Janet rolled the machine next to Sam.
"Ready?"
"Would it change anything if I'd say no?"
Janet smiled "No I'm afraid not. Pull your shirt up slightly and lower your pants a bit so I can apply the gel. This could be a little cold."
Her eyes fixed on the monitor she held her breath. There it was, this tiny human being. And instantly Sam knew she would do everything to protect her child.
"Everything is looking pretty good. The heartbeat is strong. I would say your about 8 or 9 weeks pregnant."
Again Sam's eyes filled with tears. Overwhelmed with emotions she let them stream down her face. Janet's hand found her way to Sam's. "It's always magical, isn't it? Congratulations Sam!"
"Thank you. I know you have to tell this General Hammond, but is there any chance you could delay your report a few days? I really would like to talk to the Colonel first. He should hear this from me."
"You know I have to report this immediately." but Janet could understand Sam's urge to tell Jack the news in private.
"You've got 24 hours, I can tell him that I don't have your bloodwork back yet. I'd suggest you go home, take a bath and try to get some sleep. You will need it. Just let me print the ultrasound pictures and you have a go."
Once she was dressed, Sam made a beeline for the elevator, craving nothing more than fresh air. At home she placed her keys and the photos on her kichten island and went straight to bed.
The following morning arrived much sooner than she had anticipated, and Sam's abrupt awakening was met with a sudden onset of queasiness, prompting her to sprint to the bathroom.
At the SGC Teal'c, Daniel and Jack found themselves in front of the infirmary again. Daniel was telling them that SG-2 brought back some inscriptions from a temple they've found on the last planet. He couldn't wait to get his hands on it and to start with the translation.
"Jack, do you think you could talk to the General and buy me some time to study the inscriptions? I know you want to get back to the mission roster as quickly as possible, but with Sam not being well I thought maybe it'd be a good idea."
"Daniel I'll tell you what. Let's see how Carter is doing and we'll discuss this with Hammond."
As they crossed paths with Janet in the hallway, they paused to inquire about any updates regarding Sam's condition only to find out that she was at home waiting for some test results.
"Ok Daniel, let's talk to the General and afterwards I'll go check on Carter."
Following a brief visit with Hammond, matters were resolved, with Daniel being granted the chance to translate the engravings and Teal'c was asked to participate in the trainungs camp for the new recruits.
"Colonel, I'd recommend catching up on your reports as there are various ones I'm eagerly waiting for. Are there any news from Major Carter? I haven't had the chance to talk to Dr. Fraiser yet."
"No Sir, we talked to Fraiser half an hour ago, she's still waiting for some test results. I was thinking to go check on Carter. Dr. Fraiser imformed us she had sent her home until there is news."
"You do that Colonel. Teal'c you can report to Colonel Reynolds, he's in charge with the cadets and requested your presence." Teal'c just bend his head to agree.
In front of the Generals office the three men parted.
"O'Neill, give Major Carter my regards. I hope that she'll get well soon."
"Yeah Jack, say 'hi' from me and tell her I'll call her later."
"I'll do that. See you guys."
Half an hour later Jack knocked on Sam's door. Nothing. He tried again, this time a little more powerful. Sam opened the door, pale as a sheet, her hair sticking out in all directions.
"Carter, no offense but you look awful."
"Exactly what a girl wants to hear." Sam slightly smiled.
"Come in, Sir. Would you like some coffee?"
"Sure, thank you."
Jack sat down in the living room and informed her of the current situation with Daniel and Teal'c and made sure to convey their greetings. As she handed him the cup of coffee, the strong aroma caused her to feel queasy, forcing her to rush to the bathroom immediately. Hearing the flush from the toilett Jack got up to get her a glass of water as his eyes fell on the ultrasound photos on the kitchen island.
He felt as if his heart had stopped, and upon sensing Sam's presence behind him, he turned around, a questioning look in his eyes.
"Colonel..." she started but didn't know what to say.
As he picked up the photos, he gazed at them for what seemed like an eternity, only to finally look up and meet Sam's gaze.
"Sir, I... I just found out last night..."
So many thoughts running around in Jack's head. So many emotions he couldn't sort out.
"You're pregnant?" he had to sit down. Sam taking the seat next to him on the couch.
He was sure he knew the answer, but he still had to ask "Is it mine?"
"Of course Jack, there wasn't anyone but you." she hung her head "I'm sorry! I hadn't just lost one thought about contraception. I'm not sure I even remembered that there were such things like contraception or becoming pregnant."
"What are you sorry for, Sam? That you got pregnant in the first place? That it's mine? Or that you hadn't thought about prevention? Sure as hell it didn't occur to me either."
"I'm sorry about the situation, Jack. If I had to become pregnant, there isn't anyone else I would wish to be the father of my child. But I have to admit that I'm scared. You're still my commanding officer and there is the possibility of a court martial. How do you feel about it?"
"Honestly? I don't know. That's not something I would have expected. I'm sorry Sam, but I need some fresh air."
As he abruptly stood up and left her house, Sam sat on her couch, still trying to comprehend what had just happened.
He walked into the small park directly opposite her house, feeling like he couldn't breathe. Was he ready to be a father again?
He sat down on a bench near a playground and couldn't tell how long he had been there.
Watching the playing kids, so many thoughts were swirling in his head.
After what happened with Charlie, he had sworn never to let anyone get that close to him again. He couldn't bear losing someone who was so close to him.
Yet somehow, Sam had found a way into his heart.
It was only then that he realized how he had left Sam alone by escaping. She was just as shocked and uncertain as he was. He stood up and began making his way back.
Her door wasn't locked so he let himself in, only to find her in exact the same spot she were when he had left.
He sat next to her and pulled her close, so that her back was against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her as if he never wanted to let her go.
His heart filled with anticipation and love for the little life they had created together, as he gently stroked his hands over her belly and whispered into her ear
"I can't wait to meet our little one and I promise to do everything in my power to be the best father I can be."
As Sam's heart swelled with joy, she turned around and reached up to kiss him, savoring the taste of his lips and the warmth of his embrace.
With their foreheads touching and their smiles growing wider, they looked deep into each other's eyes.
"So this is morning sickness you're experiencing?" he asked, concern laced in his voice.
"Is everything else okay?"
His love for her and their unborn child was evident in the tender way he stroked her hair and waited for her response.
As she reassured him that everything was normal, Sam's mind drifted to the practical matters at hand.
"But what do we do about our work?" she mused, her voice laced with worry. "Technically, we've broken the regulations, even though we were under the influence of alien technology. Do you think this could potentially save us from a court martial?" With her heart heavy and her mind racing, she looked to him, hopeful for a solution to their dilemma.
"I really don't know." he replied, his brow furrowed in concentration.
"Perhaps we should talk to Hammond and discuss our options. Of course, that's if you don't want to conceal the identity of the father of your child."
He spoke the words softly, knowing how delicate the situation was and wanting to do everything in his power to protect her and their child.
Her reply was resolute, her determination unwavering.
"No way, Jack. We're in this together. Let's go talk to Hammond and get this over with as soon as possible."
That's why they endet up in front of Hammonds office, Jack squeezing Sam's hand shortly before he knocked.
"Come in" came the reply.
With a deep breath Jack and Sam stepped inside Hammond's office, their hearts pounding with nervousness and uncertainty. "Colonel, Major," the General's voice greeted them from behind his desk. Jack gave Sam's hand a reassuring squeeze before leading the way to stand before Hammond's desk, determined to face the consequences of their actions.