Sam sat with Matthew and General Hammond, waiting for the others to come back.
" What do you make of all of this, Major?" , the General asked.
"To be honest, sir, I"m stunned, " said Sam. " I remember Jenny talking about giving up her baby, but she never gave the baby's name, or if she did, I didn't connect it. It just totally amazes me, that of all the places in the time frame to end up, and all the people we could have met, that it was there. With them. I mean, the odds must be astronomical. There must be so much that is against it, and yet, there we were. I don't believe in fate, but it makes you wonder..." she trailed off as Jack, Teal'c and a very watery-eyed Daniel came into the room.
" Would you like to continue tomorrow?, asked Matthew solicitily to Daniel. " We don't have to do this all in one go, you know."
Daniel looked at him, realizing that from now on he was forging a relationship with another human being, who, like it or not, was a member of his family. His blood. He reached out and grasped his arm. " No, it's ok," he answered, trying to smile. " I just want to you to know that I appreciate your patience here, and, well, nothing was personal against your mom, my mom.," he stumbled."It's just such a shock."
"We can have Dr. Frasier do the necessary tests if you like, to determine DNA matchup as well, Dr. Jackson", General Hammond said.
"That won't be needed, I don't think, General, unless you would prefer," Daniel said, looking questioningly at them both.
"It's entirely up to you, " said Matthew, "I will do whatever is needed to ease your minds."
"No, it's ok" , said Daniel. "Anyway, the proof is right there in plain sight as it were. All we really have to do is look at the two of us together," they smiled at each other, each steady glance mirroring the other ones.
"I think that's been bugging me too, sir, " said Sam. " I realized that I was seeing another Daniel sitting there, and it was tugging at my mind, and not realizing it. You both have her smile, her manner, and even though the colouring is different on you, you are very much alike. "
" Well, shall we begin again then?" General Hammond asked, and with a nod from all, Matthew started in.
" Dear Diary.
After we got the clothes, and I talked to Sam, I just felt so wrung out and exhausted. She was so good and kind to me, never judging, or anything. I didn't tell you diary, but I named my baby Daniel because of a name I found in a baby book Claire got me. It meant "God is my judge" , meaning that no one else could have the power to judge or hurt me, and I wanted my baby so badly. I wanted him to grow up big and strong and healthy and smart. I wanted the very best for him, things that I couldn't do right then. Maybe when Michael and I move to Canada, but the trouble is, he loves them, and they love him. He's four years old now, diary. I sent him a stuffed dog last Christmas for a present for Claire to give him. I always loved to sleep with my stuffed animals when I was little. Maybe he will too."
" I remember that, " Daniel interjected softly." I slept with it for years. He was brown and white spotted with white paws and a silly face. I loved that toy."
With a smile at him, Matthew continued. "I have a picture of him that was taken right after he was born. Claire insisted on it, because someday, she said, Daniel would want this. It shows me holding him, and Claire with her arms around us both. We're all smiling at the camera, and Daniel is just content in my arms and quiet. I keep it pinned up at the back of the bus by my stuff, to remind me of someday. Sam suggested that I start some night school classes in typing or something so I could get a job, to just help out, or support myself if needed. It sounds like an idea.
We were driving along well, when we had to stop and fix the bus. Jack crawled on the hood to fix the engine He really is a whiz with tools.
He looks SO good in his leather jacket and tight jeans, and I think Sam thinks so because she can't take her eyes off him. He looks like those old pics of James Dean that Claire had pinned up on her wall at home when we were kids!
We're all taking turns driving, and Sam and I are playing cards when it's not our turn. Jack is stretched out asleep snoring beside us. He and Michael were having fun earlier. Michael taught him tricks with a yo- yo. Jack had never had one as a kid, I guess, and Michael is great at it. They were doing "rock the cradle' and" walk the dog" for an hour!
Daniel is beside Tilk who still hasn't said much, just looks. He is teaching him to drive. It was a few anxious moments at first, and Jack kept saying "Let Junior drive, he'll be better at it than you!" which is totally confusing. Who's Junior? Does Tilk have a family somewhere?
We are stopping for groceries now, and then going to find a campground for the night. I think I am just going to curl up under a tree and pass out. I'm so tired. I guess all the emotion. But I am so glad for my friend Sam. Apart from my sister, this is the first girl I have been really close to, confided in. She's very special.
I'll continue later, Diary."