Dog Heaven: Dog Days (Parts 3&4 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
Part Three
After a night without incident, SG-1 headed off-world to P2G-764. The tribe was welcoming and all seemed genuinely pleased to see them again, the spiritual leader greeting them exuberantly and leading them into his teepee along with the young man who’s Coming of Age ceremony Jack had barged in on. Accompanying the young man was a very pretty young woman, who Sam assumed was the boy’s other half.
She smiled at the two who looked very much in love, then glanced sideways at Jack as they all took seats on cushions around a smoldering fire, the smoke billowing out through the hole in the top of the teepee. They sat quietly as Daniel attempted to express to the spiritual leader what had been happening with Jack, translating as best as he could whenever the other man spoke.
“Wait, wait. Slow down,” Daniel told the man, gesturing with his hands.
The old man said a few more words, then waved a hand at the young couple beside him before grinning widely and doing the same to Jack and Sam.
“Oh…” Daniel uttered suddenly with wide eyes, looking uncomfortable.
“What? What did he say?” Jack wanted to know. Sam could tell he was getting impatient.
“Um… He said that since the initial ceremony, those two,” Daniel pointed at the young couple, “are now joined as soul mates, and so are you and Sam.”
“Okaaaay,” Jack said slowly, brows beginning to knit together. “So what? I thought we already figured that part out. It’s why I changed back.”
Daniel heaved out a breath. “There’s more.”
Jack’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Does this more explain why I’ve been going doggy again?”
“Yes. But you’re not going to like it.” When Jack waved at him to continue, Daniel did so hesitantly. “What I think the spiritual leader is saying is that months after the initial ceremony, the change begins to happen again. That’s when they learn to control it, and eventually become able to change at will.”
Sam glanced at Jack to see his jaw set, and he paled slightly. Her brows knit together in thought, and she looked to Daniel with a question in her eyes. “Wait. They?”
Daniel took a deep breath and then cleared his throat uncomfortably again. “Apparently…ah, when a couple is…mated,” he blushed a little, “the female partner gains the ability as well.”
Both Sam and Jack looked at each other with shocked expressions, then turned to Daniel and exclaimed, “WHAT!”
After a few tense beats of silence, Jack agitatedly rubbed his forehead, while Sam was in a semi state of shock. “Are you sure that’s even what he’s really saying?”
Daniel shrugged helplessly. “For the most part I can pick up the language pretty well now.” He turned to the spiritual leader and attempted a dialogue in the man’s language. The other man said something back and nodded. “He’s going to show you.”
Sam reached for Jack’s hand and squeezed it anxiously as the young couple stood and began shedding their scant clothes. Before they could get over the shock of the youngsters stripping in front of them, the two dropped to all fours and effortlessly morphed into a pair of wolves. Sam felt like throwing up. It lasted mere moments, and then the pair shared a look, the male nuzzling the female’s neck before they reared up on their hind legs like she’d seen Jack do, and became human again. They re-dressed immediately and then sat down, not appearing fazed by the transformation.
“Holy Hannah,” Sam gasped, strangling Jack’s hand at this point.
“How come they can do it so easily and when it happens to me I get wiped out?” Jack wanted to know.
Daniel translated to the spiritual leader as best as he could. They exchanged a few words again, then Daniel asked him to repeat himself a few times, and finally turned to Jack and Sam. “They learn about the transformation at early childhood.” He shrugged. “You should be able to gain control of the change with some practice, and then it won’t be as taxing on you. But until then, it’s probably going to happen when you don’t want it to.” Daniel grimaced at both Sam and Jack with sympathy. “And apparently the females seem to be able to gain control of their transformation more quickly and easily than the males.” He shrugged. “Not sure why.”
Jack pulled a hand through his hair, and Sam loosened her grip on his other one. He sighed heavily, and all he managed to say was, “Well then.”
“I’m sorry guys, I know that’s not what you wanted to hear.”
“No,” Jack frowned, shaking his head and looking regretfully at Sam. “It isn’t.” He heaved a sigh and then climbed to his feet before exiting the teepee without saying anything further.
Sam bit down on her lower lip and looked to Daniel and Teal’c when they both made a move to follow him. She waved at them to sit back down and smiled apologetically at the young couple and the spiritual leader. “Let me go talk to him.”
Daniel nodded at her with understanding, and Sam followed Jack’s exit from the teepee.
.
Sam found Jack agitatedly pacing by the tree line near a small stream, keeping clear of most of the tribe that were all watching him with curiosity. She sucked in a deep breath and strode toward him determinedly. “Jack?” She grabbed at his shoulder to stop his nervous pacing.
He wouldn’t turn around and look at her, his whole body standing tense and rigid. “I can’t believe I did this to you,” Jack growled under his breath, his voice full of self-loathing.
“Jack.” She sighed, moving to stand in front of him and trying to appeal to his sense of humor. Sam lifted his chin with her hand and smiled warmly. “It takes two to tango, you know.”
Snorting, he smirked and finally met her eyes. “A cliché, Carter? Really?” Jack teased.
Sam smiled back at him, then turned serious, her hand moving to cup his cheek. “We’ll be okay, Jack.” The words were for her own benefit as much as they were for his. “You got through this wolf thing and so will I.”
Despite the fact they were off-world and weren’t supposed to be behaving like anything more than Colonel O’Neill and Major Carter, Sam was happy when Jack pulled her into his arms, and she slid hers around him in return.
“We gotta do more than get through it, Sam. We gotta live with it,” he murmured into her hair.
That was what made Sam the most nervous. This wasn’t something that was just going to go away. “Okay, Jack.” She nodded against his chest and finally pulled away, looking into his dark eyes. “Okay.”
.
Both Sam and Jack were requested not to leave the base that night, but General Hammond had been quite accommodating and surprisingly understanding in that he was allowing them to temporarily share a VIP room.
Sam sat on the edge of the bed in her pajamas as she waited for Jack to emerge from the suite’s bathroom where she could hear him brushing his teeth. She felt anxious and antsy, especially now knowing that what had been happening to Jack was going to happen to her, too.
“Sam?”
She looked up when Jack came out of the bathroom in his boxers and padded toward the bed. Crossing her ankles, she swung her feet up on the bed and chewed on her lower lip as he came over.
“You’re afraid of what’s gonna happen,” he stated, stopping in front of her. It wasn’t a question. Jack could see right through her.
Sam blew out a breath and didn’t deny it. “Am I going to be…stuck…as the wolf for a few days? Like you were?”
“I-“ Jack’s jaw clenched and he hung his head. “I can’t answer that, Sam. I don’t know.” His voice was low, unsure. He moved to sit beside her. “I just know that when it happens to you for the first time I’m gonna be here for you, like you were for me. Okay?”
Somehow that made her feel infinitely better. She tugged on his hand until it was between both of her own and lifted it to kiss his rough knuckles. Sam then pressed his hand to her chest and looked at him lovingly. “Thank you, Jack.”
He nodded, smiled, then leaned over to kiss her, cupping her cheek lovingly as she released his hand.
.
Neither Sam nor Jack turned into a wolf that night. In the morning they were told to go to the infirmary for some tests, and after a short briefing with the general, were given the next few days off. Sam was both relieved and defeated. SG-1 was on stand down until she and Jack got a handle on their ‘canine issues,’ and were able to display at least some measure of control to General Hammond’s satisfaction. They were both upset. Jack was pretty much convinced he was never going back to SG-1, and they were equally frustrated. Sam hadn’t turned yet and was worried when it would happen. They’d been advised to exercise caution while not at home or on base, whatever that meant. They couldn’t hide from the world forever.
It was their third night home when Jack changed again. This time, instead of slipping out of bed on his own and sneaking off to turn in private, he’d purposely woken Sam. She’d asked him to and was actually pretty surprised he didn’t ignore that request. Sam knew it was an odd and disconcerting thing for him to experience, but she wanted to know what happened because she was soon to be experiencing the same.
“Jack?” Sam followed him out of bed and into the kitchen. He was restless and pacing, arms wrapped around himself and an uncomfortable expression on his face.
“I’m fine,” he muttered lowly, still hugging himself and stalking back and forth in front of the kitchen sink. Jack’s breathing grew loud and heavy as he paced.
Sam hovered just in front of the stove, watching and chewing on her lower lip with worry, wanting and yet not wanting to know just what he was going through. “Does it hurt?” she questioned softly, finally getting out what she’d been itching to ask him for a while now.
Jack continued his restless movements and shook his head. “No… It doesn’t hurt exactly.” He cleared his throat, his pacing slowing down marginally. “It’s…” he paused, making a face like he didn’t know how to go on. He shrugged and looked at her helplessly. “It’s a weird feeling.”
Sam just nodded, watching as Jack began to strip off his t-shirt and boxers. After seeing the two natives from Wanagiyata (Daniel claimed that was what the planet was called) remove all their clothing before transforming, it seemed to make sense. It was probably less restricting and they were going to fall off or tear anyway.
“S’happening,” Jack managed to get out as he dropped to his hands and knees.
Seeing his distress, Sam took an instinctive step forward, but Jack held out a hand to keep her back, signaling that he was alright. She naturally itched to try and help him somehow, but she knew there was nothing she could do. He looked strained, his whole body stretching and trembling as he changed into the wolf. The entire transformation took only a few seconds, but to Sam-and surely Jack-it felt much longer.
Jack sat down and she moved to kneel in front of him, placing her hand on his head after smoothing back the fur.
I’m gonna try and stop the change when I start to go back, he said through their mental communication link.
Sam’s brows furrowed slightly. “Why?”
His familiar dark brown eyes lifted to stare into her blue ones. I need to start trying to control this thing some time.
Nodding in understanding, Sam stood back up and gathered Jack’s discarded clothes. “Do you want to come back to bed?”
He huffed softly and nodded, trotting out ahead of her to return to their bedroom. Jack looked like he’d been about to hop up on the bed when he stopped and suddenly reared up on his hind legs. Sam thought he was about to turn back, but could tell he was fighting it. Within a few more seconds he was back to all fours, having succeeded in preventing the transformation. The real question was, would he be able to become human again when he wanted?
Sam put Jack’s clothes on the night table, then got in bed and waited for Jack to hop up before she laid down. “How long are you going to stay like this?” she asked quietly as he laid down and rested his head on her thigh.
I dunno. I’ll try to change back in the morning I guess. Tired now.
“Okay.” Sam rested her hand on his head, absently scratching him behind the ears as she closed her eyes. She figured that fighting the change had really exhausted him just as much as becoming human again did. Feelings of unease drifted to her through her link with Jack, and she still wasn’t quite sure how this thing between them worked, but she attempted to send him soothing, comforting vibes in order to help him relax.
She didn’t know whether her idea worked, or if Jack was just that tired, because within moments he was breathing heavily in sleep.
.
It was still dark when Sam woke again that night. A strange feeling crawled up her spine and she felt incredibly antsy. Sitting up and glancing to her side showed her Jack sprawled on his side beside her, still in wolf form, his back pressed against her. She knew she was changing and didn’t want to go through it alone. “Jack?”
His long, pointed ears twitched, and he lifted his head. He grunted, blinking slowly at her.
“Jack, it’s happening to me,” Sam said nervously, her voice cracking slightly.
He rolled and then stood up on the bed, nuzzling her shoulder. It’ll be okay, Sam. Just let it happen. It’s gonna feel weird, but try not to fight it.
“Okay.” Sam heard her voice squeak and grimaced. She shifted to her hands and knees on the bed as she felt the change coming fast, and tried to focus on Jack’s dark eyes as it happened. Her body morphed within seconds, and as she looked down where her hands were supposed to be, had a moment of panic when all she saw was a set of large paws.
Jack!
It’s okay. You’re okay, she heard almost immediately.
Sam looked up and soon realized that they weren’t even touching. She tilted her head curiously. I can hear you, and we’re not in contact.
Jack sat down and shrugged, which was a pretty strange thing to see a wolf do. He tilted his head to one side, looking at her intently. Weird, was all he thought to say.
What do we do now? she asked, feeling unsure.
I dunno. Jack heaved a sigh. Go back to sleep?
I guess, Sam agreed, then realized she still had her nightdress on. Giving her wolf body a full shake, she tried to get it off but was unsuccessful. She looked at Jack helplessly. Can you help me get this thing off?
He stood and moved toward her as she leaned down with her butt in the air. Jack grabbed a hold of her shirt collar with his teeth and maneuvered backwards, tugging it off as she wiggled a bit to help him.
Thanks. She sighed gratefully once the clothing was removed and she didn’t feel so tangled up. Sam was kind of amused as she watched Jack push it off the bed with his paws.
Jack started to dig at their pillows and blankets, making a nice spot for them to lie down before curling up with a sigh and beckoning her towards him with just the look in his eyes before she heard a soft, C’mere, in her head.
Sam looked at him for a moment, wanting to lie closely but not quite sure where to go. Finally, she moved around behind him, resting her muzzle on the back of his neck and closing her eyes, trying to find sleep.
.
Part Four
Sam woke in the morning, somewhat disconcerted that she was still a wolf. She’d been hoping that at some point during the night she would return to human form, but apparently it wasn’t to be. Still feeling Jack’s own warm fur against her muzzle, she was pleased to still find herself curled up with him at least.
She took a moment to really appreciate all her enhanced senses. Her ears twitched, the sounds of Jack’s steady breathing along with the rhythmic thumping of his heartbeat was soothing, and his scent; there was just something about it, something that was different from his human scent, but also the same. It was a strange feeling, but she felt like his scent somehow clearly marked him as her mate. Sam realized it had to have been the wolf mind that created these thoughts, because as a human she doubted she would be going along with that line of thinking.
Remembering that she could project thoughts and feelings to Jack in this form, she lifted her chin from the back of his neck where it rested and tried to wake him. Jack?
Mm? he thought back at her. And Sam could tell by the sleepy mental murmur that he was probably still groggy enough not to remember what had happened last night.
Jack, it’s morning and we’re both still wolves, she reminded him. You need to try and turn back so we can get in contact with the SGC and let Janet and the General know it’s happening to me, now, too.
Crap. Jack jerked and sat up, cocking his head and looking down at her. Oh. He suddenly stood up on all fours on the bed, his tail swishing and his ears flattening against his head.
Sam watched him curiously as he hopped down to the floor. Where are you going?
Jack had already trotted to the bathroom doorway by the time she got the thought out. He paused and glanced back at her over his shoulder. Gotta pee first.
She laughed in her head and got up, jumping off the bed. Jack. Sam jerked her head and gave him a look, waiting for him to realize his mistake. When he did, he hung his head comically in shame, and Sam could actually feel his flash of embarrassment.
Right. He sighed, then grunted audibly and changed direction, jogging out into the hall.
Realizing she had to go, too, Sam quickly followed after him, wondering if he’d thought about how they were going to open the back door yet.
.
Having been lucky to have left the back door unlocked last night, and managing to paw at the handle until the door opened enough for them to nudge it with their muzzles, Sam and Jack were finally able to get outside. They’d designated the left side of the yard as ‘His’ bathroom, and the right as ‘Hers,’ then met back inside the kitchen.
You ready to try and change back now? Sam asked him.
I guess.
Sam could sense he was a little apprehensive about it, knowing the strain it would continue to be until they got the hang of this transforming thing. Cause if one of us doesn’t turn human again I think we’re going to go hungry this morning. She heard his mental chuckle and sent an image of herself smiling in response.
I still think that’s so weird, he muttered.
She cocked her head at him. What?
The whole ‘telepathic’ aspect of this. Jack shrugged awkwardly and then started to leave the kitchen. Let’s do this in the bedroom.
Okay. Sam trotted after him. She moved over by the dresser and sat down, watching him, unsure what she could do.
Jack huffed out a breath and gave his body a full shake, his dog tags clinking together as he did so. Here goes nuthin’.
Sam could tell he was attempting the transformation by the way his wolf body stretched out before her very eyes, contorting almost before he reared up on his hind legs. She was pleased to see it seemed to be working as she began to see human limbs stretching and replacing animal ones. Then suddenly the transformation halted, and Jack dropped to all fours again, his breath heaving and growls escaping as he turned back into a full wolf like an elastic band snapping back into place. Sam was alarmed at the strained sounds coming from him as he attempted again, reverting to wolf twice more before he was successful.
Jack, she thought with concern when he was human again, dropping to his knees beside the bed. Remembering that he probably couldn’t hear her now unless she was touching him, Sam let out a worried whine when Jack hunched forward, collapsing unconscious on the floor.
Barking with alarm, Sam leapt toward him, nuzzling at his neck with her head. Jack! Jack, wake up! She stilled herself frantically, leaning her head against his bare chest until she had calmed down enough so her sharp ears could detect the sound of his heartbeat. It was worryingly fast and erratic. Without really thinking about what she was doing, simply knowing that her mate was in distress, Sam began licking at his face, trying to rouse him. C’mon Jack, please wake up! She barked a few times, but it did nothing to cause him to stir from his unconscious state.
Feeling helpless in her current form, Sam concentrated on transforming with no success. When the phone rang several times before the answer machine came on, she sprung up with relief at the sound of Daniel’s voice on the recording.
“Hey Sam, Jack, it’s Daniel. I know it’s early but Teal’c wants to go out for breakfast and we figured-“
Sam interrupted the message by knocking the phone off the night table and managing to hit the call button with her nose. She began barking frantically, hoping Daniel would get the clue and come over.
“Jack? Is that you?” Daniel’s voice guessed from the sound of barking.
At the moment Sam didn’t even care that her friend didn’t know that she’d turned as well; all she cared about was Daniel getting his butt over here, pronto! She barked a few more times into the receiver and waited for his voice.
“Crap, are you stuck as a wolf again? Where’s Sam?”
Dumb question, I am Sam, but I can’t answer you! Sam thought, mentally rolling her eyes and just barking several more times in frustration.
“Okay, okay, we’re on our way!”
Sam heard Daniel hang up, but couldn’t do the same. No matter. She trotted back over to Jack, worried about his still-too fast heartbeat and shallow breathing. She whined softly and pressed her cold nose against his neck.
Still unable to wake him, Sam used her teeth to tug at the comforter on the bed, dragging it to the floor and managing to cover Jack. Knowing there was nothing she could do now but wait, Sam curled up close to Jack and laid down, hoping that even unconscious he might be able to sense she was near.
.
“What is the matter, Daniel Jackson?” Teal’c asked from behind him while he stood at Jack and Sam’s front door.
Daniel sighed and turned around. “The door’s locked.”
Without hesitation, Teal’c regally spun on his heel and headed down the walk.
“Teal’c!” Daniel called after him. “Where are you going?”
“To try the back door, Daniel Jackson.”
“Oh. Right.” Jogging after the swiftly-moving Jaffa as he was opening the gate to the backyard, Daniel rounded the corner and followed Teal’c up to the back deck.
Teal’c turned the handle and opened the door successfully, stepping inside. “O’Neill,” he called out, “Major Carter.”
The sound of a deep bark greeted them moments before a large wolf came from down the hall and entered the kitchen.
“O’Neill.”
The wolf barked, and Daniel looked at it closely. The fur was more of a golden-brown than the grey he remembered from the last time he’d seen Jack as a wolf. He reached out and lightly nudged Teal’c’s arm. “Ah, Teal’c? I don’t think that’s Jack.”
The wolf barked twice and shook it’s big furry head. Daniel suddenly noticed that the eyes were not brown, but a stunning blue. His own eyes widened in revelation. “Sam?”
Ruff. The wolf nodded, then hopped frantically and raced back down the hall.
“I believe she wants us to follow her, Daniel Jackson,” Teal’c intoned, already moving after the wolf.
Daniel kept up with him, his breathing nearly stopping altogether when Sam led them into the bedroom where Jack was sprawled on the floor, unconscious, and mostly-covered by the comforter from the bed. “Jesus,” he swore under his breath, jerking toward his friend automatically, but suddenly taking a step back when Sam got between him and Jack and growled.
.
Sam didn’t know why she’d leapt in front of Jack when Teal’c and Daniel got close. She instinctively got between them and her mate, growling threateningly with the sudden urge to protect him from them. She realized that her wolf instincts were starting to take over and made a conscious effort to keep them back. Sam had to remind herself that Teal’c and Daniel were here to help. She needed them to help Jack.
“Easy, Sam.” Daniel held his hands out in a non-threatening gesture. “We’re not going to hurt him.”
“Indeed,” Teal’c added calmly, his voice low and deep, soothing. “We are here to assist you with O’Neill.”
Sam forced herself to calm down and nodded apologetically, moving aside so they could check on Jack, but staying close to him, her ears twitching at the sound of his breathing.
Daniel bent to check Jack’s pulse, then made a face, looking at Teal’c over his shoulder. “His pulse is racing.” He put his hand on Jack’s shoulder and shook him slightly. “Jack. Jack, wake up.” Pulling a worried hand through his hair, he asked, “Sam, what happened?”
She glared at him and the archaeologist blushed, grimacing and shaking his head.
“Ah, never mind. Sorry.” Daniel looked over at Teal’c again. “We need to get Jack to base. Can you carry him out to the car?”
Teal’c gave his head a regal bow. “I can, Daniel Jackson.”
Realizing what they were about to do, and knowing Jack wouldn’t be very happy if they carried him onto base in nothing but a blanket, Sam ran over to the night table on her side of the bed and put her front paws up, grabbing at Jack’s boxers with her teeth. She carried them over to Jack and dropped them on top of the blanket before looking to Daniel expectantly.
“What?” He stared at her blankly.
Sam sighed loudly and barked, lightly pawing at the shorts, then slowly tugging at the blanket around Jack with her teeth until his entire upper half was bared.
Daniel made an uncomfortable face. “He’s naked under there, isn’t he?”
Ruff! Sam barked once, inside her head screaming, Yes! Now make him decent before we go to the mountain, will you? She pawed at Jack’s shorts again and looked intently at Daniel.
The archaeologist raggedly pulled a hand across his face. “You want me to dress him?”
RUFF! All Sam could think was, Duh! And you’re supposed to be smart, Daniel! She inwardly smirked with amusement at how her annoyed internal voice sounded just like Jack.
“Teal’c,” Daniel whined, looking to the Jaffa helplessly. He took Jack’s shorts and held them out, a pathetically pleading look on his face. “Will you-uh…”
Sam rolled her eyes. If she’d been able to she would have just done it herself, for crying out loud!
Teal’c took the boxers from Daniel and knelt on the floor while the archaeologist moved to the doorway and turned his back to them. The big Jaffa began to pull the comforter off Jack while looking at her. “I do not understand human males discomfort with the nudity of other human males.”
Sam barked loudly in agreement, her tail swishing back and forth; inside she was laughing.
Once Jack at least had his boxers on, Teal’c wrapped him back up in the blanket and took great care in lifting him into his arms as he stood. Sam hurriedly moved in front, nudging Daniel’s leg with her head to get him moving toward the front door.
.
Parts 5&6
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
Part Three
After a night without incident, SG-1 headed off-world to P2G-764. The tribe was welcoming and all seemed genuinely pleased to see them again, the spiritual leader greeting them exuberantly and leading them into his teepee along with the young man who’s Coming of Age ceremony Jack had barged in on. Accompanying the young man was a very pretty young woman, who Sam assumed was the boy’s other half.
She smiled at the two who looked very much in love, then glanced sideways at Jack as they all took seats on cushions around a smoldering fire, the smoke billowing out through the hole in the top of the teepee. They sat quietly as Daniel attempted to express to the spiritual leader what had been happening with Jack, translating as best as he could whenever the other man spoke.
“Wait, wait. Slow down,” Daniel told the man, gesturing with his hands.
The old man said a few more words, then waved a hand at the young couple beside him before grinning widely and doing the same to Jack and Sam.
“Oh…” Daniel uttered suddenly with wide eyes, looking uncomfortable.
“What? What did he say?” Jack wanted to know. Sam could tell he was getting impatient.
“Um… He said that since the initial ceremony, those two,” Daniel pointed at the young couple, “are now joined as soul mates, and so are you and Sam.”
“Okaaaay,” Jack said slowly, brows beginning to knit together. “So what? I thought we already figured that part out. It’s why I changed back.”
Daniel heaved out a breath. “There’s more.”
Jack’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Does this more explain why I’ve been going doggy again?”
“Yes. But you’re not going to like it.” When Jack waved at him to continue, Daniel did so hesitantly. “What I think the spiritual leader is saying is that months after the initial ceremony, the change begins to happen again. That’s when they learn to control it, and eventually become able to change at will.”
Sam glanced at Jack to see his jaw set, and he paled slightly. Her brows knit together in thought, and she looked to Daniel with a question in her eyes. “Wait. They?”
Daniel took a deep breath and then cleared his throat uncomfortably again. “Apparently…ah, when a couple is…mated,” he blushed a little, “the female partner gains the ability as well.”
Both Sam and Jack looked at each other with shocked expressions, then turned to Daniel and exclaimed, “WHAT!”
After a few tense beats of silence, Jack agitatedly rubbed his forehead, while Sam was in a semi state of shock. “Are you sure that’s even what he’s really saying?”
Daniel shrugged helplessly. “For the most part I can pick up the language pretty well now.” He turned to the spiritual leader and attempted a dialogue in the man’s language. The other man said something back and nodded. “He’s going to show you.”
Sam reached for Jack’s hand and squeezed it anxiously as the young couple stood and began shedding their scant clothes. Before they could get over the shock of the youngsters stripping in front of them, the two dropped to all fours and effortlessly morphed into a pair of wolves. Sam felt like throwing up. It lasted mere moments, and then the pair shared a look, the male nuzzling the female’s neck before they reared up on their hind legs like she’d seen Jack do, and became human again. They re-dressed immediately and then sat down, not appearing fazed by the transformation.
“Holy Hannah,” Sam gasped, strangling Jack’s hand at this point.
“How come they can do it so easily and when it happens to me I get wiped out?” Jack wanted to know.
Daniel translated to the spiritual leader as best as he could. They exchanged a few words again, then Daniel asked him to repeat himself a few times, and finally turned to Jack and Sam. “They learn about the transformation at early childhood.” He shrugged. “You should be able to gain control of the change with some practice, and then it won’t be as taxing on you. But until then, it’s probably going to happen when you don’t want it to.” Daniel grimaced at both Sam and Jack with sympathy. “And apparently the females seem to be able to gain control of their transformation more quickly and easily than the males.” He shrugged. “Not sure why.”
Jack pulled a hand through his hair, and Sam loosened her grip on his other one. He sighed heavily, and all he managed to say was, “Well then.”
“I’m sorry guys, I know that’s not what you wanted to hear.”
“No,” Jack frowned, shaking his head and looking regretfully at Sam. “It isn’t.” He heaved a sigh and then climbed to his feet before exiting the teepee without saying anything further.
Sam bit down on her lower lip and looked to Daniel and Teal’c when they both made a move to follow him. She waved at them to sit back down and smiled apologetically at the young couple and the spiritual leader. “Let me go talk to him.”
Daniel nodded at her with understanding, and Sam followed Jack’s exit from the teepee.
.
Sam found Jack agitatedly pacing by the tree line near a small stream, keeping clear of most of the tribe that were all watching him with curiosity. She sucked in a deep breath and strode toward him determinedly. “Jack?” She grabbed at his shoulder to stop his nervous pacing.
He wouldn’t turn around and look at her, his whole body standing tense and rigid. “I can’t believe I did this to you,” Jack growled under his breath, his voice full of self-loathing.
“Jack.” She sighed, moving to stand in front of him and trying to appeal to his sense of humor. Sam lifted his chin with her hand and smiled warmly. “It takes two to tango, you know.”
Snorting, he smirked and finally met her eyes. “A cliché, Carter? Really?” Jack teased.
Sam smiled back at him, then turned serious, her hand moving to cup his cheek. “We’ll be okay, Jack.” The words were for her own benefit as much as they were for his. “You got through this wolf thing and so will I.”
Despite the fact they were off-world and weren’t supposed to be behaving like anything more than Colonel O’Neill and Major Carter, Sam was happy when Jack pulled her into his arms, and she slid hers around him in return.
“We gotta do more than get through it, Sam. We gotta live with it,” he murmured into her hair.
That was what made Sam the most nervous. This wasn’t something that was just going to go away. “Okay, Jack.” She nodded against his chest and finally pulled away, looking into his dark eyes. “Okay.”
.
Both Sam and Jack were requested not to leave the base that night, but General Hammond had been quite accommodating and surprisingly understanding in that he was allowing them to temporarily share a VIP room.
Sam sat on the edge of the bed in her pajamas as she waited for Jack to emerge from the suite’s bathroom where she could hear him brushing his teeth. She felt anxious and antsy, especially now knowing that what had been happening to Jack was going to happen to her, too.
“Sam?”
She looked up when Jack came out of the bathroom in his boxers and padded toward the bed. Crossing her ankles, she swung her feet up on the bed and chewed on her lower lip as he came over.
“You’re afraid of what’s gonna happen,” he stated, stopping in front of her. It wasn’t a question. Jack could see right through her.
Sam blew out a breath and didn’t deny it. “Am I going to be…stuck…as the wolf for a few days? Like you were?”
“I-“ Jack’s jaw clenched and he hung his head. “I can’t answer that, Sam. I don’t know.” His voice was low, unsure. He moved to sit beside her. “I just know that when it happens to you for the first time I’m gonna be here for you, like you were for me. Okay?”
Somehow that made her feel infinitely better. She tugged on his hand until it was between both of her own and lifted it to kiss his rough knuckles. Sam then pressed his hand to her chest and looked at him lovingly. “Thank you, Jack.”
He nodded, smiled, then leaned over to kiss her, cupping her cheek lovingly as she released his hand.
.
Neither Sam nor Jack turned into a wolf that night. In the morning they were told to go to the infirmary for some tests, and after a short briefing with the general, were given the next few days off. Sam was both relieved and defeated. SG-1 was on stand down until she and Jack got a handle on their ‘canine issues,’ and were able to display at least some measure of control to General Hammond’s satisfaction. They were both upset. Jack was pretty much convinced he was never going back to SG-1, and they were equally frustrated. Sam hadn’t turned yet and was worried when it would happen. They’d been advised to exercise caution while not at home or on base, whatever that meant. They couldn’t hide from the world forever.
It was their third night home when Jack changed again. This time, instead of slipping out of bed on his own and sneaking off to turn in private, he’d purposely woken Sam. She’d asked him to and was actually pretty surprised he didn’t ignore that request. Sam knew it was an odd and disconcerting thing for him to experience, but she wanted to know what happened because she was soon to be experiencing the same.
“Jack?” Sam followed him out of bed and into the kitchen. He was restless and pacing, arms wrapped around himself and an uncomfortable expression on his face.
“I’m fine,” he muttered lowly, still hugging himself and stalking back and forth in front of the kitchen sink. Jack’s breathing grew loud and heavy as he paced.
Sam hovered just in front of the stove, watching and chewing on her lower lip with worry, wanting and yet not wanting to know just what he was going through. “Does it hurt?” she questioned softly, finally getting out what she’d been itching to ask him for a while now.
Jack continued his restless movements and shook his head. “No… It doesn’t hurt exactly.” He cleared his throat, his pacing slowing down marginally. “It’s…” he paused, making a face like he didn’t know how to go on. He shrugged and looked at her helplessly. “It’s a weird feeling.”
Sam just nodded, watching as Jack began to strip off his t-shirt and boxers. After seeing the two natives from Wanagiyata (Daniel claimed that was what the planet was called) remove all their clothing before transforming, it seemed to make sense. It was probably less restricting and they were going to fall off or tear anyway.
“S’happening,” Jack managed to get out as he dropped to his hands and knees.
Seeing his distress, Sam took an instinctive step forward, but Jack held out a hand to keep her back, signaling that he was alright. She naturally itched to try and help him somehow, but she knew there was nothing she could do. He looked strained, his whole body stretching and trembling as he changed into the wolf. The entire transformation took only a few seconds, but to Sam-and surely Jack-it felt much longer.
Jack sat down and she moved to kneel in front of him, placing her hand on his head after smoothing back the fur.
I’m gonna try and stop the change when I start to go back, he said through their mental communication link.
Sam’s brows furrowed slightly. “Why?”
His familiar dark brown eyes lifted to stare into her blue ones. I need to start trying to control this thing some time.
Nodding in understanding, Sam stood back up and gathered Jack’s discarded clothes. “Do you want to come back to bed?”
He huffed softly and nodded, trotting out ahead of her to return to their bedroom. Jack looked like he’d been about to hop up on the bed when he stopped and suddenly reared up on his hind legs. Sam thought he was about to turn back, but could tell he was fighting it. Within a few more seconds he was back to all fours, having succeeded in preventing the transformation. The real question was, would he be able to become human again when he wanted?
Sam put Jack’s clothes on the night table, then got in bed and waited for Jack to hop up before she laid down. “How long are you going to stay like this?” she asked quietly as he laid down and rested his head on her thigh.
I dunno. I’ll try to change back in the morning I guess. Tired now.
“Okay.” Sam rested her hand on his head, absently scratching him behind the ears as she closed her eyes. She figured that fighting the change had really exhausted him just as much as becoming human again did. Feelings of unease drifted to her through her link with Jack, and she still wasn’t quite sure how this thing between them worked, but she attempted to send him soothing, comforting vibes in order to help him relax.
She didn’t know whether her idea worked, or if Jack was just that tired, because within moments he was breathing heavily in sleep.
.
It was still dark when Sam woke again that night. A strange feeling crawled up her spine and she felt incredibly antsy. Sitting up and glancing to her side showed her Jack sprawled on his side beside her, still in wolf form, his back pressed against her. She knew she was changing and didn’t want to go through it alone. “Jack?”
His long, pointed ears twitched, and he lifted his head. He grunted, blinking slowly at her.
“Jack, it’s happening to me,” Sam said nervously, her voice cracking slightly.
He rolled and then stood up on the bed, nuzzling her shoulder. It’ll be okay, Sam. Just let it happen. It’s gonna feel weird, but try not to fight it.
“Okay.” Sam heard her voice squeak and grimaced. She shifted to her hands and knees on the bed as she felt the change coming fast, and tried to focus on Jack’s dark eyes as it happened. Her body morphed within seconds, and as she looked down where her hands were supposed to be, had a moment of panic when all she saw was a set of large paws.
Jack!
It’s okay. You’re okay, she heard almost immediately.
Sam looked up and soon realized that they weren’t even touching. She tilted her head curiously. I can hear you, and we’re not in contact.
Jack sat down and shrugged, which was a pretty strange thing to see a wolf do. He tilted his head to one side, looking at her intently. Weird, was all he thought to say.
What do we do now? she asked, feeling unsure.
I dunno. Jack heaved a sigh. Go back to sleep?
I guess, Sam agreed, then realized she still had her nightdress on. Giving her wolf body a full shake, she tried to get it off but was unsuccessful. She looked at Jack helplessly. Can you help me get this thing off?
He stood and moved toward her as she leaned down with her butt in the air. Jack grabbed a hold of her shirt collar with his teeth and maneuvered backwards, tugging it off as she wiggled a bit to help him.
Thanks. She sighed gratefully once the clothing was removed and she didn’t feel so tangled up. Sam was kind of amused as she watched Jack push it off the bed with his paws.
Jack started to dig at their pillows and blankets, making a nice spot for them to lie down before curling up with a sigh and beckoning her towards him with just the look in his eyes before she heard a soft, C’mere, in her head.
Sam looked at him for a moment, wanting to lie closely but not quite sure where to go. Finally, she moved around behind him, resting her muzzle on the back of his neck and closing her eyes, trying to find sleep.
.
Part Four
Sam woke in the morning, somewhat disconcerted that she was still a wolf. She’d been hoping that at some point during the night she would return to human form, but apparently it wasn’t to be. Still feeling Jack’s own warm fur against her muzzle, she was pleased to still find herself curled up with him at least.
She took a moment to really appreciate all her enhanced senses. Her ears twitched, the sounds of Jack’s steady breathing along with the rhythmic thumping of his heartbeat was soothing, and his scent; there was just something about it, something that was different from his human scent, but also the same. It was a strange feeling, but she felt like his scent somehow clearly marked him as her mate. Sam realized it had to have been the wolf mind that created these thoughts, because as a human she doubted she would be going along with that line of thinking.
Remembering that she could project thoughts and feelings to Jack in this form, she lifted her chin from the back of his neck where it rested and tried to wake him. Jack?
Mm? he thought back at her. And Sam could tell by the sleepy mental murmur that he was probably still groggy enough not to remember what had happened last night.
Jack, it’s morning and we’re both still wolves, she reminded him. You need to try and turn back so we can get in contact with the SGC and let Janet and the General know it’s happening to me, now, too.
Crap. Jack jerked and sat up, cocking his head and looking down at her. Oh. He suddenly stood up on all fours on the bed, his tail swishing and his ears flattening against his head.
Sam watched him curiously as he hopped down to the floor. Where are you going?
Jack had already trotted to the bathroom doorway by the time she got the thought out. He paused and glanced back at her over his shoulder. Gotta pee first.
She laughed in her head and got up, jumping off the bed. Jack. Sam jerked her head and gave him a look, waiting for him to realize his mistake. When he did, he hung his head comically in shame, and Sam could actually feel his flash of embarrassment.
Right. He sighed, then grunted audibly and changed direction, jogging out into the hall.
Realizing she had to go, too, Sam quickly followed after him, wondering if he’d thought about how they were going to open the back door yet.
.
Having been lucky to have left the back door unlocked last night, and managing to paw at the handle until the door opened enough for them to nudge it with their muzzles, Sam and Jack were finally able to get outside. They’d designated the left side of the yard as ‘His’ bathroom, and the right as ‘Hers,’ then met back inside the kitchen.
You ready to try and change back now? Sam asked him.
I guess.
Sam could sense he was a little apprehensive about it, knowing the strain it would continue to be until they got the hang of this transforming thing. Cause if one of us doesn’t turn human again I think we’re going to go hungry this morning. She heard his mental chuckle and sent an image of herself smiling in response.
I still think that’s so weird, he muttered.
She cocked her head at him. What?
The whole ‘telepathic’ aspect of this. Jack shrugged awkwardly and then started to leave the kitchen. Let’s do this in the bedroom.
Okay. Sam trotted after him. She moved over by the dresser and sat down, watching him, unsure what she could do.
Jack huffed out a breath and gave his body a full shake, his dog tags clinking together as he did so. Here goes nuthin’.
Sam could tell he was attempting the transformation by the way his wolf body stretched out before her very eyes, contorting almost before he reared up on his hind legs. She was pleased to see it seemed to be working as she began to see human limbs stretching and replacing animal ones. Then suddenly the transformation halted, and Jack dropped to all fours again, his breath heaving and growls escaping as he turned back into a full wolf like an elastic band snapping back into place. Sam was alarmed at the strained sounds coming from him as he attempted again, reverting to wolf twice more before he was successful.
Jack, she thought with concern when he was human again, dropping to his knees beside the bed. Remembering that he probably couldn’t hear her now unless she was touching him, Sam let out a worried whine when Jack hunched forward, collapsing unconscious on the floor.
Barking with alarm, Sam leapt toward him, nuzzling at his neck with her head. Jack! Jack, wake up! She stilled herself frantically, leaning her head against his bare chest until she had calmed down enough so her sharp ears could detect the sound of his heartbeat. It was worryingly fast and erratic. Without really thinking about what she was doing, simply knowing that her mate was in distress, Sam began licking at his face, trying to rouse him. C’mon Jack, please wake up! She barked a few times, but it did nothing to cause him to stir from his unconscious state.
Feeling helpless in her current form, Sam concentrated on transforming with no success. When the phone rang several times before the answer machine came on, she sprung up with relief at the sound of Daniel’s voice on the recording.
“Hey Sam, Jack, it’s Daniel. I know it’s early but Teal’c wants to go out for breakfast and we figured-“
Sam interrupted the message by knocking the phone off the night table and managing to hit the call button with her nose. She began barking frantically, hoping Daniel would get the clue and come over.
“Jack? Is that you?” Daniel’s voice guessed from the sound of barking.
At the moment Sam didn’t even care that her friend didn’t know that she’d turned as well; all she cared about was Daniel getting his butt over here, pronto! She barked a few more times into the receiver and waited for his voice.
“Crap, are you stuck as a wolf again? Where’s Sam?”
Dumb question, I am Sam, but I can’t answer you! Sam thought, mentally rolling her eyes and just barking several more times in frustration.
“Okay, okay, we’re on our way!”
Sam heard Daniel hang up, but couldn’t do the same. No matter. She trotted back over to Jack, worried about his still-too fast heartbeat and shallow breathing. She whined softly and pressed her cold nose against his neck.
Still unable to wake him, Sam used her teeth to tug at the comforter on the bed, dragging it to the floor and managing to cover Jack. Knowing there was nothing she could do now but wait, Sam curled up close to Jack and laid down, hoping that even unconscious he might be able to sense she was near.
.
“What is the matter, Daniel Jackson?” Teal’c asked from behind him while he stood at Jack and Sam’s front door.
Daniel sighed and turned around. “The door’s locked.”
Without hesitation, Teal’c regally spun on his heel and headed down the walk.
“Teal’c!” Daniel called after him. “Where are you going?”
“To try the back door, Daniel Jackson.”
“Oh. Right.” Jogging after the swiftly-moving Jaffa as he was opening the gate to the backyard, Daniel rounded the corner and followed Teal’c up to the back deck.
Teal’c turned the handle and opened the door successfully, stepping inside. “O’Neill,” he called out, “Major Carter.”
The sound of a deep bark greeted them moments before a large wolf came from down the hall and entered the kitchen.
“O’Neill.”
The wolf barked, and Daniel looked at it closely. The fur was more of a golden-brown than the grey he remembered from the last time he’d seen Jack as a wolf. He reached out and lightly nudged Teal’c’s arm. “Ah, Teal’c? I don’t think that’s Jack.”
The wolf barked twice and shook it’s big furry head. Daniel suddenly noticed that the eyes were not brown, but a stunning blue. His own eyes widened in revelation. “Sam?”
Ruff. The wolf nodded, then hopped frantically and raced back down the hall.
“I believe she wants us to follow her, Daniel Jackson,” Teal’c intoned, already moving after the wolf.
Daniel kept up with him, his breathing nearly stopping altogether when Sam led them into the bedroom where Jack was sprawled on the floor, unconscious, and mostly-covered by the comforter from the bed. “Jesus,” he swore under his breath, jerking toward his friend automatically, but suddenly taking a step back when Sam got between him and Jack and growled.
.
Sam didn’t know why she’d leapt in front of Jack when Teal’c and Daniel got close. She instinctively got between them and her mate, growling threateningly with the sudden urge to protect him from them. She realized that her wolf instincts were starting to take over and made a conscious effort to keep them back. Sam had to remind herself that Teal’c and Daniel were here to help. She needed them to help Jack.
“Easy, Sam.” Daniel held his hands out in a non-threatening gesture. “We’re not going to hurt him.”
“Indeed,” Teal’c added calmly, his voice low and deep, soothing. “We are here to assist you with O’Neill.”
Sam forced herself to calm down and nodded apologetically, moving aside so they could check on Jack, but staying close to him, her ears twitching at the sound of his breathing.
Daniel bent to check Jack’s pulse, then made a face, looking at Teal’c over his shoulder. “His pulse is racing.” He put his hand on Jack’s shoulder and shook him slightly. “Jack. Jack, wake up.” Pulling a worried hand through his hair, he asked, “Sam, what happened?”
She glared at him and the archaeologist blushed, grimacing and shaking his head.
“Ah, never mind. Sorry.” Daniel looked over at Teal’c again. “We need to get Jack to base. Can you carry him out to the car?”
Teal’c gave his head a regal bow. “I can, Daniel Jackson.”
Realizing what they were about to do, and knowing Jack wouldn’t be very happy if they carried him onto base in nothing but a blanket, Sam ran over to the night table on her side of the bed and put her front paws up, grabbing at Jack’s boxers with her teeth. She carried them over to Jack and dropped them on top of the blanket before looking to Daniel expectantly.
“What?” He stared at her blankly.
Sam sighed loudly and barked, lightly pawing at the shorts, then slowly tugging at the blanket around Jack with her teeth until his entire upper half was bared.
Daniel made an uncomfortable face. “He’s naked under there, isn’t he?”
Ruff! Sam barked once, inside her head screaming, Yes! Now make him decent before we go to the mountain, will you? She pawed at Jack’s shorts again and looked intently at Daniel.
The archaeologist raggedly pulled a hand across his face. “You want me to dress him?”
RUFF! All Sam could think was, Duh! And you’re supposed to be smart, Daniel! She inwardly smirked with amusement at how her annoyed internal voice sounded just like Jack.
“Teal’c,” Daniel whined, looking to the Jaffa helplessly. He took Jack’s shorts and held them out, a pathetically pleading look on his face. “Will you-uh…”
Sam rolled her eyes. If she’d been able to she would have just done it herself, for crying out loud!
Teal’c took the boxers from Daniel and knelt on the floor while the archaeologist moved to the doorway and turned his back to them. The big Jaffa began to pull the comforter off Jack while looking at her. “I do not understand human males discomfort with the nudity of other human males.”
Sam barked loudly in agreement, her tail swishing back and forth; inside she was laughing.
Once Jack at least had his boxers on, Teal’c wrapped him back up in the blanket and took great care in lifting him into his arms as he stood. Sam hurriedly moved in front, nudging Daniel’s leg with her head to get him moving toward the front door.
.
Parts 5&6