Title: Affairs of the Heart
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Rating: R
Summery: Stargate/ JAG crossover: Colonel Jack O'Neill offers an old friend a chance to join SG-1 and get his life back on track. But it's not all clear sailing for SG-1, a mission will change their lives forever.
Disclaimer: Don't own it, wish I did, I just like to play with them once and a while. I'll put them back when I'm finished. I promise.
Author's Note: This is my first Stargate story, I usually write JAG stories. Which is why I decided on a crossover of the two. So forgive me if it's not up to scratch, I'm doing my best. I've only really just gotten into Stargate, though I must admitted I've watched in on and off for some time. So I hope you enjoy my first attempt.
Affairs of the HeartChapter One: And then there were six
Stargate Command - Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado SpringsColonel Jack O'Neill knocked on the door to the General's office, being gestured in.
"What can I do for you Colonel?" General George Hammond asked.
Jack shut the door and sat down. "I got a call last night from a friend, a Navy Commander," he held up the file he'd been carrying. "I think he's someone we should be considering."
Hammond took the file and opened it, looking through the service record, realizing this was the complete record of the Commander's service history, not the blanked out version. There were also extra pieces of information. "He's had a colorful life and Naval career."
"He has sir, not as bad as mine, but colorful," Jack agreed, and then sat forward. "General, Harm is a good man, he thinks on his feet and he cares about those he works with and flies with. He earned his second DFC because he pushed his wingman to safety, using his wingman's tailhook so they wouldn't have to eject over enemy territory. He went back to being a lawyer because he was running out of sky, staying with the squadron was a career killer, but he's not happy at JAG."
Hammond sat back in his chair. "You've known him for a while?"
"Since he was a cocky young Lieutenant, he's a damn fine aviator and one of the best lawyers in the Navy," Jack praised. "I know he would fit in here and we could use someone like him. He can negotiate his way out of trouble or fight his way out."
"And you think he'd make a good addition to SG-1?"
"Yes sir I do."
Hammond looked through the service record again, the commander had excellent fitness reps and from what he was reading the Colonel was right, this Commander would fit in. He looked up, seeing he'd made the Colonel sweat enough. Smiling, he agreed. "All right Jack, go recruit your friend."
"Yes!" Jack exclaimed, jumping to his feet. Thinking quickly. "Umm, General, since Thor is in orbit, could I borrow him, just to make things go quicker?"
The General shook his head, chuckling. "Only if Thor agrees, Colonel."
"Thank you sir," he said quickly and hurried out of the office. He changed into his uniform, even though he'd rather go in his fatigues, it wouldn't look good wandering into the JAG HQ in them. Being in uniform was better. He then contacted Thor and was taken up to the alien's ship, where he explained the situation. Thor agreed to help out.
"Sweet," Jack declared and was sent back to Earth, Falls Church, Virginia to be precise.
JAG Headquarters - Falls Church, Virginia, Washington DCCommander Harmon Rabb sighed and rubbed his temples, he was tired and restless, and he needed a case to challenge him or a few hours in a Tomcat. Jeez Hammer, get a grip, he reprimanded himself.
He'd been back from sea duty long enough to receive his second DFC and a promotion, but things weren't the same, he'd been gone five months and it felt like five years. At least tomorrow was Saturday and he could go flying in 'Sarah'.
"Damn Rabb, this place is depressing," a voice remarked.
Harm's head snapped up quickly and he stared surprised at the tall Air Force Colonel. He jumped to his feet. "Sir."
"Damn it Harm, don't sir me," Jack O'Neill ordered and walked further into the office. "So how the heck are you?
Coming form behind his deck, Harm shook Jack's hand, slapping him on the back. "No bad, Jack."
"Bull, you're bored out of your brain Hammer," the Colonel corrected. "Why did you come back here?"
Harm signed, perching on his desk, gesturing for Jack to sit. "The age old case of too old and not enough traps. I ran out of sky, Jack."
Jack could also see the Navy officer missed it. "What if I told you, I could offer you a job that will give you a buzz better then a 9G turn in a F-14."
That intrigued Harm. "Better?"
"Oh yeah," Jack got to his feet. "Come grasshopper, let me show you."
Harm chuckled and stood, grabbing his cover he followed, shutting his office door. He acknowledged Bud on the way out. "Lieutenant, I'm going to lunch."
"Yes sir," Bud acknowledged, wandering whom the Air Force Colonel was with the Commander.
In the elevator Jack pulled an oval shaped object from his uniform jacket. "Any time you're ready Thor old buddy."
'Very well Colonel O'Neill," a disembodied voice replied.
Harm stood there gaping, then gasped as a blinding white light that flashed before his eyes. Dissipating as quickly as it arrived, he found himself not in the elevator any more but a briefing room of sorts. A short bald man in uniform was smiling at him.
"Welcome to SGC, Commander Rabb," he greeted. "I'm General Hammond."
Harm shook his hand a little bewildered. "General. Where are we?"
Hammond just chuckled. "Within Cheyenne Mountain. Take a seat Commander."
Harm caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of his eye and turned, seeing the large ring that occupied the room, there's over looked. A ramp led up to the stone ring with its picture symbols that looked Egyptian. Harm couldn't quiet fathom what the huge ring would be used for.
Jack patted him on the back. "It called a Stargate. Sit down, it's part of why you're here."
Sitting with the General and Jack, Hammond handed Harm a folder marked classified and went in to a lengthy explanation as the Navy officer flicked through the information in the folder.
"How many worlds have you visited?" Harm asked taking it all in.
"Quiet a few, we have allies from many different worlds, some who have been affected by the Goa'uld," the General revealed, impressed by the fact the officer didn't seem phased by it all. "At the moment we have three aliens living on Earth, two who work here and are a part of SG-1. Teal'c is a Jaffa; he looks human except for the gold tattoo on his forehead and Ceri, who is Tallisian. Her appearance is also humanoid, except for her eyes."
"What's wrong with her eyes?" Harm asked.
"They're silver with gold specs," Jack answered him. "They look human, I mean she looks human, but she's not."
"Ceri is telepathic, empathic and telekinetic." Hammond added.
That surprised Harm. "I could use her in court," he remarked quietly.
Jack laughed. "I could see that happening," he smirked and put on his best lawyer voice. "Excuse me your honor, I'd like my telepath to read the defendant to tell if he's lying."
"It would make things easier," Harm declared smiling. He closed the folder. "How do I fit into all of this, General, I'm a lawyer and a Naval Aviator?"
Hammond tapped the folder he had in front of him. "You're more according to your service record, Commander. And don't worry your skills as a lawyer and a pilot will come in handy."
"So what do you say, Harm?" Jack asked him. "The chance to visit strange planets; met new races is right at your finger tips or do you go back to JAG and bore yourself silly?"
Harm smiled at that. From what he'd read in the folder, this was what he was looking for; this was the challenge he'd been wanting. "I'm in, sir."
"Good man, I'll have your transfer organized in an hour," Hammond stated and stood, holding his hand out. Harm stood and shook it. "Welcome to SGC, Commander Rabb."
"Thank you General."
"Well lets get you back to Washington," Jack announced. "I still owe you lunch."
"You're to report for duty Monday, Commander," the General ordered. "Colonel, give the Commander a hand."
"Yes sir."
Hammond nodded and picking up the files, left the conference room.
Harm felt a little perplexed. "That's it?"
"That's it, what did you want, fan fair?"
"Well maybe a little," Harm smirked.
Jack rolled his eyes. "Jeez." He contacted Thor, who returned them to Washington, back into the elevator. Jack explaining about Thor, who he was and so forth and that he was in orbit around the planet and would be for the next few days. They ate lunch at the cafeteria, then headed back up to JAG ops chatting happily, laughing about old times, grabbing a cup of coffee they went into Harm's office. Throwing their covers on the desk, they sat down continuing their conversation.
"So what made you decided?" Jack asked him.
Harm shrugged. "Ever since I came back from sea duty I feel like I don't belong. It's like I've been away five years, and no matter how hard I try, I just don't feel comfortable here any more."
"What about Mac?"
"We're just friends, she went on with her life."
"And now you're going on with yours?" Jack inquired.
"Yeah."
The Colonel nodded, they'd exchanged a lot of emails over the years, quiet a few the last couple concerning Sarah Mackenzie. "So how are your mom and Frank?"
"They're good, mom always asks if I've heard from you, what you've been up to. Which until today I had no idea what you really were up to."
"Well at least you'll be closer if you want to visit."
Harm nodded, then asked. "So how are things with you and Sam?"
Jack rolled his eyes. "Just fine thank you," he saw the smile he was being given. "Oh come on, she's my 2IC."
"I know."
Petty Officer Tiner knocked on the open door, not expecting to see the tall Air Force Colonel with the Commander. "Sir, Admiral Chegwidden would like to see you."
"Thank you Tiner," Harm stood. "Come on Jack, you can provide support."
"Coward," he joked, standing.
"Damn right."
Tiner didn't comment, returning to his desk as the two men, after the Commander knocked, went into the Admiral's office. Shutting the door.
AJ Chegwidden lent back in his chair as Rabb entered with the Air Force Colonel, the two of them standing before his desk at attention, well Rabb did. "At ease Commander," he looked to the Colonel. "You must be Colonel O'Neill."
"That's me," Jack said with a grin, adding. "Sir."
AJ frowned and addressed Rabb. "Commander, I've just received orders to transfer you out of JAG to Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs, which I believe is run by the Air Force. Is it not Colonel?"
"True, Admiral. However we do have Marines there, a squid won't hurt," Jack retorted.
AJ's frown increased and he ignored the Air Force Colonel. "These orders are effective imminently, leave your files on Colonel Mackenzie's desk and secure," he stood. "Good luck on your new assignment, Commander."
Harm shook the hand that was offered to him. "Thank you sir."
"Dismissed."
"Aye, aye sir," he said coming to attention, then turning on his heal, he and Jack left the office.
"Well that went well," the Colonel remarked.
"Better then I thought." Harm agreed.
In his office, AJ sat back down. "Damn!" He swore. He'd lost Rabb a second time and from the orders sent over to him, this time it would be for good.
Harm grabbed a box from stores and packed what belonged to him into it. Last on was his model stearman. A stack of files lay on his desk. At least with Mac on assignment and not due back until Monday, things would be easier, no painful goodbye this time. A knock on the door broke into his thoughts. He looked up and saw Lt. Roberts, it was going to be a little painful he realized. "Bud, come in."
"What's going on, sir?" He asked confused. Scuttlebutt was already flying around at Mach 1.
"I've been reassigned, to Colorado Springs."
"We don't have a base at Colorado Springs, sir."
"No we don't, Bud. I'm going to be working at Cheyenne Mountain." Harm explained. "This is an old friend of mine, Colonel Jack O'Neill. Jack, this is Lieutenant Bud Roberts."
"Hello sir," Bud said politely.
"Lieutenant." Jack responded.
Harm could see this was getting awkward. "Look after yourself, Bud and Harriet and little AJ."
"I will sir," he said a little be willed. "We'll we see you from time to time."
"Sure Bud, when I get leave, I'll try and get back," he assured and hesitated, picking up the files. "Bud can you do me a favor?"
The Lieutenant understood. "Put them on Colonel Mackenzie's desk, sir?" He saw Harm nodded as he handed over the files. "You're not going to say goodbye?"
"Not this time, Bud. Once was hard enough. Just… It doesn't matter."
"Aye sir." Bud said, then hurried out.
Harm grabbed his cover and the box. "Lets get out of here Jack."
Jack agreed; getting his own cover he followed his friend out. "Head up Harm, just keep walking," he said in a low voice.
"Yeah," he said and didn't make eye contact with any of them, he just kept walking with Jack at his side.
They left JAG and drove to Harm's apartment, Jack had only been their once before, and it looked better then the last visit.
Harm put the box on the counter. "I'll have to find a place in Colorado Springs," he said aimlessly, the whole thing sinking in.
"I can give you a hand in looking," Jack told him. "Just grab what you'll need to start Monday and you can stay with me until you find yourself a place. Everything else we'll box up over the weekend so it's ready to shift."
"Thanks Jack."
"Hey no problem."
"I've got a few things that will fit you, so lets get changed and get started." Harm suggested.
"Cool." Jack agreed.
They changed into jeans and tee shirts and went to work. While Harm packed in the bedroom, Jack did the living room with the boxes Harm had gone down to storage for; he looked at a photo that sat on a shelf. It was of the squadron Harm had served with while on the Patrick Henry. It reminded him of when they'd first met. Harm had been a cocky young Lieutenant, who'd saved his hide in a bar fight one night while on leave. The two had been come friends from that moment on and caught up whenever they could, which included a lot of emails.
Harm came out carrying a bag with what he'd need to start at the mountain and to survive until he found a place. Seeing what Jack was looking at. "Don't pack those, I'll take them with me."
"Sure," he handed them over.
Harm shoved them into the bag. He'd organized the Removal Company and for his stearman to remain where it was for the time being, so it was just packing to do, the apartment would stay empty until Harm decided what to do with it. By Sunday they had everything packed up, having it ready to go. The fridge was cleaned out and turned off; Harm's neighbor took the perishable food after Harm insisted he just didn't want it to go to waste. He and Jack drank what beer had been in the fridge as they packed, getting takeout Saturday night, talking about the other members of SG-1 as they ate, Jack filling Harm in so it wouldn't be so daunting when he meet them all.
"Once I find a place, I'll feel more at home," the Naval officer stated when it was time to leave Sunday.
Jack nodded. "Everything will be picked up on Monday and put into storage, right?" He saw Harm nod. "Will your SUV be all right where it is until then?"
"Yeah the garage is locked and I've left arrangements with my neighbor," Harm informed and took a last look around, this was it. "So conventional travel or non-conventional to Colorado?"
"What do you think?" Jack smirked, as he grabbed the bag his friend had given him to carrying his uniform in. He gave Thor a call, and they were transported back to the SGC. Leaving the base, Jack droved them to his place. He saw the lights on at his house and smiled. "Ceri must of known we were on our way back and started dinner."
"Why?" Harm asked him, wondering why Jack never talked about her before?
"She lives with me when off base."
"She does?"
"Yeah," Jack stopped the car, turning the engine off he addressed his friend. "You have a problem with that?"
"No, I'm looking forward to meeting her." Harm said with a cheeky grin and remarked sarcastically. "After all you've talked so much about her."
Jack ignored him. "Lets go."
Getting out they grabbed their bags and went inside, leaving the two bags in the hallway, going to the living room.
A young woman in her mid twenties came out of the kitchen. "Hi Jack," she welcomed, hugging him.
"Hi, sweetheart."
Her eyes fascinated Harm, they were beautiful and mysteries at the same time. She was gorgeous, stunningly so, the tight jeans she wore hugged her slim body, as did the white tee shirt. She had her light brown hair pulled back into a ponytail.
Jack rolled his eyes as they stared at each other. "Commander Harmon Rabb, Ceri O'Neill."
That brought Harm out of his fantasy. "O'Neill?"
Ceri giggled melodiously. "Don't worry, Commander, I took Jack's surname because mine is unpronounceable in your language," she held out a hand. "It's nice to meet you, Harm."
He shook her hand, feeling a tingle run up his arm. He felt unusually comfortable with her, like he'd known her forever.
She released his hand. "You have untrained abilities."
Jack groaned at Harm's shocked look. "Ahr jeez, not another one," he remarked and then explained. "Ceri is a really strong telepath and she's found certain humans are, they've just never explored that area of their brain. Daniel is one also."
"And so are you, Harm," she added. "I can help you as I've been doing with Daniel."
"I suppose so," he agreed.
"Jeez, Ceri, can't you let the poor guy relax first." Jack groused.
"Sorry Jack," she grinned. "Oh General Hammond said to tell you he had Sam and Daniel looking into some houses for Harm, they'll be over after dinner and Teal'c said he was looking forward to meeting Harm tomorrow."
"Great, lets eat." Jack urged.
"Umm Jack," Harm interrupted.
"It's okay," Ceri said calmly, already knowing what the Commander needed to know. "It's a vegetarian meal."
"Oh, thanks."
"No problem."
"Of course it's not," Jack complained. "She won't eat anything that use to think," he remarked and headed for the kitchen.
Harm laughed. "I've never looked at it that way."
Ceri smiled. "But you will now," she mused. "Come on Harm," she insisted and followed Jack. Smiling Harm did too.
"So how did you end up on Earth?" He asked Ceri as they ate dinner. Mostly they'd been talking about Stargate program.
"My people's Gate was in the royal gardens, it was a great surprise to see it open and for SG –1 to come through."
"She was totally smitten over Daniel," Jack teased. "A case of the Princess and the archaeologist."
"I was not smitten," she mused grinning, then continued. "My father welcomed them and negotiated a treaty between our worlds. Part of that treaty included a three-month exchange program. I volunteered, I was more then qualified." The fun had gone from her voice.
Jack reached over and took her hand. "Ceri holds doctorates in a number of fields, so she was asset to the SGC, when it came time for her to go home, SG-1 went with her, only to find her people had been wiped by the Goa'uld."
Harm understood what it meant to lose someone. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay," she managed a smile. "I have a new family now, here on Earth."
"And she's still smitten with Daniel." Jack teased and both men laughed as the young woman blushed.
"Jack," she groaned and they laughed harder.
They'd finished dinner and had tidied up by the time Daniel and Sam arrived, both being introduced to Harm.
"Colonel, you didn't say the house next door was up for sale?" Sam declared, even as she checked the handsome Naval Officer over. He was cute.
"I didn't know," Jack retorted.
"You'd like it sir," Sam addressed Harm. "It's three bedroom, two bathrooms, open plan kitchen – living room and a den or office. Whatever you wanted to use it for. It's similar to this place."
"It sounds great," he agreed.
She smiled. "That's good because I arranged for the realtor to meet us there tomorrow morning at eight o'clock."
"You were taking a chance, Carter." Jack noted.
"No, we were just planning a head," Daniel smirked. "Beside we have to make sure you don't corrupt our new team member too much."
"Very funny Daniel," Jack grumbled.
"I think you're a little late, Daniel," Ceri announced. She was seated beside the linguist on the sofa. "Harm already knows Jack."
"So how did you two meet?" Sam asked, interested, she was seated next to her CO.
"I saved Jack's six in a bar fight when I was a cocky young Lieutenant. After it was all over, I bought him a drink and we've been friends ever since." Harm explained.
Ceri arched an eyebrow. "Saved his six?"
"My ass," Jack told her bluntly. "Not that I wasn't holding my own, but I did appreciate the help."
"You were doing okay until that fifth Marine joined in." Harm agreed.
"Damn right I was."
"You took on five Marines, on your own?" Daniel asked him.
"They were only Marines."
Harm laughed. "Yeah could have been the barmaid."
Jack rolled his eyes. "Now that was scary."
"What about the barmaid, sir?" Sam inquired.
"She was build like a tank, she throw those Marines out on her own, after we were done with them of course."
"She owns that bar now." Harm said casually.
"Yeah, sweet girl."
Ceri laughed at the mental image she was getting from both men. Daniel glanced at her and she passed the image on to him and Sam and soon they were all laughing hard. I think he's smitten, she sent telepathically to both.
Jack frowned. "Okay, not mind talking unless you share with everyone."
Ceri rolled her eyes. You're no fun, Jack.
Harm's eyes widened in surprise at hearing her voice, but not seeing her mouth move, he'd heard it in his mind.
Jack saw his expression and chuckled. "You'll get use to it," he stood. "Who wants a beer?" When all acknowledged, he went into the kitchen and returned with four. He gave one to Harm, one to Sam and one to Daniel. "You can share yours with Ceri, that way I don't waste a beer."
"Very funny Jack," Daniel remarked, but opened the bottle, took a swallow and passed it to Ceri.
Harm chuckled. "Can I use your phone, Jack?"
"Sure, use the one in the main bedroom," he insisted, sitting back down, opening his beer.
"Thanks," with beer in hand he left the living room.
Sam took that moment to comment about their new team member. "General Hammond gave us a look at his service record. Until we read it, I though Commander Rabb was just a lawyer."
"Harm has never just been a lawyer," her CO remarked.
"Can he handle this, Jack?" Daniel asked. "I mean emotionally?"
"He'll handle it."
"Harm is a very private man," Ceri noted. "With quiet a few demons. He is much like you Jack in that aspect."
"True, but I've conquered my demons."
She knew that wasn't true, but didn't comment. "Will he?"
"Yes."
"So is he ringing his girlfriend?" Daniel inquired, passing the beer back to Ceri.
"No, I'd guess his mom and stepfather," Jack answered and looked to Ceri for confirmation.
She nodded, having telepathically eavesdropped. "His demons exist because of his father."
"How so?" Sam asked.
"Harmon Rabb, Sr. was a Naval Aviator during the Vietnam War. He went down Christmas 1969 and declared MIA," Jack explained as he picked at his beer label. "At sixteen Harm Jr. ran away from home to Vietnam to look for his father. He didn't find him; he returned home with imagers no sixteen year old should have seen. To cut a long story short, he found out his father had been taken to Russia, Harm, Sr. escaped and was saved by a Russian women and her brother. He died saving the woman from being rapped by Russian soldiers."
"Holly Hannah!" Sam exclaimed.
Daniel looked to Ceri, the expression on her face. "What is it?"
"It explains his shields," she said softly, and then clarified what she'd just realized. "Every telepath creates shields in their mind to block out unwelcome thoughts and to stop anyone from unwittingly reading their thoughts. It's something that's taught from a young age, with Harm, he's created those shields out of emotional necessity."
"You picked that up?" Sam asked.
"The moment I shook his hand."
"Wow."
"Oh yeah," Jack agreed. "Now you now why I like having Ceri on the team."
Daniel just smiled and took another drink, he didn't comment, he knew how Jack thought about Ceri and her abilities. He cared for the young woman like she was his daughter. So much so he'd taken to thinking of her that way. Which mean with his relationship with Ceri, Jack looked at him like a son-in-law at times.
Harm came back in smiling. "Well I don't have to worry about the house," he revealed sitting back down.
"Why is that sir?" Sam inquired.
He frowned. "Sam, we're not at work or in uniform. Try Harm," he insisted and she blushed, nodding. He answered her question. "It seems my mom and stepfather own it. They'll ring the realtor and have it taken off the market. He'll hand over the keys when we meet him tomorrow."
"Sweet," Ceri remarked and saw them all amused. "What?"
"You've been around Jack way to much," Sam answered.
"I know," she smirked and they all laughed.
Jack raised his beer bottle. "To the new and improved SG-1," he toasted and they all followed suite.
Monday 07:00The last thing Lt. Colonel Sarah 'Mac' Mackenzie expected to find when she arrived at work was a pile of case files on her desk.
Bud knocked on the door, going in. "Morning Ma'am. Those case files are from Commander Rabb and the Admiral wants to see you."
"Thanks Bud," she said a little curious as to why she had Harm's case files. She hurried to the Admiral's office, being told to go right in. She did. "You wanted to see me sir?"
"Yes, sit down Colonel," AJ ordered. "Did you find the files?"
"Yes sir. Admiral where is Commander Rabb?" Mac asked curiously.
"The Commander was transferred to Colorado Springs."
That shocked her. He hadn't even called. "Sir, there isn't a Naval Base in Colorado Springs."
"I realize that, Colonel. The Commander is working within Cheyenne Mountain. It's all top secret, something to do with Deep Space Radar Telemetry, but he was requested to handle the legal work within the Mountain," he explained, a bitter taste in his mouth. "I'm sorry to have to dump you with his case load, but I wasn't given must of a chose. Disrupt them among everyone."
"Yes sir."
"Mac," he sat forward. "Harm wasn't given a chose either, they ordered him to start this morning. He went home, packed and left."
She stood. "He could have rang and said goodbye sir."
"I don't think he could, Mac," AJ announced gently. "Not this time."
She nodded and left the office, going back to her own. Closing the door and the blinds, she went and sat down, not being able to stop the tears that slid down her cheeks. "Damn you Harm, why now?" Things had just started to be good between them again.
Wiping her eyes she got on with her work, she was a Marine; she didn't sit and cry she went on with her life. Going through the files she found an envelope among them. With shaking hands she opened it, recognizing the handwriting, unfolding the letter she read:
Sarah,
I'm sorry I wasn't able to say goodbye face to face, there just wasn't enough time and saying it over the phone seemed so impersonal. So I wrote this letter while I was packing and had a friend put it with the case files on your desk. The transfer was unexpected and my orders didn't leave much interpretation. This was too good of an opportunity to pass up; I know if you saw what I going to be doing you'd agree. I'm sorry I can't tell you any more then that.
There was so much I wanted to tell you Sarah, so much I needed to say. Things that I should have said before I returned to flying, I wanted to tell you then, but I couldn't find the words. I still can't. I wanted you to know I needed to do that, to return to active flight status. And I missed our friendship while I was at sea, seeing you arrive onboard the Patrick Henry gave me new hope and crushed me at the same time. You were promoted and didn't tell me, I know we weren't exactly emailing each other everyday, and even though I dismissed it, I was hurt and it made me realize you'd moved on without me.
You see I wanted to be able to make the decision to come back to JAG on my own and I did in my own way. However it felt like I didn't belong there any more, it was like I'd been gone five years. Everyone had changed; Bud had become an outstanding lawyer, more then I could ever believe. And I was surprised by the way the Admiral welcomed me back, we didn't part to well when I left. I knew he was angry that I was leaving; yet I though he more then anyone else would understand my reasons for doing so. I guess I was wrong.
Now though it's my turn to move on, I need to find myself. To find out whom Harmony Rabb, Junior is. I can't do that at JAG. I care deeply for you Sarah, I always will. You're my best friend and so much more. Look after our Godson for me and look after yourself.
Love Harm.
By the time she finished reading the letter fresh tears slid down her cheeks. She read it once more, then folded the paper and put it into her briefcase. "Damn you Harm," she whispered. "I love you too."
Three months later: PX-3589SG-1 stepped out of the Stargate, which shut down behind them. A lush world lay ahead of them.
"Trees," Jack scrutinized sarcastically. "I love tress."
His team rolled their eyes at him and chuckled as they walked away from the gate.
"The UAV spotted a village over this way sir," Sam announced.
"Well lets go check it out, campers," the Colonel ordered. "Ceri, when we get close, give me a reading."
"Yes sir," the Tallisian acknowledged with a snappy salute.
"Smart-aleck," Jack grumbled.
Harm, Sam and Daniel just grin, Teal'c remained straight-faced as usual.
"This reminds me of home," Ceri stated, she and Daniel had walked ahead. "I use to play for hours in the forests near the palace when I was a child."
"The one with the unicorns," Daniel recalled.
"The Ucara, yes. You remembered?"
"I don't think I'll ever forget," he exclaimed. "They were amazing."
"Now there's a couple of happy campers," Jack retorted, referring to the two-team members ahead of them.
I heard that. Ceri sent to them all telepathically.
Of course you did, he thought back.
I heard that too, she informed.
Jack rolled his eyes as Harm and Sam chuckled. "Buying Christmas presents for her is soooo much fun."
That sobered Harm. "I almost forgot about Christmas."
"Sorry bud."
"No, it's okay. I enjoy Christmas, for the most part," he frowned. "And I still have plenty of time for shopping."
"Ceri and I will help you sir," Sam offered. "So will Janet, we're good at buying Jack presents, so we can find you anything you want," she saw Harm wince at the mention of the doctors name. "I see Janet has left a last impression on you."
"More like on my backside," he griped.
"I like Dr. Frasier." Teal'c stated bluntly.
Harm smiled. "I do too, Teal'c. I'm just not real fond of hospitals or infirmaries."
"Why is that Harmon Rabb?"
"I spent a lot of time in the hospital after my ramp strike," he answered, and then shifted his P-90 to a more comfortable position. Not wanting to talk any more about it, he hurried to catch up to Ceri and Daniel.
"How does striking a ramp course so much discomfort?" Teal'c inquired, not understanding.
"It does when you do it in an F-14, Teal'c," Jack explained. "A ramp strike is when an aircraft strikes the deck of an aircraft carrier. Harm survived but was badly injured. His RIO – radar intercept officer, died."
"He still flies though," Sam, stated the obvious.
The Colonel nodded. "They told him it was night blindness, it wasn't, it was retinal scaring. He had laser surgery to fix his eyes and went back to flying."
"He is a man of great courage." Teal'c declared.
"Yeah T, he is," Jack agreed.
"You said Harm was hurt badly, how bad sir?" Sam asked.
"He was in traction for weeks, he had to lean to walk again. He has scars on his back and hips, most you can't see, but they're there," he answered. "His grandmother was the one to get him back on track, Grams is a formable woman."
"You've met her?"
"Yeah."
Sam got the feeling he didn't want to talk about it any more, so she let the matter drop.
As they approached the village, Ceri opened her sensors and took a telepathic reading, sensing no danger.
"So?" Jack asked, as they stood there waiting for her assessment.
"I don't sense any Goa'uld among them, they have a carefree sprite and are non violence," she reported. "They seem to be happy and loving. And they speak English."
"You're certain?" Harm asked, recalling the mission where they spent most of it trying to get their point across until she and Daniel had figured out the language.
She nodded and grinned at Daniel. "They even have there own version of coffee."
"Hock damn, they're civilized," Jack snorted. "Lets go say hello."
"It looks like they're coming to us, sir?" Sam announced.
"Major Carter is right." Teal'c agreed.
Three people, a man and two women were walking towards them, all looked to be in there thirties, long hair, even the man. To Jack it looked as though they'd stepped out of the sixties.
"Good welcome friends," the man greeted. "I'm Jordan, our communities leader and these are my wives, Shoran and Rakki."
Daniel stepped forward. "Good welcome, Jordan. I'm Daniel Jackson, these are my friends, Ceri O'Neill, Colonel Jack O'Neill, Commander Harmon Rabb, Major Samantha Carter and Teal'c."
Jordan eyes the weaponry with hesitation. "You've evidently journeyed far friends, only travelers and hunters travel with weapons."
"Yes, we came through the Stargate," Daniel revealed and saw the familiar confusion at the term. "The Chappa'ia?"
The alien human recognized the word, smiling. "We've not had visitors from the Chappa'ia for many years. Please, come, we were to have a midday meal. Join us."
"Thank you," Daniel accepted.
Jack walked with Harm. "Two wives, he's either a glutton for punishment or…"
"Greedy," his friend smirked.
"Either way, stick close to Daniel and Ceri, they can be a little too trusting. I'm going to stick close to Carter." Jack ordered.
"Yes sir," he acknowledged lightly and hurried to Ceri's side.
She smiled as he joined her and Daniel. I was wondering how long it would take him.
Harm smiled, he was now use to hearing her voice inside his head and replying to it. He's only being protective.
I know, She smiled; she linked arms with him and Daniel.
Jack frowned. He didn't like it when Ceri flirted, not with anyone else but Daniel. He had promised her father he'd look after her, and by hell or high water he was going to do that.
"Sir, relax, she's doing it because you sent the Commander to look after her. Daniel can do that and she can look after herself, you've taught her well enough." Sam said quietly.
"Doesn't mean I have to like it." Jack hissed.
"No sir, you don't," she agreed. She liked this side of Jack O'Neill, he was over-protective at the best of times, but with Ceri, he really took his position of foster father seriously.
Jack sighed. All right Ceri, you've made your point, cut it out, he thought.
She released her hold on both men, smiling; she sensed Daniel's disappointment and took his hand. I'll behave if you will, dad.
That shocked him; she'd never called him dad before. He chuckled, shaking his head as he grin. "Damn kid," he muttered under his breath.
As they entered the village, they were greeted warmly; all were dressed similar to Jordan and his wives. The village was set out like most small towns in the States, it was obvious they had a form of electricity, but how it was being generated was something they were to find out. There were no cars, people walked or road on horses; there were even horse and carts around. Following Jordan and his wives, they came to a house, being welcomed in.
It was inside that Jordan addressed them. "My friends. It is our law that weapons are not worn unless traveling or hunting. Nor do we sit down to have a meal heavily armed. I have a chest where they can be put and it will be locked so they will be safe."
Jack looked cautiously to Ceri, who nodded her answer. "All right."
"Please," he led them into another room, opening a wood chest that was engraved and polished. Those carrying P-90's removed them and placed them in the chest, along with Zats, which Ceri and Daniel also carried. Their 9-millimeter Beretta's were also put inside, as were their vests. Teal'c staff weapon was placed in a wardrobe, which Jordan also locked along with the chest. They left the room, still looking a little out of place in their fatigues.
Shoran and Rakki had set and placed food on the table, breads, cooked meats, fruits, vegetables, as well as pitchers of cold water. They all sat, Jordan and his wives joined hands, urging SG-1 to do so also, linking the circle, and they did.
"We give thanks for this meal and welcome these travelers to our home and table," Jordan said, smiling. Hands were released. "Please, eat."
They did, chatting as they ate.
"Colonel O'Neill," Jordan addressed him. "May I call you Jack?"
"Sure," Jack said casually.
"You are the leader of your group?"
"Yes," he answered cautiously.
"And the father of Ceri? Your surnames are the same."
Before Jack could answer, Daniel did. "Jack adopted Ceri when her parents were killed."
Jordan was happy with that answer. "You are a good man then Jack."
"Thank you, Jordan," Jack said with smug pride.
Sam smiled, holding back from laughing. They'd agreed since Ceri had joined the team, that if anyone asked, they would say she was Jack's daughter. It saved a lot of clarification.
"And you are Jack's beloved?" Shoran innocently asked Sam
"No," she said very quickly. "I'm second in command."
"Oh," the young woman found that strange.
The rest of the SG-1 team sat them their trying hard not to laugh, which wasn't easy, even Teal'c found it amusing.
Jordan smiled, pulling the conversation back. "I have daughters, both are married," he saw the shocked looks on his guests faces.
"You've got married daughters?" Harm asked finding his voice.
"Yes."
Even Jack was finding it hard to believe. "But you're no more then what thirty, thirty-five?"
"I am sixty-three."
Daniel nearly chocked, Ceri patted him quickly on the back and got him a glass of water. Jack, Sam and Harm sat there with their mouths opened stunned. "You're sixty-three?" Daniel spluttered.
"Yes Shoran is sixty and Rakki is fifty-eight. Both are mothers to my children." Jordan answered calmly, unsure of why they were so stunned.
"How many children do you have, Jordan?" Sam asked.
"With Shoran, two girls. With Rakki, two boys," he revealed. "We have the gift of long life here on Ambrosia."
Ambrosia, in classical mythology, was the food of the goods, it gave immortality, and it was the prefect name for this planet.
"Wow," was all Daniel could say.
"Could we look around your village?" Sam asked, with a bemused smile. "There are so many questions we'd like to ask."
"Please feel free, my friends." Jordan insisted. "Ask what you wish, talk to who you wish, stay as long as you wish."
"Thank you."
Once the meal was over they helped clean up and then left the house. "Split up and see what you can find out," Jack ordered. "I'll go with Carter, T with Hammer, and Daniel with Ceri."
They acknowledged him, heading in different directions. Jack and Sam walked into the center of the Village where a Market was set up; the Ambrosian's welcomed them, some insisting they share drink and food. Since they'd only just ate, they accepted the drink, a red wine, rather sweat and fruity. It tasted like a mixture of juices.
A little girl ran up and gave Sam a flower. "You're very pretty," she said smiling shyly.
Sam hankered down. "Thank you. My name is Samantha, but everyone calls me Sam."
"I'm Serena."
"You're very pretty too Serena." The little girl blushed and rushed back to her friends. Sam stood up smiling; looking around she made an observation. "Sir."
"Yeah," Jack acknowledged her; he'd been discreetly watching the two following them, curious about them.
"Did you notice there are no elderly looking people?"
He glanced around, nodding. "Yeah, really weird, huh?"
"Sir, I'd like to stay a few days," she urged. "To check this out and to find out about their power source."
Jack agreed. "All right, lets find the kids and contact Hammond. We should also try and lose those two tailing us."
"You noticed them as well?"
"Wasn't hard"
"Sir, perhaps you should just…" Her voice faded as she stopped him, touching his arm. "It would be easier."
He knew what she meant; he had developed a special bond with Ceri after her parents died. Nodding they moved into a deserted ally way and he closed his eyes, concentrating. Ceri?
Her reply was quick. Dad, what's wrong?
Nothing. We're heading back to the Stargate to contact General Hammond. We're going to stay a few days, Carter wants to find out about the power source the Ambrosian's are using. He thought to her, knowing her own telepathic skills could sense his thoughts and his need to communicate.
All right, I'll let Teal'c and Harm know, she informed.
Thanks honey and keep Daniel out of trouble.
No problem, dad.
He opened his eyes smiling, the telepathy between them worked only because of the bond and she did most of the work. Being called Dad though was something new, he liked it though; he liked it a lot. "Okay, lets get going."
They stated back to the Stargate, well strolled would be more like it, having lost their tail before leaving the Village. They walked along enjoying the day, the temperature was good, and a gentle breeze was blowing. It did look like it could rain later, but that didn't seem to deter them.
Sam noted her CO was a little more relaxed then usual, she guessed it was all that wine they'd been drinking. In fact she felt a little unperturbed herself and curious about something. "Sir, permission to speak freely?"
"Go a head, Carter," he said with a causal wave of his hand.
"Sir," she hesitated, she was going to feel foolish if she was wrong, but it had been eating at her for a long time. "You're not gay, are you?"
"What in the hell gave you that idea?" He demanded, stopping her. Being both irritated and amused by it.
"Well, you spend a lot of time with Daniel. And at times you seem a little over friendly towards each other," she stated the obvious, babbling a little. "I mean if you are, it's okay, I won't say anything, I mean that's between you and Daniel."
"I'm not gay and neither is Daniel. Jeez, the noise's he makes with Ceri is enough to account for that, he's as straight as they come."
"You mean he and Ceri are lovers?" She was a little surprised; she knew they were close but not that close.
"Ya, they go at it like rabbits sometimes," Jack smirked. "That's the reason Daniel is over my place a lot, and I consider Daniel to be a good friend and he's getting kinda like a son-in-law."
Sam giggled. "I'm sorry sir."
"It's okay Carter, don't worry about it," he shrugged. "I mean, I may not have been with a woman for a while, but I think I can still remember what to do."
She giggled again. "I'm sure you can sir," they came to the Stargate and she walked over to the DHD and dialed Earth's address, the gate began to spin and then locked on, opening with the familiar whoosh. She then sent the GDO.
Jack removed his radio from his pocket, getting the nodded from Sam. "SGC, this is SG-1."
"We copy you Colonel," General Hammond answered.
"Sir, we'd like to remain on PX-3589 for a few days," Jack revealed.
Sam took over using her own radio. "Sir, the people of PX-3589 or Ambrosia as they call the planet, age very slowly, I'd like to study this and their power source. We've been given permission by their community leader to ask questions and stay as long as we like."
'Very well, check back in two days unless you have any problems,' the General ordered. 'Do you need anything?'
"Sir, if Doctor Frasier isn't busy, I could use her help."
'Hold on a moment, Major, Dr. Frasier is with me now.'
They waited; Jack fiddled as usually. "So you really thought I was gay?" He asked her quietly.
Sam shrugged. "I'm sorry sir."
"Just don't say anything to anyone else about it," he pleased. "God, that's the last thing I need going around the base."
"I am sorry sir," she apologized again.
General Hammond's voice came back over the radio. 'Dr. Frasier is collecting her equipment, standby Major, she'll be through in thirty minutes.'
"We'll be waiting sir. SG-1 out." The gate closed down and Sam turned to Jack. "I guess we wait, sir."
Jack nodded; he shoved the radio back in his shirt pocket and sat down. "Take a seat Carter."
Sam sat down, putting her radio away. She saw her CO put on his sunglasses. "How long have Daniel and Ceri been together?"
"About six months, she helped him get over losing Sha're and they found they had a connection," he said casually, shrugging. "I went to bed one night leaving them talking, woke up the next morning and found them in bed together."
"How did you react to that?"
He shrugged again. "I asked if they wanted breakfast and went to make it."
Sam laughed she couldn't help it. "You wanted to kill him, admit it sir."
"Well maybe a little, but she loves him and he loves her."
"So you're all right with it?"
"Yeah, I suppose so, but if he hurts her, he knows what I'll do to him."
Smiling, Sam had a feeling Daniel was safe.
The Stargate roared to life and opened a few minutes later, Dr. Janet Frasier coming through, it closed behind her.
"Hey doc, welcome to hippy paradise," Jack greeted.
Beside him Sam giggled. "Hippy paradise?"
"Well haven't you noticed they all look like they've jumped out of a bad sixes movie," he noted.
Janet frowned. "Colonel, your drunk."
Jack frowned back at her, having to look up to do so. "Am not."
Sam looked at him. "You are sir."
"So are you," he remarked and they both laughed.
Janet rolled her eyes. This was going to be an interesting couple of days.
A month later: The apartment of Lt. Colonel MackenzieMac opened the door, finding Clayton Webb on the other side. "Clay."
"Sarah," he greeted. "I have the information you wanted." He reported holding up a file.
"Come in," she insisted and closed the door when he was. "How did you get it?"
"Better you don't know," he remarked and gave her the file.
Mac took it and they sat down, she opened the file, laying it out on the coffee table. "These are the people he works with?"
Clay nodded, pointing to one of the reports that had a photo stabled to it. "Colonel Jack O'Neill," he revealed and then fanned them all out. "His adopted daughter Dr. Ceri O'Neill, Major Samantha Carter and Dr. Daniel Jackson. The O'Neill's live next door to Rabb."
"And they're all involved with Deep Space Radar Telemetry?"
He nodded. "And a whole lot more I guarantee you," he pointed to Jackson's photo. "Dr. Jackson is an Archaeologist and a linguist. Colonel O'Neill isn't just a flyboy, he's Special Forces and Major Carter logged over a hundred hours flight time during the Gulf War, she has a doctorate in astrophysics and can handle herself in a fight as well as they guys can. As for O'Neill's adopted daughter, she's a prodigy. She's an Archaeologist and linguist, she completed her doctorate before she was twenty-one along with a number of other doctorates."
"So what are two archaeologists, a Special Forces trained Colonel, and a Major with a PhD in astrophysics doing working at Cheyenne Mountain?" Mac asked. "And why was Harm selected to join them?"
Clay shook his head. "I don't know, what I do know is Rabb knows Colonel O'Neill. They've been friends since Rabb was a Lieutenant, before his ramp strike."
"According to Bud, an Air Force Colonel was with Harm when he left, he couldn't remember his name," Mac announced. "I'm guessing but I'd say it was O'Neill."
"Well something is going on at that Mountain and it isn't deep space radar telemetry," Clay declared. "I had a hell'va job just getting this much information."
Mac gathered it all together and closed the file. "Is Harm's address in here?"
"Yes."
"Okay, thanks Clay."
He stood with her and followed her to the door. "Look Sarah, keep this to yourself. Whatever Rabb's involved in, it's top secret, very top secret. So be careful."
"I will, thanks again Clay."
"No problem," he said and then left.
Mac lent against the closed door. "What have you gotten yourself into Harm," she wondered out loud. Going back to the sofa she sat down and picked up the phone, dialing her CO's number. Waiting as it was answered. "It's Colonel Mackenzie, sir… I'd like to take a few days off sir…. No personnel sir, I want to visit a friend in Colorado Springs," she paused, knowing the Admiral would understand. "Thank you sir… Yes sir, I'll keep in touch." She hung up. The Admiral had given her a week. She quickly made another phone call, getting a seat on a flight to Colorado Springs, before going and throwing a few things into a bag, including the file. Hopefully she would find Harm and get some answers. The main one was why hadn't he contacted her in three months; she needed to know he was all right. She needed to see him to do that, though. Grabbing her coat, bag, pause and keys, Mac hurried out of the apartment, the only flight she could get left in an hour, she had to move.
Cheyenne Mountain – Stargate Command
Klaxons blared as the Stargate opened with a loud roar, before it settled into its liquid event horizon. Seconds later Colonel O'Neill came diving out, hitting the ramp hard, Teal'c ran out, Major Carter and Daniel were helping a inquired Commander Rabb, who'd taken a staff blast to the chest and was barely walking, let alone conscious. Ceri came through last walking backwards still firing the P-90, which she stopped as soon as she was through, spinning around she yelled. "Close the iris."
The iris whirled closed and loud thumbs could be heard before the gate shut down.
A Marine security officer helped Jack to his feet as medical staff quickly got Harm onto a stretcher and took off towards the infirmary at a run. Another Marine took SG-1's weapons from them all and the remaining team members rushed for the infirmary to be near their fallen friend.
General Hammond went directly there. "What the hell happened?" He demanded.
"It was a trap," Jack snapped pacing up and down as the rest of his team stood waiting, exhausted. "A God damn trap and we walked into it."
"There were Jaffa waiting for us, sir," Sam said more calmly. "We spent the last two days fighting them off, Hammer took a hit to the chest protecting Ceri."
"They set us up," Jack snarled. "Those idiots on PX-5987 set us up!"
Daniel looked to Ceri; the young woman moved out of his arms and walked over to Jack. "Dad, calm down," she put her hand on his arm. Not only stopping him from pacing but making him face her. Her presence was enough to calm him, he sighed and drew her into his arms.
"Sorry sweetheart."
"It's okay dad."
"The inhabitants of PX- 5987 were going to trade us to the System Lords for protection," Daniel stated. "If it hadn't been for Ceri, it probably would have worked."
Hammond nodded. "All right, I expect a full report on my desk by this afternoon," he ordered, he knew he wouldn't be able to get them to leave the infirmary, so he didn't try. "Stay out of the medical staff's way."
"Yes sir," all responded.
He nodded to them and hurried away.
Janet came over to them, but she didn't have a lot of news. "Dr. Warner has the Commander in surgery, while you're here I want to make sure you're all right."
Reluctantly they followed, it was no use arguing with Frasier, she always won. Janet checked them all over; finding the only thing they were suffering from was exhaustion.
She noticed Jack watching Ceri and Daniel, the linguist was seated on an examination bed, the young woman standing between his thighs in his arms, holding tight to him. Janet smiled lightly. "You don't frown so much when they do that now, Colonel," she noted trying to keep the conversation light.
"I know he cares for her," Jack answered a little pessimistic. "Besides they have the right to be happy."
"We all do, sir," she agreed concerned by his attitude. "Lay back and get some rest Colonel, I know your not going to go anywhere, so at least rest."
Usually the one to argue Jack just did what he was told, which surprised Janet; she hurried over to Sam. "Is the Colonel all right?"
Sam shrugged. "As far as I know, why?"
"Sam, take a look at him. I told him to rest and instead of arguing with me, he just did it."
"He's just worried, Janet," Sam reassured, but didn't fully believe it herself.
The doctor was called away; she ordered them all to rest and rushed out, to answer the summons.
Sam went over to Jack. "Sir, is everything all right?"
"Just fine."
Now she was worried. "I don't think so, sir."
"Damn it Sam," he sat up in a hurry. "Can you for once stop calling me sir?"
She was a little taken back by his out burst. "Sorry Jack."
He rubbed a hand over his face. "No, I'm sorry, Sam, I'm worn-out."
"It's okay," she dismissed adding. "I'm worried about him too sir." She sat up on the exam bed next to him. "If anyone can survive this, Harm can, right?"
"Yeah," he agreed and forced a tight smile. "Right."
They sat there, occasionally talking for the next two hours; finally Janet came back in, her face grim.
"How is he, doc?" Jack asked anxiously.
Daniel and Ceri moved closer, as did Teal'c.
"He's out of surgery, he lost a lot of blood, but he's hanging on. We have him on a respirator at the moment," she answered.
Ceri buried her head into Daniel's chest and he held her, her sobs muffled by his shirt.
"Is he going to make it?" Sam asked.
She wanted to say yes, but there had been a lot of damage. "I don't know. He was mumbling a name – Sarah over and over."
"Sarah Mackenzie," Jack revealed. "His former partner, they were pretty close, practically family."
"Can you contact her?"
He nodded. "If I need too."
"I think you're going to need too, I'm going to talk to the General about contacting the Commander's parents." Janet announced.
Ceri pulled away from Daniel. "Can we see him, Janet?"
"For a while," she agreed and showed them where the Commander had been settled in ICU.
Jack didn't want this to be happening to Harm, he'd brought him into the team; he didn't want to see him die. "I'll come with you to see Hammond," he told the doctor.
She nodded and they left ICU.
"Major Carter," Teal'c got the 2IC's attention. "Is there nothing we can do to help Commander Rabb?"
"I don't think so."
"What about the Tok'ra?" Ceri asked. "He helped them when he first arrived, surely they could help him."
"I'd have to ask General Hammond."
"We have to do something Sam," Daniel said softly. "He'd do everything in his power to help one of us."
"I know," she agreed. "I know."
Ceri went closer; Harm's face was pasty. With a shaky hand she touched his forehead and closed her eyes. Harm? She waited, and then tried again. Harm its Ceri.
Ceri?
I'm here.
I'm so tried, he told her.
I know, but you have to hang on.
Don't leave me, everyone leaves me, he pleaded.
I won't, she assured. Opening her eyes she looked back, seeing the stool. Holding out her hand she used her telekinetic powers to bring it to her. She sat down close to his bed, taking Harm's hand.
"Is he all right?" Daniel asked, standing at her side.
"He's afraid of being abandoned," she answered. "I told him I wouldn't leave, I think he needs to hear it from everyone."
"How?" Sam asked as she and Teal'c came closer.
"Hold hands," Ceri told them. "I'll bring you all in." Sam took Teal'c's hand, the Jaffa then took Daniel's, and he then took Ceri's. She kept hold of Harm's. They closed their eyes. "Relax and don't fight me," she advised. Then after settling her own mind, she drew them in, one by one, until they were all contacted with their fallen friend. Harm?
Ceri.
We're all here, Harm, except for Jack, but he'll be here later, she assured.
Do not give up Harmon Rabb. Teal'c counseled.
We're here for you sir. Sam informed.
We'll stay as long as we can, Harm. Daniel insisted.
We'll always be with you, Harm, Ceri said gentle. We won't give up on you, so don't give up on us.
I'll try, I'm so tired, he told them.
Then hang on to us, she declared. One of us will be with you at all times, we won't let you go, I promise.
Don't make promises you can't keep.
We'll keep this one, she guaranteed sincerely. No matter what you're not going to die.
Tok'ra Base – Location classified
Jacob Carter made his way through the tunnels that made up the base, a conversation going on with his symbiote, Selmac that only he could hear.
'How do you think he will react to the news?' Selmac asked.
'I'm not sure,' Jacob answered in his mind. 'I know how I would react.' They walked into the quarters of another Tok'ra agent. A tall humanoid man, dark brown hair and blue eyes, that had speaks of silver and gold through them, he looked no more then forty. "Adrick," Selmac greeted using the familiar vocal tones that were different to her hosts.
Adrick was the man's symbiote. "Selmac."
"My host wishes to speak with yours."
"Very well," he blinked, releasing control to his host, who spoke. "How are you Jacob?"
Jacob answered him. "I'm good. We've just received a message from the Tau're," he paused and moved closer. "Amon, your son was injured during a mission off world with SG-1. He's dying."
Amon Rhabb, also known, as Harmon Rabb, Sr. Tok'ra agent was shocked. "Can we help him?"
"I hope so, I'm heading to Earth do you want to come with me?"
"You had to ask?" Amon/Harm Sr. remarked, following Jacob. "What is Harm doing working for SGC?"
"He's only been there a few months," his friend revealed. "He wasn't happy at his other post and Colonel O'Neill had him brought into the team, they've been friends for years."
"Harm doesn't know I'm a live, Jacob. He doesn't know any of it."
"I know, but your being there maybe the only way to save his life," Jacob declared. "He took a blast from a staff weapon to the chest, he's lost a lot of blood and is holding on, but they don't know for how long."
"Then lets hurry, I don't want to see my son die," Amon/Harm Sr. announced.
"Amon, there's more," Jacob stated, grabbing his friends arm to stop him. "Ceri is alive and on Earth, she works with SG-1 as well. She was on Earth when the Goa'uld attacked Tallisia, O'Neill's been looking after her, they sort of adopted each other."
"Oh God, Jacob, this is a fine mess. My son is serving in a team with his unknown half sister, who I thought was dead. And neither of them have any knowledge I'm alive and Harm doesn't even now I'm not from Earth." Amon/Harm Sr. said running his hand through his hair. "And Ceri, won't even remember me."
"It'll work out," his friend reassured. "We've got to go through, before it's too late."
Nodding Amon/Harm Sr. agreed and they continued. They ringed up to the surface and went to the Stargate, dialing Earth's address, when the gate opened, they transmitted the Tok'ra IDC, then walked through.
General Hammond was waiting for them on Earth; he was shocked by who came through with Jacob Carter, the man could have been Harmon Rabb's twin. "Jacob, what's going on?"
They came down the ramp to him. "The short story is George, Commander Rabb's father is a Tok'ra agent he is Tallisian. He was on Earth for the Tok'ra when the Goa'uld stranded him there by destroying his ship."
"I'm Amon Rhabb, I made a life on Earth under the name Harmon Rabb, Sr., married, joined the Navy, went to Vietnam and was shot down and reported MIA, my people rescued me and returned me to Tallisia, I couldn't say on Tallisia with my family because the Goa'uld were searching for me." Amon/Harm Sr. concluded. "Now General, I'd like to see my son."
"Yes of course." He guided them both out of them gate room, taking them to the infirmary.
Jack was there, as was the rest of SG-1, they barely left Harm's side, one or all of them were constantly with him. He looked, surprised to see who was with Jacob and Hammond. "What's going on, General?"
"This is Commander Rabb's father, he's a Tok'ra operative."
Ceri glanced up; she was still telepathically linked to Harm. What shocked her wasn't the fact Harm's father was almost his twin, but the fact he was Tallisian, which explained his son's dormant telepathic abilities. She looked to Jack. "Dad?"
Jack glanced over at her. "It's okay, Ceri. He's Hammer's father." He looked back and stared at Rabb Sr. Making sure he understood if he hurt his friend, their would be hell to pay.
Amon/Harm Sr. ignored the Colonel as much as he could; he was more concerned about his son. He was shocked and proud of what Harm had become, not just because he was using the call sign he'd used, but also because he'd became a fine man and an outstanding officer. He moved closer, smiling at the young woman, sensing what she was doing. "You're keeping him alive."
"Yes, I won't let him die."
Dr. Frasier rushed in, more then a little apprehensive. "General what's going on?"
"The Tok'ra are here to help, doctor."
Sam came over to her father. "I'm glad you came dad."
He hugged her. "I just hope we're not too late sweetheart."
"So am I, dad."
He blinked, giving control to his symbiote and Selmac spoke. "Adrick and I will do all we can, Major Carter."
"Thank you Selmac."
Amon/Harm Sr. turned back, but it wasn't him who spoke but his symbiote. "I fear that even a healing device wouldn't do Commander Rabb any good. However a symbiote may be able to heal him."
"You want to put a snake in his head!" Jack exclaimed not so happy about it.
"I assure you Colonel O'Neill no Tok'ra symbiote will not remain with a host if unwanted."
"Perhaps you should ask Harm," Daniel said calmly, he'd remained quiet until then.
"I believe Daniel Jackson is right," Teal'c agreed.
"They're right, Dad," Ceri said to her father. "It's Harm's decision."
"Then ask him," Jack insisted, he didn't turn Sam away as she crossed to his side.
Ceri nodded and closed her eyes. Harm?
Ceri.
The Tok'ra believe a healing device won't be able to help you. They'd like to use a symbiote, the symbiote could heal you and then it will leave if you wish.
He didn't answer her, not telepathically. His eyes opened, he'd been taken off the respirator, but had a nasal cannula that gave him oxygen. "I don't want… a snake in my head…" He said softly.
She opened her eyes. "It wouldn't be for very long, just until you're healed," she looked to his father. Talk to him.
He blinked slowly and Amon/Harm Sr. in control again. "Harm."
Harm looked, then frowned only half believing whom he was seeing. "Dad?"
"I'm here son," he put his hand on his son's shoulder. "The Tok'ra can help you son. I don't want to lose you."
"You… never lost me…. I…. lost you," he said painfully.
"I'm sorry son," he apologized. "There's so much to tell you."
"Your dad can't explain if you die, Harm," Ceri said calmly. She still hadn't released his hand. Her strength was keeping him going.
"I… don't want…to die."
"It's your chose, Hammer." Jack interrupted. "No ones forcing you?"
He looked to his friend. "Would… you do… it?"
Jack didn't hesitate in his answer because Harm needed to know. "To save my life, yeah I probably would, I'd bitch about it of course," he stated, then jeered. "Besides you guys would be lost without me."
Harm managed a smile, a weak one. "All right."
"The Commander isn't strong enough to move." Janet interrupted, sternly.
"We can bring the symbiote here," Jacob informed. "She's in stasis. The blending can be done here." He turned to Hammond. "George, I'll need to head back now."
"Yes of course." He showed him out.
Janet still wasn't convinced. "Are you sure a healing device won't work?"
"I'm positive doctor," Amon/Harm Sr. answered. "My symbiote is knowledgeable about healing."
"Were you blended with Adrick when Commander Rabb was conceived?" Sam asked, curiously.
Amon smiled, speaking freely since his son was sleeping again. He looked to the Major. "No, which is why he doesn't have Naquada in his blood," he revealed, second-guessing her.
"You don't look completely, Tallisian." Ceri stated.
"My eye color was genetically changed so I could blend in, Adrick has been slowly changing them back to their original color."
Daniel now stood behind Ceri, his hands on her shoulders. "How long have you and Adrick been blended?"
"A while, he saved my life and I saved his."
Jack's was the hashes of questions. "Why did you leave him? How could you have put your son through so much heartache?"
"I didn't do it on purpose, Colonel O'Neill, I had no chose, the Goa'uld were looking for me, I had to leave Earth," Amon/Harm Sr. answered, sensing the man's anger and his reason's behind it. "I couldn't even stay on Tallisian because they'd been tripped off that I was there."
"Why?" Ceri asked.
"I betrayed a System Lord, feed him false information, because of it his entire fleet was wiped out."
"Did you have a family on Tallisian?" Sam questioned.
"I did, a wife, a son and daughter. My daughter never got to know me; my son thought I betrayed him and his mother. She understood why I did what I did though," he said, his voice full of grief.
Jack shook his head angrily and walked out. Sam went after him. "Colonel."
"Leave me alone, Carter."
She didn't. "Sir, I really think you should talk about this."
"I don't want to talk about it."
She followed him to the quarters he used while he remanded on base. "Sir."
"Damn it Sam," he said slammed the door when she was inside. "I said I don't want to talk about."
"Why not Jack?"
He grabbed her and forced her against the door. "Because it's too damn painful."
She stayed calm, knowing he wouldn't hurt her. "You didn't abandon Charlie, Jack," she said tenderly. "No more then Harm's father did him. He saved his life by leaving him behind."
"It didn't save him the heartache," he said letting his anger go.
"No, it didn't, but it made him the man he is today," she said. "Just as your heartache made you who you are."
"Who am I, Sam?" He asked, he felt drawn to her, his grip loosened and he moved closer.
You're the man I love, she said to herself. Her heart pounded against her chest as she licked her lips, they'd been dancing around each other for so long know, she didn't know if either of them knew how to get off. "You know who you are Jack."
The licking of her lips was enough to make him lose control. Damn she was sexy. His mouth went over hers as he through all the passion he could muster into the kiss.
She kissed him back, forcing her tongue into his mouth as she wrapped her arms around his neck. They shouldn't have been doing this, it was against regs, but she didn't care. Not one bit. There was nothing but desire in her eyes when they parted, desire and wanton lust. She wanted him so badly she hurt. Grabbing him by the shirt she spun him around so their positions were reversed and he was up against the door, kissing him again. Neither were idle with their hands, they explored, touched, caressed. Clothing started to go, thrown on the floor in a heap, his shirt, her shirt, his tee shirt, and her tee shirt. Boots, socks, all came off, between smoldering kisses as they made their way to the bed, trousers were next. They fell onto the bed in just their underwear.
Jack sucked on a rosy nipple through the lace of Sam's bra, when she arched her back, he unclipped it one handed. It was removed and thrown on the pile of clothes. He returned his attentions back to her nipple, sucking and licking before blowing air over it, and then he moved to the other starting over again. Moving his hand down her stomach, he slipped his fingers beneath her panties, finding closely trimmed curls there.
On instinct she moved her legs apart and felt his callused fingers against her sensitive skin. She called out, her nails digging into his shoulder at the pleasure he was inflicting. "Oh God, Jack, please."
"Please what?" He asked; he didn't stop what he was doing. Feeling her body shudder.
"Make love to me, please," she begged, almost ready to fall over the edge into blissful ecstasy.
He removed her panties and his boxers, he was painfully aroused, if she hadn't of begged, he would of made a move himself. "Sam, are you, do I…?" He never got to finish his question.
"It's all right," she urged. "Please Jack."
He settled between her thighs, and with none to gentle thrust of her hips they were joined intimately. He nearly lost it then and there, groaning into her shoulder. He lifted his head and kissed her, moving slowly within her until she was use to his size.
Sam wrapped her legs around his hips, pushing them even closer together. "Slow later, Jack. Please, faster, harder."
He didn't need to be told twice, pushing her back against the bed, hasting his pace. They could go slow later, yeah later was good.
"Oh God Jack, yes," she urged, biting her lip at the onslaught of pleasure that was building up inside her.
He began to thrust even fast, feeling her body shudder and then begin to convulse, which sent him complete over the edge with her into blissful euphoria, kissing her to cover her screams of elation before collapsing on top of her spent. His head buried into her shoulder, his breathing rapid.
She held him to her, releasing her hold on his hips, stroking his now damp hair. "God, Jack, that was incredible," she whispered.
"Told you I knew what I was doing," he said trying to slow his breathing.
"I never doubted you for one moment."
He looked up. "Damn right you shouldn't have." He finally had the energy to move, lying beside her. "Why now Sam?"
"We weren't ready before," she said simply.
"And we were now?"
"That or we were as horny as hell," she giggled.
He laughed, he couldn't help it and then he realized something. The door wasn't locked. "Shit."
"What?" She was concerned.
"The door it's not locked," he stated, then heard a click. "What the?"
Not so loud next time, Ceri's voice said in their minds. I feel too, so does Daniel and Teal'c. It's lucky Harm is too pumped up on painkillers.
Jack laughed a little embarrassed, so did Sam. Sorry kiddo.
Don't worry dad, we will not say anything, but our revenge will come, she promised, and then was gone form their minds.
Sam rolled over and snuggled into Jack, blushing a little. "She heard us."
"Oh yeah," he commented. "Big time."
She blushed harder. "They heard us."
"Yep. And I'll kill'em if they say anything."
Dad, Sam, Jacob is back. Ceri said in their minds.
They scrambled to their feet and dressed in record time, leaving Jack's quarters they ran down the hallways to the infirmary.
General Hammond was waiting outside. "We have a problem?"
"What?" Jack asked aguishly.
"Colonel Mackenzie. She was found snooping around the Commanders house and brought here by a couple of SF's."
"Damn!"
"She wants to see Commander Rabb."
"She won't be able to until we know the blending is successful and Harm is healing." Sam declared, and then stated. "If we tell her, the Commander was injured in a Top Secret mission, it'll buy us time. You can inform her, she can see the Commander when Janet gives the go ahead, once you have that she can be taken to see him. Harm knows to avoid any and all reference to the Stargate."
"It could work, sir." Jack agreed.
"All right, I'll have the Colonel brought to my office and tell her the doctors aren't allowing anyone to see Commander Rabb, I'll then have her shown to VIP quarters and post a Marine on the door just incase." Hammond announced. "Hopefully she'll accept that and not course any trouble."
"Yes sir," both responded and went into the infirmary, going directly to ICU.
Daniel and Teal'c were standing outside.
"What's going on?" Jack asked.
"They're doing the blending, Ceri is still linked to Harm. She can't release him until the symbiote is inside him." Daniel explained cringing a little. "We didn't want to see it, so…."
"Right," he agreed. He didn't want to witness that either. "Colonel Mackenzie is here, she's being stalled by General Hammond."
"For how long?"
"Until we give the go a head. Then he'll bring her here, she'll be told Hammer was injured in a Top Secret mission, no reference is to be made of the Stargate."
"And she will believe this?" Teal'c inquired.
"I hope so."
"The problem is we may have to stall her for twenty-four hours," Sam noted. "At least until we know it worked."
"Will that be possible, Major Carter?"
"I hope so Teal'c."
Ceri came out of ICU, going directly into Daniel's arms. "It's done."
"How is he?" Jack asked.
"They won't know until he's conscious again, but I can sense his symbiote isn't domineering, she merely doing her best to heal him. She has a caring nature."
"Her best?"
"Nitara is the symbiote. I know there isn't a male/female definition with a symbiote, but Selmac said she, so I'm assuming, Nitara has always had female hosts." Ceri explained.
"Well that's going to make life interesting."
"Dad handles it," Sam remarked. "I mean, Selmac was in a female host before dad and I always refer to her as a her."
"True."
Amon/Harm Sr. and Jacob came out. "Harm is sleeping," the former Naval officer announced. "Doctor Frasier said his vials are stabilizing and he is healing at fast rate."
"Which is good, right?" Jack inquired.
Jacob nodded. "It means Nitara is doing all she can for Harm, including awaking some of his Tallisian genes, which is helping him heal. He should be awake soon."
"Good, because hisgirlfriend is being stalled by General Hammond, she wants to see him. The thing is she knows nothing of the Stargate or what he's doing here," Jack announced. "So no offence, but it wouldn't be wise for her to see her guys dead father standing alive at his bedside."
Amon/Harm Sr. smiled. "I understand."
"I though Colonel Mackenzie was just a friend," Daniel stated confused.
"Oh come on Daniel, he has it so bad for her, it's not funny," Jack exclaimed. "And she wouldn't have come looking for him if she didn't have it bad for him."
"You can't beat logic like that." Sam smirked.
"Thank you so much."
Both Jacob and Amon/Harm Sr. chuckled to themselves. "We'll remain out of sigh when the time comes," Jacob declared. "We can get coffee?"
"Sounds a plan," Jack agreed. "For now, lets just concentrate on Harm."
"He shouldn't be alone," Amon/Harm Sr., said, his voice calm but on the inside he was concerned.
"He won't be sir," Ceri assured. "One of us will be with him."
"Thank you Ceri."
"Lets get some rest then," Jack announced. "Sam and I will take first watch."
"We'll relieve you guys in a few hours," Daniel informed and then guided Ceri towards his quarters on base.
"Lets get some coffee," Jacob suggested to his fellow Tok'ra.
"Why don't you go with them, T?" Jack elected.
"As you wish O'Neill." He said and went with the two Tok'ra, who were discussing coffee, and how much they missed it.
Jack and Sam went into ICU to start their visual; they needed to be there for not only their friend but for themselves as well. Leaving only to get a few hours sleep sometime around midnight, they were now heading back to the infirmary, finding Ceri and Daniel outside one of the private rooms. Dr. Frasier had kicked the two young linguists out of ICU around oh four hundred and demanded they get some sleep. They hadn't long returned for news on their friend, finding out he was out of ICU and in a room on his own.
Ceri stood in Daniel's arms, her head resting against his shoulder, in the past twenty-four hours, they'd shown more affection towards each other while on the base, and then they'd ever done.
Daniel kissed the top of her head. "Are you sure you're all right?"
"I'm just tired," she confessed, and then smiled wearily at her adopted father and his 2IC. "Morning dad, Sam."
"Morning kids, how's things?" Jack inquired.
"Janet's with Harm at the moment." Daniel answered.
"So we'll know soon enough?" Sam decided and they all agreed. "Did you two get any sleep?"
"A little."
A few minutes later Dr. Frasier came out. "Commander Rabb is awake, he's improving quickly. He's waiting to see you."
"Thanks Janet," Sam said smiling.
They went into the room. Harm did look better, the color had returned to his face and the IV drip was gone, so was the nasal cannula.
"Hey buddy, enjoying the rest," Jack said lightly.
He smiled. "Yeah, I get hit by a staff weapon and almost die, get a symbiote to heal me, just to lay around all day," he said sarcastically. The thought of having a symbiote inside his head was something he was still getting use to.
"Well whatever works, Hammer," his friend said with a shrug. A little concerned.
Harm sensed it, ignoring it. "Where's dad?"
"He and Jacob are once again discussing coffee in the commissary with Teal'c, where they're having breakfast." Ceri told him. "Both were here earlier, around oh three hundred."
"They thought they'd be better off staying out of the way this morning," Daniel continued. "You're going to be having a visitor."
"Who?"
"Colonel Mackenzie." Jack informed.
"Mac's here?" He said aguishly.
"Easy Commander," Janet warned. "I'm the one who's giving the go ahead for her visit."
"I'll behave, doc."
She arched an eyebrow, only half believing that one. Rabb was as bad as the rest of SG-1. "All right."
"Can you call General Hammond and let him know it's all right, Janet?" Sam asked.
"Sure." She agreed and left them with him.
"Mac doesn't know anything about the Stargate program right?" Jack asked Harm, making sure.
"Nothing, I haven't even spoken to her since I left JAG."
"Well she was found snooping around your house yesterday by a couple of SF's, she spent the night here in the VIP quarters."
"That's not going to make her happy, so what is she being told?" Harm asked them.
"That you were injured in a Top Secret mission and that the doctors weren't letting anyone see you until today. She's a lawyer, Hammer. She'll handle not being told the whole truth." Jack disclosed.
"And that you're lying through your teeth."
"Quite possible, but we'll risk it," his friend smirked.
Harm chuckled lightly. This was never going to work or maybe it would.
"They're here." Ceri, said quietly, alerting them all.
General Hammond lead Colonel Sarah Mackenzie into the room, she was a little pale, dark circles under her eyes revealed she'd slept little. "Colonel, this is the Commander's team. Colonel Jack O'Neill, the team Commander, Major Samantha Carter, the teams 2IC, Dr Daniel Jackson and Dr. Ceri O'Neill," he introduced. "And as you can see, Commander Rabb is recovering."
She smiled. "Hello."
"Why don't we give the Commander some time with Colonel Mackenzie," the General suggested.
They all agreed, and started leaving. Harm grabbed Ceri's arm. "Thank you," he whispered.
She smiled and lent over, kissing him on the cheek. "You're welcome," she said with a smile and then left with the others.
Mac was nervous, nervous to the point of nearly being sick. She moved closer, sitting on the stool that was next to his bed. "I came to see you," she explained, babbling a little. "Webb got me your address and I was just looking around when these two SF's came out of no where and escorted me here."
"I'm sorry," he apologized and took her hand.
"For me coming?"
"No, for not being at home when you arrived."
She managed to smile at that. "Are you all right?"
"I will be, it's not as bad as it looks," he assured. He reached up and caressed her cheek. "I'm sorry I haven't written or emailed."
"It's okay," she took his hand in her, tears welling in her eyes. The pain she'd felt when the General had said he'd been hurt had almost been too much to endure, as had her confinement, she'd barely slept.
"Hey," he wiped the tears that fell. "It's okay, Mac, I'm going to be fine."
"The General said you almost died," she revealed and then hugged him gently. "God I almost lost you."
"It's okay, Mac, let it out," he said calmly, stroking her hair, holding her against him.
'You love her a great deal.' Nitara said within, she'd barely spoken to him since their blending.
'Yes I do.' He replied the same way, he was starting to accept the symbiote in his head. She had saved his life.
'Then tell her, she should know.' She suggested.
'It's easy for you to say.' He remarked and heard chuckling. He knew Nitara was right though, pretty smart for a snake. "Mac. Sarah."
She straightened, wiping her eyes. "You haven't called me that in a long time."
"To long," he slowly pulled himself up into a sitting position feeling a little light headed as he sat cross-legged, but he remained upright. The sheet that had been covering him bunched at his waist, exposing the pinkish red skin where he'd taken the staff blast that Nitara had helped heal. "I need to tell you something, something I should have told you a long time ago. I love you, Sarah."
Mac smiled and sat up on the bed with him, she touched his chest gently, running her fingers down, stopping at his thigh. "I know Harm," she said lovingly, admitting. "I love you too."
He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her, a long passionate kiss that both responded too.
They parted hearing a throat being cleared and looked to see Dr. Frasier standing in the doorway. "Sorry Commander, but you need to rest."
"That's all right, doc, we've got time," he assured, looking at Mac.
She nodded. "All the time in the world, Flyboy," she agreed. Then turned. "Colonel Sarah Mackenzie," she introduced herself.
"Doctor Janet Frasier, I've had the privilege of getting to know the Commander rather well over the last three months," Janet mussed with a smirk.
"She's uses my backside for a dartboard," Harm grumbled. "I have the bruises to prove it."
Mac giggled, she liked this doctor. "Well doctor, any woman who can handle Harm when he's injured has my respect."
"Thank you Colonel."
Ceri and Daniel came into the room, joining the doctor; both were now in civilian clothing instead of fatigues.
Harm nodded to them. "Hi guys."
"General Hammond has ordered us to stand down, so we're heading home, we thought Colonel Mackenzie might like a ride." Daniel divulged.
"The General has also arranged for her to come back tomorrow to see you." Ceri added as though she was finishing Daniel's sentence.
Harm nodded and looked to Mac. "Stay at my place, get some sleep and I'll see you tomorrow. Ceri has a key."
"I'd rather stay longer."
"Sorry Colonel," Janet interrupted. "The more the Commander rests the better and by the look of you, you could do with some sleep."
"All right," she yielded and then lent forward and kissed Harm again, not caring who saw it. They weren't under the same chain of command any more. "Get better Flyboy."
"I will."
She got off the bed and went with Ceri and Daniel. They left the mountain, Daniel driving them to Harm's house.
"Were you both on the mission with Harm, when he was injured?" Mac asked, pushing for answers to questions she had.
"The Commander saved Ceri's life," Daniel informed. "He pushed her to safety."
"Harm is as protective of all of us, as much as Dad is. Sometimes it's hard to know who is the bigger mother hen," Ceri said smiling. "Which is why we care so much for both of them."
"I can see that," the Marine Colonel stated. Then added. "I take it the mission is classified?"
"All our missions are classified, Colonel." Daniel concluded.
Mac had a feeling she wouldn't get anything out of these two.
Back at the mountain, in the infirmary, Amon/Harm Sr. entered the room assigned to his son.
Harm turned his head; he'd been made to lie back down again, but was propped up by some pillows. "Dad."
"Can we talk?"
"Sure," he gestured to the stool.
Amon/Harm Sr. sat down. "How are you and Nitara getting along?"
"So far so good, she's actually pretty interesting," his son admitted. "I guess I thought when we blended, she'd try and take over, but she's been happy to just stay in the back ground, so to speak."
His dad smiled. "You'll find she's good at staying in the back ground until needed."
"You knew her former host?"
He nodded. "I did, we were friends," he informed, and then added. "But that's not why I came, I want to explain things to you."
"I need answers dad, I mean are my family really my family?" Harm asked.
"Your grandmother, Sarah, donated not only her surname, but some of her DNA to help mask and conceal my Tallisian appearances. So in a way she is your paternal Grandmother," his dad explained. "Her DNA and mine became combined, like a son's. Which is how I remained hidden for so long on Earth. She also gave me my name, she said Harmon was better then Amon."
"But I found evidence you were taken to Russia, that you escaped and were killed saving a young woman from being rapped by Russian soldiers," Harm declared confused. "Did that happen?"
"I was shot down during the Vietnam War, but I wasn't captured. I was transported aboard a Tallisian shuttle, I knew that just disappearing wouldn't bring closer, so the whole captured, taken to Russia and escaping was formulated and false memories were placed into the needed people."
"But the photo? I saw a photo of you in Russia."
"We did that too. I'm sorry son, I just wanted closer for you and your mother."
He knew he should have been angry but he wasn't. "So I'm half Tallisian?"
"Yes, your mom is human."
"Did she know, that you weren't?"
"No, she never knew," his father answered. "Though I was worried before you were born that you'd be born with silver eyes but the human DNA was more dominate. I'm not sure though now that Nitara is blended with you whether that will continue. She may unwittingly make your Tallisian genes stronger."
"Mac's going to love that," Harm mused.
"Harm you can't tell her or your mother about me."
"I know."
His father hesitated for a moment. "There's more you should know, son. You have a sister, a half sister. I didn't even know she was alive until Jacob told me. The Tok'ra had been keeping tabs on Tallisia since I left, so they knew before I did."
"Who is she?" Harm asked him a little anguish to know who his sister was.
"Ceri."
For a brief moment he didn't believe it, but then it was so clear. The way he felt protective of her, the instant connection he felt. "Does she know?"
"No. She was born just before I was taken into hiding, before I was blended with Adrick. As far as she knows, the man her mother married after I left was her father." Amon/Harm Sr. revealed. "I'm sorry son, I never expected this to happen."
Harm nodded. "I need some time."
His father agreed. "I'm returning to the Tok'ra planet with Jacob. We'll be back in a couple of days, you still need to decide whether or not you wish to stay blended with Nitara."
"I've got a lot of thinking to do then."
"Yes you have," his father stood. "I'll see you later, son."
"Dad," Harm sat up slowly and drew his father into a hug. "I'm glad you're alive."
"I've missed you too son, I'm so sorry for putting you though all of that."
"You came when I needed you, that's the main thing."
"I'll always be there if you need me Harm," he promised. "Now rest young man, that's an order."
"Yes sir," he said with a grin as he released him, lying back.
"Bye son."
"Bye dad."
Amon/Harm Sr. gave a smile and then left the room finding Jack. "He needs a friend at the moment, Colonel."
Jack just nodded and went in. "Hey pal."
"Hey Jack."
"So how are you and the snake getting alone?" He asked as he sat down on the stool.
"Nitara, her name is Nitara," Harm corrected, surprised that he was a little defensive about it.
"Sorry."
"It's okay," Harm told him. "How are you handling it?"
"It's a little weird, you know. Knowing something else inhabits your body with you." Jack confessed.
"Would you like to talk to her," Harm offered. "Maybe that will help."
"Sure."
Harm blinked his eyes and Nitara was in control, her vocal tones that of the symbiote and Harm's. "Hello Colonel O'Neill."
"Nitara."
"You seem uncomfortable," she nodded.
"I'm trying not to be," he said. "So, is Harm going to be all right?"
"Your friend will be fine by morning. Being half Tallisian has helped and he is strong and healthy."
Jack nodded still feeling uncomfortable. "So are you going to be staying?"
"That is something Harm and I must decided" she answered. "He is getting restless, so I'll say goodbye Colonel O'Neill"
"Bye Nitara."
Harm's blinked again and once more he was in control. "She's not so bad, Jack."
"Yeah, she seems nice."
"She did save my life."
"Yeah," he stood and started to leave, stopping before he did. "I'm glad you're all right, Harm."
"Thanks Jack, now go take Sam home," he told him with a grin.
Jack groaned, knowing what that grin meant. "You know about that too?"
"It's amazing the whole base doesn't, Jack. Jeez I was pumped full of painkillers and I felt it."
"Sorry."
"It's okay. I'm glad you're together."
"So am I, Hammer, so am I. Later pal."
"See'a Jack."
He managed a smile and walked out, Sam was waiting. They left together, not saying anything until they got to his place; Sam had followed him in her car.
"Will Daniel and Ceri be joining us?" She asked as they walked towards his house
"No," he shook his head. "They decided to stay at his apartment," he took her hand. "So it's just you and me."
"And no one to hear us," she smirked.
"Oh yeah," he unlocked the door and pulled her inside, shutting it quickly he pinned her gentle against it with his body. "Baby you can be as loud as you want."
"Then you better take me to bed, Colonel, because I intend to be loud," she promised with a sexy grin.
With a growl he picked her up and carried her into the main bedroom, clothing came off in a hurry and they fell naked onto the bed. Sam getting the upper hand, she straddled him, running her hands down his chest, feeling his stomach muscles contract. At that moment, Jack though the sigh of Sam naked except for her dog tags was so sexy.
She wiggled down as she lent over and left a trail of hot kisses down his abdomen, his eyes closed as her mouth enclosed his arousal, and he couldn't help but groan as she sucked and licked.
"Oh God Sam, that is sooo good," he moaned.
She smiled and continued, feeling she was becoming aroused by what she was doing to him. She wanted to please him though, to bring him to the brink then back off and she did, again and again.
Jack couldn't take it any more. "Baby, come here," he pleaded.
She wiggled up, positioning herself over his hips. He grabbed hers and thrust deep within her, she cried out at the intense pleasure he produced by doing that. He kissed her, his mouth rough against hers, but she didn't care. She moved her hips in circles as he thrust within her, her moans grow louder, he moved faster. "Jack!" She cried out as her body shuddered and convulsed with ecstasy, he didn't stop, gripping her hips a little tighter. He was so close to joining her. She throw her head back and cried out a second time, her pleasure more intense then the first, sending him over the end with her into euphoria heaven. She collapsed happily on top of him, blissfully exhausted.
"Keep this up, and I'll need a symbiote to survive," he teased.
"I don't know if I want to make love to you knowing there's someone else in your head," she purred. "But then again, two's company, three's kinky."
Jack laughed. "You like kinky, huh?"
"Depends on your idea of kinky," she mused.
"Well when Harm is on his feet and home, I'll ask him how he handles having Nitara in his head while he makes love to Mac," he smirked grinning confident that was what was going to happen.
"You wouldn't?"
"Wouldn't I?" He jeered.
She laughed with him, then got up and laid beside him, snuggling close, her head on his chest. She ran her fingers through the graying hair on his chest. "If Hammond finds out about us, our careers are history," she said solemnly.
"I know," he stocked her hair. "Lets just play it by ear, the worse comes to worse I'll retire again."
"No you won't, I'll resign," Sam told him. "He can always hire me as a civilian advisor."
"You have an answer for everything."
"That's why you love me," she mused.
"Damn straight," he agreed happily.
"Say it Jack," Sam urged anxiously, staring into his brown eyes. "Say you love me."
"I love you Sam," he told her with all his heart. "I have for a long time."
"I love you too Jack," she said tenderly and kissed him. Now she knew they had a chance.
To be continued….
(Okay, so what do you think? Good? Bad? Should I continue or trash it?)
