Going Home

by jakefanatic

Jacob and Selmak ascend then BOTH return to the physical world! This is their story about how the two friends find their way home to each other with the help of Sam and Jack, and other friends, along with Mark, Jacob's son. Complete 1118

14. Chapter 14

Author's notes: italics indicate dream state or symbiote is speaking; mild language

I just wanted to give a special thanks to Helena for being my beta and for Tels who got me out of a jam in this final chapter. Also, to the readers who have followed Jake and Sel on their incredible journey, thank you for all your reviews and words of encouragement. I must admit that it was a joy writing this story and I'm a little sad that it is now done. Hope you enjoy this final chapter. Once again, thank you all.

---

Opening his eyes, Jake saw clear blue sunlit skies above him. His ears were filled with a low rumbling sound that was getting closer and closer, louder and louder. Then suddenly an Air Force F16 fighter jet went screaming by above him. It was so low that Jake felt its heat and the force of the air in its wake.

He hurried to his feet and watched the jet rip through the sky. A huge grin shined on his face. He felt the adrenaline rush even though he wasn't piloting the fighter plane. Watching it do a barrel roll before diving for the deck he could easily imagine the feeling of weightlessness when upside-down and what the G-Forces felt like during a nearly vertical drop.

God he loved to fly and wished he were inside the cockpit at that very moment. Maybe he'd get the chance! The plane was making its approach to the runway. The very same runway Jake happened to be standing on!

"Oh shit!" he shouted scrambling to get the hell out of the way!

After the jet screeched down the runway, Jake quickly got to his feet and dusted off his dress uniform. He then ran down the runway as fast as he could to where the plane had come to a stop. By the time he was within thirty yards, the pilot had already exited the aircraft and was heading towards Jake.

Whoever it was, was a pilot in the Air Force and a General! Jake slowed to a trot and glanced at his shoulders. He still had two stars on his shoulders, the same as the pilot. Then Jake came to a stop. He immediately noticed there was something familiar about the pilot…something that reminded Jake of himself.

Maybe it was the man's swagger. He definitely had a cockiness about him in every stride he took. And his posture spoke volumes of a confidence that indicating he earned his rank.

"You ok kid?" the pilot asked when he reached Jake.

That voice sent a chill down Jake's spine. The hairs on his arms and the back of his neck stood on end. He knew that voice…it was his own. Only Jake couldn't see the man's face. The visor was down on the helmet. The pilot even had gloves on his hands.

"Hey, kid, you deaf or something?" the pilot asked again.

"I'm fine," Jake replied slowly, squinting his eyes trying to look through the dark visor.

"Yeah, right," he replied, taking his gloves of then reaching for his helmet. "You are far from fine."

The pilot took his helmet off and Jake got a good look finally. He was an older man, roughly twice Jake's age. Didn't have any hair on the top of his head. There were a few lines on his face, around his eyes and his mouth. His eyes…they were Jake's own eyes. Only they looked like a man who had gained his knowledge by countless experiences. Jake thought he was nuts because this man before him looked like an older version of Jake?

"No, you're not crazy, Jake," he smiled. "I must say…it's about time you finally took a look at yourself. You are one stubborn son of a bitch!"

"I don't understand," Jake replied. "You're…me?"

"Bet your ass! Call me Jacob," he said, extending his hand.

"I'm really confused here," Jake admitted, slowly shaking Jacob's hand.

"Jake, you need to pull your head out of your ass!" Jacob snapped at Jake. "Selmak needs you! I can't allow you to fuck things up!"

"But…"

"No buts about it, son! You're screwing up everything that I had planned! And you're scaring Selmak! All of that stops now!" Jacob growled grabbing Jake by the front of his uniform. "Do I make myself clear?"

Jake blinked rapidly a few times then nodded his head.

Jacob let go and smoothed Jake's uniform back out.

"Sorry, Jake. Sel means a great deal to me…and to you," Jacob smiled.

"Of course she means a great deal to me! She's my daughter!" Jake snapped back at Jacob.

"Jake…Jake…" Jacob sighed, shaking his head. "You've been remembering things all wrong! Now, I want you to listen and listen well. Everything they're telling you is the truth. And about the only thing you got right is that this whole mess is your fault!"

"Don't you mean your fault?" Jake countered with a smirk on his face. "I mean, you're the old man doing all the planning right?"

"Smart ass!" Jacob said making Jake laugh. Jacob ended up laughing too. "Seriously, kid. Everything Sam, Malek, and the others are telling you is the truth. This is what you looked like when you died. I know I'm kind of rough on the eyes but this is what you'll look like when you get to be my age."

"Yeah, I remember. Mark showed me some pictures," Jake smirked, deliberately rubbing the top of his head.

"Damn…I forgot that I was a cocky son of a bitch when I was young! Enjoy it while you have it!" Jacob chuckled. "But enough about our hair! You are going to have a lot to deal with when you wake up and I'm here to help you. Come with me."

"Where are we going?" Jake asked.

"To the place where this all started and a few other places to help you remember and explain why you're this way," Jacob answered and walked past Jake.

Jake was a little startled to see the Stargate when he turned around. It wasn't there a moment ago. Jacob was standing by some circular device waiting for Jake. When he arrived he watched as Jacob started hitting the symbols on the circular console. After the seventh symbol Jacob pushed the big orange thing in the center which activated the Stargate.

"It's like dialing a phone number," Jacob smiled as they headed for the gate.

"I'd hate to have to pay that phone bill!" Jake joked before they stepped through the event horizon. When they emerged, Jake immediately recognized the purplish glow of the crystal tunnels. "What is this place? I've seen it before."

"All of the Tok'ra bases have these crystal tunnels. They're fast to make and just as fast to destroy."

"So that no trace is left behind when fleeing?" Jake asked.

"You bet…now shh…I want you to watch this because it's very important and because you owe Sam a big apology!"

They moved into a corner of an occupied room. Jake recognized Sam in her gear. He was unsure of the Tok'ra standing beside her. Of course he recognized his older self standing beside the table and looking rather ill. And he recognized the lady lying on the table.

"I know her!" Jake exclaimed. "That's Saroosh!"

Jacob smacked Jake on the back of the head.

"I told you to shh!" Jacob hissed at Jake. "This is an important moment, it's when you first meet Selmak. Now that Tok'ra is Martouf and the symbiote he carries is Lantash."

Lantash: Take a moment to get to know the symbiote that wishes to blend with you.

Jacob: This is her?

Sam: Actually, you only see the host. The symbiote's inside her.

Jacob: Inside her?

"I feel like I'm watching a TV show!" Jake whispers to Jacob.

"Will you shut up?"

"You know I could never keep my mouth shut," Jake countered, making Jacob shake his head.

Sam: Talk to her dad. Get to know her.

Selmak: If you agree to the blending, we could be together for a very long time.

Jacob: You don't look so good!

Selmak: You are no vision of beauty yourself, Sir.

Jake starts laughing.

"That's it, keep laughing! Watch, in a few minutes you'll puke your guts out all over the floor!" Jacob

said. Jake stopped laughing immediately and Jacob stood there with a sly grin on his face.

Saroosh: I'm in a position to help you most.

Jacob: How's that?

Saroosh: I will die. Selmak will live on. You will take my place as host.

Jacob: I don't understand.

Saroosh: Selmak is a wonderful Tok'ra. She is selfless and caring. She's good company. She has a wonderful sense of humor.

This time Jacob laughs, "Saroosh was being kind, Selmak has the most wicked sense of humor I've ever come across! I don't think she wanted to scare me off!"

"Really, from where I'm standing, I can't tell," Jake quips to himself.

Sam: That's good Dad! You can sit around for hours cracking yourself up!

Jacob: That's funny!

"You have to watch for Sammy! She has a mouth like her old man!" Jacob smiles.

"You must be so proud," Jake replies sarcastically, immediately receiving a smack on the back of his head from Jacob. "Owe! That hurt!"

"Quit your whining and pay attention!"

Saroosh: She's not far off. I've had almost two hundred years of laughter thanks to Selmak. I'm biased of course. I believe Selmak is the best educated of the Tok'ra. You will probably be overwhelmed with the knowledge and wisdom that you will gain upon blending.

Jacob: So I get all of this things…what did you call it in her head?

Sam: Symbiote.

Jacob: Yeah, I get all its memories and stuff?

"Sharp as a tack, aren't you!" Jake smirks to Jacob, ducking this time and avoiding another smack on the head! Jake stood there smiling as he continued watching. Again, Jacob was shaking his head.

Saroosh: But I won't deceive you, Sir. We have some pretty awful things buried in our memories.

Jacob: Such as?

Saroosh: Memories of countless Goa'uld atrocities, the loss of the host before me. And you will feel the mourning for my loss.

Jacob: Will you excuse me Ma'am!

"There you go! Puking your guts out!" Jacob laughs.

"Those are your guts too, jack ass!" Jake grumbles.

"That may be true, but did you see Sam hurry to me? She was with me the entire time. She was even there for the blending, refusing to leave my side."

"Yeah, I noticed she's been here and obviously cares about you," Jake sighed, then quickly added with a grin. "Although, I don't know why she cares for you? You're such a pain in the ass!"

"That's love kid! But you had better not be a pain in the ass to Selmak! She deserves better! And I swear, the first words out of your mouth to Sam better be 'I'm sorry', else I'll be there to haunt you in your nightmares!"

"Yes, Sir."

"Come on, I have a few more things to show you, including how much of an asshole we were after Selmak helped us to ascend!"

"So…that ascension thing is true?" Jake asked following Jacob down the tunnel.

"Oh yeah, it's true."

Jake stopped walking.

"What is it kid?" Jacob asked.

"I…I remember a place called Netu…Selmak…she…she suffered greatly. Was it my fault?"

"No, Jake," Jacob smiled putting a reassuring hand on Jake's shoulder. "We were there on a mission to gather Intel, someone ratted us out! But know that Selmak did her best to protect you from the pain."

"Like she did with all her hosts," Jake sighed. "She must have felt guilty for your death."

"Yes, it tore her apart," Jacob said sadly.

"You wouldn't let her go. You knew she was sick and that she would die before she even told you she was dying. But you wouldn't let her go."

Jake saw that Jacob had tears in his eyes.

"I…" Jacob's voice cracked. Jake remained silent allowing his older self to regain his composure. "I couldn't let her die alone. I wasn't…I wasn't there for Allison when she died. So…"

"So you made sure you were there for Selmak," Jake continued. "You loved her."

"Sel and I were constant companions, closer than any husband and wife could ever be because of the bond we shared. We loved each other as any two lifelong friends would. But no woman could ever replace Allison. Well…except maybe Annie."

Jake grinned at the thought of Annie. He really missed her.

"I swear that woman's Allison reincarnated," Jacob smiled.

"She would make a good mother for Sel too," Jake sighed.

"I'm sure she would."

Jake took a deep breath then moved to stand in front of Jacob.

"I'm ready…show me how I came to be this way…"

"It's going to be painful," Jacob warned.

"I know. But I'm willing to do anything it takes to unlock my memories so that I could be a better father to Sel."

Jacob regarded Jake for a long moment.

"You know kid, you're going to be ok," he smiled.

"It's Jake, and quit calling me kid old man!" Jake smiled back.

"Whew…for a second there I thought you were going to call me an old fart like you did Jack!" Jacob laughed. "That was good by the way! The look on his face was classic! Come on Jake, let's get this show over with!"

---

For three hours Sam sat patiently watching her father, watching Selmak or reading a book. Mark had stopped by complaining of writer's cramp in his hand after filling out and signing the stack of forms Jack had for him. The two siblings then talked for a short while until Sam ordered her brother to bed. She had to call his wife to come collect him before he passed out from sheer exhaustion.

Despite the nearly catastrophic events that recently past, Sam and her brother grew closer than they had been in a long time…a long time. Since before their mother died, from what Sam could remember. And she couldn't help but notice the bond between father and son had also grown strong once again.

It was a shame that Selmak would never remember all she had done for the Carter family. And Selmak would never know because they could not tell her of what she had done. They didn't want to interfere with her natural development as a human child. Sam was determined to make it up to the girl by being the best Aunt she could be. Even Mark discussed the possibility of moving back to Colorado Springs so that the family could be together again, as it should be. His decision would be based on whether their father remained in Colorado Springs or not.

General Hammond had come by to see if Dad was awake yet because he wanted to explain to Jacob what his options were. Basically, General Jacob Carter had his choice of positions. He could remain at the SGC, joining a SG team. He could possibly even train future soldiers, preparing them for duty at the SGC. Or he could go to Area 51 where the Joint Chiefs would like him to go because of the Ancient Gene he still possessed and Selmak's memories could be useful in developing better weapons or defense technologies. Ultimately, the decision was Jacob's which is as it should be and what the President said too. Sam was very curious about what her father's choice was going to be, especially when Selmak was an essential part of the equation.

"Did I ever tell you how much you look like your mother?"

Sam looked up from her book to see her father smiling at her. She returned the favor while setting the book down.

"Especially when you smile…you have her smile," he spoke softly.

"And your stubbornness," Sam countered, taking hold of his hand.

Her father laughed softly.

"Hey…that didn't hurt," he exclaimed, tentatively poking his right side. "And…how come I'm not dead?"

"After you lost consciousness, Selmak asked Malek to use a healing device. He healed all your injuries…take a look."

He pulled the white T-shirt up to reveal his injuries were indeed healed. His hand slid over where the ribs were once bruised. His fingers smoothed some of the hairs down where he was shot in the stomach.

"Holy, Hannah," he exclaimed while pinching his right side where he used to have a bullet hole.

"So…do you have your memories back yet?" Sam asked as he sat up pushing his shirt back down.

"No," he smiled brightly. "But I'm beginning to remember some things. In time, I'll remember everything."

Then he looked over and saw Selmak hooked up to all kinds of medical devices. Sam recognized the parental worry for his child in his eyes having seen it through out her life and experiencing it first hand with Selmak.

"What happened?" he asked, quickly getting out of his bed and moving across the room.

"She's ok, Dad," Sam replied, laying a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Selmak's been losing her memories. It seems after each seizure, more of her memories are gone. Dr. Brightman believes this last seizure was the final one."

"She has a slight fever," he gasped, as his hand touched Selmak's forehead and tenderly caressed her little round cheeks.

"It's normal," Sam quickly explained. "She won't regain consciousness for at least a day maybe more. But she'll be ok."

"Was she in pain during the seizures?" he asked, his eyes filled with so much sorrow.

"No, she's pretty much out of it during each seizure."

"If I had only gotten to her sooner," he breathed, falling into the chair beside Selmak's bed.

"Dad?"

"Sam…I'm so sorry," he replied looking up at her, his dark eyes glistened with tears but he did not allow them to fall. "I acted like such an idiot earlier! I should have trusted you. I should have trusted George for Christ's sake! I should have listened to what everyone was telling me. Only my God damned stubbornness wouldn't let me! And look what happened!"

"Dad, no one's blaming you for what happened today or the past few days. And you can't blame yourself for what happened to Selmak. We are all just so glad that you and Selmak are safe…and alive! And Selmak is going to be fine, I promise you."

Her father nodded his head slowly. His big hand affectionately held Selmak's little hand.

"Truth is, it is my fault…if I hadn't been so afraid," he whispered.

"I don't understand," Sam spoke softly, pulling her chair close to him.

"I've been afraid to remember," he answered, looking at her.

"Afraid? Why?"

"Because then I would have to remember the truth. I would have to remember the pain I caused my family…the pain I caused Selmak. Because I would have to remember that…I caused all this mess."

"But Selmak said it was all her fault."

"Selmak helped me to ascend, that is true. Everything after that, whatever she told you was wrong. She probably was so upset that she believed everything was her fault. But it wasn't. Daniel was right, it was my choice. And I did chose this!"

"After I died, I woke up in the middle of some desert with this little girl. I knew it was Selmak because she often appeared to me as this little girl within my mind so I wouldn't get angry with her. Only I was furious! I was so ready to die because then I would be with Allison."

Sam felt her eyes burning and her throat tightening. The torment her father continues to go through over her mother's death was so visible now. She only saw her father cry once during her entire life and it was for a brief moment. He was always the strong soldier. You never knew how deeply he was hurting. Even at her mother's funeral his face was like stone. This time his tears of pain and grief flowed more freely and his hands were shaking as he continued.

"Because your mother had died before her time and that I felt responsible for her death, I believed that I didn't deserve to be ascended. I didn't feel worthy of such status! And I was angry with Selmak for doing what she thought was best! Selmak liked to fix things…only this time she fixed something that wasn't repairable."

Dad shuddered as he paused, trying to regain his composure. Sam remained quiet, gently caressing his back. He grabbed hold of her hand while his other hand tightened around Selmak's.

"I wasn't expecting Selmak to feel so guilty for helping me to ascend knowing I wasn't happy about it! I knew she felt guilty for my death. But my death struck her much harder than I realized. Only she returned to the physical world before I could take it all back. God…I felt like such an asshole…damn near wishing I had never been born."

"But you came after her," Sam said.

"I had to!" he said, letting go of her hand and wiped his tears away. "I knew Selmak better than anyone. She may have been the wisest of all the Tok'ra but she could also be a little naïve. I knew she would return as a child." Dad chuckled to himself for a moment then quickly explained. "See, Selmak had this egotistical belief that she's irresistible and that no one could ever resist a child."

"She was right…the Tok'ra bought into it…so did we!" Sam vehemently said. "Of course, it was easy once we found out she was your daughter! For over a week, we didn't even know she was Selmak!"

"What?" he asked in disbelief.

"She told us her name was Hannah and that you were her father," Sam explained. "DNA tests confirmed she was my half sister. Everyone, including Teal'c, fell for those big sad blue eyes of hers! Except Jack, who is at times too in touch with his inner child! But he knew something was odd about Hannah. It wasn't until I got the phone call from Mark the night his house was attacked that Selmak revealed who she was and about her memory loss. Then she often complained about having your DNA and that she didn't know how that happened!"

"Yeah, Selmak never bowed down to anyone…never listened to me. Often called me a child and that she didn't take orders from a child! Her having to call me Dad…well that was something she never would have agreed on! She would have chosen death first!"

Sam laughed hard with her father. Then his smile quickly faded.

"She had no idea because it was my doing," her father continued sadly. "I knew that I would be returned with no memories of my past life. That meant I would have no idea who Selmak was when I saw her. But I knew exactly what kind of man I was and still am. I am a man who takes care of his responsibilities...regardless!"

"So, by having your DNA incorporated into Selmak's, when you found her and were told she was your daughter…"

"I would have no choice but to take care of her as her father. Which is why I came back as a young man. To be her father, I need to live long enough to take care of her."

"What about her memory loss? Was that your idea?" Sam asked.

"No," he answered seriously. "The ascended have no fear in sending a child back with its knowledge still intact because over time the child will lose it. Something about a child's brain not being able to retain the ancient's knowledge…they lose their own memories right along with it. Or it may have something to do with the safety of a child. I'm not entirely sure. But to be a true kid, they can't retain their memories. They would never blend in."

"Then why have them at all, even for a brief period?"

"They need that knowledge when they first return in order to find someone safe who can take care of them. The ascended may not interfere with the likes of Anubis. However, they would not willing place a descended in harms way. Which is why I ended up in San Diego and why Selmak eventually ended up here."

"What about you, Dad? Will you retain any ancient's knowledge?"

"No. No descended adult can retain the ancient's knowledge. Don't ask me why, I have no idea! It's like a rule or something. Oh, I know about Daniel and his abilities…he's seems to be special to the ancients so they allow a little leeway with him. Besides, such knowledge would be of no use to me in raising a child. Only, what I wasn't expecting was to have Selmak's memories integrated with my own!"

"Am I intruding?" Malek called from the doorway.

"No, come in," Sam smiled as she and her Dad got to their feet.

"Jacob, it is good to see you well again."

"I hear it's all thanks to you. Thanks," Dad said, shaking Malek's hand.

"You're welcome. You still have no recollection of me, do you?"

"I'm sorry, Malek…I only get a sense that you were like a brother to Selmak."

"Selmak was my teacher. I have always had a great respect for her and the hosts she blended with. Including you Jacob. You and I were…good friends. I will miss our debates. And I hope you are planning on taking excellent care of Selmak."

"Yes, my friend. I promise I will take special care of Sel," Dad smiled.

"Sel?"

"That's what I always called her…I remember that much," Dad answered. "She seemed to like it. Besides, as an Earth child now, Sel is more suitable. I even have a middle name picked out for her…Sel Tamara Carter."

"You remember Tamara?"

"I've seen her in my dreams. I get a sense that she was…very special to Selmak."

"Who's Tamara?" Sam asked.

Dad shrugged his shoulders then looked to Malek.

"Tamara was…well she was like Selmak's only daughter. Selmak's host, Alexia had dreamed of having a child. She didn't plan on becoming a host and was against it from the beginning. She was like you Jacob. She felt it was her duty to be Selmak's host due to the arrangement her people made with the Tok'ra. But that yearning to have a child never died. Selmak sensing the bond with Alexia was strained because of this allowed her host to conceive a child."

"I thought it was forbidden for the Tok'ra to have children because of the possibility of the child being harcesis," Sam commented.

"It is forbidden for two Tok'ra mates to conceive a child, yes. Only, Tamara's father was not Tok'ra. As long as one parent does not carry a symbiote, they can conceive a child."

"Tamara's father died before she was even born," Dad said sadly, sitting back down. Tears were streaming down his cheeks. "Alexia…was heart broken. The child's birth was extremely difficult…Alexia would have died if Selmak weren't there to tend to her. Together they raised Tamara." Dad suddenly laughed and smiled, "The girl thought it was perfectly normal to have a two mothers sharing one body!"

"You're remembering?" Sam asked him.

"Yes…but I can…I can feel too…it's very strange. It's like…"

"Selmak is still within you," Malek continued.

"That's it exactly!" Dad said excitedly. "I remember when Tamara learned what the Tok'ra were she wanted to be one. Alexia forbid it. But Tamara was passionate…she knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life and nothing was going to stand in her way. Even Selmak couldn't change Tamara's mind. So both Alexia and Selmak came to an agreement to allow Tamara to join the Tok'ra. Alexia addressed the High Council and proposed that Selmak take Tamara as her new host. She even added that Tamara would make a better Tok'ra than herself. Truth was that Alexia didn't trust any other symbiote blending with her daughter. Selmak was the only one who could truly take care of Tamara with much love and affection. The girl was fourteen when she blended with Selmak. She lived to be nearly three hundred years old." Again her father smiled and laughed. "It was in Tamara and Selmak's two hundredth year together that the pair was made a member of the High Council. Selmak loved all her hosts dearly but Tamara always had a special place in her heart."

"I believe Selmak would have liked what you have done for her Jacob," Malek smiled.

"Really?" Dad asked expectantly.

"You're a better father than you give yourself credit for. And I'm not just saying that. It is something I believe and something Selmak once told me of you."

"Thank you for telling me."

Sam watched as the two men embraced like brothers. Dad made Malek promise to come back a visit. After all, he was Sel's family too. And shortly after Malek took his leave, Jack came waltzing in with that big grin on his face and a bowl of Jell-O.

She already warned him about no joking with Dad. She wasn't going to tolerate it and even threatened Jack, letting him know he'd have a few cold nights alone if he didn't behave!

"Thought you might be awake," Jack smiled. "I brought you something to snack on."

"Great! I'm starving!" her father smiled. "I haven't eaten for more than twenty-four hours."

"I think General Hammond's going to bring you your meal in a little while," Jack smiled fiendishly.

"He's not mad at me, is he?" Dad nervously asked.

"Oh, I don't know…he was trying to save your life and you repaid him with a welt the size of a golf ball on his head!" Jack answered with a smirk. "You're a smart man, Jake. You can figure it out."

"Maybe I'm not so hungry then," Sam's father grimaced, even as his stomach growled.

"Jack's teasing," Sam said, then gave Jack a glare.

He shrugged his shoulders making that oh so innocent 'I don't know what you're talking about' face at her! All Sam could do was shake her head smiling.

"Here…it's cherry flavor," Jack smirked, handing Dad the bowl.

"Do I like…Jell-O?" Dad slowly asked with a look of uncertainty on his face.

"Apparently! Selmak really loved Cherry flavor," Jack explained. "We assume she got that from you!"

"You don't have to eat it, Dad," Sam smiled.

"Coffee! I remember I love coffee!" Dad proclaimed making Sam laugh. "Can I have that?"

"I thought you gave up coffee because Selmak didn't like it," Sam reminded him.

"That was before! I am not giving up coffee again!" he said making her and Jack laugh.

---

After two days, Jake finally felt human again. The commissary food wasn't the greatest tasting food in the world but it was enough to fill his belly during each meal. And one couldn't speak much about the watered down coffee. He didn't mind. He enjoyed coffee good or bad.

However, it wasn't only the food making him feel human; it was some form of routine he was able to get into that really helped. Routine was important to a man like him. It was demanded of him because of his military background. The Air Force was his life and will always be a part of his life, now more than ever.

The only problem was that Jake didn't feel right wearing the uniform. They were simple blue BDUs. But it was the stars on his collar that were a little unnerving. He regularly received confusing looks from the SGC personnel who didn't know who he was. They weren't sure if they should salute him or not. His youthful appearance did not denote a man who earned the rank of a two star General.

To solve the issue, Jake took off the blue fatigue jacket, always leaving it on his chair beside Sel's bed. It was more relaxing to him and others when he walked through the SGC tunnels. He even received quite a few smiles from the female personnel. Not that he was interested in any of them. There was only one lady on his mind lately and that was Annie.

He really missed her and was determined to make her a part of his life. He even called Mercy Hospital because he didn't know her home number, which was unlisted when he called information. However, he learned that Annie had just recently transferred to another hospital. When he asked where he could reach her, the nurse on the phone told him that they couldn't give out such confidential information and abruptly hung up!

Undeterred, Jake called several times hoping someone would tell him about Annie's whereabouts. Often while sitting in his chair beside Sel's bed as he watched her lay in an unnaturally deep sleep. And still, no one would tell him what he wanted to know about Annie. Again, he wasn't about to give up and already was planning a trip to San Diego once Sel was well enough to leave Cheyenne Mountain.

The Joint Chief's told Jake he could take up to a month off to decide what he wanted to do with his career. There were so many options open to him. And whatever decision he made would be supported by the Air Force, the President himself gave his word on that. But Jake's decision would depend on Sel and what was best for her.

Jake was beginning to remember some things about her and about his past. They were just little tidbits of information, some from long ago and some from more recent experiences. Being around his family and friends without having to look over his shoulder was a tremendous help. Even the nightmares died down to a dull roar in his mind. Everything was becoming clearer…his past, his present, and his future.

He saw this as an opportunity to start over with everyone he dearly loved, to make up for all his shortcomings. He and Mark were already off to a wonderful start. Jake never imagined being as close to his son as he is now. Not that they could openly admit that they were father and son anymore. However, Mark did come up with a good cover story and Jake didn't mind being the younger brother. And Mark's kids loved Jake and he really liked being called an Uncle, something he had never been before.

Then there was Sam. Jake would have to be a dumb-ass not to notice the quick glances between her and Jack. Of course, Jake couldn't forget Jack's 'plenty of action' comment he made about Sam. Even though Jake didn't have all his memories, Sam was still his daughter and he was fiercely protective of her. So Jake had no qualms about choking Jack into unconsciousness just to prove a point.

Still, the pair was obviously in love with each other. And Sam was very happy. That was all the mattered. Thank God Jack couldn't call Jake Dad anymore! He never liked it before even when Jack and Sam weren't a hot item. Selmak had always kept Jake quiet about the issue whenever he felt like saying something to Jack about it. However, Selmak wasn't capable of stopping him from speaking his mind anymore. Nor did Jake hesitate when Jack entered Sel's room to check up on her.

"How's she doing?"

"Still in a deep sleep," Jake said, getting to his feet. "We need to talk, Jack."

"Why do I get the feeling that this is one of those fatherly advice speeches about Sam," Jack counted as they moved away from Sel's bed.

"Because that's exactly what it is," Jake said seriously then his voice changed to his deadly serious, 'don't fuck with me' General tone. He even stood right up in Jack's face making Jack just a little bit nervous as he was tugging on the collar of his T-shirt. "That's right, Jack. I will choke the life out of you if you hurt Sam in anyway, shape or form! And I will be around a long time to make sure you treat my little girl right! Understood?"

"Perfectly!"

"And about my symbiote…" Jake continued, narrowing his eyes.

"Don't you mean ex-symbiote," Jack smirked.

Jake responded by grabbing the front of Jack's uniform! Damn near yanking him off the ground and succeeding in wiping that smirk of Jack's face!

"Don't even think about cracking a joke to me about her being female!" Jake roared. "It would belittle her! I owe it to Sel to protect the integrity of all she has given to me. She may not ever remember…but I will! Are we clear?"

"Crystal clear, Sir!" Jack saluted, after Jake released his hold on him. "What about…can I still call you Dad?"

"Hell no!" Jake growled, chasing Jack out of the room.

Jake laughed as he watched Jack run down the hallway. He was even still laughing when he returned to his seat beside Sel.

"Sorry, girl," Jake explained to Sel while fixing her covers. "I had to nip that one in the bud. You know Jack. He's a smart-ass just like me! No wonder Sammy fell in love with him."

A few moments later there was a knock on the door. Looking over, Jake was suddenly overwhelmed with a sense of guilt and remorse when he saw George and the welt still quite noticeable on his head.

"Is it safe to come in?" George asked. "I just saw O'Neill running for his life! Thought maybe now wasn't such a good time!"

"It's fine, George," Jake chuckled. "Please…come in…take a seat. I wanted to talk with you…to apologize for what I did to you."

"Jake, there's no need for apologies," George smiled sitting in the chair near Jake.

"But there is," Jake humbly said. "I feel so ashamed for holding a gun on you, for not trusting you the way I should have. And I feel absolutely terrible for the knot on your head. I simply reacted without thinking! I hope you can forgive a stupid fool for being so ungrateful and careless."

"Jake, you have nothing to apologize for," George insisted. "It's understandable. You lost your memories, you were being hunted down, you had no idea whom you could trust, and to top it all of you wake up with a Goa'uld symbiote in your face ready to take you as a host. I doubt I would have acted any differently if I were in your place. But if it will make you feel better, apology accepted."

"Thanks George, you're a good friend," Jake smiled brightly, shaking George's hand.

"You're welcome. Is there anything I can do for you? I understand you like to go workout around this time of the day. Thought I might sit with your daughter until you got back."

Jake glanced at his watch.

"Thanks, George! I have to take better care of myself now…for Sel's sake. Exercise and eating right are an essential part of my life now because of her."

"Does this mean you're giving up coffee?"

"No! I'll give up the beer and cigars but I am not giving up my coffee! Though I have limited myself to only one cup in the morning."

"Well I'll be…you're really serious about eating right! You used to drink at least two coffee pots a day! And were a damn grizzly bear before you had that first cup!"

"Me…I'm a teddy bear!" Jake smiled innocently. "Besides, I told you George, I have to be there for Sel. Whenever she needs me, I have to be there. I'm willing to do anything for her. She deserves to be looked after for ever how long I can manage."

"Go then, I'll take care of her until you get back," George smiled, patting Jake on the back. "And I'll send someone to get you if she wakes up."

"Thanks again, George!"

Less then fifteen minutes later, Jake was wearing his sweats and running up a trial. One of the things Jake remembered was that he loved to run. His body was built for running. It used to be his escape from the pressures of work and family. Now he found it to be a release. Running relaxed him into opening his mind more and his memories were more forth coming as a result. He even discovered that he could run up to six miles on the treadmill without feeling the effects on his body the next day. And Teal'c was kind enough to show him a few exercises with the weights, something Jake had never done before in his entire life!

But today, Jake decided to run outside in the snow. The treadmill was fine but it couldn't compete with the sun shining on his face or a breeze blowing through his hair and against his skin. And a treadmill was noisy. Running on a trail was so much more peaceful. The only sounds were his breathing, his feet hitting the ground during his long strides, and sometimes the creatures in the wild, usually birds singing…every so often a little critter ran for cover when they heard him.

Jake suddenly slipped on some ice but was able to maintain his balance. The very action of nearly falling down sparked a memory. It was a powerful memory that surfaced one of his earliest memories with Selmak. He came to a stop and closed his eyes, letting the memory reveal itself to him. A smile shined on his face because of the feelings that accompanied it.

'Jacob, you're such a klutz! Of all the Tau'ri hosts I had to get, I get the biggest klutz of them all!' Selmak chastised him as he was getting up and dusting the sand off of himself. 'Why are you running anyway? I keep you in top form. There's no need to exercise.'

'Selmak, do you know how long it's been since I've been able to run like this? I was an old man with arthritis! It fucking killed my knees to walk up the stairs!'

'Ah…you don't like feeling weak. Macho men aren't weak! Pfft! So typical of a man to think that way!'

'Selmak, we've been blended for a week now,' Jake told her within his mind as he continued running. 'You need to pull your head out of your ass!'

'WHAT?' she shrieked at him, making him wince at how loud her voice was in his mind.

'You heard me!' he replied. 'Quit being so damn stubborn. You only see things from a woman's perspective. Trying seeing things from my perspective for a change!'

'Really, Jacob…I have seen things from your perspective…I never realized just how hypnotizing a woman's breasts can be!'

'Hey, now I was not staring at her breasts the whole time! Besides, that Anise was practically shoving them in my face! I tried to be a gentleman about the whole situation and politely declined her offer.'

'Yes, I do apologize. Honestly, I didn't think to warn you about her. Totally forgot I'm now in a man's body. I do have to admit some things are easier as a man.'

'Like what?'

'It's much easier taking a pee while standing up!'

Jake started laughing, nearly losing his balance again as he ran down a sand dune.

'Which reminds me…' Selmak continued with this devilish tone in her voice. 'I am very interested what sex would be like from a man's perspective!'

Jake tripped and fell at that comment, tumbling the rest of the way down the sand dune. Selmak's laughter filled his mind the whole way down. Jake wasn't laughing at all! The very idea of having sex with someone in a front row seat in his head was…unnerving.

'Oh, come on Jacob! Quit being such a prude! It will be fun and pleasurable! I can teach you all kinds of new techniques! I do have nearly two thousand years experience and consider myself an expert! Plus, having that female perspective will come in handy for you! And you did say I needed to see things from a man's perspective!'

Jake started laughing uncontrollably at the memory. His symbiote…she loved all aspects of life as a Tok'ra. Selmak knew not to force him into something he wasn't ready for and from what Jake remembered she never did. However, that didn't stop her from pointing out which female Tok'ra were available and which one's she thought were very appealing to him on weekly basis. At the moment, Jake wondered if he actually took her up on any of those offers because he couldn't remember if he actually did or not. He just got the impression that the whole idea of sex with Selmak in his head terrified him.

Regardless, the only woman in Jake's life now would be Annie, when he finds her. Well, make that two women. He can't forget about Sel! Ok so she wasn't a woman yet. Just a little girl! But she was his little girl and he cared deeply for her.

Sel was still unconsciousness and this was the third day after her seizure. If Jake wasn't eating or working out, he was right beside her bed. He would often read to her, talk to her, and he even slept in the chair beside her. He didn't want her to wake up alone. And if he wasn't occupying the chair he made sure someone else was and that that someone would call him the second her little eyes opened.

The only thing the truly scared him was that Sel wouldn't remember him at all. They said that she was losing her memories. Did that include her knowing he was her father? Jake remembered how he felt when she called him Daddy. It was a shout in panic but the fact that she called him Daddy affected him deeply. More deeply than he had been prepared for. He enjoyed that feeling and didn't want to lose it.

---

Everything was blurry when she opened her eyes. Sel blinked a couple of times then rubbed her eyes. A big yawn escaped from her. When her eyes came into focus she saw him. Her Daddy! She started crying. She couldn't find him for the longest time and now there he was, sleeping in the chair beside her.

She thought she had lost him. Never mind that she couldn't remember how she got to wherever she was. All that matter was she found her Daddy. Now she could look after him. Daddy was alone, he need somebody to look after him. That somebody was her.

"Daddy," she whispered, suddenly afraid she might be dreaming and that he would disappear.

He inhaled deeply and shifted in the chair but did not wake.

"Daddy," she said, just a tad louder.

His eyes opened instantly and he straightened up.

"What did you call me?" he asked with this anxious look in his eyes.

"I called you Daddy because…because you're my Daddy," she smiled happily.

She must have said the right thing because he quickly scooped her up into his arms and held her tight. So, tight she almost couldn't breathe! Sel didn't mind and she wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him right back. It was truly a wonderful feeling having his arms wrapped around her. She could feel his love for her and hoped he could feel the love she had for him.

Daddy made a sound she's never heard him make before. Concerned, Sel moved to look at his face and saw his cheeks were wet. She was a little confused because he was smiling too.

"Why you crying, Daddy?" she asked, resting her small hand on his face.

"I'm just so glad you're ok…you gave me quite a scare," he smiled then kissed her forehead.

"I'm sorry. Didn't mean to scare you."

"You have nothing to be sorry for, understand?"

Sel nodded as her vision blurred again from her tears. Daddy was upset because of her.

"Shh, don't cry baby," Daddy cooed, rocking her gently. Sel only cried harder and clung on tighter. She couldn't help it; she missed him so much. And she never wanted to see him upset…ever. "Everything's going to be alright. We're together now."

"Forever and ever?"

"For as long as we need to be," he smiled, touching the end of her nose with his nose. "Now…I think you should rest. I don't want you to over do it today."

"But I'm not tired!" she whined as he sat her on the bed.

"Sel, be a good girl," he firmly said.

But Sel wasn't tired. She just woke up! She didn't want to rest! In fact, her body was telling her she desperately had to do something.

"Daddy, I have to go potty!" she said, feeling a sense of urgency.

"Oh…ok…" he said, nervously scratching the stubble in his chin.

"I have to go NOW!" she said, grabbing herself this time because she really had to go!

Daddy must have realized this was an emergency. He picked her up and carried her into the bathroom where he set her down. The floor was cold on her bare feet, making her shiver which only made her had to pee even more. And she was about to push her pajama bottoms down but couldn't…yet.

"Daddy, no peeking! I'm a girl! Boys aren't supposed to be in here when I'm going potty!"

"I thought you might need my help," he smiled.

"Nope. I'm a big girl," she smiled proudly.

"Oh, ok…I'll wait outside," he said with a hint of sadness in his voice.

He even looked sad as he left the bathroom. Sel sighed. She didn't want Daddy to be sad. She knew he was only trying to be helpful. Which only indicated how much he loved her.

Sel turned quickly pulled down her pajamas and underwear and had to climb onto the toilet. Relief quickly followed as she sat there. While sitting there she noticed a few things about this place. This place clearly was not built for children. The bathroom sink was too high. Her bed was too high. And…looking down at the floor below her little feet…the toilet was too high!

Fear flashed through her stomach! How was she going to get down? The answer came to mind quickly.

"DADDY!" she screamed, instantly feeling her tears trickling down her cheeks.

Daddy came flying into the bathroom and knelt down in front of her.

"What is it? Are you hurt?" he quickly asked.

Sel only cried harder seeing how worried he was.

"Talk to me, baby!" he desperately begged.

"I can't get down!" she wept.

Daddy almost burst into laughter but he didn't. He simply smiled and relief filled his face.

"Are you done?"

Sel nodded, looking down and feeling ashamed that she couldn't get off the toilet like a big girl should.

"It's ok honey," he said, gently lifting her off and putting her on the ground. He even quickly pulled up her pajama bottoms. Lifting her head up he smiled at her and wiped away her tears. "There's no need to cry. We all have our challenges. They're a part of life. You mustn't be afraid of them. If you're afraid then you can't see the solution."

Wow! Daddy was smart! But he got her to thinking.

"If there was something under my feet…I could get down by myself," she told him then waited expectantly for his approval.

""That's my clever girl!" he grinned picking her up.

This time, when Daddy tried to set her on the bed Sel clung onto him, giggling. But Daddy was clever and knew how to make her let go. Sel laughed excitedly and kicked about wildly as he tickled her sides, her knees and the bottom of her feet. She didn't even notice that she was on the bed now! Not that it mattered because Daddy was laughing.

But as their laughter died down, Sel saw the sadness in his eyes again. It was odd, to see him so sad even as he smiled at her. Sel smiled back, she knew what would make him happy.

"I love you Daddy," she said seriously as she sat up.

"I love you too," he sighed and the sadness was gone.

"Good afternoon, General Carter," a voice sounded from the doorway. "From the giggling and squealing I assume that Sel is finally awake!"

"She woke up not to long ago," Daddy informed the lady wearing a white coat as she approached them.

Sel instinctively grabbed her Daddy's arm for comfort. She didn't like the lady in the white coat. She smelled funny…like yucky medicine. Sel didn't like medicine. From what she remembered, it tasted nasty!

"Do you remember me? My name's Dr. Brightman," she smiled to Sel who tried hiding behind Daddy's arm. "Can I see her? I would like to take some vital signs."

"It's ok, Sel," Daddy told her as pried her hands off his arm. "Dr. Brightman just needs to make sure you're doing well."

"But she's going to take away my vital signs!" Sel protested.

"Sel, everything's fine. Dr. Brightman wants to listen to your heart. She's not taking anything away from you."

"Here, Sel," Brightman smiled putting something on Sel's ears. "Listen to your father's heart."

Daddy grabbed the end of the thing attached to Sel's ears and put it against his chest.

"I can hear your heart Daddy!" she giggled loudly.

"Now, let Dr. Brightman listen to yours," Daddy instructed as he removed the heart listening device from her ears.

Sel was still leery of Dr. Brightman but she tried to relax. She didn't want to disappoint her Daddy by disobeying him. She was actually uncertain about what a Doctor actually does.

"That's cold!" Sel shouted when the metal part of the heart listening thing touched her bare skin.

"Sorry, it will only be for a few moments," Brightman insisted. "Take a deep breath."

Sel looked up quizzically at her Daddy. He nodded his head at her so she did what was asked of her. Still, she had the distinct feeling that she didn't like Dr. Brightman! Sel couldn't remember the woman but was positive that there was some reason why she didn't trust her.

Sure enough, the Doctor pulled out a something with a long needle on the end of it! Sel instinctively let out an ear piercing scream and leapt into her Daddy's unprepared arms.

"I just wanted to take some blood," the Doctor lady said.

"NO! IT'S MY BLOOD! SHE CAN'T HAVE IT!" Sel screamed clinging even tighter to her Daddy.

"Is that really necessary?" Daddy asked, caressing Sel's back. "She's trembling like a leaf!"

"Daddy, please don't let her take my blood! Please!" Sel wailed, letting big tears fall from her eyes and trembling even harder.

"Sel, it's ok…Doctor I think you had better leave."

"But…"

"I don't see why she needs to go through any more of this!" Daddy growled angrily. "You already know what's happened to her. You're only job now is to tell me when I can take my daughter out of this place."

Sel kept sniffling and trembling. She quickly learned her sobs and shaking could make Daddy do whatever she wanted. And Daddy…well Daddy knew how to get what he wanted. Sel could tell by the tone of his voice. He was not someone to be trifled with!

"Very well. I would like to keep her for at least twenty-four hours, for observation," Dr. Brightman said.

"Thank you Doctor…you can go now."

Sel saw over her Daddy's shoulder that the Doctor lady was leaving. A small triumphant smile shined on Sel's face. She even stuck her tongue out at the woman then quickly sucked it away when the Doctor looked towards her.

Then a moment after the Doctor left, a lady and man with blonde hair came in followed by a few other people Sel didn't even recognize. They were all talking excitedly and too fast, sometimes all at once. They were grasping her hand, pinching her cheeks or patting her on top of her head.

It was all too much for Sel. Feeling overwhelmed, she hid her face against her Daddy's neck. Which was followed this collective awe from everyone in the room.

"Sel, these are our friends," Daddy explained in a warm tone, while his hand slowly stroked her back. "They're just anxious to see you. You feel up to some visitors?"

"Ok," she spoke timidly then turned her head slightly so could see these friends she didn't know she even had.

They were still all smiling at her. One of the men, with lots of gray hair, even waved at her with this stupid grin on his face. They must really be friends of Daddy because she didn't recognize any of them.

"Sel…this is Sam," Daddy said.

"Hi, Sam," Sel's small voice spoke softly and politely at the pretty lady with lovely blonde hair.

"Hi," Sam smiled back. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine," Sel answered, her hand fidgeting with the collar on her Daddy's black T-shirt.

"This is Mark," Daddy said as he moved on.

"Hi," Sel said, noticing that Mark and Sam had blue eyes just like hers.

"And this is Jack," Daddy continued when he reached the guy with the gray hair.

"I got something for you," Jack grinned, holding a box of crayons out for her to take.

Uncertain, Sel at her Daddy. He smiled and nodded.

"Thank you, Jack," she politely said, tentatively grabbing the box of crayons and tucking it away in her arm.

"Say hi to Daniel and Teal'c," Daddy said.

Sel's mouth dropped open and she clung tightly to Daddy when he stepped in front of Teal'c. He was bigger than Daddy! So big, that he could hurt Daddy or worse, take Daddy away from her! Her body trembled and she buried her face in her Daddy's neck again. She didn't want anything to happen to her Daddy!

"Shh…it's ok. They're our friends," Daddy said.

"Maybe that's enough for today," Sam said.

"You're right," Daddy sighed. "I don't want to over do it with her today."

With that said, everyone said their good-byes. Then it was just her and Daddy again. He helped her get dressed in her favorite lavender overalls and he even braided her hair. He then surprised her with the coolest present! It was even better than the crayons!

A black shorthaired Labrador puppy named Major. Sel absolutely loved him! Especially when he licked her face over and over. And he was a smart puppy too. He obeyed all of Daddy's commands and was very protective of her. Sel discovered this when that Doctor lady came back. Major snarled and growled at the Doctor never leaving Sel's side. Sel praised him even as Daddy was apologizing to Dr. Brightman.

Then without realizing it, Sel must have over done it. She suddenly woke up and couldn't remember when she had fallen asleep. Only this time Daddy wasn't there. Major was on the bed with her. Obviously left there to protect her.

But where was Daddy? He needed protecting too!

In a panic, Sel slid off bed and started to run out of the room. Major started yipping wildly because the bed was too high for him to jump down! Hurrying back, she grabbed him and set him on the floor. Together they charged out into the hallway. She had to find Daddy! What if he got hurt? Who was going to kiss his booboo and make it all better? Who was to give him hugs and kisses when he was sad?

"Where's Daddy?" she asked Major "Find Daddy!"

The pup put his nose to the ground and sniffed around. Then started trotting down the hall. Sel followed. Within moments, Sel heard Daddy laughing. She liked it when he laughed. He needed to do more of it. She and Major followed his voice to an open door not far from her room.

"Can we go with you and Uncle Jake? Please Dad!" a girl and a boy's voice pleaded.

"Maybe next time," a man answered. Sel realized it was Mark's voice and was right when she peeked into the room. Sel immediately noticed the two children looked like their daddy. "This trip is for Jake, Sam and me."

"But Uncle Jake's taking Sel! Why can't we go?" the boy asked.

"Because you both have school and you've already missed too much of it," the woman, presumably the mother informed the children.

"That's right, Sel doesn't go to school yet," Mark added.

"When can we see her? Is she a baby or can she play with us?" the girl asked.

"I'm a big girl! I'm not a baby!" Sel spat from the doorway and Major yipped in agreement.

Daddy started laughing, as did the other adults. Really! Sel didn't say anything funny! She was simply defending herself!

"Of course, you're a big girl," Daddy agreed, taking hold of her hand. "Come on, meet your cousins…this is Joseph and Elizabeth."

Sel liked them immediately. Even Major did because he jumped up and licked their faces until Daddy order him to sit. They were in fact the first kids she met. The only kids in this world of adults as far as Sel knew. But she was still learning. Just like she learned that Mark was her Uncle. His wife, her Aunt, was Melissa. And Sam…Sam was her Aunt too!

Sam really loved Sel. Sam was always hugging Sel and commenting on how happy Daddy was because of her. And Sel really loved Sam. They formed an instant bond, which seemed to make Daddy very happy. And Sam really liked Jack too. Sel noticed how much Jack really liked Sam. They looked at each other like Mark and Melissa did. Too bad Daddy didn't have anyone like that. Maybe Sel could find a nice lady for him. She would have to be perfect! Nothing less would be good enough for Sel's Daddy!

---

Jake sighed as he parked the SUV against the small curb and turned the engine off. Glancing back, he saw Sel sleeping soundly in her car seat. A long drive would knock any kid out. That's what she was now…a kid. Not just any kid, she was his daughter. A little bundle of energy and love wrapped up in big round blue eyes and blonde pigtails! A little smart ass too with the mouth and the stubbornness to go with it!

After a relaxing two day drive, they reached San Francisco. Jake was able to remember just about everything about Selmak now. Sel's personality was exactly like Selmak's. Only with less sass because Sel didn't have two thousand years of knowledge backing her. Although, every so often Sel would give him lip much like Selmak used to do whenever they got in an argument. Except now they would argue about bedtime and eating one's vegetables. Still, Jake was very happy to see a part of Selmak in Sel. It gave him comfort knowing that Selmak lived on in his mind and in a four year old little girl.

Looking to the front passenger seat, Mark was sleeping too. Jake smiled as that sense of fatherly pride filled him. At least now it had meaning because his son reciprocated the gesture of affection towards Jake without them getting into a heated argument, as they had done so often in the past. Both men were equally anxious to show how much they loved each other, knowing not to waste this second chance they were given.

The same pride and joy filled Jake when he glanced in the rearview mirror to see Sam was sleeping too in her seat directly behind him. Again, he smiled. His mind flashed with a brief memory of Mark and Sam soundly asleep in the back seat of a car when they were a very young, a few years older than Sel actually. His children sleeping was entirely his fault then and now.

Back then, the family would take long vacation trips and seeing the sights all across the States. For that's what this trip was now, a leisurely jaunt from Colorado through to California until they reach their destination in San Diego. A trip to give Jake time to spend with his children, all three of them. He hoped it was the first of many.

Only before their family trip could continue today, Jake needed to take care of something. It was something extremely important to him. Hence the reason why he made everyone get up at three in the morning so they could make the drive and why they were all asleep. He had to get to the cemetery on time.

It was now eight in the morning. He made it with time to spare.

After getting out of the vehicle, Jake quietly closed his door and moved around to the back. Major was sitting, wagging his tail and waiting patiently to be let out. After gently opening the back window without making a sound, Jake lifted Major out and put his leash on.

Once on the ground the little pup sauntered around Jake's feet, anxiously looking up at his master for praise…or a treat! Jake had to laugh. He never liked dogs or cats! He didn't want to be bothered with taking the family pet with them from place to place and have to worry about losing them along the way. Besides, Mark and Sam never seemed interested in having a dog or a cat so there was no need.

It was a memory of Selmak that made Jake buy the puppy when he went shopping for Sel. His symbiote had such affection for man's best friend and begged him on several occasions to buy her a puppy. Jake believed Selmak got it from watching all those Disney movies with his grandkids! And of course, he refused to buy her a puppy, pointing out how much danger the puppy would be in if they were suddenly forced to flee their Tok'ra base.

All this struck him as he had walked past the pet store on his way to a toy store. There was a litter of puppies wrestling about in their pen on display in the front window. Major was the only one not playing. Jake immediately noticed a stillness in the pup. He wasn't being lazy, he was being watchful over his siblings. Every so often he would charge in and yip letting them know they were getting to rowdy. The store clerk tried talking Jake out of buying the pup telling him the puppy was lethargic and wouldn't be any good with children.

Jake ignored her bought the puppy, a leash, a collar, a dog bed five times the size of Major, feeding supplies and a nametag. See, he couldn't call the dog General. Jake was the only General in the house and wouldn't have it. Colonel was too high of a rank for a dog. And Sergeant wasn't a high enough rank for a pup of Major's caliber. Regardless, the puppy was a hit with Sel and Major instantly knew what his duty was in the family.

"Shh…quiet," Jake ordered when the pup let out a small bark. Reaching inside the SUV, Jake pulled a Milk Bone out of the box and handed it to Major. The pup gobbled his treat down and cleaned up any crumbs that might have fallen. "Good boy!"

With Major in tow, Jake stood near Sel's window so she could see him if she woke up. She had this overly protective attitude towards him and nearly had anxiety attacks whenever he was out of her sight and couldn't find him. However, through Jake's patience and guidance Sel was learning that Daddy was a big boy and could actually take care of himself without her…for at least a little while.

After seeing that everyone was still asleep, Jake pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number. After two rings the person he called picked up.

"Tom…hi it's Jake Carter. I left you a message last night."

"Jake! How you doing?"

"I'm doing good! I hope I didn't wake you."

"No, I was awake. What can I do for you Jake?"

Jake hesitated then looked at Sel sleeping. Things were going to be different. Hell, things were already different! But Jake was determined not to make the same mistakes.

Major sneeze barked at him as if to tell Jake to quit stalling!

"I need your help tracking down someone," Jake said.

"It wouldn't happen to be that pretty little nurse would it?"

"Yes it is. I tried Mercy Hospital but they told me she transferred and won't give me any information about where she is. Listen…Tom…I know I owe you big time for helping me out…"

"Hey, I told you I had to do it. Give me a few hours to see what I can find. What was her name again?"

"Anne Jamison…she likes to be called Annie," Jake smiled and he felt himself blushing…a little.

"I've got your cell number, I'll call you when I find something!"

"Thanks Tom," Jake sighed.

"Hey…am I invited to the wedding?"

"Of course!" Jake smiled as Mark and Sam were slowly exiting the vehicle. "I gotta go."

"Bye Jake. Call you in a few hours."

"Still no luck?" Mark asked with a smirk on his face as Jake closed his phone and put it back in his jacket pocket.

"With what?" Sam asked, yawning and stretching.

"Dad's got it bad for this nurse name Annie," Mark said making Jake roll his eyes. "He's been trying to track her down for five days now!"

"You need to quit calling me Dad! I know I'm still your father and that to your kids I'm the youngest grandpa on the planet but I don't want you to slip in front them or Sel!" Jake complained. "And I wish I never told you about Annie!"

"Who's this Annie?" Sam asked, smiling. Again, Jake rolled his eyes.

"A beautiful blonde who…"

"Mark…" Jake warned.

"I'm just teasing, Dad," Mark laughed, rubbing the top of Jake's head.

Jake shook his head, knocking Mark's hand away and laughed. Then Jake turned serious. If he was going to get started with the rest of his new life this one last task had to be taken care of.

"I'll only be a few minutes with Allison," he said sadly as he handed Major's leash to Mark. "Watch Sel in case she wakes up?"

"Sure Dad!" Mark smiled, making Jake shake his head.

---

"So who's Annie?" Sam asked after Dad was out of earshot.

"She's this nurse that took Dad into her home after he was released from the hospital. She believed that she could help him with his amnesia," Mark answered glancing back at Sel. "He ended up staying a few days with her."

"A few days!" Sam exclaimed, looking too and seeing that the girl was still sleeping.

"I swear Sam, this woman looks a lot like mom. She even has certain characteristics that are just like mom. I think that's why Dad really took to her," Mark continued. "Daniel looked her up for me…you know to see if maybe she was related to our mother is some way."

"What did he find out?" Sam asked.

For a moment, Mark was silent. His caring blue eyes filled with sorrow when he looked at Sam.

"Sam, you're not going to believe this," Mark whispered, leaning closer to Sam. "Annie was born the same day mom died."

"Oh my God!" Sam gasped in disbelief.

"Daniel thinks she could be our mother, reincarnated!"

"But that's…"

"Impossible?" he questioned as they both quickly looked to see Dad was kneeling beside their mother's grave before Mark continued. "Come on Sam…there's too many coincidences here! Selmak saves Dad from dying of cancer. Then when Dad finally does die he comes back as a young man? Sel comes back as his daughter, who by the way could pass for Annie's daughter! Annie's the same age that Dad is right now. And they just so happened to meet in San Diego!"

"The woman has it just as bad for Dad as he does for her. You weren't there. I saw the look on her face…she really likes him. They obviously made some kind of connection during those few days. And you're going to tell me it's impossible? Well, sis, not long ago I would have thought it was impossible for aliens to exist and I never would have believed that Dad had one in his head!"

Mark was right. Sam had to agree. It was all too coincidental. It certainly tested her belief that fate was simply an idea not a fact. If Annie really was mom reincarnated then fate seemed to have set things right for Dad. Mark definitely seemed to think that fate was kind enough to give mom back to Dad. But Sam wasn't entirely certain…yet.

"What…" Sam started to say but stopped when she saw Mark grinning from ear to ear as he was looking in Dad's direction.

Turning to see what was so amusing, Sam found herself doing a double take. There was a woman walking towards their father. Dad hadn't noticed her yet as he was still kneeling down beside Mom's grave. At first glance, this woman looked like Mom! Upon further inspection, Sam could see the differences. While at the same time she had to acknowledge that the similarities were…

"I told you so," Mark remarked.

"But how did she know to come here? Coincidence?"

"Ok, so I fudged it a little!" Mark proudly admitted. "Daniel found out where Annie moved. I called her up told her Dad was very interested in her and had been trying desperately to locate her. So she was more than happy to meet us here, at this time. I knew Dad always visited Mom on their wedding anniversary and would be here. It was the least I could do for him…after all those wasted years…I owed him!"

"Mom and Dad did have an early morning ceremony," Sam smiled then heard a muffled whimper from inside the SUV.

Major immediately started pawing at the door, whimpering himself, as if he understood Sel was in distress. Sel was wide-awake with huge tears in her eyes, looking somewhat disoriented and afraid. Sam quickly opened the door and unbuckled her.

"Shh, it's ok," Sam cooed, picking up Sel.

"Where's Daddy?" she sniffled, rubbing her eyes.

"He's over there. See?" Mark smiled, pointing.

Sam saw that Dad was standing up. He obviously saw Annie. Neither she, Mark nor Sel could hear what the couple was talking about but they didn't have to. They could see exactly how Annie and Dad felt for each other!

"That lady's biting my Daddy!" Sel shouted, squirming wildly to get out of Sam's arms.

"That's not biting Sel," Mark laughed but it was too late. Sel was off and running to protect her Daddy! And Major was now in a frenzy to follow her but Mark picked up the puppy before he choked himself to death on the collar. Instead the dog whimpered and moaned. "Shh, Major. Your master will introduce you to your, soon to be mistress."

Sam shot her brother a surprised look.

"Sam, Dad's going to marry her. I know it. You should have seen how his face lit up when he talked about Annie. He loves her…just as deeply as he loved Mom. It's our job to make sure Annie never rides in a cab. If she needs a ride and Dad can't get there, one of us better pick her up. I don't think Dad could handle losing Mom all over again."

"Ok Mark," Sam smiled, wrapping her arm around his waste and rubbing Major on his head to calm him. "Just remember…Dad isn't Dad anymore…he's our little brother, Jake."

"Of course, Sam…of course."

---

For the longest moment, Jake merely knelt beside Allison's headstone. He diligently brushed the dust off the headstone and cleared the graves' area of leaves and other fallen debris. He was stalling. He couldn't think of a way to tell her. He only knew he had to start with an apology.

"Allison, I'm so sorry I won't be with you like I originally planned. You know how much I miss you, right? Hell, I should have been with you seven years ago. But my life took an…interesting turn. I went on a whirlwind adventure. I even helped to save the universe! You would have been proud of how Sam did. She's brilliant and beautiful, just like you."

Jake cleared his throat and swallowed hard when he felt it tighten up on him.

"I should have been with you a couple of months ago…but someone thought they were doing me a favor by helping me to ascend! Yeah, you know whom I'm talking about. Selmak! That little shit! Oh, sorry! But she would have even made you use curse words!"

He paused and let out a heavy sigh, dropping his chin to his chest.

"You would have liked her. She took care of me for the short time we were together. I did my best to take care of her. But you know my best isn't always good enough. When I found out she was dying…I couldn't let her go. I wasn't there for you when you died! So I promised myself that I would be there for Selmak when she died. I loved her. Not like the love I had for you. Nothing could ever replace my love for you. But the relationship between host and symbiote is complicated…yes, even more complicated than the relationship between a husband and wife. I wouldn't change anything though! I would gladly do it all over again! Everything…even my time with you."

Jake quickly wiped his tears, taking in a deep shuddering breath before continuing.

"Only…now things are a bit more complicated. I'm here and I won't be seeing you for sometime still. Sel…she needs me to look after her. I owe it to her. I just wanted you to understand that she's very important to me. Just as you were and still are. And please know that I've never stopped loving you, Allison. And I'll never stop. And I'll never stop missing you!"

After pressing his fingers against his lips, Jake pressed them against Allison's head stone. God he truly missed her. He remembered everything about her. From the day when he first laid eyes on her to the day she died. The joy and the pain were fresh within him and felt so overwhelming. The only way it could be released was through his tears.

"Jake?"

Jake looked up and chuckled to himself. Through his blurred vision he saw her. It was Allison but it wasn't Allison. It was Annie. His dream alter ego, Jacob was right. Annie must be Allison reincarnated. Annie has to be! She's the right age. She had similar physical features. She has the same temperament. And…wow…she even kissed the same way!

He wasn't sure if he really believed in all that stuff about reincarnation or not. But he believed that God had a plan for them all. Maybe that plan included him becoming a Tok'ra and preventing him from dying, only to die years later and come back as a young man. It was too coincidental for him to come back and be the same age as Annie unless it was his fate.

What the hell! Who was he to deny his fate?

"I missed you too," he whispered, when she finally let him catch his breath! His arms wrapped firmly around her, holding her close.

"Sorry," she smiled, her lovely cheeks turning a nice rouge shade.

"Don't be," he cooed softly, kissing her affectionately on her forehead, her cheek, and her lips. "I know we've only known each other a short time…but I feel like I know you, Annie!"

"It's the same for me!" she exclaimed. "I can't explain it! Every time I'm with you, I feel this…connection. Like we were meant to be together."

Then fate landed again, in the form of a four year old little girl.

"Don't you hurt my, Daddy!" Sel growled forcing her way in between Jake and Annie.

Annie was so surprised! She literally jumped back out of Jake's arms.

"Annie, it's ok," Jake quickly said, grabbing hold of Sel who was in full little mama grizzly bear mode. Her little top lip even had a slight curl to it and Jake thought he heard a low growl. "Sorry, Annie. Sel, is over protective of me, that's all. Sel, behave to the nice lady."

"But she was biting you!" Sel protested, glaring up at Annie.

"Sel!" Jake started to chastise her but stopped. Sel's anger instantly melt away. Those big blue eyes grew even bigger as she looked up sadly at him. She even managed to let a single tear slowly tickle down her cheek. How could he resist those soft eyes that were so innocent and blue? He couldn't! Nor would he ever be able to!

"Don't cry baby," he cooed, picking Sel up. "Annie wasn't biting me, I promise. Now wipe your tears and be a good girl for Daddy."

"She's your daughter?" Annie asked, looking very uncertain about the developing situation.

"Yes, she's the reason why I was so lost," Jake answered and it was the truth. Selmak was part of the reason. "We were separated…I…I thought I lost her forever and just…I must have lost my mind. Somehow I ended up in San Diego with no memory of who I was."

"I lost Daddy too," Sel helpfully added. "But now I found him!"

"What about her mother?" Annie asked, still looking quite uncertain.

Jake, not wanting to lose Annie took hold of her hand. What he had to say was a lie because basically…Sel had no mother! This and his cover story were the only lies he would ever tell Annie…for now. If he was going to have a life with her he was going to have to tell her everything. Jake knew Annie could handle the truth. She seemed to handle anything that was thrown at her, just like Allison.

Also, Jake no longer would have to lie about his job. He decided not to work at the SGC or at Area 51. Surprising everyone, Jake decided to be an instructor at the Academy in Astrophysics, which he actually had a doctorate in and had a wealth of knowledge thanks to Selmak. He would also be a flight instructor, teaching young pilots to be terrors in the skies just like he was and still is. There was no way in hell they were going to keep him out of a fighter jet! Yeah, so a cargo ship has inertial dampeners but there was nothing like feeling your brain getting squished at the back of your head! No feeling like it in the universe!

"The truth is…I never really knew her mother. She disappeared after Sel was born. Social Services notified me that the mother claimed I was the baby's father. I was young and stupid at the time, sleeping around with a few women. I didn't know if the claim was valid or not. Regardless, I took responsibility for the baby. It turned out to be the best decision of my life. Sel really straightened me out. And it wasn't until just recently that I learned that she really is my daughter."

"She loves you very much," Annie smiled.

"Of course I love him! He's my Daddy!" Sel scoffed, rolling her eyes.

"Come…I want you to meet my family!" Jake smiled, wrapping his arm around Annie and he could feel her relax.

"I think she likes you, Daddy!" Sel whispered very loudly in his ear, making Jake and Annie laugh.

---

Sel watched Daddy the entire time as he introduced Annie to Sam, Mark and Major. Daddy was…what did the owl say to Bambi, Thumper and Flower…Sel saw the movie last night with Daddy…TWITTERPATED! Yeah, that was the word to describe Daddy! Twitterpated! She had never seen her Daddy's smile that big before. She could see all his white teeth! And Sel also noticed how Daddy wouldn't let go of Annie's hand.

And Annie! Well, she was just as twitterpated about Daddy! She even blushed several times making Daddy smile. Sel couldn't be happier for him. He was so happy! Sel and Major really needed help taking care of Daddy. Looks like they may have found that help in Annie. Even Mark and Sam seemed really happy for Daddy! And Major kept leaning on Annie to be petted, wagging his tail wildly. He only did that to people he really liked

Of course, Sel liked Annie. She was such a lovely lady. A wonderful person! Sel could tell right away. She knew these things about people! Maybe, one day, Annie could possibly be her Mommy! That would be wonderful too! Then Daddy and Sel could both be happy!

"I haven't asked…how did you know I was here?" Daddy suddenly asked Annie.

"I called her, Jake," Mark smiled. "Daniel helped me to locate her. You wouldn't believe where we found her."

"Where?" Sam asked.

"There's a hospital, not far from the Academy where Jake's going to be teaching in Colorado Springs!" Mark said excitedly and Sel saw her Daddy's eyes get really big and Annie blushed again!

Sel shook her head and smiled. Adults! They think they know everything! They talked a bit more until Sel's stomach growled…loudly. And it was her turn to blush. At least she could hide behind Daddy while doing it though!

"I guess that's our queue," Mark smiled. "I'll drive, I know a breakfast diner nearby."

"Annie's coming, right?" Sel quickly asked, grabbing Annie's hand. "Please!"

"Of course, she is," Daddy said then looked expectantly at Annie. "You are coming, right?"

Annie looked a little overwhelmed so Sel decided to help by pouring on her irresistible charm. It always worked to get what she wanted!

"Please, Annie," Sel pleaded in her best begging tone while batting her long eye lashes. "Pretty please with a cherry on top!"

Annie smiled nervously, "Ok…I can meet you at the restaurant. I took a cab here…"

"NO!" Sam and Mark shouted in unison, startling Annie a bit and Sel too. Mark quickly went on to explain, "Sorry, Annie. Our mom…was killed in a cab. As a family, we tend to avoid them completely."

"She can sit next to me!" Sel suggested because she was a clever girl, Daddy said so!

"It's settled then!" Daddy said, happily handing over the car keys to Mark.

As Sam was getting into the front passenger seat and while Mark was putting Major in his place in back, Daddy was putting Sel in her car seat.

"What do you think of Annie, Sel?" Daddy asked quietly, as buckled her in.

"I really like her, Daddy," Sel honestly replied.

"Good…I really like her too," he smiled, kissing her on the forehead.

After Daddy closed the door, Sel watched him kissing Annie just like Sel had seen Mark kissing Melissa. Sel smiled. Her Daddy was truly happy. And Sel was happy when Annie decided to come with them. She sat right between Sel and Daddy. His hand was holding Annie's hand. Sel noticed their fingers were playing with each other during the drive. Again, Sel had seen Melissa and Mark doing the same exact thing whenever they were together. Right after Melissa told Mark some very exciting news. So…Sel could only conclude one thing and she wasn't going to hold back from sharing her discovery.

"Am I going to have a baby brother or sister?" Sel asked her Daddy.

"What?" he asked. The shock was all over his face.

Even Mark and Sam were shocked, as Mark slammed on the brakes. Seems Sel's very good at getting everybody's attention!

"Annie's going to have a baby right?" she continued.

"Sel, honey, no. Annie's not going to have a baby," Daddy nervously explained. "What gave you that idea?"

"The way you kiss her and hold her hand. Uncle Mark does the same thing and now Aunt Melissa's going to have a baby!" Sel merrily announced.

Again, Mark slammed on the brakes.

"Sel, how did you know?" Mark turned and asked. "We haven't told anyone, yet!"

"I heard you and Melissa talking before we left!" Sel answered honestly then turned to Annie. "Is it a boy or a girl? I want a baby brother and a baby sister!"

"Sel, I'm not pregnant," Annie spoke kindly.

"I don't understand," Sel admitted.

"Sel, babies aren't made just by kissing and holding hands," Daddy explained.

"Then how do you make a baby, Daddy?"

"You're not old enough to understand, honey," he simply said.

"How will I know when I'm old enough?"

"Oh, I'll know!" Daddy scoffed.

"But you always say I'm too damn smart for my own good! Doesn't that mean I'm smart enough to know?"

Annie started laughing uncontrollably.

"Jake…you have your hands full with her! Don't you?" Annie managed to say between her giggles.

"You have no idea," Daddy said rolling his eyes but then he winked at Sel. "Sel, I'll tell you what, if and when Annie and I decide to have a baby, you will be the first to know about it."

"Promise?"

"Promise," Annie smiled.

"You had better be careful Annie!" Mark laughed. "Jake is just like our Dad! Five months after Dad met my Mom they got married and I was born seven months later! You do the math!"

"Mark!" Daddy growled which only made Mark and Sam both laugh. Sel giggled wildly too even though she didn't know what they were talking about. But she wouldn't admit that!

After a while, they quieted down and Sel looked up. Annie was smiling as she looked at Daddy. Her hand squeezed his. Sel could see that Annie didn't just like her Daddy, she loved him. And Daddy loved Annie as evident in the way he kissed her hand.

Daddy looked over at Sel then smiled and winked at her.

All was right in Sel's world. She was home. It didn't matter where they were. As long as she was with Daddy, Annie, and Major, Sel was exactly where she belonged…home.

---

The day had to eventually come to an end. It was inevitable. No matter how much Annie didn't want it to, it did. Only Jake wouldn't allow her to leave, not that she wanted to. He didn't have to beg long for her to agree to stay with him. They had so much to talk about and couldn't do it until they were alone. Well, they wouldn't exactly be alone. The hotel room had two beds and Sel was to occupy one of them.

Annie stood quietly and watched the man she deeply loved as he read his daughter a bedtime story. She could see the bond between them was very strong. They loved each other, they took care of each other, and both were fiercely protective of each other. Even Major, the puppy, seemed honor bound to protect them.

And now Annie was a part of that. Though, technically she wasn't Jake's wife yet. Jeez, she couldn't even call herself his girlfriend yet! Still, after all that happened today, there was no doubt in Annie's mind that she was already a very important part of the Carter family.

Thinking back, she realized how foolish she had been when she was afraid to call Mark and tell him where she had moved so that he could tell Jake. Something to do with a childish fear that Jake wouldn't want her if she went after him. Odd, because Annie wasn't afraid of anything…until now. Now, she was afraid of losing this man and his daughter! And Major too.

When Mark had called, her stomach fluttered upon hearing about how Jake was trying to find her. She was so touched that of course she couldn't refuse to meet up with them. She had been so worried about Jake after Mark and his friends left her home. Every spare moment was spent thinking of Jake, wondering if he was ok. Sometimes her thoughts kept her awake at night. Sometimes she cried herself to sleep thinking the worst had happened to him.

Then, when she had first saw him, standing there a few feet from her, Annie couldn't help herself! She was filled with such relief that he was unharmed that she couldn't hold back her emotions. And she felt her stomach flutter again when he had kissed her back, holding her so tight that she could barely breathe. Then she felt slightly ashamed for doing such a thing in a cemetery!

Annie found herself blushing quite often today. She couldn't help it. Jake didn't hold back his affections for her at all. During the drive he spoke softly in her ear, telling her how much he loved her. Never forgetting to tell his daughter he loved her too when she was watching everything her daddy was doing with Annie. In those moments, she learned that Jake was a man who committed his heart, body and soul to those he deeply loved because she felt that love in his look, his touch, and his kiss.

And Sel, his daughter! That kid was so smart…so sweet and so adorable. Those big blue eyes of hers didn't miss a thing! She knew her Daddy really liked Annie and didn't hesitate to point out how happy Daddy was with Annie. Actually, Sel didn't hesitate to say whatever was on her mind! She even made Jake blush a few times! The little girl was so bold that she even asked if Annie would be her mommy since she didn't have one. She even went on to say that her Daddy needed someone to look after him and asked Annie if she wanted the job. All of which made Jake turn bright red. Which only made Annie love him even more.

"One more story Daddy?" Sel asked sweetly.

"No, it's time for you to go to sleep."

"But Annie's still awake!"

"Annie's a grown woman, you're just a little girl. And little girls need their beauty sleep. That's an order."

"Ok," Sel relented, very reluctantly.

"Major, off the bed!" Jake ordered getting to his feet and the pup immediately did as he was told.

As Jake was walking to her, Annie giggled. The puppy jumped back on the bed when Jake turned his back to Sel. The girl's arm wrapped around the puppy and both closed their eyes.

"What?" he asked her.

"Look."

Jake turned. He let out a sigh of defeat, cursing under his breath, which made Annie laugh.

Before Jake could say anything, there was a knock on their hotel room door. Naturally, he answered it, being a gentleman. Both Annie and Jake were completely surprised!

"Mark? Sam? What are you both doing?" he questioned as they were both entering the room with their bags.

"We figured you and Annie could have our room," Mark replied, winking at Annie. Again, Annie felt the heat in her cheeks and knew she was blushing. Both Sam and Mark were very insistent on keeping Annie with Jake no matter what. Even Sel was more than happy to share her Daddy with Annie. "Sam could sleep with Sel. And I'll take the other bed."

"Room 11, across the hall," Sam smiled handing Annie the key.

"Don't worry, we'll call you in the morning to make sure you're both decent before sending Sel over," Mark smirked and this time Jake blushed.

Annie decided to take the initiative and grabbed Jake's hand. And Mark grabbed Jake's bag, gently shoving it in Jake's chest, forcing him to take it.

"Go on you two!" Mark grinned, giving Jake a nudge.

"We'll see you for breakfast at eight," Annie smiled, grabbing her bag as she pulled Jake along. "Goodnight!"

"Goodnight…sweet dreams you two!" Mark and Sam cheered. Then Mark wickedly added, "Don't let the bed bugs bite…too hard anyway!"

Jake barely had the door closed to room 11 when Annie dropped her bag and pinned him against the door. He didn't hesitate to respond, letting his bag fall while kissing her back with equal passion.

"Annie…wait…" he whispered breathlessly, gently holding her back.

"Jake, I've been waiting since the day I watched you walk away with Tom," Annie protested.

"I know…but…"

"I like the goatee," she smiled devilishly while her fingers playfully stroking the short dark hairs on his chin and around his mouth.

"Annie…please," he begged, grasping her hand.

He sighed, his eyes filled with so much love for her as he kissed her hand. Annie stepped back. There was something extremely important on Jake's mind. She knew it had something to do with their future. A silent agreement passed through them. Annie nodded. Still holding her hand, he led her across the room to the bed.

"What do you what to talk about?" she asked, sitting down on the bed.

Jake sat beside her and those dark eyes of his looked directly into hers. Again, Annie felt her stomach fluttering. God, she loved him!

"What is it?" she asked, caressing his face.

"Annie, I love you. I am ready to make a commitment to you. But before I can make that commitment, there's something about me I need to tell you. I can't lie to you…ever. And I can't allow you to make a commitment to me unless you know the truth."

"The truth about what?" Annie asked, feeling quite confused.

Jake took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"What I'm about to tell you is Top Secret," he explained in a hushed tone. "I mean I could get thrown in the brig or court martialed for telling you without the proper authorization. But for us to have a relationship…for us to be a family…you need to know something about me and my daughter, Sel."

"Jake, I love you and I adore Sel. Nothing's going to change that," Annie insisted.

"Just hear me out first," he pleaded earnestly. "Then you can make that decision."

"Ok. If it's important to you."

"It is," he spoke softly.

Annie nodded for him to tell her. She sat quietly and listened as he first he explained that he was actually a fifty-nine year old man who died and came back as a younger version of himself. He talked of his family, how he had blamed himself for the death of his wife, how it was his fault his children Mark and Sam had grown to hate him for their mother's death. It all seemed so unbelievable and she actually thought he was joking with her. Especially when he told her that Sel used to be a snake like alien called a symbiote that lived in his head!

"You're not joking, are you?" she asked when he dropped that bomb.

"No," he said. "I would never joke about Selmak. She saved my life and I hers. We were together seven wonderful years before she died, and I died with her."

"But…if she went in you, couldn't she leave you to keep you from dying with her?"

"No, she was too weak," he frowned looking over at the sleeping child.

Annie looked too. She saw Sel differently now. She even felt sorry for the child having lost such a wealth of knowledge.

"You wouldn't let her die alone," Annie said, realizing that Jake would never leave someone to die alone. It wasn't in his nature. Probably part of the reason why he continually blamed himself for his wife's death…he wasn't there for her in her final moments.

Jake continued. The depth of emotions just poured from him when he explained exactly how he came to be the young man before her, how Sel came to be a little girl, and how he felt it was his duty to take care of Sel for as long as he could. The entire story evoked such strong feelings from Annie that, while she still had a few doubts, she felt she had no choice but to believe him.

Then Jake dropped the mother of all bombs, when he pointed out how Annie reminded him so much of Allison. Her physical features and personality were so similar, which was why he felt like he knew her when they first met. Apparently, Annie was born the same day Allison was killed. Upon hearing this, something clicked. A feeling deep within her psyche flickered and Annie instinctively knew everything Jake said was true.

The unexplainable connection was no longer a mystery to her. It was her fate to be with this man. His story proved it.

"So…what do you think?" he asked expectantly.

Looking at him, Annie could see he was afraid of what her answer might be. She couldn't let him think that way. Not after all he and Sel had gone through to get to this point. Who was she to deny them the happiness they truly deserved? Who was she, to deny her own happiness when destiny worked so diligently to bring them together?

"Jake…" she spoke, gently taking his hand into her. "Thank you for telling me the truth. And while I do have some questions, I believe they can wait. We have all our lives together to talk about them. Right now, there's only one thing I want you to do."

Jake had this devilish grin on his face as he raised his eyebrow at her. Annie simply wrapped her arms around him, kissing him deeply. They made love with a passion she had only dreamed about. Both doing anything and everything to communicate how much they truly loved each other without ever speaking a single word.

Afterwards, while Jake slept deeply in her arms Annie she realized he had changed since she had last been with him. He was no longer reserved about his emotions or what he was thinking. He was quick to give a hug, a kiss, or to say 'I love you' to her, to Sel, to his brother and sister, or son and daughter if you preferred the truth.

Annie fell asleep looking forward to the day when she, Jake, Sel, and the puppy Major would be a family. Fate seemed kind enough to bring them together after being apart for so long. Hopefully, fate would give them much more time together this time around.

---

One year later…

It was one of the happiest days of Jake's life. The entire family was there for the blessed event. Even his extended family the Hammond's, George with his daughters, their husbands, and his granddaughters weren't going to miss this day. Jake even had the Air Force fly Tom Riley up for the occasion. In Jake's mind Tom was part of the family and needed to be here on this day of all days.

And Malek was there too talking with Sel. Jake explained to her that Malek was her Uncle and that's all she needed to hear, Malek was a part of the family from that moment on. The Tok'ra was extremely touched by such a sentiment that he was at a loss for words. While he didn't know exactly what an Uncle was, he was glad to be one because it made Sel very happy.

Of course, Annie was there too. She was where she was meant to be, right by his side. A year had passed since he met her. What a wonderful year it had been too! So much in his life had changed. He was no longer that reserved General he used to be. Selmak's memories had helped him to loosen up, let his emotions come out more. Plus, he had incentive, never wanting to make the same mistakes he had in his past life. There were even times Jake allowed himself to be ganged up on, being tickled to death by both Annie and Sel. Something he never ever did in front of his children before!

He was no longer afraid to show his affections. And he never hesitated to show just how much he loved Annie or Sel or the rest of his family, even the dog. He was quick to give Annie a passionate kiss no matter who was watching. And Sel always giggled and cheered with Major barking by her side whenever they caught Daddy having a kissing moment with Annie.

Even now, the dog was at her side. Major was her protector whenever Jake couldn't be around. A good dog who followed Sel everywhere and followed his orders well. Although he still slept on Sel's bed at night no matter how many times Jake ordered him off the bed! But Jake couldn't be too harsh on the dog. On several occasions when Jake woke up in the middle of the night he found the dog patrolling the house, making sure the family was safe and secure. Major may not listen to all of Jake's orders but he did his duty by loving and protecting the family.

Today, Jake was beyond happy, as was Annie. As evident by her warm gentle smiled. She leaned against him as he wrapped his arm around her. Clearing his throat, he got everyone's attention. Sel quickly joined him and Annie, standing in front of them.

"It's been a hectic month for us. I'm glad we were finally able to arrange this little get together with the entire family," Jake smiled.

"It's about time too!" Mark cheered and the other's agreed.

"Well…I just wanted to thank you all for coming," Jake smiled. "And I know you're all anxious…" Annie handed him his sleeping newborn son, who was barely two weeks old. "Here's the new edition to our family…" Jake paused looking directly at Tom. "Riley Steven Carter."

Tom's eyes instantly welled up with tears. Steven was the name of his younger brother. And Annie actually thought Riley would be a good name for their son. This way they could honor Tom and his family.

"I don't know what to say," Tom gasped.

"You don't have to say anything," Jake smiled, placing Riley into Tom's trembling hands. "You're family. And it was the only way I could think to repay you for all you did for me."

"Riley looks just like Daddy!" Sel proudly added, looking up at Tom.

"That he does," Tom smiled, cradling the baby in his arms.

As Riley was gently being passed around, doted over, and cuddled, Jake picked up Sel. He couldn't believe how much she had grown in a year! And she still had those big blue eyes that adored her Daddy. She was up every morning to greet him with those blue eyes when he would get back from his morning run. She would even help him during his weight lifting by counting the repetitions for him. After which, Jake and Sel would help Annie make breakfast or make it themselves on days when Annie wasn't feeling too good because of her pregnancy.

Now, Sel was up first thing in the morning helping Annie with the baby!

Riley, unlike Mark or Sam, was planned. Sel kept asking for a baby brother or sister from the day Jake proposed to Annie to the day he and Annie said goodbye to Sel before they left for their honeymoon. Nine months later she got her wish.

Jake will never forget how excited Sel was when he and Annie told her the good news. Sel was there for every doctor's visit with him and Annie. She even got to keep the picture from Annie's first ultrasound. Nor will Jake ever forget the look of pure joy on Sel's face when her little hand rested against Annie's rounded belly, feeling her little brother kicking.

And Jake or Annie would never forget the day Annie when into labor. Sel was the only calm one! Jake was a nervous wreck! Having missed both Mark and Sam's birth had no idea what to expect! And Annie…this was her first baby, she was petrified when her water broke and they hadn't even gotten in the car to get to the hospital yet. It was Sel who reminded Jake about Annie's suitcase, calling Sam, unlocking the dog door so Major could relieve himself when necessary, and even calmly handed Jake the car keys after his for them in his pant pockets over and over had turned up nothing.

To this day, Jake still couldn't remember if he or if Sel buckled herself in the car or not…it was all a blur until Riley was born. Jake was able to recall a few moments when Sel appeared to have Selmak's infinite patience. His symbiote had always been calm during a crisis! Hopefully Sel could keep that aspect from her previous life.

However, Sel was not so calm and collected after Riley was born. She went absolutely berserk when she first laid her eyes on her baby brother because Riley had black hair and dark eyes just like Daddy! She was so thrilled! And she was so proud to be a big sister! Jake and Annie had no doubt that Riley's first word would probably be Sel because she loves her baby brother so much.

"He's a beautiful boy," George commented as Riley was being placed back in Jake's arms.

"Of course he is, Grandpa George! He's Mommy and Daddy's boy!" Sel remarked, making Jake slightly cringe because no matter how many times they explained to Sel that George was Daddy's friend, she always called him Grandpa George. Her excuse was that Tessa and Kayla, two of her good friends, always called George Grandpa.

Luckily for Jake George didn't mind. In fact, he often treated Sel like one of his granddaughters, spoiling her with gifts whenever he dropped by.

"And right you are, little darlin'!" George smiled, gently tapping Sel on the end of her nose.

"And he's my baby brother!" she happily added.

"Would you like to hold your baby brother?" Annie asked, winking at Jake both knowing the child was going to go wild with excitement.

"Really!" she shouted, bouncing around happily.

"Sel, calm down…calm down before…" Jake started to say but it was too late. Major yelped really loud as Sel had landed on his paw. The poor dog quickly limped for cover underneath the dining room table. "See, someone always gets hurt when you get too rambunctious."

"At least it wasn't your nose this time, dear," Annie teased him, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Alright, Sel sit down and be still."

Jake smiled watching her. Sel sat down as still as she could but it was difficult for her, she was always on the move. Jake had a hard time keeping up with her at times. But today it was understandable. Today was the first time she was going to hold her baby brother.

"Put your arms out," he instructed then started to gently set Riley, who was now wide awake with all the excitement going on. "You have to support his head…good Sel… that's a good girl."

After Riley was secure, Jake stepped back. Annie took a few pictures with their digital camera then held his hand affectionately. Together they and the others watched Sel talking to her brother. Riley had this serious look on his face like he understood everything she was telling him. He even started making his baby noises and facial expressions at her.

"He likes me Daddy!" she squealed.

"Of course he does, honey. He knows you're his big sister," Jake explained.

Shortly after, Riley started making a fuss. His little lips puckered up and his eyes began to tear up. Annie was quick to take the baby before he really started howling. Riley was ear piercingly loud when he cried to be fed! Jake didn't want the family to have to hear it. Bad enough the neighbors were subjected to it at three in the morning every single night!

After Annie left to feed the baby Jake told everyone to dig into the food and drink on the dining room table. He was going to follow but saw Sel was sitting quietly on the couch. Again, he was reminded of Selmak. She could sit still for hours without twitching a muscle when in control of a host's body. Curious as to why Sel was being so still, he sat down beside her and wrapped his arm around her.

"What is it, Sel?" he asked.

"One day…when I'm a mommy will I be a good mommy?" she seriously asked.

"Sel, I know for a fact you are going to be a wonderful mommy."

"How do you know?"

"Let's just say that I know because you remind me of the elegant lady for whom you're named after."

"What does…elegant mean?" she questioned.

"Graceful…refined…gentle," he smiled softly. "Perhaps I'll tell you a story about her. About how she brought a man and his family back together."

"Tonight?" she asked excitedly.

"Very well," he said, kissing the top of her head. "I love you, kid!"

"I love you too, Daddy," she smiled, giving him a big hug.

"Now, go tease Uncle Jack about his gray hair!" Jake fiendishly ordered.

"And Grandpa George about his shiny head?"

"That's my girl!"

Sel, with a devilish grin that matched Jake's, hurried off and did as she was told. Sitting there, Jake watched his family from a distance relishing this moment. Watching Sam with Jack, who by the way finally got engaged! Jake saw how in love Mark and Melissa were with their four month old daughter. Even Tom was at ease and seemed to fit right in with the rest of the family. And the kids were a joy to watch. Sel playing with Major, along with Mark's kids and George's grandkids…everything was in perfect harmony.

Well, almost perfect. It was perfect when Annie returned with Riley and sat beside him.

Jake had gone on the most bizarre ride of his life to reach this moment and he didn't want it to end. He wanted each day to be like this moment. That was his goal. He knew there would be bad days but was hoping this time around the good days would out number the bad. So far, with Annie and Riley in his arms, he was off to a wonderful start.

They say home is where the heart is. It was a phrase Jake didn't fully comprehend in his previous life. His family was important to him and he loved them deeply. But if he truly understood the phrase he never would have let the rift grow between him and his children after their mother died. He was so naïve in thinking that he had to be the strong soldier for them…always. He never let his own children into his heart.

Not so with Annie, Sel and Riley. They were in his heart every single moment of everyday. Jake never left any doubt in anyone's mind about it! They mattered more than any of the material things the world had to offer. They were his strength. They were his life. With them, he would always be home.

The End.