The following morning, Jack paced the living room, his eyes scanning Sam's face for any sign of a decision. Their tension was palpable, and their unspoken concerns werehanging heavy. Sam sat on the edge of the couch, her hands resting protectively over her abdomen, lost in thought.

Jack broke the silence first.

"So… what now?" His voice was careful, cautious. "You've got a lot going on, Sam. I mean, we can't just ignore it."

Sam sighed, running her fingers through her hair.

"I know," she whispered, her voice soft but tinged with anxiety. "I've been thinking, and I… I want to talk to Janet. She knows my body better than anyone elseand is my friend. I trust her."

Jack raised an eyebrow.

"You do realize she's also military, right? Working at the SGC. This is not exactly something we can keep from the higher-ups forever."

Sam looked up, her gaze determined.

"I know. But I believe she will if I ask her to keep it confidential. I need her medical opinion before we make any decisions. She's not just my friend; she's one of our best doctors. And I can't go through this without her."

Jack paused, crossing his arms as he considered her words. "You're sure? It's a big risk."

"I'm sure," Sam nodded, her voice firm. "She'll understand."

A few days later, Sam was on a flight to Colorado Springs, the familiar trip passing by in a blur. Her mind raced with what-ifs, her fingers gripping the airplane chair as she tried to focus. She hadn't told Jack the real reason for this trip yet—this wasn't just about her health. It was about the future she hadn't yet come to terms with.

When the taxi pulled to Janet's house, the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the suburban street. Sam sat in the car momentarily, taking a deep breath before gathering the courage to knock on the door.

Janet opened it, smiling warmly as she welcomed Sam inside.

"I was surprised when you called. Everything okay?"

"Yeah," Sam replied, her voice shaky as she entered the cozy house.

"I just… I needed to talk to you. Unofficially."

Janet's smile faded slightly as she picked up on the seriousness in Sam's tone.

"Unofficially? Okay." She led Sam into the living room, gesturing for her to sit down. "Cassandra's away at college, so we've got the place to ourselves. What's going on? Is this still about Atlantis?"

Sam hesitated, her fingers tracing the edge of her jacket.

"No. I—I'm pregnant."

The words hung in the air momentarily, and Janet's eyes widened in shock.

"Pregnant?" she repeated, stunned but quickly breaking into a smile. "Sam, that's incredible! I mean… wow. I didn't see that coming. Congratulations!"

Sam gave a small, nervous laugh. "Yeah, neither did I."

Janet leaned forward, her expression softening.

"How are you feeling about it? I mean… honestly, I had great doubts you could get pregnant, especially after Jolinar, but I'm so glad you are," Janet said with a relieved voice.

Sam swallowed.

"I know. You warned me and…I never expected to get pregnant also. So it was…a shock," she admitted.

Janet grabbed her hand.

"Ok. Let's get down to practicalities. You're pregnant, and you're 38 now, Sam. It's a bit different, health-wise. But you're in great shape, and you've always been tough."

"That's part of why I'm here," Sam said, her tone serious. "I need your medical opinion. I've already been feeling… off. More tired than usual, nauseous, and just... different. I want to ensure everything's okay, but I need this to stay between us. At least for now."

Janet nodded, understanding immediately.

"Of course. I'll run whatever tests you need, and we'll make sure everything is fine. But, Sam…" she paused, studying her friend's face. "What's really bothering you? There's more, isn't there?"Janet's understanding and support were like a warm blanket, comforting Sam in her time of need.

Sam's breath hitched as she leaned back, her hands unconsciously resting on her stomach.

"Janet, I've been offered command of the Hammond."

Janet's eyes widened again.

"The Hammond? That's huge, Sam! But… wait, you're pregnant. How does that fit in?"

Sam shook her head, her voice trembling.

"It doesn't. And I've already decided—I will refuse the command."

"What?" Janet's voice was filled with disbelief. "But, Sam, this is a massive opportunity! You've always wanted a command like this."

Sam's eyes filled with unshed tears as she looked down.

"I know. But I'm 38, pregnant for the first time, and scared out of my mind. How can I accept a command when I'll have to step aside the moment my pregnancy prevents me from going into space? It doesn't make sense. It's better to refuse now before it gets complicated."

Janet sat back, stunned by Sam's confession.

"I can see the logic in that, but… does Jack know?"

Sam shook her head.

"No. And that's the other part. Even if I weren't pregnant, I'm not sure I'd want to go. Janet, I think I'm done with space."

Janet was momentarily speechless, processing the gravity of Sam's words.

"Done with space? What do you mean?"

Sam's voice cracked as she spoke, her emotions finally breaking through.

"I've spent so much time out there, risking my life, pushing myself to the limit. Atlantis was a good experience, but it also showed me how much I miss and need to be with him. And now… I just don't know if I have it in me anymore. Especially not with a baby on the way. If the only thing they have left to offer me is more time in space, then… maybe it's time to walk away. Maybe it's time to quit the Stargate Program."

Janet's eyes widened, shock evident on her face.

"Quit the program? Sam, you can't be serious. You've given so much to this—to SG-1, to Atlantis, everything we've accomplished."

"I know," Sam whispered, tears finally spilling over. "But I'm exhausted, Janet. I've seen so much, done… and now I'm looking at this little life growing inside me, and I just… I don't know if I can keep doing it. I don't know if I want to."

Janet was silent for a long moment, the weight of Sam's confession settling between them. Finally, she leaned forward, placing a hand on Sam's knee.

"I get it, Sam. You've been through more than anyone could imagine. And if you're saying you're done, that you need a different path, I'll support you. But you need to talk to Jack. You can't make this decision without him."

Sam wiped her tears, nodding slowly.

"I know. But what if he doesn't understand? What if he still wants me out there, fighting alongside him?"

Janet gave her a small, reassuring smile.

"Jack loves you, Sam. He'll understand. You just need to give him a chance."

Sam took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her decisions but also feeling a sense of clarity.

"You're right. I'll talk to him. But first, I want to know if my baby is all right."

After her late-night talk with Janet, Sam slept restlessly on Cassandra's bed. Her mind was swirling with thoughts of her pregnancy, the Hammond assignment, and the upcoming conversation with Jack. The morning light creeping through the curtains stirred her awake. Janet was already up, preparing coffee in the kitchen.

"Morning," Janet greeted, handing Sam a cup. "You look like you didn't sleep much."

Sam smiled weakly, accepting the mug. "Just a lot on my mind."

Janet nodded, pulling a chair across from her. "Are you ready for today?"

Sam sighed, taking a sip of coffee. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Sam arrived at the SGC feeling a mixture of nerves and relief. Her visit was unofficial, and she hoped to slip in and out as undetected as possible. But she was obliged to meet at least one person. As she approached General Landry's office, she took a deep breath, knocking softly before entering.

"Colonel Carter," Hank Landry greeted, standing up from his desk. "I didn't expect to see you today."

Sam smiled.

"Just a quick visit, Sir. I wanted to check in and see Janet. My last stay here was…well, a little awkward, to put it mildly."

Hank Landry gestured for her to sit.

"Of course, it's always good to see you, Colonel, and yes, Wolsey was an asshole. How's everything since your return?"

Sam forced a polite smile.

"Everything's fine, Sir. I'm just adjusting back to life here. I hope I'm not intruding."

"Not at all," Landry reassured her, studying her carefully but not pressing for details. "You're always welcome here, Sam."

Relieved that he didn't suspect anything, Sam stood.

"Thank you, Sir. I won't keep you any longer."

Landry nodded, his warm smile lingering as she left his office. Her heart pounded with anxiety, but fortunately, SG-1 was off-world, and she wouldn't have to explain her unexpected visit to them.

Janet managed to get Sam into the infirmary without much fuss, guiding her to one of the private rooms at the back.

"Okay," Janet said, pulling out the necessary equipment. "Let's run these tests and check your hCG levels to understand better how far along you are."

Sam lay back on the examination table, trying to calm her nerves.

"Thanks, Janet. I didn't want to do this anywhere else. I just… I trust you."

Janet smiled, her expression soft.

"I'm glad you do, Sam. Now, let's see what we're dealing with."

The test was quick but nerve-wracking. Sam watched Janet work, her fingers fidgeting nervously. After a few moments, Janet straightened upand looked at the results.

"Well, your hCG levels confirm you're around six weeks pregnant," Janet said, making notes on her clipboard. "You'll need to schedule a proper prenatal appointment at about nine weeks."

Six weeks... Jack had made one of his "surprise visits" to Atlantis just before the IOA summoned her back to Earth. It hit her then—their baby had been conceived in Atlantis. Wow.

Sam's anxiety bubbled over.

"Wait, Janet. I don't want anyone else involved in this. I trust you, and only you. I'm not ready for the SGC or anyone else to know. When the time comes, I'll return here as your patient."

Janet's brows furrowed with concern, but she nodded.

"I get it, Sam. I'll keep this between us for as long as possible, but you need to understand… once this becomes official, I can only do so much to protect your privacy."

"I know," Sam whispered, her voice tight with emotion. "But I'm not ready for the world to know yet."

Janet sighed, resting a hand on Sam's shoulder.

"Alright. I'll do my best to keep things quiet for now. But in the meantime, you must start caring for yourself."

Janet walked over to a small cabinet and pulled out a bottle of prenatal vitamins, handing them to Sam.

"Start taking these. They have folic acid, which is crucial for developing the baby's neural tube."

Sam stared at the bottle, her mind racing. "Right… vitamins. Got it."

"And," Janet continued, her tone becoming more serious, "you need to watch your diet. A balanced one—rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. You must avoid certain foods like raw fish, unpasteurized dairy, and high-mercury fish like swordfish."

Sam frowned, shifting uncomfortably.

"I'm not particularly keen on any of those."

Janet crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Do you want to have a healthy baby?"

Sam blushed, biting her lip. "Of course I do."

"Then this isn't up for debate," Janet said firmly. "End of discussion. Blue Jello isn't food, got it, Colonel? And you'll need to minimize your caffeine intake, too."

Sam winced. "No more coffee?"

Janet smiled sympathetically. "Not entirely, but try to keep it to one cup a day at most."

The weight of Janet's words sank in, and Sam realized just how much her life was about to change. The gravity of her pregnancy—something that had seemed so abstract before—was now undeniable. Janet saw the worry flicker in her friend's eyes and stepped closer, pulling her into a tight hug.

"You're going to be okay, Sam," Janet whispered. "We'll get through this."

Sam hugged her back, grateful for the support.

"I know. And… I'll talk to Jack. Soon."

The flight back to Washington D.C. was quiet, but Sam's mind was anything but. Gazing out the window at the clouds drifting below, she replayed everything Janet had said.

She had to tell Jack. The thought of it twisted her stomach with a mix of anxiety and dread. How would he react? Would he support her decision to refuse the Hammond command? Would he understand her need to stay grounded?

Sam's hand instinctively rested on her abdomen, a subtle but protective gesture. She couldn't avoid the conversation forever. Jack deserved to know the truthabout the baby andeverything she'd been holding back.

Her thoughts drifted to the life growing inside her, and for the first time, a small smile tugged at her lips. Despite the uncertainty and fear, she wanted this baby—more than she had realized.

By the time the plane landed, Sam had made up her mind. The moment she stepped foot in their home, she would sit Jack down and tell him everything—her decision about Hammond, her fears, her hopes, and the future she wanted for them.

It was time to face the truth. Together.

Jack sat behind his desk at Homeworld Security, his eyes fixed on the screen of his computer, but his mind was elsewhere. The file before him—a detailed report on the latest mission in the Pegasus galaxy—blurred into nothingness as his thoughts circled back to Sam. To the baby. He leaned back in his chair, exhaling heavily, rubbing his temples as he stared at the ceiling.

The Air Force had made it clear that they intended to reward her for her years of service, impeccable leadership in Atlantis, andcontribution to the Stargate program. They weren't entirely off the mark—The George Hammond command was a huge honor. She'd be the first woman to command a Daedalus-class ship. But it wasn't just the prestige that weighed on Jack's mind. It was everything else—Sam had been dismissed from Atlantis, the Air Force's timing, and now... the pregnancy.

A baby.

The idea had started small, a fleeting notion that barely took root. But it was growing, blossoming into something more real than anything he'd ever imagined. Samwaspregnant with his child. A future he hadn't dared to dream about: Jack's heart fluttered, and for a moment, he allowed himself to sink into the blissful thought of it—a baby. A little piece of them both, a new life. He wondered what it might be like to hold that baby for the first time, see Sam as a mother, and witness their child's first steps, words, and everything.

Jack O'Neill, a father again.

He smiled to himself, feeling an unfamiliar warmth spreading in his chest. This was more than he had ever hoped for. Pure bliss. He hadn't planned on any of this when they started sleeping together—God knows their lives were already complicated enough—but now that it was happening, now that Sam was carrying their child, everything else paled in comparison.

Sure, the cherry on top of his cake would be for her to agree to marry him, but Jack knew better than to push that right now. She was already dealing with so much—her dismissal from Atlantis, the baby, the Air Force breathing down her neck with their damn Hammond command. Marriage wasn't crucial at this point. They'd get there eventually, on her terms—one day.

A guy could dream.

Leaning forward, Jack opened his computer again and began reviewing the personnel files, his eyes scanning through names, looking for anyonewho could take the Hammond command instead of Sam. It wasn't that she wasn't capable—God, no. She was the most capable person he knew. But these were extraordinary circumstances, and he couldn't stand the idea of her being pulled away from Earth, him, and their child.

His hand hovered over the mouse as he searched the list of potential candidates. No one seemed to fit the bill quite like Sam did. And that was the problem. The Air Force wasn't just handing her any command—they considered this a promotion, a reward. They believed it was the best they could offer her, and to be fair, it was a prestigious role. Sam had earned it and then some.

Jack let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. He needed a way out for her, but discreetly. She had asked him to interfere, but he was the Head of Homeworld Security, and he knew he had plenty of eyes on him. Eyes that didn't like him at all. So he had to be discreet, very discreet, like a black ops sting from the old days.

But no matter how much he tried, there wasn't anyone quite like her. And the Air Force seemed dead-set on her taking this command. Leaning back in his chair again, Jack closed his eyes for a moment, trying to clear his thoughts, but all he could picture was Sam—Sam, standing on the deck of the Hammond, looking out into the vastness of space. And then Sam, her hand resting on her belly, her brow furrowed in contemplation, as she dealt with the reality of her pregnancy.

The phone on his desk rang, jolting him out of his thoughts. He grabbed it without checking the ID, his tone distracted.

"O'Neill."

"Hey, Jack," Sam's familiar voice came through the line, and Jack immediately straightened in his chair.

"Sam! Everything okay?" His voice was sharp with concern, but he softened it quickly, clearing his throat.

"I'm fine," she reassured him, though there was a hint of something in her tone—fatigue, maybe. "I just landed, and I'm heading home. The visit went well. I'll tell you all the details when I get there."

Jack's heart skipped a beat. "You're home?"

"Almost," she said, and he could hear the soft sound of traffic in the background. "I'll be there soon. Thought I'd let you know."

"Thanks," he replied, his voice gruff but warm. "I'll be waiting."

As soon as he hung up the phone, he froze. The idea of seeing her, hearing about the visit, the test results, and everything else she'd gone through hit him like a ton of bricks. She was coming home. And how the hell was he supposed to get anything done now that he knew that?

No chance.

He snapped his laptop shut and gathered his things in a rush.

"Jennifer," he called to his secretary as he exited his office.I have to leave for the day. If anything important comes up, contact me on my cell."

Jennifer looked up from her desk, surprised by the sudden departure, but she nodded quickly. "Of course, General. Anything specific you'd like me to follow up on?"

"Nope," Jack said, already moving toward the elevator. "Just... cover for me."

She blinked, then smiled slightly, her eyes following him as he disappeared down the hall.

In the backseat of his car, Jack leaned forward slightly, his leg bouncing with impatience. He instructed his driver, "Head home. And make it fast."

The car shot forward, efficiently navigating the streets of Washington D.C., but to Jack, it felt like an eternity. He drummed his fingers on his knee, his mind racing with what awaited him at home. How was he going to handle this conversation? The last thing he wanted was to make Sam feel pressured or overwhelmed, but he also knew they needed to be on the same page. This wasn't just about her assignment or her career—it was about their lives now—their family.

A family. Jack swallowed hard, feeling that warmth spread through his chest again. He could picture it so clearly now—a little kid running around, making a mess of things, Sam laughing as she tried to wrangle them in, and him... well, being the goofy dad. It wasn't a life he'd ever pictured for himself before, not really. But with Sam? It was all he wanted.

He checked his watch as they neared the house, the minutes dragging painfully. When they finally pulled into the driveway, Jack didn't even wait for the driver to stop entirely before he opened the door and stepped out. His heart pounded as he approached the front door, fumbling with his keys. As soon as he stepped inside, he could hear the familiar sound of Sam's footsteps upstairs.

"Sam?" he called out, his voice echoing slightly in the quiet house.

"Up here!" she replied, her voice floating from the bedroom.

Jack dropped his things at the door and took the stairs two at a time, his heart racing from the climb and anticipation of what was coming next. When he reached the bedroom, he found her standing by the window, looking out, her hand resting on her still-flat abdomen. She turned when she heard him, a soft smile on her lips.

"Hey," she said quietly, her eyes searching his.

Jack crossed the room in two quick strides, pulling her into his arms.

"Hey yourself," he murmured into her hair, holding her close. He could feel the tension in her body, the weight of everything she'd been carrying. "Tell me everything."

Sam leaned back slightly, her gaze locking with his.

"I will," she promised, her voice soft but steady. "But first... let's sit. This might take a while."

Jack nodded, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and dread. Whatever was coming next, they'd face it togetherbecause that's what they did. Always.