'Come on Jack, you've got to wake-up now,' I mentally chastised him for the umpteenth time. I'm on my third watch with Jack in the infirmary since we brought him back. Luckily we did not suffer any side effects and I'm not even sure how we were able to bring all three back; Jack, Jon and Kanan.
The weirdest part is that Kanan is no longer in Jack. He is in Jon now, but that is not helping Jack.
I sat there holding his hand and waiting. I had another four hours before Daniel's turn, but I feel a presence behind me at the door. I turned to see Jon standing there.
"Hey, how is he doing?" he asked as he walked into the room to join me at Jack's bed.
"The same, still comatose," I turned back to Jack and sighed.
I had wondered about the mental connection that we had before we brought them back and just remembered to ask Jon about it. "Why can't Daniel, Teal'c and I hear each other's thoughts any more?"
Jon brought over another chair from near by and sat down next to me before he began to say anything. "It was part of the connection with the Key. Once the Key completed its job the connection was severed." He looked at me and waited for my next question - he knew I had more.
"Why can't you heal him? I know you have that ability because Tilly does. I know you are stronger and can handle something like this, right?"
"Well, yes and no. I could if Jack is willing."
"What do you mean, willing?" I could not believe he would think that Jack was not willing to live.
"It is hard to explain. Physically, he is alright. So helping him is a mute point when it is the physical I can only help with."
"That means Jack is stuck in...where?"
"Not really stuck. More like resting."
'OK, I'll buy that,' I thought.
I was still holding Jack's hand and rubbing my thumb across the back of his hand. It is strange that I'm so drawn to Jack but I do not have the all-consuming feelings for Jon as well. "Jon?" How was I going to word my question without sounding rude?
Jon helped me out, "How come you don't feel the same for me as you do for Jack?"
"Yeah," I sighed. Giving Jon a grateful grin for the help.
"Let me ask you this. How do you think I was able to work the Claviger instead of Jack?"
"That is obvious, because you are genetically the same."
"Yes, and we share this life's memories up to my birth, correct?"
"Yes," I agreed with a shake of my head.
"So how were you able to connect with the Claviger?" Jon enquired.
"Well...when I and the others were Ancients we were bonded by Parcae to the device."
"How were you bonded? Was it because of genetics or this life's memories?"
"No." I hesitated a moment and then it struck me what he was looking for, "it wa our souls that was bonded." He just nods his head, but kept quiet and waited.
"I don't understand, don't you have Jack's soul too if you have his same genetics and memories?"
Jon smiled like a patient parent and said, "This lifes memories, not his past lives memories."
"Then you were someone else during the time the Claviger was built?"
"Yes, and I was in the same room when Parcae bonded our souls to it."
I sat there still rubbing my thumb over the back of Jack's hand while I tried to figure this puzzle out.
I know that there were Parcae; Jack as Mercurcio; Daniel as Deucalion; Tilly as Pyrrhae; Teal'c as Tutoris; and me as Caelestis and there were no one else in the room.
"I'm sorry Jon. I do not recall anyone other that Parcae, Jack, Daniel, Tilly, Teal'c and myself in that room," I stated and shrugged my shoulders.
"What do you remember after Parcae bonded you?"
"Jack or Mercurio died."
Jon nods and asked, "What were his last words?"
I was stunned. I looked at Jon and stared at his face as I repeated Mercurio's last words, "Our son needs to continue the line."
Jon just sat there and smiled.
"Holy Hannah!" I exclaimed. I knew my eyes were probably the size of saucers and my mouth could not get any wider.
Jon gave a laugh and moved to close my mouth. "So you see my soul traveled a totally different path before I arrived here. That is why we are not soul mates and you and Jack are."
"It's so simple now that you explained it. Why could I not see it before?"
"Maybe, because dear Sam, you analyze everything from the scientist's point of view."
"That is why you were able to take Jack's place so easily, you had all the bases covered from the soul being bonded to the Claviger and the genetics."
"Pretty much."
I looked at Jack and asked, "He is just resting, right?"
Jon laid a hand on my should and gave it a reassuring squeeze, "Mostly, he is at a crossroad and will be making a choice."
I frowned at him and asked, "...a choice?"
JonHow can I explain to her that Jack is at the point where he is deciding to live or die? Also, whether to continue the path he has been on or ascend.
Sam had gotten impatient with me and demanded "What? Whether or not he stays or leaves me?"
"Sam it is not that simple."
"Why not?" her anger rising.
"He sacrificed a lot to give Kanan and me a chance. It placed a big drain on his soul."
That stopped Sam's little tirade and got her thinking a little less selfishly.
"All any of us can do right now is wait and keep talking to him to let him know how much he will be missed, Just love him Sam."
She looked up at me with tear filled eyes and whispered; "I do love him with all of my soul Jon. I pray that it is enough."
"We all do," I lend over to give her a hug and she reciprocated as she buried her head into my shoulder and wept.
JanetThe breeze was blowing gently across the lake bringing with it the scent of evergreens and wildflowers.
The sun was just rising above the mountain to greet the world with its bright-eyed glory. A lone figure is sitting at the end of the dock that finger out into the lake.
As I approached the man I could see his silver hair being gently tasseled by the breeze. He has his face upturned to receive the most sunlight possible on his face. His eyes were closed and he was taking deep breaths, trying to absorb the synergy of it all.
The silence was soon disturbed by a quiet voice calling to me, as I got closer.
"Hello Janet."
"Now how did you know? I did not wear my clogs."
"I have my ways."
"Yes, I'm sure you do. Jack what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with Sam?"
Jack opened his eyes and looked at me. "Take a seat Janet and rest awhile," he said and motioned to the spot next to him.
I sat down and placed my bare feet into the lake. Just like his.
We sat there for a while before Jack finally spoke, "Parcae sent you, didn't she?"
"Yes."
"And...I bet she has a few more lined up if you don't get the right results?"
"Something like that."
"I appreciate your concern but this is something I need to do alone. Even if she sends Charlie it wont make the difference."
"Not at all?" said a voice behind us. I turned and saw Charlie standing there. I looked back at Jack to gage his reaction.
"Not at all son. Why don't you have a seat here between Janet and me?"
Charlie moved to sit between us as I scooted over to make the room. His feet could just dip into the lake.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to see both of you again and hope you are doing well, but this is my descision."
A glow started to form in front of us and then Parcae appeared standing on the surface of the lake.
"Parcae, you will not influence me on this. I need to do this myself."
"No, I would not dream of doing that to you," Parcae said. I did not know she could do sarcasm.
Jack just stared at her with this strange look on his face.
Charlie had been kicking the water gently, but stopped and looked up at his dad and I asked, "What is it Jack?"
Jack blinked once, then twice, still looking at Parcae. He slowly turned his head and looked at us. "Mercurio was Parcae's son."
"Huh!" I said very intelligently.
Charlie and I both looked at Parcae. She just stood there on the water and smiled. 'Naw, it couldn't be.'
"Yes my son, you are correct. Your father was an Ancient and I was a Firling."
"Was? Are you not one now?" Jack asked.
"Before we rose to our next plan of existence we were called the Firlings. Now that we are here we are called Quantonians. I and your father had risen before the first Claviger was built." When she finished talking, another glow appeared next to her and formed into a human man.
"Hello, son."
"Wow!" I said, but Jack was still speechless.
Charlie went, "Cool!"
"Why are you doing this to me? Why won't you let me make my on decisions?"
"Son, do you remember feeling something just before entering your home plan?"
"Yes, I did, and it was the Ori. What does that have to do with now?"
"Your mother and I feel that it would be necessary for you to remain with Earth an SGC to be able to defend them against the Ori."
"Wait. Wait. Wait. Are you telling me the Ori will be trying to make a come back?"
"Yes," answered Parcae.
"That is just peachy. By the way, you're not my parents, but Mercurio's."
"Our soul gave birth to your soul," was all Parcae said in explanation.
Jack gave a heavy sigh and looked around him at our faces and then jerked his head back behind him in a double take when he saw what was there.
Standing behind us were all of Jack's friends and family. They covered so much of the lawn you could not see the cabin. Charlie Kawalski was leading the pack. "Hi Jack. We all wanted to say hello before you went back."
"You all know me that well?"
"Jack, you made your decision already," Kawalski stated.
"Your right. I long to get back and find a way to be with Sam. The Ori thing just made it more imperative."
"It is good to see you. Take care."
Jack smiled and stood up. He looked at all of us and said, "You take care also. All of you."
He turned and looked at his parents, "will you do the honors?"
They both bowed their heads in acceptance and before they could start what ever they were going to do Jack reached for Charlie, his son and gave him a big hug and told him that he loved him; then he stood straight and looked at me. "We've missed you and love you greatly. Take care," with that said he started to fade away.
HammondI hate having to do this. I had recruited General Landry's help to confront SG-1. It has been three weeks now and we needed to move Jack to a full time care facility. Technically, Landry should be the one to tell SG-1, but I felt responsible for this one. 'This is not going to be pretty.'
I went ahead into the ISO room where Jack was and met with the group there. I had summoned everyone there instead of the briefing room because I had hoped with Jack in the same room it would bring to home the importance of the move.
When I moved to the foot of Jack's bed I notice we had an extra visitor. "Hello Jon."
"General," Jon greeted him. "May I please stay for this briefing?"
I looked at Jon and knew I could not in all consciousness kick him out. "Yes of course. I think everyone knows why I have asked you here."
Jack
You know, when you start floating to consciousness the first thing that you become aware of is the smell and the noise. The two senses hit at the same time sometimes and leaves you a little disoriented. I take my time to organize the information. I started with smell, and there can only be one place that smells like this...the infirmary. Plus, a hint of vanilla, that could only be one person...Sam. I smile and move on to what I was hearing. Knowing I am in the infirmary I ignore the normal sounds of the machines and center on the voices around me. It sounds like General Hammond. It is hard to tell at first until I fine-tuned my reception.
"I'm sorry Dr. Jackson but President Hayes is in agreement on this as well."
"Will it be close by?" asked Sam.
"Yes, but I need SG-1 back to work now. It has been three weeks and we are needing you," Hammond reiterated.
'Ah, to be wanted.'
'That's funny, it got very quiet in here.'
"Jack?" Sam asked tentatively.
"What? Did I say that out loud?" I croaked out.
"Yes you did Jack," Daniel, replied.
I could feel someone spooning a couple of ice chips into my mouth.
"Why don't you open your eyes?" asked Sam.
"I've been trying but they are not cooperating." My voice sounding better, but I sure could use some more of those ice chips. Then someone spooned some more for me. They must be reading my mind. Wait...read minds? I can do that.
"Jack?" asked Daniel. "You still with us?"
"Uh-huh."
About that time I heard someone coming closer to my bed and the shuffling of feet to make room.
"How long has he been awake?"
I did not know that voice.
"Only for a couple of minutes, Dr. Lamm," said Hammond.
Who? Whoa! Those damn penlight. I thought Janet was the only one who could inflict pain with those things. Just then I heard, 'Watch it she could do the big needle thing too.'
'Jon, you here too?'
'Dah! If you open your eyes you could tell.'
I slowly bring my eyelids up at half-mast to squint at everyone in the room. It appears that I am the main attraction.
"What's going on?"
"Well, we were going to send you to a long term care facility, but you curtailed that idea," said General Landry.
The new CMO spoke up and said, "Alright that is enough for now. Everyone out so that I can examine General O'Neill. When I'm through he will need his rest so no one in until dinner time at 1700."
"May I stay Dr. Lamm?" asked Sam.
"No, not until 1700."
Everyone starts to fill out and I hear Jon do a stage whisper to Daniel, "She worse than Janet was."
Teal'c was behind them and answered with an, "Indeed".
I glanced at the Doc and saw the most ridged and stern face I have ever seen, other than mine, of course. Her arms where folded in front of her and if I was not mistaken, I think I hear a foot taping as well.
'This is going to be so much fun...NOT!'
Epilogue
'It is good to be home and alone again.'
I was walking back in from the back deck of my house when the door bell rings. 'So much for being alone.'
I open the door to see a smiling Carter.
"Hello! Come on in and take a load off. What brings you to this neck of the woods?"
"You, actually," she said with confidence.
"Funny you should mention that." I said as we moved down to the living room.
"Funny?"
"Yes. I was just thinking about giving you a call."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Soooo...why did you want to call me?"
"Oh, no biggy. Just wanted to know if you wanted to go out to dinner tonight?"
"With the team?"
"No. Just the two of us."
"Ah. Well, you're in luck."
"How so?"
"I have not other plans, so I'm free for tonight."
"Is that a yes, Carter?"
"Only if you stop calling me Carter, sir."
"Right."
"So, how is your cop friend?"
"Very subtle Sir."
"Ach! Drop the Sir. If I can't use Carter, you can't use Sir."
Sam just smiled and continued to answer my question, "Pete is back in Denver and he was able to get out of the contract on that house."
"Good. I'm glad to hear it. Yeah, Tilly went home today as well and I'm all alone," I said giving a little pout.
"You are?" She asked in a husky voice and she moved slowly to me and placed her hands just below my shoulders and inched them up in a caress to end at the nap of my neck. She leaned forward to press her full breast into my chest before lifting her soft rose petal lips to press sensually to mine.
'OK, so I'm a romantic, sue me.'
After what seemed to be forever we finally pulled from each other and backed off, or at least I did.
"Sam," I said and looked into very dark lust filled eyes. "Wait. If you continue I won't be able to stop."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"Well, yes.
She jerked back and looked shocked, "What?"
"I want to save it for later this evening," I said giving her my patented smile.
"This evening?"
I think she blew a circuit. "Yes, you know...dinner."
"Oh. OH!"
Bingo. I think she got a clue.
"Right, ah...well, I guess I should be leaving and see about getting things ready for tonight," she stammered and backed up the steps from the living room to the front door.
"I'll pick you up at 20H hours."
"Right...OK...see you then. Bye!" She quickly turned and was out of the door at break neck speed. I believed it was Mac2.
I stood at the door and watched her leave and licked my lips in remembrance of the shared kiss. 'Yeah, it was going to be perfect tonight, especially when she sees the ring I got for her.'
"I love you Sam," I whispered. "Ka-awa-an ka ng Diyos (Philippine for God bless you)."
The End