Jack and Sam stayed well hidden in the trees although with clear sight lines to the gate and up and down the beach. Even though they were hopeful that there would be no problems, both of them knew enough to always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.

"Who do you think it will be?" Sam asked quietly.

"Oh Danny and Teal'c for sure," he grinned. "Neither of them would tolerate being left at home."

"But what if they're not at the SGC anymore? What if the NID had them removed?"

Jack sighed and turned slightly to look at his wife – no, right now he had to think of her as his 2IC. "Carter, think positively! They have Hammond on their side so I'm sure they've been able to deal with the NID. And anyway, I expect the powers that be want to keep things relatively quiet. If they were to remove the two of them there might be even more questions asked."

"What do you think they've said about us?"

"Oh, probably that we ran off together rather than get Court Martialed for fraternization," he answered calmly, still keeping his eye on the gate and the beach.

"What?" Sam practically screeched. "But we didn't do anything to get Court Martialled for," she said, not caring at her lack of grammar.

Jack grinned and glanced down at her belly. "I hate to tell you this Carter, but we did – lots of times in fact. And look where it's gotten us."

She punched his arm, which was tricky as they were lying so close together. "You know what I mean Jack. We didn't do anything before we ran off together."

"Technically we didn't run off together. You ran off by yourself and came and got me but – yes, I know, I know, don't hit me again! But does it really matter Sam? The people who know us know we didn't do anything and we can't stop the rest of the rumors. People will believe what they want to believe."

"Yeah, but there were also rumors about you and Daniel, and you and Teal'c and -"

"Don't you dare say me and General Hammond!"

She grinned and shrugged. "Okay, I won't. But I think me running after you probably made people thing that there was something going on between us."

"And there was," he said quietly. "You know as well as I do that our relationship wasn't - strictly that of friends or comrades. No, we both know we didn't do anything, but we wouldn't be where we are today if there wasn't something. But it doesn't matter Sam. The NID would have made something up – did make something up – because of what they want. The truth doesn't matter."

Sam sighed and propped her head up on her hand. "I know. It's just – I hate that our reputations have been dirtied by a few -"

"Power-hungry sob's? I know – but your reputation with me is just fine!" he grinned. A moment later, however, his grin faded as he saw the first chevron light up on the gate.

"Here we go," he said softly, lying carefully down and keeping his eyes focused on the gate.

As far as Sam was concerned, the damned gate had never turned so slowly. She knew that if the wrong people came through it would affect the rest of their lives. She was pretty sure that whoever it was wouldn't be satisfied with simply looking around and leaving. No, they'd carefully check the surrounding area.

But if it was their friends – god, she'd missed them. She watched as the final chevron lit up and a fraction of a second later saw, rather than heard, the kawoosh of the event horizon.

She could feel Jack tense beside her and knew that he was at his most vigilant. It was moments like these that Sam recognized what a strong and courageous man she was married to.

She barely had time to complete that thought when she saw someone step through the event horizon, followed quickly by three more people. All of them stepped away from the gate, which almost immediately shut down.

"Is that …?" Sam glanced at Jack, to see him pushing himself to his feet, a big grin on his face. He reached back and put out his hand. "Come on Sam, let's go see the guys!"

"But which guys?" she squinted off to the distance. The faces were too far away to identify, but suddenly she realized that one of the bodies was tall and broad and the owner's skin was dark. "Teal'c!"

"Yup – and Daniel and Ferretti and Reynolds. They sent the big guns!" Jack continued to pull her along until they were out of the trees. At that point he started to jog forward, Sam following quickly.

"Jack, Sam!" Daniel called, running to meet his friends. He got to Jack first and threw his arms around the older man, hugging him fiercely. A second later Teal'c arrived, a big grin on his face. "Major Carter!" he too reached out and gave Sam a hug. "It is good to see you."

"And you too Teal'c," she laughed, although her eyes were filled with tears. "You have no idea how good it is to see you guys." A moment later she'd traded places with Jack and was giving Daniel a hug. Finally Ferretti and Reynolds also both got hugs – at least from Sam, causing the two men to grin.

"So Jack, no hugs for me?" Ferretti asked, his arms held out wide.

"Piss off Ferretti," Jack grinned, but then he reached over and gave the Major a manly hug. "Good to see you!"

Once all the greetings were finished, the six of them made their way over to the edge of the trees and found a place to sit.

"So Jack – whatcha been up to?" Daniel asked casually, leaning back against a fallen log. The others laughed at the question but all of them turned to Jack and Sam expectantly.

"What have we been up to?" he said, glancing at Sam with a smirk. The glare he got in return made him turn to the guys and shrug, a pleased expression still on his face.

"Well, we wandered around the galaxy a bit – you know, places to go, things to see, people to visit."

"Sounds like an enjoyable time O'Neill," Teal'c commented, although his eyes were observant and he knew that Jack was just being his usual smartass self.

"Yeah – well – not so much, at least not at first. We had a few run ins with the locals on one planet – nothing much different then any of our other missions – and had to uh – hotfoot it out of there. Eventually we found a nice, peaceful planet and we've been staying there ever since. Just trying to keep out of everyone's way."

"What planet?" Daniel asked curiously.

"Uh – I don't think I'd better tell you Daniel. That way you can honestly claim ignorance in case the NID are still looking."

"Oh yeah, they're still looking O'Neill," Reynolds piped in.

"But before we get into that," Daniel interrupted, "we want to know what you've been doing. Are you both okay?" he asked seriously, regarding his friends closely.

"We're good Daniel," Jack answered, equally as seriously. He looked at Sam, this time asking silently for her permission to speak. After a pause she nodded, a small smile on her face.

"In fact, we're doing really well," Jack smiled. "I'm pleased to inform you that Sam and I got married."

There was stunned silence, which was broken, predictably, by the calm words of Teal'c. "Congratulations O'Neill, Major Carter. I am very happy for you both."

"Thanks Teal'c," Sam answered with a smile.

"Uh – married! But – won't you get in trouble for that?" Daniel asked.

Jack and Sam both burst out laughing. "Uh Daniel – I think that's going to be the least of anyone's worries," Sam answered. "Jack and I are both AWOL and I'm sure they'll have a long list of other charges against us."

"I – yeah, I guess so." Suddenly Daniel grinned. "So married huh? Finally!"

"What do you mean finally?" Jack's brows went up. "There was nothing between us before this happened!"

"Oh come on Jack," Reynolds rolled his eyes. "We all knew you had a thing for Major Carter. Hell, half the SGC had bets going as to when you'd finally head your head out of your ass – sorry Major," Reynolds turned and apologized to Carter, "and do something about it. Hell, I think even the General was waiting for you to get together."

Jack turned towards his wife, who was looking at him with a resigned look on her face and let out a deep breath. "Well, nothing happened between Major Carter and me – not before we left Earth," he said sharply.

"We know that Jack," Ferretti said earnestly. "No one suspected you of doing anything wrong. In fact we all admired the fact that the two of you kept things professional, especially since we knew how you felt about one another."

"He is correct O'Neill," Teal'c nodded. "It was common knowledge that you and Major Carter always obeyed the regulations and you were both held in great respect as a result."

"Actually, it was more like awe," Daniel grinned.

"I can't believe this," Jack huffed. "An entire base of busy-bodies!"

"It's just because we loved you Jack," Ferretti told him, trying not to laugh. "Come on – we are happy for you both. Congratulations Major Carter – or is it O'Neill?"

"How about Carter-O'Neill?" she smiled. "And thank you Louis, and all of you, we appreciate it."

"You sure you know what you're getting in to Major?" Reynolds asked. "I mean it is Jack O'Neill you've married!"

"Well you know me Colonel," Sam grinned, "I like a challenge."

"And she's a miracle worker," Daniel pointed out. "If anyone can deal with Jack, she can."

"Ha Ha Ha," O'Neill laughed sarcastically. "Tell them I'm easy to live with Sam." After a few seconds of silence he turned to his wife, who was trying desperately not to giggle.

"Oh – you are Jack – very easy to live with – most of the time," she winked and the others laughed.

"As are you my love," he answered, "most of the time."

"Uh oh," Daniel said quietly to Teal'c, "They really are married. How are we going to be able to stand them?"

"It will be difficult Daniel Jackson, but we must be strong and endure."

"You guys are so funny!" Jack said sarcastically. "Actually things have been good. We're living on a peaceful planet and the locals have accepted us and made us welcome."

"And Jack has become an artisan," Sam said proudly. "He's getting quite famous. People come for miles around to see his wares."

"His – uh – wares?" Ferretti asked, sounding awed.

"Yes, my wares," Jack answered. "I make pottery."

"Really? You're kidding, right Jack?" Daniel said.

"He is not," Teal'c told them. "O'Neill taught himself to throw pots while we were caught in the time loop. He became quite accomplished. Is that what you are doing now?"

"Yup," Jack told them. "And I am getting pretty good. It's kind of fun and it's a living. We also raise sheep and goats."

"Sheep and goats?" Everyone looked in amazement at the former Air Force officers. It was Reynolds who asked the question. "Do you – like – doing that?"

"Well, I've gotten pretty good at shearing the sheep," Jack told them, "but I can't say it's my favorite job. We pay a young guy down the road to herd them. It's a simple life – and probably not where we want to be for the rest of our lives, especially with - ", he stopped suddenly and glanced at Sam. They'd agreed not to say anything about the baby yet. "Uh especially with Sam's lack of doohickeys to keep her amused. But for now it's good."

"You seem well Jack," Reynolds commented. "In fact I think you're looking better than I've seen you in a long time."

"It's the sheep," his wife commented with a grin. Everyone laughed.

"So, how long have the two of you been married?" Ferretti asked casually. He was holding a small notebook in his hand, which Jack looked at suspiciously.

"Why do you want to know?"

"Huh? No reason in particular," Louis answered innocently, palming the small book.

"Did you take bets on us?" Jack asked incredulously, his eyes narrowed.

"Who me?"

"Yes you Ferretti! Let me see!"

"No – no way." He shoved the book back into his pocket. "And anyway – what does it matter. Don't you want to share your happiness?"

"No," Jack answered. "You will not make money on Sam and me getting married."

Everyone was grinning as Jack glared at Ferretti, who was looking particularly obstinate. It was Sam who finally broke the impasse.

"We got married a few months ago," she said. "We really didn't pay attention to what the date would have been on Earth."

Jack went to correct her, because he knew very well what date it had been – they'd talked about it. At the last minute however he bit his lip. "Yeah, right. So nobody wins."

Ferretti sighed and leaned back. "Okay – well then we'll just have to wait until you have your first kid. That one will be easier to figure out."

"Over my dead body Ferretti," Sam growled. "You will not bet on our children!"

"Uh – guys?" Daniel finally interrupted. "Don't you think we should talk about what's going on with the NID? I mean, this is nice and all, but the General is expecting us back."

"He's right," Jack relaxed slightly. "Just no more bets Louis, okay?"

The Major looked disappointed, but nodded. "Yeah, okay – and I am really happy for you guys and it has nothing to do with any bets. You deserve one another."

"Thanks," Jack said while Sam gave the Major a big smile. "So, as much as it pains me, I guess we'd better hear what's going on. So the NID are still lookin' for us?"

"Mmm hmm," Reynolds responded.

"Damn, I'd hoped they would have given up by now," Jack muttered.

"I don't think Colonel Hubbard will give up until he finds you. It's personal with him."

"Yeah, I know. I don't suppose there's anyway we can ask Thor to make him disappear?"

"I don't think so Jack," Sam told him with a grin, "although it's a nice thought. "Personally I'd like to zat him three times. He's such a weasel!"

"He's worse than that," Jack said seriously. "He's a real threat – not just to me. He's the kind of guy that will do anything to get what he wants and he wraps it up in patriotism. I don't know what the President was thinking to go along with him."

"Not just him," Daniel replied. "There are forces much higher at work here. That's why we have to be so careful. I'm afraid that the Trust or something like it is back in control.

"So Jack," Daniel asked after a few minutes of heavy silence. "Anything to uh – report – you know, about the Ancient stuff."

"Ancient stuff?"

"You know what I mean. Have you developed any special powers – or – anything?"

Jack sighed and glanced at Sam. "Not really," he said. "Oh, I can remember things a bit better now - gate addresses especially, but that's about it."

"That's it?" Ferretti frowned. "You mean to tell me the NID are going to all this trouble and basically you're just really good at Concentration!"

"Yeah, that's about it."

"Damn! Kind of a waste of their time then, isn't it?" he commented.

"I tried to tell them that but they wouldn't exactly believe me," Jack answered with a crooked smile. He tried not to think about his time with Hubbard. "And I doubt they're going to believe me now."

"Probably not," Reynolds agreed. "So what, you're going to stay on your planet until they give up?"

Jack thought for a moment and then glanced at Sam. Part of him wanted to do just that, but another part knew that this was more than just about him. This was about forces – evil ones – that were trying to gain control of Earth. They saw him as one way of doing that, but Jack was positive that wouldn't be all.

"Sam?" he asked after a few moments of silence. "What do you think?"

She unconsciously put her hand on her stomach, but then dropped it before anyone but Jack had a chance to notice. She then looked into the eyes of the man she loved more than any other person in the universe. After a second she nodded. Just because they were together now, just because they'd declared their love for each other, it didn't mean their essential beings had changed. Both of them still believed in honor and duty and sacrifice. Sadly now there was even more for them to sacrifice.

"Let's go get them Sir," she said softly. "I think it's time we kicked some NID butt!"

Jack slowly smiled although his eyes looked sad. He gave her one brief nod and then faced Reynolds. "I think it's time for us to go back and stop Hubbard and whoever his superiors are."

"But they'll capture you as soon as you return O'Neill."

"Well, I'll just have to be sneaky about it, won't I?"

"And Sam?" Daniel asked softly.

"I'm going with him," she said firmly.

"No – no you're not," Jack said, his voice gentle but resolute. "You'll go back home – to our home – and stay until I come and get you."

"Jack, there's no way -"

"It isn't a request Major," Colonel O'Neill told her softly.

Daniel winced at that – and at the hurt look that appeared in Sam's eyes. He wouldn't want to be a fly on their wall that evening. Still, she nodded, although her eyes looked down and he felt a moment's sorrow that the universe had to keep screwing with these two. They deserved a break.

"Are you going to come back with us now?" Reynolds asked.

"Hmm?" Jack stared at Sam for a moment but then turned to his fellow Colonel. "No. We'll have to plan this out and we'll need to head back and get Sam settled in. Give me a couple of weeks."

"Okay – how are we going to get in touch with you?"

Jack thought for a moment. "Let's make this our rendezvous point. What say we meet here in two weeks at 0900 hours? If one of us doesn't make it, we can try again every two days at the same time."

"Okay, sounds good. Is there anything you need in the meantime?"

Jack looked again at Sam and sighed. He hated this and was afraid Sam wouldn't forgive him for what he was going to do, but there was no way in hell he was letting her get involved in this, not now. "Sam? Anything you want?"

She nodded and listed a few things that they were running short on – mainly ammunition and some things for their first aid kit. Other than that she didn't say anything.

"Hey, it'll be okay," Daniel gave her a hug later, as they were all preparing to go back. "We'll watch out for him and anyway, you know Jack – he has the luck of the Irish."

"Oh Daniel," she said softly, leaning into him. "I'm so scared. We're happy – finally happy – and now I have to worry about losing him again. I hate this."

"I know," he said gently. "But we'll deal with the NID and then you can come home and everything will be great."

"Home to a prison cell."

"I'm sure Jack will work it all out. Look, there's no way he's going to leave you – not now. He loves you and I've never seen him so happy. Don't despair. You need to be strong for him. Don't let him go off with you angry, okay."

"I'm not angry – okay, so I was a bit when he ordered me to stay – but I understand, really I do. I'm – don't say anything, okay, but I'm pregnant."

"Oh." Daniel was silent for a moment but then he reached out and gave Sam a big hug. "No wonder," he murmured. "Congratulations Sam."

"Thanks," she sniffed. "I was happy about it but now -"

"Stay happy about it. It's a wonderful thing. You need to concentrate on keeping healthy. Let Jack worry about the rest. He'll be home soon, I promise."

"Daniel," Colonel Reynolds shouted. "We gotta go."

"Okay," he called back. He gave Sam a small smile and a kiss on the cheek. "I'll watch out for him and so will Teal'c."

"I know Daniel, thank you."

"Danny," Jack suddenly appeared and slapped Daniel on the back. "Ready to go?"

"Yeah, I was just saying so long to Sam. I'll see you in a couple of weeks."

Jack nodded and watched as Daniel walked away. He then turned to his wife, somewhat cautiously. "Sam -"

"It's okay," she said, turning to him. "I understand, I really do. There's only one thing O'Neill," she said fiercely.

"What?" he asked, sounding worried.

"If you get yourself killed I will follow you into the afterlife and kick your ass. You will return to me and to our baby!"

He slowly smiled and nodded. "I'll come back, I promise. I love you, you know and I'm not about to mess things up just as we've gotten together."

"You'll be careful?"

"Yes, I'll be careful."

"And you won't do anything stupid?"

"No, nothing stupid."

"And you won't try and be brave and selfless all the time."

"Not all the time, no," he grinned.

"And you'll come back to me?"

"I'll come back to you – and to our child. Of course I will Sam."

"Okay," she nodded. "Then let's go home and figure this out."

He leaned down and gave her a long kiss while the others turned and began to walk toward the gate so as to give them privacy. Once he was done he stood up and put his arm around her. "Let's go say goodbye."

"Do not worry Samantha," Teal'c told her as they stood at the base of the gate. "I will watch over him and ensure that he returns to you."

"Thank you Teal'c," she reached up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I know I can trust you to watch out for him – and for yourself and Daniel. I want to see all of you again safe and whole."

"You shall," Teal'c told her with a smile. "Be well."

Jack and Sam stood and watched as the four men slowly walked to the event horizon. At the last minute Jack stood straight and gave a salute, which was returned by the two military officers. Daniel grinned and gave a sloppy half-salute and Teal'c bowed and then they were all gone.

Jack sighed and looked down at his wife. "Let's go home. I want to hold you and make love with you."

"Sounds good," she sighed and together they walked to the DHD to dial home.