"Lives So Changed" by Arla and Miki

Title: Lives So Changed

Author(s): Miki & Arla

Rating: M

Classification: Sam/Jack Romance; angst; established relationship

Spoilers: None

Archive: Sam and Jack Relationship; Heliopolis; My site; Miki's site only. Everyone else please ask first.

Disclaimer: Stargate SG-1 and all its characters belong to Double Secret, Gekko, and MGM. We are only playing in the sandbox and will return all including pails and shovels when we are done.

Summary: Jack is injured on a mission and Hammond assigns a temporary CO to SG-1. His ulterior motives change Jack and Sam's lives forever.

Notes: We'd like to thank our beta reader Alli :o). This is a response to the Jack Whumping-Sam emotional wringer challenge posted to the list awhile back <evil grin> And Thanks To Anna H for her suggestions :o)

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

"Incoming traveller!" Graham Simmons called out to those in the room around him.

"Do you have a signal?" Hammond asked as he moved and stopped behind the young technician.

"Coming through now, sir. It's SG1."

Hammond watched as SG1 came through the gate. Carter was first through and was followed closely by Daniel and then Teal'c carrying an obviously injured O'Neill.

"Close the iris!" Sam called out and seconds later the strong titanium iris closed over the opening of the gate, preventing anyone from following them through.

"Med team to the embarkation room." Hammond called over the intercom before moving to the stairs and down to the gate room.

The med team was just rushing into the room as Hammond reached the door and stepped inside. He crossed over to where Carter was standing nearby watching as the med team took an unconscious O'Neill from Teal'c and placed him onto a stretcher.

"Major?" Hammond questioned her in a quiet voice and she reluctantly pulled her eyes away and looked at the General. "Can you tell me what happened?"

"We were ambushed coming back through the gate, sir. They came out of nowhere. We didn't see them until it was too late."

Hammond nodded. "Get yourself looked after Major Carter. You can give me a full briefing later."

"Yes, sir." Sam nodded and then followed the med team from the gate room.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

Sam sat quietly on one of the exam tables being checked out by one of Janet's medics. Her eyes never wavered from the spot across the room where Janet and several nurses were working with Jack. Sam turned her head when she realized that the medic had been speaking to her.

"What? I'm sorry."

"I said you're all clear Major Carter. Just a few bumps and bruises. You can go now."

"Thank you." Sam replied and jumped down off the exam table. She immediately crossed the infirmary to stand just out of the way, but close enough to see what was going on with Jack.

"Have those test results come back yet?!" Janet bellowed to one of the medics behind her. "I need them stat!"

"I'll see what's holding them up," the medic replied and rushed in the direction of the lab.

"How are his vitals?" Frazier asked the nurse who stood across the table from her.

"Not good. BP is 90 over 45. Pulse is 42 and thready."

Fraser mumbled under her breath and turned away, heading towards an instrument table. She had just reached it when the nurse called. "Dr. Frazier, he's gone into V-fib!"

"Ah shit!" Janet swore and rushed back to the exam table. "Get me the crash cart!" she bellowed as she began compressions.

"*One amp* Epi," Janet snapped and held out her hand for the syringe. The nurse passed the large needle to Frazier and she injected the drug directly into Jack's heart. Janet's eyes lifted to the life signs monitor, watching closely for any change. She swore softly when there was none. "Paddles." she looked across the bed to the nurse who stood beside the machine.

"Set it for two hundred joules." Frazier ordered.

"Yes Doctor," the nurse replied. There was a high-pitched whine as the unit charged.

"Clear!" she ordered and everyone stepped away from the bed. Jack's body jerked violently as the electricity shot through him, in the hopes that it would start his heart once more. The monitor registered only a flat line. "Two fifty!" she ordered and the nurse nodded, upping the voltage.

"Oh God, Jack," Sam cried as she watched the scene with horror. She placed a hand over her mouth as tears welled up in her eyes. "No, please God, no!"

"Get her out of here!!!" Janet snapped brusquely as she continued working on Jack.

Sam was dragged unwillingly out of the infirmary. The medic deposited her outside and then rushed back in.

"Sam?" Daniel questioned with a worried frown when he saw his friend's agitated state. "What's wrong?"

"It's Jack, his heart stopped." she sobbed. "Daniel," she looked at him with teary, terror filled eyes. "I can't lose him... I just can't."

"I know." Daniel said soothingly and pulled the woman into a comforting embrace. "It'll will be okay Sam." Daniel soothed as he stroked her back gently. But even to him the words sounded trite. "He's strong, a fighter and he has a lot to live for." he added quietly and silently prayed for the life of his friend.

It was several more tense moments before Janet stepped out of the infirmary and faced her anxious friends. Sam held her breath, afraid for the worst, as Janet faced her.

"We have him stabilized. It was touch and go for a moment there."

Sam sighed with relief and brushed the tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand. "Can I see him?"

"Not just yet. I will let you know when he wakes up. You can see him then," Janet told her quietly.

"All right." Sam replied reluctantly and watched as Janet gave her a nod and disappeared back inside.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

It was a couple of hours later, just as Sam and Daniel were finishing up their briefing with Hammond when the intercom beside him buzzed. "Hammond," the General said as he answered it.

"Sir, Dr. Frazier wanted me to let you all know that Colonel O'Neill is waking up."

"Thank you, tell the doctor we are on the way," he said as he turned off the intercom.

"Dismissed." he told Sam and Daniel and watched as the two rushed from the room. He got up and slowly followed them.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

The haze of pain and blackness slowly lifted from his mind, and he became aware of the sound of voices nearby. He opened his eyes, blinking against the brightness, and focused on the face closest to him.

"Welcome back," the woman said with a smile. "You had us all worried."

He frowned, something wasn't right. He should know this person, shouldn't he?

His voice was weak and croaking when he asked. "May I ask you a question?"

"Of course." the woman smiled.

"Do I know you?"

There were sharp gasps from those who stood around him and the woman, who was a doctor, the white coat told him that although he wasn't sure how he knew that fact, frowned.

"I'm Doctor Frazier," the woman replied quietly. "How are you feeling?"

"Besides confused?"

"Yes," she told him with a small smile.

"Sore, tired and my head hurts."

"Yes, that's to be expected. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"

"No."

"Do you know where you are?"

"No, I assume a hospital of some type."

"Can you tell me your name?"

"No," he frowned and looked distressed.

"That's all right," Janet told him quietly. "Do you know any of these people?" she asked and motioned to the three standing at the foot of his bed.

He looked them over, studying them intently. One was an older man in some type of uniform. He wore an air about him that said he was the man in charge. His eyes shifted to the person standing next to him. This was a younger man whose face was creased with deep concern. Next to him stood a woman. She was beautiful with blonde hair and brilliant blue eyes that were at the moment swimming with tears, and he recognized fear in them. He felt a tug of something, when he looked at her, a thread of something he knew that he should know but couldn't place. He felt more strongly than with any of the others that he should know this woman. There was something strangely familiar about her, something special, but he just couldn't remember. Frustrated he pulled his eyes away and looked back at the doctor.

"No, I'm sorry I don't."

"That's all right," the doctor told him quietly. "Try and get some rest."

He nodded and closed his eyes. Janet sighed heavily and turned to face the group behind her.

Janet gestured for them to follow her out into the corridor. She knew this was difficult for them. The members of SG-1 had developed a special bond. Janet turned to face them once again and put on her doctor face.

"His condition is still serious. We had to remove his spleen to keep him stabilized. He lost a lot of blood."

"Do you need me to donate?" asked Daniel. "We're the same blood type."

"No, we rehydrated him using plasma expanders." Janet leaned against the wall and folded her arms across her chest. "He's got several broken ribs, a punctured lung, bruised kidneys, a serious concussion, and second degree burns over 10% of his torso. He's lucky it wasn't a direct hit."

"Will he get his memory back, Doc?" asked Daniel, putting a comforting arm around Sam.

"It's hard to say. He could get it back tomorrow or next week. Or he may never get it back." Janet pinched the bridge of her nose. "The best thing we can do is talk to him. Spend time with him. Just about anything could trigger a memory. A phrase, an off hand remark, even a smell can bring something back."

"Thank you, Doctor," said Hammond. He turned to face the rest of SG-1. "You're on stand down for the next 72 hours. Report for debriefing at 07:30 Monday."

"Yes sir. Thank you, sir," said Sam quietly. She turned to Janet. "May we see him?"

"He needs to rest. But you can go in for 15 minutes. I'm going to go check on him now. A nurse will let you know when you can see him." Janet gently touched Sam's arm as she walked past her.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

Sam held Jack's hand clutched loosely in hers. She rested her cheek against their joined hands and blinked back tears. Seeing him like this tore at her heart.

"Jack, you have to come back to me. Do you hear me?" she whispered. A single tear slipped down her cheek. "We need you, Jack. All of us do."

Janet quietly walked up behind Sam and rested a hand on her shoulder, offering silent comfort. She looked at the readouts on the monitors.

"How is he?" asked Sam in a soft voice.

"Stable. He's strong and healthy. He's going to make a full physical recovery."

"But you don't know if he'll regain his memory." Sam's voice was flat, almost devoid of emotion.

"No, I don't know that." Janet sat on the bed beside Jack's and took in Sam's appearance. She looked exhausted. Not just physically, but emotionally as well. "Sam, I want you to go home and get some sleep."

"I can't. I can't leave him like this. Maybe I can help him remember something. Maybe…"

"It hasn't even been 24 hours. You have to give this time. He's not going to heal over night." Janet stood up and started to walk away. She turned back briefly. "You can stay another 10 minutes. Then I want you to go home and sleep. If his condition changes in any way, I'll see to it that you're informed immediately."

"Thank you." Sam turned her attention back to Jack. She gently reached out to caress his cheek. "I love you Jack O'Neill. And you're going to get better, do you hear me?" She tightened her grip on his hand and closed her eyes for a moment.

Jack slowly opened his eyes and looked up at Sam. She seemed sad to him. Why could he not remember her? He tentatively touched her cheek with his free hand, smiling at her when she opened her eyes. He could tell from the way she looked at him that there was something between them. "I get the feeling that I should know you," he said weakly.

"You do know me. We work together," she said in a strong, steady voice.

"Who am I?"

The edge fear in his voice unnerved her. "Col. Jack O'Neill. You're the team leader of SG-1. Does that ring any bells?"

"No. I'm afraid not." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Who are you?"

"Maj. Samantha Carter. You sometimes called me Sam. I'm one of those science types that make you so crazy."

Jack studied her for a moment. He could not imagine her driving him crazy. "Sam," he said, trying out her name. "We…"

Janet walked over to the bed, smiling when she saw he was awake. "How do you feel?"

"Like I lost an argument with something significantly larger than myself."

"Sounds about right. Sam, if you'll excuse us, I need to examine the Colonel." Janet fixed Sam with a stern look. "Go home. Sleep."

Sam stood up, leaning slightly over the bed. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay."

"You'll call me?" asked Sam as she started to walk toward the door.

"I promise." Janet then turned her full attention to Jack, checking his injuries and changing the bandages.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

Daniel watched as Sam nervously paced back and forth across the confines of the briefing room. She had been with Jack every moment Janet allowed her. He could see how much Jack's memory loss affected her. As she walked past him again, he reached out and grasped her hand.

"He's going to remember, Sam. Everything is going to be okay," he said, flashing her a reassuring smile.

She smiled weakly in return, the gesture never reaching her eyes. "Thank you. I…" Sam was cut off by the sound of the door opening behind her. She turned and nodded at Hammond as he walked in. "General, sir."

"Major, Dr. Jackson, Teal'c." He walked to the head of the table and sat down. "Let's get started, shall we? As you know Colonel O'Neill is on indefinite medical leave. Until Dr. Frazier is able to assure me that he is 100 percent recovered, and that means he has full return of his memory, he will not be returned to active duty status."

"What does that mean for the team, sir? Will you be reassigning us for the duration of his… convalescence?" she asked.

"No. After careful consideration of this matter, I've decided to assign a temporary replacement for Col. O'Neill." He got up and walked over to the door. "I'd like to introduce you to Colonel Jason Colbert. He's going to be in command of SG-1 until Doctor Frazier pronounces Colonel O'Neill fit for duty. He's here on the authority of the President."

Colbert walked around the table examining the members of SG-1, sizing them up. His gaze drifted from Daniel to Teal'c's tattoo to Sam.

As Colbert's eyes settled on her, raked her from top to toe, Sam shivered. The look in his ice green eyes disturbed her. It was feral, a mixture of distaste and pure unadulterated lust. An instant dislike and a sudden wariness flared up inside her as Colbert turned away to face the General.

"Have a seat Colonel." Hammond said and indicated for the others to do the same. "Colonel, this is SG1." he began and introduced each member in turn. "Dr. Daniel Jackson, our resident anthropologist and archaeologist. Teal'c who, fortunately, knows more about the Goa'uld than we do. And Major Samantha Carter, our expert on the Stargate and your second."

Colbert acknowledged all but Sam with a nod, her he ignored and turned his eyes back to the General. If Hammond noticed the slight, he did not comment. "Sir, I'd like to get started ASAP." Colbert stated in his gruff baritone.

"And so you shall Colonel." Hammond nodded. "P3X100 has been assigned to SG1. You will survey the world for Goa'uld influence and possible hostile intent. You will also, if at all possible, establish peaceful relations with the inhabitants of that world. Those are your orders SG1. You leave within the hour. Dismissed."

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

There were still a few minutes before SG1 was due to leave and so Sam took a few minutes to stop by the infirmary and check on Jack. She stepped inside and was greeted by Janet. "Sam?" the doctor questioned as she approached.

"I'd like to see Jack for a few minutes before I leave." She told Janet quietly.

"I've just given him a sedative but go ahead." she replied with a smile.

"Thanks Janet." Sam told her and then crossed the infirmary to his bed.

She set her gear down and moved closer to the bed. Looking down at him she smiled softly when she saw that he was sound asleep and snoring softly. God, how she missed hearing that sound in the night. Reaching out she tenderly brushed back his hair and then leaned down to brush a kiss across his cheek. "Good bye Jack, sweet dreams," she murmured and then slid her lips to his ear. "I love you flyboy," she whispered before she stood up and backed away from the bed. Picking up her gear, her gaze lingered a few moments longer before moving away.

"Take care of him for me." Sam told Janet as she crossed back over to her.

"Count on it." Janet smiled and watched as her friend turned, casting one last glance over her shoulder, and stepped from the room.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

"You're clear to go SG1. Good luck," Hammond called from the control room.

Daniel and Teal'c moved up the ramp and stepped through the gate. Sam activated the remote and started the rover on its ascent up the ramp. Just as she moved to follow it, Colbert walked by her. As he did, his arm snaked out and he gave her a resounding smack on the butt. "Speed it up, would ya toots," he quipped and didn't even give a backward glance as he followed Daniel and Teal'c.

Rage colored Sam's delicate features and her hand clenched into a tight fist. She fought down the urge to plant that fist right in Colbert's chauvinistic face. ~Easy Samantha~ she told herself. ~Hit your superior and you'll land your butt in a holding cell.~ Taking a deep calming breath she pushed down her ire and followed her team through the gate. "‘bout time, sweet cheeks." Colbert quipped as she stepped through.

Sam glared at him. "No commission is worth putting up with this jerk!" she muttered under her breath.

"What was that?" Colbert questioned.

"Nothing, sir." she responded and crossed over to the rover.

Daniel tossed Colbert's back a glare and moved over to Sam. "You okay?" he asked her sotto voce.

"Besides wanting to put my fist through his face, I'm fine. Thank you Daniel."

Jackson didn't look convinced. "Really, I'll be all right." Sam told him quietly. "Okay."

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

As the day wore on, Daniel was growing more and more pissed at the way that Colbert was treating Sam. He ignored any input that she had, cut her off when she did speak, and gave her the most menial of tasks, treating her as though she were nothing more than a slave instead of the intelligent and competent officer that she was. Daniel could see that Sam was trying hard not to lose her temper and that her already frazzled nerves were close to the edge.

"DanielJackson," Teal's asked quietly as they walked. "Why does the Colonel treat MajorCarter in such a fashion?"

"Because he's an assh...." Daniel stopped and amended himself. "Because he is a man who believes that women are inferior and belong at home barefoot and pregnant. Good only for two things."

The Jaffa looked confused with this last bit and then nodded. "I understand. I do believe DanielJackson that I do not like this Colonel."

"Neither do I, Teal'c, neither do I." Daniel replied quietly.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

It was sometime later when Colbert ordered. "All right let's head back to the gate."

"But sir, the General specifically stated that...." Sam began.

Colbert shot her a hateful glare. "Are you telling me my orders MAJOR!" he barked, stressing her rank.

"No, sir!" Sam spat out.

"Good. You have a place, Major, see that you keep it or I'll personally see to it that you lose it! Do I make myself clear?" he growled.

"Crystal, sir!" Sam glared at him.

"Let's move it." Colbert called to the others "I want to be back through the Stargate before dark."

"Bastard!" Sam muttered under her breath as she turned the rover around and followed the group. Since the Colonel was in earshot, Daniel fell into step beside her and gave her arm a reassuring squeeze.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

"Welcome back, SG1." Hammond called from where he waited at the foot of the ramp. "Get yourselves cleared by medical and then report for debriefing in two hours."

A chorus of "Aye, sirs" sounded in the room as everyone filed out and headed for the infirmary.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

"Sam would you please stop fidgeting so I can finish!" Janet scolded quietly.

"Sorry. I just want to go and see Jack."

"He's not going anywhere and will wait until I'm finished," the doctor told her. Sam nodded and tried to wait patiently as the doctor finished her examination.

Several minutes later Janet said. "Okay, you're clear, but try and get some rest. Doctor's orders."

"Okay." Sam agreed as she hopped down from the table. "After I see Jack, I promise."

Janet nodded and watched her friend as she crossed over to O'Neill's bed.

Jack appeared to be sleeping as Sam drew close to the bed so she was a little surprised when he opened his eyes and gave her a smile. "Hi."

"Hello." Sam replied, flashing him a smile as she took a seat on the edge of his bed. "How are you feeling?"

"Better." Jack nodded and gave her a smile as his dark eyes studied her features. "You look tired." he stated softly.

"Mmm, I am. It's been one hell of a day."

"Sam, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"Just what am I to you? I get the feeling that there is something more between us than just being colleagues. Is there something more?"

Sam took a deep breath and looked into his eyes. "Yes, Jack there is. We're lovers, actually more than that now." she added as she pulled her dog tags from beneath her T-shirt. "Just before we went on the mission where you were injured, you gave me this." She held out the platinum and diamond ring that was attached to her tags. "It's an engagement ring," she told him softly as he silently studied the ring.

Lifting his eyes back to hers he asked. "When did we...?"

Sam smiled. "Well, we'd been dancing around each other, flirting from the very first time we met two years ago. There was something there even then, an attraction, but we didn't act on it until 6 months ago."

"What happened?"

"We were surveying a new world. It was gorgeous, lots of tropical plants and flowers. We'd set up base camp and I went off alone to take a bath. There was this lovely lagoon and waterfall nearby and I wanted to take advantage of it," she told him with a soft reminiscent smile. "I guess I lost track of the time and you got worried and came to look for me. I was standing under that waterfall wishing that you were there with me and suddenly there you were. You took me in your arms, told me that you loved me and....." her voice trailed off.

"And?" Jack questioned with a playful glint in his eyes that made Sam smile.

"And, I leave the rest to your imagination."

"Damn, that's no fun." he muttered with a grin. "So is this relationship of ours a secret?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact it is. Only Janet, Daniel and Teal'c know. We've not told anyone else because military rules strictly forbid any relationship as long as I am under your command."

"But we chose to disobey those rules and take our chances?"

"Yes we did." Sam explained quietly.

Jack nodded and then his eyes were drawn away from Sam's face to a man who stood across the room. It was obvious that he had heard the entire conversation and the glare he shot them was full of hate. Jack instantly got the feeling that he knew the man, somehow, he knew him and felt instant distrust. "Who is that?" he asked Sam and she looked over her shoulder.

"Colonel Jason Colbert." she spat out. "Our new CO until you're better."

"I know him." Jack muttered quietly. "Somewhere I've seen him before. I just don't know how I know him. I only know that I don't trust him," Jack stated as he watched the man move away.

"He scares me Jack, he really scares me." Sam told him softly with an undeniable tremor to her voice.

Jack reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "There's something not right about him. Don't ever be alone with him, Sam. Promise me."

"I promise."

"Good." he nodded and then studied her features, his eyes roaming over every delicate curve before settling on her eyes again. He could see the pain in their depths. "What is it? What's wrong?" he asked softly and when she didn't answer. "Tell me what you're feeling, please Sam?"

Jack saw the tears that threatened to overflow as she took a breath. "Oh, Jack you don't know how difficult this is for me. I look at you and I remember everything, every touch, every word, but you... I look into your eyes and there's no recognition there, at least not the recognition that I'm used to seeing. I'm a stranger to you Jack and I'm afraid."

"Of what?" he asked softly, brushing his thumb tenderly over her knuckles.

"I'm afraid that you won't love me anymore. That you won't remember anything of what we shared, all the plans we made. Oh we made so many plans Jack. On those nights when we lay in each other's arms and just talked because we were too exhausted to do anything else. We were so happy, so complete. I feel like I've lost you forever," she finished as her tears fell softly down her cheeks.

"Sam..." Jack began and reached out to brush the tears from her cheeks but was stopped by Daniel approaching.

"Sam?" Jackson called out. She hurriedly wiped the tears from her cheeks and turned to face him.

"Yes, Daniel?"

"Uhm, the General wants us in the briefing room in ten minutes."

"Okay." Sam nodded.

"Hi Jack." Daniel gave the older man a smile.

"Daniel."

"I have to go," Sam told Jack and got up from the bed.

"Bye Sam." he said softly and she gave him a nod before moving away. When Daniel moved to follow her, Jack stopped him. "Can I talk to you for a moment?"

"Sure, what do you want to know?" Jackson asked as he stepped closer.

"Well, Sam has told me how hard my... situation is for her but I get the feeling that there's something she's not telling me. Something else that has happened to upset her."

"Upset is an understatement." Daniel muttered.

"Is it Colbert?"

Daniel looked surprised at his question. "How did you know...?"

"He was in here earlier and Sam mentioned him in not too glowing terms."

"I'm not surprised. You should have seen the way he treated her today. He treated her like she was nothing better than a slave and that her opinion didn't count for squat! There were times when I knew that she wanted nothing more than to head-butt that son of a bitch in the face. The only thing that prevented her was that he is her C.O. and she didn't want to end up in a holding cell."

Jack felt anger towards Colbert ignite and burn at Daniel's explanation. "Do me a favor?" he asked tightly.

"Anything."

"Look out for her for me."

"Don't' worry Jack, Teal'c and I already have that covered."

"Good. I may not be able to remember how much I am supposed to love her but I've come to care for her a great deal in the short time that...."

"I know, and for the record you loved her very much," Daniel told him softly. "You once told me that she was your heart and soul, the very air that you breathe," Jackson finished. "See you later Jack," he added as he turned and strode from the room.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

The hot shower soothed the aches and pains from her tired muscles but did little to alleviate the heaviness of her heart. Sam slowly made her way back to her room and prepared for bed. She slipped between cool sheets and hoped that sleep would come quickly.

Nearly a half hour later, Sam threw back the covers with a frustrated snarl. Every time she closed her eyes all that she could see was Jack being hurt, over and over again. She saw the horror and pain in his eyes as the burst from the staff-like weapon grazed his chest. She saw how the force of that shot had thrown him into the air and tossed him to the ground like a rag doll. Pushing the images away, Sam pulled on a pair of sweats and left her room. Minutes later she stepped into the infirmary. The room was dimly lit and quiet. Janet's assistant was on duty and saw her enter.

"Major Carter, what can I do for you?" he asked quietly.

"I'm having a little trouble sleeping and was wondering if you could give me something to help me?"

"Of course." the doctor told her. "Be right back," he added as he crossed the room to the drug cabinet.

As the doctor moved away Sam's eyes were drawn across the room to Jack's bed. Seeing that he was asleep she decided not to disturb him.

The doctor returned moments later with a paper cup containing a small white pill. "Here you are Major. It's a very mild sleep aid, so you shouldn't have any trouble with it."

"Thank you." Sam murmured as she took the cup and cast another glance at Jack before turning to leave.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

Jack sighed softly as he watched Sam step out of the infirmary. He had been awake when she had come in and had quietly listened to her exchange. As he had watched her, Jack had felt what he had recognized as the first stirring of desire, seeing her dressed in nothing more than a tank top that had left her midriff bare and sweat pants. He had also seen the look of longing and pain she had cast in his direction and that look haunted him.

Some minutes later, realizing that he wasn't tired enough to go back to sleep, Jack slowly sat up, wincing as the action pulled at his sore ribs. He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and reached for the robe that was draped over the end of his bed. Gingerly he pulled it on and slipped his feet into a pair of slippers before slowly standing up. Janet had removed the IV lines earlier in the day and told him that he was free to walk around as long as he didn't tire himself.

Jack moved quietly to where the doctor sat behind a desk. Hearing Jack's approach in the silent infirmary the doctor turned. "Colonel O'Neill?"

"I'm not really tired and was wondering if I might go for a walk?"

"All right, just don't over do it."

"I won't." Jack said quietly as he moved to the door.

Jack wandered the base. It was late and the corridors were silent. He arrived, minutes later, at the large doors to the embarkation room where two SF's stood guard.

"Do you know me?" he asked one quietly.

"Yes sir, Col. O'Neill sir."

"I was wondering if you could let me inside?"

The two guards shared a look and then one nodded. He took out his key card and swiped it through the reader. The huge doors slid open and Jack stepped through into the cavernous room. One guard followed him and waited patiently inside the door as Jack crossed to the center of the room. He stopped and looked up at the inactive Stargate. Looking at the huge ring brought fleeting images to his mind, but nothing concrete. After a long moment he turned away and crossed back to the door. "Thank you." he told the guard as he stepped outside.

"Any time sir." the guard replied as he followed him.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

No one noticed the silent form standing in the darkened control room above. Colbert flashed an evil smile at O'Neill's retreating figure. "Soon all that you care about will be mine, your job, your woman, everything. I will have your life O'Neill. The life you stole from me. The life that should have and will be mine!"

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

Jack continued his walk and wasn't surprised to find himself standing outside a door in the staff quarters. He glanced at the nameplate on the door -Maj. S. Carter- and reached out for the doorknob. Finding the door unlocked he stepped inside and crossed to the bed. The light from the corridor was enough for him to see Sam's sleeping form.

She had kicked off the covers. She had a tendency to do that whenever she was troubled, he thought then ~Now where did that thought come from?~ Jack frowned as he tried to draw the memory forth but couldn't. With a frustrated sigh he turned his eyes back to Sam. She was sleeping in only a tank top and panties, curled up on her side. One arm was draped over her abdomen while the other rested near her head.

Jack smiled softly as he reached out to brush her cheek with gentle fingers, tenderly wiping away the tears he found there. "How could I have forgotten you?" he murmured softly. "I do want to remember. I want to remember us and what it is like to love you Sam, you must know that?"

Reaching out he gently pulled the covers back over her and tenderly brushed the hair from her eyes before stepping away and slipping quietly from the room.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

Jack paced nervously in the infirmary. SG-1 had left an hour earlier on a mission to P4C-153. Colbert had given him a strange look just before stepping through the gate that had left Jack feeling uneasy…truly unsettled.

He stopped when Janet walked into the infirmary and headed straight for her office. He followed her, watching as she took off her cover and set it on her desk along with her bag.

"Do you have a minute?" he asked quietly.

Janet spun on her heel. "Colonel! Don't do that! You scared the hell out of me."

"Sorry."

"Come on in." She sat down in her chair and gestured for him to have a seat. When he was settled, Janet smiled and asked, "What can I do for you?"

"I'm worried about Sam. She seems to be really upset." Jack pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. "She just doesn't seem herself."

"Has your memory…?"

"No. Just flashes. But I can tell that she's upset. She puts on her best brave face, but her eyes tell a different story." Jack looked pleadingly at her. "Do you know what's wrong?"

Janet sighed. "I have my suspicions. I think Colbert is being really hard on her. Daniel implied that he doesn't listen to her recommendations… won't give her the time of day. He thinks it's a gender issue." Janet snorted indelicately. "From what I've heard, he's quite a misogynist."

"I have a bad feeling about him. The way he looks at her. I just don't trust him." Jack looked down at his hands. "I think I know him. I don't know how or why. And my gut tells me that he can't be trusted."

"Have you talked to General Hammond about this?"

"No. I didn't want to say anything until I remembered something, but I just couldn't wait any longer. I don't like seeing Sam this way."

Janet smiled sympathetically. "Why don't you talk to the General? I think he'd want to know of your concerns. Then you can talk to Sam when she comes back from P4C-153. Maybe you can get her to open up and tell you what's bothering her. And then maybe you can get her to talk to the General. If Colbert is really harassing her, he'll take care of it. He knows that Sam isn't one to complain without reason."

"Thanks, Doc. I'll do that."

**********

Sam swept her arm across her brow, trying in vain to wipe away the sweat. She cast a vicious glare in the direction Colbert had gone, knowing that he was probably lying in the shade with his feet up taking a nap. She sighed in frustration once before turning her attention back to her assignment.

With fierce determination, and more than a little bit of caution, Sam made her way up the side of the mountain to collect the soil samples Colbert had ordered. "This is so stupid. One of these days you'll just learn how to keep your mouth shut, Samantha," she muttered under her breath as she tried to find a good handhold.

Under normal circumstances, this was a simple procedure. Soil samples were collected from the surface somewhere near the area where 'base camp' was set up, which usually ended up being wherever they would agree to meet when they all finished their assigned tasks.

But circumstances were far from normal. As she climbed the rock face, she looked back on the incident that led up to her current situation.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

{Flashback}

Colbert walked several paces behind Sam, who guided the rover across the rough terrain. "Step on it. We don't have all day."

Sam stiffened slightly, but kept walking. "We can't risk going any faster on this kind of terrain, sir. We could damage the rover."

"Did I ask for your opinion, *Major*?" Colbert walked up to her and grabbed her arm, spinning her so that she faced him. "You seem to have difficulty taking orders."

Sam met his harsh gaze unflinchingly. "I have no problems taking orders, Sir. I was stating that it would be detrimental to the rover's continued functionality if we were to go any faster."

"I don't give a rat's ass. You will pick up the pace, Major. That's an order." Colbert narrowed his eyes at her before walking off.

{End Flashback}

Sam fumbled for a secure handhold, pulling herself up onto a ledge. She looked up at her destination, trying to find the safest route up. She carefully walked up a narrow path to another ledge, her thoughts returning to what she was quickly starting to think of as her big FUBAR.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

Teal'c and Daniel quickly unloaded the camping gear from the rover, leaving the mobile lab equipment and sample collection containers to Sam. Within 30 minutes of starting, camp was completely set up.

"MajorCarter, do you require assistance?" asked Teal'c. She had been struggling with the tie-downs that secured the portable GCMS to the rover.

Before she could answer Colbert walked over. "Major Carter is more than capable of doing this all by herself, Mr. Teal'c. I believe Dr. Jackson requires your assistance collecting water samples."

Teal'c spared him a dark glance before he turned to join Daniel near the stream. Colbert wheeled on Sam, almost backing her up against the rover. "You should have been done by now, Major. When I give you an order, I expect it to be carried out quickly and efficiently."

"Yes sir," she said between clenched teeth.

"I don't know why I'm so shocked by this," said Colbert shrugging. "You must be used to having your own way when you go on missions with O'Neill. How did you manage that? I wonder. Did you just go for it and fuck him? Or did you start with a blow job and work your way up from there?"

Anger flashed through her eyes. She dug her nails into the palms of her hands, trying to keep from acting out. "If I have given you any reason to doubt my abilities as an officer and a scientist, sir, I would like to know about it. Accusing me of inappropriate behavior without any basis for the accusation is unwarranted."

He glared at her for several long moments before finally stepping away from her. He took in their surrounding, as if searching for something. His eyes spied something in the distance and an evil grin spread across his features. "You're on soil sample duty, Major."

Sam snatched up her pack, grabbing several collection containers. "Yes sir!" she said venomously. She walked into a clearing not far from the rover and pulled a small shovel out of her pack.

"Not there, Major. Up there," he said, pointing to the plateau. "And while you're up there, I'd like you to bring me some of those lovely multicolored flowers."

{End Flashback}

Sam stood on a ledge that gave her a full view of the top of the plateau. She quickly took off her pack and set it down before heaving herself up to her goal. Despite her anger at Colbert, she took a moment to admire the beautiful scenery that stretched out for miles in every direction.

"You would love it here, Jack. No people, no artifacts, just the wilds of nature as far as the eye can see," she whispered softly, sadly.

**********

Jack knocked on the door to Hammond's office, waiting with trepidation for a response.

"Come in!" barked Hammond, looking up briefly from the report he was reading to see who was there. "Colonel O'Neill, what can I do for you?"

"Sir, we have to get SG-1 back here now," said Jack emphatically. He started pacing frantically in front of Hammond's desk.

"Why would we want to do that?"

"Sir, I don't remember all of the details about Colbert, but I know him… I served with him… he betrayed our location to the enemy in exchange for his life. He can't be trusted, sir." Jack stopped his pacing to face Hammond. "I'm worried about Carter. Colbert has deliberately gone out of his way to make her life as difficult as possible."

"SG-1 is on a routine mission, Colonel. They're scheduled to return in three hours." Hammond could tell by the look on Jack's face that was not the answer he wanted to hear. "I understand your concern. I'll have a talk with Colonel Colbert as soon as they return. If I feel that he's putting the team in danger, I'll have his butt back in Washington before he can say Washington."

"Sir…"

Hammond cut him off with a wave of his hand. "Colonel, they'll be well on their way back before we get a team ready and through the gate. We're just going to have to wait this one out."

Jack scowled at Hammond. "Yes, sir!"

**********

Sam had finished collecting the soil samples and was putting the containers in her pack when her radio crackled. She smiled slightly when she heard Daniel's voice.

"How you doing up there, Sam?"

"I'm doing fine, Daniel," she responded with a smile. "Just finished putting the last of the samples in my pack. Now all I have to do is collect the Colonel's flora sample and I'll be on my way back down."

"Please be careful."

"I promise." Sam looked around, trying to find a cluster of flowers that would appease Colbert. She dropped down on one knee and gently touched the plant of choice, silently apologizing as she picked it.

As the plant broke free from its root a small snap sounded resulting in a small cloud of pollen being released right into Sam's face. She dropped the plant as she was overcome by a fit of coughing. Sam reached for her canteen and took a drink of water, hoping to ease the tickle in the back of her throat.

"Carter, what the hell's taking so long?" came Colbert's voice across the radio.

Sam cleared her throat before activating her unit. "I'm on my way, sir."

Daniel watched anxiously as Sam made her way down the steep rock face, silently cursing Colbert for making her go up there. Teal'c walked up beside him, face impassive, but, to anyone who knew him well, obviously concerned.

"DanielJackson, I do not understand what ColonelColbert gains by being unjust to MajorCarter."

"I'm not sure what all Jack remembers, but I do know that he doesn't trust Colbert. To answer your question though, I think Colbert does it because he feels that women have no place in the military and because he gets some kind of satisfaction out of humiliating her." Daniel absently mopped the sweat from his forehead. "Shit. This is killing me."

"Would it not have been simpler to gather soil samples down here rather than having to risk such a hazardous climb?"

"Almost half way," commented Daniel to no one in particular. "Yes, Teal'c it would have been easier… and a hell of a lot safer."

As Sam carefully lowered herself from one ledge to the next, a wave of dizziness swept over her. She clutched at the cliff wall, trying to steady herself. Once the disorientation passed, she got out her canteen and took a small drink.

"Come on, soldier. You're half way there. You can pass out when you're at the bottom," she told herself. Sam carefully found her footing, scooting down a narrow ledge. A warm sensation spread through her body, numbness and nausea nearly overwhelming her. She managed to flatten out against the rock behind her, keeping herself upright.

Teal'c noticed Sam's distress even from such a great distance. "DanielJackson, I fear something is wrong with MajorCarter," he said, uncharacteristic concern filling his voice.

Daniel turned his attention back to the cliff, his eyes widening as he watched Sam sway unsteadily before she pitched forward. "SAM! No!" he yelled as he watched her fall.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

Pain. Sharp, intense pain flowed through Sam as she slowly became aware of her surroundings. Knowing better than to try moving, she tried her best to mentally take stock of her injuries.

The blurred vision more than likely meant a concussion. The pain in her shoulder, judging by the position of her arm, was probably due to dislocation. The sharp pain in her chest accompanied by stabbing pains whenever she drew breath was almost certainly the result of a punctured lung, not to mention some cracked ribs. The sudden tenderness in her abdomen most likely meant internal injury.

Sam closed her eyes, trying to concentrate on her breathing as she fought to maintain consciousness. The last thought she had before the darkness claimed her was of Jack and how much she wished he were there to comfort her.

After climbing for what felt like hours, Daniel finally reached the ledge Sam had landed on. Miraculously she had not fallen far, but it was obvious to Daniel from the moment he saw her that she was pretty badly injured.

"Hang on, Sam. We're going to get you out of here," he whispered as he sat down beside her. Daniel knew not to move her until Teal'c arrived with the first aid kit and backboard. He carefully checked her pulse, sighing when he felt it under his fingertips.

Daniel carefully palpated her arms and legs, checking for obvious fractures. The awkward positioning of her left arm and hand suggested a shoulder dislocation and a broken wrist. "Come on Teal'c. I need you up here," he muttered.

Just as he finished his prayer, Teal'c threw the backboard up onto the ledge, easily lifting himself up after it. "DanielJackson, ColonelColbert is breaking camp. He wishes for us to transport MajorCarter to the Stargate as quickly as possible."

"Great. Could you hand me the first aid kit?" Daniel quickly opened the pack, pulling out a cervical brace so they could immobilize Sam's neck. Much to his relief, Daniel managed to put the brace on her without moving her head or neck. He waited for Teal'c to position the backboard behind her and then helped lower it so that she was now lying flat on her back.

While Daniel efficiently checked Sam for other injuries, Teal'c secured Sam to the backboard. As Teal'c strapped down her injured arm, Sam cried out sharply.

"Easy Sam," said Daniel, trying to soothe his friend. "We'll have you in Janet's care before you know it."

"Hurts… god it hurts," she whimpered.

"I know it does." He gently wiped the blood off her forehead, holding a gauze pad over the small gash. "Hang in there. You're going to be okay."

"We are ready, DanielJackson."

"Okay. It's going to be a bit of a bumpy ride."

"Tell Jack I love him," she whispered, her breathing labored.

"You'll tell him yourself when we get back, Sam." Daniel lifted his end of the backboard. "Sam, I need you to do something for me, okay?"

"Okay. What?"

"Talk to me so that I know you're okay. Can you do that for me?" he asked, looking back at her over his shoulder.

Sam tried to nod, but they had completely immobilized her head. "Yes."

"Good." Daniel took a deep breath as he and Teal'c slowly made their way down the mountain. Once they had made it off the ledge Sam had fallen onto, Daniel sighed in relief. "Sam? You still with us?"

"Mmmhmm."

"What's going to be the first thing you do when Janet lets you out of the infirmary."

After a moment's time Sam's pain filled voice reached his ears. "Snuggle in front of the fireplace with Jack."

Daniel smiled as he carefully picked the safest trail down the mountain. "That sounds nice."

Sam whimpered as she was seized by a fit of coughing. A small amount of blood colored her pale lips. "It hurts, Daniel."

"I know, Sam. I know."

"DanielJackson, we must hurry. It will soon be dark," said Teal'c in a worried voice. He spared a glance at Sam. He hated seeing his friend like this, injured, eyes glassy with pain, gasping for every breath she took. A slow fury consumed him at the man who had ultimately been the reason for her senseless injury. "SamanthaCarter, do not fear ColonelColbert. He will do you no more harm."

Over the next 15 minutes the two men made their way down the difficult trail, trying not to take unnecessary risks, but hurrying just enough to make it down before sunset.

Colbert met them at the bottom, anger written plainly across his face. "Did you recover the soil samples?" he asked. At Daniel's angry stare he added, "Never mind. I always said women have no place in the military. They just don't have the strength needed…"

Teal'c fixed him with a furious stare. "MajorCarter fell as a result of your stupidity."

"If she dies," Daniel said in a low voice, for Colbert's ears only. "Jack is going to rip you apart. And I'm going to be there, lending a hand." A soft whimper from Sam cut off the rest of Daniel's threat. "I'm going to run ahead and have a medical team standing by. I suggest you help Teal'c get Sam back as quickly as possible."

**********

Daniel ran through the gate, gasping for breath. Before he fell to his knees, he yelled, "Get a med team down here! Sam's been badly injured!"

Hammond quickly made his way down to the ramp, kneeling down beside Daniel. "Take it easy, son. What happened?"

After regaining his breath Daniel finally spoke. "She fell about 30 feet… down a cliff. Punctured lung, dislocated shoulder, concussion, broken wrist… probably some internal injuries."

"What was she doing on a cliff?"

"Soil samples."

"Our surveys indicated that the terrain, for the most part, was flat, if a bit bumpy. Why on earth would she climb a cliff to collect soil samples?"

"She was ordered to," said Daniel.

Before Daniel could offer any other explanation the gate reactivated. Just as the medical team arrived, Colbert walked through the gate carrying one end of the backboard, followed by Teal'c, who carried the other end.

Hammond guided Daniel out of the way so the medical team could get up the ramp. He frowned, concern for Sam clearly written on his face. He waited until the medics had assessed her condition and rushed her to the infirmary before making his way over to Colbert.

"Colonel, debriefing in 1 hour. I want to know exactly what happened," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

**********

Jack paced nervously outside the trauma room, waiting for word on Sam's condition. Daniel and Teal'c watched helplessly as their friend struggled with what had happened.

"That bastard is going to pay… and pay and pay and pay. And when he's done paying, he's going to pay again. And just after that, he'll pay some more. That sorry son of a bitch…"

Janet came out of the trauma room, interrupting Jack's quiet tirade. The three men were instantly beside her. "How is she, Janet?" asked Daniel.

"She's stable. They're prepping her for emergency surgery now." Janet looked at her worried friends, trying to choose her next words carefully, giving up the struggle a moment later. "Sam lost a lot of blood. Shortly after we got her to the infirmary she started hemorrhaging. She was pregnant." Janet looked at Jack, her eyes full of sadness. "I'm so sorry, Jack."

"Pregnant!" Jack gasped in shock. "She never said...I'm mean, why would she risk..." were his stunned questions.

Janet sighed. "It's quite possible that Sam didn't know that she was pregnant. The fetus was only 12 weeks along and since I had told Sam that since her joining with Jolinar she might not be able to conceive she may have dismissed the symptoms as merely exhaustion." she told him quietly.

The lost and agonized look in O'Neill's eyes cut to her heart and she wished that she could do something to ease his obvious pain. "I'm sorry, so very sorry. I wish we could have saved the fetus, but by the time Sam was brought through the Stargate it was already too late. The important thing now is to get Sam through this. I need to get back inside."

"Doc, will she be all right?" Daniel asked, his voice heavily laced with worry.

"I can't give you a definite answer right now. To tell you the truth it could go either way but Sam's strong and healthy and that will work in her favor." Janet told them.

Just then a nurse poked her head out of the door. "Doctor Frazier, we're ready."

"Thank you. I'll be right there." she responded and then turned back to the group. "I'll let you know just as soon as I have any news," Janet said and then spun on her heel and disappeared back inside.

Daniel moved up to Jack and rested a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. "Jack?"

"I'll kill him, Daniel!" Jack raged. "That no good son of a bitch is dead and I won't do it quickly either. I'll nail his sorry ass to the wall and dismember him piece by piece! I want him to know what it feels like and he will regret the day that he ever hurt my Sam!"

"I will help you O'Neill." Teal'c responded softly.

"Me too." Daniel added vehemently.

"Doctor Jackson, Teal'c?" Both men turned at the sound of their names and saw an airman standing behind them. "General Hammond requests both your presence in the briefing room.

"Tell him we'll be right there." Daniel told the airman before turning back to Jack. "Jack?"

"It's all right Daniel, go ahead. I need some time alone anyway. Time to think, time to remember." Jack responded quietly.

"Okay." Jackson stated quietly then turned and moved away.

O'Neill watched the pair disappear and then moved and sat in the chairs that stood across from the infirmary doors. Closing his eyes, Jack leaned forward, resting his arms on his legs and pressed his face into his hands.

So much had happened in such a short time that it was difficult to take it all in. Even though he didn't remember what it was like to be a father, Jack felt the grief and loss of having that child cruelly snatched from him and Sam before either of them had even known about that small life.

And there was Sam. He didn't want to even think about losing her, but Janet's words had made it clear to him that was a very real possibility. He could lose her and he'd never taken the opportunity to...

Jack stopped as realization struck him. He still had very little memory of his life before, only fleeting images, things almost remembered but were snatched away before being brought to light. But one thing Jack did realize. From the time he had woken in that hospital bed with no memory of who or what he was until this very moment, somewhere in all those moments and spaces in between he had fallen in love with Sam. And now he might never have the chance to tell her how much she meant to him. He wanted the chance to hold her and share with her the grief at the loss of their child and to spend the rest of his life with her and kiss away her tears and soothe the pain from her eyes. Bowing his head, Jack covered his face with his hands and silently prayed.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

Hammond stood outside the door to the briefing room and greeted Daniel and Teal'c as they approached. "Doctor Jackson, Teal'c, before I talk to Colonel Colbert I'd like to hear both your versions about what has been going on. Dr. Jackson, I'll speak with you first and then you, Teal'c. After that, you both can sit in when I talk to Colonel Colbert."

Daniel followed the General into the room and when he was seated, Hammond turned to him. "Now, Colonel O'Neill has expressed his concerns about Colonel Colbert and his worry for Major Carter. In light of what happened today, I feel that those concerns are just and warranted."

"They are, Sir." Daniel told him quietly.

"Start at the beginning, Son, and tell me everything."

"...it was pure malicious intent. He ordered Sam up that cliff knowing the danger and knowing that if she refused he could have her thrown in a holding cell for insubordination. He also knew that if she did obey his order that it was almost certain she would fall."

Daniel saw a muscle twitch in Hammond's cheek that told him of the General's anger even though the older man's voice was calm and controlled.

"Thank you, Dr. Jackson. I will speak with Teal'c now even though I am sure that his version will corroborate yours. We will then deal with Colbert. Nobody treats a member of my team this way and gets away with it!" Hammond stated as he crossed to the door and called Teal'c inside.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

Jack leaned back in the chair and rested his head back against the wall. Closing his eyes, he tried to calm his tumultuous emotions and let his mind drift. Unbidden thoughts and images came to the front of his mind and he gave them free reign.

{Memory}

Sam stepped out onto the balcony and shivered slightly as the uncharacteristically cool evening breeze brushed over her bare shoulders. The din from the party lessened slightly as she moved away from the door and stopped at the railing. The moon was full and shone brightly over the landscape, highlighting the grounds and the mountains nearby. It was a lovely view.

Jack stopped in the doorway and his breath caught at the sight. The dress Sam wore was short and tight fitting, the dark blue satin material clung to every shapely curve, revealing the graceful expanse of her long legs and leaving her shoulders bare. The moonlight bathed her in it's soft glow, dancing across her bare shoulders like a caress. Jack moved quietly towards Sam and she turned her head, flashing a smile as he stopped beside her.

"Here," he said softly as he held out a glass of wine.

"Thank you." Sam replied as she reached to take the wineglass from his hand, their fingers brushing against one another.

Jack watched her as she shyly turned her eyes away and took a sip of her wine. As he did the same, Jack watched her, his eyes taking in every move with silent fascination.

Sam felt Jack's eyes on her and a shiver of anticipation skipped up her spine, her body filled with delicious warmth at the heat of his gaze. Jack smiled and set his wineglass on the tall wrought iron plant stand beside him. He stepped back and moved until he stood behind Sam and heard her surprised gasp as he slipped his arm around her slender waist and pulled her back against him. One hand stayed at her waist, palm pressed flat to her belly while the other moved to gently close around her throat, fingers caressing the satin smooth skin. Sam released a soft sigh as she tilted her head back against his shoulder. Jack's hand caressed up the column of her throat to cup her chin and gently tilt her head until her eyes met his.

In the clear blue depths of her eyes, he could see a desire that matched his own. She did want him, he thought with a soft smile.

"Jack" she breathed.

His thumb stroked the fullness of her lips and his voice was barely above a whisper. "Shh, don't talk, don't think, just feel."

He bent his head and captured her lips in a kiss that was, at first, gentle and explorative. Jack savored the taste of her on his lips a subtle mixture of the sweet taste of wine mingled with the flavor that he knew was uniquely---Sam. She moaned softly as he turned her in his embrace, her arms wrapping around his neck. He deepened the kiss, his tongue slipping inside to tease and torment.

{End Memory}

The memory washed over Jack and with it the feelings associated with that memory. Close on the heels of this, another memory washed over him.

{Memory}

Jack's face wore a worried frown. It had been over an hour since Sam had gone off on her own for a bath and he was growing concerned.

"I'm going to look for Carter." he told Daniel and Teal'c as he got to his feet and strode across the camp to the path that Sam had taken earlier. He barely heard his team mate's reply as he headed down the trail to the lagoon they had found earlier. The perfume of night flowers was heavy in the air as he drew near and the gentle cadence of splashing water caressed his ears and told him that he was close to his destination.

Jack stepped through the dense vegetation into the clearing and stopped, his eyes immediately drawn to the small ledge above the lagoon. He couldn't tear his eyes away and watched with mixture of awe and desire.

Sam stood in all her naked splendor beneath the gentle cascade of the waterfall. Jack's eyes drank in the sight and roamed hungrily over every delicate curve. He watched mesmerized, his eyes following the path of her washcloth as it moved and caressed each curve.

There was no conscious thought to his next actions, only instinct as he began to remove his clothes and drop them to the still warm sand. Completely nude, Jack moved along the beach until he reached the outcropping of rock that formed a ramp leading to the ledge where Sam stood beneath the fall of water.

As she stood beneath the warm cascade of water, Sam smoothed the wash cloth over her body and imagined that it was Jack's hands that caressed her.

She should have been startled, but she wasn't and instinctively knew it was Jack as he stopped behind her. He was so close to her that she could feel the warm heat emanating from his body and the delicious warmth of his breath as it teased the hair behind her ear. He reached out an arm and pulled her even closer, drawing her back against the broad expanse of his chest, his erection pressed tantalizingly against the curve of her buttocks. Jack took the washcloth from her unresisting grasp and his hands were sweet torture on her oh so willing body. When he was done, the washcloth fell to the ground forgotten as he turned her in his embrace. His fingers caressed her cheek as he looked deep into her eyes.

"Sam." he whispered so softly that she almost didn't hear him. "I love you, Sam." he added and saw the smile in her eyes as his lips captured hers.

{End Memory}

This memory was followed by another and another, one after the other like puzzle pieces clicking into place, until the picture was complete and Jack remembered it all including everything about Jason Colbert. "Oh, shit!" he swore as he stood up, and was torn between waiting for news on Sam's condition or going and confronting Colbert.

The decision was made for him when the infirmary doors opened and Janet stepped out. She was still clothed in her green surgical scrubs and looked exhausted.

"Doc?" he questioned softly, afraid to hear what she had to say.

"Sam came through the surgery all right. It was a monstrous hemorrhage but we were able to stop it and repair the internal injuries. There's been no permanent damage and she'll still be able to have children. I've reset her shoulder and wrist but she's gonna be sore on that side for awhile."

Jack gave Janet a smile. "That is good news. Can I see her?"

"Not just yet. Sam's still under the anaesthesia and won't be awake for about another hour. I'll call you just as soon as you can see her."

"Okay." Jack nodded.

"I need to get back inside, I just wanted to let you know that Sam's doing okay."

"Thanks Doc, oh and one more thing. I thought you'd like to know that my memories are back, all of them. Now that I know that Sam is going to be all right I've got a rat's ass to nail to the wall!" Jack finished with a low growl and strode away leaving Janet with a smile on her face.

As Jack walked down the halls to the briefing room, everything about what Colbert had done both before coming to SGC and what he had done to Sam washed over him and by the time he rounded the final corner he had a good rage built up. Jack neared the doors and heard the sound of angry, shouting voices. Clamping down on his own anger, he stepped into the room, Hammond acknowledged his entrance with a nod, as did Teal'c. Daniel was too busy screaming at Colbert to notice him.

"It's your fault she's in the infirmary fighting for her life! Your fault she lost..."he stopped himself before he revealed too much. "You've had a bug up your ass about her from the start!"

"This isn't about Carter." Jack stated coldly as he moved into the conversation. "This is about me. About paying me back. This is about getting even and Sam was just the means. Am I right?" Jack glared at Colbert.

"I don't know what you are talking about!" Colbert snapped.

"What's this all about Colonel O'Neill? Please explain." Hammond ordered.

"Well, sir, as I told you I served with Colbert before. He betrayed our location to the enemy in exchange for his own miserable life. As a result, 4 good men were killed. I was captured and tortured..." Jack's voice trailed off. "After I was rescued, I spent 2 months in the hospital recovering. When I was well enough I brought him up on charges and was the main witness at his Tribunal. Because of his actions he will never rise above the rank of Colonel and he blames me for his act of cowardice."

"You ruined my life O'Neill!" Colbert screamed at him.

"No you ruined your own life and the lives of four good men and their families. I just made sure that you didn't get away with it and I'm gonna make sure that you don't weasel out again!" Jack's voice became low and dangerous, dripping with ice but his rage was carefully controlled. "You're pissed at me that's fine, be pissed at me. I don't really care. Hate me all you want, but don‘t you ever take out your anger on a member of my team again! Most especially Major Carter!"

Colbert made a rude noise. "You're only saying that because you're screwing her! You know, she doesn't look like she'd be much of a lay but then again... maybe I should have had her myself cause perhaps she can do more with that mouth..."

Colbert never got the chance to finish his sentence. Jack gave a low enraged growl and was across the table before anyone could react. "I'll kill you, you son of a bitch!" Jack snarled and Colbert's head snapped viciously back as Jack's fist caught him square in the face. With a shove, the man went down to the floor and Jack was on him before he could rise. Colbert tried to protect his head with his arms as O'Neill's fist connected again and again, as Jack released the pent up rage and grief inside him.

"COLONEL O'NEILL!" Hammond barked.

"Stop it Jack!" Daniel cried and grabbed his friend's shoulder, trying to cut through his red haze of fury.

Teal'c stepped up to Daniel and with a nod they both grabbed an arm and hauled Jack away from the now bloody and bruised Colbert.

Hammond called to the SF's outside and when then stepped into the room he pointed to Colbert. "Throw him in a holding cell!"

When they had dragged the man from the room Hammond turned back to face Daniel and Teal'c who still held an enraged Jack. "As for you Colonel O'Neill, once you have had a chance to cool off you have some explaining to do. My office, one hour!"

"Aye sir."

Just then there was a sharp rap on the door. "Yes!" the General bellowed.

Janet entered the room. "I'm sorry to disturb you, sir."

"That's all right Doctor. How is Major Carter?"

"Better, sir." Janet started and then began to explain to the others what she had already told Jack. "She's stable and her physical wounds will heal rather quickly, but I'm not so sure about her emotional wounds. I know that those are going to take a lot longer to heal."

"I don't understand." Hammond said, mystified.

Janet paused then turned her eyes to Jack. He understood her silent question and gave her a short nod in response, telling her that it was all right to answer Hammond's question. Janet nodded back and then turned to the General. "Sir, when Major Carter was brought to the infirmary she began hemorrhaging. She had a miscarriage."

Hammond was stunned and shot O'Neill a look before turning back to the doctor. "Miscarriage! I didn't even know she was pregnant... I should have been informed." he scowled.

"No one knew she was pregnant, sir. I doubt that even Major Carter knew. She was only 12 weeks along and as I explained to Colonel O'Neill it was quite possible she dismissed the symptoms as merely exhaustion.. Anyway, she's awake now and is, naturally, taking this news very hard. I..."

Jack didn't wait to hear the rest of what Janet was saying. He shrugged off Daniel and Teal'c's restraining arms and disappeared through the door. He reached the infirmary minutes later and quietly stepped inside. He silently approached Sam's bed and his heart broke at the sight. She was on her side, casted wrist propped on a pillow that rested across her abdomen and she was crying, her body shaking with sobs. Jack leaned over the bed rail and tenderly brushed back her hair. "Shh, it's all right." he soothed softly.

Sam lifted her head and met his gaze with hers, eyes red rimmed from crying. "Please, just go away." she pleaded softly. "I can't…" her voice trailed off as her sobs started again.

"But I don't want to." Jack said quietly as he released the bed rail. It wasn't easy, but he managed to carefully climb in beside her and gently pulled Sam into his arms. He settled her carefully, positioning her so that her sore side rested against his body.

"Let it out." he whispered as he pressed his lips to her hair. "My Sammy," he murmured softly. Sam gasped at his use of her nickname. It was one he reserved for those times when they were alone, most especially when offering comfort or after they'd been intimate.

"It will be all right, my love." he added and Sam lifted her head to look at him.

"Jack, you called me..."

"Yes." He gave her a tender smile and she could see the love shimmering in his dark eyes.

"Your memory?"

He stroked her hair. "It's all there, everything. It started returning after you were brought to the infirmary."

Sam smiled and there was joy in her eyes but there was also pain and grief for their loss.

"Janet told you?" she asked as her tears started again.

"Yes," Jack choked out as his own tears started.

"I didn't know, Jack. I would never have gone if I had known. I thought I was just tired." she sobbed.

"I know." Jack murmured as he gently cupped the back of her head and pressed her close to his chest, gently, protectively.

"My baby..." she breathed in a grief stricken moan as she buried her face against the warm comfort of his chest.

"It's okay, Sammy." Jack whispered as his own tears fell and dampened her hair. "We'll get through this together."

"I just want my baby back." she sobbed.

"I know, I do too." Jack murmured as he pressed his cheek to the top of her head and they held each other close, silently sharing their grief.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

Janet stepped into the infirmary with Hammond close behind her. She smiled when she saw the now sleeping couple. Hammond's eyes traveled from Jack and Sam asleep in each other's arms to Frazier's smile.

"Is there something you would like to share with me, Doctor?"

"I'm sorry, sir. When I found out, Major Carter and Colonel O'Neill asked me to keep their involvement a secret and I chose to respect their wishes and remain silent."

Hammond did not reply at first.

"Now that you know, sir what are you going to do?"

"Well, regulations state that I should court martial the lot of you or at least split you up."

"But?"

"But, if I do that, especially in their case, I destroy the best team that the SGC has. I'd be a fool to do that, now wouldn't I Doctor?"

"Yes, sir." Janet smiled.

"I must be getting soft in my old age." Hammond muttered to himself, not expecting the doctor to hear him.

"Your secret is safe with me, sir," she quipped.

Hammond flashed her a tolerant grin and then said. "Tell Colonel O'Neill, when he wakes up that I still wish to speak with him."

"Yes, sir." Janet nodded and watched Hammond as he turned on his heel and strode from the room. She turned and crossed the infirmary, smiling as she passed the bed where Jack and Sam were and headed into her office.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

Daniel and Teal'c moved purposefully down the hall to the holding cells. They reached the cells moments later and saw the two SF's on guard outside the door. They stopped in front of them and Daniel said "Take a walk."

The guards looked at each other and one nodded to the other. "Yes, sir," one said and moved down the hall. The other guard opened the door and stepped inside. When Daniel and Teal'c followed him they saw that he had crossed to the security camera and unplugged it. When he had finished, the guard moved back to the door.

"It's all yours, sirs." he told them. "I heard what this bastard did to Major Carter so," he paused. "Hit him a couple of times for me," he finished then stepped from the room and closed the door behind him.

"Just what is going on?!" Colbert snapped as Daniel and Teal'c turned towards him.

"What's going on?" Daniel replied as Teal'c crossed to open the cell. "I'll tell you what's going on, it's payback time and you know what they say----Payback's a bitch!"

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

Sam woke up several hours later still nestled safely in Jack's arms. She closed her eyes tightly as she became aware of what had roused her. A sharp pain stabbed through her shoulder.

"Welcome to the world of the living," said Janet from her perch next to the bed. "How are you feeling?"

"I hurt," she replied softly, her voice just barely a whisper. Janet put her book down and picked up a syringe and vial. She carefully measured out a dose of morphine and injected it into Sam's IV line. "That'll take a minute to get into your system."

Sam nodded, wincing as the movement sent another wave of pain through her shoulder. "Does the General know?"

"I'm sorry Sam, there was no way to keep this from him."

Sam turned into Jack's shoulder to hide the tears that swam in her eyes. She closed her eyes. "How angry was he?"

"Livid at first. But I think he's calmed down enough to be rational about it," Janet told her, watching her friend's face as the morphine slowly started to take effect. "He still wants to see Jack when he wakes up. You feeling a bit better?"

Sam nodded slightly. "Yes. Still hurts, but it's not unbearable."

A commotion in the hallway cut short any further conversation. The door to the infirmary swung open and several medics rushed in with a stretcher carrying a badly beaten and battered Colbert.

Jack came awake instantly. He looked down at Sam, concerned she had taken a turn for the worse. She offered a small smile of reassurance. Realizing that she was safe, he turned his attention to the ruckus in the main room of the infirmary. "What the hell is going on?"

Janet quickly rushed out the door, crossing to the gurney to take in her latest patient. "Get him over to Exam 1," she commanded. "Get the portable X-Ray down here. What happened?"

"The guards found him in his cell like that. Looks like someone worked him over pretty thoroughly."

Janet examined him with clinical detachment. She prodded and poked at him, checking for fractures and other injuries none too gently. He whimpered with each touch.

"X-Ray his left forearm and his right ankle. Suture his forehead and his chin. And have Dr. Warner prep for surgery. He's got some internal bleeding." She looked at the technicians and nurses, nodding. "Take it from here." Janet made her way into her office. She picked up the phone with a sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose as she dialed Hammond's extension and waited for him to pick up. "Sir, Colonel Colbert was just brought in. He's been beaten severely. Yes, Sir. I'll be here." Ten minutes later General Hammond strode into the infirmary, calmly seeking out Dr. Fraizer. "Where's the Colonel?" he asked as he walked up behind her.

"He's in surgery. Dr. Warner is repairing internal injuries," Janet said flatly. "He's going to make it."

"How did this happen?"

The doctor shrugged. "I really don't know the details, Sir. You'd have to ask the SFs who were on duty," she said.

Hammond nodded. "Thank you. Doctor, I'd like a full report on Colbert's condition on my desk just as soon as possible. How is Major Carter?"

Janet looked up at him, pursing her lips slightly as she worked out her response. "Physically she's going to be just fine. She's still in quite a lot of pain, but we can control that with medication. Emotionally she's a mess."

"I'll stop and look in on her." The General quietly entered Sam's room, not wanting to wake her. He shook his head, smiling as he saw her and Col. O'Neill curled up on the bed.

"General," Jack said softly, making no move to get up.

"Don't get up on my account, Colonel. I just came in to see how Carter is doing."

"She's hurting. Mentally and physically." O'Neill looked down at her, watching her sleep. "She's had a bad time of it lately."

Hammond contemplated the couple, choosing his words carefully. "Jack, your relationship with Sam doesn't come as a surprise to me. Or anyone else stationed at this facility, I'm sure. I am going to do everything in my power to help you be together. But the fact is, your relationship is against regulations as they currently stand. We may have a fight on our hands."

"I understand, Sir. And thank you." After a lengthy pause he looked up at his superior. "Sir, we need to prosecute Colbert to the fullest extent. I want to see him stripped of rank and thrown into a tiny prison cell where he can rot for the rest of his life because someone conveniently loses the key."

Hammond nodded. "I've already brought charges against him. But we'll have to wait until he's recovered from his injuries. I'm ordering a 24-hour guard on his room until Dr. Fraizer releases him and then he'll be going back to the holding cell."

"Thank you, Sir. We both appreciate what you're doing."

"Get some rest, Colonel," said the General as he walked out of the room and finally the infirmary.

**********

Three months after Carter's release from the Infirmary saw her fully recovered from her physical injuries. Her emotional recovery would be long in coming.

O'Neill sat beside her at the plaintiff's table, watching her nervously wring her hands. He reached out, gently touching her arm, trying to calm her. "Relax, Sam. Hopefully the trial won't be a long one. After this is all over we're going to take some time off to get our lives together."

"I just can't help but think he's got something up his sleeve. He's way too… calm." The Major brushed at non-existent crumbs on the front of her dress uniform.

"It's going to be okay. He's the bad guy here. He wronged you. And the judge would have to be a damned fool not realize that," he said, hoping to reassure her. "You're a model soldier. You're an excellent scientist. And you've always proven yourself in the line of duty."

"And what about us? We're not exactly following regulations," she whispered. "If the tribunal gets wind of our relationship, we're going to be up on our own charges."

"The General is doing everything he can to take care of that little detail, Sam. He doesn't want to split up what he calls his 'best damn team'. I trust him. I believe he can do it." He offered her a small smile. "We're going to make it through this one way or another."

"I know we will." Her next thoughts were interrupted when their attorney joined them.

**********

The trial began and Jack, Daniel and Teal'c were the first witnesses to give their testimony against Colbert. Then after Hammond's affidavit was read into evidence. It was time for Sam, the prosecution's final witness, to give her testimony. She was nervous but their attorney, Maj, Kate Hollister, assured her that things were going extremely well. And that it was almost certain that Colbert would be convicted and put away for a very long time but Sam just couldn't shake the feeling that Colbert was about to deliver his coup de grace. As she got up from the table she glanced over her shoulder to where Jack sat in the gallery. He gave her a reassuring smile and a wink before she continued to the witness box. Neither noticed Colbert witnessing the silent exchange, nor the evil triumphant grin on his face.

"Now Major Carter, on this final mission where you were so gravely injured, as a direct result of obeying Col. Colbert's order, there was another complication was there not?" Maj. Hollister asked, her voice laced with solicitude.

"Yes." Sam replied softly and tried to hold back her tears.

"I know this is difficult for you. Would you like to take a moment?"

"No, I'm fine." Sam told Hollister and took a deep breath "As a result of the fall I suffered a miscarriage."

"So, you lost your unborn child as a result of Col. Colbert's malicious actions?"

"Yes that is correct."

"Thank you Major. I have no further questions at this time but I request the right to recall this witness at a later time."

"Very well. We'll take a twenty minute recess and then the Defense may cross-examine." the judge stated and banged his gavel.

Sam resumed her seat and couldn't suppress a shudder when she saw Colbert and his lawyer in deep conversation. The lawyer nodded and rose from the table. "Major Carter." he began " You have stated, for the record, that you climbed that clearly dangerous cliff on the orders of my client, Col. Colbert."

"Yes."

"You climbed, not only endangering your own life but the life of the child you carried. Why?"

"I didn't know that I was pregnant." Sam stated coldly.

"Didn't know! Come now Major Carter you are obviously an intelligent woman. How then did you not know that you were carrying your lover's child. Surely there was a possibility?"

"Yes of course, but....."

"Yet you still made that climb and you want to blame my client for you unfortunate miscarriage."

"It's not my fault!" Sam cried.

Daniel heard the soft, low growl from Jack and turned his head to see the anger coloring the older man's eyes. He placed a comforting and restraining hand on his friend's shoulder. "Easy Jack." Daniel stated softly. "You both knew they would pull something like this."

"I know," Jack growled "It's just she's having a hard enough time accepting this as it is without them bringing it all up again."

"Your Honor" Maj. Hollister rose from her chair. "Cmdr. Webster is clearly harassing my client!"

"Cmdr. Webster. I you will stop harassing the witness. I will not warn you again."

"Yes, Your Honor. My apologies. I have just one more question. Major could you tell the court please who the father of your child was?"

"Objection! The identity of the child's father is not an issue here!" Maj. Hollister called out.

"Sustained. Commander you will change your line of questioning."

The man nodded. "Major Carter, is it not true that you are having illicit relations with your commanding officer, Col. Jonathan O'Neill and he was in fact the father of your child?"

"Objection!" Hollister bellowed as she shot up out of her chair.

The gavel gave a sharp crack in the room squashing the soft shocked murmurs to silence. "Major Carter you will not answer the question. Cmdr. Webster you are dangerously close to contempt. You will stop this line of questioning NOW or I will have your ass in a holding cell so fast..."

"I have no further questions." Webster stated flashing a smarmy grin as he crossed back to sit with his client. The damage had already been done.

Sam closed her eyes and opened them again when the judge turned to her. "You may step down Maj. Carter." he said softly.

"Aye, sir." she murmured and moved to sit beside Hollister. Both the prosecution and defense gave their closing arguments and the jury was sent to deliberate.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

Sam nervously clutched Jack's hand as they waited for the jury to come back. "God, I can't believe I didn't see this coming. It's want he was waiting for all along. He knew he was going down and decided to take us with him." she said softly.

"It will be okay, Sam." Jack stated quietly.

"He may have just cost us both our careers."

"I know, but give Hammond a chance. He said he'd go to bat for us. Things'll work out..." The rest of what he was going to say was cut off when Hollister came back into the room.

"The jury's back."

"So soon?" Jack frowned

"Well, that's either very good news, or very bad." Hollister stated as she led the group back into the court room.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

"Will the defendant please rise?" the judge stated and turned to the jury as Colbert rose to his feet. "Foreman, have you reached a verdict?"

"We have Your Honor?"

"What say you?"

"In the case of Colbert vs Carter we find the defendant, Col. Jason Colbert. Guilty on all counts."

"Thank you Foreman. The jury is released with a vote of thanks." the judge stated then turned to face both the prosecution and defense tables. "Col. James Colbert you have been found guilty of intentionally endangering the life of a subordinate officer out of revenge and pure maliciousness Your acts, sir, were cold, reprehensible, disgraceful and frankly unbecoming of an officer in the Air Force or any other branch of the armed services. Your actions disgust me. As a leader of a team under your command it is your *responsibility* and *honor bound duty* to protect them at all costs. A fact, sir which you seemed to have forgotten. Or perhaps honor, responsibility, loyalty and duty are just words to you but they are the life's blood of the armed services and it cannot function without them. And so, I hereby strip you of all rank and privileges and given your previous record I sentence you to spend the next twenty years of your life in Levenworth prison. It seems a small price to pay for the lives you have irrevocably changed. Take him away." the judge finished with a sharp bang of his gavel.

Sam rose from the table and watched as Colbert was hauled away spouting curses and obscenities. She sighed and moved to Jack. He was waiting and pulled her into a tight hug. "I can't believe it's really over." she murmured softly.

"Almost." Jack said. "I still have to give Hammond a call." he told her quietly. When she frowned Jack gave her a comforting smile. "Don't worry." he said and then glanced around them. Upon seeing that they were alone in the courtroom he gently took her chin in his hand and pressed a light kiss to her lips.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

Sam sat with Daniel and Teal'c as they waited for Jack to return from calling Hammond. Sam twisted her hands nervously afraid of the repercussions of what the brass would say or do now that it was known she and Jack were involved. Daniel placed a solicitous hand on her shoulder offering silent comfort. It was several minutes later when they saw Jack coming down the hall. When he stopped in front of them his face was impassive.

"Well?" Sam asked nervously.

"Well..." he started and then a huge grin split his face. "Hammond had to do some pretty fast tap dancing and even some down right threatening but.. No charges will be laid and the team will remain intact. The General told the President and the other brass that given the nature of our missions and our reputations so far, some of the regular rules do not apply. The fraternization rule was one of them. They agreed to waive the rule in the SGC's case as long as those officers involved promise not to engage in "extracurricular activities" -- Hammond's words not mine -- while on duty. Each team will be carefully scrutinized and if it is shown that said involvements ever become detrimental to the overall functionality of the teams then the officers involved will be placed on separate teams."

Sam laughed and was off the bench and into Jack's arms a second later. He laughed and spun her around. "It is indeed a great day." Teal'c offered.

"You're right Teal'c." Daniel smiled. "And to celebrate what do you say we all go out to dinner. I'm buying."

"You, buy us all dinner. Now there's a reason to celebrate." Jack quipped as he set Sam back on her feet.

"Very funny." Daniel retorted as they all fell into step and headed outside.

**********

O'Neill walked into the living room, his eyes instantly taking in the sight of Sam sitting on the couch with her arms wrapped tightly around herself. He crossed the room, crouching down in front of her. "Hey," he said softly, brushing the tears from her face. "What's wrong, Sammy? Why the tears?"

She looked up at him, more tears threatening to spill. "I… should have been able to…"

He rested his fingers over her lips, shushing her softly. "None of this was your fault. None. I don't want you to blame yourself for any of it. And before you go on to say that you should have just sucked it up and blindly followed his orders… well… I want you to know that you did the right thing. And I'm proud of you."

She leaned against him, wrapping her arms around him tightly. "Thank you," she whispered.

He gently rubbed her back, pressing gentle kisses into her hair. "Feeling better?"

Sam nodded against his shoulder, sighing softly. "Yes."

"I've got the Jacuzzi heated up. How about a nice long soak and a massage?" Jack offered, his hands gently working the tension out of her lower back.

"That sounds wonderful. You go ahead and I'll join you in a few minutes." She reluctantly pulled out of his embrace, climbing to her feet. "I'll be out in a few."

Jack watched her make her way to their bedroom before going out to on the porch. He set out their towels and two tall glasses of iced tea, garnished with lemon wedges and cocktail umbrellas. He heard the door open behind him and the sound of Sam's feet as she crossed the wooden deck. "Your timing is perfect."

She walked up behind him, resting her hands on his bare back. "Thought you'd be in the Jacuzzi by now."

"I was being a gentleman and waiting for my lady." He turned around, lifting her into his arms. "You ready for that soak?"

"More than ready, Jack." She rested her cheek on his shoulder, smiling as he carried her into the bubbling water.

Jack settled Sam on one of the seats, sitting down beside her a moment later. "Perfect."

"Not quite." She snuggled in against him, smiling contentedly when he put his arm around her. "Now it's perfect."

"It's good to see you smiling again, Sammy. I've been really worried about you," he admitted softly, kissing her temple.

"I'm okay, Jack. I still have a bad spell now and then, but I'm okay. And I'm getting better every day." A bright smile lit her face. "I got some news today that's going to go a long way in helping."

He looked down at her, his head canted to one side. "What kind of news?"

"I'm pregnant."

The End :o)