Hi readers. I'm back after a long break - my sincerest apologies! It's been hard for me to write over the last few months as my job is so busy and stressful. Now, during the time of COVID, I am no less busy (actually more) but it's a nice break from the craziness that are my days to get writing again. This story is almost finished (only one or two more chapters) and I appreciate everyone's patience!

I hope you are all well and keeping safe! Vini

"I don't know Sam," he said. "On the one hand I don't want them sucked into too much screen time, but on the other, they do have to fit in."

"I know," she sighed, looking at the big screen TV. "I just don't want them to become couch potatoes."

"I think they have too much energy for that. I'd say let's not get one for now, but in a few years, when they're a bit older, we can purchase one. I'd rather us talk to one another and play games then spend all our time on the TV."

"Okay, that sounds good, although I must admit I was looking forward to watching a few movies!"

"Yeah," he sighed, "and there's the Stanley Cup!"

"Poor baby," she laughed. "You can go over to Daniel's and watch it."

"Daniel? Are you talking Daniel Jackson – the man who wouldn't know a puck from a cow patty?"

She laughed again. "Sorry. Okay, you can go over to General Hammond's. I know he likes hockey."

"Okay, that's better! Uh – maybe a small TV for our bedroom?" he asked suddenly.

"Nope! We're gonna read and stay connected!"

"Okay, okay, although the General may get sick of me during playoff season."

They left the TV section of the store and wandered over to the computers. Jack knew that a computer was going to be a must for his wife. He could practically see her salivating at getting back to her computers and science. He sighed, suddenly wishing they were back on Gaia, where things were hard – but somehow simpler.

They had just moved into their brand new house, and had spent the week shopping for furniture. Their new house was bigger than either of their previous homes, plus they needed to purchase some things for the kids.

The folks at the SGC had thrown a big "welcome home" and housing warming party for them, which had helped them with some needed items – especially for the children.

So far things had gone smoothly, and they were settling in well. The children loved their new-found honorary uncles, aunts and "Gwampa Dordge". When Sam's brother Mark, his wife and their two kids had come to visit, their three had fallen in love with their older cousins, David and Lisa.

Lisa, who was 11, loved looking after and playing with Kate, while the twins developed a case of "hero worship" towards David. Sam had loved having her brother's family, only wishing her father was there as well.

"He took it really hard, Sis," Mark told her, when they stood together on the balcony one evening. "I mean, I did too – but I think it tore Dad up. I haven't seen him in over a year, and when he came he seemed to have aged overnight."

Sam closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She couldn't say anything to Mark, of course, but she wondered how her father could have aged, while sharing a body with Selmak. "I feel terrible," she admitted, "even though there wasn't anything we could do."

"And you can't tell me anything about where you were?" he asked, staring out into the cool evening.

"I wish I could," she told him. "But I can tell you we were fine. Jack kept us going and we were able to settle down and have a good life. Of course we missed everyone here, but it wasn't bad. In fact, except for missing family and friends, it was good."

"Do you wish you hadn't been found?" he asked.

"Oh no!" she turned to him. "No – we're happy to be back and I'm so happy to see you and Margo and the kids. It's just – there were good things about where we were. Life was hard work, but somehow simpler. We didn't have TV's or computers – and we grew things and spent time together. It was – nice."

"Sounds it," he smiled. "Maybe you need to buy a cabin somewhere."

She laughed. "Actually, Jack has one. It's in Minnesota and it's lovely. I just wish it was closer."

Mark and his family had had to leave after a few days, but Jack and Sam promised to visit soon. They figured the kids would love the San Diego Zoo – and the beach.

The next big issue they had to deal with was work.

"George is going to offer you a team," Jack said, plunking down on the couch after putting the boys to bed. Sam was sitting, reading a book – after years without she couldn't get enough. Kate had fallen asleep earlier, so she had a few rare moments to relax.

She lowered her book and looked at Jack. "What?"

"I spoke to George today. He is going to offer you a team. He suggested that you go along with Dixon's team for a couple of months until you're back up to speed, and then he wants to give you a command position."

Sam blinked and stared at him for a few seconds, before finally shaking her head. "He wants me to go through the gate?" she asked, sounding almost shocked.

"Mmm hmm," Jack said, his face expressionless.

"But – but what about you?" she asked. "Doesn't he want us to be on the same team?"

"I'm not going to be on a team," he answered gently.

"Not …? What? Are you telling me that General Hammond didn't offer you a team? That's crazy! Why would he …"

"Sam! Sam!" Jack repeated, when she continued. Eventually she stopped talking.

"What?"

"He did offer me a team. In fact he offered me Sg1 again – with Daniel and Teal'c – oh and you too, but we both agreed you deserved your own."

"But – if he offered, why did you say you're not going to be on a team – what do you mean?"

"I said no," he told her. "I can't go out there again, Sam, not with you and the kids. You know that gate travel is dangerous – and I can't take the chance."

"But I can?" she asked, suddenly frowning.

"Hey – you know I would never interfere in your work. I'm just saying no for me – you have to make up your own mind."

"But it's not just about me – not anymore," she told him. "Do you want me to go back out there?"

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Sam, it's not about what I want – it's about what you want."

"No – it's about what we want," she told him. "I love those children as much as you do Jack,"

"Of course you do – I wasn't suggesting anything else. I just want you to do what you want – what you feel you need to do. I don't want to hold you back."

"Okay – I get that, and I appreciate it," she said, still frowning. "But do you want me to go back to gate travel?"

"Sam …"

"No Jack, I need to know. What do you want?"

"I want us to be together," he said softly. "I want you to come home after a day's work and be with me and the kids. I want you to be safe – because God knows, I can't imagine losing you!"

"There are no guarantees," she said. "I could get hit by a car walking across the street."

"I know – that's true of all of us. But you're much less likely to get hurt or – even killed – if you're here. Look, if you decide that's what you want, I'll support you 100%. I'll watch things here and you can go and continue to go through the gate. But I will miss you – and I will worry every moment you're gone."

She nodded slowly – and then walked up to him and put her arms around him. "The few days you went back to Gaia – with the Teleurans – I worried the whole time you were gone. I kept thinking that something was going to happen to you. Janet kept telling me I was being silly – that you were going to a planet I knew was safe. But I couldn't help it." she was quiet for a moment, her arms still wrapped around him. "And I don't think I could do that to you, or the kids." She paused for another few seconds and then looked up at him. "No, I know I couldn't do that. It's true there are no guarantees – but I don't want my children to lose their mother like I lost mine. I'm going to tell the General that I don't want to go through the gate."

He swallowed and cleared his throat, so relieved he could barely speak. "You're sure?"

She nodded her head. "I'm sure. I didn't go through it for the last few years and I didn't miss it. I think I'll do fine with our own adventures with Danny, Jake and Kate!"

"They're almost as challenging as the Goa'uld," he agreed.

She snorted. "Almost? Those three could have defeated the Goa'uld years ago if they'd been around."

They both laughed and then Sam grew serious. "So have you decided what you're going to do?" she asked.

Jack shook his head. "Retire maybe," he told her. "I'd be perfectly happy looking after the kids and you can go back. You have lots of years left in you, while I'm getting old and crotchety."

She snorted and gave him a swat. "You are not old – although you can be crotchety (which garnered a swat from him). "You'll be bored."

"I will not. How could I possibly be bored with our three?"

"You'll miss the action."

"I'll have plenty of action – just not the "aliens are trying to poke me full of holes" kind of action."

"No – it will be more of the "Chucky Cheese, Thomas the Tank Engine and Dora the Explorer" kind of action."

"Sounds like fun."

"Jack!"

"Sam!" he told her with a grin. "I have a great pension and a woman who is going to keep working and keep me in the manner to which I am accustomed. What more could I want?"

"In your dreams, mister," she told him. "I think I should stay home and you go to work."

"You'd be board in a nanosecond," he told her. "I, on the other hand, am a simple man who enjoys simple pleasures."

"Well, we'll see," she told him ominously. "In the meantime – we need to put together the boy's new beds."

"Oh joy," he sighed. "Where's a nice Goa'uld when you need one?"

So, it was decided. Neither of them would return to an off-world team. Sam was going to see about being on the science team instead. If there was a problem with that, she was going to tell them she was retiring. She now had 20 years of service, and could retire with a good pension.

Jack had even more years under him, and had no trouble with the thought of retiring. He rather looked forward to being a stay at home dad – especially if Sam wasn't going off-world.

"Jack, have a seat."

Jack nodded at General Hammond and then took a seat in front of his desk. It had been great to see the General again, as he respected Hammond more than anyone he'd ever served under.

"How are things going?" the General asked.

"They're going well, Sir," Jack answered. "We're getting settled into the new place – and both Sam and I are enjoying the perks of modern life."

"You don't miss life on a farm?" Hammond smiled.

"Well – I do miss some things. I never thought I'd say this, but I miss the animals and the garden fresh food. But I don't miss planting or harvesting crops by hand."

"What did you miss the most, when you were there?" Hammond asked curiously.

"Well, after our friends and family – I'd say – books. I didn't miss having technology – but not being able to sit and read – that was hard."

George slowly shook his head. "I'm still amazed at how well you survived. It's a miracle, really."

"No – it's getting stranded on an alien planet with a genius," Jack grinned. "Sam was able to invent all sorts of things."

"Really? She told me you were the one who made sure you both survived. She said you were "ingenious" I think was what she said."

"We made a good team, Sir," Jack said. "Still do!"

"Yes, that's obvious. Well, as much as we all missed you, I somehow think that ending up stranded was one of the best things that ever happened to you."

"I wouldn't disagree, Sir," Jack smiled. "Although I'm glad we made it back."

"So are we, son, so are we."

"So Sir, what can I do for you?"

Jack was officially still on leave. General Hammond had asked him to come in to discuss something – and he had to admit he was curious. He had already told him that he didn't want to go through the gate and that he was pretty sure he was going to retire – he just hadn't finalized the decision after Sam asked him to wait a bit.

"I wanted to through an idea by you, Jack," Hammond said slowly. "You may have heard that I was seriously thinking of retiring."

"You'll be missed, Sir."

"Thank you – but it's time. As you know, I was about to retire when the Stargate was reopened. I didn't expect to continue working as long as I did – but I must admit it's been some ride! In fact, it's been the most interesting – and certainly best – command of my life."

"It would be hard to beat!" Jack agreed.

"Well – it's time for me to let a younger person take the reigns. I've let the Washington know and they've asked me to recommend a successor."

"Just as long as it's not a shrub," Jack told him. "We need someone at least half as good as you, Sir."

"Thank you for that, Jack. And I think the person I have in mind is every bit as good as you put it."

"Who is it General?"

"You, Jack."

"No, really Sir. Who are you recommending?"

"I'm recommending – actually I've already recommended you."

"Me?" Jack said in surprise. "You're joking, right?"

"Nope," Hammond said. "They asked me who I thought was the best qualified to do this job. I instantly knew that it was you."

"Sir," Jack slowly shook his head. "You can't be serious! You know me, General. I'm not exactly the most "by-the-book" officer. They could definitely do better!"

"The last thing we need is someone "by-the-book". For this job it has to be someone who can throw the book away and sometimes fly by the seat of your pants! It also needs to be someone that the men and women here will respect. You are definitely that person."

"Uh – that's kind of you to say, Sir, but I think most people think I'm a few bricks short of a wall!"

"We all know that you're a lot smarter than you like to let on. We also know that you've saved this planet – and others – more times than we can count. You're respected by our alien friends, feared by our enemies, and loved by the men and women of this base. I don't think there could be anyone better to take this command."

Jack frowned, not sure quite what to say. There was no doubt he was honored – but at the same time, his dream of staying with the kids was an attractive one – one he wasn't sure he wanted to give up.

"Jack, what I told Washington was that I would have you serve as my XO for a few months – just to give you time to get back into the saddle, so to speak. Once you were up to speed again, then I'd announce my retirement and you could step into my shoes."

"But they're so big, Sir," Jack said softly.

"You can do it, son. I know you and I trust you implicitly. I have no doubt that your command would be different then mine, but still just as strong. Things are quiet out there now, but who knows what the future holds – and I, for one, will sleep easier knowing you're in charge."

Jack let out a long, slow breath. "I'll have to discuss this with Sam."

"Of course," George nodded. "Take a couple of weeks and think about it – but do think seriously. We need you Jack and I know you'd be great."

Jack thanked the General and slowly made his way out of the General's office. He was thoroughly confused about what he wanted to do. This was a promotion that any career officer would be proud to be given – he just didn't know if it was too late for him.

He'd have to talk to Sam and get her thoughts on it.

"I think it's a great opportunity and one you'd be foolish to give up," his wife told him plainly. "You'll make a wonderful commander and I know everyone will be thrilled. I spoke with Janet and she said everyone was really nervous about the General retiring because of who they might get to replace him. They'll be happy when they hear it's you."

"I haven't said yes, yet Sam," he protested. "I still think I want to retire."

"You're too young to retire," she told him plainly. "you can do that in twenty years or so. For now, I think you should take it on. It's not like you'll be going through the gate."

Jack sighed, seeing his dream of spending the days with his 3 children fade into the distance. At the same time, a part of him was excited to get back to work. He recognized that maybe he was too young to retire.

"And the kids?"

"We can get a nanny," his wife told him. "And both of us will come home at the end of the day and be with them. It'll be good, Jack, I promise."

He nodded, knowing that with the combined force of General Hammond and Sam Carter, he was doomed.

"And what about you?" he asked. "Have you decided what you're going to do?"

"Yes. I spoke with the General and I'm going to work in the science department – but only part time."

"Part time? Are you sure?"

"Mmm hmm – because I've also been asked to teach at the Academy. I'm going to be teaching recruits to the Stargate Program."

Jack grinned. "Professor Carter, eh?" He walked over to her and put his arms around her, giving her a kiss. "Well, it sounds like our futures are settled."

She put her arms around him and leaned into him with a sigh. "I guess it does. I'm kind of excited, but also nervous. I hate the thought of leaving the kids all day."

"I know," he said, kissing the end of her nose. "But they'll be fine. They love playing with Cassie and spending time with their uncles. They'll settle in well with a nanny – and we'll spend lots of time with them. It'll be good Sam."

So, over the next week they found a live-in nanny – and the following week both were back to work at the SGC. Life had come full circle for both of them.