A/N: Here is the last instalment of this little story. Thank you so much for your feedback over the duration of this fic, the response has been incredible. For now, I'm returning back to base with the team. Keep an eye out for our next adventure!
I hope you've all had lovely holidays!
A million and one thank yous to: marcyfoote, dpdp, jacats, PhoenixQueenHeart, Indy and Loverustal – your reviews have been tremendous. I hope this last one does you proud!
As always, mistakes are mine.
Recap: Jack turned and was surprised to see Bhanrí looking at him, concern on her features. "Bhanrí, everything alright?"
Bhanrí smiled sadly. "This day is bittersweet, Jack. However, I will sleep easier this night, even if my bed is colder."
"I'm sorry we couldn't save Rìgh."
Bhanrí rest a hand on Jack's forearm. "As I said before, he knew it would end like this. He would be proud of our daughter and I know he will be forever grateful to you, Carter, Daniel and Teal'c."
Jack nodded. "I'm still sorry. It can't be easy... losing someone you love."
Bhanrí smiled again, only this time, it was a lot happier. "They often find a way back to us, some more obviously than others." The queen looked up at Sam's window. "I hope you cherish that."
Jack followed her line of sight. "I will."
Chapter 23
The suns set quickly and before Jack could register what was going on, the castle grounds were heaving at the amount of people that had turned up to witness Banaphri's coronation. Men and women spoke to each other like equals and it was then Jack could truly see the severity of Prionn's ways. There was zero animosity between the men and women before him. Though, he suspected that Ceann's forces were partly responsible for that.
As a people, they had decided to bury the past with Banaphri's coronation. The last few that followed Prionn's ways were given a choice, get over it or be banished. Jack had to admit, he like Banaphri's style immensely.
He looked up from where he was stood to see Teal'c walking over to him. The Jaffa looked a lot better than what he did earlier, though he still walked with a slight limp.
"O'Neill." he greeted quietly as he stood next to the colonel.
"Hey T." replied Jack, not taking his eyes off of the people around him. "You look a lot better."
"My symbiote has healed me well enough."
"Good, I might need your help carrying Danny back to the gate with the amount he's drinking."
Teal'c followed Jack's line of sight and sure enough, Daniel held a tankard in his hand as he addressed those sitting around him with what was most likely one of SG-1's missions. The people around him were laughing and were focused on Daniel's words.
"And Major Carter?" asked Teal'c, turning to look at Jack. He didn't miss the uncomfortable look on his face as he registered Sam's title.
"Haven't seen her yet. She's probably resting, I don't know how with all this noise."
Teal'c bowed his head. "Is something the matter, O'Neill?"
"Teal'c," Jack ran a hand through his hair. "I can't. It's complicated."
Teal'c's eyebrow jerked. "It is only as complicated as you make it."
Jack turned and regarded the Jaffa with an incredulous look. "Been sharing tips with Daniel, huh?"
Teal'c's lips twitched and a small, half smile appeared on his features. "Perhaps. However, I would die before betraying you, O'Neill. That has not changed."
Jack reached over and patted the Jaffa quickly on the arm. "I know, T. I know."
The castle grounds went silent as the doors opened to reveal Banaphri, her mother, Bhean and Danu. As quickly as it went quiet, the crowd exploded into cheers as the doors closed behind the women. Banaphri looked uncomfortable as she took in the cheers, but Bhean had a supportive arm around her waist.
Danu raised a hand and the cheers died down. "Thank you, my children. Tonight marks the new birth of Saorsa, with the crowning of your new queen. Follow us as we involve all in this joyous occasion."
Danu descended the stairs and beckoned Banaphri to follow her. Jack smiled as she did so, men and women bowing as she passed before following them out of the castle gates. Jack and Teal'c waited, allowing the Saorsans to leave first before tagging along the end of the line.
At this point, Daniel had met up with Jack and Teal'c and was walking between them. "This is incredible, Jack." said Daniel, slurring the colonel's name.
Teal'c raised an eyebrow, while Jack reached over to take the tankard from the archaeologist. "Slow down Danny, or you won't remember it."
Daniel snorted but waved his hand in mock surrender. "This is amazing. Look how many people want to be here for Banaphri." he said, gesturing wildly at the people walking with them.
It was true. The last time Jack and the others had walked through the settlement, it was to attend Prionn's Olc festival. Everyone had been afraid and silent, but this was completely different. People were chatting animatedly, laughing at shared jokes and stories and if Jack turned his head just right, he could hear a soft melody being sung further up the pack.
They were some of the last to enter the square and Jack's eyes widened. The stage had disappeared and in its place was a temporary structure made of hay and barrels. The Saorsans had been busy decorating whatever they could with banners, displaying the royal sigil – a golden circle with a tree inside it. Lanterns and torches aflame were dotted around the square, giving the village a festive glow. There were tables and crates heaving with home-made treats and the Saorsan equivalent of ale. The air no longer smelled of smoke and fire, but of freshly cooked breads and something akin to cinnamon.
A flash of gold caught Jack's eye and he turned to see Sam leaning against a small fence. Her arms were crossed across her chest and she had a blank expression on her face. Jack frowned and was about to walk over to her when Danu raised her hands again.
"I have lived on this world longer than any Saorsan here before me. I have seen terrible things and I have seen great things. But I have seen nothing greater than this day. It is my honour and privilege to announce your new Queen." began Danu. She brought her hands in front of her and closed her eyes as her ethereal glow shone brightly. Once the glow dissipated, a silver crown appeared adorned with green and blue stones. Danu bowed before Banaphri, smiling as the young princess reciprocated. Danu stood tall and placed the crown gently upon Banaphri's head.
"I did not think I would see such a ruler in Saorsa again. You are a true descendant of Thogail, strong, smart, brave and full of heart. Saorsa is lucky to have you."
Banaphri looked up and smiled gently. "I thank you." Banaphri stood up straight and turned to face her people, smiling in earnest as they cheered and clapped for her. "Our people have won an incredible victory today, we all did our part and it was well worth it. However, I need to acknowledge the truth of this day." Banaphri scanned the crowd and very quickly, she found SG-1. "I will never be able to show you how thankful I am, how thankful my people are, for what you have helped us accomplish," she looked directly at Sam. "Before listening to you speak, I never thought it possible, but now I see it is. It is more than a fairytale, it is very real. Carter, we are eternally in your debt." At that, Banaphri bowed. Danu followed suit with a smile, along with Bhean, Bhanrí and Ceann.
Jack watched with a smile as all of the Saorsans bowed to Sam. The blonde stood at the edge, toying with the hem of her tunic, looking everywhere but at the people in front of her. Jack frowned but soon lost it when he realised that Sam was embarrassed. He chuckled, making her shoot a glare at him.
"As a people, we have a lot of work to do. Homes and livelihoods to rebuild, but for now, we will celebrate until all three suns are in the sky." announced Banaphri, inspiring more cheers. She stepped off of the makeshift stage and watched with a smile as people with instruments moved to take her place.
The air soon filled with music, laughter and chatter. Daniel found himself being pulled to the dancing area by Bhean, making Jack and Teal'c roll their eyes. Teal'c quickly excused himself before making his way to the table that held bread. Jack smirked and saw Sam still at the edge of the party.
He took a deep breath in and walked over to her. He stood nonchalantly next to her, his eyes on the festivities in front of him. "You okay?"
"Danu's medicine is very effective." commented Sam. A lesser man would take Sam's word for it, but Jack could still see pain in her eyes and he could tell she was standing in a way that protected her ribs.
"Sam."
Sam closed her eyes, to gather herself, before looking at Jack.
Jack sighed when he saw that she was only just about hanging on to the last shred of her barriers. He looked around, happy to see Daniel in the middle of a dance with Bhean and Teal'c conversing with Bruic. He looked at Sam again and extended an arm. "Want to go for a walk?"
Sam looked at his outstretched arm and nodded. She took his arm, grateful for support as they walked slowly down past the main part of the square, past several buildings and towards a beautifully lit path towards the lake that they had walked around only yesterday.
The volume of the music and people lessened as they ambled further away, until it was just their footsteps and their breathing keeping them company. The lake appeared to be glowing from the lanterns around it.
Sam was just beginning to relax when she felt Jack stop. She followed suit – hard not to when she was leaning on him for support. She watched him let go, only to see him settle himself on a bench. He patted the space next to him and supported her as she lowered herself to sit next to him.
They sat in a comfortable silence until Jack rest a hand on Sam's good thigh. "It's just us."
Sam looked at Jack's hand on her thigh. "I know."
"You gonna tell me what's going on in that brain of yours?"
Sam looked away, hot tears prickling in the corners of her eyes. She willed herself to steady her breathing as she felt herself get more upset. Jack waited patiently, he could hear – hell, he could feel the torment in her head. He moved his hand from her thigh to cup the back of her neck, his calloused thumb rubbing soothing patterns into her skin.
"I want you to know, Sam, none of this is your fault."
Sam snorted. "Isn't it?"
"No, it isn't." said Jack tiredly. "It was going to happen at some point. We were just here when it did."
"Sir-"
"I meant it. It is not your fault."
Sam moved away from Jack. "That's not it."
Jack frowned with confusion. "Sam, you have to help me out here. I'm not sure how to help you."
Sam looked up at the moon, before looking at Jack. "I don't-"
"Sam, if you're worried about this being on record. It doesn't need to be." Jack bit the bullet. "We can leave it in the room."
Sam's eyes widened. She looked at Jack for what felt like the longest time, before she looked away.
Jack flinched when she looked away, he thought he'd pushed a bit too far when his ears caught her voice, so quiet he nearly missed it.
"What?"
"I'm sorry."
"What are you sorry for? Hell, Sam, if anyone should be sorry, it should be me. I should have fought harder when Prionn took you. Hell, we should have turned around and gated home as soon as-"
"No."
Jack stared at her, wracking his brain to try and come up with a rational explanation for her behaviour. The woman has almost single handedly freed over half of a planet's population from oppression and she was sorry?
"What could you possibly be sorry for?!" asked Jack incredulously.
"When I was with Danu, she said that she had met a group of people overnight on their way to the gate." Sam sniffed and fiddled with the embroidery on her tunic. "I thought... I thought-"
It dawned on him like the three Saorsan suns.
"She told me and I didn't want to believe it, I didn't believe it, but for just one second-"
"You thought we left without you." said Jack softly.
Sam looked at him, her eyes glassy and wide. "I know you wouldn't. I know you would never. God, the amount of times you should have and you didn't... I should know better." Sam sniffed. She studied Jack's face closely and when he didn't speak, her face crumpled and she stood. She raised a hand to cover her mouth and she walked away, trying to hold back a sob that had rebelliously climbed its way to her throat. She made it all of three steps when she felt Jack's hand on her shoulder.
She stood still, waiting. His other hand grasped at her arm. She allowed him to turn her around slowly, ever mindful of her injuries and tilt her face to look at him.
"Samantha Carter. I would move mountains to find you. There is no way in hell I would have left you here."
"I'm sorry."
Jack shook his head. "Come here." He pulled her into a hug. His arms wrapped around her torso and her head resting on his chest. A hand buried itself in her short locks and for the first time all mission, Sam felt safe.
"You have nothing to be sorry for. Alright? Nothing."
"I shouldn't doubt you."
"You didn't. Okay?" His voice vibrating in his chest. "You were injured, alone and hurt. It's happened to the best of us, alright?" He reluctantly stepped back from the hug and held her by the shoulders. He was happy to see she could know look him in the eye, even if she was crying.
"If you ever got lost, I would travel the universe to find you. I wouldn't stop. Ever." He leant forward and pressed a kiss to her temple. "Just like I know you would for me, okay?"
Sam nodded and wrapped her arms around him again. Jack could feel the tension in her body leave and in a cruel twist, he registered what he couldn't have with her. But for now, he'd settle for this.
He waited for her to pull away and raised his eyebrows, when she looked away to collect herself.
"C'mon, we wouldn't want to return to your party to see Daniel dancing like he was on P56 – 3SD."
Sam chuckled. "No, that wouldn't do our reputation any good."
Jack extended his arm and Sam took it. They walked back slowly around the lake and as they reached the path that would lead them back to the square, Sam stopped.
"You okay?"
"We're leaving that in the room, right?"
Jack smiled a sad smile. "Yeah. If you're okay with that?"
Sam nodded. "Yeah."
They began walking again when something Jack said made Sam giggle.
"We're gonna need a bigger room."
oOoOoOoOo
The party went well past the rising of the three suns and before long, the Saorsans had gathered to fare SG-1 farewell.
"I wish you well on your journey." said Bhanrí, bowing lowly to Sam.
Sam winced. "You don't need to do that." she said, pulling the queen regent upright. "Really."
Bhanrí smiled. "If that is what you wish." She reached forward and hugged the blonde. "Thank you for all you have done for Saorsa."
"Let us know if you need anything, medicines, technology. We have people that would help you rebuild." said Jack.
"We are a strong people, I believe we will be fine." said Bhanrí. "However, you are most welcome to our dwellings. In fact, we look forward to your return."
"As do I." said Ceann, shaking Teal'c's good hand.
"Indeed."
"It'd be great to see how you've progressed." said Daniel.
Danu tapped Jack on the shoulder and he nodded. "Alright kids, let's go home."
SG-1, Danu and Banaphri left the settlement to a chorus of cheers and waves and once they were down the hill and on the main path to the stargate, SG-1 breathed a sigh of relief.
Jack had decided to take the rear of the group with Teal'c while Banaphri and Daniel led the way. In the middle of the party, Danu and Sam were deep in discussion.
Jack observed Sam, with a small smile as she spoke animatedly with the Goddess. His little golden haired hero.
"I assume you and Major Carter have spoken."
Jack rolled his eyes. "Teal'c, really?"
"You seem happier, O'Neill."
"I'm happy to be going home." corrected Jack, earning a glare from Danu and Banaphri. "No offense!"
Banaphri chuckled. "None taken, Jack. I know your stay has not been the most pleasant. It will be the next time, I assure you."
"I'll hold you to it."
The party stopped at Danu's tree and it was here the team said their final goodbyes. Hugs were exchanged and Danu beckoned Sam to her.
"I apologise for what transpired. This pack here will see to your injuries." said Danu, handing Sam a small satchel. It clinked as Sam took possession of it.
"Thank you."
"It is a small token in comparison to what you have given me." said Danu softly. She hugged Sam closely. "I do hope you return."
"Me too." concurred Sam with a smile. Jack waved at her, prompting her to nod. "I need to go."
"I also want to apologise for what I said about your men." The Goddess observed them with a warm smile. "You were right about them."
Sam smiled. "Yeah, they're great."
"Carter!"
Danu chuckled. "If a bit bossy. However, I will look forward to your return, Samantha. I hope you have a safe journey."
Sam initiated one last quick hug, before smiling at Danu and turning on her heel to catch up with her boys.
The four made good time towards the stargate and as they reached the DHD, they turned to see the tree in the distance.
"What I want to know, is where Prionn's exiled to." asked Daniel. "I asked Banaphri, but she said she didn't know."
Sam smiled. "Danu is from a different race called Bandi'yas. The third sun in the sky is actually her ship. Prionn is imprisoned there."
"Wow, care to share Carter?"
Sam chuckled. "That's all I know."
Teal'c gave her a half smile as he typed in the address to get home. "He will watch Saorsa evolve before his very eyes."
"Kinda poetic, ain't it." commented Jack. "Well, looks like I got one thing wrong."
"What's that, Sir?" asked Sam, as she input the code.
"This is gonna be one hell of a report." He smirked as Sam and Daniel laughed.
"And we all know how much you love paperwork, Jack." chuckled Daniel, walking up to the stargate, its blue event horizon shimmering proudly, inviting them home.
"Yeah, like a hole in the head." he muttered, nodding for Daniel to go through. Teal'c bowed his head and followed suit.
"Sir?"
"All good. After you, Sam."
Sam smiled at Jack, lighting his insides up more than Saorsa's suns ever could. He watched her ascend the steps and disappear into the stargate. He took one quick look around before smirking to himself and walking towards the event horizon.
"It's all good."