Beyond A Hundred Days
by Lena Smith

EMAIL: tailkinker@hotmail.com
CATEGORY: Angst, Romance, Crossover with JAG
CONTENT WARNINGS: Adult Situations, Character Death,
RATING: R
SEASON/SERIES: 3-4
SPOILERS: Stargate: 100 Days, Forever in a Day (Slightly), Upgrades, Divide and Conquer; JAG: Lifeline
SUMMARY: Fallout from 100 Days, what do Sam and Jack do now?
STATUS: Complete
PARINGS: Sam/Jack, Daniel/Janet, Harm/Mac
DISCLAIMER: Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions. No copyright infringement is intended and nothing is being made. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: This is my first attempt at any type of fiction. Feedback is greatly appreciated (especially if you like it J). I would like to thank my Beta Readers: Wilma, Stacey, Shannon, and my new friend Jo. Your encouragement has meant a tremendous amount to me.
DEDICATION: To my baby brother Rob. It pleased me to no end that you were "intrigued" that I had written a piece of fiction (intrigued being a first). You made me even happier when you said you liked it.

---

Sam walked away from the village feeling as if she had been kicked in the chest.

"He has feelings for her," she thought. Sam looked back at Laira and her heart lurched. Laira had her hands splayed protectively over her abdomen. Sam wanted to scream.

"Oh God! They're lovers! She's pregnant! Or she hopes she is!" she thought.

Sam glanced over at Daniel. He looked at her with concern. "Are you OK?"

"I'm fine." Sam replied. She knew Daniel didn't buy it.

"Carter, dial us out!" ordered O'Neill.

The wormhole opened and the full SG-1 team returned to Earth.

When they appeared in the Gateroom, a loud cheer went up. Everyone was slapping O'Neill on the back and welcoming him home. Janet Frasier looked over at Sam. She expected Sam to be exultant! After all, she had done the impossible; she built a particle beam in three months and brought Jack O'Neill home. To Janet's eyes, however, Sam looked as if she had lost her best friend, despondent and exhausted.

General Hammond surveyed the scene before him with concern. His best team was home intact, but there seemed to be an uncomfortable undercurrent between them. He hoped that they would regain their former cohesiveness.

Janet went over to Sam. "Come on, let's go to the infirmary." Sam nodded and Janet put her arm around her best friend and led her out of the Gateroom.

As the crowd began to disperse, O'Neill looked around for Carter. "Where did Carter go?" He asked Teal'c.

"MajorCarter left with DoctorFrasier" replied Teal'c. Teal'c pulled O'Neill aside to a quiet corner. "I must speak with you, O'Neill. On Edora, you said that I was a "stubborn son-of-a-bitch". I was not. MajorCarter was. She worked tirelessly to bring you home."

"Jack, Sam worked 48 hour shifts. She wouldn't eat. Janet had to drug her coffee to get her to sleep." said Daniel.

"She would have done that for any of us," replied O'Neill.

"She would probably put in 18 hour days for the rest of us, yes. But you are different," stated Daniel.

"And you have not thanked her for her efforts, O'Neill" said Teal'c.

And Daniel said softly, "She saw you with Laira. She knows there was something going on between the two of you."

"In other words, I'm a jerk. Is that it?" snapped O'Neill.

"Jack, for the last three months Samantha Carter has put every ounce of her being into bringing you home. To the detriment of her health, I might add. Go look at her! She's lost a lot of weight. She's exhausted! What she needs from you right now is to know that her effort was appreciated! That you want to be home!" With that, Daniel stormed out.

"He is correct, O'Neill."

Jack nodded his head, tiredly. "I know, Teal'c. I know."

***********

Janet helped Sam to the exam table. Sam was doing a good imitation of a zombie. Janet put her arms around Sam and said, softly. "What happened, Sam? What's wrong?"

Sam started to cry. "He found someone there. I heard him tell her he didn't want to leave."

"Oh, honey, I'm sorry! Shhhh, it'll be all right!" Janet held Sam and stroked her hair as if she were a small child. Sam sobbed uncontrollably. Inside, Janet cursed Jack O'Neill for hurting Sam so badly. Janet knew that deep inside Sam was in love with Jack, even if she was not willing to admit it to herself yet. If Janet had doubted it, the doubt had been erased over the last three months. Janet had also been willing to bet that the feelings were reciprocated. Whenever Sam was injured, Jack was beside himself with worry. And Janet really did enjoy the little green monster of jealousy that appeared in Jack whenever Sam was around Martouf.

Slowly, the sobs subsided. Janet realized Sam had cried herself to sleep. Slowly, gently, she lowered Sam onto the exam table and covered her up. She put up the railings. Sleep was Sam's greatest need right now.

Nurse Cooper came in. "Dr. Fraiser, Daniel Jackson is in the other exam room for his post-mission exam."

"Thank you."

Janet went in to the exam room and shut the door. "Daniel, what in the hell happened?!?!"

"How is Sam doing?"

"Not well! She cried herself to sleep. God knows she needs it!"

Daniel sighed. "He gave up on us, Janet. I don't think he could believe that we would be able to bring him home."

"Didn't he realize Sam would move heaven and earth to get him back?"

"Janet, the gate was buried 30 feet deep. Given the desolation of the impact zone, it's amazing that it did survive the meteor strike. Any rational person would have believed it was destroyed. Sam is always trying to make him understand how far away these planets are from Earth." Daniel shook his head. He was no longer angry with Jack. He was just worried about how his friends were going to make it through this.

"Sam said he found someone there."

"Laira, the one who seems to be the village leader. Sam heard him tell her he was not happy about going home. They hugged. When we walked away, Sam and I looked back. Laira was holding her hands against her stomach, caressing it."

"Oh no!"

"Yeah, that gesture is universal. She's pregnant, or hopes she is."

"Sam saw that? No wonder she's so upset."

"You know she's in love with him."

"Daniel, I don't think there is anyone on this base who doesn't believe she's in love with him. No one would say anything, of course. We're going to have to be there for her. She's going to need all the friends she has."

Janet began Daniel's exam. She quickly and efficiently collected his vital signs, drew blood samples, and performed his physical exam. "I wonder if he ever thinks of me as more than just his doctor," she sighed to herself. Janet admitted to herself some time ago that she had feelings for Daniel. She had known that while Daniel searched for Sha're, nothing could come of it. Sha're had died, but it was still too soon for Daniel to contemplate a relationship with someone else.

"Ok, Daniel. You're good to go."

"Thanks, Janet." Daniel hopped off the exam table and put on his T- shirt. He walked over to where Janet was writing in the chart. "Janet," he said, reaching out to touch her shoulder. "Take care of Sam for us. She'll tell you more than she will the rest of us."

Janet sighed, "You know I will."

Daniel smiled as they looked at each other. "Thanks," he said, gently kissing her on the forehead. Daniel then turned and left the room. Janet stood there. Wondering.

Teal'c entered the room. "DoctorFrasier, are you ready to perform my exam?"

"Yes, Teal'c. Please get on the table." Janet completed his examination.

"DoctorFrasier, how is MajorCarter?"

"She's sleeping right now. That's what she needs the most."

"I am concerned about her," he paused. "I spoke to O'Neill. I "chewed him out" regarding his treatment of MajorCarter."

"Did he pay attention to what you said?"

"Yes. I believe he did."

"Thanks Teal'c. You're free to go." Teal'c bowed his head to Janet and left.

Janet decided to check on Sam in the other exam room. She had turned out the lights when she left so she did not see Jack immediately. He was sitting on one of the tall stools, on the opposite side of the bed. He was holding Sam's hand. Janet wasn't sure but she thought she saw Jack wipe away a tear. Janet quietly moved to Sam's side. Softly, she whispered, "Jack, she needs her sleep. And I need to examine you."

Janet was glad that there had been space between them when she first saw Jack. Her first impulse was to deck him. The military frowns on striking a superior officer. While Janet was not under O'Neill's command, he did outrank her.

Jack silently stood and released Sam's hand, caressing it as he returned it to the bed.

They went into the next exam room. Janet motioned for Jack to get on the exam table. There was a palpable tension in the room. Janet started to record Jack's vital signs.

Jack finally broke the silence. "Janet, Carter looks ..."

"Like Hell?"

"Yeah."

"No kidding! Jack O'Neill, that woman went through Hell and back trying to get you home!! I've checked the computer logs! She worked more 48 and 72-hour shifts than should be humanly possible. She only slept when I put Valium in her coffee. And no, I didn't wait for General Hammond's orders to do that. I tried to keep food down her, but half of the time her nerves were so wound up, she was in the head throwing the food back up. She's lost 20 pounds she didn't have to lose."

Janet stopped and looked at him. Jack's head was down, looking at his hands clasped in his lap.

"Jack, you should have believed in her."

"I tried," he said quietly. "I couldn't find the `gate. I knew it would probably be years before a ship could get to me, if one could get to me. I waited. But after a hundred days, I finally gave up. I reconciled myself to living on Edora the rest of my life."

"And started a life with someone else," Janet stated.

"Yes."

"And Sam reached you on the one hundred and first day."

Janet went on, "She heard you tell Laira that you weren't happy to go home. She knows the two of you are lovers."

Jack winced.

"Sam and I have never discussed her feelings for you. I'm fairly sure of how you FELT about her. And, I'm aware those feelings are against regulations. I know the two of you have never stepped over the line. But, if you want to mend your relationship with her, you better do some serious groveling and apologizing." Janet turned away from Jack.

"Janet, I'll try my hardest to make it up to her. I really didn't intend to hurt her," said Jack.

"OK. Well, the good news is that you are in the best shape you've been in for a long time."

Jack laughed. "It's amazing what chopping wood every day and building a few houses can do for you. Janet, can I go back and sit with Sam? I want to be there when she wakes up."

"Sure, but she may sleep another 10 to 12 hours. She's really beat."

"I know, but that's ok. I have to do my debriefing, but General Hammond said I could have a week's leave after that."

***************

Samantha Carter sighed and slowly stretched out completely. She was still sleepy and was wondering what the strange weight was across her mid-section. She opened her eyes and was startled to see a man's arm lying across her body. She looked to her right and saw Jack lying on a gurney next to her.

He gently brushed aside a lock of her hair. "Hi, how are you feeling?" Sam stretched again and turned to the right to look at Jack. "Better. How long have I been asleep?"

Jack glanced up at the clock. "About 16 hours."

"Oh."

"Sam, you know I'm not very good with words or saying how I feel, but thank you for getting me home. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I guess, in a way, I was in shock. It was so long and I finally resigned myself to never coming home .. never seeing you again. I made that mental and emotional break. I just didn't know how to react. I should have hung in longer but it seemed so impossible." Jack sighed. "I never meant to hurt you, Sam. You have to believe that. You shouldn't have put yourself through so much."

"I had to get you home. It was worth it. After seeing the impact site, I can understand how you lost hope. I'm just glad you're here."

Jack smiled, got off the gurney and moved it away from the exam table. He held out his hand. "How about some breakfast? My treat."

Sam took his hand and got down from the table. "At the commissary?"

"No way!" Jack laughed. "We're going for something good. I want the biggest breakfast Cracker Barrel has!"

"Ok, you're on!" Sam said, laughing herself.

As they walked out of the main entrance to Cheyenne Mountain, they passed Janet Fraiser.

"We're going to breakfast." Sam told Janet.

"Great. But I need you back here afterwards. I still need to do your post-mission exam."

"OK. I'll see you later."

Sam and Jack walked away towards her car. Janet looked after them, smiling to herself. "It looks like they got things resolved," Janet thought to herself. As Janet got to the infirmary, Daniel came out of the door.

"Janet, have you seen Sam?" Daniel asked with concern.

"Yes, I sure have! Jack and Sam left to have breakfast. She'll be back afterwards."

A huge smile broke out on Daniel's face. "Great! Hey Janet, how about going to breakfast with me? I'm buying!"

Janet smiled. "It'll have to be the commissary. I'm on duty in a half hour."

"No problem!"

As they walked down the hall, Janet's smile became as big as Daniel's when he draped his arm across her shoulders. She put her arm around Daniel's waist. He smiled down to her and gave her a small hug.

Several hours later Samantha Carter came walking into the infirmary. "Hi, Janet."

"Hi, Sam. You're looking better. How do you feel?"

"Better."

"Are you ready for your exam?"

"Sure."

Janet started to examine Sam. "How was breakfast?"

"Good. I don't think I've eaten that much in a month," said Sam, laughing.

Janet smiled. "It's good to hea

r you laugh again. Is everything ok with you and Jack?" "Yeah, it's getting there. It's funny. Last night I had a dream about being stranded offworld. When I woke up, I wasn't so upset with Jack. It helped me to understand what he went through. Then I realized he stayed with me all night. I was kind of surprised."

"Once he got a good look at you, and found out what you had gone through to get him back, he was very worried about you. I left you to do Daniel and Teal'c's exams and when I got back, Jack was at your bedside. Sam … I think he was crying. It was dark but I'd swear he was wiping away tears."

Sam sat there, slightly bemused. "I can't picture Jack crying. At least, not about me."

"He was, Sam. I think Jack cares more about you than he wants to admit, even to himself. I know that you care more for him than you've been willing to admit."

"Janet!"

"Come on, Sam! You half killed yourself to get him home! If you took a poll today, everyone on this base would say that you're in love with him! One of these days you're going to have to face up to your feelings. You both are!"

Janet was just about finished with the exam. Sam just sat there, in silence, thinking.

Quietly Janet said, "Did you talk to Jack about Laira?"

"No." Sam shook her head. "I think I just want to let that drop for now. It may be kind of cowardly but I don't want to think about her, or them."

"How did you know her name?" Sam asked curiously.

"Daniel told me. We had breakfast this morning, too." Janet had a small, wistful smile on her face. "We're going to dinner tonight."

"Janet! Is this the start of something?"

Janet sighed, "Oh Sam, I hope so!"

"Whoa!" thought Sam.

She looked at Janet. "Janet … are you in love with Daniel?"

Janet nodded; eyes bright with unshed tears. "Yeah … for a long time now. I knew that nothing could happen while he was searching for Sha're. Then after she was killed, I figured it was still too soon." Janet turned away and walked over to her desk and put down Sam's chart. She just stood there for a moment. Sam got off the exam table and went over and hugged Janet.

"I just want to be happy, Sam. I think we could be good together. You know how bad my marriage was. I want this so much, it scares me."

Sam nodded. "I know Janet. I understand." Sam sighed. "I've felt the same way. For me, there are just so many obstacles right now. Not the least of which are the regulations. At least you don't have to deal with that."

"Yes, thank God. I want you to be happy too, Sam."

Sam hugged Janet once more. "We'll just have to see what happens, Janet. Right now I just need some rest."

"Yes, you do. Why don't you go home? General Hammond has given you a week's leave."

"I may spend it all sleeping. I'll see you later." With that, Sam left.

Jack found Daniel in the commissary getting one of his innumerable cups of coffee.

"Hi, Daniel."

"Hi, Jack! How was breakfast?" More solemnly, "How is Sam?"

"Breakfast was great. As far as Sam, well, I think we're going to be ok. I was there when she woke up this morning and I apologized."

Quietly he said, "Daniel, I went to the infirmary last night to see her. She was asleep. She looked so tired, so fragile. I never really thought of Sam as fragile before. She's always so tough, so competent, such a good soldier."

Daniel shook his head. "No. She never wants anyone to think of her that way, but she's only human. Sometimes we all reach the breaking point."

"Yeah." Puzzled, Jack said, "How did you know we went to breakfast together?"

"Janet told me. We had breakfast together, too. Unfortunately it was here. She had to go on duty."

"Janet's a good lady, Daniel. Why don't you take her out some evening?"

"We're going out tonight. I've got to admit I'm a little nervous. It will be my first date in years."

Daniel frowned.

"What's wrong, Daniel?"

"I guess I'm feeling a little guilty. I mean, Sha're has only been dead a few months. But when I put my arm around Janet's shoulders this morning, it just felt so good, so right, somehow. I kept watching her at breakfast. I never realized before just how beautiful she is … how kind, caring, gentle."

Jack shook his head. "Don't feel guilty, Daniel. Sha're always wanted you to be happy, didn't she? She wouldn't want you to remain alone and lonely because of her. You're a good man, Daniel. You deserve some happiness. And, if my two cents count for anything, I say go for it. Life is just too short, especially in our business."

Daniel smiled, "That's good advice, Jack. I just hope you take it before it's too late, too."

Jack smiled ruefully, "Yeah, well."

"Oh, I wanted to thank you for taking care of the house and bills and stuff."

"No problem." Daniel replied. "It's a good thing we set up those Powers of Attorney. It came in handy."

O'Neill got up and clapped Daniel on the shoulder. "I'm going to go home and sleep in a real bed and I think I'll take a four hour bath." Jack laughed. "God, I've missed that! See ya later, Daniel"

"'Bye, Jack. Enjoy!"

***********

SG-1 were in Hammond's office waiting for the briefing on a new assignment that had just come up.

Sam reflected on the last six months. It had been a little rocky at times, especially with Jack's Black Op's "retirement" situation. Sam had to admit that she still felt the hurt of his request to retire on Edora. She knew that it had all been part of the cover, but that little ache still remained. Other than that, Jack and Sam's relationship had returned to the easy comfort of being together with the team, the teasing banter back and forth. Things were going well for Daniel and Janet, too. They had become very close, especially after Daniel's appendectomy. Sam suspected that it had given them the opportunity to really talk, to really discover how they felt. Daniel had become a fixture at Janet's house. Cassie had taken Daniel as the father figure in her life and Daniel was enjoying it to the hilt. Sam knew that nothing had happened between Daniel and Janet physically. Janet wanted to set a good example for her daughter. That didn't mean it was easy, however. Just last week Janet was bemoaning how hard it was to not have Daniel spend the night. Daniel, being the man he was, understood and appreciated what Janet was trying to do. Sam knew it wasn't easy for him either.

General Hammond came into the office. "People, there has been a request that SG-1 attend the treaty signing on Edora. You will attend the signing ceremony and the party afterwards. You leave in one hour and will return tomorrow so prepare accordingly. Are there any questions?"

Hammond looked around the table. He was aware that the tension level in the room increased a hundred-fold the moment the word "Edora" left his lips. Major Carter and Colonel O'Neill were both looking at their hands. Dr. Jackson was looking at Major Carter with concern. Hammond thought that he even detected a slight disturbance to Teal'c's normally imperturbable demeanor. Major Carter's voice said softly, "All of us, sir?"

"Yes, Major. In fact, it has been requested that you and a representative of the Tok'ra work together to come up with an ecologically sound way to mine and refine the Naquadah. It is part of the treaty. Are there any other questions?"

Silence reigned supreme.

"Dismissed."


Sam went down to the infirmary.

"Janet, we're being sent to Edora! What am I going to do?"

"I just found out. The general called me." Janet shook her head. "I've told you, you needed to deal with the situation with Laira. You have no choice, now."

"I know. I just don't know how I'm going to handle it." Janet hugged her best friend.

"Wait and see how everything turns out. Just stay calm."

"Thanks, Janet." Sam gave her a weak, little smile. Daniel came through the door, a big smile on his face.

"Honey, I'm out of allergy pills again!"

Janet laughed. "When aren't you?!"

She went over to the medicine cabinet and got his pills. "Just take care of yourself, Ok?"

Daniel enfolded her in his arms and kissed her gently, then with increasing passion.

Sam looked away, slightly jealous. She was happy for them, of course, but she was envious as well. She wanted the chance for that kind of relationship.

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

Daniel looked over at Sam. "You'd better get a move on." He went over and hugged Sam. "Don't worry. You can lean on me if you need to."

Sam hugged him back. "Thanks, Daniel."

Daniel turned and walked out of the room, blowing a kiss to Janet as he left. Janet looked after him, love and desire reflected in her eyes.

Sam laughed softly, "You guys need to make this legal before you drive each other nuts."

Janet smiled, "Yeah, I know."

She looked over at Sam.

"We've been talking about it."

"You have! Well?!?"

"He hasn't asked yet but I'm hoping he will soon."

"And?"

"I'm going to insist on a very short engagement," giggled Janet.

Sam laughed. "You'd better let me know the instant it happens. I've gotta get going."

"Have a good trip, Sam. No matter what, you can handle it."

SG-1 stood in the Gateroom as the last chevron locked and the wormhole formed.

"Well kids, let's get this over with." Jack said tightly.

They walked through the Stargate.

When they reached Edora, Garan, Paynan, and Jacob Carter were there to greet them.

"Daddy!" Sam cried and went over to hug her father.

"Jacob, Garan, Paynan, how are you doing?" said Jack.

Paynan said, "We're fine, O'Neill. Glad to see you back. Preparations are underway for the signing."

Jack glanced over at Sam and said softly, "Where's Laira?"

"Mom's resting before the signing ceremony," replied Garan.

Sam was looking down at the ground. Jacob hugged her and whispered in her ear, "You can do this."

Sam nodded and followed the rest of them to the village. The members of the village who had stayed during the meteor shower greeted O'Neill warmly. Those who had been stranded on Earth greeted the rest of SG-1 as warmly.

Sam was pleased that one of the women had named her new baby girl Samantha. Sam sat at one of the outdoor tables that had been set up and held the baby. Little Sam smiled up at her and held her finger tightly. Sam cradled the baby a little closer to her and smiled and sang softly to her.

Sam had never really wanted to think about children; especially after Jolinar and the way her body chemistry had been altered. But now, as she sat holding this beautiful baby, she knew she wanted one of her own.

Jack's baby.

Involuntarily, her eyes sought him out. He was standing at the other side of the village square with her father. She realized Jack had been watching her holding the baby. She smiled at them.

Jack had been keeping his eye on her the whole time but when she held the baby he stood still and just watched her. He wondered what it would be like to see Sam heavy with their child; holding their child like that. Jacob walked over to him, silently considering the look on Jack's face.

"She's beautiful, isn't she, Jack?"

O'Neill could only nod his head.

"I have one thing to say to you. Don't hurt her. If you do, there WILL be Hell to pay."

"Yes, sir." Jack said.

Bells rang to gather everyone to the signing ceremony. Colonel Johnson of SG-14 had negotiated the treaty and would sign on behalf of the U. S. Government. Laira came out of her house and Sam's heart fell to the dirt. Laira was quite obviously six months pregnant. Daniel went over to Sam and held her hand. Sam grabbed it like a lifeline, almost crushing it in her grip. Daniel never realized Sam was so strong but he gritted his teeth and said nothing.

On the other side of the clearing, Jack paled.

Jacob whispered, "You didn't know, did you?"

Jack just shook his head. His heart sank. He knew what he had to do.

As soon as the signing ceremony was over Sam left the village, waving Daniel away. She had to be alone. She found herself at the bank of the river. There was a canoe tied up nearby and some fishing poles and nets. Sam sat upon a large rock that was there, buried her face in her hands and started crying. She knew what Jack would do. He was an honorable man. He would ask Laira to marry him. After about twenty minutes, Sam's sobbing subsided. Sam hurriedly wiped the tears away when she heard footsteps on the path. For her own self- respect she had to become the strong, capable Major Carter. She would hide forever the broken-hearted Samantha Carter.

A voice said softly, "Funny, this is where he would come every day after work. It was Jack's special place."

Sam's heart froze.

Laira carefully sat down on the bank beside Sam.

"When is the wedding?" Sam said evenly, not really believing that actually came out of her mouth.

"There is not going to be a wedding, Samantha. You are correct, he did ask me to marry him but I refused."

"Why?" asked Sam in disbelief.

"Because he does not belong in my world and I do not belong in his. He belongs with SG-1." She paused. "He belongs with you. He belongs TO you."

Sam looked at Laira with confusion evident in her face. "What do you mean?"

"I was watching you today from the window during the preparations. I saw how you looked at him and I saw how he looked at you, especially when you were holding little Samantha. It only confirmed what I felt during his stay here. He stayed in my house for three months. At night, when I was in my bed, I could hear him in the next room, calling your name in his sleep. I had been alone for a long time and Jack was the first man that I had feelings for since Garan's father died. I figured he cared for you but I thought that we could build a life together as long as he was stranded here. That last night I saw that he had finally lost hope for a rescue. I was hoping for a chance for us to find happiness. We came home from the party, I went up to him, kissed him, asked him to give me a child."

"I don't want to hear this!" Sam snapped.

Laira put her hand on Sam's arm, restraining her.

"Yes, you do." Laira paused, "I did not ask for his love, only for a child. I had always wanted more children and it had been so long since I had been with a man. Yes, we made love. He was so tender and gentle, but I knew I would never have his heart when he called out your name."

"Oh. Ouch." Sam grimaced.

"Yes. He had a lot to drink at the party. He didn't realize that he called out your name. I never told him. But you need to know. He loves you. You hold his heart in your hands and I can see he holds yours."

Sam looked at the river. "Yes." she said slowly.

Laira smiled. "You've never admitted that out loud before, have you?" Sam shook her head.

"Why haven't you told each other?"

"Military regulations don't allow us to be together," replied Sam. "One of us would have to leave the team or the Air Force. I don't think either one of us has the strength to do that. I can't imagine being in the SGC without Jack. I don't want to leave and have him go offworld without me. You know how he gets into trouble. I have to be there to get him out."

Laira laughed. "Yes, he told me some stories." She looked at Sam. "Given your "regulations" I don't know how it will be done, but I am certain that you will be this child's stepmother one day. You know Jack will want to visit him."

"Yes. Jack will want the best possible relationship with his child."

"That is why I do not want you to worry, Samantha. I want Jack to be happy. You are the only one who has the ability to do that. I will never stand in your way."

"Thank you, Laira."

They looked out over the river. Laira started giggling.

"What?" said Sam, looking over at her.

"Did Jack ever tell you what happened when he was helping to build Yselle's house?"

"No, what happened?"

Laira proceeded to tell her the story.

********

That was how Daniel and Jack found them about an hour later.

Sam and Laira were lying on the ground, talking, looking up at the clouds. Daniel leaned over and whispered to Jack. "Uh oh, you know it's never good when your ex and your girlfriend get together and talk. Boy, are you in trouble!"

"Daniel! Carter is not my girlfriend."

Daniel laughed, "Yeah! Right!"

"Carter! We've been looking for you."

"Sorry, sir. We were just talking."

"Well, the dinner is just about ready."

"OK, sir." Sam got up and she and Jack helped Laira up.

Laira groaned and rubbed her back.

Sam, Jack and Daniel looked at her with concern.

Sam turned to Daniel. "Why don't you go back to the SGC and get Janet to come and give Laira a check-up?"

"Good idea! She can come for the dinner celebration too! Cassie is at Janet's mom's this week."

Daniel left, grinning from ear to ear.

Laira smiled. "Why do I get the idea that you just made his day?"

Jack laughed, "Because she did. It is a good idea though. I would like for Dr. Frasier to start giving you regular prenatal check-ups. It would ease my mind a lot."

They started the return trip to the village.

Jacob was watching for Sam and was surprised and amused to see Sam and Laira walking together talking animatedly, while Jack O'Neill trailed behind looking sort of stunned and confused.

Selmac laughed. "Jacob, I think Samantha is going to be all right. However, I'm not so sure about Colonel O'Neill."

Jacob chuckled, "He looks like a deer caught in the headlights."

The dinner went well. Daniel and Janet only had eyes for each other. Laira nodded her head over in their direction. Sam smiled and nodded. "I think I saw a small box in Daniel's pocket." Sam whispered to Laira.

"A small box?"

"An engagement ring."

"Oh! No wonder he looks so happy today!"

Janet came over to where they were sitting.

"Laira, do you want to do the exam now?"

A small wave of fear came over Laira's face. "Samantha, could you come with me? I'd feel better if you were there."

Sam smiled, "Sure, let's go."

They started walking over to Laira's house.

Janet walked behind them in stunned amazement. Daniel had told her about how Sam had reacted when she saw Laira. He also had told her how he and Jack had found them. Janet just had not expected that Laira and Sam would be acting like long lost friends.

When they got into the house, Sam lit the lanterns and closed the curtains. Janet put a sterile pad on the table and they helped Laira up.

Janet explained everything she was going to do. Laira held tightly to Sam's hand. After the exam was over, Janet asked Laira if she would like to hear the baby's heartbeat.

"Yes!"

Janet got out the conducting gel and the Doppler microphone. She moved it over Laira's abdomen until she found the heartbeat.

"That's what it really sounds like!?" exclaimed Laira and Sam in unison.

"Yep, that's it!" Janet said, grinning.

"That's awesome!" said Sam.

"Yes!" said Laira.

"Laira, I would like you to come to the SGC next week. I would like to perform an amniocentesis given your and Jack's ages." Janet said. "What is an amniocentesis?" asked Laira.

"It is a diagnostic test. An ultrasound is used to show where the baby is in the womb. Then a long needle is inserted in your abdomen away from the baby and a little of the amniotic fluid is drawn off to perform genetic testing. When the parents are over 35, the chance of birth defects increases. This test would let us check and make sure that everything is all right. It would also let us know the sex of the baby."

"Is this really necessary?"

"It's not absolutely necessary but I do think it is advisable."

"Sam, what do you think?" asked Laira.

"Well I've had some friends that had it done and while they didn't enjoy the procedure itself, they were glad when the found out the results. It eased a lot of their worries. And Janet is one of the best doctors ever."

"Thanks for that vote of confidence, Sam! Remind me to hire you as my public relations person." Janet laughed.

"Ok. I'll do the test." said Laira.

"I'll come get you and bring you back, ok?" asked Sam.

"That would be good." replied Laira.

"Ok, let's get you off the table."

Sam and Janet helped Laira off the table.

"If you don't mind, I think I'm going to go lay down. I'm getting really tired." said Laira.

"Sam, you and Janet can spend the night here in Garan's bed if you want. He's going to stay over at Paynan's tonight."

Sam and Janet nodded. "Sure, we'd love to. Go get some sleep, Laira." said Sam.

Laira went on to her room and Sam and Janet walked out of the house.

Janet shook her head. "The one thing I did not expect was to find you and Laira acting like long lost sisters. What happened?"

Sam sighed. "I have to admit when she walked out of the house and I saw she was pregnant, I truly hated her guts. My heart broke into a million pieces because I knew Jack would ask her to marry him. I fled to the riverbank, ironically, to Jack's favorite spot. She found me there a while later." Sam told Janet of the conversation she had with Laira. Janet winced when Sam described Jack calling her name while making love to Laira.

"As we continued talking, I realized we were a lot alike. And Laira has such a kind and gentle manner that my anger just melted away. I didn't expect it either, but I really like Laira."

Janet just shook her head. "Sam, sometimes you really amaze me."

Sam laughed, "Well, why don't you find that boyfriend of yours? I'm sure he's pining away for you. I'm going to find my dad."

Janet giggled. "Yeah, I wonder what kind of trouble Daniel is into."

"Oh God! Janet, don't say that! Daniel attracts trouble like a magnet. I'll see you later."

Sam walked over to where her father was. Jacob's eyes glowed. "How are you doing, Samantha? How is Laira?"

"I'm fine Selmac. Laira decided to go lay down. She's pretty tired. Janet said she's doing fine. We got to hear the baby's heartbeat."

"A wonderful experience. Some of your father's fondest memories are from when your mother was carrying you and your brother."

"You know Dad will be irritated by you spilling the beans."

"That is the problem with males. They never understand a female's need to know those things."

Sam chuckled. "I like Dad getting the feminine viewpoint from you. You keep him on his toes."

Jacob's eyes closed and his head lowered. He opened his eyes again. "Watch it, kid."

"Oh come on, Dad."

Jacob's face grew serious. "How are you really, Sammie?"

Sam smiled at the pet name. "I really am fine Dad. I don't fully understand how it happened but I really like Laira, strange as it seems."

"You really do love Jack O'Neill, don't you?"

"Dad!"

"I'm not talking as an Air Force General. That doesn't count between us. I'm talking as your father, who believe it or not, loves and worries about you."

"I know, Dad." Sam sighed and tears started to well up in her eyes. "Oh Dad! I love him so much. It hurts not being able to be with him."

"You two have never talked about it?"

"You know we can't Dad. You know the regulations as well as I do. We are not about to risk that."

"It just seems that O'Neill has never cared much for regulations. I wasn't sure."

"I think we're both afraid that even if we just talk about it, we won't be able to stop there."

Jacob hugged his daughter. "Just do what's right for you, Sammie. I'll do whatever I can to help."

"Thanks, Daddy."

Jacob looked up and grinned.

"Hey, what's going on over there?" He pointed to a tree on the other side of the square.

Janet and Daniel were standing beneath it, kissing.

Sam looked at them and smiled.

Daniel looked down at Janet, smiled, held her left hand and got down on one knee.

"My God! He's gonna do it. All right!" Sam said with glee.

Suddenly a loud "Yes!" echoed across the square. Daniel stood up and spun Janet around in his arms.

Jack O'Neill and Teal'c came up beside Sam.

"Did Space Monkey just do what I think he did?"

"You betcha," replied Sam, using one of Jack's favorite expressions.

Teal'c smiled, "It is about time that DanielJackson and DoctorFraiser stopped beating about the foliage and decided to wed."

Jacob laughed. "It's "beating around the bush" Teal'c."

"Indeed. I shall endeavor to remember that fact."

Daniel and Janet came over to the rest of their team.

Sam said, "Ok Janet, let me see the rock."

Janet held out her hand, beaming. Sam gasped. On her finger was a gorgeous 4-carat diamond in a platinum mount.

"Janet, I have one request."

"What's that, Sam?"

"Don't go swimming with that thing on. I don't want to have to find a new doctor!"

Sam swept her best friend into a huge hug. "I am so happy for you!"

Daniel was getting his back pounded by Jacob, O'Neill and Teal'c. Of course, Teal'c's hurt worst.

"Ok, ok. Lay off guys!!"

"It's about time, Space Monkey."

"Have you decided on a wedding date, DanielJackson?"

"Not yet, but it will be pretty soon."

Janet looked up at Jacob Carter.

"General, I-"

"Jacob, please."

Janet nodded, "Jacob, I would appreciate it if you and General Hammond would give me away."

Jacob smiled. To Sam's surprise, tears filled his eyes.

"Janet, I would be honored to give you away, and I know George will be as well."

Jacob embraced her and kissed the top of her head.

"Janet, never forget, for now and for always you are part of our family. You are as close to Sam as any sister could be. I always wanted more daughters!"

Sam smiled, tears in her eyes as well.

Jacob turned to Daniel. "Young man, you better take good care of her or you will have me to answer to!"

Daniel swallowed nervously, "Yes Sir! I sure will, Sir!"

"Good man! OK! Let's celebrate!!!"

"Just stay away from that hooch that Paynan makes or you'll think you have four heads tomorrow, each one of them more painful than the others," said O'Neill rubbing his head in remembrance. The rest of them laughed.

The next morning Jacob, Selmac and Sam started to outline ideas for the mining and refining operations. Sam was going to go back with SG- 1 after lunch, obtain the information and equipment she needed and then was going to return the next day.

Just before lunchtime the team started to assemble at the tables on the square. Daniel definitely looked a little worse for wear. The Edorans had been overjoyed to hear of Daniel and Janet's engagement and there were multiple toasts to the happy couple. Jack had not exaggerated the effect of Paynan's home brew. Daniel passed out after the fourth toast. Jacob and Jack carried him in to Paynan's house to sleep it off, laughing all the way.

SG-1 ate lunch with Laira, Garan, Paynan and some of the other villagers. Finally, O'Neill stood up. "It's time to go, kids." Everyone got up from the tables. Jack went over to Laira and took her hands in his.

"I'll come back as often as I can. Janet will give you regular prenatal check-ups." He touched her cheek. "Take care of yourself and the baby."

"I will. You don't have to worry. We will be just fine."

Janet and Sam went over to Laira as well. "I want to do the amniocentesis a week from today. Sam will come and get you. You'll get the results on our first visit after that. Take care and get plenty of rest."

"I will, Janet. Thank you."

Laira turned to Sam. "I'll see you tomorrow, Samantha." They hugged.

Sam turned to Jacob. "Are you going to see us off, Dad?"

"Sure."

As they walked to the Stargate, Jacob took his daughter's hand. "Sammie, I always knew you were special. Now I know that you are one Hell of a lady. Not many women could have handled this situation with the grace and kindness you've shown. I'm very proud of you."

"Thank you, Daddy," Sam replied softly, hugging her father. Jacob smiled at her. "Everything will be OK.

O'Neill called out, "Carter, dial us home!"

"Yes, sir!"

When they got through the Stargate, General Hammond was waiting for them. Before he could utter a word, three voices said, "General, could I speak to you, please?"

Daniel, Janet and Jack looked at each other. Jack waived his hand, "You guys go first."

They all followed General Hammond back to his office. He sat down at his desk and motioned for Daniel and Janet to be seated. Hammond caught a flash of light from Janet's left hand as she sat down. He started to smile. "What's on your minds?"

Daniel cleared his throat. "Sir, I need to inform you that I have asked Janet to marry me and she's accepted."

Go to Part 2

S

Back

---

~ DJA main page ~ Updates ~ Alpha by Author ~ Alpha by Title ~ Alpha by Series ~ GTKY ~ Song Lyrics ~ Challenges ~
~ Quotes ~ Shippy Reviews ~ DJ Galleries ~ Daniel/MS bio ~ Janet/Teryl bio ~ Beta Readers ~ Links/Webrings ~
~ FUQs ~ Search the DJA! ~ Welcome Packet ~
~ Sam and Jack Archive ~ SG-13 Homepage ~

---