Jack was just going through the motions as he numbly pushed the hot dogs around on the barbecue grill. If he had actually been paying attention to them, he would have noticed that they were completely black and on the verge of being inedible.
"Jack, I think they're done," Daniel said.
"What?" Jack asked coming out of his reverie.
Daniel merely took the tongs from Jack's hand.
"Oh, sorry," Jack sighed then turned to look at the snow covered ground behind his house.
Jack took a long drink of his beer. Normally he would be enjoying the view. But how can you enjoy much of anything when a couple of very good friends of yours were in danger and there's not a damn thing you can do about it!
"Jack, why don't we go inside, it's warmer in there," Daniel suggested.
"Fine…whatever."
Once inside, Jack ignored the concerned look from Teal'c. Jack didn't feel like talking to him at the moment as he plopped down into his favorite chair. Jack couldn't help but noticed how worried Carter was too. While she didn't say much, Jack could tell she was really worried, she had the crinkle in her forehead and she was biting the inside of her lower lip. Only there were no words he could say to easy her worries.
Actually, the mood of the entire team was down at the moment, even Daniel. It had been two days since the message was sent to Maybourne. For two days Jack moped around his house waiting. For two days the other members of his team had camped out in his living room and spare bedrooms.
There still had been no reply.
"Harry better show up, I'm getting sick of eating Hot Dogs!" Jack snapped to no one in particular.
"Yeah, why are we eating Hot Dogs for dinner…again?" Daniel asked as he sat on the couch beside Sam and Teal'c.
"That's about all Maybourne eats, Hot Dogs and Beer," Jack answered before he took a drink of his beer.
"Well, not all, Jack. I just don't like to be in one place very long."
"Harry, you son of a bitch!" Jack snapped as he jumped to his feet to see Maybourne eating a Hot Dog and holding a Beer while standing in the kitchen doorway. "I ought to…"
"Easy Jack," Maybourne explained. "It wasn't easy getting here. General Vidrine is in town and on the look out for me. So, I don't have much time."
"We need your help! Make time!" Jack ordered.
Maybourne shook his head as he finished off his Hot Dog. Jack wanted to deck the guy as Maybourne popped the top of his beer and guzzled half of it down in a couple of gulps. But Jack didn't want to clean up the mess he would make so he held himself in check.
"So, what can I do for you Jack?" Maybourne asked.
"Colonel Simmons kidnapped my father and Dr. Fraiser," Carter solemnly said.
"General Jacob Carter?" Maybourne asked in disbelief.
"Yeah, you know him?" Jack said sarcastically. "So high, bald guy, cranky when he doesn't get his coffee. Snake in his head."
"Yes, I'm very familiar with Jacob Carter and I know about his symbiote, Selmak. The NID used to keep a close eye on him whenever he visited Earth."
"Used too?" Jack curiously asked.
"Yes, they were hoping to get a hold of his symbiote for study and to extract any information from him about the Tok'ra. Only the General was a clever man, never putting himself in a position where he could be captured. He always seemed to know when he was being watched."
"Is that why Simmons wants my father?"
"I doubt it," Maybourne frowned. "The NID have moved onto to…bigger and better things, the acquisition of a symbiote just isn't as important any more. Although, they wouldn't hesitate to take full advantage of acquiring one if the opportunity presented itself."
"That still doesn't tell us what Simmons wants with Jacob!" Jack impatiently snapped.
"General Hammond and General Vidrine won't tell us but apparently Simmons and my father have a history," Carter explained. "Can you tell us anything?"
"I'm sorry Major Carter what happened between Simmons and your father is classified. However, I can say Major, that your father is one of the most morally sound people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing."
"That's kind of funny coming from you, Harry!" Jack scoffed.
Maybourne sighed shaking his head in frustration.
"Jacob Carter is the only man I know with such high moral values who has the balls to stand by them…no matter what! Because of what he did to Frank Simmons, Jacob probably saved hundreds of lives! I can't say what it was but I can say that Simmons is the exact opposite of Jacob. There are some things even I would never do but Simmons seemed to have no conscience. And he never forgave Jacob for what happened."
"Alright, so Jacob's good, Simmons' bad! We get the point! So where can we find Simmons?" Jack asked impatiently. "Not only is Jacob in trouble but so is the Doc!"
"If I know Frank, he's still in town somewhere," Maybourne said calmly. "The man never had any patience when it came to torturing his victims."
Jack saw Carter wince. Teal'c and Daniel suddenly looked even more worried than before. And Jack felt his stomach turn.
"Dr. Fraiser is probably fine. Thankfully Jacob has his sybmiote to help keep him alive," Maybourne continued.
"What if Jacob doesn't has his symbiote?" Jack asked even though he had some idea of the answer.
"Why wouldn't he have his symbiote?" Maybourne asked.
"There's been a…mishap. Jacob doesn't have his symbiote at the moment," Jack explained.
"Then we had better hurry," Maybourne insisted. "Simmons' victims don't last very long after the first couple of days."
Frank Simmons sat comfortably in the chair with his feet propped on the dusty desk. He smiled gleefully, confident in his plan to make Jacob Carter suffer even more. Once the symbiote was removed, Jacob would not be able to withstand Frank's torturing much longer. Frank was looking forward to making Jacob suffer.
Still, Frank had to give Jacob credit. Even in the body of a child, Jacob was as resilient and stubborn as ever, not giving in to the pain. Frank had badly twisted one of Jacob's fingers, so badly the guard in the room puked when he heard the sound of the bone breaking. Jacob grimaced slightly and clenched his jaw tightly but he did not cry out. Nor did he cry out after Frank broke another of Jacob's fingers.
Normally, Frank would have broken each finger on both hands. Taking his time to ensure to maximum amount of pain was inflicted on his victim. But he was over zealous because he had waited far too long to get his hands on Jacob. It was worth it, crushing Jacob's hand with a crow bar. So worth it, Frank smashed the hand a few times before Jacob finally passed out from the pain.
Frank immediately noticed the blood on Jacob's lip. To keep from crying out, Jacob bit his own lip. It was a small victory in Frank's mind. But still, it wasn't as fulfilling as seeing Jacob cry in anguish when he pulled his dead wife from that taxicab.
Tampering with the brakes was easy. Making sure Allison Carter was in that cab was easy. She often took a cab home when Jacob was held up with his superiors. Having the cab run off the road easy. Make the whole incident appear to be an accident was the hard part. But Frank pulled it off. And was rewarded by getting to watch Jacob suffer emotionally.
Jacob loved his wife, deeply. He loved his son and his daughter, deeply. Frank thought it was funny when Mark turned against his father. His own father! The death of Allison crushed the Carter family but it didn't destroy them like Frank had been hoping.
Samantha Carter would have been Frank's next target. The youngest Carter. She looked so much like her mother. Frank believed that if anything were to happen to her, it would have pushed Jacob over the edge. Only Frank didn't have the opportunity to deal with her until she was already an adult. By then it was too late. The Stargate program was beginning to get off the ground and the NID were extremely interested in what the program had to offer. As a result, Samantha Carter was off limits.
Then Jacob was off limits. The bastard was on his deathbed! The lucky son of a bitch blended with a Tok'ra symbiote. That REALLY pissed Frank off when he found out about it. But Frank learned to be patient, somewhat. He bided his time, hoping for an opportunity. And it finally happened.
After two days of torturing Jacob, Frank was eager for the procedure to be over. The NID would have a symbiote and Frank would finally have his revenge. The universal was out of whack, just the way Frank preferred things.
"That was fast!" Simmons grinned, as the man in his surgical scrubs approached.
"Is this a joke?"
"What?"
"That kid! He has no symbiote! He hasn't had one for some time!"
"What?" Simmons asked in disbelief as he got to his feet. "Are you sure?"
"Look at the ultrasound yourself! Even his blood only has trace amounts of naquada which indicates he has not had a symbiote within him for nearly four weeks."
"This is preposterous!"
"No, this is fucking wrong! He's just a kid! How can you torture a kid? His hand is badly broken! The fact that it hasn't healed by now should have told you that he had no symbiote. Even the bruises on his face and body are still there! You've gone to far this time Frank! I'm sorry…I can't be a part of this anymore!"
"You won't have to be then," Simmons sneered as the doctor walked away.
Simmons pulled out his gun and fired. Immediately a couple of the guards came racing down the hall.
"Get rid of that," Simmons ordered.
Jack put a fist up, signaling the team to stop. He thought he heard a gun being fired possibly a handgun of some kind.
'I guess that means Harry was right,' Jack thought to himself as he signaled for Carter to proceed down the steps to the basement door.
When Jack first saw the building he thought Harry was joking. The building was an empty shell. No floors, only four, three story high walls and a foundation. However, beneath the foundation was a basement.
And a single man was guarding the door to the basement. He was easily incapacitated without alerting anyone to SG-1's presence.
With the location verified, Jack informed General Hammond of their location. They were going to wait for back up. However, the gun shot changed Jack's mind.
After a few hand signals, the team was ready. Jack nodded and Carter opened the door.
The sedative was beginning to wear off, much to Janet's relief. Jacob had been down too long as far as she was concerned and feared his heart may stop beating. She remained by his side, constantly monitoring his pulse and his breathing.
A small smiled shined on her face when he finally opened his eyes.
"No, lie still," she ordered when he tried to move.
"How long?" he asked, blinking his eyes.
"Couple of hours," she sighed.
"Did they operate?"
"No. I checked the back of your neck when you were brought back. It's fine."
"I told that doctor to do an ultrasound to see that I didn't have a symbiote. I guess he actually listened," Jacob smiled weakly.
"Jacob, what will Simmons do now?"
Jacob started to answer the question but was interrupted when Simmons and a few guards entered the room. Janet was pulled away from Jacob who, despite the fact that he was still under the effects of the sedative, fought and struggled ferociously. But it was pointless, Simmons was bigger and the guard easily held Jacob still.
"Colonel! You can't give him any more drugs!" Janet said, seeing a needle in Simmons' hand. "The sedative hasn't worn off, you could kill him!"
"Don't worry Dr. Fraiser, I'm sure you'll monitor him and warn me of any problems," Simmons smiled.
Jacob winced when Simmons jabbed the needle into his arm. Janet watched helplessly as the drug was injected.
"That was a dirty trick, not telling me that you no longer had your symbiote," Simmons growled. "At least all is not lost. I can extract what information I need from you more easily now. Then I can kill you...slowly."
Janet cheered on the inside when Jacob spit right in Simmons' eye.
Simmons quickly raised his hand and stuck Jacob across the face. Jacob slowly turned his face towards Simmons and glared. That glare would have scared the shit out of any man or woman on Earth. Expect for Simmons who chuckled softly as he and the guards left the room.
"Why does he hate you? And don't give me that classified bullshit!" she demanded.
"Frank and I go way back. I was a Colonel. He was a Lieutenant under my command. The incident occurred during my final black ops mission. The last time I went into the field," Jacob paused, grimacing as he tried to sit comfortably on the ground. "We were in Southeast Asia. My unit came to a village; we were looking for our target who could give us the information our government needed. We found him. I questioned the man for an hour. I spoke to him in his own language, gently trying to persuade him to give us the information we needed."
"You…gentle!"
"Janet, I'm not always a bastard! I can be nice…when necessary," he smiled. "Anyway, this guy was scared shitless. And not because of our presence. I think his own government was after him and he was there trying to save his family. We got there before they had time to escape. He even asked for my help."
"What happened?" Janet asked when he stopped and stared blankly at the far wall.
"I was talking with my second in command. We were discussing the possibility of helping this man and his family. He was going to tell us what we wanted to know, if we helped his family. Shit…I was going to help whether he told us or not. To be honest, the information we wanted him to tell us wasn't that vital. I thought the whole mission was bullshit from the start. But Frank…God…if I had only known he was that sick and twisted…I never would have accepted him on my team. The man's insane."
"While we were talking, I didn't notice Frank leave the unit. He decided to do his own kind of interrogating. Frank killed the man's son and daughter before I could stop him."
Janet gasped.
Jacob banged his head against the wall, hard.
"Fuck…I should have shot Frank when I had the chance!"
"But that's not you Jacob. You would have become like Frank if you did that," Janet added.
"I know. Instead, he was arrested. I reprimanded him. Got him kicked out of the Air Force, something he took very personally. Apparently, he had political ambitions. He was VERY ambitious. And apparently, he had friends in high places. While his political career was stopped before it began, his friends were able to get him reinstated into the Air Force. The reprimand is a permanent black flag on his file, even to this day. I made sure of that! And I didn't care who I pissed off to make it stick!"
"You're a good man Jacob," she smiled.
"Thanks, I try my best," he grimaced, grinding his teeth.
"How's your hand?" she asked, noticing he was holding it close to his chest.
"Hurts like a mother fucker!"
"Jacob!"
"Sorry, it hurts really bad," he smiled.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Jacob didn't answer her question. Instead he blinked his eyes rapidly and he appeared like he was trying to focus them on something, only they weren't focusing.
"Whoa…I think the drug's finally taking effect!"
"What did he give you?" she asked.
"Some form of truth serum."
"How do you know?"
"I've been injected with the stuff before."
Janet was tempted to ask when that happened but decided against it. She had more important matters to worry about like how the hell they were going to get out of there. Jacob's time was almost up.
"Dying isn't so bad," Jacob smiled. "I did it once. I could do it again."
"Jacob, you shouldn't be thinking that way."
"How else am I supposed to think? Frank will be back in a soon. Ask his questions, of which I will be answering without a hitch. Then I will die by something that's slow and painful. A bullet in the gut, comes to mind."
"Jacob, please," she pleaded, nearly on the verge of tears.
He blinked a few times as he looked at her. Then he smiled.
"Don't cry Janet. Your eyes are much more beautiful when you don't have tears in them."
"I guess your right, the drug is working," she chuckled.
"Oh, I would have eventually told you that! But the drug is making me more relaxed. The drug basically helps you to relax and you tend to speak your mind."
"I know how the drug works, Jacob."
"Like now…you have nice legs too!"
"Jacob, I think you better be quiet."
"Sorry, Janet…I really like you. I can't wait to be an adult again. At least I hope I get changed back into an adult. I don't think I can wait eight years to make love with you!"
Janet wasn't sure if she should laugh or be angry. But when Jacob's face turned bright red she smiled.
"Oops, I guess I shouldn't have said that!" he giggled covering his mouth.
"Not exactly what a woman wants to hear. You haven't even given me flowers yet," she teased.
"Oh, you'll get them," he smiled. "On our date. But don't worry, I won't mind if we don't have sex on our first date."
"But you won't mind if we do either?"
"Right," he replied then turned red again. "Janet…I think I better shut up now. You may not want to go on that date with me if I keep speaking my mind."
Janet laughed uncontrollably at him. Jacob started laughing at himself too.
There was suddenly a lot of commotion outside in the hall. Gunfire sounded close by. Both Janet and Jacob quickly became quiet. Janet helped Jacob to his feet. Even under the influence of the drug, she noticed he stood between her and the door. Couldn't blame him for being protective. It was part of the man he was. It was also nice to know he was willing to put himself in harms way for her.
A loud thud hit the door then another and another. Accompanied by a lot of grunting and growling. Then there was silence. The sound of keys being used and the doorknob wiggled. Then the knob turned slowly.
"You two decent?" an annoying and familiar voice sounded as the door slowly opened.
"Jack!" Jacob said excitedly, whereas Janet merely groaned in disgust.
"Found them!" Jack shouted down the hall. "Jacob, you look like shit!"
"Thanks Jack. You look…old! I didn't realize you had so much gray hair. I think you have more gray than I do!"
"That's because I have more hair than you Jacob. Really, can't Selmak do something about that?"
"I already asked her that questioned. She laughed at me and said I was nuts!"
"So, Doc, how are you doing? Nice shiner!" Jack exclaimed pointing to her bruised cheek.
"I see you've been taking care of Selmak, nice black and blue nose!" Janet fired back.
"She likes me," he shrugged.
"Really, Jack, that's not what she told me," Jacob scoffed.
Janet quickly covered Jacob's mouth before he said something he was going to regret. Jack just made a curious face at her.
"Don't ask," she said shaking her head.
"Janet, I'm fine!" Jacob protested pulling her hand away from his mouth.
"Whatever you two have been talking about, I just hope I'm invited to the wedding!" Jack smiled.
"Dad!" Sam exclaimed as she hurried through the door.
"Sammy! Wow, are you really that tall?"
"Is he alright?" Sam immediately asked.
"He's fine Sam. A little beat up. His hand is broken but otherwise, he's fine," Janet explained.
"He looks drunk," Jack observed.
"They drugged me. Simmons was going to extract some information about the Tok'ra from me. I was explaining to Janet that's what Frank likes to do before he shoots you in the head…or the back…or wherever his warped mind conjures up! The guy's an asshole!"
"Dad, maybe you should let us help you," Sam insisted trying to take hold of his good hand.
"Sam I'm fine. I was just telling Janet I'm fine," he said then whispered to Sam. "After I get changed back, Janet and I are going to have sex!"
"Dad! Jacob!" Sam, Janet and Jack exclaimed.
"What?" Jacob shrugged then suddenly passed out falling backwards onto the floor.
"Well, too bad that didn't happen a little sooner," Jack said, making Janet smile.
As he picked Jacob up into his arms, Daniel suddenly appeared in the doorway, anxious and out of breath.
"Simmons got away! Teal'c and I thought we had him corned but apparently he had an escape plan!" Daniel huffed and puffed.
"We'll get him another time," Jack said confidently. "We've got what we came for. Let's get them back to the base."
Selmak felt him, her host, Jacob. He was getting closer. She excitedly showed off her flippers to Jacob as he came to a stop by her tank.
"I see you have your flippers back girl," he smiled sticking his hand inside her tank.
She affectionately entwined her now full-grown self around his hand.
"Wow! I didn't realize how big you were. What are you, 24 inches long?"
'What?' she exclaimed, popping her head out from beneath the surface.
"Oh, beg your pardon, 24 and a half inches," Jacob chuckled.
Selmak spat some liquid from the tank at him and playfully splashed him with her flipper.
"Ok, Ok. Janet just has to take care of my hand then Jack and the others are taking me to the planet to get changed back. There's so much I want to share with you."
"General Carter, Dr. Fraiser is ready to take X-Rays of your hand."
"Thank you nurse. I'll be there in a moment."
'Hand, X-Ray?' Selmak asked, quickly exiting the tank and checking out Jacob's other hand. 'Jacob, what happened? It's broken in several places!'
"I know, I got hurt…again. I'm sure it's broken. It got whacked with a crowbar a few times! Janet wants to see how bad and set the bones before I get changed back," Jacob sighed. "Then when I return you and I can do our blending thing and you can fix me right up…again!"
'Are you going to have to good doctor watch over us?' Selmak chuckled.
"Is it alright if I have Janet watch us?"
Selmak quickly nodded.
"Are you sure? She's not Tok'ra."
'Of course I'm sure! You idiot!'
Jacob leaned closer and whispered, "I think she likes me!"
Selmak slapped him with her tail.
'Of course she does, dumb ass!' she hissed and clicked at him.
"Ow, that wasn't very nice! I have a bruise there on my cheek! You better be nice to me! I was nice to you! Who else made sure you got your Tequila? Who made sure your tank was the right temperature?"
'Oh, alright, I'll be nice…for awhile! But don't you get used to it, Jacob Carter!'
Jack looked down at Jacob as they came to a stop just outside the ruins. He couldn't tell if Jacob was happy or not. He seemed deep in thought.
"Jack, I asked you to take me because I wanted to talk with you privately," Jacob sighed.
"Is everything ok? How's the hand?"
"It hurts but I've had worse," Jacob smiled. "But I wanted to talk about Sam."
"Oh," Jack swallowed.
"I know you have feelings towards my daughter. And I know I've made it clear that I don't want you and my daughter involved romantically."
"Yes, you did make that point…repeatedly," Jack replied thinking back to how many times he got his ass kicked by Jacob.
"I'm not apologizing for the way I acted. I would do it again. But the point I'm trying to make is that eventually the decision is up to Sam. If she, for some insane reason, chooses to be with you then I'm ok with it."
Inwardly Jack sighed thinking the worse. Although, he would never pursue Carter. He still believed she deserved better than himself.
"However, and this is a big one Jack," Jacob said seriously. "If it came to that…you better not break my little girl's heart! You think I beat the crap out of you before. As an adult I can do far worse! And I'll have my own personal strength enhancing symbiote in there cheering me on! Understand?"
"Yes, Sir. I understand perfectly. But I would like to add one thing as well."
"Go ahead," Jacob said crossing his arms across his chest.
"Don't break Janet's heart!" Jack warned.
Jacob blinked in surprise and his arms fell to his sides.
"She's everyone's friend. She's like a little sister we all want to protect. Even though I know she can handle herself. Just…don't hurt her. Else, I'm the one who's liable to end up getting the brunt of her anger when she stabs me in the ass with a needle."
Jacob laughed. So did Jack.
"Jack, I promise I'll take good care of her. But…we haven't even gone out on a date yet? I'm not sure she'll like me when I change back. I'm not so easy on the eyes you know."
"Jacob, she's already seen you humiliate yourself several times. And you totally embarrassed yourself while under the influence to that truth serum. So, she's already seen you at your worst!"
"Thanks for reminding me, Jack. I was trying to forget about what I told her!"
"For crying out loud! When's the last time you ask a woman out on a date?"
"Reagan was President, his second term, she was a leggy red head," Jacob smiled. "We had some fun!"
"Jacob…" Jack shook his head. "You poor man. You've been out of the loop for too long! Listen, Janet's going to be there for your re-blending with Selmak, right?"
"Yeah…but…"
"No buts! This is what you do. Promise her about that date. Don't ask, just give her the date and time. Before she has a chance to respond kiss her!"
"Jack, that's kind of aggressive. I don't want to force my tongue down her throat, I want to be romantic with her. Janet deserves that. She wants flowers!"
"Sounds like you don't need my advice then," Jack smiled then rubbed Jacob on the head. "For luck!"
"Jack!" Jacob growled making Jack laugh.
"Let's go before Dr. Lee and his team begin wonder what's taking so long."
A few minutes later, Jack was talking with Dr. Lee while Jacob was changing into his adult clothes. He had to refrain from laughing when Jacob came out with an oversized black T-shirt and pair of green fatigues on. Jack must have been smiling because Jacob gave him that glare that scares the piss out of everyone.
Although now, after the past few weeks, Jack won't ever be afraid of that glare again. Not after having gotten to know Jacob very well. No, now Jack had a new worry…keeping Carter happy, even if they were just friends. He didn't want to risk her being unhappy and Jacob finding out about it!
"General Carter, all you have to do is walk into the room like before," Dr. Lee explained. "The process will be reversed and you'll wake up a little while."
Jacob nodded then walked into the room. After a few moments, Jack watched as Jacob was enveloped by the light. Jack squinted his eyes until the light disappeared.
"Ok, let's get him on a stretcher and back to the SGC," Jack ordered.
'Too bad you couldn't keep your hair,' Jack joked to himself looking down at Jacob on the floor.
Janet carefully studied Jacob's features while he slept. As an adult, he looked so different. It was the hair…or the lack of it. He wasn't as scrawny. Same slender frame but his arms were definitely those of a strong man. Janet noticed his hands were large for a man his size.
'What am I thinking? He's my best friend's father!'
That realization suddenly set in. Janet was only a year older than Sam was! And Janet had a date with Sam's father! Janet still couldn't believe that happened.
But Jacob was a Tok'ra and according to Jack and Daniel, Jacob was a teenager in Tok'ra years. She wasn't sure how to take that. Especially the way Jack and Daniel were smiling. Then Jack told her something that made her think this whole thing could be worth it.
"Go easy on him Janet, he really likes you. He's not like other guys. I know the whole age issue probably scares you but think of it this way. He's experienced! He knows how to treat a lady. And I know for a fact that he wants to treat you the way you deserve."
"The way I deserve," she said out loud.
Jacob's eyes suddenly opened. He appeared a little startled but quickly recovered when he saw her. He smiled. It was a small smile, like he was unsure. But she definitely recognized that smile.
"How are you feeling General?" she asked taking his wrist in her hand and checking his pulse.
"I'm fine."
"Good, your pulse is steady and strong. I put a new splint on your hand as a precaution."
"Thank you," he sighed inspecting his hand. "It should only take Selmak a few hours to repair the bones once we blend. Same for my bruises."
"Shall we proceed with the blending now?" Janet asked.
"Looks like we better. Selmak appears a little too anxious," he smiled.
Janet turned to Selmak had her head propped on the rim of the tank and looking their direction.
"Can she see from that distance?" Janet asked.
"Not really, but she can sense me. I think she has something she desperately wants to share with me," he said as he sat up.
"What about you?"
"Don't worry, I have loads to share with her," he grinned.
"I'll get her then," Janet smiled.
As Janet and a nurse rolled the small table towards Jacob, Selmak began swimming excitedly around the tank. She was doing loops and whirls, even figure eights.
"Show off!" Janet whispered to Selmak whereupon Janet received a quick splash in the face.
Jacob roared with laughter. Janet never heard the man laugh like that before as an adult. He actually had a nice laugh.
"I'm glad we could entertain you General, even if it was at my expense," she smiled bring the table to a stop.
"I'm sorry Janet," he chuckled. "You have to be careful what you say to Selmak. She has spunk too!"
Janet wasn't sure if she should take that as a compliment or not. She was often described as spunky, or a firecracker. Usually by those jerks she went out on a date with. The same jerks who tried ramming their tongues down her throat while groping her.
She quickly dismissed the nurse. Jacob suddenly became very quiet and got to his feet. Janet assumed he was going to pull the tank closer the infirmary bed.
"I'm sorry Janet. I didn't mean to offend you," he spoke softly and sincerely.
So sincerely she was surprised and didn't know what to say to him. She suddenly felt awkward in his presence. She never felt like that in any man's presence.
"Do you need me to watch or anything?" she asked clearing her throat.
"Just take my vital signs," he sighed. "But there should be no problems. Selmak and I are both healthy. The blending should only take a few minutes. My hand shouldn't hinder her in anyway."
"May I ask…"
"Why you and not a Tok'ra?"
Janet nodded.
"You're still my doctor. I trust you more than anyone else…with the exception of my own daughter."
Janet smiled nervously. And wondered why she was suddenly so nervous. That wasn't like her at all.
"Janet…" he started to say gently taking hold of her hand.
Her stomach fluttered and she suddenly couldn't breathe. He had this intensity in his eyes she never saw before. Nor had seen from any other man. But when he glanced around the room he seemed hesitant. She was surprised, he always seemed so sure of himself. Still holding her hand, he quickly pulled the curtains, giving them that privacy.
"What is it?" she finally managed to speak.
"There's one last experience I want to have. Something that's all my own and not something I have to share with my symbiote…at least for the moment," he smiled warmly.
Unsure of what he wanted she asked him what it was. His response was surprising but only for a moment.
His lips were tender against hers. No rush, just a gentle touch. Even his arms moved with slow, deliberation as he pulled her closer against him. There was no lustful probing of his hands. No forcing his tongue down her throat. No, it was the kind of kiss a woman expects from a man who knows what he's doing and how to treat a woman. A gentleman, not some mindless ape.
Even after their lips parted, she was content to just be in his arms with her head against his chest. This felt so right. How could she have had those doubts before? She wrapped her arms around him and felt a long sigh escape his body.
"I was hoping that's how you would feel," he whispered resting his head on hers.
"So, I guess this means we're still going on that date?"
"You bet," he smiled placing his hand beneath her chin. "Next weekend, if you can make it. George has already made arrangements for the car to be transported to San Diego."
"San Diego?"
"The weather will be perfect there. There's this great Sushi Restaurant on the beach. Don't worry, I've already made the travel arrangements. The hotel suite has two bedrooms. And Jack volunteered to watch Cassie for the weekend."
"Jacob, I don't know what to say!" she gasped.
"Janet, you are a very beautiful woman. You deserve the best."
"You sure don't let a woman catch her breath do you?"
"No," he smiled devilishly.
Janet blushed. She could feel the redness creep into her cheeks and ears. And he noticed because he smiled and gently caressed her face. Oh, she had it bad. Not only did her stomach have butterflies but also her knees felt weak.
"We should get started," he smiled. "I think we put on enough of a show for Selmak."
Janet turned to see Selmak propped on the rim of the tank, intently watching them.
"What does Selmak think about you and me?" Janet asked.
"Selmak will be thrilled. She tried setting me up with you before!"
"Christmas, you and I were getting more eggnog and you suddenly said I was a lovely lady."
"Actually, Selmak said it, using my voice, in an attempt to try to get something started."
"Is that why you turned bright red?" Janet teased.
"Yes, I couldn't believe she did that," he smiled.
Janet noticed he blushed a little right now. He was more adorable when he blushed from embarrassment. At least he was able to laugh at himself.
"Shall we get started?" she asked.
Jacob lay still on his back while Janet gently set Selmak down on his chest. Then he felt Janet's hand slip into his. He smiled and nodded, giving her hand a gently squeeze.
"Ok, Selmak, I'm ready," he said then kept his mouth open for her.
He hated this part. It scared the shit out of him that first time. He never thought he was going to have to go through it again. And again, Selmak was kind enough to make it a quick jump into his mouth and through the soft tissue at the back of his throat.
Darkness surrounded him momentarily. Then he was bombarded with her experiences from the past month. Her fleeing him for fear of killing him. The nearly disastrous tank tipping incident. The joy she felt when holding on to Jack's nose, both times. Even all the times he talked with her, he was now able to feel what emotions she was going through during those times. Her anger and frustration, and her abundance of love she felt towards him. How sad she was for not being able to do more. And finally, how happy she was he and Janet were finally together.
'I missed you too old girl,' he told her as she was absorbing all of his experiences.
Her response was to send her warmth and affection through their emotional bond. It filled every fiber of his being and hers.
'I am so proud of you Jacob! You and Janet finally got together! That means we can finally have sex!'
'Selmak!'
'You're such a prude!'
Jacob mentally shook his head and sighed.
'But I can give you the unique perspective of what it's like for a girl!' she chirped excitedly.
Jacob groaned.
'Selmak, Selmak, Selmak…what am I going to do with you?'
'Come on Jacob, I haven't had sex in centuries!'
'Honestly, Selmak, centuries? You're so full of shit!'
'Oh, alright I was exaggerating…it's been decades since I last had sex!
'Selmak, please! Janet and I will not be having sex on our little weekend get away!'
'Not if I have anything to do with it!' she teased.
'Behave! No hanky panky with MY girlfriend! Listen, I want to treat Janet right. Give her flowers, take her to a nice restaurant. Pamper her. Then, and only if she is willing, I will make love with her not have sex!'
'Sex, making love…who cares!'
'I CARE!'
Suddenly Jacob's head was filled with laughter. Selmak's laughter. She was teasing him. He fell for it every time. He never used to be so gullible.
'Only with me Jacob, only with me,' she laughed sensing his thoughts.
Jacob opened his eyes to see Janet was still there. She was smiling at him and still holding his hand.
"What's the big smile for?" she asked.
"Selmak is so excited about our date," he said sitting up. "She can't wait to go for a ride in the car."
'Jacob!'
'Selmak, I am not telling Janet you are a sex crazy symbiote! Do you want to scare her off?'
'No!'
'Good, behave.'
"So, when do you have to leave?" Janet asked, unaware of the internal conversation between Jacob and Selmak.
"Immediately," he sighed taking both her hands into his. "Will…will you see me off with the others?"
"I don't know Jacob," she said nervously.
"Sam's going to find out sooner or later, if she hasn't already figured it out. I did already blurt out that you and I would be having sex sometime in our future. Jack and Daniel already know. George…well, he knows I'll treat you right."
'Don't make her Jacob. If she doesn't want to,' Selmak suggested.
Jacob sighed feeling a little disappointed.
"If you don't want to be there, I understand," he smiled. "I'll stop by after I change to say my goodbye to you."
Janet nodded. After getting to his feet they embraced for a long moment. Then he kissed her on her bruised cheek and left. When he returned fifteen minutes later, she wasn't in the infirmary.
'Maybe I scared her,' he said to Selmak.
'After that kiss! No way!' Selmak replied as Jacob slowly headed to the Gate Room.
Still, Jacob was a little disappointed. And he was so surprised. His feelings for Janet were much stronger than he anticipated.
'She just sneaked into that heart of yours, didn't she?' Selmak asked. 'You don't have to tell her you love her, not yet.'
Yes, he did love her. He just didn't realize how much until now.
When he reached the Gate Room, he found the Gate had just been activated. His friends were there as was his daughter.
"George, sorry to be such a pain in the ass," Jacob smiled shaking his friend's hand. "I left a check on your desk. It should cover all the damage I caused."
"I'm just glad everything turned out alright," George joked. "I didn't want to contemplate what would happen if you were stuck like that!"
Jacob shook his head and moved to Jack.
"It was fun, Jack!" he said as the two embraced like brothers.
"Same here Jacob. Don't worry, I'll be paying Hammond as well. Oh…so sorry, Selmak! It was an accident."
"Apologize accepted. Just quit calling Selmak a snake," Jacob said.
"Can't promise anything but I'll try," Jack smiled.
"Daniel, you're still a geek," Jacob said shaking Daniel's hand. "But at least you're a good sport about it."
"Thanks Jacob. Take care," Daniel smiled.
"Sam," Jacob smiled taking his daughter into his arms and holding her tight. "Too bad we can't share this experience with Mark."
"He would have gotten a kick out of seeing you with hair!"
"I do kind of miss it," he said sliding his hand over his smooth head. "Take care kid. See you soon."
"You too Dad," she smiled.
As Jacob was slowing turning to head up the ramp he spotted Janet at the doorway. She was hesitant at first. When he moved towards her she was quick to rush into his open arms. Her lips were quickly to find his as they embraced tightly.
Jacob felt a rush of heat flow through him when her tongue briefly touched his. Then she was bold enough to start sucking on his tongue.
When they finally parted, she had this wicked smile on her face.
"I'll see you next week," he smiled back.
'Jacob, we are definitely going to get lucky next weekend!' Selmak cheered excitedly as Jacob was kissing Janet's hand and said goodbye.
'Selmak…is that all you think about?'
'No. But now that you have a girlfriend…'
'SELMAK!'