Title: Affairs of the Heart
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Rating: R
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: Hi everyone, sorry the last chapter took so long, with getting my two children ready for school again and having a bad case of writers block, it took longer then I expected to write, but I got it together eventually. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter. And just a reminder, Harm Sr. is now referred to as Amon Rhabb. I'd also like to dedicate this chapter to those of us who have had children. All you mom's will understand when you read it – A.S
Thanks to: Winjan: Thanks for bring up the question about Harm? I'm going to have to think about that one.
Wickdlady: I think Mac should be with Harm too.
Clingon87: I love weird thoughts; have them all the time, but I was thinking about AJ too.
RingRat: Good idea about AJ, though in this story he's not retired, but I think he'd make a good host too. You just never know.
DrewAllen: I'm glad you liked the last chapter, I hope you like this one too. Good idea too Mac should be with Harm.
Shal Valentine: Thanks; the consensus is at the moment: 2 for Mac being a host and 2 for AJ. Well you'll have to wait and see.
Foxfur: I was going to skip the labor, but your review made me go back and added it. As for Sam and Jack's son, I like the idea he and Daniel and Ceri's daughter being a sort of Adam and Eve. Evolution wise. Nice idea.
Affairs of the HeartChapter Five: Unraveling the threads
Stargate Command: Cheyenne MountainJack rapped his knuckles on the General's office door. "Sir, could I have a word?" He asked when the General looked up.
"Of course, Jack. Any news?"
"No sir," he shut the door when he was in. "Doc Frasier said it could be a while yet."
"So what can I do for you, Jack?"
He put the cloth wrapped artifact on the General's desk. "We found this on Abydos along with the tablet."
"What is it?"
Jack unwrapped it. "The Eye of Ra sir, one of six. On their own they're powerful, put them together and we could all be in trouble, especially if they fall into the wrong hands."
"And you found this on Abydos?" The General clarified.
"Yes sir, Daniel and Ceri led us to it," he sat down without being asked. "General we think the Furlings did something to them."
That concerned Hammond. "In what way?"
"I saw Daniel heal a bruise on Carter's hand just by touching it. Ceri blew a hold in a stone wall using kinetic energy while Daniel somehow tapped into that energy to form a shield," he reported. "Ever since his bonding with Ceri he's been able to tap into her abilities, but this was different. I've never seen him do this kind of thing before."
"So what do you suggest?"
"Well I think the Furlings did this to them so they'd find the Eye, Daniel was looking for it when he lived on Abydos. They could have read his mind or something like that and decided to use them." Jack retorted. "And neither of them remember their time on the Furling home world."
"So what do we do? Destroy the Eye?" Hammond inquired.
"Well according to Skaara we can't destroy it, it belongs to Daniel. Apparently the Elders decided everything on Abydos that belonged to Ra, now belongs to Daniel. It's sort of payment for him saving them from Ra."
"What do you suggest we do, Jack?"
"I have a feeling the Furlings know we have the Eye and they're going to come calling."
"All right," the General rewrapped it. "Lock this thing up until I can talk to Dr. Jackson."
"Yes sir," Jack took the Eye as he stood. "We haven't heard the last of the Furlings, General."
"I agree Colonel. Dismissed."
"Yes sir." He left the office, after securing the Eye in the base safe; he collected Pharaoh from Daniel and Ceri's lab where the dog had been left when Ceri had gone into labor and went to Sam's. "Hey kids, any word?"
Harm and Sam were huddled over some doohickey. "Not as yet sir," she answered him without looking up.
Teal'c was sitting patiently. "There has been no news as of yet O'Neill."
"Well, it'll take time," Jack said shrugging it off. "I sent a message off to the Tok'ra, so we can expect them to arrival."
"Them?" Harm inquired.
"Well I have a feeling Jacob will talk his way into coming along too."
"Dad thinks a lot of Ceri." Sam noted.
"I know." He perched on a stool, Pharaoh settling at his feet. "So what you playing with?"
"SG-7 brought it back from their last mission," Sam answered. "We haven't figured out what it is yet." She looked up, as if stopping in mid thought. "I've been thinking though, if Ceri has Ancient genes, does Harm?"
"I was wondering that myself." He remarked looking at the person in question.
Harm frowned, seeing they both were. "Don't get any ideas guys, Janet likes sticking me with needles as it is."
They both chuckled. "Hey at least your not in the infirmary experiencing your wife's labor pains." Jack noted.
Harm winced. "No, I can sense what both are feeling though. It's like having a dull headache, Ceri is able to keep from broadcasting her pain telepathically, but Daniel isn't so controlled at it."
"So you can feel what Daniel is?" Sam guessed.
"Some of it, as I said, it's like having a dull headache, so working keeps my mind off it." Harm admitted.
Jack wandered if that was coursing the dull headache he was experiencing. "Well work away, Teal'c and I'll just entertain ourselves."
Harm doubted that would last for long, as soon as Jack got bored the child in him came out. This was going to be a long day.
In the infirmary, Daniel laid on the exam bed letting Janet clean the cut above his left eyebrow. "Next time you tell me to duck, I'll do it."
She held back from smiling. "Well we've never had to deal with a Tallisian woman in labor before, it's new for all of us. Especially dealing with one who can throw objects across the room just by thinking about it. You're lucky it doesn't require stitches," she finished up, applying the dressing; she smoothed it out and removed her surgical gloves. Deep respect and friendship laced her voice. "You never do anything by halves Daniel."
"I know," he agreed, but before he could sit up, his body was raked with pain; he rolled onto his side, almost curling into a fetal position. "Oh god!"
"Relax Daniel," Janet encouraged, she took his hand and also rubbed his back. "Come on Daniel, force the pain back like Ceri showed you, keep your shields tight," she ordered and saw his eyes close as he concentrated, slowly the tension went from his face and body and he relaxed uncurling. "The baby's head is crowning, it's going to be painful." She informed.
"She should have taken the epidural," he moaned opening his eyes. "That wasn't fun."
"No, I expect it wasn't," she helped him sit up. "I'm guessing she wished the epidural could have worked for her too, she's the one giving birth."
"I can feel that."
She helped him to sit up. "Are you ready to go back in?"
Daniel agreed. "Yeah," he gave her a weary smile, seeing her concern. "I'll be fine, I knew what I was getting into right from the beginning."
Giving him a sympathetic smile, Janet helped him off the bed. "Think of it this way, you're experiencing something no man has before."
"Lucky me," he murmured. Then went straight to his knees as pain raked his body once again.
Janet was dragged down with him, but she saw he had better control of it this time. "That's it Daniel, nice and easy," she watched and waited, knowing when it was over. "Okay, lets get back in there," she got him to his feet with his help, guiding him back into the theater they were using as a birthing suite.
He returned to Ceri's side, taking her hand as he preached on the stool near her bed. "Hey sweetheart."
"Are you all right?" She asked exhausted.
"I'm fine, no harm done," he assured and lent forward, kissing her forehead. "How are you?"
"Oh just peachy," she said sarcastically, not meaning too. "Sorry."
"It's okay."
Janet came up behind Daniel as the doctor gave her a nod, being ready to be there for Daniel again. "Here we go guys."
"All right, Ceri, push honey," Dr. Mitchell told her.
"Breath, Daniel, that's it, nice and evenly," Janet told him, her hands on his shoulders for support. "It's nearly over."
"How over is nearly over?" He asked between gritted teeth as Ceri squeezed his hand, and then sighed when the pressure was released and his pain eased.
"The head is out," the doctor announced, urging his patient on. "Come on Ceri, another big push, I know you're tired, but we're nearly there…. that's it, honey, that's it…. her shoulders are free, keep going…. there she is…"
Daniel looked up to see his daughter in Dr. Mitchell's hands, feeling not only his own relief, but his wife's as well. "Is she all right?"
"She looks fine Daniel," he said smiling. "Do you want to cut the cord?"
Ceri smiled, her eyes filled with tears. "Go on Danny."
He stood on shaky legs and went over to the doctor, a nurse putting a pair of scissors in his hand. He cut where he was told and then gave the sharp object back. After his daughter was wrapped in a towel, they laid her in his arms, cleaning her mouth out and washing her face while he held her, as well as clamping what cord was still attached to her with a small plastic clamp. He smiled, seeing small silvery blue eyes staring up at him, feeling tears well in his.
"There you go, dad, take her over to see mom," Dr. Mitchell told him, after seeing the infant was warmly swaddled.
He did, sitting back on the stool, putting his daughter in his wife's arms. "She's perfect, Ceri."
Tears ran down her cheeks. "We did good Dr. J," she said happily.
"We certainly did," he agreed and kissed her.
In Sam's lab, Jack had become bored as time went on; even Teal'c gave up trying to keep him occupied. Specifically when he let lose by throwing rolled up pieces of paper into Sam's coffee cup for a while, which eventually built up to throwing even smaller pieces at her and Harm.
She blew out a frustrated breath. "Jack, go do something." She hissed.
"What?"
"Anything," She retorted, even Pharaoh looked at him with frustration, so when the phone rang Sam practically pounced on it, answering it. "Carter…. We're on our way…" She hung up, grinning. "Come on grandpa, you've got a granddaughter to meet."
He jumped off his chair. "Sweet!" He remarked and bonded out the door.
They laughed and followed even Pharaoh, going with him to the infirmary, Janet came out to them carrying a small bundle in her arms. "Colonel, Commander, Major, Teal'c, come and meet Callie Alisa Jackson."
They went closer, looking, the four of them grinning at the adorable infant in the doctors arms.
"Isn't she a little small?" Jack asked concerned.
"Not according to Ceri, and I've given her a full check up, she's fine. Apparently for Tallisian baby's, five pound, four is a good weight." Janet assured.
"But she's half human?" Sam reminded.
Janet put the newborn into Jack's willing arms. "She's fine, strong and healthy, all fingers, all toes."
Jack felt a little uncomfortable; it had been a long time since he held a newborn. He ran a finger over her cheek and she looked up at him with bright silvery blue eyes. He smiled warmly, a wave of emotions going through him. "How…how are Ceri and Daniel?"
"Daniel had a cut above his left eye but he's fine, Ceri is exhausted, with sleep she'll be all right. Both have been checked over, and it was Ceri who told me to bring her out to you while she takes a shower," she said smiling, gently caressing the infant's cheek. "She has Daniel's cute nose."
Sam took a closer look. "She does and Ceri's eyes."
"She's beautiful," Harm agreed.
"Wait a minute," Jack interrupted. "Danny has a cut above his left eye?"
"It's not serious, lets just say having a telekinetic woman in labor is a whole new experience and next time someone tells Daniel to duck, he will." Janet remarked, grinning.
"Oooh-kay," he said letting it slide. He hankered down and let Pharaoh have a look. "Here she is, boy, you've got to look after her now." The dog seemed to understand, he woofed quietly and wagged his tail, Jack laughed and stood.
General Hammond walked in. "I hear I have a new member of the SGC family to welcome," he said proudly.
Jack turned slowly. "Come met my granddaughter, General."
He went closer. "She's adorable, Jack. Like her mother."
A nurse hurried out to Janet and whispered to her, the doctor became concerned. She glanced at the Colonel, seeing him wavering on his feet. "Colonel!"
Harm had seen it too; he quickly snatched the infant from Jack's arms before the Colonel passed out, hitting the infirmary floor. Callie whimpered then cried, her Uncle settling her down a little. Janet knelt beside Jack, checking his pulse, it was strong, but he was out cold. Pharaoh, seeing Jack was being looked after, moved to Harm's side and remained their, his presence seemed to calm the infant even more.
"Doctor what the hell is going on?" The General demanded.
"I'm not sure, sir, but Daniel just passed out too," Janet informed, she quickly ordered the nurse to get a couple of corpsmen to help get the Colonel off the floor.
Sam was kneeling with Jack's head in her lap. "This is what happened before."
"What about Ceri?" Harm inquired.
"She's fine, she didn't pass out," the doctor reported. The corpsmen arrived. "Over here," she insisted standing, going over to one of the examination beds. They lifted the fallen Colonel off the floor and onto the bed. "Bring Dr. Jackson out here too," Janet ordered.
Both men acknowledged her and hurried away, bring the unconscious archaeologist out on a gurney, transferring him onto the examination bed, then got themselves and the gurney out of the way, letting Dr. Frasier check both men over.
A few minutes later Ceri came out, she had showered and dressed in the clothes brought from her quarters by one of the nurses. Having sensed her daughter's distress while in the shower, unable to do anything but trust Harm and Pharaoh to take care of her until she was able to get out there.
Teal'c moved quickly to her side. "Should you be on your feet, Ceri O'Neill?" He asked concerned, taking a gentle hold on her arm.
"I'm fine Teal'c," she assured, but accepted his presence as she crossed to her husband.
Janet pushed a stool over. "Sit down," she ordered.
She did, noting the Jaffa took up a protective stance at her right. "Are they going to be all right, Janet?"
"They're going to be fine," she insisted.
Harm carried his niece over to her mother, Pharaoh never leaving his side. "Everything will be all right." He laid the baby in her arms before putting his arm around her shoulders.
She kissed her daughter's head lightly, then lent against her half brother. "Stay?"
"For as long as you need me," he said softly. They were going nowhere while two of their own were down.
Jack looked around, as did Daniel; they were back in the telepathic void. "This is becoming old!" He griped.
"At least they didn't drag Ceri in this time," Daniel noted.
Jack nodded. "So…" He looked around. "We just wait?"
"Not for long, Colonel," the melodious voice of Lara announced, coming towards them. "Hello Jack, Daniel."
"What did you do to Ceri and I?" Daniel demanded.
"We did nothing more then train you to harness your abilities," Lara explained calmly.
"Wait a minute," Jack interrupted. "Are you saying they had all these abilities right from the start?"
"Yes. You must understand that some of Daniel's abilities come significantly from his bonding with Ceri, it was just a matter of training them both to control and harness what they were capable off."
"So your saying if I wasn't bonded with Ceri, I wouldn't be able to do what I can?" Daniel theorized.
"Yes and no."
"So why do Ceri and I feel violated?" He asked confused by her answer.
"It is an unfortunate side effect of erasing your memories but not your knowledge. For that I am truly sorry," she apologized.
"So why are we here?" Jack asked, shoving his hands into the pockets of his trousers.
"The Eye of Ra," she answered. "Balance of power is shifting within the system lords, they are at the moment fighting between themselves, but not for much longer, they will unite for the greater good. If the Eye of Ra and the other five were to be found and used to build a weapon, then power will shift and it will be too late. All you have known and love will be gone."
"How can you be so sure?" Daniel inquired curious.
"Time has no meaning for us, we exist in both past and future," she enlightened.
"So you just want us to hand of the Eye to you," Jack supposed.
"Yes, Jack we do," she said placidly.
"Not going to happen," he retorted. "How do we know your not going to use the Eye to build a weapon yourselves?"
"You don't, you just have to trust us."
He shook his head. "Sorry."
"Then let us prove to you we are sincere."
"How?"
"Come to our home planet, see for yourself. Then if you trust us enough, leave the Eye," she suggested.
Jack thought about it, making a decision. "What about the time difference?"
"There will be no difference, you have my word."
Daniel frowned, something just wasn't right. He recalled what the tablet had said and the answer came to him. "You're an Ancient."
Jack head snapped around to look at him. "What?"
"She's an Ancient, that's how she's doing this," Daniel revealed. "You went to the Furlings to escape the plague that was killing your people, the Furlings helped you?"
"Yes."
Jack had heard enough. "You fail to tell us this and you want our trust?" He asked her and saw her nod. "Then prove it by making Ceri and Daniel like they were."
Now it was her turn to be confused, looking from the Colonel to the archaeologist. "You're not happy with your abilities?"
"I want my life back, Lara, the way it was," Daniel admitted calmly. "I don't want the extra responsibility."
"We all want that," Jack added. "You've manipulated us for your own course. Changing Ceri and Daniel, having them find the Eye for you. You had no right."
"We did what we thought was right," she told them confused.
"Keeping Ceri safe while she carried Callie was right, yes, we don't deny that," Daniel lectured. "But training us after you enhanced our genes was wrong. Erasing our memories was wrong. I understand why you did it, but that doesn't make it right. We should have been given the chose."
She thought that over. "And if you'd been given the chose?" She purposed. "Would you have chosen the abilities we gave you?"
"No," he answered flatly.
"Neither would I," Ceri announced coming into the void.
Jack was surprised by her arrival. "Hi sweetheart."
"Hi dad," she stood next to Daniel taking his hand. "Caring for a child with Callie's abilities will be hard enough without constantly keeping our own in check. You manipulate our genes and played god, and that makes you as bad as the Goa'uld."
Lara nodded. "I understand."
"So what now?" Jack asked her.
"Now all will be as you want it and the Eye will be safe," she assured. "Either with you or with the Furlings."
"And we should trust you because?"
She smiled. "Trust is earned, Jack and I hope one day we will earn your trust. However I can see you are not ready for what the Eye of Ra could bring your way, nor the Ancient tablet you found. In time you will understand," she declared. "So all will be as you will it to be," she stated and then was gone and so were they.
Daniel woke taking a moment to realize where he was, silently being thankful to find himself in the infirmary. He turned his head and saw Lara standing next to the bed where Ceri lay; she looked like Oma Desala had on Kheb. "You've ascended?"
She turned and smiled. "Yes," she said softly. "Your Ancient genes are dormant again, when you are ready they will assert themselves over time, this evolution will happen as it was suppose to."
"Thank you." He sat up.
Behind him Jack woke with a groan. He saw Lara and sat up, swing his legs off the bed. "Hey."
She smiled again. "Hello Jack."
Ceri also woke, she sat up more slowly, getting off the bed she crossed to Daniel, who turned, swing his legs off the bed, she went into his arms.
He kissed her forehead. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine," she assured and addressed the Ancient. "What now?" She asked Lara.
"As I told Daniel, your evolution will happen as it was suppose to," she said placidly. "I apologize for any harm I caused you."
"You're going to take the Eye of Ra though, and the tablet." Jack declared.
"Yes. You are not ready, and when the time comes, you will not be ready then, but all will be as it was meant to be." She smiled sadly and her touch on Daniel's arm was barely felt. "I leave you one gift," she told him. "After all it is a shame to cover such beautiful eyes with glasses." She said, then became pure white energy and floated away.
Jack hurried to the phone and rang through to the control room, quickly explaining, soon they heard General Hammond's voice, telling everyone to stay out of the way and let the ascended being leave.
Sam, Harm and Teal'c ran into the room with Janet Frasier, relieved to see they were all on their feet. Sam hurried to Jack, who took her in his arms, holding her tight.
Janet went over to Daniel and Ceri. "Are you both all right?"
"Yes," he told her. "Where's Callie?"
"Asleep, you've only been unconscious about twenty minutes," she informed as she took Ceri by the arm. "Honey, sit down." She helped her up onto the bed next to Daniel, checking her pulse. "How are you both feeling?" She asked as she released Ceri's wrist and then took Daniel's.
"Tried." Ceri admitted.
"Me too," Daniel revealed.
Jack came over to them with Sam. "Lara made their Ancient genes dormant."
"Well that could explain it," Janet remarked and then explained. "You're bodies consumed a lot of energy when you were using those abilities. Now the gene is dormant again, your bodies aren't drawing as much physical energy, which means they can recharge and regain strength."
"So they'll be all right?" Harm asked concerned.
"With rest, yes," the doctor agreed. Then ordered Ceri and Daniel to lay back and rest, before addressing the rest of them. "Out, all of you."
"I'll let Hammond know what happen." Jack told them. "Take it easy, both of you." He saw them nod and left with Sam.
"Pharaoh is with Callie Jackson," Teal'c informed. "General Hammond also has a SF outside the door."
"Thank you Teal'c." Daniel acknowledged.
Harm patted the Jaffa on the back, getting a 'please leave' look from Frasier. "Come on T, lets get going."
He bowed and followed the Navy Commander out.
"Now, you two, sleep," Janet ordered the two archaeologists. "I'll wake you when Callie is due for a feed, Ceri."
"Okay," she agreed.
Giving into their bodies needs, they curled up together on the bed, drifting off to sleep.
Janet signed quietly, and hurried off to get ready for SG-7's return.
When Amon Rhabb and Jacob Carter arrivedat the SGC, Daniel and Sam were at the Gate room to greet them.
"Danny," Amon gave him a hug. "Welcome to fatherhood, son."
"Thanks," he said grinning
Jacob gave hid daughter a hug, and then shook Daniel's hand. "So where is the little angel?"
"In the conference room with Pharaoh," he revealed. "We weren't sure how the protector would react."
"Protector?"
"He was a gift from the Furlings, he's here to protect Callie."
"He was very protective of Ceri before Callie was born," Sam noted. "And now he doesn't let anyone who shouldn't be near Callie near her."
"Sounds like he's doing his job then," Amon insisted.
They walked up to the conference room, Daniel going in first. Pharaoh was lying next to the bassinet where Ceri was seated. The dog looked up as they walked in, seeing two men he didn't know. He got to his feet and stood between them and the baby. Now one moved, the General had insisted it was better if Daniel handle this when the two Tok'ra agents arrived.
Hurrying over to the dog, Daniel hankered down next to him. "Pharaoh, these are friends. Amon Rhabb is Ceri's real father and Jacob Carter is Sam's dad. They're Tok'ra. It's safe to let them near Callie," he smiled as the dog nuzzled his hand and then settled back down near his charge.
Ceri stood and hugged her father. "Papa."
"Hello sweetheart," he kissed her forehead. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine," she assured. "Both Daniel and I are, and we're back to normal."
"I'm glad honey. I was worried when Jack contacted me."
Daniel gently lifted his daughter from the bassinet and carried her over to Amon laying the tiny baby in his arms. "This is Callie Alisa Jackson."
"She's beautiful, Danny."
"Yes she is," he said proudly.
They sat down, Jacob next to his daughter, giving Jack a cheeky look. "So Jack how does it feel to be a grandfather?"
"It feels damn good, dad," he smirked. "Though I'd watch out, Sam is getting clucky, you could end up being a grandfather yourself."
"Bit your tongue Colonel." Jacob said sternly.
Sam looked at her father stunned. "Dad?"
"What?" He asked innocently. "What's wrong with a father wanting his daughter married before she makes him a grandfather?"
"Nothing at all Jacob," George Hammond agreed.
Amon chuckled softly. "There's nothing wrong with being a grandfather, is there Jack?"
"Nothing at all," the Colonel said grinning. "I don't mind becoming a father so soon after becoming a grandfather, either."
Sam caught the meaning behind that, playfully punching her fiancé's arm. "Behave."
"Yes dear," he smirked and they all laughed.
Amon ran a finger over his granddaughter's forehead and felt the telepathic touch from her; it wasn't a word, more a feeling. "She's a lot like you Ceri, when you were a baby and she's strong from what I just felt."
"We've been sensing the same thing," Ceri told him.
"You're going to have to be careful, Tau're daycare centers are not going to be able to handle her." Jacob noted.
"We realize that," Ceri said.
"Ceri spoke to me this morning about it," the General announced. "I'm organizing a section of the base to be set aside as a day care center and eventually schooling. The problem is finding someone who can handle a gifted child like Callie."
Jacob glanced at his friend, who it seemed was thinking the same thing and nodded. He looked back to the General. "There's another Tallisian among the Tok'ra, she was scholar before becoming a host, she and Anise have had a disagreement and the Council would rather the two remained in separate locations for a while."
"Do you trust her?" Daniel asked before either his wife or Hammond could.
Amon smiled, a warm smile. "She's host to Adrick's mate, Shalimar. Her name is Alyn Merrick."
Ceri's eyes widened. "Professor Alyn Merrick?"
"Yes."
All were a little surprised by that, but Jack voiced it. "You know her?"
"She was my Archaeology professor at the Defense Academy, she's brilliant." Ceri explained, and then looked to her father, who had a smug look on his face. "I take it, you and Alyn get on rather well too?"
He shrugged a little. "She's is a very attractive woman, and I do have Adrick's feelings towards her."
"Does Harm know?" She asked since SG-2 had been briefed and were preparing for a mission, her brother wasn't present.
"No, I haven't said anything," he said a little nervous.
"Papa, it's all right. You have the right to be happy too."
"Thank you, honey."
"So George, what do you think?" Jacob asked him. "This could be a way out for both you and the Tok'ra Council."
"And you think Alyn will do it?" Sam asked before the General could.
"I think both Alyn and Shalimar are in a hurry to get away from Anise for a while." Jacob smirked and they laughed quietly.
"If Professor Alyn Merrick is agreeable, then I can't see a problem." Hammond agreed.
"We'll contact her and let you know, George."
"Very well."
"Jack said the two of you had been on Abydos." Amon said to his daughter.
"Second honeymoon." The Colonel teased.
Daniel smiled. "We were blending in and keeping safe."
"I thought you two looked a little more tanned then usual."
"We'd like to head back to Abydos to introduce Callie to her family there." Ceri purposed.
"Her family there?" Her father asked curiously.
"My first wife's father, Kasuf, still considers me a part of his family," Daniel explained. "He was a father to me when I needed one while living on Abydos. He and his son, Skaara are my family."
"Then you should go."
George Hammond failed to hide a smile of amusement. "As soon as Dr. Frasier gives the all clear for Callie to travel to Abydos, then we'll arrange it."
"With back up General, just in case," Jack added.
"I wouldn't have it any other way, Colonel."
"Thank you sir."
Noticing his granddaughter was chewing on his finger, Amon smiled. "I get the feeling this little one is hungry."
Ceri lifted her daughter from her father's arms. "She is due," she pushed back her chair. "Excuse me General."
"Quiet all right, Doctor, take your time." He assured.
She stood and laid her daughter in the bassinet, then with Pharaoh following, carried it out of the conference room.
Amon sat back. "I take it," he gestured to the surgical dressing on his son-in-laws forehead. "Things got a little physical during the birth."
"Lets just say, next time someone tells me to duck, I will," Daniel remarked
"We're going to remember that Danny-boy," Jack smirked, seeing him frown.
Sam lent on the table, ignoring the bantering. "Do the Ancient genes run in your side of the family, Amon or were they from Ceri's mother?"
"Her mothers, Alisa was a strong telepath as you know. Her family carried the gene," he answered.
"So Harm wouldn't have it?"
"Not that I know of, why?"
"We were just wondering."
"I think Major, we have enough to handle." Hammond stated seriously.
"Yes sir."
"SG-1, you have a go for thirteen hundred. Until then dismissed."
They all stood. Amon patted Daniel on the shoulder. "I'll send a message to Alyn and ask her to come here."
"Thank you, papa."
"No problem," he said and went with the General.
"So Jack," Jacob said with a teasing smile. "How are the wedding plans coming along?"
Jack groaned, as they all left the conference room, heading for the commissary. "There is no way we can hold this wedding here on Earth."
"Why not."
"O'Neill wishes to invite Thor." Teal'c spoke up for the first time since the Tok'ra's arrival.
"That could be a problem."
"So hold it some where neutral." Daniel suggested.
"Like where Daniel?" Sam asked him.
"What about Ambrosia?" He recommended. "Then you can invite as many aliens as you want."
"He has a point, Sam," Jack declared. "Everyone we want to invite either works here at the SGC or is on another planet."
"It does make sense." She agreed.
When they got to the commissary they found Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, she greeted them all warmly, hugging Daniel. "How are Ceri and the baby?"
"They're fine."
"So Mac, escape the Admiral again?" Jack teased her.
"Very funny, Colonel," she smirked. "I finished up a case at Miramar early and he gave me a few days to visit Harm, I got here late last night."
"Are you staying at his place?" Sam asked as they grabbed coffee and sat down.
The Marine Colonel nodded. "Harm said SG-2 will be back tomorrow, so I thought I'd take the chance to take it easy and visit you guys until he returns. How are the wedding plans?"
"We were just discussing that," Jacob said grinning. "Ambrosia is high on the list."
"Oh?"
"Major case of the bride inviting the Tok'ra and the groom inviting the Asgard." Daniel informed casually.
Mac laughed. "It's going to be some wedding."
"Oh yeah," he agreed and drank some of his coffee.
They were still discussing it when Amon arrived. He sat next to Mac, kissing her cheek. "Hi honey."
"Hi dad," she greeted, smiling.
"Alyn is on her way," Amon announced. "You'll have your baby sitter in a hour or so, Danny."
"Baby sitter?" Mac inquired, curious.
"We need someone who is qualified to help look after Callie while we're at work or off world," Daniel explained. "Because she's half Tallisian we can't exactly put her into a normal day care center. Alyn Merrick is Tallisian and host to Shalimar."
"The General has set aside some room for a day care center here on the base," Sam added.
"That's great."
"Why don't you go see Ceri," Amon suggested. "I'm sure she wouldn't mind the company? And I know you dying to see Callie."
She blushed. "Well a little," she admitted.
"She's in our quarters, Mac." Daniel told her.
"Thanks Daniel," she stood. "I'll see you guys later."
Sam got to her feet too. "I'll come with you, we'll leave the guys to some boy talk," she mused and they hurried out hearing the guys light heartedly grumbling about women.
At the Jackson quarters, they knocked before going in, Pharaoh looked up, seeing who it was before settling. Ceri was seated in a comfortable chair, her daughter suckling hungrily at her breast. "Hi Mac."
"Hi Ceri," she crossed over and sat next to her. "Oh she's beautiful, I'm so envious."
"I think Harm is too."
"I'd say," Sam smirked sitting in the other chair. "He'd definitely love a son or daughter of his own."
"It that a hint?" The Marine inquired, grinning.
"Yes," both women answered, and they laughed quietly.
Mac sighed and revealed. "He asked me to marry him, after we came back from Ambrosia," she divulged. "I said yes."
"I know, he told me," Ceri said smiling. "He also said you were trying to organize a transfer somewhere close."
The Marine nodded. "But there's no transfers available at the moment, I was thinking of asking General Hammond if he could use a lawyer at the SGC. With the change in regs, it's possible for both of us to work here and I'm starting to think I want to be close to Harm, incase…"
"Incase something happens to him now he has his own team?" Sam concluded, knowing how she felt.
"Yeah."
Ceri switched her daughter to the other breast, uncovering one and covering the other, before letting Callie suckle again. "You're worried about being left behind with a child if something does happen."
"A little. Does it bother you and Daniel?"
She nodded. "We talked about and we've decided if anything was to happen to us, then Callie is to be looked after by dad and Sam, but we want you and Harm to be her god parents. Which means if anything was to happen to the four of us, then Callie will be looked after by both of you."
Mac was surprised. "Are you sure about this?"
"Yes," Ceri smiled. "Mac…Sarah, both Daniel and I consider you apart of our family."
"So do Jack and I, Mac," Sam assured. "We know Amon thinks of you as a daughter."
"Thank you," she said smiling warmly. "Both of you." She reached out and brushed a finger over the infant's head, her dark blond hair soft. "She has Daniel's nose."
"That's what Janet said," the younger women noted. "All the nurses think she's adorable, but then again, they all think Danny's adorable too," she smirked.
"Even some of the male ones." Sam added lightly.
That made Mac laugh. "Does he know that?"
"Oh yeah, they can't hid much from him now," Ceri revealed.
"What was Daniel like when you first met him?" Mac asked. "I mean, the first impression I got, was this guy is a geek, but wow what a geek and then as I got to know him, I realized he was more then a scholar. That he could handle himself in any situation you put him in with ease and people seemed to relax and tell him anything."
"I thought the same way," the Air Force officer revealed. "Ceri though was smitten right from the start."
"I was," Ceri admitted grinning. "But I also found Daniel passionate, about his friends, his work and his determination to find Sha're," she revealed. "The first night SG-1 arrived on Tallisia, after everyone had gone to bed, we talked for hours, about his childhood, losing his parents, his grandfather refusing to adopt him, going into a foster home," she paused, gently stoking her daughter's cheek as she continued to feed. "We connected right from the start, as if destiny had drawn us together."
"When did you know you loved him?" Mac asked her enthralled.
Ceri blushed a little. "That last night on Tallisia, I asked him to take a walk with me in the forest behind the palace. He agreed and we went, within the forest grazed the Ucara; they're like unicorns of your mythology. He was amazed by them and so trusting of me, the Ucara allowed us to ride one of them and as we road, we connected, a bond formed between us that made me realize our friendship would turn to love. I think it also gave me the strength to help him get through losing Sha're and put her death behind him so we could have a life together."
"He has a special bond with Jack too, I noticed that right away." Mac noted.
"Daniel deciphered the symbols that led to the Stargate being opened. He went on the first mission to Abydos," Sam explained. "Jack was not too happy about having to baby-sit a geek, but then Daniel died protecting him after Ra had captured them. Jack had seen an opportunity and made a move, Daniel jumped in front of him, taking the staff blast when the Jaffa aimed for him. Jack was thrown into a cell with what was left of his men and Ra had Daniel put into a sarcophagus to heal him, Ra saw he wore a Eye of Ra medallion around his neck and wanted his people to know there was only one Sun God. With the help of Sha're's people, they escaped and finally defeated Ra. Jack found a friend in Daniel, enough to let him remain behind on Abydos with Sha're and her people, as well as keep the secret that Daniel was still alive for a little over a year."
"Then the second Abydos mission happened?"
Ceri continued the tale. "Apophis came through to Earth and killed a number of airmen and kidnapped one. They sent for dad, who eventually had to reveal Daniel wasn't dead. He and Sam, and two from the original mission, joined the second mission to Abydos. While Daniel was showing Jack, Sam and Major Kawalsky a cartouche, Apophis came through the Gate and took Sha're and Skaara. Dad and his team-retuned home with Daniel, they went to Chulak, but couldn't get either Sha're or Skaara back, they were made hosts. Who they did find was Teal'c, after a rough start, SG-1 came together." She covered up when Callie finished feeding, with a gentle pat on her back the baby brought up what wind was in her little tummy was given to Mac to hold so Ceri could finished doing up her clothing. "What was Harm like when you first met him?"
The Marine chuckled. "Arrogant, cocky, and so full of himself. He was a true hot shot, a TOPGUN lawyer and pilot and he knew it," she recalled grinning. "He had a lot of demons though, most concerned his father and an old girlfriend who was killed. But once I broke through the shields he'd created, I found a caring, loving man, who wanted to help people, to find justice."
"That sounds like Harm," Sam mused. "We both thought he was cute when we first meet him, of course at the time Ceri didn't know he was her brother."
Mac chuckled at that. "So what do you think they're talking about?"
Sam looked to Ceri. "Well?"
"Cars, jets and hockey," the Tallisian answered.
"Of course," Mac mused, then tickled Callie under the chin. "You need a dry nappy Angel."
Sam saw Ceri going to get up. "Stay where you are, Mac and I can handle a wet nappy."
"Okay," she agreed. "She's all yours."
They both got up, Mac laid Callie on the change table, and Sam began to change the nappy. "Was you first meeting with Jack interesting?" Mac asked her.
"Oh yeah." Sam mused. She finished putting on the dry nappy and slipped Callie little legs back into her jump suite. "I remember I felt like an excited school girl, and he just acted like a chauvinistic pig who didn't like a women entering in his male only domain. That and the fact he knew I was way smarter then him."
"Dad can hold his own Sam," Ceri noted. "He wouldn't have been recognized at the Air Force Academy for Academic Excellence Achieved in Military Sciences and Engineering or have a degree in Military Strategic Studies or Aeronautical Engineering as well as a Masters Degree in Political Sciences, if he couldn't."
Sam was more then surprised, after all this time, she didn't know that about Jack. "You're kidding me?"
"No," the younger woman realized what was happening. "You really didn't know?"
"Not a thing. That sneaky, son of a…"
Ceri and Mac started laughing. "I can't believe he's never told you," the later remarked.
"Well Jack likes to act dumb," Sam, grumbled. "I'm going to kill him." She picked Callie up. "There you go sweetheart, now you go back to your mommy, your grandma Sam wants to go and murder your grandpa."
Ceri stood and took Callie from her, laying her down in the bassinet. "I think grandpa is safe sweetheart," she whispered. "Pharaoh, stay with Callie," she ordered and the dog moved to lie beside the bassinet.
There was another knock on the door and it opened, a young nurse coming in. "Good morning, Doctor O'Neill, Major, Colonel."
"Morning Jen," Ceri greeted. "Callie has been feed, expertly changed."
The red headed nurse smiled. "She'll be fine, Doctor O'Neill," she picked up the bassinet. "Come on Pharaoh, let's go to the infirmary and look after our girl."
The dog got up and wagged his tale, following the nurse out as she carried the baby in the bassinet.
Ceri sighed. "Ladies, shall we continue this in my office, I have some translations that need to be finished?"
"We can gossip anywhere," Sam mused and they followed her out, both women seeing how hard it had been for Ceri to let her daughter be cared for by another.
As they walked Mac realized there was so much she wanted to ask, about what Harm had being doing, he was never forthcoming, even when it was all right for her to know.
Ceri sensed this; she waited until they'd gotten to the office she shared with her husband. "Ask your question, Mac," she offered sitting at her desk. "We'll let you know if you can be told or not."
She smiled. "I am that transparent?"
"To a telepath you are," Sam informed as she sat on a stool. "Go on ask."
She nodded, sitting next to her. "Harm has this scar on right leg, below his knee. He didn't have it before he left JAG. Did he get it on a mission?"
"On his first mission," Ceri recalled. "Harm and I volunteered to be captured and go aboard a Goa'uld mother ship to get information from a Tok'ra agent."
"A mission Jack would never had agreed to if he'd known about it." Sam noted. "Which he didn't until it was to late."
Mac raised an eyebrow, noting Ceri was telling the story and doing the translations at the same time. "How didn't he know about it?"
"Harm and I were suppose to Gate to the planet the rest of SG-1 were scouting after Harm was cleared by Dr. Frasier, it was his first mission and Janet wanted to make sure he was medically ready. The Tok'ra arrived and put the mission to us, General Hammond agreed because the information was valuable and Harm and I both knew we could do it," Ceri explained. "We Gated to PCX –3156 and allowed ourselves to be captured. We were taken aboard a Goa'uld mother ship, and we were left in a cell; the Tok'ra agent contacted us and gave us the information. Then organized for us to escape, we did, the problem was the ship had gone to lightspeed. It seemed Lord Apis, found out about the Tok'ra agent and had him killed. Harm and I spent the next twenty-four hours avoiding capture, during that time we went hand to hand with a couple of Jaffa. One put a knife into Harm's leg, he was protecting me and we were captured again. We were knocked out by a stun grenade, which was rather painful."
"You wake up unable to see and feel like your head is going to explode," Sam recalled, wincing at the memory. "While that was happening, we returned home wanting to know what happened to Harm and Ceri, being told where they were and that the Tok'ra had lost them. Jack went ballistic and Daniel looked ready to murder someone, which should have gave me insight into his relationship with Ceri, but it didn't," she shrugged and went on with her tale. "Finally we got Intel and General Hammond gave us the go for a rescuer mission."
"After walking up in another cell," Ceri continued her side of the story, finishing the first translation and starting the next. "Harm and I found our sight returning, I was allowed to put a field dressing on his leg and we waited. Something we didn't have to do for very long. A Jaffa came to our cell and announced he was a part of the Jaffa uprising and an apprentice of Bra'tac's, he gave us our weapons back and said we didn't have much time. Apis had ordered our deaths. We did a little sabotage and headed for the glider bays, meeting up with the rest of SG-1 half way there, they'd ringed up from the planet the mother ship was then in orbit around. We fought our way in and stole three death gliders for the trip to the planet."
Sam chuckled at that point, seeing Ceri look up from her translations grinning. "Jack and I were in one glider, Harm and Teal'c were in another and Daniel and Ceri had to double up with Bra'tac's Jaffa friend. We blasted our way out of the bay into space laughing our heads off, the ship exploding in a fireball behind us. Daniel saying to Ceri…"
"It's my side arm, I promise," Ceri quoted, laughing along with them. "You have to remember I was sitting on his lap in a small cockpit," she really had enjoyed that part of the mission. "We landed on the planet, and Gated back to Earth, getting Harm medical treatment. I told the Tok'ra what we'd been told and they put the information to good use."
Mac was amazed and envious of Harm in a way. "And I bet Harm was a rotten patient."
"Oh yeah," Sam agreed. "Janet was quiet happy to get him out of her infirmary and us too."
Ceri sobered a little. "We have good times, Mac and a lot of hard times. Some missions are routine and others never go to plan but we've managed to bet the odds."
"Even if it means coming back beaten and bloody sometimes." Sam agreed.
"But you love what you do, though?" Mac asked them.
"Yeah we do."
"We always will I suppose," Ceri said smiling warmly. "It's apart of who we are."
Mac nodded, understanding. "I guess I don't want to experience what Harm's mother did, the never knowing, the lose."
"None of us do," Sam said sincerely. "And you won't as long as Harm has us and his team at his back, we don't leave anyone behind."
"Thanks Sam."
Ceri reached out telepathically to General Hammond. General, are you busy at the moment?
No Doctor? Is something wrong? He thought back to her, she didn't do this very often with him.
No sir, Colonel Mackenzie is here with us, she's like to talk to you.
Send her to my office, doctor.
Yes sir, she saw Sam and Mac were waiting patiently. "The General said he isn't busy if you'd like to go talk to him, Mac."
"That's what you were talking about?" She asked.
"I just found out if he was busy or not, the rest is up to you," the Archaeologist stated.
Mac nodded. "Okay, I guess I'm going to talk to the General then."
"You'll be fine," Sam guaranteed.
Smiling, Mac agreed and left the office.
"So," Sam said leaning on the desk. "Anything interesting in the translations?"
"Not really, I'm starting to think SG-8 brought back a pile of shopping lists," Ceri said rolling her eyes and she and Sam laughed.
Daniel walked in finding them still laughing. "What's so funny?"
"Ceri thinks SG-8 brought back a pile of shopping lists," Sam announced. She got up. "I have to get back to work. I'll see you both later."
"Bye Sam," both bided.
Daniel stood behind his wife and gently massaged her shoulders. "Have a good chat?"
"Mmm," she agreed closing her eyes, enjoying what he was doing to her.
"What about?"
She found his breath hot against her neck. "Our significant others," she mused.
"Really?"
"Mmm. What about you guys?"
"Well after you stopped eavesdropping, we talked about our significant others too," he revealed, grinning.
"Really?" She opened her eyes. "What exactly?"
"Oh we told papa about the first time we meet, the first mission you accompanied us on," he paused, revealing. "Tallisia."
She turned with her stool, knowing what that would have meet to her father. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," he said a sexy huskiness to his voice.
Grabbing a handful of his shirt, she pulled him closer until his lips were inches from her. She saw the look in his blue eyes and kissed him, thrusting her tongue into his mouth, initiating a tantalizing dual with his. He pushed in between her thighs, cupping her face in his hands. Ceri released his shirt and with a flick of her wrist, telekinetically shut the door, locking it.
Daniel pulled away; the lust was evident in her silvery eyes. "Are you sure?" He asked her, his voice still husky.
"I'm sure," she insisted grabbing hold of his tee shirt, pulling from his fatigue pants. "Very sure."
He pulled her up off the stool and kissed her again, doing a little exploring of his own. He pulled off her shirt, throwing it over his shoulder; it landed on a three thousand year old vase. His tee shirt joined it, making the priceless vase wobble but luckily didn't fall. Boots and the rest of their clothing came off on the way to the sofa that had been dragged into his office long before her arrival. He sat and pulled her down onto of him, having her straddle his lap. He licked gently at her nipples, knowing they were sensitive from feeding their daughter, so he was extra careful. Being an alien also gave her a greater advantage over human females, her body was, even only a few days after the birth, was practically back to what it had been pre-pregnancy, medically and physically.
She groaned and wiggled against him, feeling his arousal. "Defiantly not your side arm," she mused.
"Wasn't then either," he declared, knowing what she was talking about, kissing her. He moved a hand between them to the sensitive skin between her thighs, gently stroking.
She wiggled her hips in slow circles, groaning. "Oh god Danny."
He couldn't help the moan that escaped his lips; if she kept doing that he'd never last. He groaned again. Damn, they could go for lasting tonight in bed. He wanted her now. Grabbing her hips he tried being gentle, thrusting into her. She bit her lips, stopping herself from crying out in pleasure, her nails dug into his shoulders as she moved with him. She kept her eyes locked with his; sharing the intense sexual elation she was feeling with him and visa versa. When his head went back and his eyes closed, she quickened her pace; he was ready to fall in a sea of ecstasy and she was so close to joining him.
"Danny…" she groaned.
"Sooo close babe, sooo close," he lifted his head and kissed her fully on the mouth as her body began to spasm and convulse in uncontrollable pleasure, taking him with her, both of them falling into that sea of euphoria that neither wanted to surface from.
He held her in his arms, her body still pulsing around his, but he didn't want to lose this contact just yet. "You are amazing," he whispered, getting his breath back. "I love you."
"I love you too," she said and kissed him. It was only the sound of klaxons that brought them apart. "I guess Professor Merrick is here."
He nipped at her neck, being careful not to leave a mark. "I guess we have to get dressed then?"
"Might be an idea, unless you want to met her buck naked," she giggled.
"No, I think with clothes on would be good."
Ceri giggled again and got up, helping him to his feet. "Then we'd better get dressed."
Daniel tugged her back into his arms. "Later?"
"Defiantly," she promised.
They dressed and hurried to the conference room, Sam and Jack were already there with Jacob and Amon, as were General Hammond and Colonel Mackenzie. Standing next to the General was Alyn Merrick, a woman in her early forties with wavy dark brown hair that was pulled back into a bun. She was elegant and beautiful and didn't look her age. In fact she looked ten years younger. She smiled when she saw Ceri, her silvery eyes sparkling. She gave the young woman a hug. "It's so good to see you again, Princess," she said happily.
"It's good to see you too, Professor." Ceri said grinning. "I thought you were lost with Tallisia."
"I was lucky, I left months before the attack, joining the Tok'ra," she revealed. "So where is the little Angel I am to help look after?"
"In the infirmary, at the moment the nurses are willingly volunteers," Daniel informed. He smiled as Alyn released his wife and turned to him. He held out his hand. "Daniel Jackson, Ceri's husband."
"It's nice to meet you Daniel, I've heard so much about you from Amon and Jacob." Alyn said welcoming, as she shook his hand.
"All good I hope?"
"Oh yes," she mused.
"Lets sit down, shell we," the General suggested and they did so, he then address their guest. "Professor Merrick…"
She interrupted him politely. "General, I haven't been a Professor for a while now. Alyn will do."
He smiled warmly. "Very well," he agreed and continued. "I've arranged for a couple of rooms near Dr. Jackson's and O'Neill's quarters for you to use, I've got men working on removing a wall to give you space. If you give me a list of what you'll need, I'll have it delivered. I've also arranged for living quarters here on base, though permission has been given for you to leave the base and stay with Dr. Jackson and his wife if you wish. Until the day care is ready, you can use your living quarters."
"Thank you, General. I'll have a list made up after I've spent some time with Callie."
"Umm, Alyn," Jack got her attention. "You're going to have to get use to having Pharaoh around as well."
She looked questioningly at him. "Pharaoh?"
"He's ours and Callie's protector," Ceri explained. "The Furlings gave him to us."
"He's a dog." Jack added bluntly.
"Well Colonel, I'm sure I can handle Pharaoh."
He smiled. "Sweet."
Ceri chuckled. "Pharaoh will get along with Alyn, dad."
Hammond pushed back his chair a little. "Make sure Alyn is given a tour of the base and is settled in, Colonel," he ordered. "Dr. O'Neill, SG-11's briefing has been moved up to fourteen hundred."
"I'll be ready sir," she insisted.
"Very well," he looked to the Tok'ra agent. "Once again welcome to Earth Alyn."
"Thank you General."
He stood. "One last thing. Colonel Mackenzie will be joining our JAG staff here on base and will have field assignments with SG-9, as well as being able to accompany other teams. Don't give Commander Rabb a hard time when he gets back, he doesn't know yet."
"We'll be on our best behavior," Jack promised.
"That'll be the day," Jacob murmured and he and Amon chuckled.
"We'll look after Colonel Mackenzie, sir," Sam promised, frowning at her father.
The General nodded and then left the room, chuckling now they couldn't see him. Life at Stargate Command was never boring.
Two months later: Ambrosia
Colonel Sarah Mackenzie stood next to Commander Harmon Rabb, among the invited guests, some human, some not. She felt his hand tighten around hers and smiled. Those in the military wore their dress uniforms, the civilians in formal attire. As were the alien guests, well those who wore attire. They were there to witness the wedding of Major Samantha Carter to Colonel Jack O'Neill. And a wedding was the perfect celebration to take their minds off the past few months, which had been stressful. Harm and his team, along with Dr. Ceri O'Neill-Jackson had a run in with Amon-Ra during a mission, for four days they'd fought their way back to the Stargate, coming through bruised and bloody but alive. During that time SG-1 had gone head to head with Apophis and thankfully won, but things hadn't gone according to plan and Teal'c had been brainwashed by Apophis into believing he was still his first prime. Brc'tac's method of bring Teal'c out of it had been dangerous but he'd survived and was back being the Jaffa they all knew.
Still it was over and they were all alive to celebrate, Harm no longer walked with a limp, Nitara had helped heal the damage done to his leg from the staff blast. Ceri's ribs were healed and she'd gotten over the concussion. Their family was back together once more. Though after what they'd been through made Mac thankful her first off world mission had been a walk in the park.
Harm kissed the top of her head, whispering. "You okay?"
"I'm fine," she whispered back. "You?"
"I'm good."
Ceri and Daniel made their way over to them, baby Callie in her father's arms, Pharaoh beside him, Amon Rhabb and Alyn Merrick with them, the family standing together.
"How is Sam?" Mac asked her soon-to-be sister-in-law.
"Nervous, but Janet is calming her down."
"And Jack?" Harm inquired, grinning. The person in question was up front rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet, Teal'c and an Air Force chaplain with him.
"Oh he's fine," Daniel assured. "Teal'c knows how to handle Jack."
"You mean as well as or better then Sam?" Amon inquired.
"As well as," he remarked and they all chuckled quietly.
General Hammond joined them. "We're all ready to go," he informed.
The ceremony started and Jacob escorted his daughter, Sam looked beautiful in the ankle length white dress with flowers in her hair. Janet was her bridesmaid, she were a light blue ankle length dress, with the same flowers in her hair. Cassie was her flower girl; she also wore a light blue dress and flowers in her hair.
Jacob smiled at Jack when they reached him; he then kissed his daughter's cheek. "I love you sweetheart."
"I love you too, dad," she said smiling.
He moved and stood next to Teal'c.
Jack took Sam's hand in his. "You look beautiful," he whispered and she blushed.
The Chaplin had been at Stargate Command since the first teams has started going through the gate, this was his first off world marriage though. "We gather here today to witness the marriage of Samantha and Jonathan, or as we all known them, Sam and Jack," he paused smiling. "I've had the pleasure of knowing both for some time, I've listened to them air their concerns about missions and their feelings for each other. I've watched them work themselves into exhaustion to get a missing team member home or through a crisis. I've witness their devotion and determination when faced with do or die situations. And I've witnessed their friendship turn to love…. Jack face Sam please." He paused while the Colonel did. "Traditional vows didn't seem to be what was called for today as we stand here on a world so very far from Earth. So after careful thought, we've come up with a compromise." He nodded to Jack.
Jack took Sam's other hand so he held both of them, a little nervous. "I, Jack, take you Samantha to be my wife, in the presence of friends and family, both human and not so human. To walk the unknown not as two souls but as one, though this life and the next, together forever, one heart, one soul."
Sam smiled as tears welled in her eyes, giving his hands a gentle squeeze. "I, Samantha, take you Jack to be my husband, in the presence of friends and family, both human and not so human. We walk the unknown together, one heart, one soul, through this life and the next, together forever, one heart, one soul."
The Chaplain looked to the Jaffa. "Teal'c do you have the rings?"
"Indeed," he replied and removed them from his pocket, handing both to him.
Taking them the Chaplain blessed both, then handed Jack the smaller of the two. "This ring is a symbol of your love for Samantha, do you give it freely, Jack?"
"I do," he took the ring and slipped it on the ring finger of Sam's left hand. "I give this ring, a gift from me to you, so you may carry it with you forever and remember the love we share."
The Chaplain handed Sam the last ring. "Samantha, do you give this ring freely to Jack?"
"I do," she took the ring and slipped it on the ring finger of Jack's left hand. "I give this ring, a gift from me to you, so you may carry it with you forever and remember the love we share."
The Chaplain then gestured Jordan forward, the Ambrosian honored to participate in the ceremony. "Jack and Sam asked that during the ceremony, Jordan renew the vows they took here together."
Jordan smiled and using the white ribbon he carried tied one end loosely around Jack's wrist. "Jack, do you love the one before you?"
"I do," he answered, his gaze never leaving Sam's.
The Ambrosian wrapped the ribbon along Jack's hand to Sam's right wrist and tired it. "Samantha, do you love the one before you?"
She nodded, tears of happiness sliding down her cheeks. "I do."
Jordan placed a gently hand on both their heads. "Then with this pledge, your hearts shell beat together as one," he said and then removing his hands, he stepped to one side.
The Chaplain smiled again. "With the saying of vows and the pledging of love, I pronounce you husband and wife. Jack, you may kiss your wife."
"Yes sir," he said and did just that, their friends and family clapping and cheering happily.
Jacob cleared his throat and announced loudly. "I present for the first time, Colonel Jack O'Neill and his wife Major Samantha Carter-O'Neill."
Their friends and family moved forward to congratulate the newly weds and the celebrations began and lasted well into the night. The next morning, Jack and Sam were seeing the last of their guests off, they'd been given permission to remain for a week to honeymoon.
Daniel, Ceri and Teal'c stood together talking, baby Callie had returned to Earth with Alyn, Amon and Pharaoh while the celebrations were still in the early stagers, as had Dr. Frasier and Cassie. Jacob had returned to the Tok'ra at sunset, looking none worse for celebrating the night away.
Harm and Mac were standing with General Hammond and the newly weds.
Jack was curious. "What's going on?" He asked, referring to the two archaeologists and the Jaffa.
"While you and Major Carter are honeymooning, they're representing SG-1," Hammond announced.
"They're arguing over who is going to lead the team," Harm stated, grinning.
Sam laughed. "So who will be leading the team, sir?" She asked the General.
"I haven't decided yet, Major."
"Let them draw straws," Jack suggested.
Hammond chuckled. "I'll take that into consideration, Jack," he mused. "Have a good honeymoon and we'll see you both in a week."
"Oh we'll enjoy ourselves sir."
"I'm sure you will," he agreed and glanced over to the remaining SG-1 members. "Lets go people."
"Have fun, Sam," Mac said with a wink.
"Thanks Sarah."
Ceri dialed the Gate and it opened with a whoosh, she turned to Jack and gave him a hug. "Be good dad," she smirked.
"I'll be excellent," he said with a mischievous smile.
She ignored him and gave Sam a hug. "See you when you get back," she paused, grinning as she walked away. "Mom."
"Mom?"
Ceri and Daniel laughed to themselves as they followed the others through the Gate.
Sam looked to her new husband as it shut down. "Mom?"
"Mom," he said calmly and slipped his arm around her shoulders, as the Gate closed down.
"I'm too young to be mom to your daughter," she protested.
"So it's just grandma Sam?" He queried.
"I'm too young to be a grandma too."
Jack tugged her into his arms. "Funny, you felt just right last night," he said, then nipped at the sensitive skin near her ear.
"So did you," she said with a sexy purr to her voice. "Care to find out how I feel this morning."
"Damn good idea," he said and pulled her down onto the grass near the DHD.
"Jack," she giggled. "What are you doing?"
He unbuttoned the top of the sundress she was wearing. "Feeling," he said pushed the material apart, laying her back he seized one of her nipples through the lace of her bra while he needed the other. "Mmm, feels good and tastes good too," he told her and sucked the nipple a little harder through the lace.
Sam cried out, her body tingling. "Oh god Jack, what if someone comes looking for us?"
"They won't," he promised and moved to the other nipple, giving it just as much attention as the first.
She arched her back and groaned, being pushed back against the grass, she drew her legs up, the skirt slid down her thighs and she began grinding her hips against his.
He momentarily forgot what he was doing, squeezing his eyes shut at the sensations that ran though his body, his lower body reacting.
Sam lifted her head and kissed him, thrusting her tongue into his mouth, last night he been slow and tender, making their loving making last. Now she wanted him, hard and fast. Grabbing handfuls of his tee shirt she pulled it from his jeans and over his head. He freed himself from it, throwing it to one side, going back for another kiss, he needed her hip, then slipped his hand beneath the skirt of the dress and slipped his fingers beneath her panties, dipping them into the curls, she moved her legs institutively, giving him better access and he stroked the sensitive skin he found their, having her arch against his hand.
She wanted more thought. "Please Jack," she begged breathlessly.
"Please what?"
"Love me, Jack, now, hard and fast."
"Now," he slipped a finger inside of her and she cried out in pleasure.
"Jack! Oh gods please Jack!"
He chuckled; he loved seeing the desire in her eyes, her cheeks flashed with want. He gave into her pleads through, but as soon as he removed his hand she had him on his back, straddling him.
"Enough playing around," she growled sexily. She undid his belt and jeans, pulling them and boxes down as he lifted his hips. Her panties came off with short work and she sank down onto him, groaning in satisfaction. When his hands went to her hips, she grabbed hold of them and pined them to the ground near his head, holding them there. "I like being in control," she hissed and moved her hips in circles.
Jack groaned, he couldn't help himself, what she was doing to him; he was putty in her hands. But she had wanted hard and fast. Getting the upper hand back, he rolled them over again and kissed her as he thrust hard, feeling her nails dig into his shoulders. He was falling fast and by the way she was moving beneath him she was falling too, neither holding back. Crying out each other's names as her body convulsed and spasm around his, sending him over the edge, both of them drowning in the tidal wave of ecstasy.
Jack rolled them over so she lay on him, her head on his chest. "I love you Mrs. O'Neill," he whispered.
"I love you too, Mr. O'Neill," she said stated in the aftermath.
Five Days Later: Stargate Command
Daniel lay beside his daughter on the matt, blowing raspberries on her exposed tummy, she gurgled happily, making him laugh. He loved these times with Callie, he loved all the time he could get with his daughter, but being alone with her while Alyn went to get something to eat was extra special, especially when they were at the base. Though not many would have believed when they'd first meet him, that one day he would be laying on a matt, blowing raspberries on his daughter's tummy.
He heard the thump of boots on the concert floor and looked up as his wife skidded into the room, she was fully geared up, carrying his gear with her. "What's up?"
"SG-2 is in trouble, we're going in with SG-13." She revealed seriously.
Callie gave a small whimper, sensing their emotions, being picked up by her father as he got to his feet.
"It's okay, sweetheart, mommy and I will get Uncle Harm back," Daniel whispered to his daughter.
Alyn came rushing into the room. "I heard the klaxons," she took her charge from Daniel, letting him pull on his gear.
"SG-2 is in trouble," Ceri reported as he did.
"Be careful," Alyn advised and now next to her, Pharaoh woofed in agreement.
"We will," Daniel assured, finishing up. "Lets go," he said, and then kissed his daughter's head. "Bye honey."
Ceri did the same. "Won't be long, sweetie," she said, and then rushed out of the room with her husband. They ran all the way to the Gate room.
Teal'c and Mac were waiting for them, the later handed them both 9 millimeters, they holstered them and took the P-90's Teal'c offered, as well as the spare cartages. It wasn't often they used such weapons, but when they did, they did it well. SG-13 arrived ready to go as well.
The Gate roared open. "SG-1 and 13, you have a go," General Hammond reported from the control room. "SG-2's last position was four kilometers from the Gate and under heavy fire, bring them home."
Not one of them hesitate, stepping up onto the ramp they walked up it, going through the Gate, being transported through, they stepped out onto the alien world, taking defensive positions, the Gate closing down behind them.
"Clear Colonel," Major Anderson reported.
"Hold the Gate Major, we'll scout a head." Mac ordered.
"Yes Ma'am."
SG-1 headed out. It was mostly forest where the gate was located, with few clearings; they kept in the shadows, making their way towards SG-2 last known position, coving the area relatively fast.
Mac had been temporarily assigned to SG-1, not because she was a Marine, or because the General didn't have confidence in the other team members, but because she complimented the team while Jack and Sam were still on their honeymoon and it gave her good experience both in the field and leadership wise. Closing in on a large temple half covered by vegetation, they hankered down in the cover of the undergrowth. "Doc, what do you sense?" She asked Ceri.
"Harmand his team are being held within the temple," she reported, sensing not only them. "I sense about a twenty Jaffa on the inside."
Daniel took a look around with binoculars. "I count about twenty on the outside. Teal'c?"
"I concur," the Jaffa announced.
"There's no ship on top of the temple, so they've had to have come through the Stargate," Daniel concluded.
"Are they Amon-Ra's Jaffa?" Mac asked.
"Indeed." Teal'c informed.
Daniel saw that too, he lowed the binoculars and put them away as he looked to Mac. "We need to find a way in, I'm guessing but I'd say there's another entrance to the temple, possibly two."
"Agreed, lets take a look," she agreed. "Daniel you're with me, Ceri, you're with Teal'c."
The younger woman nodded and followed the Jaffa. Mac and Daniel went the opposite way. Ceri and Teal'c made there way around to the back of them temple, finding a locked entrance.
She studied the lock; it consisted of a small square stone key's that had to be pushed in sequence. "It's Minoan," she whispered and then pressed the keys after translating them in her head in sequence and the stone door slid open.
Teal'c smiled and called it in. "Colonel Mackenzie, Ceri O'Neill has opened the back entrance."
"Be careful guys, we're coming in from the side entrance," she reported over the radio, both of them hearing it over their earpieces.
With weapons ready they entered the temple, keeping out of sight of the Jaffa, Ceri led the way to the holding cells, she and Teal'c taking out the two guards. SG-2 was alive, battered and bruised, but alive and they weren't alone. Harm was in a separate cell with another man, who was injured. Teal'c opened the two cells with the key he'd removed from one of the two guards.
Ceri smiled as she entered her brother's cell. "Hi Harm."
"Hey doc," he greeted with a worried smile.
She turned nodded to Davidson and the other members of SG-2. "Hi guys."
"Good to see you doc," Captain Davidson greeted.
"Are you all right?" She asked.
"Yes Ma'am," they all acknowledged.
Ceri removed her back pack, kneeling she opened it, getting to the first aid kit to see what she could do for the injured man her brother was with. "Found a friend, Harm?"
"An old friend," he announced.
She sensed his meaning behind his words; she gave the barely conscious man a smile. "Tok'ra?"
He nodded his head painfully. "I'm Ciaran, my host is Tale."
She pulled on surgical gloves and took a look at the hastily doctored wound; it was bleeding heavily and looked infected. "This isn't good." She gave him something for the pain and changed the dressing. "I'm sorry I can't do any more."
"My host is dying," Ciaran declared. "I can't heal him, it is taking all my strength just to keep him alive. I've information valuable to the Tok'ra council."
"I'm sorry, I don't know what else to do, Ciaran, I'm not a medical doctor, I've only had field training."
"He needs a new host, Ceri," Harm stated bluntly.
She saw the pain in his eyes, it was evident Nitara's relationship with Ciaran was more then just friendship. She looked back to the Tok'ra. "If we can get you back to the SGC, the Doctor Frasier can keep you alive until a new host can be found."
"If you move Tale, you'll kill him." Ciaran informed.
Davidson came into the cell, having found their gear and weapons, he handed Harm his vest and P-90. "Sir, we have to get out of here."
"I know," he responded, putting the vest on, he did up the thigh strap around his leg, holding the side arm in place. He left the P-90 on the ground in reach, if he needed it.
Davidson hesitated and then left, rejoining the rest of his team and Teal'c, still concerned about his CO.
Ciaran grabbed Harm's arm. "You should…go."
"No," he told him firmly, determination in his eyes; Nitara's feeling for this man was too strong to ignore.
Ceri sensed Mac and Daniel coming. "Friendless incoming, don't shot them guys. Take out the Jaffa on there six though."
"Got it doc," Captain Davidson stated and they stood ready.
Ceri pulled off the bloody gloves and disposed of them as Mac and Daniel raced around the corner into the room, coming face to face with three P-90's and a staff weapon pointing at them.
"We've got in coming," Mac announced, getting into position.
"We are ready, Colonel Mackenzie." Teal'c informed.
Daniel went past into the cell, seeing what had his wife and brother-in-laws attention. "Can we move him?"
Ceri shook her head, getting to her feet; she turned her back on them. "He's Tok'ra, he has information he needs to get back to the Tok'ra council. The problem is, his host is going to die if we move him."
"So he needs a host," he said rhetorically and saw his wife nod. "Damn!"
Staff blast flying in had them all ducking for cover, SG-2, Teal'c and Mac firing back.
"We've got to go, Harm," Daniel told his brother-in-law.
"I know," he said solemnly, then with a blink of his eyes, let Nitara take over. "Ciaran is my mate, Daniel, Harm is merely responding to my feelings."
"I'm sorry Nitara."
Ciaran squeezed Nitara's host's arm. "Leave… now before it's too…late."
"No, there has to be a way."
"There isn't, save yourself."
They all heard the scream, turning they saw Mac go down. Ceri swore in Tallisian and rushed to the Colonel's side, as did Daniel. They dragged her back into the cell with them; Ceri pulled gloves on and pressed a pressure bandage to the wound, as Daniel stood ready to take out any Jaffa that broke through the line, if the others failed.
Mac hissed at the pain that stabbed into her left shoulder, she never thought it would hurt this much.
Harm had reefed control back from Nitara and scrambled to her side. "Sarah."
"I'm all right," she assured, lying.
He ignored her and looked to his sister, who wasn't so convinced. "She's losing a lot of blood," Ceri reported. She gave the Colonel something for the pain. "We've got to get out of here now."
"Let me help," Ciaran offered. "I can't save Tale, but I can save Sarah, if she's willing."
Harm was torn, he looked from the man who carried his symbiotes mate to the woman he loved. "It's your decision, Sarah."
She was scared, more then she'd ever been. This wasn't something she'd been expecting to make a decision on.
"Mac, the Tok'ra can remove Ciaran from you after you're healed, this doesn't have to be permanent." Ceri informed.
Seeing her chooses were limited, she nodded. "What do I have to do?"
"Just kiss him," the younger woman said with a slight smile. "But don't enjoy it, you'll make Harm jealous."
Mac laughed and regretted it. "Okay, give me a hand." They helped her closer to the Tok'ra, Harm held her steady as she lent over the host.
"Are you ready, Sarah?" Ciaran asked.
"As I'll ever be," she said feeling a little light headed. She lent closer.
The kiss wasn't much of a kiss, as soon as she opened her mouth, Ciaran, released his hold on his host and jumped from one body to the next. Harm held Sarah as she gagged a little, then relaxed, her eyes glowed briefly then returned to normal and she passed out.
Ceri checked Tale for a pulse, finding none, he was dead. She then checked Mac. "She's got a strong pulse. We have to go, Harm." She pulled off the gloves and activated her radio. "Sierra Gulf one three, this is Sierra Gulf one."
The reply was heard over her earpiece. "Yes Doctor O'Neill."
"We're under fire, hold you're position, we're on our way out," she reported.
"Do you require assistance, Sierra Gulf one?"
"Negative Sierra Gulf one three, hold your position, if we're not there in a half an hour dial home and get out of here."
"Negative Sierra Gulf one."
"It's not negotiable, Major," Harm ordered over his own radio. "It's an order."
"Yes sir."
Harm moved to pick Mac up when he saw his 2IC go down from a shot from a Zat, the only woman in SG-2, Lt. Ryans shot by a Zat also. Before they could react, a stun grenade was thrown in and detonated in a blinding white light that rendered the rest of them painfully unconscious.
Stargate Command: 17:00 Zulu
General Hammond was at the bottom of the Gate when Jack and Sam walked through, it closed down behind them and they hurried to him. "I'm sorry to have to bring you back early," the General apologized. "But we have a situation. SG-1 and 13 went to P4X 2268 to retrieve SG-2. SG-13 came back under heavy fire, reporting Dr. O'Neill and Commander Rabb told them to leave if they didn't return half an hour from their initial contact. Just before they left, a mother ship appeared over the temple and the ring device was used before it took off again."
"Shit!" Jack swore. "So they're either still on P4X 2268 or god knows where."
"There's more," Hammond informed. "The Tok'ra contacted us and revealed they had an operative on the planet, he hasn't reported in, they think he's been captured."
"So they don't know anything either," Sam declared.
"It looks like it," the General said, a bitter taste in his mouth.
"General, permission to take a team to P4X whatever and check it out?" Jack demanded.
"Granted, go get ready, SG-3 and 4 will be waiting for you, you can brief them before you leave."
"Thank you sir," he acknowledged and rushed out of the Gate room with Sam hot on his heals. They headed for the locker room, changed and grabbed their gear and weapons; on returning they found SG-3and 4 waiting as promised. Jack stood at the bottom of the ramp as it opened, Sam at his side. He addressed the two teams. "SG-1 and 2 are believed to have been captured on P4X 2268," he told them. "We have no idea if they are still on the planet or have been taken aboard a mother ship. This is a rescue mission, it's voluntary."
"Sir," Lt. Colonel McConnell spoke up. "We're wasting time."
Jack nodding, seeing everyone else was agreeing with the Lt. Colonel. "Then lets move out and bring our people home." He ordered and turned, walking up the ramp with Sam.
"Good luck and god speed, Colonel." General Hammond bided from the control room.
Jack gave him a quick two-fingered salute and walked through the event horizon with his wife, SG-3 and 4 following. When they reached their destination the Gate closed down.
George Hammond sighed. Bring them home, Jack. He said to himself. Praying the Colonel would do just that.
To be continued…. (Please forgive any mistakes; my beta and I have done the best we could.)
