had just started back to work part time. She was only working a few hours a week at the Pentagon. Her role was reading the reports on the various pieces of technology discovered off world and determining where more testing was needed, if more money or resources were required – or if the technology was of use.
It was good to see her back on the job and able to use her brain again. She had taken to motherhood like the proverbial duck and had found it difficult to leave the boys, even for a few hours. He knew, however, that eventually she'd find herself growing bored with nothing mentally stimulating to deal with.
She'd been restored to full rank – something else he was pleased about. She was a huge asset to the AF and he didn't want to lose her. He also knew she had worked hard to obtain her present rank and deserved to be back to being a Colonel.
They had agreed to have Sam start back on the understanding that he could stay home and watch the babies while she worked. It meant cutting back a bit on his hours – but it was either that or he retired completely, something the President and Joint Chiefs really didn't want.
He still hadn't decided what direction to go in as far as his career was concerned. With the universe pretty quiet right now he was able to relax a bit and spend more time with his family. If things got crazy again he wasn't sure what he'd do. For now, he just wanted to enjoy being a father again.
The babies were soon fed and were obviously much happier now – gurgling and grinning away. Putting them both down on their play mat he watched them for a few minutes as they reached for the soft toys above their heads. David got a hold of a soft ring lying on the mat and immediately put it in his mouth, gumming it madly.
Now that the boys were happy Jack suddenly remembered that darned report. He tried to think where he had put it. After a few minutes he realized that he must have left it in the office. He'd probably rushed to get home to see the babies and had left it lying there! Normally he'd simply call Millie and check but she'd taken advantage of his day at home to book some time off.
"Okay guys – I guess we'll have to make a little trip into work. You up for going to the Pentagon? Hey, you're dressed for it!"
Quickly gathering the extensive amount of paraphernalia that was seemingly essential for two tiny beings, Jack deposited all of it in the van.
Aaack! He couldn't believe that he, Jack O'Neill, was actually the owner of a family van! He had sold his truck when it quickly became apparent that it wasn't practical with the twins. It had been painful – especially since Sam hadn't had to sell her Indian – a fact that he regularly pointed out!
Quickly returning to the house he picked David up and bundled him up then placed him in his car seat. He did the same with Daniel and then carried the two seats and put them in the van. Being only March it was still quite chilly in Washington.
He carefully drove to the Pentagon, wishing he'd not forgotten that darned report. It was a pain having to drag the boys in with him. Hey, maybe they could stop and visit Mommy really quickly.
Finally arriving at work he quickly noted that he would have to park quite a distance away. He rarely drove himself or had to park and if he did he usually arrived early enough to get a good spot. Technically he could have his own parking place but hadn't thought it worth while with David who had his own spot for the staff car.
Once he'd parked he got out and strapped on the baby carrier. He figured he wasn't going to be long and he found it easier than the double stroller. The baby carrier was a special one meant for twins and was almost too small for the two boys. Soon they'd have to move to a front and back carrier.
As he struggled to get the boys in to the carriers he reflected on how life had changed. A couple of years ago he would have been struggling with putting on packs and weapons – not two six month old squirming bits of joy!
By the time he was ready to head to the door he was sweating. God, what would he have done if he hadn't of been 'de-aged'. It would have been even more exhausting with the body of an almost 60 year old!
It wasn't until he had (finally!) arrived at the entrance that he realized he hadn't brought his ID. Oh no – he'd brought bottles, bags of milk, pablum, spoons, bowls, filtered water, diapers, wet wipes, changes of clothes, teething rings, toys, change pads, washcloths, Gripe Water, blankets, and everything else you could possibly ever need for a baby. But his ID? No – of course not.
"Geesh – here's hoping Johnson is on security today."
But of course he wasn't, he thought, as he made his way to the security desk. The person there was someone he'd never seen before and from the looks of him he wasn't the warm, cuddly type.
"Good morning Captain."
"Sir."
"Uh – I just stopped in to pick up something from my office and realized I've forgotten my ID. Do you …"
"Sorry Sir. If you don't have any ID you'll have to leave immediately."
"Uh – look I just …"
"I said immediately."
"I know – I heard you! I'm just asking you ."
"Sir! This is not a place for tourists taking strolls with their families. This is a highly secure area and if you do not leave immediately I will have you arrested."
"What! I just want you to call someone for me."
By this time the Captain had picked up a phone and had called for backup. He then walked up to O'Neill and drew his gun.
"Hey – hold on. I have my sons with me. Just calm down. I'll leave."
"No I'm sorry. You can wait right there. Give me that pack – slowly."
Carefully, Jack handed over the baby bag. I just wish there were some poopy diapers in there, he thought. It would serve the idiot right.
Being very careful not to do anything to spook the security guard he stayed quiet as the man searched the diaper bag. Two other guards had arrived and were watching O'Neill carefully. This whole situation was making him very nervous.
Fortunately, just as the Captain was sniffing the container of Pablum, he saw another man arrive and immediately recognized him.
"Johnson!"
"Quiet!" shouted the Captain.
Jack stood quietly but caught Johnson's eye.
"Sir? What's going on? Captain, why are you detaining General O'Neill?"
"General?"
"Yes, this man is Lieutenant General O'Neill, Head of Homeworld Security. Why is he being detained?"
"He didn't have his ID Sir."
"Okay – did you call someone to check?"
"No Sir. I told him to leave."
"General?"
"Yes Johnson – this very conscientious officer wouldn't let me explain and then decided to pull a gun on me while I was carrying two babies. Will you vouch for me? I'm sorry – I did leave my ID at home – concentrated too hard on the baby stuff." Speaking of which, he looked down and saw the mess that was lying on the security desk. Damn, after he'd packed everything so well.
"Captain – this man is General O'Neill and you are to let him go. I'm very sorry Sir. I'll speak with Captain Garing."
"You do that Lieutenant. But I'm going to speak with his CO as well. You're an idiot son" he said looking angrily at the Captain. He'd had a real scare when the man had pulled his gun. There was nothing that frightened him more than weapons around his children.
Shakily repacking the supplies he finally headed to his office. The boys could feel his fear and had begun to get fussy. What a great day this was turning out to be.
Arriving at his office he quickly found the file and was about to head out to see Sam when his phone rang. Debating as to whether to answer it or not – technically he wasn't in today – he finally sighed and picked it up. It was Jumper's secretary.
"Oh, I'm glad I caught you Sir. General Jumper heard you'd come it and was wondering if you could come up and see him for just a moment."
"Of course, I'll be right up." Damn, he thought as he hung up the phone. Could this day get any better?
As he walked towards Jumpers office he made very slow time. Everyone wanted to stop and admire the babies. There is nothing so cute, to the mind of many women, as a man holding a young baby and in this case, he was holding two.
Fortunately, the boys had settled down and were now lapping up all the attention.
"You're both shameless, you know." He said to his sons as he walked down the corridor. "Flirting with all the ladies! I'm gonna have to watch you two."
Daniel and David both gurgled happily in reply. Safe, warm and happy in their father's arms they looked at the world as something fabulous. Sadly, they would one day learn that the world wasn't always a happy place but, for now, Jack was content that his sons could simply enjoy life as only the truly innocent can.
He eventually made it to the General's office, the "ooh and aaah" factor in the Pentagon having risen to gargantuan heights.
"You can go right in S….. Ooooh are those your babies? How cute! Hello little ones – how are you? You look just like your Daddy. You're so sweet!" the secretary's comments were all delivered in 'baby talk'.
Yup – little menaces, he thought. No one was safe. Sighing, he smiled at the secretary and headed into Jumper's office.
"Jack! Thanks for coming in. I know it's your day off today. The boys are getting big!"
"Yes Sir, that they are." Oh my goodness, thought Jack. Jumper is looking terrible. He looked beyond exhausted, gaunt, with dark circles under his eyes. What was worse, Jack could see a look of hopelessness in the man's eyes.
"Are you okay Sir?"
"Fine, fine. ….. Well no, that's not actually true. Jack, the reason I called you is that I have to take some time off. My wife", here his voice cracked, "my wife isn't doing well. The doctor says she just has a few days and I have to be with her." The man put his head in his hands, clearly weary to his soul.
"Sir – I had no idea. I'm so sorry. If there's anything I can do? I'm happy to take over from you – I'll talk to your secretary."
"Thanks Jack. I knew I could rely on you. I'm afraid I can't spend time going over things but I know you're up to speed. Everything's pretty much in order." The man had trouble even getting the words out. At that moment, Jack realized something.
"Sir?"
"What is it Jack?" he sighed.
"I don't know if it will work – but I could try and see if I could help your wife." He said it very quietly – unsure if he were doing the right thing. Jumper lifted his head at that, looking confused.
"What do you mean? What could you do?"
Jack knew that Jumper knew a bit about the Ancients and their powers – but he had never openly admitted to anything after returning from Trelea. He was aware, that by offereing to help Jumper's wife, he could be opening a huge can of worms for himself. But he also knew he couldn't let this man's wife die without trying to help somehow. Jumper had treated him well – he respected the man more than almost anyone he knew in the Air Force with the exception maybe of George Hammond.
"Well – I don't know if there's anything. I don't want you to get your hopes up Sir, but I have had luck a couple of times in the past using some Ancient healing powers. I can't promise – but I can try."
Jumper sat for a minute, contemplating what Jack had told him. After a while he took a deep breath and sat back.
"I can't ask that of you Jack. I could never expect anyone under my command to do something like that."
"You didn't ask General – I offered. And I'm not offering as your subordinate. I'm offering as your friend. Please Sir – let me try."
Knowing how he'd feel if the situation were reversed Jack decided that he had to be more forceful.
"Sir – this isn't about the Air Force or regulations or anything. This is about your wife who needs help. This doesn't need to go any further than between us. I want to help General. Please let me."
A couple of seconds and the four star General looked up at the man in front of him. Sitting there with his two (now sleeping) infants strapped to his chest, looking like a young man starting his life, Jumper knew that he was actually looking at someone who had experienced the worst life has to offer.
This man had lost a child in the worst way imaginable. His marriage had been destroyed. He was then thrown into a war like earth had never experienced – with an enemy beyond anything they could imagine. He had died, been tortured again and again, lost those close to him and had been willing to give up – for years – the one thing that would have brought him joy. As he watched O'Neill he realized that he was privileged to know someone who was beyond special. This man was a hero, yes, but he was so much more. He was a man of honor and a man who truly cared – cared about his family, his country, his world. No matter what, he would always put anyone of them before himself.
"If you're sure Jack – I'd love it if you could try. And I understand it may not work. I won't blame you if it doesn't."
"If it's alright Sir, I can come by this evening? I'll get someone to watch the babies and Sam and I can come over. I may need her too."
"That'll be fine. Thank you – I can't tell you what this means."
"You're welcome sir."
"Now go – you need to take those babies home. They look like they need their cribs."
"Oh, these two can sleep anywhere! They get it from their Mommy and Daddy!"
As he made his way home Jack thought about what this might mean. He knew that if he could heal Mrs. Jumper it might take a lot out of him. It could, in fact, have very serious effects. He was worried about his children and Sam – what if they were still connected? Could this harm the babies? He knew that if it looked, in any way, as if they were affected he would stop. He really wanted to help Mrs. Jumper but not at the expense of two innocent children.
He decided not to stop at Sam's office. She would have instantly known something was up and she needed to concentrate on work. What he forgot, however, is that it didn't take his presence for her to realize something was wrong. Working away in her office she suddenly had a feeling of worry. Something was wrong with Jack. Speaking to her CO she grabbed her things and headed home – not that far behind Jack and the twins.
After he'd arrived home it was time to again feed the very hungry babies. They were fussy as well – most likely feeling his disquiet. After he'd fed them he put them down again to play. It was just after he'd put them down when the door opened and he heard Sam arrive.
She walked into the living room, glanced down at the babies and then made a bee-line for him.
"What's wrong Jack?"
Staring at her in surprise he didn't say anything for a moment. Then it hit him – what an idiot – of course she knew something was up. She'd probably been feeling a whole host of emotions from him all afternoon.
"Jumper's wife is dying. He just told me this afternoon."
"Oh, I'm so sorry Jack! I didn't realize she was that ill." As she spoke she made her way to the couch and sat down. The boys, hearing their mother's voice, both started to wave their arms about madly and began to burble and squeel.
Smiling, Sam stood up and got down on the floor, kissing each boy and tickling them. Jack just looked at the wonderful picture of the three people he loved most in the world. Sam eventually reached over and picked up Daniel, handing him to Jack. She then took David and sat back on the couch next to Jack.
Holding the two very happy babies (they now had both Mommy and Daddy – what could be better), Sam leaned into Jack, offering him comfort.
"I told Jumper I'd come over and try to heal her."
"What?" Sam sat up in surprise.
"I told him about the Ancient healing thing and that I'd try it. Don't know if it will work."
"Jack – it could be dangerous."
"Yeah – I know. That's what's worrying me."
"Do you think you should do this? I don't want something to happen to you." Clearly Sam hadn't thought how this might affect the rest of them yet.
"I can't not try it Sam. If you could have seen Jumper. The doctor told him his wife has only a few days. Sam – what if it was one of us? I have to try."
Looking at him she smiled slightly. Yes, of course. This was Jack O'Neill. One of the reasons she loved him was because of his selflessness. She wouldn't have him any other way. It was times like this, though, that she wished he could be a teeny bit selfish!
"Okay Jack – but I'm going with you."
"Yes of course. I told Jumper that. Sam – do you realize I could still be connected to you and the boys?"
Startled, she sat up again.
"What? No Jack – you can't put the babies at risk."
"I know, I know. Look – what I thought I'd do is have someone – Doc maybe – monitor the babies while I try and heal her. If they show the slightest sign of being affected I'll stop. You know I wouldn't ever to anything to hurt them."
Worried she sat silently for a few minutes. Her first thought was that there was no way she wanted Jack to attempt this. Then she thought back to what he had said. What if it was Jack dying – she'd want someone to try to save him if they could.
"All right. We'll try – but promise me you'll stop if there's anything.
"I promise. Thank you", he said, reaching over and giving her a kiss. Now – let's have supper. I said we'd go this evening."
They ended up asking their Doctor (who had clearance) to come with them to Jumper's house. They hadn't wanted to leave the babies behind. This way Sam could stay with them, which would make her feel a bit more comfortable.
Jumper met them at the door and took Sam, the Doctor and the Babies into one of the guest rooms. That way they could lay the babies on the bed and the doctor could watch them closely. Sam fed them and they were soon out. She gently laid her sleeping sons down. The doctor sat on the bed with them, monitoring their vital signs.
Jack gave Sam and his sons each a quick kiss and then followed his CO to his wife's room. When he arrived he could feel the hovering presence of death. He knew it was coming quickly to this frail woman who lay, unaware of what was happening around her.
Seated beside her bed were the Jumper children – a daughter and two sons. The daughter had clearly been weeping, with tear stains on her cheeks. The two young men looked somber. As their father entered they all looked up, questions in their eyes.
Jack knew that the General hadn't said anything to his children, not wanting to get their hopes up. They probably wondered why their father was bringing a stranger into what was a death vigil.
"Kids – this is Jack O'Neill – a good friend of mine. Can you give us a few moments please?"
"Why Dad? What's he here for?" What looked to be Jumper's youngest son spoke belligerently. He didn't want some stranger here at this moment.
"I'm sorry son. I don't mean to intrude. I'm just going to see if I can help your mother. It will only take a moment and I promise I wont hurt her."
The three children all looked at their father. It was the daughter who finally spoke.
"Okay. We'll leave. But please, don't be long. We want to be with our Mother."
Jack nodded gently, unable to reply for the lump in his throat. This family was suffering terribly, watching a wife and mother fade away before their eyes. He only prayed he could help.
"Did you want me to leave too Jack?" Jumper asked.
"No Sir. Please stay. I may need you. This may take a lot out of me. I … I hope this works Sir – but I can't promise."
"I know Jack."
The two men went over to the bed. Jack sat down beside Mrs. Jumper. There was all sorts of equipment in the room but it had all been pushed over to the side. Obviously it couldn't do anything anymore and they were leaving her to go in peace, surrounded by family rather than by technology.
As Jack settled himself on the mattress he looked at Jumper who nodded at him. He then took the frail and emaciated woman's hand in his and closed his eyes. Sitting there, he tried to simply connect to her and to let the Ancient healing power work.
For what seemed like forever, nothing happened. Jack opened his eyes to look at the General – ready to apologize – when he suddenly felt a jolt pass through him and into Mrs. Jumper. Soon a warm tingling began to travel across all his nerve endings. Soon, he lost all touch with reality. He was nothing more than a conduit – he couldn't think – only feel the power as it surged through him.
He had no sense of time and didn't know how long he had sat there. It could have been seconds – it could have been years.
Jumper, sitting and watching, simply saw Jack grow still. For a long time he sat there and watched as something connected his wife to this extraordinary man. After about 20 minutes he saw Jack take a long and deep breath. When he glanced at his wife he was shocked to see her take a deep breath at precisely the same time. As they both breathed out Jack's hand dropped away from his wife and he crumpled to the floor.
"Jack! Jack are you okay? Jumper quickly knelt beside him and felt for a pulse. At first, he felt nothing – soon after he breathed his own sigh when he could feel a very faint and slow pulse."
At his cry his children had burst into the room. As he was checking out Jack they had rushed to their mother.
"John?" he heard faintly. Looking up he saw his wife looking at him. This was the first time in days she had been conscious.
Telling his eldest son to get the doctor for Jack he stood up and went to the bed. Leaning down he took his wife's hand in his.
"What is it Christine?"
"John, what's happening? I feel warm – I've been so cold for so long."
"You're doing fine sweetheart. Just rest. Everything is okay and we'll all be here when you wake up."
"Okay John." She slowly closed her eyes and was soon sleeping peacefully. He had no idea if Jack had been able to cure her or if this was a brief improvement. Still, it had given him hope.
Just then Sam and the doctor raced into the room. Sam ran over and knelt by her husband. Taking his body in her arms she cradled him.
"Jack please. Please don't die Jack. I'm here. Stay with me love."
The doctor gently but firmly pushed her out of the way to check on the young looking General. What he heard worried him. Looking at the two young men in the room he asked them to help carry the General to the other bedroom.
With Sam following they took Jack into the room with the babies. Laying him down beside his sons the Doctor continued to check him over. In the other room he had been worried that they were going to lose him. His vitals were almost non-existent and had been fading fast. Rechecking him he was startled to find a major improvement.
As he reached down to again check his pulse Jack eyes sprang open and he looked directly at the Doctor.
Taking a deep breath he blinked and then searched the room. As his eyes lighted on Sam he struggled to speak.
"It's okay – the babies are fine. They didn't seem to be affected at all. Are you okay?"
"I … I think so. A bit tired but I'm feeling better all the time." As he spoke he looked to the side and realized his sons were on the bed, sleeping deeply.
Grinning he reached over and laid a gentle arm across their backs. As soon as he touched them, he felt a jolt of energy running through him. Almost instantly he felt fine – as if he hadn't done the healing at all.
He sat up – to the Doctor's consternation.
"I'm fine. Just check the babies", he said urgently.
Looking terribly confused at this point the Doctor reached over and checked Daniel first, then David. When he was finished he spoke to the worried parents.
"They seem just fine. They're both sleeping peacefully and their vitals are totally normal.
Breathing a sigh of relief Sam threw her arms around her husband.
"You scared the crap out of me. What happened?"
"Well – the healing always takes a lot out of me. This time it was kind of bad. Mrs. Jumper was close to death and it took a lot to heal her. I know I was in pretty bad shape. I could feel myself getting weaker but couldn't do anything about it. The funny thing is I started to feel better as soon as they brought me in here." Jack then proceeded to tell Sam – silently – about what he'd felt from the boys. It looked like their sons really had the Ancient healing power as well.
Exhausted, they decided to make their way home. It had been a long and emotional day. On the way out they met General Jumper.
"Is everything okay Sir?"
"I hope so Jack. Are you okay? You didn't look good for a while there."
"I'm fine. It takes a lot out of me but I rested and feel better now. How's your wife?"
"The Doctor's checking her over right now. She woke up and said she felt good but then went back to sleep. I guess we'll see how she does."
"It may take a while to show, Sir, but she is healed. She should get better now."
"Really? You can tell?"
"Yes. The cancer is gone and she should be fine now."
"Oh thank God!" Jumper collapsed on a chair in the hallway, lowered his head into his hands and proceeded to sob. Pleased for his CO - but recognizing that the man would feel embarrassed for allowing his emotions to show – Jack simply touched him on the shoulder.
"Take care Sir. I'll look after things at the Pentagon." With that, he and Sam and their children went home.
After he buckled his boys into their carseats he turned to get into his seat when a blond Air Force Colonel launched herself at him. Giving him a big kiss she said,
"I love you Jack O'Neill!"
"Bachatchya Mrs. O'Neill", grinning the two got in the car and headed home – a job well done.
Sfsfsfsfsfsfsfsfsfsfsfsf
Things had gotten into a pattern that was working well. Sam had adapted to her part-time schedule at work and Jack was enjoying the opportunity to be with his children on a regular basis.
Things had returned to normal for him at work. Jumper was back at work full-time after his wife's 'miraculous' recovery from cancer. The doctors were saying they'd never seen anything like it before. The General looked like 20 years had dropped off him. He smiled a lot these days.
He hadn't known quite what to say to Jack. His gratitude knew no bounds but Jack seemed more embarrassed by that than anything. He really didn't want any acknowledgement of what he had done. The Jumpers had had them over for a barbeque and they had all 'endlessly - expressed their gratitude. Embarrassed, Jack had finally challenged the younger ones to a game of touch football – that had finally stopped the thanks.
Nope – everything was going great. Jack had only one complaint. Sam was either responding to the babies, playing with them, feeding them, etc. – or, if they were quiet, she was so tired she would go to sleep herself.
Now, he wasn't one to complain. He knew he was the luckiest man alive. And he knew too this wouldn't last. He'd been married and had had a child – he knew this was something that would get better over time. The problem was, that he was frustrated - okay - to be honest he was horny as hell - right now and it was driving him crazy!
Daniel, Teal'c – and surprisingly Vala – had come for a visit. One afternoon he decided to take the boys for a walk in their stroller.
"Can I come?" asked Daniel.
"Yup sure! You can push though."
"No problem." As the two men walked behind the stroller Daniel kept throwing glances towards Jack. Finally, in frustration, Jack stopped.
"WHAT! What is it?"
"What's wrong Jack?"
"Wrong? Nothings wrong Danny. Everything's great in fact."
"Then why do you look so tense?"
"Tense. I'm not tense." As the silence grew he looked over at Daniel who was simply looking at him with a 'Teal'c raised eyebrow."
"Okay fine, maybe I'm a little tense - but really, I'm okay."
"Jaaaack!"
"Daniel!"
"Jack come on. What's up?"
Jack gave a bark of laughter at that.
"What? What did I say that's so funny?"
Finally stopping he looked over at his friend.
"Daniel. I have the most beautiful, sexiest wife on the planet – no, I take that back – in the universe. I also have two 8-month-old twin boys who constantly want that same woman at their beck and call. Now, don't get me wrong. I love my sons to pieces – but sometimes I'd like to spend time with Sam. That's all. It's just a normal feeling for people who have young children. It'll pass."
After a moment ….
"Oooooh! So that's what's up! Sorry Jack. It must be har…. Uh difficult, I guess. Wish I could help."
Jack looked at him strangely at that.
"Uh - don't think you're quite my type Danny boy."
"I didn't mean that kind of help for God's sake! Hey – wait. Maybe I can help."
"How?"
"Why don't Vala, Teal'c and I take the babies for a day. That way you and Sam can spend some time together. We'll watch them carefully Jack."
Looking at his friend Jack smiled and whacked him on the back.
"I knew you were good to have around! I'll talk to Sam and see if we can work something out."
When Sam heard the plan she was a little iffy. Although she'd trust her own life with any of these people she was unsure how they'd do with two infants. If was the realization that Teal'c was there that made her finally agree. It wasn't that she couldn't trust Daniel – it's just that sometimes he got a little absent-minded. Vala – well – it was just good Teal'c was there.
They planned that the threesome would take the twins to the zoo for the afternoon. They were too young to really enjoy too much but simply being pushed around a new place in their strollers would be fun.
Armed with everything they could possibly need the five of them – actually six – headed out. Jack had arranged for David to pick them up and drive them. When she heard he was going she felt much better. He was very trustworthy.
So, she and Jack now had the afternoon to themselves. Her first thought was that she could take a nap – but she quickly realized that wouldn't be fair to poor Jack. He'd bee so patient and understanding – she really needed to show him she loved him.
As he had stood giving last minute instructions to David and the others she had quickly run into the house. She pulled out the bottle of champagne, which had been chilling and a plate of snacks. Running upstairs she quickly stripped her clothes off – underneath was a very sexy little teddy.
Lying on the bed she waited for Jack. As she waited she thought over the last year and a half and all that had happened. She had had all her dreams come true. She was still with the AF – a Colonel no less! She had a wonderful relationship with her brother. She was married to the man of her dreams and still managed the home, children and white picket fence. It was truly a miracle.
Above all, were the two little boys who were firmly planted in her heart. She had heard, many times, of what it felt like to be a mother – but the reality was even more. She couldn't imagine loving something the way she loved those two imps – or should she say 3 imps? She smiled in total contentment.
One day, in the future, she'd like to have more children – but right now she and Jack had agreed to wait. Twins were a lot of work! She was back on birth control which, unfortunately, hadn't really been necessary – until now!
Smiling, she lay back on the bed, waiting for Jack.
As Jack walked slowly back to the house he smiled. Yes! This was going to be great. As much as he loved the boys he was so glad to have an afternoon with his wife. He could tell there was an extra spring in his step.
Life really couldn't get better (as he thought that he knocked on the wooden beam on the porch just to make sure!). The only thing that could make this perfect would be …. here he stopped and smirked! Yes – a little girl. He'd love a little girl – just like Sam. He could just imagine her. She'd be beautiful and kind, just like her mother. She would also help to balance the heavily testosterone laden environment.
Well – that was for the future. He and Sam had agreed to hold off and she was taking birth control.
The afternoon was even better than he had hoped. As he got to the bedroom and saw Sam – lying in a sexy piece of nothing – he thanked God, the stars, the Treleans, the Ancients – in fact, everyone he could – that this woman was his wife.
As he lay in her arms, almost at the peak of passion – his last coherent thought was,
"I'd love a daughter."
Once month later ….
"Jack!"
"What?"
"You did it again!"
"Did what?"
"I'm pregnant!"
The End