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"Good, we didn't want you to think we were jumping each other every chance we got," Jack quipped, but when Sam closed her eyes with embarrassment, he hastily amended, "Or even once," and then she looked at him with a pained expression tinged with amusement. "Shut up?" he asked.
"Please," she replied pleadingly, but he saw the smile threatening the corners of her mouth.
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Ch 73: ARRIVING HOME
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Thor notified the SGC of their arrival and then beamed them down into the Gateroom with their supplies and equipment. A crowd of expectant and smiling SGC personnel looked down on them from the control room and still others waited in the large doorways on either side of the Gateroom.
"Welcome Home, SG-1," General Parker stepped forward and the assembled personnel broke out in polite applause.
A brown figure separated himself from the sea of green uniforms, "Sam!" and he hugged her fiercely.
"Dad!" her voice both surprised and pleased at her father's presence.
"General O'Neill," Parker greeted Jack formally.
"General Parker, if I'm not mistaken?" Jack returned agreeably and the officer nodded respectfully.
Jacob stepped back a little and looked Sam in the eyes, "I thought I'd lost you kiddo," he confessed with deep remorse.
She gave him a small smile, "We did have to have a little help from the Asgard and the Nox," she admitted.
"So I need to give Thor a hug?" he replied with twinkling eyes.
"And Anteaus and Lya," Thor intoned unexpectedly from Daniel's side.
Jacob looked startled at the Asgard's response, but his smile simply grew wider… until his eyes focused on someone else. "Jack," he stated with steel in his voice.
Jack winced internally, but didn't let it show on his face. Jacob had undoubtedly seen the video records that showed Jack carrying Sam unconscious through the Stargate. "Jacob…," and he considered the righteously angry Tokra, "No words can express how sorry I am for what happened four and a half months ago," and then he waited cautiously for the man's response.
"No, they can't," and General Carter's voice was still hard-edged steel.
"Dad-," Sam stepped between the two men.
The Tokra glared at Jack for a moment longer and then turned back to his daughter, "Do you want me to kick his ass?" and he let his tone express his hopefulness. "Because with Selmak's assistance, I can do it very thoroughly," and he didn't seem bothered in the least at asking her such a thing in this oh-so-public setting.
"Da-ad," and she looked at him affectionately and then gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, "Thanks for the offer, but I'll take care of things myself."
Her father sighed theatrically but acquiesced, "Well, I guess I can't take that privilege away from you," and then he gave Jack another pointed glare to remind him of what a father should have the right to do to someone who abducted his daughter in such a fashion.
Jack accepted the other man's anger at the same time that he wondered how Jacob was going to react when he found out Jack's hopes for the future. He glanced over at Sam to catch a smile quirking the edges of her mouth and a twinkle in her eyes, and silently acknowledged that he couldn't begrudge her a little humor at his expense.
At this point, the Sandaran High Councilor appeared from the growing crowd, "General O'Neill and Colonel Carter," he greeted them formally. "All of Sandara is grateful for your safe return. I must extend my most sincere apologies for the unexpected affects of the Sandaran Vandi. Our most esteemed scientists have collaborated for months with their colleagues from Earth and were not able to explain the General's most unique reaction," and Jack felt Jacob's glare intensifying.
The High Councilor continued, unaware of the Tokra's emotions. "I have spoken at length with representatives from your government and I have been assured that no charges will be brought against you as you were under the influence of the Vandi when we had not explained its… mood enhancing effects," and with that Jacob started to move forward but Sam stopped him with a firm hand on his arm.
Jacob leaned over and whispered something in Sam's ear which caused her to smile quickly before she quietly whispered a short response which then caused the Tokra a look of great disappointment. Jack had no doubt that Jacob had just asked for permission to do something… painful… to Jack.
Then he noticed the silence and quickly realized that everyone was looking at him expectantly… Sam with all expression properly off of her face, but her eyes were twinkling with amusement. "Uh, right. Yes, well, thank you High Councilor," Jack acknowledged the Sandaran official's apology and efforts.
With a few more official salutations and diplomatic niceties, the Sandaran High Councilor gated home using the SGC Stargate, which had only been brought back online the previous evening.
General Parker took control of the gathering after that, directing the six returning SGC members to the infirmary while ushering the Asgard and the Nox into the briefing room.
"So Dad, how long can you stay?" Sam asked as the two of them lingered behind while the others headed to the infirmary.
"At least a few days," he answered, giving her another hug.
She sighed regretfully, "The medical tests and debriefings are probably going to take a week."
He ran a hand gently over her cheek, "I could come back in a week or so," he suggested.
Her eyes lit up and then she looked at him knowingly, "Are you sure? There isn't going to be some Tokra mission or something… and then I won't see you for months…?"
"I promise," he returned earnestly. "I won't let them send me anywhere until after I come back for a visit here on Earth."
She looked at him while considering the risk of letting him go in the hopes that he'd be able to return in a week. And while she watched, she saw her father's head dip down and then his eyes glowed as Selmak took control. "Selmak," she greeted the Tokra with curiosity.
"Samantha, it is good to see you well. Your father was extremely worried for your safety and well-being," the Tokra's deep tones came from her father's mouth.
"Thank you," and she gave both her father and the Tokra a warm, affectionate smile before refocusing the topic. Studying the Tokra, she asked, "So will you and Dad be able to come back in a week… or should I just hold onto you now while I've got you?"
The Tokra smiled and then nodded, "We will ensure that we are able to return in a week," Selmak promised and then added, "If we stay, you and your father will not have much time to visit as your time will be occupied with post mission reports and other such official details," and she nodded regretfully to confirm his words. "In addition, I believe that Jacob requires some time away from General O'Neill. Your father currently wishes to exact… some form of punishment… and while I have found some of his ideas creative and entertaining, I do not believe that you would agree."
"Uh no, I probably wouldn't," Sam agreed with a bemused smile. "And thanks for helping me restrain him," she gratefully acknowledged the Tokra's assistance.
"I do not deserve your thanks, Samantha," Selmak surprised her. "Although I understand that O'Neill was under the influence of the Sandaran Vandi, I also empathize strongly with Jacob's parental emotions and reactions."
"Oh…," Sam pondered the Tokra speculatively, "So… you'd like to…," and her eyebrows raised questioningly.
"As I said, I found Jacob's ideas most creative and entertaining," the Tokra returned unapologetically.
"Ri-ight," Sam returned with both amazement and amusement. "Well, then perhaps it would be best if you and Dad could return in a week?" she asked hopefully.
"I think that that would be most wise," Selmak replied and then his head dipped down and her father's eyes flashed once more.
Her father met her gaze and shrugged, "What can I say? I'm your father," he stated unapologetically but with a tender smile.
"I'm going to hold you to returning in a week," and she gave him a kiss and another hug.
"I'll be back – you just make sure that you're here," he challenged, emphasizing that she'd been the one missing for months.
"Yes, Dad," she replied dutifully and with a smile.
"Because if you're not, you know who I'm going to take it out on," he warned her, with his eyebrows raised and a twinkle in his eyes that didn't quite offset the dangerous undercurrent in his tone.
"If I'm not here when you return, I'm sure that Jack will make a point of being nowhere that you can find him," she chuckled.
"Jack?" he picked up on that with narrowing eyes.
She sighed, "Dad, it was four and a half months! We used our first names," and she rolled her eyes at the stormy look gathering on his face. "Don't worry Dad, we didn't jump each other!"
Jacob flinched at his daughter's words, but also felt relief wash through him at the honesty obvious on her face. "Sam, I just-,"
"I know, Dad," she interrupted him. "Just trust me, OK?"
Sighing internally, Jacob reluctantly acquiesced. She was a grown woman and he couldn't treat her like she was 16 anymore. "When did you grow up on me?" he asked wistfully.
"Well, I thought it was years ago, but Mark disagrees and doesn't think that I have yet," she returned with a shrug and another small smile.
"That's what older brothers are for," he returned affectionately.
"Maybe we could go for a visit when you come back?" Sam suggested.
Jacob nodded, "I would like to see my grandkids," he agreed.
"Dad?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for being here today," she acknowledged his efforts, "And Selmak, thanks for helping to get my Dad here."
"Selmak says 'You're Welcome'," Jacob passed the Tokra's response to her. "And I'm just glad that you're allright, Sammy," and he pulled her into another crushing hug.
"Back at ya, Dad," she returned with what little breath she could manage.
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Sam and Jack spent the next week in debriefings, writing reports and undergoing medical exams. Their elevated levels of those certain elements and enzymes from P8X-539 had dropped considerably and neither of them was able to demonstrate any special healing abilities or even the slightest hint of a green glow. Each of the officers suffered through the medical exams without much vocal complaint, and yet neither of them offered any helpful suggestions that might lengthen or prolong anyone's pursuit of the events on that tree-covered planet.
With the Stargate on P8X-539 non-functional, and the planet more than 1800 light years from Earth, even traveling to the planet in the Prometheus was not considered a worthwhile allocation of Earth's only large spacecraft. Discussion was held as to whether or not to ask Colonel Carter to attempt to activate Earth's Stargate via the individual interface, but the risk of damaging the gate again tempered their enthusiasm. Dr. Brightman also vociferously opposed any such further types of experimentation, citing the possibility that they could very well cause irreparable damage to the Colonel.
Ultimately, the information related to the 'green glow', as well as the Stargate's 'individual interface', was classified Top Secret and further investigation at this time was not to be pursued.
The military obviously wondered about the current status of the 'relationship' between General O'Neill and Colonel Carter, but judgment was reserved until after the officers had filed their reports. Ultimately, in light of the mitigating circumstances such as the Sandaran Vandi and the conditions of being stranded on a deserted planet, no charges for fraternization were actively pursued. Which didn't mean that there weren't those in power who wouldn't have enjoyed a witch hunt that centered on SG-1, but there were thankfully enough others in positions of power and influence who held SG-1 in nothing but the highest of esteem.
One General George Hammond was given the task of determining where… certain… things should go from here. He'd read all of their written reports, as well as those from Doctor Jackson, Teal'c, Doctor Rider and Lieutenant Hailey. He'd also read the recommendations from the Asgard and the Nox.
And now he currently sat across the briefing room table from one of the officers in question. "So Jack," and he gave the junior officer a non-threatening smile, "Where do you want things to go from here?" and he waited curiously for the man's response.
"If it's all the same to the Air Force, General," Jack prefaced with and then forged on, "I'd like to retire and then sign on as a civilian contractor."
"Retirement?" Hammond echoed, although he was not surprised by the request. "Any chance you'd like to explore other options… other billets or assignments within the Air Force before retiring?"
"No sir," Jack replied definitively.
"You're sure? There would probably be promotions in the future…?" the General continued, watching the younger man with a certain fondness.
"Sir, I was never after rank," and Jack took a breath before continuing, "I still want to help out if I can…, but I also want to pursue some other possibilities in my life."
"You are sure that you want to retire?" Hammond reiterated for clarity.
"Yes sir," Jack returned earnestly.
Hammond considered teasing the unusually serious man before him for awhile, but then simply decided that they'd all waited long enough… and sacrificed more than enough. With a small smile he slid two folders side-by-side in front of Jack and then waited.
Jack looked up questioningly and Hammond gestured an invitation at the left-most folder. Following the General's unspoken direction, Jack opened the folder and scanned the first page. His brow furrowed and he quickly leafed through the subsequent pages, "But this is-," he started to protest, but Hammond interrupted him.
"As you can see, Colonel Carter has also requested retirement and a civilian appointment with the SGC," Hammond announced with a knowing twinkle in his eyes.
"But-," Jack started again and the General cut him off once more.
"However, General Parker is waiting for my recommendations," Hammond continued.
Jack's eyebrows raised a bit as he caught on, "So… this paperwork hasn't been processed yet?"
"Not yet," George confirmed, his mouth quirking from a smile that threatened to escape.
"Ah," Jack studied the older man for a moment and then his eyes fell to the papers before him. Sam had already submitted the paperwork… And that clinched it for him. Any lingering doubts concerning how she might feel about him were eradicated. Since they'd returned to Earth they'd had no time for just the two of them to talk about the possibilities for their relationship and its development. And the old doubts and old patterns of behavior were difficult to ignore.
But the doubts were swept aside as he looked at her formal request to leave the Air Force.
His eyes moved to the second folder and he glanced up at Hammond and the older man nodded slightly.
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"Acceptable?" Hammond asked him when he looked up after awhile.
"Yes sir, it's more than fair," Jack agreed and then added, "And, thank you sir."
"I've known you for a long time, Jack. I had a feeling that this was what you would want to do," Hammond commented as he handed Jack a pen.
Moments later, Jack passed the papers back, "So that's it?" he asked with surprise.
"Well, that will actually just get the formal paperwork started," and Hammond shrugged apologetically. "The entire process will take weeks and this thin set of papers is only the beginning of what you will have to sign before you are officially retired," the older officer warned him with a smile.
"I have retired from the Air Force before, sir," Jack reminded him with a rueful grin.
"Well, the paperwork and red-tape has probably doubled or tripled since then… it is the computer age and all," Hammond remarked acerbically but tempered it with a smile of sufferance.
"Yes sir," Jack replied with a commiserating grin.
"As one of your last official acts as a General in the United States Air Force, what do you think we should do about this 'other' paperwork?" Hammond asked, gesturing at the other folder.
Jack glanced down at the file with Sam's request in it, "I believe that Colonel Carter needs a little more time to consider her request, sir."
"Ah," Hammond replied thoughtfully and then asked, "Perhaps you would like to return the paperwork to her in the meantime?"
"Yes sir, I can take care of that," Jack agreed with a grateful smile, acknowledging the General's efforts.
"So… finally retired… before me, I would like to point out," Hammond remarked with friendly challenge.
"Yes sir," and Jack simply grinned unapologetically.
"And, I believe that you said that you want to pursue some 'other possibilities' in your life," Hammond repeated Jack's earlier words and when Jack nodded, George continued with a twinkle in his eyes, "Can I ask what 'possibilities' those might be?"
"Um, ask me again after all this paperwork is processed," Jack returned with a smile and in spite of his years of Special Ops training, he felt his face flush warm as Hammond gave him a perceptive look.
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TBC
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Author's Note: The scene with Jacob wrote itself... I love fanfics where Jacob approves of a relationship between Sam and Jack, but the way that this story evolved, I'm pretty sure that Jacob would be thinking about 'kicking a little ass' before wanting to consider the possibilities of Jack as a son-in-law! :) I also got a kick out of having Selmak agree with Jacob... that was just more fun that simply having the Tokra provide the 'pendantic voice of reason'. My muse thoroughly enjoyed giving Selmak a little spunk and sparkle.
I want to thank everyone who has read the previous 73 chapters... wow! And special thanks to all who have submitted such wonderful reviews. The upcoming chapters (74 and 75) are probably my twomost favorite chaptersof the entire story... Will try and get them through their final rewrites/proofings over the next couple of days. :)