A/N: Ok - major tissue alert! If you thought the last two were tough...

Chapter 38 – Child of My Heart

Samantha Carter-O'Neill and Jack O'Neill came through the mirror, hands tightly clasped together, and were immediately surrounded by 6 guards. It was no less than they expected. They were ushered to a conference room down the hall where they were told that General Hammond would be with them shortly. They submitted to several medical tests by some of the medical staff on base, and then were left virtually alone to wait in strained anticipation. Two guards stayed in the room with them while the other four went to stand guard in the hallway. They tried asking questions of the guards, but were met with stony silence.

They shared a look of trepidation. Why hadn't Major Carter been there to meet them? Had something truly happened to JJ here?

Both of them swung their gazes to the door as it opened to reveal General Hammond, Teal'c and Daniel Jackson. The five of them stared at each other in silence for several moments before Jack broke the quiet. "Where is my child?" he demanded in his most authoritative voice.

At that, the General gave a slight smile, "Straight and to the point. Not much different from our Jack O'Neill." He then indicated seats at the table. "Please have a seat Colonel O'Neill, Lt. Colonel Carter," he said after noticing the bars on her jacket. "Our Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter will be here shortly. They need to get JJ's things together. He is well and healthy; I am pleased to tell you."

Samantha sighed with relief as she sat down, her hand reaching out to grasp Jack's. Jack looked the three men over, especially Teal'c, who was conspicuously holding a Zat gun at his side. "Why the weapon? Are you going to try and stop us from taking our own child back with us?" The edge remained in his voice as he regarded them with a steely gaze. Although he had assured his wife no such thing would happen, he was starting to worry that maybe things weren't going to be so easy.

Daniel spoke for the first time. "We would never do that Jack. JJ belongs with you. We just need to make sure you are who you say you are. You see," he paused, "Things haven't exactly gone smoothly here since JJ arrived."

At their looks of concern, the General took over, "Rest assured, JJ is fine. But as Dr. Jackson has indicated, we have had a few incidents. The NID tried to get their hands on JJ a few days ago. That attempt was thwarted by the resourceful actions of SG-1, and Major Carter in particular. Then yesterday, your Sergeant Davis came through the mirror."

"What?" Jack and Samantha said in disbelief. "He disappeared yesterday. Why would he come here?" Jack asked.

"He was not as you knew him," Teal'c stated. "He had been taken over by the Asrak and tried to take Jonathon Jacob back with him. Again, Major Carter thwarted the attempt to take your child."

"In doing so, she killed Sergeant Davis," General Hammond apologized. "I am sorry Colonel O'Neill, Colonel Carter. But it could not be helped."

They were both stunned into silence. They had sent their child here to be safe, yet had almost lost him not once, but twice? Samantha paled at the thought and leaned into Jack's side. She needed to hold her baby in her arms, desperately.

"And so you think we might also be Asrak?" Jack asked quietly.

"The possibility had crossed our minds, Colonel. Thus the medical tests. The final test will be Major Carter. She is able to sense the Goa'uld due to the naquadah in her blood," General Hammond explained.

"Samantha has that ability as well. Why didn't she sense the Asrak when he was on our base?" Jack asked in confusion.

"The Asrak was taking a concoction that renders it difficult for others to sense the naquadah. The journey through the Quantum mirror seems to weaken this compound," Teal'c explained.

"Was she hurt?' Samantha asked quietly. They turned as one to the woman who looked much paler than she had a few minutes ago. "You said your Sam went up against both the NID and an Asrak to save my son. Was she hurt?"

"Major Carter received a few minor injuries but is otherwise unharmed," the General assured her.

"Thank God!" Samantha breathed sincerely. "I never meant to put any of you in danger. I just wanted to save my son!" She turned to Jack with a look of despair. She had never thought that taking this course of action would put others in danger, and it was overwhelming to her.

Samantha and Jack turned and stood as one when the door opened once again. The tears she had been trying to told back flowed freely as she saw her son clutched tightly in the other woman's arms. He was wearing a small hockey jersey and had his back to them as he babbled away in his own language to the man behind him.

Sam stopped just inside the door, Jack coming around to flank her side. The room was deathly quiet as the four officers regarded each other with interest. The two Samantha's had met face to face, though briefly and in a dark storage area. Sam also had the experience of meeting a different alternate reality form of herself several years ago.

Neither Jack O'Neill, however, had had the pleasure of meeting themselves, so they regarded each other with quiet contemplation. Daniel, Teal'c, and General Hammond also scrutinized the officers, picking up on the subtle differences between them. The Carters were easy to tell apart; Sam had short hair, Samantha had longer hair that was worn in a style following Air Force regulations. Samantha also had a softer, slightly fuller figure; no doubt due to the fact that she had given birth only eleven months ago.

The two O'Neill's were harder to distinguish between. The only difference that Daniel noticed was the softer lines about the face of the AU Jack. Maybe being happy and fulfilled in married life was the difference.

Jack broke the silence. "So, you're here. How was the trip? See anything interesting along the way – like munchkins or a witch perhaps?" AU Jack let himself relax slightly at the comment. It was much like something he would have said to break the ice.

"Nothing nearly as interesting as that," he replied. "I see you have good taste in clothes." He indicated the hockey jersey that JJ was wearing.

"Yeah, the Avalanche. Hopefully they'll have a good season this year," Jack shrugged as he continued to regard his counterpart.

"So, how's my boy? I hear there's been a bit of… trouble." AU Jack's voice broke at the end of his statement as JJ finally turned his head to look at this familiar voice.

A frown of puzzlement came over the little boy as he looked between Jack and AU Jack; Sam and Samantha. "Mama? Dada?" he asked in confusion. Then he stuck his thumb in his mouth and regarded these adults with a bit of apprehension.

When he spoke, Samantha let out a sob and stepped closer, ready to take her child back in her arms. Sam stepped back, not yet ready to hand him over. A look of surprise crossed Samantha's face and she reached out to grab her husband's arm, not sure if there would indeed be a confrontation over the baby.

Sam looked over to the General who gave her a nod, then back at the couple before her. "I need to make sure it's safe, first," she explained quietly as she handed JJ over to Jack. She then stepped forward until she was within a foot of the other couple and stayed quiet for a few moments. Not sensing anything unusual, she then glanced around the room, took in Teal'c's nod of agreement and said, "Everything appears to be in order, Sir."

The General nodded to her, noticing the lines of strain around her eyes and mouth. This was going to be difficult for her, but he knew she would carry on with professionalism. Sam turned back to Jack to take JJ from him. Her back was to everyone else and only Jack could see the despair lurking in the depths of her eyes. He let his hand linger briefly on hers over JJ's back, giving her fingers a squeeze in silent support. Steeling herself for what she had to do next, Sam turned and walked over to Samantha.

Samantha had happy tears coursing down her cheeks as she accepted JJ from Sam. She buried her face in the baby's neck and sobbed her relief at finally having him back in her arms. AU Jack enfolded his family in a hug and kissed his son on the head, forcefully keeping his own tears of happiness and relief at bay until they were back in their own world.

Sam backed away and crossed her arms, willing herself to maintain control. She could not, however stop the moisture gathering in her eyes as she observed the reunion, so looked down at the floor and took deep, controlling breaths. Daniel walked around the table and came to stand beside her, Jack on her other side, in a quiet show of strength and support.

JJ leaned back from his mother and gazed into her eyes. Recognizing the familiar look and feel of her, he patted her cheeks and said "Mama," as if to confirm that yes, this person really was his mother. He twisted his little body and looked back at Sam, giving her a smile of love and acceptance as well. She may not have been his real mother, but he loved her just the same.

Sam couldn't resist smiling back at the little boy. He was a charmer, just like his daddy. And though she was going to miss him dearly and her heart felt as if it was breaking in two, she could see that he was back where he belonged.

AU Jack stepped away from his wife and son and came over to Sam and Jack. "I can't thank you enough for what you have done. Samantha and I…well, JJ is our world. I don't know what we would have done…"

Sam took his hand in hers. "You would have done the same for us. Well, another alternate us," she amended, sharing a glance with Jack. "I'm just sorry that the week wasn't without its traumas. I tried to protect him, we all did, but I'm afraid he might have suffered some emotional distress…"

AU Jack returned the squeeze to her hand. "Hey, he'll be OK. He's a tough little kid, gets that from his mother," he added with a grin, looking back at Samantha with so much love in his eyes that Sam felt her breath catch in her throat. To be on the receiving end of such open love was something she just couldn't imagine.

Jack looked down at her when he heard her indrawn breath, wondering at it, but he didn't say anything. He too noticed the open looks of love that were shared between this other Jack and Sam and it tore at him. This was much more difficult than he had ever expected it to be; not only saying good-bye to JJ but seeing what he had been missing for the last few years.

Samantha stepped forward and settled close to her husband. Her eyes had lost their look of despair and were now brimming with happiness. "I want to add my thanks as well, Sam. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't agreed to take JJ. It broke my heart to leave him…but I knew I could trust his safety to you."

"Thank you, for trusting me," Sam said quietly. She was having a hard time keeping herself under control once again, so bit her lip and looked at Daniel on her side.

Sensing her need for the attention to be redirected away from her, Daniel asked, "So, do you know for sure that the threat is over in your reality?"

AU Jack answered him. "Yes, Thor came to the rescue with a fleet of Asguard ships. Anubis escaped, but several of his ships were taken out. I don't think we'll be hearing from him again anytime soon."

"In addition to Anubis wanting JJ, the NID were very interested in getting at him here," General Hammond stated. "Can you tell us if anything of the sort happened in your world?" Jack and Sam looked at him in surprise. They were both curious as to why he had asked that particular question.

AU Jack and Samantha shared a look of pained remembrance before he turned to answer the General. "Before he was born, we had some of those same concerns, especially after Samantha was kidnapped and almost killed. So we contacted someone inside the NID, a friend. We were able to make a deal; if we provided the placenta and umbilical cord for them to study after JJ was born, they would leave us alone." He shrugged, "It seemed a small price to pay for JJ's safety. So far, we haven't had any trouble with the NID. Of course, having a 6'4" Jaffa as a Godfather doesn't hurt," he added with a grin toward Teal'c.

Daniel looked at AU Jack with surprise. "Wait a minute. You picked Teal'c over me? But we've know each other longer! Haven't we?"

"Danny, it isn't you. Remember?" Jack told him dryly.

"Well, yeah. But still," he looked to AU Jack for a response.

"Yes, we have known each other longer, Daniel, but I'm sorry, it was a matter a brawn over brains this time. You'll get to be Godfather to the next one."

All eyes turned to Samantha in question and she blushed a light shade of red but remained quiet. Sam and Jack looked at each other in surprise, and then looked away just as quickly. Two children? It was hard enough for either of them to imagine being together, let alone having two children!

Changing the subject, Samantha turned to the General. "We should really be going, Sir. I don't want us to experience any of the side effects of mirror travel. Plus, we have many people in our own world anxious to see JJ again."

"Of course. Major Carter and Colonel O'Neill will escort you to the mirror. I will send some people down with the body of Sergeant Davis." They nodded solemnly at that comment before the General continued. "I want to wish you both the best of luck. JJ is quite a special young man; we've grown very fond of him here at the SGC. And I do hope you never have to use the mirror again. Maybe you shouldn't," he suggested quietly.

"I think we'll be having that very same discussion with our General Hammond, sir," Samantha stated. Though it had seemed to be the only means possible at the time to save her child, it had obviously not been without its repercussions. They had much to discuss regarding any future use of the device.

Samantha and Jack nodded their thanks to everyone, then stood back while Daniel and Teal'c said their good-byes to JJ. Daniel took the little boy first and held him gently. "Be good little guy. I'll miss you."

"Da-ee!" JJ responded gleefully, reaching for the glasses that held such fascination for him. Daniel pulled away in time and handed the baby off to Teal'c, his eyes holding a hint of moisture.

"EEE!" JJ squealed as the large Jaffa held him close.

"You will be a great warrior one day, Jonathon Jacob. May you have the strength, bravery and honor of your parents." Then Teal'c surprised them all by giving JJ a soft kiss on the forehead. As he handed the little boy back to his parents, he said solemnly, "I am sure that in your world, I will do everything within my power to keep your child safe." Teal'c nodded solemnly to JJ's parents, then to Jack and Sam before he left the room, followed quietly by Daniel and General Hammond.

"Well, I guess this is it," Jack announced to no one in particular. He picked up JJ's bag and handed it over to AU Jack. "Uh, there are extra diapers, clothes and toys in the other bag. Bart's in here," he nodded to the bag he had just passed over. "Great toy, by the way," he grinned. "Carter also added some pictures we took of JJ for you."

"Pictures?" Samantha asked with interest.

"Yes," Sam answered. "JJ took his first steps a few days ago. I thought you might like some pictures of the event since…well, you know…," she finished lamely as Samantha started to once again tear up.

"JJ! You walked? Oh Jack, did you hear that?"

"Way to go, little man! I knew you were advanced for your age," AU Jack said proudly, ruffling the little boy's hair as he pressed a kiss to Samantha's cheek.

Jack and Sam shared a smile at the term of endearment for JJ that they had used as well. Then Jack picked up the other bag and lead the way to the storage room where the mirror was being kept. The rest of them followed him out of the room and down the corridor to their destination. Sam stepped ahead to open the door and hold it for the others as she was the only one with her hands free. The two men walked between the rows of shelving and put their bags down, turning to look for the women who had stopped right inside the door.

Samantha turned to Sam, her eyes full of thanks and compassion. "I really don't know what to say…nothing can express my thanks for what you have done. You put your life on the line for a child you didn't even know, and I can never repay you for that," she said with a sad smile.

"Oh, but I do know him," Sam answered quietly. "From the moment I held him, I felt like he was a part of me. I know he's not mine, but he will always have a place in my heart." Sam couldn't stop the tears from falling any longer. Samantha understood her feelings entirely and enfolded her in a hug before she offered Sam one last chance to hold JJ. Sam accepted JJ from Samantha's arms, pressed her cheek against his and held him tightly. When she finally pulled away, she gave Samantha a watery smile. She kissed JJ's cheek, whispered, "Good-bye JJ. I will always love you." Then she handed the little boy back to his mother.

Samantha glanced over at the men waiting by the mirror, talking quietly themselves. "Sam, don't let your chance at happiness slip away just because there are obstacles right now. You can work around them, believe me. Take a chance on happiness."

Sam didn't bother to pretend that she didn't know what Samantha was talking about. She just nodded her head, wiped her eyes, and softly replied, "I'm planning on doing that very thing."

"Good," Samantha nodded approvingly. "I promise you, you'll never find as much love and happiness as you will with that man, especially if he's anything like my Jack." She smiled and continued, "Of course, he'll drive you nuts and you'll want to send him to Thor for an extended vacation now and then…" They shared a smile of understanding before they turned to head toward the mirror.

Much as his wife was talking to Sam, AU Jack talked to his counter part. "She's amazing, isn't she? My life hasn't been the same since she walked in that briefing room seven years ago." He looked directly at Jack now and saw the agreement in his eyes. "I can see how you feel about her, Jack. Don't let the chance to be truly happy again pass you by." He held up his hand when Jack began to interrupt. "Don't give me that crap about the regs. We figured out a way to make it work. You can too. You have both made enough sacrifices; make one for yourselves."

Jack looked over at Sam and admitted quietly, "What if she doesn't want this with me?"

AU Jack shook his head, "Don't be an idiot. Sam feels the same way; you're both just too afraid to do anything about it. Jack, she is the best thing that has ever happened to you, I know it because it's the same for me. Don't blow this."

They both turned as the women approached, then AU Jack surprised them by walking up to Sam and enfolding her in a hug. Sam's eyebrows went up as she shot a look at Jack, who had an unreadable expression on his face. He wasn't quite sure how he felt about another man hugging Sam; even if it was himself! "You're as amazing here as you are in my world Samantha Carter," AU Jack said quietly to her. "Thank you for keeping my little boy safe." He pulled back and gave her a look filled with gratitude.

Samantha turned and placed JJ in Jack's arms. "Sam got to say good-bye. I think you should too," she explained at the quizzical look on his face.

Glancing around at the three adults, Jack felt self-consciousness overwhelm him. But he did need to say good-bye to this little boy who held such a firm place in his heart. Turning away from them, he hugged JJ to his chest and pressed his lips against his hair. "Good-bye little man.," he whispered to the child. "I'm going to miss you so much. Thank you for showing me… what the future might hold," and then he dipped his head to gain control of his emotions. JJ reached up and patted his cheeks, unknowingly rubbing the single tear that trickled out of Jack's eye onto his own finger. Taking a deep breath, Jack turned back around, pressed one more kiss to JJ's head, and passed him back to his mother.

Sam had more tears in her eyes as she saw the depth of emotions playing across Jack's face. Would they ever feel whole again, she wondered? And would they be able to obtain what these two had?

"You've got quite a boy there. Take care of him," Jack said to both Samantha and AU Jack as they came to stand before the mirror. AU Jack nodded his head and took his son from Samantha as she dug out the device used to activate the mirror.

In an instant, the mirror came to life and they saw a room appear on the other side. Samantha took JJ back into her arms, Au Jack picked up the bags, and they turned to say a good-bye. Two SF's came in, carrying a body bag, and set it gently on the floor, then left. The four adults looked at it sadly before saying their final good-byes.

"Thank you again," Samantha whispered. "We'll never forget what you've done for us."

"Thank you. For trusting me with JJ. Keep him safe," Sam replied quietly.

"We will," Samantha assured her. She turned to look down at JJ. "Say good-bye JJ."

The little boy looked between the two sets of parents, a small frown marring his features, before he complied with his mother's request and offered a quiet, "Bye-bye," of his own. Sam pressed her lips together but could not keep the tears from flowing down her cheeks. Jack closed his eyes and took a deep breath, willing himself to stay in control.

"Don't forget what I said," AU Jack told Jack with a stern look. "You owe it to yourselves." Jack looked him in the eye and nodded his head in understanding. He looked down to see Sam's tear-streaked face looking up at him in puzzlement.

"I'll explain it later," he assured her quietly as he put his arm around her and gave her shoulders a comforting squeeze.

They both looked on as the other Jack and Sam stepped up to the mirror, ready to go through. Before Sam could blink an eye, they were on the other side and an alternate Daniel and Teal'c were standing right behind them, smiles of relief evident on their faces. Jack stepped forward and passed the body through to Teal'c, then stepped back to rejoin Sam.

Samantha took JJ's hand, pressed it against his lips, and blew them a final kiss from the little boy before the mirror turned off for good.

Sam took in a shuddering breath and turned to her stricken gaze to Jack. "Oh God, I didn't think this would hurt so much!"

"Shh, it's going to be all right," Jack muttered as he pulled her into his arms, even though he knew it wasn't entirely the truth. If her heart hurt half as much as his was hurting right now, he knew it would be a long time before everything felt all right again. The pain of loving a child, then losing him, no matter the conditions, didn't go away overnight.


Ok - I am promising you a very shippy epilogue with resolutions of many issues. I hope to have it done mid-week. Now dry your eyes!