NEVER SAY NEVER
Thanks to the readers I've heard from regarding Chapter 4 and this novella. Your encourgement inspires me to keep writing. I hope you stick with me on this fic because the future's going to be a bumpy ride for Sam and Jack! HailDorothy
CHAPTER FIVE
Jack and Sam along with the other officers stood in the ship's third hanger bay and stared in appreciation at the sole objects of that hanger. The Stargate, ramp, and control room's consol and computers had been transported onto the ship. Well, minus some wiring. Hammond delegated Cameron Mitchell in charge of all Gate issues. A smiling Mitchell then assigned Walter and his technicians to get everything in working order.
Although Walter accepted the challenging task Jack heard cussing from the otherwise mild-mannered Chief Sergeant's lips. Jack didn't blame him. What did one do with millions of wires yanked out from a concrete wall back on Earth? Interestingly, when Sam stated that once she had the ship running at maximum capacity she'd help Walter with the Gate, the little man grinned from ear to ear. It also helped that Thor had beamed up a D.H.D.
In retrospect it didn't take Hammond and his staff long to get the crew of the O'Neill III shipshape. George assigned each General an area of expertise and then told them to select officers and enlisted soldiers to carry out the duties that fell under their umbrella of responsibility.
Besides Hammond and Landry there wasn't one Chief of Staff onboard, or political leaders unless, Thor had transferred them to the other ships. With no open communication they'd no way knowing. Sheppard felt optimistic that Atlantis was safe beneath the Pacific Ocean and that Thor had transported some dignitaries there for safety.
He heard from General Hammond and Landry that President Rice had been offered the option to join them in the event such an attack ever occurred. She had declined on the basis that she would not desert her country or world.
Jack became George's 2IC and headed the tactical defense and offense units that included weaponry, the security of the O'Neill III and to Jack's surprise first strike leader. Despite the calamitous situation, he was a happy camper.
Landry remained head of Homeworld Security and worked side-by-side with Jack. Hank was the only person who knew Earth's lines of defense and what was hopefully still maintained.
Weir was the key diplomat who attempted to bring unity between the nine foreign military nationalities represented among the SGC teams and of course the Jaffa. Oh, the newest glitch had been that over a hundred Tok'ra were onboard and God help them all, so was the last of the systems lords, Baal. Jack wasn't thrilled about the newest development. The Tok'ra had all but cut their ties with Earth and the Jaffa. Baal was still Baal, but seemed quite accommodating to rid the galaxy of the Wraith and Replicators.
Apparently the Wraith had invaded his little planet and wrapped him in a cocoon for a midnight snack. Thor had beamed Baal off the mother hive ship. Why, Jack couldn't fathom.
Rumor had it that Baal had been rebuilding his fleet, but Thor hadn't transported the Goa'uld vessels. Baal assumed Thor ran out of time. Heck, Jack just wished he know why Thor rescued the snakeheads, especially Baal, minus his clones.
During their brief but memorable exchange, Jack made himself perfectly clear with Baal. "One, you stay clear of my family, that includes Carter. Two, you so much as fart and I'll fry you with a zat."
Baal snickered and walked away, but Jack noticed the handsome man's shoulders shook and not with laughter. Regarding the Tok'ra, Jack could not imagine how that'd fair with the Free Jaffa. Ten years after the fact and they were still at each other's throats with accusations of betrayal and distrust. Weir had her hands full.
In the interim, Brigadier General Jonathon Sheppard got jurisdiction over all aircraft and fighter squadrons. He was in his element.
The best surprise Jack and Sam got came when the Tok'ra beamed aboard and their son Charlie was one of them. Charlie had accepted Jacob's/Selmak's former position as liaison between the Tau'ri and Tok'ra. Sadly, the Tok'ra kept a tight rein on Charlie. They'd not seen him in over a year. Jack only got a father-son hug but that'd been sufficient for now. They planned to catch a meal together and that would include Sam. Charlie had been played a pivotal part in planning Safe Haven.
First thing Jack checked out was whether or not the Asgard vessel was comprised of Replicators blocks. It wasn't. He then discovered Thor had beamed up six additional dogs from the Army's Special Units Canine division and their trainers. Maybourne needed something to keep him occupied so with Hammond's blessings, Jack reinstated the self-made king to Colonel and put him in charge of 'sniff-out Replicator duty.' He'd expected an argument, but Harry gladly accepted the doggedly position. With seven wives or was it eight and twenty-plus kids, Jack determined Harry needed serious me-time. Now if Jack could just get him to take off that ridiculous crown.
Colonel Paul Emerson manned the helm and discovered Thor had been converting the ship's consol into that of the other Daedalus styled cruisers. No stones. Silar got the unfinished project. Jack was amazed Thor managed to lower his Asgard genius level to the stupidity of mere humans. There were more surprises. Thirty experienced Air Force pilots with space cruiser know-how were onboard, including Colonel Marks.
This made Jack ponder who was commanding the missing cruisers. Landry assured him that at least fifteen of the known missing pilots were probably aboard those ships. Or so he hoped. Added bennies included thirty-one F-302's, twenty-five Goa'uld death gliders and six puddle jumpers. Thor had been busy.
Much to everyone's surprise but not those who knew her, Vala volunteered to organize the family quarters and supplies. Marriage and motherhood had softened the former, bitch-queen Goa'uld hostess.
Jack's instant dislike of Vala started when Jack still managed the SGC. Vala had abducted then beat Daniel to a bloody pulp. Jack didn't meet the woman face to face for another two years. On their next encounter she hit on him.
Um, breaking into a visiting General's VIP's quarters and joining him in the shower did constitute as being hit on, right? Not to mention she'd grabbed his well, ya know, and then promised he'd see the stars after she'd finished with him. The point was, Sam still didn't know and with God as his witness, she never would. Jack had kicked Vala out of his shower threatening court-martial. Yes, she was a member of SG-1 by then. Vala pleaded temporary insanity due to lack of not getting laid in a year as her excuse.
When Jack asked why him, she blatantly said, "I've been hot for you since the first day we first met. General. Besides older men are more experienced and sensitive to a woman's needs. I know you're the reason Sam's always smiling, and figured she wouldn't mind sharing."
Jack figured he should be flattered. Not. That aside, he tried to like Vala. Really he did. Even ask Sam. Okay, so Sam liked everyone. Bad example. 'Hey, I at least deserve an E for 'Ever wanting to jam my fist down Vala's throat.'
True, Vala had her redemptive moments —Just Jack couldn't recall them. Vala remained self-centered, greedy, unpredictable, and had a trucker's mouth. Jack called her the drama queen under his breath, of course. No doubt the reason Cameron fell for her and Daniel had eventually ended what had been a wild roller-coaster affair for the meek-mannered linguist. They'd been a serious couple for years before Daniel tossed in the towel a month before their wedding. Daniel never volunteered the specifics. Jack never asked. But he surmised Cameron had been the pivotal reason. And there was Cassandra to consider. Jack would rather not.
Unlike most of the SGC Jack wasn't surprised when after a week of the breakup, Cameron started to court the little brunette alien. Within a month they were wed. Seven months later their first child was born. One didn't have to be a genius to do the math. Sam had broached the sensitive issue to Daniel who confirmed the child wasn't his. Whoops.
From the first he'd seen them together ten years prior Jack saw the attentive spark in Cameron's eyes toward Vala. But then, Daniel's spark was a lot brighter. Sam wondered if it was Vala or Cameron who'd started the affair while Vala and Daniel were engaged. Jack didn't care. He hated that his best buddy had gotten hurt. He maybe didn't like what Vala and Cameron had done to Daniel, but he had to work with them. So did Daniel.
Daniel proved a true diplomat because when Cameron and Vala asked him to be their first child's godparent, he accepted. Sam told Jack to let it go. Jack tried. He was just thickheaded when the people he loved got hurt. Daniel had moved on. Jack needed to let go. Letting go of his daughter, Cassandra, wasn't that easy.
Speaking of Daniel, he had been assigned to work with Elizabeth Weir and was last seen making peace between two Arab and Israeli officers whom Vala had unwisely housed together.
Over the PA General Hammond informed his crew they would not wait until the Wraith had finished harvesting before taking back Earth. However he asked for their cooperation, support, patience and prayer. Hammond's speech gave the crew incentive to stay positive.
The O'Neill III proved twice the size of the Daedalus styled cruisers with adequate living quarters. He hoped Sam and McKay knew how to keep the gigantic ship afloat because he was clueless. As he had suspected the ship was designed after the Ancient battle ship cruiser, The Orin, intended to carry a crew of two-thousand. Thor had factored in almost every scenario. Well almost, there was the lack of toilet and bathing facilities and most important, toilet paper. Vala figured every ten people had to share one head and shower.
Vala estimated that with conservative efforts there was enough food, water and provisions to last six months. Thankfully this time, Thor had transferred refrigeration and freezer units. Teal'c informed Jack there was a fair amount of Rocky Road ice cream. The big guy went from glum to happy when he discovered Thor had transported Raya'c his wife Kar'yn, their two sons and Bra'tac onboard, not to mention over two hundred Jaffa.
So far almost everyone who mattered to Jack was onboard. He tried not to think about his ex-wife Sara, her husband and stepchildren. Thor couldn't possible have known. Like he'd done in the past Jack shoved that concern into a box and shut the lid. For everyone's sake, he had to.
Besides the regular artillery of guns, rifles, tanks, etc., the world's military was in silent mode. And it would stay that way until General Hammond engaged the highly secretive code to communicate with the covert military units on Earth that were a part of Project Armageddon. That's if they still existed.
Sixteen hours since the invasion, fires flared over the planet's surface. Earth had been defeated. The Wraith harvested humans for happy meals. The thought killed Jack's appetite.
Eighteen hours had past since his children's abduction. And he'd barely glimpsed let alone spoken to Sam who oversaw everything that required techno babble. Pondering the location of said officer-scientist-wife, Jack nibbled a granola bar and forced his weary ass off a bridge chair and toward hanger three and the Stargate where an airwoman had last seen Sam assisting Walter.
"Jack?" asked Hammond now in blue BDU's. Although lacking insignias let alone gold stars, the uniform made him look more like the man.
"Sir?" Jack followed as George signaled him to the small office off of the bridge.
Hammond settled behind a desk void of paperwork. A laptop like so many other necessities Thor had beamed aboard now set on the desk.
"Shut the door, son."
Jack obeyed then turned back to his commander. He quietly watched as George pulled his thoughts together. Jack's heart ached for him. In apparent good health, George was closing in on eighty-years-old. He should be enjoying retirement. Instead he was leading Earth's last defense against two nasty-ass aliens.
"I know how difficult this is for you and Sam, er um, Colonel Carter, Jack. If those were my grandchildren or great-grandchildren I'd have hijacked an F-302 and been long gone by now."
"Yes, sir. I appreciate your concern, so does Sam. But we know there is more at risk."
"Don't be so damn chivalrous, Jack."
"I'm not. I'm realistic, sir. I also believe Fifth needs our kids to get whatever he wants or he'd have killed them by now."
"Then you believe they're alive."
"Yes. It's that Ancient thingy we've got." Jack touched his heart, then his head. "Kinda like radar. Even though we're not talking telepathically, Sam and I sense they're okay. But the Replicators are superior to the Wraith and it made no sense for Fifth to hightail it out of the galaxy. Fifth wanted us to follow him, sir."
"I deduced that much. But, Jack, you know we can't," George said firmly but regretably. "And I can't afford to let you go off on your own."
"Yes, sir. I'm just saying." He let out a weary breath and rubbed his aching lower back.
"Have seat, son, and report on our security status."
Feeling his age, Jack all but collapsed into the chair. "Thor's cloaking device continues to work. So far we haven't been tracked by Wraith. And hopefully the cloak on Earth is holding over Safe Haven."
"It's Ancient technology, Jack. I doubt the Replicators can break that combination."
"Let's hope not. But they've managed to transform into almost every known alloy known to man and aliens. And now they can replicate humans right down to sweat and bodily functions. Apparently they can't mimic animals. The dogs haven't detected Replicators. Although, they don't like Baal or the Tok'ra, well, Charlie being the exception. I suppose it's the snakes."
"Yes. I'd say Thor was on the situation long before Fifth took control of him. I wish we could have saved the little guy. He's been a trusted ally for a very long time."
"Yes." Jack nodded sadly. "Doctor Lam is utilizing the Asgard advanced medical bay to determine if there's any trace of Replicator in Thor's system. I doubt they'll find anything. Sam, er . . .um, Colonel Carter thinks it's a more sophisticated telepathy like Fifth and Replicator-Carter used on SG-1 twelve-years ago."
"I feared that." George drummed his fingers on the desktop. "He isn't by chance hiding in the ship's computer?"
"First thing Sam checked. But if Thor had transferred his consciousness to the ship, he'd have given Fifth a free ride. Thor was too smart to do that, sir."
George nodded. Silence past. Tire, but antsy, Jack toyed with a pen and tried to contact his kids for the umpteenth time since he and Sam had talked to them.
"Any idea what Thor meant what about Fifth doing something to Colonel Carter?"
"No. Despite our personal crap she seems fine, but then I haven't seen her all day."
"Perhaps he was referring to when Fifth abducted her the last time."
"We've considered that." Jack rubbed his temples. He had a lousy headache and had yet to shake it. "But that makes no sense. I ordered Sam to report to the Infirmary and have a complete physical and blood workup. I still haven't heard from Doctor Lam."
"Well, when you do, I want that report. In fact, I want every man, woman and child checked out ASAP."
"I'll see to it, General."
"George." He insisted. "When we're alone cut the protocol crap, Jack."
"Um, sure, George." He smiled the first time in hours.
"I'm too old for this shit, Jack. And that's why I selected you as my 2IC. I will rely on you more than ever. And if anything happens to me . . ."
"What?" Jack straightened in his seat.
George leaned back. "I'm dying, Jack. Found out four months back I've got cancer in my lungs, kidneys and liver. I've been undergoing chemo, but well, with this," he gestured around him. "I can't let word get out."
"Crap! I'm so sorry, George." Jack leaned forward in his chair and made eye contact with his friend, "But then why'd the President re-instate you?"
"I'm in remission. Despite the cancer she felt I was best qualified. I disagreed. I believe you should be sitting in this chair, Jack, not me. Eventually you will."
"Sir, all of this is not of my choosing. I retired remember. And I seriously don't want your job."
"I know and that's why you're going to do just fine when the time comes."
"If you say so." Jack scowled and arched his aching back. "And your family?"
"They know, but no one else does. Let's keep it that way. If I've an opportunity to die with dignity, that's how Ill go, Jack."
"Sure." Jack's mouth opened then shut. What else was there to say? "Wait. The Tok'ra could well, ya know, like with Jacob and Charlie."
"I'm not young like either of them were when they blended with the Tok'ra. Besides, I've had a good life and don't want to live forever, at least in this world." George shut his eyes and Jack watched him. The man was exhausted and well, he was an old man, stuck with the weight of the world. Yet, Jack couldn't think of anyone else he'd rather answer to than General George Hammond.
"George, I don't suppose we could um, sneak in behind enemy territory, huh?"
The bald, reddish-gray-haired general opened his eyes and sat upright. The weariness left him and for the moment he looked younger to Jack. "Why we'd stick-out like a red Texas funnel cloud, son." George scoffed.
"Yeah, suppose so. It was just a thought." Jack stood and shoved his hands into his BDU's front pants pockets.
"Once we locate our other cruisers we can initiate Operation Safe Harbor, Jack."
"Really?" His headache eased.
"Yes and I want you to lead that mission."
"Sir, about that. As much as I appreciate your confidence, I'm out of shape and practice to lead a field mission. How about Reynolds or Mitchell?"
"You heard me, Jack. SG-1 will be the first team to set foot in Safe Haven and that's an order."
"Yes, sir." Jack stood and saluted.
Hammond returned the salute before his features drew taut with a different emotion. "Hard to believe that when Armageddon came we couldn't protect our own planet." The general's pale blue eyes misted.
Jack felt similar regret but had to stay focused. "Hey." He flourished his hand and said more optimistic than he felt, "Never say never, George."
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
After hunting for Carter and coming up empty, Jack threw in the towel. He knew why she was avoiding him and his pride suffered. Especially since everyone knew what she'd yet to tell him. She was pregnant and not just a little pregnant. The size of Jupiter as Vala had put it when she slapped Jack on the back. Dear God, he hoped not! Even Daniel had confirmed Sam's bloated look as she'd tried to duck out of his range of vision, but not before he saw her expanded stomach. Daniel called Jack ASAP and asked what was going on. Heck, if Jack knew. He was just married to the woman.
Before confronting her, Jack needed ten minutes to himself. With nearly two thousand crewmembers onboard the chance to be alone was almost nil. On the third deck, he got off an elevator and maneuvered between bodies toward the ship's chapel. Relieved to find it empty he sat in the front row pondering everything that had happened today. He'd just started to zone when the chapel's hatch swung ajar then shut. Crap!
"Jack?"
"Daniel." Jack didn't bother to open his eyes or look up. Daniel took a seat beside him and stayed respectful and quiet. Maybe he would figure out Jack didn't want to talk and leave. Several minutes past and neither said a word.
"I know you're not praying, Jack, so give it up."
"Fine." He opened his eyes. "What?"
"You talk to Sam yet?"
"No."
"You really should you know."
"I'm not avoiding myself, she is." Jack sniffed and rubbed his bristled jaw. He needed a shave.
"Huh?" Daniel looked at him confused.
"What do you want, Daniel?"
"Um, well, I think . . . we need um, should—"
"Daniel," Jack said tersely and glanced over.
"Talk." Daniel removed his glasses and fiddled with the bent bows.
"Ah." Jack nodded. "About?" He wouldn't make this easy for the linguist.
"Cassandra and myself. And well, the age thing of course." His voice cracked like a teenager's. Jack inwardly grinned.
"Of course." Wearing his CO expression, Jack straightened and turned to face the younger man, who was still too old for his daughter.
"We should have told you."
"Ya think?" Jack snorted, wishing they weren't in the chapel so he could pound the idiot's face. Then again violence would only get Jack bruised knuckles. "Yes, Daniel, you should have told me. Fercryin'outloud! What happened to asking the father of the bride?"
"I, um, Cass . . ."
"Do not blame Cassandra!" His voice lilted before he shot to his feet and stalked the chapel's center isle trying to calm down.
"I'm not. She wanted to tell you, but I knew you'd say no." Daniel's gaze followed Jack's pacing.
"Oh, you did huh? Why?" Jack halted and glared down at him.
Daniel stood to equalize the intimidation factor. Jack straightened to reinstate his taller stature. Daniel's face flushed with anger that still didn't match Jack's.
"Look at you, Jack, you're livid. That's how you react to everything I've ever done that didn't track with your black and white line of thinking."
"Do not."
"Do to."
"Not!"
"Do!"
"Enough!" Jack tossed his hands over his head. "The damage is done, Daniel. Did you ever think about your honking age difference?"
"Yes and that's what I'm here to explain. It's not the honking problem you think it is. I mean there's not as much of an age difference. Actually less than you and Sam's."
"Oh, really. I'm sorry. Last I counted there was twenty years between you and Cassandra. What ya going to do when your kids want to play ball and you're too old to swing a bat, Daniel? What happens when you leave my daughter a widow before she has grandchildren?"
"Not going to happen."
"Oh, ple-ase!"
"I lied, Jack."
"About?"
"My age."
"I'd know."
"No. That information went classified before I went on the first Abydos mission. I've lied since I was twelve in order to enter Harvard without being ridiculed. I had to come clean with Catherine Langford and she covered my butt with The Air Force so I could go with you through the gate."
"Twe-lve—Harvard?" Jack gasped.
"Yeah. I was a kid genius. Fortunately being tall I always looked older for my age."
"Says who?" Jack snorted with an eye roll.
"Because Nick had experienced the same thing as a child genius he helped me forge my birth certificate. I'd graduated with my doctorate by eighteen. Jack, when I accompanied you to Abydos I was just twenty-one."
"No! Really?" Jack gawked.
"Ask Hammond, he's always known."
"Crap!" Jack dropped into a chair and scrubbed his face with his hands. "Who else?"
"Um, Janet, Teal'c, Landry, eventually Cassandra, and . . ." Daniel sighed out.
"Sam?" Jack asked firmly.
"Yes. I made her swear not to tell you. And you know Sam, faithful to a fault."
"Yeah." Jack blew out his mouth. "I see."
"Do you, Jack? From the moment we met I admired your loyalty, tenacity and dry wit. You became the older brother I'd never had. I didn't need a father figure because Hammond filled that spot. Long as I was able to pass as your brother I felt we had a special bond. I was afraid that revealing my real age would change how you treated me and that you might even kick me off SG-1."
"You lied to me, Daniel." Jack felt like he'd been kicked in the gut.
"Yes, I did and I know that was wrong. I'm sorry. Please forgive me?"
"Daniel, I can't believe you thought our friendship and working relationship would be affected because you were—are young enough to be my son."
"Well, I did." Daniel shrugged his shoulders and adjusted his glasses. "What can I say, I was insecure. Still am, where you're concerned."
"Ah, crap!" Jack turned and pulled him into a man hug then slapped his upper back. "All this time I thought it was because you'd gone Ancient twice that you stayed so young."
"Well that probably helped, but no." Daniel hugged him back. They broke their physical contact with that shared look of masculine discomfort.
"Just for the record it wouldn't have changed how I feel for you, Daniel."
"No?" Daniel stared into Jack's sober gaze.
"Nah, I'd still think you were an naïve, idealistic, pain in the assets and way smarter than me."
Daniel snickered and smiled. "Good to know."
"So you and Vala?" Jack had to ask.
"She freaked. Apparently she's into older men."
"Tell me about it," Jack muttered.
"What?"
"Nothing." Jack waved a hand. "So her and Cameron?"
"Not much to tell. I knew they were seeing each other after I'd told her the truth about my age. But I'd been having seconds thoughts long before that happened. See I'd been nuts about an adorable alien named Cassandra since she'd entered college." Daniel glanced warily at Jack then cleared his throat.
"I'm listening," Jack said coolly.
"Odd how one day she was a little girl with big brown eyes and next she was this amazing, beautiful smart woman whom I had so much in common with, especially our backgrounds. I knew Cassandra had a crush on me but I never encourage her, Jack. To be honest I was scared shitless that you'd kill me if I acted on my feelings."
"I would."
"See!" Daniel stomped a foot and pointed at him.
"But not if I'd known the truth about your age." Jack zinged him.
"Oh." Daniel's fire went out.
"So explain all that flirtatious stuff and engagement to Vala?"
"It was a confusing time for me, Jack. SG-1 split up. You and Sam got married, got a life. You went off to D.C. Teal'c was spending more time with Ishta and the Jaffa. I felt lost. Maybe if someone had let me go to Atlantis before Vala showed, she and I wouldn't have happened. Maybe, I'd have been with Cassandra a lot sooner."
"How come everything's my fault?" Jack whined.
Daniel rolled his eyes. "The point is, getting involved with Vala was my way to get Cassandra out of my system. You gotta understand I didn't realize I was in love with her. Besides Vala wanted me. She just didn't love me. She'd been hung up on Cameron for a long time, but feared his rejection. Although she'd been having her way with me, the last thing she expected was my proposal. When she thought she couldn't have Cam she said, yes to marrying me. Sound familiar?"
"Da ja view!" Jack thought about Sam and Pete.
"Anyways, Cameron figured he didn't have anything to lose so he told Vala he loved her. The rest is history. They hooked up and forgot to tell the wouldbe-groom. When she told me she was pregnant with Cam's baby, I was happy for her--them."
"You didn't assume it was your child?"
"No. We, err . . . three months before our wedding Vala got scruples and didn't want to make love until our wedding night. I agreed. Actually I was relieved."
"Because that's when Cassandra got assigned as the new CMO of the SGC." Jack deduced.
"Yeah. We started eating meals together, hanging out. Two months in, she shared her breakup with boyfriend number four. How she had given up on love because the one man she loved didn't see her as a grown woman. She couldn't relate to anyone outside of the Stargate program, let alone who couldn't know the truth about her conception or you and Sam. She was tired of lying for the sake of a personal relationship—"
"Time out! No details!" Jack put his hands to his ears. "So you told Cassandra how you felt yada, yada?"
"Yeah, we came clean about our feelings and never looked back."
"We're talking years here, Daniel." Jack dropped his hands and glared.
"Yes." He winced and looked away. "Years."
Jack tried to wrap his head around everything Daniel had shared. "So you and my daughter have been shaking up?" He glared.
"No! Never! She insisted we wait until marriage. Not an easy thing to agree on, but I did. I love Cassandra, Jack. Madly--passionately to the point that sometimes I can't believe what I have with her is real. After Shari, I never thought I'd feel this way again. It's like I've been given a second chance at love. Believe it or not, it's even better than what I had with Shari, maybe because I'm older and wiser. Geez, I don't know. But I know I've gone about this all wrong with you and Sam. Sam gave us her blessing. As Cassandra's father I want your blessing, Jack. So does Cass."
Jack lifted his aching head and rubbed the kink in his neck. "I'm no fool, Daniel, I can see how happy you make my little girl. I saw it a lot sooner than you did."
"Um, what?" Daniel windmilled his hands, his brows shifting into his hairline.
"Even before Janet died, whenever Sam or I couldn't be there for her, you were. Unless you're blind, she's had a crush on you since she first came to Earth. I figured it was just a juvenile infatuation. That she'd get over you. She didn't. So far Oma's predication panned out."
"Oma?"
"Oh, yeah. You're not the only one who had a few sessions in the clouds with her."
Daniel donned that blank look that Jack loved inducing.
"See there's something I never put in the report when I went Ancient that first time. I got a visit from Oma. Didn't realize she was an Ancient of course, but I figured things out when we saw her on Kheb. She talked to me."
"Um, I don't remember that, Jack."
"Well she did. In my head ya know."
"Oh."
"The point is she reminded me of our first encounter."
"Did she say anything about Cassandra?"
"No, Daniel, she didn't. She just told me the Harcy child would be safe."
"Harcesis."
"Whatever. Will you let me tell my story?"
"Um, sure."
"Oma said to take care of you and not to hurt Sam." Jack flinched. "Wished she'd reminded me about Sam when I was stuck on Edora. Anyway backtrack to being an Ancient. While I worked on freeing Sam, Teal'c, and the others from becoming roasted marshmallows, this hot lady in a white cloud appeared. She didn't speak in words but inside my head. She said Sam and I were each other's Chosen Hearts."
"Wow! That's exactly what she told me about you guys." Daniel interrupted.
Jack glared.
"Sorry. Continue."
"Thank you. And that you and Cassandra were each other's as well. That as couples we'd all take different paths before coming together, but that I needed to trust 'The Keeper of the Stars.' Furthermore, when the time came I should not interfere in either your or Cassandra's personal lives. That you'd both find your way to each other."
"And?"
"She went poof!" Jack snapped his fingers. "Just like an angel."
"Well she is you know."
"Yeah." Jack gestured with interest. "How's that angel and giants hypothesis working out for you?"
Daniel shrugged and rubbed his jaw. "Great in the theologian circles especially regarding the Ori, but the science community isn't buying into it so easily."
"A shame."
"Yeah." Both men looked reflective.
"I believe you." Jack raised his pointer finger for emphasis.
"Um, thanks, Jack. You were saying?"
"Oh, I thought I'd gone off the deep end. Compartmentalized that delusion and got back to saving Carter's cute ass. I haven't thought about it for years."
"Her ass?"
Jack's eyes narrowed.
"Sorry. I meant what Oma said." His cheeks colored.
"Yeah, so it crossed my mind occasionally, like every time Cassandra found an excuse to spend time with you."
"Ah." Daniel shifted his booted feet. "Now what?" He stole a nervous glance at Jack.
"We move on." Jack stuffed his hands into his pockets and shrugged.
"Um, Jack, about the blessing?"
"You've always had it. I just needed to hear you ask."
"Thanks." Daniel's blue eyes lit up with relief.
"Think nothing of it, bro." They looked at each other with a mutual affection that spanned over twenty-years. Someone opened the hatch door and entered the chapel. "Let's go." Jack motioned to Daniel.
They exited the chapel and Jack asked, "Hey, you aren't going to call me, Dad, are ya?"
"Do you want me to?" Daniel asked a bit too eagerly.
"Naw." Jack cringed. "Maybe when I'm like in my eighties."
"Sure, Jack." Daniel smiled.
"Oh, Daniel, about that birth certificate." Jack raised his right hand.
"What about it?"
"When we get back to Earth I want the real Daniel Jackson's certification of birth on my desk ASAP." With that Jack strode in the opposite direction humming off key.
"Asshole," Daniel said with a smirk, knowing that no matter the fate of the world or the galaxy he and Jack were bro's.
End of Chapter 5