I'm back with the usual disclaimers and admissions.
dpdp, djenie, Schatze8210, sam600sx, Barenadas, and Guest – many thanks for your reviews and help with the last chapter. Glad you are still with me and enjoying the ramble. And djenie Teal'c does it again… never can keep him quiet.
To the Infirmary and sleep
Chapter 10
With the chatty group of Jon, Cassie and Doctor Beckett turning into the infirmary, the corridor was now quiet except for the footsteps of the very quiet group some way behind them. Not surprisingly the corridor was not as empty as usual. With the word getting around about a child in a strange chair, those who really had no business there tried wandering slowly through, and even those who had reason to be there lingered, but not for long. An official silent nod from Doctor Jennifer Keller and a silent serious glance from Teal'c saw to that.
Understandably Doctor Keller was silently mulling things over. She had wanted to walk beside her patient so she could talk and asses him, but as there wasn't room for three abreast she had no choice but to walk behind and beside Teal'c. She had then tried asking the strange Warrior a couple of questions, but getting short polite answers back, she knew he was not the gossip he'd been accused of earlier, and would have wait till she got the General to those strange new rooms. That lead her to wonder if the child's earlier quip about her drawing the short straw ... was because he's an awkward patient child or adult, the whole weird situation they were in, or he just had a strange sense of humour...
It was at that moment that Sam noticed Jack's eyes were closed and the chair slowed sightly and it's colours were flickering more than before. Needing to know if it was just Jack's reluctance about infirmaries or something more serious Sam moved so she could see him better but wouldn't get run over by the chair if it moved quickly again, and quietly commanded. "Jack! look at me."
That immediately caught Jennifer's and Teal'c's attention, and they both managed to walk to the sides of the chair so they could see what was going on and act accordingly.
Hearing Sam's concerned command Jack shook his head then opened his eyes, before explaining quietly. "I'm fine. But she was like a teenager on a sugar high when I travelled the Gate, hence the energy rainbow display when we came through. I can feel it starting again even though I'm not in it and the Gate has closed down."
"Not a teenager after her first binge night then." Sam bantered back at him, glad he sounded so 'normal' and fleeting wondered how she could consider all this normal, and sound calm as she did.
Glad Sam was on that special level they often obtained in serous and strange circumstances in the past, Jack replied in a light tone and a slight sigh. "No. You would have been ducking out the way of and then cleaning up shattered crystals, nuts, bolts and goodness knows what else she threw up as Teal'c and I came out. So, a sugar rush as our energies met and ran apparel is better."
Hearing her soft chuckle, as he kept his eyes on hers the 'child' General turned serious and added. "I don't want that reaction again when Jon and I go to sleep. So, Colonel Shepard needs to link into the Gate via the hand-pad and mind to help calm her down. Rather than actually opening the Gate into Space hoping to get rid of the energy rush she's starting."
Seeing the flicker of surprise/alarm whip through Sam, he voiced what he'd thought was obvious. "Atlantis was made by the 'Ancients' so touches everyone's minds when they link in with the controls of the City or the Jumpers. Shepard's got the stronger Gene and an affinity with the flying machines so this City 'knows' him better than the others. A bit like you and alien gadgets we've come across and your motorbike back home. That one is definitely all vehicle, but according to you is in a bad mood when she won't start first time, whether it's a cold morning or not.
Seeing Sam's slight smile and nod of understanding, Jack added. "We know the Ancients used holograms with certain computer programmes. But, they never gave their Cities computers independent thought so don't expect a beautiful lady or male warrior appear and try to take control. It must be the energy from the new battery in the computer area that could be out of control and needs slowing down, or channelling into the whole tower next door rather than being restricted to the infirmary and the special rooms. Providing Rodney can keep his hands off the computer keys, he can help Shepard do this as I expect everything will come up on the screens in the Gate room. We both know those two work well together in spite their back chat."
Not wanting Sam to over think things and knowing what he was about to say would disturb her, he turned the chair slightly so Doctor Keller knew she was included, then glanced back at Sam and continued. "On another matter Jon needs to go to sleep first rather than both of us doing it together. Remind him to meditate as Teal'c taught him and then drift off. It doesn't have to be immediately he enters his room as I need to talk to you and the Doc about a few things first. Say five to 10 minutes. If needs be Teyla or Doctor Beckett can come and tell us. Though I will probably feel it through the Ancient link that is going on at the moment."
With a glance at Jennifer, Sam nodded acceptance before they both passed on the relevant information to the silent escort officers who had stayed with them. Though still in her calm command mode Sam couldn't stop the silent emotional tremor running through her mind – that she was going to lose him, had to in order to get him back… hope to get him back … knowing from experience nothing could be guaranteed.
Which was interrupted by the quiet and gentle "It will be all right Sam." and she immediately took reassurance from those confident dark eyes and the hint of Jack's adult self in the tone. If not the pitch of his childlike voice, as her husband finished. "But we do need to move now. I don't know how long the transfer will take so let Teal'c spell you so you eat, sleep and talk to Cassie. T will bring you up to date on what's been going on earth side, but not my mission or Daniel's actions on the planet, Cam can do the latter when he's free."
Seeing the green and red in the chair suddenly start to flicker wildly, the only thing Sam could do was to sigh and nod her acceptance. - Knowing full well as members of SG1 and as a couple, they'd never backed down when faced with that final stage of action or duty, and knew she couldn't do that now - And started to walk calmly beside him as the Chair began to move again. Silently wishing she could hold his hand, but knowing that was impossible Sam noticed they'd quickened the pace, and on entering the infirmary it was quieter than she'd expected as there were patients needing attention.
Glancing over at the group by one of the beds, she wasn't surprised by the strained/anxious looks they were getting back. Being here was strange enough for them, seeing a child in a flying chair would probably send them scurrying back to their Wiseman back on their planet ... Then felt a shiver run down her spine as she heard Jack's quiet question "Was the young man by the bed injured as well?" that was obviously aimed at the doctor rather than herself.
Jennifer thought for a moment then explained. "He'd been sparing with his father, who is a village elder, and caught him off guard regarding speed and agility so managed to topple him over. Unfortunately the father rolled over the edge of the small cliff and landed badly injuring his head and back. We were just recalling the team that was planet side when the young man ran to the Wiseman and explained what had happened. With no medical equipment there to help they allowed us to bring him back here, and the prognosis is good. He should regain consciousness in a few hours and his back will heal so he will walk again, but it will take time. I doubt he will fight his son in the future though. When asked there and on arrival here the young man said he was okay. Why?"
Not wanting to explain how he knew it or all the strange things buzzing through his mind and body, Jack hoped his child's voice wouldn't crack or the translator fail and said firmly. "He thinks by hiding his own pain he is keeping his father alive. He must be told that by dying his father will have a greater pain because they both can be made well by being here. There are internal injuries and will be fatal if... "
And was interrupted by Sam's and Teal'c's joint and heated. "You can't!"
Seeing Teal'c and Sam had stepped in front to make a human barrier to emphasis their words, Jack looked at them and added innocently. "I know, I wasn't going to." then explained quickly. "Not every Ancient had the power to heal, hence the fully functioning infirmary with four special beds in the separate unit. Now Atlantis has enough power to run it properly both systems will work together and the screens above the beds will explain everything."
Watching Jennifer nod and move away to give new orders quietly so they wouldn't worry the son by shouting across the room, Jack felt the chair move again and knew time was really short. He'd not actually given the order to do so.
Passing through the archway into the new corridor that showed no sign of having a physical door, Jack noticed it smelt just like the rest of the infirmary and City, not musty or dusty having been shut up for so many years. Also as it was clear and he couldn't hear any chatter from Jon and the others, they had to be in one of the furthest rooms. Not wanting to be in the room opposite his clone Jack stopped the chair at the entrance of the first room he came to. Then slowly went in, knowing Sam was close behind as there wasn't room to get in side by side.
Gently spinning the chair round to face Sam and about to comment Jack stayed silent as he heard familiar footsteps coming down the corridor, and wondered if all Doctors footsteps sounded the same, or if it was just his very heightened awareness that meant he could hear them. Seeing Jennifer check then enter the room, he exclaimed firmly. "No penlights or examination Doc."
Silently weighing the 'child' General up, and knowing this was a battle she didn't need to fight or win, Jennifer immediately bantered back. "Wouldn't dream of it General. Though you are starting to glow slightly." and stopped to one side, quickly taking stock of the new room. It was small, no window or frills but adequate, single bed with a sheet cover of some kind, a couple of chairs, a small table, wall cupboards and lastly but very important a blank screen above the bed. No large medical apparatus in sight or screens for privacy around the bed, and like the rest of the infirmary didn't have a door, unless it was a sliding one so tucked out of sight. She'd check later as she hadn't seen one at the top of the corridor either but one had been ...
Watching her, Jack silently reckoned if he'd not been in the chair or started to glow her answer would have been completely different, and got her attention back by asking with a huff. "What are you carrying?"
Coming out of her thoughts Jennifer couldn't help smiling as she separated the things and explained. "An airman gave me this child's rucksack explaining it came in with the rest of SG1 things, and was told it had child size clothes in it." Holding out the others and knowing he'd recognized them from his huff, she tried to keep serious as she added. "But, as we are hoping you'll regain full size while you sleep I brought along some adult hospital gowns as well. Though I'm not sure you'll want to be woken up partway through to be changed, or that these would have any hope of staying on at the moment. So that would mean..."
Seeing a twitch of a smile from Sam as the Doc was trying to explain without cracking up, Jack growled out "I know!" to stop her voicing the fact he'd have to be naked in bed… And muttered half to himself with a huff. "Better not have to get angry or turn green to get my size back either. And you can stop giggling Colonel."
That did it, and Sam lost her battle and giggled … knowing it was what her husband did best, break the tension when things got rough, and Jennifer managed to take a breath and start to regain control again. Feeling the tension slacken in one direction slightly Sam knew Jennifer was right, there was a slight golden glow around him ... and that threw her back to when Daniel ascended, and she found she needed to sit down as the ripple of the memory went through her. She also needed to make sure this was actually a bed, and not a sleeping chamber in disguise ... and immediately flashed back to seeing that clear silent cover slid in front of the Jack, after Teal'c had stood him in the chamber in the hope it would revive him. Could feel the shock of seeing it cloud over the when it cleared Jack standing there looking so tired and worn with that distant look in his eyes ... frozen in time and space...
Jack's serious comment "I know you will not leave the room Doc, but I need a moment with my wife. Teal'c will stand guard outside and help Sam when needed." cleared those grim thoughts from Sam's mind and brought her back to the uncertain present that had to be faced.
Seeing Jennifer's nod and knowing Teal'c would hear but not say anything, Jack guided the chair to the end of the bed so he could be beside his wife. He didn't want to actually get on the bed till the last moment, fearing he would just touch it and sleep. Instead he eased his shoes off and let them drop on the floor adding. "See no shoes on the bed." and glanced at his wife with a slight smile.
As Sam looked at him trying hard not to show her fear now the time had come, Jack nodded then gently and honestly voiced that fear. "If I go glowy and disappear, we both know I'll get kicked out sooner rather than later. I will find you rather than have you and Teal'c galloping around trying to trace every whisper, so go and stay with him and his family. But I don't think it will come to that because I don't ever want to lose you, so will be anchored to the here and now."
Sam shivered, wanting to touch him but knowing she couldn't, as the green and red colours were even more pronounced, so all she could do was to clasp her hands together in her lap, and hoping her voice wouldn't crack raised her other fear. "I don't want to lose you either, but what if you have to integrate with the city to save her, us or yourself. We've both seen it happen on other planets."
"I know." Jack said, then knowing he couldn't reassure her it wouldn't happen commented gently. "Then we will fly Atlantis together where ever we need to go. Any universe or galaxy. You will be the commander and Shepard with the others will be her crew. You never know Jon and Cassie might tag along as well, and become the next generation. You can always visit your family, even Daniel and Teal'c could have sleepovers if they wished."
Sam feeling another tremor run through her, knew if it happened she could live with it because he would be around her. Not wanting to jinx things but needing to know she asked hesitantly. "When my time comes to leave this life would I be able to join you?"
"I'll make sure that will happen, and the time in between will be amazing for both of us." Jack answered honestly, then after a pause to ease out his .. their other need he added gently. "We both know why we can not have the family we would like. I can give you that wish by healing you and then letting nature take it's course when this is over. I will not force a child on you at any stage if you decide you don't want a family after all. As I said in our wedding vows ... it's you I love, in all the universes, galaxies and times now and always."
Sam couldn't stop her gentle shaky laugh instantly remembering the reactions of the small group in the Oval Office as he'd said them, and she instantly repeated her version back to him. The moment unrehearsed and from the heart for both of them. They had known she couldn't have children and they'd decided on no alien intervention to give them that gift. Her father was the only one she would have trusted to do it and he'd died before they were together. This would be different it was Jack's love and his gene … and seeing his adult self instead of the child with those dark brown eyes that she trusted her life to so many times. She smiled her love and acceptance, then sighed as her quick mind started to over think things and commented. "Back home they would realise what had happened to you … we would not be safe …
"Stop thinking Sam." Jack commented softly, then moving the chair slightly so he could include the silent doctor added. "As far as earth is concerned I'm here as an adult on official business, nothing more. It can be recorded that extra batteries were found, when put in place new special healing beds along with the contents of other towers were uncovered. That you were admitted because of your leg played you up or stomach cramps, whatever the reason the Doc feels will fit her reports. The dates could be after I've returned to earth so I don't come into it at all. These units will be used by others so it will be just one of those things. Then in a few months or next official visit back to earth you can visit the cabin and we can decide what you wish to do."
Amazed by the gentleness and what she was hearing Jennifer nodded and said quietly. "Sam, we could make it work." and seriously wondered if she should close her eyes at the next bit, because it had to be so personal and private.
Jack moved the chair round so he was beside Sam again and said gently. "There is no pressure, but it would help me stop glowing, and its safe. Ducky found out when I was on the spaceship with Colonel Reynolds this morning."
Sam laughed and then said amazed. "Ducky in space? His heart."
He smiled knowing he'd won and added. "As good as new. Abby was also up there but out of sight, T will explain. Shall we. Just hold my hand and I will guide the healing warmth."
Curious, delighted and full of love for him, Sam nodded and held out her hand. Then marvelled at the child's small hand that was tinged with gold as it rested gently on hers … could feel the tingling warmth start to ripple through her body … and sensed his strength and their love combine till it gently disappeared. Leaving her with the instinctive knowledge she was healed and loved.
And commented quietly as she came back to here and now. "The leg as well?"
"Thought it would be a bit churlish to leave it." Jack answered. Then knowing it was time, his words came out as a sigh. "Think I should sleep. Jon's safe. Don't want to fall though."
Alarmed Sam called out. "Jack! Doc!" she could see the glowing had gone and he was looking so sleepy he could fall asleep there in an instant. But also realised he was not as drained as he had been when he'd used the other chair under the ice … Quickly getting off the bed she wondered what to do … there was still the flashing forcefield chair to cope with...
At Sam's call Teal'c had silently moved into the doorway, then seeing his help was not needed turned round to face into the corridor again. So they would have privacy and no one would enter unless invited.
The hover chair had moved as soon as Sam was clear of the bed. It silently and gently spun, then glided further up the bed so Jack was facing outwards with his feet hanging over the side of the bed, while the rest of the chair was hovering slightly above the covers. With it's forcefield sides becoming thinner but still supporting the extremely sleepy child, Sam and Jennifer immediately got each side of him ready to support him when the forcefield disappeared and deposited the child on the bed. Realising a problem, Jennifer immediately commented that Sam should hold Jack as he'd just healed her she wouldn't take any more healing power from him. And she would while wearing her medical gloves that might provide a barrier between them deal with his clothes.
This decided and knowing the translator would stop working, they started to gently strip the very sleepy child of his clothes. Knowing Jack would want this over as quickly as possible Sam quietly told him which arm or leg to move so it wouldn't become an awkward tangle. Through it all the hover chair continued to gradually retract into it's small hoverpad mode, then without getting in their way the base unit silently glided over to the small table at the side of the room. There it hovered over it for a second or two before settling down on the top, with it's narrow band of red and green forcefield gently flickering round it's edges ... a general warning to everyone that it should not be touched or moved.
Watching the very sleepy child, now safely tucked up in bed, silently lose the battle and sleep as he looked at her, Sam shivered, her mind and emotions instantly flashing back to the last time they'd been together as husband and wife. … How they both loved watching each other sleep when one woke early or came in late enough to do it, and how she'd done it because she was awake and excited about going to Atlantis but also sad as she was leaving him.
But here he was a small child and so still. Still, as in the other times he'd been in the infirmary at the Mountain recovering from serious injury… Sleeping on his back, not on his side as he preferred so they could spoon against each other, or the one that kept her awake ... his ostrich in the sand pose, face down bum up and burying his head under the pillow in frustration because either he couldn't sleep or what he was dreaming about had caused him to do it, so she had to wake him. The one that Daniel would tease him about after seeing it when Jack had been dumped back in bed after he'd been taken by the Asgard and cloned and hadn't a clue what had happened when they stood at the end of his bed and woke him. And automatically moved to kiss him gently on his forehead, and stopped herself knowing she shouldn't. Instead, she lightly and gently touched his small hand that was resting on top of the cover, and hoping he could still hear her, promised softly with all her love and support. "I'll watch over you Jack and be here when you wake."
Then quickly moved her hand and herself away from him and the bed, as she felt the warning tingle of a nearly transparent forcefield that was rippling up from the bottom of the bed and over the cover. With her heart racing Sam couldn't help her sharp exclamation. "No! Please don't. I need to see him!" hoping it would stop it and fearing the worst.
The forcefield stopped at the folded edge of the sheet so it didn't cover the sleeping child's face, as Sam feared. Instead it flickered then split into two and went along the side edges of the mattress until it touched the headboard. As they did so there was a shimmer across the headboard, and the board's cover disappeared to reveal a working surface with coloured flashing lights, spaces where possibly things/crystals/leads might be added or taken out, and a keyboard face in Ancient with the familiar smaller version of a hand-pad beside it. Above it the screen was flashing into life with code flowing across it as though it was booting up, or getting readings from the patient on the bed. Back on the bed where the forcefield rested on each side of the mattress, two chunky metal sides silently rose up and were covered on the outside by the forcefield, still leaving the inside and the pillow area free. The metal sides were not high enough to restrict anyone from seeing the sleeping child or to check him by touch. But it was obvious to the watchers the forcefield could slide across and cover the child completely if need be.
Reacting to Sam's distress Jennifer moved to her side ready to reassure her, when Doctor Beckett who'd joined Teal'c at the doorway, hoped his Scottish tone and manner would give the reassurance that was necessary, called across the room. "He'll be fine Lassie, do not fret. We can touch the forcefield and not get a shock. I did it with Jon lad after he went to sleep, just to check everything out after the screen gave me the all clear. Think of forcefield as a safety blanket so he will not roll out and harm himself or try to escape before he's fully recovered."
Feeling Jennifer beside her, and emotional tears threatening to fall as the adrenalin finished rippling through her, Sam glanced across at him as he admitted lightly. "Aye it was Cassie who admitted they were escape artists, and would try to leave at the earliest opportunity regardless of orders from us. That was after the forcefield happened so it could be standard procedure. She sends a hug and is talking to Teyla about life here and will pop in to see you in a while. Before he slept Jon said Teal'c has something you both should see even if you don't have the popcorn with you."
Seeing a slight smile from Sam, he went back to giving important information to them both. "As you can see from the screen his vitals signs are now shown in our language rather than just Ancient, which must be his addition and will help us all. Heartbeat and breathing are steadying, reckon the rest will even out as time goes on. Everything he might need is in the headboard or the sides with extras on the shelves in the cupboards behind you. Information will appear on the screen. The small green, orange and red lights in the right bottom corner are the call buttons, usual code green okay would like some one to spell me, orange need some assistance please and red all hands on deck now. But I think they are mainly for our benefit and the orange and red will flash up in the main room as soon as it does here. The yellow works in reverse as I've just found out and was a call from the main room for both of us Jennifer. The young lad there needs our attention so we will leave for a while."
Curious, Jennifer asked. "Who called you?"
Doctor Beckett answered easily. "The screen did and then Alison popped in. It's a new addition to the nurses' main desk, along with a few more new bits and pieces to learn about."
As Jennifer glanced at Sam just going to say that two doctors wouldn't be needed and she would stay, when Sam nodded and said. "Jack knew there was something wrong with him so you should go. Teal'c is with me and I've got our usual communication method should I need you."
After a quick hug Jennifer followed Doctor Beckett out. With a quick glance at the sleeping child Sam wiped the wayward tears away, took a breath, then watching Teal'c walk in steeled herself and asked firmly. "What was the promise Jack asked you to keep as he looked back at the Gate."
Knowing it was her ultimate fear that made her ask that, Teal'c stopped at the end of the bed and answered. "It was not 'that' final promise ColonelSamanthaCarterO'Neill. But if it should come to it, we will face it together as he would want. It is another matter. Before I tell you ... As O'Neill would say and do when you are in distress." and then intoned gently. "Comehere" and opened his arms to let her walk into them for a 'comforting' embrace.
Giving a shaky smile Sam did as he asked immediately, and let the big warrior's tone and being there wash over her, as he added gently. "For now you are Samantha his wife and my friend."
Then gently releasing her Teal'c guided her to one of the chairs by the bed, and they made themselves comfortable. Watching the sleeping child and seeing the information on the screen looked steady, he commented. "At least the chairs feel comfortable and the story is long and incomplete. As you have asked I will explain this part first. Before we entered the Gate to come here O'Neill had reasoned that the other Gate had taken some of his life strength and feared this might happen again." seeing Sam's nod of understanding he carried on. "He asked that I would look after him should he return to babyhood. I immediately said I would be honoured to perform diaper duties and have him in my family for as long as necessary, and without saying so that offer included you and the rest of SG1 if necessary. However, as time was short I did not inform O'Neill we do not have diapers on Chulak so we train our babies another way."
Hearing Sam's start of a chuckle, Teal'c looked at her and added. "Whatever happens he will be welcome with us, and there will be babies and young children around him. He knows this." and smiled.
Seeing the rare smile reached his whole being, Sam's heart raced and she half laughed, half gasped out. "You're going to be a father again!"
As Teal'c gave a grave nod, Sam finished. "That's wonderful, bet Jack was pleased. Boy or girl. And was that why you returned to earth to tell him?"
Teal'c answered in his normal proud tone. "My son is pleased and my wife is well. We will have a girl. I wanted to come earlier to give him the news, but I was stuck in boring meetings that could be not passed over to someone else. They lasted days instead of hours and ... as O'Neill would say … were still prattling on when I left. It was just as well I was not armed during that time." And giving a nod that those who really knew him was a long sigh of guilt he added. "If I had come sooner then I would have stopped Dr Jackson from being insufferable, as well as his plans to fool the President and send Jack to that planet."
Surprised by such an admission Sam jumped in asking. "Was he really that bad?"
"Indeed he was. He hid from O'Neill and the others before talking to the President. Then when faced with O'Neill's miniaturized suit, medals, shoes and cover he believed it was all a hoax being played on him because O'Neill had missed his trip to Atlantis. He did not really believe it till Jon and I returned with the boy and still insisted it was not his fault." seeing Sam shocked reaction he added gently. "But that is for later and you know he is safe. You asked if Jack was pleased at my news. We were walking to the waterfall where there are many treasures hidden under a forcefield that the both of you will enjoy sorting out in the future, when I told him the news. He laughed with delight and was proud for me, then when I told him my other news, he nearly fell off my shoulders laughing so much. After he'd calmed down his comments were very him rather than that of a young child."
Teal'c using Jack's given name sent a ripple of their unique friendship through Sam and settled her, and imagining the boy in the bed happily chatting and sitting on Teal'c shoulders made her comment wistfully. "Wish I could've see that."
"When Cassie comes to give you a hug and chat you will see other moments like that. General Landry insisted we took a film of what happened, the first bit might upset you both, but seeing Jon and myself swinging Jack between us, as in the run and jump style he has shown us when playing with very young children in the past, will make you smile again."
Sam laughed at the thought, then asked. "What made him laugh so much he nearly fell of your shoulders. I bet he wriggled a bit."
Teal'c gave a grave nod then answered. "Not as much as I thought he would. He has a good sense of balance and preservation. As you know not long after we became free Jaffa, in a throw away comment O'Neill suggested to Master Bra'tac that he should settle down and enjoy the other type of life. Though Master Bra'tac dismissed in his usual manner of humans not knowing what they were talking about, he did find a mate. As you can imagine she is strong minded and younger than he is, and as Jack said 'have obviously been making out in the hay day and night.'"
Sam giggled at the thoughts racing through her mind and dismissed the last one as impossible.
But Teal'c smiled and added. "Indeed. We will have a baby boy Bra'tac gracing our planet later on in the same moon cycle as our daughter is to be born. It is our hope that you too will be there at her birthing at least."
Sam couldn't stop laughing but eventually spluttered out. "I would loved to. That is brilliant news. Add baby or child Jack into the mix if he should have to grow up again."
"Indeed. But that will not happen. He will be returned to adulthood and be by your side." Teal'c said firmly as though saying it would make sure it wouldn't happen. Then knowing her fears added in a gentler tone of reassurance. "But if, as you fear he will integrate with Atlantis then you and the City are welcome to be around our planet for all the generations necessary. Our families will visit so he can see the children grow into adults and beyond, as well as learn his wisdom, and when the time comes for you to be with him, our families will make sure it happens should I be unable to do so. We do this with honour and friendship because without him or you we would not have our freedom."
Taking a breath, feeling the honour, friendship and trust of his words Sam nodded, then said quietly. "Thank you, we would both like that. We both value our friendship with you and your family, including Master Bra'tac as well." then thinking back she asked. "Who else was with you when you rescued Jack from our favourite hilltop." then suddenly worried about it all added. "They never let Jack off world without Jon on standby at the Mountain or visa versa in case their knowledge or Gene was needed even with the spent battery, now they are both here. Do we need to send Colonel Shepard back? Or is it too dangerous for him to go back?"
Teal'c nodded at the questions and then answered. "On leaving SGC there was no threat to them and they have a new battery for that chair and one to spare. ColonelJohnShepard will not be needed as there is a new guardian, who once he has finished his present duties will be shown the full extent of the Ancient gene he unknowingly carries. Though, he might at first feel it is Jack's payback for getting the President to order him to the Mountain earlier than planned and keeping silent about the reason." seeing she was still puzzled he added. "You respect and know him, and I have met him in DC. His close team have been read into the programme because of their work with service personnel and the support General O'Neill needed, but the rest of their department have no knowledge of this development."
Realisation finally coming, Sam eyes widened as she muttered. "The NCIS team ….. Not Gibbs surely. Jack would have said."
Teal'c nodded and continued. "I believe it was a recent development. Either by design or accident he and Jon were playing catch with an Ancient gizmo in the man's basement when the discovery was made. The rest of the NCIS team were there and they do not have the gene. Nothing was said to anyone including Gibbs until today for everyone's safety."
Imaging the reaction, implications and realising Jack in his present state would have made sure Gibbs didn't meet him, Sam asked with a smile. "Who got the short straw to tell him?" then added seriously before Teal'c could answer. "They can't isolate him as the did Jack can they?"
"Indeed not. O'Neill has insisted that his close team be allowed to use SGC while he is in the mountain, and one of SGC's Officers will shadow the man so he is not injured while doing his mission and that he does return to the mountain. I believe GeneralLandry is the one whole drew the short straw and was told to do it after we left. The officer was already in the Mountain questioning two men regarding other events and does not know Jack is now a child."
"That must have been fun for Hank." knowing not to push Teal'c on the bits he was leaving out Sam sighed, then looking over at the sleeping child smiled commenting with some feeling. "At the end of this those two together are going to be impossible, and I'm not going to start on what comments Tony or the rest of the team will think up." Not waiting for Teal'c's "Indeed" of agreement she finished seriously. "Right, who was with you when you rescued Jack, because General Landry wouldn't have let you go alone in case there was trouble, and Jon wouldn't have wanted a whole team to tag along?"
"GeneralLandry insisted MajorLouisFerretti act as our officer in charge and take the video of the situation we would find. He did and then gave me the camera to keep here and show you. It must not be returned to earth as it is the only record of what went on. Everything else was on live feed and no record kept."
Sam nodded understanding the gravity of the situation, then shook her head as her mind jumped past it all and to her friend's title, and smiling exclaimed gently. "He's still not trying to stay one of boys by ignoring he's a Colonel is he?! He does the work, has the pay … and everyone but the newbies know he's a Colonel. Even if the presentations were done in private at his request."
"Indeed he is." Teal'c answered then paused before explaining the possible reason why. "Do not forget he has also seen you and others, who are his comrades and friends, move up the ranks and the changes it produces in them, and wishes to remain team leader and section head of his group and not be moved on. You and O'Neill have felt that gap and accepted the responsibilities of moving on, he too will have to accept the recognition of his rank and plans for his future this time round. When circumstances allow, GeneralLandry under O'Neill's suggestion will hold a gathering of everyone involved in SGC, and as Jack calls them the very top brass are likely to be present. Though others who have had their rank changes hidden as he has will have their reasons honoured, officers' rank as well as civilians and allies who work with them will be acknowledged and medals presented. That will mean ColonelLouisFerretti will no longer be able to hide from the truth, especially as he will be given one of the highest medals for the rescues and back up services his group and team have performed, including the one earlier in the year."
Sam chuckled knowing Lou would realise the game was finally up as soon as the notice for the gathering was given, and silently wished she could be there to see not only his expression when he realises it, but also at the presentation and sighed, then to move things on asked firmly. "So Teal'c, what happened before and after our child sized General sat on our favourite hilltop wondering who to call?" and pinning him with her blue intelligent eyes added. "When you think about it, Jon was the only one Jack could call wasn't he?"
Teal'c nodded and looking at the sleeping child regretting he could not have been there to protect his warrior brother answered honestly. "Indeed he was." then making sure he could see both of them easily, he added. "You should also know that Jon was his silent emergency contact through out the mission he was undertaking for the President, so he was not totally alone. As we walked together this morning he explained that if forced to he could say with some truth that he only ever talked to himself on these matters, so never broke the President's order of total silence. O'Neill believes it would be wise and if it was their wish, that Jon and Cassie stay on Atlantis or with the people on the planet, or somewhere of their choice in the universe so they can enjoy the freedom of not having to hide or keep looking over their shoulders for earth's troublemakers, and be truly recognised for the people they really are. We both know they have skills that would be useful here and would be respected as well."
Feeling this was a debriefing rather than a report in the throws of action as in the Gate room earlier Sam started to relax a bit more. Though never totally as she couldn't ignore the screen above the bed that showed vital information and needed to be ready in case that orange or red button should start flashing. And gently commented to the sleeping child. "So that's what those hints were about in the last Data burst. Seeing if there is room for them should things go South on Earth. They would love it here and we could do it if there is no record of them coming through the Gate or SGC earth's end. I expect you've already done that bit." then glancing at Teal'c, and with a knowing smile she ordered. "Carry on." then asked. "And just where does Gibbs and his team come into it?"
Teal'c nodded, knowing he would tell the story to her questions rather than a straight time-line their reports usually needed, and complied. "Without going into to any details of his mission O'Neill explained he had gathered most of the information, set certain things in motion and knew he needed extra help for the final stages. As he put it, sweeping the baddies up in several or even one Asgard beam if he could arrange such a gathering would not go unnoticed, and he couldn't be sure of the personnel around him at DC either. Knowing the NCIS team were the only ones he could trust he brought them into the situation, hence the meeting or meetings in the Special Agent's basement. As NCIS had a helicopter in the grounds that day and Jack knew the truth wouldn't get hidden regardless of whether he was at the scene or not, he called Gibbs when the kidnapping attempt unfolded. He also commented that a three time zatted car door along with odd bits missing from trees, not to mention bodies and the bullet holes in all vehicles would raise way too many questions if any other team or detectives dealt with the scene."
With things coming together in her mind, Sam butted in anxiously. "He'd been injured in the attempt, that's why he had the plaster on his arm. But as you can see there was nothing there when Jennifer removed it just now. So it was sized down with him and his Ancient genes healed him?
Teal'c gave a reassuring nod and look, as it tied in with his knowledge, and answered truthfully. "No one at SGC noticed him favouring that arm, nor did it stop him climbing to the hill top, nor was there was any sign of trouble this morning when we found him. When asked he explained it was just a scratch and as a doctor had dealt with it at the scene of the kidnapping and he'd been passed fit for the mission, it could be left alone for another day or two. DoctorLam was told of the President's orders of complete silence so she wasn't told how he was injured, just saw it and as it was not a life threatening she didn't mention it in her report to GeneralLandry. The explanation came from Jon's very concise report just before we were beamed via USS Odyssey to the hilltop to bring O'Neill back."
Silently guessing how brief and Jon's tone while giving that report, Sam smiled wondering if the listeners had nearly or come to attention, as he had Jack's natural command attitude and tone when needed. Just not the physical age to go with it, and then nodded to let Teal'c know he could carry on. She would get the gossipy story later from him, Jon or even Cam, this was a report to bring her, as wife and commander of Atlantis up to-date.
"Unfortunately two of the kidnappers escaped because O'Neill was attending to his badly wounded driver. Because of the NCIS team's timely arrival with Dr Mallard on board, the driver is now recovering in hospital and wants to serve with O'Neill again. The rest of the team gave chase but evaded them though evidence was found that one had been wounded by O'Neill's parting shots. It was after that, that Gibbs suggested to the President Jack should stay in the Mountain till the trip to Atlantis and the truth be hidden from everyone. Not knowing who he could trust around the President or in DC O'Neill had no option but to comply, and then go along with the later request regarding the trip to the Planet by DoctorJackson. As Jack commented while going to the Waterfall, the President should have known better and he did warn him many times."
With a chuckle Sam said. "Payback from Jack is going to be interesting, he'll not cross that line but will think of something." then turning serious again asked. "Have those two men been caught?"
"Indeed they have, and are in the brig at SGC so will never trouble your husband again."
Being able to pick up on Teal'c's tone that others would have missed, Sam kept eye contact with him as she commanded. "Who, where and when? And no hiding Teal'c."
Knowing he could not soften the truth nor could he lie to her, Teal'c covered his own remembered fears of that morning, and projecting complete calm answered her. "On O'Neill's orders, this morning earth time. They were taken from their helicopter as it hovered above the hilltop by Colonel Reynolds on USS Odyssey, and then beamed unconscious to the brig in the mountain. The helicopter was taken aboard seconds later before it could crash into the valley below. We do not know how they knew O'Neill was there and unfortunately they damaged the walker's hut you have shared sunsets and sunrises from. We beamed down as soon as we could after that and three members of the NCIS team were beamed aboard the Odyssey and Special Agent Gibbs carried on to the brig to interview the men when they recovered from being Zatted."
Shock rippling through her Sam exclaimed her two rushing thoughts. "They were trying to kill him if they damaged the hut from the air. The dampening forcefield worked?"
Knowing how he could lighten the mood at the end, Teal'c explained. "The forcefield worked as planned and information has been gathered from the helicopter. Not knowing whether what had happened to him was man made or from the planet they had visited, O'Neill had hidden himself well away from the walker's hut till we showed ourselves. He had stopped us from beaming down as soon as he realised what was happening. Because of his small size large boulders and bushes near the trees were enough to hide and protect him, though branches from a damaged tree blocked his way out so I had to lift him out, once he told us where he was hiding. He had adapted his adult clothes to keep himself warm and to protect his feet."
Teal'c paused seeing Sam glance at the sleeping boy for reassurance that he was all right, the worst had not happened and took his own silent reassurance. Seeing the slight shake of her shoulders he wondered if it was all too much for her and then realised he was wrong as he heard her giggle.
The picture of Teal'c picking Jack who was swamped in his adult clothes out of the bushes swept away Sam's fears and started her giggle. Taking a breath she looked back at Teal'c and knowing how he felt about his warrior brother said gently. "That must have been a sight and calmed your fears."
Answering honestly Teal'c dipped his head as he intoned. "Indeed it did." then admitted. "I believe it will be on either Jon's or ColonelLouisFerretti's film they took this morning. GeneralLandry will make sure the hut is replaced. If you wish I will tell you more of our trip to the Waterfall and how I am sure with you heading the task force it will ensure that you both will work and live together in the future."
Smiling Sam nodded and settled back to listen, knowing Jack would do everything in his power to return to them and she would stay by his side regardless.
Oxoxo
Thanks for getting this far, hoped you enjoyed it, as usual review and comments welcome but not insisted upon.
Be back some time when muse and real life allow… and yes this year is going way too fast.
