Tangled Threads (Ch 16)

CHAPTER 16

The mood was heavy in Sam's house the next morning; full of grief, guilt and regret. Nursing a cup of coffee at the kitchen table, Sam closed her eyes in an attempt to block out her surroundings. She hadn't slept much again the night before and now she was just hours away from burying her father. She had been waiting for this day since he passed, but now that the time was here, she wasn't ready to say goodbye.

She looked up when she heard Mark shuffling into the kitchen and one quick intake of his disheveled features and bloodshot eyes told Sam he hadn't slept much last night either. He took the chair opposite Sam before he spoke quietly.

"You okay?"

"I'm fine. You?" She shrugged, knowing her voice deceived her as soon as Mark gave her a look that said 'Yeah right', but she decided to ignore it.

"I can't believe he's really gone."

Sam nodded in agreement, before getting up to place her cup in the sink. She turned around to face her brother and noticed he was partly dressed for the service already, with just his tie and jacket missing.

"Liz is nearly finished with the kids," Mark offered awkwardly, seeing Sam was still in her flannel pajama bottoms and tank top. She shook her head.

"It's alright; it's only 0730. The car doesn't arrive until 0900."

Mark opened his mouth to say something, but then thought better of it.

"I'm going to take a shower and change," Sam said after a moment. "If the General arrives when I'm getting ready, can you let him in?"

"Sure."

"Thanks," she half-smiled, squeezing his shoulder as she passed.

***

Mark had just handed Liz a cup of coffee when the doorbell rang. He checked his watch and frowned; the car wasn't due for almost another half hour. Spinning around, he made his way towards the front door.

He glanced down the hall as he opened the door and when he turned his attention to the person standing in front of him, his jaw fell open.

"General O'Neill!"

"Mark," Jack replied, his voice solemn. Mark couldn't help but stare at the General. He stood every inch the Air Force officer that he was; head up, shoulders back. It was almost as if he was an older poster boy for the Air Force; from the service hat which partly shaded his face, to his pristine - and slightly uncomfortable looking - dress uniform, complete with a star sitting proudly on each shoulder and at least a half dozen medals pinned on the chest; to his impeccably shiny black shoes.

Trying not to chuckle at the bizarre visualization of the General strutting down the corridors of Cheyenne Mountain like a model, Mark focused back on the medals and even he had to admit he was impressed by the number which decorated the officer's uniform.

"You doing okay?" Jack asked as he passed him in the doorway.

"Uh... Yeah. I think. Hasn't really sunk in yet... You know?"

Mark knew he was rambling, but seeing Jack nod in agreement, he relaxed slightly.

"Do you want a coffee?"

"No, thanks. You in the front room?" Jack pointed, not waiting for an answer.

Jack entered the room, immediately seeing Liz and the kids sitting quietly on the sofa. He smiled slightly when Jo looked up and saw him.

"General Jack!"

She jumped up from the sofa and made her way towards him, when Mark stepped in between them and lifted her into his arms. At her confused look, Mark explained quietly.

"It's really important you don't touch the General's uniform, sweetie. I remember your grandpa telling me when I was younger," Mark smiled wistfully as he looked at Jack.

A smile tugged at the corner of Jack's mouth as he looked at Jo. He could literally see the smallest Carter thinking over her dad's answer and decided to step in before she could come up with a retort.

"Your dad's right kiddo," he said, before leaning forward and stage whispering; "But if you're good, you can try the hat on later. I think it'll suit you," he smiled, tucking her on the chin.

Her eyes lit up. "Okay!"

Standing up, Jack turned to the other occupants in the room and raised his brow as they stared back at him wide eyed and open mouthed. He glanced over his shoulder to Mark.

"I think it's all your medals," he whispered.

"Ah."

Mark noticed he suddenly looked a lot more uncomfortable in his dress blues.

"Sam's back there," Mark mumbled, hooking a thumb towards her room.

"If you'll excuse me, I think I'll go check on her." Jack nodded, leaving the room without another word.

He stood in front of her door for a few seconds before exhaling deeply and knocking the door twice.

***

Sam was in a daze as she walked to her closet and pulled out her dress jacket. Placing it carefully on the bed, she slowly traced the silver oak leaves and smiled at the memory. They were the General's own oak leaves which he had pinned on her shoulders a little under a year ago. Despite the events of the past year, Sam would never forget the look of pride in his eyes as he had sworn in her promotion.

She had just fastened her tie tab when she heard a sharp knock at the bedroom door.

"Come in," she called, as she slipped her feet into her heeled shoes.

"Carter."

"Sir! Is the car here already?" She frowned, wondering just how long she had spent in a daze.

"No. Daniel dropped me off on his way to the base," he answered as his eyes took in Sam's room before coming to rest back on Sam.

"You doing okay," he asked softly. He could see the internal battle she was having as it played across her face. He knew she was torn between being a soldier and being a daughter who wanted to grieve her father.

"C'mere," he whispered, wrapping his arms around her tightly as she melted into his embrace, her arms sneaking around his back. He rocked them both gently for a few minutes and when he felt her relax slightly against him, he lifted his chin from the top of her head and moved, so his lips were hovering next to her ear.

"Better?"

When she nodded against his chest, Jack pressed a feather light kiss into her hair and pulled back to look in her eyes. There, he saw her doubts replaced by renewed strength.

She stepped out of his arms and moved silently to the bed. Pulling on her dress jacket, she fastened the buttons and smoothed the front of it as she examined herself in the full-length mirror standing in the corner of her room.

She could feel the General watching her every move, even as he moved to stand at her bedroom door.

"You ready?" he asked.

She studied her reflection one more time, smoothing down another non-existent crease, before reaching over to grab her hat off the end of the bed. She came to a stop in front of the General.

"I'm ready."

He followed her silently down the hall, giving her the space she needed and watched her pause momentarily as she straightened her stance before entering the front room. He leant casually against the doorframe and felt his own pride for Sam surge through his blood, his bones, his soul as he witnessed her family's reaction.

He then realized it was probably the first time any of them had seen Sam in her dress blues. He took in the five wide-eyed, open mouthed expressions once again, resting his gaze on Mark and he couldn't help smiling to himself as he saw Mark's eyes full of nothing but awe, pride and possibly fear.

Fear of this woman standing in front of him. The woman who was his baby sister; yet she stood tall and proud with numerous medals adorning her chest. In that one moment, as Jack studied him, he knew any personal vendetta Mark had with the Air Force, had been forgotten.

"Holy Hannah! Sam, you look..." Mark trailed off.

"Pretty!" Jo finished, her small voice full of admiration.

"You really are a superhero," Ben added.

Sam ducked her chin in an effort to hide the blush spreading across her face, and Jack knew she was starting to feel uncomfortable under their intense stares. He cleared his throat awkwardly in an attempt to break the tension.

"There's something I need to tell you before the car gets here," Jack started. He winced when Sam spun around to face him, worry etched on her face.

"Sir?"

"The President is here; he'll be at the memorial service."

Sam's eyes widened at the revelation, while Mark and Liz both paled considerably.

"The President?" Mark repeated in disbelief.

Jack nodded. "He knew your dad when they were both Lieutenants," he shrugged lightly. "He wanted to pay his final respects in person."

"Wow, that's -"

"So cool!" Ben grinned.

Before Liz could admonish Ben for his crass - albeit slightly accurate observation - there was another knock on the door. Jack gestured for Sam to stay put as he went and answered the door, returning just moments later.

"Car's here."

***

It had been decided that the procession would leave from the base, with the President and Joint Chiefs representative in the first car, followed by Jack, Sam and her family in the second. A number of other SGC personnel, as well as a handful of their alien allies travelled in the other cars behind.

The drive was made in silence and Jack knew the instant Fort Lyons came into view when Sam inhaled sharply. He placed his hand on hers, giving it a light squeeze, before removing it and taking in the sad faces of the children in front of him.

Jack offered Sam a hand out of the car, which she gratefully accepted after noticing her legs were trembling. He watched her take a deep breath as she reigned in her emotions and erected a barrier to hide behind for the next hour.

As the car carrying the flag-draped casket approached, Jack scanned the area and lifted his eyes to the sky. It was a dry morning, but not as warm as the previous few had been. Just starting to peak from behind the hill at the cemetery, the sun was still low in the sky, causing long shadows to form on the ground. Following his shadow, Jack's gaze landed on the neatly trimmed grass lawn nearby; the early morning dew glistening brightly as it caught the sunlight. Exhaling softly, he watched his breath fog in front of his face and he involuntarily rubbed his hands together. It was a typical crisp, Spring morning, and as Jack listened he noticed he couldn't even hear a bird chirping from one of Fort Lyon's many old oak trees lined throughout the grounds. The stillness and humbling atmosphere that emanated from the cemetery was almost eerie, as if any living thing nearby knew that a family - both biologically and metaphorically - were mourning the loss of a great man, and Jack lowered his eyes as the Honor Guard prepared to move the casket onto the awaiting horse-drawn caisson.

As they came to a stop at the graveside, Jack moved to stand closer to Sam. His right shoulder brushed against her left in a silent gesture of support, before he shifted to let the faintest sliver of light pass between their arms.

His face remained expressionless and for once he was glad for the peak of his hat, as it allowed him to glance over unguarded to Sam every so often. He listened carefully to the chaplain throughout the final invocation and he could feel Carter grow tenser, the longer he spoke.

When he saw her jaw tighten out of the corner of his eye, he turned his head slightly and glanced over. Her face was dry, but he could see her trying hard to keep the tears from falling. He heard her breath catch a second before she squeezed her eyes shut.

Leaving his hand hanging by his side, he stretched his fingers and brushed them lightly over the palm of her hand, before returning them to his side. He returned his attention to the chaplain as he finished the final invocation and both him and Sam simultaneously squared their shoulders as the Officer In Charge gave the command to the firing squad to ready their rifles.

He winced as the first volley echoed across the sky, while Sam flinched slightly. The second and third volley equally thundered across the sky and was followed by a heavy, deafening silence. After a few seconds, the only sound reaching Jack's ear was the shaky breath Carter released.

As the unmistakable opening notes of Taps began, Sam dropped her head to her chest, and Jack couldn't blame her. Taps was an emotional piece of music, pulling on the heartstrings of even the toughest of soldiers. Jack included.

When he saw her hand move to her face, quickly followed by a soft sniffle, he reached out and placed his hand on the small of her back; his thumb moving back and forth in a small, comforting motion.

Once the final strains of the piece filtered overhead, Jack removed his hand and Sam lifted her head to watch the Honor Guard take their positions on either side of the casket and lift the flag from where it lay. The General concentrated closely on the sharp movements of the flag being folded and tucked with precision when he saw Mark step up to Sam's right hand side. Moments later, the OIC came to a stop in front of Mark and addressed him.

"On behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and the people of a grateful nation, I present this flag as a token of appreciation for the faithful and dedicated service of Major General Jacob Carter."

Mark choked out a quiet 'Thank You' as he accepted the flag. Moving back to the head of the escort platoon, the Honor Guard retired and began to move away from the gravesite, with Jack standing to attention beside Sam until the last of the escort disappeared out of view.

Jack turned and gave Daniel a small nod, and the mourners began to talk amongst themselves quietly, with some moving away from the group and others making their way towards the Carter family. For Jack, however, he focused on Sam as her eyes glazed over.

He was about to take her to one side when Daniel approached and pulled her into a bear hug. He let her go by the time Teal'c and Cassie arrived, but Sam never spoke, instead appearing to stare straight through them. Sharing concerned glances, a subtle nod of Jack's head sent them towards Liz and the children.

He remained by Sam's side as a few others offered their condolences, but all the while, his military training had his eye scanning the immediate vicinity. It wasn't that he was expecting trouble, it was a memorial service after all, but he couldn't shake this feeling that something was going to go wrong.

As he looked to his left, he straightened when he saw the President, General Ryan and Major Davis approach, while two Secret Service agents hovered not too discreetly nearby. A slight nudge of the shoulder alerted Sam to their approach and both officers snapped to attention.

"General O'Neill. Colonel Carter," President Hayes greeted them.

They saluted crisply in return. "Mr President."

"It's an honor to finally meet you both. I just wish it was under better circumstances," he added, looking at Sam and giving her a small, sad smile before turning his attention back to Jack.

"I'll see you in the morning, General."

"Yes, Sir."

"Good. I look forward to it," he smiled, a knowing glint creeping into his eye. Jack found himself still frowning at the President's answer, even after Hayes moved to stand in front of Sam.

"Colonel, I'm sorry for your loss."

Sam gasped at the genuine remorse reflected in the eyes of the President and she had to swallow hard against the lump in her throat.

"Your father was a good man, and a good officer. It was an honor to serve with him, and after reading some of your files... it's an honor to meet you as well. I know your father was very proud of you... of both of you," he finished, glancing at Mark who was still standing a half-step to Sam's right.

"Thank you, Sir." Sam whispered, her eyes filling up once more.

At her thanks, Hayes took a step back from the officers and cleared his throat before lifting his voice a little.

"You'll accept my apologies for not attending the wake, but I have a video conference with the Russian government this afternoon. I trust you'll make a toast to Jacob in my name."

"Yes, Sir." Jack replied before Sam had a chance.

He nodded once.

"In that case, General, Colonel. Thank you for... everything." He smiled softly, and they snapped off another salute as he departed towards the awaiting car.

***

Ten minutes passed and Sam had just finished speaking with Major Davis when she felt the General's frame stiffen beside her. She threw a questioning glance at him but before he could respond, she heard her name being called.

She barely had time to register what direction the voice was coming from when a pair of arms embraced her from behind. Deciding not to reciprocate the hug, she placed her hands firmly on the person's arms and pushed herself back. Her confusion as to the source of the mystery embrace soon turned to shock when she realized who it was.

"Pete! What are you doing here?"

Pete let out an embarrassed smile before shrugging.

"Look, I know I only just met your father, but Mark's my best friend. I thought he might like some support at a military funeral, y'know... and I came to see you as well," he added as an afterthought, causing Jack to grit his teeth.

His arms were now loosely wrapped around Sam, his hands resting on the small of her back, effectively trapping her next to his body. As her brain suddenly snapped to attention, she tried not to shudder as he held her and she pulled out of his embrace, taking a step back and subconsciously stepping closer to Jack.

"How did you know when the service was being held?" Sam frowned.

He shrugged and cast a casual glance towards his friend. "Mark told me."

Sam swung her head around to face Mark so fast, Jack was sure she was dizzy, when Mark began to look incredibly uncomfortable.

"Mark?"

"Err... Yeah. Yeah, I'm sorry Sam. I totally forgot to tell you. I mentioned it to Pete the night he called when... Well, that night," Mark trailed off sheepishly, before muttering, "We'll talk about this later."

Jack tilted his head towards Mark and felt a small pang of sympathy for the man as he did appear to have genuinely forgotten to tell his sister of one, albeit quite important, detail. Jack also couldn't help but smirk to himself as he noticed the whites of Mark's knuckles as he gripped the folded flag tightly to his chest, almost as if in protection from the icy cold glare Sam was now giving him.

Oblivious to the siblings' tension, Pete jumped in.

"You look surprised to see me, Sam."

"You could say that," she uttered with a slight grimace.

"I probably should have called you myself, but Mark said he'd handle it?" Pete frowned in confusion, as he took a step closer to her.

Reading his move, Sam took another half step back, but she didn't realize how close Jack was standing behind her and her back ended up colliding with his chest.

Jack gave nothing away as Sam remained flush against his chest, and if Pete was surprised by the action, he didn't let it show; unlike Mark, whose bulging eyes and pale complexion would have been funny to look at, given any other time or place. Seeing the panic was not leaving the younger man anytime soon, Jack spoke quietly, but firmly.

"We should be going. The car will be waiting for us."

Both Sam and Mark nodded, while Jack tried not to roll his eyes at the disappointed look clouding Pete's features.

"I need to go, Pete," Sam said, beginning to move away, when Pete grabbed her hand and took a step towards her.

"To the wake, right?" Sam looked away. She saw the look in his eye; asking for permission to attend.

Glancing to the General, Pete watched as the two of them had a conversation with their eyes. When it seemed they had come to some sort of arrangement, Jack straightened at looked at Mark. As their eyes met, the younger man squirmed slightly.

"Talk to Daniel," Jack answered gruffly.

After a few seconds Mark nodded in understanding and he moved to pull Pete with him, when he stopped to face Sam.

"Sam -"

"I'll talk to you later, Pete." Sam answered in a tone, letting him know it wasn't up for discussion.

She let out a deep sigh as she watched him sulk away, trailing behind her brother.

"You okay?" It was asked so quietly, Sam thought she had imagined it, but a quirk of Jack's eyebrow told her he was waiting for an answer.

She opened her mouth to speak, but closed it again, instead returning to the graveside. Jack followed her slowly, standing close and ran his eyes from the top of her service hat, over her face, to the silver oak leaves on her dress jacket and back again and he could tell she was deep in thought.

After a few minutes, Sam took a deep breath and stood to attention, her eyes never leaving the sight in front of her. She slowly saluted her father once again.

"Goodbye, dad. I love you," she whispered.

Jack closed his eyes momentarily and when he opened them again he found Sam looking at him. If he looked closer, he could swear he could make out the smallest of smiles gracing her face, which caused her blue eyes to twinkle. Staring into his own chocolate brown eyes, she answered his question.

"I will be."

***

A/N: For Chapters 17 - 18 please click here. Thank you!