Sam was actually quite surprised at how well Saeena took the news of her engagement to Jack. She had simply smiled and offered her congratulations. She had then proceeded to tell Sam about the shopping trip she and Cassie had had and the clothes the young girl had purchased.

"I am afraid she is going to spend all her mother's money", Saeena said with a laugh. "She has discovered clothes."

Sam stayed and chatted for a bit and then told the young woman she had to head home. She thought back to her conversation with Janet and realized her friend was right. Saeena was hard to read, but she was pretty sure the alien woman was hiding something.

"I don't know Jack", she told him later that evening. "There's something strange with that woman. I don't trust her."

"What do you think she's hiding?" he frowned, sounding concerned. He knew Sam wasn't one to cry wolf and if she was worried he knew he'd better listen.

"I don't know – maybe nothing and Janet and I are reading something that's not there. It's just – I don't know. I don't think she likes me for one thing."

"Well – that's probably because of the fact that to her it seems like you have everything. She's probably confused and frightened – and jealous."

"I know", Sam sighed. "I wish there was something we could do to help. Even though the baby is ours – technically – she must feel like -"

"Like what?"

"Oh, I don't know – like we're taking her baby away from her."

Jack sighed this time. "I know. I've worried about it too and I've even spoken with the General."

"You have? But – about what?"

"Well, I think she needs someone on her side – an advocate or something. She's in a terrible situation and I feel guilty because I'm afraid – I haven't really thought about how difficult this must be for her. It's been – hard – for all of us and yet it's got to be worse for her and I don't think we considered her feelings in all this."

"I know", Sam agreed softly. "I was too caught up in my own situation and – I feel terrible. But if we get her this advocate – what if she tries to keep the baby."

"General Hammond assured me that can't happen, not if the baby is genetically ours. But what it will mean is that her rights – other than keeping the baby – will be protected. She also will need counselling to get her through this."

Sam nodded. "I think that's a good idea. We should have thought of it sooner, although I guess I figured Janet would help her."

"Janet's loyalties are torn", Jack pointed out. "So that's why she needs someone looking out for just her. We also need to figure out where she is going to go after the baby comes. Hammond has contacted the Tokra and is going to ask them for some ideas."

"The Tokra?"

"I know – not my favorite – your father excepted – but they do know the galaxy better than us and should have some suggestions. She needs to have her future settled before the baby comes, otherwise it's going to be even harder."

It was almost four weeks before they heard back from the Tokra and all the message said was that a representative would be arriving in the next few days to discuss the issue of the young woman. Jack grimaced, dreading having to deal with the Tokra but knowing he had no choice. He also figured he should talk to Saeena and tell her what was happening.

The young woman had agreed to meet with someone who would help her. Monica James, a lawyer who had represented a number of sensitive cases for the military and who had clearance was assigned to her case. She met with Saeena on more than one occasion and eventually made a number of demands on the young woman's behalf.

For the most part Hammond – and Jack – were fine with the requests. Saeena, and her lawyer would be made privy to any decisions that were being made on her behalf and allowed to sit in on any meetings held about her case. She could also have her lawyer represent her if she chose. She was given an allowance during her time on Earth, relative freedom to move about as long as she was accompanied by someone from the SGC, and she would be given a choice as to where she would go after the birth. The only demand that her lawyer made on her behalf – which was turned down – was for her to be able to remain on Earth.

Cassie had been allowed to stay as she was a child and it was felt she would quickly forget her alien roots and learn to fit in. If that hadn't quite happened – no one need know. The powers that be felt that Saeena was too old and too much of a security risk.

Although neither of them said anything, both Jack and Sam were relieved. Neither of them felt comfortable around the young woman and worried that she could make life difficult for them in the future. They did feel badly for her and knew that she was every bit as much a victim as they were – perhaps more. Still, once the baby was born they felt it would be better for everyone to have thousands of light years between them.

Saeena said little. She agreed to the terms and didn't fight to stay on Earth. The one thing that pleased her – although she didn't let on to anyone – was the allowance. She had quickly learned that money equaled freedom – something she planned to obtain.

"Any word on the Tokra?" Sam asked that evening. She was feeling tired – her due date was still almost two months away but she was starting to get bigger and found it harder to move around . She sat on the couch and groaned – damn but her feet hurt.

"Turn around", Jack said, sitting down beside her. When she moved over he began to rub her back.

"Oooohhh", she moaned. "That feels good. I think your son or daughter plans on being a soccer player!"

"Bite your tongue Samantha!" Jack said, sounding scandalized. "Not soccer – hockey!"

"Fine – hockey. I just wish you'd tell him or her the difference between a puck and my bladder!"

Jack laughed and rubbed harder, hitting the perfect spots. "Feel better?" he asked after a few moments, pulling her back so that she was leaning against him.

"Mmm hmm", she sighed. "Wonderful."

"Yes, I am", he answered agreeably. When she laughed he grinned and kissed the top of her head. "So – the Tokra. They contacted us today and they'll be here in the morning. I called Janet and she said she'd tell Saeena. We're supposed to meet at the SGC at 11:00."

"That's good. We need to get this settled." She was silent for a moment and then turned so that she was facing her fiancé. "Jack?"

"Yeah?"

"What if it's my Dad?"

"There's a good chance that it will be", he said gently, kissing her again. "We're going to have to tell him sometime you know."

"I know but – he's going to be upset."

Jack hugged her to him, knowing how hard this was going to be for her. Hell, it wasn't going to be a walk in the park for him either. "Probably", he agreed. "But he loves you Sam. He'll get over it."

"You think so?"

"Of course, and anyway, it's me he's gonna kill!"

She turned so that she was facing him. "He has no reason to", she told him seriously. She then grinned. "And anyway, I'll protect you."

He grinned. "Promise?"

"I promise." She leaned forward, although it was difficult with her expanding stomach, and gave him a kiss. "If it is him I'd rather not surprise him with this", she rubbed her tummy.

"No, probably not a good idea. Why don't you stay home tomorrow and I'll bring him here after the meeting. I'll talk to the General – I'm sure he'll agree."

She thought about it for a moment, hating the feeling that she was hiding. Still, she couldn't imagine her father walking through the gate and seeing her like this. With a sigh she nodded. "Yeah, that's probably for the best. I'm almost hoping it's Anise/Freya rather than him."

"Bite your tongue!" Jack scolded, pulling her back around so that she was leaning on him again.

"Jack", his love said after a moment. "Have you talked to Cassie lately?"

"No – not really. Why?"

"Well – she's been acting strange around me. She was so excited when I told her about the wedding, but now she seems like she barely wants to talk to me."

"Well, she is thirteen and you know what teenagers are like. It's probably just typical hormonal moods."

"Maybe, although Janet noticed it too. I'm a little worried."

Jack frowned. "I'm sure she'll get over it. Why don't you talk to her?"

"I tried but she always has an excuse. It's like she's avoiding me. I'm afraid that it's Saeena."

"Saeena? What do you mean?"

"I don't know exactly, but I wonder if she's trying to turn Cassie against me. I just don't trust her."

"Saeena?"

Sam nodded, feeling foolish, but when she looked at Jack she could tell he was taking her seriously. "Do you think I'm imagining things?"

"Noooo", he said, sounding hesitant. "I've kind of noticed something too. She's a little distant with me and that's not like Cassie." He shook his head. "I think we need to speak with her. I'm thinking there's something going on and we need to figure it out."

When Janet told her that the Tokra were arriving and were going to tell her about different options for where she could live, Saeena knew that now was the time. She'd been saving up her money – and she'd managed to steal some from Janet. She'd done it slowly, over time, and he Doctor hadn't noticed. She knew it wasn't a lot – but it would be enough to get her safely away. Once hidden she would contact some people who would help her. She'd simply claim that her husband had threatened to kill her and was abusive and that she needed to hide. From what she'd read on the internet, there were people who would help her disappear.

She got Cassie to agree to cover for her and to give her what little money she had saved. She didn't tell the young girl where she was going or how she planned to hide. She didn't trust that Cassie would keep her secret, not after O'Neill and Carter – and her own mother – told her the truth.

Saeena smiled. She was keeping the baby – even though she knew it wasn't hers. It would allow her to stay on Earth and never have to return to her own people. As much as they told her she would have a choice, she didn't believe them. She knew that once the baby came they'd get rid of her as quickly as they could. She was a woman – so she was expendable.

Her plan all set she waited until Janet and Cassie were in bed and then quickly and quietly left the house. She didn't give it so much as a backward glance and within minutes was gone – hopefully never to be seen again by these people.

"Jacob!" Jack watched as the older man walked down the ramp. He was glad Sam had decided to stay at home knowing it would have been a disaster for Jacob to be blindsided by Sam's pregnancy. As it was, he was really not looking forward to this, even though he kept his thoughts well hidden and smiled as the other man approached.

Jack stepped forward and held out his hand. "Good to see you Sir", he said, lying through his teeth.

"Hi Jack. How are things going?" The other man – Tokra – looked at him carefully. "You're looking good – better than the last time I was here."

"Yeah – well – yeah. Uh – come on up, the General is waiting."

"Where's Sam?" Jacob looked around as if his daughter could be hiding somewhere, although where that could be Jack had no idea. It's not like the gate room had a lot of hiding places. It actually had no hiding places – that would be too big a security risk.

"Uh – she was a bit under the weather so she stayed home", Jack told him. "Uh, nothing serious", he reassured Jacob. "After we're done I told her I'd drive you over."

"You're sure she's okay?"

A couple of minutes later the two men arrived at the briefing room and Jack offered Jacob a coffee. Fortunately for Jack, the General arrived a few minutes later followed almost immediately afterward Janet Frasier arrived. She said a quick hello to Jacob Carter and then sat down. Jack looked at her questioningly.

"I thought it would be good for Dr. Frasier to attend. She knows Saeena better than anyone here."

"What about her lawyer?" Jack asked.

"I wanted to have this conversation first and then we'll bring in Ms Marks. Today's meeting is about coming up with some options – we won't make any decisions for the young woman."

"So, you think the best place for her would be this planet Barillia?" General Hammond asked his friend and Tokra representative, after they'd been discussing the matter for well over an hour.

"Yes." This time it was Selmac who answered. "The people are kind and women are treated well, as equals. They are very accepting of strangers and will welcome Saeena as one of theirs. She should have no trouble fitting in and I expect will soon marry. They are very family oriented and love children."

"Sounds good", Hammond nodded. "We'll had that to the list although ultimately it will be her decision."

"She doesn't want to remain on Earth?" Jacob asked the question he'd been wondering about all through their discussion.

"Washington says no", Hammond told him. "They feel she'll be a security risk."

"A young woman like that?" Jacob asked incredulously.

Hammond shrugged. "I know but there's nothing we can do. Ultimately I think she'll be happier away from here anyway and go somewhere where she can start fresh."

Jacob looked skeptical but nodded, knowing there really wasn't anything he could do or say. "And the baby?" he turned to Jack. "You're going to keep it?"

Jack nodded. "Yes."

"Going to get a nanny are you?" Jacob grinned.

"Uh – not exactly." Jack looked over at Hammond, who interpreted his cry for help accurately.

"I think that'll be everything for now Jacob. Thank you – and please convey our thanks to the Tokra Council. We'll let you know what the final decision is. I expect you'd like to go and see your daughter now?"

"Yes, thanks George." Jacob stood up. "We're pleased to be able to help." He grinned again. "And it gave me an opportunity to come and see Sam. It's been too long since I was able to get back to Earth." He picked up his coffee cup and took a final sip. "And to have coffee again. I wish I could convince the Tokra to import some." He stopped for a moment, obviously conversing silently with Selmac. "You like it, don't deny it!"

Jacob followed Jack out of the base and to the Colonel's truck. He kept glancing at the younger man, clearly sensing that something was wrong. It wasn't until they got in the truck and Jack had put on his seat belt that Jacob spoke.

"What's wrong Jack? Is it Sam?"

Jack glanced at him quickly, ready to deny it was anything. After a second he sighed and took his hands off the steering wheel and turned slightly towards the father of the woman he was going to marry. "Yes and no", he admitted. He quickly held up his hand. "She really is fine Jacob – don't worry. But there is something I need to tell you." He paused, trying to figure out the best way to tell the other man what had happened.

"Just spit it out Jack." Jacob was clearly worried. "What the hell is going on?"

"Well, you remember the embryos?"

"What? Of course I do. What the hell kind of question is that?"

Jack sighed. "You asked me the last time if I knew who the egg donor was -"

"Yeah, and you said you didn't know."

"Well – that's not exactly true. In fact I didn't say anything – but I did let you believe I didn't know."

Jacob's eyes narrowed. "You do know who the donor was?"

Jack was silent and he could see the moment that Jacob started to realize. He winced as the look of anger started to grow on the other man's face.

"Don't' tell me – you're not telling me that Sam – oh my god – it was her, wasn't it?"

"I'm sorry Jacob", he started to say when he was interrupted.

"Why the hell didn't you tell me? What the f**k were you keeping it from me for? What kind of man are you that you'd hide something like this from me? Did Sam know? Did you hide it from her as well? I can't believe -"

"Jacob – STOP!" He practically had to yell to get the former general to stop talking. "Of course Sam knew – she just didn't know what to say to you or how to deal with it right then. She wanted some time and asked me not to say anything to anyone."

"What? You're telling me she wanted to hide this from me?"

"She wasn't hiding it Jacob – well okay", he admitted at the look of disgust from the other man. "So maybe she did hide it at the beginning but I told you it was only because she needed some time to figure out how to handle everything."

"But you told me what had happened."

"Yeah – but you're not my father."

"Thank God for that!" Jacob hissed.

"Yes – because that would make Sam my sister and that really would be - uh gross!"

"Jack!" the other man said angrily. "This isn't the time for one of your jokes."

Jack sighed. "I know but – Jacob, this wasn't about you. Sam loves you and would never do anything to hurt you. She just didn't know how to deal with everything. I mean one day she's on a mission and the next she finds out her eggs have been stolen and fertilized by her commander's – by – artificial means -"

"It was artificial?"

Jack looked at him in confusion. "What? Yes of – Jacob!" He suddenly realized what the other man was asking. "How dare you! Sam and I have never done anything inappropriate. I wouldn't do that and neither would she! How could you think that -?"

Jacob waved his hand. "I know, I know – I'm sorry. I'm just a little upset right now. I know this wasn't your fault Jack – you were a victim too. It's just – hard to know how to deal with this." He suddenly stopped, listening to Selmac. After a second his head went up and his eyes grew huge. "Oh my God – Saeena's baby – that's – that's Sam's!"

"Yes", Jack nodded.

"And – you said you were going to keep it?" Jacob frowned, the two lines between his brows digging deep furrows on his forehead. "But what about Sam? Doesn't she want it?"

"Yes – yes she does Jacob." Jack leaned his head against the seat of the truck. "There's something else you need to know", he admitted.

"What?"

"Ra'mesh didn't just impregnate Saeena with one of the embryos", he said softly.

"Not just – oh my god – Sam?"

"Yeah. She's pregnant. That's why she wasn't there today. She didn't want you to get the shock of a lifetime!"

"But –but what about – I mean -" Jacob stopped and swallowed. "You're each keeping one, is that it?" he finally asked. "And Pete – is he okay with raising another man's son? God damn it Jack – what the hell are you guys going to do?"

"Jacob – let's go see Sam and she and I can tell you together. I probably shouldn't have told you all this any way but I didn't think you needed to walk into the house and see a very pregnant Sam without some warning."

Jacob nodded but sat silent, still in shock over the revelations. He was furious at Sam and at the man next to him, even though he knew that wasn't fair towards either of them. He didn't even know why he was angry or what he was angry about.

"I know", Jack's voice snaked out beside him, sounding sympathetic. "I wanted to kill someone but after we caught the damn alien there wasn't anyone left to kill. It'll work out Jacob, I promise."

"And she really is okay?" the frightened father asked again.

"She is. In fact I'd say she's pretty happy about the bab – y", he said, swallowing quickly. He needed to stop now and let Sam explain.

"Hey – how come we're at your house?" Jacob asked as they drove into the driveway. "I thought you were taking me to Sam's?"

"Sam is here", Jack said. "We wanted to speak with you together."

"Oh, okay." Jacob opened the door and climbed out – suddenly feeling older than he had in years. He followed Jack slowly up to the front door, when it suddenly opened. Standing in the entrance was his daughter – his visibly pregnant daughter.

"Sam." He stood there looking at her, not sure quite how to react. It was when he saw the worry in her eyes, and the tears that glimmered there, that he suddenly snapped out of it. Holding his arms open wide he took a step forward. "Kiddo – you sure know how to surprise your old man!"

With a small sob she rushed forward, right into her father's arms. She glanced at Jack as she did so and mouthed 'thank you' to him. She knew he was responsible for the reception she'd never hoped to get from her often stubborn and irascible father.

"Let's sit", Jacob said finally. "And Jack – order something good to eat. I'm starving." Keeping his arm around his daughter he led her to Jack's living room. Fortunately he was still too bemused by the whole situation to look around. If he had he would have quickly recognized that Jack was no longer living here alone.

"So – Jack told me about the embryos and about that", he nodded towards her stomach. "So I'm going to have another grandchild, am I?"

"Two", sniffed Sam, "two grandchildren."

"Yeah, I guess you're right. Sam, what are you going to do?" Jacob looked at his daughter and frowned when he saw her looking at Jack. His eyes moved towards the Colonel and he suddenly felt as if there was something he wasn't being told. "What does Pete say?"

Sam got a rather strange expression and rubbed her nose. "Uh – Dad, things have changed a bit."

"Yeah", he snorted, "I can see that."

"No, I mean -" she gave a pleading look toward Jack. "Pete and I aren't together anymore. I broke up with him."

Jacob didn't look surprised – or pleased – he simply stared at his daughter. "Really? Why?"

"Because I didn't love him", Sam admitted. "I hated to hurt him because he's a good guy, but – with the babies and everything – it just wouldn't have been right."

"So you're all alone now? How are you going to manage?"

"Well -"

"She's not alone Jacob." Jack finally stepped in. "She has me."

"Yes, but she needs more than the support of her friends – or her commanding officer Jack. She needs -"

"She has more than that. She has me."

"What he's trying to say Dad is that – Jack and I are together. We're getting married."

Jack grimaced, waiting for the explosion. He wondered briefly if he should have asked Teal'c to be here with him. The big guy would've protected him. After a few seconds, when nothing had happened, he began to breathe again.

"Is that true Jack?" Sam's father asked, his eyes flashing once.

"Yes Jacob, it is", he answered, refusing to be cowed. "I love her – I have for a long time – but couldn't do anything about it, not with the regulations. But with the pregnancies we've been given permission to be together."

"I see. And the babies?"

"We'll raise them together. We're a family."

Jacob nodded. "And you'll treat her well, Jack?"

"Of course."

"And you love her?"

"I do."

"Sam – you love this guy?"

"Yes Dad, I do. I've loved him for a long time."

"So why Pete?"

She sighed. "I was tired of being alone and didn't think I could be with Jack so – Pete was a mistake", she finally admitted.

Jacob nodded again. "Yes, he was." He regarded the two people opposite him, seeing their apprehension, but also the love they had for one another. His eyes finally rested on the man he'd known, and respected for years. He didn't know if he would have chosen Jack O'Neill as his son-in-law, but now that it was done, he figured he couldn't have done better for his daughter. This man would love her, and cherish her and definitely keep her on her toes. He smiled.

"Welcome to the family Jack. Now, can we eat?"