Beyond A Hundred Days
by Lena Smith
Part 3

Nurse Johnson gave everyone antibacterial wipes to clean their hands. She knew they would all want to hold the baby. New life in the midst of death gave everyone hope, she believed. Jack took his son. He kissed the infant gently. "Hi there, Little Jake. I talked to your mama the other day. She couldn't wait to see you. You are so beautiful. She can't be here with you now, but she's watching you from heaven."

He turned around so everyone could see the baby. "Everyone, Laira named this little one Jacob Jerran Hammond O'Neill. He's our son."

Everyone crowded around. The tears were still falling, but hearts were eased a little with this beautiful, innocent child.

Paynan, Garan and Jacob had been given guest quarters. They were going to spend the night then Laira's body would be taken back to Edora in the morning. Two full SG teams would carry her body as an honor guard.

Jack went into the infirmary to where a small part had been prepared as a nursery. He carried an iced tea for himself and a diet soda for Sam. She was sitting in the chair looking at Jake in his bed. "Here, you need something to drink."

Sam took the drink absently.

"He's wonderful, Jack. Laira would have loved him so much." More tears fell from both of them.

"Sam, she told you what she wanted us to do?"

Sam nodded, "We raise him. Joint custody."

"How do you feel about that?"

"I promised her. I keep my promises." She looked up at Jack and then down at the baby again. "I love him, already."

They decided to keep Jake at the mountain for the time being until the legal issues were resolved. Everyone attended Laira's funeral two days later on Edora. Tears fell like rain, for Laira had been a wealthy woman in the manner that really counted, in the wealth of people of four worlds who loved her.

Jack and Jacob went up to Garan.

Jack took him in his arms. "You are my son, now. You can come back with me, or you can stay here, but whatever your decision, I will be here when you need me."

Garan nodded. "I'm going to stay here with Paynan. If I need you, I will call."

Jacob said, "Your mother became like a daughter to me. If you need me, grandson, I will be here."

"I know."

They hugged the boy, and then turned to rejoin their team.

"What are you going to do, Jack?" Jacob asked.

"We all got together last night and hashed it over. Laira wanted Sam and I to have joint custody. The easiest way to do that is live together, so we decided to buy a big house that the whole team can move into. We can all have our own "apartments" so to speak but still be together. I talked it over with General Hammond and he doesn't think there will be a problem given the circumstances."

"I hope everything works out. Do you have any ideas for the house?"

"Yes, actually. When Laira was here for the amnio, she and Sam stopped by General Wright's house. Laira told Sam that Sam and I would be living there. Sam didn't believe her at the time but Sam said the house is perfect for our needs. I'm going over to see the General this afternoon. You're a friend of his, aren't you? Do you want to come with me? It might make it easier."

"I'd be happy to, Jack."

They all returned to Cheyenne Mountain. Jack and Jacob left to see General Wright. Sam and Janet went immediately to the infirmary to see Little Jake. He was sleeping so soundly; his little chest rising and falling. Sam looked at him and her heart swelled with so much love she thought she might burst.

"Janet … I never thought I could feel like this. I never thought I could love like this."

Janet nodded. "Yes, amazing isn't it? I feel the same way about Cassie. I would do anything for her, fight for her, die for her … kill for her. It doesn't matter that I didn't give birth to her. She is my child. Even though I love Daniel with all my heart, it can't compare to the love I have for her. It's so deep, so strong, so fierce."

"Yes. That's exactly how I feel. I didn't expect it to come so quickly and hit so hard."

"You're a warm, loving person, Sam. Laira knew it. That's why she wanted you to have the baby. She knew you would bond with him immediately."

"I miss her so much. I didn't realize how much she had become an anchor in my life. We were not that far apart in age, but when I talked to her … it was almost like talking to my mom. They both had the same gentle manner, the same ability to love."

Janet nodded, tears welling up again. "Yes, I know. I could confide in her things I couldn't even tell you, Sam. She made that connection with everyone, even Teal'c and General Hammond."

"I'm going to make sure Little Jake knows all about Laira, about how much she was loved." Sam looked down at Little Jake, her son. "Thank you, Laira, for giving him to me. He's wonderful," she thought.

Jack came into the infirmary. His mission was successful. General Wright agreed to sell the house to SG-1. The General was dismayed to find out the circumstances. He liked Laira when they met that day. While Jack was looking at the grounds, General Wright talked to Jacob. "I'm surprised that your daughter and Laira seemed so close when they were here, if Laira was carrying Colonel O'Neill's child. I mean, I've seen Major Carter and Colonel O'Neill together."

"That obvious to you too, Jason?"

Jason Wright smiled, "Yes, and I know they've done nothing about it, otherwise, there wouldn't be so much tension between them. But, how are they going to handle it living in the same house?"

"They care too much about the work they're doing to jeopardize that. I'm going to see what I can do to help them be together, Jason. My daughter deserves that chance at happiness."

"Good luck, Jacob."

They had been lucky in their timing. The moving van was there. Another day or two and Jason Wright would have been in Arizona. The General told O'Neill they could start moving in on Monday. They agreed that the team would rent the house until the closing.

"Janet, where's Sam?"

"She's over feeding the baby. Little Jake eats like a horse. He's put on five ounces already." She motioned to the nursery area, which was curtained off. Janet watched Jack walk over to the nursery, a sly smile on her face. Jack came quietly around the curtain and stopped short. He was sure that his heart had stopped and he wasn't sure he could breathe. Sam was sitting in a rocking chair, Little Jake at her breast, nursing. She was singing softly to him. Jack O'Neill was certain he had never seen a more beautiful sight. He couldn't believe he was watching his second-in-command, the woman he loved, breastfeeding his son. She looked so serene, so happy. Sam looked up at him and smiled. Jack's heart turned over.

"General Hammond wants to see us."

Jack wasn't sure how he got the words out.

Sam nodded. "OK, he's just about done anyway. He's almost asleep." Sam looked down at the baby. "OK, little one, Mommy and Daddy have to go see Grandpa Hammond. Time for you to go to bed."

Mommy and Daddy. Jack's heart pounded in his chest as he thought, yes, Sam was certainly Little Jake's Mommy.

Sam placed her finger on her breast at the corner of the baby's mouth and pressed in, releasing the suction. She put Jake in bed, fastened her nursing bra and buttoned her fatigue blouse.

To Jack she seemed totally unconcerned that he had seen her breast, watched her dress. It affected him greatly. He couldn't help thinking about touching her there, making love to her. He sighed. Nothing would happen until they were allowed. It was for the best but it wasn't easy.

Sam walked over to Janet. "He's asleep. I'll be back in a couple of hours."

"OK."

Jack missed the wink Janet gave Sam. Sam had a wicked little smile on her face. She had enjoyed the play of emotions across his face.

As they walked down the hall, Jack managed to stammer out, "How?" Sam smiled, "Laira convinced me to have Janet run all the tests she can to see if I can have a baby. One of those tests was to see if the Naquadah in my bloodstream would be excreted in the breast milk. Janet gave me Domperidon to induce lactation. That was a few days before Laira died. The tests came back negative. My milk was totally normal. After Laira died and I realized Little Jake was now our son, I decided I wanted to breastfeed. I had Janet increase the dosage of Domperidon to what is normal for adoptive mothers who want to breastfeed."

"This is common, now?"

"Yes, I read about it in a magazine."

"Wow."

They reached Hammond's office.

"Sir, you wanted to see us?"

"Colonel, Major, sit down please. I contacted JAG to find out what we needed to do legally about Little Jake. Unfortunately, there are only a few people with high enough security clearance to handle this case. Two are out of the country on assignment, one is on medical leave and the other was killed in a car accident last month. They said they might not be able to get someone assigned to it for three months."

"General, that's totally unacceptable!"

"I agree, Colonel. That's why I contacted Admiral Chegwidden over at naval JAG, to see if they could help us out. You remember we had this same situation with Cassie and Dr. Frasier. Commander Rabb and Colonel MacKenzie will be here next week."

Sam released the breath she had been holding. "Thank you, sir."

"My pleasure, Major. You people will need to get that house set up ASAP. Make good use of the month's downtime." He paused and reached over to pick up an envelope from his desk.

"One other thing. Everyone on base got together to give you this for Little Jake."

Jack opened the envelope and he and Sam both gasped. Within were two sets of gift certificates, $1000 to Baby Superstore and $1000 to Wal- Mart and Sears.

"You two are well respected here and, God knows, the infirmary has been the most popular area on base these last few days." Hammond chuckled. "Little Jake melted more than just a few hearts."

Jack just sat there, astonished.

"General, with your permission, I would like to make a base-wide announcement."

"Certainly, Colonel."

Jack went over to the console in the control room and flipped a switch.

"Attention, please. This is Colonel Jack O'Neill. I would like to thank everyone for the generous gift to my son. I have the honor and privilege of serving with the best people in the military. Thank you."

He flipped the switch off.

They had done a lot in a week. Little Jake's room was painted and papered. The motif was teddy bears. Jake's, Sam's and Teal'c's rooms were upstairs. Daniel's, Cassie's and Jack's bedrooms were downstairs. Cassie was still deciding on how she wanted to do her room. She and Janet would not move in until after the wedding. Janet and Sam had a ball deciding what furniture went where in the common areas of the house. It helped that they had all spent so much time at each other's residences that they knew what everyone had. They moved the most necessary items first. The miscellaneous stuff would be moved over time. Sam and Daniel had to give a months notice for their apartments. Jack still had to sell his house. The move went smoothly. Given that most of them were military, they were very proficient in packing their belongings quickly.

The whole team was like a bunch of kids in a candy store when they went to the Baby Superstore. Little Jake was completely outfitted in an afternoon. Sam traded her car. It would be a lot easier to get Jake in and out of a four-door sedan than a two-door coupe. She shuttled between the house and the mountain to feed and check on Jake. She knew everyone was taking good care of him while they were getting the house ready but Sam couldn't stay away from him for very long.

The next Monday found them all at Cheyenne Mountain waiting for Commander Rabb and Colonel MacKenzie. Sam was pacing around the infirmary like a caged tiger.

"Sam, calm down! It'll be OK! You know Harm and Mac are good people. Everything will be just fine."

"I know they're great, Janet. It's just that I want to take little Jake home." Sam spent every night here, with Little Jake in her quarters.

"I went through the same thing with Cassie. Just don't worry."

Commander Harmon Rabb and Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie drove up to the gate and identified themselves. They were waived through and went to the main entrance.

"Mac, I'm always amazed when I think of what they do here."

"Yeah, to actually go to other planets light years away. It sounds like science fiction."

They met with General Hammond, Major Carter, and Colonel O'Neill in Hammond's office. O'Neill explained the whole situation to them. "That's everything. What do we have to do?"

Commander Rabb stated, "Well, you have admitted paternity and it was confirmed by the DNA test Dr. Frasier ran. You can have custody of Jake without a custody hearing because you are his biological father. For Major Carter, we will have to file for joint custody. Adoption of a child by two unmarried people is not as uncommon as it used to be. I don't foresee any real problem. And you can take him home with you today."

Sam breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you."

Lt. Colonel MacKenzie smiled. "We will have to interview Garan since he was Laira's next of kin. We will also have to do the standard evaluations for Major Carter and the house. There will be a custody hearing and then the judge will consider the reports and make his decision. Janet Frasier went through the same procedure when she adopted Cassie. Obviously, this is all going to be done in a top- secret military court given Jake's origin. Commander Rabb and I will be handling the tasks normally done by a social worker." Colonel MacKenzie's eyes twinkled. "Now, do you think I could go see that little charmer?"

Sam sprang out of her chair. "Sure, come on! Besides, it's just about feeding time for him."

Sam and Mac left for the infirmary.

General Hammond smiled. "One more thing, Commander. Daniel Jackson and Janet Frasier are getting married. He would like to adopt Cassie. Can you assist us with that as well?"

Harm looked at O'Neill and Hammond and grinned. "What is it with the SGC and adoption? Sure, might as well since we're here. It'll save time since you'll all be living in the same house anyway."

O'Neill said, "Commander, why don't we go to the infirmary and I'll introduce you to my son."

"Somehow, I sincerely doubt we will be able to get him away from Sam and Mac," laughed Rabb.

Sam had settled in the rocking chair, Jake at her breast. Mac was in an armchair next to her. She looked at the happy, contented smile on Sam's face as she looked down at Jake. A twinge of jealousy went through her heart.

"What is it like? Nursing him?"

"I can't really explain it. It doesn't hurt. It feels … wonderful. It makes me so happy."

"Oh, I really want a baby."

Sam looked at her speculatively. "Is that why you're marrying Mic?"

Mac nodded. "It's one of the reasons, yes. Harm and I talked at my engagement party. He had expected me to wait for him "as long as it took". Sam, I want three or four kids. That takes time and that damn clock is starting to tick really loud. I told him that night that he won't lose that control and give in to what he wants."

"What you want, too."

"Yeah. But I can't wait forever. Mic loves me and wants to marry me and give me children."

Sam heard Jack's voice coming from the hall.

"Here they come. Why don't you and Harm come over tomorrow afternoon for our welcome home party? Janet called Teal'c and told him Jake was coming home. He's arranging everything."

"Sure, we'd love to."

"We'll go to Edora and talk to Garan after Sam's done feeding Little Jake."

Harm nodded. "Sounds like a good idea. The sooner we start the sooner all this is over."

They stepped to the edge of the curtain. No matter how often Jack saw Sam nursing Jake, his heart always stopped. He couldn't stop smiling at the sight. He looked over at Harm. Harm was watching Mac caressing the baby's hand and foot. He had a rather … pole axed look on his face.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Jack said softly.

Harm nodded. He imagined his child at Mac's breast. It sent a shiver down his spine. Then he saw the ring on Mac's finger. The image changed, it was Mic's child at her breast. His throat tightened.

Jack saw a gamut of emotions run through Harm's face. He pulled Harm a little farther away.

Softly, so Mac and Sam wouldn't hear, he said, "Why are you letting her marry Mic? The way is open for you. You don't have to worry about the fraternization regs."

"I don't get involved with co-workers. It's a principle I have and I've always lived by my principles."

"Do you really want to lose her to a principle?"

Harm just stood there watching, saying nothing.

"Jack, he's finished. Shall we take him with us to see Garan? I know everyone would love to see him."

"Let's see what Janet says."

Jack went over to Janet and asked her. She considered for a moment and said, "Sure as long as he's not near anyone with a cold and everyone uses the antibacterial wipes. His immune system is still forming. Just be sure you're all dressed warmly. It's cold on Edora now."

The trip to Edora went well. Everyone congratulated Jack. Garan held Jake and cried. Jack came over and put his arms around Garan. "Laira would have loved him."

"Yes, she would have. I miss her so much, Dad."

"I know, son. I know. Are you sure you don't want to come back with us for a while? We've got plenty of room."

"No, I belong here. Besides," he grinned. "I asked Naytha to marry me last week."

"That's great!" Jack considered Garan seriously. "You've grown up so much. Your mother would be very proud of you."

"Thanks, Dad." He paused. "Aunt Samantha really loves Little Jake. I'm glad you're both going to raise him."

"So are we. By the way, when is the wedding?"

"Next spring. We'll be sure to send you word of the actual date."

"You better!" Said Jack, ruffling Garan's hair.

Mac watched the exchange with a smile. These were incredible people, on both sides. Mac and Harm conducted the necessary interviews. Everyone said the same thing. Sam and Jack should raise the baby. It was what Laira wanted.

They came back through the Stargate. Harm and Mac shook their heads. "That's the most incredible experience ever. It beats anything I've ever flown," said Harm, wonder in his voice.

"Believe me," laughed Sam. "It never gets old."

Jack looked at Sam. "Major, this has been fun, but let's take our son home."

"Yes, SIR!" One of her spectacular smiles lit her face.

The next afternoon everyone was gathered at the house on the deck, enjoying the beautiful day. Harm and Mac had already done a survey of the house and given it a thumbs up. Sam and Mac were sitting in the shade beside Jake's bassinette. Harm was "assisting" Jack at the grill. Sam watched Mac watching Harm.

"Mac, in your heart of hearts, what do you really want?"

"I want him. In my life, in my heart, in my bed."

"If that's what you want, give him one more chance. You said he won't lose control and take a chance."

"Yes. We were on the porch talking. The party was going on in the house. I thought he almost lost control when he kissed me. That kiss has invaded my dreams ever since."

"If you really want him to lose control, you're going to have to push him over the edge. I have an idea. It's drastic, but desperate times call for desperate measures."

"What are you suggesting?"

"Do you see that stand of trees down the hill?"

"Yes."

"They form a horseshoe shape with a wonderful view of the mountainside. Inside is a small meadow. It's very private. The path in is curved so there is no direct line of sight. No one can see in. Why don't you take Harm there."

"And?"

"SHOW him what he's going to throw away."

Mac swallowed, hard. "You mean…"

Sam smiled and nodded her head. "Yes. I said it was drastic but if he doesn't lose control then … I don't think he ever will. If that's the case, you probably are better off marrying Mic."

Mac sat there, looking at Harm. She looked down at the ring on her left hand. She took a deep breath and took the ring off her hand and gave it to Sam. "If I don't try, I'll never know. Wish me luck."

"Good luck. Oh, put your left hand in your pocket. You don't want to make him suspicious."

Mac nodded. She got up and walked over to Harm.

"Sam says that there is a view we really have to see. Come on, let's have a look."

Harm shrugged. "Ok, why not."

Mac started walking to the stand of trees, Harm followed.

Jack looked over at Sam with a raised eyebrow. Sam just smiled and shrugged. Jack had already imagined the possibilities of that particular area. It made him wonder a little about General Wright and his wife. He chuckled and walked over to Sam.

"Trying to do a little matchmaking, Sam?"

"I just want them to be happy. There's no reason they shouldn't. They don't have to worry about the regs."

"I know. Sam, I asked Harm if he could find any way to help us."

Sam looked up at him, surprise and love shining in her eyes. Jack sat down next to her.

"I want more children, Sam. Ours. I love you."

"I love you too," she whispered. She leaned up against his body and he put his arm around her. They sat there quietly, beside their son.

Mac and Harm reached the trees. Mac let Harm take the lead. He walked almost to the edge where it fell off a little more sharply. It was a spectacular view. He started to turn toward Mac.

"Mac, it's . . . beautiful," he breathed.

He was mesmerized. Mac stood before him, beautiful, magnificent, spectacular, totally unclothed.

She slowly walked towards him. He couldn't move.

"This is your last chance, Harm. You will never have this opportunity again. You said you wanted me to wait for as long as it takes. I can't do that, Harm. I want a family. I want children, three or four. That takes time and time is ticking away. Mic wants me and he's willing to make that commitment." She paused. "Can you take the thought of another man touching me?"

She drew a hand across the top of a breast. Harm drew in a breath. Mac enjoyed the feeling of power over this man. She prayed Sam was right.

"Can you take the image of me, pregnant with Mic's child?"

She drew a hand across her stomach. A soft moan escaped from Harm. "When I leave here, that's it. No more chances. It's your choice, Harm."

She turned and took a step towards her clothes. Suddenly, Harm's hands gripped her arms and pulled her against him.

"No," he ground out. He started raining kisses down her neck and shoulder. Mac shivered. He turned her around and captured her mouth with his. Her knees went weak. Harm lowered her to the ground and stared into her eyes.

"You're MINE. You're marrying ME. Change those damned invitations."

With that, he kissed her again. Mac's heart soared. "Thank you, Sam." She thought. Then all thinking became impossible.

Sam looked at her watch and smiled. It had been twenty minutes. She looked up at Jack.

"I think you need to delay putting on Mac and Harm's steaks. I think they're going to be a while."

Jack looked down at her in amusement. "That was your idea, wasn't it?"

Sam smiled a very mischievous smile. "Sure was! Looks like it worked, too. Hey, why don't you put all of our steaks on. I don't think they'll mind if we eat without them."

Over an hour later, Mac and Harm emerged from the trees. His arm was around her, holding her close.

"I love you, Sarah."

"I love you, Harm."

They looked up the hill at Sam and Jack. They were sitting at the table, talking. Jack reached for Sam's hand. Teal'c was sitting off to the side, watching them with a slight smile on his face. Daniel and Janet were on the swing, kissing.

"Is there some way we can help Sam and Jack? They are so much in love."

Harm nodded. "I know. The only thing that could help them is if the SGC regulations have a loophole. Special unit regulations can supercede normal regulations, you know. I'll ask Hammond for a copy tomorrow."

Sam smiled that mischievous smile again. "Hi guys! Did you enjoy the view?"

Mac blushed. Harm laughed and said, "Yes, I have to say I did."

More seriously, he said, "Thank you, Sam. I came very close to losing what I wanted most."

He bent over and kissed her on the cheek.

"You're very welcome. You might want to put your steaks on. I would imagine you're hungry."

Harm laughed and walked over to the grill accompanied by Jack. "OOOH, that was wicked. True, but wicked," laughed Mac.

Sam handed Mac the ring. "I think you need to give this to someone."

"Yes, thank you so much, Sam."

"No problem."

Mac and Harm checked the SGC regulations. They couldn't find anything to help. They gave the book back to Hammond.

"Find what you're looking for?"

"No, Sir. Unfortunately not."

"Don't worry, son. I'm pretty sure I know what you're looking for. It's being worked on. Just don't say anything."

Mac and Harm looked at each other and said "Aye, Sir!"

"Anything else?"

"No, Sir."

"Dismissed. Oh and by the way, congratulations, you two."

They smiled. "Thank you, Sir."

Two months later everyone gathered at SG-1's house to celebrate the adoption decree. Everyone had gotten into a comfortable routine during that time. It really was as if they were a big family. On base, Sam and Jack's relationship was strictly business. Major and Colonel. At home, they sounded like an old married couple. Jack yelled up the stairwell, "Honey, where are the cans of juice for the punch?"

"In the pantry, of course!!" Sam yelled down with amusement.

They had never broken regulations, as difficult as it was, but in every other respect they were married in their hearts. For now it was enough.

Sam brought Little Jake down and they went to the deck. Half the base was there as well as Mac and Harm, Jacob Carter, Garan, Paynan and General Wright and his wife.

General Hammond requested everyone's attention.

"We are here to celebrate Sam's adoption of Little Jake. Sam, you're a great mother and we are all very happy for you. If you'll give me my grandson, I have a present for you and Jack."

Puzzled but happy, she gave him Little Jake. Jacob handed her a package. Sam and Jack opened the package. Inside was a handsomely bound copy of the SGC Regulations book. Sam and Jack looked at it slightly confused, then they saw "Revised 2001" on the front. Sam noticed two post-it flags. She opened the book to the first one. Inside were approval stamps from the Joint Chiefs and the President. Then she opened the book at the second flag.

Sam and Jack read the passage.

FRATERNIZATION OF PERSONNEL
Any personnel wishing to conduct a personal relationship with another member of the SGC are required to have approval of the base commander. Said couple will be on two months probation at their current assignments. To maintain the relationship, they must conduct themselves in a professional manner while on duty and offworld. Acceptable work performance must be maintained. After two months the relationship can continue, up to and including marriage.

Beneath this passage was a post-it note.

You passed the test.
Just kiss her and get married!!!!

They looked at each other and then to General Hammond.

"Thank you, Sir!!!" They said in unison.

Trying to keep a smile off his face he said sternly, "Do I need to make that an order, people?!"

"NO, SIR!!"

With that Jack took Sam in his arms and kissed her.

A loud cheer went up.

Jack looked at that special smile that was his alone and said, "Sam, will you marry me?"

"OH YES!!!"

The End



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