Author's notes: Italics denote the symbiote is speaking or a flashback
Warning: Language, Adult Themes, and Violence
"To every thing…there is a season…And a time to every purpose under heaven. A time to be born, a time to die, a time to plant, a time to reap, a time to kill, a time to heal, a time to laugh, a time to weep."
- - -'Turn, Turn, Turn' by the Byrds
The scene was one of pure carnage and destruction. Death was everywhere. The smoldering remains of Anubis' Jaffa and the Khell warriors, as well as a few of those Jaffa Decimus commanded, were scattered about the hallways of Anubis' fortress on Tartarus. The walls themselves told the tale of the battle with their scorched marks and their smeared spatters of blood.
Decimus slowly walked through the corridors and smiled to himself. He knew his lord and master would be very pleased. Decimus was pleased himself as this was the first true test of his master's small army of Jaffa. Their first battle won, though they were fewer in numbers. Decimus and his warriors would be rewarded greatly and looked forward to doing whatever biding his master required.
His large frame stood tall and proud. Not long ago, this was not the case for he like many of those that battled at his side today were outcasts and deemed failures. Decimus himself had failed in his mission for Ba'al. The result of such failure was that Decimus' family was killed before his very eyes. His wife whom he loved deeply and his son, who had only just received his primta and was showing promise to be a warrior even greater than his father. Decimus was then exiled, forced to live the rest of his life in misery as an outcast and alone with the memory of his family's deaths etched within his mind. No system lord would have him because he was branded as a failure.
A chance occurrence led him to his Master. Decimus saw the opportunity as a chance to redeem himself. His Master's plans were ambitious. The risk was great but the reward for success even greater. For if his Master succeeded, Decimus would be First Prime of the one true System Lord and most important, an all-powerful God.
Decimus' Master was indeed a God. Everything went according to his plan. The sensor array was shut down allowing Decimus and his battalion to approach undetected in their Al'kesh. And the weapons Meridius, his Master's chief scientist, provided for the battle gave them the advantage over the seemingly formidable Khell warriors.
Again, Decimus knew he was serving a true God as the idea for the weapon and its purpose came from his Master's mind. This combined with Meridius ingenuity for constructing them proved invaluable. Decimus looked forward to the next campaign so that he could proudly serve his Master. For Decimus knew that one day he would be able to avenge his family by killing Ba'al. His Master swore that when that day came, Decimus would be allowed to do whatever he desired to Ba'al. Decimus promised it would be a slow, torturous death for the system lord.
"Meridius, what have you discovered?" Decimus asked as he entered the science laboratory, his deep voice resonating off the walls.
"I need time to make a proper report…"
"Our Master is arriving within the hour," he sharply interrupted, raising his voice just slightly.
"There was an attempt to destroy the information pertaining to the Khell warriors," Meridius continued unphased even though his slender frame much smaller than that of Decimus. "It will take time but I am certain I will be successful in retrieving the information."
Decimus narrowed his dark eyes but said nothing more. To challenge Meridius would be like challenging their Master for the scientist was also their Master's second in command. Meridius was once heralded as the most brilliant mind throughout the known galaxy. Each system lord fought over obtaining his services. It is not exactly known how Meridius came to pledge his loyalty to their Master. Only that whatever transpired caused his pledge to be firmly planted so much so that their Master trusted Meridius implicitly.
"Very well," Decimus nodded then left Meridius to finish his task.
By the time Decimus made his was to the Chappa'ai it had come to live. His Master was arriving as planned. Decimus and the dozen warriors protecting the Chappa'ai knelt down, heads bowed, in waiting.
"Rise, Decimus," his master spoke. "And report."
Decimus rose, keeping his head bowed to stay low even though he actually stood taller than his Master did. His Master proceeded to walk down the corridor and Decimus followed, remaining slightly behind his Master and treading carefully so as not to step on his long flowing black silk cloak.
"All went according to your plan, my Master. Per your orders, we left no one alive. Even now a squad is patrolling the facilities to ensure there are no survivors."
"Excellent! And what of Anubis?" his Master asked, coming to a stop and facing Decimus.
Decimus stood tall and proud, "We cornered him in his throne room as you told us. He fled by use of the Asgard beaming technology, just like the coward you said he was. His cargo vessel, though cloaked, was easily spotted in the planet's atmosphere by our Al'kesh."
His Master's smiled widened as Decimus paused dramatically knowing his Master would be greatly pleased.
"The ship was obliterated, my Master!"
"Well done!" his Master cheered, laying a proud hand on Decimus's shoulder. "You have done well in honoring me with this victory."
"My will is yours my Master. I am eager to prove again that I am worthy of being your First Prime," he said bowing his head.
"That time will come soon," Master smiled, then continued on down the corridor towards the science laboratory. "When it does, you will be able to have your revenge."
Decimus heart beat with bitter joy. The grief within him always kept fresh so as not to forget the pain and suffering he had to endure. So that on the day of his revenge his will would not falter.
"Thank you, my Master!"
"I have not forgotten my promise to you. Upon Ba'al's capture you will have all the time you need for your revenge."
"Again, I must thank you, Lord Delek. You are so generous."
"No, Decimus. I must thank you. For you have brought me a great victory today. And I know you will continue to do so. You have earned your place as my First Prime. As you have already earned the day of your revenge."
Decimus bowed again. His pride spreading within him. He has never received such high praise from any Goa'uld. His loyalty to his Master was already strong, now it was even stronger.
"Meridius, what news do you have for me?"
"Good news, my Master," Meridius smiled. "What you said is true, the Tau'ri were successful in slowing down the process of generating more Khell warriors. Anubis had only recently acquired a new queen. And I have retrieved all the necessary information on how Anubis created the Khell warriors, including how he was able to govern the symbiote's behavior."
"Kill the queen!" Master ordered, turning to Decimus.
"Master…"
"We do not need her…I have my own queen," Master said and nodded to Decimus to proceed.
Without hesitation, Decimus aimed his staff weapon and destroyed the holding tank the symbiote queen was occupying. He fired several shots to ensure there would be no revival.
"My queen will be ready to spawn when this facility is ready. Her young will not possess her genetic memory. The symbiotes will be…as the Tau'ri called them, blank slates…we will be able to imprint them however I deem necessary."
Meridius smiled, "A whole army of Khell warriors loyal to you, my Master."
"Decimus, you will lead this army once they are ready. Their first test will be on Ba'al."
Decimus knelt down on his knee, bowing his head in awe and humility of his God.
"It is my will to server you, Lord Delek."
"Daniel…can I ask you a question?" Jacob asked.
"Sure," he replied.
"How's Sam doing?"
Daniel blinked in surprise. He wasn't expecting that kind of question from this man. But he could see it was something important to Jacob. The first true insight of the man that Daniel had ever really witnessed. Jacob was always professional, a soldier, a Tok'ra…he always kept his emotions masked from everyone. This was the first time Daniel had seen Jacob the father.
"Wouldn't you rather ask her?" Daniel countered.
"I'm the last person she would answer that question honestly to. I'm her father," Jacob scoffed, obviously speaking from experience. " She wouldn't want me to worry if something was bothering her."
Right away, Daniel knew what Jacob was so concerned about. Daniel himself along with a few others noticed a slight change in Sam. Although this change never affected her duties as an officer. Still, Daniel knew it was something troubling her deep inside.
"Are you referring to what happened with Jolinar?" Daniel questioned.
Jacob sighed, seemingly a bit frustrated with Daniel's lack of cooperation.
"Daniel, I can't ask Jack how my daughter is doing. He's her CO and he's too close to her, I would make him uncomfortable. And I can't ask Teal'c, though his answer would be honest it wouldn't tell me all I need to know about my daughter. And I can't ask Sam as she would think I was intruding on her life. Which leaves you, Danny. You're very perceptive about people and observant in the things they do. Plus you work with her on a daily basis and I know you've both become good friends."
Jacob paused, fatherly concern filling his eyes even more so than before.
"You see…my little girl is hurting. I can tell. I can see when she tries too hard to hide things from me. I think…I think she's ashamed for what happened during the Jolinar incident. I can't even begin to understand what it's like having your mind taken away like that."
"But you have Selmak," Daniel pointed out, folding his arms across his chest.
"It's not the same. Selmak and I willingly share our feelings and thoughts with each other. Nothing is hidden or forcibly removed from the other's consciousness. And I invited Selmak into my mind…Sam's mind was invaded against her will. And even though I'm Tok'ra, I do not condone what Jolinar did to my little girl. The father in me can't forgive Jolinar for that."
"You're afraid our government will make Sam attempt to access Jolinar's memories for information, aren't you?"
"For Christ sake! I'm not here as a Tok'ra, making sure our fucking secrets stay buried!" Jacob snapped angrily. "I already had to argue with the Council, convincing them that my own daughter wasn't a security risk!"
"Jacob, I'm sorry…that's not what I meant," Daniel said in earnest. "I meant, you're afraid Sam would do be made to do something that might upset her…like when she used Jolinar's memories to help us infiltrate and rescue you from So'kar's hell on Netu. Including some very specific memories that were key for our escape."
Jacob's anger instantly melted into remorse as he turned away.
"I read the reports…she remembered a time when Jolinar was brutally tortured. I know what that's like…I experienced it first hand. You all only experienced a mild form of it."
Daniel put a hand on Jacob's shoulder making the man turn to face him.
"You're a good father Jacob. Sam knows that. And if you don't mind me saying, she's not a little girl anymore. Don't be afraid to talk with her. She could actually use your and Selmak's advice on how to deal with the memories and feelings she has from Jolinar. That way she doesn't have to figured it out on her own."
"Thanks Daniel," Jacob nodded.
"To answer your question…Sam is doing just fine. She's a lot like you," Daniel smiled. "Smart, resilient… stubborn!"
Jacob laughed then said, "Thank God she looks like her mother."
Daniel laughed.
The coffee brewing had finished, it's aroma pulled Daniel to the here and now. He smiled, moving across his office and poured himself a cup of coffee. He was so lucky to get a glimpse of the real Jacob Carter. He was a man of deep emotions who loved his family. It was a shame that the military trained him to keep those emotions hidden. Although Sam did tell Daniel that Dad wasn't always like that. A part of him had shut down after Sam's mom died.
"Dr. Jackson, did General Hammond not give you time off?" Teal'c questioned from the doorway.
"Yeah, he did…I'm just trying to stay busy," Daniel answered.
Teal'c moved into Daniel's office. His normally proud shoulders still appeared to carry the weight of his sorrow. In fact, two days after Jacob's funeral in Georgetown the atmosphere around the SGC was still mournful. Possibly due to so much loss of life, or because this one man's death affected the leader of the SGC so much and his grief was reflect throughout the facility by the others, or perhaps because with the Tok'ra gone so much uncertainty lay ahead of them.
"I too am having difficulty…keeping busy," he admitted.
"Did Malek and Jared go on their mission yet?" Daniel asked, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Indeed, I personally saw them off yesterday," he answered.
"Do you think they'll succeed in their mission?"
"Malek was most determined to avenge Jacob and Selmak's death. I believe he has the experience and desire to succeed."
"Must be hard for him, having to go it alone," Daniel commented wearily.
"He will not be entirely alone. I have given him the names of several Jaffa whom can be trusted with the knowledge of his identity. He was most grateful for he knew he may one day rely on them. Malek said that he was going to try and relay any useful information to them so that they may give it to us. And General Hammond gave him a GDO, on the chance that he may need to return to Earth."
"I sincerely hope we get to see him again."
"I do as well."
"I thought I gave you both the week off?" General Hammond's voice questioned making both Daniel and Teal'c turn.
"Just catching up on some work, Sir," Daniel smiled.
General Hammond frowned as he entered Daniel's office. Daniel recognized that frown having seen it on a few occasions. Of course, it could be that Hammond was still mourning the loss of his friend. The General was rather emotional at the funeral as Daniel saw a few tears. And it just wasn't this General, but several hard ass military types even let a few tears fall for Jacob.
Daniel was surprised to know just how lives Jacob had touched. And how the man looked after all of the men he had once commanded, even years after they had been assigned to different locations throughout the world.
However, General Hammond appeared slightly…anxious, standing near the doorway.
"General, what is it?" he asked.
"I was about to send Sgt. Siler on an errand, perhaps the two of you would like to go instead."
"Errand?"
"Dr. Fraiser hasn't shown up for her shift…"
Daniel immediately grabbed his phone, his heart jumped quickly within his chest.
"That won't work, son. I've tried calling," Hammond replied solemnly. "There was no reply. I promised Jacob I would look after her…It could be nothing but…"
"You knew about Jacob and Janet?" Daniel questioned setting the phone back on the receiver.
"I only found out the last day I saw Jacob before he and Selmak left to see what they could do about fixing the Alliance. But I am also worried about Dr. Fraiser. She looked so tired at the funeral in Georgetown. I didn't get a chance to talk to her…"
"General, Teal'c and I will go. I'm worried about her too…she's…" Daniel hesitated, not sure he should divulge such a sensitive secret.
"We should go immediately, Janet Fraiser is with child, perhaps she needs our assistance," Teal'c finished, obviously knowing General Hammond could be trusted with Janet's secret.
"Baby?" Hammond exclaimed, his eyebrows raised in complete surprise.
"She only found out a couple of days before we got news of Jacob and Selmak's death," Daniel said, but was anxious to get moving.
Hammond must have guessed as he said, "Go! Keep me informed."
"Of course, Sir."
Sam awoke with a smile on her face as the early morning sun rose outside the curtains of her bedroom window. The intimacies of last night could still be felt throughout her body and were pleasant feeling to wake up to. Equally enjoyable was waking up with his warm body hugging hers beneath the covers. It was something she had only dreamt of in the most secret part of her mind. And it was with great reluctance that she slowly moved out of his embrace hoping to not wake him.
"Where are you going?" he spoke, his voice groggy from still being partly asleep, his hand grabbing hold of hers.
"I just woke up and I have to use the bathroom."
"Oh…ok, I'll keep your side of the bed warm," he smiled, snuggling under the covers.
Upon her quick return, her side of the bed was still warm, as promised.
"Be right back!" he said, kissing her cheek.
Sam smiled. Jack was just as quick to return as she was after answering the call of nature. When he climbed back under the covers they snuggled closely, looking into each other's eyes.
"Is this a dream?" she asked, wondering if this was all really happening.
"If it is, it's a wonderful dream," he smiled warmly, pushing his fingers through her hair.
"I don't want it to end," she whispered.
His brown eyes filled with such affection as he smiled at her. She had only caught brief glimpses of that in his eyes before as their relationship was always professional because of their positions in the Air Force. Neither one allowed their relationship to go beyond the boundaries of friendship. However, after last night what new boundaries lay ahead of them?
"Whatcha thinking?" he asked.
"How do you know I'm even thinking about anything right now?" she countered, with a smirk on her face.
"Because I know you," he said seriously, his hand caressing her face, her neck. "You are always thinking."
Sam smiled, blushing slightly.
"And you get this little wrinkle…right here," he smirked, pressing the tip of his finger between her eyebrows, making her giggle.
His lips pressed against hers mid giggle. Sam closed her eyes, no longer thinking about anything. Her body feeling and reacting to his gentle caresses and soft kisses. Their passion now was as equally as strong as the night before as they slowly made love.
The world could be in imminent danger and Sam couldn't care less while in Jack's arms. For if the world ended now, she was exactly where she desired to be…with a man who loved her as much as she loved him. Not even later, their passion spent and they lay sprawled out in each other's arms, was Sam concerned for anything.
Well, maybe not everything…they both suddenly giggled at the sound of a gurgling stomach.
"Was that yours or mine?" he asked.
"I think it was both!"
"All that expended energy!" he chuckled.
"I'll make us something after a quick shower," she sighed, slowly crawling out from under the covers. At the door she paused, turning back to him. "Care to join me?"
Jack flung the covers off and chased her into the bathroom. Both giggling and laughing like a couple of teenagers along the way.
It had been a long time since Sam shared a shower with a man. She had forgotten just how pleasurable it could be while lathering each other up. She had to laugh as they had used up half of bottle of soap before finally deciding to rinse off.
Thoroughly clean, they stepped out of the shower, taking turns drying each other. The entire time, their lips periodically pressing against each other often seeking the most pleasurable spots on their soft skin. They ended up slowly making love again before finally putting some clothes on and heading into the kitchen.
Jack made the coffee while Sam quickly scrambled up some eggs with chopped zucchini and tomato. They ate sitting side by side. They snuggled and talked about nothing in particular. Both simply were enjoying the physical presence of the other. It was something they had both denied themselves for a long time. And both seemed eager to make up for lost time.
"What do you want to do today?" he asked, standing behind her, arms wrapped around her, pressing his lips against the side of her neck.
"Haven't thought that far ahead," she smiled as she rinsed of their plates.
"Let's do dishes later," he snickered, turning the water off.
He took hold of her hand and led her out of the kitchen. Before reaching the bedroom the doorbell rang.
"Shh, maybe they'll go away," he whispered, kissing her neck, his hand slide up under the front of her shirt.
The doorbell rang again. This time it was followed by a hard knock. So hard that Sam was certain the door was going to come crashing down.
"COLONEL O'NEILL! MAJOR CARTER!" Teal'c shouted while pounding on the door again.
Jack, who was only wearing his boxer shorts and a T-shirt, didn't hesitate to answer the door. At the same time, Sam ran to put her robe on before hurrying into the living room arriving as Teal'c was coming in.
"What is it?" Jack asked.
"Dr. Jackson has made several attempts to call both of you. When neither of you answered I came to tell you. Dr. Fraiser was rushed to the hospital…"
"Oh my God…what happened?" Sam quickly asked.
"Your presence is needed immediately," Teal'c said to her.
"We'll follow you there," Jack said.
They quickly dressed, neither one questioning how Teal'c knew where to find them. Both more concerned with their friend. Sam was deeply worried, Janet was her best friend. She had notice the woman wasn't doing well but was too consumed with her own grief to do much to help. In fact, Sam was planning on talking to Janet about it this coming weekend when they were having their little get together.
Thankfully, Jack drove. Sam was in no condition. She didn't know how much more she could handle. First the death of her father…she couldn't handle it if something happened to her friend. Not right now anyway. Not when her grief was still fresh.
At the hospital, Teal'c took them up the elevator to the third floor. There, Sam saw Daniel in the hallway leaning against the wall beside a closed door, staring into nothingness. Sam knew right away that something horrible had happened just by Daniel's body language. The man cared for Janet deeply, possibly more deeply than he realized. Sam was glad they finally got together, or at least that's what she assumed and it was something else she was going to talk to Janet about.
"Daniel, what happened?" Jack asked softly.
Daniel startled at first by their presence quickly straightened up. He took a deep shuddering breath, tears glistening in his eyes.
"Janet had a miscarriage," he breathed.
Sam gasped, her hand immediately reaching to comfort him.
"Daniel, I am so sorry," she swallowed, pulling him into her arms.
But Daniel gently pushed her away.
"No, you don't understand Sam," he said, wiping the tears from his face. His blue eyes filled with such sorrow as he glanced at Jack than to her. "I wasn't the baby's father…Sam…it was…Jacob was the baby's father."
"Oh my God," she whispered, the familiar feeling of loss overwhelming her.
Jack's arm immediately wrapped around her, pulling her close to him.
"She was going to tell you," Daniel continued. "She was so looking forward to telling you."
"So she and Jacob…?" Jack asked, implying that the two were having an affair of some kind.
"They had been together for nearly a year," Daniel smiled. "They were deeply in love with each other…the three of them."
"The snake too…who would have thought," Jack said shaking his head.
"I have to see her," Sam sniffled, gently moving away from Jack.
"She's in here," Daniel said, indicating the door beside him.
"Jack…" she said, turning towards him.
"Shh, go be with her," he whispered before kissing her lips.
Sam moved slowly into the room, closing the door behind her. The room filled with Janet's soft sobs as she lay curled on her side, her back to Sam. Her heart ached, the grief for her father refreshed as she struggled with her tears.
Never mind the fact that Sam had no idea her father was romantically involved with anyone, let along her best friend. Never mind the fact that they concealed the relationship from everyone, including Sam. Forget about the surprise Sam felt at learning that her Dad was responsible for getting a woman pregnant…at his age! None of that mattered right now. All that mattered during this moment was Janet.
Sam's dearest friend, who was more like a sister, had experienced a loss of such significance. Sam could barely comprehend it or even believe that this was all happening. The dream of this morning had quickly turned into a nightmare that she wanted desperately to wake from. However, Sam was Janet's friend and it was her obligation to provide what comfort, if any, for Janet.
"Janet…it's me…Sam," she spoke softly, her hand tentatively reaching for Janet's trembling shoulder.
Janet's sobs paused as she turned her head enough to see Sam. A rush of tears gushed from Janet's eyes. Sam quickly climbed onto the bed and gathered Janet in her arms.
"Shh…I'm here Janet…I'm not going anywhere," Sam wept.
"I…was…going to tell you…" Janet wretched and sobbed.
"I know…I'm so sorry, Janet….I am so sorry."
"He's gone Sam! I'll never have him back now!" Janet wailed, clutching onto Sam.
Sam held on tighter. Her tears and sobs mingling with her friend's. The loss of her father, a man they both loved, consuming them both. And the loss of the child that might have been only deepened their grief.
It was with a heavy heart that George replaced the phone on the receiver. He had some understanding of the pain that Janet was going through right now. He had experienced it when his wife lost what would have been their third child in those early weeks of the pregnancy. Only he and Marie had taken solace that they still had two beautiful daughters they could love. And George had taken comfort, after his wife died from cancer, that both his girls reminded him so much of Marie. Their mannerisms, the spirited nature, and their fiery tempers. They were both excellent mothers, a tribute to Marie raising them well.
Only Janet will not have that joy. The happiness she once had because she was carrying a part of Jacob inside her was now gone. She would never know the pure elated joy that one feels when holding a baby that had been conceived with the one you deeply love.
George quickly cleared his throat picking up his phone. He dialed an extension.
"Walter, can you report to my office right away."
Sgt. Walter Davis, George's right hand man, quickly arrived. As always, he was ready to follow George's orders to the letter and then some.
"Walter, I want you to call Dr. Warner and have him report for duty. Have him coordinate with Dr. Walsh a schedule to cover Dr. Fraiser's shifts for the next two, possibly three weeks," George ordered.
"Is she alright? There's a rumor that she was taken to the hospital," he said, the worry evident on his face and in his voice.
George smiled. Of course he wasn't surprised by Walter's concern or the fact that a rumor was already spreading around the base. The base was like a small community. A tight nit family…each concerned for one of their own.
"She will be," George answered sadly. Then he decided to nip the rumor in the bud for her sake. "Dr. Fraiser had a miscarriage. The father of her baby was my friend, General Carter. Now, if I hear anyone spreading any kind of rumors or saying anything derogatory about her or my friend I will have them transferred to a very cold place where it's pitch black six months out of the year."
"A couple of us already knew about her and General Carter and swore to keep it secret, Sir," Walter smiled. George chuckled to himself and wasn't surprised, as Walter Davis knew just about anything and everything that went on in and around the SGC. "The General had been visiting Earth with regularity. Sgt. Siler had seen him frequently around the infirmary. And I saw them together in town attending an Opera a couple of times. Siler and I may be grunts but we could still put two and two together. Even an idiot could see they were in love."
"You're not grunts and your not idiots either, Walter. Still, I will leave it up to you and Siler do damage control. I don't want Dr. Fraiser returning to work receiving all kinds of quizzical looks from SGC personnel about her relationship with Jacob Carter. And especially don't want her to hear someone talking about the baby she lost!"
"Understood, Sir. But I don't think you have anything to worry, Sir. Dr. Fraiser is well respected by everyone here."
"I know…it's just that this is…"
"A delicate situation, Sir?"
"Exactly," George sighed.
"Siler and I will make sure that's understood, Sir. Would you like me to inform Colonel Reynolds that he will be in charge for a few hours? I mean, I assume you will be visiting Dr. Fraiser shortly."
George chuckled, "Yes, I will. Thank you. Dismissed."
However, George never made it to the hospital when planned, as things were about to go from bad to worse. He headed down to the control room upon hearing the announcement that an unscheduled traveler was on route.
"Sir, it's Master Bra'tac's IDC," Walter informed him.
"Open the Iris," George ordered then headed down to the Gate Room.
George had come to know Bra'tac over the years. The Jaffa Master never came to Earth unless it was of great importance. Such was the case here, as evident in the urgency with which the man moved down the ramp once he emerged from the event horizon.
"Master Bra'tac, what brings you to Earth?"
"General Hammond, I bring grave news. Anubis has been defeated."
"Forgive me, but isn't that a good thing?"
"Perhaps. However, it was the manner in which he was defeated that is of concern."
The coffee from the vending machine down the hall tasted nasty but Jack didn't want to leave Daniel alone for too long searching for a better brew. He wasn't taking the news of Janet losing the baby too well. In fact, Jack, like Sam, thought that Daniel was the baby's father when he first told them about the miscarriage simply by the depth of emotions he had displayed. It never occurred to Jack that Jacob Carter, Sam's own father, was the father of the baby let alone be intimately involved with Janet!
"How you doing…hanging in there?" Jack asked Daniel as he handed the younger man a cup of coffee.
"Just barely," Daniel frowned, staring into the cup. "I just feel so terrible for Janet. She was so happy about the baby."
"Who knew she and Jacob hooked up? I could have sworn it was you and Janet! Jacob…he and that snake of his never entered my mind."
"Mine too," Daniel smiled slightly, looking up.
"Nor mine," Teal'c added solemnly. "However, from Dr. Fraiser's reactions at the news of Jacob and Selmak's deaths, she was deeply in love with them and they in love with her."
Daniel set his coffee cup down. His emotions getting the better of him as Jack had witnessed often. Jack put a hand on Daniel's shoulder.
"She'll get through this. We're all here for her," he told Daniel.
"I know," Daniel sighed. "I just can't get the image out of my mind…finding Janet on her kitchen floor…the blood…Jack, I'm not sure if she's going to recover from this."
"O'Neill is right, with the continued support of her friends, Janet Fraiser will pull through," Teal'c inserted with a tenderness Jack didn't know the Jaffa possessed.
Of course, it shouldn't have surprised Jack at all. Janet had that effect on everyone who knew her closely, including Teal'c.
"And Cassie," Jack thoughtfully added. "I'll call her, fill her in. I'm sure she'll be able to come up for the weekend and be with her Mom. I think it's something Janet would like."
Daniel nodded as his tears fell.
"Janet even had a name for the baby…Thomas."
"A boy?" Jack questioned in surprise. "She already knew that…how far along was she?"
"Only five weeks," Daniel answered. "But Selmak told her in a letter that the baby born would be a normal healthy boy. Apparently, he knew he and Jacob might not be coming home so he…the baby was a gift, something to remind Janet of the man she loved."
"The sentimental snake," Jack said, shaking his head. "At least they'll never know about the miscarriage. I know it would have upset Jacob very much to see Janet like this."
"How do you know that?"
"A conversation Jacob had with me before he left…that man cares for his loved ones a lot more than I had ever realized."
"That he does," Teal'c agreed.
Jack's cell phone suddenly rang. He grabbed it to see who was calling. He wasn't expecting it to be General Hammond because Daniel had just gotten off the phone with the General not to long ago. Regardless, Jack quickly answered it.
"General Hammond, Sir?"
"I hate to do this Jack, I know SG-1 is on leave but I need you to report to the SGC on the double."
"Sir, to be honest, I don't think Major Carter is in any condition right now."
"I understand…she can stay with Dr. Fraiser but I will need the rest of you here."
"Can I ask what's happened?"
"Master Bra'tac is here. He has important information that I think you should hear."
"Understood, we're on our way," Jack said, then hung up his phone.
"What is it?" Teal'c asked.
"Hammond's recalled us," Jack answered. "Carter can stay but we have to get back to the SGC. Master Bra'tac is here with some news. And judging from General Hammond's tone, it's not good. He needs us to hear it."
"I want to see Janet before we leave," Daniel said.
"We all do," Jack smiled warmly.
Jack waited until Daniel and Teal'c were each finished with Janet before heading in. Sam was sitting beside Janet's bed, holding her friend's hand. Sam's face was red, her eyes swollen from crying so much. His heart ached for her. And it ached just as much for Janet whose tears seemed to endlessly flow from her eyes.
"Daniel told me you guys have to go," Sam said, getting to her feet.
"I told Hammond your place is here," he told her, wrapping his arms around her. Sam nodded, fresh tears welling up in her eyes. "Can I speak with Janet alone for a moment?"
"Sure."
Jack kissed Sam's cheek before releasing his hold on her. He waited for the door to close before taking a seat on Janet's bed. He gently pushed the hair off her forehead then took hold of her hand.
"I am so sorry, Janet," he breathed. "If there is anything…anything you need, please don't hesitate to call any one of us."
"Thanks," she managed to say.
Jack leaned down, wrapping his arms around her. She continued to weep and tremble.
"I'm going to call Cassie, tell her everything I know…I think she should be here with you," he spoke softly into her ear.
"I would like that very much," she wept.
Jack closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath. He was trying to choose his words carefully but knew whatever he said would make her cry.
"Jacob was a good man. I'm sure he and Selmak considered themselves very lucky to have you in their lives."
"I was lucky to have them."
"Of course you were," he smiled, moving back. He tenderly wiped some of the tears from her face. "I just have one question…how on Earth did the three of you ever hook up? I never would have guessed he was your type!"
Janet giggled softly, as Jack had hoped. He hated seeing any woman, especially those he knew well, in despair.
"It was a chance meeting that changed my life forever," she smiled through her tears.
"One of these days, when you're ready, I'd like to hear about it."
Janet nodded. Jack kissed her on the forehead. He then added, because he just couldn't resist. Plus, he was hoping to make her feel better.
"I'm also curious…I've heard these rumors about the Tok'ra males and I was wondering if they were really true…you know that they can make love to a woman all night, all day and then some!"
Janet laughed heartily and he even saw her blush.
"Please go, Colonel, before I have you thrown out for asking too many personal questions!" she joked, sounding much like the Janet Fraiser Jack was so used to hearing.
"I was just curious," he smiled back, shrugging his shoulders.
Janet playfully hit him with the pillow making him laugh. He was so glad it was just a pillow, as his ass had not forgotten all the needles she's jammed into it!
Jack left her in better spirits than she was before. Still, he knew she wasn't completely recovered and that she needed time. The all needed time. Out in the hall, Sam was waiting for him alone.
"They're at the elevator, waiting," she told him when he looked around, noticing Teal'c and Daniel weren't around.
"Sam…" he started, pulling her into his arms. "I am so sorry about your father and for Janet. Make sure she gets whatever she needs."
"I will," she replied, wrapping her arms tightly around him.
The memory of last night and early this morning filled his thoughts, making him smile.
"About last night….and this morning…" he said, cupping her cheek with a hand. "I hope it is the first of many such occasions for us."
"Me too," she smiled, covering his hand with hers.
"We'll deal with rules and regulations later, for now, lets just enjoy what we have. I think that's what your father was trying to tell me."
Sam's eyes widened in surprise.
"I'll tell you about it later," he smiled, then kissed her passionately and deeply before forcing himself to leave.
"I DID NOT JUST HEAR YOU SAY ONE MONTH!" Delek roared down at Meridius.
"I am sorry, my Master!" Meridius squabbled, dropping to both his knees. "The facility can be repaired with a few days. Within a week I can have the first of your new Khell warriors. However, the symbiotes need time to mature enough before implantation. With the nano-chip technology I have developed I can accelerate their growth development…the earliest that they can be ready, if spawned in the next day or so, is in one month!"
Delek paced back and forth. He knew Meridius was right. Only Delek was impatient. It took two centuries for him to achieve his position of power. He had the taste of sweet victory in his mouth and he wanted more. More importantly, he didn't want to lose the power he had worked so hard to gain.
These early days of his empire were so fragile. There was too much at stake. While there was so much to gain, he could lose everything in one fell swoop. The key was to keep his slaves loyal. To do that he had to keep the Jaffa content and busy. The Jaffa he collected were all eager to prove themselves but to keep them that way, he needed them to stay fighting.
"One month, no longer?" Delek asked of Meridius.
"Yes, my Master," he said, keeping his head down. "However, the imprinting of the symbiotes can begin the moment I receive them."
"Very well," Delek reluctant agreed.
His hand moved over the computer console and activated a star map. One part of his plan would have to be enacted much sooner. However, he did have enough Jaffa to pull it off.
"Here," Delek said, pointing to a planet. He quickly pulled up its coordinates. "Decimus…"
"Yes, my Master," Decimus said, moving to his Master's side.
"Take two dozen of the most capable Jaffa to this planet," Delek ordered.
"Master Delek, there is nothing of importance there," Meridius interjected.
That was one thing that was always so good about the Jaffa…they never spoke out of turn. A Goa'uld…their oversized egos demanded that they open their mouth and speak their mind. A Jaffa was loyal because he was afraid a Goa'uld. A Goa'uld was loyal to another Goa'uld because he was either a relative, the mate of that Goa'uld, or because one Goa'uld was more powerful than the other was. Also, in some cases Goa'uld's blackmailed others for their services.
However, Delek was good about putting Meridius in his place when necessary. For during an undercover mission Delek literally held Meridius' life within his hands. It was Delek's job to kill Meridius when he was in the service of Ba'al a number of years ago. Meridius was caught between a rock and a hard place, as he was to be executed for being discovered with one of Ba'al's many female companions. His choice was to die by Ba'al's hands or Delek's. But Delek gave Meridius a third option, which he took without hesitation knowing he would not get such an offer from Ba'al. And Delek has been holding Meridius' own life over his head ever since.
"DO NOT QUESTION ME!" he shouted at Meridius, his eyes flashing as brightly as his anger burned within him. "YOU ARE TO ONLY SPEAK WHEN SPOKEN TO, IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?"
"Yes, Lord Delek."
"Good, now prepare the symbiote holding tanks. I am returning to Regilus within the hour. Once there I will prepare my queen for her spawning and send the first batch of symbiotes through the Chappa'aii by the end of the day."
"I will be ready my Master."
"Decimus, you are to arrive at the planet by Al'kesh. Use the moon's gravitational field to mask your approach so that ship remains undetected by the base's sensors. The base is small and hidden beneath the surface at these coordinates. It will take you several days by Al'kesh…are you prepared?"
"I am prepared to do my Master's bidding!" Decimus said, kneeling on one knee before Delek.
Delek smiled. He never got tired of them bowing before him. And was looking forward to many…many years of such demonstrations.
"Good, now let's go over the details so that we may achieve certain victory."
Daniel couldn't believe what he had just heard. He actually had to ask Bra'tac to repeat exactly what he said to be certain that Daniel wasn't hearing things.
"Indeed, Raknor himself witnessed Anubis' ship being destroyed while fleeing the destruction. He was on the surface in a cloaked cargo ship, hiding in the chasms for days venturing out when he could to collect information for an offensive against Anubis," Bra'tac explained.
"What about the weapons these Jaffa used against the Super soldiers?" O'Neill asked.
"They were energy weapons like none I have ever seen before. They took down the Khell warriors but without doing any damage seen by the naked eye. The energy beamed seemed to penetrate the Khell warriors amour and rendered them…inactive as they fell down on the spot where they stood."
Jack and Teal'c looked at each other then to Hammond. They knew something.
"What is it?" Daniel asked.
"That description sounds exactly like what the weapon Carter and Jacob developed had done when I fired it at the Super soldier," Jack answered. "It shook then fell to the ground."
"If that's so, how did this Goa'uld get a hold of the design?" Hammond questioned. "Major Carter had the data crystal and the lab was destroyed along with the rest of the Alpha site when the self-destruct was activated."
"There was still the question about who leaked the Alpha site's location," Jack mentioned.
"Either Jaffa or Tok'ra were responsible, yet neither would admit fault," Teal'c reminded the General.
Daniel internally sighed. He hadn't realized that on that day the Tok'ra's days were numbered. He was simply trying to save the Alliance.
"Maybe who ever leaked the information was captured by this new Goa'uld or maybe even working for him," Daniel suggested. "The informant did give vital information to Anubis like the location of the base. And Jacob told me the Super soldier sought out that particular lab with the intention of destroying it and the weapon we were constructing."
"No…that doesn't fly," Jack said. "Even if this informant switched allegiances the attack would have happened much sooner. It's not like a Goa'uld to sit on a weapon like that. They wouldn't have hesitated to use it to take out an enemy."
"Agreed," Teal'c said.
"Indeed, many of the system lords have been seeking a way to stop Anubis and his attacks on their domains," Bra'tac added. "If one of them had the means they would not have hesitated."
"Who else knew?" Hammond asked. "No one had access to the lab except Stargate personnel and Jacob. The Jaffa were aware we were building it as were the Tok'ra High Council."
"Delek!" Jack growled. "He was on the High Council. And we know Delek went darkside on us as he was responsible for killing Jacob and the rest of the Tok'ra. From what you told me Daniel, he would be the one to sell his information to the highest bidder."
"There is no way to be certain if it was Delek or not," Hammond said.
"As much as I hate to agree with Jack," Daniel said, making Jack raise an eyebrow. "He could be right. Delek was the most pompous Tok'ra I have ever met. Malek said that Jacob was certain Delek was responsible for the attack on the Tok'ra."
"Every system lord was told who the Tok'ra were in their midst," Brat'ac added. "It is not yet known who informed them."
"It wouldn't surprise me at all if Delek was behind the information leak," Daniel continued.
"Jacob did tell me not to trust him. Still, this is all just hearsay," Hammond said, with great reluctance Daniel noticed. "We need more information. Master Bra'tac, without the Tok'ra, the Jaffa rebellion are our only eyes and ears amongst the Goa'uld system lords."
"I understand," Bra'tac nodded. "We will do our best to discover the identity of this new Goa'uld and locate the Tok'ra traitor known as Delek."
Daniel started thinking and he suddenly got a sinking feeling in his gut. A feeling that must have shown on his face.
"Daniel, what's wrong?" Jack immediately asked.
"It may be nothing but…we know a Goa'uld gains power by stealing from his or her enemies. This Goa'uld just destroyed Anubis…he now has the ability to create his own army!"
"Which he will then turn against the other system lords," Teal'c said.
"Great," Jack harrumphed sarcastically.
"But if Delek is giving away secrets to this new Goa'uld, what else might we expect?" General Hammond asked.
They all looked at one another. Daniel's stomach sank even lower as no one had the answer, not even him.
Janet sat on the edge of the bathtub. Her heel tapped nervously on the floor as her eyes were transfixed on the box sitting on the bathroom sink. The debate continued to rage within her mind.
Was she? Wasn't she? Was she? Wasn't she?
Her mind told her it was improbable. Jacob told her that it could never happen unless it was something she wanted. Selmak ensured it from ever happening.
IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE!
And yet, Janet's body was telling her differently. She was late. Her menstrual cycle was never late. It was like clockwork, every twenty-eight days. It never strayed more that a day early or a day late. And here she was six days late, her boobs hurt, she was moody, and she couldn't keep any food down for the past two days…three if she counted lunch today. And even her favorite drink, coffee was just…revolting! Janet loved coffee! Now its aroma made her stomach rise up into her throat everything she got a slight whiff!
Janet was…terrified.
What if she wasn't pregnant? What if it was something else making her sick? It could be any number of things. Her medical mind easily came up with a list of explanations for each of her symptoms.
Janet sighed heavily. She slowly lifted her shirt, exposing the delicately soft skin of her abdomen. Her hand rested flat over it.
However, there was also a part of her filled with hope and excitement.
What if she was pregnant? What if there was a tiny life developing within her? What if she was in fact carrying Jacob's child?
Accidents do happen. Selmak wasn't as perfect as he'd like to think he was. And Jacob said the most precious surprise life could possibly throw at you was that of a child. At least that's what he told her once. He truly believed that as both his children were not exactly planned. Both were unexpected miracles that completed his life. Something he hadn't realized he was missing until he held them as tiny babies in his arms.
Janet smiled at the mere thought of a tiny baby in her arms.
The timing was right for it was one month ago that she was last in Jacob and Selmak's arms. The memory of their passionate lovemaking was ever present within her mind as if it only happened yesterday. Every day since her body longed to feel them beside her in her bed again. Their presence sorely missed for the long conversations they had about everything and nothing.
"Well Jacob…I wonder what you would have to say about this?" she asked, actually hoping that she really was pregnant.
Janet grabbed the box and opened it. The pregnancy test was simple. It was one many doctors recommended, including her. She carefully followed its instructions then held her breath while awaiting the results.
"Oh…wow…" she gasped, covering her mouth.
Tears of joy flooded her eyes and such happiness filled her heart.
Her heart ached, the emptiness consumed her, and a stream of tears rolled down her cheeks. Her baby, Thomas was gone. Jacob and Selmak were gone now. Janet had failed and let them down by losing their son, such a precious gift. Oh, the Doctor within her told her that these things happen, that it was all apart of nature's grand scheme of things. Well fuck nature! The woman inside her wailed for she would never get back the gift she was given by the man she loved. She would never hold his son in her arms. Jacob was now truly gone…forever.
"Mom…please don't cry," Cassie said softly, sitting beside Janet on the couch.
"I'm sorry honey. I just can't stop it once it starts."
Cassie wrapped her arms around Janet, pulling her into her chest. The girl, or actually Cassie was a young woman now, affectionately stroked her mother's hair. She said nothing. There was nothing to say for Janet had already heard everything. From Sam and Jack, from Daniel, Teal'c and even General Hammond, there weren't enough words nor were there enough flowers to take away the emptiness she felt inside her womb.
And even though Janet wanted to curl up and die or disappear for a while, the mother in her wouldn't let her. For Cassie was still here and needed her mother.
"Shouldn't you be in school? It's Thursday," Janet sighed.
"I talked with my professors and got all the assignments I needed for the next two weeks," Cassie answered, continuing to caress Janet's hair. "This is where I belong, Mom. You were always there for me when I wasn't feeling well…whether I wanted you or not…even when I was ready to die you wouldn't give up on me. I only thought it fair that I be here for you. You're my Mom. I love you."
"I love you too," Janet wept.
"Knock! Knock!" Sam shouted as she opened the front door, letting herself in.
Janet internally groaned. She was getting a little tired of that happening. Ever since she came home from the hospital her front door has been on a swivel! Not that she wasn't grateful for everyone's concern. She just wished for a little privacy from time to time.
"In here Sam!" Cassie shouted, not leaving her mother's side.
"Hey, I brought the ice-cream," Sam said, setting a couple of bags down on the coffee table.
"I just ordered the pizza," Cassie responded. "It should be here in twenty minutes or so. I made sure to order it with double pepperoni."
"Extra onions on one half?"
"Of course, Sam!" Cassie laughed. "Hey, Mom said you and Jack finally got together."
"Yeah, it kind of just happened," Sam replied.
"Right on! About time too!" Cassie cheered, making Janet giggle softly.
"Janet, how are you doing?" Sam asked, taking a seat on the other side of Janet.
"I'm just…tired," Janet sighed, looking at Sam.
"I hope you don't mind but I thought we could start our girl's night out a day early," Sam smiled, reaching into the bag.
"Sam I…"
"Shh, Janet," Sam said, putting a large book on her lap. "Jack helped me put this together last night."
"Is Jack having sleepovers at your house?" Cassie teased, making Sam blush.
Janet laughed at Sam.
"Well…maybe not every night," Sam grinned. "I put this together for you Janet. I want you to have them."
Sam opened the book. It was a photo album. The first page was a bunch of old black and white photographs of a young boy whose hair was a bit wildly overgrown in a couple of the pictures.
"If you haven't guess…that's Dad…when he was a boy," Sam smiled proudly. "See, proof that he did once have hair too."
Janet laughed even harder than before. Her mood began to brighten just a bit.
"See, I thought I would tell you my stories about Dad," Sam explained. "Like the time he took Mark and I camping when I was five, Mark was seven. Dad was teaching us how to recognized poison oak and poison ivy. Only problem was that during the trip the three of us ended up getting covered with it. Mom was furious when we got home! Dad's excuse was that he was teaching us a valuable lesson…why not to get infected with poison ivy!"
Janet laughed, easily imagining the look on Jacob's face while making up excuses. For one thing, Jacob always had the most entertaining excuses that made one forget just how mad they were at him. Janet herself had been witness to a couple of them.
"What about you?"
"Excuse, me," Janet reacted.
"Are you going to tell me one of yours," Sam smiled. "I am still dying to find out how in the world the two of you got together!"
Janet blushed a little, her eyes glancing towards the book on the coffee table hiding its secret.
"Sorry, Sam. I'm not ready to talk about that night. I will say it was very romantic as your father can be quite the charmer when he wants to be."
"My Dad…romantic and charming? You've got to tell me now! I can't imagine him being charming as he was always ordering Mark and I around to do our chores, do our homework, eat our dinner or go to bed. And I don't remember him ever doing anything romantic with my mom!"
"He was private about his affairs Sam. But I promise you, he had romantic moments with your mother," Janet devilishly smiled.
"We're not asking for all the details," Cassie chimed in.
"Yes, there are certain…details I don't want to hear about my father," Sam said, making Janet laugh.
"Well…" Janet smiled, leaning forward and grabbing the book. She opened it to reveal the rose and opera tickets. The rose's aroma still powerful enough to draw the memories of that night to the surface of Janet's mind. "I must say when I first met your father I never imagined him the kind of guy who would attend the opera, be an excellent kisser and be a flower thief! All three of which I found out in a single evening..."
Colonel Pierce had just arrived at gate control. He had several minutes before making his scheduled communiqué with Earth. So he decided to test his coffee to see if it was cool enough to drink. He took a small sip.
"Shit!" he hissed, as it was still too hot.
Not only that, he spilled some of it down his chin and onto the floor.
"Here, Sir," Lt. Pennbaker said, handing Pierce a napkin.
"You've only been here a week and you already know my bad habits," Pierce smiled.
"Just trying to do my best, Sir. This is my first assignment off world! I intend to make the most of it!"
Pierce laughed, "You're ambitious, I'll give you that! But you must learn to be patient. And smart! Do both and you will go far."
"Yes, Sir," Pennbaker smiled turning back to his station. "Shall I dial Earth, Sir?"
"May as well," he said, squatting down to wipe up the coffee mess.
Three things happened so fast that they nearly happened at the same time!
First Pierce saw a bright light out of the corner of his eyes, Pennbaker was shouting for him, and Pierce heard the discharge of a staff weapon. Next, Pennbaker fell to the floor dead before Pierce. The man's eyes wide open and the hole in his chest smoldering.
Pierce didn't even have time to react to the smell of scorched flesh. He barely had time to hit the alarm. But he managed to do so. His efforts were rewarded when his own arm was torched from the fire of a Jaffa's staff weapon.
He cried out, clutching his arm. Two Jaffa suddenly beamed in front of the gate. In the nearby corridors, Pierce could hear more weapons fire from the Jaffa and his own personnel. Cries of battle, agony and death followed.
It was difficult to ascertain who the cries belonged to as Pierce felt the burning hot blast hit him squarely in the chest. He laughed! He actually managed to laugh! He didn't feel a thing! Not even as he fell backwards onto the floor.
A single large Jaffa stood above Pierce, smiling. His dark eyes seemed to relish the death before him. His gold insignia ended up being the last thing Pierce saw before everything faded to black as he released his last breath.