Control: Resonate

Arriving at the infirmary Jacob was not at all surprised to see half of SG-1 and Doctor Fraiser guarding over a curtained area at the back of the main room. They looked a little nervous. Given the update he'd received from Freya, he doubted very much that it had anything to do with Sam's physical well being and everything to do with the future of their friends and the fate of the SGC's flagship team hanging in the balance.

And perhaps just a little at his arrival. He took some small measure of pleasure from seeing Daniel shiver at his grin before he disappeared behind the curtain.

'Dad.' Jack acknowledged softly. He was lying on the bed with Sam asleep and curled at his side not looking the least bit ashamed or embarrassed.

And neither should he be, it was exactly where a good husband should be.

'Hey, how's she doing?' Jacob asked gently, noting Daniel's shadow seemed to relax at his gentle question and the distinct lack of raised voices.

'She's exhausted but okay. Sorry about Martouf,' he continued sincerely, ' And I'm sorry I didn't get there first.

Jacob nodded solemnly accepting both apologies. Just because he was her husband didn't make him any more accountable for Sam's safety as it did when he was simply her CO but he appreciated the sentiment just same. That being said...

'Jack, you blaming yourself isn't going to help my girl get better.'

He nodded vaguely in reply, but Jacob knew Jack would always wish he had done more.

Jacob rocked on his heels before saying, 'I just had a little chat with George and the President.'

For a man who was already very tense Jack's body seemed to turn to stone as his desperate gaze met Jacob's. 'And?'

'The asked me about you two; how I found out and if I thought it affected your working relationship. I'm not going to lie to you Jack, it wasn't the easiest of conversations. Though I got the feeling that George is on your side, however he said that there was still a lot to discuss.'

Jack took in the information with a quiet hope slowly conjuring in his chest. He was glad Hammond seemed to have come round to the idea, but he knew there was still a long way to go yet.

'What about those strings you mentioned before?'

Jacob sighed. 'I don't know how much good they'll do now the President is already involved. But I'll do what I can, even if it's just reminding a few people I saved their asses back in the day, SG-1 has saved the world a couple of times and Sam is my daughter. And just as stubborn as me for it.'

'Thanks, Dad.' Jack murmured sincerely some of the tension escaping his body.

Jacob watched the younger man carefully seeing a wave of exhaustion cascade over him, 'You should get some rest.'

'But...'

'Jack, you've got a Jaffa, a Tok'ra and an archaeologist that can handle a zat looking out for you two. Get some sleep. That's an order.'

'Yes, Sir.' Jack responded dutifully before carefully shuffling down on the bed in attempt not to disturb the woman sleeping at his side. Despite his care, her eyes fluttered open briefly.

'Dad? She croaked, her mind still fogged with sleep.

Jacob smiled at her, reaching over and touched her cheek gently. 'Hey kiddo, go back to sleep. Everything's going to be fine.' he promised.

But her eyes were already closed and her breathing had adopted the rhythm of sleep.

With one last look back at Jack he stepped out into the bright lights of the infirmary hoping he hadn't just made another promise to his daughter that he couldn't keep.

Daniel and Teal'c were standing a little away from the partition but it was clear from the looks on their faces, okay mainly Daniel's face, that they had heard most, if not all, of their conversation.

'Is there anything we can do to help?' Daniel asked sincerely.

Jacob regarded them both carefully before releasing a soft sigh. 'Just be honest if Hammond asks you any questions. There's not much more I reckon they could ask of you.'

Teal'c bowed his head solemnly.

Daniel nodded just a little nervous. 'So what now?'

'Now, we wait.' Jacob answered.

With one more use of the healing device Sam was almost completely healed but for a few lingering bruises. Janet was in the process of completing the discharge papers when General Hammond entered the infirmary.

Though the looks he received from Teal'c, Daniel, Jacob and Janet no doubt made him feel uncomfortable, he did not let it show.

As he approached the doctor to discuss Sam's condition, he saw Jacob duck his head behind the curtain and murmur something to the occupants of the private area.

George was relieved to learn that Sam was well enough to go home, watching Jack perform CPR on his second in command, his wife, was one of he most heart wrenching experiences of his life. That being said, he had never been more proud of the conduct of officers under his command than that moment. Even when the establishment that the operated under threatened them with separation and jail, they were willing to put their lives on the line to do what was necessary, what was right.

'Thank you, Doctor.' he murmured bringing their conversation to a close. He knew that she wanted to say more, to speak up in defence of her friends but she remained quiet. With a thankful nod, he approached the three men guarding the area that held Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter.

'George.' Jacob addressed him in a measured tone.

'Jacob.' he responded similarly.

'Have you come to a decision?'

'I think that is a matter I should discuss with those it concerns.'

'General,' Daniel interrupted. 'With all due respect, this concerns us too. SG-1 works fine just the way it is. It has done for years and I have no doubt it will work for years to come.'

'Indeed.' Teal'c added.

Hammond heaved a slight sigh of annoyance before briskly stating, 'Duly noted gentlemen. You may return to your duties.'

Daniel glanced frustratedly between Teal'c and Jacob before storming out. Teal'c followed, his only parting gesture a slight bow intended for Jacob only.

'Do I have to play the diplomat card?' Jacob asked as soon as they were out of earshot, hoping to lighten the mood.

'I'll let you know if it comes to that.' Hammond murmured with a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. 'In the mean time, I need to have a chat with two of my officers. '

The tension eased somewhat Jacob nodded. 'I'll be back in 15.' he said heading out to go and make a few quick and hopefully unnecessary phone calls.

Hammond stepped behind the curtain to find Sam and Jack sitting side by side on the raised bed their legs dangling over the side.

It occurred to him that he'd witnessed them sit in that exact position many times, sit that close and never thought anything of it until now. There was nothing obvious in their behaviour or interactions; it was simply a feeling that the two people before him were on exactly the same page, they resonated on the same frequency. It helped them work as a cohesive unit, as a pair and within their team. It just so happened that that bond had brought them a little closer together than the rules of the Air Force usually allowed.

At the moment though, both of them were filled with fear and apprehension, the same desperate edge to their gazes.

'General.' Jack greeted him gently.

Hammond nodded and looked to Sam.

'How are you feeling, Major?'

'A bit shaken but better, Sir, thank you.' she murmured.

There was a pause.

Jack looked down at his hands resting on this thighs, his fingertips gently bouncing against each other in place of something to fiddle with.

'How did your chat go with the President?' he asked somewhat bluntly, unable to wait any longer.

'About as well as can be expected.' George replied. 'Nothing has been finalised and the matter still needs to be discussed with the Joint Chiefs but you two might make it out of this without a court marshal.'

'What about SG-1?' Sam asked.

'The President and I have some ideas about that but again those will need to be discussed with the relevant people.'

'But, Sir...' Jack started.

'I understand you feel that you work well together and after your actions today and reviewing a years worth of mission reports over the last two days I have to agree. However, the Air Force has rules in place to ensure that there is no conflict of interest when it comes to making decisions in the field. Having the fate of the world so often resting in your hands makes it a priority to ensure that SG-1 is the most effective and cohesive unit at the Air Forces disposal. To put it simply, putting a married couple in those kinds of pressurised situations is going to make some people helluva nervous.'

'Some people, Sir?' Sam questioned hopefully.

Hammond rewarded her intuition with a comforting and conspiring smile.

'Take a week off and we'll see if we can get something sorted out by then.'

'We're not going back to holding cells? Not suspended?' Jack uttered entirely confused.

'Go home, Jack.'

'Yes, Sir.' he replied with a wide smile.

'Thank you, Sir.' Sam added warmly.

'Don't thank me yet, there's still a lot of work to do.' he murmured as he left.

They watched him go before looking to each other with hopeful smiles on their faces.

Sam reached over, sliding her hand between his as Jack leaned over and kissed her softly.

'Wanna move in with me?' he murmured when their lips parted.

'Yes.' she replied with a grin.