This is it folks!
Sam had gone to take a shower and clean up. She was still feeling pretty raw from the meeting with Pete and so he had decided to stay awhile. While she was showering he called Hammond and explained the situation to him. He was given permission to stay, at least until Carter felt better.
He decided to fix them both something to eat. Checking her fridge he discovered that her kitchen was almost as bare as his own. They would have to do something about that he figured. With a child on the way they'd both have to do a better job of eating healthy food.
He finally decided that he could put together an omelette and some toast. Just as he was beating the eggs he heard a knock on the front door.
"For cryin' out loud!" he slammed the bowl down and, wiping his hands on a tea towel, headed for the front door. "I am so gonna find an obscure little planet somewhere!"
He forcefully opened the door, only to see Jacob Carter standing there. He could feel his shoulders tense. They really didn't need this right now.
Standing in the doorway, not moving to let Jacob enter, Jack spoke. "What do you want Jacob?"
"I came to see Samantha – my daughter Jack. Could you please move?" Jacob asked belligerently.
"No Jacob, I don't think so. This has been a tough day for Sam and she doesn't need you railing at her anymore."
"Look, I haven't come to give her a hard time – I just want to talk to her if it's okay with you?" he said sarcastically.
Jack was in no mood to engage in a battle of wills with the erstwhile General. He was tired and stressed from the day too. "Look General, Sam is really tired and depressed. She really doesn't need this right now."
"Depressed? Why is she depressed", he asked, as if it was somehow Jack's fault. Yeah right, thought O'Neill. I'm now going to be responsible for anything bad that happens. Welcome to the world of 'in-laws'.
"Pete came by."
"Pete?" Jacob looked confused.
"Yeah, you know – the guy Sam was dating?"
"Oh. So why did that make her depressed. I thought she was happy with you?" More sarcasm! Jack was really feeling the need to hit the Tokra in front of him. Not a good plan O'Neill! Sam would be pissed.
"She is Jacob, but she had to tell him we were together and break up with him. I think she felt a little bit bad for – oh, I don't know, breaking the man's heart or something. I think that would make anyone feel a bit depressed, don't you? And all that was on top of her father being an ass so, yeah, I think you'd better come back some other time. Sam needs love and compassion right now, not the narrow minded judgment of a stick up the rear Tokra!" There, eat that General Carter!
Jacob just looked at him for a moment, no expression on his face. Jack figured he and the snake were probably having a conversation about the idiot who was in love with Samantha.
"I deserved that Jack. Look, I'm sorry for the things I said. I overreacted and I was a jerk. I wanted to come by and apologize to Sam. I don't want to lose her – or my grandchild. I already lost my son and his kids for too many years and I don't want that to happen with my daughter. So please, can you let me in? I feel like an ass standing here."
Jack finally moved back and let the older man enter. He still wasn't quite sure what to believe but it really wasn't up to him. This was Sam's father and he knew she loved the man – even if he had been a jerk.
"Okay. Just don't do anything to upset her. She's feeling pretty fragile." He turned and headed back to the kitchen. "I'm making an omelet. Do you want some?"
"Uh yeah, that'd be good." Jacob followed O'Neill into the kitchen. Looking at the career officer in front of him he had to acknowledge that the man did take good care of his daughter. He was still having trouble dealing with the whole thing but a long talk with George had helped. He couldn't help but admire the man in front of him for his courage and loyalty. He just wasn't sure that he wanted him for a son-in-law.
"So, you and Sammy, eh?" he sat at the counter and watched Jack work.
"Yeah." Jack really didn't feel like getting into a discussion right now.
"So, you really love her do you?" Jack didn't answer – he'd already told Jacob that.
"When did you realize it?"
Jack sighed and turned around to face Jacob. "A long time ago Jacob, we just couldn't do anything about it. We never did, you know. If it hadn't been for this last mission we probably never would have."
"Why not?"
"Cause I didn't want to screw up Carter's career. She's too valuable to the program, heck, to the world."
"What about yours?"
"Mine? Hell, I would have retired in a minute if I thought there was a chance but I couldn't put that burden on Sam. And, at least we were able to work together. Look Jacob, I can't promise everything will be wonderful. You know that life just doesn't work that way. But I can promise you that I will do everything in my power to see that she doesn't regret this. I will spend the rest of my life trying to make her happy. Hell, you know I'd die for her, don't you?"
"Yes Jack, I have no doubt you would. The question is, will you live for her?"
"Huh? What the hell does that mean?"
"Jack, you have a lot of blackness in your past – a lot of things most people couldn't live with. I'm afraid that one day those things will come up and bite you in the ass. What kind of a man, or a husband or a father will you be then? I just want to know if you're willing to face up to all that before you decide to take on a whole new life with my daughter? Don't think I don't like you O'Neill – I do and I have a lot of respect for you – I just don't want to see either of you hurt because you haven't dealt with things in your past."
Jack stopped, knowing that what Jacob had said was true. What would happen if he did retire and no longer had the excitement and adrenaline of the day to day fight to keep him going? Would he end up a basket case, a burden on Sam? No, he wouldn't let that happen. With a new resolve he knew it was time to begin to deal with some of the wounds from his past.
Turning to Jacob he spoke softly. "You know I'll do anything – and everything – to make sure this works. If I have to 'deal' with my past I will. Don't worry Jacob, I won't let anything screw this up."
With that Jacob had to be satisfied. A few more minutes and they could hear Sam leave the bathroom and head to her room. With a murmured apology, Jack followed her.
"Your Dad is here Sam", he said as soon as he'd walked in. She was standing naked in the middle of the room. He couldn't help but grin – God, she looked good!
"Oh no! I don't think I can handle him right now Jack. Please, just tell him I've gone back to bed." Sam looked on the verge of tears. He walked over and hugged her.
"It'll be okay. He's not going to say anything. I think he's come here to apologize. George spoke to him. In fact, I expect that Hammond gave him a severe ass-kicking. He doesn't want to lose you sweetheart. He loves you."
"How did he treat you?" she asked. He was touched that that was a concern to her.
"Just fine. He loves you and worries about you and we share that so we have a good base to start with. Come on, get dressed and everything will be fine."
And it was. Sam and her father spoke and ended up hugging. Tears were shed on both sides and then the Carters tag-teamed an uproarious evening of teasing Jack; at least uproarious as far as they were concerned. Jack was ready to head back to the SGC!
"George wanted me to tell you that when you get back you're to go see Janet so she can check you out. We're off in the morning to visit Mark and we'll be back in a week, unless you need Sam sooner."
"Okay. I guess I'd better be going." He stood up and headed to the door. "I'll see you in a week Jacob and thanks!" The two men nodded to each other. It would take awhile before Jacob would be truly happy with what had happened but he was willing to try.
Sam followed him to the door. "I'm going to miss you so much!" she sounded teary. "I don't like the thought of being so far away."
"It'll be okay, don't worry. You're a quick plane ride away if I need you." He reached down and, ignoring her father, gave her a long, slow and very passionate kiss. "You look after yourself and that baby Carter!"
"Is that an order Sir?" she asked, smiling.
"Damn right!" With another kiss he turned and walked out to his truck.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
"Well, you're amazingly healthy Sir. Much better than before you went on this little adventure."
"Little adventure? Unique way of putting it Doc." He jumped down from the examining table, relishing the fact that his knees felt great.
"Jack, I don't know what this whole 'joining' thing does exactly but it seems to have healed all sorts of things. The x-rays show that your joints are as healthy as a 20 year old. Your heart, blood pressure, blood work – all are from someone year's younger. I just we could figure out exactly what those drugs they gave you were. I'd love to have some samples."
"Yeah – but look what else they did. I don't know if you'd want a whole bunch of people addicted to one another."
"But maybe that's gone. Maybe you are cured."
"Yeah, possibly. We'll find out soon enough."
"Jack, it's important you tell me the moment you feel 'off'. We can't wait too long to get Sam back here. We don't know how that would affect you, or her." He whipped his head up at that.
"What do you mean 'her'"? I thought this just affected me."
"Well, so far that's what we think. I don't know though. There was that nausea and weakness she felt. It could be that it was related."
"But I thought that was morning sickness?"
"Maybe it was – is. It started awfully soon however. Look Sir, I really don't know. I just want to be careful and I know you; you'll end up not saying anything until it's almost too late."
This time he looked at her seriously. "Don't worry Doc. I have too much to lose now. I'll tell you, I promise." With a smile and a wave he headed out of the Infirmary. After he'd left he stopped and thought a minute. With a decisive look on his face he turned and headed the opposite way than he had originally intended. He stopped in front of an office door and stopped. Closing his eyes he took a deep breath and knocked.
"Come in.," the voice from inside instructed. He took the handle, turned it and walked in.
The person sitting at his desk looked up in surprise. "What can I do for you Colonel O'Neill", Dr. Mackenzie asked.
"I think maybe you can help me." With that, he closed the door and sat down.
He, Daniel and Teal'c were all sitting in the Commissary, eating lunch and laughing over the recent escapades of Sergeant Siler. Things had been good, so far. The General was keeping him apprised of the investigation into his and Carter's alleged 'regulation violation'. No surprise to anyone the vultures were circling. The General had assured him that he had support at the highest levels. That was good but he knew it really came down to whether or not the powers that be – at least the ones in charge of administering justice – believed that what they had done was because they were forced into it.
His main worry was that most of the people who would be making that decision had no idea what they faced when they went through that gate. It was a totally different world, no pun intended, and it was often difficult to apply the same rules and regulations.
Oh well, he decided, there was really nothing he could do about it. He picked up his fork to take another bite of meatloaf when he saw his hand tremble. Frowning, he put his fork down. He felt okay – maybe it had simply been a pinched nerve or something. He and Teal'c had just had a sparring match so maybe he'd done something to himself. He picked up the fork again and took a few more bites. Everything was fine until he went to take a drink. This time his hand trembled so much that he spilled the juice in his glass.
"Something wrong Jack?" Daniel asked, with a worried look.
"I don't think so. I think I may have done something in my little match with Teal'c."
"Did I hurt you O'Neill?"
"Uh, I don't think so buddy. I may have gone a little too hard as all. I'm probably just tired. I think I'll go to my room for a while."
Daniel and Teal'c both looked worriedly after him as he left.
"Do you think he is all right Daniel Jackson?"
"I don't know Teal'c. I think we'll have to go and visit him in a little while and see."
Jack got to his room and lay down on the bed. It was only as he began to feel chilly that he admitted to himself that it was coming back. Okay – so he and Sam were well and truly linked. He didn't know whether to feel sad or overjoyed.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
"Dad, is something wrong with Sam?" His daughter-in-law Karen asked him. They'd been in San Diego for three days and they'd been having a lovely visit. Sam had been quite happy, if a little quiet. When he'd asked if something was wrong she'd said no, she was just tired. He knew it wasn't unusual, especially in a first pregnancy. Still, he kept his eye on her.
By day three he too had noticed that she seemed to be increasingly listless and the morning sickness had increased. Karen and Mark had started asking questions. They hadn't been told about the pregnancy yet.
"I think I'd better let Sammie answer that." He said, knowing it was up to her to tell Mark and Karen. Just at that moment she walked in, looking terribly pale.
"Sam, you'd better sit down." Karen came over and pulled out a chair. "Can I get you anything?"
"No. Okay, maybe a glass of water."
"You've barely eaten anything Sam. Is something wrong?" Just then Mark came in, having heard the last of the conversation. He too was worried about his sister.
She looked at her family, all with concerned faces, and knew she had to tell them. She just wished Jack were here. He would make this all so much easier.
"I should have told you guys right away", she started. "I just wanted a few days of not thinking about anything, but it's not fair to you." She stopped and took a drink of water. "You don't need to worry, I'm not sick. I'm pregnant." Okay, the silence was intense. Sam wondered where the pennies were because now was just the time to drop one!
"Pregnant?" Mark said, surprise in his voice. "You mean you and Pete -?"
Oh God, she hadn't even told them about breaking up with Pete. She had completely forgotten that he and Mark were friends.
"Uh no. Pete and I aren't together anymore. No, the father is –" she paused, and looked at her father in panic. He was no help, simply raising his eyebrow. Evil, evil man. "The father is Jack O'Neill." There, she'd said it.
"Jack O'Neill? But isn't that your commanding officer?" Karen asked, puzzled. It was Mark who suddenly realized. Looking up, anger on his face he practically spit the words out.
"It is! He's your CO. For God's sake Sam, did he take advantage of you?" He turned and looked at his father. "Has he been charged?" Mark's voice sounded hopeful.
"No Mark! He didn't take advantage of me. It was mutual. We're together – we love each other."
Mark was an Air Force brat and understood the implications of what Sam was saying. "What do you mean 'mutual'? You can't do that Sam, not while serving under him." He laughed sarcastically, realizing what his words implied.
"I know Mark – and we didn't do anything for years. We've loved each other for a long time and yet never did anything about it. It's just – there are extenuating circumstances."
"Exten- what kind of 'circumstances'?"
Seeing that his daughter was increasingly upset Jacob figured it was time he stepped in.
"Look Mark, you know that a lot of what Sam does is classified, right?" his son nodded. "Well, she and Colonel O'Neill were on a recent mission and were captured. They were held for quite a few weeks and in that time were forced to – uh – have relations."
"Forced?" Mark looked skeptical. What kind of crap was this?
"Yes – forced! They were taken by white slavers who were trying to breed children to sell. Surely you know there's a market for healthy infants?" He was stretching the truth a bit but the story had some truth in it. "Well, they wanted to keep Jack and Sam in order to produce children for the black market. They were threatened with torture and death if they didn't comply."
Mark turned swiftly and looked at his sister. "Oh my God Sam, are you okay?"
Touched at his concern she nodded. "They didn't hurt me Mark. They were pretty rough on the Colonel but they wanted me healthy. They just kept me locked up."
"So, you had to" he gestured, "in order to stay alive?"
"Yes, pretty much. It wasn't until we returned that I found out I was pregnant."
"But what's going to happen?" It was Karen who spoke this time. Both she and her husband were pretty stunned.
"Well, we're waiting to see what the Air Force does but Jack and I have decided we're going to stay together. This made us realize how much we loved each other and, since the horse is out of the barn, so to speak, we've decided to go for it."
Her brother and sister-in-law looked at her seriously for a minute. It was Karen who finally broke. With a big grin she stood up and walked over to Sam. Bending down, she gave her a big hug. "Congratulations Sam. I'm happy for you, even if it was an unorthodox way of getting around the rules." Her sister-in-law had a knowing look in her eyes. She thinks we did it intentionally, Sam realized. Oh well, she wasn't far off the mark.
Her brother was the next one to come over and give her a hug. "I'm happy for you Sammie. Just make sure you bring Jack for a visit. I want to check him out." Oh joy, he'd probably be worse than Dad. "The kids will be thrilled to finally have a cousin."
With a laugh they all began chatting. Jacob looked over at Sam and realized she was both relieved and happy, although she still looked pale. He hoped it was just the pregnancy.
Later that afternoon Sam heard her brother's voice calling. "Sam, a call for you. She says her name is Janet Frasier."
Crap, she thought. She hoped this didn't mean what she thought it did.
"Hello Janet. How are things going?"
"You'll have to come home Sam. The Colonel is getting sick again."
"Damn, I'd hoped this was over."
"I know, but it doesn't look like it is. The General is arranging transport right away. Walter will call in a couple of minutes and give you the details but get home as soon as you can okay."
"Is he bad?"
"No, not yet, but I don't want to wait too long."
"Okay, I'll see you soon Janet."
She looked up to see her father looking at her. "So, it didn't work."
"No."
"You realize what this means don't you?"
"Yeah, Jack and I will be spending the rest of our lives together – real close together."
"Does that bother you?"
She stopped for a moment, giving it serious thought. Rather than the thought being depressing it sent a spiral of warmth through her. It felt – right. Somehow, in that moment, she knew that she too had been affected by the Kopra and Roshu. She craved him – physically, emotionally even mentally (she laughed to herself). No, the two of them were now a pair, in every way. Looking up at her father she smiled.
"No, it makes me happy." He grinned in return.
"Then let's get you home!"
A car was waiting at the air force base when she returned and it whisked her to the Mountain. She hurried down to the Infirmary, followed by her father, knowing that that's where Janet would be keeping him. When she walked in she could hear his voice as he complained about something. Grinning, she knew she was home!
She walked into the room and saw Jack covered by heaps of blankets and hot water bottles. Teal'c and Daniel were standing by his bed, trying to keep him from getting frustrated, clearly with little affect. It was Teal'c who first spotted her and she almost laughed at his expression of relief.
"Here is Major Carter, O'Neill. Maybe now you will feel better." Jack whipped his head around and, when he saw Sam a huge smile appeared on his face. Yes, all was now right with his world.
"Any room in there for me flyboy?" she asked, smiling in return. He quickly pulled the blankets back and patted the bed.
"Yup! Just enough room for one blond, blue eyed, gorgeous Major." Sam quickly shed her coat and climbed up beside him. Throwing her arms around him the two cuddled up to each other. Both of them began to feel instantly better, although they knew it would take more than just cuddling to truly feel well.
Their friends, along with Janet and Jacob, all watched for a moment. Then, with a shared look they all retreated from the room. Janet closed the door behind them and instructed her staff that the occupants were not to be disturbed. Smiling, they all headed for coffee and something to eat.
Epilogue
In the end the Air Force decided not to lay charges against either officer. It was clear, from O'Neill's medical reports, that they had no choice but to 'fraternize'. It was simply a matter of life and death.
Their friends teased them unmercifully about it, claiming they had gone to extreme measures to get what they'd wanted all along.
They didn't know yet what was going to happen to their Air Force careers. Sam was pretty much grounded anyway, with the pregnancy, although the doc said going through the gate shouldn't hurt anything. For now they were both working on base. There was some discussion that they might both end up working at the Academy but for now things were left as is.
The main problem was the danger of separating them. It had turned out that Sam was affected, although not nearly so seriously as Jack. They knew they had to stay pretty close although it appeared they were good for a few days at a time. Janet had synthesized some of the medicine she'd given Jack and he carried it just to be sure. It wasn't a cure but did seem to help.
The fact was that neither of them cared that much. They were gloriously, wonderfully, perfectly content. Their love was enhanced by whatever the chemicals, or joining had done. Together they were strong, healthy and very happy. They both continued to work and each had their own pursuits but at the end of the day they came together. Their destinies were intertwined and they wouldn't have it any other way.
It was a few months later that they were invited back to the planet that had started it all. One of the SG teams had checked in on the women and brought back the invitation. They were all anxious to see Martia and the other women and witness, for themselves, how things were going. The reports were that the women had been welcomed back with great joy and the community was working hard to rebuild trust and love.
Kitted out in their usual BDU's (although Sam's had had to be modified to fit her growing girth), SG1, along with the team of women who had disguised themselves as men (that brought quite a laugh to O'Neill who did some teasing of his own) and Major Griff, made their way to P8V 359.
When they arrived all seemed quiet so they headed towards the village. As they grew closer they could see some of the men in the fields, just as they had on their first visit. This time, however, they could also see what looked like children running around playing. As they grew nearer they heard a shout and soon Amdahl was approaching, someone in his arms.
"Welcome friends. It is good to see you!" They could now see that he was carrying one of his daughters. She had her arms wrapped around his neck and was giggling into his hair.
"Amdahl! Great to see you too. How are things going?" Griff asked.
"They are going well Major Griff. Sooka, stop pulling my hair and say hello to our guests." The assembled 'guests' were pleased to hear the affection in his voice.
"Hello", a soft voice floated over to them. "You are Samantha and Jack", she looked at the two she remembered from the terrifying time in that other place.
"Yes, we are. We are glad to see you Sooka. How are your mother and sister?"
"They are well", she wiggled until her father put her down. She immediately ran over to Jack and pulled on his leg until he squatted down to listen to her. She leaned up and whispered in his ear. "My Mama is going to have another baby but it's a secret. Daddy is really happy but my sister doesn't know yet. She might be sad because she won't be the baby any more – and it might be a boy!" This was said with the usual disdain little girls had for little boys!
Smiling, Jack hugged the little girl and whispered back. "I'm so happy for you. You're a great big sister. The new baby will be very lucky."
Sooka was looking over at Sam. This time, in a loud voice, she announced, "Sam is going to have a baby too!"
"Yes, she is."
"Is it your baby Jack?" the little girl asked. Nothing quite like the honest curiosity of children.
"Yes, it's my baby."
"Good, you'll be a great Daddy. My Mama said you two were" she frowned, trying to remember what her mother had said. "meant to be together". She looked up and smiled.
Jack looked over at his wife and smiled – a secret but very knowing smile. "Yes Sooka, we were meant to be together."
The End
Thank you to all of you who came on this latest journey with me. Your comments, reviews and kind notes made it so much fun and inspired me to keep going. I loved hearing from all of you.
Thank you again! January 2011