WackyJacqsFanFiction

Tangled Threads (Ch 1-5) 

 

Author's Note: This was my first ever foray into the world of fanfiction! A number of missing scenes from Season 8’s Threads; and begins shortly after the death of Jacob.

Pairing: Sam/Jack.

Rating: Teen.

First Published: April 2012.

Status: COMPLETE.

CHAPTER ONE

 

Sam fidgeted nervously, rocking from one foot to the other, as she waited on the elevator. Sure, she could fight against an army of Jaffa warriors and not bat an eyelid, but ask her to meet her brother, and she just wanted to gate away to the furthest planet possible.

 

It wasn't that she didn't want to see her brother, on the contrary. Since their father had been given a second chance in life, they had reunited and had begun to repair their broken relationship. They were closer now than they had ever been since the death of their mother.

 

But this was different. Their father was now also dead and Sam was left to pick up the pieces Jacob had left behind.

 

Closing her eyes, Sam took a deep breath in an attempt to steady her nerves. She was a soldier. Soldier Sam, as General O'Neill had once referred to her as. She needed to stay strong, now more than ever.

 

***
 

Sam's mega-watt smile spread across her face as she watched her father come through the Gate. However her happiness - and relief that he'd finally managed to pay them a visit - soon turned to worry as he came closer.

 

He looked different. Older, frailer, somehow, which was ironic considering he was blended with Selmak, a 2000-year old symbiote. As Jacob reached the bottom of the ramp, he mirrored Sam's smile and pulled her into an embrace, which she quickly returned, but she noticed his didn't reach his eyes.

 

"Hi sweetheart," he said quietly, trying to dispel the worry now etched clearly on her face.

 

Sadly though, it turned out her worry was justified.

 

Selmak was dying, and was taking her father with it. And he didn't have long left. In fact, he had very little time at all; not even enough time to say goodbye to her brother, which is why she found herself in her current situation.

 

After she received the call from the SGC, she returned to the base quickly, not bothering to change out of her civvies. She just ran as fast as she could to the Isolation Room where her father had been admitted. Seeing him lying on one of the beds, she stopped abruptly, her breath catching.

 

"Dad?"

 

"It's Selmak - he's dying."

 

"Oh my God. I'm sorry."

 

"It's OK. He's OK. He led a pretty full life."

 

"I didn't live with Jolinar that long, but I think I have some idea what it's like."

 

"Well, this is a little different, Sam. As you know, when a Tok'ra symbiote dies, they can prevent their host from dying as Jolinar did with you. The problem is, that last selfless act requires a certain amount of energy and a conscious effort."

 

As much as Sam knew where this conversation was heading, the tiniest part of her hoped she had misunderstood her father.

 

"What are you saying?"

 

"By all rights, Selmak should have been dead weeks ago. I wouldn't let him go. I thought we needed him - that I needed him to help you stop the Replicators."

 

Sam fought hard to keep the ever-increasing onslaught of tears at bay.

 

"Dad?" her voice quivered, thick with emotion.

 

Looking at her apologetically, Jacob confessed just how ill he really was.

 

"He hung on as long as he could, then he slipped into a coma just after we activated the weapon on Dakara."

 

"You've known all this time since then?"

 

"I didn't wanna spoil your wedding. Now, I thought we could make it."

 

Sam stared at him, her eyes filled with tears.

 

"We?"

 

"He's barely alive. I'm gonna die with him, Sam."

 

At this, Sam's heart broke. The barrier she had carefully built up came crashing down. She was no longer a soldier. She was a little girl about to lose her father.

 

***
 

Sam should have been angry at her father's selfishness and sad over the cost his decision to prolong Selmak's life had meant for him. Yet she didn't. Yes, she was upset that she had to watch her father die in front of her, but she also knew just how fortunate both herself and her brother were. They had all been given a second chance with each other four years ago, it was something her father had admitted to just before he passed. Many other families wouldn't have been so lucky.

 

Sighing deeply, Sam closed her eyes, anticipating her encounter with Mark. He'd be hurting more than she would, even if he wouldn't openly admit to it. He would have questions. Questions which Sam couldn't answer yet. He'd also definitely ask about Pete. Sam sighed again as she pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling the pressure build up inside her head as it had done for the umpteenth time that day.

 

On top of everything, there was something else bugging Sam. Namely, her father's final words to her, which had played around her head from the moment he said them.

 

Don't let rules stand in your way.

 

It wasn't until it was too late, that she actually allowed herself to realize the meaning behind her dad's words.

***

As Sam sat in the Observation Room, she watched the final members of the Tok'ra say goodbye to her father. She was focused on the scene in front of her, but she still felt his presence as soon as he reached the door. Gently sitting in the chair beside her, she stole a glance at him from the corner of her puffy, red eyes. He was watching Jacob, a sad look swarming his own eyes.

 

"You ok?"

 

"Actually, I'm fine. Good, even, strange as that sounds. I thought I lost him four years ago. Since then, we've been closer than we ever were in my whole life. In a way, Selmak gave me the father I never thought I'd know."

 

She meant what she said, and was feeling in control of her emotions... until she offered a small smile and felt the General's gaze burning into her.

 

"C'mere."

 

As soon as he put his arm around her shoulder, rules and regulations were thrown out the proverbial window and Sam instinctively reached up to take his hand and snuggle into his shoulder. As she softly rubbed her thumb against his strong, calloused hand, they both watched Jacob. It was at that moment, Jacob broke his own gaze away from the military couple in the room above, and murmured to the Tok'ra present.

 

"Thank you, Sir."

 

"For what?" His words were so quiet, so comforting.

 

"For being here for me."

 

"Always."

 

Pulling back slightly, Sam looked into his eyes. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she could see right through to his soul as his emotions played out across his face. With the smallest of smiles, she accepted his quiet promise and rested her head back against his hand, returning her gaze to her father.

 

Moments later she watched her dad whisper the words, 'I'm ready'. She tore herself away from Jack's embrace and hurried into the Isolation Room, coming to a stop at her dad's bedside. She quietly took his hand and placed a final kiss on his forehead. As he slowly opened his eyes, his intense gaze bore into Sam's.

 

"I love you."

 

***
 

Sam wasn't sure how long she'd been sitting by her father's side, absently staring at his cold, lifeless body on the infirmary bed. She had allowed a few stray tears to fall, but fought hard to keep the rest at bay. She wanted to grieve by herself, in her own time, away from the stares and sympathy of everyone else.

 

Feeling a hand on her shoulder, Sam knew who it was without the need to turn around.

 

"You should go home Carter," he gently said, as his gaze also fell on the Tok'ra.

 

Shaking her head, her voice was barely even a whisper. "I can't... I just... He's..."

 

"He's in good hands Carter, I promise. You need to rest."

 

"I can't leave him here."

 

Letting out a soft sigh, Jack turned his attention back to his 2IC.

 

"C'mere," he muttered gently, as he pulled her up from the chair and into his arms. She returned the hug, and as naturally as they had molded into each other's arms in the Observation Room earlier, they did the same here. Jack buried his face into Sam's neck and she instantly thought back to the last time he had held her like that. It had been just after Janet's death. It was finally too much for Sam and as Jack kept her close, she succumbed to the tears which had threatened to fall all day.

 

***
 

Pulling herself away from her memories, Sam shook her head in an effort to clear her mind. Opening her eyes, she glanced around the corridor and was glad to see it was mostly empty, except for a few airmen standing on duty nearby.

 

The sound of the elevator coming to a stop drew Sam's gaze to the doors in front of her. She took another deep breath and straightened her shoulders, coming to attention. Despite her brother's disdain for the military, Sam needed to remain the soldier for a while longer.

 

As the elevator doors opened, she waited for him to emerge. As soon as she caught sight of him, she could tell he had been crying, and she immediately felt her own eyes beginning to water as he exited and came to a stop before her.

 

Offering a small, tired smile, she spoke quietly.

 

"Hi Mark."

***

CHAPTER TWO

***
 

Sam found herself immediately enveloped in her brother’s arms, as she allowed a few tears to fall silently down her face. She soon felt Mark's body start to tremble against hers. They stood clinging to each other as if their lives depended on it for what felt like an eternity, before Sam gave him one final squeeze and took a deep breath. She stepped back from his embrace, claiming his hands in hers and looked into his eyes.

 

"I'm so sorry," she whispered.

 

Freeing his hands, Mark reached out to brush her tears away.

 

"Me too Sammy. Me too."

 

He squeezed her arms gently and just as Sam was about to speak again, movement out of the side of her eye caught her attention. Looking past her brother, she saw Mark's wife, Liz, and their three kids - Ben, Beth and Jo - standing behind him, looking unsure as to what they should do.

 

She stepped away from her brother and crouched down. Gesturing with open arms, she smiled softly at her nephew and nieces. "C'mere you guys."

 

Sam was almost knocked off her feet as they all ran to her and she found three pairs of arms fling - and cling on tightly - to various parts of her body.

 

"I'm sorry aunt Sam," Ben, the eldest said.

 

"Me too," Jo added. "I'm going to miss grandpa Jacob."

 

Ruffling their hair, Sam got back to her feet as Liz walked over to her and pulled her into a hug.

 

"I'm sorry Sam. If there's anything I can do, let me know. Please."

 

"I will Liz, I promise. Thanks."

 

Mark drew back and watched as his children comforted his sister. His sister, a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force no less, and yet all he could see was his baby sister. No military, no soldier, no bravado. Just the little girl who had the same lost look in her eyes as she did when she was 13 years old and had just buried her mother.

 

Mark had at one stage thought about joining the Air Force, but in the aftermath of their mom's death, Mark slowly started to hate the military and everything it stood for. He hated their father for throwing himself even further into his work, leaving him and Sam to fend for themselves. He then started to hate his sister as she forgave their dad and followed in his footsteps by enrolling into the Air Force Academy. It was then, that Mark cut ties with them both.

 

Sighing, Mark felt guilty for transferring his resentment of the Air Force onto his sisters' shoulders. To be honest, she hadn't actually done anything to warrant his treatment of her, and whilst he had made great improvements with his attitude over the last few years; facing the reality that his father was now dead, brought back all the old feelings he had tried to lock away.

 

The sound of Sam clearing her throat broke through his musings.

 

"How was your flight?" She winced. Small talk. Good one Sam.

 

"It was good." Yeah, he never was one for talking.

 

"Good."

 

An awkward silence grew, becoming more thunderous with each passing second.

 

"I'm, ah.. I'm sorry I couldn't meet you at the airport."

 

"Yeah, well. I'd hate to have dragged you away from your precious work," Mark responded shortly, complete with air quotes, causing Sam to wince again.

 

And there it was.

 

Sam was actually surprised it had taken her brother this long to allow his true feelings come flying to the surface. Even though he had been told their father had died from a heart attack, she knew Mark would still try to lay the blame squarely at the feet of the United States Air Force.

 

Just as she was about to respond, Liz admonished her husband with a look, which Sam deduced quite quickly, could freeze over hell. She grinned internally as her brother slowly started to squirm under his wife's glare, and while Sam was grateful of Liz stepping in, the words had left her mouth before she realized.

 

"Actually Mark, yes. Work did keep me here. I was working on dad's funeral arrangements."

 

Seeing Mark's look turn to one of utter dejection, Sam mentally kicked herself. Hard.

 

"I'm sorry," she said sighing. "I didn't mean.."

 

"Don't be apologizing for him Sam," Liz jumped in. "He.. we knew you'd have a lot on your mind and would need to get started on the arrangements. Besides," she smiled as she added, "That nice young Airman you sent to meet us made sure we were well looked after."

 

Sam allowed herself a small smile. When everything settled down again, she'd have to remember to buy Airman Jones a present for agreeing to collect her brother and his family from the airport. It couldn't have been an easy journey for the man.

 

"Yeah, about that," Mark added in a tone which seemed to borderline on whinging. "I thought we were supposed to be heading to your place, and not... here. Wherever here is again," he finished looking around.

 

"Cheyenne Mountain," Sam offered.

 

"So, you look at the stars from... What? 1000 meters... inside a mountain?" He didn't even try to hide his obvious disbelief at her story.

 

Sam however, just shrugged. "Yeah."

 

"Right."

 

God, if Sam had known better, she'd have sworn her brother was taking lessons in being a sarcastic SOB from the General.

 

She cleared her throat in an attempt to hide her unease.

 

"Actually, there is a reason you're here. We need to talk."

 

Mark's eyes widened at her unease. That was one thing he hadn't expected her to say. He turned to his wife, who just stared back at him with a look that clearly said 'I don't know, so don't look at me!'

 

Turning around, Sam motioned for the five visitors to follow her as she headed along one of Level 27's long corridors.

 

Mark was rooted to the spot. We need to talk? What the hell was that supposed to mean? Their father had just died, and she drags him into her workplace to talk? About what? Her job? The stars she studied? The fact that she believed their father might now be up there among them, or something equally as stupid?

 

His confusion soon turned to worry as he thought back on their journey here. He wasn't rude to the young Airman who met them at the airport, he just wasn't very open to the conversation. Liz, on the other hand, spoke for all of San Diego. Even the kids spoke more to the officer than he did. No. Mark was quite happy to just sit in the back of the car and brood over his thoughts.

 

***
 

After being collected at Peterson, one road turned into another as the car made its way through Colorado Springs and when Mark glanced out his passenger window, he noticed the driver missing the turn to Sam's house. When questioned on their driving ability, he was simply told they were to report to Cheyenne Mountain where his sister would be waiting for them.

 

Cheyenne Mountain. Mark had heard of it, knew it was run by the military and was located deep inside a mountain. So deep into the mountain, that he was convinced there was no way Sam worked there just to study something space-related. Where did she store all her fancy telescopes, for starters?

 

He didn't buy her cover story; not after the first few times when she couldn't actually tell him what she did, aside from the fact it was classified. Classified. Who on earth classifies space?

 

When he did push her too far one day, he remembered the firmness in her voice and eyes as she responded, "If I told you, I would have to kill you."

 

He just laughed it off, but when he saw her remain stone-faced, he was scared. What was his little sister really doing for the military?

 

He thought back to when they arrived at the mountain. The Cheyenne Mountain Complex stood - rather gloriously, Mark mused - against the backdrop of the mountain, the sun shining down in all its splendor. As their vehicle slowly passed through the first checkpoints, he watched with trepidation as the Airman waited patiently to be granted authorization at each perimeter.

 

He remembered the military guards at the entrance, pacing back and forth and holding what looked like some sort of assault rifle.

 

The twists and turns in the road, reflected the twist and turns in his mind, making him feel slightly queasy at his current situation. More checkpoints waited ahead of them, slowing their progress into the facility. What goes on in this mountain?

 

As he looked to his wife, she was equally as confused, but didn't say anything, apart to quietly hush the children who appeared enthralled at all the secrecy and the darkness which now engulfed them in the car as their questions came flying ten to the dozen.

 

After a few final checkpoints - he had lost count as to how many - the vehicle came to a stop. Getting out to stretch his legs, Mark let out a low whistle as he took in his surroundings. It was pretty impressive, not that he'd ever admit it though.

 

Keeping Liz and the kids close to him, they obediently followed the Airman to the access point at Level 1. Here, they were met with a couple of armed guards, manning the elevators and stairwells. Starting to feel uneasy again, Mark instinctively picked up Jo and pulled the other two kids closer to his side, keeping an eye on the weapons hovering dangerously close to his family.

 

They were shown to a waiting room while they were given endless amounts of papers to sign. Told to read them carefully, Mark took in phrases such as 'legalities', 'non disclosure', and 'matters relating to national security', before he panicked and then decided to sign his life away anyway. If Sam really does work here, it'll be fine, he tried to reason with himself.

 

After another long wait, they were informed of their authorization to enter the facility, but they were - in no uncertain terms - to keep the kids close by and supervised at all times.

 

They entered the elevator on Level 1, and Mark watched with amazement as the LED-numbers on the console rhythmically changed as they hit each new level.

 

Level 2.

 

Level 3.

 

Level 4.

 

It finally came to a stop at Level 11 and Mark was glad as claustrophobia started to set in. Lunging off the elevator he tried to suck in as much fresh air as he could, only to remember he was underground and a fresh breeze was impossible. Still, they appeared to have some sort of working air flow system in place, and for that Mark was grateful.

 

He then stood dumbfounded as the Airman motioned for them all to get onto a different elevator to take them even further underground.

 

When he questioned the officer on the safety at being this far underground, he received a small, strange smile in return.

 

"Don't worry Sir. This is probably the safest place in the entire planet," was the young man's reply.

 

Oh-kay then.

 

Level 27.

 

Mark didn't even want to think about how far underground he currently was as the elevator doors opened. He vaguely registered the Airman commenting on reaching their destination, and as he stepped off the elevator, Mark was surprised to see his sister nervously fidgeting as she waited his arrival.

 

***
 

Pushing his introduction with the complex to the back of his mind, Mark broke into a light jog to catch up with his sister.

 

"What do you mean?" he asked incredulously.

 

"Hmm?"

 

"What do you mean we need to talk?"

 

Ignoring his questions, Sam continued walking before a hand on her arm stopped her from going any further. As she turned to face him, she sighed.

 

"Sam? What is this place? What do you do here?"

 

She bit her bottom lip as Mark continued to interrogate her.

 

"I thought your work was classified." It was more of a statement, than a question.

 

"It is."

 

"Then why am I here?"

 

"As I said, we need to talk," Sam said quietly, as the others caught up with them.

 

As Sam started back down the corridor towards the Briefing Room, Mark tried to understand what was going on. Following her, he tried once more.

 

"Does your work actually have anything to do with Space?"

 

"Yep."

 

"Deep Space?"

 

"Oh yeah."

 

After a moments' pause, he asked: "How 'deep', is deep?"

 

Sam grinned and turned to look at her brother. "You have no idea."

 

As she stood at the door to the Briefing Room, Sam took in the five bemused faces before her and motioned for them to enter.

 

"After you," she smiled.

 

***

CHAPTER THREE

***

As Jack scrawled his signature across the bottom of yet another piece of paper, he sighed. Even though he had been in charge of the SGC for almost a year now, he still felt like he hadn't grown into the role. His superiors thought otherwise, but Jack knew. He wasn't cut out for flying a desk.

 

Despite his knees giving him more and more bother after each mission, he missed being in the field. He was no longer able to watch his team's back - or any other team - that needed it. He had to stand and watch helpless every time the men and women of the base stepped through the wormhole, not knowing if they would come back to their families.

 

Flipping the folder shut, Jack threw it rather unceremoniously into his outbox while automatically reaching for the next one in his inbox. He noticed the new folder was significantly thicker than the previous one and inwardly groaned. He really wasn't cut out for flying a desk.

 

He glanced at the top sheet and deciding he couldn't be bothered to read through it all, he closed the file and threw his pen down on top.

 

Running a hand over his face, Jack leant back in his chair and closed his eyes. It had been a long week; full of the unknown, full of battles and full of loss. It also meant it was full of paperwork, hence why Jack hadn't been able to move from his desk for the last two hours.

 

The entire galaxy had almost been destroyed. First by the Replicators and then Anubis - again - and instead of celebrating, all the Joint Chiefs and stiff jackets in the Pentagon wanted was paperwork covering every tiny detail about their latest survival tale.

 

Once the events of this week had settled, Jack made a mental note to ask Walter about the paperwork again. If they cut it down, it'd make his life much more interesting, not to mention the rainforest or three they'd also save in the process.

 

Sitting forward, Jack rested his elbows on the desk and let his head lean heavily in his hands. Events had slowly been gaining momentum over the last few weeks, but it really kicked off four days ago. On Thursday morning.

 

***
 

Jacob had stepped through the 'gate bearing the news that Anubis was preparing to retake Dakara from the Free Jaffa, following the destruction of the Replicators. Whilst it was agreed by most at the briefing that the weapon should be destroyed, the Jaffa High Council weren't as keen, leaving Teal'c and Bra'tac to return to the planet and try to convince them otherwise.

 

Shortly after their departure, Sam also had to leave the base. It was supposed to be her day off anyway, and had something to do with choosing wedding flowers. Jacob left with his daughter as he was finally meeting Pete later that night.

Pete. Even in the privacy of his own office, the very name of the guy made Jack grimace. He'd never seen Sam look as nervous as she had leaving the base, while Jacob looked.. well, like he usually did. Only more stern. Pete was going to be eaten alive by the old man and Jack allowed himself a small grin at the man's misfortune when the two Carter's returned to base on Friday morning and he was waiting with arms wide open and a jovial tone to greet them at the elevator.

 

"Carter! Dad!"

 

Jack's grin soon faded however, as he dropped his arms awkwardly by his sides.

 

"Sir."

 

"Jack."

 

Oh yeah. You could cut the tension between the two of them with a knife. Taking the risk, Jack spoke again.

 

"Everything alright?"

 

"Fine, Sir." Carter answered, before her father had the chance to.

 

Narrowing his eyes at her, Jack turned to the other man who stared back at him with a pointed look. Glancing between the two, Jack opened and closed his mouth a couple of times, trying to think of something to say to break the tension. Quickly realizing he had nothing, he decided to play it safe.

 

"Shall we?" he smiled, gesturing them towards the Briefing Room.

 

It turned out the Jaffa High Council weren't for budging, so the briefing was a waste of time. Carter disappeared shortly after it had finished, muttering something about studying the Ancient technology on Dakara and it was then, when he was left alone with Jacob, that Jack had realized he had been right. The meeting with Pete hadn't gone well. At all. Apparently it started going downhill when Pete referred to Jacob as 'Dad'.

 

***

 

He always lets me call him dad, Jack proudly smirked, only for it to be immediately replaced with a frown. Let. He *let* me call him dad.

 

Closing his eyes, Jack swallowed hard against the sudden rush of emotion building inside of him and tried desperately to re-focus his thoughts. Pete. The bile continued to rise, but he ignored it. He didn't like Pete. He'd only met the guy once, but it was enough. He couldn't understand what Sam saw in the guy, but who was he to say anything to her. After all, he was the one who told her to leave the base once in a while and 'get a life'. And never one to disobey an order, that's exactly what his 2IC did. Got a life. A life without him. Jack sighed again. Him and his stupid advice.

 

It wasn't that didn't want Sam to be happy. He wanted that more than anything, and it seemed to be Pete that finally brought her that happiness. Hum worthy happiness, he thought. He couldn't even label his dislike on his jealousy or hurt. Yes, those feelings were there no matter how hard he tried to pretend they weren't, but it went deeper than that. He didn't trust Pete. Because Pete didn't trust Sam. And Sam was too good for him. Hell, she's too good for anyone, Jack added wistfully.

 

Reaching over to the right hand side of his desk, Jack leant down and opened the bottom drawer, pulling out a thin, manila folder. It had the SGC's official stamp and logo on the front. Yet it was the large, red lettering stamped across the front of the folder which Jack focused on. 'CONFIDENTIAL. MATTERS RELATED TO NATIONAL SECURITY.'

 

Holding the folder in front of him, Jack's fingers drummed rhythmically on the back of it as he remembered the first time he set eyes on the contents.

 

***

 

It was just after the whole 'Osiris has returned to Earth and is using a recall device on Daniel to manipulate his dreams and find the Lost City' fiasco. It was also around the time that Carter started dating the shrub, Shanahan. The post-mission briefing on that one was a nightmare, and they were all glad when it finally came to an end.

 

Daniel had hightailed it out of there as soon as Hammond said 'Dismissed', to catch up on some much needed sleep no doubt, while Teal'c also silently left the room. Jack hung back to watch Carter as she slowly gathered her notes together. Something was clearly on her mind. Well, it was understandable, her boyfriend had followed her to a stakeout, jeopardizing not only the mission, but her life and that of his team. On top of that, the cop managed to get himself shot in the process. Oh, the irony.

 

About to tell her to stop beating herself up over Pete's behavior, Hammond's voice cut through the silence.

 

"Colonel. Can I see you in my office for a minute?"

 

Jack just nodded, and with one final glance at Carter - who was deliberately avoiding his gaze - he followed. As soon as he headed towards Hammond's office, he felt her eyes on him briefly before she left the room.

 

"Close the door Jack."

 

He did as he was told and plonked, rather unceremoniously, onto one of the chairs opposite his CO, before a folder was flung in his face.

 

"What's this, Sir?" Jack asked confused.

 

"Take a read, son."

 

Opening the folder, Jack's eyes scanned the various notes and pictures in front of him. Realizing what it was, his eyes widened and he slowly looked up to meet Hammond's steely gaze.

 

"Who's behind this Sir?"

 

"Detective Pete Shanahan."

 

Jack's head snapped back up. He could feel the anger rise within him. An anger he hadn't felt in a long time. An anger he really didn't want to feel again.

 

"It appears Major Carter's word wasn't good enough for the Detective," Hammond continued, interrupting Jack's thoughts.

 

"He placed a call with someone within the FBI. An Agent Ferretty. He pulled up the file."

 

"Having the top security clearance that Major Carter does, as soon as her name was put through the system it flagged up. The man probably doesn't realize we even know."

 

"Does Carter know?"

 

"Not that I'm aware of. I believe she would have said if she did. The detective's own background is in there as well Jack. It's worth a read." After a beat, he added: "I'll leave it up to you as to whether you let her know or not."

 

Jack just nodded his agreement. After a few moments of reading the notes, he spoke; "If that's all Sir..."

 

"That's all, son."

 

Standing up, Jack handed the folder back to his CO. "Thank you, Sir."

 

As he walked down the corridors of the SGC, Jack soon found himself in the base gym, beating the crap out of one of the punch bags. What made him think he could run a background check on Carter and get away with it? And Carter, of all people? Geez, the guy really was stupid, Jack grumbled as he continued to throw punches.

 

Yet, despite his anger, he knew it'd be nothing compared to Sam's as soon as she found out the depths of Pete's 'interest' in her.

 

He continued to punch the living daylights out of the bag, until he could no longer feel his hands.

 

***
 

Jack groaned. He should have told Carter there and then about Pete's deception, but he didn't. Sam seemed to buy his apology for following her, claiming it was just concern, so Jack decided to leave it for the time-being. Whilst he knew he should be the one to tell her, he hoped he wouldn't have to be; but as her relationship with the cop became more serious, the more Jack itched to confess. When she announced her engagement, Jack offered his congratulations, even though it killed him. He then chose to shut down and wallow in his self-pity by pushing her away. Then Kerry came along.

 

She was a distraction, a pleasant distraction, which was exactly what Jack needed but when Sam turned up at his house on Saturday afternoon and interrupted his lunch with Kerry, he knew he was only trying to fool himself. He cringed as he thought back to that meeting. He knew what Carter was going to say, and knew she was devastated and embarrassed by how the afternoon had ended. Not surprisingly, minutes after Carter left, he made his excuses to Kerry and followed her to the base.

 

Even more unsurprising, was the conversation he had with Kerry later on that evening.

 

***

 

"You have issues. It's OK - we all do. There's just one big one in particular that I don't think I can love with. Live with. I need to get out before I get more involved."

 

"You know, there's just one thing I don't understand. Is the Air Force the only thing keeping you two apart? Rules and regulations? Cos if it is, you're making a very big mistake."

 

"And you know what I should do?"

 

"Retire."

 

"Again?"

 

"The President has appointed a civilian to run the S.G.C. before. Just a thought."

 

***
 

A knock on the door jolted Jack back to reality. He closed the folder and threw it back in the desk, slamming the drawer shut, before motioning for his visitor to come in.

 

"Jack."

 

"Daniel."

 

"Everything alright?"

 

He sighed. "Just peachy."

 

***

CHAPTER FOUR

***

Jack watched as Daniel occupied one of the chairs opposite his desk. He looked surprisingly good for someone who had just died and ascended, only to descend - again. After the archeologist turned up in all his naked glory in Jack's office on Friday night, the team discovered the man had a played a small part in the demise of their enemies.

 

You just gotta love the Space Monkey at times.

 

"How're you feeling?" Jack asked suddenly, realizing he was now staring at the younger man.

 

"Good, surprisingly. Given the circumstances."

 

"Hmm."

 

"How's Sam?"

 

Jack's head shot up. After a beat, he answered.

 

"She says she's fine."

 

"Hmm."

 

An understanding silence descended between the two men, so Daniel decided to push a little further, his voice soft and full of concern.

 

"How's Sam? Really?"

 

Jack sighed as he rubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger. Glancing towards his friend, Jack was instantly hit with a pang of guilt. He could see Daniel's eyes were slightly swollen and red, obviously feeling Jacob's loss as much as the rest of them and Jack had yet to ask him how he was holding up. Sam was like a sister to Daniel and Jack had often heard the two swap stories about their respective families late at night on a few of their quieter missions.

 

At the same time, Daniel watched his friend mull over his answer. He knew Jacob's death would be particularly hard for him to deal with, even if he denied it, because of Sam. He raised his eyebrows as Jack picked up his pen and started to fiddle with it in his right hand.

 

Daniel also knew that Sam wasn't fine, despite her best intentions to convince him, Teal'c, Jack and herself, otherwise. She'd just lost her father for Pete's sake! Daniel winced. Pete.

 

Initially, he was happy that Sam had found someone she could actually be with and who would make her happy, but a part of him had dismissed the relationship as being even remotely serious because he knew her feelings for Jack ran deeper than they should. It therefore took him by surprise when Sam told him of her engagement. It surprised him even more when he found out it took her over a fortnight to say yes, and if her recent bout of procrastination and lack of desire to complete the final wedding details was anything to go by, Daniel knew she was having second thoughts about everything.

 

"She'll be fine, in time," Jack said softly, cutting through the silence.

 

Daniel nodded slowly about to ask something else, when the shrill ringing of Jack's phone filled the room.

 

"O'Neill... Okay. Yeah, yeah, that's fine. Thank you Walter."

 

Placing the phone back down, Daniel looked curiously at the wry grin that had formed on Jack's face.

 

"They're here."

 

"Oh. That was quick."

 

"Yeah, the President didn't want to hang around too long."

 

"How'd you get him to agree to it anyway?"

 

"I didn't."

 

"Huh?"

 

Jack sighed.

 

"Do you have a list?"

 

Daniel's confusion increased.

 

"A list?" he asked, as he looked at Jack as if he'd lost his mind.

 

"Yeah, a list. For... like... stuff you want," Jack shrugged nonchalantly.

 

"Erm, no... I don't think so. Why?"

 

"I do," Jack responded, with just a touch of pride in his voice.

 

"Oh-kay. Jack where is this going?" Daniel asked, his brows furrowing in confusion.

 

"After we saved the world from Apophis that first time, I started a list with stuff I'd want from the Joint Chiefs as a thank you for saving their collective asses and all that."

 

"What, like an I.O.U. for the President?"

 

"Yeah."

 

Daniel's frown deepened. Pushing his glasses up his nose, he bit the inside of his cheek as he braced himself for his friends' answer.

 

"What kind of stuff?"

 

"If I told ya, I'd have to shoot ya," Jack smirked.

 

Daniel narrowed his eyes in suspicion.

 

"You've something to do with The Simpsons on the list, don't you?'"

 

"No! Not exactly."

 

"What's that supposed to mean?"

 

"Mcccmmmph."

 

As Jack fidgeted uncomfortably in his seat, Daniel rolled his eyes, "Wanna try that again, Jack?"

 

"There may have been something about MacGyver on there," he mumbled.

 

"I'm sorry... what?"

 

"Ah man." Jack coughed as he ran a hand through his hair. "MacGyver. You know... His name is MacGyver. He can fix anything. He could fix a computer with a hairpin and a piece of duct tape!" he finished animatedly.

 

At Daniel's incredulous look, Jack smiled sheepishly before clearing this throat.

 

"Anyway, I have this list. Every time we save the world, I add to it," Jack shrugged as he thought of the conversation he had with Dr Weir before she left for Atlantis.

 

***

"Colonel, come in. How are you feeling?"

 

"Not bad. Haven't had the urge to go anywhere or build anything lately."

 

"The President asked me to extend an invitation to you. Dinner at the White House."

 

"Do you know what they're having?"

 

"I don't think I've had the chance to personally thank you yet."

 

"For what?"

 

"You risk your life over and over, and ask for nothing in return."

 

"Well, don't be fooled. I'm makin' a list."

 

***

 

"So... you cashed in on one of your requests?" Daniel asked nervously.

 

"Not exactly." Shifting in his chair once again, Jack stared at his friend before adding cryptically, "Turns out I wasn't the only person with a list."

 

Judging Daniel's blank expression, Jack knew he'd still be sitting here next week on him guessing the correct answer.

 

"Jacob," he helpfully supplied.

 

"Oh."

 

"The President agreed to it a lot easier than I thought he would. Actually I didn't think he'd agree to it at all... Who knew him and Jake went way back, eh?" he added after a moment's thought.

 

Not knowing what to say, Daniel just shook his head.

 

"Is Sam okay with it?"

 

"She hasn't said much either way, but you know her brother's feelings towards the Air Force."

 

"Do you think he'll be able to handle it?"

 

"Whaddya mean?"

 

"Well, it is a lot to take in the first time," Daniel said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

 

"He's a Carter. He'll handle it."

 

Nodding in satisfaction to Jack's answer, Daniel made to stand.

 

"I'm going to check on Teal'c," he pointed over his shoulder to the Briefing Room, "and make sure there's still some doughnuts left."

 

"Save me a chocolate one!" Jack shouted to the doctor's retreating back and he re-opened the file lying on his desk.

 

Jack checked his watch. 0845. Carter would be arriving with her brother any minute now. He'd never met Mark, but imagined he would look like Carter in some way, whether it was via the blonde hair, blue eyes or tall frame. A part of him also thought the kids would look like their dad.

 

Jack smirked. A base full of Carters. If they were anything like Sam, God help them all.

As he thought about the visitors he realized he didn't know anything about Mark, except for the few small details he'd heard from Jacob or Sam. He just hoped he wouldn't put his size 12s in it, for Carter's sake, but knowing him, he probably would.

 

Hearing a few voices coming from outside his office, Jack looked up to see two confused looking adults, three bemused looking children and an extremely nervous looking Carter enter the Briefing Room.

 

Showtime.

 

Taking their arrival as his cue to leave his office, Jack quickly signed the form in front of him and hoped it wouldn't matter that he hadn't actually read the entire report, before he flipped the folder closed and shoved it in his outbox. Pushing his chair back, he took a deep breath and stood up, slowly making his way around the large, wooden desk. Seeing Daniel point towards his office, Jack headed towards the door and found himself muttering words of encouragement to the empty room.

 

"Brace yourself. This could be fun."

 

***

CHAPTER FIVE

***

Sam slowly made her way into the Briefing Room behind her family and caught a glimpse of Daniel and Teal'c standing at one side of the large table in apparent deep discussion.

 

To outsiders, such as her family, it looked like the two men were talking about something incredibly important. To Sam however, she noticed the slight half-step Daniel took back as Teal'c simultaneously proceeded to shove the remains of a chocolate doughnut in his mouth.

 

Despite her nerves, she found herself grinning at her two friends and wondering if Daniel would ever learn to leave Teal'c alone when it comes to food. The two of them suddenly turned towards her and she cleared her throat as she thought of something to say, foregoing the introductions until the General arrived.

 

It was only when she realized seven pairs of eyes were staring back at her, she spoke up.

 

"Umm... where's the General?" She winced as she said it. Smooth Sam, real smooth.

 

Daniel smiled softly, sensing her nerves.

 

"He's in his office," he offered, pointing over his shoulder as if to emphasize his point. "He says it's paperwork, but I'm sure I saw his yo-yo lying around," he added with a roll of the eyes.

 

Mark watched the identical, almost exasperated but not surprised, reactions which passed between his sister and her two friends, when a voice cut through his observations.

 

"For the record, I was actually doing some paperwork Daniel. Very important paperwork I'll have you know, and one which involved chocolate cake being made available daily in the base," he grinned, directing his last words to the three kids.

 

The man who walked into the Briefing Room exuded confidence and Mark deduced immediately that the man was Sam's boss. He vaguely remembered seeing a couple of photos of the older man a couple of years ago when his father was visiting, but he hadn't really been paying too much attention at the time.

 

"At ease, Carter," Jack gently ordered as he saw her standing to attention.

 

Coming to a stop in front of the family, Jack looked up from Sam's nephew and nieces. When he saw her visibly relaxing, he threw her a small, encouraging smile before continuing, a slight twinkle in his eye.

 

"Aren't you going to introduce us, Carter?"

 

If Sam didn't know any better, she'd swear he was enjoying her nervousness.

 

"Yes sir. Mark, Liz, kids. This is General O'Neill, my Commanding Officer here at the base. And this is Doctor Daniel Jackson, and T... Teal'c," she stumbled, pointing to each man in turn, "My team mates."

 

"General. Guys. This is my brother Mark, his wife Liz, and their children Ben, Beth and Jo."

 

"It's a pleasure to meet you all," Daniel said softly, living up to his role as mediator on the team. "I just wish it was under better circumstances. Jacob was a good man, I'm sorry for your loss."

 

Before Mark could thank Daniel for his words, the one Sam referred to as Teal'c spoke.

 

"I also wish to add my condolences. Jacob Carter was indeed a great man, warrior and friend. He shall be greatly missed by all who knew him, but he shall not be forgotten."

 

Mark was taken aback. By what, he wasn't quite sure. It could have been because that wasn't the voice or words he was expecting to hear from the large man, it could have been the both their reactions to his father's death as they both seemed genuinely upset at his passing, or it could have been because his father had been referred to as a 'warrior'. Judging by Liz's reaction, however, he knew he wasn't alone in his surprise and knowing his voice would betray him, he simply nodded his thanks.

 

He turned his attention to Jack and watched him rock casually back on his heels a couple of times as he glanced around the room. Mark frowned slightly in confusion at his behavior and looked to his wife, only to find her now staring at the newcomer, her mouth slightly agape.

 

A soft clear of Mark's throat caught Liz's attention and she noticed she'd been caught admiring. She dipped her head and prayed no one could see the blush rapidly creeping across her face. Looking back up at Sam's team mates, Mark noticed that if the General had noticed his wife's ogling, he didn't show it; but it didn't miss the attention of Daniel who shook his head slightly in amusement, before pushing his glasses further up his nose.

 

Shifting his gaze to his kids, Mark watched intently as the three of them also stood open mouthed. Their focus however was on the larger man in their midst, Teal'c. He mused on what kind of name that was and made a note to ask his sister about it later. He did briefly entertain the thought of asking the man himself, but then imagined 'Teal'c' would have no problem in kicking his ass if he accidentally managed to offend him.

 

Jo, Mark's youngest daughter, was the first to recover from the staring contest and he watched her slowly walk over to the General.

 

"Hi Sir," she greeted with a small smile.

 

She was usually shy around people she didn't know, so Mark and Liz were curious as to her actions. He stepped forward slightly, remembering what they had been told earlier about keeping the kids under control, and was about to reprimand her when he felt Sam's hand on his arm.

 

With a slight shake of her head, Mark followed her gaze and watched fascinated at the scene which was unfolding.

 

"Well, hello there," Jack answered with a slight grin, crouching down so he was eye-level with Jo, and ignoring the groans of his knees as he did.

 

"I'm Jo," she replied, holding out her hand for Jack to shake.

 

Smirking up at Carter, Jack took the small, outstretched hand.

 

"It's a pleasure to meet you Jo. You can call me Jack."

 

As Jo's blue eyes widened with the smile now beaming across her face, Jack couldn't help but be taken with the little girl who reminded him so much of Sam who had the same look when she made a breakthrough with one of her experiments.

 

Scolding himself at letting his mind wander, Jack noticed the little girl had now been joined by Ben flanking her left-hand side with Beth situated on her right.

 

"Are you a General like our grandpa?" Ben asked.

 

"Yes, I am."

 

At that, Jack watched as three children stood tall to attention and saluted him. Caught off guard, Jack's eyes widened as he straightened up, the smile clearly evident in his voice.

 

"At ease, soldiers."

 

As the three kids relaxed in their stance, Liz and Mark exchanged bemused looks.

 

This guy definitely wasn't like other Generals, Mark mused.

 

As if the man could read his thoughts, Jack turned to Mark and Liz and gave them his undivided attention for the first time since he entered the room and Mark wasn't afraid to admit he was slightly scared of the man.

 

Or maybe he was.

 

The softness he had when talking to Jo was gone and his military mask was now firmly back in place. He didn't offer any words of condolence or emit any sympathy of any kind. He appeared hard, emotionless, but Mark tried not to dwell as he started to feel uncomfortable under his stare.

 

"I thought the kids would be better in our Rec Room while we have a little chat," Jack addressed.

 

No messing around, just straight to the point. The man was like other Generals after all, Mark grumbled to himself.

 

He really didn't want to let a stranger take his kids away to somewhere else on the base, especially if this place really was as classified and top secret as it seemed to be. Looking to Sam, he knew she realized what he was thinking. She always did.

 

"It's for the best Mark. You've nothing to worry about, they'll be in good hands. Trust me," she said softly.

 

After a nudge from Liz he finally relented and nodded his agreement.

 

"Great!" Jack piped up, clapping his hands together.

 

"Daniel, T, you wanna take our guests up to the Rec Room? I believe there's some food and an American classic we like to call The Simpsons waiting for them."

 

As three pairs of eyes lit up, they all obediently followed the two men. Ben fell into step alongside Daniel, while Beth took Jo's right hand as Jo slipped her other hand into Teal'c's and let him lead her out of the room. The sheer gentleness Teal'c had as he took Jo's hand dumbfounded the parents once again, and this time Mark had spoken before he realized.

 

"That is just too weird."

 

"Nah, T is a teddy bear. Just don't eat his donuts," Jack answered as an afterthought as he took a seat at the head of the table.

 

Embarrassed that Jack knew he had been referring to Teal'c, Mark blushed and glared at Sam as she started giggling.

 

"What did I say about giggling, Colonel?"

 

"Sorry, Sir."

 

Mark felt the beginnings of a headache start as he followed the interaction. He didn't know all the rules of the military, but he knew enough about insubordination and he was sure Sam was now walking a fine line with her less-than-sorry response.

 

However, Jack didn't appear mad. In fact, he seemed rather pleased with himself that he'd been able to keep her amused for a moment longer.

 

"Why don't you and your wife take a seat Mark and we'll tell you why you're here," Jack spoke, completely serious in his tone once again.

 

They sat down at the seats Sam directed them to, before she moved to the other side of the table and occupied the chair directly to the General's left.

 

"Before we begin, we need you to sign a few more forms," Jack added as he reached for the folders Mark hadn't realized were sitting on the table.

 

"We already signed forms on the surface," Mark answered, a hint of irritation in his voice.

 

Typical military, he thought. He had come all this way at their insistence, and he was still having to jump through hoops before they'd tell him anything.

 

"Mark, please," Sam pleaded through gritted teeth.

 

Taking a deep breath, she glanced at Jack before continuing.

 

"This is very important. Just trust me."

 

"You keep telling me to trust you Sam. Why?"

 

"Because in our job, you have to," she bit out, making it quite clear that her brother wasn't the only irritable one in the room.

 

"Carter," Jack gently addressed her.

 

Closing her eyes, Mark noticed his sister's entire demeanor change. She relaxed at the small, softly spoken word and his curiosity was piqued.

 

Was a Commanding Officer supposed to be able to show that gentleness and reassurance to his officers, especially younger, female officers, which he just did with Sam?

 

Deciding that was another thing to ask Sam later, Mark sighed heavily.

 

"Fine. I trust you, Sam."

 

And with that, Mark flipped open the folder and signed the relevant forms, as did Liz. Satisfied everything was in order, Jack took the folders from the couple and set them in front of him, before leaning back in his chair. He turned to Sam and arched a brow.

 

"Carter. You're up."

 

Smiling slightly, she took a deep breath to steady her nerves and looked her brother straight in the eye.

 

"What I'm about to tell you is classified under section 11C9 of the National Security Act."

 

Sam decided to ignore the two pairs of raised eyebrows directed at her and ploughed on.

 

"You're currently in a top secret military facility known as Stargate Command. In 1928 in Giza, Egypt, archaeologists uncovered an ancient device, capable of instantaneous transportation to other planets by means of a subspace wormhole."

 

At this, Jack watched out of the side of his eye at the couples' reaction and he wasn't disappointed.

 

"Instantaneous transportation?"

 

"Subspace wormhole?"

 

"Oh, it gets better," Jack answered with a smirk as he gestured for Sam to continue.

 

***

 

A/N: Chapters 6 – 10 can be found here. Thank you!