Warning – a few details about birth (nothing too graphic) and about sex – again, nothing explicit.
"Jack, go get Njord and tell him the baby's coming and we need to get to Thor as quickly as possible", Sam said.
"Are you okay by yourself?" he asked, panicked.
"I'm", she stopped and breathed for a moment. "Oh yeah, that was definitely a contraction. I'm fine Jack – they're not bad yet but I can definitely tell they're for real. I just don't want to be stuck in space with a baby coming. We don't even have any supplies."
"Crap!" He stood up and hurried to the door. Opening it up, he again shouted for the idiot Asgaard. After waiting a few minutes he looked back at Sam. "I don't think he's coming."
"I'm sure he's avoiding us", she commented. "Probably thinks you're going to strangle him or something."
"Yeah, well, the verdict's still out on that one. You sure you'll be okay if I leave for a minute?"
"I'll be fine. The baby won't be here for a long time."
"Right – and you're the one who said she'd be fine if I left for a day and then the one who said the baby isn't coming for at least a week. Forgive me if I have my doubts!"
"Okay, I know – but I really do promise. The contractions are mild and the baby hasn't even dropped. It'll at least be a few hours – so go, get Njord and tell him if he doesn't do something I'm gonna kick his butt."
Jack grinned slightly and saluted. "I'm on my way Ma'am – be back shortly."
He raced through the corridors until he arrived at the Control Room. He entered quickly and approached Njord, who was standing at the main console. Halfway there he ran smack into something and went flying back onto his butt.
"What the HELL!" O'Neill shouted, rubbing his nose, which had been the first part of his body to feel the impact. "What's going on?"
Njord looked at him, fear on his face. "It is a force field General O'Neill. You continue to threaten me so I put it up for my own protection. When we arrive on Othalla I plan to lodge an official complaint against you for your abuse."
"WHAT! Now you listen here you short, gray – moron – you are the one who kidnapped us without a 'by your leave'. On my planet that is grounds for arrest and conviction. You can be damn glad I didn't whup your little gray butt. I would have been perfectly in my rights to defend myself and my wife from your criminal behavior. I can tell you that I will be officially complaining to the Asgaard High Council and to the earth President. You are going to be very sorry that you messed with Jack O'Neill!"
"Believe me General, I already am!"
"Well you'd better listen or you're going to be even sorrier. My wife is about to have a baby at any minute and I do not want my child to be born on a spaceship with no one to help but a moron of an alien. How long until we reach Othalla?"
"About two earth hours." Njord answered, suddenly sounding very subdued. He was looking even more frightened – whether from Jack's threats or from the fact that the baby was coming, Jack didn't know.
"Well I suggest you put your foot on the gas and hurry this baby up!"
"I did not think you wanted to hurry the arrival of your -"
"Oh for GOD'S SAKE. I mean go faster! We need to get to Thor as quickly as possible because there's no way in hell I want you to be the one to help deliver my child!"
"I will attempt to go faster General O'Neill." Njord put his head down and adjusted some of the settings on the panel in front of him.
Although in reality he couldn't feel the ship's movements at all, Jack had the strange sensation that the Asgaard vessel had, indeed, sped up.
"There, we should now arrive in one earth hour", Njord said. "I have contacted Commander Thor and he knows of the situation and will be ready upon our arrival."
"Good. Let me know when we get there – and don't just beam us down like before! Colonel Carter is in a very delicate situation and we need to make sure the transport is as careful and gentle as possible."
"I will ensure that it is so."
"Good. I'm going now and I hope I never have to see you again!" He turned and walked out of the control room. He did not see Njord mutter – 'me either – or he might have hit the little alien.
When he returned it was to see Sam in the middle of a contraction. She was holding on to the side of the little cot and was breathing deeply. She acknowledged him with her eyes but obviously couldn't speak. He sat on the cot beside her and took her hand and waited until it was over.
"Are you okay?" he asked, trying to stay calm. He knew that panicking was exactly what she didn't need right now.
"Fine", she answered with a smile. "They're definitely stronger, but still not too bad", she explained. "What happened with Njord?"
"He informed me he's going to lodge a formal complaint about me threatening him", he snorted.
"What? You're kidding? The little twerp! He's the one who kidnapped us."
"I know – that's what I told him. I also told him I was lodging a complaint with the Asgaard High Council about him. I think he's scared now."
"Good! What about Thor?"
"Well, we're going faster and we should be there in about 45 minutes. Thor is waiting for us so we can get off the ship and get some help as soon as we arrive."
"Jack, do you think Thor will be able to help?"
"Who? Thor? Yeah, of course. Look, he's studied humans for years so he probably knows more than we do. And they have advanced medical technology anyway. If there is any kind of problem, he'll be able to fix it."
"I hope so", she whispered. "It's just – I don't think they deliver a lot of babies."
"Probably not – but I'm here and I'll help. Look, you're healthy and will do just fine. I don't want you to worry about anything. Just concentrate on baby Carter-O'Neill who is about to be welcomed into the world."
"Yeah, but not our world", she muttered, looking despondent.
"Hey Carter – did you really think that a child of ours would make it into the world in a plain, old boring way at a hospital? I mean really – you know us – we always have to do things differently. There aren't many people on earth who will be able to claim they were abducted by aliens and that their child was born on another planet in a different galaxy!"
She stared at him and then had to laugh. "You're right of course. What was I thinking? Being born in an earth hospital is so – passé – so not us. Although I can't imagine little O'Neill announcing to his or her kindergarten class – "I was born on another planet". They'll think our child is crazy."
"Well, we won't say anything at first. We'll wait till O'Neill junior is older and then explain it. And look at it this way – we can make Thor a godparent – and think of the presents he can give our child! Why, he may get a spaceship for his 16th birthday!"
"He?"
"Well he – or she. If it's a she I'm sure she'll be just like her mom and will definitely want a spaceship – the faster the better!"
Just then another contraction hit so Sam was unable to respond. "Oo – kay" she said breathlessly – that was a bit harder."
"Really? Do you need me to get Njord? Do you think you can make it to Othalla?" he asked worriedly.
"I'm fine Jack – I'll let you know when you have to worry."
"We have arrived General O'Neill", Njord's voice could be heard a few minutes later over some kind of loud speaker. "Please prepare to be transported."
Jack reached out and held on to Sam carefully, but this time they rematerialized on a soft surface, with little or no disruption.
"Welcome General O'Neill, Colonel Carter."
Jack whipped his head around. Standing just a few feet behind him was – until today – his favorite alien. "Thor! Thank God. Sam is in labor and is going to have a baby. We need your help."
"I understand the situation General and we are presently monitoring Colonel Carter's condition. I would like to extend my apologies – she was not to have been brought along. The invitation was to be extended only to you."
"Invitation? What invitation? I was kidnapped by that moron you sent to get me. I told him repeatedly to take us back to earth but he refused – said he was told to bring me to see you. Thor, I gotta tell you that this is not the way to treat your friends!"
"I do apologize O'Neill and can assure you that Njord will be disciplined. I have explained to him that his actions were not acceptable. However, now I believe we should focus on Colonel Carter. When the child has arrived safely we can then again discuss how you were retrieved."
"Okay, okay – fine. Sam's in labor – contractions are coming about every five minutes and they're getting stronger. Her water's broken but according to her, the baby hasn't dropped yet. Do you have everything we'll need?"
Thor stood looking at him, his eyes slowly blinking.
"Oh my God – you don't have a clue what I'm talking about do you?" O'Neill asked, suddenly very worried.
"I am sorry. I understand the human birth process – at least, I have read what occurs – but have never witnessed it and do not know the details. We can make sure Samantha remains healthy, but I am afraid I do not know what you will need to ensure the birth happens in the manner in which it is supposed to."
"Great! Just great! We're bloody well kidnapped off our planet and taken to a galaxy 'far far away' to be with a bunch of asexual aliens who clone themselves and don't have a clue how babies are born. Well guess what Thor? You're about to find out! First, I need the following things – I need a constant supply of clean water, soap, lots of clean, soft cloths, blankets – both for Sam and for the baby when it comes, clamps – or some sterile string to tie off the cord." He looked at Sam who was again having a contraction so he reached out and held her hand and looked her deep in the eyes while she rode it out. "You okay?" he said gently when it was done.
"I'm fine – kind of scared though Jack."
"Hey – it'll be okay. I know what we're doing here and you heard Thor – he'll make sure you're okay" he looked at the alien "and that our child is okay too, right Thor?"
"Of course O'Neill. I shall bring the things you need."
"Wait – I need something to wash my hands in – and something to prop Sam up with. Everything has to be totally clean and sterile!"
"I will ensure it O'Neill. The entire room and everything in it will be completely sterile. I will bring everything you need immediately."
Almost before he was done speaking, a table appeared with everything Jack had requested. Thor pointed him to a small machine which was emitting a blue light. "Pass your hands under it – it will kill all germs."
After everything was ready – including the bed which they could lift and maneuver so Sam had support – Jack sat back and looked at his alien friend. "Okay, now we wait", he said. "Can you monitor Sam and the baby both to make sure they're doing okay?"
"Yes indeed O'Neill – we are presently doing so. The baby appears quite strong and healthy as is Samantha."
"Great!" Jack breathed a sigh of relief although his heart was still pounding. He knew he had no choice – it was up to him – but that didn't mean he was happy about what was happening. If anything went wrong – no, don't think that O'Neill. It's going to be just fine.
"Jack, I think it would be good if I got up and moved around. It'll help move things along."
"Okay, if you're sure." He helped her sit and then stand. Keeping his arm around her they slowly began to walk around the room as Thor watched them.
"O'Neill, if I may ask something?" Thor asked tentatively, as he watched the two humans he had grown to like and respect.
"Of course Thor – anything."
"How did Colonel Carter get into this situation? I was unaware that she had been chosen to bear a child."
"Uh – you don't 'get chosen' to bear a child Thor. It's up to the woman to decide when she wants to have a baby."
"She is able to do this on her own? I understood that it took a male and female to create a child?"
Jack sighed – great, just what he needed to be doing right now – teaching the birds and bees to an alien! "Yes Thor – it takes a Daddy and a Mommy to create a baby although it's the 'mommy' who actually has to carry the child. In the case of Colonel Carter – she is the one who 'chose' to carry it and have a baby. Is that clear?"
"Yes O'Neill, thank you. However, my understanding of human relations is that usually a 'pair' – a 'Mommy and Daddy' as you say, come together and have physical relations in order for the male sperm and female ovum to join together to begin to create the child."
"Yeah – that's right?" Jack said. "So?"
"So, who was the male who provided the sperm which fertilized Colonel Carter's 'ovum'?"
Jack was sure he heard a snort – which she quickly turned into a cough – from his loving wife. He turned to glare at her but she was staring straight ahead – very resolutely.
"Uh – I guess that would be me Thor", he answered calmly, although he could feel his face heat up a bit. God – would this day never end?
"You?" Thor asked in surprise. "I was not aware that you and Colonel Carter were engaged in a sexual relationship."
"Yes,– I mean – hell Thor – we're married!"
"Married? As in you have chosen to join yourself together permanently and to have sexual relations regularly in order to propagate your species?"
"Geesh – put that way it sounds rather – cold Thor."
"I did not mean to imply anything General. It is just my understanding that marriage often precedes the decision to have children."
"Yeah – sometimes. Look Colonel Carter and I love each other – that's why we got married and now she's going to have a baby. I think we need to concentrate on that." Since another contraction had started, it was a good opportunity for Jack to end the conversation, and focus on his wife. He could tell that the contractions were, indeed, getting stronger. After the last one was finished, he let her sit down and then wet a cloth and gently wiped the sweat from her face. After a while she stood up again and resumed her walk, Jack at her side.
Thor, of course, was intrigued, and not quite ready to give up the conversation. "So, General, how often did you and Colonel Carter engage in sexual relations prior to her conceiving the child?"
This time he knew that Sam was laughing. He turned and glared at her again but she didn't even try and hide the fact this time. Instead she was shaking and clutching her stomach. He shook his head in disgust – "just you wait Samantha Carter!" He turned back to Thor. "I don't know Thor – and it's – kind of a private matter between Sam and me."
"Again I apologize – I did not mean to offend. It is simply a unique opportunity for me to find out more about human relations. I have often wondered but had no one to ask. I did not know if it was something you must do repeatedly or if it occurred after a single sexual encounter."
Jack sighed again and shook his head. "Thor – sometimes it takes a while for humans to conceive but sexual relations are for more than that anyway – it's – an expression of love between humans."
"So, you continued to have relations even after Colonel Carter conceived?" Thor asked in surprise.
Jack knew he shouldn't get embarrassed – this was all academic to Thor – but he did find the conversation quite uncomfortable. He'd never actually had to talk about his sex life before.
"Uh – yeah. Look Thor, sex – uh sexual relations can and do occur at any time in a relationship – before conception, during pregnancy and even when the couple aren't planning on having children. It's something we – enjoy."
"Oh", Thor appeared lost for words for a second. He then turned to Carter. "Colonel Carter, is it not difficult for you to engage in a sexual relationship with General O'Neill when your abdomen is so distended? My understanding of the human body is that it would be virtually impossible for him to - "
This time it was Jack who choked and Sam who glared. "It's – a little difficult Thor" she interrupted quickly, "but we manage."
"How?"
"Yes Samantha – how?" Jack smirked.
"I think you'll have to ask General O'Neill Thor. I feel a contraction coming on", she said in relief.
Thor turned expectantly to Jack, awaiting the answer. "Sorry Thor – maybe another time – I have to help Sam now!" Thank God for contractions, he thought! He didn't know how he would have answered that last one!
For the next few moments Jack helped his wife as she dealt with another contraction. They were becoming harder all the time, although she assured him she was still okay. "It's not too bad Jack. I can handle it."
"Would you like me to give you something for the pain Colonel Carter?" Thor asked.
"Would it be safe for the baby Thor?" she asked. "I kind of wanted to avoid drugs if I could."
"I – do not know. I am not as conversant on the physiology of human infants. I have never had the opportunity to observe them this close."
"Well, in that case I'd better not, but thank you."
"You are welcome. I can, of course, remove the child from you with our beaming technology if that would make the process simpler."
Both Jack and Sam turned towards Thor, their expressions almost identical. "What? You can beam the baby out?"
"Yes, just as we have done with Goa'uld who have taken over a host. The technology is not difficult."
"Okay Thor – just one thing – I'd really rather you didn't compare my baby to a Goa'uld – that's just – wrong. As for beaming" he turned and looked at Sam, a question in his eyes.
"No Thor, but thank you. The birth process is actually healthy for the child and I don't know what it would do to it or to me. If something goes wrong though, it is an option."
"You are welcome and I will defer to your wishes." Thor continued to stand and watch the humans as they walked around the room. He was surprised at how calm they appeared as Colonel Carter seemed to be in increasing amounts of pain. He was also surprised at how long the process was taking. They'd already been here for much longer than he expected. He thought it would be quick, after what Njord had told him. The poor Asgaard had been terrified, certain that the human child would arrive while still on the ship.
"May I ask another question", he finally spoke, when the next contraction had subsided.
Jack sighed, looking quite pained.
"Sure Thor", Sam answered with a smile. She had quite enjoyed the conversation between the alien and her husband.
"Why do you continue to use the name Carter? Does a human female not take the male's name upon marriage?"
"Uh – sometimes they do but a lot of women keep their names now. I use 'Carter' at work and professionally but 'O'Neill' at other times."
"Is that not confusing?"
"No, it's quite common –" Sam grimaced as another contraction began. They were coming much more quickly now. "I – Jack, you'd better check and see how far I'm dilated."
"What?' he said, looking panicked.
"Just take a look and see how far I'm dilated and if you can see the head. I'm pretty sure the baby has dropped now – I feel the pressure quite far down. Let me lie down and you can take a look."
"God Sam – I don't even know what to look for."
"It's okay – you can describe it to me. It should be pretty obvious if the head is there."
Jack helped his wife onto the bed and then began to help her remove her pants. Fortunately she'd been wearing maternity sweats so they were easy to remove. Just as he began to pull them down he remembered their observer. "Uh Thor – I think we need some privacy here."
Thor blinked at him in that way that meant he didn't understand what the crazy Tauri was saying. "I would like to observe the head as well O'Neill", he answered directly.
"No – sorry Thor but this is one 'observation' which you're gonna skip." O'Neill gestured with his finger, indicating Thor should turn around. "No peaking now!"
He was pretty sure he heard Thor sigh, but really didn't care. There was no way anyone other than him was going to be looking right now – and he really wished it didn't have to be him.
Once Sam was undressed – at least the bottom half of her – he grabbed a blanket and put it over her so that a minimal amount was showing. She spread her legs and bent her knees. "Can you see anything?" she asked.
"Yeah – but not - " He bent over and did what he had to to take a look – sure that he wouldn't have a clue at what he was seeing. He was actually shocked, therefore, when he saw that, not only was she dilated – "oh my God Sam", he hissed.
"What? What is it?" she asked, frightened.
"It's – I think I see the head." He carefully reached in until his finger touched it. He could see a small patch of brown hair. "It's got hair Sam", he called out, as if that was the most miraculous thing in the world. "I can see our baby."
"Good. Can you tell how much I've dilated?"
"Uh – about that much", he showed her with his hand.
"Okay – oh, here comes - " the next contraction was particularly fierce and Jack suffered with her. The fascinating thing was he could see the baby's head move a bit as the contraction hit. Still, it was clear there wasn't enough space for it to come out yet. She still had a ways to go.
He covered her back up and sat down beside her. "Want a drink?"
"Yes please", she nodded. Once he'd given her a drink he bathed her face with a cool cloth.
"You're doing amazing Sam", he said. "I love you so much and I'm sorry this had to happen like this."
"I'm not", she smiled. "Actually I kind of like it just being us – and Thor of course."
Oops, he'd forgotten about Thor. "You can turn around now Thor", he said to the alien's back.
"Thank you O'Neill." Thor slowly walked towards the bed. "You are well Colonel Carter?"
"I'm fine Thor, just anxious for the baby to get here."
"Does it usually take this long?" he asked.
"It often takes longer. Sometimes it takes almost a day for some women to have a baby."
"Is that not rather inefficient?" asked the alien.
"Maybe inefficient Thor – but at least we can do it!"
"Jack! I don't think he means to be –"
"Rude?"
Thor looked between the two humans, unsure what he had done. "I am sorry – I certainly am not attempting to be impolite. It just appears as if it is a painful process and I thought that humans would have discovered a way to shorten the process."
"Look Thor", Jack turned to the alien. "We believe that the 'process' as you call it, is natural – the way evolution or God or whatever you believe in means for it to happen. We don't believe in screwing around with it. I would think that you especially would understand that. Look at what playing around with things did for you guys!"
Sam put her hand on Jack's arm, trying to stop him, not wanting to offend their friend. He relaxed slightly and nodded.
"Look , I don't mean to be rude either – it's just that right now isn't exactly the best time to be discussing human biology. I really need to concentrate on Sam."
"I understand O'Neill and I am sorry. I also must agree with you – the Asgaard have made mistakes by trying to manipulate nature. I will now be quiet."
"Thank you!"
Over the next few hours the pain grew steadily worse, and Sam could no longer walk. The contractions were getting closer and closer and it was becoming more difficult for her to handle the pain. Jack was tempted to ask Thor to intervene but when he'd tried mentioning it to Sam she'd practically ripped his throat out. She still wanted to do it 'naturally'.
"I can handle it Jack", she said, her face covered in sweat. "Just stick with me. As long as you're here I can do this."
"You know I'll be here Sam. Don't ever worry about that."
"I don't", she smiled. "If there's anyone in this world I trust, it's you!"
He checked her a couple of more times and could tell that she was getting closer to the actual birth. The baby's head was clearly visible now, with only a small ring of Sam's cervix still around the edges. He remembered the videos and books and knew that when that retracted she'd be ready to go.
Of course, that was when she suddenly decided she could no longer do this. He remembered too that this was natural in the 'transition' stage – but he couldn't help but feel slightly panicked himself. He forced himself to be calm though and try and talk her through it.
"I can't Jack. Please, get it out of me. I can't do this. I'm a failure!"
"No you're not honey. You'll be just fine. This just means that it's close and you're going to have the baby soon."
"No Jack – it's stuck. It'll never come out and I'll be pregnant forever!"
He almost laughed, but knew it was more than his life was worth to do so. Instead he continued to wipe her face and say calm and soothing words.
"Would you like me to beam the baby out now?" a little voice sounded at his shoulder. Jack turned and looked at a very frightened looking Thor.
"No, it's okay buddy. She'll be fine."
"But she says she is unable to continue and sounds as if she is in great pain. Does Colonel Carter not know when she has reached her limit?"
"Uh – this is just a stage. It's natural for humans – for women – to get a bit panicky at this stage. It just means she'll be ready to push soon."
"Push?"
"Yeah – push the baby out."
"I did not realize she had to push it. I thought it made its way on its own."
"No – it needs a little help."
Without warning Sam turned her head and threw up, all over Thor who was standing by her head. He looked down at himself and blinked – then looked up at Jack. "Is this natural as well?"
"I'm afraid so Thor."
"I'm so sorry Thor", Sam began to cry. "See, I'm useless!"
"You're not useless Sam, you're having a baby. And Thor didn't mind, did you Thor?"
"I – no, that is fine Colonel Carter – I – will go and wash."
Jack could hear the little guy muttering as he headed towards the 'sink'. He was pretty sure he heard something about human 'inefficiency' and 'yuck' – although he could have been wrong on that last one.
"Jack!"
"What?" he turned back to Sam.
"JACK!"
"God – what? What's wrong?"
"Nothing – I think – God, I need to push."
"Really? Are you sure."
"Of COURSE I'M SURE! It's my body for God's sake."
"Let me just check, okay?"
"Fine – just hurry up."
He lifted the blanket and again looked. He could see that her cervix had retracted completely and the head was right there, ready to come out. He lifted his head and grinned at his wife. "Okay Sam – let's do this!"
He helped prop her up so that she was comfortable. "Thor, come over here – I need your help." The alien walked over reluctantly – staying well away from Sam's head.
"What would you like me to do O'Neill?" he asked.
"Just stay by Sam – hold her hand if she needs it – and give her a drink of water when she asks."
"She will not – empty the contents of her stomach again will she?" he asked in a worried voice.
"Probably not – although you never know."
Another blink. Jack was pretty sure that he was beginning to read the different blinks about as well as he could now decipher Teal'c's eyebrow. This was definitely an 'oh great!' blink.
"O'Neill, one more question. I have been asked by a number of Asgaard scientists if they could observe the birth. It is of interest to many of them."
"Sorry buddy – but this is a private affair. You will just have to tell them about it."
"As you wish O'Neill."
"Okay – let's get this show on the road. Sam, anytime you are ready."
For some strange reason – and Jack didn't know what it was – he was no longer feeling nervous. Maybe it was the adrenaline, maybe it was the fact that now he was actually doing something – but he felt calm and relaxed. He realized, somewhere in the back of his mind, that this was similar to going into battle. Beforehand there was panic and fear, but once things got started he would feel calm and focused. He knew this wasn't a battle – but was the most important moment of his life.
For the next twenty minutes Sam pushed with all her strength. She started to screech at one point which didn't help her push efficiently.
"Sam", he instructed, "if you're going to yell – remember what the midwife said – keep your voice as low as possible. That'll help you push."
She nodded briefly. "Water", she instructed. Thor was being great and he quickly offered her a drink. He also helped her sit up a bit, although he wasn't exactly the strongest being in the universe. Still – he was supportive, which helped.
The next contraction hit and Sam did what Jack suggested and kept her voice low – almost humming. It was better, and he could see the baby's head move more with each push.
"Okay, it's coming babe, but I think we need you to sit up a bit more to give it a hand. Can you do that?"
Thor helped her, as much as she could, until she was almost squatting. Fortunately the Asgaard bed helped offer her some support.
"Push Sam! Come on, you can do it."
With much encouragement, and lots of sweating Sam kept pushing. Later on she'd admit that it was the hardest, most painful thing she'd ever done. At the time, however, she was concentrating so hard she almost didn't notice until –
"Oh God – it hurts!" She felt a terrific burning pain as the baby's head passed out of the birth canal and into the world. Suddenly it was over and she felt the baby slip into the world, into its father's arms.
"Sam!" She looked to see Jack holding the baby who was covered in white and streaks of red. Tears were running down Jack's face but he had a smile as well. He carefully placed the mewling infant on her stomach.
She gently put her hand on the baby's back as Thor put a soft blanket over it to keep it warm. She looked up at her husband. "We have a son Jack!" she whispered.
"I know", he smiled crookedly, overcome with the emotion of the moment. "He's beautiful."
She lay there, simply holding the baby as Jack cut the cord. She then pulled her son up until he was resting on her chest. She uncovered his head to see two little black eyes staring at her intently while his little mouth rooted for her breast. She guided his head until he began to suckle.
A few seconds later she felt another strong contraction and soon the afterbirth was expelled. Jack cleaned her up and finally, when he was finished, he moved to her head.
He didn't say anything – simply reached down and very carefully placed his large hand on the baby's head. He gently stroked him with his thumb as tears continued to run down his cheeks. After a minute he lifted his head. "Thank you", he said quietly. "you're beautiful Sam."
"Thank you Jack", she leaned forward slightly and gave him a gentle kiss. "He's just like his father" she said, looking down at their baby.
"Really? I can't see his face well enough yet to tell."
"I wasn't talking about his looks – I was talking about the fact that he took to the breast so well!"
He broke out laughing. "Yeah, that's my boy!"
The two new parents continued to admire their son, even after he had finished his first meal. Neither of them saw Thor, the alien who had so curiously watched the process of human birth, quietly leave the room. For once he understood that this was not about science or about studying human beings. No – he knew what he was seeing was something precious. It was about a new family and the love they had for each other. Now was not a time for observers, but a time for this family to be together.
"Where's Thor?" Sam asked after a while. Jack was holding the baby and looking at him adoringly. She didn't think she'd ever seen anything so wonderful in her life.
"Huh?" he looked around. "He must have left. I'm sure he'll be back."
"Jack?"
"Yeah?" he said, staring down at his son.
"Tell me I didn't throw up on Thor."
He looked up then and grinned. "Sorry – you did. I don't remember ever seeing him so surprised."
She closed her eyes in embarrassment. "Oh God, I'll never be able to look him in the face again."
"Oh, I wouldn't worry about it. He'll probably be able to tell the other Asgaard all about it and he'll be famous. It's an unusual human phenomenon you know."
"Oh God", she repeated. "I'll be famous on Othalla for vomiting on one of their citizens."
It was a short while later that they heard a knock on the door – which was rather surprising as it wasn't a custom they'd observed the Asgaard use. "Come in", called Jack.
"O'Neill, is now a good time for me to visit?" Thor asked hesitatingly.
"Of course, come on in and meet the newest O'Neill."
"I would be honored." Thor walked over to where Sam was now holding the baby. She moved the blanket away from his face so the alien commander could see the now sleeping infant.
"He is truly beautiful Colonel Carter, General O'Neill. I offer you my sincere congratulations."
"Thanks Thor – and thank you for your help", Sam said. "And I'm – uh – sorry about throwing up on you."
"That is quite alright", he said. "It was a phenomenon I have never before witnessed therefore a learning experience."
Jack choked back a laugh but when Sam looked at him his face was completely blank. She knew she was going to hear about this one for years!
"I thought you would like to know that our monitors show both you and the infant are very healthy. There is minor damage to you Colonel Carter from the birth. I am happy to repair that if you would like."
Sam was sore and knew that she'd torn a bit. Jack had said it wasn't too bad but if Thor could fix that? "Sure Thor, that would be great – as long as it doesn't mess up my system for breastfeeding."
"No, it will only repair the local damage." He turned on a machine overhead which passed a light over her abdomen and pubic area. Instantly she felt better.
"Wow – that's great Thor – thanks!"
"You are welcome." He turned back to O'Neill. "I am happy to return you and your family to earth at your convenience O'Neill. The High Council would like to officially offer its apologies for any inconvenience we caused you and Colonel Carter. They would also like me to convey to you the fact that the Asgaard people are honored that your child was born on Othalla. As the first child born here in millennia we view it as a great portent. The Council has conferred Asgaard citizenship on your son and he will be under the protection of our people and will have all the rights of any Asgaard."
"Wow Thor – that's – amazing! Thank you. As for going home" he looked over at Sam "I think the sooner the better. We'd like to be at home and also to see our friends."
"I understand O'Neill. We can leave immediately. When you feel ready I would like to invite you and your family to return so that your son can be shown to the others. They are all very interested to see our newest citizen."
"Sounds good." Thor turned to leave. "Uh Thor – by the way – what did you want me for in the first place?"
Thor stopped and looked at O'Neill. "I wanted to ask you to explain the phenomenon of 'hockey' to me. It appears frequently in your conversation and the High Council was confused as to what role this plays in your life. As you know, you are seen by the Asgaard as the next step in human evolution, so we were wondering of this 'hockey' is something we should study."
This time it was Jack who simply blinked. It took him a while before he could find the words to even answer. "Are you telling me – are you honestly – do you mean -?. My God! You had us kidnapped and we were forced to have our baby in another galaxy because of hockey?"
"Yes", Thor blinked. "Is that a problem?"
"A problem? No – I guess it's not a problem. It's – " Suddenly, without warning, he began to laugh. "Oh my God – Sam – this could only have happened to us!" Pretty soon he was bent over in paroxysms of laughter. "Hockey!"
Thor looked at him strangely, wondering if the trauma of the birth had affected O'Neill. When he looked in concern towards Colonel Carter he was relieved to see her smiling. These humans were very strange, he realized, not for the first time.
He turned and walked to the door. "I will beam you up and we will return to earth immediately O'Neill, Colonel Carter", he said.
Jack continued to laugh but waved at his friend. He was sure he led the most bizarre life ever.
They were heading home, he sighed to himself. He couldn't wait to get back into their house and relax. He was exhausted, but in a good way. He looked over at the bed – which had been transported to the ship with Sam in it – and looked at his wife. She was slightly disheveled and her hair was still damp from sweat – but he'd never seen a more beautiful sight in his life. She was sleeping peacefully, a small smile on her face.
He smiled too as he watched her. She had been so brave, so calm and strong. He wasn't surprised – that was the woman he had married. He again thanked his lucky stars that she'd shown up that day at his cabin. With all they'd been through the last few months – the ups, the downs, he would never, ever regret what had happened.
He drew his eyes away from his wife down to the small, sleeping bundle in his arms. He gently traced the soft skin on his cheek, smiling when the little boy turned his head automatically towards him, as if looking for the breast again. "You really are my boy, aren't you", he whispered. Sam said he looked just like him too – and he could sort of see it – although mostly he looked like Charlie.
He felt a soft pang in his chest at the thought, but didn't allow it to take hold. Instead he said a silent prayer, asking his older son to watch out for his younger brother. He then allowed the joy of the moment to fill him. He gazed at the small, warm body in his arms – knowing he'd been blessed and that right here, right now, he was the luckiest man in the universe.
He watched as the baby's lips moved in its sleep –his tiny bow mouth so precious. He gently lifted the warm bundle up and laid his face alongside that of his son. He breathed in the innocent, baby smell and softly kissed his cheek.
"I love you my son", he murmured into the velvet skin.
He didn't see his wife, her eyes open, look at the two of them with love and joy and tenderness. She smiled gently and closed her eyes again – knowing that life could not get any better.