Title- The Letter

Author- Emry Wild

Email- emry@bendcable.com

Rating- G

Category- Hurt/Comfort

Pairings- Sam/Jack

Archive- SJ YES;HELIOPOLIS;carterfic

Summary- Future Season - Jack may be missing?

Disclaimer- "All publicly recognisable characters and places are the property of MGM, World Gekko Corp and Double Secret productions. This piece of fan fiction was created for entertainment not monetary purposes and no infringement on copyrights or trademarks was intended. Previously unrecognised characters and places, and this story, are copyrighted to the author. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author."

Spoilers- None

Author's note- 1/1 Complete / This is dedicated to possibilites and to the future of Sam and Jack. And special thanks to Vicky P. for your most generous help.

Copyright- Emry Wild 11/02.

Jack,

It seems a lifetime since we last were together and yet it's only been a week. I know that you will soon be home and safe in my arms. Your mission, one that I will never be totally comfortable with, but only because you're not here and during a time when I need you most. You've been so content that I was surprised that you actually accepted. But what else could I have expected; he was your best man after all.

Just a few short weeks to go and our lives will change so dramatically. This event that we have planned and longed for will soon have its fulfillment bringing our lives to a new high and into a new chapter. But your delay has brought uncertainty and I can't help but look out our window. I'm waiting for you to come up our walk, our steps…

I've tried to still my fears and put my trepidations to rest, but without you here in my arms I can't help my emotions. You see, I received a call today; they told me that your mission was delayed, there were complications. But I know better, I know that there is something they are either unable or unwilling to say.

We were together as a team for so long, the four of us exploring our way around the galaxy. The places we found ourselves in, the situations we faced – I actually miss them. They're but a dream to me now as it has been over two years since we had our final mission together and almost a year since I gave up my command and took on other responsibilities. Looking back I realize it was a miracle that we even survived that final day. What happened, what took place… it's so unreal. I'm actually ashamed to admit this, but I never thought that we would be together when it was done.

I know that we have talked about this, but it has never seemed enough, it has never been what I really needed. When we came home that fateful day, when I saw you looking at me from across the room. I knew that it was over the war had ended. You were finally getting your wish to retire and I was getting two things that I never really expected. I was getting my own command and after seven years of hiding, longing and secretly loving… I was getting you.

It was so overwhelming at first that I struggled for weeks after that day, after that final mission. The finality of what was and the realization that we could be together was almost too much. I had faced evil and the unknown and never felt as afraid as I was those first few weeks. But, you never gave up on me and on us. You never gave up and for that I gave you my heart completely and eternally.

I've been standing here in front of our window watching the trees sway with the late fall winds that have come and the first snows of the season falling upon the mountains. I feel in awe of them, especially now as I feel so suddenly alone. My breath catches and my heart beats faster when I look out our picture window to see them and remember…

Our first night together, it was on the mountain we can see from our window. Remember? I can still see the reflection in your eyes and the emotion and passion that was my gift to you; and your gentle touch and the soft scent of you, your words of tender compassion and concern for me. I know that you realize I was, and am still a strong person; but the caring and deep feeling that night made me feel like I was the only woman in the world. And in the nights that followed I remember our exploration of each other and the utter feeling of serenity, contentment, joy, and love as we became more than just friends, more than just lovers. We became complete, whole, we became husband and wife, and more importantly we became soul mates.

I remember those nights and yet tonight I can't help but feel down hearted at the thought that you may be alone, and I can't help but wonder if you're able to hear me speak your name. I can't help but wonder if you are staring at the star that is our home and longing for my embrace. Jack, are you whispering our names to the heavens that you see and wishing us goodnight too?

Somewhere deep within I know that you are okay and that things just aren't working out the way they should. I know that you're okay because somehow I can hear you talking to me from the vast distance that now separates us from each other. Consoling me in the only way you can, encouraging me, loving me and loving us.

She has moved little since you left on the mission last week, and I am certain that she is waiting as patiently as I to hear your voice read to us at night and tell us about the wonders of what she will see when she comes. I can feel her move every time I say your name out loud - she knows - and I am certain she misses you too.

I had a dream last night. I was cradling her in my arms as you held us tightly against your chest. We were watching the snow fall upon our beautiful mountain together as the sun rose. You were whispering something in my ear that I couldn't quite make out, but I felt safe and as if our life was finally complete.

It has been several hours since the call. So I write this letter to you and I read it aloud to our unborn. Attempting to express my feelings, trying to write the words that will tell you what it's like to look out our window and wait for you to walk up our steps and into our home. But there really aren't any words that will ever ease the uncertainty that I now feel, because right now you are missing and you may be in trouble; and this feeling increases even more so because I can't save you.

I miss you Jack. So please...please return soon.

Sam