"Alex" by Seren

ALEX By Seren

Rating: PG-suggestions of rape and some bad language.

Category: Sam and Jack

Spoilers: None that I can think of.

Disclaimer: I don't own Stargate or any of the characters. I am making no money from this story, I'm actually writing this when I should be studying for my exams so I'll probably end up failing, so don't sue me.

Note: This is my first ever fanfic that I've posted, I've tried a Carter and Lucy fanfic before this but seeing as that's never going to happen now I dropped it. So please be kind when reading this. I don't handle criticism well!

Storyline: Sam has a son

"General Hammond, incoming traveller.... It's SG-1 sir." The relief was evident in the Lieutenant Simmons' voice as he announced the immanent arrival of SG1. The team had missing for over four days now and even though two rescue teams had been sent through the gate to PX-39987, no sign had been found of the missing team. There had been evidence however of a firefight and the worst had been feared by the SGC.

General Hammond warmly grasped the shoulder of Lt.Simons and ordered him to open the iris. No one heard the General as he muttered "Thank God" under his breath.

Lt.Simmons opened the iris and waited eagerly for SG1 to come through the gate but when they did he gasped in shock. Colonel O'Neill came quickly through the gate- carrying Major Carter. The Colonel immediately started shouting for medics while Daniel and Teal'c emerged from the event horizon behind him.

"Colonel O'Neill, what happened?" General Hammond shouted as he ran into the embarkation room.

Jack didn't make any attempt to move from Sam's side so Daniel answered instead.

"We were attacked by Apothis. It was a surprise attack and we had no chance. He captured us and took us to his palace." Daniel's voice broke as Dr.Fraiser suddenly ran into the gateroom followed closely by the medic team. Daniel watched as she gently moved Jack to the side while Sam was placed on a stretcher.

General Hammond saw that Daniel and Jack were clearly not in the proper state of mind yet to give him a detailed account of what happened. Even Teal'c looked as if he wasn't all there. "We'll continue this later son. Get yourself checked out first. You too Teal'c." He moved to say the same thing to Jack but the Colonel was already half way out of the gateroom closely following the medic team.

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"What the hell is taking so long?" Jack cursed as he paced the halls outside the infirmary for what seemed like the hundredth time to Daniel who was beginning to feel seasick just looking at him. But he couldn't blame him for worrying, if he still had the energy he'd be up there pacing with him. Daniel buried his face in his hands. Sam had been taken into the infirmary nearly an hour and a half ago and there was still no news on her condition. He shuddered when he remembered what she looked like when they had found her. He had felt like throwing up, he had never seen Sam in so much pain before. She had been lying in a foetus position in the middle of the floor and had been crying uncontrollably. He had raced towards her along with Jack while Teal'c had taken up a defensive position at the door. Jack had fallen to his knees by her side and had turned her gently towards him. Sam had taken one look at him and had fallen unconscious. He had then looked at Jack, unsure of what to do next, but the grief evident in Jacks eyes had stopped any questions from him. Ever since he had known him Daniel had been aware that Jack was a master at keeping his emotions hidden but he had never yet been able to master the eyes. Although Jack betrayed no emotions on the outside Daniel could clearly see the pain and the grief that he was experiencing at that moment in his eyes. Whoever had coined the phrase "The eyes are the windows to the soul" had obviously been thinking of Jack O'Neill. The door of the infirmary opened and Janet Fraiser stepped into the hall. She looked tired and didn't say anything as she closed the door behind her.

"Doc. How's Carter doing? Is she going to be okay?" Janet rubbed the back of her neck tiredly. She had just been through one of the hardest hours of her life and worse was still to come. She was dreading telling them what had happened to Sam but she knew they had to know. She looked at Colonel O'Neill who was still waiting for an answer. Daniel and Teal'c moved to stand behind him and waited anxiously for her report. Janet's eyes filled with tears as she looked at the three men. They all loved Sam so much and she knew that they were going to be devastated when they found out.

"Major Carter is still unconscious but I carried out a full examination on her. There is no evidence of broken bones or internal bleeding. There is nothing to suggest any form of torture but...." Janet's voice wavered slightly "she's been raped." Daniel turned white and would have fallen if Teal'c had not steadied him. Colonel O'Neill however didn't say a word. He was so silent that Janet wasn't sure if he had heard her.

"Colonel did you hear what I said?" Jack had heard every word but he didn't say anything because if he did he knew without a shadow of a doubt that he would end up crying like a baby in front of everyone. He pushed past Janet and walked into the infirmary. Janet followed him and when they reached Sam's bed she told the nurses to leave.

"Colonel" she said softly "You can stay with her for a few minutes but not for any longer. I'll come back soon." Jack nodded and once Janet left the room he sat down beside the bed.

"Sam" he whispered as he took her hand "I don't know if you can hear me but I just want you to know that I'm here for you. Everything's going to be okay. We're going to look after you when you wake up." Jack brushed his fingers against her forehead. "Oh God Sam please wake up." He continued stroking her hair for a few minutes and tried desperately to keep some control over his emotions. The last thing Major Carter needed to see when she woke up was her CO crying like a baby. The shock of seeing him like that would probably cause her to fall unconscious again. Suddenly Sam began to groan and her eyes slowly opened. "Colonel O'Neill?" she mumbled "where am I?" Jack couldn't stop the grin that was spreading across his face and knew he probably looked an idiot sitting there grinning at her but he didn't care.

"You're in the infirmary at the SGC."

"Where's Janet?"

"She's outside."

"Can you get her please Colonel. I need to talk to her." Jack nodded and knew it was better for her to talk about what happened with a woman. He gave her a smile and walked out to get Janet.

Once he was gone Sam closed her eyes and prayed to God that all of this was just a bad nightmare and that she'd wake up soon, just plain old Major Carter. But when she opened her eyes again she was still in the infirmary. The nightmare was real. Just then Janet walked in.

"The Colonel tells me you want to talk to me Sam. I think I know what it is about." She sat down beside the bed and looked at Sam.

"Do you want to tell me what happened?"

"What did you find when you examined me Janet?"

"Sam I found evidence that you were raped."

"But am I pregnant?" Janet nodded.

"I'm afraid you are. It's obviously too late to take the morning after pill but I can arrange a termination."

"No!"

"Do you want to keep this baby?" Sam nodded and tears fell down her cheeks.

"I made a promise to my mother years ago when I was a little girl that I would never have an abortion. She had one when she was young, before she met my father, and she had regretted it ever since. I promised her Janet that I never would and I can't willingly break that promise."

"Who is the father?" Sam started crying and pulled the bedsheets up closer around her. Janet was worried; she had never seen Sam in this kind of emotional distress before. "Sam if you don't want to tell me it's alright. I'll understand." But Sam shook her head.

"No I have to tell you Janet but please don't hate me when you find out."

"I promise Sam. You can trust me." Sam smiled weakly.

"Thanks Janet. You're a really good friend."

"Well I'm not the only friend you have. There are three men outside who are worried sick about you. They care a lot about you Sam."

"I know they do but Janet I have to tell you who it is before I lose my nerve."

"Okay Sam but please take it easy and don't wear yourself out." Sam took a few deep breaths and looked nervously at Janet.

"Oh God Janet I can't believe this is happening. Never in a million years did I think this would happen to me. When we were captured by Apothis we were taken to his palace but I was separated from the guys when we got there. They were taken to a prison cell and I was taken to the throne room. Apothis was there. And he kept me there with him and..." Sam stopped unable to continue and she burst into tears.

Janet stared at her for a few seconds before realising what Sam meant. Her eyes widened in shock.

"Dear God Sam," she said grabbing her hand "is he the father?" Sam nodded and Janet stood up and pulled her into a hug. Janet couldn't believe what she had heard. It was worse than she had thought; the fact that Sam was even able to talk about it was astonishing enough.

"He wants the baby to be his new host. He can't find Sha'ares baby so he wanted a new one."

"But why did he let you go? Surely he'd want to keep you with him until the baby was born."

"I don't know. He just left one day and the next thing I remember was Daniel and the Colonel kneeling beside me."

"Do you want to keep who the father is a secret?".

Sam thought about it for a minute before finally shaking her head.

"No it's too big to keep a secret. Everyone will find out eventually but I want to tell the Colonel, Daniel and Teal'c first. They should know."

"Will I send them in now or do you want to wait?"

"I want to do it now but can you just give me a minute or two before you send them in?"

"No problem. And don't worry Sam I know they're going to support you through this." Janet left Sam and stepped back out into the hall where Jack, Daniel and Teal'c were sitting waiting. All three stood up when they saw her. She smiled to relieve to relieve their fears.

"She's awake and doing well and she wants to see the three of you but before you go in I just want to ask you all to please be supportive of her. I can't say anything else but please remember that." Daniel and Teal'c thanked her and walked quickly in but Jack stayed behind. He stood before Janet, hands in his pockets as usual, but despite his attempts at looking relaxed Janet could tell that he was worried sick about Sam.

"She will be alright won't she Doc? I just can't stop thinking about what she looked like when we found her."

"Physically she will get better but mentally- it's up to her really but so far it seems as if there isn't any adverse side-effects. But Colonel I really think you need to go in now and listen to what she has to say."

"Thanks." Jack rubbed his eyes as he walked towards Sam's room. God it was so hard seeing her like this. He would never in his lifetime forget the sight of her lying in the middle of the floor crying and he certainly hadn't been prepared for the storm of emotions that he had felt when he saw her. He had always thought that the term heart-broken was just a figure of speech but when he had walked into that throne room his heart had shattered. He had always been attracted to his Major and he knew that this attraction was the cause of his dislike for Martouf and Narim but how much he actually cared for her-loved her-was only hitting him now. But one thing was sure to him he couldn't tell Sam about his feelings yet. The last thing she needed was some old guy trying to tell her that he was in love with her. She had enough problems as it was.

"Hiya campers" he said as he walked into Sam's room trying to sound cheerful. "Hi Colonel can you take a seat please. I have to tell you all something." Jack took a seat warily and looked over at Daniel and Teal'c who were looking worried also. Well, Teal'c didn't look worried he just looked the same but despite that Jack knew he was just as worried as the rest of them.

Sam sat up in the bed and looked straight ahead of her, avoiding the looks of her teammates.

"I presume you know already about what happened to me. Janet probably told you." Jack nodded but no one said a word.

Sam continued.

"What she didn't tell you was that I am pregnant." She ignored the reactions of the three men and continued on quickly, determined to get it all out now.

"and there's more. The father of the child is..." Sam took a deep breath " it's Apothis." There was silence in the room for a few minutes and Sam nervously looked over at her CO. Jack was sitting in his chair, eyes wide open and jaw practically on the ground. She could hear a few squeaks coming from Daniel as he tried to speak. Teal'c sat perfectly still, eyebrow raised.

"Would someone say something please?" she asked.

"Congratulations, I think!" Daniel suddenly said but he quickly turned red.

"Sorry that's probably the wrong thing to say but I have no idea what to say or do or where to look and no-one else is saying anything and I think I'm babbling again." Sam gave a small smile to Daniel.

"Thanks Daniel. I know it's hard to get your head around but the fact is that I'm pregnant." Teal'c lowered his eyebrow and looked quizzically at Sam.

"Major Carter I do not understand. Are you pleased to be having this baby." Sam shook her head.

"I don't know. I'm obviously not happy about the way it happened in fact I'm repulsed by the memory of it..." Daniel blushed again "but I have to accept it. I'm having a baby and there's no way out of it and before you say anything I am not having an abortion that is not an option." Daniel nodded and Teal'c bowed his head slightly. Sam looked over at Jack again. He was still sitting there stunned by the news.

"Sir? Can you say something please." Jack looked at her.

"I ah I... have to go." He got up quickly and left the room. Sam stared after him for a few seconds and Daniel saw a single tear drop down her cheek.

"Sam it's okay." He said taking her hand in his "You know how he is. Just give him a while and he'll be all right. He just has to adjust to the news in his own time." But Sam shook her head

"He hates me I know he does." Daniel started to protest but Sam remained certain. "He hates the Ghou'ald and now I'm pregnant by one. Of course he hates me." Meanwhile Jack was walking down the halls of the SGC lost in thought. He absentmindedly acknowledged the salutes of people who passed him but despite that he was in a world of his own thinking hard about what Sam had told them a few minutes ago. "He raped her. Apothis raped Sam. My Sam. And now she's pregnant by him, a Ghoa'uld. I'm going to kill that bastard if I ever get my hands on him. She's pregnant. She's going to have a baby. But she'll be a good mother, pity about the father. I hope it gets Sam's looks...and brains, and personality. Damit! It will be his child. She must be so scared... and I didn't help things when I ran out of there. She must think I hate her..." Jack spun around on his heel and headed back towards the infirmary. When he got there Daniel and Teal'c were just leaving.

"Jack please don't make her feel bad. Try and be supportive even if you can't be." Jack slapped Daniel on the back.

"Don't worry Danny. I'm going to be with her every step of the way." Jack went into Sam's room and smiled at her but she didn't smile back.

"I can't change who this baby's father is Colonel but I can make sure that it doesn't turn out like him." Jack held up a hand to stop her.

"First of all Sam I just want to apologise for my behaviour when you told us." Sam looked at him in astonishment. Was this for CO standing before her apologising and calling her by her first name? Jack sat down beside her.

"Secondly I want you to know that I'll be here for you throughout all of us. You don't have to do this alone. I'm going to help you. We're all going to help you." Sam's eyes filled up with tears again. She told herself it was because of hormones but deep down she knew that all along she had wanted to hear those words form her CO, her Colonel

"Need a tissue Major?" Jack asked.

Sam laughed and said yes.

"I know you probably think that I hate you" Jack said "but you can't be further from the truth. You are my second in command and my friend and I could never hate you." Jack's heart was screaming at him to tell her but Jack knew that the time wasn't right, what she needed now was a friend not a complicated relationship.

Sam smiled and without hesitation Jack leaned forward and gave her a hug. Sam responded instantly and wrapped her arms around him. They broke apart a minute later but both were the better for it. Jack stayed a while longer talking and laughing with Sam but left after Janet came in and ordered him out.

"Feeling better?" she asked Sam.

"Much better thanks Janet. The guys were great they all said they'd help out."

"I talked to General Hammond Sam and filled him in about the situation. He was obviously shocked but he said to tell you that there's no way in hell he's letting you go. You're staying at the SGC and when I left he was already making plans for a nursery to be built."

"I wonder what Colonel Maybourne will say when he finds out?"

"Well if he does say anything I imagine that the General and Colonel O'Neill will both personally kick his ass!" Janet left soon afterwards and Sam was left thinking about what happened in the palace for a while. She prayed silently that no one would ever find out the truth about what really happened during those few days.

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

The next few months of Sam's life were hectic to say the least. The baby grew bigger each day and Sam was soon so big that she had to get help when standing up and sitting down. The reaction of the members of the SGC towards her pregnancy and that of its parentage were mixed. Some were happy for her while others were visibly uncomfortable with the situation but everyone soon grew used to the idea of having her having a baby and most even forgot most of the time who the father was. Daniel even told Sam about a rumour he had heard on the base grapevine that some people believed that Colonel O'Neill was the father and that he and Sam had made up this story in order to avoid court-martial. Sam laughed when she heard the story and Daniel was glad to see that she was coping so well. Sam had long since accepted the baby and was even looking forward to the birth. She and Janet went shopping nearly every weekend for baby clothes while Jack, Daniel and Teal'c concentrated on building the nursery both at her house and at the SGC. In between missions they would often be over at Sam's house and Sam was now used to hearing curses and shouts of pain coming from the nursery room. Sam's father had visited soon after SG-1 had returned and had fully supported his daughter. He visited regularly in order to check up on Sam and also to spend more time with her. He was planning on staying on Earth for the birth and was going to stay on afterwards for a while. Sam's brother Mark was aware that Sam was pregnant but had been told that the father was a colleague of Sam's who had been transferred abroad before she found out about the pregnancy. The Tok'ra, through Martouf, had assured Sam that the baby would not be born with the characteristics of a Ghoa'uld but that the baby would take after the host of Apothis who according to legend was only a slave. They also said that gate travel would not harm the baby. Colonel Maybourne, as expected, had objected to the presence of Major Carter at the SGC. He said that she and the baby were security risks and should be transferred to a secured location where the baby could be examined once born. General Hammond and Colonel O'Neill had protested and the Colonel had even told Maybourne that if he came near Major Carter or her baby he would personally rip his ribcage out. In the end the President had intervened and given his permission for Major Carter to remain at the SGC and that no tests were to be carried out on the baby or its mother.

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

"How's my little girl doing?" Jacob asked as he stepped down the ramp of the Stargate. He took a good look at Sam. "How you do fit anything else in there Sam that baby must be huge! What are you now? Seven months?" "Seven and a half, but who's counting!" Sam hugged her dad and said hello to Martouf who as usual had accompanied Jacob/Selmac.

"Jack! How have you been?" Jacob saluted Colonel O'Neill as he walked into the gateroom. "I'm great thanks Dad. Hey Marty long time no see!" Martouf looked perplexed.

"I do not understand Colonel. We saw each other just last week. Perhaps you are confused?" Jack grinned wickedly at Martouf while Sam elbowed him in the ribs.

"Figure of speech Marty. Just being my usual sarcastic self!"

"Nice to see things haven't changed while I was gone Jack!"

"Good comeback General. I think you've been hanging around me too much." They made their way towards the debriefing room where the General, Daniel and Teal'c were waiting. Once the greetings were over and Sam had been helped sit down by Jack the meeting began.

"I've been sent by the Tok'ra High Council to request your help. One of our informants has been injured and needs to return to us but we are unable to reach her so we need your assistance in getting her out. It's just in and out, it shouldn't be any trouble."

"Why aren't the Tok'ra able to do anything?" Daniel asked General Carter.

"We're not too liked on this planet so we need some neutrals to go in and get her. They don't know she's a Tok'ra so don't mention that to them when you arrive."

"Well I'm up for it." Jack said leaning back in his chair "Do we have permission General?"

"I don't see why not. SG-1 will go in minus of course Major Carter. I'll transfer someone from another team to SG-1 for this mission." Everyone nodded in agreement and the time for the mission was fixed at 0800 the next day. The meeting was adjourned and SG-1, General Carter and Martouf left for Sam's house.

"Sit down and relax everyone and Daniel and I will get dinner." Daniel looked worried.

"Jack you know I can't cook." Jack grabbed Daniel and steered him towards the kitchen.

"Nothing to worry about Danny boy you'll learn soon enough!" Sam groaned and sank down into the couch in the sitting room.

"They are going to destroy my kitchen. I know it!" Jacob laughed and sat down beside his daughter. Martouf and Teal'c remained standing.

"You should have some faith in them Sam."

"I've had experience with Jack's attempts at cooking Dad. I think he enjoys burning all my pots and filling the kitchen with smoke." Jacob didn't fail to notice his daughter's use of her CO's first name. Ever since he had learned of Sam's pregnancy he had visited the SGC more often and on each visit he had noticed that Sam and Jack had been growing closer and that they seemed to spending a lot of time together. He smiled to himself when Jack came into the room, wearing an apron saying 'I'm the chef, so eat it!' "Here you go Sam," he said handing her a plate of food "peanut-butter and jelly toasted sandwiches. Burnt to a crisp just the way you like them." Sam eagerly took the plate off him and licked her lips hungrily.

"And a glass of warm milk, with some chocolate syrup in it and some chocolate-chip cookies." Jack grinned and gave her a mock salute.

"Aye aye Major!"

"And hurry up with dinner I'm starving." She yelled to him as he left the room.

"Will that not ruin your appetite for dinner Samantha?" Martouf asked watching her in astonishment as she quickly devoured the sandwiches.

"I'm pregnant. I'm always hungry." Martouf nodded but turned to Teal'c and raised an eyebrow.

Shouts were soon heard from the kitchen followed by banging pots and even a "oh for crying out loud" was heard. A harassed looking Jack appeared again carrying Sam's glass of milk and her plate of cookies.

"That boy really can't cook." He handed Sam her plate and glass and took the other plate, now empty, back from her.

Jacob winked up at Jack as Sam gave him more food orders.

"My Sammy's got you well trained Colonel. Do you do her housework for her too?"

"She talked me into it but after I broke a few of her ornaments she got rid of me fairly quickly so Daniel and Teal'c do it instead." Jacob burst out laughing as he imagined Teal'c walking around with a feather duster.

Dinner was announced half an hour later and despite everyone's reservations at first dinner turned out to be quite nice. Halfway through the meal however Sam let out a few groans. "Are you alright Sam?" Jack asked looking at her anxiously.

Sam nodded and rubbed her swollen stomach.

"It's just a bit of pain. Nothing to worry about."

"It's probably all that rubbish you had before dinner Sam."

"I usually eat much more than that Dad and it's never bothered me before."

"It's more than likely indigestion. Just drink some milk and it should go away."

"Do you think that will work Daniel?"

"Always does for me."

"Well I can't get up, someone get it for me." Jack rolled his eyes and got up from his seat and walked over to the fridge.

"How did you get him to do that?" Jacob asked Sam.

Sam grinned. "At first I usually just sulked and complained until he got sick of me and he's so used to doing it now that I don't need to say anything. He was the hardest but..." Sam leaned over and patted Daniel's arm "I broke Daniel in easily." Daniel shrugged sheepishly

"I'm a sucker for puppy-dog looks!" After dinner everyone moved into the sitting room to relax after the surprisingly tasty dinner. Compliments had been paid to the two chefs and Jack and Daniel had wallowed quite happily in the praise. Later on Jack was in the kitchen trying to find some more glasses when Sam walked in, her hand resting protectively on her stomach.

"I need more milk," she said heading towards the fridge.

"Oh you're actually getting it for yourself!" "Cute Jack" Sam stuck her head into the fridge "if you must know Daniel is passed out on the couch and my Dad, Martouf and Teal'c are busy talking and you were in here so I had no choice." Sam put on a hurt face as she emerged from the fridge but she couldn't hold it for long when Jack put on an equally hurt face. They both started laughing and Sam poured out her glass of milk. She was about to pick it up when she suddenly felt the baby kick.

"Wow that was a big one!" she said leaning against the cupboards for support.

"Is the baby kicking?" "He's kicking up a storm in there." Sam took his hand and gently placed it on her stomach. She placed her own hands over his.

"Can you feel him?"

"Yes." Sam looked at him. He was looking down at their hands, wonder and awe in his face. His eyes were shining and she thought she even saw a tear in one of them but she wasn't sure. She didn't think she had ever felt so close to another human being before. He looked up and smiled at her.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome Jack." The moment was broken however when Jacob walked into the kitchen. "Hey Sam have you got any crackers?" Jack and Sam jumped apart. Jacob stopped in the doorway.

"Oh I'm sorry did I interrupt anything?" Jack laughed, slightly nervously.

"The baby was kicking General."

"Damn" Jacob thought to himself "those two were finally getting somewhere and I walk in."

"Bad timing Jacob as usual." "Butting in again Selmac?"

"It's a bad habit Jacob but I enjoy it immensely." "Talking to yourself Dad?"

"One of the perks of being a Tok'ra Sam. You get used to it though, at least I'm never short of company!" Jack and Sam walked back into the sitting room with Jacob and found Martouf and Teal'c trying to lift Daniel back up on the couch after he had fallen off.

"I think we better get him home." Jack said trying not to laugh as Daniel's body flopped everywhere as he was put back on the couch.

"You guys want a lift back to the base?"

"I think I'll stay here with Sam tonight Jack but I'm sure Martouf will appreciate the lift."

"Yes I will come back with you Colonel."

"And I also."

"Okay then, how about you guys put Daniel in the car and for pete's sake mind his head on the door. You know how fragile he is!" Sam and Jacob walked them to the door and while Jack hung around at the door with them Martouf and Teal'c placed Daniel in the back of Jack's Jeep. Jacob, in an attempt to make up for his earlier mistake, suddenly decided to walk to the Jeep to say goodbye leaving Sam and Jack alone. "Thanks for making dinner Jack. It was great."

"It was fun, I got to boss Daniel around a bit more!"

"I really appreciated it. I appreciate everything you've done for me over the past few months. I know how difficult all of this is for you." Jack shook his head.

"Sam, I do hate the Ghoa'uld but I don't hate this baby. I hate Apothis for what he did to you and if I ever get my hands on him I will kill him but there is no way in hell I could ever hate your baby because of who its father is. All that matters is that it's healthy and that you're happy." Despite her best attempts not to Sam began crying. "Damn hormones" she said smiling at Jack.

"Stop blaming it on the hormones Major!"

"Yes Sir." Jack looked over at the Jeep. Daniel was safely buckled in at the back, his head resting against the window. Jack wasn't sure but it looked like he was drooling. Teal'c and Martouf were sitting patiently in the Jeep while Jacob was relaxing against the bonnet gazing up at the stars. He looked back at Sam and felt a surge of emotions as he saw her. She looked so beautiful standing in the doorway, the light from the hall illuminating her hair so it shone like gold. Jack felt the blood pounding in his ears as he leaned in and gently kissed her.

"Goodnight Sam" he said and quickly walked over to the Jeep.

Sam remained standing in the doorway, her hand resting on her baby. Her heart hammered loudly in her chest and she felt sure it would explode with happiness any minute. Even though she and Jack had become closer since their talk in the infirmary he had never yet kissed her. She had often caught him looking at her and she had thought on those times that he wanted to kiss her but nothing had ever happened. She waved goodbye as the jeep pulled out of the driveway. She was still smiling when her father closed the door behind them.

"Something agrees with you," he said giving her a knowing look.

Sam blushed.

"Good company, that's all." Jacob sighed in exasperation. "Will I ever get her to admit it?" he thought to himself.

"She can only admit it to you when she admits it to herself Jacob."

"I know Selmac but I'm just afraid she'll never get around to it."

"Have patience Jacob, it will happen eventually."

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

"Chevron 7- locked." The wormhole exploded into the gateroom and seconds later fell back into the stargate leaving behind a watery doorway. "SG-1, you have a go." General Hammond spoke through the microphone in the control room to SG-1 who were assembled in the gateroom.

Colonel O'Neill saluted up to the General. Having done that he turned back to Carter who had come to say goodbye to her father. Jacob and Martouf were returning to the Tok'ra and SG-1 were due to return the rescued Tok'ra to them at a rendezvous point.

"See you soon Carter." He said half lifting his hat in salute.

"Bye Sir. Have fun." She said goodbye to Daniel and Teal'c and also to Lieutenant Russell who was temporarily joining SG-1 in her place.

Five minutes later all had departed and the Stargate was closed. Sam carefully made her way back to her office where she knew a pile of paperwork was waiting for her. She rubbed her stomach and moaned softly. There was a slight pain still from last night and she wasn't feeling too well either. Her back hurt and her feet felt huge. All she wanted to do was sit down and drink a hot cup of tea. She eventually reached her office and eased herself into the chair. She began sorting through her paperwork but after a few minutes she couldn't continue. The pain was getting worse and she couldn't concentrate on the work before her. She leant back and started to rub her stomach again- but the pain continued and she felt like it was steadily getting worse. Suddenly she felt a trickle down her legs, followed quickly by a steady flow. Sam stared down and comprehension suddenly dawned on her. She grabbed her phone and quickly dialled in the number for the infirmary.

"Janet," she said when the other end was answered, "I think the baby is coming." Five hours later SG-1 arrived- mission successful. Jack was telling Daniel a joke as they walked down the ramp. All were in a cheerful mood and were looking forward now to some time off.

"Colonel O'Neill sir." A young airman ran up to Jack quickly.

"What's up?"

" General Hammond asked me to tell you to get to the infirmary as son as you've arrived." Jack looked confused.

"Why what's going on?"

"Major Carter went into labour just after you left sir. The General is with her now." The words were barely out of his mouth when Jack, Daniel and Teal'c ran out of the gateroom, headed straight for the infirmary. Janet heard them coming before they arrived and stepped out into the hall to meet them. She pulled down her surgical mask to talk to them. "Thank God you've arrived. I think the General is about to have a heart attack in there. I don't think he's able to cope with Sam's language or the pressure she's putting on his hand. One of you can go in and relieve him." Daniel and Teal'c looked over at Jack who was ready to launch into the delivery room.

"Jack you better go in. I can't stand blood."

"I also do not like blood Colonel O'Neill." Daniel stared at Teal'c who remained perfectly serious.

"You should go in quickly O'Neill. The General will not last much longer." Jack didn't wait a second longer and rushed straight in followed by Janet.

"You don't like blood?" Teal'c looked at Daniel, eyebrow raised.

"It is better for Major Carter that Colonel O'Neill be in there with her. I told a small mistruth in order to allow him to go in to her." Daniel smiled.

"You're a good man Teal'c."

"I am simply being a friend Daniel Jackson."

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

Janet handed Jack a surgical gown. "Get this on quickly. The baby's nearly here." Jack pulled the gown on and followed Janet into the delivery room. General Hammond was standing beside the bed and Sam was grasping his hand and panting wildly. The General's face was nearly as red as Sam's and Jack could see that he was barely able to stand anymore.

"I'll take over from here General." Hammond looked at him gratefully and tried desperately to free his hand but Sam wouldn't let go.

"Major Carter can you let go of my hand please. Colonel O'Neill is here now and he'll help you through it." Sam looked over at Jack only realising then that he was in the room. She released the General's hand and he walked away quickly holding his hand painfully.

"Jack, you bastard! Where have you been?" Jack grinned and placed his hand in hers. "We just got back Sam. How was I supposed to know that you'd be early?"

"You should have known! You should have stayed."

"If it makes you feel any better just squeeze my hand." Sam immediately squeezed it and Jack nearly fell to his knees in pain.

Sam started panting again.

"It hurts so much Jack. I can't stand it."

"It'll be all over soon Sam. When this is over I'll buy you a drink and maybe dinner if you do a good job."

"I want more drugs!"

"Won't that be bad for the baby Sam?" Sam shot him an evil look.

"Who's having this baby, me or you?"

"Good point."

"Janet I need more drugs now!"

"And some painkillers" muttered Jack as Sam squeezed his hand again.

But Janet ignored Sam's shouting.

"The baby's coming Sam" she said from the bottom of the bed "I want you to begin pushing when I say to."

"But I want to push now!"

"Sam listen to me I know what I'm doing. So wait!" Sam fell back on the pillow.

"I never want to do this again." Jack wiped her forehead with the wet cloth given to him by a nurse.

"You don't mean that Sam."

"Of course I bloody mean it!"

"We'll see about that in a few minutes."

"Okay Sam I want you to push for me now. Okay?" Sam sat up again and looked anxiously at Jack.

"I can't do this Jack. I'm too tired."

"Yes you can. We're all going to help you to do this and it'll be over in a few minutes. Besides I want to see that baby already. I think we've waited long enough to see it."

"You're full of shit do you know that Jack?"

"I'm well aware of that already Sam. Thanks for pointing that out."

"You're welcome."

"Sam, push!" Sam pushed and pushed again.

"Is it here yet?" she asked totally exhausted.

"Just one more Sam."

"You can do it." Sam squeezed Jack's hand again. She pushed and her son was born.

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

Daniel and Teal'c paced outside the delivery room, both worried for their friend. When they heard a baby's cry they stopped and waited for someone to come and tell them what was going on. Minute's passed and still no one had come out. Daniel was about about to walk in and see for himself what was going on when the door opened and Jack walked out carrying a little bundle. "Daniel, Teal'c" he said quietly "I'd like you to meet Alexander Jacob Carter or Alex as his mother wants him to be called."

"Hi Alex. It's your Uncle Daniel." Daniel gently shook Alex's little hand while Alex looked at him with his mother's blue eyes.

"Welcome Alex Carter. It will be an honour being your friend."

"That's your Uncle Teal'c" Jack explained to Alex "he's an alien."

"I do not think he understands that term Colonel O'Neill."

"And Uncle Teal'c is very funny to play with too!"

"How's Sam?" Daniel asked.

"She's fast asleep at the moment but she was crying buckets when she held Alex. Janet says she'll be out of it for a few hours. She was exhausted." Daniel took another look at Alex.

"He looks like Sam, he has her eyes and it looks like he has blonde hair too."

"It is a most fortunate thing indeed Daniel Jackson that he resembles his mother."

"Very fortunate."

"I better bring Alex back. Janet wants him to be near Sam when she wakes up."

"Bye Alex. See you soon."

"Goodbye Alex." Jack brought Alex back to the delivery room. He placed him carefully into the cot that was set up for him beside Sam's bed. Alex yawned and stretched his fist in the air. Jack took a hold of it and smiled when he saw how tiny Alex's hand was in his.

"You have to promise me to be good for your mom Alex. I hope you won't give her any trouble, okay? If you do that I'll bring you to a hockey game soon and I'll buy you a few hotdogs and some popcorn. And your mom can give out to me when we get home because I kept you out too late and let you eat junkfood before your dinner." Alex looked up at Jack and raised his other fist in the air. Jack grinned.

"How about a high-five?" He gently placed his hand against Alex's and pressed against it slightly.

"Way to go buddy. Lesson number one in life learned!" Alex yawned again, he closed his eyes and a minute later was fast asleep.

Jack stayed a few minutes longer to make sure that he didn't wake up again.

"See you soon Alex." Jack checked on Sam before he left. She was still asleep and it didn't look like she was going to wake up any time soon. He pulled the blankets up around her and kissed her gently on the forehead.

"You did great Sam."

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

Jacob Carter returned to the SGC the next day an hour after he had received the message from General Hammond. "How is she?" he asked anxiously as he walked with the General to the infirmary.

"She's doing great and so is the baby. She's coping well." They reached the infirmary and found SG-1 in the room with Sam.

"How are my two babies doing?"

"We're fine Dad." Sam was sitting up in bed holding Alex who was wide-awake looking around him curiously.

"And this must be my grand-son" Jacob said.

"Dad say hello to Alexander Jacob Carter." Jacob carefully took Alex from Sam's arms.

"Hello Alex. It's very nice to meet you." Alex gurgled in reply and everyone laughed.

"When can you leave Sam?"

"I can leave in a few days. Janet says everything is all right but she just wants to keep me and Alex in for a few more days just in case. I just hope the house is decent when we get back."

"Don't worry Sam. Jack, Teal'c and I went over there last night after we left here and gave the place a good cleaning."

"Thank you so much guys. At least Alex will be going home to a clean house." Jacob handed Alex back to his mother and went outside the door for a few minutes. When he returned he had a bottle of champagne and was followed by Janet and General Hammond who was carrying a tray of glasses. "We have to celebrate the birth of my grandson and what better way than with a glass of champagne." Jacob popped the cork and everyone's glass was soon full. Jacob waited for silence and then raised his glass.

"I'd like to make a toast to my beautiful daughter Samantha and the miracle she has brought into the world, my grandson Alex. To Sam and Alex."

"To Sam and Alex."

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

"Uncle Jack!" Jack stopped in his tracks and turned around when he heard Alex calling him. Alex flew up the hall and jumped into Jack's arms. "Hey buddy when did you get back?"

"Two minutes ago. I couldn't wait to come home. I missed you and Uncle Daniel and Uncle Teal'c lots."

"Did you have fun at your Uncle Mark's?"

"Yeah I did. He taught me how to play a game on the computer."

"Alex Carter! Are you bothering your Uncle Jack again?" Alex squirmed around in Jacks arms and waved hello to his mother.

"I was telling him about what I did at Uncle Mark's Mom and I wasn't bothering him." Sam smiled and ruffled her son's blonde hair.

"You couldn't wait to come back could you?" Alex nodded his head and asked Jack to put him down.

"I want to go and say hi to Uncle Daniel and Uncle Teal'c and Uncle Hammond and Aunt Janet." Alex raced off down the hall shouting hellos to everybody he passed. Jack turned back to Sam, deliriously happy to see her again. She had only been gone a week and he had missed her every minute. "So did you miss me Sam?" he asked grinning cheekily at her.

"How could I not miss that fabulous sense of humour Jack!" Over the past three years Jack and Sam had grown considerably closer but nothing beyond that had happened. Jack hadn't confessed his feelings to Sam after the birth of Alex because he had been afraid that she wouldn't feel the same way.

"I broke up with Tim." Jack looked at her in surprise. Sam had only been dating him for a few months now.

"Really" he said trying to keep the grin off his face.

"It wasn't really working out. I don't know what it was but there was something missing. Things didn't feel right."

"Well at least you still have me!" Jack joked and slipped his arm around Sam's shoulders.

Sam smiled at him, genuinely glad that he was there- with his arm around her. The feel of him against her was too good to be true. Despite what she had told Jack she did know what had been wrong about her relationship with Tim- what had been wrong with all of her relationships during the past few years. The answer had been so simple that it had taken her years to figure to finally realise it- none of them had been Jack. Unknowingly she had been comparing them all to him and they had all failed miserably. None of them could make her laugh like he could, or make her feel like the most special person in the world with just one word or look. None of them had ever listened to her, understood her or comforted her the way he did everyday. She was in love with him and she couldn't tell him. She knew he didn't feel the same way about her- how could he? She was his friend; his second-in-command and she could never be anything beyond that. Even though he had kissed her that night before Alex's birth nothing had come of it but even now she could still feel his lips against hers. They walked down the hall together towards the gateroom where they knew they knew they would find Alex. She looked over at Jack and found him looking at her also. Their eyes locked for a moment and in that moment Sam found herself suddenly believing that Jack felt the same way about her but the moment was broken by the appearance of a soldier who saluted them and Sam came back to reality.

They entered the gateroom and found Alex with Daniel and Teal'c. They were busy telling him about SG-7's recent encounter with the Ghoa'ould. Alex knew perfectly well what the Stargate was and had been through it on numerous occasions to visit his grandfather. He knew that it was a secret and could not tell anyone outside the base about it even his Uncle Mark, he also knew all about the Ghoa'uld but was as yet unaware that his father was one. He had not asked any questions about who his father and Sam was not looking forward to the day when he realised that most little boys had a father and why didn't he. Alex saw his mother come into the gateroom and ran over to her. "Mom guess what? SG-7 met the Ghou'ald on their mission and they had to fight them. They had to turn on the Stargate and jump through it while they were still fighting the Ghou'ald."

"Was anyone hurt?"

"No they all got back okay and Uncle Hammond closed the iris so no-one could come through after them. I wish I could have seen it! I always miss the good fights!"

"There's a reason for that Alex" explained Sam "you'll get nightmares from seeing all those things and you'll be up all night crying and calling for me." Alex put his arms on his sides and looked angry.

"I'm not a baby Mom! I don't get nightmares anymore."

"I'm well aware that you're not a baby anymore you're three years old but I don't care what you say you are not allowed watch fights."

"Oh for crying out loud!" Sam looked at Jack who was swelling with pride at Alex's use of his favourite phrase and burst out laughing.

"You are getting way too much like your Uncle Jack."

"Forget the fights that's enough to give him nightmares!" Jack gave Daniel a dirty look.

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

"Have a good mission SG-1 and please come back in one piece this time."

"Easier said than done General."

"Humour me Colonel."

"Yes Sir." SG-1 prepared their gear and said goodbye to Alex. It was a tradition for the team to always say goodbye to Alex before they left; he was like their mascot and good luck charm rolled into one.

"Wish me luck Alex."

"Good luck Uncle Daniel but I don't know what it will do because I always say it and you always come back with something wrong with you." Daniel frowned.

"That's true actually I don't know why I always ask. It's probably just habit. Anyway it doesn't matter now. Bye Alex keep an eye on my lab for me." Alex nodded and saluted him goodbye. Daniel awkwardly saluted back, still not knowing how to do it properly.

"I will see you soon Alex Carter. We will watch some television when I return."

"The Flintstones?"

"Yes, I enjoy that programme immensely. It is interesting to observe human life as it was centuries ago." They shook on it and Teal'c moved to stand beside the ramp. Jack stood in front of Alex now.

"Okay Alex what are the rules while we're gone?"

"Put a whoopee cushion in Uncle Daniel's room. Don't play any other jokes on anyone until you get back..."

"And why is that?"

"To make sure that I'm doing them right."

"There's no point in doing them if you don't do them right." Alex nodded his head solemnly.

Jack bent down on one knee and stuck his hat on Alex's head.

"Behave yourself while we're gone. No trying to chat up any girls. Understood?"

"No problem Uncle Jack." Jack hugged him goodbye.

"I'll keep an eye on your mom for you." Sam gently pushed Jack away.

"You're staying with Aunt Janet and Cassandra tonight. Your clothes are all packed and ready for you."

"Okay Mom." Sam hugged him close.

"I love you sweetheart."

"I love you too Mom. Can I watch you come back tomorrow?"

"You better be here. I need to see my little boy when I get home." Alex waved goodbye to them all and went up to the viewing room where his Uncle Hammond lifted him up on a table so he could watch them go. He waved goodbye again as they stepped through the even horizon and when they were gone the iris closed behind them.

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

It was a routine mission, drop dead boring in Jack's opinion. They encountered no hostile forces and the villagers, once they got over the shock of seeing them, practically ignored them for the rest of their stay. Even Daniel couldn't find something to do. The village was almost an identical replica of countless other villages they had encountered on other planets so there was nothing new for him to investigate. All in all SG-1 were glad when the time came for them to return to Earth.

"Dial us out of here Danny," Jack said once they had reached the Stargate "I can't wait to get off this piece of rock."

"Not the most exciting planet we've ever gated to is it?"

"I've been to more exciting library conventions." Daniel dialled in Earth's address and then sent through SG-1's remote signal. Jack then waved them through.

"Alright let's go home everybody. Pizza's on me tonight." Daniel and Teal'c stepped through the gate but Jack stopped Sam before she walked through.

"How about I bring Alex to a hockey match tomorrow and you can catch up on a bit of sleep. You look tired."

"On one condition. I'm coming too. I know you don't believe me but I actually do enjoy a good hockey match now and again."

"Well if you don't mind putting up with me for the day you're more than welcome to come."

"I think that after six years now Jack I'm immune to your bad habits." Jack wiggled his eyebrows.

" Ah but I have some more up my sleeve that you haven't seen yet."

"God help me if you do!" They walked through the Stargate together and emerged into chaos.

"What the hell..." Jack looked around him in disbelief. The gateroom looked as if it had just been through a major battle. Dead bodies littered the floor and medical teams filled the room trying to save the lives of the wounded. The glass of the control room was shattered and the body of a technician was half hanging out of the window. He had been hit in the stomach by a staffweapon. Daniel and Teal'c were standing at the end of the ramp staring in horror at the scene before them.

"What the hell happened here?" Jack shouted to nobody in particular.

A soldier who standing near the gate holding his injured arm answered him.

"It was Apothis Colonel. He came through with a small army and attacked us." Sam turned white and grabbed Jacks arm for support.

"Where is my son?" she screamed.

For a minute it seemed as if everyone in the room stopped moving when they heard Sam. She looked at them, tears in her eyes. But no one answered her.

"Where is he?" General Hammond walked into the gateroom, his arm in a sling.

"He's gone Sam. His father took him." Sam felt her legs grow weak and would have collapsed had Jack not steadied her. "He has my baby Jack," she said turning to face him "he took him from me." Jack said nothing but pulled her towards him and held her close. Sam laid her head on his shoulder, thankful for the warmth of his touch and cried. Jack wrapped his arms around her as if trying in vain to shield her from pain. His face betrayed nothing but his heart was crying. He loved Alex like a son and at times even considered him to be his son- from the day he was born he had loved him and when he had held him for the first time he had wished with all his heart that Alex was his son. His son with Sam.

They found out a few minutes later what had happened. Apothis had gained entry to the SGC through an insider. The spy was a member of SG-6. His wife had filed for divorce from him a few months before because of the amount of time he was spending at the SGC. She had met someone else while he had been gone and she wanted to end their marriage. He blamed the Stargate programme for his wife's decision and deeply resented everyone in the base. While on a mission a few weeks ago Apothis had captured him and during his imprisonment they had come to an arrangement. The spy would provide Apothis with information about the SGC and the activities of SG-1 and would also help Apothis to take control of the SGC when the time came. In return Apothis would take him with him and award him a profitable position in his army. The spy had told Apothis of SG-1's mission for the Tok'ra and that day had been set for the attack. During the night shift when only a skeleton staff was on he had taken over the control room and had disabled the iris. Apothis had come through then with an army of Jaffa and a battle between them and the soldiers of the base had followed. While the main force of the Jaffa were fighting the soldiers Apothis had taken a smaller force and with the help of the spy had found Alex who was in the infirmary with Janet. Janet had tried to stop them but Apothis had thrown her against a wall and she had been knocked unconscious. He then took Alex and escaped through the Stargate. The body of the spy was found afterwards in the infirmary, his head had been smashed open. A letter explaining what he had done was found in his room.

"I wish he was still alive so I could get my hands on him and kill him myself." Sam laid a hand on Jacks arm to quiet him down.

"Did anyone see the symbols of the planet where they gated to?" Hammond shook his head.

"No-one could get near the gate. Apothis left a small 'suicide' group behind him that kept us busy for a while longer. When we finally killed the last one there was no evidence left of where he had gone."

"The Tok'ra might know" Daniel suggested "they could have an operative within his palace."

"Good idea Doctor Jackson. We'll send a message through now."

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

Sam lay on her bed and hugged her pillow tightly but try as she might she couldn't make it turn into Alex. She wiped away the tears that were in her eyes. She didn't want to cry anymore all she wanted to do was find her son but to do that she had to wait until the Tok'ra sent back a message.

Just then someone knocked on the door. Sam sighed she really didn't feel like any company but she knew it was only someone seeing if she was all right. She got up and opened the door. Jack was standing in the hall, hands in his pockets as usual. He looked just as miserable as she did.

"Come in Jack." Jack walked in and watched as she closed the door slowly.

"How are you doing? Sorry stupid question." Sam shrugged.

"I'm doing fine considering my son has been kidnapped by a monster. And that the monster is his father."

"It's not your fault who his father is Sam. He raped you. You had no choice." Sam sat down on her bed and tried to control her breathing. Should she tell him? Could she tell him the truth of what really happened? The silence continued as Sam wrestled with her decision. Jack moved from his position beside the wall and sat down beside her. He didn't say anything but Sam wished he would say something to break the silence.

"Jack" she said quietly "I have to tell you something."

"What is it?" Sam stood up and walked over to the side of the room. She stared down at her hands and tried to put the words together in her head.

"You said a few minutes ago that I was raped and that I had no choice." Jack nodded and wondered where she was going with this. He watched as Sam nervously paced back and forth. Jack couldn't take the suspense anymore; he stood up, took Sam's hand and forced her to look at him.

"What is it Sam? You can tell me." Sam tried to look away from him but he wouldn't let her. Her eyes filled with tears. Jack wrapped his hands around her face and with his fingers gently wiped away her tears.

"Sam. What's wrong?" Sam raised her eyes to meet his. If she was going to tell him she would do it looking at him.

"I did have a choice Jack." Jack looked at her blankly.

"What are you talking about?"

"He didn't rape me, he gave me a choice. He told me that he needed a new host and that I could give it to him. I said no and he accepted that but then he said that because he had no more use for me he was going to kill us all. I couldn't let that happen. I couldn't him kill all of you, so I had to do it." She moved away from Jack, repulsed by the memory of what had happened. She turned her back to him and covered her face with her hands. She expected him to walk out of the room, unable to deal with what she had told him, but Jack didn't leave her. Instead he walked over to her, turned her around and hugged her tightly. They said nothing for several minutes but finally Sam pulled away and looked into his face. What she saw surprised her, instead of the pity and sadness she was expecting to see she saw only love and understanding. It gave her the courage to continue.

"When I make my decision I thought I was doing it for the good of us all, the good of the team but I've only realised recently that I was doing it to save you. I wanted to save you all but I wanted to save you the most." She placed her hands in his and held them tight.

"Please don't hate me for what I did. I thought I was doing the right thing and I still think I did the right thing. I saved you and I got Alex." Jack couldn't believe what he was hearing. Sam had risked everything in order to save his life. She cared for him and she loved him. His heart began to beat wildly. "I can't hate you Sam, I never could. I love you too much to ever hate you." They smiled and finally all the years of hesitation and doubt and fear ended and love took its place.

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

The Tok'ra message arrived an hour later. Jacob Carter arrived through the Stargate and demanded immediately to see his daughter. The good news was that the Tok'ra knew the location of Apothis's base. "You're lucky. Our operative in Apothis's army just contacted us a few hours ago to tell us the new location of his base. The move took place a few days ago and security is high. I'm assuming that we'll find Alex there."

"If security is high then the Stargate will be heavily guarded. That will be a problem Jacob."

"We thought of that already George and the idea is to gate to a planet near to the base and a Tok'ra ship will meet you there and transport you to the planet."

"What will our force consist of General Hammond?" Teal'c asked.

"SG-1 will be the only team going in. We think that a small force will have a better chance of getting in and out quickly and effectively than a large number of SG teams that will be quickly detected."

"When are we going?"

"In a few hours. I think it would be better if you stayed Doctor Jackson. The fighting will be heavy and you don't have a lot of training yet." But Daniel shook his head.

"No I'm coming General. Someone will need to look after Alex while we're making our escape. Jack, Sam and Teal'c will have to keep an eye out for the Ghou'ald so I need to be there for Alex."

"He's right General, I want Daniel to come along. Alex will be safe with him." General Hammond thought about it for a second and then gave his consent. Daniel shot Sam a grateful look. He was not going to be left behind again especially not when Alex was in trouble.

The meeting was adjourned and preparations for the rescue mission began immediately. The base buzzed with activity and people worked feverishly trying to get things ready in time. Jacob found his daughter in the locker room checking her equipment out.

"Nervous?" he asked as he sat down on the bench in the middle of the room.

"No I'm just impatient to get there and find Alex." She sat down beside him.

"He must be so scared." Jacob laughed.

"Alex doesn't know the meaning of that word. He's a plucky little kid and if I know my grandson he's probably up to all sorts of mischief at the moment!" Sam rested her head on her father's shoulder and wrapped her arms around him.

"Thanks Dad."

"For what?"

"For trying to cheer me up. I'm glad you're here." Jacob kissed the top of her head.

"I wouldn't be anywhere else sweetheart."

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

SG-1 lined up at the bottom of the ramp. The co-ordinates for the planet where they would rendezvous with the Tok'ra ship were dialled in. Daniel looked behind him.

"Alex should be here saying goodbye to us."

"He'll be here next time Danny twisting you around his little finger as he usually does!"

"You're one to talk. You spoil him rotten. You let him talk you into anything."

"And because of that I'm his favourite uncle" whispered Jack to Sam.

"I heard that Jack." General Hammonds voice boomed out of the loudspeaker. "SG-1 you have a go. And bring him back safely." Daniel, Teal'c and Jacob moved off up the ramp and into the Stargate. Sam and Jack stopped just before the event horizon.

"God I hope we find him." Jack took her hand and held it.

"We'll find him Sam and we'll bring him home. I promise." Sam took a deep breath and kept her hand in his. "Ready?"

"Let's go," she said.

And they stepped through.

It took ten hours to reach the atmosphere of the base planet. In order to avoid detection the ship landed on the other side of the planet well away from the main base and operations of Apothis and his Jaffa army. Jack left a radio with Jacob so that SG-1 could keep in contact with them. Jacob reluctantly stayed with the ship on Sam's wishes. Her reason was that she didn't want something happening to him as well. She had had enough suffering in the past few days. SG-1 set out an hour later. It was early morning and most of the day was spent walking. Near evening they began to come across Jaffa patrols which indicated that they were nearing Apothis's base. Night had fallen by the time they reached the outskirts of the base camp. A huge pyramid lay in the centre of a barren valley. The Stargate lay beyond the hill and was guarded by five Jaffa. The plan was to go in, find Alex, get out and head back to the ship or if not possible then take out the Jaffa guards and head back through the Stargate.

Daniel crawled forward on his stomach to Jack who was lying on the grass looking through a pair of binoculars at the pyramid.

"Jack how do you propose we get in?" Jack looked at him in exasperation.

"Well jeez I don't know. You're the Egyptologist, I thought you'd have an idea." Daniel took his glasses off and gave them a quick wipe. When he put them on again he took the binoculars off Jack and had a look.

"Well it's the same as the one that we were held prisoner in. We should be able to get in unnoticed- I hope."

"That's good enough for me." Taking advantage of the darkness SG-1 carefully and silently crept past the Jaffa patrols, which were placed around the pyramid. Luck was with them and they managed to gain entry through an opening in the side of the pyramid.

"Nice of him to leave a window open for us." Jack commented.

They found themselves in a long dark corridor. Keeping quiet Daniel pointed to their left, indicating which way to go. Jack nodded in confirmation and with Jack leading they walked quietly down the corridor. Lights appeared ahead and Jack waved them against the wall. Two Jaffa walked past; ono of whom was carrying a torch. They did not notice the SG-1 leaning against the far wall and continued walking on.

Jack waited a minute and then moved forward again. The corridor came to an abrupt end and two passageways led out form it. "Where do we go?" Jack whispered to Daniel. Daniel looked at both the corridors and racked his memory for any information or memories that would help. "Take the right passage" he finally said basing his choice on the fact that in all the pyramids they had been in before the main chambers tended to be found on the right hand side of the pyramid. He assumed that if Alex were here he would be in a royal chamber as befitted the son of Apothis. Jack accepted his decision without question and they all continued down the passage. Minutes later they arrived at a series of rooms that stretched down a corridor lined with pillars. At the end of the corridor two Jaffa were standing before a curtained room.

Jack pointed to the room and gave a thumbs up. Everyone nodded; knowing well that Alex was more than likely in that room. Jack looked at the long row of pillars thankfully. They would provide some degree of cover to the team as they approached the room. Jack gave some hand signals indicating that they should proceed down the corridor using the pillars as protection. He also signed to Daniel to keep at the back. The action didn't take long, Sam, Jack and Teal'c approached the Jaffa silently, guns at the ready. The Jaffa did not seem aware of their presence and it was only when Jack appeared from behind a pillar that they realised the danger. The guns fired and the Jaffa died quickly. Teal'c and Jack dragged the bodies into the room and checked the corridor for any signs of activity. There was no one else around so they returned quickly to the room. Sam and Daniel were already there calling Alex's name. There was no sign of him but it was obvious that someone had been here recently. A bed that had been slept in was in the middle of the floor and a half eaten plate of food lay beside it.

"Alex" Sam called again. But there was no answer. Jack was about to suggest that they leave and look somewhere else when suddenly a rustling noise was heard. They all turned towards the sound of the noise and saw a little blonde head emerge from large wooded box in the corner of the room.

"Mom!" Alex cried as he scrambled out of the box. He hurtled across the room and flew into his mother's arms.

Sam burst into tears and clung to Alex who had buried his head in her shoulder. She let go of him a few minutes later and Alex eagerly greeted his three uncles who were overjoyed to see him again. "What were you doing in the box?" Jack asked him after Alex had nearly choked him with his hug.

"I hid in there so he wouldn't be able to find me when he came back."

"Who are you talking about?"

"Apothis. He was the one who kidnapped me. He said that he's my father and that I was never going to see my mother again. But I told him that he wasn't my father and that Mom would kill him when she came to get me."

"Well done kid" Jack told him "always stand up to a bully." He put Alex back on the ground and switched on the radio.

"General Carter. Are you there?"

"We're still here. Did you find him yet?"

"We got him and we're on our way out now. Could you meet us half way, I don't want to spend any more time than is necessary on this planet."

"No problem. See you in a while." Jack switched the radio back off and put it back in his belt.

"Daniel take Alex and don't let him out of your sight. We better get out of here quickly before anyone notices the two missing goons outside." Daniel picked Alex up and told him to keep quiet until they were out of the pyramid. Jack checked the corridor and seeing it was all clear gave the sign to leave. They moved out in single file. Jack first, then Sam, Daniel and Alex while Teal'c took up the rear. They returned the same way they had come in and all was quiet as they quietly hurried down the passageway. Jack felt tense. Something didn't feel right. So far the mission had been routine- almost easy. They had encountered almost no resistance and they had easily sneaked into a Ghoa'uld mothership without any detection. He had a bad feeling that something was going to go wrong very soon.

Jack's suspicions were soon proved correct. They had left the passageway and could see the opening ahead of them. Jack was about to breathe a sigh of relief when suddenly lights appeared and a dozen Jaffa quickly surrounded them. "Oh for crying out loud!" Jack cried.

They were forced to leave their weapons on the ground and drop to their knees. The Jaffa parted and Apothis walked into the circle. His eyes flashed when he saw them kneeling before him.

"So you have arrived at last. I was expecting you sooner." SG-1 remained silent.

"You are trying to take my son away from me," he said " I cannot allow that." Sam clenched her fists.

"He is my son and I am taking him home."

"Silence!" Apothis roared.

"You are but the vessel from which he was born. I created him. I am his father and he shall remain with me."

"No! I don't want to stay here. I want to go home with my mom." Apothis smiled at Alex who was keeling beside Daniel.

"You have spirit my son. That is a good thing. You shall be able to lead my army successfully when you are of age." Alex stood up, hands on his hips.

"You aren't my father. Stop saying that. I'm going home with Mom and you can't stop me!" Apothis pointed at the child and shouted at a Jaffa. The Jaffa stepped forward and grabbed Alex by the arms. Daniel tried to stop them but the Jaffa knocked him to the ground. Alex was carried to Apothis and placed before him. "Please don't hurt him" Sam pleaded to Apothis "he's only a child." Apothis smiled cruelly at her and dragged Alex to his side.

"Do not worry Major Carter I shall not hurt my own son." While Apothis was speaking to Sam Jack carefully moved his arm to the radio in his belt. None of the Jaffa noticed his movements so he turned the radio on in his belt and prayed to God that Jacob would hear. In another situation he would have taken out his gun but he couldn't risk a firefight with Alex in the room.

Apothis kept a firm grip on Alex's arm and Sam could see her son try to keep back the tears. "I am grateful to you Major for caring for my son. I had not expected that you would have a child." Sam looked at him in shock.

"What do you mean? You wanted me to have a baby so you could use it as a host. You were certain that I would have it." Apothis shrugged. "I lied. I did not want a new host at the time. I was confident of finding Amounet's child but it has worked out in my favour now. I have a son again." Sam couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"You used me for pleasure?" "Yes. You are a very beautiful woman and I was curious as t what it would be like with a human woman." Jack felt something snap within him and tried to throw himself at Apothis but he was hit in the stomach by a staff weapon. He fell to the ground, gasping for breath. Sam crawled over to him and held him in her arms.

"You bastard." She shouted at Apothis. "You sick bastard."

"I have no use for any of you anymore. I will take pleasure in your deaths. You have all been a nuisance to me and I shall be pleased when your bodies are rotting in my dungeon." Alex struggled to get away from his father but he was held fast by Apothis. "Goodbye" he said to SG-1 "I shall not think of you again." He was about to walk away when suddenly explosions were heard from outside. The building shook as an explosion hit it. Alex saw Apothis lose his balance slightly and saw his opportunity. He stamped hard on his father's foot and ran back to his mother when Apothis let go of him. SG-1 had also taken the opportunity to get their weapons back and start opening fire on the Jaffa. More explosions hit the palace and a section of the roof fell on a group of the Jaffa.

"Head for the door" Jack shouted above the noise. Apothis had disappeared and Jack guessed that he had been hit by some of the falling roof.

Daniel grabbed Alex and made a run for it while Sam, Teal'c and Jack laid some ground fire. They followed Daniel out the door firing at the few remaining Jaffa as they did. Once they reached the door they made a run for it.

"Who' dropping the bombs?" Daniel yelled to Jack as they ran out of the valley.

"It's General Carter. I turned the radio on back there and he must have heard that we were captured by Apothis."

"General Carter has good timing Colonel O'Neill."

"Damn right he does Teal'c. Remind me to thank him when we get back." Out of the blue Jacob's voice could be heard from the radio.

"Jack, Jack are you there?" Jack pulled the radio out of his belt and turned it on quickly.

"Hey Dad! Always nice to hear your voice."

"Is everyone still alive?"

"We're all in one piece. I'll tell you about it later. What's the plan?"

"We're going to take out the guard at the gate so head for that. It's your quickest way home. When you're through we'll take the ship out of here."

"Right. See you in a few hours." They continued running and saw the Tok'ra ship fly overhead. They reached the top of the hill just in time to see the ship engage the Jaffa guards at the gate. It took only a few minutes and soon the way was clear to continue on. They waved to the ship as it flew back over them and into the atmosphere.

"Danny dial us out of here." Jack hollered once they reached the gate. Daniel put Alex on the ground behind a rock where he would be safe and hurriedly dialled in Earth's address. He fumbled in his pockets for the signal box and once he found it sent SG-1's remote signal through. The wormhole burst forth from the Stargate. Jack checked the surrounding area. In the distance he could see a huge force of Jaffa closing in on them

"Let's get out of here." "Alex go with Uncle Daniel. I'll be right behind." Alex saluted his mother and shouted goodbye. He clambered into Daniel's arms and disappeared into the Stargate with him. As soon as they had entered the Stargate a death glider appeared and fired twice at the gate.

Jack fell to a defensive position beside Sam.

"Get out of here now." Sam reloaded her gun.

"I'm not going anywhere without you."

"Don't be stubborn! Go now. Alex needs you." He could see the hesitation in her eyes. She was torn between her son and the man she loved.

"Please go now Sam. I'll be behind you in a few minutes."

"You better be right behind me or I'll kick your ass." Jack shouted at Teal'c to lay cover for Sam when she went through the gate. "Get ready the death gliders coming back for another pass. Once its gone go through straightaway." Abruptly Sam leaned towards him and kissed him passionately.

"I will definitely be behind you" Jack said when they broke apart.

"If you are you'll get another one of those when you come through." Teal'c shouted a warning as the death glider came around again. All three took cover as it fired twice. One of the shots hit the rock near Teal'c and the some of the debris hit him in the arm. "Teal'c" Sam shouted. "Are you okay?"

"I am fine Major Carter. My arm has been hit."

"Well that does it you're going through now with Sam." Teal'c began to protest but Jack ordered him through. He reluctantly left his position and accepted Sam's help.

"Go now!" Sam gave Jack one last look and then ran through the gate with Teal'c. When they emerged from the gate it seemed as if half the base was in the room waiting apprehensively for their return. Sam looked for Alex and saw him with Daniel and Janet. He waved excitedly at his mother.

"Where's Uncle Jack?" he asked Sam as she stepped off the ramp.

Sam looked back at the gate, anxiety written on her face.

"He'll be through soon." Seconds past and Jack still hadn't appeared. There was silence in the room as everyone waited with bated breath for his return. Just when Sam thought she would collapse with the fear and worry Jack suddenly ran out of the event horizon.

"Close the iris" he roared up to the control room. The technicians responded immediately and the iris was closed.

Despite the fact that by now most of the personnel of the base was crammed into the gateroom Sam ran up the ramp and threw her arms around Jack.

"How about that kiss now?" he asked. The entire room broke into cheer as Jack and Sam kissed.

"Does this mean that Uncle Jack and Mom are going to get married?" Alex asked Daniel.

"I think that's a pretty good possibility."

"Good" he said smiling happily "it took them long enough!"

THE END.