-- SGC Briefing Room --

Wasting no time, Jack was on the move as soon as the Asgard transporter released him back into the empty SGC briefing room. First checking Landry's office to find no one there, he headed for the stairs as his gut told him where everyone had to be. Quickly he made his way down the metal stairs to a noisy scene of hectic activity -the control room unusually full of hustling people - finding Hank Landry with his face set in grim lines as he conferred with a tall robed figure whose back was to Jack.

"Am I too late for the party?" Jack asked as he stood in the doorway. All commotion halted - as everyone froze upon hearing Jack's voice. Grinning, Jack added "Late entrances are ALWAYS sooo dramatic. Aren't they?"

Hank Landry's stunned face broke into a relieved smile but Jack only had eyes for the robed figure, who swung around to face him as Jack moved to greet him.

"Teal'c!" Jack's long hand clasped the large Jaffa by the neck in an affection gesture as his other hand gripped the warriors' shoulder. "About time you got back." He said gruffly his emotions evident as his dark eyes studied his friends' face.

"O'Neill! You are well! " An uncharacteristic large smile lit up the dark, handsome face as he too gripped Jack and enclosed him in a brief Jaffa hug.

Smiling still, General Landry heaved a sigh of satisfaction. "I guess our threats did the trick eh? The Asgards decided to release you?"

Jacks' dark eyes gleamed as his sarcasm took hold, "Oh YEAH. They're running scared Hank, real scared."

Teal'c, his dignified seriousness once again re-established asked, "O'Neill can you explain the circumstances behind your arrival?"

"Suffice to say - all is well with the Asgards - Thor is back in the saddle and they have been busy fixing all things O'Neill'. Something that I'm quite sure they are growing extremely tired of doing!"

Faced with Jack's relaxed and confident air, the strained atmosphere lessened considerably reverting back into the normal mode as everyone realized the emergency was over and General O'Neill had been returned home. Hank Landry, even though faced with a visibly healthy Jack O'Neill still had to ask, "Jack, what's the situation with the Ancient's data in your mind... Did the Asgards remove it?" His eyes under his bushy eyebrows were intent as they studied his friends' apparently healthy form for any sign of difficulty.

Dammit!' Jack thought. He had hoped that assumptions would be made and he wouldn't have to lie outright to a friend, but the question was on the table and Jack decided that discretion was indeed the better part of valor. "Gone. All gone. It's just me. Sorry guys, no more Mister Know-it-all'."

"As far as I'm concerned that's the best news I've heard all day." Landry spoke feelingly, his face full of his sincerity.

Teal'c interjected, "We thought we had lost you. O'Neill. It is good that you have recovered so thoroughly."

"YES! GOOD!" Jack quipped, pushing the jab of guilt he felt at his deception back down...deep. This is for the best.' He reasoned. Otherwise his life and the lives of those he cared for would never be safe.

Landry thumped Jack on the back, "Well, you'll have to excuse me; I need to smooth things over with the Asgards and make a presidential phone call. He'll be extremely glad to get the news."

A more serious Jack nodded then asked, "You don't need me for that do you? I'd like ..." and before he could finish Hank cut in... "Go! Go! I can handle it, but the president will need a report by tomorrow on the Asgard situation. "

Jack's warm expression conveyed his thanks, glancing at Teal'c he asked, "Care to join me?" A slow head bow was the affirmative response. On his way out Jack yelled back, "Hank, Remember... Asgards ... Good Guys!"

Jack waited at the elevator and couldn't remember the last time he had felt this way; Anxiety and trepidation rolled up and coated with excitement. He was going to hold his child in his arms for the first time.

"What's with this damn slow elevator?" He muttered as he jabbed at the button for perhaps the seventh time.

He glanced at the quiet man beside him and marveled as he had for ten years at his stillness. Not a muscle moved, not a finger twitched, not even his new hair' waved; the total opposite of his own restless energy that never seemed to calm down. Even though the silence was comfortable between them, Jack felt he needed to break it, "Teal'c, buddy, I hope I didn't pull you away from important work to come try and save my sorry butt."

"You did not. Friend." Teal'c said with a small smile.

"Good. Good." Jack felt he was going to explode if the elevator didn't arrive soon. He doubled-jabbed the button, beating a staccato rhythm.

"O'Neill. I do not think that your pressing the button multiple times has any affect on the speed of its arrival." Teal'c said a small amount of amusement evident in his deep voice.

Jack bounced on his heels as he watched the uncooperative elevator door, "I'm pretty sure it does... I think Sam studied it and found that, yep... pretty sure it does..." as he jabbed more viciously at the offending button.

He added thoughtfully, "Maybe I should go back to the Asgards and have them BEAM me there?"

Teal'c cocked his head sideways as he studied him, trying to discern the seriousness of his last remark.

Jack confessed, "KIDDING. Teal'c. Gotcha on that one. Huh?"

"You did indeed. O'Neill.' Teal'c allowed himself a minute smile and felt once again, the contentment of having O'Neill back. He had missed him sorely for the past year and a half.

Finally the elevator arrived and impatience reared its head again as they waited for the large group of Airmen to get off before they could enter.

"Where's Daniel? Wait -- let me guess - the Infirmary!" Jack grinned as Teal'c indicated with a nod the correctness of his guess.

I soo know my Daniel''. Jack thought fondly.

Finally they arrived. The elevator door silently opened. Teal'c waited in the car for Jack to precede him out but Jack didn't move. Teal'c waited. And waited some more. "O'Neill?" he asked inquiringly. "Are you not feeling well?" Feeling perplexed that the man who had been so impatient just moments ago was now simply standing as if frozen with one hand on the Open' button.

Jack was as perplexed as Teal'c, he couldn't move. His legs were weighted as with lead ... no, worse, Naquadah. He was simply terrified.

"Have you seen Sam yet?" He asked Teal'c suddenly.

"I have not. I only just arrived not one half hour before you appeared. O'Neill."

"OH..." He sighed heavily as he studied his hand that held the door open.

What is the problem, O'Neill? "

No problem. Just... nervous. He swallowed harshly.

Teal'c waited him out. "O'Neill it is I... You must let me help."

Teal'c watched and felt little hope that this man, his friend that he never expected to have, never thought he deserved having due to the horrible life he had lived, would open up to him. So when Jack's ragged voice began talking, Teal'c experienced his own moment of anxiety. Desperately he wanted to help his tormented friend and worried that he would not find a way to do so.

"I'm a father again, Teal'c. I'm not sure I deserve this second chance. What if I screw it up? Like I did with... Charlie." His husky voice trailed off to nothing.

"You will not. O'Neill." Irrefutable confidence stamped every word.

Quietly, Teal'c continued, "You exhibit all the traits of an extremely proficient father. If I had fallen in battle, it is you who would have been asked to care for Ry'ac. I would not have done this if I had not been certain of your capacity for fatherhood."

Jack studied his feet as if he'd never noticed them before. "Thank you. Teal'c. I appreciate that. I do. I just wished I could believe it myself."

Just know that it is so, my friend."

Jack swallowed the lump, found a smile and raised his head, "I feel like I'm going into battle."

Teal'c gripped his shoulder, "This is the opposite of battle, O'Neill. This is what we battle for."

Heaving out a deep breath, Jack gestured before him, "Shall we?"

Yes we shall." Teal'c said gravely and took his place beside him.

Entering the Infirmary they spotted Daniel talking to Dr. Lam. Even in his nervousness, Jack caught the close stance, the hand on the Doctor's shoulder and the expression on Daniel's face. Horse Hockey... if it's not serious.' He thought as he watched them. Daniel noticed them almost immediately and abruptly he started toward them, pulling Dr. Lam in tow, as he never let go of her.

"Jack! No one told me you were back!" He then stepped up and crushed O'Neill to him before pulling back, still gripping him by the shoulders as he studied the older man's face intently to ask,

"Are you ...?" Not completing his thought, he waited, wondering if his friend was fully recovered or still an Ancient in disguise.

"What?" Jack queried his look quizzical.

"You know." Daniel answered assertively, as he gazed straight into Jack's eyes, as if trying to see inside his head.

No... what? Jack asked in irritation.

"Good! Okay." Daniels' satisfied tone at Jack's response was apparent as he patted both Jack's shoulders and stepped back. Jack was Jack and he was happy.

"Okay. Good." Jack responded back.

Teal'c waited impassively as the strange dialogue finished. After years of listening to the odd communications between the two men he had grown used to. He did however derive amusement from viewing the expression of perplexity on Dr. Lams' face as she gazed at first one and then the other of the bickering men.

Jack reached out and patted the back of Daniels' head. An unexpected awkwardness enveloped them both and he realized why -- their new connection' was hanging out there over their heads, unspoken and unseen but still the purple elephant in the room. This guy had been inside his head and no matter how you looked at it - that was just too weird. Taking his usual approach, he jumped in with both feet, as cryptically he stated,

"Daniel, we need to discuss our long distance talks."

Daniel pushed his glasses up his nose and drew in a long breath, but his answer was not as cryptic.

"It's all right Jack... Carolyn knows and Teal'c is one of us' -- so, we don't have to hide our newest development."

Teal'c cocked his head and his eyebrow rose, "What are you referring to, DanielJackson?"

O'Neill interrupted, "Fine. Can we just sideline it for now? "

"Of course, Jack. But imagine what this is going to save on batteries." Daniel grinned openly and suddenly Jack realized that Daniel thought it was funny'.

There's a man with nothing to hide.' He thought enviously. Clearly he was the only one who had issues' regarding this matter.

Doctor Lam spoke up for the first time, "General, Col. Carter is in room three. She's still unconscious but her vital signs seem to be improving hourly. You can go in, Sir." She gave him a warm smile and Jack was surprised at how pretty she actually was. Something he'd not noticed before. He felt glad for Daniel. He deserved someone and Jack, in a big brother fashion, felt that Dr. Lam might just be the right person for him and silently he gave her his O'Neill stamp of approval'.

"Thank you Doctor." the warm expression in his deep brown eyes startling her.

Teal'c added, "I'll remain here O'Neill." understanding that he needed to go alone.

Jack nodded briefly and then visibly bracing himself; he turned and walked up to the door.

All solemnly watched as he paused for a moment before opening and slipping in, closing the door gently behind him.

Jack approached Sam's bed and studied her for a long moment. Gently he placed his hand on the side of her face and had a vague recollection of doing the same gesture earlier. Noticing the pallor and dark circles under her eyes, he carefully leaned in to kiss her cheek and gently stroke her eyebrow with his thumb. Closing his eyes, he concentrated, somehow knowing what he needed to do and he found her. She was there. Very, very tired yet wanting to get better. He spoke to her, his mind reaching out taking hold and connecting. Hey there sleepyhead, Whatya doing?' He waited, sensing her, yet not getting an answer. He sensed her extreme weakness, but also her fighting spirit and felt it battling to recover. That's my Carter.' He thought with loving affection.

He sent out the message, There's a little one waiting to meet us. You need to wake up.' He waited a little longer, and then felt a tug from a different direction; a connection that he remembered from earlier when he himself had been floundering in the dark. Hello again.' His thoughts spoke out to the small presence.

He felt a return warmth and surprise. He continued on,Thanks for earlier. Without Daniel and your help... I don't know...'

Again, an infusion of warmth came through that he equated with good things. A image formed in his mind that he knew was not of his creation, yet somehow was... an image of his own Mother and Father as he last saw them, then Jacob Carter, smiling his cocky assertive smile, and then an attractive blond woman with a dated hairstyle that was the picture of Sam. Wonderingly he relaxed and watched the familial visions float gently through his mind, some he knew; and a lot more that he didn't. All images seemed almost three-dimensioned as if actually summoned forth and all projected loving warmth. Then he saw him - Charlie, Charles Tyler O'Neill, still a young boy, as he was the day they lost him, never to grow one day older. No longer relaxed, Jack's head spun dizzily as he tried to recover as not only had he seen' Charlie, he had felt' him. Charlie had been there, in his mind and for one long moment Jack had felt a peace, a forgiveness' that had reached out and enveloped him in love.

He came back to himself, and opening his eyes, his heart thundering in his chest, he realized he was still cupping Sam's face. The only difference was that Sam was now touching his also. She had awakened. His dark eyes met her blue in true communion of spirit. The battle was finally won. Thankfully he smiled, his dark eyes soft with love, "Hey there, sleepyhead." He said again, only this time out loud. Sam indicated for him to come closer and as he leaned over, she whispered, her voice almost lost to the harsh medical treatment it had undergone. "I heard your voice in my head. It kept me going... It brought me back."

Unable to trust himself to speak, he enclosed both her hands in his and thought how much he loved her.

"Is the baby okay?" Her worried eyes searched his as she waited for his answer.

Jack could only nod; his throat suddenly constricted as he kissed each of her palms. "Thanks to the Asgards, You're both going to be fine." Seeing the questions in her quizzical expression, he continued, "I'll tell you the whole story later when you feel up to listening." Nodding, she closed her eyes and then just as quickly opened them and gestured for him to get closer, "Want to see our baby." Her hoarse throat managed to get out.

Jack closed his eyes. He had already seen' his child in his mind. He knew and loved it and also knew it was special. Why their child was this way he hadn't a clue but he felt the tug of responsibility that was now his. His, was a duty of love, to nurture this phenomenal child to adulthood. And one that he was determined not to fail in.

Jack nodded, "Let me get Dr. Lam in here. She'll get..."

"NO." Sam's croaked voice broke on the word but determinedly she continued,

"NO. YOU get the baby."

"Uhh. Nahh... Noo... Uhh...I..." His throat closed convulsively. He felt her hands suddenly squeezing his.

Finally his courage won out. "YES. I can do this."

His back ramrod straight, he looked to the corner that was curtained off and where behind it, his child lay sleeping. Glancing at Sam, he saw her sky-blue eyes that he loved so much, watching him and with a gentle smile of encouragement she nodded in the general direction of the baby.

"I really think I should get a nurse...or..."

Sam's smile broke and her eyes filled with tears." Jack felt her thoughts almost immediately. He doesn't want the baby.' emblazoned his mind. Feeling absolute shame, he had to set things straight.

"Sam, I'm sorry. DON'T... Don't EVER think that because I do. I'm just... a...a... coward."

Instantly her face displayed her forgiveness, her eyes brimmed with unshed tears, yet her determination did not falter as she once again indicated for him to go to their child.

"Right." He took in a deep ragged breath and approached the curtained area as if reconnoitering an enemy stronghold full of Goa'ulds.

Tentatively he stopped at the curtains, reaching up to grasp one; he looked back at Sam's watching form and smiled grimly. He was determined not to hurt her feelings any more than he had already done; once again wondering what the hell she ever saw in him to begin with.

Slowly he pulled the curtain open and stepped through. The plastic cubicle inside didn't seem large enough to hold a puppy much less a human baby, but he knew it was there. He stepped up to the side and looked in. The heavily swaddled bundle was completely still. Gingerly he reached out with one long finger and poked it. Nothing happened. Once more, he prodded the blanketed form. Nothing. Concern etched his features and forgetting his fear he reached in and picked up the tiny form; smoothing the blanket back to study the small face. Instant relief flooded as the baby decided at that moment to yawn and he watched in awe as the tiny mouth opened wide and a fist found it's way inside. He thought nothing in the universe was as fascinating as what he was viewing at that moment, until suddenly the darkest eyes he had ever seen in a newborn were looking at him. My eyes!' He thought fascinated and then fleetingly wished they were blue. Then just as quickly he didn't care. He would never be the same again - he was wholly entranced. He came back into himself and carefully gripping the baby he moved back out into the big room and into view of Sam's expectant, anxious eyes.

Seeing them coming toward her, she felt her heart swell and then melt; her handsome husband carrying their child. She'd never forget that sight if she lived to be two hundred. Suddenly she realized everything that they had gone through had been worth it. Worth' powered to 1000 factored by a million. There wasn't a number big enough for her love and happiness.

Glancing up from the tiny child in his arms, Jack encountered Sam's loving gaze. In that instant he felt as carefree as a boy. Grinning hugely he said in incredulous wonder, "My eyes... Sam. MY EYES." Her smile, while it seemed impossible, grew larger as her misgivings about how Jack felt about the baby dissolved as she witnessed his delight in his discovery. She reached out for both of them. Carefully, upon reaching her bed, Jack operated the bed lever so that she was sitting up, all the while adroitly holding the tiny bundle in his other arm.

With the greatest care he placed the small bundle in Sam's arms and stepped back to watch as they met' for the first time. He watched as his warrior-scientist wife, hardened soldier of wars, transformed before his eyes into the most beautiful of all creatures - a Mother holding her newborn child. With shaking hands and total concentration on her deed, Sam gingerly unwrapped the tiny form. Jack moved to sit lightly on the bed beside her with one long arm around her shivering, emotional form. Tears splashed down Sam's face. Jack leaned over and kissed them away, as his large hand reached forward to the baby and touched each as he softly chanted, "ten fingers...ten toes... two eyes...one nose. He's perfect, Sam."

Sam leaned her face against his and nodded in loving agreement as they both gazed at their child.

"KNOCK KNOCK..." Daniel stuck his head in the room, his eyebrows raised inquiringly over his glasses as he measured his welcome. "Can we come in? We're dying out here to see the newest O'Neill." Jack and Sam exchanged a brief look and upon Sam's slight acquiescent nod, Jack answered,

"Of course. Get in here, Godfather." Daniel entered rapidly, followed by Teal'c and Doctor Lam, who upon seeing Sam awake, hurried ahead of them and began taking her vital signs. The two men approached the bed with the same nervous trepidation that Jack had earlier. Upon spying the baby in Sam's arms, Jack grinned as Daniel began oohing' and ahhing' his amazement, while Teal'c simply cocked his head in study with his characteristic one eyebrow lifted, totally silent.

Then it hit Daniel what Jack had said at the door, as he straightened suddenly and looked from Sam back to Jack,

"Uhh Jack, what did you say a second ago? Did you say... Godfather?"

Jack nodded as he picked up his son's tiny fist to watch the tiny finger wrap around his own long finger.

Daniel gulped, "Wow. I'm touched. REALLY."

Still concentrating on his baby, Jack added, "Well actually you're Co-Godfather... That is... if Teal'c agrees, Teal'c ole buddy?" Jack questioned, his dark eyes looking up finding Teal'c as he asked.

"I'm honored. O'Neill." Years of masking his intense emotions kept the group from seeing just how touched he actually was. But Jack knew. Jack nodded his thanks at his acceptance.

Daniel leaned in and kissed Sam on the cheek, "Congratulations, Mom! He's amazing." Sam brushed his cheek with her hand, "Thank you Daniel." She whispered her voice a bit stronger.

Dr. Lam finished checking her, administered a glass of ice chips and with a flip of the chart pronounced, "Everything looks great. All vitals are good." Her brown eyes warm with relief and happiness. "He's beautiful." She added, as she watched Daniel tentatively touch the fine cap of dark hair.

Sam's blue eyes were warm with her gratitude, "Thanks, Dr. Lam for everything you've done." She said softly. "Call me Carolyn, please and you're welcome. Not that I feel like I've done a whole lot..."

Jack cut her off, "None of that. We couldn't have made it without you and your staff. You've all been terrific." He said with quiet sincerity.

"Teal'c you haven't said anything." Daniel queried the tall silent man. Teal'c took this as his chance to ask what evidently had been bothering him, "Jaffa babies are much larger. Is he supposed to be that small? Col Carter and O'Neill are neither small... why is he so small?" Jack and Sam both broke out in laughter as Daniel, being Daniel took it upon himself to explain in lengthy detail and would have gone on even longer if Jack hadn't took pity on Teal'c and cut him off midstream.

"That's enough Daniel. Teal'c didn't ask for the whole course on Tauri Babies 101'."

To Jack's surprise, Teal'c spoke up almost immediately, saying "On the contrary O'Neill, if I am indeed to be a Godfather' I will need hours upon hours of instruction from DanielJackson."

Jack studied his best friend; still after ten years of living close he had to take a guess, "Joke. Right?" Teal'c allowed a tiny smile along with his slow nod. "Indeed."

Everyone, including Daniel, laughed. Dr. Lam had managed to find her way beside him and no one even noticed when Daniel gripped her free hand in his.

"What name will you give your child?" Teal'c inquired. Sam and Jack exchanged a meaningful glance and with a small gesture, Sam cleared her throat and spoke softly, everyone strained to hear,

"We knew we were having a boy, so we chose the name early on. He will be the third O'Neill to have the name of: Jonathan Jackson O'Neill.

Daniel's jaw dropped in shock as he undertook the news. His gaze swerved to Jack as he asked incredulously, "Your full name is Jackson?"

Enjoying the Daniel fallout' from the revelation, Jack answered smugly, "Where do you think the Jack' came from? Jackson is an old family name and NO, we are not related, DANIEL."

Daniel's exasperation was almost comical as he recounted flatly, "We share a name and you never said a word." Jack's dark eyes gleamed with devilish joy, as he answered fairly truthfully, "To be honest, Daniel, I never made the connection."

What if we're kin! Jack! I could be your cousin... We could be actual family. How great would that be!" Daniel's enthusiasm as he gushed was unstoppable. "I have a family tree archived. I'll pull it and bring it over to your house. I'll need to know the complete names and dates - both birth and death - of your Jackson's and then I'll cross-ref..."

If Jack had paid attention instead of groaning and throwing his head back - he would have seen the bedevilment in Daniel's own baby-blues as he blabbered on -- doing everything in his power to torment -- not even listening to himself - as he thought with simple joy, Payback's a bitch... Jack!'

The end

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