Hey there! It's here! xD I'll shut up quickly so you can enjoy it.
M.
Chapter LVI
June 30th,2005
Underground Sanctuary.
Will was pacing in front of Helen's desk; it was already late in the afternoon. Helen was on the third call with Vanessa since Helen had called her to help the previous night. All he could hear was Helen's side of the conversation which so far, comprised plenty of "I see," "I understand," "yes," and a lot of muttered 'bastard!'s.
"That's great news, Vanessa, give me a couple of minutes, and you'll have access to it," Helen smiled. "Thank you. Send him my regards," she finished, lowering the phone finally.
"So?" Will asked eagerly, while Helen pinched the bridge of her nose. "What did she say?"
"Besides what we already knew from the morning call," Helen said, "she had some issues getting a judge appointed for the General's case. Several of them recused themselves from taking part in a USAF-COPD battle."
"It's not a USAF-COPD battle!" Will said outraged.
"Exactly what Vanessa pointed out to the last available judge," Helen said. Her phone went off then, and she hoped it was good news. "Magnus."
Will settled to observe her expressions as he listened to a set of 'okay,' 'well done,' and 'yes.' Before she said one last, "Thank you, Henry! Yes, you know what to do. Let me know if you need assistance."
"What did he find?" Will asked.
"Well, after Vanessa's first call, he checked the location information we had available on Shanahan and found out there were two places where he has spent most of his time. He organized two teams to search for anything incriminating in them. Now we own all the evidence Shanahan claims having," Helen said.
"We already knew he had cameras at Sam's. I thought Henry had made sure he didn't catch anything beyond Sam getting in and out of her house," Will frowned.
"Yes, her house is clean, so to speak. Now, this might bother you somewhat, but I had asked Henry to check the General's house too. He found four cameras hidden outside his house. We believe they weren't there for the General's safety. Thus, Henry gained control of them too."
"Wait, when we could've asked?"
"Technically, we didn't do anything wrong," she smiled, and he rolled his eyes at her. "All the cameras were found around the house, not inside. Henry never entered, although he should just to be on the safe side. Now, he also has the original feed of some other cameras we didn't spot, or we didn't care for before. Henry will search if there's something odd in the remaining tapes. There are months' worth of footage. If needed, he will replace it with empty footage as if it never happened."
"You mean there was evidence of what he was accusing them of?" Will asked.
"So far, Henry found a video of them hugging briefly on Sam's porch. That one was from a front dash camera. A hug is hardly inappropriate."
"That was fast, how did Henry find that so quickly?" Will asked.
"Can you believe it was being played non stop on one of Pete's computers?" Helen shook her head. "Shanahan helped us by obsessing over it. Thanks to that video, we know he has a dash camera. I surely hope the contents of it aren't damning."
"You think there's something that could compromise anyone?"
"I'm not sure, William. If not them, it could compromise us. We know when we found the cameras in her place, but the dash camera…" she sighed. "If he was following her for months, he could've caught us when we went to that BBQ at the General's house. There's no way we can know for sure what he could have filmed."
"That sucks," Will huffed, making her smile.
"Language, William. After processing the footage we have, I'll ask Henry to cross-reference the days he was located near the warehouse with our entry software. That might show us if he could get something from there."
"Sounds like Henry will have plenty of work to do there."
"I'm afraid he will. We can't make them disappear without giving Pete more rope to hang the General. He could imply the General had his place swept clean to protect himself. Henry can't edit everything out either. Chances are they will notice it's a fake."
"What's Vanessa's take on this?"
"Well, I've forewarned Vanessa that recordings could include us too since we visited them. When she presented her case to set the bail, she also requested access to whatever incriminating video Pete could present. Vanessa mentioned she should use the same evidence Shanahan present's to press stalking charges against Pete on behalf of the General. She believes that by playing her hand smartly, she could even manage to get the USAF to sue Pete, since stalking personnel that works at top-secret facilities could be considered a breach of security."
"Sending her surely is paying off," Will grinned.
"It always does," Helen smiled. Her phone went off again, and this time, Will growled. It seemed to him that every time they were almost at peace, the thing started ringing again.
"Magnus," she said once again, shaking her head at Will's antics. "Oh, Vanessa, we were waiting to hear from you! To be honest, I thought it would take longer." Helen said, and then there was another pause. She winked at Will as she felt him staring at her intently. "Great news, I'll let you know when she is around, she can talk to you and organize her situation. Thank you."
"Well?" Will asked, scooting forward in his seat.
"The payment was approved, and they are getting out of the station as we speak," Helen grinned.
"That's good news."
"Yes, General O'Neill is free, for now," Helen said and cringed, she didn't need to look up to see Ashley had teleported in with Sam in tow.
"What do you mean by 'General O'Neill is free for now?" Sam frowned. "Does it have to do with the fact that he wasn't at the SGC today?"
"Samantha," Helen sighed. "This is not exactly how I hoped you would find out. There's something you need to know, please take a seat." Helen said, pointing to the free chair in front of her desk. Ashley stood behind her. "Pete used last night's events to press charges against General O'Neill."
"You've got to be kidding me!" Sam huffed. She blinked several times, hoping that it was some sort of nightmare.
"What? That ass!" Ashley hissed, at the same time.
"I wish I was kidding, Samantha. The General was detained yesterday while he was giving his version of the afternoon events. He used his call to get Doctor Frasier to call me. I've sent the best lawyer we have to help him."
"But?" Sam asked.
"He had to spend the night in the station jail. It wasn't until just recently that our lawyer managed to convince the judge that General O'Neill should be granted bail. Then, it took some convincing for the General to take it," Helen said.
"Wait, the night? You knew this, and he had to spend the night in prison?" Sam blinked.
"Yes. Sometimes I also have limitations, Samantha."
"Why didn't you say something?" Sam huffed. "I could…"
"You could what?" Helen asked, crooking her head with a knowing look on her face. "Truth is, there's nothing you or anyone of us could've done until this morning. Even then, none of us has a law degree, we wouldn't do much more than annoy the lawyer and judge." She locked gazes with Sam which made her understand what her mother wasn't saying, 'you were in no condition to go there, Samantha.'
"What are the charges?" Sam wondered, with an accepting sigh.
"Stalking, abuse of power, assault, and defamation," Helen said. "Pete claims to have proof."
"Of Jack assaulting him?" Sam snorted.
"Pete claims that last night was an organized event that allowed General O'Neill to knock him out. He claims that if you weren't there, General O'Neill would have killed him."
"I could've killed him," Ashley muttered. Helen looked at her with a knowing look that said she agreed and would've done it too if she could get away with it.
"When are they freeing him?" Sam asked.
"He was released when you teleported here."
"Ash, can you," Sam started. Before she had a chance to finish, Ashley teleported her away.
June 30th,2005
General O'Neill's House
Jack was on his way to the living room when he heard the knock on his door. He wasn't expecting anyone. His plans for the night consisted of discussing his situation further with the woman who was currently inside his living room talking on her phone. With a shrug, he hung the towel he was using to dry his hair, on the hook inside the entry closet door. Jack tried to muss his hair into something that looked decent, and with an accepting sigh, he opened the door.
"Jack," Sam said breathily, throwing herself into his arms and lacing her hands behind his neck. "I'm sorry," she chanted several times.
Jack's hands found her back and embraced her tightly before he took a couple of steps back to bring them inside and closed the door with a kick.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know," she added. "If I knew I would…"
"Jack?" A female voice called.
Sam noticed then that Jack's hair was damp, and he smelled like fresh out of his shower. She blushed profusely as she untangled herself from him.
"Here you are! Hi, I'm Vanessa," the woman, a tall redhead with white eyes, said to Sam while offering her hand. "You must be Samantha."
"Yes," Sam agreed with a nod. She tried not to hiss. Redhead seemed to be his new preferred color. Then she frowned. "How did you know?"
"Who you are? You look exactly like your mother," Vanessa answered with a smile.
"My mother?"
"Yes, Helen sent me. If humans weren't so visually impaired, they would know by my eyes alone that I'm abnormal," she grinned. "By the way, I just finished a call with your mother."
"Why?" Sam frowned.
"She is my lawyer, I asked your mother for help," Jack said.
"I know that! Mom said she sent a lawyer, but…" Sam stopped herself. 'But, what?' she thought. 'she didn't say the lawyer was a redhead with legs that went on forever?'
"Risking sounding too welcoming when it isn't even my house, please Samantha, come in. As I've said before, I was just on the phone with your mother while Jack went to the shower. Trust me, the first thing everyone does after being detained is enjoying a private shower."
"Can I get you something first, Carter?" Jack asked mostly to try to calm the feelings her embrace had sent shivering down his body. "I made some coffee."
"That sounds lovely, sir," Sam added.
"You can be Jack and Sam for all I care. There's client-attorney confidentiality," Vanessa told them before she moved to Jack's living room.
"You need a hand?" Sam asked. He knew she wanted to ask if he was okay.
"Nah, I'm good. Don't worry, Carter, you know it's not my first round in a cramped space," Jack grinned. Sam shook her head.
"Of course, I've been there myself," she smiled.
"Carter, she's nice and good at her job. She also has the awful tendency to answer before you finish your question," Jack added, looking towards the living room and smiled at her.
"I'll be over there," Sam added, pointing to the living room.
"Carter," he called before she turned around. "We'll talk when she leaves," Jack whispered before he disappeared towards the kitchen.
"Samantha," Vanessa said. "Is it okay if I call you that? That's how Helen calls you when she talks about you."
"You can call me Sam, everyone else does."
"Great! So, Sam. I'll be straightforward with you while we wait for him. Your mother called me to find Jack. When I arrived at the station, Jack was already being held, and you were still under questioning."
"I only know he was held for the night," Sam said.
"Yes. Also, you are my client too, Sam. So, I'll need you to set up some time tomorrow to talk to me about what you want to do with this case," and then Vanessa grinned. "We can let Pete rot in jail."
"How?"
"Abnormal, remember?" she said, pointing to her eyes and smiled. Jack chose that moment to enter the room with two mugs of coffee. Vanessa looked from Jack to Sam, and then she smiled. "I'm exhausted. How about we take a raincheck talking about this case of yours, Jack?"
"Are you sure? You said you wanted to walk through the events again, in case there was something else you were missing," Jack frowned.
"We can do that in the morning. I don't expect to be granted access to your secret base, but I suppose you can come to meet me bright and early, Jack. You have my phone number in the card I gave you," she grinned mischievously then. "Maybe, you can show Samantha my card once I leave?"
"I suppose," Jack frowned.
"Why don't you just give me a card?" Sam frowned, and Vanessa held herself from rolling her eyes.
"I gave the last one to him," she grinned as she stood up and started to walk to the door. Then, she shook her head again and turned around. Vanessa knew that even if she could walk herself to the door, Jack would follow her.
"Thanks, Vanessa, for a bit I thought I wouldn't make it out of there," Jack said.
"A piece of advice, Jack," Vanessa said with a grin. "Don't let her go. If she is even a quarter like her mother, she is worth the pain. Good night."
With that, she disappeared outside, and he stood by the door, noticing just then that Sam's car wasn't around. Then he shook his head and walked to the woman that was waiting for a conversation.
"So, Carter," Jack said. Sam bit her lower lip as she looked up at him.
"I'm sorry, this is all my fault," she said, standing up.
"Sam, it is not your fault," he said, nearing her.
"It was my fiancé, he hates you because of me," she pointed out.
"Well, you said yes to his proposal, I give you that. But the guy is an ass, more than that even," he said, clenching his jaw as he remembered how he found her pleading for help. Sam saw the darkness flicking in his eyes.
"Hey," Sam whispered, placing a hand on his cheek. "What happened, or what almost happened, is not your fault, Jack," she said, looking at him reassuringly.
"Oh, Sam," he said, wrapping her in his arms. "I wanted to kill the man for touching you like that," he confessed.
"Jack," she whispered but kept themselves in their embrace.
"Carter?" Jack asked once the embrace seemed to go on forever.
"Yes?" Sam said, untangling herself from him.
"How did you get here?" he asked then. "I didn't see your car nor heard your bike coming," he said. Sam blushed.
"I ran."
"You what?!" Jack exclaimed.
"Well, Ashley got me home. Something about blowing some steam before I get here…" she shrugged. "With the speed I can currently run at, it isn't that far," she grimaced.
"Ah, I keep forgetting you are wonder girl," he grinned. "It's late, Sam. I should take you home."
"Actually… I…. I was wondering…"
"Yes?" Jack asked.
"Never mind," she said, shaking her head.
"You want to stay?" he asked, and she nodded hopefully. "Come, I'll help you get the room ready," he said, offering her hand and leading her to the second room of his house.
Alone with their thoughts as they fixed the bed, Jack and Sam remembered the few months after they returned from that ice age planet. The post-mission briefing had sent them all straight to the Psych office. Since 'Thera' and 'Jonah' had developed a much more intimate relationship, 'Sam and 'Jack' were suffering from the separation. At that point, the double set of personalities had translated into insomnia and the separation into aggressive behavior. The Psych had marked a joined appointment and simply told them to find a neutral room and sleep. She also added that if the military had a problem with it, she would step up and say it was a health-over-rules situation, providing nothing but sleep happened.
Once the first sleepover happened, they showed improvements. So, their Psych gave them a calendar. They started then, the process of detaching themselves of "Jonah and Thera" by sleeping together for a couple of days, then not. Sharing a bed, then a house, until their sleepovers happened once a month and finally, not at all.
They both were still feeling the desire to sleep together, but they put on a brave front. As they worked on it, the Psych allowed them to go back to active duty. That helped them to distract themselves from their issues. Months later, they had managed to put those intimate moments behind.
Jack looked at Sam once they finished, and this time it was Jack who started the embrace. He planted a kiss on her forehead, and she sighed.
"I'll be right next door if you need me, Sam. Really, just come knocking. You know I'll do anything for you," he whispered.
"Jack, I'm afraid that asking this is too much but, can you hold me tonight? I barely slept last night with all the images in my head and…"
"I don't need the excuses, Sam. I just need you to ask for it," he added with a crooked smile. She blushed under his gaze. "I ... you…" he huffed, he didn't want to make her uncomfortable, but he wasn't sure how his comment would make her feel.
"What is it?" She asked with a smile. "It is just me here, you know?"
'That's why it gets more difficult,' he thought. "I was wondering if you would like to shower. It's not like you to," he groaned, making her chuckle. Sam's hand found his arm.
"Jack, we did this before, you know I love to shower before sleep. I also ran to your house from mine. I'm sure I stink," Sam grinned. "It's very thoughtful of you to ask, thank you," she said, and he pointed to the door.
"I have your duffel bag in my room," he blushed. "I got it from the cleaner yesterday before the mess."
"From the cleaner?" Sam frowned in confusion.
"Yeah, it's been a long while since the whole Thera/Jonah thing. I keep sending your things to the cleaner just in case," he trailed off. Sam beamed at him. She understood what he meant, 'in case you ever needed it, needed me,' her eyes filled with tears.
"Thank you, Jack," she whispered. He nodded and then awkwardly dismissed himself to get the bag she had long ago left in his house. One she never asked for again and he never found a way to return. If he was honest with himself, he never did because he took the comfort of seeing it in his room.
She stood rooted in her spot, wondering what the hell she was doing. That incident was years behind them, and it took them both a while to be themselves after it. She had the fleeting thought to get back to her house until Jack entered the room. He passed her the bag, and everything seemed not quite perfect but right.
"I'll be in the living room, let me know when you are ready." He walked away, closing the door behind him and after a quick shower, she changed into the shorts and T-shirt she had left behind.
"I'm ready," Sam said, leaning against the entrance of the living room. He looked up and smiled. He sure loved to see her in his home while looking so utterly comfortable being there.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Sam?" Jack asked as he got closer to her. "Isn't too soon after what almost happened," she stopped him by raising her hand and caressing his cheek.
"I need to, Jack, because of it," she bit her lower lip. "I know I'm safe with you."
He nodded and linked their hands. Like that, they walked side by side to the spare room. She lifted the covers aside and sat on the bed while he looked at her. Sam frowned as she looked at a very pensive Jack. She noticed then that she wasn't taking his opinion into account.
"I know I'm sure about this. Now, tell me, do you want to do this, Jack?" She asked, and he smiled.
"If you have to know, I was wondering if this could complicate things," he said, pointing the bed. Sam smiled, she knew he understood what she meant, but as usual, when it came to them, he preferred to stall it.
"Well, I suppose it could. If someone wants to use this," Sam said, repeating the gesture he did. "against us. Now for that to happen, they would have to know it first. But that's not what I've asked," she pointed out. He shook his head and sat beside her.
"I'm here whenever you need me," Jack said, and she had to hold her breath to deal with the emotions that his words raised. "We should try and sleep, in the morning I will drop you home."
'I am home,' she thought as he laid behind her.
"Thank you," she whispered once the lights were off. As if darkness had made her braver, she searched for his hand and brought it close to her heart.
"Always," Jack whispered, placing a barely-there kiss on her shoulder. To Sam's ears, his words sounded like an 'I love you,' so she chose to answer in the same manner.
"Always," she let out, squeezing his hand, and soon they were both asleep.
July 16th, 2006
Jack's house
After that night, Sam hadn't come searching for him, but he knew she was going down to the Sanctuary. She told him she was getting help, and he knew she didn't say that only to calm him. Jack could see the small changes in her demeanor.
The doorbell chimed, and he frowned, he wasn't expecting anyone. He walked to the front door and opened it, to find the object of his affections.
"Carter?"
"Hi, sir… mind if I come on in?"
"Not at all. Want some beer?"
"Nope, I'm not here for long. I…" she sighed.
"Let me grab you a soda then. Go, make yourself comfortable. I'll be with you in no time."
Sam walked to his living room and spotted the swing set he had once set up for Cassie, but he never took away. When he reached his living room, he frowned until he spotted her slowly swinging in the backyard. He shook his head and walked to her.
"Having fun?" he grinned. "Don't tell anyone. I never took that down because I love to swing every once in a while."
"Really?"
"Yup. Here," Jack said, passing her a can of her favorite soda.
"Thanks."
"So… what brings you here?" He asked as he sat on the second swing. She took a deep breath.
"Will."
"Will?" She rolled her eyes.
"Yes. I've been seeing him for that thing that almost happened to me. It's far worse than what you might think it was."
"Carter, I was there. How could it be worse than what I've witnessed?"
"Didn't you ever wondered why I never fought back?" She asked, looking to the skies.
"I… I did," Jack said, looking to the floor, feeling ashamed for doubting her while she was forced on an awful situation. "It doesn't mean I think less of you, though."
"I know," she smiled. "Well, Will says I should share my experience. That I should seek a support group if I think I need it."
"Want someone to go with you?"
"No. I want to share my experience with you. If you don't mind? I trust you, Jack. I know you won't judge me for what I want to tell you. Maybe, it will help you understand me a little better."
"If you think it will help you, Sam. I'm all ears."
"I didn't fight Pete back, because I had a trip down memory lane. His assault, well, it brought back memories of the reason why I didn't join the first trip to Abydos."
"Memory lane? You said you were in some other project, and that was why…." He frowned.
"Yes. That other project was hiding from Jonas and healing. He came back from a particularly nasty mission, and he took it out on me. Back then, I wasn't aware of my skills. I was just a scared woman being attacked by someone she thought she loved. He was always so caring until that day."
"He…" Jack's eyes widened in shock. She nodded.
"I ended up in a private clinic. Jonas was banged up from his mission, so he claimed we were in an accident. He was so freaking charming that no one doubted him. Not even when my injuries couldn't be from any other accident."
"Sam…" he said, searching for her hand.
"Back then, the doctors and nurses helped me heal my body wounds. But no one would talk about what happened. Jonas came to visit, but he wouldn't talk to me, he wouldn't look at me in the eye. I asked him not to return, to leave my apartment, and then, I returned his ring. I figured out if it happened once, it would happen twice."
"God, if he weren't dead, I would kill him again!" Jack hissed. Sam smiled.
"Once I was released, I got home and cried when I found out he was gone. I grabbed some clothes and slept in a hotel for the following days until I could sell my place and find another. I couldn't face that apartment. It held too many memories. After that, the nightmares started. I couldn't keep a friendship, and I started pushing all the men out of my life, including my brother."
"What about Daniel, Teal'c and I?"
"Time. I supposed it was time. I wanted to meet you and Daniel since I read the Abydos file," she shrugged. "Your actions impressed me. When we met, I thought you would notice my weariness around men. So, I put up a front. Then it wasn't needed anymore."
"I see."
"I never really dealt with it. I just buried it, and it led me almost to repeat the situation," she chuckled dryly. "And people say I'm one of the smartest people they know."
"Don't do that. Being assaulted isn't your fault. You didn't deserve it. It's fucked up that the doctors and nurses from that clinic hadn't told anyone about your condition. Or that the USAF itself hadn't tried to learn more."
"So, you don't think I'm less of a soldier for being raped before?"
"Never." She nodded; he could see tears forming in her eyes. "Sam, you could never be anything less than an amazing human being to me. You are a smart, fierce, strong, beautiful woman. Your life experiences only help shape who you are. Yet, even after that, you are caring, loving, and a helluva amazing friend. So, why would I think less of you?"
"I don't know?"
"Come here," he said as he stood up and opened his arms. She fell eagerly into his embrace.
July 20th, 2005
Cheyenne Mountain
Almost four weeks had passed by in a blink of an eye, Jacob Carter was fully recovered but taking things slowly as his age required. He was living at the Sanctuary, 'for medical purposes,' he had stated.
Between court and meetings with Vanessa, visiting the Sanctuary to check up on Jacob, and his regular busy schedule, Jack found himself feeling oddly tired. The pressure of having to listen to Sam explain what happened that afternoon was taking a toll on him. Knowing there was also a past, didn't help his nerves. He was glad that they all had managed to compromise.
The evidence Pete said he had turned out against him as Vanessa hoped. Pete's less skillful lawyer had fallen into Vanessa's charm. Jack learned that the redhead's abnormal skills included 'reading emotions, and angry thoughts, along with some other ones I prefer not to disclose.' Somehow, that last part reminded him of Hathor.
With his evidence alone, Pete was facing ten years in prison. He was already kicked out of the force and facing a five years' sentence for missing his misconduct hearing that happened the week before. The police couldn't find him. Jack had then placed a call to his lawyer, and surprisingly, found Helen Magnus sitting in Vanessa's office when he arrived. He had then explained his worries to them, and the two women had exchanged a knowing glance before Vanessa said he shouldn't worry about Pete's whereabouts. The smile the women shared then told him it was better if he didn't ask. A couple of days later Jack was relieved to read from the local newspaper that Pete hadn't been mysteriously murdered, but had suddenly decided to plead guilty and confessed several other cases. He'd get a lengthy sentence and wouldn't be seen in a long while.
Jack shook his head, surprised when he noticed that two whole hours had passed since he had started analyzing the past month of his life and tried not to dwell much on how he was struggling to sleep after that one night. He was about to lose himself in the memory of having Samantha Carter sleeping between his arms and waking up with her cocooned in his embrace. The red phone went off.
He frowned, as far as he knew, there was no Earth or galaxy crisis, so it was quite surprising to hear it go off after so long.
"O'Neill," Jack answered as he leaned back in his chair and pinched the bridge of his nose, preparing himself for whatever bad news he was about to receive.
"General O'Neill," said the voice he wasn't expecting to hear.
"Doctor Magnus?" Jack asked, surprised by her call. Since that last meeting in Vanessa's office, they hadn't exactly been in touch.
"You seem surprised, General," Helen said.
"It's not like we are best buddies, Doc. Besides, usually, it' me placing the call and not the other way around."
"Well, there is a reason for my call, and believe it or not, it's not a bad one. Breathe, General, you need to do that to survive," she joked, but Jack let out the breath he was holding. "Sorry, I scared you by calling here. It's easier to secure this line since it is already secured."
"What can I do for you?" Jack shook his head.
"I'm just calling to say that Thor's comments about you are spot on. You do have a perfect sense of timing," she said.
"Thanks? Even though I have no idea what that's supposed to mean." Helen chuckled.
"I'm forwarding you an email that will be deleted from your inbox as soon as you finish reading it," Helen said, and his inbox showed what he now knew was a Sanctuary encrypted email. "Please, read it ASAP."
"You got to be kidding," he let out as he read it. "I need to read this one out loud."
"Go ahead then," Helen said, and he could almost see her grin, although her image was quickly replaced by that of her daughter.
"Dear Helen, it's with great regret that I'm writing to inform you that we can't hold your request to postpone the plans any longer. However, I've managed to convince the powers that be, and we will honor your original request," Jack said and took a deep breath.
"Is this serious?" Jack asked then.
"Absolutely, you finished it?"
"Wait," he said, feeling himself tremble with excitement. "Helen, we will wait until the Friday before the requested week to announce his new post to General O'Neill. Also, before we do so, we will ask him to announce to Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter her new, albeit temporary, post at Area 51," Jack stopped again. "Holy Hannah!" Jack said. He heard Helen chuckle, so he continued.
"I hope you understand, Helen, that I've done everything in my hands to delay this as you requested later on. However, the General is required in Washington DC ASAP, and your first requested timeframe was as much as they are willing to compromise and wait for him," Jack read as fast as he could. "Holy Crap! The first requested timeframe?"
"Yes," Helen said and heard him fiddle with something as Jack was frantically searching for a calendar.
"Holy Crap! That's the next week!" He exclaimed.
"I'll take it is enough time?" Helen wondered.
"Yes! I mean, I hope so. Is it?" He said without even stopping to breathe. Helen laughed at him.
"Yes, General, more than enough for my part of the deal," she pointed out.
"Huh, I can't believe it! I can't believe it did work out at the end," Jack said, shaking his head.
"Well, the permission thing is on our side, General. There's still the not so small thing left to do," she said, and Jack's eyes widened.
"Oh, crap? What did I miss?" he asked.
"You still have to get an answer, General, usually you need your bride to say yes before you wed her," she said. "You might also like to ask permission from a certain former USAF General that you like to call 'dad'. I'm sure he'd love it."
"Right, I guess I should get that done first. Can you let Jacob know I'll be there this afternoon?"
"Of course, General," Helen answered, and they went silent for a second.
"So, if she says yes, should I start calling you mom?" Jack grinned. On the other end of the line, Helen laughed.
"Would you feel comfortable calling me that?" She asked.
"I don't think so."
"I thought as much. I'll recall that email now, and I should let you get back to your work."
"Thank you, Doc."
"It was my pleasure, General."
July 20th, 2005
Underground Sanctuary
Jack was pacing in front of the door that leads to Jacob's current room. He saw a couple of people pass by him and look at him oddly, but he couldn't care. His heart was in his throat. For some reason, having this conversation with the just recovered from his almost certain death man was more terrifying than having that conversation with a hundred-plus years old vampire.
Adding to the nervous wreck he was right then, he had just spotted said vampire walking towards him, with a knowing smirk on his face. If he weren't Sam's father, he probably would've tried to punch that smile out of his face, but then again, everyone knew he was annoying even in his most charming behavior.
"General O'Neill," Nikola clapped his hands, and Jack tried not to flinch. "I thought I might find you out here."
"I suppose you know why I'm here?" Jack said.
"No, I don't. But I have pretty decent deductive skills," Nikola grinned. "I don't know what you and Helen are planning, but it requires you to go inside that room and talk with that man. I'm quite certain it won't work if you just stand outside his door," he grinned. In a blink of an eye, Nikola knocked on the door. There was nothing Jack could do to stop him.
"Good luck, General," Nikola added with a toothy grin as he heard movement inside and chose to disappear from the corridor. Jack gulped down the nervous knot that had taken his throat by hostage and felt the knot in the pitch of his stomach tighten as he heard the door unlock.
"Jack! What are you doing here?" Jacob said, moving away from the door a little and giving Jack enough room to enter. Doubtfully, Jack entered the room and followed Jacob to the sitting area. "Not that I'm worried about it or dislike your visits."
Despite having several conversations with Jacob over the years, Jack was now fighting for air as if he hadn't known the man for ages.
"I…" Jack started and fidgeted with his hands.
"What's wrong? Is my presence here causing troubles topside?" Jacob frowned.
"No, nothing of the sort," Jack smiled. He considered he could walk around the thing or just bite the bullet and ask. "How are you feeling?" he asked, fighting the urge to facepalm himself. 'Nice way of biting the bullet, O'Neill," Jack thought as Jacob told him all about his medical situation.
"So, summarizing, I'm alright. Helen says I might be able to see Mark next week," Jacob smiled. Hopefully, Jack choked and coughed then. "Here. Have some water, Jack. Are you sure you are alright?"
"Yeah, don't worry. So, visiting Mark, huh?"
"Yup, William said he could take me to San Diego, and when I feel better, I could drive myself there. Did you know they have several underground sanctuaries all around the globe? It's mind baffling."
"Doctor Magnus mentioned something of the like, yes."
"Jack," Jacob said then, looking at the younger man as if he was assessing something. "I know this is not why you are here. I'm not sure why you are so nervous. But, trust me, you know that it's easier if you rip the band-aid off at once," he added with a slight smile.
"I…" Jack gulped. "I know I should've asked you first." Jacob frowned. "But things happened, and I've already asked Nikola. I know he should've been scarier, but you are surpassing him on that. I guess it has to do with the fact that I know you better," he grimaced.
"Well, then you know that I won't judge unless you have screwed up badly. You know, I learned not to judge, it cost me, my family, before. And despite whatever dark crap happened in your past, you are a good man, Jack. You are a far better man than I'll ever be, I mean I lost my wife, and I lost it. You lost your kid, and here you are."
"I'm not sure you'll think that once I say what I came to say," Jack muttered.
"Then say it."
"I want to marry Sam," Jack said at once. Jacob laughed.
"You know I'm not her, and that's who you need to ask, right?" Jacob said, eyeing Jack, with a lot of care in his eyes.
"Yeah, I will. When I have the chance, and we are not breaking any rules," Jack said.
"Rules are made to be broken, Jack. Sometimes happiness needs you to step over the rules and take the bull by the horns. I know perfectly that, even if regulations have stopped you from being more than CO and 2IC, you always cared about her. Heck, you even confessed it to a room full of people! Regs shouldn't stop you, both of you, from being happy. Not when you guys are playing with fire to protect the Earth and never know if one day that would bite you in the ass."
"So, that's a yes? I have your permission to marry her?"
"No. That's an 'about damn time you come asking, now hurry up and make it happen,'" Jacob grinned, and Jack felt the weight leave his shoulders. "Is that all?"
"Yeah," Jack huffed. "It was easier than I thought it would be."
"It didn't look easy from where I stand," Jacob chuckled. "So, any plans on how many years should I live before you pop the question?" he asked. Jack's eyes were betraying him when a hopeful glint took over them. "Oh, you do!"
"Yes!" Jack grinned. "I didn't intend it to be such a rushed thing, but… I guess I will need to rush it," he added.
"How rushed?" Jacob asked with widened eyes.
"If I'm lucky, she will be my fiancé during the weekend," Jack grinned, Jacob stood up.
"Holy Hannah! Congratulations! I have no idea how you plan to make that happen and not break the rules, but I couldn't care. I just know you are the perfect guy for her," Jacob said and opened his arms, and they shared a quick embrace.
"Thank you, Jacob. Your support means a lot to me."
"Now, if it was hard for you to ask me," Jacob trailed, "have you asked Helen?" Jack laughed.
"She kinda overheard me asking Nikola," Jack laughed. "Remember that comment about the radio she got me the first time you came here?"
"Yeah, something about the radio having only one channel," Jacob said.
"When I asked Nikola, I was pressing the radio button, and luckily the radio I had was on her channel."
"I guess you are one of a kind, Jack," Jacob laughed. "So, what did she say? I bet she is the scariest one of the three of us."
"She is! But she was the one who offered me the solution I'll be using," Jack confessed.
"Well, what can I say, she loves Sam dearly, and she has the right connections, which also makes her the most dangerous of us," Jacob pointed out, and Jack shuddered.
"Don't remind me. You know, now that you agreed, I'm sure she will be searching for help for the following days."
"Well, I'll be right here. If I can help with anything to make sure my Sammie is happy, then I'll be there."
"Thanks, Jacob. Now, I should get myself to her office to finish off some plans before I go home and try to sort my mess."
"Good luck, Jack. I know she will say yes without a shade of a doubt."
"I sure hope so."
July 22nd, 2005
Cheyenne Mountain Complex
Something was off with General O'Neill, and it seemed only she was able to see it. He seemed to be doing a considerable amount of avoiding her. She had gone to see him the previous day, only to have Walter stop her from entering his office. The officer had said he was busy and didn't want to be disturbed.
Sam had nodded at him and directed herself to the control room. She thought that an unplanned check of the gate wouldn't do any harm, but she kept looking at the stairs as she did it. Once the gate was fully operational again, she took the steps up to inform the General, only to find the blinds of his office down and the lights off.
Sam went to the commissary then and didn't find him there either. She checked Daniel's office, and it was also free of Jack. Since she was there, she couldn't be plain rude and not talk to Daniel. When Sam managed to convince her friend that she needed to get some work done, it was already an hour later, but she thought that visiting Teal'c was still an open option. Then she remembered that Teal'c was off-world. The only 'friend' that she hadn't visited was Janet, for two reasons, Jack would never willingly go to Janet when she was on shift, and yesterday Janet had had a day off.
"Sam?" Janet said as she saw her friend wandering the corridors of the SGC towards the infirmary, "everything okay?"
"Yeah," Sam grimaced and shuffled her weight from one leg to the other.
"Walk to my office with me?" Janet said, and Sam nodded. They completed the way in a silence that stretched until they were both inside Janet's little office and sitting. "So, you were heading to the infirmary for no reason?" Janet asked, an eyebrow raised. Sam shook her head.
"No. I was wondering if General O'Neill came to see you today?" Sam asked, and Janet laughed.
"I'm sorry, Sam. I'm not laughing at you. I'm laughing at the idea of Jack O'Neill coming to search for me when I'm on shift for no reason at all. I mean, he knows that if he comes without a valid reason, I will be pushing him into some tests. The man hates Doctors, and I love to tease him about it. You know, I still marvel that he likes to call me friend," her expression changed then when she noticed Sam's frown.
"What's the matter? Why are you here?" Janet asked, concern covering her face. Sam huffed.
"I think something is going on with him, Janet," Sam said in a worried tone.
"Why'd you say something like that?"
"He is avoiding me for starts, since Wednesday. I know it's only two days since Wednesday."
"He might be just busy."
"That's what Walter said, that he was busy so I couldn't go into his office. But, an hour later, he was gone. Daniel said yesterday that he hadn't seen Jack since Wednesday lunch, you haven't seen him. I haven't seen him. Then, I thought I saw him at my mom's home, but I guess it was wishful thinking."
"I'm sure he is okay, Sam. I know we would be the first ones to know if something was wrong," Janet pointed.
"Colonel Carter to the General's office," the PA system announced, and Sam panicked.