When the doorbell finally rang, signaling Daniel's arrival, Sam took a deep breath and steeled herself. Jack's face lit up with a mix of hope and uncertainty as he went to greet their friend. Sam followed, her heart pounding with anticipation and dread.
"Jack"
"Daniel."
"Jack."
"Space monkey," Jack greeted him with a strong and hesitant hug. "It's good to see you."
"It's good to see you too, Jack," Daniel replied warmly. "How are you holding up?"
Jack shrugged. "It's been tough. But I'm glad you're here. I think… I think it'll help."
Sam watched the exchange, feeling a flicker of hope. Maybe they could make some progress with Daniel here. Maybe things would start to get better.
Daniel looked at Sam and tried to disguise his shock. She was a shell of herself, and the sight broke his heart. Since the last time they had a video call while she was in Atlantis, she had lost weight and had dark circles under her eyes, which meant she wasn't sleeping. He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug.
"Oh, Sam," he whispered next to her ear, holding her tight.
Sam tried to hold back her tears, but she couldn't. Daniel had always been close to her and had a particular way of reaching her. She started to cry silently in his arms. Daniel held her tighter, to the increased surprise of Jack, who watched from across the hallway.
Alarmed, Jack stepped forward.
"What's wrong? Why are you crying, Carter?"
Jack never dealt well with a crying Samantha Carter, and it seemed that memory or not, this fact remained unchanged. Sam tried to get herself together, but the harder she tried, the more she cried.
Daniel tried to ease the tension. "It's okay, Jack. She's just tired."
Despite Daniel's words, Jack was getting increasingly worried. First, Daniel was holding Carter too tight, and second, Carter was crying. What the hell was going on?
"Tired? Since when does Carter cry when she's tired?" Jack's voice was starting to edge toward a threatening tone.
Sam knew that tone, even if Jack didn't remember. She quickly tried to regain her composure, wiping the tears from her cheeks.
"I'm okay," she said, her voice shaky. "Daniel is right, Sir. I'm just tired and happy to see Daniel. I haven't seen him in a long time," she added, momentarily forgetting her role.
Jack raised an eyebrow, confusion and suspicion mingling on his face.
"What do you mean? You're both in SG-1..."
Sam and Daniel exchanged a quick, worried glance, which Jack noticed. His confusion rapidly transformed into fury.
"Will somebody explain what the hell is going on here? First, the 'all hands hugging' and then the 'eye thing'… Are you two sleeping together?" Jack asked, his voice rising as he fisted his hands.
Sam paled, and Daniel blushed, the accusation hanging heavily. Daniel took a deep breath, stepping back slightly.
"Jack, it's not what you think. Sam and I—"
Sam, too shocked by the accusation, interrupted, her voice firm but soft, "Daniel and I are not sleeping together. We've been through a lot recently, and it's taken a toll on all of us. That's all."
Jack's face softened slightly, but beneath the surface, a storm brewed. Confusion and anger mingled with a dark, primal instinct, making his muscles tense and his jaw clench. The mere suggestion of Carter and Daniel being together stirred something inside him, something dangerous and lethal.
As Sam and Daniel exchanged worried glances, Jack struggled to contain the violent impulses surging within him. His thoughts swirled with irrational jealousy and betrayal, emotions he couldn't quite comprehend but felt with a terrifying intensity.
Sensing the shift in Jack's demeanor, Daniel took another cautious step back, his eyes darting between Jack and Sam. He recognized the danger lurking behind Jack's facade of control, a darkness he had seen in his friend on rare occasions. All those occasions involved Sam somehow in distress.
Sam, too, felt the weight of Jack's unspoken fury bearing down on her. She knew Jack was grappling with a torrent of emotions he couldn't articulate, and she feared the consequences if he lost control, mainly because he had no memory of why he was reacting like this.
Jack's grip on reality teetered on the edge of a precipice in that tense moment. He wrestled with the demons whispering in the recesses of his mind, urging him to lash out, to inflict harm on the person he considered a brother.
But just as quickly as the darkness threatened to consume him, Jack's rationality prevailed. He forced the dangerous impulses back into the shadows with a deep breath, locking them away behind a steel barrier of self-control.
With a clenched jaw and a steely resolve, Jack turned to face Sam and Daniel, his expression a mask of strained composure. Though the storm still raged within him, somehow, he knew he couldn't let it consume him.
"Then why the secrecy? Why the looks between you two?" Jack asked, his voice strained but steady.
Sam and Daniel exchanged a relieved glance, grateful for the reprieve from the tension that had gripped the room moments before.
"Jack, it's complicated. You don't remember a lot, and we're trying to figure out the best way to help you without overwhelming you," Daniel tried to explain.
Sam nodded in agreement.
Jack's expression shifted to one of frustration mixed with helplessness. He hated feeling out of the loop, especially regarding his former team.
Frustrated, Jack sighed. "I just want to understand what's happening. I hate not knowing." And he hadn't liked seeing Daniel holding Carter that close. Not at all.
Daniel placed a reassuring hand on Jack's shoulder.
"We know, Jack. We're here for you, and we'll get through this together. But you have to trust us."
"We're a team, Sir. Always have been and always will be. We're not giving up on you," Sam said softly, her eyes glistening again with tears. She just wished he remembered something about them, their love, their marriage. Something.
Jack looked between Sam and Daniel, his anger slowly dissipating as he saw the genuine concern and care in their eyes. He nodded slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing. Maybe he was seeing too much into what was a normal situation, but he still had a nagging feeling about it.
"Alright. I trust you both... don't keep me in the dark, okay?"
"We won't. We promise," Sam and Daniel said in unison, the lying coming out naturally.
The three stood there momentarily, the weight of the situation heavy but shared among them.
As they settled in for the evening, the atmosphere felt slightly lighter for the three. Jack was more engaged and hopeful, and Sam allowed herself to believe, if only for a moment, that they were on the right path. But deep down, she knew the journey was far from over, and she steeled herself for the challenges ahead.
Sam showed Daniel to his room, hoping to give him space to settle in after their emotional reunion. As she descended the stairs, she found Jack in the living room, pacing back and forth with agitation.
"Are you alright? Sir?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.
Jack stopped abruptly, turning to face her with a troubled expression. "You know you can tell me, Carter," he said slowly, his eyes searching hers.
Sam furrowed her brow in confusion. "Tell you what?" she asked, her heart rate quickening.
Jack cleared his throat, his gaze intense.
"If you and Daniel are dating. Since you ditched the cop," he said, his tone tinged with bitterness.
Sam's breath caught in her throat. This wasn't happening. She felt a surge of panic rising within her, threatening to overwhelm her.
"I'm not dating Daniel. I've never dated Daniel, and I'll never will. I don't love him," she said in a tense tone, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jack took a step closer, stopping just inches away from her. His eyes darkened with a mixture of frustration and anger.
"He's civilian, Carter. No chain of command in the way," he said, his words hanging heavy in the air.
Sam swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in her throat. She knew what Jack was implying, which terrified and thrilled her simultaneously because it might mean he was returning to his memories. To the time when she had stopped keeping her feelings for him buried deep beneath the surface, hidden from everyone, including herself. And he had done the same.
But as Sam thought better, she realized that he was only implying. He didn't remember. In the end, he was only jealous of Daniel. It was just his male pride.
And then, in a moment of desperation, she lost it. She lost all the composure and objectivity she had kept so tightly gathered. Without another thought, she cupped Jack's face, pulling him close.
Their lips met in a fervent kiss, a collision of emotions that had been building for far too long. Sam kissed him rawly, pouring out all the love and longing she had buried in her heart for the sake of his recovery.
It was a kiss filled with desperation and longing, a silent plea for understanding and forgiveness. And in that fleeting moment, as their lips melded together in a passionate embrace, the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them lost in each other's embrace.
But even as the kiss deepened, Sam couldn't shake the nagging fear lingering in her mind. What if Jack didn't remember? What if she had just ruined everything?
As they finally pulled apart, breathless and shaken, Sam searched Jack's eyes for any sign of recollection. To her surprise, she only found a flicker of something she hadn't seen in a long time: amusement.
He was broadly smiling at her, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Well, Colonel Carter, isn't this a surprise?" he asked, his tone teasing.
Sam's heart shattered into a million pieces when she realized he hadn't remembered and their shared moment moments ago hadn't jogged his memories. She took a few steps back, but his hands on her waist prevented her from moving any farther.
"Not so fast," he said, his voice soft but firm.
Sam swallowed hard, struggling to control her emotions as his touch sent a jolt of conflicting sensations coursing through her.
"You know this is a court martial offense?" he continued, the smile still lingering on his lips.
She lowered her head, fighting back the tears threatening to spill over.
"Yes, Sir. I apologize," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jack wet his lips, still tasting her lingering kiss. "Don't," he said, his tone unexpectedly gentle. "I quite enjoyed it."
Sam swallowed again, her eyes still fixed on the floor. His words sent a surge of mixed emotions coursing through her veins—hope, confusion, longing, and heartache, all swirling together in a tumultuous storm.
"So, no cop, no Daniel, and you decide to go after your CO?" he asked, his fingers absentmindedly playing with the fabric of her blue shirt.
Sam felt like she was on the verge of falling apart. Her world was crumbling around her, and she couldn't bear the thought that her impulsive actions might have ruined his recovery. She dreaded to think that even her marriage could be at risk.
"You are free to report me," she said, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion.
At that moment, Sam would have willingly left the house and faced any consequence, even the prospect of imprisonment, although she knew it wasn't possible since they were married. But Jack didn't remember their shared past, unspoken connection, or her feelings for him. He acted like a CO; she was a subordinate who had crossed the frat rules—only that and nothing else.
But to her surprise, Jack smiled and let her go. Sam remained rooted to the spot, her legs feeling like they might give out beneath her.
"I'm sure it was just a slip on your part," Jack said, his expression curious. "Right, Colonel?" he asked, a note of uncertainty creeping into his voice.
Sam forced herself to nod, her throat constricting with unshed tears.
"Yes, Sir," she managed to choke out before turning and fleeing the room, desperate to escape the suffocating weight of her rash actions.
She ascended the stairs to her room, each step feeling like an eternity as she battled to hold herself together. Finally reaching the sanctuary of her room, she collapsed onto the bed, tears streaming down her cheeks unchecked.
In that moment of solitude, she allowed herself to grieve for the love that remained locked in a fog of lost memories and for the unbearable pain of loving someone who couldn't remember. She felt like drowning.
As Jack and Daniel sat down for dinner alone, the atmosphere in the house felt heavy with unspoken tension. Unaware of what had happened between Sam and Jack, Daniel had glanced towards Sam's closed bedroom door before coming to the kitchen, his concern evident in his brow furrow.
"Jack, shouldn't we try to get Sam to join us for dinner? She's been cooped up in her room all evening."
Jack sighed, pushing around the food on his plate. "I tried talking to her earlier, but she said she wasn't feeling well. I don't want to push her if she's not up to it."
They hadn't spoken since the unexpected kiss in the living room, and Jack was still trying to sort out what had happened. It had confused him even more, and his brain, already a mess, was trying to sort out what that meant. Maybe it was better if she stayed in her room.
Daniel nodded, understanding Jack's reluctance to force the issue. But he couldn't shake the feeling of unease settling over him.
"Do you think it has something to do with what happened when I arrived?"
Jack glanced up, his expression unreadable. "Maybe. I don't know. Things have been... complicated since we've moved to this house."
Daniel nodded in agreement, knowing the toll the situation probably took on Sam's mental and emotional well-being. And she couldn't exactly share it with Jack.
"Changing subjects. About your attack, have you had any flashes of memory? Anything that might help piece together what happened?"
Jack shook his head, frustration evident in his voice. "Nothing. It's like trying to grasp at smoke. Every time I think I'm getting close to remembering something, it slips away."
Daniel reached out a comforting hand, placing it on Jack's shoulder. "It'll come back, Jack. Just give it time. And in the meantime, we'll be here to help you through it."
Jack managed a small, grateful smile, appreciating Daniel's unwavering support.
"Thanks, Daniel. I'm glad you came."
Daniel returned the smile, a glimmer of hope shining in his eyes. "We're in this together, Jack. Always."
"So, where's Teal'c? Why didn't he also come?" Jack asked.
Daniel swallowed and provided the answer that General Landry had given him.
"Teal'c is currently off-world, dealing with some issues with the Jaffa Council. His presence was urgently required there."
Jack nodded, not looking entirely satisfied.
"Alone? Because you are here, and Carter has been here since God knows when…" he said, sighing.
Daniel played with his food.
"He went with Master Bra'tac," Daniel confirmed, hoping to end the discussion.
Jack nodded, and they continued their meal. As the evening wore on, Jack and Daniel found solace in each other's company, knowing that no matter what obstacles lay ahead, they would face them as a team. Even if it was not the entire team Jack wanted, it was better than having just Carter and that nurse.
Jack and Daniel sat in the living room, the soft glow of the television casting flickering shadows across the walls. Jack fidgeted with the remote, his mind racing with questions and suspicions. It had been weeks since he had last set foot outside the house, weeks since he had seen or heard anything beyond the carefully curated world Sam had created for him.
"Daniel," Jack began, breaking the uneasy silence between them. "I need to know what's going on out there. What's happening at the SGC?"
Daniel shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his gaze darting away from Jack's probing stare. "Uh, well, you know, Jack, things have been... busy," he stammered, his voice faltering.
Jack raised an eyebrow, his suspicions growing with each passing second.
"Busy? What does that mean, Daniel? Off-world missions, what? Give me something here. I'm stuck in this house with nothing but reruns of games to keep me company. I need to know what's going on in the real world."
He had lost his memory, but Jack wasn't stupid. Despite the gaps in his recollection, he possessed a sharp intuition that cut through the carefully constructed facade around him. It didn't take long for him to realize that the news broadcasts on the television weren't live. They were carefully selected recordings.
Jack had caught glimpses of the ticker at the bottom of the screen, the dates flashing rapidly. It was clear that he wasn't watching real-time TV. Someone controlled what he saw, feeding him information in carefully measured doses. But why?
As he sat in the living room, the realization settled over him like a heavy blanket. He wasn't just physically confined to the house; the information—or lack thereof—he was being fed was chilling. It left him feeling even more isolated and vulnerable.
Daniel sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"Look, Jack, I wish I could tell you more, but... things are complicated right now. A lot is happening, and I'm unsure how much I can say."
Jack's frustration boiled to the surface.
"Dammit, Daniel, are you or aren't you my friend?
Daniel cleared his throat.
"Of course, I'm your friend, Jack," he said, determined.
Jack stared him in the eyes.
"So, as my friend, tell me what's going on. I need information, and I need it now. What are you hiding from me?"
Daniel hesitated, his eyes darting nervously around the room. "I'm not hiding anything, Jack. It's just... sensitive. And you are on medical leave."
Jack clenched his jaw, his mind racing with possibilities. He had always trusted Daniel implicitly, but now, with so much uncertainty surrounding him, he couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. That there was more to this than meets the eye.
"Fine," Jack said, his tone terse. "You don't want to tell me, like Carter. I get it. But don't think this is over, Daniel. I will find out what's going on one way or another. And don't forget that I'm the CO of SGC!"
As Daniel watched Jack storm out of the room, a knot formed in his stomach. He knew he couldn't keep up the charade forever. Sooner or later, Jack would uncover the truth. And when he did, there would be consequences. Daniel only hoped they wouldn't be too damaging and unrecoverable.
Daniel dialed General Landry, his fingers tapping nervously against the phone as it rang. The line clicked open.
"General Landry here," came the gruff, familiar voice.
"General, it's Daniel," he began, his tone urgent. "I believe we have a problem. Jack is getting too suspicious about the whole '2004' scenario. Something needs to be done."
There was a heavy sigh on the other end of the line. "How's Colonel Carter holding up?" Landry asked.
"She's stressed, General. I just arrived, but you can see it on her face. Things are tense between them. Jack's frustration is mounting, and Sam looks utterly exhausted."
Daniel hesitated, not mentioning Jack's jealousy incident. The last thing they needed was another complication.
General Landry's voice turned resolute.
"Very well. I guess your presence there was indeed necessary to give another assessment of the situation apart from Colonel Carter. I was afraid she was letting her feelings get in the way and taking too long to make exactly the call you made on your arrival. I don't blame her; she's been through a very complicated scenario, and Jack is her husband", Landry said.
Daniel listened without comments.
"We will inform Jack of the real date. We had already discussed this decision with his doctors and Colonel Carter before. When he woke up and didn't remember the year, the President vetoed any intel for security reasons. His brain is too valuable to be messed with, considering the Ancient knowledge he carries. All caution is not enough."
Daniel listened intently as Landry continued. "So, we decided to play along, pretending it was 2004 until he got better. But if he's not getting better and starts to get suspicious, it can backfire on us. Tremendously. The President gave me the authority to assess when it would be the right time to tell him the truth. From what you're telling me, Doctor Jackson, we are at that point."
Landry's tone was decisive. "I'm coming to the house as soon as possible to talk with him. Inform Colonel Carter about the change of plans."
"Understood, General," Daniel replied, feeling a knot of tension in his stomach. They hung up, and Daniel took a deep breath. "Holy shit, this is going to be one hell of a conversation," he muttered to himself.
He needed to warn Sam that a storm was heading their way—another one.