Cliff Simon Factoid: Cliff traveled solo around the world trying to find clues to some of the scariest myths. The show was called Into The Unknown in the show premiered on the History channel in the UK on February 24, 2020 under the title Uncharted Mysteries
SAM
"Were you attacked, raped, or forced to do anything against your will?" Janet continues her questions.
I know she is just doing her job. I get asked these questions a lot after tough missions. But I really didn't want to do this right now.
"No, nothing like that. I was treated with respect. The Odeni welcomed me in."
"I thought you said you had to pretend to be married to one of them?" she asks.
"Ya, but we didn't ever do anything other than share a bed sometimes."
Her eyes go wide at my admission. I realize how my reply sounds.
"No, not like that. I mean really sleeping. Mardi was Itsak's sister, and she was Matched to one of the Aschen. If they found out that I was pregnant and not married, I could have been killed. For the men, once they reach a certain age, they have to get married, or they can be sent to labor camps. The Odeni arranged for me and Itsak to pretend to be Matched to help us both. Then as you saw, he was reunited with the one he was really in love with," I answer back, probably in more detail than is needed.
"You don't seem malnourished or dehydrated. We will get blood samples and I'll do your neck ultrasound when we return to medical. Or whoever is on duty will."
"I saw no evidence of Goa'uld anywhere on that planet. How they got there is a mystery to them as well," I say.
I watch Janet nod her head in understanding, then she starts to put her things away. After she gets done packing up, she sits back down next to me and takes a deep breath.
"Sam. How are you?" she asks me almost in a whisper.
How do I answer that? This was supposed to be a happy day for me. Instead I am confused, hurt, and angry.
"I'm hurt. Angry. I don't know what will happen when I get home. I don't have a single thing for this baby. I need to ask my dad about my assets", then I pause and move my eyes to Janet.
"I'm scared," I say. She reaches out and holds my hand.
"You know that we are all going to help you, right? I'm sure your dad will stick around, too," she says as the door opens. It is my dad.
"What about your dad?" he asks with a smile on his face.
"Just wondering about a few things. Dad, what did you do with my stuff? My house, car, bank accounts, 401K?"
"Nothing. I haven't even received your death certificate from Hammond yet. Your accounts were all paid in full every month. Everything should be as you left it," he says, wincing a little bit at his own words. "I didn't mean," he begins.
"No. I know what you mean. It's OK. Dad, I don't have anything for the baby. The house isn't ready for a baby. I need a new car. What am I going to do?"
My dad looks at Janet. She nods her head in understanding. Apparently, they know what the other is thinking. I wish I did.
"Sam, why don't I set up a baby shower for you. I'll invite everyone at work, and some of our coworkers at Peterson and Shriever."
I nod my head. Then something my dad said just registers with me.
"Dad, what do you mean all my accounts were paid each month?"
Janet smiles.
"Colonel O'Neill made sure your mail was collected, and your bills got paid. When I was on Earth, he and I would go over everything to make sure nothing was delinquent. Your yard was mowed and manicured. Your vehicles turned on once or twice a month. They guys took care of you, Sam. Thanks to Jack," my dad says.
Jack took care of my affairs when I was missing? Wow.
"Ya, and then he just throws it in my face the first time he sees me?" I say a bit loud. I guess I am really angry about what happened.
"Yes, well, he could have handled that better. Selmak told him he was stupid," dad says, laughing. It makes me smile.
"Dad, what am I going to do? Hammond is going to find out. What do I do when people find out? What if I don't even go back to work at the SGC because of all of this?" I ask, rubbing my belly.
My mind is racing, and I feel my heart rate increase again.
"Sammie, how about we take this one day at a time? One problem at a time?" dad says.
I nod my head. That's really all I can do. One day, one problem at a time. And a baby soon.
"Guys, I think I'd like to try to take a nap. Do we have any blankets on board?" I ask.
"Actually, I brought a sleeping bag, blankets, and pillows. I didn't know what sort of shape we'd find you in," dad said.
They had really thought through this rescue. I could have been held captive. I could have been tortured, raped, or killed. They had no idea what condition I'd be in. I guess this is the best case scenario.
"Thanks, dad."
"I'll go up front with the guys. You rest. It will give me time to write my initial report. It's good to have you back, Sam," Janet says.
My dad hands me the blankets and pillows. He lays the sleeping bag down on the horizontal surface. I lay on my side facing him. He sits down next to me and my baby bump. He lovingly runs his fingers through my hair.
"I had to make those decisions, Sam. Mark and I had to find a way to move on."
"I know, dad. I know. I really did try to get home faster. I am sorry you all thought I was dead."
"Not all of us," he says.
"What does that mean? Mark knew something you didn't? How is that possible?" I ask him.
"Not me. Not Mark," he says, staring at me.
"What are you saying, dad?"
"Jack knew. Somehow this whole time you were gone, he knew you were alive. He never gave up on you."
"He has a funny way of showing it."
"Yes. He is an ass, and I'm sure Daniel is letting him have it. He did believe you were alive this whole time. Not one time did he allow himself to admit you were gone. Now, get some sleep. I'm going to take over from Matta for a while. He needs to sleep. I do not."
He leans down and kisses my head. I smile up at him.
"Goodnight, Sam. I'll turn the lights off for you when I get seated."
"Thanks, dad."
I close my eyes. Then open them fast and wide again. I think about what he said about Jack.
How could he know I was alive and everyone else thought I was dead? Do he and I have some sort of quirky connection? Maybe due to everything that has happened to us over time? Jolinar? The Ancient head sucker device? Could he and I be connected in a way that no one factored in?
I close my eyes again and dream of my times with Jack on missions. I drift off into a deep sleep. I dream of his laugh and his smile. I dream of him smiling and holding his baby. I did not wake up until we were in orbit around Earth.
Peterson Air Force Base, Earth
SAM
I am wrapped in a blanket sitting next to Dad on the flight deck as he parks the ship in a hangar at Peterson. It does not look like the guys are back yet. Somehow I am happy about that. I don't think I'm ready to face any of them. What I really want is a hot shower in my own house, then to lay down in my own bed, covered in my own blankets.
I am still wearing the dress from Odeni. Janet had packed me a change of clothes, but they weren't counting on me being pregnant. None of it will fit me right now. My hair is also longer, and it is still dark. But under all of this, I'm still me. Samantha Carter is inside this mess, and she has no idea what she is going to do.
Great. Now I am referring to myself in the third person. Isn't that a sign of being insane? I laugh as I exit the ship.
The first person I see is General Hammond. He has a smile on his face, and it did not leave his face when my appearance registers in his mind. I see the subtle move in his eyes, from my face to my belly, but his countenance does not change.
I walk to him. I try to smile, but I am too nervous. Janet walks up to me and sticks to my side.
"Hi, sir. Thank you for sending the rescue team," I say to Hammond.
"Welcome home, Doctor Carter. I know we have a lot to catch up on," he says.
"Yes, sir. Thank you. It is good to be back."
He calls me Doctor Carter. I wonder if that is due to my official status?
"Why don't you go home after getting checked out at the SGC. I had to turn in your other badges and IDs months ago. I can't get you permanent ones until you're reinstated. That may take some time. Here are some temporary badges. You won't have access below level 6 without an escort. But these will get you in the door until we can get you fully back," he says, handing me two badges.
"I would imagine your priorities may be different now that you have a baby on the way. We can discuss your options later. But for now, go home and get reacquainted with Earth. I'd like you in my office Monday at noon to debrief. Is five days from now OK?"
"Yes, sir. That will be enough time. Thank you. But, sir, how do I get home?"
"I have a car waiting to take you both to the SGC. As soon as you clear medical, you can go home. We have missed you, Sam. It's good to have you home," he says with his soft smile.
I smile at him,
"Thank you. And of course. I forgot about the check up," I say softly.
Janet and I walk past him towards the hangar door. I turn around to see Matta taking things out from the ship and putting them on the ground in the hangar. I watch my dad talk to General Hammond. I see no sign of the other Tel'tak. I turn to Janet as we continue towards the door.
"Where is Cassie?" I ask.
"She is with Walter's family. She said to call her as soon as you could."
"She knows I'm alive?"
"Yup. I told her as I was dropping her off. She is very happy you are alive, I'm sure you can imagine."
We get into the car that will take us to the SGC. I look out the window during our thirty minute ride to the Mountain. Earth. I'm back on Earth. It looks familiar, yet worlds away for me right now.
We are dropped off at the top door. Janet is my official escort. She signs me in, and we make our way to medical.
Work is foreign to me now. I have to be escorted everywhere I go. I feel like everyone is looking at me. I'm sure they are just happy I'm alive, but I notice the looks when their eyes travel to my baby.
Dr. Brightman is on duty tonight. She gives Janet her exam first so Janet can go get her things and be ready to leave with me and take me home. Brightman has me change into a set of scrubs. They weren't much more attractive than this dress I am in. The pants don't really stay up on me, but I tie them as tight as I can. It will work for now.
My exam consists of the standard checks. Neck ultrasound, blood pressure, blood work, and the same questions Janet has already asked. But now there is no reason for me to pee in a cup to check to see if I'm pregnant. My blood pressure is high, but Brightman and Janet both agree it is not high enough to be a danger to me or the baby. Brightman says it is probably nerves and anxiety.
Both Janet and Brightman want me to see an OB as soon as humanly possible. Let's just add that to the list of crap I have to do. There is no time for all of this. I have only 24 hours in the day.
OK. Relax, Sam. One day at a time, one thing at a time.
Brightman finishes up my exams, and then Janet and I take off. We get in the elevators to take us back up top. I wait at the top for her to go get her car and drive up to me so I don't have to walk the steps down to the parking lot. I slowly climb into her car, and we start to make our way to my house. My questions and concerns start immediately.
"Janet, I don't have a key."
"Colonel O'Neill gave each of us a copy of your key. We all have had access to your house so we could help take care of it. Would you like me to stay with you tonight?" she asks.
"Yes. Please," I say rather quickly. "I don't have any food."
"We can order in or pick something up on the way. Tomorrow I will take you shopping. I'll call Walter when we get to your house."
I nod my head. My god, there is so much that I have to do. And I need to have a baby soon. This is all really too much for me. I reach my hand out to Janet and give her a squeeze. I feel my breathing increase again. She takes my hand in hers, and holds it as she drives.
"It's too much," I whisper. She holds my hand through my little panic attack.
"We are here for you, Sam. All of us," she says softly. I spend the rest of the ride holding her hand and looking out the window.
Peterson Air Force Base, Earth
JACK
Teal'c lands the Tel'tak inside the hangar next to Jacob and Selmak's ship. We get out of the ship, and the first thing I see is Jacob talking to Hammond. I don't know how long they have been back. Daniel comes out behind me and puts his hand on my shoulder in a sign of support. He walks off in the direction of Jacob and Hammond.
Teal'c walks out and stands beside me. We stand in comfortable silence for a few moments. I run my hand through my hair, and inhale deeply.
"Thanks, T," I finally say.
"All will be well, O'Neill. This may take time," he says, then he walks off to join Daniel. I guess I couldn't put this off any longer. I walk over to join the others with Hammond.
"Sir," I say.
"Welcome home, Colonel. Well done on bringing home Doctor Carter. SG-1, current and former, are on stand down. We will meet at noon on Monday for your debrief."
"Thank you, sir. See you Monday," I say.
I guess Jacob didn't tell Hammond who the father of Carter's baby is. Maybe he is leaving that up to Carter. Daniel and Teal'c seem to be waiting for me. I walk to them, then I wave Matta over to the three of us.
"So. Any plans while you are all off?" I ask.
Daniel rolls his eyes at me. Teal'c gave me his stare.
"I think you have plenty on your plate, Jack. I'm going to call a cab or something and go to the SGC for the medical check."
"I will accompany you, DanielJackson."
Matta sort of laughs. He laughed at me. He is brave.
"I am going to hang with Jacob and find out more about the Tok'ra. Maybe go with him. Not sure yet. But, have a good weekend, sir. It is an honor to have been chosen for Doctor Carter's old position," he says.
He makes it sound so final. Is he really thinking about getting snaked?
"Thank you, Captain. I appreciate your help. Go. Have fun with the Tok'ra. Don't forget to get your medical check."
"Yes, sir. I'll get that done. Have a good night."
I turn and see Daniel and T walking towards the door.
"Hey, wait up!" I yell. "Wanna share a ride?"
Daniel yells out a yes, and the three of us walk out front to call a cab to take us to the SGC. As the three of us wait for our cab, I realize I am nervous. What the hell do I do now? She doesn't seem to be talking to me. I don't know if she even wants to see me. But we're going to have to figure this out. And fast. Her due date has to be close.
SAM
Janet pulls up to my house and parks in my driveway. We both get out of her car. Janet takes her keys out as we slowly walk up to my door. I start breathing fast again. These panic attacks or whatever the hell they are can't be good for me or this baby.
"Janet. Wait."
She turns to face me. I use those few seconds to slow my breathing. What is wrong with me? I settle down in a few minutes.
"OK. I'm OK. Why do I keep doing this?"
Janet grabs one of my hands and holds it.
"You've been through a lot. Now you are home, and you are not dead. You are having to start all over again. And you are about ready to have a baby. A baby that you didn't plan on, and that you haven't been able to prepare for," she says.
She lets go of my hand and motions with her head towards my door. She puts the key in my door and opens it.
"I'd say that is a bit overwhelming for anyone. Come on. Let's get you inside," she says.
She lets me walk in first. I turn on the hall light and see that everything in my house is as I left it. The house smells clean and fresh. I inhale deeply, and both a calm and anxiety settles inside of me.
I walk in further, and arrive in my kitchen. On the counter, I see all of my bills are laid out in categories, just like my mom and dad did when I was little. The envelopes have writing on them with the date the bill was paid, or the date that the envelope was opened.
I turn more lights on. I notice that everything is so clean and organized. I turn to Janet and she is standing near my refrigerator just watching me.
"Thank you," I say. I try smiling, but as I thank her, a thought comes to the surface.
"I don't have any clothes that will fit me," I say, "I look like a tent in this dress," I say, holding up the bag I used to carry home the clothes I was wearing.
"And these scrubs from medical aren't any better. I might have sweat pants and T-shirts that will fit me, but I have nothing."
I feel nervous tears trying to make their way to my eyes.
"We will go shopping tomorrow. You, me, and Cass. I told you. We got you, Sam. Why don't you go to your room to see what you have? I need to call Walter to tell him I won't be by tonight for Cassie, then I will order a pizza. I'll meet you in your room."
"OK. Sounds good," I say, nodding my head at her.
I turn the hall light on. There is no dust anywhere, not even on my floors. The guys did a great job cleaning. I get to my room and turn the light on. My room was immaculate. I have flashbacks of the night I spent with Jack in his bed. That night with him, or the following morning, was when I got pregnant.
I walk to my dresser and start opening my drawers. I have underwear and bras, but the bras won't fit, and probably not the undies either. I have the two bras from Odeni, and I have tank tops. The tank tops can double up as a bra until I can go to the store. Maybe.
I keep rifling through my drawers. In the bottom drawer I notice some clothes that are not mine. I pull out two T-shirts and two pairs of sweatpants. These are not mine. These are men's. Are these Jack's?
Janet comes into my room and sees me standing there with the sweatpants in my hands. I look at her, and sort of smile.
"I think these are Jack's," I say softly.
"Probably. I think Daniel may have mentioned that he stayed over here a couple of times while you were gone."
He stayed here? At my house? He slept in my bed? Somehow that touches me. That comforts me. But I'm still angry and hurt.
"Really?" I ask softly, almost in a whisper.
She shakes her head in affirmation at me. She smiles at me, then helps me go through my closet. We find some shirts that will fit me, but I have no pants other than Jack's sweatpants that will fit me. We write down some things to buy at the store.
The pizza comes, and I eat one piece. My mind wasn't slowing down. I drink some water. I give Janet a smile. I'm still a bit overwhelmed.
"Thanks, Janet. For everything. I'm going to take a shower. You can borrow some of my clothes and take a shower if you like. Might be long in the legs for you," I say, laughing.
"Thanks. I will find something and go shower, too. Try to get some sleep. But come wake me up if you have another panic attack or just if you need to talk. We will get through this. I promise."
"OK. Thanks."
I stand up from the island where we ate our pizza. It feels strange to be back in my house. My mind wanders to thinking that my own basement is the beneath. I'm certain I have no tunnels below my home. It's these little things I am going to miss about my time with the Odeni.
I go take a shower. It feels great to be back home, but also terrifying. I don't know what I'm going to do for a job anymore. Do I even want to be reinstated to the Air Force as an active duty member? Do I want to go through that Stargate anymore?
What about this baby? How many times are these thoughts going to go through my head? I let the hot water wash away the thoughts and the fears for now. Right now I have to figure out how to get through this night. One day at a time, one thing at a time, right?
I dry off and put on Jack's sweatpants. Surprisingly, they fit me now. They couldn't go over my baby bump, but I could tie the string under my belly. They stayed up thanks to my widened hips. Thank you, biology. Thank you very much.
I put on two tank tops, and then put on one of Jack's T-shirts. They didn't smell like him. They smell like my fabric softener, so I know these clothes were washed here at my house.
I climb into my bed and pull the covers up over me. I lay on my side, because it is either my side or my back, and I don't feel like laying on my back right now.
I put a hand on my belly, and put my other arm up under my head on my pillow. I stare at my door and let myself try to relax. I try not to think of how screwed up I feel. I let my mind go to Jack.
I'm still mad at him. Very mad. But, I am going to need help. And if there's one thing I know about Colonel O'Neill, he will want to help me no matter what the cost to him personally. Maybe I can learn to let go of that anger and let him try to help me. But not right now. We still need to talk. And right now, I just want to sleep.
I'm home.