We are finally here! Enjoy!
M.
Chapter 24 - Hell yes!
"And that's how it happened," Freyja says. Jack and Sam are blushing furiously. Certainly, General Hammond didn't need to know they spent five hours going at it like rabbits before Freyja could do her deed.
Still, she had said 'it took them five hours of coupling before the male cells were in the right cavity to reach the female cells.' They both know they won't be able to look at Hammond in the eye for a while. So they fix their glares on the two aliens.
"You have evidence that even if their," Hammond stops. He clears his throat and blushes up to his ears. "Their coupling happened by their own means, but they wouldn't be able to stop themselves?"
"Yes. Once there are feelings involved, no matter how much the human denies them. There won't be a way for them to step away from the trance produced by this situation, I've placed them in."
"Can you provide us with such evidence?" George asks.
"Yes," Thor says, passing him a rock. "I believe Major Carter knows how to use it."
"I do."
"We are indebted to you both, Major Carter, Colonel O'Neill. We know Freyja's actions have put your lives at risk. The information added, includes evidence of what Freyja mentioned. Along with explanations of several of our scientists about how the environment created affects the thought process. How it is possible to have a memory modified in the way you had. Also, how it is possible that embryo aged three during the first day of its conception."
"Thank you, Thor. We hope that will be useful." They nod.
"I also recorded this for Jacob Carter." He says giving them another rock. "I explained it's our doing."
"Please tell me you didn't mention the five hours thing…" Jack mumbles.
"I thought I should leave personal details outside the scope of it."
"Thanks."
"As for punishment. Loki is being kept away from any experiments involving humans around the galaxies. He will now only have access to the cloning fixing situation. Since he is the one with the most knowledge about it. Freyja, on her part, will be banished from humans experimentation. Her knowledge will be used to help improve the world under our protection. But she won't be able to travel to any worlds anymore."
"It seems a bit soft if you ask me," Jack points out.
"It's the first time in millennials that Freyja has done something without the consent of the whole council. However, if we aren't lenient with her, thousands of humans won't be able to reproduce or find their mates anymore."
"It's enough punishment that she can't help them, Jack," Sam says giving his hand a light squeeze. He takes a deep breath.
"Okay."
"Well, thank you, Thor. I need to inform the President about these changes. I'll recommend you two to remain here until that's done."
"Yes, sir." They both said.
"We will come back in time to help you with the birth, Major," Thor adds. "O'Neill."
The Asgard trio disappears then, and they are left alone inside the briefing room. Jack can't help but fidget as they wait for Hammond to return. Once he can't keep himself still anymore, he starts pacing. It seems like forever before Hammond finally walks out of the room. A somber expression on his face as he walks down towards them.
"Sir?" Jack asks, feeling his heart in his throat.
"If you hurt that woman, Colonel. I swear to you that your days at Ba'al's prison would look like a paradise. Did you hear me, son?" Hammond whispers to him.
"Yes, sir!" Jack says loud. Then they turn to find her frowning.
"The president sends his congratulations to you both. He also recommends that you get married before the arrival of the baby. He believes there won't be any issues due to the Asgard factor. Since you're both still working in the same base, a marriage would help in keeping with the rules."
"You mean?" Sam blinks.
"Yes, Sam. You can tell anyone you want and there won't be repercussions from those actions."
"Holy Hannah! Sir! That's amazing!" She says and embraces him. Hammond chuckles at her reaction. "God, I can't believe we can tell people finally," Sam adds. Turning around towards Jack, but finds him gone. She hears the metal sounds of someone going down the stairs towards the control room.
"Go," Hammond nods. She rushes down after him.
Jack has the biggest grin she's seen on his face in forever. He is about to get the PA system started.
"Wanna get on with it?" he grins.
"Hell yes!"
"Hi, this is Colonel O'Neill. I just wanted to let you all know that my fiancée and I are happy to share with you, that we are having a boy. Please return to your duties now." He says and Sam chuckles.
She's about to kiss him when she remembers where they are. So she simply pecks his check. Then she starts to walk back towards her lab.
Two weeks later
Sam shuffles awkwardly on her feet as she holds a sign in her hands. She looks around, but the truth is, she doesn't even know what the person she's waiting for looks like. She rubs her now obvious belly, as Bumper kick around.
"Please tell me that you're Samantha Carter," a woman says, as she approaches her. Sam blinks. The woman looks nothing like Jack, with black hair, white skin, and hazel eyes. With three kids in tow.
"Violet O'Neill?" Sam asks.
"The one and only," the woman grins. "These brats are Scott, Deanna, and Andrew." She says as she introduces her kids. "Jack said you were gorgeous. Boy, he wasn't even close on just how beautiful you are! So, where is that brother of mine?"
"Ah, he got stuck at work." Sam grins. "I'm taking you to his house, so you can get some rest. He'll pick me up from there, so you can keep my car." Sam explained as they walk towards the parking lot. They manage to pile up all their luggage in the trunk and soon they are on their way.
"So, if you are taking me to 'his house' where is home?" Violet asks. Sam smiles.
"Wherever he is," she answers truthfully. "But, after a few talks we decided, we'll do some changes to his house. So it becomes ours. Meanwhile, we have everything we need in mine. The contractors said eight to ten weeks, and then we have to decorate it as we please."
"And Bumper?" Violet grins. Sam chuckles.
"God, I only hope Bumper doesn't get stuck as his nickname. He still has ten weeks ahead before he gets a real name."
When Jack gets to his house to pick Sam. He notices he was right. His sister loves her. He knows he can reassure her when they get home, that everything would be alright for the next day. When Sam disappears into the bathroom. Jack looks at his sister.
"So, the verdict?" he asks. She punches him on the shoulder.
"You should've married her when you realized you loved her all those years ago."
"Well, those are things one can't change, right? Did she explain to you how to get to the restaurant?"
"Yup"
"And that the catering service will arrive around 10?"
"Yeah."
"What about…"
"Jack… she mentioned everything. I think I made her nervous," Violet grimaces. "I like her, Jack. She seems perfect for you." When Sam gets back. They exchange goodbyes and he takes her home.
"She likes you, Sam."
"Really?" she asks.
"Yeah."
"God… that's soo good to know!" They arrive home and get ready for their last dinner as legally single people.
Everyone seems to be there. They are not so sure how it happened. Mark, Lilah, Linda, and David. Violet and her kids. Janet, Cassie, Daniel, Teal'c, Hammond, and even Jacob Carter. They enjoy a lovely dinner but don't remain for too long. Since the ceremony will be the next day at 5:30 pm and there's still much to do.
"I'm glad you decided to stay," Sam says. As she snuggles up to him. "I wouldn't be able to sleep if you were anywhere else tonight."
"I know."
They make out for a while, taking their sweet time before parting ways with a sigh. The doctor had forbidden them from sex a week ago. Until week thirty-eight at least. So, they keep their needs somewhat at bay. Surprisingly, they actually manage to sleep.
By 4:30 pm they know they've should set the ceremony at 5 as they wanted. Not at 5:30 as everyone had recommended them.
"So, what's with all this waiting?" Mark asks. He finds Jack and Sam talking with Daniel, Janet, and Violet. "I thought you military lot were punctual."
"Okay, I'll get it. Blame the civilians," Violet says, raising her hands in surrender. "But, hey, at least you'll know if you ever decide you want the 'fancier wedding' done, right?"
"Why didn't you wait and just do a fancier one if that's what you wanted?" Mark asks and Sam raises an eyebrow at him. "Dad?"
"And Hammond and the President might have sent a warning too…" Jack smiles.
"I thought you were clean with the rules," Mark frowns. "That's what you both said when you visited me."
"They are good," Jacob says. "But no one wants them pushing their lucks. Or maybe, they just wanted to settle that god-forsaken bet that's been running their base since they met."
"A bet?" Violet asks curiously, eyeing at the blushing pair.
"Yup. There's a lot of money on it too."
"Do we know who got it?"
"Siler," Daniel says. "He said he would use the extra cash to get some better safety gear." Sam snorts.
"I'm not sure that'd be enough."
"Internal jokes?"
"Just a guy who seems to attract injuries," Daniel asks. "Hey, everyone is around. Why don't we just do it?"
"Are you in a hurry, space-monkey?"
"I'm just afraid Bumper will decide to jump out on us earlier than expected," Daniel shrugs.
"Shhh! Don't say that!" The group turns to him.
"What?"
"You just don't go tempting fate, Daniel," Janet adds, shaking her head. "Besides its just a bit too early."
"Let's go get married!." Jack grins.
They move to Jack's garden. The whole back yard is decorated. There're just flowers around a gazebo that has been out there forever. There's a small table with flowers, candles, and a feathery pen. It's Teal'c's honor to bind them together.
He stands right next to his two friends, and their extended family, and smiles.
"Dearly beloved," Teal'c starts with his deep voice. "We are gathered here to join these two souls in the only way that remains between them, that of the United States of America. I've seen them grow and thrive both in peaceful times and in sorrowful ones."
"I've seen them sit in the most complete silence and noticed there was much they were saying by not saying anything at all. I've seen them exchange acts of love that no one noticed, not even themselves. I've seen them fight their emotions so many times. In all the time I've known them, one thing remained. They always did what it was best for the other."
"Daniel Jackson and I had the honor of becoming silent witnesses of how their friendly care and heroic admiration became more than words can explain. Without ever once breaking the rules." Teal'c smiles looking at Jack. Remembering that even in the looping days, Jack would first resign before he would kiss her. When Jack answers him with a knowing smile. Teal'c knows he's thinking about the same thing.
"So, it's my honor to join you both on this new path you will walk together. Samantha Carter and Jack O'Neill, will you enter into this marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly?"
"You better say yes, Jack!" Jacob whispers, making them chuckle.
"Yes." They say.
"Are you prepared to love and honor each other for as long as you live?"
"I am," Jack searches for her hands. She takes his hands willingly, as Sam locks their gazes in one of their famed silent conversations.
"Are you prepared to accept this child lovingly and bring them up accordingly?" Teal'c asks again.
"I guess we are," Sam grins as one of Jack's hands finds her bump.
"We are," he states and receives a kick in agreement from Bumper.
"Since your intentions are to honor the path of this marriage union. Join your right hands. Johnathan O'Neill, do you take Samantha Carter to be your wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her in good times and in bad times, in sickness and in health? To love her and honor her all the days of your life?"
"I do."
"Samantha Carter, do you take Jonathan O'Neill to be your husband? Do you promise to be faithful to him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health? To love him and to honor him all the days of your life?"
"I do."
"May this day strengthen the bond you share. What was united today, let no one put asunder." Teal'c states. Then, he guides them as they exchange the rings that will sit on their fingers or dog tags for the years to come. And finally, he makes them sign their certificate.
As most of the crowd cries, Teal'c smiles a big happy toothy grin. One that shows them exactly how happy he is.
"Now, by the power bestowed in me by the Universal Life Church dot org. I declare you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride."
Jack grins as he gets as close to her as he can before he dips her low and kisses her thoroughly. Only stopping when his waist complains about the awkward position and the tremendous effort.
When they stand up, they face the same stony expression they met all those years ago when they first met Teal'c.
"If you ever hurt each other. You will have to deal with me." He says. "So, you better stand up and fulfill the promises you both gave so willingly." They both nod and then Teal'c's smiles. "Congratulations!"
There are several pops of confetti poppers around the small space, Jack's grey suit is now half pink and silverish. Sam chuckles at him and he looks at her. With the flowy dress she picked, there wasn't much sign of her pregnancy. Not until the confetti pooled on top of her belly and her cleavage.
"God, I love you."
They enjoy the afternoon with their family and it's late at night when they drive back to the Glen Eyrie Castle. This time only for cuddling up in their fancy wedding suite. Sam snuggles close to him, her ring shines in the light over his chest. Jack thinks there's not a single moment in his life more perfect than this one. He smiles.
"What?" Sam asks curiously.
"Can you believe we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Freyja's experiment?"
"I guess it ended up okay."
"Just okay?"
"Well, we aren't doing the honeymoon things."
"Right! Still, this moment is perfect."
"There's only one thing that could make it better."
"What's that?" She smiles and kisses him.
"I love you, husband."
"I love you, wife."
The end…. xD
A/N: Thank you so much for joining me on this journey. :D