Sam walked out of the room to the waiting room. Weak from emotion and heartache she sat in one of the chairs and bowed her head in her hands. Slowly the tears began to form and soon were running unchecked down her face.
"Sam?" Daniel's soft voice intruded on her grief. "Sam." A hand reached out and touched her shoulder. "It'll be okay, I promise. We'll get through to him."
"I don't think so Daniel. I think he's made up his mind. Maybe we were right – maybe we should have just let him be. It looks like he's found a family in Molly and Christopher. I don't think he needs us."
"Come on Sam. You know that's not true at all. Of course he needs us. You saw him in there. He couldn't even look at us."
"That's what I mean. He hates us so much he couldn't look at us."
"Oh Sam! You know Jack better than that. If he hated us, or was just angry, he would have faced us full on. He would have spit in our eye – or he would have been sarcastic and made all sorts of totally inappropriate jokes. He didn't look at us because he was scared."
Sam finally looked up at that. "Scared? Why would he be scared Daniel? No, he was angry, not scared."
Daniel sat down then reached over and pulled Sam around until she was facing him. "No, you're wrong Sam. He couldn't look at us because he was scared – scared he couldn't resist and that he'd end up forgiving us. He wanted to desperately – but he's also frightened that we'll hurt him again. He knew he couldn't look at us, it would have been too difficult to send us away."
Sam looked at him blankly, and then a small window of hope began to open in her heart. She thought back on their conversation with Jack and then she knew, just as she had known that Jack wasn't guilty, that what her friend was saying was true. Of course, that was O'Neill. He was afraid, afraid that they'd get by his defenses and he would then be vulnerable again. Oh Jack, why do you do this to yourself?
She sniffed and Daniel reached into his pocket and pulled out a Kleenex. As she wiped her nose and face she asked, "What do we do now?"
"Well, we go see Molly and Christopher and enlist them in our campaign to get the stubborn SOB to open up and let us back in."
She giggled, a rather watery one, but a giggle nevertheless. "Do you think we can really do it?"
"Hey, we're SG1 right? Once Teal'c gets here Jack'll have no choice. He'll never be able to resist all three of us plus an old lady and a little boy. No one, especially Jack O'Neill, is that tough. You know, I think if we'd sent Molly and Christopher through the Gate we would have solved the Goa'uld problem a long time ago!"
She giggled again. "Can't you just see Molly hitting Apophis with an umbrella and telling him that he needs to learn some manners!" Suddenly, the two friends were laughing, a well-needed emotional release.
"Come on, let's go and see Molly."
"I just hope Jack is okay. What if what's wrong with him is serious?"
"If they don't find anything soon we'll contact General Hammond and have him taken back to the Academy hospital. We can even ask Thor – as soon as we find him – to check him out. He can probably deal with whatever is wrong."
They were worried about both their friends, the one just found and the one just lost. Hopefully things were going to get better soon!
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
The doctor came in to see Jack a couple of hours after his former teammates had left. For a while the headache had grown so bad he'd almost called for a nurse, but eventually the pain had subsided and he'd managed to sleep. He was again trying not to think about what had happened. Avoidance had become the norm.
"So Mr. Connor." The doctor walked over to the bed, followed by nurse Johansson. She had taken a personal interest in this patient, especially after she realized that Molly and Chris had fallen so hard for their houseguest.
"We've got your tests back." Jack looked up at him, a small niggle of worry creeping up his spine.
"Yes?" He pulled himself into a sitting position, not wanting to be lying down for the news.
"Well, I'm happy to tell you that there's no evidence of a tumor. We also see no evidence of an aneurism anywhere." Jack could feel himself relax – which immediately surprised him. It suddenly hit him that he really didn't want to die. In fact, he really, really didn't want to die.
"If fact, the only thing we can find that's at all unusual is there seems to be an increase of blood flow to your brain. I'm afraid I've never seen anything quite like it. I expect the pain is caused by this – it's similar in some ways to migraine headaches." The doctor stopped so Jack asked.
"So, what does that mean?"
"I'm afraid I don't really know. What I'd like to do is have you transferred to Calgary or Vancouver to a bigger hospital for more tests. We're pretty small here and don't really have the facilities to do anything more. I can have one of the nurses arrange for your transfer."
"Is there any immediate danger?" Jack wanted to know.
"I don't believe so. I can give you something to help with the pain but I'm afraid it will only take the edge off. I wouldn't suggest you wait to long to get checked out, however."
"Okay, thanks Doc. I'll look into it. But there's no problem with me checking out?"
"No, as long as you don't drive yourself. How's your leg doing?"
In fact Jack's leg was itching something fierce but there was no pain at all. He had this sneaking suspicion that it had healed. The various bruises and cuts and scrapes were gone – much quicker than normal. He debated whether or not to say anything to the doctor but then worried that there would be too many questions. He really didn't know what the hell was going on but figured it was time to go check with the SGC. Something was definitely happening to him that wasn't normal.
"It's fine Doc."
"Okay then, the nurse will bring you the forms and you can get going. If you change your mind let us know and we'll arrange to set up tests at one of the bigger hospitals."
After the doctor had left Jack leaned back. Everything had happened so fast that he was feeling confused and unsure of himself – not a feeling he liked. He still didn't want to think about Daniel, and really didn't want to think about Sam, so instead he concentrated on what was happening to him.
He thought back to what had occurred last night with Molly. He really didn't remember too much but had known that she was dying. Something had happened, he just wished he could figure out what it was. He didn't think the Asgard were involved but didn't know what else it could be. Then there were his physical symptoms – he so wished Janet was alive. He needed to talk to someone.
After the nurse had come in and given him the papers to sign he'd arranged for a cab to pick him up. He wanted to head back and see Molly and Christopher. He needed some warmth and comfort and knew they would provide it.
As he hobbled down the hall one thing kept going around and around in his mind and that was Sam saying she loved him. He also wondered how she'd found his necklace. Still, determined to not let her back into his life, he refused to admit to the small bit of yearning and hope that had started to sneak its way into his heart.
He was strong! He had hardened his heart and would not succumb. As he got into the cab he knew he was in for the fight of his life!
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
"Here we are. This must be her house." Daniel and Sam arrived at the small white house, following the GPS to the address Molly had given them.
"Well, here goes everything", Daniel muttered as he got out of the car.
They waited a few minutes until finally the door opened and Molly stood there.
"Well hello! Come in, come in – don't just stand there." She ushered them into her small house and into the living room.
"I'm sure you must both be hungry. I'm just finishing up making some lunch and then you can join me."
"Oh, we don't want to put you out." Sam was quick to interject.
"Put me out? Piffle! I like cooking for people. I'm Ukrainian and we know that the best thing to mend a broken heart is a good plate of perogies and holubchi! You just sit here and lunch will be right out."
"I can see why Jack loves her. He must be in heaven here." Daniel looked over and grinned at Sam, trying to cheer her up.
"I hope she doesn't go to too much work. I'd hate her to get overtired!"
"Oh, I think she loves this Sam. I expect she thrives on having people around." Just then they could hear small footsteps running down the hall and a little body suddenly appeared in the living room. He stopped quickly, suddenly very shy.
"Why hello there Christopher!" Daniel spoke to the little boy. "You Grandma has invited us for lunch."
"Did she tell you she made perogies? They're my favorite, especially with lots of sour cream and bacon. Jack says they're the best ever – and that aliens can't eat them. He said the best way to see if someone is an alien is to offer them Grandma's perogies – if they eat them and die they're not from earth."
Daniel turned and grinned again. "See what I told you. I knew Jack would love it."
"Do you like perogies?" Chris frowned at Daniel. What if Jack's friend was an alien? Maybe he was just pretending.
"Uh, I love them, so does Sam." Chris turned to Sam and then ran over and threw his arms around her.
"Hi!"
"Hello", she said returning his hug and looking surprised. "It's nice to see you again. Are you feeling better?"
"Yeah. Jack said he's okay and he'll come home as soon as he can. He promised he'd go with me to do my presentation."
"The one with the aliens?"
"Yes, you want to see it?"
"Of course." So, without further ado, Chris dragged the two adults down to the basement. This time even Sam had to laugh. Although the boy had made a lot of it she could definitely see a 'Jack O'Neill' touch. She even noticed that one of the humans looked like Homer Simpson!
"That's great Chris. What a wonderful job!"
"Mmmm hmmm. Jack and me built it together."
"I can see that. You think Jack's pretty special, don't you?" she asked, knowing that another child had fallen for that special O'Neill 'something' that drew innocence and goodness to him like a magnet.
"Yeah. He's my best friend. He's funny but he's also sad."
As Sam walked back upstairs, the little boy's hand held in hers, she turned and looked at him. "Why do you think he's sad?"
"Sometimes he gets a funny look in his eyes. It's like I feel when I'm missing my Mommy and Daddy. He told me about his little boy, and he told me he still cries about him, but it's not just that. There's something else. Grandma and me are … determined" he stumbled over the word – it was obviously something he'd heard from Molly, "determined to make him feel better. Grandma said you'd help."
"She did?" Sam glanced swiftly over toward Daniel who simply gave her an innocent smile in return. Sam couldn't help but think of the little boy's words. That Jack was sad wasn't surprising – they knew this whole thing had been crushing for him – what surprised her was that the little boy had picked up on it. Also, the fact that Jack had shared something about his son, and the fact that he 'cried' – was astounding. Sam didn't remember him volunteering anything about Charlie except for that one time during the time loop episode.
"Yeah, she said you're 'what's missing'. What does that mean Sam?"
"Now enough young man", Molly appeared, looking flustered. She obviously hadn't expected her grandson to 'spill the beans'. "Go wash your hands and then it's time to eat."
"Yay, perogies!" could be heard as the little boy ran to the bathroom.
"I guess he loves your perogies", smiled Sam, to the older woman.
"Oh, that he does. The last time I fixed them he and Jack had a contest to see who could eat the most." She paused. "Jack won. I think he felt pretty sick to his stomach for a while although he kept giving me this naughty grin! I didn't mind too much. I've really had to fatten him up. He was so skinny when I first brought him home."
As they all sat at the table and ate the fantastic – and calorie laden – food, Sam and Daniel both wondered how they could approach the subject of Jack. They needn't have worried. As soon as the last dish was cleared Molly sat down and began to speak.
"How did things go in the hospital?" The looked at her and both of them sighed.
"Not too well. He isn't interested in having anything to do with us", Daniel replied. Sam looked down, unable to even speak.
"Are you surprised?" asked Molly gently.
"No, not at all. It's exactly what we expected. We had thought to tell him we were sorry and then leave him be. We knew he wouldn't want to see us and we felt we owed him that much."
"Do you still feel that way?"
"No!" Sam spoke for the first time. "No", she said again, more gently this time. "He needs us and we can't leave him."
"Good! I was worried for a minute that you'd both get all 'self-sacrificing' or something stupid like that. No, Jack needs a good kick in the keister to realize that he needs his friends and his …" but here she stopped, knowing when not to interfere. "The man doesn't know what's best for him but we'll teach him!"
For the first time, in a long time, Sam and Daniel both had a sense of real hope. Looking at this tiny little woman they knew that Jack might just have met his match. When they glanced over at Chris, chomping on a cookie, they were sure of it!
Just then Sam's phone gave a beep. Puzzled she reached down and looked at it.
"There's a text message", she said, wondering who in the world would be sending her a text. She looked at it and then showed it to Daniel. It simply read: call SGC landline.
"Why in the world?" Daniel asked, puzzled as well by the message.
"Security. Cell's are too easy to trace and the SGC has about the most secure phone system in the world." She looked over at Molly. "May I use your phone for an important call?"
"Of course dear." Molly watched as Sam went into the other room and then turned back to Daniel. "So, she loves him does she?" He almost choked on his coffee.
"Uh …" he didn't quite know what to say.
"Of course she does. It's written all over her. And he's probably just as in love with her, isn't he?" She looked at Daniel with an expression which reminded him eerily of various Goa'uld interrogation techniques. Within seconds he'd spilled everything.
"Yeah – they've been in love for years but never did anything about it. Regulations" he said when she seemed confused. "Air Force. She served under him so they couldn't have a relationship. But last year they both moved on and I think were starting to see if things would change. That's when this whole thing happened."
"What happened exactly?"
"I wish I could tell you Molly, but it's highly classified. Jack is pretty important and was involved in some very high level activities."
"Aliens!" Daniel whipped his head towards Chris. Surely Jack wouldn't have said anything. "I think he was catching aliens. Big, scary, man-eating ones. Isn't that right Dr. Jackson?"
"Ah …" Sam, where are you?
"Did you catch aliens too? I bet if you were on Jack's team that all of you caught aliens together. Were you ever tortured?" Daniel was surprised at this, not used to being around little boys. He glanced over at Molly but she looked complacent so he guessed it was okay.
Fortunately Chris seemed more concerned about letting his imagination run riot than about hearing Daniel's answers. He ended up just listening as the boy went on to describe all the methods that aliens could 'torture' humans. Fortunately, his age and innocence meant that they were more yucky than truly horrible.
Daniel especially liked the one where the aliens 'slimed' people. He could actually remember a few episodes just like that. He almost laughed when he heard about the 'snake-pit'. He could see why staying with Molly and Chris had been so good for Jack. This child would have been just what he needed.
"Is Jack going to marry Sam?" The quiet that ensued had Daniel realizing that the subject had changed. He looked up to see that Sam had walked in just at that moment and was looking like a deer caught in the headlights.
"Enough now Christopher. You go wash up and go outside and play for awhile. You need some fresh air."
"What about Jack? When are we going to hear from him?" He was starting to fret again.
"I'm sure it will be soon. I'll call you in if I hear anything. Now just get going!"
Once Chris had left Molly turned to her guests. "I'm sorry about that. Jack always liked to listen to him chatter but I guess I should be more careful and not let him talk so much."
"No, don't do that Molly. He's a charming little boy and it's lovely to hear him. I'm sure Jack loved him."
"Oh, they get along like a house on fire. They're so much alike it's uncanny. It's almost like Christopher is a little 'mini-Jack'. I know it's been good for both of them. They were both grieving terribly and they've been able to bring back a little joy in each other's life."
When she realized that her words had made her guests feel guilty she 'tut-tutted'. "Now don't go feeling sorry for yourself! We have a plan to put together and I need you both with me. We're gonna make sure Jack leaves here much happier than when he arrived – and you too. Now you go on and sit in the living room. I'm just going to put a few things away and I'll be right in."
As they made their way to the other room Daniel spoke quietly, "what was that?"
"Huh? Oh, you mean the call? That was Teal'c – or at least the message came from him, but through the SGC. I spoke with Walter and let him know where we are. Teal'c is coming to join us and is bringing Paul Davis with him."
"Paul? Great, he'll be good to have. Any other word?"
"No, just that nobody's heard from Thor so we think they may have gotten to him. Grayson flew to Vancouver but is staying put for now. They think that the Asgard have figured out Jack is in BC but aren't sure where."
"You think it's safe for Teal'c to come?"
"I hope so. They're flying to Pocotello and then driving up. I guess the President has contacted the Prime Minister and the Canadian government is standing by. If anything happens he'll contact the local RCMP and ask them to give us a hand."
"I don't know what they can do against the Asgard, unless they ride them down with their horses!"
"Daniel! They don't ride horses anymore, except for tourists! They probably can't do much to the Asgard, but they might be able to help with Grayson and his men. It seems he brought two 'aids' with him. I expect they're involved in this somehow."
"Well, it'll be good to have Teal'c here and Paul both. I feel like things may just be coming together."
"Yes. We've certainly succeeded with much less going for us!"
"All right!" Molly came in and sat down, a determined look on her face. "Let's figure out how to get that stubborn Irishman to realize what's good for him!" Sam and Daniel both grinned. Yup – the irresistible force was about to meet the immovable object!