Well, one more chapter – an epilogue -to go after this. Thank you so much to those who have faithfully followed my story – and especially to those who have taken the time to review and comment. I've had a blast with this and hope to keep writing if people are interested in more of my stories? I'll either write a sequel to this one – or I have a couple of other plots simmering in my brain. Let me know if you'd like me to keep going – and if so, what you'd prefer. I've decided that if I reach 200 reviews I'll write a sequel (unless people ask for something different) otherwise I'll start on the next one!
Thanks again!
Hand in hand they continued to walk towards the Stargate and home. Both began to get nervous as they approached the gate, not sure what they'd find when they returned. With their new-found ability to 'read' each other, they both realized they were fearful of the same thing – that somehow the Ori had reached earth. They both knew that if something bad had happened to their world, they would never forgive themselves.
As they neared the gate they noticed a number of people waiting. They saw a large blue hat (God, that seemed so long ago already) and noticed that quite a few Treleans were milling about. After a couple of minutes they saw two figures in green BDU's and realized that Daniel and Teal'c were waiting as well.
"I hope it isn't a bad sign that the guys are still here," murmured Sam.
"Yeah, me too. I wonder why they're still here?"
Soon they were within hearing distance but, before they had a chance to speak with Daniel or Teal'c, Tadeusz rushed up to them talking so quickly they could barely understand him.
"I'm so sorry, so sorry! We didn't mean any harm. The Guardians told us to bring you and they have never hurt us or anyone before. Please, do not be angry with us. We meant all for the best. Please, tell us you are all right?" Tadeusz frantically begged the two humans.
"Hey, Teddy, whoa there. It's okay. No harm done. We know you didn't mean anything by it. We're fine, just fine."
"Oh, thank the Guardians! We were so worried. We thought for sure you would be angry and leave – or even exact punishment on our people."
"I tried to tell them it was okay – that we knew that they hadn't meant any harm but they wouldn't listen to me", said Daniel. "They wanted to hear it from you, Jack."
"Yes, for we knew you were the Chosen One - that you would bring our world great joy and honor. We thank you for choosing to go with the Guardians. We hope you will not leave thinking badly of Trelea or its people."
"Heck no. In fact, I'd say that Trelea is one of my favorite places in the whole galaxy. I can honestly say that I will always have very fond memories of my stay here! (Some not so great ones as well – but let's not go there" – this last comment was said silently – only for Sam to hear.)
"Yes, I agree", concurred Sam "General O'Neill and I are grateful for everything you've done and the hospitality you have shown us. We will remember this place with gratitude."
The Treleans that were by the gate all approached Jack and Sam, insisting on saying goodbye individually and inviting them back to visit their planet.
"Thank God it's not the whole village this time", thought Jack to Sam, "I really couldn't handle a full afternoon of goodbyes!"
Finally, all the Treleans had said their farewells. With promises of friendship and cooperation in the future, they returned to their village, leaving SG1 alone at the gate.
"Okay Jack, Sam. What the hell gives? What has happened to you guys? You look, well …. simply amazing! God, you both look years younger."
"Do we know it is indeed them, Daniel Jackson? Maybe they are clones or robots?"
"No guys, it's really us, I promise. Although I guess I'd say that regardless. Well, I can't really prove it now – when we return I'm sure they'll do a million tests. All I can tell you is that the Joining caused us to look younger. We didn't even notice at first. The alien lady told us the Joining brought healing and long life."
"It looks good on you O'Neill, and on you too Colonel Carter."
"Thank you Teal'c", answered Sam. "It feels amazing although I don't know how we are going to explain this. Really good plastic surgery I guess."
"Yes – the world's most amazing Botox! Hey, Trelea could probably make a fortune as a spa for the rich and famous!"
"So – tell us more about what happened. Are you guys really okay?"
"Before that, Daniel, I need you to tell us what's happening? Why are you guys still here? Did you relay our message to General Landry? What's going on on earth?"
"Everything's fine, Jack. We returned, just like you said. When we arrived everything was in a bit of a panic. The Ori were approaching – they had just reached the edge of the Solar System when something really weird happened."
"What?"
"The ships suddenly stopped. After just a few minutes they all turned around and headed back the way they had come. Our allies have reported that they appear to be heading on a course leading out of our Galaxy. They've picked up people from some outposts but we are hearing reports continuously that they are retreating and taking all the Priors with them. Whole planets are being freed. No one can figure out what's happening but it's great. Everyone at the SGC is celebrating – we came back to see how you were and to let you know."
A stunned silence filled the air. Slowly, Jack and Sam turned to each other.
"Ya think?"
"I don't know. I don't know what to think. Maybe. I hope – at least I think I do. But if it's true, it's pretty frightening."
"Yeah, I know. God if it's true it's a huge responsibility. We've got to consider what to do here."
"I agree. This isn't something we can misuse or exploit."
"What the heck are you guys talking about", asked Daniel, looking extremely perplexed.
Teal'c simply looked at his teammates and raised his eyebrow, silently asking the same thing.
"Well, ah we're not quite sure."
"What do you mean, 'not quite sure'"? What can't you misuse?"
"Should we tell them, Sam?"
"Ah, I guess so – if it's true. But I don't think we should tell anyone else. This could be very dangerous."
"I agree. Okay, here goes. Daniel, Teal'c, we think that, ah, maybe, we ah, had something to do with the Ori leaving."
"Something to do with their leaving? How could you? You were here the whole time."
"Well you see, when we were joined, " at this both Teal'c and Daniel looked inquisitively at Jack. "I'll tell you about that in a minute," (here Sam poked him and lifted her eyebrow at him. "I won't tell them everything – don't worry", he thought to her.)
"Anyway – the joining is something kind of …."
"Spiritual", interjected Sam.
"Yeah – 'spiritual'. Anyway, during the Joining we could kind of share thoughts. Both of us began to think of the Ori approaching earth – at least I think we were thinking about it, although maybe we were actually seeing it, I don't quite know. Well, we saw them coming closer to earth when we both felt this desire for them to leave; to leave earth and the galaxy. Together we basically told them to turn around and go. We thought, at the time, that it was something like a shared dream, a vision. Now, I'm not so sure." With that he looked over at Sam and she nodded.
"We think we may have had something to do with it. Maybe we made them leave through our thoughts."
"It could be possible O'Neill, Colonel Carter, but it is also probable that you were simply allowed to see what was occurring naturally." Said Teal'c
"That's possible Teal'c – but what about the ladder."
"What ladder Jack?"
"Well, we were kind of stuck in this chamber – where the Joining took place – and we asked the alien to help us get out. She said we didn't need help – just asked me what we needed. I said a ladder and suddenly it appeared. Kind of creepy but there you go!"
"Could that not have been the aliens, O'Neill?"
"Yes, I guess so", he said impatiently. "Okay, I get it. You don't think we had anything to do with the Ori do you?"
"Well Jack, it does seem a bit far-fetched. Have you had any other 'powers' show up since the Joining?"
"No, not that I've noticed", (okay – so they weren't going to tell Daniel and Teal'c about the 'mind-reading'. That was something for just the two of them – at least for now.) "But hey, this is just brand new you know. There's still time. Anyway – we don't want you guys saying anything about this, okay? If it's not true it'll save us all embarrassment. If it is true I really, really don't want the bad guys to know."
"No problem Jack, we won't say a word. Will we Teal'c?"
"Indeed not, Daniel Jackson, O'Neill, Colonel Carter. It would be best for all concerned if we do not mention this."
"Thanks guys – I think! So, should we get out of here?"
"Wait a second Jack. We want to know more details. What exactly was the Joining and what about this destiny thing?"
"Sam – you wanna answer any of this? You're so much better at explanations than I am."
"I don't think so Sir! I think you have just the same ability as I do!" she glared at him knowingly. "I'll try to explain, but you owe me one Sir!"
"Yeah, okay Carter", he grinned. Boy, did he have an idea how he could pay her back!
Sam told them what had happened after they had left them to go down the Path. She explained about the fog and the rock and the crystal. She even attempted to explain something of the experience they had had in the Joining, although it was almost impossible to put it into words.
"Wow – so you guys basically experienced each other's lives. That must have been … interesting, to say the least?"
"It was actually more than just experiencing the other's life – it was experiencing everything about the other. It was simply … amazing", added Jack. "The feeling was indescribable."
Teal'c and Daniel looked at him in wonder. It was rare, almost unheard of in fact, to hear Jack speak with such emotion about anything. It must really have been something, they realized.
"So, what happened next?"
Here Jack and Sam just looked at each other. They were not about to share their newfound relationship quite yet – and they certainly weren't about to tell Daniel and Teal'c what else happened in that chamber. That was for the two of them and no one else.
"The rock started to open and we got out", said Jack. "When we were out of the Chamber the aliens then told us about our destiny and left. That's when we returned here. So, campers, let's go home now. I really feel like a hot meal and a shower. How about you guys?"
"Wait a minute Jack! You can't get away with that. What about your destiny? What did they tell you?"
Here again was another deep silence. The two new lovers looked at each other, both unsure what to say. They both felt embarrassed – like two kids caught kissing on the back steps by their parents.
"Uh – it's not important Daniel. I don't think it really means anything. Come on, let's go."
"Yes – I'm with the General. Let's get going. I'm ready for a nice hot bath", added Sam. She then turned to the gate as if to start walking.
"No you don't you two. You are not getting out of this that easily. Isn't that right Teal'c? We're not leaving until you tell us!"
"Indeed, that is so Daniel Jackson. We have waited for many days now. We have a right to know."
"Okay Teal'c I guess that's only fair. But please, don't say anything when we get back. We've haven't even had time to really think about this. It's, it's a little – ah – confusing." Jack waived his hands around, unable to quite express what he was feeling.
"Yeah guys. Please don't say anything okay?"
"You know we will not Samantha. You can trust us!"
"I know Teal'c – it's just that everyone is probably going to want to know and …!"
"So okay, what is it Jack, Sam. It can't be that bad."
Sam looked over at Jack, not sure how to even say what they had been told.
"Sir, I think it's your turn."
"Yeah – that's only fair. Okay guys, don't take this too seriously all right? The aliens simply told us that we were going to be the future. That through us a new, how do you say it, ah generation would be born that would bring good things. That's all." Jack spoke so quickly Teal'c and Daniel could barely process what he was saying.
"Let me get this straight? New generations?"
"Uh yup, that's what they said. Okay, can we head back now? I think we're done here and I'm really tired of this place."
"Wait a second! Do you mean to tell me that they want you to have kids? Is that what this is about", Daniel asked, stunned.
Neither Sam nor Jack said anything for a moment. Finally, Sam, looking extremely flushed answered.
"Yes, that's what this was all about."
"But wait. They said that Jack was the Chosen One and he'd have a pretty hard time having kids on his own. Do you mean that you were Chosen as well?"
"I don't think so – at least not in the beginning. I kind of got the feeling that they figured any woman would have been okay …"
"As long as her name was 'Jennifer'", interjected Jack.
"Enough already with Jennifer! There is no Jennifer and there never will be a Jennifer", Sam fumed. Giving Jack a glare she continued.
"They didn't really know the outcome themselves. At first they thought it was just Jack, but I think they realized soon enough that I was there for a reason as well."
"What Sam means is they realized that I wasn't alone in this whole thing. That Sam and even you guys are so much apart of me that you were also a part of the "Chosen" thing. They also saw that Sam was a pretty amazing human being and absolutely the best choice as 'mother of a new order'".
"So, does this mean that you and Colonel Carter plan to have children, O'Neill?" asked Teal'c
"Uh, we haven't really had a chance to talk this over yet guys. It just happened so, please, give us a bit of time, okay?" this time it was O'Neill who looked a little pink in the cheeks!
"Okay sure Jack, no problem. Teal'c and I won't mention it again. I'm sure it's kind of weird for you both. And then of course there's the regulations. Thought about how to get around that yet?"
"No Daniel. We have a lot to work out. Now can we get back?"
"Sure guys, of course. Let's go. And don't worry – I won't say a thing."
The four companions all turned towards the gate as Daniel began to dial out. Once the blue wormhole appeared, he sent the code through. As they all walked up the steps, and just before stepping through the event horizon, Daniel began to sing under his breath ….
"Jack and Sam, sittin' in a tree, k. i. s. s. i. n. g. First comes love, then comes marriage then comes Jack in a baby carriaaggggee!"
Jack just managed to reach over and give Daniel a hard shove as he entered the wormhole.
A special thanks to LaRhette for your lovely comments. I couldn't respond directly so wanted to thank you here. It's especially nice to hear from the Czech Republic – a place my husband and I dearly want to visit.
