"How much longer until you get your maternity leave?" He asked out of the blue.
"A month. Perhaps longer, it will depend on how I feel and what the doc says. Why?"
"Well, I was thinking, how would you feel if we fly to Colorado Springs for a month when your leave starts?"
"I would like that," she smiled.
"You would?"
"Yes."
"Sweet!"
"Jack, I've been thinking…" she trailed.
"When aren't you?" He joked getting a slap on his leg, "I'll give up, about what?"
"About those letters we received," she grimaced.
"What about them?" She moved back and turned slightly to Jack
"Didn't the note say that the next envelope to open is on the sixth of August?" Jack thought about it
"Yeah, why?"
"I think that this letter could be a warning," she added seriously.
"A warning?"
"Jack. I've read your report, and I can read between the lines. Daniel alive, isn't he?" Jack sighed.
"Yes, the people on Abydos are all alive, and that includes Daniel. Why did you ask Sam?"
"In your report, you talked about Ra…" she trailed.
"Okay, I'll bite, what about him?"
"Something felt off, and I did some research… Jack, Ra might not be the only one," she frowned
"What?" Certainly, this wasn't what he expected when he started the conversation.
"Ra was the Egyptian sun god."
"Yes, I'm pretty sure Daniel babbled my ears out with that."
"Well, did he happen to mention that there are others Gods like him from five thousand years ago?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. "From what you said in your report and what I found in my research, I've come to think that there are more of them out there," she finished biting her lower lip.
"Like Ra, you mean?"
"Yes, and if I'm right. Then we don't know how many like him are out there. I also believe that there's more than one gate in the universe. But that's just a theory."
"Okay, you think there are more glowing eyes fake Gods and Stargate's out there."
"Yes. There's one thing, what did you do with the bomb you were sent with, Jack?"
"I used it to blow up Ra ship as it was leaving the planet."
"Oh no, Jack. I think I have this hunch that something is going to happen on the eighth. I don't know if it will come from the sky or the Stargate. However, if my theories are right, by killing Ra... you opened a big can of worms."
"You think Earth might be a target," he affirmed.
"I don't know, maybe?"
"I think you should inform General West of your theories, Sam."
"General West is a jackass. Did you know the only reason why he agreed to sign you on the mission was because you were unstable? He used you to his advantage," she hissed.
"What? You are joking, right?"
"No, I'm not. You signed for what was deemed as a suicide mission, Jack. He used the fact that you were depressed to push you to accept the mission."
"Are you sure, Sam?"
"Yes. In fact, when your team returned, General West had to get here to see General Ryan. Let's just say General Ryan wasn't happy. General West was transferred back to the Pentagon."
"Ok, who's taking over?"
"Major General George Hammond, I know him," Jack raised his eyebrows
"You do?" He asked.
"Yes. He and dad served together for years."
"What is he like?"
"He's a great man, he listens and gives people something to lean on. You will like him, Jack."
"If you say so."
"Trust me."
"I do."
Five weeks later, Jack and Sam flew to Colorado Springs to spend a couple of weeks. Sam's already six and half months pregnant, and Jack's old friend Andy was meeting them at the airport and taking them to the house Jack had kept. When they arrived, Andy helped Jack carry the bags into the house and Sam followed them in and started looking around.
"Jack," she called out when she heard him walking down the stairs.
"Hey, I was putting our bags in the bedroom."
"Did you get someone in to clean the house?" She asked.
"Yeah, why?"
"Well, I noticed how clean it is and that wasn't possible since we haven't lived in here since we got married."
"I called cleaning service last week. Andy let them in to clean and air the place. And he returned yesterday to open the windows to let the air in."
"That was good of him."
"Yeah, he's a good friend. Anyhow, what would you like to do?"
"Lunch and some shopping?"
"Why not? I'll call for a taxi." He looked at her as he talked on the phone, "Hey, how are you feeling Sam?"
"Hungry," she grinned.
"Where would you like to go?"
"Surprise me," she grinned.
"Ok." And that was what he did.
Over the next two weeks, Jack and Sam did what they always did, shopping, movies as well as site seeing, and enjoying themselves. When they returned to DC, the Doctor ordered Sam to get bed rest until the babies were born. And Jack did nothing but be supportive and attentive while taking care of her. Three weeks later, they were watching a movie when Sam started rubbing her stomach with a slight frown on her brow.
"Sam, are you ok?" He asked cautiously looking at her.
"Yeah…" she whispered a bit too late, he stopped the movie and turned fully to her.
"Sam…" he trailed.
"Just stomach cramps," she sighed.
"How many have you had so far?" He asked, his mind already reeling with the information.
"Ten, since lunch time," she shrugged. He chuckled.
"They are not cramps, Sam. Those are contractions when was the last one?"
"An hour ago," she said with a sigh.
"I'll call the midwife," He stood up, but she grabbed his arm before he could move.
"I did before dinner." She grinned sheepishly. "She said we should head to the hospital when they are ten minutes apart, and call her before we do. It could be hours before they get stronger and closer together."
"Are you sure?" He frowned.
"I am. Let's just finish watching the movie."
"Alright," He returned to his seat and pressed play. Soon, six hours had passed, and he had fallen asleep without noticing he did. Sam shook him.
"Jack!" She called as she attempted to awaken her husband.
"What is it?" He groaned.
"It's time," she said softly, and in a swift move he rolled over, turned the light on the nightstand and looked at her wide eyed.
"How far are the contractions?" He asked nervously shuffling around.
"Twelve minutes apart and closing fast."
"Alright," he said halfway into the dressing room. Sam picked the phone and called the midwife to let her know they were coming. Then, with Jack all dressed he helped Sam to get up and dress. Once she was ready, he started to grab the things they would need while she sat and called a cab. They moved out knowing it would take a while for them to get to the door and it probably would be almost the same amount it took the taxi to show up. They were correct. When they finally managed to get out, with Jack still rubbing her back after the last contraction, the taxi pulled over, and a guy opened the door to it.
"Hey! That's for us!" Jack told him loud enough for the guy to turn around.
"Get your own taxi!" The man told them angrily, but the driver didn't start.
"Which one of you called for a taxi?" He asked standing outside.
"I did! I need to get to the hospital," Sam said. The taxi driver looked at her and saw she was pregnant and in labor and made up his mind quickly.
"Sorry, mister. The woman needs to get to the hospital. I'll radio to get another taxi to you."
"Fine!" he hissed stepping back, giving Jack just enough space to help Sam in as another contraction hit.
"Hey, that is, breathe," he instructed, and she rolled her eyes at him.
"I know!" She grimaced.
"Is this your first kid?" The driver asked once they were both inside and on the move.
"No, it's my second. But it's my wife first … And second," he grinned. "We are having twins."
"Congratulations! The first one is with his mother?" The couple exchanged a look, and the driver noticed them doing it.
"No, he died two years ago."
"Sorry to hear that, sir. But the good thing is you've been given a second chance."
"Yeah, I know."
Twenty minutes and five contractions later, the taxi finally stopped outside the hospital. Jack paid the fair and helped Sam out of the taxi and into the hospital. They weren't all inside yet when the midwife and Doctor hurried to them, sitting Sam on a wheelchair to help her move faster, the midwife ushered them to a private room. Between Jack and the midwife, they helped Sam out of her clothes and into the hospital gown.
"My water broke," Sam said blushing.
"Don't worry, I'll be back in a minute," the midwife said walking out of the room.
"How are you feeling, Sam?"
"Scared. Nervous," she bit her lower lip.
"Don't worry, I'll be here for you all the time," he said caressing her cheek softly.
"I know," she answered him with a smile.
Jack rubbed Sam's back and talked to her about other things to distract her from what was about to happen. The midwife entered the room with a cleaner and winked at Sam while the man mopped the floor. Once he finished, he left the room, and the midwife helped Sam get clean before she helped her onto the bed, placing her legs on the medical stirrups.
"Well, you are eight centimeters dilated," she told them. "Now, just try to relax."
She left again and returned with a cup of ice chips that she gave to Jack, and then she placed the IV line in. With all set, she checked Sam once more and left them be. Another half hour passed with them speaking of nothing much while Sam munched ice chips. Then, she was fully dilated, and they were moved to the birthing room
"Ok, Sam. This is it! I can see the head!" The mid wife said as Sam was pushing then relaxing. "When the next contraction hits, push hard," Sam nodded and took a deep breath. And soon she was pushing again. "A head is out; you are doing great!" She continued pushing and stopping for a whole minute until she was finally able to rest and they heard a baby wail as he took his first breath.
"That's our son," he whispered in awe, "You did great Sam!" He finished kissing the side of her head.
"It's not over…" she whispered tiredly.
"I know," and then, their first born was placed on Sam's chest.
"He's beautiful," Sam said as tears fell down her cheeks, "so tiny."
"He's perfect."
"Jack, do you want to do the honors?" Jack turned towards the nurse and nodded. He grabbed the scissors and cut the cord before lowering them on the tray the nurse was holding.
"Oh, boy!" Sam exclaimed between her teeth as she started pushing.
Noticing she was starting with the second birth, the nurse carefully picked the baby and moved to the table to clean him. The Doctors are taking care of the baby as she started to push again. This time seemed to go faster as their second son was born. Jack cut the cord before he was also taken over to the table to be cleaned.
"I love you, Sam." He whispered in her ear before placing a soft kiss on her hair.
"I love you more, Jack."
"Holy Hannah," she whispered grabbing his hand as she felt the need to push again. The placenta was out soon after.
"How are you feeling, Sam?" The midwife asked after she finished cleaning her.
"Tired, but in a good way."
"That's good. Well, you should be pleased to know that both are perfectly healthy."
"That is good to know," Jack said looking towards the table where they still were. The midwife lowered Sam's legs on the bed and covered her with a sheet.
"You should help your wife with the gown, Jack. They will be ready in no time for their first feed." He nodded and helped Sam with the backless gown just as one of the nurses walked to them with one of the boys.
"Here, he's hungry."
Sam lowered the top of the gown before the nurse placed the baby in her arms. Sam rearranged him to place him close to her nipple, he latched onto it and started sucking.
"Oh, he's happy camper now," the nurse said with a smile.
"For now," Jack added watching the interaction. Then, the second nurse joined them with their second son. Jack helped Sam, with the gown and with the first kid and once they seemed set, the nurse placed the second baby on her arms.
"They both look happy," Jack said as he watched them suck quietly.
"Do you have the name for them?" The doctor asked walking closer.
"The one on the left is Liam Peter Carter-O'Neill. And the one on the right is John Michael Carter-O'Neill."
"How much did they weigh?" Sam asked while the Doctor wrote down the names.
"Liam weighed five pounds five ounces and John five pounds seven ounces."
"That a good size for twins," Sam grinned.
"Yes, it is. I'll leave you four alone and congratulations."
"Thank you," Jack said.
He kissed Sam's head as he watched the twins. Softly Jack stroked both of their cheeks. When Liam finished, Jack placed a towel against his shoulder and picked him up, patting his back until he burped while Sam did the same to John. They kept one each in their arms watching them sleep, the nurses entered a while later and took their kids to the next room.
Then, one of them returned to help Sam move onto her bed where she fell asleep straight away. Jack followed the nurse as she pushed the bed back into Sam's room. Once in there, and with everything sorted out, she left them alone. Jack sat down next to the bed holding Sam's hand while watching her sleep. Not that much after, the nurses pushed two bassinets into the room. For the next couple hours, Jack stood by her side, and when she finished feeding them, he left towards home.
The first thing he did after closing the door behind him, was getting to the phone and dialing the now familiar numbers.
"Jacob, it's Jack," he said to the phone, as he rubbed his face tiredly.
"Hello, Jack. Everything ok?"
"Yeah, I just arrived home from the hospital. The twins were born this morning, just after five."
"How are they? How is Sam?"
"They are fine; the boys are healthy."
"What are their names?"
"Liam Peter and John Michael Carter-O'Neill. Liam weighed five pounds five ounces. John weighed five pounds seven ounces. They were born two minutes apart."
"I'm glad you called me Jack, it's the best news I had today! Have you contacted Mark yet?"
"No, not yet. I thought to call you first before you left for work."
"Thanks! I'll drop by at the hospital after work," Jacob told him.
"I'm sure Sam will be thrilled to see you there."
"I'm sure she will. Listen, Jack, I need to get going."
"Ok, Jacob. See you around."
After finishing the call, he dialed Mark's number and gave him the news. Afterward, he walked to his room and stripped down, and finally got to bed for a couple of hours of sleep. Two days later the announcement of 'the safe arrival of Liam Peter and John Michael Carter-O'Neill on May 4th, 1997', was printed in the Colorado Gazette and Washington post for all to see.
Sam and the twins stood in the hospital for ten days. And when Jack brought them home, they were all happy to finally be there.
"It's good to be home," Sam said entering after what it felt like forever.
"Yes, it is. Come on, let's put the kids to bed," he pushed the stroller further in.
He opened the door to the nursery, and Sam gasped when she saw it finished for the first time. The walls were painted blue with an Air Force, NASA and planets posters over the walls with glow in the dark stars on the walls and ceiling. It was exactly what Sam had wanted.
"Wow, Jack! You've done a fantastic job."
"You think so?"
"Yes! I love it!"
She looked around the room in awe, before picking Liam up first and putting him in his bassinet. Then, she did the same with John. With the babies set, she took care of their bags while Jack took hers to their room. Once everything in place, she turned the lights off and left the door partially opened. And she walked to their room.
"Hey, are they sleeping?"
"Yeah," she whispered stepping forwards and wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed him.
"Are you sure? You just had twins ten days ago."
"Oh! I'm sure; we got a lot of catching up to do, Mister." She kissed him as she started undoing the buttons on his shirt.
"Oh, we sure have alright!" he said as he started to remove her clothes.
Over the next three months, Jack and Sam perfected their routine with the boys. Sam returned to work a month after the twins were born, but only part time. On the sixth of August, before Sam left for work Jack walked out of their bedroom with an envelope in hand. He sat down next to Sam.
"Is it that time already?"
"It is," he nodded and opened the letter reading it first.
"What is it?" She asked, and he looked up to her.
"They are coming through the gate in two days," He gave her the note.
"Jack, they are coming through the gate on the eighth of August at 11:09 pm. Warn the General that no women should remain on level twenty-eight. You will be returning to active duty from that date. If Hammond doesn't believe you mention September 1969. Then he will know," Sam read out loud. "I will call General Hammond when I get to work."
"Alright," he sighed. They stood up as Sam placed the note on the table. They hugged and kissed before she walked over to kiss the boys. "Love you," Sam said to her three men.
"We love you too. See you tonight!"
The moment she arrived at her office, she picked the phone and dialed the SGC.
"Hammond."
"General Hammond? It's Captain Carter, sir," she smiled although he couldn't see her.
"Sam! It's good to hear from you! How are the boys?" He asked, and she giggled.
"Which ones, uncle George?" She asked making him chuckle.
"The twins of course."
"They are growing up fast."
"They don't stay small for long, How's Jacob?"
"He is great!"
"Well, next time you see him say hi from me."
"Will do. But Uncle this isn't a social call."
"It isn't? What's wrong?"
"Do you remember back when we were in Colorado and Jack, and I spoke to you about the letters?"
"Yes"
"Well, Jack got one for today and …" she trailed
"Sam?" He sounded worried
"They are coming in two days-time at 2309, and the note said no females on the twenty-eighth floor," she said at once, George thought about it for a while.
"Are you sure it's not a joke?"
"No. Does September 1969 mean anything to you?" She asked then.
"Yes, it does." He told her. "How did you know about it?"
"Well, it was also written in the note. As I mentioned before, between my research and these notes, it sure looks like things are going to start happening."
"Yeah, it sure looks like it, Sam." He let out a breath, and she knew she had managed to convince him. "Ok, I'll make sure there are no females on level twenty-eight. Is there anything else from the note?"
"That was it."
"I'll call you to let you know what happens."
"Alright, I'll better get back to work too."
They hung up, and Sam couldn't avoid but feel a bit frustrated since all she could do was sit and wait to hear from him in after the date had come. Then they hung up. Sam knew all she can do is wait to hear from him in two days' time.
"What does it say?" She asked Jack two days later when she saw him open the next letter with his name. He sighed, lowering the paper.
"It says I'm returning to active duty." He looked at her for some reaction; she just smiled at him. "I need to give this to Daniel when I bring him back."
"Anything else?"
"Yeah, about Abydos. We need to save the people there."
"Didn't you save them already?"
"Yeah. Or at least, I thought we did. But this letter says: 'same snake head. Two planets. Stop implantation, ' and I have no clue on what it means." He gave her the letter.
"I'm sure we will find out soon enough," she said lowering it again. "I guess all we can do is wait."
"What about the boys?"
"I can get dad to look after them for a few days. It looks like we are moving back to Colorado."
"I know," Jack pulled Sam into his arms as they waited for the phone call that was about to change their lives. And then, it rung.
"Carter."
"Sam."
"Uncle George."
"You were right Sam; they came through the gate. There are five wounded, but with the intel, we managed to kill three of the six. Before the injured and the leader returned through the gate."
"Ok, and there were no women?"
"None. Sam, I'm going to call the chief of staff about what happened tonight. And find a way to have you transferred to Colorado."
"Oh, and Jack?"
"He has a lot of questions to answer," Hammond said.
"About the first mission?"
"Yes, Sam."
"Don't worry, I'll tell him."
"You do that; I just wanted to let you know and warn you both to be ready. Night Sam."
"Night uncle George," when they hung up, she turned around with a frown and biting her lower lip. "Well, you better start packing, Jack. Everything points like you will go to Colorado."
"Oh, joy! And I bet they want some answers."
"Yes."
"Alright, let's sort it out tomorrow." He sighed scrubbing his face, "Come on let's go to bed, it's been a long day."
She nodded, and they walked to the twins' bedroom as they turned the lights off along the way. Jack opened the door quietly and turned the night light on as they walked into the room. Jack stood behind Sam, and embraced her, lowering his head on her shoulder while they watched them sleep before they finally moved over to their room.
The next day, as Jack was called to Colorado and Sam to the Pentagon, Jacob was watching his grandsons until their parents could return.
On the other side of the world, at Melbourne Methodist church, nineteen-year-old Chris Blake got married to Sally, his eighteen-year-old high school sweetheart.
Everything started six months earlier when Chris asked Sally's father for her hand in marriage, and he agreed. He remembered the day as if was just like yesterday.
"Tom, sir. I would like to have your blessing to marry Sally," Chris told him, swallowing hard as Tom raised his eyebrows and stared at him.
"You are both too young, Chris." Was what first came out of his father in law to be.
"How old were you when you and Janet got married?" Chris asked, and Tom smiled.
Tom chuckled since Chris was right, they got married when they were both eighteen and Janet was his high school sweetheart. He also knew Chris and his family, not only were they their neighbors for almost twenty years; both families grew up together. And to add more to it, the Blake and Johnson children grew up together. Tom also trusted him with his only daughter.
"Are you sure about this Chris? It's a big step." Chris pulled a box out of his pocket, and opening he showed him the ring. It had one carrot round diamond set in a bezel yellow gold setting and three millimeter wide band.
"It's a lovely ring, how long have you had it for?"
"A month, I bought it in Perth. A bit after learning I'm going to be transferred to Sydney."
"When are you planning on popping the question?" Chris smiled
"Tomorrow night. If I get your blessing," Chris smiled and Tom laughed, patting the boy on the shoulder.
"On her birthday, nonetheless. Yes, you have my blessing."
"Thanks, Tom"
"Come on, let's go and get a cup of coffee," Tom said as they walked inside.
"Chris, there's something none of the kids know," he trailed as he prepared the coffee machine.
"What's that?"
"I did the very same thing to Janet the day before her birthday."
"Really?"
"Yeah. And I'm telling you now Chris, in years to come; if you and Sally have a girl of your own, it might happen to you."
"It might, but we might have all boys," Tom laughed.
"Before Sally was born, we were told it was going to be a boy...they were wrong when she came into the world."
"Who knows? It might happen to Sally and me."
"True."
The next day was Sally eighteen birthday, and she hadn't seen Chris in two weeks. They keep in contact with letters and on the phone. But that night, Tom and Janet threw a birthday party for Sally at a hotel in Melbourne, and everyone showed up, including the Blake family.
Sally was looking around for Chris hoping he could make it. He was living in Sydney, but he hadn't confirmed if he was going to get the weekend off for her birthday. And then, the music stopped, and everyone went silent.
"Can I please have everyone attention, please," Sally turned to the DJ, only to see Chris there with a microphone.
"Sally," He saw her, and he put his hand out as he stepped forward onto the dance floor. Sally walked forth, not taking her eyes of Chris until they were standing nose to nose. "Happy birthday, Sally," Chris said. Then he gave her a quick kiss making her frown. He smiled taking a step backward but still holding her hand. "I got a very important question to ask you," he said before he got down on one knee. He pulled the box out of his pocket and opened it while still looking at a shocked Sally.
"Sally, we grew up together, and we fell in love. I remember our first kiss," she chuckled. "You were four, and it was my fifth birthday. Your mum said you should give me a birthday present, and then you kissed me and ran back over to your mum," they both smiled and so did many others who remembered that day.
"I must confess, that day, I fell in love with you, and it only grew stronger ever since. I loved you then, and I love you even more now. Sally Anne Johnson, would you make me the happiest guy in the world? Would you become Mrs. Sally Anne Johnson Blake? Will you agree to marry me?" Tears were falling down Sally's face.
"Yes!" she whispered.
"They can't hear you," Chris smiled as he held the microphone up to Sally while everyone waited anxiously for the answer.
"Yes! I will marry you, Chris!"
Everyone clapped and cheered just as Chris took the ring and slipped it on her finger. Then, he stood up and gave the microphone to the DJ and embraced his fiancée and kissed her, spinning her around.
"I love you, Sally," he whispered in her ear as he placed her back on the ground.
"And I love you, Chris." She whispered back as their foreheads joined. Soon, their families and friends congratulated them.