For the first time in eight years, Daniel Jackson and Teal'c set foot on Gaia. Daniel had often wondered what it would take for the Nox to invite them back; what sign that humans had advanced enough would precipitate such an invitation. Yet he could have never fathomed, not in a million millennia, that Sam's pregnancy would be the catalyst.
The Nox had contacted the SGC a few hours ago, requesting his and Teal'c's presence. No one else would be welcomed or allowed to stay, Anteaus had been crystal clear about that.
Woolsey had protested at first, not liking that he was being cut out of a potentially important conversation. But the Kisqua delegation was still on Earth and accusing them of collaborating with the Asgard to hide Sam. Woolsey adamantly denied such actions and neither Daniel nor Teal'c had been willing to explain that the Asgard were probably responsible for Sam and Jack's rather quick disappearing act. Or, that, given the Nox's sudden invitation, both officers were likely on Gaia.
So, three hours after Anteaus' invitation, Woolsey bid them good luck with the order to do whatever was necessary to convince the Nox to ally with Earth. Daniel had bit back a retort at that order—given the fact that he knew firsthand how the Nox felt about conflict. No sense in risking Woolsey canceling the entire mission if he knew the truth.
"I expected there to be some sort of welcoming party," Daniel looked around, perplexed.
"Perhaps there is," Teal'c responded as a slight shimmer split the air and Lya and Anteaus appeared in front of them.
"Hello again, friends," Lya bowed her head lightly. "It is good of you to come."
"Thank you for the unexpected invitation," Daniel bowed his head in return, Teal'c following suit.
"Come," Anteaus gestured for them to follow, "there is much we have to discuss."
Daniel shared a look with Teal'c, trying to gauge how they should broach the subject of what was occurring on Earth. They assumed the Nox knew, but neither man wanted to make false assumptions that would lead to a repeat of their previous visit to the Nox homeworld.
"Before we go," Daniel took a step forward, "we just want to make sure you are aware—"
"Your friends are safe," Anteaus interrupted, "but we must hurry for their time to emerge is coming swiftly."
"So, you know?" Daniel sought to confirm.
"Yes, Daniel," Lya placed a hand upon his arm. "We seek only to protect what is so precious. Come and we will show you."
Jack kicked the door shut as he entered their hut, carrying Sam. Crossing to the bed, he laid her upon it as gently as he could.
His own hands shook from the chill of the rainstorm but also from fear. Grabbing a cloth, he wetted it down and set about cleaning her head wound.
It was covered in dirt and leaves, but he was relieved to see it was mostly a superficial cut. Grabbing his pack, he pulled out some of the same antiseptic he'd used on her shoulder, and gently applied it to the wound. Next, he bandaged it up before taking note of the good-sized knot forming on her head. While he'd suspected she was suffering from a concussion, this contusion confirmed it beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Sam's shivering drew his attention. She was soaked through to the skin, as was he. The unexpected rainstorm had drenched them both.
Crossing to the fire, Jack stoked it. He threw a couple more logs onto it, knowing they'd both need the extra warmth. Next, he began peeling off the clothes that were plastered to Sam's body. Even her bra and underwear were soaked. He paused briefly, then stripped her bare. She could yell at him later. Right now, he was concerned with getting them both warmed up as quickly as possible.
With that goal in mind, Jack shrugged off his own clothing and climbed under the covers with Sam. Pulling her into his arms, he willed his body heat into her by rubbing his hands over every inch of skin he could reach.
She'd been desperate to tell him something. Something that she'd been afraid to tell him before. At least, that's what he'd gathered from her disjointed words. What had she been afraid to tell him?
His mind immediately started running through all the possible scenarios, and most of them weren't good. He couldn't believe she was having second thoughts about their child. He'd seen the look of wonder and joy on her face the night before. He'd covertly watched her hum and talk to their child often. No, Jack reassured himself, her frantic news had nothing to do with that. He was sure of it.
That left the only other option he could think of. Him. Had she finally realized what she'd given up — her normal life with a husband and a house and a white picket fence? She'd broken up with Pete over his reaction to her unplanned pregnancy. Would she have broken up with him otherwise? Jack wasn't so sure. She'd agreed to marry the man, after all.
"Hmmm," Sam groaned lightly as her trembling slowly began to subside. Her eyes fluttered open, blue encased in confusion. "Jack?"
Sam blinked a few times, trying to clear her head, but it was no use. What she'd experienced blurred to the point that she couldn't separate it out from reality. Had Charlie been real? Had she been able to tell Jack the truth? She opened her mouth to speak.
"Shhh," Jack caressed her face, "just rest. We're back inside. We'll talk later."
Sam swallowed. She wanted to tell him, needed to, but the pull of sleep was too great. Placing a hand on his chest, she felt his heart beating steady and strong. "You," she whispered softly. She couldn't be sure he heard, but everything else faded away as she fell back to sleep, safe in Jack's arms.