![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!...I finished!!!!!!!!!!!!!....my word count for the completed fic is 52,308...YES!...my personal NaNo is complete...now on to the story...
Title: "Coming Home pt 15 and Epilogue"
Author: elfcat255
pairing: Sam/Janet
rating: PG-13
spoilers: Nope
Warnings: nope
Summary: as usual I pick up from the last chapter..see a pattern to my writing.
AN: I would like to say thank you to everyone who has been reading this story..you all's feedback and *pokes* really helped me prove to myself that I could write this...I hope you like how it ends...and if there are any volunteers out there to beta this(the complete fic) I'd greatly appreciate it..I want to spread the love throughout the cyberworld!
Janet reached a hand up to wipe the tears from her face. Sam still had a tight grip on her waist; she stroked the blond head lying against her chest, “Hey Sam,” she said softly.
“Hmm?” was the muffled reply.
“How long did it take you to reach the gate?” the doctor asked, she hoped asking Sam questions would pull her from the funk she spiraled into after finishing the last part.
“Three days…why?” replied Sam.
“I just wondered if anything interesting happened…that’s all,” Janet told her.
Janet felt Sam begin to shake again, this time with laughter; sitting up her lover looked at her, “Oh yeah…Jack met Meg,” she said trying to control a giggle.
“Really…want to tell me about it?” asked Janet flashing a smile at her love.
Sam cocked her head to the side, giving Janet a sappy smile, she leant forward until they were inches apart, “I love you,” she whispered then kissed the doctor slowly taking her time to savor her love’s lips. She slipped her tongue in Janet’s mouth and tried not to laugh when the doctor found the barbell then began playing with it. Breaking the kiss, she pulled back and grinned at her lover.
Janet grinned back, “What brought that on?”
“You…for making me think about something else,” replied Sam.
Shrugging her shoulders Janet told her, “I just hate seeing you down, especially when you have no reason to be.”
Sam began to speak but a finger lain across her lips stopped her, “I told you no buts…and we…will get past this, don’t shut me out okay?”
Sam nodded, “I won’t…I promise.”
That was what Janet needed to hear; Sam had promised and she would keep it the doctor knew. She smiled at Sam, brushing the bangs out of her eyes, “So…tell me about Meg’s first meeting with Jack.”
“Well…I wasn’t there for the first meeting actually but Daniel told me all about it while we were leaving the mountain….”
*************************************
Sam watched as the lead wagons began rolling forward, like a huge caterpillar inching its way along the line started moving. Meg held the reins guiding the two animals pulling their cart, now that Sam could get a closer look at the creatures; they resembled small oxen more than deer, delicate oxen.
“What are those called?” she asked Meg.
The old woman looked at her, “Tic and Tac,” she replied.
Sam laughed, “No…not their names what kind of animal are they?”
“Ahh…kitaks,” Meg replied, “They are small ones though; tha larger ones pull tha bigger wagons.”
Sam nodded, she looked around as they left the cavern, along the sides of the wall she could see large pens that contained more of the animals, separated by size. Glancing around she saw the boys walking on either side of Daniel as he walked along the left side of the cart, looking behind her Sam saw Jack sitting in the back of the cart; he was leaning against the side, his head nodding as he slept and Teal’c followed behind them, bring up the rear.
Before long they entered a tunnel to travel upwards until reaching the cavern Sam recognized from when they first arrived, one by one the wagons were disappearing through the tunnel they had traveled through to get in the mountain. Daniel moved up closer to walk near her and the boys jogged up to walk near the kitaks heads. A hand touched her leg and she looked down to see Daniel smiling up at her.
“I see you found your boots,” he said pointing at her feet.
She grinned, “Yup…I don’t see how those two run around barefoot all the time,” she said nodding her head towards the boys, “my feet aren’t that tough.”
Daniel laughed, “I don’t think they’ve ever worn shoes Sam,” then his face grew serious, “Are you okay?”
“Yeah...I’m fine Daniel; When did you get Jack and Teal’c out of the mines?” she asked, changing the subject before her friend could ask anything else.
“This morning after breakfast meal,” he told her and then laughed, “if you think Meg is bossy in the kitchen, you should have seen her tear into the mine guards.”
“I can hear ya speaking boy,” Meg said loudly, but she gave Sam a grin and a wink.
“Tell me about it,” Sam said to him looking down at her friend as they entered the tunnel.
Daniel launched into lecture mode as he began the story of Jack and Teal’c’s ‘rescue’….
******************************
Daniel and the boys were eating their morning meal when Meg walked up to stand beside the table, “Here now…when ya two scamps finish with yer food, I need ya ta load tha cart,” she said to Jared and Korin, who nodded, “make sure ya have enough foodstuffs for all of us and blankets,” she told them.
She looked at Daniel next, “We will go fetch yer friends from tha mines when ya finish.”
“We can go now if you want Meg,” he told her.
“No eat yer food; I have a few things ta do before we go, “ she replied then left them to finishing eating.
Daniel glanced over at the boys who had their heads close together, it looked as if they were arguing about something, “What’s wrong you two?” he asked.
Jared looked up, “Oh we are just trying to decide who does what this time and Korin reminded me that I was the one who forgot the blankets last trip, “ he replied, ducking his head.
“It got really cold that time too,” Korin said nudging Jared in the ribs.
Daniel grinned at them then hurried to finish his food. By the time they finished and taken care of their plates, Meg returned. She walked up to Daniel carrying a tall walking stick; it towered over her by at least a foot.
“Now, let’s go get yer friends boy; ya let me do all tha talking remember?” She said looking up at him.
“Yes Meg…I remember,” he assured her.
He followed her out of the kitchen, down the same route taken when he helped Jared pass out the food while Korin watched Sam after she reappeared. Before long, they exited onto a stone ramp, leading down to the pens where the mine slaves stayed when not working. Since it was not that long after morning meal, the pens were still full. Meg walked before him, the walking stick making tapping noises as she lifted and set it down while she walked. He knew the tiny woman did not need it and wondered why she carried it now.
They walked up to the two guards overseeing the pens and Meg looked up at them, “Here now…I need two strong backs ta take with me on tha caravan leaving today,” she told them.
One of them nodded at her, “Ay Meg, time to gather herbs again already is it,” he said, knowing her routine.
“Ay…tis Kreg,” she said to the man, “My boy here will pick a couple out if ya let him.”
They opened the pen door allowing Daniel to enter; he looked around the huddled mass of bodies not seeing his friends, walking further into the pen he finally spotted Teal’c standing near the far wall, with Jack seated on the ground next to him. He hurried over to them a smile on his face.
“Hey guys…you ready to blow this joint,” he joked.
“Indeed Daniel Jackson,” Teal’c replied, reaching down to help Jack.
Daniel saw him stand, but not put any weight on one leg, ”What happened Jack?”
“Oh just me and my big mouth,” muttered Jack.
“Colonel O’Neill made a comment to Kern yesterday morning about his questionable parentage and the man’s reply was to inflict a heavy blow to his knee,” Teal’c stated, allowing Jack to lean on him as the began to walk forward.
“Well that was smart Jack,” Daniel remarked sarcastically as he stepped up to let Jack put an arm around his shoulder helping the pair move faster.
“Really Daniel, I thought it was brilliant actually,“ quipped Jack, giving his friend a wry grin.
They grew closer to the door, when finally reaching it, the guard stopped them before they could exit though; “Here now… hold on,” he told them.
Turning around to face Meg he spoke, “That one is hurt, he won’t be of any use to you Meg,” he said motioning at Jack.
“Is there anything wrong with his hands?” she asked looking at Daniel.
“No mistress, his hands are fine,” Daniel answered.
“Then he can drive tha cart while tha others work,” she told the guard.
“But still…” the man’s comment was cut off by the walking stick hitting him in the shoulder.
“Are ya going ta argue with me boy? Ya know he’ll be fixed by tha time I bring him back,” she said waving the stick under the guards’ nose.
“No Meg…no argument. Take those two if you want,” the man said holding up his hands in defeat.
“Well what are ya standing there for…get back ta tha kitchens with em boy,” she said looking at Daniel and shaking the stick at him.
“Yes mistress,” he replied and began walking with Jack and Teal’c back the way they came.
Meg stayed for a few moments talking to the guards then followed the trio; she caught up with them at the bottom of the ramp. Walking past them, she took the lead and the four made their way back to the kitchen, where Teal’c and Daniel set Jack down on a low stool. Daniel finally was able to let out the laugh he had been holding since Meg threatened the guard.
“I was wondering why you had the stick,” he said after controlling his laughter.
“Ay…spoons don’t work on them anymore,” she said with a wink and a grin; facing Jack she stared at him, “Pull up yer trouser leg,” she told him.
Jack looked up at Daniel who just nodded, grumbling Jack did as told, to reveal a very swollen knee. Meg pressed along it causing Jack to jump slightly and make a few muttered remarks, “Ya stay right here, I’ll be back,” she told him.
“Where’s she going? What’s she gonna do?” Jack asked quickly, looking up at Daniel.
“Don’t worry Jack, she did a great job of taking care of Sam, trust her,” he told the worried man.
“Great…I get to be worked on by a folk healer,” he muttered, “hey where is Carter?”
Daniel grew silent and Jack gave him a serious look, “Daniel…where is Carter?” he asked again more forcefully.
Meg walked back up to them carrying a small bag and a bucket of steaming water, she heard the question, “She’s fine, don’t ya worry about tha girl,” the old woman told him.
Daniel gave her a confused look, “But Meg…” she cut him off; “I said don’t worry, she can take care of herself just fine; now fetch me a stool ta put under his leg,” she told Daniel.
He did as asked and helped Jack to put the leg up; Jack hissed in pain as he settled the leg down, “If I could get my hands on Kern I’d strangle him right now,” he muttered.
“Well you don’t have to worry about that Jack; Sam already took care of him,“ Daniel told him.
“All right…would you please tell me what’s going on? What did you mean by that and where the hell is Carter!” Jack said loudly and then yelped as Meg poured a strange liquid on his knee then placed a hot towel around it, “That burns! What was that?”
“Something ta bring tha swelling down,” Meg told him as she rummaged around in the bag for something else, “Daniel take yer other friend and show him where ta wash up; I’ll tell this one what happened in tha hall last night.”
Daniel started to protest but a glare from the old woman made him nod his head and motioning for Teal’c to follow him he led the Jaffa away, as they were walking out of the kitchen he heard Jack yelp again and yell, “Dammit woman!”
Daniel returned to the kitchen a short time later to find Jack still sitting with his leg elevated, his head propped up on one arm, he spoke upon seeing Daniel enter the room, “I owe both you and Carter a butt-kicking; how could you let her do something that stupid?”
“I didn’t know she was going to do it Jack; if I did don’t you think I would have stopped her?” Daniel replied pulling out a stool to sit at the table.
“Meg told me Sam had a plan,” Jack told him, “That means she knew what she was getting into and prepared for it; all we can do now is wait Daniel.”
The two men sat in silence each worrying about the fate of their friend.
******************************************
“So we waited until Meg told us it was time to start getting ready to leave, “ Daniel told her as they neared the entrance to the mountain, “if you hadn’t shown by the time we were leaving the boys were going to take Teal’c and I to Jarvis’s rooms and we were going to rescue you.”
“So that’s what you three were huddled up talking about when I showed up?” Sam asked.
Daniel looked up at her nodding, “Yeah.”
Sam reached down and gripped the hand he placed on the edge of the cart seat, squeezing it tight, she smiled and said, “Thank you.”
“You would have done the same thing Sam, in fact you have; so no thanks needed,” her friend told her and then he slowed down letting the cart move ahead of him; she watched as he took up position near the rear so he could keep an eye on Jack.
As the cart neared the tunnel exit Sam could see that it was just beginning to get light outside; outside…she missed being outside, no more stone walls and cold floors she thought. Exiting the tunnel entrance, they followed along at an even pace with the other wagons but once clear of the mountain’s shadow Meg directed the animals to pull out of the line and travel parallel to the other wagons, putting some distance between them and the others.
“Why are we breaking line?” Sam asked the old woman.
“Do ya want to eat their dust tha whole way?” Meg remarked.
“Ahh…good point, “ Sam said nodding.
Sam watched as Jared and Korin chased each other in a game of tag, they would make circles around the cart, using it to block each other; Teal’c and Daniel also became objects to use, as they would cut around the two men trying to touch one another. Sam laughed at their antics, “I take it they don’t get outside very often, “ she said to Meg.
“Ay…many people in tha keep never see tha sun their whole lives; those two get ta do this once a year so I let em play while they can, tis good for em,” commented Meg.
“You’ve done a good job raising them Meg, they’re good boys and will make great men one day,” Sam told her, “Daniel told me about Korin; he will be a good leader.”
Meg glanced at the woman beside her, seeing her stare ahead blankly as she said that, “I’m guessing there’s a reason ya say that,” she said to Sam.
“I’m not ready to talk about that right now Meg, just make sure Korin grows up to be a fair man,” Sam said softly.
Meg let her head nod, “Tis a good thing ya did Sam, remember that and I’ll not ask ye about it again,“ the tiny women said patting Sam on the knee.
Sam looked at her then smiled, the smile turned into a yawn as her lack of sleep began to catch up to her; the fresh air and warm morning sunlight were making her sleepy. Meg saw the yawn and nudged her arm, “Climb in tha back and rest girl; there’s nothing back there ya can break, so git,“ Meg said motioning to the back with her head.
Sam did not try to argue but stood up, turning around she climbed over the seat into the back of the cart. Trying not to step on the bundles packed there, she found an open spot across from Jack and settled down against the side of the cart. Just as she began to doze off, Sam felt her foot shake; she opened her eyes to see Jack watching her.
“I told those kids to tell you not to do anything stupid, “ he said to her.
“Yes Sir…I got the message, but I had to do something; we needed the crystals,” she said patting her pockets.
“Good job Carter,” he told her and laid his head back against the cart closing his eyes.
She did the same thing but just as she felt sleep overtaking her, Sam heard him say, “I still owe you a butt-kicking though.” She grinned and then drifted off, the rocking of the cart lulling her into sleep.
*********************
Sam woke up from her nap when she realized the cart no longer moved; sitting up she rubbed the sleep from her eyes to find they were stopped next to a grove of tall trees, their branches providing cool shade from the two suns which now where high in the sky. She looked around to find the rest of the team along with Meg and the boys sitting around a small fire, eating a meal. She climbed out of the cart, stretching her body to loosen the kinks and wandered over to sit next to Daniel. He handed her some bread and a bowl of porridge, which she began eating hungrily; Korin passed her a water skin to drink from and she thanked him. While eating her food she watched as Meg rose from the low stool she sat on to rummage around in the back of the cart; returning to the group with a bag, she stood by Jack and just stared at him.
“What?” he asked looking up at her.
“I need ta work on yer knee again,” the tiny woman told him.
“It’s fine…feels much better, thank you but no,“ the man said.
The tiny woman glared at him, her gaze never wavering. He hummed and hawed but finally broke under the glare; “Do they patent that look or something? I swear Fraiser does the same thing,” he muttered pulling up his pants leg. Sam and Daniel exchanged glances, grinning at each other.
Meg knelt down and began unwrapping the bandage around it; once unwrapped she poked around the injured joint causing him to yelp a couple of times and grumble under his breath. This made Daniel start laughing, “Just be glad she doesn’t have needles Jack,” he told the man.
“I’m beginning to think needles aren’t so bad,” he said jumping as she poured more of the liquid onto his knee, “at least with them it’s over with fast, “ Jack said, his comment directed towards the tiny woman as she spread a salve on his knee and began re-wrapping it.
“There now, I’ll do it again when we stop for tha night, so prepare yerself,” Meg told him as she mixed a powdered substance in a small cup of water. She handed the cup to Jack who sniffed it; looking up at her, he spoke, “I don’t feel like sleeping more.”
Sam gave Daniel a look, “She dosed him? Is that why he was sleeping?”
Daniel nodded, “Yep…she dosed him.”
Meg spoke up, ”This won’t make ya sleep but it will help with tha pain and I know it hurts ya…now drink,” she ordered the man.
Jack grumbled more but after another hard glare from the tiny woman, he drank the mixture, making a funny face after downing it, “Gah why does all medicine have to taste like crap,” he muttered.
Daniel and Sam laughed at his muttered comment. Sam finished her meal, handing the empty bowl to Jared who was gathering the others to wash out. She stood up, stretching again, making her way back to the cart to begin looking through one of their packs, trying to find something to put the crystals in so she would not fracture them by accident keeping them in her pockets. Not finding anything large enough she called Korin over and asked him if they had something she could use. The boy climbed into the cart, pulling up the cloth covering their bundles he found an empty basket and passed it to her.
Sam reached into her pockets and began pulling the DHD crystals out; she held each one up to the sky, double-checking their condition. She glanced over at Korin who was watching her handle the crystals with a fascinated look on his face. She handed him one of the crystals and he took it from her, holding onto it gently.
“This is what we were searching for?” he asked, holding the red crystal up to the sky, letting the sun catch it and throw red streaks across the ground.
“Yep,” Sam told him.
“They’re beautiful,” he said softly, “they will make tha stone ring work?”
“They should…I just hope the leads aren’t corroded and all the wiring is still there since Jared said the panel was open,” she said.
Korin just gave her a confused look, not understanding what she was talking about; Sam grinned at him, taking the crystal back, she ruffled his hair, “Yes they will make the stone ring work,” she said to him.
He grinned at her and jumped out of the cart, running off to find Jared. Sam packed the crystals away and then turned back towards her friends. Daniel sat close to Jack, talking about something with the man as he reclined against a tree. She looked over to another tree where Teal’c sat cross-legged, his eyes closed, hands resting on his legs, she recognized the position as his kelnoreem one, she knew he probably had no chance to get sufficient rest in the mines so it was good that he felt relaxed enough to do it now. Meg was busy repacking her bag of medicines so Sam walked over to kneel beside her, wanting a closer look at some of the things in the bag.
Meg began explaining what each one would treat, showing her the little color-coded bag system she used. “Why are you telling me that Meg,” she asked.
“Because I have an extra one in tha cart for ya ta take back with ya; ta give ta yer Janet,” the tiny woman told her smiling.
Sam returned the smile, “Thank you Meg, I know she’ll love it. I’m sure she’d love to meet you too, maybe we can come back one day to visit now that we know where the mountain is,” Sam told her.
“Ay…would be good ta see ya again and meet Janet,” Meg remarked, giving Sam a grin, “now listen closely so ya can tell her about these.”
Sam sat down on the ground, while Meg finished explaining the contents of the medical bag; once Sam repeated everything Meg told her the old woman was satisfied. A call sounded out and Meg rose from the stool; she called for the boys who began hitching the kitaks back to the cart. She instructed Daniel to put out the fire and to gather up the remains from the meal while she led Sam back over to the cart; the tiny woman climbed up in the back and found the extra bag, giving it to Sam.
Not having room in the backpacks for it, she tied it onto one of the straps on the side, making sure it would not come loose easily. Soon they were ready to travel again and with Daniel and Teal’c helping him, Jack climbed back in the cart, making himself comfortable. Sam climbed back up to sit next to Meg and the old woman slapped the reins across the kitaks backs, making them move forward; they were underway once more.
*********************
They traveled on at a steady pace, Sam had the time now to take in the scenery; the planet’s vegetation varied from low grasses to small scrub-like shrubs and groves of trees dotted the flat plain they rolled over now. She would have thought with two suns the environment would be more desert-like but that just went to prove how well things adapt. Even now as the suns began to hang lower in the sky, the temperature was not that hot. Hearing laughter, she turned around to see the guys playing a game of keep-a-way with the two boys.
“Where did you find a ball?” she asked Jack when he realized they had an audience.
He held up the baseball, “You brought my backpack back; I always have one in it, never know when you might need a ball,” he remarked, giving her a smile as he tossed the ball to Daniel who in turn threw it to Teal’c. Jared and Korin both made wild leaps trying to grab the thrown ball.
Sam laughed at their actions, “Well you could let them catch it every now and then,” she yelled out to Daniel who held the ball now.
“Defeats the purpose of the whole game,” he called back and then yelped as Korin jumped up hanging onto his back, trying to reach up and grab the ball.
Jared joined his friend and soon together, they brought Daniel down, managing to grab the ball, they ran around celebrating. This made the adults all laugh as the two boys tossed the ball back to Jack to begin the game again.
“Smart kids,” remarked Jack as he threw the ball to Teal’c.
The game continued until a call sounded and all the wagons began slowing down. Meg directed the kitaks over to a small grove not to far away from the other wagons, pulling them to a stop the tiny woman stood up from the seat and began giving orders.
“Sam ya help the boys with tha animals, they’ll show ya what ta do,” she told the woman seated next to her; “Daniel take yer big friend and gather some wood for a fire,” she looked down at Jack, “ya just stay there off that leg.”
He grumbled but stayed put as the others went to work, “She’s quite the bossy little thing isn’t she?” He said to Sam as she searched for the bag of grain Korin said was the kitaks feed.
“Yeah…Daniel and I got the feeling no one ever argues with her much; If they did they probably regretted it in some way,” she told him grinning.
“She’s handy with a stick…I’ll give her that,“ he commented.
Sam found the bag of feed and walked back to where the boys staked out the animals. She poured them each a little pile on the ground and returned the bag back to the cart. Daniel and Teal’c soon returned with the firewood and while Teal’c worked on getting it started, Daniel walked over to help Jack hobble over to sit on the ground next to where the Jaffa worked.
Meg climbed into the back of the cart to sort through the bundles, picking one up she tossed it to Sam, “Blankets,” she told her, then went back to gathering her cooking utensils to prepare evening meal. Climbing down she walked over to where Teal’c had finally started the fire. Just then, the boys ran up carrying a wrapped bundle, Meg pointed to Jack and they deposited it next to him.
“Now ya can make yerself useful,” she told him, handing him a knife, “carve off enough of that to feed us all.”
Jack unwrapped the bundle to find it was a chunk of raw meat; spreading the cloth on the ground, he began slicing steaks off. The tiny old woman, then walked back to the cart calling Sam over she handed the taller woman a bowl and began filling it with the tuber vegetables, “Ya take that back and peel them girl, there’s another blade in my kit,” Meg told her, then she went back to searching for something. Soon both completed their tasks and Meg began fixing the evening meal as the sky began to grow dark. Before to long they all set around the fire, eating from plates full of food.
Sam picked over her meal, taking small bites whenever she saw Daniel or one of the others glance her way but she really had no appetite, with the growing darkness she was dreading sleeping, knowing that she would be unable to stop the replaying of what she’d done to Jarvis from playing through her head. Korin nudged her, snapping her from her thoughts; he handed her a water skin, lifting it up she took a drink and then sputtered, it was not water…it was wine. She looked over to Meg who shrugged and gave her a wink. Sam turned the skin up taking a larger drink and then passed it to Daniel.
After everyone finished with their meal and cleaned up, they sat around the fire passing the skin of wine around. Meg allowed the boys to drink a little from it and then cut them off when they started giggling. Sam laughed at the boys as she took the skin from Korin when he tried to sneak another sip. Daniel soon distracted the two by calling them over to listen to a story. Looking up at the star-filled sky Sam sighed; bringing her head back down she glanced over at Meg.
“Why don’t you travel and stop with the rest of the caravan?” Sam asked her.
“Because if I did they couldn’t do that,” she said pointing over to where the boys were laughing at something Daniel said, “They would have to act as the other slaves; not talk and play like they should be able to do.”
Sam nodded in understanding, “Maybe that can change now Meg,” she said softly, and then grew quiet as she stared into the fire.
Across the fire, Jack watched the two women’s conversation, but was unable to make out what they said because of Daniel talking with the boys. He could tell that something was on Sam’s mind from the way she sat staring into the flames now. Waiting until Daniel finished his story and sent to boys off to get ready for bed; Jack poked him in the side getting his attention quietly.
“What’s wrong with Sam?” He asked Daniel.
Daniel knew this was the friend talking and not the CO by his use of her first name, “If you ask her she’ll tell you everything’s fine but she went through some pretty rough stuff Jack.” Daniel said keeping his voice low, “She hasn’t told me anything that happened to her when they separated us but she was a mess when she finally showed back up or what happened after they took her away the other night.”
“I saw her arms and the bruises on her face,” Jack told him.
“Those are just what you can see,” Daniel said, growing quiet for a moment, “if it wasn’t for Meg she might not have made it; well that and a promise she made to Janet.”
Jack watched Sam as she continued to stare into the fire, he knew how much she loved the doctor; he made the mistake of questioning their love one night after a few to many beers. It earned him a severe tongue-lashing from the pissed off Major not to mention a nice black eye from the punch she landed on him. They both apologized to each other the next day and he realized what a lucky woman Janet was to have Sam in her life after that.
“She’ll talk about it when she’s ready Daniel,” he said softly his voice almost a whisper.
“Speaking of talking about things; are you and Teal’c ever going to tell us what happened while you were in the mines?” asked Daniel, worried about the look on Jack’s face.
“In good time Daniel…all in good time,” Jack replied, avoiding the question.
Daniel did not push, instead he stood up and spread his blanket out, sitting back down he lay back on the pallet to stare up at the night sky. Slowly everyone settled down for the night. Everyone except Sam, she lay on her right side staring off into the darkness, fighting away sleep for fear of her dreams.
For the next two days they kept the same routine up; until the third day when Meg told Jack to climb up and drive the cart for a bit claiming she need to stretch her old legs. Jack bit back the smart remark he wanted to make and just did as she asked. After telling him what direction to go in she walked beside the cart talking to Daniel. Sam realized they were leaving the rest of the caravan and looked down asking the tiny woman where they were going.
“I’m taking ya ta tha ring girl; the caravan does not go past it but where I gather my herbs is not far from it so they expect me to leave now,” she replied looking up at Sam and then she went back to talking to Daniel.
They traveled onwards growing closer to the gate; Jack glanced over to look at his friend, her face was pale and she had dark circles under her eyes not to mention she was looking rather gaunt. He saw her head nod as she fought dozing off, not being able to resist he asked, “Have you slept at all since we started traveling?”
Sam startled awake at the question, “Yes…well kinda…why?”
“Because you look like shit Carter,” he remarked.
“Gee thanks Sir, “ she replied sarcastically.
“Just letting you know…Fraiser’s gonna tear you new one when we get home you realize that don’t you?” he told her.
Her face blanked over and she replied softly, “Yeah I know; Jack can I ask you question?”
He nodded, “Sure Sam,” her use of his first name let him know it was personal.
She took a deep breath, “Have you ever done something you know you should regret but just can’t seem to,” she asked.
“Yes Sam, I think we all do that at some point in our lives,” he told her, “does this have something to do with what happened back at the mountain?”
She did not answer him, but just nodded.
“Talking about it with someone usually helps,“ Jack told her, trying to see if maybe she would tell him some things.
“I don’t think I can Jack,” she whispered.
“Even with Janet?” he asked.
She shrugged, “She might not like me so much if I tell her,” Sam replied softly, staring into space.
He thought for a moment, “Okay…when you feel like talking about it you let me know and we’ll exchange stories…deal?” he said.
“Deal,” she told him and the raised a hand shielding her eyes, “hey is that what I think it is?” she said pointing.
He did the same thing and said, “Yep…it’s the gate, better get ready to do some fixing Carter.”
***********************************
Janet stopped Sam in the telling of her story by reaching over and pulling her back to lie in her arms. Squeezing her tightly she kissed the top of her lover’s head.
“Remind me to give Jack a big hug when I see him,” she said softly.
“He does have his moments at times doesn’t he,” remarked Sam, snuggling up against Janet’s body, “let me finish the story, I’m almost done.”
“I think I know what’s next Sam, you can stop there,” Janet told her.
Sam sat up quickly, “Actually no you don’t and if I don’t tell you this part you just might get mad at me,” she said with a grin.
Janet gave her a confused look and then sighed, “Okay…finish the story.”
Sam lay back down, the grin still on her face as she began speaking once more….
*******************************************
As they grew closer to the gate, Sam saw sunlight glinting off metal. She peered into the distance again and made out the bulky shape of a MALP.
“It’s a MALP!” she exclaimed pointing at the probe vehicle.
“Well that’s good; standard protocol would call for them to change our GDO codes since we’ve been gone so long,” Jack said, “now we have away of letting then really know it’s us.”
Daniel spoke up, “Meg said the DHD is over in that clump of bushes,” pointing at the vegetation not far from the gate.
“No wonder we never saw it,” remarked Sam.
As Jack drew the cart closer to the spot Sam didn’t wait for him to stop but jumped from the still moving cart, she hit the ground stumbled and then gained her footing, running towards the DHD to begin clearing away the overgrowth. Once she uncovered the panel, she found that it was open, as Jared had told her.
She stood up calling out, “Daniel! I need my tool kit and a flash light!”
As soon as Jack pulled the cart to a halt Daniel grabbed one of the backpacks and rummaged through it finding the small tool kit and one of their flashlights, taking those along with the basket of crystal he jogged over to the DHD and Sam.
Sam took the tools and light from him then began repairing the damage to the control panel. Sam took a deep breath trying to calm herself down so not to make a mistake, stopping for a minute she shook her hands and then started over, making sure she hooked everything back up correctly. Once finished she picked up crystals and began sliding them in, holding her breath as each crystal fit into place. She finally released the breath when the last crystal slid home and the entire lot of them lit up; power was restored to the DHD. She let out a loud whoop, jumped up and grabbed onto Daniel hugging him tight.
In the time it had taken her to repair the DHD Jack hobbled over to the MALP, waiting for when they engaged the wormhole.
“Well…what are you waiting for dial home!” he yelled to the celebrating pair.
Daniel and Sam calmed down enough to start dialing the address, as each cartouche lit up and locked Sam’s feelings of excitement at fixing the DHD began to turn to dread because she would have to explain her actions once they reached home. Trying to hide her feelings she put a smile on her face; growing quiet.
As the final symbol locked and Daniel pressed the activation button Meg walked up to stand next to them along with the boys. Daniel and Sam turned to watch their faces as the gate roared to life, the kawhooshing noise and spout caused the trio to jump back but they soon gazed upon the shimmering horizon with looks of wonder.
“Well now…that was a sight these old eyes will remember til I die,” Meg said softly.
“It’s beautiful,” both the boys said at the same time.
Sam grinned at them, pulling her GDO out from her side pocket, she keyed in their code. Looking towards Jack, she signaled thumbs up and he waited for the MALP to come to life. Which it did before too long, he stuck his face up close to the camera, “Hiya General! Think you could open the door and let some tired hungry people come home?” he said upon hearing Hammond speak.
After talking with the General for a few minutes, Jack turned to the others, “Alrighty campers grab your gear…time to go home!” he called out.
Sam and Daniel walked back to the cart to get their packs, followed by Meg and the boys; once they shouldered the backpacks, they turned to the trio.
Daniel gave Meg a hug, lifting her from the ground, “Thank you Meg.”
The tiny woman laughed, “Put me down boy!” Once on the ground she returned the hug, looking up at him she spoke, “I told ya there was a reason for us ta meet, I’m sure it won’t be tha last time,” she told him, wiping a tear from her eye.
Sam knelt down giving the boys a hug and ruffled their hair, “You two listen to Meg, make her proud,” she told them. Switching with Daniel she then leant down giving the old woman a hug and a kiss on the cheek, “I’m not saying goodbye because I plan to come visit and I’ll bring Janet with me,” she told the old woman.
“Ay…ya do that girl…I want ta meet yer Janet,” Meg said looking up at her.
While Daniel and Sam said their goodbyes, Teal’c helped Jack over to stand in front of the open horizon. The Jaffa scanned the horizon, spotting something in the distance, “O’Neill look!” he said loudly pointing at the object.
“Oh crap! Carter! Daniel!” he yelled.
The two turned to look in the direction Teal’c pointed; they could see the object growing closer….it was a death glider.
They did not even stop to think about their actions, Daniel grabbed up Meg and Sam pulled the boys into a run, hauling ass to the gate. The whine of the glider’s engines grew louder as it neared and just as they reached the gate it fired…Meg’s cart disappeared in a huge fireball. Not waiting for a second strike the group ran through the gate with Jack and Teal’c close behind.
****************************
They reappeared in the embarkation room to a group of SF’s with their guns leveled.
“Stand down!” General Hammond called out and then he said, “Welcome home SG-1!”
Meg and the boys stood staring in shock at their new surroundings, too surprised by the trip through the wormhole to say anything. Sam looked around the room and then up in the control booth, there was no sign of Janet.
She walked down the ramp her face growing serious, “Sir…where is Dr. Fraiser?”
Hammond looked closely at her appearance, “I sent her home Major; Dr Warner is on schedule now,” he told her.
Sam looked back up the ramp at Daniel who just nodded and then she took off running. She heard the General yell, “Major Carter!” Nevertheless, she ignored him and kept running until she reached the locker rooms where she grabbed her jacket, her keys in its pocket. Slipping it on she ran to the elevator, reaching in her pocket she pulled out her key card, swiping it, bouncing on her feet until the doors opened and she entered; hitting the top floor button the doors closed and she relaxed a bit…she was going home.
***************************************
“You know the rest of it I believe,” Sam said to Janet.
Janet didn’t say a word, they sat there in the fading light until finally Janet, reached a hand up to pull Sam’s face around to meet hers‘, “Let‘s go get dressed,” she told Sam.
Sam could not help but smile, “Why?” she asked even though she knew the answer.
Janet stood up, pulling Sam with her, “Because I have a tiny old woman to go hug that’s why!” she exclaimed, ”I can’t believe neither you nor Daniel told me she was at the base!” She pushed Sam into moving towards the stairs.
“We wanted to surprise you,” laughed Sam as she climbed the stairs.
Quickly dressing the two soon were back downstairs and out the door to drive to the base…
******************************************
EPILOGUE----TWO WEEKS LATER
Janet stood on the deck watching as Daniel and Teal’c played football with the three children. Cassie decided that Korin and Jared were now her brothers and the three spent every available moment together. She looked over at the patio where Sam and Jack were arguing over the grill duties, she laughed at their antics some things never changed she thought. The doctor turned to take a seat next to the tiny woman on the deck with her.
“How are you adjusting Meg?” she asked the old woman.
“Tis different I’ll give ya that, but tha boys and I are doing fine thanks ta ya and yer Sam along with Daniel and Jack helping us,” replied Meg, smiling at the doctor.
The trio spent most of their time being ferried between households as SG-1 took over the responsibility of housing them until they could return home. Sam and Daniel were also tutoring the boys, so they would make better leaders for their community; the two boys having decided they wanted to work together to make their world a better place.
Janet remembered back to that first meeting between the two of them; the doctor walked into the briefing room and straight over to where the tiny woman stood, engulfing her in a tight hug, “Thank you,” she whispered the woman’s ear.
Meg had patted her on the back and replied, “Tis nothing…I’m taking ya ta be Janet,” she asked.
Janet nodded and then the two sat down to talk. Janet told her about Sam telling her what happened to her and what she had done to Jarvis;Meg just nodded and listened. When Janet finished the old woman finally spoke, “Ay…I knew she would talk ta ya…sometimes it takes having those we love listening ta help tha healing begin; tha girl will be fine with yer help I know this.”
A loud yell startled Janet from her thoughts and she turned away from Meg to see all three kids trying to bring Teal’c down as he tried to throw the ball to Daniel. Both she and Meg burst out laughing as they succeeded, ending up piled on top of the Jaffa.
Sam walked up the steps onto the deck, coming to stand before Janet’s chair, she placed her hands on the chair arms and leant down giving Janet a kiss, which probably would have lasted longer except a throat clearing made them part. She looked over at Meg raising an eyebrow, “Hmm?” she sounded.
“Stop that there are young ones present,” the old woman admonished but gave the pair a wink and a grin.
The two woman started laughing and it only stopped when Jack called out that the food was ready; pulling Janet up Sam wrapped her in a hug, “You go sit with them at the picnic table, Jack and I have some things to talk about so we’re going to go sit under the tree, “ Sam told her.
“He’s finally ready to talk then huh?” the doctor asked looking up at Sam.
“Yup…so give us some time alone okay?” her lover replied.
“Take all the time you need sweetie,” Janet said softly cupping the back of Sam’s head and pulling it down to place a soft kiss on her lips.
“For crying out loud Carter…stop making out and come get your food!” yelled Jack.
The pair turned to glare at him and then grinning they both stuck out their tongues at the man, stil grinning they walked down the steps to get their food. Once everyone settled down to eat Janet glanced over at where Sam and Jack sat under the tree, she could see them talking and it made her smile. Everything was going to be fine; Sam was home, Jack was talking and they had new friends to care for…yes…everything was just fine.
Title: "Coming Home pt 15 and Epilogue"
Author: elfcat255
pairing: Sam/Janet
rating: PG-13
spoilers: Nope
Warnings: nope
Summary: as usual I pick up from the last chapter..see a pattern to my writing.
AN: I would like to say thank you to everyone who has been reading this story..you all's feedback and *pokes* really helped me prove to myself that I could write this...I hope you like how it ends...and if there are any volunteers out there to beta this(the complete fic) I'd greatly appreciate it..I want to spread the love throughout the cyberworld!
Janet reached a hand up to wipe the tears from her face. Sam still had a tight grip on her waist; she stroked the blond head lying against her chest, “Hey Sam,” she said softly.
“Hmm?” was the muffled reply.
“How long did it take you to reach the gate?” the doctor asked, she hoped asking Sam questions would pull her from the funk she spiraled into after finishing the last part.
“Three days…why?” replied Sam.
“I just wondered if anything interesting happened…that’s all,” Janet told her.
Janet felt Sam begin to shake again, this time with laughter; sitting up her lover looked at her, “Oh yeah…Jack met Meg,” she said trying to control a giggle.
“Really…want to tell me about it?” asked Janet flashing a smile at her love.
Sam cocked her head to the side, giving Janet a sappy smile, she leant forward until they were inches apart, “I love you,” she whispered then kissed the doctor slowly taking her time to savor her love’s lips. She slipped her tongue in Janet’s mouth and tried not to laugh when the doctor found the barbell then began playing with it. Breaking the kiss, she pulled back and grinned at her lover.
Janet grinned back, “What brought that on?”
“You…for making me think about something else,” replied Sam.
Shrugging her shoulders Janet told her, “I just hate seeing you down, especially when you have no reason to be.”
Sam began to speak but a finger lain across her lips stopped her, “I told you no buts…and we…will get past this, don’t shut me out okay?”
Sam nodded, “I won’t…I promise.”
That was what Janet needed to hear; Sam had promised and she would keep it the doctor knew. She smiled at Sam, brushing the bangs out of her eyes, “So…tell me about Meg’s first meeting with Jack.”
“Well…I wasn’t there for the first meeting actually but Daniel told me all about it while we were leaving the mountain….”
*************************************
Sam watched as the lead wagons began rolling forward, like a huge caterpillar inching its way along the line started moving. Meg held the reins guiding the two animals pulling their cart, now that Sam could get a closer look at the creatures; they resembled small oxen more than deer, delicate oxen.
“What are those called?” she asked Meg.
The old woman looked at her, “Tic and Tac,” she replied.
Sam laughed, “No…not their names what kind of animal are they?”
“Ahh…kitaks,” Meg replied, “They are small ones though; tha larger ones pull tha bigger wagons.”
Sam nodded, she looked around as they left the cavern, along the sides of the wall she could see large pens that contained more of the animals, separated by size. Glancing around she saw the boys walking on either side of Daniel as he walked along the left side of the cart, looking behind her Sam saw Jack sitting in the back of the cart; he was leaning against the side, his head nodding as he slept and Teal’c followed behind them, bring up the rear.
Before long they entered a tunnel to travel upwards until reaching the cavern Sam recognized from when they first arrived, one by one the wagons were disappearing through the tunnel they had traveled through to get in the mountain. Daniel moved up closer to walk near her and the boys jogged up to walk near the kitaks heads. A hand touched her leg and she looked down to see Daniel smiling up at her.
“I see you found your boots,” he said pointing at her feet.
She grinned, “Yup…I don’t see how those two run around barefoot all the time,” she said nodding her head towards the boys, “my feet aren’t that tough.”
Daniel laughed, “I don’t think they’ve ever worn shoes Sam,” then his face grew serious, “Are you okay?”
“Yeah...I’m fine Daniel; When did you get Jack and Teal’c out of the mines?” she asked, changing the subject before her friend could ask anything else.
“This morning after breakfast meal,” he told her and then laughed, “if you think Meg is bossy in the kitchen, you should have seen her tear into the mine guards.”
“I can hear ya speaking boy,” Meg said loudly, but she gave Sam a grin and a wink.
“Tell me about it,” Sam said to him looking down at her friend as they entered the tunnel.
Daniel launched into lecture mode as he began the story of Jack and Teal’c’s ‘rescue’….
******************************
Daniel and the boys were eating their morning meal when Meg walked up to stand beside the table, “Here now…when ya two scamps finish with yer food, I need ya ta load tha cart,” she said to Jared and Korin, who nodded, “make sure ya have enough foodstuffs for all of us and blankets,” she told them.
She looked at Daniel next, “We will go fetch yer friends from tha mines when ya finish.”
“We can go now if you want Meg,” he told her.
“No eat yer food; I have a few things ta do before we go, “ she replied then left them to finishing eating.
Daniel glanced over at the boys who had their heads close together, it looked as if they were arguing about something, “What’s wrong you two?” he asked.
Jared looked up, “Oh we are just trying to decide who does what this time and Korin reminded me that I was the one who forgot the blankets last trip, “ he replied, ducking his head.
“It got really cold that time too,” Korin said nudging Jared in the ribs.
Daniel grinned at them then hurried to finish his food. By the time they finished and taken care of their plates, Meg returned. She walked up to Daniel carrying a tall walking stick; it towered over her by at least a foot.
“Now, let’s go get yer friends boy; ya let me do all tha talking remember?” She said looking up at him.
“Yes Meg…I remember,” he assured her.
He followed her out of the kitchen, down the same route taken when he helped Jared pass out the food while Korin watched Sam after she reappeared. Before long, they exited onto a stone ramp, leading down to the pens where the mine slaves stayed when not working. Since it was not that long after morning meal, the pens were still full. Meg walked before him, the walking stick making tapping noises as she lifted and set it down while she walked. He knew the tiny woman did not need it and wondered why she carried it now.
They walked up to the two guards overseeing the pens and Meg looked up at them, “Here now…I need two strong backs ta take with me on tha caravan leaving today,” she told them.
One of them nodded at her, “Ay Meg, time to gather herbs again already is it,” he said, knowing her routine.
“Ay…tis Kreg,” she said to the man, “My boy here will pick a couple out if ya let him.”
They opened the pen door allowing Daniel to enter; he looked around the huddled mass of bodies not seeing his friends, walking further into the pen he finally spotted Teal’c standing near the far wall, with Jack seated on the ground next to him. He hurried over to them a smile on his face.
“Hey guys…you ready to blow this joint,” he joked.
“Indeed Daniel Jackson,” Teal’c replied, reaching down to help Jack.
Daniel saw him stand, but not put any weight on one leg, ”What happened Jack?”
“Oh just me and my big mouth,” muttered Jack.
“Colonel O’Neill made a comment to Kern yesterday morning about his questionable parentage and the man’s reply was to inflict a heavy blow to his knee,” Teal’c stated, allowing Jack to lean on him as the began to walk forward.
“Well that was smart Jack,” Daniel remarked sarcastically as he stepped up to let Jack put an arm around his shoulder helping the pair move faster.
“Really Daniel, I thought it was brilliant actually,“ quipped Jack, giving his friend a wry grin.
They grew closer to the door, when finally reaching it, the guard stopped them before they could exit though; “Here now… hold on,” he told them.
Turning around to face Meg he spoke, “That one is hurt, he won’t be of any use to you Meg,” he said motioning at Jack.
“Is there anything wrong with his hands?” she asked looking at Daniel.
“No mistress, his hands are fine,” Daniel answered.
“Then he can drive tha cart while tha others work,” she told the guard.
“But still…” the man’s comment was cut off by the walking stick hitting him in the shoulder.
“Are ya going ta argue with me boy? Ya know he’ll be fixed by tha time I bring him back,” she said waving the stick under the guards’ nose.
“No Meg…no argument. Take those two if you want,” the man said holding up his hands in defeat.
“Well what are ya standing there for…get back ta tha kitchens with em boy,” she said looking at Daniel and shaking the stick at him.
“Yes mistress,” he replied and began walking with Jack and Teal’c back the way they came.
Meg stayed for a few moments talking to the guards then followed the trio; she caught up with them at the bottom of the ramp. Walking past them, she took the lead and the four made their way back to the kitchen, where Teal’c and Daniel set Jack down on a low stool. Daniel finally was able to let out the laugh he had been holding since Meg threatened the guard.
“I was wondering why you had the stick,” he said after controlling his laughter.
“Ay…spoons don’t work on them anymore,” she said with a wink and a grin; facing Jack she stared at him, “Pull up yer trouser leg,” she told him.
Jack looked up at Daniel who just nodded, grumbling Jack did as told, to reveal a very swollen knee. Meg pressed along it causing Jack to jump slightly and make a few muttered remarks, “Ya stay right here, I’ll be back,” she told him.
“Where’s she going? What’s she gonna do?” Jack asked quickly, looking up at Daniel.
“Don’t worry Jack, she did a great job of taking care of Sam, trust her,” he told the worried man.
“Great…I get to be worked on by a folk healer,” he muttered, “hey where is Carter?”
Daniel grew silent and Jack gave him a serious look, “Daniel…where is Carter?” he asked again more forcefully.
Meg walked back up to them carrying a small bag and a bucket of steaming water, she heard the question, “She’s fine, don’t ya worry about tha girl,” the old woman told him.
Daniel gave her a confused look, “But Meg…” she cut him off; “I said don’t worry, she can take care of herself just fine; now fetch me a stool ta put under his leg,” she told Daniel.
He did as asked and helped Jack to put the leg up; Jack hissed in pain as he settled the leg down, “If I could get my hands on Kern I’d strangle him right now,” he muttered.
“Well you don’t have to worry about that Jack; Sam already took care of him,“ Daniel told him.
“All right…would you please tell me what’s going on? What did you mean by that and where the hell is Carter!” Jack said loudly and then yelped as Meg poured a strange liquid on his knee then placed a hot towel around it, “That burns! What was that?”
“Something ta bring tha swelling down,” Meg told him as she rummaged around in the bag for something else, “Daniel take yer other friend and show him where ta wash up; I’ll tell this one what happened in tha hall last night.”
Daniel started to protest but a glare from the old woman made him nod his head and motioning for Teal’c to follow him he led the Jaffa away, as they were walking out of the kitchen he heard Jack yelp again and yell, “Dammit woman!”
Daniel returned to the kitchen a short time later to find Jack still sitting with his leg elevated, his head propped up on one arm, he spoke upon seeing Daniel enter the room, “I owe both you and Carter a butt-kicking; how could you let her do something that stupid?”
“I didn’t know she was going to do it Jack; if I did don’t you think I would have stopped her?” Daniel replied pulling out a stool to sit at the table.
“Meg told me Sam had a plan,” Jack told him, “That means she knew what she was getting into and prepared for it; all we can do now is wait Daniel.”
The two men sat in silence each worrying about the fate of their friend.
******************************************
“So we waited until Meg told us it was time to start getting ready to leave, “ Daniel told her as they neared the entrance to the mountain, “if you hadn’t shown by the time we were leaving the boys were going to take Teal’c and I to Jarvis’s rooms and we were going to rescue you.”
“So that’s what you three were huddled up talking about when I showed up?” Sam asked.
Daniel looked up at her nodding, “Yeah.”
Sam reached down and gripped the hand he placed on the edge of the cart seat, squeezing it tight, she smiled and said, “Thank you.”
“You would have done the same thing Sam, in fact you have; so no thanks needed,” her friend told her and then he slowed down letting the cart move ahead of him; she watched as he took up position near the rear so he could keep an eye on Jack.
As the cart neared the tunnel exit Sam could see that it was just beginning to get light outside; outside…she missed being outside, no more stone walls and cold floors she thought. Exiting the tunnel entrance, they followed along at an even pace with the other wagons but once clear of the mountain’s shadow Meg directed the animals to pull out of the line and travel parallel to the other wagons, putting some distance between them and the others.
“Why are we breaking line?” Sam asked the old woman.
“Do ya want to eat their dust tha whole way?” Meg remarked.
“Ahh…good point, “ Sam said nodding.
Sam watched as Jared and Korin chased each other in a game of tag, they would make circles around the cart, using it to block each other; Teal’c and Daniel also became objects to use, as they would cut around the two men trying to touch one another. Sam laughed at their antics, “I take it they don’t get outside very often, “ she said to Meg.
“Ay…many people in tha keep never see tha sun their whole lives; those two get ta do this once a year so I let em play while they can, tis good for em,” commented Meg.
“You’ve done a good job raising them Meg, they’re good boys and will make great men one day,” Sam told her, “Daniel told me about Korin; he will be a good leader.”
Meg glanced at the woman beside her, seeing her stare ahead blankly as she said that, “I’m guessing there’s a reason ya say that,” she said to Sam.
“I’m not ready to talk about that right now Meg, just make sure Korin grows up to be a fair man,” Sam said softly.
Meg let her head nod, “Tis a good thing ya did Sam, remember that and I’ll not ask ye about it again,“ the tiny women said patting Sam on the knee.
Sam looked at her then smiled, the smile turned into a yawn as her lack of sleep began to catch up to her; the fresh air and warm morning sunlight were making her sleepy. Meg saw the yawn and nudged her arm, “Climb in tha back and rest girl; there’s nothing back there ya can break, so git,“ Meg said motioning to the back with her head.
Sam did not try to argue but stood up, turning around she climbed over the seat into the back of the cart. Trying not to step on the bundles packed there, she found an open spot across from Jack and settled down against the side of the cart. Just as she began to doze off, Sam felt her foot shake; she opened her eyes to see Jack watching her.
“I told those kids to tell you not to do anything stupid, “ he said to her.
“Yes Sir…I got the message, but I had to do something; we needed the crystals,” she said patting her pockets.
“Good job Carter,” he told her and laid his head back against the cart closing his eyes.
She did the same thing but just as she felt sleep overtaking her, Sam heard him say, “I still owe you a butt-kicking though.” She grinned and then drifted off, the rocking of the cart lulling her into sleep.
*********************
Sam woke up from her nap when she realized the cart no longer moved; sitting up she rubbed the sleep from her eyes to find they were stopped next to a grove of tall trees, their branches providing cool shade from the two suns which now where high in the sky. She looked around to find the rest of the team along with Meg and the boys sitting around a small fire, eating a meal. She climbed out of the cart, stretching her body to loosen the kinks and wandered over to sit next to Daniel. He handed her some bread and a bowl of porridge, which she began eating hungrily; Korin passed her a water skin to drink from and she thanked him. While eating her food she watched as Meg rose from the low stool she sat on to rummage around in the back of the cart; returning to the group with a bag, she stood by Jack and just stared at him.
“What?” he asked looking up at her.
“I need ta work on yer knee again,” the tiny woman told him.
“It’s fine…feels much better, thank you but no,“ the man said.
The tiny woman glared at him, her gaze never wavering. He hummed and hawed but finally broke under the glare; “Do they patent that look or something? I swear Fraiser does the same thing,” he muttered pulling up his pants leg. Sam and Daniel exchanged glances, grinning at each other.
Meg knelt down and began unwrapping the bandage around it; once unwrapped she poked around the injured joint causing him to yelp a couple of times and grumble under his breath. This made Daniel start laughing, “Just be glad she doesn’t have needles Jack,” he told the man.
“I’m beginning to think needles aren’t so bad,” he said jumping as she poured more of the liquid onto his knee, “at least with them it’s over with fast, “ Jack said, his comment directed towards the tiny woman as she spread a salve on his knee and began re-wrapping it.
“There now, I’ll do it again when we stop for tha night, so prepare yerself,” Meg told him as she mixed a powdered substance in a small cup of water. She handed the cup to Jack who sniffed it; looking up at her, he spoke, “I don’t feel like sleeping more.”
Sam gave Daniel a look, “She dosed him? Is that why he was sleeping?”
Daniel nodded, “Yep…she dosed him.”
Meg spoke up, ”This won’t make ya sleep but it will help with tha pain and I know it hurts ya…now drink,” she ordered the man.
Jack grumbled more but after another hard glare from the tiny woman, he drank the mixture, making a funny face after downing it, “Gah why does all medicine have to taste like crap,” he muttered.
Daniel and Sam laughed at his muttered comment. Sam finished her meal, handing the empty bowl to Jared who was gathering the others to wash out. She stood up, stretching again, making her way back to the cart to begin looking through one of their packs, trying to find something to put the crystals in so she would not fracture them by accident keeping them in her pockets. Not finding anything large enough she called Korin over and asked him if they had something she could use. The boy climbed into the cart, pulling up the cloth covering their bundles he found an empty basket and passed it to her.
Sam reached into her pockets and began pulling the DHD crystals out; she held each one up to the sky, double-checking their condition. She glanced over at Korin who was watching her handle the crystals with a fascinated look on his face. She handed him one of the crystals and he took it from her, holding onto it gently.
“This is what we were searching for?” he asked, holding the red crystal up to the sky, letting the sun catch it and throw red streaks across the ground.
“Yep,” Sam told him.
“They’re beautiful,” he said softly, “they will make tha stone ring work?”
“They should…I just hope the leads aren’t corroded and all the wiring is still there since Jared said the panel was open,” she said.
Korin just gave her a confused look, not understanding what she was talking about; Sam grinned at him, taking the crystal back, she ruffled his hair, “Yes they will make the stone ring work,” she said to him.
He grinned at her and jumped out of the cart, running off to find Jared. Sam packed the crystals away and then turned back towards her friends. Daniel sat close to Jack, talking about something with the man as he reclined against a tree. She looked over to another tree where Teal’c sat cross-legged, his eyes closed, hands resting on his legs, she recognized the position as his kelnoreem one, she knew he probably had no chance to get sufficient rest in the mines so it was good that he felt relaxed enough to do it now. Meg was busy repacking her bag of medicines so Sam walked over to kneel beside her, wanting a closer look at some of the things in the bag.
Meg began explaining what each one would treat, showing her the little color-coded bag system she used. “Why are you telling me that Meg,” she asked.
“Because I have an extra one in tha cart for ya ta take back with ya; ta give ta yer Janet,” the tiny woman told her smiling.
Sam returned the smile, “Thank you Meg, I know she’ll love it. I’m sure she’d love to meet you too, maybe we can come back one day to visit now that we know where the mountain is,” Sam told her.
“Ay…would be good ta see ya again and meet Janet,” Meg remarked, giving Sam a grin, “now listen closely so ya can tell her about these.”
Sam sat down on the ground, while Meg finished explaining the contents of the medical bag; once Sam repeated everything Meg told her the old woman was satisfied. A call sounded out and Meg rose from the stool; she called for the boys who began hitching the kitaks back to the cart. She instructed Daniel to put out the fire and to gather up the remains from the meal while she led Sam back over to the cart; the tiny woman climbed up in the back and found the extra bag, giving it to Sam.
Not having room in the backpacks for it, she tied it onto one of the straps on the side, making sure it would not come loose easily. Soon they were ready to travel again and with Daniel and Teal’c helping him, Jack climbed back in the cart, making himself comfortable. Sam climbed back up to sit next to Meg and the old woman slapped the reins across the kitaks backs, making them move forward; they were underway once more.
*********************
They traveled on at a steady pace, Sam had the time now to take in the scenery; the planet’s vegetation varied from low grasses to small scrub-like shrubs and groves of trees dotted the flat plain they rolled over now. She would have thought with two suns the environment would be more desert-like but that just went to prove how well things adapt. Even now as the suns began to hang lower in the sky, the temperature was not that hot. Hearing laughter, she turned around to see the guys playing a game of keep-a-way with the two boys.
“Where did you find a ball?” she asked Jack when he realized they had an audience.
He held up the baseball, “You brought my backpack back; I always have one in it, never know when you might need a ball,” he remarked, giving her a smile as he tossed the ball to Daniel who in turn threw it to Teal’c. Jared and Korin both made wild leaps trying to grab the thrown ball.
Sam laughed at their actions, “Well you could let them catch it every now and then,” she yelled out to Daniel who held the ball now.
“Defeats the purpose of the whole game,” he called back and then yelped as Korin jumped up hanging onto his back, trying to reach up and grab the ball.
Jared joined his friend and soon together, they brought Daniel down, managing to grab the ball, they ran around celebrating. This made the adults all laugh as the two boys tossed the ball back to Jack to begin the game again.
“Smart kids,” remarked Jack as he threw the ball to Teal’c.
The game continued until a call sounded and all the wagons began slowing down. Meg directed the kitaks over to a small grove not to far away from the other wagons, pulling them to a stop the tiny woman stood up from the seat and began giving orders.
“Sam ya help the boys with tha animals, they’ll show ya what ta do,” she told the woman seated next to her; “Daniel take yer big friend and gather some wood for a fire,” she looked down at Jack, “ya just stay there off that leg.”
He grumbled but stayed put as the others went to work, “She’s quite the bossy little thing isn’t she?” He said to Sam as she searched for the bag of grain Korin said was the kitaks feed.
“Yeah…Daniel and I got the feeling no one ever argues with her much; If they did they probably regretted it in some way,” she told him grinning.
“She’s handy with a stick…I’ll give her that,“ he commented.
Sam found the bag of feed and walked back to where the boys staked out the animals. She poured them each a little pile on the ground and returned the bag back to the cart. Daniel and Teal’c soon returned with the firewood and while Teal’c worked on getting it started, Daniel walked over to help Jack hobble over to sit on the ground next to where the Jaffa worked.
Meg climbed into the back of the cart to sort through the bundles, picking one up she tossed it to Sam, “Blankets,” she told her, then went back to gathering her cooking utensils to prepare evening meal. Climbing down she walked over to where Teal’c had finally started the fire. Just then, the boys ran up carrying a wrapped bundle, Meg pointed to Jack and they deposited it next to him.
“Now ya can make yerself useful,” she told him, handing him a knife, “carve off enough of that to feed us all.”
Jack unwrapped the bundle to find it was a chunk of raw meat; spreading the cloth on the ground, he began slicing steaks off. The tiny old woman, then walked back to the cart calling Sam over she handed the taller woman a bowl and began filling it with the tuber vegetables, “Ya take that back and peel them girl, there’s another blade in my kit,” Meg told her, then she went back to searching for something. Soon both completed their tasks and Meg began fixing the evening meal as the sky began to grow dark. Before to long they all set around the fire, eating from plates full of food.
Sam picked over her meal, taking small bites whenever she saw Daniel or one of the others glance her way but she really had no appetite, with the growing darkness she was dreading sleeping, knowing that she would be unable to stop the replaying of what she’d done to Jarvis from playing through her head. Korin nudged her, snapping her from her thoughts; he handed her a water skin, lifting it up she took a drink and then sputtered, it was not water…it was wine. She looked over to Meg who shrugged and gave her a wink. Sam turned the skin up taking a larger drink and then passed it to Daniel.
After everyone finished with their meal and cleaned up, they sat around the fire passing the skin of wine around. Meg allowed the boys to drink a little from it and then cut them off when they started giggling. Sam laughed at the boys as she took the skin from Korin when he tried to sneak another sip. Daniel soon distracted the two by calling them over to listen to a story. Looking up at the star-filled sky Sam sighed; bringing her head back down she glanced over at Meg.
“Why don’t you travel and stop with the rest of the caravan?” Sam asked her.
“Because if I did they couldn’t do that,” she said pointing over to where the boys were laughing at something Daniel said, “They would have to act as the other slaves; not talk and play like they should be able to do.”
Sam nodded in understanding, “Maybe that can change now Meg,” she said softly, and then grew quiet as she stared into the fire.
Across the fire, Jack watched the two women’s conversation, but was unable to make out what they said because of Daniel talking with the boys. He could tell that something was on Sam’s mind from the way she sat staring into the flames now. Waiting until Daniel finished his story and sent to boys off to get ready for bed; Jack poked him in the side getting his attention quietly.
“What’s wrong with Sam?” He asked Daniel.
Daniel knew this was the friend talking and not the CO by his use of her first name, “If you ask her she’ll tell you everything’s fine but she went through some pretty rough stuff Jack.” Daniel said keeping his voice low, “She hasn’t told me anything that happened to her when they separated us but she was a mess when she finally showed back up or what happened after they took her away the other night.”
“I saw her arms and the bruises on her face,” Jack told him.
“Those are just what you can see,” Daniel said, growing quiet for a moment, “if it wasn’t for Meg she might not have made it; well that and a promise she made to Janet.”
Jack watched Sam as she continued to stare into the fire, he knew how much she loved the doctor; he made the mistake of questioning their love one night after a few to many beers. It earned him a severe tongue-lashing from the pissed off Major not to mention a nice black eye from the punch she landed on him. They both apologized to each other the next day and he realized what a lucky woman Janet was to have Sam in her life after that.
“She’ll talk about it when she’s ready Daniel,” he said softly his voice almost a whisper.
“Speaking of talking about things; are you and Teal’c ever going to tell us what happened while you were in the mines?” asked Daniel, worried about the look on Jack’s face.
“In good time Daniel…all in good time,” Jack replied, avoiding the question.
Daniel did not push, instead he stood up and spread his blanket out, sitting back down he lay back on the pallet to stare up at the night sky. Slowly everyone settled down for the night. Everyone except Sam, she lay on her right side staring off into the darkness, fighting away sleep for fear of her dreams.
For the next two days they kept the same routine up; until the third day when Meg told Jack to climb up and drive the cart for a bit claiming she need to stretch her old legs. Jack bit back the smart remark he wanted to make and just did as she asked. After telling him what direction to go in she walked beside the cart talking to Daniel. Sam realized they were leaving the rest of the caravan and looked down asking the tiny woman where they were going.
“I’m taking ya ta tha ring girl; the caravan does not go past it but where I gather my herbs is not far from it so they expect me to leave now,” she replied looking up at Sam and then she went back to talking to Daniel.
They traveled onwards growing closer to the gate; Jack glanced over to look at his friend, her face was pale and she had dark circles under her eyes not to mention she was looking rather gaunt. He saw her head nod as she fought dozing off, not being able to resist he asked, “Have you slept at all since we started traveling?”
Sam startled awake at the question, “Yes…well kinda…why?”
“Because you look like shit Carter,” he remarked.
“Gee thanks Sir, “ she replied sarcastically.
“Just letting you know…Fraiser’s gonna tear you new one when we get home you realize that don’t you?” he told her.
Her face blanked over and she replied softly, “Yeah I know; Jack can I ask you question?”
He nodded, “Sure Sam,” her use of his first name let him know it was personal.
She took a deep breath, “Have you ever done something you know you should regret but just can’t seem to,” she asked.
“Yes Sam, I think we all do that at some point in our lives,” he told her, “does this have something to do with what happened back at the mountain?”
She did not answer him, but just nodded.
“Talking about it with someone usually helps,“ Jack told her, trying to see if maybe she would tell him some things.
“I don’t think I can Jack,” she whispered.
“Even with Janet?” he asked.
She shrugged, “She might not like me so much if I tell her,” Sam replied softly, staring into space.
He thought for a moment, “Okay…when you feel like talking about it you let me know and we’ll exchange stories…deal?” he said.
“Deal,” she told him and the raised a hand shielding her eyes, “hey is that what I think it is?” she said pointing.
He did the same thing and said, “Yep…it’s the gate, better get ready to do some fixing Carter.”
***********************************
Janet stopped Sam in the telling of her story by reaching over and pulling her back to lie in her arms. Squeezing her tightly she kissed the top of her lover’s head.
“Remind me to give Jack a big hug when I see him,” she said softly.
“He does have his moments at times doesn’t he,” remarked Sam, snuggling up against Janet’s body, “let me finish the story, I’m almost done.”
“I think I know what’s next Sam, you can stop there,” Janet told her.
Sam sat up quickly, “Actually no you don’t and if I don’t tell you this part you just might get mad at me,” she said with a grin.
Janet gave her a confused look and then sighed, “Okay…finish the story.”
Sam lay back down, the grin still on her face as she began speaking once more….
*******************************************
As they grew closer to the gate, Sam saw sunlight glinting off metal. She peered into the distance again and made out the bulky shape of a MALP.
“It’s a MALP!” she exclaimed pointing at the probe vehicle.
“Well that’s good; standard protocol would call for them to change our GDO codes since we’ve been gone so long,” Jack said, “now we have away of letting then really know it’s us.”
Daniel spoke up, “Meg said the DHD is over in that clump of bushes,” pointing at the vegetation not far from the gate.
“No wonder we never saw it,” remarked Sam.
As Jack drew the cart closer to the spot Sam didn’t wait for him to stop but jumped from the still moving cart, she hit the ground stumbled and then gained her footing, running towards the DHD to begin clearing away the overgrowth. Once she uncovered the panel, she found that it was open, as Jared had told her.
She stood up calling out, “Daniel! I need my tool kit and a flash light!”
As soon as Jack pulled the cart to a halt Daniel grabbed one of the backpacks and rummaged through it finding the small tool kit and one of their flashlights, taking those along with the basket of crystal he jogged over to the DHD and Sam.
Sam took the tools and light from him then began repairing the damage to the control panel. Sam took a deep breath trying to calm herself down so not to make a mistake, stopping for a minute she shook her hands and then started over, making sure she hooked everything back up correctly. Once finished she picked up crystals and began sliding them in, holding her breath as each crystal fit into place. She finally released the breath when the last crystal slid home and the entire lot of them lit up; power was restored to the DHD. She let out a loud whoop, jumped up and grabbed onto Daniel hugging him tight.
In the time it had taken her to repair the DHD Jack hobbled over to the MALP, waiting for when they engaged the wormhole.
“Well…what are you waiting for dial home!” he yelled to the celebrating pair.
Daniel and Sam calmed down enough to start dialing the address, as each cartouche lit up and locked Sam’s feelings of excitement at fixing the DHD began to turn to dread because she would have to explain her actions once they reached home. Trying to hide her feelings she put a smile on her face; growing quiet.
As the final symbol locked and Daniel pressed the activation button Meg walked up to stand next to them along with the boys. Daniel and Sam turned to watch their faces as the gate roared to life, the kawhooshing noise and spout caused the trio to jump back but they soon gazed upon the shimmering horizon with looks of wonder.
“Well now…that was a sight these old eyes will remember til I die,” Meg said softly.
“It’s beautiful,” both the boys said at the same time.
Sam grinned at them, pulling her GDO out from her side pocket, she keyed in their code. Looking towards Jack, she signaled thumbs up and he waited for the MALP to come to life. Which it did before too long, he stuck his face up close to the camera, “Hiya General! Think you could open the door and let some tired hungry people come home?” he said upon hearing Hammond speak.
After talking with the General for a few minutes, Jack turned to the others, “Alrighty campers grab your gear…time to go home!” he called out.
Sam and Daniel walked back to the cart to get their packs, followed by Meg and the boys; once they shouldered the backpacks, they turned to the trio.
Daniel gave Meg a hug, lifting her from the ground, “Thank you Meg.”
The tiny woman laughed, “Put me down boy!” Once on the ground she returned the hug, looking up at him she spoke, “I told ya there was a reason for us ta meet, I’m sure it won’t be tha last time,” she told him, wiping a tear from her eye.
Sam knelt down giving the boys a hug and ruffled their hair, “You two listen to Meg, make her proud,” she told them. Switching with Daniel she then leant down giving the old woman a hug and a kiss on the cheek, “I’m not saying goodbye because I plan to come visit and I’ll bring Janet with me,” she told the old woman.
“Ay…ya do that girl…I want ta meet yer Janet,” Meg said looking up at her.
While Daniel and Sam said their goodbyes, Teal’c helped Jack over to stand in front of the open horizon. The Jaffa scanned the horizon, spotting something in the distance, “O’Neill look!” he said loudly pointing at the object.
“Oh crap! Carter! Daniel!” he yelled.
The two turned to look in the direction Teal’c pointed; they could see the object growing closer….it was a death glider.
They did not even stop to think about their actions, Daniel grabbed up Meg and Sam pulled the boys into a run, hauling ass to the gate. The whine of the glider’s engines grew louder as it neared and just as they reached the gate it fired…Meg’s cart disappeared in a huge fireball. Not waiting for a second strike the group ran through the gate with Jack and Teal’c close behind.
****************************
They reappeared in the embarkation room to a group of SF’s with their guns leveled.
“Stand down!” General Hammond called out and then he said, “Welcome home SG-1!”
Meg and the boys stood staring in shock at their new surroundings, too surprised by the trip through the wormhole to say anything. Sam looked around the room and then up in the control booth, there was no sign of Janet.
She walked down the ramp her face growing serious, “Sir…where is Dr. Fraiser?”
Hammond looked closely at her appearance, “I sent her home Major; Dr Warner is on schedule now,” he told her.
Sam looked back up the ramp at Daniel who just nodded and then she took off running. She heard the General yell, “Major Carter!” Nevertheless, she ignored him and kept running until she reached the locker rooms where she grabbed her jacket, her keys in its pocket. Slipping it on she ran to the elevator, reaching in her pocket she pulled out her key card, swiping it, bouncing on her feet until the doors opened and she entered; hitting the top floor button the doors closed and she relaxed a bit…she was going home.
***************************************
“You know the rest of it I believe,” Sam said to Janet.
Janet didn’t say a word, they sat there in the fading light until finally Janet, reached a hand up to pull Sam’s face around to meet hers‘, “Let‘s go get dressed,” she told Sam.
Sam could not help but smile, “Why?” she asked even though she knew the answer.
Janet stood up, pulling Sam with her, “Because I have a tiny old woman to go hug that’s why!” she exclaimed, ”I can’t believe neither you nor Daniel told me she was at the base!” She pushed Sam into moving towards the stairs.
“We wanted to surprise you,” laughed Sam as she climbed the stairs.
Quickly dressing the two soon were back downstairs and out the door to drive to the base…
******************************************
EPILOGUE----TWO WEEKS LATER
Janet stood on the deck watching as Daniel and Teal’c played football with the three children. Cassie decided that Korin and Jared were now her brothers and the three spent every available moment together. She looked over at the patio where Sam and Jack were arguing over the grill duties, she laughed at their antics some things never changed she thought. The doctor turned to take a seat next to the tiny woman on the deck with her.
“How are you adjusting Meg?” she asked the old woman.
“Tis different I’ll give ya that, but tha boys and I are doing fine thanks ta ya and yer Sam along with Daniel and Jack helping us,” replied Meg, smiling at the doctor.
The trio spent most of their time being ferried between households as SG-1 took over the responsibility of housing them until they could return home. Sam and Daniel were also tutoring the boys, so they would make better leaders for their community; the two boys having decided they wanted to work together to make their world a better place.
Janet remembered back to that first meeting between the two of them; the doctor walked into the briefing room and straight over to where the tiny woman stood, engulfing her in a tight hug, “Thank you,” she whispered the woman’s ear.
Meg had patted her on the back and replied, “Tis nothing…I’m taking ya ta be Janet,” she asked.
Janet nodded and then the two sat down to talk. Janet told her about Sam telling her what happened to her and what she had done to Jarvis;Meg just nodded and listened. When Janet finished the old woman finally spoke, “Ay…I knew she would talk ta ya…sometimes it takes having those we love listening ta help tha healing begin; tha girl will be fine with yer help I know this.”
A loud yell startled Janet from her thoughts and she turned away from Meg to see all three kids trying to bring Teal’c down as he tried to throw the ball to Daniel. Both she and Meg burst out laughing as they succeeded, ending up piled on top of the Jaffa.
Sam walked up the steps onto the deck, coming to stand before Janet’s chair, she placed her hands on the chair arms and leant down giving Janet a kiss, which probably would have lasted longer except a throat clearing made them part. She looked over at Meg raising an eyebrow, “Hmm?” she sounded.
“Stop that there are young ones present,” the old woman admonished but gave the pair a wink and a grin.
The two woman started laughing and it only stopped when Jack called out that the food was ready; pulling Janet up Sam wrapped her in a hug, “You go sit with them at the picnic table, Jack and I have some things to talk about so we’re going to go sit under the tree, “ Sam told her.
“He’s finally ready to talk then huh?” the doctor asked looking up at Sam.
“Yup…so give us some time alone okay?” her lover replied.
“Take all the time you need sweetie,” Janet said softly cupping the back of Sam’s head and pulling it down to place a soft kiss on her lips.
“For crying out loud Carter…stop making out and come get your food!” yelled Jack.
The pair turned to glare at him and then grinning they both stuck out their tongues at the man, stil grinning they walked down the steps to get their food. Once everyone settled down to eat Janet glanced over at where Sam and Jack sat under the tree, she could see them talking and it made her smile. Everything was going to be fine; Sam was home, Jack was talking and they had new friends to care for…yes…everything was just fine.
◾ Tags:
