The Max Series
By Tropical - autumngirl300@hotmail.com


RATING: PG

CATEGORY: Romance (Sam/Jack), Angst

TIME FRAME: Sometime after the Season 3 episode "Fair Game"

SUMMARY: Sam's past is starting to catch up with her, resulting her to 
keep her five-year-old son.

DISCLAIMER:  Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of 
Stargate (V) Productions, Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret 
Productions, and Gekko Productions. This story is for entertainment 
purposes only and no money exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is 
intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the property 
of the author. This story may not be posted elsewhere without the consent 
of the author.


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

Max 1: How Could I?

It's been two days since she had received a phone call from her cousin 
Michelle. Sam had kept a very important and big secret from her friends 
and team mates, hoping they would never know the real truth. Only Hammond 
and her father knew about it. But now that Michelle told her some news 
and Sam had to tell her friends the real truth. Sam's career in the Air 
Force would probably be over so she couldn't work at the SGC anymore. She 
wasn't sure. 

Sam finally had the courage to walk to Hammond's office to tell him. 

"come in" came a reply and so she entered. 

"sir, I need to talk to you" 

Hammond nod and pointed a seat in front of his desk. Sam closed the door 
and sat down on the offered chair. 

"what is the problem, major?" 

Sam closed her eyes and sighed. 

"sir, I received a phone call a couple of days ago from my cousin 
Michelle..." 

Hammond tensed, he remembered she and her father had told him about her 
son. The father of the child, Alex, died while she was four months 
pregnant. Sam didn't want her child to have a life without a father so 
she talked to her cousin and her husband if they wanted to raise him. Of 
course, Sam was always at their house and her son, Maxime, knew she was 
his mother. 

"Michelle just learned she was pregnant... she asked me if I could... 
bring Max back with me home" 

Hammond sighed, he knew she would have difficulties to handle this right 
now. She never raised her son by herself and a single mother in the Air 
Force isn't common. He couldn't afford loosing her from the SGC *and* SG-
1. 

"I understand, so you have no choice but to take him back with you, am I 
right?" 

Sam nod slowly and sadly, not trusting herself with words right now. 

"can you handle working with the stargate program while raising your 
child?" 

"I could try, sir, just take some precaution.. I really don't want to 
leave, sir, I've worked so hard to get where I am right now" 

Sam was almost pleading him to get on her side and that broke his heart. 
He knew she had to get through hell itself for the Air Force and to get 
at the SGC. 

"I understand, major, I'll see what I can do with my superiors and inform 
you of their decision later on... when are you going to pick up Max?" 

"tomorrow morning before 10:00" 

"have you talked about this to your team? they still don't know about 
your son's existence" 

Sam shook her head and look up at him "I was hoping you could brake the 
news for me, sir. I'll be gone before they could find out and I'll deal 
with them once I have Max with me" 

Hammond went to object but Sam pleaded him with her eyes "please, sir" 

"very well, I will inform Jacob about this too, he has a right to know 
about his grand-son too" Sam forced a smile and nod in understanding. 

"very well, I will do what you say. Once you have Max back, I would like 
to see him also" he smiled widely. Max was a good boy and he was liked by 
everybody. Sam smiled and nod "ok, sir. I'll bring him here" he nod and 
warned her about the security risk if he gets too close to the stargate. 
She nod and left his office. 

Several minutes later SG-1 minus Sam was called to Hammond's office. 
Everyone arrived, slightly worried about this private meeting and more 
concerned when Sam wasn't there. 

"Uh, sir, where's Carter?" Jack asked him, concerned. 

"she's fine, colonel. I would like to talk about her at this moment and 
it's very important" They nod and waited for him to start. 

"we may have a problem... before major Carter entered the SGC.. she gave 
birth to a boy. I know this must be a shock to you but let me explain" he 
warned them. 

SG-1 were too preoccupied to be shocked to say anything. A part of them 
still denied what was happening. Hammond explained them her story and how 
it has been difficult for her to do so. 

"Now since her cousin fell pregnant of her own child, Max is due to 
return with his mother" 

"wow" Daniel breathed, still under shock. Teal'c tilted his head to one 
side, letting the information sink in. As for Jack, he still tried very 
hard to deny it. 

"major carter was.. scared by your reaction and told me to deliver the 
message from her. She wishes to be alone at the moment but she will bring 
Max here tomorrow so I and her father could greet him to his new life.. 
you will meet him then" 

They nod and left his office 

"I can't believe she never told us about this!" Jack slammed his fist 
against his locker once they were alone in the locker room. 

"Jack, this must be hard for her too, she never raised her son alone and 
God knows how hard it is to raise a four year old boy when the mother is 
single" Daniel tried to reason with him but Jack wasn't listening. 

"I wish major Carter and her son the best of happiness" Teal'c commented 
and Daniel nod in agreement. Jack spinned around to face them "do you 
have any idea how this will change SG-1's future? A LOT!" he shouted and 
kicked the bench. 

"no it won't change the team, Sam won't mixed up her private and working 
like together, she knows better than that and you know better than that!" 
Daniel shouted back "it ain't gonna change the team, it's gonna change 
*you* and only you!" and then he and Teal'c stormed out of the locker 
room. 

Jack watched him go and closed his eyes "this is not happening" he said 
to himself and rubbed his face with his hands. 

The next day, Sam drove to her cousin's house. 

"Oh God" she whispered nervously. She never had this much butterflies in 
her stomach in all her life. The minute she enters that house her whole 
life would change and there was no turning back. Decided, she stepped out 
of her car and knocked on the door. 

A brunette woman came to answer and her smile widen when she saw Sam "Oh! 
Billy! come and look who's here!" the woman shouted for her husband to 
come "Sam!" she said and pulled her into a firm hug. 

"congratulations for your first child, Michelle" Sam said, returning the 
hug. 

"look who's here, ain't it our dear Sammie" Billy came to view behind 
Michelle and teased her, pulling her in an embrace "congratulation the 
both of you" Sam repeated and they let her step in the house. 

"nervous?" Michelle ask Sam when she stopped talking. Sam smiled and nod 
"it's been a few weeks since I last came to visited him" she explained, a 
little worried. 

"don't worry, he can't wait to go home with you. He already calls your 
house 'home'" Michelle smiled "he's packing in his room" she pointed 
towards the stairs. Sam smiled at them one last time before walking 
towards her son's old room. 

She stopped at the entrance when she saw her son jumping on his suitcase 
full of clothes, trying to get it closed. 

"you'll never get that to close, Maxie" just has he heard his surname, he 
turned quickly and saw Sam standing in his doorway "mommy!" he dashed 
towards her and hugged her strongly. 

"hey, sweetie, ready to come at my place?" the boy nod against her 
shoulders and pulled away "yes! mommy" he took her hand and pulled her 
towards his suitcase "it doesn't wanna close" he said and pointed at his 
full suitcase. Sam knelt beside him "listen, why don't you bring all that 
is very important and we'll buy you new clothes and toys back when we'll 
be home, ok?" 

Max smiled and nod "ok, I'll go talk to Michelle and I'll see you later" 
he nod and kissed her on the cheek before she walked towards Michelle and 
her husband. 

"thank you for taking care of him for me" 

"Oh don't worry Sam, he was a real sweetheart. You call us whenever you 
need some help, ok?" 

Sam nod and watch her son walking down and sliding his suitcase behind 
him. Michelle took a step forward and squeezed Sam's hand softly "you'll 
do great with him" Sam nod and said good bye. 

An hour later, they arrived at her house and put everything in place for 
Max in his new bedroom, which was before Sam's office. Sam promised him 
that they'll get a new bed, new paint and new furniture as soon as she 
could. Now that they had something to eat and dressed in new clothes, Sam 
walked to Max. 

"hey, come with me, some friends of mine would like to see you. Grand-
daddy and uncle George will be there" 

The boy nod quickly, happy he would see them again. Putting a baseball 
cap on his head, she drove towards the SGC. 

"why you nervous, mommy?" her son asked her as they stepped out of the 
car. Sam knelt down to look at him in the eyes and smiled "some of my 
friends doesn't know you very well, that's all" he nod and took her hand, 
walking to the entrance. 

Jacob was thrilled when he learned she was going to keep her son for good 
and raise him. He was waiting in the briefing room with the rest of SG-1, 
Hammond and Janet. 

An airman walked in, taking everyone's attention "major Carter has 
arrived" 

"let them in" Hammond ordered, also impatient. 

Jack took a deep breath and watched the door carefully. 

Sam walked in, looking very nervous, followed by a five year old shy boy. 

"dad!" Sam breathed in relief. 

"grand-daddy!!' the boy screamed and ran towards him, giving him a big 
hug. 

"hey Max, body" 

SG-1 stayed silent, Daniel couldn't help but smile at her. Max was small 
and sometimes shy, but he had his mother's blue eyes and smile. His hair 
was a brown and cut short. He was looking adorable! 

Jack on the other hand, felt all anger leave him and could only stare at 
his 2IC's son. He was all smiles and hugging 'uncle' George and Jacob. 

Sam called out for him and he walked to her immediately. She walked 
towards SG-1 and introduced her son to them. 

"Uh, guys, this is.. my son Maxime. Max, this is Daniel Jackson, Teal'c 
and colonel Jack O'Neill" 

The boy waved shyly at them and giggled when he look at Teal'c. Teal'c 
raised his eyebrows and tilted his head slightly, only to amuse Max more. 

"hello" he finally said. Daniel smiled and knelt down to the young boy's 
height "hello, it's nice to meet you" 

The boy smiled and look at Jack "you work with stars too?" he ask in a 
childish voice. 

"yeah, we do" he smiled. 

While he was talking to Daniel, Sam walked towards her CO silently "Uh, 
colonel? can we.. talk?" he look away from Max and to her and nod. He 
needed to talk her. 

"yes we do, major, my office!" he said and they walked away. Max followed 
with his eyes his mother leaving the room and became suddenly tensed 
"mommy?" he called out for her but Jacob walk up to him. 

"mommy will be right back" he reassured the boy. He nod and look back to 
Daniel and started calling Teal'c Mister Teal'c. 

Jack opened his door and let Sam in before closing it after them. 

"sir, I'm really sorry.." she started but he cut her off "you couldn't 
tell us before, could you?" 

"I couldn't, I wasn't prepared.." 

"Carter, because of you the team will have some problems! We were the 
best team the SGC got for crying out loud!" 

Sam knew he wasn't taking this well "sir, we still can be. It won't 
affect my work at all" 

"yes it will, major! how can you risk your life when you know you have a 
son waiting for you back home, huh?! tell me how, major!!" he was almost 
shouting now. He was angry. 

Sam closed her eyes "sir, Hammond said we could figure something out.." 

"figure something out? how the hell can you figure something out when you 
and your son came to mess up everyone's lives!" Sam was taking aback by 
his outburst. Jack quickly stopped and look at her quickly "Carter.. he 
started but this time she cut him off. 

"colonel, with respect.. this isn't about me messing up the team, this is 
about me having a son and telling no one about it! Just let me say 
something here, if you have a problem me having my son back then I don't 
give a damn, you can always put me on another team 'cause I won't get rid 
of him because you think it's fucking up your team!" and with that she 
left his office and walked straight to the briefing room. 

"come on Max, we're going" the boy nod and took her hand and waved 
everyone bye byes. 

"so soon?" Daniel ask her, puzzled and then saw Jack walking in the room. 
Jacob took a step forward "what happened? what's wrong?" 

"nothing's wrong, I think the colonel made it clear" she shot him a 
deadly look. 

"Carter.." he started but she left the room with her son before he could 
continue further. Everyone turned to look at him. 

"what happened?" 

"she's leaving, that's what happened" he shouted sarcastically and walked 
out of the room and towards his quarters. 

Janet, Teal'c and Daniel looked at each other and all left to the 
commissary, followed by Jacob and Hammond. 

"what do you think happened?" Daniel whispered to Janet sitting in front 
of him. Jacob and Hammond were sitting to another table just behind them. 

"I don't know, colonel O'Neill didn't look too happy with the idea of Sam 
having a son" 

"maybe he is thinking of his own deceased child" Teal'c informed them. 
Daniel shook his head "I don't think so, he never talks about him" 

"maybe he thinks it's gonna ruin the team" 

"I don't think so, Daniel, the colonel knows Sam better than that" Janet 
answered. Suddenly, Jacob walked to their table "I'm leaving soon, I 
don't think Sam will come here anytime soon. She looked pretty angry when 
she came out of colonel O'Neill's office" 

"we'll try to figure out what happened" Daniel promised. 

"thank you, if you find something else, just give us a call. The Tok'ra 
don't do much these days" he forced a smile and left. Hammond walked up 
to their table "keep an eye on the colonel, his team his facing some 
tough times now and I know the colonel long enough to know he's facing 
tough times himself concerning major Carter" 

Janet nod "yes, sir, we will" Hammond nod and left the commissary to join 
Jacob in the Gate room. 

Daniel stood up "I'll better have a talk with Jack, asking what happened" 

"be careful, you know him when he gets cranky" Janet warned "I'll wait 
for you in the infirmary" she half teased and watched Daniel walk out of 
the commissary. 

Daniel knocked on Jack's door of his quarters and heard a harsh reply 
"come in!" 

"Jack" Daniel said, not letting Jack intimidate him "we need to talk!" 

"I don't have the time, Daniel!" Jack said, his tone was on a warning 
edge. He was sitting at his desk, loads of paperwork were lying on his 
desk in front of him. 

"Oh you'll make time!" Daniel replied firmly "what the hell happened 
between you and Sam?" 

"it's not of your business, Daniel" he said, finally looking at the mad 
archaeologist. 

"yes, Jack, it is my business. Sam is my friends, she's like a sister to 
me. Now I want to know what happened on how you made her this angry when 
she left!" 

"Daniel, she messed up! she's gonna suffer for the consequences" 

Daniel frowned "what? what did she messed up? she didn't do nothing, 
Jack. Sam is and always be the same Sam we knew and know. She knows that 
this makes a difference in SG-1, but she'll do anything to keep the team 
together and you know that!" 

"it's a bit late for that, huh Daniel!? she's getting transferred and 
that's final!" 

"what the hell is your problem, Jack? Do you think Sam can't do her job 
like old times because now she's a mom? Let me tell you something, Jack, 
Sam always been a mom and we just didn't know it, she won't change 
because Max came back in her life permanently! Or is it maybe because she 
will spend more time with her son than to be with us anymore.. or maybe 
to be with you anymore" Daniel finished, lowering his voice to a normal 
tone. 

Jack stared at Daniel, angry and disbelief was written in his eyes "She's 
getting transferred and that's final!" he replied, his tone was low but 
it was very firm. Daniel knew he had touched a nerve but didn't want to 
go further or he'll end up in the infirmary just like Janet predicted. 

"fine, Jack" Daniel said softly, hurt was visible in his eyes "but just 
remember this, you are pushing the only person who had made you feel 
good. Don't regret your actions after the transfer, because God knows you 
won't have friends left to help you through tough times" 

"Daniel" Jack warned, his voice raising again "out!" he pointed to the 
door. 

"Oh don't worry Jack, I'm loosing my time talking to this moron called 
Jack O'Neill!" ok, now Daniel was mad, Jack had pushed the wrong button. 

"you do realise how stupid you can be sometimes! Do you even care how you 
made her feel? She got hurt Jack, she thought you'd be someone who could 
understand her but I guess she was wrong. You never really cared for her, 
you never really wanted her to be your friend. She was just someone to 
get you out of trouble and you knew she couldn't accept failure. You 
don't care for her at all!" Daniel was almost whispering but his voice 
was firm with anger that was building up every second. 

Jack said nothing, he was just staring at him and if looks could kill, 
Daniel would be the first. Daniel started to laugh coldly. 

"you know what Jack? you're a son of a bitch. You don't even deserve to 
have met her, you don't deserve her friendship and not even her love. She 
loved you and trusted you, the only thing you did was blame her, shout at 
her and transfer her?? This is low, Jack!" Daniel finished and turned 
around and walk towards the door. 

"don't you ever *ever* talk to me like that, is that clear?" Jack almost 
shouted but Daniel closed the door behind him and walk towards the 
infirmary. 

Janet, Teal'c and Hammond were waiting impatiently for Daniel's return. 
Janet quickly straighten up when she saw a very frustrated Daniel coming 
their way. 

"he is *such* an idiot!" Hammond frowned at his outburst. 

"what? why, what happened?" Janet suddenly walking towards him. 

"he doesn't care, he doesn't care for her anymore" at this moment, Daniel 
also didn't care Hammond was in the room. Everyone looked at him but he 
showed no signs of being surprised. 

"what else, Dr Jackson?" he asked, braking the attentions from him. 

"he wants to transfer Sam on another team. He doesn't want her on SG-1 
and I don't think Sam wants to see him either" 

Janet closed her eyes "everything is falling apart. Sam is out of SG-1 
for sure, I can't even look at Jack anymore without shouting after him 
and Jack won't face us 'cause Sam isn't there for us.. him anymore" 
Daniel said quietly and sigh. 

"I won't let major Carter transfer to another team because O'Neill wants 
to. I'm his superior and major Carter wasn't an option, she was an order. 
She's our expert of the stargate and her place is with SG-1" Hammond said 
firmly and exited the infirmary. 

Daniel turned to look at Janet "God I hope he won't let her stay" Janet 
frown "what? you don't want Sam on SG-1!?" she was stunned but Daniel 
quickly told her otherwise. 

"no God no! I want her to be on SG-1 but now there's no team. If Sam 
comes back, Jack and her will always be snapping at each other and Jack 
will find an excuse to report to Hammond her insubordination. I want 
everyone to come back the way they were before, only will Sam's son be 
the difference, she will stay Sam for me for ever" 

Janet nod in understanding and brought him in a hug "me too, Daniel, me 
too" she said softly. Teal'c stayed away and watched from afar the team 
braking apart. 

Meanwhile, Sam was sad and angry. She drove home quietly, Max was singing 
with the music playing on the radio. She turned to look at him quickly 
before looking back on the road. He was worth everything, her son who she 
missed most in the world. She started thinking about her CO, who used to 
be supporting her and being her friend. He never blamed her for anything 
and now he was throwing everything at her. She was hurt, not only because 
was he her CO and friend but also because he was the man she had fallen 
for over the past few years. 

Shaking away the unwanted thoughts, she turned to look at Max again "what 
do you want to eat tonight?" 

Max stopped signing and look at her "I can choose?" 

Sam nod "yep! you sure can, it's your day today. Your first day at home, 
we'll have fun" 

The young boy smiled widely and started thinking of what he wanted to 
eat. 

"can we eat pizza?" he ask her, unsure. Sam laughed and nod "ok, pizza it 
is, then. How' bout we get a movie too? we can watch it over eating" 

"yes!!" Max said, joyfully. Sam nod and drove to the pizzeria, ordering a 
pizza and then they went renting a movie. Max was choosing and it was ok 
for Sam. He finally ended up taking Tarzan. 

They drove home and ate while watching the movie. They didn't realised 
how late it was for Max to go to bed. 

"ok, Max, it's time to go to bed now" Max whined a few minutes then nod 
and they went in his new room. She helped him getting dressed and ready 
to go to bed. After brushing his teeth, Max went in bed and ask her for a 
bedtime story. 

"please?" he made his puppy dog face and Sam couldn't resist. She nod and 
warned him about not a long one. She took out a book she had given him 
for his birthday and started reading a story. No soon after, Max was 
already sound asleep and Sam kissed him good night before going to bed 
herself. 

For the next week, Sam and Max went buying a new bed, new wall colors and 
furniture. They finished painting the walls of his room in sky blue and 
everything was in place. Max was thrilled about his bed because it was 
shaped like a racing car. 

Hammond had already considered a temporary replacement for Sam for a few 
weeks until everything was cleared. Though he thought he had made a good 
decision, he had not. 

Also during that week, no one from the SGC had seen Sam nor Max since the 
day he came back. She wasn't calling and wasn't going at the SGC. Jack, 
on the other hand, was becoming more and more a pain for everyone. He 
didn't stopped snapping at everyone and locked himself in his house 
without coming out for the rest of the week unless they had a mission. 

SG-1 was not falling apart, it was already apart. 

It's been already two hours since SG-1 came back from their latest 
mission. Jack wasn't talking unless spoken to. And this was the same 
thing for everyone else. The tension at the de-briefing was at a high 
level, though it wasn't new to the members of SG-1. The new member 
replacing major Carter, called Lt colonel Brooks, wasn't liked from 
anyone. Though Hammond had repeatedly said that he was the closest to 
Carter they had found and they needed his expertise. 

Finally, Hammond granted everyone a few days of downtime, much to Jack's 
pleasure. He had found working at the SGC extremely frustrating these 
past couple of weeks. Since he asked for a replacement for Carter. He 
quickly stood up, avoiding everyone's gaze, and prepared himself to go at 
his house. 

Sitting on his couch, he took another glass of Vodka. He couldn't talk to 
anyone without snapping at them. He kept dreaming about the day they 
learned Sam had a son. He couldn't understand why he was mad at her 
himself. He missed her.. a lot. He couldn't deal with the new guy for 
another second. He wasn't laughing and was always serious. He never 
challenged Jack like Sam did, but then again, Jack wouldn't feel 
comfortable flirting with the young man either. 

"Oh God" he moaned and closed his eyes, trying to keep the tears from 
running down his cheeks. Why was he crying over such a small matter? 

"because I love her" he whispered and quickly opened his eyes widely. He 
couldn't believe it, he was in love with her. He admitted it to himself 
and he had said the words out loud "I love her" he said this time firmly. 

Standing up, he decided that tomorrow he'll go at her house and ask for 
forgiveness. Tonight, he'll have a good night sleep and get the Vodka out 
of his system. 

"mommy mommy mommy!" Max said excitedly "can we play catch? can we 
please?" Sam look up from her book and sat straighter on the couch "you 
wanna play catch, huh" 

Max nod quickly and then making his puppy dog eyes. Sam laughed "ok, 
let's go in the park!" 

"yay!" he grabbed his baseball hat and put it on before grabbing his 
glove and ball. It was a good thing Sam's house was situated just in 
front of the park. They crossed the street and Max ran away, screaming 
"catch me! catch me!" 

They ran for awhile before Sam decided they should play catch. Max smiled 
and nod and they started playing. Meanwhile, Jack arrived at her house 
and saw them in the park. Sam was running after Max, trying to catch him 
and when she did she started tickling him. After a while, they started 
playing catch. Sam also had a baseball cap, a navy blue one. She was 
laughing and looked relaxed. He liked it seeing her like this, she never 
looked more beautiful when she was relaxed and having fun. 

After a moment, he decided it would be best if he goes to her before she 
founds out he was spying on her and her boy. Stepping out of the car, he 
took off his leather coat, leaving him in his baggy pants and his short 
sleeve blue shirt. 

"Carter" he called out for her when he was near enough. Sam turned 
around, surprised and confused when she saw him. 

"colonel" she acknowledge, not feeling too happy to see him. 

"I really need to talk to you" 

"sir..." 

"Jack, Sam, my name is Jack!" he stated, stopping in front of her. God he 
missed that face, her eyes so blue, her smiles and most of all, *her* 

Sam turned to Max and knelt down in front of him "I have to talk to my 
friend here for a few minutes, ok? why don't you go play with Steven over 
there" she pointed at her neighbour's son who Max started to be friends 
with "if you need anything just shout, I'm right across the street" he 
nod and kissed her before running off to see Steven. Sam stood up and 
faced her CO "let's go" she said and walked towards her house. Jack took 
several minutes before following her. He liked what he was seeing, her 
with a child, they were great together. 

"ok, what" she said, impatiently once they were in her house. 

"Carter, listen. I'm sorry for what I said the other day.. heck! the 
other week. Everyone misses you and that moron who replaces you is really 
getting on everyone's nerves" 

"colonel, why were you so rude anyway?" she asked, accusingly. 

"it was a shock, Carter!" 

"it was a hell of a bigger shock for me, sir. Now I don't even know if I 
can work at the SGC again. I have my son to take care of now and he sure 
hell won't disappear from my life again!" 

"Sam" Jack started "Hammond said we'll figure something out, there must 
be some way to keep you. You're the smartest person who knows about the 
stargate, so we need you... I.." he stopped and lowered his gaze. 

Sam frown "'I' what, colonel?" 

"I told you my name was Jack" 

"fine.. Jack!" she said and look through the window at Max who was 
playing catch with Steven. 

"I miss you too" he said softly. Sam turned to look at him, surprised. He 
missed her that much? Sam didn't feel like being angry at him anymore. 
Heck, she missed him too! 

"I.. I missed you too" she said softly, looking away, a little 
embarrassed by their admission. Jack look up and smiled at her. She could 
be so forgiven, but he didn't took that for granted. 

He put his hand under her chin, making her look at him, and smiled 
warmly. Their eyes locked and slowly Jack started to lean down and 
captured her lips softly. The kiss was slow at first, sensual and full of 
promises but it started to get passionate. 

Suddenly, they heard screaming and a car accident just in front of the 
house. Quickly parting away, Sam looked through her window and gasped 
when she saw Max lying on the ground. 

"Max!" she shout, panicking and ran outside, Jack on her heels. 

"hey Max!" Sam knelt beside her son that was lying unconscious on the 
ground. Jack quickly called an ambulance and the cops. 

"wake up baby" Max wouldn't open his eyes and his pulse was getting 
weaker. Jack came back a second after and went towards them. His heart 
stopped when he saw Max lying on the ground, there was blood around him 
and he was unconscious. 

"Oh God" he whispered and made a run to them. 

"he can't die" Sam said and look at him, tears streaming rapidly down her 
cheeks. He shook his head and brought her in an embrace 'no, he can't 
die, he can't' he thought. 

The ambulance and the cops came on the scene quickly. Only Max was 
injured, the man driving the car only had small injuries and was blaming 
the child to be too close to the street. The cops took him away before 
Jack could make permanent damages on him.

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

Max 2: Honestly Ok

Max was brought to the hospital quickly, he was still unconscious but 
breathing. Jack was with them, not ready to leave Sam in a kind of 
situation like this. 

All along in the ambulance, Sam hold her son's hand. She stopped crying 
but her eyes were still watery by her previous tears. 

They finally arrived at the hospital and Max was transported urgently in 
surgery. Jack had called Janet and informed her of the situation. Because 
of the importance of the situation, she didn't ask what he was doing at 
her house. Sam sat on a chair in the waiting room and had to fill some 
papers. 

"hey" Jack spoke softly and sat close to her "want me to help you with 
those?" he asked, seeing her trembling hand keeping her from writing 
"please" she gave it to him and he filled the papers for her. He wrote 
his name beside hers, in case of any problems. He stood up and gave it to 
the nurse at the counter. 

He walk back to Sam and encircled an arm around her waist, making her 
come closer to him. 

"he'll be ok, right?" 

Jack stayed a moment quiet and then nod slowly "of course he'll be ok. 
He's a Carter" Sam smiled but it didn't reach her ears. He stroke her 
back and kissed the top of her head "he will" he stated, sure of himself. 
The moment reminded him of his son's death. The waiting for the surgery, 
the bad news it hadn't worked, the funeral.. but Max wouldn't die! 
couldn't die! 

Suddenly, they heard several people walking in "Sam!?" came a very 
distressed Daniel. Janet came running towards her and hugged the life out 
of her "Oh God, where is he?" 

"in surgery" she cried in her arms. Daniel walked towards them, also 
giving Sam a big hug "he'll be fine" he promised her. She nod and saw 
General Hammond walking in, looking very worried "how is he?" he asked 
and brought Sam in a father-hug "still in surgery, sir" she whispered and 
rubbed her eyes. 

"I'll go check on him" Janet said and walked away. 

"I am sorry, major Carter, he will recover I am sure" Teal'c said and 
surprisingly hugged her softly. 

"I hope" she said softly. Hammond excused himself and went to see the 
nurses for more news. Sam walked back to her seat next to Jack. Daniel 
sat beside her and Teal'c beside him. 

"are you waiting for a while?" he spoke sadly. She shook her head "no, he 
just got in.. surgery" Daniel nod and locked gaze with Jack. For a 
moment, Daniel couldn't be sure why or what he was doing here. Was he 
there at the time of the accident? what was he doing at Sam's? he kept 
running several questions and no answers in his mind. 

General Hammond walked back to them, shaking his head. He had no 
information from Max. 

"Dr Jackson, I suggest you come back at the base and call major Carter's 
father" Daniel nod and kissed Sam on the cheek "we'll be right back" he 
promised and he and Teal'c followed Hammond to his car and drove to the 
SGC. 

Half an hour later, after what seemed like an eternity, a doctor came 
towards them. Almost jumping out of her chair, Sam ask anxiously how he 
was doing. 

"the surgery was successful" he said "but he has fallen in a coma" 

Sam frown "will he wake up..?" she asked, unsure. 

The doctor struggled "we hope so, if he doesn't wake up here to a couple 
of days.. the chances might become rare. I'm sorry" 

Sam stared at him and finally nod, knowing shouting at the doctor 
wouldn't be a good idea. Jack took her hands in his, squeezing it sadly 
"can we see him?" he ask. 

"of course, come this way" the doctor led them in a private room where 
Max was lying. There was several machines monitoring his heart beat, 
blood pressure and breathing. Jack nod at the doctor and he left. Sam 
walked slowly to her son, his face was pale and his eyes were closed 
peacefully. Jack walked behind her and look at Max. 

Tears started filling her eyes once again "he have to make it" she 
whispered. Jack nod and encircled her waist from behind and drew her back 
against his chest "he will, Sam, he will" he said in her ears and they 
watched Max breathing slowly. 

Jacob finally arrived at the SGC and everyone went at the hospital. Jacob 
asked for Sam and they informed them of some news and the room number. 
When Jacob walked in, he noticed Jack sitting on a chair beside Max's bed 
with Sam sitting on his laps, her head buried in his shoulder "hey, your 
dad is here" Jack whispered to her, looking in her sad eyes when she 
looked up. 

"dad" Jack let her go and Sam hugged her father tightly "he's in a coma" 

"baby Maxie will be fine, sweetie. You have to believe that he will" she 
nod and drew away from him and look at Max. Her dad kissed her on her 
forehead and went to Max's bedside. Jack stood and walked to the bedside 
also, watching the young boy trapped between life and death itself. He 
couldn't believe it how fragile and adorable he looked. He wished he got 
to know him more. 

"are you going home tonight?" Jacob ask Sam. She shook her head quickly 
"no, I'm staying here" her voice was trembling but sure of herself. Jack 
took her hand again "you want me to stay with you?" she nod and buried 
her face in his chest, crying again. He stroke her back again, kissed the 
top of her head and drew her closer to him "ok" he said and didn't look 
at Jacob. He knew they were in trouble but he really wasn't about to let 
her go, never. She needed him and he needed her. They'll go through 
everything *together* 

Daniel, Janet, Teal'c and Hammond came in and stopped when they saw 
several monitors around Max. Then they saw Jack, Sam and Jacob. 

"visitors can stay here for a few minutes, then they have to leave" Janet 
warned and walked towards Max's bed, checking the monitors. 

"how is he, Janet?" Daniel asked her sadly. Janet turned to look at him 
"he's stable but he's in a coma. We have to wait for a couple days and if 
he doesn't wake up... " Daniel nod, understanding what she was trying to 
say. 

Hours passed and night soon started to show. Everyone started preparing 
to leave and said bye to Sam who sat on a chair. 

"listen, Sam, if you ever need anything you just call me" Daniel said and 
kissed her softly on the cheek and then stepped away. Teal'c bow his head 
"I wish your son well" 

"we will visit you soon, Sam. Take care" Hammond nod at her and joined 
Teal'c and Daniel. 

Sam smiled and watch her father kneel down in front of her "I have to go 
with the Tok'ra tonight, I'll try and visit you and Max tomorrow, ok?" 
Sam nod. She wasn't crying anymore but still felt very sad. 

"thank you" she said softly. Jacob smiled and look at Jack "you look 
after her, ok?" 

Jack smiled and nod "always" Jacob nod and look back to his daughter "I 
love you" he kissed her on the forehead and left with Daniel, Teal'c and 
Hammond. 

"Jack is staying with her?" Daniel ask Janet, very surprised. 

"apparently so" 

"I definitely missed a beat somewhere.. weren't they mad at each other? 
Jack was being a pain almost all week and now he's all relaxed and with 
Sam" 

"yeah, they look closer too, maybe he was there when Max had the 
accident. They didn't spoke a word about it though, the only thing I 
heard was the man who hit Max got arrested because he was drinking and 
driving" 

Daniel shook his head "people like this doesn't deserve to have a car" 
Janet nod in agreement. From behind, Jacob and Hammond shared an 
interesting look with each other. They heard their conversation and had a 
pretty good idea *how* close they've become. 

"we need to talk" Jacob told him "yes we do, Jacob, we do" 

It was almost 19:00 when Jack started to be hungry. They haven't ate all 
day and he knew Sam was also getting hungry. She was sitting on the edge 
of Max's bed and was stroking his face softly and told him one of his 
favourite stories. Janet told them that they could talk to Max and he 
could hear, so Sam started reciting his favourite stories. 

He leaned back in his chair and look at her carefully. Her voice was soft 
has she told him the story. She didn't give up hope and that was a good 
thing, she was strong and hopefully, Max was too. The heart monitor was 
beeping loudly in the room, at a regular beat. He finally stood and made 
his way to her. 

"hey, come on, let's get something to eat and then we'll come back" he 
said. 

Sam looked unsure about leaving Max's bedside. Seeing her struggle, he 
took her hand in his and pulled her up to her feet "you have to eat 
something. You'll do Max no good if you get yourself sick" she nod softly 
and they left the room. He still held her hand and she didn't protest. 
They hadn't got the time to talk about what was going on between them and 
certainly not about the kiss they had shared before the accident. 

They walked slowly to the hospital's commissary and sat down on a 
separate table from the others. They ate a sandwich with a Pepsi. 

"hey" Jack started, taking her attention. She look up at him "you're 
strong you know that!" 

Sam hesitated and lowered her gaze back down to her hands resting on the 
table. He lifted her chin with his hand, forcing her to look at him "you 
are and I'm proud of you" 

Sam smiled sadly and more confident "thank you" she said. Jack smiled and 
stood up "come on, let's see your boy" 

"ok" 

They walk side by side towards the room 527 where laid Max. They walked 
in and stopped at the end of his bed. 

"I miss him so much" 

"talk to him, Doc said he can hear" Sam shook her head "I can't..." 

"of course you can, I'm sure you have plenty of good stories to tell him" 
he said sincerely. 

"it's hard" she whispered. He walk up to her and encircled her waist 
firmly "angel, I know it's hard but you have to help him go through this. 
I'll be with you all along, ok? I love you" 

Sam snapped her head to look at him and stared at him in disbelief "you.. 
you.. what?" 

Jack had to laugh and repeated "I love you, angel, and I'll stay with you 
for as long as forever. Regulations or not, you're stuck with me" 

Sam smiled widely, the first smile since Max's accident " I.. I love you 
too" she whispered. He smiled and leaned down to kiss her softly on the 
lips. 'This was right' he thought 'being with her was making everything 
go right' Sam raised her hands and encircled his neck as he pulled her 
closer with his arms around her waist. She felt his tongue teasing her 
lips, wanting an entrance and she gladly accepted. The kiss turned out to 
be more and more passionate and it was now difficult to stop. Finally, 
they had to brake off the kiss to breathe. 

"wow" Jack breathed, making Sam giggle. 

"yeah, wow indeed" 

"you sound like Teal'c" he teased and Sam slapped him playfully on his 
chest "hey" she protest even if she was laughing "but you are prettier" 
he finished and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. 

Sam smiled and rested her head on his chest and looked at Max. She was 
going to wait for the time where he'll wake up, if he wakes up. But Sam 
wasn't thinking about the consequences but as long as Jack would be by 
her side, it will be alright. 

The rest of the night passed and there was still no changes on Max's 
health. Sam was more sad than ever and everyone else tried to help her 
get through this. 

Jacob sighed and walked out of the Max's room and towards Daniel, Teal'c 
and Hammond "she's getting depressive. The only person who can comfort 
her is Jack" 

Hammond nod, not surprised that it was him but a bit mad for not thinking 
she was still his 2IC and it was still against regulations. He nod in 
understanding "huh excuse me?" Daniel started, taking everyone's 
attention. 

"can we, huh.." he look around him, looking if there weren't anyone close 
and continued "the healing device, can you use it on Max?" 

Jacob struggled "I don't.." 

"Jacob, with respect it *is* the only way to keep your grand-son from 
dying" Hammond insisted. 

"very well, but we must be sure that no one sees us.. I will see what I 
can do" Hammond smiled and drive him to the SGC. Daniel and Teal'c walked 
in Max's room and towards Sam. 

"Sam? we need to talk to you" 

Sam look up from Max's face and to Daniel "what?" she asked, weakly. 

"we.. we may have a way to help Max" 

Sam's eyes widen "what?! how!" Daniel put his finger on his lips, 
mentioning her to be more quiet. She understood and repeated "how, 
Daniel?" 

"the healing device.. your dad will try to heal him" Sam had a smile on 
her face. 

"thank you Daniel" she hugged Daniel very tightly, making him starting to 
plead for air. Sam smiled happily and let him go "I hope this will work" 
Daniel nod, happy to have made her smile. 

"of course it will" came Jack's answer "come here" he pulled out his hand 
to her which she gladly accepted and pulled her on his laps "told ya he'd 
be ok" he whispered. Sam got lost in his eyes and nod weakly "I shouldn't 
have doubted you.." her voice faded as their lips met. 

Daniel and Teal'c shared a very surprised look and smiled.. well Daniel 
did, Teal'c just cornered his lips a little bit. 

"sorry, Daniel" came Sam's embarrassed reply. Daniel look back at her and 
shook his head "hey, don't worry. Your secret's safe with us. Congrats, 
guys, it took you long enough but you made it" 

"thanks, Daniel" Daniel look at Jack and their eyes met. Daniel couldn't 
believe it, this was the man who was snapping at everyone, was a pain for 
the past few weeks and now he was her lover. Daniel smiled and nod "no 
problem, Jack, I'll see you guys later" they nod and watched Teal'c and 
Daniel leave. 

"I can't believe it" Sam said happily and look back to Jack. 

He smiled back at her "me neither, angel, life can't get any better than 
this" Sam's face fell suddenly, taking Jack's attention "baby, what's 
wrong?" 

"we.. we'll get in trouble, aren't we" she look back to him, her eyes 
started to get watery again. 

"hey, baby, don't cry. No, I'll take full responsibility, you don't have 
to worry about nothing" he reassured her but she shook her head "you 
can't take full responsibility, Jack, you'll get court-martial. I want my 
share of responsibility too, I can't let you go through all this alone" 

Jack nod and stroke her face with his hand "ok, then, we'll see Hammond 
once Max is alright" 

"ok" she whispered, letting the touch of his hand comforting her. He 
smiled and pulled her against his chest and stroke the side of her waist 
and back. 

The sound of the door opening made Sam and Jack wake up immediately. They 
saw Jacob and Hammond walking in the room with a bag in Jacob's hands. 

"we have the... you know what" Jacob said quietly and smiled at Sam. 

"I will wait outside the room" Hammond said and left. 

"ok, Sam, I need you to unplug every monitors around him" Sam started to 
get concerned "but dad, he'll die without them" Jacob shook his head "not 
if I'm quick enough" he look back to Sam once he had the healing device 
in his hand "please Sam, it's the only way" 

Jack nod to Sam and helped her unplug all the monitors around Max. Jacob 
quickly put himself at his bedside and started activating the healing 
device. At first he couldn't make it work and Sam tensed. 

"come on" Jack whispered, taking Sam's hand in his. 

Jacob frowned when he finally activated the healing device. A few minutes 
later, they heard a small voice. 

"mommy?" 

Sam dashed towards her son and took him in her arms "hey, baby, how are 
you feeling?" she asked, tears of joy running down her cheeks. 

"my head hurt, mommy" 

"it's ok, it will go away" she pulled back and stared into his blue eyes. 

"mommy, why you crying?" 

"because I'm very happy to see you" 

Suddenly, Janet walked in the room and smiled when she saw Max awake "it 
worked! I can't believe it" she smiled and hugged Sam and smiled at Max. 
Daniel and Teal'c came in the room, followed by Hammond. 

"welcome back, Max" they chorused and the boy giggled. The doctor quickly 
came in the room and Jacob just had the time to hide the healing device 
in his bag before he could see it. 

"this is a miracle" he breathed and examined Max "when did he wake up?" 
he turned to look at everyone in the room "just a few minutes ago, doc" 
Jack said, grinning at the doctor. 

"thank you doctor Jones for your help" Sam shook hands with him and then 
Janet did "it was a pleasure working with you doctor Jones" 

"when can Max leave the hospital, doc?" Jack ask the doctor before he 
could leave the room. 

"well, we need to make sure there isn't anything else wrong..." Jack 
raised his eyebrows and stared at him. The doctor gave up "I must admit 
that I never saw someone coming out of a coma this healthy and I am very 
surprised by this.. miracle. We'll keep him overnight and maybe tomorrow 
he will be capable of returning home" 

"thank you" Sam smiled at him then he left the room. She turned to look 
at her father "we couldn't have done it without you, thank you" he hugged 
her tightly and shook his head "nah, don't worry Sam. It was my pleasure"

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

Max 3: Real World

The next day, Sam brought Max back home. He was still a little weak but 
with some rest he would be fine. Jack spent some time with them. He and 
Max started to become best friends. Everyone gathered at her house that 
night to celebrate Max's arrival. Everyone was there all except Jack. Sam 
was a little surprised that he hadn't phone or called for Max, and was 
worried also. She quickly thought he had regretted what happened the last 
few weeks at the hospital. The party finally finished and Max had more 
presents than on Christmas day. Everyone left and Sam was left alone with 
Max to clean up the mess.

She was sad; though she tried to hide it from Max, she was sad he hadn't 
come to the party. He left yesterday without any good bye.

"Mommy, are you ok?" Sam snapped out of her thoughts when she heard her 
son's voice talking to her. She turned around and look at Max "yeah, 
baby, mommy is just tired, that's all" he nod "come on, let's get you to 
bed" she started tickling him and Max laughed loudly. Then they ran to 
the bathroom, testing who was going to arrive first. Of course, Sam let 
Max win and they had a great time. Once Max was getting asleep, Sam 
exited his room and closed the door slowly behind her. She stopped at her 
living room entrance and stared at the mess "great" she said to herself. 
Suddenly, she heard a knock on the door. Thinking it might've been her 
friends forgetting something, she opened up quickly.

"Hey" Jack smiled at her "can I come in?"

Sam nod and let him in 'was he here to brake it off?' she thought and 
closed the door slowly.

"You didn't come to the party" she started.

"I know, I have a good reason too" just then, she noticed he had a very 
large box in his hands. Sam frowned and look up at him "what is it?"

"Wake up Max" he suddenly said.

Sam raised her eyebrows "excuse me? He just gotten to sleep." she 
protested.

"Go on, please, I have a surprise for him and it can't wait for tomorrow"

"But if he's sleeping..." she started but he cut her off "go!" Sam nod 
and walk to her son's room "baby? Are you sleeping yet?"

"No mommy" Sam smiled and walk towards his bed "Jack is here and he has a 
surprise for you, do you want to wait for tomorrow?"

Max was completely awake now and ran out of his room, shouting "Jack!"

Jack put down the box and hugged the little boy tightly "hey buddy, how 
ya doing?" he ask and smiled.

"What's the surprise!?!" he asked excited. Jack laughed and saw Sam 
leaning against the doorframe, watching them. She nodded and watch Jack 
get the large box in front of her son. Max's eyes widen and started to 
get even more excited.

"Open it. Slowly" he warned the boy. Max nod and slowly opened the box. 
Suddenly, a small puppy jumped out of the box and on to Max.

"A puppy!! Mommy, Jack gave me a puppy!" Max cried out in joy and hugged 
Jack tightly "thank you, Jack"

"You're welcome, buddy"

It was a small golden Labrador and he was running around Max happily "how 
are you gonna call him?"

Max look down at the small dog sitting in front of him and staring at him 
"Star", the boy decided.

"Star? Wow, that's a great name" Max smiled and took the puppy in his 
arms and walked to Sam.

"Look, his name is Star" Sam knelt down, surprised that Jack had bought 
him a puppy "he's adorable. Now, bring your new puppy to sleep and 
tomorrow we'll have a walk with him, ok?" Max nod and kissed her good 
night and surprisingly, kissed Jack good night also.

Once he was out of sight, Sam turned back to look at Jack in disbelief 
"you bought him a puppy!?"

"What?" Jack struggled and made his way towards her "that's the rule, 
every kid has to have a puppy"

Sam lowered her gaze on the floor "what's wrong, Sam? You don't like 
him?"

"No, I love the puppy, thank you. It's just, I thought you wouldn't come 
back." her voice faded sadly.

"Oh god, no Sam. I wouldn't leave. What made you think that?" he asked, 
stroking her lower arms.

"You didn't say bye or anything and you didn't came today."

"I don't say 'bye' to the people I'll never leave, angel" Sam look up and 
noticed he had tears in his eyes "you're the best that happened to me, I 
couldn't let you go. Not now, not ever"

She leaned towards him, kissing him firmly. This time, they didn't stop 
the passion; they continued it in her bedroom.

The next morning, Jack woke up feeling someone lying on his chest. 
Looking down, he saw Sam sleeping soundly against his chest. He smiled at 
the memory of last night; well all night would be exact. He loved the 
feeling of her warm skin against his. He lifted his hand and stroke her 
soft skin on her back, making Sam stir.

"Hey, beautiful" he greeted her warmly. Sam smiled at him and kissed him 
passionately "hey yourself" she whispered softly and smiled.

"So, good night sleep?" he ask, smiling widely.

Sam giggled at his expression "sure did!" 

"Well, that's great 'cause it's the same here" he spoke softly and rolled 
her back on the bed so he could be on top of her. Sam giggled again and 
Jack silent her with a kiss.

"How' bout a good breakfast?" he said, raising his eyebrows once they 
broke apart. Sam smiled and nod "good idea" he kissed her again and they 
both got out of bed "why don't you take a shower and I'll check on Max 
and the breakfast"

"Ok, that's sounds wonderful"

Jack walked to the kitchen and saw Max and Star on the couch in the 
living room, watching TV. He felt a little nervous about how to explain 
he spent the night at their house "Hey there, Maxie" he teased and made 
his way towards him "did you have a nice sleep?" Max look away from the 
TV and to Jack "yes, Star was nice all night"

"What are you watching?"

"Mm. Pokemon but I don't like"

"Wanna help me with the breakfast? So we can give a big surprise to 
mommy?"

"Yay! Come on Star. Jack and I we're going to do breakfast for mommy!" 
Max happily said before leaving the room to help Jack with breakfast.

"How' bout pancakes?" "Pancakes! Mommy love them!!" 

"Then, lets start"

Jack and Max started making pancakes. Without counting the mess they 
made, they had a lot of fun. Jack had to admit to himself, Max was a very 
adorable kid and he really like being with him.

Sam finally stepped out of the shower and dressed herself in a pair of 
baggy pants and a T-shirt. She rubbed a towel against her still wet hair 
and made her way to her kitchen. She was shocked to see the mess they had 
made while making the breakfast "what happened here?" she gasped. Max and 
Jack turned around to face her and they had an 'Uh oh, you got us' look 
on their faces.

"We made breakfast, mommy" Max said and lifted a bowl in his hands with 
the pancakes mix.

Sam raised her eyebrows and stared at them. Max proudly smiled like any 
kid would smile after he just did something good and Jack just stared at 
her, a sweet smile cross his features "actually, go in the living room, 
everything will be done in a sec"

Sam nod, smiling at them and walked out of the kitchen. She sat on the 
couch and relaxed. She felt good, though today she and Jack would have to 
go talk to Hammond, which Sam didn't want to do. Things were so right 
now, why did they have to mess it all up?

Then she heard laughing coming from the kitchen. Max loved Jack and she 
guessed that he loved him to. She knew that sometimes, Max would make him 
think of his deceased son but Jack rarely showed it. She found herself 
smiling, she was happy and no matter what the consequences, she was going 
to stay with the two men she cared the most in the world.

"Hey baby" Sam almost jumped at the sound of Jack's voice. She look up 
and blushed "ready?"

"Yep, come on" He helped her up and kissed her on the lips before leading 
her to the kitchen. Max was sitting at the table with loads of pancakes 
and syrup on the table "breakfast is served" Jack said and they sat at 
the table.

"Wow, guys, this is very nice of you" Max started giggling and look at 
Jack "it was Jack's idea" Sam turned to look at Jack "well thank you, the 
both of you"

They started eating the delicious breakfast Jack and Max had made 
together for Sam, then Jack told her to sit down and promised her they 
would clean the mess they had done. Sam was touched by their actions and 
walked to the living room and sat on the couch before pulling out her 
book. As she got comfortable in her seat, the door suddenly knock. 

Sam forced herself up and quickly made her way to the door, "Dad!" Sam 
breathed in surprised and smile "What are you doing here?"

Jacob grinned and hugged his daughter warmly before stepping in the 
house.

"Well, I had some leave from the Tok'ra. Thought I'd come by and see how 
you and Max were doing" Laughter was suddenly heard from the kitchen and 
Jacob glance back at her with a wide smile "And I needed to talk with you 
and Jack"

Sam felt herself blush "How's you know he was here?"

Jacob chuckled "You two are the talk of the SGC. By what I gathered, you 
are inseparable" he joked. Sam rolled her eyes and called out for her 
son. Max came running out of the kitchen and launched himself around 
Jacob's neck, screaming "Grand Daddy!"

Jack quietly made his way out of the kitchen, looking all very nervous. 
Jacob put down Max and smiled at Jack "Hey, Jack" he greeted as if it was 
like any other day. Jack waved and forced a smile "Uh, Hey Jacob" he 
greeted quietly. After a moment, Sam asked Max if he could leave them 
some privacy for several minutes and dress himself up.

"I'm sure you have a good idea of why I'm here on this fair morning?" 
Jacob started once Max was out of sight. They both nod and made their way 
to the couch.

"General Hammond told you all about it I presume?" Jack started.

Jacob nod thoughtfully and glance back at them "Yes he did. He also 
wanted me to clear your senses" Both Sam and Jack raised their eyebrows 
in disbelief.

"Dad..." Sam quickly started, unable to feel a little hurt by his sudden 
direct approach.

"You two have to think about it. I know since everyone learned Sam had a 
son, things heated up between... well, you two. And the hard time during 
Max was at the hospital was the most sad, unpleasant and perhaps even 
cruel but you can't act on the feelings now"

"Sir, with respect. This is not your business" Jack started, unable to 
control the anger towards him.

"Jack, I know you care a lot for my daughter. I also know she cares a 
great deal for you. Anyone knows you two are meant to be together but is 
this the right time?"

"You tell me, Jacob! When will be the right time before we act on those 
feelings!" Jack retorted, leaning his back against the couch and crossed 
his arm against his chest.

"You two have great careers and the SGC is the most wonderful work you 
can find in the whole world. You can't just throw your careers away and 
walk away"

"Sir, with respect. I love my work and I agree that it might be difficult 
to walk away from it but I've been in retirement before this, I know 
where I'm going"

"And as I remembered, you found retirement pretty damn boring!", pointed 
Jacob.

"Then I didn't know Carter very well... Heck! I didn't know her at all 
and neither Max", Jack defended himself.

"We're going to see General Hammond today" Sam told her father, somehow 
feeling a little nervous. Jacob let out a sigh and nod slowly "It's soon"

"We can't keep this a secret, Jacob. I'm not putting anyone in this 
family in jeopardy!", Jack firmly stated. Jacob had to smile at little, 
"I'm glad you have your priorities, Jack. But you two are too valuable 
for the SGC to loose. Right now, we are close to get the Goau'lds and we 
need SG-1 out there, all of you"

"I'm sure someone can replace me with no problem" Jack replied.

"Jack, you miss the point here. We need *you* and Sam out there, fighting 
for Earth, fighting for justice. We can't be in battle when you are no 
longer part of SG-1. If this is not enough, fight for Max"

Max walked in the living room suddenly, dressed in jeans and white T-
Shirt. He smiled at Jacob "Are you staying for a long time, Grand Daddy?"

Jacob sadly shook his head "I'm sorry, Max, but I have to got to work. I 
promise I'll come by and visit you as soon as I have the time" he 
promised and kissed the boy on the forehead. Max nod sadly but manage a 
small smile.

"Oh, Ok"

"Good, I'll see you soon" he stood up and smiled at Sam and Jack "Think 
about all this. Think carefully" he told them and left. It took Sam some 
time before snapping out of her thoughts and look at her son still 
standing in the living room, somehow lost in his own thoughts.

"Sweetie, I have to go to work for only a short while. You will have to 
stay at Steven's house next door until we'll be back. Now why don't you 
get your vest in your bedroom" Max nod and made his way to his room once 
again. Sam turned to look at Jack and found him seriously deep in his 
thoughts. She knew her father's speech touched him deeply but decided now 
wasn't a good time to talk about it.

"Mommy! I can't find it!" Sam heard Max shouting furiously from his 
bedroom and went to help him.

Jack continued to stare in deep space with a thoughtful look on his face. 
He had to admit Jacob had a valid point that none considered before. He 
knew he couldn't cope if he would choose to stay here and something would 
happen to Sam while off world. That was a reason why they had worked so 
well together; they trusted each other with their lives. 

Snapping out of his thoughts, he made his way to Max's bedroom and leaned 
against the doorframe, arms crossed against his chest. 

Sam was kneeling in front of Max, adjusting his shirt correctly "are you 
going for long long time, mommy?" Max ask, breaking the silence.

"I'll be back in a few hours, I promise" Max smiled and nod. Sam put his 
green cap on his head and smiled "you can bring your baseball glove and 
ball, maybe Steven would like to play with you" Max nod and ran to his 
chest and brought out his baseball items Sam just mentioned.

Jack smiled to himself at the sight before him. He knew Sam always had a 
knack for kids. She was great with Max, they got along like a house on 
fire. He had to admit he started to be close to Max himself. This was a 
good thing and also bad. Max already lost a father, Jack would be damned 
if he would do something to break this kid's heart. They were getting 
along well together even though they just knew each other for several 
weeks.

"Are you ok?" he snapped out of his thoughts when he suddenly heard Sam's 
voice speaking to him. He nod hesitantly and look at her walking towards 
him. Without any words, he drew her by the waist and kissed her softly.

"I don't know. Everything's just confusing!" he explained. Sam nod her 
agreement and played with the collar of his shirt "I understand. Do you 
think my father is right?"

"I have to agree we *are* a great team but... I don't know if I can let 
you go now that I have you," he admitted. Sam smiled at him "me too. But 
maybe if we wait, we may be in more peace in a future relationship... if 
you still want one that is" she added as an after-thought. Jack glared at 
her "Of course I would still want one!" he said as a matter of fact.

Max came to them and grinned happily "I'm ready, mommy!" 

Sam smiled at her son and nod "Ok, let's get you to Steven's house right 
away then!" Max ran towards the front door and waited patiently for them. 
Sam locked her door and smiled at Jack.

"Why don't you get Max there and I'll wait for you in the car" she ask. 
Jack grinned at her and led Max to her neighbour's house. After a few 
knocks on the door, a woman answered followed by a young boy.

"Hello, I'm Jack and I'm here to bring Max for awhile" Jack started. The 
woman smiled widely and look at Max "Hi, Max! I've been so worried about 
you. How are you?"

"I'm well, miss Maria" Max answered and smiled when Steven came to view 
behind her. The woman look back at Jack and shook hands with him.

"I'm Maria Vonda and this is my son, Steven Vonda. It's nice to meet you 
mister..."

"Jack! Jack O'Neill" Jack presented himself and smiled. 

"I should go. We'll be back before dinner" he reassured her. Maria 
laughed, "Don't worry. It makes Steven someone to play with. See you 
later, Jack" Max turned to look at Jack and pulled him down to kiss him 
goodbye on the cheek "Bye" he waved. Jack stepped away from the door but 
caught the few words between Steven and Max.

"Who is the man with your mommy, Max?"

"Oh he's so much fun! He's my new daddy!" and then they ran to the 
backyard. 

Jack felt his heart stop in a heartbeat and stared into space in shock 
and disbelief. Of course he wouldn't mind being called dad from Max. 
Only, Sam had to know about this first but the foremost reason was that 
maybe Sam and him wouldn't be seeing each other in some while. He 
wouldn't want Max to think he'd left her. Life was being so hard on them 
these passed few days.

He stepped in the car next to Sam and drove off quietly. On their way to 
the base, Sam glance at him.

"You're quiet, was everything ok?"

"Everything was fine... I was just thinking about SG-1 and... Us"

Sam nod slowly and in understanding. Jack cleared his throat and look at 
her with curious eyes "What do you want to do? I mean what if it's not 
accepted and one of us had to leave the team?"

Sam stayed quiet for a while and sigh "Well, I guess I'd take the choice 
that seems the safest but that doesn't mean it's the happy one" she 
explained and gazed at him. "I think if we continue to work together, we 
might be able to defeat the Goau'lds once and for all and get a quiet and 
happy life. Of course, the down side of this is when this will happen"

"So, I guess we know where we both want to be if this is not accepted. 
There is not a chance in hell am I going to leave you alone off-world 
while I'm doing nothing here!" he stated firmly.

"I guess if it's not accepted, we both stay on SG-1 and break what we 
have right now... right?"

Jack made a face "I wish there would be another way. Jacob is right, if 
we stay on SG-1, we do it for Max. Keep him safe from whatever danger may 
come in the near future" he rubbed his face nervously and look back at 
her "But this we can think better tonight. I don't want to think about 
leaving you or loosing you. We go talk to Hammond, see what he can do 
right now and if the decision is not what we thought it would be, well 
then we'll make a proper decision. Deal?"

Sam smiled and nod "Deal!"

They arrived at the base and walked in the SGC's hallways. It was quiet 
and almost all SGC personnel were on downtime. They arrived at Hammond's 
office and shared a look before knocking on the door.

"Come in" came an answer and the two officers stood in.

"Colonel O'Neill, major Carter. What can I do for you?" Hammond leaned 
back in his chair and stared at them. He wasn't dumb and Jacob called him 
to tell him they would come. He was prepared for their question but as 
for the answer, it wasn't his duty to tell. 

"We have something to say, sir" Jack started and the two officers sat 
down in front of their CO's desk. Hammond nod at them to continue and 
waited patiently.

"Sir, we have a problem and we need your opinion about it. My father came 
by my house early today and told us his point of view about it. Now we 
need yours and see if there's something that can be done," Sam explained, 
never leaving eye contact with Hammond.

The General was somehow relieved to hear him say that. He thought they 
would have come here only to tell them about their 'relationship' and 
Jack's retirement. He was also happy to have his word in this.

"Let me hear what you have to say" the General nod. 

"Sir, since Max's days at the hospital, Carter and I have been sort of 
seeing each other. We know this is not a secret or revelation for you but 
it is important you know about this. I spent a lot of time with them and 
I don't regret anything that has happened. For truth, this was one of the 
best things that happened to me in a very long time. Jacob came by her 
house today and told us what he thought about our relationship. E said 
nothing against it and was even happy we had each other, though there was 
SG-1 to consider most of all"

Hammond was stunned to hear him speak. Of course this wasn't a revelation 
and it both made them very happy to have each other in a romantic 
relationship, but hearing Jack saying they had to think about SG-1 mostly 
was completely a shock for him.

"There are a lot of pros and cons to consider if we do have a 
relationship. We would be very happy together, but also we couldn't cope 
if something happens to the other who's out there fighting the Goau'lds 
alone with a new team member. To get to the point, sir, we have thought 
of two ways only to plan our near future"

Sam picked up where he'd left off with confidence. "Either we both stay 
on SG-1 and be free of having a relationship or we'll have to break off 
whatever we had to keep SG-1 together until the Goau'lds are dead"

Hammond stared at them longer than anticipated. These alternatives must 
have been very hard to decide, certainly when they finally had a chance 
to be together. The General studied the two officers in front of him with 
admiration and pride. He was also happy that they have thought about the 
sake of SG-1 if they one of them would leave.

"And in what may I have a word in this?" he broke the heavy silence.

"If we made the right choices" Sam quietly explained.

Hammond sigh and leaned back on his desk. "Very well, I will say my word 
as you say. I am very stunned to hear what I have heard from you two. I'm 
sure it took a lot of power to come here and tell me this face to face. I 
am also grateful you are giving me a say in this. Your choices are well 
but will you be able to cope if the first is denied?"

Jack took a deep breath and lock gaze with the General "We talked and 
thought about it since Jacob came by and yes, we are ready. Though it 
will be hard to do so, but we do this for the sake of this planet. Most 
of all, for the sake of Max. To keep him safe, SG-1 needs the both of us 
out there"
Hammond couldn't help but smile "I'm happy to hear this. I'm not leaning 
towards any of these choices; I don't want to give you false hope. I will 
do my very best and you have my word on this, and talk with my superiors 
about this. I can't answer anything right now but I have to say 
something. I'm very surprised to hear you both say this and I hope things 
will turn out for the good of your relationship. You two deserve this 
much"

Sam and Jack smiled and nod. Much tension had already left their body. 
They didn't expect Hammond to be this calm about the situation and was 
very relieved. The two officers stood in unison.

"I'll make you know when the answer comes in. Meanwhile, I suggest you 
two spend time with each other as much as possible. The answer might be 
in tomorrow" Hammond nod at them. Sam and Jack made a quick salute and 
left his office.

"Well, that went better than expected" Jack commented and glance at Sam. 
Sam nod but stayed quiet for a long time. On their way to round the 
corner, they bumped into Daniel and Janet.

"Hey! It's been awhile since we've last seen you two on base! How are 
you?" Janet said smiling.

"We're ok" Sam answered and forced a smile at her friend. Daniel glance 
at Janet and back at Jack and Sam, and grinned. "There's a party at 
Janet's house tonight. We thought you two might want to come and have 
some fun. Max can come, there'll only have some music and beer... I mean 
nothing too heavy a kid can't take..." Daniel stopped, somehow feeling 
completely confused. Janet smiled at him and back at Sam.

"It's tonight at 19:00Hrs, you think you two and Max can make it?" she 
ask hopefully.

Sam and Jack shared an interested look with each other and smiled back 
"Sure, we'll be there!" Sam promised.

"See ya" Jack waved and followed Sam out to her car.

They drove back to Sam's place and on the way wondered what to do before 
getting to Janet's party.

"What are we to do until 19:00 Hrs?" he ask as she stopped her car.

"I don't know, any suggestions?" she ask and stepped out before making 
her way to her front door.

"No" Jack answered quietly and stepped in her house. They both sat on the 
couch and stayed quiet. After awhile, Jack turned his head to look at 
Sam.

"You think we made the good decisions?"

"Sure we did. Having second thoughts about something?" she turned to look 
at him and raised her eyebrows. Jack shook his head and smiled "Not 
really. I hope they'll consider the first option and know that it's the 
best between the two. They owe us more favours than anyone else does. We 
did saved the planet more than once!"

"I agree. But you know those politicians. Happy is not a word in their 
vocabulary"

"Yeah, I know what you mean. Let's not think about this right now. Let's 
think of what to do today until Doc's party"

Sam was thoughtful for a moment and look back at him "Why don't we play 
catch with Max. He love that, then you two can do anything you want while 
I get some chips and snacks for tonight"

Jack smiled widely in agreement "Yeah, great! Let me get Max and we'll 
meet you here after!" he kissed her and quickly made his way out of the 
house and towards Maria's.

The woman answered and smiled when she saw Jack "Hello, back already!"

"Yep! I'm here to pick up Max!"

"Yes, of course" Steven walked to his mother and Maria told him to get 
Max. Minutes later, Max came running down the house and smiled when he 
saw Jack.

"Hey! Having a good time?" Jack ask when Max hugged him. The boy nod and 
smiled "Yes, we had fun. Now Steven has to go see his grand mommy"

Jack look back at Maria and smiled "Thanks for taking care of him!" 

"It was no problem! Bye Max"

"Bye Max!" Steven shout and waved in a childish manner. Max smiled and 
waved on his own before stepping beside Jack and walking towards his 
house.

"Mommy here?" he ask as they stepped in the house.

"Yes and how' bout all three of us go play catch and eat hot-dogs today?" 
Max turned to look at him with wide eyes "Really?!" he gasp happily. Jack 
laughed and nod "Yup! Now get yourself into other clothes and let's move 
out!"

An hour later, they were all in the park and playing catch and eating 
hot-dogs. Jack had to admit, Max was quite good at that game and wondered 
if he would like to play hockey too. Hours passed and Sam had to make her 
leave from the game and go shopping for snacks and chips. Max had never 
been smiling so much in his life when he learned he had been invited to 
go at a party this very night with his mother and Jack.

After Sam had left, Jack and Max came back at her house and drank a lot 
of water, exhausted from their day on the playground.

"So, ya had fun, Max?" Jack ask and sat on the comfortable couch. Max nod 
happily and sat down next to him. Jack had a sudden idea in his mind and 
look back at Max.

"Do you like fishing, Max?" 

The boy look at him with curious eyes and struggled "I never went 
fishing" he said in a disappointed tone. Jack grinned "I happen to have a 
great cabin by the lake where we can do fishing. Would you like to go 
there one day?"

Max stared at him in wonder and nod slowly "Yes, can mommy come?" A 
mischievous smile spread across Jack's features and nod "Of course your 
mommy can come!"

"And Star?"

"And Star" Jack laughed and smiled at the little boy. After awhile, Max 
turned on his seat to look at him with a curious expression.

"What is it?" Jack ask confused.

"Can I call you daddy now?"

His question took him completely off-guard and chocked on his words. He 
look back at Max who was still staring at him, hope filling his eyes. 
Jack felt his heart break at the sight of him. He couldn't help but 
feeling a warm positive feeling within him. The love of a child meant the 
world to him. Even if he wasn't his real father, Max loved him as much 
and Jack couldn't help but feel happy about it. Jack's smile suddenly 
left his face at the thought of today's conversation with Hammond. If 
this was to be denied, Jack couldn't be called 'dad' yet.

Reaching out for the young boy, he settled him on his knees and kissed 
his temple.

"Max, I'm really happy you think of me as a dad. Nothing would make me 
happier to be your daddy and be with you and your mommy forever. But your 
mommy and I work with each other and we have rules. The rules tell us 
that we can't be together. It's very complicated for a young boy of your 
age but I can't be your daddy right away, ok? I can spend as much time as 
possible with you and mommy and I love you with all my heart, you know 
that?"

Max lowered his eyes and nod sadly "When can you be my daddy?" he ask 
emotionally. Jack closed his eyes tightly; never imagining it would be 
this hard telling a child about his situation.

"When the right time comes, Max, I'll be your daddy. Meanwhile, we can be 
best friends and spend time with your mommy. I love the both of you very 
much and I can't wait to be with you two"

Max eyes started to fill with tears "I ask Santa to give me a daddy for 
Christmas. Then you came along..." his voice faded and he started 
sobbing. Jack held him tightly, his own eyes filling with tears.
"You're a strong boy, Max. I'm sorry but it has to be this way. One day I 
promise we can be a family and have a wonderful life all together. I love 
you and your mommy very much and I'll make everything in my power to keep 
the both happy. For now, we are the closest of friends, deal?"

Max forced a smile and nod "deal" he echoed his words and kissed him on 
the cheek "We still can go fishing?" 

Jack laughed and nod "You betcha!" he said joyfully.

Later Sam came back and found them watching TV. Max was sitting on Jack's 
laps, leaning against his chest and turned his head to look at her when 
she closed the door.

"Am I interrupting anything?" Sam ask and made her way to the kitchen, 
putting her couple of bags down on the counter. Max and Jack walk towards 
her and checked in the bags for anything good to eat.

"All this is for Doc's party tonight?" Jack ask, somehow in disbelief. 
Sam rolled her eyes "Of course not. I made grocery shopping while I was 
there. Max, don't eat anything, supper on it's way" Sam warned the boy 
when she saw him trying to slip away from the kitchen with a bag of chips 
in his hands. 

They ate supper and cleaned up before Jack pulled on his coat "I'll go by 
my house and get dress. I'll meet you there, ok?" he said and kissed her.

"Sure! See you there!" she mumbled against his lips and kissed him back.

It took Sam and Max an hour to get themselves ready. Max didn't know what 
pants to put on and when he decided, he couldn't find them. They ran from 
one side to another throughout the house, getting ready as fast as 
possible. 

"Max, are you ready? We gotta go!" Sam called out from the living room 
while pulling on her cost. Max came running out of the room, his puppy 
running on his heels "Coming!" he shouted happily and grabbed his vest 
from the couch. Sam smiled and suddenly the doorbell rang. Glancing back 
at her son briefly, she walked to the door and answered.

"Jack!" she sounded surprised, "hey!"

Jack smiled "Hi, I thought we could get there together?" he grinned. Sam 
was about to answer when Max saw him and interrupted her "Jack!" he cried 
joyfully and launched himself in his arms. Jack smiled "heya, buddy! Nice 
to see you too. Are you ready?" he ask. The boy nod, smiling widely and 
excited about the party they were going at. All three of them together.

"Bye Star!" Max waved at his puppy before Sam closed and locked the front 
door. They all walk towards Jack's pick up and got ready to leave.

When they arrived at Janet's, there was a lot more people than 
anticipated. Most of them were in the backyard where there was the 
barbecue and the food. In the house were music, drinks and other snacks.

"Wow" Max breathed, never been so excited. Sam chuckled and helped him 
out of the pick up. Cassie was the first to greet her like the usual.

"It's so nice to see you, Sam!" the girl hugged her tightly and smiled at 
her, "Where is he?" she ask, excited. There was no mistake in Sam's mind 
to whom she was referring.

"Max, this is a very good friend of mine and her name his Cassie. Cassie, 
my son Max" Max stood in front of Sam and waved shyly at Cassie "Hi" 

Cassie giggled, "He's so sweet! Hello!"

Jack joined them and smiled at Cassie "Hey Cass!" he greeted, hugging the 
girl. "Hi, Jack! I'm happy you guys came. Janet is in the house and 
Daniel and Teal'c are in the backyard," Cassie informed them. She look 
back at Max "Do you want to see my dog?" she ask. Max's eyes lit up and 
nod quickly. Sam nod to Cassandra and Max left with the young girl.

"So" Jack started, looking down at her.

"I'm hungry" Sam continued and walk towards the house. Jack chuckled and 
shook his head before following her. Sam went in the kitchen and grabbed 
two beers and handed one to Jack.

"Gee! She invited the whole base?" Jack commented sarcastically after 
five people left the kitchen, leaving them to their own. Sam smiled "I 
think they work with her. Nurses and staff" she answered while taking a 
sip of her beer. Her eyes fell on two bowls of chips on the counter and 
smiled against the opening of the bottle of beer.

"With the amount of time SG-1 stays at the infirmary, I thought we'd knew 
everyone by now" Jack said and watched her walking towards the bowls of 
chips and took a sip of his beer.

"Maybe Daniel knows them" Sam joked and grabbed a chip. Jack smiled and 
nod his agreement. He leaned his back against the opposite counter and 
watched her "We just ate an hour or so ago and you look famine," he 
teased. Sam blushed "So! Now I'm just hungry for snacks" she grinned, 
taking another chip in her hand.

Jack lowered his eyes to his beer and cleared his throat "can I ask you 
something?" he ask seriously. Sam nod for him to continue and took a sip 
of her beer.

"I... I know this is not my business but... I'd like to know a little bit 
more about... Max's real father" he look up at Sam. Sam stopped all 
movement and stayed quiet for a moment. Jack shook his head quickly and 
approached her "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked you that"

"No, no it's ok. I guess I have to talk about him one day," Sam quietly 
answered. Jack shook his head "only when you feel ready, obviously you 
weren't prepared for this kinda question" he protested and put his bottle 
of beer on the counter beside her and stroke her lower arms.

"I'm ok to talk about him, really! It's just... it's been a long time 
since I did..."

"Take your time, there's no rush" he whispered and kissed her softly on 
the forehead. Sam took a deep breath and nod.

"His name is Alex Pearl, colonel Alex Pearl..." she corrected and cleared 
her throat "while I was under the command of his brother, we started 
dating and everything went well. He was very committed to our 
relationship and work quickly came second in his life. He started talking 
about retirement and starting a family. Of course I was happy he wanted 
to have children with me and start a family but he was in the middle of a 
great career and I didn't want him to throw it all away. We agreed that 
we would wait for the perfect time to start having children and a family. 
We thought we would stay together but fate tricked our future and Alex 
was sent on a black ops mission that resulted him disappearing for a 
whole year... When the Air Force came on my doorsteps and told me there 
was no chance for him to survive this long, I was left in depression and 
sadness. Him being gone changed me a lot and I was making decision 
without thinking, cried my eyes out at nights..." Sam's voice faded off 
for a few seconds, tears clouding her eyes. Jack sigh, mentally kicking 
himself for bringing this subject up in the middle of a party where they 
were suppose to have fun. He leaned towards her and kissed her on the 
temple. Sam took a deep breath and continued.

"Then I met Jonas. I never really knew why I ended up with him. He was 
the complete opposite of Alex but in my head I told myself that I might 
change him, change him so he can be like Alex... as idiot as I was, he 
had this control over me and I always felt responsible for what he did. I 
stayed with him for half a year before he proposed to me. Two weeks after 
the proposal, I... I learned... Alex was found and was in the hospital 
alive. I never had been so happy in my life when I saw him again. Of 
course Jonas knew nothing about my relationship with him. I talked to 
Alex until he came out of the hospital and told him about Jonas. I was 
ready to leave him to come back with Alex but I was scared... I was 
scared of Jonas so I never confronted him about me having Alex back in my 
life. I spent one night with Alex after his hospital departure... one 
night only... then he died in a car accident... later I learned I was 
pregnant. I knew it wasn't Jonas's child so I kept it. I had to break the 
engagement with Jonas because I didn't want to be pregnant around him and 
certainly not when he was drunk. My current CO at the time helped me with 
the worst part of the engagement, in case Jonas might do something to me. 
He finally left and I was alone to have Alex's baby. It was hard at 
first, but friends and co-workers helped me through it. Before, when Alex 
was still alive and before his black ops mission we were discussing names 
just for the kick of it. If we had a boy, Alex wished to name him Maxime 
and so I did... Alex would have been so proud to see him today" Sam broke 
down and started crying.

Jack pulled her in a soft embrace, his own eyes clouding with tears. Sam 
buried her head in his chest and cried while he stroke her back softly. 
"He would have also been proud of you. I am proud of you," he softly told 
her.

After a few minutes, Sam backed away and blushed "I'm sorry..." she 
started, brushing her tears away. Jack shook his head, never leaving her 
eyes for a second and cupped the side of her face "Don't be, I'm happy 
you told me all this" he leaned towards her and kissed her softly that 
quickly sent her to heaven. They broke apart but only enough for their 
lips to barely touch each other "I love you so much" Sam breathed, tears 
clouding her eyes once again. Jack smiled, deeply touched by this woman's 
love for him and kissed her once again in a more passionate embrace.

They quickly broke apart when they heard someone clearing her throat. 
They look at the entrance and saw Janet staring at them with a highly 
amused look in her eyes "Guys having fun?" she teased. Her smiled faded 
when she saw Sam with tearful eyes. She turned more serious and look at 
Jack "Is everything ok?" she ask concerned.

Sam and Jack shared a look with each other and smiled at her 
"Everything's just perfect" Jack answered. Sam grabbed her beer and a 
bowl of chips before being dragged out of the kitchen by Jack. Janet 
shook her head and smiled to herself.

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

Max 4: Fate Had Found it's Way

It was suppertime and everyone gathered around in Janet's backyard for 
the barbecue. There was some loud music playing outside, people laughed 
and talked a lot. Jack, Daniel and Teal'c were in charged of the barbecue 
and cooking the food. Once cooked, Sam and Janet would prepare the food 
before distributing it to everyone.

"I don't think I ever cooked this much burgers and hot-dogs in my entire 
life", Jack joked, putting another burger on a plate. Cassie walked 
towards them with a wide smile.

"It was delicious!" she smiled and put her plate in the garbage bag near 
the barbecue. Jack glanced around him and look back at Cassie, "Where's 
Max?" His question brought Sam's attention and look at Cassie for her 
answer.

"Oh, he went to the bathroom. Don't worry, he knows where everyone is", 
Cassie reassured them and walked away.

"I believe we need more burgers, O'Neill", Teal'c took Jack's attention 
back to the barbecue.

Max walked out of the house and stopped at the entrance outside, trying 
to find Sam. There were a lot of people blocking his view and he started 
to get a little scared. He knew no one and even if he'd shout, they 
probably wouldn't take notice.

"Mommy!" he called out. Still no signs of Sam anywhere and he started to 
get more emotional.

"Jack!" he tried but still they were nowhere to be seen. Tears started to 
cloud Max's eyes has he began to panic. 

"Mommy!" he screamed and sat next to the stairs and started to cry 
loudly.

Meanwhile, SG-1 and Janet were still at the barbecue and cooking the 
food. Everyone were laughing at Jack's previous joke, but Sam started to 
get rather nervous when there were still no signs of Max. Looking around 
her, Sam finally spotted him near the backyard stairs leading to the 
door; he was sitting on the ground, hugging his knees with dear life and 
crying.

"Max?" Sam called out alarmed and quickly walked away. Jack gave the fork 
to Daniel and quickly followed her. Sam arrived in front of him and knelt 
down.

"Sweetie, What's wrong?" she ask worriedly. Max launched himself around 
her neck, crying. His small body trembled from the fear of being lost or 
separated from Sam. Jack arrived seconds later and sat next to them, 
"What's going on?" he ask concerned and stroked Max's back softly.

Max didn't stop sobbing and hid his face against her neck. Sam pulled him 
in her arms and Jack led them inside the now empty quiet house. They sat 
on the couch and tried to calm Max down.

"Hey, buddy. Why those tears for?" Jack softly ask the boy.

"Couldn't find mommy..." Max managed to say, his voice on the verge of 
sobbing again. Sam shook her head and brushed his tears away, "I'm here 
now, ok? I'm not going anywhere", Sam promised him. Max breathed in 
gasps, trying hard not to cry again. His eyes were puffy and red from 
crying and still clouded with tears.

"Listen! Why don't we go home and order a nice pizza. I'm sure we can 
rent a movie on our way there. What ya say?" Jack suggested. That brought 
a smile from Max, though he tried very hard to hide it.

Jack smiled and stood up, "Ok, I'll tell everyone we're leaving". Sam 
turned to look at Max, "Let's get you cleaned up, shall we?" They walk to 
Janet's bathroom and Max sat on the edge of the counter while Sam cleaned 
his face.

Minutes later, Jack came back and appeared in the bathroom doorway. Sam 
was talking softly to Max while cleaning his face and Jack had a feeling 
they didn't know he was here. Max was still visibly shaken by his sobbing 
earlier but no longer had tears in his eyes.

"There, all done. Now you can get your vest", Sam told him and put him on 
the floor. Max smiled and ran passed Jack and towards the living room 
where he left his vest on the couch.

"How's he doing?" Jack broke the silence and approached Sam. Sam 
struggled and cleaned the mess they had made while cleaning her son. Jack 
walk from behind her and encircled his arms around her waist, drawing her 
back against his chest and kissed the back of her neck.

"How are you?" he mumbled against her skin.

"I'm ok"

"You sure?" he ask while Sam moved around so she could face him. Sam nod 
and smiled sadly, "sure". Jack smiled and kissed her softly, "Now how' 
bout that pizza..." Sam ask against his lips. Jack chuckled and rolled 
his eyes.

"Give a woman romance and all she thinks about is food!" he joked making 
Sam laugh. She lifted her hands and encircled them around his neck, 
"Don't be silly! I'm talking about food but you're always jumping to 
dessert", she smiled seductively and kissed him sweetly.

"Mommy!" they heard Max shout from the living room, ready and waiting by 
the door. Jack and Sam made their way towards him and departed from 
Janet's house. On their way to Sam's house, they dropped by the video 
store and grabbed a movie. By the time they arrived home, it was already 
20:00.

"Star!" Max cried in joy when he saw his puppy. Sam and Jack walk to the 
kitchen and put the pizza on the counter. Sam turned around to look at 
her son.

"Max, why don't you and Jack go and take Star for a little walk before 
supper. I'm sure he'll need the fresh air"

"You don't need help with anything?" Jack ask, looking at the video and 
the pizza. Sam grinned and shook her head "I'm sure. I'll see you guys 
later" Sam waved. Jack smiled and gave her a quick kiss before taking Max 
and Star for a walk in the park.

Once they stepped in the park, Max quickly started running and giggled at 
Jack "Catch me! Catch me!" he shouted. Jack couldn't help but laugh and 
ran after Max, making the boy even more excited. He grabbed him softly 
and pulled him on the ground, tickling him. Max laughed out loud and Star 
jumped on them.

Meanwhile, Sam brought plates, napkins and the pizza in the living room. 
She was bringing a few blankets from her room when her telephone rang. 
Puzzled, she put the blankets on the couch and grabbed her wireless 
telephone.

"Hello?"

"Hello, major. It's General Hammond"

Sam stayed quiet for a long moment before clearing her throat and sitting 
on the edge of her couch.

"Sir, what can I do for you?" She knew damn well why he was calling. 
Hammond took a deep breath and began talking softly.

"Major, I received the answer for your permission for a relationship. I 
am giving you an appointment for tomorrow, so we can talk carefully face 
to face"

"Is it... good, sir?" Sam ask in a rather soft and quiet voice.

"Major, I can't lie to you. I am myself rather disappointed in their 
answer. Though not everything is denied. I'll speak with you and colonel 
O'Neill tomorrow at 1300hrs"

"Yes, sir. Thank you" Sam hung up but made no action to move. She 
couldn't help but feeling very sad for a sudden. Fear invaded her heart 
at the thought of their relationship being denied. She made no efforts to 
keep her tears from clouding her eyes.

Later on, Max and Jack came back with Star. Laughing and smiling, Jack 
sent Max to clean himself up before supper. Jack look around the living 
room and noticed Sam was nowhere to be seen. He took off his coat and 
walked around the house, calling out for her.

"Sam?"

He found her sitting on the edge of her bed, looking somehow pale. He 
frowned in concern and made his way in front of her.

"Are you ok?" he ask worriedly and kneel down in front of her.

"Hammond called" Sam started quietly but needed to say no more since Jack 
knew well enough why. He lifted his hand and stroke her cheek softly 
"What did he say?"

"We have to go see him tomorrow, at 1300hrs. He said that not everything 
was... denied"

Jack closed his eyes as if receiving a stab in the heart and sat beside 
her before drawing her in an embrace.

"Tomorrow, huh? Well, let's have the best and most wonderful night 
together. Don't let the decision get to you right now, Sam. We have this 
night together and let's spend it well, ok?"

"Ok, you're right"

"Of course" he joked "Now there's a pizza waiting for us. What ya say and 
go eat?"

"I'm with you on that one" Sam smiled and stood up. He winked at her 
before leading her to the living room. Jack was right, she couldn't let 
the bad thoughts get over her mind while they still had a night to spend 
together without any consequences.

Jack sat on the couch and opened the television when Max came flying out 
of his bedroom, dressed in his PJs and jumped on Jack.

"You ready?" Jack ask the little boy that was now sitting comfortably on 
his laps. Max nod happily and smiled at him. Sam gave him a piece of 
pizza and Max was asked to sit on the floor in order not to put dirt on 
the couch.

The hours that followed was silent and comfortable. Sam had to admit to 
herself that she wasn't really listening to the film. After Max finished 
eating, he cradled back on Jack's laps but soon after fell asleep against 
his chest.

By the time the film finished, both Sam and Max were asleep. Jack managed 
to turn off the TV and VCR without waking the two sleeping persons beside 
him. He took Max in his arms and walk slowly to his bedroom. He softly 
laid Max in his bed and pulled the covers over his chest.

"Good night, Max", he whispered and kissed the boy on the forehead. Max 
stirred and mumbled something quietly before getting back to sleep. Jack 
smiled warmly and left his room quietly. Sam was comfortably sleeping on 
the couch, having no intention to wake up anytime soon.

Jack decided to let Sam sleep a little more while he'd put the dirty 
dishes in the dishwasher and cleaned the mess they had done earlier while 
eating. He knew every inch of her house by now, since he last spent the 
previous few weeks with her and Max.

Sam finally started to wake, first confused by her surroundings. She 
glanced everywhere around her and concluded the film was finished a good 
while ago and now Max was put to bed by Jack. Noises were heard from the 
bedroom and Sam slowly stood up. A shot of dizziness shot through her 
head as she quickly let herself sit down on the couch. She really started 
to consider taking better care of herself and sleep at respectable hours 
not to mention the food she was eating. She couldn't risk being sick for 
the sake of Max.

She stood up and made her way to her bedroom slowly. Jack was making the 
bed with clean sheets and blankets. He look up and smiled when he saw 
her.

"Hey, you're awake"

"Yeah, with the noise you were making you'd wake an entire planet" she 
teased. Jack's face fell "Was I making that much noises?"

"no, you did ok" she grinned and look around before back at him again 
"You put Max to bed?"

Jack nod and finished making the bed before walking up to her "Yeah, 
little fellow fell asleep on me. Poor thing was exhausted from his day"

Sam nod and laid her hands against his chest before sliding them around 
his neck and smile. He leaned down and caught her lips in a soft and 
short kiss. Locking gaze with her, he sigh and stroke the side of her 
face.

"You know, no matter what is the decision tomorrow. My feelings for you 
will never change" he told her.

"Me too. I don't think they'll ever change"

"For tonight may be our last night where we can be together, I suggest we 
spend it well. What do you say?" he said with a wicked grin. Sam giggled 
softly and smiled "And what did you have in mind?"

"mmm, how' bout that dessert?"

Sam laughed but was silenced by his lips pressing on hers. All thoughts 
flew from their heads and tonight, it was their special nights. 

The next day, Sam and Jack pulled on their military fatigues and drop Max 
at Sam's neighbour's before driving off at the base. Being really 
nervous, they walked down the hallways of the SGC. Meanwhile, they each 
studied the people around them but mostly the base itself. This was the 
only reason they had chosen to keep each other apart. They finally 
arrived at Hammond's office and Sam fought the urge of running away and 
never coming back. Knocking softly, Hammond called them in.

"Major, colonel. Good to see you again" Hammond nod shortly and waved a 
seat in front of them. Sam and Jack slowly sat down and look at their 
superior officer behind his desk.

"I believe you called Carter late last night about this meeting, why 
don't we get it on and get over with this!" Jack started, unsure if he 
even wanted to start. Hammond nod sadly and pulled out a few papers and 
eyed them with his eyes quickly before looking back at them.

"I received the answer as you may have guessed. I'm sorry to be the 
breaker of news, but your request has been denied"

Jack and Sam closed their eyes tightly, trying to remember how to 
breathed. Hammond felt sorry for them and cleared his throat before 
speaking once again.

"Though, it's not all just yet. There has been several meeting concerning 
the rules at the SGC. Since this base is unique in the United States, 
they are revising some rules and regulation in order to accommodate the 
officers for better lives. And in jobs like these, people somehow gets 
drawn to each other but only because of regulation they are not acting 
upon their feelings. My superiors has not yet taken any decisions and 
meanwhile, you two are still forbidden to continue this romantic 
relationship"

Sam and Jack stayed quiet for a long time, none really knowing what to 
say or do. They just lost each other and this made a big impact on both 
lives and Max's also.

"My suggestion to you two is not to give up. Here to a few months, some 
regulations on this base will change and I'm sure you'll find each other 
again. But until then, I'm sorry to say this but if anything goes on 
between the two of you, it will be a court martial offence and you know I 
don't want this on my base and certainly not in my best team; SG-1"

Jack shook his head before taking a deep breath a looking back at Hammond 
"We both choose what we thought was best. We still think it's the right 
decision whatever it leads us to. But the news about them revising the 
regulations is giving us much more hope than we ever thought possible. 
For now on, Carter and I are good friends and officers, and we can assure 
you we're going to take this responsibility in our hands"

Hammond was stunned to hear all this coming from colonel O'Neill. He knew 
this man was a man of few words but when he ought to say something, 
Hammond now knew he had the words to say it. The General smiled and nod 
slowly "I'm happy to hear this, colonel. I'm sorry this could not be 
quicker, you truly deserve to be happy and together"

"Don't worry, sir. At least having each other on SG-1 alone makes us more 
relieve and happy" Sam forced a smile. Hammond bowed and stood "Very 
well. I am giving SG-1's first mission tomorrow morning at 0900hrs. Have 
a good day, colonel and major Carter"

Sam and Jack stood quietly and saluted quickly and left his office. Once 
again, there was the book of regulation between them. They walked at a 
certain distance from each other but somehow they felt as if this was 
pure torture. Hammond had said it could take only a few months but what 
if he was wrong?

They drove back at Sam's house and decided to talk before getting Max 
back from Maria's house. They sat quietly on the couch and stayed quiet 
before one of them would speak.

"I can't believe that it's over" Sam started.

"It's not over, just... postponed..." Jack quickly corrected and look at 
her "Look, it doesn't mean we ought to stop our relationship we can't be 
friends. We still can see each other but... a little less... I'm just 
afraid to loose you" he finished quietly. Sam look at him sadly and moved 
next to him.

"you won't. The hard part is to talk to Max about all this. We don't want 
to loose you either. You became a big part of both my life and Max's"

Jack stroke the side of her face with his finger and leaned in towards 
her before capturing her lips in a soft kiss that would probably be their 
last for some while. Not wanting to end, they slowly pulled apart and 
tears clouded their eyes.

"I probably should go" Jack whispered. 

Sam nod sadly, trying very hard to hold back her tears "It would be 
easier for Max when I tell him"

Jack slowly stood and grabbed his jacket. Sam led him to the door and 
they faced each other once again. The second Jack would walk out of the 
house, they would automatically come back to Carter and O'Neill. Major 
and Colonel.

"I'll see you tomorrow" he forced a smile. Sam smiled back as sadly and 
they fell in an uncomfortable silence. He stepped back towards her and 
pulled her in a comforting hug.

"Let me say that all the time spent with you was worth everything. You 
and Max made me very happy and I don't ever want you to think you're 
alone. Call me if you need anything, ok?"

"Promise, thank you" Sam hugged him as tightly, now unable to hold her 
tears from sliding down her cheeks. They pulled apart and Jack walked out 
of her house and towards his pick-up truck. He didn't dare to look back 
and drove off quickly. Sam stared at the road longer than anticipated and 
closed the door quietly. She stared at her now empty house and her heart 
seemed filled with sadness.

She didn't feel like getting her son right away. It was a beautiful day 
and she didn't want to spoil it too soon for him. She went to her 
bathroom to take a long shower. Turning on the water, she stepped in and 
let the hot and comfortable water fell against her skin. Tears started to 
slide down her cheeks as she began crying. All her memories with him 
flashed in her head as if it was life passing through her eyes before 
death. She never loved someone as much as she loved him and it hurt 
seeing him leaving her and her son. They didn't have a choice, this was 
after all the decision they both agreed but it didn't make any 
difference. She would miss him for the world. She let herself slide 
against the cold wall, pulling her hands across her face, she bowed her 
head and sobbed painfully.

An hour later, Sam stood in front of Maria's door and knock. Maria came 
by to open the door and saw Sam smiling sadly at her "Hi, Maria"

"Sam, is everything ok?" the woman ask concerned. Sam nod slowly and 
forced a smile "Yes, been a hard and long day. I'm here for Max. We have 
some stuff to talk about"

Maria frowned "Is Jack still with you?"

Sam took a deep breath "In a way, yes" Maria nod slowly and called out 
for Max. Seconds later, the boy ran towards the door, closely followed by 
his friend Steven.

"Hi mommy!" he smiled widely and hugged her. Sam closed her eyes sadly, 
unable to tell him the heartbreaking news. She smiled at him and look 
back at Maria "Thank you for everything, Maria. I don't know what I'd do 
without you"

Maria laughed softly and shook her head "Don't worry, Sam. I'm glad 
Steven and Max became best friends. He's a good boy"

"He is, thank you again. Bye" Maria nod and closed her door while Sam and 
Max came back to their house. Once in, Max happily look around as if 
searching for something. He turned to look at his mother with a rather 
confused expression in his eyes.

"Mommy, where's Jack?"

Sam took a deep breath "Sweetie, we have to talk" she started. Max shook 
his head slowly and in disbelief "Where's Jack!" he almost shout. Sam 
closed her eyes tightly and sigh.

"Mommy... Where is Jack!!" his voice grew higher. 

"Baby, Jack went home"

Max stared at her in shock and looking heartbroken. His eyes slowly 
filled with tears and shook his head, trying to deny whatever Sam tried 
to explain to him "No! His home is here!" he shouted angrily "Daddy's 
home is here!" he screamed, tears sliding down his pale and damped 
cheeks. 

"Max, please. Jack can't be your daddy and you know that. Not yet, 
sweetie" Sam pleaded but Max backed away before she could even reach him 
for comfort.

"He promised we'd all go fishing, mommy! He promised!" Max finished, 
barely whispering. Sam's heart shattered in million pieces when she saw 
the look of hate, love and betrayal reflecting in his eyes. Taking a few 
steps towards, it hurt her more when Max ran away from her and locked 
himself in his bedroom, sobbing for the rest of the hour.
Sam was left alone in the middle of her living room. Silently sobbing, 
she look around her house and only beautiful and yet painful memories 
filled her head has the thought of how happy they all were. Hurt by her 
son closing her off and alone by the lack of her lover's arms comforting 
her, for the first time in a very long time she felt completely insecure 
and... lost.

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

Max 5: Alone in the Universe

A week passed since Sam and Jack were no longer seeing each other. Max 
was still angry at Sam, it was obvious whenever he would talk to her or 
sometimes even ignore her. She decided it was still too soon to talk to 
him about why Jack had to leave, but sometimes it felt like it just might 
make everything easier.

Sam received another phone call from Hammond, asking her when she would 
be available to work again. The thought of leaving Max scared her a 
little but on the other hand, space was something they both needed. She 
answered she was ready for Monday. Tomorrow.

Now Sam sat alone in her living room watching the television while Max 
was in the bathtub. The lights were off, making it easier for her to feel 
she wasn't absolutely alone. She haven't spoken to Max about her return 
to work the following day, in fact, she wasn't sure she even wanted to 
return to work. On the other hand, she couldn't help but remember all the 
beautiful planets that laid out there, and all the adventures she and her 
team had been through.

"Mommy, I'm finished!" Sam jumped when she heard Max shout from his 
bedroom. Sam stood, closed the television and walked to his room before 
stopping in the entrance. All his clothes were scattered across the 
floor.

"What happened here?" she gasped, eyeing him carefully.

Max lowered his head to hide his blush, "I couldn't find my clothes" he 
admitted shyly.

"Next time let me know so I can help you. It would have saved some really 
big mess" she winked, helping him to bed.

"Max, I need to tell you something" she started, playing with the edge of 
his blanket.

"Mommy has to go back to work tomorrow. You're going to stay with Maria 
for the day, ok?"

"Ok..." Max whispered, lowering his eyes to his hands before meeting hers 
again, "Can we eat pizza?" he asked hopefully. Sam laughed "We'll see 
about that tomorrow" she smiled.

"Now go to bed, you'll have a big day tomorrow"

"Good night!" Max yawned, kissing his mother before closing his eyes. Sam 
stood and closed the lights before shutting the door behind her. She too 
would have to go to bed, she didn't want to be tired for her first day 
back to work.

Pulling on her own PJs, she slid between the cold sheets and rested her 
head against her pillow. She would have been comfortable if someone else 
would be here, sharing her bed. Sam quickly closed her eyes, keeping all 
the unwanted thoughts away. It was going to be difficult enough to see 
him tomorrow, and every other day as matter of fact, she didn't need to 
think of him now. Taking a deep breath, she allowed herself to relax and 
fell asleep.

It was only the next morning that Sam started to feel nervous. Max was up 
in time and ready to go to Maria's as planned. He was finishing his 
breakfast when Sam exited the bathroom, dressed in BDUs, and closing all 
the windows and locking the back door.

"Are you ready, sweetie?"

"Yes" her son answered quietly, moving by the door and waiting for her. 
Sam grabbed her car keys and her identification badge before leading Max 
outside.

"Ok, now you be a good boy today, ok?" Sam knelt at Max's height and 
smiled. Her son nodded and kissed her on the cheek before running across 
the front yard to his neighbour's door. Waving one last time, Max 
disappeared in the house. Hurriedly, Sam seated herself behind the wheel 
and started the engine.

She was ten minutes late.

Walking out of the elevator leading to the briefing room, Sam slowed down 
and took a deep breath before walking in.

"Major, nice of you to join us" Hammond straightened in his chair, 
nodding once in her direction.

"Sorry, sir" Sam blushed and walked slowly to her usual seat. Beside 
Jack. They hadn't met sight yet and Sam didn't know whether she wanted to 
or not.

Jack, on the other hand, wished she'd at least look his way. He felt 
terribly lonely spending his days alone in his house after spending so 
much time with her and her son. Seeing she wasn't going to look at him, 
Jack glanced back to his commanding officer and sighed.

"Ok, now that everyone's here, let's start, shall we?" Hammond smiled and 
nodded at Daniel to start his presentation of their next mission.

"P4X 6TR is quite a normal planet, sir. Habited by a small village and 
surrounded by trees, we're positive that there's no danger whatsoever. 
The village isn't very advanced in technology, but I'm sure we can learn 
about them if we meet face to face"

"Are you sure this planet is safe, Doctor Jackson?" Hammond asked again. 
Sam felt herself tense a little. The thought of encountering danger made 
her think of Max. She looked at Daniel, paling a little but waiting for 
his positive answer.

"I'm pretty sure, sir. We gathered images from both the MALP and the UAV 
and nothing appeared out of normal. In fact, two of the villagers will 
greet us by the stargate"

"Good, SG-1 be ready in 10. Oh and major Carter?" Hammond glanced at Sam, 
"Doctor Frasier would like to see you in her office right away"

"Yes, sir"

"Dismiss" Hammond stood before gathering his papers and walking to his 
office. Daniel and Teal'c used their free time to welcome Sam back to 
work.

"It's so good to see you back, Sam. You look great!" Daniel beamed, 
hugging her softly before stepping back. Teal'c took a step forward and 
bowed softly, "I concurwith Daniel Jackson. Welcome back, major Carter"

Sam blushed from all the attention and waved them bye as they walked out 
of the room. She turned around to grab her own papers when she came face 
to face with Jack.

"Sir" she managed.

"Carter" he echoed. "Welcome back" he finished, feeling as uncomfortable 
as she felt.

"Thank you, sir" she smiled. She took her notes and they walked out of 
the briefing room.

"How's Max?" Jack asked out of the blue, not meeting her eyes.

"He's better, sir" she spoke softly before adding, "He misses you"

Jack stopped walking and faced her. This was the same woman he cuddled up 
against a few weeks ago, the same woman he kissed and made love to. The 
woman he loved and loved him back. How ironic was it that now it was 
forbidden to even touch her?

"Same here... same here" he forced a smile before walking towards the 
locker room. Sam sighed and made her way to the infirmary. The room was 
quiet and there was no signs of Janet anywhere. Making her way in, she 
smiled to several nurses before arriving by Janet's office.

"Janet?"

The little doctor glanced away from her work and glared to her friend, 
"Where were you? You were suppose to be here before the briefing, not 
after!" she spoke sarcastically.

"Sorry about that, I was really late for the briefing too"

Janet sighed and closed the file she was reading before stepping out of 
her office.

"I'm not sure I can let you go on the mission, Sam. You know medical 
procedure; You haven't been in the SGC for over a month, I need to make a 
full health report"

Sam froze, "You're kidding, right? Janet, I've been staying too far from 
the stargate as it is and this mission really seems to be quite easy and 
peaceful. I feel fine as I have during the last couple of weeks. If not, 
I would have told you!" Sam almost pleaded.

Janet groaned softly, ready to take a blood sample.

"I'll let you go this time, but I still have to run some tests on you 
before you go. You'll get your results as soon as you're back"

Sam smiled in relief and waited for Janet to finish her blood samples. 
After a few other tests that didn't last very long, Sam was relieved from 
the infirmary and to the locker room.
Lucky for her, the locker room was completely empty. It's been too long 
since she last done all this and, frankly, she missed everything. She 
decided it would be wiser to be ready in time before getting a lecture 
from General Hammond.

As SG-1 gathered in the Gate Room, the event horizon burst through the 
stargate, being one of the most beautiful thing Sam has ever seen. 
Hearing Hammond wishing them luck, SG-1 stepped through the blue liquid 
before stepping out on P4X 6TR.

Two men stood silently by the Gate, waiting for their arrival. Once 
eyeing each member of the team, they shared a few words in a language 
that was still unknown to Daniel.

"Hey!" Jack beamed in his usual way whenever meeting new villagers, "I'm 
colonel Jack O'Neill, and this is my team; major Sam Carter, Doctor 
Daniel Jackson and Teal'c"

The first man stepped forward and bowed respectfully to the team, 
"Welcome to Galadria, strangers. I am Eshen and this is my brother, 
Kayan"

"Hello, nice to meet you" Daniel smiled and bowed in return. Jack just 
smiled before stepping back beside Carter and Teal'c, leaving Daniel to 
do his job.

Eshen wasn't much of a talker. During their trip back to the village, 
Daniel practically had to fish the words out of the boy's mouth. Kayan, 
on the other hand, had seemed to develop an interest for the major, much 
to Jack's displeasure. Unlike his brother, he hadn't stopped talking for 
the rest of the walk.

SG-1 were led to an old stone building where was performed all meetings 
concerning Galadria. The villagers gathered in the streets, murmuring to 
those close to them, about the new strangers that came through the 
Stargate.

"Your planet is quite well taken cared of for a non-advanced race" Daniel 
commented out loud.

"Yes, we have allies that has helped us immensely during the last 
decades" Kayan explained.

"Oh really? What kind of allies?" Jack frowned.

"We are not allowed to speak his name. It is forbidden" Eshen cut in a 
little too harshly. Jack and Sam shared a concerned look before following 
the men in the building.

Before Sam could follow her teammates through, an old woman standing by 
the entrance pulled her away from the others. Sam didn't had time to 
protest when the woman softly hissed, "May Gaia protect you, May Gaia 
protect you!"

Sam frowned but the woman just ran away as fast as she could.

"Carter, you're coming?" Jack stood in the entrance. Sam nodded, 
wondering what had just happened, before following her CO back inside.

"What was that all about?" he whispered as they joined the rest of his 
team seated around a round wooden table.

"I don't know"

"What is the purpose of your visit on Galadria?" Eshen started, 
interrupting their conversation.

"We come from a planet called Earth. We're here simply because we want to 
share our knowledge with yours"

"Knowledge of what?" Kayan eyed Daniel suspiciously.

"Of everything we know; weapons, medical skills, Goau'lds. We can share 
technology with you"

"You are the ones called the Tau'ri, are you not?"

Jack glanced at Eshen, a little surprised to hear such comment coming 
from him, "Don't call us that" he replied sarcastically. Eshen raised an 
eyebrow as if challenging him.

"If you're not interested..." Jack started, getting more annoyed with 
each passing minutes.

"I'm sure you can provide us great information" Kayan interrupted before 
things went too far.

"Good, that's good" Daniel smiled in relief, glaring at Jack for his 
previous attitude.

"How much do you know about the Goau'lds?" Kayan demanded softly, sitting 
back in his wooden chair.

"They're evil, have snakes in their heads and doesn't have any clothing 
style" Jack winked, receiving a glare from Daniel. Sam lowered her head, 
hiding her smile.

"The goau'lds are very powerful and must be destroyed" Teal'c answered, 
taking everyone's attention.

"The Goau'lds are too powerful to be destroyed" Kayan protested.

"Not if you hang with us" Jack smiled.

"Colonel O'Neill, have you found a way of destroying these powerful 
Gods?" Eshen gasped.

"False Gods" Teal'c corrected.

"Well, we do have our secrets..." Jack trailed off.

"But about you? Do you have anything worth trading?" Sam ask, leaning 
forward.

"As we earlier said, we are not advanced in technology as you are with 
yours" Kayan pointed to their guns. "Yet perhaps we might be able to show 
you some medical skills we have developed over the years. It's makes us 
immune to certain diseases. It might be something you all would be 
interested in"

Sam and Daniel smiled to each other and nodded their heads in agreement.

"But first, you must be hungry" Eshen smiled, "Eat and drink, for this is 
a new step for a possible future alliance" Kayan clapped his hands and 
two young girls appeared in the room, holding plates of food and drinks.

Jack studied the food carefully before taking a piece of what looked like 
bread. He was about to ask Daniel for his opinion when he found him 
chewing already.

"It's good" he said with a mouthful of food. Jack glared at him before 
taking a bite of his own piece. Daniel was right, it tasted pretty good. 
He raised his eyes to Kayan and Eshen, both smiling, before taking a sip 
of his glass of water.

"So, Daniel Jackson, how long have you been working with the Stargate?" 
Eshen started, pulling a seat in front of him. Daniel cleared his throat 
and drank a little water, refreshing him from the wave of heat he was 
currently having, before telling him about his work.

Jack unzipped his coat, turning his head to look at Teal'c next to him.

"Is it only me or is it hot in here for a sudden?"

"I believe it is you, O'Neill"

Jack grimaced while taking off his coat. It had become *very* hot here 
and Jack knew there was something wrong but couldn't concentrate on the 
problem.

Meanwhile, Kayan pulled Sam away from the others and sat further away. 
Sam seemed flushed, whether it was because of the heat or the man's eyes 
staring at her.

"It's nice of you to share your knowledge with us. We can learn a lot 
from each other, I'm sure" She started, smiling.

"I concur, Major Carter. You possess many hidden talents that will help 
me and my people"

Sam frowned and tilted her head slightly, "Hidden talents?" she 
questioned. It was Kayan's turn to frown worriedly before asking, "Are 
you feeling well, major Carter?"

Sam closed her eyes for a few seconds, keeping her head from spinning so 
fast. What was wrong with her? Why couldn't she concentrate?

Sam's thoughts went immediately back to her late appointment with Janet 
and her results. Maybe something was wrong with her; there was no reasons 
for her to feel like this.

"As I was saying... " Kayan continued, casually taking a piece of tissue 
in his hands. "We need as much information as possible if we want to 
obtain technology. And when you arrived on our planet, you have no idea 
how much hope you brought to our people..." he raised his head, staring 
at her in the eyes and smiled, " ...the knowledge of the Tok'ra" he 
finished and grabbed her head before pushing the piece of tissue against 
her mouth, taking her without warning.

Sam fought back and kicked him in the stomach before yelling out, 
"Colonel!"

Jack lifted his head and looked around but his vision had become blurry. 
He frowned to himself, trying to determine whether he heard his name or 
it simply was his imagination playing tricks on him.

Teal'c, on the other hand, bounced to his feet and ran to Sam. Daniel, no 
better than Jack, stopped talking and stared at Eshen strangely.

"Major Carter!" Teal'c shouted as he reached for Kayan's collar, when his 
body tensed as an electric shock ran furiously through his body. Gasping 
for air, Teal'c let go of Kayan's collar and fell on the ground, 
unconscious. Eshen stood by his feet, holding Daniel's zat gun. Sam 
stared at Teal'c's body on the floor before glancing to her commanding 
officer and Daniel further ahead. Both were also lying on the floor, 
unconscious.

Sam was about to speak when Eshen hit her on the back of the head with 
the zat gun.

Kayan smiled and once again with a clap of his hands, called his guards 
to gather around them.

"Get rid of them!" He ordered harshly, "Leave the woman. Her knowledge of 
the Tok'ra will be most valuable for our next trade with our God" he 
smiled and watched as the rest of SG-1 were being dragged away.

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

Hammond walked in the infirmary in search of doctor Frasier. It's been 
two hours since colonel O'Neill, Daniel and Teal'c were thrown out of the 
stargate, unconscious. Hammond had been quite agitated when there was no 
sign of major Carter. He was even more frustrated when he couldn't do 
nothing about it. He couldn't make a decision until he knew what happened 
back on the planet, and with SG-1 out, there was no way of knowing.

Janet was standing by Daniel's bedside, eyes fixed on his chart. Hearing 
footsteps, she raised her head only to make eye-contact with a very 
worried Base Commander.

"Any progress, doctor?"

Janet struggled, "They're asleep for the moment, sir. I received their 
tests results and we found out they've been drugged..." she trailed off, 
putting down Daniel's chart.

"Any news from major Carter?" she ask softly.

"None whatsoever. We can't do anything until one of them can tell us what 
happened"

"I know, sir" Janet whispered.

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

Sam opened her eyes slowly, wondering what happened. She was sitting on 
the ground in a very dark room. Her heart skipped a beat when she noticed 
none of her teammates were with her. She stood quickly, wincing as her 
headache resurfaced.

"Colonel?" she called out, trying to adjust her eyes to the darkness. She 
was alone in a very dark room. What had happened? Had something bad 
happened to her teammates? Her heart filled with worry at the thought of 
how helpless she was as long as she was being kept here.

The door suddenly opened, sending flashes of light in the room. Sam 
quickly turned her head away from the light that blinded her.

"Major Carter, you are awake"

Sam glanced back to the man standing in the entrance and immediately 
recognized him as Kayan.

"Where are my teammates?" she demanded. Kayan chuckled and shook his 
head, "No longer among us, I'm afraid. You were our goal; delivering you 
to our God will bring my people and I great fortune"

Sam stared at him blankly, was he saying her team was dead or simply no 
longer on the planet? She paled again.

"You can't deliver me in any way! I'm a person, not a product!" she 
shouted, pushing her way to her feet, wincing in pain as she did so. 
Kayan smiled once again and shook his head, looking amused.

"You possess information that our God requires. If we can give him this 
information, he will grant my people great fortune and technology"

Before Sam could speak, Eshen appeared in the entrance.

"Brother, our God has arrived!" he informed, breathless as if he'd been 
running. Kayan glanced back to Sam and bowed curtly before leaving, and 
closing the door behind them.

Their God? What kind of God was he? Goau'ld?

"But I have a son waiting for me home!" she cried out as loud as she 
could, but knew they didn't care the least about her son nor herself.

Sam glanced around her one last time before dropping back in the corner. 
What if the SGC couldn't find her? What would happen to Max? Sam closed 
her eyes and wrapped her arms around herself. This was turning out to be 
the worst day of her life. Maybe she would never see Max again. She 
worked an unusual job that required to leave all family members on 
another planet far away. And because of this, she might never see him 
again. Ever.

Her eyes watered as she buried her head in her folded arms.

Kayan and Eshen proudly stood next to each other while a huge ship slowly 
landed on the grass further up ahead. The door opened and a tall man 
surrounded by guards made his way to them.

"Kayan and Eshen! What have you found that was so valuable to trade?" the 
man spoke harshly.

"Lord Ve'ir, we have captured something that is far beyond anything you'd 
ever imagine" Kayan smiled and lifted his hand, indicating the way to the 
cell where Sam was being kept.

"Please come and let us show you what gift we have to offer"

Lord Ve'ir bowed and followed the brothers to the cell.

Sam froze when she heard footsteps approaching. The door was being 
unlocked and finally, pushed open. Kayan and Eshen walked in, followed by 
another man. Sam felt no presence of Goau'ld; this man was simply a 
normal man like the rest of them. But who was he? Why haven't the SGC or 
the Tok'ra heard from him? And obviously he was no God.

"She possesses the memories of a Tok'ra" Eshen proudly informed to Lord 
Ve'ir. The Lord took several steps forward and demanded her to rise to 
her feet. Sam obeyed, having no intention to anger a man twice her size. 
His eyes studied her carefully from head to toe, making Sam more angry by 
the minute.

"I am surprised that you of all people had captured such a valuable 
trade" Ve'ir spoke to the men standing in the entrance. The brothers 
smiled to themselves.

"We vowed to find something worth trading for, my Lord" Eshen bowed.

"Indeed" Ve'ir breathed.

"You sick bastard!" Sam yelled before receiving a blow across the face, 
sending her flying against the wall and onto the ground.
Ve'ir turned back to now two nervous brothers standing by the entrance 
and nodded, "I will trade for this woman. Bring her to my ship!" he 
ordered his guards and led Kayan and Eshen out of the cell.

Sam, still too weak from the hit, had no strength left to fight the 
guards pulling her upright and to Ve'ir's ship.

"What shall be our reward?" asked Eshen while watching Sam being taken 
into Ve'ir's ship.

"I will send you your reward soon" spoke Ve'ir, "With such a capture, 
your reward will be of a great fortune"

Eshen and Kayan smiled to each other and nodded to Ve'ir.

"Now I must leave. I have duties to attend"

"Very well, sir. We shall wait for your reward, my Lord" Kayan bowed and 
watched Ve'ir walk back in his ship. The brothers stood away from the 
ship as it made its way in the sky, sending strong winds to the 
surroundings.

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

Jack snapped his eyes open and coughed violently for a few seconds before 
sighing and adjusting his eyes to his surroundings.

"Colonel, you're awake!"

Jack saw Janet making her way to his bedside and checked his temperature 
and noting the progress in his chart.

"How are you feeling, sir?"

"what happened?" Jack groaned, pulling his hand to his head.

"We'll give you pain killers for the headache, sir" Janet promised, 
putting down his chart.

"Alexia, could you please let General Hammond know that Colonel O'Neill 
is now awake" the young nurse nodded to Janet and left the infirmary at 
once.

Jack glanced around him and found himself alone in the infirmary.

"Where's the rest of my team?" he ask worriedly.

"Teal'c and Doctor Jackson are both awake and fine, sir"

"Teal'c and Daniel? What about Carter?!" he demanded.

"Jack, you're awake!" Daniel entered the room, closely followed by Teal'c 
and Hammond.

"Apparently I am!" Jack snapped, sitting upright in his bed, ignoring 
Janet's protest.

"Is there something wrong, colonel?" Hammond glanced at Janet for an 
explanation.

"Can someone care to let me know where the hell is Carter?" Jack's 
patience was reaching its limits.

"Colonel, calm down!" Hammond ordered and Daniel spoke.

"Sam didn't came through the stargate with us. We have no memories of 
what happened. From what Janet gathered, we appeared to have been 
drugged" Daniel quickly explained.

"Drugged?" Jack echoed in disbelief.

"You and the rest of your team were thrown out of the stargate about four 
hours ago. Still no signs of major Carter so far" Janet continued.

"We were hoping you'd remember something" Daniel finished.

Jack was thoughtful for a minute. As much as he tried, nothing came to 
mind. His worries for Sam was the only thing he could think about. He 
needed to find her and bring her back home.

Seeing it led to nothing, Hammond cleared his throat and sighed, "It's 
alright, colonel. Don't blame yourself for what happened. SG-2 and 5 are 
ready to leave on my command"

"Sir, request permission to join them!" Jack demanded, getting ready to 
jump out of bed and into his BDUs. Janet quickly stopped him before his 
feet touched the ground.

"Sorry, colonel, but it's not going to happen. I'm sorry, but you've just 
woke up from being unconscious for over four hours. I can't let you go 
through the stargate"

"There's not a chance in Hell I'm staying here and wait!" he argued 
loudly.

"Colonel, doctor Frasier is right. You're not strong enough to face 
whatever is beyond this Gate. Doctor Jackson and Teal'c will join SG-2 
and keep you updated" Hammond softly ordered, knowing how hard it might 
be for not only a commanding officer to loose a team mate but for a man 
who just lost the woman he loved.

Jack deeply sighed and abruptly laid back in his infirmary bed. He wasn't 
pleased with the decision at all but couldn't argue with the fact that he 
wasn't feeling one hundred percent strong at the moment. And feeling weak 
was not going to help Sam in whatever situation she was in.

"Let me know how things turn out" he breathed, avoiding eye contact with 
everyone.

"Don't worry, Jack. We'll bring her back" Daniel promised and left the 
infirmary, followed by Teal'c. Janet left Jack's bedside, leaving Hammond 
and his second in command alone for a minute or two.

"Colonel, I know this must be very hard for you but you're in no position 
to help major Carter in any way. There'll be two teams send out for her. 
They'll find her and bring her back home"

"sir, she has a son waiting for her home. He lost his father long ago and 
loosing his mother is definitely *not* an option!"

"And I understand that. Calm down and rest, we'll find her, Jack" Hammond 
smiled sadly before leaving the infirmary. Jack stared at him leaving and 
sighed again.

Rest was definitely not coming.

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

Sam was brought in the ship's main entrance where Ve'ir spent his time 
looking out from the main, huge window standing in front of him. The ship 
looked nothing like a Mother Ship. The decorations were warm and 
inviting, unlike Goau'ld ships that were mainly equipped for battle.

The guards dropped her on the glassy floor before leaving the room. Sam 
coughed several times before pushing herself to her feet. The ship 
suddenly started to shake, indicating her that it was taking off. Fear 
hit her full speed as she ran to the window and watched as the ground 
below her slowly grew smaller.

"Oh no" she breathed as she saw Kayan and his brother walk away.

"Welcome aboard my ship, major Carter" came a voice behind her. Sam 
jumped and abruptly turned around to see Ve'ir standing near his usual 
seat.

"Who are you?" Sam demanded, staying as far away from him as possible. 
Ve'ir sat down comfortable in his chair before answering her question.

"I am Ve'ir. I collect information for my Gods. They reward us with that 
we want" he smiled, waving his hands around his ship.

"You're working for Goau'lds?"

"I am not in liberty to say anything to a prisoner" he warned.

Sam frowned, "I'm not a prisoner. I've been kidnapped and given to you! 
You have no rights to keep me here!"

"Your knowledge is most important to us therefore we cannot let you go. 
But fear not, as long as you cooperate, we shall hurt neither one of you" 
Ve'ir promised and took a sip of a drink that rested on a small table 
beside him.

Sam frowned and took a couple of steps forward.

"Neither one of us? There's someone else here?"

Ve'ir shook his head patiently before laying back in his chair, putting 
down the 
glass from which he had been drinking from.

"There is only you, major Carter, you and your unborn child aboard this 
ship"

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

Max 6: Out of Reach

Daniel and Teal'c were among SG-2 and 5 waiting in the Gate Room for the 
Stargate to find its seventh chevron. Hammond entered the room and joined 
them by the end of the ramp.

"Is Jack still upset, sir?" Daniel ask, putting on his cap.

"I'm afraid so, and I believe he will for as long as major Carter is not 
found" Hammond sighed, glancing at the now established event horizon. He 
turned around to face the rest of his men going on the rescue mission and 
nodded, "Bring her home, soldiers. And the best of luck to all of you"

The men answered the General with a respectful salute before Major 
Coburn, commander of SG-2, yelled out a go. Hammond shared a brief smile 
with Daniel and Teal'c, before watching them disappear through the event 
horizon.

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

Sam was brought in another cell, much cleaner than the one Kayan and his 
brother locked her in. At least there was a bed with decent and warm 
covers. Perhaps if she hadn't been pregnant, he would have sent her in a 
more 'dirty' cell where the rest of the ordinary 'prisoners' were kept.

Sam sat on the edge of the bed, Ve'ir's words still echoing endlessly in 
her head. Was she really pregnant? How would he have known? Surely she 
would have... would she? Sam closed her eyes and took a deep breath, 
trying to calm herself down. Despite the situation, she found herself 
smiling. If he was right, then no doubt in her mind who the father was. 
The smile quickly faded when she came back to reality; back to where she 
currently sat, on a ship far away from home, far away from her son and 
far away from the man she loved and the father of her possible unborn 
child.

Sam quickly brushed away the tears before lying back on the bed and 
burying her face in the pillow. The sound of the door sliding open took 
her attention. She lifted her head from the pillow and saw a woman 
walking in, carrying a tray.

"Who are you?" Sam ask, pushing herself to a sitting position and, with 
the end of her shirt, wiped her tears away. The girl entered silently and 
closed the door behind her before walking to the bed. She put down the 
golden tray that carried food and raised her eyes to hers.

"Eat", she smiled, "You and your unborn child needs strength"

Sam frowned and glanced down to the food she was being given, before 
reaching for something she couldn't figure out what it was. They seemed 
concerned about the welfare of the child, so surely they wouldn't give 
her food that would endanger its health.

"Thank you" Sam mumbled, keeping her eyes fixed on the woman as she ate. 
She was the average height, 5'4". She had curly black hair and amazing 
blue eyes. It was hard giving her an age, since she didn't talk much.

"Do you work for Ve'ir?" Sam decided to at least try to make a 
conversation. Eating while someone was staring at you wasn't the best way 
to relax. The girl tilted her head and smiled, "No, I do not work for 
him. He is my father. I work *with* him"

Sam stopped chewing and stared at her in disbelief. Talk about a family 
of lunatics, she thought. She swallowed her food and questioned her 
again, "Why is your... 'father', do all this? Why is he kidnapping people 
like me?"

The girl seemed slightly uncomfortable but managed to keep herself 
together. She smiled again, always as sweetly, before replying, "I am not 
allowed to talk about it, but since you are one of your own, I think you 
can understand"

"One of my own?" Sam questioned her, forgetting about the tray and the 
food.

"Yes, you are a mother. You see, my mother was taking a few years ago by 
a, what my father calls it, a goau'ld. I am not in liberty to say his 
name, but he had taken her because... because she suited him as a perfect 
wife" she finished sadly.

"I'm sorry to hear that..." Sam trailed off. The girl blushed slightly, 
"I am sorry. My name is Marielle"

"Marielle" Sam nodded with a smile, "But, what does kidnapping people has 
to do with your mother?"

"My father made an arrangement with the goau'ld that took my mother. The 
goau'ld required information in return, and when he will have everything 
he demanded for, he will release my mother and we shall be, once again, 
free to live all of us together again" she smiled.

Sam stared at the girl carefully; she was definitely not older than 20, 
but very intelligent for her age. She sighed before breaking in a smile 
again, "Marielle, I don't know if you or your father knows the Goau'lds 
very much, but I don't think he will release your mother after you give 
him all the information he demands. I worked many years fighting against 
them and not once have they held their promise"

Marielle took a step backwards, looking shocked, "What are you saying? He 
is a liar and will never return my mother?" she gasped.

"Pretty much all goau'lds are liars and should be treated as so. You can 
never trust a goau'ld, ever"

Marielle kept eye-contact with Sam for a few seconds before breaking in 
tears and running towards the doors. Sam quickly stood up, "Wait! I 
didn't mean..." Marielle already left before Sam could even finish her 
sentence. Sighing, she sat back down on the bed and pulled the tray next 
to her.

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

SG-2 and 5 followed Daniel and Teal'c to the building where SG-1 had been 
previously brought to. The villagers hid in their houses as the soldiers 
marched through the village. Some spied through their windows, while 
others kept their doors ajar to see what would happen next.

Once by the doorstep of the building, Daniel and Teal'c stepped aside to 
leave Coburn and his men burst in, weapons in hand.

The room was deserted and quiet, and cleaned from the mess SG-1 had 
earlier made. There was no sign of either Kayan or Eshen.

"Doctor Jackson, Teal'c, you two stay here!" the Major ordered while 
waving to his team to follow him down several other hallways. Daniel 
turned to Teal'c and sighed, "Do you thinkthey left?", he ask.

"I do not believe so, Daniel Jackson. I doubt they would leave their 
people behind"

"They're able to kidnap Sam, I don't think leaving their people behind is 
such a big problem for them", Daniel argued. Teal'c quickly raised his 
hand, cutting Daniel before he could say another word. Staring at his 
hand, Daniel glanced to Teal'c with a puzzled expression. Slowly, Teal'c 
raised his zat gun and marched toward the nearest door on their left. 
Daniel, still ignoring to why Teal'c was behaving this way, took out his 
9mm just in case. With a swing of his arm, Teal'c opened the door, 
revealing Kayan and Eshen hiding in what looked like a closet.

"Oh my God" Daniel breathed and made his way next to Teal'c before 
raising his weapon, "Where's Sam?" he demanded.

A paling Eshen raised his hands in defeat and shook his head, "Don't hurt 
us! We only did this for the good of our people!"

"Get out!" Daniel ordered, waving his gun while Teal'c grabbed Kayan's 
collar, pulling him out by force. The men stood quietly in the middle of 
the room, trembling with fear.

"Where is Major Carter?" Teal'c asked again.

"She is no longer among us!" Kayan said. Daniel frowned, "What do you 
mean she's no longer among us? Did you kill her?" his heart skipped a 
beat at the possibility that she may be dead.

"No! We could never do such a thing!" Eshen gasped, "We've given her to 
our Lord... she left with him!"

"And who is this Lord of yours?" Teal'c raised an eyebrow.

"We do not speak of him" Eshen breathed, shaking his head softly. Teal'c 
raised his zat gun and fired once. Kayan cried out in horror as he 
watched his brother fall on the ground, his body jerking as electricity 
ran through him.

"He's not dead" Daniel told Kayan, "But he will be the next time Teal'c 
pulls the trigger"

"You cannot kill him!"

"You kidnapped our friend!" Daniel yelled back. "What gave you the right 
to do that!?"

Kayan didn't answer but simply lowered his eyes to the ground. Daniel 
snapped his radio from his chest pocket and contacted Major Coburn. If 
Sam was taken onto a ship, then God only knew where she could be by now. 
They needed to learn about their Lord, and the only way they were to 
obtain this information, was to bring them back on Earth.

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

The door slammed opened, making Sam jumped in surprise. She immediately 
stood from her bed and stepped backward to the wall. Ve'ir walked angrily 
into the room and ordered his guard to close the door behind him.

"What have you said to my daughter?" he demanded loudly. "What have you 
done to make my daughter cry?" he shouted. Sam winced and moved once 
again away from him.

"I haven't said or done anything. All I did was inform her about the 
risks of dealing with the goau'lds!" Sam argued, trying to pull her 
ground.

"You know nothing of the Goau'lds!" he spat, turning around to the door.

"That's where you're wrong!" Sam shouted, taking a deep breath before 
continuing, "I've been fighting the Goau'lds for almost six years now and 
one thing I've come to understand, was to never trust one!"

Ve'ir stopped and turned around to face her, "With who have you been 
fighting? The Tok'ra?"

"No, I'm part of a team... a team called SG-1. I'm from a planet called 
Earth... but the Tok'ra are one of our allies... if that's what you 
meant" Sam finished breathlessly, making her way back to her bed.

"But the Goau'lds are powerful, they cannot be defeated"

"And they can be... how should I say this... stupid, sometimes" Sam 
forced a smile. Ve'ir answered her with a puzzled look.

"My team and I have been fighting the Goau'lds a long time now. We know a 
lot of things about them that most of the universe doesn't. That was the 
main reason why my team and I gated on Galadria. It was to form an 
alliance between our planets in case something bad would happen"

"The one that has taken my wife... he is a powerful goau'ld..." he spoke 
sadly and quickly looked away. Sam stood from her seat and made her way 
to him slowly.

"Maybe..." she started, stopping before him, "If you let me go... my 
people and I can help you get your wife back"

Ve'ir quickly took a step backward and stared at her in disbelief, "Do 
you take me for a fool?" he gasped "I will never trust a prisoner!"

"A prisoner? I'm no prisoner!" Sam protested, "I'm the enemy of your 
enemy... therefore, we are allies"

Ve'ir spoke no more and headed back towards the door. With a hard knock, 
the door opened and Ve'ir turned around to look at Sam one last time 
before walking away. Sam sighed and looked around before making her way 
back to her bed.

This was going to be a long day.

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

Jack hurried himself to the Gate Room as soon as he heard SG-2 and 5 were 
coming back. As the door of the Gate Room slid open, he saw General 
Hammond already standing by the ramp. He turned his face to look at him 
before glancing back to the Stargate. Taking a deep breath, Jack marched 
next to his commanding officer and waited. Daniel and Teal'c were the 
first to step out of the stargate, slowly followed by the rest of the 
team... and the two brothers. Jack paled and stared at Daniel and Teal'c 
walking towards him.

"Where is she? What happened?" he demanded.

"Major Carter is no longer on P4X 6TR, O'Neill" Teal'c replied.

"Where is she then!?"

"Apparently she's on a ship... somewhere in the universe" Daniel 
finished, watching as the two brothers were being led to their holding 
cell. Jack frowned in confusion and glanced to Kayan and Eshen.

"De-briefing in ten minutes people!" Hammond ordered and walked away. 
Things were not going well, especially for Jack. The colonel followed 
Teal'c and Daniel to the lockers, anxious to know more.

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

Sam was pulled out of her sleep by someone walking in her cell. She 
tiredly pushed herself in a sitting position and saw Marielle making her 
way towards her.

"Sorry to disturb your sleep, Major Carter, but my father wishes to speak 
with you. He has invited you for the morning meal"

Sam took that has in breakfast and stood from her bed. She wondered if 
her earlier 'speech' was the reason for this invitation. She made no 
remarks and followed Marielle out of the room.

"Marielle, I'm sorry about earlier" Sam started, but Marielle simply 
smiled and stopped in front of a large, grey door. The door slid open and 
Sam saw Ve'ir sitting by the table, cup of water in hand, smiling at 
them.

"Please, come forth and make yourself comfortable!" he announced. Sam 
shared a puzzled look with Marielle, but the girl simply marched past her 
and towards her seat next to her father.

"Why am I here exactly?" Sam eyed Lord Ve'ir under a suspicious eye. The 
man only smiled and waved a seat on the opposite side of his daughter.

"Please sit so we can discuss your proposition"

Sam carefully sat down and glanced to Ve'ir, "What about it?"

Ve'ir shared a smile with his daughter before proudly announcing, "We 
have accepted your proposition!"

"You'll return me home?" Sam breathed with hope.

"No, I'm afraid. In order to know what you say about your team and your 
planet is true, we will have to keep you aboard this ship until my wife 
returns"

Sam paled quickly, "But... I can't stay that long! I assure you that 
people from my planet will accompany you and fight side by side with you 
but I can't go!"

"And why not?" Marielle questioned.

"Because I already have a son at home and as you earlier said... I'm 
pregnant. A pregnant woman should not be in the middle of a battle" Sam 
reasoned.

"Do not worry, my men will protect you. But under no circumstances should 
you leave this ship! I am allowing your people to help us, but you shall 
be free only if my wife returns" Ve'ir warned. Sam was thoughtful for a 
moment. This may be her only way to be in contact with Earth again and 
once back with her team, they could all figure something out.

"Ok, I accept" she announced, not as thrilled as the Lord but pleased to 
think she may see her team again.

"Good, you will give Earth's coordinates to me after the morning meal"

Sam looked at the food lying in front of her and began eating. Finally 
she was given a decent meal.

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

The de-briefing was long and revealed nothing new to SG-1. Major Coburn 
told his side of the story, soon followed by Daniel and Teal'c. Hammond 
had later ordered a separate interrogation with Kayan and Eshen. After 
Hammond dismissed everyone, he called Jack to stay behind. The colonel 
faced his commanding officer and his eyes rested on the doctor sitting 
quietly, her eyes studying the file she held tightly in her hands.

"Sir?" Jack questioned, sitting back down.

"Colonel, doctor Fraiser discovered something about Major Carter" Hammond 
started and nodded to the doctor to continue.

"We didn't know when we should have told you this, sir, but I assure you 
that if I had known I wouldn't have sent her through the Stargate this 
morning"

"What are you talking about?"

"Sir, Major Carter's test results just came back an hour ago and... well, 
sir, the major is pregnant"

Jack's world stopped spinning as everything stood motionless around him. 
One word rang in his mind. She was pregnant. She was out there, in the 
hands of a madman... and she was pregnant.

"Jack, are you alright?" Hammond ask his second in command with concern.

"Colonel?" Janet was about to stand but Jack waved his hand, stopping her 
quickly.

"Sir, permission to assist the interrogation"

"Jack..."

"General"

Jack didn't want to talk about Sam's pregnancy. He was still in the 
process of getting the idea in his head. General Hammond and Janet didn't 
push the subject any further; the important thing was that now he knew 
the situation was getting more and more delicate to handle.

Janet felt partly responsible for this mess, although she couldn't have 
done anything to prevent Sam's kidnapping. Maybe she shouldn't have sent 
Sam through the Stargate that day, so long after being absent from work. 
But she didn't know something like this could come up. All she could do 
now, was hope that Sam would be safely returned home.

Hammond granted Jack's request to assist the interrogation. That was the 
least he could do for his second in command. He couldn't blame him for 
how he felt following this kind of revelation. No doubt in his mind he 
was the father of this child. And he knew better than raise this issue 
with him now. Things had to be done, and that was to get Major Carter 
back.

Jack made his way to where the interrogation was being held.

Kayan sat nervously but quietly in a chair in the middle of the room. 
Several guards and Teal'c surrounded him, making sure he wouldn't try to 
escape. Daniel reserved a seat for Jack, knowing well enough he wouldn't 
miss this for the world. Jack sat down and watched as Daniel stood to 
start questioning the man.

"Back on Galadria, you said she was no longer on your planet. Where is 
she?"

"Our Lord has taken her aboard his ship"

"And what is your Lord's name?"

"I am not allowed to say"

"Why not?"

"Because it is against our law. We do not speak of him during his 
absence"

"How was she when she left? Was she wounded in any way?"

"No, I assure you she was being taken cared of"

"How do you know that your Lord will take good care of her?"

"Once she has left Galadria, she is no longer our matter"

Jack closed his eyes, trying to keep himself to place. God knew what 
damage he could do to this man if his anger was let loose. He rose from 
his seat and slowly marched towards Kayan. Daniel glanced worriedly to 
Teal'c, wondering if Jack would do something he'd later regret.

"Let me ask you something..." Jack trailed off, keeping his voice under 
control. "How much did you know about her?"

"She has the memories of the Tok'ra" Kayan replied.

"And that's all? All you know about her is some damn memories?"

"That is all we need to offer to our Lord"

"But you didn't know she has a son waiting for her at home, do you? You 
don't know how important she is to all of us, now don't you?" Jack's 
voice began to rise.

Kayan was speechless and shook his head.

"And you didn't know that she was pregnant either, didn't you!?"

"I did not know..." the man whispered.

"Yeah, you didn't know" Jack echoed sarcastically, "You didn't know a lot 
of things about her, but you kidnapped her anyways!"

"I am sorry..." Kayan started but Jack cut him off.

"You're sorry? You're looking at the man who just lost the woman he loved 
because of you and you're *sorry*? If anything at all happens to her... 
You and your brother are in for a ride" he finished and stalked out of 
the room.

Daniel and Teal'c as everyone else in the room, stood speechless. Kayan 
looked more guilty than ever. It was obvious that he and his brother 
hadn't thought of everything before sending Sam in the hands of whoever 
the man was. And Sam being pregnant just added up to their worries.

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

After the morning meal, Sam was led to a new room where she had to spend 
the few remaining days until they reached Earth. The room was cozy, not 
exactly like her bedroom or even her quarters back at the SGC, but 
something she was satisfied with until her team-mates would get here. At 
least the bed was comfortable and dressed with warm blankets. That was 
all she really cared about.

She spent the following hours alone, thinking about everyone she missed. 
It had become a ritual of hers ever since she got separated from her 
team. How was Max? Was the rest of her team alright? Were they searching 
for her? Had they lost hope? Sam prayed that they didn't.

Lord Ve'ir informed her they would arrive to Earth in a couple of days. 
Two days seemed forever to her. She had no one to talk to, and spent her 
days alone in her room, worrying and worrying some more. She started 
getting more and more dizzy with each passing minutes. Marielle came to 
help her when she could but not everyday. Sam had never felt so lonely in 
her life.

For the last hour, Sam's mind drifted to different names for the baby she 
was carrying. Was it going to be a boy or a girl? That intrigued her more 
and more. At least she had something to smile about.

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

Jack sat in the Locker room, head in his hands and deep in his thoughts. 
The door opened and Daniel appeared in the entrance. Jack hadn't moved at 
all or said anything. Daniel decided to enter and sat down quietly beside 
his friend.

"Jack..."

"He can't stay alone" Jack cut him off.

"Who can't stay alone?"

"Max"

Daniel stayed quiet. It was not the place for him to do the talking.

"I'm going to get him for the night. Make something up about his 
mother... " he trailed off.

"Jack, I know how hard this is for you, but we're going to find her"

"What makes you so damn sure, Daniel? Did Kayan admitted anything? Or 
maybe his freaking brother?"

"No" Daniel breathed, lowering his head.

"So for all we know, she could be on the other side of the universe by 
now!"

"All I'm saying, Jack, don't give up for her sake. She needs you on this"

"She's pregnant" Jack started.

"I know..."

"When we were together... I was kind of suspecting something was going on 
with her. She was pale and often ate more than the usual but nothing to 
make me think she would have been pregnant. And here I am, to be a father 
again, separated from the woman I love and the mother of my unborn child. 
And the only thing I can think of is, will I ever see her again?"

Daniel was unable to express how sad he felt. He hoped one of the 
brothers would crack and tell them something useful, giving them the 
opportunity to track down the man that took Sam away from them.

Jack glanced down to his watch and glanced to Daniel quietly sitting 
beside him, "We better get to the second interrogation. After that, I'll 
have to leave and get Max"

He stood and silently exited the Locker Room before Daniel had any chance 
to form a reply.

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

Max 7: Twinkle Twinkle little star

Max was kneeling by the window in Steve's bedroom, staring out at the 
sunset. His mother was meant to pick him up before supper, and it's been 
a long time since he ate. Time for sleep was approaching and even though 
Steve was excited with the idea of having a friend over for the night, he 
couldn't help but worry for his mother. It was unusual of her to be gone 
for so long and not even giving him a call. She promised she'd be back 
for supper.

She never broke a promise before.

"Max?" Steve appeared in the entrance and frowned at Max staring out the 
window, "Come on! The film is about to start!" he whined.

Max sighed and glanced to his friend looking annoyed, "I told you, I 
don't want to watch a movie!"

"My mom said you shouldn't worry" Steve repeated his earlier words. He 
couldn't understand why Max didn't find this situation "cool". His own 
mom would never let him sleep at a friend's house. If he had been in 
Max's place, he would have felt like jumping from roof to roof in joy.

But no.

Not for Max.

Poor boy wanted to sit by the window, watching the sun disappear from the 
sky, thinking where his mom was.

"You're boring!" Steve spat.

Max ignored him and pushed himself to his feet, "I'm going outside"

"Fine!"

Max stepped down the stairs and was able to sneak out of the house 
without Maria noticing. Once outside, he lifted his head to watch the 
remaining part of the sun lower beyond the houses.

Sam never came so late before.

He sat down on the cement stairs in front of the house and brushed away 
his tears. He didn't want to look like a cry baby in front of Steve and 
his mother. But the hurt he felt inside was just too much for his little 
heart to handle.

He missed her.

Was she missing him?

Was she even thinking about him?

Had she really forgotten about him?

Tears came more often and very soon his cheeks were damped with tears.

The sound of a car approaching quickly made him stand up. Clumsily wiping 
away his tears with the back of his hands, he took a couple of steps 
closer to the sidewalk. It wasn't a car but a truck. His mother didn't 
own a truck.

Meaning that wasn't her.

The truck stopped in front of Maria's house, causing Max to step away. It 
took a while for the person inside to come out, giving Max plenty of time 
to remember who's truck was this. It looked fairly familiar but couldn't 
place it anywhere in his memories. The door finally open, and a man came 
out.

"Jack" Max breathed, not knowing whether to be angry, sad or worried.

"Hey, buddy"

His voice.

There was something in his voice that just wasn't right.

Jack was never neutral.

"Where's mommy?"

"I'll tell you later, ok? I need to speak with Maria for a moment"

"I want to know where's mommy" he asked again between hard coming sobs. 
Jack stepped forward and gently picked the sobbing boy in his arms. This 
was going to be a lot harder than he expected.

"Your mom is working late. No need to cry waterfalls now, ok?" Jack 
whispered in the boy's ear, stroking his back with a comforting hand.

"Why didn't mommy call?"

The boy was as smart as his mother. It was evident. Jack kissed Max's 
forehead and opened the passenger door of his truck "Wait here, ok? I'm 
gonna have a little chat with Maria, get your puppy and I'll be right 
with you" he promised, wiping his tears away. He was answered by a sob 
and a nod.

He leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. So many emotions passed 
through him he couldn't keep his head straight. Everything was just so 
wrong. Why hadn't Sam ask Janet to keep him? He loved spending time with 
Cassandra and her dog.

Why Jack?

Why choose the second person he loved the most, who had abandoned him and 
his mother several weeks ago, to baby-sit him for the night?

He was so confused. So lost.

He wanted to call his mother and ask her to come home. 

Back with them. 

Him and Star. 

Eat pizza and watch another movie. 

Play in the bathtub with the bubbles and his toys.

Going to sleep with the sound of her voice, singing:

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.

Hot tears cascaded his cheeks. He missed her more than he let on. A lot 
more.

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

Sam was bored and tired, without forgetting sick almost all the time. She 
had nothing else to do but stare at the dull ceiling and walls that 
surrounded her. She was unable to go to sleep, not matter how exhausted 
she was, with all the thoughts that tormented her. 

Was it really a good idea to give Earth's coordinates to this 'man' she 
knew nothing about? He did nothing to gain her trust. For all she knew, 
Earth could be in great danger by now. And she'd be responsible for 
everything.

Absolutely everything.

The thought made her sick. Or was it her pregnancy? She didn't want to 
know. This wasn't how her life was suppose to turn out to be. Away from 
her son, her friends, the people... the man she loved. The thought caused 
her to lower her eyes and gently stroke her stomach. Tears welled up in 
her eyes, yet she was smiling. She would rather be in the arms of a 
certain man than sit here alone with her unborn child, locked in a metal 
room, trapped on an alien ship on the other side of the universe.

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

Jack was making his bed, taking off the already used blankets and 
replacing them with clean ones. Max would have to sleep in his bed for 
the night, Jack didn't mind sleeping on the couch at all. In fact, he 
didn't think he could sleep very well if it had been in his bedroom. 
Sleeping alone in a huge bed was out of the question for now, not when 
the only thoughts penetrating his head were focused on Sam and her alone.

He made a bath for Max half an hour ago, and that's where he still was. 
Jack felt sorry for the kid. No child should experience the loss of a 
parent, and worse yet, both of them. Max wasn't handling things well, he 
was thinking too much and didn't talk much about his feelings. Maybe Jack 
should talk to him before bed, at least clear several things out so he 
wouldn't die of worry.

"Max? Is everything alright?" Jack asked, knocking on the bathroom door.

No answer.

He slowly opened the door and stepped inside. He stopped dead when he saw 
the little boy wrapped around a towel, sitting on the floor and 
shivering.

"You'll get sick like this!" he gasped, grabbing another towel and 
pulling it on his head. He took the boy in his arms and brought him to 
his bedroom where he put him down on his bed. He knelt down so he could 
stare in Max's eyes and frowned.

"Max, why are you so quiet?"

"Because you're lying!" he accused.

"And what am I lying about?"

"Mommy! She's not working late! She's gone, isn't she?"

"Don't..."

"No, she's gone and she's not coming back! She doesn't love me anymore!" 
he shouted angrily, pushing Jack away and crawled under the blankets, 
throwing the towel on the floor.

"Max..."

"Go Away!" he shouted, closing his eyes tightly, trying not to listen to 
another word of what Jack was saying.

"Please, listen..."

He wasn't listening. Didn't want to either.

"You're right, Max, your mom is in trouble. But it's not what you think!" 
Jack admitted, his frustration rising.

He hummed a song. Blocking Jack's words away.

"Your mommy is... how can I put this..." he whispered impatiently, "Is 
lost. She's not gone, she's just lost right now and we need to find her 
and get her back"

He stayed silent. Motionless. Humming a song.

Jack gave up. It wasn't the time to get angry. Patience was the key.

"Your clothes are in the bag next to the bed. Everything's in there..." 
Jack grabbed the wet towel Max threw on the floor earlier and stepped 
away.

"Your mother loves you very much, Max. More than you think. She'd do 
anything in her power to keep you safe, loved and happy. Don't ever 
*ever* think otherwise, is that clear?" he faltered before facing the 
silent boy once more, "I love you too, kiddo. And I know you're angry at 
me and you have all the reasons to be, but no matter what happens, I'll 
always be there for you" Despite how tightly his eyes were closed, tears 
found their way to the surface.

The door closed and footsteps faded away.

He lifted his damped face from the pillow and glanced around to the now 
empty room. The air was cool, making his body shiver. He quickly stepped 
off the bed and grabbed the bag containing his clothes. As he pulled his 
pants out, a teddy bear fell on the floor.

Mister Poo was his name.

It was a present from Jack when they all went out to a carnival. It 
stayed with him ever since. After pulling on his PJs, he bent down and 
grabbed the teddy bear in his hands before sitting on the edge of the 
bed.

"I guess it's just you and me, Mister Poo" he whispered. The teddy bear 
stayed motionless in his hands, his glassy eyes staring lifelessly back 
into Max's watery blue eyes. Taking a deep breath, the boy pulled his 
little legs underneath the blankets and lowered himself down. With a deep 
breath, he closed his eyes and brought Mister Poo closer to his chest.

Jack changed clothing for the night and laid down on the couch. With an 
arm beneath his head and the other resting on his chest, he stared at the 
ceiling with no intentions of going to sleep. There was still no words 
from the SGC showing any progress of finding Sam. The brothers didn't 
seemed to understand the gravity of the situation.

Sighing, he shook his head in disbelief and closed his eyes.

His thoughts wandered to something completely different.

He was going to be a father again.

Again.

What a feeling!

He had to admit to himself he was scared to death. This was the last 
thing he'd expect from his days together with Sam. Not that he wasn't 
happy. He was thrilled. He could hardly control his inner excitement.

But something big was missing.

The child itself and most of all, the mother. She should have been here, 
in his arms, talking baby names with him. Talking about how everything 
was going to be ok and how they'll work things out. But it wasn't the 
case. She was out there. Alone. Where everything was just not ok.

He finally managed to fall asleep.

Max was another story. The room was too dark and silent.

He was scared.

His mom wasn't here if he'd wake up in the middle of the night from an 
horrible bad dream. If he believed Jack's words, she was lost. That 
puzzled him to no end. How can his mother be lost? Surely she knew her 
way back home, she lived here for a long time now.

Another noise.

The floor cracked.

Max stayed still.

Slowly after pulling himself together, he stepped down the bed and 
brought Mister Poo along with him. Star lifted his head to watch his 
master walk to the door before lazily standing on his paws and following 
him out.

The house was very quiet. So quiet Max thought Jack had left him here 
alone. All thoughts of that quickly faded away when he saw a figure 
sleeping on the couch. Softly, the boy stepped beside him and carefully 
climbed on the couch and cuddled himself between Jack and the couch.

"Max?" Jack mumbled tiredly, looking confused at Max snuggling beside 
him. 

"Is everything ok, kiddo?"

"I can't sleep" the boy mumbled against his chest. Jack closed his eyes 
and moved a little to give Max a little more space to sleep in. He 
brought his hand down and reached for the blanket before pulling it on 
them. Sighing, he smiled and kissed the boy's head.

"It's ok now, go to sleep"

He felt Max nod and soon later his breathing slowed, showing he was 
already asleep.

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

Sam watched as Marielle walked out of her room. She came to inform her 
that their ship would orbit Earth in only a day. She also explained the 
device that was going to be used to send a recorded message from them to 
Earth. At least they weren't going to land somewhere. That would have 
been a terrible mistake! But much to Sam's surprise, Ve'ir promised to 
cloak the ship so no one could detect its existence.

Now alone again, in the middle of the night, unable to sleep. She 
wondered what she was going to say in her message that was going to be 
sent. Something quick, simple and clear.

Sam grew more and more nervous as the ship neared her planet. They were 
still far from it, but she could feel its presence approaching.

She took a deep breath and leaned back in her bed. She needed rest. 
Marielle had insisted on it and told her if she wouldn't even try, she'd 
send her father to 'lecture her' back to sleep.

How threatening did that sound, Sam mused sarcastically. At least the 
girl had a sense of humour... unless Ve'ir's lectures were *indeed* 
boring people to sleep... 

She wondered how Max was spending his night on Earth. How he was feeling 
without her around. She knew Jack wouldn't let anything happen to him, he 
loved him as much as she did.

"Max, honey..." she whispered to herself, her eyes glued on the ceiling 
above her, "Mommy is coming back... Don't worry, sweetie, mommy will be 
home soon... I love you" she let the tears run down her cheeks, them 
being her only comfort for the moment.

"Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky."

Sam's barely audible voice faded away, her last memory before slumbering 
the night away was the face of her son, smiling down at her.

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

Max 8: Negotiation

Sam was standing beside Marielle and her father, watching as the ship 
neared Earth. Sam sighed relief and smiled at Marielle before looking 
back at her planet. She couldn't recall the last time she was so happy to 
see it. Ve'ir turned to face her and nodded his head slowly.

It was time.

She held out her hand and gave him the device where she recorded her 
message. Hopefully she had said enough. She watched as Ve'ir put down the 
device on a table and entered a combination of numbers before it 
disappeared.

"That's it?" Sam frowned and glanced to Earth before back at Ve'ir. The 
man nodded again and left the room.

"Now we wait." Marielle smiled, "Now come, you need rest."

"Again? No offence but..."

"Do not worry yourself. Your people will receive your message and they 
will come for you."

"How will they know the way to activate the device?"

"Everything is in the message. Now, please, go rest."

Sam glanced worriedly through the window, before following Marielle to 
her room.

Now they waited.

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

Jack opened his eyes, squinting against the early morning sunlight 
streaming in the living room window. Wiping the sleep from his eyes with 
the back of his hand, he saw Max sitting next to him, TV remote in hand, 
watching cartoons on TV. His hair, clumped and matted, pointed off in 
various directions.

"Hey, kiddo. Nice sleep?"

Max jumped slightly at the sound of his voice and turned his head to face 
him.

"Good morning." he smiled.

"Slept well?"

His smile faded and his eyes lowered, "I miss Mommy."

Jack sighed and pushed himself in a sitting position before cradling Max 
in his arms. The young boy released control of the remote and let himself 
relax in his arms.

"She misses you too. But we'll find her and bring her back home, okay?"

Max nodded against his chest before looking up, "I love you, Jack."

It took a second for Jack to register the words. It came so unexpectedly. 
He tightened his arms around the boy, unexpected tears suddenly beginning 
to cloud his eyes. He lowered his head down and kissed the top of his 
head.

"I love you too, Max."

They sat on the couch, arms wrapped around each other, watching cartoons 
playing on television. It was a moment he wanted to remember for the rest 
of his life.

The comfortable silence was cut short by the telephone. Max slipped from 
Jack's arms, allowing him to answer before stepping off the couch and 
walking to the kitchen. Jack watched him go before reaching out to 
answer.

"Hello?"

"Jack? Oh God, you have to come down here now!"

"Daniel? What's wrong? What happened?"

"We got a message this morning. A message from Sam. You need to come down 
here right now!"

Jack hung up, thousands of emotions clouding his head.

A message from Sam.

She was alive!

He left the couch and hurriedly went to the kitchen, finding Max drinking 
a big glass of milk.

"Max, go get dress right away! You're coming with me today"

Max was about to protest but Jack already left the room. Obviously it was 
something of great importance. Maybe related to his mother?

He paled.

"Is it Mommy?" he shouted, jogging to Jack's room to get dress. Jack 
exited the bathroom, dressed in BDUs.

"I'll explain along the way! Are you ready?"

Max tried to get dress as quickly as possible but had a real hard time 
buttoning his pants. Frustration reached its limit and Max felt his eyes 
clouding with tears.

"Max?" he heard Jack repeat from the living room. When he received no 
answer, he made his way to his bedroom and found Max struggling with 
trembling hands, unable to button his pants.

"Hey hey hey, relax there, kiddo." Jack quickly knelt down in front of 
him, taking his hands before he'd hurt himself. "Just ask and I'll help 
you out."

"But we need to hurry!" his voice was on a verge of panic and Jack 
sighed. He carefully helped Max putting on his clothes before looking at 
him in the eyes.

"Come on. Let's go."

"It's Mommy?" Max breathed.

Jack nodded sadly, "Yes, it's Mommy."

"Is she coming home?"

"We'll see once there, okay?"

Max nodded and wrapped his arms around his neck. Sighing, he took him in 
his arms and made his way to the front door. Grabbing his keys and badge, 
he stepped outside and locked the door.

"I'm bringing you where I work, okay? You'll stay with Janet while I see 
what's going on with your mother."

"Can't I come with you?"

"No, I'm sorry but that's not allowed. It's too dangerous for you."

"But I want to see Mommy."

"I know, kiddo. I know."

Jack lowered Max in the passenger seat and fasten his seatbelt. He closed 
the door and walked around the truck before sitting in the driver's seat.

The ride to the SGC was made in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. 
As Jack neared the parking lot, Max's eyes grew wide in amazement at the 
sight of the mountain approaching. It was his second visit at the SGC, 
and it still had the same effect on him.

"Wow" he breathed, getting excited. Jack chuckled and turned off the 
engine before stepping out the vehicle. After getting Max, they headed 
towards the entrance and finally in the building.

The first thing Jack did after stepping out the elevators was to call for 
an airman. He knelt down before Max and smiled, "This man is going to 
lead you to Janet. Be nice, okay? I'll come see you as soon as I can."

"But..."

"Promise me you'll behave."

"I promise." Max mumbled and hugged Jack before watching him walk down 
another corridor. He glanced to the airman beside him and followed him to 
the infirmary.

Jack was running to the Briefing Room, making sure not to knock anyone on 
the way. He finally arrived, breathless, and walked in.

Daniel glanced up from the device and saw Jack marching towards them.

"It appeared in the Gate Room an hour ago." he waved at the object.

"What is it?" Jack ask, sitting down and leaning across the table to get 
a better view.

"It is a message from Major Carter and her captor." Teal'c informed him.

"What does he want?"

"Our help, Colonel." General Hammond walked in and took a seat at the end 
of the table.

"General." Jack greeted before looking back to Daniel.

"What help? Is Carter alright?"

"Sam's better than alright, Jack. She has a room and is given healthy 
food everyday"

The information took Jack by surprised. There was definitely something 
behind all that treatment.

"What help does he want from us?"

"Apparently, Major Carter made a bargain with him."

"What kind of bargain, sir?"

Daniel and Teal'c filled Jack with every piece of information they 
learned from the device. Some things were negotiable, others weren't.

"I say we go and help him!" Daniel started, "If it's the only way to see 
Sam again, I'm definitely in."

"Hold your horses, Doctor Jackson. We don't know nothing about this 
Goau'ld who captured Ve'ir's wife. It could be a trap for all we know!" 
Hammond warned.

"He's holding Carter." Jack pointed out.

"I have never heard of such man named Ve'ir" Teal'c agreed with the 
General.

"Nor did I!" Jack argued, "But I prefer going up there than staying down 
here and not do anything!"

"You could be walking to your death, Colonel!"

"Sam's up there! Pregnant if I might add!" Jack shouted, "I'll be damned 
if I stay here!"

Daniel and Teal'c grew quiet and lowered their eyes to the table. Hammond 
held Jack's gaze for a moment before letting out a nervous breath.

"Ve'ir wants an answer as soon as possible. I believe Doctor Jackson 
knows how to make this device work. And Jack?"

"Yes, sir?"

"I trust you, Colonel. Whatever decision you and your team makes, you 
have my support."

Jack smiled and nodded, "Thank you, sir."

"What answer are we giving him?" Daniel ask, preparing the device.

"Tell him we accept only if he releases Carter for a check-up in the 
infirmary. We need to make sure the baby's fine."

"Ok... and what if he rejects your proposition?"

"He won't." Jack replied sure of himself.

Jack and Teal'c watched as Daniel recorded the message and pressed a 
little golden button on the side before it vanished in the thin air.

"Did it work?" Jack ask, looking around.

"According to the instruction at the end of Ve'ir's message, it should 
be."

"Now what?"

"Now we wait."

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

Jack arrived in the commissary and grabbed a bowl of Fruit Loops before 
making his way to where Max was quietly sitting.

"Hey, kiddo! Where's Janet?"

Max's head snapped up from his own bowl of cereals and smiled.

"She said she was going to be busy for a little while. The soldier is 
looking after me!" he pointed at the airman standing in the entrance. Max 
glanced at Jack's cereal bowl and let out a loud giggle.

"You have the same cereal like me!" he squealed. Jack laughed out loud 
and nodded.

"Didn't you know they were my favourite cereals?"

Max shook his head, grinning from ear to ear "No."

"Well it is!"

"Mine too!" the boy dived his spoon back in his bowl, giggling some more. 
After a long moment of silence, Max finally glanced away from his 
breakfast and seriously on to Jack.

"Is Mommy coming home now?"

Jack sighed and put down his spoon before looking at him, "Mommy might 
come back for a few hours."

"Can't she stay until bedtime?"

"I'm sorry, Max, but no."

Max sadly put down his spoon and sat back in his seat, "Is Mommy in 
trouble?"

"No, Mommy's not in trouble! A man is, and he asked for your Mommy's 
help"

The conversation ended there. For now, anyway. Jack didn't want to talk 
too much about Sam to Max, he was close enough to the truth as it is. 
While he waited for a reply from Ve'ir, he decided to change Max's 
thoughts and learn him how to play chess. It was the only game lying 
around the base and even if it wasn't, it was something Jack knew how to 
play.

Max was enjoying it. A lot! Spending time with Jack always meant having 
great fun. Now he didn't stop talking about how he 'wanted to be just 
like him when he'll grow up' and how 'cool' he was. Jack just laughed at 
everything he said but it touched him far more than he showed. Last time 
he'd been a model for someone was with his own son, Charlie.

Dinner passed before they finally received a message from Ve'ir. Jack was 
starting to get worried that Ve'ir rejected his proposition. But it 
turned out Ve'ir was quite concerned for the welfare of the child and 
granted their request in one condition she was to be returned to them. 
And to make sure that was going to happen, he and several guards would 
accompany her back to the SGC.

Max was back with Janet.

Jack, his team-mates and General Hammond impatiently waited in the Gate 
Room where they were suppose to show up.

Jack was nervous.

Impatient.

Worried.

He needed to see her.

Fast!

A strong white light appeared, forcing everyone to look away. As the 
light faded away, Jack looked back and saw Sam standing between Ve'ir and 
a guard.

She gasped when she saw him and she immediately ran in his arms. He 
firmly held on to her as if afraid she'd disappear again. She buried her 
head in his shoulders and quietly sobbed.

"Are you ok?" he whispered, kissing her head for what looked like a 
thousand times. She nodded against his chest but didn't pull away.

Hammond glanced away from the hugging couple and to Ve'ir, "I'm General 
Hammond, commander of this base."

Ve'ir bowed his head, showing respect, "I am Ve'ir. Major Carter has 
spoken a lot about all of you."

"We were worried." Daniel quipped.

"I understand."

Jack slightly pulled away from Sam and stroke the side of her face and 
smiled. She shyly smiled back and encircled her arms around his neck, 
hugging him once more. He closed his eyes and smiled to himself, "We're 
having a baby," he breathed. She chuckled softly and lifted her head to 
meet his eyes, "We are."

"I'm sorry to interrupt but I would like to see Major Carter now." Doctor 
Fraiser appeared in the Gate Room, taking everyone's attention. Jack 
smiled down reassuringly at Sam and led her out of the Gate Room.

"So good to see you back home again, Sam," Janet smiled.

Sam returned the smile but didn't reply. Yes it was good to be back home. 
Among everyone she knew and loved. If only she didn't have to leave so 
soon again....

She suddenly stopped, earning worry eyes cast her way.

"Sam, what's wrong?" Jack approached her in concern.

"Max. Where is he? I need to see him. I need to see my son!"

Janet smiled and pulled her forward again, "Don't worry, he's here. He's 
been waiting for you, you know."

"I know," she breathed, stepping in the infirmary. She glanced from left 
to right, searching for her little boy.

"Where is he?"

"Mommy!?", they heard some cry from the end of the room. Max stood from 
his chair and stared at his mother in the entrance. Was she real? He 
blinked.

Sam smiled.

That was enough to convince him.

"Mommy!!", he cried even louder and ran into her arms, hugging the life 
out of her.

End.