The Real Story of 595
Chapter 3: Operation Birthday
0517hrs: T-4hrs The hint of daylight started to filter into Jack and Sam's bedroom. Samantha laid half on her husband sound asleep. Jack lay unmoving so not to wake his sleeping wife. His strong arms were holding on tightly as if she'd disappear. The bed sheets were just above her thighs reflecting their frantic but intimate expression of love for one another. His thoughts drifted to last night's activities, their clothing being strewn about as evidence to that. After being told the truth about 595 Samantha needed reassurance, needed to let go and feel like a woman that was loved.
Jack hoped that telling Samantha the truth wouldn't affect her mood today, being Lucy's birthday after all. He had put 595 in box never to be opened yet here they were. Hoping to put that horrible mission behind them again he refocused on Lucy's birthday. His little girl turned six today, a day he never thought possible after Charlie's death. Now he had a brilliant sexy wife and two kids. Thanking God for the second chance Jack looked at Sam who was looking right into his eyes.
"Lost in thought are we?" Sam asked not moving. "Just reflecting on things..." he answered seeing a hint of last night's conversation. "...Lucy turns six today, our precious little girl." He added getting a megawatt smile from Sam. Moving to lay next to her husband, sheets still draped across her hips, she reached out playing with a strand of grey hair. "...after having JJ I never expected Lucy would come along." She admitted. "I didn't expect to be a mother of one let alone two great children." Sam replied with a soft smile. "All we need is four more and we'll have enough to play hockey." He said earning a slap on the shoulder. "I'm not that young anymore Mr. O'Neill, two is enough. We barely have time for JJs little league baseball. When Lucy figures out what extracurricular activity she wants' to do that'll add to the stress." Sam responded moving closer to her husband. Jack reached out caressing her arm dipping a finger along her ribcage. Moaning softly she was ready to give into desire. Then a light knock on the bedroom door got their attention.
"Mom, Dad…Lucy is still asleep but I'm hungry." JJ said knowing better than to open the door. He knew the rules about privacy, especially his parents room. Sam rolled on her back chuckling at their sons timing. "His timing is just like Daniels." Jack said hearing a giggle from Sam. "Go watch the cartoon channel, one of us will be there shortly son." He told JJ while watching his wife make a show of getting out of bed. "Go, feed our kids or they'll come in whether we're dressed or not." Sam said swaying her hips heading to their private bathroom. "I could join you and let them eat candy instead." Jack replied earning a glare of 'don't you dare!' Getting out of bed Jack picked up their discarded clothing from last night depositing them in the hamper. "I'll take that as a 'you'll be sleeping on the couch' answer." He grumbled picking out clean clothing. Jack entered the bathroom as his wife stepped into the shower getting a glimpse of her 'six'.
Sam stuck her head out from the curtain giving Jack a smile. "Jack, I want to thank you for telling me about 595. The truth hurt but I needed to hear it." She said showing no signs of visible distress being told about the rape attempt off world. "I'm glad you asked, I've had that bottled up in me for years. Felt good to come clean." Jack answered doing a quick morning wash off. "Thank you for giving me control too. I needed to release my feelings and fears." Sam said giving her husband a quick peck on the cheek before closing the curtain. "Anytime Sam, can I have quick look at my sexy wife before I go feed our kiddos?" She smiled from behind the shower curtain giggling like a school girl. "No Jack, because then you'll want to touch me and we both know what that lead to." Hearing the water turn on Jack smiled at that particular memory because that's how Lucy came into existence.
-T-0443hrs-
"What are you watching son?" Jack asked JJ walking into the living room. "Robo-Tech (A/N1) dad, I like the transforming fighters. Do you think mom and I could build one for my science project?" he asked with hopeful eyes. He's definitely Carters son, always fascinated by science. "Your mother has built some amazing things. Building a transforming (F14) Tomcat wouldn't be too hard I suspect." He answered seeing JJs eyes get wide with excitement. "…before any robots get built there's breakfast and your little sisters birthday party. Do you want to help me kiddo?" Jack asked entering the kitchen.
Little feet could be heard running into the kitchen. JJ enjoyed spending time with his parents because they always explained how things worked or in this case, to cook. "What should we make for breakfast son?" his father asked looking in the fridge. "Your famous pancakes dad plus bacon and scrambled eggs." JJ answered looking in the bottom of the fridge. "Famous pancakes, bacon and eggs coming right up. Go ahead and get me what I need JJ, your mom and sister will smell the food and come running." JJ got right to it happy to help out.
Mean while Sam stepped out of the shower drying off stopping in front of the full length mirror. Taking in her figure she fondly remembered being pregnant with both her kids. Briefly ever so briefly she considered having another baby. She still had her looks and health largely in thanks to Thor tweaking her genetics along with activating a dormant ATA gene. He did the same with Jack giving both excellent health. Their kids inherited their genes plus an enhanced ATA. They had to keep a watchful eye out for anyone wanting to kidnap them if their health records ever got leaked. All their kids medical exams went through the SGC approved doctors. Getting dressed she heard Lucy moving around in her room. The tell tale noise of their daughter talking to her stuffed alien gray, a gift from Daniel as joke.
"Today is my birthday Thor, I'll be six but not right now. Daddy say's not until 0917hrs because that's when I came into the world. We'll have to watch the clock, will you help me?" Lucy asked her little grey friend. "There will be cake, Ice-cream and balloons. JJ says we should let the balloons go free after the party. Let them float up to Grandpa and Grandma." Sam stood at the door listening to her precious daughter. The little girl, all 3 foot tall and 30 pound of her, was truly a ray of sunshine. Had it not been for Lucy Sam would've gone to Atlantis for a year. Instead Col. Sheppard got command eventually becoming a general of their first fully functional base in the Pegasus galaxy.
Sam knocked on the door getting Lucy's attention then entering. "Good morning Lucy." She said looking at her daughter sitting on the bed, legs swinging. "Morning Mommy, is it 9:17 yet? Daddy told me that's when I turn 6." She asked with a smile that could melt Kinsey's cold heart. Sitting beside her daughter Sam chuckled. "Your daddy is being silly again Lucy, your 6 right now but let's humor your daddy." She said giving Lucy a hug. "Ok mommy, can I bring Thor to the party. He wants to try some cake." She asked leaning in to her mother. "You can bring Thor, we'll give him a seat next to you so he can help blow out your candles." Lucy looked at Thor telling him. "You get to have cake Thor, you'll like it." When the day comes that her kids actually get to meet Thor it's going to be fun Sam thought to herself. "You smell that Lucy, daddy and JJ are making breakfast." This got the little girls attention. "Let's go before JJ eats the pancakes mommy." Lucy said jumping off the bed headed for the door in her Lego pattern pajamas holding Thor. The two of them walked past a small book case filled with various Lego models that they built together. "Your right, we'd better hurry up or there will be no food left between JJ and your dad." Sam replied scooping up her little girl into her arms. "I love you mommy." Lucy said leaning her head on Sam's shoulder. "I love you too Lucy." She said as they walked towards the kitchen.
-T-47 minutes-
0830HRS: The door bell to the O'Neill house hold rang. Both JJ and Lucy ran to the door in hopes it would be one or both of their uncles. "Hold on kids, what have we told you about opening the door without one of us being there?" Jack asked catching JJ reaching for the door knob while Lucy bounced on her heals. JJ turned around head down. "Don't open the door because it might be a bad person like Mr. Burns." He replied looking at his father. "I don't like mean old Mr. Burns daddy." Lucy said looking at the door. "Good, now step back so I can see who it is." Jack told his kids. JJ stood at his side while Lucy hid behind her father's leg clutching Thor tightly.
Their father looked through the peep hole seeing who it was. Jack smile seeing it was Teal'C with a Canucks Hockey (A/N2) hat on. "Who is it daddy?" Lucy and JJ asked at the same time. Unlocking the door opened it to a smiling Jaffa. "Teal'C!" both kids said excitedly. Stepping into the house Teal'C handed Lucy's birthday gift to Jack then squatted to be eye level with both kids. Jack closed the front door watching his kids hug his brother in arms. "I'll be out back with Sam, come on back when the kids release you." getting a slight bow from his friend as Jack left.
"JJ O'Neill, you have grown taller since our last meeting." Teal'C said standing up holding Lucy in his arms. "I have sir; I'm 5 foot tall and 80 pounds. Ms. Fisher say's I'm the tallest kid in my class." JJ said proudly puffing his chest out. "Indeed, you will be fine warrior." Teal'C said turning his attention to the little girl. "Happy birthday Lucy O'Neill, you look pretty in your Lego dress." Teal'C told her causing Lucy to smile widely. "Thank you Teak but Daddy say's my birthday don't start until...9:17, is it that time yet?" She asked looking at her uncle. "It is not Lucy O'Neill, the time is 0839hrs." JJ just rolled his eyes because Dad tried the same trick with him. JJ knew he was born at 0234hrs in the morning but mom said it didn't matter what Dad thought. "Lucy O'Neill, your father is playing a harmless trick on you. He is a silly man and good father." Teal'C replied walking into the living room noticing all the preparations for Lucy's birthday celebration. "Uncle Teal'C, where's Uncle Daniel and Aunt Janet?" JJ asked wondering because he always arrived with them. "Your aunt and uncle are going by Kroger's for refreshments. I decided to arrive early to help set up." Teal'C answered walking to the back yard. "Can we have a light Saber fight later? I bought two more with my work money (aka chores)." JJ asked following his favorite uncle. "Indeed we can my young Padawan." Teal'C replied smiling.
-Operation Birthday-
Back Yard: Sam had almost finished decorating the privacy fence with a string of paper cakes, presents and candles when Jack returned. "Who was at the door Jack? We wasn't expecting anyone this early." She said stepping back admiring her work. "Teal'C arrived early; the kids have him cornered at the door." Jack replied grabbing another strand of decorations. "Should have know, every since you gave him that first watch he's arrives early or on the dot." She said smiling imagining the big Jaffa being asked a million and one questions. "On time is late, early is on time... saved my ass in boot camp many a time." he responded getting a snort from his wife. "What...?" Jack asked in mock hurt. "Jack, you were late to our wedding, had me worried to death that something horrible happened." Sam answered remembering that day vividly. Dropping the decorations he pulled his wife into his arms smiling as she looped her arms around his neck. "It's not my fault that Daniel was speeding and got pulled over. To be honest didn't know he had it in him to speed." Jack said moving to kiss his wife being stopped cold. "The reason he was speeding is because you stayed up late watching Simpson reruns while drinking." Sam reminded her wayward husband. "Technicalities, I did call and let your Dad know...albeit after the cop made Daniel walk an imaginary line." She giggled but relented and let Jack kiss her. Today would be a good day no matter what in the past on another planet.
"Gross, their kissing again." JJ said scrunching his nose. Lucy laughed at her brother's response. "JJ O'Neill, that's how your parents express their love for one another. You too will express love for your future wife when of age." Teal'C said setting Lucy down to look at the decorations on the picnic tables. "I'll just have a girl friend, no need to kiss then." He said joining his sister. Both his parents laughed as they broke apart. "Mommy, can we put this one up next?" Lucy asked holding up an alien themed stringer. "We can do that while your brother and Uncle T can put the LEGO streamer." Samantha said noticing JJ holding up the mentioned item. "Jack, there's a couple of bags in my SUV (A/N2) I didn't bring in yesterday. Could you get them for me." Nodding Jack did as requested looking back as his family went about decorating. Happiness filled his heart ever grateful for a second chance.
The door bell rang again on his way to the garage, figuring it was Daniel and Janet, Jack opened the door. Instead of the Jacksons it was Lt. Sara Harmon and Lance Corporal Leroy Jenkins. Sara and Lance had a side business doing photography and video for parties. "Hello general, hope you don't mind us arriving early. We wanted extra time to set." Sara said with a bright smile. Leroy rolled his eyes at her comment. "Full disclosure sir, Sara wanted time to visit with your daughter because she so adorable." He added getting chuckle out of Jack. "...you think so too." Was Sara responded? "Lucy is adorable, no doubt about that. The two of you can use the side entrance for your equipment. Need any help just ask." Jack told them. Samantha had mentioned that the two had a side job when not working in the mountain. Moving along he went to retrieve the bags his wife wanted.
On his way back through the house the door bell rang again. Placing the bags on the floor he opened the front door finding Daniel and Janet smiled back at him. "...Space Monkey and the ever so lovely Needles." Jack greeted the pair getting a rise out of them. "Well, are you going to let us in?" Janet asked giving the wayward general a questioning look. "I don't know, do you have any needles on you, you might sneak up on me and inject me." He asked smirking. Daniel laughed earning a small glare that disappeared quickly. "Ever since you figured out my code name I haven't heard the Napoleon Power Monger." Janet said walking inside with a snickering husband. "It's easier for Jack to say Janet." His comment put a smile on her face. "Hey, that's not true...It's just more fun." He retorted. "You would've never found out if a certain someone didn't talk after a few beers." Janet added kissing her husband on the cheek. "I'll be out back with Samantha talking about your next physical check up general." She threatened walking away leaving the two men alone. "Oh, by the way...Cassie will be arriving around noon with her boyfriend so don't scare the guy off. She really likes Jeff." Janet added. "I'll be nice until I don't have too." He answered.
"Your wife is a scary women Daniel." Jack said wondering how much trouble he'd be in this time. "Try being married to her." Daniel responded handing Jack Lucy's gift. "Better you than me. By the way did you read my text this morning?" Jack asked changing the subject. "I did, and then I informed Teal'C. What caused Samantha to ask you about 595?" the archeologist asked adjusting his glasses memories coming back. "We've been telling the kids modified stories of our missions. The 'Princess and Knight'...she kind of mentioned the princess acting silly in front of villagers and..." Daniel nodded letting out a sigh. "How did Sam take the truth?" he asked. "Not too good last night however this morning she was at peace with everything for the most part." Jack told his friend and brother. "Does she still want to talk with me about the elder's reaction?" Daniel asked hoping to avoid that discussion. "She does but that will be the easy part. That hard part is taken care of." Jack replied with a serious look. "When Should I talk to her Jack?" he asked not looking forward to the talk. "When Sam feels she's ready, not until then." Jack answered glancing at the clock in hallway. "When she asks I'll tell her the truth then no matter how much it pains me." Jack nodded in approval. "Well, with that out of the way it's almost time to wish Lucy an appropriate 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY'. He said motioning for Daniel to follow. "What are you talking about Jack, it is Lucy's birthday?" Wondering what his friend was up too. "Daniel, can you grab that Wal-Mart bag, there's table cloths that Sam needs." He picked up the bag then followed recognizing the child like gleam in Jacks eyes.
-T-7 minutes-
0910: Jack sat down the birthday present looking around the back yard. Sam and Janet were talking while Lucy played with Thor nearby. JJ was sitting on Teal'C shoulders placing the last of the streamers. Smiling he went over to where Lucy was bending down to her level. "Daddy...looks what Thor found?" she said excitedly. She placed a dirt covered plastic soldier that JJ apparently lost in one his many backyard wars. "You found a lost soldier, he'll be happy to return his unit." He told his daughter making her smile. Sam and Janet watched nearby, smiling at the father daughter moment.
"Lucy is so precious, wish I could have had kids." Janet said with a sigh. "You can borrow mine in two weeks if you want. Get a glimpse of having mini Jacks running around." Sam asked with a hopeful smile. "What do you got going on in two weeks?" Janet asked knowing there was a reason behind her offer. "Jack and I are going to meet with the president. He wants to discuss Space Force taking over NASA operations." Janet looked at her wide eyed never expecting to hear that. "Didn't mean to put you on the spot with such a short notice. The president's office informed Jack yesterday." Sam added knowing Janet could keep a secret. "That's not going to go over well at NASA Sam, they will fight the idea." Janet said wondering what prompted the president to propose such an idea. "Your telling me, Jack's already getting an earful from NASA." she said getting a headache just thinking about it. "We'll watch your kids, no guarantee that Daniel will survive though." Janet said causing both women to laugh. Before Sam could thank the short doctor Jack clapped his hands together getting everyone's attention.
Jack walked over to Sam holding Lucy, his childish grin cluing in what he had planned. Bouncing on his heels he spoke. "Six years ago my lovely wife was in labor with our beautiful daughter Lucy Grace O'Neill aka LEGO." Sam beamed with pride taking Lucy so Jack could continue to speak. "Lucy was being stubborn, clearly a Carter trait." He said getting everyone to laugh or in Sam's case a wifely glare while Lucy hid her face in Sam's shoulder slightly embarrassed. Looking at his watch he smiled. "She finally made her appearance much to her mother's and mines relief in 5-4-3-2-1...Happy Birthday my dear daughter." Happy Birthdays were shouted making Lucy happy as she clapped her little hands. Sam had a megawatt smile while crying remembering that day clearly. Her childish husband really knew how to make their kids birthdays remember able. Leroy had grabbed his video camera just in time capturing the important moment. He never had the honor of serving with General O'Neill. However those that did said he was one of the best commanding officers the SGC ever had, right up there with General Hammond.
AN1: Robo-Tech is an American Anime science fiction franchise with 85 episodes. The anime is an adaption of the Japanese ''Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Super Dimension Calvary Southern Cross and Genesis Climber MOSPEADA to make a series suitable for syndication. Release date 1985.
AN2: The Canucks are in Vancouver and a favorite of Jack and Teal'C.
AN3: Volvo XC90 Black
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