A/N: IMPORTANT! Recently reviewing my story, I realized that chapter four was never switched out. I have now corrected the error. From the old story, it was when the O'Neill's were stargazing on the roof. It was supposed to be Emily's party scene, so please go back if you have a chance and read the correct chapter four. I think you will find that it makes more sense lol! Thanks to everyone for the reviews!

CHAPTER 7

Two weeks later, Emily happily waved good-bye to the airman at the check-point station. She held tight to her mother's hand while they maneuvered through the hallways. Emily's eyes looked around her in wonder at the hustle and bustle of SGC life. She always loved the constant noise of people and machines. It comforted her many times when her parents had been on a mission and she stayed with her Aunt Janet or Uncle George.

Finally reaching their destination, Emily squealed and ran to greet the General. He stood from his desk just in time to catch the sixty pound child leaping into his arms. "Oof! My, young lady, aren't you getting big?"

She giggled, "Maybe you're getting smaller, Uncle George."

He gently set her down and pointed to his shelves, "There are plenty of cool things you can look at over there if you want."

Emily considered this before shrugging, "Okay."

He addressed Sam, "I didn't know you two were coming for a visit today."

She took a seat across the desk from him, "Well, Emily needed her yearly check-up with Janet. She actually asked to come today, can you believe it?"

He joked, "Jack's daughter, wanting a visit to the infirmary? Did heck freeze over?"

Sam smiled and led into what she really came to talk about, "Speaking of Jack, he's been on quite a few missions lately." She joked, "Are you trying to keep my husband from me?"

The General scratched his chin in thought, "To be honest, Sam, I have been trying to keep his schedule lighter than usual lately. I know a young family needs to spend time together, and with your leave of absence and only coming back to work part-time…"

She leveled with him, "I've had Daniel check the roster a few times for Jack's name when he was supposed to be on a mission, and it wasn't there. If he's doing some kind of Black Ops, Uncle George…You know how that can mess with him."

He guaranteed her, "Sam, if he was doing anything like that, I would know. I can honestly say that I am perplexed at this myself. He's the one who asked me for some extra time off to be with you and Emily."

Sam's specialty was puzzles, and her brain was already working hard on this one. She got up and kissed him on the cheek, "Thank you, Uncle George. If you do find out anything…"

He nodded, "I'll let you know, dear."

"Emily, come hug Grandpa George goodbye. It's time for your check-up, sweetie."

Emily put the airplane back in its place on the shelf and hugged the General goodbye.

***

Hand-in-hand, Sam and Emily continued down the long corridor to the infirmary. They stepped in and were immediately greeted by a group of nurses, some of whom had been present for Emily's birth. They asked if Emily wanted to pick out a sucker from the candy jar and learn about some of the medical instruments. Emily looked to her mother, and Sam nodded her approval.

Then, Sam decided to peak into Janet's office and chat for a few minutes while Emily was occupied. The door was closed, which was odd. That meant Janet was either conferring with a patient or in a very bad mood. Sam was poised to knock when she heard a very familiar voice from inside the office.

Jack said, "Janet, I just don't know if I can do this anymore. It's asking too much. I can't leave my wife and daughter."

It sounded like the doctor was soothing him, "Jack, it's just for a little while, just until she understands."

"Sam will hate us; I don't know if I can ever make this right."

The voices were getting nearer to the door and Sam quickly backed away. Her mother always said not to eavesdrop unless you were prepared to hear what that someone had to say. What did this mean? Sam hoped to God it wasn't what she thought it was. She quickly excused Emily and herself from the infirmary.

***

As they were walking to the car, Emily protested, "But Mom, why? This is so unfair; you promised we could stay until lunch. I didn't even get to have my check-up."

Sam still pulled her daughter along by the arm, "Emily, we can come back, okay? Today just wasn't a good day."

Emily frowned in disappointment and quietly said, "Whatever."

Sam knew she would have to confront Jack when he got home.

Back inside Janet's office, she was saying, "Jack, this is to protect your family."

He sighed, "I know, I just thought I was done with all of this shit."