Author's notes: ' ' indicates a person's thoughts or dialogue between Jake and Selmak; italics indicate person speaking on other side of a phone conversation.


When the President of the United States calls you and tells you to get your ass over to his office immediately, if not sooner, you better do it. That's exactly what General George Hammond did, cutting his vacation trip short. Not that he had much choice when two secret service agents showed up in the middle of the night at his hotel room. From there he was flown back to Washington D.C. Then at the White House he was ushered straight to the Oval office where members of the President's staff were instantly kicked out leaving him alone with President Hayes.

"George, do you want to tell me what the hell this guy is thinking?" Hayes asked moving out from behind his desk.

"Mr. President?" George asked, immediately wondering what mess Jack O'Neill had gotten himself into now.

"Our liaison with the Tok'ra decided he's not going back to the Tok'ra!"

"Jacob?" George asked in disbelief knowing that Jacob was the last man on Earth to cause problems.

"Yes, General Jacob Carter…who the hell did you think I was talking about?"

"General Jack O'Neill, naturally…"

"Well, he's in deep shit too!" Hayes snapped. "The Joint Chiefs are furious and sent their pit bull to Colorado Springs to either bring General Carter back for a court martial or convince him to return to the Tok'ra! And to deal with O'Neill!"

"Sir, I've been on vacation, I'm out of the loop! What's going on?" George asked, wondering himself what Jacob was doing.

First of all, George knew Jacob Carter would never abandon his duty, not unless he had a good reason. Second, if he were going to do anything that drastic, he would have told George. After all, they were good friends and after all the shit they had been through together, they shared their good news or especially their bad news.

"About three weeks ago General O'Neill reported that Dr. Janet Fraiser is back," President Hayes explained, offering George a seat across from him as he sat on one of the couches.

"Janet Fraiser!" George exclaimed refraining from adding a 'yee haw'.

Well George could only restrain himself so much, he did a loud yee haw but he kept it on the inside. He truly missed the little firecracker of a lady. And he really admired Janet because she was never afraid to stick you with a needle no matter how many stars were on your shoulder.

"Yes, she came from an alternate reality through the Quantum mirror. Apparently, she arrived injured and in labor. She delivered a baby girl a few hours after later. The baby's prognosis is good considering she was born more that two months premature and she's doing rather well."

Hayes paused. A characteristic George knew well of the man. George had known Henry for sometime now having served with him long ago and through their mutual friends at the Pentagon. The man always paused for a long moment before delivering a bomb.

"Apparently, in her reality, Dr. Fraiser was General Carter's wife."

George couldn't hide his disbelief. George still hadn't gotten over the surprise about Janet being back and that she had a baby. But to find out that she was married to his best friend in an alternate reality, George could only imagine how Jacob reacted when he was told. Actually, George didn't have to imagine, he knew exactly what Jacob would do.

"General O'Neill is already in trouble for concealing this fact about Fraiser and Carter being married and he takes full responsibility for doing it."

"Why didn't he report it?" George asked.

"To help cover for General Carter, I presume. The man has been on Earth for three weeks! O'Neill listed in his reports that General Carter was on vacation. This morning the Joint Chiefs called the SGC to talk with General Carter about the status of the alliance. Again, O'Neill covered for him and 'casually' informed the Chiefs that General Carter left the Tok'ra to remain on Earth. And then he added that Carter didn't want to discuss the issue at the moment! Now, is there something you want to tell me about Jacob Carter? Possibly why he would jeopardize this planet's alliance with the Tok'ra to remain on Earth?"

'Nice to know things never change,' George thought to himself.

Jack hadn't changed much since becoming a General. He could still piss off his superiors. More importantly he could still protect those around him by taking all of the blame onto himself. And Jacob, George knew Jacob very well and knew exactly how he would react in such a scenario.

"It's obvious, Mr. President," George said seriously. "Jacob feels responsible for the baby."

"But he's not the baby's father. He didn't marry Dr. Fraiser nor did he get her pregnant."

"But his alternate self did in this other reality. From a previous incident we know that alternate versions of ourselves exist and that those said person are an exact DNA match to their counterparts in this reality or any other. The baby is Jacob's on the genetic level. Being the kind of man Jacob is, he can't ignore this fact."

"But to throw away our alliance…"

"Mr. President, the last time I talked with Jacob and Selmak they were not in good standing with the Tok'ra High Council. The Council didn't trust Selmak because they believed Jacob was too much of an influence on the symbiote. The truth is, if Jacob is remaining on Earth then his efforts to mend the alliance have failed. And to be honest, we don't need the Tok'ra anymore."

"The Joint Chief's disagree. They sent General Parker."

George winced. To call Parker a bit pull was an understatement. There were tough Generals and there were mean Generals. Parker was a mean son of a bitch who growled and scratched his way up the chain of command. George and many other officers in the Air Force often wondered how the man ever made it past Airman!

"I've read General Carter's profile. He risked his life and career to save your life. Only something happened after that incident, something not in the reports because Jacob Carter should have been kicked out of the Air Force instead of reprimanded!"

"Yes, he disobeyed a direct order, struck a superior officer, and stole some military equipment, but it wasn't just my life he saved but several others!" George adamantly said. "And he didn't deny anything; he was willing to take responsibility for his actions because in his mind, he did the right thing! There were many others who also believed he did the right thing, including our CO, but none had the courage to do it! However, Mr. President, there is no one more dedicated to the Air Force, to this country and to the planet more than Jacob Carter. He is a good, honest man. I owe Jacob my life on more than one occasion. Believe be when I tell you, when Jacob makes up his mind about something, nothing…and I mean nothing will make him change it!"

"So, you're saying he won't change his mind about the baby?" Hayes asked slowly.

"That is correct, Sir. But can you blame him for wanting to do the right thing now?"

"No I don't blame him. But the Joint Chiefs are breathing down my neck on this one! And they won't back off until they have someone's head on a platter! Now, I know Jacob's your friend, but he abandoned his post. I can't interfere with them on this one!"

"But you're sacrificing a life by not interfering!"

"I have to consider the entire planet, not just Jacob's well being!"

"Sir, I was talking about the baby. You take away Jacob and you are condemning that little girl to a life without her father! The decision you make will effect her for her entire life."

"You make an excellent point," Hayes sighed, rubbing his chin.

"Sir, like I said before, we don't need the Tok'ra. But at least allow me to go to Colorado Springs and talk with the Tok'ra. We haven't even gotten their side of this. They may agree to allow Jacob and Selmak to remain on Earth. Perhaps with them out of the picture the Tok'ra would be willing to remain our allies."

"Very well. Go. But if things turn for the worse, it would be best if you convinced Jacob to do what is best for him and his family. I mean…there are many planets out there. It's not like the Joint Chiefs have the resources to search all of them."

"Understood, Mr. President."


Jake had barely finished drying himself after his shower when his phone rang. He quickly fastened a towel around his waist before heading for the phone.

"This is General Carter."

"Jake, it's Jack. Can you come to my office."

"Sure. What's it about?"

"Just…get here as soon as you can."

"I'll be there in a few minutes," Jake replied then hung up the phone.

'He didn't sound like his chipper self,' Selmak commented as Jake pulled a set of green fatigues out of his closet.

'No, he didn't,' Jake mentally sighed.

'The Joint Chiefs?'

'I have not doubt,' Jake answered as he pulled a few clothing items out of his dresser. 'It was only a matter of time before the Joint Chiefs would question why I've been on Earth for so long.'

'I'm impressed that Jack was able to keep a few facts from them for as long as he did.'

'Yeah, we owe him for that.'

Jake exhaled heavily. He knew there would be a price for remaining on Earth. A court martial would be most likely. Running to another planet was not an option and never would be. Jake couldn't run out on the baby. He would never run away from his responsibilities.

He was never one to shirk from his duties…until now. By remaining on Earth he abandoned his duty as Earth's liaison to the Tok'ra. Even though there was nothing neither he nor Selmak could do to save the alliance, Jake had still left his station.

Still, after three weeks Jake knew, in his heart, it was the right decision. Being Sarah's father was his reward. And Selmak finally was won over by Sarah. He could feel Selmak's love for the baby whenever her tiny hand gripped tightly onto his finger. Jake had known Selmak would have come around later rather than sooner as she was a stubborn yet sentimental old soul.

'Jake?'

'Yes, Selmak.'

'Can I open my eyes yet?'

'No.'

'But you're wearing a towel,' she whined.

'Hey, no peaking. Besides, I'll be dressed in a few minutes, then you can…'

The phone rang interrupting his thoughts to her.

"Now what?" Jake said out loud as he reached for the phone. "This is Carter."

"Jake! Please hurry!"

"Janet, what's wrong?" he asked, feeling a rush of fear flash down in his gut at the sound of panic in her voice.

"It's Sarah…" was all Janet managed to say before sobbing uncontrollably.

"I'm on my way!"

'What about the General?' Selmak reminded Jake as he quickly started getting dress.

'He'll have to wait. Janet sounds really upset!'

Selmak remained quiet as he finished dressing but Jake knew she had more to say. The fact that she wasn't saying suggested it was something he really didn't want to hear. She always took her time, carefully considering her words before saying anything unpleasant.

'What?' he asked while tying the laces on his boots.

'You're really starting to care about her,' Selmak simply said.

'Who?'

'Jake, don't play coy with me. I'm in your head. Remember? I know all, feel all, and see all…when I'm allow to have my eyes open that is.'

'Selmak, Janet is Sarah's mother, why wouldn't I care about her?' Jake countered as he headed out into the hallway.

'Jake, you are the master of denial when it comes to your feelings at times! You amaze even me!'

'Listen Sel, if I ever have deep feelings for Janet, I'm sure you'll be the first to know! Right now, she's Sarah's mother. That's it…period! We're barely even friends.'

'Friends who have a little girl in common!'

'A little girl that even you, Selmak, resident hard ass of the Tok'ra, are attached too!'

'Yes, and I would be the first one to admit I love the little sweet pea as much as you do. But the fact remains…you're beginning to have feelings for Janet.'

Jake came to a stop at the infirmary door.

'Selmak, can we not argue right now…please?'

Selmak sighed, 'I'm not trying to argue with you. But I will remain quiet. I'm just as worried about Sarah as you are.'

'Thank you.'

Jake spotted Janet near Sarah's incubator. He didn't like the worried look on Janet's face. Plus, her tears only made him worry even more. Heading over towards her, he didn't mind to add her worries to his own. And most of his worries were already about Sarah! The little baby had only put on a few ounces and was still so small.

But at least she was off the ventilator. She now had tubes stuffed up her nose to feed her oxygen. Jake preferred the tubes to the ventilator and was so glad when she was off the damn thing. The ventilator scared him because he didn't like how Sarah's chest moved when the ventilator breathed for her. Now, with the tubes, her chest moved more naturally.

"Janet, what's wrong?" he asked, gently touching her arm because she didn't notice his approach.

"Sarah's sick. It's only a cold…but because she's premature it could easily turn to pneumonia. Jake…I can't lose my baby."

He didn't hesitate to pull Janet into his chest, wrapping his arms tightly around her.

"Shh, everything's going to be fine," he spoke softly while slowly rubbing her back. "We knew this was a possibility. I have every confidence in Dr. Warner and his staff in their abilities to take care of Sarah. They're prepared for it. Besides, Sarah's a tough little girl! Takes after her mother, from what I understand."

Janet smiled up at him.

"That's better," he smiled, wiping the tears from her cheeks.

"Thank you for being here," Janet said, moving out of his embrace.

"My place is with Sarah, nothing else matters at the moment."

Again, Janet smiled. This time she took hold of his hand, not letting go as she sat down in the chair beside Sarah.

'Oh and you don't care for her! What was that?' Selmak asked sarcastically.

'I was comforting her. She was upset and looked like she needed a hug!'

'Jake, who are you trying to fool? Me or yourself! Haven't you learned anything since our blending! Remember, you can fool your host some of the time but you can never fool your symbiote!'

'Selmak, I can't get involved with Janet. I know my mere presence upsets her. I see it in her eyes whenever I enter the room. I know when she suddenly leaves to be alone, she's crying! Besides, I would feel that I would be taking advantage of her…I could never do that. Not to her or any woman!'

'Jake, for a man who claims he's not interested you are very perceptive and attune to Janet's feelings.'

Jake mentally sighed. Selmak's words rang true. While he didn't want to pursue a relationship with Janet, because he felt like a creep for taking advantage of her feelings, it didn't stop the feelings he was beginning to have for her. He was hoping something like this wouldn't happen. He didn't want it to happen. But it did.

The more time he was spending with Sarah, the more time he was with Janet. Each time he would learn more about her. Each time he would see more of the beauty she had on the inside, as well as the outside. And each time, that barrier he erected around his heart was slowly being chipped away.

Only with those feelings for Janet also came doubts. Doubts about himself, the choices he's made and doubts about Janet's possible feelings for him. More importantly, there was one doubt…one question he kept asking himself over and over.

Would Janet ever see him for the man he was, or does she only see the husband that she lost?


Jack sighed when Jake didn't answer his phone. But Jack knew if Jake was late there would be a good reason. To confirm, Jack called the infirmary. Little Sarah Carter was ill and Janet was upset. It didn't take a genius to figure out where Jake would be.

For a man who claimed he didn't want a relationship with Janet, Jake was spending most of his free time with her. He even insisted on being called Jake from now on, so as not to upset her. Yes, Jake was now Sarah's father but Jack had witnessed several occasions where Janet and Jake were alone at a table together in the commissary. On Janet's bad days, Jake always sat with her to cheer her up. And at times he seemed to be the only one who could which was odd because he also made those bad days a little harder for Janet as well.

Today was a bad day…for everyone. It was one of those days when Jack really hated his job. They were extremely rare but today happened to be one of those days.

The Joint Chiefs were furious when they learned that Jake, host to Selmak of the Tok'ra, was remaining on Earth. Jack tried explaining that it was the Tok'ra who had turned their backs on Earth. They had cut and run! And even though Jake and Selmak had been shut out, they still had tried to fix the alliance.

Only Jack's word's fell on deaf ears.

And normally Jack would like to have taken the liberty of sticking it to the Joint Chiefs even further on this one. However, he wasn't expecting them to send someone so quickly. Jack did manage to make the point that he had been sticking it to them for three weeks by not including certain details in his reports which only pissed the Chiefs off even further.

Jack didn't care. He knew this day would come. He was prepared and would gladly take the blame to protect Jake and the baby. So, when General Parker showed up, Jack immediately complied with his orders. He didn't like doing it. It was something he had to do because Jack would do no good to Jake if he were tossed in the brig by disobeying Parker.

However, Jack's job just got a little harder when he arrived at the infirmary and saw Jake comforting Janet then gently wiping her tears away. Poor woman was a head shorter than Jake and had to look up. If it bothered her Jack couldn't tell because she was smiling up at Jake.

Not wanting a lot of commotion near the baby, Jack asked that Parker and his guards remain outside the infirmary. Parker glared at Jack with his one pale green eye. The other eye was useless and lost its color years ago.

Parker had a particular talent for doing the unpleasant jobs no one else wanted to do, which is why he was still in the Air Force despite the fact he only had one eye. His talent didn't involve flying, it was purely a politically job when the powers that be didn't want their hands to get dirty.

"As long as you bring General Carter to me," Parker smiled, winking his good eye.

A chill went down Jack's back. Parker was not a handsome man and looked absolutely frightening when he smiled. He was a big man, not tall but thick. His hair was all white and tightly buzzed down. Jack only knew Parker by reputation. The man was an asshole, who used his size to intimidate you. Just the kind of bully the Joint Chiefs would send when they needed the job to get done.

"Just wait here, and don't get to excited! Jake won't crack like the others! He's ten times the man you are!" Jack said.

"Whatever, just get his ass over here!" Parker ordered.

Looking back into the infirmary, Jack saw that Janet was sitting beside Sarah's special bed. She appeared to be holding on tightly to Jake's hand.

After a deep breath, Jack finally approached them.

"How's she doing?" Jack asked quietly.

"It's just a cold," Jake smiled. "Dr. Warner says she's going to be fine in a few days."

"That's good," Jack sighed. "Jake, can you come with me, please."

Jake nodded, his smile quickly gone. He knew the shit hit the fan and that it was time to face the music. If Jack could prevent what was about to happen, he would. He had not qualms about prolonging the inevitable either, which was why he didn't stop Jake when he put his hand inside Sarah's incubator. The man loved that baby; Jack could tell by the way that Jake affectionately caressed the girl's soft hair. Sarah's eyes opened for a brief moment before she closed them again.

"She has such beautiful eyes," Jake gasped. "I never get tired of looking at them."

Jack and everyone else were quick to admit that little Sarah Carter was a beautiful baby with her big dark brown eyes and her tiny fingers and toes. She was the real reason this was very hard for Jack to do.

"Jake, can you come with me please," Jack insisted, putting a hand on Jake's shoulder. "We need to talk."

"What's wrong?" Janet asked, noticing how reluctant Jake was to leave Sarah.

"Nothing for you to worry about," Jake quickly answered, squeezing her hand. "Let's go Jack."

Jack noticed how Jake was quick to look away from Janet, barely able to maintain eye contact with her. In the same situation, Jack doubted he would be able to tell the woman he loved that he was going to prison, just to remain on Earth to be near her, too.

"Jake…"

"Janet, stay with Sarah. Everything's going to be fine," Jake ordered, sounding very much like the two star General he was.

Then Jake turned and left and Jack had to catch up.

"I don't want a scene Jack, let's just get this over with," Jake said softly.

"You do know they'll court martial you," Jack said, stopping Jake a few feet from the doorway.

"Yes. I'm aware of that. But at least, I'll be on Earth and be in some contact with Sarah."

"And Janet?"

Jake sighed, turning away from Jack. But he didn't need to see into the man's eyes to know what he was thinking or how he was feeling.

"Jake, I'm sorry…I have my orders," Jack said sadly.

"I don't blame you Jack. I want to thank you for doing what you did. I can't allow you to take any of the blame for the decision I made here. I'm going to tell them I ordered you to leave certain facts out of your reports. I do out rank you, even if it is by one star now."

"Jake…"

"Do I have to make it an order?" Jake asked with a smirk.

He may have been smiling, but Jack could see in Jake's eyes. This situation was tearing him apart. Hell, it was tearing Jack apart too. He didn't like seeing good people having to suffer needlessly.

"Jake, you can order me around until you're blue in the face but I'm not letting you take the fall for this one all by yourself. Not when that little girl needs her father!"


During the flight, George read the reports about the Quantum mirror and Janet Fraiser. The whole time thanking the Lord that something good came through the mirror. He always hoped that keeping that damn Quantum mirror wouldn't back fire. And at the time had strongly believed it should have been destroyed and that the Pentagon was playing with dynamite.

Reading further on, George learned how Janet's injures had induced labor and that shortly after her arrival in this reality she gave birth to a girl, now known as Sarah Carter. George smiled. He had the distinct feeling that Jacob was involved in that name, either in the alternate reality or this one.

Sarah Carter was the name of Jacob's older sister who died from cancer when she was only twelve and he was nine. Her death hurt Jacob deeply. She was the only one in the family who seemed to understand him when his stubbornness got the better of him.

The Jacob Carter stubbornness was practically legendary in the Air Force. George was so glad the blending with Selmak didn't make a dent in that stubbornness. After George got to know the symbiote well, he learned that Selmak was equally stubborn and never would allow Jacob to influence him in anyway. And George knew well enough that Selmak and Jacob both shared similar viewpoints and similar feelings.

The day after Janet's arrival, Jacob and Selmak conveniently arrived on Earth. No explanation, no anything, they just suddenly came to Earth. That should have sent a message to the Joint Chiefs right away but they were too ecstatic about having Dr. Fraiser back. She was the most knowledgeable doctor they had with regards to the symbiotes. The Joint Chiefs even praised General O'Neill for having Selmak heal Janet's injuries with the hand device.

However, both Jack and Jacob were in trouble on this one. It was going to take a miracle from George to save them both. And from the looks of it, George Hammond, Miracle Worker, arrived just in time at the SGC. He was a little startled to watch as Jacob willing let the SF put the handcuff on him. George had to hurry down the tunnel as Jacob was telling Janet to calm down and that everything was going to be fine. The woman was very upset.

George was extremely annoyed! The handcuffs were too much! He could see that Jacob was going to comply. George knew personally that Jacob would do anything for his family, even if it meant going to prison. Plus, George didn't like Parker, he was an asshole, and didn't know how to delicately handle the situation, especially when there was an upset mother involved.

"Take the handcuffs off, now!" George snapped at General Parker. "Take them off now!"

"I don't…" Parker started to say.

"Are you disobeying a direct order?" George growled, staring down Parker with his blue eyes ice-hot with anger.

"No, Sir," Parker gritted through his teeth, obviously unhappy with the order.

"Good, have General Carter taken back to his quarters for now."

"Sir, can he stay in the infirmary, under guard?" O'Neill asked. "Sarah's sick…"

"That baby isn't any of Carter's concern!" Parker barked. "He didn't bed down with the woman!"

Again, George was surprised when he saw Jacob flinch at such harsh words. The Jacob Carter George knew would have lashed out and damn near strangled Parker for say such things. But this Jacob was different. George could see the anguish in Jacob's eyes. The ashamed look when he glanced at Janet, who looked equally hurt.

Then George realized why Jacob didn't react. He was in love with Janet. But George knew Jacob wouldn't act on those feelings. Jacob was a good and descent man; he would never take advantage of a woman who was in emotional distress. Plus, Jacob would rather stay on Earth to be near her and the baby, even if it meant going to prison.

'Let's hope it doesn't come to that,' George thought to himself.

"Very well. Keep the guards outside the infirmary," George ordered, holding his hand up to silence a very pissed off General Parker. "Before you start, my orders come directly from the President. Jack, escort General Parker to your office. I'll be there shortly."

"Yes, Sir!" Jack saluted, very happy about the situation now as opposed to the defeated look he had a few moments ago.

"Dr. Fraiser, it's so nice to see you again," George smiled as Jack and Parker left.

"What's going on?" she demanded, quickly wiping her tears away.

"I think I'll let Jacob tell…"

"Jake…" Jacob said grabbing George's arm. "Call me Jake from now on."

"Very well," George nodded seeing that it was very important. "I'll let Jake tell you but after I've talked with him."

"Janet, go be with Sarah. I'll be there in a minute," Jake smiled.

Janet nodded then reluctantly left.

"Before you start into me, there was nothing Selmak and I could do. The alliance would have a better chance if someone else were involved. And for the record, I ordered Jack to with hold information for as long as he could. So you can tell the Joint Chiefs to leave him alone. I'm the one responsible. Me and me alone!"

"Jacob…Jake, I'm not here to place blame or to take you into custody. I'm here to talk with the Tok'ra. See what options we have other than you going to prison. I have the President's authority."

Jake sighed in relief.

"If you talk with the Tok'ra, insist on speaking with Malek. He'll listen. He's the only ally Selmak has left."

George nodded and regarded his friend for a moment.

"You lover her, don't you?" George asked.

"It's hard not to fall in love with Sarah," Jake smiled proudly. "She's so tiny and helpless but a little fighter!"

"I was talking about Janet," George said solemnly.

"Oh…George, I can't allow myself to fall in love with Janet."

"Jake, the other you sent her here. Don't you think he did it so that she would be happy, so that she would be with her friends…be with you. He wouldn't have done that if he didn't want you to have feelings for her."

"George…I don't know," Jake said rubbing his neck. "This whole thing is just so confusing!"

George smiled, putting a reassuring hand on Jake's shoulder, "Yes, it can be confusing. I don't envy the debate you're going through. To love her or not to love her."

"No debate…I love her. The debate is whether to act on those feelings or not. If I do, I feel like an asshole for taking advantaging of her. If I don't…I feel like an asshole because I'm hurting her even more. Then what if I do act on them…I'm just a different version of her husband. Who does she love, me or him?"

George didn't have an answer for Jake. Apparently Jake didn't have the answer either and had spent more time thinking about the subject.

"The only thing I know is right, is to be that little girl's father and to be the best father I can be!"

"Then let me do what I came here," George smiled. "Hopefully, when I'm done, you won't have to be her father from prison."

"Selmak and I would both appreciate that very much. So would Janet and Sarah."

"Go be with them," George said, gently giving his friend a nudge towards the infirmary door.

George knew Jake better than he realized. Jake was stubborn. But when it came to certain feelings he had, he could never resist them, no matter how hard he tried. He couldn't with his wife Allison and he wouldn't be able to now. All George could hope for was that Janet would love this Jake for the man he was, no matter how similar or different he was to the husband she lost.


"Is everything alright?" Janet asked the second Jake stepped through the infirmary doorway.

"Yes, Janet. Everything will be fine," he insisted.

"Jake, cut the bullshit. You're in trouble and it's my fault."

"Janet, it's not your fault. I promise you that. Selmak and I made a decision and the Joint Chiefs aren't happy with it. They're making too much of a big deal about it. George is here to remedy the situation."

"And if he doesn't?"

"Let's not talk about that right now. Not unless we have to."

Janet sighed. She knew Jake was hiding something from her. She knew it was bad. She had spent enough time with him to learn how to read him, better than he realized. Janet was surprised to discover how different he actually was from Jacob.

He was much more reserved, especially around military personnel, not like her Jacob who was quickly to smile, laugh, or shout angrily no matter who was around. However, alone Jake was quick to relax, flash his smile at her and crack jokes. Jokes that could make her laugh so hard she cried. He could actually tell a joke and get the punch line right. Her Jacob could never get a punch line right if his life depended on it.

Watching Jake with Sarah, Janet could see he loved her deeply. She was often saddened by it because he was different from her husband. She would wonder if her Jacob would react the same way to Sarah. And often asked herself why she was sent here. Why did her husband choose this reality?

It was painful to lose her friends and family. It was equally painful to see their faces everyday here at the SGC in this reality, especially Jake's. There were a few times when Janet had to force herself to call him Jake almost letting the name Jacob slip from her lips out of habit. Then she would be hurt because he noticed and pretended it didn't bother him.

Even though it bothered him deeply he kept coming to be with her and to be with Sarah. And he seemed to notice everything regarding Janet when with her. Another characteristic different from her husband. Sometimes Jacob was clueless when she was upset and she would always have to let him know about it. Jake never hesitated to grab her hand for a reassuring squeeze or a hug when she desperately needed it.

The problem was Janet wasn't sure if she could do the same for him. She saw too much of her husband in him despite the differences. Too many times she had to leave a room to cry her tears for her husband. However, Janet was determined to set aside her feelings for the sake of her daughter. Jake was Sarah's father now and Janet had to get used to him being in her life. She knew it wasn't going to be easy but she had to try.

"Jake, would you like to hold her? She can be held, but only for a couple of minutes."

"Janet, I would give anything to hold Sarah but I can wait until the day when she no longer needs to remain in the infirmary. She's your daughter. Every minute now, should be with you."

"Are you sure?"

Jake nodded.

"Is it alright if I just sit with her a while?" he asked.

"Of course, she's your daughter too," she smiled.

Again, Janet saw the sadness in Jake's eyes. Only he was quick to look away, as if he knew Janet might figure out what was troubling him if he allowed her to look too deeply into his eyes. Whatever trouble he was in, it was bad. Rather than probe him about it, Janet helped him into the chair so he could be with Sarah sensing perhaps that he didn't have much time with her.

Then for the first time since Janet met Jake, she gave him the much needed hug, kissing him tenderly on the cheek. He seemed a little startled by her kiss when he looked at her, then smiled nervously at her before turning his attention to Sarah.

Out of habit, Janet gently caressed the back of his neck. When she realized what she was doing, she quickly stuffed her hands in the pockets of her lab coat.

Jake turned to look up at her. Janet was certain he noticed she was blushing because she could feel the heat in her cheeks and ears. Only he didn't say anything, like she was expecting him to do. Instead, he looked away from her.

"I'll be back in a minute," she said, then she quickly left before he could reply and before her tears got the better of her.

Once within the sanctuary of her office, Janet hugged herself and wept for the husband again.