What if the end of season 8 had been different for Jack and Sam...? The story begins at the end of the last episode.
This is the translation of my fanfiction "L'Héritier" into English.
- Jack O'Neill's Lakeside House, Minnesota -
Twilight painted the Minnesota sky with rosy and orange hues, as stars began to discreetly make their presence known above the shimmering waters of the lake. On the dock, Jack O'Neill held a fishing rod in one hand and a cold beer in the other. His mischievous gaze settled on Daniel Jackson, who was muttering incomprehensible observations while intently scrutinizing the waters.
"Daniel," Jack called out, his nonchalant voice barely hiding a hint of teasing, "I have a feeling the fish aren't appreciating your monologues."
Daniel, pulled from his thoughts, raised an eyebrow. "I bet these fish are more receptive to my speeches than you've ever been, Jack."
Teal'c, not far away, gravely agreed. "Fish are curious beings."
Sitting next to Jack, Samantha Carter let out a laugh. "Yes, Teal'c. The underwater world is full of mysteries."
Daniel readjusted his glasses and continued speaking. "There's something incredibly ironic about us being here, fishing, after everything we've been through."
Intrigued, Jack raised an eyebrow. His voice, tinged with his usual humor, rose slightly. "Oh really? What irony, Daniel?"
"Well," the archaeologist continued, "despite everything we've accomplished, we can't catch a single fish."
Jack kept his eyes fixed on his fishing rod, replying in a calm voice: "Maybe if you spoke fluent Fish, we'd stand a chance, Daniel."
"Ah, so I'm the problem?" Daniel retorted, with a hint of sarcasm. "Maybe I should try talking to them about maritime history?"
Sam's laughter rang through the cool air. "I doubt that would help us much. Besides, there's only one fish in this lake, isn't there, Sir?"
Jack nodded, his lips stretching into a sly smile. "Exactly, Carter. And I can tell you it's one tough son of a gun. Maybe a lesson on Jaffa combat tactics would convince it, Teal'c?"
Teal'c's imperturbable face showed a slight surprise. "That is an interesting suggestion, O'Neill. However, I believe the fish is more concerned with its survival than military strategies, unlike these small flying creatures."
The trio turned towards him, intrigued.
"Flying creatures?", Daniel repeated, looking around. "Where?"
Teal'c, touching his cheek where a mosquito had left its mark, declared gravely: "I am referring to these flying insects, Daniel Jackson, which seem to have targeted me."
Jack burst into laughter. "They must know that warrior blood is the tastiest!"
Sam began rummaging through her bag with determination. "Teal'c, I have some insect repellent that might just save you tonight!"
- A Few Hours Later -
Night stretched over the lake, enveloping the landscape in a peaceful darkness. Their voices mingled with the whispers of nature, creating a serene and soothing atmosphere. Suddenly, Daniel stood up, as if struck by a thought. The last rays of daylight played across his thoughtful face. "I think it's time for me to head back to the base. There's an exciting artifact waiting for me."
Sam, furrowing her brow, retorted, "What? But Daniel, we were supposed to stay here for two days!"
Daniel shrugged. "I know, Sam, but I'm afraid I might run out of time and that artifact isn't going to study itself."
Teal'c, now seemingly completely overwhelmed by the mosquito assaults, stood up gravely. "I will join you, Daniel Jackson. These flying insects are becoming unbearable."
Sam made a disappointed face, her gaze shifting from Daniel to Teal'c. "Don't you want to stay a little longer? We rarely get the chance to spend time together." She turned to Daniel. "The artifacts can wait for two more days, right? We don't have any mission scheduled."
Daniel seemed to hesitate, searching for Jack's gaze. "I suppose I could..."
But the General interrupted him with a pat on the shoulder. "Actually, Daniel, I think you're right to want to go back. That analysis could be crucial. You never know what you might find in that pile of… dust."
A flicker of surprise crossed Daniel's eyes at Jack's sudden interest in his work. After a moment, he seemed to understand the implicit message behind Jack's words and nodded in agreement.
Sam raised an eyebrow, surprised by Jackson's change of attitude. She then sought support from Teal'c but was astonished to see that he had already made up his mind. "I concur with O'Neill," he declared, his face remaining impassive.
"But..." Sam gave each of them a disappointed look. Before she could add anything, Daniel and Teal'c began gathering their things.
"We'll meet back at the base," Daniel said, a somewhat forced smile on his face, as he slung his backpack over his shoulder.
Teal'c simply nodded, his face remaining inscrutable. They disappeared into the growing darkness, leaving behind an atmosphere charged with unspoken tension.
Sam turned to Jack, worry in her eyes. "Sir, you..."
Jack cut her off with a nod, a reassuring smile on his lips. "Don't worry, Carter," he said in a gentle voice. "They'll manage just fine without us."
He got up, stretched, leaving his fishing rod behind. "Let's head back, Sam. It's getting chilly. Time to go home."
Sam flinched. "Sam?" Jack rarely used her first name.
"Come on, Carter, let's ditch the ranks for these two days!"
"Yes, ok, General... uh, Jack," she stumbled, still not familiar with this sudden informality.
They made their way to the cabin nestled on the shores of the lake, leaving the lonely dock and peaceful lake beneath the starry sky. Inside the cozy shelter, Jack and Sam found themselves in close quarters. There was an electric tension as they settled near the fireplace, with dancing flames casting enchanting shadows on their faces.
The soft glow of the fire gently lit Jack's face as he reminisced about their past adventures. "Remember that time on PX3-989?" he asked with a mischievous smile, trying to lighten the mood. "When we accidentally activated that device and all started laughing for no reason?"
A laugh escaped from Sam. "Ah yes! Daniel was laughing so hard he was crying." Her eyes sparkled at the memory.
Jack's face was lit up by an affectionate smile, but something changed in his expression as he looked at Sam. His eyes betrayed deep tenderness. He awkwardly added a log to the fire, avoiding her gaze. Silence fell again, different this time, charged with a novel tension between them.
"It's rather unusual, isn't it?" Jack murmured, his voice softly echoing in the night's calm.
Sam looked at him, intrigued. "What do you mean?"
Jack stared into the fire, the flames reflecting in his eyes. "We're used to fighting, running to save the world... But now, sitting here, with nothing threatening us but a stubborn fish and a few beers... It's strange."
A gentle smile lit Sam's face. "It's strange, yes, but it's also... nice."
"Incredibly nice," Jack replied, looking at her intently.
They shared a smile, and silence fell again. After a moment, Sam stretched slightly, rubbing her arms to warm herself. "It's getting cold," she said instinctively, moving closer to the fire.
Without a word, Jack got up to grab one of his jackets and placed it around Sam's shoulders. She looked at him, surprised, before giving him a grateful smile.
They were now closer, the boundaries between them blurring in the darkness and shared warmth. Sam was lost in watching the flames, while Jack couldn't help but watch her.
The silence was broken by Jack. "Come here," he whispered as he opened his arms.
Without hesitation, Sam moved closer and nestled against him, her head resting on his shoulder which he wrapped in his arm. After a moment, Jack felt Sam's hand slip into his. He looked at her, surprised, but did not pull his hand away. Instead, he gently squeezed it, his surprise giving way to a soft and serene smile.
Finally getting up, Jack suggested: "How about we make something to eat? It's time for a proper meal." He headed towards the small adjoining kitchen, throwing a glance back, leaving his proposition hanging in the air.
Sam nodded in agreement. Together, they prepared dinner, a simple but flavorful meal, punctuated by laughter, banter, and shared memories.
After dinner, Sam stood up, stretching slightly. "I think I'm going to bed. Today was more exhausting than I thought it would be." There was a slight hesitation in her voice, as if she was seeking his gaze.
He nodded, a wry smile on his face. "Goodnight, Sam. I'll take care of the cleaning up."
Once alone in her room, Sam leaned against the door, her heart pounding. She felt silly for going to bed so quickly. It was obvious that if she didn't act now, it would never happen. Taking a deep breath, she gathered her courage.
With renewed determination, she stepped out of her room and headed back to the living room. Jack was still there, cleaning up the last traces of their dinner. Seeing her come back, he raised an eyebrow. "Forget something?" he asked in a neutral tone.
Sam took a deep breath. "Yes..." And before he had time to react, she stepped in and kissed him.
Jack seemed surprised at first, but after a moment, he responded to the kiss with equal fervor. Their bodies pressed against each other, intensifying the exchange.
As they stood there, in the living room, their kiss evolved into something more powerful. Every breath, every movement, every moment seemed electric. They slowly backed up to the door of Sam's room. Without breaking their embrace, Jack guided her inside the room, gently closing the door behind them, leaving the rest of the world and military protocol outside.
- The next morning… -
The light of day bathed the room in a gentle and soothing light. Jack and Sam were entwined in bed, tangled in the sheets, their calm and regular breaths indicating a deep sleep.
Suddenly, the serenity was shattered by the insistent ringing of the phone. Jack tensed, his muscles tightening in surprise. He grunted in frustration, fumbled for the device and picked it up. "WHAT?" he grumbled.
"It's Daniel. Sorry to disturb you, but I need to talk to Sam. Her phone is off. I found a device in Catherine's boxes, I'm sure she can help me figure out how it works," Daniel declared with boundless energy.
Jack opened one eye and looked at Sam, who had been awakened by the ringing of the phone and was watching him curiously. He shook his head and replied in a barely concealed tone of exasperation, "Daniel, it's early. Very early!"
There was silence on the other side of the line. "11 AM is early? Listen Jack, this is important. I really need to talk to Sam," Daniel insisted.
Jack, annoyed, looked at Sam, who now had an amused smile on her face. "Daniel, I'm sure you can manage without her."
Before Daniel could say anything, Jack abruptly hung up, turned off the phone, and took out the battery. A broad smile stretched across his face as he saw Sam's indignant expression. "What?" he said, feigning total nonchalance.
He turned toward her and looked at her, a spark of challenge in his eyes. With surprising swiftness, Jack flipped Sam underneath him. "Colonel Carter," he said, reverting to a more authoritative tone. "This is an order. You will not move from here."
Surprise painted Sam's face before she suppressed a smile. "You are abusing your authority, General," she retorted, her voice filled with amusement.
Jack raised his eyebrows, a sarcastic smile on his lips. "Perhaps, Colonel. Or maybe you should just admit that you have lost control of the situation."
He relished Sam's shocked expression, enjoying the lightness of the moment. Far from the chaos of their everyday lives, they could finally afford to be themselves, leaving responsibilities and dilemmas behind.
- Two days later -
The two days that Sam and Jack had spent together, away from everything, by the lake, had proven to be a precious moment of serenity and intimacy. When they returned to the SGC base, the familiar walls of the military complex seemed a little more foreign, as if they were entering a former life. However, the bond between them had strengthened, more solid and determined than ever.
In his office, Jack was immersed in preparing for his transfer to the Pentagon. The piles of folders and forms seemed endless, but he approached the task with serene determination. Leaving the command of the SGC was not a decision taken lightly. Yet, he knew it was the right choice, the only choice if he wanted to fully live his relationship with Sam.
On the other side of the complex, Sam was also finishing her own paperwork, her mind in turmoil. Completing these administrative tasks was exhausting, but it paled in comparison to the decision she had made. Moving to Washington, leaving the SGC... It was a massive change. But every time she hesitated, every time she wondered if she was making the right choice, she thought of Jack. And every time, the answer was clear.
Daniel, for his part, was still immersed in the mysterious world of the items left behind by Catherine. Strange objects, scribbled notes, and ancient maps were scattered around his office, waiting to be solved.
Meanwhile, Teal'c was preparing for his future journey, filled with responsibilities. He was coordinating with the free Jaffas, planning his route, and making sure everything was in order. For him, this was not just an administrative task, but an opportunity to strengthen the ties with his people and to maintain the traditions that were so dear to him.
Sam entered Daniel's office, breaking the silence of concentration that enveloped him. Daniel looked up from the documents he was studying and gave her a welcoming smile. "Sam," he said as he moved the papers aside, "I was just coming to see you. I have something to show you." He pointed to an artifact on his desk.
"Is that why you tried to reach me the other day?" asked Sam, casting an interested glance at the object while approaching.
Daniel nodded, scratching the back of his head thoughtfully. "Yes, I was hoping you could help me, I'm wondering what it's used for."
Sam smiled and picked up the artifact, turning it gently to examine it from all angles. "I will see what I can do."
Silence settled as Sam studied the object. Then, with almost unsettling ease, Daniel asked, "So, how did those two days off go? The lake? The mosquitoes? Jack?"
Sam looked up at him, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Let's say it was... restful," she replied, refocusing her attention on the artifact.
"That's good," Daniel remarked, a sly smile on his lips. "It's important to take time for oneself, to... reconnect with nature... outside of work."
"Yes, Daniel." she reiterated, her gaze still fixed on the artifact.
He observed her with a mischievous smile and an intensity that made her blush more. Daniel, still wearing a subtle smile, continued, "It's beneficial to break the routine every now and then. Especially in good company."
Sam nodded without looking at him. Her friend didn't ask any more, a simple look was enough to understand that there was more than she wanted to admit. They had known each other for so many years and understood each other's silences. The office quickly returned to its studious silence.
- 4 weeks later, Asgard Ship -
An elegant and stealthy Asgard ship silently glided in orbit around the planet Orilla, the new territory of the Asgards. The twinkling stars and the spectral colors of the nearby nebula reflected off its smooth shell.
Inside, the vast, bright corridors were imbued with an almost mystical quietude, broken only by the soothing hum of the machines on board. The walls, with soft hues adorned with intricate geometric patterns, and control consoles emitting dim light, all evoked technological serenity.
In a control room filled with sparkling consoles and holographic projections, two Asgard scientists, Frigg and Hel, were engrossed in their research. Frigg, a highly respected geneticist, skillfully manipulated one of the consoles with her nimble fingers. Her large, piercing eyes scanned the scrolling data, her forehead furrowed in concentration. Suddenly, she froze, her face turning into an expression of disbelief.
"Hel," she murmured suddenly, her melodious voice troubled. "Come see this."
Hel rose from her seat and approached. Her eyes widened at the displayed data.
"This resembles the genetic marker in General O'Neill's DNA," said Frigg with astonishment. "But we only know of two instances - the General and the clone created by Loki. What could be the origin of this signal?"
"Could it be another clone?" murmured Hel.
A heavy silence filled the room as the two Asgards exchanged bewildered glances. They spent the next hours painstakingly analyzing the DNA, their agile minds seeking to unravel the mystery.
Hel's face twisted, surprise and confusion dancing across her features. "I have located the marker. It is... at the SGC... inside Colonel Carter."
Frigg's eyes widened as she examined the data, "It seems to be in the DNA of an embryo."
Hel's voice trembled, "Does this mean that...?"
"Indeed," Frigg gravely nodded. "Colonel Carter is carrying General O'Neill's child. The genetic marker was preserved during fertilization."
The two Asgards looked at each other, a whirlwind of unsettling thoughts racing through their minds. They continued to analyze and compare the DNA samples of General O'Neill and the embryo.
After finishing the analysis, Frigg spoke softly, "The embryo's DNA matches 99% of that of the Ancients. A significant evolutionary leap seems to have occurred. This child might hold the key to averting the extinction of our race."
Frigg and Hel looked into each other's eyes, and after a resolute nod, Frigg deftly adjusted controls on the touch interface before her.
"We must act quickly to retrieve the embryo. Colonel Carter is likely still unaware of the situation, as the pregnancy is in its early stages and no symptoms have manifested," declared Frigg, her gaze unwavering.
"And if she finds out?" questioned Hel, a hint of worry in her voice.
"We must take that risk. It is a unique opportunity," replied Frigg with stoic firmness.
With almost supernatural dexterity and precision, Frigg manipulated the Asgard technologies to prepare an incubation chamber. Within minutes, an incubator was ready, specially designed to accommodate and accelerate the development of the child.
"This incubator will allow the embryo to reach a developmental state comparable to a nine-month terrestrial gestation," explained Hel in a low voice.
Frigg, eyebrows furrowed, issued a warning: "Thor could strongly disapprove of our actions."
Hel's gaze, filled with determination but also apprehension, underlined the gravity of her words: "Despite the risks, our endeavor is of utmost importance. Utmost discretion is imperative."
Meanwhile, at the SGC, Colonel Samantha Carter was slumped at her desk, her head resting on her forearms. She had been grappling with unusual fatigue for the past few days. An Asgard beam penetrated the room, meticulously targeting her abdomen. Unaware, she was dozing off. In an instant, the embryo was extracted without her realizing it.
Transported aboard the Asgard ship, the embryo was placed in the incubator where it began accelerated growth. Frigg and Hel watched with fascination as this life form, according to their calculations, would reach maturity within a few hours.
"Once the child has reached adulthood, we will reveal our initiative," Frigg asserted, a determined glint in her eyes. "He is our last hope to preserve the Asgard race."
Hel nodded, sharing Frigg's resolution. They felt the weight of their race's future resting on their shoulders.
Frigg busied herself fine-tuning the settings of the incubator. A solemn silence enveloped the room as they worked with extreme concentration. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Frigg checked the incubator's data. "The child is ready to be born," she announced, palpable relief in her voice.
"We must find a safe place for this child," Frigg suggested, her face tightening under the weight of anxiety. "Ivadoll would be ideal. It's a secret planet, protected from any danger, and unknown to other civilizations."
Hel nodded, her fingers dancing on the console to program the route.
"The time manipulator of the planet Ivadoll will offer the child an environment where he can grow rapidly while assimilating the knowledge of the Ancients. A year on this planet equals a day on Earth. It's exactly the kind of development we're looking for," Frigg added.
"The residents of Ivadoll, humans carrying the DNA of the Ancients, live isolated and won't ask questions. They won't hinder our project," Hel completed.
"Governor Sigurd and his wife Hilda have always wished for children," said Frigg. "They will welcome the child with open arms."
As a silence filled with anticipation descended on the room, the humming of the incubator subsided. Their eyes were fixed on the translucent chamber, and the cry of a newborn filling the room marked the birth of a new hope for the Asgard.
Frigg and Hel looked at him with admiration and relief. "It's a boy," murmured Frigg, tenderness lighting her face.
An exchange of determined glances sealed their commitment. "Set a course for Ivadoll," Frigg declared, her voice tinged with serene resolve.
- Colonel Samantha Carter's Office -
In the heart of the SGC, Colonel Samantha Carter was still immersed in deep sleep. The door cracked open gently and General Jack O'Neill entered. He cast a look of empathy at Sam, then silently gazed at her, an impish smile forming on his face.
"Sam?" He broke the silence, his hand gently brushing her shoulder to wake her up. "There are much more comfortable places to sleep, you know."
Samantha jolted and opened her eyes, blinking several times due to the brightness. Her bewildered gaze landed on Jack before realizing where she was. "Oh, I... I fell asleep," she confessed with an embarrassed sigh.
"Apparently," Jack retorted, a playful smile on his lips. "You know, if I wasn't aware of your boundless dedication, I might have suspected that our evening yesterday was particularly exhausting for you."
Sam blushed slightly but kept a professional demeanor. "What brings you here?" she asked. "Dr. Lam is waiting for you for your routine medical examination," Jack announced.
- SGC Infirmary -
In the infirmary, Dr. Carolyn Lam waited patiently. "Colonel Carter," she greeted with a nod. "Please have a seat, let's begin."
As the examination progressed, Dr. Lam's expression grew increasingly puzzled. "Did you have your IUD removed and I wasn't informed?" she murmured as she consulted her screen.
"I'm sorry?" Sam queried, tension apparent in her voice.
After a moment, Dr. Lam replied, "According to your blood tests, your beta-hCG levels are elevated."
Sam blinked, dumbfounded. "Wait... You mean I am...?"
"When did you last have your period?" Dr. Lam asked.
Sam furrowed her brows, trying to recall. "I... I don't know. It's been a while. I still have my IUD," she answered, visibly confused.
"An IUD is generally very reliable. However, it's possible that it moved, which could have allowed for a pregnancy. I suggest doing an ultrasound to be sure," explained Dr. Lam, her gaze shifting between the screen and Sam.
A numbing sense of panic enveloped Sam as her heart raced. "There must be a mistake," she murmured, her hands gripping her knees. "I... I can't be pregnant. It's not possible. Not now."
Dr. Lam gave her a compassionate look. "I understand this is very upsetting, Colonel. We will perform additional tests to get a clearer picture," she gently assured.
Samantha nodded, thoughts swirling in her mind. "Alright," she whispered, barely audible. How was she going to tell Jack?
As Samantha Carter faced the unexpected on Earth, aboard the Asgard ship, Frigg and Hel were about to set their plan in motion. They were unaware that their actions had already begun to have repercussions in distant worlds and on lives they never imagined touching. The fate of the people of Ivadoll and the lives of those at the SGC were now inextricably linked.
- Briefing Room, SGC -
The usual bustling atmosphere of the SGC gave way to an eerie quiet when Dr. Lam's voice rang through the speakers, announcing an emergency meeting request from SG-1.
Teal'c, Daniel Jackson, and General Jack O'Neill gathered in the briefing room, their looks filled with questions. Ordinarily a place of passionate debates about upcoming missions or the latest technological advances, the briefing room was now plunged into an unusual silence. All eyes were on Dr. Lam, who looked visibly anxious, as she prepared to speak.
"Thank you for coming so quickly," she began, casting a worried glance across the table. "I... I need to talk to you about a particularly unusual situation involving Colonel Carter."
The mention of Sam's name made Jack react. "What kind of situation?" he inquired, his gaze betraying his concern.
Dr. Lam took a deep breath, as if drawing the strength needed to reveal what she had to say. "Colonel Carter appears to be pregnant but... not really… for now," she finally blurted out, her voice barely louder than a whisper.
A deafening silence filled the room.
Teal'c, true to his stoicism, raised an eyebrow, while Daniel nearly choked on his coffee. Jack, for his part, froze in place.
"Hold on a second... What?" stammered Jack, his eyes wide.
"I mean that Colonel Carter's blood tests indicate a pregnancy advanced enough to see an embryo, but the ultrasound showed nothing. But perhaps my calculations are wrong, in which case it would be normal not to see the embryonic sac yet… It's very strange," Dr. Lam repeated, her professional tone contrasting with the disbelief in the room.
Daniel, still in shock, cleared his throat, then turned to Jack, his eyes full of confusion. "Jack?" he asked slowly.
Jack turned to him and responded in kind: "Daniel?"
"Jack?" Daniel repeated, more insistently.
The General looked at Daniel again, growing more irritated, then snapped, "Daniel?!"
"Jack, did you...?" Daniel tried again.
"DANIEL!" Jack shouted, trying to cut him off.
Dr. Lam, disconcerted by this peculiar exchange, spoke again to refocus the conversation. "We don't quite understand what's happening, but we're conducting more tests to get more information."
The briefing room fell silent again as everyone tried to process the information.
Dr. Lam clutched the edges of her medical files, betraying some tension. "I'll keep you informed of any developments," she promised, her voice betraying slight nervousness.
She then stood up and left the room, her heels clicking on the cold floor. The door closed behind her with a dull creak, leaving the three men alone in the room, now charged with tension.
The room fell silent once more, heavy and awkward. Daniel tried to break it, turning to Jack. His face displayed deep confusion, his eyes slightly squinting as he searched for the right words. "So..." he started, his voice betraying his uncertainty. "Jack, did you...?"
"What?!" Jack interrupted sharply, his voice clearly showing his irritation while locking eyes with Daniel.
"I just wanted to... you know... maybe..." Daniel stammered, his eyes fixed on Jack as if trying to read him.
"No, Daniel, I don't know," Jack retorted firmly, suddenly standing up from his chair.
His eyes were now fixed on the door through which Dr. Lam had left the room. "And I don't want to know. I'm going to see Carter."
Without waiting for a response, Jack headed for the exit, leaving Daniel and Teal'c alone in the room. He opened the door with a brisk movement and disappeared outside, the door closing with a dull thud behind him.
Teal'c, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, looked at Daniel, one eyebrow raised. "Daniel Jackson, do you believe O'Neill is involved in Colonel Carter's pregnancy?" he asked, his deep voice filling the room.
Daniel sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yes, I believe he is."
They remained alone in the briefing room, aware that the next few hours would be crucial.
The hallway was buzzing with electrifying energy as the SGC's soldiers and scientists moved like a swarm of bees. But for Jack, everything seemed unreal, as if he were walking through a thick fog. Each step resonated in his mind, echoed by the revelations about Carter.
In front of the infirmary door, Jack paused. He took a deep breath as if the air itself could forge the courage he needed, and opened the door.
Inside, Sam was sitting on one of the medical beds, her gaze lost in the distance. When she caught sight of Jack, her eyes probed him and he felt the worry she couldn't hide.
"Hey... Carter," said Jack, his voice as soft as a whisper of the wind.
"General," she replied, her voice trembling despite her formal tone.
Jack quickly checked that they were alone before approaching her. His features were graver than usual. "Listen, Sam... About this... situation," he struggled to articulate.
"Situation?" Carter retorted, feigning not understanding.
"You know, this mystery that might be growing inside you," Jack continued, slightly furrowing his brows. "Do you think there might be an... alien explanation?"
Sam blinked, dumbfounded. "Alien?"
Jack shrugged, a hint of his usual sarcasm seeping through."Hey, we've been through stranger things. Maybe little gray men decided to play sorcerer's apprentice? I can already see the headlines: 'Colonel Carter: Bearer of the Interstellar Future'."
She stared at him, her face oscillating between frustration and anger. "Is that really the first thing that comes to your mind?!"
Jack felt the gravity of the room increase. "I mean... I thought we were...careful..."
"Yes, I was careful!" Sam's words were sharp.
A heavy silence settled, the tension seemed about to make the room explode. Jack searched for words, "Sam, I..."
Before Jack could say anything more, the door swung open, and Dr. Lam entered, looking grave. "I have the results of the latest tests," she announced, quickly scanning the file in her hand.
The room suddenly seemed too narrow as Jack and Sam waited anxiously. Dr. Lam took a deep breath. "The beta hCG levels have dropped significantly. I'm sorry, Colonel, there are no other anomalies, this is a miscarriage."
A heavy silence fell over the room. Sam lowered her head, her body shrinking. Jack, without thinking, let out a sigh of relief.
Sam fixed him, her gaze was like a supernova about to explode. Emotions battled in her eyes. Jack realized the impact of his reaction. "Carter, I..." he searched desperately for the right words.
But Sam looked away and stood up sharply. "May I go, Doctor?"
"This is difficult news, Colonel Carter. I suggest you take a moment, and if you need to talk to someone..." Dr. Lam began.
"I'm fine, thank you," Sam cut her off in a firm voice.
Jack, remaining professional, tried to pursue the discussion. "Are you sure of the results, Dr. Lam?"
"Yes, General," the Doctor threw a last look at Sam, who seemed to be regaining control of herself, and walked away to attend to other tasks.
As soon as Dr. Lam was out of earshot, Jack took a step towards Sam, but before he could say anything, she rushed towards the exit. "I have to go," she said hastily.
"Sam, wait..." said Jack, but she was already gone.
At that moment, O'Neill realized that he might have mishandled the situation.
To be continued...
This fanfiction is available in an illustrated version, you can read it on the Wattpad website, by searching for the author Vikiell :)