Coming near to the end everyone. I wanted to say a blanket 'thank you' to all my amazing reviewers and 'alerters'. I haven't been as good at getting back to you all but I LOVE all the reviews I'm getting (over 300 - thank you!). Some of them are so kind and touching - and some make me laugh! You're great.
Both Jack and Sam were quiet on the way back to the city. It had been cathartic to see the cave and to get one final glimpse of their friends. At the same time they both felt melancholy, knowing that their adventure was nearing its end.
"You two okay?" Daniel asked from the front seat of the vehicle.
"Huh?" Jack looked up at his friend. "Oh yeah, we're fine. Sam? You feelin' better."
"Yes Sir. I think I'm just a little tired. I'll rest in the Teltak on the way home."
"What about the devise O'Neill?" Teal asked. "Should we not ensure it is no longer working?"
"Yeah. We'll ask the President if Daniel can take a look at it and try and decipher the writing. Carter, you help him and check to make sure it's not operable."
"And if it is?"
"You make sure it's not operable!" he repeated with a grim look. "Any more information on whatever the energy source was?"
"No, but none of my readings indicate any significant source of the material on the planet. I don't think there's any at all occurring naturally. I believe that the minute amounts I saw were actually present in a few of the older artifacts. My suspicion is that whatever it was ran out a long time ago. I can have Dad double check from the Teltak but if it is the power source for the device then I don't think we have too much to worry about."
By the time they arrived back at the President's house they were all ready for a rest. Jack spoke with Sampson and received permission for Daniel and Sam to look at the object.
"I am sorry but I will insist that someone from the museum be present. It is not that we don't trust you but it is a very important national treasure. People might be upset that we allowed strangers to examine it."
"I understand and don't worry, we'd do the same thing."
It was a few hours later before Sam and Daniel returned. Jack had spent the time dozing while Teal'c did his Kel'noreem.
"Find anything" O'Neill asked as soon as they were alone.
"It is definitely broken Sir. There's no way it can be fixed, either. It looks like some essential pieces were already removed. I asked but the curator said this was the way they found it – there had never been any more to it. I think we can be sure that it's totally harmless."
"What about the energy source?"
"I did find some trace of it in the device and managed to take a sample but again, I don't think we need to worry. I'm positive it's nothing more than a relic."
"Excellent. I guess that means we can go home." He stood up to stretch. "I'll tell Sampson and Drobius. Carter, can you contact your Dad and tell him we'll be up within the hour?"
"Jack, are we going to come back?" Daniel wanted to know. "This seems like a pretty decent culture and I'm sure we could establish relations with them."
"I'm sure we could Daniel, but since they don't have a Gate it's kind of pointless. They don't really have any technology we could use and it's a long trip from Earth. We'll certainly mark it down as a friendly planet but I doubt if anyone will be back for a long time."
Daniel sighed in regret. He'd really liked these people and was interested in studying more of their history. But, Jack was right. There really wasn't a reason to come back anytime soon.
They said their goodbyes and thanked the people for their hospitality.
"You have been very kind", said Daniel, "and we hope we will always remain friends."
Sampson smiled and then nodded to a manservant who came up carrying a package. "We are pleased that you visited our humble world. Please know you are always welcome." He turned to Jack. "I wish for you and your Samantha to always remember us." With that he handed Jack the elaborately packaged gift.
"Uh – I don't know what to say Sampson", he looked down at the gift and then back up. "Thanks. Here Carter, why don't you open it?"
She took the package and carefully unwrapped it. Inside was a small stone tablet and on it was a drawing – similar to the one in the cave. It was a picture of a man, a woman, four children and the Chewi. "Ah …" She didn't know quite what to say.
"It is of the original Jawk and Samanta", It was a loose piece found in the small cave. We wish you to have it."
"Oh Sampson, this is too much", Sam finally found her voice.
"No. It is an honor for us that you take this small piece of our world with you. These are the ones important to us and we share them with you."
"Thank you", she said softly. Jack was staring down at the tablet and blinked. Raising his head he looked at Sampson and at Drobius. "Thank you", he repeated. "We'll always cherish it."
They finally made their way back onto the Teltak, tired and ready to go home.
"Let's go Teal'c. You driving?"
"Yes O'Neill, I will be happy to do so." Ka'tran walked over and settled himself beside Teal'c.
Sam found that she was exhausted. Maybe it was that, or maybe it was the stone tablet or seeing the villagers, but suddenly she found herself wanting to bury her head and cry. She glanced up at Jack, who turned suddenly and caught her eye. It was too much. With a small whimper she moved over to the wall and slid down, burying her head in her arms.
Jack was worried and started to walk over to her, wanting to make sure she was okay when an arm reached out and stopped him.
"What the hell did you do to her?" Jacob growled in a soft voice.
"I didn't do anything Jacob, I already told you. I'm just worried about her and want to check to make sure she's okay."
"You stay away from her. Just leave her alone. I think you've done enough!"
"Dad!" Sam's angry voice was suddenly right beside him. "What are you doing?"
"I'm telling him to leave you alone. I still don't know what went on down on that planet but something sure as hell did and I don't like it. I don't want you anywhere near my daughter O'Neill and I'm gonna tell George that when we're back."
"No you are not." Sam spoke quietly. "Who the HELL do you think you are? I am an adult and an officer and I do not need my father running around treating me like I am some kind of sixteen year old. I've already told you – the Colonel didn't do anything and you can stop treating him like this."
"Sam, you're both lying. It's obvious and I want to know what went on down there."
"You want to know? Really? Fine, I'll tell you what went on."
"Sam", Jack warned. "Do you think you should?"
"Yes Sir, I do. I have nothing to hide. We have nothing to hide. We did what we did to survive and there is no shame in that." She turned to her father. "So you want to know? Okay, the Colonel and I slept together. No, that's not it. We didn't just sleep together – we screwed each other. There, are you happy now? Now that you know?"
"Sam, this isn't helping anything." Jack murmured beside her.
"You BASTARD!" Without warning Jacob's fist connected with his face.
Damn O'Neill, you should have expected that, were the words he thought as he flew back and hit the bulkhead. His head was ringing something fierce and he was pretty sure Jacob had broken his cheekbone. He was incredibly strong now that he had Selmak. For a minute Jack thought he was going to pass out and then he was sure he was going to be sick. He sat on the floor, trying to calm down and pull himself back from the edge.
Just then he heard a loud 'slap' and looked up just in time to see Sam lower her hand and Jacob grab his cheek. Way to go girl, he thought. That'll show you Jacob.
"Sir, are you okay?" She was kneeling beside him and Daniel was on his other side.
"I hink ho" , he muttered. Yup – the cheek was broken. He tried to stand but began to feel woozy again so sat back down.
"Just stay still Jack. Ka'tran is bringing some water." The Tokra also brought a wet cloth, which Jack gingerly laid against his face. It felt good and took away a bit of the pain.
"Here", he glanced up and Daniel was holding a couple of Tylenol and a glass of water. Accepting them gratefully he tried to take them but found it hard to even swallow. The movement caused his cheek and jaw to ache.
He looked up at Sam, only to see tears running down her face. She looked pale and drawn and on the verge of collapse. That, more than anything, motivated him to stand.
"Just sit still Colonel."
"No", he murmured. "I'm okay now". Taking a second to steady himself he reached over and put his hands on Sam's shoulder. "I want you to rest. Dan'l take her back",
Daniel nodded and began to draw her away. "Come on Sam, you need to lie down. Don't worry, Teal'c and I will look after Jack." It was only then that she saw that Teal'c was holding her father's arms. She barely glanced at the man as she walked by.
"Sammy", he called, trying to free himself.
"I don't want to speak with you now." She replied with no emotion in her voice. She was just too tired of everything. "And I don't know when I will. I don't know if I can forgive you for what you just did." Saying that she went into the back room of the Teltak. Daniel helped her to lie down, putting a rolled up jacket under her head and covering her with another one.
"You rest Sam and don't worry. We'll make sure everything is okay."
"Look after the Colonel. Don't let Dad hurt him any more."
"We won't." Giving her a kiss on the cheek he watched as she closed her eyes. She was asleep almost instantly.
As soon as Daniel and Sam had left the room Jack turned to a still angry Jacob. "Why did you do that Jacob?" he asked. God, his face hurt something fierce.
"You ask me why? You're her goddamned CO O'Neill and you slept with her. What kind of a man are you that you had to jump into her pants at the first opportunity?"
Jack just stared at him, thinking how ironic this whole thing was. Finally, with a sigh, he began to speak. "Sam and I have worked together for years Jacob so I wouldn't exactly call this the 'first opportunity'."
"What? You mean this has been going on for a long time?"
"For God sake shut up Carter and listen! No, nothing has gone on between your daughter and me. There has never been an inappropriate relationship between the two of us. Whatever you think of me I can't believe you would even dream of such a thing about Sam." He stopped and went to rub his face when he remembered in time that that would hurt. "Look, what happened on the planet was out of necessity. It was either me or a big huge gorilla of a man – and I mean that literally. He was going to rape her Jacob."
"So you did it instead."
"Jacob!" Daniel had returned and sounded shocked. "Jack didn't rape anyone. Why are you refusing to listen?"
"Shut up Jackson. This isn't about you." Turning to Jack he spoke again. "Fine, tell me what happened."
"That's what I've been trying to do. As I said, it was either the gorilla or me. He would have hurt her, badly. In fact, he tried and I had to fight the man to the death otherwise she would have been given to him."
"You killed him?" Jacob asked in surprise.
"Fortunately I didn't have to. As we were fighting a saber tooth tiger came up and finished him off. Still, I would have if it'd been necessary. There was no way I was gonna let someone hurt her."
"Except you."
"Jacob", Jack took a deep breath. "We literally had no choice. The tribe insists that all marriage-age women have a 'mate'. If I had refused they would have simply given her to the next available man – and there were three single men in the tribe."
"You could have pretended."
"We did. We tried that and they didn't buy it. That's why they gave her to the other guy."
"Jacob, these primitive tribes were used to couples – uh – mating in public. It was a way to prove paternity and that a man was virile and therefore could provide for the tribe. Any doubt, or the lack of a public – demonstration – meant the woman was awarded to someone else."
"Are you telling me you had to have sex with my daughter in public?"
Jack closed his eyes. "Yes" he answered softly.
"Oh my God! No wonder she looks like death. She's obviously still suffering the trauma of that! How could you do it?"
Jack wondered for a minute if Jacob was asking how he could have physically done it – but then realized he was still angry for what he saw as his mistreatment of Sam."
"I told you Jacob. We had no choice." He knew he sounded exhausted. He didn't know how much more of this he could take.
"You'll have to ask for a transfer." Jacob stated.
"What?"
"You clearly can no longer work together. I expect you to take responsibility and ask for a transfer. Sam shouldn't have to suffer for something you did."
"I hate to be the one to tell you this Jacob – but she did it too." By this time he was getting angry himself. This hadn't been his fault and he hated that Jacob was suddenly making what they had together seem sordid. It hadn't been – it had been beautiful.
"You're the Commanding Officer Jack. You are the one responsible simply because of that. If you don't do it I'll speak with George."
"Jacob, you're making a big mistake. Carter and I have already agreed not to carry on with a relationship. We're simply teammates, nothing more. If you do this she's going to be very hurt and angry with you. You don't want that do you?"
"I'm doing this to protect her. She may not know that right now but it's for her own good."
"Famous last words! Sam is an adult and a fine officer. She's totally capable of making her own decisions. Look Jacob, if you keep on this way you're going to lose her. And believe me, you really don't want that to happen."
"Are you telling me how to be a father Jack? With the great job you did in that department I'd think you would have learned to be quiet. I certainly don't need parental advice from someone who was such a failure at it."
"Jacob!" Daniel gasped in shock. When he went to speak again Jack simply waived his hand at him. Daniel settled back down but he looked closely at his friend who had gone white. That was definitely a hit below the belt and he knew it would be devastating to Jack.
"You're right Jacob. I was a failure as a father and because of that I lost my only child – forever. Don't think that I don't curse myself everyday and every hour and every minute for that failure. I have to live with that for the rest of my life. So, for that reason I am the best one to give you advice. You see, I know what it feels like to lose a child. You don't want that, believe me, and the way you're going now you will lose Sam."
"You think she'll chose you over me Jack?" the former General asked softly, but with an edge to his voice.
"Don't you get it Jacob? It's not about choosing anybody. Sam and I aren't together and never will be. We've already accepted that. You're not asking her to chose between you and me – you're asking her to chose between you and herself. And you know what? I think she's pretty strong – and she'll stick with herself. And you know what else? You'll both be the losers." At that Jack turned and walked over to the corner and sat down, emotionally and physically at the end of his rope. He was hurting inside and out. Jacob had managed to hit both his body and his soul and he simply had had enough.
"Daniel", he called to the younger man. "Watch Sam please. She needs a friend."
"I will Jack. You rest." Jack nodded his head, closed his eyes, and attempted to also close his thoughts and emotions.
As Daniel headed back to check on Sam he stopped when he got to Jacob Carter. "I always had a lot of respect for you Jacob. I'm afraid I just lost that." On those words he walked into the back room.
Jacob was still seething inside and he was ignoring the insistent voice of his symbiote who was trying to reason with him.
"I don't want to hear it Selmak", he said to his constant companion. "I don't care – he's her superior and has a responsibility to her. As soon as you have children you can tell me what to do, otherwise shut the f—k up!"
He walked over to the front where Teal'c and Ka'tran sat at the controls. Touching the other Tokra on the shoulder he indicated he would sit in the co-pilot seat. The younger man stood up and headed back to sit on the opposite side if the Teltak from O'Neill.
Jacob sat silently for a while, simply staring out into space. Neither he nor Teal'c said anything. Finally, glancing at the big man next to him, he spoke.
"I suppose you think I'm wrong too."
"I think you dishonored yourself, your daughter and O'Neill." Teal'c said shortly, not looking at his companion.
"You don't think I had a right to be angry?"
"Yes, you have a right to be angry – but not at O'Neill or at Major Carter. He has done nothing to deserve your anger. He has acted honorably and at great personal cost. He did what he did to save Major Carter, not for any personal gratification. You worry that it has been difficult on your daughter but you do not recognize how difficult this is on O'Neill. He is suffering greatly and you have made it worse for both of them."
"How is O'Neill suffering? He wasn't almost raped and then practically sold to a man for breeding purposes."
"Do you think it was easy for him to do what had to be done? Do you not know him well enough to know that under that rough exterior lies a man who feels things deeply. He did not hurt Major Carter but now you have made him believe he did. He will not forgive himself easily, if at all, just as he has not forgiven himself for the death of his son. He is a man who bears much because he loves deeply. You have used that against him. As I said, you did not act honorably."
For the first time Jacob began to feel uncomfortable, wondering if he had made a mistake. He felt guilt over his own job as a father and knew that his recent actions were a way of compensating. He wanted to help Sam, wanted to make her way easier. He knew she was suffering and he needed to do something to make it better for his little girl. Had he instead made it worse?
"I didn't mean what I said about his son. I was just angry."
"Yes, and in anger we can say and do things which cause lasting damage. I believe you have hurt both your daughter and O'Neill greatly today. It is going to be difficult for these wounds to heal."
"Damnit Teal'c – I just wanted to make it easier for her. After what they went through I thought they'd want to be away from each other. It has to be uncomfortable and embarrassing for both of them."
Teal'c turned to the man next to him. "Do you really not understand Jacob Carter? O'Neill and Major Carter love each other. They have for a long time but always put it aside in order to do their duty. For a short while they were allowed to be together, to be happy. They have now returned and must put their own happiness and feelings aside, yet they still choose to work together. Your words and actions do nothing but cause them pain. They are dealing the best way they know how. Do not destroy what little they have left."
Jacob sat stunned. He hadn't known, hadn't realized. Oh, he knew Sam had always worshipped the feet Jack walked on, but he thought it was simply her respect and awe for a good commander. He had never seen any evidence of any feelings beyond that of friendship. Was he that blind? Was he that bad a father?
God God, now he understood what was wrong. Sam wasn't suffering because of what had happened on the planet, or what Jack had done. She was suffering because she was in love with her commanding officer and was giving that up for the Air Force.
"Damnit! I didn't know. I'll have to talk to her." He went to stand up but Teal'c reached over and held his shoulder.
"Leave her. I believe she needs some time. This is difficult and it will take her time to forgive you."
"Forgive me? Look Teal'c, I'm sorry for what I said to Jack, and I'll apologize, but I still believe they shouldn't be together. I'm still going to talk to George if O'Neill doesn't ask for a transfer."
Teal'c simply shook his head. "You have not learned Jacob. For this you will be very sorry. I fear O'Neill is correct. You will lose your daughter if you continue on this path."
When Daniel had gone back to check on Sam he could see that she was still sleeping, but restlessly. Knowing she couldn't be very comfortable on the floor he sat down and lifted her so that she was resting on his lap. She moved but didn't wake up.
It must have been a couple of hours later when she awoke. By that time he had drifted off to sleep himself.
"Hey Sam", he said as she opened her eyes. "How you feeling?"
She didn't say anything right away, simply licked her lips and then sat up.
"Oooh", she groaned, feeling sick to her stomach. "I'm not feeling so good Daniel."
"Here", he handed her a canteen. Taking slow sips she began to feel better.
"What's happening?"
"Nothing. You've been sleeping."
"How's the Colonel?"
"He was resting the last I saw of him. I've been in here with you."
"And my Dad?"
"Uh – I think Teal'c's watching him. Don't worry, I haven't heard anything so I expect everything's settled down."
"I can't believe he did that. God, who does he think he is?"
"Uh, your father?"
"Don't you start Daniel. I'm well past the age of needing my Dad to look after me. I am so angry at him for hitting the Colonel and trying to run my life. Did he say anything else after I left?"
"Uh, well, just a bit." Daniel started squirming, not wanting to tell Sam of the very painful conversation he'd overheard.
"What?"
"Huh?"
"What did my father say?"
"Oh you know, more of the same."
"Daniel!"
"Well, he wants Jack to ask for a transfer and he's threatened to tell General Hammond what happened."
"Oh God no. He'd better not or I'll kill him."
"Yeah, well Jack warned him not to. Said you'd be mad."
"That's an understatement! What did Dad say to that?"
"Oh – I don't know."
"Daniel" Sam sat up straighter and looked at her friend. "What did he say?"
"Uh, well he may have alluded to what happened to Jack's son."
"WHAT! You're kidding. He would never say anything about that. He knows how painful it is for the Colonel."
"Yes, well, he was angry so he was striking where it would hurt the most."
"Oh Good God. What exactly did he say?" When Daniel didn't answer she asked again. "Daniel, you have to tell me. I need to know."
"I think it's best if you don't. Look, your father was angry and said some stupid things. I'm sure he'll get over it and apologize."
"What Daniel?" she wasn't going to let this go.
"He basically told Jack he'd been a lousy father and had no business giving him 'parental' advice."
Sam was completely silent, which soon began to frighten Daniel. Looking at the young woman who was one of his best friends he saw that her face looked set as if in stone. Damn, he shouldn't have told her.
"I thought as much. My Dad can say some pretty cruel things when he's angry. I'm just surprised Selmak let him."
"I got the impression he was mad at Selmak too." Daniel reached over and hugged Sam, although he was perturbed at her lack of response. Oh oh, he wouldn't want to be Jacob right now! "Come on Sam. I think we are arriving soon. We should get ready."
She nodded and carefully got to her feet. She was still feeling somewhat nauseated so took things slowly.
"I'll go tell everyone you're up. You just rest and take it easy."
"Tell the Colonel I want to see him."
"Do you think that's wise Sam?"
"Yes. Please Daniel."
"Okay." Daniel left her standing there and went and got Jack.
The Colonel was still sitting against the bulkhead, his eyes closed. Daniel could tell, by the tension exuding from him, that he wasn't asleep.
"Jack", he gently shook the man's arm. "Sam wants to see you." The Colonel instantly opened his eyes and struggled to his feet. Daniel winced when he saw the terrible bruise and swelling on his cheek. That had to hurt.
Jack walked back into the rear of the ship, not even glancing at Jacob. The older man watched, still angry, as the Colonel went back to where his daughter was seated. He went to stand up when again Teal'c stopped him.
"You will remain here Jacob Carter. Leave them be."
"Teal'c, she's my daughter."
"Yes and I believe she has told you that you are to mind your own affairs rather than hers."
"Mind my own business, eh?"
"Yes, that is correct."
"For now, Teal'c. For now."
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
"You wanted to see me Carter?" Jack walked in, trying to keep his swollen cheek turned away from her. Of course she immediately saw it.
"Oh crap!" She walked over and gently touched the swelling. "Broken?"
"I think so."
"I'm going to kill him you know."
"No, don't do that Sam. The man loves you and is just doing what he thinks is right."
"He's doing what he thinks is right. That doesn't mean it is."
"No, I know."
"This is because of guilt you know. He still feels guilty that he wasn't there for us when we were younger or when Mom died so he overcompensates. I'm afraid he's going to interfere and cause problems."
"Yeah, that he might. He wants me to ask for a transfer."
"You're not going to?" she asked, panic in her voice.
"Maybe it would be better Sam. Do you really think we can work together, every day, with the way we feel about each other? Maybe it'll be easier for both of us to be away from one another."
"I don't know about you Sir, but the only thing that keeps me going is knowing that I'll be with you, even if it's not the way I want to be. I couldn't take being parted Jack. If this is all we have together than it'll have to be enough. It's better than what some people have ever."
"I know. I'm afraid Jake's going to push it."
"What if we talk to the General first?"
"Yeah, maybe, although your father could threaten to escalate this."
"If he does I'll quit."
"You can't do that Sam. Don't give up your career because of what he does."
"I won't. I'll give up my career to be with you. If he threatens to tear us apart I'll just retire and take a civilian job. I don't expect they'll want to lose me from the program."
"God Carter. I don't want you to give up a great career. Maybe we can convince him."
"Mmmm, although I doubt it. He's a stubborn ass!"
"I can see where his daughter gets it."
"Are you calling me an 'ass' Sir."
"Never Carter", he looked shocked. "You're just stubborn, I'm the ass."
"No you're not Jack." She stood there for another minute. "I'm sorry about what my Dad said to you."
"Which thing?" although he was pretty sure he knew.
"About your son. He didn't mean it you know. He was just lashing out at the thing he knew would hurt you the most."
'Yeah, it's okay Carter." But she could tell, from the look in his eyes, that it wasn't okay. He was hurting.
"No, no it's not okay. You were a great Dad Jack, everyone who sees you around children knows that. What happened was a horrible tragedy but you can't keep thinking that you're guilty. Look where guilt has got my father. Just remember him with love Jack. Don't let the words of an angry man bring up all sorts of needless guilt."
He smiled gently and reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. He appreciated what she was saying but realized she would never truly understand the guilt he would always bear. In fact, those that had not lost a child to a senseless death could never understand and he wouldn't want them to. It was enough that she had brought joy back into his life.
"It's really okay Sam. Don't worry about it." She nodded, accepting that she would never be able to truly reach this part of him, although she would always be there for him.
"I really want to pound him for hurting you", she pointed again to his cheek. "I don't know if I can forgive him."
"Yes you can Sam. Maybe not right away but take it from me, you'll both be the losers if you don't forgive."
Reaching up she gave him a soft peck on the cheek. "When did you get so wise Colonel O'Neill?"
"Oh, it was from hangin' around these brainy young science geeks!" he grinned – on one side of his face. Shit, he'd forgotten his cheek.
"Hmmm, somehow I don't think that's it."
"Jack, Sam, we've arrived. Teal'c says get ready and Ka'tran is going to send us down to the gate."
"Okay Daniel." They gathered their few things and stood waiting for the others. Soon Daniel and Teal'c made their way to the ring platform. They waited for a moment for Jacob to appear.
"You coming Jacob?" Jack asked. He had trouble looking at the man, a wave of anger washing over him. For Sam's sake he was trying to hold it back.
"No, I'll return with Ka'tran." He looked at his daughter and O'Neill. "I just want to help you Sam."
"No, you want to appease your guilt for not being there for us. I want you to stay out of my life Dad. If you can't let me lead my own life and make my own decisions then you can stay away."
"I can't do that Sam. You're making the wrong decision and I won't stand by and let you ruin your career."
"Instead you'll ruin my life?"
"That's not what this is about Sam and you know it."
"No Dad, I don't, and neither do you. I tell you right here, right now, if you interfere in this I will never speak with you again. You lost Mark for a lot of years so think hard before you lose me too." She moved closer to Jack as she was speaking. When she was done she looked down. He reached out and gently touched her arm.
"Jacob, remember what I told you and ask yourself is it worth it." When the man didn't answer Jack signaled to Ka'tran and they were quickly on the planet, about 100 feet from the gate.
"Let's go home campers. I don't know about you but I'm ready for a nice comfy bed."
Daniel groaned. "Oh man, that sounds good."
Daniel dialed the address and Teal'c keyed in SG1's code on his GDO. Soon they were walking through the gate and back home to the SGC.
"Welcome back SG1. I assume everything went well?" General Hammond was walking into the Gate Room.
"Yes Sir. Mission accomplished Sir. In fact, both missions accomplished!"
"Good job team. Jacob told us you managed to wipe out a good number of the System Lords. We're already receiving reports that the Free Jaffa are quickly gaining members and that the balance of power is shifting throughout the galaxy. We have struck a major blow in our war with the Goa'uld!"
Jack couldn't help but grin and turned to Sam, just in time to see her sway and then pass out in another dead faint.
Lifting her up he immediately turned and hurried down the ramp.
"Colonel?" General Hammond.
"I don't know Sir. She hasn't been well. I'm taking her to the Infirmary." All the time he was speaking he was walking.
"Let me know how she is son." Jack nodded but kept walking, Daniel and Teal'c at his heels.
"JANET!" he yelled as he arrived. The tiny doctor came rushing out of her office.
"What is it? What's wrong with Sam?" She hurried over as Jack laid her down on an examining table.
"I don't know. She keeps fainting."
"And she's been feeling sick." Daniel added.
"Sick? How?"
"Sick to her stomach. She threw up at least once that I know of."
Suddenly Janet relaxed. She was pretty sure she knew what this was but she'd better do some tests just to make sure. She could see that Sam was starting to come around.
"Okay everyone. Out."
"But Doc!"
"No Colonel. Out. I need to examine her and I'm not going to do it with you standing there." She turned. "Or you either Dr. Jackson. Now get out, both of you. As soon as I know anything I'll let you know."
Jack and Daniel walked slowly to the door, glancing back every couple of seconds.
"OUT!" she pointed. "Teal'c, take them to the Commissary."
"I will Doctor Frasier." Teal'c had been standing by the door. As the two other men arrived he took each by an arm and led them away. "You must leave the Doctor to do her job."
As the men's voices faded Janet turned to look at Sam. She could see that her friend appeared pale and had shadows around her eyes. Oh Sam, you poor thing. She hoped what she was going to tell her would cheer her up! First though, the tests.
"So, I hear you haven't been feeling well and that this isn't the first time you've fainted?"
"No. What's wrong with me Janet? I've never felt like this before."
"Tell me exactly how you're feeling?" As they were speaking Janet got her things and proceeded to take some blood samples as well as Sam's vital signs.
"Well, I feel sick most of the time."
"What do you mean by sick?"
"I feel nauseated and really, really tired. I feel like I could sleep all the time. If I stand up quickly I get really dizzy – that's why I've fainted a few times. Then there's this really weird thing."
"Weird?"
"Yeah, it's driving me crazy. My mouth, it waters all the time. It feels awful and makes me even sicker to my stomach."
"Hmmm"
"Hmmm? That's all you're going to say?"
"Well no. I have a pretty good idea what's wrong but I just want to wait for the results of some of your tests to be sure. In the meantime I need another sample." She handed Sam a specimen bottle and pointed to the bathroom. "Oh and here, take one of these." She gave the Major a small cardboard stick.
"What is this and what am I supposed to do with it?"
"Dip it in your urine after you've gone and bring it back to me. It'll just test for protein in your urine."
"Okay. Janet, what is this? Is it something bad?"
"No Sam, I don't think so. Just go and pee and hopefully we'll have some results real soon. I've asked them to hurry the results although we may not get them all right away."
Confused and worried Sam made her way to the bathroom. When she was done she handed the bottle and stick to the nurse who hurried away with them. She then returned to the examination room but there was no one there. Hopping up on the table she waited. What could be wrong? She wondered if it was something that could keep her from gate travel – and was then surprised when she realized she was hoping it was. It would mean that there was a possibility for her and Jack.
"Okay Sam", Janet walked in with her file and some of the results. "So, everything looks pretty good."
"It's not serious?"
"Well, the tests show you're a tiny bit low on your hemoglobin so I'm going to have you take an iron supplement."
"All right. Is that all?"
"No, I'd also like you to take a multi-vitamin with extra folic acid."
"Folic acid? Why do I need that?"
"Well, it's important in pregnancy."
There was complete silence in the room. Suddenly Sam laughed.
"For a minute there I thought you said pregnancy."
"I did Sam. You're pregnant. According to the tests you're about nine weeks, but we'll have to do an ultrasound to make sure."
"No. I can't be pregnant", she said, stunned.
"Why not? Didn't you – have relations with someone?"
Sam jerked, startled, and looked at Janet. "What?"
"Did you or did you not have sexual relations with someone?"
"Oh." She sat for a minute. "Yes, I guess so."
"You guess so? Sam", Janet asked, getting worried, "don't you remember?"
"Remember what?" Sam was still stunned and couldn't think clearly.
"Remember having sex."
"Oh that."
"Yes, that!"
"Yes."
"Yes what?"
"Yes I remember."
"Okay, so that means you can be pregnant."
"No." Sam shook her head. This couldn't be happening.
"Sam sweetheart, what is this? You are pregnant – I double-checked. If you had sex with someone it is certainly possible to get pregnant. That's kind of the way it works."
"But I was on birth control. You said nine weeks. There's no way – my birth control was still good."
"Sam, you know as well as I do that it's never 100% sure. Things happen – who knows, maybe something on that planet counteracted the effects. All I know is that you are pregnant."
"God, what am I going to do?" She looked up in panic. It was starting to sink in.
"Sam, can I ask you something?"
"Yes?"
"Do you know who the father is? Was this something you consented to?" she looked seriously at the woman on the table. She prayed to God it hadn't been rape.
"Yes I know who it is. And yes, I consented." She looked up at Janet. Should she say anything?
"Was it the Colonel?"
Okay, so she didn't need to say anything. She just nodded.
"Do you want him to know?"
"Of course Janet. I wouldn't hide this from him."
"Well, I didn't know what you wanted to do."
"Wanted …? Janet, I want this baby. I'm just … shocked. I wasn't expecting it and I don't know what's going to happen. We could get into big trouble over this."
"I think there are extenuating circumstances."
"It's just our word. We have no proof."
"Sam, everything will work out just fine. What do you want to do right now?"
"Now? I don't know. I'm still not sure I believe this. No, that's not true. Actually, now that I think about it I can't believe that I didn't realize. God, how could I have missed the signs?"
"Well, maybe because you had a few other things on your mind?"
"Yeah." She was quiet until suddenly, "How am I going to tell him?"
"Who? The Colonel? You just do."
"And then there's my father - he already broke Jack's cheek."
"He did? I didn't know that." She realized she hadn't really even looked at the Colonel, so intent was she on Sam. "Where is he? I'd better take a look. I can't believe I missed that."
She walked over to the intercom and called Jack back to the Infirmary. She knew he'd come immediately to see how Sam was doing. She turned back to the woman on the table.
"So, are you going to say anything or do you just want me to treat him for his injury. I can just say you are a bit anemic for now. Unfortunately you're going to have to figure out how to tell the General pretty quickly."
"Yeah. I might as well get it over with. God, I don't know how he's going to react."
"Doc, how is she?" Jack came racing through the door. "Carter, you okay?" He was glad to see her sitting up but was worried when he saw the stunned look on her face.
"What is it? What's wrong?"
"Nothing Colonel – except I need to look at that face. I'm going to have to send you for X-rays."
"Yeah, yeah, okay but what's wrong with Carter?" He turned to look at Sam and started to freak out when she just stared blankly back at him.
"I'll leave you two for a while and she can explain. But I'll be back in 15 minutes for that X-Ray Colonel. Don't you dare try and escape." As she walked out of the room she walked into Daniel and Teal'c.
"How is Major Carter, Doctor?" Janet grabbed an arm of each man. "She's just fine. I feel like a quick cup of coffee. Why don't you gentlemen escort me?"
"So Carter, what's up?" She glanced up and then immediately back down and didn't speak.
"Come on Sam, you're scaring me here. Is there something the matter?"
"Nothing that seven months or so won't cure", she said in a small voice.
"Seven months? Is it some kind of virus or something? Mono! That's it. You've got Mono."
"Uh no, it's not Mono – and I don't have a virus."
"What is it then. Come on Carter! Is it something from the planet?" He felt like he was playing 20 questions.
"Well, kind of."
"Kind of? Did you catch it there?"
"Not 'catch' exactly – but that's where it happened."
"Where what happened? Sam, for God's sake – what's wrong?"
"Nothing exactly Sir – Jack. I wouldn't say 'wrong' – at least I hope you'll not think it's wrong." She took a deep breath and then looked him straight in the eye.
"I'm pregnant."
There was a pause and Jack stood frozen, his mouth hanging open, his breathing stopped. She could see him take a deep breath.
"Jacob is going to kill me!"