Dog Heaven: Dog Days (Parts 1&2 of 9)
Title: Dog Heaven: Dog Days
Summary: Jack and Sam get more than they bargained for after an enlightening trip back to P2G-764 that will change their lives forever.
Timeframe: Six months after ‘Dog Heaven: Pack Mates.’
Characters/Pairing: Established Sam/Jack, Team, Janet
Genre: Drama, Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, Whump
Rating: T
Dog Heaven: Dog Days
Part One
Jack paced back and forth in front of the infirmary doors, feeling anxious and fighting himself about whether or not to actually go in. This was a sensitive topic that required bringing up, and if Sam knew he’d been hiding this from her, she’d probably make him go see the doc. He knew that eventually he had to at least come clean to Sam, and she was probably going to kick his ass for waiting as long as he had.
Cursing, Jack furiously ran his hands back and forth over his head, completely mussing up his hair. It was six months ago that he’d been turned into a wolf off-world after getting mixed up in a tribe’s Coming of Age ceremony, where he’d only returned to normal after finding his soul mate in Sam. The two had gotten together since then, and after weeks of no after-effects from the transformation, Jack had felt pretty confident that he was completely normal again. Until recently, that is.
Stopping his frantic pacing in fear that someone would see him, Jack leaned up against the wall in the corridor instead. The first time it happened was a week ago.
It was the middle of the night, and feeling strange, he’d gotten out of bed quietly and gone out to the kitchen so he wouldn’t wake Sam. He’d splashed some water on his face and leaned against the counter, but the feeling still remained. Before he knew it he was doubled over, then on his knees, and within moments, he found himself staring down at a pair of large paws instead of hands. His sight changed, and he could no longer see in color. His clothes hung off him, and with a shake, they were left in a pile on the floor. In a panic, he’d scrambled to the back door and caught his reflection in the glass. He was the wolf again.
Less than a minute after he’d transformed, Jack had felt strangely again. He reared up on his hind legs, his vision changed back, and then before he knew it he was human once more. Suddenly feeling extremely wiped out, and breathing hard as though he’d just been out running, Jack had pulled his clothes back on and weakly staggered back to bed before returning to sleep. In the morning he hadn’t been entirely sure if what he remembered was real or a dream. Then it happened again, a few days later. Both times the transformation had taken place during the night, and both times the change had lasted but a minute, and then it was over. Jack was scared and confused, and still didn’t know quite how to react other than to freak out.
Glancing back toward the infirmary doors, Jack pushed away from the wall and made his move. He put his hand to the door, ready to push it open and then…he chickened out. He spun on his heel and bolted with his tail between his legs (figuratively this time). Jack grimaced at that cliché and shook his head, disappearing around the corner without being seen.
Fighting to regain his composure, Jack found himself heading for Sam’s lab. Being with her in any capacity usually calmed him, and he just hoped it would work without him having to reveal what was bothering him.
Jack almost turned around when he noticed Daniel was in Sam’s lab with her, but instead leaned into the doorway and worked up a lopsided grin as he watched them geeking out together over a microscope. “Hey, brain twins, what’s up?” he called casually when they didn’t even realize he was there.
Sam’s head came up first and she turned to him, a smile spreading across her face. “Hey, Jack.”
Daniel diverted his attention from the microscope much slower. “Oh, hi Jack.” He waved, then picked up another slide and swapped with the first one before jotting something down on a notebook.
“We’re studying the plant secretions from the samples collected on P6Y-782,” Sam explained animatedly. “The properties are really amazing, and I think Janet might benefit from the use of this plant medically.”
“Really.” Jack took a few steps into the lab, resisting the urge to pull Sam into his arms and kiss her. She really was adorable when she talked science. Restraining himself, because even though they were allowed to be together officially, it was kind of frowned upon to display their affection so openly on base, Jack settled with standing closer until his arm brushed hers. He poked at the potted plant on the table. “What’s it do?”
“Don’t you remember, Jack? The town’s doctor was explaining it’s use when we were on the planet.” Daniel stared pointedly at him. “You were there.”
Jack shrugged dismissively and rolled his eyes. “Do you think I was actually paying attention to all that mumbo-jumbo?” He smirked and nudged Sam with his elbow, winking over at her. “That’s what Carter’s for.”
“Did you come here for a reason Jack, or were you just bored?” Daniel said snippily.
“Ooh, I think you’re cranky Danny-boy,” Jack teased. “Not have enough coffee today?”
The archaeologist narrowed his eyes at him. “I just want to help Sam finish this evaluation because the General’s only given us ‘till the end of the day before we have to turn the plant over to the scientists for testing.”
Sam shrugged helplessly at him and Jack shrugged, raising his hands in surrender. “Fine, fine. I’ll leave you two eggheads alone.” He left the lab with a wave, failing to find the comfort he needed from Sam, and still feeling anxious over the whole wolf thing.
Jack wound up dragging Teal’c off to the gym with him for a little sparring to help him clear his head and relax a bit. By the end of the day he left work without telling anyone what had been going on with him, and started dinner while he waited for Sam to come home.
.
Quietly entering the house after midnight, Sam crept to the bedroom and changed in the dark, finding Jack already fast asleep. She’d felt bad for coming in so late, but she and Daniel and been so concentrated on their work that they’d lost track of time. She barely remembered Jack poking his head in her lab to tell her he was leaving.
Crawling beneath the covers, Sam heard Jack’s breathing change as she curled up behind him. “It’s just me, go back to sleep,” she whispered into his ear.
“You missed dinner,” he murmured sleepily.
Sam sighed softly. “I know, I’m sorry. We lost track of time.”
“M’gonna hafta have words with Daniel,” he grumbled, reaching back to pull her arm over him and holding her hand to his chest.
She giggled softly into his shoulder. “I’ll make it up to you. Tomorrow should be quiet. We’ll get take-out after work and cuddle on the couch. Sound good?”
“Mm.”
Sam kissed his neck and then settled in closer, getting comfortable and then closing her eyes. “Goodnight, Jack.”
“’Night.”
.
Waking up thirsty at three in the morning, Sam dragged herself out of bed and shuffled into the bathroom to get some water from the sink. Sleepy and bleary-eyed, she didn’t even realize Jack was gone until she went to climb back in bed. Rubbing at her tired eyes, Sam went out into the hall in search of him. “Jack?” she called out softly, noticing a light on in the kitchen. Instead of Jack, she found herself staring at a massive grey wolf pacing back and forth in front of the counter. She and the wolf both froze as they made eye contact. “Jack?” came out as a wavering croak.
She was answered by a single bark, and as she approached the wolf, noticed the abandoned pile of clothing on the floor. Sam knelt in front of him and he sat, staring at her with those big brown eyes. As he hung his head and let out a sigh, Sam hesitantly reached forward to place her hand atop his head, wanting to know if the connection they’d been able to establish the first time he’d changed was still there.
Sam?
The voice was quiet, tentative. She smiled irresolutely and nodded. “I can hear you.” She felt her eyes moisten heartbreakingly. “What happened?”
I don’t know. This…this isn’t the first time since… He lifted his head slightly, eyes shameful.
Sam gulped, feeling a knot of anxiety in her gut. “How-how many times?”
Twice…not including now. In her mental image of his human face, Jack was grimacing. But before…it was fast. I’d change back in under a minute. I dunno how or why it keeps happening. He sounded worried.
“Can you-can you turn back now?” Her hand moved to his shoulder.
I never had to do anything before. It just…happened. Jack got up and started pacing before seeming to realize that she couldn’t communicate with him while he did that. He moved back over to her and sat again so she could put her hand on him. It never lasted this long before.
Feeling his incertitude, Sam absently began stroking down his back in an attempt to calm him. “Try and concentrate Jack,” she urged, feeling a little desperate herself. “Just…image yourself changing back.”
He nodded. I’ll try. Jack moved away from her again, and she gave him space, not really sure how this was all going to go down.
Sam watched him for about a minute, and became disheartened when nothing happened. Making a decision, she softly said, “Just come back to bed for now. Maybe it’ll happen once you’re more relaxed, sleeping like the first time?”
Jack heaved a breath and then nodded, trotting toward her.
They made it into the bedroom before Sam heard a strange noise from Jack. Turning around, she watched, mesmerized, as he suddenly reared up on his hind legs, the wolf body twisting unnaturally. His limbs stretched out to turn human again, the fur disappearing as Jack returned to normal, falling back to his hands and knees and breathing hard.
“Ohmygod,” she breathed out in astonishment, dropping to her knees beside him and placing a hand on his naked back. The first time this happened she hadn’t witnessed it. He’d just changed in his sleep and hadn’t even noticed it himself. “Jack?” She could feel him shaking. “Are you okay?”
“Tired.”
Sam helped him to his feet and got him to their bed, not bothering to retrieve the clothes that had been abandoned on the kitchen floor. He was out as soon as his head hit the pillow, and Sam crawled in bed beside him, covering them both with the blanket. She clung to him, as if doing so would keep him in human form.
.
Part Two
“Jack, why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Sam asked as she took the coffee mug he passed her and sat with him at the kitchen table.
He pulled a hand through his hair and heaved out a breath, shaking his head. “I dunno… The first time I wasn’t entirely sure I hadn’t dreamed it.” Jack slid his mug back and forth between his hands. “After that I just-I dunno, I was…”
“Scared?” Sam offered, and he narrowed his eyes at her. “Jack, it’s fine. No one expects you to be the big bad Colonel who isn’t afraid of anything all the time. You’re only human.”
His jaw clenched and he scowled. “Am I?”
She sighed, reached for his hand. “Jack.”
Shaking his head, he growled under his breath, waving a hand in the air. “Yeah, yeah, I know. The self-pity thing doesn’t suit me.”
Sam smiled lovingly at him and was pleased to see his lips turn up into a little lopsided grin. “No, it doesn’t.” She tugged on his hand. “We have to talk to Janet and General Hammond about this.”
Jack grimaced, looking stressed. “Yeah.”
She knew he was freaked at the thought of anyone outside the SGC finding out about this, the possibility of being locked up forever. Sam wouldn’t let that happen, and was certain that General Hammond and Janet would do whatever was in their power not to let it happen either.
.
Sam jumped up in surprise when Daniel burst into her lab, nearly dropping the papers she’d been trying to gather into a folder.
“Sam! There you are!” Daniel exclaimed, sounding rather relieved. His brows furrowed. “You’re awfully late today.” He tilted his head suspiciously. “You’re never late. Are you okay? Is something wrong? Did you and Jack have a fight?”
“No. I’m fine. Everything’s…fine, it’s just-“ She handed him the folder before he could cut her off. “Here’s my completed lab report on the plant if you want to add your notes to it before we turn it in to the General.” Sam quickly scooted by him and made for the door. “I have to meet Jack in the infirmary.”
Daniel hurried after her. “Wait-what? What happened? Is he okay?”
Sam bit her lower lip but continued walking as Daniel kept up with her. She hadn’t meant to tell him that, because without any further information he’d no doubt be worried. But she was sure after all was said and done, General Hammond would have a briefing to inform all of SG-1 and Sam really didn’t want to have to hear Daniel’s spitfire theories more than once. “He’s-he’s fine Daniel.” That may have been a slight understatement. “I’ll explain later, okay? I really need to go.”
Daniel came to a stop as they reached the elevator and she hurriedly swiped her card. He stood looking a little confused and lost as she got into the car. “Um…alright, I guess.”
“Sorry,” Sam told him as the doors closed, the elevator descending to Level 21.
.
“That’s…interesting,” Daniel uttered when Sam finished speaking.
Sam, Janet, and General Hammond had taken over the briefing, and Jack was just glad that he hadn’t had to say anything. He really didn’t know quite how to explain the circumstances himself.
“Do we have permission to visit the planet again, sir?” Daniel wanted to know, addressing Hammond. “The tribe’s spiritual leader expressed that we were welcome to come back any time.”
The General looked at Jack and then nodded. “You do. Maybe they can make sense of all this for us, and do something about it. Colonel O’Neill?”
Clearing his throat, Jack lifted his head. “Sir?”
“Your team leaves at oh-nine-hundred tomorrow morning. I’d like you to stay on base until then.”
Jack clenched his jaw to keep from muttering something under his breath. He sighed and then nodded, feeling Sam’s boot nudge his under the table, supportively. “Yessir.”
“Dismissed.”
Jack unhappily retreated to his quarters later that evening, preparing to turn in for the night. He wasn’t happy with the situation, and feared it may be a sign of what was to come. Would he ever be allowed off base again, or would he be deemed a security risk if he couldn’t get a handle on this thing?
The knock on his door as he was unbuttoning his BDU jacket surprised him. He growled lowly under his breath, thinking it better not be Daniel wanting to talk. Opening the door, he was pleased to discover Sam standing there, and managed a lopsided grin. “Carter.”
She smiled back slyly. “Colonel.”
Jack stuck his head out into the hall, made sure no one was around, then waved her in and closed the door. He rose an eyebrow when he noticed the clothes she had folded under one arm.
Sam shrugged. “I didn’t want you to be alone…in case it happened again.”
Jack smiled, but a part of him was saying that they shouldn’t be doing this. The circumstances which allowed he and Sam to fraternize without reprimand prevented them from openly flaunting their relationship on base. They could be friendly, use their given names if they chose to, occasionally touch in a casual manner, but were restricted from kissing, hugging, and especially sharing base quarters. Everyone wanted their relationship kept bellow radar as long as they chose to stay on SG-1 together.
He sighed. “Sam, you know we’re not allowed-“
“I know.” Sam moved closer to him and took his hands into hers. She smiled warmly. “But Janet actually suggested to the General that someone keep an eye on you tonight, and Hammond agreed. He even agreed that it should be me.”
Jack grinned, his arms snaking around her waist. He tilted his head, leaning back to give her a slightly-suspicious look. “Really?”
She nodded, standing up on her toes a little to peck his lips. “Yup.”
“Sweet.”
While Sam slipped into his private bathroom (perks of being a senior officer), Jack finished undressing, stripping down to his boxers and putting on a clean t-shirt before pulling back the blankets on his cot.
Sam came out in green pinstriped sleep pants and a matching green camisole top. She sauntered across the small room and they crawled onto the tiny cot together, Jack reaching to turn off the light on the nightstand before settling down. She spooned up behind him, reaching an arm over him so their hands met on his stomach.
Jack breathed out, feeling calm and relaxed, Sam’s warm, soothing breath on the back of his neck. “Do you think they’ll have answers for me?” he wondered aloud softly, though he knew Sam wasn’t asleep yet.
“I think so,” Sam said thoughtfully after a moment, then added, “But answers don’t necessarily mean a solution.”
He sucked in a tentative breath, swallowed thickly. “I’m worried about that.”
“It doesn’t matter to me if you change into the wolf sometimes,” Sam told him confidently.
Jack didn’t know why, but the thought that she would stay with him no matter what made things slightly less disconcerting. “You mean you don’t mind lying down with dogs?” he half-teased, trying to ease away any remaining worry.
Sam laughed softly into his shoulder. “Only if it’s you.”
He chuckled, turning over onto his back so she could lie against his chest and he could put his arm around her. As she sighed contently into his chest, Jack closed his eyes, feeling like he could sleep.
.
Parts 3&4
Summary: Jack and Sam get more than they bargained for after an enlightening trip back to P2G-764 that will change their lives forever.
Timeframe: Six months after ‘Dog Heaven: Pack Mates.’
Characters/Pairing: Established Sam/Jack, Team, Janet
Genre: Drama, Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, Whump
Rating: T
Dog Heaven: Dog Days
Part One
Jack paced back and forth in front of the infirmary doors, feeling anxious and fighting himself about whether or not to actually go in. This was a sensitive topic that required bringing up, and if Sam knew he’d been hiding this from her, she’d probably make him go see the doc. He knew that eventually he had to at least come clean to Sam, and she was probably going to kick his ass for waiting as long as he had.
Cursing, Jack furiously ran his hands back and forth over his head, completely mussing up his hair. It was six months ago that he’d been turned into a wolf off-world after getting mixed up in a tribe’s Coming of Age ceremony, where he’d only returned to normal after finding his soul mate in Sam. The two had gotten together since then, and after weeks of no after-effects from the transformation, Jack had felt pretty confident that he was completely normal again. Until recently, that is.
Stopping his frantic pacing in fear that someone would see him, Jack leaned up against the wall in the corridor instead. The first time it happened was a week ago.
It was the middle of the night, and feeling strange, he’d gotten out of bed quietly and gone out to the kitchen so he wouldn’t wake Sam. He’d splashed some water on his face and leaned against the counter, but the feeling still remained. Before he knew it he was doubled over, then on his knees, and within moments, he found himself staring down at a pair of large paws instead of hands. His sight changed, and he could no longer see in color. His clothes hung off him, and with a shake, they were left in a pile on the floor. In a panic, he’d scrambled to the back door and caught his reflection in the glass. He was the wolf again.
Less than a minute after he’d transformed, Jack had felt strangely again. He reared up on his hind legs, his vision changed back, and then before he knew it he was human once more. Suddenly feeling extremely wiped out, and breathing hard as though he’d just been out running, Jack had pulled his clothes back on and weakly staggered back to bed before returning to sleep. In the morning he hadn’t been entirely sure if what he remembered was real or a dream. Then it happened again, a few days later. Both times the transformation had taken place during the night, and both times the change had lasted but a minute, and then it was over. Jack was scared and confused, and still didn’t know quite how to react other than to freak out.
Glancing back toward the infirmary doors, Jack pushed away from the wall and made his move. He put his hand to the door, ready to push it open and then…he chickened out. He spun on his heel and bolted with his tail between his legs (figuratively this time). Jack grimaced at that cliché and shook his head, disappearing around the corner without being seen.
Fighting to regain his composure, Jack found himself heading for Sam’s lab. Being with her in any capacity usually calmed him, and he just hoped it would work without him having to reveal what was bothering him.
Jack almost turned around when he noticed Daniel was in Sam’s lab with her, but instead leaned into the doorway and worked up a lopsided grin as he watched them geeking out together over a microscope. “Hey, brain twins, what’s up?” he called casually when they didn’t even realize he was there.
Sam’s head came up first and she turned to him, a smile spreading across her face. “Hey, Jack.”
Daniel diverted his attention from the microscope much slower. “Oh, hi Jack.” He waved, then picked up another slide and swapped with the first one before jotting something down on a notebook.
“We’re studying the plant secretions from the samples collected on P6Y-782,” Sam explained animatedly. “The properties are really amazing, and I think Janet might benefit from the use of this plant medically.”
“Really.” Jack took a few steps into the lab, resisting the urge to pull Sam into his arms and kiss her. She really was adorable when she talked science. Restraining himself, because even though they were allowed to be together officially, it was kind of frowned upon to display their affection so openly on base, Jack settled with standing closer until his arm brushed hers. He poked at the potted plant on the table. “What’s it do?”
“Don’t you remember, Jack? The town’s doctor was explaining it’s use when we were on the planet.” Daniel stared pointedly at him. “You were there.”
Jack shrugged dismissively and rolled his eyes. “Do you think I was actually paying attention to all that mumbo-jumbo?” He smirked and nudged Sam with his elbow, winking over at her. “That’s what Carter’s for.”
“Did you come here for a reason Jack, or were you just bored?” Daniel said snippily.
“Ooh, I think you’re cranky Danny-boy,” Jack teased. “Not have enough coffee today?”
The archaeologist narrowed his eyes at him. “I just want to help Sam finish this evaluation because the General’s only given us ‘till the end of the day before we have to turn the plant over to the scientists for testing.”
Sam shrugged helplessly at him and Jack shrugged, raising his hands in surrender. “Fine, fine. I’ll leave you two eggheads alone.” He left the lab with a wave, failing to find the comfort he needed from Sam, and still feeling anxious over the whole wolf thing.
Jack wound up dragging Teal’c off to the gym with him for a little sparring to help him clear his head and relax a bit. By the end of the day he left work without telling anyone what had been going on with him, and started dinner while he waited for Sam to come home.
.
Quietly entering the house after midnight, Sam crept to the bedroom and changed in the dark, finding Jack already fast asleep. She’d felt bad for coming in so late, but she and Daniel and been so concentrated on their work that they’d lost track of time. She barely remembered Jack poking his head in her lab to tell her he was leaving.
Crawling beneath the covers, Sam heard Jack’s breathing change as she curled up behind him. “It’s just me, go back to sleep,” she whispered into his ear.
“You missed dinner,” he murmured sleepily.
Sam sighed softly. “I know, I’m sorry. We lost track of time.”
“M’gonna hafta have words with Daniel,” he grumbled, reaching back to pull her arm over him and holding her hand to his chest.
She giggled softly into his shoulder. “I’ll make it up to you. Tomorrow should be quiet. We’ll get take-out after work and cuddle on the couch. Sound good?”
“Mm.”
Sam kissed his neck and then settled in closer, getting comfortable and then closing her eyes. “Goodnight, Jack.”
“’Night.”
.
Waking up thirsty at three in the morning, Sam dragged herself out of bed and shuffled into the bathroom to get some water from the sink. Sleepy and bleary-eyed, she didn’t even realize Jack was gone until she went to climb back in bed. Rubbing at her tired eyes, Sam went out into the hall in search of him. “Jack?” she called out softly, noticing a light on in the kitchen. Instead of Jack, she found herself staring at a massive grey wolf pacing back and forth in front of the counter. She and the wolf both froze as they made eye contact. “Jack?” came out as a wavering croak.
She was answered by a single bark, and as she approached the wolf, noticed the abandoned pile of clothing on the floor. Sam knelt in front of him and he sat, staring at her with those big brown eyes. As he hung his head and let out a sigh, Sam hesitantly reached forward to place her hand atop his head, wanting to know if the connection they’d been able to establish the first time he’d changed was still there.
Sam?
The voice was quiet, tentative. She smiled irresolutely and nodded. “I can hear you.” She felt her eyes moisten heartbreakingly. “What happened?”
I don’t know. This…this isn’t the first time since… He lifted his head slightly, eyes shameful.
Sam gulped, feeling a knot of anxiety in her gut. “How-how many times?”
Twice…not including now. In her mental image of his human face, Jack was grimacing. But before…it was fast. I’d change back in under a minute. I dunno how or why it keeps happening. He sounded worried.
“Can you-can you turn back now?” Her hand moved to his shoulder.
I never had to do anything before. It just…happened. Jack got up and started pacing before seeming to realize that she couldn’t communicate with him while he did that. He moved back over to her and sat again so she could put her hand on him. It never lasted this long before.
Feeling his incertitude, Sam absently began stroking down his back in an attempt to calm him. “Try and concentrate Jack,” she urged, feeling a little desperate herself. “Just…image yourself changing back.”
He nodded. I’ll try. Jack moved away from her again, and she gave him space, not really sure how this was all going to go down.
Sam watched him for about a minute, and became disheartened when nothing happened. Making a decision, she softly said, “Just come back to bed for now. Maybe it’ll happen once you’re more relaxed, sleeping like the first time?”
Jack heaved a breath and then nodded, trotting toward her.
They made it into the bedroom before Sam heard a strange noise from Jack. Turning around, she watched, mesmerized, as he suddenly reared up on his hind legs, the wolf body twisting unnaturally. His limbs stretched out to turn human again, the fur disappearing as Jack returned to normal, falling back to his hands and knees and breathing hard.
“Ohmygod,” she breathed out in astonishment, dropping to her knees beside him and placing a hand on his naked back. The first time this happened she hadn’t witnessed it. He’d just changed in his sleep and hadn’t even noticed it himself. “Jack?” She could feel him shaking. “Are you okay?”
“Tired.”
Sam helped him to his feet and got him to their bed, not bothering to retrieve the clothes that had been abandoned on the kitchen floor. He was out as soon as his head hit the pillow, and Sam crawled in bed beside him, covering them both with the blanket. She clung to him, as if doing so would keep him in human form.
.
Part Two
“Jack, why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Sam asked as she took the coffee mug he passed her and sat with him at the kitchen table.
He pulled a hand through his hair and heaved out a breath, shaking his head. “I dunno… The first time I wasn’t entirely sure I hadn’t dreamed it.” Jack slid his mug back and forth between his hands. “After that I just-I dunno, I was…”
“Scared?” Sam offered, and he narrowed his eyes at her. “Jack, it’s fine. No one expects you to be the big bad Colonel who isn’t afraid of anything all the time. You’re only human.”
His jaw clenched and he scowled. “Am I?”
She sighed, reached for his hand. “Jack.”
Shaking his head, he growled under his breath, waving a hand in the air. “Yeah, yeah, I know. The self-pity thing doesn’t suit me.”
Sam smiled lovingly at him and was pleased to see his lips turn up into a little lopsided grin. “No, it doesn’t.” She tugged on his hand. “We have to talk to Janet and General Hammond about this.”
Jack grimaced, looking stressed. “Yeah.”
She knew he was freaked at the thought of anyone outside the SGC finding out about this, the possibility of being locked up forever. Sam wouldn’t let that happen, and was certain that General Hammond and Janet would do whatever was in their power not to let it happen either.
.
Sam jumped up in surprise when Daniel burst into her lab, nearly dropping the papers she’d been trying to gather into a folder.
“Sam! There you are!” Daniel exclaimed, sounding rather relieved. His brows furrowed. “You’re awfully late today.” He tilted his head suspiciously. “You’re never late. Are you okay? Is something wrong? Did you and Jack have a fight?”
“No. I’m fine. Everything’s…fine, it’s just-“ She handed him the folder before he could cut her off. “Here’s my completed lab report on the plant if you want to add your notes to it before we turn it in to the General.” Sam quickly scooted by him and made for the door. “I have to meet Jack in the infirmary.”
Daniel hurried after her. “Wait-what? What happened? Is he okay?”
Sam bit her lower lip but continued walking as Daniel kept up with her. She hadn’t meant to tell him that, because without any further information he’d no doubt be worried. But she was sure after all was said and done, General Hammond would have a briefing to inform all of SG-1 and Sam really didn’t want to have to hear Daniel’s spitfire theories more than once. “He’s-he’s fine Daniel.” That may have been a slight understatement. “I’ll explain later, okay? I really need to go.”
Daniel came to a stop as they reached the elevator and she hurriedly swiped her card. He stood looking a little confused and lost as she got into the car. “Um…alright, I guess.”
“Sorry,” Sam told him as the doors closed, the elevator descending to Level 21.
.
“That’s…interesting,” Daniel uttered when Sam finished speaking.
Sam, Janet, and General Hammond had taken over the briefing, and Jack was just glad that he hadn’t had to say anything. He really didn’t know quite how to explain the circumstances himself.
“Do we have permission to visit the planet again, sir?” Daniel wanted to know, addressing Hammond. “The tribe’s spiritual leader expressed that we were welcome to come back any time.”
The General looked at Jack and then nodded. “You do. Maybe they can make sense of all this for us, and do something about it. Colonel O’Neill?”
Clearing his throat, Jack lifted his head. “Sir?”
“Your team leaves at oh-nine-hundred tomorrow morning. I’d like you to stay on base until then.”
Jack clenched his jaw to keep from muttering something under his breath. He sighed and then nodded, feeling Sam’s boot nudge his under the table, supportively. “Yessir.”
“Dismissed.”
Jack unhappily retreated to his quarters later that evening, preparing to turn in for the night. He wasn’t happy with the situation, and feared it may be a sign of what was to come. Would he ever be allowed off base again, or would he be deemed a security risk if he couldn’t get a handle on this thing?
The knock on his door as he was unbuttoning his BDU jacket surprised him. He growled lowly under his breath, thinking it better not be Daniel wanting to talk. Opening the door, he was pleased to discover Sam standing there, and managed a lopsided grin. “Carter.”
She smiled back slyly. “Colonel.”
Jack stuck his head out into the hall, made sure no one was around, then waved her in and closed the door. He rose an eyebrow when he noticed the clothes she had folded under one arm.
Sam shrugged. “I didn’t want you to be alone…in case it happened again.”
Jack smiled, but a part of him was saying that they shouldn’t be doing this. The circumstances which allowed he and Sam to fraternize without reprimand prevented them from openly flaunting their relationship on base. They could be friendly, use their given names if they chose to, occasionally touch in a casual manner, but were restricted from kissing, hugging, and especially sharing base quarters. Everyone wanted their relationship kept bellow radar as long as they chose to stay on SG-1 together.
He sighed. “Sam, you know we’re not allowed-“
“I know.” Sam moved closer to him and took his hands into hers. She smiled warmly. “But Janet actually suggested to the General that someone keep an eye on you tonight, and Hammond agreed. He even agreed that it should be me.”
Jack grinned, his arms snaking around her waist. He tilted his head, leaning back to give her a slightly-suspicious look. “Really?”
She nodded, standing up on her toes a little to peck his lips. “Yup.”
“Sweet.”
While Sam slipped into his private bathroom (perks of being a senior officer), Jack finished undressing, stripping down to his boxers and putting on a clean t-shirt before pulling back the blankets on his cot.
Sam came out in green pinstriped sleep pants and a matching green camisole top. She sauntered across the small room and they crawled onto the tiny cot together, Jack reaching to turn off the light on the nightstand before settling down. She spooned up behind him, reaching an arm over him so their hands met on his stomach.
Jack breathed out, feeling calm and relaxed, Sam’s warm, soothing breath on the back of his neck. “Do you think they’ll have answers for me?” he wondered aloud softly, though he knew Sam wasn’t asleep yet.
“I think so,” Sam said thoughtfully after a moment, then added, “But answers don’t necessarily mean a solution.”
He sucked in a tentative breath, swallowed thickly. “I’m worried about that.”
“It doesn’t matter to me if you change into the wolf sometimes,” Sam told him confidently.
Jack didn’t know why, but the thought that she would stay with him no matter what made things slightly less disconcerting. “You mean you don’t mind lying down with dogs?” he half-teased, trying to ease away any remaining worry.
Sam laughed softly into his shoulder. “Only if it’s you.”
He chuckled, turning over onto his back so she could lie against his chest and he could put his arm around her. As she sighed contently into his chest, Jack closed his eyes, feeling like he could sleep.
.
Parts 3&4