PART 7: Claxons and red flashing lights.
"'You are the caretaker of the generations, you are the birth giver,' the sun told the woman, 'you will be the carrier of this universe'" - Brule Sioux 'Sun creation myth'.
(7 MONTHS LATER)
"How you doing, Sam?" Janet asks as I walk into the infirmary for my '8 and a half months' check up. Just like two weeks ago, and two weeks before that, and the two weeks before that.in fact, every two weeks since I found out I was having a baby!
The reason; 'I'll only allow you to keep working if you promise to take it easy, and check in every two weeks!' So that's what I do. However, I haven't been though the gate since I found out I was having a baby. I didn't want to risk it and neither did Jack. By working, what Janet means is writing reports, doing SAFE experiments, and simulations, etc. No gate travel. God knows what effects it could have on the baby.
"I'm ok. Uncomfortable, but that's to be expected when your carrying around an extra 6 or 7 pounds, right!"
" 'Fraid so. What about the Braxston hicks, had anymore?" She asks, not looking up from my chart as I sit on the edge of the bed.
"Janet, with Jack on high alert, if I'd had anymore, you would know about them, believe me. If I so much as get indigestion, he has me in here quicker than a shot! I don't know what he so panicky about, I mean, it takes a while doesn't it?"
She puts the chart down and sets about sticking a needle in my arm for even more of my blood. Smiling, she says, "It usually does, but there can be exceptions. I think it's quite sweet really, he just wants everything to run smoothly for you."
I smile and nod. That doesn't last long though, as I suddenly get a sharp pain in my abdomen. "Ough" I place my hand on my belly, and feel the baby move.
"What is it?" Before I can answer, she leaps in to doctor mode, and has her hand on my belly, brushing mine out of the way, so she can feel, closely followed by a stethoscope.
"It's nothing, just a twinge. Must be all this talk of false alarms."
"Umm." She stands back and folds her arms again. "I think your right, but just hang around for a little while will you, see if you get anymore. We don't want the Colonel to get any more speeding tickets!" She smiles and walks away.
"Hey, he only got one! And that was coz it was the first false alarm." I call after her.
I 'hop' down and walk back to my office to do some more paper work. I swear, if this lasts much longer, I'll run out of work to do, and that's something you would think impossible.
** Ok, this is starting to worry me now. Ever since that first twinge, I have been getting occasional pain, but it doesn't last long, and has been hours apart. I stayed at the SGC all afternoon, and when I didn't get anymore, I came home with Jack.
Now it's the middle of the night, and I can't sleep. The pain is definitely getting worse, and closer together. I don't wake Jack up, coz I know he'll panic again. It's not time for that yet, I decide as I walk to the kitchen for a glass of water.
I reach up for a glass out of the top cupboard, just as a wave of pain washes over me, and I have to cling on to the sideboard, and take deep breaths to get though it. This one is the longest yet. I look at the clock and make a mental note of the time. 4:37. The last one was only ten minutes ago. It takes twenty minutes to get across town and up to the base. That means I have to leave when the contractions are about 6 or 7 minutes apart.
'Alright kid, this had better be the real thing!' I warn my baby before getting back to having a drink.
I go back to bedroom, and get dressed. 'Time to wake daddy up.' But just then I get another contraction. I place my hands on the dressing table and brace myself. This one is so painful; I can't help but let out a small cry.
Breathing deeply though gritted teeth, I try to wake Jack up.
"Jack. Jack!" No response, so I grab the nearest object, my hairbrush, and throw it over my shoulder. "JACK!" The brush hits him in the stomach, making him sit bolt upright.
"What!" He asks, half asleep and hair sticking up in a couple of places.
"Jack, I think this is the real thing. We've gotta go to the SG.ahhhh!"
He's out of bed in a flash, and rubbing my back as again I try to concentrate on breathing though the pain.
"It's ok Sam, just keep taking deep breaths. I'll be ready to go in a minute. Have you got everything you need?"
"Yeah. Just hurry up, this baby wants to come."
Five minutes later we're in the truck, heading across town.
**
"How many contractions have you had?" Janet asks as I sit on a bed.
"I've kinda lost count. I think I've been having them all day, since that one this morning."
"Have you been timing them?" she asks, whilst doing 'doctor stuff'.
"Yeah, the last was 5 minutes ago."
"Ok, This is the real thing, Sam. I'm going to need you to push in a while, but not yet. It's very important that you don't push until I tell you, ok?"
"I know."
Another contraction happens, but this time Jack is holding my hand as Janet preps her staff around the bed on what's going on.
Twenty minutes later I am giving birth.
"AHHHHHH! OH MY GOD, THIS HURTS!"
"It's ok Sam, you doing so well. Your almost there honey, I just need one more big push. Can you do that for me?"
"I don't think so," I almost cry.
"Yes you can, baby. Just take a deep breath and squeeze my hand really tight." Jack says. I'm in half a mind to yell at him! After all, I'm pretty sure I was asleep when all this happened. But I decide I haven't got the energy, and just want to get this kid out of me.
"On the count of three, Sam, One big long push, and it'll all be over." Janet says. "One, two, three."
I squeeze Jacks hand and push, almost screaming at the same time.
"That's it, good girl."
"Ahh!"
Finally it's over. The baby is out and I lay back on the pillows as Jack kisses my head. "I'm so proud of you." He smiles.
"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" This time it's the baby crying. We both look to the bottom of the bed where Janet is cutting the cord.
"Congratulations, you have a son." She smiles as she hands me a little bundle wrapped in white and blue towels. I take my son, and a small tear rolls down my cheek as I pull back the covers slightly and am greeted by a wrinkly little red face.
"So you're the one who's been kicking me! Hi. I'm mummy, and this." I smile and look up at Jack. He leans in so he can see our sons face, "Is daddy!"
"Hey there, kid." We fall into silence for a minute, before Jack suddenly says, "I think he looks like your dad. Bald and wrinkly!"
I can't help it, I have to laugh. "Little Jacob!"
Jack looks at me and then nods his head in approval. "Jacob!"
"OK guys, that's enough. Mum and baby need some rest!" Janet says from across the room. "Jacob, is two weeks early, I'd like to give him a check over. Colonel, can you bring him over please?"
I carefully hand him over to his dad, and he carries him over to Janet.
"Sam, get some rest. We've got all the bases covered until he needs a feed." Janet says.
"Hey," I answer, suddenly very tied again "You wont get any argument form me."
**
I can hear them before I can see them. Teal'c, Jonas, Cass and Jack are sitting around the baby's crib, which is next to my bed, making cooing noises and being generally all 'aww, look at the cute 'icle thing' ish!
"The cute 'icle thing has a name!" I speak up for the first time. They turn around, each with a smile on their face, but none as impressive as Jack's.
"Hey babe." He says as he takes my hand.
"Sam, he's amazing. Congratulations!" Jonas gives me a quick peck on the on the check before taking one last look at my son and making his excuses, taking Cass and Teal'c with him before he starts performing some ritual they have on chulak.
I look over at the crib to see that Jake is asleep. 'Typical', I think to myself, 'mum and baby having different sleeping patterns.that should be fun!'
"How ya feeling?" I almost forgot he was even there for a second.
"Sore. But it was worth it." I smile and squeeze his hand.
"Thank you, Sam."
"What for?"
"Just. everything. I love you." I'll never get used to hearing him say that! Every time the words pass his lips it's like his saying them for the first time. I look straight back into his deep brown eyes and find my home. Corny, I know, but it's true. Jack is my true north.
"Not getting all mushy on me are ya?" I playfully ask. "Well, even if you are, I love you too, more than you'll ever know."
** (3 MONTHS LATER)
I had forgotten what a mad house this place can be at times. I've only been gone a few months, and it's like the world came crashing down. OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but honestly, the number of minor faults in the computer, which have just been overlooked! Ok, so it's not life or death stuff, but still.!
I stand in the middle of the gate room, geared up and ready for my first mission in months. The sound of the chevrons engaging fills the room, as general Hammond descends from the control room to wish us luck.
As happy as I am to be back, and I really am, ( I was going crazy stuck at home, day in day out), I can't help but miss Jake, and wonder if his ok. I've left him with a friend, Captain Vanessa Young. We've been mates for a while now, and she is in this program too, so she knows all about the unpredictable-ness of missions.
The sergeant in the control announces that 'chevron 7 is locked,' and Hammond says the usual, 'SG1, you have go,' and Jack says the usual, 'Thank you Sir,' then we're done with the formalities and I'm stepping though the gate to P4X-697.
We emerge and are immediately greeted by the locals. Jack jumps into action, introducing me, as I'm a new comer, and they give me weird looks. The Kiloero's fear that which they don't understand or do not recognise Teal'c had explained in the briefing. SG teams started to set up a trade relationship with them weeks ago, and since then, they have gotten to expect new people, and have opened their minds to it. They are a peaceful race, but a powerful one.
I can see that. The technology they have is amazing. Just from a quick look around the gate, I can tell they must be very intelligent, and we're wise to get them on our side.
"Carter," He insists he calls me that at work. Don't ask me why, I think it's a guy thing! It doesn't seem have sunken in that my name has changed. "This is Kacko. He's the local doctor, and the one who backed us when we first asked to trade. Kacko, this is Major Sam Car." Proof that it hasn't sunken in yet! "O'Neill. She's my second in command and also my wife." He gives me a little wink.
"It's nice to meet you Major O'Neill." He bows his head, and gives a friendly smile.
"You too, Kacko. And, please, call me Sam." I return the gesture, giving a small bow and smile to accompany it.
The day passes smoothly, and I begin to wonder why we're even here. Apparently we're supposed to be looking around, seeing if there's anything that we need, and can bargain for, but, to be honest, I don't think there is. We're already getting trinium and access to advanced medicines, weapons and technology's, such as ships. It would be mind blowing, except I've seen this sort of thing before.
As the night draws in, I sit by a small 'fountain' of fire, and emerge myself in thought. So when Sisto, another local, approaches me I don't notice until the last minute.
"Hello." He says confidently. "Mind if I join you?"
"Be my guest." He sits down.
"You seem distracted, if you don't mind me saying."
It's true; I was away with the fairies. But I'm back now.
"Let me give you something," he says, pulling out a small pouch from his pocket, and emptying it's contents into my cup, sitting contently in my hands half fall with a tea-like substance.
"What is it?" I ask, suspiciously.
"Don't worry," he laughs at the look on my face, " it's just a mild stimulant drug. I believe Earth has something similar.caffeine? It'll help you concentrate." Still not sure, but coming round to the idea of a caffeine kick, I ask if it's safe before downing it. The taste is not great, but it's bearable.
"Sam, where going." Jonas alerts me
"Ok." I shout back. "Thanks, Sisto. Bye."
I hand him the mug and gather my things, heading for the gate, and arrive as Teal'c enters the final symbol on the DHD. I take one more look at the planet, as it's two moons rise over the near by lake, and then step though the gate, into the blur that carries us home.
**
Part 8 up next!
"'You are the caretaker of the generations, you are the birth giver,' the sun told the woman, 'you will be the carrier of this universe'" - Brule Sioux 'Sun creation myth'.
(7 MONTHS LATER)
"How you doing, Sam?" Janet asks as I walk into the infirmary for my '8 and a half months' check up. Just like two weeks ago, and two weeks before that, and the two weeks before that.in fact, every two weeks since I found out I was having a baby!
The reason; 'I'll only allow you to keep working if you promise to take it easy, and check in every two weeks!' So that's what I do. However, I haven't been though the gate since I found out I was having a baby. I didn't want to risk it and neither did Jack. By working, what Janet means is writing reports, doing SAFE experiments, and simulations, etc. No gate travel. God knows what effects it could have on the baby.
"I'm ok. Uncomfortable, but that's to be expected when your carrying around an extra 6 or 7 pounds, right!"
" 'Fraid so. What about the Braxston hicks, had anymore?" She asks, not looking up from my chart as I sit on the edge of the bed.
"Janet, with Jack on high alert, if I'd had anymore, you would know about them, believe me. If I so much as get indigestion, he has me in here quicker than a shot! I don't know what he so panicky about, I mean, it takes a while doesn't it?"
She puts the chart down and sets about sticking a needle in my arm for even more of my blood. Smiling, she says, "It usually does, but there can be exceptions. I think it's quite sweet really, he just wants everything to run smoothly for you."
I smile and nod. That doesn't last long though, as I suddenly get a sharp pain in my abdomen. "Ough" I place my hand on my belly, and feel the baby move.
"What is it?" Before I can answer, she leaps in to doctor mode, and has her hand on my belly, brushing mine out of the way, so she can feel, closely followed by a stethoscope.
"It's nothing, just a twinge. Must be all this talk of false alarms."
"Umm." She stands back and folds her arms again. "I think your right, but just hang around for a little while will you, see if you get anymore. We don't want the Colonel to get any more speeding tickets!" She smiles and walks away.
"Hey, he only got one! And that was coz it was the first false alarm." I call after her.
I 'hop' down and walk back to my office to do some more paper work. I swear, if this lasts much longer, I'll run out of work to do, and that's something you would think impossible.
** Ok, this is starting to worry me now. Ever since that first twinge, I have been getting occasional pain, but it doesn't last long, and has been hours apart. I stayed at the SGC all afternoon, and when I didn't get anymore, I came home with Jack.
Now it's the middle of the night, and I can't sleep. The pain is definitely getting worse, and closer together. I don't wake Jack up, coz I know he'll panic again. It's not time for that yet, I decide as I walk to the kitchen for a glass of water.
I reach up for a glass out of the top cupboard, just as a wave of pain washes over me, and I have to cling on to the sideboard, and take deep breaths to get though it. This one is the longest yet. I look at the clock and make a mental note of the time. 4:37. The last one was only ten minutes ago. It takes twenty minutes to get across town and up to the base. That means I have to leave when the contractions are about 6 or 7 minutes apart.
'Alright kid, this had better be the real thing!' I warn my baby before getting back to having a drink.
I go back to bedroom, and get dressed. 'Time to wake daddy up.' But just then I get another contraction. I place my hands on the dressing table and brace myself. This one is so painful; I can't help but let out a small cry.
Breathing deeply though gritted teeth, I try to wake Jack up.
"Jack. Jack!" No response, so I grab the nearest object, my hairbrush, and throw it over my shoulder. "JACK!" The brush hits him in the stomach, making him sit bolt upright.
"What!" He asks, half asleep and hair sticking up in a couple of places.
"Jack, I think this is the real thing. We've gotta go to the SG.ahhhh!"
He's out of bed in a flash, and rubbing my back as again I try to concentrate on breathing though the pain.
"It's ok Sam, just keep taking deep breaths. I'll be ready to go in a minute. Have you got everything you need?"
"Yeah. Just hurry up, this baby wants to come."
Five minutes later we're in the truck, heading across town.
**
"How many contractions have you had?" Janet asks as I sit on a bed.
"I've kinda lost count. I think I've been having them all day, since that one this morning."
"Have you been timing them?" she asks, whilst doing 'doctor stuff'.
"Yeah, the last was 5 minutes ago."
"Ok, This is the real thing, Sam. I'm going to need you to push in a while, but not yet. It's very important that you don't push until I tell you, ok?"
"I know."
Another contraction happens, but this time Jack is holding my hand as Janet preps her staff around the bed on what's going on.
Twenty minutes later I am giving birth.
"AHHHHHH! OH MY GOD, THIS HURTS!"
"It's ok Sam, you doing so well. Your almost there honey, I just need one more big push. Can you do that for me?"
"I don't think so," I almost cry.
"Yes you can, baby. Just take a deep breath and squeeze my hand really tight." Jack says. I'm in half a mind to yell at him! After all, I'm pretty sure I was asleep when all this happened. But I decide I haven't got the energy, and just want to get this kid out of me.
"On the count of three, Sam, One big long push, and it'll all be over." Janet says. "One, two, three."
I squeeze Jacks hand and push, almost screaming at the same time.
"That's it, good girl."
"Ahh!"
Finally it's over. The baby is out and I lay back on the pillows as Jack kisses my head. "I'm so proud of you." He smiles.
"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" This time it's the baby crying. We both look to the bottom of the bed where Janet is cutting the cord.
"Congratulations, you have a son." She smiles as she hands me a little bundle wrapped in white and blue towels. I take my son, and a small tear rolls down my cheek as I pull back the covers slightly and am greeted by a wrinkly little red face.
"So you're the one who's been kicking me! Hi. I'm mummy, and this." I smile and look up at Jack. He leans in so he can see our sons face, "Is daddy!"
"Hey there, kid." We fall into silence for a minute, before Jack suddenly says, "I think he looks like your dad. Bald and wrinkly!"
I can't help it, I have to laugh. "Little Jacob!"
Jack looks at me and then nods his head in approval. "Jacob!"
"OK guys, that's enough. Mum and baby need some rest!" Janet says from across the room. "Jacob, is two weeks early, I'd like to give him a check over. Colonel, can you bring him over please?"
I carefully hand him over to his dad, and he carries him over to Janet.
"Sam, get some rest. We've got all the bases covered until he needs a feed." Janet says.
"Hey," I answer, suddenly very tied again "You wont get any argument form me."
**
I can hear them before I can see them. Teal'c, Jonas, Cass and Jack are sitting around the baby's crib, which is next to my bed, making cooing noises and being generally all 'aww, look at the cute 'icle thing' ish!
"The cute 'icle thing has a name!" I speak up for the first time. They turn around, each with a smile on their face, but none as impressive as Jack's.
"Hey babe." He says as he takes my hand.
"Sam, he's amazing. Congratulations!" Jonas gives me a quick peck on the on the check before taking one last look at my son and making his excuses, taking Cass and Teal'c with him before he starts performing some ritual they have on chulak.
I look over at the crib to see that Jake is asleep. 'Typical', I think to myself, 'mum and baby having different sleeping patterns.that should be fun!'
"How ya feeling?" I almost forgot he was even there for a second.
"Sore. But it was worth it." I smile and squeeze his hand.
"Thank you, Sam."
"What for?"
"Just. everything. I love you." I'll never get used to hearing him say that! Every time the words pass his lips it's like his saying them for the first time. I look straight back into his deep brown eyes and find my home. Corny, I know, but it's true. Jack is my true north.
"Not getting all mushy on me are ya?" I playfully ask. "Well, even if you are, I love you too, more than you'll ever know."
** (3 MONTHS LATER)
I had forgotten what a mad house this place can be at times. I've only been gone a few months, and it's like the world came crashing down. OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but honestly, the number of minor faults in the computer, which have just been overlooked! Ok, so it's not life or death stuff, but still.!
I stand in the middle of the gate room, geared up and ready for my first mission in months. The sound of the chevrons engaging fills the room, as general Hammond descends from the control room to wish us luck.
As happy as I am to be back, and I really am, ( I was going crazy stuck at home, day in day out), I can't help but miss Jake, and wonder if his ok. I've left him with a friend, Captain Vanessa Young. We've been mates for a while now, and she is in this program too, so she knows all about the unpredictable-ness of missions.
The sergeant in the control announces that 'chevron 7 is locked,' and Hammond says the usual, 'SG1, you have go,' and Jack says the usual, 'Thank you Sir,' then we're done with the formalities and I'm stepping though the gate to P4X-697.
We emerge and are immediately greeted by the locals. Jack jumps into action, introducing me, as I'm a new comer, and they give me weird looks. The Kiloero's fear that which they don't understand or do not recognise Teal'c had explained in the briefing. SG teams started to set up a trade relationship with them weeks ago, and since then, they have gotten to expect new people, and have opened their minds to it. They are a peaceful race, but a powerful one.
I can see that. The technology they have is amazing. Just from a quick look around the gate, I can tell they must be very intelligent, and we're wise to get them on our side.
"Carter," He insists he calls me that at work. Don't ask me why, I think it's a guy thing! It doesn't seem have sunken in that my name has changed. "This is Kacko. He's the local doctor, and the one who backed us when we first asked to trade. Kacko, this is Major Sam Car." Proof that it hasn't sunken in yet! "O'Neill. She's my second in command and also my wife." He gives me a little wink.
"It's nice to meet you Major O'Neill." He bows his head, and gives a friendly smile.
"You too, Kacko. And, please, call me Sam." I return the gesture, giving a small bow and smile to accompany it.
The day passes smoothly, and I begin to wonder why we're even here. Apparently we're supposed to be looking around, seeing if there's anything that we need, and can bargain for, but, to be honest, I don't think there is. We're already getting trinium and access to advanced medicines, weapons and technology's, such as ships. It would be mind blowing, except I've seen this sort of thing before.
As the night draws in, I sit by a small 'fountain' of fire, and emerge myself in thought. So when Sisto, another local, approaches me I don't notice until the last minute.
"Hello." He says confidently. "Mind if I join you?"
"Be my guest." He sits down.
"You seem distracted, if you don't mind me saying."
It's true; I was away with the fairies. But I'm back now.
"Let me give you something," he says, pulling out a small pouch from his pocket, and emptying it's contents into my cup, sitting contently in my hands half fall with a tea-like substance.
"What is it?" I ask, suspiciously.
"Don't worry," he laughs at the look on my face, " it's just a mild stimulant drug. I believe Earth has something similar.caffeine? It'll help you concentrate." Still not sure, but coming round to the idea of a caffeine kick, I ask if it's safe before downing it. The taste is not great, but it's bearable.
"Sam, where going." Jonas alerts me
"Ok." I shout back. "Thanks, Sisto. Bye."
I hand him the mug and gather my things, heading for the gate, and arrive as Teal'c enters the final symbol on the DHD. I take one more look at the planet, as it's two moons rise over the near by lake, and then step though the gate, into the blur that carries us home.
**
Part 8 up next!