Chapter Text
Haya - Alive
Chapter 1 - Conjecture
The first thing he noticed was Sam was pregnant. When the hell had that happened he wondered. Who the FUCK was the father? was his next thought. Sure he’d been MIA and probably declared killed in action. He wasn’t even sure they had known to look for him. He couldn’t rightfully blame her. His last memory of his team was Sam screaming his name as the rubble overtook him. He probably had been dead and considering he’d spent unknown months in a Goa’uld internment camp which meant he’d been grabbed mostly dead and shoved him into a damned sarcophagus. Go’tak snakeheads. Fuck. He was still thinking in Goa’uld. God damn it all to hell. Everyone was staring at him, or what was left of him. He was down a solid forty pounds as far as he could tell. He looked like shit. He felt like shit. Someone was forcing him on a gurney and blissful darkness overtook him.
His next memory was beeping. He supposed that made a certain amount of sense as he did remember coming home. Janet had probably poked him full of holes. Dammit. Janet was dead. He’d almost died that day too. Screaming Sam’s name. Sam. Sam was pregnant. When did Sam get pregnant. How long had he been gone.
A hand held his. A familiar long fingered soft hand with calluses much like his own. His eyes tracked over to it’s owner who’s eyes were puffy and nose was red from crying. For what it was worth, she’d at least missed him. That was something he supposed. “Carter.” He croaked. He’d rarely spoken in months. His voice rusty from disuse.
She nodded and threw herself on his chest. Her body shook with sobs. He awkwardly put his free arm hooked up to a drip line around her shoulders. His other arm was pinned between them. Tears pricked his own eyes.
She eventually calmed down enough to ease back and look in his eyes, her fingers brushing through his shaggy hair. “I saw you die.” She finally choked out.
“I didn’t mean to.” And she hiccupped a laugh.
“I know you didn’t Jack. I never would have stopped looking for you if I hadn’t seen you die with my own eyes’ she started crying again.
“Hey. Hey. Sam. It’s ok. You had no reason to think they would revive a dead man.” He swiped away a tear off her cheek. “How long was I missing?”
“Six months Jack.” And the strain of thinking he was dead for six months had hollowed out her cheeks and left deep blue shadows under her eyes.
“God Sam. You needed to take care of yourself. You’re going to be a mom.” He told her, gently reprimanding her for her lack of self care under the circumstances. He totally understood needing to take solace in someone’s arms. God knows he’d done the same a time or two himself. But if she chose to not terminate then she had a responsibility to the life she’d created.
She gave him a watery smile. Still stroking his hair. “I’ve tried to but I’ve missed you so much and it hurt too much to be alone.”
“Who’s this guy anyway? I’m going to kick his ass for not taking care of you after knocking you up.”
She started giggling but it came out a strangled hiccup as she buried her face in his neck, her arm snaking around his waist and clinging to him.
“What’s so funny?” He asked frowning. He really was going to kick the guy’s ass for not making sure she ate and slept.
“You’re the father you idiot.” She snorted into his shoulder.
“Oh. Oh!” wait. “Shit seriously?” he asked her confused. He’d have sworn she’d been using protection.
“Well it wasn’t an immaculate conception and I haven’t had sex since.” She told him sarcastically.
“I’ll have Teal’c kick my ass for you.” He paused “When I’m up to it.”
“The guys have been great. You’re funeral was very nice. We recycled one of Daniel’s flags.”
He wasn’t sure if she was kidding about that last part or not. Holy shit he was going to be a dad again. “Where are we going to live?” he’d realized the Air Force had probably sold his house on him. He also realized she might not want to actually be with him. “Do you want to live together?” was that panic he heard in his voice. Yup. Definitely panic.
“I rented out my house. I’ve been at your place since you were declared Missing presumed dead. You had me listed as next of kin and I couldn’t bring myself to clean it out after I found out I was pregnant.”
“What did you tell everyone?” his eyes searched hers.
“Nothing. Every time someone asked I broke out in tears and they changed the subject. I think uncle George knows but he’s never asked and you were dead so I think he felt bad about giving you a dishonorable discharge.” She sighed. “I don’t know what to do now.” She admitted.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll figure something out.” He said reassuringly because while her job was scientific miracles his was guarding his team’s six. She squeezed his fingers with her trembling hand. “It will be ok Carter. I promise. I might have to resign but it will be ok.”
“I took a leave of absence before I knew I was pregnant. After I found out I stayed on it.” She admitted. “It killed me inside to be here.”
He nodded in understanding. He’d have felt the same way.
There was a knock. Carolyn Lam entered followed by General Hammond and Master Bra’tac. “Neither of you is to stay more than ten minutes” Lam told Hammond and Bra’tac. “He’s had a very rough experience and he needs rest and quiet to heal.”
“We understand Carolyn. Thank you.” Hammond told her and she grudgingly left.
“O’Neill, I must apologize. We had no idea you were being held captive or we’d have freed you months ago.” Bra’tac told him, his eyes filled with shame at his failure to save a friend.
“We’re all sorry Jack. By all accounts you were dead behind enemy lines. Sam said she saw you die herself.” George looked like he’d failed a personal test of himself.
Jack waved his arm dismissively. “I was dead. Those damned snakes stuffed me in a sarcophagus. They must have been short handed because they saw me dressed as a servant and never even interrogated me to find out if I was the spy. Ptah wasn’t even there and his guards aren’t known for being very smart.”
“Still I feel responsible my brother. This would not have happened had we exacted retribution immediately.”
“That might not be true Master Bra’tac. Jack wasn’t found on the planet he died on. Had you chased after the fleet you and he might both now be dead.” George told the distraught Jaffa leader. “I’m glad your back.” George said turning to Jack “The SGC hasn’t been the same without you son.” And by that George meant Sam because as much as Jack was the spirit of the SGC Sam was it’s soul and she’d curled in on herself with his death. “We do have a minor housing issue though.”
“Sam told me sir.”
“I can get my things out of his house. I never did sign the title transfer papers. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it uncle George.” Sam said and felt Jack squeeze her hand comfortingly.
George sighed. He was going to have to draw them a map wasn’t he. “Sam he’s in no condition to be by himself and frankly neither are you.” He got some satisfaction that Sam had the decency to look ashamed and put her hand protectively over her stomach. “Now I realize this situation might be awkward and uncomfortable for both of you but you are already on medical leave Colonel Carter. It would be best if you took care of each other until Jack puts some weight back on and you’ve had the baby. I’m sure you can stand three or four months of each other’s company.” He told them both in his ‘this is not a request’ voice.
“Yes sir.” Sam told him softly.
“Yes sir.” Jack echoed.
“Good. I’ve been babysitting the SGC while looking for your replacement. Seeing as reports of your death are greatly exaggerated Jack I will inform the president of your status. By the time you’re cleared for duty health wise the paperwork should be cleared as well.”
“Thank you sir.” Jack told George.
“Don’t thank me yet son. I’ll need a full debriefing on my desk in forty eight hours. Maser Bra’tac, I believe we’ve over stayed our welcome by a solid three minutes.” Bra’tac nodded in agreement. “I’ll let you rest now. You look like you need it. When Doctor Jackson and Teal’c get back from P14-674 I’ll send them your way.”
Jack nodded tiredly.
“Welcome back SG1” He told them both with a smile then left with Bra’tac in tow.
“So.” He said
“So.”
“How did this happen?” he waved at her belly. “Not that I’m complaining.”
“Janet used to make me get a depo shot before the three month mark because of the naquadah. Carolyn either didn’t think of it or it just got overlooked. By the time I realized what had happened you were already gone.”
“Aw hell Sam. You never should have had to go through all of that right after losing your dad.”
“It was the only thing that kept me alive.” She admitted softly.
He reached up and pulled her back into his arms. “I’m so sorry.” He said into her hair as he held her. “No more missions for me. I promise.” He wanted to kiss her but knew this wasn’t the place for it at all. “May I?” his hand lingered near the swell of her abdomen tentatively.
Her eyes went soft. “Of course Jack.”
He gently placed his hand on her belly, feeling the contours of it, a wistful smile on his face that turned to one of shock when something thumped against his hand. They stared at each other, eyes wide. “Was that?”
“It was. Jack. That’s the first time she’s done that for someone else.”
He whispered so as not to be overheard by the infirmary staff. “We’re having a girl?” She nodded, her grin nervous but genuine. “Oh my god Sam.” Without even thinking he pulled her in for a kiss that she didn’t even try to resist. “I love you” he whispered into her hair as their lips parted.
“ahem.” A female voice said from behind Sam. She turned to find Dr. Lam behind her looking rather amused.
“General O’Neill, your blood work came back clear. You did not bring any pathogens with you. Assuming your injuries are non life threatening I’ll release you in Forty eight hours. General Hammond tells me Doctor Carter will be taking you home for rest and recuperation. Sam, make sure he eats a balanced diet so his body can recover and make sure he gets some physical activities like walking and light weights, yoga. I don’t want to see him in here for physical therapy because he sat on the couch for three weeks eating corn chips and drinking beer. Speaking of that no alcohol until I see you have gained twenty pounds and you might want to limit your caffeine intake as your heart has been under considerable stress. That should not be difficult as Doctor Carter also has to limit her caffeine intake and cannot have beer either. Sam you are due for your ultrasound. Stop by my office before you leave.”
“Can I come?” Jack looked at Sam, a plea to her in his eyes. “I didn’t get to go to Charlie’s” he explained.
Sam looked at Carolyn. “It’s up to you Sam. Considering the situation having the General be your birthing coach is an excellent idea. He doesn’t have anything else to do and isn’t at risk of being offworld when you go into labor.”
Sam looked back and forth between Jack and Carolyn, unsure how much the other woman had heard or guessed about the paternity of her child. “Um. Well, sure. If he feels comfortable with that.”
“I’d love to Carter.” He grinned. “I missed out on all that stuff th… with my son.” He’d almost said the first time.
“I guess it’s decided then. Carolyn can my ultrasound wait until the General is able to be there to watch?”
“Absolutely. You weren’t sure about your date of conception so I can fudge the mandatory date as well.”
“Thank you.”
“No problem. General, I want you to rest. Sam, you rest too. I know without Doctor Jackson or Teal’c here you won’t leave his side so I’ll have a bed brought in for you.” To make her point though after she left she turned down the lights.
He looked over at her. “I know exactly what day she was conceived.”
“You’re supposed to be resting.” She reminded him.
“So are you.” He pointed out.