Title: Garden of Eden
Author: Carhop
Email: PG-13, adult situations, angst, minor bad language
Pairing: Sam/Jack
Archive: SJD, yes; Heliopolis, yes; others please ask.
Summary: They've finally committed to each other, but even Eden has its serpents.
Disclaimer: Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions. I have written this story for entertainment purposes only and no money whatsoever has exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the authors. Not to be archived without permission of the author.
Spoilers: Requires general knowledge of the show. Shades of Gray, episodes with Anise and Jacob.
Timeframe: Approximately season five
Status: Part four of the Eden series: "It's a Small World", "Dream World" and "Eden Obsession"
Author's Notes: Feedback is always much appreciated. Profuse thanks to my excellent beta readers Fulinn, Honeybee519 and StarShadowHE. Any remaining mistakes are my own.
Part 1
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JACK
Sam was bored, a state I've come to dread. The first big snowfall of the very first winter humans had ever lived on Eden had blocked us into the cabin. Snowball fights kept her busy for an hour or so, cleaning the already squeaky-clean cabin took another couple of hours. The snow was too deep for a walk and her laptop batteries drained all too quickly.
She was sitting on the floor in front of the fire, lost in thought. I knew as soon as she came up with an idea, I'd have to leave my drafting table and designs and we'd be tearing off to make whatever it was happen. In the past three months, our relationship had morphed into something unrecognizable from the Colonel and Major relationship of SG-1. We were partners now. She ran Eden Base and the scientific research station. I made plans for the colony-to-be. Together we made up the planetary government, still answerable to Earth and the powers that be, but pretty autonomous all the same. We made an amazing team.
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SAM
Bored, bored, bored. For once Jack was happily occupied revising the designs of some portion of the colony site, maybe the recycling/water treatment center, or perhaps the community center. I had tons of work to do, but all my laptop batteries were dead. I mentally reminded myself, 'Gotta get that solar charger ordered, first thing.' The sun outside was calling me, but the last time I looked the snow was four feet deep, at least, and the trail up and over the ridge was too steep to slog through snow drifts and icy paths.
"Why don't we have a set of rings? That would get us out of here in a flash. But then, it's not like they're just lying around." I jumped up and glanced out the window. Encouraged by what I saw, I moved over to the sofa and settled on one end. "I wonder…"
I was thinking aloud to Jack, who was pretty much ignoring me. He grunted periodically to make it seem like he was paying attention. I decided to have a little fun with him. "Dad just called on the BatPhone and he's staying with us for the six months until its spring on Earth. You don't mind sleeping on the couch until the wedding, do you, Jack? You and Dad can share."
"Whatever you say, sweetheart," he murmured, not looking up from his designs.
"Anise is coming too. She especially wanted to spend some time with you. I told her you'd show her a really good time."
"Hmmm?" He scrunched up his face, still concentrating on the plans. Her name must have caught his ear.
"She's going on the honeymoon with us. Anise and I can take turns." His head popped up like a meerkat, eyes reflecting sheer horror. Snicker.
"Huh, what? Take turns? Tok'ra Spice … and you?" His look of utter panic was priceless. He saw my smirk and started to look guilty. "Sorry. I sorta got wrapped up in the designs. What were you saying about rings?"
I patted the cushion next to me on the couch. "Come over here, Jack, and I'll tell you the brilliant idea I just had. You're gonna love it."
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JACK
Groan. I just knew this was going to involve things that made my knees and back ache already.
I sat on the couch next to her and slid my arm around her shoulders. "Amaze me with your brilliance, Doctor." Her smile took my breath away, as always. I dipped my head to kiss her and lost myself in the feeling of her lips on mine. Minutes later, she pulled back from the kiss and amazed me with her brilliance. Again.
"Remember, P34-353J? The base the Tok'ra were at when we first met them?" I nodded.
"Much of the equipment is still there and the Goa'uld didn't stick around afterward."
"So?"
"Well, according to the reports I've read, most of it was damaged beyond repair, but the two sets of rings were still working when the last Tok'ra escaped, using them to get to the gate."
"And?"
"We need them," she said firmly.
"O-kaaaay. And just what would we do with them?" Her point really escaped me this time. Just like most of the time.
"We install one set of them here in the cabin and use it to get wherever we want to go in inclement weather."
"So, how do we justify taking the first set for ourselves?" I thought I had her there, but she was ready for me. Sam grinned enthusiastically, really getting into her argument here.
"We use the first set here as a proof of concept. Plus, we, as the colony and base leaders, need to get to either the colony or base or stargate at a moment's notice. There are at least three other sets of abandoned rings I can think of that could be salvaged and used here." Her look was triumphant, justifiably so. Fast and efficient transportation to just about anywhere on Eden would revolutionize the colony from a primitive wilderness village to a modern community.
"You are brilliant, Sam." I leaned closer to show my appreciation of her solution to one of my primary challenges in designing the colony, but she hopped to her feet and hauled me up by the arm.
"Let's get going, then."
"Wha …Where? The snow is too deep to get anywhere. Can't you just enjoy a day off, Sam?" I whined.
"Look outside. It's mid-afternoon and almost half the snow is gone. We could probably make it to base in an hour or so. Let's try out those new snowshoes. Where's your sense of adventure, Colonel?"
Groan. My knees were hurting already.
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SAM
So it took us two hours to get up and down the slippery hill and then wade through slush and mud to the base. Who's counting? The snow was already gone there, making the last stretch much easier.
"Jack, I'm going to check in with Eric, see what's up around here today." Tech Sergeant Eric Browne was the admin we shared. "Why don't you stop by our quarters and change out of those, uh, wet things." I had to bite my lips to keep from grinning at the sight of him. While we walked down the trail, a large clump of wet snow fell on me from a tree limb, upsetting my balance. Ever the gentleman, Jack sat down in a patch of mud while trying to keep me from sliding down the hill. He nodded silently, grimacing at the icky feeling of mud-soaked clothing, and walked gingerly toward our assigned cabin. The legs and butt of his trousers slapped wetly with each step. I bit my lip harder to keep in the peals of laughter that threatened to burst out.
'Oops. Better have the cook make him something special for dessert.' With that thought - and a chuckle or two or three - I changed course and headed for the mess hall. Sgt. Bodine was sitting on the back porch taking a break. "Sergeant, may I ask a favor of you for tonight?"
"Why certainly, ma'am. Need a special dessert for the colonel again?" Monroe Bodine had quickly become my firm ally after we met. We were kindred spirits, fellow chocoholics and fellow fans of my colonel.
I chuckled. "You know me too well. Yes, the poor man fell in a mud patch keeping me from a rather nasty slide down the hillside." I mimicked Jack waddling trying not to let his wet trousers touch his body. Bodine laughed, his large stomach shaking. The thought, 'Gonna have to get the sergeant out of his kitchen and into the gym,' flashed through my mind.
"I'll see what I can do for you, Colonel. I just got a shipment of fresh fruit and some new spices yesterday. Now I just have to get those sassy new troops movin'." His Arkansas accent always got stronger when he was annoyed.
"Anything I can help you with, sergeant?"
"Naw, ma'am. Just gotta kick some discipline into 'em. Nothin' real new."
"I'm sure you have it under control. I'd better get going or I'll never get anything done before it's time for dinner. Thanks for your help." I waved goodbye and headed toward the office again.
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JACK
"Colonel O'Neill, good to see you. Colonel Carter told me you're taking a little trip off world. She's finishing up some paperwork now. Major Collins sent several new plans for the colony infrastructure for your review, and there are a pile of requisitions to sign."
I let out a groan and Sgt. Browne grinned in sympathy. "Just keep thinking about what you have to look forward to next summer with actual construction starting, sir. Fresh air, heavy equipment to ride, construction workers to boss around," he said persuasively.
"Please keep reminding me, Eric."
He snorted softly and handed me my mail. Sam was in her office working at her PC, typing rapidly. I crept up behind her using my best Special Ops techniques and placed a small kiss on her neck. She let out a tiny squeak and spun in her chair to face me.
"Jack! You startled me." Her smile always lit up my day, no matter how many times I saw it.
"Whatcha doin', Carter?" This always got a laugh.
"Sending an email to the guys inviting them to join us on our little scavenger hunt." I raised my eyebrows. "You're telling me you'd give up a chance to not only see them again, but Teal'c's strong back?"
"Sam, I can tell you're going to be planning most of our vacations from now on. It's those extra little details that make the experience." Her sardonic smile got a shrug from me. I rocked back and forth on the balls of my feet, hands in my pockets. "So, when do we leave for this scavenger hunt?"
"I thought we'd go two days from now. A week there, give or take a day, should do it. We haven't taken any time off since I got here and we're more than due."
"Do you know how to find the rings and how to get them out?"
"Martouf explained how they work. If I can find the master control, there's a maintenance mode I can place them in for removal. Finding them shouldn't be hard. The control crystals resonate at specific ultra-sonic frequencies detectable …" She must have seen my eyes glaze over because she snickered and said, laughter in her voice, "Yes, Colonel, I can find and remove them."
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SAM
Cook's surprise dessert was apple pie alamode, one of Jack's favorites. When it showed up his face lit up. I saw Sergeant Bodine peeking out of the kitchen and, out of Jack's line of sight, I raised my fist, thumbs up. He smiled and retreated into his domain.
Between bites, Jack asked, "Did you arrange this, Sam?"
"Who, me? Bodine did it all himself," I said, innocence itself. "Besides, I owe you one for saving me this afternoon."
"Anytime, Sam; I'll always be there for you." The love and desire in his eyes sent a shiver through me. I bit my lip and threaded my fingers with those on his free hand.
Suddenly, I felt eyes boring into the back of my head. "I think we have an audience, Jack." I supposed I really should have been used to it by then, ours seemingly being the most entertaining relationship on base. I casually looked around and saw Dr. Morris staring at us, hostile as ever. I nodded at him and received nothing in return but more of his reptilian gaze.
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JACK
"Colonel, Colonel." Morris nodded to each of us in turn. "When will I have the new equipment I ordered?"
"As soon as it's delivered, you'll have it. I can't be any more exact than that, Dr. Morris. The vendor couldn't guarantee Sgt. Browne a delivery date because the hardware is so customized." Sam was controlling her temper with the very annoying mineralogist. I was never as glad as when she took over managing the scientists. At least she could speak their language.
"How can I be expected to produce the research the government wants with such incompetent help?"
Before I could jump to her defense, Sam answered him coolly, "Well, Dr. Morris, if your demands weren't so outlandish you wouldn't have to wait for equipment to be specially built. If you require an update on your order, speak to Sgt. Browne tomorrow. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to finish my dinner in peace." With an angry sniff, the annoying man turned on his heel and stalked away.
"I'm impressed, Colonel. You handled him quite well." I picked up her hand and kissed it.
"I learned everything I know from watching you, Jack." Sam snickered and continued, "You showed me exactly how not to behave in every circumstance." I bit her hand. She laughed again took another bite of the wonderful dessert.
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SAM
"Yes sir, Morris is becoming more of a problem every day. His constant complaining and backbiting have influenced several of the younger and more impressionable airmen and scientists on base. Discipline is suffering and supervisors are starting to send me complaints about their behavior. Is there anything you can do to get him recalled?" I had had my fill of the good doctor and was determined to see the last of him.
"I understand your concerns, Colonel, but his funding comes from the NID, where I have no authority or influence. However, I will see what I can do."
I knew General Hammond could work wonders, such as my position here, but understood his limitations when dealing with the NID. "I appreciate anything you can do, sir."
"Keep me informed about the situation with Dr. Morris. In the meantime, how are things going on Eden, Colonel?"
"Very well, sir. The shells for the new cabins are finished now and the technicians and contractors are working on the insides. We'll be ready for the construction crews next spring. We had a significant snowfall and Jack and I had an interesting time getting to the base yesterday. Fortunately, mud washes off." We both chuckled.
"Sir, this brings up a project I'd like to pursue in our spare time, but I'd like your approval as well."
"You have me intrigued, Colonel. Please continue."
"I'd like to retrieve a set of rings from one of the deserted Tok'ra planets and install them in our cabin - as a proof of concept, of course. If I can get them working, there are several other sets we could salvage and install on Eden. It would dramatically improve our situation over the long run."
"I can see where it would. If the Stargate wasn't secret on Earth, we would use them ourselves. It's an outstanding idea, Colonel Carter. You have my approval. Do you need anything?" His voice betrayed his enthusiasm.
"Once the first set is working, I'll probably ask for some assistance. For now, we're doing this on our downtime, with the help of Teal'c and Daniel."
"Very well, Colonel Carter. Keep me informed. I think you'll have a lot of people interested in this little experiment."
"Sir, one issue you might consider how best to handle is notifying the Tok'ra that we're taking technology from their old bases."
"Yes. Good suggestion. I'll contact them about it."
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JACK
As much as I loved Eden and thought of it as my home, it was good to be going off world again, especially with the lovely Carter at my side. Seeing Teal'c and Daniel again was an added bonus.
P34-353J was just as I remembered it, dry, sandy and hot. "Ahhhh, this takes me back." Carter's grin at my little attempts at humor was more open than in our SG-1 days. Daniel and Teal'c, having arrived before us, were there to appreciate my wit, as well.
Sam embraced each of them enthusiastically. "Daniel, Teal'c, it's great to see you guys again! Thanks for coming to help us. Why don't we get a shelter set up, and then we can work on finding the ring controls. I don't imagine this place is any too comfortable after noon."
"Yes, ma'am." I executed a snappy salute and she grinned wider. Setting up camp and a working shelter took no time at all since we were so used to working together. Finding the rings took a little longer.
"Jack, would you and Teal'c search in that direction?" she pointed at a small ridge behind us, "And Daniel and I will search over here." She handed Teal'c a detector to check for the frequencies at which the ring's crystals should resonate. Pointing to the small display in his hands, Sam explained, "Check the frequencies between here and there. Anything outside those points will be some other type of crystal. Valuable, but not what we're here for today."
I really enjoyed watching her taking charge. Somehow, it was very arousing, but then, everything about her was. Boy, did I have it bad.
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SAM
"Sam, we've checked every side of this dune and the two on either side and there's still no sign of the controls. Are you sure the Tok'ra haven't come back for the rings?" Daniel was hot and sweaty, sitting under the shelter, fanning himself with his hat.
"Yes. Dad told me they rarely come back for technology once they desert a world. It's too easy to trace them to the new base that way." I had to admit that it was looking discouraging. "The ring room controls should be within a relatively small distance of the rings. Maybe they're deeper than our scanners can search." I sighed heavily.
"Hey Sam, Teal'c found the crystals!" The scratchy sound of Jack's voice galvanized Daniel and me into action. Grinning at each other like idiots, we ran as fast as the oppressive heat would allow toward their location.
"Over here." Jack's shout lead us to them. Teal'c was digging a hole in the sand, which was filling in as rapidly as he emptied it. "How far down will these doohickeys be, Sam?"
"From the hints Dad and Martouf gave me, it should be no more than 20-30 feet down." At their groans, I held up my hands, palms out. "Hold on, hold on, guys. It's not that bad. I brought a few doohickeys of my own that'll make it much easier."
Daniel turned his back to Jack and leaned toward me to whisper in my ear, "He's rubbing off on you already?" I sniggered softly and made a play smack to his arm. He grinned and ducked. It was so good to be back with them, even for such a short time.
Continued in Part 2