Love's Journey

by jakefanatic

A tribute to two wonderful characters created by Tels. This is another adventure in the lives of Jacob and Rhi, Selmak and Zach. A sequel to No Greater Love and Jericho Rose.

3. Chapter 3

"I'm so glad I found you. I'm not gonna to lose you. Whatever it takes I will stay here with you. Take it to the good times. See it through the bad times. Whatever it takes is what I'm going to do. Jealous with crazy, what do they know? Put your arms around me baby don't ever let go. Let the world around us just fall apart. Baby, we can make if we're heart to heart. And we can build this dream together. Standing strong forever. Nothing's gonna stop us now. And if this world runs out of lovers, we'll still have each other. Nothing's gonna stop us now." – Starship 'Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now'

Selmak was amazed at how much Rhi had transformed. It had only been a week since they told Jacob about the baby. Rhi was a long way of from showing the outward physical signs of her pregnancy and an even longer way still to the day of birth. Plus, her body was still in the early stages of its hormonal transformation as it prepared for the development of the child. Selmak couldn't be certain if it was these hormonal changes or if it was her sheer joy at being pregnant or even the fact that her tiny secret was told to Jacob, but Rhi was breathtaking and an absolute pleasure for Jacob and Selmak to see and be around.

Not that she wasn't a stunning woman before. Rhi was always a lovely sight and a joy to be with. But the young woman was so proud to be carrying her husband's child that nothing could wipe the smile off her face. Even the bouts of fatigue or the vomiting hadn't taken her joy away for she knew it was all a part of this magnificent journey to the birth of their child. And Selmak was there, watching through Jacob's eyes and feeling his emotions through their bond as he sometimes wiped Rhi's face after she lost a meal down the toilet or carried her to their bed when she was too tired to walk.

And Jacob had changed too. Though his transformation was more within his mind which translated to some of his emotions. Selmak could feel her host's pure joy and fright. The very thought of becoming a father again was exhilarating and Jacob couldn't wait for the chance to do things right this time around. While on the contrary, Jacob was also absolutely terrified for Rhi.

He was well aware of the possibility that she could have a miscarriage. In fact, Selmak had learned that her host lay awake at night sometimes, well after Rhi had fallen asleep, and had worried about her. One night, Selmak had pretended to fall asleep to find out the source of his worry. To her surprise she had heard him weeping at the thought of how devastated Rhi would be if she lost the baby. Selmak at last understood why he wouldn't make love to Rhi anymore. He feared he might harm the baby and thus harm Rhi.

During the next couple of weeks Selmak had to often gently remind Jacob when he was over doing it or being over protective with Rhi. Especially when he wouldn't let her do anything and made her stay seated or lie on the bed. Immediately afterwards when Jacob felt hurt by Selmak's mild chastising, she had to give him a reassuring hug and suggest that Rhi might like a massage or to shower with him. He had reacted as if he was almost afraid to touch Rhi. Selmak refused to give up and tried to encourage Jacob with subtle hints that Rhi needed physical contact!

It was so frustrating at times for Selmak literally felt like she was walking on eggshells with Jacob trying to guess if he was in a good mood or a bad mood. It was almost as if Jacob was the one having the mood swings and not Rhi. After all, it was her body whose hormone levels were drastically changing not Jacob's!

Selmak had believed that perhaps as time went on he would be able to enjoy the pregnancy more. But after last night's near fiasco Selmak felt something had to change. She had simply tried to do instigate some form of intimacy between Rhi and Jacob and he ended up freaking out! He had done his best to not do it in front of Rhi but she knew something upset Jacob and thus was upset herself.

Selmak thought of something that might lift up Jacob's spirits. She had to do something as Rhi was rather upset by Jacob's reaction. Selmak knew Rhi was blaming herself for Jacob's reaction and Jacob was blaming himself for everything else. But Selmak knew that all this emotional stress was not good for either of them and especially not good for the baby.

'It's just over that hill,' Selmak told Jacob as he glanced at Rhi.

Selmak rolled her eyes, as she knew he was making sure Rhi was still securely buckled in her seat. Jacob insisted on using the jeep because he was not going to have his pregnant wife hiking through the hills! Of course with as slow as Jacob was driving they could have been there already if they had walked! Still, Selmak noticed that Rhi seemed to be enjoying the ride, even if it was a little bumpy. And Jacob was attempting to make up for last night.

'Ok, Jacob, you can stop now,' she told him.

"Why did Selmak bring us here?" Rhi asked.

"I don't know. She won't tell me," he answered as he turned the jeep's engine off. He turned to Rhi, pushing his hand through her hair. "All I know is that she's got something planned!"

"I know. She sneaked out last night and was gone for a couple of hours!" Rhi told him as they got out of the jeep.

'Selmak?' Jacob internally inquired.

'My, what a lovely day we're having…aren't we?' Selmak asked.

'Selmak, don't change the subject! I thought you promised that you wouldn't be doing any of that anymore!'

'I had to…for this surprise.'

"I know where we are now!" Rhi exclaimed. "The lab is just over there, up that trail."

'Follow her Jacob,' Selmak gently suggested.

Jacob, being the ever concerned father to be, picked Rhi up and carried her up the steep trail. Selmak didn't complain about having to work a little overtime in the strength department. Rhi seemed to be enjoying it very much as she wrapped her arms around Jacob's neck and hummed one of her favorite lullabies.

"Will you still carry me when I'm out to here?" she asked, holding her hand way out over her stomach.

"To the stars if I have to," he smiled to her.

'Chance would be a fine thing,' Selmak thought silently knowing that was also the way they referred to making love.

Once they reached the crest, Jacob gently set Rhi down. She grabbed hold of his hand and led him down into the lab.

'I'm sorry Jacob…I must do this. It will only be for a few moments, I promise,' Selmak told him as she gently put him to sleep.

"Selmak?" Rhi asked when the grip on her hand changed.

"Yes, Rhi. I have brought you both here for two reasons. One to do a thorough exam of you, the baby and Zach. And two…because this is something I think Jacob needs desperately."

"I have noticed he's been a little over protective of me lately," she sighed. "And that he's been avoiding making love to me. We only cuddle while sleeping."

"I am sorry. He can't help it. He loves you so much Rhi."

"And the baby?"

"The baby brings him great joy. Far more than I had imagined."

"And fear."

Selmak blinked in surprise.

"Selmak, I know my husband. I know why he's so protective. And I can see it in his eyes from time to time. He's afraid for me and for the baby."

"I can see there is no point in hiding anything from you Rhi. You've come to know Jacob as well as I do."

"I love him Selmak. We have been constant companions over the past two years. And I never grow tired of his company or yours," Rhi smiled, then she sighed. "I do miss Zach's company though. It is so quiet in my mind without him. It was always him who pointed out things about my husband that I didn't notice right away. Just little nuances of Jacob that one wouldn't notice unless they were looking for them. Being blended with Zach for two years, I've learned to notice them without him now. But I still miss him."

"As do Jacob and I," Selmak smiled, taking hold of Rhi's hand.

"So, I need to lie on the table?"

"Correct," Selmak answered, flicking on some of the equipment.

"Do I…need to remove any clothing?"

Selmak turned to see Rhi smiling wickedly at her.

"And Zach says I have a dirty little mind!" Selmak scoffed. "As tempting as that may be it won't be necessary. Remember this is more for Jacob's benefit."

"All the more reason I should take my clothes off!"

"Rhi!"

"Oh alright!" Rhi said, and then stuck her tongue out at Selmak.

"I'm waking up the grouch now, so lay down," Selmak said as she picked up a few things that she needed for the exam.

In waking Jacob, she allowed him to see a replay, as he called it, of her conversation with Rhi. Selmak instantly felt his amusement and disappointment that Rhi was still in her clothes. That was a good sign to Selmak.

Still in control, Selmak moved over and began taking Rhi's bio-readings. At the same time Selmak could feel Jacob intently observing everything she did. And she instantly felt his relief when the exam was over.

"So far everything's going as it should be," Selmak smiled. "You've gained the weight Malek suggested and a few pounds extra. Your body is in excellent condition and the pregnancy is progressing extremely well. Even Zach is doing well in his dormancy."

"How far along is the baby?" Rhi and Jacob asked at the same time making Selmak chuckle.

"Eight weeks. Your embryo is now officially a fetus with all its tiny fingers and toes beginning to form! And many of its organs have begun to function," Selmak said excitedly as she pulled the ultra sound machine closer to Rhi.

'Jacob, I think you should do this next part,' Selmak suggested relinquishing control to him.

He stood there a little confused about what to do. Rhi who knew already had her shirt up.

"Grab that and put some of the gel on it," Rhi smiled to him.

'The monitor is already on,' Selmak told him as Jacob was doing what Rhi suggested.

"Now what?" Jacob asked.

"Press the device here…then look at the monitor. Selmak will guide you."

Rhi made sure not to flinch as the cold gel was smeared onto her abdomen. Jacob stared at the monitor with no idea what he was looking for. Selmak was shocked to learn that Jacob had never seen his other children this way! This was his first ultrasound experience!

'There…stop…see it?' Selmak said then took control of Jacob's arm and pointed out the small object on the screen. 'There is your baby, Jacob.'

Jacob smiled, his joy transferring to Selmak.

'Now…for the surprise,' Selmak said, moving Jacob's hand and pressing a switch on the machine.

Jacob literally held his breath as he listened. Selmak could sense his disbelief and astonishment at the unmistakable sound of his baby's rapid heartbeat. He turned to Rhi with tears in his eyes. His joy growing exponentially within him.

"It's the baby's heartbeat," he whispered to Rhi.

Selmak smiled to herself. Proud she could bring Jacob to this point. She knew his fear would always be there. He was just that kind of man. For the moment at least his joy cast a huge shadow over his fear. But she had something in mind that might lessen his fear even more.

'Jacob, have Rhi reach beneath the pillow,' she instructed him.

"Selmak says to reach under the pillow."

Rhi gave him a puzzled look but did as she was asked.

"It's…a piece of folded paper," she said as she opened it. "With Selmak's writing on it."

"I think Selmak wants you to read it…at least that's the feeling I get from her," Jacob said, politely turning the sound of the monitor off and removing the device from Rhi's stomach.

"Emotional changes of a pregnancy affect both the man and the woman. You both have your anxieties…the woman's fear of not being attractive to her mate," Rhi said, looking directly to Jacob who cast his eyes downward. Selmak knew that was not the case but her host wasn't showing it. "And the man's fear of being a danger to the pregnancy." Again Jacob felt ashamed, for he honestly thought he was a danger to Rhi and the baby. "You both need to relax and enjoy this experience. Do not forget the physical pleasures of the relationship that you both enjoy so much…the kissing, the stroking, the massaging, each other's loving touch, or even making love. It is still important to express your love for each other. For your love is more important than ever to one another. It relaxes you, takes your anxieties away, makes you feel whole, and makes you both more tolerable to live with." Rhi laughed, as did Jacob. Selmak smiled proudly again. Her message sinking into Jacob's mind. "Jacob, my dear host, you must be gentle, yes but don't be afraid for Rhi needs your loving affection now more than ever. And Rhi, my dear sweet wife and host to my soul mate, you are the most beautiful woman in the universe in our eyes. Never forget that, even if Jacob does from time to time. And when he does forget, just give him a good kick in the ass!"

"Rhi…I'm so sorry," Jacob whispered as his vision blurred. "Please, forgive me!"

"Shh, my love…there's nothing to forgive," she cooed, sitting up and taking him into her arms.

Selmak hugged Jacob while Rhi hugged them both. All his anxieties came rushing out in his tears and his words to Rhi. And she just listened. Touching him when he needed to be touched. Kissing him when he needed to be kissed.

When Jacob was done, Selmak felt like she could breathe again! It was so good to stretch out and wiggle about. Of course, the fact the Jacob finally made love to his wife for the first time in a month also felt great! Good thing Selmak placed a few essential items in the lab last night too!

Jacob and Rhi had taken full advantage of the shade beneath a nearby oak tree. Selmak enjoyed the outdoors. It reminded her of so many times she and Zach were alone with their hosts, becoming one with each other and nature. Being here did make her a bit sad because Zach wasn't a participant. However, Rhi's affections more than made up for their missing partner.

The three of them fell blissfully asleep for a long nap during the warm afternoon. Nothing else in the universe mattered except the love they had for each other.

---

As Rhi headed into her second trimester, Jacob's fear of a miscarriage lessened drastically. Selmak's little surprise did wonders for him and Rhi. He was much less afraid to make love with her now. Plus, Rhi's bouts of fatigue were over as was her vomiting up her food. She was energetic about anything and everything and it was infectious! And her appetite seemed to increase! Though she had heartburn from time to time. Of which he had to remind her to lay off the spicy food when she lay curled in a tight ball on their bed.

Then there were the changes to Rhi's body that only a husband would notice. Her belly had grown. It wasn't much of a change that anyone else would notice. Hell no one on the base knew she was even pregnant; a secret Jacob, Selmak and Rhi had planned to keep as long as possible. They hadn't even told their family or friends during the long Memorial Week in San Diego no matter how much they had wanted to. Jacob and Selmak weren't ready to divulge their secret to the universe. They knew once it was out they would have to face the Council and they weren't ready to do that just yet.

However, Jacob knew that Rhi was pregnant and he couldn't help but notice that her body was changing. Being that he knew every feature of her body from the tiny mole on the back of her neck to the small birthmark on the outside of her right ankle. He knew his wife completely and his hand could feel the ever so slight swell of her belly every time he caressed her there.

Jacob had missed out on so much when Allison was pregnant. He had even missed the births of both his other children. Looking back, he realized he had been such an idiot and an asshole for leaving Allison alone while she was pregnant. He had been with her but more often then not he had been away on a mission. At the time, he felt he had done his duty as her husband by getting her pregnant and that his other duty to provide for the family took precedence.

Now, Jacob knew that he was so wrong. He wasn't a good husband. A good husband would have been there for his wife's ups and downs during the pregnancy like he'd been doing with Rhi. A good husband wouldn't have knocked his woman up, sporadically been there to see her body changing, and then shown up a couple of days after his kids were born to proudly claim them and pass out cigars.

God…he felt like such an asshole for doing that to Allison. Jacob had even told Rhi all of this and why he's not going to be that man with her. She had been kind enough to tell him that he wasn't an asshole then and he certainly wasn't being one now regardless of what Selmak was telling him. Rhi even pointed out that Allison would have left him. She had known he was a good man, just like Rhi knew he was a good man. And a woman knows to never let a good man get away. Especially a warrior like Jacob who would fight to protect those he loved as he had done for Rhi and Zach.

'I wonder if Rhi can feel the baby moving?' Selmak asked him as they were reading information about the stage of the pregnancy that Rhi was in and what the baby was going through too.

'Selmak, she's about what…four inches and barely over an ounce in weight. I seriously doubt Rhi can feel her.'

'Or him!'

'We're not having this debate again,' Jacob harrumphed, returning back to the requisition orders on his desk.

'What debate? I'm simply saying that Malek made no attempt to make the baby a boy or a girl. He simply placed a plentiful amount of your…'

'Enough! I don't need a visual image of what happens! I'm still having a hard time coping with what you did to get…that!'

'I didn't! Zach did! And Jacob, you can say sperm! It's not a bad word! See! Just say it! Sperm! Sperm! SPERM! SPERMITY! SPERM!'

'Ah…Selmak!' he winced. 'Say it, don't shriek into my ear!'

Someone cleared their throat, pulling Jacob from his internal dialogue.

"Colonel Wilson!" Jacob exclaimed, totally surprised that someone was in the doorway of his office but forever grateful that outsiders couldn't hear Selmak's prattling within his mind!

"Sorry, Sir…I knocked…you ok?"

"I'm fine…a little…indigestion," Jacob lied. Selmak just giggled her little head off inside his mind. Thank God for small favors as she finally quit chanting the 's' word! "How…how did your evening go? Did you ask Jillian?

Wilson smiled proudly. He was a good kid, as Jacob liked to call him. Jacob had high hopes that one day Colonel Matt Wilson would be a base commander. He had all the qualities of a true leader and a good husband. He even had the All-American looks that most women went for. Tall, dark blonde hair, blue eyes, and actually was a football player in High School and at the Air Force Academy. Even his fiancée, Dr. Jillian Abrahms the base's CMO had similar but more beautiful features and was as equally athletic being that she was on the softball team at UCLA before she entered Medical School and the Air Force. Selmak and Jacob often joked about how all their kids were going to be blonde hair, blue eye babes that played football or softball before they could walk!

"Yes I did and she said yes! We would both like to thank you by inviting you and your wife to the wedding," the kid smiled brightly.

"Rhi would love it! Just let us know the date, place and time and we'll be there. Now…what can I do for you?"

"Of course, Sir," Wilson replied before his smile faded.

Wilson sighed obviously with some unpleasant news. Jacob pinched his nose, instantly feeling a headache coming on. He could even hear Selmak growling at the back of his head making the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

"Let me guess…the Tok'ra and Jaffa…again."

"Yes, Sir. I'm sorry, Sir. A fight broke out at the mess hall. A few of our personnel were injured while trying to break up the skirmish."

"This is ridiculous! Do I have to make a feeding schedule now? I feel like a God damn baby-sitter not a base commander!" Jacob snapped as he got to his feet. "Who was injured?"

"Reeves, Knoop, and Hurley," Wilson answered as they made their way out of Jacob's office.

"The new recruits," Jacob muttered shaking his head. "Get Bra'tac and Ken'ra."

"May I speak freely, Sir?"

Jacob came to a stop midway down the hallway.

"Go ahead," he told Wilson.

"Why are they here? It's obvious they don't like us and they hate each other even more…Sir."

"If it were up to me, I would evict them all. But it's not up to me. My job is to take care of the people on this base. And it's your job to follow my orders."

"I understand, Sir."

Wilson saluted Jacob then marched off. Jacob made his way out of the main building and headed on down the short dirt path to the small infirmary building. The whole time Selmak muttered a number of Goa'uld obscenities until they found Dr. Abrahms.

"Report," Jacob ordered her, noticing Rhi nearby tending to Hurley's forearm with the healing device.

"Mainly cuts and bruises. Only Hurley had a broken bone. Rhi's taking care of him now."

"Thank you," Jacob smiled and then gently grabbed her arms as she was starting to walk by. "And congratulations."

Dr. Abrahms blushed slightly.

"Thank you, Sir."

Jacob let her go about her duties. He and Selmak smiled to each other upon seeing Rhi as they leaned against the wall, watching her. He sighed, taking in her beauty.

'Is it me or does she get more beautiful as this pregnancy progresses?' Jacob asked Selmak.

'Her beauty is constant. You see her as being more beautiful because of what she is to you now.'

'Oh…and what's that?'

'She is your friend and companion, your lover and your wife but now…she is a woman with child…the mother of your child. She makes you feel so proud and therefore she is more beautiful to you now.'

'Selmak, you couldn't lie and just say she was more beautiful now that she's pregnant?' Jacob gently chastised her.

Selmak laughed at him as Rhi turned her head. She smiled at him quickly before returning back to her patient. Jacob sighed…God he loved her.

It took a short while for Rhi to tend to Hurley's broken arm. Once done the young officer was dismissed by Rhi. He quickly saluted Jacob on his way out.

"How badly was it broken?" he asked glancing around to see they were nearly alone. Dr. Abrahms and a nurse were busy at the far end of the infirmary. Boldly, he pulled Rhi closer to him.

"Compound fracture, which is why it took a little longer to mend," she said leaning against him, sounding very tired.

"Rhi, you ok?" he said, standing up straight.

"Yeah…just feel a little tired after using the healing device," she smiled.

'It's because she's pregnant. Jacob, don't let her use it again,' Selmak said, sounding extremely worried. 'She doesn't have Zach to help her. It takes more energy to use when you're working the device alone as opposed to working with the symbiote.'

"What is it?" Rhi asked.

"Selmak doesn't want you using the healing device again," Jacob spoke quietly, his hand moving and resting on her belly between them. "Not until after the baby is born."

"Is the baby in danger?" Rhi whispered.

'Selmak?'

'I…I don't know…'

"It's just a precaution, Rhi," he smiled confidently. "Go to our quarters. Selmak and I will check you out in a short while."

"Bring some chocolate cake and I heard they had pasta today, can I have some of that?"

"Whatever your stomach desires," he cooed, kissing her.

'At least it wasn't pickles and ice cream this time,' Selmak commented.

Jacob chuckled.

"You two quit making jokes about my dietary cravings," she smiled, pulling her face away from his, her hand moving around his neck. "Don't take too long with the refereeing…I may have a craving for something else when you get back to our quarters."

Selmak suddenly wiggled with excitement as Rhi's hand touched her in just the right spot. Jacob couldn't help but be affected by it as Selmak's sudden surge of energy was transferred throughout his body!

"We'll be there in fifteen minutes!" Jacob said, quickly moving away from Rhi before he would never leave her.

Rhi laughed at him when he turned in a hurry, nearly tripping over his own two feet in the process. He shot her a look, feeling the heat rush to his cheeks. After quickly composing himself, Jacob was able to make a more dignified exit.

'Now that is one craving I have no problem with!' Selmak hollered excitedly.

'Me neither!' Jacob agreed as they ran from the infirmary to where Wilson had Bra'tac and the Tok'ra camp leader, Ken'ra.

Jacob forgot about Rhi for a moment as his anger filled him. No more Mr. Nice Guy! He really laid into Bra'tac and Ken'ra. Even Selmak watched her mouth wide open in shock at how he talked to the Jaffa and Tok'ra like they were children. He wasn't exactly diplomatic either like he usually was. But Jacob was fed up with it as something had to be done.

With the Jaffa and Tok'ra leaders still standing their mouths gaped in shocked at the tongue lashing they'd just received, Jacob hurried to the mess hall. He grabbed some cake and the pasta Rhi wanted. He also grabbed some fruit and vegetables since she didn't eat any for lunch and she needed her vitamins and nutrients for the baby.

He arrived back at their quarters in precisely fifteen minutes. The classical music that Rhi loved hearing was on in the bedroom. Jacob set the tray of food down on the table then headed towards the bedroom. Rhi was standing there brushing her lovely red hair. Jacob just held his breath at her beauty as he stood in the doorway.

She was wearing her favorite silk nightgown that hugged every single curve of her body perfectly. From her profile he could see how her belly protruded just slightly as the nightgown hugged her a little more than usual there now. The little weight she had put on did not take away from her beauty, rather it enhanced it. Her cheeks weren't sunken in so much anymore. Nor did her arms look too bony anymore. Not that she wasn't captivating before but right now…in this moment…she was perfect.

"Are you going to keep standing there gawking at me or are you going to come over here and kiss me?" she requested without even looking towards him.

Jacob was speechless as he did as he was told. Just seeing her was a pleasure. Even Selmak was at a loss for words and she always had something to say! He thought for sure that he must be dreaming. Even as Rhi removed his clothes before gently pushing him onto the bed, he and Selmak felt as if it were a dream.

Only it wasn't a dream. His and Selmak's senses were wide-awake, taking in everything their wife gave to them. One thing about Rhi being pregnant, when she had a craving…she had a craving! Her hands eagerly touched him and caressed him. Her kisses were ravenous as if she wanted to completely devour him.

He was quick to catch up with her as he could feel her need was great. Neither of them minded that some of their normal physical pleasantries were skipped. Such enticement was meant for elongating their love play. Not for this kind of passion right here and right now. A passion that burned like hot fire, fueled by a need that had to be satisfied as quickly as possible to before their flames completely consumed them.

Shortly later, Jacob lay stunned staring up at the ceiling for a moment. His senses were beginning to tune back into to everything else around him. The sound of his blood rushing filled his ears. Then music still playing could now be heard. His heart pounded hard within his chest that still moved up and down rapidly while he tried to catch his breath. Rhi's own fast breathing was hot against his neck. He could feel her hair lying across his chest. His hand trembled slight as he reached to stroke her arm that was draped over his stomach. He could even feel her leg moving slowly between both of his.

And inside his mind, he heard Selmak…softly say…wow!

A short laugh escaped from him.

"What is it, my love?" Rhi purred, lifting her face above his, her finger trailing along his jawbone.

"Selmak said…'wow'! Actually, it was more of a gasp but I think you get the meaning," he smiled.

"Think we can make her do that again?" Rhi asked, her emerald eyes still burning brightly with desire.

Jacob rolled, gently moving on top of her.

"Yes, we can," he murmured, kissing her neck. "Only what I have in mind will take longer but will be just as pleasing to you my wife."

This time, Jacob and Selmak took their time. Their lips and hands explored every part of Rhi as if it were their first time. They took her to the heavens numerous times before even allowing themselves to be engulfed by her. Even then each movement, each kiss, each caress was prolonged and deliberate to give Rhi as much sensual pleasure as possible before Jacob and Selmak reached their own zenith.

Once again, Jacob lay stunned by their rapture. Selmak purred loudly within his mind. It had been awhile since their need was that intense. Only this time it was Rhi who gasped wow as she lay sprawled out beside him.

Jacob moved, feeling the relaxed heaviness in his arms and legs as he turned onto his side to look at her profile. Her chest still moved rapidly. He could even see her pulse as her neck vein throbbed slightly. The perspiration glistened on her body, which only seemed to accentuate her breath taking beauty. A smile shined brightly on her face.

"Wow!" she whispered again.

With a sigh, Jacob propped himself up on his elbow so that he may get a better view of his lovely wife. His free hand, moving slowly over her curved features before coming to a rest on her stomach. He suddenly was overwhelmed by his joy at becoming a father again. So he leaned down and affectionately pressed his lips against her stomach where he assumed his son or daughter lay safely within Rhi's womb.

When he moved back, Rhi was looking up at him. She smiled as her hand reached to stroke his face.

"You already spoiling our son before he's even born?" she asked.

"Just wishing I could hold our son or daughter in my arms," he smiled back. "I'm hoping it's a girl because I know she'll be as beautiful as her mother."

"You can hope all you want but I know it's going to be a boy."

"Selmak thinks it's a boy too. But I believe we can settle this argument during the next ultrasound."

"No…I want to wait until he's born so I can see the look on your face when you get to hold your son."

"Rhi, whether it's a boy or a girl…either one is going to look just like you. So I win either way!"

"And just how do you know that? He could look exactly like you!" she countered.

"Because of my track record and my family's track record. Both my kids look like their mother. I even look like my mother, though mind you she was way more beautiful than I am!"

"But your grandchildren look like their father!" Rhi shot back.

Jacob opened his mouth to say something but couldn't.

"I win," Rhi smiled triumphantly. "What about names? We should start with some names for him…or her."

"I already have a name," Jacob sighed.

"What is it?" she anxiously asked as Selmak aroused enough to ask him the same question.

"No my dear. We must wait until he…or she is born," he told to both of them.

"You brat!" she screamed, playful hitting his arm.

Jacob fought back by tickling her relentless until she surrendered. As usual, their tickling led to making love. The three of them fulfilling their rapture together until they were one. Shortly after their affectionate pillow talk he fed her. He fed her himself, using the fork or his hand making sure that she had eaten all of her dinner. Then after a long hot shower together they fell into an exhausted sleep in each other's arms.

---

Rhi followed the cries of a baby down the long crystal tunnel. At the end she reached a junction. The cries were loudest to the right so she headed that way. She repeated the action at three more junctions taking each one to where she believed the baby's cries emanated from. Then finally she entered a large room with an active Stargate.

The cries could still be heard, almost as if it was originating from the event horizon of the Stargate.

'Rhi, go ahead…it's safe!' Zach's voice told her.

Trusting in him, she stepped through the Gate and instantly arrived on Kendarra. From the cliff tops she could hear the baby's cries echoing from the canyon below. Rhi hurried down the steep trail for the baby's cries were becoming more desperate.

Only down in the canyon she couldn't tell which direction the cries were coming from as they echoed of the walls and the water. She began to cry herself. She knew it was her baby crying. The need to reach it was strong within her, almost desperate.

'Rhi, this way!' Zach called.

Rhi turned to the cavern where she first joined with her husband. She could still remember how afraid she was at his touch. How she trembled beneath him when he kissed her. And how he changed her life for the better forever.

Once inside the cavern Rhi saw the fire and a woman standing beside the fire. She had long red hair and was wearing Rhi's favorite nightgown. The one Jacob bought for their wedding night here on Kendarra. The baby's cries were louder and Rhi saw the woman was cradling a small bundle.

The woman turned sensing her presence. Rhi gasped for the woman was her.

'Rhi, it's me, Zach!' he said as his eyes flashed. He looked down at the bundle in his arms. 'You're right Rhi…he is so beautiful. I can't wait for you to hold him in your arms. You and Jacob are going to be so happy.'

Zach extended his arms out for Rhi to take hold of her son.

Rhi suddenly woke up. The alarm was beeping. She felt Jacob reaching over her to shut it off.

"Sorry, I turned it on last night out of habit," he murmured sleepily as he quickly brushed his lips against her cheek then settled back down beside her.

Rhi lay there for a moment taking in the dream she had just experienced.

"Jacob…I just had an…interesting dream. I think…I think Zach was talking to me through my dream."

"That's nice dear," he mumbled through a yawn.

Rhi gently punched his arm.

"Ow!"

"I said, Zach was communicating with me through my dream!"

"Well…what did he say?"

"That our son was beautiful and that we are going to be happy."

Jacob laughed heartily.

"I thought we were going to wait until the baby was born to settle this bet!" he laughed.

"That's not the point. I think Zach can communicate to me through my dreams!" she seriously said, as she sat up.

Jacob stopped laughing and looked up at her. He sighed and put his hand on her stomach.

"Selmak says that if you're in a deep enough sleep it might be possible," he said.

There was an immense sadness in his voice that concerned her. It was even in his eyes as they were fixed on her now quite noticeably small rounded belly. Rhi was midway through the second trimester, half way through the pregnancy. And it was getting harder each day to hide her condition. It wasn't just her belly now. Her breasts were noticeably large now. And she was getting the worst leg cramps if she stood too long on her feet. And her heartburn attacked with vengeance causing her to double over at times!

Then after what had happened last week the rumor was out about her being pregnant. She had been in the mess hall and collapsed from the pain. A nurse happened to be there to assist her to her feet as were several Special Forces officers. They all had noticed her stomach but said nothing to her. However, the news that she fell had spread like wild fire to Jacob as he had raced across the base and arrived at the mess hall before Rhi had even stepped out of the door. The worry and concern that had been written all over his face as he carried her to their quarters only fueled the rumor of her pregnancy even more.

Looking at him now, she can see that same worry as before. She reached down and turned his face towards hers.

"Jacob, please…tell me what's wrong."

He sighed heavily and then sat up beside her. His hand taking hold of hers.

"I've made a decision. One that I should have made months ago," he said. "And after last week…the rumors have been around the base a number of times. Even the Tok'ra are keeping a watchful eye on you. The best thing for us now is for me to retire."

"Retire? Are you mad? You love this job despite the problems with the Jaffa and the Tok'ra! And be damned with the Tok'ra! This is none of their business!"

"But my love for you, for Zach, and for our unborn child is greater. Rhi, this is no place for a woman in your condition to be. And it is definitely not a place for our child to be born. It's not safe. I'm afraid for you. Rhi, I can't lose your, Zach or the baby. Selmak and I are in agreement. Retirement is the best option. We can live on Earth. Buy a house on the beach in San Diego. Watch our baby grow up. Be with our family."

"Sounds like you and Selmak have put a lot of thought into this," she said, caressing his face.

"We have," he whispered.

Rhi sighed, leaning against him. How she missed Zach's counseling right now. Half way there and she still couldn't wait to speak with him again so that she could share all of these experiences with him.

"Zach would want what's best for the baby," Selmak cooed into her ear.

"My place is with my husband," Rhi said, taking hold of his hand. "Wherever his heart desires to be then I will follow."

Jacob suddenly jumped out of bed and grabbed his clothes.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm going to fill out the paperwork! Send it to Jack today. It will take a few days but by the end of the week, I want us to be house hunting. I want to share the news of our baby with our family," he said as he got dressed.

Rhi got up and grabbed her uniform too.

"What are you doing?" he asked wrapping his arms around her.

"I have work to do too."

"But today is our one off day this week. You need to rest for the baby's sake," he insisted. "I can take care of our paperwork."

"Jacob, I can't rest knowing what you're doing in your office. Besides, this way I can tell Jillian myself. She's been such a good friend to me I owe it to her. As you should tell Matt. He looks up to you so much."

"Very well," he sighed, nuzzling his face against her hair. His hands slowly moved up and down her back as he let out a heavy sigh again. "I love you Rhi. And during the next dream you have, give Zach my love for me."

"I promise," she said as he leaned back.

"Oh…Selmak says not to forget her love too!" he smiled making her laugh.

Jacob kissed her lovingly before he left. As Rhi slowly dressed she knew Zach would approve of them leaving this place. She truly felt that. Looking around their quarters as she headed for the door she was grateful that they didn't have much to pack!

At the infirmary, Jillian took the news well. Rhi's only regret was not telling her good friend about the baby. Not that she had to. Dr. Jillian Abrahms was a very perceptive woman and a wonderful Doctor. She had her suspicions and had even tried little ways to get Rhi to divulge her precious secret. Rhi held firm as she believed that family should be told first then friends. And she would tell Jillian as Rhi hoped that her friend would eventually be the one to deliver the baby as Jillian had quietly mentioned that she had delivered several babies during her career before this assignment.

The very idea that her friend was willing to do such a thing made Rhi feel even happier than she did a while ago when Jacob said he was going to retire. In fact, as the morning progressed Rhi found her thoughts drifting towards what life would be like on Earth. Her visits with Jacob were somewhat restricted as he was fearful of her venturing to far on her own to the grocery store or even the In and Out Restaurant near Mark's home where Rhi loved to get vanilla milk shakes.

While helping to put away supplies, Rhi's stomach grumbled loudly at the thought of a milk shake. The base cafeteria didn't have a blender or the means to make shakes and Rhi had been craving one something fierce for the past month or so.

"Rhi, when are you going to admit to me that you're pregnant," Jillian smiled quietly so no one else heard. "I think it's absolutely wonderful."

Rhi simply blushed and attempted to cover her bright red cheeks with her hand.

However, before she could reply a familiar and terrifying sound came from outside. Rhi and Jillian quickly headed to the window to see that a firefight erupted between the Jaffa and the Tok'ra. Some were trying to stop their friends. Others were running for cover. Rhi saw Ken'ra shot down in the back as he was attempting to control the Tok'ra. Many more were getting injured as were many of the Tau'ri personnel who had gotten caught in the crossfire.

Rhi along with Dr. Abrahms and her staff went into action. They all grabbed their medical packs. Rhi grabbed hers, looking at the hand device for a moment. The swelling in her belly felt heavy, reminding her that she could not use the device. So she quickly replaced it in the drawer. However before any of them could exit the infirmary, Jacob suddenly showed up and ordered them to stay.

"Jacob…it's our job!" Rhi shouted at him as he was hurrying away.

Jacob turned on a dime and ran back to her, speaking so only she could hear him.

"Rhi, please stay here where it's safe…"

"But…"

"Rhi! Please, I can't do my job if I'm worrying about you and the baby getting struck by a weapons blast or worse!" he said in not so much a harsh tone but one to let her know he was deadly serious about it. "Please…stay here, my beloved," he pleaded and then turned to his personal guards. "Stay with her!"

Rhi felt the sting in her eyes from her tears as Jacob quickly kissed her before hurrying off. She didn't know what to do. A part of her felt strongly that she should have gone after him. The other part felt equally strong to remain here and do as he told her.

"Rhi, come inside…we can get the infirmary prepared for the injured," Jillian suggested, gently putting her arm around Rhi's shoulders. "Try not to worry…Matt will look after him."

Rhi nodded and then quickly wiping her tears away as they returned inside the infirmary. She and the staff did as Dr. Abrahms instructed and prepared for the wounded to be brought here. That's when Rhi's entire world shook…literally.

The explosion shook the entire building, shattering windows and knocking down equipment. Rhi and everyone in the room dove for cover from the flying glass. The lights above flickered off then back on several times as they swayed back and forth. Only once things settled down did Rhi or anyone else inside the infirmary dare to move. She rushed outside and saw the thick black cloud of smoke in the area Jacob ran to only moments ago. People came staggering out of the smoke but she didn't see her husband amongst them.

Inside her mind she wailed slowly as everything around her moved in slow motion. She was vaguely aware that the two SFs ordered to protect her grabbed hold of her as she collapsed. They gently set her down and Rhi could barely hear Jillian's voice as her concerned face appeared directly above Rhi's.

"JACOB!"

---

Colonel Matt Wilson's ears were still ringing, his throat and eyes still burned. He could barely hear his own voice as he called for the General much less the others who were calling for help. Not even the dull pain on the side of his head would stop him from his task. He had to find the General. He had to.

But he also knew he needed help. As did many of the injured that were strung about the debris area. Coughing and gagging, Matt made his way towards the infirmary were most of the troops were gathering under Major Green's orders. Matt ordered any able bodies to follow him so he could organize a plan.

"Colonel Wilson!" Green gasped, quickly grabbing hold of Matt's arm. "Medic!"

"I'm fine!" Matt growled, shaking Green off.

He was shocked to see that only a couple dozen of Earth's personnel were there. That meant the remaining three dozen were possibly in the debris area. A wave of relief instantly washed over him at the sight of his fiancée. However, it was brief as his concern came forth in full force as he eyes widened in shock at seeing Mrs. Carter on the ground being tended to by Jillian.

This was not good! Matt, like many others, had suspected that Mrs. Carter was pregnant. General Carter had been in an unbelievably great mood lately, as was Mrs. Carter. Then after last week, Reeves discretely told Matt that he felt Mrs. Carter's stomach as he helped her to her feet. Being that Reeves had just became a father last month, he knew from the feel that she was pregnant and voiced his concern to Matt.

Matt knew the Tok'ra would immediately think the child was harcesis and ordered his men to deflect their questions about Mrs. Carter as best as possible. However, Matt also knew what a responsible man General Carter was. He never would be that careless knowing of the consequences. And Matt knew that Malek, a good friend to General Carter and Selmak was here on the base much longer than he needed to be.

In fact, one night Matt had discretely followed the trio deep into the hills one late night to a place where they disappeared under the ground. Later, the next day Matt headed to the same area and discovered the secret lab. After voicing these points and describing the equipment in the lab to Jillian, she had suggested that the child could possibly have been created to be completely human. It made sense to Matt and he did his best to do damage control on the rumor of Rhi's pregnancy.

"What happened? Did she get caught in the blast?" he quickly asked.

"No, she just collapsed," Abrahms replied.

Matt knelt down beside Mrs. Carter and looked at the Doctor. His voice hushed when he spoke to her.

"How is she?"

"She's ok, I gave her some Valium to calm her," Jillian answered while taking the woman's pulse.

Matt reach and took hold of Jillian's hand, "And the baby?"

Jillian's soft blue eyes that he'd grown to love were saddened for a moment.

"As far as I can tell the baby is fine," she answered, gently squeezing his hand. "I would need to do a thorough exam to be certain."

Matt looked at the smoldering remains of the living quarters then scanned the base.

"Ok, once she's well enough, take her to the General's office. Set up a cot for her there and have one of your best nurses monitor her there. She doesn't need to be around all the injured as they come in," Matt said and then stood and addressed the General's two personal guards. "No one is to go in or out of the General's office unless it is Dr. Abrahms, the nurse or myself. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Sir!" they saluted.

"Matt, let me take a look at you," Jillian requested after she had talked to one of the nurses.

"I'm fine," he said, gently pushing her hand away. Jillian gave him a look and he smiled. "I have a headache but I have work to do."

"Then let me at least quickly clean the wound while you give out your orders," Jillian said in that tone which meant he had no choice.

Matt nodded and Jillian quickly set about her job as he addressed his visibly shaken comrades.

"Listen up people! I'm sure by now you all know the rumor is true! Yes, General Carter and his wife are having a baby. What you don't know and what I can assure you all is that it is 100 percent human! I happen to discover that they went to great lengths to make this so. But they are our family as we are theirs. We take care of our own! No one says a word about this child, is that understood?"

Everyone quickly nodded.

"Good…Major Green, contact Earth. Tell them we need reinforcements and any medical personnel they can spare! And to get them here A-SAP! Captain Daniels, take four security guards. Tell them to keep the Tok'ra and Jaffa survivors out of the debris area…lock them up if you have to! I will send the reinforcements to assist you when they arrive. The rest of you…with me…let's find our people! ALL of them!"

"Matt…"

"I'll find him," he said, wrapping his arms around Jillian. "I promise."

---

When Jack, Carter, and Daniel arrived at the Alpha site, Major Green was there to greet them. He quickly filled them in on what had happened and how the reinforcement troops had been dispersed. He even sadly included that General Carter along with half a dozen other people were still missing.

"How many casualties so far?" Jack asked.

"Ten dead, five critically injured and aren't expected to make it, Sir. Those who were able are assisting in the search for the General and the others, Sir."

"Jack, I'm going to help with the search," Jackson said.

Jack nodded and turned to Carter. She was putting up a good front but he knew she wanted to search for Dad too. The only thing stopping her was Rhi. Jack too wanted to see her as soon as possible to make sure she was doing well. He didn't need another repeat of the Gwynn incident.

"Where's Mrs. Carter?" Jack asked.

"In the General's office, under guard. Colonel Wilson wanted her to be kept safe. She…she collapsed shortly after the explosion, Sir."

"Then that's where I'll be. Have Wilson report to me as soon as possible," Jack ordered.

Jack very rarely prayed but he prayed for a miracle that Jacob was ok as they made their way across the base. Jack knew that Rhi wouldn't be able to live without her husband. He was already so angry that the Joint Chief's disregarded Jacob's recommendation that the Jaffa and Tok'ra be sent on their merry way. Now, that it's too late, perhaps they'll listen!

"O'Neill!"

Teal'c's voice caused him to stop and he turned to see his friend heading towards him. Jack was grateful that Teal'c rounded up so many volunteers at the SGC and brought them to the Alpha site before Jack even arrived at the SGC. To wait could have proven fatal to some.

"Did you find Jacob yet?" Jack asked, glancing sideways at Carter.

"No, we have not. But I have noticed that there is a lot of hostility towards the Tok'ra and the Jaffa. I think it wise that they be removed from the Alpha site immediately. The men and women here are…devoted to General Carter. They are enraged at what's happened to him."

"I would be too," Jack frowned. "Go ahead, send them to Earth for now. I'll deal with them later. Have them take their injured with them unless Dr. Abrahms says otherwise."

Teal'c rushed off and Jack continued on.

"They must really love your Dad," he said to Carter. "This is the only base where hardly anyone takes their leave back on Earth. Just a handful do because they have family on Earth."

"Dad said this was a small community," she smiled proudly. "Everyone knew everything and took care of each other. The times that I've visited you could feel it. Many of them are on a first name basis, even with my Dad."

"A testament to their leader," Jack said as they were stopped from entering the main building. "What's going on?"

"One moment, Sir. I cannot let you pass without permission from my superior officer," one SF said as he blocked the door. The other reached for his radio.

"I am your superior!"

"General Carter is my superior. When he's not in command the duty falls to Colonel Wilson, Sir!"

Before Jack could continue, Wilson's voice came over the radio.

"Sorry, Sir. I'm just doing my job," he nodded, stepping aside and opening the door for Jack and Carter.

Jack said nothing. He knew these men would follow Jacob's orders to the death if they had to. Down the hallway, they found a nurse sitting just outside Jacob's office.

"I've made her as comfortable as possible, Sir," the nurse said quietly as she got to her feet. "She's awake now. Any…any word on the General?"

Jack shook his head and notice tears well up in the nurse's eyes.

"Don't worry…Jacob's one tough guy," he smiled reassuringly.

The nurse quickly wiped her tears as she nodded her head.

"Why don't you go ahead and see what you can do to help. Carter and I will tend to Mrs. Carter."

"Yes, Sir."

Jack slowly moved into the office to see Rhi lay curled on her side hugging a pillow on a cot, crying her eyes out. Jack's heart sank to see her so upset. He quickly moved a chair and sat beside her.

"Rhi," he called softly.

Rhi quickly turned over and sat up.

"Jack! Have they found him…is he alright?" she desperately asked.

"No word yet," he frowned.

"Jack…you have to find him! He has to be ok! Please" she wept. "Sam please…you must find your father!"

Carter didn't hesitate to wrap her arms around Rhi for comfort as she sat beside her. Jack gently took hold of Rhi's hand.

"We'll find him," Jack said confidently.

"Oh…Sam…we didn't want you to find out like this…or you Jack!" Rhi choked and sobbed, her body visibly trembling hard. "But you must find Jacob…I can't lose him! Not now…not when…not when I'm pregnant with his baby!"

"What?" Jack asked in total shock. "Did you just say baby? Did she just say baby?"

"That's what it sounded like, Sir!"

"You did say, baby…right?" Jack asked Rhi.

She quickly nodded.

Then Jack noticed Rhi's belly after Carter moved back. Her fatigue jacket was open and Jack could see the black T-shirt hugging her belly. Rhi was definitely pregnant. Her hand lay protectively on her stomach as she explained to Sam and Jack about how Zach, Selmak and Malek ensured that the baby be normal.

Carter was just as shock and amazed as Jack as the both sat there and listened.

"I'm sorry we didn't tell you sooner, Sam. Jacob and I were afraid to tell anyone about the baby yet. But we were going to very soon. He was working on the paperwork when all hell broke loose. If he and Selmak are gone…I don't know what to do. I can't raise this baby on my own…I can't!"

Jack sat on the other side of Rhi, wrapping his arm around her.

"You have to calm down…for the baby's sake," he said reassuringly. "And you wouldn't be raising this baby on your own. Carter here would love to give you a hand. As would Mark. Even Daniel or myself. And Teal'c! He's an excellent baby-sitter!"

Rhi giggled softly bringing a smile to his face.

"If by some chance that something did happen to Jacob and Selmak, you should know you are not alone," he said in earnest. "You have family and friends who care a great deal about you…and about the baby you're carrying."

Rhi nodded though her tears that would not stop. And the only gushed more when Colonel Wilson arrived with a solemn look on his face.

"Sir, I'll stay with her," Carter eagerly volunteered.

"Rhi…have faith," Jack said, giving her a gentle hug.

Jack left, following Wilson back outside.

"We haven't found him yet, Sir," Wilson sadly said.

Seeing the anxiousness in the way Wilson was standing, Jack let him go to continue in the search for Jacob. The report could wait. And Jack himself assisted anyway he could, even if it was quickly ushering the Jaffa and Tok'ra through the Gate to Earth. He'd deal with them later. He had a family to put back together here and that took precedence!

---

The smell of scorched flesh made Matt want to puke as he moved through the dead bodies of the Jaffa and the Tok'ra. He checked them for any signs of life. Any with a pulse and he'd call the medics over. But his main goal was to find the General.

Matt knew that General Carter was in this vicinity of ground zero when the blast ripped the base apart. It was still unclear as to who was responsible for it. Neither the Tok'ra nor the Jaffa were very forth coming with any details. That really pissed Matt off! The General was a good man and didn't deserve this. It especially wasn't fair because his wife was pregnant!

At least Matt didn't think it was fair. He had learned much about being a leader from General Carter. Even hoped to be a leader just like him one day. More importantly, Matt hoped to be a good husband just like General Carter. It was under General Carter's advice that Matt finally plucked up enough courage to ask Jillian to marry him. He was overjoyed when she said yes and the first person he told was the General.

Tears burned Matt's eyes. The General wasn't just his commander but his friend.

Something caught Matt's eye. He quickly wiped away his tears and moved closer. It was a hand partially covered in dirt sticking out from under some debris. Matt quickly dusted the dirt off and immediately saw the gold wedding ring. There were only a few people on the base who were actually married. They all had been accounted for except for General Carter.

His heart pounded fiercely within his chest as his trembling hand felt for a pulse.

"MEDIC!" he screamed as loud as he could while beginning to remove the debris. "MEDIC! I NEED A MEDIC NOW! I FOUND HIM!"

Suddenly he was swarmed by a half dozen people that were just as desperate as he was to uncover the General. Even General O'Neill and Dr. Jackson were there, lending a hand.

"Let the medic in!" Matt shouted the moment General Carter's body was revealed.

Matt held his breath. The General lay face down in the dirt. The entire right side of his body, uniform and all was bloodied and badly burned. Matt knew it was bad for the General was near ground zero of the blast. But there was a pulse so that meant there was hope.

---

Even though Jacob wouldn't approve and Selmak would probably have a heart attack, Rhi ran to the infirmary. Everyone quickly parted so that Rhi and Sam could make their way into the infirmary. Once through the crowd they headed over to the emergency section of the infirmary where Matt was standing, tears streaming down his dirtied face. Even Jack and Daniel were somber as they watched Jillian diligently working on Jacob.

Rhi gasped, covering her mouth. It took all her energy to stay standing as she laid her eyes on her husband's body. The entire right side of his body from the top of his head to the bottom of his foot was blackened and bloodied presumably from being so near the explosion. The burns spread across most of his torso and his neck leaving his entire left arm unscathed. She swallowed hard and blinked her tears away, forcing herself to step forward.

"Rhi…thank God…get the healing device, I don't think he has much time!" Jillian said upon seeing her.

"I can't…it would endanger the baby," Rhi replied, instantly feeling sick to her stomach. She had never before felt so utterly helpless.

Jillian didn't hesitate.

"Get a line in him…I'm going to tube him! Let's hook him and Selmak up to the monitors! Hopefully, the symbiote is in far better shape then the General…from what I understand of Tok'ra physiology, Selmak's had to work overtime just to keep General Carter alive thus far!"

"We have the symbiote medicine," Rhi reminded the Doctor. "If Selmak is strong enough, she can heal him completely. It will take time but they will be able to make a full recovery."

"Good!" Jillian smiled.

They had to wait before administering the medicine as the Doctor needed to perform a thorough exam of Jacob. If they gave Selmak the medicine when she didn't need it then it would cause more harm than good. Rhi couldn't stand idly by. She was trained for this and no one was going to tell her differently as she helped tend to the burns on Jacob's body. It was just a means to keep her mind busy instead of worrying about her husband.

"I find no internal bleeding," Jillian announced. "His left femur is broken as is his collar bone. I've set the bones to make things easier for Selmak. My main concern is the burns. They cover nearly seventy-five percent of his body."

"What about Selmak?" General O'Neill asked.

"As I had suspected. It's taken a tremendous amount of energy for the symbiote to just keep General Carter alive. We will need to administer the symbiote medicine…how much I don't know."

Rhi didn't hesitate. This was her area of expertise. She headed over to the medicine cabinet and pulled out several vials of the symbiote medicine and grabbed a sterile syringe on the way back.

"I thought the medicine could only be ingested?" Jillian asked.

"That's true…which is why I'm going to inject it into his stomach," Rhi answered.

Her eyes focused on the task and her hands were steady. Jillian was kind enough to swab the area with some alcohol. Rhi firmly inserted the needle knowing just how far it had to go before injecting the medicine.

"We'll continue to do what we can for the burns," the doctor smiled.

Rhi nodded and set about helping Jacob and Selmak anyway she could. No one told her to leave or to rest even knowing her condition. This was her husband and she was fully capable of assisting in his treatment as she just demonstrated.

It was some time later, after she and the others cleaned and treated his burns that Rhi finally sat down. Her hand was permanently attached to Jacob's. She wanted to touch and stroke his face but that too was badly burned. Only the hand she was holding was unscathed.

Rhi wept as she kissed the ring on his finger and held his hand against her face. Sam kept vigil with her, saying nothing but leaving every so often to bring Rhi food and drink. Rhi laughed inside. Sam was so much like her father as even she was making sure Rhi was getting the nutrients she needed for the baby. Even Colonel Wilson who had finally cleaned up regularly visited Rhi every hour on the hour.

When nightfall came, Rhi slept in a cot right beside Jacob. He was given another treatment of the symbiote medicine and should only require another dose by morning. Selmak's vital signs were strong enough now for her to mend Jacob's injuries. It was simply a matter of time now.

By morning, Jillian checked on some of the burns to see that they were healing. As a precaution they kept the burn medicine on to prevent infection…anything to assist Selmak. Again, Sam returned to stay with Rhi bringing her some breakfast.

"So…is it a boy or a girl?" Sam asked, looking much better than she did yesterday.

Even Rhi felt better knowing her husband was going to be ok.

"It's been an on going debate," Rhi replied, rolling her eyes. "Jacob wants a girl. I'm afraid he's going to be disappointed as I have a…gut feeling it's a boy."

Sam laughed, "Funny…he only wanted boys with my Mom! That's why I ended up being called Sam!"

"You should have seen the look on his face when I told him about the baby…I thought he was going to faint!" Rhi giggled, making Sam laugh even harder. "He literally turned pale!"

Rhi paused, her laughing stopped.

"Of course, he was terrified thinking he had made a mistake in getting me pregnant. We're not allowed to have children. Only Selmak and Zach were determined for it to happen. Once he settled down, Jacob has been so happy! Happier than I ever could have imagined! Though for the first two months he was scared. We only made love once or twice because he was afraid of hurting the baby."

"Rhi!" Sam protested making a face.

"It's perfectly natural, Sam! Besides…I can't tell you what happened once the second trimester hit and I started having all these cravings! Things picked up quite a bit…"

"Stop…I can't hear anymore!" Sam laughed.

"Sam, your brother is right, you need a man in your life," Rhi stated as matter of fact. "Someone who would love you as your father loves me." Through her laughter, Rhi noticed Jillian had come over. "Or like Jillian has Matt now. They're to be married in the Spring of next year!"

"We expect you and your husband to attend," Jillian smiled.

"Jacob and I wouldn't miss it! Of course by then, they'll be an addition to the family," Rhi smiled, running a hand over her stomach.

"About that…Rhi, I would like to do a thorough exam of you and the baby. Just to make sure everything's ok. You've been through quite a bit of stress and you're not resting as you should be."

"I'll stay with Dad," Sam smiled. "And you said it would still be a long while before Selmak's finished."

"It won't take very long Rhi, I promise."

Rhi was reluctant to let go of Jacob's hand. But she knew he and Selmak would insist on the exam. Selmak had done a wonderful job but it was time that Rhi actually saw a Doctor.

"Very well," Rhi nodded but before leaving she kissed Jacob's hand and whispered her love for him and Selmak into his ear.

"I'm sure Selmak's been doing a thorough job but after yesterday I just want to be certain you and the baby are fine," Jillian smiled once they were alone in a private exam room.

"My husband takes excellent care of me," Rhi grinned proudly, as she lay on the exam table undoing her shirt. "Both ensure that I get my daily requirement of vitamins and nutrients. And take weekly readings of the baby, me, and Zach."

"You look about eighteen weeks along," Jillian said as her hands gently pressed against Rhi's stomach.

"Twenty weeks exactly…still haven't felt the baby move yet!"

"Can I ask…" Jillian started as she continued with the exam.

"The baby is normal. Zach and Selmak did it, with Malek's help. Malek removed the naquadah, an egg was fertilized then the embryo implanted. It was all Zach's idea really. He found out my secret…that I wanted to have Jacob's baby. I knew it could never happen because we were Tok'ra. But my need wouldn't go away. Zach knew it would never go away so he begged Selmak to figure out a way for me to have a normal baby. See…that's the thing about Selmak…she could usually figure out the answer to most everything."

"I can't imagine what you and Jacob go through having symbiotes in your heads."

"It's strange at first but then you get used to the voice and the company," Rhi sighed. "I really miss Zach."

"What's happened to him?"

"Nothing…he has to remain dormant else the baby would be born prematurely."

"Well…I must say you're in excellent condition. I would like to take some blood and run a few tests to make certain you are getting all the necessary requirements for you and the baby. Just take it easy and rest when you can."

"I intend to remain in that chair beside my husband," Rhi firmly stated. "Unless you need me…"

"No, we are well staffed now that we have help from the SGC and the intensive care patients have been successfully transferred to Earth. Now, if you will excuse me I need to make my rounds."

Alone, Rhi looked down, caressing her belly.

"Can you behave for me today? No heartburn so I can remain with your father. It's bad enough I have to pee every half an hour! Another thing I miss about your uncle Zach…he could control that urge to a degree!"

Sliding off the table, Rhi fixed her shirt back up and returned to Jacob and Selmak's side where she remained. Occasionally she would leave to use the bathroom. And was grateful she had no bouts of indigestion or heartburn for the duration of the morning.

By late afternoon, Jacob's burns were completely healed. His broken bones were not fully mended yet but would soon be. Rhi used a Tok'ra medical device because it could take more accurate readings of the symbiote and its host. Selmak had been working so incredibly hard as Rhi could tell from the bio-readings. Both she and Jacob were in a deep almost coma like sleep now. It shouldn't be long before they woke. Until then, Rhi wasn't going anywhere.

---

Jacob walked through the smoldering remains of the base. The bodies of his friends and colleagues lay scattered about the ground some were even in pieces. Tears stung his eyes. He had searched all over and couldn't find Rhi. Blood and mud covered his uniform as he has been moving the bodies or body parts

Exhausted, Jacob collapsed onto the ground. There he curled into a tight ball and wept. His life was over. Rhi was everything. He failed her as her husband and the father of her baby and he failed the people of this base.

'Shhh, you're not a failure Jacob.'

'Selmak?'

'Yes, I'm here Jacob. You are not alone. Rhi is safe. She's holding your hand. You were injured…remember?'

"Rhi!" he called lifting his head up.

"I'm here, my love," her voice sounded in the darkness that suddenly surrounded him.

A light came on to reveal he was in their bedroom. Rhi was beside him safe in his arms.

"You had a bad dream," she smiled, her hand caressing his face.

"A nightmare!" he sighed staring up at the ceiling.

"I have an idea on how to make it go away," she purred, her hand sliding beneath his T-shirt.

Her mouth quickly covered his. Her flat belly pressing hard against his as their passion was quick to ignite. A passion that seemed everlasting as they made love long though the night and into the morning hours. Until finally, they fell into an exhausted sleep.

Jacob suddenly woke up, unable to breathe. A hand was clamped over his mouth. He heard Rhi screaming as she was ripped from his arms. He was then yanked from the bed and dragged by two Tok'ra guards. Two others dragged Rhi.

She screamed for him over and over. Her hands extended towards him as far as they could go. He struggled wildly to go to her, his own hand reaching out to her. The sudden immense pain caused by the pain stick pressing into the back of his neck temporarily rendered him incapable of fighting. Once the device was pulled away, Jacob fought again to break free. This time he received a heavy foot to the gut, knocking the wind and the fight out of him.

The both of them were dragged down a long crystal tunnel. Their cries to each other echoed off the walls. Only once they were violently thrown onto the floor in the Council Chambers was Jacob able to gather Rhi into his arms. Her fear could be felt as her body trembled hard in his arms. Jacob did his best to not be afraid but he knew they were both in trouble as he could not hide the fact that she was pregnant for she was nearly at full term.

"Jacob, what were you thinking?" Malek asked him, shaking his head in disbelief.

Jacob stood protectively in front of Rhi. A hand resting on her well rounded belly in an effort to protect his unborn child. He quivered within because he had no idea how he was going to save Rhi and the baby. He thought not of himself but of only them.

"You know what the consequences of your actions are! How could you have been so irresponsible?" Malek shouted at him.

"The baby is normal! Zach and Selmak made sure of it!" he yelped.

"They have already been punished! They have been removed and put to death!" Garshaw announced.

Tears stung Jacob's eyes. His body trembled hard upon hearing of Zach and Selmak's fate and upon hearing his wife crying uncontrollably behind him. He knew the same fate lay ahead for Rhi and the baby.

"Do it!" Garshaw ordered.

Guards suddenly charged Jacob and Rhi in order to separate them. Jacob clamped his arms tightly around his wife. Both desperately clinging to each other while the guards viscously beat Jacob's arms in an effort to break his hold. Jacob refused to let go even after he felt the bones break. Only the pain stick jabbed into his neck caused him to let go.

Tears blurred his vision as he fought wildly to get to his wife. He saw Delek slowly walking towards her. The huge blade glinted in his hand.

"NO…TAKE ME!" Jacob screamed, tears streaming down his face.

"JACOB!" Rhi screamed as she struggled to get away.

"RHI!" he shouted at the top of his lungs. "NNOOOO!"

The blade plunged deeply into her pregnant belly. Her face filled with shock for a moment before the life faded from her emerald eyes.

"RHI!"

Jacob bolted upright. His whole body trembled with fright. His was breathing rapid and shallow.

"Jacob, my love you had a bad dream," Rhi cooed turning the light on.

Jacob saw her belly was flat. His hand shot to it.

"The baby…"

"He's sleeping in his crib down the hall in his room," she smiled, caressing his face.

Jacob flung back the cover and jumped out of bed. He then raced out of the room to his son's nursery. The small nightlight was on near the crib reflecting off the powder blue walls and the baby's mobile as it slowly turned. A soft baby's cry could be heard coming from the crib.

Moving swiftly but quietly, Jacob made his way across the room. He peered over the rail to see the baby's blanket moving around. He could hear his son but couldn't see him. His hand trembled slightly as he reached for the blanket. His heart pounded ferociously in his chest with fear.

Jacob mentally counted to three then yanked the blanket away.

The crib was empty. His son was gone. Jacob whirled around and started tearing the room apart looking for his boy.

"Jacob, my love…wake up!"

"Rhi? I can't…I have to find him!" he shouted back even though he didn't know where her voice was coming from.

"Jacob…it's time for you to wake up!" Rhi's voice sounded again.

Jacob collapsed in the middle of the disheveled room weeping.

"I can't find our son!" he wailed.

"Jacob…open your eyes!" Rhi said firmly.

"What's wrong with him?" someone asked.

"He's dreaming…he needs to wake up," Rhi answered.

Jacob cried to Rhi for help. Only she didn't come. He was alone…even Selmak's presence could not be felt. Everyone he loved was…gone.

"Just have his snake wake him up."

"Selmak is not a snake!" Rhi growled.

"RHI!" he called again. "ZACH!"

"Jacob, my love. You must wake up," Rhi spoke.

Jacob lifted head looking for Rhi. Her voice was so near and so soothing to him that it calmed him.

"Selmak needs you to wake up. You're blocking her from taking control. I know you're frightened. Don't be…I'm right here. Open your eyes and you'll see me...I promise you."

Trusting her words Jacob opened his yes. He quickly closed them as the light hurt his eyes.

"That's it…Jacob…please come on my love…open your eyes again," Rhi spoke softly.

This time Jacob slowly opened his eyes trying to look where her voice was coming from. Someone was there as he saw a shadowy figure. Then as his eyes slowly began to focus he saw red. It was red hair. Red long and beautiful hair! Next he saw her even lovelier emerald eyes. They were so vibrant and even sparkled as she smiled at him.

"Rhi?" he asked or tried to ask.

"Shh, don't speak. Not yet," she said, her hand caressing his face. "Can someone get some water?"

"Jacob! Finally! Welcome back to the land of the living!" a loud and obnoxious voice boomed near his other ear.

Jacob slowly turned his head to see Jack standing there, grinning like an idiot as usual! Sam was just behind him as were Dr. Jackson and Teal'c. Even Colonel Wilson was there.

'I agree! That is not one image I would want to wake up to!' Selmak chimed in picking up on Jacob's thoughts. 'Maybe we died and are in hell! Must be if we're waking up with Jack's mug beside us!'

'Selmak!' Jacob cheered, hugging her tightly.

'You were never without me, Jacob' she said hugging him back.

'What happened?'

'You got hurt…as usual! But I fixed you. Rhi helped…a little! Ok…she helped a lot!'

'The fire fight…a blinding light…'

'There was an explosion. We were near the blast when it went off. To be honest…we were lucky to have survived!'

Jacob felt his fear surging through him. The images of his nightmares filled his mind. Of Rhi being stabbed of their child gone from its crib.

"Rhi!" he exclaimed with a shout as he sat up. He grabbed hold of her, his hand quickly landing on her stomach. "The baby?"

"Our baby is fine," she smiled through her tears.

Jacob buried his face in her hair, holding her close. He breathed in deeply taking in her scent, never wanting to let her go. He wept out of relief that she and the baby were ok. The memories of everything that had happened during the firefight and the explosion were coming back to him now. The only thought going through his mind during the blast was of Rhi and the baby. Their fate was so uncertain during that moment. He feared the worse. And now that they were ok, he made a promise to himself that they would stay that way.

It took a few minutes, but Rhi managed to coax him back into lying down. She even wiped his tears away, and held his head so he could sip some water.

"You both still need to rest," she smiled running her delicate hand over the top of his head.

"You had us a little worried there, Dad," Sam said.

"Sorry…I was just doing my job," he replied sadly while he gazed up at Rhi.

Rhi nodded. A silent understanding passed between them. She acknowledged his request by squeezing his hand firmly before letting go.

"Ok, everyone…I don't think my husband's signing the payroll so you could stand around watching him rest," she smiled to everyone who all chuckled in relief that their commander was ok. "Sam, could you come with me? Jacob needs a moment to speak to Jack. Matt, you can stay as well."

"See you later, Dad," Sam said then kissed his cheek.

"Thanks, Sam," he sighed, then slightly leaned forward. "Matt!"

The kid's eyes looked tired.

'We were out for two days…he visited us often,' Selmak told Jacob.

"Sir?"

"How many?" Jacob asked with a heavy sigh.

"Nineteen dead. All personnel have been accounted for Sir. Six Jaffa and four Tok'ra were killed in the blast. Most of the damage was to our living quarters. That's were most of our casualties occurred," Wilson said sadly. "Sir…I'm sorry…yours and your wife's quarters was destroyed. Major Green put together a team to see if they could salvage anything."

"There's nothing of value…except our digital camera. It still has all the pictures from our…" Jacob broke off. His throat tightened. He could easily imagine Rhi being in their quarters during the explosion. Both he and Selmak thanked the heavens that she insisted on doing her duty by telling Jillian in person about Jacob and her leaving the Alpha site…permanently. His hand quickly wiped his tears away before they fell.

"I understand, Sir," Wilson said, grabbing hold of Jacob's arm. "We'll find it, Sir."

Wilson stepped back and saluted Jacob. He respectfully reciprocated then dismissed Wilson.

"He's a good man," Jack commented.

"And he's one hell of an officer," Jacob sighed as he moved the bed into an almost sitting position.

"Why do I get the feeling there's more to that," Jack said after taking a seat in the chair Rhi had been occupying.

"Jack, by now I'm sure you know Rhi's pregnant," Jacob started then put his hand up as Jack opened his mouth to speak. "Before you lecture me, the baby is perfectly normal. We've been monitoring Rhi and the baby regularly. There are no traces of naquadah in the baby's system. Despite the fact that Zach is dormant, Rhi is in better than excellent shape for a woman in her condition. She just misses Zach especially when she could use his help in getting rid of her heartburn and swollen ankles."

"I remember those days," Jack chuckled. "She have bizarre cravings?"

"The worst was pickles and ice-cream, followed by a plate of mashed potatoes and chocolate pudding and spaghetti! For dessert, she ate three oranges and some peanut butter cookies! This…all at two in the morning!"

"Jacob…you poor man!" Jack laughed heartily.

"I was just glad we had everything she wanted on the base. I didn't know if I could explain why I visited Earth for milkshakes!"

Their laughter died down after a few moments.

"Being pregnant really agrees with her," Jack warmly smiled. "Once she knew you and Selmak were ok, she was radiant."

Jacob closed his eyes, stopping his tears again. He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly until he knew he wasn't going to lose it.

"Jack…I'm retiring," Jacob sighed, opening his eyes. His eyes burned anyway as they welled up. "This is no place for a woman in her condition. And no place for our baby to be born."

"Jacob, anyone would feel as you do after what happened…"

"No, Jack. I've been thinking about this for a while now. Almost ever since Rhi told me she was pregnant. Jack, I missed out on so much with Allison. I missed out on so much with my other children. I'm not going to let that happen again. Not with Rhi! She deserves so much more. She has taught me how to be a better husband than I was before. And as her husband, I must do what is right for her and for our unborn child. My son or daughter is going to born on Earth, where they belong."

"What about the Tok'ra? They're just not going to let Zach and Selmak leave that easily."

"Now that the entire base knows Rhi is pregnant, I'm sure the Council will be sending someone. Even though Selmak still isn't ready to deal with them…I am. Jack, I need your help…please!"

"What do you need me to do?"

---

Malek was making his monthly report directly to the High Council when a messenger came rushing into the council chambers. The message was handed directly to the Council leader who did not look happy by what he was reading. The other members were quickly allowed to read the message leaving Malek and Jared to wonder what in the fact the message was.

'My bets that Ba'al has made his move finally,' Jared remarked.

'Or Delek's caused another catastrophe!'

"Malek, we need you to depart immediately for the Alpha site! There has been an incident involving the Tok'ra and the Jaffa. There was loss of life on both sides but the Tau'ri were hit hardest having the most casualties," the leader ordered.

"I will leave this instant!"

"One more thing…retrieve Selmak and Zachariah!" the order came from the leader.

"May I inquire as to why so I can tell them why they're being summoned?" he asked, even though he suspected the reason why.

"It seems Zach's host is pregnant!"

"This is intolerable! They've gone too far this time!" another member shouted in outraged as Malek saw another messenger come flying into the chambers.

"They are to be retrieved, the pregnancy is to be terminated and both Selmak and Zach are to be removed from their hosts!" the Tok'ra leader demanded, ignoring the messenger who was desperately trying to convey a message.

"Over my dead body!"

Malek and Jared damn near shot to their feet, as they were surprised to hear Jacob's voice from behind them and understood why the messenger was desperate. Jacob was there, along with Teal'c and half a dozen SGC Marines! All of them were armed, except for Jacob, and had their fingers on the triggers of their weapons, ready for anything. Even Teal'c appeared ready for battle in an instant with his staff weapon.

"Selmak!"

"No! It's Jacob. Selmak has nothing to say to any of you!" Jacob growled moving in front of Malek. He quickly glanced back at his friend. Malek nodded and moved away to give Jacob his space to address the Council.

"What is the meaning of this?" the council leader asked referring to the armed escort directly behind Malek.

"I am here on behalf of my family," Jacob answered. "And they are here to ensure that I return to where I belong!"

"So it is true, Rhiannon is with child!"

"It is true she carries my child within her womb," Jacob stated, his head held high with pride. "But it is my child! Mine…and Rhi's! Selmak and Zach went to great lengths to create a normal human embryo void of naquadah, which we all know carries the genetic memories of our symbiotes."

"How can we be certain you speak the truth? You could be lying to protect the child!" a member spat.

"Since when has my word not been good enough?" Jacob thundered at them slamming his fist on the table. "I am Jacob Carter, host to Selmak…the oldest and wisest Tok'ra amongst you!"

Malek and Jared applauded to each other, as each of the Council Members had no rebuttal to Jacob's statement. And Jacob didn't back down there!

"You all know how I came to be Tok'ra. I blended with Selmak with little knowledge of just what the hell I was getting myself into. All I knew at the time, was that it was something very important to my daughter. I admit, I was scared to die and that I would have sold my soul if it meant I could survive the cancer I was fighting. And I was absolutely petrified about the blending thing!"

Malek chuckled to himself. Jacob, who knew Malek very well, managed a quick glance towards him and Jared. Malek immediately composed himself.

"But I was a soldier too. I understood everything about duty…honor…and loyalty. It was my honor to serve my planet as much as it was an honor to be Selmak's host and to be Tok'ra. And I did so for seven years! Seven long years I have followed my orders, kept Selmak in line as best as I could, sent some of our own brethren on missions knowing they would never return...and for what? So, the Council could stab me and my symbiote in the back!"

"You have become too unstable as a host…" someone weakly suggested.

"Selmak's loyalties became an issue," another said.

"Did Selmak ever go against orders? Did Selmak ever falter in her duties as a Council Member or as a Tok'ra? How many of you are on the Council because of Selmak?"

'Serves them right!' Jared commented as several heads dropped in shame.

"And what did you do? You all turned your backs on her!" Jacob roared, his voice echoing off the crystal walls.

Jacob paused, pacing back and forth while rubbing the back of his neck. He had their attention. All eyes including Jared's and Malek's were upon him, waiting for him to continue. When he did, his emotions could be heard in his voice.

"I do not know what happened to cause you to distrust Selmak and I. Perhaps I'll never know. Perhaps your views have changed and it is time for Selmak to step down as being a leader amongst the Tok'ra. For what the Tok'ra once used to be and what they are today are radically different. The Tok'ra of old would never have even considered removing a symbiote from a newly acquired host, even when that host was not of their choice. They would have nurtured and guided this new host so that she or he could integrate into the Tok'ra community and live in harmony with the symbiote. The Tok'ra of old would not have sent a newly blended host to do a mission that was way beyond her capabilities. Nor would they have kept her mate…her husband in the dark about the mission when it was his right to know what dangers she was about to face!"

From where Malek and Jared were standing, they could see the tears in Jacob's eyes. Even after he wiped them away from his cheeks they continued to fall.

"I love Zach and Rhi with all of my heart. They have filled a void in my heart that had been so empty for so long. When I thought that they had died…Selmak and I wanted to die too. Then…when we had learned of the true nature of the mission they were sent on…we were appalled…angered. In my quest for revenge…I became something I wasn't very proud of…a murderer. I slaughtered Gwynn for what he did to my mate. Both Selmak and I wanted to also kill each one of you for what happened to our mate."

Jacob paused, taking in a deep breath.

"But we no longer feel that way. Though the bonds of trust have been shattered and cannot be mended. We have chosen to move on with our life…to make a new one with our new family. I am here because you have it within your power to make it happen. It's been done before in the past. And I'm asking that you do again today."

"I speak on behalf of Rhi, Zach, and Selmak. We officially request to be expunged from the Tok'ra. As part of our terms for leaving us to live our lives as we deem necessary we offer you the chance to check for yourself that the child is not harcesis. Once the child is born, there are tests that can be performed. I believe Malek is most capable having done them before."

"It can be done even if the child is newly born," Malek quickly volunteered.

He could even feel Jared's excitement at the chance to see Rhi and Jacob's baby.

"A harcesis infant has a much more developed brain than that of a normal human infant," Malek added. "And there's the naquadah present in the infant, if it's harcesis."

"Rhi will deliver our baby at the SGC," Jacob continued. "The tests can be performed there. She and Zach are to never be bothered by the Tok'ra again. That is their wish. And it is mine and Selmak's duty to see it happens. We give you our word that any secrets about the Tok'ra deep within our minds will stay there…forever. Those are my terms. I will leave you to deliberate."

Malek and Jared followed Jacob out into the tunnel, along with Jacob's armed escorts. They knew a guard would come for them when needed.

"General O'Neill's idea," Jacob smiled, nodding towards Teal'c and the Marines. "He wanted to make sure we got home for Rhi and that baby's sake."

"I pray for the Tok'ra's sake that your armed escorts' force is not needed," Malek mentioned with a bemused smirk on his face."

"As do I," Jacob sighed. "I don't want to see any more loss of life from either side."

Malek nodded.

"Jacob, why didn't you tell the Council that I helped you and Rhi?"

"Because you are the Tok'ra's future Malek. They will need strong leaders like you to survive. And I couldn't let you get into trouble," Jacob smiled and then he pat Malek on the back. "Besides, I know you and Jared are dying to see the baby. If the Council knew you were part of the reason the baby existed, they wouldn't let you perform the tests. They might think you would lie about the results!"

---

"I was so glad they found it and that it wasn't too badly damaged!" Rhi smiled as Sam looked through the photos of her father and step-mother's honeymoon while sitting at a table in the mess hall.

"I'll get you guys a new one."

"It could be a gift at the baby shower," General O'Neill suggested.

"Baby shower?" Rhi asked.

"It's a party. The parents to be get lots of diapers and gifts," he answered. "Teal'c loves parties. We could organize it."

"Perhaps I should talk with Jacob first," Rhi said, getting to her feet.

The General quickly grabbed hold of Rhi's arm.

"I think you should stay here, Rhi," he said.

Sam immediately saw Rhi's concern.

"Sir, what is it?" Sam asked on Rhi's behalf.

"Please, Rhi…sit," he insisted. "It's nothing bad…I swear."

Reluctantly, Rhi sat down. Instinctively, Sam wrapped an arm around the woman. Sam knew Dad had gone and done something.

"First of all…I'm not supposed to tell you because Jacob was supposed to have been back by now."

"By now! Where has he gone?" Rhi quickly asked.

"He left to see the Tok'ra High Council," Jack said then quickly added. "But he didn't go alone! I insisted he take an armed escort!"

Rhi literally gasped and Sam felt as if she had to hold her up.

"He said it was the only way to they would leave the four…soon to be five of you alone," O'Neill smiled. He gently reached across the table and took hold of Rhi's hand. "Rhi, he loves you. He's not going to do anything to jeopardize you or the baby. I promise. And I gave Teal'c specific orders to bring Jacob home."

Despite the confidence General O'Neill had in his words, Rhi still broke down into tears. No words could comfort her so Sam held her close. Before anyone could speak a lot of commotion could be heard outside. Then O'Neill's radio suddenly came on.

Rhi looked at him expectantly.

"I think he's back!" Jack smiled.

Sam barely was able to keep up with Rhi as they raced out of the mess hall. Then she slowed down as saw Dad hurrying towards them. With as fast as Rhi was running, Sam was surprised her Dad didn't fall over when he caught her after she jumped into his arms.

It was such a wonderful sight to see two people so in love as their lips locked for five minutes. O'Neill timed it and told Sam. Something happened because of the huge grin on Dad's face as he scooped Rhi up into his arms and carried her towards Sam.

"I take it all is well?" O'Neill asked.

"Everything is perfect," Dad smiled, gently setting Rhi down. "Jack…I'm going to have to ask you for one more favor. Once my retirement's official…Rhi and I would like to go to Kendarra for a couple of weeks. It may be the last time for a long time we get to visit."

"Dad…what's happened?"

"We're going to live on Earth! The Tok'ra aren't going to bother us anymore!" he answered, then his hand affectionately caressed Rhi's belly. "And I'm going to do things right this time around."

"Yes…and make brand new mistakes!" the General jokingly inserted.

"I'm sure I will," Dad grinned. "But I will be where I belong, with my wife and our child."