The last "long" chapter. the others are shorter than this, about 800 words? Anyway, uhm, so this is what I said to all of you in an explination in a PM (most all of you), for not updating earlier: I skipped (yesterday) so I could respond to all the reviews first! I wanted to see my feedback and let my readers know I enjoyed having their opinions!

Answering common questions: Hammond wasnt supposed to be "cowardly" and not strong hearted, it was I couldnt write it in correctly. Plus it made the last cahpter better.

Sam was in the Marines, Jack was in the air force still...kind of made it easier on the CoC, so it was EASIER to have a realtionship.

Keep those challenges coming! I may not use them all but I'll try to do them eventually! (one shot themes please)

Chapter Three: My reality.

"We managed to chase out the Goa'uld, with some help from the Asguard, just a few years ago," Lieutenant Carter was saying, her voice surprisingly steady. Major Carter was stationed on one side of her bed, lightly grasping her hand, somewhat awkwardly, of course. On the other side sat Colonel O'Neill, watching the story intently, at intervals flicking his gaze to the Major's face. Daniel and Teal'c sat at the foot of her bed, Daniel offering his support with a light touch or shake of her foot, gracing a smile on her face each time. And at the right times, Teal'c would nod his head or cock an eyebrow, allowing her to feel at home.

With a quick glance, she continued. "A few weeks ago, an Asguard ship crashed off of the coast of California. We couldn't manage a cover story and the whole truth about the Stargate was revealed," she said, shuddering at the thought. "It was a disaster."

She shook her head at the scene on the computer screen, a shiver running down her spine and a tear leaking out of her eyes. She swiped at the salty drop furiously, not letting it reach her cheek. Out front, on the mountain, a mob was formed, posters being thrust into the air and shouts being hurled at the people standing on the pedestal.

Jack, Daniel and Hammond were out on the stand, answering questions, giving a speech. "I should be out there with them!" she muttered angrily, swiping at another tear. But General Hammond had told her he didn't think it was wise, Daniel hinted hard that she shouldn't be out there and Jack had plainly put his foot down.

"No risking the baby," they said, each in their own way. Sam slammed her hand down on the desk. They weren't the ones who'd been carrying the life form inside them for the past eight and half months. They didn't have to suffer the morning sickness, pains, cravings, mood swings, everything. How would they know what was best for the baby.

Sam felt a hand grasp her shoulder and twisted her head, finding herself staring up into Teal'c eyes. She gave him a small smile, and he sat down next to her, both of them watching the screen. His presence jabbed a feeling of guilt into her stomach. He should be out there as well, and they all knew it, but the president had forbidden it, saying you couldn't introduce an alien device AND an alien (who had been working for their enemies, he had so hatefully pointed out) in the same day. (In O'Neill's words…who even voted for Kinsey!)

The two of them settled down to watch the mob yelling, listening over the microphone to the questions being thrown at them.

"Why did you keep this a secret for so long?"

"What exactly was that ship?"

"What other secrets is our government hiding?"

"Have you met ET!"

"Does this explain the increase in Mad Cow Disease?"

"I thought I saw an alien walking down my street yesterday, small, green, one eye, said his name was Dave…did you let one loose?"

"Is there any threat level to be established?"

"Can we use planets as prisons?"

"Can you let me go to another planet for my honeymoon?"

"That had to be horrible," Carter murmured, shuddering. Looking to her teammates, she saw the same reaction pass around them. O'Neill's distant look, Daniel's wide eyes, Teal'c's somber stare, directed towards the ground.

"It was," Lieutenant Carter said, her eyes glazing over at the memory. "If Kinsey hadn't been elected for president…"

O'Neill's eyes, which had been focusing on a high point on the wall across the room, snapped to the Lieutenant. As always, when his gaze rested on her, a small tinge of pink (not noticeable to any of his teammates, except Teal'c, of course) danced onto his cheeks. "Kinsey is president?" he asked, glancing at the others to make sure he heard it right. "Who voted for him?"

Samantha shook her head. "We think he bribed his way in," she said softly, her face consorting as pain shot across her abdomen. Her hand clenched on Carter's as she ground her teeth together, sweat beading on her forehead.

Carter let her alternate self squeeze her hand, murmuring soft words of comfort and looking awkwardly at the others. Teal'c glanced respectively away, Daniel shot her an uncomfortable, supporting grin, fidgeting in his seat, and O'Neill met her gaze for a second, then glanced down to the white knuckle grip latched onto her hand and looked away quickly.

Moments later, it passed, and the Lieutenant's hand went limp as she fell back to her pillow, eyes closed and breathing heavily. Her eyes flicked open a crack, and she rasped, "Water."

The three men each scrambled for the jug, but it was O'Neill who reached it first, pouring a cup full and coming back to the Lieutenants side. He slid his hand under her head and pulled it up slightly, tipping the cup down to her lips. She parted them and allowed the water to slide down her throat. After a sip or two, her eyes blinked open and she slid her hand up to take the cup from O'Neill's, nodding to him in thanks. She laughed weakly.

"It's ironic," she said softly, tears brimming on her eyes as she spoke, seemingly to no one in particular. "My husband and I, we tried so hard to have a baby. I had…so many miscarriages…we thought it was impossible. The day I told him I was pregnant again…" a tear slipped out of her eyes, sliding down her cheek. She sucked on her lower lip for a moment to keep it from quivering. "We could barely believe it…he put his hand on my arm and asked me how far along I was…the miscarriages, they each happened within two months, save one case…when I told him I was already at two and a half months…," she drew a shuddering breath. "He was so happy…he couldn't wait to be a father. And now…he's not even here…."

The other four exchanged glances, none of them knowing what to say. Sam squeezed her alternate's hand in some attempt of comfort. Daniel spoke up, "Who was he?" he asked softly.

Samantha tilted her head at him, and smiled warmly, wiping a tear away from her cheek. Her gaze said you should know, and she said nothing, shaking her head. When she spoke again, she continued her story. "It was just the other day that we heard the news about the ship…"

XxX

General Hammond put the red phone down with a small click. Leaning back in his seat, a smug smile spread across his face. After talking with the doctor, he knew that the phone calls he had been dreading earlier were going to have to be made, and, as it turned out, they didn't go as bad as he would have thought. Although the situation was dark, a ray of hope seemed to be shining brightly….

XxX

So what's Hammond up to? And how's the explination going? Hehe, arent I mean? I know I am. But, you love me anyway!