Ties that Bind pt12
Walking through the patio doors, we noticed that most of the guys were sitting around the deck and only Teal'c, Major Griffith, Major Palmer and Cassie were still standing. Cassie saw us coming and was excited to tell us about what she had learned from Teal'c. I smiled at her and said that I was glad she was a fast learner. Asking for Cassie's help in serving refreshments, we went inside and filled enough glasses for everyone outside. I asked Ferretti if dinner was almost ready. He said that they were getting ready to set the table, and by the time that was done, dinner would be ready.

Taking some of the glasses of water, I asked Cassie to give the guys on the deck their drinks, while I headed back to theJack and the rest of the group. I overheard him telling the others what was going on and what had happen earlier here at the house. To say they were upset would be putting it mildly. A couple of choice words and threats could be heard, but they abruptly stopped talking when I stepped into the group to hand each of them a glass.

The Colonel asked if they were headed back to the SGC. Major Palmer's team was going back, since they were scheduled to be on duty that evening. Major Palmer said he would keep an eye on the NID agents, and if he saw anything suspicious, he would let the Colonel and the General know. Jack told the two men not to let the NID agents know what had been happening at the house.

"I know you trust your team with your life. But, we've gotten a lot of new recruits recently, and it's hard to really know who is trustworthy. General Hammond knows what's been happening, and he suggested that this be kept on a need to know basis. Also, I don't want too many people hanging around here at the house. So pick one person from your team that you trust and tell the rest that it would be better if they kept to the base, doing just their regular routine. I've already talked to Ferretti, and he's chosen his 2IC, Murphy. They'll be staying the night to keep an eye on things."

Major Griffith chose Captain Ayers because he had been with him since his team was formed.

Major Palmer chose Captain Russell. "Sir, Captain Russell hasn't been with the SGC for very long, but we went through basic training together, and I personally recommended him to General Hammond. He's a good man and I trust him with my life," Major Palmer said.

The Colonel nodded. "Good enough for me. Give Captain Russell the lowdown on things. Carter. Why don't you go see what's taking Ferretti so long with dinner. I'm sure everybody is starved by now."

As if Ferretti heard him, he walked out onto the porch and yelled. "Come and get it! First come, first served."

The guys on the deck ran through the door. I grabbed Cassie and pulled her out of the way before she was knocked off her feet. Feeling a hand steadying me, I didn't even have to look to know that it wasJack.

"They must be really hungry, huh? How about you Cassie? Are you hungry? You'd better get in there, because there might not be anything left." I said.

Cassie started for the door. "I'm starved! Are you guys coming?"

"We'll be there in a minute. If those guys don't let you get something to eat, just use your new Jaffa moves on them," Jack said.

Watching her walk in, Jack spoke up quietly. "So what do you think of the Major's choices? I need all the eyes and ears I can get. I trust these guys, but I hope I'm doing the right thing in letting them use one of their own men on this."

"Trust your instincts,they've gotten us out of worst scrapes then this. Murphy, Russell and Ayers are good soldiers. Russell and Murphy are the newest in the bunch, but I trust Ferretti's judgment. I don't know Major Palmer to well, and Russell is fairly new, so I think we'll just have to trust Palmer's judgment on him."

We walked in and I decided I want to shower before I ate. I asked Jack about taking one and he said to use his room since it had a bathroom in it. I inquired about the time my night watch was to take place, but he said that Ferretti, Murphy and Russell had decided to spend the night.

"They said that since we looked like hell, they thought it would be a good idea for us to get a good nights rest. I also informed Ferretti that your dad and Maybourne would be coming over. Except for them, I don't think we should let the others know about Maybourne. So we might have to stash him at Daniel's for the time being." Jack gave me one of his looks that told me he wasn't looking forward to seeing Harry again.

"Sir, are you sure about me using your bathroom? I could always use the one in the hallway," I said.

"Carter, its okay. It will give you a little more privacy, and I don't want all those airmen imagining my 2IC naked in the shower just down the hall. It's bad enough that I'm going to have that image dancing in my head while your gone."

I chuckled and could feel my cheeks blushing slightly. "Okay, I'll be right back." Feeling a little naughty, I spoke in a low tone over my shoulder at him. "It's too bad you can't join me."

Walking away from him, I heard him groan under his breath. Going into his bedroom, I grabbed some clothes and went into the bathroom. Feeling the hot water on my back relieved some of the tension I was feeling. It was so relaxing that I didn't want to get out. With regret, I walked out of the shower and changed into a pair of sweat pants and oversized t-shirt. I sat down on the bed and started to towel dry my hair. I could hear the laughter echoing from the kitchen. Thinking it would be nice to lay down for a moment, I must have dozed off. I felt a hand on my shoulder and woke up with a start.

"Sam, its me. Everybody was wondering where you went," Cassie said. "Oh, sorry. How long have I've been in here?"

"A couple of hours. Uncle Jack came by earlier to check on you, and said you were asleep. But I know you haven't eaten, so I saved you a plate. Most of the guys had to get back to the base, so it's only Uncle Jack, Daniel, Teal'c, Captain Murphy, Major Ferretti, Major Palmer and Alex."

"Has my dad gotten here yet?"

"Not yet, but he's on the way. General Hammond can't come with him, so he let Uncle Jack know. Sam? Is there something else that's going on that I don't know about?"

"Nothing important. You know all you need to know right now Cassie. So what have you've been up to since I decided to take an unexpected nap?'

"Well, Charlotte, that's Captain Murphy, and I have been calling the caterer and florist. With all that's happen today, we forgot we were having people over after the service. She's been a big help. She wants me to pick out music to play for it. She said it should be stuff Mom really liked, since we're remembering her. She's really been great. Did you know that she considered Mom her only true friend at the SGC? She said that Mom made her feel welcomed when she was transferred to the base. And even though she only knew mom for a short period of time, she admired her."

"I'm glad she is helping you with the arrangements. With everything going on, I forgot to call the florist and caterers. The music idea is a good one. It's very appropriate that the music should be all of Janet's favorites. And she did love to sing along with them, didn't she?"

"Yeah, she did. I think I'll ask Daniel to take me to the house tomorrow to pick up her favorite CD's."

There was a knock on the door. It was the Colonel.

"Hey! You're awake. Your dad is here. Palmer and Russell went to get Cassie some movies, so we don't have that much time before they get back."

Getting up from the bed, I walked into the living room and saw my dad and Maybourne.

Getting a hug from my dad, he asked how I was doing. I told him that I was fine.

Nodding at Maybourne, I could tell he looked more relaxed then usual. He had gained some weight, and it looked like he was enjoying his retirement.

Cassie came to stand beside me, and my dad gave her a hug, expressing his regret to her and asked how she was holding up.

"I'm doing okay. Uncle Jack, Daniel and Teal'c have been great, and Sam has been here holding my hand through this whole thing."

Looking at Maybourne, she got a look of curiosity in her eyes. "Who's he?"

Without waiting for an introduction, Harry spoke up. "Hey kid. My name is Harry Maybourne, but you can call me Uncle Harry."

The Colonel stepped closer to Maybourne. "She will call you Uncle Harry over my dead body! Come on. Let's get started. We don't have much time to talk, and we have to keep you out of sight. So let's get you briefed so that we can get you over to Daniel's."

We filled my dad and Maybourne in on what had happen to Janet, the NID, the attempt on Cassie, and the sudden interest Kinsey had with the SGC.

"You owe me one Harry. I need you to work your magic and find out who, what, and where, in that order. If Kinsey's behind this, I want to nail him to the wall," Jack said.

"So," Maybourne said, "you're willing to get dirty? This means all of you right? Because these guys play for keeps. There's no gray area with them. It's either live or die. And if I'm putting my neck on the line, I want to make sure each of you are going to be there to back me up."

We all agreed that we would do everything it took to keep Cassie safe, and asked what he would need to get the task done.

Harry said he was going to need someone who was good with computers and would know their way around the web to retrieve information.

Murphy volunteered and was given a laptop. She was then given different sites to look over. The Colonel also mentioned Elliot Smith, Kinsey's aide, and asked if Harry had heard of him. Harry said no, but that we should look him up. If he was working with Kinsey in Washington, then there should be some kind of record. I volunteered to look for information on Mr. Smith. The Colonel, Daniel and Harry were getting ready to leave, and it seemed to me that Harry looked rather pleased to be working with Jack again.

"It's good to be back on Earth, not that I'm complaining about my retirement, but I missed you Jack. You should come and visit sometime. There's a lake there. Maybe we could go fishing."

The Colonel rolled his eyes. "Come on Harry. Let's get you out of here before Palmer and Russell return. Jacob? Are you staying or going with us?"

Dad looked at me. Before he could answer, Jack spoke up again. "Jacob, it's fine if you want to stay. You haven't seen Carter since the incident at the alpha site. You guys have a lot of catching up to do."

I looked at the Colonel and knew he was right. We didn't part on the greatest terms, and it would be good to be able to talk.

"If you guys need any help, let me know," Dad said.

Ferretti and Murphy had been in the kitchen. But right before Jack, Daniel and Harry left, they walked into the living room.

"Maybourne, I think you remember Major Ferretti. And I didn't get to introduce you to his 2IC, Captain Murphy. They'll be helping us out. They are the only ones other than ourselves that know your still among the living."

Harry nodded and looked at Murphy. "I'm sorry, but have we met before?" he asked Captain Murphy.

"I don't think so. I'm really good with faces, but I can't place yours. Maybe you met someone that just looks like me."

"I could have sworn that I've met you, but with my age, the memory is not quite what it use to be. So Ferretti, still at the SGC, and in charge of your own team? Impressive."

Literally dragging Maybourne out with them, they left and promised to call if they came across any information. We promised to do the same and got to work.

Palmer and Russell returned with the movies Cassie had asked for, and Ferretti sat down with her and started to watch them. Teal'c decided to walk the outside of the perimeter to make sure everything was safe. Murphy started on the task that Maybourne had asked her to do.

Dad and I were in the kitchen. I was suddenly starving, and I asked him if he wanted to join me in having a snack. He said that he hadn't had any real earth food in such a long time that anything sounded good.

I asked him how things were going with the Tok'ra and found out that things were not going as planned. There was a lot of discord within the ranks, and with the incident at the Alpha Site, relations with the rebel Jaffa was at a breaking point. He said that he didn't know if there would even be a treaty when he got back. But he didn't care. He wanted to be here for me. He knew that Janet and I had been close, and he knew losing her must have been a big loss for me.

I agreed with him that it was. But not only to me, but to Cassie, and the rest of the SGC.

"Dad, we are like family. We watch out for one another, and now I have Cassie to take care of. It's still sinking in that I am responsible for another person. I have to consider what is best for her well being, as well as mine. It's going to change my life. I know that. But, I promised Janet that I would take care of her daughter, and I will not break that promise. I have the support of my team. Don't worry, Dad. If we can find out what the NID has planned, we might be able to stop them from harming her."

"Sam, I'm just being a concerned parent. I don't want you to get hurt. Have you thought of maybe leaving and going offworld somewhere? If they can't find Cassie, then they can't harm her, or you. I could talk to the Tok'ra. I'm sure they'll let you join us. We could be together and you'd be safe."

I looked at him. "But didn't you just say there's discord between you and the rebel Jaffa? That you're even having trouble among the Tok'ra? Oh, and don't forget, I'm on Anubis's hit list. I was almost killed by one of his super soldiers last time we ran into his forces. It might not be safe here, but at least I have my team to make sure we're protected. Thanks, but no thanks Dad. I think I'll take my chances here on earth."

Dad didn't say anything. He bowed his head instead, and I knew I was going to hear what Selmak thought.

"Samantha, your father has been in great distress. He only wants what's best for you. He is just showing his concern. He has lost you almost twice to Anubis's soldiers, and I don't think he could handle losing you to any of these men. Please, he has been under a lot of stress. The Tok'ra Council almost didn't let him come, and they were not pleased when they found out about Maybourne. So please consider what he is asking. He thinks that having the responsibility of Cassandra Fraiser would be dangerous for you. I have told him that he cannot ask you to give up this responsibility. He truly just wants to keep you safe."

I nodded to Selmak. I told her I understood and that I knew it would be hard for him to understand, but I would not change my mind. Cassie was my responsibility, and as long as I am able, I will protect her with my life. With that said, I walked out of the kitchen and plugged my laptop in and started my research of Mr. Smith.

It was late before the Colonel and Daniel finally returned. Ferretti was on watch out front, and Murphy was still doing Harry's research. Palmer and Russell were sleeping in their sleeping bags on the living room floor, and since Cassie had been having some nightmares again, she opted to sleep on the couch. Dad was outside in back with Teal'c keeping watch, and I was asleep on top of my laptop.

Hearing someone whisper my name in my ear, I woke up and turned around to see Jack smiling at me. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I asked if Maybourne had gotten settled in, and if they had found anything.

He told me that Maybourne started calling around as soon as they got to Daniel's. They had to make a pit stop at a storage facility to pick up some equipment he needed so that his calls wouldn't be traced. He had given them more pages to research, and said if he found anything out, he would let them know. He then asked me if Murphy or I had made any progress. I told him I wasn't having any luck with obtaining information about Mr. Smith, but Murphy had gotten some hits and was saving the information for Maybourne.

"Carter, you better go to bed. I don't think that laptop was made to be a pillow. I think Daniel's already heading to his room, and I saw Cassie on the couch."

"Sir, I'm fine. I just need a cup of coffee and I'll be as good as new. You should be the one sleeping. You've had a long day and I took a cat nap earlier, so why don't you go to bed."

Picking me up from my chair, I found myself in Jack's arms. I was really enjoying myself when my dad walked through the door.

"Jack, any reason why you have my daughter in your arms?"

"Jacob! I thought you were asleep. Carter should be…I was just gonna take her to bed when you came in."

I turned three shades of red.

"Take her to bed Jack? Is there something I should know about" Dad asked.

"Jacob, I meant get her to go to sleep. When we got here, she was using the laptop as a pillow. I was just taking her to her room so she could sleep more comfortably."

There I was in my CO's arms, in front of my dad, dying of embarrassment. Trying to wriggle out of his arms, Jack looked sternly at me. "Carter, stop that! You're going to sleep, and if I have to be in the room with you to make you do it, I will."

I groaned. Didn't he realize he was just digging himself a deeper hole?

Suddenly shaking his head, he quickly corrected himself, again. "Not in the bed with her Jacob, but in the room. She hasn't had a decent nights sleep and she's had a rough couple of days. I didn't mean for it to come out like that. Why don't I just shut up! Carter, I'm taking you to your room and if I have to sit outside of it to make sure you sleep, I will."

Exhaling the breath I was holding, I agreed only if he put me down and let me walk to my room. But he also had to agree to get some sleep as well. He wasn't looking any better then me, and as much as he denied it, he needed to get some sleep to be sharp for tomorrow.

Putting me down, I shut off my laptop, gave my dad a kiss goodnight, said goodnight to Murphy and suggested she get some sleep also. Walking down the hall, I turned around to see the Colonel looking at me as I went into his room and shut the door.

To be continued.