I hope people are still reading this … I know it's been forever since I posted. Lots happening in RL so my apologies. I do plan to finish this shortly. Vini
It was very early morning by the time they arrived in Hjem. Jack had barely slept while Sam and the boys had all been dead to the world for most of the trip back. After what they'd been through, it wasn't surprising that they were exhausted. The truth was, so was he – but he knew that he couldn't – wouldn't – sleep until they were all safely home.
He hoped the boys would be okay, although he knew that what they'd been through had been terrifying and traumatic. He'd have to make sure to spend lots of time with them, reassuring them that they were okay and that the "bad man" was gone, never to return.
"You okay there, Willem?" Jack asked softly. He'd offered to drive, more than once, but his friend had refused.
"I am well, Jack," Willem answered. "Tired, but we'll soon be home, and I plan on spending the day in my warm, soft bed."
"You and me both," Jack smiled. "But first, I could eat a hor - ur rouncey!"
"You eat rouncey's?" Willem asked, sounding outraged, although Jack knew he was just teasing.
"Just an expression," Jack told him, with a grin. "I'm sure they'd be tuff as heck."
"Mmm hmm. I expect so. The fact is, I was dreaming of Magrit's lemon cake," Willem said wishfully.
"You are a cruel, cruel man," Jack answered. Just then he felt Sam move and heard her take a deep breath. She had been curled up beside him the whole way home with Simon on his other side, snuggled tightly against him. Jankin had crawled up onto his lap and was still sound asleep. Jack was totally squished, but the three bodies kept him warm – both physically and emotionally. He had needed the comfort of physical touch after the terrors of the day.
"Hey, you awake?" he asked as Sam started to stretch.
"Wha - ?" a bleary voice answered. She moved a bit more and finally seemed awake. "Where are we?"
"Almost home – another ten, fifteen minutes I think. How are you feeling?"
"Okay," she answered, although she was frowning slightly. "Stiff, sore and I have to pee. I'm also hungry."
"You and me both." At her quick look he grinned. "All of the above," he explained, "and at least you don't have a little body kicking you in the kidneys!"
She returned his grin and stretched again. It was true – she was stiff and sore, and everything ached, but she was also strangely happy. Maybe it was because she'd been able to sleep curled up next to the Colonel. There was something oddly comforting about that. And then there was the fact that they'd been saved from a madman. Life was sweet.
"We're just arriving," Willem told them. "I am happy you are well, Samantha. We are glad you and the boys were found safely."
"Thank you for all your help, Willem," Sam told him.
"You are welcome," the man answered. "You and Jack are part of our community now and we look after our own."
Sam and Jack both smiled, realizing that what Willem said was the truth. They were part of the Hjem community.
Willem drove up the street towards Ethan's place. Sure that things would be quiet – it was, after all, still before dawn – they were all surprised to see the crowd outside the house.
"What the heck?" Jack asked, sitting up straight. At his movement Jankin squirmed and let out a small cry. A moment later Simon started to stir.
"Willem, do you know what's going on?" Jack asked. It was slightly hard to see things from the back of the cart.
Willem turned around and grinned. "You have a waiting committee," he told them. "Abel and Hiram obviously told everyone Samantha and the boys were found safely."
A few minutes later Willem pulled up in front of the merchantile. A group of people surged towards the cart, but then paused and pulled back slightly, allowing Ethan and Magrit to rush forward.
"You are safe!" Ethan cried, tears running down his cheeks. The two little boys called out to their grandfather and would have vaulted from the cart if it wasn't for Jack and Sam holding them back.
"Would someone open the cart," Jack called. His arms were full of little boys, so he had to wait for someone to help.
A couple of minutes later and Ethan was standing at the back of the wagon, his arms wrapped around his grandsons. The two boys were crying and holding onto him tightly.
"They weren't hurt," Jack told Ethan quickly. "Just scared."
Ethan nodded. "Hiram told us. Thank you, Jack and Samantha. I heard that you defended my grandsons. I will never forget this. And thank you for all you did also, Willem and to Hiram and Abel and all those who helped. We owe you a debt of gratitude."
"We are just happy we were able to find them and bring them back safely," Jack said with a smile as he climbed from the wagon. He turned and helped Sam, who was struggling with stiffness and with her bad leg. Once she was on the ground, although leaning against him, he turned to the older man.
"We love the boys and there was no way I was going to let anyone hurt them, or Sam."
Ethan nodded and gave Jack a wobbly smile. It was clear that the worry and waiting had taken a lot out of the old man.
Soon the rest of the people who had been waiting drew near and all spoke at once. It was a bit overwhelming, and Jack would have loved some peace and quiet (and a soft bed) but his heart was also touched by the number of people who cared.
Magda and Magnus, Kristiana, Abel, Hiram, Doc Marcus, his wife Estella and many, many more were standing and welcoming back the lost. Jack was surprised when Kisamor stepped forward and enveloped him in a tight hug.
"Okay everyone," Hiram's voice suddenly pierced through the noise. "I know Jack and Samantha appreciate everyone's welcome, but I suspect they're pretty tired and I know the boys need some quiet. I want to thank everyone for all your help. We were fortunate to be able to find Samantha and the boys, and that they were unhurt. Please, go to your homes and rest. You all did great work tonight."
"What about the man who took them?" someone from the back of the crowd cried. "Are we in danger?"
"No," Hiram answered. "The man is gone and will not return."
"How do we know he won't be back?" Matilda, the neighborhood busybody cried out. "What if he returns to capture one of us?"
Hiram shook his head and then motioned for Jack to take Ethan and the boys inside. It was only as they were entering the house that he turned back to the crowd. "Leron Dalig was the man who kidnapped the boys and Samantha," he told them. "He has been responsible for many other crimes and was wanted in many other jurisdictions. During the course of the rescue, Dalig was killed," Hiram told the crowd. "I was present, and it was a clear case of self-defense. No charges will be laid, and we do not have to worry about him ever returning to hurt one of our citizens. Justice has been served."
Many in the crowd nodded, and no one seemed worried that the criminal had been killed. Violent crime, like the ones committed by Leron Dalig – or his brother and their friends, were almost unheard of on Varid and the fact that he could no longer harm any of them was a relief. Hiram was positive that no one would make an issue of Leron's death.
Jack ended up carrying Jankin into the house, with Magrit following with Simon, his hand held firmly in hers. Sam walked beside Kisamor, who offered her arm for Sam to lean on. The truth was her leg was killing her, and she had a terrible headache. All she wanted to do was sleep.
"You're almost there," Kisamor told her gently. "You are doing so well, Samantha Carter."
"Uh – I'm sorry," Sam said, feeling totally out of it. "But – do I know you?"
Kisamor smiled and patted Sam's hand. "I am sorry," she said. "How rude of me. My name is Kisamor. I know Jack."
"Oh, uh – can I ask how?"
"He is a friend. He comes to my home and has tea with me. He is a fascinating man, and if I was 40 years younger, I might fight you for him!"
"Uh -fight me? But – Jack isn't – I mean, we're friends – nothing more."
Kisamor just smiled, and patted Sam's hand again. When they reached the front room, Sam took the nearest chair and collapsed, giving the older woman a smile and nod of thanks.
Jack sat on the settee with Jankin in his arms. Simon had crawled up beside him and put his arms around Jack's middle. The boys were clearly upset and overwhelmed.
"I think I should take them to bed," he said softly to Ethan and Magrit. "They need to sleep."
"Jack, first I would like to speak with them, if I may?' Kisamor pulled up a chair and seated herself right in front of Jack. "The poor mites have suffered, and I think need some healing."
Jack looked at the woman who had helped him so much, and simply nodded. Sam looked at him in surprise, but then figured Jack knew what he was doing. She just watched and listened.
Ethan relaxed slightly at Kisamor's words and Magrit smiled. Sam looked between them and realized she was missing something. She turned again towards Kismor and waited.
"Hello Simon," the older woman said, "And hello Jankin. How are you feeling?"
Jankin shrugged and leaned into Jack, only one eye visible. He seemed to be keeping that eye on Kisamor, clearly unsure of who or what this was. Simon buried his face in Jack's side and wouldn't move.
Jack sighed and looked at Kisamor in confusion. "I don't -"
"Do not worry, Jack," Kisamor told him. "It will be fine."
Jack nodded, knowing he could trust this woman. He glanced down at the boys and wondered what was next.
Kisamor started to speak softly to the two boys, only asking very simple questions. She didn't want to upset them, but knew it was important they deal with any trauma now, before it had a chance to take hold.
Soon, the two boys were talking about their adventure. There were a few sniffles, and a couple of moments where the audience thought the boys would break down, but they kept it together. Simon did most of the talking, with Jankin throwing in a few words now and then.
"And Auntie Sam hitted him with a BIG rock," Simon said, sounding excited rather than upset.
"It went "crack"," Jankin added.
"I see – and what happened next?"
"The bad man tried to hurt Auntie Sam, but then Uncle Jack walked in and he fighted with him and he made the bad man go to sleep."
"Uh – to sleep?" Kisamor asked.
"Uh huh," nodded Simon. "I told Uncle Jack to get the bad man, and he did!"
"And I's was a good boy," Jankin added. "I was weally, weally qwiet – just like Auntie Sam said."
"Were you?" Kisamor asked gently, with a smile. "What a good boy you were – both of you. I'm sure Uncle Jack, Auntie Sam and your Grandpa are all very proud of you!"
The three adults mentioned all loudly agreed, bringing smiles to the boys' faces.
"Can you tell me what happened after Uncle Jack put the bad man to sleep?" Kisamor asked.
"The bad man squished him, but then Uncle Jack got up. Mr. Greenbul, and Matteo's daddy and the other man were all there to help. We went with Uncle Jack and Auntie Sam to the wagon and came home." Simon stopped and then frowned. "Where is the bad man? He won't come to get us again, will he?"
"No, he's never coming back," Jack squatted down beside Kisamor and spoke to the boys. "I promise you – cross my heart," he said, fitting actions to his words. "He will never come back."
Simon nodded, trusting his Uncle Jack completely. Jankin stared for a moment and then grinned. "He's gone 'way fowEVER," he cried.
Jack smiled. "Yup – forever." He glanced at Kisamor, who smiled and gave Jack a sharp nod.
"Just one more thing," she said. "Magrit – do you have my tea?"
"Right here," Magrit walked over with a tray. On it were four cups, each containing some of Kisamor's special tea.
"Uh – I don't know if the boys -", Jack started to say, when Kisamor interrupted.
"I had Magrit put some honey in the tea so they'll like it. It will help calm them down."
Jack sighed, but trusted Kisamor so didn't say any more.
"Here, there is one for you and for Samantha," Kisamor continued. She picked up two cups and handed them to the adults. "Drink up." She then took a cup and gave it carefully to Simon.
"Simon, there is the cup for you and one for Jankin."
"What is it?" the little boy asked.
"It's a special drink – usually just for adults," Kisamor explained, "but because you and Jankin have been such big boys today, you deserve some. It's sweet – I think you'll like it."
The two little boys carefully took the cups, their little hands wrapped around them. After a tentative sip, they both smiled and quickly drank the lukewarm beverage.
Sam watched curiously, wondering what was going on. She glanced down at her tea, but before taking a sip watched Jack.
"It's fine," he leaned over and whispered. "It's Kisamor's special tea. She's a sweet lady, so I drink it to make her happy. I promise it won't hurt you."
Sam shrugged slightly and then took a sip. The drink was innocuous – rather bland if truth were told, but not bad. She was thirsty so drank it down quickly and then placed the cup on the side table, beside Jack's.
The two boys had finished theirs and were both looking sleepy but relaxed. It was their grandfather who stepped forward. "I think it's time two little boys went to bed for a little sleep," he told them.
"I's hungwy, Gwandpa!" Jankin complained.
"Me too!" Simon chimed in. "Can Nanny Magrit make us her special flatcakes?"
Everyone looked toward Magrit, who laughed. "Of course. And I have a feeling the boys aren't the only ones who want some."
"Well, this boy certainly does," Jack grinned. "Sam?"
"I would die for some of your flatcakes, Magrit. Can I help?"
"Of course not!" the housekeeper said. "You just sit and rest. You've been through enough. I'll go and make a good breakfast for everyone and then you're all for bed. And that includes you too, Ethan Koopman. It's been a hard 24 hours, and you need your rest."
"All right, all right, Nanny," Ethan grumped, although anyone who knew him well knew that he was enjoying the mothering.
Jack looked on speculatively, suddenly wondering if there was a bit of romance in the air. At that he couldn't help but glance at Sam, to see her sitting quietly in the chair, looking tired but relaxed. He walked over to where she was sitting.
"How are you doing?" he asked.
"Me? Fine. I had a bit of a headache but it's gone now. I'm just glad we're all safe and sound. Uh – what was the whole thing with Kisamor?" She glanced over to where the woman in question was kneeling, talking to the two boys.
"Kisamor? She's what they call a "healer" here. On Earth she'd be – a therapist or psychologist I guess."
"Oh – is she the -", Sam stopped suddenly, worried that she might be encroaching on Jack's privacy.
"Is she the one I've been seeing," he finished gently. "Yes, she's the one. She's – very good."
"I'm glad," Sam smiled. "She seems very kind."
"Oh, she is – but tough, in a good way. I'm glad she got the boys to talk about their experience. Nothing worse than holding it all in."
That got him a look and a raised eyebrow. He snorted. "Okay – I know what you're thinking – but I've turned over a new leaf. I get that it's important to "talk". Jack made air quotes at that. "And she's completely different than McKenzie. Her I don't mind talking to."
"I'm glad," Sam said, her eyes bright with approval. At that moment she yawned, which immediately caused Jack to start yawning as well.
"Did you sleep at all?" Sam asked, her eyes narrowed. When Jack didn't answer she gave him a gentle slap on the arm. "You stayed awake the whole time, didn't you?"
"Well, I like to watch you when you're sleeping," he told her laughingly.
"Why? It's because I was drooling, wasn't I?"
"Just a little," he told her. "It was actually the snoring that was interesting. At least it kept the beasties away."
"I do not snore," she told him seriously, "and what beasties? As far as I know, there aren't really any predators here, at least not close to Hjem."
"Well of course not," he answered, "you kept them all away."
She snorted. "Next time I'm gonna watch you sleep," she told him.
"But I don't snore," he told her virtuously.
"That's not what Teal'c says," she told him with a smirk.
"I will be heading home now, Jack," Kisamor had come up to the two of them and smiled as she watched them interact. "I am sure the boys will be fine. There should be no trauma for them – if anything they will see this as an adventure to share with their friends."
Jack stood up and gave Kisamor a hug. "Thank you," he said. "I'm sure you helped."
"I did, a little," she smiled, "but it's the love you and Samantha – and Ethan and Magrit – have for the boys that will make the difference. Just keep loving them."
"We will," Jack answered.
Kisamor then looked at Sam. "Do not get up," she said quickly, as Sam went to stand. "You have had a harrowing experience. Please come and see me if you feel you would like to talk about it."
"I will, thank you," Sam smiled. "And thank you for what you did for the boys. I know it's helped." Although Sam didn't say – or do anything that would indicate Jack, the smile she got from Kisamor made her think that the woman knew she was thanking her as much for her help with Jack as with the two little boys.
"They are beautiful souls," Kisamor answered. "I am glad to do what I can." She paused for a moment and then looked directly at Sam. "Please forgive me if this is not my business, but may I ask – who set your leg?"
Sam frowned but then answered. "It was at the Aalborg hospital. I can't remember the surgeon's name. May I ask why?"
"I do not mean to presume," Kisamor told her, "but I happen to know a surgeon who specializes in things like your injury. He may be able to help improve things. Again, please forgive me if I speak out of turn."
"No – no, that's okay," Sam answered, although she didn't know if she really wanted to hear any more from the older woman. She'd worked hard to accept her injury, and didn't know if she wanted to build hope where there might be nothing more anyone could do.
"I will give Jack his direction the next time he comes to see me. If you are interested, he can give you my friend's name. If you are not interested – that is fine. I just thought I'd mention it. Now, I must go home and to bed. I'm getting too old to stay up all night!"
"Thank you, Kisamor," Jack walked her to the front door. "Are you okay to make it home?"
"Of course, Jack!" she laughed. "Now you take care of that family of yours." Kisamor leaned forward and whispered "and she is beautiful and just right for you. Do not let her get away!"
He didn't know quite what to say – or do. Kisamor knew that he couldn't have a relationship like that, so he was surprised she had said anything.
"All things are possible, Jack," she told him with a smile. "Do not give up hope." With that she was gone.
By the time Jack returned to the main room, Magrit had breakfast ready – and it was enough to feed an army. At least, it was enough to feed two Airforce officers, two hungry little boys and their grandfather.
"That was – heavenly, Magrit," Jack sat back and sighed. "But I think my pants are too tight."
"Good – you need some flesh on your bones," the housekeeper told him. "You are still too skinny."
Jack just grinned but stood up and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you," he told her. "What would we do without you."
"Well, without her you'd have to eat my cooking and you'd all go hungry," Ethan said, also standing up and stretching. "The boys are half asleep. Jack, can you help me carry them to bed – and then I think I'm for bed myself."
"Of course." Jack reached over and picked up Simon, while Ethan took Jankin.
"Need some help?" Sam asked.
"No, you just sit and relax. I'll be down in a minute and then I'm carrying you to bed." That made him stop suddenly and a look of panic crossed his face. "Uh – I didn't mean that the way it sounded, Carter. I meant – you're tired and need to go to sleep. That's all - "
Sam laughed, interrupting his explanation. "I knew what you meant, Sir, no worries. Just put the boys to bed. I'll wait here with Magrit."
He nodded and quickly left the kitchen. Only after he was gone did Sam start to giggle. She glanced up, to see Magrit with a huge grin on her face.
The two women shared a moment of camaraderie – both of them loved Jack, in different ways – and both were determined that he find the happiness he deserved.