The lights in the briefing room cast long shadows on the faces of the people inside. General Landry sat at the head of the table, his expression grim as Sam's voice echoed in the room. The holographic projection above the table displayed schematics, tactical notes, and personnel files.
"This is what we pulled from Kane's servers," Sam began, her tone steady but urgent. "He's developing a weapon—codenamed Erebus—capable of delivering a naquadah-enhanced payload. If deployed, it could level a city like Denver in one strike."
Landry looked at Sam, clearly confused.
"Are you saying that Quantum entanglement isn't just theory anymore?"
Sam nodded.
"If he gets access to the Quantum Archive at CQS…he'll be unstoppable," Sam admitted.
The room fell into a heavy silence until Landry lifted his eyes again and stared at Sam.
"So, Project Phoenix? How is Kane tied to it?"
Sam hesitated, her fingers brushing over her tablet.
"Tristan Kane was a Pentagon junior scientist I worked with before Stargate. His brilliance came with dangerous ambitions—he wanted to weaponize quantum entanglement for planetary-scale destruction. I reported him, and his discharge followed." Sam's voice wavered slightly, but she continued, "The classified project we worked on, codenamed Phoenix, became the foundation of my company's quantum systems. I thought it was secure." She paused, her throat tight. "Clearly, I was wrong.".
As the words left her lips, a vivid and unbidden memory resurfaced. It was late one night in a sterile Pentagon lab, the air humming with the whir of servers. Sam had been reviewing simulations when Kane approached her, his voice low, almost conspiratorial.
"Think about it, Carter. If we tweak the system just slightly, we could amplify the quantum resonance by a factor of ten. Do you know what that kind of power could do?" His eyes had gleamed with a dangerous intensity.
Sam had frowned, her fingers pausing over her keyboard. "Kane, we're designing this for communication and data encryption, not…" She'd hesitated, the weight of his implication sinking in. "Not for destruction."
"You're thinking too small," he'd pressed, his excitement barely contained. "Imagine what this could mean for national security. For dominance. We'd be unstoppable."
Her voice had been firm as she'd replied, "That's not what this is for, and you know it. If you're even considering taking this to the Pentagon…"
His smirk had been chilling. "Oh, I already have."
The memory dissolved as Sam's gaze dropped to the table, her knuckles whitening as she gripped her tablet. She'd stopped him then, reporting his intentions and ensuring his dismissal. But seeing his name resurface now, linked to the weaponized version of her life's work, sent a shiver down her spine.
Landry's expression hardened as he leaned forward, his hands flat on the table.
"Doctor Carter, let me make this abundantly clear. By your own admission, you used classified information from Project Phoenix to build the foundation of your private company. That's a federal offense, punishable by imprisonment under the Espionage Act. Not to mention, if this gets out, it could trigger a full-scale investigation into the Stargate program itself. Are you prepared to face those consequences?"
Sam's heart pounded, but her voice remained steady. "I acted in the best interests of security, General. The technology I developed at CQS was safeguarded to prevent precisely the kind of misuse we're dealing with now."
Landry's eyes narrowed.
"And yet, here we are. If Kane had succeeded, the blood of countless innocents would be on your hands. This goes beyond your company or your reputation. We're talking about the possibility of dismantling your life's work—your company, your career—if that's what it takes to secure this program."
A cold wave of dread washed over Sam, but she squared her shoulders.
"With all due respect, General, I'm not the one you should focus on. I've worked to stop Kane at every turn. If you want to charge me, do it. But understand this: Kane is gaining ground while you waste time pointing fingers."
Landry's jaw tightened, but Jack's voice cut through the charged atmosphere like a blade before he could respond.
"Whoa, Hank, pump the brakes." Jack's tone sharpened. "Sam's not the problem here. She's stopping Kane from cratering the planet. Maybe rethink who's calling the shots."
Landry crossed his arms, his tone cold and clipped. "Jack, this is bigger than your personal attachments. Doctor Carter crossed a line—one that puts this entire program at risk. I'm not going to look the other way because you think she's indispensable apart from the tiny detail that she is no longer in the Air Force."
Jack's expression darkened, and he stepped closer to the table, his voice low but carrying an unmistakable edge. "With all due respect, Hank, you're barking up the wrong damn tree. Sam's the reason we even have a shot at stopping Kane. Without her, we're all sitting ducks. Do you want to throw her under the bus now? Brilliant strategy."
Landry bristled, his voice rising. "You think I don't understand the stakes? I'm trying to protect this program—our people—from the fallout of her decisions."
"And I'm trying to stop you from making the dumbest call of your career," Jack fired back, his temper flaring. "You really want to drag her through an investigation right now? While Kane's out there, armed with tech that could wipe out half the planet? Maybe take a second to prioritize."
Landry's jaw tightened, but Jack wasn't finished. He jabbed a finger toward his successor, his voice heavy with restrained anger. "Sam has given everything—everything—for this program. For you. Hell, she's probably sacrificed more than any of us combined. And you want to sit here and play judge and jury because she used classified data to stop a lunatic from turning it into a weapon of mass destruction? Are you kidding me?"
Landry leaned forward, his tone dangerously calm. "Careful, Jack. Your loyalty's clouding your judgment."
"My loyalty is the only reason I'm still standing here, Hank," Jack snapped. "If it weren't for Sam, you wouldn't have a program to protect. She's not the villain here, and you damn well know it."
The room fell into a tense silence, the air crackling with unspoken words. Finally, Landry exhaled sharply, his steely gaze fixed on Jack. "This isn't over. If anything goes wrong on this mission—anything—I will hold her accountable."
Jack straightened, his voice cold. "You do that, Hank. But if you come after her without cause, you'll have to go through me first."
Landry's eyes flicked to Sam, who stood silently, her expression unreadable but her grip on the table betraying the strain.
"We'll keep our options open, Doctor Carter," he said, his tone now dangerously calm. "Just remember—this isn't over. Any other information you'd like to share? What else could jeopardize this mission or the people under my command?"
Her lips parted to respond, but a sharp voice cut through the speakerphone on the table before she could react.
"Sorry to interrupt this little Inquisition, but Kane is closer than you think," Natalie interjected, her voice carrying a calculated edge.
Sam caught the faint hesitation in her tone and frowned.
"How sure are you?" she asked, not missing the slight narrowing of Landry's eyes as she adjusted the speaker volume. "Natalie Pierce is my COO. She had been tracking his encrypted transmissions in real time. CQS tech intercepted a spike in his signal activity earlier today, pinpointing his operations at the industrial complex outside Helena."
"That's classified information—how did you—" Landry began, his voice hard.
"It wasn't hard," Natalie said smoothly. "Kane's people use outdated encryption algorithms compared to our systems. Honestly, General, your protocols are... let's say 'vintage.'"
Jack smirked despite the tension while Sam cleared her throat.
"Natalie's been coordinating with me on this since day one. Her team has eyes on Kane's movements, and their system is faster than anything Homeworld has in place."
Landry's jaw tightened, but he nodded curtly.
"Alright, Doctor Carter, we'll set aside the matter of your several classified breaches for now and focus on the task at hand. We'll utilize what resources we can. Jack, your team will lead the operation—Teal'c, Jackson, and Vala will accompany you. Doctor Carter, you'll remain here and oversee coordination with… Natalie Pierce."
"Hold on," Jack cut in, his brow furrowed. "Why isn't Sam coming with the rest of the team?"
Sam kept her gaze on her tablet, her shoulders tightening. Before she could respond, Landry's expression hardened.
"Given what we just uncovered, the answer should be obvious, Jack. For instance, this meeting is just between you, her, and me. Where is the rest of your team, General O'Neill?" Landry asked.
A tense silence followed before he added, "Doctor Carter's role is to monitor the tech and manage comms. She's the best equipped for it, and it's the logical choice."
Jack opened his mouth to argue but stopped at Sam's subtle shake of her head. Her warning look was enough to silence him, though his jaw clenched in frustration.
"Fine," he muttered.
Landry nodded curtly. "You have 48 hours to prepare. Bring Kane in alive if possible. Dismissed."
He left the room, the tension lingering. As the door closed, Sam exhaled shakily, finally letting her composure slip. She felt Jack's presence beside her, gently brushing her shoulder.
"Hey," he said, his voice low and steady. "Don't let him get to you. He doesn't know what you've been carrying—or what you've sacrificed."
Sam's fingers tightened around the table's edge, her knuckles white. She forced herself to meet Jack's gaze, her voice trembling with barely contained emotion.
"Did you know, Jack? About any of this regarding CQS?" she asked.
Jack cleared his throat and cut Natalie's call, leaving them alone.
"I may have talked with Natalie some time ago and pressed for details. She didn't want to tell me, but I can be… persuasive," he admitted.
Sam put her head between her arms and closed her eyes.
"So you knew all along and…" The sentence remained unfinished.
Jack took a deep breath.
"I think we should focus on Kane and don't worry about Landry right now," he said.
"It's not that simple, Jack. If Landry decides to press charges, I could lose everything if this comes out. My company, my career..." Her voice broke, and she hesitated, swallowing hard before continuing in a whisper. "The boys."
The words hung in the air, raw and unguarded. Her carefully constructed walls crumbled momentarily, and the fear she'd held back came rushing to the surface. She glanced away, unable to bear the weight of Jack's steady gaze.
Jack's jaw tightened, and he stepped closer, his voice low but firm.
"You won't lose them, Sam." The words felt like a fragile promise he wasn't sure he could keep. Still, he reached out, his hand brushing her neck in a grounding and comforting gesture. "I won't let that happen. You've got me, okay? No matter how messy this gets, I'm not going anywhere."
Sam's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and she gave a shaky nod, her voice barely audible. "Okay, Jack."
He smiled faintly, the kind of smile that didn't quite reach his eyes but carried its weight. "Look... don't forget you're not alone in this. We've got your back."
A flicker of hope stirred within her for the first time in days. Jack's unwavering support was a lifeline she hadn't realized she needed, and for a brief moment, the storm raging inside her felt just a little more bearable.
The weight of Landry's words lingered like a storm cloud over Sam as she left the briefing room. Jack followed silently, his footsteps a steady counterpoint to her racing thoughts. When they finally arrived at Jack's residence, the sight of the twins racing through the living room offered a brief but welcome reprieve.
Later that evening, the living room buzzed with warmth and chaos. The aroma of freshly baked cookies mingled with the faint scent of pine from the tree in the corner. Jack's house felt alive with the presence of family and friends. The twins' laughter echoed off the walls as they chased each other, their giggles like a melody over the hum of conversation.
"Benji! Jake! Don't run with the cookies!" Sam called from the kitchen, her voice a mix of exasperation and fondness.
The counter was cluttered with mixing bowls, a bag of flour dusting the edges like fresh snow, and the faint clink of a spoon stirring cocoa in a mug added to the domestic symphony. The boys ignored her, their tiny feet padding against the hardwood floors as they darted around the couch.
"Boys!" Jack's voice boomed from the doorway. The twins froze mid-step, their eyes wide, crumbs tumbling from their tiny hands. "What did your Mom just say?"
Benji's bottom lip quivered. "Not to run with cookies?"
Jack gave them a mock glare before ruffling their hair. "Good answer. Now sit."
The twins scrambled onto the couch, their earlier mischief giving way to obedient grins. Jack turned toward the kitchen, pausing briefly.
"Need a hand, Carter?" Jack asked, his tone light but watchful.
Sam shot him a glance. "Always."
The kitchen's warmth was a stark contrast to the chill outside. Vala wandered in, holding up a photo of Jack in full uniform.
"Is this from your SG-1 glory days?"
Jack groaned. "Put that back."
"Why? You look very dashing," Vala teased, earning a snicker from Daniel, who sat at the dining table nursing a cup of tea.
Teal'c, ever the observer, raised an eyebrow. "I fail to see how this photograph contributes to our mission."
"It doesn't," Sam muttered, sliding a plate of sandwiches onto the counter.
Jack leaned against the fridge, arms crossed. "Alright, listen up, folks. We've got 48 hours to get ready for the Kane op. That means no distractions."
Vala pouted. "You're no fun, Jack."
Sam sighed, brushing a stray hair from her face as she leaned against the counter. The hum of the coffee machine filled the momentary silence, blending with the faint crackle of the fireplace. "Let's just get through dinner without any more disasters."
The warmth of the family dinner faded as Sam's phone buzzed sharply against the counter, the name "Landry" glowing ominously on the screen. Jack's face tightened as he reached for it, signaling an unspoken shift. Within minutes, the dining table—once set for sandwiches—was covered in glowing schematics and tactical maps, the air heavy with anticipation.
As Sam leaned over her laptop, the steady hum of Jack's presence behind her grounded her amidst the chaos of Kane's encrypted movements. The room's tension mirrored her racing thoughts, bridging the line between personal stakes and professional duty.
Meanwhile, Jack wrestled with balancing his role as a mission leader and the turmoil of home life. The house bore scars from the recent attack—every window shattered, its jagged edges letting in the winter chill. Repair crews worked tirelessly to restore some semblance of normalcy, their hammers and drills a constant backdrop to the tension. The noise and disruption only added to the chaos, but no other option existed. The gunfire had left the house exposed and vulnerable—a reminder that the enemy had come far too close.
For Jack, the added stress was palpable. Every decision he made felt like a tightrope between his duty to the mission and his responsibility to protect what mattered most—his family and Sam. He stole glances at her when he could, noting the set of her jaw, the tightness in her posture. He knew she was shouldering more than she let on, and it gnawed at him that he couldn't shield her from it.
Teal'c stood near the window, his stoic presence a quiet anchor amidst the chaos. Vala sat cross-legged on the floor, flipping through a stack of papers with exaggerated disdain.
"I don't see why we're not just storming in and taking Kane down," Vala said, tossing a sheet onto the coffee table. "It's not like he's got a Goa'uld mothership parked in the backyard."
Teal'c raised an eyebrow, his tone calm but firm.
"Underestimating one's opponent often leads to failure. Kane's strength lies not only in his resources but in his ability to anticipate such impulsive actions."
Vala groaned, flopping back dramatically. "Fine. But if we're taking the cautious route, I demand snacks. Strategic planning is exhausting."
Teal'c's lips twitched, the closest he ever came to a smile. "I shall procure sustenance."
Jack shook his head as he left for the kitchen, muttering, "And you say I'm the babysitter."
As the twins settled for bed that evening, Sam sat on the porch, her laptop again on her knees. Jack joined her, a beer in hand. The cool night air carried the scent of damp grass and wood smoke, and the faint sound of crickets filled the silence.
Jack leaned back in his chair, breaking the quiet. "So, you're mad I knew?"
Sam's fingers froze over the keyboard. "Knew what?" she asked sharply.
"About the Quantum Archive. About how it's tied to Project Phoenix," Jack admitted. He took a slow sip of his beer, his gaze steady on hers. "That Natalie told me."
Sam's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes narrowing. "When?"
"A few months back," Jack said, his tone carefully neutral. "I pushed her for answers. Something felt off. Gut instinct. Didn't like the idea of you carrying all that weight alone."
Her jaw tightened, and she closed her laptop with a sharp snap. "And you didn't think to tell me? To ask me directly?"
"You've got enough on your plate," Jack said. "I figured it wasn't my place to bring it up unless it became relevant. Like now."
Sam's voice was low, but the anger was unmistakable. "Jack, this isn't just some small detail. It's my life's work. My responsibility. You went behind my back."
Jack's expression softened, but he didn't look away. "I didn't mean it like that. I wanted to understand what you were up against so I could help if it came to that. And guess what? It's come to that."
Sam stood, crossing her arms as she stared down at him. "You don't get to decide what I can or can't handle. That's not your job."
Jack leaned forward, setting his beer down. "You're right. It's not my job. But it is my choice. I chose to know so I could have your back when needed, even if you don't want to admit you need it."
Her gaze faltered momentarily, the weight of his words sinking in. She sat back down, her arms loosening. "I… I don't know what to say to that."
Jack's voice softened. "Then don't say anything right now. Just know I'm here, Sam. Always have been, even if you didn't notice."
She nodded slowly, her voice barely audible. "Okay. But next time, tell me first. No more surprises."
Jack smiled faintly. "Deal. But it goes both ways."
"Deal," she echoed, her shoulders relaxing. For the first time that evening, the tension between them eased, leaving room for the quiet rhythm of the night to take over.
Later, as Jack went inside, Sam stayed on the porch, her phone in hand. She hesitated before dialing Natalie's number. The line barely rang twice before Natalie picked up.
"Boss," Natalie said, her tone brisk but unsurprised. "I figured I'd be hearing from you tonight."
"You told Jack about the Quantum Archive," Sam said, her voice sharp and controlled. "Without consulting me. Without informing me, your boss, about what you were doing. Care to explain?"
"It wasn't exactly a secret," Natalie replied unapologetically. "And frankly, Sam, someone had to know. You can't keep carrying this alone. Being a martyr is exhausting—for you and everyone around you."
Sam's grip on the phone tightened. "That wasn't your decision to make."
"Maybe not," Natalie admitted. "But it needed to be done. Jack's got your back, and whether you like it or not, you need someone watching your six, divorced or not. You can't handle the whole world on your own, Sam. It's too much."
Sam closed her eyes, her jaw clenched. "You overstepped."
"And you're welcome," Natalie said coolly. "Now, are we done here? Or do you want to argue about how I'm right some more?"
Sam took a deep breath, letting the anger simmer below the surface. "We're done."
"Good," Natalie said before the line disconnected.
Sam lowered the phone, staring out into the darkness. The weight on her shoulders felt no lighter, but Natalie's words lingered, uncomfortably true.
The evening before the mission, the team gathered around the dining table for what Jack jokingly referred to as their "Last Supper." Vala raised a glass of soda, her tone mock-serious.
"To our fearless leader, General O'Neill, who will undoubtedly take all the credit if we succeed and blame us if we don't."
Jack rolled his eyes. "Touching, Vala. Really."
Teal'c inclined his head solemnly. "Indeed, O'Neill. Your leadership has often defied conventional wisdom—with mixed results."
The table erupted in laughter, and Sam even smiled a little despite the weight of the upcoming mission. Vala leaned closer to Daniel, stage-whispering, "See? He's secretly a fan of mine. Stoic approval and all."
Daniel sighed. "I'm pretty sure that's not what he meant."
Teal'c's eyebrow arched. "It is not."
Vala waved him off, undeterred. "Details."
The team's plan came together quickly. Using the intel Sam and Natalie had decrypted, they identified the weak points in Kane's stronghold. Jack, Teal'c, Daniel, and Vala would infiltrate, while Sam, backed by Natalie, provided real-time updates from Jack's house in connection with Homeworld.
"The objective is clear," Jack said during the final briefing. "Capture Kane, secure the weapon, and get out. No unnecessary risks."
Teal'c inclined his head, his deep voice cutting through the tension.
"If I may, O'Neill. Kane is well-guarded, but his security measures reveal overconfidence. He underestimates the strength of a united team. We must use that to our advantage."
Jack exchanged a glance with Teal'c and nodded.
"Agreed. We'll use their arrogance against them. You take point, T. Your instincts have saved us more times than I can count."
Teal'c's gaze shifted briefly to Sam and Daniel. "And they shall again." His words, though calm, carried an unspoken reassurance. The team felt the weight of his confidence as a steadying force.
Vala tapped her pen against the table, her brow furrowed as she studied the map.
"Alright, so we're sneaking in, grabbing the bad guy, and getting out. Easy peasy."
Teal'c corrected her without missing a beat. "Our objective is to secure Kane and neutralize his weapon. Ease is not guaranteed."
Vala smirked. "Well, aren't you a ray of sunshine? Fine, but when we're done, you're buying dinner."
Teal'c regarded her with an almost imperceptible nod. "If that is the cost of success, I find it acceptable."
Jack leaned back in his chair, grinning. "I'd pay to see that."
Vala smirked. "And I'll make sure Daniel doesn't wander off."
Daniel rolled his eyes. "I don't wander."
Jack sighed. "Alright, kids, save it for the mission."
Sam watched them go, her heart heavy. As much as she trusted Jack and the team, the thought of sitting on the sidelines gnawed at her. But she knew Landry didn't trust her, and she had a crucial role.
As the transport left Homeworld, Sam turned back to her laptop. The mission had begun, and she wouldn't let anything slip through the cracks.
The cool night air hung heavy with tension as Jack, Teal'c, Daniel, and Vala crept closer to Kane's stronghold. The abandoned military outpost loomed ahead, its rusted towers silhouetted against the moonlight. Jack's voice came low and steady over the comms.
"Carter, we're in position. Any movement?"
Sam's voice was calm but focused in his ear. "Two guards on the north perimeter. Heat signatures suggest more inside. Be careful, Jack."
"Copy that," Jack replied, motioning for the team to advance.
Teal'c dispatched the first guard with silent efficiency, his staff weapon delivering a single precise blow. Vala darted forward, her movements quick as she subdued the second guard with a well-placed stun shot from her sidearm.
"Remind me again why we don't have cloaking devices?" Vala muttered under her breath.
"Because they are unavailable," Teal'c replied simply.
She rolled her eyes. "Well, that's just lazy planning."
Jack's voice came over the comms. "Keep it down, kids. This isn't recess."
Vala smirked, but she kept her steps light. "You're no fun, Jack."
"And yet here I am, keeping you alive," Jack replied.
Teal'c's gaze didn't waver from their path. "Remain focused, Vala Mal Doran. Distractions may lead to failure."
"Oh, I'm focused," she shot back. "Focused on not getting caught."
The compound's corridors were dim and narrow. Machinery hummed faintly in the distance. Jack motioned for the team to halt. Ahead, muffled voices echoed.
"Carter, status?" he whispered into his comm.
Sam's voice came through steady. "Two guards, north corridor. You've got a blind spot at 15 meters. Move now."
Jack nodded. The team advanced, their movements tight and synchronized. Teal'c led, his gaze scanning for threats. A door came into view. Jack gestured for Daniel to set the charges. Daniel crouched, his fingers moving quickly to attach the explosives.
Footsteps approached. Jack raised his hand, signaling silence. Teal'c stepped into the shadows, his body tense. The guard turned the corner. Teal'c struck—quick and precise. The guard fell without a sound.
"Charges set," Daniel whispered.
"Move back," Jack ordered. The team retreated to a safe distance.
"Ready, Carter," Jack said into the comm.
"Detonating in three... two... one."
The explosion was sharp and controlled. Smoke billowed as the door blasted open. Jack led the charge. Inside, the room glowed with the eerie light of Kane's naquadah-powered machine.
"On me," Jack barked. The team spread out, covering every angle. Kane stood at the far end, flanked by armed guards. His smug grin faltered as Jack raised his weapon.
"This ends now, Kane," Jack said, his voice hard.
Gunfire erupted—the team dove for cover. Bullets ricocheted off metal surfaces. Sparks flew. Teal'c's staff weapon fired, its blasts precise. Vala returned fire, her movements agile as she ducked behind a console.
"Carter, we need a route out!" Jack shouted into the comm.
"Working on it," Sam replied, her fingers flying over her keyboard.
Kane's guards fell one by one. Jack's aim was sharp. Focused. He advanced, his weapon never wavering. Kane backed into a corner, his expression twisted with fury.
"You think you can stop this?" Kane sneered. "Carter's precious company? Crushed. Your boys? They'll grow up hearing about how their father failed to protect them. And Carter herself…" His voice dipped into a sinister tone. "Well, let's just say she'll wish she stayed out of this."
Jack didn't flinch, but his resolve hardened. "You talk too much," he muttered.
Kane sneered, raising his pistol slightly. "Go ahead, General. Pull the trigger. But remember this—you're not saving the world. You're just delaying its inevitable destruction."
Jack fired without hesitation, the sharp crack of the gunshot cutting through the room. Kane staggered, his weapon clattering to the floor as he crumpled.
Teal'c placed a hand on Jack's shoulder.
"You acted swiftly and decisively, O'Neill. His threats will no longer be carried out."
Jack nodded but said nothing, his jaw clenched as he stared at Kane's lifeless form. Vala moved to retrieve the weapon schematics from the console, her usual banter absent as the gravity of the situation sank in.
"Mission secured," he said into the comm, his voice low but steady. "Carter, evac now."
"Copy that," Sam's voice replied, calm despite the tension cracking. "Route's clear. Get out now."
The team moved swiftly, retracing their steps through the compound. Smoke and echoes of the fight lingered in the air. Outside, the cool night greeted them. The SUV waited, engines running.
Jack glanced back at the compound, his jaw tight. "Let's go."
They piled in. The vehicle roared to life, speeding away into the night. The mission wasn't over. But they had won this round. The SUV's tires crunched on the gravel as it sped away from the compound, the tension in the vehicle thick and unspoken. Hours later, back at Homeworld Command, the team's exhaustion mirrored the weight of their report. Kane's demise might have been decisive, but the threads of his network still hung loose, fraying their sense of resolution.
Back at Homeworld, as the team debriefed, Vala leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed, her expression mockingly serious.
"So, when do we get our medals?" she asked, arching a brow.
Daniel groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"It wasn't about medals, Vala. It was about—"
"Saving the world. Yes, yes, very noble," she interrupted, waving him off with a dramatic flourish. "But a little recognition wouldn't hurt, would it?"
Teal'c inclined his head, his tone as steady as ever. "Recognition is not necessary when one is committed to the greater good."
Vala pouted, slumping theatrically in her chair. "Easy for you to say, big guy. You get all the cool lines."
Jack gave her a warning glance, his voice firm but tinged with amusement. "Alright, enough. Let's stay focused here."
General Landry cleared his throat, his commanding presence instantly quieting the room. "The data from Kane's operation revealed a web of connections," he began, his expression grim, "leading to higher powers. This suggests the mission might not be over."
The team exchanged uneasy glances as the implications settled over them. Sam, focused intently on her laptop, barely registered Landry's words until Natalie's voice crackled through her headset.
"I'm flagging some interesting anomalies here, boss. Kane's not just working alone—there are encrypted references to other players. High-profile ones."
Sam frowned, leaning closer to the screen. "How high-profile?"
"Think domestic," Natalie replied, hesitating before adding, "And maybe closer to what you think."
Sam's stomach sank, her fingers tightening on the edge of the keyboard. "Anything traceable?"
"Not yet," Natalie admitted. "But this isn't just about Kane anymore. We're looking at a network."
Sam's voice tightened, and a quiet determination underscored her words. "Keep digging, but don't share this with anyone else yet. I need to figure out how to present it to Landry."
"Understood. But tread carefully, Sam. This might be bigger than even you can handle," Natalie warned, her voice softening.
"Let's keep that between us for the time being," Sam said quietly, glancing up just in time to catch Landry's suspicious gaze.
"Anything you would like to share with us, Doctor Carter?" Landry asked, his tone cold and clipped.
Sam hesitated for a fraction of a second before shaking her head.
"No. It's just a software update. Not relevant," she lied smoothly.
Landry dismissed the team with a curt nod, but the tension in the room lingered long after everyone filed out. Jack stayed behind, leaning heavily on the table's edge as his thoughts churned. The soft sound of footsteps pulled him from his reverie. Sam approached, her expression unreadable but her touch gentle as she rested a hand on his arm.
"You did what you had to," she said in a low voice.
Jack looked at her, the weight in his chest easing slightly at her presence. "Doesn't mean it feels right."
The team finally gathered outside the debriefing room, their silence heavy with the weight of the mission. Jack leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching Sam busy herself checking data on her tablet. For a moment, the tension broke as Vala nudged Daniel with a teasing grin.
"So, any bets on who'll mess up the next mission first? My money's on you, my dear husband," she quipped with a playful smirk.
Daniel rolled his eyes, sighing deeply. "You do realize we're trying to save the world, right? Not everything is a competition."
Vala grinned mischievously. "Oh, but it's more fun when it is."
Teal'c's deep voice cut through their banter, his tone calm yet commanding. "The success of this mission relied heavily on the unity of our team. We should take a moment to reflect on that."
Jack smirked, his arms still crossed. "T's right. As much as it pains me to admit, you all did good out there."
Sam glanced up from her tablet, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Coming from you, Jack, that almost sounds like a compliment."
"Don't let it go to your head, Carter," Jack shot back, though his tone was lighter now.
For a brief moment, their camaraderie eased the lingering tension. It wasn't a resolution, but enough to remind them why they fought—not just for the mission but for each other.
Later that night, the house was unusually quiet. The twins were asleep, and the rest of the team had given Sam and Jack some much-needed space. Sam sat on the porch, hunched over her laptop, the faint glow casting soft shadows across her tired face. Her arm, still in its sling from the recent mission, rested awkwardly on the table beside her.
Jack stepped outside, a beer in hand. Without a word, he sat beside her and held it out. She glanced at him, offering a faint smile before returning her gaze to the screen.
"Anything new?" he asked, nodding toward her laptop.
"Just the same tangled mess," she replied with a sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Kane might be gone, but the fallout is just beginning."
The steam from a forgotten cup of tea curled upward on the table, a quiet reminder of the tension lingering in the air. Jack leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "We'll get through it, Carter," he said softly. "One step at a time."
"I supposed…" she said without conviction.
"You've been quiet," Jack said finally, his voice breaking the stillness without looking at her.
Sam glanced up, her lips pressing into a thin line.
"I've been thinking."
Jack turned, putting his empty beer on the table.
"Dangerous habit."
She almost smiled but didn't.
"Lots on my mind, and one of the topics isn't your favorite," she said slowly.
Jack waited.
"The Archive isn't just a breakthrough for Carter Quantum Solutions, Jack. It's… it's my way of moving forward. Of proving to myself that I can build something that helps people instead of destroying them."
Jack looked at her, puzzled.
"You already proved that a hundred times over, Carter. The Stargate program, everything you did to keep Earth safe—none of that screams 'destruction' to me."
Sam bit her lip.
"But Kane—what happened with him, what he did with my research—" She faltered, her voice breaking. "I can't get past the idea that if the Archive were ever weaponized, it could be worse than he tried to do."
Jack leaned forward, his tone soft but firm.
"You didn't create Kane's twisted ambitions, Sam. He made his choices. And yeah, your work is powerful, but it's not a weapon. Not unless someone makes it one—and you moved heaven and earth to stop that from happening."
Sam looked down at her hands, her voice barely a whisper.
"He's dead, Jack and his plans are gone, but I can't shake the guilt. I should've seen it coming. I should've stopped him before it got that far. And I still don't know if he acted alone."
Jack gently placed a hand on her good shoulder.
"You can't carry the weight of his sins, Sam. You did everything you could then and are doing everything you can now to ensure your work isn't misused. That's what matters. Not him, not his failures—you."
Sam met his gaze, a flicker of determination returning.
"I just need to make sure it stays that way. No matter what it takes."
Jack nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.
"And you will. After all, you have a solid track record for saving the day."
She gave him a tentative smile, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"So what else have you been thinking about?" he asked, curious.
Sam looked down immediately, avoiding his eyes.
"About the boys. About you. About... us."
His posture stiffened slightly, and for a moment, Jack said nothing. Then, with a sigh, he leaned back on the chair.
"All right. Let's have it, Carter."
Sam's fingers traced the edge of her cup, her eyes focused on the movement.
"This arrangement—me staying here while I recover—it's temporary, right?"
Jack tilted his head, his gaze steady. "That's what we said."
"But what if..." She hesitated, searching for the right words. "What if it doesn't have to be?"
Jack's brow furrowed, his expression unreadable.
"You're talking about staying longer?"
"I'm talking about what's next," she clarified, her voice soft but steady. "For the boys. For us. This... this isn't just about my injury. Being here, with them, with you... It's made me realize how much I've missed."
Jack crossed his arms as he studied her.
"Sam, we've been down this road before. Hell, we've been through it, around it, and back again. And it didn't work. What makes you think it'll be different now? We've talked about this before."
She met his gaze, her blue eyes filled with vulnerability and determination.
"Because I'm different now. And so are you."
He snorted softly, though there wasn't much humor in it.
"Yeah, well, life has a way of doing that to people."
"Jack," she said, her tone imploring, "I'm not saying we just go back to how things were. That's impossible. But we're still a family, no matter what's happened between us. Just like the boys need both of us, Jack, the Archive needs me to make things right. I can't let either of them down again."
"And what about what we need, Sam?" Jack countered, his voice quieter but no less intense. "You think just being here is going to fix everything? Because it won't."
"I know that," she admitted. "But we owe it to ourselves and them to try. If we keep avoiding this, pretending everything's fine, we just let the past win."
Jack looked away, his jaw tightening as he stared into the dark backyard. The weight of her words settled over him, heavy and undeniable. Finally, he sighed and turned back to her.
"So, what's your plan?" he asked. "Move back in and hope for the best?"
Sam shook her head. Her therapy sessions had helped her see things more clearly, making her realize things that should have been obvious but never were until now.
"No. I think we start by figuring out how to be... us again. Not the people we were before, but the people we are now. And if that means staying here for a while, I'm asking for that."
Jack leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees as he held her gaze.
"So, you're asking me to take a chance—on us?"
"I am."
The silence stretched between them for a long moment, charged with unspoken feelings and the weight of their shared history. Finally, Jack exhaled, a faint, reluctant smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Well," he said, "you've always been pretty persuasive."
Sam released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, a tentative smile breaking through. "So, is that a yes?"
He studied her, the weight of their shared history filling the space between them. Finally, he reached out, his hand covering hers.
"Let's take it one step at a time, Carter, just like we've always done. We focus on what matters—those boys inside, this mission, us—and we don't look back."
Sam reached out, her hand brushing against his. "Jack, if we're going to do this, we can't just fall back into old patterns. We have to learn from them. Be better."
He locked eyes with her, his expression softening. "We will. Because this time, we're not doing it alone. This time, it's not just you and me—a team."
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and she squeezed his hand. "You always know what to say, don't you?"
He grinned a spark of mischief in his eyes. "It's one of my many talents."
The faint glow of Sam's laptop lit the porch as Jack sipped his beer, their worries still hanging between them like the night mist. Inside, the laughter of the boys had given way to quieter sounds. But by the time they returned indoors, it was clear Benji's earlier silence had morphed into something heavier—a storm waiting to erupt.
Sam stood in her son's doorway hours later, watching Benji sleep fitfully. Jake was sprawled across his bed, snoring softly, but Benji's brow was furrowed even in sleep. Her chest tightened as she stepped closer, brushing a hand over his damp curls.
"I'm here, Benji," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'm not going anywhere."
The boy stirred but didn't wake, his small hand curling into a fist against his blanket. Sam sat on the edge of his bed, watching him with guilt and determination.
Jack echoed in her mind: "One step at a time."
But as she sat there, the weight of everything unsaid and unresolved pressed heavily on her. One step at a time might not be enough—not when the cracks in their family felt so vast.
She leaned down, pressing a kiss to Benji's forehead.
"I'll fix this," she promised. "I'll fix us."
Outside, the wind howled softly, carrying the unspoken doubts in her heart. And yet, as Sam sat with her son, she knew that no matter how daunting the road ahead, she wouldn't stop trying.