Chapter 28 – A Little Father-Daughter Chat
Sam and Jacob didn't leave the briefing room for another 15 minutes. Inwardly fuming at her CO for leaving after making the comment that he did, she spent those 15 minutes trying to convince her father that, although they were sharing accommodations, it was all in the best interest of the baby and had been fully sanctioned by General Hammond.
Of course, Sam had slipped and said sharing a room, at which point she had to physically restrain her father from going after Jack.
"Dad, if you don't sit down and take it easy, I am going to ask Selmac to take over, call the SF's in here, and have you escorted to the gate!" Once he was sitting, although none too happily, she sat also, heaving a huge sigh of relief. "As I was saying, Colonel O'Neill and I are sharing a suite, Dad. Two separate bedrooms, living room and bathroom. And this wasn't our idea. It was actually General Hammond's; as I just told you. Do you want me to go and get him so you can ask him yourself?" she asked with barely disguised hurt in her voice.
Jacob shook his head at her. "I just can't believe George would authorize something like that. He knows that Jack…" he stopped what he was about to say and looked over at Sam.
"That Jack what?" she asked with raised eyebrows.
"Never mind," Jacob grumbled under his breath.
Sam frowned in puzzlement, but continued on, hoping now that her father was somewhat calmer, she would be able to convince him everything was on the up and up. "I was just as surprised at the General's suggestion as you dad. But it made sense. There was still at least one more informant on base, we had eight men in the holding cells, and JJ just does better when we are both around." She looked imploringly into his eyes. "Come on, Dad. You know me. I would never do anything to endanger my career. I have too much respect for the military, and I got that from you."
Jacob leaned back and sighed. "Yeah, I know kiddo. I just don't think your CO has the same respect. He's the one I'm worried about."
Sam gave him a slight smile. "He is rather irreverent, but he would never do anything to endanger my career. Besides, I'm a big girl now and can take care of myself."
He regarded her carefully and finally let his face relax into a real smile. "As well as take care of a little boy. I'm proud of you, Sam. It must have been a shock, being handed the child of your alternate reality self and asked to keep him safe."
Sam shrugged her shoulders. "It hasn't been that difficult, really. Well, aside from the attempts to take him, that is," she grinned ruefully. "JJ is so sweet. I enjoy spending time with him." Not wanting her father to lead her down a different road at the moment, Sam stood up. "Come on, dad. Let's go to my lab. We can go over some of the specifications of the energy device and see who would best be able to help you out."
Nodding, Jacob stood up as well. He would talk to her more about the intricacies of having JJ around once they had completed their other business. He didn't want to get her all upset again so soon. And possibly himself, depending on how she answered his questions! "OK Sam, But I'm putting my foot down on one thing; there is no way in hell I am taking Felger back to that planet with me!"
Sam's laughter was a welcome relief to the personnel who had been in the control room. More than a handful of them had been rather concerned at the shouting coming from the room just a short time ago!
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Jacob leaned back from Sam's work table, stretching out his back muscles. They had gone over the specs for the energy device and Sam had given him some very valuable information. She had also been able to suggest two scientists on her team who would be able to give the Tok'ra more assistance on the planet. All in all, he was satisfied with this part of his conversation with her. Now to bring up the other part, he thought to himself. Trying to lead her in subtly, he said, "I really appreciate all your help Sam. But I have to admit, I wish you were the one coming back with me."
Sam smiled over at him. "I do too, Dad. But I'm needed here. JJ needs me and I promised Samantha I'd take care of him. I don't think I'd be much good to you anyway; I'd never be able to concentrate off-world if I left JJ right now."
She had given him the perfect opening. "You've really grown attached to him in a short time, haven't you Sam?"
Sam sat back herself and sighed softly. "Yeah, I have. It took me all of about 5 minutes to fall in love with him Dad. I remember Mom told me the same thing happened to her as soon as Mark and I were born; she fell in love with us instantly."
Jacob looked at her with sadness in his eyes. "Yes, she did Sam. So did I. But the big difference is that you and Mark were ours. JJ isn't."
Giving her father a look of reproach, Sam stood up and paced back and forth. "Don't you think I know that Dad? Every time I begin to enjoy being with him, I have to remind myself that he'll be going back soon. But it doesn't stop the love I feel for that little boy. And even though he's not mine, he is a part of me and I won't let that go."
Jacob came to stand next to her, looking deeply into her eyes. "He is also a part of Jack, isn't he? And even though he spent most of the time I was here being a sarcastic pain in the ass, I didn't miss how he looked at JJ, and at you."
Sam brushed past him and moved around the table. "There's nothing going on Dad. I thought I already cleared that up in the briefing room."
"Sam," Jacob sighed as he once again followed her around the table. "I know there is nothing inappropriate going on between you and Jack. But I also think they are some definite feelings there and having this child around may just serve as the catalyst to cause something to happen."
She turned to look at him and he was shocked by what he saw in her eyes. "Maybe he will be Dad. I've been thinking a lot lately about my life and what is missing from it. I love my job and I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize it. But I also think that there has to be some way for me to attain more than just military accolades and career advancements. I want more; I want true happiness and love in my life. You've had it, Mark has it, why the hell can't I have it?" Tears had begun to seep from her eyes, unbeknownst to Sam. Jacob stepped closer and gathered her in his arms.
"Shh, Sammie, it's OK. I'm sorry, I never meant to make you cry," he soothed her. "I can see how much you love JJ and how he's changed you. I just don't want to see you make a mistake, that's all."
"I already made several, Dad. Three years ago, I made a big mistake and it cost me having what the other Samantha Carter has right now." She pulled away from her dad and wiped at her eyes.
Jacob tilted her chin up to meet his gaze. "And would I be correct to assume that one of the things you might want is a child of your own and perhaps a rather grouchy Colonel who would be part of the package?
Sam chuckled, despite the seriousness of the conversation. "Possibly," she answered, not wanting to delve further into who she wanted to find this happiness with. Besides, she and Jack hadn't even had a conversation close to the one she was having with her dad. It was probably a bit presumptuous on her part to be thinking of a future with him without even discussing it with him first.
"Just promise me one thing, Sam," Jacob asked her.
"What's that Dad?"
"If anything ever happens between the two of you; one, you'll make sure you're not under his command anymore. And two, you'll tell me, not Jack. I don't think I can take any more of his announcements for a long time!"
Sam truly laughed this time and hugged her father tighter. Though he wasn't extremely comfortable about where he thought his daughter might be headed, he would always be supportive of her.
Jacob pulled away and smiled gently at her. "Well, kiddo, I need to be heading back soon. But first, I'd like to say good-bye to my pseudo grandson. And maybe, just maybe, give Jack a little payback," he grinned evilly.
"Now, Dad, you aren't going to tell him anything…"
"No Sammie, nothing said here will go beyond these doors. I just want to make him squirm a bit; you know he deserves it."
Sam grinned back at her father. "Yes, I'd have to agree that he does. What do you have in mind?"
"I'm not sure yet, but something will come to me. I'll consult with Selmac as we walk to your suite," he emphasized the word and grimaced. He still didn't like the idea of that little arrangement!
"Okay, Dad. I'll bring you there. But promise me one thing…don't be too loud. JJ might be asleep and I don't want him to wake up to the two of you yelling or fighting."
"Don't worry kiddo. I'll be gentle."
Sam snorted in disbelief as she led him out of her lab. Her father…gentle when dealing with Jack? Yeah right… and the Goa'uld gave out presents at Christmas.
A/N: Hope that wasn't too unrealistic but I did want Sam to voice some of her thoughts to her Dad before she and Jack have this kind of conversation...which will happen in a few chapters I think! I am also not quite sure what Jacob's payback will be, so if you have any good ideas, feel free to let me know!
