Okay, this is short but finishes the Sam/Jack scene. Tomorrow I'm moving to the temple. I didn't plan on going this way with the story yet, but it forced me to! It's amazing how my story has a life of it's own. Anyway, I hope you enjoy. Feedback please!
His heart pounding, his body shaking he continued to walk deeper and deeper into the alien forest.
God, what had he done? How could he have let things get to this point? He knew he had just hurt the one person in the world who meant everything to him. No, hurt didn't even begin to describe what he had done. He knew he had just about destroyed her. She had courageously, lovingly handed him her heart – so what did he do? He stepped on it. And all in the guise of protecting her. What an idiot. What a cowardly, pitiful idiot.
Finally, coming to a clearing, he sat down, leaned against an old tree stump, and again looked up to the stars. This time, not expecting to find any comfort or solace, he watched the starts, thinking only of what had brought him to this place.
Just then, he saw a star shooting across the sky. A 'wishing star' Charlie had called it. How ironic, he could now make a wish, but the one thing he truly wished for more than any other had already been offered to him and he had rejected it.
Sighing deeply, so deeply that it sounded more like a sob, he put his head back and closed his tired eyes. Trying to empty his mind of the pain, the turmoil he rested, rested his weary body and his weary soul.
A sound, a presence surrounded him. He felt a warmth, a comfort, almost as if someone had put their arms around him and was holding him gently, lovingly. His eyes remained closed. He relaxed into the feeling of peace and caring. The presence expanded, supporting him, warming him. Soon a smell, at first barely noticeable, then stronger enveloped him. The smell of musty, muddy shoes, grubby fingers and sunlight – the smell of a young child playing, laughing, running. The smell of joy, of innocence, of love.
"Charlie", he breathed. For the first time since his son had so tragically left had gone in agony and blood, he felt his presence. He didn't know how, but he knew Charlie was with him. Sam's words had opened his heart, had cracked the guilt and scars and now his son could come to him. Charlie offered him love and forgiveness. He offered him a blessing and hope. He felt a small hand grasp his and hold on tight. Although no sound could be heard in the forest, he heard his son in his heart, "Dad, pick a name, name your constellation." With that, he felt a soft kiss pressed into his cheek and the presence faded, but did not leave. No longer lonely, no longer sad or bitter, Jack O'Neill was a man who had been blessed, blessed by the love of a good woman and blessed by the love of his son.
As Jack sat there, among the trees on a planet far from his own, for the first time in many years he felt at home. He felt at peace and knew the future was not bleak and hopeless, but held the promise of so much. It was now time to dream – to dream again as if he would live forever.
Knowing that his son was now truly with him he again looked up. Yes, it was time for him to name his own constellation. To not let others, or fate or age determine the name, the future – it was time to make his choice, to chose the happiness so close to his grasp.
Jack quietly made his way back to camp. Light was just peaking over the horizon and dawn was coming. How symbolic, he laughed to himself. As intense a night as it had been, Jack couldn't take himself seriously for too long. Thinking back to the last few weeks he wanted to slap himself. How had he have let himself become so maudlin, so self-pitying. How pathetic. Well, enough of that. The new and improved – or maybe just the same-old irreverent Jack – was back!
Samantha Carter watch out. This old flyboy is coming for you!
Hey, what a great opportunity for cake! With that thought, he made his way back into the campsite.
When he arrived, both Daniel and Teal'c were sitting by the fire, having their morning coffee. As Jack moved closer, both of his friends looked up at him. Boy, if looks could kill he'd be in teeny, tiny, sarcophagus-proof pieces!
"You hurt Colonel Carter, O'Neill. This is not acceptable. You have been an fool."
"Yes Jack – and an ass. How could you?"
"Yes guys, I know, I was an ass and a fool. But don't worry – I have a plan to change that." With a smile he sat down and poured himself a coffee.
Teal'c and Daniel both looked at him for a moment and then at each other. Soooo, it looked like Jack may have come to his senses (finally!).
"If you do not, O'Neill, I plan to hit you over the head with my staff weapon." threatened Teal'c.
"Yeah, and I'll zat you", added Daniel, "two times".
Not quite sure if his friends were joking or not, Jack sat back and contemplated them for a moment. Finally, he took a deep breath, and slowly grinned at his companions. Raising his coffee cup in a toast, he took a sip and watched the day begin.
