Heat Chapter 52

The baby followed Jack with her eyes as she lay contentedly in his arms. He was sitting with Karnak and Alayna in their spacious, comfortable living room, glad to be free of the sterile environment of the medical center for several hours. Relieved to know that a diagnosis had been made and treatment begun for Sam, all three of them were hopeful that she would soon be feeling better and able to travel back through the Stargate with Jack.

In the meantime, Jack bounced the baby gently as he related the yo-yo incident to his hosts. Upon hearing the entire story, Karnak's sudden guffaw startled his daughter and the baby began to cry. Alayna shot an admonishing look at her husband as she reached for Kaya. "She is still not used to your exuberance."

Karnak was not intimidated. "My dear wife, the little one must learn to tolerate changes in her environment."

Alayna stared at her mate as she tried to soothe the screaming baby. "Sometimes your booming voice is louder than thunder."

Karnak rose from his chair and kissed his irritated wife on the cheek. "Then Kaya will never be afraid of storms once she has lived with such a thunderous father."

Alayna's frustration turned into capitulation as Karnak playfully nudged her. The man could irritate her in an instant and then, just as quickly, charm her into submission. He was impossible!

Karnak took the baby and the baby's crying ceased as she settled into his huge arms. She began cooing as Karnak made funny faces and clucking noises. "See? Kaya knows her father can make many different sounds."

Jack spoke up, "Yeah, 'shock and awe'. It seems to work better here than where I come from."

Karnak and Alayna were not certain of Jack's meaning and now it was his turn to laugh. "Military doctrine on Earth … trust me, it hasn't been too successful. Now, before I go back to the hospital, I'd like to talk to you about another strategy. I'm planning to take Sam up to my cabin for rest and recovery, plus some serious talk about the future. We still have another month before our new assignments. I wouldn't say this to anyone except you, but I'm nervous. After all she's been through here on Aquila, I don't know if I should even push the romance and commitment thing."

The baby started to drift to sleep and Karnak placed her in a nearby crib while considering Jack's next move. "Take courage, Jack. I really believe that Sam's feelings for you have not changed at all. I think she will be ready to begin just where you two left off. Remember the feelings you acknowledged for each other on the day we honored you? Hold to that moment. Start there."

Jack slowly smiled. He thought of how radiant Sam looked on the dance floor, how she welcomed his first, tender kiss. "That seems light years away."

Karnak walked to his wife and embraced her. Alayna looked at her husband and then at Jack. It was her turn to offer advice. "You and Sam are so right for each other; we knew that from the first we met. There is a chemistry, Jack, that cannot be denied. You deserve to be happy."

Karnak nodded to his dear Tau'ri friend, a man who had become such an important part of their lives. "Love always finds its way home. It is time for you both to realize that and think about your future."


The heat of the shower had a calming effect as Sam stood under the running water and let it cascade over her. She was grateful for this small pleasure. The phlebotomy had gone well and Dr. Lam gave permission for a late-afternoon shower once the patient had taken some nourishment and seemed steady on her feet. Sam no longer needed the oxygen and this was also an encouraging sign.

Eva Rachis was still at her patient's side, providing support. She handed Sam a large towel as she stepped from the shower and supplied additional toiletries - comb, tooth brush, lotion. "Your skin is glowing, but it's a healthy red; the rash is almost gone." The nurse had taken a professional look at Sam's arms, legs, and back and was satisfied that Sam's symptoms were easing. Eva reached for a tunic and pants from a nearby locker as Sam toweled herself dry.

"Here you go. You've graduated to a two-piece outfit."

Sam laughed as she slipped into the welcomed clothes. "You don't know how I've been waiting for this! I almost feel human again."

"Actually, I would have loved to have brought you something a bit more alluring for Jack but hospital rules …"

Sam looked at this woman and felt like hugging her. "You would have done that? Found me another change of clothes? 'Alluring for Jack'? Oh, Eva, you're sweet! I'm not really into such things, more of a jeans-and-sweater kind of gal."

Sam watched Eva in the mirror as she combed her wet hair. The nurse smiled shyly back at Sam's reflection. "Sam, I'm sorry, that was a bit too personal. I don't know what got into me. I know how stifling it is to wear a uniform most of the time and I thought maybe you felt the same way, especially since you and Jack seem so … so close." Eva's voice trailed off as she realized that she had crossed a boundary. She prided herself in remaining detached and fair minded with all her patients; somehow, she had let Sam and Jack into her life and wanted to be a part of theirs. How unprofessional!

Sam saw Eva's expression change, her cheeks redden, and turned to face the now silent woman.

"Eva, what's wrong?"

The nurse was embarrassed. "I seemed to have stepped over a boundary with you and Jack. I never meant to get so involved. I'm so, so sorry. Perhaps I should have another nurse assigned to your room."

Sam Carter was not an expert on social relationships, male or female. Ever since her mother died, she had found it extremely hard to trust and welcome people into her inner circle. Yet, having almost died on this planet and seeing Jack so concerned had made her more self-aware. She had to examine her own feelings of jealousy and insecurity when she encountered Rachis. She had judged Eva's motives wrongly and, if anything, she should be the one who was apologizing. By letting this stranger come into her life, her relationship with Jack had actually grown stronger.

The patient walked over to her caretaker and hugged her. "Eva, you are a gem. You've done nothing wrong. Jack and I owe you so much for the care you've given us and for the moments you allowed us to let down our guard and be ourselves. I don't think a boundary was crossed at all. I think a friendship was formed which will last even when we leave this planet. I wasn't as kind to you as I could have been at first. I felt jealous of your relationship with Jack."

Eva's eyes grew wide. "Oh Sam, there was never anything between us. Jack always had you on his mind."

Sam put up her hand. "I know. Believe me, I know. Was it because I was sick? It was silly and adolescent behavior. But friends are honest with friends and I want you to know what happened. Once I was under your care, I began to see you for the person you are – a lovely, selfless individual. I would be honored to have you as my friend."

Eva Rachis felt as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. This Tau'ri woman, whom she admired, was complimenting her and validating the friendship that Eva dared hope for. She wished that Jack and Sam knew how much they had given her in exchange. Perhaps, one day she would be able to tell them.

The nurse was excited about the future, about her new relationships with her Tau'ri friends, Sam, Jack, and … Walter.

"Thank you" was all that was needed, all that was said.


Jack had returned to Sam's room in time to hear the news which was good, very good. Doctors Marius and Lam were pleased to report that Sam's red-blood-cell count had fallen to an acceptable level and, given similar readings the following morning, she should be released from the medical center and able to return to the SGC. Carolyn was leaving Aquila tonight and would keep Sam in the infirmary for one night to monitor her vitals and blood levels after the trip through the Stargate. Dr. Loftus was so impressed by Carolyn's research on the complications from Sam's case that he invited the Tau'ri doctor to lecture at the university and further collaborate with the Aquilian medical staff. Lam wrote one last entry into Sam's file and left, wishing Sam a good night's rest. Eva Rachis walked down the hallway with Dr. Marius, discussing final procedures for the next morning. The doctors had given permission for Sam to take a short walk and Rachis suggested that Jack take her to his VIP suite. "It will do her good and give you some privacy, big day tomorrow."

Jack was so relieved to see Sam in her new attire, no longer attached to any IV lines or oxygen. He waited as she stepped into slippers and reached for a white robe which Eva had left at the foot of the bed.

"Are you ready for your evening stroll, madam?" Smiling, Jack extended his arm. Sam surprised him by accepting and they walked slowly down the corridor, arm-in-arm. Sam's pace was steady but she still appreciated Jack's support. She had spent too much time on her back lately. It felt good to be up and about.

Once they reached the suite, Jack led Sam to the windows that looked out on the city. He put his arm around her as they both gazed at the twinkling lights and ships flying up and beyond the dome. Sam leaned into him, resting her head on his chest. They stayed silent for a long time, separate minds dwelling on what would happen next, where they would be within a matter of days, weeks. They watched and wondered while Sam took comfort in the solid beating of Jack's heart.

"Better get you back to your room", Jack hated to change his position but he knew that Sam needed her rest.

"Jack?"

"Yes?"

"I can't wait to get home."

Jack kissed Sam as she raised her face. Their lips touched gently and then parted. The next kiss was firmer, more urgent, kindling fires that burned deep within. Jack remembered Karnak's words. He took Sam's face in his hands and reassured her.

"You're already there."