Chapter 13: Always

Jack?

Sam?

Is it really you?

It's me.

It worked?

Apparently.

Feel so weak.

Me too.

Can't move. You?

Shhh. 'Sokay. We're together now. Sleep.

Fraiser hurried to assess her two patients.

"Pressure is dropping… pulse is stabilizing!"

A sigh of relief was released by everyone in the room who had helplessly watched the crystal discharge and then shatter on the ground, leaving Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter motionless on the gurney.

"Let's get them back to the SGC, stat!" Dr. Fraiser ordered.

----------

"Status, Doctor?" Hammond questioned, looking over O'Neill and Carter who were now side-by-side on separate beds. They were hooked up to IV and a variety of monitors, which had Hammond still very concerned.

"I think they're going to be all right, General. The shock from the crystal was similar to the discharge of a zat, which was a bit much for their already weakened bodies. They'll need time to recover, but other than that, I expect them to make a full recovery."

"Very good," Hammond spoke, nodding his approval.

"Sir," she added before Hammond turned to leave. "I'm not sure if Daniel told you, but the crystal broke when it was activated. Their condition is irreversible."

"I'm aware of that. My biggest concern right now is for the well-being of Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter."

----------

Jack?

I'm here, Sam.

Are you ok?

Ya, you?

I think so.

"Ah, Sam… you're awake," Dr. Fraiser smiled and proceeded to check over her vitals. "You gave us quite a scare there!"

"J… Ja… J…"

"Don't try to speak just yet, Sam. You received quite a stun and your body will need time to recover."

Carter closed her eyes and Fraiser moved on to check O'Neill.

Knowing she was coming, he kept his eyes closed and motionless.

"So, the Colonel hasn't woken up yet," she spoke out loud. "I guess I'll have to give him a shot of –"

To her amusement, his eyes opened instantly.

"Oh, you are awake."

He groaned and tried to complain when she looked him over. He tried to resist as she flashed that bright light into his eyes. But his body was unwilling to cooperate and he lay helpless on the bed.

"In time, tough guy," she teased, "You'll soon be back to your normal self, Colonel."

He glared at her. At least he could do that.

Dr. Fraiser was still smiling as she pulled the curtains back around them so they could rest.

…

Jack?

Ya?

I heard Dr. Fraiser say the crystal broke on the planet.

She waited for his reply.

Jack?

Then it's for always, Sam.

She could actually feel his smile, and it was so good to feel him again. Not just his thoughts, but feel his body as though it was hers. But with the feeling came uncertainty. What did this mean for SG-1? What would General Hammond do, knowing that there was no way to reverse the bond between them? What if they were separated and placed on different teams? Could they handle that? How would they?

Carter!

What, Sir? she responded immediately.

Will you knock it off?

Huh?

If we're going to be… you know… joined like this, then you're going to have to stop questioning everything. Do what I do. Don't think and everything will work out fine.

That's 'cause I do all the thinking, Sir. Carter teased.

Her smile felt good, so good. He loved how she was here with him. part of him.

He grinned back at her. Now you see? That's what I'm talking about. We make a good team, don't we?

We do.

Don't worry, Sam. Hammond will work things out. He always does.

----------

"How are they doing, Doctor?" General Hammond queried once more. He looked over at his two officers who were now wide awake in a semi-sitting position on their beds.

"Improving. A couple more days in the Infirmary and a week's leave should have them ready to return to active duty."

"Good work, Doctor."

Hammond looked at both of them and smiled. "Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter?"

"Sir," they replied in unison.

"I want to let you know that I've spoken to the Joint Chiefs about this matter. They've agreed, under the extenuating circumstances, that your contributions to the program can still be served despite the fact that your 'souls have been connected', as Dr. Jackson would have me put it. The Joint Chiefs were willing to make special allowances for you two, believing that it will ultimately be in the best interests of the SGC to keep you together… providing, of course, that you both continue to perform your duties to the best of your abilities.

"Yes, Sir," they replied, somewhat surprised by what he had said.

"Very well, then. When Dr. Fraiser releases you in two days, you are ordered to take one week's leave. I expect to see you in top shape when you return. SG-1 has many more missions to carry out, and you are vital to their success. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir!" Their surprised expressions turned to that of relief and gratefulness.

Hammond turned and walked away, concealing his grin. After all these years, who would have known that a simple crystal would have the power to pull down the rigid air force barriers which had kept the two of them apart. He nodded to himself as he walked down the corridor. Everything was going to be just fine.

----------

Sir, can you believe it!

See, I told you. Do nothing and everything works out.

Very funny.

Thanks. Now, when we get out of here, I'm going to take you some place special.

And just where would that be, SIR? she played along.

You'll have to wait and see, CARTER, he smiled back.

Are you forgetting that we're connected and I already know?

Crap. No surprises, huh?

Nope.

So then you must also know what I'm going do to you when we get there. A sexy grin spread across his face.

Carter blushed. She knew.

And you must already know, Jack, what I'm planning on doing to you.

O'Neill gasped as images of her going down on him flashed across his mind.

Love you, Sam.

Love you too, Jack.

More than words could ever say.