Here's a quick, rather short, interlude chapter. The muse was working overtime a bit this evening!

This I could get used to, thought Jack. Waking up being held by Sam Carter was becoming very nice indeed. What was even nicer is that he felt good – not great – he was incredibly tired – but good. There was no pain anymore, which was a huge relief. The feeling of agony along with the knowledge that he was dying was something he didn't want to relive.

This whole adventure thing was beginning to get very old, he snorted. Why couldn't tests take place on beach planets with women in bikinis. No, no that seemed disloyal – okay then, beach planet with Sam in a bikini. Now, hey, that was a really great thought, one that he had better put a stop to right now.

"Can't go there O'Neill. Keep your mind out of the gutter and on matters at hand. But come on", he argued with himself, "Sam is sleeping and there is nothing wrong with a little fantasy life! In fact, it had kept him going for years!"

He continued to look at Sam as she lay sleeping beside him. Although he couldn't remember everything after Baal had stabbed him (Cretin!) he clearly and distinctly remembered Sam saying she loved him – many times. Yessiree – today was a great day, even if they were still prisoners.

Carefully, so as not to wake her, Jack reached down and took a lock of her hair and twisted it around his finger.

"We're getting out of here Sam and things are going to be different! I am so not letting you go again."

Of course, he'd have to figure out what to do about the Air Force. Although she was not directly under him any more, the fact that he was Head of Homeworld Security meant that she was in his chain of command. Even if they could get around that somehow, he knew that people would talk. Being a man he probably would not get much more than a few "wink, wink" type comments – but he knew that Sam would probably suffer for it.

Although he didn't realize it, or at least would never admit it, Jack was one of the least chauvinistic men in the Air Force. He could never understand the idiots out there who treated women the way they did and had no patience whatsoever for what was likely going to be said about Sam. Sometimes he hated the attitude of so many in the armed forces.

"Doesn't matter", he thought. "We'll deal with this. After everything we've been through a little gossip and innuendo is the least of our worries." He would, however, do his damndest to ensure Sam felt as little as possible in the way of backlash. He might just have to shoot two or three of the idiots as an example! As for him, he would be perfectly happy to retire and become a househusband!

On that lovely thought, Jack lay back down beside Sam; his hands clasped behind his head and let his mind take him to a lovely fantasy world.

Sam sighed deeply as she came out of a restful sleep – although the bed wasn't great. Opening her eyes it took a moment for her to recall all that had happened. As it came back to her suddenly, she quickly turned on her side to look at Jack, on the floor beside her.

Jack gave her the biggest, sweetest grin she had seen in a long time.

"Hiya! Decided to return to the land of the living, eh? How ya doin Carter?"

"Carter, Sir?"

"Yup, … Carter! My Carter! My very own lovely Colonel Carter. Colonel Sam Carter, loveliest woman in the Air Force – no, loveliest, most beautiful, sexiest woman in the universe! And you know what?"

"What" she grinned back?

"She's all mine! So Carter …..?"

"Yes Sir – my Sir. What is it?"

"As much as I enjoy napping with you, I'm just wondering if you have any ideas on how we're going to get out of here?"

"Well, I really haven't thought about it yet, Sir. I was kind of hoping the aliens were finished with this - ah ... scenario and would send us back."

"Yeah, me too. In fact, I was kinda hoping this was the complete end – the fin final so to speak! Unfortunately, it doesn't look like that. I guess it's up to us, Colonel. So let's think of what we can do."

"Sir, uh Jack?"

"Yes?"

"What happened? Why are you okay? Don't get me wrong, I'm ecstatic – but how were you healed?"

There was a moment of silence as Jack just looked at her. Finally, closing his eyes for a moment he took a deep breath. He then opened his eyes and looked directly at Sam.

"I don't quite know Sam. All I know is that when you said you loved me something inside of me told me what to do. I knew that together our love could save me. It wasn't me and it wasn't you – it was us together Sam. I'm still trying to process it but I think, somehow, this has something to do with this whole adventure, this test. And it's not just you and me."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, since I've been here, on this planet, it's like I've had a connection to Daniel and Teal'c as well as you. Oh – my connection to you is different, stronger, more direct – but it also exists with the others. For the last few months I've been feeling so lonely, so separate from you guys, almost like I'd lost my family. But I realized something today. I realized that I've never lost you. You are more than family to me. All of you, in different ways, are part of me. You have healed me, understood me, pushed me, loved me, and above all have been there for me always just like each of you was today. No matter what happens I am the luckiest man in the world."

"No Jack – we are lucky to have you. You say we have done all that for you. The reality is that each one of us was a lost soul until you entered our lives. You healed us and each of us knows that our lives are better because of one obstinate, tough, loveable Jack O'Neill".

With that, Sam reached up and pulled his head down to hers and gave him the most soul-shattering kiss of his life!

Life could soooo not get any better than this, he realized. This was way nicer than any fantasy. The only thing that could make it better would be that little bikini! Oh well, time for that later.

As the kiss ended Jack rested his head against Sam's. The two stood silently for a moment, both trying to get their hearts and their breathing back to normal.

"Wow! Carter"

"Yeah, wow!"

"So, I guess we really should try and get out of here?"

"Might be a good idea, Sir."

"Okay then, on the count of three let's get moving."

"Why don't we make that on the count of 20 Sir? I think I need longer to get my brain working again."

He laughed softly – he couldn't remember feeling this giddy since …. hell …. ever!

"Okay, 20 it is. You count. I don't think I can yet."

Finally after (way more!) than twenty seconds, the two officers stood up straight and stepped back from each other. It was not until that moment that they realized they were no longer on the Goa'ul Ha'Tak but were, in fact, back in the alien room.

"Alright … I guess we finished that one after all. I wonder what that test was all about? Do you think they wanted me, us to kill Baal?"

"No, O'Neill, it was not about killing Baal," said the alien who had suddenly, quietly appeared behind them.

"Another one of you guys! It's about time! Hey, how come you are finally speaking to us? And, what the hell is going on? Can you please tell me what this is all about?"

"I am not speaking any differently than my brothers or sister", the alien replied. "As your knowledge and your ability increase you are simply able to understand us. You will see that your companion is still unable to understand."

With that Jack looked at Sam who was clearly confused as to what was going on.

"Sam, can you understand this guy?"

"No – he isn't saying anything. Why, can you?"

"Yes – it's like he's speaking English to me. He says it's my ability growing."

"See if you can find out more – find out what's happening."

"So Mr. Alien, what the hell is going on?"

"My brother showed you the prophecy. You are the Chosen One, we believe. But, our ancestors wanted to make sure that the Chosen was worthy of the gift he or she would be given. That is what the tests have been about."

"How have they shown I'm worthy. You've simply put me through hell – in some cases a hell I've already lived through once and survived. Why make me go through these things – and why put Sam through them?"

"Our intent was never to take the woman. She came of her own free will. At first, we thought it a mistake and that she should not be part of the tests. We tried to stop her from accompanying you. We have realized that this was wrong. She is essential – she is part of the prophecy as well."

"You'd better not be thinking about testing her anymore. She's been through enough."

"No – our intent is not to cause her any pain or distress. While we believe you have been chosen, we do not think your journey is alone. It is together with your animus amicitius – your friends of the soul – that you will fulfill your destiny."

"And just what is this destiny? I've been through hell, as has Sam, and nobody will tell me what the this all means."

"It is not my place to say – or to understand. That will be revealed to you in due time. Just know this, Jack O'Neill – you are a great man and you have passed each test with honor. The end is near and the results soon to be revealed. Just bear with this a little while longer. You are not alone. Your friends will be with you and will give you strength."

"Great – an Oma answer – which means exactly nothing. Can you tell me one thing? You spoke of my ability and knowledge increasing. What does that mean? What did you do to me?"

"We only brought to life that which was already in you. We are sorry it caused you much pain. You have the blood of the ancient ones and the knowledge they carried. As you move forward on your journey you will need this to succeed."

"Yeah – but this almost killed me before. My brain can't handle that much knowledge and I really, really don't want to die! Not now, not when things are going so well!"

"Do not worry O'Neill. You will not die from this. All the knowledge and ability will not be revealed to you – only that which you will need. We have ensured that you will be able to withstand it. It will grow slowly, over time, just as a child grows from infancy."

"But am I going to start speaking Ancient all the time? It's kind of embarrassing and puts a bit of a damper on my social life."

"No, as your abilities increase you will be able to control your speech and your thoughts. It will only be as you begin to learn."

"Gratius ago Deus!"

"I must depart now. The answer for you will be soon." With that, the alien 'disolved' into nothingness, leaving Jack and Sam alone again.

"I really hate it when they do that", he said. "Why can't they use doors like the rest of us?"

"Jack, what did he say to you? Did you understand him? Did he tell you what this is about?"

"Not really – just that it's almost over and we've done well so far. They finally acknowledged you and admitted that you are supposed to be along for the ride! I just wish you hadn't had to go through all that."

"I'm just glad I was with you Jack. I've hated to see you suffering, but at least you weren't alone."

"No, thank God! I am so grateful to you Sam!"

"So, what next?"

"I don't know. I guess there's more – which I can't say as I'm looking forward to. He also told me that I'm regaining some of the knowledge of the Ancients."

"Oh no!"

"Not to worry. He said it's okay and it won't kill me. I won't get everything, just what I need, and it will happen slowly. So, you might keep hearing a bit more Ancient, but he also says I'll be able to control that over time."

"It must have been the Ancient healing power that you were able to access on Baal's ship."

"Maybe – although I don't think the Ancients could heal themselves. I still think it had something to do with a very elemental connection between the two of us."

"So, we just wait here?"

"I guess. I can think of one or two things we could do to pass the time."

"Just one or two?"

"Weeeellll! Wouldn't want to get caught in something too embarrassing. But hey, come over here Carter."

"Is that an order Sir?"

"Nope – no orders right now. This is Jack to Sam and I won't order you to do anything ever when we're not on duty. If I try to, please kick my ass!"

"I will Jack, I promise."

"So, if I ask real nicely – will you come over here?"

"Why don't you come to me?"

"Alright – I'm fine with that!" and Jack walked over to Sam and looked down at her very intently, without touching her.

"Is that all Jack? Aren't you going to hold me?"

"Hmmm, I think I'm waiting for this hot babe I know to take the lead here. A man likes be chased a bit you know."

"Oh really? Well, in that case …." Sam grabbed his head and pulled him to her – planting a really big kiss on him.

Yup … life was sweet!

The next thing Jack knew he was standing right in the middle of the Oval Office with the President of the United States and the Joint Chiefs of Staff all watching him kiss Sam Carter passionately.

"Oh Shit!"