As in the past I have cut certain parts to stay within the R rating. Check heliopolis 2 if you're missing those parts.

Sam, Daniel, Jack, Teal'c, Rania, and Nynan were taken directly to the Air Force Academy hospital and placed in an isolation room. Jack hated to think about how many tests had to be performed after being on an alien planet for ten months. Nynan sat on the same gurney as Daniel. Teal'c and Rania were sharing a gurney and holding hands. Jack found the furthest gurney possible from Sam and lay down so she couldn't join him. Sam sat on her gurney and refused to cry.

Two doctors and four nurses entered the isolation room. There were several tubes of blood drawn from each of them. One of the doctors listened to their heart and lungs while a nurse checked their pulse, blood pressure, and temperature. They even got their reflexes checked! It was late by the time the initial exam was finished.

"I'll allow each of you to retire to a room at the SGC for the night since your initial exams are fine. I'll run these labs tonight and meet with each of you again in the morning. We'll also do ultrasounds in the morning so we can check the progress of your pregnancies." The physician looked at Nynan and Rania who both continued to glow and smile. Sam's stomach knotted and she looked away.

They all rode in a van to the SGC. There were three guards assigned to watch them and lead them to their rooms. Daniel and Nynan stayed together in a VIP room. Teal'c and Rania stayed in Teal'c's old room, which hadn't been disturbed while he was gone. Jack went into a room of his own and locked the door. Sam took the room across the hall. She curled up on her bed and cried.

Breakfast the next morning was a loud affair. Airman after airman came up to the group to welcome them back and introduce themselves to the new women. Sam sat at the furthest end of the table from Jack but on the same side so she wouldn't have to face him. She nibbled at a bagel and sipped her coffee. Jack had eggs, bacon, a muffin, fruit, orange juice, and a cup of coffee. He was eating so quickly he couldn't even mumble a reply to most of the curious well wishers. Sam was overwhelmed by his lack of interest so she dumped her tray and went to the infirmary.

"Why are you being such an ass, Jack?"

"I told you to stay out of it."

"I can't, not when you're hurting her." Daniel glanced towards the door through which Sam exited.

"I agree, O'Neill. Your behavior is uncalled for and rude. By the right of friendship, I should be able to remove your lungs and feed them to garnots for the way you have treated Colonel Carter since our rescue. No matter how you feel about her she was your mate. Give her the respect she deserves or pay the price." Jack looked around the table and saw that everyone in attendance agreed with Teal'c. Jack lost his appetite and left the table. His friends watched him leave, his shoulders sagging and his head hung low. Jack slowly moved towards the infirmary.

"I'm glad you're the first one here this morning, Colonel. I wanted to speak with you about your test results alone." Sam climbed up on a gurney.

"Is there a problem?"

"I wouldn't call it a problem but I don't know how you'll take it. Your pregnant." Sam's eyes widened and her heart raced. She couldn't believe her ears. She hadn't even noticed the signs!

"Are you sure?"

"One hundred percent. I can show you with the ultrasound if you want to lie back." Sam smiled and nodded her consent. The doctor went over to roll the ultrasound into the curtained off area. Jack walked in as the doctor pushed the machine out of the corner. He watched out of curiosity. When he saw the doctor was taking it to Sam he walked towards her.

"Sam?" She looked up in shock. Tears developed in her eyes. Jack was suddenly worried that something was terribly wrong. His stomach clinched and his heart dropped in fear. He didn't want her to be hurt or sick, just as heartsick as she had left him.

"You should see this, Jack." Sam reached out for his hand and pulled him closer to the bed. The doctor pulled her shirt up to her chest, nudged the waist of her pants down and applied the cold gel. Jack's eyes widened as he realized what was happening.

"You're..."

"Yes." The tears spilled over her eyes and Jack's eyes misted. The doctor began moving the wand over her belly. The fuzzy images on the screen weren't recognizable to Jack and Sam but they both knew they meant their relationship might have a chance, because neither was going to abandon a child.

"Based on the head size and length I'd estimate you're nine weeks pregnant. I can't tell you the sex yet, but if you want to know we can check again later. Do you have any questions?"

"What's that thing there that seems to be moving?" Jack pointed to the screen with the hand Sam wasn't holding.

"The heart. Would like you like to hear it?" Sam and Jack both nodded. The doctor wiped the gel off Sam's stomach and got out a special stethoscope. She placed it on Sam's stomach. Jack and Sam smiled at the sound.

"I'll leave you two alone." The doctor walked back to her office with a smile on her face.

Sam sat up on the gurney. Jack put his hand on her back and helped her sit up. She swung her legs over the side and turned her body towards him. She put her head on his shoulder. He leaned his head on top of hers and put his arms loosely around her back.

"I'm sorry pretending was so bad but we'll find a way to do this."

"What?" Sam looked up in confusion. He looked away and blushed slightly.

"I heard you telling your Dad about how awful it had been lying to me." Sam grinned and shook her head.

"That's what all of this was about? It was awful lying to you, making you think I was going to be taken back to the breeding facility when I knew I'd be killed on Ollan."

"What?" Jack met her eyes for the first time since the doctor left the room.

"I lied to you so you wouldn't try to save me. I needed you to survive, to save Daniel and Teal'c. If you'd known I was going to be killed you'd have never agreed to the plan."

"You're damn right I wouldn't have agreed." Jack's hold on Sam tightened. "Is that all you lied about?"

"Yes, Jack." Sam looked up at him and smiled.

"So when you said you loved me?"

"I meant every word, every kiss, every..."

"I get it." Jack leaned down and kissed her passionately. Her arms wound around his neck and her fingers played with the hair at the nape of his head. Daniel, Nynan, Teal'c, and Rania entered the room in time to see the passionate kiss.

"I hope this means you talked." Daniel smiled as Jack pulled back from Sam's lips.

"Indeed." Everyone began to laugh as Jack and Sam both blushed.

After the medical exams were completed they went to the briefing room. Jacob was glad to see Jack's arm around Sam, even if he did remove it the minute he saw General Hammond. General Hammond greeted them all with hugs and back slaps. He introduced them to General Higgins, who'd been filling in for Jack.

They spent two hours going over their time in the breeding center and on Ollan before General Hammond released them for lunch. Jack filled his plate again. Sam had a better appetite then at breakfast, but Jack made comments about every item she picked.

"Can you have diet soda?"

"I can have anything I damn well please." Sam raised her eyebrows and took her tray to the table.

"That wasn't what I meant." Jack sat beside Sam. Daniel and Teal'c smirked at how protective Jack had suddenly become. They both knew Sam would nip his new attitude in the bud.

"I understand Jack, but being pregnant doesn't change who I am."

"Of course it does. You're a mother now."

"Relax, Jack. I know it's a lot to take in so soon but you're overreacting."

"No, I'm not." Jack reached out and placed his hand on her belly. "You're carrying our child and I'm going to make sure you have everything you need."

"Let's talk about this later, huh." Sam rolled her eyes while Nynan and Rania giggled. They had an hour until they had to meet back in the briefing room. Sam went to her lab. Jack followed her. Daniel took Nynan to his office. Teal'c took Rania on a mini-tour around the lower levels of the SGC.

Sam and Jack were the first two to return to the briefing room. General Hammond was waiting for them. They both snapped to attention.

"At ease. I told everyone else they were free to go but I thought we needed to talk." General Hammond sat and motioned for them to join him. They both sat to his left. Under the table Jack held Sam's hand. They'd both worried about this moment while they were on Ollan, but it had seemed so far away that neither had really planned a response.

"I've been informed of your condition Colonel Carter. Congratulations."

"Thank-you, sir."

"Am I correct in assuming that you're the father Jack?"

"Yes, sir." Jack nodded slowly and squeezed Sam's hand.

"As your friend let me say excellent."

"Really?" Jack's eyebrows rose and his mouth hung open.

"Yes, really. As your commanding officer I'm afraid it's my responsibility to tell you something has to change now that you've returned." Sam and Jack looked at each other and then back at General Hammond.

"We knew that, sir." Sam answered for both of them.

"I'm retiring." General Hammond expected Jack's announcement but it took Sam by surprise.

"You can't. You love the SGC. What would you do all day?"

"I'd take care of you and the baby. You're both more important to me then a job." Jack squeezed her hand again but Sam wasn't willing to simply accept that explanation.

"You can't fool me. This hasn't ever been just a job." General Hammond decided it was time to interrupt before these two ended up in a real squabble.

"Jacob sent a message when he found you. He explained what he thought had happened so we've had time to come up with a plan." Sam and Jack both turned their attention back to General Hammond.

"Go ahead, sir." Sam shifted in her seat as she spoke.

"General Higgins has been doing a commendable job but he and the Asgard don't have the relationship that Jack shares with Thor. Jack, we'd like you to act as Earth's ambassador to the Asgard. That would allow you to maintain your clearance as a civilian."

"He's worked too hard to be General to just throw that away." Sam's voice was high and strained.

"Gimme a break, Sam. General was higher then I ever expected to go. This way I'd still get to bug you at work, know what was happening, and stay at home with our child. I don't want to miss out on any of the milestones every parent is suppose to record. Let me have this. It's what I really want. I promise." Sam saw the sincerity in his face and sighed.

"Take as long as you need to talk about it. I've released you from base. Both of your houses have been maintained. I'll see you back Thursday morning, unless you have an answer before then." They both stood at attention.

"Yes, sir." They replied in unison. General Hammond joined General Higgins in his office. Sam and Jack silently made their way to the locker room to get their personal belongings.

"So where are we going?" Jack sat on the locker room bench and watched Sam open her locker.

"I'm glad you didn't suggest we each go to our own homes." Jack stood up behind Sam and put his arms around her waist. His head fell to her shoulder.

"I told you on Ollan that this was real. Everything's different and I don't want this to end." He kissed her neck and held her close. Sam smiled.

"The let's take your truck to my place. We can pack a few boxes tonight and I'll move to your place tomorrow, if that's alright with you." Jack spun her around. His face was beaming and his smile spread from ear to ear.

"That's more then alright, it's fantastic." Sam hugged him and he picked her up.

"Jack! Be careful!"

"With you, always." Sam shook her head, gave him a peck on the lips, and went back to getting her stuff out of her locker. Jack got his keys out of his locker and closed the door.

"Is that all you need?"

"I've got you and my keys. I think that's everything I need." Sam giggled, closed her locker, and followed Jack to the surface.

Jack smirked as he watched Sam caress her belly with the tips of her fingers for the fifth time since getting into his truck.

"What?" Sam looked over at Jack.

"I didn't say anything." Jack watched the road and tried to wipe the grin off his face.

"You didn't have to say anything." Sam's grin matched Jacks. "What are you grinning about?"

"You."

"What about me?"

"Did you know you've been rubbing your belly?" Sam looked down at her hand, which was lying on her belly. She blushed and looked out the passenger window. "I'm glad you're happy about this."

"How do you feel about it?" They pulled up to Sam's house just as she finished her question. Jack briefly looked at her, turned away and got out of the truck. He walked up to her door and waited for her to follow. Sam's heart rate increased as she walked to the door. Jack let her squeeze beside him so she could unlock the door. She walked in first and Jack closed the door. His arms enveloped her before she was able to walk away.

"I never thought anything could make me happier then being with you until today." Sam spun around in his arms and looked into his eyes. She felt the tears welling up and ignored them as his lips softly touched hers. "Marry me." Hers eyes widened and her mouth dropped slightly.

"Are you serious? We've only been back a couple days."

"How many days do we need? We've been living together for over eight months. As far as I'm concerned we've been married the whole time." Sam grabbed his face and kissed him. His arms pulled her closer as her tongue snaked into his mouth. He flinched as her leg rubbed up and down his leg.

"Yes."

"What?"

"I'll marry you, as soon as we figure things out at work."

"I've made up my mind. All I have to do is convince you I'm right."

"Do you know the statistical probability of my being wrong?" Sam grinned as Jack rubbed her ass.

"I didn't say you were wrong. As far as I know you haven't declared a position and as soon as you agree with me you'll be right." Sam rubbed herself against Jack, eliciting a deep moan at the end of his sentence.

"Wasn't I clear when I said you shouldn't give up your job?" Jack's hands slipped under her shirt.

"That isn't the same as declaring a position. Once you understand someone else has my job and I've been offered a new job that'll allow me to have and do everything I want you'll agree with me." He pulled her shirt over her head and threw it back towards the door. His lips descended to her neck. She leaned back into his arms, allowing him full access to her neck and chest. Jack backed her up to the wall, hitting it harder then he expected. He pulled back and looked at her.

"Are you alright? I didn't hurt you, did I?" Sam grinned.

"Don't expect me to go all frail on you now that I'm pregnant." Sam poked him in the chest as she talked.

"I like the sound of that."

"Me being frail?"

"No, you being pregnant. What's with all the flashing lights on your machine?" Jack looked down at the hall table beside them.

"It's been ten months. I'm glad I got a few messages while I was gone."

"That looks like more then a few." Sam ran her hands under Jack's shirt and up his back. He returned his eyes to her face.

"The answering machine can wait. I can't." Sam placed her arms on his shoulders and lifted herself to his lips. As soon as her lips left his she pulled on his hand and led him down the hall. The grin that spread across his face made her laugh.

"Are you laughing at me?"

"I suppose so, yeah." Sam laughed harder.

"Then let me put an end to that." Jack pushed her back onto the bed. She bounced as he jumped on the bed beside her. He flung his shirt off and unbuttoned his pants. Sam laid back and watched. He reached down and untied his shoes. He pushed his shoes off with only his feet as his hands rubbed her belly and sides.

"God, you're so beautiful. I can't wait to see how you'll look eight months pregnant."

"Is that suppose to get me in the mood?"

"You'd better be ready for the fact that you knocked up will make me perpetually horny, especially since it's my baby. Knowing we did this makes me..." Sam sat up and kissed him.

"I know." Sam pushed his pants over his hips. As soon as he was naked he straddled her legs. He held her and lowered her to the bed as he kissed her. His lips left hers, moved across her jaw, down her neck and across her collarbone. Sam sighed and caressed his back.

Without warning, he pulled back from her, leaving her half naked and frustrated. He turned his back to her, still straddling her legs. He lifted her right leg and pulled her foot up. She sat up slightly and looked around him. He was untying her tennis shoes.

"I can do that faster if you'd like." Sam offered.

"I like it this way." Jack caressed her foot after dropping her shoe. Sam was wound tighter then a jack-in-the box just before it's last note. Jack picked up her left foot and began untying her shoelace. Sam sat up further and ran her hands up his back along his spine. As soon as the shoe hit the floor Jack leaned back into her touch. Sam stuck her tongue out and traced a path up his back to the nape of his hair.

Jack lost his precarious balance and fell back onto Sam. Sam hadn't been expecting the extra weight and she fell backwards onto the bed. Jack rolled off immediately.

"Are you alright?"

"I will be if you get back over here and take care of what you started." Sam smiled and extended her hand towards Jack. Jack took her hand and moved closer. His lips met hers briefly as his hand returned to her pants. Sam took advantage of his timing by sliding her tongue into his mouth. She touched the back of his teeth and the roof of his mouth before letting him escape.

She helped him remove her pants and panties, now a treasured clothing item, by lifting her hips. He threw both items, still entangled together, across the room. He moved between her legs and looked up at her. They both smiled in anticipation. Sam closed her eyes and let her head fall back.

"I love you, Sam."

"I love you, JACK." He knew as she exhaled his name in a muted yell that he had brought her to the other side again. Neither moved as they listened to their ragged breathing begin to slow.

"I'm looking forward to a long life with you." Sam spoke quietly, afraid she would break the moment.

"I'm looking forward to a life with you. We've been denied for too long. This is our time and we're going to make the most of it, together." Jack kissed her softly. As they started to get cool Jack reached down and used the comforter to cover them.

"Night, beautiful." Jack hugged Sam closer to his body.

"Night, sexy." Sam snuggled closer to his chest.

"Really?"

"Without a doubt." Sam felt Jack grin spread across his face. She smothered a giggle against his chest and shook her head.

"Don't laugh at me."

"I was giggling, not laughing."

"Giggling isn't allowed either."

"I'll protest tomorrow, after I've slept."

"Agreed." They fell asleep embracing, but slowly unwound and moved apart as the night deepened.