Ch. 4 Getting to the Bottom of Things

"It's got to be weird for Jack to be leaving," Jacob said casually. He wanted to ease into the conversation rather than be blunt. That was Teal'c's department. Hopefully Daniel, after a beer, would be forthcoming.

"Ah, yeah. When you spend so many years working with someone, it's hard when they leave. But I understand why he's doing it," Daniel agreed.

"I too will miss O'Neill's presence at the SGC," Teal'c said. "It will not be the same without him."

"How do you think Sam's handling it?" Jacob asked carefully.

Daniel's brows creased as he thought. "Actually, a lot better than I thought she would. She's been different ever since she found out. Almost…happier, if that's possible."

"Indeed, JacobCarter. Your daughter appears to be taking O'Neill's departure very well. I know she intends to keep in touch with him, as we all do."

"This is Sam and Jack we're talking about here." Blunt, but not too blunt. At any rate, they would get the point. Teal'c and Daniel glanced at each other. Bingo.

"Look, Jack and Sam have never done anything against the regs. They-"

"Daniel! I'm not accusing them. But I would like them to be together."

Silence filled the room.

"You what?" Daniel asked, confused. Surely the beer wasn't affecting his hearing.

"I believe JacobCarter would approve of ColonelCarter and O'Neill pursuing a relationship one day. At this time however, it is not feasible."

"Thank you, Teal'c," Jacob said.

"Really? All these years I thought you were against it."

"Well, I am, in that I don't want two of the Air Force's finest officers to throw away their careers for a fling. But I've seen them grow closer over the years. Jack makes Sam happy. I know that something is different between them now," Jacob told the other two.

Daniel bobbed his head in agreement. "After we came back from our trip and Sam broke up with Pete, that sent up a red flag for me. I think some feelings finally got laid bare."

"I am in agreement, DanielJackson. However, whatever transpired between them did not go beyond the bounds of the regulations."

"How can you be so sure?" Jacob wondered.

Teal'c raised his eyebrow and cocked his head at the Tok'ra.

"Okay, okay. Forget I asked."

The three looked up as the study door cracked open. Teal'c turned back to Jacob and began speaking-in Goa'uld.

"I do not believe this new position will last for long. They have wanted to be together for many years and cannot go much longer denying themselves."

"Good," Jacob replied, in Goa'uld as well. "I know they will make the right choices."

Daniel nodded in accord.

"Kree?" Jack attempted, crossing his arms. "Goa'uld? That's not fair. What'd you say?"

"I was simply relaying a saying among the Jaffa in its original context, O'Neill."

"A Jaffa joke?"

"Indeed."

"Do tell," Jack urged.

"It was lame," Jacob said quickly.

"Yeah, a real dud," Daniel chimed in.

Jack didn't look like he believed them, and Teal'c's eyebrow rose high. "Okay… General Hammond says hello. He's looking forward to finally getting sometime with his family."

Suddenly Daniel stood up. "Jack, you know, we have that mission early tomorrow. I think Teal'c and I better head out. Right, Teal'c?"

"Yes. I am sure JacobCarter will be good company. I will drive DanielJackson." Teal'c said, taking the keys from the archaeologist. "We will see you tomorrow, O'Neill."

Jacob couldn't be sure, but as the Jaffa moved past him, Jacob thought he winked. Teal'c winking? Well, the Tau'ri ways had to rub off on him sooner or later. It was a clear indication that he should talk to Jack.

"Bye, Jack!" Daniel called as the door shut behind them.

"Bye…" Jack grumbled, puzzled by their quick departure.

"They're good men, Jack. A little bizarre, but good. Just like you."

"Well, thanks," Jack responded as they sat back down in the living area.

Jacob sucked in his breath. Now or never. "What are your intentions towards my daughter?"

"Intentions?" Jack asked, poker face.

"I'm not blind Jack. Since I've been back, I've noticed something has changed between you and Sam."

Jack sighed, struggling to find the words. "Look, Jacob. We've never done anything unprofessional."

"I didn't say you have. You were as professional as always at work today. But it's the little things, Jack. Sam hasn't called you sir all night." Jacob watched Jack's face. Was he about to fess up?

"You've heard about the fishing trip we took about a month ago, right?"

Jacob nodded.

"Well, I thought a lot about what you said. I…I decided not to let the best thing in my life slip away."

"The best thing in both our lives, Jack."

Jack dipped his head. "I know this goes against everything we're taught. I'm not supposed to care so much about her. But…"

"You can't help who you fall in love with, Jack."

The younger man looked up. "All I've ever wanted is for her to be happy."

"We're alike more than you know, Jack. Congratulations," Jacob smiled, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"What, that's it?" Jack's head was really starting to hurt. Was he going to get off the hook this easily?

"What do you want? You've got my approval. You've got Sam's heart. You want me to lecture you about the regs? I know you're not a fool, Jack. I know my daughter will be happy now. Truly happy. Though, I am a little concerned about you skipping town." Jacob crossed his arms, looking expectantly at Jack.

"Yeah, about that. It's only going to be for a while. We're going to wait until I retire to pursue our relationship further. Hopefully that will be soon. I want to make sure the SGC is in good hands with Landry before I leave the game for good."

"Makes sense," Jacob accepted.

"We were going to tell you all tonight, but life happened."

"Never a dull moment at the SGC. Well, how about we get this place cleaned up before Sam gets home?"

As they began picking up dishes and food, Jacob turned to Jack. "You know, I really hope you can clean…and cook. Sam's not very good about those types of things."

"Don't I know it."

'Stop gloating, Jacob.'

'But I was right, Selmak.'

'Yes, you were. But I would like to continue with this manuscript.'

Jacob looked down at the book in his hand. He'd settled down to read a little while before, leaving Jack to tinker around the house. He wanted to be there when Sam got home. Jacob realized he had not turned the page in ten minutes.

'Sorry, but I was right. I mean, I knew she'd never marry that guy. I'm just happy she and Jack finally have a future together. I know my girl's in good hands.'

'Indeed. Samantha deserves this happiness. I would, however, like to continue reading about your military's past. It is very interesting.'

'But I was right!'

Jack was about to doze off when he heard the door open. He sat up on the sofa, smiling as Sam came into view.

"Hey," she said softly. "Dad?"

"He's reading in the guest bedroom. Get everything sorted out?" he asked as she settled next to him.

Sam nodded. "Yeah. How was your evening?"

"The boys and I had a stimulating conversation. Hammond called. Danny and Teal'c left early. Your dad and I talked…" Jack trailed off.

"Talked? About what?" Sam wondered, looking at him suspiciously. "You told him, didn't you"?

Jack's eyes grew wide. How'd she know? "How'd you know?"

"Jack, we were supposed to tell him together," she sighed, somewhat disappointed.

"Well, it's not like he gave me a choice!" Jack defended himself. "He was pretty frank about the whole thing."

"Humph," Sam snorted. "That's dad." She paused a second as she thought. "I guess he took it well. You're still alive."

"Hey, your dad likes me!" Jack cried.

"Yeah, he does. You're lucky. Honestly, I got the idea he wanted us together last time he was in," Sam admitted.

"Me too," Jack agreed. "I told him we'd wait until I retired for…that we'd be adhering to the regulations until they weren't a problem anymore."

"Yeah. That's good… What about Daniel and Teal'c?"

"Didn't tell them. But I bet they know. They always know everything."

Sam yawned. "Oh, sorry."

"It's okay," Jack told her. "Get some sleep. I'll see you tomorrow, bright and early." His eyes smiled at her.

Tomorrow. Tomorrow at 0900 Jack wouldn't be her CO anymore. But she'd be headed to lovely P3R-358. She nodded slightly. "Tomorrow."

TBC in 'Welcome to Sunny P3R-358'