Glory of God: The True Story of 595
Chapter 9: The Rest of the Story
2104HRs: O'Neill Household... Samantha closed the door to JJs bedroom after tucking him in for the night. He apologized about the water gun fight again not wanting to be on Moms bad side. Sam forgave him once again reassuring her son before falling asleep.
Leaving JJs room she glanced off to the right where Lucy's room was located. Her husband was telling Lego about the silly Princess instead of her because she didn't feel comfortable. Hearing Jack get up from Lucy's bed Samantha decided to wait for her husband in the hallway. Samantha said she was fine but in reality what happened on 595 bothered her deeply. She knew Jack wasn't buying her act, years of knowing each other made them aware of each other's signs of hurt and discomfort. He just waited patiently like always.
Jack quietly walked out of Lucy's room closing the door making a soft click as it shut. Seeing the distress in his wife's eye Jack walked over opening his arms. Samantha didn't hesitate moving to be held by his strong arms. No tears fell however she held on tightly. Jack waited for his wife to speak reassuring her with his love. After a minute she pulled away feeling better. "What story did you make up for Lucy?" she asked softly. "I'll tell you later tonight, I believe you'll like it." Jack said leading her down the hall to living room. "Did the princess do something silly like run around in her birthday suit?" Sam asked with a half smile. "Almost but I thought better of it. I didn't want our little girl streaking the neighbors." He replied getting a half smile in return.
Stopping before entering the living room area he looked his wife in the eyes. "You should talk with Teal'C and Daniel tonight. Have them tell you the rest of what happened on 595. Probably should include Janet as well." Samantha heard her family laughing it up in the living room. She considering do as her husband suggested, pulling off the proverbial bandage would be wise but hard. "Your right, I need to do this." Samantha replied holding his hand tight. "Of course I'm right, I didn't make general because of my good looks." Giving her husband an eye roll she walked into the living room followed by Jack. They both satin the love seat listening to Daniel talk about his book deal with Random House. They had approached him a few months ago to write about his time on Abydos. The higher ups, aka Jack, approved the book with edit oversight. Daniel stopped talking noticing Samantha playing with a loose thread on her dress. "Samantha O'Neill, is there a problem that weights you down?" Teal'C asked bringing everyone's attention Jack and Sam.
Jack squeezed her hand lightly giving her some courage. Kissing his wife on the cheek he looked at Cassie and Jeff. "Samantha has some private matters to talk about. The three of us will stay in the living room while they talk in the office." He said not giving Jeff or Cassie a choice in the matter. Cassie looked at Jeff then at her mother moving to get up. "Stay with your dad Cassie, I have an idea of what your aunt wants' to discuss." Janet said standing up along with the others. A worried look spread across Cassie's face as she watched her elders get up. "Cassie, stay here with your dad. This matter is...sensitive. You don't need to worry about me, I'll be okay, I promise." Sam said in a small voice getting up following her extended family. Cassie got up giving her aunt a hug whispering 'I love you Aunt Sam. ' then went back to sit with Jeff. He wondered what was so secretive that his girlfriend couldn't know. "Sam, if you need me I'll be right here interrogating Cassie and her boyfriend." He said getting a small smile in return. "Jack, don't run off Jeff. Cassie really likes the boy, so much so he might be your future son in-law." Janet warned giving him a stern look. "I'm just going to have a little fun Needles." He responded as she disappeared down the stairs.
-O'Neill Secure Office-
Daniel and Teal'C knew this was hard for their friend. Finding out how close she was to being raped had to be unsettling. Janet didn't know because Teal'C or Daniel never told her about what happened on 595. Taking a deep breath Samantha looked all three in the eyes. "I need to hear the rest of the story about 595. Clear my mind so I can move on. Daniel, would you tell Janet what almost happened? I don't want to speak of it." She said biting her lower lip. "I can do that Sam." Daniel replied. "Indeed Samantha O'Neill, let us be your strength." Teal'C added making her feel better. "Daniel, what happened that was so horrible no one would talk about it?" Janet asked concerned for her friend. "A villager came close to raping her." Daniel answered making Janet immediately go to her friends side to give comfort. "We will start from the beginning." Teal'C said getting serious.
-Interrogation of the Boyfriend-
"I have an important question to ask you Jeff and I want an honest answer?" Jack said sitting down in his recliner smiling. This was going to be so much fun he thought. "What is that sir?" Jeff answered reaching for his beer. Cassie gave her father a dubious look not knowing what to expect. "You're a marine; do you have a favorite flavor of crayon?" Jack asked getting a surprised look on the boys face. Not exactly the question he was expecting. "Dad..!" Cassie exclaimed half smiling. "What kind of question is that? Why not ask Jeff how we met or our first date?" she asked making her father smile widely. "Cass, I think I'd rather answer his question than yours." Jeff said not knowing what do. Cassie did a face palm realizing what her father was up to. She should have known better than to open her mouth without thinking first. "Fair enough, how did you meet my sweet little girl and don't leave out any details son." He asked eyes sparkling with interest. Jeff chuckled relaxing a bit. Cassie's father had a good sense of humor and was sneaky.
"Well sir, to be completely honest with you I didn't think I had chance at getting a date with Cass." Jeff said looking his girlfriend in the eyes. "What made you think that Jeff?" Cassie asked surprised at his answer. "Ever since the day Corporal Kiser hit on you in the commissary I had my eye on you." Jeff said then continued. "He wouldn't take no for an answer sir." He added looking at both Cassie and her father. Jack leaned forward to listen closer. No one ever told him of this incident. "I remember that ass-hat; Roger thought he was the Casanova of the SGC." Cassie replied with a huff. "When he pinched your butt everyone stopped talking. You elbowed Kiser in the gut then laid him out with one punch to the jaw." Jeff said with admiration. "Sir, your daughter did all that without dropping her tray. I was truly impressed with Cass." Cassie blushed at her boyfriends account of what happened. Had she known this the first time he asked her out things would have been different.
"Jeff, I'll let you in on a secret. Both her Uncle Murray and I taught her how to fight and win quickly. Despite my best efforts I knew Cassie would grow up. I wanted her to be able to defend herself. Wish I'd been there to see it." Jack replied with pride. "Dad, had you been there Kiser would've begged me to end his life and you know it." Cassie said smiling at the memory of Roger lying on the floor. "Here's the kicker sir, Cass didn't get in trouble...at all. Kiser got busted down a rank then sent to our cold weather equipment testing planet." Jeff added laughing. "That's why you though you didn't have a chance of getting a date with me?" Cassie asked looking at him funny. "That and I found out you were General O'Neill step daughter." Jeff answered honestly. "So what made you change mind and try to get a date with my lovely daughter?" Jack asked leaning back enjoying the easiest interrogation ever.
"Remember three months ago when I came in with a knife wound in my hip?" He asked looking at Cassie. "That would've been the big battle with the Lucian Alliance on PCH1X1850." She replied remembering the chaos in the infirmary. "Yes, I told you stop being a baby and let me give you a shot to kill the pain. It wasn't like you didn't have a knife stuck in you an hour before." Cassie retorted with a gleam. Jack laughed only because the same thing happened to him only Janet was the one holding the big needle. "I decided then to pursue you even if my buddies warned me off." Jeff told his girlfriend. "What was special about that particular interaction?" Jack asked curious as a cat. A deep red blush formed on Cassie's cheek realizing the reason. "I may have said something about Jeff reminding me off my father's hatred of needles and how cute it was." Jeff smiled then gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I started receiving gifts from a secret admirer dad. Things like Star Bucks gift cards, Reece's cups and poems." Cassie said smiling at Jeff. "My final gift was my Marine Corps Challenge coin. I also left the address to Olive Gardens and a time. To my total surprise Cass showed up in a red summer dress walked right up to me at the entrance." Jeff told Jack holding Cassie tightly. "You know me dad, always up for a challenge and Italian food." She said laughing. "I still have his challenge coin by the way." Cassie added. "Well played son, lost your coin but got a first date." Jack said getting up for another beer. "Back to my original question, what's your favorite crayon flavor?" he asked coming back with a beer for each of them. "Dad...!"
-O'Neill Secure Office—
"Sam, God always looks out for his children, that day was no different." Janet said after hearing about what Max had attempted. "God blessed me with three guardian angels. You guys always looked out for me and I thank you for that." Samantha said looking at Teal'C and Daniel. "We are a family Samantha O'Neill; it is our duty to watch over each other." Teal'C replied sincerely. "That day taught us a valuable lesson, one we learned well. Jack never took the teams safely for granted ever again and neither did we." Daniel added. "We had some close calls throughout the years. Our team was one of that beat the odds." Samantha replied thinking about past missions. Teal'C looked at Daniel getting a nod to start their part of what happened on 595. What happened after finding Samantha changed the team forever and each other Teal'C thought before beginning.
-P3X-595—
Jack carried a un-coconscious Captain Carter despite his aching knees. The three men noticed other men doing the same with their wives or girlfriends dressed for the most part. Daniel had managed to redress his friend minus her bra. He had made a quick search not finding it as Jack was insistent they get back. When the three men were halfway back Daniel broke the silence. "What are we going to tell Elder Hugh and his son Jack?" Jack knew exactly what he was going to say and do. The question was would his two friends interfere. Teal'C probably knew because he'd do the same. "I'll have it figured out by the time we get there Space monkey." Jack told his friend as two men approached them. "Colonel O'Neill, Elder Hugh sent us to find you." The tall one with no hair said. "You found me Curly. "Jack replied stopping to see what the elder sent them for. The men looked at each other then four visitors. "Colonel O'Neill, Elder Hugh wishes to speak with you upon your return. His hope is that Captain Carter is un-harmed…is she un-harmed?" Curly asked looking at the woman in his arms concerned. "Your buddy Max almost harmed Captain Carter, luckily Daniel stopped the bastard. Max however is taking a permanent dirt nap back that way. I suggest the two of you go get him before the local animals do! Let's go Teal'C, don't tell Carter but she needs to lay off the blue Jell-O." Jack said leaving Curly and his friend behind.
They walked up to their hut provided by the elder walking inside. "Daniel, go find Elder Hugh. Tell him I will be having words with him shortly." Jack ordered placing Carter on the cot without waking her. He looked over his 2IC making sure there were no other injuries. Not hearing Daniel leave he turned around seeing Teal'C and Daniel standing there looking at him seriously.
"Why are you not doing as I ordered?" he asked standing up getting more upset. "O'Neill, you are angry for good reason. Elder Hugh's or his so are not at fault, Max acted on his own. We will speak with both men. Your responsibility is to Captain Carter."Teal'C said steering down his friend. "Teal'C, it is my responsibility to speak with them! Carter was almost raped…this needs addressed by me, her commanding officer and no one else!" Jack was beside himself, he had to…no…needed to make it known this was unacceptable. "Jack, if you go talk with either of them your anger will get the better of you. Will beating Logan within an inch of his life help Sam? "Daniel asked pointing to his teammate that was still unconscious. "Daniel Jackson is correct; I can see it in your eyes and body language. Revenge on the innocent doesn't change what happened. When Captain Carter awakens she will need you to be calm with a clear head. Can you do that my brother?" the former first prime asked. Jack finally realized that he was clenching and un-clenching his fist. Fists he wanted to pummel Logan with making him pay for Max's actions.
Teal'C and Daniel were right, he was more than angry…he was blinded with fury. Jack was mostly angry at himself for not seeing the signs. Looking at his 2IC he went over pulled up a chair then sat down. "The two of you are right; I need to be here when Carter wakes up. Go talk with Hugh and Logan. However make damn sure they understand the gravity of what that bastard attempted. "Jack ordered. "We will do as you say O'Neill. Come Daniel Jackson, we have our orders." Teal'C said walking out the door. "Jack, you promise to stay here…right?" Daniel asked making sure his friend wasn't lying. "SpaceMonkey, angry as I am Carter needs me at her bedside. Go, we'll be okay." Daniel was about to speak again when Teal'C reached through grabbing his jacket much to his surprise.
"Daniel Jackson, when we speak with Elder Hugh follow my lead. My hope is to preserve our trade agreement." He stated walking towards the elders hut. "I certainly hope so. We need the trinum for our Research & Development at Area 51." Daniel replied as he watched everyone give them a wide birth. Word must have gotten out about Max.
"Son, let me speak with the Tau'ri. I will not allow any harm come to you for you are not responsible for Max behavior. "Hugh said confident in his abilities and the guards that surrounded them."Will you still pursue the trade agreement father?" Logan asked spotting Murray and Doctor Jackson, Colonel O'Neill however was not with them. "I see what you see son, keep calm. As for the trade agreement…yes. They have farming techniques that will help us increase our crop yields." His father said wondering why the leader of SG-1 wasn't with them.
"Elder Hugh, may we speak in private regarding the matter at hand?"Teal'C asked bowing slightly but not before sizing up each guard that was present. "We do not wish to have this matter to turn into disagreement that separates our people." Daniel added being diplomatic. "Murray, Doctor Jackson…I do not wish to hide such a travesty from my people. We will discuss Max's behavior and death for everyone to hear. "Elder Hugh stated waving his arms in a wide open arch. A majority of the villagers had gathered around to witness the outcome of the night's events. "Elder Hugh, I'm confident that we can come to a mutual understanding." Daniel said going into diplomat mode. "My I ask why Colonel O'Neill is not present." Hugh asked not understanding his absence. "Elder Hugh, O'Neill's anger is barely contained over the incident. We feel it is unwise for him to be here. O'Neill is at Captain Carter's side tending to her needs."Teal'C said letting them know of Jacks anger.
"Please have a seat Tau'ri of Earth." Hugh said taking them at their word as before. With all four men seated the villagers held their breath. Max was a trouble maker, but doing what he did crossed the line. However the villagers were unaware of the extent of his actions. Neither did they know what Colonel O'Neill did in response. "Murray, Doc. Jackson…I offer my deepest apologies for Max stalking of Captain Carter. Please tell me what prompted Colonel O'Neill to end his life." the elder asked noticing that both men had side arms on. He didn't know if they were for protection or to exact punishment for Max's behavior.
"Before we explain Colonel O'Neill fight with Max, please explain your marriage ritual as it may help us understand his actions." Daniel said being diplomatic. "Father, may I explain our marriage ritual." Logan asked in hopes of explaining his friend's behavior. "One day you will be leading son, you may proceed. "His father said giving Logan permission.
"Doctor Jackson, Murray…Our marriage ritual is simple. When a man comes of age, 18 cycles he may court a woman. When 20 cycles pass both man and woman participate in 'Sadie Hawkins Day'(A/N1), both drinking traditional spirits." Logan said looking at the two men. "The women then line up waiting for our metal gathering circle to ring. Woman then runs into the forest hoping that their man finds them, leaving clothing behind as clues." Daniel was listening intently like always. Realization crossed his face the same time it did with Teal'C but didn't say anything. "Once the men find their mate they redress the women. Then carrier her back to his hut and become one. When morning comes the man comes out followed by his now wife wearing her husband's shirt. This concludes our marriage ritual other than the morning feast. "Logan explained hoping that next cycle he and his girl are blessed by the Sun god. "My friend Max, what did he do so wrong to deserve to die?" Logan asked looking at the two men.
"Your friend did not follow your ritual Logan. He had other plans." Teal'C explained his eyes piercing into the father and son. "Did Max intend to claim Captain Carter for all to see?" Hugh asked hoping that wasn't the case. He already did wrong by pursuing a women not within their village. "I noticed Max by a bush as he disappeared from sight." Daniel said taking his glasses off looking them in the eyes angrily. "When I arrived Sam had nothing on above the waste and Max had pulled her pants down near the ankles. His intention was clear…raping my friend. "Daniel informed them spitting out the words. "rape, we do not know this word Doctor Jackson." Elder Hugh said figuring out what it meant by the Tau'ri reaction.
"Rape is a man taking a woman without her permission. Sam was unconscious and could not fight back or consent. "Daniel said with a look that made Logan turn away. "Did you stop Max from…raping your friend?" Elder Hugh asked sickened to his stomach. "I bum rushed your friend knocking him off Sam before he could do anything. Max and I fought until Colonel O'Neill and Murray arrived." Daniel answered with fire in his eyes. Now he understood why Jack had a hard time holding back his anger. "O'Neill arrived before I did engaging Max in hand to hand combat."Teal'C said taking over the story. "O'Neill ordered Doctor Jackson to tend to Captain Carter while I kept watch." He added leaning forward. "Max pulled a hunting knife on O'Neill declaring that killing him would prove his worthiness of being Captain Carters husband, he was incorrect. That is why O'Neill ended his life." Teal'C finished leaning back glaring at the two men.
Elder Hugh and his son Logan were quiet not knowing how to respond. The crowd of villagers was speaking behind them in hushed voices. This type of behavior never even being heard of shocked everyone. Elder Hugh stood up looking at the assembled people and guests. "Murray, Doctor Jackson I have known Max since he was able to walk. This behavior is a surprise to all of us. Colonel O'Neill did what he had to do; I find no fault in his actions this night." he said for all to hear. Logan sat not saying anything taking it all in. His friend had been pushing the limits lately, now he messed with the wrong woman. "Doctor Jackson, please convey my deepest apologies to Captain Carter and Colonel O'Neill." Logan said looking each man in the eyes.
"Elder Hugh, Logan…We accept your apology on behalf of our team mates. When morning comes do not speak of this in front of Captain Carter unless Colonel O'Neill wishes it to be spoken of."Teal'C said wanting to talk with his friend first. Looking at the gathered people Elder Hugh spoke. "The Tau'ri wish this horrible incident not to be spoken of, we shall honor their request. Max over stepped sacred boundaries dishonored our village. We are better than this and will be from here on. Do not be angry with our friends the Tau'ri, they offer us opportunity for a better life in exchange for our metal. Do we still have a trade agreement Doctor Jackson?" the elder asked still standing.
Daniel looked over at Teal'C getting a nod. Logan's friend shouldn't be reason enough to cancel a trade agreement. Standing up Daniel spoke. "Elder Hugh, Logan…your friend Max actions tonight is isolated. What happened is tragic but not enough to break our trade agreement. We will continue to honor our agreement in good faith. "He said hearing a sigh of relief from everyone. "Thank you Doctor Jackson, Murray. We look forward to being trading partners. Perhaps we can further our trade by getting some of your coffee. "Elder Hugh said shaking Daniels and Teal'C hands. "Indeed, our trade agreement will be most beneficial." Teal'C added glad that they could work out the problem without bloodshed.
-O'Neill Office-
Everyone was silent in the office letting Samantha take in what happened concerning Elder Hugh. Janet continued to hold her friends hand not knowing what to say still. "Thank you for sharing what happened of 595 with me. Now I know why everyone was acting overly nice to us. I'm also glad that the bastard's actions didn't derail the trade agreement." Samantha said leaning back against the couch. "Sam, are you sure you're okay? This is a lot to take in." Janet asked her friend. "I will be. 595 was a defining mission for all of us, it fundamentally changed SG-1 and other teams. There's always a positive lesson if one looks hard enough." She replied. "Indeed Samantha O'Neill, we learned much that saved our beacon many times." Teal'C said making everyone laugh. Janet yawned prompting Sam to do the same. "Don't do that, it's contagious." Daniel added yawning himself. "It would be wise all of us to seek slumber for the night. Sheppard Book will not go lightly on us if we are sleepy or absent during his ministry." Teal'C said standing up avoiding a yawn himself. Standing Samantha looked at everyone with a half smile. "Thank all of you for coming today. Lucy really enjoyed spending time with all of her favorite aunts and uncles." She said turning of the security measures before closing the office door.
The group entered the living room seeing Jack and Jeff having an arm wrestling contest on the coffee table. "I got you sir, just a little more and…" Jeff said with a huge smile that started to slip away. "…are you sure about that son?" Jack asked as he slowly brought Jeff's arm down winning the competition. "Dammit, I almost had you sir." He replied flexing his arm. "I haven't lost yet, have I Cassie?" Jack asked his daughter who rolled her eyes.
"You lost to me my dear husband three days ago." Samantha said entering the living room. "Hey beautiful, do you feel better?" he asked standing up going to her. "I feel better, just need time to work through it is all." She replied taking his hand. "Ma'am, if I may ask how you beat Cassie's father?" Jeff asked standing walking over to his girlfriend. Janet snickered making Daniel and Teal'C look at the women. Samantha smiled then answered. "I leaned over just enough for…you know." She answered busting out with laughter as Cassie and Janet joined in.
Jack and Samantha watched as their friends pulled away heading to their respective houses. Many things happened that day, their daughter's birthday, truth about 595 and meeting Cassandra's Marine boyfriend. The most important part of the day was that no matter what family always supported each other and tomorrow is a new day.
A/N1: Sadie Hawkins Day is a reference to Li'L Abner comic strip (1934-77). A women by the name of Sadie Hawkins chased bachelors in a foot race to find a husband.
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