Spoilers: Well, if you didn't know about Jonas or that Daniel was gone for a year, I guess I just told you!
This time, they skipped right over the first step for the second one, not ever realizing it. It wasn't how either of them had ever dreamed of it happening. In fact, it was almost six months later before the reality of what that ceremony had meant.
"It was a WHAT?" Jack yelled as he stood in General Hammond's office.
A lesser man would have trembled at the anger evident on the Colonel's face, but a lesser man Major General George Hammond was not.
But Captain Doctor Lewis Williams was very much a lesser man, so he took two steps closer to the door, and consequently, away from Colonel O'Neill.
"A marriage ceremony," Williams explained meekly.
If the situation hadn't been quite so serious, George would have laughed merely at the expression on Jack O'Neill's face.
"It's against the regs," Jack protested, like that argument was going to work.
"I know sir," Williams admitted, "But that didn't stop the Wappi from performing the ceremony. They didn't know better."
"And now we have to go back to see the Weepy people all because we are the only ones that they trust to form an alliance with them," Jack declared as he threw his hands up in the air.
"Yes sir," Williams agreed.
"Oh this is great sir," Jack said sarcastically. "Not only do you cancel my leave-the first I've had in who knows how long-but you have some geek telling me that somehow, somehow, I married my 2IC during an alien ceremony on another planet!"
"I'll double the leave time after you and SG-1 complete this mission Jack," George offered.
"You'll owe me more than that," Jack sarcastically replied. "Anything else you want to tell me while you're doling out the bad news?"
"Briefing in thirty minutes Colonel," George ordered. "And Jack? I think you better inform Major Carter of this turn of events before the briefing-and you should probably do it with someone else present."
Jack looked purposely at one Captain Doctor Lewis Williams as he said, "Oh sir, don't worry, I've already found my victim."
The poor Captain gulped. Everyone at the SGC knew two things. One, don't make Colonel O'Neill mad. And two, the only thing worse than making Colonel O'Neill mad was making Major Carter mad.
After all, she could make your life miserable-and claim it was all an accident.
--
Sam was buried up to her elbows in an errant MALP when Colonel O'Neill entered her lab. She turned her head long enough to make sure that whatever he picked up wasn't dangerous or breakable before completing her task and standing up.
"Sir?" she asked, and then realized that the Colonel had brought someone with him. "Captain? Is there a problem sir?"
"Oh you could say that Major. Seems the Captain here has discovered something surprising about that ceremony we participated in with the Weepy on P3X-whatever. Let's just say Jonas may be half-way across the galaxy, but if he knows what's good for him he'll be hiding right now!" Jack exclaimed, looking around as if expecting Jonas to show up any time.
Sam's eyes didn't quite narrow to a full out glare, but her gaze was enough to unsettle the Captain who was on the receiving end of the glare into talking without being prompted.
"You and Colonel O'Neill are married ma'am," Williams blurted out.
"What?" Sam exclaimed as she took once step towards Williams. In response Williams took one step back, away from the advancing woman.
"And not only that Carter-but it seems that since the Weepy married us, as part of some native custom, we are the only ones permitted to negotiate the trade agreement with them! So not only do I have to fill out a stack of paperwork to annul a marriage I didn't know I had, but I don't get to go fishing because of it!" Jack yelled, giving the Captain a glare in the process.
"SG-1 and SG-9 to the briefing room," a speaker broadcast.
Captain Williams made a break for it when the announcement sounded, leaving behind two very uncomfortable Air Force officers.
--
Six hours, one long hike, two briefings, and one visit to the infirmary later, SG-1 arrived in the village of the Wappi and was greeted by the Chief.
"Welcome!" the overly happy man said, almost bouncing in delight, which only made Jack's mood grow darker.
'The universe is out to get me,' Jack thought. 'It's like someone out there knows exactly what I want and has decided to torture me by giving it to me. Then, someone is going to reach out and rip it away.'
Daniel and Teal'c had noticed how quiet Sam and Jack had been the whole way to the village. Jack was pissed. But Sam…she had just been quiet, almost thoughtful, not saying anything more than was required of her since they had arrived on the planet.
Daniel was forced to leave his musings behind, as he stepped up to begin speaking with the Chief, afraid that Jack might cause an intergalactic incident with his current attitude.
That night, Jack and Sam found themselves sharing a hut that only had one bed. It was a very large bed, but it was still only one bed.
"I'll sleep on the floor," Jack gruffly offered, the first words he had spoken directly to her since they had been in her lab.
"No," Sam practically shouted, before lowering the volume of her voice and continuing, "Someone might come in and that wouldn't look good to the Wappi."
"Right," Jack agreed, probably a little too quickly, but he didn't care.
Going to sleep in the same bed as Sam was easy compared to waking up in the same bed as her. Somehow, during the night, they both managed scoot to the middle half of the bed and were now laying intertwined. Legs tangled, arms leading to hands that were touching skin that they shouldn't be, and eyes that were enjoying the sight of a sleeping blonde way more than they should have.
"Good morning," Sam greeted Jack sleepily.
"Morning," Jack gruffly replied and instantly went to remove his arms from around her, having already removed his hand from under her shirt before she had woke up. He was surprised at the amount of comfort she was displaying at their closeness.
Usually one of them would have apologized and pulled away as soon as they reached this point. But something had changed for Sam. A short conversation with General Hammond was all it had taken for her to make up her mind.
/Flashback/
She had all her gear on and was ready to leave for the mission, but had one question to ask the General before she left. So she made the journey to his office and shut the door, giving herself total privacy for what she was about to ask.
"Sir, what is the Air Force going to do about the marriage between Colonel O'Neill and myself?"
The balding General had looked at her curiously, trying to figure out what this 'almost' daughter was actually trying to ask. "Due to standard procedures, we'll be forced to recognize the marriage but due to the classified nature of our work, the marriage will just be annulled. Nothing can or will be placed in your file Major, if that's what you're worried about," George reassured her.
"No sir," Sam said quietly as she shook her head almost whispering, "What would the Air Force do if we decided not to annul this marriage?"
George eye's opened in shock. Never had he even considered this option. Sure, he had noticed the unusual closeness between Jack and his 2IC, but he had never thought their feelings ran that deep. He took a deep breath and asked, "Technically, the Air Force can't do anything, especially if your 'marriage' is a condition of the treaty. There could be potential damage to your career though Major, the rumors alone…"
"I know sir."
"What does Jack have to say about this?" George asked.
Sam let out her own deep breath. "The Colonel hasn't said a word sir," Sam admitted.
"I can hold off on filing the annulment paperwork until you come back Sam," George offered, "But you had both better be sure this is what you want. If you decide to officially legalize the marriage, you realize that means one of you will have to leave SG-1?"
"Yes sir," Sam answered, her voice stronger than what it really should be, given the circumstances.
"Just be sure Sam, I'd hate to have to explain to Jacob that you got married and left SG-1 only to end up divorced," George reminded her.
"I know sir," Sam affirmed before quietly leaving the room.
George could already feel a new set of headaches coming on, once again caused by his premier team, and he once more felt the urge to pick up the red phone and go straight to the top to resolve this particular problem. But first, he needed to see said team off.
/End Flashback/
"Why is the idea of being married to me so awful for you?" Sam asked quietly as both of them faced opposite walls, giving the illusion of privacy as they dressed.
Jack sighed and paused, one arm in his jacket, one arm hanging by his side. "It's not the idea that bothers me," he softly explained.
"Then what is it?" Sam asked.
"The idea of being married to anyone again scares the crap out of me," Jack admitted. "Being married to you Carter would honestly be a dream come true-but we both know it can't happen."
"It already has," Sam reminded him as she turned around.
"And we both know that it can't last. As soon as this mission is over, so is our 'marriage'," Jack said, not daring to turn around and see the expression on her face. His heart was already breaking, and seeing the hurt on her face would only cause him more pain.
"Only if we want it to be," Sam stated and walked out the front door of their hut, leaving Jack alone to try and figure out what she meant by those words.
--
They didn't discuss that conversation the rest of the week they spent negotiating the treaty. Actually, Daniel did most of the negotiating while Sam and Jack sat there and pretended to be interested in the discussion.
Once the treaty was approved, the team started back to the gate, but because of the coming darkness, they were forced to make camp about half way there.
Teal'c and Daniel had strategically withdrawn to their own tent for the night, granting Sam and Jack some privacy.
"Do you realize how screwed up this is?" Jack blurted out to break the silence.
"I mean, we've never been on a date, much less actually talked about 'feelings' that we had three years ago. We didn't even get asked if this was what we wanted," Jack objected.
"Doesn't mean that we can't take advantage of it," Sam said dejectedly.
"I'm not saying that I don't want to," Jack was quick to say. "I guess I always thought that we'd have our someday, you know, but I'd always planned on doing it right. Galactic peace, retire, take you out on a few dates, take you fishing, and then someday, when we were both ready we'd discuss getting married."
"Funny, I never thought it would happen like that," Sam admitted.
"Huh?"
"I dreamed that it would, but let's face it, it's not our style," Sam explained.
"True. So Carter," he began, "Do you think that now that we're married, I could take you out on a date without breaking any regs? Maybe dinner and a movie?"
Sam blinked, and her eyes began to sparkle. "So you really want to give this a try? Not annul our marriage and see what happens?"
Jack shrugged his shoulders. "I think we'd have to be stupid not to take the chance we've been given."
Sam's smile could have powered the Stargate for a year.
--
Four and a half months later, Jack thought about how he'd gotten to this point as he took in the view from the dock at his cabin.
/Flashback/
SG-1 had taken longer than usual to make the last leg of the journey back to the gate.
Sam and Jack had laid it all out there for their teammates, explaining their decision to pursue a relationship would result in Sam leaving SG-1. Their reaction was to be expected. They were happy for their friends, but were upset that they would have to break in a new scientist.
General Hammond was relieved to see SG-1 step back through the gate. Carefully guarded expressions in place for everyone though didn't give him any hints as to what was going on with his best team.
It didn't take long for him to find out though.
"You can trash the annulment paperwork sir," Jack stated once Jack and Sam were in George's office.
"Okay," George said in his Texan accent.
"I'll have the transfer papers on your desk before the end of the day sir," Sam promised.
"No rush Major. I actually have something else in mind, if you're interested," George said, handing over a folder which represented the accumulation of his efforts during SG-1's last mission.
"The Director of Science will be in charge of all scientific developments related to the Stargate program, including but not limited to Area 51, the SGC, and the Alpha site. This person will not be assigned to a team, but can expect to spend time in the field and will report directly to General Hammond or another duly appointed individual," Sam read from the first page of the file and then she looked up at General Hammond.
"It's something that the program needs, but there wasn't anyone right for the job until now. The position comes with a promotion of course," George explained.
Sam was speechless. "I'm honored to be considered sir," Sam finally managed to spit out.
"Honestly, you were the only candidate on the list," George admitted. "I don't need to know anything right now. Just let me know by Monday, for now though consider yourself officially removed from SG-1," he ordered.
Two smiles greeted him with that order, and they both stood and saluted before heading for the door.
"Oh we heard form the Tok'ra while you were gone. Jacob is going to drop by Monday," George casually mentioned.
Jack turned around quickly. "Sir, you know how I said you owed me something besides the extra leave? I think if you tell Jacob about how Carter and I ended up married, we could call it even," he suggested.
"I'll do my best," George promised, "But I won't protect you from whatever he decides to do after I tell him."
/End Flashback/
Jacob had actually taken the news better than Jack had expected. But considering Jack had expected for Jacob to threaten him with bodily harm, well there was quite a bit of room for improvement.
/Flashback/
Jack was seated in Sam's lab, a stack of personnel files spread out in front of him. Sam was involved in some experiment, one that he she had wanted to do before the week long trip.
Jacob had arrived and had instantly been ushered into Hammond's office, before he had the chance to talk to anyone who might spill the beans.
Jack was to the bottom of the first stack and hadn't found anyone that he liked yet.
"Two hours of looking through files, and not a single one that I like!" Jack exclaimed.
Sam didn't even lift her head as she looked through her microscope. "Did you look at Lieutenant Hailey's file yet?" she asked.
"Hailey?" Jack asked and thought about it, realizing that he hadn't seen her file. "Why didn't you suggest that two hours ago?" he questioned.
"You didn't ask," Sam explained, laugher filling her voice.
A voice from the door interrupted any further discussion. "How do two people get married without anyone realizing it?" Jacob asked.
"Very carefully," Jack responded sarcastically.
"Dad," Sam greeted her father, giving him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"So I guess congratulations are in order?" Jacob asked.
Sam and Jack traded glances.
"Well, we're not going to have the marriage annulled if that's what you mean," Jack finally said.
"Huh," Jacob said before he displayed reflexes that Jack prayed were all due to Selmak, grabbing the sleeve of Jack's jacket before Jack had the chance to move. "I'm going to borrow your 'husband' for a little while Sam and then maybe we can catch up over lunch," Jacob suggested, already pulling Jack out of Sam's lab.
"Sure Dad. Have fun guys!" Sam called after them.
The next ten minutes were the scariest of Jack's life. Jacob threatened him with every punishment known to man-and then let Selmak take over and threatened with a few more alien forms.
Then Jacob took one more deep breath and said, "I'm trusting you with the most important thing in the universe to me, my only daughter. That being said, I can't imagine anyone better than you Jack."
If it had been physically possible, Jack's jaw would have been on the floor.
/End Flashback/
Sam leaving SG-1 hadn't been a seamless transition and their relationship hadn't been easy either. They had arguments often over stupid things, but they always had managed to work it out, often giving in after a couple sleepless nights apart. They might not live together, but their time apart often duty could often be measure in minutes rather than hours.
"Jack," Sam called from deck, breaking Jack's musings. He went into the house, intent on making tomorrow one of the best days of his and Sam's lives.
--
It took them three hours to hike the distance to the overlook that Jack wanted to show Sam. They dropped their packs and sat perched on a large rock. Jack slid off the rock, fumbling in his pack for the item he needed.
He went down on one knee and took Sam's hand.
"I know that this is totally backwards, considering we're already married, but I wanted to do this anyways," Jack explained as he opened the box, displaying the ring inside to Sam.
"I love you and by far, accidently getting married to you is the best thing that ever happened to me. I know we're already legally married but I want to do it all over again in front of everyone. I want you to have the wedding of your dreams and all that jazz. So Sam, will you marry me…again?" Jack asked, smiling nervously at his 'wife'.
Sam looked at Jack, seeing the love in his eyes. "You never had to ask Jack. You're already my husband, but I would love to wear your ring and share the rest of my life with you…and our children," Sam promised, leaning forward to kiss Jack, having let her own secret slip.
Sam was disappointed that Jack hadn't caught her reference about kids, but she was too disappointed. He was the happiest she had ever seen him, she just hoped that his mood was remain the same once she delivered her news outright-tomorrow, Sam decided as she drifted off to sleep in Jack's arms.
--
Sam didn't get the chance to deliver the news herself the following morning, at least not the way she wanted. It seems that waking your fiancé/husband up by throwing up gives things away.
Jack stood in the doorway, eyes heavy with sleep, but his face that said it all.
He let her wash out her mouth and brush teeth before he said anything. "So," he asked, "How far along are you?"
"Two months," Sam admitted quietly, "Janet confirmed it the day before we left."
"You know I didn't possibly think that anything could make me happier than you agreeing to marry, re-marry me yesterday. This," he declared waving his arms, "Blows that out of the water. We're having a baby," he finished with a huge smile, pulling his wife into his arms for a celebratory kiss.
Their original marriage might have been unrealized, but there was no doubt in Samantha Carter's mind that both their marriage and their child were very much wanted and that made Samantha Carter, soon to be O'Neill, the luckiest woman in the galaxy.