A/N: When I started this story, ladygris gave me lots of encouragement to write it. We spend hours emailing and IM-ing to get some of the kinks worked out or to talk out a specific storyline. I can never thank her enough for her help. God Bless her and her family.

~Sandy

Not a Hero

Chapter 12

While We're Making Other Plans

Atlantis

Three Years Ago

Sam was working in the lab she'd been assigned while in Atlantis. Actually, she'd appropriated it with the help of Elizabeth Weir finding great satisfaction in getting under McKay's skin on a daily basis. Until today. Well, at first it had been fun. The snide remarks, the veiled and not so veiled insults, the challenges. And he'd come back at her, giving as good as he got. Though she'd been angry at the time, especially after Caldwell had seen them in what could have been deemed a compromising position, she thought using his power of telekinesis to unbutton her uniform had been the perfect example of the control he had over it.

Radek entered and came to stand in front of her waiting to be noticed.

"Something I can do for you, Dr. Zelenka?"

He handed her a flash drive. "This was left for you."

"Oh. Thanks." She stuck it in the side of her computer, the files automatically opening. "What the hell? Where'd you get this?"

"From Rodney. What is it?"

"It's a book about Dr. Daniel Jackson, a biography. There're some gaps but it pretty much covers his entire life." Sam pushed away from the desk and headed out the door and was back within seconds. "Um, where is Rodney?"

"I believe he's in his quarters."

"Thanks. Where are they?"

~~O~~

Rodney came out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist. Pulling it off, he dried his back, chest, arms and legs and tossed it in the laundry basket in the corner. He'd just pulled his pajamas on when the chime announced a visitor. With a sigh that spoke of advanced tiredness, he opened the door. "Colonel Carter. I didn't…what uh…"

"You can call me Sam."

"Okay." He stood back to let her in. "To what do I owe this exceptionally late visit?" His tone was a reprimand and he realized it before she could call him on it. "Sorry. Go ahead."

"I just…Daniel was a good friend, like a brother to me and…" Sam looked down at her feet.

"You still miss him. I didn't have to read your mind to know that. It's all, uh, stuff that I saw in your mind when we were…" He trailed off, awkward silence entering the room.

"Well, thank you." Sam turned for the door then came back. "Why?"

Rodney couldn't look at her, at the penetrating stare that had unsettled him from the day they met. "While I was searching your memories, I could see everything and knew how much it would mean to you to have the world know what a good man he was. And, well, I sort of wanted to…make up for all the arguments we had. Some of which were my fault."

"Some?" Sam snorted. "Try most." She covered her mouth with her hand to stop a laugh.

Rodney chuckled and when his eyes met hers, he saw, well he wasn't sure what it was and refused to cheat by peeking into her mind. She took a single step toward him spinning away when the sound of an explosion rumbled through the area. They were already out the door when Chuck's voice came over the PA.

"Explosion in auxiliary science lab three! Medical and all available personnel to the scene immediately!"

~~O~~

Rodney, Sam and Elizabeth arrived at the scene of the explosion at the same time. Elizabeth calling out orders and demanding answers. The medics, led by Carson, Amanda and head nurse Marie, swarmed over the area triaging the injuries. Most were minor, a few were serious. One was fatal.

Peter Kavanagh had been closest to the blast, his face a mass of burns and blood. His clothing shredded and burnt showing massive injuries to his torso. Much of his long hair had been burnt as well. His left leg had a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula that bent his lower leg at a grotesque angle. Two medics straightened the leg as best they could and splinted it. The look they shared told the onlookers that it would more than likely be a futile gesture.

"Clear!" The high-pitched whine of the defibrillator reached Rodney over the other sounds. "Again!" Carson and Amanda tried a few more times to restart Kavanagh's heart but he'd lost too much blood and his injuries were too severe. His heart refused to beat. Carson looked at Amanda. "Call it."

The blonde doctor glanced at her watch. "2127."

"Okay, let's get everyone to the Infirmary. Those that are ambulatory can be taken to the secondary Infirmary on level twenty-four."

Not wanting to watch, Rodney turned his back on the carnage, turning sharply when Sam touched him on the shoulder. They were all his people and she knew he would take their injuries personally just as she would in his place. After giving her hand a squeeze, he started to leave, to go to a workstation to begin to track down the cause of the explosion but stopped when something whispered at the edges of his mind. Flexing his fingers he turned around and pushed his way to Kavanagh's side.

Yanking back the blanket covering Kavanagh he passed his hands over his chest, head and leg. Carson and Elizabeth were speaking to him but he ignored them. He placed his hands on the chest of the one staff member who was universally detested by the entire science and research department as well as almost everyone else on the base.

Closing his eyes, Rodney concentrated and the skin under his palms began to warm. Someone gasped but he couldn't be bothered to figure out who it was. A red glow began where he touched Kavanagh's bare skin spreading out until it had encompassed his entire body. The wounds on his body shrank in on themselves then were gone. His leg straightened and healed. Seconds later, Kavanagh drew in a shuddering breath and thirty seconds later his eyes fluttered open.

Pulling away, Rodney looked down at his hands in horror, muttered, "Oh, crap" and hurried from the area without looking back.

San Francisco

Beltway Apartments

Evan listened to Rodney speak but after a while the words began to mean nothing. He shouldn't have been surprised at anything after finding out about snakes that could take over your mind and body.

Finally, the scientist stopped talking and Evan took a long drink of his beer. Setting it aside, he jumped when a beep came from Rodney's direction. He watched him lift a hand to his ear and talk to the air.

"McKay…what? Yes, yes. Pick us up immediately!" He stood. "We have to go."

"Go? Go where?"

"No time. We have to go now!" Rodney took something from his pocket while Evan made sure the coffee pot was turned off and rejoined them in the living room. Anthony drew him closer and suddenly the three of them were gone.

Evan barely had time to register that they were on what looked like a spaceship, if that was Earth he could see out the window, before they appeared in a large room dominated by an enormous ring with a ramp.

Rodney didn't even excuse himself, just took off running. Anthony looked up at a man behind a window. The room behind him was filled with computer equipment. "What's up, Walter?"

"The General's in labor."

Las Vegas

GA Meeting Hall

John handed back the microphone and resumed his seat to applause. He'd done it. He'd gotten up in front of a bunch of strangers and told them about his life of addiction. And they hadn't laughed at him. In fact, the people around him continued to pat him on the shoulder and congratulate him on being gambling free for nearly two months. One of the people was Woolsey.

Angel hadn't been here though he'd wished she was, but he understood her reason for staying at the SGC. Carter was due to have those kids any day now and she wanted to be there for her friend. He also wondered what McKay was up to. He hadn't seen the man since the day he found out he was going to be a father. Now that he was almost a hundred percent John wanted to thank him for having faith in his abilities and to wish him and the General luck.

As he passed his old gambling stomping grounds, he thought about catching a quick hand or four of poker but the look on Angel's face when he'd confessed his addiction and Woolsey's nod of approval kept him from doing more than flicking on the turn signal. He turned it off then cut across three lanes of traffic amidst honking horns and shouted oaths to make the left turn that would take him back to Area 52. Hopefully he'd get to see Angel again soon. Eventually she'd want to talk about the kiss though he could go years without it. No sense in worrying about it now.

After the security ritual at the front gate, John went to his room and changed into the set of scrubs he'd appropriated for workout clothes then went to the therapy room to run on the treadmill.

Atlantis

Three Years Ago

Sam helped take the injured to the Infirmary then went in search of Rodney finally locating him in the main lab. Every computer was being utilized as well as the white boards though even she had trouble understanding the math it was so far advanced. But that wasn't what she'd come for. It didn't take a mind reader to see that he was disturbed by the fact that he could now heal with a touch.

Rodney didn't notice her at first, his mind busy with other pursuits. She watched him sit at one of the workstations, one hand to his head as if it hurt or he was having trouble concentrating. "Hey."

"Oh, uh, hi."

"Um, what you did back there, I know you and Kavanagh didn't get along…"

"We loathed each other." He didn't even look up, just kept working.

"I know. That's why it was a good thing you did. You saved the life of a man who had already been declared dead. If you hadn't helped him, no one would have known."

"I would have known."

"So tell me what's really bothering you." Sam came to stand close enough to Rodney that the acrid smell of smoke stung her nose.

Realizing she was near, he got up and moved away from her facing the wall. "It's…you see, what it is…I'm…afraid."

"Of?"

"Myself." His voice dropped to almost a whisper and held his hands in the air looking at them as if they weren't really his. "If I can heal with just a touch, then I can kill with a touch just as easily." When he didn't hear her leave, he spun around, a mixture of fear and anger on his face. "Didn't you hear what I said? Get out before…"

Sam moved closer, reaching out to wrap her fingers around his wrist. "I'm not afraid of you, Rodney. Never have been. Never will be."

Jerking his arm free, he turned away in embarrassment. "I know. I, uh, can't help reading your thoughts sometimes. Your mind is so strong it…penetrates my shield and there it is. Every thought, every feeling."

Grinning, Sam looked down at the floor then back up. "That sounds suspiciously like a compliment."

Now he was actually blushing. "Well, uh, it is."

"Hmm. There's hope for you after all, McKay." Taking the last few steps forward until they were but six inches apart, she waited for him to look at her. "So, what am I thinking now?"

His forehead creased in thought though Sam could see that he wasn't really trying. That's why he almost jumped when she grabbed his shirt front with both hands, pulled him up against her and kissed him. She felt his hands come up and gently wrap around her upper arms, sliding up and down making her want to moan it felt so good.

Rodney's hands stilled on her arms and began squeezing. They kept squeezing until it started to hurt. Taking her lips from his, she tried to break his hold but couldn't. "Ow! Rodney, you're hurting me." But he couldn't hear her as his eyes stared straight ahead, his grip continuing to tighten.

Sam twisted her body to break his hold. He stood there for a moment then slowly collapsed to the floor, his body shaking with the force of his seizure. "Medical to Dr. McKay's lab immediately. Medical to Dr. McKay's lab!"

Stargate Command

Present Day

"Oh, my God!"

Jennifer took one look at her friend's face, checked the time and smiled. Getting to her feet, she moved the table and extended both hands. "Come on. Up you go."

Sam got to her feet, one hand rubbing her belly and the other at her back. "Wow! I didn't think Braxton-Hicks were supposed to be that painful."

"Your eyes just bugged out, Sam. False labor does not make your eyes bug out." With a grin, Jennifer took Sam's hand and led her to the door. "You are in real labor, my friend. We need to get you to the Infirmary."

"Are you sure because…whoa!" Sam squeezed Jennifer's hand until her fingers turned white.

Retrieving her aching hand, Jennifer flexed her fingers to restore the circulation. She put that arm around Sam's waist and guided her to the elevator in the back that was seldom used. No way would she risk having Sam fall down the stairs. They got out a short time later to find Cam Mitchell, Teal'c, Walter and Siler waiting.

Even in intense pain, Sam was still the consummate soldier. "Mitchell, you're in charge. Walter, call my husband and let him know what's going on. And Siler…Ooow!" Sweat beading up on her face and neck, Sam leaned against the wall breathing deeply until the contraction passed.

Over her shoulder Jennifer said, "Siler, run to the Infirmary and get a wheelchair. These babies are doing everything fast."

"Yes, ma'am." The maintenance tech broke into a jog, turning the corner out of sight.

Teal'c supported Sam on the other side for the next few steps until she almost collapsed. Without asking or waiting be told, he scooped her up in his arms and hurried toward the Infirmary.

~~O~~

Rodney, Evan and Anthony appeared in the Gate Room of the SGC and a second later the physicist was gone. Evan just looked around trying to take it all in. He jumped when Anthony laid a hand on his shoulder and gave him an understanding smile.

"I felt the same way the first time I saw it."

Still staring up at the Stargate, Evan tried to respond. "Um, what, uh…how…is that…"

"The Stargate? Yeah. Impressive isn't it?"

Evan moved toward it as if hypnotized. He stepped onto the ramp and walked up to the ring, his eyes following the circle around to the opposite side. Pointing at the thing, he faced Anthony. "This is the thing that lets people travel to…other planets?"

His former partner crossed his arms. "Yeah. Wanna try it?"

"Uh…not just yet. I'm still getting used to my partner having a snake in his head."

Anthony's eyes flashed, the grin changing to a smile. "We are not snakes but we do not take offense at being called such."

"Oh, good. Why, uh…why…"

"Why were James and I joined?" Bentaresh tucked his hands behind his back and began walking indicating that Evan should follow. "After his wife perished, James fell into a depression. Unfortunately, he thought the pain in his stomach was a symptom and did not consult a doctor until it was too late. The cancer in his pancreas had spread to many of the surrounding organs.

"His father is very well connected within your government and was able to convince your president to allow his son to be considered as a host. You see, my previous host, Maysa had been severely injured in a fight with the Goa'uld. So much so that I could keep her alive for a time but not completely heal her wounds. If James had not agreed to the joining, we would both be dead."

The two men reached the Mess Hall and Bentaresh went to get them each something cold to drink. When he returned, Anthony was back. "If Jendayi hadn't come out of hiding when she did, I would have told you everything, with or without the NDA."

"You could have trusted me, you know."

Anthony nodded. "That's why I asked O'Neill to bring you in."

Silence fell between them for a while then Evan asked, "So what happens now? Are they going to take, uh…"

"Bentaresh."

"Yeah. Are they taking him out now that you're cured?"

"No. If he were removed, the cancer would come back and I'd be dead within three months." His smile gone now, he stood and Evan followed him from the room. "After we've been debriefed, I'm leaving Earth to live with the Tok'ra." A few minutes later they were back in the Gate Room.

"Where're we going now? Area 51?"

Anthony was in control again and laughed as he signaled Walter. "Area 51 is for amateurs. We are going to Area 52."

Area 52

Evening

Before Evan could respond, he was again aboard the spaceship. Another flash of light and they appeared in the lobby of what looked like a typical office building. The furniture was all in natural tones with spots of color here and there. Pillows on the sofa, prints on the walls, and a set of lamps in a Southwestern design.

Taking out a keycard, Anthony let them into a secure area and a confused Evan followed. Stopping at the nurse's desk, the Tok'ra made an inquiry. Before long they were at the therapy room watching a man with black hair run on the treadmill. He must have been at it a while because his shirt was soaked with sweat.

"What are we doing here?"

"You're about to meet your new partner."

Air USA

Flight 1382

Business Class

Seats 24a and 24b

Traveling commercial while on vacation, the man looked up from his magazine to one of the most delightful scenes he could possibly imagine. A woman in a white silk blouse and dark gray slacks stood next to him however, all he could see was from her neck to her thighs, her breasts even with his eyes. The front was pulled taut creating gaps between the buttons and giving him a tantalizing view of her lacey push-up bra. If she could see his expression she'd be yelling "red light" at the top of her lungs causing him to be summarily ejected from the flight. Not being one to exploit his position, he'd go without a fuss.

Without warning, the overhead slammed and she lowered her arms, hitching her purse higher on her shoulder. "Excuse me. I'm in the window seat."

Belatedly, his gentlemanly ways kicked in. He stepped into the aisle so she could get in without climbing over him then resumed his seat. She buckled her seatbelt, tucked her purse next to her and spent the time before takeoff staring out the window. He took the opportunity to watch her profile. She seemed sad yet expectant, as if something really important were about to happen.

Once the plane was in the air, she turned from her contemplations to find him watching her. She didn't say anything, just lifted one eyebrow in question.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to stare." He let a smile come to his face. "May I say that you have the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen. I know it sounds like a line, but it's true. I've never seen turquois eyes before." She ducked her head shyly, a light pink coming to her cheeks that he found utterly charming.

"Thanks. Um, where're you headed?"

"Changing planes in Dallas then it's off to visit my family in the bustling metropolis of Falling Rock, Nebraska."

She covered her mouth with her hand to stop the laugh that threatened to escape. "Sorry. It's just that I'm from Outtake, Texas. Nice to meet another small townie in the big city."

"Where are you headed?"

"My job just transferred me to DC. I start next Monday."

"This is a small world. I'm coming from TDY in California, but my main base of operations is DC. Maybe, when I get back, we'll run into each other."

Shrugging, her smile dimmed a little. "DC's a big place."

With a smile, he reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. Extracting a business card, he passed it to her. "Maybe this will increase our chances. I'm back around the first of the month. Call me and we'll have a cup of overpriced coffee together. That way, if we discover we don't like each other after all, no harm done. If we do, then the next step is lunch or dinner." Tucking the card into her purse, she turned another of her bright smiles on him waiting and he finally figured it out. "Oh, uh, maybe I should introduce myself. Lieutenant Colonel Paul Davis, USAF, at your service."

They shook hands. "Melissa. Melissa Stone."

Stargate Command

Infirmary

As Rodney neared the Infirmary, he heard his wife's voice raised in pain and anger. Coming to a halt just in front of the entrance, he debated retreating to their quarters and waiting for it to all be over. The only thing that stopped him from doing exactly that was the thought of missing the birth of his children, the only ones they might ever have. Daniel and Olivia were miracles and he had to be there. Cringing, he entered and made his way to Sam's side.

"Oooowww! This is all HIS fault! That MAN is never laying a hand on me again!"

Jennifer's soothing voice broke through Sam's tirade. "Now, Sam. You don't mean that. You and Rodney can't keep your hands off of each other."

Sagging back onto the pillow, sweat making her fair skin shine and plastering her hair to her forehead while she panted. "True. Can I have some water?"

"Sorry. Just ice chips." Jennifer and Carolyn standing together and examining the VS monitors hooked up to mother and children, conferred quietly.

"Hey." Rodney tentatively touched Sam's shoulder certain she'd take a swing at him. Given what she was saying when he came in, he was pleasantly surprised when she grabbed his hand.

"Rodney! I'm so glad you're here."

The expression on her face changed to loving and sweet. Her emotions were usually subtle in the presence of others but he could read her like a kid's book. He leaned down to give her a kiss. "Me too, honey."

Sam squeezed his hand as another contraction hit. "Ooooohhh! Please tell me this will be over soon."

Carolyn patted the hand that had a death grip on the bed rail. "It will be, Sam. It will be." She shooed all their friends away as she and Jennifer wheeled the bed into the surgical theater. While a team of nurses prepped Sam for the big event, the doctors took Rodney with them to scrub up.

A few minutes later, Rodney was in a gown and holding Sam's hand again. Every time she had a contraction she squeezed so hard he was certain his fingers would break. His metacarpals must have known how important this was because they stayed intact.

Jennifer rolled a stool into place at the end of Sam's bed and lifted the drape over the lower half of her body. "Okay, time for a little check. Oh my." Her tone and facial expression were neutral but they all knew her well enough to know something was going on.

"What?" Rodney asked with a slight tremor of fear in his voice.

Carolyn moved around to look over her colleague's shoulder. "Huh." Straightening, she smiled at the parents. "These kids are in a hurry. We can see the top of a head."

The monitor beside the bed beeped but the doctors didn't even spare it a glance. Sam started groaning in pain as did Rodney when she squeezed his hand again.

Jennifer positioned herself to make the first catch. "Okay, Sam. Time to push!"

TBC