After the intense conversation with Jack, Sam needed to seek out Dr. Martinez for an update and some much-needed guidance. She told Daniel she was going out without revealing the destination and headed to the hospital, where she found Dr. Martinez in her office, reviewing some medical files.
"Colonel Carter, come in," Dr. Martinez said warmly as she looked up. "What brings you here?"
Sam sat, her face reflecting the weight of the recent revelations. "I need to update you on the situation and get some advice. It's about Jack... and our marriage."
Dr. Martinez raised an eyebrow but kept her professional composure. "Your marriage?"
Sam nodded. "There were some unexpected developments at the house, and Jack and I ended up in a position where things got physical," Sam said, blushing slightly.
Maria Martinez looked at her with her full attention.
"Go on", she encouraged.
"He remembered that touching me felt natural. Okay. And then we talked. He figured out that we were married. And now I don't know what to do," Sam said.
Dr. Martinez leaned back, considering the information. "I see. How has Jack reacted to this revelation?"
Sam sighed. "He was quite happy. I am, too. See?" Sam showed her the wedding ring on her finger. "But I can tell he's struggling to process it. I am, too, to be honest. This is uncharted territory for both of us, and I'm worried about how it might affect his recovery. I've also told him what year we are on," she admitted.
The doctor looked at her, surprised.
"Oh really? How did he take that?" she asked curiously.
Sam looked down at her hands.
"Not very well as expected. He feels betrayed and angry. We haven't spoken much about it, and I still need to discuss it with General Landry," she said in a low voice.
Dr. Martinez nodded thoughtfully.
"Well, the cat is out of the bag. Medically speaking, I'm relieved. I wasn't entirely comfortable with this situation, but we were ordered to do it, so…" the Doctor said. "Memory loss can be complex, as we discussed before, especially with emotional and personal revelations like this. It's crucial to manage the psychological impact alongside the physical recovery."
Sam leaned forward, her voice tinged with concern. "That's what I wanted to ask you about. How do we navigate this? How do we ensure this new information doesn't hinder his recovery but helps it instead?"
Dr. Martinez took a moment before replying. "Firstly, it's important to keep a supportive environment. Jack needs to feel secure and not overwhelmed by this new information. Have open, honest conversations, but be mindful of his limits since he already feels betrayed for being lied to. Encourage him to ask questions and express his feelings. Try to make the transition to the actual time frame as smooth as possible."
Sam nodded, absorbing the advice.
"So, gradual exposure to the reality of our relationship and the rest, then?"
"Exactly," Dr. Martinez confirmed. "Gradual and gentle. He will probably need time to adjust to the feeling that we kept things from him, so expect some animosity. But you can try to smooth things by engaging in activities that were meaningful to both of you and might help trigger positive memories. Shared experiences can be powerful catalysts for memory recall."
Sam smiled slightly. "That makes sense. We've been to a hockey game, something we used to do together."
Dr. Martinez smiled back. "That's very good. Try to do more things you used to do together as a married couple, but don't forget to take care of yourself, Sam. This is a significant adjustment for you, too. Lean on your support network, including your friends and colleagues. You look exhausted."
Sam took a deep breath, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate your guidance. I'll make sure to talk to Jack and approach this carefully. As for me, I…I'll manage."
Dr. Martinez stood up, offering a reassuring nod. "You're doing the right thing, Sam. Remember, recovery is a journey, not a destination. Take it one step at a time. And we did what we were ordered to do."
Sam stood as well, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Thanks, Doctor. I'll keep you updated on how things progress."
As she left Dr. Martinez's office, Sam felt a mix of determination and hope. She had the plan to help Jack navigate his memory issues while adjusting to the reality of their marriage and the revelation of the year he was living. It wouldn't be easy because he was mad at her, but Sam believed in patience and support. She hoped that Daniel's presence would help to smooth things a little.
While Sam was away, Daniel saw an opportunity to speak with Jack about what had happened the day before and the fact that he now knew he was married. He found Jack seated on a chair in the backyard, seemingly lost in thought.
"Jack," Daniel called out gently as he approached.
Jack turned a faint smile appearing on his face. "Hey, Daniel. What's up?"
Daniel sat next to Jack, looking at him with concern and curiosity.
"I thought we could talk. I know things became even more... complicated, especially with the revelation about you and Sam."
Jack sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Yeah, complicated is one word for it. I feel like I'm missing huge chunks of my own life."
Daniel nodded sympathetically.
"It must be overwhelming. But I want you to know we're all here for you. We'll help you piece everything together, one step at a time."
Jack looked out at the grass, his expression contemplative. "It's not just the memories, Daniel. It's trying to understand the emotions tied to those memories. Knowing I'm married to Sam... but not remembering, it's a lot to process. And knowing that I have four years of lost memories, Christ!"
Daniel leaned forward, his tone gentle but insistent.
"Take it slow, Jack. No one expects you to remember everything overnight. Focus on what you know and what you feel. Those connections are still there, even if the memories are hazy."
Jack nodded slowly.
"I get that. But it's frustrating. Now that I know we are married, I want to be there for her, but I feel like I'm just... not myself."
Daniel placed a reassuring hand on Jack's shoulder.
"You're still you, Jack. You're just going through a tough time. We'll get through this together. And Sam... she understands. She's not expecting you to be perfect. She's been with you since this happened. So, trust me, she understands".
Jack let out a deep breath, nodding.
"Yeah, I know. But finding that we are married and she kept from me such a piece of important information is…fucking…Damn!" Jack hissed, fisting his hands.
Daniel swallowed.
"Look, I can understand the sensation of betrayal, Jack. But talk with her. Please", he almost begged.
Jack put both hands on his head and closed his eyes.
"I can't stay mad with her much time. I love that woman more than anything, and I was an asshole to her. I hate feeling so out of control."
Daniel smiled softly.
"You're a soldier, Jack. You're used to being in control. But this is different. It's okay to lean on us. We've got your back. And you can always apologize to Sam. Talk with her."
Jack opened his eyes and looked at Daniel, appreciating his friend's support. "Thanks, Daniel. I might have to do that if I want to stay married."
Daniel gave a reassuring nod. "She loves you, and you love her. For years, Jack. Way before you two get married. I know. I was there with Teal'c, watching and rooting for you, guys. So, you'll stay married. But, yes, please talk to her," he said.
As Daniel stood to leave, Jack felt a bit of the weight lift off his shoulders. He wasn't alone in this. He had his friends and his wife. They would face this challenge together, just like they always had. He just needed to remember more.
As Sam was driven away from the hospital, her mind raced with the events that had just transpired. She needed to call General Landry and explain what had happened. Taking a deep breath, she took her phone and dialed his number.
The phone rang a few times before Landry answered. "Landry here."
"General, it's Sam Carter," she began, her voice steady but with an undercurrent of urgency. "I need to talk to you about Jack."
There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Go ahead, Colonel."
"Sir, Daniel told me that you planned to come to the house and explain the situation to Jack about the year. But... well, I got ahead of you. I told him the truth myself."
There was another pause, then a sigh. "Explain, Colonel."
Sam closed her eyes for a moment, gathering her thoughts.
"Jack's memory is returning in fragments. Yesterday, he started remembering things about us. We talked, and he figured out our marriage. It was clear he was piecing things together faster than we anticipated. When he confronted me, I felt that continuing the deception would do more harm than good. I had to act, so I told him it's 2008, not 2004."
General Landry was silent for a moment, processing her words. "How did he take it?" he asked, calm and measured.
"Not well," Sam admitted. "He felt betrayed, understandably. He was angry and hurt. But I believe he also understood why we did it, even if he disagrees with our methods."
Landry sighed again, a sound of resignation and understanding.
"I see. This was always a tricky situation. His brain is a valuable asset; we had to handle this carefully. But I trust your judgment, Colonel. If you felt it was the right time to tell him, it was."
"Thank you, Sir," Sam said, relief washing over her. "I didn't want to undermine your plan or orders, but I had to act on what was happening now."
"I understand," Landry replied. "You were on the ground, dealing with the situation directly. Sometimes, we have to adapt to the realities we face. How is he now?"
"He's processing it," Sam said. "He's hurt and angry but also trying to understand. He wants to know everything he's missed, and I promised him no more secrets."
"That's a good start," Landry said. "We'll need to support him through this transition. Ensure the transition is done smoothly so hopefully, he starts to fill in the gaps."
"Yes, Sir," Sam agreed. "I'll keep you updated on his progress."
"Very well," Landry said. "And Sam, take care of yourself too. This has been hard on you, and we need you at your best."
"Thank you, Sir," Sam said, feeling a lump in her throat. "I'll do my best."
They ended the call, and Sam stared at the world outside the window of her armored car, collecting herself. She knew the road ahead would be difficult, but with the truth finally out, they could begin to rebuild trust and move forward. Together.
When Sam returned home, the house was tranquil. The kitchen, living room, and office were empty. As she prepared to open the door to their bedroom, which was now Jack's bedroom, a voice behind her startled her.
"Sneaking around, Ms. O'Neill?" Jack asked in a teasing tone.
Sam's heart jumped, and she let go of the knob, turning around. He was smiling, dressed in a black T-shirt and shorts. Fortunately, his hair had started to grow back, now covering the scars on his head. It was almost entirely gray.
"Jesus, Jack, you scared me," she exhaled deeply.
Jack continued to smile. "Looking for me?" he asked, crossing his arms.
Sam cleared her throat. "Yes. I couldn't find you or Daniel. I thought you had left and was worried."
Jack shook his head. "Daniel left to go buy his brand of coffee. He says what we have isn't coffee," he said, shrugging his shoulders.
"Oh," Sam said.
"Where were you?" he asked, curious.
Sam cleared her throat again. "I was at the hospital. I went to see Dr. Martinez," she admitted.
Jack raised an eyebrow. "And it didn't occur to you that I might also like to go? I thought the secret shit was over, Sam," he said with a warning tone.
Sam swallowed. It had, but she wanted to talk to the doctor alone. She decided to come clean.
"Yes, it crossed my mind, but I wanted to talk to her first. Alone," she confessed.
Jack's eyebrow remained raised, his expression suspicious. "Why?"
Sam looked down, feeling the weight of the conversation. "Can we talk downstairs?" she asked. Having this conversation in the corridor wasn't exactly appealing.
Jack nodded, and they went to the living room. Once there, Sam took a deep breath before sitting down on the couch. Jack followed suit, sitting across from her, his gaze fixed on her.
"I wanted to talk to Dr. Martinez about you, about us," Sam began, her voice steady but soft. "With everything that's been happening, with your memory issues, I needed some guidance. I wanted to ensure I'm doing the right things to help you."
Jack's expression softened slightly, but he still looked suspicious. "And what did she say?"
Sam sighed.
"She said it's important to create a supportive environment for you, that we should take things slow and be patient with each other. That you'll need time to adjust to what I've told you. She also mentioned that engaging in activities that are meaningful to both of us might help trigger positive memories."
Jack nodded slowly, absorbing her words.
"I get that. But why did you feel the need to go alone?"
Sam looked down at her hands for a moment before meeting his eyes.
"Because I'm scared, Jack. I'm scared of doing something wrong, of making things harder for you. I needed to talk to someone who understands what you're going through, and I didn't want to burden you with my fears. You are already mad at me for lying about the year, so…" she didn't finish the sentence.
Jack reached out and took her hand, his touch reassuring.
"Sam, I need you to be honest with me now. And I'm not mad at you. Yesterday… was just a reaction in the heat of the moment. Daniel told me you were against it. Why didn't you say that in the first place?" he asked.
Sam swallowed and blushed at the same time.
"My opinion was dismissed. The President overruled it. You are the Head of Homeworld Command first and my husband second. Priorities", she said in a low voice.
Jack grabbed her left hand, his fingers tracing her wedding ring.
"That might be for the President but not for me, Sam. I'm your husband first and above everything else. Homeworld is just a job," he said.
She smiled slightly, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"I think you greatly underestimate your job and importance, Jack. What happened to you is a perfect example of that. You were targeted by a bomb", she said, looking at their joined hands.
"And before I was Head of Homeworld, I was shot, blasted, bombed, tortured, killed and revived and hit by everything imaginable and unimaginable. That I remember. It is the story of my life, my dear", he said, caressing her hand.
Sam bit her lip nervously.
"So, is that supposed to make me feel better?" she asked, her eyes lifting and looking at his.
Slowly, Jack shook his head.
"No, it's the reality we both live on. We're military, and shit happens. Just that", he said.
Sam closed her eyes.
"I love when you put things so… eloquently. Shit happens", she repeated.
Jack smiled and kissed her hand.
"We'll figure this out together, okay?"
Despite everything, Sam felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Okay," she said, squeezing his hand. "We'll take it one step at a time."
Jack smiled a genuine, warm smile. "One step at a time," he echoed. "Now, how about we make our subpar coffee and talk about those meaningful activities?"
Sam laughed softly, feeling the tension at ease. "Sounds like a plan."
As they moved to the kitchen, Sam felt a renewed sense of hope. They would face this challenge together like they had faced so many before, and with each step, they would find their way back to each other. His memories were somewhere inside his brain, and they would resurface. He would be that tiny percentage that defied the odds and recovered. They had defied the odds their entire lives. This was just another example of it.
As Sam and Jack settled into the living room with their mugs of coffee, a slightly awkward silence hung in the air. Neither quite knew how to start the significant conversation looming.
Jack was the first to break the silence.
"So, about this... memory jogging thing," he began, staring into his coffee mug. "Dr. Martinez mentioned meaningful activities. I guess that includes... us."
Sam nodded, feeling a flush rise in her cheeks. "Yes, it does. But we must figure out what that means for us right now."
Jack leaned back, running a hand through his still terse gray hair.
"Right. So, starting with the basics. Do we take it slow and keep sleeping in separate rooms, or do we, you know, try sleeping together again in my bedroom?" Jack's voice was tentative, his eyes searching Sam's for a hint of her thoughts.
Sam took a deep breath, her mind racing as she chose her words carefully.
"Jack, about that. There's something I need to tell you first," she began, her voice soft but steady.
He looked at her, eyebrows furrowed in confusion, waiting for her to continue.
"This house…" she hesitated, her gaze dropping to the floor before meeting his eyes again, "this house isn't General Landry's house. It's ours. I'm sorry for lying to you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, a look of defeat shadowing her face.
Jack raised an eyebrow, surprise flickering across his features. "Our house?" he repeated, sounding foreign yet oddly comforting.
Sam nodded, the tension in the room palpable. "Yes, our house. Again, we thought it would be best not to confuse you since you thought you were the CO of SGC, and it wouldn't make sense having a house in D.C.."
Jack clenched his jaw as he processed her words. "Ok, that I can understand. To a degree. Are the lies over, or do you have anything else you want to tell me?" he asked, his tone a little colder than he wanted.
She sighed, the weight of the decision evident in her eyes. "No more lies. We didn't want to overwhelm you."
Jack cleared his throat and looked around. The room still felt the same. It didn't felt home.
"Very well. Where is our stuff? The house is practically empty?" he asked, curious.
Sam blushed.
"In storage. I moved almost everything to a storage unit", she explained, avoiding his eyes.
Jack shook his head. "Right. So, we better get them back if I want to feel this like our home," he said with a smile.
Sam swallowed and nodded. "I'll take care of it," she said.
Jack grabbed her hand, and she looked at him.
"I'm not mad, Sam. I don't want to be kept in the dark anymore. That's it", he said softly.
Slowly, she nodded. "Okay".
Jack smiled. "So, we were talking about our sleeping arrangements. What do you want to do, Sam?" he asked.
Till holding his hand, Sam bit her lip as she pondered her answer.
"I want you to be comfortable. This is as much about your recovery as it is about us. I will try sleeping in the same bed to see if it helps jog your memories. But we can take it slow if it's too much, too soon."
Jack looked at her, his eyes searching her face.
"What do you want, Sam? I mean, really want. Not just for my sake."
Sam took a deep breath. That was the most straightforward answer in the world.
"Honestly? I miss you. I miss us. But I don't want to rush things and make you feel pressured. If sleeping together feels right to you, I'm all for it. If not, we can keep things as they are and take it one step at a time."
Jack nodded, his expression thoughtful.
"It's not that I don't want to be close to you, Sam. It's just... everything feels so fragmented. I remember bits and pieces, but there are still gigantic gaps. I don't remember our wedding, for crying out loud, or our honeymoon, if we had one. Did we have one?" he asked, glancing at her.
"We did," she said, not providing more details but blushing.
Jack half smiled. "And I don't remember it. Fuck", he cursed.
"You will, Jack," she said.
He swallowed. He wanted her, but he was also afraid.
"But right now, I don't. And I'm afraid of making things awkward or... disappointing you."
Sam placed her hand on his.
"You could never disappoint me, Jack. I understand this is a process, and you need time to adjust. We don't have to have all the answers right now. We need to be honest with each other and do what feels right."
Jack squeezed her hand, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Honesty. I can do that if you also do that. So, let's try it. Let's sleep in the same bed and see how it goes. If it feels like too much, we'll adjust."
Sam smiled back, feeling a mixture of relief and anticipation. "Okay. We'll take it slow and see how it goes."
They finished their coffee in a more comfortable silence, both feeling the weight of the conversation lift.
When Daniel returned with his freshly purchased coffee, he immediately sensed a change in the air. Walking into the kitchen, he noticed the subtle but significant shift in the dynamics between Sam and Jack. They exchanged silent glances that spoke volumes, and there was a slight but palpable tension, not entirely unpleasant, lingering between them.
Dinner was a quiet affair, filled with meaningful looks and awkward moments. Daniel couldn't help but feel like a third wheel. He quickly finished his meal, aware that his presence might intrude on a delicate moment between his friends.
"Well, I think I'm going to call it a night," Daniel said, pushing back his chair and standing up. "It's been a long day."
"Goodnight, Daniel," Sam said, her voice warm but distracted as she glanced at Jack.
"Yeah, goodnight, Danny," Jack added, giving him a brief smile.
Daniel nodded, hoping he was reading the signs correctly. He felt they had been flirting in their unique, Carter-O'Neill-like way. It was subtle but unmistakable to someone who knew them well.
He retreated to his bedroom, where he grabbed his book about an ancient African tribe, looking forward to some quiet reading. As he settled into bed, he suddenly remembered he had forgotten his noise-canceling headphones.
"Oh well," he muttered to himself, opening the book. "Hopefully, there won't be too much noise."
Daniel hoped his friends would find peace and maybe even happiness tonight. He knew how much they meant to each other, and after everything they had been through, they deserved it.
Meanwhile, in the living room, Sam and Jack lingered over their empty plates, the silence between them no longer awkward but filled with potential.
"That was... a nice dinner," Jack said, finally breaking the silence.
"Yeah, it was," Sam agreed, her eyes meeting his.
Jack reached out, covering her hand with his. "We're in this together, Sam. One step at a time, right?"
"Right," Sam replied, squeezing his hand.
As they cleaned the kitchen together, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and a renewed sense of connection. They moved in sync, their actions fluid and comfortable, as if they were rediscovering a long-forgotten rhythm.
When the chores were done, Jack hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"So, about tonight..."
Sam turned to face him, her expression open and understanding. "Yes?"
"Let's just see how it goes," Jack said, his voice steady but gentle. "No pressure, just... us."
"Just us," Sam echoed, feeling affection for the man before her.
They made their way to the bedroom, side by side, ready to face whatever came next. As they settled into bed, both felt awkward and hopeful. The closeness felt strange and comforting as they lay side by side.
"Good night, Sam," Jack said softly, reaching for her hand.
"Good night, Jack," Sam replied, reassuringly squeezing his hand.
They lay there quietly, holding hands, and slowly drifted off to sleep, feeling a little more like themselves. The uncertainty lingered, but so did a sense of renewed connection.
In his room, Daniel smiled as he read, the faint sounds of the house settling around him. He was glad he had given his friends the space they needed. And with any luck, he wouldn't need those noise-cancelling headphones.