AU fic - Part 2
Dec. 31st, 2003 11:39 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
woodfaceA/N: My last fic (part) posted in 2003. I hope you all enjoy it.
A/N²: I must warn everyone that this probably won't turn into a romance fic. It will have S/J (hello, it's me) but probably only UST and friendship.
Huge big thanks to my beta's who continue to kick ass,![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
chiroho and splash_the_cat. And to everyone who is reading and encouraging me.
PART 2
THREE MONTHS AFTER THE ABYDOS MISSION
Sam warmed her hands on the cup of herbal tea as she tried to make sense of the figures in front of her. As she sat there, she tried to will the nausea away. She had felt sick the whole morning, and even in his sullen mood, Jonas had noticed and told her to take the day off.
She smiled to herself at his promise of pampering tonight. His recovery had been slow, but he seemed to be finally getting on top of things. She still didn’t know what exactly had happened to him, and she doubted she ever would. It didn’t matter; he was home now, and she could get used to that. He’d probably go back to light duty in the next few weeks, but a trip overseas seemed very distant. She didn’t miss the worrying at all.
Her mind was still drifting when the telephone rang. Absentmindedly, she picked it up.
“Carter-Hanson.”
“Samantha? It’s Catherine Langford.”
“Catherine!” Sam exclaimed. She hadn’t heard from her friend since she'd called Catherine to let her know Jonas would be alright. “How are you?”
“I’m good.” The excitement in Catherine’s voice immediately gave away the fact that she had a reason for calling. “How are you?”
“Just got one of those twenty-four hour bugs, but I’m sure it will blow over soon.” Sam smiled. “What can I do for you?”
Catherine laughed. “Am I that transparent?”
“Sort of,” Sam chuckled, and cradled the phone between her ear and shoulder while she took another sip from her tea.
There was a moment of silence on the other side of the line before Catherine finally spoke. “How would you like to get back on the program?”
Sam didn’t need Catherine to explain what program she meant. She knew they'd officially changed the name to the "Stargate" program, but that was it. Sam’s decision to stay with her husband had meant she’d lost her place on the program, and her security clearance. “Do you have to ask?” The science she had faced there had been the most challenging she had ever come across in her military career.
“No. No, I guess not.” Catherine sighed, probably remembering the circumstances that had kept Sam away.
“Why do you ask?” Sam asked curiously.
“I’m leaving the program.” Catherine announced. “I’m getting too old, and this kind of research is going way over my head. I’m getting pretty redundant here at the moment, but I think there is so much more to discover. I think we only saw the tip of the iceberg.”
“So you expect me to find out just what more there is about the Stargate?”
Catherine laughed again. “Pretty much. It’s your decision. The Air Force asked me to recommend a replacement; you’re my first choice, Samantha.”
Sam quickly sat up, excitement making it impossible to sit still. “Wow.”
Catherine chuckled. “Is that a yes?”
Sam laughed. “I guess it is.” Then realisation dawned. “I’ll have to talk it over with Jonas though, as I assume it will mean moving to Colorado.”
“I understand. But Samantha, I need your answer by the end of this week. General Hammond is insisting on getting the transfer completed as soon as possible. He’s a bit of a pencil pusher, if you get my meaning. He’s holding interviews as we’re speak, but he said he’d take my recommendation seriously.”
“I will. Thank you for thinking of me.” Sam said gratefully.
“Who else would be better for the job?” Catherine retorted.
*****
It was approaching dinnertime when Sam finally heard the key slide into the lock, and seconds later Jonas’ voice carried through the apartment.
“Sam? Honey?”
“I’m here,” Sam called from the kitchen.
“Hey,” Jonas said a minute later as he entered the room. He frowned as he watched Sam cooking. “I thought I was gonna spoil you tonight.” He commented, walking up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist.
“I know, but I got bored.” Sam leaned into his embrace.
“So you decided to poison me?” Jonas smirked and kissed her temple.
“Hey! I resent that!” Sam cried out and playfully nudged him in the ribs. “My cooking isn’t that bad anymore.”
Jonas chuckled. “You’re right. You’ve improved a lot, but I’ll finish this, okay? You get some rest.”
“No, it’s alright, I feel better now.” She assured him, glad he was in a good mood. It would make talking to him about moving a lot easier.
“If you’re sure...”
“I am. I need to talk to you about something anyway.”
“Oh? What about?” Jonas asked as he reached to open one of the pots.
Sam caught him in time and slapped his hand. “Patience,” she chided. “I had a call from Catherine Langford today.”
“Langford?” Jonas interrupted. “That name rings a bell. Didn’t you work with her on that top secret project or something?”
Sam nodded and turned to face Jonas after making certain the food could do without her attention for a minute. “Yeah. That’s actually what she called about.”
Jonas grinned. “What? She can’t miss you?” He winked at her.
“Sort of,” Sam smiled, encouraged by his playful mood.
“Sort of?”
“She’s retiring, and she recommended me as her replacement on the project. If I want, the job is mine.” She couldn’t stop grinning; the prospect of working for the Stargate program again was just too exciting.
“And you want to.” Jonas concluded needlessly. “Sam, that’s great!” He enveloped her in a big hug. “I remember you were really enthusiastic about the work.”
“I was! I am! It’s an amazing chance. I wish I could tell you more about but...” She sighed.
“I understand, Sam. As long as you’re happy with it.” Jonas pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
Sam rested her hands on his shoulders, and leaned into him. “So you don’t mind moving to Colorado Springs?”
“What?” She nearly stumbled as Jonas pulled back abruptly.
“The job is at Cheyenne Mountain, in Colorado.” She reminded him. She was sure she’d told him about that before.
“I didn’t know that. They didn’t ask you to move to Colorado when you were working on it before!” His voice rose.
“No, but surely you remember I was supposed to be going out to Colorado for a couple of weeks. Now everything involving the project has been moved there permanently.” Sam explained.
“Geez, Sam! Colorado? What the hell are we going to go do there?” Jonas started pacing.
Sam sighed. “I know it’s not exactly Washington, but it’s not that bad. What does it matter where you live anyway? It’s not like you’re around all that much to notice. At least I can keep myself busy at work.” The words just came out, and she regretted them immediately.
Jonas stopped pacing and turned towards her. “I knew it’d come down to that. You’ve never liked what I do. I’m sure you’re happy I was injured. Well, you’ll just love to know that the shrink won’t let me go back overseas.” He growled.
“What?” Sam started at his revelation. “How long have you known?”
“A week or so,” he shrugged.
“And you didn’t tell me?” She took a tentative step closer to him. “I’m sorry, Jonas. I know how much you love your job. And I might not always be happy with you risking your life, but you of all people should know that I understand why you need to do it.” She reached out and gently touched it arm.
His reaction was immediate, pulling his arm away roughly. “Sure, whatever.”
“Jonas!” She pleaded.
“Have you taken the job?” He ignored her.
“No, of course not! I wanted to discuss this with you first.”
He nodded. “Are you planning on taking it?”
Sam sighed and leant back against the counter. “Yes.”
“So it doesn’t really matter what I say.” He concluded.
“Of course it does!” She heard the pots behind her starting to splutter.
A hollow laugh came from Jonas’ throat. “Of course you do. You wouldn’t want an opportunity to pass where you could tell people how you sacrificed your career for your husband.” He shook is head. “No, Sam. I’m not gonna give you a chance to play the martyr about this one. You take the job.”
Without a further word, Jonas left the room with two big strides. Sam stared after him and flinched when he slammed the front door shut. She hated it when they fought; Jonas always managed to leave her with a mountain of guilt, even when his accusations didn’t make any sense.
Behind her the boiling water hissed as it spilled from the pan and onto the stove. Sam jumped at the sound and quickly pulled it from the burner. Staring at the stains, she willed the surfacing tears away. She couldn’t understand why her husband felt the need to carry the psychiatrist’s decision on his own.
*****
Sam’s hand was unsteady, and the key missed the lock more than once before finally slipping inside the hole. Carefully, she pushed open the door and entered the apartment, wondering if Jonas had come home. She had stayed up the whole night waiting, and had finally decided to head to her lab instead of staring at the door and willing it to open.
Her stomach rumbled, reminding her of the dinner and breakfast she didn’t have, but any thoughts of food fled her mind as she found her husband sitting on the couch.
“Where have you been?” He accused the moment he laid his eyes on her.
Angrily, Sam dropped her briefcase against the coffee table and dropped her keys on top of it. “Where have *I* been?” She spat back. “Geez, Jonas! You disappear the whole night, and you expect me to sit here waiting for you to grace me with your company?”
“Don’t be like that!” Jonas got up, his movements brusque. “I was worried!”
“Well at least now you know what I’ve been going through!” She growled and took off her coat, throwing it on the chair without paying attention to where it landed. “If you must know, I went to work as I didn’t see the point of fretting myself about where you might have gone.”
Jonas sighed and plopped back down on the chair. “I’m sorry, I needed to clear my mind and think things over.”
Sam ran her fingers through her hair. It was getting too long, and needed a cut badly. Silently she perched herself on the edge of the coffee table, facing Jonas. “Why didn’t you tell me?” She asked softly.
Jonas shook his head and buried his face in his hands. She doubted he was crying. “I didn’t know how to you tell you. ‘Hey, honey! I’m home, and the shrink thinks I’m a nutcase who shouldn’t be allowed to go on black ops missions.’”
Sam leaned forward and gently took his wrists in her hands. “You are not a nutcase,” she said soothingly, and pulled his hands away from his face. His eyes met hers, and she smiled reassuringly at him. “No one can expect you to jump right back in where you left off. What happened to you nearly cost you your life. You’re only human, Jonas. It’s natural for you to need some time to work through things.” She grinned. “And however cheesy this may sound, you don’t have to do it on your own. We’ll work through this.”
Jonas smiled back at her and moved so his hands were grasping hers. “Thank you. Sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve you.” He squeezed her hands. “I’m sorry what I said last night, I was angry, and being a complete idiot.”
Sam didn’t argue about that.
“I went to talk to my CO earlier today, and apparently they have a position open at Cheyenne Mountain for a Captain in security. It’s not exactly exciting, but it can’t possibly be worse than the paper pushing I’m looking forward to.”
He grinned when all Sam could do was stare at him. “Sam?”
She blinked. “Are you serious?”
Laughing, Jonas nodded and pulled her from the table to sit next to him on the couch. “I am. I know how much this project has meant to you. If moving to Colorado means you can continue working on it, then by all means...”
Sam smiled and embraced him. “Thank you, it means a lot.”
“I know, Sam.” Jonas kissed her cheek. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
*****
ONE WEEK LATER
Sam stared out of the window, her eyes settling on the Stargate. It wasn’t the first time she’d seen it, but it never failed to leave an impression. It had brought Colonel O’Neill’s team to the other side of the universe, to a completely unknown world. She had read the files; how he had destroyed the alien Ra who was presenting himself as a god before the people of Abydos. It was like a bedtime story, an adventure that could have come right out of Star Trek.
It was more than that though. The dialling program she had helped set up had worked. The new data on the stable wormhole it had created would be enough to win her the Nobel Prize. Of course, she doubted this information would be released to the public within her lifetime. She stared at the symbols on the inner ring. Doctor Jackson had managed to discover how those symbols formed an address. A bit like a telephone number. The analogy tickled her imagination. They had dialled only one number, and who knew how many other combinations were possible? How many might lead to a different planet like Abydos?
Her thoughts were interrupted by the door opening, and she quickly turned, jumping to attention as she saw the stars on the newcomer's uniform.
The balding man in front of her stopped, a flash of recognition passing over his face before he returned the salute and motioned towards the empty chairs. “At ease, Captain Carter. I’m pleased to meet you. Please, take a seat.”
“Thank you, General.” Sam replied and quickly took a seat.
General Hammond studied her for a moment, and then settled into the chair at the head of the table. “I see you got the reports about the Abydos mission.”
Sam nodded as she fingered the file before her nervously. “Yes, Sir.”
“What do you think?” He asked.
Sam stared at him, confused by his question. “I’m not sure I understand what you mean, Sir.”
Hammond smiled at her. “I was just curious as to what you thought about the Stargate program after reading Colonel O’Neill’s report.”
Okay, she could do this. “I think we’ve just scratched the surface of the possibilities the Stargate is offering us.”
“How so?” He cut in.
“The combination that led us to Abydos is just one of many possibilities. There is a whole universe out there, and who knows where the Stargate could lead us.”
Hammond seemed pleased with her response. “But surely you realise the dangers that come with it. Colonel O’Neill has already had to blow up one planet.”
“Of course it’s a risk, but even if we don’t get to travel to another planet through the Stargate, the science involved in creating a stable wormhole could open up a whole new world.” She leaned forward, enthusiastic about the breakthroughs she could only imagine would lie ahead of them.
“I think the latter will probably be more realistic. The Joint Chiefs are reluctant to risk any more good people. Of course, that’s purely hypothetically speaking as we haven’t managed to open the Stargate again.”
Sam bit her lip, wondering how long the program would last if they didn’t manage to make the Stargate work again.
“But even if we don’t succeed in making it work, we will still need your expertise to try and do research on alternative applications for the Stargate.” Hammond reassured her.
Sam nodded, her brain already trying to work around the problem.
“So what do you think, Captain?” The General asked, amused.
Sam’s head snapped up and she grinned. “I’m looking forward to working under your command, Sir.”
Hammond chuckled, and nodded. “And I'm glad to have you here, Captain Carter.” He smiled and stood up. “I’d like you to drop by the infirmary before you leave. It’s just a formality. You’ll have your results tomorrow morning, so you’ll be able to get to work right away.”
“Yes, Sir! Thank you, Sir!” Sam couldn’t stop grinning.
He returned her salute before dismissing her from the room. Grinning broadly, the Abydos mission reports clutched tightly against her body, Sam walked through the corridors of Cheyenne Mountain. It felt as if a new chapter of her life had just begun, and she couldn’t wait to find out what it had in store.
*****
She knew she was half an hour too early. Doctor Fraiser had told her to report at 08:00, but the excitement had woken her up after barely three hours of sleep. Jonas had laughed at her cleaning spree, but when she started reorganising his sock drawer it had taken him exactly three minutes to thrust her coat, briefcase, and car keys into her hands and push her out the door with the message to not come back until she had exhausted herself at work. Something she was planning to do, right after the Doctor gave her clearance.
Sam popped her head inside the infirmary. There was only a skeleton staff working, as the risks with a dormant Stargate weren’t that high. She was about to leave again when she noticed a figure hunched over a table in the corner of the infirmary.
Clearing her throat, Sam stepped further inside.
The figure looked up, and smiled as she recognised her. “Captain Carter, please sit down.” Dr. Janet Fraiser motioned to the chair opposite her.
Sam smiled and quickly did as requested. “’Morning, Doctor.”
“You’re a bit early. That eager to get to work?” The doctor looked at her watch and gave Sam a reassuring smile.
“Yeah, I guess you could say that.” Sam smiled back. “If you don’t have the results yet, I can come back.” She offered.
“No, that’s alright. I just finished them.” Dr. Fraiser closed the file in front of her.
“So, what’s the verdict?”
Fraiser entwined her hands on top of the folder and looked seriously at Sam. “You’re in perfect shape, Captain. I don’t see any reason for you not to work on the program. That is of course if you’ll still want to.”
Sam raised her eyebrows. “Why wouldn’t I want to?” She asked confusedly.
“Have you and your husband ever considered having children?”
“What?” Sam blinked. “Yeah, we have. But we haven’t really...” She stopped dead and stared at the Doctor. “Am I...?”
Fraiser smiled and nodded. “Yes, Captain. You’re pregnant.”
“Oh,” Sam kept staring at the doctor, not sure if she had heard right. Her hand settled on her stomach, gently stroking it as if the touch could make it more real.
“Are you alright?” Fraiser asked gently, as she stood up to stand beside Sam.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Sam grinned, and stared at her stomach. “It’s just... this is big.” Her smile broadened and she looked up at the doctor.
Fraiser laughed and squeezed her shoulder. “I guess it is.”
“How far along am I?” Her mind was struggling to accept this new information.
“I was hoping you could help me with that. When was your last period?”
Sam frowned in concentration. “I think it was a couple of months ago. I’m not sure. My period is highly irregular.”
“You don’t use the pill?”
Sam shook her head. “No, my period gets pretty heavy, and I have it less when I don’t use the pill. That and Jonas and I had decided to see what happens. We still use condoms most of the time - but not always.”
Fraiser nodded. “I’d like to do an ultrasound to how far along you are. Seeing you’re early anyway, how about we do it now and get it over with?”
“Yeah, sure that’s fine.” Sam grinned, and stood up. “Oh wow, I’m pregnant.” She laughed and hugged Fraiser, needing to share her joy with someone.
*****
“Jonas?” Sam shouted as soon as she entered the house. Carelessly she dropped her coat, briefcase, and keys onto the armchair and made her way through the rooms, hoping to find her husband.
“Up here!” Came the muffled reply from somewhere upstairs.
Taking the steps two at a time, Sam ran up the stairs. She found Jonas hunched over one of the many boxes in the study. He picked out a couple of books and placed them in the bookcase.
“You can’t tell me you read all these books,” he remarked, not turning around.
“Most of them,” Sam shrugged, and walked over to stand next to him.
Jonas shook his head and turned around. Smiling, he cupped her face in his hands and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “How was your day?”
She couldn’t help it and beamed back at him. “Amazing.”
“That good?” He caressed her cheek lovingly, before getting back to unpacking the box. “I thought I’d have to come and drag you home.”
She snickered. That probably would have been the case if she hadn’t been dying to tell him about the baby ever since Fraiser had told her. “I know, but I have some news.”
“Oh?” He didn’t even look up as he put a book on quantum physics in its rightful place.
Sam rolled her eyes, and pulled on his arm. “The books can wait.”
“I know they can, I just wanted to get this over with.”
“Jonas!” Sam cried out, exasperated, and started to pull him across the hall into their bedroom.
“You know, you could have just told me right away what you had in mind,” Jonas said, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he misinterpreted the direction they were heading.
“Can you not think about sex for five minutes?” Sam let go of his arm and sat down on the edge of the bed.
Jonas arched an eyebrow, studying her intently. “Okay, what’s up?”
She patted the quilt next to her, motioning for him to sit down.
Sighing, Jonas did as she requested. “This better be good,” he mumbled.
“Oh, trust me, it is.” Sam grinned, and then frowned. “Well, I hope so.”
“Okay, Sam. You’re really acting weird now. What is it?”
She bit her bottom lip and reached for his hands. Finding it a lot easier concentrate on them instead of his face, she drew them into her lap and started fidgeting with his fingers.
“Sam, you’re starting to worry me.” Jonas said, his tone suddenly serious.
Sam could feel he was about to reach for her, but kept his hands enveloped in hers. “I have something to tell you.”
“Yeah, I gathered that.”
She knew he was getting impatient, but her nerves were all over the place. What if he didn’t want this child? It was ridiculous as they both wanted children, but what if it was too much at once? His injury, moving to Colorado Springs, the new job...
“Sam?”
She just had to get this over and done with. She took in a deep breath and then exhaled, the words spilling from her lips as she squeezed his hands tightly. “I’m pregnant.”
“What?” Jonas’ hands stilled in hers, and she didn’t dare look up.
“I’m pregnant.”
He didn’t answer, didn’t move, and she wondered if he had stopped breathing all together.
“Jonas?” She slowly looked up. His mouth was hanging open, and he blinked slowly.
“Pregnant?” She tried not to laugh at his squeak.
“Yeah,” she nodded, unable to contain her smile any longer.
“You mean... we’re having a baby?” He was staring at her now, as if she just told him Martians had landed in the bathroom and annexed the shower.
She nodded, and smiled nervously.
“Oh...” Jonas stared at her for a moment longer and then laughed. “Wow! You’re sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. Doctor Fraiser found out when she did my physical evaluation. She says I’m about 6 weeks along.”
“Wow! Sam! That’s great!” Jonas embraced her tightly. Sam felt the apprehension wash away as she listened to his rambling. The words didn’t register, but his voice was light and full of a warmth she had missed for a long time.
The next thing she knew, she was suddenly lying on her back. The shirt she wore was pushed up until it was under her breasts, and Jonas’ nose was brushing the skin of her belly.
“Hey, little one.” Tentative fingers caressed her abdomen. “It’s Daddy.”
When he pressed his cheek on her stomach, she could have sworn his skin was damp.
A/N²: I must warn everyone that this probably won't turn into a romance fic. It will have S/J (hello, it's me) but probably only UST and friendship.
Huge big thanks to my beta's who continue to kick ass,
chiroho and splash_the_cat. And to everyone who is reading and encouraging me.PART 2
THREE MONTHS AFTER THE ABYDOS MISSION
Sam warmed her hands on the cup of herbal tea as she tried to make sense of the figures in front of her. As she sat there, she tried to will the nausea away. She had felt sick the whole morning, and even in his sullen mood, Jonas had noticed and told her to take the day off.
She smiled to herself at his promise of pampering tonight. His recovery had been slow, but he seemed to be finally getting on top of things. She still didn’t know what exactly had happened to him, and she doubted she ever would. It didn’t matter; he was home now, and she could get used to that. He’d probably go back to light duty in the next few weeks, but a trip overseas seemed very distant. She didn’t miss the worrying at all.
Her mind was still drifting when the telephone rang. Absentmindedly, she picked it up.
“Carter-Hanson.”
“Samantha? It’s Catherine Langford.”
“Catherine!” Sam exclaimed. She hadn’t heard from her friend since she'd called Catherine to let her know Jonas would be alright. “How are you?”
“I’m good.” The excitement in Catherine’s voice immediately gave away the fact that she had a reason for calling. “How are you?”
“Just got one of those twenty-four hour bugs, but I’m sure it will blow over soon.” Sam smiled. “What can I do for you?”
Catherine laughed. “Am I that transparent?”
“Sort of,” Sam chuckled, and cradled the phone between her ear and shoulder while she took another sip from her tea.
There was a moment of silence on the other side of the line before Catherine finally spoke. “How would you like to get back on the program?”
Sam didn’t need Catherine to explain what program she meant. She knew they'd officially changed the name to the "Stargate" program, but that was it. Sam’s decision to stay with her husband had meant she’d lost her place on the program, and her security clearance. “Do you have to ask?” The science she had faced there had been the most challenging she had ever come across in her military career.
“No. No, I guess not.” Catherine sighed, probably remembering the circumstances that had kept Sam away.
“Why do you ask?” Sam asked curiously.
“I’m leaving the program.” Catherine announced. “I’m getting too old, and this kind of research is going way over my head. I’m getting pretty redundant here at the moment, but I think there is so much more to discover. I think we only saw the tip of the iceberg.”
“So you expect me to find out just what more there is about the Stargate?”
Catherine laughed again. “Pretty much. It’s your decision. The Air Force asked me to recommend a replacement; you’re my first choice, Samantha.”
Sam quickly sat up, excitement making it impossible to sit still. “Wow.”
Catherine chuckled. “Is that a yes?”
Sam laughed. “I guess it is.” Then realisation dawned. “I’ll have to talk it over with Jonas though, as I assume it will mean moving to Colorado.”
“I understand. But Samantha, I need your answer by the end of this week. General Hammond is insisting on getting the transfer completed as soon as possible. He’s a bit of a pencil pusher, if you get my meaning. He’s holding interviews as we’re speak, but he said he’d take my recommendation seriously.”
“I will. Thank you for thinking of me.” Sam said gratefully.
“Who else would be better for the job?” Catherine retorted.
*****
It was approaching dinnertime when Sam finally heard the key slide into the lock, and seconds later Jonas’ voice carried through the apartment.
“Sam? Honey?”
“I’m here,” Sam called from the kitchen.
“Hey,” Jonas said a minute later as he entered the room. He frowned as he watched Sam cooking. “I thought I was gonna spoil you tonight.” He commented, walking up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist.
“I know, but I got bored.” Sam leaned into his embrace.
“So you decided to poison me?” Jonas smirked and kissed her temple.
“Hey! I resent that!” Sam cried out and playfully nudged him in the ribs. “My cooking isn’t that bad anymore.”
Jonas chuckled. “You’re right. You’ve improved a lot, but I’ll finish this, okay? You get some rest.”
“No, it’s alright, I feel better now.” She assured him, glad he was in a good mood. It would make talking to him about moving a lot easier.
“If you’re sure...”
“I am. I need to talk to you about something anyway.”
“Oh? What about?” Jonas asked as he reached to open one of the pots.
Sam caught him in time and slapped his hand. “Patience,” she chided. “I had a call from Catherine Langford today.”
“Langford?” Jonas interrupted. “That name rings a bell. Didn’t you work with her on that top secret project or something?”
Sam nodded and turned to face Jonas after making certain the food could do without her attention for a minute. “Yeah. That’s actually what she called about.”
Jonas grinned. “What? She can’t miss you?” He winked at her.
“Sort of,” Sam smiled, encouraged by his playful mood.
“Sort of?”
“She’s retiring, and she recommended me as her replacement on the project. If I want, the job is mine.” She couldn’t stop grinning; the prospect of working for the Stargate program again was just too exciting.
“And you want to.” Jonas concluded needlessly. “Sam, that’s great!” He enveloped her in a big hug. “I remember you were really enthusiastic about the work.”
“I was! I am! It’s an amazing chance. I wish I could tell you more about but...” She sighed.
“I understand, Sam. As long as you’re happy with it.” Jonas pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
Sam rested her hands on his shoulders, and leaned into him. “So you don’t mind moving to Colorado Springs?”
“What?” She nearly stumbled as Jonas pulled back abruptly.
“The job is at Cheyenne Mountain, in Colorado.” She reminded him. She was sure she’d told him about that before.
“I didn’t know that. They didn’t ask you to move to Colorado when you were working on it before!” His voice rose.
“No, but surely you remember I was supposed to be going out to Colorado for a couple of weeks. Now everything involving the project has been moved there permanently.” Sam explained.
“Geez, Sam! Colorado? What the hell are we going to go do there?” Jonas started pacing.
Sam sighed. “I know it’s not exactly Washington, but it’s not that bad. What does it matter where you live anyway? It’s not like you’re around all that much to notice. At least I can keep myself busy at work.” The words just came out, and she regretted them immediately.
Jonas stopped pacing and turned towards her. “I knew it’d come down to that. You’ve never liked what I do. I’m sure you’re happy I was injured. Well, you’ll just love to know that the shrink won’t let me go back overseas.” He growled.
“What?” Sam started at his revelation. “How long have you known?”
“A week or so,” he shrugged.
“And you didn’t tell me?” She took a tentative step closer to him. “I’m sorry, Jonas. I know how much you love your job. And I might not always be happy with you risking your life, but you of all people should know that I understand why you need to do it.” She reached out and gently touched it arm.
His reaction was immediate, pulling his arm away roughly. “Sure, whatever.”
“Jonas!” She pleaded.
“Have you taken the job?” He ignored her.
“No, of course not! I wanted to discuss this with you first.”
He nodded. “Are you planning on taking it?”
Sam sighed and leant back against the counter. “Yes.”
“So it doesn’t really matter what I say.” He concluded.
“Of course it does!” She heard the pots behind her starting to splutter.
A hollow laugh came from Jonas’ throat. “Of course you do. You wouldn’t want an opportunity to pass where you could tell people how you sacrificed your career for your husband.” He shook is head. “No, Sam. I’m not gonna give you a chance to play the martyr about this one. You take the job.”
Without a further word, Jonas left the room with two big strides. Sam stared after him and flinched when he slammed the front door shut. She hated it when they fought; Jonas always managed to leave her with a mountain of guilt, even when his accusations didn’t make any sense.
Behind her the boiling water hissed as it spilled from the pan and onto the stove. Sam jumped at the sound and quickly pulled it from the burner. Staring at the stains, she willed the surfacing tears away. She couldn’t understand why her husband felt the need to carry the psychiatrist’s decision on his own.
*****
Sam’s hand was unsteady, and the key missed the lock more than once before finally slipping inside the hole. Carefully, she pushed open the door and entered the apartment, wondering if Jonas had come home. She had stayed up the whole night waiting, and had finally decided to head to her lab instead of staring at the door and willing it to open.
Her stomach rumbled, reminding her of the dinner and breakfast she didn’t have, but any thoughts of food fled her mind as she found her husband sitting on the couch.
“Where have you been?” He accused the moment he laid his eyes on her.
Angrily, Sam dropped her briefcase against the coffee table and dropped her keys on top of it. “Where have *I* been?” She spat back. “Geez, Jonas! You disappear the whole night, and you expect me to sit here waiting for you to grace me with your company?”
“Don’t be like that!” Jonas got up, his movements brusque. “I was worried!”
“Well at least now you know what I’ve been going through!” She growled and took off her coat, throwing it on the chair without paying attention to where it landed. “If you must know, I went to work as I didn’t see the point of fretting myself about where you might have gone.”
Jonas sighed and plopped back down on the chair. “I’m sorry, I needed to clear my mind and think things over.”
Sam ran her fingers through her hair. It was getting too long, and needed a cut badly. Silently she perched herself on the edge of the coffee table, facing Jonas. “Why didn’t you tell me?” She asked softly.
Jonas shook his head and buried his face in his hands. She doubted he was crying. “I didn’t know how to you tell you. ‘Hey, honey! I’m home, and the shrink thinks I’m a nutcase who shouldn’t be allowed to go on black ops missions.’”
Sam leaned forward and gently took his wrists in her hands. “You are not a nutcase,” she said soothingly, and pulled his hands away from his face. His eyes met hers, and she smiled reassuringly at him. “No one can expect you to jump right back in where you left off. What happened to you nearly cost you your life. You’re only human, Jonas. It’s natural for you to need some time to work through things.” She grinned. “And however cheesy this may sound, you don’t have to do it on your own. We’ll work through this.”
Jonas smiled back at her and moved so his hands were grasping hers. “Thank you. Sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve you.” He squeezed her hands. “I’m sorry what I said last night, I was angry, and being a complete idiot.”
Sam didn’t argue about that.
“I went to talk to my CO earlier today, and apparently they have a position open at Cheyenne Mountain for a Captain in security. It’s not exactly exciting, but it can’t possibly be worse than the paper pushing I’m looking forward to.”
He grinned when all Sam could do was stare at him. “Sam?”
She blinked. “Are you serious?”
Laughing, Jonas nodded and pulled her from the table to sit next to him on the couch. “I am. I know how much this project has meant to you. If moving to Colorado means you can continue working on it, then by all means...”
Sam smiled and embraced him. “Thank you, it means a lot.”
“I know, Sam.” Jonas kissed her cheek. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
*****
ONE WEEK LATER
Sam stared out of the window, her eyes settling on the Stargate. It wasn’t the first time she’d seen it, but it never failed to leave an impression. It had brought Colonel O’Neill’s team to the other side of the universe, to a completely unknown world. She had read the files; how he had destroyed the alien Ra who was presenting himself as a god before the people of Abydos. It was like a bedtime story, an adventure that could have come right out of Star Trek.
It was more than that though. The dialling program she had helped set up had worked. The new data on the stable wormhole it had created would be enough to win her the Nobel Prize. Of course, she doubted this information would be released to the public within her lifetime. She stared at the symbols on the inner ring. Doctor Jackson had managed to discover how those symbols formed an address. A bit like a telephone number. The analogy tickled her imagination. They had dialled only one number, and who knew how many other combinations were possible? How many might lead to a different planet like Abydos?
Her thoughts were interrupted by the door opening, and she quickly turned, jumping to attention as she saw the stars on the newcomer's uniform.
The balding man in front of her stopped, a flash of recognition passing over his face before he returned the salute and motioned towards the empty chairs. “At ease, Captain Carter. I’m pleased to meet you. Please, take a seat.”
“Thank you, General.” Sam replied and quickly took a seat.
General Hammond studied her for a moment, and then settled into the chair at the head of the table. “I see you got the reports about the Abydos mission.”
Sam nodded as she fingered the file before her nervously. “Yes, Sir.”
“What do you think?” He asked.
Sam stared at him, confused by his question. “I’m not sure I understand what you mean, Sir.”
Hammond smiled at her. “I was just curious as to what you thought about the Stargate program after reading Colonel O’Neill’s report.”
Okay, she could do this. “I think we’ve just scratched the surface of the possibilities the Stargate is offering us.”
“How so?” He cut in.
“The combination that led us to Abydos is just one of many possibilities. There is a whole universe out there, and who knows where the Stargate could lead us.”
Hammond seemed pleased with her response. “But surely you realise the dangers that come with it. Colonel O’Neill has already had to blow up one planet.”
“Of course it’s a risk, but even if we don’t get to travel to another planet through the Stargate, the science involved in creating a stable wormhole could open up a whole new world.” She leaned forward, enthusiastic about the breakthroughs she could only imagine would lie ahead of them.
“I think the latter will probably be more realistic. The Joint Chiefs are reluctant to risk any more good people. Of course, that’s purely hypothetically speaking as we haven’t managed to open the Stargate again.”
Sam bit her lip, wondering how long the program would last if they didn’t manage to make the Stargate work again.
“But even if we don’t succeed in making it work, we will still need your expertise to try and do research on alternative applications for the Stargate.” Hammond reassured her.
Sam nodded, her brain already trying to work around the problem.
“So what do you think, Captain?” The General asked, amused.
Sam’s head snapped up and she grinned. “I’m looking forward to working under your command, Sir.”
Hammond chuckled, and nodded. “And I'm glad to have you here, Captain Carter.” He smiled and stood up. “I’d like you to drop by the infirmary before you leave. It’s just a formality. You’ll have your results tomorrow morning, so you’ll be able to get to work right away.”
“Yes, Sir! Thank you, Sir!” Sam couldn’t stop grinning.
He returned her salute before dismissing her from the room. Grinning broadly, the Abydos mission reports clutched tightly against her body, Sam walked through the corridors of Cheyenne Mountain. It felt as if a new chapter of her life had just begun, and she couldn’t wait to find out what it had in store.
*****
She knew she was half an hour too early. Doctor Fraiser had told her to report at 08:00, but the excitement had woken her up after barely three hours of sleep. Jonas had laughed at her cleaning spree, but when she started reorganising his sock drawer it had taken him exactly three minutes to thrust her coat, briefcase, and car keys into her hands and push her out the door with the message to not come back until she had exhausted herself at work. Something she was planning to do, right after the Doctor gave her clearance.
Sam popped her head inside the infirmary. There was only a skeleton staff working, as the risks with a dormant Stargate weren’t that high. She was about to leave again when she noticed a figure hunched over a table in the corner of the infirmary.
Clearing her throat, Sam stepped further inside.
The figure looked up, and smiled as she recognised her. “Captain Carter, please sit down.” Dr. Janet Fraiser motioned to the chair opposite her.
Sam smiled and quickly did as requested. “’Morning, Doctor.”
“You’re a bit early. That eager to get to work?” The doctor looked at her watch and gave Sam a reassuring smile.
“Yeah, I guess you could say that.” Sam smiled back. “If you don’t have the results yet, I can come back.” She offered.
“No, that’s alright. I just finished them.” Dr. Fraiser closed the file in front of her.
“So, what’s the verdict?”
Fraiser entwined her hands on top of the folder and looked seriously at Sam. “You’re in perfect shape, Captain. I don’t see any reason for you not to work on the program. That is of course if you’ll still want to.”
Sam raised her eyebrows. “Why wouldn’t I want to?” She asked confusedly.
“Have you and your husband ever considered having children?”
“What?” Sam blinked. “Yeah, we have. But we haven’t really...” She stopped dead and stared at the Doctor. “Am I...?”
Fraiser smiled and nodded. “Yes, Captain. You’re pregnant.”
“Oh,” Sam kept staring at the doctor, not sure if she had heard right. Her hand settled on her stomach, gently stroking it as if the touch could make it more real.
“Are you alright?” Fraiser asked gently, as she stood up to stand beside Sam.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Sam grinned, and stared at her stomach. “It’s just... this is big.” Her smile broadened and she looked up at the doctor.
Fraiser laughed and squeezed her shoulder. “I guess it is.”
“How far along am I?” Her mind was struggling to accept this new information.
“I was hoping you could help me with that. When was your last period?”
Sam frowned in concentration. “I think it was a couple of months ago. I’m not sure. My period is highly irregular.”
“You don’t use the pill?”
Sam shook her head. “No, my period gets pretty heavy, and I have it less when I don’t use the pill. That and Jonas and I had decided to see what happens. We still use condoms most of the time - but not always.”
Fraiser nodded. “I’d like to do an ultrasound to how far along you are. Seeing you’re early anyway, how about we do it now and get it over with?”
“Yeah, sure that’s fine.” Sam grinned, and stood up. “Oh wow, I’m pregnant.” She laughed and hugged Fraiser, needing to share her joy with someone.
*****
“Jonas?” Sam shouted as soon as she entered the house. Carelessly she dropped her coat, briefcase, and keys onto the armchair and made her way through the rooms, hoping to find her husband.
“Up here!” Came the muffled reply from somewhere upstairs.
Taking the steps two at a time, Sam ran up the stairs. She found Jonas hunched over one of the many boxes in the study. He picked out a couple of books and placed them in the bookcase.
“You can’t tell me you read all these books,” he remarked, not turning around.
“Most of them,” Sam shrugged, and walked over to stand next to him.
Jonas shook his head and turned around. Smiling, he cupped her face in his hands and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “How was your day?”
She couldn’t help it and beamed back at him. “Amazing.”
“That good?” He caressed her cheek lovingly, before getting back to unpacking the box. “I thought I’d have to come and drag you home.”
She snickered. That probably would have been the case if she hadn’t been dying to tell him about the baby ever since Fraiser had told her. “I know, but I have some news.”
“Oh?” He didn’t even look up as he put a book on quantum physics in its rightful place.
Sam rolled her eyes, and pulled on his arm. “The books can wait.”
“I know they can, I just wanted to get this over with.”
“Jonas!” Sam cried out, exasperated, and started to pull him across the hall into their bedroom.
“You know, you could have just told me right away what you had in mind,” Jonas said, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he misinterpreted the direction they were heading.
“Can you not think about sex for five minutes?” Sam let go of his arm and sat down on the edge of the bed.
Jonas arched an eyebrow, studying her intently. “Okay, what’s up?”
She patted the quilt next to her, motioning for him to sit down.
Sighing, Jonas did as she requested. “This better be good,” he mumbled.
“Oh, trust me, it is.” Sam grinned, and then frowned. “Well, I hope so.”
“Okay, Sam. You’re really acting weird now. What is it?”
She bit her bottom lip and reached for his hands. Finding it a lot easier concentrate on them instead of his face, she drew them into her lap and started fidgeting with his fingers.
“Sam, you’re starting to worry me.” Jonas said, his tone suddenly serious.
Sam could feel he was about to reach for her, but kept his hands enveloped in hers. “I have something to tell you.”
“Yeah, I gathered that.”
She knew he was getting impatient, but her nerves were all over the place. What if he didn’t want this child? It was ridiculous as they both wanted children, but what if it was too much at once? His injury, moving to Colorado Springs, the new job...
“Sam?”
She just had to get this over and done with. She took in a deep breath and then exhaled, the words spilling from her lips as she squeezed his hands tightly. “I’m pregnant.”
“What?” Jonas’ hands stilled in hers, and she didn’t dare look up.
“I’m pregnant.”
He didn’t answer, didn’t move, and she wondered if he had stopped breathing all together.
“Jonas?” She slowly looked up. His mouth was hanging open, and he blinked slowly.
“Pregnant?” She tried not to laugh at his squeak.
“Yeah,” she nodded, unable to contain her smile any longer.
“You mean... we’re having a baby?” He was staring at her now, as if she just told him Martians had landed in the bathroom and annexed the shower.
She nodded, and smiled nervously.
“Oh...” Jonas stared at her for a moment longer and then laughed. “Wow! You’re sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. Doctor Fraiser found out when she did my physical evaluation. She says I’m about 6 weeks along.”
“Wow! Sam! That’s great!” Jonas embraced her tightly. Sam felt the apprehension wash away as she listened to his rambling. The words didn’t register, but his voice was light and full of a warmth she had missed for a long time.
The next thing she knew, she was suddenly lying on her back. The shirt she wore was pushed up until it was under her breasts, and Jonas’ nose was brushing the skin of her belly.
“Hey, little one.” Tentative fingers caressed her abdomen. “It’s Daddy.”
When he pressed his cheek on her stomach, she could have sworn his skin was damp.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2003-12-31 03:13 am (UTC)Sorry.
*stuffs another Mini Bouchee into her mouth for comfort*
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Date: 2003-12-31 03:44 am (UTC)Enjoy the bouchees.
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Date: 2003-12-31 04:30 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-12-31 04:33 am (UTC)I'm glad you like it with Jonas. It's a bit weird to write but I have my reasons . Thank you for reading!
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Date: 2003-12-31 05:03 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-12-31 05:23 am (UTC)It is just too wonderful for Sam to be so happy, and married, and having a baby. This is amazing. I know that this isn't easy for you, but I am totally in awe.
Thank you so much. I'm glad that despite it being hard, it's coming over well.
Keep writing!
I will! Thank you! =o)
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Date: 2003-12-31 05:51 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-12-31 07:22 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-12-31 08:21 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-12-31 08:45 am (UTC)*SMOOCH*
no subject
Date: 2003-12-31 09:29 am (UTC)Thank you so much. That means a lot
*huge big knuffels*
Awww, my last sappy moment of the year *sniffles*
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Date: 2003-12-31 11:51 am (UTC)So although it's weird, it's believable and really good to read :D
Can't wait for the next part *g*
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Date: 2003-12-31 02:12 pm (UTC)Ick... :/
*sighs* Awww, but she's having a baby! *g* I'm really enjoying this - keep it coming, Jara. :)
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Date: 2003-12-31 06:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-12-31 06:25 pm (UTC)Thank you! =o)
no subject
Date: 2004-01-01 04:29 am (UTC)You are setting up something so artistically - I can sense an undercurrent...
Behind her the boiling water hissed as it spilled from the pan and onto the stove.
Jonas is coming across as the most rounded I've seen him - in the stories I've read he's a wife-beating meglomaniac.
*looks for more*
no subject
Date: 2004-01-01 04:37 am (UTC)Thank you so much! I'm glad you like it =o)
Jonas is coming across as the most rounded I've seen him - in the stories I've read he's a wife-beating meglomaniac.
Thank you! That's what I'm trying to achieve with this. I mean, we all know something went wrong with him and he went nuts but there had to be some trigger as I can not see Sam falling for a meglomaniac. Sure, she said she falls for the lunatic fringe but there's a difference - in my mind anyway.
no subject
Date: 2004-01-05 01:55 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-01-05 01:58 pm (UTC)Have fun =o)