What Might Have Been, a stargate: sg-1 fanfic

Title: What Might Have Been

Author: Marianne H. Stillie

Categories: Alternate Reality Episode Tag for "Ripple Effect"

Rating: G

Pairing: Daniel/Janet

Series: If Wishes Were Horses

Season: Season 9 Alternate Reality

Summary: The 'might have been' that "Heroes" lost.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters and places are the property of MGM, World Gekko Corp and Double Secret Productions. This piece of fan fiction was created for entertainment, not monetary purposes and no infringement on copyrights or trademarks are intended. Previously unrecognized characters, places and this story are copyrighted to the author. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

Archive: Please do not archive anywhere without the author's permission.

What Might Have Been

After all the years, Janet Fraiser-Jackson had never tired of the view from Cheyenne Mountain. In the week since she'd returned from the alternate reality SGC, she was even more grateful for her life here.

Thanks to the people of that reality, the entire population of this Earth had been saved from an apocalyptic plague. She could finally go home and get some real sleep. She just wanted one more look at the spectacular Colorado sunset.

The metal door opened and closed quickly, telling her that only one person had come to join her. The strong arms that encircled her from behind were familiar, welcome and even more precious now.

"So, how does it feel now that you've saved the world?" Daniel said against her ear. He followed his question with a long kiss to her neck.

"It's my first time and it's great."

"It gets pretty routine by the fourth time," he laughed.

"I hope this will also be my last time!"

Daniel's arms tightened and she leaned her head back against his chest. "General Landry, our General Landry, has lifted the quarantine. All the personnel stuck here and off world can get sorted out now. By the way, Cassie will be coming in tomorrow from the Alpha Site with Jonas and our granddaughter. Jack wants to wait one more day before we swap people and germs."

Janet laughed softly then turned around. Wrapping her arms around her husband's neck she kissed him on the mouth, letting her overflowing feelings deepen her show of affection.

Moving his head back to look in his wife's eyes, Daniel said, "I know you love me, but what was that kiss for?"

"It's my way of thanking you for marrying me."

Seeing her very serious look, Daniel asked, "Why so solemn, Jan?"

She took a deep breath then explained, "When the alternate reality Daniel hugged me, I heard the sad catch in his voice when he said it was good to see me again. But more than that, he didn't want to let me go."

"Ah, I see."

"Somehow, in their reality, Janet died not knowing how much he loved her."

"Or, he never had the courage to let her into his life. I almost made that mistake."

Throwing her arms around his neck again she whispered, "I'm so grateful you made that choice."

They were quiet for long moments, then moved away from each other.

"We really need to get home. You know how unforgiving Danny is when we miss his bedtime story."

"Yes, five-year-olds can be quite difficult at times," Daniel laughed.

With one last deep hug, they went back into the complex.